In my sentences I go where no man has gone before...I am a boon to the English language.
- George W. Bush

Random 10 Friday. Here's my random playlist...

1. Without You - Dixie Chicks
2. Somebody Told Me - The Killers
3. Carry On - Dispatch
4. North Pole Express - Jon Schmidtt
5. Hallejuah - Rufus Wainwright
6. Some Say - Once On This Island (Broadway Musical - Original Cast)
7. Humble Me - Norah Jones
8. Unaccompanied Cello Suite #5 in C Minor - YoYo Ma
9. If You Ever Stop Loving Me - Montgomery Gentry
10. Blinded By The Light - Manfred Manns Earth Band

Bonus: La Lune - Mutual Admiration Society

Wherever Normal is...
That is where I plan on taking us today.

It's time for our life to get back to "Normal".
Whatever that means.

We did a fun thing tonight. We got a box of chocolates that looked just like this from Anonymous Grandma. She told the Things that they needed to find someone they didn't know, and give the candy to them on Christmas and just tell them "Merry Christmas".
Thing 1 was really anxious about the whole thing. She kept telling us that she didn't know anyone who would be working on Christmas. We kept assuring her that - that was the whole point... that she wasn't supposed to know who they were.
Well, tonight the only ones interested in going were Thing 2 and Thing 3. We went first to the Fire Station and gave one to them... but the their doors were locked, so we left it on their car. We noticed the lights on at the Pizza Hut, and people were inside. The door was locked so, we left one on their car too. We went to the gas station next, and their were 2 people working, so Thing 2 &3 took the chocolates in and handed them to them and said "Merry Christmas! This is for you!" The gas station attendants looked at us funny and the Things started laughing and Thing 3 yelled out "That was fun Mom! Lets do it again!!" So we headed out to find 1 more place open. We found our Blockbuster open, with not one customer there. We walked in, I told the little worker boy that we had something for him. Thing 3 handed him the chocolates and said "Merry Christmas." Blockbuster boy stared at us and said: "How come?" I just smiled at him and said: "Just because. Merry Christmas." And we walked out of the store.
It was fun!
F.U.N.
Fun!
The things talked all the way home about doing it next year, and who they wanted to give it too.
The Policeman made the list.
Blockbuster boy made it again.
McDonalds, and a Hotel worker too.

Maybe we could do it again sometime soon...
Just because it made us all feel so good inside!
And it was fun to see the look of surprise on the peoples faces we gave them too!

You should try it too.
Its easy.
Really!

Well.
The deed is done.
Santa came.
He saw.
He left...
A plethora of presents!
Here is the funny thing.
I was the first one up.
I was up at like 5:30am.
Everyone was sleeping happily, dreaming of unopened presents.
I waited.
I kerpluffed.
I padded around the house.
Everyone still slept.
At 6:30 I finally couldn't take it any longer, and I started waking everyone up.
Jefe first.
Then I sang to Thing 3 something about Santa having come to see her.
That was all it took... she jumped up, and ran and woke the rest of the Things up...
I had to hurry downstairs to get their with the camera before they all did.
It was screaming fest.
Oh it was exciting!
Thing 3 kept grabbing everyone to show them what she got... then she would grab her pant legs and do a little scream accompanied with a dance! It was music to my ears!
Thing 1 was soo excited about the phone... then she saw the Nintendo DS Lite... and it was all over!
She was ecstatic!!!
She LOVES the Ninten-dogs game...
and the cell phone.
Well.
Thing 2 now said that she wouldn't be a nerd anymore, and he would have to stop teasing her cause she was soo cool now.
What a good brother!
Thing 2 actually gave the first gift of Christmas this year. Thing 1 & he were arguing yesterday about who would get to play Santa... and he wrote Jefe and I a note saying that He would let Thing 1 be Santa... but don't tell her!
Awww.
He is such a good boy!! How on earth did we luck out with such a kind hearted boy??

The Things made a haul. They got everything that they wanted... plus some. Thing 2 still wants his electric guitar... I guess I really need to investigate into some sort of lessons for him, and maybe get him one as a surprise... That is the only thing that he didn't get that he has been wanting for quite a while.
Can you imagine the NOISE that would come from such a gift??
Yikes.
We would need to finish the basement first!! LOL!!
Anyway...
Christmas has now come and gone.
The Things have happily played all day with their new possessions.
Jefe had a fantastically long nap and I read my Grandmothers journal that my Father gave to us all. That was wonderful.
It made me miss her.
She has been gone now for 13 years... but I still miss her.
She really loved her family... and when she would write that in her journal, it made my heart swell.
I have had an epiphany over this past month.
I have really struggled since moving here. I missed my friends, my home, my church group... yada yada yada...
I was basically brought here kicking and screaming, and have made it known.
Quite loudly.
I have been a spoiled brat.
Well, I have been really really sick this past month. At one point I thought for sure that I was going to die... metaphorically speaking. I was THAT sick.
I don't know what I would've done if I had not had my parents around me.
At one point, I was so sick that I could hardly hold my head up, and the only phone number I could remember was my sisters. She quickly rallied my Mother to my rescue. Turns out I had taken too much medicine. Anyway. Point being that I have really had my hind end saved this month by my family. They have been awesome. I suppose that my getting as sick as I have been was Gods way of showing my exactly why its a good thing to have your family around. Maybe it was also Gods was of helping me to be more grateful. Hasn't HE said that the greatest sin that there is is the sin of in-gratitude??
Well.
If thats the case... then boy am I the biggest sinner of them all.
I have had a change of heart. I am glad that I was here. I honestly do not know what I would have done if my parents hadn't been around to help me out while I have been so sick.

I told Jefe and He asked me to print this up, sign it and then frame it so that I refer back to it at a later date.
Not necessary.
I am glad that I am here. It has been a HUGE blessing.

On another note, I am totally excited about the musical pipe/bell dealies that my parents gave us for Christmas. I am thinking that for the Elementary School Choir next year, we should use them and have the kids play some of the songs on the bells. That would be steller cool! I am the co-director of the kids Elementary School Choir. It was a complete blast... except for being soo sick. The kids were awesome at the performance, and gave me flowers and a standing ovation. Too kind. They sang awesome! I was sad that I had had to miss so many rehearsals. I can't wait for the Spring concert! We are slowly getting the hang of it, and each time they are getting better and better! Next year will be awesome!!


Well... My epistle of an entry as probably outlasted anyones attention.
It has been a wonderful day.
The Things have had a great day.
Jefe has had an awesome day.
Don't my photos look awesome? They were taken with the new camera that Jefe bought me.
He gets to go skiing...
Lucky dog!!
Merry Christmas everyone!
XOXO

Well.
We're ready.
The dinner has been had.
The P.J's unwrapped and put on.
Showers have been had.
We read our traditional poem of "Twas the night before Christmas".
We have watched our traditional DVD of the birth of Christ set to lovely Christmas music. It really is a nice video, and a much more "modern" way to do the bible version of the story. It is people of all nationalities reading the Luke 2 series of scriptures that describe the birth of Christ.
The Things were SILENT during the entire video.
If anyone talked or made any sort of noise, Thing 3 would holler "SHHH! I'm watching Mary!"

Now we are tracking Santa on our Santa Tracker... He's in Central America now!!
Thing 2 has wanted to get in his new P.J.'s since oh about noon.
He is READY for Santa!!
Way Way Ready!!
So, at 8:00pm he had everyone convinced that they should all have a slumber party in Thing3's room. They all went in there to make their various nests to sleep in, and by 8:30, he was the only one asleep.
I am excited too.
I hope that they are happy with all their various gifts!

It's all done.
Every last present is wrapped and accounted for.
The stockings are hung.
And the dog is happily having her belly scratched.
What more is there to do but wait.
And wonder.
And hope that the actual occasion outlives the hype...

On another note...
My face still hurts.
Not as bad as on Tuesday, but it still hurts, and is still very numb. I am actually quite surprised with how difficult this has all been.
There are 2 possiblities:
1) It was a much more difficult surgery than I had thought
OR
2) I am getting old therefore I take 3times as long to get better than young people.

Either way, I am taking MUCH longer to heal than I had thought. I figured that I would be up and hopping by now.
Not so.
I don't feel like hopping.
I don't feel like chewing.
I feel like laying around... and sleeping.
How boring and OLD is THAT???

I am excited for the Things to open their presents. They are all going to have total and complete COWS!!!
The one thing that we swore on a million Bibles that we would not EVER get Thing 1, we did.
GASP!
I know.
You are now dying to know what it is...
Well, check back Christmas morning... and you can have a looky lou for yourself!
Merry Christmas folks!

Holy Cow!
It's time to pull up Santa at the Northpole.com!
There are all sorts of fun things you can do with the kiddies... games, letter, pictures... more stuff than you can shake a bell at!
Plus... Norad will track Santa for you, and you can see everywhere he goes...
Check it out HERE
Way way way cool stuff!

Now, for the Random 10 Friday... Holiday edition.
Are you listening to those holiday tunes yet? We are.
I'm getting a little tired of Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, and all the various renditions of that song that the Things know.
Oh Well.
It's only 1 time a year...
So, in honor of Christmas arriving in less than 3 days...
Here is the Holiday Random 10.
Enjoy!

1. O Tannenbaum - Charlie Brown Christmas
2. Only You Can Bring Me Cheer - Alison Krauss
3. Peace - Norah Jones
4. Frosty The Snowman - Dan Tayminski
5. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
8. Edwins Tale - 1862 - Peter Breinholt
9. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In - The Cheiftans
10. The Carol of The Bells - Mannheim Steamroller

Bonus: The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) - Alvin & The Chipmunks

I had my surgery today, and I feel like death warmed over.
Actually, what I feel like is 2 pounds of crap in a 1 pound bag.
Horrid.
Awful.
Throbbing.
Kill me now cause that would definitely be better!

I hope I get better quick, otherwise an all liquid diet for Christmas Eve and Christmas day will really suck for everyone else!

Good for me... Just imagine how much weight I will loose with an all liquid diet!

It's hit that time again...
That time when I start panicing.
Do I have everything?
Is it the right stuff?
Will they like it?
Maybe I should go out and buy them something else...
Oh no!
They just changed their list!
What will I do now?

This is the part of Christmas that is the worst!
The waiting.
All the shopping is done.
All the presents are wrapped.
Now I just have to wait...
And stew...
And fret...
And hope that we exceed their expectations.
And keep myself from going to the store and buying more stuff...

We had such an adventure yesterday.
The Things were all wanting to play with their various friends... So, I told Thing1 that she could play with her friend, if she walked Thing 3 over to her friends house.
Thing 3's friend lives next door, and between our houses is this gigantic mud hole.
Every little boys dream, every Mothers nightmare!!
Anyway, I went out in the garage to say something to Thing 1, thinking that she would be walking on the sidewalk.
Oh no.
That would be too simple.
She thought it would be much much faster to cut across the yards.
And, it would have been, had their been grass there.
I could see them standing there, not moving and Thing 3 was howling like a banshee.
She was stuck in the mud.
Up past her ankles!
Thing 1 was trying to free her, but to no avail. She got stuck too.
Thing 2 came running from his friends house, and tried heroically to save his sisters.
He lifted Thing3 up out of the mud, just to promptly fall backwards into the mud.
His feet were stuck too.

Thing 1 was stuck.
Thing 2 was stuck... laying backwards in the mud.
Thing 3 was laying on top of Thing 2 howling.
I was standing there watching this all unfold... I was horrified because of all the mud... and yet it was a comic act!
I was wearing flip flops, and I went into the abyss, trying to not get stuck myself.
It was squelching and squelching all the while mud was oozing up through my toes.
I hate that.
I pulled out Thing 3.
Then I pulled out Thing 2, and almost fell backwards myself.
Thing 1 got herself out... and we all sulked home.
Filthy, and covered in mud.
I wish I would've had my wits about me so that I would've thought to take a photo!

Thing 3 howling: Ear piercing!
Dirty, muddy clothes: 4 times washing them to try to get them clean!
3 kids stuck in the mud: Priceless!

It's random 10 Friday again...
whatcha listening to?

1. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer
2. Trouble - Ray Lamontagne
3. When I Look To The Sky - Train
4. Walking After Midnight - Cowboy Junkies
5. The Prettiest Thing - Norah Jones
6. The Hardest Part - Ryan Adams
7. Cigarettes & Chocolate Milk - Rufus Wainwright
8. Thinking About You - Trisha Yearwood
9. When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss
10. What I am - Edi Brickell & The New Bohemians

Bonus: Savin' Me - Nickelback

That's how my face felt all this past week.
I think that actually happened.
Maybe that's why I feel better today.
Hummm.
Deep thoughts.

Since I was closer to death on Friday than listening to music, I missed the Random 10 Friday.
I missed it last week too 'cause my computer decided to do a freakout on me.
So, that being said...
Here is our Random 10 Friday...
On a Sunday.
What are you listening to??

1. Sleeping To Dream - Jason Mraz
2. Meet Me In The Back - Melissa Etheridge
3. Torn - Natalie Umbruglia
4. Couch Potato - Weird Al Yankovic
5. To Make Her Love Me - Rascal Flatts
6. When In Rome - Nickle Creek
7. Trust Me - The Fray
8. Steady As We Go - Dave Matthews Band
9. Low - Coldplay
10. Dirty Second Hands - Switchfoot

Bonus: Desire - Ryan Adams

I have been under the weather...
Well, closer to death, I think is more accurate.
I have some major tooth pain going on... so, needless to say I have been climbing the walls!
They gave me some pain pills, which was nice for a while, but then they started not cutting it.
I was delirious with pain, and sort of took too many pills...
Soooo, I got a little...
Well actually A LOT sick. I was supposed to get the teeth fixed on Friday, but I was so sick that we had to post pone it until Monday.
It is totally embarrassing that my teeth are so disgusting. I mean really embarrassing.
I have a yuck mouth.
Yet, I do brush.
I just don't understand it.

I feel better today. Better than I have felt in days. I just may be joining the land of living. At least until tomorrow when I go and have my root canals.
UGH!

I got a new calling in my church tonight.
For all my non-Mormon friends, remember that in our church everyone gets a calling to help out. We are a lay church, which means that everything that is done in the church is done on a volunteer basis. There are various organizations that you can be asked to serve in by the Bishop (the ecclesiastical leader). I have as of late been serving in the Womens Organization-- The Relief Society. It is, as a side note, the largest womens organization in the world.
Anywhere.
Religious or not.
Period.
It is a great organization to be a part of. They offer wonderful support!
I have alternately served the majority of my adult life in the primary organization which is for children ages 18 months to 12 years. That is actually where my heart lies. Mostly because I think that my true age lies somewhere between 3-6.
No.
Really!
Some people get old people... hence their true age.
Some people get teenagers... hence Their true age
Some people get babies.... need I say more??
Some people get pre-schoolers... thats me.
I get the little kids. I like little kids. I wish my kids would always BE little kids.
I get them. I like them. They are a blast!

I don't get teenagers.

I understand adults... I like working with adults. Its fun to teach/discuss with people who think on the same plane as you do.

I don't get teenagers.

So...
What is my new calling??
Working in the Young Womens organization. That is for the teenagers-- ages 12-18.
Thing 1 will be going in to this organization this coming year.
WHAT???
Am I really old enough to have a teenager?
UGH!
So.
I am working in the Young Womens now. Specifically the Beehives... the 12 & 13 year olds. Yikes!!
I am little, well, actually a lot nervous.
Actually, terrified is a better word.

I was afraid of teenagers when I was a teenager.
This is really out of my element.
I feel like I am being thrown in with the sharks...
I hope I don't get eaten alive.

If you are looking for "Things We Never Remember..."
Well, you are in the right place.
I was bored with it, so I played around with the blog templates.
I may change again... we'll just have to see.
Maybe and thats a BIG, GIANT maybe, I will learn how to make my own template.
Wouldn't that be tricky?
Yes.
It would.
Anyhoo...
Here is the new looky-lou for the blog.
What do you think?

CURRENTLY
UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Thing 2 turned 8 yesterday.
Yup.
E.I.G.H.T.

HOLY COW!!
Where did all that time go? He is turning into such a nice boy, and soo thoughtful.
I mean, what boy, when they get home from school, tells their mother that they like their new haircut?? How many boys even notice when their Moms get a haircut?
Mine does.
He always says: "Hey! You got your haircut! I like it!"
What a good boy!!

Jefe wanted to buy him a gun.
Yes.
A gun.
A REAL gun.
Uhhhh.
No.
Don't think so.
So, as a compromise, we settled on a BB gun.
A Red Rider BB gun to be exact.
While we were waiting in line to buy it, someone said to Jefe...
"You'll shoot your eye out!"
Ha.
Ha.
Very.
Funny.

That's what I'm worried about.
Thing 2 was soo excited. They promptly went outside to target practice. We got him some BB's and a "trap" for the BB's to go in. It has these little targets hanging on it, and then once you shoot it, it catches the BB's so that you can re-use them.
It was freezing outside, and Thing2 was happily shooting away... That boy is a good shot.
No.
That boy is a great shot!
I was suprised with how good of a shot he is!

Jefe keeps the BB gun locked up, and Thing 2 can only use it when his Dad is home.
That way, the neighborhood dogs wont start getting tortured...
or the cats...
or the naughty neighbor kids...
Well.
Maybe the poop monster will get it...
Anyway...
Thing 2 is 8. I just can't believe it! How fast time has flown.
He's a keeper.

I'm up and running....
For now anyway.
Praise Allah!

My computer is dying...
So, on that note, everyone needs to post THEIR random 10 today in the comments section.
It's easy! You CAN DO IT!

Hopefully I will be able to get mine too.

HOLY COW!!!
I finally switched to beta blogger...
And to think that I was doing so kicking and screaming!!
WOWEE!!
It is friggin' fabulous!!
I LOOOOOVVVVVEEEE IT!! (again, in my best Zach and Weezy voice!)
It is soo much easier to navigate, and to customize your templets... Well, this new version is pretty dang slick!
I am soo glad that I switched.
Just how glad??
Well, so glad that I made a new blog just so that I could see all the amazing stuff beta blogger can do!
HOLY COW!!!

And, thats all I have to say about that!

Isn't this just the cutest thing EVER??
Thing 3 made this at playgroup today.
I get to host next week.
Everyone who knows me knows that I am NOT one of THOSE moms...
So, now I feel stress.
What do we do next week when it's my turn so that we keep up with all of THOSE moms...
Any suggestions?

This is what we woke up to this morning... Fun huh??

I found this awesome kid friendly Nativity.
Thing 3 LOOOOOVVVVVEEEESSSS IT!! (said in my best Zach and Weezy voice)
It's pretty slick! It's in the size of beany babies... and feels like beanie babies! Its super cute, and adds a nice flair to my collection.
I am going to get one for Anonymous Niece, who's Mother says is a "Jesus Freak." Which I find rather hilarious, seeing how Anonymous Sister-in-law isn't really ANY religion. She said that she has every Christmas movie imaginable, but what does Anonymous Niece want to watch?? Jesus movies.
She has no Jesus movies.
So, I am going to buy her this nativity, along with a cartoon Jesus movie.

She'll LOOOOVVVVVEEEEE it!

Isn't this a great photo?
The weekend is over.
Back to the ol' grind.
Ugh.

Its that time again...
Random 10 Friday.

1. Musicology - Prince
2. Babylon II - David Gray
3. Sunday Morning(Acoustic) - Maroon 5
4. This Kiss - Faith Hill
5. Sweetest Thing - U2
6. Memphis Skyline - Rufus Wainwright
7. Love & Affection - Def Leppord
8. Bang a Gong (Get it on) - T. Rex
9. The Reason - Hoobastank
10. Dreamgirl - Dave Matthews Band

Bonus: The Thanksgiving Song - Adam Sandler

And just cause it was a good day: Virtual Insanity(remastered for 2006) - Jamiroquai

NOTE TO SELF:
When I don't speak the national language of the country that I am in
DO NOT APPLY FOR A CREDIT CARD!!!
It will not only cause me stress, but everyone around me who has to try and explain to me what the hell I just did.

I am NOT a virgin-post-turkey-day shopper anymore!
I went again this year, and I talked Jefe into coming with me.
How I accomplished that, I will never know.
But, I did.
Thing 3 stayed at Jefe's Mom's house with her favorite cousin. Thing 1 & 2 slept in and played video games while Jefe and I attempted the shopping frenzy.
We actually slept until 6:00am. Then slowly, ever so slowly, dragged our butts from bed and started our adventure.
Wal-mart was pretty dead. I was shocked frankly. We must have missed the frenzy. We weren't wall to wall people. We were able to leisurely walk around, and it was actually enjoyable.
We then went to Sams Club, and indulged ourselves on their complimentary Continnetal Breakfast.
Then we meandered over to Kohls.
THAT was where everyone was.
Kohls.
It was a bloody nightmare!
There was ZERO parking.
The lines for both registers met at the back of the store, passed each other and started looping back around the other way.
Jefe kept saying, rather loudly:
OH.
MY.
HELL.
You couldn't pay me enough to stand in that line.

People in line were laughing at him.
He just open mouthed stared at it all.
It was funny.
And yes.
I did laugh at him.
We walked around the store, and promptly walked out.
Nothing is THAT good of a deal to wait in line for that long!
I heard later, when I went into work, that the line at one point was OVER 2 hours long.
ICK ICK Double triple ICK!

We ran into some neighbors hurrying in to get in on the super savings.
We told them to turn around and leave. Man neighbor offered to stand in line for all of us, while we all did our shopping.
Jefe looked at him like he was on crack and stammered:
"UHHHH, Gee. Thanks. But, No Thanks!"

We actually had a really nice day.
We hit all the big ones.
Toys R Us.
Target.
Old Navy.
Wal-Mart.
Best Buy.
Kohls.
Game Stop.
We were going to go to the Mall.... BUT, we both came to our senses and decided that place had 5,000 too many people there!!
At one point we looked at each other and said: "Note to self. Don't do this next year!"

I still don't get the excitement of going out at 4:00am to fight people, ahh, I mean shop.
I saw these women who came into Kohls last night at about 5:30pm. They were still in their P.J's. had MATCHING robes on. And had been going since 3:00am. They said that they would go until about Midnight.
WTH???
Midnight? As if.
Some of them hadn't even been to bed yet... so they were working on ZERO sleep.
As.
If.
I love my sleep to much.

Islandmom said that you can get most of the good deals online, and most of the places are offering free shipping nowadays.
THAT, to me, sounds like a better way to shop.
At home.
Warm.
With my kids.
In my P.J.s
No one looking at me.
AND NO LINES!!!

It was fun to just hang out with Jefe.
We had been saving all year for Christmas, so it was fun to plan out what we were going to get the Things.
We actually got Thing 1 & 2 their first present...
SHHHHH!
I can't tell you.
They read this.
So, stay tuned to find out what it is!

Turkey Lurkey Lou.
Turkey Lurkey Lickle.
I wish Turkey only cost a nickel!

Its turkey day.
Yummm.
I love turkey, and all that - that intales!
Mashed Potatoes and gravy.
Stuffing-- the real deal stuffing, not that stove top crap.
Vegetables.
Sweet Potatoes.
Sweet Potato Pie.
Bread.
Pies.
Pies.
And More pies.
Ahhhhhh.
What a great day for completely stuffing yourself silly.

I've always known that I can pack away the food.
I can eat almost anyone under the table.
It's sortof embarrassing... Especially for Jefe.
I just eat.
And eat.
Then eat some more.
Get up, walk around.
Eat some more.
Its the one day that everyone is trying to pack the food away.
And Pack I did.
I ate so much, that I seriously couldn't have eaten one more thing, even if my life had depended on it.
Once our meal was done, and we were on the way back home... The need for a nap hit me like a 2 ton brick.
I got home, laid down in my bed and had the most satisfying nap EVER!!
And, I didn't eat for the rest of the night either!

Jefe's Mom had us up to her house for dinner! It was absolutely amazing! It was VERY Martha-esq! The table was set beautifully. There was a beautiful centerpiece. The Chairs all had these wonderful covers on them, with beautiful fall ribbon on them with flowers. It was outstanding! It really took my breath away.
I feel just a little intimidated about having everyone at my house next year. I am NOT a Martha-esq person.
I try.
But, I fail miserably.
The good thing is I have a year to get it together in that department!

Anyway...
The meal was amazing, and the decorations were stunning.
It was a wonderful afternoon spent eating, talking, spacing, and playing.
Thank You!
Awesome Mother-in-law!
You out did yourself, again!

I had a house full of kids.
All.
Day.
Long.
In and out.
In and out.
Out and In...
All.
Day.
Long.

Thing 2 and his friends would terrorize Thing 3... And Thing 1.
Thing 1 and her friends were trying to con me into taking them to Subway...
If they would help clean the house.
I took them to Subway.
They didn't clean the house.

Thing 3 was following me around the house, chanting:
Mom.
Mom
Maaam
MOOOOOOMM
Mom.
Mommy.
Mama.
Momma.
Mom.
Moooooooommmmmmm.
Mom.

At one point the noise volume in the house was intolerable.
Now, that being said, I LOVE having all the kids in the house. I love having the Things friends here, hanging out and just being here.
But, today it was just TOO MUCH.
I was hiding in the work room, cause the Xbox was blaring in the family room, and the radio in the kitchen was blaring.
Thing 3 was with me in the work room...
Moming me to death, when I sortof groaned, and mumbled to myself "Someone shoot me now!"
She suddenly screamed at the top of her lungs: "NO! Don't somebody shoot you now! That would mean you were dead and in the ground and you would turn into a treasure in your big box!!"
It took me a minute to process what she was saying.
A treasure?
What?
Oh. I get it.
My coffin would be the treasure chest.
I get it.
Then she proceeded to tell me everyone that would miss me.
Jefe would miss me.
Thing 1 would miss me.
Thing 2 would miss me.
Thing 3 would miss me.
Zoe would miss me.
Burley neighbors would miss me.
"All da neighbors would miss my Mom. Even da whole ward would miss my mom! So, nobody better not shoot you dead!"

Awww.
Shucks.
That's nice.

Science projects.
They end up being the Parents projects.
Thing 1 told me last night at 11pm that I just might pass the 6th grade... This time around.
Funny.
We have been working on the science fair project for a while... But come to find out, we didn't do the experiment correctly... So yesterday we re-did the whole thing!
Yes.
The Whole thing!
We... ahem!
I mean, I finished around 11pm.
Thing 1 did all the typing, and finding of the people to come and do her taste test.
I did all the cut and paste stuff.

Anyway... She did do a good job.
Thanks Jefe for helping us re-vamp the whole thing!
Thank heavens its done, and we get 1 year off before we have to start again with Thing 2.

Sigh.

"Without music, life is a journey through a desert." - Pat Conroy

Its Random 10 Friday.
Rock on!

1. For Good - Wicked Broadway Musical
2. Don't Panic - Cold Play
3. The Hardest Thing - 98 Degrees
4. Heaven Forbid (Live) - The Fray
5. Black River - Amos Lee
6. Jumper - Third Eye Blind
7. Let It Ride - Ryan Adams
8. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
9. No Poetry (Live) - Gary Jules
10. Ding-Dong Daddy Of The D-Car Line - Cherry Poppin' Daddies

Bonus: Hell Yeah! - Montgomery Gentry

My dearest friend --Louisiana Chick-- who I have known for about 15 years (GASP! Has it been that long?), has her husband--Anonymous Sailor Boy-- serving in Iraq. He sends out these emails to all of us to let us know that he is ok and what is REALLY going on over there. I have posted a few things from him on here, with his permission, of course. Here is another one that is profound, and I felt you all should read.

Today is Veterans Day. We started the morning off with an attack that killed 2 soldiers and wounded 2 others. Latter in the afternoon we received an imminent threat message warning of a new danger that we knew was possible but didnt really think would happen; now that its been confirmed its just one more thing to worry about.

The days are getting shorter and the temperature is dropping a little more each day. Mid-day is about 65 and nights are around 50; pretty cold when you are used to 130 during the day time.

Our entire LNO team will be turning over in preparation of leaving in the coming weeks and everyone is being just a little more cautious. Weve had 3 injuries from snipers in the last month; a bullet struck a metal pole I was next to but I dont know if it was from a sniper or a celebratory round, I also had one come through the roof of my trailer. We also had 2 more of our interpreters kidnapped, tortured and executed the other day.

Its funny how this experience will change you. When I first arrived I looked around and ducked at every boom or sound of gunfire. Now I dont really notice it all that much, its like the background noise that traffic makes; you know its there but its just not important unless its real close. Some things become automatic. Every time Ive been on the road or in town I endlessly scanned the roads, windows and rooftops looking for IED and insurgents while kneeling down so I presented myself as a smaller target. Some things havent changed. I still get sick when I see the mangled bodies of children and the results of the insurgents handiwork, I still feel sad when I see the conditions in which many people live, and I still laugh every time I "zap" an unsuspecting Army vehicle with a Navy sticker.

I guess the one thing that struck me about today is that were here fighting and some people back home support us, some dont, some are proud of us, others think were war mongers, some cant wait for our return and others hope we never come home. But we are fighting for their rights and freedom, everyones regardless of what the feel or believe. Here in Iraq its the same thing, some want us gone, some are happy were here, some are proud of us, etc…. you get the idea. But again we are doing the same for them as we do for own citizens. I think a lot of countries could be thankful for U.S. veterans on this day.

I sent him an email thanking him for everything he does... every single day so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do.
Here is his response:

Motherboard,
The biggest thing Ive learned here is the true value of life and the importance of family. Ive always known the value of each but I have a whole new perspective now. Taking a life is much easier to discuss than actually doing it. Living with a decision is much harder than living with "what if". Introspection means you lived and someone didnt. The news at home about the war may be bad but it doesnt even begin to scratch the surface of the horrors that happen here everyday. Here, human life is a disposable commodity. Easily taken without any conscience; not all suicide bombers are volunteers and they arent always adults. Many of the things Ive seen are so bad I cant even talk about them. People at home have no idea how bad things will be for the U.S. if we leave Iraq too early. Iran is just waiting to take over southern Iraq when we leave and has been fighting the U.S. through surrogate organizations (insurgents) every since the war began. In my province Iran has been arming and training the insurgents, but you will never see this in the news.

Every parent in the U.S. should kiss and hug their children at every opportunity. Children are our most valuable treasure and you would be shocked at how little value people in many countries place on them, and sadly even some in our own cities. Sorry if I started to rant. I start thinking about all of this and the next thing I know Im on some type of tirade. Im just anxious to get home to Louisanna Chick and the kids. I have such a wonderful family and am very blessed to have Louisanna Chick in my life.

Take care.
Anonymous Sailor Boy

He is right.
We need to be more grateful for the sacrifices that are being made for us.
Whether we agree or not.
If you are a praying person, pray for our troops... especially Anonymous Sailor Boy. He gets to come home soon. Lets pray him home SAFE!!

Recently I heard about this program on Oprah called (RED). I thought it was pretty slick! I loved the RED razor phone, and really want one. I totally dig the RED ipod. But, I wouldn't buy an ipod just cause they don't synch with Rhaposdy... But whatever. I thought it was a clever idea to have people own/wear RED for a cause. Besides, how chic would you be if you were the only one to have the RED phone or RED ipod, or RED chuck taylors, the RED shirts... Or RED whatever?!
Besides, I totally dig RED!
Then I got this email from someone about wearing RED every Friday in support of the Troops in Iraq. At first I thought it was a tad bit cheesy. I mean, how will wearing RED support the Troops?! But, after a while, and much thought I have decided that I am going to wear RED every Friday until the Troops come home. Not as a form of protest, as some are doing, but more in the form of support.
I was against us going into Iraq. But now that we are there, I feel that it is extremely important for us to support the men and women that are there just doing their jobs. It wasn't the best thing we have ever done; however, we are there now and we need to stay the course and fix this mess that we have created. I don't think that immediate withdrawal is the answer, because Iran is just waiting in the fringes for us to leave so that they can come in and take over where we would leave off. That would be disastrous!
Anyway.
I am going to wear RED every Friday, in support of the Troops who are doing their jobs protecting us so that we can have all the freedoms that we enjoy.
Maybe I will even buy a RED shirt HERE
Care to join me??

Thing 3 came to me and said: "Mama, are my hairs here too long?" pointing to her bangs. "Yeah, they are. We need to get them cut."
I thought nothing more of the conversation until she came back and said: "Mama, are they too long now?"

GASP!

Yes she did.
She cut her hair.
She handed me this HUGE pile of hair.

Oh.
My.
Gosh!

Where did you cut your hair? She took one look at my face, and burst into tears. I had crushed her. Here she thought she was being so helpful by cutting her hair! Jeeze Mom!
I could never figure out where exactly she cut it... There isn't a huge spot missing. She must have cut it clear up to her scalp!
So, we promptly went and had Grandma cut her bangs.
She looks Fabulous!

Jefe recently pointed out to me that, to some extent, my blog is a work of fiction.
WHAT?
How could he think that? I write what is happening in my life, the Things lives...
But, then as I examined my blog more closely...
I realized he was right.
I have tried very hard to only post funny, happy things.
I mean, who wants to read about depressing things?
But by neglecting the depressing things, I have indeed created a work of fiction.

Fiction is good.
Fiction is fun.
But, I suppose its time to get "REAL"...

I had a miscarriage.
There I finally said it.
I had a miscarriage.
It 's not as scary to type those words the second time around.
I didn't actually KNOW that I was pregnant. But, I suspected I was. I hadn't cycled in well over 3 months...
But, with each pregnancy test that I took, they came back negative.
All 6 of them.
Finally I went to the Doctor and had a blood test taken.
# 7 came back negative too. I was perplexed. I just didn't understand.
My doctor said that given my history, my mothers and grandmothers history as well, I very well could be starting menopause.
WHAT??
I'm 35 for Pete's sake!
I can't be, as Jefe puts it, barren.
Barren.
That is such an ugly word.

I was heart broken. I had said all along that I was done having kids.
Done. No more. Complete. Finished.
But then when the doctor told me that I probably wouldn't be having any more, well, I was heart broken.
So was Jefe. Suddenly we realized that we both did want more children, and we were facing a reality that we probably wouldn't be having any more children.
It hurt so much to see people with their little babies.

Islandmom came down with her new baby... And I had a difficult time holding her baby. I wanted one so much, and it hurt so deeply to see that beautiful little bundle, and realize that I wouldn't get to have another.

I think that we had started coming to grips with our new reality. I went and got myself a little part-time silly job. Just to get my mind off things, and to try and pull myself out of this ugly funk that I had fallen into. The job was good for me. I was able to have just the right amount of socializing--without having to get personal.

Then I started my period!
YEAH!
We were soo excited. (that will probably be the only time I ever write that sentence! lol!) Maybe I would still be able to get pregnant.
Now, remember, this had been going on for over 3 months now.
My period was the period from hell.
I had never had such wretched cramps.
I hurt.
All over.
EVERYWHERE!!
But, in reality, it wasn't a period at all.
I was having a miscarriage.
On Halloween.
Oh joy!
I had no idea what was happening to me, seeing how I have never experienced this before.
I was really scared.
I went immediately to insta-care.

Yes, Motherboard. You indeed did have a miscarriage.
Instantly I went from being overjoyed at the fact that maybe I wasn't "barren", to having lost a child.
I was devastated.
Heartbroken.
Again.

It has been 2 weeks since I had the miscarriage.
I am amazed at how much emotion I feel. My emotions are so close to the surface, that I have to shut myself down, so that I don't spend every day crying.
I thought I was doing better. Getting myself together. I mean, I felt hostile towards people. And, for no good reason either. I suppose it was easier for me to exude the hostility rather than deal with the pain... Or just hole up inside my house. I haven't really gone anywhere since it happened. Its easier that way.

Jefe has been astounding through this. His compassion has been duly noted... And I realized through this experience that he is quite the catch. Jefe has been extremely kind and patience with me. I have been a little, well ok. A lot crazy lately. But, he has been a trooper, and I am a lucky woman to have landed such a catch.

My best friend from Illinois has called me almost every day... Sometimes a couple of times a day. I feel so grateful to her. I don't know how I would have survived this without her tears with mine. I have missed her, but feel so blessed that we at least both have Cingular. Why do I feel grateful for that? Because that means unlimited cell phone to cell phone calls. She has her own difficulties, and I just feel blessed to have a friend to share with. Don't get me wrong. Jefe is my best friend. But, sometimes a girl just needs another girl to vent with.

I dropped my basket at church on Sunday.
What do I mean by that? Well, I went from smiling and happy, to the ugly cry in nothing flat. Someone turned and said that they had heard about my miscarriage (which is another thing that causes me great angst! I HATE knowing that I have been the topic of conversation), and they wondered how I was doing.
I lost it.
I went straight to the ugly cry.
Don't stop.
Do not pass go.
Ugly cry.
And, I mean UGLY CRY!
I hate to cry, and I especially hate to cry in front of people who are not my family or friends. It leaves me feeling extremely vulnerable.
I was vulnerable.
Big time!
I was in the midst of the ugly cry. And, I couldn't stop. It was horrifying. I knew that people could see me, but I just couldn't stop.
I went to the bathroom and tried with all my might to pull myself together. It wasn't working.
Our Relief Society lesson was on Trials.
Oh Great.
Sheesh. Were they trying to kill me??
I would've gone home if Jefe hadn't beaten me to the punch. He had already gone home with Thing 3... And was coming back to get us after church was over.
I was stuck.
Stranded.
In the ugly cry.
I finally got it together enough to sit and listen to the lesson without the crying.
At the end of the lesson, someone else came up to me and said the same thing.
And it happened again.
An eruption of emotion just came pouring out of me. Once again, I was in the ugly cry.

I am usually a pretty put together person. I thought that I was dealing well with the whole thing. I thought that I had it all under control. It was over, done with. I was moving on I thought.
Apparently I was wrong.
I dropped my basket.
Big time.
And not only did I drop my basket at church, I did it in front of everyone.
So, now I am embarrassed.
I really am not as crazy as I look. But, then maybe I am just like the rest of the world. Who knows.

So, here is my work of non-fiction. This is my reality.
I am picking up my basket, and I am putting it all back together again.

It was good for me to write this.
I had a miscarriage.
And, I will survive it.

What to do...
What to do...

Do I switch over to beta or not?
Blogger has a new version out... Beta.
What is Beta?
I don't know.
Me, being the un-educated-non-21st-century-techno-savvy- person, doesn't really know what the difference would be if I did switch!

What to do...
What to do...

What if I love it?
But, then again...
What if I hate it??

Decisions.
Decisions.
I'm no good at decisions.

Thing 3 has a sinus infection. After getting her medicine, I came home and proceeded to try and open the anti-biotic so that I could give her the medicine.
For the life of me I could not get it open.

Could. Not. Open. It.
MUST.
TURN.
HARDER.

It just wouldn't open.
I tried for over 15 minutes, but to no avail. I even turned my hands red and raw... What the heck? Child proof! My foot!
Jefe was out to a dinner meeting, and wouldn't be home until late.
I called the pharmacist and sortof yelled at him... It WAS unprovoked... sortof.
I mean, who in the hell puts the lids on so tight that you can't get them off?

I called my nice neighbor and said:"Nice Neighbor, Can I borrow your big burly muscles?" He stammers for a minute and replys: "Uhh. Yeah. What do you want to do with them?"
When I told him what I needed, he says "Can't your manly man open it?" Again, I felt like total retard. I ran over to the burly neighbors house, he opened the medicine for me in one quick turn. How stupid did I feel? Pretty stupid. I told him that I had just loosened it for him...
The cap must have been idiot proof, not child proof.
Then burly neighbor says: "Would you like me to dispense the medicine for you too?"
Uhh.
No.
I think we've got it from here.
He dispensed the medicine, got Thing 3 some chocolate milk. She drank it without saying anything. Then she said in my ear: "I would like to go home now."
Yeah.
Me too.
Boy.
Do I ever feel like a giant dork!

"I've become more comfortable, knowing that I can sleep until two and hang out until ten in the morning and don't have to worry about losing my job. But I'm not a big star. I'm not even a twinkle.. I'm just a rumour." - Tom Waits

It's that time again... Random 10 Friday... Whatcha listening to?

1. Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2
2. Memphis Skyline - Rufus Wainwright
3. The Piano Has Been Drinking, (Not Me) - Tom Waits
4. I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
5. When I Come Around - Green Day
6. Today - Smashing Pumpkins
7. Everybody Wake Up - Dave Matthews Band
8. Oh My Sweet Carolina - Ryan Adams
9. All At Once (Live) - The Fray
10. This Side - Nickel Creek

Bonus: Idiot Boyfriend - Jimmy Fallon

And just Cause its Sunny out:
Hell Yeah - Montgomery Gentry

Am I a nice Auntie or am I a NICE Auntie??

This was Thing2's first basketball game!
HOLY COW!!!
He loved it, and further, he was all over that ball like an ugly suit!
In the past, when it has come to being aggressive with sports, he sortof backs off.
Not now. Not this game. He was all over that ball, gaurding his man... Never letting him out of his line of sight. It was great to watch!
Jefe and He have been practicing his passes all week, and lay-ups! He should be smokin for this Saturday's game!

Thing 3 went to her first birthday party on Saturday. Boy oh boy was she excited. She was ready to go on Wednesday... Waiting for Saturday... Well, it was going slower than cold tar going up a hill! Seriously! She could hardly stand it!
She had a great time. I was really worried about how she would do with giving the present away... And not getting anything in return. But it was all in vain. She did wonderfully! I was also a little nervous because this was going to be a "solo" affair.
Mommy, as you can tell, is having a difficult time letting her grow up!

Now I have seen EVERYTHING!
I have always suspected that my dog thinks she is human.
Now I have the proof.
I came downstairs early this morning, and this is what I found.
Good Grief!

Jefe and the Things carved all these neat pumpkins for Halloween. I just forgot to upload them to the blog...
So, happy be-lated- Halloween- pumpkin- carving!

I love this photo of Thing 2... He is growing up soo quickly and turning into such a little dude!
I was informed recently by one of the Mothers of a girl in his school class that Thing 2 is the boy that ALL the girls have a crush on. She said, inparticular her daughter. She said that getting her daughter to talk about school was like pulling teeth. But, one day she came home and spent over 15 minutes talking about how cute Thing2 was, and how nice he was. "He lets me get on the bus first Mom! He's soo nice!" She kept going on and on about him... "He gets a 100% every week on his spelling test Mom! Just like me! Oh Mom!! Thing 2 is soo nice and soo cute..." yada yada yada. The Mom was just laughing and said it was soo cute to see her daughter so enamored with my son, and further that my son was good boy.

Yes he is.

When words are said, they are like feathers tossed in the wind: They are impossible to get back.

Wowzers! Mowzers!!
I can't believe that I have hit 606 visitors today!
606
Weird.
606 people have come to see what I have to say...
I find myself wondering who you all are...
Do we know each other?
Are we friends?
Or, are you just random strangers, passing by, on your way to more exciting adventures?

I find it hard to believe that people actually come here to see what I have to say.
I am not that profound... Nor do I have the ability to write amazing things...
It's just me.
The Motherboard
With Jefe and all the Things.

606 people.
Wow.
Weird!

Gears of War Cinematic Video (Mad World)

This is my new favorite commercial!! I saw it for the first time a couple of days ago, and about died. I LOVE this song!! This song here is sung by Michael Andrews, who BTW sounds so much like Michael Stipes that I had to go google it just to make sure. This version of the song is from the Donnie Darko Movie Soundtrack. Tears For Fears wrote the original version of this song, but I like the Michael Andrews version better!! Its soo mellow... so... AWESOME!
Jefe loves LOVEs this commercial, and wants the game. I married a person who loves video games, and that is o.k. with me. Its fun to watch Jefe and the Things get all excited over video games. Thing 2 has convinced Thing 3 that the funnest thing in all the world to do is watch him play xbox.
I wonder how much an xbox 360 would be, and further if anyone here would want one for Christmas... Care to comment?

I found this photo of Jefe and I recently.
It was from our little summer adventure when we went ATVing.
What a total blast!!