AHHHHAAAHHH....its finals week

OK, so I'm avoiding the dreaded finals right now...the laundry is being pushed through, the dishes are done, and I'm blogging...BUT I have 2 essays and a powerpoint presentation to get done...YUCK is how I feel about that!
So anyway, I want to get my soccer shoes, go to soccer practice's, and get to my camp meeting in the next few days so today is the DAY. Here I go...Enough procrastination, I'll try not to throw-up and get this done.

I'm Watching Wednesday!

I admit it, I like watching TV/Movies, I really enjoy comedy, lots of comedy!
Here is a Funny scene from one of my favorite movies, it also is one of my Favorite books.

Memorial Day Weekend!

We was a Great Memorial Day weekend, the weather was so nice and warm, it was perfect!

J's sis M came over on Friday, we met her in Olympia and ate at Red Robin-Yum. The boys took turns riding w/her in her S-10, they love riding in M's truck.
Saturday we hit garage sales and went fishing, J BBQ'ed and then we went to the drive in and saw Indiana Jones while munching on popcorn, pizza, candy, and soda!
Sunday we all kicked it and then went fishing again, this time we all caught some little rainbow trout-no keepers though but it sure was exciting, And I got my 2 essays turned in on time, whew!
Monday was nice and lazy and we did some shopping (yes a little run in w/that One store) R got some new shoes - he keeps growing Way too fast! L spent the rest of his b-day $ on a 3-person pop-tent, he was soooo excited. We set it up in the dining area and the boys slept in it last night, too cool! (Thanks again Gramma S And Gramma M And Gramma C for the b-day $ for L, he sure felt special and loved being able to buy some fun stuff!)
J also finished up the railings on the deck by Friday, And our garden went from brown dirt to a bunch of little green sprouts!
It was a great weekend that just flew by way too fast!

Sigh, lost it again...

OK, so when I was younger I used to have this crazy temper. Then I got married and had kids and so I really tried to get rid of it, You know, keepin' it cool. Well, there has been a few times where I felt that familiar feeling of rage just boil up inside of me, But I have been pretty good at not blowing up.. I think anyway.
Well, I lost it a little yesterday.

It started last week at a very popular craft store, lets just say its Not Michael's, but the one with a woman's name that sends you coupons. All I ever hear is how great this store is, especially when there is a sale going on.
I am in charge of making about a million (ok, maybe a little less) beads for YW camp this year and some other crafty stuff for the girls in my church. So this store seemed the perfect place to get some stuff.

So last week I went there and they had a bunch of sales and clearance and I was getting a pretty good deal, I thought, until it came to check-out time. A 50cent pen was really 4.95$, it didn't matter that there was a tag on it or anything, fine don't want the pen I say.
Then the crafts were supposed to be 25% off, so the lady looks at it, looks at her computer, then proceeds to slowly flip through the weeks flyers and what seems a decade later says, "Oh, it's only for the prices of 1.99$ and up"
No where on the shelf does it say this, Fine I'll still take it. Behind me I hear a lady say, "This paper is supposed to be 40% off" So that cashier takes the paper to my cashier who then proceeds to slowly flip through the flyer again while I stand there trying to keep it under control. I saw the paper and the big tag that said 40% off, but oh-no for some reason it isn't on sale until next week!
Then I have some beads on clearance, the lady can't ring it up without help even though it clearly states the price right on it! So I say forget it I don't want them, pay my way out and try to not fume over it all day.

Well, yesterday I go to another one w/my sis-in-law. Again I'm getting stuff for camp. There are these really great things that were perfect all on this 1$ shelf by the cash registers. There are 3 big tags saying 50% off (I even looked for any fine print and there was none!). I think "Sweet!" and grab a ton of stuff.
I go to pay and it's ringing up full price. I say, "That is supposed to be 50% off" and point to the shelf with the big sale tags on it. So what does she do? Looks at me funny, looks at my stuff and her computer, then walks over to the shelves and looks around and sees that the tag clearly says 50% off, but then says, "Huh...I think it's only for this, huh, 4th of July thing" (some bows sitting with everything else)
I was so mad! So I yelled, "Forget it! I don't want any of it, this is so retarded! I can't believe it, I Hate this store! This is so stupid! The tags are right there! I am never coming here again!"
Then as everyone around me is looking at me in this shocked stare I storm out.

J just laughed when I got back to the car, he wasn't surprised at all, but did tell me to take it easy and cheer up.
I still hate that place.

Here's Mine, What's Yours?

OK, this made me laugh and I'm hoping that some of it isn't true!
Just last night after I wrote 2 essays I was thinking on how much writing stinks and that I'd hate a job where I'd have to write all the time...so I guess they got being a Journalist wrong...but look for my face in the next presidential race!

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends. You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules. Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives. You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller! In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart. You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts. At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do. You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist. How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's Your Personality Type?

Friday Favorites!

This Friday Favorites will be devoted to my top 5 songs on my iPod that I listen to, these songs help me rock my workout!

1. Boom by P.O.D.


2. 4 Minutes by Madonna & Justin Temberlake
3. Lose Yourself by Eminem
4. Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy
5. Glamorous by Fergie

My Eyes... My Ears!

J and I went on a date last night! We ate at this place called Mojito Bay, it was a "fusion" Mexican restaurant, uh, not too bad but we didn't feel the fusion! We walked around the mall, and saw Iron Man, that movie rocks!
During our drive we were listening to the radio and this song came on and J turns it off real fast and said, "That was terrible, that ladies voice made my want to tear my eyeballs out!" It was so funny!
So watch/listen at your own risk, I hope any eyeball ripping won't occur because of this post!

Thanks Gramma!

Grandma S it just the best! She is the biggest spoiler and all the grandkids just love that lady! Because of her spoiling L was able to get a basketball hoop (off of craigslist) for his birthday! He loves it and so does R, so fun! Thanks Gramma!

Got Game?

We went bowling with the boys, 1. because it is way fun and they LOVE it, and 2. because it is a sign off on R's cub scout arrow trail! We got 2 lanes, a bumper for the boys and old school for J and I. Well, sometimes I totally rock that lane and this one time I smoked J, but...this time I think all 3 male members of my family got higher scores than I did!
We all had a great time bowling!

Mommy Monday!

We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.

The family is ordained of God.

To read the rest click here:
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council Of The Twelve Apostles Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints

What Would You Do for Ice Cream?

R has a little lazy streak in him that was inherited from me. He is a smart kid, school has always been very easy for him, so when something comes up that has the least bit of hardness to it he is apt to give up.

Well, one thing that doesn't come easy to him is sports, but his all loving parents force (his word not mine!) him to play, first it was Tae Kwan Do, then Soccer, last year baseball, and baseball again this year. Well, he kept asking not go to games this month, but being the meanest parents that we are we made him go.

Well, yesterday J told him that he'd make a deal with him. He said that if R stayed "baseball ready" during the entire game, didn't' play in the dirt, kept his eye on the ball, and stayed alert during the whole game and we didn't have to tell him to pay attention then we'd go out for ice cream after the game. R asked if he'd still get ice cream if we had to tell him to pay attention, we said no way, plus none of us would get any either, it was all dependant on R!

Well, let me tell you, I did not know that R was such a good ball player! I knew he could hit, but he was catching and throwing like a pro! After the game we told him that if he played with that kind of attitude every time he'd have so much more fun. He told us that if he had something like ice cream to play for he'd play like that all the time!

If only we knew...we'd tempt him with ice cream years ago!

From My Instructor

Ten additional steps you can take to help your child develop a positive self-image from The Child Development Institute:

1 - Teach children to change their demands to preferences. Point out to children that there is no reason they must get everything they want and that they need not feel angry either. Encourage them to work against anger by setting a good example and by reinforcing them when they display appropriate irritation rather than anger
2 - Encourage your children to ask for what they want assertively, pointing out that there is no guarantee that they will get it. Reinforce them for asking and avoid anticipating their desires.
3 - Let children know they create and are responsible for any feeling they experience. Likewise, they are not responsible for others' feelings. Avoid blaming children for how you feel.
4 - Encourage your children to develop hobbies and interests which give them pleasure and which they can pursue independently.
5 - Let children settle their own disputes between siblings and friends alike.
6 - Help your children develop "tease tolerance" by pointing out that some teasing can't hurt. Help children learn to cope with teasing by ignoring it while using positive self-talk such as "names can never hurt me," "teases have no power over me," and "if I can resist this tease, then I'm building emotional muscle."
7 - Help children learn to focus on their strengths by pointing out to them all the things they can do.
8 - Encourage your children to behave toward themselves the way they'd like their friends to behave toward them.
9 - Help your children think in terms of alternative options and possibilities rather than depending upon one option for satisfaction. A child who has only one friend and loses that friend is friendless. However, a child who has many friends and loses one, still has many. This same principle holds true in many different areas. Whenever you think there is only one thing which can satisfy you, you limit your potential for being satisfied! The more you help your children realize that there are many options in every situation, the more you increase their potential for satisfaction.
10 - Laugh with your children and encourage them to laugh at themselves. People who take themselves very seriously are undoubtedly decreasing their enjoyment in life. A good sense of humor and the ability to make light of life are important ingredients for increasing one's overall enjoyment.

Child Development Institute (n.d.) Retrieved on March 1, 2008 from
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/self_esteem.shtml

Movies & Beads!

My friend MW and her 3 girls came over last night so we could make beads for YW Girls Camp, I have tons that need to be done, all the ones for our girls (about 20) and beads for all of camp (about 160). We toiled away for hours and got a few of the beads on the list all done! J decided to take the boys to see the new Narnia movie while I did this. At the last moment L wanted to stay home and play with, as he says her name, Airninana. So off went R and J they said it was one awesome movie! R was pretty happy to see it, he has been reading the Narnia books and was super excited that Prince Caspian is out. And it made it all better to go see it with just Dad and get to eat popcorn, candy, and soda!

L and A are are such funny kids. They used to hate each other when us moms would work out at each others houses, sometimes they would think the other was OK. Finally a big turn happened and they would start to play right away with each other instead of eyeing each other from across the room.
Well, it still surprised MW and I that L wanted to stay home instead of go to the theatres with his Dad. As the night progressed we saw L become a huge ham for A, all he tried to do was to make her laugh and want her attention, he was such a show off, it was so funny! So this song popped in my head, it fits L perfectly!

From my Instructor

My Child Development instructor posts some really great sources that can help us better understand our class. I loved this one, R will be in this category sooner than later I think. Everything on here is just a smart thing to do as a parent, I also don't think we need to wait until they are a teen to be doing these things!

Tips to Help Your Child through Early Adolescence

1. Learn as much as you can about early adolescence. Good information can help you make good decisions. Find out what changes you can expect during these years. Learn about what goes on in your child’s school.
2. Stay involved in your child’s life, both inside and outside of school. A positive relationship with a parent or other adult is the best safeguard your child has as he grows and explores. Find new and different ways to stay involved that work well with your child.
3. Provide both unconditional love and appropriate limits to help your child thrive and feel safe.
4. Talk with your child often about what’s most important to her. Include the tough and sensitive subjects. Listen to what she has to say. Connected children are generally happier and do better in school and in life.
5. Hold your child to high but realistic standards both in school and in life. Let him know that you expect him to work hard, cooperate with teachers and other students and do his best.
6. Show that you value education. Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and school officials. Check to see that he gets to school on time, completes homework assignments successfully and is signed up for classes required for college.
7. Provide opportunities for your young teen to succeed. Help your child to discover and develop her strengths. Success produces confidence.
8. Monitor friendships. Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. Talk with him about friends, friendship and about choices he makes when with friends.
9. Work with your child to become more aware of the media and how to use it appropriately. Discuss what TV and movies to watch and what computer games to play. Become aware of the music she listens to and the magazines she reads.
10. Model good behavior. The best way to raise a child who is loving, decent and respectful is to live the values and behavior you hope he will develop.
11. Be alert to major problems, such as drug use, depression or an eating disorder. If the problem is too big to handle alone, get help from some of the many resources available.
12. Hang in there when times are tough. Most youngsters weather the bumps of early adolescence successfully and grow into successful adults. You play a major role in making that happen.

Spelling, Margaret (2005). Helping your child through early adolescent.
Retrieved on March 24, 2008 from
http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/adolescence/adolescence.pdf

Friday Favorites!

1. Let the Growing Begin -
J spread grass sead in the back, we finished the garden boxes and yesterday filled them with tomato starters, corn, beans, peas, pumpkin, cute-cumbers, carrots, and peppers! I filled my flower bed w/flowers, and J made me another planter box for my strawberries. I LOVE all this planting, now as J said yesterday, "Let the growing begin!"

2. Pushing it - Wed. I had a soccer practice and really tried to push myself, my legs were sore and I was feeling slow! So yesterday J stayed home with L and I went off to the gym. I jogged for 24 minutes (total of 2miles) since that is the game times, then I speed walk-jog-speed walk-run,and repeated this over and over until I made it to 5 miles! Boy was I a bit sweaty, but felt so good, I have never gone that far and ran/jogged that much on a treadmill!

3. That Crafty Man - J is just awesome! I love it when he builds stuff around the house, he made those killer planters, he has made me book shelves, tiling our bathroom, made me some awesome cedar benches,a fence for the backyard, a deck, and yesterday made this way cool gardening table from some trees he cut down on our property, it rocks!

4. My Dogs -
I just love those "puppies"! They have been so good lately. Usually when they get out of the back yard they are off and running and just won't stay around. Well, I guess we have all become more interesting since when they get out they'll stay home with us and not run off on some adventure. I mean, Most of the time they stay home, but when a dirt bike or a 4-wheeler is going down a road near us they are off to run with it! (But who can blame them?!)

5. Ravioli's - J came home with some frozen ravioli's. Uh, can you say YUM?! Life just gets busy and those things cook up are are ready within 10 minutes and they are tasty!

Hey, Thanks!

I was washing my hands in a public bathroom when I hear:
-Cute pants!
I keep on washing away, when I hear it again:
-Cute pants!
I turn around and this lady tells me:
-I really like your pants! They totally make your butt look so good!

I can take this info a few different ways, but decide that it was one Great compliment!

The Hidden Meaning of My Name

You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous.
You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things.
Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.
What is your Names Hidden Meaning?

You Know, Just One Of Those Days!

Today felt fun and a bit crazy, with bits of relaxation mixed in. This morning I slept in a bit, then got ready for my soccer practice. I was pretty excited since J got me some killer shin guards, and last night I got some soccer socks and shorts, AND J was hangin' w/L at home so I was on my own!
I packed my bag and ran out the door, only to realize that my sign-up $ was sittin' on the counter, so went back to get it. I wasn't too late when I got to the soccer place, but as I was walking across the parking lot I realized that I didn't have my shoes, just my flip-flops! Oops...If I only had a...
So I ran to base and got some shoes on clearance and made it back with 20 minutes of practice w/the ladies. But my friend G was late too, so we stayed extra and practiced together. Boy was I dying by the time I was done! (But I felt pretty good afterwards!)
*our indoor field!*

After practice I went back to base and returned my shoes...smart or sneaky and wrong I know, but I have perfectly good ones sittin' at home! I took my time and bought some seeds before heading home.
Once home L and I planted a ton of plants outside while J was working on the back yard with the rototiller and planting grass seed. It was sunny and warm, a perfect time to get dirty fingernails and jam out to my new Ipod!
I even remembered that R had baseball tonight (I forgot last week!). So made an early dinner and went to R's game, he did pretty good, he is one good hitter!

Now I'm a bit sleepy, sore, but feeling good. My sweet heart is making a Walmart run while the boys are getting ready for bed. I've got a good book waiting for me and no homework due! J even said that he'll take L again tomorrow while I go workout and maybe go visit a tanning bed!
What a good day-even when I had my mind lapses!

Growing a Green Thumb!

L is no longer our little boy, he has declared that he is a big boy now that he is 5! So I told him that since he is 5 he has to do homework so he can be ready for Kindergarten this fall.

L - Homework is boring!
Me - Not all of it, and your a big boy now, you can do it!
L - ...OK...

So I have been having him do some homework the same time R does his homework in the afternoons, it is not a lot, but he has been doing really well with it. This morning I stepped it up, I had him do homework in the morning and made him do twice as much, then after lunch I taught him about seeds, how plants are different and how they develop. We planted 6 different kinds of flower seeds in little disposable pots and it was fun!
I'm hoping that he will develop a green thumb and take after his Dad and not me. I seem to kill just about anything that has roots!

One Sweet Day!

We all got to go to the Science Center with my Bro and his family last weekend. We woke up, out the door by 8am, parked the rigs in Bremerton, caught the 9am ferry to Seattle, walked a ways, rode a bus a ways, walked some more and made it to the Science Center. All the exhibits were just awesome, all 5 kids were just amazing! For lunch we walked to a Subway and stuffed ourselves with those 5$ subs, yum! Then went and saw Speed Racer at the IMAX!
Wow, fun movie!
Afterwards we walked back to the ferry, hit a Safeway on the way home to load up on candy, ice cream, pastries, cheese, chips...you know all the healthiest food we could find! We snacked all night and just hung out havin' a good time. I just love that day!

Spoiled!

J just rocks! Whenever the new iPod commercial would come on I would say, "Man, that always makes me want one of those!" So then he said we should get me one, and I said "No because I didn't want to spend the $ on it right now."
So then when it would come on I would tell him, "Don't get me that! Someday I'll get one but not now"
Well, yesterday for my Mother's Day gift he got me a pink iPod Nano. I totally LOVE it! So glad he didn't listen to me and got me one!

Happy Mother's Day!

I have much to be thankful for this Mother's day!

I have the most wonderful Mother-Momba. She is a great source of love and strength in my life.

I am absolutely amazed that I am the Mother of these two boys. I can never, never, question the love my Heavenly Father has for me after he has given me these boys. Being a Mother is one of the greatest gifts he has given me. I will always know happiness and love and joy.

I am greatful for knowing other great Mother's, those who have shown me support, and love. Any Mother who loves their children, cares for them, sacrifices for them I am greatful for.

I am greatful for a husband who supports me in my efforts to continuously be a worthy Mother of our children.

Happy Mother's Day!

Cake for L!

Today we celebrated L's b-day! I don't buy store made cakes, I'm too cheap! So over the years I have made the boys' b-day cakes, and each year I try to make them as cool as they want them to be. This year L wanted a black and red dragon cake, a full body dragon cake. Hmmm, I glanced at some online, but then I just decided to wing it!
I made 2 cake mixes and used a bunt pan, round pan, glass bowl, mini loaf pan, and a few cupcakes. I used chocolate frosting, gum drops, and fruit rollups. L totally loved it, I was so glad it didn't end up a pile of cake crumbs with a candle on top!
We kept it simple, just my Bro and his family, some pizza and a ton of smiles! Happy Birthday L!

Friday Favorites!

Hooray its Friday! It has been a long week, a few sickos, big homework assignments (not done yet), big time cleaning, and my 1st soccer practice (that I loved!), but its been one of those weeks that flew by while at the same time took too long, but we all survived and here is Friday!

1. School Play - R had his school play last night, he was so stinkin cute and funny! He was in Androcles and the Lion and played the part of Androcles. He had so much fun, and it was so fun to watch him!

2. Planters - J made me a wonderful planter and filled it with strawberry plants! He got more strawberries and wood and is going to make me more, what a great guy!

3. Clean Carpets - Yesterday I shampooed our carpet, I love it when it is clean and fresh! (We'll see how long it lasts with these country boys I have!)

4. Surprise Day Off - Yesterday R announced that he doesn't have school today, I didn't believe him at first but he was right. I LOVE it when there is no school, Hooray!

5. Vacation - Today is J's last day of work before his 2 week vacation! I'm so excited! We've got some plans, finish tiling the bathrooms, finish the garden, go fishing, sleep in a few times, hang with the kidos, have some fun, go to the Science Center...Just about as much as we can get squished in we are gonna do these 2 weeks!