Top Ten Reasons to Vacation WITHOUT kids.

10. Beach? NO, I want to swim in the lazy river!

9. YUM, I'll order Mac N Cheese for lunch, seafood, forget it.

8. Sand and diapers don't mix.

7. 4 kids, 2 adults, 1 hotel room = Less sleep than when at home.

6. Just when you're ready to walk out the door, what's that smell?

5. Trouble navigating hallways with your luggage cart filled to the top with kid gear, that bump was a kid!

4. I know! We'll rent those fancy bikes that we can all fit on. Oh wait, we have four kids and not ONE of them can reach the pedals to help, oops.

3. That's weird how sand is sticking to only one side of the 'anonymous' child's leg. It's almost as if they peed their pants right here on the beach.

2. Are we there yet? (a 3 hour trip)

And the number 1 reason to vacation without kids... While buckling child into backpack, a seagull pooped on my head.

Fooled ya!! We had a great time anyway!

I chose the temple.

Thought I would let you know. :)

Eight Years ago today.

I was in a small 2 bedroom apt. that cost 410 a month. I had a boy, 7 months old, one car, and my husband was on campus studying East Asian Studies. We had no t.v., and very few posessions, we were close to celebrating 2 years of marriage.

I remember being in the second bedroom, Playing with Colson, I was holding him, and the phone rang. My frantic older sister was calling she knew I didn't have a T.V. She told me that planes were crashing into buildings, and told me what she knew, and at that point, no one knew much. I asked her if she was sure, and I remember asking her if she was sure it wasn't a movie that she was watching. I know, duh. It just was impossible for me to comprehend.

I ran downstairs with Colson to my 90 yr old neighbors house, and together one life about to end, and another just begun, and watched everything unfold.

I eventually left, called a neighbor that had an extra T.V. and borrowed it. I was glued to it for weeks.

Little did I know my husband would take an active and important role in fighting for our nation's liberty. We hadn't even comprehended the military as a career choice at that point. And yet for two of the anniversary's since 9/11 Josh has spent time in some "interesting" places.

Today, eight years later, I think about this country what we've been through, how we came together shortly after, and there was a united front in the war on terror. And watching as President Bush NEVER BACKED DOWN. Perhaps he was determined to a fault, who's to say?

I haven't forgot. I won't forget, and I hope you won't either. There is EVIL in the world. LOTS of it. And to the men and women serving this nation, in the armed forces, and political offices that have sworn to protect this nation against ALL enemies FORIEGN and DOMESTIC, do your duty with honor, don't back down, and remember this day.

"You Lie" Right Words. Wrong Place.

I can't blame Joe (Joe Wilson, Congressman for S.C.), I was shouting at the T.V. right along with him.

It's unfortunate because it was the wrong place for an outburst, but Frustration has taken over the G.O.P., he had it right, but in the wrong place. You should still respect the "office" even if you don't respect the man.

Nevertheless, I'd like to predict here and now. B.O. has sealed his fate. The American People are too smart for his rhetoric, and his presidency is finished.

Obama and School Kids

No Biggie. Seriously I've got no issues with him telling kids to stay in school, they should.

SO MANY people don't trust him. That's why there were issues. He's shady, and the people he surrounds himself with are shady. That's why there was an uproar. It's not that he can't speak to school kids, it's that many Americans think he's "using" any opportunity to promote the Obama brand. The administration handled it well by handing out the speech the day before. But what they really need to do is figure out WHY people don't trust him, or his legacy along with his presidency will be brief.

Choices: Here or There.

On Sept. 12 - or 9-12. My Relief Society has planned a temple trip for the entire group. We'll be here:


And then I also want to go support the 9-12 project here:



I'll let you know what happens!

Writing.

In high school and college, I hated the drudgery of writing papers. It was a constant thing, and annoyed the begeebees(sp?, word?) out of me! However, I did take one class about words: Word Power. I loved it!! I was fascinated at the number of words in the English language - one of my favorites: Comeuppance. What a great word. I also happen to LOVE O'Reilly, I love his show (he has a fun word at the end of each show), and his book, great writing.

Well, in the blogosphere I've discovered some AMAZING talent, and WRITERS, no less, a real, genuine talent. CJane. Brandi. The Meanest Mom. Conversations with a Cupcake, and now I'd like to introduce you to My Sister. She, too has an incredible talent. She wrote an essay once about Dandelions. (Vic, PLEASE share it on your blog) So mark her as a favorite and enjoy the party of words.

blogging from the palm phone

woah I'm so techy.

It happened to me.

Back to school night, Hallie's Kindergarten class, and the Pledge.

A man from another country not sure which, expressed his concern over his kid saying the pledge. The teacher handled it great, saying he wouldn't have to participate.

Why does this make my blood boil??

I mean we are in the United States of America. Perhaps a history lesson could be in order - as the country was started because of religious reasons. So YES, we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD. You have issues with taking an oath/pledge to the flag, or that God was a part of the creation of this country?? No problem, Go somewhere else. No one is FORCING people to stay here, or even be here for that matter.

I just don't want to lose what we hold sacred, the history of how we became who we are. It was not easy to gain the freedoms we have today. You don't want to say the pledge. Fine. But by all means. I'll say it, I want my kids to say it, don't take away MY RIGHTS, to believe in this country, and to believe that God, Himself, watches over this great land.

brilliant.

http://www.pjtv.com/v/2235

ABC won't air the following commercial...

What happened to hearing both sides of an issue?

Hope and Change.

Silenced No More!! I've taken a political hiatus for awhile, in hopes that I could calm myself down. And I think I found my answer. I discovered the one thing Obama could do for this country, are you ready for it?? A positive thing about B.O. coming from me??? (actually I'm not all that disappointed in his foriegn policy - except for the apologizing tour - he is doing o.k. in Afghanistan and Iraq) However, here's the big thing:

FINALLY, GRASS ROOTS AMERICANS ARE TAKING CHARGE. I love how average people are finally actively engaged in politics. I said long ago that Americans had been duped. The awesome thing is they've realized it, and are taking their country back. I'm not in favor of the angry crazies, but I'm all about vocalizing the problem with his agenda.

We got Hope and Change. We are now hoping B.O. has no idea what's after a trillion, and the change we needed; no more Apathetic Americans.



The squeeky wheel gets the grease, and there are finally some conservative wheels squeeking!

I'm in VA these days and I'm voting for the Republican Candidate Bob McDonnell, and going to be volunteering on his campaign. Have you done something political lately?

Do Your Best.

Our family's motto for the year. We stole some great ideas from Nie Nie for a back to school feast, and enjoyed a toast, made crowns for the back to school kiddos, and Colson and Hallie also received Back to school blessings.

Do your best, in all that you do.

I am greatful for Josh's contribution to this year's theme. and we hope to take it seriously.

What is my best? Not sure, but I'm going to set some goals to figure it out!

Looks Like I'm going to Holland

I guess denial might be where I've been?? I'm not sure. But I'm now officially worried about my little one.

We have been diagnosed with a "Profound Expressive Language Delay" perhaps connected with a suspected central motor problem.

We went to a developmental specialist about a week ago, and received her evaluation in the mail a few days later. There's something about seeing a "problem" in black and white that makes it real. We are being referred to a neurologist.

Laila is at or above normal intelligence, and perhaps I always just thought she was laid back and happy, which she is. But I am finally realizing there is something going on, we're just not sure what. It looks like I'm going to have to brush up on an old skill even more (sign language). It's really weird to try and teach her to communicate with us, knowing she understands exactly what we're saying.

My sister shared the following essay with me, she has a child with special needs, too.

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
by
Emily Perl Kingsley.

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Sick kids.

Snot Noses galore at my house. Missing church.

My fam just left after a few days here. It was so nice for them to visit. I've been host to non-stop company, and it's been a great time! More to come this week. I guess it pays to live in cool places.

They took me to the amazing city market. How Yummy. Everything was so delicious, and cozy. and friendly. I love an abundance of fresh produce.

Thanks for the fun visit!

2 acres + Beautiful = an insane amount of work.

This we know. Why we can't buy a house with landscaping is BEYOND me. Josh and I don't mind yard work, be we find ourselves regularly in over our heads... Yesterday (MY IDEA) to clean out from under the cedar trees in the front yard in preparation for a truck load of mulch. Ridiculous. We don't have a chainsaw and so we just hacked away at the lower 3 feet of branches, with a hand saw.

We literally worked from 9 - 5 on the front yard, pulling, sawing, using the mower to haul the yard junk to the MASSIVE burn pit we have in the back yard.

FHE tomorrow - Bonfire, with smores...

Did I mention we haven't touched the backyard yet??

WE NEED SERVICE - any takers?? :) Oh wait, we have company coming in the next couple of weeks! I have just the project!

Hand and Foot

A long time ago, these two women were my partners in crime. We served together, and we had a few amazing experiences which bonded us forever.

We then began splitting up, only to be reunited once again in a small town.

Finally we all went our separate ways, scattered across the United States. Staying in touch via texting, phone calls, and emails. And then, for 24 hours, we found ourselves and our families together again for one late night game of cards. It felt great to see Viviane and Sonia, and their kiddos, again!!

Sonia who keeps our acts together wanted to say a prayer before everyone left, so there in my living room 16 people knelt down and thanked Heavenly Father for the blessing of friends.

Till we meet again, girls! I'll keep safe the card bowl and sorry I had to win TWICE!!

A Happy Place.

The other evening while sitting on my back porch with my husband watching the end of a thunderstorm, we saw a rainbow. It was beautiful - it seemed to start at the very edge of our yard - Josh said surely we can find the pot of gold there. And boy is he right. We've been here a month. And I'm in Heaven. I love the yard, the home, my family, and this great healthy place I've found for me as I've recovered from the craziest year of my life. I found my happy place.

After the storm, the Lord always comes through, with the blessings. Why me? Why would he bless me? I am not as good as I could be, I certainly am not a perfect being. But I'm trying, I really am. Have you felt the Love of the Lord in your life? I feel it abundantly in mine, even this "rebellious, proud" soul of mine.

The scoop. No not ice cream, dang it.

1. Yours truly, is successfully eating my way to a healthier me... I've lost around 7 lbs, in about 3 1/2 weeks, of carefully controlling what and how much I'm eating. So I guess you could say I'm using this exercise:

Place two hands on the table and push.

2. Hallie taught herself to ride a two-wheeler. No Joke. Neither Josh and I had anything to do with it. Colson helped a little, I think. One day, I looked out the window and she was riding up and down the drive way.

3. Laila is still not talking, for some reason I'm still not worried about her. But she continues to sign, and is now putting 2 to 3 signs together for sentences.

4. Scrapbooking is glorious. I've had so much fun getting my stuff out.

5. We're painting Hallie's room this weekend, My Idea: Semi-Gloss Stripes. Shoot me now.

6. I bought a bushel of peaches, I want to freeze them. However, I think my family can eat a bushel in a week. I told my sister, I am now in the category of shopping in Bulk for EVERYTHING. The amount of food we go through is alarming.

7. This is the first month of paying our mortgage on the new house, AND the old house. Life is good. Seriously.

8. I got a job. A temp for Anthropologie's store opening - 30 hours, and a one time discount coupon. So basically I'm working to spend. Does that make sense?? :)

9. This loaf was meant for a neighbor, note to self: don't leave the cooling bread too close to the counter's edge.



Cheers!

Back in the Saddle again!!

I have news. BIG news. Finally, after SIX WHOLE MONTHS, I've unpacked the scrapping supplies. I had worried the hobby might be getting stale, that I could be bored with paper, adhesive, and sticky gems. NOPE. It all came flooding back with an order from my favorite online STORE. I loved getting elbow deep in new product, as well as my old stuff. It's like an old friend came to visit. I have great memories of some super great girls, one group used to get together EVERY SINGLE thursday, probably for a year. How I miss those long nights. Then another group gets together EVERY YEAR for a weekend tradition of yummy food, memories, and girl chat, oh and some scrapbooking as well (By the way if you're one of these women please email me, I've got news) Not to mention my fun sisters that share an interest in this hobby as well... or the beautiful children that I'm taking pictures of. I'm back, and it feels great!

I made a card for my friend LINDS and her cutie pie, and a mobile for Charlie's crib, and I'm on a 30 day of projects, cards, and layouts stint to get me back into the mindset. Pictures of projects to come! As soon as I get the card in the mail! :)

Happy Scrapping!

WOW, who are their parents??

Yeah, they're mine.

Playing Hookie - Guilt Free

Our Mountain View:




Maybe not...

Saturday I received a couple emails regarding a bacterial infection spreading among the youth in our ward... we were only having Sacrament Meeting. Um... four little ones, we were not going to partake that day.

Instead we had CHURCH outside. We visited the Shenandoah Valley National Park. Sometimes I wonder why some don't believe there is a God. Proof.

Photos of Old Blue

Old Blue




From the Back:



From the Front Door:


Laila Went Missing:


Baby Poop Walls:


Family on Easter:

Sorta Back.

1. It costs more than you think to paint a house - let's just say Josh and I doing it ourselves saves almost enough to pay for a sewer grinder pump.

2. Frolic for the basement, was QUITE the choice... what a wild color.

3. My favorite room in the house that we've painted and "updated" is the dining room. No, we don't have a dining table and chairs...

4. The living room is Butternut. Josh's other name for it is baby poop. He's actually very close. Wish I would have thought of it before I purchased the "nonrefundable customized tinted paint". (I still think the color is great on the wall, I just get reminded of it every time I change Charlotte)

5. Closing was awesome. I showed up with a Cashier's Check, and walked out with the Cashier's check, and another check for $600. Somehow we had ZERO in closing costs, and came away with $600. AWESOME.

6. Our house although is not huge, is much bigger than we had before. I love that I "LOSE" the kids. (Well, Everyone except Laila, She's getting into something when she's missing)

7. I mowed my yard for the first time on my riding mower that we included in the contract, it was so fun!! Josh loves that chore - he said he especially enjoys the wind blowing through his hair.

8. We did forget to include the Refridgerator in the contract. So now I am the proud owner of TWO awesome refridgerators. I. Love. It.

9. Pictures are in the works... We are a bit busy, and I just know things will calm down in time for school to start and get more crazy!

10. Building a life together with the one you love, including adventures like unexpected moves and home purchases, is seriously a JOY.

Old Blue we're a coming...

Bloggers as you know... I haven't updated quite as regularly... and I'm buying a house on Friday, and a few days later I'm heading back to my old stomping grounds.

SO. Don't bother heading back this way - hopefully I'll be off taking pictures and painting, and enjoying our new found freedom.

Love you all!

And Happy 4th.

Sewer Grinder Update:

My bad... A sewer grinder pumpy thingy costs $1500 not the $800 I had previously reported. This does NOT include labor, to install it.

TOTAL BILL: $2240

On the bright side closing costs went from $293 to $52.

B.O. and National Defense.

Almost as awesome as B.O. and the Economy.

Only 1341 days till the next president. Who's counting??

True to my word - I'm focusing on what I can do, and strengthening families, which we know strengthens societies.

We believe that the family is the basic unit of society. You can’t have a strong community without strong families. You can’t have a strong nation without strong families—the father, the mother, the children as one unit working together. Now the family is falling apart all over America, all over the world. If we can just cultivate good, wholesome family life among our members, I don’t worry very much about the future of this Church” (interview with Ignacio Carrión, El País [Mexico], 7 Nov. 1997). - President Hinckley

Here's an organization you can help with.

With the death of the abortion doctor in Kansas, I can't help but think there's a better option - check it out here.

And finally, do you know YOUR CONGRESSMAN?? Be an educated voter, do your research. Hope this helps!

Ciao Bella - looking for something fun?

Give this a whirl:

Chocolate Jalepeno Ice Cream:

A chef inspired rendition of an amorous tradition comes to life in the seductive swirl of hand-crafted gelato.

Tingling sensations of Jalapeño Pepper mingle with bold and earthy flavors of West African Chocolate, a tantalizing harmony for the taste buds. Hot and sweet, made with all natural, pure ingredients.

Updates

1. In a stake conference with over 1000 people, I randomly bumped into one woman in the mother's lounge. A friend from Monterey over six years ago. It's a freakishly small world.

2. A grinder pump for a sewer costs $800. Ask me how I know this.

3. I've been training for a 4.5 mile race. I swear every time I run, that distance gets farther and farther away. If I crawl during the race, can I still say "I ran a race"?

4. Old Blue, I'm waiting for you. One question, are you infested with ants? Just curious.

5. If you missed my post about the DMV, I'm having some fun discussion with an anonymous soul about Government and Health Care - feel free to join the conversation, check the comments.

6. I recently purchased a label maker to "organize my files" I love that thing. I've been labeling everything. "Don't Touch", "Mine", "Get your hands off", "Not Yours", and one other label I put on my forehead, that one will remain between Josh and I.

7. Freecycle is my friend.

8. Craigslist is my friend.

9. "Frolic" is my paintchoice for the basement.

10. Pat the realtor, where or where did you put my front door key??

Joy in my Journey Today: No Empty Chairs

As parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents in Zion, it has been the shared hope of my wife and me that all of us will be together in the eternities—that all will be worthy,

without a single empty chair. - Ezra Taft Benson

1. A hubby that is funny, smart, and mine, all mine.

2. A son. Sweet, smart, and creative.

3. Girls. Yup, 3 girls. I'm the only one in my family to get 3 girls, just like I had 3 girls growing up. They're each unique, and lovely.

4. Sisters that rock. TWO amazing women, who are my BESTEST GIRLFRIENDS.

5. Sensing a theme?? Family is where it's at.

Our New Family Motto: No Empty Chairs.

Sorry We're

Closed.



The dreaded chore of the DMV. This chore begins months in advance as you realize it's coming closer and closer to the time you HAVE to make the trek to the local DMV. So yesterday I geared up, researched all needed documents, (actually the day before but Laila woke up with a puddle of puke, so it had to be postponed another day)and headed to the DMV. I packed drinks, snacks, diapers, hand sanitizer(have you ever been anywhere more gross?), I was armed, ready for anything. EXCEPT, renovations.

So, I attempted a third time. Documents galore in tow, along with three girls, and waited in the line that went out the door. Finally got to the "information" desk where they weed everyone out that has the wrong documents, and give you a real number to wait in the real line. Well, Josh and I BOTH, are on the title - thus, he had to be present. I called him to meet me there, a 45 minute drive - and 2 and half hours later I left without a drivers' license, BUT I did get plates for the car.

While sitting in the crowded, smelly, dirty DMV, I thought to myself about a political issue at the top of the list for Barack Obama (B.O.), Universal HealthCare. Brilliant. The very government that can't get a DMV to run smoothly, efficiently, or even hygienically, should step into the world of Health Care. Folks, if you want quality health care, keep the government out of it. Health Care is not an entitlement. I went without for three years. A risk we had to take. But, We didn't smoke, we didn't mountain climb, we just tried to stay healthy. This program doesn't need more money, just more common sense.

Sigh. I want a politician with a creative mind, that can innovate good ideas for receiving the benefits - like quitting smoking classes, nutrition classes, and enrollment in exercise classes being required, if benefits are received. Just a thought.

By the way, is it time for new plates? Hope not.

The Political Arena

You might have noticed my absence in commentating on "politics". Not because I'm not keeping up, but in light of trying to be focused on positive things. Can I still have opinions without being so pessimistic?? It's been on my mind for a few months now. Hit more close to home today as my father lost his job, did I mention my father-in-law retired from GM? These issues are real. And I sincerely believe we should all be active in trying to learn the knowledge of the world AND of the spirit. Try HERE for example.

Finally this point from President Hinckley answers my question:

The building of public sentiment begins with a few earnest voices. I am not one to advocate shouting defiantly or shaking fists and issuing threats in the faces of legislators. But I am one who believes that we should earnestly and sincerely and positively express our convictions to those given the heavy responsibility of making and enforcing our laws. The sad fact is that the minority who call for greater liberalization, who peddle and devour pornography, who encourage and feed on licentious display make their voices heard until those in our legislatures may come to believe that what they say represents the will of the majority. We are not likely to get that which we do not speak up for.

Let our voices be heard. I hope they will not be shrill voices, but I hope we shall speak with such conviction that those to whom we speak shall know of the strength of our feeling and the sincerity of our effort. Remarkable consequences often flow from a well-written letter and a postage stamp. Remarkable results come of quiet conversation with those who carry heavy responsibilities.

More thoughtful posts to come.

Old Blue

Here are a few pics of our new house. I just took these when we were having the house inspected. We call it "Old Blue", but I don't have a front picture which would explain why we call it such! Or at least part of the reason. Anyway, it's definitely still in the 70's when it was built, but it is cozy, and bigger than our last house.
Can't wait to move in! Hey, anybody up for a painting party??

What we've been up to.

1. Laila is perfecting her signing vocabulary, which is pretty hysterical, she can say: Baby, Daddy, Love, please, help, stop, milk, cup, eat, more, hurt, dog.

It's pretty impressive.

2. Charlotte has been sleeping through the night, like a true champ. She is growing so fast, she better stop. Oh how I'm going to miss the little ones. I don't really like to share her. I want to do all the holding. Lucky me, I get to.

3. Hallie is dancing all around, and has become quite the hider. She hides everywhere and everything. She's freakishly sneaky.

4. Colson is a reading maniac. Any good suggestions? I finally got him off Harry Potter, and he's read several Judy Blume books, and Indian in the Cupboard, and Charlie and the glass elevator, and more... Anyway, suggestions would be appreciated.

5. Josh working hard. He's on a regular schedule, and is getting to know more people, and has been helping a ton around the house. He was also bragging about his physical prowess in the push-up department. I challenged him to 50 push-ups for a reward. Needless to say I've never seen him pump out 50 push-ups so fast...

6. Me, barely getting it all done. Miss everyone!!

Relaxing.

As the drama of the last year is settling for a bit, it's been a little more relaxed here at the household. The next couple months will be fun, to move and paint, and pack, and... oh well maybe not so settled. However, we are enjoying life in you know where, Josh has taken a position that is putting him on a more normal shift, and he's liking the job better!

We're going to buy a house with less than 600 in closing costs, are we good or what??? :) Seriously, if you've never thought of buying, NOW'S THE TIME!! Wowsers, great deals.

I went through the kids clothes, getting rid of all the boy stuff, and all the maternity. Kind of sad...

Lost 2 pounds this week. I've been working hard on the "food intake". NOT dieting, just changing some bad habits. Slowly but surely I will get back to my normal self.

O.k. That's about it for now. I swear adding this fourth baby has seriously affected my online time. Hopefully I'll get more organized as time goes on!

Wishing you great things, why not? You SO DESERVE it.

House: Purchased.

We got another house. Yes we BOUGHT one. I know you're saying isn't she crazy???

But A) We wanted to buy because the interest rates are phenomenal.

b) I LOVE to decorate my home.

c) And I still believe I'm helping out the economy.

d) If the market continues to tumble, we can now afford to lose a house - we still will have a place to live - see that logic??

And finally e) we need the tax benefit of owning our own home.

Have NO FEAR, it's another "project" house. BUT, at least livable unlike the last doozy. Also, it has Mountain Views. and if you're from Utah be quiet. Mountains are just different, but still mountains.

Thanks for everyone's prayers, fasting, and just plain worry about us. Things are coming together. Just like always, have the faith... (of course I can say that now, wink wink)

Cheers.

House: Rented.

TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FINALLY.

I believe the Lord sent these renters to us!! They're from Indiana, and he's an associate pastor at a Methodist Church. Halelujah!!

NOW, we can figure out where WE are going to live...

Cheers.

WIN!

http://themeanestmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/mothers-day-giveaway.html

Good Luck.

Before and After.

You can also see some fun OLD pictures of yours truly if you visit HERE.

Coming Soon... Before and After shots of a SERIOUS haircut.

For my birthday, I wanted a haircut. Yup, lame, I know. But in these economic times I couldn't justify the expense. So it kept growing and growing, until I realized I could donate a chunk to Wigs4Kids. And with the money from my parents, I scored a haircut - and I think I like it! :) We'll see when I actually do it!

That was a terribly written paragraph, sorry about that, I'm too lazy to redo it though.

Some quick things:

1. LOVING Miss California. You GO GIRL. A genuine woman of character. Wishing her the best. Missed the drama? Check it out here.

2. Obama drama - just not a fan, but eagerly awaiting SOMEONE with my conservative values to take a leadership role... Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?????

3. Still Broke - Still paying for an empty home. SOON, I'm hoping, SOON, we'll rent the place. BUT, reminded recently that broke in this country is no where near broke in other countries... Seriously I have more than some people see in their lifetime. And what else??? It would take a LONG time for me to die of starvation, I've got plenty o' fat stores to last awhile.

4. Thankful for a great ward. I seriously just landed my dream calling - Relief Society Teacher. AWESOME!!!! I'm so excited. Love to teach, love Relief Society, and love the gospel. Plus, it's only once a month.

5. A recent lesson learned: I'll spare you the long version. But simply put, for several years I suffered from an entitlement problem, without actually admitting it. My dad who I've mentioned before was born into poverty and climbed out of it, without a handout. He didn't start earning the big bucks until I was out of the house. My parents struggled financially for a long time, my mom made our clothes, we did NOT get to do lessons or sports of any kind, we NEVER went out to eat, my parents just didn't spend what they didn't have, and that wasn't much. Anyway, fast forward a few years my dad remarried a great woman, with a great daughter. I struggled to see how my dad was able to provide so much more for them. That I was with him through the poor, hard part, and missed out on the abundance when it finally came. Simply put, I felt I was "ENTITLED" to gifts and generosity from him. I never realized this, until THIS AMAZING TALK, said this:

Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. Some of us feel embarrassed, ashamed, less worthwhile if our family does not have everything the neighbors have. As a result, we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude. Money we could have used to care for ourselves and others must now be used to pay our debts. What remains is often only enough to meet our most basic physical needs. Living at the subsistence level, we become depressed, our self-worth is affected, and our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the Lord are weakened. We do not have the time, energy, or interest to seek spiritual things.

So I'm here to repent. That I owe my dad an apology. That truly no greater financial lesson could he have taught me than to earn what I receive, be grateful when I've been blessed, and to turn around and give, because it always comes back.

Dad, you HAVE been generous, I was blinded by what I thought I was "entitled" to.

You gave me more than anything money could have bought. A life lesson, worthy of learning. Love you, and am praying you feel better!

Guess Who's Walking, and other fun stuff...

Finally, Laila is walking... we've only waited 21 months for the big moment! YEAH!!




About a month ago we celebrated St. Patty's Day with Broccoli Soup, Homemade Croutons, Green Apples, and for dessert? Pistachio pudding. Again, I have 4 kids, blogging isn't the top of my list.




Charlotte is ALREADY a Colts fan, thank you Cherri, for the PERFECT gift. James and Sonia, you can find other things HERE for her, or ME, my birthday's next week.


Here's a fun picture of my pre-teen Hallie, mercy she has attitude. I have NO IDEA where she got that.



And this is how Laila Feels:





About Home-Made Doughnuts.

Happy Easter

Donuts, Monopoly, anad General Conference.

Home-made Donuts.

Monopoly with Kiddos - even Laila played.

And LOTS of SPIRITUAL FOOD.

Hope you had a great weekend, too.

The Latest:

I made it to six weeks, this is usually just a milestone Josh is excited about, but this time, we were both happy to get here for more reasons than one.

House Hunting- in progress, almost a decision.

Job-we have a new possibility - I am NOT prepared to talk about this. But who doesn't love our life?? Always something.

Kids - So Fun. We love each of them, and they seriously take up all of my time, between Colson's school, homework, cub scouts, and reading; Hallie's Ballet, and Storytimes; Laila's physical therapy, and speech therapy, and Charlotte's Doctors' appt.s, and lots of diaper changes, I have very little time to blog. We find ourselves laughing a lot more, even though life is still stressful. At this point, we've thrown up our hands and play it by ear. My bathrooms never looked worse, my kitchen is constantly open, and well six stacks of laundry is quite the task. But we still manage to play games, take hikes, look for houses, and make do on little cash.

Life is busy, but good.

Take a little time to enjoy your journey, wherever it takes you.

If Only...

You could read ALL my posts. I have a backlog, of posts I've started but never finished, their contents either too ornery, or no longer applicable.

Lately I've been ranting about the economy, spending, B.O., and mortgages. But I'm sparing you, only because it's exhausting being right all the time.

We've been looking for houses, at least 40 or 50 of them. Still haven't found "The One". We're trying to get in one, that's big enough for the long haul, in case the mortgage crisis actually hasn't hit rock bottom, (It would be awful to own TWO homes not worth what you owe on them). But prices here, are still hanging on, and well dang it if we aren't going to have to pay two mortgages, supplemented by a little rent, this limits our spending potential to say the least. Wish I could help out the economy... If only.

Two nights - Two great sleeps.

Could it be?

Charlotte has slept from 8 or 9 until 4 a.m. the past two nights... I'm afraid to jinx myself. What a difference some sleep makes.

Lost It.

My mind that is. It's total mush.

I can't think at all.

I'm completely overwhelmed, outnumbered, and outwitted by 4 kiddos.

I thought taking the kids to Chic fil a would be a great idea. Let them run around while I held Charlotte, wear them out, since Josh was working tonight, brilliant right?

I get there, Charlotte has the biggest blowout of all time, pooh to her neck, both front and back. Oops, forgot to refill the size 1 diapers... she ends up sporting a diaper from Laila. And well, we tossed the clothes in the trash, wasn't worth the hassle.

Let the big kids play while I hold fussy charlotte, and feed Laila and myself. I cram my COLD sandwich down, so that I can get Laila in to the play place. CARRY BOTH BABIES in, just in time to hear Hallie say - I have to go to the bathroom.

We went home.

Got questions, we got answers!

For more info go HERE.

Simple Joys.

1. girls sleeping, lots of girls sleeping.
2. mini cadburry eggs.
3. a job, and a place to live.
4. living in so many great places.
5. meeting so many great friends in great places.
6. internet, my cooking has improved dramatically with thousands, millions of recipes at my fingertips.
7. Blue Ridge Mountains.
8. 70 degrees in March, twice.
9. craigslist.
10. The Gospel.

For Brandi

Taxes, I bet mine are worse than yours.

Have you filed yet?

Seriously, I have to file FOUR state tax returns. Yup, that's the truth.

I spent more in filing state taxes, than I actually got in state refunds.

Here's some wisdom for the economy:

Elected Governor of Massachusetts in 2002, Governor Romney presided over a dramatic reversal of state fortunes and a period of sustained economic expansion. Without raising taxes or increasing debt, Governor Romney balanced the budget every year of his administration, closing a $3 billion budget gap inherited when he took office. By eliminating waste, streamlining the government, and enacting comprehensive economic reforms to stimulate growth in Massachusetts, Romney got the economy moving again and transformed deficits into surpluses.

At the beginning of Governor Romney’s term, Massachusetts was losing thousands of jobs every month. By the time he left office, the unemployment rate was lower, hundreds of companies had expanded or moved to Massachusetts, and in the last two years of his term, the state had added approximately 60,000 jobs.

Laila and her Hats

A favorite pastime of Laila's, hats on and off, of all shapes and sizes. And I swear she actually said the word Hat, once.

I forgot to mention...

Life with four means you take up almost an entire pew at church, there are not enough chairs in a doctors waiting room, you have to know where several primary classes meet, AND I totally have four rolls of fat... one from each kid I'm sure.

By the way, I've totally added the you know whats on the side of this blog, my friend Brandi is rocking the ad revenue... she is a much better writer, with a much bigger following, but hey... maybe I could earn enough to pay someone to buy my house after all. Click if you want, or not!

Well Charlotte is wailing upstairs and my Chocolate Chip cookies are almost out of the oven, so I'm going to go rock, eat, rock, eat, rock... until we're both asleep.

A reason to jump for joy!!

A High Temp of 71.

SAWEET - I'm out of here, have a great day.

Charlotte won't sleep.

Which means I'm awake... I've been awake since 3 a.m. when she got up this morning. And after the puking from Laila, the dr. appt., and the news about the house, I'm just exhausted. Physically and emotionally. Josh is working. we have no cable.

If you're contemplating more children, DON'T DO IT!!

I suggest sleeping on it. Because after the baby is on the way, you can't sleep on anything.

Verbal Offer.

We got an offer.

It's 20% below our asking price, making it a full 30,000 dollars less than we need.

We didn't take it.

Laila threw up twice before 9 a.m. this morning, I think I might join her.

BTW, does anyone have any binoculars, or a magnifying glass. I'm having trouble seeing the joy in my journey today.

UPDATE: a super great friend sent me the cutest little things for my little Charlotte. It definitely brought me at least a smile on this cloudy day.

How's that change and hope working out for you??

Just wondering.