People can be so mean...

I have had a rough week. I was chatting today with one of my dear friends and we were discussing the world and the people in it. There was a bumper sticker when I was a youth that said, "I hate mean people." I grew up in a home where they taught us not to hate. My daughter will attest to that since she still remembers being 3 and getting her mouth washed out for saying she "hated" me. She never did that again. She won't even say "I hate brussel sprouts..." actually that is because she loves them...but you get the idea.

There just isn't room in my life for hate. What I do with mean people is feel sorry for them. A lot of time, and energy is expended being mean or hateful by some people. I am a busy lady and I just don't have time for it. Also, mean people...have you ever noticed...they wrinkle much sooner...I think it might be that they are souring from the inside out. Isn't that sad? Again, I feel sorry for them. So even if I did have enough time to be mean, I couldn't walk away feeling good about it, so I try to be nice and uplifting to those in my life. That means I will even try to smile and be nice to people that are blatently and down right rude or even hurtful to me. I guess like my friend and I were discussing today, I subscribe to that theory of turning the other cheek. Recently a "well meaning" "Christian" told me that I was going to hell. It shook me since I believe in Jesus, love him and couldn't get through a day without him. But it did not take long for me to remember he is my judge and relief set in again. Let us be kind to each other. Let us be forgiving one another. Let us lift each other. Let us help each other. This life is short. I still mourn the loss of my mother daily. I still miss my dear and true friend that I lost in 1995 and still cry over her physical absence. And there is a whole left in my heart from a friend I just recently lost this year. Life is too short for the bitterness of unkind words, of hatred and judgment. Let us only jugde ourselves and our actions and reflect on whether we could do better to love others and reflect the light of Christ better. I recently saw a saying that went something like this...The best way to measure a man's footsteps is by how closely they follow the Savior. To those I love that love me back...Thank you! What a priceless gift you are in my life.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Happy Happy Birthday T.D.B.

(sorry, yesterday I had a bad headache so this is a day late)...

October 28, 2010

If you scroll down to my birthday wishes for another of my sisters this month you will learn (if you don't know already) that our family was a little less than traditional. We joke at times that our parents (unlike some parents) preferred teenagers and became teenager collectors. Our family grew and grew and I am grateful for each of those siblings that continue to bless our life.

When I was almost 14 years old my sister TDB came to be with us. We shared clothes, secrets and lots of laughter. We also had an occasional sister spat you know the things that let you know you are REAL sisters ;) We had movie nights and sister talks and to this day she is a rock and source of strength in my life. This life is NOT easy and boy does she know it. She has been dished her share of trials and sometimes I think she got a double portion. I have an opinion of why that is though...I think the Lord was preparing her to be strong, courageous and stalward. This is how she has been such a rock for all the rest of us.

I could not have gotten through the loss of our mom without her. She drove many hundred miles each way, 4 different times. My sweet brother in law took off work, to help make that happen and they held me up. At mom's funeral she talked about how though some of us came "federal express" and others came "parcel post...(and a little banged up like parcel post packages sometimes are)"... Mom and Dad loved us all. Sis had an amazing way of brightening mom's worst day, or anyone's for that matter.

Like our mom and another brother and sister that share the same birthday month, she LOVES halloween. There are great pictures I have seen of her over the years dressed up with their cute boys. She makes life fun. I know she gets frustrated at times, raising 3 boys and wonders what she was thinking ;) But she is making amazing and lasting memories, like mom made for us. Like mom she also loves FALL. They loved going to general conference together...two of mom's favorite trips.

Mom had her special things that she did for each of us...those are the things that sometimes make us sad. Sis could come home for a weekend, and count on frozen pineapple from the can awaiting her, and Mountain Cherry Juice (they don't make it anymore but it was a yummy Dole treat). Thinking of those things brings a smile to my face.

Humor is one of her strong suits. Many a time I have gone to the mail and found some funny crack you up card that made everything seem ok. She actually left me a pile of these kind of cards when mom died and instructions to open as NEEDED. We love hallmark, it is something all the girls in our family share. Mom was known to take us there to search for funny cards, cute stickers or just read them and laugh in the isles together.

My sister has a beautiful voice. She sang How Great Thou Art at my mission farewell and I don't think there was a dry eye. Her musical talents are only shadowed by her talent to love and reach people. Friendship is paramount to her, and she is loyal and true. I love her and am grateful for her love in my life the past 25 years and look forward to another eternity of the same stuff!

Happy Happy Happy Birthday TDB. I love you!! SO MUCH!!!

Potato Soup...

Today was one of those Blustery Winnie the Pooh days! I love it when there are leaves swirling around and the air is a little crisp. Later in the day it got rather warm, California for you...can't just let Fall arrive...

Anyway, I thought, I am going to make soup. Now you need to know that I am not an "I am going to make anything" person. When we had Darling #3 I told my husband that with three small children and homeschooling something was going to have to give...and gave him a choice, the budget, night time routine, laundry...He chose cooking. My meals and cooking style wasn't his favorite and I admit I should have paid more attention in the kitchen when my mom was here, like some of my sibblings did. I have sibblings that are fabulous at FOOD! My food was edible...but really not much to speak of... I could make a mean batch of chocolate chips cookies or a perfectly moist cake... I say, let them eat cake! But evidently, the pediatrician thought they needed more than that...

Well, obviously, I am not the best cook in the world. But I thought, oh it is getting chilly, definitely a soup day...I think I will make Potato Cheese Soup...

Of course our mom made everything with a little of this and a pinch of that. The recipes we have are her mother's...but she never really followed them. She didn't need to, her food always turned out yummy. (except pancakes...only pancakes I would eat before my husband was in the picture were D.R.'s pancakes, one of my "second" moms...but shhhh, don't tell my mom I ate pancakes at all ;)

So needless to say, with no famous recipe from my mom in hand I googled Potato Soup. I found a simple recipe and made modifications as I went. And I am please to say it was a CROWD PLEASER...even the baby gobbled it up. Picky #4 only ate half of his bowl, but second rounds were even had by some. I just ate the last bowl of it before writing this. It was a good day. D.L., D.P. and A.W. you three need to know that you inspired me with your Potato, Tortilla and Taco Soup respectively! Thanks for the inspiriation ladies. I just pulled up some Crock Pot recipes I can't wait to try. Wait...Did I say that? Someone has taken over my brain! But I confess I enjoyed it...The process and the results :)

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

CHILLY RAIN...

Today actually was NOT a chilly rain...but it was a CHILI rain!

Our mother was a wonderful chili maker. I say was because she is in heaven. Her birthday was this month. She loved fall and Halloween...Funny two of my sisters and one brother have October birthdays like her...THEY ALL LOVE HALLOWEEN and FALL! Anyway...Mom started a tradition many years ago. It was so many years ago that I actually can't remember when it began. I am 38 and it is probably 30 or so years old! Maybe more...I don't have perfect recollect before age 8! The tradition was this: The first rainy day after school started (not a sparce sprinkle...BUT RAIN!!!), mom ALWAYS made chili. We could count on this tradition like we counted on the sun rising in the morning, or the north star leading sailors home. It was a constant. Many of us came home from school anxious and sure to smell the beautiful scents of her homemade chili. Of course it always was partnered with CornBread...something I didn't like until a good friend S.O. made me some and WOOO!!! Her's is fabulous...I will have to post her recipe. Sorry to diverge. Mom's chili was wonderful. But even more wonderful than the chili was that we could count on her. We knew that mom was a sure thing! She was there for us...cooking up that love in the kitchen and in her heart. I finished my bowl tonight and just sat at the table lost in thought. I am sure every time one of our families cooks up Mom's old Rainy Day Tradition she smiles. I miss her. But she left us a circle of love, we have each other...and the precious memories of sitting around the table scarfing mom's chili, laughing and being together! Thanks mom!!!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

Happy Birthday HH

OCTOBER 18, 2010

A long time ago when I was 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10...I prayed for a sister. I loved my little brother but I just knew Heavenly Father had a sister out there for me. After years of the same prayers my mother (I think more out of exhaustion and a desire not to feel bad any more...) finally told me...that was NO longer possible. She couldn't have been more wrong. It was still several more years but we joke that my parents were "Teenager" collectors. One after another the children came into the home. Each had their own reasons. I watched my parents love them all, fill the base of the Christmas tree with presents, give all their boy friends or girl friends the "What for" scare tactics talks...and love each of us in an amazing way that blessed our lives.

After graduation from High School one of my dear and kindred friends came to live with us. But in that year and the years that followed I got so much more than a roommate...I gained another sister. All my brothers and sisters have blessed my life. Some of us are closer than others, but I love them all dearly. They are the ingredients of my life that make it so sweet. Today is HH's birthday. I remember seeing her for the first time. No one would have paired us as friends. I was a bookworm and she was the life of any event going on. Bold and Beautiful and the center of attentions. She has brought out so much good in me. Her example has lifted me. I remember once she told mom she didn't have any talents. Mom was quick to tell her otherwise...but she didn't see it then. I know she sees it now though. Well...more than she did then, but sometimes not as much as she could ;)

Crafty beyong imagination, a natural at photography, a story teller, public speaker and the list of talents she continues to develop goes on and on...

She is wise. She seems to be one of those old souls. From a very young age she sought the truth and that knowledge of her stalward young spirit inspires me. She is beautiful...she is lovely but more importantly, she has an inner beauty. She is smart. Funny that there was a time she didn't think so...but 100% SAT scores and Mrs. C. thought otherwise! Her natural talent to love people of any age made her loveable to the most elderly and the smallest child. She was/is teachable...an incredible talent that we would all do well to cultivate. For awhile I remember her tending a special needs child in some kind of group home...she just eminated love. I always knew after that she would be an incredible mother. A pillar of courage, she remained faithful to God and her covenants, even when her angel boy was not permitted to live on the earth. He was followed by four beautiful daughters. I doubt they know yet the extent of magnificent that their mother is...looking back they will. I love her dearly, but I admit that 21 years ago, I didn't realize the precious gem stone that I stumbled upon. She has blessed me again and again. I am so proud of her and the woman she has become. I am so proud to call her my sister. Again and again she has saved me from myself. Literally, and spiritually! Thank you HH! And Happy Birthday!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

My Wonderful Assignment...

Last week I received a new church assignment. I will be serving the 14 and 15 year old girls in our young women's program. I am thrilled to work with them. I only have three girls currently attending and I know all of them well and love them dearly. It will be a challenge to serve with my 5 little ones demanding of me as well. But I feel I am up to the challenge and grateful to serve with and learn from these wonderful young ladies.

Tonight the church provided a youth speaker, pizza dinner and dance. I could not attend because DH was working. But my new found friend who is over the 12 and 13 year olds said she thought she could attend. When she called and told me she could attend and that I didn't need to, I wanted to be part of the service tonight. So, I offered to watch her children so neither of us would have the expense of babysitting for the night, but both of us would be participating in our way.

It worked out great for my children since she has four children that are close to my children's ages. We made pizza, devoured pizza, devoured cookies and watched MOVIES..Yes plural! They were all so well behaved and I think they had a lot of fun. In no way am I signing up for 9 children! But I sure enjoyed the evening! What a wonderful blessing to have a chance to serve!

I AM WOMAN!!! Hear me ROAR!!!

Ok ladies...Today was an excellent day.

No the laundry is not done.

No the kitchen is not clean.

Yes, the children strung toys from one end of the house to the other...

BUT...

Last night when the washer went out I got online. I typed in the problem. Then I watched an instructional video on how to fix it. This morning I disassembled the washing machine. We (me and the gang ;) drove to Sears and secured the part for $18.88 (beats the repair man at $100+++). I came home and followed all instructions. Viola!!!

My washing machine is working. If anyone has broken couplings call me...for the price of parts and a yummy lunch I will come fix it for you! Ok, you're right, I would fix it even if you didn't make me lunch. Oh, you must be in Southern California... ;)

I am woman! Hear that? It is ME ROARING!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!!!

Busy October...

Evidently October is the busiest month of my life...

Either that or the "sick" in my house stole my momentum...

Today I resolved to do better... (hope I can be more consistent with that than I have been with my blog the last two weeks.)

We started the day with a green drink...I had been feeling yucky ever since I got sick. I feel much better after my drink. Here is what I used... 3 Brocolli pieces, 1 whole banana, about 10 red seedless grapes, 6 ounces frozen pineapple juice drained from the pineapple can, one small (mini) yellow pepper...top off, seeds left in, half a celery stalk (top part with leaves intact), 6-7 romaine lettuce leaves, ice and a little water so the blender would work. I drank around 20 ounces and Darlings #3 and #4 drank about 4 ounces each...I should say Gobbled 4 ounces each, they LOVED it. I diluted it by half water and gave the baby three ounces but so far he only drank one...that is ok, he got a little green in there. When ever I do GREEN DRINKS...I feel so much better.

This leads me to my question. Why do we do that to ourselves? When we know something is good for us (even in this case, tastes good), why do we deprive ourselves? I don't know, but I am resolved to try and do better.

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

P.S.

:) Zoey is in the love Zone again. And sorry I detoured any of you from doggy world. I am not really a Roll with the punches kind of girl...so poo on my foot at 5 am didn't go well. But it all cleaned up just fine and in 7 months this is only the second poo inside and the pee has been easily cleaned up and only happened 4 times. My children make 10 times that many bodily fluid messes for me and I am keeping all of them ;) And none of them give me the constant and faithful love Zoey does! :)

Oh Crap!!!

October 09, 2010 (Middle of the night/morning ;)

Can someone remind me why I got a dog? Because at 5 am when I woke up to make the baby a bottle and stepped in one of FOUR piles left in the night on the 15 square feet of carpet in the main part of the house (OF COURSE the tile or laminate floor weren't pooping options...) I am wondering, pondering WHY DID I GET A DOG?

Since her inception into our family this "Rescue" dog has been more expensive than a full bred by far. Don't get me wrong, I love her. But at 5:36 am after cleaning up all the poop and let me tell you with OCD that is a chore (not your usual scoop and scrub a little)...I am just a little more than a little miffed.

The vet says he thinks her hives (battling them for months) are not from the grass after all but from the kennel...which she hasn't had to sleep in since he said that. But guess what? HIVES...WELCOME HOME! ERG!!!! I want to scream, but I can't even do that since the house all slept through, both the crying baby, and the poopy dog mess being cleaned with my little green machine...ODDS are in my favorite that any noise would tip the quiet balance in my home...so here I VENT! It reminds me of the lyrics to the country song...WHAT WAS I THINKING? I am sure a couple more hours of sleep and the carpet drying and vinegar wearing off will shed new light onto the situation. Well, I am not SURE, but I hope so. If it doesn't...anyone want a dog?

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

My Blog got the stomach virus...

First of all...

First things first...to clear up any confusion that anyone (AW...not that I am pointing fingers) had...I AM NOT PREGO!!! They make stuff to prevent that now ;) Ok, actually, I would totally have a baby right now...but DH is the hold out and he is an important factor in that process. He will tell you he is THEE important factor in that process. If you lend your ear, he may even tell you that he and I quote "Does all the hard work..." and I "just have the baby and take all the credit!" LOL... Maybe you can't laugh out loud because you know me and are still trying to wrap your brain around the idea of my family adding one more blessing to our plate...Don't worry...It isn't you and I ASSURE YOU...It will be fine! But regardless, that isn't on the menu this week anyway...

With that said, STOMACH FLU is a real drag...especially the kind that has a 48 hour gestation and only hits one or two family members at a time so you find yourself cleaning up bodily yuck for days and days... My poor Blog suffered immensely from the stomach flu the past week! So much for that desire I had to write EVERY SINGLE DAY! My streak is gone... I will have to start from scratch. For those of you with OCD...or CDO as I like to call it (alphabetical...if you have it...you understand)... Anyway, for those of you with it, you know what a frustrating stress it is to have missed blog days and have to start a new running streak...

Since I not only have OCD but and intensely AR husband (that is anal retentive incase you didn't know)...I don't really say "I'm on VACATION", until I get home...funny guy thinks someone wants the "hand me down" clothes, the dirty sheets, and the closet full of diapers (well, actually the diapers are worth a lot of money). Anyway, I did speak a little of my trip on my OPEN (gasp) blog...but not enough to get our sheets, towels and silverware ($.99/6 packs from Walmart) mugged.

Now that I am home...permission to speak freely!

What a wonderful trip (of course sans the vomit and other end unmentionables!)

The Z00

A hike

The Pumpkin Patch

Park Days (Several)

School Times

Art Journaling

Cookies

Making Pizza

Concrete Creations in DL's Back yard

Friends and Family visits

Grandma/pa M's house

Mission Reunion

Temple visit

General Conference

Discovery Museum

ER (one of these last two I am sure gave us the FLU!!!)

What a great trip. Thank you to the L. Family for putting us up and putting up with us! We had such a wonderful time, so did "Z" our Darling Dog! She is now depressed and missing her new friend I think! I am grateful for my many blessings. I am grateful for hail and lightning. I am grateful for rain and Subway sandwiches....and KNEADERS! What a wonderful way to end September. To all my family and friends, I miss you already!

Shout out to DL...Happy Birthday My Friend, I hope you had a great one!!! :)

Halloween is around the corner!!! I can't wait!!!

Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

What do you get when???

What do you get when you cross one ER visit, with two mothers, 8 children and a week long sleepover? No sleep and a lot of puking!

It has been an interesting week! We have been battling the stomach flu and I will be glad when it is gone for good. Last night DH and I and my friend we were visiting with were up with Darlings #2 and #3... (thank you to her for all the help!!!)

That still leaves Darling #1 and Darling #4...not looking forward to more of this...UGH!

Today, however I was grateful for the rain I was able to witness!
I was grateful to hear thunder.
I was grateful for baby hugs.
I was grateful for a yummy turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich for dinner....
Even in the midst of the stomach virus...
I am blessed!
Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010

A Day of Rest...

Today was our semi-annual general conference. We had a wonderful time with one of my brothers' family...big breakfast, great messages, and later a huge family dinner with another brother's family too. I love family so much. I am so blessed with so much wonderful family and it was such a good day. One of the favorite things I heard was Forgiveness is Forgiveness! It is so important to really forgive when we do...which some can do easily and others struggle with...but the hardest of all is forgiving ourselves and one of the talks I loved talked about the importance of forgiving ourselves! Another talk I loved addressed how important it is to have real conversations not just texts and emails...I love that the counsel is so applicable to the time we live in! :)
Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010

Run like the wind!

Our darling dog spent the day with us today. She had to stay outside because Gma-M has kitties...but she loved running and playing with us and it was so fun to watch her get excited. We enjoyed the day...
The night was filled with fun times too...Petting Zoo, Corn Maze, Pony Ride, slides and MORE! Cousins, Aunties, Best Friends and Gma-W. What a great day! But the gang was in desperate need of baths!
Make it a great day! Only YOU can!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2010

A LONG NIGHT...

We had a busy and eventful day. Then Friday night Darling Grandma M. took our four oldest children for a sleepover. My DH and I went to a reunion with our Darling #5 for my DH's mission. It was a lovely night until the puking ensued. I just wanted to cry. AND UtOh...guess what that means...you guessed it...more to come!
Make it a great day! Only YOU can!