Beeba, Bubba, Gordo, and Me

Orphan Boy

2010-03-03T22:31:00.002-07:00

This picture makes Gordo think of an orphan boy who has just been told he isn't really being adopted.

"Wait. So they AREN'T going to be picking me up?"

I laughed so hard when Gordo said that, that my sides hurt.

The Rest

2010-03-02T20:57:00.002-07:00

I posted that picture of Bubba yesterday and didn't have time to post any more, so here I am on Taste Test Tuesday writing a little about the fam.

As I said, Bubba turned 6 months old last Sunday. It hard to believe that a whole half a year has gone by. He rolls over both directions with little effort, loves his feet, couldn't live without his binki, and makes me smile everyday. He is a champion at eating food, in fact, I stocked up last Saturday and here is the proof.

Just the stack of "1st solids" that I unloaded from the boxes.

My Sam's membership expired the first of March, so it was perfect timing to go and stock up on baby food. We bought 216 cans of food (12 boxes of 18 cans). Although this may seem like a lot, I doubt it will get us through the baby food eating stage. We now have a Costco card, and, unfortunately, Costco doesn't sell baby food. (I'm one of those weird people who prefer Sam's to Costco, but Costco is much closer now.)

Beeba is starting to get in the phase where she says really funny things the only problem is I can't always remember what they are when I sit down to write. I'll have to start carrying a notebook with me so that I can remember. Other than that, she is two and acts like it; a terror one minute and jewel the next.

Gordo's marathon training is going well. He runs almost everyday and works out at least twice a day. To top that off he just finished his first block of classes and has received one of his grades back; he worked hard and deserved the A he received.

As for me, I'm just excited to be making my favorite meal, turkey soup. The in-laws had turkey on Sunday and graciously gave me the carcasses; I love when I don't have to eat a whole turkey before I can enjoy the soup!

Can't Wait

2010-03-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Just edited this picture of Bubba yesterday at his 6 month photo shoot, and I loved it so much I couldn't wait to share it!

Your Turn

2010-02-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

This week's reading had so many interesting things to contemplate. Instead of picking one myself this week I was wondering where the reading lead your thoughts? The birth of Jesus was such a special event I'm sure you have thoughts.

Training

2010-02-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

Training went well this week. I lost some poundage too so that was kind of a bonus, not what I running for but a bonus none the less.

I'll be running four miles tomorrow, I think I'll do okay, I mean, I usually run 3 miles during my weekday runs so what another mile? (I guarantee I won't be saying that when I'm increasing in the teen and twenty mileage range.)

Other than that, not much to report here other than I wish deer would start to employ the buddy system. One meandered out of some trees about 5 feet in front of me, stopped, looked around (thankfully not at me or I would have seriously peed my pants), then crossed the street. Sounds okay except deer emerge one at a time (hence thinking they should have a buddy system) and you never know how many there might be. Two, four, seven? You don't know. This particular time there were only two, but I definitely stayed still for about five minutes just to ensure I wouldn't be met by one when I crossed their path.

If you want more interesting or motivating posts, head on over to Gordo's blog.

Snow Day

2010-02-25T22:32:00.001-07:00

Q & A

2010-02-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

First of all there was some comments about the Layton Marathon and I'm not sure where to answer except here. Yes, Layton has a marathon but this is its first year. If you want to know more you can go to laytonmarathon.com

My friend Branda tagged me the other day so here goes.

1. 8 things I'm passionate about

Beeba

Bubba

Gordo

Okay, family in general

Journaling

Friendships

Church

Cleanliness

2. Eight words or phrases I use the most

Bubba

Beeba

I love you

Stop that

Don't touch that

Help me Beebs

Hello? (answering the phone)

Daddy

3. Eight things I want to do before I die

Rock climb

Fly a plane

Go to every continent but Antarctica

Skydive

Attend my kids' weddings

Meet all my grandchildren

Build a house

Invent a recipe from scratch

4. Eight places I want to visit

Greece

Fiji

Japan

Italy

Egypt

Spain

Costa Rica

China

5. Eight Favorite Restaurants

Almost Lahina

El Matador

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Wingers

The Rio Grande

Ichiban/Happy Sumo

Roosters

Five Star

6. Eight TV Shows I watch

Keeping up with the Kardashians

The First 48

Sex and the City

Big Bang Theory

Two and a Half Men

Curious George

Umm...

7. I'm suppose to tag eight people, but I'm going to leave it blank.

Sweet and Sour Meetballs

2010-02-23T21:10:00.001-07:00

This recipe isn't that healthy but it sure is good! Everyone in our house loves it (Gordo just informed me he would give it six out of five stars) and there are hardly ever leftovers! I don't know of anyone who made these except my mom and I was lucky enough to have her send it to me days before her passing so its definitely comfort food to me.

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cut rolled oats
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/3 cup onion finely chopped
3/4 tea salt
Few grains pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup milk

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Form into balls, each about 2 inches in diameter.
Place in casserole dish in a single layer.
Cover with sauce (below)

Sauce:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 c barbecue sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Combine all ingredients and blend thoroughly.
Pour over meatballs

350 degrees
30 minutes

Serve over rice

Little Chef

2010-02-22T21:55:00.002-07:00

Bubba is 25 weeks old today, we are almost to the half year mark! The poor guy has been sick the past couple days though, with a runny nose, congested cough, and watery eyes. The poor bug! He's been way cuddly, so as much as I hate to see him not feel well, I love the snuggle time! He slept quite a bit today, and after his second long nap he seemed to feel a little better.

Beeba is our little chef lately. Yesterday she helped her daddy make some cookies and today she helped me make sweet and sour meatballs. She is accurate enough at pouring that 99% of things get in the bowl and she loves to learn what all the ingredients are called. Its fun for Gordo and I too because we get constant praise for the littlest thing. Like today, I got the brown sugar out and received a "You got brown sugar! Good job Mom!"

Prepared Way

2010-02-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday post, Eliza made some wonderful comments on the question I posed about sin in the premortal world. She gave some insight that we could maybe make right or wrong choices but wrong choices might not be the same as sin as we know it in this world. You can read her comments at the end of this post.

This week the book covered John and how he was foreordained to prepare the way for Christ. This made me wonder, was there anyone sent to earth foreordained to prepare the way for me? Am I foreordained to prepare the way for someone else?

Maybe the role of parents is to prepare the way for our children, but Christ had goodly parents and yet still had John. Was this because he was so special he needed more that just his parents to prepare his way?

I have always kind of felt that some people die before others because they are to prepare things for people here on earth. An example would be my maternal grandmother dying just two years before my mother. I feel that my grandma needed to prepare the way in the spirit world for my mom to enter when it was her time. So, do I think people, other than just John, could be sent to earth before others to prepare a way for someone still in the premortal life? I would have to say yes.

We just finished reading chapter 7 and will be reading through the end of chapter 8 next week.

Eliza's comments

Jesus was chosen in the premortal realm, and He was the only one in the mortal realm without sin. Clearly, we had the ability to make choices in our premortal existence because a third part chose to follow Lucifer, and the rest of us chose to follow Jehovah. We may not have enough revealed knowledge about our premortal life to know whether making wrong choices there constituted sin as we know it here. It may be analogous to little children who are capable of making wrong choices during their early years of life but are not capable of committing sin. Or of Adam and Eve in Eden before their transgression and fall.

The Book of Mormon teaches that there can be no sin if there is no law (see such references as 2 Nephi 2:13, 23 or Alma 42:20-21), and I think we do not know enough about our prior life to know what the nature of "the law" was there. Was the gospel plan, which clearly was introduced to us there, pertaining specifically to our mortal probation? I'm not sure we know enough details.

Also, there were some there who excelled at righteousness. The scriptures refer to them as "the noble and great ones" (see Abraham 3:22 and D&C 138:55). And some were referred to as "good" (Abraham 3:23), implying perhaps that some were "bad." Progression, to a certain point at least, was possible in that premortal realm (Abraham 3:26 refers to such progression as "keep[ing] their first estate," just as our obedience and progression here constitutes "keep[ing] our second estate"). That would also account for our doctrine that some were foreordained, including each of us who have made covenants with God, to certain responsibilities or missions here.

Those are some initial thoughts on the matter. Does that answer your question? I suppose it doesn't really matter as long as we are making the right choices here in this life.

My dad emailed me today with further insights...

"I came across another passage which would suggest to me that there was probably not sin, as we think of it here, in the premortal life: "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad" (2 Nephi 2:11), and then the following verses speak of the Lord's allowing the opposition between the forbidden fruit and the tree of life in the Garden of Eden as a means of "bring[ing] about His eternal purposes in the end of man" (2 Nephi 2:15). That suggests to me there was no opposition before that. And it seems unlikely that opposition would have existed in heaven (except apparently at the rebellion of Lucifer and those who chose to follow him, for that was an opposition sufficient for John to describe it as war [see Revelation 12:7]).

Another passage seems to suggest that there was no sin before the fall: "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19). There was no such thing as a natural man before the fall of Adam; the fall is what introduced the state of nature (or mortality) that is in opposition to God. I take that to mean there were no natural men (aka sinful people) in the premortal realm.

Earth life or mortality is the laboratory where we are tested. It seems that here is where sin and repentance enter as parts of the equation. We have no sufficient revealed knowledge that sin exists in either premortality or post-mortality. Elder McConkie once taught that for a faithful person who dies in the Lord his mortal death ends his probation and if he was on the right track heading in the right direction it is as though his calling and election is made sure at the time of his death because one cannot sin or fall off the path once he is in the spirit world. (That whole preceding sentence is a paraphrase because I cannot put my fingers on the exact quote, but that was the essence of it.) To me that is very comforting doctrine."

Porch Monkeys

2010-02-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

Someday Gordo and I will have a wrap around porch like this

leading to a deck like one of these

leading to simple backyard like this.

Let the Races Begin!

2010-02-19T22:58:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to do something Gordo wants to do, you know, instead of being my normal selfish self, I'll be training for the Park City Half Marathon starting tomorrow. This is more than enough time to train for this race but if I start tomorrow, and really choose to, I'll have just enough time to train for the Layton Marathon as well. To be honest, I'd rather to the Park City Half and then a sprint Triathlon this year, but Jordan and I hate buying on credit, and a nice road bike just isn't in the budget right now, so the Layton Marathon will have to do. Here is how the training will go.

Mondays - Timed run ~ 45 minutes, distance doesn't matter
Tuesdays - Cross train ~ walk with the kids, weights, etc.
Wednesdays - Cross train ~ walk with the kids, weights, etc.
Thursdays - Timed run ~ 45 minutes, distance doesn't matter
Fridays - Cross train ~ walk with the kids, weights, etc.
Saturdays - Distance run ~ mileage below, time doesn't matter

Distance Runs

February
20 - 3 miles
27 - 4 miles

March
6 - 5 miles
13 - 6 miles
20 - 7 miles
27 - 8 miles

April
3 - 9 miles
10 - 10 miles
17 - 6 miles
24 -12 miles

May
1 - 6 miles
8 - 14 miles
15 - 6 miles
22 - 15 miles
29 - 6 miles

June
5 - 16 miles
12 - 6 miles
19 - 17 miles
26 - 7 miles

July
3 - 18 miles
10 - 7 miles
17 - 19 miles
24 - 7 miles
31 - 20 miles

August
7 - 7 miles
14 - 21 miles
21 - 13.1 miles (Park City Half)
28 - 22 miles

September
4 - 8 miles
11 - 23 miles
18 - 8 miles
25 - 24 miles

October
2 - 8 miles
9 - 26.2 miles (Layton Marathon)

What I've Been Up To

2010-02-18T21:47:00.002-07:00

When Mom died we decided to donate her organs. As Curtis put it, "Some people got a really great Christmas present." 3-5 people to be exact. Mom had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure in May, so they weren't able to take her heart or her lungs, but since her maternal grandfather was blind, it was SO important to her that she donate her corneas. We have hear that her liver and one kidney went to men, and her other kidney went to a woman, but we haven't heard about her corneas yet so we aren't sure if one or two people received them.

Anyway, Utah donor services sent out a newsletter that had a section talking about their donor quilt. The section said that we could make a quilt square in remembrance of Mom and send it to them to be sewn into their larger quilt. Dad was pretty excited about this idea and asked me if I would do it. Of course I said yes, so I researched what I could do for the quilt. As Dad put it, "It seems almost unfair to have to put someone's life on a 7"x7" piece of fabric." but at least she gets to be represented somewhere.

After looking at a bunch of different ideas I decided that a scrapbook quilt would work best. This is what I came up with.

I've since read that the square has to be dry cleanable, and since I hadn't actually sew anything but the fabric together, I decided I'm going to scan all the elements into the computer and have a copy place print them on transfer paper that I will iron onto the fabric. Don't tell Dad, but I'm going to take the actual elements and make him a square he can keep for his own. Shhhh!

Dad and I picked out the fabric and the elements together. The outer fabric is suppose to represent her love of travel. The inner black fabric is suppose to represent her time as a teacher. Mother and World's Greatest Grandma speak for themselves, as would Wife if it weren't for the verse below. Dad asked me to add it. It was was they said on their wedding announcement.

Once I believed
that when love came to me
it would come with rockets,
bells and poetry.
But with me and you
it just started quietly
and grew...

Mom also had a love for family history so when I found the Heritage and this quote

A
Family
Tree Can
Wither if
Nobody Tends Its
Roots

I had to add them too.

The books represent her love of reading.

Poor Gordo

2010-02-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

Gordo married the wrong person and sometimes I feel bad for him. In my opinion, watching sports is a complete waste of my precious time. I don't know how much time God has given me on this earth, so I definitely don't want to waste it watching sports, except maybe a little Cougar football, but even then, just a little.

So this month Gordo has been left to watch sports by himself. First it was the Superbowl. I sat there but I talked about anything other than the game for the majority of it, and now its the Olympics. He should just be proud I know its on this year, unlike the last Summer Olympics which I didn't realize were on until the very last day. Maybe one day I'll get past myself and enjoy this stuff with him.

Black Bean Burritos

2010-02-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Kat posted this recipe on our family cooking blog. We tried it and loved it! I'm not sure what the calorie count on it is, I just know its healthy.

Black Bean Burritos

INGREDIENTS

* 4 (10" round) tortillas
* 1 sweet onion, chopped
* 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
*1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 T minced jalapeno peppers
* 2 T garlic salt ( I added a lot more, but I am notorious for adding ample spice)
* 1 1/2 t chili powder (once again, I added more so I guessed how much would be normal)
* 1 t salt
* 3 T chopped, fresh cilantro
* 1-2 c Spanish rice with tomatoes
** 4 T sour cream OR 4 T cream cheese
Directions

1. Wrap tortillas in foil and bake for 350F for 15 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper and jalapeno in skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Pour beans into skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, while adding garlic salt and chili powder.

3. Stir cilantro and rice into mixture

4. Spread cream cheese or sour cream onto tortilla. Be careful not to get too close to the edges, or it will be hard to fold.

5. Spoon mixture evenly down the center of the tortilla and fold.

Monday is Family Fun Day!

2010-02-15T21:56:00.002-07:00

Since I didn't blog last week I feel like I have to stuff to blog about this week.

For Valentines Day, Gordo decided to pierce Beeba's ears. I wasn't too keen on the idea since she is two and I thought she would freak out and touch them all the time, but it really hasn't been that bad. She doesn't touch them and is fairly good about letting us clean them, its the turning them in her ear she doesn't like.

We decided to do it spur of the moment on Saturday. My friend Ashley was dying and cutting my hair (its the first time I've really cut it in about four years, and she only charges me $5.00 to dye it, yes you read that right, $5.00, and nothing to cut it) anyway, Ash was commenting on how she wanted to get her three month old daughter's ears pierced but she couldn't bare to watch it and her husband wouldn't go with her. I volunteered to go hold Kinnley while they poked her and, after a little contemplation, Gordo decided to have Beeba's done as well. $28.75 later Beeba walked out with her ears looking like this. (Sorry they are blurry. My camera battery died and I couldn't find the chord to charge it until today so these were taken with a different camera.)

She didn't cry at the pain either. She cried but it was because Daddy had to hold her so she couldn't move and two strange ladies were touching her. She loves the earrings and is always talking about how pretty her ears are.

Beeb's has been a snuggle bug lately. She always wants to lay in our bed and curl up in a blanket. 75% of the time she asks you to come snuggle her, or, if you are laying there, she will come snuggle with you. She would love to snuggle Tina, the dog, but Tina doesn't put up with it much. Today Beeba said, "I love you Mom!" to which I replied, "Thank you! I love you more!" to which she replied "I love you more!" This conversation went on all the way into the grocery store.

Beebs is into EVERYTHING, as all two year-olds are, but Gordo, my dad, and I all love it. It keeps things entertaining and new.

Bubba is 24 weeks old and cuter than ever. He loves his rice cereal, but only if made with apple juice, laughs all the time, and loves to play with Tina, Beeba, Grandpa, Mommy, or Daddy. He happy just about everywhere he is as long as he isn't alone; definitely a people person. Bubba got a pimp Spiderman hat for Valentines. I think he looks so cute in it!

Gordo has been busy busy busy at school and work. He is just about done with his first block of classes and thinks he did well in his class that ends next week. He still doesn't have a calling in church, so he feels a little lost there, but thinks his calling might just be helping my Dad for the next little while. He was so excited to take the day off today and spend it with the fam, is still working hard at his marathon training, and is doing a weight loss blitz over the next 12 weeks to try and win a $1,000 travel gift card from his work.

As for me, nothing too exciting is going on. Last year my mom promised me that I could have her sewing machine when she got a new one, so when I saw my sister-in-law Kelsey putting it in the moving truck to take to Seattle last September I was a little disappointed. I jokingly talked about this with my mom the day before she died since she was having Curtis bring it back with him when he came for Christmas so that she could take in some of her clothes. He did bring it, but when she died I sent it back up to Seattle with Kelsey. This left me without a machine but I needed one. Dad said he would buy me one, and I had heard Kohl's had some so he and I went to look. They had one left, 80% off so it cost a whopping $25.99! I couldn't find a used one for a better price, I was so excited!

Today, for President's day, the five of us decided to go to drive in burger place. When we got there we found out they were taking the holiday off so we ended up at Wingers. It wasn't what we traveled over an hour to eat but it was good anyway and we all had some fun.

For the Dogs

2010-02-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight for the Elders Quorum party we went to an amazing house. The owner gave us a tour, she said she didn't want to brag but she liked showing it otherwise it would be like a quilt she kept hidden in the closet, meaning she did a ton of work and wanted someone to see it.

She and her husband had incorporated some of the ideas that Gordo and I had for our home but also gave us some new ideas like lighting you control from your phone, his and her offices, and no tv or video games in the basement. One thing I didn't see but I want is a dog shower/ dirty foot bath in the mud room.

This will be a great place to wash the dog or kid's muddy feet when they come in from playing.

Looking for Ideas

2010-02-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

I was wondering if anyone had any arm exercises that they love? I have bands and hand weights, but haven't found anything I'm super in love with doing. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Oh Deer

2010-02-11T22:03:00.002-07:00

I'll admit it. I have an ungodly fear of deer. UNGODLY! Since I was safely in the kitchen yesterday when I noticed these three ladies wander into the backyard, seemingly from the front yard, I felt okay about taking pictures. However, when Gordo came home HOURS later and told me that they were in the lot next door and that it was my turn to take the poopy diaper out to the garbage I almost peed my pants in fear of running into one, or worse, one of them seeing me.

Beeba enjoyed them though and kept asking me, once they were gone, to "go home and find deer" meaning get in the car and go find them. I of course passed on the suggestion.

I Miss Her

2010-02-10T15:49:00.001-07:00

Today would have been my Mom's 65th birthday.

Last weekend Gordo and I were able to attend the play "Having Our Say", a story about 100 year old sisters who were black and lived through some of the most tumultuous times in our country. One part of it was a monologue on how Sadie felt when her mom died. I could barely keep it together. It went like this

"Now, you might ask, what happens to a Mama's child when her Mama passes on? Well, it was worse than anything. Her passing hurt me something terrible. I was so dependent on my Mama. When I was a grown woman and moved up to New York, I wrote at least one letter everyday to my Mama, back in North Carolina. Child, a day didn't go by that I didn't send her a letter, or sometimes two. And after Papa died, and Mama left Raleigh and moved in with me and Bessie, I was so glad. Until the day she died, Mama called me her "shadow". So when she died I thought, maybe I should die myself. I was depressed. But Mama was gone, and I had to think about the world in a completely different way. Bessie says that for the first time in my life, I seemed to come into my own, as and individual person."

Now I obviously didn't move to New York or write letters, but I did get married, move to my own home, and called my Mama at least once a day, sometimes more. I still feel lost without her. I still feel cheated; I feel she was cheated. I'm becoming so angry about the whole situation, which I understand is a normal part of the grievance process, but it doesn't make it any better. I think I am coming into my own, becoming my own person, but it scares me, because I'm realizing I don't really know who I truly am.

On a somewhat lighter note, we made a blanket for my Dad and gave it to him today on her birthday. He and my mom traveled a lot and her thing was to get a shirt or sweatshirt with the name of the place they had been embroidered on it. When we cleaned out Mom's closet, my sister-in-law Julie had the idea to cut them out and put them on a blanket. She and my other sister-in-law Kelsey cut them out and Julie and I put the blanket together the past two days. My dad loved it.

Pepper Steak

2010-02-09T21:51:00.001-07:00

This is an Asian flavored dish that the Hubster rated this 3.5 stars out of 5. I gave it a solid 4.

Pepper Steak*

1 lb sirloin or round steak
Nonfat nonstick cooking spray
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup cooking wine (any kind)**
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) beef broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Slice steak into thin strips, across grain. Spray large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Saute green and red pepper and onion slices, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. Quickly brown steak strips in hot skillet, stirring and turning as they cook. Lower heat and add soy sauce, cooking wine, and garlic to skillet. Simmer 10 minutes, then add beef broth and return vegetables to skillet. Simmer 5 minutes. Mix cornstarch and water together, then add to skillet, stirring to thicken. Serve over rice.

Recipe makes 6 servings

168 Calories
19.6 g Protein
9.3 g Carbohydrate
3.2 g Fat
1.12 g Saturated fat
44 mg Cholesterol

Diabetic exchanges: Lean protein, 2; vegetable, 2

I served this with steamed carrots, and since I'm not sure if the rice is included in the calories so I'll say the entire dinner was about 300 calories.

*Recipe from Real Food for people with Diabetes by Doris Cross with Alice Williams

**This can be bought at the local liquor store. The unused portion does need to be refrigerated as it will turn to vinegar and go moldy within a few days.

Could We Sin or Not Sin, That is The Question

2010-02-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't really known how to conduct the discussion on Jesus the Christ I'm going to post some of the thoughts and questions I've had as I read since I started the book not just this week's reading.

Part of the book stated that Jesus was chosen before we came to earth because he was the only one without sin, and thus, the only one with the ability to atone for us. This made me wonder, did we have the ability to sin in the preexistence? My past knowledge would tell me no, sin is something we do on earth at a test of our faith and righteousness. At the same time however, the statement that Christ was the only perfect one makes me think that we could have sinned before we came to earth since that statement was said of him before he descended down here. Also, was it a sin for the 1/3 of the angels who didn't pick to follow Jesus?

It has been said, not in the book, well, not as far as I have read anyway, that there were some more righteous than others, Micheal, Gabriel, Moroni, etc. in the preexistence. This too would imply we had the ability to sin, unless by righteousness they mean intelligence.

Anyway, those were my thoughts the past while. What stood out to you or what do you think about sinning in the preexistence?

(We have read to page 60 or footnote o (Luke 2:1) in chapter 6.) We will be reading this week through page 75 or the end of chapter 6.

Kid Friendly

2010-02-06T23:57:00.000-07:00

Love these kids rooms! The pink and green is a great combo, the argyle paint is genius, and the bunk beds and table are perfection!

Mission Accomplished

2010-02-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

I did it. I ran 5 days this week even though it wasn't always easy. Since Gordo has school, my runs were sometimes pretty late at night (I don't function in the mornings so early morning running is OUT OF THE QUESTION) as late as 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm. I started by running about two miles in a circle around the house. That run had a ton of hills and I hated almost every minute of it. The last three days, I ran a 3 mile stretch but is was a little flatter and really enjoyed myself. I really enjoyed my run tonight as I had someone to go with, my sister-in-law Julie and my niece Kiylee came along (Kiylee wanted to come but about a quarter of the way through was done. We told her it would be long before we left but I guess 8 year olds still don't have distance perception like we do. Anyway, she was a trooper and made it all the way through with minimal complaining.)

This week will be even harder to run than last because Gordo has a mandatory work dinner and two days of classes but I still plan to run at least Monday and Friday. If his dinner doesn't go too late I'll run Thursday as well. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and possibly Thursday I will be doing arm exercises. I'm supposed to be on Triceps this month but I did so terrible at Biceps last month I'll just concentrate on arms in general. Wish me luck!

How Was Your Day?

2010-02-04T22:35:00.001-07:00

How was your day? Up or down?

Bring on the Chesney

2010-02-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish you all a happy Kenny Chesney month! That is right, this is year four that we have celebrated the Chesney; four years ago one of the local country stations had a big bill board announcing that February was Kenny Chesney month, you know, cause he fits in well with Black History Month.

Spinach Fettuccine in Cheese Sauce

2010-02-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

I made this dish about a week ago and Gordo and I both only rate it 2 out of 5 stars. It wasn't terrible, but not something I'm going to add to the normal rotation. I'll probably pull it out again when we are dying for something different to eat.

Spinach Fettuccine in Cheese Sauce

1 1/4 c part-skim ricotta cheese
1 c fat-free milk
1 1/2 c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 c grated nonfat Parmesan cheese
2 T margarine
4 garlic cloves, crushed
Two 10-ounce boxes frozen chipped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 cups hot cooked spinach fettuccine

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta, milk, mozzarella and Parmesan; puree.

2. In a large nonstick skillet over low heat, melt the margarine. Saute the garlic until deep brown, 4-5 minutes; keep the heat low so it doesn't burn.

3. Add the cheese mixture and spinach to the garlic; cook stirring, until heated through. Ad the fettuccine; toss gently to coat.

Per serving: 335 Calories, 13 g Total fat, 6 g Saturated Fat, 57 mg Cholesterol, 462 mg Sodium, 30 g Total Carbohydrate, 2 g Dietary Fiber, 26 g Protein, 627 mg Calcium.

Recipe from the Weight Watchers Cookbook and worth 7 points per serving.

I served this with salad, french bread, and milk bringing the calorie total right around 600.

Pictures, Pictures, and More Pictures

2010-02-01T23:25:00.002-07:00

The other day Beeba wanted "Princents" hair and then wanted me to take a bunch of pictures. Afterward, Bubba had woken up but he wasn't too sure he wanted his picture taken. Beeba then wanted pictures with Bubba on her lap...Bubba wasn't too sure about this either, but soon warmed up to the idea. Then he got his situp on and so Beeba wanted pictures with Bubba by her side and her bear too. Bubba looked at me like "Ahh, are you kidding me! I don't want to sit by her!" But once again warmed up to the idea...well, sort of.

My brother Kyle had surgery on his sinuses last Thursday and did some recovery at our house. After Beeba got used to the initial shock she was Kyle's little get well buddy; it was too sweet.

Last Saturday, Beeba's friend Bostynn had her 2nd birthday party. Bostynn was wearing the cutest dress, and, as I had made tutus in the past, I was confident I could make Beeba one before church the next day. Here is Bost in her dress...

and here is the one I made in about two hours. We added a cropped white sweater with it cause its so cold outside and she looked adorable. Beeba loved it and was the envy of all the girls in nursery. The other girls kept trying to touch it, but of course, Beeba is two so it was "Beeba's dressth!" and she didn't want them to touch it.

Bubba turned 5 months old yesterday and 22 weeks today. He is a smiling and laughing machine. He isn't too into the rolling over thing but is working on the sitting up. He goes 5 - 6 hours between feedings during the day and 6-7 hours between feedings at night. He will eat his rice cereal if we make it with apple juice but still prefers nursing to any other kind of food. He is my little snuggle bud and I love him immensely.

Your Thoughts Needed

2010-01-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you participating in reading "Jesus the Christ" I would like you opinion on how to conduct our Sunday discussions. Would you just like me to put a synopsis of what was written or thoughts that I had as I read it or both or something else? I'm just not sure how to conduct this discussion of the book so help please!

Everybody Poops

2010-01-30T22:19:00.001-07:00

Everybody poops, I would just like to do it in luxury like this one day.

Or like I once did in Vegas in this bathroom

Run and Not Be Weary

2010-01-29T23:57:00.001-07:00

Let the week of running commence. At least 5 runs this week; no exeptions.

Sleep

2010-01-28T11:07:00.001-07:00

Beeba's "thing" is to sleep anywhere but her bed during nap time. Yesterday it was half under the guest bed that is in her room. This is what I saw as I peeked in to see if she had fallen asleep.

That is the bed skirt she is using as covers. Her head and shoulders were under the bed.

The day before I hit her with the door as she had fallen asleep about 4 inches from it. As long as I can see her when I look in, i.e. NOT in the hamper, I'm okay wherever she sleeps.

Realizations

2010-01-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend I realized the following things:

1. Once you are a grandparent, it doesn't matter who a baby belongs to, you will reach out and take said baby to play with, oh and ah at, and make squeaky noises to until fussiness ensues. Happened twice on Sunday during church and it was nice.

2. Older people no longer have more intelligent conversations than me and my peers. This used to be the case most of the time, but at church last week I overheard a 50ish year old man saying, in reference to a local senator being arrested for drunk driving, "Drinking wasn't the problem. Driving after he had been drinking was the problem." This man is by no means stupid, he is quite smart, but his comment made me think, "Duh!" I also thought about the dinner conversation we had with friends on Friday and realized ours was just as, if not more, intelligent than the conversation I overheard.

3. Women have a slightly easier time when a spouse dies than a man does. Probably because they are used to doing the everyday things like cooking, laundry, cleaning,etc. Men have to pick up these habits. I feel really bad for my dad right now. Things will get better though, I know it.

Rolling Snow Buddies

2010-01-25T23:37:00.003-07:00

I told you Bubba would roll this week. He did it Wednesday morning on the kitchen table as I was reading the paper. He looked so proud of himself.

He hasn't had the roll over bug much since Wednesday though. He did it a bunch that day and then decided it was on to sitting up. Yep, the little guy can sit by his lonesome for a good 2-3 minutes before he takes the tumble. He is working on the balance though and will be sitting up for minutes on end any day now (I say minutes on end cause, lets face it, babies don't have an attention span to do anything hours on end). I'll get pictures of this soon.

Beeba had a wonderful day today as her cousin Kiylee spent the day with us. Kiylee must be the secret ingredient to getting her to enjoy the snow as today was the first time she enjoyed being outside in the cold.

While they were happily frolicking and playing in the snow, Bubba and I spent a hum drum time doing the laundry. He enjoyed the experience once I turned on the dryer and he could watch the clothes swirl around and I enjoyed looking at this cute 21 week old face; who wouldn't enjoy it right?

To end, Beeba was eating a snack at the table the other day. I was waiting for her to finish, and in the process, I guess I got a little tired as I leaned on the table, sighed, and put my face in my hands. She looked at me, sighed, and did the same. It was too cute.

Lets be Honest...

2010-01-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

Lets be honest, not only did I not workout faithfully this week, I didn't read faithfully either. I don't want to leave you without anything though so I'll leave you with this scripture cross referenced on page 13. I love it the minute I read it; a real testimony builder.

2 Nephi 11:7

For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fullness of his own time.

I read it and just new it was true.

Beauty on the Outside IS What Matters

2010-01-23T23:24:00.001-07:00

Someday our house will look like this

Gordo and I are officially in love.

Basically...

2010-01-22T22:52:00.001-07:00

Basically, I sucked at working out this week. Here is to next week being better.

Ahhh...

2010-01-21T22:04:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...I know I'm home when I see this out the kitchen window.

Still Learning From the Master

2010-01-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

In the midst of a mini pity party the other night as I went through my mom's things, I was thinking about how much I wish she could still be here to teach me how to be a mother. A few minutes later I found this scrap of paper with the following quote written in her handwriting. (I have always found something so comforting in my mom's handwriting, even before recent events, so I've scanned it in in case I loose the original).

"There are two things you give your children one is roots and the other is wings."

I felt so comforted when I found this. Just as I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to learn anything more about mothering from my own mother I found the perfect advice.

I'm not sure how long she had this quote but she sure followed it. My mother always made sure we knew where we came from but gave us the freedom to grow and become our own person. Lets hope I can live up to her example.

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy

2010-01-19T21:40:00.001-07:00

This is the last recipe from "Real Food for People with Diabetes" by Doris Cross with Alice Williams, well the last one for now.

Hubby really liked this one, it was his favorite with five out of five stars. I didn't like it so much and would probably give it three out of five stars.

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy

Chicken
Nonfat nonstick cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 ounces each)
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
2 cups crushed cornflakes
Salt and black pepper, optional

Gravy
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup evaporated skim milk
1 cup skim milk
2 teaspoons dry butter flavor sprinkles
Salt and black pepper, optional

Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Lightly pound each chicken breast until thin and tenderized, then dip in egg whites and roll in cornflakes. Place chicken in skillet and brown slowly, turning only once, over low heat because they burn easily over higher heat. Remove from skillet when thoroughly cooked and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Add flour to skillet and brown over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This also burns easily, so be vigilant. When flour is browned, remove from heat.

In medium bowl, combine chicken broth, evaporated skim milk and regular skim milk, and butter flavor sprinkles. Using a whisk, add to flour in skillet while still removed from heat. Return skillet to medium heat and continue to stir until gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper, if desired. Serve hot gravy over chicken breasts.

Makes 4 servings.

Each serving has:

435 calories
38.4 g protein
61.9g carbohydrate
3.3g fat
.99 g saturated fat
75 mg cholesterol

diabetic exchanges: Lean protein, 4; starch, 2; skim milk, 1/2

I served this with corn, milk, and rolls for a total of about 600 calories.

This and That

2010-01-18T23:20:00.001-07:00

Bubba is now 20 weeks old. When I looked at him today he had so much personality and looked so much more mature than he did yesterday. I'd venture to say he got 10 times cuter overnight but I'm a little biased.

He was closer to rolling over last night than ever before. He was on the kitchen table, and had he been on a soft surface he probably would have done it but just got stuck on that shoulder. I'm confident I'll have roll over pictures by next week.

Beeba decided today that she can now read book by herself. She read me the whole book Hop on Pop and did pretty well. Of course when I pulled out the video camera she wouldn't perform.

Gordo is as busy as ever. He is busy working on his MBA and working full time; yet, he has still made plenty of time for his family. He is so excited to further his education but he is so sad when he doesn't see the kids for two days. He just keeps reminding himself its only two years. He is also busy training for his 1st marathon! I found him a running buddy and he is as happy as can be.

As for me, I'm just enjoying my kids trying to get used to my new life.

I'll leave you with the pictures we took as we saw these portipotties lifted 25 stories in the air. It was pretty cool!

Agency

2010-01-17T22:50:00.001-07:00

So far, "Jesus the Christ" has gone along quite nicely with our Sunday School lessons. Mostly about the preexistence and the war in heaven. Really, I feel like it has been more about Satan that Christ.

To me it seems, in some ways, that Satan's plan was pretty nice. At least in his plan I couldn't fail and I would be sure to make it back to God. So I asked Gordo today why agency was so important to God? His answer was simple, agency is what helps us to know what good and bad feel like. What it is like to be happy and what it is like to be sad. So I thought to myself, if our ultimate goal is to become Gods and Goddesses of our own worlds we need that knowledge to guide our own people. It clicked.

Where did this week's 15 pages lead your thought process? What did you gain from reading?

Sarah's House

2010-01-16T23:13:00.001-07:00

I'm in love! Sarah's House on HGTV, now the only show on my must see list! I love that show, especially the closet doors in the Master Bedroom. The only problem is that I can't find a picture of them. The Mater Bedroom episode aired tonight, so catch a rerun just to see those.

In the mean time I LOVE LOVE LOVE the following!

I love when color is used in accent pieces like it is here. This room is so full of light and so inviting. Maybe someday I'll have a sitting room like this.

Love the dark floors contrasted with the white walls!

Hall storage! Who'd have thunk?!

Now that is a big open kitchen!!!! Someday...

Yup, my future formal dining room. Love the thick white moldings around the doorway and the wainscot.

This is currently a kitchen but too small for me. I think it would make a great laundry room though. The counter where the sink is would be a folding counter, the oven would be a washer and dryer, and across from all that would be floor length cabinets to store things and hanging rods to hand clothes after they come out of the dryer. Maybe even a ironing board that folds down from the wall. I must have a window in my laundry; its been decided.

I'm a Big Looser

2010-01-15T23:07:00.001-07:00

This week I have basically just done the Biggest Looser Boot Camp DVD. I like this one because it is actually a whole hour long and is a really good workout! Other than that I have done lots of repetitive arm exercises with my band set until my arms couldn't take any more.

This week I will be trying the following exercises I found at fitnessmagazine.com

Sculpt slim, sexy arms with this quickie upper-body boot camp.

Propped Push-Up

What you'll need: A 4- to 8-pound medicine ball ($15 and up, power-systems.com)

Targets: Shoulders, back, chest , triceps , and abs

Jay Sullivan

Before

After

Smash-Down

Targets: Shoulders, back, triceps , and abs

Star Pass

Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, obliques , and glutes

Before

After

Now That She is Alive, I'm Going to Kill Her

2010-01-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

These are my pictures for the day.

Looks like an average hamper, no? Well, today Beeba decided that is wasn't your average hamper; no, this was her nap spot.

Here is the play by play.

I put Beeba down for her nap about 2:00. I read her stories, put her in bed, closed the bedroom door, and went to the kitchen to talk with Dad. About 45 minutes to and hour later I went up to check and see if she had actually fallen asleep. It was quiet when I peaked my head in so I almost left it at that, but then I realized it didn't look like she was in her bed. I set Bubba down and went in her room for further inspection. Nope, not in bed. Could she have fallen asleep on the floor in the closet perhaps? No. Did she climb under the bed? No! Maybe she got out of the room somehow (she can't open most of the doors in our house so it wasn't likely), I looked all over the upstairs and nothing!!!

After I few minutes of looking upstairs and alerted Dad that I couldn't find her. The two of us spent 15 minutes combing the whole house yelling for her and looking in every nook and cranny we could think of. Nothing! I noticed that the front door was unlocked, and when it, is it is one of the only doors she can open, the thing was, from where Dad and I were sitting, it would have been pretty hard for he to go out that door without us noticing. Still I looked outside. The gate was closed, pretty sure she couldn't open it, and if she did, pretty sure she wouldn't cover her tracks by closing it. The backyard isn't fenced all the way though so I looked for footprints in the snow. Nothing.

I call Gordo's office. No answer. I call his cell. No answer. I text him. "I can't find Beeba."

I called 911.

"911. Where is your emergency?"
I rattle off our address.
"What is your emergency?"
"I put my daughter down for a nap about an hour ago; I went to check on her and I can't find her anywhere!"
"You can't find her?"
"No! I've looked everywhere!"
"Have you looked in closets and under the beds?"
"Yes!" - hello, I just said I've looked everywhere!
"How old is she?"
"Two."
"What is her name and what was she wearing?"
"Beeba. She was wear a yellow and white striped shirt with a pink Gap sweatshirt over the top." I stop. Oh crap, I think as I realize the rest. "She has no pants on! I didn't put her pants back on so she is only in a pink diaper! If she got out she is going to freeze!!!!!"
"Okay, we have an officer going to the area."
"Thank you! Bye!"

Gordo calls to say he is on his way. I run around the house yelling for her again. I keep hearing my Dad cry out "Beeba! SBeeba, I can't do another one of these!!! Beeba!!" If I wasn't already heartbroken she may be gone forever, this breaks my heart even more.

I can't imagine how she could have gotten out of the room! The only logical explanation is that someone broke in and took her! I think to myself "Glad I called 911 in case whoever took her kills her. Now hopefully they won't blame me!" (I know, weird thought but I thought it.)

I go back up to her room. "She couldn't possible have gotten in the hamper." I thought. I open in up and almost don't notice she was in there, but then I saw her hair. I pull her limp body, a sweat drenched body, rapidly becoming deprived of oxygen out of the hamper. I hug her, kiss her, and go to look for my frantic father. I find him in the driveway with Bubba. "I found her!" I said, "In the hamper, asleep!"

I have just enough time to call Jordan and tell him she's okay before the Officer knocks at the door. "We are so sorry!" we say, "We found her in the hamper." "Child found." he radios in. "That's okay" he says, "98 out of 100 are found somewhere in the house. We would have just had a look around."

Like I said, now that she is alive, I'm going to kill her! Scariest day of my life. And yes, the hamper has been removed.

Thank You

2010-01-13T22:11:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support they have offered me and my family the past month. Even if it hasn't seemed like I noticed your comments or that they didn't do any good, they did and it helped to fill some of the void I feel. That definitely deserves a big THANK YOU!

Ultra Lowfat Lasagna

2010-01-12T23:01:00.002-07:00

This recipe was delicious! Hubby gave it 4 out of 5 stars but I would give it 5 myself!

Ultra Lowfat Lasagna*

Ingredients:
Nonfat nonstick cooking spray
1/2 pound ground turkey breast
1 jar (26 ounces) lowfat pasta sauce (2 grams of fat or less per 1/2 cup serving)
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 tablespoons dry onion flakes
2 cloves fresh garlic, pressed
2 teaspoons parsley
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 of fell pepper, chopped fine
1 carton (16 ounces) 1-percent cottage cheese (I couldn't find 1% so I used skim)
1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg product
6 oven-ready lasagna noodles
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
1/3 cup fat-free Parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Brown ground turkey breast, then add pasta sauce, mushrooms, onion flakes, garlic, parsley, oregano, and bell pepper. Simmer and stir occasionally over low heat for about 10 minutes.

In medium bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg product, and stir.

Spray 11x7 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place on layer of oven-ready noodles on the bottom. Add half of meat mixture, then add another layer of noodles. Pour cottage cheese mixture in next. Add a layer of grated fat-free mozzarella cheese and then sour cream. Add another layer of noodles and top with the remaining meat mixture. Top entire casserole with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.

Makes 8 servings (My serving didn't scoop up nicely, my Dad did it and has no feeling in his hand, but each serving is PLENTY of food!)

Nutritional information per serving
266 Calories
26.4 g Protein
32.3 g Carbohydrate
3.1 g Fat
1.12 g Saturated fat
24 mg Cholesterol

Diabetic exchanges: Starch, 1.5; lean protein, 2; vegetable, 2

I served this with salad, french bread, and a glass of skim milk. This brought the whole meal's calories to just about 600!

* From "Real Food for People with Diabetes" by Doris Cross with Alice Williams

Big Boy Food

2010-01-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

This week we tried Bubba on rice cereal. I haven't felt that he was quite ready for it yet, especially since he isn't rolling over, but the pediatrician assured me that he was, and Gordo wanted us to start so we did. The results...undetermined. He didn't hate it but didn't love it either. I guess we will keep trying to see if he grows to like it.

Bubba is also millimeters, I mean MILLIMETERS from rolling over, he is SO close. I have my camera ready to catch the moment.

Like I said, Beeba is funny. 65% of the time she calls Gordo by his name instead of Daddy, so when I asked her today what Daddy's name was I thought she would easily get it. Nope, the conversation went like this.

"Beeba. What is Daddy's name?"
Ever so nonchalantly, "Carl."

I don't think she has met a Carl in her life!

Yesterday, after they had called me to be a primary teacher, the counselor asked if Beeba wanted a candy. Her response, "Yes I do!"

Gordo has started his MBA program is really likes it. I'm getting use to the long days at home, but I'm sure I'll vent some here on my blog as the semester goes on.

Jesus the Christ

2010-01-10T21:16:00.001-07:00

As I have mentioned before, I will be SLOWLY reading "Jesus the Christ" this year, along with my other scripture reading, and hope that some of you will join me so that we can talk about the book as we go along. James E. Talmage was a very intelligent man, and some, including myself, often find his writing hard to understand; hence reading the book slowly. I will be reading just over two pages a day, so 15 pages a week, this will help us finish the book at the end of the year.

In case you don't know what the book is about, you know, if the title isn't enough for you, Wikipedia says the following about it...

Since it was first published in September 1915, Jesus the Christ has been viewed by the LDS church as a classic text on the LDS church's teachings and beliefs concerning the life and ministry of Jesus. Elder Marion G. Romney said, "One who gets the understanding, the vision, and the spirit of the resurrected Lord through a careful study of the text Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage will find that he has greatly increased his moving faith in our glorified Redeemer."

Talmage wrote the book while he was actually living in the Salt Lake Temple. It is said that after he finished the book, he saw Jesus face to face, at which time Jesus hugged Talmage and thanked him for writing the book. I can't wait to delve into its pages and learn about my saviour in a even better, and different, way. Join me, won't you?

Someday Saturdays

2010-01-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

After much debate and turmoil within myself the past week, I have decided that Saturdays are going to be Someday Saturdays. Since Gordo's and my ultimate goal is to build a home right behind my Dad's house, I'll be posting pictures of home concepts that I love. For instance, this kitchen...

I love how bright the kitchen is, the brick back splash around the stove, the island, the lights above the island, the green accents, the yellow wall, the bar area at either end of the island, the huge sink, the built in paper towel dispenser, the simplistic cleanliness, and the openness. I will have a similar kitchen someday...

Fitness Fridays

2010-01-08T22:40:00.001-07:00

This year I would like to tone up and that is what Fitness Fridays are all about. I figure with all of you watching me, and maybe participating too, I'll be forced to do it. If I loose a little weight while all of this is going on, great, but I realize I'm never going to be a stick thin girl, nor do I think I want to be, I like the junk my my trunk...and thighs...and belly...and arms...and, well you get the picture.

I've divided the body into 12 different segments, and while I will workout my whole body every month, I thought that each month I would choose a different segment to concentrate on. I realize that this might not be the best way to work out, or the most effective, but for me, if I like the way I'm exercising, I'm more likely to do it, and any exercise is better than none right?

The segments are (not it technical terminology mind you):

1. Biceps
2. Triceps
3.Shoulders
4. Chest
5. Abdominal
6. Back
7. Butt
8. Quadriceps
9. Hamstrings
10. Calves
11. Obliques
12. Hips

We will most likely be going in order of this list so watch out people, at the end of January I might be able to throw a pretty fierce punch!

My Morning View

2010-01-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

For Posterity's Sake

2010-01-06T21:15:00.002-07:00

Since I didn't post for just about the whole month of December, I thought I had better journal about my kids.

Bubba is getting so big. He had his four month check up on the 31st and was 15.4 lbs (75%) and 25 inches long (75%). Not sure how big his head was but it was in the 5th percentile. Yup, my kids have big bodies and small heads until they can walk and then they kind of even out. Bubba is getting really close to rolling over, but he is excellent and sitting up. He has all the muscles to sit up (the doctor was even impressed) he just doesn't have the balance thing down yet. I bet he will roll over and sit up within two weeks of each other.

Other than that, he is starting to grab and play with things, like his binki (he even got it back in his mouth once), and he laughs all the time. We are just so in love with him!

Beeba is getting to the stage where she says the funniest things. Today I was outside with the dog and she wanted to come out. Both she and Bubba were just inside the door and I was outside holding it closed. When she couldn't get it open I could hear her saying, "Help me Bubba. Bubba, help me!" She obviously doesn't get that he can't do much.

When you tell her its time to do something she doesn't want to do, for example, "Its time for bed." she says "No, thanks." Hey, at least she is polite.

And finally she called Snow White Snow Peep. Not sure why but it sure is cute!

Paprika Chicken

2010-01-05T15:13:00.001-07:00

I tried this recipe on Sunday and it was a pretty big hit. The hubster gave it 4 out of 5 stars. (Sorry no pic. I'll try to do better in the future.)

Paprika Chicken*

1/3 C flour
1 T paprika
1/2 t salt
1/8 t pepper
Nonfat nonstick cooking spray
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 oz each)
1 large onion, chopped
2 1/2 C fat-free chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube, dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 T flour

Mix 1/3 cup flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spray large skillet well with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Coat chicken breasts in flour mixture and brown on both sides in heated skillet. Cover chicken breasts with chopped onion. Pour 1 cup chicken broth and the bouillon over chicken and onions. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer until chicken is done, 20 to 30 minutes.

Place cooked chicken on hot platter. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and sour cream to drippings in skillet. Stir well over medium heat. Use a whisk or fork to stir in 2 tablespoons flour. Continue stirring until thickened. Pour over chicken. Serve over rice.

I also served rolls and peas with the meal and it rounded it out quite nicely. I didn't check to see exactly how many calories the entire meal had, but it was around 500.

Here is the nutrition information for the chicken alone.

272 Calories
7.2 g Fat
31.4 g Protein
3.19 g Saturated fat
19.1 g Carbohydrate
85 mg Cholesterol

Diabetic exchanges: Lean meat, 4; starch, 3/4

*Recipe from "Real Food for People with Diabetes" by Doris Cross with Alice Williams

So You Want Me To Blog Do You?

2010-01-04T21:21:00.002-07:00

Oh so much has happened in the last few weeks that it has been hard to blog. Truth be told, my desire to blog has diminished by about 33% since my mother passed away on December 18th. You see, I blogged 1/3 of the time for me and our family journal, 1/3 of the time for other readers, and 1/3 of the time because my mother loved reading what I had to say. My last phone conversation with her was simply to tell her that I had blogged because she had been asking me when I was going to do it again.

Right now I just feel lost and alone. Don't get me wrong, Gordo has been amazing for the past week and a half, as have my in-laws and my family, Mom was just my best girl friend, my sanity person during some of the long days home with the kids, the one who was always available to talk. I'm going to miss that. We moved in with Dad Saturday, to keep him company, fed, and organized, so hopefully that will fill some of the void I feel right now.

The day Mom died, Gordo and I both had the feeling we should move in with Dad to help him out. I was waiting for a good time to bring it up to Gordo, as I didn't think he would be too thrilled with the idea, but instead Jordan told ME he thought we should. With the two of us in agreement we just had to find the right time to tell Dad. Well, we walked into the mortuary the next morning, Dad pointed to me and said "Put your house up for sale." If you know Dad, that was his way of saying, "I need you." It was settled, all of had the same confirmation and so we are going through the home selling process. Hopefully it won't take too long.

Our lives haven't slowed down since her passing, in fact they have been a whirlwind of commotion. Mom's viewing and funeral turned out as well as could be expected - lovely actually - but they are continuously running through my head, minute by minute...it should eventually stop right? It seems like every morning I wake up hoping it was just a nightmare and its over but, nope, this is reality and it sucks.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We spent time with my Dad's sister Carol and her family, followed by a lovely night of presents and games with the Gordo clan. Dad spent Christmas Eve at our house. When we woke up, Santa had come and brought everyone goodies. Gordo cooked a breakfast feast, after which, we saw Beeba's and Bubba's 1st movie at a theater, the Princess and the Frog. Beeba and Bubba did well at the movie and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. After the movie, the my side of the fam plus the missionaries, and at one point, Gordo's parents, were all over for dinner and gifts. Since Mom died so close to Christmas, and was so organized, she had finished all her shopping and we all received the presents she gave us which were these.

New Year's Eve was spent with the Gordo's fam playing games, eating (I don't think I stopped eating all night), and having fun. New Year's day I saw "It's Complicated". I think I may claim this as my favorite movie of all time I liked it so much. I would have rated it PG because there weren't any swears or vulgar nudity (you see Alec Baldwin's behind for a split second in a comedic way) but it was rated R for the fact that Pot was smoked. This is a definite must see.

This officially starts the 300 days of blogging 2010 edition. If you forgot what the themes were here they are again (they also count as my New Year's Resolutions)!

Spiritual Sunday - We will be reading a discussing a chapter of "Jesus the Christ" every Sunday.

My Family Monday - All about the fam.

Taste Test Tuesday - Posting healthy recipies and trying to keep the whole meal under 600 calories.

Whatever Wednesday - I'll post whatever I want.

Through My Lens Thursday - I picture I've taken during the week.

Fitness Friday - What I've done to exercise and exercise ideas.

Saturday - I was going to do Sounds of El Sabado, but I'm not sure what I want to do yet. Please give me suggestions!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Merry Christmas To All!

2009-12-25T12:32:00.001-07:00

Mommy, I Miss You.

2009-12-19T07:47:00.001-07:00

Mom,

Words can't describe the love I have for you. You were my best friend, my biggest supporter, my biggest cheerleader, and my biggest fan. I'm so grateful that I had YOU as my mom; I wouldn't have wanted anyone else.

You were my anchor and I was your 1st mate. I'm so grateful for the 25 years I had with you and for the closeness and bond that we shared. I loved our (almost) weekly lunch dates (even when I was working), talking to you on the phone for hours, and that I could confide in you.

Thank you for coming to my grade school performances, helping me win History Fairs, critiquing my college papers, taking me on world travels, helping me to become the woman that I am, teaching me how to be a mother, teaching me in general, watching my kids, teaching me the gospel, for your unconditional love, for being MY mom, and being my childrens' grandma.

Growing up it was just normalcy for me not to remember most of my grandparents and I didn't really have an understanding of why it made you and Dad so sad that they had passed before I was old enough to remember. I understand now. You weren't sad because we didn't remember them, you were sad because you knew what great people, and spirits, they were and what we were missing out on by not knowing them. I feel this same sadness now as I realize that only two of my children will have been held is your arms on this earth, and kissed by your lips. That they won't remember what a wonderful person you are and how it felt to be loved by you. I don't think I can ever love as perfectly as you did but I will have to try my best so that my kids can, maybe, just maybe, feel a glimpse of you in their hearts each day.

I love you Mom! I miss you, but I WILL see you again. God be with you til we meet again.

The Reason for The Season

2009-12-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

I want to blog, I really do, it just that like most people, I celebrate the birth of Jesus by committing at least 4 of the 7 deadly sins;

gluttony...Chocolate! Pie! Ooh, is that a chocolate covered deep fat fried Oreo with caramel drizzle on top?! I'll take 20!,
sloth...Gordo, I just ate 20 chocolate covered deep fat fried Oreos with caramel drizzle on top, could you please lift my finger and push it down to change the channel on the remote?,
greed...I want MORE chocolate covered deep fat fried Oreos with caramel drizzle on top!
and envy...I only got 20 chocolate covered deep fat fried Oreos with caramel drizzle on top, but SHE got 21; not fair!

the other two, pride and wrath, are part of my every day demeanor and not necessarily one of the feelings I get a Christmas time. And lust? Well, I'm a woman, not so sure that one is in my vocabulary.

It appears though, that slothfulness is the one I like most, and so, the blogging world will just have to wait to hear that Bubba found his thumb instead of his binky yesterday, that he pooped in the tub five times in one morning, and that Beeba LOVES to sing, knows her ABC's, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and can't get enough of Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree. They will all have to wait until I can't stand NOT blogging more than I want to stay in bed till 10:00 am ( yes, I did just that this morning...told you slothfulness was my celebration of choice. Early to bed early to rise my eye!!! Bwaa ha ha ha ha!)

Hello Blogosphere! I'm Back...(For Now)

2009-12-07T22:30:00.002-07:00

When I mentioned that I was going to take some time off after NaBloPoMo you didn't believe me did you? Honestly I didn't believe myself either and then I went five whole days without blogging! I have to say it was a little refreshing. Don't get too excited that I'm back however, I think through the month of December I'll be a "normal" blogger and do one or two posts a week.

This week, however, was Beeba's 2nd Annual Birthday Bash! That is right, Beeba turned 2 years and we had a GREAT day! It started off by her opening some presents in the morning when she woke up. Even though they were wrapped she knew they were books and kept asking for them. After showing her a few times how to open the presents, she got the hang of it and was so excited for each one. She got two coloring books, crayons, and a Play-Doh kitchen set. (Of course my SLR had to be in the repair shop for her birthday, I was so bummed I had to take all of these pics with my point and shoot!)

As she was opening the Play-Doh she saw a little of it and got an excited look on her face. I said, "is it Play-Doh?" to which she responded "I don't know!" she opened it just a bit more and said "Oh my goodness! It's Play-Doh!" SO ADORABLE if I do say so myself.

Later that night, some of Beeba's friends and family members came to play and have cake and ice cream. We found little Play-Doh containers and Target, so each of the kids that came to the party got three of those and some candy. The kids played with their Play-Doh for about an hour and then we sang, had cake and ice cream, and opened presents. If we thought she was cute opening presents that morning, she only got cuter by that night. "Oh my gosh!" was screamed for every present she opened and each one seemed to be her new favorite. She had such a good time at the party she didn't go to bed until Midnight!

Her birthday was definitely the highlight of the week, but once again we have been sick here at the house. Gordo was diagnosed with a massive ear infection, so massive that the doctor's reaction was "Whoa! Most people would be crying with that type of infection!" and Beeba was diagnosed with Pink Eye the day before her birthday. The doctor said with medicine in her eyes she wouldn't be contagious by her party and would feel much better, he was right.

We thought Bubba was starting to get Pink Eye too, so we just started the drops on him and he is fine now too.

Beeba has also been really into taking pictures this week. People make good money when kids do artistic things; do you think I could make millions off of these?

No? Okay then.

Bubba hasn't been sleeping very well this week, I think in part due to a cold and the pink eye, but he has been a champ at sleeping today. He is just starting to stretch and make noises like he wants to wake up from his 3.5 hour nap. We both needed that!

My Feelings on Twilight (the book not the movie)

2009-12-02T12:59:00.002-07:00

If you love Twilight, please don't be offended that I didn't like it, the book that is, I haven't seen the movies since I didn't like the book.

Anyhow, as I didn't enjoy the book, I totally enjoyed, and laughed hysterically at, this video of a guy named Alex reading the second chapter of the first book. (If you are offended by the swears, especially the mother of all swears, which is used twice, don't watch it. You have been sufficiently warned.)

Its The Thought That Counts

2009-11-30T22:42:00.002-07:00

When Gordo and I were dating, we were actually probably engaged but that is beside the point, I went shopping to buy him a gift. He was telling me that he needed some new shoes and, when I saw it was the men's half yearly sale at Nordstrom, I jumped at the chance to get him something. While looking for shoes I found a pair of flip flops with the college down south's logo on them for only a couple dollars. They were the right size so I bought them along with the pair of brown Steve Madden's I had found.

When I pulled up to his house I told him to come out to my car because I had a surprise gift for him. He came out and I handed him the pair of flip flops. He opened them up with glee in his eyes until he saw what they were (he is a huge fan of the school up north; the rival to the one on the flip flops). The glee left his face, but trying to save face, he looked at me, faked a smile, and said "Gee. Thanks!" It was so funny! He didn't want to hurt my feelings but he HATED the gift. I promptly pulled out the actual gift, which he really did enjoy, and told him he could do what he wanted with the flip flops. He kept them for a couple years, wore them a few times outside, but eventually gave them away.

I think if I were to do the same thing today his reaction would be about the same. He is such a sweet guy he wouldn't want to hurt my feelings even though he would hate every minute he had to wear them.

_________________________________________________________
Bubba turned 3 months old. He is the happiest little guy ever...with the exception of today; I think he has a tummy ache. He loves to be played with, laugh, stand, and snuggle. He has been wanting his binki less and less, which is good, and has recently found his hands. If he doesn't have a binki and wants one, he'll usually suck his hand until you notice. He is also starting to grab things, mostly my hair and fingers, but there is definitely some intent that goes along with it.

Since I've been told so much that he and Beeba look a lot alike, I decided to replicate her 3 month picture and compare them. I still think there is a definite difference.

I'm also taking the day off blogging tomorrow so the following stories are about both Beeba and Bubba.

This morning I laid Bubba on the ground and got on the computer to check to see if the Christmas present I ordered had shipped. The next thing I know, Beeba is tapping my arm and handing me one of Bubba's diapers saying "Eww. Bubba diaper. Yuck!" I was thrown off for a bit and wondered if I had left a dirty diaper on the floor. Then I thought, there is no way she could undo his jammies and take his diaper off; is there? I get up from the computer and peer over the couch to find him naked as the day he was born; well he still had the sleeves over his arms but everything else was hanging out for the world to see.

Yup, she was able to undo his jammies alright. Half the reason she came over to give me the dirty diaper was because she needed my help to put the new one on (which she had already tried to put on herself). I fully believe if she could have rediapered him, she would have also redone his jammies, and I would never know she even did it. Well except for the fact that his face would be all wet; yup there was enough time for him to pee all over his face; fun huh?

Also this morning, Beeba was playing in our junk drawer. I knew this could mean trouble so I was keeping a pretty close eye on her. I turned away for a second and when I turned back she was quietly making her way to the couch. As any mother knows quietness means trouble so I went to the couch to find out what she had gotten. She sheepishly looked and me. I had a feeling it was gum so I told her to breathe in my face and showed her what I wanted her to do by breathing in her face. Do you know what that stinker did? She turned her head AWAY from my face and breathed like I had showed her. She KNEW that breathing directly in my face would give away that she had gum! I looked at her and said, "do you have gum?" she sheepishly looked at me again and said, "Uh huh." She is the smartest, cutest, stinker I know.

He Says It Better

2009-11-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Henry B. Eyring always has such powerful words. His testimony below echos my own at this time in my life, he just says it better than I ever could.

Being Purified in the Lord’s True Church

“I bear you my testimony that God the Father lives. He set a course for each of us that can polish and perfect us to be with Him. I testify that the Savior lives. His Atonement makes possible our being purified as we keep His commandments and our sacred covenants. And I know from my own experience that He can and will give us strength to rise through every trial. . . . This is the Lord’s true Church in which we are, with Him, lifting each other and being blessed to succor the fellow sufferers He places in our way.”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 27

And the Title Goes To...

2009-11-28T23:32:00.001-07:00

Go Cougars!

But bad form Max Hall. We are suppose to represent Christian values as Cougars, so saying you hate someone, or some entity, just doesn't support what we believe. Please issue an apology and exit the team gracefully.

Nice win though Cougars. Although I didn't watch (I can't take the pressure) I heard the Utes were good this year and gave us a heck of a fight.

Family Time = Happy Time

2009-11-27T22:17:00.005-07:00

The four of us made and enjoyed our own dinner here at home this year. It was SO MUCH fun to stay at home and lounge in our PJ's all day, make dinner, watch a Thanksgiving Friends marathon, decorate the house for Christmas, and just be together. We enjoyed our low-key Thanksgiving so much that we will probably make it a tradition and continue it in years to come.

Here is what we ate

Turkey. Just out of the oven and ready to carve. It may not be golden but it was PERFECTLY done - tender and JUICY!

Apple Pie - Made from scratch by Gordo

Sweet Potatoes, Rolls, and Cranberry

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Frog Eye Salad and Stuffing. It was SO GOOD!

As I mentioned, we decorated the house for Christmas. I haven't taken pictures of everything yet but here are the outside lights and our two trees.

The Family Room tree decorated by Gordo (he did such a great job!)
This tree has the ornaments we collected as kids and the ornaments we buy the kids' each year.

The living room tree decorated by me. I wanted a themed tree so last year we bought this one after Christmas at Target for $7.00. We bought the lights and ornaments for a combined total of about $7.00 and the ribbon for $2.00. The theme of the tree is blue and white (go Cougars!) and matches the outside of the house.

Here is the outside of the house. New this year is the tree in the window and blue light bulbs in our street lights. I think it really finishes off the look well.

Tonight we went to see the lights downtown. Gordo and I love to go the day after Thanksgiving as that was the night he proposed to me. Beeba loved it and even Bubba was mesmerized by their beauty.

I think this nativity scene on the reflection pond is new this year because we don't remember it. It was by far my favorite part!

We just LOVE long weekends especially during the Holidays!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T12:25:00.002-07:00

Instead of relating the reasons I'm disgusted with 2009's Thanksgiving holiday, I'll just say how thankful I am for my husband and all he does to support me. I have been quite spiteful this holiday season, again, for reasons which shall not be mentioned, and although he doesn't agree with my actions he has supported some of the holiday decisions I have made. He does everything he can to make our family safe and happy and loves us unconditionally.

I'm also thankful for my children, the smiles they bring to my face on a daily basis, the joy they bring to my heart, and for their health. I really couldn't ask for better children.

I'm thankful for where I live, the heat that is keeping us warm right now, the food in the oven, and the bed I get to sleep on tonight.

I saw this on my sister-in-law's blog and really liked it, so I'm sharing it as well. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Seriously?!?!

2009-11-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't get how girls, and boys for that matter, don't get that whoever is luring them online to have sex is probably lying about how they look. Take this guy for instance.

I almost barfed in my mouth after seeing him. He was sentenced to 10 years for luring a girl from Utah to come to California and be with him. Um, first of all I would never have gone, but second, if THAT is what I saw when I got there, I think I'd instantly cry. Okay, I'm done being judgmental for now.

Bed Time

2009-11-24T22:08:00.001-07:00

I find it odd that my two-year-old puts herself to bed. There have been a few times lately that she goes in her room, shuts the door, and climbs in bed. I had no idea that two-year-olds did this. Now she doesn't actually go to sleep but she pulls the blankets up and lays down. I guess she just needs a break.

We had the opportunity to go to Beeba's first basketball game tonight. Here is she is with her dad enjoying the game, although she really didn't want her picture taken (picture taken via my phone).

A Walk Down Memory Lane

2009-11-23T21:24:00.001-07:00

When Gordo and I first got married we lived downtown. It was a nice place to start out, but like any newly married couple, we were still getting used to the whole marriage thing. There were a few nights that we had to go on a walk to get away from the apartment and give the two of us fresh air, and other nights we went just for fun. It was Thanksgiving/Christmas time as I remember snow on the ground and crisp air entering our lungs (Gordo reminds me that the dog's feet also got quite cold and she couldn't walk the whole way). We walked up the Hill and to the old abandoned Children's Hospital. We admired the architecture of the homes, the lights they had strung, and dreamed of where we would be in the future. There isn't much I miss about living downtown but these walks are one of them.

______________________________________________

Bubba is 12 weeks old today. He is such a happy boy with such a sweet disposition. I posted that we almost heard him laugh but that was his actual laugh. I was expecting it to be like Beeba's but it is distinctly Bubba. Just a little Ha! Ha! and a huge grin to match. I couldn't love that laugh more if I tried. He is also pooping much better and eating better as well. What surprises me most is that, like his sister, he is strict about his bedtime. For Beeba it was 7:00, for Bubba it is about 8:30. He is still getting up in the night; lately its been twice at night, once to eat and I think once out of habit of eating. I let him fuss a bit the second time he gets up but usually end up putting the binki back in his mouth which works like a charm. I told Gordo today that if every baby could be like Bubba I'd have a million.

Service = Love

2009-11-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Today's Relief Society Lesson was on service. To me service = love as is demonstrated in the following quote

Showing Love in Small, Simple Things

"The Lord's love is often delivered through others as they respond to promptings of the Spirit. Are we hearing and following those promptings? . . .

"I fear sometimes we see the Lord's love only in the big events of our lives; we must also see His love in the smallest of things. Don't underestimate your ability to share His love through a simple, genuine gesture such as sitting next to another sister and making her feel welcome."

Bonnie D. Parkin, "Eternally Encircled in His Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 108

Topics: Fellowship

Dreamland

2009-11-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night that Bubba was six and in love with a girl. People, I can't remember who but I think it was her family, didn't want the two of them dating so she and Bubba ran away to be together. With people hot on their trail they realized there was a holistic teacher at their school who could marry them and then they could be together no matter what others said.

I was there as the first witness and, as the ceremony was suppose to start, I realized we needed two witnesses. At that moment Cookie Monster was walking by and agreed to be the second witness; remember Bubba was six so Cookie Monster was a really cool witness!

Gordo finds it weird that I often remember my dreams so vividly. I find it odd that, just like on TV, I only saw Cookie from the waste up.

K.I.S.S.I.N.G

2009-11-20T23:00:00.002-07:00

The past two weeks in our home have wreaked havoc on our emotional well beings. Gordo was up for a promotion at work, one that he greatly deserved and was greatly qualified for, but ended up not getting it because someone had a little more tenor than him, even though that person didn't have the same knowledge about the position that Gordo did. After much prayer and discussion Gordo has decided to stay in his current position rather than take a lateral move just to shake up the monotony. Since he has perfected his current role, he is hoping that staying put will help him accomplish his academic goals better - he is shooting for a 4.0 GPA in his MBA program.

Gordo was able to register for classes this week, which was nice for him as it made going to school in January a little more real. For the first seven weeks of school he will go Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The last seven weeks will be Wednesdays and Thursdays. We are hoping with the skills he gains in school and the tenor he will accumulate while attending school, he will get an even better promotion in two years when he graduates.

Beeba has acquired quite a few boy friends this week...our greatest fear has already come to fruition! We cleaned the church last Saturday and the only person Beeba wanted to be with besides Gordo and I was her friend Carter. She followed him all over the church, and when she couldn't see him, she yelled his name at the top of her lungs. She played with her friend Ricky last night. In the middle of playing Ricky gave her a hug and declared that he loved her. And tonight she played with her friend Jack who is three days younger than her. She is apparently most serious about Jack as they kissed three times during the night. One time they decided all on their own to cuddle on the couch. The adults noticed this just in time to see them turn to each other and give each other a kiss on the lips. All the adults shouted and laughed and then the two two-year-olds turned and yelled something at us, I can only imaging that they were telling us to mind our own business.

Bubba wants to play all the time and I love it. I think he would be closer to rolling over if I could find it in my heart to put him down. I just LOVE snuggling him so much! I usually feed him after I put Beeba down for her nap and most the time he falls asleep; lets just say my house hasn't been cleaned all week because I can't possibly put the snuggle bug down to sleep by himself, no, no, we must snuggle together for the next two hours.

As for me, I'm still regretting selling the dog. I've cried almost every night about it. I was so upset the first night that I couldn't sleep and finally folded the five loads of laundry I had washed. The days have been fine without her its the nights that are hard. My insides are getting more numb by the day, so hopefully I'll stop crying myself to sleep soon.

When You Wish Upon a Star!

2009-11-19T22:57:00.001-07:00

We are headed here with my family next year and we can't be more excited! If you don't believe me, we have already made a list of rides that Beeba will be tall enough to go on.

Autopia
Davey Crockett Explorer Canoes
Mad Tea Party
Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin
Matterhorn (with some tall shoes)
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear Astroblaster
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
Gadget's Go Coaster (with some tall shoes)
Haunted Mansion
Jungle Cruise
Mr. Toads Wild Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Alice in Wonderland
Casey Jr. Circus Train
Donald's Boat
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
"it's a small world"
King Arthur Carousel
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan's Flight
Pinocchio's Daring Journey
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Toy Story Mania
Flik's Flyers
Heimlich's Chew Chew Train
Jumpin' Jellyfish
King Triton's Carousel
And Tuck and Roll's Drive'Em Buggies (with tall shoes)

This doesn't even begin to cover the shows will will watch, places we will eat, and characters we will see! Excited doesn't even begin to describe it!

Phone Cancer

2009-11-18T21:30:00.001-07:00

I've thought for some time most of us, especially 30 and younger, may develop a high rate of brain cancer due to the number of hours we spend on our cell phones. Here is a recent article on cell phone radiation. Where does you cell stack up? Mine isn't very good so I may start using the headset more often on long conversations.

Cell phones and radiation: 10 best and 10 worst

By Lori Bongiorno

Posted Tue Sep 8, 2009 10:14pm PDT

Related topics: Health, Safety, Cell Phones

Miss Independent

2009-11-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Although I said yesterday that we couldn't sell our dogs to strangers, we found a really nice home for our dog Luci today. They are an older couple looking for a new companion for their Dachshund Clyde as his old companion, Bonnie, recently died. Although we are STILL CRYING that we sold her, we think it was the best decision. She will get the attention she deserves and my sanity will stay intact while Gordo is in graduate school. We will be keeping our dog Tina as she requires much less attention.

Beeba was so excited today when Luci got to ride in the car with us and cried when she drove away in another car. She really loved Luci too. She doesn't completely understand what happened though, when we got home she started calling for her. In time, she won't even remember who Luci was.

Other than that, Beeba is getting so independent. We have a mini DVD player that she likes to watch movie on. Today is plugged it in all by herself, put a movie, and got it playing...she is way too smart. After that she said "sit by me." Um, okay! Any chance to snuggle her is great. She is also attempting to put her own clothes on. She doesn't quite have the hang of it but she is sure close!

Dog Love

2009-11-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

For 20 some odd years both Gordo and I wanted a dog. Shortly before we got married Gordo's parents bought their first dog, but it never seemed like Gordo's dog and I still had never had one, so five months after we got married we bought our dog Tina.

We took her from a family who didn't want her, apparently she was too hyper although all she has ever done is lay around, I mean you couldn't get a lazier dog. We loved her. At the time we were house sitting for my parents. We put her in a dog tent in the basement and went to bed. She clawed her way out and the next thing we see is her cute nose poking around the corner of the door, giving us puppy eyes, and begging to come in. Gordo slept with her in the basement that night and stayed the other nights at our apartment, allowing her to sleep with him in the bed even though he had strict instructions not to.

Seven months later, Gordo had passed his Series 7 exams and wanted to reward himself. We decided that he could pick out a dog of his choosing. He went online and found the most adorable puppy ever; we named her Luci Mae. Tina wanted to kill her the instant that they met, so for a week, Gordo and I took turns sleeping with Luci in the loft of our condo. After a week we had had enough and took both dogs outside, on neutral territory, and introduced them properly, aka forcing Tina to be nice. They have been inseparable ever since.

This past week we decided to sell one of the dogs to make my life easier; the problem is we can't manage to find it in our hearts to sell them to a stranger. It looks like we are keeping them for now, unless someone out there needs a loving companion. Anyone?

_____________________________________________

Bubba is cuter that ever. He loves to be held and played with and we love doing it. Twice in the last week he and I have taken a nap together; its the best! I'm a little worried about him though (ah, the curse of motherhood - worrying) because he is pooping better but doesn't seem to want to eat. I'm nursing so I can't say for sure, but I bet he only ate 8-10 ounces all day; he pooped twice though.

This boy gets more personality and more fun by the minute. I couldn't love him more!

Meeting Your Goliath

2009-11-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

I love this quote. It goes so well with some of the lessons I had in Church today.

Meeting Your Goliath

“The battle for our souls is no less important that the battle fought by David. The enemy is no less formidable, the help of Almighty God no farther away. What will our action be? Like David of old, ‘our cause is just.’ We have been placed upon earth not to fail or fall victim to temptation’s snare, but rather to succeed. Our giant, our Goliath, must be conquered.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Meeting Your Goliath,” New Era, June 2008, 5

Topics: Courage, Opposition, Adversity

Too Much Time on My Hands

2009-11-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

I obviously had too much time on my hands when I did this, but I think its funny anyway. Plus you can really tell how alike the kids are.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Just Wanted to Share

2009-11-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share some pictures of this cute girl! This is Beeba's best friend's little sister and Bubba's soon to be girlfriend; I was honored when her parents asked me to take her newborn photos.

300

2009-11-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

This marks the official 300th post of this year on my public blog, I started this one later in the year. I made my goal and I'm done blogging; okay I'm not done blogging but I did make my goal. I still have to blog everyday in November for NaBloPoMo but I may take some time off in December; I always say that and never do it.

Oh Happy Day!

2009-11-11T22:18:00.001-07:00

In my opinion, the church has done a great thing!

Mormon church issues statement in support of gay-rights ordinances

November 10th, 2009 @ 9:31pm

By Carole Mikita

SALT LAKE CITY -- At Tuesday night's Salt Lake City Council meeting, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement showing its support of the city's proposed non-discrimination regulations.

The statement by the LDS Church reflects a position stated by the high-ranking church authorities more than a year ago.

"We are not anti-gay, we are pro-marriage between a man and a woman. And there's a huge difference between those two points," Elder L. Whitney Clayton, of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy told KSL News.

One day after last year's election -- in which the Church supported California's Proposition 8 -- Elder Clayton stressed the support of traditional marriage.

The Church's First Presidency also released a statement, which reads, in part, that the Church "does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights or probate rights."

"The LDS Church says it does not oppose same-sex couples receiving such rights as hospitalization and medical care, fair housing rights, or probate rights," Mike Thompson, with Equality Utah, said in 2008.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy

Leaders of Equality Utah then stepped forward to propose several bills for the 2009 Legislature. The five bills included rights in medical care and hospital visitation for same-sex couples, housing and employment protections, and insurance rights for a partner. Another asked for the repeal of part of Utah's Amendment 3 to officially recognize gay couples. [CLICK HERE to read the entire statement]

"It's not our intention to bring these things forward without significant education and understanding," said Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City, in 2008.

The day before the start of the Legislature, the possibility of a vote for at least one bill seemed very real.

"Health care and the right to inherit, I think, are issues that will receive a lot of weight," Sen. John Valentine, R-Utah County, said in January of 2009. "The other issues dealing with right of marriage, I don't think those are going to pass."

SLC non- discrimination ordinance passes council vote
The Salt Lake City Council passed a non-discrimination ordinance Tuesday night that will protect gay people against discrimination in housing or employment.

Not one of the five bills proposed ever made it out of committee during the last legislative session. The coalition vowed to press on behind the scenes.

"We're talking about people being able to go to their job and not be concerned about getting fired. We're talking about people being able to go home and feel safe in their homes, and they're not going to be kicked out for any reason other than they're gay or lesbian," Equality Utah's Stephanie Pappas said in January of 2009.

The Church said Tuesday night's statement in support of the city ordinance is consistent with its policy going back at least a year. Advocates for laws against such discrimination hope Salt Lake City's law offers momentum for similar moves elsewhere.

Following the Church's statement, the gay-rights group Affirmation issued a response, applauding the Church's action. But the group also said it hopes the Church lives up to its own teachings.

"We pray that the words spoken tonight are to be followed up with positive action," Affirmation's Assistant Executive Director Micah Bisson. "It is time to eliminate the heavy-handed church actions to defeat marriage equality and protections for transgender people. When LDS officials arrest gay people for public affection on Temple Square, we need to realize that all Mormons, and the LDS Church itself, look small-minded to people who are outside the tradition."

Affirmation's statement closed by saying the group is grateful for this first step and awaits a second. [CLICK HERE to read Affirmation's entire statement]

Not Forgetful Anymore

2009-11-10T23:48:00.002-07:00

Beeba seems to remember everything now days. Today I saw our James Taylor CD sitting next to the computer. I decided to put it on while we played with some Play Dough (a life saver for me when she wants to watch TV. As a side note, she has also learned how to pretend. Gordo was afraid she would eat Play Dough if we let her play with it, but when we make pizzas, ice cream, etc. she pretends to eat it and doesn't actually do it.) When the song How Sweet it Is came on she started singing and new virtually every word! I didn't even know she had even heard the song before.

For her nap today, she didn't want to go to sleep right away. She wasn't crying or screaming so I let her play in there for a good 45 minutes. At that point she started yelling for me to come get her but I thought I would wait it out and see what she did. She was getting a little distressed but right as I was about to go get her she quieted down and went to sleep. I was so happy and thought , by the time she woke up, she wouldn't even remember being mad I didn't come get her. Wrong, when she woke up she just scowled at me and wasn't the happy girl I was expecting. Apparently she had pooped which is why it took her so long to fall asleep but she never said anything like that while she was in her room. Oh well, she lived and I learned.

Beeba also loves watching Dancing With the Stars. Tonight we watched part of a dance and she started to dance in front of the TV. When she noticed that she was missing a partner she walked up to Gordo and outstretched her hands wanting him to dance with her. They two were in heaven dancing together! I would have taped it but Gordo needed to put a shirt on before I could.

Music to the Ears

2009-11-09T19:59:00.001-07:00

Gordo, being MUCH older than myself has taught me many a music artist. Thus far in our marriage he has leaned my ear the way of Led Zeplin (we play a game call "Who Sings This" when a song we like comes on the radio. For a YEAR every time we played this game the answer was Led Zeplin...it took me that long to catch on), Queen, Black Sabbath, Nirvana, and has even taught me that R.E.M IS NOT Metalica, in fact they don't sound alike at all.

But it was me who taught Gordo the ways of Steve Miller Band. When we play the "Who Sings This Game" to songs like Fly Like and Eagle, Jungle Love, Take the Money and Run, and even Swingtown he gets them right every time...I'm so proud.

___________________________________________

Bubba is such a happy little guy. He loves attention, and when you give it to him, you aren't disappointed. He smiles and talks to you all the time. He is on the cusp of laughing. Two times last week we were tickling him and he ALMOST laughed. It was kinda like a little "he he" but then stopped, he wasn't quite ready to let us hear what his laugh is like yet; we will wear him down though and hopefully soon!

Good Information to Remember

2009-11-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

Just good information to remember. I needed this.

Marital Relationships Must Be Rebuilt Everyday

“It is far more difficult to be of one heart and mind than to be physically one. This unity of heart and mind is manifest in sincere expressions of ‘I appreciate you’ and ‘I am proud of you.’ Such domestic harmony results from forgiving and forgetting, essential elements of a maturing marriage relationship. Someone has said that we ‘should keep [our] eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterward’ (Magdeleine Scudéry, in John P. Bradley and others, comps., The International Dictionary of Thoughts [1969], 472). True charity ought to begin in marriage, for it is a relationship that must be rebuilt every day.”

James E. Faust, “Fathers, Mothers, Marriage,” Liahona, Aug. 2004, 5

Frequent Buyer Program

2009-11-07T20:26:00.001-07:00

Does anyone know if Walgreens has a frequent buyer program? I swear I've been there every day this week filling a prescription. Today, eye drops for my infected eye. That is right, I woke up with it swollen and very infected. So, if I buy one more prescription do I get the next one free?

These are my eye with and without makeup and smiling and not smiling. Not sure the swollenness was at its worst at this point, but the makeup definitly helped me feel normal looking today.

Oh, and if you would like a recap of the diseases contracted in our household just this week, here you go. Bronchitis, sinus infections, pneumonia, a cold, an eye infection, and a possible ear infection in the youngest member of this family. I'll give it another day and check his ear again and let you know the verdict on Monday. Swine Flu anyone? We are waiting!

Home: Love, Laugh, Cough

2009-11-06T22:20:00.004-07:00

This has been a week full of sickness at our house, germapoluza if you will. Gordo has had a cough for about five weeks now. About three weeks ago I urged him to go to the doctor but he was busy at work and thus didn't go. This last week, I put my foot down and told him he couldn't get up early and run in the cold until his cough was gone. I think this is what actually sent him to see the medical professional with an office at Gordo's place of employment. He was hoping it was something that would just go away on its own, even though he has felt like he can't breath for a few weeks. Nope, the guy has bacterial pneumonia. He was sent home from work yesterday afternoon not to return until Monday, although he went in from 8:00 until 3:00 today; what silly guy.

Gordo was hoping to find out whether he received the promotion today but it looks like he will have to wait until next week. He did find out that he was accepted into an MBA program! I'm so proud of him that I'm going to brag a bit. He had such good undergraduate grades that they didn't even make him take the GMAT. My smart man will be able to put the acronyms MBA and CPA after his name is just a few years; we are so excited!

Beeba has also had a cough for a few weeks. I've taken her to the doctor twice about it and this time he put her on antibiotic. It doesn't appear that she had pneumonia like Gordo because her lungs were clear, but the doctor wasn't sure whether it was a sinus infections or bronchitis, either one had the same treatment, Azithromyicine, a drug I swear doesn't work; it never clears my mastitis and Beeba had her last dose of it today and is still coughing with a runny nose. It stays in your system a few days after you stop taking it so I'll give her til Monday before I call the doctor again.

As for me, I've had a cold all week. Its finally moved to the dripping out of my nose stage (I'm sure you all wanted that information) but if you want me to be irritable, give me a sore throat , which is where the cold was from Sunday to Wednesday. I was miserable and even cried one morning (its very out of character for me to cry) that it wasn't fair I couldn't take a sick day. After I got up and got Beeba breakfast I always felt a bit better but it was a rough week for me.

Bubba has seemed to avoid this whole germ fest thus far...knock on wood. This week was the first time Beeba has ever been on antibiotics and I attribute that mostly to breastfeeding. Since I'm nursing Bubba, hopefully we will have the same luck with him. He seems to be pooping a little better although I can't get him to drink much, if any, juice. I was told not to water the juice down and I think the flavor is just too powerful for his taste buds. He did sleep through the night once this week. He went from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM so a good eight hours on Tuesday night. We haven't been able to repeat it yet but at least we know he knows how to do it. I love him more every day and can't believe he will be almost four months at Christmas; Christmas seems just around the corner, I can't believe I'll have a big baby by then!

This picture was actually taken in October but I wanted to post it. Beeba loves to play with her binky. As I've said in the past, she never took one as a baby so she doesn't suck on it, but she likes to hold it in her mouth. Bubba loves to lay on the floor on his play mat. He will look at himself in the mirror and at the swinging bird and is content as can be. Beeba adores Bubba, and vice versa, so she will get on the floor with him and cover them both with a blanket. Other than the time she stepped on him, she has been a great big sister.

School House Rock Live!

2009-11-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, my parents gave me a set of play tickets. It is what I asked for so that I could have some free dates with Gordo, well almost free and we will sometimes have to pay for a sitter.

Anyway, two weeks ago, the newly weds (Ty and Kat) graciously watched our kids while we attended School House Rock Live!

The exclamation point is only there because its part of the official title, if we were to rate the play, Gordo and I would probably give it two out of five stars, definitely not deserving of the exclamation point.

The play was about a man who was getting ready for his first day as a teacher, he turns on the TV and happens upon School House Rock. He is sucked in and his imagination takes him through 22 of School House Rock's classic songs.

There were eight performers, all of whom did really well for the material given, Gordo and I just found it to be a little boring. We did get a great refresher lesson on nouns, verbs, conjunctions, interjections, etc. though.

Just a Bill was my favorite song from the performance probably because the guy with the best voice sang it and it is the one I remember most from the show.

Explosive News!

2009-11-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

This happened just a few miles from where I grew up. My parents still live there and my mother said she felt it pretty strongly. When if first happened they didn't think there was much damage to surrounding homes, but as the day has gone on more damage has been reported. One house was even condemned since it was lifted off its foundation.

Explosion, fire at Woods Cross refinery rock neighborhood

November 4th, 2009 @ 5:55pm

WOODS CROSS -- A refinery explosion at the Silver Eagle Refinery, located at 2355 S. 1100 West, damaged several homes in the surrounding area and was felt several miles away from the facility.

Explosion shook homes, fire broke out

Jeff Bassett, with South Davis Fire, said his department was dispatched to the fire at 9:13 a.m. When they arrived, Silver Eagle's fire brigade was already putting the fire out, and it took only a few minutes to knock the flames down.

Surrounding refineries were putting off a lot of smoke, but that was due to power bumps caused by the initial explosion. None of them was in any danger, according to Bassett. Power has been restored.

The explosion was a result of a line carrying hydrogen and diesel fuel that leaked onto the ground. It ignited, causing the large explosion and resulting fire.

Silver Eagle said it was working with the fire department to determine exactly what happened and what information would be released to the public.

A six-member team from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board is being deployed to the scene. The team will be arriving Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents.

Several nearby homes damaged

There were no injuries reported at the refinery or surrounding homes. However, some homes were severely damaged. The explosion was felt as far away as Roy.

"I have family that lives in this area, and obviously you don't want to see anyone hurt, let alone families that live around you. So, absolutely a sigh of relief right now," said Dave McSain, president of Silver Eagle Refinery.

Linda Wood lives near the refinery. She wasn't home at the time of the explosion. When she heard what happened, she rushed home to find her front door open, all the windows blown out and dishes on the floor. There was also some damage to the foundation of the home, and her home was condemned.

"We didn't know if it was the big earthquake or if a train had derailed." - Paul Chavez

"They said it blew it off the foundation. You go in the backyard, you can see where it blew it off the foundation. My front door was open, wide open, when I got here. My garage wouldn't go up; we forced it up. I'm really glad that I wasn't here. I probably would've been hurt really badly," Wood said.

Pickup trucks pulling empty trailers arrived at Wood's house all morning, preparing to empty the house of her belongings.

Wood's house and the two next to hers seemed to have taken the brunt of the damage. They are only about 200 yards away from the explosion.

Wood's neighbor, Royd White, said, "It was almost like it was a delayed thing. It was like a rumble, then it built. You could feel, almost like the air was sucked out and blown back in. And it lasted for several seconds, is what it felt like."

Paul Chavez was visiting friends in the area. He said, "I was meeting with my friend, and we were upstairs in the library, and we heard an initial blast. We didn't know what type, what it was. It felt like a second. And the second one was a compression blast, where we actually felt it in our bodies, and the entire house shook for probably three to four seconds. It seemed like it was much longer."

Refinery has history of problems
Wednesday's explosion isn't the first problem at the Silver Eagle Refinery. Federal investigators eyes were already focused on the refinery.

Chavez continued, "We didn't know if it was the big earthquake or if a train had derailed. I had instantly ran downstairs and seen the fire and went back in the house to get my friend, because he just had knee replacement [surgery]. He's … we're still shaken up by it."

When asked about damage to the house, Chavez said, "Yes, lots of damage. He's got busted-out windows. He has the door frame to the front door was blasted out, things off the bookshelves--a couple of pictures had fallen off. They haven't found any structure damage yet."

KSL's Rod Zundel was about 2 miles away from the blast. He said, "You can't even imagine the power that that thing entails. I've never felt anything in 20 years here, all through the explosions at the refineries, that was the biggest blast that I've ever felt or heard."

Ben Alley, a resident of Bountiful, said he felt his whole house shake when the explosion happened. Alley said he lives 4 miles away from the refineries, on Bountiful's east bench.

Vi Monsen lives near the Camelot mobile home park in North Salt Lake. She called us to ask what happened, saying her house shook as well.

A man named Brian told KSL Newsradio he was working at his shop about two blocks away from the Silver Eagle Refinery when he heard an explosion and the building shook. He reported seeing flames 20 to 30 feet high, but said emergency crews appeared to be knocking down the fire fairly quickly.

Another man called into the Doug Wright show and said the shaking from the explosion reminded him of the 1989 earthquake in Los Angeles, which he experienced.

Ironically, residents in the neighborhood just received a letter in the last few days inviting them to attend an open house a week from now regarding the refinery's operations and the safety and environmental issues.

Funny Girl

2009-11-03T23:42:00.002-07:00

The other day Beeba must have had a song stuck in her head, I'm pretty sure it was Cruela Devil but I can't say for sure, because she was humming and dancing for no reason. It was really funny to watch her, Gordo and I were laughing out loud, and you could tell when the song got loud or really intense because her dancing got faster and more jerky, it was ALMOST the cutest thing she did this week.

The cutest thing had to be today. As of this week she is sleeping in her toddler bed. I thought I heard her knocking on the door, insinuating she was up and ready to come downstairs, so I went up and opened the door a crack. I was expecting her to be standing at the door ready to come play but when I didn't immediately see her come through I opened the door a little more and peeked in. What I saw was a sleepy girl giving me the evil eye. I don't know whether she was already sitting up before I opened the door or if she sat up because I opened the door but she obviously wasn't knocking on it. I left the door open and started doing some laundry (directly opposite her room) and the next thing I know, she is slamming her door shut and going back to bed. It was so funny! She LOVES her sleep.

She also loves to wrestle with her daddy.

And can you believe today was the first time she ever took a bath in the kitchen sink? She had paint and chocolate pie all over herself today so I figured I would just stick her in the sink and give her the appearance of being clean even though I didn't actually clean her with soap. At first she didn't know what to think, but after about 15 seconds she was having the time of her life!

Condo Love

2009-11-02T21:51:00.002-07:00

Being the business school student that I was, I felt that Gordo and I were wasting our money on rent when we first got married. I knew that we could probably buy a condo and pay just a bit more than we did on rent, which at the time was $495.00 for the 400 square feet of space + $10.00 for a parking stall, so I began looking for a condo. We looked anywhere between the area Gordo grew up in to the area I grew up in 30 miles away. We looked at a two level condo in near Gordo ; I loved the complex but hated the layout, there was no place to put the kitchen table. We looked at a condo in near Gordo's parents that Gordo liked, but I thought I might be murdered on the way up the stairs and the walls were textured. We both fell in love with a condo in near where I grew up until we found out we couldn't keep our dog, so the hunt continued.

Finally, we found a two bedroom one bath condo in the area Gordo grew up; in the same complex we had looked at before but a different layout. This one was about 1,000 square feet and had a small living room space with a fireplace, a dining area, kitchen/laundry area, a front bedroom, a back master bedroom, a decent size bathroom, a loft, and a balcony. The complex had two pools and we were close to public transportation and shopping.

The people who lived there before needed to get it sold since they had already bought and moved into their new place, so we made an offer of $92,500.00 (can you believe we were able to buy something for less than $100,000?). It was accepted and we closed December 28, 2005.

It needed a little TLC, so we painted, tore out the carpet in the bathroom (who puts carpet in the bathroom especially when the previous owner had three small POTTY TRAINING BOYS living there) and tiled the bathroom. After a few months we tore out the carpet in the living room/dining room area and the linoleum in the kitchen and replaced it with wood laminate flooring. We always had the intention to replace the bedroom carpets and loft carpets while we lived there, but ended up replacing them only when we were ready to sell May of 2007.

While living there, Gordo and I had no children, although we found out twice we were pregnant while living there, and had a really good time as a couple. Gordo would often drive me to the commuter train in the morning so I could go to school and then to work (that hurt really fell! - sorry that was for Gordo), I would take the train home and then hop the bus that dropped me off right in front of the condo. We had plenty of room for the two of us and, although I had to talk Gordo into buying a place, I don't think he ever regretted it, especially when we made a nearly 50% profit in the year and a half we owned it.

Bubba had a well baby visit today. He weighed 12 lbs 10 oz putting him in the 80th percentile for weight, and was 23 inches long putting him in the 70th percentile for height. I don't know his head circumference but it was the 20th percentile.

The Dr. said he is really strong as he can hold his head up and stand for a long time on his legs and that his development was right on track. I have been worried about the frequency of his bowel movements, especially because he arches his back in pain and won't eat after a couple days without a BM. You can imagine my surprise as I was told to give the little guy juice to help with the problem. I didn't think babies this young should have anything but breast milk or formula, but I was told 1oz of apple, pear, or prune juice once or twice a day might help. He finally pooped today after four days of nothing, so we will see this week if the juice helps.

Did Moses Know More Than He Gets Credit For?

2009-11-01T19:38:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or does the bible give women who just birthed babies the same instructions that modern doctors give patients today?

Leviticus 12

2: ...If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

3: And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.

4: And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.

Let see, seven days unclean, plus the day he is circumcised, is eight days. Then tack on 33 days and you have a total of 41 days. Women now days are told to weight six weeks, or 42 days, before they get back to their old life. Eerie coincidence or not?

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T22:16:00.002-06:00

To be blunt, I hate Halloween. Probably because I hate the doorbell ringing til 10:00 pm, the dogs barking, kids screaming and running down the street on what must be a sugar high, and that I have to dress my kids up at least three times in their Halloween costumes (once for the ward party and once for each set of grandparents).

We did not take Beeba trick-or-treating this year. She when trunk-or-treating last week, but she has been sick for a few weeks, I didn't want to take her out in the cold, Gordo wanted to watch a football game, and I just hate Halloween, so she didn't go. We did get pictures of her in her Dorothy costume, and Bubba in his cow costume - they were cute, but I still hate Halloween.

(Sorry about my negativity lately, I think I know why I'm this way and it should go away in six days.)

Gordo has been ultra busy the past few weeks. I think he has probably worked 120 hours the past two weeks. He should be through his busy time for two months though and should hopefully interview for his bosses job next week. Please pray he gets it, he needs a change and is the most qualified for the position. Also next week he should hear whether or not he was accepted into the MBA program he applied to. If he is, and gets the promotion, we will never see him but it is a good thing for our family so we are hoping for both.

As for me, I'll work on my negativity...maybe.

Family Friday Tomorrow: I Have to Get This Off My Chest

2009-10-30T10:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Cari,

To start, we would like to thank you for supporting us all of these years; for lifting us up when we were down. As a thank you, we tried to stay perky even when you were not.

We have been together for 15 years now and have seen some bad times, like when we first met or when we grew up too fast for your liking, but we have seen some good times too, like when we helped you find a mate. Man, we looked good back then didn't we?

That brings us to the reason we are writing you this letter. We are tired and its starting to show. We have been working for you non-stop since February 2007. At first we thought we just weren't use to this new line of work; before we just sat there and looked pretty, now we had to work and it made us sore - we also got bigger, something we still aren't very excited about. Then, you increased our work load. We were not prepared for this - now we were sore inside AND out, working all hours of the day and night, got even bigger, and even started to retain fluids! We cried silent tears but you had no sympathy, just sopped up our tears before others could see them.

We pressed on and eventually got use to the daily beatings. We were used less and less and thought we could see the light at the end of the the tunnel, but just as the tears stopped and we were getting back to our old life of just hanging around, you made us start all over again.

As we said before, we are tired. It doesn't seem to matter how much support you give us, we just can't be lifted up as high anymore. All we are asking, nay-BEGGING, is that when we are done with this job, sometime next summer, you give us a year-long vacation, aka, please don't have another baby that soon after we are done nursing this one. We will come back and work for you again, but unless you want us to become better friends with your belly button than your low cut t-shirts, we need the break.

Sincerely,

Your Boobs.

My Life in Ruins

2009-10-29T22:10:00.001-06:00

The movie title for the movie I'm reviweing this week is perfect to describe my life right now. Well, I really shouldn't complain because I don't have the struggles that some have, but right now, I feel like I can't keep my head above water. I think my brain came out the same time the baby did, because ever since he got here, I loose everything, can't remember anything, and there always seems to be something that needs to get done.

I lost my purse AND my keys, almost two months ago - still have yet to find them (luckily my wallet with debit card was in the diaper bag so I really only lost some tampons, receipts, and my keys.)

I've been helping find meals for our friend in the ward who lost his wife to cancer earlier this month. I'm suppose to find him meals for Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks. Sounds doable right? Nope, this is the second week in a row I found him two meals for the same day, but completely forgot to find him a meal for last Thursday...I just plain stink and keeping all the ducks in a row for this calling...I'll get better though, I'm sure that is why God put me here.

As far as always having something to do, I don't think the list will ever end. I have tons of projects I've promised other people I would complete for them, but I have tons of projects I have to complete for myself. It seems like if I do the projects for others I don't have any time for my own projects, but it I work on my own projects, I feel guilty for not working on the projects I told others I would help them with. Its a vicious never ending cycle.

With "my life in ruins" I may have to amend some of my blog themes for next year, I may just be pushing myself too far. To help me organize my life a little better though, I finally gave in tonight, and bought a day planner. I HATE day planners and having to jot down my life in one. I think one reason I have enjoyed being a SAHM (stay at home mom) is because I wasn't tied to doing things on specific days at specific times; but with my life the way it is right now, if I don't put some of those constraints on myself I may never get things done, like the mound of dishes in my sink. Wish me luck with the planner, I really am going to need it.

Anyway, "My Life in Ruins" the movie was actually okay. I would give it 2.5 out of 4 stars. Gordo watch this movie on an airplane and really liked it, so when it came out on DVD we watched it. It has the main actress from "My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding", this time, she is in Greece, as a different character, working as a tour guide. She is struggling to find fulfillment in her life until her last tour group helps her see what she has right in front of her. The movie is funny, and I would probably watch it again. I wouldn't buy it, but watching it twice would be okay.

Inoculation Proclamation

2009-10-27T23:05:00.002-06:00

Beeba and I were vaccinated for the H1N1 flu today; she got the shot, I got the mist and have had a head ache all day.

I still wasn't sure whether or not I was going to have us vaccinated, but was praying about it and pretty sure we were going to get it, that is until Sunday when Beeba came down with a fever, and I thought, "Oh, crap! What if she has H1N1 and gives it to Bubba!" She didn't, and thus we were vaccinated today - just in time as the health department is now out.

She woke up Sunday and just cried all morning. I got her to calm a little by snuggling with her and watching a movie. I tried to get her to eat but she didn't want anything. All morning long she was saying "Ow! Owie, Mom, ow!" but she has been saying ow lately for anything distressing to her, not just things that hurt, so I just thought she was saying because she was irritable. Turns out she just ached all over.

When Gordo got home from church he noticed that she felt really hot. We took her jammies off and took her temperature. Sure enough, it was 101.6 degrees. I called the doctors office and left a message for the on-call doctor to call me back. In the meantime, she cooled off a little by hanging out in her diaper, so I took her temp again, 100.8. When the doctor called back she told me that since I took it under her arm I had to add a degree to each reading meaning they were really 102.6 and 101.8 degrees. She said if it got over 102 again to bring her in, but in the meantime give her some Motrin to bring down the fever.

We put her down for a nap and got ready for the blessing. She woke up just as it was about to start, so Grandma Kris went upstairs to hang out with her (I didn't want to infect those at the blessing). The Motrin worked to keep her fever down and she slept well that night.

Yesterday morning we took her temp again and it was 100.6. We gave her more Motrin and she felt better, not great but better. I let her watch movies all day since she didn't feel like playing and by her nap, the Motrin had worn off and the fever didn't come back the rest of the day.

Here she is watching "To Pan" aka Peter Pan. She insisted on watching it on the portable DVD player and not the big tv.

I told her doctor on Monday that I was going to get her the H1N1 vaccine the next day but didn't know whether or not I should since she had been sick the two previous days. He told me if she woke up this morning without the fever to go ahead and get her one.

So, two pairs of pants, three shirts, a coat, a scarf, fuzzy socks, warm shoes, my phone with radio attachment, two camping chairs, and a 4:30 am wake up call later, I found myself waiting, in the freezing rain and snow, for them to give out the vaccine at 10:00 am. I knew the state was running out and my county was one of the last to have it so I thought its do or die time and I better do this right and ensure we can get one.

I was planning on having Beeba brought to me at 8:30 (I didn't want her to wait with me the whole time, the point of my being there was to keep her healthy, dragging her out in the freezing cold so early in the morning wouldn't help her stay healthy; however I did see lots of young kids Beeba's age with both parents there that early in the morning.), but while I was in line I heard that they would start as soon as the Health Department got there. I figured they weren't required to get to work until 8:00 am, so I had Beeba brought to me about 7:30 am. At 8:15 we were each given a green ticket good for one H1N1 vaccine and at 8:30 were moving inside the building. By 9:01 (an hour before they were even suppose to start giving out the vaccine) we were back at the car, headed home to relieve Grandma Kris from having to bounce Bubba on our ab ball.

In the end, I'm glad we were vaccinated. Beeba does have to go get another H1N1 vaccination no earlier than three weeks from now (they are having anyone 9 years and younger get two vaccinations) but I'm hoping more vaccine will be available by the time I take her so I won't have to get up so early again. I'm actually going to send Gordo with her next time so he too can be vaccinated.

Just for history purposes, here is what the County Department of Health website said about who they would be vaccinating today.

The County Health Department is now offering the novel H1N1 vaccine. This limited supply of vaccine is free. The H1N1 vaccine is for the targeted populations recommended by the CDC.

You may receive the H1N1 FluMist vaccine if you are healthy (but not pregnant) and:

Under 50 years of age and are a household contact or caregiver of children younger the 6 months or
Age 2 years to 24 years, or
Under 50 years of age and are a Heal Care or Emergency Medical Worker

(This H1N1 FluMist is not for individuals younger than 2 years of age, or older than 49 years of age, or who are pregnant, or persons who have a weakened immune system.)

You may receive the H1N1 injectable vaccine if you are:

and infant 6 months to 23 months, or
a child 6 months to 17 years of age with an underlying medical condition, or
a pregnant woman

When other types of H1N1 vaccine arrive, the remaining target populations will be vaccinated (people age 18-64 years with an underlying medical condition). The H1N1 vaccine will be offered to the general population once the higher-risk groups have been immunized.

Dress appropriately for the weather (such as coats, umbrellas, sunblock, etc.) because the majority of your wait will be outside. Also, wear a short-sleeved shirt (under your coat, if applicable) to speed your vaccination process.

As of now, only four counties in the whole state MAY have H1N1 vaccine available.

Princess Flower Pot

2009-10-26T22:19:00.003-06:00

Meet Princess Flower Pot Jr.

Obviously I stole this from your blog Amanda.

She is the daughter of one of my best friends, Princess Flower Pot. Okay, okay, her name is really Amanda and her daughter is the beautiful Isla, but the summer I met Amanda (2004) was one of the best.

I had just completed my first year of college at BYU and I wanted to explore the world. Without telling anyone, I found and made arrangements with a family in Canada to be their nanny for the summer. They had four kids that ranged in age from 7 years to 7 months - Kyle, Emily, Connor, and Liam.

The day after I got there I got sick. It was also my first day at church in the singles ward. I felt sick during sacrament meeting, and with no time to spare, I rushed out of the meeting in search of the nearest bathroom. Luckily, I ran into JoAnn (the mother) in the hall and she asked what was wrong. As I was already holding vomit in my mouth, I couldn't talk so she hurried me to the disabled bathroom because she thought I was crying. As soon as she opened the door, and I lunged for the toilet, she could tell she was wrong. I was suppose to watch the children for the first time the next day but I waited a few more days to take over those duties.

A few days later, Amanda came to the door. She too was LDS and happened to live across the street. I was so glad she introduced herself; I finally had a friend! We were attached at the hip that whole summer, we went shopping, went out to eat, went downtown B.C., did youth activities, hung out with boys, anything and everything. I felt that I could be myself with her, as quirky as I am, and she didn't judge me, just had fun with me.

One day, while we were at her friends house (I don't remember his name but it was the boy you crushed on that whole summer) and I was way HYPER. His dad was there so I told her she should introduce herself as Princess Flower Pot and then I proceeded to sing the following song...

Princess Flower Pot,
She's the coolest flower pot.
Cool, cool, cool, cool, flower pot,
until you put her in the hot hot sun!
Princess Flower Pot.

We then came up with a name, but no song, for me - Rosie Sandweeny. We sung that Princess Flower Pot song all summer, and she even had it as the message on her voice mail for quit some time. I've sung the song for Gordo, but he doesn't appreciate it like Amanda...that's why I love her so much!
_________________________________________________

Bubba is 8 weeks old today! I can't believe he is almost two months old already! He smiles all the time, can make eye contact with you by following your voice, will follow an object with his eyes, turns towards sounds, and almost recognizes his name. What is next for this kid; driving?

I took some pictures of him today in his blessing outfit...I think he looks like a stud; and at his mission farewell, I think I'll post the ones I took of him next to the scriptures next to his missionary pictures - he's too cute.

Seriously, So Blessed

2009-10-25T20:17:00.002-06:00

Today was a big day, we blessed Bubba at our home. It was a beautiful blessing performed by his father; a person Bubba should be honored to be blessed by.

I have been lucky enough to get an audio recording of both my children's baby blessings so that I could write them down and put them in their books of remembrance. Bubba's fathers (earthly and spiritual) blessed him with many qualities that will help him throughout his life.

Gordo takes blessing his children so seriously. He prepares for quite some time to have the right spirit with him so he can hear the promptings of our Heavenly Father and say what He would have him say. Our children are lucky to have him as a father.

We had a lovely soup bar, (I tried pumpkin but it was awful, so I quickly made some Minestrone) with Minestrone (me), Chili (my mom), and Potato Cheese (Kris), rolls, and YUMMY salads provided by Sarah, Kat, and Julie. To end the meal we had fabulous Texas fudge cake made by Grandma Mary. It turned out wonderful and I thank all of you for your help and attendance.

Just as a side note, I've decided how to make next year's Spiritual Sunday's different. WE (not just me but I hope some of you too) will be reading "Jesus the Christ". This is a very deep book, or so I hear I haven't read it yet, so we will only be reading a few pages a day and taking the whole year to read it. I hope on Sunday's we can discuss what we have read and enlighten each other on the book and Jesus himself.

Father Time

2009-10-24T23:15:00.002-06:00

I mentioned awhile ago that I had a theory on why time seems to get faster as one gets older. I had some people comment that they were interested in this theory, so here you go.

The theory is simple really, I just hope I can explain it in an understandable way. Basically every day, hour, or minutes that goes by, the more you have lived and thus the less it means. Let me explain.

I have been alive for approximately 9,178 days, thus as a percentage of the time I've been alive, one day is .011% of my life (1/9,178). For Bubba, who has been alive approximately 54 days, one day as a percentage of time he has been alive is 1.852% (1/54). You see, 1% of Bubba's life is a significant amount of time compared to my .011%. Since he hasn't lived as long as me, one day means much more, and seems longer, to him than it does to me.

Here is a visual of what I mean.

If these circles were as big as the city I live in, and we each had to walk the distance of the one day piece of the graph, I would take much less time to walk my piece than Bubba would to walk his piece. Does that make sense?

Time gets faster because the total time you have been alive keeps getting bigger, but each individual piece gets smaller and smaller, making it less and less significant to your life as a whole.

I don't know that I explained this well at all...sorry.

Mah Fam

2009-10-23T22:33:00.002-06:00

First of all, ever since Bubba was born, people have been asking us how to pronounce his name. Its not like we kept his name a secret while he was in utero, but no one asked about pronunciation until he was born. I don't get it.

Okay, now I can continue with my post.

My kids are getting so cute. Beeba has become obsessed with princesses. She is always asking to watch one of the "princess" movies that we own, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty. She is enthralled with them and can't get enough. She used to call them all princess but she is learning their names, especially Ariel, I think she is her favorite.

A while ago, Gordo bought her the classic Memory Game where you flip the cards, two at a time, trying to get a match. Well she is a little young to play it this way (however I tried it today with about nine cards and she did pretty well) so we flip all the cards right side up, give her a card and tell her to find the match. She loves playing this and often asks to play "match". Today, as I was putting the game away after playing, I was asking her what was on each card. She new the word to almost every item displayed on the cards from ball to skunk! The one that really surprised me was doll since we always call her dolls babies.

I have expected her to want to copy what I do with Bubba with her own "babies" but have been surprised because she hasn't really had this desire. I often have to bounce on our ab ball with Bubba to lull him to sleep, and today, Beeba found a deflating balloon that Gordo brought home yesterday, figured out how to sit on it, and then bounced with her baby. I tried to get it on video but as soon as I pulled out the camera she wanted to play with it.

Bubba is getting cuter by the second. When you talk to him, he talks right back! He is also obsessed with his sister. He already loves her so much. Whenever she is around he is content to stare at her and watch her antics. I think he already thinks she is the coolest person he knows.

The only issue I've been having with him lately is constipation. It seems like he is constipate about every other day. Because he is backed up, he gets hungry, but arches his back in pain after about 2 minutes of eating and doesn't want any more. Once he finally has a really good poop, he is as happy as a little lark and starts eating again. He goes to the doctor in two weeks for a well baby checkup and I'll ask the doctor what can be done then.

Gordo's boss just got promoted yesterday so we are really hopeful he will get promoted to his boss' old job. He has the knowledge necessary for the position but others without the knowledge but more tenure are also applying so we will see which one they are looking for, knowledge or tenure.

Gordo's knee has also recovered enough from earlier this year to start training for a marathon again. I think he is hoping to do one next April or May.

I also started running last week and was surprised at how well I maintained my endurance during my pregnancy and the six weeks after he was born. I ran about three miles and only walked for about four minutes! Mini wave in celebration of me! I also went to my postpartum doctors appointment and found out I'm one pound lighter than before I had Bubba; again, mini wave in celebration of me! Goodnight Amsterdam! Now, if I could just get back to my pre-pregnancy Beeba weight...

2009-10-22T15:32:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday, my sister-in-law Kelsey posted on her blog that she and my brother were the target audience for the ads for Where the Wild Things Are. She wrote...

So, NPR wrote an article about "Where the Wild Things Are", and how the movie is specially marketed to appeal to "hipsters." As these people were described as twenty-somethings who listen to bands from Montreal, I began to realize that I was one of those people. And then the article mentioned guys who wear nerdy glasses and tight pants, and I thought, Oh wow-NPR just described my husband.

This may be the reason this movie doesn't appeal to me in the slightest. I think the actual book is about 10 lines long, I just don't see how they could make it into a two hour movie. Plus, I believe, the main character chases his dog with a fork in the book, why would I want to watch a movie about a psychotic kid?

Maybe its just Gordo and I, it was the #1 movie last week, so someone besides hipsters and nerdy guys must be interested.

Did you or do you plan to see it and why?

My Thoughts on H1N1

2009-10-21T23:10:00.002-06:00

Staci asked what my thoughts on H1N1 were, well here you go! (Ashley, if I get anything wrong, please make a comment to correct me...you are the health professional, not me.)

First of all, I asked Beeba's pediatrician if he thought I should try and get her the H1N1 vaccination or if the whole thing was over hyped. What he said was insightful so I'll share it. He said that it is and isn'toverhyped . First of all, H1N1 has less severe symptoms than the regular seasonal flu, so most people who will contract it will be sick for a few days and feel better quite quickly. However, the reason H1N1 is scary, is because it is so easily contracted.

He said the seasonal flu goes in cycles, there are a few that go around, and the people who make and distribute the vaccine, make an educated guess as to which strain will be most prevalent that year and that is the strain they vaccinate against. Ever once in a while, like about seven years ago, they get it wrong and the vaccination is for the wrong strain. Since we have seen most of the flu strains in our life time, we all have some antibodies built up in our system, so if we are in the same room with someone who has the flu, we won't necessarily contract it. Since H1N1 hasn't made the rounds in our life time, most of us don't have any built up antibodies in our system, making us ultra vulnerable to contracting the disease, especially because it is passed through the air. That is also one of the reason you see younger people dying from the Swine Flu, older people may have been around it in their life and have some antibodies against it.

With that said, I still don't know what to do about getting those in my family who can vaccinated.

If I were still pregnant I think I would definitely get the vaccine. I went to the doctor today for my postpartum check up and he had an article in the exam room detailing some of the proven side affects to babies whose mother's contracted H1N1 back in the early 1900's. It listed things like they (the fetuses) were 60% more likely to have issues with their heart after the age of 60, they were more likely to be schizophrenic, etc. I think the pros out weigh the cons as far as pregnant women and the vaccine go.

My mom keeps mentioning a disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome that some who were vaccinated in 1976 for H1N1 contracted. Here is what one article said about this particular problem.

"(A) common concern about (the) flu vaccine dates from a 1976 effort to vaccinate the American public against swine flu — though there was no pandemic at the time. More than 40 million people were vaccinated; of those, roughly 500 developed a potentially serious neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome. The fear is that another swine flu effort will bring another rash of GBS.

In fact, a 2003 Institute of Medicine study concluded that there may indeed have been a causal relationship between the vaccine and contraction of the disorder. However, vaccine production technology has changed significantly in the past 30 years; the IOM found no evidence that modern vaccines cause GBS. Also, the current H1N1 strain is not the same as the 1976 strain, and the vaccine is therefore different. (The CDC says it’s unlikely that anyone vaccinated in the late ’70s will be protected against the modern H1N1 strain.)

It’s also important to keep those numbers in perspective. Even if all 500 cases of GBS in 1976 were caused by flu vaccination, the incidence of the side effect was minuscule. Among those who received the vaccine, roughly 1 in 80,000 developed GBS. You’re at higher risk of being struck and killed by lightning (1 in 79,000)."

Where most of my anxiety comes from is the fact the drug companies didn't have that much time to test the vaccine before they made it widely available. I don't know how long they tested the vaccine in the 70's, but if they didn't test it well enough maybe the cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome will be higher this time. Maybe there will be another disease that people will contract. Maybe everyone will be fine. I'm just not sure.

As for us, Beeba has been a little sick the past couple weeks with a cough; it seems to be getting better so maybe when they send out more vaccine I'll take her in. As far as Gordo is concerned, I think I would encourage him to get it if he can but I still don't know about myself. If we all get vaccinated there is a chance none of us will get sick, but there is also a chance that none of us will get sick except Bubba since he is the only one not old enough to be vaccinated. I'm not sure if I can pass Bubba antibodies for H1N1 through nursing if I get the vaccine, but if I were to contract it, I will be able to pass Bubba antibodies for H1N1 through my breast milk that he otherwise wouldn't be able to receive.

What are your thoughts?

Beeba, Bubba, Gordo, and Me

Orphan Boy

The Rest

Can't Wait

Your Turn

Training

Snow Day

Q & A

Sweet and Sour Meetballs

Little Chef

Prepared Way

Porch Monkeys

Let the Races Begin!

What I've Been Up To

Poor Gordo

Black Bean Burritos

Monday is Family Fun Day!

For the Dogs

Looking for Ideas

Oh Deer

I Miss Her

Pepper Steak

Could We Sin or Not Sin, That is The Question

Kid Friendly

Mission Accomplished

How Was Your Day?

Bring on the Chesney

Spinach Fettuccine in Cheese Sauce

Pictures, Pictures, and More Pictures

Your Thoughts Needed

Everybody Poops

Run and Not Be Weary

Sleep

Realizations

Rolling Snow Buddies

Lets be Honest...

Beauty on the Outside IS What Matters

Basically...

Ahhh...

Still Learning From the Master

Chicken-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy

This and That

Agency

Sarah's House

I'm a Big Looser

Propped Push-Up

Smash-Down

Star Pass

Curl and Toss

Ball Flye

Now That She is Alive, I'm Going to Kill Her

Thank You

Ultra Lowfat Lasagna

Big Boy Food

Jesus the Christ

Someday Saturdays

Fitness Fridays

My Morning View

For Posterity's Sake

Paprika Chicken

So You Want Me To Blog Do You?

Merry Christmas To All!

Mommy, I Miss You.

The Reason for The Season

Hello Blogosphere! I'm Back...(For Now)

My Feelings on Twilight (the book not the movie)

Its The Thought That Counts

He Says It Better

Being Purified in the Lord’s True Church

And the Title Goes To...

Family Time = Happy Time

Thanksgiving

Seriously?!?!

Bed Time

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Service = Love

Today's Relief Society Lesson was on service. To me service = love as is demonstrated in the following quote

Showing Love in Small, Simple Things

Dreamland

K.I.S.S.I.N.G