Pinkalicious

The other day while sitting at the computer Braden comes up to me and says:

"When it is my birthday, can you make pink cupcakes?  I want to eat them."

Too bad his birthday was 4 months away when he made that comment. 

You can tell one of his favorite stories is Pinkalicious.  All my kids have loved it, but I could definitely do without.  I think the author could have done so much better with the moral of the story or included a side moral on healthy eating.  Instead the main character "gagged" and "choked" down healthy vegetables.  She held her nose when she had to eat the green things.  What a pleasant message to send to the young audience of this book, "Be beautiful being you, but stay away from those gross fruits and vegetables."

Definitely got way sidetracked today, but that book is one of my hot buttons and I can't believe that everyone loves it.

To end on a positive note two of my favorite kid books are Me First and Farm Flu.  Now that I mentioned those two my mind is spinning with other greats but I won't list them today.

Excuses...they stink

So my blog has been haunting me for sometime. I just don't have the desire. I have lots of posts but they never get written.  It seems to have gone the way of most of my journals.

Yesterday I had the best of intentions of writing about our recent trip to Disneyland. I went to download the 352 pictures on my camera when the message saying my disk space was completely full. Only 10 pics were downloaded. For sometime we have had the intention of buying a new computer. This old, super slow computer has been one of my reasons for not writing. It is horrendous to work on. Just ask some of my family. Well the computer again gave me an excuse for avoiding the blog. But now we really have to act on computers and we have no clue about what we need and what is a good price. Our printer has been broken since we moved in and it ran out of ink 2 months ago but I wasn't going to buy a new printer until we had the new computer. You would think that would be incentive to buy a computer but no. Yes I would curse when I had to hand write my talk or hand write my letters to my brother or hand write quotes for my church lessons on Sunday.  I guess we had to make things worse before we would act. (Are we dumb or what?)

But don't worry we have our priorities. Earlier this month we bought a new TV instead of a computer. We were able to watch General Conference in HD. We are now officially cool and have stepped into the realm of flat screen, HD, internet connected TVs.


Anways, you do not get to hear about Disneyland today. Probably not tomorrow either. Maybe you will be lucky enough to get a few old updates that have been swirling in my head for months like boys hitting for no reason or answering philosophical questions like "is he a boy or a girl, mommy"?

Where, Oh, Where has My Veggie Peeler Gone

So I pride myself on the fact that my washing machine doesn't eat socks. If it does it eats them in pairs. Oh what, I just lost one but I don't count that yet because I really haven't taken the time to look for it. Maybe tomorrow I will remember to take a peak in the dryer. But that is not the topic of this post.

Right now I have to ask, who snags a vegetable peeler? I have looked in every drawer, cupboard, pantry and even the fridge. There is no sign, no clue. I understand how socks disappear because they go everywhere. They go on vacations, to school, to parks, through puddles, etc. But a vegetable peeler only works in the kitchen. Seriously, where would it have gone. It was such a nice instrument especially compared to my two previous, really cheap ones. I am at a loss. So it is off to the store to buy a replacement. Sniffle, sniffle :(

Thinking of cheap, anyone else notice how cheaply made small appliances are made these days. I have been through 3 hand mixers, 2 toasters and 1 blender. That is ridiculous. I remember my mom's blender from working forever. In fact, it would probably still be use if the jar part hadn't broken. It was so old she didn't feel it worth scouring the country for a replacement.

Woh, woh, woh, woh, woh (think Snoopy)

So the other day at the bus stop I meet this lady. We are chatting and she says she has to go somewhere in a bit. Since it is 8 am I ask if she is off to work. Her reply is "No, I don't work anymore. I am on disability." So what do I say? "Oh, I bet that is nice to stay at home." I wanted to smack my forehead right there and stick my head in a hole.

My problem is many times I don't stop to process and think about what I just heard before I speak. Instead I leave no room for silence and plow ahead in the conversation. In the example above I heard the word "no" and my mind raced on to prepare an answer before I finished listening to her. By the time my mind catches up my lips and tongue have already wrecked havoc on my social graces.

I have tried and tried to work on this but like many of my flaws there has been little improvement. So please don't take offense when I blurt out anything stupid, rude, and/or incoherent. Most of the time I really don't mean it.

Whose Idea Was It Anyway

More philosophical thoughts from yours truly. I think the two most painful grooming tasks for women are leg shaving and eyebrow pruning. I can get past the legs because 8 months out of the year in Utah I can hide behind long pants and no one knows how often this ritual takes place.

But eyebrows that is a different story.  They stand out before everyone and there is no hiding them even behind glasses. I am not sure why it bothers me so or why I neglect them so often. It isn't painful anymore to rip them from the follicle (sometimes it is when I get a hold of a little skin by accident, then I cry and shout out a string of alien sounds). Maybe I hate the chore because I am not the best at it. Sometimes they get a little thin and bald looking and other times it is still a bush. Most of the time I will step in front of another mirror in a different light and see a bunch of strays I missed (even after thorough inspection). In college I used to make my best friend pluck those hairs for me because she was so much better. Man do I miss her.

So I ask, who's idea was it that to be beautiful to most that women need silky smooth legs and manicured brows? Legs again a little more understandable. There is something about slipping into a pair of pants when all is satin. But the bikini part I can tell no difference nor does it make clothing feel any better. But because someone deemed it sexier, I myself feel better when standing around in a swim suit and there is no forest hanging out. Back to the brow. What is wrong with a uni-brow or two bushes on your face? It is only wrong because someone decided that people look better by pruning nature. Of course I will continue to shave and pluck because I have fallen into the same belief abyss that less hair is best and clean trimmed eyebrows are more beautiful.

Things I love...

• Climbing into bed with fresh, clean sheets. The first night after changing sheets is heavenly to me. The down side changing and washing those sheets.
• Slipping into bed with silky, smooth legs because I actually shaved them that day. It is worth shaving for this benefit alone.
• Having the sun shine and going outside to enjoy it. I really miss seeing the sun everyday like I did in Phoenix. Even if it is a warm day, if the sun ain't shinin' it ain't that great. Sunday we walked to church. It was so lovely because the sun was out the whole time. It was the best way to prepare for church. I had a tear in my eye as I recalled how often we could walk to church in Phoenix. I think the last year we were there we walked 9 months out of the year. By the way, this walk was no small feat. Our house is the furthest I have ever lived from a church building. We have to cross a busy road to get there too. Don't worry we did the "do as we say, not as we do" with our kids. We taught them to jay-walk and then said don't ever do this. It is against the law.
• that Brian has not won the last four games of Settlers. I don't think he will play the game again. It is back to Ticket to Ride and Carcassone for him.
• when Braden teases Kelsey by grabbing her blanket and running. Or when he is the monster and chases his sisters around the house. I hate that he dumps every cup or water bottle on the ground.
• that Braden stuck is lawn mower and wagon in time out yesterday. He pushed each one into a corner and yelled "in the corner" and "go to time out". I hate to hear what I sound like when my kids are playing me.
• that Macy wants two gift cards and money for her birthday. Her reason "so she doesn't have to spend her own money to buy things". What am I supposed to do for her birthday? Obviously the royal wedding is not an option.

If I were a Betting Woman

The philosophical questions I pose today are "When do you think Brian will take this Christmas tree downstairs?" and "What are the odds I put it away?" As I have pondered such deepness I think the odds are about the same as the outcomes of "who will wheel the garbage cans out to the street for garbage day" and "who will shovel the driveway after a snow storm".  It is probably fair enough to say the odds are fairly similar to the outcome of my laundry abilities. Many times I am asked "I got this ... on my shirt.  Do you think it will come out in the wash or do I need to take it somewhere?"  It all depends on what type of risk taker you are.  As to the tree, I think my money is on me and the length of time will depend on how long I try to wait him out.  No tree man is coming on a set day to take it away like the garbage man comes to take my trash.

Reaching Out to Others

Sunday I taught a lesson about reaching out to others. I felt like it went really well, but I had a hard time coming up with personal examples that I haven't used before. I know I had some but my mind drew a blank. Of course after the lesson I have seen so many kind acts in this week alone that would have been perfect for my class. I am sure I drew a blank so the girls could pull from their own experiences.

When I think of all the kindness that has been extended to me I have to stop and think if I do the same sort of things for others. Sometimes I am a little disappointed in myself because there are instances in which some acts would never cross my mind. Then I hope to log it in my brain for a future time when I can extend someone else a similar kindness. Hence, the reason for my post. Hopefully by writing about this I will remember more readily.

There were a number of people who remembered my birthday and made it special. In fact someone last year did the same thing and brought me flowers. Somehow I manage to remember birthdays either two days before the event or two days after and then I never get around to doing something kind. I hope I can change this.

I have also received sweet cards of love on days that I needed them. I wish I did more as Pres. Monson does. In the Church News, he stated that he immediately acts upon inspiration. If I did this instead of throwing the inspiration on my "to do list" and never getting to it, then I might be the help that someone else needs at the time and a tool in Heavenly Father's hand.

So thank you to everyone that has been an example to me and reminded me of the importance of reaching out to others. Thank you for being an instrument in Heavenly Father's hand.

A Lesson I Hope I Learn...

...but probably haven't. Don't buy the Costco size box of Oreos, even if it is more convenient than hitting another grocery store. Your rear-end will thank you.

Some how all the Oreos have disappeared and I have a feeling that I have eaten the majority. Okay, I know that I have. I don't share and I never let my kids know that I am eating them. I have the box hidden in my extra food storage place (my armoire). I keep thinking that someone should have shot the person who created these tasty morsels, but then I would be extremely sad not to have them. I have always loved these cookies. In fact, when I was little my best friend's dad gave me a package of double-stuff for my birthday.

I keep telling myself they are almost gone and I should share to get rid of them. One problem with getting rid of them is that in a couple of weeks my thin mint girl scout cookies will arrive and I am just as bad with those. Brian told me to only order 2 boxes, but I couldn't help it and I ordered 3. What am I to do? Maybe eat just one more cookie.

Appalling Events

Yesterday at the gym I was watching a little of the morning talk shows, the ones after the shows like the Today Show and Good Morning America. Anyways, I was in shock at a comment made. They were talking about a survey done of 2800 Shape magazine readers (too small a group for any serious scientific finding). They found out that 42% of the men have cheated on a significant other and that 41% of the women admit to cheating. Now this did not shock me as much as the comment that was made after sharing this news with us. One of the comments of made by the people on TV was along the lines of "I am glad that women are finally starting to stand up for themselves and not remain faithful since men don't." What? What is this person thinking? Dishonesty and infidelity are okay just because the opposite sex does it a lot more. That is such backward thinking. I don't think this person even equates cheating with dishonesty.

Then today I went and got my flu shot. I decided since I was getting on an airplane, I had better help my chances of not getting sick for the holidays. So I did my research I found a place to go. I went to my favorite urgent care (which is quickly dropping on the list because today it took me 50 minutes for the vaccine and there was only one person in front of me). They were $5 less than my co-pay would be if I went to my doctors and they are in the same shopping area as my gym. So I get there and of course the family that is in front of me is in because 2 of the kids are throwing up. There goes my plan to stay healthy. Kelsey is with me and in my mind I am praying that she doesn't try to play with the kids. Well the mom pulls out suckers for her kids and then trying to be nice she asks if Kelsey can have one. What do I say? She is trying to be nice but all I can think about is the germs that are all over her hand that is holding the sucker and then Kelsey putting it close to her mouth and touching the stick. I am sure she didn't even think through what she was doing. So I did what any mother would do (okay what I would do). I replied, "She is okay she just had a sucker." Which was completely true. It was the last piece of Halloween candy and I was glad it was gone. But the lady just looked at me. I am not sure if she didn't hear me (I was kind of quiet) or if she couldn't believe I was saying no. So I accepted the sucker. Kelsey better not get sick.

The Top 3 Worst Items to Shop For

I have been doing a little shopping lately and have realized there are 3 things I usually hate to buy. In no particular order (because they all tie for first in my book) they are: swim suit shopping, bra shopping, and maternity shopping.

For most women spring brings the dreaded start of swimsuit shopping season. It seems that no matter what the scale says or the tape measure reads, many feel inadequate. Maybe it is because there is less and less cloth to the swimsuit each year.

And bra shopping. Every time I have to go shopping for this item I end up trying on millions of these. I have a general idea of my size, so I start with that. Each one fits a little different so besides my standard size, I usually have to try on the same style but one band size up and one cup size larger or go the opposite direction. I end up trying on more bras to get to the final purchase than I try on shirts to get to one I like. And a bra is worn underneath the clothes so no one sees it anyways. The last complaint about this is what if I don't like it any more after I have worn it for 12 straight hours, then I am back to the drawing board. I did get around this for a time by buying the same exact bra for a year or two until it was discontinued.

I hate maternity shopping. It reminds me that I am getting larger around the middle (and yes I know it is for a good purpose, but still no one enjoys extra poundage). It is hard to find affordable, good looking clothes. Right now everything feels like a tent, but wearing normal clothes produces bulges that make it look like my clothes are too tight in the mid-section. It is also a difficult purchase because you wear them for such a short time. I would rather spend my money on clothes I can wear when I am back to my normal size and get good use out of them. Just the other day I went out for the purpose of finding clothes and I spent the majority of the time gazing in store windows and longing to buy the cute normal clothes. Such is the dilemma. I think I will go with some plain long sleeve t-shirts and a couple of sweaters/jackets that can be thrown over the top when I step out of my house. And if you notice me wearing something out of style or over and over again, just know it is because I am saving up for an after party shopping spree.

Now some may say jeans could be another difficult category, but on my list it makes the number 2 spot.

The Kind of Mother I am

Yesterday afternoon as I was walking into the gym I noticed these are the outfits my girls are wearing. They picked out their own attire. Macy's is fine except for the fact that she wore that same shirt the day before and we had visited the gym the day before too. Kelsey started out the day with a pair of jeans, but an hour after dressing she found her favorite skirt and changed. I was a little embarrassed as I walked through the doors but quickly got over it and just chuckled because that is the type of mother I am.

This picture also shows you a little about my kids. Macy is goofy for pictures and Kelsey won't smile. She will say cheese but no grin.

*Warning the next part is not funny and is only for those who want to know me as a mom. You might even find it appalling and not worth reading. So you can make a choice to stop reading here or continue on. It won't hurt my feelings one bit. Just remember this is for my posterity so don't judge too harshly.*

It is often that my kids pick out their own clothes and I try to persuade them to be a little more fashionable, but really it doesn't matter to me (most of the time). I have also been known to take my kids places with food all over their mouth. I usually notice this after we are get somewhere and I don't carry wipes anymore so that is how it has to be. (I don't use my own spit to clean their faces. If I use spit it is their own.) Their hair isn't ever really fancy, but then take a look at mine not always the latest and greatest. And who has time for bows, besides my girls don't ever leave them in. To be honest I know their have been a couple of times that we ended up at the gym and I had forgotten to at least comb their hair. Since I am being so honest, I am grateful that Macy hardly ever wants her hair done all cutsy. Baths are every other day and sometimes every 2 days so we hit bath time on a Saturday because that is the day to get ready for Sunday. My kids will sometimes strip down after dinner and be in a shirt and underwear or pants and underwear. I am just happy they are not getting another article of clothing dirty. My kids also don't have a set bedtime. It is a general time frame and depends on several factors including my mood and how they are acting. I didn't work with Macy on knowing her alphabet or writing her name before going to preschool. She has learned that all at school. I also don't do regular play dates or take them to the park on a regular basis. I get too busy worrying about all that I have to do to schedule that stuff in (which is not a good trait, but I am working on it because I understand that time goes by too fast). I don't mind leaving my kids for vacations or to go on a date night, I never have. But I am always happy to come back to them. All these things add up to the type of mother that I am.

There are some things I feel that I am good at. They brush their teeth morning and night. They get stories and scriptures every night. I try to feed them whole grains on most days, throw in fruits at breakfast and lunch, and serve vegetables for lunch and dinner (this has been slipping lately but I try). I am not opposed to treats, anyone who has seen my sweet tooth can attest to that, but I try to limit their treats, including fruit snacks, during the day (Halloween has thrown this out the window). It doesn't really bother me when someone else gives them treats. My main reasons for not serving treats are: 1. I hope they don't become addicted like me. 2. They get plenty of sugar in their diet. 3. I don't like to spend my grocery budget on them. They can get expensive because Brian loves treats and helps reduce supplies. 4. I am the biggest culprit at reducing treat supplies. There is very little that I won't eat and I am so bad that when I buy candy I hide it and eat it all without their knowledge. I am a bad example of limiting sugar. I also try to be careful of sodium and fast food restaurants. I try to limit their TV/movie watching. But again I am not real picky about things such as this. I may seem a little healthy extreme, but really I am pretty laid back about everything and it doesn't bother me if things are not done the same way I do them. So I have no problem having other people watch my kids and never get upset if they do things differently with my kids. I would call myself more laid back than strict. These different attitudes also make up who I am.

There are times when I look at other moms and wish that I dressed my kids as cute or knew how to do hair like that. Sometimes I wish that I would take more time to spend with my kids (remember I am working on that) and do the regular park thing. But I am also coming to the reality that every woman is different and has her own ideas and attitudes about things and that doesn't make me wrong or right. In my mind I may not seem like the perfect mom, but I am doing my best and so is everyone else. Every mom needs to pick and choose the things that are needful, what are wantful, and what is worth the time. Hopefully I will choose wisely and make adjustments where necessary and laugh off anything that doesn't fit the idea of perfect.

PS I mainly wrote this so one day my kids will have an idea of the kind of mother I was at this time in my life.

PPS I also wrote it so that I would feel better when people saw my kids in crazy outfits and dirty faces.

Why

There are three things I am ask myself "why?" Why is it that my children always decide to do the number 2 business when I am in the middle of a meal or in the shower? They may be finished but usually I am just beginning (they eat as I dish the food). These are the times I wish their arms were long enough to take care of themselves, the coordination was there, and the understanding of what they are doing was complete. Alas I have to put my fork down and be the mom. In my mind I sit and wish this upon them when they have children of their own. Brian says that is not very nice but I am sure almost every mother has wished certain things to come around to their grown child.

Why do my kids suddenly have to go to the bathroom once we have been in a store for about 15 minutes or when they see a store restroom?

My other why is "why do I have all my energy in the morning, start losing steam around lunch, get cranky late in the afternoon, and am exhausted the minute bedtime rolls around?" I don't get this, especially when I have done very little in regards to manual labor. There was a point before children that my ambitions to accomplish something after dinner were possible. Those days are gone. After dinner all I want to do is put my feet up. So I will add my ambitious task of finding room for my food storage and putting it away for tomorrow. If it doesn't get done in the morning, it might not happen until Saturday.

Don't Forget to Vote

Today is election day. Make your voice be heard. Do your research, ponder the topics and candidates, and then make the selection you feel is the best choice for you and your family. This is your right and responsibility as a US citizen.



While you are at it, take a minute and vote on whether you think we are having a boy or a girl. We find out on Friday so you only have a few short days.

News Flash

I just saw a gas station with prices below $3. Of course it was $2.99 and 9/10ths so pretty much 3, but I saw a 2. What is with the 9/10ths? Is it so that it is easier to calculate the gallons more precisely or is it someone mind trick for the little folk? In no other industry could you get away with charging a percentage. Can you imagine going to the counter of a clothing store and the total is $31.07 and 1/2. Would you round up or down? What do you do when you go to the gas station and somehow magically hit exactly 1 gal? Do you ask for a 1/10th credit? Weird!