I love my cell phone. I really have no idea how on earth I survived without it. If I need to know something... I just make a call. I'm running late? No biggie, I have a cell phone. Can't find my kids? No big deal. I just call their cell phones.

And, roll-over minutes! Ahhh. Those blessed roll-over minutes. That is a beautiful thing, my friends-- those roll over minutes.

I will make a confession to you... I once had a ridiculously HUGE cell phone bill! (how large? So large, that if I told you, you would shake your head in utter disgust and say "What in the SAM freaking HILL did you talk about for that long to get that high of a bill??) Gigantic!! All because I liked to talk on the phone so much. My husband took my cell phone away from me, until that bill was paid. That was when we found Cingular (now At&t) roll-over minutes. Amen for Cingular!

I got tired of trying to always figure out who was calling me, so I started downloading ring tones. I was a little nervous at first... it was scary! What if I accidentally did something that charged me $87.00? That would totally suck! I got the hang of downloading, and I sort of went hog wild.

Then, the Young Women at church got a hold of my phone... and it was all down hill from there. Did you know that you can do this beaming thing-- and beam ring tones back and forth? And, it doesn't cost anything? I know. Totally cool!! I actually really like ring tones... a lot. It makes it so that immediately, when my phone rings, I know exactly who is calling.

All the ring tones I have are songs that I not only love, but fit the various persons that they are assigned too. I heard Vampire Weekend on NPR, and then again on my sisters phone... I love Vampire Weekend, and I HAD to have them for a ring tone! My sister made the chorus into the ring tone... and sometimes I "accidentally on purpose" miss a call, just so that I can listen to the song. Everyone has their own specific ring tone... and I love it!

So, today's Soundtrack Sunday is a snippet of my various ring tones. Which one would be yours if you called me today? And, what are your ring tones like?

Say hello to Mojo. Isn't he beautiful. I am over the moon about this dog! He showed up yesterday around 2pm, and I didn't hear a peep from him. He doesn't bark, and he's afraid of stairs! He was so well behaved, I actually thought about shipping Crazy boxer dog off! I was loving watching the 2 dogs play--my dog needs some serious exercise! And, man! Did they ever do the rocket-dog run all over our enormous backyard! I was a having a lovely afternoon watching two dogs play.

And then my baby woke up.

Now. I'm not certain if the Crazylady was evicted again, or if she moved back in... but I had a giant come to Jesus moment. Seriously. What was I thinking? Taking on another giant enormous dog. No matter that this dog was better behaved than mine. No matter that he was silent, and mellow. I must have been smoking some seriously good crack to think that I could handle this (not really. its a figure of speech).

By 10pm Mojo had been packed back into my BIL truck and was headed off into the distant sunset (really just another persons house to crash). I feel terrible, horrible, rotten... Like a giant schmuck.

I mean, they drove all the way from GEORGIA people! From Georgia! To bring the dog here. We had discussed it. Mojo needs a home... I had agreed to house this dog for them. My children were IN LOVE with this dog... and I dashed everyones hopes for a life- partner for our crazy boxer dog. My poor children spent the evening crying... Thing 2 was crying because he thought I was going to give away Crazy boxer dog. Thing 3 was crying because I wouldn't give away Crazy boxer dog.
I loose no matter what!! If I didn't have a brand new baby-- things would be different.
But I do.
So Now, I am trying desperately to find a home for Mojo.
Any takers?

email me at crazylandblogATgmailDOTcom

When I was born I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year and a half. - Gracie Allen


I have been thinking about all the reasons why I am fat. Never mind the fact that I just had a baby. Thats an obvious excuse. Yes. I know that it is normal to gain weight (45 lbs??) when you have a little person inside you... sucking the marrow of life right out. However Moxie is 3 months old now. I think pregnancy weight should drop off you quicker than you gained it.
Anyway.
I'm fat.
And my reasons are: Food. If I didn't need food to keep me alive I think it would be easier to loose the weight. This whole needing to eat to stay alive is really putting a damper on my weight loss goals. Just thinking about food makes me gain weight.
See? I just gained 3 lbs from typing the word {whispering} food. (another 3 lbs) sigh. I like to eat and I like to eat GOOD food.
Can I have an amen?

Good food is my downfall. Well, that and chocolate, and french fries. And, soda of any kind or a Cherry Limeade from Sonic. Jeeze. Then there is Red Robin-Yum. And Cafe Rio Barbacoa Pork Salad.
See? 10 lbs right there.
Sigh.
But, on the subject of music, and concerts... When is too old to attend a concert? Is there an age when you just shouldn't? When should a person "adjust" their music tastes? Because, as it stands now, either I am weird, cause I like most of the popular stuff... or I'm cool cause I like all the popular stuff. I wonder which one it is?!

What's coming up all Random like on your mp3 players? Here's mine.

1. Say - John Mayer (is he not the yummiest thing around??)
2. Typical - Mute Math
3. Amsterdam - Coldplay
4. I'll Fly Away - O Brother, where art thou? soundtrack
5. Betrayal (live) - Dave Matthews Band
6. Something To Be Proud Of - Montgomery Gentry
7. Yes I Do - Rascal Flatts
8. 83 - John Mayer
9. Big Me - Foo Fighters
10. Frosty The Snowman (so?!) - Fionna Apple

Bonus: Far Away - Nickelback

Sunday's lesson at church has been rumbling around in my brain all week. Every time I drive by this specific spot, that was mentioned in the lesson... Portions of the lesson flash through my brain. I suppose that is The Lords way of saying: “Hey You! Right there! Listen to what you were taught! Yeah. I'm talking to You!”

I talked in an earlier post about the construction around my home... and the traffic. Oh that dreaded traffic. There is a specific road that merges onto the horrendous main road. Merging onto the main road almost takes an act of God. Really. Its ridiculous. You can sit at that little intersection for up to 5 minutes, while people drive by and ignore you.

The teacher talked about this intersection... and she talked about the frustration she felt in trying to merge.. when it all just clicked in her brain. She said she watched, as there were 3 types of drivers that would drive by. The first was the driver that was SO focused on his destination, that he had no clue there were any other people even around-- and would just blaze right past-- oblivious. The 2^nd was the one who PRETENDED not to see her, and would speed up, so close to the car in front of them... all the while pretending that she wasn't there. The 3^rd was the one who noticed her, then acknowledged her, stopped and motioned for her to merge.

This has a direct correlation to how we interact with others, or more specifically, how we treat others.

How often are we like the 1^st car-- oblivious to those around us-- and we blaze by everyone without giving any regard to others or their needs?

How often are we like the 2^nd driver? We see others, who may desperately want to be our friends, and associate with us, yet we PRETEND we don't see them? We just ignore them (because they are annoying or weird or whatever...?) How many people are there in our lives that we are ignoring or pretending not to see?

Then, lastly, how often are we like the 3^rd driver? Welcoming to all those around, and trying to include, and be nice to everyone?

I guess what hit me was when she said that the Savior is like the 3^rd driver, but in reality we were all probably more like the 2^nd driver. I have found myself reflecting on this discussion everyday since, as I sit in traffic... at the spot she spoke of trying myself to merge.

Merging into traffic is difficult at times... so is merging into peoples lives. Its tricky, and sometimes scary. How often have I been the one that has blazed past people... oblivious? Or worse, how often have I known people wanted to be in my circle, yet I ignored them... hoping they would just go away. I am ashamed to admit that I have done this. However, I do want to be more like the 3^rd driver.

No one person is better than another. We all have something to offer. All of us are children of a Loving God... wanting to be accepted and loved. Everyone wants friends... My goal is to be CONSCIENCE of others around me who may be wanting or needing.
We all need to feel loved.
I can do that.

My daughter and I came home together after church and she mentioned how much she really liked this lesson. She said she had been trying hard to not be mean or gossipy with other girls. But, its hard. However, after hearing this lesson, she really wanted to try harder to be better. She said she really wanted people to know that their names were safe with her. She wanted to be THAT safe place...

Isn't that all that the Lord requires of us? To be kind to everyone we meet; be that safe place and just BE better? (theres that word BE again...)

“The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through the world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people who will appreciate our compassion, our encouragement, who will need our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the potential to turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt! - Leo Buscaglia

Thats really all I want. To know that I made a difference in someones life. And, it seems to me, that will be accomplished by the small and simple acts that I can do.

What kind of driver are you?

I grew up in a home with 3 sisters. We were your typical sisters... fighting like cats and dogs, but when push came to shove-- we had each others backs! I have fond memories of my sisters, and our silly games we would play... the silly things we would do.

My sister, islandmom, and I had a secret knock that we would do at night when we couldn't sleep. Except that we really didn't understand the knock, so we would end up talking through the wall (our beds were pushed up against the same wall) and telling each other what we were trying to say. We would all tickle each others backs during Church services, and write secret messages to each other on our backs... yes. We did that instead of paying attention.

We were all afraid of the basement. We had our little routines of running down the stairs-- pausing at the bottom-- taking a deep breath, and then dashing as fast as you can to the end of the hall! We were worried about seeing those scary, yellow eyes from the Thriller video. I think that if you ask my sisters, they will admit that they are still afraid of the basement. I still find myself doing our little routine. In fact, I did it just last night.

I was going down the stairs to see my Dad. I stopped at the bottom of the stairs. I peeked around the corner (looking for those scary eyes), found my “spot” at the end of the hall to look at while I dashed down that hall.

Some things, I guess, never change. Basements are scary. Thriller eyes are scary. But, sisters offer comfort. This Soundtrack Sunday is for my sisters. I'll save them from those scary eyes any day!

The main road to my home has been under construction now, for what seems like an eternity. It can take me upwards of 15 minutes to get to the other side of town... when it usually only takes me about 2 minutes. It's really getting rather annoying. I hate waiting, and I am a busy person people (not really) and this traffic mess just doesn't fit into my lifestyle!

I often find myself hurrying through life. Do you do that? Hurrying the kids to eat. Hurrying to get the laundry finished. Hurrying to walk the dog-- which I should do more often. Hurrying here and hurrying there. Just plain hurrying. I often find myself telling my kids to “hurry up”... when we really have no where we need to be. Why do I do that?

I have found myself reflecting on this hurrying nonsense a lot... as I am sitting in traffic waiting. Waiting for the light to change so I can hurry up to the next light... and wait. Hurrying down the road... to wait at the train crossing for that slow train to china... Hurrying to the Dr.s office so that I can wait. Hurrying up to wait.

It seems like I have been doing a lot of hurrying up to wait lately... and I have found myself wondering if these “inconvenient” moments where we have to wait -- in traffic, at the doctors office. you know the places -- Could these "waiting moments" be God's little gift to us saying “Slow down, my dear. Life does not need to go so fast” Couldn't he be trying to help us to Stop. Reflect. Breathe deep and enjoy?

Since I have been thinking this... I have found these inconveniences of waiting don't seem to bother me as much. I can hurry up to wait... so that I have time to reflect. To think. To breathe and just BE.

What do you think?

There is a fun little tag going around, and I got zapped. Twice. So, I decided to play along. I actually had taken these photos a while ago, for a post that I was working on. I wanted to show off my new little trinket that Jefe bought me after Moxie was born. Blogging in bed is MUST! But, when I fell asleep, surfing the internet (and was subsequently MOCKED for days afterwards), I try to refrain from bringing the laptop to bed with me. Ya gotta draw the line somewhere... and falling asleep whilst blogging is the line.

So, this is area #1 that I blog. My kitchen desk. I actually like this little spot... Moxie can swing, the kids can watch TV and we are all happily entertained... and its easier to get stuff done with it in the kitchen... sometimes!

This is where, if I want to "Get down to business" I go. It's my office. I do my blogging, serious writing, lesson preparation, photo editing, scrapbooking & I am starting digi scrapping too. It's where my dog can lay in the window seat and watch the world go by; Moxie has a little portable crib in here to sleep in; and its right off the TV & playroom. Yet, it seems that when I am in here "working" my kids eventually end up here too. I have the left side of my desk all clear for Thing3. She has her own little keyboard that she types on with me. She will come in and draw while I am writing, and when I am scrapbooking, she does her own scrapbooking too. It's actually quite fun!
And hey! Don't knock my poster of the giant cow made out of butter!

Isn't it fun to see where everyone is creating all these fun posts we like to read? I have really enjoyed seeing where everyone "works". Mostly because I am design challenged-- so this gives me ideas on what I can do for my office!
I already want to find a desk like Jan's and a gi-normous monitor like Merrianne's!

What do you want in your office, besides my AWESOME 400 lb butter cow poster?? (I'm so kidding about my poster. You can't have it!)

I just finished the 3^rd Stephanie Meyer Book. I waited a whole year to read this book. I needed to wait that long so that I could forget just how irritating these books are. I am not sure why these particular books irritate me so much, but they do. I know that I am now going to get an onslaught of comments about how I just don't “Get” these books. Or, I need to relax, they are "JUST" books.
I know. I know. But, they really, really bug me.

Maybe its the fact that the vampire (again, I can not believe I read this book) is EVERYTHING I do not want my daughter attracted to. He is controlling, manipulative, and lets face it people. He's 100+ years old. Ick! He is seducing this girl... This stupid retarded (sorry. I know that word is so NOT P.C.) numb-nutz of a girl!

Bella.
She is another character that I just want to slap silly and then shake her to death. I guess I was never so over the moon about a boy that I was willing to give up everything. Never. Nor would my parents have allowed it. Seriously. That whole parental dynamic thing was weird. It seemed like Edward was a boyfriend that was heavy on the father figure role. Isn't that sort of.. oh. I don't know. Icky?

I was reading this book at the same time as my sister, ima10cow. We kept comparing notes, and thoughts. She texted me right after she finished and asked me if I had finished “that vampire book yet.” I asked her how she liked it, and she said “Its been several days... I'm not as irritated any more.”

Thats exactly how I felt. I kept muttering under my breath about how this book bugged the crap (with a capital C) out of me. Jefe finally asked me why the heck I was reading it, if I hated it so much. Well. I HAVE to find out if she marries the stupid Vampire(?!) or if she comes to her senses and realizes that life with a Vampire really would not be a that great of a life. I mean, lets face it. She gets woozy at the sight of Jacobs bleeding hand!! How does she think she is going to handle NEEDING blood?? She clearly hasn't thought this thing out! Sheesh.

I know that I am in the minority here, not liking these books. I have been trying to figure out why I don't like them. I guess I am irritated with the fact that I let my daughter (who had just turned 12) read these books before I did. It was at the suggestion of a friend... That was my stupidity, and I should have known better.

For me, reading these books = no big deal. A 12 year old = big deal! The fu-fu la-la feelings that I am sure were stirred up in her bother me. She was exposed to something that I can now never erase from her beautiful mind. It irritates me that they are billing this for YA... I would say it is for older YA's that have had more life experiences than that of 12-14 year olds.

I just don't want my daughter, or any of the Young Women I teach, to think that THIS is the way “True love” is. You should never feel like you have to give up any of yourself when you are with someone. I feel like it is a great example of love vs. lust... but maybe I am over analyzing this book. Maybe I need to just relax and enjoyme a good vampire/werewolf/human love triangle.
Eee Gads.

When my sister asked me if I was going to read the 4^th book, I nearly shouted at her: “Yes! Because now I have to find out if she marries the stupid vampire, or comes to her senses and runs off with the werewolf!”

Lets discuss.

ps. I DO like Jacob. I liked book # 2 the best... because it was Jacob-centric. Edward creeps me out. Old man.
Pshaw!

My SIL just finished getting her Masters in Child Psychology. She is doing her internship this year, and then applying for PhD programs. She often gives me great books that deal with children, and the various issues regarding raising children. They are always fabulous, and I am always grateful to be able to bounce ideas off her, and get suggestions for raising my own kids. So far, she hasn't turned me in to DCFS... so I must be doing OK. :>)

She gave me this book to read a while back, before Moxie was born. I just couldn't bring myself to read it. It is a HARD subject, (thats putting it mildly!) and it can be an offensive subject. I mean, who wants to read about Predators? And hear from their mouths, first hand, how they choose their victims? I surely did not. So, I put that there book on a shelf and tried to forget about it. Yet, every time I went to the bookshelf to get something to read—there it was. Staring at me. Daring me to read it.

I picked it up several weekends ago and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. It was mind blowing, disturbing and every bit as awful as you could imagine. I just could NOT stop myself from reading. And, in the end, I am glad that I DID read it. It is not an easy read. I had to skip several parts-- it was just too yucky for my little naive brain to comprehend.

Yet, its descriptions of predators, and how they stalk our children was valuable information. I found myself evaluating all the relationships in my life... being more vigilant. There is never a time where we should have our guard down, according to this book. And, I think that I would agree.

This time that we live in... this era... it is not the same that You and I grew up in. No longer can we send our children out to ride their bikes all over town-- as Jefe & I both did-- all summer long! NO. It's just not safe any longer.(yes. My children DO have cellphones... so that I can let them have a little more freedom!)

No longer are backyard sleepovers OK. No longer are sleepovers in general OK. We just don't do them at my house... you can ask us for a “half sleepover” and I will gladly pick my child up before 11pm... but anything more is just out of the question! You just never know what COULD happen. I understand that I am probably a little over the top. Thats OK with me. I would rather be over the top, and my child safe, than WISHING I would have been more vigilant.

This book is a hard read. It is not for everyone. Heck, its probably only for us “over protective- SIL - of - therapist" types. But, I AM glad I read it. However difficult/painful it was.

You probably think this is Moxies hand. Right? Well. You would be wrong. This is Thing 1's hand. When she was Moxies age. I can't believe she was ever THAT small.

What on earth did we ever do before photo shop?

Thing 3 loves to play dress up. More importantly, she loves to play dress up with her Brothers clothes. When she was younger, she would cry if I wouldn't let her wear Thing 2's clothes. I have learned that with her, I have to pick my battles. Clothing is not a battle that I choose to pick with her. Yet.

She is usually found running around our house in spider man, or superman capes. She likes to go on walks in her costumes... I suppose she is patrolling the neighborhood. The neighbors should feel so much more secure with the Justice League on patrol!

Imagine my suprise when I found this photo of me...

Is she my kid or WHAT?
We both have no shame on wearing the most ridiculous attire we can find to roam the neighborhood!

I was actually going to do something else for my Throwback Thursday... but when I saw this photo, it reminded me of my friend Jan... I guess she's not the only basket case around!

Life. It has a way of coming full circle. I like to think of it as God's little way of never letting me forget things. Or perhaps a kind of Tender Mercy, if you will. No matter what you call it, life does go full circle. My mother used to tell me that is why you are ALWAYS nice... because everything comes full circle. What goes around, comes around. That little saying is usually used with regards to "Bad energy"... but with me it has been my little blessing from above.

I lived, for 19 months, away from my family serving a mission for my church. I paid my own way(acutally my Dad paid my way...), and I actually called off a wedding so that I could go serve this mission. (I know you are wondering if Jefe is the person with whom the wedding was called off... Umm. NO. He's not. He's better!).
I wasn't allowed to talk with my family or friends... only via snail mail. I suck at snail mail.
We didn't watch T.V. or listen to the radio or even date. It was hard work (read: a lot of service, and teaching people about Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ), and yet it was life changing for me.

I served 10 months in 1 area. When I was transfered from that area (again. we had no say in where we would go... we were assigned), it was like leaving home again for me. Only worse this time around. I knew that the likelihood of seeing those people in Orofino again were slim to none. I knew it was time to move on, however, I was scared spit less.

You see, my assignment had been, up to that point, to be an English speaking missionary. Pretty easy, seeing how I actually speak English.
However, when I got this new assignment, it had been changed to Spanish speaking. I about DIED. Why?
Well.
Because I can't speak spanish, let alone teach people about God, and Christ.
I did take 4 years of high school spanish, and the only thing I could remember how to say was "where' s the bathroom" (very useful!) and "My horse fell off a bridge" (not so useful). I spent a lot of time crying. Crying because I was homesick for my last area, and all the friends I had made. And crying because I couldn't speak to the people I was assigned to work with. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done! It was where I actually learned to rely 100% on my Heavenly Father.

Now. You are probably wondering why I am telling you this story.
Well.
Its because it was in this area that I lived with a family, The Robbins. And, they treated me like I was part of their family. They took care of me, as if I was their daughter. They probably don't even know how much it meant to me, but it was huge. I was in a pretty bad car accident in this area... and Bro. Robbins ran me to the hospital because I banged myself up pretty bad. (no. i wasn't wearing my seatbelt! but in my defense, it was broken. But, we were stupid 20 something girls, and thought we were invincible! but, that story is another post in and of itself. Lets just say, we had angles watching us that day... we shouldn't have walked away!) He even helped me get crutches to use, because I couldn't walk for a while. Then, I got pretty sick. And Sister Robbins took care of me... and treated me like her daughter. Nursing me back to health.

They were so willing to cart us hither and yon... making sure we were always happy, and fed. It was a difficult, growing experience for me... this area. I couldn't speak the language, and I was sad. But, the Robbins were there, guiding me; helping me to be the best that I could be. Even giving me gentle reminders when I wasn't doing my best. Of all the areas on my mission, this one stands out the most. It is where I grew the most; where I learned the most about ME... and that I could do hard things!

I posted a similar photo like this one here a while back for my Throwback Thursday.

Imagine my surprise when I got a comment asking me when I was there, and if I had lived with any families. It was from JAN. We commented back and forth on each others blogs, and came to the realization that I had lived with her parents for 4 months. I had roomed next door to her wonderful Grandmother. I remember her Grandmother, Polly, quite well. We had many a discussion in the middle of the night when neither of us could sleep. She was a good woman. So is Jan's Mom & Dad.

I was thrilled to have found this wonderful family again. They mean a lot to me. They helped me during a difficult time... and I doubt they even knew that I was struggling. Yet, what they were doing helped me. Just being in their home helped me to keep my chin up, and keep pushing forward. It was hard... that mission thing. And they were my 2nd parents for a short, but important time in my life.

I even remember Jan, and her 2 older boys. Brother Robbins would talk about Jan and Ed... and his face would glow. I could tell he loved this daughter of his... And really. Can you blame him?! She is amazing! How could she not be... coming from the stock that she does?

Moxie and Little Miss were laying next to each other on the floor earlier this week. Little Miss kept trying to suck on Moxies head, which really made Moxie mad! Then Little Miss grabbed Moxies hand (with some help from ima10cow). I was able to get some great shots of the two of them... it will be so much fun when they are older!
They will be best friends!
Dang it!

We passed this tree on our way home from our vacation this last weekend. It is a huge, old, dead tree that is completely full of shoes! It was crazy, and very fun to shoot.

I have been doing a some thinking lately (dangerous past time, I know-- bonus points to the person who can name the movie that's from), and I would really like some answers!

Baby clothes.
My laundry has tripled since Moxie's birth... but seriously.
Dry clean only baby clothes?
I mean really? Dry clean only? What numb-nutz thought that would be a good idea? Did they not think about the amount of times a baby will puke on themselves?
Dry Clean only clothes?
As if.

Spam.
And not the kind you eat.
I hate spam.
Seriously. Do spammers have nothing better to do with themselves than spam? And, what kind of dope head comes up with this stuff?

You want to share with me some secret money from Nigeria? Wow. Really? How do we know each other? Oh yeah. That's right. We don't.

Someone wants to meet me on Singlesnet? Really? That's weird, 'cause I have never been to singlesnet. Are you sure?

If I really wanted to graduate with a paralegal degree, I would contact you.

This is an awesome blog award because it's about more than just saying: "I like your blog. It's neat." (said in my best Napoleon Dynamite voice)
No. This award is more about a mother's way of sharing her love for her child. A child that she would have lost had it not been for an organ transplant.
(Everyone become organ donors OK?! I am one. Are you?)

Thanks to Cheryl for "Sharing the Love" with Me. If you leave me comments or are in my blogroll over there-----> then you win this award too! (see the 'rules' below)
You all make me laugh, you all make me smile and you all are so good at "Sharing the Love" with me!

*muwah*



The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

37 

Timestamp: 2008-06-16 06:10:06 UTC

Mindyluwho

Email me with your information, and I will get your prize right out to you!

Thank you, everyone, for commenting on this little giveaway! It was by far the funnest birthday I have ever had... including the ticket!! And, it was because of all of you! Thank you!

Ya'll come back now & comment!

Ya hear?!

First of all, thank you everyone for all your participation on my Favorite Things Giveaway! I was so nervous that no one would enter, and my suspicions of my dork-hood would be confirmed!!
Whew.
If you haven't entered my favorite things giveaway... you still have time. Comments close on Sunday night... midnight.
Keep commenting.... this is fun!

We are still on our little mini vacation and we are having a blast!! I have been taking lots of photos to post later.
The kiddies are hap-hap-happy! They have done pretty much every single thing that this resort has to offer, and then some! It makes me happy to see them so happy!


The one photo that I wish I would have gotten is the one of the police officer that pulled me over.
Yeah.
I got pulled over for speeding...
I got a ticket.
On my birthday.
And boy oh boy! Was it a doozy!

Jefe has had a hay day with this little gem. He happily reported to all his co-workers who are ATTORNEYS-- that his wife got busted on our drive down here.
Yeah. THATS been fun banter.

I wasn't going THAT fast... (is 80 in a 60 really THAT fast? and yes. I have a fuzz buster. no. I don't know it didn't work) I can't help it if the police don't think my lead foot is an actual disease that would cause someone to have a difficult time not speeding.

I knew I was getting a ticket as soon as I saw the police car... we were passing each other... going opposite directions. I told everyone to keep calm, and to not talk.
Thing 3 was in the back seat crying about Mommy going to jail.
Jefe was kerpluffing, and Thing 1 kept saying "I knew I should have told you to slow down!."
I kept telling everyone to keep calm! Keep calm, and let me do the talking! I figured I would be able to talk myself out of yet another ticket (I got pulled over 16 times before I got my first ticket... brown eyes come in handy sometimes!).
I was a little nervous as I handed over my Illinois license.
Illinois?? You may be asking yourself. But, Motherboard haven't you lived in Utah for the last 3 years now?
Why, yes I have. But, this silly little license was last form of a silent protest (which has turned out to be not that silent anymore!)
Anyway.
I was going to do all the talking, cause I'm thinking I can get myself out of this here ticket. The Sheriff walks up to our vehicle, like a regular old western sheriff I might add-- complete with the swanky mustache!
"Ma'am, the speed limit is 60... " and here is where my "sweet, brown eyed talking" comes into play.
Me: Oh. Really? How fast was I going?
Sheriff: How fast do you THINK you were going?
Me: Oh. Ummm. Well. 75.
Sheriff: Yeah. Thats what I thought. Hand over your license and registration please.

Jefe laughed over that one. "I let you do the talking and that all you could come up with?"
Yeah.
So?
What would you have said?

See you in a couple more days!

With it being my birthday and all, I decided to share the love, and have a my favorite things give away! I told my cousin what I was doing and she actually squealed! and said "Like Oprah!?!"
Umm.
No.
Not like Oprah.
She gives away houses and cars, computers and boats...
I'm just giving away stuff...

Some of my favorite things...
A mini pedicure kit

Burts Bee's wax lip balm --you know, the stuff that has crack in it?! I love this stuff! I really think I'm addicted. (crack?!) I have 1 in my room, 1 in the car, 1 in my pocket, 1 in the diaper bag... you get the idea... I'm telling you. They put crack in it!

Lots of different varieties of wild flowers -- 6 packets to be exact, because I LOVE wildflowers!!

Jack Black! He is so funny, and this movie makes Jefe and I laugh! We have seen it tons, and I still laugh!

My favorite candies

My favorite Book with a bookmark. I love ALL things book related! I sort of get all glassy eyed when I go into a bookstore. My heart races, and I must. touch. the books.
I was going to offer up a Harry Potter Book, but my sister, iam1ocow, said that anyone who reads will have Harry, so I offered up The Bean Trees.
This is my very favorite book. It is just a nice read, and rich with symbolism. I just think she is brilliant!

And Lastly, not pictured: Burgers and Fries. I love Burgers and Fries. If it was at all possible -- and it is, I guess. I mean, I AM the Mom-- I would eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loves me a good burger!!
I went to my favorite burger joint yesterday for lunch with some friends (go bonzai burger!) and was going to get you a gift certificate there... but then it dawned on me that maybe, just maybe, you may not HAVE a Red Robin (go never ending fries!) where you live. (gasp!)
So, once the winner is chosen, I will email you to see what you have near you... and wah-la!! You will be eating God's greatest creation -- the Burger.

So. Here it is folks. My first ever give away. Leave me a comment (just 1 please), and I will pick a winner Monday, June 16th... after I return home from our little mini vacation (thanks to Jefe's work!)

What are you waiting for?
Go.
Comment.
And, tell your friends!

I had another arguement with Crazyboxer dog this morning. She would not go outside to do her bid-ness. I finally got her outside, and down off the porch. I shut the door, and she ran back up onto the porch and started knocking on the door.
Yes.
My dog knocks on the door. Doesn't yours?
I actually have to keep the door locked, because she has figured out how to open the door--- by pawing at it till it turns enough she can push through.
(who needs those pesky thumbs anyway when you can paw something to death?)
It is so annoying.
Anyway.
We argued for about 10 minutes, she and I. I am sure my neighbors were really enjoying seeing me, in my pajamas, standing on my back porch, yelling at the dog to "Go potty!" then freakishly kicking my legs at her. Not a pretty sight.
Open door, yell, kick legs, shut door. Over and over.
It's cold out there, I get it. MY feet were cold.

But, when her ear does this weird stand up thing... like she's trying really hard to hear something... my heart melts.

I was lucky this time to have caught the ear in its act. I love it when her ear does that... for some strange reason, to me it means she's happy.

I turned on my heater this morning. I think the weather Gods missed the memo that its Summer! Its raining, and Jefe went off to work with his leather coat.
COAT and JUNE just seem like an oxymoron to me.

It's raining down here, so I can only imagine what it's doing up in the mountains where Thing 1 is sleeping. I hear that some parts of the Mountains got snow last night.
Again, SNOW and JUNE = Oxymoron.

I made Thing 1 pack all sorts of ridiculous items for girls camp (at least she rather loudly told me they were ridiculous!) like long sleeve shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and several pairs of socks. By several I mean A LOT! I would tell her she needed more socks, she would roll her eyes. I told her: "You have to rotate your socks, always keeping your feet in dry socks. So pack more socks. You can double up on socks at night." She sighed, rolled her eyes and was all "Mom. This isn't like the olden days... its WARM outside". (olden days?? whaatt?? )

She about died when I made her carry her coat with her."Mom! Its freaking warm outside. I don't need my COAT!" Yes you do. She took her coat. She looked like a little granola hiker... with her long sleeve shirt, her water proof hiking boots - at my insistence, her backpack with a water bottle and beef jerky. All the other girls showed up in shorts, t-shirts & flip flops -- sans coat.

Yeah.
She's thanking me now.

It's my birthday this week!! (Gasp!)
I am going to be 37 on Thursday. We are going, as a family, to an all inclusive Resort to the south of us for the weekend with Jefe's work. They do this every year and foot the bill for the entire firm to go and just relax for a weekend. We have been to various places, but I think I am the most excited for this one!!

Anyway.

I have been wanting to do a giveaway for a while now. But, was a little scared. I mean, I only have like 4 readers, and 2 of them live in my house. What if no one entered? Would that mean I really am a giant dork??
I am hoping that more people will enter this give away than did my trial one I had a while back... Yeah.
Only 1 person entered-- my daughter-- so she won by default I guess. Even though she was right (thanks to the help of Google!)

So.
I am off today to get all the goodies that will be in my giveaway... my favorite things.
My birthday giveaway will start June 11th (although my birthday is on June 12th) and it will run through June 14th, midnight. I will pick a winner then and post their name on Monday.

I will also post later the photos and descriptions of all the lovely things you can win...
Trust me.
Its a good one! At least I think so!
So, run along and tell all your friends to come back here and enter my giveaway starting tomorrow!

Wow.
Two wins in one week is fabulous!
I won another giveaway from Cheryl over at happy meets crazy. I love that blog title... Cause that's how it seems my life is, but backwards--- crazy meets happy!
She is a great writer, and presents great thought provoking ideas... give her a shout out!

I love online give aways... it does me wonders to have someone tell me "you're a winner!"
Go HERE and see the lovely creation I just won. I am thrilled, and can't wait to be a virtual walking party with my new digs!
Thanks mysteryhistorymom! I can't wait to see them! You should check out her blog-- she is quite creative!
I love her url-- perfect is boring... I couldn't agree more!

Thing 1 is almost 13. You remember that age right? I do. It was rough. She is trying her hardest to exert control of herself, to find herself... This excites me, and frightens me all at the same time!

We have sort of been at odds lately... the eye rolling has begun with full force. And the sighing... oh the sighing. Its infuriating. And, I would like to smack the person that invented the word "WHATEVER". Imagine with me, if you will, all three of these rolled into one... sighing, rolling eyes and whatEVer!. Doesn't that sound lovely?? I'm not complaining (yes I am), it's just been difficult to deal with. I know this is teenage-dom at its best... but still.

I figured she would be thrilled to be off to girls camp this week without any sort of parental unit near by. She was all packed by Saturday afternoon. She was ready to go yesterday by 9:00am... she even cleaned her room-- with some gentle prodding from Jefe. (It looks better than it has in a long time!) She and I went out to lunch before her departure, and had a lovely time. I was a little nervous for her. But, I figured it was just because I am a helicopter parent--- who is trying to reform! I went with her last year as her leader. This year, I have a new baby, and so I decided to stay home (the young women, much to my delight were quite vocal about me not coming. that made me feel good).

As we were getting her remaining supplies ready on Sunday, I was quite weepy. I was going to miss my dear daughter... my friend. She has been my constant companion since she was born. I had to write her a letter to be read during her spiritual time, and I had a hard time writing it without crying. She is a beautiful daughter of God, and I feel blessed to call her my daughter. I know that this age-- teenage--- is typically full of... what is the word I am looking for? Disgust for parents? Embarrassment because of parents/siblings? Rage because of the lack of freedom? Maybe a little of all those words. I want her to understand her divine worth... but to translate that into a letter is difficult. I knew I would miss her, but figured she would relish the time away from her annoying family.

Imagine my surprise when Thing1 turned to me before we got to her pickup spot and said "Mom, I'm nervous to go to camp!" I was shocked. She had been so excited. When I asked her why... she said "Because I'm going alone... and I'm going to miss you." She gave me a giant hug and kiss... in front of all her friends!!

Ahhhh.
She does like us.
Even though she likes to pretend she doesn't.

ps. I do miss her. And its going to be cold tonight for her. Poor girl!

I was sitting here, working diligently on my Soundtrack Sunday, when I saw my sister, islandmom, had put up her Soundtrack. I love to read what my sisters write, because sometimes they are stories I have not heard before. That's the whole purpose of Soundtrack Sunday... and blogs really. But, that is another post, for another time.

Islandmoms Soundtrack Sunday is one of the most beautiful things I have read lately. I know this story. I remember when she first posted this Layout ... And I remember that I cried the ugly cry... finally for her. She has an amazing gift with photos, and scrapbooking that is remarkable. She takes better photos of her kids than anyone I know. She can put things together in ways, that for me, resemble art.

So, I tossed my Soundtrack Sunday for this week. Islandmom's is too beautiful to go unnoticed. Go read hers. And, make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy. You'll need it. I'm still crying over here in Crazyland.

To Islandmom: You inspire me. The way you handled your trial was/is remarkable. I was amazed at how you both kept pushing forward... never asking to be released from your callings (you both had stake callings, no?!) You taught me what it means to really turn to the Lord. You also taught me that in the final analysis, it doesn't matter who was right. It's not about that at all. Most things are NOT worth arguing about... I learned that from watching You and Mr. Beans. When you blessed A.S. I remember thinking I had never seen 2 people more at peace than what I saw in you two. It was inspiring. I felt the spirit so strong around you both, and you could see the peace in both your eyes. You know where you both are going... and you are OK with it. You and your family are remarkable. I love you, and I am so glad you're not only my sister... but my friend. You are wise beyond your years, dear sister. And I love you for that!

We all know that I live my life in musicals, so it should be no surprise that I love everything Broadway. The Tony Awards are just around the corner. That is one of my favorite shows to watch. And, I watch every single minute of it. Much to Jefe's shagrin.

Anyway. Imagine with me if you will my complete joy when I found out THIS.
Pretty awesome huh? The website is fabulous, and the music is amazing! Do you think the other movie patrons will get mad if I stand, sing and dance through the entire movie? But, besides all that Colin Firth& Pierce Brosnan are just yummy. Grrr.
I love ABBA. I once broke up with a boyfriend because he liked ABBA (and star trek). How nerdy is that? (not to mention shallow)
Anyway. Here I am decades later, jamming out to ABBA, and loving all things Sci-Fi.


I can't wait to see t his movie. Are you going?

If people never did silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done. -Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 - 1951)

I cheated today on Random 10 Friday. It's true. But, when the first 2 songs came up, I just could not bring myself to post them. Wanna know why? Well. Its because it was Little Drummer Boy, and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Gene Autrey.
Yes.
I still have Christmas music on my MP3 player. And, I'm embarrassed to admit that I listened to it cranked, and Thing 3 happily danced around. I tried to sing, but it came out more of a really loud croak. So, I quit singing. But, I did bop my head around a bit!

What are you listening to?

1. No Stopping Us (Eagles Ballroom Live) - Jason Mraz
2. Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe - Barry White
3. Rain Falls Down - Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband
4. Here - Rascal Flatts
5. Within You - Ray LaMontagne
6. Life is a Highway - Tom Cochrane
7. Willie The King - Dan Wilson
8. We Belong Together - Gavin DeGraw
9. Voices Carry - Til Tuesday
10. Hunger For The Great Light - Dave Matthews Band

Bonus: Next to Me (wait a minute sister) - Gavin DeGraw

I feel like I have been run over by a cement truck. That could quite possible feel better than how I am feeling today. I hate being sick, and further, hate being sick in the summer. Summer colds are the worst. But, I do have to say that in the midst of this little summer cold, I have been taught some valuable lessons.

I have a horrible habit of when I want to talk to my children, I yell their names as loudly as is humanly possible. Its laziness on my part really. I don't want to go searching the house over for them... So I yell. And, they yell back. There is a whole lot of yelling going on in this here house.
Yelling sort of chases out the peaceful feelings that I have been craving for my home.

Well, the past couple of days, I have had no voice. I can talk, but its rather soft. When I need my kids, I have to actually get up and go find them to talk to them. Can you imagine my surprise when, even though I am sick, there was a nice peaceful feeling in my home?

Yesterday, everyone woke up ornery. We had to hurry out the door, sans breakfast, to piano lessons. We have an extremely strict teacher (no Sherrie. you are not strict. you are nice... and the kids respond better to that!), and the kids kind of dread going to piano lessons. Thing 1 went around grunting and moaning at everyone. Thing 2 was short, and explosive... which is SO not like him. Thing 3 was crying over the slightest things... like not being able to find the exact sock she was looking for. Moxie, was just sitting watching everyone unravel, and it was only 9:00 in the morning. Sometimes I wonder if Moxie finds herself thinking "Man. this place is a madhouse. I should have stayed up there!"

The thing that was amazing is that in the midst of the first of many meltdowns yesterday. I had no voice to yell. I had to walk over to my children, look them in the eye and speak with them. Can I tell you how much difference that has made? I could not holler out: "Get your shoes on! We're going to be late." I had to look at them, talk with them. They were grumpy, yes. But they cooperated. By the end of the day. Everyone was happy. Everyone was playing together. We even all took naps (shh. don't tell).

Yelling. I hate yelling. Yet, I do it all the time. It really does not help the situations, it only escalates them. When the kids were being out of control yesterday, rather than me being louder than them, I was quiet. And they had to stop so they could hear me. I used to scoff at my psychologist friend who would tell me that when the kids are being naughty, you should be softer. Yeah. Riiighhhtt! I didn't believe him until yesterday.

I am trying my hardest not to yell. Even if it's just to have them come to dinner. Eye to eye communication is best. I want to be communicated with like that. So do my children. I don't know if it will always work, but I feel like Heavenly Father was trying to teach me something. Being run over by this proverbial cement truck was a tender mercy teaching me how I can be a better Mom.