Superficial put in its place

Although I want to tell you all about our amazing Spring Break adventures, I saw this online and am so moved and carried away by this woman, who will hopefully break down the superficial-side of the talent/music industry.... Can you imagine her never being given a chance, based on her outer facade? All that ability hidden away behind a deceptive package? What do we pass by or miss out on each day when we assume, or take things at face value?

If you can't view this video...go to susan boyle

Stolen from Amy...

Just watch....

Riddle

What's 103 degrees, aches all over, has a head that will split from pain, yet is still able to kick out a pot-roast dinner for the family....

yeah...me...and about every other mom out there!!

I hate sick days!

Guess what I did today...?

I saw this at my appointment...

Guys have NO IDEA!!!!

"Mom... Smell my pit!"

There is nothing better than a boy who is excited to take a bath.... especially when it is coming from a boy with an immediate aversion to shampoo and other soap products! Even better? When it is a fabulous bubble-bath in mom and dad's huge "bubble tub!" He was so excited to tell me all the details of his fresh smelling hair, how the marker that use to decorate his fingers and hands is now gone, and of course, his "pit area" being newly doused with dad's deoderant!!

"Mom....Smell my pit!!" 

Not something you expect to hear everyday! But who can resist the bearer of the news?

The drive home

I LOVE ABBA...They remind me of my childhood...My first true "album" was ABBA...The songs are inspiring...They make you want to dance...and I can actually harmonize with them!! I have the "Mamma Mia" Soundtrack in my car, and I must play it quite a bit...Especially when my 6 year old says, "Play the song I like!" (which would be "Gimme Gimme Gimme"--yes--"a man after midnight!") and proceeds to sing ALL THE LYRICS to the song!! Not only those lyrics, but the lyrics to "Mamma Mia," as well as, "Lay All Your Love on Me!"

All I need  now, are the outfits, and a large disco ball....

It all ends at 7:30pm

The best thing we've got going? Our new curfew, with new rules...

At 7:30pm, all persons under the age of 13 must be in their pajamas, teeth brushed, faces washed/baths, and in their rooms. The said persons can then read, do extra homework, draw, read scriptures, play with toys, go to sleep (ha ha) or write letters...As long as it's not a video game, movie, loud, abrasive or catalystic in nature. The longest they are allowed to do this is until 8:30pm, after which, it is lights out.      

I don't know why this has clicked so nicely with my kids...although it took a good week of "breaking in" with my 6 year old...Perhaps because of all the options they have? Because they get to "cheat" bedtime a little longer? All I know is  it has been my favorite part of the day! I can get all those loose ends tied up that I couldn't do during the day. And it is (for the most part) quiet!!  

On most days...it makes me happy that there is an "end" in sight!!

My life in one phrase....

Don't you hate it when you are sick....and your kids are sick....and after a few days of being really sick you decide to go to the doctor for some help (antibiotics!)...and you go to the office...pay your co-pay....see the doctor....and then...leave with no help (antibiotics!) because it's "viral?"....So you just paid $50 to go sit in an exam room, list off your woes, and get a pat on the back?

This is my life...

I am usually a fairly positive person. A person who enjoys making that lemonade out of lemons....But not lately. I am angry. I am tired of paying that "$50" or whatever it may be, over and over, just to see myself no further along than before. Let's face it...I could never be a "Job"... I am very human, and I am a very tired, discouraged, and emotionally drained human! My catch-phrase daily is "are you kidding me?!"  As I write this, I realize how pathetic I sound. I realize all that I have to be grateful for. I realize that sometimes you just have to pay that damn $50, even and especially when you feel it's for nothing.

But very rarely, does it ever turn out to be nothing. Most often, it turns out to be the best thing that could have ever happened for you, for family, or for your situation. It's just seeing and believing in that, even when all those "lemons" begin piling up around you, and you are so sick of drinking that lemonade!

My life in one phrase? It can only get better? Right?!

Update

I am now officially the newest member of the faculty at my children's elementary school's teaching staff...I start on Tuesday...

Pressure Cooker

I'm just putting it out there......I AM STRESSED!! I'm not the type to share my worries with the general public, not even my close friends and family....Perhaps I take it as a sign of weakness in myself? So it's odd and very irregular that I am typing this into a post?! Regardless, the past few weeks have really tried my soul, body, and emotions.

I have been looking for a job for the past couple of weeks. (Thank you economy!) I'm angry that I have to go back to work, instead of being able to finish out the school year with Simon's kindergarten only being a few hours a day, as well as an active (and boy crazy!) 5th grader, with a creative and wise 7th grader at the helm. I have been lucky, in that my husband works his amazingly cute back-side off for me, so that I have been able to stay home with my kids after the birth of my second. But sometimes, life is hard, and sacrifices have to be made. 

I have no problem with going back to work. I refuse to go into debt. I refuse to put things on credit. Case closed. I thank my father, who instilled a very strong work-ethic into me, "allowing" me to work during High School, and paying for my own College Education with summer jobs, and full-time jobs during my years of school. For the example of my grandmother, who worked a good portion of her life at the local High School for many, many years. I look at my mom, who is still on chemo, who insisted on going back to work, if even for just a couple of days a week. We don't wait for things to happen, we MAKE them happen!

But it still stinks. And along with this avenue of my life, I have also begun the journey which is "Stake Girls Camp." As the 1st counselor, I am over camp. Almost 300 girls. I have been blessed with an AWESOME Camp Director, and assistants....but....did I mention that two of them are pregnant, and will give birth sometime between the months of april and may? That two of the Presidency I serve with are pregnant? And will give birth anywhere between march and april? This means Camp will be on me.....the President's responsibilities will be on me...and I will be on LARGE amounts of Excedrin!! (WHY WHY did I give up caffeine????!!!) I have a minimum of 3 camp meetings a month, numerous Stake meetings, firesides, trainings, ward conferences, etc. Part time job? I ALREADY GOT a part time job (LOL)!!!!

I have a friend who posted about healthcare. This is another source of great stress for me. I feel guilty that because of my medical needs, we have to spend so much on my prescriptions and supplies. These aren't the things you can cut out of your budget...believe me, I wish I could!! The money spent on them would basically pay our mortgage!! OUR MORTGAGE!! People without chronic diseases need to realize how lucky they are, and how much worse it could be!! (Which, in and of itself is extremely sad to say!) Regardless...I stress about this.

Yet, as I'm sitting here typing this, I realize I have SO MUCH to be grateful for....SO MUCH I have been blessed with... and for every stressful item, there are a handful of things that come from that stress that are sources of blessings and happiness!!

I also know that the Lord tests us....and that most times it is not pleasant...but in the aftermath...you see the blessings...it's just enduring until the aftermath!! I was talking to a friend about "seasons of life...." I asked her, "What about the 'season of life' that says, 'you need to win a large amount of money, travel to Greece, and go shopping in New York?!!' I want THAT season next!!"

So I sit here, waiting until noon to hear back about one of my interviews. Waiting to hear my destiny. Hopefully, I can still wear great shoes?!!

Home for the Holidays...Yeah....

Everyone is home for the holidays....

Enter...My hero, and early Christmas present...

Very blessed...with the family that made the mess, and the wonderful husband who will clean it up for me!

Let's make some Men!!

My youngest came home the other day, and said, "Mom, I want to make some MEN!"

It was so much fun! And although we only technically made 2 men (their cut-out process was a little frustrating for a 5 year old!) our circle designs were just as cute! Plus, I have NEVER seen five jars worth of sprinkles on ONE gingerbread man...

Yes...I'm Fabulous!

Thanks to my beautiful niece (in-law ; ) ) Amanda, for finally stating the obvious...JUST KIDDING! I hang out with her and my other wonderful niece Stephanie, so I can pretend I'm young and cool....Is it working?

Five blogs that I adore, and look at every day, and who are truly worthy of the word FABULOUS:

1) Melissa: She is my blogging-world, new-best-friend, soul mate...We have always just "gotten" each other. She keeps it real, and someday, maybe on Dec. 27th?, we will meet?

2) CJane Run: Courtney, though I don't even know her, has given me a glimpse into an amazing family of love and support...Whenever I need a "lift," I read her blog. Her sister, Stephanie, or "NieNie," is traveling an inspirational road of recovery...you may have heard about it...

3) Carrie Ann: She is my Martha Stewart meets Project Runway guru...She is amazing!! She is one of the most creative people I know!

4) Kacy: She just makes me laugh! She's smart, sassy, and makes you think about things you normally wouldn't...like "When Chen Fei Screamed I Felt Weird"

5) Steph and Amanda: Yes.....trying to be cool by association...And they pretend that I am!! I love to see all their babies and kids growing up!

Five Fabulous Things:

1) SHOES..........enough said.....you've read the title of my blog.....

2) My Ballet and Pilates classes each Wednesday night...what a fun and FABULOUS escape each week!

3) Flexi-Fit lids....yes....you heard me....I HATE trying to find the right lid for the right tupperware bowl...This is an item I would actually buy from a late-night TV ad (just asked Andy how giddy I was when I saw it!)

4) My Blackberry....I just feel better, neater, and more "FABULOUS" with it...I love that I can text, talk, email, and photograph from it.

5) Books....Cannot read them fast enough.....

6?) And I must include my husband....who puts a pillow over his head while I'm reading all my books!!!

Alright ladies, here are the rules to receiving this award:

1. You have to pass it on to 5 other fabulous blogs in a post.
2. You have to list 5 of your fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and the instructions below in the post.

Instructions:On your post of receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them. When you post your five winners, make sure you link them as well. To add the award to your post, simply right-click, save image, then "add image" it in your post as a picture so your winners can save it as To add it to your sidebar, add the "picture" gadget. Also, don't forget to let your winners know they won an award from you by emailing them or leaving a comment on their blog.Now get to it I can't wait to see your creativity in recreating your own blog awards!

I'm Trying to be like Jesus...

So...have you read the latest Ensign and New Era?

I believe the line has been drawn, and I've known for years which side I have been on...

I was browsing the New Era December edition, and there it was...A huge article on ENERGY drinks (not a problem) as well as CAFFINATED drinks (problem?). I told myself, "Yeah...the youth really shouldn't be drinking that stuff..." I kinda equated it with the "NoDoz" phase of my teen years. But then, I went to read the new Ensign...

BLAM!! Five full pages of "Laura, this one's for you!!" (the following is MY interpretation, and is how I AM reacting to its message...) I've known for years the gray line I've walked....I'm not one of those who have to have their 44 ounce mugs constantly full...but, I've attributed it to " I don't have many options, since I'm a diabetic...there is not a lot of diet Sprite on tap!!" to other self-appointed beliefs of "it helps settle my stomach....it helps with my migraines...." But, all the way, I've known it to be true...My yummy Diet Dr Pepper, or Diet Mountain Dew, or Sonic Diet Coke with Vanilla was just a marvelous and intoxicating mirage...The line has now definitely been drawn, and I have to choose a side...

I know I have plenty that I need to work on...So as I considered the articles, of course I thought the eloquent, "if this is the WORSE thing I do...." statement. Then my dear husband came home. I showed him the articles...and I waited. This would be my moral compass on the issue...which I thought would definitely fall on a pre-conceived side (my man works HARD for the money, and sometimes works 20 hour days...hence his delight in beverages that allow him to work HARD for the money for those 20 hour days...). I surely thought he'd say, "well...we aren't addicted....I do it for work, you do it for health choices..." or something like that....

"I'm done...I'm not drinking it (caffeine) any more..."

What?!

This was the clincher for my husband...and probably should have been for me...in the article it stated, "...the Word of Wisdom does not specifically prohibit caffeine. However, I believe that if we follow the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, we will be very careful about what we consume, particularly any substance that can have a negative impact on our bodes..."

Then, I thought of a recent talk I gave at a Stake Young Women Conference...and one of my favorite scripture references I had quoted...

"And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard fromt he hands of the destroyer." (D&C 101:54)

We DO have a watchman...Pres. Monson...He knows what's coming...We are simply down among the hedges, presuming our safety...Whether it's drinks, modesty issues, or morality, HE KNOWS what the adversary will strike at to make us less than what we are!

I figure, it's time to draw the line, and be on the right side! (At least I know this is one less thing to worry about!)

So...farewell my sweet elixirs...hello to Fresca and other mouth-watering liquid Meccas...

(We even made it a family statement...so now I KNOW I'm bound, because I have three extra pairs of eyes, ever-vigilant for the cause!!)

My Kind of Documentary!

I'll take one of each!!

Such Goodness

I just got off the phone with one of my closest friends...She lives far away in North Carolina...We use to live just a block away from each other...We served in Young Womens together...Our children played together...We would go to "Witches Night Out" at Gardiner Village each October...We would have game nights were the adults would play, and the kids would tear up the house...We would giggle and be silly at times...Cry and give hugs at other times...Try and live our lives to the best of our abilities...I would always call her (sometimes daily) with the question, "How do I say "this" (insert any trauma I needed to deal with), without offending the person?" She always gives great advice....

I miss our talks...

I saw this picture, and it reminded me of her...

Whenever we greet each other, it's always with, "Hello, my Friend!"

What a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Nightmare on Jefferson...

Do you ever have those nightmares where something so horrible...REALLY horrible...happens and you wake up wondering if in some sub-conscious area of your mind, you are psychotic? Evil?

Oh...no?

Neither do I...

Sick and Tired

I have been feeling "yucky" for the past week (I'm still trying to see how getting a flu shot is helpful, when it's the shot that made me sick?!!)

I need ANY home-grown, holistic, voodoo, over-the-counter remedies that might bring this body back to life!!!

Here's my list: Congestion, COUGHING, aches, fever, chills, COUGHING, monster-voice, cranky, COUGHING, slimey goop in the throat (tmi?) and of course, COUGHING...

Suggestions?

November 4th 2008

We vote tomorrow for the seat that has been the subject of all aspects of news from CNN to SNL...We vote for the person to hopefully lead this country to better days and better times...

It amazes me the names (good and bad) that I've heard these candidates called during the past two years...I believe each to be good men, who want nothing but the best for our country and its people...I do not believe either to be evil or the "devil-incarnate"...I believe each to be our brother, and each to be a child of God, regardless of the direction or path they would like to take to make the country a better place, in their eyes...I would think it makes our Father sad to know some of the things that have been said about both parties...for these are still His children, someone's son, someone's husband and someone's father...

I love our country, and the right we have to vote and participate...I love that I have friends who think exactly opposite of me in this election, yet we still love and respect each other...I don't call them "ridiculous," and they don't call me a "follower of Satan..."

I pray that we can still retain our individualism, but stay united as a country when all is said and done...

Are we ready?

FHE-our "Festive Halloween Evening"

We had our annual pre-Halloween FHE...

S had been waiting for this moment since we got our pumpkins!


It's always great when Dad shows you how to NOT play with the knives?!


Look at that face!! (And the pumpkin's not bad either!)


The pumpkin probably weighed more than K!


Dad helping make the sketch, a reality...


Always trying to gross out the crowd!


Pumpkin carving takes a talented hand...


E's pumpkin bread was the highlight of the evening...


YUM!

Finishing touches to the "purrfect" pumpkin!


Voila!

THIS is why you cover your table with garbage bags for easy clean-up!


Don't forget to roast the pumpkin seeds!!


Lighting our porch...

See...they're not that scary!

We had so much fun!!