theSwimMom

Update

2010-09-07T09:04:00.002-06:00

New Blog Updated

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2010-08-30T21:15:00.002-06:00

NEW Blog UPDATED

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2010-08-23T10:07:00.002-06:00

New Blog Updated

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Update

2010-08-02T07:21:00.000-06:00

New Blog Has been updated

www.Lightingmylight.blogspot.com

Update

2010-07-29T09:25:00.002-06:00

New blog updated

Stupid Choice

Moving

2010-07-27T13:30:00.000-06:00

Hi all I am moving my blog! Here is the link. Trying this again since last time I posted I messed up. Kind of seems to be my thing this week.

Lightingmylight.blogspot.com

Wanted: Juggling Teacher

2010-07-19T07:23:00.000-06:00

Creating balance in my life is never an easy task.

I personally feel like there is always that one thing that weighs so much heavier than everything else. Pulling me so far away from everything else that I am suppose to be doing that I start to loose sight and become totally consumed.

Currently, that is the way I am feeling about school it is pulling on me so hard that I can't find the time to do everything else I have to do, should do, or even want to do. Honestly, it is scaring me a little how time consuming school has become and how I have not been able to find the balance between school and the rest of my life.

Then I remind myself I have been here before. In this place where balance seems impossible to achieve. Somehow when balance is my goal I find it. Only I can't remember exactly how I did it in the past and the weight of everything is getting a little heavy.

The one aspect of my life I am missing right now is writing. I really enjoy keeping up this blog it is the time of day that I get to reflect on what is working and not working in my life. It makes me happy and I love hearing from my friends even if it is only a few words in the comment section.

I guess that is the way you reclaim balance you just make everything work. You throw all those balls in the air and hope that you are able to keep them all there. Which means I need to schedule a juggling lesson. Anyone know a good teacher?

Hugs and Prayers

Even If. . .

2010-07-15T07:44:00.000-06:00

My birthday was on Tuesday and I was not looking forward to my birthday this year.

For some reason I could not wrap my head around the fact that I was turning 35. I just kept thinking, "Yikes I'm almost to 40! When did I get old?" So I kind of lived in a land of denial and pretended that it wasn't really going to happen.

I have to tell you I have a very good land of denial. You will all have to visit one day. The best part is once you step into my land of denial your 16. I was going to say 21 but the truth is I still feel like I am 16.

In fact, sometimes when I act mature and handle things the way my inner 16 year old would not I hear her yell at me. "Hey, Old lady we are only 16 quit acting so Olllllldddd." She is rather obnoxious.

My big day arrived and I had to work. I also had to deal with some school stuff and by the time I left for work I had worked up a serious pout. The inner 16 year old was defiantly in charge. Then I came home from work and walked into a house that was decorated with balloons, crepe paper, and a very awesome banner.

By the time I had showered off all the chlorine and was cleaned up my favorite lunch was on the table. To say I spent the rest of the day being spoiled would be an understatement. Between all that my family did and the extra bonuses of what my friends did I had a very kick butt birthday.

On my way to work yesterday I thought about how I had felt the day before, how seriously grumpy I had behaved, and how I thought I was just getting old. Then I started to smile because I had really great birthday.

When I got to work my boss asked me how my birthday had been and I told her it was really great and then one of the twenty-somethings asked how old I was? To my surprise I smiled and said 35!

The day after my birthday 35 didn't seem so horrible and if this 35 year old has all the awesome people in her life that she does well then bring on 36 because my life is pretty darned blessed.

Even if I am getting old!

NOT Fair

2010-07-07T17:00:00.000-06:00

My husband thinks I hate my swimming job.

Which is not the truth.

I really don't hate my swimming job. What I hate is getting wet.

The whole getting wet is annoying.

Getting use to cold water, getting chlorine in my hair and on my skin, getting out of the water...

That is what I hate. I know I'm a weirdo.

Most days once I'm wet I kick back and enjoy my job. I get to spend a few hours playing with little ones and as my little ones are no longer so little I am really enjoying the hugs and the cute little giggles.

So really if I could do my job and not get wet I would think it was the best job in the world.

Currently, in addition to my normal classes, I am working with two special needs kids. Both kids are mentally high functioning it is there bodies that have special needs. The more I work with these kids the more I just want to cry.

How many times on this blog have I said something wasn't fair? Well I take all of those back.

Working with these kids I realize that the one trial I haven't had to deal with is a body that doesn't work the way it should.

Oh yah, I whine and complain about weight but really that is my own dang fault. I have control over how much I weigh and I chose the way I look.

These kids didn't get to choose. Yet, they have to get up and deal with the same world that I do everyday. That my friends is NOT fair.

Meanwhile, all I can do is spend my time with them each day teaching them a skill that makes them a little more like everybody else. I don't know if it makes there lives better but I know seeing the kind of bravery that they have and that there families have makes me a little stronger.

It also really really makes me love my job. Even if it means I have to get wet.

Another one Bites the Dust

2010-07-03T18:21:00.002-06:00

One more class done. To date this had to be the hardest one. Not so much the subject but the professor was new and way ambitious.

So of course her ambition tumbled into our class. On one hand I can tell you that I know the subject and on the other hand I can tell you that sometimes to much information is just that. TOO MUCH!

Allright, that is enough complaining. All though the class totally wiped all of my creativity juices away, due to the amount of brain power I had to use to study, (By the way I learned ALL about how our brains process and hold information) I thought I could catch everyone up with some pictures.

So here is a little bit of what has been going on.

Soccer ended

This is closeup of the above picture. Notice the tongue. What is it with this boy and his tongue one of these days I swear he is going to bite it off.

H. played his first season of machine pitch. What do you think is baseball in his future?

Al. finished her first season of softball. She did an awesome job and she learned so much. It was fun watching her play.

I'm posting this one so you can check out Al.'s fingernails. Awesome!

Brent, Al and H. built a couple of bird houses. The silly birds have actually built a nest above this one.

That was the past month. My fingers are crossed that my next class is a little kinder and I can dedicate a little bit of brain power to something other than school.

Have a great 4th!

Every Single Day?

2010-06-28T07:57:00.000-06:00

Summer is zooming. This weekend is the 4th of July which means an entire month of summer will be gone.

WHAT!!

Life use to slow down during the summer. Long hot days with little to nothing to do. I'm missing those days.

Someday, I'm going to be bored and wondering why I ever thought being bored was a good thing. As for our busy summer, mostly it is just the same ole same ole.

Work, school, kids... and repeat.

Meanwhile, Lazy Sue or should I say Lazy Krissi has climbed her rear back upon the bike. I kind of kept my mouth shut about it for a couple weeks because we all know how fast I give up on exercise.

I am the queen of exercise excuses. I say that but really my only excuse is sleep. I like sleep. Sleep is good. Sleep is wonderful!

Okay, you get the point. However, through sure grit, determination, and a lot of self bribery I am on my third week of exercise.

Hey, where are my balloons and streamers?

It should so work that way. I exercise and instantly loose 80 pounds. So not fair that it doesn't work like that. This week it is actually getting a little easier. Which basically means when I sit down on the bicycle seat I don't want to cry. Another thing I don't quite understand why is sitting on a bicycle seat so freak'n miserable.

I have now worked my way up to 12 miles and laugh that I ever rode a bike 100 miles. Did I really do that? Because, I am telling you 12 feels like torture so there is no possible way I ever did 100. It is amazing how quickly I gain weight, get out of shape, and basically blow all the hard work I put in.

It is like your suppose to never stop.

What?

I'm not suppose to stop? You mean I have to do this every day for the rest of my life?

So NOT fair.

I think I need a brownie.

Just kidding.

Happy Monday Everyone

Oh, I almost forgot S. is having her stitches taken out today. Woo Hoo only four more weeks and Nemo will be free of the sling.

I Act like I'm 90

2010-06-23T06:55:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my first day back in the water. I have to admit that I approached going back to the pool with a little bit of dread. Being in the water working with kids for four hours makes me feel old. by the time I get out I am starving and tired. I came home yesterday ate lunch and took a nap. GEESH! You would think I was 90.

However, by the time my first class was over I was reminded how dang cute the kids are. Not to mention how rewarding it is to gain all the little one's trust and teach them a new skill. I really do enjoy it.

You are all going to reminded me I said that over the next few weeks, RIGHT?

As for the rest of the family. They are doing good we are having a lazy summer as we take it easy and let S. recover. She is doing good. Her pain is way down and only when she does to much does she start hurting. She and Brent have started walks. She is trying to keep in shape the best she can with only one arm. Yesterday there walk lasted over an hour so she must be on the mend.

Also, yesterday A. took a nasty spill on his bike. It stopped my heart a little when he came into the house with a torn shirt and major road rash across is chest. I didn't quite understand what he had done but he spent the rest of the day in pain. I'm also guessing by the look of his chest he may be out of the water for the rest of the week.

'This is the only picture I was allowed to take. So it is a bit blurry. We eventually found out what he was doing and all I can say is boys sometimes are not the smartest of creatures.

I figure at this rate this family is going to be a family of gimps by the end of the summer. The clock is ticking and I now have a work schedule to follow. Hope your enjoying the summer and getting plenty of sun.

Girl's Pictures

2010-06-17T13:26:00.000-06:00

It is that time of the year where I try to update the kid's pictures.

I wanted to have S.'s pictures taken before her surgery since I wasn't exactly sure how she would feel after the surgery.

We attended the 80th birthday party of my Grandma on the 5th and I took the girl's pictures shortly before we left.

Now I just have to grab the boy's pictures on a day they both are clean and spiffy. Not always an easy task.

This is not S.'s favorite but it happens to be mine. Probably because this is the face that I always get. Especially, when I say something intelligent. Because you know that she thinks everything I say is smart and witty.

I bet if you looked in the mirror right now you are making the same face.

This was actually my second favorite one of Al. The first one she had her glasses on and there was a reflection I can't get rid of. I can't believe how grown up she is looking in this picture. A reminder that all of the little ones are growing up.

Does anyone know how to stop all of this growing up business?

Goat for Sale?

2010-06-15T14:50:00.000-06:00

Sunday night at dinner, Al asked if we could get a goat.

A GOAT?

“Ummm, why do you want a goat?” I asked.

“Because they are cute!” she replied.

“Probably not?” I responded.

“But Why?” she asked.

Oh boy, how I hate these conversations, because if she understood the why’s she would not be asking me for a goat to begin with. Besides that I was tired and I really didn’t want to have the conversation, “Why we should not get a goat.” So tired and not in the mood to argue I said, “Tell you what if you can go the entire summer without fighting with anyone then we will get a goat.”

“Really, I can get my very own goat if I don’t fight with anyone all summer.”

“Yup.”

In my mind, I was thinking it is not ever going to happen. Seriously, I don’t even remember the last time we made it 6 hours without someone fighting with someone. The whole summer! No goat for us and no long conversation. It was a total win, win conversation.

Then A. popped in. “I don’t want a goat I want an Xbox 360.”

It was at this time I was feeling cocky. “Sure, I replied you go the whole summer not fighting with anyone and you can get an Xbox, and you can get a goat.”

In my head, I was laughing hysterically. BECAUSE they would not even make it 24 hours.

I was feeling all kinds of smart. Almost like, I could write a book. “How Not to Argue with your Kids.” A few hours later A. came to me and said, “Mom, three months is a long time what if I trade one month of not arguing for one month of cleaning the kitchen.”

“Let me get this straight you’re going to clean the kitchen everyday for a month and not fight for two months for an X-box.”

“Yah.”

“Okay,” I said. Because it is not ever going to happen.

Except now we are two days into this little deal, there has been NO fighting, and my kitchen is clean. I am feeling like maybe I should not have been so cocky.

Anyone know where I can buy a goat?

Causing Damage

2010-06-14T09:52:00.000-06:00

There use to be this blog that I read daily. The blog was cute, witty, and fun.

The writer of the blog was a mom of three boys, christen and had built her dream house.

I liked the blog. I enjoyed reading the blog.

Then one day the blog became a .com. At first I wasn’t crazy about the new format because I don’t do change. However, after a little bit I adjusted and continued to read.

Except for the tone of the blog/.com was changing. It wasn’t nearly as cute and witty. Also, it was definitely moving away from fun.

I kept reading because sometimes a writer just has a bad streak. One day the cute, witty, fun writer would return. Except that one day dawned and she became an atheist.

I read her a few days more after she became an atheist. I kind of understood where she was coming from. Bad things happen and it is hard not to question God. Faith in a greater deity should protect us from all the horrific things that happen.

Only it doesn’t. It is the whole faith, freedom to choose, and balance of good and evil.

I quit reading the blog/.com. Not because she became an atheist but because the cute, witty and fun writer had disappeared completely.

She was replaced by a writer so full of venom and spit her site left me feeling yucky, sad, and frankly ticked. Ticked because now she attacks. She attacks other writers, Christens, and the world in general.

There is good in nothing. Everything, everyone is out to get her. Gone is the light that made her fun and witty. I have never experienced in my life watching the light of someone’s faith go out. This is my first experience and all though I do not know her personally her writing reflects what she is going through.

The last time I clicked onto her site I hoped that some of the hate had fled. Only what I found is that it had only increased. Today, I felt sad. Sad because having faith and doing what is right is hard. Really, confronting the world daily with some humility and faith is not easy. Sometimes you just want to kick and scream and yell, “Not Fair, Not Fair!”

Only who said life was fair or suppose to be fair. At the end the only thing we can hope for is that we loved, learned, laughed, and made it through with out to much damage.

Maybe that is why we try to do what is right because when we stoop trying we cause damage that doesn’t need to be caused.

Hugs and Prayers,

Post Op

2010-06-12T10:45:00.000-06:00

We are three days post op and S. is doing great.

Her pain is mellowing out and she is in great spirits.

We found out this week that she is looking at 12 months before she can expect to be 100%.

During the surgery the surgeon used scopes and we were able to have pictures of what was going on in her shoulder. It was nice because after lots of speculation about what happened to her shoulder we were able to see that swimming happened to her shoulder.

It was kind of a good news bad news moment. Turns out that S. is just super flexible the surgeon told us that all of her joints have lots of flexibility. Which makes her a great swimmer. However, given that she is already flexible swimming worked to stretch her out even more. Leading to the muscles in her shoulder becoming too loose to hold her shoulder in place.

Obviously, I am concerned that continuing to swim will cause more damage. When I asked the surgeon about this he feels that we should worry about it when we need to worry about it. They did check her right shoulder during surgery and feel that there is no problem.

I’m not really the type of person that doesn’t worry about things until I have to. I am more the type who worries about everything. I just keep thinking about how much S. loves to swim and reminding myself that she may never have to do this again or she might. Is it worth pulling her out of the pool for what might happen?

Ultimately, it is the type of question that parents are always asking. What is best for my kid? However, she is getting older and more and more I am stepping back and letting her make decisions on her own.

Again not really the type of person that I am.

Below are the surgery pictures. Kind of cool if your interested.

Reminding Myself

2010-06-05T09:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the last day of school. The three youngest kids came home with their report cards and the name of next years teachers. I am finding it hard to believe that I will have a second, fifth, sixth, and eighth grader. I don't know where the time keeps going.

We have a pretty busy first week of summer and then things calm down considerably. Well as calmed down as life gets with four growing children. Brent and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary the other day. I had to laugh as the celebrating didn't take place until 8 o'clock at night due to kid's activities.

It is times like those I like to remind myself that one day our time and attention will not be in as much demand. I find myself doing that a lot lately reminding myself...

Reminding myself the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Reminding myself that there are people who are worse off than I.

Reminding myself that life does not progress on my time table.

So much reminding and I get to feeling a little grouchy.

I don't think I am alone. There is a whole country who is dealing with the consequences of unemployment, under unemployment, and just the feelings of being overwhelmed.

I guess it is easy to look at others and feel they aren't feeling it as much as you are. The truth is we don't know what other people are going through. The old saying, "Don't judge a man before you walk a mile in his shoes." I guess that is why I keep reminding myself to live today and worry about tomorrow...well tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I just need to focus more on the good and less on the things that are out of my control.

Even though it would be nice to have a great big EASY button.

Hugs, Laughter, and Prayers

Sure

2010-06-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

We were two kids, really nothing more than two, really young, naïve, kids.

Then time began to march.

Today it is 15 years.

No longer two young kids. We are a little older, a tiny bit wiser, and a bit more round.

However, it seems like just yesterday that he said, “Will ya?” and I said, “Sure”.

Hands Up, It's a Party!

2010-06-01T13:11:00.000-06:00

This morning Myself and Me had a long conversation.

Myself, is a little irked at Me.

Because Me has not been getting herself out of bed and getting her growing rear to the gym.

Me claims sleep is way more important than workouts.

Me says, “Sleep good, Sweat BAD!”

Myself has had about enough of lazy ME.

Several threats later and Me was begrudgingly on her way to the gym. Stupid gym!

At the gym, up the stairs, iPod powered on, and on to the elliptical Me went. Me was not happy as her legs began to move.

Then suddenly one of Me’s favorite songs came on. Then Me boogied. Me moved her rear and Me felt great.

Oh endorphins! Endorphins are way better than chocolate. Except for the whole getting out of bed, getting to the gym, and moving quickly.

Myself is not saying I told you so but you know she is thinking it.

Meanwhile, Me is wondering what other people think when they see her at the gym with her IPOD.
Turns out that when she puts her earphones in she forgets that she isn’t a rock star.

So she dances, sings the chorus, and moves her bootie. She wonders why know one else is dancing. But I think we have already covered the fact that Me is a little slow. However, she knows how to rock Green Day.

Hi, Yo Whaz Up?

2010-05-30T19:13:00.001-06:00

Did anyone see Glee this week? I love that show, truthfully I could do without the story lines most weeks but the songs are so awesome.

I just laugh and smile like a big goon through most of the shows.

Well if you didn't see Glee this week you might have to head over to Hulu and check it out.

Why? Well because it was an episode chuck full of Lady Ga Ga songs.

It was awesome.

I might have already mentioned that.

Anyway, I'm on a little bit of a Lady Ga Ga kick because I was coerced, compelled, leaned on, talked into going to her concert.

Oh but wait, it gets better.

SO WAS BRENT!!

I will give you a moment to quit laughing and breathe.

Yes, next March Brent and I will be at a rock concert. Honestly, can you even breathe through the laughter? Okay, well I plan on documenting the experience. Because I never thought the day would come that Brent would be at a rock concert.

Some people have questioned the wisdom of a Lady Ga Ga concert. All I have to say is sometimes you have to break out of your box and see the world from a new perspective. Besides Brent says it is okay so it must be.

"I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me."

2010-05-17T19:36:00.000-06:00

First of all the tooth came out. With just a few tears and the tiniest bit of drama. There is hardly even a story to tell. It was all very anticlimatic after all the tears of all the previous teeth.

Second of all today totally sucked! AHHH! Why can't I catch a break I feel like my life is becoming a very steep roller coaster. A whole lot of climbing and stomache turning falling. When did I get on this roller coaster and HOW the heck do I get off?

I want off RIGHT NOW!!

That is enough moaning and groaning.

Gee, where did Al get all of her drama.

It is such a mystery.

I had a serious pout happening and was spending a good amount of time clicking around facebook. When I came across a video some one posted. That made me think.

GET OVER YOURSELF!

Then I went to youtube to find the video and spent another hour watching motivational videos. Im feeling a lot better. I know I'm a nerd. I can't help it. The videos had all kinds of corny and full of motivational quotes. For some reason when your in a mood those are the best.

Anyway, there were several great ones but below is one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy and if you are in a pouty mood hopefully it turns that frown upside down.

Yah, yah I know lame.

Smiles, Hugs, and Prayers

The Last One

2010-05-15T20:27:00.000-06:00

The last one is a wigglin.

The last one is a bleedn.

The last one is ready to come out.

Wish us luck!

She is pacing and fretting and trying to work up the nerve to pull it out.

Have I mentioned it is the LAST ONE.

Thank Goodness

Don't have a clue what I am talking about. Click Here and here.

Tooth Fairy Hugs and Prayers

Today!

2010-05-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

Things to do today!

Soccer (of Course it is Saturday what else could I possibly have planned!)

Plant Garden. Yes! Plant garden, the weather is finally giving us a break and we are going to plant the garden. Which I know is my faithful reader(s) favorite time of year.

I feel it is important to start off a Saturday of hard labor with as much humor as possible.

Last night I made (MADE) the kids help clean up a few of the flower beds and get things ready for planting.

Two thumbs up for the boys who did an awesome job helping without any eye rolls.

Two Oscars for the girls who did a wonderful acting job of being tortured. One of these days those eyes are going to roll so far back into their heads and stick.

By the end of the day all the planting should be done and then I will be able to enjoy fusing over my plants and of course torturing my blog readers with flowers and a vegetable or two.

Aren't you excited I get to plant today.

Warm Sunny Hugs and Prayers

The Gold Star Hubby

2010-05-10T08:12:00.000-06:00

*Big Sigh*

Okay, I’m going to admit that a very good mother’s day goes along way in restoring my notion of motherhood.

If you haven’t noticed the last couple of weeks around here have been a bit dramatic. I have been feeling over worked, over whelmed and in need of something.

Lucky for me that something was an awesome Mother’s Day.

In general I am not a big fan of Mother’s Day. In the past Mother’s Day felt a little like a big stick hitting me on the head. Each thunk on the head felt like a reminder of everything that I do wrong. Let’s face it mother’s are human so they make their fair share of mistakes.

Including, writing the wrong time for a soccer game down and showing up a quarter late. Who ME?

Having a day to celebrate those mistakes seems a little...unnecessary.

Well this year the hubby and the kids pulled out the stops and I had a good day. Starting with a great Mother’s Day Program at Church and ending with my dear hubby taking very good care of me.

I have been doing quite a bit of thinking over the last few weeks, as my moods ran somewhere between a hungry dragon and the wicked witch of the west. I realize that all to often I let my life overwhelm me.

Being as I am me I have a few thoughts on that.

However, kids need to get off to school and I need to get ready for work. Funny how life never really slows down and lets you do what you want when you want.

I hope you all have a great Monday.

Hugs and Prayers

Drama

2010-05-04T08:04:00.000-06:00

Well if any of you out there are facebook friends with my daughter you know that she has been scheduled for surgery.

Life has had more than its fair share of drama over the past six months, as all of us started to recognize that the pain she was experiencing was a little more than normal growing pains.

It turns out her shoulder muscles are not holding her shoulder in the proper place. Also, there seems to be some issue with the bones in her shoulder but at this time due to the fact that she is still growing the Dr. does not plan on touching her bones. S. will have an MRI on her shoulder tomorrow but as of right now the Dr. feels that at some point in time she tore a muscle and it healed very loose.

He is very confused why S. does not know what she did. He feels it would have been a very dramatic experience and she would have been in a significant amount of pain. He is also confused at why she is not currently in a significant amount of pain. All I can think is that she must have a high thresh hold to pain. Who knows.

Like I said we will have more details in the days to come but as of now we know that she is out of the water for the summer. Tears have been shed. She will have about a six month recovery time. Again, more tears. Also, if she chooses to keep swimming there will probably be another surgery after she is done growing. More tears! Or when she gets older. So surgery young or old this will be one of two surgeries she will have on her shoulder.

She loves swimming and the Dr. does not feel there is any reason to stop or not to pursue her goals in the swimming world. That was nice to hear because as a mom you worry that she has to stop and that would crush her.

Tomorrow she goes in for the MRI and after school is out she will have surgery. Now the only thing left to do is to figure out how to keep, an one armed, almost 14 year old entertained through the whole summer.

Any ideas would greatly be appreciated.

I was not Warned!

2010-05-01T17:24:00.001-06:00

Nobody warned me. However, it doesn't matter.

I wouldn't have listened.

I still would have done things the same way I did them.

I think.

I'm not sure.

Because nobody warned me.

Nobody warned me that having four children meant I was outnumbered. That being outnumbered means they are able to do any number of sly and trouble making acts without me even noticing.

Because I DO NOT have eight sets of eyes.

Nobody warned me that the baby of the group would be the biggest trouble maker of them all.

But...

but...

but...

he is just the baby.

Except that HE IS NOT a baby.

He is a seven year old who, when asked to clean out under his bed, promptly threw everything in the trash. Which, I didn't notice until I had cleaned out the litter box and noticed the cord, the socks, the... WHAT!

Yup, the seven year old is currently digging through the kitty litter trash bag for non garbage items. Like his soccer cleat.

Don't judge me!

YOU DID NOT WARN ME!

It Might be PMS

2010-04-26T20:29:00.000-06:00

It might be PMS.

There is always the possibility that it is in fact PMS.

However, there comes a time in every mother’s life that “ENOUGH is ENOUGH!”

Yes there is some truth to the fact that this time occurs with some monthly regularity. However, the fact remains that sometimes my family is in need of a little butt whooping.

For example, I do not believe that PMS is the cause of every garbage can in the house spilling garbage onto the floor. Really, when you put trash in the garbage can and it jumps out and on to the floor it is time to take the trash out.

Yes, I may holler and yell, and eyes roll as they stare at the calendar, but this does not change the fact that the trash is all over the floor. Surrounding the very full trashcan. This is not rocket science.

I fear for the future of children who do not recognize the signs of a full trashcan. If they can’t grasp this basic and obvious fact should I really allow them out of the house?

Also, if there is a pile of clean and unfolded laundry on the sofa, is it too much to ask NOT to sit on the clean clothes. I’m not asking you to fold them just DON’T sit on them. Also, is putting away your OWN clean clothes that difficult? They are sitting there clean, folded, and waiting for YOU to put them away.

Is the ten feet journey so difficult that it can’t be done? Will you die? Are you to weak? Should I call the doctor?

Frankly, I don’t care what day of the month it is maybe the reason for PMS is to remind our families that we are moms. Not a personal maid service! The time of the month where we have just the right amount of hormones to kick but and remind everybody to fly straight.

Now do me a favor and go to tell someone to take out the trash. I need some chocolate.

Crazy Busy Life

2010-04-24T21:33:00.000-06:00

Monday

Field Trip/ A. and Brent go and explore the Great Salt Lake. Bug spray packed.

Baseball Meeting/ H. playing his first year of machine pitch. He is going to have to hit a ball that is coming at him. Mom also realizes that the days of t-ball are behind her. Digging through the mitts to see which one H. will use and trying not to cry as she realizes that the tiny mitts have to find new homes.

Tuesday

Surgery/ Brent has surgery on his arm removing a benign tumor. The result is 17 stitches.

Owwww!

Wednesday

Girl’s softball meeting/ still shocked that Al has agreed to play and that she is very excited. Hey, is it possible that there is an athlete hidden inside her.

Thursday

Track Meet/ S. participates in her first track meet. Places third in the shot put. Distance she threw 23.04 distance that second place threw 23.05. Seriously!

Elementary Education Orientation/ Still taking deep breaths and not freaking out about all the requirements.

Friday

Swim Meet/ A. swims and S. times. Practically killing her not being in the water. More on that Tuesday. A. drops a bunch of time. WOO HOO!

Saturday

Soccer

And

Al’s Birthday

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

You may be ten but you will always be my Baby!

Saturday Night.

Tired Mom and next week is looking a lot like this week. I love this crazy, busy, life.

Still Kicking

2010-04-23T10:28:00.000-06:00

Where have I been?

Life has turned into a flow of constant business. All of the kids are involved in activities. Multiple activities, as we have come to that time of the year where early spring activities are overlapping with late spring activities. Brent and I spend the night running back and forth from one place to the next. It is enough to make a parent dizzy.

The truth is, We Love It!

The kids are having fun, they are active, and involved in activities they enjoy. If it weren’t for all the run, run, run life would be pretty dang good.

Ok, even with the run, run, run life is pretty dang awesome.

Sometimes I can’t help but feel blessed.

Last night was my first official night as a student in the elementary education program. It was an orientation where we were informed of everything we have to accomplish in order to get a degree. To say we were all a little overwhelmed would be an under statement.

It reminded me of the joke, “How do you eat an elephant. One bite at a time.” This degree is feeling a

little like eating that elephant.

S. is reading a book right now about improving her swimming. The book is really big on positive affirmations’. She shared with me the one that the author uses often, “I have unlimited potential.”

I have the feeling that I will be posting that saying all over the house for the next few years.

I just wanted to drop in and say hi. A friend was kind enough to drop me an email and ask where I was. I really do miss taking the time to post. My camera is over flowing with pictures. Including a gnarly one of Brent’s arm with 17 stitches. GROSS!!

Hopefully, I can get back into the blogging flow soon.

Hugs and Prayers,

HI!

2010-04-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

Back to the real world. After a week of spring break we are back to the real world.

Sometimes the real world is a little lame.

On the other hand having the kids home 24, 7....

Well, let's just say the real world aint that bad.

We had a fairly productive spring break. We were able to get a bunch of have to's taken care of. Al, Brent, and I made it into the eye doctor and will soon be sporting some new eyes.

Glasses just keep getting cooler. My glasses are red with bling on the side and Al's are a very cool turquoise blue. Brent's glasses are a little boring, but being as this is his very first pair ever, we are breaking him into the eye glass world slowly.

Brent and I also painted our room. Pictures coming as soon as I decide if I like the paint color. I broke away from our norm and painted the room gray. It is so different that I haven't decided if it is awesome or not. Definitely need to get some artwork on the wall.

This post is a little lame but mainly I just wanted to say HI! Feels like forever since I lasted posted. Hopefully, I can get back into the groove. I'm off I get to play at the pool for a little bit tonight.

Hugs and Prayers

Germ Happy Dance

2010-04-01T07:56:00.000-06:00

This house has been under quarantine.

The germs have multiplied, spread to each family member, and done a happy dance.

Can germs do happy dances?

In short we have all been sick. It pretty much sucks when everybody is sick. I think the kid's schools are starting to think I'm lying.

Meanwhile, I have been making my way through a creative writing class. I have looked forward to this particular class for awhile. Turns out it didn't live up to my own hype. It is kind of painful writing a story for a grade. I have not enjoyed it and have done some of my worse work in this class. It has been a little miserable.

Except for our last assignment. I really like what I wrote for my last assignment. I also have enjoyed the text book. One of the tips from the book was to write, write, write, and write. Apparently after about a 100 times writing you will like 1 thing you wrote.

Doing the math that means out of the 400 and something post I have written only 4 post were good. Makes you wonder how writers ever get anything written.

Next week is Spring Break and I have a couple of weeks off of school. I have a lot to do to get this family off the sick track. Not to mention our "sugar fast," begins on Monday. I think it is going to be interesting who caves first.

Just so you know Brent and I are working on our own little side bet. But betting against Brent is a sucker's bet because once he decides to do something he pretty much decides. The boy has steal for a backbone. Once it is decided it is decided. Since he has decided he isn't going to eat sugar the only really in trouble is Me. So basically I am betting against myself or for myself I haven't decided. Which is pretty much the core difference between Brent and I.

I'm off to finish getting ready for work and to ignore, as much as I can, the foot of snow resting on the grass outside my window.

What snow?

Hugs and Prayers

Say it Aint So

2010-03-25T14:34:00.001-06:00

There are the obvious things you can't eat when you say you aren't going to eat sugar.

Cake, umm yah

Candy bars, check

Fruit snacks, gotcha

Then there is the not so obvious things you can't eat when you say you aren't going to eat sugar. Brent and I spent close to two hours in Costco today and pretty much came out with next to nothing. The rule is that sugar, and those ingredients that we know are sugar even if it uses a fancy word to try and disguise the sugar, can not be in the first two ingredients.

This post is going to be my I can't believe how much sugar is in that post. I'm going to keep a list of items that I'm kind of shocked have sugar in the first two ingredients.

Yogurt.

I knew that light yogurt was high in sugar but I assumed regular yogurt was not. Turns out that pretty much all yogurt list sugar as the second ingredient. Well every yogurt that Costco sells. Which, included "Activia" the commercial says it is the healthy yogurt, well maybe, but there is a lot of sugar in that healthy yogurt.

Beef Jerky

We couldn't find one brand of beef or turkey jerky where sugar was not the second ingredient.

Health Bars

Sugar second ingredient

I'm starting to think that this no sugar thing is going to be a lot more challenging than I initially believed.

Aint Nobody Need to See That

2010-03-23T09:24:00.000-06:00

Another Monday came and went and I did not get "My Memory Monday," post up. This has a lot to do with the kids having the day off, a weekend spent swimming, and laundry piles that had grown so large that I almost couldn't get into the laundry room.

Where the heck do all those clothes come from?

Sometimes I have fantasies about striking a match and walking away. However, that would mean my children would go to school naked, my husband would go to work naked, and I would go to work naked.

Aint nobody need to see that.

So I spend a ridiculous amount of time doing laundry.

All for you!

So in light of the fact that I am falling behind on another project I am switching things up a bit. I will be posting, "My Memory Monday's" post the first Monday of every month. I really hope you join me and write a post. I have been amazed at what I have learned about myself through these post. Even if I'm not actually getting them posted. OH Brother.

Also, we have a few changes around here. That I am going to get into over the next few weeks. Including our family dropping sugar out of their diet. The entire family. Our official start date is the day after Easter. However, we are in the process of changing a lot of foods in the house. The official rule is Sugar (in any form, this includes High Fructose Corn Syrup) can not be included in the first two ingredients. We have been shocked what that has included.

So far we are going to have to quit eating cold cereal, low fat yogurt, catsup, and BBQ sauce. Also we have to change our salad dressing. We are finding that pretty much anything that we eat that says low fat means high sugar. Yes, we knew that but we didn't realize just how high the sugar was.

I feel this will be a good change for our family but change always means trouble. Well I need to scram. Off to work and a busy day ahead. Hope you are enjoying some kind of sun wherever you are.

Warm Hugs and Prayers

Poof, Problem Solved

2010-03-20T16:44:00.000-06:00

How do you know when enough is enough? How do you know when you have reached the end of the road or the beginning a very steep hill? Why does parenting mean that not only are you trying to figure this out for yourself but also you are trying to figure it out for your kid?

I want an easy button. A button that I can push every now and then to make life EASY! If I can’t have an Easy button how about an Answer button.

Here is the answer to your question, do this.

That would be nice. The angst of trying to make decisions overwhelms me. I think if I had known parenting was going to be this hard I would have taken a pass.

No, that isn’t true because there is the other side of the coin. The smiles, success, accomplishments and lessons learned. Those make up for the angst, grief, sorrow. . . I think I will stop now.

The quote, “Life is a box of chocolates,” keeps popping up in my life. It is somewhat sad to say how true this statement is. Sometimes you get perfectly creamy, delicious, piece of chocolate. Sometimes you get a crunchy, nutty, and chewy chocolate.

Both are yummy, just one is a little harder to chew then the other.

I’m too caught up in the angst right now. I don’t know what choice to make and I want problems resolved.

TODAY!

No, YESTERDAY!

I have never been very good when it comes to this part of life. The part where you work through a problem, find solutions, and keep moving forward.

I just want the problem gone.

What I wouldn’t do for Samantha’s witch nose. Wiggle my nose and poof problem solved. Only that isn’t what life is about.

In my ever to be humble opinion life is about climbing those steep hills and overcoming obstacles. The obstacles are where we learn the most and grow the most. Therefore, I have to learn to live with the angst. Learn to live with the part where you work to find the solution.

In all likelihood the angst is some message that the body sends out that says, “FIX THIS!” So we fix it. No easy button , no answer button, just effort and hard work.

If I could figure out how to make that easy button I would be a zillionaire.

Hugs and Prayers,

I Need a Bubble Bath

2010-03-18T07:44:00.000-06:00

I jammed my finger last night playing volleyball with the youth. Sometimes I feel accident pron.

The dumb finger wont straighten it wont bend and any attempt to do either results in a lot of tears.

Because I am a big baby.

Today is the first day of State we sent S. with her coach this morning. I have to work for a bit and will make it there before her second of three events. Have I ever mentioned how long swim meets last. They last forever!!!!

Henry is saying he is sick, no fever, and a bit of sniffle I think in all likely hood my little one who loves sleep is just not handling Day Light savings. Who can blame him. The daylight at the end of the day rocks but changing your sleeping schedule not so much rocking.

I have school tonight and I am loving that I am on a total rant. So in order to end this rant quickly I have just one last thing to say.

"Calgon, take me away."

Hugs and Prayers

Sun, Basketball, State and Soccer

2010-03-16T09:06:00.000-06:00

The sun is shining (what I told you I would do it) and all I want to do is be outside soaking up as many rays as I possibly can.

This happens every year and the results in piles of laundry, piles of dishes, unwashed clothes, and unmade beds.

Because, I need the sun!

I have swore that this year will be different I will not neglect my house! I will not neglect my blog! I will not neglect my homework!

Then the sun shines and I do all of the above. It is sad but true.

This week is turning out to be all kinds of fun.

Last night was Al’s end of season basketball party. I will be honest and tell you I was not thrilled when I found out who her coach was going to be. He has kind of a reputation for being a bit mean. In fact in our house before this season we didn’t even know his name. We just referred to him as “Mean Coach.” Once again I have learned that you cannot judge a book by the cover.

Coach Tre turned out to be an awesome coach and Al had a wonderful basketball season and learned so much. Last night she won the title Sassy Al and “Best rebounder.” Which she is (Sassy) and was (Best rebounder). I think it is so awesome that Coach Tre and his assistant Coach John really got to know the girls and he really taught them something. I wouldn’t be surprised if Al sticks to basketball after this experience.

S. is gearing up for Short Course State this weekend. We received the Psyche sheet last night and she saw just how hard she is going to have to work at this meet. She hasn’t been ranked this low in a long time. She took a little bit of hit seeing where she placed, have I mentioned how hard aging up has been on her, it is crazy how fast these girls swim. A couple of the girls she will swim against have national rankings. I will let you know how the weekend plays out but if you could send some speedy thoughts towards S. she could use them.

A. and H. are starting soccer. I can hardly believe it is time for soccer to begin. Seems just like yesterday that it ended. Next weekend we will be back into soccer mode. Pray for lots of warm weather I don’t think I can take a cold spring.

Well I have went on a bit and if you stuck through to the end you rock! I did not forget “My Memory Monday” post I even have it written just not typed and posted. Hey! Did I mention the sun was shinning. ☺ Next week it will be up because I HAVE RULES!

Warm Sunny Hugs and Prayers

So Long, Farewell

2010-03-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining.

I’m thinking everyday that the sun is shining I am going to start a post that says the sun is shining.

That way I will know during the long days of winter where the sun refuses to shine that eventually it will shine.

I realize starting every post with, “The sun is shining,” may get a tad annoying but the one thing you can be sure of is that it will stop. I live in Utah and eventually the sun stops shining.

Today, the sun is shining. Today I get to go to the nursery. In my ever to be humble opinion there is no place better on earth than the nursery. Maybe the bookstore but right now after a long winter the nursery is my favorite place.

We are busy planning our garden and deciding what we are going to plant this year. Brent is in charge of the vegetable garden. I listen to his plans. I nod in agreement, and I think about my flowers. I had so much fun last year trying new flowers that I can’t wait to try even more new flowers this year.

Currently, I have six flats of snapdragons growing in my window. My little babies are doing good. Little bits of green are poking up all over the yard with a tiny flower here and there.

I have tripped over more than one blog mentioning spring and it looks like I’m not the only one ready to say farewell to winter.

How about you, are you looking forward to spring and summer?

Happy Hugs and Prayers

"Baby Got Back"

2010-03-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have had so much fun today.

I have just started a creative writing class. I thought a creative writing class would be a blast. However, it turns out the minute someone tells me to write my brain goes dead and my creative juices cease to flow. I just end up spending hours looking at a computer screen hoping something clever materializes.

Writing is hard.

Next week we have an outline for a short story due. The short story is a major portion of our grade so I have been racking my brain. What do I write about? What do I write about? What kind of story do I want to tell? A little loop just continues on and on in my brain.

Annoying!

Turns out I am a firm believer in writing what you know. So I have been thinking about the different experiences in my life trying to decide what would make a great story. With a few embellishments here and there, of course.

The little loop continues and I am in the car running errands and Under the Bridge comes on the radio. Ahh, Red Hot Chili Peppers always takes me back to high school. Girls who listened to Red Hot Chili Peppers were super cool alternative chicks. Okay, well not necessarily super cool but alternative.

Then I start thinking about high school because the song is on and I start smiling thinking about some of the things I did while that song was one.

No, not that!

Then I thought I'm going to write a story about high school or something that happened in high school. I haven't figured out all the details quite yet. However, I did decide that this is an assignment that needs a soundtrack. So I have spent a few hours today researching the alternative and hits of the late eighties early nineties.

I have had blast. We listened to some pretty funky, pretty diverse music, A little Bobby Brown, Boys II Men, En Vogue, Salt -n-Peppa, Right Said Fred (I'm Too Sexy), Vanilla Ice, Nirvana, Pearl Jam. I can't believe how much fun it has been to listen to the soundtrack of high school.

Seriously, right now I am listening to Kris Kross is going to make you Jump, Jump. High school dance flash back. I am not standing up in my office with my hands in the air waiving them like I just don't care. Are you down with that. :)

Like I said I am having way to much fun and I need your input. What song do you think of when you think of high school? Were you into bald chicks or were you all about the big hair? Help! My grade in this class may depend on you.

Prayers and Hugs

Do You Like Me?

2010-03-08T08:20:00.001-07:00

This My Memory Monday brought to you by the Beautifully Wicked Willow.

Take it away Willow. . .

There are so many memories from my first 3 years of school. In kindergarten I said my first curse word. My friend Sarah told me the foul four letter word and I repeated it, and then we both had to stay after scool that day. We had to stack all the chairs on top of the table... for us, it seemed like honest to goodness torture. Some experiences bond you to those around you. Sarah and I became best friends for years; all through elementary (even when she was put in Catholic school for not giving up those naughty words), junior high and high school. Even now; many, many, MANY years since the chair incident, we still giggle like school-girls when we run into eachother around town.

First grade was a bit easier. I knew how to be a student and I had the nicest first grade teacher in the whole school. Mrs. Broomstopple was students' dream come true -- and she thought I was brilliant and darling... all was right with the world! However, sometime during the second quarter I was placed in the Blue Jay reading group, suddenly all was NOT right with the world. The Blue Jays were good readers, but they were not the best readers in the class and I liked to be the best at everything! I began to feel sick more and more often. In first grade, I actually faked an asthma attack to stay home and avoid the horror that was the Blue Jay group (fun fact: faking an asthma attack will cause a big, fat, real asthma attack). After a few days of me really faking sick, my parents talked with me and my teacher. I explained that I would try much harder and my teacher told my parents that I was right on the cusp of the Red Robin group and she just didn't want to overwhelm me. It was agreed that I could be a Red Robin... and again, all was right with the world.

Kinder and first were happy-go-lucky years. However, second grade was the year I discovered boys!!! I wish I could tell you there was one boy in particular, but I am a girl who likes to have options. Why limit yourself to one boy when you are a carefree seven year-old? I was in love with my class... every boy in my class!! Well, there is one exception -- I had no affection for the boy that ate ereasers and picked his nose. However, every other boy was on my list of cutest boys ever. When we lined up for lunch, I was intentionally be the last girl in line -- then I could stand next to the first boy. ::sigh:: The same was true when we went to the library. ::double sigh:: I wrote 13 notes all saying, "do you like me? Check 'yes' or 'no.'" I made gushy valentines with hearts, flowers, and candy (I knew that boys liked candy). I played soccer and tag at lunchtime and avoided the girl-infested jungle-gym and swingset. I learned the words to every Michael Jackson song; all this was in an effort to impress those fickle second grade boys. Sadly, every attempt to win their affections failed.... until third grade.

In third grade, John Botello (the most darling of my second grade non-paramours) approached me in the library. He casually broached the subject of our previous year with the classy line of, "Um, remember how you loved all of us last year? Do you still love me? Cause I think you got really cute over the summer. Like, so much cuter than you were last year." I told him the truth --Poor John, how was he supposed to know that over the summer I had fallen out of love with boys at school? . . . Boys at church didn't run as fast -- not that I ever caught any of them either, at least not romantically.

And the Good News

2010-03-07T14:30:00.003-07:00

Now for the good news, because this blog has rules, to many rules if you ask me.

Good news number one, “WELCOME,” to my new blog created by a super talented chick at Adori graphics check out her link in the side bar. This is a one of a kind template created just for me and I love it.

I especially like my banner with the Momma bird getting uptight at her little bird trying to fly off. So much like my life right now. All of my little birds are trying to fly off with their own wings.

This weekend we were at a swim meet. I know nothing too new about that. However, S. did awesome she has such a hard time aging up into the category she is in now. It was so much to watch her swim this weekend. I could actually see her old self come back.

State is in two weeks and I have not been looking forward to going. However, after this weekend I am excited. I think S. will hold her own and do well.

In more exciting news, well at least for me it is exciting, Willow has agreed to a second Memory Monday post that will be going up tomorrow. That girl just cracks me up. Big thanks to her for writing the post in the middle of her son’s science experiment.

Finally, we have 9 o’clock church, which means I get a Sunday afternoon nap. So off I go to bury under some warm fuzzy blankets and try to get rid of this nasty head cold.

Sleepy Hugs and Prayers

Bad News Now Good News Later

2010-03-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

Life is kind of piling up on top of me right now. So many things to do, places to be, and things to be done.

Meanwhile, my house is quite a mess. I need to spring clean like you can’t believe. Before I spring clean I need to simply get the dishes washed.

I hate dishes, and laundry, and vacuuming, and. . .

To top it all off I have a head cold. That is making me feel like there is all kinds of cotton stuffed all over in my head. Making it impossible to think. Making it impossible to do homework. Making it impossible to lesson plan. All of which have to be done whether I have a head cold or not.

I’m having a nice time complaining. So why I am at it I should probably complain about the weather. Utah, springs you have to love them, except it is kind of hard to love something that is as moody as all get out.

One minute we are getting snow that results in a good six inches of snow everywhere. The next thing you know the sun is out and all of snow is melting. The snow is all gone and the sun is out and the rain clouds roll in.

What the. . .

Is it any wonder everyone ends up sick. Our poor sun deprived bodies can’t handle Mother Nature’s mood swings.

Okay this is the end of my rant. Because believe it or not I have some good news, more on that later, kind of bad news good news post today.

Hugs, and Sneezy Prayers

Feel the Love, or at least the Warmth

2010-03-04T13:57:00.001-07:00

This folks is what you would call a random post.

Which is basically all of my post.

So you should be use to it by now.

We have this cat.

Her name is Carmen.

Brent hates Carmen and Carmen hates Brent.

Given Brent is allergic to cats his feelings are understandable.

Given Brent yells at Carmen and stomps at her and tells her to go away her feelings are understandable.

However, Carmen likes to be warm. She likes to cuddle up on warm fuzzy blankets. One her favorite spots during Christmas is under the lit Christmas tree. 1000 lights produces considerable heat.

This winter has been cold. Bone chilling cold. I have not been happy and Carmen has not been happy.

Leading her to do something she wouldn't generally do.

Cuddle with the warmest human in the house.

Who pretends he doesn't notice she is cuddled up against him.

Because Brent hates Carmen and Carmen hates Brent.

At least that is Brent's story and he is sticking to it.

Hugs and Prayers

Funny Funny!

2010-03-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our blessings are obvious.

I'm Accountable

2010-03-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

I'm accountable is moving to a blog post. So here is where I keep track of how much or how little I am exercising.

3/02/2001
The problem with moving "I'm Accountable," into a post is well I don't feel so accountable. I mean really are you digging through post checking up on me?

I didn't think so.

So I guess it comes down to being accountable to myself. What a crazy idea.

Here is my update. :)

3/02/2010 42 Minutes Spinning 12mph (I'm a turtle on wheels watch out baby)
3/01/2010 3 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 45 min
2/27/2010 2 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 30 min
2/26/2010 4 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 60 min
2/22/2010 3 Mile Walk w/ Light Weights 45 min
2/19/2010 4 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 60 min
2/16/2010 40 Minutes Spinning WooHaa
2/15/2010 3 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 45 min
2/12/2010 2 Mile Walk w/Light Weights 30 min
2/09/2010 30 Minute Bike Ride
2/08/2010 40 Minute Bike Ride
1/5/2010 2 Mile Walk 36.5 Minutes w/ Upper Body Weights
1/4/2010 2 Mile Walk 38 Minutes

My Memory Monday

2010-03-01T16:55:00.001-07:00

When I started school I was barely five years old. Having a summer birthday I was one of the youngest students in the classroom.

This really didn’t matter because I was more than ready to start school.

My first teacher was Mrs. Choate. However, I thought her name was Mrs. Choake. I thought it was scary to have a teacher named Mrs. Choake.

All year long every time I said Mrs. Choake she would correct me and say Mrs. Choate. I think I was in the third grade before I realized she was correcting me.

This may have possibly been my very first blonde moment. I really had no clue why she always repeated her name back to me.

Every time she said Mrs. Choate I would think, ”Yes, I know Mrs. Choake. Why are you correcting me?”

When I started kindergarten I knew all my ABC’s and had the amazing ability of writing my name. It was pretty awesome. Especially considering I had to explain that I was not named Kristi that my name was Krissi. That is another story for another day.

By the time I finished Kindergarten I could read. Yay Me! However, I had no recall of the alphabet or the reason for said alphabet.

Phonics, phish, letters “Whatever!” I could read. Why did I need to know the alphabet? It is amazing how little I have changed over the last thirty years. By the time I finished kindergarten I had firmly established that;

First, I was a blonde maybe not literally a blonde but anyone who goes a full year not using her teacher’s name correctly has some blonde going on.

Second, once I decided something is unnecessary my brain refuses to learn said useless information.

To this day I have my blonde moments and my brain still refuses to process useless information. Well what my brain deems as useless information, like the alphabet, there is some of that information that I need to know, but the little voice in my heads repeats over and over, “I don’t care”.

To cap off my kindergarten year I received a brand new baby brother on the last day of school. So all in all kindergarten was pretty good to me. If anyone runs into Mrs. Choate please tell her I figured it out.

Hugs and Prayers

PS Okay, next week was suppose to be 4th-6th but don’t you want to know what happened when I showed up to first grade without ABC? Next week FIRST GRADE!

"The Talk"

2010-02-28T00:16:00.000-07:00

The stupidity of some people never ceases to amaze me.

Yesterday, my 13 year-old-daughter had a scoliosis check at school. According to her, nurses came to the school and gave the test.

As she was walking me through the process, I had flashbacks of my own. How I hated those test.

Half way through her story, she stops and tells me that the Nurse said, “You have very broad shoulders for a girl. I don’t think I have ever seen a girl with as broad of shoulders as you.”

My 13-year-old daughter stopped looked at me and said, “What does that mean, Mom?”

In my mind I answered, “It means that you had an idiot for a nurse. Who obviously has no clue how deadly words like those are for a young girl.”

Then we had the talk.

Okay, you’re asking what does, “the talk” have to do with stupid nurses. Well there is, “the talk” when you are talking about, “it.” Then there is the talk that my mom had to have with me, and now in return I get to have with my daughter.

The talk starts out with reality check. When God was handing out dainty genes, we took a pass. We are big women. We are Amazon Goddess. I have heard people say there is no such thing as big bones but that is a bunch of bull. At my skinniest which was pretty darn skinny I still wore man size jewelry.

I stand almost 5’10” and if I were my ideal weight it would be somewhere around 180. For most women that is obese for me that is tiny. At 13, my daughter is only a couple of inches shy of my 5’10” and today we both reached our arms up as far as we could and she outreached me.

She is a swimmer, so yes over the years she has developed some fairly, impressive muscles in her upper body. Is my daughter tiny? Nope, not at all. What do you expect? As I said I am 5’10” both my brothers are taller than 6’4.” We come from a hardy stock of Germans. I guess I kind of wondered what it would be like if some of my husband’s family genes came sneaking in. The women in his family tend to be a little less Amazon. That does not seem to be in the cards.

Meanwhile, we are held up to a standard of beauty that would require shrinking in all kinds of impossible ways.

I had to share with my daughter all of the stupid things people have said to me over the years. Have they hurt, well yah. Then I had to share with her my own struggles about weight and learning to be healthy. I ended by saying this.

“If I spend my entire life looking in the mirror and hating what I see I will miss all that is beautiful about me. I will also be wasting a lot of time wishing for something that is never going to happen”

She gave me that famous teenage sneer. I gave her my mom smirk. Which I will give to her again on the day that she has, “the talk” with her daughter.

Hugs and Prayers

"Here is the rainbow I've been Prayin' for"

2010-02-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining!

The glorious, wonderful, bright, beautiful sun is shining.

Sometimes, I am amazed at how long we Utahn’s survive without sun.

My life in general is full of lots of bright shinny news.

First, Brent was recalled to the railroad. He is not back full time yet but the outlook is good.
AND we have benefits again. That in itself is worthy of happy dancing.

Second, I am nearing completion of my fourth class and by the end of my next class; I will have less than two years before graduation. Again, I am doing the happy booty dance.

Third, it is sunny. Just in case, you missed how excited I was about that.

Fourth, we bought a second car. It is not going to win any points for world’s greatest cars but it is a second car that drives. We have been a one-car family since August. Really, it has not been horrible but it has not been awesome either.

Fifth, Louise from Adori graphics just sent a sneak peak of my new blog template. It is so freaking cute I can hardly wait to start using it.

So life in general is pretty bright and that is all kinds of good. Who couldn’t use all the good they can get? Now everybody, do the happy, booty shak'n, bright, bright happy day dance.

Hugs and Prayers

How Do I Stop This Thing?

2010-02-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

If your lucky you have a person in your life that makes you laugh. I don't mean ha ha kind of laughing. I mean milk squirting out your nose kind of laughing. The kind of laughing that just makes your day better.

Willow has always been one of those people in my life. She makes me laugh she has always made me laugh. She has guts and courage and the kind of smile that just makes you want her as your friend. Over the past couple of years she has left comment after comment that had me giggling.

Yes giggling.

Finally at long last I have coaxed her out of the comment page and onto an actual post. One day she will start her own blog and become an over night success. Until that day I plan on stealing her talent.

Hey, what are friends for?

So without further ado here is the Beautifully Wicked Willow's "My Memory Monday," post.

Go ahead I dare you not to laugh. Leave comments it took a bit of coaxing people.

Now then, about my bike. Well, about my first bike, I am fairly certain that few want to hear about the two-wheeled nemisis begging to be ridden. My first bike, however, she was a beauty!

Flash back many, many years to my 7th Christmas. I had casually been dropping hints for months that I wouldn't mind if Santa brought a bike. My brother had a 10 speed, my sister had a nice set of wheels... but I had only an oversized trike. Yes, at 7 I was proudly (well, maybe not proudly) riding a huge Radio Flyer tricycle. It was bright red and went about as fast as a snail on a skateboard.... faster than a snail is regularly, but not fast at all. I was more than willing to trade my three wheels for a lovely two-wheeled bike.

That Christmas morning Alyssa, John, and I tip-toed out to the living room to see what Santa had brought for us. It was about 2am, Santa had always delivered to our house by 2:00. To our horror, there was nothing there.... NOTHING! Sure family gifts surrounded the base of our ribbon and twinkle light adorned tree, but there were no Santa toys, presents, or anything of the sort. I quickly turned on my much older siblings and firmly placed blame on them for their naughty behavior. After all, *I* was the good kid. A few minutes of kerfuffle later, we all went to bed fairly dejected.

Knowing that only coal awaited us, we were in no hurry to get out of bed. We stayed in bed until somewhere around 9:00. By then our stomachs were complaining, and we decided to face our Christmas of coal. However, there was no coal. There were toys from Santa... everything we had hinted at and hoped for. We walked around in wonder -- we had been good kids, who knew?

At first I didn't see it. It was tucked between the tree and our piano. However, I caught a glimpse of a white tire.... then a second white tire. Then I saw, in all of its pink and purple glory, the most beautiful, girly bike in all creation. It was pastell pink with purple accents and had the largest, longest, whitest banana seat I had ever seen! My new bike was gorgeous!!

Still in my pajamas, I begged my dad to teach me to ride. I knew the basick idea, but had never ridden on just two little wheels before (incidently, I had told Santa in a letter that big girls do use training wheels. Santa was kind enough to not bring training wheels for me). We went outside and Dad jogged along as I started to pedal tentatively. It was rough going at first, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. In under 15 minutes I was riding at record speed down my block. I flew past the neighbor's houses and as I approached the corner, I realized that Dad hadn't taught me to turn or stop. OH SNAP!! With only a few feet of sidewalk left, I did the only rational thing -- I veered into the grass and crashed... hard. I was skinned and bleeding, but who cares when you can ride that fast! The rest of the day was spent perfecting my riding skills and playing with my siblings.

Years later, Dad taught me how to drive. However, that time he taught me to turn and stop before I even started the engine.

My Memory Monday

2010-02-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

This week, “My Memory Monday,” is all about your very first bike.
My first bike was candy apple red with a white banana seat.

Do you remember those banana seats?

I seem to recall that the bike had been carefully refurnished and at one point in time had belonged to my mom.

I really have no idea how old I was when I learned how to ride a bike. I know that I was living in the house my parents had built and I know that I was wearing shorts and a tank top.

In Utah that can only mean it was summer. No shorts, tank tops and flip-flops in the winter.

I have a memory of my dad running behind me holding on to the seat. I can recall the feeling of fear and giddiness as we rode down the street.

Being as I am a mom who has lived through four kids learning to ride their bikes I am pretty sure that I must have crashed and burned a time or two and I am sure that I had some fear. I was not what you would consider a brave child.

While the memory of that first bike and learning to ride is not precise, I do remember what it meant to have a bike.

Having a bike meant racing around the neighborhood a large pack of kids on wheels. Having a bike meant racing down the street, standing up on the pedals, and of course riding with no hands.

The trick of learning how to balance with your hands held up high, the tentative hands on, quick hands off, hands on, hands off, each time pulling your hands farther and farther from the handle bar.

My favorite trick was roller-skating while biking. In the neighborhood I grew up in a few houses had steep driveways. We would put on our roller skates sit on our bikes and cruise down the driveway.
As I am typing, I can feel the excitement of rushing down the driveway with absolutely no way to stop. We had not yet graduated to bikes with hand breaks. In fact, there was only two ways to stop, cruise until you ran out of speed or crash. It is probably a miracle that none of us was killed.

What was your first bike and what do you remember most about riding a bike?

Tomorrow the beautiful and wonderfully witty Willow will be posting her memories of her first bike.

Next week, elementary school. What memories stand out most in elementary school. I think this will be a two week post one for k-3 and one 4-6th. Pick a memory any memory from K-3 and share with us.

If you would like a link back to your post please leave a comment and I will create a link.

Prayers and Hugs

Pretty Soon. . .

2010-02-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

This blog is going under a little bit of construction.

All behind the scenes so as of yet you have not noticed any changes.

Soon.. there will be changes and I am way excited.

A very talented graphic designer is in the process of building me, theSwimMom, Krissi, her very on template. One of the reasons that the snow has stayed on my blog a bit longer than I like.

Because you know that in real life, snow in February is EVIL.

I am very excited for the changes and I am looking forward to other changes that will be taking place over the next few weeks.

Including a guest poster, or the greatest maiden of honor you choose which title you like. She is beautiful and wicked. Two crucial requirements in my book. More on that to come.

In addition, I need to do some blessing post. I am not behind. Nope, that was my rule I did not get behind there were just going to be weeks that I was going to have to post a few or more.

Hope your enjoying your weekend.

Hugs and Prayers,

I Must! 2:02

2010-02-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Things I must do today.

• ~~I must do laundry. Tomorrow will not be happy day if I do not get some specific clothes washed.~~ The boxers are washed maybe I should feel motivated to do more. I don’t! Have I mentioned how laundry is the bane of my existence.

• I must vacuum. 200 lb Indoor dogs require that you vacuum frequently. She is crashed on the front room rug. Vacuuming would wake her up and that is just rude.

• ~~I must do homework. So sick of math, very very sick of geometry, who cares about Pythagorean Theorems~~? Discussion questions posted, paper started, zero motivation to do more.

• Must pay bills. Have to love billpay but it kind makes me a big procrastinator. I hate late fees just because I don't hit send on time. I think I have a couple more days to hit send. I think. . .

• ~~I must clean my bathroom because it is gross~~. Woo Hoo, not gross anymore.

• ~~I must go to work~~. Done for the week please join me in a happy, happy, dance.

This list is starting to depress me. I haven't felt great this week and all that has happened is life has piled up around me. I need a maid, a personal homework doer, a....well a clone might work.

Hope you are all enjoying your Thursday. What are you procrastinating today?

Prayers and Hugs

I Must!

2010-02-18T07:26:00.004-07:00

Things I must do today.

I must do laundry. Tomorrow will not be happy day if I do not get some specific clothes washed.

I must vacuum. 200 lb Indoor dogs require that you vacuum frequently.

I must do homework. So sick of math, very very sick of geometry, who cares about Pythagorean Theorems?

Must pay bills. Have to love billpay but it kind makes me a big procrastinator. I hate late fees just because I don't hit send on time.

I must clean my bathroom because it is gross.

I must go to work.

This list is starting to depress me. I haven't felt great this week and all that has happened is life has piled up around me. I need a maid, a personal homework doer, a....well a clone might work.

Hope you are all enjoying your Thursday.

Prayers and Hugs

Memory Monday

2010-02-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I have had this idea for a little while running around in my head.

It is called Memory Monday.

Intrigued?

It really is simple. I will share with you one memory or other and then if you want you can create a post on your blog and we can all travel down memory lane together. I am even going to try to figure out that Mr. Linky Thingy.

No matter how old you are life has had to change a tad. I mean when I think back there use to be a time where there was no Internet, no Cell Phones, and Apple was a dying company. Gas was less than a dollar and Johnny Dep was on "21 Jump Street."

There is just something about tripping down memory lane that brings a smile to your lips.

For my first post, I was thinking where should I start and it occurred to me I should start where my memory begins.

My very earliest memory has to be before I started school and I am standing in the house my parents are building.

What I know is we moved into that house before I started kindergarten. So I must be four years old.

I am standing in the front room my back against the banister because my mom doesn't want my brother and I running around.

Clearly, I can see myself standing next to my little towhead brother. We are in our pj's, with bare feet and the floor is still plywood waiting for carpet. My pajamas are a gown and I will swear to you a bright pink, but I will also tell you that my brother is wearing ET pajamas, I know that ET hasn't been released to the movie theaters so I know this is wrong.

That is all I remember. It is a memory with fuzzy edges and barely there. I don't remember when the house was completed or when we even moved.

However, I do remember shortly after we moved in while my dad was at work my mom, brother and I enjoyed a wicked mud bath in the unfinished backyard.

As I type a movie reel of pictures is flashing through my mind. Pictures of me coming home from school, the phone in the front room, the curtains, pumpkins on the porch, and Santa at Christmas.

It is strange to think of myself as a little girl in pink pajamas.

Who wants to play along?

What is your very first memory?

If you write a post please link here.

Next Weeks Post

Do You Remember your first bike? Do you remember who taught you to ride a big bike? How old were you?

Prayers and Hugs,

My Bucket List

2010-02-15T20:30:00.003-07:00

This life is short.

Time passes by in a blink of an eye and before we know it we have lived the life we are going to live.

I guess that is one of the reasons I have been thinking about the idea of a Bucket List.

Off and on I will get an idea of something I want to do and I will get all excited about the idea and before I know it I have forgotten my great idea.

Frustrates me to no end.

So I have decided to create a post in which I can create my Bucket List.

I know that most of you are probably familiar with the concept of a Bucket list but just incase your not I will tell you that a Bucket List is a list of things you want to do before you die.

I can't decide if this post is depressing or not?

In true Krissi fashion my Bucket List will have rules.

Your not surprised are you?

My first rule, this is my Bucket List and while I have hopes and dreams for my family these are things that only I can accomplish.

My second rule, no being a wuss if I think it, if I get excited about it, put it on the list. Who knows I might be a spry 90 year old lady who will do amazing Bucket List things.

Krissi's Bucket List

Travel

Travel to New York and see a Broadway Show
Travel to Hawaii again and this time go snorkeling out in the ocean
Travel to another country
Visit Prince Edward Island (Home of Anne, "Anne of Green Gables")

Health

Be happy with my body
Be strong once a year accomplish an athletic event that reminds me how wonderful having a body is
Run a half marathon
Run a full marathon
Finish a Century Ride in under 6 hours

Spirituality

Read the Book of Mormon Once a year
Earn my medallion with both my daughters

Education

Finish My Bachelors Degree
Get a Masters Degree

Personal

Write two books, one silly and one that reminds women how beautiful they are.
Have one photo published
Forgive someone who shouldn't be forgiven

That is the beginning of my Bucket List I hope as time goes on I will be able to add and cross off some of the items on my list. Just out of curiosity what is on your bucket list?

PS This is a 52 Blessings Post because I believe that this life is one of our greatest blessings. :)

I Gone and Done IT!

2010-02-13T10:11:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time I had a hair dresser who said he didn't give PMS haircuts.

Mainly, his point was you weren't allowed to go a long time without getting your hair cut and then come in ask him to hack your hair off. He thought those decisions were based on poor hair maintenance.

Most of the time he was right and I was glad he didn't let me hack my hair off. Today I went and got a hair cut and I am not even going to tell you how long it has been.

I will tell you that I was going through a bottle of hair conditioner a week just to keep the snarls at bay.

Yes it was that bad.

Meanwhile, I have been thinking..

and thinking..

What a pain my hair is and how I am ready for a change.

How in my 30 something years of life I have basically stuck to the same hairstyle.

Same style different lengths.

So when I finally went in and cut it today I said, "Chop it." I gave her a couple more instructions but I didn't hover over the top of her giving her exact directions.

When I got home my oldest said, "It's ummm short. It looks fine I guess."

The dog barked at me because she didn't know who I was.

The youngest said, "You look weird."

I may have made a terrible mistake but the truth is I was ready for change.

I am ready for a change it is time once again to take that big step out of the box.

What will I do next?

So here it is what do you think, "Weird" or "Ummm Fine."

Prayers and Hugs,

Crave

2010-02-12T10:32:00.004-07:00

There is nothing like a good work out to clear the cobwebs. Each day I workout my commitment to live healthier grows stronger. Why do I forget how wonderful it feels to move?

There are a lot of things I forget that make me feel wonderful. Mostly, because before the wonderful there is a lot of hard work.

For example, exercise before I can feel the wonderful after glow of a good work out, I have to actually endure the workout.

Eating right, so much easier to sit down to a bag full of jellybeans, enjoying the sugar rush, then to prepare a good and balance meal. Ironically, the jellybeans will eventually make me sick but the healthy meal makes me feel stronger.

The list goes on our goals, our relationships all give us the feeling of strength when we commit and take care of them.

A little while ago an author name Chris Tomlinson, contacted me and asked how I would feel about reviewing his book. “Crave, Wanting so much more of God.” I followed a couple of links he provided and read through some of his material and decided that I would review the book.

After I received the book and started reading I was so happy to have had the opportunity. From the beginning of the book I was amazed to find that so many of my own thoughts were echoed. I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised that as a Christian we all have feelings of inadequacy, those feelings that we are not good enough Christians, that we are too full of sin, that we make too many bad choices.

Then of course there is the guilt. I wont spend a lot of time on all the things that make us feel guilt because frankly it is depressing and the list is long. What I enjoyed about “Crave,” is the way Mr. Tomlinson captured the heart of what all Christians are searching for, a better relationship with our Heavenly Father.

As I read I dog eared quotes that I would share with you. The problem now is practically every page is folded over and to fully appreciate the quote I would have to type the entire chapter. So instead I’m just going to strongly suggest that you read the book. I will also provide you a link to the first 3 chapters of his book.

I have been a member of the LDS religion my entire life. In fact my parents, and their parents and ect… have always been LDS. My appreciation for this book stems from the fact that I looked at gospel principles I have been taught my entire life through a new perspective. Sometimes when we have heard a principle taught the same way over and over again we forget the principle. Or we fail to grasp the same point in the principle because the explanation has not changed.

Through out “Crave,” I sensed the sincerity and the intent of the author to help us draw closer to the Savior. To explain to us why we did not need to get so bogged down in our inadequacies and our guilt that we turn away from Christ.

To all of my LDS friends who decide to read this book you may be interested in knowing that Mr. Tomlinson is not LDS and at one point in the book he brings up the Mormon religion. At first I put on my armor and took offense to what he had written. I then went back and read the chapter again in its entirety. I really liked the book and did not want to not like it because of this one thing. As I read again I understood that the statement was not offensive. To double check I even sent Mr. Tomlinson and email and said, “Explain yourself sir.” His reply back was very kind and the concept of grace that he was explaining made so much sense to me. Theological we may be different but we both crave a relationship with our Savior.

The next post down is the business end of reviewing a book. I hope you will check out the links. Also, in addition to sending me a copy of the book I received a second copy to give away. The opportunity to win the second copy is below. Or you can click this link.

Prayers and Hugs,

Crave Give Away

2010-02-12T10:25:00.002-07:00

"Crave, Wanting So Much More of God," by Chris Tomlinson was provided to me compliments of Harvest House. In addition to providing me a copy they provided a second copy to give away. I believe in keeping things simple so all I ask is that you read the first three chapters of the book and leave a comment.

Okay, I'm not really going to know if you read the first three chapters but I highly suggest your read the first three chapters. Next Saturday, February 20th I will let random.org provide a winner.

If you want to check out what other people said about "Crave," you can check out Mr. Tomlinson's blog Link HERE. Or maybe your more a twitter person than you can check out Mr. Tomlinson Here. If you don't do twitter and you are all about facebook you can check out this link.

Prayers and Hugs,

Why we Remember

2010-02-11T16:42:00.003-07:00

In April of 1999, my little brother was a senior in high school. One afternoon as I ran around town doing errands the news broke in and reported a high school shooting. My heart froze as I listened to the details of the story unfold. My brain shouted, “What school, what school, what school?” The news reporter finally said, “Columbine High.” Is it wrong that my heart started to beat again? Is it wrong that I took a deep breath and thought, “Thank Goodness?”

The massacre of Columbine High continued to be the top news story for weeks. Unbelievable stories of faith, courage, and sadness followed. The country mourned the loss of lives and we questioned repeatedly. “How could this happen?” “Why did this happen?” Some of us breathed deep sighs of relief that at least it did not happen to us.

Today, I was working with a sixth grade group and we were discussing authors. Each of the students is doing a report on an author of their choice. All of them decided that a good question to research was the author’s inspirations. One of my students chose Scott Westerfeld. I happen to be a big Scott Westerfeld fan so I was paying attention to her research. She decided to research the inspiration of Scott Westerfeld’s series Midnighters. She quickly found on Westerfeld’s site a quote from Westerfeld saying his inspiration for Midnighters came from the Columbine Massacre.

My student had been reading aloud and when she read the inspiration of the story she asked, “What is the Columbine Massacre?” The question caught me off guard. How could she not know about the Columbine Massacre? How could she get to 12 years old and not know about the dangers that lurk in this world? How could she not know about all the innocent children who lost their lives on that day?

With as much calm as I could muster, we started talking about the events of Columbine. We even discussed how old they were when it happened. Some of them were not born others were tiny babies. We talked about the judgments that followed. Soon they were discussing similar events in their own memories including those at Fort Hood. A part of me wished the conversation had never even started. Who wants to remember horrific events?

As we finished our discussion and we were cleaning up my student said, “I think the point of the story is not judge.”

In complete innocence, she answered my question; we remember these things so that we learn. Learning is not always pretty but necessary if we are to become better.

Prayers and Hugs,

The Voices in my Head

2010-02-09T08:00:00.006-07:00

Little Red is haunting me.

First, they sent me an email reminding me it was time to register. Yah, yah, yah I know.

Second, I went to S.'s tri event on Saturday and the Exercise Diva reminded me it was time to register. Easy for her to say she is pregnant and due a month after the Little Red so in all reality is NOT going to do the Little Red. (Maybe I need to get pregnant?)

The little voice in the back of my head says, "Get real, you are totally out of shape you are NOT doing the Little Red this year."

Third, I get an email from Super Will, who provided some major motivation for last years Little Red ride. He was actually sending an email out about the MS ride that he is doing. He is looking for ride sponsors. I am going to provide the link because every little bit counts so if your able please send a couple of dollars his way. (Super Will's MS ride Link)

After reading Super Will's email the little voice reminded me again about the condition I am in.

Just when I finally decide, Nope, not happening this year. . .

Little Red sends a post card saying, "Time to register."

Then suddenly the little voice connected to my inner skinny girl, I do my very best to ignore her, she is always saying things like, "Don't eat that cookie!" "Get out of bed!" "Get Moving!" "Do a 100 mile bike ride!" I have found that her advice is not often very fun said, "Enough already, just register, and do the best you can."

So I'm doing the Little Red and the last couple of days have found my rear aloft my bike. My rear and I are both questioning our judgement about doing the ride.

However, the thing about my inner skinny girl is once I start listening to her she just doesn't shut up. Ever been in an aerobic class with an instructor you could gladly gag. YEAH, that is her yakking away about exercise, nutrition, and bike rides.

Until I find away to shut her up it is going to be back to training for me. Two days down and about a 100 more to go.

Prayers and Hugs,

PS HUHH UMMM Heather..DO NOT MAKE ME DO THIS BY MYSELF!!!!!

Better Get to Livin

2010-02-08T07:15:00.003-07:00

I don't know why I always forget how much I love working out.

Spending an hour moving, sweating and of course listening to some tunes.

I was on the bike this morning smiling my way through the pain. All of the tension draining away and an actual optimism about Monday was covering over me. Then one of my favorite songs came on and I started smiling even more.

Hope you have a wonderful week. Here is the tune that came on hope you enjoy and hope it brings a smile your Monday.

People always comin' up to me and askin'

"Dolly, what's your secret?

With all you do, your attitude

Just seems to be so good

How do you keep it?"

Well, I'm not the Dalai Lama, but I'll try

To offer up a few words of advice.

Chorus:

You better get to livin', givin'

Don't forget to throw in a little forgivin'

And lovin' on the way

You better get to knowin', showin'

A little bit more concerned about where you're goin'

Just a word unto the wise

You better get to livin'.

A girlfriend came to my house

Started cryin' on my shoulder Sunday evening

She was spinnin' such a sad tale

I could not believe the yarn that she was weavin'

So negative the words she had to say

I said if I had a violin I'd play.

I said you'd better get to livin', givin'

Be willing and forgivin'

Cause all healing has to start with you

You better stop whining, pining

Get your dreams in line

And then just shine, design, refine

Until they come true

And you better get to livin'.

Your life's a wreck, your house is mess

And your wardrobe way outdated

All your plans just keep on falling through

Overweight and under paid, under appreciated

I'm no guru, but I'll tell you

This I know is true.

You better get to livin', givin'

A little more thought about bein'

A little more willin' to make a better way

Don't sweat the small stuff

Keep your chin up

Just hang tough

And if it gets too rough

Fall on your knees and pray

And do that everyday

Then you'll get to livin'.

The day we're born we start to die

Don't waste one minute of this life

Get to livin'

Share your dreams and share your laughter

Make some points for the great hereafter.

Better start carin'

Better start sharin'

Better start tryin'

Better start smiling

And you better get to livin'...

Hazy Shade of Winter

2010-02-05T16:45:00.008-07:00

Today I was at Wal-Mart in the section that has the hair elastic, barrettes, combs and all that good stuff. I was searching through the selections and suddenly my eyes fell on one particular item that had me laughing out loud.

Then the mother with the small children ran away because there was a crazy lady in the isle.

I digress...

As I was laughing I was instantly transported back to the 1980's.

This post may age me just a tad.

For the most part, I grew up in the 80's and there are a few trends that stand out in my mind.

For example...

Neon! Neon Pink, Neon Green, Neon Yellow. There was no such thing as to much neon and Jelly Bangles the more you had the cooler you were.

Just so you know I never really had that many...

However, I did have a

SWATCH, yes I had a very sweet swatch that came complete with. . .

a swatch guard.

I may have never had the bangles stacked to my elbow but I had a swatch with a sweet swatch guard.

A trip down the 80's memory lane would not be complete without mentioning the crazy, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna costumes.

Big Hair,

Olivia Newton John, How many of you still have leg warmers buried in the back of your closet?

Guess Jeans and Esprit shirts.

Well, I don't know if you have noticed but I have noticed an increasing number of kids wearing clothes that I wore. In fact over the pass couple of weeks more then one of my students has walked in wearing an outfit that I know I wore.

However, what had me laughing out loud today was

Banana Clips

If there is one thing that I loved and wore and was never without it was my banana clip. Don't believe me. I even wore one on my wedding day. I cried on the day that my last banana clip broke. For years they have been no where to be found. I have looked.

Today, there they were! YAY!!!!

So I laughed, the little children ran away and I thought all the great styles come back. Now I just need to get me some Jelly Bangles.

Prayers and Hugs,

Bonus Points for the first person who gets the title of this post.

Krissi is taking a Break from Face Book. . .

2010-02-04T17:26:00.003-07:00

TGIF!

This is one of those weeks where you welcome Friday with a great big grin. I am so excited for this weekend and except for a fun night out with my friends, I have no big plans.

This is okay because my math book and I have a date with Chapter 9 Geometry. Just so, you know, geometry is no more fun now then, it was in 9th grade. Oh brother! Who really cares about all those, Lines, Rays, Planes!!!

What does it all mean?

Yes, kids you will use it in your future lives and you will not like it anymore then you did back in the day.

Like the completely new positive me?

Anyway, this is going down as one of those weeks that you sweep under the rug and pretend did not happen.

Lucky me I am pretty good at imagining.

Meanwhile, I have taken a little break from face book and I have to tell you that I didn’t realize how much time I spent on face book.

What does one do with themselves when face book is not an option?

Well I have caught up on all kinds of celebrity gossip.

Did you know Kate Gosselin has hair extension now? Oh baby! The most exciting part of the new doo is the giant chunk of hair that hung in her face is gone. She is pretty dang cute and I have to be honest I had half as many kids as she did and her body is awesome. I think I will blame it on the fact that I was pregnant twice as many times as her.

Now there is a story problem to figure out.

I also have spent a large chunk of face book time on YouTube. I know that you know that means Krissi is going to post some very random video.

You know me so well.

Just think of me as your YouTube hook up.

The video below is an ode to my timeout from face book. It is one of my favorite singers Eric Hutchinson, singing a song about the awkward situations face book presents in our lives. I grinned, I chuckled, and I copy and pasted so as to torture you all. Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Please send positive vertex, perpendicular, skew thoughts my way.

Prayers and Hugs,

Practice What I Preach?

2010-02-02T06:26:00.005-07:00

I am staring at the keys of the keyboard trying to figure out how to start this post.

However, this is not a post that I know how to write without it going all wrong.

My self inflected rules for this blog have for me been a challenge. However, I gave myself those rules and I feel for the most part have followed them.

The rules are:

1. Never get mired down in the not so great moments of life. This is not the place for me to moan and groan and complain about my life and all my woes.

2. My life is not always awesome, all the time, don't pretend it is.

My goal has always been to try to be real and try to improve.

Most of my post reflect lessons I have learned because frankly, I was doing it wrong to begin with. My post in no way are suppose to reflect methods that I have perfected or claim to do with perfection.

I use to think that hypocrisy was one of the seven deadly sins. I looked it up and discovered it isn't. The seven deadly sins are envy, lust, anger, sloth, gluttony, greed and pride.

I was a little surprised that hypocrisy was not there. I thought of all the times I have said, "Well if they were really Christian they would not have done that. They are being a hypocrite."

Not that, that little thought didn't trip into the category of several of those deadly sins.

As I have reflected on what you may read on this blog and how I may actually behave in real non-blog life I thought, "I am a walking hypocrite."

Then I realized that isn't entirely true. Everyday I work to be a better person than I was. I try to do the things that I know I should. However, in the trying I make missteps. I do the exact opposite from what I preach on this blog.

It appears that the secret I am human may be out.

Well, since that secret is out I should probably let out a couple more.

#1 I am human.

#2 Born of German, Dutch, and Persian descent I am a stubborn Human. (This technically should be 2-10 just to clarify how stubborn of a human I am)

There are zillion more not so great traits about me I could list. However, that would defy rule number one of this blog.

At the end of the day there is only one person who looks back at me in the mirror and her and I have to agree that I tried to do better. However, recent events have taught me that just because I am trying to be a better person, to be kind, and to be a little less stubborn does not mean that I have to be a door mat.

When my mom was first diagnosed with cancer she sat in a Dr.'s office and the doctor asked her if she had any garbage in her life. What did garbage in her life have to do with cancer? Chemo therapy and radiation do not eliminate garbage. His point in asking was she had a fight in front of her and her effort and energy had to go towards the cancer. Garbage, nonsense, gobbly gook had to be eliminated so that she could recover.

From that time she has done all that she can to eliminate that garbage from her life. Maybe, the key to becoming a better person is along the same lines. Garbage that seeps into our life is like cancer. It takes over all of the good blood cells and before you know it the garbage is destroying the good.

For me this is a harsh lesson to learn. That part of improving means there are going to be times that I have to be tough. That I am going to have to do things that seem mean and essentially hypocritical. Frankly, that part of life just kind of bites. Why can't we just all hold hands and sing, "We are The World?"

Big Sigh. . .

I guess that no matter how you try to ignore garbage, it just continues to pile up, and then it begins to stink, and then the bugs start coming and you HAVE to take it out. Which is what I am going to do so now the garbage has been taken out I promise no more reference to the garbage. Even if it means violating rule number 2 for a little while.

If you happened to make it to the end of this post you earn extra friend brownie points. Thank you to all the people who endure my endless ramblings. The kind of therapy you offer through your comments is just what the doctor ordered.

Prayers and Hugs,

My Enthusiasm Trumps Your Gook

2010-01-31T20:08:00.004-07:00

I had the opportunity this weekend to attend an education conference. I had a wonderful time and learned so much. There are some very intelligent, dynamic, and creative people in this world.

I have had many opportunities lately to be around people who are enthusiastic and full of passion.

There is something so appealing and wondrous about enthusiasm. Enthusiasm feels the air, surrounds you, and motivates you to do more.

Enthusiasm brings a smile to your face and lights a fire to new ideas.

Next week I will have the opportunity to review a book. A book that the author himself asked me to review and share my thoughts with you.

When I told Brent about the request, the first thing he said was, "Krissi, what if you hate the book?" The only thing I could think is I hope that is not the case.

I received the book and started reading it the other day and thankfully, halfway through the book, and I can say I don't hate the book.

In fact the author has seemed to capture this idea of enthusiasm. He has made me smile and he has certainly made me want to do better.

At the same time that I have had these experiences of enthusiasm, light, I have had a few not so good experiences. A few personal relationships have come under a bit of crisis. Mainly due to mis-understandings, mis-communication and a lot of. . . well. . . gobbly gook!

Gobbly Gook-nothing important, nothing relevant, nothing defined, energy draining

My blood pressure has been raised, my demand for justice has come into play and all of my energy and effort put forth to a bunch of. . . gobbly gook.

As I have reflected on these experiences the good ones and bad ones I realize how important it is to center myself in enthusiasm.

Now don't get me wrong I don't mean we should all party every day and live it up.

I mean the kind of enthusiasm that reminds you what is important. Enough enthusiasm, happiness, and light to drown out all the gobbly gook.

Just a thought and maybe a challenge make someone smile today they may need your light.

Hugs and Prayers,

Beautiful Tree

2010-01-29T19:57:00.007-07:00

I have a confession. . .

I love the CW. . .

90210, Vampire Diaries, SuperNatural, One Tree Hill

I'm an addict from the days that Joey climbed through Dawson's window and Felicity cut off all her curly locks.

But here is the thing, the shows, well I can take em or leave em.

What I'm truly addicted to is the soundtracks. I watch the shows and then track down the songs. I can't tell you how many of my favorite songs have been featured on a CW shows.

It is sad really, other people they go to concerts, they listen to the radio, they hunt the Internet.

Me...I watch shows on CW.

Please don't judge me.

Tonight I was watching the CW's latest show, "Life Unexpected," and the opening song came on and I was off on a hunt.

It is a great song.

Okay, I know I have said this before and I know I will probably say this again, but truly it is an awesome song and the artist of the song is so

ummm. . .

well excuse the pun but she is unexpected. Anyway I'm linking the YouTube video I don't know how long they will leave it before they shut it down so enjoy it quickly.

Let me know what you think.

Even if it is just to tell me I'm a dork.

Just Push Back

2010-01-27T07:52:00.004-07:00

I have been a tad bit cranky lately.

In fact, if you have had a conversation with me in the last couple of weeks I should probably apologize.

I have no idea what my problem is.

I wake up in the morning with every intention of being nice to knock out my crap and the next thing I know I’m being totally obnoxious.

There is no reason for it other than I feel like a bear trying to take a nap and some kid keeps poking me with a big stick.

The world keeps poking me with a big stick and I just want to scream, KNOCK IT OFF!!

Only there is no one around to yell at.

Unless….

You have had the unfortunate task of speaking to me. Then I’m grouch, loud, and maybe even a little pushy.

Yah… Again sorry about that Angie…

Anyway, please forgive me I know I’m being a butt I will stop I promise. Maybe I need to get my rear exercising maybe take a kick boxing class then I can hit a bag.

I’m working on it I promise but next time I’m being loud, obnoxious, shovey and downright annoying feel free to push back. ☺

Prayers and Hugs,

Stepping Up to the Plate

2010-01-26T08:50:00.002-07:00

This is going to be one of those braggy, braggy post just thought I would warn you.

Life has gotten to the point that it is completely out of control.

I’m not really sure what we were thinking when we had four children in the span of six years. I also don’t know why I thought it was difficult when they were small because life now is, as I said, completely out of control.

Everyone is at the age that they are involved or doing something. Our nights have become logistic nightmares. Pick up here, drop off here, go here, and stop here. It is craziness. Added to this insanity is the fact that we are currently a one-vehicle family.

A couple of months ago as I was signing Al. up for basketball I was desperately trying to talk H. out of playing basketball. He has only wanted to play since he was four and every year he would remind me how many more years until he could play.

Why, oh Why did I not say he had to be 16?

Eventually, I gave in and signed him up knowing it was going to be tough to fit it in. I’m not going to lie it has been nearly impossible. Or at least it would be if it weren’t for Al.

Al. has been a life savior. Thankfully most of H.’s practices and games have been at our elementary school. Last night when I was called in to sub at the pool and Brent had to step in as the official taxi driver. Al. stepped in as the official basketball supporter. Armed with my cell phone she stayed with H. at his practice and cheered him on. Fully knowing that she would take on this roll again on Wednesday when Brent and I both have to be at an event for our oldest.

She keeps stepping up to the plate and being a total support. It is happening more and more and I am thankful that she is so willing. She doesn’t even realize what a huge relief it is to me to know that she is looking out for her little bro.

An oldie but one of my favorites, Al and H.

The one advantage to everyone getting older is I don’t feel like I am doing it all by myself. We are a family who steps in and helps when it is needed. It is kind of awesome. There are still fights and hormones are starting to spike all over the place but at the end of the day when Al text her dad. H. is dribbling the ball, H. is shooting a basket. I just smile and remember I am incredibly blessed

Prayers and Hugs,

I use to KNOW I was right.

2010-01-23T21:22:00.006-07:00

It seems the older I get the less I know.

Correction, it seems the older I get the more wrong I know I am.

I use to KNOW I was right. Yup, I was ALWAYS right.

Now days I am lucky to be right now and then.

When did that happen? Why did that happen?

I miss the days of being right.

Today, I pushed Brent and A. out the door early so that they could go snow shoeing. They went with the scouts. It was a five mile hike in the great outdoors. Did I mention it was snowing. A. said it was fine and he has been in pretty good mood so I am guessing it was fun.

Brent just shakes his head at me. Sometimes it makes me giggle thinking of my California Hubby trudging through the snow.

For those of you that know Brent you will appreciate the fact that he did wear snow boots on the hike. However, the first thing he did when he got home was to kick them off and put on his sandals. Crazy Boy!

From SwimMom

Anyway, it has been a difficult couple of weeks around here. Kind of like an emotional roller coaster that I can't get off. It was nice to have a nice day where every one was happy.

Just for the record I know I am right. Just sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop and realize that maybe I'm not right.

I'm sure someone will let me know.

Because there is no way that I could possibly be right!

Prayers and Hugs,

Motivated.. Oww.. Maybe Not

2010-01-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

Looking for motivation. For some reason I don't think this is the kind of motivation I am looking for.

Prayers and Hugs,

Hey, Look Up!

2010-01-19T16:13:00.002-07:00

Have you ever been driving down the street or walking in the park and looked up and saw something beautiful?

Then without even thinking you start smiling.

Then you start thinking, "You know I'm pretty lucky."

"My life is pretty good." A list of blessings runs through your mind and you feel your heart fill up.

So many times I am so busy running through life that I forget to stop and look up. Then one day I will catch a glimpse of pink and purple out of the corner of my eye and I will find myself looking up. Then as I look up I remember I'm pretty lucky.

I have come to the conclusion that Heavenly Father made the sky so pretty so that we will look up towards him. Maybe, we will even remember as we stare at the pink and purple whispy sky that he loves us.

It is a beautiful day today and that means that it is going to be a beautiful sunset. Just thought you should know.

Alma 18:30-32

And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angel. And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth? And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.

Prayers and Hugs,

A 52 Blessings Post

The Sun Came Out

2010-01-19T14:24:00.004-07:00

After my last post I feel it is important that I be nice. Say something positive.

Let the world or umm the three. . .

okay two. . .

fine!

whatever!

The one person that reads this blog know that we are okay.

In fact this has been a wonderful four day weekend. Last night was the last night of another class. I have a whole week before the next one begins and I'm not quite sure what I will do with myself.

As for our wonderful weekend. We didn't do anything terribly exciting. The older two had a swim meet Friday and Saturday.

S. is struggling with the whole aging up aspect of swim. She is now officially in the 13-14 year old group. Who also swim a lot of open events that include high schoolers. I guess she is pretty intimidate swimming against those sixteen and seventeen year old girls. In her words, "Mom, they're like, F A S T!" She is having a hard time realizing that a 13 year old swimming a 58 second 100 free is fast. She is just focused on how much faster the other girls swim.

Strange that we all have to go through those stages in life and figure out that it doesn't matter what other people do. Why can't we just listen to our mom's and know it doesn't matter?

A. on the other hand had an awesome meet he swam a total of 7 events 6 he has swam before and he dropped 3-16 seconds in every one of them. It was so much fun to watch his big grinny face and realize how proud he was of himself. Then he swam the 500 free for the first time. The five hundred is 20 lengths or 10 laps. I was way nervous when I saw he had been seeded with 13 and 14 year old boys. Even though they too had no times I was worried they were going to kill him. However, he did awesome he kept a great pace and consistently hit a 46 second split. I was shocked at how steady of pace he kept. He ended the race in just a little over 7 and a half minutes. Again, with a big goofy grin. I just love those big goofy grins of success.

Al. and H. are playing basketball right now. Al has played two games one game they won and one they lost by one basket. She is on a pretty good team who is pretty focused. So strange to me that she hates anything that has to do with moving EXCEPT basketball. Basketball she loves. Crazy kid. She is also in the school play this year. "School House Rock Live." She is learning all those great songs we grew up listening to. I'm excited to see it all come together in April.

H. has just been having practices his first game is tomorrow. Up to now they have just been doing drills and learning the rules of the game. I will have to let you know how the games go. I'm a little worried H. has a tendency to get a little competitive.

The sun is peaking through the clouds and the snow is melting. However, I lived in Utah long enough to know that mother nature is just messing with us. The cold and snow will be back before we know it. I'm not complaining a couple days of sunshine is all I need. We picked up a few packets of seeds and will be starting the first few flats of plants soon. I love the smell of wet, warm, dirt. Reminds me that spring and summer are coming.

I have a couple 52 Blessings post to finish up. With all this sunshine I think I have to get out and take some pictures and soak up a little Vitamin D. I hope you are all having a fantastic week.

Prayers and Hugs,

PS Don't tell Brent I told you this but he has a job interview a week from Thursday so you know any good, positive, prayers you can send out we will take.

One Hand or the Other

2010-01-16T19:39:00.005-07:00

Sometimes the events in your life are not pleasant.

In fact, sometimes they are just down right ugly.

Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for the unpleasantness that other people dump into your life.

There are times that I would be perfectly happy to escape to an island and live with only my family all on our lonesome.

But then S. rolls her eyes at me and I change my mind.

Honestly, how many times can she do that before they stick?

I'm not entirely sure what lessons I am suppose to learn when the garbage from other people starts piling up?

This week I have received council that goes from one end of the extreme to the next.

On one hand I have actually been encouraged to press police charges. Not only to press charges but I have been given enough evidence that they would probably stick.

On the other hand I have been told that I should be Christ like, forgive, and feel sorry that someone is going through a hard time.

I am sorry that someone is going through a hard time.

However, how long do I let it affect my life? Correction, how long do I let it affect the life of my child? Do I believe my child is in immediate harm? No. Do I believe that my child is in potential harm? Yes.

We live in a scary world.

I am revisiting the idea of that island.

Then I circle back to the idea that our lives aren't suppose to be perfect. We have lessons to learn and things to do. As for my child well she/he is being a trooper and there is actual confusion and sympathy. There is also a total lack of fear.

So for now I am going to worry, fret and do my darnedest to be sympathetic.

Just not sure how long that is going to last.

Prayers and Hugs,

Jamming

2010-01-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

I found a new singer to torture you all with. This song is a new release but A. and I were totally jamming to this song. I dare you to listen to it and not join in on the chorus.

Prayers and Hugs,

I am Accountable, Sort of

2010-01-12T08:57:00.006-07:00

So a mere week after saying, "I'm accountable!" I have not once updated my workout log.

Wanta know why?

Because...

Five am workouts are not FUN!! I have not gotten back into the groove of hauling myself out of bed that early in the morning.

I set the alarm....

It goes off...

I hit snooze...

I snuggle down into my covers....

I sneak my hand out of the covers and turn off the alarm.

Stupid alarm.

Stupid cold weather.

Lovely, lovely, lovely bed.

I need a personal trainer.

Correction, I need a drill sergeant to show up at my house and haul my big ole ..well you know what.. out of bed and get me to the gym.

Yup, that is what I need.

Until that happens I'm not giving up. Somewhere inside me is the determination and motivation to get my but in gear. It is going to happen.

Really.

Oh Whatever!

Snooze...

Prayers and Hugs,

One Quarter of One Eighth

2010-01-10T18:59:00.005-07:00

I have been hard at work. I have spent the weekend laboring.

I'm pooped.

In fact you could say I'm dog tired.

What is it that I have been working on?

Fractions!

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, teaching, learning, answering....

Fractions, fractions, fractions!

Leaving my brain thumping a tune at a 1/4 of 1/8 x3/16 divided by 9/-11 (Which I'm pretty sure is an improper fraction) (I think it is, at least I answered it was on a quiz.)

I decided to go back to school!

I decided to be a teacher!

I forgot that meant I had to teach math.

Fractions are part of math. Fraction equivalencies are part of math.

Please forgive this post you could say my brain is feeling a little fractured.

Okay, stopping now. Have a great week everyone.

Prayers and Hugs,

Better than I Was

2010-01-06T14:35:00.006-07:00

This year I have decided that the 52 Blessings challenge will go hand in hand with scripture.

Haven't you ever read a scripture and it touched your heart? Even if you read that same scripture several times there is that one time where it was exactly the words you needed to hear.

That is exactly how I feel about the following scripture. I know that I complain more than anyone when it comes to time. There is never enough, it moves too fast, I never feel like I am caught up.

Well, when I read the following scripture it suddenly dawned on me that time is not my enemy. There is a season for everything a time for all that I do. In the end it isn't the lack of time that is my enemy it is what I do with the time I have.

Psalm 1:3

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Our lives are full of seasons.

Our youth a time to grow, blossom and delight in the warm spring sun. We may suffer a storm or two but we are resilient and full of faith and plans.

Then we move into the summer of our lives where we soak up the sun, we feed our souls, learn, grow and become wiser.

Of course there is a fall and winter to our lives.

However, I have to say that I am probably in the summer of this life. Instead of fretting about the loss of time I need to live in this season and in this time.

So much easier said then done.

Who wants to move backwards anyway?

I know that I am better person than I was. Which means if I keep growing I will be a better person than I am.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have to learn to grow and bring forth the fruit of this season.

Prayers and Hugs,

Reaping Happiness?

2010-01-05T08:35:00.004-07:00

My hope is that in about 15 minutes there will be enough hot water for me to take a shower and get ready for work.

I'm not holding my breath.

With a family of six there is never enough hot water.

Especially, when your the last one in, after everyone else has showered, the washer has been started and the dishwasher loaded.

BUT. . .

My house is clean or at least resembles clean, I have been to the gym, eaten a healthy breakfast, kicked four kids out the door, and a husband and am blogging.

Honestly as much as I hate getting up and going to the gym in the mornings I am 100% more productive. I get twice as much done and start out the day feeling so much better about life.

Why does something I hate so much have such good consequences?

Why can't getting up at 9 and eating chocolate for an hour reap happiness.

Life is so backwards at times.

You may or may not have noticed my little accountability list on my side bar. I am going to track my workouts on the blog. If you notice that I stop working out just remind me chocolate bad, workouts good. Then run because I have a tendency to growl when people tell me things I don't want to hear but need to hear.

Would that be one of those things that would fall under the category of improving my attitude? Oh well, I'm off to shiver through a cold a shower.

Prayers and Hugs

Happy Life

2010-01-04T15:19:00.005-07:00

I really should quit being such a Debbie Downer because today turned out to be a fairly decent day. The kids were all great and today was pretty fun.

My fifth grade group made paper airplanes. Of course we had to learn something so we learned all about what makes a plane fly and about how airplane wings are shaped and the laws that keep the plane in the air. Then we threw airplanes all over the place.

I told all of them to make sure they looked like they were learning and not having fun. Every time a teacher walked by they would look all serious.

It made me laugh, what else do I need to make Monday a little less awful.

Reading through my reader today I came across the following picture on one of my favorite blogs Quiet Life.

One of those pictures that just says it all don't you think?

Prayers and Hugs

Friday I'm in Love

2010-01-03T19:49:00.003-07:00

Hard to believe but vacation is over.

Kid's are on their way to bed and I'm not that far behind them.

I'm trying to decide if I am ready for work tomorrow and I'm pretty sure that tomorrow is going to be a, "Just make it through it day."

Such a great attitude for my whole have a better attitude resolution.

Clicking through my Itunes music looking for the best back to work song and this is the best I came up with.

Does this song in anyway give away my age?

Don't answer that. Just have a good Monday and remember Friday is only 5 short days away.

2010 Crazy

2010-01-01T11:09:00.007-07:00

Happy New Year everyone, I hope that you all had a fun New Years Eve. We were quite boring this year. Games, sweets and movies with the family. I didn't even make it to midnight. Well midnight here. I made it to midnight somewhere. I am such an old fart.

Oh well, the New year and a new decade is here. Yay!! I have no idea why a new year always makes you feel like anything is possible. I am being such a nerd this year and am actually excited about the new year and all the possibilities.

Hopefully, I sustain this mood when real life, real schedules, and huh humm Christmas bills start on Monday.

Well actually, I am pretty sure I will because that is one of my New Year's Resolutions is to develop a better attitude. Kinda like Willow's New Year's Resolution to suck a little less. Though I have to say in all the years I have known Willow I have never known her to suck. She must have kept that side of her hidden from me.

I have to many New Year's resolutions which of course is a New Year's Resolution no,no. You are just suppose to make one change at a time. WHATEVER!! Well maybe I will just attack one goal at a time or maybe I will just loop them all together and consider it part of my better attitude goal.

That being said there are a few blog related changes taking place. First, I do plan on bringing back the 52 blessings challenge. Which lasted a whole month and a half last year. This year I will be a little more flexible and if I have to post four in one day then that is what I will do. Just as long as there is four to five a month done. I really think that it helps me to concentrate on the good stuff that happens in life.

Second, I will be doing a lot more work on my second blog BK@home (www.bkathome.blogspot.com). The poor little blog died on April 22 last year and it sits all abandoned and lonely. Well it might not have feelings so it may not feel abandoned but I fell like a bad mom every time I see it on my dashboard. I will be bringing it back to life with a few post. Starting with a rehash of our Christmas Eve party. A little run down on the menu and how we handled 30 people in our little home. So add our little home blog to your reader and look for some post.

On a totally non blog related note. Our little group of bikers are planning on attacking the Little Red again this year. However, due to all of our schedules we have decided to opt for the shorter 50-60 mile route. If your interested we would love for you to join us. We are looking forward to the ride and hope to make it a kind of strange and twisted tradition. Let me know.

I have blabbed on and on and if I am going to keep my word on this years resolutions I better get busy. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Prayers and Hugs

Happy 2010

2009-12-31T10:37:00.002-07:00

Finding Time

2009-12-30T07:57:00.003-07:00

Grabbed a book off the shelf this morning. It was just a random pick from the library. No rhyme or reason just one I grabbed from the shelf. After I picked it up and settled down to read I laughed out loud.

The book is called, "The New Policeman," by Kate Thompson. The back of the book says the following;

There never seems to be enough time in Kinvara, or anywhere else in Ireland for that matter. When J.J.'s mother says that what she really wants for her birthday is more time in her day, J.J. decides to find her some. But how can he find time for her, when he barely has enough time to keep up with school and his music? And where will he get time to find out if the shocking rumor is true—that his great-grandfather was a murderer?
It seems as though J.J.'s given himself an impossible task. But then a neighbor reveals a secret to him—there is a place where time stands still. J.J. realizes he's the only person who can make the journey, but to do so he'll have to vanish from his own life.

I laughed because I found a book about disappearing time and finding time. Guess I'm not the only one wondering where it all goes.

Counting Down

2009-12-29T18:39:00.002-07:00

Can you believe that December is almost over?

Can you believe that the year is almost over?

Can you believe that a decade is almost over?

I can hardly believe that 2010 is only a couple days away. Where has the time gone? Is there anyway to get some, any, just a little of that time back?

You all work on that.

Meanwhile, I am just going to take a deep breath and just try to enjoy the last moments of 2009. I'm also going to decide if this is a year that I break down and make a New Years Resolution or two.

What do you think? A goal or two thrown in with an already crazy busy life. Maybe I can set a resolution to eat more chocolate. I'm fairly certain that is a resolution I could keep. Heaven forbid I should make a resolution to eat less chocolate. That would just be crazy talk.

What do you think to resolute or not?

Happy, Happy Birthday

2009-12-21T08:26:00.003-07:00

Two birthdays down....the rest to go....

We had a very fun filled birthday weekend and all I can say is, 'Oh my freakin gosh my kids are getting so big." I now have an official teenager. How the heck did that happen how can I possibly be old enough to have a teenager? I myself was 16 like yesterday.

I'm pretty sure it was yesterday that I turned 16. So someone explain to me how it is possible that I now have a thirteen year old. Not just a 13 year old but my second one is 11. His birthday was all about Scouts. All the stuff he needs now he is officially out of cub scouts and in big boy scouts. I can't believe he isn't in cub scout any longer.

You may not have noticed this but I am having a hard time with all of this getting big stuff. Where oh where did all my little monsters go? By this time next week my baby will be 7.

There is a strong possibility I may need to be medicated for that one. Does anyone have any ideas what can wipe your memory that you are getting old, while making your children seem like their small, and keep you firmly held in unreality?

2009 Virtual Advent Tour

2009-12-18T17:46:00.003-07:00

I am so excited to participate in this year’s Advent tour hosted by Kalina and Marg. I have enjoyed many of your post and the Christmas spirit that has rang through. If I did not get an opportunity to leave a comment just know that I appreciate all of the wonderful post. The first thing you may notice is this is not a book blog. I love reading and I stock your blogs all the time for suggestions. One of these days, I may even become organized enough to link back to your post especially after I read one of your suggestions and love the book.

This Christmas season has been especially busy for me. I guess that is the consequence of having four growing children. Christmas concerts, seasonal activities, and preparing for the big day have left me a little bit crazy. However, even with all the hustle and bustle we have been able to enjoy a few of our favorite traditions.

At the beginning of every Christmas season, we put up the Christmas tree. Yes, we have an artificial tree but as I point out to my kids the box says, “Christmas tree,” meaning it is not a fake Christmas tree. They just smirk at me. Go figure!

Each year I search the stores for a new and perfect ornament for each family member. A little reminder from a moment from the past year. My favorite part is looking for the ornament and remembering all the good moments through the year. We all can use those reminders. This year I started a new tradition and the children have to tell me why they have the ornaments they have before they put them on the tree. It was a lot of fun to travel down memory lane.

Okay, sometimes they can be a bit sarcastic and make me a bit crazy but I can tell that it is a tradition that means a lot to them. Or at least that is my story and I am stickn to it.

The same night we put up the tree the kids get new Christmas pj’s. If you read this blog, you know that I have no patience and I cannot wait until Christmas for them to wear their Christmas pj’s. I want them to wear them all month and enjoy them. Also, I want to get a picture of them in their cute pj’s in front of the tree.

What can I say it is all about the picture. Aren't they the cutest group of monsters you have ever seen?

As I type this post, I am sitting in front of the tree and every time I look up, I just smile and think of all the Christmas past and the joy of having a family to share memories and share this special time of year.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

This Poor Little Blog

2009-12-18T13:32:00.004-07:00

I'm here really I am here and yet I am hardly ever here.

This is what happens when you have three birthdays the week of Christmas. You take the stress of Christmas and throw on top of it three birthdays.

One only has only to ask? What the heck were we thinking?

Tomorrow is S's birthday followed the next day by A.'s birthday followed by a Christmas Eve party of ummm oh 40 guest followed by Christmas a couple days later by H.'s birthday followed by a swim meet for A. and the next day a swim meet for S. Followed by New Years Eve, followed by.....

I'm handling it really I am handling it only my life is some what in disarray and finding time to sit and blog when there are presents to buy, birthdays to figure out, cookies to bake, laundry to laundry, work to work and school to school and don't forget kids to parent. Leaves one depleted beyond measure. CRAZY!!!

However, that being said tomorrow is my day to participate in the Advent calendar hosted by two of my favorite blogs. So sometime tonight if I manage to keep my sanity in check I will be posting and participating in one of my favorite blog events. :)

Merry Christmas

Movie, Popcorn, and Girlfriends

2009-12-10T14:16:00.003-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to go and see New Moon. It was a great night filled with popcorn and friends. It was a lot of fun to sit in the theater with my friends and watch a cheesy but fun movie.

Yes, we all should have our hands slapped because when those cute wolf boys walked on screen... Well goodness, we are to old to have the thoughts we were having. Thanks girls for the fun night. You probably have no clue how much it means to me to have you all as friends.

All in all New Moon may not be War and Peace but it served the purpose for a fun night. I have to admit I am sucker for the soundtrack. My favorite song on the album is "Possibility" by Lykke Li. I love unique voices Macy Gray, Imogen Heap and Natalie Maines are just a few of the singers I like because of their unique sound.

Unfortunately, YouTube doesn't have a decent video of the song so I pulled this one, "Satellite Heart," by Anya Marina. A close second favorite.

Anyway if you haven't seen New Moon grab your favorite WereWolf Loving friend, grab some popcorn and enjoy.

Snow

2009-12-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Guess what we got today?

Suspense

2009-12-01T19:46:00.003-07:00

I have decided the thing I miss most about being a kid during the holidays is the suspense.

Every day in December seemed to drag on and on forever. Paper chains and little cardboard boxes of chocolates slowly tracked the days until Christmas morning.

My stomach tied up in knots and little butterflies danced around in anticipation for Christmas day.

My brothers and I were not the type to stay out of the Christmas present stash. The beginning of every holiday season meant the hunt was on. Under the stairs, in the trunk of the car, the far reaches of the closet, down under the bed. No nook or cranny was safe. My mom finally surrendered to our never-ending noisiness and invested in a lock and key.

With stealth that even James Bond would admire my little brother managed to lift the key and ride to the store on his bike, get a copy, and return it to my mom’s purse.

She never knew.

Okay, well she probably knew. Moms always know. However, she pretended not to know.

No matter how much we snooped each year she managed a surprise or two. All of that suspense and wonder tied up into the magical month of December.

Parents work hard to produce all that magic.

There and Back

2009-11-30T19:44:00.006-07:00

Home!

I am home. After a quick trip there and back. We are home. All though I can't complain that much about the there. Because the there was in California with the grand pa pa's and grand ma ma's.

I'm sorry no matter how old you get there is nothing like a hug from mom and dad that puts the world to right. They are the very first ones we ran to with our scraped knees and alligator tears and no matter how old I get it just doesn't seem right not to run to them when life reaches the boiling point.

I read this quote today and thought it expressed my point exactly.

"Home is the place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to"

John Ed Pearce

So with December 1st upon us I am resurrecting theSwimmom question and asking a question.

Hu Hu Humm. . . .

What do you miss most about being a kid during the holidays?

I am going to think about this myself for a little bit and get back to you. The one thing I know for sure the holidays are way different as an adult and it just makes me wonder why I spent all that time hurryin to grow up.

Little Christmas Spirit

2009-11-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

Dentist and Angels

2009-11-24T07:00:00.002-07:00

Sooo. . .

How did it go yesterday? Did you come across an angel or two?

I actually came across one yesterday.

The kids had their six month checkup at the dentist. First of all let me tell you that I hate the dentist. I have some deep seeded squirmy fears about the dentist that rears its head whenever you even say the word dentist.

I'm pretty religious about taking the kids because I know I should and as much as I hate it I put on a brave face and we go every six months.

I do like the dentist office that I take the kids to. It is one of the reasons I can endure these six month checkup. Usually after the x-rays are done 4 different hygienist take the kids and within an hour four kids are done and out of the the office.

Yesterday Al was the first one done with her cleaning.

She jumped out of the seat and said, "Lets go."

"We can't the dentist has to come give the final look over."

"I know I hate that part, lets go now."

"No, we have to stay and see if you have any cavities."

"I don't lets go."

"Al, your being silly we have to wait for the dentist."

At which time she became a champion pouter. I kind of thought that was funny did she really think we were going to leave? Well soon the dentist came in and looked through the kids teeth. Our normal dentist was out and he was a sub dentist.

Child #1, All clear. Child #2 All clear. Child #3 (A. who one day I will list the amount of money I have spent on his 11 year old mouth and you will pass out from shock.) All clear? Holly Cow this may turn out to be the best day at the dentist ever.

Child #4 Al. Dentist takes a quick look around. "We got some wiggley teeth in here Young Lady you need to get to wiggling."

Okay, you all have read about our tooth drama and you and I both know that there is not going to be any wiggling. But I smile and try to figure out if the kids new insurance, starting next month, covers pulling teeth. Big Sigh, I hate the dentist.

Then he says, "Oh, oh mom. (Can I cry I hate oh, oh mom) "Can you come look at this." I get up and come over and he says, "Look at this tooth that is trying to come in." Okay "The tooth can't come in because she hasn't wiggled the other tooth out." "Young Lady, can you promise me that you will get this tooth wiggled out by the end of the week or else we are going to have to pull it out."

Al says, "I'm not going to wiggle it out you can pull it out."

I say, "She isn't going to wiggle it out you are going to have to pull it out."

The dentist says, "Really, most kids hate that."

He and the nurse quickly grab a little tool and a little orajel. I smile as he explains to Al that they are not going to numb the tooth. I am actually smiling from ear to ear because they aren't going to make this cushy for her. No laughing gas. No numbing just a straight up yank the tooth out.

Which he didn't charge me for.

Seriously, he made it a little miserable for her (Note when I say a little miserable I mean he didn't the normal way the tooth was hanging there it was simply hanging there and she wouldn't touch it) so that maybe she will wiggle the last two teeth out. Please, please, please. And he didn't charge me.

Maybe I might like the dentist office after all. This cute little man didn't know about all of our drama. He had no reason to pull the tooth for me and he certainly didn't have to do it for free. I never thought the day would come that I would call a dentist an angel but it has. I told you they are everywhere.

Prayers and Hugs

Krissi

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T06:58:00.002-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. It is always nice to take time out and spend time with family and enjoy each others company. I am looking forward more than I can say to our Thanksgiving break.

I wrapped up my diversity class good, bad, or indifferent it is done. YAY!

Reflections is all but done. This year we had 130 projects submitted three years ago when I started as the Reflection chick we had 9 projects submitted. It almost brought me to tears seeing all the kids projects and their creativity. So very awesome and soooo much work.

The economy is looking a tiny bit better and it looks like we may get a little good news in the coming months. That will be a welcome break.

All in all I have to say things are looking up. Which brings me to my thought for the day

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

My greatest hope for this holiday season is that I can live by the spirit of the season.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Hugs and Prayers

Krissi

Enough Allready

2009-11-23T06:29:00.005-07:00

All of this complaining is downright annoying. In one breath I am telling you my beliefs and in the next 2, 3, 4, I am whining.

The two obviously do not go hand in hand.

I told you I make mistakes I make them all (add about 100 l's) the time.

Truthfully, I am annoying myself and it is time for an attitude adjustment.

I will never survive the holidays without one.

Which is why I have decided to start the countdown to Christmas with a daily, this world aint so bad, thought.

Each day I'm going to seek out a thought or idea that reminds me why we celebrate the holidays and why this here life is to be celebrated and not spent whining and complaining.

I will end somewhere around the end of the year with "The Best of 2009" post. Yes I will be tagging you my fellow readers so get to thinking. I loved reading your post last year and can't wait to read them again this year.

So here is my thought for to day. I recently picked up a book that is a story centered around the holidays. Inside the cover there was a note from the author and she said,

"Have a wonderful Christmas. Remember there are angels among us. . . and sometimes we don't even know it." Debbie Macomber

My goal for today is to think of all the angels in my life and remember what a blessing this life is.

Prayers and Hugs

Krissi

Frustration

2009-11-22T17:20:00.004-07:00

The past five weeks I have been in a diversity class. I have to be honest and say this class has been pretty much torture. I thought it would get better but it didn't. In fact it pretty much drove me crazy and I have never spent so much time and energy dealing with the obvious. In fact this class was pretty much like this:

Everything, we studied was glaringly obvious. People are different, different cultures have different values, everyone has a different perspective. Add to this a text book that not once expressed a single opinion. Then write papers in which you don't express opinion.

Ummm

Hello, I have opinions lots and lots of opinions. Starting with the fact that this class was.

Which is why I am doing the happy dance that tomorrow night is the last night. YAY!

Laundry and Stress

2009-11-17T20:36:00.006-07:00

I have decided the amount of laundry I have to do

is a direct indication of my stress levels.

lots of laundry

means lots of stress.

There is just something about digging around in a dirty laundry basket hoping to find something that isn't too wrinkled, too smelly, or too dirty that indicates things are not right in the world.

However, there is something about opening a drawer full of clean folded clothes that indicates things are ok.

So next time you see me take a good look at what I am wearing does it look like it has been dug out of the bottom of a laundry basket? Well then we both know things could be better.

A O K

2009-11-13T16:14:00.002-07:00

I can handle it. Yup, I can handle anything.

I got it all under control.

Nothing to worry about here.

Life is grand. Ignore the SOS signals.

Everything is A. O. K!

What Religion Am I?

2009-11-11T16:30:00.005-07:00

Over the past three days I have had nearly 500 people trip across this blog.

When those stats showed up in my email this morning my jaw hit the floor. Holly Cow!

I don't really pay much attention to the stats, I just find them interesting, this morning I found them very interesting.

I'm not entirely sure what caused the surge of visitors to my blog. I'm sure it had something to do with Blogher adds and something to do with my post about Grandpa Wayne.

What really threw me was the "most searched," stat. Visitors were searching for my religion.

Which I thought was curious. So I went searching for my religion and found out that no where on this blog have I said what religion I am.

When I told my husband about the stats his first question was, "What kind of pictures did you post?" When I told my husband about the religion search he asked, "Are you hiding something?"

I'm not hiding anything so next time you search, "religion" it will come back with the following sentence. My religion is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" or Mormon.

It has not been intentional that I have not spoke about my religion more like, "I am what I believe, I am what I am."

Being a member of my church is a big part of my life. I believe in the teachings of my church and I try to live the gospel the best I can. I do not always succeed. In fact I probably fall short more than I measure up. I struggle every day to do better, to be kinder, to live what I know.

Most of all I believe we are all children of God. He loves us equally and offers us more love than we can comprehend. I love blogging because when I sit down and share my life the ups the downs, the successes the losses, I feel like I am acknowledging what a wonderful gift this life is.

I guess more than anything this particular stat has taught me to share the gift of belief more. So I guess I will sign off with my most favorite sign off that I ever read.

Prayers and Hugs,

Krissi

Time Out!

2009-11-10T07:57:00.003-07:00

I use to wonder why we couldn't have a time out button. A button we could push when life was out of control and we just needed a day or two off. No deadlines, no demands, just a time out.

Honestly, I still want a time out button I've just accepted that we don't get one. All though, I would be willing to pay a pretty penny to anyone who invented one.

Life keeps marching on and as sad as it is to say goodbye to a loved one the world does not stop and give you a time out. So unfair.

Here we are back into the thick of things with deadlines, school work, church callings, kids schedules, etc....

etc...

I'm not complaining. No, not me, not at all.

Goodbye

2009-11-07T06:40:00.002-07:00

The sun is coming up and it is one of those times that pink wispy clouds, float across the sky, seemingly, chasing the night away and welcoming the day. It is going to be a beautiful fall day.

Today is also the funeral for my Grandpa Wayne. Grandpa Wayne came into my life almost 15 years ago. I was recently engaged and as it turns out so was my Grandma who had been a widow for more than 10 years. I wasn't quite sure what to make of this Wayne person, my memories of my grandpa were so strong in my heart, I wasn't sure that I wanted a Grandpa Wayne.

Well time passed and the more I saw my grandma and Grandpa Wayne I began to realize how lucky my grandma was. She found a person who loved to do the things she loved to do. They traveled together, taking trips all over the country and one or two out of the country. They went on cruises and for the first time in a very long time she had a golfing partner.

When she married Wayne he was not a member of our religion. However, not even a half a year in to the marriage he became a member. The transition was so smooth that I think he had always been a member. He was one of the kindest people you ever met. He didn't like my grandma gossiping or saying mean things. Even when she would get going, as you know us women are prone to do, he would cut her off and say something nice. Of course, this would make us all fill ashamed and want to be better.

Together grandma and Grandpa Wayne worked in the temple and did volunteer work. One of the places you could always find them was at the air force Museum. Wayne had been a fighter pilot in another life and he loved giving tours. He worked there almost until the end.

I had children and he welcomed them into his life with open arms. They traveled to California to help bless our babies. You never saw a grandpa who would chuckle and cuddle little ones like Grandpa Wayne. When we moved to Utah and were short on family grandma and grandpa would show up to programs and laugh and be the best grandparents. Afterward, big hugs for the kids and tell them they were the best ones. Grandpa was always smiling. He always admired my children and loved them as a grandpa should.

It was probably about 5 years ago that one of my children talking to Grandpa Wayne started the conversation by saying, “Wayne,” that I realized that my long habit of calling him Wayne had rubbed off on to them. That night when we came home I decided that if anyone deserved to be called grandpa it was Wayne. So to my family he became Grandpa Wayne.

It is sad that we have to say goodbye to Wayne today and I am blessed with a religion that has taught me that today is not goodbye forever. Today is a celebration of a wonderful person with a wonderful heart. I hope that I as I remember Grandpa Wayne I can be a better person and an example of the kindness he lived daily.

Goodbye Grandpa, say hi to everyone for me.