Wordless Wednesday

Hope for Humanity

Funny Quotes

Alex: Mommy you smell good.
Me: Oh, yea. Thanks.
Alex: You smell like potatoes.

Time to Myself

Today I had a sitter all day (8:30am to 3pm). I was convinced by a very wise friend to give myself a break. At first, I didn't want to spend the money. Why should I pay someone to keep my kids? I am perfectly capable.
I now know why. I feel like a new person. I went to the Natural Science Museum alone! It struck me as I was heading back to the car that no one was screaming, no one needed a snack, and no one had to pee. It was great!
In the car, I called my friends and chatted without interruption. After that, I had a girly lunch with Paula...great food and even better company.
When I got home, my kids and I played in the leaves outside and went to gymnastics.
To all those Moms who think they can do everything for everyone all the time...you probably can...but just because you can doesn't mean you should.
I learned that I need to time to think, to be with friends, and to remember what makes me, well, me.
As for not wanting to spend the money, it was worth every penny!

Perfect Day

This day is absolute perfection!
It’s 73 degrees out with sunny skies and a gentle breeze.
This is one of those days I would have skipped school.
I LOVE days like today.

Grateful Sunday

I am grateful for Visiting Teaching. I am thankful to know I have a group of ladies I can call on anytime for anything. I love the reminder every month that I should better know my Sisters. Friendships form because of this program, and who couldn't use a few more friends?

Book Tag Game

We all love books, don't we? Let's play!

The Rules of the game:
1. Find the nearest book to you.
2. Name the book and author.
3. Turn to page 123.
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page.
5. Copy out the next 3 sentences and post to your blog.

Here's mine...

CATHEDRAL CUISINE
BY: THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE

"Remove from heat and gently stir in salt, pepper, mushrooms and crabmeat.
Spray a baking dish or ramekins with a cooking spray. Spoon mixture into dish and top with cheese."

Anyone have a guess as to what recipe this is?
I know what I am having for dinner tonight!

Well Preserved

Our baby sitter tried to give me a compliment tonight. She said, "You are well preserved for your age."
WOW...what do ya say to that?
Funny!

My Camera

I couldn't wait till "Grateful Sunday." I have to say how thankful I am for a good camera.
When viewing a photo, one is looking into the soul of both the subject and the photographer. A photo speaks without words. It tells a story. Your version of that story is completely personal and intimate. What does the story you develop say about your view of the world?

I Love Houston

Houston is such a fun city. There is ALWAYS something to do. There are rodeo's, concerts, professional sports, museums, parks, a great zoo and tons of great food and shopping. The people are generally nice and the weather is NEVER really cold (yes, that is a plus for me).
Living here makes me excited about life!

Church Statment on Attire

Following is the statement of the First Presidency of the Church
made in June 1971 regarding women's dress:
"We have advised our people that when going to the temple they should
not wear slacks or miniskirts, or otherwise dress immodestly. We have
not, however, felt it wise or necessary to give instructions on this
subject relative to attendance at our Church meetings, although we do
feel that on such occasions they should have in mind that they are in
the house of the Lord and should conduct themselves accordingly. "
(Priesthood Bulletin, June 1971.)

Wordless Wednesday (early)

Grateful Sunday (delayed)

I am grateful for a wonderful birthday weekend for Alex. Grammy and Grampa, Nanna and Papa and Aunt Nicole and Andrew all came in to help us celebrate our first-born's 5th birthday! We had such a great time...I hated to see everyone leave.


We had streamers hanging from the tree, balloons everywhere, a moonwalk, and tons of junk food (menu decided by the birthday boy). The kids painted derby cars for their take home gifts, and that went along nicely with the whole "Hot Wheels" theme. It was such fun to get everyone together.


I do have one regret...I didn't take enough pictures of ALEX! Oops.

MUST WEAR SKIRTS?

Last Sunday our new RS Pres. gently warned me that I should be wearing a skirt to church instead of a pant suite. I don't get it. So, I asked why. The only answer that made sense to me was one of "tradition." I am not sure I am willing to go out and buy skirts because of "tradition."
Someone also said it was respectful to "dress your best" for church. I do. My nicest clothes are pant suites, not my blue jean skirts.
The last explanation I couldn't take in was that skirts are more feminine. Must one be feminine to be Mormon? Seems unlikely to me.

Does Heavenly Father really care if I wear pants or a skirt? Is this a rule?
I am starting to believe the older members of the church just see dressy attire as, well, dresses. Small view of fashion if you ask me.
Sorry to blog over such a small issue, but it really bugs me. Should I not attend church services if I don't dress in the uniform?
I am pretty put off by this. Can you tell?

REAL SIMPLE QUESTIONS

* What's the quality that you like least about yourself?
I am not very patient. I am working on it, but of course, I have been working on it for years!!!

* If you could trade places with anyone, living or dead, for a day, who would it be?
Well, if it were only a day, I would choose Oprah. Rich, in love and everyone adores her...are you kidding?!?!?
My first thought was Abraham Lincoln, but then it would have to be for more than one day.

* My life would be simpler if...
I had a Nanny.

* What's your favorite possession? (must be a thing)
My family picture CDs. I am totally paranoid that I will loose my family pictures...so, I save every year onto a CD, just in case.

* Guiltiest pleasure?
EATING...I eat way more than I should, of everything.

* High road or low road?
High road...it's generally easier in the long run.

* Who was the naughtiest kid in your elementary school, and what did he do?
I don't know. I went to a Baptist school...none of us were really all that bad. Or, maybe that person was me?

* The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...
How to get into our next house. Should we buy, build or wait? I don't know.

FUNNY

Wordless Wednesday

It's Our 8 Year Anniversary

It's our 8th Anniversary, and Don and I are in two different states. He was supposed to be home from his business trip tonight, but a blizzard grounded his flight out of Chicago, IL. I miss him.
The day goes by quickly. I don't have much time to think about his not being home. Now that everyone is tucked in and quiet, I wish he were here.

Oh, well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day...We can celebrate then.
On the other hand, I am not sure a celebration is needed. I celebrate every time we work out a problem, we do something fun, or we cuddle. Every time he tells me he loves me, I feel special. Guess I don't really need a formal celebration. I just need him.

Cole's Everything Glasses

Cole has been wearing these glasses for two weeks. He brings them everywhere, and wherever he is they take on a different name. At church, they were his prayer glasses. At dinnertime, they are his eating glasses. When coloring, they are his writing glasses.

Cole has the best imagination. He also carries around his stuffed animals all the time. The animals have personalities all their own. They eat, cry, sleep and talk to him. He even rocks them and tucks them in for nap. When he is the Daddy, I am the baby-sitter. He is a great little Daddy.

The Good with the Bad

The kids did so much good today, but they also did bad. One minute I am disappointed, but the next I am just busting with pride.
Alex stole something from the store today, but he returned it and apologized. While I cooked dinner, the boys played nice with one another and practiced math. They didn't eat the dinner, but they did, however, say thank you for cooking. They listened VERY well when I asked them to get ready for bed, but they wouldn't go to sleep with out a lot of loud play.
With kids, there is no “normal.”

Teaching

My new calling at church is 3rd Sunday teacher in Relief Society (RS is Sunday School for Women). I am so excited! I really wanted to teach...don't ask me why.
Because of this calling, I was included in a teacher training talk this weekend...I took away two major points from the training.

1) One should always end a lesson with a personal testimony..."bear your soul about what you have just learned."

2) The articles of faith are so very important...one must know the basics before attempting to teach intricacies.

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by eimmersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith

Grateful Sunday

I am grateful for the Internet. I love that I can find just about any information within 2 minutes (I found out I have a Liver disease on-line...it’s not good news, but it's important). I love that I can easily keep in contact with my friend and family. I love that I can type my diary and add pictures without major effort or storage space...e.g., this blog.
It is also great for Mom's who only have a few choice minutes to communicate with the outside world. To coordinate those minutes with other Moms is tough, but, through e-mail Mom's can respond as quickly as possible without inconvenience.
I guess, if I am thankful for the Internet, I MUST be thankful for electricity, too. That is a given, though. Where would we be without electricity?!?!? Dirty and on a farm, I guess. No thanks.

The Good Ol' Days

I have to say I laughed out loud when I read this. Did women really buy this stuff in 1955? After all, 1955 was really not all that long ago. If so, those women had to be sitting around during the day talking about how helpless their men were to need all this attention!?!!??
I do like a few points that were made. I am all for taking steps to make my home more pleasant. I could plan dinner better, take 15 mintues to "refresh" myself and try not to greet him with problems. I would, however, have to say something if he stayed out all night or ditched me for dinner.
As John Stosell would say, "Give me a break!"

2007 Annual Family Photos

Funny Quotes

from dinner tonight...


Cole: "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a something something sleigh. Hey!"


Mommy: "That guacamole is really good."
Alex: "Yea, Mom, I like Whack-a-Mollie, too! Can we buy that game?"

Randi's First Shoes

I just couldn't stand it...I had to post a picture of the first pair of little girl shoes in our house!!! I have to admit I was a little lost when first looking at all the choices, but I caught on quickly! This girl stuff is gunna be fun.

My Little Job

So, I finally got a part-time job. When I say part-time, I mean less than 15 hours per week. I inspect homes for Nationwide Insurance. I drive to the house, check for damage, take a few pics and e-mail them to the office. I get paid for this? Cool, huh?
I didn't get a job cuz we needed the money. I took this little gig because I needed something of my own. Everything I like to do is not done easily with children around (i.e. painting, reading, or cooking).
SO, here I am strolling around people’s homes. I love to see how other people live, I love learning about the neighborhoods in Houston, and I don't mind having a little extra cash to buy a new pair jeans (without feeling guilty).
All in all, this is looking like a good deal for me. It has totally quenched my desire to "go back to work."
Bonus: my boss is VERY understanding with the kid situation. He told me, "You can go do these inspections in your pajamas." and "Sure, take the kids with you." No Mommy could ask for anything more!

Wordless Wednesday

Good Ol' Louisiana

You know you were Born N' Bred in Louisiana when...........

-Your sunglasses fog up when you step outside.

-You save newspapers, not for recycling but for tablecloths at crawfish boils.

-When you give directions you use "lakeside and riverside" not north and south.

-Your ancestors are buried above the ground.

-You take a bite of five-alarm chili and reach for the Tabasco.

-Every once in a while, you have waterfront property.

-You sit down to eat boiled crawfish and your host says, "Don't eat the dead ones," and you know what he means.

-You don't learn until high school that Mardi Gras is not a national holiday.

-You believe that purple, green, and gold look good together.

-Your last name isn't pronounced the way it's spelled.

-No matter where else you go in the world, you are always disappointed in the food.

-Your town is low on the education chart, but you don't care because you're No. 1 on the party chart.

-You know that Tchoupitoulas is a street and not a disease.

-Your grandparents are called "Maw-Maw" and "Paw-Paw."

-Your favorite Saint is a football player.

-You cringe every time you hear an actor with a Southern or Cajun accent in a "New Orleans-based" movie or TV show.

-You have to reset your clocks after every thunderstorm.

-You eat dinner out and spend the entire meal talking about all the other good places you've eaten.

REAL SIMPLE QUESTIONS

* Bath or shower? shower...I get too hot in the tub

* What did you want to be when you were little? a cheerleader and a lawyer

* What's the one thing you'll never understand? war

* What surprises you most about your adult life? I drive a MiniVan

* What's your idea of the perfect meal? cheese and crackers, bread dipped in EVOO and something baked for dessert

* What's the craziest fashion trend or hairstyle you've worn? Anything during the 80's

* What amount of money would make you feel you were set for life? 20 Million (after taxes)

* If you could change careers now without any consequences or financial loss, what would you switch to? Real Estate

* The big decision I'm currently wrestling with is...am I crazy for staying home with these kids or am I crazy because I stay home with these kids?