My "flavor of the week" website is a newbie with tons of potential: akwardfamilyphotos.com
Check it out by clicking on the link below-I couldn't stop laughing. Unfortunately it has only fed my insomnia rather than inducing drowsiness as I intended with the last hour of internet surfing.
I Am The Walrus
I think I'm going to turn off the computer and try watching QVC now.....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
All the Evidence I'll Ever Need....
For Family Home Evening last night, The King told us about a message he had read from Presiden Eyring over the weekend. In it, Pres. Eyring revealed that he had diligently kept a journal for over three decades. Although his day to day activities changed, his journal entries always included two things that either had happened or had not happened during the day that demonstrated his Heavenly Father's love for him.
Since this blog pretty much doubles as my own journal, I'd like to follow Pres. Eyring's example and end each day with two examples of Heavenly Father's love for my family and me. Unfortunately, too many times I forget to thank Him for all that he has blessed me with.
*Every morning when The King leaves, I tell him to "please be careful". That porbably sounds childish and maternal, but I really worry about his safety when he's away from me. I am so grateful that he has come home safely to us every single day, and that Heavenly Father has watched over and protected him.
*Today Fox got a special recognition from the school counselor for being a super student. She had to be inspired to know how much his self-esteem needed that boost. Lately he has been really feeling inferior to his older sister, and his face lit up with more pure joy than I've seen in a long time when he showed me the certificate. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father brings people into our lives to support us and lift us up, and that those people are close enough to Him to follow His promptings.
Since this blog pretty much doubles as my own journal, I'd like to follow Pres. Eyring's example and end each day with two examples of Heavenly Father's love for my family and me. Unfortunately, too many times I forget to thank Him for all that he has blessed me with.
*Every morning when The King leaves, I tell him to "please be careful". That porbably sounds childish and maternal, but I really worry about his safety when he's away from me. I am so grateful that he has come home safely to us every single day, and that Heavenly Father has watched over and protected him.
*Today Fox got a special recognition from the school counselor for being a super student. She had to be inspired to know how much his self-esteem needed that boost. Lately he has been really feeling inferior to his older sister, and his face lit up with more pure joy than I've seen in a long time when he showed me the certificate. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father brings people into our lives to support us and lift us up, and that those people are close enough to Him to follow His promptings.
What's Behind a Nickname?
If you've ever wondered why my dear hubby is called "The King" (and probably thought I was a big jerk for calling him it), wonder no more. Rather than explain the evolution of this moniker, I'd rather describe a situation which I believe perfectly illustrates why he deserves such a title.
I have toiled for an entire year on our backyard patio. That it has taken that long is entirely my own fault- my plans just seemed to get away from me as I dreamed bigger and bigger. This last weekend I placed the last cobblestone, mortared the final wall caps, and completed a final sweep. 1000+ cobblestone, 100 8X6X16 cement blocks, 100 6X2X16 cement caps, 75+ bags of sand and cement later, and it is complete.
Not to toot my own horn, but it turned out pretty fantastic. The best part is that I did it all on my own. That's also a double edged sword, because if it sinks during the winter or falls apart I have only myself to blame. But still, I have never done a project of this scale and complexity on my own.
I am woman, hear me roar!
The completed patio was not an hour old before The King began lamenting that I hadn't left more flower bed area surrounding the patio so that he could plant shade trees (which ticked me a little, because we had just dropped $400 on a beautiful gazebo for the patio that was supposed to provide the necessary shade). His answer was to just plant the trees anyway, but I was having none of that. The roots would destroy my patio and wall.
Needless to say, it's been an ongoing "discussion" for the last 3 days.
I've held my own, but today I broke. I knew he would never stop until the blasted trees were in the ground. I called him to let him know I surrendered, and he thoughtfully offered to cut out the grass to expand the flower beds when he got home.
The problem is that I am completely mental, and once I know that something needs to be done I can't rest until it is complete. So the Man Child and I pulled out the shovels and for two hours cleared out the 2'X10' area The King needed removed.
I should have left the job for the giant stinker- he's the one who insisted on it. But I always feel guilty knowing that he is at work dealing with a thousand stressful issues and when he gets home he is so burned out, and I'm here and I'd be outside anyway......
I'm such a sucker for this guy!
Long live The King.
I have toiled for an entire year on our backyard patio. That it has taken that long is entirely my own fault- my plans just seemed to get away from me as I dreamed bigger and bigger. This last weekend I placed the last cobblestone, mortared the final wall caps, and completed a final sweep. 1000+ cobblestone, 100 8X6X16 cement blocks, 100 6X2X16 cement caps, 75+ bags of sand and cement later, and it is complete.
Not to toot my own horn, but it turned out pretty fantastic. The best part is that I did it all on my own. That's also a double edged sword, because if it sinks during the winter or falls apart I have only myself to blame. But still, I have never done a project of this scale and complexity on my own.
I am woman, hear me roar!
The completed patio was not an hour old before The King began lamenting that I hadn't left more flower bed area surrounding the patio so that he could plant shade trees (which ticked me a little, because we had just dropped $400 on a beautiful gazebo for the patio that was supposed to provide the necessary shade). His answer was to just plant the trees anyway, but I was having none of that. The roots would destroy my patio and wall.
Needless to say, it's been an ongoing "discussion" for the last 3 days.
I've held my own, but today I broke. I knew he would never stop until the blasted trees were in the ground. I called him to let him know I surrendered, and he thoughtfully offered to cut out the grass to expand the flower beds when he got home.
The problem is that I am completely mental, and once I know that something needs to be done I can't rest until it is complete. So the Man Child and I pulled out the shovels and for two hours cleared out the 2'X10' area The King needed removed.
I should have left the job for the giant stinker- he's the one who insisted on it. But I always feel guilty knowing that he is at work dealing with a thousand stressful issues and when he gets home he is so burned out, and I'm here and I'd be outside anyway......
I'm such a sucker for this guy!
Long live The King.
Those Stinking Communists at McDonalds!
About this time every year, the one and only message on the McDonalds marquee that I actually pay attention to comes up. The $.99 Super Size Drink sale.
This year it will not be put up. Sadly, it will never be seen again at my Syracuse McD's.
Why, you may ask, would they take away the single thing that made me their regular- sometimes twice a day- customer from June to September?
Because they are stupid "fat American" haters.
I saw "Super Size ME"- I know it was a political nightmare for the McD's corporation. I was as disgusted as anyone by the end of it. I'm glad that they got rid of the bloated fry portions and trans fats. But when they touched my Super Size Diet Coke, they went too far.
Yes, Americans are fat. Yes, the fast food industry panders to our addiction to fried food. But we also have agency. Do they think that by getting rid of the big sizes that consumers won't just purchase an additional "small" item from that new drive through staple, the dollar menu? (Not that I do that myself, but I'm just saying, it's not rocket science to figure out).
I'm sure that with all the problems in the world-ie. the global economy, wars, genocide, global warming- you are probably thinking, "doesn't this chick have anything better to worry about?". I know that I'm being immature and unrealistic, but my once-a-day trip to get a drink is often times my only outing for the day and is my "special treat" to myself. I want that drink to be the very best thing I taste that day. I refuse to buy the large (approx. 30 ounce) Diet Coke for $1.79 at McD's when I can go to 7-11 across the street and get a 64 ounce for $1.39. And even though I can say with absolute certainty that McDonald's has the best Diet Coke syrup hands down, I must stand up for what I believe in and what I believe in is that I have the right to consume as much brown, carbonated and artificially flavored water as I want.
So long McDonalds. Hello Carl's Jr.
This year it will not be put up. Sadly, it will never be seen again at my Syracuse McD's.
Why, you may ask, would they take away the single thing that made me their regular- sometimes twice a day- customer from June to September?
Because they are stupid "fat American" haters.
I saw "Super Size ME"- I know it was a political nightmare for the McD's corporation. I was as disgusted as anyone by the end of it. I'm glad that they got rid of the bloated fry portions and trans fats. But when they touched my Super Size Diet Coke, they went too far.
Yes, Americans are fat. Yes, the fast food industry panders to our addiction to fried food. But we also have agency. Do they think that by getting rid of the big sizes that consumers won't just purchase an additional "small" item from that new drive through staple, the dollar menu? (Not that I do that myself, but I'm just saying, it's not rocket science to figure out).
I'm sure that with all the problems in the world-ie. the global economy, wars, genocide, global warming- you are probably thinking, "doesn't this chick have anything better to worry about?". I know that I'm being immature and unrealistic, but my once-a-day trip to get a drink is often times my only outing for the day and is my "special treat" to myself. I want that drink to be the very best thing I taste that day. I refuse to buy the large (approx. 30 ounce) Diet Coke for $1.79 at McD's when I can go to 7-11 across the street and get a 64 ounce for $1.39. And even though I can say with absolute certainty that McDonald's has the best Diet Coke syrup hands down, I must stand up for what I believe in and what I believe in is that I have the right to consume as much brown, carbonated and artificially flavored water as I want.
So long McDonalds. Hello Carl's Jr.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Girls Can Be So Mean....
I know I've probably said it before, but it's worth saying again and again.
Girls can be so mean to each other!!!
Seriously, if we could treat each other like men treat each other just imagine how much further along feminism would be.
Instead we scratch, claw and hiss when we think another female has looked cross eyed at us.
I swear the behavior must be ingrained in our DNA, because it rears its ugly head about the same time as puberty hits.
I bring this up because of a situation involving the TQ and her BFF(?). I added the ? because I'm not really sure if they are friends any more. Apparently TQ did or said something that has created a chasm between them that cannot be bridged no matter how many times she tries to apologise or find out what she did wrong.
I think that TQ is the loveliest, most wonderful 12 year old that has ever graced the earth, but I am not naive- I know she's not perfect. While she takes after her pop's family physically, her personality and attitude are 99.99999% Loma. She knew the meaning of irony before most toddlers could say their first complete sentence. She can banter with ease among the best satirists. She has acquired the leadership skills inherent in being the oldest child- aka. being a "know it all" and "bossy". But despite these things, she is well liked and respected among her peers.
I thought she showed maturity beyond her years when she called this BFF and begged her to forgive her for whatever she had done. TQ has really missed her. Heck, the whole family has missed having her around. But the BFF will not relent. She ignores TQ at school and will not respond when TQ tries to speak to her. She won't answer her phone if she sees that it's TQ's number (she tested it by calling on her phone and getting the voice mail, then calling my 30 seconds later on my phone. The BFF answered). This past weekend, the BFF was a no show at TQ's end of the year party- a party which they had planned for months.
I don't know what else she can do. TQ is brokenhearted. Fortunately she has many, many other friends, but growing up you always want to have that one special person that you can share everything with. She doesn't have a sister who can easily fulfill that role like I did, and I'm afraid that Mom just doesn't fit the bill either.
Te funny thing is that I can remember with almost perfect clarity going through the same dramas at the same age. Only back then we didn't have email or texting or Facebook or the other hundred ways kids can E-bully each other. The handwritten notes we passed each other saying "you're mean" just don't seem as cruel in comparison.
Sometimes sending her to a convent for the next 6 years sounds really, really good. Do they allow Mormon girls as novices???
Girls can be so mean to each other!!!
Seriously, if we could treat each other like men treat each other just imagine how much further along feminism would be.
Instead we scratch, claw and hiss when we think another female has looked cross eyed at us.
I swear the behavior must be ingrained in our DNA, because it rears its ugly head about the same time as puberty hits.
I bring this up because of a situation involving the TQ and her BFF(?). I added the ? because I'm not really sure if they are friends any more. Apparently TQ did or said something that has created a chasm between them that cannot be bridged no matter how many times she tries to apologise or find out what she did wrong.
I think that TQ is the loveliest, most wonderful 12 year old that has ever graced the earth, but I am not naive- I know she's not perfect. While she takes after her pop's family physically, her personality and attitude are 99.99999% Loma. She knew the meaning of irony before most toddlers could say their first complete sentence. She can banter with ease among the best satirists. She has acquired the leadership skills inherent in being the oldest child- aka. being a "know it all" and "bossy". But despite these things, she is well liked and respected among her peers.
I thought she showed maturity beyond her years when she called this BFF and begged her to forgive her for whatever she had done. TQ has really missed her. Heck, the whole family has missed having her around. But the BFF will not relent. She ignores TQ at school and will not respond when TQ tries to speak to her. She won't answer her phone if she sees that it's TQ's number (she tested it by calling on her phone and getting the voice mail, then calling my 30 seconds later on my phone. The BFF answered). This past weekend, the BFF was a no show at TQ's end of the year party- a party which they had planned for months.
I don't know what else she can do. TQ is brokenhearted. Fortunately she has many, many other friends, but growing up you always want to have that one special person that you can share everything with. She doesn't have a sister who can easily fulfill that role like I did, and I'm afraid that Mom just doesn't fit the bill either.
Te funny thing is that I can remember with almost perfect clarity going through the same dramas at the same age. Only back then we didn't have email or texting or Facebook or the other hundred ways kids can E-bully each other. The handwritten notes we passed each other saying "you're mean" just don't seem as cruel in comparison.
Sometimes sending her to a convent for the next 6 years sounds really, really good. Do they allow Mormon girls as novices???
Props to The King
I have been very neglectful in giving the The Kings his due respect in the past three months.
You see, on March 1st he began the Medifast/tsfl diet. He would kill me if I told you what is start out weight was, but I'll jsut say that he was at his heaviest in the 14 years that I have known him. Despite the extra weight, he always has been and always be a total hottie though!
Last year, his company developed the back end system and web tools for tsfl/medifast, and as he was the AM/PM on the project he got to know the tsfl corporate team really well. I'd have to say he has never enjoyed working with a client more than tsfl. At the end of the project, one of the tsfl execs told The King that he could have as much product as he wanted for free if he'd like to go on the plan. We are talking hundreds of dollars worth of food. He really wanted to loose weight, and so it was a no brainer that he'd take them up on their offer.
To date he has lost 41 pounds. He looks AMAZING! He has more energy and is much more active. He doesn't veg out in front of the TV at night any more. I have not seen him this skinny since our first years of marriage. But instead of looking boyish like he did back then, he is distinguished with his graying temples and mature face. He is more attractive now than he has ever been, and that is saying a lot.
The other night I watched as we were walking through Walmart, and every single woman we walked by did a double take when they saw him. Even the teenagers. He had no clue.
Sorry gals, he's all mine.
I am so proud of him.
You see, on March 1st he began the Medifast/tsfl diet. He would kill me if I told you what is start out weight was, but I'll jsut say that he was at his heaviest in the 14 years that I have known him. Despite the extra weight, he always has been and always be a total hottie though!
Last year, his company developed the back end system and web tools for tsfl/medifast, and as he was the AM/PM on the project he got to know the tsfl corporate team really well. I'd have to say he has never enjoyed working with a client more than tsfl. At the end of the project, one of the tsfl execs told The King that he could have as much product as he wanted for free if he'd like to go on the plan. We are talking hundreds of dollars worth of food. He really wanted to loose weight, and so it was a no brainer that he'd take them up on their offer.
To date he has lost 41 pounds. He looks AMAZING! He has more energy and is much more active. He doesn't veg out in front of the TV at night any more. I have not seen him this skinny since our first years of marriage. But instead of looking boyish like he did back then, he is distinguished with his graying temples and mature face. He is more attractive now than he has ever been, and that is saying a lot.
The other night I watched as we were walking through Walmart, and every single woman we walked by did a double take when they saw him. Even the teenagers. He had no clue.
Sorry gals, he's all mine.
I am so proud of him.
Girls Gone Wild.....
I despise getting the mail.
I usually put it off about as long as I can before the mail lady actually has to come to my door to tell me that the box is overflowing.
Mail is always the same. Bills, ads, bills, more ads. Every once in a while I'll get a wedding or baby shower invitation, but since almost everyone I know is already married and on baby #4 or #5, those heavily embossed envelopes are few and far between.
But for the last week I have been diligently stalking the mail truck (it's actually taken a lot of effort and window peeping as I have never paid attention to when it arrives before). Today, the package I've been awaiting finally arrived.
Disneyland here I come.
And by "I" I'm serious, it's just ME!!!!!
Well, and my beautiful and wonderful sister Fancy, but still, I am selfishly taking a 5 day trip- away from my husband and kids and piano lessons and life in general- to Disneyland.
I know it is insane to go to Disneyland in the middle of July, but without the pressure of whining, tired children I think I could stand in line for hours and enjoy the quiet time in my brain. (Yes, I really just said that. Quiet time at Disney. Can you tell how badly I need to get away??)
I will miss The King while I'm gone, and not just for his uncanny sense of directions and exceptional navigation skills (btw..he wouldn't let me rent a car because he's convinced that I'd get lost in the middle of LA and get carjacked by a gang member then sold into slavery in Mexico. Sadly, I can't disagree. But I'm pretty sure he's giving me more credit than I deserve- I'd get lost just trying to find my way out of the airport). The King is a blast to travel with, and he makes sure I get out of bed early so that I don't waste all my vacation time sleeping in. But this is a chick trip, so we'll have to do Disney sans kids another time.
So what does "girls gone wild" constitute for two Mormon chicks going to Disneyland by themselves??? Well, drinking is out so we'll have to pass up the "wild" night life available at the Disney Resort. Pill popping will definitely be happening, but as it is Dramamine I don't think it counts as illicit behavior. Despite taking the maximum dosage each day, we'll still probably get so motion sick that we'll take turns vomiting into garbage cans. Exhibitionist behavior???? I'm pretty sure there will be no flashing or streaking, but my sister IS kind of wild and crazy, and it IS the happiest place on earth (just kidding dad, we'll behave ourselves. Besides, it's only your sons that have ever had problems keeping their clothes on).
If you can't tell, I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo excited. July can't get here fast enough. If you see me wearing the Mouse Ears button that came in the package today, don't mock me- well, at least to my face. Just remember that I'm not totally insane, just a thirty-something housewife who really, really, really needs a weekend away.
I usually put it off about as long as I can before the mail lady actually has to come to my door to tell me that the box is overflowing.
Mail is always the same. Bills, ads, bills, more ads. Every once in a while I'll get a wedding or baby shower invitation, but since almost everyone I know is already married and on baby #4 or #5, those heavily embossed envelopes are few and far between.
But for the last week I have been diligently stalking the mail truck (it's actually taken a lot of effort and window peeping as I have never paid attention to when it arrives before). Today, the package I've been awaiting finally arrived.
Disneyland here I come.
And by "I" I'm serious, it's just ME!!!!!
Well, and my beautiful and wonderful sister Fancy, but still, I am selfishly taking a 5 day trip- away from my husband and kids and piano lessons and life in general- to Disneyland.
I know it is insane to go to Disneyland in the middle of July, but without the pressure of whining, tired children I think I could stand in line for hours and enjoy the quiet time in my brain. (Yes, I really just said that. Quiet time at Disney. Can you tell how badly I need to get away??)
I will miss The King while I'm gone, and not just for his uncanny sense of directions and exceptional navigation skills (btw..he wouldn't let me rent a car because he's convinced that I'd get lost in the middle of LA and get carjacked by a gang member then sold into slavery in Mexico. Sadly, I can't disagree. But I'm pretty sure he's giving me more credit than I deserve- I'd get lost just trying to find my way out of the airport). The King is a blast to travel with, and he makes sure I get out of bed early so that I don't waste all my vacation time sleeping in. But this is a chick trip, so we'll have to do Disney sans kids another time.
So what does "girls gone wild" constitute for two Mormon chicks going to Disneyland by themselves??? Well, drinking is out so we'll have to pass up the "wild" night life available at the Disney Resort. Pill popping will definitely be happening, but as it is Dramamine I don't think it counts as illicit behavior. Despite taking the maximum dosage each day, we'll still probably get so motion sick that we'll take turns vomiting into garbage cans. Exhibitionist behavior???? I'm pretty sure there will be no flashing or streaking, but my sister IS kind of wild and crazy, and it IS the happiest place on earth (just kidding dad, we'll behave ourselves. Besides, it's only your sons that have ever had problems keeping their clothes on).
If you can't tell, I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo excited. July can't get here fast enough. If you see me wearing the Mouse Ears button that came in the package today, don't mock me- well, at least to my face. Just remember that I'm not totally insane, just a thirty-something housewife who really, really, really needs a weekend away.
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