Hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
When I was in Elementary school, I spent one entire year checking the same book out every week at Library time. I would actually read the book over and over again, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Robinson, our librarian.
She tried her darnedest, every single week, to get me to check out a new book. She would show me the latest, greatest books, begging me to try something new. I would look around, pondering and clutching my favorite book, and then it would be time to go back to class... me and my book. Mr. Sendeck and I were inseparable that year.
That is, until Mrs. Robinson told me that she would not check that book out to me anymore. I think she said something like she had promised it to another child and so I had to find something else to read. I think I was the bane of her existence that year... me and my obsession with Where the Wild Things Are.
Oh how I loved this story, Where the Wild Things Are. My Mom would even beg me to try something new. "You never know, you could find a book that you love even more than this one." No way. Never! I would shake my head and head off to my room to imagine myself as the little wild thing.
Can you imagine how excited I was when they started making those adorable little wild thing stuffed animals? Thrilled beyond words. When I went to the Chicago Art Museum once, they had Wild Thing note cards... Yeah. I bought them all.
So. Knowing all that about me, imagine my sheer glee when Jefe showed me this trailer last night.
It's just like I had imagined it, all those years ago, when I spent an entire school year reading, imagining and plotting how I could be The Wild Thing.
My Dear Thing 3
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Six years ago, I was sitting in a hospital room, hooked up to an IV drip line, watching the war in Iraq unfold. I seem to recall having a small debate with my Dad... he was convinced that we would be in and out of Iraq within 30 days. I seem to also recall that he bet me $100 that we would be in out and on with life within that 30 days... humm. I think I would like to collect that $100 dollars now Dad. With Interest!
Anyway...
I was having an emergency induction to get Thing 3 here. She was my little sickie... our baby that cost the most (read:$70k+ No lie!) and the one that I spent over 4 months on bed rest waiting and worrying about her...praying that she would be born healthy and fine.
They thought that IF she had kidneys, there would be only one, and typically when there is renal problems, there are heart problems as well. When I would be stressed, then she would be stressed.
I got to experience the joys of bed rest. The Dr.'s also thought that when she was born, she probably would have a difficult time breathing and would need to go to the NICU. I chose the hospital that I did because my best friend was a NICU nurse there and my Relief Society president was the head of all the nurses at that hospital. It turns out I made a good choice.
Her first day of life was spent having all sorts of tests run to see what her difficulties in life were going to be. All and I do mean ALL of the things that they feared would be wrong with her were not. She was 100% healthy and such a good little baby. I remember that I cried when all the tests that she had done after day 1 of life came back clear and normal. What a miracle she was... and has been ever since.
My Uncle, who at the time was a General Authority for my church, had my name and her name put on the prayer roll of the our temple. But, this wasn't just any prayer roll, it was the prayer roll that our Prophet would pray over in his weekly meetings.My Uncle says that when they said mine and my baby's name, you could feel something special taking place. He knew that all would be well with me and the baby. It was. She is my miracle baby. I do believe in miracles because I see one every single day when I look into Thing 3's beautiful face!
I count my blessings on a daily basis when it comes to my little Thing 3... she is a walking miracle to me. Proof positive that prayer works. When I find myself being cranky because she is cranky and feisty, (extremely feisty) I remind myself that she has to be that way. She had to fight to be here from day one... and so I thank God for my beautiful little feisty and sometimes quite cranky miracle child.
I know that her personality will serve her well when she is older. No one can make her do anything that she doesn't want to do. She is stubborn and determined. When she sets her mind to do something, she will not quit until its done.She is a natural athlete. She can play any sport, and she plays it well. It is incredible to watch. I love watching her. She is one of the hardest working kids I have. On her own, she is the first one outside helping her Dad with mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage or shoveling snow.
One time, she was really angry and part of the driveway needed to be shoveled. I couldn't find her anywhere and was getting really worried about where she was when I heard the familiar scraping sound of the snow shovel. I looked out my window where I found my beautiful daughter shoveling the snow... and working off her anger. When she came in she sighed and said, I feel a lot better now!
There are so many things about Thing3 that I love. She is such a sensitive child. From the moment of birth, loud noises scared her... and they still do. She hates it when people are fighting, and she is always thinking of other people.Whenever we go to the store, she always wants to get a treat "for her big kids"... she has their backs like that. She is the most affectionate kid I know. She loves to cuddle, and give you lots of hugs and kisses. She wants you to know for sure that she loves you, and she is your biggest fan.
She LOVES her big kids and Moxie. Thing 2 can make her laugh like no other, and she just wants Thing 1 to love her. She is my little shadow, always has been. If I leave the room and don't tell her where I am going, pretty soon I will hear her hollering through the house calling for me... Once she finds me she will say: "Oh. I was just wanting to know where you are Mama!"Sometimes I find it irritating... mostly its endearing. She is such a teaser... she loves to tease everyone. Her sense of humor is quite developed for such a little person! I love that she loves to laugh, and is game for anything that is fun. That makes me happy, that she has a sense of humor. That will get her far in life!
She loves to sing. She will sing and make up the best songs around. I love to hear her in the various rooms, singing all of her made up songs. She will cart Moxie around, singing to her and making sure that she is happy. She is the best little helper... with regards to just about everything. Her goal in life? To make sure we are all happy.My dear sweet Thing 3 is 6. SIX. It makes me so happy to see her growing and being happy. But, in the same breath, I wish she would just stop growing and stay little for the rest of our lives... she is a complete joy to have in our lives!
She is our miracle child... one of our biggest blessings. I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to hear our plea's and bless this child with health and a strong spirit. The world is hers for the taking... she just has to do it.
I love you, Thing 3. You are the light of my world. Happy Birthday little buddy!Love,
Mom
Random randomness and then some tunes
Friday, March 27, 2009
I sort of got in an argument with someone on face book recently when they were trying to tell me that the only reason Obama won the election was because he used 14 specific points of hypnotism. I literally laughed myself silly. That is totally and completely absurd. Whether you like him or not... claiming the reason he won is because of hypnotism and he hypnotised Americans into voting for him??
Bah-hahahahaha!
I have a really bizarre way that I like to eat my M&M's. When I am sitting at my computer eating candy, I like to match up all the colors and then make patterns out of the ones that don't have matchy-matches. My sisters & I were all sitting around the kitchen table, scrapbooking and eating M&M's when we started noticing how we all ate them strangely. Do you have a "special way" you like to eat your M&M's?
This week has been busy. CRaZy busy. Every single day there's been multiple events that have caused me to seriously consider hibernating in Outer Mongolia for the next couple of weeks. I think I may have actually had an anxiety attack on Wednesday night regarding all the crazy stresses that I had this week. (just ask Sher. She was witness to the crazylady rattling her cage... big time!)
I love going to church and attending and feeling the spirit and stuff, but sometimes even church adds to my stress. Sometimes I just want to lay in bed all day on a Sunday and read and rest and not have anywhere to go. AND not feel guilty for doing that or wanting to do that.
Babysitting other peoples children and wrestling with mine just makes Sunday's and me not very good friends. Ya know?
Is it weird that my kids are all outside playing and I am sitting here blogging listening to Phineas and Ferb? All alone? No one else here... and cartoons are on? I have to admit that I actually really like that cartoon. It's smart. Do you have favorite cartoons that you like to watch?
I have to admit that I also like watching Hannah Montana and I-Carly too. The TV shows that they have for kids today are pretty slick. All we had was Saved by the Bell. Remember that show? What a dumb show. The shows today are smart. And funny. And, they have catchy music too!
Have a warm weekend people. I am so sick of this weather. Oh Mother Nature. Please stop taunting us. Enough already. Can't we have spring and warm weather?? Please?
2. Rip Off (live) - Ryan Adams
3. You Can Bring Me Flowers - Ray LaMontagne
4. Common Pleasure - Jason Mraz
5. Old Dirt Hill - Dave Matthews Band
6. More Than Words - Extreme
7. We Never Change - Coldplay
8. Chaos - Mute Math
9. Vienna (Live) - The Fray
10. Even Superman - Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband
Bonus: This Woman's Work - Kate Bush
Note to Self
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
It was really cool when Thing 3 lost her tooth, wasn't it?! She jumped up and down and was so excited to get her visit from the tooth fairy. Imagine her horror when she awoke the next morning and the tooth was still there. You assured her ever so nicely that the tooth fairy would indeed come that very night. Only problem? She didn't and Thing 3 was sad again. Four times the tooth fairy forgot to come and collect her goods.
Repeat after me, Motherboard:
The tooth fairy is not real {the tooth fairy is not real}
YOU are the tooth fairy {I am the tooth fairy}
YOU take the tooth so the kid will not need therapy. {I take the tooth so my kid will not need therapy}
After the fourth time of forgetting, you got pretty smart. You told her that you actually had emailed the Tooth Fairy, who it turns out is not a girl but a boy. And he really doesn't like being called the Tooth Fairy but rather the Tooth-a-nator (remember Santa Clause?) .
Yeah. That guy? Well, turns out he has been on vacation on the coast of Tooth-landia for the last week or so. He took his family there to enjoy some time relaxing at the beach. Being the Tooth-a-nator is extremely hard work, you know.
He said to tell you, Thing 3, that he would be back on the job the same day that you went back to school. You should look for a rather sweet present from Tooth-landia under your pillow.
Yeah. That was quick thinking right there! You are so freakin' smart. That was clever. And quick witted. (don't break your arm patting yourself on the back...) It was also very bad parenting, I might add. You forgot to pick up your kids teeth-- four times you forgot? Sheesh woman! You should be shot!
The tooth fairy... err... I mean the Tooth-a-nator is not real. I repeat. He is not real. YOU are the Tooth-a-nator. You. You. You. Remember that. You. are. the. Tooth.-a.-nator.
It really would be a good idea to remember this to stop future mishaps with the lost teeth. Or reasons for future therapy. Just sayin'. You dumb Tooth-a-nator.
Thanks,
~motherboard
Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Inquiring minds want to know...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I was shocked.
Really? She was too busy to have a life?
Then, I asked someone else to go with me. And I got another variation of that answer "I don't have time for friends. I have my kids, my husband, my house and my sisters. I don't really have time for or even need friends."
Ouch.
The third time I was told that there was just no way that she could attend anything like that with me. Who would tend her children? When I suggested that her husband could, she laughed and commented that No, in fact he could not. He was the "visitation" Dad. He had money to make and a job to do.
Double ouch.
I was starting to think that not only was I "needy" for wanting friends, but Jefe was strange for being so willing to support me in my endeavors. Jefe has always been willing to help out with the kids and has always wanted me to pursue things that are important to me. I had thought that was how all marriages worked.
Recently, I asked someone to attend Women's Conference with me. Again I got the same variation of the same old answer. "Its a waste of time to do stuff like that... I don't like to be away from my family... I am too busy taking care of my kids, husband, house and home to do stuff like that... (what? something for myself?)
Honestly? I still find that archaic and weird. Who does that? Who honestly doesn't have time for themselves to do the things that they enjoy? Is taking care of a family so incredibly time consuming that there is none left over for yourself? Is cleaning your home and folding laundry so fulfilling that there is no room for friends?
"Stuff like that?" It's Women's Conference people. I'm not talking about hitting the slots. I was talking about going to a conference for women focused on how to be a better mother; A better wife; A better daughter; A better Christian... A better woman.
Do you take time out of your "wifely duties" to do the things you like to or want to do?
Inquiring minds want to know...
Give OH Give Away
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mormon Mommy Blogs is having a HUGE giveaway this week. HUGE! There is over $375 worth of stuff over there... including a Photography session for those of you that live in Utah! There is also some pretty sweet Pantry organizing food rotation shelves!You don't know what the MMB is all about? Holy Cow have you been missing out! The MMB is a gathering place for bloggers to find great blogs to read without worrying about running into smut or other nasty stuff. You will find just about everything you could imagine-- Scrapbooking, Motherhood, Cooking, Military, Special needs, Crafters... You get the idea.
If you haven't already joined our community-- which grows stronger and larger every day-- then you should. You have been missing out on some great fun, and meeting some fantastically talented women!
Random randomness and then some tunes
Friday, March 20, 2009
This week is the birthday week around Crazyland. Like 7 birthdays to be exact. Four of them are within days of each other. That's why the absence from Internet land. I've had parties people. Par-tays. And lots and lots of photos. Moxie celebrated numero Uno. She's one, and I'm a little sad. She is growing up WAY to fast and it makes my heart hurt... just a little. Why can't my kids all stay cute and little and un-opinionated for like eternity? Is that asking too much?
Today when I was running errands, I sort of accidentally ran over a dead skunk. I didn't see it until it was too late... and I sort of squished it further into the pavement. And now my car stinks. Skunks. They are the animals that keep on giving... even when they're dead.
I think I scared the tire/oil changer man at Wal-mart today. I went in bright and early to get my car duties taken care of and recited off the list of things I wanted them to do all while I did my shopping. (see? using that noggin' of mine, and killing 2 birds with one stone. or was it 2 skunks? anyway...) I was cruising around Wal-mart just ticking things off my list when I hear my name called over the intercom. I mosey back there and the cute little 20 something mechanic says: "Your car needs the expensive oil. You need to call your husband and ask his permission."
Oh yes he did.
He told me to go call my husband, (aka Daddy) and ask him if I could have the good oil in my car.
I looked at him and I could seriously feel my blood starting to boil. Before I could stop myself, I blurted out: "I don't need to ask permission from anyone to do anything to my car. If it needs the "good stuff", then by damn put the good stuff in there. He's not my Daddy for hells sake."
He looked a little shocked, mumbled yes ma'am and walked off.
He did vacuum the car. If that's any consolation for needing to ask my Daddy for permission to get the oil changed.
For hells sake.
Last weeks Mr. Linky I think scared my commenter's away. I got like 4 comments. And 5 links. So, I think its safe to say it was a failure. Huge. Big. Fat. Failure. Oh well. It was worth a try. You never know until you try... So. I'm not putting the Mr. Linky up. Feel free to comment. Twice if you want.
My friends and I went to celebrate a birthday, and they kept mocking me because I was sort of moaning over my burger. Do you do that? When something is really good, you sort of moan about how good it is? Yeah. I did that. Apparently a lot while I ate my burger. And it was embarrassing. But I don't care, cause it was a freakin' good burger!
She's sort of a drama queen. She came home crying yesterday from her friends house, saying that someone sat on her foot and hurt it. Big giant crocodile tears. I calmed her down, sort of, and asked her to explain what happened.
T3: (Crying) I fell and someone sat on my foot and it hurt really bad.
Me: Who sat on your foot?
T3: I think I sat on my foot. And now I can't walk. I need crutches.
Me: (trying not to laugh) You can't walk and you need crutches? How did you get home then?
T3: I ran home. I can't walk. I need the crutches bad, Mom! (letting out a huge sob)
Me: Man. That stinks. Maybe we should just go to the Doctor instead.
T3: (stops crying, wipes her tears) No. I'm going to go play now. I told my friends I would be right back. (runs out the door)
Me: Alrighty then.
**********************************************************
1. J'ai peur parfois - Adele
2. Vertigo - U2
3. Times Like These - Jack Johnson
4. Clarity - John Mayer
5. Thank U - Alanis Morisette
6. Something Coming Over - O.A.R.
7. Little Thing - Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds
8. My Winding Wheel - Ryan Adams
9. Rainbow - G. Love and Special Sauce
10. Jockey Full Of Bourbon - Tom Waits
Bonus: Crying Like A Church On Monday - New Radicals
Moxie Moo
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Moxie had a birthday. Shout hurray! Or not. I'm happy she had a birthday, but sort of not. This baby, for me, has been in lightening speed mode. It sounds trite, but really it does seem like just yesterday that she was born...She has been a complete dream. She was born with 1 push. Yes. I know. You want to punch me for the remaining hour that you were pushing your darlings out. What can I say? (According to Jefe, I was meant to do this... wuh?)
She was sleeping through the night at 6 weeks, and has only recently started really crying. And that's because she has finally realized that she doesn't HAVE to do whatever it is that Thing 3 wants her to do.
She eats fantastically and when its bed time, I just have to kiss her goodnight, go around the house waving night-night to everyone and then put her in her crib. She promptly rolls over and is out. OUT! I know. I can't believe it either.
We have a tradition at our house that you get to have cake for breakfast on your birthday. Everyone gets up, your presents are wrapped and sitting on the kitchen table, with your cake and candles. We open presents, we blow out the candles and then we eat cake. All while we still have bed head and Jammie's on.All day on your birthday you can have whatever you want for your meals. If you want candy and soda for lunch-- then you get it. It's the one day of the year, for each person, that I throw all common eating sense out the window. We usually eat crap on the little kids birthdays-- and they love it! It makes them feel special. For Moxie's birthday dinner we had Mac n Cheese and Hot Dogs. (blech)
The kids all commented how when Moxie was born, she filled our house with peace. She made them feel happy and peaceful... and you know what? She still does. She is the most peaceful child I have ever met. She is content, and calm and happy.I cart her everywhere with me... and people always comment about what a dream my baby is. Yes. I know. She is dreamy. And very good.
She comes along with me to choir and sits in her seat and watches the kids. She will holler out when she is ready to be taken out and then I hold her or she sits on the ground while I teach. She has started "leading" the music with me... which totally cracks me up. Not to mention the kids. It's even funnier when she starts dancing.
Oh my. That girl loves to dance and sing. Maybe she'll be my music protege? One can hope.
She has words now that she owns and uses quite regularly. "'s-at" means what's that; "dah-dee" means Doggie and "Da-de" means Daddy. Then of course there's "Ma ma" which is well, only the most important word she will ever learn. Right?
She knows the sign for all done, more, eat, and milk. It cracks me up when people are holding her and she's giving them the sign for all done. I love being able to know what it is she wants.
She has filled my life with complete joy and I just cannot imagine it without her. She is a huge blessing to our family... so Happy Birthday Moxie Moo. We sure do love you!
You hear that? The loud banging sound? Yeah. It's me...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Have you ever had a conversation with someone, and then afterward you start thinking about it and realize that what you said made you sound like a complete (censoring myself here) . . . idiot?
Then, you spend the rest of the night banging your head against the wall?
Because well, you know. YOU'RE AND IDIOT?
Yeah. Good times. Good times indeed.
My name is Motherboard, the idiot, and I approve this message.
Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tower of Strength Review & A Giveaway
Monday, March 16, 2009
The first time Annette Lyon commented on my blog, I clicked over to her blog to see who she was and surf around for a while. I was giddy with excitement when I saw that not only was she an author—with books that were actually published, but she was an award winning author, with published books. I nearly peed myself I was so excited. I went around for days spontaneously blurting out that I had an author—a real live author—that read my blog. And she liked me. Jefe got so that when I would start in on my well known speech, he would mutter "yeah yeah. We know. You've got an author. Can I have dinner now?"
So, you can imagine how totally over the moon I was when I got an email back in January asking me to read her book and tell you all what I thought. I was completely, 100% over the moon. Then I got rather nervous. Why? Well. Because all of my previous experiences with Mormon authors had been well, how should I put it? Suck-tastic. Lame-O. Cheesey. Typically in the past when I have read Mormon fiction, I have felt a strong urge to order a bottle of Sparkling Apple Cider to go with my large plate of Cheese ('cause I'm Mormon and don't drink wine). I hadn't read a Mormon book in well over 25 years and was worried it would still be the same… Cheesey and Lame-O.
Somewhere, in my vast blog-travels, I read where the Mormon fiction venue has actually improved… a lot. The authors that I had read in my youth, were the trail-blazers. There was not much for the publishers back then to choose from, so pretty much what you saw was what you got. However, in the last few years, there is such an abundance of LDS authors that the publishers can and are quite choosy. They only publish the best of the best.
I was pleasantly surprised with Annette's book. I was hooked with the opening scene… Coalville. My Mom is from Coalville. Then the book shifts to Manti. My grandparents are from "those parts". She describes the "drive" into Manti perfectly. I knew exactly what she was talking about, and where we were in town. I had seen it a hundred times. The horses? Yeah. I was raised around horses. The book felt sort of like coming home for me. I was completely surprised at how much I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an easy, quick read. My teen daughter is also reading it and when I asked her what she thought, she replied: "Mom, its good and its really nice." Then she disappeared back into the catacombs that are her room.
I loved Samuel and I must admit that I read his part with a British accent. I felt for him. I loved the realness that this Character had—and the doubt he was struggling with. "Why am I here? What good can I do?" I could really relate to him; I had felt a lot of the same feelings he was feeling.
I loved Tabitha and her remarkable strength. The trials that had beset her would be enough to force the strongest woman to falter—and yet she doesn't. She pushes forward and evolves into an amazing, smart, successful, strong woman.
I really disliked Tabitha's Mother-in-law, Mother Hall (said disdainfully). The venom dripping from that woman was palpable! (so what if she redeemed herself in the end? I still don't like her)
I have no problem recommending this book, especially for a Mother/daughter read. What better way to get to know and understand your daughter, than to read with her? This book, Tower of Strength, is a wonderful one to read together. You will not have to worry at all about something questionable popping up… because it is a good, clean read.
Here is a trailer for the book. (Did you know that is the latest way authors promote their books? Its true. Even Jodi Picoult has trailers).
Sher is doing the music for it... and its her own arrangement. (go wish her a happy birthday, will ya? She's like 10 or something) There is a giveaway for all four of Annette's books on the MMB today. Go enter. You just might win.
Things I may have done this week. Or not
Friday, March 13, 2009
I may have argued with my teenager via Facebook instant messenger. Or not.
I may have told Thing 3 that no matter how many times she jumps off the stairs trying to fly, she will never turn into a bird. Or not.
I may have gone on a teeny tiny homemaking strike. Or not.
I may have spun my head like Linda Blair's because Moxie keeps turning off the blasted computer. Or not.
I may have banged the telephone on the counter because I keep forgetting to dial the dang area code. Or not.
I may have gotten mad at my family and decided to drive off into the sunset only to realize I had forgotten my wallet. Or not.
I may have rolled my eyes so many times this week that I think my vision is going to be permanently blurred. Or not.
I may have drank a 24 case of Diet Coke this week. Or not.
I may have had no less than 3 middle of the night parties with Moxie. Or not.
I may have told someone if they tell me one more time that I could lose up to 10 lbs if I quit drinking soda I would punch them in the mouth. Or not.
I may have also told that same person that under no circumstances would I ever get up and go running at 5:30am. I don't even run to the mailbox. Or not.
Random 10 Friday & A Mr. Linky
Friday, March 13, 2009
Do you watch ER? (not to be confused er which is what Jefe calls it... like the ending of a word, er... yeah. irritating) Anyway. I have to admit that I was quite skeptical of how they were going to pull this final season off. All the other shows, when they have ended, have sorted ended all dorky like. (Seinfeld, Alias) However, I have been pleasantly surprised with how they have brought all the old characters back-- tying up loose ends-- showing us how those characters have evolved and changed! That was brilliant.Seeing Ross and Hathaway last night was like seeing two old friends. And, my oh my. How quickly they slipped back into those familiar roles. I didn't even notice that it was the super-star George... They were just "that doctor that knocked up that nurse and they moved to Seattle with their twins" characters. Brilliant!
It has felt flawless to me (although the ala stork moment of the teen Mom dropping the newborn baby into the ER was a bit contrived). It has been like catching up with old friends as I have watched this season unfold. I started watching ER when it first started... back when Jefe and I first started. We had our beginnings at the same time and I feel sort of a kinship to this show. It was my comfort on long lonely nights when Jefe was in Law School. I watch very little television, however, this show has been the one constant that I have watched... for the last 15 years I have watched. I'm a little sad to see it end.
I wish you could have heard the shriek of horror when my kids logged on to my blog and saw the post about the outer wear I was going to purchase for my van. Oh my! It was hysterical! I got about no less than 7 messages on my cellphone about how they would die... DIE from embarrassment. Let me tell you, it made my day to witness them coming unglued!
{insert evil laugh here} Mwah-ha ha ha ha
Bad mommy. Bad bad mommy!
T3: I'm a pretty good kid to have around.
Me: Yes you are! You're awesome!
T3: No. I mean I'm a good person to have around. Wanna know why?
Me: Uhhh. Yeah Sure.
T3: I'm allergic to Werewolves. So, if I start sniffing, that means there is a werewolf around and you should start running.
Me: Wow. Good to know!
Make sure you check back in on Crazyland on Monday. I'm going to be reviewing Annette Lyons new book Tower of Strength. There will also be a pretty sweet giveaway going on along with the reviews (which will also be published here and here).
Check them out and enter to win.
You can even enter your Grandma to win. Or the Dog. Just no cats please.
The first 10 songs. Write them in a post. Enter a link to the actual post on your blog in the Mr. Linky and we can travel together around Internet-land and either get new music for our players, or mock each other mercilessly. (could that sentence be any worse? gag.)
Your choice.
You can see an example of shortRandom 10 Fridays here here or here.
Wanna play??
1. Crystal Village - Pete Yorn
2. Casimir Pulaski Day - Sufjan Stevens
3. Southside of Heaven - Ryan Bingham
4. Sleeping To Dream (live) - Jason Mraz
5. Say - John Mayer
6. Don't Feel Like Dancing - Scissor Sisters
7. Yes I Do - Rascal Flatts
8. What I Like About You - The Romantics
9. Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice (shut up)
10. Dreidel - South Park
Bonus: Over My Head - The Fray
Rock-a-bye Baby.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
This has been my favorite song for almost 4 years now and it has to be this version... The one from his concert in Milwaukee.
Sigh.
I can listen to it over and over again without even batting an eye. (infact I did. Today) It simply melts me and sends me to my happy place. Where Jason serenades me on a daily... no... hourly basis.
Enjoy.
I want him to come and sing me to sleep... every night. For like ever.
Three little words
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Last night I heard the three little words that every mother dreads hearing. Right after they were spewed, I felt my heart break into a million little pieces.
I hate you.
Such simple words, I hate you, and yet so powerful. Just as quickly as I heard my child scream those dreaded words at me, I remembered all the times I had done the same thing to my parents. And I was ashamed.
I said I hate you… all because they wanted me in at a certain time. I hate you… just because my parents wanted me to do my homework. I hate you… because they were worried about the choices I was making. I hate you. Those are ugly words.
I promptly called my parents to apologize to them for all the times I had said that to them. I cried. I cried hard. My Dad was kind. I said I was so sorry, because I just didn't realize then how bad those words hurt… he chuckled and said "That's part of growing up. It does hurt. It hurts really badly. But, it will all be OK."
Everything came full circle for me. All those times they "made" me do stupid stuff… it wasn't for anyone's benefit but mine. They had my very best interests at heart. They just wanted me to grow up to be a happy, successful and well adjusted adult. I want the same. Hearing those words come from the person that I have nurtured and cared for… that person whom I have prayed for… it cut me to the very core.
I love this child. I want the absolute very best for her. I am not imposing my rules to be sadistic or mean… it's simply to help her to grow and become the person that I know she can become. It seems that she is just slipping through my fingers... all the time slipping through my fingers. It seems that she is just beyond my reach. I know this is the plan, that is life. But, it doesn't mean that I have to like it.
However, suddenly I realized that Yes. In deed it would be OK. Someday, my child would call me and say "Mom, I'm so sorry. I had no idea how much that hurt." Probably right after she hears those dreaded words uttered from her beautiful, precious child. Together we can cry and I can, for certain, tell her: "Yes Baby. It does hurt. It hurts a lot. And further, I know that you love them, and that all you want is for them to be happy, successful, and well adjusted adults. Don't worry, my dear. Everything will be OK."
And you know what? It will.
Recipe Exchange
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I received an email this morning to be apart of a recipe exchange. I was instructed to think of something easy and quick. Like "right off the top of your head because those are the best kind of recipes, the ones you have memorized!" They wanted to know what I would cook if I didn't want to go to the store, and I had to make dinner quick.
This is what I came up with. (Hey! It's memorized!)
Get a bowl.
Get the cold cereal.
Pour the cold cereal into the bowl.
Get the milk.
Pour the milk onto the cold cereal.
Serve immediately, as it tends to get soggy if you don't.
There you have it. An easy-peesy no fuss dinner!
Enjoy!
*Sometimes I crack myself up!*
How to tell one persons van from another persons... In story form.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I waited and waited and waited. I called a friend on the phone and chatted for a few minutes. I kept looking into those big glass windows glaring-- thinking that Thing 1 would surely feel my wrath as I sat there and waited and waited and waited some more.
After 15 minutes of waiting I see this child come sneaking up to the van, slowly look into the window and then a big smile appeared on her face. Thing 1 then popped into the car. I was more than a little mad.
Me: Where have you been?
T1: Inside the school.
Me: You've been inside the school this entire time?
T1: (rather sheepishly) Yeah.
Me: Where? Inside? Right there? (pointing to the front doors)
T1: Yeah. I was watching the van. I wasn't sure it was ours. I kept hoping you would get out and I would know it was you.
Me: Are you kidding me? You sat inside the school, waiting for me to get out so you would know it was our van? (growls) Couldn't you just walk up and look in the window to see if it was me?
T1: No. I can't do that. That would be embarrassing. I came out earlier, talking to my friend and accidentally got in someone elses van. It was embarrassing.
Me: (Laughing) You got in someone else's van? Uhh. Yeah. Didn't you look in the window first?
T1: Mom!
Me: Well. What should we do to make our van look "different" so you know its me and I don't have to sit and wait... while the cows and chickens come home.
T1: I dunno. Maybe put something on the car so I'll know its you or something. Ya know?
Me: Uhh. OK.
Do you think this is different enough?
Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Less is more?
Monday, March 09, 2009
Someone asked me recently why I didn't read a certain blog (don't ask, cause I won't tell you...it's an unfamiliar blog...) To be fair, I have browsed over the mentioned blog, but found that the posts were entirely TOO long... too wordy... and my attention was completely lost. It was for informational purposes, and I just could never quite find the information... amongst all the words.
Sometimes I know that I get rather long winded as well (random 10 Friday's for instance). I have things to say... and they sometimes get wordy. I have decided, however, that Less really is More. Short, sweet and concise is always a smarter way to go. I think.
So, here's the magic, million dollar question: If you see a post that is wordy -- really wordy-- do you find yourself passing on that blog post? Or do you hang tight and muddle through? Do you find yourself drawn to the short and sweet or long and drawn out? What is your favorite kind of blog posts to read?
I can't decide. What do you think?
Monday, March 09, 2009
Random randomness and then some tunes
Friday, March 06, 2009
Pssst!
Psssstttt!
Come here.
No here.
Closer.... Closer....
Oh for Pete's sake. Come here, I want to whisper something to you!
Ready?
{{looks around to see who is watching}}
Ahem.
I swear.
GASP!
I know! Can you believe it??
But, it's true. I swear. And sometimes? Yeah. I swear a lot. I know. It's so uncouth. And so un-lady like. And so un MORMON of me. Eh. I don't care. {looking over her shoulder} I mean of course I care, but I don't care if you don't like me because I sometimes talk like a sailor. I do. I try daily to not swear, however, sometimes it just gets the better of me. I have worked on it on and off for the majority of my life. Its just my thing.
Does that make me a bad Mormon if I swear? No. Does it make me less Christ-like? No. So, for the love of all that's holy, will you please quit sending me emails about how I am not a good mormon or a good example "to the world" because I swear? Welcome to reality. Welcome to Crazyland. If it bugs you that bad, don't read my blog.
And really? All I do with your nasty emails is just print them out and run over them with my car.
Just sayin'.
(and that goes with all the other nasty hate mail I have gotten over the past couple of weeks. Get a life people. Seriously.)
Moxie has discovered her new passion. Its quite exciting that she has found something she LOVES to do. However, this new passion of hers is driving me insane. Literally. Do you know how irritating it is to be in the middle of an email to your child's teacher only to have the computer suddenly start flickering and then completely shut off?
Annoying.
I look down only to see my sweet, darling Moxie frantically pushing that power button on and off as fast as her cute little finger could muster. I growled rather unexpectedly, scaring poor little Moxie right to death. She cried. I laughed. It was all good.
Until she did it again.
And again.
And again.
And, yet again.
Pushing that power button fast and furiously is her new passion. It's driving me insane. Those cute pudgy fingers are causing me to go crazy.
Oh wait. I'm already crazy.
Never mind.
When I was in 3rd grade, we had a class program where we sang Grandma's Feather Bed. I remember my teacher, Mrs. Manning, playing the piano and her student teacher teaching us these crazy actions. I remember how excited the student teacher was about our program-- because apparently that song was a popular song at that time. I remember her saying "you're going to blow your parents away with this song". I have no idea if we did or not. But what I do know is that I cannot ever hear that song without doing the actions. Still. At 37 years of age.
I have been teaching my choir students Grandma's Feather Bed, and I am happy to report that they know now the actions that I learned when I was in 3rd grade. It started out as me trying to ham it up for my students, to get them to sing louder, while we were learning the song... and I was dancing for them, doing my actions. Yes. I am white and nerdy. I'll do pretty much anything for a laugh.
The kids thought the actions were funny... and so they started doing them with me. And honestly? It sort of makes me just a teeny tiny bit happy that they are doing them. Nerdy or not.
Have you noticed that I haven't been around lately? I haven't. I have been posting and then promptly walking away from the computer. Actually, I write at night and post ahead. I have been spending my day painting and doing household stuff. Mostly. Ish.
It's so easy to get sucked into the comment vortex and never ever leave. I love comments. I adore comments. I would dare say that I am willing to pimp myself out for comments. However, I also have a family and a house and chores. Life continues outside of the world I have created inside my brain. I love the world inside my brain. But, I also love the life I have outside it too.
I hope you have missed me.
Because, I have missed you.
I have stopped looking at my stats. I rarely look at my super dooper spy ware, or my feedburner. I was getting obsessed. And we all know that's not healthy. I just quit looking. I was trying to think up amazingly creative stuff to write so that my stats would go up... and it took the fun out of blogging. When I just quit looking, I started blogging the things that I wanted to blog. The things that I want for my posterity.
When I started my blog almost 4 years ago, I really thought about what I wanted for it. I viewed it more of my journal than a place to meet friends. I wanted a place to vomit my stories, my feelings and thoughts. And I did so. Uncensored. I wanted my blog to be something for my children to read and see that their Mother was a good person. She loved them totally and completely.
I wanted them to read the good fluffy stuff along with my challenges. I wanted them to see that it wasn't always sunshine. Sometimes I was funny, and sometimes I just plain dropped my basket. (I still can't read that without crying) I wanted them to know that sometimes I had a lot of faith, and sometimes not so much. I wanted them, when they were having their trials, they could have a place to go and they could see someone else-- their Mom-- who had been down the road they were on. It sucked, but I did it. And so could they. They can do hard things. That was my desire for my children and the purpose of my blog. Not stats. Not visits. Not comments. Just Motherboard talking to The Things & Moxie.
I have heard it said that bloggers are narcissistic and self absorbed. Perhaps just a little. However, I would venture that there is large population of us out there that just wants a little something of themselves left for posterity. Our ancestors were like that with their journals, and letters and phone calls. This is my little piece of something for future generations. My "time around the water cooler", and if it means I am narcissistic and self absorbed.. well then. So be it.
There have been a ton of meet and greets lately. I have always been a little hesitant to attend simply because I like the anonymity of "Motherboard". Most don't know my real name or the kids names... and I like it. If I attend a meet & greet am I then obligated to divulge my "real name"? Or can I still just be Motherboard? Would anyone come? Or would it just be me, myself and the Crazylady - Estelle-- that lives in my brain?
Lets discuss.
1. Wonderwall - Ryan Adams
2. Fall Apart Today - Schuyler Fisk
3. New Morning - Trent Dabbs
4. Train - Feist + Ben Gibbard
5. I Only See You - Benton Paul
6. Black Keys - Andy Davis
7. For Your Love - Marching Band
8. Get Well Soon - The Perishers
9. Pulling On A Line - Great Lake Swimmers
10. These Days - Mary Lorson and Saint Low
Bonus: No Escape - Civalias
Facebook
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Alphabet Tag
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Play along if you want. Just let me know if you do... The information is all the better to stalk you with, my dears!
A
- Available: depends. To tend your children? Probably. To fold your laundry? Umm. No.
- Age: older than dirt (37)
- Annoyance: crowds
- Animal: Yes. I like them
- Actor: Anyone who is funny. Funny is sexy. (Ok fine. Steve Carell... he's hot)
- Actress: Meg, Reese, (we're on a first name basis)
B
- Best Friends: Jefe, Tracy, Jamie, Sher, Liese and Kathleen
- Blind or deaf: Neither. But I am starting to think my kids are
- Been in Love: Yes
- Been on stage: Yes
- Believe in Ghosts/spirits: Yes. I think my FIL is haunting me
C
- Candy: Take 5
- Color: Red
- Cried in school: Sadly, yes.
- Chocolate/Vanilla: Chocolate
- Chinese/Mexican: Mexican
- Cake or pie: pie
- Country to visit: Greece
D
- Day or Night: Dusk.
- Dance in the rain: Of course
E
- Eyes: Yes. I have them. Don't you? (If you don't why are you on the computer reading this??)
- Everyone has: to love me
F
- First crush: "B" in my 5th grade class.
- First thoughts waking up: "and it starts again…" Ground hog day, ya know?
- Food: Burgers & Fries y Mexican
G
- Greatest Fear: Dying
- Giver or taker: both
- Gum: I don't chew gum.
- Get along with your parents: Yes
H
- Hair Color: brown
- Height: 5'6'
- Happy: Yup.
- Holiday: 4th of July
- How do you want to die: In an explosion
I
- Ice Cream: World Class Chocolate
- Instrument: I do not disclose this for fear of future callings in church.
J
- Jewelry: watch, earrings and sometimes a ring or two
- Job: Jack of all trades
K
- Kids: great entertainment, cheap labor, and good for cuddling
- Kickboxing or karate: That's exercise. I don't do that. It's against my religion.
- Keep a journal: I keep a blog. Does that count?
L
- Love: my Family & friends
- Laughed so hard you cried: That is my daily goal
- Love at first sight: Yes. My babies
M
- Milk flavor: chocolate
- Movie: Oh Brother Where Art Thou?
- Marriage: Wonderful
- Motion sickness: Yes. Always. I used to get car sick riding from my house to the JR High School.
- McD's or BK: Burgers. Yum.
N
- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters
- Number of Piercings: 2 in each ear,
O
- Overused Phrases: Sweet.
- One wish: World peace.
P
- Place you'd like to live: In a house
- Pepsi/Coke: DIET coke
Q
- Questionnaires: They're OK.
R
- Reason to cry: I need to have a reason??
- Reality T.V.: American Idol. All the others are irritating.
- Radio Station: 99.5, 107.9 or 101.9
- Roll your tongue in a circle: Yup.
S
- Shoe size: 8.5
- Salad Dressing: Creamy Ranch from Spaghetti Factory
- Slept outside: yes
- Seen a dead body: yes
- Sing well: Sure.
- Stuffed Animals: Do I have to answer this one?
- Single/Group dates: group
- Strawberries/Blueberries: Strawberries
T
- Time for bed: Between 10-ish
- Thunderstorms: love them. Especially when you can hear the thunder coming LONG before you see the storm. Heaven!
- TV: Yes. I watch one. What do YOU watch shows on?
- Touch your tongue to your nose: No. That's why I didn't make the final cut for the band Kiss.
U
- Unpredictable: Yes. Does that bother you?
V
- Vegetable you hate: Brussels sprouts
- Vacation spot: Greece.
W
- Which one of your friends acts the most like you: I can only pick one? That's dumb
- Who makes you laugh the most: Tracy, Kathleen, Liese, Sher & Jefe
- Worst feeling: My kids being sad
- Worst weather: windy, hail
X
-X-Rays: I wish I had X-ray vision.
Y
-Year it is now: 2009
-Yellow: Happy. (Just don't make me wear it, please)
Z
- Zoo animal: Polar Bears
- Zodiac sign: Gemini
Wordless Wednesday
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
People. I'm old and further, I think its nigh impossible to train me to do something new. Especially since I have been doing it this way since like... oh. I don't know... maybe BIRTH!?!
If I hear one more time "Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check your instruction manual..." I think I may go all Linda Blair on someone.
Seriously? An Instruction manual? For dialing? Are ya kidding me?
I have heard that nice lady's voice telling me that I don't know how to use the dumb phone all day. All the live long day I have heard it. And slowly, ever so slowly, I am starting to feel my head spin. For reals.
This ol' dog is having a hard time remembering to dial the stupid area code... and its slowly driving me to the brink of insanity.
(although Jefe says its a short drive. But whatev.)
Epiphanies
Monday, March 02, 2009
Recently I have been wrestling with some problems. They are by no means life altering, or earth shattering… but they are my problems none the less. I wrestle and wrestle, and then wrestle some more. It seems like every morning when I wake up they are there… taunting me. No matter what I do, they just don't seem to go away. It's discouraging. And honestly? I'm tired.
I have done pretty much everything that is in my power to solve my problems. I have turned to the people involved and then included some more people and have done a whole lotta begging. And pleading. And crying. I have turned everywhere that I could possibly think of for solutions or answers. But I still seem to come up empty handed. Won't someone intervene on my behalf? Where is MY fairy Godmother when I need her?
I was in the midst of crying to my friend recently when she said something that hit me like a ton of bricks. She was talking about Moses when he led the people out of captivity. She said something to the effect that God provided a way for the people to be healed and saved… and all they had to do was stop and look. But, "because of the simplness of the way or the easiness of it many perished." It was as though God had taken a railroad tie and hit me upside the head. It was a profound ah-ah moment for me.
I had done everything in my power to solve my problems except for the easiest and most necessary step of all. I had forgotten to include The Lord in my problem solving. I had turned to everyone except Him. I had found myself thinking that my problem was much much more difficult than what could be solved by just praying and reading my scriptures. "That is just too easy for what I am wrestling with" is what I was thinking.
I was wrong and I was doing it wrong… trying to rely on my knowledge more than the knowledge of my God. Everything did not magically disappear with this realization. My problems are still facing me every single morning when I wake up… but they feel less daunting. I know I will find the solutions for them. I just have to have a little more faith and a little more trust.
Because really? God will tell me how to solve my problems. He is a God of many miracles and great power. He can instruct me on all things… I just have to stop and look.