Live From Mommyville...

The Week in Pictures

2012-01-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Not as exciting as TIME magazine but...

Science Fair Project:

My oldest has his first ever Science Fair next week. This, of course,

means a lot of extra work for me--mostly of a nagging nature:

"Have you finished your project yet? Have you finished your project yet?

HAVE YOU FINISHED YOUR PROJECT YET???"

First real snow of the new year!

The snow that my girl has been praying for finally appeared this week. I

was grateful too. I spent a lot on money on new snow boots, pants and coats

this year. I was grateful that Mother Nature finally put out! Er, I mean...

got with the program.

Dog Sitting:

While my sister-in-law and her family were in the Bahamas, we babysat

their dog. A very needy, stinky dog that could guilt trip Stalin with those

brown eyes. I have discovered that I am not ready for a dog. My children have

other ideas on the matter. But I keep telling them, this family is not

a democracy.

The Help

2011-12-29T17:56:00.007-07:00

It's not often you get parenting tips from the movies. In fact, tinseltown produces copious examples of what NOT to do. But when I saw The Help this year, I got a great idea. (2 second review: loved the book, loved the movie)

I'd read the book the year before and vaguely remembered how maid Aibileen had loved and encouraged little Mae Mobley, whom her mother mostly ignored. But it wasn't until I saw the movie that the idea made an impression. In difficult times, Aibileen pulled her neglected charge close and whispered, "You is smart, you is kind, you is important," and the little girl repeated the words back to her. Brilliant! I thought. This would be huge with my kids. I trotted right home and tried it.

Before I got two words out, my oldest rolled his eyes, and made a b-line for the door. My middle child crossed her eyes, then made choking noises. But I struck gold with my youngest. When I pulled him in and told him I had a secret, his eyes got wide and he offered an ear. As I whispered, "You are kind, you are smart, you are important" his smile got wider and he said, "Wait mommy! Say it again." I repeated it and after each word he affirmed, "I am!" So now this is "our thing." Every night after song and prayer, I lean in and whisper the words in his ear. The best part is his confident, "I am!"

Thanks Aibileen...

Now that's comforting...

2011-12-29T17:43:00.003-07:00

Comfort Foods for no-good, terrible, rotten, bad hair, is that a zit on my chin? my-kids-hate-me days...
1) A whole order of Training Table cheese fries with dipping sauce
2) Noble Romans bread sticks with spicy cheese
3) A carton of Ding Dongs
4) A half gallon of burnt almond fudge ice cream
5) An entire box of See's dark chocolate...nuts and chews

What do you eat when life comes raining down?

help from on high...

2011-12-06T21:58:00.006-07:00

This past weekend I burned a wire between here and heaven. I spent a lot of time on my knees because I am not a calm mom. Nope. Not my thang. This doesn't exactly help with peace and harmony around the house. I've been doing much better, but in moments of stress I still yell more than I'd like. I figured a heavenly assist would be useful. Well...evidently, the praying helped! At 9:00 p.m. Sunday evening, my pajama clad daughter came out of her room crying. She held up a blue piece of paper for my perusal. Fantasy book report due the next morning. She hadn't read the book.

At this moment the heaven's parted. My head didn't spin around on my neck. Steam didn't shoot out of my ears or other orifices. And I didn't yell! I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Guess you'll turn it in late." Of course my daughter, being related, got stubborn and decided to do the book report anyway. She stayed up late and read the book. She drew scenes from her book and covered a box with her drawings. The next morning she filled out the summary sheet and actually made it to school on time. She did her presentation and got a 98%. The biggest miracle? She did it all without a single meltdown.

...praying works!

2011-11-11T15:04:00.004-07:00

It's so great when people get me!
(thanks Mimi!)

My Weekend

2011-11-07T15:07:00.005-07:00

I went "away" this weekend with two friends, who used to be my sisters-in-law. I haven't quite figured out what to call them yet. Hmmm...

Anyway...the weekend was sort of a prelude to my birthday which is coming at me at warp speed. Friday night at the restaurant, Meems drew this picture of me on the table. When she was finished I said, "Look! You can tell it's me 'cause there are no boobs!" She added boobs...

We had a great time mostly because no one had an agenda and we just let our day happen. Of course there were the requisite moments where I laughed so hard I cried (peed), when I ticked LJ off by being honest (insensitive) and I ate way too much (chocolate).

I'm so thankful for people who I can be absolutely myself with and they still love me in the morning!

BOO!

2011-11-03T16:16:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful for the kids...

the candy...not so much

Grateful...

2011-11-01T16:53:00.008-06:00

I'm behind. I'm always behind. My intentions are good, but you know what they say about good intentions. So, no new posts from me for awhile. In September we all got the stomach flu (one at a time) and then half of us came down with colds. The computer followed suit and caught a virus. It didn't fare as well as the rest of us. The big purchase in October was a new computer!

So now I'm back...

I've decided my posts this month are going to focus on what I am grateful for. Fitting for November, hmm?

I'm starting with something that happened in July. My sweet girl was baptized. In our religion, children are not baptized at birth because they are sinless. We wait until they are eight years old and have a better idea about the concepts of sin and forgiveness. My girl waited patiently (sort of) until she got her chance. The day was worth the wait. She was baptized by her handsome cousin which, for me, was significant. I've known this guy since he was two. He's grown into a charming, funny young man and it meant a lot to have him officiate. It was a great day full of love, family and friends. A perfect combination.

2011-10-30T23:06:00.000-06:00

Crazy Eights

2011-09-09T20:34:00.003-06:00

Some people say bad things happen in three's. I'm making a strong case here that bad things happen in eights! Welcome to my week...

1)My four-year-old went to the dentist for the first time and ended up with 5 cavities! (I swear we brush around here). Under sedation, the dentist found (and filled) two more!

2) My eight-year-old threw a volcanic fit when I informed her that the giant teddy bear she has been saving for is no longer available at Costco

3) Four-year-old again…closed the garage door when the back of the mini van was still open

4) Had to settle for "decent" at the body shop to fix the damage done to van…because “decent” was free and “perfect” would have cost $200

5) Eight-year-old started puking and cried because she would miss school…had hopes of perfect attendance this year

6) I started crying because eight-year-old was home another day. Too sick to be at school…too well to be at home, spent the day harassing the four-year-old. Grrrr...

7) Aunt Flo showed up today…four days early (@#$%)

8) Four-year-old just threw up all over the stairs. The. Most. Inconvenient. Place. He. Could. Find.

I’m shaking the eight ball to see if I should even bother to wake up tomorrow…

Summer 2011

2011-08-17T19:49:00.001-06:00

2011-08-08T19:36:00.004-06:00

Don't tell anyone, but I've started worshiping golden idols...

15 days, 11 hours and forty-five minutes
(but who's counting???)

Summer Fun

2011-08-04T21:55:00.007-06:00

Last summer for my sister-in-law's birthday, she chose to have a girls day at a local ski resort. There was a zip-line, an alpine slide...you get the idea. We were standing in line and I was grumbling about how I really couldn't afford this when my other sister-in-law turned to me and said, somewhat fiercely, "You do realize that we never do anything fun, right??? We are doing this!" She then grabbed my hand and hauled me back into line. She did me a favor because I proceeded to go down the zip-line, the alpine slide and even rode a mechanical bull. By the end of the day I had managed to have fun.

This brings me to today. I promised my daughter that we would go swimming, just the two of us...a little girl bonding. The only problem is, I spent my morning hyperventilating about these plans. Don't get me wrong, I love swimming. Some of my favorite memories growing up were the summers when we had a family pass to the pool. I'd swim as far as I could underwater, holding my breath until I reached my dad, who'd back up whenever I got close, pushing me to new records. I remember the sting of the chlorine in my nose, the smell of the Coppertone sunscreen we'd baste ourselves in, the exhilaration of jumping off the high dive. So what's the big deal with a couple of hours at the pool with K? I'll tell you what it is. I have an issue with letting go. My head is always full of the things I'm supposed to do. I should be doing laundry, making dentist appointments, returning late library books. So today I tried to stop thinking. I tried to stop making mental lists of things I should be doing instead of relaxing and making sure my daughter has some of the same memories that I do. I don't think my dad was standing on the other end of the pool all those years ago, mentally reprimanding himself for having a good time with his daughter instead of being home mowing the lawn. In fact, it was his remembered smile (the one that let me know he was proud of me) that stopped me in my tracks today and helped me forget the lists and actually HAVE FUN.

2011-05-24T16:58:00.002-06:00

Holy Haircut Batman!

I'm posting this picture for ALL the family members who
have harassed me about my son's hair for the past 3 years!

2011-05-20T10:51:00.010-06:00

As part of my mother’s day gift this year, my mom gave me an all expense paid weekend to…3 hours south a’ here. With all my children. Yee-freakin’-haw.

We went down south to see my cousin get married. But as I drove with Mega Mind booming behind me and my mother snoring softly beside me, I realized the ONLY way I will ever experience an actual vacation…is if I bring along a nanny or ingest a bucket of Valium.

So I spent most of the drive with any number of self help clichés circling in my head, “You can do whatever you put your mind to!” “Attitude determines altitude!” “Don’t sweat the small stuff!” By the time we arrived I’d convinced myself this trip would live in our memories forever. I bounded out of the van…and fell flat on my face. My oldest wanted to push the luggage cart, my middle child wanted to ride on the luggage cart, the youngest ended up UNDER the luggage cart. Screams, cries, protests. Where’s the Valium?

But, surprise! surprise! (no really, I was surprised!) we ended up having a good time. I had to loosen my expectations and go where the moment took me (only once did the “moment” take me to imagining myself at the state pen where I’d be on permanent vacation for harming my children). We hung out with family, laughed, hugged and mugged it up in a photo booth at the reception. I got to enjoy my children as my oldest deftly explained sedimentary rock formations at the petroglyphs, my sweet girl entertained an indulgent staff at a steak house with a series of Christmas carols on the piano and my youngest approached everything with too much energy and an infectious grin. Regardless…I AM GLAD TO BE HOME!

Mom…next year, may I suggest Paris ?

2011-05-10T09:05:00.008-06:00

Hope at the bottom of a Cherry Coke...

I went to the movies with a couple of friends last night. For the record, it was the latest incarnation of Jane Eyre (loved it). As I sat with my friends I felt myself relax for the first time that day. With popcorn on my lap and a cherry coke in my hand, I was happy to unwind and watch one of my favorite literary hotties (Mr. Rochester).

The movie notwithstanding, the ride back was the best part of the evening. It was like therapy on wheels. As we neared home and my coke was almost gone, I was struck by the resilient power of women. We are such emotional creatures, we put our whole heart in just about everything we do. Unfortunately that makes the stakes that much higher for us. Currently, a lot of significant women in my life are experiencing some harrowing trials. Financial challenges, health issues, marital pains, consequences of others decisions, sorrow over children's choices, stress at work...the list seems endless. But when I think of these amazing women individually or collectively I marvel at their ability to keep moving forward while helping others around them.

At the end of the evening, none of us had resolved a thing. In fact one friend faced a corporate firing squad this morning. But I felt good, hopeful and I went to bed thankful for the friends, aunts, sisters, daughters, nieces and of course mothers (mine especially), who encourage me even as they face challenges of their own.

2010-08-04T08:36:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my toddler absconded (today's ten cent word) with my spatula while I was flipping pancakes. Bright eyed he started marching around the kitchen with his prize.
"Spatula Mommy!" he chanted. I was a little taken aback that he knew that word and prounounced it so perfectly. Matronly pride expanded. He's a very clever boy. No...he's brilliant! How many times has he heard me say that word? I don't recall ever using it in his prescence. He must have a photographic memory! I start to picture him leading a band of pint sized intellectuals, running a hand through his Einstein-esq hair.

Meanwhile...the pancakes are burning.
Ten seconds later he walks up to me and raises the spatula carefully upwards, a sponge he's found on the counter resting on it.
"Mommy? You want crabby patty?"*

Oh.

My child isn't brilliant. He just watches too much TV.

*for all you exemplary mothers out there who don't park your children in front of Nickelodeon at 8:00 a.m. so you can read in bed and extra 20 minutes...a crabby patty is what Sponge Bob flips at his job at the Crusty Crab. If you don't know who Sponge Bob is...well, I can't talk to you anymore.

2010-05-24T18:40:00.005-06:00

Ok...who's going into the volcano?
Clearly some drastic measures must be taken. The weather gods have been angered. I wonder what sacrifice will be necessary to pry Winter's greedy mitts off the forecast and usher in some balmier fare. These are not images you'd expect of the end of May, and yet...

The flowers I planted so optimistically on Saturday

My daughter wearing my coat...the one I thought I'd put

away for the next six months!

2010-05-22T14:54:00.005-06:00

A little eavesdropping never hurt anyone...

Every week I take my oldest son and his friend to Karate. I get great insights into the nine year old mind by listening to their conversations. I make sure the radio is on so they don't think I'm listening but not so loud that I can't hear. This was one of their most recent exchanges...almost verbatim.

J: Dude, did you know that Obama is trying to make it so no one can have guns?

B: No way!

J: Yes he is. You know what that means?

B: What?

J: Our military guys are gonna have to use bows and arrows!

B (with great concern): Dude, that's never gonna work against tanks...

2010-04-13T08:49:00.009-06:00

Crash Site
Tow Yard

I'm posting this for informational purposes.

A lot of you have asked what happened. I don't really know. I was in the very back with my oldest son. I had just closed my eyes since everyone had settled in--watching a movie. I heard screeching, heard the impact of us hitting something and then the squeal of tires. I saw us turning in circles and then we were rolling...several times. F looked at the van yesterday at the tow yard. We think the rear of the van was airborn for awhile since the front sustained the most damage. I asked my Aunt later if she thought we rolled a lot and she agreed, saying she felt like it would never stop. As soon as the van came to rest of its side, I unclicked my kid's seat belts and gathered them into one area of the van and did a visual inventory. Lots of crying but no bleeding that I could see. I asked if my mom was alive and she said she was. She was stuck in her seat belt, suspended above my Aunt in the front. At that point I began frenetic prayers that some one would come because I couldn't reach either of them and couldn't get out of the van. A minute later the faces of some very startled men peered through the broken glass. They were able to cut mom loose and move her out of the van and then my Aunt. I handed my toddler through the window, then K and then J. One of the men on site was an off duty nurse so he got my Aunt on the ground, J too since he had a huge knot behind his ear and my mom taken care of. Mom, Auntie M and J were loaded into ambulances and the rest of us waited with some very nice firemen. It was a tense time since I'd really wanted to stay with my son, but one of the guys reassured me that if his injuries had appeared life-threatening, they would have flown in a helicopter. My toddler kept pointing at the mess and saying, "Mommy! Our van broken!"

Of all the scenarios I run through in my mind, none of them have us all surviving. There were so many things that could have been different. We were protected. Mom broke a rib. Auntie M is still in the hospital and is having surgery on her broken shoulder today. She also broke her leg. J had a CT scan at the hospital and was discharged that day. The rest of us have bruises where our seat belts restrained us. They are absolutely beautiful tattoos and I am grateful to have them.

Thanks to all of you for your offers of help, your prayers and for listening. The kids and I are all still rattled. F had to deal with a very emotional woman on the drive home yesterday. I didn't want to get into the truck...let alone drive. I did for maybe an hour before I burst into tears on some curvy roads. All I wanted was to be home and out of a moving vehicle. For a little while my excursions will be within city limits!

2010-04-05T07:08:00.001-06:00

I'm Dreaming of a White...Easter?!?!

A chilly easter egg hunt and marshmellow peeps for breakfast!

It's Easter in the Intermountain West!

2009-12-07T14:24:00.002-07:00

A Very Bad Idea
(my first one this week...)

I woke up this morning, bright and early and saw that it had snowed during the night. This is where things went horribly wrong.

I decided it would be a GREAT idea to get all my kids up and ready before 7:30, dress them in Santa hats and head out into the virgin snow to take the dreaded CHRISTMAS picture (did I mention that it's Monday morning??). If you are a mom, you will get immediately that evidently my synapses were not making proper contact this morning. The incredible part of this story is that I actually did get all my kids up, coiffed and dressed. We loaded into the van (because I have to borrow my neighbors trees anytime I want ambiance) and that's when it all started to disintegrate. I had made my plan while imagining fantasy Stepford children, pouring liberal amounts of bleach on what my reality actually is...whiny kids who have no tolerance for cold or inconvenience. Bribery worked on the older two, but my toddler isn't so corruptible yet. As soon as I got a shot ready, he'd step out of it or turn around or make his Oscar the grouch face. Meanwhile kids number one and two are screeching through clenched teeth, "Mom! Take the dang picture!" My optimism faded and I asked myself what the heck I was doing outside in the cold, on a Monday morning taking pictures of my kids (who historically speaking, compare this sort of activity with Chinese water torture). By the time we were done (two seconds later), all kids were upset, one was crying and I had pulled a muscle in my back.

Next Monday I'm hitting snooze, throwing back a Valium and sleeping for an extra two hours.

2009-11-29T11:16:00.007-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are my Halloween pictures!

Black Belt!

Geisha Girlie

Sweet Bee...

On Halloween night, three neighborhood boys showed up with their bodies covered in peeling pink paint. Matching pig snouts and white wings completed their costumes. "The three pigs?" I asked. "Swine flu," they answered. Ah...

This, I am convinced, is how the swine flu infected my unsuspecting household. The very next day my oldest had a temperature of 103 and was laying about in atypical malaise. We even went to the hospital and had the sucky snot test to confirm that he was, indeed, H1N1 positive (called such because it wouldn't be p.c. to insult pigs). So for the next two weeks I had two kids and one spouse come down with the disease that has caused such a media frenzy. Ya know what? We all survived. But that's why you are seeing my Halloween pictures after Thanksgiving.

2009-10-02T11:52:00.003-06:00

Mental Health Moment (warning: this post contains profanity)...

I've been insanely busy for the past month and a half. I think of things I'd like to blog about but something else more important comes up. Not more fun, just more important...like book reports, nasty colds and the stomach flu. I keep waiting for my life to "get back to normal" but then I realize, this is the new normal!

damn it...

2009-08-20T16:26:00.014-06:00

The Colors of Summer

Blue

In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool...
nothing like it!

...Orange

Or any other color popsicle! You gotta love a popsicle in the hands of a two year old. He's oblivious as the juice dribbles down his chin and both arms. You get in on the action when he wraps both arms around your leg for a sticky hug.

Red, White and Blue

These colors fly high all through the month of July. Around here they mean parades, hot dogs, cousins and fireworks.

And my FAVORITE color today????

the big yellow school bus

that just drove past my house

2009-08-08T17:06:00.004-06:00

This was my mother's day gift this year (the sunflower...not the boy. I got him years ago). My son gave it to me early in May. It sat on the windowsill in the kitchen growing steadily for a few weeks. When we decided it was strong enough, we planted it outside. Holy growth spurt Batman! It went from 10 inches to five feet in a thirty day span. Do ya ever wonder what kind of steroids God puts in seeds that causes this kind of reaction? After seeing how quickly this monstrosity shot up I find myself thanking heaven for the disparity in the growth cycle of young plants and young children.
(yes, I know he needs a haircut...the boy, not the sunflower)

Happy Summer!

2009-07-05T10:11:00.003-06:00

Our Zoo membership expired on June 30th. So, wanting to squeeze as much value out of that little piece of paper as possible we loaded up, grabbed the cousins and went...on the hottest day of summer so far.

Our Navigator...
Wild animals...beware

Cousins, and buds!

2009-07-02T08:30:00.003-06:00

Why I don't Comment on Your Blog...

This morning, I had just finished printing out the chore chart for my oldest before Cubs when I realized I had 2 minutes and 45 seconds of free time. I decided to catch up on my favorite blogs. This is what happened next:

J: Mom...what are you doing?
Me (distracted): Leaving a comment on a blog.
J: A what?
Me: A blog.
J (patronizing): Mom...that's not how you spell 'both.'
Me: That's good because I'm trying to spell 'booth!'
J: Who is that to? What are you saying? Who is that a picture of? Why are you doing that? Do you even know who that is?
Long Mommy pause (the one where you weigh the conseqences of child endangerment)
Me (resigned): Ya know, I think I'll do this when you are unconcious.

2009-06-29T21:24:00.009-06:00

How Far Would you Go for Good

Cheese Fries?

A favorite hang out in High School, it's where you find

truly great cheese fries--no equal, anywhere

(and believe me...I've looked)

I just returned from a trip long over due--back to my hometown in Missouri. It was WONDERFUL. Ok. It was wonderful for me. I dragged my sister-in-law along and all my shouted enthusiasm was somewhat lost on her:

“Look! That’s my High School.”
“There’s my old house!”
“I made out in that parking lot!”
“I learned to roller skate there!”(ok…that one was a lie. I never learned to roller skate. I learned to fall down.)

Mmm-mm. You can take the girl out of Missouri but you can’t take the Missouri out of the girl. Going back home I felt like I met pieces of myself. Pieces not lost, but maybe forgotten. There are some really lovely things about the Midwest. The pace is slower, the people are completely genuine. LJ remarked on how kind and polite everyone was. Family friends took time out of their busy day to talk to me. I went to church and was treated like a lost treasure. My heart expanded two sizes just seeing some of these people again.

Here are some highlights...

Outside the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art home to my favorite painting in the

world, Mrs. Cecil Wade by John Singer-Sargent

Exterior and Interior shots of Union Station in Kansas City,

one of the most sublime places on the planet
We stayed in downtown Kansas City, two blocks from the Power

and Light District

The J.C. Nichols fountain at the entrance to the

Country Club Plaza...great shopping, great eats...beautiful!

2009-06-13T15:51:00.008-06:00

Whaddup??
We're only two weeks in, but here is what our summer is like so far...

J-man just finished baseball season. He had machine pitch this year. Initially he came home disgruntled at how few hits he was getting, letting me know he preferred coach pitch. But he ended strong. He got on base each time he was at bat and frequently scored for his team. Fielding was a different story but he was as good/bad as any of the other kids. This summer he is starting to read the Harry Potter books...has already finished book one. He just returned from a camping trip with his dad where he shot a BB gun for the first time. Oh joy.

This Little Miss is the poster child of summer. If she is concious, she wants to be on the go. It's difficult to keep up with her. She is always on the trampoline, begging to play in the water or wandering off with her friends. In between she is showing a slight interest in cooking. She gets involved with whatever I'm doing in the kitchen until something better comes along. Her hair lightens in the sunshine and so does her mood. The first word she utters when she wakes is "play." It's unfortunate for her that mine is "chores."

Junior Bacon turned two last week. Currently, he's all about trucks. This is where there is a distinct advantage in having an older son. Suddenly, that obsolete fire truck that has been gathering dust is cleaned off and a fabulous distraction on a rainy afternoon. Little man's vocabulary has taken off lately ushering in the stage where I stand between my son and the rest of the world and...translate. "Truck" sounds like "duck" and the most essential word, "chocolate" comes out "cha-kit." It's a good thing I speak toddler, because a handfull of chocolate chips is a great negotiating tool during a melt-down.

2009-05-30T18:59:00.011-06:00

If My Life Had a Soundtrack...
I couldn't live without music. It's an essential thread that weaves it's way through my life adding texture, tying my past to the future.

The right song will transport you back in time, turn an average moment into something deeper, take you to the dreamscapes of your imagination. Kind of like hallucinogenic drugs without the health concerns.

I got to thinking about this the other day when a song came on the radio and I was sucked back through the vortex of time. So, I sat down and started to compose a list of songs that immediately called up other memories. Musical snapshots...

Rubber Ducky You're the One (Ernie): Maybe it was his nasally voice, maybe it was the duck itself...whatever the appeal, I can still sing every single word.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella): I listened to this one over and over and over again on my white plastic record player---the beginning of my indoctrination at the hands of Walt Disney. The song induced a crack like addiction to handsome princes and happily ever after. It took me decades to learn that these things are, actually, very hard to come by.

Dancing Queen (Abba): I collapsed into a blushing heap of humiliation when my dad walked in on me singing this one into my air mike, shaking my hips and wowing my imaginary audience.

The Reflex (Duran Duran): Staying up late for Friday Night Videos. Crushing hard on Simon Le Bon (a transfer of affection after Nick Rhodes went and married some woman who wore as much makeup as he did).

Take On Me (Ah-Ha): Riding in the back of Dean’s mustang with Jenny while Dean and Jared did 360’s in the icy parking lot of Carlton’s Shipping Company. Those guys were so cool…and totally hot!

Barbados (The Models): Jenny and I washing her little white Subaru (christened Fred) trying to erase the dent we got by being in exactly the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. It didn't work...

Just Like Heaven (The Cure): Tom. The rest -- you don’t need to know…

Possession (Sarah Mclachlan): That boy with the funny last name I was crazy about. Great kisser, but he was dating two other girls at the same time.

Thorn In My Side (Eurythmics): Ford standing outside the sliding glass door of my apartment yelling up to my neighbor…asking her out. Yes, we were dating. Genius.

Interstate Love Song (Stone Temple Pilots): I. Can. Run. One. More. Mile. Yes. I. Can.

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella): Watching with my daughter on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Let the brainwashing begin…

From Van Morrison to The Cure. From Sugarland to Muse to Classical Guitar…what’s on your playlist?

2009-04-27T17:17:00.006-06:00

Hindsight...

If there was one word my husband would have tattooed across my forehead (backwards so I could read it when I'm brushing my teeth morning and night), that word would be R-E-L-A-X.

I was reflecting on this fact this afternoon as I was running errands with my 22 month old in tow. I had Muse blaring at decibles that the Parents Advisory Council would frown upon, not to mention the questionable content of the lyrics. But as I glanced back at my cherub, his feet tapping and hands clapping with a HUGE grin on his face (baby likes Muse!) I flashed back to when my oldest was the same age. We listened to A LOT of Mozart, because the experts said it would make him smart (it worked by the way...the downside is he is now smarter than me!). If I was tired of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, I'd settle for the classical radio station. When that was a snooze...classical guitar. It was a stretch, just coming in under my stringent standards. I didn't want to corrupt the kid. My-oh-my. If I could travel through time and have a chat with that anal first time mom...

I think I'm coming along with the whole letting go thing. I can't magically wave a wand over the world and make it perfect for my kids, but maybe if they see me moving more comfortably through life, they will too!

2009-04-16T19:22:00.003-06:00

We are "vacationing" in Arizona right now. Vacationing is in quotes because I'm on my own with the three kids. More accurately I should say, they are vacationing and I am just trying to keep up. My vacation will come the day after we get back and they are in school. Ahhhh...

So the other day we were driving back from the Arizona Museum of Natural History. My oldest, out of the relative quiet of the back seat asks, "Mom, where are the terrorists in Arizona?" My brother and I exchanged a questioning look.
"Terrorists? Honey...there are no terrorists in Arizona."
"Ya-huh! That billboard back there said, 'Terrorist Information.'" My brother and I started to laugh. We had just driven past the Gilbert City municipal buildings. I responded, "No honey, not terrorist...it's tourist information." I tried to explain the difference between the two words, just to erase that worried wrinkle in his brow.

One carries a camera and is victim of over priced cotten candy at a baseball game (12 bucks) ...the other carries an oozie.

2009-04-01T17:13:00.004-06:00

and OUT like a lion...

Add "snow" to your list of four letter words, the really naughty ones that would have gotten your mouth washed out with soap as a kid. We've had snow for nearly four days in a row...and I would like to point out that, theoretically...it's SPRING. Hello! So far the only evidence of Spring is the part of our fence that is now in the neighbor's yard. Around here, it ain't Spring until gale force winds blow and we make a call to our insurance agent. I thought this latest destruction might be a good omen, the wind ushering in warmer temperatures and a reprieve for the neighbor's daffodils. No go.

Today I woke up to snow,again. I'm so glad the door to my room was closed because I used some blue language to express my appreciation to Mother Nature for the April Fool's joke. By noon the snow had passed...along with the urge to pick up car pool in my thermal underwear and take hot chocolate intravenously.

Oh, and another bonus to the unseasonally cold temperatures...

I would have posted much, much earlier but the weather messes with the internet connection, taking me back to 1995 when "online" refered to an alternate method of drying laundry.

Warmer days are ahead...warmer days are ahead...say it with me now...

2009-03-12T10:13:00.009-06:00

Gone With the Wind
Movie
Trivia

Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara) was British. From the moment she read GWTW she was convinced she was meant to play Scarlett O'Hara. The movie's producer, David O. Selznick conducted a country wide talent search to find the perfect Scarlett. Filming had already begun when Leigh came to the set with her lover, Laurence Olivier and their U.S. film agent...who just happend to be Selznick's brother...David O. took one look at Vivien and, as they say, the rest is history.

Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) did NOT want the part. He had done another period drama which had been a dismal failure. He came off looking like a fop. He also felt that the book was so popular, that everyone would have a preconceived idea of what Rhett should be. He didn't think he could live up to everyone's expectations. In the end, the money sealed the deal. Gable was trying to obtain a divorce from his second wife so he could marry Carole Lombard. The money went to pay off his wife.

Olivia de Havilland (Melanie Hamilton) was under contract to Warner Brothers studios. GWTW was to be released by MGM, a competitor. Olivia wanted the part of Melanie but her studio boss, Jack Warner, refused to lend her to Selznick. Warner told her that the part of Melanie was beneath her and that she should try for Scarlett. Olivia made a lunch appointment with Jack Warner's wife and the two of them double teamed him until he relented.

Leslie Howard (Ashley Wilkes) was also British. He didn't want to play Ashley. He felt he was too old. At the beginning of filming he was 45 and Ashley was supposed to be in his early twenties. Selznick bribed him by offering him a part in a film that he was interested in.

This picture was taken on set during the filming of GWTW. David O. Selznick had a copy sent to Margaret Mitchell. When her husband, John Marsh, saw the photo he quipped that Olivia de Havilland looked like his wife did while she was writing the book.

2009-03-10T12:22:00.006-06:00

In like a Lion...

One thing about living in the intermountain west...Mother Nature kind of jerks you around this time of year. The grey gloom of January and February is broken in March by tantalizing previews of springtime splendor. Even the crocus (which my dad always called "hopeful" flowers) are fooled into creeping tenatively out of their hibernation to explore the open air. But current weather conditions are enough to send anyone back into a dormant state. We got more snow yesterday and temperatures have dropped. You come to expect this kind of yo-yoing around here. I'm sure it won't be the last snowfall before Mother Nature makes the switch in seasons. But that's ok with me because before you know it...I'll be complaining about the heat!

Guess the trampoline set-up was a bit premature

2009-02-21T15:38:00.004-07:00

This blog entry could very well be titled "stupid stuff that I care about...but nobody else does," but since it's my blog, I'm ok with that.

This month's book club pick is MINE!! and it's Gone With the Wind. My all-time-super-duper-absolutely-most-favoritist-book-ever-written pick. It was the first real book I read (I was 10). By the time I graduated high school I'd read it eleven times. My obsession started with the movie. I still love the movie, but the book! The book is so much more. To see the movie and not read the book is like eating cheesecake without caramel sauce. It's like visiting Paris without seeing the Louvre.

My devotion to GWTW has been profound. When I was leaving home for school, I took my GWTW movie poster with me. Seeing this my dad said, "I bet cha by the time your first child is born, Gone With the Wind won't be as important to you." I took the bet, but made it for only five bucks because, although I denied it at the time, in my heart I knew he was right.

Authoress Margaret Mitchell at the Reminton portable typewriter she used to write her book

Who Knew? Who Cares? ME!

Margaret Mitchell...

...took 10 years to write Gone With the Wind. She started in 1926, it was published in 1936

...was a journalist, which was considered a "man's profession" in the early part of the last century

... knowledge of the Civil War was based on the oral history she received from her mother, grandmother and Civil War veterans who were frequently invited to her Grandmother's home for Sunday dinner

... was 10 years old before she found out the South lost the Civil War

...kept her manuscript a secret, covering it with towels when friends stopped by. Sometimes friends sat on the novel (unknowingly) because the apartment she shared with her husband was so small

...named her heroine Pansy O'Hara originally

2009-02-19T09:38:00.008-07:00

Familyfest 2009

We have successfully survived another family reunion. Due to budget restraints, which we will blame on our new President, we all headed to a family cabin and lots of snow. Some of the highlights included: spinning out and getting good and stuck in said snow, internal bleeding, five BLUE stitches and plenty of shared viruses. There was gaming galore, excellent food and good conversation. We sledded, skied and parked our fanny’s in front of the theater screen to relax. Special thanks to Matt and Moo for fulfilling my life long dream of becoming Jon Bon Jovi, ala Rock Band (an experience which previously would have required a transgender operation, massive amounts of plastic surgery…and hair extensions). My rendition of Living on a Prayer caused alarm in my children and prompted my sister-in-law to ask, “Who is strangling a chicken??”

Family Birthday Party

Kissin' Cousins

Snow Time!

Oh what fun it is to ride...

2009-02-09T14:13:00.005-07:00

Me and Dad 1969

How do I blog this?

My Dad has been gone for six years now and I have to say that I am profoundly grateful for the brain’s ability to store memory. For the past few years it’s acted like a rolodex of the very best moments with him. I can rifle through, pull out a choice experience, close my eyes and relive it again. So even though my goofy, cynical, wise, and at times irreverent Father is no longer with me physically he’s never really that far away. My Mom says she likes to think of him as with her, just in another room. So, he’s around. Out of sight but never out of mind. Love you Dad. Always.

2009-01-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Things Keeping Me up at Night

1) Child #1, child #2, child #3. They take turns with their cold-weather ailments, nightmares and stall tactics, making a full nights sleep a distant memory...uh, when exactly do I get to sleep again?? Anyone? Anyone??

2) That weird clink-clank sound that happens every night at 2:30 a.m. I suspect the duct work but haven't completely ruled out the supernatural...

3) Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility...I'm going through a major bonnet phase

4) My bladder. The very second I find the sweet spot in my bed, all warm and cozy under my down comforter and...ping! Nature calls--grrrr

5) The nagging thought that after my husband burns down our home when his ethanol still explodes...I will have to live with my mother!

6) How do I raise my boys to become responsible, hardworking, honest, sensitive, non-perverted men, when popular culture preaches the exact opposite?

7) The fear of falling asleep and having that dream...the one where I'm pregnant again and I don't know who the father is. Actually...I kind of like that dream.

8) When my kids are all in school and I FINALLY decide to rejoin the work force...will anyone want me? Will I be able to speak in complete sentences? Will I know how to get along with grown-ups? What if the interview is over lunch and I reach over and cut up the interviewer's meat? Maybe I should forget the whole idea and stay home and dust...

9) What's with the injustice of aging? I sacrificed a lot of my youth having kids and taking care of my family. Why is my reward a slow metabolism, extra padding and sagging...everything?

10) My sister-in-law's phone calls which bring up so many questions that I'm thinking about our conversation until 2:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m....

2009-01-19T14:22:00.008-07:00

Toddlerhood

I keep having "uh-oh" moments...which surely must be kissin' cousins of "ah-ha" moments. There are four and a half years between my second child and my caboose (aka the last child) and in those four and half years I have forgotten a lot. I forgot that once a toddler discovers they can do something, they think they can do anything and will be really, REALLY vocal if you try to stop them (from climbing on the counter, from climbing the fridge shelves, from climbing into the dryer, from playing in the toilet). I forgot how preferable naked is to a toddler. I forgot just how messy a messy diaper can be when the naked toddler wrestles out of your grasp to remain naked. I forgot that the toddler way of announcing, "I am done with dinner," is by flinging what's left of dinner in a 180 degree radius. I forgot that the toddler way of saying, "This tastes funny," is by violently spitting it out.

Of course I forgot some other things too. I forgot how irresistable toddler smiles are and how I'd gladly do the chicken dance just to coax one to the surface. I forgot how warm and wonderful a toddler feels when they tuck their little bodies into yours, making you feel like the most loved person in the universe. I forgot how expressive their faces are...those darling faces that light up in triumph at every new achievement. I forgot their utter joy when you come to pick them up after nursery...when they open their arms wide and fling themselves into yours. I forgot that I'd be asking my toddler to say "amen" over and over and over again just to hear him say, "um-em." And I forgot that the very best moments of my life could come from just sitting still with my toddler while reading a book, watching a movie or sharing a nap.

2009-01-07T11:42:00.003-07:00

Life in the fast lane

We started the year out on a sore note. Sore throat that is. Katie was down on New Year's Day with strep and it's been circling through the house ever since. So, no profound thoughts here today. I'm just trying to keep my sanity as I tend tired, sick, cranky children and keep up with the rest of my life (without the benefit of sleep).

Does anyone know if there is a union for stay-at-home moms? The hours and responsibilities are unreasonable!

2008-12-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ahh...Christmas Eve!

The one night of the year when the kids actually want to go to bed early...

2008-12-24T12:26:00.003-07:00

Ode to Joan...

It took me awhile this year to feel the Christmas spirit. The first inkling came after I knocked on my neighbor, Joan's, front door. When she answered, her step ladder was in the front hall surrounded by burgeoning boxes of Christmas decorations and garlands. My inner child (complete with pigtails and skinned knees) came alive in a heartbeat. You see...no one keeps Christmas like Joan. I have an exclusive invitation into "Christmas Central" when our book club winds up a year of good reads at her house. Her home is a visual Christmas card. Each year I expect a photo crew from Better Homes and Gardens to interrupt our festivities. I purposefully drive the long way out of the neighborhood at night to pass her house, complete with candy-colored lights and festooned wreaths. It's not hard to explain the appeal. It reminds me of my home in Missouri. My Mom did Christmas the way Joan does Christmas. Every year my brother and I eagerly waited for the day after Thanksgiving when the boxes would come out of storage and our home turned into something magical.

Thanks Joan!

2008-12-22T20:26:00.008-07:00

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
We got hit with an impressive snow storm today. When the first flakes started to fall I immediately thought of one of my best friends growing up, Wendy. Wendy doesn't care too much for snow. In fact, that is an understatement. During our teenage years (and she claims it's still true), she refused to drive at the merest suggestion of snow. So I'm posting these pictures for her benefit. She can sit at home all snug and warm and experience our frigid weather vicariously.

Sledding from the neighbors driveway to ours

What do you do when the shovel is actually bigger than you are?

No, her tongue didn't stick to the house...

2008-12-14T14:45:00.002-07:00

There is a moral to this story...

Sparky has been in desperate need of a haircut, but I have been short on free time. This morning I asked Ford to give J man's hair a trim with the clippers. This was the result. I tried to slick it to one side for church, but his hair (like the boy himself) has a will of it's own. We call him "Hamlet" now.

2008-12-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Speechless

Ok. I’m not ever really speechless. Those of you who are not politically minded, my apologies. I’m about to speak my mind…again.

Do I really live in a country where racial prejudice is still so strong that our newly elected President, just based on the color of his skin, is now the target of assassination plots and bigoted ridicule? I was raised in a family that taught me to be color blind. I was taught to form my opinions of people based on who they are and what they think, not on the color of their skin or their cultural background. I admit that I don’t agree with many (many) of President Elect Obama’s views, but that has nothing to do with his race.

Speaking of prejudice…how interesting to be a target of it.

I have been surprised and disappointed by the homosexual community’s reaction to the passing of Proposition 8. I saw last night, the latest assault on the Mormon Church in the form of a televised ad. I’m confused. What is the goal of this ad? Physical attacks against Mormons? Or how about discrimination based on religion? Thousands of people showed up to exercise their constitutional right to vote. The fact is members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the sanctity of the family. They organized, got the word out and voted their conscience. Didn’t the homosexual community organize and vote as well? No one is trying to legislate homosexuality. LDS support of Proposition 8 was support of the definition of family.

Speaking of families…I’d better go take care of mine.

2008-11-25T16:08:00.003-07:00

How to make turkey for Thanksgiving dinner...by Katie

Last year we did it in the pot thingy, and we had to take out the blood. We put it in the sink to get it out. We put a lid on top of the pot thingy and we let it cook for I think it was like 6 or 7 hours. The pot thingy was in the kitchen on the counter. Use some mitt thingies to take it out. Cut it and cut the bone part too, and put it on a plate--I think with dessert and eat it. It tastes like a normal dead turkey.

2008-11-07T07:38:00.002-07:00

Bon Voyage Bec-ster!

Next week it's my turn to have a "significant" birthday. I'm not terribly thrilled with this one...especially since I thought that such a milestone year would be accompanied by some physical changes. No, I'm not talking about everything heading south (which it is). I'm talking about the injustice of having a face where acne and wrinkles coexist. Come on! There have to be some advantages to getting older. I guess the external breakouts are a manifestation of my internal adolescent mentality (which I will never outgrow I am sure).

Anyway...I'm celebrating next weekend by escaping to a Marriott by myself for a scheduled nervous breakdown. Contrast this with my former roomie, Rebecca, who is celebrating her 40th year by departing on Saturday for CAMBODIA. Yes, my altruistic friend is traveling across the globe to help build homes and buy diapers for little Cambodian babies. My love, prayers and admiration go with you. I expect pictures and a lot of detail when you get back!

2008-10-26T14:45:00.001-06:00

Rebecca stole it from someone else's blog...so I stole it from hers!

a little cyber-sharing!

2008-10-26T14:22:00.005-06:00

One of the reasons Halloween is not my favorite holiday...

Me (two months ago): Katie, what do you want to be for Halloween?

Katie: A butterfly!

Me (one month ago): Katie, do you still want to be a butterfly for Halloween?

Katie: Yes! A butterfly!

Me (two weeks ago): Katie, you can't wear the butterfly wings until Halloween.

Katie: I can hardly wait!

Me (last night, 1 hour before the Halloween party): Are you ready to put on your Butterfly costume?

Katie: I don't want to be a butterfly! I want to be a witch...

Me: @$#&^!*

2008-10-09T20:21:00.008-06:00

Eight…

My oldest is eight years old today. Eight. I have an eight year old son. If I keep saying it, maybe it will be real. I knew this day would come. I’ve known it since the day he was born. But … here it is. Wow. That was fast.

I remember the day he was born—well, sort of. I’d been in the hospital for two and half days and was beginning to wonder if he’d ever get out! I think God lets women be pregnant for nine grueling months to make them desperate to have possession of their bodies again. Labor doesn't seems so daunting when that's the prize. Anyway...the day went on and on and on and all I could think about was how I didn’t get to eat. I saw the chocolate cake everyone else had with dinner. Did I get any? No. All I had was a dripping I.V. and a little button that delivered epidural relief whenever I wanted it. By late that evening I was coasting along in a drug induced haze. I was so relaxed, the chocolate cake ceased to matter. I sat there in a very Zen like state. Want me to push? Ok. Want me to turn on my side? Shuuuuure. If you like I’ll even bark like a dog or sing Queen at the top of my lungs. Then all of a sudden, monitors started beeping and my doctor disappeared. A few seconds passed and the room exploded into action. Nurses, more than I’d seen since I'd started my incarceration in Labor and Delivery were whirling around me, their scrubs creating a sort of kaleidoscope effect. Now there were two doctors. One of them said to me, “You win!” Really? What did I win? Some chocolate cake? Everyone was moving fast but saying nothing to me. I calmly asked, “So, am I having a c-section?” No response. Next time I sat up a little and raised my hand, “Excuse me, AM I HAVING A C-SECTION?” Evidently the large pregnant lady on the bed with messy hair and no make-up was invisible. I’d expended all my energy just trying to sit up. I couldn’t feel my legs. Who cared. I laid back and relaxed and was whisked into surgery. Yeah…I’m having a c-section. Post-op, I have some very unflattering video coverage of me laying in my sterile hospital bed, slacked mouthed and drooling. Baby? What baby? I didn’t regain consciousness until the next morning. But when I did, oh my! There was this absolutely gorgeous baby boy waiting for me, a warm bundle cocooned in flannel and smelling new. I was instantly smitten...no in love...with this little life.

Eight years have passed. I'm not sure what I did with all that time. I spent a lot of it worrying unnecessarily. That's what moms do. But it's been a ride watching him learn and grow...learning to let go of him by degrees. I hope as time continues to pass that he won't question how much he is loved in our home. I hope we can infuse his life with as much joy and adventure as he has brought into ours.

2008-10-04T13:16:00.010-06:00

"There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul." Edith Wharton

Thanks to Joan for this quote. I've relected on it quite a bit this past week. I am blessed to have three such people in my life.

Carrie has been, of late, a disembodied anchor to my soul (owing to the magic of electronic communication). She is honesty on legs. She listens without judgement. She is kind. She is wise. And she is able to sooth my lagging spirits with amazingly few words.

Michelle is another kindred spirit who in times of distress, plants her feet firmly on the ground and volunteers her own strength to supplement mine. We share the same tendency to obsess over the topic du jour and is a comrade in all things French.

Laura J. is difficult to summarize. For years I've recognized her as another part of myself. We've often joked about the possibility that we might have been separated at birth. We are very similar but different enough that we don't get on each others nerves. She is non-judgemental, mostly because in her life's experiences she has, "been there...done that."

I feel fortunate indeed...

2008-10-01T16:46:00.009-06:00

Birthday Letters...

I am reading Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes. I am not typically a reader of poetry (I do love Shakespeare and Yeats though), but I am finding this book completely amazing and evocative. I suppose it's a sort of rebuttal for the Plath-ivists (who have chiseled the name "Hughes" off of Sylvia's headstone so many times that it is now engraved in bronze) out there . It's been years since I've read Plath but I am finding Ted Hughes' account of their marriage fascinating. So far my favorite poem is Ouija and if you will forgive me, I'll copy some of it here.

More often serious. Once, as we bent there, I asked:
'Shall we be famous?' and you snatched your hand upwards
As if something had grabbed it from under.
Your tears flashed, your face was contorted,
Your voice cracked, it was thunder and flash together:
'And give yourself to the glare? Is that what you want?
Why should you want to be famous?
Don't you see - fame will ruin everything.'
I was stunned. I thought I had joined
Your association of ambition
To please you and your mother,
To fulfil your mother's ambition
That we be ambitious. Otherwise
I'd be fishing off a rock
In Western Australia. So it seemed suddenly. You wept,
You wouldn't go on with Ouija. Nothing
I could think of could explain
Your shock and crying. Only
Maybe you'd picked up a whisper that I could not,
Before our glass could stir, some still small voice:
'Fame will come. Fame especially for you.
Fame cannot be avoided. And when it comes
You will have paid for it with your happiness,
Your husband and your life.'

See what I mean?

2008-09-24T13:39:00.002-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday

I know! I know! I'm a day late (last time I said that, I was pregnant)

Top Ten Things a Husband Should Never Say to his WIFE!

1) You smell like my grandma.

2) Sure...I'll do the dishes (then eight hours later...)

3) You sound just like your mom.

4) (at 3:00 a.m.) Are you awake?

5) That shirt makes you look pregnant.

6) Hey, dinner actually tasted good tonight!

7) Packin' on the pounds--eh?

8) Can you get me her number? (referring to the chesty blond who just jogged by)

9) My sister is a better cook.

10) I want to build an ethanol still in our back yard.

Hands off ladies...he's mine.

2008-09-22T17:32:00.005-06:00

Into the woods...

Trying not to consider the cooler temperatures that facilitate the transformation of green to jewel tones...we marched into the woods Sunday afternoon and learned a few things:

1) There are no bathrooms in nature
2) You can read a book and hike without tripping
3) The wilderness may be a grasshopper's haven, but best beware the seven-year-old assassin!
4) Dogs and chocolate chip cookies don't mix well

2008-09-16T21:07:00.002-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday

Sorry, folks…it’s been one of those weeks. But here it goes anyway...

Top Ten things I would spend money on if gas wasn’t so blinkin' high

1) Food
2) A facial
3) Highlights…or lowlights—some kind of “lights” so I wouldn’t look so mousy
4) New Shoes!
5) A renewable prescription for valium
6) A better attitude
7) Babysitters, babysitters, babysitters
8) Lunch with my sisters-in-law
9) A weekly massage
10) That straight jacket I’ve been so admiring…

2008-09-15T10:54:00.004-06:00

One thing more and then I’ll shut up...

I really can’t recommend the Masterpiece Theater production of Jane Eyre enough. It overshadows past efforts where the acting was wooden and the portrayals of Rochester and Jane, cold and severe.

Ruth Wilson is an enigmatic Jane, brilliantly showing Jane’s progression from plain and obscure girl to a passionate, feeling woman. Toby Stephens is marvelous as Rochester. He’s handsome but not pretty. He’s moody and brooding but sensitive.

If you are looking for an interpretation that brings the passion of Jane Eyre to the screen…this is the one.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/janeeyre/index.html

The link to the PBS website which gives some great information on the production of Jane Eyre, the locations (gorgeous!) and some history

2008-09-15T07:24:00.014-06:00

Channeling Charlotte Bronte

I have had, for the past year now, a fear of books. I know, sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But I’m not one of those readers who can nibble on books--the type of person who can pick up a book and put it down again, change a diaper, fix a meal and then pick it back up again…not without major anxiety that is. No. I am a passionate reader. I devour books (unless the writing is awful…I can chuck one of those books at anytime). Last October a friend pushed the book Twilight into my hands and made me promise to read it on our road trip to California. I just couldn't do it. It gathered dust on the piano at home while we were on the Nemo Submarine ride at Disneyland.

So it was with more than a little anxiety that I picked up this months book club read, Jane Eyre. It's one of my favorites. I almost lost my job over this book years ago when a coworker and I were reading it at the same time and sat with our heads together discussing Jane and Mr. Rochester rather than working.

Last week I was immersed in Jane Eyre. Not content to merely read the novel, I watched as many dramatic interpretations as possible, the absolute best being the Masterpiece Theater production...sucked me in and still hasn't let me go. I think I managed pretty well, however. My son ran out of socks and my husband...underwear. We made do with grilled cheese for dinner a couple of nights but no one died.

Now...what shall I read next!?

Always happy to post a picture of a handsome man...the brooding and oh-so-sexy Mr. Rochester (a-la Toby Stephens)

2008-09-09T08:36:00.007-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday...
Top Ten Inappropriate Songs for Weddings and Funerals

Wedding:

The Rolling Stones: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Eurythmics: Thorn in My Side
The Rolling Stones: You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Annie Lennox: Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Harry Connick, Jr.: Don’t Get Around Much Anymore

Funeral:

Simon and Garfunkel: Bye Bye Love
Judy Garland: Over the Rainbow
Charlie Daniels Band: The Devil Went Down to Georgia
The Temptations: I Can’t Get Next to You
Pet Shop Boys: What Have I Done to Deserve This?

2008-09-06T20:12:00.003-06:00

Top Ten Tuesday…on Saturday

This week a friend posted a “Top Ten Tuesday” list of movie quotes. I don’t doubt my ability to come up with ten movie quotes. If you know me then you know that my cup of trivia runneth over. However, I decided to put a twist on the list and do…

Top Ten Quotes from Everybody Loves Raymond

1) Ray (who is Italian): “I’m not really interested in other cultures,” after learning his mother has paid for a trip to Italy for the whole family.

2) Ray to Debra: “Just so ya know, you could have had sex tonight! And it was gonna be good…all new stuff!”

3) Frank to Robert after he’s accidentally sprayed Marie’s face with paint: “That’s gonna need another coat.”

4) Ray to Ally after Marie backs her car into their living room: “Grandma and Grandpa stopped by.”

5) Ray to Robert: “So let me get this straight, you’ve broadened the definition of the term “boogie” to include staying home by yourself, eating wheat thins?”

6) Marie to Frank: “If anyone looked inside you, all they’d find is meat.”

7) Frank: “Now what the hell am I? Just a list of cable channels and a big stinkin’ pile of bacon waiting to die!”

8) Ray: “I am someone who did not read Tom Sawyer, and yet I did not turn out to be a hobo.”

9) Debra to Ray: “You know, in the past your…dumbness…has gotten in the way of just a few things I’ve wanted to do: the book club… theater…having conversations—I just want to say this one thing and then we won’t have to discuss it again—You’re not blowing this for me pal!”

10) Ray to his brother Robert: “C’mon, when a man gets into bed with you…you put some pants on!”

2008-09-03T12:35:00.000-06:00

Sunday in the chapel with Josh…

10:55 Arrive in church, sit down

11:01 Not liking the boundaries of the pew, Josh starts to voice his discontent…foyer

11:15 Back in the chapel

11:16 Discover that big sister ate all his snacks so there is nothing to stuff in his mouth to stop the screeching…foyer

11:25 Under the delusion that he’ll be quiet, I take him to the back of the chapel where he squirms out of my arms and begins pounding on the metal chairs of the overflow. He accompanies the drumming with deafening squeals of delight (convincing everyone I did not give birth to a child, but a howler monkey). foyer

11:42 Back into the chapel where I give my husband the skunk eye and tell him it’s his turn. I position myself as far away from Josh as I can

11:50 Josh toddles over to me with a big toothy grin. Who can resist that? Sits on my lap for 2.5 seconds before bouncing up to check the action on the pew behind us. They have magnetix, we do not. More discontent. Foy-errrr

11:59 Chapel again. Forcefully hand Josh to his dad and sit down, pretending to be from another country and don’t speak English. Ruckus. Dadoo takes Josh to the foyer.

12:01 Five year old begins to have a melt down because I tell her she needs to sit up. Are you kidding me? FOYER

12:03 Hand off five year old to Dadoo and I take over with Josh who wants ME. I mentally wave a white flag and take him outside to walk around the church. He, naturally, wants to crawl in the parking lot. I pick him up and carry him around the church

12:20 Back in the church and sacrament meeting is over

WHY DO I BOTHER?!?!?

One Semester of Spanish Love Song...

2008-08-30T13:07:00.003-06:00

Uno, dos, tres...

2008-08-29T11:02:00.011-06:00

Living Vicariously Through Others...

I'm actually a frightening person. Ok, not too threatening. Just mildly psychotic. It's how I survive. My husband says I don't want real life, I want perfection. This, I suppose, explains my love for old movies and 1950's sitcoms.

When I was younger, a family friend thought I should be an actress when I grew up. When I asked her why, she said, "Because you are always pretending to be someone else." Hmmm. As a kid I had this picture on my dressing table…

…fine and dandy, except I used to pretend Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were my real parents. As a teenager I was fixated on Princess Diana and Gone with the Wind. In my early twenties, I'd walk around the track at BYU giving imaginary interviews to Barbara Walters about my "relationship" with JFK Jr. And up to a few days before my wedding, I had an ENORMOUS poster of Brad Pitt on my closet door.

But marriage and three kids have been a major reality check. In fact, nothing gets your feet on the ground faster than a mortgage, runny noses and homework deadlines. Oh, I'm still living vicariously through others. However, these days my fantasies revolve around things like a clean house, an empty laundry hamper and landscaping. I dream about developing Tanya's organizational skills, acquiring LJ's culinary sense, and I just plain covet Joan's beautiful front yard. But good things come to those who wait, right?

So, I’m not walking down the red carpet, I’m cleaning it. But real life, it turns out, suits me just fine. At the end of the day, I have three kids who wrap their arms around me and bestow the most delicious hugs. I love being a mom. And I'm pretty sure that's not just because some days I walk around pretending to be June Cleaver.

Waaaay cuter than Mr. Pitt...

2008-08-26T10:35:00.004-06:00

Off and running...

Just like big brother and sister, fourteen months seems to be the time when my kids start to walk. He's a bit wobbly and starts off in the most hilarious crab crawl most of the time.

2008-08-20T17:14:00.011-06:00

A Significant Birthday...

…that is what my former (notice I didn't say old) roommate is having this week. At least that is what she called it on her blog. I think it’s a handy euphemism. “significant” is much nicer than, say, “overwhelming,” “momentous,” “epic,” …you get the idea.

I, quite frankly, can’t believe she’s any older than when I last saw her. In the pictures I’ve seen, she looks exactly the same—even better. I can’t believe it’s been over 18 years. I don’t feel any older.

All those years ago, she was the mature one in the apartment. She had the full time job and the full time boyfriend. He became her full time husband in short order. I’d entertain you with some of the stories from those days, but I’d come off looking incredibly immature…and stupid.

So…HAPPY SIGNIFICANT BIRTHDAY BEC-STER! (I’ll be joining you in a few months…ahem).

After the pudding fight

(hey...do you guys still do this??)

2008-08-20T14:34:00.007-06:00

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year...

My children's lives have been spared again by the very timely beginning of the school year. I think all of the mothers in my neighborhood gave a collective sigh of relief (really...you could hear its echo at about 9:20 on Monday morning). My neighbor across the street has been cheerfully shouting out the countdown for the past few weeks.

We had a fabulous summer...long hours spent in the sun, countless popsicles consumed, a steady stream of friends and cousins playing in the water and on the swingset. The kids did great, were great. But all good things must come to an end. And there was something in the air last week. Melt downs and arguments erupted to such a degree that I truly feared for my sanity. Then...TA DA! just in the nick-of-time...our school district delievered relief at 9:15 Monday morning! SO my kids were, literally, saved by the bell.

2008-08-16T17:55:00.004-06:00

Eight years ago today was LABOR DAY! for Aunt Yvette.

Happy Birthday, Ari! It's great to be EIGHT!

2008-08-16T16:04:00.004-06:00

I'm sure your kids are saints during church on Sunday. Mine need a little coaxing in that department. Below are some links that save me on a weekly basis. The Highlights page has printable hidden pictures...my kids love 'em. The Family Fun site has mazes, word searches and puzzles that are good for kids that can read.

www.highlightskids.com

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/games/

http://www.free-online-word-search-puzzles.com/kids.htm

2008-08-12T08:35:00.008-06:00

A couple of days ago I unearthed a box of old video tapes--old movies I had taped years and years and years ago. I was kind of excited. So last night I popped one in. My husband was in the same room on the computer, deeply involved in what surely must have been an intellectually challenging game of hearts. About 10 minutes into the movie, he stopped playing and swung around in the chair to watch. After a few more minutes I heard kind of a grunty, "Hmm." He kept watching. After a few more minutes he said, "Hey, this seems like it has quality. What's this called again?" Boom Town. Pretty soon he'd moved over to sit next to me on the couch, remarking on the cleverness of the dialogue.

I like old movies, especially comedies from the 1940's and 50's. There is clever dialogue and innuendo that relies on skillful writing and timing rather than bare skin and marathon lip locks. And the people are just so beautiful. One of my absolute favorites is The Philadelphia Story, starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn--which combines all the elements listed above.

Anyway--we enjoyed the movie and it brought my husband out of his computer induced coma.

2008-08-09T11:09:00.004-06:00

On My Soap Box Again...

I've cooled down a bit. I started composing a fire-and-brimstone-pulpit-pounding post about the evils of the media after hearing that the major television networks released a statement in opposition to ALL indecency laws (oh, I can feel the fire rising again!). So instead of lecturing you, I'll just direct you to the website for the Parents Television Council...an excellent resource for any thinking person who doesn't want an electronic box in the family room teaching your kids values. Their website contains great information and very easy ways to contact your legislative representatives, network presidents and ADVERTISING executives (you know...those folks who fund the garbage on TV--if you are still watching).

Warning: this information is useless unless you use it. Yes...that is a challenge.

www.parentstv.org
(their link is to the right if you want to just click and go)

2008-08-07T09:40:00.005-06:00

I came upstairs the other day and heard the rustling of pages and Katie intermittently muttering words like, "Hmmm...Ewww!...Ick...Mmmm." I turned the corner to find her kicking back on our bed with her nose in a cook book. It was Ina Garten: Barefoot Contessa Parties! Maybe I'm raising a foodie! This was the conversation we had...

Me: What are you doing?

Katie: Planning my birthday party.

Me: Really? What are we having?

Katie: This...(furrows her brow) Mom, what is this?

Me (looking at the page): Rugelach (I'm sure I slaughtered the pronunciation)

Katie: Not cim-a-nun rolls?

Me: Nope. They're called Rugelach.

Katie stopped to think for a minute.

Kate: Mom... I think you're wrong.

What else is new?

RUGELACH!

2008-08-04T21:25:00.002-06:00

A Pox upon YE, er, me

It started with a little pink dot on his neck. Then there were two. Then there were five. In my mother’s zeal I ripped apart Josh’s room and attacked it with Ortho’s Home Defense. I was intent on annihilating the offending spider that had the nerve to bite my baby. The next morning, Josh had a few more bites. I tore apart his bed, turned the mattress and washed everything in hot water…twice. After a restless night, where I more or less shared a twin bed with him, Josh woke up covered in angry red spots and I had none. Bug bites? Nope. Saturday morning we got the diagnoses. My little guy has the chicken pox!

We’ve been stymied as to how he could have contracted it. Jared and Katie have been immunized…isn’t everybody these days? Then Saturday evening we were talking. About a month ago I tore apart Jared’s room, intent on annihilating the offending spider that had the nerve to bite my boy. A few more bites showed up and I washed everything in hot water…twice. Hmm, I’m seeing a pattern here. We figure Jared must have had them first at the beginning of July. Josh has been incubating ever since. Jared’s case was very mild and everything cleared up quickly. Josh hasn’t had his immunization yet and is covered head to toe.

He’s doing ok, all things considered. He’s as active as ever (why does God program kids that way? Doesn’t He know mom’s need some down time—especially when kids are sick?) but a little grouchy and clingy thanks to what must be very itchy skin. His fever is down and some of the dots are starting to fade. He looks fabulous in calamine lotion and sleeps pretty well after those midnight shots of benadryl. Ain't motherhood grand?

Ummm…my apologies to all the cousins we've likely exposed to the chicken pox at both of our family reunions this summer.

War Paint

2008-07-30T14:32:00.007-06:00

Aly-waly-woo...

My niece, Aly, turned 16 on Monday. Aly is a very lovely, headstrong young lady...demonstrating a lot of the character traits her mother possesses. I've thought a lot about Aly lately and what it means to be growing up, a young woman, in this day. It's exciting and frightening at the same time. Below, I've written some things I'd tell Al if she was here with me right this moment. If you're a guy...you might not get it. Or you might argue with me. But who asked you anyway! So Al...here it is.

1)Ok, so boys aren’t all bad. But a lot of them are colossally stupid. They really do only have one thing on their minds at this age…want to guess what that is???

2)You are beautiful, but don’t let that be the only thing people see in you. You are also intelligent and gifted. You have a naturally happy nature. Now you need to believe that and make the most of what’s inside you and let that balance out the gorgeous babe you are.

3)Back to the boy thing…when dating someone, ask yourself if this person makes you want to be a better person. If the answer is “no” then move on babe.

4)If a guy wants you to make changes, or you feel you have to change to be with someone—dump ‘em. There are about 10,000,000 other guys out there who are more intelligent and can see you’re wonderful just the way you are.

5)You don’t know it all. You think you do. You don’t. In fact, in 16 more years you’ll think you were really stupid at this age. I know I did. It’s ok. Just don’t make any life altering decisions until you’ve lived a few more years.

6)Don’t drink, do drugs, smoke or sleep around. I know I don’t need to tell you this…but more people your age need to realize that an addiction, cancer and STD’s are baggage that last way beyond the teen years. And I don’t care what the world tries to tell you… a baby is a very real and permanent consequence of SEX (can I say that word?!?)

7)Women are born with a healthy dose of self doubt. It really sucks. So if that little voice in your head ever tells you that you are less than you are or that you aren’t good or you can’t do something, call me up and I’ll tell it to shut up.

8)Make college a goal. Education is important. Yes, you can do it. Yes…you…can—don’t listen to that stupid voice.

9)I know that right now friends, music, boys, clothes and hair all vie for your attention. But don’t forget about God. I’m serious. At some point everything I listed above will prove to be shallow and empty. You are going to have to find something to anchor your life on. If you place your faith in people you’ll be adrift all your life. People will fail you, God will not.

10)Uncle Ford and I love you. It’s been a pleasure watching you and your brother and sister grow up. You’re kind of like a beautiful flower that grew in a patch of thorns. Life hasn’t been easy for you or your family. At this point, only you can determine how your life will end up. You make your own choices. But know this…if anyone ever messes with you, you can call us up and we’ll duct tape them to the wall. You rock Aly. I’m excited to see what the next 16 years bring for you. We wish for you only happiness. Happy Birthday!

Aly's personality and attitude shine through...not much
has changed since this was taken!!!!!

That's the birthday girl on the left with her mom and sister

2008-07-27T17:56:00.011-06:00

How I spent my summer vacation...

We just returned from the Adams-Shelley reunion in Alton, Utah (aka little patch of heaven). We had a great time reconnecting with family and enjoying the amazing scenery of Southern Utah. The kids got acquainted with a new set of cousins (they bonded over a frog). Josh won everyone over with his friendly nature and ready smile. Here is a summary in pictures...

Wild women on the loose...if you see them, run in the other direction!

giving Aunt Gloria loves...

Bryce Canyon

Our little group near the base of Navajo Loop. Note: What goes down must come up...and coming up is a lot harder than going down!

Two of God's Masterpieces
(in my humble opinion)

What you see: Josh on his first ATV ride.

What you don't see: Me biting my nails the entire time he was gone

Katie: I found it and Jared caught it!

Me: What is it???

2008-07-19T15:47:00.005-06:00

Bye-Bye buggie...

Today I started to disassemble Katie's beloved "bug blankie." This thing is over 8 years old. I received it from an old neighbor (many thanks to Margaret Olpin!) as a gift to Jared before he was born. Katie took it over when she was about two and we've never looked back. It goes with her on trips and she will not sleep without it. Consequently...it is well loved. It's torn. The batting has lost it's stiffness (making it perfectly huggable according to Kate) and it's becoming a tattered mess. Frequently, Ford removes it from her slack arms at night with a pair of tongs and a gas mask...carrying it straight to the washing machine.

A neighborhood friend just went into the machine quilting business. I am going to offer Katie's blanket as a practice piece because, frankly, no matter how awkward the quilting...it will be an improvement. The only problem lies with Katie-bug. I told her it would take well over a week before she'd get her beloved blanket back. I thought she understood this, until today when she saw me unpicking seams. She looked at the blanket, disintegrating in my lap and said, "Mom...that won't be done today, huh?" I said, "No." She shook her head and said, "That's ok. Tomorrow is fine."

2008-07-14T21:22:00.001-06:00

Who are these cute people?

That would be Jerry and Tina. My Mom and Dad. I am thinking of posting spotlights of people in my life from time to time and why they are important to me. This seemed like a good place to start, because I suppose this is where I started. My dad told me once that he and mom were engaged for "a year, a month and a day." He then looked at me wryly and muttered, "It was too long."

I frequently tell people that I had a very Leave it to Beaver upbringing. By today's standards, I guess both my parents were pretty strict. Can I say how thankful I am for that now? As I get older I sound more and more like my parents. Sometimes that scares me. Most of the time I think it's ok. My parents taught me values. They taught me right from wrong and weren't afraid to back it up by walking the walk. They were committed to each other, to our family and to God. Not a bad way to grow up.

I miss my Dad every day. He was my biggest fan. My mom continues to support me. She's saved my life on more than one occasion. I count myself very blessed.

2008-07-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

I feel like a deflated balloon. And depending on who you ask, some may say I closely resemble one. We had another crazy week…but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why it was so crazy. I made my first attempt at exercising on Monday (I haven't been since before Josh’s birth--I'm creaky) and evidently unleashed all the latent pathogens in my body and got a cold. Who gets a cold in the middle of July? I mean really…

Josh took his first solo steps this week. They were wobbly at best, but adorable. He seemed pleased with himself. He hasn’t done much more with it, in spite of encouragement from his mom, dad, brother and sister. Maybe the attention is overwhelming? Nah. Ford hypothesizes that he has so many people willing to cart him around, he’d rather be picked up.

We spent Saturday afternoon on BYU campus. Ford entertained the kids with his story about winning the bed races one year. How sad that these tales are now ANCIENT HISTORY. It got really depressing when we started to calculate just how long ago we were students at BYU. No…it couldn’t have been that long ago…

2008-07-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

If you don't believe in Ghosts, you've never been to a family reunion~Ashleigh Brilliant

What is it about family reunions? I’ve heard my fair share of horror stories, but haven’t had quite the blood congealing experiences of some of my friends. I suppose I’m lucky. While Ford’s family is full of different types of personalities (a euphemism for nut cases), I like everyone very much. Don’t get me wrong, there are all kinds of hiccups in these familial relationships--and there was that one year I came back from the reunion with a twitch in my right eye that lasted 8 months--but I really, really appreciate how comfortable I feel around Ford’s family (maybe I should be panicked by that).

As you can probably tell, we just ended a week long family ~~chaos~~ ~~insanity~~ reunion, and the only ghosts present were in the form of memories. I really enjoyed this year’s reunion. It was a bit disjointed…we weren’t all staying right next to each other as in years past (Ford’s parents own time-share condo’s but we only use them every other year—the family keeps expanding…we’re kind of like rabbits). We started the week in Bear Lake. Afterwards we all dispersed to various locations in the valley, meeting each day to eat and play. It was a fun time, especially for our children. I think my kids suffered from withdrawals after everyone went home. Cousins are a great source of entertainment and daily excitement.

Los Tres Amigos

A quiet moment at Bear Lake...no really... there
was a quiet moment

Yes...they let us into the Olive Garden. All
34 of us!

Note K's kool-aid mustache--always an indication
of a good BBQ

This reunion had a little bit of everything...
even a cow

The stop sign on the right is kind of ironic
if you consider the abundance of fireworks
we lit off that night...at least the cops didn't
show up!