I wish I were invited...

I know you will find this as awe-striking as I did...read it with a smile and know that we are all struggling to LOVE the MARNEY's" in our own families.

As you all know a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner does not make itself. I need to ask each of you to help by bringing something to complete the meal. I truly appreciate your offers to assist with the meal preparation.

Now, while I do have quite a sense of humor and joke around all the time, I COULD NOT BE MORE SERIOUS when I am providing you with your Thanksgiving instructions and orders. I am very particular, so please perform your task EXACTLY as I have requested and read your portion very carefully. If I ask you to bring your offering in a container that has a lid, bring your offering in a container WITH A LID, NOT ALUMINUM FOIL! If I ask you to bring a serving spoon for your dish, BRING A SERVING SPOON, NOT A SOUP SPOON! And please do not forget anything.

All food that is to be cooked should already be prepared, bring it hot and ready to serve, warm or room temp. These are your ONLY THREE options. Anything meant to be served cold should, of course, already be cold.

HJB—Dinner wine

The Mike Byron Family
1. Turnips in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. Please do not fill the casserole all the way up to the top, it gets too messy. I know this may come as a bit of a surprise to you, but most of us hate turnips so don’t feel like you a have to feed an army.
2. Two half gallons of ice cream, one must be VANILLA, I don’t care what the other one is. No store brands please. I did see an ad this morning for Hagan Daz Peppermint Bark Ice Cream, yum!! (no pressure here, though).
3. Toppings for the ice cream.
4. A case of bottled water, NOT gallons, any brand is ok.

The Bob Byron Family
1. Green beans or asparagus (not both) in a casserole with a lid and a serving spoon. If you are making the green beans, please prepare FOUR pounds, if you are making asparagus please prepare FIVE pounds. It is up to you how you wish to prepare them, no soupy sauces, no cheese (you know how Mike is), a light sprinkling of toasted nuts, or pancetta, or some EVOO would be a nice way to jazz them up.
2. A case of beer of your choice (I have Coors Light and Corona) or a bottle of clos du bois chardonnay (you will have to let me know which you will bring prior to 11/22).

The Lisa Byron Chesterford Family
1. Lisa as a married woman you are now required to contribute at the adult level. You can bring an hors d’ouvres. A few helpful hints/suggestions. Keep it very light, and non-filling, NO COCKTAIL SAUCE, no beans of any kind. I think your best bet would be a platter of fresh veggies and dip. Not a huge platter mind you (i.e., not the plastic platter from the supermarket).

The Michelle Bobble Family
1. Stuffing in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please make the stuffing sans meat.
2. 2.5-3 qts. of mashed squash in a casserole with a lid and serving spoon
3. Proscuitto pin wheel – please stick to the recipe, no need to bring a plate.
4. A pie knife

The June Davis Family
1. 15 LBS of mashed potatoes in a casserole with a serving spoon. Please do not use the over-size blue serving dish you used last year. Because you are making such a large batch you can do one of two things: put half the mash in a regulation size casserole with lid and put the other half in a plastic container and we can just replenish with that or use two regulation size casserole dishes with lids. Only one serving spoon is needed.
2. A bottle of clos du bois chardonnay

The Amy Misto Family (why do I even bother she will never read this)
1. A pumpkin pie in a pie dish (please use my silver palate recipe) no knife needed.
2. An apple pie in a pie dish, you can use your own recipe, no knife needed.

Looking forward to the 28th!!

Marney

Happy Thanksgiving!

A

Can someone please tell me why this is NOT HEADLINE NEWS?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569593,00.html?test=latestnews

Maybe I live in too much of a bubble-- But I wasn't aware that this "great" country had this severe of a problem-- SHAME ON YOU MEDIA for choosing non-important things to focus on-- like SWINE FLU and WHETHER or NOT the "Obama-siah" had his kids immunized or not.

How about we focus on something that can actually change AMERICA--- IT's YOUTH?

what a concept...loosers and btw, what kind of looser's engage in such horrific activites... I thought this was only in Taiwan...

...going back to my bubble now.

back on my soap box

I think I heard an echo today....

I said a few things then this video was sent to me....

yep, definitely an echo in here...

Sick and tired of the H1N1 Histeria!!

Conspiracy UPDATE:

So sorry if this is offensive. But I don't believe in all this propaganda and the numbers don't add up. I think this hysteria is fed by big Pharma, Bigger Government, and whole lot of whiny people that got sick. All because they named a specific FLU strain makes it a bigger issue? really? what about all those people who died from it last year, and the year before, and over the years before that-- where is there day in the spot light? all because they didn't die from a newly named flu strain?

• Yea we have had it at our house
• no we did not get the vaccine
• nor do we plan to
• no we didn't even go to a dr when 3 of us got it (or whatever we had with the classic symptoms of the dreaded H1N1 other wise known as the flu)
• heard tell (reliable source) that the anti viral given when you go in- is killing livers-- tell me that is better than a few missed days from school/work, a box of tissues, some thera-flu, aches and pains that go away, a bit more trips to the bathroom, some Ibuprofen and some much needed rest.
• I believe we live in too much of a germ free Environment that allows us to become more ill whenever we are introduced to a bug. Stop with all the hand sanitizer that is forced down our throats already! Go lick the sidewalk...do your immune system a favor.
• can I get an "amen"?

I know I posted this earlier-- but the fact that this is so over blown is SOOO evident in this video:

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-oct1709-swine_flu_clinics.2289bbb66.html

House update...for anyone who cares

• Painting is done inside and out-- Sherwin Williams paint names: Interior-- STUCCO for main color and POLAR BEAR for trim and doors. Exterior--STONE LION for main color, STUCCO for trim and CHATEAU BROWN for front door. I like it.
• Exterior doors are hung-- even with door knobs
• Light fixtures are in place-- including the required Compact Fluorescent bulbs-- which I hate and will change as soon as the energy star inspection is completed
• Cherry tree is planted-- only need to plant 6 more trees in the ROCK hard dirt and about 30 shrubs...
• Electricity in on
• 240 small concrete landscaping blocks piled on sidewalk behind garage
• 300 bigger concrete blocks are piled on back patio beside all the leftover lumber cut into pieces for firewood
• 1500 used brick looking for a purpose-- but most likely will find home around the sand box
• Vinyl Flooring (TARKETT) is laid in entry, kitchen, dining, both laundry. both laundry rooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Electrician is 3/4's done with finish plugs and light switches.
• Brick on columns-- done
• Sprinkler pipe pulled and heads bought-- may be next spring before we go much further on that project.

Favorite things so far:

• Stair lights
• Built in Gun closet
• egg shaped door knobs
• TARKETT vinyl with lifetime warrantee
• The Front Door
• Pantry shelves
• Cubby area
• Back doors
• Brick
• Oil Rubbed bronze

Waiting on:

• Cabinets-- Cabinet man cut off the tip of his flipping off finger, broken machine, ran out of wood--ordered new-- wrong wood came in-- so we are on hold until cabinets are built and installed-- maybe a week or two. then we will go like crazy trying to get this thing done...and then the moving...have I mentioned how much I hate moving...

• Stair railing-- HH is working on that process. But, let me promise you-- it will be awesome!! Red Oak with black metal balusters.

I need to give you all a walk through, huh?

NO I don't know why this entire post in underlined...

laughed til I cried today in Sacrament Mtg

our family was on one of the short benches on the right. As I look around while trying disparately to pay attention-- I see this boy (12-ish in age) playing with a pink think with a string....can you guess where this is going? I'm looking at it, knowing that I know what it is-- but not able to define exactly what it is. He is pulling on the string, trying to blow on the end like a whistle, taking the inner part out and pulling it back and forth. NO it did not take me that long to realize that this kids is playing with a TAMPON!! So then his little sister is wanting his toy and fighting ensues. Mom turns to put the fight to an end. She sees what son is playing with and turned 40 shades of RED!! By this time I am full on laughing-- nearly out loud. Tears were welling as you can imagine. So, mom takes the toy and hides it in her bag. I see lots of whispering, a bit of laughing and one red faced young man.

After Sacrament mtg I talked the mom-- Thanked her kindly for the good laugh. But then she told what was whispered back and forth....

Poor Kid insisted on knowing what it was, how it was used and who uses such things.

STUPID sheep or maybe I and HH are jsut wierd...

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-oct1709-swine_flu_clinics.2289bbb66.html

Conspiracy UPDATE:

So sorry if this is offensive. But I don't believe in all this propaganda and the numbers don't add up. I think this hysteria is fed by big Pharma, Bigger Government, and whole lot of whiny people that got sick. All because they named a specific FLU strain makes it a bigger issue? really? what about all those people who died from it last year, and the year before, and over the years before that-- where is there day in the spot light? all because they didn't die from a newly named flu strain?

• Yea we have had it at our house
• no we did not get the vaccine
• nor do we plan to
• no we didn't even go to a dr when 3 of us got it (or whatever we had with the classic symptoms of the dreaded H1N1 other wise known as the flu)
• can I get an "amen"?

It's PAINTED!!

2 New additions...

Garage Doors!

OK....here's a sneak preview:

Because you asked...

Well-- much has been done on the house of late. But pictures would not do justice, as the things that have happened are on the inside and only a walk-through video would help to see the progress. I will list the things you have to look forward to...and then tomorrow, I will video a walk through-- Just for you!!

1) Electric Rough in-- done

2) Plumbing Rough in-- done

3) HVAC Rough in-- done

4) RetracVac Rough in-- done

5) Insulation-- done

6) Siding done

7) SheetRock hung

8) SheetRock Taped

9) Flooring ordered/Scheduled

10) Roof Tar Papered

11) Shingles stocked

12) Pile of wood scraps halfway cleaned up

Tomorrow:

Painters scheduled to begin on Exterior

Garage Doors installed

Exterior Doors to be delivered

Wednesday:

Interior Doors/ Trim Package to be delivered

Shingles put on

I'll be singin this all day...You?

WOO HOO!!

We have WINDOWS!!

and today they will start on the siding

and installing doors.

workin on the porch

It looks like a house

The trusses for the dormer were the wrong size...

hoping for the new/fixed delivery early

today so we can get the dormer built.

Plumber and HVAC are working today...

you have so much to look forward to.

AND...

the neighbors were there when we drove up last night.

Mr. Neighbor was holding tight to his 5th or 6th SCOTCH and

trying hard to keep his balance. Mrs. Neighbor held her

bottle close and got way too close to me....she told me that

since they are retired, they don't wait til after 5 and

they usually keep it pretty mellow. I couldn't understand

what he was trying to add to the conversation.

Did I mention they are like...

in their 70's...atleast.

I NeeD YouR HelP!!!

I have Sharing time this Sunday for the Junior Primary!!! EEEKK!! I am scared to death of these kids....I know, I know--- but your a mom...blah blah blah....these kids are smarter that I was at their age...and maybe even now. AND what do I do when they are noisy and not paying attention. A friend of mine, Zac, had a solution when he was teaching primary. He proposed the option of putting paper bags on their heads and when they got out of hand-- just bop 'em up-side the head. The bag prevents them from knowing when it was coming and not knowing for sure who did it....thus in fear of when the blow will come-- they are quiet and obedient. But I don't think it will work and I'm not all that supportive of that type of punishment. Although I do like the element of surprise...

So the real fear is...how do I entertain 50 kids under the age of 9 for 20 minutes talking about Family History? (as amazingly interesting as it is to a 6 year old...) HOW I ask HOW?

Any tips, pointers, advice, volunteers to do it for me, complete lesson already prepared, etc? Yes, I have looked on the interwebs-- found a few options that would be great for the older primary....not so great or adaptable for junior.

This is what I have in mind thus far: circles with the ABC's printed on them taped individually in layers covering a picture of the temple....next is a bit fuzzy....maybe an ABC's of Fam History game where they remove a letter from the temple/puzzle after answering a question or telling a story about a family member....HELP!!!

Let me repeat my Problem for you

I NEED HELP!!

thanks

Are you ready for it?

TaDA!

what do you think?

What do you think of the new back ground? I kind of like it-- but I can take no credit. I found it on LeeLou. I thought something cheerful would put some life back to me...

Sneak Preview

I know I am boring both of you to DEATH with all my chat about the house-- but, what else did you come by for?

So... we have walls for the first floor, floor joists for the second and a floor on top-- but no 2nd story walls-- that will be what you have to look forward to this weekend.

here is your sneak peak inside the walls....

you come in the front door and the DEN to the left.

This is MY KITCHEN. See the little room at the

far side of the kitchen--that's my PANTRY.

One of my many thrills in this kitchen is the 2

windows on each side of my stove/microwave.

This is the DINING RM. The side facing you is

open to the kitchen. The other open side is open

to the Family Room.

Tune in this week end for another episode of

what thrills Sillya?!

Come by and see the 2nd floor!

And with any luck-- the GARAGE!

are we jinxed?

A couple of unfortunate events have taken place---

not sure if it is us,karma or what....

You decide what it is and let me know. k?

1) Last Wednesday AM-- the Delivery driver from the lumber company delivered the 1st floor package (all needed for the 1st floor of our house). He was driving a truck that has a tilting bed-- so he can tilt and let the load slide off. Sometimes there are longer items that go up over the cab and do not come off the bed entirely. With these type of loads the driver drops the bed and then drives forward for the longer load to fall to the ground....

Well... the long load was dropped...but came off the bed only halfway and all kiti-wampass. So the driver got out to see what was the issue...

Drum roll...

the load fell on him. It could have been worse of course. As he saw the load falling-- he ran to get out of the way. So instead of it crushing him, it caught his leg. He will only be in a wheelchair for 6 weeks. We hear the surgery to repair his Bones, Ligaments, Muscle, Tendons and all the lacerations went well and he should be able to return to work in about 3 months.

This is what fell on him:

2) Saturday, following the tragic load falling incident-

We went as a family out to the lot to pick up nails-- (oh-- sooo many nails). Jo the youngest--was just hanging around trying not to give into temptation and jump in the canal. He filled his time with rocks, sticks, nails, digging for diamonds in the dirt piles, and then...his eye caught the irrigation key. It is about 5-6 feet long and made of a rod of metal. Not all that heavy-- but could be a bit awkward for a small boy, age 3. So he lifted it high above his head, like it was kind of super hero weapon or something, then dropped it. The problem he ran into, was that he didn't take into consideration that he HEAD was right below his weapon. And the end result:

(No -- he did not need stitches.

Yes -- His mother could not look at it, with out fear of throwing up)

3) Our framer argues that it is his fault-- But HH and I know the truth. The reason that is rained (HARD) for 3 days last week and was in the 50-60's-- the 1st week in August may I remind you-- is that we are on a time line and it's Murphy's law that when we want something, there is a external power that overtakes all of our plans to make it happen. The Pool in our crawlspace should dry out before Christmas-- until then, we are taking reservations from whomever wants to come take a swim in our pool:

Last but now least and definitely NOT UNFORTUNATE:

We have beautiful sunsets from our front door:

Flatwork...

This is our front porch-- spans 36 feet

Front Sidewalk and few street urchins hangin out

Concrete apron in front of Garage

and a sneak preview at the next post-- hint FLOOR!!

Garage floor view from the back-- and the back sidewalk

it is 2 car wide and 2 deep-- so technically it would be a 4 car garage--

but since we have soooo much CRAP!

House update...

We Are Makin’ Progress!!

Getting ready for the front porch

Framing for Back Patio

Framing for Sidewalk behind Garage

Workers workin' on the Garage Apron

Sad Day

A dear friend was killed last night in a car accident. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of happiness and the gift of Eternal Families. She will be missed for the wonderful woman that she has been while here, in her mortal existence, and the amazing instrument in blessing the lives of others-- but she is on to greater and better things.

You will dearly be missed, Kris.

(click on post title [SAD DAY] for the news story)

It's in concrete now-- so it may REALLY happen...

It is finally taking shape...after all this time, it is great to see

it in concrete instead of just on a piece of paper.

This is just the footings. Tomorrow they will do the stem walls....

Friday is Flatwork.

But I will be in Rexburg for Education week with a few of my

favorite friends...so pictures will come on Sunday when I get home.

This is so exciting!!!

What's new with the house?

Yesterday, we got Irrigation water.

Coming soon...

Concrete.

Stay tuned...

Live well, George

My aunt's husband (not my uncle) found a baby goose that had been separated from it's mother. He hung on to it, feeding it, etc...eventually it ended up at my parents house with it's friendly companion duck, Sally. Well George, the Canadian goose baby thought he was my father's dog. So he followed my dad around at his heel, sat when my dad sat; George was my dads shadow for several weeks. Well, despite my discouragement, as I think my dad needs a dog-- my dad had Georges best interest in mind and took George for a ride to find some friends that he could fly with. George can fly (but he never leaves the property), he knows what to eat, he can acclimate well living as a goose. Down by the river they went and George complied. As of Wednesday night, George is among his own...somewhere....maybe he will show up again in my dad's back yard. As for Sally--- she will most likely make a tasty meal someday.

he said the derndest thing...

the youngest...the one with the red hair...the one that makes me laugh...

well, he said a a funny the other day that needs sharin'. we pulled into the grocery store parking lot. I was going to run in and leave HH in the car with the kids...but youngest had designs. As I got out he exclaims:

"AH CRAP! This is NICE, NICE, NICE!!"

So, they all got to come in, giggling and yes... we left with Ice cream.

And we have lift off....

we signed a whole pile of papers.

we jumped through hoops to get our building permit.

we have called and scheduled.

we have called and RE-scheduled.

and now we have this:

a bald guy (Hansome Husband, aka HH) mowing

AND...

a Porta Potty, Mailbox and Temperary Power...

AND:

Dirt movers diggin a hole...

AND:

And now we have officially broke ground!!

Happy Birthday to my HH, you got a hole in the ground!!

Mary Poppin's Style

a little pink...but mostly red

I mowed the lawn today. It was beautiful. So beautiful in fact, I stayed outside until the very last minute before I had to go get the girls from the bus stop. 

I have a sun burn. AND I love IT!! It's not the painful kind. It will not Peel. It will be tanned by the time I wake up in the morning.  It just feel warm. A gentle reminder that winter is over and it is time to thaw and enjoy the outside a bit more.

Although, I do wish I would have re-applied some face cream with SPF. I'm not fond of the leather look that my fore-head gets when it has seen a bit too much sun.

Tomorrow...even warmer. But all the outside work is done...I may have to sit in the shade of the back porch and read a book, and maybe take a snooze...aw shucks, that would be a real bummer...

snicker snicker "Buttocks"

I happen over to a blog that my SIL recommends sometimes. The gal (blogger) is a Witty character with a brassy handle on language, so I advance with caution. But today, she had a cherry of a story that I have to share.

quoted her, quoting the quote:

A city ordinance in Florida that says you can’t expose your buttocks also very helpfully explains precisely what they mean by buttocks:

“For purposes of this section, the term ‘buttocks’ shall mean the area at the rear of the body which lies between two imaginary lines running parallel to the ground when a person is standing, the first or top such line drawn at the top of the nates (i.e. the prominence of the muscles running from the back of the hip to the back of the leg) and the second or bottom line drawn at the lowest visible of this cleavage or the lowest point of the curvature of the fleshy protuberance, whichever is lower, and between two imaginary lines on each side of the body, which lines are perpendicular to the ground and to the horizontal lines described above, and …”

No way am I the only one who snickers every time they see, hear, or say the word “buttocks.” 

....But what I’m really focused on like a laser in that description is the “whichever is lower” clause. 

Whose (buttocks) is structured in such a way that the lowest part of the crack would be lower than the lowest hanging part of the (buttocks) cheeks?

Now, your day is complete. You're Welcome. Come by anytime.

Still sweet-- But I am understanding the smiles, head nods and the slight chuckles

I didn't think much of him going out in to the garage to find his "garden" toys that had been put into a box so the guy could come and roto-till-- but when he didn't come back in for a while...I got a little concerned.

I found him, pants down to the ankles, YET AGAIN, peeing on the lawn mower IN the garage. It was cute when it was the driveway...but this isn't. Who taught him to pee ON things?

Or does a 3 year old boy come up with these things on his own?

He's so sweet!

Last night for FHE we sorted potatoes--we gleanned a suburban load last fall and did our best at devouring these delightful morsels of the earth--  the ones that were sprouted and soft we gave to the cows...sorting potatoes progressed into cleaning the garage. Which by the way is larger than my last house. Room for entirely tooo much crap! that evolved into taking turns riding the motercycle and drawing pictures in the driveway with chalk, mixed with throwing balls and/or frisbees for Molly.

At one point,  sweet boy, diapeared around the back of HH's truck. HH saw him first with his pants dropped and exclaiming proundly: " I pushed HARD!" and there was pee .

So this morning, I hear the front door slam while I was upstairs talking with HH. I ran down the stairs and out the door to find out what my little mistief maker was up to. Again, he was found with his pants down around his ankles, exclaiming just as proud as last night, " I pushed HARD!" while admiring his puddle of pee in the driveway.

I'm a proud mother. I am personally gratful that he can pee anywhere. He has even waterd a few trees around town, while out for errands or at soccer practice...

what's a mom to do?

A bit pre-occupied

I know I've been neglecting each of you of late, and for that I apologize. It is not that I have been offended nor have I been purposefully absent. I have been a bit pre-ocupied.

doing what you ask? well...

House plans. This is awhat our new house will look like. Maybe not the same colors. But the style is exact. i have been working with a "drafts-WOman" who has been so patient with us as we figure it all out...but I have lost entirely too much sleep, to keep my head clear and lively.  We plan to close on our construction loan in a few weeks and hope to break ground by mid May. wish us luck! (hoping I didn't jinx anything)

But there's more...

the girls are still on Spring Break. For another few days. We have been having several friends over to play, clean the house before and then again AFTER they leave, we have pruned trees and pulled weeds, and I have spent a lot of time running errands (house stuff) since I have a babaystitter at home. 

Life is good. I am feeling very blessed with good health at the moment, and praying for it to continue.

Good to see you all again and I will be back shortly with stories about:  

Anesthesia (I forgot to share that morsel with ya)

SoCal Vacation recap

My Ronald McDonald hairdo days

and get everyone's opinion on carpet, wall color, and gardening issues...

Court is adjourned! Happy April Fools!

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days.  He
hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days. 

The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was
brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!"  The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? 

The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others.  The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."  The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant." The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.  Court is adjourned."  

Priceless!

Yea, we're having a GREAT time!

Past Presidents: Playin' Cards and Tellin' Stories

So I said to him, "Barack, I know Abe Lincoln, and you ain't him."

Encore--- but this time with tight black leggings and snot.

Remember the guy I told you about back on feb 2nd-- the one in the daisy dukes and the work boots--- well I saw him again yesterday in the same block as before in BODO. He was donning his lovely work boots, denim jacket, beret and black LEGGINGS! yea-- they were tight and gross. I knew it was him as I saw him walking (more like prancing) down the side walk-- and then we were both stopped at the same intersection waiting for the light to change. 

As we were waiting-- I had to stare-- not trying to be rude...but I was just taking it in, in awe-- and then he did it...

He spit/farmer blowed-- what ever orifice it came from, I'm not sure-- but the problem was not only the fact that we were in downtown Boise, in a public place, BUT....he couldn't get the stuff to unhook from his mouth/nose-- it dangled from his face to the ground and it was ALOT of stuff and it was gross and then he had to reach up with his hand and scoop it off to get it to detach and...and yea gross! He wiped a good portion of it on his leggings and then started prancing across the crosswalk when the light changed.

Ok-- happy Friday the 13th...you have received your strength to go on about your day. Thanks for stopping by.

I Feel Like CRAP!

Yea, it's been a long time-- we've had the CRUD and still do. HH came home early last Thurs with it...he stayed in bed until Saturday and then let me share it with him-- how kind is he? I have been in bed since Saturday, Middle and youngest got it yesterday and so far-- Oldest is resisting. Here are just a few of things I have learned:

1. Pepto Bismal can turn you tongue BLACK! Dripping from the mouth BLACK! Yea -- That's kind of wierd...
2. I have found new places in my body to hurt-- Did you know that your ears, the out side of the head part-- can ache...oh, and the ribs...ouch! I am in constant awareness of my big toe, as well.
3. I have learned that it really sucks when both parents and 2 of 3 children have the Flu
4. No matter how many HOT baths and showers you take-- the pain in the joints, bones and muscles never go away.
5. The younger you are, the faster you respond to the pain meds-- which in turn gives THEM more energy-- WHY NOT ME?
6. The cough, pulling from the depth of who knows where...just never ends.
7. I can't wait until this fever breaks and I can feel warm again.

Did I mention "this really sucks"-- I can't think of a single soul I would want to curse with this crud!

have a good day--

I hope I live through this...

How long can I milk this?

Should I feel guilty-- that I am sitting here on the "puter," reading blogs, FB, and the news...while oldest is making dessert, doing dishes and just gathered everyone's laundry to take down stairs to start a load? Who's the mom here?

Guilt setting in...

But at the same time...I am still in my recovery, I only have permission to fix dinner, fold laundry and drive the kids to school...

wondering--how long can I milk this?

I DID IT!!

As he walked out the door to take the girls snowmobiling/ sledding-- I knew exactly what to do. I knew of the issues from years past that have hindered the registration of many-- But today, I bit my lip as I persevered. 1 Desktop, 1 lap top, 4 browsers and close to 30 clicks per minute for 30 minutes....and I won....He is now registered! (so glad they have a new online host server dedicated to registration...how many times has it crashed in years past?)

This will be HH 6th year running Robie-- I married a STUD!! I am so proud of him-- his training-- WOW, his inner drive-- AMAZING. 

a bit of ROBIE trivia: what's the big deal, you ask? This race is billed as the toughest 1/2 marathon in the NW. 13.1 miles from Boise to Robie Creek along a Rocky canyon Road...8.45 miles UP HILL to Aldape Summit,  and then 4.65 miles downhill. The Challenge not only lies in enduring the extremes of the race route, but actually getting into the race. They only allow 2,232 people to register for the race. Last year it sold out in 7 minutes. When I first got on today, about 15 minutes before registration opened, there had been 1,300 clicks on the site meter-- after I was sure that HH had been assigned a bib, I checked the site meter again-- 15,867 clicks....now it is up to 18,697...It's quite popular. 

I married a STUD! and even though I don't run with him, I have MAD "clicking" skills. 

Cute little Foursquare

This is kind of what we are going for---

minus the green 

and 

the suburban

Someone get me the soap...

Youngest was put down for a nap...I ventured out to watch our brown cow be butchered...was it worth watching? I don't know yet, still processing.   

But anyway..

So when I and HH came back in, I could hear that he was still awake. Which meant only one thing. He had pooped his diap. So HH gets him from his room and brings him into our room to announce that he was poopy. BUT youngest announces it for him, LOUD and CLEAR:

"Jojo crapped his pants!"

Whose mouth do I wash...his or whom ever taught him that word and used it in that context? HH-- do you have anything to say for yourself?

Keep Praying

The Senate just passed Obama's SPENDULUS Bill. It passed 61-37-- by ONE VOTE is all it passed by. Now it goes to the House for negotiations and their vote. 

I hope we are all praying for our elected leaders that they will make the right choice for our financial well-being and the well-being of generations to come! 

also keep an eye on the stock market--- it's dove 300 points on the news of the Senate vote...

A little sad-- a WHOLE lot GLAD!

It is with mixed emotions that I write this post...

Lamenting the passing of a very much needed R&R vacation. I have healed, I have rested, I have read 2000+ pages worth of novels, I have watched the weather change out my bedroom window, I have read the news online, I have talked on the phone to friends, I have obeyed the Doc's orders of not going up or down stairs but only 1 time per day, I have watched my children go and come-- all without me, I have endured the feat of being "taken Care of" while I sit/lay in my bed under strict Doctors orders to not move for 2 weeks.

With all the time that has passed and all the things I have observed, not being able to take part... I am sad, yet happy to get back to a schedule. With my vacation time winding down... at least the total bed rest part of it, I look forward to driving my children to their bus stop, I look forward to joining my family for meals, I look forward to going to church and partaking the sacrament, and believe it or not-- I look forward to cleaning my own house-- Not that I am not thankful to those of you that have come by and taken care of my toilets, sinks and floors-- but I am looking forward to not having to rely on others for all the things that I need to do for myself and my family. Not without a BIG THANKS, of course, but it is getting close to the time that I will take over again and rule my roost... OK, maybe just my responsibilities in my house...

I go to the DR in two days to find out if I have stayed down enough to get up. He will check and prod and poke and whatever else they do after this sort of distress to make sure that I am well enough to be on only partial bed rest, minimal lifting and limited activity for the next 4 weeks. 

In the 2 weeks I had to prepare myself for this ordeal, I was excited to have this time to catch up on some much needed rest, read a little, get house plans finalized, watch a few movies...I didn't get any of that done... but I am not disappointed. I rested as much as I needed to, I read as much as I wanted to, I worked a little on house plans, and didn't watch any of the movies I had planned on watching... and that's OK. I am ready to stop thinking only about myself and what I want to do.

On a side note: here is youngest checking out the pics of my Uterus... gross? maybe...

He studied it for quite a long time... not sure what to think of it. I guess I did the same thing. 

a Little Funny for ya

1. How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit? 

Unique Up On It.

2. How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?
Tame Way.

3. How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest ?
They Take The Psycho Path

4. How Do You Get Holy Water?
You Boil The Hell Out Of It

5. What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall?
Dam!

6. What Do Eskimos Get From Sitting On The Ice too Long?
Polaroid's

7. What Do You Call a Boomerang That Doesn't work?
A Stick

8. What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?
Nacho Cheese.

9. What Do You Call Santa's Helpers?
Subordinate Clauses.

10. What Do You Call Four Bullfighters In Quicksand?
Quattro Sinko.

11. What Do You Get From a Pampered Cow?
Spoiled Milk. 

12. What Do You Get When You Cross a Snowman With a Vampire?
Frostbite.

13. What Lies At The Bottom Of The Ocean And Twitches?
A Nervous Wreck.

14. What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup?
Anyone Can Roast Beef.

15. Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs?
Right Where You Left Him.

16. Why Do Gorillas Have Big Nostrils?
Because They Have Big Fingers .

17. Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?
Because It Scares The Dog.

18. What Kind Of Coffee Was Served On The Titanic?
Sanka.

19. What Is The Difference Between a Harley And a Hoover ?!
The Location Of The Dirt Bag.

20. Why Did The Pilgrims' Pants Always Fall Down?
Because They Wore Their Belt Buckle On Their Hat.

21. What's The Difference Between a Bad Golfer And a Bad Skydiver?
A Bad Golfer Goes, Whack, Dang!
A Bad Skydiver Goes Dang! Whack .

22. How Are a Texas Tornado And a Tennessee Divorce The Same?
Somebody's Gonna Lose A Trailer

Molly's a GooD DoG!

On the record: I enjoy owning a dog.  I do not so much enjoy other peoples dogs, unless I know without a doubt that they are nice and/or their owners have a good handle on their behavior. I really do not like other dogs on my property-- their poop, the unknown behavior, their poop, spreading trash all over the place from WHO knows WHO's trash can...My dog growing up, Mike, was a-- get a visual on this-- dachshund (wiener dog) crossed with a blue heeler type (dingo cow dog). He had the body of the dingo-- measuring about 2 feet long with a big head, stout belly and long tail-- secured firmly on wiener dog legs about 4 inches off the ground with paws the size of my neighbors great dane. He was truly a sight to see, believe me... but I didn't start this post to tell you about my Mikey, that lived...by the way for 17 years..., I wanted to tell you about what Molly did last night.

First, let me introduce Molly: Molly is a docile dog, she is about 8 years old, Chocolate Lab. She is our second choc lab in the last 11 years. (Tucker died from cancer about  3 years ago) We have had good luck with their temperaments and their appropriate level of protectiveness. We like our dogs. Feed them, water them, they live outside only, but we keep them from running off etc, but we do not have this uncontrollable love affair going on, if you know what I mean. Molly has graciously offered up 25 puppies in her carrier as a dog. She is just starting to show signs of age, with a bit of gray around her muzzle. But she is strong and healthy and is a nice dog to own....

So... My dad tells me a last night, that there was a dog in our side yard. I was downstairs at the time, so I looked out the window to see if it was a familiar one or not. It was a RAT dog terrier mix with a shaggy gray poodle thing going on. Not very well kept. It sat right there in Molly's track. (the route she has worn in the grass...sometimes she laps it like 4 times in a row....probably out of boredom since her electric fence won't let her go beyond the 1/2 acre she has to run.  I open the window and yell at it...it lays down. I yell for Molly, whom I couldn't see from my angle....I yelled, "git the dog Molly!" 

This is not the same dog, just an example of it's ugliness.

Molly came from her side of the house, runs full board at the RAT and totally Snow Balls it-- head over heels....yelp yelp....and off the RAT ran into the cow pasture... We waited and watched because some times, the cows chase the cats. But that was the end of the excitement.

Molly got to have some left over Roast Beast for a reward for being a good dog....

I thinks she likes us too. 

Locks of LOVE

Middle daughter...has short hair now. Two weeks ago, she decided to chop her hair into this cute little A-Line "do" and make a donation to Locks of Love. 

The new "do" reminds me of when my good Friend Denise and I cut her hair for the very first time, when she was 3. What do you think Denise...remind you of anything about 8 years ago? 

I love it! 

I think it accentuates of her beauty...but then it doesn't take a head of hair to do that!

HH: "What is THAT?"

As HH and I left the Doc office yesterday, we had to drive through downtown Boise. All of usknow we will find some kind of BLOG FODDER lurking if we look hard enough...but this one just came out of no where, screaming, "BLOG ABOUT ME!"

Since I am a kind person, and a bit pf a people pleaser...here you go:

He/she was standing on the street corner waiting for a light change. Primping and preening, making sure that all was in the right place and appeared as desired. Try to envision this now, he/she wore, from the bottom up: Dark brown Leather Work Boots, laced up to mid calf-- like construction worker type, Shorty SHORT, DaIsY DuKe type denim jean shorts-- rolled up even higher than one could think possible, No leg apparel -- AT ALL. Tucked in shirt with a colored denim jacket over the top, curly/shaggy hair covered a bit by a Barret type hat and a goatee, yes, I said a GOATEE! and he/she pranced across the road as he/she crossed in the cross walk.

[Now, let me just say before someone from Missouri gets after me for being judgemental, I do not have any ill feelings towards this person... I know that he/she is a child of a loving Father in Heaven and I have no place to be unkind...I am telling it, how I saw it. Do not read into my Journal posts thinking that I have mean intentions.]

I see interesting things some times, and they beg for me to tell others....that is just what they want when they dress and act in a way that begs for attention and like I said above...I do not aim to disappoint.

as [my] world turns....

In appreciation to all of my "well-wishers" I wanted to publicly THANK you all for your concern for myself and my current predicament. 

We have received great food from friends, heart warming calls of sincere care for my well being and the well being of my family. 

How am I feeling?.... well, I think I am feeling as well as expected for having a few of my insides removed and/or rearranged...and having 5 incisions, in 5 different locations....and a hemorrhoid....WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? no you read that wrong... I am sure there would not be anything quite that personal here for you to read...keep reading...I did have a bit of a checkup with my Doc today-- found out that I am not taking in enough fluids-- thus the reason I have been light-headed and nauseous. I can fix that.

My dad is taking wonderful care of our youngest and taking care of all the necessary taxi-ing around I usually do each day. I have not done laundry in over a month-- because oldest has taken it upon herself to make sure that this is done (collected, sorted, washed, dried, folded and delivered to their appropriate destinations). She has not been asked nor expected to complete this task-- but she has been truly appreciated for her thoughtfulness to her family. Middle has kept things peaceful, and fun...she is a bright spot to most around her...when she is happy. HH has made sure that I have stayed in the reclined position as much as possible. He has ran to the pharmacy, gone grocery shopping and kept me fed and watered. I have SO much to be grateful for.

So, things are going mostly well. I will make it through this...thanks to so many of my friends and family!

Observations...

Friday morning, HH opened the blinds to our room. This window overlooks a field that the geese and pheasants love. We saw this big Hen running up a corrugate and a BIG rooster running towards the hen a few rows over. HH saw it first, then pointed them out to me. I asked him what was going on. He thought the rooster wanted to get himself some hen....I think it's a bit too cold for that stuff right now, their eggs would freeze. But anyway....the rooster crosses over to the same row as the hen, she stops, he runs around her a few times, she trys to run away, he follows right on her tail...maybe HH was right. We have a good view out our window...

As I was laying here in my little nest of a bed, HH was changing out of his suit (after church yesterday). He had put on his jeans and was putting on his belt. By this time the daughters had come to hang out with me on the bed and we were all watching HH get his belt on...well, he missed his very last loop...and we all told him about it. He saw that this caused us all a bit of OCD anxiety...so he left it that way for the rest of the night...just because he knew it bugged us. I guess over the last 17 years of knowing me, he knew what my reaction would be and never skipped a beat in trying to help me overcome some of my anal-ness.

I told you before you would get exciting posts...you were warned...

Quote on our economy

So here is a line from a book I am reading:

"(the US) economy sneezes, and a dozen 

nations catch pneumonia."

I think I have read about several nations with a bit more than the sniffles lately. You?

I am back-- and fully loaded!

I remember the IV being started. I remember the versed. I remember looking around the Operating room. I remember sitting up for them to do the Spinal block. I remember a nice lady with short hair telling me I was fine-- while going back and forth to a computer where others were standing.

That's about it.

Then I was in my room with people all around me getting me situated. Then I slept. and slept. and slept some more. I remember the ladies wanting to open my blinds ...but it just happened that the window washers were washing my 9th floor window at that exact time...so they waited.

Then I was starving.

They kept bringing me crackers- and I kept reminding them [gently] that I couldn't have them because of that pesky gluten intolerance...oh yea-- here's some pudding. Chocolate or Vanilla.

Finally I got got a giant chef salad about 11pm on Wednesday. and a walk around the floor trailing with me my friends: IV stand and Foley cath bag.


Slept fine-- even with the ladies checking my BP and O2 and temp every 2 hours. I even had a dream that I was sharing my room with someone.

Next morning got that cath out. Good-- what a relief. Doc came in and did some post surgical stuff..removal of stuff...etc. Told me about how it all went and [laughing doc] told me about my anesthetic trip this time. that will be the next post...stay tuned...

hung out, slept, ate, slept, watched some TV [convinced even more so-- now that I will never need anything more than the free channels--there is nothing on even with the more channels you have]

After things were removed and I passed all the pee tests, I got to come home about 7:30 last night.

Had a bit of bathroom trauma, but all is ok, thanks. I slept great, only had to wake HH up twice to help me get to the bathroom.

So here I lay in bed with my lap-top, HH is in his chair beside the bed with his lap-top and youngest is laying in bed with me with his "toy" lap-top...sad huh?

I feel pretty good, really... thanks to the darvacet...

And....we're off!

see ya in a while!

UPDATE: It went very well. She was smiling and talking with me by noon. Only issue the doc mentioned was that Sillya is a "lousy drunk", but that is a story she will have to tell!

HH

Anesthesia FUN!

I have had to be put to sleep a few times. Every time-- someone comes away with a story to tell...and that is not always me. I remember small bits of the "coming-out" stage-- what fun....for all!

So here we go, put on your seat belts:

• I once had a severely broken nose. Happened just days before I was leaving for college. Dr says before he could fix it, I needed a few months for the swelling to go down. So that is what I did for Christmas break-- had a nose job. This is what I recall:  In the recovery room-- my mom (Hosp administrator over one of the departments-- so she had privy rights to be there) was there, I think my Nurse brother, and a whole slew of Hosp nurses etc. I am yelling at them-- I would have made a sailor proud-- but I didn't make my mom all that proud.... I said words she didn't think I knew, and in no particular order. I was telling people where to go and how to get there... for shame! for me and my mom.
• Several years later-- (2 years ago) I needed to have my thyroid (NG=Nasty Gland) removed before it took over my entire body. As I came to my senses, I was crying, with the Dr/Surgeon at my bedside...I was telling him how great I feel (BS--I just came out of surgery-- who feels good naked on a table when you were just opened up like a can opener?) and howI owe my health to him but I really wanted to see the love of my life, my husband...and on and on and on... I hope these people have short memories.
• Then I had to have my wrist operated on -- ganglion cyst, carpel tunnel (left over from the NG effects-- weird but true) They did this with some local/Valium/verset/amnesia type anesthetic. But I must have thought they put me completely out because when I came to, I was having a full on serious conversation with some guy about how I had cans of money buried in the back yard. He was asking the questions and I was answering. BTW-- there is no need to come excavate my back yard-- I have no $ buried anywhere....I promise.
• I had a miscarriage almost exactly one year ago. Ended with a D & C. I remember getting the verset, feeling drowsy/loopy, but I was holding out hope that he would find out that my baby really was alive and I wouldn't have to go through with this....Then as they are getting the gas mask on-- I told them to wait that I wanted to talk to the DR -- who was in the room also. I told him that before he took my baby, I wanted him to double check and make sure there really was no heart beat-- he agreed and I went to sleep. When I woke up-- or I thought I was a wake, I was convinced that my baby was still alive and still growing beautifully inside of me.-- It was not to be. I remember the nurses being so gentle with me, trying to convince me of the sad but true reality. That was probably very hard for them ... imagine trying to convince a lady that her baby is gone.

There you go...stay tuned for more "Fun with Anesthesia" coming soon to a blog near you!

I hear things happen in 3's..

1. My dad got a new kidney 1 1/2 years ago...since then he has to have his blood taken often to see the progress/regress of things. Well, his creatin levels have been slowly going up-- showing that things are not quite right. They did a ultrasound-- sent the results to the transplant center and the transplant center wanted to see him the next day (yesterday) for a kidney biopsy... they did it, results will be in next week. Not sure how this will play out.
   
2. Thursday night, my dad's mom-- my grandmother was admitted to the hosp to be checked out. As she was insisting on being taken home-- insisting that she was fine, she suffered a severe stroke. Level 8 comatose, IV drip for pain. I got word this morning that she passed away last night about 11. All the family is getting together tomorrow to discuss plans, funeral, obituary etc... Funeral will most likely be next Saturday. As you may recall-- I have a date with a surgeon on Wednesday-- supposed to be down with out much action for 2 straight weeks....then limited for another 4....hmmmm
3. UPDATE: Just got word also that HH's grandmother had a Heart-Attack ... and is in the hospital ... facing a possible bypass on Monday... 

Ok-- the Inversions may be OK after all...

depending on where you are seeing it from-- 

above it:

(picture from Bogus Basin by a friend of mine at:  http://logueslifelessons.blogspot.com/

or below it:

(taken from my back deck, just now

looking at Bogus Basin)

I NEED SOME SUNSHINE!!!

This inversion is really getting to me.

It is time for the sun to fight it's way out of the clouds and shine, shine! I say. Warm us up a little. Make us feel warm and fuzzy. Make us smile. Lift our spirits.

Come on, you can do it!...

Wrong Van?

so my DAD tells the story like this, from his words:

We went to a high-school basketball game in Castleford. Great game, home team win and all. It was a nasty nasty night, so I left the game a minute or two early to go get the van warmed up and move it closer so your mom didn't have to walk so far. 

I pull up to the curb fairly close to the door where she would be coming out and parked there with the engine running. Soon the game was over and people started flooding out. I kept watching for your mom to come-- but didn't see her.  But I did see a nice family coming my way...their car must be close too.

Pretty soon the front passenger door opens, as does the rear slider. and in gets a mom and 2 kids. They are chatting away about the game...while looking suspiciously around the van...seat belts on already. Then they look at the driver...ME.

All I said was, "Wrong Van?"

They hurried out of the van and never looked back.

After my mom got into the van, he says he could hardly tell my mom what happened through his fits of laughter--remembering the looks on their faces.

hmmm--Just WoW

A Picture is worth a thousand words-- 

and a million thoughts...

I don't have anything to say about this today...

Go on about your lives, citizens.

station break...

I just wanted to say to ya'll...a zebra is just as much black, as it is white...but it is still a jack...er...donkey.

Happy Inauguration Day!

Happy Birthday, Robert E. Lee!

Written by Basil, posted on IMAO, borrowed by ME!

Holiday

Posted by Basil on January 19, 2009 at 1:00 am

Today is a national holiday here in the U.S. It’s a day where we celebrate the birthday of a great American, born and raised in the south, who lived and died for what he believed…

Thank you.

What?

Thank you. Today is my birthday.

Um, I was actually talking about Martin Luther King.

Excuse me?

Yes, sir. You. Today’s a national holiday celebrating your birthday.

My birthday was Thursday.

Pardon?

I was born January 15th, 1929. 80 years ago. It was a Tuesday. I don’t remember, of course, but I was told it was a Tuesday.

I was born on January 19th. In 18-aught-7.

Shouldn’t that be “naught-7″…

Son, don’t correct your elders.

Um. Sorry.

As I was saying, I was born on January 19th, some 202 years ago. So, today’s my birthday.

But today’s the day we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday.

Son, I believe you said the birthday of a man “born and raised in the south, who lived and died for he believed” … didn’t you?

Well, yes.

And today is my birthday…

He’s right, son.

Yes, sir, I understand. But it’s your birthday, Dr. King…

No, son, it’s not.

I understand, sir. But it’s the day we celebrate your birthday.

Why on earth would you celebrate my birthday on a day other than my birthday?

Well, most federal holidays are moved to a Monday.

Why? Because it’s convenient?

Well, yes, actually, when you get right down to it.

Oh. So I’m remembered when it’s convenient? I’m honored with a sale at Sears and Roebuck? People who wouldn’t know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for whom I was but a poor spokesman, call on my name but have no idea what I was really all about?

He’s asking good questions, son.

Was it convenient when my house in Montgomery was bombed during the bus boycott? Does a sale at the shopping mall remind you of the dream of which I spoke in our nation’s capital? Does sleeping late and taking a day off work remind you of my tireless efforts in the fight against discrimination in Albany, Birmingham, St. Augustine, or Selma?

Um…

But you want to celebrate my birthday on a day when it’s convenient, so you can go out of town for a long weekend?

Ah. Um.

You don’t have to say anything, son. But, I didn’t give my life for a “convenient” birthday celebration. Besides, it’s not about me. It’s about freedom. It’s about equality. And as long as people strive for freedom and equality, that’s what’s important. But people shouldn’t take one day a year … particularly the wrong day … but should be fighting every day for freedom.

In, 1963, I said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” We have not yet reached that day.

But tomorrow…

Tomorrow, a black man becomes president. And as long as people judge him as a black man, and not on his character, this nation will not have reached the day that my dream is fulfilled.

Some people voted against him because of his color. Others voted for him because of his color. Both of those votes are out of line with my dream. But those that voted for him … or for his opponent … because of the character of the man … those are the ones that are living my dream.

But many feel that Barack Obama’s election brings us closer to that day.

The teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will bring us closer to that day. Jesus Christ taught us to all love one another. Jesus Christ taught us that we are all God’s children. Jesus Christ taught us that we are all part of the family of God, and that we’ll all be together one day. Jesus Christ taught us that He is the way to eternal salvation. And if He is the way to salvation, surely He is the way to peace and harmony in our land.

Do not remember me by saving a dollar at J.C. Penney. Remember instead that I was just a poor, black preacher, who was saved by the grace of God though His Son, Jesus Christ. And He can save us all. And our country, if we just follow Him.

Happy MLK Day!

Youngest talks -- we smile -- it's a game we play

Youngest has been quite vocal this weekend-- saying lots of funny things. Here is a sampling:

So, We have this same picture, framed and hanging in our upstairs hallway. Jo sees it every time he goes anywhere upstairs. He has gone through fazes where he wants to give Moroni kisses. Talks to Moroni and just wants to stare at the temple. We have told him that the temple is Jesus' house and that it is a very special place to go to. Well this weekend-- he shared with us his true desires. It went something like this:

"mudder, I go to temple, I go to Jesus' house"

me: and do what?

"I go to temple door"

me: and...

"and go knockknockknock"

"HELLO, Jesus!"

Next:

we were all sitting at the table after dinner talking. Discussing how Jo has decided that he likes to call me "mudder"  his version of Mother. So we went around the table having him say every one's name. 

he points me: "mudder"

points to HH, HH says "father"

Jo repeats: "fawder"

points to oldest: ......

we say: "sister"

Jo repeats: "sister"

points to middle: .....

we say: "sister"

Jo repeats: "sister"

we point to Jo and ask: "who are you?"-- to which he usually replies: "JO-JO"

But this time he surprised us a bit.

Jo's answer to who he is: "Baby Jesus"

we laughed at his cute-ness-- and he smiled!

TiCk - ToCk

This is going to sound really silly-- but I feel like the clock is ticking...and quite literally -- it is. BUT in regards to my upcoming date with the surgeon, I feel that I don't have enough time to do all the things I have been putting off-- for example, there is this one closet in my house that is over-flowing with toys, games, scrabble letters, playing cards-- as in the 52 card pick-up type, etc....I'm not really sure that anything is actually on the shelves in that closet, because I can't bring myself to open the door. But that is not the only thing that is driving me nuts! I got crap everywhere--Christmas stuff that hasn't made it's made it's way back to the Garage-- I even have a small pile of Halloween stuff in the Guest Room... I guess I didn't realize that I wasn't on top of my game, and I seem to have lost. and now I am over-whelmed---by:

• time restraints,
  
• lack of energy,
  
• a bit of pain,
  
• pure and complete laziness, AND
  
• addictions (to this d@#$ computer).

But I vow to feel caught up before I go under the knife.  I promise!

"So WHAT?" you ask, "You're house is always in shambles, why the freaky-frenzy?"

My reply to you, "Because I won't be able to do any of it AT ALL for 6 weeks, and I know I will feel pressure (put on only by myself) to get things done when I am lying in bed-- feeling like I am wasting time and being lazy. So if I know it is done before before I go down, I won't even think about it...at least not as much." 

So there you have it-- wish me luck!

FogGolf anyone?

So today, we had a lot of FOG and quite thick in several places around town. As I was driving by the Golf course, (I could drive this with my eyes shut (or in FOG) any day of the week because I drive past this same Golf Course a minimum of 6 times per day-- and still know exactly where I am) for the 5th time today-- it was a VERY thick FOG at this time-- limiting my driving vision to about 50 feet in front of my van....now I am not a golfer-- but I have tried my hand at Miniature Golf-- and one thing that I picked up on real fast, is that you have a target HOLE that you would like to aim towards,when hitting the ball-- requiring a "visual" on the target thus letting the sportsman know the strength needed to make the ball go in the desired direction at the desired loft and speed. Am I close in my assumption that the same goal would apply to regular golf?

So, remember the FOG factor as I tell you that I could see people, off in the barely there mist, on the Golf course. Now, unless they send the grounds-men out with Golf carts and Golf bags filled with Golf clubs-- I think there were people out today GOLFING. So I ask:

• What were they aiming for?
• WHY?
• Did they not realize that there is still snow out there, in several areas of the Golf course?
• WHY?
• How do they know where to shoot for?
• and how hard to hit their ball?
• and where their ball landed?
• so that they could go find their ball?
• and finally, WHY?

of course I never have found the fascination with GOLF to begin with...not against a little--HIT, WALK, SEARCH, HOPE, FAIL...repeat...But, just never have tried it.

Forecast:   FOG-GOLF

Looks like my "Engine" needs a "Tune-Up" and a few "Outdated Parts" scrapped...(WARNING--more than you wanted to know)

Q:  What the Heck?

A:  Prolapsed Uterus, Cystocele, Rectocele--google it--but basically "things" are falling out...

Q:  What does this mean to you?

A:  A whacked out chic writing nonsense blogs while she is high on pain meds boobing about the whys and hows and then on and on about her pain and recovery... so this really means nothing to y0u, except you will have to make a choice to read or not to read...

Q:  When does this exciting event commence, you ask?

A:  Could have been as soon as next Wednesday-- But doc has jury duty-- so it is currently scheduled for Jan 28th-- Doc approved me going to Disneyland on March 19th-- after my recovery. AND riding the rides-- woot woot! Better get this done sooner than later so that my guts don't fall on the floor!

Q:  How can you be of service to this insane dork of a nonsense blogger?

A:  Just keep reading, offer support, lots of prayers on my behalf, and a few phone calls to let me know I have friends-- anything would be appreciated. But I really like Chocolate-- and Pepsi-- Fritos-- and a clean house... good conversation and long walks on the beach at sunset...

Q:  How long have you known things were bad in there?

A:  Been in denial for a while. Wondered how bad things were now for a few weeks-- since I couldn't stop peeing myself-- known things are messed-up since last Wednesday. 

Q:  hmmm

A:  yea, I agree.

Q:  Wayyy tooo much information...better that you keep this stuff to yourself...

A:  I know-- but this is part of my personal journaling-- so you choose to read--or not.

Go Spidy!

It's been a good two days around here. Youngest has kept his Spidy "unders" clean and dry!

We have reverted to the "diaps" for nap and bed--- but otherwise-- the Pee-pee and poopy treats are getting eaten!!

Homeless dude giving a shout out to the moms driving mini vans!

While I was headed to my Dr appt downtown at St Lukes-- I was stopped at a stop light there at 9th. I was first in line as a Homeless looking fellow-- ya know with the bags of stuff tied onto his bike-- no I am not sterio-typing-- just stating the obvious-- or maybe it was moving day and he didn't have access to a truck-- grasping here-- but really I'm sure he was homeless.

So, on with my side of the story:  I was 1st in line at the light and the homeless dude is crossing the street-- riding his bike-- then he stopped in front of me. Looked at me, threw his arms in the  air and yelled -- loud enough for me hear him with my windows up, Rush Limbaugh talking, and my thoughts on what I was going to learn today at my Dr. appt. AND HE YELLED:  "Hey~~ MOMMA!" then peddled away as I sat in wonder at what/why/and WHAT was that all about. With doors locked.

At the next stoplight-- A hairy man weary a KILT and high boots with dangly pom-poms was crossing the street... NOT the scottish tradional type either...

Just wondering if I am a target or just highly observant or are there lots of freaks out?

insert witty title about lost bra ...here...

Got out of the shower about 15 minutes ago-- I started to get dressed-- with bra in hand-- got distract by helping youngest get dressed, teeth clean, hair combed, etc-- time for me to finish getting dressed-- but where did I put my bra? 

I searched the house, knowing I sat it down somewhere-- FOR 10 Minutes-- even dried my hair while I mentally re-traced my steps-- where in the world had I put it-- or did my little 3 year rascal take off with it-- no clue--

As I pull another bra out and start to put it on-- I found my "lost" bra-- it was securely strapped in its intended place.

Just a friendly reminder that I AM A DORK!

playing in the white stuff

So, HH broke the crack in his butt....seriously-- he may have broke his tail bone in half... We were up at Bogus on Tuesday-- hadn't even put our skis on....and he went down. He'll be ok, but he's a bit sore.

Middle one has always been the dare-devil on skis--NO FEAR. She really has not shown any fear over the years--which scares the poo out of me. Which is why she ussully get to ski with her father only-- I can't bare to watch. I have stressed over and over to SLOW DOWN-- MORE TURNS-- etc etc... but I think this year-- she has gained a new respect for the snow and the incline/decline of the mountain.  We were on our 2nd run-- she chose the route--HH, Oldest, Middle and Myself. We got off the quad, went to the left and down the hill..until it got a bit steep. She was acting like she had never been on skis before....wahhh!! wahhh!! I'm gonna walk down, I'm done, I can't do this...etc. We had to re-teach her how to turn, when to turn, how to wedge. Finally we got down the mountain, talked her into keeping her skis on and then had a great time for the rest of the time we were there. 

Oldest showed confidence combined with a bit of timid respect. She did well and I don't think she fell even once...maybe on purpose a few times...

Myself came away with only sore calves from the boots...all in all a good time indeed. Im going to try snowboarding next time I go...

We left the youngest with cousin babysitting...maybe he can go next year...we'll see...but I have a feeling he will have even less control on the hill that Middle.

still here...still rambling on

Nothing exciting...just thought I would let ya'll know we are still here. 

Christmas was good as always...I love getting together with family. Used to be that we just wanted to be together, at home, on Christmas, just our family, but the last two years we have left town and went to Grandma & papa's. I love it. I think it has something to do with the feelings of instability and unsettled-ness that we feel in our life...it is nice to come home and feel like nothing has changed and nothing ever will, al be it we know the truth....the only thing that is constant, is change.

Lottie, Les and the boys were here until today. I love being here when they are. The kids play, we talk, laugh and hang out. It was fun to go sledding at the pits east of the house and tow around on sleds behind the 4-wheeler...up and down the road....up and down....

Christmas day was cool-- 6 of the 9 siblings were here, along with all their families. Ali and Jared brought their BBQ down and rotisserie Prime Rib...due to my latest food allergy, I was only able to have a small bite of HHs, but let me tell you...all those trips to the bathroom were worth it! That is one thing that I love-- PRIME RIB with creamy horseradish. 

Went to my parents for Christmas Breakfast...I had fruit and eggs-- but the main menu includes every year: Fried Osters, biscuits, sausage gravy, Chocolate Gravy (southern tradition), ham, bacon, sausage, Wassel, Fruit, eggs, and many misc dishes that others bring. Cousin Steph was there....says she is doing farely well....lives with alot of pain, on several high power drugs for the pain-- says she will take the addiction verses the pain-- she goes in for a PET scan this week to see what the progress is on the Chemo....hoping for good news.

10-12 inches of snow +  no clean sidewalks +  no scraped parking lot  =  no church today...which felt odd. Kind of leaves a void in my mind...I know I need that rejuvenation to get me through my week.

Sick story for ya:  MALE patient of my moms has a fake fingernail specifically for the purpose of picking his nose. seriously....then he complains that he has a stuffing infected nose....

enough rambling, I guess I don't want to bore you stiff with what's on my mind.

Good night...don't let the bed bugs bite!  (ten points to the person who can tell me the origin of that little saying...ready set go!)

an AHHHH moment

Merry Christmas Everyone...

or to both of you that read my blog...

GREAT Children and the Joy of Motherhood!

I don't usually post too much about my children-- not that I don't want to-- and I do have a specific reason for not posting much about them-- But today I would be so ungrateful if I did not share some of my Joy in Motherhood with you.

Oldest Daughter-- 

She has been on a kick around here-- on Monday she made us all "Service Journals".  Her instructions to us were that we keep track of all the service that we notice being done around us and write it down. I have caught her several time sitting on her bed filling in the lines of the paper with something that she noticed someone doing....I haven't read it, but maybe she is writing about things that she has been doing... not sure. BUT I have noticed that her helpfulness metor is going through the roof. "Mom, how can I help you?" or "Mom, what would you like me to do?" and "I'm going to go get Jo in the 'Hot bubbles' and get him ready for bed, is that OK?" DUH-- YEA!! I have been a bit preoccupied with a few Christmas gifts this week-- (decided on Thursday to make 2 Queen size DENIM quilts for a special 2 people in my life) They are done--YES THEY ARE DONE...even bound along the edges...Oldest has made dinner twice, kept the laundry going and today took it upon herself to gather everyone's sheets in the laundry.  I hope this alterego sticks around for a while, I like her alot!

Middle Daughter:

Last night I was saying goodnight to my computer, when middle one comes into the library looking all somber....She pauses, looks sad, like she is going to start crying...and says, "mom, I don't want to live with Satan."  [WHAT?] she continues, "I want to live with my family forever with Heavenly Father." [meanwhile I am wondering, what brought this on?] I tell her that I don't want her to live with Satan either and that it is really important that she try to always make good choices and do the things that Heavenly Father wants her to do. ..."OK, mom. I will"  BIG HUG...I love you...good night...still looking somber. "Mom, I want to go on a mission." me: "That would be cool". her: "So how many more years until I can go?" [we did a little math {the church policy is that Girls can go when they are 21} ] this made her feel a bit better and put herself back to bed. I'm not sure what exactly was bothering her--but I am glad we got it worked out this way.  She is a deep thinker, when she slows down enough to think!

Youngest son:

Can you hear him right now? He is in his room for his nap. Screaming because his sheet is in the wash and wet and dirty... and he wants it on his bed NOW! he doesn't want another sheet. he doesn't want to sleep on top one of his blankets--- he wants his wet sheet RIGHT NOW. Now, just so you know, we usually wash sheets each week-- so this is not a new thing to him-- and sometimes he gets to sleep on top of another sheet for nap-- if the bedding is not quite done-- he has never thrown this kind of a fit...Kind of like this mornings fit over a banana that I [ACCIDENT LY] cut in half!! OH NO!! the horror! OH, and then there is the Christmas Tree, he likes it turned around backwards....where there are no decorations....Yea I think he is three now...(the terrible two's is a load of CRAP!-- silly geezer who came up with that one missed it by a year!)

OK, closing the window to my world...hope you enjoyed your glimpse...I am growing a list of other gems you may enjoy, stay posted...

Please, Tell me why...

am I up at 1am?

because...

I had to finish cutting up enough jeans into 6 inch blocks for 2 Queen quilts and 1 twin....yea so-- does that really call for this insanity?

yea, but..

I gotta say goodnight to this dumb computer and making sure that the world is still turning...but couldn't I have done that 3 hours ago?

and I...

still have to take my nightly shower-- get toasty warm-- so I can sleep -- therefore it will be atleast 1:25 before I am able to slide under that goose down comforter that HH bought for me 17 years ago-- back when we were dating...

yea, I'll go now-- my bed wants me...and I'm too old to stay up this late!

Guest Post

One of my VERY FAVORITE PEOPLE has a way with words that makes me laugh... I am stealing from her blog today (I don't have permission either...I'm a rebel), so that you can have a good laugh...Merry Christmas! (don't say I never gave you anything...)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NT repeats everything he hears. Unfortunately, the Mister does not always watch his language around the small boys. He also tends to make alot of empty threats towards the boys when he wants them to do something, i.e. "Go get ready for bed or I'll...", "Clean up your toys or..." or "Get dressed before...". Our little mockingbird hears all this and files it away for future use. So every now and then, NT makes threats of his own. To SP when they are playing, "If you don't give me that toy, I am gonna to pour water on your head!" To me at dinner time, "If you make me eat this, I'm gonna to lick your eyeballs!" I try to keep a straight face and explain that isn't an acceptable way to talk to each other. Sometimes he struggles with finding the appropriate threat and it goes like this - "If you make me go to bed, I'm...I'm... I'm gonna...Argghhhh!"

Recently, he pulled a real gem out of the file. During a brotherly power struggle, I hear - "I'll beat your @$$!" SP immediately comes running, "Mom! NT said he'll beat my @$$!" NT comes strolling after, cool as a cucumber, "Yep, I did." I had to take a minute to compose myself before dealing with that one but I think he now understands that he shouldn't say that. At least, that's what I'm assuming since he tells me at least once a day, "Mom, I shouldn't say I'm gonna beat your @$$."

I'm so glad we don't have to worry about that anymore!

A friend sent this to me...I laughed...

Five Surgeons   

Five surgeons from big cities are discussing who makes the Best patients to operate on.   

The first surgeon, from New York , says, 'I like to see accountants on my operating table because when you open them up, everything inside is numbered.'   

The second , from Chicago , responds, 'Yeah, but you should try electricians! Everything inside them is color coded.'   

The third surgeon, from Dallas , says, 'No, I really think librarians are the best, everything inside them is in alphabetical order'   

The fourth surgeon, from Los Angeles chimes in: 'You know, I like construction workers... Those guys always understand when you have a few parts left over.'   

But the fifth surgeon, from Washington , DC shut them all up when he observed: 'You're all wrong. Politicians are the easiest to  operate on. There's no guts, no heart, no balls, no brains and no spine, and the head and the ass are interchangeable.

Edward can take his manipulative wench and kiss off....in another 600 pages...

I do not LOVE the Twylight Books, nor do I LOVE Edward Cullen and I think that Bella is a manipulative, lying wench...and I don't expect you all to agree with me. just sayin...

I am 100 pages into the 4th, and finally the LAST book of the Twylight series...and can I just say that I can hardly wait to finish it. I know, "no body said I have to read it" and "if you don't like it, then don't finish it"...but here's the deal-- I cannot NOT finish it. Whether it is sick curiosity or what. I don't know-- but I need to finish it for a few reasons:

1. personal closure-- I need to know that Jacob is OK-- he and the other Werewolves are in my opinion, thus far, the only decent characters in the book. Some of the Vampires take 2nd chair-- BUT NOT EDWARD- not liking him even one iota! 
2. knowing, like I said before, WHAT indecency my daughter has been exposed to.
3. so that I feed that sick curiosity of how dumb a ending this series could possibly have.

Now, just so you all know, I have no hard feelings nor any animosity towards those of you that LOVED the book and have personal crushes on Edward--This is my BLOG and by reading it-- you are now subject to my opinions.

I had lunch today with several friends to celebrate a few birthdays. We had a great time-- laughing, telling stories and opinions--one gal shared a new point of view with me concerning the Twylight series.  

Here is one of my concerns:

• What I perceived as the target audience. Young girls, ages 12-18 

My friend's point of view that I never thought of:

• Stephanie Meyers did not intentionally target that age group-- BUT LDS parents saw that she was a LDS author and assumed that SHE WOULD NEVER write anything that would be indecent...therefore parents allowed their children to read and vicariously live and love through the eyes of dear sweet BELLA with out the parents even cracking the spine of the book. (now, now-- I know not all the people that read it are LDS, but this is stated from a LDS perspective) Children were exposed to a good deal of kissing, touching, dishonesty, immoral sleepovers, a bit of sex and a whole lot of lust-- all because parents assumed that "all is well in Zion" and they would not be effected by this indecencies in this world, written in a fantasy book authored by a LDS woman.

No, SILLYA speaking here, I am no prude-- I 've seen what's on the other side of the block and I do not intend to shelter my children from all the evils in this world-- although I do not intend to purposefully expose them to things that will harm thier Spirit. 

One thing that I do thank Stephanie Meyer for-- the one good vantage to this series-- was that my daughter and I have had several open discussions on the what's, how's and the why's that the immoral suggestions stated in these books have brought up.

Take it or leave...just sayin...

 

Not because you wanted to know or anything...remember this Blog is for me and I write so I can attempt to retain some memory of my life...

I am going to attempt to update on the goings on of my life...and what is coming up...

1. Movies Watched in the last week: Wall-E; Get Smart; Will watch EMMA tonight or tomorrow.
2. Sat: slept in until 8:30-ish. Breakfast.  My Big Brother called to chat. This, That, the other. Oldest went babysitting. I went Shopping-- FOR ME, CLOTHES -- All ALONE!
3. Sat night-- HH and I went on DATE to BODO for dinner at PF Chang's. Waited for table for 90min-- had a great time walking and talking while waitin for the buzzer to buzz. For starters, we ordered the Lettuce wrap (GF, of course), Moo Goo Gai Pan (GF), and the Chang's Spicy Chicken (GF). It was all very good, even the wait... 
4. Sunday: RELAXING DAY, went to church, HH had to be there for 10 hours though...tithing settlement time... we all went to bed early...beautiful day.
5. Monday:  finished the 3rd STUPID,  MiNdLeSs EnTeRtAiNmEnT, TWYLIGHT Book. and then.... I went to GLEN BECK's: The Christmas Sweater, with a friend-- a good show indeed (needs it's own post).
6. Today: Regular round of Bloodwork taken care of 1st thing. Visit with Dr. Don.-- says I am responding well to treatment-- just need to be more diligent with my IODINE protocol. This afternoon, Hair-Dresser did high/low lights to my hair-- covered up a good portion of the gray-- Tonight, school Christmas Program with middle Child....it was enjoyable. I got to sit by some of my favorite Friends and giggled like school girls...and the kids put on a good show.

The rest of the week should be just as eventful. I am looking forward to my children being home from school for 3 1/2 weeks for Christmas, starting this Friday! (and no more getting up at 5: crazy: 30AM)

FORBIDDEN, Don't look!

Watch Nancy's eyes...

http://msunderestimated.com/SNLBailoutSkit.wmv

A little less PINK, RED and WHITE!

I am feeling better, Thanks! 

Now, I just need to find the motivation to: clean my house, do some laundry, start cooking for my family again (not more $ for take out), take a shower, pull some weeds, clip my toe nails...etc. etc. etc.

I am hoping for a quick release from this slobinous state of being...but not holding my breath...

My BoDy HaTeS Me!!

So, where to begin--

ever since I was a teenager-- I have baffled doctors-- I never fit in with what the text book taught them. I have had a run in with few rare if not unheard of illnesses/conditions, I have not responded to medications the way that they think I should, I have had allergic reactions to things that should not be an allergen, I was sick for several (7) years with what every Doctor I went to thought a "happy Pill" would fix-- when in reality-- it was the NASTY GLAND! (my thyroid) and by the time it had blown up, the only option was to yank it our so that I could breathe, and now I face more CRAP!, I mean illness....

So, my bladder infection said GOODBYE just over a week ago, (not missing it)-- Jo has had bit of the CRUD from this or that, even while we were vacationing-- I was just trying to keep one step ahead-- and now I have fallen behind.

Yesterday, After waking up with my left EYE glued shut, I became convinced that I had "Pink Eye"-- which really sucks (I don't remember having it before-- but I'm sure I did as a child). I sometimes get a ~~WEIRD~~ eye allergy, from WHO knows WHAT, so I was really hoping that was the case this time, but Benidryl didn't do it's job--which led me to my next assumption--insert angry explative here _____!

SO I called my D.O. and asked for a eye drop prescription-- he said yea, I went on to explain that I also had a very painful lump in front of my left ear and the left lymph node in my neck was very swollen. He called in the eye drops, (took two pharmacy's and a near brush with WALMART to get it... I will share that un-nerving experience in another post...) and requested to see me this morning---

I got there on time, just as they called my cell phone to tell me that he was running late and to go find something to do for 30 minutes-- after going to Barnes and Noble (I know everyone was staring at my incredible swollen PINK eye, seeing the oooze from afar, hoping I wouldn't touch anything...I saw several clerks running for the hand sanitizer-- I swear!-- Ok, so maybe I just felt a bit conspicuous...) I bought GLENN BECK's book: "The Christmas Sweater". Then I went back to he DO's office to wait. I called them and told them I was staying in the car READING until he was ready to see me, and I wanted them to call my cell phone to tell me when to come in... 30 minutes later I went in...to get a drink because I could taste the freshly applied EYE DROPS going down my throat and they tasted NASTY! (told ya I was a bit strange-- do you taste your eye drops?-- I like to think that everyone does, so I can be normal) They shuffled me immediately to a back room where I couldn't infect anyone else...BTW I am a bit of a GERM-A-PHOBE to begin with-- I never touch door handles or light switches if I can help it-- sweat-shirt sleeves come in handy for that and I was already bathing in Hand sanitizer as it were all ready-- 

He came in and looked at me, said yea, it's some form of PINK EYE, yea-- my glands are swollen, how's my cough?-- don't have one-- how bad does my throat hurt? doesn't at all....and so it went--- He was particularly interested in the WHITE pockets of STEP lining my throat and couldn't believe I didn't hurt with all the red suckage going on in there...So they did a QUICK strep that took like 20 minutes---is that really quick? didn't feel like it. So now I am on ANTIBIOTICS-- yet again.---

Yea but I forgot to tell you-- last night after getting home from my run about for EYE DROPS, I was terribly nauseated, body aches and the like-- I was in bed by 7pm and slept until 7am this morning...that's not normal for me...I think my body is trying to set me back a few steps...my body hates me...

• August-- weird migraine, ER
• October-- the ankle fiasco, DR + PT
• November-- more PT, 1st Bladder infection-- OBGYN/Quick Care/ER
• December (ALREADY??)-- Pink Eye, PAINLESS Strep Throat, DO

I am going to work the zinc and Iodine back into my medicinal protocol-- seems I need to fight back...

...the house and car are getting a CLOROX bath today...

What a Great Week OFF!

We had the most amazingly relaxing week eva...

No computer, No TV (except for 1 movie night at the cousins house), No telephone...yea we were JONES-in a bit...HH caved first when we got to my parents house on Thursday...

In respect for the privacy of those that I am totally and fully jealous of, I will not state at this point where we vacationed last week. BUT I will tell you some of the great and wonderful things we did...

We went to the town where HH and I lived after we got married--15 years ago-- poulation 547. HH has a cousin that lives in Arizona, but has a home in this small town where she grew up as well--. We stayed at her BEAUTIFUL little home. Fully furnished, even with GF Food-- although we resisted for the most part (had to try the Agave Nectar--I'm sold on it!-- thanks "Fatceliac"). 

1. We arrived on Saturday pm-- with no agenda--really just wanted to play it all by ear. 
   
2. Sunday--We attended church, just in time for the primary program-- starring all 15+/- of thier children. We had dinner with cousins.
3. Monday we played in the city park and went for a drive-- looked at the resevoir, we hiked up Mt. Borah (sounds like a great feat huh-- well I didn't say we went to the top-- I never even said if the parking lot was ever out of view--now did I?), drove around town-- didn't take long. Root beer floats that night with cousins.
4. Tuesday we took 4-wheelers up the mountain to the south where there is a old, defunct mine. Let the children play in the snow. Forgot camera at the house--- shucks!
5. Wednesday-- went back up the mine hill (in the van) to take pictures. I saw somethingCREAPY-- There was a big, HUGE, muddy wolf print on top of my son's prints in the snow from the day before--glad we didn't see any--although we heard them howling that night after the town rolled up the streets.  We visitied with other cousins in town and then had a movie night, with pop corn and more Root beer floats.
   

WE napped everyday, HH read 4 books, I caved and read the 1st book in the Twilight series (waste of time--although, now I have to read them all), we slept in, stayed up late, and we dreamed of how nice it would be to live in this sleepy little town that was as still and peaceful as one could ever imagine...

Then on Thursday we drove a few hours to my parents house for Thanksgiving dinner. I think only about 40 of the 60 invited showed up-- a full house for sure. It was so nice to see my cousin from Reno and his beautiful wife and son ( HI, Gabe & Shannon!). I had a great visit! Stephanie was there-- putting on a good show. She looks like she feels good, but I can tell she's a poser. I got to see and talk with several people that I hadn't seen in a long time. My 91 year old Grandma is a-mazing-- she was on her feet all day-- keeping things going.

We then went over to HH's parents and stayed there until last night-- 

It was a seredipitous occasion to be home-- grateful for my own bed, but really wanting to be in the "vacationing" frame of mind a bit longer.

(I'll post pictures later)

Hope ya'll had a great Thanksgiving week and recognized all that brings forth blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are off: over the river and through the woods---

see ya in a week or so...

Sick? HERE!

Yea, I think we have a almost-thorough case of the cruds here...hope it goes away by Friday so we can leave town...

• My "thing" is still lingering a bit. Antibiotics and the other stuff have had 48 hours to do their thing, still waiting for total relief.
• Youngest has a bad cold and diagnosed with a ear infection today. Cough, sneezing, fever of 102, goopy eyes, and now the ear infection...2 doses of antibiotics so far, should be better by Friday, right?
• Oldest complained tonight of a sore throat, drank a glass of Sprite and went to Mutual...hope she gets to go to her Band concert tomorrow night...the bumps on the back of her throat didn't look pretty...
• HH is a little short on sleep and a bit disillusioned right now with the current state of affairs with...you can insert here ____________ what you think he is disillusioned by.
• Middle child seems fairly happy- go- lucky for the most part...this is good, she may be taking care of the rest of us soon...she's always up for a challenge.

My friend Jamie made us dinner tonight. Chicken Enchilada Soup-- quite yummy I thought. Thanks for being so thoughtful, it was a huge relief not to have to think up something to fix and stand long enough to get it done. I will return the favor someday!

Good night all, it's time for  bed...

Pretty Impressive

I'm not really a Star Wars junky, but this is pretty cool...check it out.

Discussion with SILLYA concerning "Private Matters"

Q: Have you ever needed to pee but just couldn't?

SILLY: Yes, funny you should ask. In fact, this very thing happened just today.

Q: Oh really, please tell me more.

SILLY: OK. I remember getting up around 4am to pee. but not getting the full satisfaction that usually comes only from a completely empty bladder.

Q: Go on...(on the edge of the seat)

SILLY: I went back to bed only to be pulled out of bed by the intense urge to urinate. At this time the alarm had already buzzed and the 5:30 wake up call had been heard. I tried to pee, but alas-- nothing came out.

Q: No, say it ain't so...(still on the edge of the seat)

SILLY: Oh yes, most definitely true. I tried several times to go. After I took Ty to the Bus stop, I came home to find me a Dr to go to. Both of the Dr.s I go to don't open their phones until 8:30. So, I paced in between toilet sits.

Q: This is so enthralling, I love to hear about other's bathroom habits...please continue...

SILLY: OK. Finally I took a HOT bath. I read on-line that that can stimulate things and get it all moving...didn't work. Finally it was time to call the Dr. I was told to be there at 10:15am. I lined up some child care for my sweet youngest child and then proceeded in getting ready-- re-fixing my leftover "do: from yesterday, washing off the smudged (leftover) mascara, and trying to find some clean clothes.

Q: You mean you don't....oh, never mind... continue on with the story-- the suspense is killing me...(relaxing a bit)

SILLY:  On my way to the Dr. I drank 2 glasses of water. I was able to fill up the collection cup 1/3 of the way. He did a ultrasound and said I was still full of pee. (yea, duh!?!) He would run a culture and be in touch. Meanwhile I was to try to drink normally, try to pee every 2 hours and if my bladder still felt full by 3 pm, I needed to be catheterized....ewww, yucky, ouch....and all that. Well, home I went.

Q: and then....(fully relaxed, and a bit bored...)

SILLY: I took another hot bath...then I peed blood...yea you read that right. I then called back to my Dr, trying to not freak. Nurse C said that wasn't normal. (really?) So they called in the antibiotic and said to go to the emergency room and get it drained.

Q: OK, time to make it a bit quicker, your loosin' the audience...maybe making a few of 'em a bit sick...(BORED STIFF!)

SILLY: I have a bladder infection. AND I still need to PEE! 

Q: Finally, Oh I mean...I sure hope you get better soon...(hurries off to get coat and keys, making a hasty exit before Silly decides to add any more details to a far too private subject)

(small print: Sillya has never had a UTI nor a Bladder infection nor a Kidney infection nor a sinus infection nor an ear infection nor a bone infection nor a eye infection nor any other kind of infection that she can think of...there is no known use of Antibiotics in her system....)

What's the book I am reading about, you ask?

looks like a Fun-guy, eh?

Fungus:

A simple plant that lacks 

chlorophyll.

Fungi include the yeasts, rust, 

molds, and mushrooms.

They live as either saprophytes or

 parasites of plants and animals (man).

Some species infect and cause 

disease in man.

-the Bantam Medical Dictionary 

Yea, I'm a wierd DORK!

So?

A wonderful night indeed!

We had a bit of a "Girl's Night Out" last night-- my  MIL, 3 SIL's, Ry and I. We went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Idaho center. What a show!! They did a Christmas program, then a bunch of songs from their past and current CD's. Having not been before, but hearing about it from others-- I was truly impressed with the light show they put on. They said they added more this year than last-- HOLY CARP! and the people watching...it was a great venue for that sport!

Then, let me tell you about getting out of the parking lot. Of course it was slow going, we expected that, we were in no hurry. We waited in line patiently...but then there was that Subaru Outback that came looking for trouble. The entitled Twig of a driver wanted to fight with me in my mini-van.  We were in the main line of cars and she comes up from the side and honked like she thought I should hear her and respond affirmatively-- like all people do, that get honked at! Then she starts doing hand motions giving me orders of how things were going to proceed from there. Guess what I did while she tried to nudge her way into the 12 inch spot between my bumper and the bumper of the car in front of me?....I stared...just stared while telling the others in the van what was happening. She had her girlfriend in the front seat, man and 2 children (approx ages 8 and 10) in the back-- the kids started making faces at me, you could tell they were talking about us and getting all worked up. Mind you, at this point-- we had not even moved an inch from before she had decided that it was her turn to get in line. Anyway...when then line moved, she pulled up into the way of my car, she then allowed cars from the other side of me to get in line (all the time --her kids were sneering at us, she was trying to avoid contact, I maintained my stare, while laughing with the others in the van and reminiscing the concert). And then we saw it-- we saw her excuse for Entitlement--she bore with pride most evident--her OBAMA '08 sticker. That is when we understood where her Entitlement of line placement came from. So then, I saw an opportunity to turn right and join another line that appeared to be moving faster. So I did. As we moved along, we noticed that we were going to be paired up with the Entitled  crabby lady in the Subaru yet again. And guess what-- she pulled the same dang trick. We were moving along and she pulled right in front of me, missing my bumper by inches....

How does this OBLIVIOT come up with such a sense of Self importance, Self elevating Elitism that common courtesy, common sense and common kindness just do not apply to them?

But hey, we got a good laugh at her expense, we had a wonderful evening out as family and good friends-- all in all, a stupendous success.

Hangover Lifted-- seeing a bit clearer now, thanks...

Now that my OBAMA Hangover has lifted a tad, I am now ready to state a few more thoughts...now, this is not intended for any purpose, but for my reference as the days go by (*so read on only if you feel inclined)

We don't watch a whole lot of TV at our house-- the TV comes on for Movies, Kids PBS shows, America's Funniest Home Videos, Football games-- but all other shows mostly go unwatched by my family or occasionally watched on the interNETs. Only because there is nothing that we find interesting nor engaging on the few channels that we can get with our bunny ears. And just in case you are wondering-- our TV is too old for the digital channels, and we do not plan to upgrade nor get any kind of converter box come February...we just cannot justify this expense for something that we do not have an interest in. ANYWAY...as I was saying...

I did not watch any of the election coverage, I checked in at FOX news online, but that was it. I knew that BO was winning so I went to bed early on Tuesday night, to get all the BS off my mind...and to make the time go fast. I, like most people, was just anxious to get it over with-- tired of the insults and tearing down motives of all sides of the isle. When I awoke on Wed there was an indescribable anxiety that I had throughout the day yesterday. I had lunch with friends, they expressed the same feelings, as did others that I spoke with. A feeling of fear--unknown-- apprehension-- worry, what does it all mean?...but then I listened and thought and was taught a few things yesterday...

BO is the best thing that can happen for our country at this time---WHAT? (yea you read that right-- read on...)

• he will run our economy into the ground-- help us be humbled, self reliant, and from hardships -- inspiration is found -- in several ways: inventions, commerce, REALITY...
• OR our economy will thrive due to a propped up financial system...
• he will grow our government like wheat and then mow it down just in time for a REAL republican to pick us up and take us on to fulfill more of AMERICA's potential-- the Promised Land.
• we aren't ready for a civil war -- the racists out there were ready to fight against "whitey" taking on what ever loss they could in the name of their god: Barack Hussein Obama II.
• Socialism under an evil ruler will help us to be more humble, willing and open to living the law of consecration with the Lord at the Helm.
• fear--unknown-- apprehension-- worry-- all tools of Satan-- not a game I wanna play.
  

I am NOT a McCain supporter-- although I know he was the "lessor of the two evils", but he was waaayyy too close to the left for my liking-- and the whole fact that he wanted Lieberman as his VP instead of Palin, says it all-- but J-Mac knew he would not get the support of the GOP for that-- choosing 'ol Joe (plus there would be confusion as to which VP-Joe the media was talking about...) But I did/DO support Sarah Palin. She has a Reagan-esque outlook and persona. I feel that she could/CAN have made some terrific changes in this wonderful land of the FREE.  Palin 2012!!

Finally-- CONSERVATISM WON!!! Think about it-- we may not have gotten the Presidential Elect, but we got Prop 8. The sanctity of marriage has survived being ridiculed by those who have no understanding what sacredness they have defiled.

It's a good day. Life is good! We still live in the FREE-ist  country on the Earth. And we know that the Lord is ever mindful of this Great Nation!!

~~peace~~&~~tranquility~~

and just because I like R.E.M. and this song cannot be played enough...

if you

want to leave a comment on any of my posts below-- while this thing is messed up-- you have to hover over around til you see the comment link-- then clickety click-- you can tell me everything you ever wanted to...Thanks

(p.s.-- I love comments, especially nice ones ;.)

messed up...

My page layout is messed up-- sorry-- it really was a cute new one---I'll have to work on it later. Off to have lunch at a friends house...

on my mind...

I have a lot of things on my mind right now--

• the economy
• foreign policy
• job security
• amnesty
• the sure and unwavering love of a our Father in Heaven
• frugality
• food storage
• ammunition
• Congress
• House of Reps
• we live in the greatest land in all the world

you get the idea...

But, I really just want to say: "he is just as much WHITE as he is BLACK!" and:

• why can't he be equally proud of that heritage
• why have the people elected a person who hates everything that AMERICA was founded for

rant over....for now...

'Twas The Night Before Elections and...

(should have posted this yesterday-- but found it today, so take what you get and don't throw a fit!)

 'Twas the night before elections
      And all through the town
      Tempers were flaring
      Emotions all up and down!

      I, in my bathrobe
      With a cat in my lap
      Had cut off the TV
      Tired of political crap.

      When all of a sudden
      There arose such a noise
      I peered out of my window
      Saw Obama and his boys

      They had come for my wallet
      They wanted my pay
      To give to the others
      Who had not worked a day!

      He snatched up my money
      And quick as a wink
      Jumped back on his bandwagon
      As I gagged from the stink

      He then rallied his henchmen
      Who were pulling his cart
      I could tell they were out
      To tear my country apart!

      ' On Fannie, on Freddie,
      On Biden and Ayers!
      On Acorn, On Pelosi'
      He screamed at the pairs!

      They took off for his cause
      And as he flew out of sight
      I heard him laugh at the nation
      Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

      So I leave you to think
      On this one final note-
      IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
      GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Relieving your suspense

I know you all have been wondering what the license plate frame said-- well here it is:

"I'd Rather be Having an Enema"

Somehow, shortly after I put it on, he went behind his truck and saw it-- I don't know about you, but I don't always glance at my license plates to see if someone has messed with them or not-- but that is what he did. Well my custom made frame, came off a whole lot faster than it went on. My recollection is that he was not impressed with my humor....

The other night he was catching up on my blog, finding out what it is I blab about on here, and he could not remember anything about that fancy license plate frame...men...

Why can't we just set up a firing sqaud for this perve? I'm sure that Steve Groene would like to bust the 1st cap!

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-nov0308-duncan.177f4c20c.html

UPDATE: on cousin Steph

Well it seems that she is well enough to be sent home. That is good news for sure. They started Chemo again last week-- got her stable enough to go home and off she went with the council that she will repeat chemo every 21 days and that her chance of surviving this bout is 50/50. My mom told me that Steph and her mom were putting up Christmas lights today. Tough to think this may be her last time putting up Christmas lights...I guess none of know when we will experience some thing for the last time.

I had a chat with my 91 year old Grandma on the phone on Friday regarding Steph. She said that if Steph was going to die, grandma hoped that it would be fast. I hope it is as well, for the fact that faster is better than being in pain for a prolonged amount of time. BUT I also think it would be hard knowing you were going to die, but just waiting for the inevitable...death can be such a scary thing, if you have time to think about it. I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives Hope and Joy  and knowledge of what happens when we leave this mortal world-- knowing that our life is really just beginning.

Shame on them...for not playing nice!

A friend of mine sent a link to a blog that had this on it...interesting how hateful people can be.

Dear family and friends,

I had a very disturbing experience yesterday that I would like to share with those of you that live outside of California (or outside of the San Francisco Bay Area).

This weekend we have stake conference.  Our stake conference always begins with a stake temple session on Friday or Thursday night.  Early Friday morning I received a call from the second counselor in our bishopric to let me know that there would be numerous protesters outside the temple, and to remind everyone to stay calm and to drive carefully.  The beautiful Oakland Temple is located right across the bay from San Francisco, very close to the city of Berkeley.  Apparently the opposition to proposition 8, the amendment that seeks to make marriage in CA between a man and a woman again, has realized the deep involvement of the church and begun to protest right outside of the temple and harass temple patrons.  The fastest way to get to the temple from our house is to take the 680 freeway, but the exit is a bit tricky.  The off ramp is extremely short and straight uphill.  You then make an almost blind left turn, an immediate right and another left into the parking lot.  As we approached the off ramp, I realized there would be trouble.

There was a backup onto the freeway from cars stalled on the off ramp.  As we moved forward inches at a time, we realized this was due to a large group of loud protesters who were standing on both sides of the street, yelling, screaming and waving signs.  When we got to the top of the offramp, ready to make our turn, one protester jumped out right in front of our car.  It took my husband all his self control to carefully maneuver around him to the left and proceed to the temple.  I tried not to listen to all they were shouting at us, but I was shaking as I got to the temple front door. Several of the sisters, especially the ones driving on their own, were crying (which made me snap out of it and go into RS President mode to comfort them).  Later, as I was sitting in the perfect quiet of the chapel, I couldn’t help but think of Lehi’s dream, and the people who mocked the Saints from the big spacious building but, “we heeded them not.”  It was a truly surreal experience, I’d never thougth that I would have to go through an angry crowd to get to the temple.  As we left late at night, the protesters had dispersed, temple security (who all looked very large and Tongan) stood by the gates.  I never saw a single police man.

Please pray for those of us in California fighting for prop 8–it’s getting kind of scary out here!

Susanne

Who can argue with this Logic?

Come on...

Notice the new Background? It for my cousin, Steph

My cousin, (my best friend growing up and only 6 months younger than I) is in the Hosp  fighting for her life...she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 2 years ago, they thought they got it all with a double mastectomy and chemo, suposedly in remission.  She went to the ER with what she thought was pneumonia or Asthma-- found out her body is riddled with that cancer.  Lungs have collapsed, organs are shutting down, bones are breaking when she coughs...Don't know what the verdict will be, but it is not looking like she will see Christmas. Any prayers for her and her 2 sons would be appreciated.