A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

Isn't it funny how something like sewing sparks a glimmer of understanding in the sometimes confusing business of life? How matching up cut out pieces of fabric, pinning them together, and slowly stitching them perfectly, so they meet right where they are supposed to, somehow brings a sense of clarity to something other than sewing--such as real life.

The past few months I have felt like I've been piecing together this mega-complicated garment. With seams and darts and gathers and zippers and pockets, and weird hem lines, you get my point.

Let me clarify. Derek and I left Tulsa in January to move to DC. The decision to move here was actually harder than we thought it would be. We fasted and prayed and felt very certain that DC was the place we were compelled to move to. Derek had a job offer and things seemed to fall into place, we felt reassured that our decision was the right one.

Well God had another purpose, other than to match the pieces of our life up perfectly. Derek's job was put on hold as the Department he was going to work for went through a hiring freeze. We found ourselves unemployed and wondering what had gone wrong.

Were we not faithful enough? Were we too involved in our own thoughts to listen to God's will? Were we supposed to figure this one out on our own? What was the purpose of having our family move, uproot our children from their schools, and basically try to start life over with no prospects other than to "go back to the cutting board"?

We were so sure we had "read the instructions", that we did everything necessary to succeed. So how did this strategy that was carefully planned out fail. What did we do?

We went back to the good old "cutting board" and worked hard to back track and start fresh. We very slowly and more meticulously cut out our pieces of job prospects and made sure we were not making silly mistakes. The process was arduous and we felt like it would never end.

All this time faith was under question. I knew we did the right thing, but there was something we needed to do over, something we needed to learn.

I can only speak for myself, but I know I felt like somehow I had gotten this whole pattern to life wrong. Somewhere I failed, I had definitely misinterpreted the directions and what was left was a jumbled mess.

Slowly I had to either loose myself in other things to get my mind out of this dark despair, or face this moment in time through reading my scriptures and pondering in my mind all the aspects that made up "Us" as a family; taking into consideration everything we were doing and where we were going.

My disposition changed and I could no longer log onto the computer and look at all the joys in people's lives with out feeling the emptyness in my own. I couldn't let that feeling consume me, not for my own sake, my husband's sake, and not for my children's sake. So I avoided it as much as I could.

My thoughts changed as I read a verse in Mosiah 8:20

" O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!"

I felt more like I was wallowing than actually seeking wisdom and more like I was whining than desiring to live through this with a perspective of faith in the Lord. So day by day I decided to work on how I thought about things.

Long story short, our set backs (or life lessons) took 3 months longer to work out and fit together. Yet I know this grand masterpiece we are sewing has a more perfect fit than it did at the beginning. The process of ripping the seams, examining mistakes, having patience to learn to have greater faith has paid off in more ways than one.

How miraculous is the Lord! He suffered through my trial of faith, I was completely blind and before things worked out so seamlessly and perfectly my understanding grew and my desire to do more for my Heavenly Father increased. I have been strengthen. I no longer sew at a methodical selfish pace, but realize that life is more about learning and desiring to do better. In the end the course of completing this final sewing masterpiece has changed and the result will be more majestic than I even imagined.

What Does "Kung-Fu-Ability" Mean? I Don't Know But It's Provocative.

Are you clothes savvy? or clothes shy? My $100 Virtual Tax Refund.

Whoa! First of all this certainly was a doozy of an assignment. I am such a cheap-skate that I have surprised myself with this little challenge. I mean I like looking at people who dress nice and imagine myself dressing nice, but somehow my laziness has creeped into my desire to actually obtain nice clothing. Therefore I own two pairs of jeans three polo shirts and some really, really awful t-shirts, and everything I own was either from wal-mart, target, or the thrift store. So I made a pact with myself, for SPT I wanted to make myself go to the mall and find something for $100. Test my skills of shopping without guilt.

I must have some sort of illness because as soon as I walked into the mall I felt confused and dizzy. Which store? The teeny bopper boutiques or the department stores or do I make a B line back to target? Well I decided to let my feet carry me, so I ended up at the first department store I saw, Macy's. When inside I felt more confused. However I went to the first dresses I saw and pulled out my size and thought, "cute I'll get this done on my first try." WRONG! I was in the jr's section and the cute dress in my size couldn't even be pulled past my chest! After tugging that thing off of me I dragged my sorry self to the Ladies section. Ahh... much better. So here I was feeling good, but still I was so confused I just grabbed the first thing that looked appealing and tried it on. Apparently when I am shopping "guilt-free" the following will most likely happen:


1. I feel confused and without a purpose when my brain is not on "find a great deal" mode.
2. Confusion turns to sillyness as I decided to try out the "kung-fu-ability" of found outfits.
3. NEVER try on dresses in the jr's section one will only leave feeling fat and in need of some chocolate to pick them up.
4. I love color but somehow I always pick up black and white combo's (is this a scar from my dorkestra orchestra days?).
5. Try on the first thing I see cause, with mall clothes they'll most likely look decent and if you just wear what the manequins have on then your set.
6. If I did shop at the mall I'd start looking like Cruella De Ville with all the black and white clothes I'd end up buying!

I'm Trying the SPT

Challenge:
In your Easter Bonnet with all the frills upon it

challenge by Lelly

WHERE IS MY BONNET?

I can't think of anytime in my childhood/adolescence/adult life where I was decked out with a bonnet or frills. I remember my Mom coaxing me to wear makeup when I was a teenager. And I can also remember thinking that if I brushed my hair super good for Prom that I would look quite polished.

Yeah I'd say I'm not so much the prim and proper type (shout out to my favorite British Matriarch Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet!):

as I am the girly girl with stains and dirt in my finger nails (gross I know!):

Strangely this little task makes me realize that for me the Easter holiday was less about looking prim and proper as it was a time to get together with family, eat, and laugh. And as a kid I did most of my laughing as I was rolling down a hill or getting really messy--a girl can't wear a bonnet with that type of action going on can they? I look at my little girls and realize that a tradition I am passing on to them is to enjoy life, don't worry about getting messy or looking perfect. Have some fun--if you fall down get back up and try with all your might to not let the scrapes get you down.

Holy Cow I'm Blogging! It Has To Be Some One's Birthday!

Wow it has really been a LONG time since I even checked my blog. My oh my, we've been busy, things are a changing, and well families need more attention. So when I get more time on my hands then I'll be posting more regularly. Anywho... it's L's birthday. She just turned six today. I can't believe how much she has grown in the last year. She is less shy, not so afraid of playing with kids she doesn't know too well, etc. Out of the blue she came home two days in a row with these little flowers. They were from winning some running contests they were doing in class. I've always known she likes to run since the time she was two, I was 7 months pregnant and she ran down Center from about 200 West to 500 West before I could grab her. Phew..I'm tired and achey just thinking about that. I am amazed at all the talents that I've seemed to overlook and that are becoming more pronounced in her. L's teacher told me to bring in her favorite book to read when I bring treats for her birthday. It was fun to read a book to her class and see all the little kids she sees everyday. Her teacher had the class write a list of reasons they like her. That was a treat for me to see the kids excited to say nice things about her.

So now is my chance to say 10 things I like, no LOVE about L!
10. L loves animals, her enthusiasm for birds, cats, and fish is so cute to witness.
9. L's a glamor girl. Anything that sparkles, has pink, bows, frills and curls she likes it!


8. She is a climber and I've been calling her my monkey since the time she could crawl.
7. Her shyness has actually helped L's and I relationship to be more close. She's leaned on me in many social situations, it's weird for me to see her cut some ties and branch out on her own.
6. She is very loyal to her friends, the places she lives, her pets. Every time we've moved she has asked to move back to our previous home for a good month. Oh and she asks to play with all the friends that we no longer live by for about the same amount of time.
5. she's got the BEST laugh.
4. She's a sweet sister and often rubs X's tummy to help her go to sleep.
3. She is obsessed with love. She likes to sneak up on her uncle and his girlfriend when they kiss and then come and tell us about it. She likes hugs and kisses.
2. She is the quietest in our family and we REALLY appreciate that!
1. She is so caring--yesterday was her Aunt's birthday and L wrapped up her favorite toy and gave it to her for her birthday. Her Auntie was a little choked up unwrapping it as she knew it was L's favorite.

Love you Lots L!

My Little Birthday Girl!

Here is Aunty Em and X at the Zoo yesterday. We had such a great time, except for when X fell and scraped her hand on broken bamboo shoots.

Here's a little diddy for X on her b-day (since church was cancelled because of crazy snowfall!).

This month is such a special one. It's birthday time for you. We'd really like to celebrate Your happy day with you. Zip-a-dee-ay and heigh-dee-ho, Here's something we can do. We'll sing a song that we all know, Happy Birthday to YOU!

For X's birthday I decided to make her a dress (a copy of one I saw at Target). Have a looksy.

That ribbon is part of a vintage ribbon stash my Mother-in-Law has. She graciously let me use it for her birthday dress.

Here is my top ten reasons why I Love My Chubbsy Wubbsy sooo MUCH!

1. I love her pudgy little hands, feet and those chubby, chubby cheeks!

2. I love her curly hair (she's our little Shirley Temple).

3. I love all of her facial expressions, she's our goofy goober.

4. She is a gentle giant--not many three year olds are as tall as her, but she couldn't hurt a fly even if she wanted to.

5. She has never been a fussy baby--quite easy to manage.

6. She loves Rainbow Bright and I love to hear her sing, "Rainbow Bright, see the shining light..."

7. When she says prayer she has a mumblely wisper--all you can understand is "Heavenly Father" then mumble, mumble, mumble, "Amen". We hold in our laughs every time.

8. She is very easy to please. Give her a My Little Pony to play with and your set.

9. She gives the best bear hugs.

10. She loves to swim and intrigued the girls swim teacher by swimming laps with the swim team on "Bring a friend Friday".

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby Girl!

Oh Valentine, Thy Names Are Snow, Cold, and Lovely

I couldn't have asked for a nicer day than today. It was a snow day, so we were at home staying warm and toastie. Then we froze our rear's off outside as we shoveled, threw snow balls, and went sledding. I wish I had picts, but alas my camera is lost in hotel-land/road-trip-land some where between Ohio and here, so there you go.

Since, the girls haven't actually started school yet, I stole Jessica's "5 Days of Love" idea and made it the girl's special project. Except we had "4 days of love", which was perfect as we used each letter as a day, with a corresponding treat. Sunday was "Lemon" cupcakes, with a strawberry on top. Monday, "Orange" Gatoraide (with a Valentinese label glued on), Tuesday, we had gum to take away bad breath "vapors", and Today we made Valentines and coupon books for "Everyone". It was fun.

Today was also a lovely day as Derek surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, the prettiest I've ever gotten actually. He picked them up from a florist down the street (whose shop is so cute, so I'm not surprised by the bouquet). I'm so glad we had a wonderful day together, as a family.

Plus.....Loved this Valentine!

Finally Taking a Deep Breath

Ok it's been two weeks, since we've moved. I've been in weird, bizarro world. I don't feel like I'm settled yet, even though we're at my in-laws and their house is totally lap of luxury for me (they have the best beds EVER--I could sleep for days in them!).

Here's a few details of our road trip.
We sold our van (it wasn't working so well).

The 5 of us drove cross country with stuff in a five seater Jeep Cheerokee.

It was FREEZING everywhere we went.

I felt like I left a part of myself in Oklahoma.

I lost my camera.

I'm excited to be in Washington DC, but not able to really settle down so it's kind of a downer as well.

Those are a few of the details. Perhaps this is why I haven't blogged so much. I'm in a mind numbing mode and I'd rather read everyone else's blogs rather than put my thoughts into sentences.

But I think it will be therapeutic so I'm making myself write.

Here are some things I'm looking forward to and am grateful for.

I'm grateful for Kristi Brooke's blog http://www.everythingispink.blogspot.com/ (I don't know her but she has a great resource for any family who has recently moved to DC), because of her I've been inspired to get out of the house and check out the area more--like Lucketts

http://www.luckettstore.com// can't wait to go.

I'm looking forward to a Relief Society Day trip to Mount Vernon.

I'm looking forward to S's Baptism.

I'm grateful to my in-laws and for their laid back lifestyle and for having a totally peaceful home.

I'm happy that we were able to get here in time for the Ward's Family Valentines Dance and I was able to boogie-woogie some of my blues away(at my dignity's expense of course--What's wrong with doing the "Elaine" dance every once in a while huh?!).

I'm happy that my kids seem to love being with family and have been begging me to enroll them into school.

I'm thankful to Derek for really giving me space and understanding, as I can be an emotional roller coster when it comes to letting go and starting afresh--especially when I get that frantic, bug-eyed look which means--walk away brotha man, just walk away.

Ok so I'm feeling better. Less sad, it's good to remind myself of some positives instead trying to forget about reality.

Tagged by Elizabeth

6 unusual things about me

1. I wore braces starting the middle of my eighth grade year and got them off the middle of my Freshman year of college. I also wore an ugly head gear. Derek and I went on our first date while I still wore braces.

2. I was kicked out of school my Sophmore year at Paseo because I brought a friend to school and lied to the principal about who she was.

3. I played violin for a quartet and we played for Mayor Emmanuel Cleaver's inagurational luncheon (he is now a Senator).

4. I almost got kidnapped outside a Piggly Wiggly while I was skipping high school. This man in a car cornered me (his car on one side of me and a cement wall on the other). He kept telling me to get in his car for a ride. I stood there like a deer in headlights, then composed my thoughts and squeezed past his car and ran away.

5. I hitch hiked once after being stranded in Denver for 18+ hours (after missing my Grey Hound Bus connection by 10 minutes!). Big mistake, he was pulled over for a minor traffic violation and I found out he was braking parole and I was escorted by the police back to the Grey Hound Station to wait another hour for my bus to arrive. All I have to say is that even though I'm stupid, it doesn't mean God doesn't hear my prayers (I don't know why I was so insane!!! I blame it on exhaustion and my complete delirious desire to get back home after a long semester at college and spending 24 hours already on a bus from Provo to Denver).

6. I got my nick name Bucky because my Dad was the ward mission leader and an elder used to think I was really cute, so when I broke my first two teeth he called me Bucky Beaver and it stuck and I was forever since that time NEVER as cute as I should have been because of that lovely nickname (Although truthfully I actually mostly refer to myself in my head as Bucky rather than Katherine, but when people ask what do you like to be called Katherine or Kathy, Bucky just seems a little bit of a reach).

Ok, that wasn't too bad I tag Jenny, Adriane, and Jessica P.

Saying Good-bye

Tulsa and this crazy little apartment has really turned into a home, a blessing. Derek and I came here without many expectations. We felt as if it would be a forgettable experience, as our time has been so short and school was the only reason for coming. However, sometimes the Lord sends you down a path that is not easy, but necessary. What felt confining at first (not a lot of space, no yard, too many neighbors) has been a place memories are made of. I've never felt a stronger strengthening of family bonds as I have here. I've never felt more in love with my husband

more honored to be my children's mother

and more grateful to have made such good friends. Times haven't been easy--making ends meet on a student budget, crazy apartment tenants (that try to break down your door at 2 am after a night of drinking), transporting kids from one place to another, swim meets, dance recitals, church callings, finals, children growing up, and consequently feeling older, etc. have all been part of this experience. Over the past week I been having flash backs from this, that or the other. None more poignant than a surprise farewell party for me at the Olive Garden (thanks Jennifer and Jessie!) and seeing so many of my Tulsa friends waiting to eat dinner with me. I almost cried, and I gave everyone a big hug. I'll miss all these friends. The laughter, the chats, the visiting teaching, the walks around La Fortune Park, Young Women activities. I have come away from this time in my life with the realization that life isn't perfect, but I wouldn't want it to be everything I wanted. I need these uncomfortable feelings to realize that what I want for myself is sometimes not reaching high enough or is maybe reaching too high, it's humbling. There have been prices to pay for deciding to put everything in motion with graduate school, but I think we have come out the real winners.

Here's my top ten list of why I love Tulsa (and the people who live here)

10. Sounds crazy but I love Tulsa for having someone yell at me for the first time in my life to "Go Back to Mexico", I guess they were mad at me but it made me laugh all night long.

9. I love Tulsa for all of the cashiers that have asked me how my day is going and truly happy or sad for me depending on my mood.

8. I love being called M'am where ever I go.

7. I love the fact that most every one attends church and have incredible faith.

6. I love all my kids' teachers, they've been the best. Where else would you find a swim coach who incorporates God into swim instruction and gives out a dollar bill for best diving (which L won by the way). I have gotten notes and presents from the kids teachers, each so sweet with only wonderful things to say about the kids (so proud of them). Also S's teacher took time out of his busy schedule to take the kids and their parents on a Saturday trip to find Stalactite (?)Crystals and the Sod Museum. Here they are at the last standing "sod house"--it's make out of dirt!

5. I'll miss Jessie for being so witty and for sending me this.



4. Jennifer for the season of walking and laughing--it's just what I needed at that time! I have two things to say Tom Hanks and spandex!

3. For all the Young Women I was able to associate with for my church calling--you guys are THE BEST!

2. Nicole--the greatest babysitter EVER! And Kristi for the yummiest pasta ever--thanks!

1. Last but not least being able to spend sooo much time with my family (this could be on my top ten list things for worst part about Tulsa as well, but I do think the good out weighed the bad).

Jane Eyre - Proposal scene

Anyone who has read the book won't be disappointed by watching this scene. This version is by far my favorite now. This clip is specifically for Elizabeth--here's a little taste of the new version. Hope you like it!

Little Sweetie's 8!

My oh my, where has the time gone? Any mother with a toddler or first child listen up, time goes by sooo fast, give your kid an extra hug and kiss today! I can't believe my Little S is eight today. She seems so grown up, with all her ideas and new elementary school lingo. She has been my little spit-fire since the day she was born. I love her so much for the very tenacity that exhausted me when she was 2, 3, and 4. If it wasn't for her, Derek and I would have a pretty boring life. So here is my top ten list of all the things I LOVE about my sweetie.

10. She can make friends anywhere she goes, the grocery store, the park, school, church, walking down the street. Talking to people never really frightens her.
9. She is very determined. Oh the angst I had when she was younger and refuse to comply with time outs, seat belts, sleeping in her own bed (oh the screaming, the wailing!). Yet even that has passed and that determination has turned into a great motivator. She's on swim team and when we go swimming for fun she likes to do laps, just to practice and be better. Also when she sets her mind to something she plans it out and informs me on all the specifics (she planned out our day trip to see Raven Symone at the Tulsa Fair).

8. She is such a great missionary. In first grade at parent/teacher conferences her teacher informed me that S usually has discussions on theology during their craft time. She was asking kids if they went to a "cross" church or a "non cross" church. And also informed them that they weren't christian because the didn't go to the temple (this made me laugh so much, we had to discuss that Christian was another way to say you believed in Christ--she still likes talking "church" with other kids).

7. She is a fantastic swimmer, she amazes me. Her favorite stroke is butterfly and I am sad to say that she has better form than me (although I was never much good at butterfly stroke).

6. She loves friends and family. Since we're moving I was going through boxes of "stuff" and I found so many notes, cards, letters S has written to her family. She also isn't afraid to defend her friends. Some one made a negative comment about Muslims and S turned her head and said don't say that, it hurts my feelings. And when asked why she said because one of her good friends at school was Muslim and she didn't like hearing mean stuff about her friend (I was so proud of her!).

5. I love her eyes, for Derek and I's family it's an anomally to have anything but brown eyes. Her's are greenish blue (and turn more blue if she wears blue and more green if she wears earthy tones).

4. She is very thoughtful. S has always done thoughtful things, she has brought me breakfast in bed more than anyone else in my life.

3. She loves to cook. Once she even surprised me with scrambled eggs (they tasted fantastic, but I had to point out that she really isn't allowed to use the stove with out Daddy or I). Here's S with the Bouche de Noel she begged and begged to make after watching Madeline.

2. Which brings me to the fact that I love S for not being afraid to try new things (as long as it's not medication or dentists or natural disaster type situations).

1. I love her for being herself. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter. I love her so much and this love just increases with each year.

Is Rochester the New Darcy?

Nah.. Mr. Rochester's too stressed out with his crazy past getting in the way of his budding romance with the governess. Still I wonder, is the new Rochester better than the old Rochester?

New Version

Vs.

Old Version

Let me explain, I LOVED Jane Eyre as a pre-teen/teenager (The one with Timothy Dalton as Rochester that is). We recorded it from TV and I would watch it over and over again. In fact Timothy Dalton was my first celebrity crush (besides Fred from Scooby Doo, I had grown up a bit you see). Anyways....last night I turned on PBS desiring to watch Masterpiece Theatre and what do I find? A NEW Jane Eyre. There are a million Jane Eyre movies out there, but I have always been a fan of the Timothy Dalton one, so I was a little weary at first.

The new Jane Eyre is definitely more modern by way of cinematography, the mood, the shadowy figures. Less stuffy Victorian and also less stagey, than the eighties version I remember.

I'm not one to change my liking (don't get me on the subject of Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly--blah!), however I really liked this one. I mean, new Rochester isn't as good looking as old Rochester, but then again I'm not a teenager and good looks aren't really the reason why I watch Masterpiece Theatre.

Since I am on the subject of looks, you be the judge...Old Rochester or New Rochester? If one of these guys were angry on a daily basis, which mad face would you prefer?

Old Rochester?

or....

New Rochester?

Call me crazy, I'd still take Old Rochester (what a handsome mad face), however New Rochester is WONDERFUL (don't let the "I smell poo" face scare you)!

Also which Jane do you prefer?

Old Jane?
or....

New Jane?

Hmmm....I never really watched them for the Janes only the Rochesters, interesting. I'd don't know, but I really recommend watching the second installment next Sunday...it's very well made and such a timeless story.

A Freezing Cold Hug From Me To YOU!

Tulsa is freezing right now, we are braced for yet another winter storm. However I'd like to think of it as somehow being able to feel a kin to my Nova Scotia friend Jenny, especially since it's her birthday. So from my freezing cold location to yours, here are the Top 10 reasons Jenny Schmenny warms my heart!



10. The first time I met her she had a big smile on her face--just like in the picture. Some things NEVER change.

9. Having her in Orchestra (or Dorkestra as I have called it through out my musical career) made things joyous. Field trips down town wouldn't have been the same without her.
Also the gig in Indiana was super fun too. It was like a giggle fest with some bike riding in between.

8. She plays the violin beautifully--especially her fiddling. I hope more people get to partake of her special talent.

7. She has helped me feel faith in the Lord through the way she acts and pays gratitude to the Lord.

6. Her house in KCK was so wonderful to stay at and I will always remember being brought cinnamon toast and hot cocoa for breakfast.

5. Her giggle is infectious.

4. It was nice to have a friend in high school who was just as naive as me (we were probably the only two people at Paseo who actually didn't partake in HALF of the hoodlum stuff going on--although you were always much better than me--I did have a skipping school problem and if I remember correctly you did not.

3. She is a fantastic writer and her blog is exquisite. I wish I had just a smidge of your writing prowess.

2. I sometimes like you just for your attempt at jumping over the gorge or whatever that was at Rebekka's land--you know the day we saw the beaver dam. I still remember you almost making it and just barely missing, holding onto the edge of the grass as if it were some 007 movie begging for us to save you. Am I remembering this correctly??

1. And last but not least, I like you for your pure heart and your joyous spirit. It's rare to find someone as pure and honest and kind as you.

Here's to your Birthday! Have a Happy Day--or Week. Heck by the time you become a Mom you almost need a week to celebrate!

Making a Personalized Header

This post is for Emily.
Sorry it's taken so long, I was in AZ helping my Dad with his business and for some reason I couldn't log onto my blog. Anyway here is how to post a new header and make changes to the blog.
****By the way I read your blog too and we LOVE the chocolate marshmellow cookies!

First I designed my new header with photoshop type software (making sure the dimensions would fit on my blog--it tells you in the template how big the header they create for you is. It's also listed below in the examples I pasted in. Although you can just use it as guidelines to what you want to do). Next you need to upload that picture to the web. I used a website we have, you can also use accounts that keep photos for you on the web. Cut the web address to the photo link, it should look something like
http://www.dappledapple.com/images/eyedapple.jpg

Then go to the template portion of your dashboard (where you make changes to your links).
Scroll down to a place that looks like



then paste your web link to your photo into the src=" " part of the template code. Then try it out. When Idid this I messed it up a few times (by pasting it to the wrong part) so, I'd just go back and put on the old blogger template I was using then try again.

I hope that is helpful and sorry it took so long to post.

Also if that doesn't seem to work, then I'll get my husband to write something more clear cut, he's our computer guru around here and helped me with it.

On a side note if you want to change the look of your side bar (I did this with my links, profile, archives, etc. )

Then do the same steps as above, just find the same place you add a link. It should look like this when you change the look of the "links".






scroll down to the archive part and put in the source for that, etc. then publish.

Hope that is helpful.

Ciao!

Me, Me, Me!--Here's My List

Ok I'll admit it, I browse the "links" columns of my friend's blogs and read about perfect strangers. Their lives seem so interesting (and crafty--my goodness!), I just can't help my self. So I've been reading some of the "100s" and I thought, "I don't even know if I could come up with 100 "me" statements". So it became a challenge really, just to see if I could muster up that many descriptors of myself. So, here's the attempt. It was easier to do than I thought. Who knew I could be so self indulgent?


100 Things that make me ME



1. I don't mind a good fart joke.

2. I like to moon walk after I throw a bowling ball (just found that out last week)
3. I like to make my kids giggle (usually by acting like a hillbilly)
4. I like to laugh—especially at people in spandex
5. I can get pretty worked up over small things if I haven’t had enough sleep
6. I get anxious and useless when I’m stressed out
7. I love, LOVE the movie Lagaan. Everyone should have to watch it at least once it their life.
8. I am opinionated inwardly—hoping that it doesn’t leak out too often
9. Have a hard time sitting still and working on one project at a time
10. I just realized that I adore soft, chintzy, furry slippers (this is a miracle seeing how I grew up with barefoot/sandal wearing folk).
11. I enjoy swimming year round
12. Mr. Darcy always has a special place in my heart, Elizabeth too!
13. I usually hate books turned into movies—I am too critical about this, that or the other.
14. I love food—it used to be any kind of food as long as I didn’t make it, but lately I’ve refined my tastebuds and enjoy Godiva chocolates, fresh pita bread, Indian cuisine and sweet yummy cherries (drool, drool).
15. I don’t mind having a house full of people, in fact I think I operate better that way.
16. I like cleaning up after church functions (what’s wrong with me???).
17. I love doing impersonations with my Mom especially of people we know and of celebrities—my Mom’s Elvis impersonation is to die for.
18. I daydream about houses, paint color, and gardening.
19. I like to do karate chops and dance like an idiot.


20. I grew up loving—Parker Lewis Can't Loose, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, You Can’t Do That on Television, Wren and Stimpy (Log, log, log), Star Trek the Next Generation, BBC—Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Keeping Up Apperances, Mystery (Sherlock Holmes—my fav.), Masterpiece Theatre (Tale of Two Cities—my fav.).
21. Love Karate Kid I—Daniel-san also has a fond place in my heart, Mr. Miagi too.
22. Favorite cartoon growing up—Gummy Bears (I know it's a let down right? No cool cartoon like speed racer or thundercats or even smurfs), the theme song used to make me tear up (bouncing here and there and everywhere...).
23. I like ecclectic decorating---artsy fartsy style if you will.
24. I once sat in on an "invitation only" workshop, consisting of YoYo Ma giving one on one cello instruction to my friend Angela, wondering if he’d notice me in the third row—I know I’m delusional.

25. I got to do security for a U2 concert and was a little disappointed that Bono was shorter than me---only disappointed for a split second though, I also wore a tuxedo shirt thinking I would look different and cool and perhaps earn the respect of U2--truly living in my own head right?

26. I Love my husband, cause he makes me laugh and he does outrageous things like put me over his shoulder and spin me to the point of dizziness and not so outrageous things like let me sleep in when I'm tired.
27. Love my kids because….a. S brings excitement into our home
28. b. L brings beauty and color into our home
29. and c. X makes us laugh like hyenas or FOBs which is pretty much the same thing.

30. I like my heritage on both sides. Proud of being Maori, Samoan, and German, English, French, Chinese, etc., etc. On my Heinz 57 mix from my Polynesian side..isn't it weird that for some reason when you have family that lives on tiny islands, some how the world just comes to them.
31. I like my body (and that is saying volumes people).
32. I like to read gossip magazine covers (and sometimes articles) when the line in the grocery store is moving slowly.
33. I like animals, but am afraid of 85% of God’s creations
34. I would love to travel around the world.
35. I would love to be a senior missionary anywhere in the world (when I am a senior that is)
36. I often miss the past terribly and get emotional and choked up thinking about this person, this place, this school, that bike trip with friends and jumping into Lake Jacomo---ahhhh freedom to jump into a disgusting lake, nice.
37. Love the show Ugly Betty---speaking of which I had my brothers calling me to ask if I watch the show. Here's the dialogue...

“Why would you call to know if I watched some show?” I asked. “Oh no reason,” they responded guiltily. “YOU THINK I LOOK LIKE UGLY BETTY DON’T YOU?,” I accuse. “No--(enter my Mom's voice in the background)...it’s not so much you look like her, but that you have the same sweet heart.” Hmmmm…. interesting, nice save Mom. I don’t know about having the sweet heart, but I did find Derek laughing after an Ugly Betty commercial and I asked him what was so funny and he said, “There’s this show and the girl looks just like you.” Fast forward...Saw the show, love it, and sadly I’d have to agree with them. She looks an awful lot like my Jr. High School photos. Nice.

38. I talk too much when I am nervous or feel embarrassed for myself or someone else.
39. I never sleep enough.
40. I always eat too much.
41. I always want to sleep more and eat less.
42. I have conversations with myself daily, sometimes quietly in my head, sometimes out loud in the car, sometimes in a British accent (and why am I admitting this?)
43. I’ve embarrassed myself more times than I can count.
44. I love making friends but I get shy and inarticulate when I join conversations.
45. I over analyze my children’s emotions.
46. I can’t multiply worth a darn.
47. I almost flunked out of Physical Science 101 twice, thank goodness for hard working Slovakian friends that make it their life’s duty to tutor me.
48. I like to be silly but often question my actions before I fall asleep.
49. I have to give myself pep talks before I give talks in church or teach a lesson. You can pretty much bet I’m sitting up on the stage thinking, ”You can do this Bucky, they don’t know you from diddly squat. They won’t even care if you fumble words or cry your eyes out. Just take a deep breath and act like a General Authority.”
50. I sometimes feel like a caged Hamster in the winter time.
51. I sometimes feel like it was my life’s mission to change diapers and make food.
52. I was really naïve and made lots of dumb choices when I was younger,
Namely doing things that would get me kicked out of school (and I was kicked out, sophomore year Paseo Academy--long, stupid story), lie to my parents about what movie I was watching, who I was with, where I was going (I was always pretty good where ever I went, but I hope my kids don’t lie to me---I know, ain’t gonna happen---but my fingers are crossed.)
53. Favorite pranks as a child: Calling the Butt family and asking for Harry.

Saying to an innocent passerby, Hey dreamboat (when they look add), Not you Shipwreck!

54. Love Wonder Works and their version of Little Princess, I don’t care how cheesy the set is, or how sad the “real” story is. Their version kicks the newer version's butt!
55. Secretly wished I could have grown up on a farm in New Zealand, just like my Grandma.
56. In the past I always wanted to be cooler, more courageous, outgoing, straight forward, etc. etc. But now looking back I’m glad I was the way I was.
57. I like walking around my house like a gorilla.
58. I like doing cartwheels.
59. I love the mountains.
60. I love my Mother in law and aspire to be more like her.
61. I have wonderful parents, who weren’t perfect but whom I’ve never ever felt anything but love for. They are the best no matter what they think!
62. I don’t like nosey people.
63. I can be a little nosey.
64. I can’t stand messes.
65. Yet I am messy.
66. I love the scriptures
67. But have trouble reading them sometimes.
68. I like to write and have written a lot of small tid bit stuff, but as I said before I have a hard time sitting down and doing one thing at a time.
69. I love my grandparents and I think about them and what they must of felt like in their time, during my stage of life.
70. I love to sit back and relax, I wish it was a full time job!

71. If I was a super hero my name would be...Barefoot Momma and my superpowers would be having children close together and being able to feed them, dress them, pay attention to them and clean the house and look fabulous in lightning speed.
72. I have witnessed a squirrel being killed by a pistol in the basement of my Grandad’s garage.
73. Grandpa AhMu had great aim, but I do not. I once aimed at a bottle and shot a cow on my Uncle’s ranch.
74. I like rednecks- their funny, say things in a funny accent, and look funny(what's up with mullets and tight wranglers?).
75. While I like the redneck I'd never want the redneck to get upset at me as many of them own more guns than bottles of Bud.
76. I love education, but I’m most at home with people who don’t philosophize over what diving into a black hole actually feels like.
77. I am not a Madonna fan (She always makes me laugh with her weirdo leotard--ok I only saw it once on Yahoo or something and all I could think of is her trying to dance like that when she's 77 with brittle bones and saggy everything. There is a point people when one must hang up the towel on the party-girl mystique. (Unless you're Sophia Loren--who really isn't a party girl, but I wouldn't mind lookin like that when I'm 77!).
78. I am not a Britney Spears fan.
79. Contrary to my habits I do like reading and when I get the opportunity to read, I do. I am currently reading Nick Hornby's book, Long Way Down and enjoying it.

80. My favorite female singer is Imogen Heap, she reminds me of Anna Banana.
81. My favorite male singer is Pavarotti, I shed tears when he sang at the Olympics

82. People like to speak to me in Spanish, even after I tell them I don’t speak Spanish.
83. I like canned fish and oysters.
84. I like fake crab used in a salad.
85. I love my brothers and my sisters dearly---I’d try my best to do what ever I can for them.
86. I love my brother and sisters in law dearly as well, ditto to numero ochenta y cinquo.
87. I have a love, hate relationship with my dog.
88. I have a love, hate relationship with video games.
89. My brother Flint, who has Downs Syndrome has taught me a lot about life and a lot about who we must of been in the pre-exsistence. He is my little sweetie and will always be.

90. I often realize the things I am doing wrong when I have a mental break down.
91. My stomach resembles cooked porridge that has been cooled down and clumped together (too much information I know)
92. I am amazed that this list got easier after the fifty first “me” statement.
93. I like to make me lists of 100 if it gets me out of doing housework—don’t worry I’ll blame the messy house on my kids.
94. I hate passing blame.
95. I hate passing gas.
96. I hate stink bombs, of which one was detonated just outside our door this afternoon by my numero uno party girl—S (Grandma's will by anything for the Grandkids, won't they?).

97. I think it is funny catching people picking their noses in their car.
98. I love the outdoors and feel most relaxed laying out on a blanket looking at a clear, blue sky.

99. I love the gospel and I will cry when I feel the spirit.
100. I love my Savior Jesus Christ!!!! La Iglesia es verdad!

Ahh..I think I have a holiday hangover?!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Wednesday!!

It's good to get back to a normal schedule and back to the gym (I swear I gained at least 5 pounds this Christmas, eek!). I just went to the YMCA today for one of my favorite classes, the Latin Dance class. It was so much fun and the teacher came back from Mexico with a lot of great new music we've never heard before. I thought I'd be a little clumsy coming back to class after not dancing for three weeks, but even though my sides hurt, I must of been in need of some "break it down" time, cause I didn't feel awkward at all.

We all went to KCMO for Christmas this year. I was having trouble feeling the Christmas spirit, maybe because I put off shopping till the last minute, but mostly because it was sooo warm. It felt more like Easter holiday than Christmas. However we had a great lesson by Bishop Pace in my Mom's ward. He focused on the phrase, "And they had no room in the inn." He asked us How we sometimes refuse to let Christ in our Inn--or our life, or heart, etc. Also how we turn away other people from taking part in the Gospel. I know I'm a softy (especially since having kids) but I wasn't the only one with weepy eyes. It really brought the spirit to the season.

Here's a few highlights of our holiday Party-Hartying!

Playing at the Crown Center Christmas Playground. It was so much fun. They had random things like trains, animals, tractors, pink cars, and dump trucks, but the kids loved it regardless of the brutal, chilling, winter wind (it may have been warm during the day, but watch out at night!)

There is even a fountain that does a rythmic fountain show, right next to the playland. Our kids were soooo crazy they saw teenagers running through the fountain and of course monkey does as monkey do, so they ran through the fountains. They were timing it pretty good. The fountain would be barely on so they wouldn't get wet. However after 5 minutes they became more excited and didn't wait for the fountains to go down--so they ran through it and got soaked! During super chilly wind too. They're crazy--actually we're crazy (or too tired) to let them play in it!--wish I had a picture of it.





Here they are waiting to rip open the packages. It's a family tradition to read the Nativity Story, so they waited very patiently until it was over so they could tear into the presents. I love my brothers face, I think the girls may have awoken us all a little too early. Also do you see X that is her favorite thing to wear, just a diaper. Maybe that is why she doesn't want to potty train. It's her favorite outfit! I think she would have done well growing up in the jungle.



So the kids each got pretty much the one thing they asked Santa for this Christmas--a Baby Alive, Build A Bear, and a My Little Pony Castle. They also got water colors and one clothing item each. Also a pair of Walmart Brand Crocs--S was way too excited to get those--it must be the trendy thing at Elementary Schools.



New Year's My Family came to visit us in Tulsa and it was all about playing games. Derek had so much fun having other males in the house (we smother him with girliness). So he and my brothers played hours of Yu-Gi-Oh, computer games and they even agreed to play a few games S and I made up (musical numbers and the name game). It was fun, we shot off some fireworks, ate too much, and laughed way too much (I was hoping to see my mom jump in the air and do her Elvis impersonation--I guess she only does that show at Christmas time--hehehe--wish I had video of that gem!). So over all I think we all enjoyed our night of saying farewell to the old and greetings to the new!



Here's evidence that the boys in the family played way too many games. Derek must have staged these photos of Mr. Sniper Spy playing a game of Yu-Gi-Oh with Mr. Penguin (cause I don't recall taking these photos).

Wow--Christmas is just around the corner!

I can't believe December is moving even faster than November did. We have been very busy. I'm sure that is why time has flown by. First off Derek finished his finals and projects just in time to come home and go to the airport and then to...dun, dun, dunnn....DISNEY WORLD!!
We were all so excited. We had such a great time and it felt so good to forget about school, jobs and housework and be together and have a load of fun!
It was so special for my kids. I remember being a kid always dreaming to go to Disney World but never going. It was a great experience to see all the joy in their faces as they saw their favorite Disney characters, ride roller coasters for the first time (even X was tall enough to ride a few roller coasters--that girl is tall!), and experience all of the hustle and bustle.

We arrived home and went to Derek's graduation the next day. That was so exciting! It was special to realize that he has really accomplished so much in such a short period of time. I am so proud of him and all of his hard work.


Last but definitely not least, today is Grandma Jo's birthday. She is so special to us and the kids have reached a new level of gratitude since she was the one who treated us to Disney World.

I wanted to write the top ten things we love about her--in celebration of her birthday.

Here's Mom and Hanner at Minnie Mouse's house.

1. We love the way she is so giving (especially now, as the girls will always remember how Grandma Jo was the one who took us all to Disney World).

2. S especially loves how when she stays at Grandma's she gets to be treated to yummy hot waffles with the choice of blueberry or chocolate chip batter.

3. The first thing L said was that she loved how pretty Grandma is. How true that is, she sparkles from the inside out. It's not only her great genes that make her beautiful but her pure, gracious spirit.

4. Derek's first gratitude towards Mom was to quote from the Book of Mormon, "He never doubted that she always knew it". Meaning that he never doubted that his Mother always knew what was good and true and she taught that to him.

5. There have been so many instances in my life when I asked myself what would Mom do? She is so kind and patient, when I try to gain more patience I ask that question over and over.

6. She is a beautiful synchronized swimmer. She truly has a talent (and an amazing work ethic) for this sport. She has won at Nationals and performs so wonderfully. I hope one of our girls follows her in her footsteps.

7. I have never heard her speak bad about anyone, she seems to find the good in all people.

8. She is fearless. Not only has she been on a sky diving team as a teenager, but she raised 8 wonderful children (8 kids! That can muster up fear in the best of us!), has moved across the country numerous times, and always knows a way out of any sticky situation.

9. She loves the temple and it shows in her demeanor, house decor, and her temple attendence.

10. Derek would like me to put down that he loves his mom for buying him a Nintendo, but I am grateful for her that she once threw that Nintendo away! You go MOM!

Furrrrreeeezzzzing!

Here's a picture of our car taken yesterday, before it snowed all night. There is a pile of snow on our window outside. I just went out to walk my dog and he could only go as far as the bushes or else he'd be engulfed by snow (he's such a little dog!)

Well I'm hoping today's snow day is as laid back and nice as yesterday's. The girls stayed home and at first I was a little afraid we'd all get cabin fever and start getting angry at one another. But that wasn't the case. Infact my kids seemed better behaved than when they come home from school. It must be that they were able to relax and not be all wound up from school.

However my house suffered the ravages of childhood boredom.

This picture is actually quite tame. Imagine more mess, more balloons, christmas music, dancing and perhaps playdoh that's been chucked across the room (Derek found some green heart shaped playdoh carefully plastered to our bedroom wall).

But when the craziness inside gets intense, we bundle up and go outside. Yesterday there was a boy with a snowboard taking all the kids for a ride down a hill. It was fun. Unlike Utah cold though, here it's so bitter and the windchill is such a factor that we can't stay out half as long as our sledding adventures at Rock Canyon Park.

Here's some things we did to have a crazy yet enjoyable snow day.

1. Spend hours blowing up 30+ balloons and letting the kids draw what ever they want on them.

2. If you own a treadmill or elyptical runner it automatically turns into a human hamster wheel. The kids spent a lot of time trying to run as fast as they can--one at a time or two at a time.

3. Play doh is fun for the kiddies but monitor them closely or you may spend your evening finding their "creations" in the darndest places.

4. Dress up your dog as Santa--the kids won't stop laughing or stop taking pictures of him. Here is my favorite shot.

5. Dress up each other in Christmas attire and take photos. Here are some of the results.

6. Play outside and freeze your brains out and come inside for some yummy hot cocoa. **So glad I stocked up on hot cocoa!!

7. Just have fun--We had such a good time being cooped up with each other, it makes me appreciate my "colorfully crazy" family!