Up and Away!!!

I'll admit it... I stole the picture from Christy, but I loved the message behind this act.

If you want to know what we are doing, please click on the Christy link.

By the way - the balloons are Bird-Friendly!!!

Mood Rings

Ever played with Mood Rings???

They were all the rage in my junior high school.

I always had a little problem with these charming little faux jewels.

Mine always turned blue.

Blue meant you were "in love" woo-ooo. Being overweight, and tremendously unpopular, not to mention a total nerd, orchestra geek and uncool only exacerbated the problem. (Truth be told... I did have a little crush on this guy in my junior high school. His name was Jesse, but no one knew, I think. He was super cute, smart, and funny. Suffice to say that as pretty as he was should have clued me in to something I was completely unaware of in junior high school...)

The general idea behind the mood ring is that there is this strip of some magic something that registers changes in body temperature based upon your moods. Different colors, different feelings, because we all know that when your moods change, your temperature does too. (By the way, this has never been scientifically proven - although it does make a little sense.)

I am normally a warm blooded person. Shoveling snow, no mittens, in 0 degree weather, for 30 minutes still registered my hands warm. My house is always colder that 70 degrees because I get hot too fast. My good friends know that if they are cold, odds are good sitting next to me (or falling asleep on me....) they will warm right up. Its probably a big part of why I put babies to sleep. I'm warm and soft. None the less, my internal temperature is always below 98 degrees (for reasons I cannot begin to fathom).

I digress...

I guess my ring should have turned blue this month, and I didn't even realize it.

My husband admitted defeat. He asked me what I wanted for an anniversary present. I told him he should know me by now. We have been together for 5 and a half years, right??? He reminded me that boys are stupid when it comes to stuff like this, and he needed help. So I created a list for him. (Have you girls ever done this???? Made a list of "approved gifts" for your husband/fiance/boyfriend to purchase for you?) The funny thing was I could think of THINGS I wanted for presents, but none of them were things I wanted him to get for me. Why is that? I need a new piano bench. I even know which one I want, but for some reason, it is not good enough for him to get it for me. Then I realized what I did want from him. I wanted him to put some thought into a gift for me. I wanted him to spend some time and effort on me, rather than buy me something with a huge pricetag (although flowers and jewelry are always fabulous).

I received word that my masseuse at work was no longer coming to my work. This devastated me. My back, neck and shoulders are screaming for attention. It's been a stressful month. SO - the love of my life offers to get me a massage at Center Stage for our anniversary. I should have taken him up on it, but at that time I didn't know when I could find an hour to go. It wasn't until much later that I realized he does stuff like that all the time, and I don't pay any attention to it. He may not make the huge gestures, but the little things are always there, and he is always supporting me.

Why do we do this??? Not realize what we have until well after the fact. I don't know...

I've been thinking a lot about time lately. I am reminded of those commercials for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where they say, "isn't it about time?" Then I realize that time is a relative term mortals use to define their mortality. I watched the movie "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" the other day, and was reminded that if we don't pay attention, we are going to miss things, and that some people don't get these experiences at all.

I don't want to miss things. But sometimes I do. Putting on a mood ring in the morning after a night spent on your dresser will take the color a few minutes to change. You forget your wearing it, and the colors change. Every so often you look down and see, and surprise yourself. Sometimes it is blue. Sometimes it is green. Sometimes it is amber (great color by the way). Kids do this too. You blink and they grow, and change. You might miss it.

People change too. Attitudes, perspectives. The world is full of change, and all of it is fleeting. Some of it is an illusion, and some is more permanent. I've been letting time get away from me lately. The colors are changing, the kids are growing, and I am missing it.

If only it were so easy as looking down and seeing a ring to know that you should pay attention. If only a ring could tell you what you are feeling. If only we could see into our own hearts, and the love we feel there for the ones we love.

And now I am glad that silly ring is still blue.

What color would your ring be???

Dark blue: Happy, romantic or passionate

Blue: Calm or relaxed

Blue-green: Somewhat relaxed

Green: Normal or average

Amber: A little nervous or anxious

Gray: Very nervous or anxious

Black: Stressed, tense or feeling harried

You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins

Okay... love this song.

The first time I heard it on the radio, it immediately followed Lost in this Moment by Big and Rich.

It's kinda become my mantra recently.

Between the girls, work, piano, church, house maintanence, etc, I feel like time is just whizzing by me - and I'm missing it.

So, I plan to do things that will keep me engaged, at least a little.

Every morning, I get up and have breakfast wth Hailey and Katie. I actually cook and everything. They read the scriptures, and we all benefit. Maybe I'm not missing it.

I know that sounds really lazy, but when you don't get to bed until after 12:30 AM, almost 1:00, getting up to have breakfast at 7am to catch a 7:25 bus is a feat.

Dj has been suffering with cellulitis this weekend. It's been hard, and I know he hurts. I hope he gets better soon.

All in all, the next few months are going to be crazy busy, but I know that we will get through. As long as I take the time to be with my kids, it will work out!

Monday Music Monologue - Walking in Memphis

I have always loved the piano part in this song. (DUH.. I'm a piano player!)

However, I am using this song this week because my parents are in Memphis this weekend and had a great time.

I really like the explanations of the symbols (click on the title link!!). Don't forget to play the song on my playlist.

Communication

My KX-12 has retired. I upgraded to this beautiful baby. I'm still getting used to it.

It was interesting though to consider the elements of communication in today's world.

In two point seven seconds, we can learn anything we ever didn't want to know about anything, by simply sitting in front of a computer.

Handwriting is no longer a priority, or grammar, or spelling, because we text and you need to omit the unneccesary letters. Our 8 year olds can't be caught dead without their cell phone, and will call their friends walking to class two halls over.

omg(sh) i cnt bleve she sd tht crzy

What happened to the beauty of formality?? What happened to the beauty of the written and spoken word?

Whatever happened to going to a library to use a book to find the information you needed for that research project? (Please do not ask what a book is...)

Encyclopedias, the actual books in everyone's den from when I was a kid, are now obsolete. Outdated, time consuming and 2-dimensional, anyone would be stupid to refer to these for solid information. At any given time one can pull up a 3-d animated graphic plus instructional video for anything they want to know. SO what are we learning?

The Big Five

Rules-Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

The Five Ten years ago…

Hailey was finally gaining back her birth weight.
I was getting ready to start my elementary ed practicum at BYU.
We moved into a new apartment even closer to campus.
I got my Honda Accord - which I loved! GREAT CAR!
I was working as a mother's helper for a family with 4 boys.

Five things on today’s “to do” list…

Garbage Day
Vacuum the living room and down the hall
10 hours at work
Dishes
Bank

Five snacks I enjoy

Graham crackers and milk
crackers and cheese and tuna
1/2 a PB & strawberry J and milk
Mallowcorn and strawberry soda
Oreos and milk

Five things I would do if I was a millionaire…

pay off all debt
set up accounts for kids and retirement
invest
travel
new car

Five places I have lived…

Lincoln Nebraska
Provo Utah
Fairbanks Alaska
San Antonio Texas

That's about it!

I am tagging Angie, Amy, Allison, Stacy, and Alison.

Disney Girls

For those of you who read my posts via reader, you have missed the new countdown timer on the right hand column.

You got it... we are Orlando bound (again!!!).

We did Disney a few years ago with the Hill entourage (and I mean almost everybody). Then, we went to Universal Studios and Sea World with my mom, dad and sibs (less Aaron-on a mission and Whitney-as yet undiscovered).

Now we are going back, and taking DJ's fam with us.

I am so excited!!! Pretty sure everyone else is too...

Going Going Gone...

24 days...

I took Hailey and Katie to Washington on Friday. I was there two hours, then turned around and came right back (Standby is wonderful!!!). (12 hours on a plane is not)

I hate it when they are gone. I feel so... incomplete.

I mean, I have stuff I need to do. I have a husband who likes the attention and having me to himself. I have a house to clean. I have work that loves extra hours. I help with church stuff. But I feel like I am not a whole person.

I'm not gonna lie. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for those two little girls. We got through a lot of tough stuff just the three of us. Still, when they leave, I remember that I should be a person without them, so I am stronger for them when they come back.

I guess that is what it means to be a mom. You sacrifice the little things of yourself to be everything to others. Then when they aren't there, you don't know what to do. Don't get me wrong, I love a little vacation now and then from the rigors of daily life (hence Kansas City in May) but give me a few days, and I don't know what to do. I totally get the empty nest thing.

I held my friend's son on Sunday at church. I take partial credit for him. I was present at birth (labor coach and massage therapist) and then I was daycare. It helped to have him sit with me. I also told one of my friends I would play with her kids this week so she could have little break. I'm dealing. One day at a time... 24 days and counting...

Tourists

I am the hugest fan of Lincoln Safari so when my mom brought me the Passport to Lincoln from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was so excited I couldn't stand it. I love living in a place that encourages you to look around and appreciate what is here. Especially since gas is so expensive and I really need something for my kids to do.

So tomorrow, it is pretty likely that DJ and I are going to spend the day running the girls all over the city looking at things. I asked him if we could take the bus even, and he said no.

Guess what came yesterday in the mail??? My season pass to the Nebraska State Fair. For $55 total, I will get to see Tracy Byrd, Boyz II Men, Styx, Survivor, Starship, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I already told my boss that I was not available most of the evenings the week of the fair, and my husband pretty much has given up hope on me. Anyone wanna go???

(I tried to upload cute pictures of my kids, but it didn't work very well... Soon to be posted!!!)

Music Monday!!!

Christy used Mr. Linky to list her music that popped up on her MP3 player this morning.

Here it is, I am just now getting to my blog - and I do Monday Music Monologues. heehee

Here are the top 10 songs in my world this evening:

1. Celebration - Kool and the Gang
Admit it, you can't even think about this song without getting pumped... There's always a reason for a party.

2. You're Gonna Miss This - Trace Adkins
Hailey and Katie are leaving Friday for Washington for A MONTH. I am not coping well, and I am going to miss them like crazy. I'm already upset that they are so big!!! The last thing I need is them going away for four weeks. SOB!!! (Can I play with someone's baby?)

3. Lost in This Moment with You - Big and Rich
I love this song. I love that it is about a wedding, but everytime I hear it, I think about my lovie, and I can't help but get lost in many moments. (I know, hun, ewwwwwww.... mushy.)

4. Fantasy - Earth, Wind and Fire
I fully blame my mother for this obsession. She is a funk dancing queen... except she marched!

5. One Hot Mama - Trace Adkins
Okay, I know I am not hot - I am not - but sometimes its just nice to think of oneself as amazing!!!

6. Nothin's Gonna Stop Us Now
Did you ever have someone tell you that your marriage, relationship, job, etc. wasn't gonna work out, and then it did??? Cheers!

7. Ever, Ever After - Carrie Underwood
Everyone needs a fairytale - (even if the butt attached stinks sometimes).

8. Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard
I have no reason to love this song, except that when I headbang to it, my hair is really floppy.

9. Don't Worry, Be Happy
See #2 above.

10. My Favorite Girl - New Kids on the Block
I am still lobbying for tickets to this concert in Omaha... Birthday anyone??? (Hey, if Wendy can ask for a house, I can ask for concert tix.)

Speaking of birthdays....

This year, my birthday falls on a Sunday, but because I love a good party, we should celebrate on Friday night. I am thinking a run to Kansas City, MO, dinner, and Ernie Biggs.

Everything is Coming Up Daisies!!!

At our ward service auction earlier this year, I won a special work from a Tiffany Sauble, a local graphic artist. She is amazing. E-mail her a picture, and she will embellish and make it incredible!!! Her prices are also fabulous.

I decide that this would be a great present for my mom for her birthday, so I sent Tiffany this cute picture of Hailey and Katie standing on a swing at my mom's house. She then uses my mom's favorite flower (which I didn't even have to tell her, she is such a genius!) and makes this adorable picture. Of course, I couldn't have just one, so I ordered more, but I was completely impressed with the work and wanted to share!!!

The Boss

This is my boss, well, today is her last day before she transfers to another center. I'm not happy about this.

To be honest, I think I have the perfect work environment possible. I have never worked for a more positive, happy, goal-oriented and fun person than Jenny. She makes the whole center come alive, which is probably why we are center of the year 2 years running. When you consider that we are the smallest center by at least a hundred people, and that there are 5 centers (soon to be 6) that is really saying something.

Last night we had a little going away party for her. Most of us cried, and it was great to see Jenny's upline come in to praise her too. I know the other center will be glad to have her, and I know that she will do wonders, but I will miss seeing her everyday.

I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I had to work with her, and I'm glad she will still be in town so I can see her sometimes!

Fortunately, my new manager, Erinn, is fabulous! She is almost as positive, upbeat and fun as Jenny. Here she is with her fiancee, Chris. They are getting married next May. I am so excited for her.

I am not big on change. It really throws me off, but this one, I don't think, is going to be so bad. I am fortunate that my company is totally okay with me making friends at the workplace, and with my managers. It changes the whole culture and environment. I love my job because of this relationship thing.

Zippy Tootles... Too "effing" funny (read the blog...)

Preface: My mom, ever since I was a little girl, has determined that the word FART is a word that no civilized person should ever use. It is a "bad word" at her house.

I much prefer the word toot.

Katie, my adorable, blonde 8 year old, has developed two rather annoying little habits lately.

She cannot keep her zipper on her jeans up. (Zippy the clown, I promptly dubbed her.)

She has a little bit of a gas problem. (Tootles the clown, she was also dubbed.)

One day, we were having problems with both of these issues, and I called her Zippy Tootles. She promptly wrote a song for herself. (Sung to the tune of Old MacDonald.)

Zippy Tootles rode in the car

Rode in the car

Rode in the car

Zippy Tootles rode in the car

And farted up a storm.

(I have no idea from whence she gets this....)

On Friday evening, she is having her own little form of gastrointestinal pyrotechnics, and I call her Zippy Tootles. Please understand, we are at my mother's, sitting outside, watching dad blow things up. My mother asks about the nickname and Katie breaks into song.

She finishes, and mom says, "I don't like that f-word".

Katie changes the lyrics.

Zippy Tootles rode in the car

And effed up a storm.

Apparently, there are no words.

Monday Music Monologue - We Are the World

I was uploading some America/USA songs into my playlist, and this one came up on the search.

You can click on the title to get a full list of the artist, and the lyrics (as well as who sings them).

Okay - I am a total sucker for 80's music, so this particular song was my big thing about 2nd grade. My teacher (Mrs. Vick) would play this song everyday, because our school was rounding up money for Africa.

I can remember seeing the pictures of the Ethiopians and how skinny they were, and wanting to save my dinner leftovers to send them.

I can also remember a 4th of July picnic in Colorado where we were listening to the radio, and this came on and we all listened.

It's interesting that our world hasn't changed that much. We still take care of one another, and are constantly working to make the world a better place. Our stake has just accepted a task of providing quilts to the Humanitarian Aid. I am so excited to work with my girls on this project. We may never know where the quilts end up, but we will know we helped someone. WE ARE THE WORLD!!!

Bring the Hammer Down... or Watch that First Step - It's a Doozy!!!

I am not a construction type of girl...

Not in the least little-ist bit.

Before today, my idea of home improvement was handing DJ a bucket of paint and waving as he made his way into another room.

I must admit - I did a pretty great job of installing a new showerhead the other day.

So, you may ask... What were you doing in a stairless pit???

I volunteered to help my brother, Jason, and Sister-in-law, Lindsey work on their house today.

The big goal was replacing the steps into the basement of their 100 year old completely gutted Victorian home.


Aren't I cute??? Because some of the tiles, etc are not exactly... ummmm.... non-toxic (asbestos, animal feces, etc), I had to wear this incredibly attractive do-hicky on my face. I did smile for the picture. Apparently, you are supposed to be able to breathe in these things.

Our job was to rip out the staircase so that Jason and Dwayne (LynZ's dad) could put the new ones they were building in.

LynZ would bang on the planks until they came loose, then I would crowbar them out and throw them out of the way. What she thought was going to take about 2 hours took about 30 minutes. It was great.

The problem was getting back out of the basement, since now there are no stairs. They sent down this ladder and expected me to climb up. I am so freakingly afraid of falling that I almost stayed down in that basement. I watched LynZ go up the ladder (the tall skinny twirp), the ladder shaking the whole way.

I'm not exactly... ummm... a lightweight. I was so afraid.

But hey!!! We got the stairs out. We got me out. I had a pretty good time, and I may actually help again!!!

Let's Twist Again!!!!

For my family and friends not completely up on Nebraska/midwest meteorology - here is a diagram of a tornado pathology.

For those of us who live here, this is a way of life.

Sure, we all run for the basement when the sirens go off, but mostly we just sit around with our families and wait - if we are in a town.

Last night, I was at work when the sirens went off. We sat in the catacombs of the building, waiting for the weather service to tell us we were clear. I had been routinely checking in with members of my family, friends, etc.

Then the rain hit hard. Once again, my basement decided it needed to become an indoor swimming pool. I made an executive decision to go home. My boss was not thrilled. Driving was not that bad, but I knew that I needed to be with my family.

We got the water stopped.

DJ and I were soaked to the bone by the time we were done.

It happens that way.

It's sad to think of the 4 scouts and their families who were mortally affected by a tornado last night.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25107608/

Just before Katie was born, a tornado ripped through Salt Lake City, briefly. I can remember the panic. Everyone at my work, an hour away, mind you, was freaking out. I sat there and laughed. I knew we were fine. Mom used to sit out on the deck and watch the things coming.

It's amazing the perspective you receive as you are prepared. When you know what to expect, you deal with it. You grab your kit, you move to the safe place, and you wait it out. Then you help clean up the mess afterwards.

Amazing....

Priceless.....

For the second time in about a week, I have had some expenditures I wasn't planning on...


$5 per towel

NO LESS than 16 towels (fortunately I owned them all previously) have been soaked, washed, dried and soaked again.


Carpet Cleaner $139

We borrowed one of these from my brother and sister in law to help with my little problem.

Wet Dry Vac $250

When that didn't work, we moved to this. That didn't help much either.

The problem, you ask???

We have a corner of our house where water collects, and then comes down, soaking the hard floor part of our basement.

Allow me to emphasize that this does not bother me. I would rather it be the hard floor.

Unfortunately, there is a carpeted yard square spot between the stairs, hard floor and door to the laundry room that always gets completely wet. Of course, it is the first place everyone steps coming into the basement. I'm not talking a little damp, I'm talking pooling water when you step down, and mushy feeling. EWWWWWWWWW!

The easy solution???

Flexible Gutter Extender $10... and priceless.

Guess what I am shopping for today?!?

Kansas City, here I come!!!!

Monday Morning Monologue - Summertime - Will Smith

Best known as the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Will Smith has been a rising pop music sensation, a television star, and a movie superstar.

You gotta admire a man who "would rather be playing in the dirt with [his] kid" (Jersey Girl, with Ben Affleck). Married to Jada Pinkett-Smith, with kids, he has ever remained the family man - few scandals, and his art form something he can always share with his children.

So, why today, why Summertime??? (Don't forget to click the playlist so you can hear the tune!!!)

Summer, summer, summertime

Time to sit back and unwind

Here it is the groove slightly transformed

Just a bit of a break from the norm

Just a little somethin to break the monotony

Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be

A little bit out of control its cool to dance

But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance

Give me a soft subtle mix

And if aint broke then dont try to fix it

And think of the summers of the past

Adjust the base and let the alpine blast

Pop in my cd and let me run a rhyme

And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime

School is out and its a sort of a buzz

A back then I didnt really know what it was

But now I see what have of this

The way that people respond to summer madness

Back in philly we be ou in the park

A place called the plateau is where everybody goes

Its late in the day and I aint been on the court yet

Hustle to the mall to get me a short set

Yeah I got on sneaks but I need a new pair

Cause basketball courts in the summer got girls there

The temperatures about 88

Hop in the water plug just for old times sake

Break to ya crib change your clothes once more

Cause youre invited to a barbeque thats starting at 4

Sitting with your friends cause yall remincise

About the days growing up and the first person you kiss

And as I think back makes me wonder how

The smell from a grill could spark up nostalgia

All the kids playing out front

Little boys messin round with the girls playing double-dutch

While the djs spinning a tune as the old folks dance at your family

Reunion

Then six oclock rolls around

You just finished wiping your car down

Its time to cruise so you head to the summertime hangout

It looks like a car show

Everybody come lookin real fine

Fresh from the barber shop or fly from the beauty salon

Every moment frontin and maxin

Chillin in the car they spent all day waxin

Leanin to the side but you cant spead through

Two miles an hour so everybody sees you

Theres an air of love and of happiness

And this is the fresh princes new defintion of summer madness

(I editted out a verse or so - it didn't fit with my theme!!!) Summer is always busy, but let's remember that we need to relax, unwind, play games, chill, hang out with friends and fam. After the last few months, I could defenitely use the break.

It's Summertime!!!

Memorial Day

Monday Music Monologue... God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood - (Make sure you lick on it)

For those of you who have never taken the time to listen to the lyrics of this song, I highly recommend it. For those of you who don't know... here's my story.

Both of my grandfathers served in the military, during war times.

My father served in the military until I was 13 - the original Gulf War. I remember traveling around the country.

I remember babysitting for the kids down the street while their father was stationed overseas, and knowing that my dad could go at any second because he had already been desert trained (even though we were stationed in ALASKA!!). I remember the day Major Arndt came back and we played this song for him at the airport.

I remember meeting friends from all over after traveling, and having those ties strengthened.

I remember the day at BYU in my American Heritage class they played this song. We spent the semester watching and learning about the struggles America has gone through. The last lecture we watched a video montage to this song. All 900 of us took to our feet and sang along, with tears running down our cheeks the entire time.

I remember watching as a member of the reserves brought a little airplane car for the kids to ride on Fourth of July.

I remember my brother signing up for the Army reserves, and the willingness he had to serve the country.

I remember watching my friend Jim go to Iraq, and then his return, and willingness to go again.

I remember being held in an airport for an extra hour over Christmas as I watched a fallen soldier unloaded from a plane in a ceremony unlike anything I had ever seen. I remember listening to a few people grumbling about their delayed flight times, and other passengers telling them to shut up. This was important.

I remember sitting in a terminal, in Houston, and looking up to see a friend of mine from work at Gallup standing over me in her military uniform, insignia, awards, medals and all, and realizing that this was not the same girl I knew before, but a woman, out to be her best for the country and all that she loves.

I remember sitting next to a young man, a soldier, in an airport at Christmas, struggling almost to tears because he had to get back to Okinawa where his ship was docked, and he couldn't get a flight because they were all booked. I remember watching as a man he didn't even know walk up, and offer him his first class seat, no charge, and thank him for serving the country.

Last night I saw a commercial I haven't seen in awhile. And know that I have seen this not just on tv, but also in real life.

Last of all, I remember the wives, children, mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends of these soldiers serving our country, and the sacrifice they make every single day on our behalf.

On this Memorial Day, I wish to thank all of these brave individuals, and the ones who love them. May we remember them, and those soldiers that went before.

We love you, support you, appreciate you, and honor you.

27 Dresses Movie Review

I spent the wee hours of this morning watching this absolutely cheesy, completely predictable and totally sappy romantic comedy.

You know I loved it.

I'm a big fan of the Mary Tyler Moore/Julie Andrews musical "Throughly Modern Millie," so this plotline defenitely struck a chord with me.

I'm buying this one...

It may be better than "While You Were Sleeping". I know, you are completely in shock. I cannot tell you how many different times WWYS, a bag of Oreos and a gallon of milk have gotten me through the tough stuff. To think that it might be dethroned gives one pause.

You'll just have to see it to believe it.

Girls night JUNE!!!!

(We might even throw in P.S. I Love You... Bring on the jammies, the blankies, the kleenex, and the chocolate!!!!)