Zoo Peters

Life Lessons from The Help and Kung Fu Panda

2011-12-27T10:36:00.000-06:00

True confessions, Gentle Reader. I've had some weird weeks within the last few months. I finished my Gratitudes in November, though I slacked posting them on my blog (sorry!), and then I was felled with a bad back, horrible chest cold, even worse back issues, horrific withdrawal side effects from my back pain meds, and finally strep, compounded by a bit of depression (if I'm honest about the whole thing). I won't go into it beyond that, but suffice to say, it's been, at times, definitely challenging. But sweet reminders of the joys of life came from some of the some of the oddest sources, but they hit home at just the right times.

One was from Kung Fu Panda (I know...of all places!!!!). I've seen this show before, but the girls hadn't, so we watched it after they got out of school for Christmas Break, and I was amazed at how weepy I got watching Po learn about the fact that there is NO Secret Ingredient. HE was the secret ingredient. We all are our own secret ingredient (hmmmm...so, I guess, we are our own Dragon Masters???).

Then, for Christmas, Super J gave me The Help on dvd. I had so wanted to see it in the actual theaters, but it just didn't happen. You know how that goes, I'm sure. Same with Arthur Christmas. Oh well.

ANYWAY!!!! I really enjoyed it, sap that I am (sniff, sniff...that ending. Love it and made me cry when I read the book. Then, of course, it made me cry when I saw it). The book was awesome and this was a lovely adaptation of it (so naturally I'll be reading the book over again soon, I'm sure). More importantly, though, I loved that the overall theme for all the main characters (Aibileen, Minnie and Skeeter) of the movie/book really did exist in the three sentences that Aibileen shares with Mae Mobley over and over: "You is smart. You is kind. You is important."

Gentle Reader, I hope in the new year that I remember these for myself and my daughters. But I also hope you remember it for yourself when you have weird depressing days.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

2011-12-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Joyous Holiday Season.

Day 8

2011-11-08T20:43:00.002-06:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Doing a bit of Christmas shopping.

2. Watching "Up" with my girls, literally sitting on top of me and squished by my side. Normally it's their dad they are stacked on, but since he wasn't home, I got a chance to have them near.

3. Learning to "Hang Out" today via Google+. Thanks especially to Jennifer, who helped me feel less of the Luddite than I actually am.

Day 7

2011-11-07T20:48:00.002-06:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Answered prayers. I'm needing an updated picture, but we are sooooo happy for our new four year old niece! Her name is Minsy and she is, as we speak, being adopted from China by my younger brother and his family (who are also in China...that would be my brother, my sisterinlaw, and their SIX children. Each day they are swarmed by people who want to take THEIR pictures because not only are they AMERICANS, but they are a HUGE family, all things considered).

2. The fact that both my bro and sil are sending daily updates of their trip, which are both tender and hilarious and super examples of the different way men/women think. I'm loving their adventure.

3. The blessings of the kindess of strangers. My brother's family has had such an amazing experience so far, and often it is with people who don't speak a lick of English.

Day 6

2011-11-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. The Spirit that carried the lesson today in Relief Society, especially with the Stake RS Presidency there. I was a bit nervous, I must confess.

2. The things that I learned personally about Charity and how I need to seek for it in my life and not be afraid to endure whatever test/trials I need to go through to help build up that weakness. I mean, really, I'd rather chose to do it than be divinely compelled, you know?

3. Making it through that last extra hour of fasting. It seemed harder for some reason (probably because I was really thirsty), but I wanted to do it and I made it through. Wahoo!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Day 5

2011-11-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Getting my Relief Society Lesson done. Whew. Then just a few minutes later...

2. Feeling the tremors of that earthquake in OK. And then just a few minutes later...

3. Jumping on FB and checking with friends throughout the country if "they felt it too????" and knowing YES. It was kinda amazing and had all sorts of great connections for my lesson about RS being a Worldwide Circle of Sisterhood.

Day 4

2011-11-04T23:17:00.002-05:00

Cutting it close today. Still. Today, I am grateful for:

1. Simple soup recipes that everyone eats.

2. A night out to go attend Time Out for Women.

3. Coming home to a clean main floor, including decluttered counters, and the lovely spirit in our home because of it.

Day 3

2011-11-03T22:43:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Indoor playlands, particularly at Chick-fil-a, because they let me gather with friends and provide something for the kiddos to do while I chat it up.

2. This recipe, particularly the frosting. Ohmygoodness! http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2011/10/candy-corn-cupcakes.html (they also have this recipe at OurBestBites.com, but they use a different frosting. I think this frosting is FAR superior, but then again, I have a weirdness for things that taste too much like un-melted stick of butter. Ick. The frosting at the link is YUM). Happy Birthday, Cryptic Jennifer.

3. Miss Q decided that having strep this week was not enough, so she got a mighty upset stomach this evening after we came home from dropping off Miss A and Miss E to gymnastics (and long after we'd returned home from The Chik), and promptly hurled everything she'd eaten today. Why am I grateful for that? Because she chucked in the garage and the clean-up was about as good as a clean-up like that can get. Hooray for easy clean-ups of gross things.

Day 2

2011-11-02T23:34:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for:
1. Antibiotics for strep throat (two of my girls are down with the ailment, but on the mend thanks to modern medicine).

2. My husband surprising me by coming home for lunch today. I love to see him smack in the middle of the day for no reason.

3. Electricity. I'm able to use my computer, turn on the tv, the lights, the oven/stove/refrigerator...so many luxuries, all because of electricity.

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. ~John Milton

Day 1

2011-11-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I am grateful for:

1. The first of the month and being able to go grocery shopping.
2. A new topper for our mattress made of memory foam. I'm hoping for great results for my poor pained back.
3. Amazing neighbors who are willing to take Miss A and Miss E (my 9 and 7 year olds) to the school's Skating Party so I can stay home with my two youngest who don't care about skating one way or another.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. ~Brian Tracy

Month of Gratitude...starting tomorrow

2011-10-31T14:02:00.000-05:00

Just like my chicken broth diet,* tomorrow starts my dear friend Cryptic Jennifer's Attitude of Gratitude Month. I'm going to email her my list and hopefully post it daily to my blog (I know, I know. Did you catch the word "hopefully?"). Here's the rules, copied shamelessly from my friend, if you'd like to participate (if so, leave me a message in the comments so I can follow you on your month of Thankfulness). If not, I hope you still feel free to join me in identifying things to be grateful for, as they are all around us, and come back to check in on me to see if I'm able to complete the challenge. Happy Month of Thankfulness!!!!

*I'm not really starting a chicken broth diet, but the idea is not bad considering that we ARE entering the season of baking and treats, and I've gained back a shameful amount of weight due to ongoing back injury, personal pity parties, and lack of self restraint. Hmmmmm, this month of gratitude is well timed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hello Friends!

It's cold out there! I want to cook soup and bake things that are pumpkin flavored but can't get myself off the couch because I'm in a Halloween candy induced coma. You know what all that means... It's time to kick off the 8th Annual Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. Many of you know the drill, but we've got some new participants this year so I am including the FAQs below.

Attitude of Gratitude Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Attitude of Gratitude challenge? How does it work?

A: Each day during the month of November you will send an email to me (and I to you), at least, but feel free to invite others to participate and you can send your gratitude emails to them, as well. Each daily email will contain three "things" for which you are grateful. The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" each day. (Miss L's note: For the most part, I'm just going to email Cryptic J back and post my list on my blog.)

Q: What constitutes a "thing"?

A: Definition of "thing"- the term "thing" is used here to encompass a myriad of stuff including, but not limited to: a certain set of circumstances, an event, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, possessions or effects, a deed or act, a product of work or activity, an idea or notion, a piece of news or information, a person, a memory, anything that makes you smile.

Q: Now, when you say "ORIGINAL", does that mean we can't repeat entries?

A: That's correct. Try not to repeat entries :)

Q: What if I forget one day?

A: Your email should be sent by midnight each night. If you miss a day or two, no biggie, but I would love for you to make it up!

Q: Do I have to participate?

A: Participation is completely optional.

Q: What if I decide to not participate but I keep getting Crypic J's daily emails and I don't want to see them?

A: Feel free to let me know if you'd prefer to not be on my daily list. I won't be offended. I will just be grateful that you let me know. I also generally post my gratitudes to my blog, and I was thinking of starting Facebook group this year. Would you prefer to check the blog or participate via Facebook instead of getting the daily email? (I'll still be posting to the blog, but if we end up doing the FB thing, I'll let you know)

Q: Are there any side effects I should be aware of?

A: Actually, I should warn you that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:

- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

Be Grateful!

"We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." ~President Thomas S Monson, October 2010 LDS General Conference

Whoa! It's October already. And then some.

2011-10-24T15:23:00.000-05:00

I'm having one of those moments where I realize how overwhelmed I am...but specifically at the speed time has been flying by. There seems to be an incredible amount of things to do, things which will get done but may or may not be truly necessary accomplish. Example: just how many trunk or treats do we really need to attend? Every single one to which we are invited? My children seem to think the answer to this is a resounding YES! Ahhhh, youth.

Still. It didn't stop me from buying 4 bags of DumDum suckers to give away.

Did that make you flinch, Gentle Reader? If so, sorry. Though it does beg the question: who doesn't enjoy a tiny lollipop now and then? Plus (and maybe a wee bit sadly), it's one of very few types of candies that is safe for me to have around the house. I may enjoy an occasional DumDum once or twice a year, but it won't have me downing a whole bag on a day when my overwhelmedness by life hits hard. Know what I mean? Because even "fun" size Snickers or M&Ms or 3 Musketeers or KitKats or Mounds or...yegads, the list could go on and on...well, they are infinitely edible. And thus must be avoided. Because after Halloween come THE SEASON OF BAKING and GIFT GIVING and all that goes with it. HOLY COW time is going fast.

But to refocus, here is this palate cleanser:

We got to attend a very sweet Halloween party thrown by some neighbors (Oh, wait. Before the palate gets cleansed, I should explain that neither Super J nor I are into Halloween as far as holidays go. Seriously, we put together our "costumes" about 35 minutes before we had to leave for the party. Every year I promise myself I'll do better, but...there so much other stuff to buy, and I don't really want to shell out the cash or spend the time doing anything else, because I'm really just trolling the Internet for new recipes to try. It's all about priorities, Gentle Readers. Priorities).

Okay, now back to cleaning thing:

We went to this Halloween party and all the kids were sent home with a tiny but appropriate gift bag that had 2 pieces of candy, a pencil, a pencil sharpener and a spider ring. Oh, and each family got a thing of play dough. The girls played all afternoon yesterday with the play dough, and it is now pretty much in the garbage. But the pencil sharpeners????? Miss O, all by herself, has hunted down any/all pencils that might-maybe-could need to be sharpened, including colored pencils in the art supply area and wee little nubs of pencils with the erasers chewed off (ewww. I know). I love it. I hate the shreds she leaves behind as she seems to be missing the garbage can that she's supposed to be sharpening into, but still. Work it, Miss O.

Anyway, I sure wish that for Halloween, we could just have neighborhood kids bring those pencils you know they are going to be getting in their class Fall Festival Parties and let my girls sharpen them with those amazingly effective sharpeners (I think they actually have Sponge Bob on them). Can you imagine how awesome that would be? And budget friendly???? Maybe next year.

DumDum anyone?

The Kindness of Strangers

2011-09-12T18:24:00.000-05:00

I don't want to spend all my time talking about my crazy weekend of sick, but I did have to share this.

Today everyone had firm stools. You may think that's gross to talk about, but trust me, it is a happy miracle. It also meant that I could finally leave the house, which is also a happy miracle. And by leave the house, I mean take my kiddos who were finally fever free out to pick up Miss O from school (bless her heart, she never fell victim to the virus, at all. She was a whineypants, none-the-less, all weekend long, but that's another post for another time). And, since I like to walk the edge, I also did a quick run to Aldi for some much needed celery and mushrooms for this delicious soup. Seriously. You'll want to make this, very very soon. It's total comfort food and tastes like more work than it really is.

ANYWAY! Off to Aldi we (Miss E, O and Q and I) go. Keeping in mind that I am on a cash plan for my groceries, I knew very specifically how much money I had and could spend. So, while there I, of course, put all sorts of stuff in my cart and then at check out tried to do a mental calculation. I did AWESOME, Gentle Reader. Until cashier added the tax. Ugh. So, I asked her to take back two items: some granola bars (no biggie) and some shredded wheat (also, no biggie). I expressed no sadness at all, as the new total gave me a random dollar back (and in the back of my mind, I thought, WAHOO! Diet Dr. Pepper from QT here I come!). If you are familiar with Aldi, you know after you pay for your groceries, it is then up to you to bag them. So, I hauled my cart over to the counter with the girls and proceeded to do just that.

Moments later, the gal who was in line behind me (with only 2 items) comes up and brings the cereal to me and says, "I got this for you," smiles and quickly walks off with me calling, "Thank you!" out to her back.

I'm not sure what prompted her to buy my cereal for me, but I thought that was just one of the nicest things a random stranger has done for me in a long long time. We didn't need the cereal this week. It was actually for next week, and I was just trying to squeeze it to the budget today. So unexpected. So nice. I said a little prayer in my heart for her that her day would be as awesome as she had been in that sweet moment and finished bagging my groceries and went home.

Once home and groceries put away, I happened to look at myself in the mirror and thought, this sweet lady must have thought I was in some bad shape. I was wearing a shirt that was at least 10 years old and overly big since my recent weight loss, and I had only kinda brushed my hair and clipped it with a barrette. In all honesty, looked like I had spent the weekend tending sick kids. It made me laugh at myself that I had the audacity to go out in public like that and then her kindness reminded me of how I should be in my everyday life. That I should take advantage of being able to do little acts of kindness and service, just because. Whether the person looked bedraggled (like me) or not. Because the feelings were lovely and unexpected. I sincerely hope she felt the same way, too, and that her day rocked of awesome because of her tender gesture toward a stranger.

HOORAY!!!!

2011-09-12T10:32:00.000-05:00

Yep. It's a shout of success. The girls have had the stomach flu this weekend (boo!), especially Miss E and Miss Q. Poor Miss E had it at both ends, bless her heart. Still. That's not why I'm so happy. No, I'm happy because Miss Q didn't have a single accident. And that's saying something after this weekend. I think...dare I say this, but I think she truly and really is potty trained! In fact, I'm just going to declare it to be so. Hooray!!!!

Updates

2011-07-07T22:36:00.000-05:00

So, really, the 4th of July post was just a quote that I just kinda fell in love with, brought to my attention by my cousin on Facebook.

I like to be patriotic for lots of things, I have discovered. And not just on the 4th of July. heh.

But, here's what's been happening at The Zoo in recent weeks. I have pictures. I just have a difficult time getting them from Super J's computer to MY computer (his being a Mac and mine is...well...not. Him being computer literate and me...well...not as much anymore). But I did take pictures, thinking how fun it will be to post them. Yep. It sure will be fun. One of these days.

ANYWHO.

In the past few weeks...

Potty training has been going steadily and has taken a few regressive steps back. Even when I am lovely and kind about potty training. Even when I am a she-beast about potty training. One step forward, two steps back. I told Super J today that I think I am going to buy some more pull-ups because I think both Miss Q and I need a break. Wearying work, potty training is. And back breaking! I forget that you have to bend over to pull things off and put things on and then haul kids on and off the ol' commode many many times a day. Yep. My back hates potty training and needs a break, too.
Super J turned one year old and wiser, too! I made this delicious thing, only with Ghirardelli brownie mix on the bottom because that's what I had. Love Costco. Also I made him BBQ ribs and cheesy funeral potatoes. See? I was very patriotic for Super J.
Miss O turned 5 today! Can you believe it?????? You should have seen her cake that Cryptic Jennifer made for me, for Miss O's party (which we held at McDonald's. Ohhhhh to be 5 and happy with Happy Meals for food for a birthday). GORGEOUS. I gotta get a picture of it posted on here because it was super amazing, especially because she whipped it up in literally less than 5 hours, which is something because she made it and cooled it and frosted it. Shazzam. And can I say, Miss O deserved a lovely cake. Because she's 5!!!!!!!! And, she's a doll.
But let's talk more about the cake. And why? Because I had a night from the Hot Place thanks to Miss Q. And a bit of Miss A with a small appearance by Miss E, informing me that Miss Q had to use the bathroom (AGAIN!???! At 3:00am? AGAIN????). But mainly Miss Q (notice, nothing about Miss O. She was the only one who got a good nights sleep last night. I guess that's what happens when you are turning 5. You sleep like a baby, but you aren't, to celebrate being born). And when I say Hot Place, I'm talking nigh unto an inferno, and I was a walking zombie who had some church meetings and babysitting and other party stuff to do and I was a bit stressed out. So, she whisked it off my plate and created an amazing visual and yummy edible thing. Thanks dearest Friend!
Speaking of getting whisked away, Super J and I took a cruise to the Bahamas for our 10 year anniversary! Wahoo! And yes, for those who know that we actually don't turn ten until September, we did celebrate a little early, but we have decided to celebrate early and celebrate often for this decade of weddedness (you also know that Miss A was born on our anniversary, a year to the day, so it's kinda hard to have a big deal for us on her special day, too). I'm a lucky girl to have such a great guy.
We did a 4 day, 3 night cruise on Royal Caribbean and it was lovely. I still feel like I'm swaying with the ocean occasionally, but it's fading every day. My biggest worries that we'd be attacked by Somali pirates turned out to be unfounded (but thanks for being our Will Witnesses anyway, Friend Adrienne!!!!), but I have to say that if I were to do it again, I'd go for the 5 day, four night cruise because ours seemed to be just starting when it ended. Yep, a super fun experience spent with an amazing man. One cruise tip I can give, though: Don't bother with the Virgin Pina Colada in the pineapple. I mean, for $8.00, I expected more than 8 ounces of Colada. Grrrrrr. That's all I'm saying. That, and they must make a killing on the alcohol they sell on those things. ANYWAY! I digress. I digress.
I have been reading up a STORM! I should do a list. Many blogs I read have these great lists about books they have been reading, but I must confess, Gentle Reader, I am a wee bit embarrassed by the number of paranormal romances I have been reading. I know!!!! But I'll tell you anyway: I have become a Patricia Briggs fan. LOVE!!!! Enjoyed her Mercy Thompson books loads. Scoured used books stores to get her books, requested books on hold from the library and when I was too impatient to get them, I forked out my cold hard cash at my Barnes and Noble and bought 'em anyway for a mere 15% off (at least I had a coupon, right???). Next up in the queue, when I'm done with my Alpha and Omega series, I have the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa (all from the library, and perilously close to being due. Hope I can renew them!). Ahhhhhhhh, lovely summer reading. Why can't I read my scriptures as voraciously as I read these books???? Oh well, I'll dodge that and save the heavy questions for another day.

So, that's a quick update on what's happening here. I know there's more, but I'm still in recovery from being a Zombie today.

Independence Day

2011-07-04T16:48:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th of July!

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

(thanks to my cousin for posting this awesome quote over on FB)

Potty Training: The In Earnest Phase

2011-06-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

Gentle Reader, a disclaimer. From the title of this post, you should be aware that this is all about the bodily functions of a 2 year old. If this grosses you out and/or you have no desire or need or want to read about such things, please feel free to ignore this post. It will not break my heart. I wanted to write this because I know that Potty Training is such a crazy stage of life, and I just wanted to offer my $.02 about how we were doing it with our youngest daughter.

So, Miss Q has reached that magical stage in life: she's asked to start wearing panties. This is a day that I have dreamed of and dreaded. Yet, it is upon us here at the Zoo. She actually asked last Monday to wear underpants, and so this is how we started:

This week: Monday-Friday: Miss Q got one pair of underpants for the day. When she wet them, it was back in Pull-ups. If she pooped in the Pull-ups, it was back to diapers. However, if she sat on the potty, she got M&Ms. If she actually peed while on the pot, she got a sticker for her Potty Chart and M&Ms. If she does everything (ie: Number 2), she gets a special treat (a Hershey's Kiss), some M&Ms, and a sticker for her Potty Chart.

Result: She did, honestly, really well. During the week, she only wore diapers once. She's been going on the toilet when she feels like it for months now. We are just needing her to recognize when she needs to go, instead of ME recognizing when she needs to go. I am already trained. She is not. So...more drastic measures because the girl wants those panties! And, to be fair, every morning she gets the choice: panties or pull-ups. Only on Thursday did she pick the pull-ups. It was a strangely magical day of no responsibility for both of us.

Starting Today: (Today being Saturday) We are earnestly working on the training. She's wearing underpants all day (except at nap/bedtimes). If she pees in her pants, we take the wet underpants off and replace them with underpants that I run under warm tap water. Thus, she is still wearing wet underpants but they aren't from the Nation of Urine and, thus, not freaking anyone (read: ME!) out if she sits on something...like the floor or my lap. However, they are wet and uncomfortable and she's aware of them. She wears them until they dry, and if she keeps them dry and then goes on to potty appropriately, then she gets all the M&Ms, stickers, etc, and has the benefit of dry pants afterwards. If she pees while wearing the wet underpants, she gets a quick cold shower to clean her legs off. We had decided that after the shower, she'd get dry underpants and then we start the process over. During naps and at night, she gets pull-ups (that's a given).

So far today: We've had ups and downs. She has successfully identified her need to poo, which is what she has consistently been good at for the past month or so. She has NOT been successful at identifying the need to pee, until it is running down her legs. The Tally up to naptime? 3 wet underwears, 1 cold shower, 1 successful everything, two stickers, two places on the carpet that were cleaned, one HUGE accident on the dining room floor (which is wood and also the reason she ended up getting the cold shower), 1 pull-up for naps, 2 Very Tired Parents, but some nice and clean floors. I'll update later.

We Still Owe $14,300,000,000,000.00 and Growing

2011-06-11T08:56:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so many of you know that Super J and I have been working the Dave Ramsey plan of getting out of debt. This has required much sacrifice and doing without, and yet, much like counting calories, has not been as terrible as initially thought and expected (I bet you can't tell who had the harder time with this, can you???). In fact, we have seen incredible blessings because we have been heading prophetic counsel and working the Ramsey plan. Did it take both Super J and I to commit to this? ABSOLUTELY. We have to do it together or we fail together. Happily, we have been wildly successful together, which has strengthened our marriage, which is (as the credit card commercials say) priceless.

Additionally, for the past six months, I have been on a cash plan for the household budget, which includes groceries, clothes, eating out, diapers (well, now pullups and panties), and stuff like that. It has revolutionized how I see money. Of course, the ironic thing is that when I have an awesome month watching my finances, I tend to not have such a great month with my eating (hence why, after I reached my goal, I have fallen off the wagon). Conversely, when I do great with my eating, my spending starts spiraling. There is something NOT in balance, and I know this, but I'm working on it.

ANYWAY! I bring this up because I am hyper aware of our home and personal finances (and counting calories or lack thereof for both, but that's another post for another day). When I saw some of these statistics in an article (and subsequent links), I was gobsmacked. So, of course I had to share.

United States Economy By the Numbers

Number of jobs lost under Barack Obama: 2.5 Million
Current national debt. $14.3 Trillion
The amount added to the national debt since Obama took office. $3.7 Trillion
Expected national debt in 2021 under Obama's Budget: $26.4 Trillion
Current federal deficit (largest in history & 3rd consecutive trillion dollar deficit): $1.65 Trillion
How much Washington borrows every day to fund Obama's spending spree: $5 Billion
Amount borrowed on every dollar the federal government spends. 43 cents
True cost of ObamaCare (when budget gimmicks are removed): $2.5 Trillion

I think there should be some unity that people have to write out all the zeros in all articles when they write trillion or billion or million, because the words don't have the same effect. Can you even imagine borrowing $5,000,000,000.00 every day????? And you haven't even started paying any of that off???? And now your biggest creditors are calling, telling you that you are defaulting on your loans and that you need to get your financial house in order????

I don't care which political affliation you are. That's pretty scary stuff and something that (from personal experience) will be ugly to deal with but MUST BE.

Okay, I'm stepping off my soap box, but had to share.

Things I Learned Today

2011-06-10T16:04:00.000-05:00

Today, I learned that:

Sometimes you gotta stay flexible, especially on the most well planned day, when confronted with a short bursted but severe thunderstorm.
I kinda missed not going to my spin class. Darn that lightening and it's subsequent blown transformer (and not the Robot in Disguise kind, which is what my girls thought it was. Ha!)
Yet again, I'm so so so glad for friends who can get together on relatively short notice.
I only needed to all of my name my girls Elizabeth. Who knew?????
Some toenail polish is quite seasonal, though still lovely.
My girls may or may not read all those books we hauled out of the library this morning, but I love them wanting to.
I *DO* already own that Rick Riordan book, but since I thought it was the sequel to The Red Pyramid, I hadn't even bothered to crack it open.
Though none of us worked out this morning at the YMCA, three of my four girls are sound asleep. I do NOT know what this means for this evening.
Going to the library for a second time in one day so the girls can use a restroom you trust? Priceless.
Eating ice cream off the floor of a restaurant does not kill a child, though it grosses out her mom.
Getting gas for $.10 cheaper still strikes a happy place in my heart.
I should have prepped stuff for crock potting as I had planned to last night because now I have no idea what to make.
I am out of onions, so I am wondering if this recipe would be fine with dried or even green onions? You think????
Having spent the afternoon with one of my very favoritestest people in the world? Never gets old and is simply lovely.

Uncontained

2011-06-07T20:08:00.000-05:00

Miss O was sitting next to me as I was reading some blogs, and I took a moment to stop and be in the present moment and then I got to thinking how I appreciate my girls, especially since I watched two extra girls today, and (to continue this run-on sentence) I just thought how much I love my daughters because they are my girls, and they know me and my little Mom-isms and are just quite wonderful and even though they wear me out sometimes, I also really enjoy who they are becoming, because they are becoming these amazing little humans, and so I was overcome and started kissing her and hugging her and kissing her some more and she said, "Mom, why do you have to do this?"

I told her I just couldn't help myself, which was the truth.

Then she asked me to go with her to open the door to my bathroom, just in case there was a Monster in there.

Oh well. So much for tender moments.

What's for Dinner Tonight at the Zoo? Crockpot Lasagna, Take 2

2011-06-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

So, the other day (a few weeks ago), I made this with the firm conclusion to make it again, because if you remember, that first time was a bit disappointing. And so I did. These are the changes I made:

1. I used Italian Sausage instead of Ground Turkey. Thank you Jimmy Dean.
2. I seasoned the sausage like I would if I were making normal lasagna or spaghetti. In other words, in addition to the onion, I used more garlic (which I actually remembered! Big difference, Gentle Reader. Big.), Italian Seasoning, Garlic Salt, and a can of mushrooms.
3. I used Ragu Extra Chunky Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce, because we love it in all it's high fructose corn syrup goodness and clearly cannot have enough mushrooms. Further, while I can't remember what size I used, I do know it was more than the recipe called for. Yep. We are a sauce-y group.
4. I used a 6 Quart Crockpot (which I did last time), but I ended up using 8 noodles vs 6, and I added about a cup~ish of water to my sauce instead of the recommended amount (I don't know for certain how much because I put the water in the Ragu jar to swirl to get the last bit of sauce out. You do that, too, right?). I only cooked it for about 3.5 hours (vs. 4 or 5) and tossed on the cheese at the end as recommended and then let the whole thing sit until dinner was totally ready, which was probably more like 20~ish minutes (it's hard to get everything done at the same time, especially when Super J is giving Proper Watermelon Balling Techniques to Misses A & E, and they are meticulous learners).
5. Speaking of cheese, I used freshly grated mozzarella cheese (though I made Super J grate it for me. Hooray! Was there a difference? Not sure) and some deli sliced provolone (which needed to be used asap), and used probably 3 cups vs. 2. Oh! I also used ricotta (as recommended in the original recipe) verses cottage cheese (which is what I used last time). Was there a difference? Not sure.
6. I made and served homemade bread sticks (which recipe I will post one day soon and was/is DELICIOUS, if I do say so myself) and steamed broccoli and fresh watermelon (that was, delightfully, in season).

The result:

WONDERFUL DELICIOUS SUCCESS!!!!!

I was so happy!!!!! Hooray! AND...brace yourself: even Miss O ate some. I KNOW! Shocker.

Upon further reflection, I don't know that this is really that much easier to cook than a regular lasagna, but whatevs. It SEEMS easier to cook. It does make less, which means less leftovers, which is not terrible in the house, and I threw it together before Super J and my Sunday naps (we were soooo tired. Would someone please tell me when children stop waking up during the middle of the night, cause our 8 year old has NOT gotten the message, and for those who actually DO sleep during the night, why oh why during the summer do they want to wake up at 6:00???? I KID YOU NOT! That is an unnatural hour...though it did help us get to church on time today and sit in the comfy pews, so I guess that's the silver lining blessing of it. But still) and it was ready to eat at a normal time. Score!

Will I make it again? Yep. No doubt about it. And the next time, I might try the recipe recommended hamburger, because that's the kind of life on the edge that I like to lead.

In Honor of Rediscovered Friends

2011-05-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

Have you ever found a friend on FB. I mean, a friend from your past when you were young (I mean, YOUNG), and that you kept in touch with via letters through your years of schooling and moving and more schooling and then lost track of after high school?

Me, too! Just yesterday!!!!! Wahoo! If this isn't what FB is good for, then I don't know what it's purpose is (though, according to that movie, it was to find hawt girls at Harvard and to make lots of money, but you know. Whatevs. I'm not the target audience for that).

And, since I told her I have a blog, I wanted to get some pictures on here so she could see some more recent photos.

So, then, here's a quick snapshot of those of us living here at the Zoo:

Clockwise from top left: Miss E (just turned 7), Miss A (8),
Miss Q (2.5...wowzers. Is she ever 2 almost 3), and Miss O (4)

These are the girls!

Super J!!!!! He will be THRILLED I used this picture. THRILLED, I tell you.

This is the husband!

Miss L, after church

This is Me! Yep, this is me still with make-up, hair and earrings after church, also enjoying much better day lighting for computer pictures (I'm just saying...sorry Super J). This is NOT how I normally look. Normally, I sport The Frazzle as a look I embraced and made my own about...oh...eight years ago

This is the cute picture that I took with me and Miss E, who came up to tell me that the girls are coloring on the table and may or may not have accidentally colored ON the table, so I made her pose with me in a picture.

What, you can't see this picture?????

Yeah. Alas, I goofed saving something whilst having deleted it just moments prior (because that's how I roll, Gentle Reader. I am a myriad of walking talents). So, imagine me with my cutie patootey seven year old. She is a doll.

Left to right, Miss A (age 8), Miss O (age 4), Miss L (age Older than Twenty-one)

Oh! Here are some of my other dolls coming up while I am writing this. They are telling me that they are currently needing my help making confetti. Interestingly, I have never made confetti with them so I am amused they think this is part of my skill set. Also, I am a bit worried about if they are making confetti out of their newly colored paper (on the colored table) or something else, as I had no idea they were even GOING to make confetti.
Yeah, I better go check on things before things get more out of hand.

Ripped

2011-05-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Holy Mother of a Goat! I have ripped my left foot's big toe toenail, half off, two thirds of the way down. Thus, still attached; however, quite painful. Yeeeeeeouch!

Thank you for letting me share in today's Pain Report, brought to you by the Pantry Door's attempt to give me a rude pedicure.

Update (approx 12 minutes later): Have soothed myself with some plain chocolate M&Ms. Toe still hurts, but at least gave me weak excuse to enjoy some chocolately goodness.

Update: Crockpot Lasagna

2011-05-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

Upon cooling, this lasagna holds itself together beautifully, and tastes pretty good cold and then reheated. I will DEFINTELY be making this again, but with homemade breadsticks.

The Verdict: Crockpot Lasagna

2011-05-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's what I thought about the crockpot lasagna: it was definitely FINE. Overall, to me, it seemed a bit tasteless, but at the same time, it wasn't bad.

Super J and Miss E thought it was really good (I asked Super J on a scale of 1-10 what he thought and he said, 7). The cheese on top was nice and melty, and the noodles were great (Misses O and Q actually ate the noodles...the rest of the insides, not so much). I thought it was good, but I was hoping for out and out delicious. I DO think I want to try it again because I think I might be able to do better.

Here are some things that I'll try next time: hamburger meat or Italian sausage vs turkey; Ragu spaghetti sauce--personally, it just holds it's flavor better; ricotta mixed with cottage cheese (I like cottage cheese in it, though, so I'd try it again with cottage cheese, too; also, I only had cottage cheese, so I don't how ricotta would effect it one way or another); a bit more Italian Seasoning or Basil or something more.

Oh! Speaking of which, here's a biggie: if I had actually remembered to put in minced garlic in it. Hmmmmmmm. Now that I think about it, that could have made a big difference.

Also a bit discouraging, the edges got a bit scorched on the bottom (closest to the crockpot walls), which didn't really effect the taste too much, but totally effected the appearance, so the girls were like, ewwwwww.

So, I think I would definitely stop it at 4 hours instead of 4.5 and take it out of the holder instead of letting it set for 10 more minutes on "off" inside the crock-thingy while the cheese melts on the top. Of course, maybe my crockpot runs a bit "hot" but yours, Gentle Reader, would be fine at 4.5 hours. I'm interested in trying it "cold" and tomorrow, now that my expectations are different.

Verdict: I will make it again and see how I like it. Admittedly, the house smelled great and it set up really well (though getting the first few pieces out was rough).

ALSO: I won't give in to the temptation to get the cheap Price Chopper Garlic Bread, which I did today. Though lovely as a time saver, it is such yucky bread!!!! I should have made bread sticks.

What's for Dinner tonight at the Zoo?

2011-05-11T17:12:00.000-05:00

I know you have been waiting waiting WAITING for the answer.

Here 'tis:

Picture TOTALLY mooched from the recipe at http://www.tablespoon.com/

Crockpot Lasagna, which you can find HERE (note: I super enjoy the girl who posted this recipe's actual website, too, fyi. She has some great recipes, if I do say so myself) ...Alas, of course, whilst I am wildly excited about this, sadly it will probably only be enjoyed by 2/3 of the family (can you guess who will not be enjoying it???? If your answers started with an O and a Q, ding! ding! ding! you are RIGHT!). But do you want to know the delicious thing about this recipe that I'm currently cooking but have yet to determine if it's actually delicious?????

It's already been made and is cooking, so I don't have to do anything but heat up my garlic bread before Super J comes home. Bah-da-bing!

This begs the question: Why don't I crockpot more, Gentle Reader? This is not a rhetorical question. This is a sincere, why DON'T you crockpot more, Miss L???? I cannot say. Actually I can: because I am a hot mess when it comes to planning menus. But I love this feeling of freedom, of being able to sit and blog and not worry about WHAT to have, because it is being made. right. now. while I sit and blog. Lovely.

I may have to do this crockpot thing more often. Hmmmmmm.

Hey. By the way, I'll let you know how this goes. I should also note that my Crockpot Lasagna is being made with ground turkey, cottage cheese and mushrooms, so it is a wee bit deviant from the recipe, but I'm sure will be fine.

New Glasses with Newish Hair Cut!!!!

2011-05-10T21:34:00.001-05:00

...and my Metropolis Temple 5K LDS Temple Run t-shirt. Sassy, non?

Sorry about the grainy-ness of the picture; as Super J says, you just can't get decent quality pictures from my laptop camera. Still. Gets the job done and that's what matters in this particular instance. See, my hair is shorter! And see? My glasses are more squarish. I think I'm just excited that I still kinda look like a librarian...or at least someone who enjoys books, both of which are facts.

Book Review (aka: Because Goodreads let's me be super lazy by suggesting copy/pasting options)

2011-05-09T13:32:00.001-05:00

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book. An amazing follow-up to The Wednesday Wars (which you should read first, only because it's AWESOME in it's AWESOMENESS, and sets this one up so beautifully, then follow up with this one, cause that's how it should go anyway), I forgot how much I enjoyed these characters. Wonderful wonderful wonderful. I'd gush some more, but I think you get the picture.

Yeah. Go read this book. I checked it out from my library, but I'm going to own it pretty darn soon (aka: when I can figure out where I put my birthday bookstore gift certificate. Argh).

View all my reviews

Rethinking...

2011-04-28T19:06:00.000-05:00

...after having a few minutes to myself to calm down and checking the news and the devestation left by the tornados, at least I have my children. At least my husband is on the way home. At least I still have a house, a town, a city still standing.

My heart goes out to those who have lost so much. And it reminds me of how much I have to lose. What is a little mud stain compared to that?

If I ever got a tatoo...

2011-04-28T19:01:00.000-05:00

...this is what it would be. Somewhere obvious and easy to refer to, like maybe the palm of my hand. I would probably be a better parent, wife, friend, and person because of it. Because I need the reminder. Constantly. A constantly constant reminder. Especially, for instance, after a long week of Super J being out of town and all four of my kids come in the house, tracking mud, and two of them decide to clean their shoes off on two different carpets. Did I mention, it was a thick grassy mud mix?

Ephesians 4: 32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

At least when I chucked the shoes outside, it wasn't in the garbage.

2011-04-27T21:11:00.002-05:00

Guess who's getting a bike? After 30 years????

And it's finally at the store! Woot!!!!!

This song has been going through my head, for some ridiculous reason.

Must say!!!

2011-04-07T14:27:00.000-05:00

I will be TICKED if there is a government shutdown because these politicians cannot pull it together to balance a budget that is desperately needed, and it ends up causing me trouble getting my already applied for and paid for passport, which was only supposed to take 4-6 weeks. That is all.

Best Line(s) of the Morning

2011-04-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

Just got done asking Miss E, one of the Strep-ettes, how her throat was feeling.

"My throat feels lots better. It only hurts when I talk or swallow."

This child must have the pain threshold of a hundred grown men. If I recall my recent strep of just a few weeks ago (and I do), at it's zenith of illness, my throat only hurt when I talked or swallowed.

Second best line(s) of the morning:

Miss E yelling at Miss Q (the other Strep-ette), "Leave me alone! I want to play by myself."

Miss Q yelling right back at Miss E, "Leave me alone! I want to play by myself. Be Quiet!!!!!"

Miss E laughing at Miss Q. Miss Q laughing in response to the laughing. Neither one of them is leaving the other alone, nor being quiet. This makes me laugh.

Update to ARGHHHH!

2011-03-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

So, hooray, the ped's office finally called (though admittedly I called a second time and left a second message) and said they called in a new prescription for the girls. We'll see how much after I send Super J out to get it. Up, up and away!

Moral of the Story: Even a mere two hours can improve a situation (it can also make it worse, but happily in this case, it didn't): Sweet friend Kristan will find a driver for the preschool run; your sweet husband will live up to his name of Super by totally seeing your afternoon as horrific and being super empathetic and lovely, which may make you a titch guilty of projecting anger towards him earlier...but he was even understanding about that (whew!); your sweet friend Bethany on the other side of the country will leave you lovely encouraging words which were timed just right; sweet Cryptic Jennifer will call and laugh about the hijinks of Miss Q, all the while understanding that a two year old can cause grey hair quicker than ANYTHING else whilst a wee bit of chocolate seems to soothe the savage beast (as well as a few cookies and a packet of Phineas and Ferb chewie snacks. Hmmmm. Stress Eating? Whatevs); AND, the peds office will finally call and hopefully your kids will soon be on the road to Non-Contagious! See? Two hours really can make a difference.

ARGH!!!!!!

2011-03-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

I have two kids who have sore throats, one of which had a terrible night...okay, both didn't have a great night, but still. Ended up taking 2 kids to the doctor. TWO HOURS later, I leave...we didn't have a horrific waiting room visit, but my doctor trains other nurse practitioners, etc., so the girls were evaluated by her and then, again, by him. Whatever. Diagnosis? STREP! Epic fail on my part, since I had a few friends over the day before, but who knew Miss Q would bust out with infection???? Also, since the same two had strep just weeks before, the ped wants to put them on a different antibiotic. I ask him if it will be expensive. He said, "I don't think it should be more than $60." While that is undesirable, I think to myself, okay. Whatever it takes.

Go to Walmart to have it filled. They only have one child's done (???), the other will take more 20 minutes (??!!!?), but she marks it that we are in the store. Fine. We go trolling about Walmart, me carrying a shopping basket instead of a cart because Miss Q started throwing a fit about us having a cart. Whatever. I don't have much to buy...until I'm done 30 minutes later. "Heavy heavy basket" are the words that come to mind.

Go to pick up 'scripts. The clerk literally cringes and says, "$131.00". Um. No. No to the nth degree. I call my peds office, and of course get the nurses' answering machine, so who KNOWS when I'll hear back from them. I love my girls but really???? And that's supposed to be for the generic of this fine antibiotic? Let's go back to the cheap stuff and see where that takes us, I think to myself. Because we pay for this out of pocket since, while we have insurance, it is junk when it comes to prescriptions.

Leave prescription area. Take heavy heavy basket to cashier. Miss Q looses her crap in line because, ironically, I won't let her go use the restroom. This is definitely a sad moment for her because Miss O and E need to go hit the loo (they both drank lots at lunch). They are old enough to go together as the bathroom is pretty much across the aisle from me, but Miss Q, who is still wearing a pullup and can pee or do whatever business she needs to right there? No. She's with me. So, naturally, she will scream and throw herself on the floor (the filthy dusty Walmart floor, btw. In her black pants, so I know of what I speak). Oh. Also, it's way past her naptime. I want to join her in this temper tantrum because I have great empathy, but I'm starting to get ticked that I let my 2 year old boss me around about not getting a stupid shopping cart, because guess what. After you pay for your stuff out of your heavy heavy basket, you have to carry the heavy heavy bags. And your purse that you packed with doctors office waiting room distractions, thus also heavy. Gosh darnit.

And then, while she is shrieking at my feet, I pay for my stuff (and exceed my budget by $14.00...oh well. On to the card you go...because I had been doing cash, up to that very moment). Where are my other girls??? They are not yet out of the bathroom, so I have to convince Miss Q to go into the bathroom, get the other girls to abandon their ~~playing in the water~~ handwashing, and then leave the bathroom all without Miss Q getting to go. She...is not happy.

Out we go to the car with screams and wails. Load up the heavy heavy bags. Get the girls buckled. Try to call Super J, which goes directly to his voice mail. Call sweet friend Kristan. Start venting to her and...the call gets dropped. OHMYHECK! Really???? Call her back. Finish venting. Feel better. Go home and put Miss Q down for her nap. But she doesn't want to take a nap, because, why should she? She only does it every day, but wants today to be an exception. She yells at me and continues to cry when not yelling. Carry her bodily to her room. Try to offer pacifiers. NO to the Nth, she tells me...well, actually she just keeps yelling and carrying on.

And I lose it at this point. I'm not sure what note I hit, but I let out a roar to the ceiling that is both therapeutic (for me) and very startling (for Miss Q). I pick up Q, hug her and apologize for this primal screech, but it was that or things were going to get physical with her.

Yeah, so anyway. She's napping (or at least in her bed), and I'm now making phone calls of shame to let exposed friends know about this, but I had to take a mental break and get this written down.

Moral of the story: If your husband complains of sore throat while you have strep, and is still complaining about it after you and the kids get off the antibiotics and then a week later goes to the doctor where they tell him that, while he does not have many outward symptoms, he definitely has strep and may even be a carrier, just know that if you want to project your anger towards him for a few minutes, I will understand. Realize it's probably not his fault, but still...I'll understand.

Funniest Thing Heard on my Birthday, So Far

2011-03-24T15:12:00.001-05:00

Sitting at Costco with Miss O and Miss Q, getting ready to eat one of their amazing chocolate and almond ice cream bars--which is on a stick, fyi--in honor of the day (which, by the way, I have not eaten one for MONTHS because of all the dieting, so it is quite the yummy treat if I do say so myself), Miss O asks, "Can we get a fork to eat that with?"

Says I, "Nope."

Miss O responds matter of factly, in her most honest assessment of the situation, "Okay. I'll guess we'll just have to eat it with our mouths...like a dog."

Woof.

Why, it must be Spring

2011-03-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

My nemesis...nemesises...nemesi...er...whatever! They have returned! ARGH!

Yes! It is true! Yesterday, I found a trail of ants leading from the bathroom, which lives right next to the kitchen, heading towards and hanging out at my garbage can. After Windexing the holy cow out of them (because, yes, you almost could hear them say, "Moooooooooooglugglugglug"), I called our bug guys.

Today, I have eight (EIGHT!) little bait traps all over the infected area, and our bug guy Dan sprayed under walls and in crevices and put down even more bug killer stuff outside. Hopefully that'll do it, because I AM on their "if you see a bug anytime, call us and we'll come and kill it" plan. And I will call, anytime. Because that's why we pay the bug guys the big bucks...that, and ants like to torment me. Hear them laughing at me????? "Mwhahahahahhaha." Where's my Windex????

I promise I am NOT paranoid about these little pesky pesks. It's just that it is only the SECOND day of spring, for crying out loud!!!! Not even summer!!! Spring! Doesn't it seem a little early for this? Ugh. And am I the only one who has had ginormous flies trapped in her house, buzzing in the windows all hours of the night? Already??????

Simple request for my birthday week: Bugs...Go. Away. Begone. On behalf of all of us, thank you.

Please feel free to return to your normal, joyous Spring Happiness Activities. And if you see some ants, let me know. I'll bring you over a bait trap...I got 8 of 'em.

A List of Grouses. These are things I wanted to FB recently, but will instead Post.

2011-03-14T14:03:00.000-05:00

Why must 2 year olds get into the very expensive medical ointment and smear it all up and down their arms and put some on their cheeks, so you aren't sure if they ingested any or were just continuing to make a mess? Why? And why can't I be less freaked out by all of that.

Speaking of the latter, have you ever noticed there are a few things that push you to the edge of sanity and temperment faster than other things? These are things I have recently learned about myself, of which I am no fan:

1. I am crap when it comes to crisis. Seriously, if I am involved, it is as if I've donated my brain to science and yet am still trying to function. Sad, but true. As an example, please see above freak out about dumb tube of medicine. By the time I was done cleaning up Miss Q, we were both in tears.

2. I often have to talk things out to process. This current list is a case in point. You know what this makes me, besides a slight basket case? A gossip. I did not realize the extent to which it has increased in my life, but sadly it has. Now, that being said, when instructed, I am pretty good about keeping my mouth shut. But if someone doesn't say something like, "Keep this quiet" (and even then I can get myself into trouble. Sorry, Honey!), and I don't know they are trying to keep it hush hush, sometimes I have to process and need to talk about things to get it quiet in my head, or else I just keep thinking about it and thinking about it and thinking about it. And I don't have time for all that crazy. Ugh. Now you know, Gentle Reader. I am a good listener, but you have to give me boundaries.

3. I'm tired of dieting and working out. There, I've said it. But, in the two weeks that I have been living life and eating whatever the heck I want in whatever quantities I want, I have gained 5 pounds, so I know the importance of it. I am just tired of the doing. I lost 2.5 with my Strep, then gained back double so dang quick! How do you like that. I HATES it. Why can't I eat Hershey Chocolate Covered Easter Marshmallows and sit at the computer and lose weight? Ugh. Argh. Curses!

4. This darn time change...has thrown me for a loop. Maybe a nice nap will help me think clearer. Plus, it's Spring Break for Misses A and E, but NOT for Miss O, so that's been wacky. And I missed getting Miss O's form/payment thingy for her "graduation" pictures (yes, taken in March when actual preschool graduation is in May). FAIL!!!! It only meant we had serious sobbing (Miss O) on the way home from school and not a little guilt on my part. I would normally have been like, whatever! But isn't this typical of being child #3??? Your two older sisters get THEIR pictures taken, but Mom and Dad have lost steam (and brains and organizational skills) and forget, so when you are looking back at pictures, you will see exactly WHERE it all finally kicked in and the lack of your recorded history becomes oh so evident. Heavy. Sigh. Luckily, I called up to the school, and they are going to try to squeeze her in between the younger classes' class pictures tomorrow. Still. Lots of extra work for my own forgetfulness and lack of organization.

5. Oh! And the latest thing that I want to talk about and process: I hate it when someone wants to meet with you, but because of conflicting schedules, cannot meet with you until a week later and then you are left wondering what they wanted to meet you for in the first place! Because, what with this lack of sleep and need to process, lots of crazy can happen in a week. I'm just saying.

6. One more thing: spell check on blogger is The Pits right now. So, sorry for anything that is incorrectly spelled. There's only so much I can do.

Whew. Thanks for listening...er...reading.

Blahgh!

2011-03-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

That is all I have time to say right now.

Must...get...motivated!

2011-03-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

So much packing still to do. I hate packing for 5 people. Packing for me is hard enough, but making sure I get everyone's pjs, clothes, diapers, pull-ups (day and night), pillows and lovies, and toothbrush/paste and shampoo, plus anything/everything else. Ugh. Huge stumbling block to being excited for weekend away with my honey.

Deep breath.

Let's hope I have a happier ending....

For Lent

2011-03-09T20:22:00.000-06:00

So, I was pondering with my friend, Cryptic Jennifer, about Mardi Gras and Lent (which starts today), and began taking under consideration the possibility of participating with our Catholic friends in this season of sacrifice. Although I am not Catholic (and thus not compelled by any religious motives), I like the idea of doing something to commemorate this important Easter season.

I finally decided what I wanted to do is to, instead of posting personal Facebook Statuses, I'd actually do it on my blog! I'm not sure if this is much of a sacrifice, as I often just lurk on Facebook, but I really enjoyed this idea because it means I will be doing both my Non-New Years Resolution AND something for Lent (no offense, my Catholic friends). And, my ego will be humbled a bit because no one will necessarily be "liking" me immediately or commenting immediately, but I can still have that contact with others. It's a win/win.

So, prepare for short update status checks, Gentle Reader. It's more than has been happening for MONTHS here at the Zoo, and I'm actually excited by the idea.

What's for dinner, Ma?

2011-03-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

Miss Q was ~~pestering~~ standing patiently while I was reading "my stories" on the computer and started chanting, "Mom, I am hungry. Mom, I am hungry. Mom, I am hungry," over and over until I woke up from my blog stupor and realized she was talking to me.

"Do you want Macaroni and Cheese? Can I make you some?" (It needs to be stated that this child actually went down for a nap without lunch--don't feel too sad for her because she did have a snack--because she had thrown the MOTHER of all hissyfits for pretty much 45 minutes prior to said nap and was still in no mood to eat, much less make a rational decision about what TO eat. So, she napped and slept 3 hours and woke up a different person. Whew!)

"No. I want some broccoli. I want some hot broccoli." (Going through my brain, "Really????")

"You want broccoli for dinner?" I asked.

"Yes." (though her "yes" sounds like "yeth," cause she has a wee bit of a lisp, which I love).

"Okay, I'll make you some broccoli."

"Green beans. I need some green beans, too."

Who IS this kid????? What weird magical thing have I done with child #4 that I did not do with the first (and especially the third) girls that makes her request VEGETABLES as the main food?

Oh well. Broccoli for dinner it is. With leftovers, because I don't see the rest of the Zoo being all, "Yay! Hot broccoli...only...for dinner." But then again, we aren't 2 years old, either.

Hello Neglected Blog. Happy Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T15:56:00.000-06:00

Oh dear. It's been a month since I last wrote (or thereabouts). So. SAD! Because life is happening here at the Zoo. Just not recorded. I think that will be a goal I have in January: Be Better at this Record Keeping Deal. A dream, mayhaps. But I'd like to think my girls could read this when they are older and be all, "Ohhhhhhhh, so my mom WAS a pretty decent human being. We just drove her kinda nuts for a while. She really wasn't grumpy ALL the time. I get it now." That's what I hope. But if I never write about it, how the heck will they know that, truly, I wasn't grumpy all the time and that I did, indeed, have a sense of humor???

So, since I really don't care for setting goals on New Years Eve, what about a goal on Christmas Eve. Be a little better record keeper.

I like it.

I think I like it, too, because of this delightful piece my friend Bethany wrote on her blog, which I am SHAMELESSLY copying and pasting because I think it's worthy of being read and thought about (frankly, I have thought of it often these past few weeks), especially during the next few days:

I have no gift to bring
...that's fit to give our King.

I always thought this was a silly little Christmas carol. It didn't make any sense to me. There aren't any drummer boys in the Nativity story, so who made this up? I get it now.

I've been sitting on Catalina Island, all by myself for three days. I've listened to a lot of Christmas carols in those three days. This year, The Little Drummer Boy stood out to me.

"What will you bring to Him?" it asks me. The little boy has the answer: the best you can do. His talent isn't special, some would say it's not even appropriate. This little boy can't even keep his own time, the ox and lamb have to do it for him! But, he "plays his best for Him." That's what He asks for. He doesn't care what your talent is, or how impressive it is. He just wants our best. He wants us to make our talent better and stronger than it was yesterday.

So, what will you bring to Him?"

I will be a better record keeper.

That stated: Something I don't want to forget this Christmas season? Miss A had a 2nd grade music performance where they sang and "danced" to all sorts of music from the Nutcracker. Consequently, her three sisters have now picked up on that, and we are serenaded with LOADS of thematic music (and lyrics!) from this lovely program. But guess what? It's pretty fun. I will never think of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies in the same way!

Gentle Reader, may you and yours have a wonderful Christmas!!!

30 Pounds Gone

2010-11-28T23:46:00.001-06:00

Today, I reached another goal: my wedding weight. Woot. Here's the updated pictures (I guess I should be glad the first mug shot is so scary because EVERYTHING looks better than that). Only 20 more pounds to go to be "normal." Regardless, I am so so so grateful, and I didn't want this moment to pass by without acknowledging my amazing family and friends and their support in getting to this point.

It's the Simple Things...

2010-11-11T21:40:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for:

1. My husband coming home.
2. My tredmill in the basement.
3. Carpooling with my neighbors in the morning!!!! With Super J traveling so much, it really does help to have help getting kids to school.

I was not saying shoot in my mind, but it was awfully close. Things to be grateful for:

2010-11-10T22:58:00.000-06:00

Oops. Two days behind. Still! I'm grateful for:

1. A sleeping baby and distracted daughter. Today, the BIG Santa gift arrived from who knows which delivery service, and was left on our front porch (and by big, I mean over 100+ pounds in a big ol' box of big), and the box very obviously said what it is. Happily, we weren't home when it was delivered (so no one saw it...the older girls were in school) and when I drove into the garage, Miss O was chatting away with Miss B (gratitude #2. I'm so grateful Miss O has a bff who plays not only with Miss O but with her two imaginary friends, Cannah and Q-beeya and I was never so grateful for Miss B as I was today!!!) and so they both were OBLIVIOUS to the ginormous box on the front porch. I was able to whisk Miss Q to her room for her nap (as she was already passed out) and...

3. I asked Miss O and Miss B to go outside to play in the backyard...and they DID!

4. I hauled, all by myself, that box down into the basement, making several hard angled corner turns and hefted it under the stairs, hiding it under a blanket and throwing some bins on top of it in under 5 minutes. WHEW!!!!!

5. Adrenaline...I highly doubt I would have been able to do that without that amazing chemical coursing through my veins. And, let's be honest, it was a total tender mercy of the Lord.

6. Kleenex with lotion. My nose has decided to run all day and the other tissues I've been using have been like rubbing my nose on bark. Ohhhhh the sweet bliss of soft disposable tissues with aloe or whatever the heck they are coated with. Terrible for wiping your glasses, but lovely for wiping your nose!

Sabbath Day Thanks

2010-11-07T20:15:00.000-06:00

On this fine Sabbath Day, I'm grateful for:

1. Taking a Family History class during Sunday School. Now, hopefully, at the end of it, I'll know how to get names ready for the temple from my own home. I'm excited for this. And grateful.

2. Mini muffin tins. Yeah, so I'm on a mini muffin kick and tonight I made some banana bread mini muffins. They only took 20~ish minutes to bake, instead of an hour (score!). And there just seem to be more goodness to eat than "a loaf of bread" provides. I don't know how to explain it, but they have just the right amount of yumminess. And I am so grateful I bought the tins over a year ago, only to discover their wonderfulness now.

3. So, I'm grateful that my husband and I know how to disagree and fight like adults. Before my good husband, I'd never been in a relationship where I could a) be myself and b) voice concern and issues and things that annoyed me without feeling like the world would implode and I would be left alone. This afternoon, we got into a spat about a dumb thing that was masking a deeper concern, but we were able to work our way through and figure out what the concern was and be back on the same page before an hour had passed. How grateful I am for someone who knows how to communicate with me and allows me to do the same, even when we get snippy and annoyed with each other, and still loves and appreciates me when the air gets cleared.

Nov 5th and 6th

2010-11-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Friday and Saturday's gratitude list:

1. That someone else will appropriately pull out my kids teeth. Miss E's left eye tooth was ready to come out and happily, Super J willingly yanked it. I was safely upstairs when the initial howl and bleeding occurred, but I still got to celebrate AFTER it was done. Hooray!

2. Plastic cups. It goes without saying that I enjoy a 32oz plastic cup, because they really are so very useful.

3. Razors

4. The Pill...and not just for birth control. I was on it before I got married because I have WHACKED hormones, and last year, I got back on it to rescue me from rapid hair loss and hair gain (on places that, frankly, no woman should be growing hair). I'm very grateful for it.

5. Diapers and wipes and pull-ups, oh my!

6. So grateful that things that I prepared for a baby shower were actually edible! Oh the crazy stress of making something else without being able to taste test it and then presenting it, hoping for the best. Hooray that it was a happy experience.

November 4

2010-11-04T22:36:00.000-05:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Benedryl and Robitussin. Oh, and Ibuprofen. Really, any medicine that I can give my kids, confidently, that helps them feel and sleep better (and for Miss E, especially, to stop some allergic reaction from taking over her body) but that I can buy without having to shell out a co-pay or sweat buckets having to wait until morning. What a blessing!

2. I'm thankful for rubbing alcohol that was able to get Sharpie markers off of children and plastic beds. The bedding, well that's another story, but I'm grateful that it was a sheet and stuff that no one cares about.

3. I'm thankful that no one got hurt on this day when CRAZY stuff was happening. There was no car accident when I was turning and another car was going straight. There was no accident when Miss Q decided to walk up the outside of the stairs and was up 6 steps before she was discovered and dropped down. I'm grateful there were no accidents when Miss Q was trying to use her Singing Dora Minivan as a step stool, repeatedly. I'm grateful there were no accidents while the girls were raking leaves. We were blessed on several occasions, because it could have ended badly but it didn't. And I'm grateful.

Gratitude Time

2010-11-03T22:11:00.000-05:00

Hey there! It's Gratitude time, and I've decided, okay, I'm in. I'm keeping it simple this year (no extra awesome inspiring quotes...sorry!), but here's my better late than never list of gratitude things for the last three days.

November 1, 2010:
1. I'm grateful in today's economy that Super J has a job where he seems pretty needed and has survived three lay-offs.

2. I'm thankful that even though his job now requires him to travel every week for several days, we have things like Skype, cell phones and email to keep in touch.

3. I'm thankful for able pilots and crews who fly my sweetie from home to far-away places and back again safely.

November 2, 2010:

1. I'm grateful for warmish weather before cold weather blasts us ever closer to winter.
2. I'm glad Halloween is over, even if I have yet to toss my rotting Jack-o-Laterns off my porch (that'll be Thursday).
3. I'm grateful for sanitation workers who will haul said pumpkins and all my other junk and trash away.

November 3, 2010:

1. I'm grateful for friends who keep eyes peeled for great deals (or better yet, free things!) that I briefly mentioned months ago that I wanted/needed so that I was able to successfully acquire them.
2. I'm thankful for spell check and other things that seem to help me as I am aging. Aquire is actually spelt acquire. Yep. That does indeed look better.
3. I'm thankful for supportive church programs. Today was Miss A's first ever Activity Day (Night) Girl's activity and it was a "talent" show. She was thrilled to be a part of it, even if her talent was lying down with her legs in a weird way. I was proud of her for overcoming initial shyness to participate.

Mug Shot Updates

2010-10-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last week in church, I was asked to give the closing prayer in our worship service. Since then, more than just my dearest friends (who knew I was dieting) have been coming up and asking if I've been losing weight. I thank them for the compliments and tell them that I am trying, but in my mind, I still have so far to go.

Here's the secret to my success: I've been extremely faithful eating and logging my calories at http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ and exercising. That's all I've been doing. I hate when that whole "less calories in" and "more calories out" turns out to be true, every time. Darn it! Why can't it be cookies in, sitting at your computer in, calories out? Oh well.

Seriously, the other day I was telling Super J that I was having a hard time seeing any changes in how I looked...you know how that goes, right? You notice your clothing seems looser and that you have to pull up your pants more often. You try on older stuff in your closet that you haven't worn since before you started having kids and they fit!!! Wahoo! Frustratingly, they fit kinda differently then they did back in the day (because, let me share with you, pregnancy redistributes fat around your body and weirds out your boobs like NOTHING ELSE!), but they fit and that's a happy thing. But, again, even though you KNOW your body has been changing, you look in the mirror and you just can't see the change.

So, Super J put together a before and after for me. I sure love that man. I'm kinda hesitant to post them, because seriously, the before pictures looks JUST LIKE THE MUGSHOTS YOU SEE ON TV (because, hey, I don't really have a mug shot on record, and heaven help me if this doesn't reinforce the idea that I don't want a real one! Sheesh!). I'd like to point out that it was taken AFTER Super J and I worked a P90X routine, but I don't know that it can be the entire excuse for how seriously gross I look.

As a further update on P90X: the date on the before picture is about 2 weeks after I started P90X, which, I did 5 weeks of before I stopped, and now I just do a few of the workouts whenever I want, but I'm more focused on walk/jogging right now. I'd say that I feel like a P90X failure, but you know what? It got me motivated, got me to a correct caloric intake for my workouts, and led me to myfitnesspal.com, which has made ALL the difference. Plus, at some point I'll get back on the P90X wagon. Until then, though, I'm still so glad I got it and started it, so that's not failing in my book.

The after picture was taken at Miss A's baptism a few weeks ago and then cropped. Super J wanted me to see a side by side of equal face proportions.

On a totally different note, I need to post about Miss A's baptism. In case I don't, it turned out really great, despite our church building having to be fumigated for fleas and raccoons and our having to relocate to a different building. Yeah...Long story. Nevertheless, I was so touched at all the people who came out for it. Miss A might not remember all of it, but I will. It was a very tender time. I still can't believe my oldest is now 8! Crazy how fast time flies.

Speaking of time flying...as of yesterday, 10-14-10, I finally was below my pre-pregnancy weight of Miss A. I've lost all my baby weight, friends. It only took 8+ years. Yay!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) Responds to HRC...

2010-10-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

Miss Q says

2010-09-22T13:56:00.000-05:00

So, Miss Q is 25 months now and has decided that talking in "sentences" is the way to go. She's quite the communicator and talks All. The. Time. This is no surprise with three older sisters to share verbiage with. Still. Some of the funny ones that she has been repeating recently include these three gems:

"Give it me!!!!!!!" (this is normally shrieked in high pitched volume to her sisters, who are fleeing Miss Q with some contraband in their arms...often, it includes them also laughing at her whilst mid-flee)

"I want to carry you!!!" (this is normally said to me when at the top of the stairs, arms raised, in an effort to get me to carry HER down the stairs. It works because she's too cute to ignore. I usually respond with something like, "I'd love for you to carry me." She never does).

"It's too heavy!!!!" (This should be her response to me when I say that I'd love for her to carry me, but alas. This is her go-to phrase for anything that doesn't seem to be working correctly. If she can't stuff something into a small opening, she'll hand it to me and say, "It's too heavy!". If something is stuck, it's because that dang thing weighs a ton, even if it's the cap of a pen...and, during those moments, I'm so glad the pen cap is too heavy because I really don't want her to take it off in the first place. My favorite of late has been when she's straining in her 5 point car seat harness and WANTS OUT!!!! Why, you ask? Yes. It's because IT'S TOO HEAVY!!!!!! Because naturally, she's the patron saint of patience who has only been stymied by things that are not working properly because of the unnatural laws of gravity.)

Whew!

2010-08-30T14:51:00.000-05:00

So, as of this morning, I've lost 9.7 pounds. That's the official weigh in. I appreciate MyFitnessPal.com (where I've been meticulously tracking my calories. Ugh, but you know, it's working so what can I say) rounding up that number. It nice for the ol' mental cheerleader that urges me to keep going, you know? Yay.

Of course, when I came back to step on the scale (yes, I know. Obsessive. Let's not dwell, shall we?), after NOT yet having breakfast, but having gotten the kids off to school, I was .2 pounds lighter, and thus un-officially reached my Miss E's pre-pregnancy weight goal marker. Yep. I have not weighed this since I got pregnancy with Miss E, who is now 6. I'm sure it will be more official by mid-week (aka: I step on the scale and it STAYS at that weight), but...

I'm taking a moment to rejoice.

Now, the new goal is the next 10 pounds which will put me at my pre-pregnancy weight with Miss A. And then ONLY ten more pounds until I'm at my wedding weight. I know, right? It's so easy to put on, so grueling to take off.

I shall write more, later, about how I was THIIIIIIIIS close to cracking this week, and how because of that, I'm going to pull back on my crazy exercise schedule...just for the week. I need to take a breather so I'm don't completely lose it.

In the meantime: yay!

Wrecked for the day

2010-08-17T14:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know if it's because I haven't been able to eat much sugar and flour lately, but I ran across this entry from Cake Wrecks (what??? You've never heard of them? Go, quickly to their site and enjoy) and laughed myself to tears. It's from a year plus ago, but still. So. Funny. So. Wrong. So much for "equality." bahahahahhaha.

Motivational Quote for the Day

2010-08-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up and thinks, "Today I must run faster than the quickest lion, or I will be killed." Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up and thinks, "Today I must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or I will starve." So whether you are a gazelle or a lion, when you wake up, you better get running."

Things I've Learned in the Past 24 Hours

2010-08-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

As the title says, these are things that have really hit home oh so recently:

1. Yoga X, which asks you to stay in the present and breathe deeply and concentrate on your muscles and the stance and said breathing is not, shall we say, conducive to doing with four small children (especially a 2 year old who, preciously and annoyingly, will try to do the same moves RIGHTBYYOU) and two dogs (who will come and try to figure out what the heck you are doing RIGHTBYYOU). Just revealing that for you for future reference. It will even motivate you to take your children to a playgroup that you were going to skip so you could do that Yoga X.

2. A visit to McDonald's while a migraine is gearing up is not necessarily the best of ideas.

3. A friend at Target who is willing to buy you some meds and bring it to you so you can swig 'em down with a diet Dr. Pepper IS a wonderful idea. Many thanks, yet again, Cryptic Jennifer.

4. Complete strangers kids doing random kid things at a play area designed for kids are very annoying. Friend's children, doing the exact same thing, are more often then not, quite endearing. Go figure.

5. Clif Builder's Bar in Chocolate Mint are quite deliciouso at the onset, as the mint is not too biting. That, and Super J doesn't care for chocolate mint things (I know, right!), which means all the more for me. Although, confessedly, about 15 minutes after eating one, you no longer feel as if you've had a treat, but instead that you just brushed your teeth and swallowed a bit of paste. Not necessarily a bad thing, just different. It's that fresh minty feel in my throat. hmmmm.

6. Regardless of the reason, when your husband is unexpectedly called out of town at a moment's notice, well...it's the pits. Even if it's for a good reason. I've actually always known this, but it has served as a reminder that yes, indeed, it's the pits. It hasn't changed.

7. Those dang Mormon ad video's that you can see on lds.org make me CRY! They are really good and put me in a mindful mood that a) I should be grateful for the life I have and b) Even when I like to pretend that I'm all alone in all of this crazy, I'm not. There is always One who is mindful of me and knows who I am and what I need to hear. Enjoy:

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

Maybe one day I can figure out how to actually embed the video. Until that time, please do follow the link. It's really quite lovely on a bad day.

It's not even been a week...

2010-07-31T14:35:00.001-05:00

P90X update (I know you've all been waiting):
I miss my carbs. *sob* There. I've confessed. I cannot tell you how hard it was to go to see an amazing movie last night (Inception. So. Good!) with my honey and NOT get a popcorn. *sniff sniff*. But I did (go to the movies) and I didn't (get the popcorn). And I lived through it. But, that being said...

This week, on this new eating program that I'm doing to give me the best body I've ever had and be in the best shape EVER!! (don't you know), I've been down to 1 carb. I gotta say that by Thursdays afternoon, I was like a zombie...an unhappy, grumpy, oh so tired zombie. I called Super J at work and told him my plight. He replied: You need to eat a carb!

Okay. So I did. And I was able to go on with life.

So, I guess I'm no longer a true "Fat Shredding" Phase 1 nutrition eating fool. I'm a Phase 1 with an extra carb kind a gal right now, which technically makes me a phase 2 nutrition eating fool, three weeks early. I'm trying to just not feel like a fool.

In my mind, I thought I'd be able to do "THE. PLAN" as laid out in P90X; I mean, when I was single and in grad school, I did "A DIFFERENT PLAN" just fine. For six months. Before I totally fell off the wagon. Fast forward 10 year (gulp!). I and my body are just in a different place. And I think that's not a bad thing. It IS a weird thing to wrap my head around, but really, if this is something I want to be maintainable (and it is. It so is), I have to learn to not only appropriately modify my exercising, but also to appropriately modify my eating lifestyle.

Of course, if I knew how to do that I wouldn't be in the shape I am now.

On a different note, the Yoga thing in P90X totally TOTALLY made me sweat buckets...and I only did a half hours worth. Seriously. Harder, almost, than the Plyometrics, even though it was much more gentle and stuff. Who knew standing in basically one place could be so hard.

Ohhhh! And speaking of modifying stuff: Ab Ripper X???? No. I'm not doing that right now anymore. You should see my "form" with this workout. It's really one of those things that truly is a sight of shame to behold. So, because I am in no shape to do an actual sit-up, let me just recommend the Ab Ripper 200, which is my new goal. You don't think this is hard??? Just do it. It's no walk in the park.

But, I figure that once I get this done, then I'll be more ready for Ab Ripper X. Of course, I'll probably be on my 3rd round of P90X, but you know. Moderation in all things.

Bring It!!!!

2010-07-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

So, the quick and the dirty of it is this: Super J and I started P90X. We're in Phase 1 of a 3 phase workout/eating plan.

The long and boring of it is this:
1. The exercises...they really do kick your trash. I am so at the beginning and modifying loads of stuff, it's not even funny. But I'm bringing it, baby. I'm bringing it.
2. I have to be honest: I am not a fan of protein shakes, though I hopefully will get used to them. They taste fine initially, but the aftertaste. Ugh. That's all I can say about that without almost getting ill. Maybe it's the kind I'm "enjoying." Still. Ugh.
3. I think that for the first few days, I totally went through sugar withdrawals. I miss my carbs (we're doing the nutrition stuff with it; in a month, I'll start adding back in more carbs).
4. I go through lots of pots and pans making the food (holy cow! The soups alone have required a new addition to the kitchen. I jest, but really. Lots of cooking and chopping!). In fact, I got a larger food processor from Aldi's (gotta love it) and use both my tiny one and my bigger one AND my blender in one day. Yegads.
5. I'm not sure it's because of this or happen-stance, but I have a head cold and cough.
6. Working out with Super J is SUPER fun. I'm sure I would have said, "Forget it!" if we weren't doing it together. It's my favorite part about this.
7. Chocolate milk is a recovery drink, ala Gatorade, that has been shown to be very beneficial for you after your hard workout. Huh. Who knew? I wish I really liked Chocolate Milk. After a workout, it just kinda hits my stomach like a brick. I'm hoping that will change, because it has made a huge difference in my soreness level, so I drink it anyway. But I wish I loved it like Super J.
8. I don't care what anyone else says, but all this healthy stuff??? It cost more. I'm sure we'll figure stuff out, but it blew my last weeks grocery budget.
9. We are almost done with our first week and I have yet to take Before Pictures, but that's on the thing to do list.
10. Sports bras...a wonderful thing.
11. Another great thing about working out with Super J: he's willing to invest in the proper tools: resistance bands and other workout things. Wahoo. In fact, the mail carrier just arrived with a package. I'm off to investigate.

I'll keep you updated, Gentle Reader, because I know you are soooo anxious to know how this goes, but mainly because it's a great way to keep me motivated.

Hard Lesson

2010-06-23T09:22:00.000-05:00

You know what's hardest about the Summer so far? It's the grousing--from all of us.

Whether it's my kids' grumpies (let's not forget that Miss Q is turning 2 in August, and can I just say, it is VERY apparent. Or at least it was to everyone in Wal-mart yesterday, where she shrieked for about 3/4th of the grocery shopping excursion. Good times), or even my own, and my guilt at how I'm feeling like a bad mom this summer; regardless, it's the pits!

Not that there aren't some nice moments. There are. I promise. For example, last night we all went and enjoyed a Slurpee. Simple pleasures, indeed. But in between, there are these times when I say to myself, "Leave the room right. now. before you explode at the kids and shatter everyone into a thousand pieces."

Yep, not a day goes by that I don't have to mentally remind myself that a) they are kids! I mean, seriously! Miss A isn't even 8. That's still quite little. And b) not to let myself get beaten down by their comments, because that's how I feel. Beaten down and tired. And today, it's not even 9:00 am yet!

This is the thing that ages parents, I swear. This is the thing that gives us grey hairs...or is it gray? I can never remember. See??? Precious brain cells are completely worn out. Yes! It's the CONSTANT complaining--from somebody. And I have four precious things that tell me every ill and issue that happens to come across their paths. It is a constant barrage and it's exhausting. After almost 8 years of it, the fatigue has set in and is not easily shirked off.

What *I* need to learn is that I don't have to referee every fight or respond to every complaint. I just don't. No one responds to my every complaint and whine and concern. This is life. I think it's probably okay for my kids to learn this lesson now. You might not like something, you might want to say something about it, but that doesn't mean it's going to change, especially by the one doing the grousing!

I mean, just look at daily politics. Everyone kvetches and no one does anything. Yep. Real Life in action right there.

So, maybe this summer is about learning some hard lessons. Not every complaint will go answered, not every grouse will get people LEAPING into action to soothe. But that's actually okay.

If I can really start to believe that, maybe I can be a happier person. And if not, I'll just complain. But take comfort in that I don't expect you, Gentle Reader, to solve the problem for me.

In Awe

2010-06-18T23:04:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying reading some of my friend's blogs and just had an emotional epiphany and thought, I just gotta comment on how blessed I am to know these incredible women, these friends of mine...both online and off, in the "real" world. I mean, seriously incredible people who have made such an impact on my life. It simply strikes my heart with tender emotions that almost cannot be contained.

So, I've been reading these vignettes about moments in their lives, and I think, that would bring me to my knees with crushing blows, and I don't know how they manage, but they do. But I see you, my friends--you may not know it, but I see you: You who are needing/wanting a new job, or traveling to exotic lands (or kinda plain states) and making the best out of life with pictures to prove it!, or waiting for that dang new house to be FINISHED ALREADY!, or who are so sick with "morning" sickness which never leaves all freakin' pregnancy long and yet remain very very stoic and upbeat, or who have sick babies and can do nothing but let time and God work miracles, and single friends who still believe, and married friends who's marriages are in a very scary place right now, and friends TTC, and friends who just had new babies and are so sleep deprived, and friends doing Girls' Camp and SURVIVING. Ugh! and it goes on and on!

I read about you and see you at church or at lunch or just out and about and there you are....out and about. Helloooooo Wonder Women. How the heck do you do it??? Because see me with my trivial problems? Yeah, I don't even want to shower, much less contemplate leaving my house. I mean I do, because someone has to buy the milk and Eggo waffles and stuff, but yowza.

You inspire me. Even with the tempest raging, you inspire.

So hang in there and let me know if I can take your kids for the afternoon or eat some ice cream with you or in your honor, or go to a movie (they are giving away very solidly pleasing plastic commemorative Eclipse cups right now at the Big Theatre, and how can that not make you feel better, I just have to ask?), or chat, or whatevs. But mostly just thank you for sharing your experiences with me, because you make me a better person knowing you.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...?

2010-05-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

Today was Miss A's last day of school. This means it's official: Summer Break is upon us...and me.
Thusly, I'm not sure whether to be super excited...or super afraid. Miss E has already told me she's "bored," and she's only been out of school one day.

Pizza! Pizza!

2010-05-20T15:39:00.000-05:00

Gentle Reader, please be kind...

It's becoming a bit of a tradition on Wednesdays for the girls and I to go to our public library, get books and then dash to the Little Caesar's for some bread sticks and pizza (because, those bread sticks and cheese bread are made of some kind of crack, I tell you! They are totally addictive!).

To expedite this little trip, I got a stroke of genius to call ahead last night and order our bread sticks (3 bags...but I was getting some for a friend, I swear), cheese bread and a mushroom pizza. They told me it'd be done in 15 or 20 minutes. Fine.

I went to the store, told them I'd called it in, they asked me to repeat the order, I did and then I paid for my pizza...and then waited 40 (FORTY!) minutes for them to get done. Granted, they got slammed, but I was TICKED. The only plus was that everything was hot hot hot when I got it (ie: had not been sitting under the heating lamps). I was tempted to talk to a manager, but felt I could be magnanimous about it and just fumed off to shove my face with hot delicious garlicky buttery bread sticks.

Forward to this afternoon (don't judge!) and I thought salad and some cheese sticks would be a bit of heaven. But I didn't want to have to wait. So, I called in again and they said they'd have it done by the time I arrived.

I got there, told them my order that I'd called in and paid for it. The guy went back to check on it and then informed me that they hadn't put it in yet. I was TICKED!!!! I said, "This happened last night. I can't believe it! I called ahead and they said it'd be done now."

"What number did you call?"

I told him. Still TICKED was I.

And he said, "Our number is 555-1234, not 555-9000."

Oh dear heavens.

Yes, Gentle Reader. I'd called, not once but TWICE! to a completely different location, placed an order, and then not shown up.

Well, I showed up, but to the WRONG STORE!!!!!

Oh the funny embarrassing shame and guilt I felt. Even now I am rolling my eyes at my own stupidity. I mean, seriously???? How could I not realize my error when the store answers the phone with a "Hi, this is Little Caesars on the corner of [street address]. How can I help you?" Ohhhhhhh, dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

But kinda funny.

Needless to say, I now have 555-1234 stored in my cell phone for future use, and I *did* call the other location and told them about today's goof and they were lovely about it.

See, this is what happens when you become addicted to things and Stop. Paying. Attention to the small details. Yes! Use it, Gentle Reader, as a cautionary tale and let me spare you that humiliation in front of a teenage pizza slinger.

This Month is Such a Special One!

2010-05-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Miss E's SIXTH birthday! She's SIX! I can't believe it.

Here are some of the things that I love about my newest 6 year old:

1. She is genuinely gold and tender hearted. Out of all my kids, she is truly the most selfless of the bunch, and other people's discomfort really bothers her. She truly mourns with those that mourns and cries with those that cry. When I grow up, I want to be like her. Though I will not want to walk to school just to pick up the trash and keep our Earth beautiful, but that's just me.

2. She has such a good attitude. Super J has been out of town for the past few days and will leave Metropolis again on Sunday morning, but she didn't even blink that he would arrive late for her birthday dinner at McDonald's. She was just happy he'd maybe, hopefully get to be a part of it. And he was! And she was so excited! And I was so happy he made it.

3. With each thing we did yesterday to celebrate, Miss E would announce, "This is the BEST! BIRTHDAY! EVER!!!!!" For me, who was going on 3 nights of terrible sleep and was g.r.u.m.p.y. and was honestly trying hard to make her day special, this was very sweet and often what I needed to hear to get her to the next "event" on the list.

4. Every present was better than the next. Even the box of "Walmart Discount Aisle" toys (aka: crap, that seriously, NO ONE ELSE BUYS--it's not even some of that, "Sweet! Look what I scored" stuff--and I know that stuff is there because I enjoy strolling down those aisles on occasion. No, it's the DREGS of the remains. I don't mean to be cruel, but I'm just saying, for the amount of money she spent to get all these...things...she could have gotten one really nice something) from Super J's mom was enjoyed to the fullest (that being said, where was the promised Microscope, I ask you? Ugh. Did I mention I was grumpy yesterday). She was just so tickled that people remembered her.

5. Best line of yesterday: We were having lunch at Chick-fil-a (yes, we ate out at the finest restaurants yesterday. Aren't you jealous?) and she came out of the little play area and said, "Some of these people don't know it's my birthday!" teehee. Yeah, Sweet Girl. MOST of these people won't know it's your birthday. Of course, that didn't stop her from informing them.

But happily, I knew it was her birthday.

Miss E, I'm so glad you are a part of our family. You remind us all what it means to be kind and strive to think of others first. Your sweetness and love is felt by (and often commented on) all you meet and greet and, often, embrace. You're a good girl, Miss E. Your daddy and sisters and I sure love you!!!

Happy 6th Birthday!!!!

ps. I'll post a picture of the birthday girl when I can figure out how to download one with this new system Super J has set up. When did I get to be such a Luddite???

Just what I needed

2010-05-06T15:40:00.002-05:00

Update: 6:28

2010-05-03T18:32:00.001-05:00

Miss Q just dumped most of MY cup of water on the floor, right here next to me whilst I typed up my last post.

I know, right? She has no clue how ticked this is making me.

Well, she does now. I just dumped the remainder of it on her head.

She's kinda offended right now. And yet, I kinda feel better.

Okay, off to bath time with her.

(note: I promise, there was maybe a third of a cup of water in there. She's fine. Promise)

On the Plus Side, I Have Leftovers

2010-05-03T18:22:00.002-05:00

My sister-in-law, who has born six beautiful children, facebooked that my bro and his three boys were heading out to a Father/son camp out and that she and her girls* were going to order out, get chick flicks and enjoy a girls' night in. How fun does that sound? So. Fun.

Forward a mere three days later and Super J is leaving Metropolis to go out of town on business. What do I think? Why, my recent fav restaurant, Carino's Italian, has family size portions half off, including some of the appetizers (calamari anyone? Mozzarella sticks?) on Monday. Hellooooooo Bowtie Pasta Festival for dinner. Oh, let's just add a wedge salad while we are at it. Delish! So, naturally *I* thought, how fun to get some take out and enjoy some fun times with MY girls.

Yeah. I don't think they got the memo on this. Especially Miss Q.

Firstly, I should have just made them mac & cheese and made them eat that while I relished in my fav dishes. They would have been DYING to try all my yummies. Can I just say that? Without hesitation, there would have been many, "I want to try some of that!"

Alas, I did not do this. And so dinner was a series of, "I don't really like this," or "I tried this...do I need to eat the rest of it?"

The answer: Yes. Yes, you do. This is good stuff, people! It is NOT too spicy. If anything, it's milder. The pounded chicken is so tender, it's almost sinful! Besides, I made the copy cat version of some of this and you ate it just fine. Eat it now.

Ugh.

Let's hope the "fun" part of the evening goes better than dinner. Sheesh.

ps. Is 6:20 too early for bed? Because if Miss Q dumps any more water out on the carpet, I think I'm going to have to do something. Maybe I'll go to bed. lol.

*I should note that my neices are 15.5, 13.5 and 8 years old compared to the Sweet Misses who are 7, 5, 3 and 1 yrs.

Just A Quick Note

2010-04-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

Dear Crumbs Under My Dining Room Table,

I just wanted to finally write and say Hello! I mean, I see you EVERY day, several times a day in fact, and I'm so busy cleaning you up that I have yet to really acknowledge the part you play in my life.

I have to say, I'm mighty impressed with the special magic that you have. For the life of me, I can't figure out WHY no one but me sees (or for that matter, FEELS) you. Why, if it weren't for me, I do believe you could make a permanent home wherever you felt like it in the house. Oh the power! How do you do it? How can you become invisible to EVERYONE but me? Why does it bother me so? I am just wondering these things, because I think about it every time I'm cleaning you up.

And speaking of cleaning up, I know you probably resent the heck out of me and my beloved, mental health saving cordless vacuum stick, but I have to say, I'm almost 100% positive the feeling is mutual. Not to be offensive, but I'm just keeping it real.

Oh! I forgot to mention that yesterday I found two ants crawling around. I know how you hate those ant, Little Tiny Annoying Crumbs, so I did my best to squash them with my thumb and tried not to curse. You know me, always trying to be a little bit better than the day before!

Well, I guess it's that time when I need to get back at it. SO. MUCH. TO. Do! Like everything else in the house that needs to be dusted, scrubbed, disinfected, and vacuumed.

But don't worry. If I missed some of you this morning, I'm sure I'll be back to try to find you in a few short hours when the girls (who, by the way, are home from school today. Yes! It's a taste of summer on this wet rainy day! I've only heard about their boredom a handful of times, which I suppose for 10 in the morning isn't bad, non?) are desirous of some sort of mealy snack that will tumble from the table, to their shirt (or bottom...Miss Q's not so picky about where she stashes her crumbs) and then to the floor.

In the meantime, know I'm recharging the vacuum so I and my OCD will be ready.

TTFN!
Miss L

X Marks the Spot

2010-04-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's cleaning day here at The Zoo, and while tidying, I found a "segment" to a "map" that Miss E created in order to have a couple of minutes of fun treasure hunting. She had me write the cryptic message in order to find the treasure. I had to share, because it's soooooo Miss E... and because she dictated the following in a pirate-y voice:

"The treasure you can find is when you find the level that can't be found. Below the flower with purple petals, is me treasure. That is all there is. Arrrrrrrgh."

My favorite part is how you can find the treasure when you find the level that can't be found. Wah? How can you even find the level if it can't be found?

And this, Gentle Reader, is when I realize--yet again!--that whilst Miss E has a lovely and rich inner life, my own Imagination Land has grown a wee bit barren as I've gotten older and had kiddos. I think it's because it takes all my energy arguing with my girls that they can't wear dresses and Sunday Shoes to school on P.E. day when they are practicing for their up and coming Track and Field Day, and the school specifically asked us (the parental figures) to make sure they were dressed and shoe-d appropriately. I swear, I'm aging 10 years by the minute during these exchanges.

Arrrrrrgh.

">

Dog Paddle for Safety

2010-04-21T13:40:00.002-05:00

Miss O just finished her swimming class. It was 3 weeks long, on Monday and Wednesdays for half hour. I thought it would be a GREAT way to get me to the YMCA, thus working out at least twice a week, while preparing my three oldest girls for a summer full of swimming fun.

Ha. Hahaha, I say.

I should have known there'd be trouble when I went to pick up Miss O from her first class and my friend, Cryptic Jennifer, said that she nearly left her Baby and Me swim class to come and get me.

Contrary to what I had hoped, Miss O was NOT having a good time. And, her swim teacher...let's call her Nazi Sheila...was determined that Miss O WOULD do certain things, even though Miss O would yell and cry to get out of the pool.

Now, I'm probably not being fair to the swim teacher, but I have to confess that I was really torn. Here's the problem.

Since Miss O was tiny, everyone who knows her realizes that she likes to be in control of her own destiny. For example, she will NOT eat certain things. If you try to force her, it gets UGLY. U.G.L.Y. Here's another good example. She's decided she likes pig-tails in her hair. But she doesn't want me to take them out because she's afraid of her hair being pulled. So, she'll do it herself. Now, the fact that she pulls out half a head of hair when she does it is beside the point. At least she knows who's doing it and what the outcome will be. Do you see where I'm going with this? She likes to be in control.

And she was NOT in control with swimming or Nazi Sheila. It was not necessarily a bad thing for her to experience (not that she gets her way here at home...it's just that I know her and I know which battles to wage in order to win the war, so to speak).

I did get in the water with her one day (when she literally ran away and hid because she didn't want to put her suit on). I stayed out of the way and she was weepy and teary, but not screaming and pleading, and she finished her lessons. Ironically, once out of the water and finished for the day, when you asked how it was, she'd say, "It was great."

I think it also helped that Super J started swimming and practicing with her one on one on the Saturdays when Misses A & E have their swim classes (which they LURVES. They could have the most horrendous teacher and they'd still be so happy just because they get to be in the water wearing goggles).

So, anyway, today was supposed to be a "safety" day when Nazi Sheila had all her little "pikes" (swim level terminology) put on life vests. I should note that I was asked by Nazi Sheila early on to not be present for the swim lessons because she didn't mind that Miss O cried (not the first time a student has done this for Nazi Sheila, and probably not the last) and when Parents are in the area, the crying (aka: panicked) kids FREAK OUT even more. I was fine with that. I mean, I'm not trying to be mean, but I can appreciate where she was coming from.

ANYWAY! I thought today was going to be a "play" day, with treats and fun and frivolity, because the "testing" was done on Monday (which was a little slice of the hotplace for Miss O as well). Alas. Who knew "Life Vest Day" was going to be the Freakiest Swim Lesson of them All! Because Nazi Sheila wanted the kids to just simply float with the vest on, as if waiting for help.

Could Miss O simply float. Heck NO! She must cling for dear life to Nazi Sheila, but Nazi Sheila was bound and determined to have Miss O float independently. Two very headstrong females in the water at once. Nazi Sheila let the other kids go and kept Miss O for 25 extra minutes (hey! A free individual swim lesson! What could go wrong?).

Long story...um...shorter. Miss O finally floated independently whist reciting, then singing, the ABC's and was able to get out of the water. Nazi Sheila was satisfied. Miss O was just so glad to be out of the water. I, myself, was happy I'd restrained myself from jumping in the water to rescue my baby because I didn't want to send that message to Miss O: if there is something that is hard, if you cry and scream enough, you won't have to do it. Because, though I did not like the way Nazi Sheila did it, Miss O accomplished everything she needed to do to learn how to be safe in the water and to swim. Does she need more confidence in the water? Yes. Does she need more fun in the water? Yes...a thousand times YES.

So, in the end: I think it was a good experience for both Miss O and me. Will I put her in another swim class. Yep. Will I put her in another swim class with Nazi Sheila. Heck NO.

I appreciated the efforts Sheila made, but when it was all done, I felt emotionally frayed and can only imagine what my little 3.5 yr old felt.

But when I asked her about her swimming experience, she said it was great. Though she would not say "Thank you," "good-bye" nor wave to Sheila.

ps. Let me also just say that dropping kids off and collecting them for a half hour swim class gives you approximately 15 minutes of work-out time. Not ideal, let me just say. See? A learning experience.

Funny Things

2010-04-20T09:01:00.003-05:00

Miss A has reached an interesting age, being her very sage 7 years. She's always said amusing things, but recently she's said a couple of things that have me thinking of them days after she's said it and laughing over them. Here are two examples that keep coming back to mind.

The setup: I've been listening to Micheal Buble' on Pandora.com and Youtube because Super J and I are going to see him in June and I'm So. Excited. I enjoy him. What's even better is that Super J got the tickets for me in February as my Valentine's Day present, so by the time we go see him this summer, it'll be like we get to go to a free concert, and who doesn't like a free concert???

Ahem.

Okay, so Miss A is listening with me to "Everything" and bursts out, "Mom! Next to Taylor Swift, Michael Buble' is the best singer ever!"

...next to Taylor Swift? TAYLOR SWIFT? Yes, I guess. If I were seven! Now, had she said Barry Manilow, we might have something more in common. :) And for your enjoyment...

The second: We recently enjoyed a visit from Super J's dad who came to help him work on a project. We weren't sure if he was going to be able to come up until we got the call at 7am that morning. So, we sprang into action to get things ready: I made the girls help me "clean" the house, which means that they "dusted" (with those Swiffer dusters. Yes, I have four. Yes, they love to "dust," which means to them to randomly swipe at things--including areas of the wall--but whatever), picked up their toys, put clothes in the hamper, "made" their beds and, for Misses A and E, helped clean bathrooms. Compare that with what I did to finish the job and they get off pretty easy, all things considered.

Anywho, Grandpa came up and it seemed he might even spend the night, but as the evening wore on, he decided to go over to Super J's sister's place. When Miss A found this out, she exclaimed to him, "You mean I cleaned for NOTHING????"

This has cracked me up repeatedly throughout the days following, especially when I look at the house and its current condition. I feel this way almost EVERY DAY! It was kinda sweet to have someone else express it, so spontaneously and truthfully, with no inhibitions.

"You mean I cleaned for NOTHING???"

Yep. Still makes me chuckle.

Ugh. Cannot be quiet about this.

2010-03-22T14:31:00.002-05:00

A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. ~Thomas Jefferson

(Thanks to Lisa for having this quote on FB.)

Hello 2010

2010-01-16T23:15:00.002-06:00

Wowzers...it's been over a month since I last posted.

I am alive and well, but...just not blogging much. I wanted to write that I am busy, but I'm probably no more busy than you are, Gentle Reader. I guess I just needed a wee bit of a break.

So, I am fine.

The other Zoo-ites are fine.

And throughout the day, I'll think, "Gee, I should be writing about that," and yet I don't.

But I'm thinking I'll get back into the swing of things. In the meantime, I'm still here. Just a little more quiet than this time last year.

Bahahahahahahahah

2009-12-12T16:58:00.003-06:00

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

~Thanks to Adrienne for sharing this lovely spoof. It was practically like watching Super J and me, except that ironically with us, it would kinda be a role reversal, and because of where we met, there were not Singles Wards...and, um...there's only 3 years difference. And he was in graduate school, and I *did* have a roommate, and I had nothing to do with Scouting (besides being on "the look-out" if you know what I mean and I *wink, wink* think you do). So, actually, this is really NOTHING like my romance with Super J and me. Still. So funny to watch. Enjoy!

Chick chick chicken...of the sea?

2009-12-07T17:11:00.003-06:00

So, hey, Gentle Reader. Long time no write. Brace yourself about this exciting installment here at the Zoo.

To spare you the boring details, suffice to say that Super J knows some people who work in the same facility as he does who raise chickens to eat, and he helped them with some gizmo thing that helps them pluck the chickens. As a result, they periodically gift us a free range chicken. Nice, eh? Yes, it is. Just being honest, because the price of chicken can sometimes be SHOCKING. But I'm not saying this to gloat. Here's the situatiaon. I never know when I get one of these gifts and when I do get it, I don't want to just ...do something plain with it. So, I've been on allrecipes.com finding super fantastic recipes for roasted chicken (go there and sort by ratings and the highest rated "roast chicken recipe" --of which I cannot recall the name and am unable for some reason to get at the moment-- is truly DE-LICIOS. Seriously, try it).

ANYWAY! Super J brought home a chicken almost a week ago, which has kinda been forgotten...until tonight. Knowing I needed to use it pronto, I found a different, less involved recipe to roast it (the second highest rated) which we've never tried. It sounds great, though. So, in my head, I am planning on making this chicken. Maybe with some stuffing on the side, mayhaps? Potatoes? Sure, why not. I have leftover rolls from yesterday and some lovely new lettuce and other veggies. The meal is coming together! I've got out my roasting pan. I've sprayed Pam in my roasting pan. I'm preheating my oven. I get the chicken out, which has been living in my "meat" compartment/section thing of my fridge. And my chicken is...

...frozen solid.

Clunk, clunk, on my counter my chicken goes. SOLID. We will not need to use the chicken pronto (I mean, yes, we will, but not tonight pronto). Instead, I will have to thaw that little sasquatch out before I roast it.

Soooooooooo, instead we will have...um...nope, had spaghetti yesterday. Cannot look at breakfast for dinner after having made much breakfast this weekend and this morning because we were out of milk. We will have...FISH STICKS! Yeah. Fish sticks. sigh. And mashed potatoes. Yeah. And salad. Wow. This meal is coming together. ha.

Sometimes it is hard to come up with meals, you know?

All I want for Christmas...

2009-11-25T17:53:00.002-06:00

Gentle Reader, for the first time EVER, I am nearly done shopping for Christmas...and it's before Thanksgiving. Woot (as my sister would say). Of course, I should amend that and say I'm done with stuff for Super J and the kids. Extended family still has a few missing items. ANYWAY! I'm thrilled that it's not even Thanksgiving and I'm almost done. Very happy about that indeed.

However! There is a downside that you rarely hear about from those who shop early for the holiday, but because I love you, I shall share: I am facing grave disappointment when one of the girls tells me that they want something very specific and it is NOT what has been obtained for them already. Like Miss E, who has taken to telling me that she wants Santa to bring her a wand. A REAL wand. A real MAGIC wand, that can make things like money and marbles and Barbies and clothes appear out of no-where. If anyone can get one for her, Santa can, right?

Um...anyone know where...um...Santa can get one of those? Yeah, me neither. Sigh.

Getting Caught Up

2009-11-22T21:04:00.002-06:00

Well, hello my fellow Gratitude-ites. It's only been 5 days since I last sat and wrote about how grateful I am and why. Oh dear. So, here's my catch-up list. 3 times 5=15. Here we go...

I am grateful for:

1. A temporary laptop to call my own. I'm still trying to figure out if I love it or not. I love a key-board and it's clacky clack clack, but I do love the mobility this thing is allowing me.

2. That it's free!! (and before you get all jealous, please know that there are several horizontal lines running through the screen, even as I type, and the space bar and I are having issues. Not desirable, but it let's me see if I like it...or not).

3. Miss E lost one of her top front teeth and looks so cute and let Super J pull it out like a rock star! I could not have done that, so I'm glad to both of them for not making me do it!

4. My mom! It was her birthday on Nov 18 and I was sooooo appreciative of her. She has shown me what it means to be a survivor and that you are never too old to educate yourself and try to be a better you. I sure love her.

5. Chocolate cake.

6. New Moon...actually, I'm more grateful for the fun date I had with Super J and the experience of seeing it with him than I am for the actual movie, but I really enjoyed it (and it was SO. MUCH. BETTER than the movie version of Twilight. Am I wrong? No. I am not.).

7. The YMCA

8. My calling in church as the Primary Chorister. I'm not sure I ever mentioned how I had a "come to Jesus" moment one Sunday. I was literally leading the music and flapping my arms and kinda skipping to the music and I thought, "I am like Maria von Trapp, atop the mountain, teaching these children to be filled with the Sound of Music" (which, is my all time favorite musical, and deserves it's own special gratitude spot. Let's call it #9). Huh. It's true. Weird, eh? Since then, though, I have had no animosity towards my calling at all, which has made that calling quite lovely.

9. The Sound of Music

10. Faux crocs. My girls live in them and because they are the Off-brand version, I don't really care when they start to bite the dust. They are a magical kind of shoe, though, aren't they? Comfy with or without socks. Washable. Wear fairly well. No guilt when you gotta chuck them. Yep. We love 'em around here.

11. Digital thermometers and boxes of Kleenex

12. Aldi's and Costco and Walmart and Target (ie: my fav stores)

13. Being almost done with Christmas Shopping...except for a few extended family and stocking stuffers. This has NEVER happened before, and it's quite liberating.

14. Clean toilets. Seriously. So. Happy for them, especially in public restrooms. But also in my home.

15. Dishwashing gloves (or housecleaning gloves or whatever you call them...the things that keep my hands from having to be in so much water all the time). Because I have some weird itchy plague on one of my fingers on each hand (??? I know!), it is a blessing to keep as much moisture in them as possible.

Hey! That's 15! I'm caught up! I'm so happy for that. Wahoo!

Have a great evening, and I'll do double quotes tomorrow.

Is it Tuesday? Then it's time to be Grateful!

2009-11-17T22:12:00.003-06:00

Hello there! On this wet Tuesday, I'm very thankful for:

1. Not getting biffed this afternoon by that big white van who jumped the light as I was turning left (granted, on a yellow arrow, but still! I was in the intersection! I had right of way!!!). I'm so sorry for scaring my friend who was riding with me at the time (and, friend, if you decide you don't want to ever drive with me again, I will *sniff* understand). It truly pays to pray for safety in your travels.

2. Daughters who play together. This doesn't happen every day, but today there were actually several episodes of all four girls "playing" together. It's rather hysterical to watch, because they often do "stories," and the older two boss Miss O around with what her character should be doing. The beauty of Miss O, though, is that...well...that's not how she rolls. So, it's like watching a story within a story. But it all kinda worked out fine. And the baby? They just gave her something and she contentedly played with it near them (normally, she fights with them, trying to get the stuff they are playing with, but today was pretty mellow about the whole thing).

3. My mother-in-law. Believe it or not (ha! And anyone who knows the situations knows of what I speak with that statement). Today is her birthday, and if it weren't for her, I wouldn't have my wonderful husband. So, I am very grateful to her for bringing the most incredible man into the world. Kinda gooey sappy, but true none the less.

Some complain that roses have thorns—others rejoice that thorns have roses! ~Unknown

2009-11-16T23:26:00.002-06:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Kristan. Thank you for taking Miss O tumbling this morning and letting her play. Your timing with that could not have been better and she had an excellent time playing with Your Sweet B. Thank you very much!

2. Washers and driers. Today, my house was a house of puking and hacking and how GLORIOUS that I didn't have to wash all the sheets and comforters and pillows and clothes out in a stream, beating them with rocks, hoping the sun would dry them, because today, that would not have happened.

3. Bread machines. Isn't it amazing that one little contraption can produce a lovely hunk of dough that then produces a lovely comfort food for the sick and afflicted, which for the first time today, she was able to keep down? Hallelujah.

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

2009-11-15T22:29:00.003-06:00

Gratitude for Sunday includes:

1. Sister Wendy Beckett, who is a British nun and art critic. We were able to watch, via Netflix instant viewing stuff, parts of her "Grand Tour," and can I say, she is utterly delightful! She was basically cloistered for 20 years, just being prayerful and studying her art, and she finally came out and goes to all these different countries to look at some of her favorite pieces...which are not necessarily the best-known or most famous. And yet her joy and passion for art is truly marvelous. Her vast knowledge of both the story and her personal love for these pieces make it crazy enjoyable to watch and be a part of. Talk about art appreciation. I loved being able to spend a little time with her today, and would highly recommend her to you if you haven't seen her already.

2. Space heaters and house shoes. It got kinda chilly today, didn't it? These items helped alot.

3. Visiting Teachers. How wonderful to have my V.T.'s come into my home and share a message and their time and friendship AND brownies. I really really appreciated it. :)

"I delight in the examples of those in the scriptures who walk by faith on their earthly journey. Each time I walk with Abraham and Isaac on the road to Mount Moriah, I weep, knowing that Abraham does not know that there will be an angel and a ram in the thicket at the end of that journey. We are each in the middle of our earthly path, and we don't know the rest of our own stories. But we, as Abraham, are blessed with miracles." ~Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008, 82-83

Make-up!

2009-11-14T20:24:00.003-06:00

Wow! For some reason, this has been a harder thing to do than last year. I've already shot my goal to do it every day...twice! Oops. OH well.

Yesterday I was grateful for:

1. A morning off, with the exception of going to get Miss E from school. I didn't go anywhere. I did tidy up and vacuum, but even that seemed not a big deal. It was nice.

2. Scriptures. I was reading my scriptures and realized how bogged down I get with all the junk that goes on around me (and by that I mean all the news and political blogs and visiting teaching drama I let myself get swallowed up in), which I then let set me off. No wonder I thought I was having a heart attack a few weeks ago! And even though it was just heartburn, man do I let myself get worked up over NOTHING; which means it's very hard for the Spirit of Peace and Comfort and Thanksgiving to fill my heart. It was a good reminder to keep the frivolous things in check and focus on what really matters.

3. Modern communication. How wonderful it is to be able to call people on the phone, on the cell phone, to email, to Skype even. It doesn't take months...it literally takes seconds to reach out to talk to someone. What a miracle and blessing.

Today I am grateful for:

1. Noise makers. The baby's noise maker (aka: ionizer air cleaner) bit the dust last night, so off I went to Walmart to get a new one. They didn't have the one I wanted, but they have a slew of loud and cheap heater/fans on sale now, and it turns out that the one I got will work perfectly, especially for her cold and drafty room. Yay!

2. Being a more seasoned mom during cough and cold season. It ticks me off that they took medicine off the shelves for kids under 2, because sometimes they really could use some relief, more so than just sucking snot out of their nose. So, I'm glad I know what I can give my baby when she's sick because it was "pediatrician approved" for all my kids before "the change," and it's still "pediatrician approved," when I call. And what's nice is that I know I can call and my ped tells me, "You already know what to do," because I'm already doing it!

3. "I'm so glad when Daddy comes home! Glad as I can be! Clap my hands and Shout for Joy and climb upon his knee! Put my arms around his neck, hug him tight like this. Pat his cheek and give him WHAT????? A GREAT...BIG...KISS!!!!" The girls broke out in this sweet primary song when they saw Super J this evening after he had been gone all day on a EQ Temple Trip. I felt the very same way.

A happy home is but an earlier heaven. President George Albert Smith asked, ‘Do we want our homes to be happy? If we do, let them be the abiding place of prayer, thanksgiving and gratitude’ (in Conference Report, Apr. 1944, p. 32.)”~Thomas S. Monson, “Precious Children—A Gift from God,” Ensign, Nov 1991, 68

"Mercies and blessings come in different forms--sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7). All things means just that: good things, difficult things--not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love."~Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35

A Dozen Days of Gratitude

2009-11-12T23:14:00.002-06:00

Hello!!!

Today, my heart swells because of...

1. Velveeta Cheese...and I use the term "cheese" oh-so-lightly. In fact, I highly doubt I'd ever thought I'd be thankful for the block of "cheese" that can sit in my cupboard for MONTHS and then be refrigerated after opening for EIGHT WEEKS! It kinda grosses me out to touch it and cut it up, but I am so grateful for it because it helped create a meal that everyone ate in the family. It took Miss O about a half hour before she really tried it, but she ate it and surprised herself asking for seconds. It was a sweet moment for the Mom.

2. Impromptu family time. We actually sat in our living room this evening and enjoyed the girls taking turns on the "stage" (aka: the fireplace hearth--it's that step thing we have in front of the fireplace) singing. The songs were mainly made up, and for Miss Q, well...pretty much just "Na nananananna Na annananan", but it was super cute and both Super J and I were so tickled and basically blown away by the hysterical and precious moments of seeing these little people and their amazing personalities and marveling that we even had a tiny bit of something to do with them. Amazing.

3. TMI, but I'm grateful none-the-less: feminine hygiene products. 'Nuf said.

As seen today on from the Baptist Church where Miss O goes to Pre-school: "Thanksgiving is a state of being, not just a holiday."

11 Days

2009-11-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

I am thankful today for

1. Hitting a weight loss goal. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight before Miss Q. That only took 15 months, but still. Now on to the ppw for Miss O!

2. Good books that I enjoy reading over and over.

3. My grandpa and dad and all those who have sacrificed for freedoms I take for granted every day. As others have pointed out so much more eloquently, I am thankful it's Veteran's Day.

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. ~Brian Tracy

What to do, what to do...

2009-11-10T21:50:00.003-06:00

Today, Miss E came home with a "post test" where she had to write her numbers 1-10, which she did successfully. However, also written on her page was the following:

"Miss E wanted to look at others' papers."

When I read this, I asked her if she was trying to copy and look at other people's work. "No!" she emphatically stated. "I was just moving my head in circles!" And she got more and more upset with me and wanted me to write an email to her teacher saying that she was not cheating. Later, I asked her about it in a different way and she never said, "Why yes, Mother. I was cheating." Instead, she said something like, "Sometimes I don't know and I wanted some help."

Anyway, I never wrote the email, but I've been thinking about this, because let's be honest. It's KINDERGARTEN! She wants to do well, she wants to be successful, but this is Miss E we're talking about. She's sooooo bright and smart, but she's easily distracted. One day she can count to 100 without a single error and the next day, she forgets numbers 13 and 14 on her way to 20.

I must confess that initially I was like, "Oh my gosh! We must squelch out cheating!" but then I thought, why is she feeling the pressure TO cheat. And then I thought, Am I becoming one of those parents who wants a sliding rule for my kid? And then I thought, But this is KINDERGARTEN! For crying out loud! I wasn't writing my numbers back in Kindergarten and I still managed to become a fairly normal well adjusted person (right????).

So, yeah. Any kind words or brutal honesty you want to share about said topic, Gentle Reader?

I also have to confess that after a while, I kinda wanted to write a note on the "post test" and send it back to the teacher with something like, "After several spankings, Miss E finally promised she won't look at other people's work. Thanks for letting us know and be sure to inform us if she gets out of line again and we'll take care of it."

Ha! I'm sure that'd go over well with her teacher. Somehow I don't know if she'd catch the sarcasm that was intended. Because it's KINDERGARTEN. What is she expecting us to do???? (btw, she didn't get in trouble with me at all...we just talked briefly about it those two times).

Okay, thanks for letting me rant and record.

Yesterday and Today

2009-11-10T13:47:00.002-06:00

Oops, looks like I missed one. Oh well. I was well aware of my many blessings yesterday, so I'm sorry I didn't get them down, and today...well, you'll see.

Have a great day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday I was so blessed with:

1. Being able to go and work out! It seems like forever since I was able to go to the YMCA, but it felt wonderful to be back.

2. A free portion of hairspray! I stopped by the Walmart "salon" and picked up a refill bottle for my Finishing Spritz and as I was paying for it, the beautician told me about a bottle that someone had dropped, thereby cracking the lid and left it there to spill out without paying for it. So she asked me if I wanted the rest because she couldn't sell it. Yes, says I. So she gave me a bottle that was probably 3/4th the way filled. I was overwhelmed with her generosity and she said I didn't have to pay for it. How nice is that????

3. Family Home Evening. It's a bit of crazy around here every Monday, but I'm so glad the girls love it and ask for to do it, and happily participate (for the most part).

Meanwhile...

Today, the day is barely half over and I feel that my cup is running over.

1. A car that runs. This morning, my car would not start. Super J was making some repairs last night and we both forgot to take the keys out and they were left in that "you can listen to the radio with the engine off" position--do you know what I mean?--and the battery got completely drained. However, that was discovered AFTER I had all the carpool kids and the baby loaded up in the Red Rocket, ready to go to school...but the car wouldn't start. EEEKS! Panic panic panic. The good news? It's now running.

2. So. Grateful. For. Good. Neighbors. My next door neighbor happened to be home and tried to jump start my car (which was the problem, btw, but let's just say that my neighbor and I would have failed Car Battery Jumping 101 because I incorrectly grounded the negative side, so the car got no juice. Sigh.) and then totally helpfully and willingly took all four kids to the school for me. How nice is THAT! Oh, and he does have a daughter...who is 9 months old. Sheesh! But he had just dropped her off to day care and was coming home to work on a project. I felt so blessed that he was there. AND, just as we had my neighbors car loaded up, two other neighbors appeared--one of which was my fellow carpool parent! So, even if I hadn't had help in the moment (which I did), help was on its way. So. BLESSED!

3. I'm so thankful for my husband's knowledge and expertise in Car Battery Jumping 101. Obviously, he passed the course. He came home to assess the situation and checked a few things, discovered the key error, and correctly jump started the car. All in about 10 minutes. Crazy wonderful. It took so much stress off of me because I didn't have to worry about picking up Miss O from preschool an hour later, or Miss E from kindergarten a half hour after that, or the rest of the carpool gang later in the afternoon. Instead, I just drove the Red Rocket around to recharge the battery and we are now good to go.

And an extra one just because:

4. Miss Q was awesome the whole time this was going on. Now talk about a blessing.

We failed, but in the good providence of God, apparent failure often proves a blessing. ~Robert E. Lee

"Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don't have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. Thinking of things we are grateful for is a healing balm. It helps us get outside ourselves. It changes our focus from our pains and our trials to the abundance of this beautiful world we live in." ~Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Improving Our Prayers," Liahona, Aug. 2004, 18

Sunday's Blessings

2009-11-08T20:33:00.002-06:00

Hello!

Today I am grateful for

1. Breakfast for dinner

2. Prescription strength Zantac

3. My husband getting home from his meetings in time to help put the kids down for bed. Wahoo! (they are probably grateful for that, as well. ;) ).

4. ...and the blog gets an extra one: I'm so grateful for Simply Fabulous Blogger Templates for the amazing and beautiful template I'm currently using. I LURVES it and it makes me happy every time I see it. It's everything beautiful and wonderful about fall and golden days.

"Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord" (David A. Bednar, "Pray Always," Ensign, Nov 2008, 41-44, emphasis added).

2009-11-07T22:12:00.001-06:00

Today I am grateful for...

1. Geez, today has been a hard day for me, for no explicable reason I can identify, except to say I was in a mood! Argh. But as my good husband points out, I have the same number of kids at the end of the day that I started out with, so that's something to be grateful for! And the weather was beautiful, so that kinda eased the mood periodically.

2. I was invited to a Southern Living "party," where I saw some lovely (and expensive) things, but I was grateful for a chance to talk to my neighbors.

3. I was grateful for a chance to go out to lunch with my honey while the girls went to a friend's birthday party (where they had a glorious time), and then be invited to dinner by some other friends, which means I didn't have to prepare any meals beyond breakfast this morning and my kids got a reprieve from me, the She-Beast (**snarl!**). Thank you, my friends, for lifting that burden today for a while.

I wish I could find this song by Michael McLean called, "Lullaby for Me." (off his album, Tender Mercies) It's about a mother who has had a hard day and is so sweet. Alas, I cannot, but if I can I will post it.

In the meantime...

"I thank God for my handicaps, said Helen Keller, unable to hear a bubbling stream or see its glistening green or put it into praise. Yet she praises: I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work, my God.

"That, to me, is thanksgiving. It's not about being glad for the good things that have happened to us –– they are simply moments in the sun. Thanksgiving is standing still, with an injured and an open heart and letting the River run freely through us. Each year at this time, I stop and cast into the water. I recount the story of the year past, of life given and taken away: our planet's staggering losses, our moments of forgiveness, our fulgent gains. I think of a friend's child who came swimming into this world on amniotic rivers, and I remember my grandmother's final crossing over to the other shore. I remember the intense hope of eyes brimming with the vows of marriage, and the loosening tears of those whose hope was broken. I think of my own love found, or friends lost.

"We are what we are given and what is taken away, blessed by the name of the giver and taker... The confluence of all things returns to the Sea, the Source. The Gift unites with the Giver. Let the river run. The banks of my heart are wide with thanks." ~Run River Run, By Susan Hull

Yay! It's Friday

2009-11-06T22:18:00.003-06:00

It's the end of the first week, practically, of November. Can you believe it???

Today, I am grateful for:

1. Amazing friends who are amazing mothers. I've been able to watch several of my friends' kids recently and I wanted to express how GREAT their kids are. While in my home, these children were so well behaved and sweet and GOOD. They may be he/she-beasts at home periodically, but when they were at my place, they were amazing (they are totally welcome anytime!). But more to the point, I'm so grateful for the time and energy that you all put into raising your little peeps to be the creme de la creme. It SHOWS in how they act, and I'm grateful for that.

2. The opportunity to go to Miss A's school today to be The Mystery Reader. What a great and fun chance to actually do something nice with Miss A. It's a rare thing for me to be able to do that because, well, I've normally had a baby at home. But today, it was able to happen and I'm so grateful to my friend who watched my kids for me and for the chance to go.

3. Krispy Kreme Donuts. I took them for the treat and, though the sprinkles were kinda messy, the kids LOVED them and Miss A had an afternoon of being The Rock Star of her class. It doesn't get any sweeter when you are seven, does it? I know as her mom, it was pretty sweet to me, too.

"As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done." ("O Remember, Remember," Ensign, Nov 2007, 66–69).

Gratitudes for November 5

2009-11-05T22:15:00.002-06:00

Today's blessings include:

1. Finding out that Miss E had not lost her library book but had already turned it in. THAT was the reason we could not find it. So, she was able to check out a new book. Hooray! (and as a bonus, both Miss E and I were grateful for her Specials teacher who checked for us. Thanks Mrs. A!!!!)

2. Wedge Salad from Johnny Carino's restaurant. Yum.

3. Miss Q's ability to go to bed sooooooo easily. Again, HOORAY!

"As with all commandments, gratitude is a description of a successful mode of living. The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us. President J. Reuben Clark, formerly a First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: 'Hold fast to the blessings which God has provided for you. Yours is not the task to gain them, they are here; yours is the part of cherishing them' (Church News, 14 June 1969, 2)" (James E. Faust, "Gratitude As a Saving Principle," Ensign, Dec 1996, 2).

4 November = Gratitude

2009-11-04T20:33:00.003-06:00

Wellllllll, can I just say that this has been a week of health stuff at the Zoo???! The girls woke up this morning (okay, the oldest 3) with fevers! What???? Yes, thanks to a cold virus. But thankfully most of them were feeling better as bedtime neared. We are just waiting to see what tomorrow morning brings...will the fevers be back? Or just the runny noses? Still, it made for an interesting day.

So, today I'm grateful for:

1. DVDs and the player. Seriously, I needed a break and the lovely LEAP dvd's, with their chirpy Letter Factory, Word Factory and Reading Factory stuff...and maybe even a Math Circus, were such good little substitute teachers for my girls today! Now, granted, they watched some Caillou, too (why does that kid not have hair???), but at least I didn't have over whelming guilt while they watched the LEAP stuff. Why? Because Miss E's kindergarten teacher said it was a great learning tool. Yay!

2. Medicine and chicken soup.

3. Bedtime. Yes. It's sometimes the little things that make me able to continue with the rest of it all. Have you seen this by Hilary Weeks? If not, you should...right here, right now. You won't be sorry.

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."
~President Gordon B. Hinckley

Nov 3 Gratitude List

2009-11-03T21:43:00.001-06:00

Today I am grateful for:

1. Safety and the shelter of our home. Miss A was saying her evening prayers and said, "We are so so grateful for our house and that no robbers have come into it. So, we are so grateful for that and hope it continues tonight." And I thought, yes. Indeed we are and do.

2. I'm thankful for socks, which keep my feet warm and help me from getting blisters and showing off my half painted toenails.

3. I'm thankful for my Dirt Devil cordless mini vacuum, which I splurged and purchased for myself several months ago. I'm sooooo glad I did--money well spent! Seriously, I'm a better person and mother because of it, and my floors (especially in the dining room) are in better shape. I use it several times a day, which is saying something because there are still times when you'd be hard pressed to know that I have ever vacuumed the floors in my house. We are just in that stage of life with our four girls, I guess. But I do love my vacuums.

"If you woke up today, congratulations! You have another chance." ~Unknown Author

When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.
~C.S. Lewis

Day 2 Gratitude

2009-11-02T19:25:00.001-06:00

For those of you wondering, after an interesting start to the morning I was able to get to the doctor's and found out that: everything about my heart seems normal! So, this is very good news. I still will meet with one more doctor to rule out anything that the tests today didn't uncover and then we'll move on from that--mayhaps it really was "just" heartburn. Which means a visit to a G.I. doctor, but one thing at a time. My doctor was, though, very optimistic that things are heading in a good direction.

So, today's blessings include:

1. The fact that I was able to get in to see the doctor. Seriously, I'll spare you the long story, but I was able to see the doctor today and that was a lovely thing indeed.

2. The nurses and techs I worked with today were AWESOME. The doctor I got in to see was...well, initally less than desireable with his bedside manner. I felt like I was at the principal's office! But the good news is that when I went to get an x-ray, the tech was sooooooo complimentary of him and actually told me that he was like a gruff old bear and not to let him fool me with his ultra serious demeanor. And she was so terrific, I believed her. She also said that if I'd come to get entertained, well, I'd gone to the wrong place, but if I'd come to get fixed, he was the one I wanted. Now, granted, I'd like a little of both, but all things considered, I sure appreciated her words and how it made me see him and respond to him when I went back to see him with my x-ray.

3. The priesthood. Jason got home just before craziness happened and he was able to give me a very quick but special blessing. How blessed I am to have the priesthood in my home and a wonderful husband who is worthy to use it, and does so appropriately.

"For today and it's blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude." ~Author Unknown

"Prayers go up and blessings come down." ~Yiddish Proverb

"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allwing it to master you." ~Brian Tracy

Gratitude Challenge Kick Off!!!!

2009-11-01T20:10:00.002-06:00

Can I just say how excited I am for this to start? Yay!

So, I'm grateful for:

1. Health. Saturday, my inner hypochondriach came out and I was sure I had some sort of terrible affliction going on; luckily, I don't...at least, I don't think so. I feel much recovered today. And I don't know whether it was terrible heart burn, an ulcer, gas buildup or a heart issue, because all my symptoms say that these are all the possibilities! Still. This leads to #2

2. Modern Medicine. I'm grateful to know I can schedule doctor's appointments and figure out what is wrong...or at least rule things out.

3. My Family. I know we're not supposed to duplicate, so I'm going to try to go around that by doing individuals as the month goes on, but for tonight, the first night of it all, I want to say how grateful I am for my amazing and wonderful family whom I love so much. Nothing like thinking of the possibility of biting the big one to remind you about how much you are blessed with the people in your life who you will hopefully get to spend eternity with (although, even if you think you are on death's door, you are still annoyed with them when they won't go to sleep...just fyi). I sat yesterday on my very long drive home from the Halloween party thinking, Do they know how much I love them? Adore them? Am THANKFUL for them? Because I do, I do and I am. They are the reason I keep on going, so you can only imagine how thankful I am that I did not meet my Maker last night, but instead get to be with them and enjoy them and try to figure out what happened.

Okay, this is kind of backwards, but oh well.

If you want to participate, here are the "rules," (unless you are Cryptic Jennifer, who sent them to me. Thank you, Cryptic Jennifer! ...and yes, I copied this word for word from her email...so if you want to get an email with these lovelies instead of just reading them on my blog, let me know)

It's that time of year again (can you believe that it will be November THIS WEEKEND?). Time for pumpkins and gloves and long-sleeves and the November Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. Participation is completely voluntary. For those of you who have not played before, the challenge is outlined below.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
* Each day during the month of November you will send an email to me, at least, but feel free to invite others to participate and you can send your gratitude emails to them, as well.
* Each daily email will contain three "things" for which you are grateful.
* Definition of "things"- the term "things" is used here to encompass a myriad of stuff including, but not limited to: a certain set of circumstances, an event, an inanimate object distinguished from a living being, possessions or effects, a deed or act, a product of work or activity, an idea or notion, a piece of news or information, a person, a memory, anything that makes you smile.
* The challenge is to come up with three ORIGINAL "things" each day. Try not to repeat entries.
* Your email should be sent by midnight each night. If you miss a day or two, no biggie, but you have to make it up, no skipping!

NOTE: If you want to receive these emails from me this month (even if you don't want to send them out), please let me know so I can keep you on the distribution list. I don't want to feel like I'm bogging down your email boxes with junk that you rush to delete, so I'll only send this out (in the future) to those who are participating or those who respond to this email.

WARNING OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS!!
Please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

In the past years I've included a gratitude quote each day. I think I've used them all up. This year (and in future years) you can expect to see some duplication of these quotes. Sorry, kids.

"Gracias, danke, merci—whatever language is spoken, "thank you" frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is a simplicity—even a sincerity—when "thank you" is spoken."
-Thomas S. Monson, "The Profound Power of Gratitude," Ensign, Sep 2005

"Our society is afflicted by a spirit of thoughtless arrogance unbecoming those who have been so magnificently blessed. How grateful we should be for the bounties we enjoy. Absence of gratitude is the mark of the narrow, uneducated mind. It bespeaks a lack of knowledge and the ignorance of self-sufficiency. It expresses itself in ugly egotism and frequently in wanton mischief.
"Where there is appreciation, there is courtesy, there is concern for the rights and property of others. Without appreciation, there is arrogance and evil. Where there is gratitude, there is humility, as opposed to pride. How magnificently we are blessed! How thankful we ought to be!"
-Gordon B. Hinckley, "'With All Thy Getting Get Understanding'," Ensign, Aug 1988

Memory Lane

2009-10-30T10:20:00.005-05:00

First: I love being married and being a mom. Please know that I wouldn't trade where I'm at for anything.

Okay, now I can continue.

I was talking to Super J last night, asking about stuff he missed about being single. He gave me a lovely, but vague response about how being single gives you all sorts of different opportunities but being married with kids, you have different events during the day but the same faces/places to come home to, which for him has been a pleasure.

Fair enough.

When it was my turn, I knew exactly what I missed. My friend calls it a "Mental Health Day." Do you know what I'm talking about?

It's where you spend your entire day in your pj's (or other very favorite comfy apparel) and you aren't sick. And you don't shower because (a) you don't have to go ANYWHERE (no work obligations, no doctor's appointments, no one to pick up, nothing to shop for, etc. etc.), and (b) aren't expecting ANYONE to show up, and (c) you only have to fix whatever you want to eat and no one complains or you can order in food and (d) then you spend the day napping and getting caught up on any tv or reading or blogging or internet surfing or napping that YOU want to do. Basically, the only person who needs you that day is YOU. And, here's the key: NO. GUILT.

Yeah...that's what I miss sometimes.

UPDATE: I just wanted to mention that this whole conversation started because I had been thinking about some of my friends who've just had babies and I was feeling overwhelmed for them and wished a M.H.D. for them, too.

The Question...

2009-10-27T22:17:00.002-05:00

To Vaccinate or NOT to Vaccinate. That is the question. For this H1N1 flu thing. What are you gonna do, Gentle Reader? Do you know? Have you already gotten it already? And if so, did it turn out well?

A New Spin On That Psycho Scene

2009-10-18T16:32:00.007-05:00

Yesterday evening, after returning home from getting the family pictures done, we were prepping the girls for their evening showers and bath (Miss Q, being the smallest, gets a bath and the older ones often take a shower). It's a busy time of sending everyone potty and putting their dirty clothes in the hamper and getting towels and pj's ready. It's a special bit of the crazy around here around that time.

Don't belive me?

As we were getting the other three ready, this is what we found.

I guess Miss Q decided that tonight she was getting a shower. And yes, those are her shoes and socks she's still wearing.

It's Only the Beginning

2009-10-17T20:58:00.005-05:00

So, today started at 1:30something a.m. I can't remember exactly, as I felt quite groggy, but I do remember going back to bed around 2:00-ish. Then, I got up at 3:00, but was back to bed by 3:20. Yes. Miss Q was having trouble sleeping. But no worries, because I was going to be getting up at 5:10 anyway to pick up my babysitter at 5:30 (yes, A.M., Gentle Reader) because today, Super J and I were participating in...(drumroll!)...my first ever official, get an actual t-shirt to mark the occasion, 5K Run.

Seriously! Woot Woot! I did it! I did the Metropolis Marathon...bahahahahah. Okay, I did the Metropolis 5K, but Marathon is on the t-shirt. Doesn't change the fact that I did it. Here are my stats:

bib number: 10893
age: 39
gender: F
location: Metropolis
overall place: 900 out of 1057
division place: 67 out of 83
gender place: 542 out of 670
time: 43:40
pace: 14:06

Can I just tell you that I beat my personal best YMCA time by 6 minutes? Yep. I and my friend ran a 5K (on the treadmill) at the Y on Monday, and I did it in just under 51 minutes. SO, I was pretty happy.

Today, my legs were on FIRE some of the time, because can I just say, LOTS OF UPHILL and DOWNHILLS which I didn't really train for...but I'll know better for next time. Anyway, I knew I could do the distance, but jogging/walking with Super J really helped with the time.

Plus, being out there with everyone, was so fun and invigorating (right, Kristan? We had a great time at the start and then she was off like a bullet! You go, girl!!! I was so proud of her. That'll be me next year!).

So, for my first time, I am pretty happy with how everything turned out. And, of course, we celebrated spontaneously by going later to get some family photos.

What a great day. :)

13 Minutes...so far

2009-10-16T16:50:00.004-05:00

That is the amount of time Miss O has spent in the corner today (through out the day, mind you, but still). That's four visits to the corner, and doesn't count the time she's been sent to her room. It's mainly been for being extremely naughty to Miss Q. This last time, she kicked Miss Q (while lying prostrate on the ground, mid fit, because Q had a book Miss O wanted. Oh, uh huh. I don't think so).

Sigh. And it's only the afternoon.

It's Only Taken Four Babies

2009-10-16T16:03:00.002-05:00

...to discover that the secret to getting Miss Q to eat those jars of baby food is to add a little salt (and yes, I know she may be a little old for some of it, but sometimes it's handy to have her still eat veggies of some sort).

Did You Know...

2009-10-14T08:34:00.002-05:00

...the following things do not mix. At all.

-whatever I ate that caused me to have
-HORRIFIC heartburn (which I haven't had since I had Miss Q...and, no, I am not announcing anything), followed by
-a pepcid complete, followed by (about 40 min later)
-a zantac, which is also chased by
-2 Tums, followed by
-the starting of a movie I have waited MONTHS to see and now it's out on DVD so Super J and I were making an indoor date night out of it, which means it was
-closely followed by popcorn (because this movie was supposed to be watched in the theater so since it wasn't, we tried to make it as theater like as possible,
-some bits of an Oreo McFlurry,
-and some diet coke.

OH DEAR HEAVENS.

Not only do these things NOT MIX, but you may well feel shortness of breath, faintness, and EXTREME nausea and almost a loss of other bodily fluids before this unhappy, probably poisonous concoction, decides to exit your body with EXTREME FORCE.

And an hour or so later you'll feel better. Puny and weak, but better.

And you'll enjoy the last third of the movie so much more than the first part.

And you'll be sooooooooo glad that you only puked out your innards instead of passing out, peeing the couch and awakening only to find EMTS standing over you, which is what you feared because that is how bad you felt.

So...now you know.