Thursday, January 29, 2009

just curious...

Liz was tagged again and being nice she did not tag anyone back, but I wanted to see the result of the tag myself. So here it is this is the 6th folder and 6th picture on my computer...
I love it!




This is our baby Marra at 34 weeks in 3D. She was born about three weeks later. When she was born she looked almost the same, minus the squished look. I am thrilled to still have it.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Observations by Cameron...

... with all of the political stuff in the air he says:
"Mom, Bill Clinton was one of the worst presidents, and Ronald Reagan was the best".

Not sure what's being said at school, but it sounds like we're getting our money's worth :)

Friday, January 16, 2009

You're It...

I have been tagged by my beloved sister-in-law Liz. Because I love her so much I will actually complete and pass on this tag before the day ends (thank goodness I live on the west coast).

7 things about yours truly...

#1 I struggle with the whole “political correctness” thing. I love to laugh and in doing so I will make fun of myself, and at times others. I also have some strong opinions about things with which my more liberal-minded friends do not agree. It is when I am around such people that Steve wishes he had a mute button for me. I have gotten better at business meetings I simply avoid topics that may offend. However, if they ask me about an issue all bets are off. Sorry Honey.

#2 I can read anywhere anytime. The world can be falling apart around me and I can still keep reading. In fact I prefer noise. Silence is when I have to look up from my book. If it is quiet in the house you know something is going on that needs your immediate attention.

#3 I can actually sing. I’ve sung solos, duets, quartets, and in choirs, for prophets, veterans, friends, weddings, and of course church. I sing in the shower, kitchen, and always in the car. My favorites to sing along with are country songs, but Queen is a good alternative.

#4 I don’t like to sweep or mop. The floors get cleaned, but not very happily. I have invested a small fortune on products that promise an easier cleaning, but they are not my friends. The trick is getting the kids to enjoy it.

#5 I am VERY competitive. I don’t deal with losing very well. In my teens, my church team always seemed to lose to the same team (Canyon Rim 4th). One game I snapped and strategically broke the nails (both hands) of their best player. I was hit with a technical foul and had to have an interview with the stake president to continue in the league. Was it worth it? Of course it was – we won.

#6 Sometimes I have a hard time putting myself first. For years my mom has sent me money for my birthday and every year I spend it on somebody else. We haven’t had many nights without the kids, and when we do it usually seems to involve house hunting or childbirth. When we do get away, like a few months ago when Steve took me to a kid-free week in South Carolina I find that it can be nice to be a little selfish sometimes.

#7 At one time I was organized. With each child I let more and more slide. I can get all my kids to church on time, to school on time, I can have dinner on time, and I can even get all of them to their games on time. But open my cupboards, pantry, desk, and closets and be prepared for a mess.

Now it’s your turn... I tag Karie, Ari, and Brenda.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Bring on 2009...

...Funny how 2008 can come to an end and I am among the few who can honestly say, “I have achieved every goal I set". I can say that because I decided to simply survive.

I survived a year of single parenting (I pray I never have to do that again), driving kids to school, endless trips to and from Vegas, movers, moving, landlords, new job (Steve), doctors, surgery (Peyton), Church callings, birthday (3 more till fabulous 40), an election, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. Something’s I handled better than others, but I survived.
I learned that I am a better person if I have a plan. I need a map with directions and an end goal in mind. For 2009 I want to do more than just survive, I want to thrive.
How do I plan on doing this? After all I did take an entire year off. For me it is with one simple word…

Grace:
Noun; beauty or charm of form, composition, movement, or expression; an attractive quality, feature, manner; a sense of what is right and proper; decency thoughtfulness toward others; goodwill; favor.

I am choosing a word for the year, and all my goals are set in line with it.
* I will be more Gracious when talking to others. (I hope my family will benefit most from this).
* I will be Gaceful in body and spirit by:
Showing control in temper, diet, and exercise.
Developing skills in writing, housekeeping, and cooking.
Balancing church, school, family, and friends.
* I will find Grace with my Heavenly Father.

Grace will be with me day to day in the hope that at this time next year when I choose a new word I can one again say that I have accomplished all I set out to do. With Grace it is possible.