cough cough cough cough cough! Gaaaaaag. sneeze.

I'm out of order.
I'll be back when the gam-boo is gone.

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb - Collage - Morph

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Family name origins

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Black and white photographs - Family pictures

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree templates - Black and white photographs

This is the other photo I made for WW. I couldn't for some reason get the dang writing dealio to work on this one. I tweaked the same photo as earlier, and they were crops from an original I took on my kitchen table.

I can't wait to take a digi scrapping class this fall. YEAH. My sisters (iama1ocow & islandmom) will be elated that I am finally joining them in the 21st century... cause you know they are freakin' BRILLIANT with that stuff!
Brilliant.
Talk about pressure!
Sheesh. :>)

This is my new favorite thing.
Holy Cannoli! It is AMAZING!
I also love this brand of OJ... you have not lived until you have tried this brand of OJ and Lemonade. Really. It's that good. You should run out right now and get you some.
Go.
Get your keys.
Seriously.
What are you waiting for?

Thing 3.

Sigh

All morning long she has been the enforcer around here. If someone starts looking at Moxie too long, she is there to tell me (cause you know. She is the ONLY one allowed to love on Moxie). If someone isn't doing their job right when I ask them, she is there to tell me. If the dog barks too long at the neighbor, again, shes there. If the big kids don't eat all their food? or better yet, if someone is eating in the T.V. room?
Yup.
You guessed it. She is there to inform me.

She is our informer...
And, She has a very bright future working for the government as their informant.
Nothing passes her by unnoticed.
Nothing.

I wonder if she could start tomorrow?

My friend, Michelle, tagged me. It was fun to do. Play along if you want to.

A -Attached or single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Jefe, Tracystreehouse, ima10cow, colene, islandmom, hereinmyhappyplace, MamaRN, Ok. I have a more than 1 best friend...
C- Cautious or Crazy: used to be crazy... but now that I'm a mama-- overly cautious.
D-Day: Thursday night TV, Saturday fun with Jefe. Date nights.
E- Essential Item: Burts Bee's Lip Balm. Seriously. I think they put crack in it.
F- Favorite Color: I really dig orange (have for years, and I remember even getting teased about it in 3rd grade), but I also really like browns too.
G-Gummi Bears or Worms: if those were the only choices, then bears. but I would prefer swedish Fish or chocolate.
H-Home town: Yes. I have a hometown.
I- Indulgences: Dove chocolate icecream bars
J- January or July:July of course... its summer. Duh. Who likes January? It's too freakin' cold in January!
K-Kids:Yes. I have those. 4 of them to be exact. 12, 9, 5 & newborn
L-Life is incomplete without: My family, food, friends, and a good laugh!
M- Marriage Date: September 16, 1994
N- Number of Siblings: 3 sisters
O- Oranges or Apples: I like them both. I prefer Clementine's!
P- Phobias or Fears: The Dentist, SPIDERS! ick! (i once sat on my bed holding my brand new thing1 because i saw a gigantic spider in my hallway.I sat there until Jefe came home from school and could kill it. yeah. i was crazy.)
Q- Quote: I collect quotes. I have a huge journal full of quotes that I like. I don't think I could choose. right now its probably the one on my blog sidebar
R- Reason To Smile: funny things my kiddos say, blogging, friends, and a funny movie or a good book.
S- Season: Autumn. I *LOVE* Autumn!! The changing colors, the brisk air, I sort of wish it could be Autumn always. Autumn reminds me of my mission.
T- Tag Three: Only if you want to do it Sherrie, Jan & Ashley, Tracy, Islandmom,& Colene I can't pick just 3... come on! :>)
U- Unknown fact about me: I once said to a man that I thought he looked like Robert Redford... he smiled at me and leaned in close and said "it's cause I AM Robert Redford." I felt like a giant retard, and said, "Well. Mr. Redford, have a nice day here at Lagoon and Pioneer Village. " I wish I would have gotten his autograph now. He's dreamy!
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: I am an evil carnivore. Burger anyone?
W- Worst Habit: I bite my fingernails... especially when I am watching a stressful show
Y-Your favorite food: Burgers and Fries! Yum! I would eat that for breakfast lunch and dinner if it was acceptable. I also LOVE Mexican food.
Z: Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Is it weird that I want one of these little critters? Cause I totally do. (hint hint nudge nudge Jefe. ahem. My birthday...) They are just adorable, and don't get any bigger than the size of springer spaniel. I totally want one!

I would hug it and hold it and kiss it and name it George!

Moxie's Blessing Dress. Can you believe how long it is?? I am 5'6 and if you hold it up to my neck, it goes down below my knees. It is pieced together and really has the look of antique things. There is also a petticoat underneath that dress... and its just as elaborate as the dress is. It was fun to hear the gasps from the audience when she was taken up front for the blessing. I know that's prideful of me. But, really the dress is beautiful. It would be very difficult to find a dress like this. I know. I tried. That is why all my girls were blessed in this dress. Can I tell you how much I love this dress? A whole lot.

My Mother made this for Thing 1 to be blessed in. When she offered to make the dress for Thing 1, I told her I wanted it to have a vintage feel. I love all things old, and I think she captured this dress perfectly! She is so talented with sewing. You can show her a photo of something, and she'll just whip it up! I feel really lucky and blessed to have this little treasure! Someone yesterday asked me how I was going to pass this dress down to my children. I think I shocked them when I selfishly said: "oh. my kids don't get this dress. It's mine. I might let them borrow it. But this is mine, and its going in a shadow box for me to loving gaze at for the rest of my life!"
They thought I was kidding.
But I'm not.

This is sweet Moxie sitting on our living room couch. She is all the way at the back of the couch, and you can see that her dress reaches the floor.

She's getting a little irritated now. She had been quite a good little sport up to that point... being very patient waiting to eat. She had had it though, and was ready for food.
I look way tired. Wait. I AM way tired!

This is the Crazyland family. My nephew, Mister, jumped into the photo. He thinks he should just live at my house, and his mom could come and visit him. I think so too. He is adorable, and just gets more fun with each passing day! Thing 3 & Mister are the best of pals, and love to play together.

Jefe's Mother and Moxie. She is such a beautiful woman! And so talented! She seriously could give Martha Stewart a run for her money. She doesn't just have skillz, she has talent!

I just realized that I only have photos of Jefe's family here. My Dad was the one taking all the photos, but somehow my side of the family was neglected. I had my sister, ima10c0w and her cute little family there; my parents; my cousins (who happen to live right behind me. No. we did not plan that!) and my Uncle & Aunt (who are my favorite uncle and aunts btw. He teases Thing 1 that she was named after his middle initial H. And so they refer to her as just H. It warms my heart to see that!)

Anyway.

The blessing was wonderful, and Jefe did a wonderful job. He blessed her with wonderful things, and the thing I remember the most is that she would continue to have the peaceful, calming spirit that she already possessed. He also blessed her to have a keen mind, a sense of humor, the ability to be kind to everyone, and know the truths of the gospel. He blessed her to be able to enjoy all the covenants available to her. He did a beautiful job. Afterwards, he said to me that he wished he would have asked me what kinds of things I wanted her to be blessed with. I had actually thought about asking him to bless her with certain gifts, but thought that might be a bit presumptuous of me... and I didn't want Jefe to think I was telling him how to do "his job".

The one thing I did want him to talk to her about was how we had labored over her name. It was quite the process we through to pick her name. We had her middle name picked out and felt like that would be her only name... But, when she had been with us a couple of days, I told Jefe that I really wanted her first name to be what it is because when I hear that word, it reminds me of peace. This child is SO peaceful that it is just RIGHT for her name to be what it is. It was a labor. But, we chose the name that is perfect for her. And frankly, I love both her names. It is hard for me to choose which one I love more.

She is such a beautiful child and an answer to our prayers. We tried for many years to have another child. We gave up trying and had a miscarriage. Now that Moxie is here, she has been worth all the tears, effort and pain to get her here. She is a wonderful blessing. All of my children love her, and are grateful for her presence in our home. She still brings a soft, peaceful, contented feeling into our home. And I hope that part of her never leaves.

I have 2o bazillion things that I should be doing to get ready for Moxies big day tomorrow. Instead I am sitting her blogging and playing with my photos. Jefe rented a carpet cleaner to clean our carpets. The carpets are diseased! But, here I sit.

My neighbor brought me these darling burp cloths. They were embroidered with her real name, but at the bottom of the pile, this was the last one there. I squealed with delight!! How adorable is it that we have our own little Moxie burp cloths? I am thrilled to death with this gift!
Thanks Big Burley neighbors! You are the best!

I forgot all about Throwback Thursday. Well. Not really. I was just wicked busy, and unable to sit down long enough to put something together. The photos needed some serious editing, and I just didn't have the time. I was helping ima10cow out by babysitting, and Moxie is being very needy right now. (could it be teeth time already?and really, I don't mind her being needy. some day she won't be needy, and I will be wishing she needed me just a little more!)
Anyway.
My mind has been on graduation lately. Last night was the high school graduation for the high school I attended. There are several of my YW that are graduating, and its exciting to see them going off into the "real world".

Graduation was such an exciting time... with exciting changes for us all. Do you remember graduation? The excitement? Anticipation? Shock of it all? I sure do. I remember I sent off a missionary shortly after I graduated with the understanding that I would "wait" for him. I went on a date 2 days after he left. I didn't do so hot in the waiting department. My friends were all heading off in different directions. We all vowed to stay best friends, and keeping in touch... then we all just sort of drifted apart. Life has a way of doing that.


I have always admired, and felt a little jealous of people, who have been friends from birth, and are still best friends. Thats not me. I went off to school, and had the attitude of "don't let the door hit me on the way out!" I didn't attend any of my friends weddings-- in my defense most of them got married while I was on my mission. I did try hard to attend my friend Eleas' ( there in the middle with black hair) wedding in Michigan back in 2000. I tried. We were living in Chicago, and after I had sat in traffic for 2 hours with 2 screaming kids... I turned around and went home. I heard shes an attorney living in San Diego now.
Anyway.

Graduation. It's such an exciting time. If I could go back in time, I would tell my past self to not be in such a hurry to grow up. Keep those old friends... the time you have invested in them is worth something. And quit worrying so much. You really are OK, and everything will turn out just as it should.

"There's an old saying about those who forget history. I don't remember it, but it's good." - Stephen Colbert

It's the last day of school. Do you remember the sheer joy of that day? I do. Getting your yearbook. Having every single person in the entire school sign your book:"Have a great summer! Stay cute & call me! We'll do tons!"
Every.Single.Person. writes the same thing.
Did we mean it? Probably at the moment. But, did we do it? Heavens no. That would mean we were desperate for friends, wouldn't it?

Then, the walking all over town... invading the town really. Making it impossible for adults to drive anywhere because of the hoards of teenagers everywhere!

Thing 2 doesn't want anyone to know (so I am broadcasting it to internet land) that he is actually a little sad that its the last day. He loves his 3rd grade teacher, and she is retiring this year. He is so tender hearted! He loves his friends in his little class. He said that he will really miss his teacher and his classmates. Oh. How cute is that? Thing 1 on the other hand doesn't want to let the door hit her on the way out. She can't wait for school to be out today-- I'm not sure what she thinks this summer is going to hold for her... I am seeing lots of chores. (not really. ok. there WILL be chores. but not endless chores. unless she takes all! freaking! day! to do them...)

Anyway people. It is official. Summer has begun. The blissful days of sleeping in, sitting by the pool, reading until the cows come home and happy kids, holding hands singing kumbaya... Thats my dream summer. Whats yours?

Here's my random 10 Friday. Have a wonderful weekend!

1. Voice Inside My Head - Dixie Chicks
2. Hold You In My Arms - Ray Lamontagne
3. When The Stars Go Blue - Ryan Adams
4. Life Is A Highway - Chris LeDoux
5. Bella Luna - Jason Mraz
6. Hello Again - Dave Matthews Band
7. I'm Movin' On - Rascal Flatts
8. Thank U - Alanis Morisette
9. What Do You Do With A B.A. In English/It Sucks To Be Me! - Avenue Q Original Broadway cast *this is a great song!*
10. Where The Green Grass Grows - Tim McGraw

Bonus: Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

When I was telling my sister about this book that I was reading, she looked at me like I was crazy... why would you read something that sounds totally depressing? The truth is, the subject matter of this book is quite depressing, and yet Jeanette Walls has a way of making this depressing story be entertaining and at times quite funny. I found this book to be a wonderful reminder that we all have things to be grateful for.

I saw a documentary on this woman several years ago ( I tried to find a snippet of the documentary on the internet... but was unable to), and then read the book. I am actually quite glad that I did it backwards this time... I think I might have been a little skeptical had I not seen the show first. The documentary really made the book come to life for me...

I was astounded with the creativity these kids had to come up with to eat, stay warm and basically take care of themselves. In the movie, Jeanette takes the crew to walk along the train tracks where she would gather coal to heat her house . As she was walking along the tracks talking, she was absentmindedly picking up pieces of coal. She stopped and was really excited about a huge piece she found and she commented about how long that piece of coal would heat their home. She then showed them her home (?) from Welch, and holy cow! How does someone live in something like that? I mean really?! She then took them to see the various garbage cans they would forage through, and showed them the “best” garbage cans to get the best food. That right there is just astounding to me. She had such an amazing attitude about the whole thing. She had come to peace with her past and her “roots”. I heard her say that everyone has some sort of past, and you can either rise above it or let it control you. She chose to rise above it and be thankful for the experiences she has had. That to me is the gem of the entire book.

We all have reasons to moan and groan and complain; Reasons to get “stuck” and not progress. Jeanette shows us that it is entirely up to you, how you choose to view life. Her candor, and at times humor with her upbringing are astounding. I heard a quote once from a very famous woman in my church, she said: “I can either laugh or cry, and crying gives me a headache, and so I choose to laugh.” I think Jeanette chose to laugh as well. She realized that she COULD cry over her childhood, and not one person would begrudge her. She had it rough, and terrible. However, she chose to laugh and rise above it. Her childhood dose not define her. It helped to shape her, but it does not define her.

I loved this book. It was not only just a fascinating read, it also helped me to realize that I am ok. I am a good parent. I haven't let one of my kids fall out of the car, I didn't leave them with their insanely angry grandmother, and my children have never foraged for food... in dumpsters.( I better add-- they forage in the cupboards, but thats ok... right?!) This book helped me. I am a good parent. And really, Jeanette's parents did the best they could with what they were.

Alcoholism is a terrible demon to battle. And add mental illness into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. I really do think that some of her mothers issues were a direct result of her fathers alcoholism and his trying to kill her on several occasions. How could that NOT make you go just a little crazy? Hearing first hand experiences from my Mother on life with an alcoholic... I have greater respect not only for my own Mother, but also Ms. Walls. It is easy for us all to be judgmental and say we would do this and we would do that... when really we just don't know what we would do. My hats off to Ms. Walls, (and my Mom for that matter) for turning out so seemingly “normal”, and lacking in the emotional scars that seem to plague people with this kind of upbringing. I find her success, attitude and outlook on life amazing and inspiring.

I also found myself wondering about my children... Have I done enough to teach them how to work? Do they know the value of work? Or, are they lazy? I especially wonder this when my oldest was informed she needed to work to earn her ticket to see her cousins in Seattle this summer. You would have thought I told her she was going to have to donate her left eye to
charity.

Anyway.

I loved this book. It was a great read! I would, without hesitation, recommend this book to anyone. You will be so glad you read it!

Watch this interview with Ms. Walls. There are several others listed as well, here and here. They are quite insightful.

To read more great reviews of this book, go HERE. This is part of our online book group, and I am so glad to be apart of it! These women are fantastically smart, and you will come away wiser for the read.
Thanks girls!

"Yo Yo Yiggady Yo... " Juno the movie

I watched part of Juno this week. I still have to finish it, seeing how I feel asleep and all. It starts out a little startling; however, I really liked it. Mostly because of the way these silly teenagers talked.
It Schizzle badizzled me! Wizard!
If you want something light, and silly. This is it. It's sort of along the lines of Napolean Dynamite, but just a little more intelligent, and with actors that are more well known! (Go Justin Bateman! You still got it!)

We have all sorts of family get togethers over the next couple of weeks. My sister, ima10cow, is blessing their baby this weekend. Then we bless Moxie next weekend. I'm excited. She has the most AMAZING blessing dress! You will be speechless when I post those photos.
Really.
Its incredible.

I love the fact that my kids will come to me and tell me "So and so wants me to do this, but I don't want to. Will you tell me I can't so that I don't have to do it?" What parent wouldn't love that? Every single one of my kids does that.
Well.
Except Moxie.
Thing 1 wanted to stay home and hang out with us, and asked me to tell her she had to stay home and take care of her siblings.
Done.
Thing 2 didn't want to play with the boy that came over, and asked me to tell him that he needed to stay home.
Double done.
Thing 3 begged to go to her friends house.
Well.
I guess you can't win them all. Right?!?

I bought this baby wearing device from my sisters friend yesterday. My sisters baby LOVES it, and I thought I might be able to get more done if I got one for Moxie. I love it, and even better Moxie loves it! Remember that song from the 90's that had that line in it "everyone needs a Bosom for a pillow?" That song was totally written for Moxie.
Doesn't she look content??
Yeah. That's how she is.
All the time.

Have a wicked weekend, and don't be getting into any shenanigans!
What's your random 10, people?
You listening to anything good??

1. 19 Somethin' - Mark Wills
2. Get Out While You Can - Starsailor
3. Gotta Stay High - New Radicals
4. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (acoustic) - John Mayer
5. American Baby - Dave Matthews Band
6. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
7. When The Sand Runs Out - Rascal Flatts
8. This Womans Work - Kate Bush
9. Complicated - Robin Thicke
10. Pinch Me - Barenaked Ladies

Bonus: Feels Like Tonight - Daughtry

I have been looking for a particular set of photos for Throwback Thursday today... but have not been able to locate them. My brain is tired from trying to remember where I saw them, ( i have been in the process of putting all of these photos into proper storage thingers) but no such luck yet. They are from my mission, and I really hope that I didn't loose them. I will be so sad. One of the photos in question, has been enlarged to a ridiculous size and is hanging on the wall of the missionary department at my churches headquarters. I was/am flattered... but how retarded will I look if I have to go down there and take a photo of Me?

Anyway.
Here were are... a more 'recent' Throwback Thursday. These photos are from my mission. (I served in the Washington, Spokane Mission from 1992-1994) For all my friends who are not of my faith, a mission is a voluntary thing that people can do. You pay your own way, and the boys go for 2 years and the girls go for 18 months (I actually served 19 months). The girls have to be 21 years old to be eligible to go, and the boys are 19 when they go. You do not get to pick where you go; you are assigned, and you go and teach people about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and render service where you can. It was a great time in my life! I had a wonderful time, and it was a lot of hard work. I never understood that scripture that says work with all your heart might mind and strength until I came home. I was pooped! I just wanted to sleep all the time. It truly was the best thing I had ever done! I do not regret it one bit, and I find myself reflecting on experiences I had there almost daily. It really did change my life, how I view life and how I choose to live my life.

I have been a faithful American Idol watcher this year. I usually only pick up watching it around the top 12... simply because I find the whole audition experience nauseating. I get so embarrassed for the people making fools of themselves that I have to actually change the channel. Or watch with my ears plugged singing my own la la la... However, this year I watched from beginning to end.

Last night we had all sorts of end of term projects that HAD to get done. (read:due today. dang teenagers!) I didn't want Thing 1 to be sidetracked with AI, so I taped it to watch later. She just got online and checked to see who won, but I again plugged my ears and sang my own la la la.

Everyone was nestled snug in their own little beds, and I settled into my bed to watch. I thought it was a great show. It was fun to see all of the top 12 there again... and I LOVED the guest artists they had. George Michael, I am ashamed to say, rocks my world.

I was happily watching, all the way predicting that Archie would win. He totally out sang Cook. Imagine my complete HORROR when the last image I see is this one, and the last thing I hear is "and the winner is David... "
The DVR quit recording.
QUIT RECORDING!
Let me say that one more time.
My DVR quit FREAKING recording.
Yes. I know. I missed the best part of the whole show. The whole reason we have been watching. To see who won.
It wouldn't have been so bad if there had been someone other than 2 Davids. Hearing the words "and the winner is David..." wouldn't have had quite the same effect as did with there being 2 Davids. You should have seen my face. My jaw dropped, and Jefe looked at me and started laughing his head off. I must have looked quite the sight! He said, I know who wins... so. I had to find out the winner of American Idol from Jefe. Which in and of itself isn't bad... its just not getting to see the reaction.
Ho. Hum

I have to agree with Simon. Either David would have been a great American Idol. Cookie is edgey, and Archie is awesome with the ballads. I still prefer Archies voice over Cooks, but whatever. They will both go REALLY far.

As I was watching one of the numbers with the top 6 men... I thought that Archie would be completely amazing in the Broadway show Jersey Boys!(the musical about the 4 seasons) Can't you see him singing "Who Loves you?" He would be amazing with that! Archie would be amazing in any Broadway show!

So. American Idol is over. Now we can find something else to obsess over.

Like Lost.

Thing 2: Mom, I had a nightmare last night.

Me: Oh no. You did? Why didn't you come get me? What did you do?

Thing 2: Oh. I woke up Thing 3 and told her I was scared. She said, "that's ok Thing 2, I get scared all the time." And I slept with her, holding her hand.

Me: (trying to keep the tears from showing) Ohh. Thats so great you have a sister to help you.

Thing 2: I know. Don't tell, but I really love her.