an article to share....

SIMPLE GIFTS

By Sharen Pearson

As a mother of five and now grandmother of seven, I’ve planned my share of birthday events. I am a creative person, so my problem is “going over the top.” My expectations supersede those of the birthday child. So, I have to step back and say, “Whose birthday is it anyway?” And, therein lies the key to a successful birthday party.

 

I recently assisted with my grandson, Waylon’s party. He was reaching that big-boy age of 5 years. He knew what theme he wanted: Herbie the Love Bug. He wanted a backyard campfire and a cake with Herbie on it. Simple—Herbie, campfire, cake. Got it! My daughter complied. She invited a few families from church that Waylon knew well and was comfortable around. Since entire families were represented, parents were there to help with crowd control. Bowls of chips and dip provided a place to gather around as people arrived. Children scattered to play in the back yard, parents grouped to watch and chat. Easy, huh? Daddy lit a small fire in the campfire ring in the yard. More talk, more easy playing. The cake was a simple giant chocolate chip cookie with a frosting “Herbie.” Waylon thought it was wonderful.

Mommy announced that it was gift-opening time and everyone pulled up lawn chairs and sat in family groups. Waylon sat in the middle of the circle on the grass and guests watched as he opened each gift and thanked the giver. He received many nice gifts, but to everyone’s delight, a small, inexpensive VW bug toy car was his favorite. He opened it, raised it above his head as if it were a trophy and yelled in delight. Waylon slept with his “Herbie;” woke up and greeted it; placed it on the edge of the tub so he could see it. He had the birthday he wanted. Simple party, simple gift, simple fun!

Some suggestions to consider when planning your party:

• If your child is old enough to have input, allow it.

• For ages 1-5 years, simple is best. Simple decorations, simple food, simple games.

• Invite only one party guest per age of the child. Young children are very intimidated by many children of the same age. Remember, “Whose birthday is it?”

• If guests include family/friends with older children, add activities especially for them.

• Home is the best place for children ages 5 and under. Big party venues are confusing, scary and do not position the “birthday child” as the center of attention as he should be.

Some traps that parents fall into:

• Making the party so complicated that you, as the parent, no longer enjoy it. (Been there, done that.)

• Allowing young party guests to get close to and grab for gifts as as the birthday child is opening them. (Admit it, you’ve seen this haven’t you?)

• Spending too much money. (Guilty as charged.)

• Preparing food for adults and not age-appropriate to the guests. (The only thing to show off today is your wonderful child)

• Engaging in sleepover parties before the age of 9 years. (Children younger than 9 or 10 years often find sleeping at someone else’s home frightening and uncomfortable.)

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Author Bio

Sharen Pearson

Sharen Pearson’s Goof & Giggle classes and materials continue to provide a quality Mom/Tot interaction. Widely popular, Goof & Giggle’s child-focused play plans are offered in various Arizona communities. She’s also created a variety of Goof Juice DVDs and filmed episodes of Baby D.I.Y. and written workbooks for BabyFirstTV. Arizona Midday (NBC) tapes monthly segments with Sharen to provide their audience with a variety of original and creative “easy to do” activities for babies and preschoolers. Sharen’s creativity reaches a combined audience over 200 million viewers worldwide. Goof & Giggle classes and products encourage green living, repurposing materials from around the house into affordable objects for play and learning. Learn more at: http://sharenpearson.com/

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posted with permission from russ@kathycarltonwillis.com.

LDW Magazine Post...Finding Peace and Balance

A friend of mine has the following on her Facebook info page:


“I am a personal chef, taxi cab driver, nurse, doctor, tutor, maid, banker, stylist, shopper, gardener, hairdresser….a MOM.” Some of us can add full time employee, event planner, peacemaker, cheerleader, mentor/coach, storyteller, teacher, and a host of other titles.

How do we fit it all in? How do we do all of those things, plus the personal and family building activities we are counseled to do (ie scripture study, FHE, prayer, etc)? How do we find peace and balance amid the chaos and activity of our lives?

I don’t profess to have the answers. I often don’t even feel qualified to be writing this blog. I’m often overwhelmed myself and swamped in my own inadequacies and burdens of life. However, the leaders of the church are fully qualified and very much aware of the need for balance. I was encouraged that not only did my ideas match some of those of the general authorities, but much of what is suggested is totally 100% do-able.

The short list (ie MY list) is this:

--Plan

--Schedule

--Prioritize

--Attend the temple

Before beginning any endeavor, we should review the covenants we have made with the Lord. This will allow us to see where we can improve our life and our day to day duties.

1. Set your priorities—figure out where you are going and what you need to do to get there. (This would be the Planning part.) Write your daily tasks, using the covenants made with the Lord foremost in mind (Schedule).

2. Set short term goals—Goals that are balanced, ie not too many, not too few; not too high, not too low. Pray for guidance. Write them down in order of importance (ie Prioritize).

3. M. Russell Ballard says, “…we will never have balance in our lives unless our finances are securely under control.” Control your *real* needs and balance them against your wants. Always, always, pay a full tithing.

4. Stay close to family, friends, children, etc. Good relationships can be maintained through good communication. “A man’s character is the reality of himself—his reputation is the opinion others have formed of him. Character is in him—Reputation is from others. Character is the substance—Reputation is the shadow.” There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child…while it may not actually take a village…the message is that we are not intended to “balance” alone.

5. Study the scriptures. There is no greater source of peace in one’s daily life. Sincere study produces faith and provides hope and solutions to daily challenges. I have found as I try to read each day (usually in the morning, but not always), that I not only learn something new, but new insights come to mind that are specific to whatever the day brings.

6. Schedule time for sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. Take care of your body. Obey the word of wisdom. We will never have the mental or physical energy to meet the demands pressed on us if we do not adequately nourish and exercise our bodies, as well as adequately rest our mind and bodies.

7. Teach one another in regular Family Home Evening. Seek after the things of God.

8. Pray often. (Need I say more?)

I have been struggling lately with getting things done, especially in the evenings. I have hope that the beginning of the school year will help in that it will get my boys back to a regular schedule. We are in our third week this week, and so far, not happening. But I still hope. I also hope some of the ideas presented will help you find peace and balance. I know that when I pray and read the scriptures, I don’t feel as overwhelmed, even if I haven’t actually accomplished a single thing.

Sunday Stealing

1. If you could live in any other time period, which would you pick?

absolutely no idea

2. What is your favorite topic to write on your blog other than a meme?

my children

3. What are some traits that you admire in a lover?

respect of others

4. Could you adjust to life in another country?

I'm sure I could

5. If you could study anything, what would it be?

currently want to learn sign language

6. What is your favorite possession that cost less than $15?

I love pens...and individually, they cost less than $15

7. Which color do you wear most often?

pink and green (but not together)

8. What has been your “theme song”, or favorite song this summer?

A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans

9. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you?

i'm gonna pass on this one....because while I thought it was romantic at the time, it means very little now

10. What would be your dream birthday cake?

any cake made by The Cake Boss

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?

it was cool to me...visiting my friend in WA last year, we went up one of the mountains....60 degree pleasant weather to freezing temperatures and snow and back again all in one day....

Sunday Stealing

1. Tell us about something that made you laugh last night.

I'm sure it was my son..he tends to do that on a fairly regular basis

2. What were you doing at 8 PM last night?

sadly, I don't remember--but I think watching tv

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

watching tv, talking to a friend

4. What happened to you in 2006? (Feel free to republish an old post from '06.)

you know...I don't remember...and I didn't start blogging until 2008 so no republish available

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

"No"....answered a question about a tv show we're watcing

6. How many beverages did you have today?

4 i think

7. What color is your hairbrush?

one is black, one is silver

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

gas for the lawnmower

9. Where were you last night?

at home

10. What color is your front door?

tan

11. Where do you keep your change?

in the zipper pouch in my wallet; i also keep some in my drawer at work

12. What’s the weather like today?

hot, muggy, scattered thunderstorms

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?

cookies and cream

14. What excites you?

good news

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Do I want to cut it...no.  but it does need to be cut

16. Are you over the age of 35?

yes i am

17. Do you talk a lot?

depends on the subject and who i'm talking to

18. Do you watch Franklin and Bash?

um...no

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

yes I do

20. Do you make up your own words?

been known to, yes

21. Are you a jealous person?

no

22. What does the last text message you received say?

"Very possible.  I'm never far if you need me."

23. Where’s the next place you’re going to?

my bedroom

24. Who’s the rudest person in your life?

someone who shall remain nameless, as he is a minor

25. Are you crushing on anyone that you shouldn't be?

nope...no crushing going on anyone

Why Adversity is the key to Happiness

I apologize for my delinquency in posting. I have been overwhelmed in recent weeks, both personally and professionally.

I would like to expound on my last post, which was my talk in sacrament about 3 weeks or so ago, based on Elder Johnson’s conference address, titled “More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us”. In his talk, Elder Johnson talks about the purposes of adversity and trials, what we should learn or gain from them . He briefly touches on a few of the why’s…which is what I would like to address here. Learning from our challenges is important, but knowing why they happen in the first place helps those lessons come to us.

I believe there are 3 main “causes” of adversity, if you will.

1. Choices we make.

2.Choices others make.

3.Just because.

Adversity as a result of the choices we make is fairly easily understood. We are taught as children and youth that our choices, be they good or bad, have a consequence or end result. Good choices typically have good consequences, even if not altogether popular. Bad choices have bad consequences, whether immediately identified or not. We know that if we go to work and do what we are instructed to do, the consequence (result) is that we will be paid. However, if we go to work, and either don’t do what we know we are to do or we purposefully do things we shouldn’t, the consequence could be that we get counseled or even fired. Every choice we make has a consequence. Not making a choice is still choosing.

Adversity as a result of the choices others make is a lot less understood, and I dare say a lot more painful. I have friends who have been injured and others who have died in car accidents because another person chose to drive while drunk. Or chose to drive too fast. Then there are those who choose not to go on a mission—just think of the many souls who do not receive the gospel because that one person didn’t go. The families that are bent (but not broken) when one spouse chooses to step outside the bounds of marriage. It is easy to blame, but so much better to recognize what can be learned from the experience. Dwelling on the wrongs caused by another only hurt ourselves.

Adversity and challenges that occur through no fault of our own and through no action of another are probably the most difficult to understand. Bad things happen to good people. Children become stricken with cancer. Babies are born too small, too soon, too fragile to survive. These are also the challenges that have the most opportunity for growth and learning. It is easy (sometimes in retrospect) to see what should be learned from our mistakes and from those of others inflicted on us, but it is sometimes not as easy to see what we should learn from things that just happen. And perhaps the most important lesson was taught to Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail (D&C 122:7) “…all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”

And this, my friends, is the key to finding happiness in this life.

w-t- F Friday

1) Who has the capacity to make you angrier than anyone else in your life, and what in particular does he or she do to make you so angry?

it's not a who so much as a what....our judicial system sucks...just saying.

2) If you could mix three animals together, which ones would you choose to make the ultimate animal?

i'm not sure, cuz my favorite animals have different life sustaining environments....dolphins, meerkats, and unicorns....

3) What is the last thing you regret buying?

i regret a lot of things, but nothing i've purchased comes to mind

4) The final "Harry Potter" movie opened in theaters across the United States today. Did you attend a midnight showing overnight or do you plan to see the movie in a theater at some point in the future?

no and no....not a huge harry potter fan. If I watch the movie(s), it will be at home, not at the theatre.

5) Some people have made the "Harry Potter" series a large part of their lives and are now depressed that the series is coming to its end. What is your take on the "Harry Potter" phenomenon overall? Are you a fan or do you not even care about the series at all?

everybody needs an obsession, an escape...mine just doesn't happen to be Harry Potter

6) What topic does not receive as much mainstream media coverage as it should?

????

7) Did you ever keep a journal? What types of things did you write in your journal? Was it just written words or did you make drawings in it?

I still keep a journal...I write everything in it...my thoughts, poems, things to do, inspirations, insights...I also have a scripture journal where I keep quotes and ideas for scripture topics

8) What non-banking related card in your wallet/purse is the most valuable to you (library card, store loyalty card, business card, etc.)?

my Temple Recommend  :)

9) Does your full name make any interesting anagrams (an anagram is a word, phrase, or sentence formed from another by rearranging its letters in case you didn't know)? You can use this link if you need help: http://wordsmith.org/anagram.

I wouldn't call any of what i found interesting at all...so not posting...they made no sense...my initials however are T M J ...and, yes, i have TMJ  :(

10) Do you remember any of your recent dreams? Tell me about one (the weirder the better)

they aren't recent...but I do remember a few of my dreams....one is posted and the other is in my journal ;)

w-T-f-Thursday

1) If a fairy waved a magic wand and gave you the house of your dreams, where would it be and what features would it have?

lots and lots of room.....it would be on a large piece of land, with trees, and room for gardens, a zero entry inground pool, and whatever else I might want.  As for the house, bay windows, large kitchen with an island and a pantry for food storage, lots of rooms, screen doors and windows, 

2) If you woke up as a member of the opposite gender, what would be the first thing you'd do?

cry

3) Today (July 14) is National Nude Day. Will you celebrate by sleeping in the nude or do you sleep wearing some sort of garments?

the only thing i do in the nude is shower....

4) How would your life change if all your thoughts were displayed in thought bubbles above your head like in comics?

I would have to become like Bella.....noone needs to see my thoughts....

5) If a new medicine were developed that would cure HIV/AIDS, but cause a fatal reaction in one percent of those who took it, would you want it to be released to the public?

every medication has a percentage of fatal reactions....1% is not alot...there are more people who have and will die from AIDS than what the 1% would harm

6) What would you do if you made some type of a mistake and somebody died as a result of your mistake?

if the mistake was not the result of actual negligence, then I would have to hope for the forgiving and understanding nature of the family

7) If you were a geometric shape what would you like to be?

i don't know....something unique, with lots of sides

8) What is something you would never do as a guest in someone else's house?

be nosy...if pictures and such are sitting out, I would look at them, but I never open anything that is closed without permission

9) How do you feel about women using their bras as pockets to hold money or keys or cell phones or other things?

as a temporary holding spot, not a problem, but long term or regular...that's gross

10) What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?

that the only good men left are taken, too old, too young, or gay..I am told that there are still good guys left..but I disagree.  I'll just wait until I get to Heaven...at least when I'm there, i don't have to worry about whether they are trustworthy....cuz if they make it there, they are  :)

We Want to Know

{1} Which activities make you lose track of time?

blogging, reading, facebook group posts....

 

{2} Is there such a thing as perfect?

not in this life

 

{3} When do you feel most like yourself?

I'm still figuring out who "myself" is...but probably in the evening when I'm home with my boys just hanging out and doing what we do

 

{4} Describe your life in a 6 word sentence.

Soon to be single working mom

 

{5} Share one of your most beloved childhood memory.

we traveled alot when i was a child due to my dad's military service...I remember when we came back from Germany the second time, we flew into New York City.  The taxi company that picked us up was a limo...and we drove by the Statue of Liberty.  At 12 years old, I thought that was pretty cool.

 

Hodge Podge

1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in?

i know that it's changed quite a bit...but it's been a few years since I've been back.  so, honestly, I don't know

2. What song makes you laugh?

anything my son sings...because it amazes me the jingles and songs he remembers, not because it's funny

 

3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read all the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world?

a fan...sure.  Read all the books...no.  Seen a couple of the movies...and no will not be standing in line for tickets at any time of day.

4. If the truth hurts will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever?

to a certain extent i think it depends on what the "lie" is...but for the most part, I truly believe honesty is the best policy.  One little lie become 2 and then 3 and they get bigger and worse.  Most of the time, one can say what needs to be said tactfully enough without hurting feelings and without lying. 

Anyone who will tell you a small lie will tell a big lie.

And anyone who will lie to you will lie about you.

 

 

 

5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food ? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better.

mushrooms, without a doubt

6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school/class? Family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread?

no...my 20 yr high school reunion was last year....sadly, I was unable to attend

7. lilacs, hydrangea, peony...pick one.

I don't know...I only know a few varieties of flowers...and those are not among the ones i know

8. Insert your own random thought here.

on my way to see a dress a friend made...it's going to be BEAUTIFUL... I just know it!

 

 

Wednesday W-t-f

1) We all have inner demons of some sort. Would you love to read your inner demon's very personal diary?

sure, because if my inner demons are keeping a diary..then the emotions they fester will be let out..and the demons can be conquered

2) The movie "Horrible Bosses" opened across the U.S. last week. The movie follows friends who plan to kill their horrible bosses. If your boss appeared in a movie, what kind of character would he or she play?

some sort of dancing fool...my boss is awesome and likes to have a good time

3) I clicked on a random online quote generator the other day, and it said: "Cake is actually God in disguise, you know." What would you say is God (or Satan, if you're feeling wacky) in disguise?

God does not disquise himself...Satan however, uses whatever means he can to infiltrate our lives

4) If you moved to Sesame Street, who would you want as your neighbor? Why?

it would have to be Big Bird...my son would settle for noone else ...Why?  because he's YELLOW!

5) What is a song that you secretly like but won't normally admit to liking and will only sing/dance to in private?

if i secretly like it, why would I post it here?

6) Even the most lazy slackers are anal-retentive about something. What are you anal-retentive about?

I'm OCD...the real question is what am I NOT anal retentive about  :)

7) My mom's always griping about how nothing in her home matches. Do you prefer to have the items in your house (furniture, appliances, dishes, etc.) match or do you like to mix-match?

prefer...yes.  Do they...no.

8) People who visit my home often comment on the fact that I have a voodoo kit on my living room's bookshelf. Assuming it would actually work... if you could use a voodoo doll to hurt anyone you chose, would you?

as tempting as it might be...no

9) If you could win an award for something you do or have done in the past, what kind of award would you win?

something crafty or literary....I write poems and I do all kinds of crafts

10) My sister-in-law is eight months pregnant and mailed me a thank you card for a baby gift. The card included a photo of her and her naked, exposed pregnant belly. It creeped me out. Does it bother you to see someone's naked pregnancy belly exposed?

it depends...if photos are taken as part of a pregnancy photo shoot..not too much.  But women who purposely dress to show their bellies..not so attractive, thanks.

Wednesday's Walk

 

 

Wednesday's Walk Ideas:

Do you have any 4th of July traditions?

the only real tradition we have is that we watch fireworks, somewhere...not necessarily the same place, not even always ON the 4th...but we watch fireworks.  This year, we went to a baseball game on the 2nd and there were fireworks after the game.  I videoed it, but the last time I tried to load it here, it never would load.  :(

Here is a pic of my boys just before the fireworks started...

The home team won, so it ended well too!

HOO Are You

1. Are you enjoying the summertime?

at this point in time....no, not so much..i am sitting in my room with a ceiling fan and two other fans blowing on me and my son.  Our AC unit is 1)too small for our house and 2)can't keep up with the heat

2. What activities have you done in the last week?

not alot...we've been under heat advisories and code orange warnings for the last several days

3. What types of food do you tend to eat more of in the summer?

stovetop prepared..anything to keep from turning on the oven

4. How much time are you spending outside?

very little, except to go the pool

5. Is there any fun projects you are working on inside or outside your house?

projects, yes...fun, maybe not so much (they are enjoyable to me...but probably not things most would find "fun")

PINT

All About Me

1. How many pets do you currently have?

3 dogs (2 too many), 4 cats (4 too many)

2. Tell me about your first pet.

we always had pets growing up, and more than one claimed me....but MY first pet was one of two  cats (I forget which I had first)....Claws and Jaws (aka CJ)--she was a siamese, white with brown ears and brown paws, the most piercing blue eyes I've ever seen.  I also had a Manx, named Midnight, as she was entirely silky black with green eyes.  And no tail, of course.

3. Dogs-- are they indoor pets or outdoor animals?

depends on their size and personality

4. What was your high school mascot?

Indians

5. Name a pet peeve you have.

gossip and lying

6. Were you ever considered the teacher’s pet?

no

Sunday Stealing

THIS WEEK

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water?

start the water, then get in

2. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex?

I have

3. Were you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings?

not that I recall

4. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot?

I don't use bar soap...I use shower gel, and yes, I have dropped it on my foot

5. How old do people say you look?

stopped asking that a long time ago, but I know it's younger than I feel

6. How old do you act?

depends on the day and who I'm with

7. What’s the last song you sang?

i don't know...I sing along to the radio or my itunes all the time...

8. Have you recently become a member of anything?

only a few groups on facebook

9. What are your plans for next weekend?

nothing definite..I'm sure we'll be going to the Y on Saturday, and I have to go to work on Sunday for a bit..we're having a system upgrade and since I'm the primary system administrator....i have to be there to test and validate the new system before it goes live

10. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed?

closed

11. Whats the sexiest thing about Sarah Palin?

I don't know about sexy (being that I'm female, and that's just weird)...she has gorgeous hair

12. Who’s the sexiest famous woman alive?

I will defer this answer to the males

13. Who’s the sexiest famous man alive?

I don't know his name, and I don't know how famous he might be...but the actor that plays McGarrett on Hawaii 5-O is smoking HOT!

14. Does your family have a crazy uncle?

doesn't everyone?

15. Have you ever smuggled something into another country?

um..no...the last time I was in another country, I was 9 years old

16. Do you live in a city with a good sports team?

my son would say so...I think..of course that is always in relation to whomever they are playing

17. What is the most unusual?

unusual...what?

18. How do feel about the Goth people?

19. Can you fix or your significant other your own car?

my mechanical skills are very limited....

20. Would you want to kill Casey Anthony yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it?

oh no...I want her to face the one and only person who can truly make her answer for her part in her daughter's death

LAST WEEK

1. If the moon were to be mistaken for a celebrity, who would it be?

no idea

2. What's a ghost to you?

a spirit that for whatever reason comes to visit us

3. If you had to do anything with your sworn enemy, what would it be?

i don't have any sworn enemies...i have a few people I would rather not have to deal with (and I'm aware the feeling is mutual)..but no sworn enemies

4. Oh no, Marge Simpson got kidnapped by aliens! What do you say to the aliens to get her back?

hmm...since she doesn't exist, and aliens don't exist...i'm thinking I'd be visiting the pysch unit if I were to say anything about bringing her back

5. Have you ever had lunch together with your neighbor?

i have not

6. If you had to pick your own personal theme song, what would it be?

A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans

7. Describe what's sexy to you.

I'd rather not...I know of noone personally that fits that description; being sexy is so much more than physical attributes

8. A vampire suddenly knows all your secrets. What do you do?

I have no secrets, but if it's Edward Cullen....  ;)

9. If had to have a role in a movie, what kind of character would you prefer to play?

the background kind...like a person walking by in the background

10. You have to read a coworker's (or friends) very personal diary. You pick the person. Who is it and why?

I can't imagine why anyone would have to read another person's diary, but if i did, I'd pick Jenn, simply because I probably know most of what's in it anyway...if not the details, at least the subject matter.   We talk daily, about just about every aspect of our lives....

LAST WEEK...AGAIN

1. Last movie you saw in a theater?

Eclipse, last summer

2. What book are you reading?

Surviving Separation and Divorce, Narcissistic Lovers, and just bought Chicken Soup for the Soul Divorce and Recovery

3. Favorite board game?

i like Sorry and Monopoly

4. Favorite magazine?

Scrapbooks Etc, Creating Keepsakes, Crochet Today and most any cupcake magazine

5. Favorite smells?

my son just after his bath, vanilla anything, pomegranite...but I have to say, i just got some new Scentsy bars and Kahiko Hula is amazing...

6. Favorite sounds?

the sound of moving water...like a river, stream, waterfall, etc

 

7. Worst feeling in the world?

feeling helpless...like when your child hurts and there is  nothing you can do about it except hug them and tell them it wil be ok

8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

already?

9. Favorite fast food place?

chick fil a

10. What’s under your bed?

nothing...i just rearranged my room, so truly, nothing

11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….?

pay all my bills, buy a house, pay for my children's college and missions, go on vacation,

12. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?

i do not...except when my son falls asleep on my bed with his stuffed animal

13. Storms – cool or scary?

if it's just straight rain, not so bad as long as I don't have to drive in it; add lightening, thunder, wind and any other elements, not so cool at all

14. Favorite drink?

dr pepper

15. Finish this statement, “If I had the time I would….”?

finish my multitude of in progress projects

16. If you had to dye your hair another color, what would be your choice?

i currently color it blonde every other month or so anyway

17. Favorite place to relax?

in the pedicure chair at the nail place....heavenly!

18. Name all the different cities/towns you’ve lived in?

seriously?  ok...here goes (in no particular order):  Landstuhl, Germany; Ramstein, Germany; West Berlin, Germany; Ft. Hood, Texas; Waco, Texas; Hallsburg, Texas; Lacy Lakeview, Texas; Ft. Meade, Maryland; Lockhart, Texas; Cordova, TN; Collierville, TN; Woodway, Texas;

19. Favorite sports to watch?

hockey, but only in real life

20. Would you like to be born as yourself again?

if I was born with the knowledge I have now...sure, because I would definitely make different choices

Saturday 9

1. Have you ever tried to rekindle a past relationship against the odds?

no..I have been accused of trying to or wanting to, but no I neither wanted nor attempted

2. Do you like your job, or daily routine?

i love my job...

3. Do you find time to 'smell the flowers' so to speak?

i try

4. Do you have any problems thinking of things to write about in your blog?

no...this one is strictly for memes, my family blog is for family stuff....never a shortage of topics

5. Do others consider you well organized?

yes....and i am most of the time

6. Do you always have a “Plan B” just in case?

not always, no

7. How do you find yourself adjusting to new situations?

I' m the first to admit I don't necessarily embrace change, but I also know it is a necessary part of life...so i do the best I can

8. Are you happy with where you are in this point of your life?

where I'm at is not where I ever expected to be, but, yes I am happy...

"I like being alone...more than being with the wrong person."

"It's better to be single than wish you were."

 IT'S ALL ABOUT ME from this point on.... If you have done me wrong: made a fool out of me, hurt my children in any way, misused my trust, lied about me, taken me for money, cheated your way into my heart, talked horribly about my best friends or my family... then I have no room for you.

If you have loved me when I wasn't lovable, always told me the truth even if it was hard to take, shared the best times of my life without drama, accepted my children, encouraged my happiness and success in my job,thought I was beautiful on my worst days, practiced sensible morals, gave me the benefit of the doubt, laughed with me uncontrollably, knew the real me and defended me when others knocked me down, gave me a shoulder to cry on when things got tough.. that, to me, is a real friend. And they are few and far between.

I can see EVERYTHING from here; where I've BEEN and what I've LEFT behind; where I'm GOING and who I WISH to be. I've NAMED my fears and OVERCOME
a few, SWALLOWED my regrets, FOCUSED on what to cherish and what to CHANGE, and tried to ACCEPT the things I cannot help. Life is GOOD and I have LEARNED a lot .

9. Do you find the aging process we all go through easy or difficult?

I find it painful....so very painful

Saturday 9

1. Think of all your exes. Would you take any of them back?

no...there's a reason they are "exes"...hello

2. If anyone came to your house on your "lazy days" what would you be wearing?

tshirt and shorts

3. What's your favorite shirt?

i don't really have one...i recently bought several tshirt style shirts (all solid colors, no prints or images)...I like them

4. Have you ever been on your school's track team?

no

5. Do you own a pair of Converse?

no

6. Where are you at right now?

in my room sitting on my bed, talking to Jenn and trying to decide how to rearrange my room..the current set up is just not working for me

7. Do you eat raw cookie dough?

i've been known to, yes

8. Don't you hate when the radio ruins good songs by playing them over and over?

nah...if its' a good song, I don' t mind hearing it....what i hate is when they play songs that aren't so good (IMO) over and over and over...

9. Do you watch the news?

not so much...

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. The best news I ever received was ...ooohhhh, it's a toss up between graduating college and receiving my temple recommend (which is a recent).



2. Something I'm looking forward to is - Tuesday.  If you know me, you know why.  ;)



3. Something I would never do is pretty much everything I've been accused of doing are the very things I would never do.



4. If I could choose someone to be my life coach (famous or not, living or dead), I'd choose Jesus Christ.  What better example of how to live and to treat others?



5. If I had to put a label on my style it would be just me.



6. One should always think before speaking (or posting) and question anything that can't be validated.




7. I want to wake up one morning with no pains.  That is not likely anytime soon....many of my pains are stress induced, and stress is a constant companion, I'm afraid.

Friday Fill Ins

 

1. Blue skies are perfect to sit and daydream under.

2. Walks down memory lane can be painful.

3. Kids are one of life's greatest blessings and greatest challenge all at once.

4. Exploring new places, trying new foods or restaurants, and making memories captured on film with family; these are some of the best things about vacation.

5. Love is one of the strongest emotions, and one of the most often abused.

6. I have never heard of  submarine races.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not much going on, tomorrow my plans include taking Kraig to Home Depot kids workshop, and going to the Redbirds game and Sunday, I want to go to church, take a nap, and catch up on my blog, among other things!