Sunday, July 12, 2009
Anniversaries are Hot, Sweaty, and Kinda Stinky
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
You CAN Teach an Old Mom New Tricks
We celebrated Nat's 7th birthday with her friends last Friday and she wanted a pool party. Lucky for me the place where I work has a wonderful pool, so we sent out the word to her friends.
Come Friday, I was struck by the fact that all I had to do was pack a few snacks and head for the pool. Didn't have to clean my house for visitors. Didn't have to decorate. Just had to arrive. Wow, what a concept! And then the more I thought about it, I realized that I didn't even have to plan activities and games. The pool is the activity. And another big plus: I wouldn't have to clean up my house after the party either.
This was ground-breaking territory for me! Why on earth has it taken me this long to figure this out? I have no idea. I guess because I let the kids plan their parties, and Nat really is the only one of my kids with a summer birthday. Yeah, that's the ticket. I certainly couldn't be so lacking in awesome, super-mom party planning skills that it's never occurred to me before this!
Nat wanted my "famous" pudding pie instead of cake (vanilla and chocolate pudding layered in a cookie crust--super easy too!)
I wore my special Seven t-shirt for the occassion. I bought this t-shirt especially for our "7 fun things on 7/7/07" extravaganza that we had 2 years ago, and it was nice to have another event where it was relevant to wear it.
On a side note, I scored bonus points by having the pool party at my place of employment, which is like my second home. I was able to go to the kitchen and get everything I forgot to bring with me: a knife, pie server, spoons, extra plates, and a lighter.
Oh, this pool party thing is definitely an annual tradition now.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Fun in the Forest
Here Cass and Sis try out a new taste sensation:bananas with chocolate and marshmallow heated over the fire. Sis is very excited as you can see from her expression!
The campground is full of warnings about bears which made city-girl Cass a bit nervous. On the second night I awoke to Suey growling and barking (in the tent with us) and heard the unmistakeable metal squeak of the bear-proof food locker door. I knew that wasn't good, but I wasn't really up to going out to investigate.
I was so thankful that Bub and Cass planned this trip and didn't mind me tagging along. What a great start to the summer!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Seriously, AGAIN? (That's most people's reaction when hearing the following news. Well either that or hysterical laughter)
Well, he found a screaming deal. And we're moving again in just a few short weeks. We're crazy, but saving $5oo a month in rent is just too good to pass up. Of course it means moving BACK up the hill to the snow and away from our fantastic neighborhood with our Bishop across the street (who actually babysat my girls yesterday--seriously, who's bishop is that great?) and our church just around the corner, and our town donkey. However, now the girls won't have to change schools this coming fall, in fact they will be able to WALK to school. They can even walk to school in the snow so that they have stories to guilt their future children with! There's also a couple parks and a lake within walking distance. So there's good and bad.
The house we will be renting is in a very old neighborhood, built in the 30's when there was a saw mill and logging was at it's peak in that area. The houses were built by the loggers and saw mill employees. The lake used to be the old mill pond, but now is a wonderful recreation area. I've actually lived in this neighborhood before, some 15 years ago, and I do really like it.
The house itself is a bit funky, but I'm pretty much an expert on fixing up funky little houses, so I'm kind of looking forward to that too. The house sits on two lots, has a bunch of apple trees, two outbuildings for all of Mike's treasures that he's sure to need some day, and a lot more square footage than the little tract house we're in now.
I was a little disappointed that our current landlord wouldn't bargain with us on the rent here though. There are a lot of houses for rent, and rents are dropping like crazy. He didn't want us to leave, but wouldn't drop our rent either. He apparently isn't aware that there are 2 other rentals sitting vacant on this street for the same price we're paying, and that are bigger than this one. I have a feeling he WILL have to come down on rent to get this place occupied.
At any rate, the thought of moving again after just 8 months is just not something I relish, but after moving 6 times in the last 10 years, I guess I'm getting used to it.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
B-day and F-day
And LOVED her very own horse set from Auntie and Uncle Dave.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
End of the School Year Funnies
Anyway, I was explaining to Nat that she should take the yearbook to school and have her friends sign it. when I picked her up at the end of the day, she says, "I got almost everyone in my class to sign, but I had to sign Mallory and Avery's names because they were absent." I had to chuckle. I guess she doesn't quite get the yearbook concept yet!
Since we moved down the hill, it's been Mike's job to get the girls to school on his way to work. I also put him in charge of getting them ready and out the door since I have been leaving for work before they need to go. The girls know their dad is a complete push-over and they have been taking advantage, though Mike himself is not known for being punctual, so nearly every day the girls are tardy by a few minutes, and this has been going on since November.
Then on Friday, the last day of school, the girls tell me that their dad got an award when he dropped them off in the morning. I really couldn't figure that out. They said the secretary stopped them in the hall and called the principal over and the principal presented their father with a certificate.
Sure enough he has an official "certificate of achievement" from the principal congratulating him on his "efforts and success" in "arriving on time on Thursday". It is signed by the principal as "attendance officer". I'm sure glad our school has a sense of humor and that the office staff was able to have a little fun at Mike's expense. I think we're going to frame it and display it next to his chili cookoff and rib awards.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Graduation Miracle
I was literally soaked through to my underwear; through a coat and a jacket, through my shoes to my soggy socks. I was drenched. Mike arrived and took the girls home to change and to get me some dry clothes as I was to head out to work at Grad Night right after the graduation. (They arrived back a little late, but were able to see Sis get her diploma).
Just about 10 minutes before the ceremony was to start the sky cleared, they dried off the chairs for the graduates, and the ceremony began. I couldn't believe the timing of the storm. Everyone's prayers were answered. Hallelujah!
As we stood for the National Anthem, I realized my body had warmed the puddle of water I was sitting in and it was very uncomfortable to move! I wanted to stay in my nice warm puddle! I'm not sure I can remember a time I was that soaked. As I reflect on it today though, it really made it not only a visual experience, but a very physical one as well. I would not trade my wet undies and shivering body for a dry ceremony and miss out on this special graduation for anything!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Of Yearbook Poems and Senior Portraits
How'd you become so weird, so sassy, so wild?
How'd you become outgoing, opinionated and so confident a child?
How'd you become a grown up instead of a girl?
How'd it happen that the years flew by in a whirl?
The answers it seems, only you know,
So smart, so bright so ready to go.
I look for my little girl, but I am too slow,
You're already on to the next act of your show.
Time watching you grow has been cherished time spent,
I've sat back and admired your spunk and your talent.
Away you go, your own life to make,
Just remember a piece of my heart you will take.

I guess I didn't embarrass her too much. The day she got her yearbook, she texted me at work to say, " Thanks for the wonderful ad! I love you!" and then I texted back something sappy and we both got teary eyed.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I Have No Idea For A Title For This Post
I had one faux pas, not on stage fortunately. You see, I've gotten quite used to public dressing rooms and even when a few of us get together we all go into the same room and change in front of each other and never think anything of it. Well, last night I met up with my friends and we went backstage so I could change. I just went about stripping down and putting on my dance bra, without noticing there were men in the dressing room too! Oops! I was off to one side and I really don't think anyone noticed, but I realized that maybe I should be a little more observant before I change in a large dressing room again. Duh!
In other news:
I was picked up by the county office of education about 2 weeks ago to finish the year as an aide at a local preschool. They have regular kids and special needs kids together. My job is to be a one on one aide to a 5 year old boy with autism. He's fairly high functioning but can be a handful, so I carry around a star chart and give him a star for any positive behavior and when he earns 5 stars he gets his computer time. Some days he loves me and we have a great day together, some days I show up and he'll say, "No! Not you!" and I have to wait for him to warm up to me.
I enjoy it though. I get to interact with all the kids and it's fun to come home and have my kids ask me what I did at work and I get to list such things as: played with playdough, read books, played bounce and catch, colored, got hugs. Yeah, really gruelling work days! I have my fingers crossed that I'll get picked up as an aide when school starts again.
There's one little 3 year old girl that melts my heart. Her name is the same as my oldest daughter's and spelled the same way which is unusual. She even has brown hair with little curls just like Sis had. When she arrives she usually seeks me out to sit on my lap or read a book to her. What a treat for me. She has already caught on that I'm a complete push-over when it comes to her.
It's just very sweet to have this little girl to remind me of Sis, but it makes me all mushy too, because here Sis is, 18 and getting ready to graduate, and wasn't it just yesterday that she was a little bitty girl with curly hair wearing pink dresses? Sigh...
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Fair Time Means Rides, Goats and Motorcycles...but not riding goats or motorcycles
Years ago my friend and I would attend all 4 days of the fair with kids in tow. We'd pack a lunch, throw a blanket on the lawn and let the kids ride all the rides (in those days rides were free with admission) to their hearts content. It was cheap entertainment to be sure.
Now it's gotten a bit more pricey, so I hadn't planned on attending this year at all, but when I found out that ride wristbands were going to be only $10 on kids day (kids under 12 free) and adult admission was only $6, I thought, what the heck, I think we can afford that.
The weather was perfect and we found friends to hang out with. I packed lots of goodies in our cooler so when the kids asked for some over-priced fair treat I could offer them chocolate pudding or frozen lemonade or pistachios (a rare treat) instead. And it worked.
We looked at all the animals. My favorites are always the fancy chickens. I love the ones that are so fluffy that you can't tell which end is which and I love the cute little bantam roosters. The girls however, loved the goats. They had the best time petting and talking to them.
Natalie was trying to kiss them (I don't know why) and she had one little goat in particular that was as enamored with her as she was with it. I started calling her the Goat Whisperer after this:
Then they found these adorable 1 week old babies:
Today we walked dowtown to see all the motorcycles. Our county fair attracts thousands of motorcyclists every year and our little downtown is one of their favorite hangouts. It's fun to see the entire length of Main Street lined with bikes, and to hear the constant roar of them moving through town.
I decided this one was mine:
I liked the olive green and black combo. I haven't seen that on a motorcycle before.
We spent some time cooling off in the creek and Nat spent time stalking water skippers which is her most recent obsession (we've been to the creek 3 times in the last week so she could harrass, er, I mean, "enjoy" them). It took some convincing for her to accept that they were on a "catch and release" only basis and not coming home with us!
So we are enjoying our long weekend thanks to the county fair!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Payin' It Forward - Anyone Want To Play?

Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Worrisome Sign
WORRY IS THE DARKROOM IN WHICH NEGATIVES DEVELOP
That really made me stop and think. My dad has always been a profound worrier, from the weather to the affairs of the world, he worries about everything all the time. He is also one of the most pessimistic people I know. I love him, but sometimes he's hard to be around because of his gloom and doom attitude. I really want to watch myself so that I don't develop a negative attitude from worrying. After all, worry doesn't change anything!
I think I need to get this tattooed somewhere...ok maybe not, but I'm going to remember it and take it to heart.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Town Donkey
When we have visitors and I ask if they'd like to take a walk and see our town donkey, they think I'm kidding, and they are usually surprised to see that there really is a donkey, and even a specified "Burro Parking" area near her corral.

The girls love to pick fresh grass for her in addition to bringing her a carrot or two. Clara is very sweet and likes to be petted or brushed with the brush that hangs on the fence. She was born right here in 1982, and I remember back when we had 2 town donkeys - Clara and her mother. I think her mother died about 10 years ago.
Clara gets lots of attention from visitors and although she has no official owner, several people take care of her on a daily basis. One of the local wineries even donates part of their profit for her upkeep.
I love this town, and our sweet donkey.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Made My Day
The only jobs that have been available have been in the special ed classrooms (there's a preschool and elementary level class) so that's where I've been helping out.
Many of the kids are pretty low-functioning (as they like to call it), meaning they don't verbalize much if at all, and they are mostly in their own little worlds and it's hard to draw them out. Such is the case with little Benji who has Down Syndrome.
I accompanied Benji to the bathroom yesterday and as he finished up and washed his hands we exited and the teacher asked if I had filled out the log for him (they keep track of each time he goes and such). Well I hadn't, so I walked back in the very large bathroom to the far end where the log was and began to write.
About this time Benji turns the lights out. I say, "Benji I need the lights on." and walk back to where he is at the door. He turns them back on. Cool. I go back to the log. The lights go out. Again I say, "Benji I need the lights on." but this time I hear a giggle. From Benji. I'm thrilled; he's playing a joke on me. Wow! So back I go again and he turns the lights on.
Well, we do this 4 or 5 times before I can get this darned log filled out, but the more he giggles the more I'm loving it. Finally he's actually interacting with me and I've never heard him laugh! I could seriously do this all day. It was so sweet and I was getting such a kick out of him. The teacher thought it was pretty cute too.
We also went to the school assembly and one of the boys was getting a Student of the Month award. It was so hard for him to wait. He's one who has a hard time controlling himself and also blurts words. The teacher told him to squeeze her hand if he felt he needed to talk (rather than blurting) and I saw he was giving her hand a workout the entire time. Finally his name was called and he walked up to get his award with the biggest smile on his face. I barely know this kid and I had tears in my eyes I was so proud of him.
These little guys have such a tough road, but they are such a pleasure to work with. They don't realize how they have touched my heart just in their daily accomplishments. The special ed kids are special indeed. (Can you tell I'm attached to them all already?)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Stick A Fork in Her...I'm Done

Tuesday, April 28, 2009
MS Walk
Last year I didn't do Relay for Life (I think I had a bit of team captain burn-out) although I attended the event and supported it in that way, so this year I was ready to jump back into a fundraising cause.
Me and my sister
My sister suffers from MS. She was diagnosed about 8 years ago. She has had to go on permanent disability and takes weekly injections of a drug that seems to keep it somewhat under control. I know there is a lot she deals with in her fight with this disease, but she mostly keeps it all to herself and doesn't complain.
The girls, me, my sister, and my walk partners: Dave and Suey my dog
When I found out there was a walk to raise money for MS I was really excited and signed up to attend the walk in my sister's town. I decided to raise money as an individual (instead of on a team), and was actually one of the top earners of the event. Woo-hoo! It is hard to thank people enough for sponsoring me so generously in this economic climate. A lot of donations were made out of love and support of my sister by her dear friends.
crazy girls
My brother-in-law accompanied me on the walk and we left my sister in charge of Nat and Moo. I was really thrilled that Dave wanted to accompany me, and it was really nice to have someone to walk with (besides my trusty mutt). It was a beautiful day, a very successful event and a worthy cause.
MS has also touched our family as my Uncle Bill died from complications of it, and my kids' great grandmother also suffered from it. They have found no reason to believe it to be hereditary, but certain genetic links seem to make one more susceptible. More info can be found at NMSS website.
I encourage everyone to find a cause to fight for, whatever it may be. You'll be glad you did!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Califoniprocrastination (or Procrastination California Style)
In fact, I started planning my next trip to Yosemite after I'd been in the valley all of 5 minutes. I want to go there again soon. I'm thinking maybe even as soon as next month. I can not believe that I haven't made the effort to go there sooner. I am really kicking myself. To think people come from all over the world to see this incredible place and I couldn't be bothered to make a short drive. Well, never again will I wait 40 years to experience Yosemite (or anything else for that matter). I just changed my attitude!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
There Was A Crooked (wo)Man
It was kind of silly really. They determined my body fat, gave me a 3 minute step test, a hand grip test, tested my flexibility bending forward and sideways, made me lift a certain amount of weight, and had me transfer 20 paper clips from one container to another as well as pick a pen 20 times, along with many other little tests. I think the district could better use their money elsewhere, really. And if I was in charge of testing employees I think I'd rather spend money on a drug test than have potential employees spend 2 hours with a physical therapist picking up paper clips and answering questions.
At any rate, the PT pointed out that I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine). I told her I knew that, but the first time it was ever pointed out to me was by my midwife 7 years ago when I was pregnant with Nat during my prenatal physical.
As an aside, due to my "advanced maternal age" with Nat, I went 3 times to an OB specialist for level 2 ultrasounds. Each visit they would tell me that my due date was 3 weeks later than my midwife's date and they told me they were "officially" changing my due date. Then I would go back to Ellie, my midwife, and tell her and she would feel my belly and say, "No, the baby is right on schedule and will be on time." Guess what? Nat was born the day after the midwife's due date weighing in at 8 pounds. Technology vs. a midwife's knowledgable hands, and the hands won.
I remember getting yearly scoliosis screenings at school, but no one ever mentioned that I had it.Very strange. I do know that it has always bothered me how on one side I have the regular curvy indentation at my waist but my other side is completely straight. She also pointed out that on my left side there is only a couple inches of space between my ribs and my hip.
I guess there are exercises that could help. All I need is a referral from my doctor (and insurance and money and all that), so that has kind of piqued my interest and I've been doing some online searching instead. Who needs pricey physical therapy sessions when you have the internet, right?
I was also struck as soon as I walked into the office that it would be interesting to be a PT. I was really intrigued by it all and I've always loved fitness and learning exercises and everything. I wonder if it's too late to look into it as a career. Hmmmm....
Sunday, April 12, 2009
This Was Spring Break
Moo, Nat, Sis and her boyfriend Trav who was looking good all color-coordinated in purple
On to visit my dad (who is doing so much better than at Christmastime--it's good to see him all chatty again, even if he is all gloom-and-doom-the-world-is-going-to-hell-in-a-handbasket. That's just dad for ya.) where my sister and brother-in-law brought gorgeous baskets for the girls.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A Big Ghoul
She has been working for the past couple of weeks on shoe tying (at the encouragement of all of us who are tired of tying her dang shoes umpteen times a day), and she has finally mastered it.
She named off all the other things that she has done on her way to becoming a "big ghoul". Wearing underwear, taking care of herself, riding a two-wheeler, and now the shoe tying. Yep, that covers it. It's definitely official.
Apparently pronouncing your R's is not on the "big ghoul" list, but that's ok, I want to hear her sweet little girl voice for as long as possible.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Twitter-pated Deer Warning
I just warned Sis as she went out the door to watch out for deer because I've seen more deer today than I've seen in the last six months. It's like in the movie Bambi: Spring has sprung and all the forest creatures are running around all twitter-pated and looking for mates. Unfortunately they're very suicidal when they're twitter-pated, so we drivers of fast motor vehicles have to be extra cautious.
And a driving tip for those who aren't familiar with suicidal deer tactics: If you see one deer cross in front of you, don't take a deep breath and think you're "out of the woods" (pun intended). Oh no. If you see one deer, chances are he has several buddies who are going to cross right behind him. Definitely slow down and expect one of those buggers to jump out in front of you when you least expect it!
For those of you interested (there are some, I swear!) here are some photos from our recent performance at Rakkasah:


Sunday, March 29, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom! (with bonus cake recipe)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ever Wonder About Those Princess Cakes?
Today at church I was teaching the younger class of 4-8 year olds (the Primary presidency rotates through teaching that class at the moment, and today was my turn). I had only Nat and another little girl who's 4 in attendance.
Our lesson was on baptism, and at the end they had a coloring page with a cake on it and the words "I can't wait until I'm 8" at the top (8 being baptism age). They were to draw 8 candles and then color their cake.
To pass the time, I asked them what kind of cake they would like. Nat wanted strawberry, and the other little girl said, "Princess". To clarify, I said, "Well, what flavor would you like?" Again she responded "Princess".
Nat and I laughed and I quipped, "I wonder what that would taste like?!"
Nat says, "Probably meat."
Ewwwww! (but funny!)
*********************************************
Way back when Nat was just a toddler she and I would play a funny game. I would pull off one of her shoes and sniff her foot and make a big deal about how "stinky" it was. This was always good for giggles (for her and me).
Well, our little game backfired one Sunday in church, as the sacrament was being passed and the congregation was silent. Little precocious Nat pulled off one of her shoes, held up her foot and said loud and clear, "Smell my stinky feet!"
I was so embarrassed, and when I looked up to see if anyone had heard, I saw everyone in the three rows in front of us with shoulders shaking trying to hold back the laughter.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Case of The Missing Tweezers
I, like most women, get the occasional unfortunately placed dark hair on my face and I like to keep those things under control, to say nothing of my eyebrows, so I was really starting to need those tweezers.
I had two other pairs of tweezers in my make-up drawer so I decided to try them (because by now I have three hairs that are taunting me). These stupid tweezers would not even touch my hairs! What's with that? Why does a company make tweezers that are so poorly designed that they cannot grasp a hair? What exactly are they intended for? Well, I promptly (and huffily) dumped them both in the waste basket.
I then went out to do laundry, and among the wet clothes I noticed my nice hoodie and put it in the dryer. I then heard a distictive "clink" in the bottom of the washer. I looked and, oh joy! My tweezers! NOW I remember what happened: I had taken the tweezers from my room to the girls' bathroom where the light is better, used them and instead of putting them back in my drawer, I put them in the pocket of my hoodie to do later, and the rest is history!
Yay, I found my tweezers! Wild hairs, here I come! But first to finish the laundry, so I put the tweezers in the pocket of yet a different hoodie I was wearing at the time (hmmm...I'm noticing a pattern here...), and then of course I forgot about my crazy, taunting hairs and my fantastic hair-pulling tweezers and took the dog for a walk instead.
To the best of my knowledge, my tweezers probably fell out of my pocket during our walk, and a search did not turn up anything. And yes, those hairs are pretty happy, and getting sassier by the day!
Procrastinating will get you in the end every time!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Post-Anesthesia Ramblings of My Teenage Daughter
She went in at 8:45 this morning, sullen and cranky, and 2 hours later I walked her to the car animated and chatty (with a full mouth of gauze no less). It was a pretty entertaining drive home as the drugs they gave her made her a little goofy (and kind of like a 5 year old).
Here are some hightlights of what she said on our 30 minute drive home:
Am I done?
Where are we going?
That lady (the nurse) pet my head.
Am I all done?
Do I have gold in my mouth?
You can't go to Walmart. People are going to get shot at Walmart, but it's just a rumor. Texas, Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia...
Are my cheeks fat? Do I look like a chipmunk? I like chipmunks, they're cute.
I talked to Bub and he arm wrestled some lady in a bar on St Patty's day. (me: Did he win?) No, they tied.
How long was I in there? (me: About 2 hours) Holy smokes!
My cheeks feel fat like I swallowed an elephant. That would hurt to swallow an elephant.
Where's my nostril? I can't feel it. My nose is stuffy. Can I pick it?
Watch for deer! There's a lot of deer around here!
My tongue feels funny. (I tell her it's coming back alive after being numbed.) You mean it was dead?! I didn't even get to say goodbye. Did they have a funeral?
Do I have gold in my mouth?
Remember when I got that thing on the roof of my mouth and my tongue couldn't touch the roof? Well he can touch it now. He's happy now.
I'm hungry. My tummy's angry cause it got cheated this morning.
They tore out one of my arm hairs! They took the tape off and one of my arm hairs came out. (Just one? What, does she inventory them?)
That lady was nice. She pet my head and held my hand when I asked her.
I still can't feel my nostril.
I didn't get to count. (I told her they would probably have her count backwards from 100 as she went to sleep.) I had it memorized and everything but they didn't let me count.
I liked that blanket. How come they didn't let me take it? I could use a new blanket.
They kept asking me what my name was. They asked me 5 times! (I tell her they were trying to see if her brain was waking up yet.) Well why didn't they ask me what the square root of 25 was?
I feel like I swallowed a balloon.
When did I go to sleep? (me: Probably about 9.) Nine at night?! (No, nine this morning.) Oh. Well that makes more sense.
The doctor flicked my arm and said he was giving me something to wake up and I told him no, I want to sleep.
Did I dream? (Not sure how I'm supposed to know.) I think I should have dreamed. Maybe I dreamed but don't remember.
He asked me if I was afraid of the IV and I said 'No, let's get this show on the road!'
...and then the nostril thing, the story of Bub arm wrestling, 'they didn't let me count' and "do I have gold in my mouth" repeated a few more times.
I'm hoping her recovery goes smoothly. It's terrible to see her hurting and not be able to help. I hope she'll look back on these notes from her drive home and chuckle about how silly those drugs made her.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Needed: Wisdom Teeth Wisdom
What helped and what didn't. What would you do again, and what would you for sure avoid.
What soft foods are good. Of course yogurt, soup and pudding, but anything else to break up the monotony?
I was told today that she should eat raw pineapple before the surgery as it helps with inflammation. Now, I know that my midwife recommended this towards the end of pregnancy to ripen one's cervix, but not sure about how it will help in the mouth. I just know my mouth gets sore if I eat too much. Has anyone else ever been told to eat pineapple?
She has a prescription for Vicadin. I know a lot of people have trouble tolerating it. Any advice?
Any and all helpful comments appreciated! Thanks!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Horse Craziness
I Got a HOLLA
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Various Recent Occurences In My World
I met a "soul sister" (her words) recently through blogland. Imagine coming across another bellydancing LDS mother of 4, with a house full of critters who likes to blog? I was so excited! Check out Shimmy Mom, my new bloggy dance sister!
Oh, and a couple days ago, I was shocked to observe Callie exhibiting some very unladylike behavior towards mama pig (I won't go into details, just use your imagination). I then had the girls bring me both baby guineas and I "compared and contrasted" their nether regions, and concluded that Callie must be male. Ooops! Hopefully we got him out of the cage in time to avoid another batch of babies! Right now Callie and Moe are residing in the old cage, and the girls are in the piggy palace. We need to do some serious thinking about re-homing Callie at this point and we have a nice friend from church who may be interested.
And last night my 2 dance sisters and I traveled to Vallejo to dance at Rakkasah again. We were a lot more confident than last year, and felt we did a good job. Because getting a spot to dance at this festival is a crap shoot at best, we danced at 10pm. It actually was a good time as far as having an actual audience (as opposed to last year), but made for a late night (I arrived home at 1:30am). We had a great girls night out, and really bellydancing is kind of like playing dress-up for big girls, so what's not to love? (I'll hopefully have photos to post soon.)
Well, that's the update!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What To Do?
The thing my friend said that stuck with me was that if Jesus Christ has the power to meet your spiritual needs, he most certainly has the power to also meet your physical needs, so that if you tithe and need something, it will be taken care of.
Now, a dilemma. I have my tithing check sitting on my desk. All I have to do is walk it across the street to the bishop. That's it. So easy. But not.
Mike was overdrawn in his account, so I bailed him out, and what with me quitting my job and everything, I'm now stressing out about coming up with my car payment in about a week and a half if I do walk that money across the street and give it to the church like I should.
I really wish I had a strong testimony of tithing right now, and knew that somehow I'd be able to make that payment and pay tithing too. I just don't. What to do, what to do?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
This Is A Really Long, Drawn Out Story About Cookies And Old Friends With Many Parantheses and Run On Sentences
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Week of Reflection
After what seemed like weeks of rain and snow, the weather finally broke, and this was what we saw right out our front door:
Since Nat had just taught herself to ride a 2-wheeler (when you're the 4th child you have figure out how to do things for yourself!), she was excited to take a bike ride on this surprise day off. We went to the park and saw how much water was in the creek and the girls rode through puddles. Too fun!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
This Post is Absolutely NOT About Guinea Pigs
A patient husband with good measuring and cutting skills
Monday, March 2, 2009
Just a Eatin' and a Squeakin'
How one little pig can eat and make this much noise at the same time, I have no idea. She calms down a bit when Moe shows up though. Heeeeeere's Callie:
Feeling Like a Weenie
Friday, February 20, 2009
Traumatizing Stories
So the story goes (or how I remember it anyway), there is a boy in the hospital for a tonsillectomy and next to him is a boy who was in a horrible car accident and who knows he's going to die and is scared. The Tonsil boy befriends him and they decide that Car Accident boy should prop his arm up to show Jesus he's ready to go "home" (because apparently Jesus wanders hospital corridors at night looking for this universal sign).
Tonsil boy helps Car Accident boy prop his arm up with pillows and the next morning finds him "gone" with a beautiful smile on his face.
I read this in a waiting room when I was probably 8 or 9ish, because I remember reading it by myself and then being scared to death that I might accidentally sleep with my arm up and Jesus would take me away by mistake. That story haunted me for a long time (and made for a series of long nights in uncomfortable sleeping positions to prevent my arm from popping up unintentionally).
The other story that has traumatized me, but this time as an adult, was Love You Forever. The one where the woman cradles who newborn son and rocks him, and you see the years pass until the son is holding his frail old mom as she nears death. Hoo-boy! Now that's a great children's book (I realize it's a beautiful story and all, it's just WAY too sentimental and tear-jerking for my comfort level).
The first time I read it I was volunteering in the kindergarten class and reading books to a group of children. One of them plunked this gem in my lap and I unknowingly started reading. Well by the time I got near the end I was blubbering and trying desperately to get through it, but none of the kids seemed to notice, they just asked why I kept stopping. Lesson learned there. I've always steered clear of that book from then on.
So, has anyone else been traumatized by these stories? Were there any stories from childhood that really scared you?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Little Old Ladies Are Cheap!
Yesterday I was cashiering when a group of 4 cute little old ladies approached with their check. We apply the discount at the register, so they were anxiously waiting to hear the total for their lunch. With senior discounts and pennies applied their total was $18.
They then wanted me to tell them how much that would be split four ways. I announced that it would be $4.50 each. Such a deal. Then they wanted to know if they could apply their comps from their player's cards to the total. Of course! No problem!
I had to run each lady's card through the system and apply their 48 cents or their $1.11 to the bill--finally bringing it down to $15.67. THEN they wanted me to figure out what that would be split 4 ways....um...I'm not a human calculator, nor did I have such a device handy, so I said it's about $4 each. Then they all gave me their money one by blessed one...first a $20 bill that I take $4 out of, then a $5, then a $10, then the last lady only owes $3.67, and I'm praying that none of the others catches on and throws an old lady hissy fit when they figure she is paying $.33 cents less than they did.
Honest to Pete, this was the longest transaction ever, and I wouldn't have minded so much if the little old ladies were a bit nicer about the whole thing, but they were quite indignant about spending their dang $4. I think it would've been easier for one to pay the bill and then for them to work it out amongst themselves...or arm wrestle for it...that would've been fun too.
Oh goodness, little old ladies can be funny...I guess my turn at being old and cheap is coming!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Piggerific
More piggy goodness for your viewing pleasure...
I love their coloring. They're both a mixture of black and orange in their own way.
Moo is calling this one Callie, because it's calico. Looks like it will have a little mohawk like Moe.
Here's a view of Callie that shows why Nat originally wanted to call this one Eye Patch.
Natalie and little Ice Cream. She must get her pet-naming talent from her father who had a dog named Ardy Choke.
Awww...
Oh...and another mutant alien trait about guinea pigs that I forgot to include yesterday...they never close their eyes. NEVER. It's so weird. They sleep with their eyes open and even seeing them blink is rare. They can close their eyelids if they want. They just don't. Aliens are among us...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Cuteness Factor is Off the Charts
I was awoken this morning by little excited voices exclaiming, "They're so fluffy!" and "This one has a little mohawk!" and "Gidget had her babies!"
They are the cutest little things I think I've ever seen. Unlike most rodents, guinea pigs have babies that are fully furred, eyes open, and running around. They look just like miniature adults. And I've read that they will be eating solid food in a few days. Strange.
(Of course this further proves my theory that guinea pigs are some sort of mutant alien critter---my first point being that they have 4 toes on their front paws like normal critters, but only 3 on their back feet. 3? Then there are their strange alien vocalizations: pig squeals, twitters, whistles, squeaks and purring, yes, purring! And now the babies. Weird. They're aliens, I'm sure of it--right up there with the platypus!)
The babies are truly a mixture of Moe and Gidget. Very cool. I was a little disturbed when the girls started referring to the babies as "mine", as in, "Oh look at mine; he's so cute." Ruh-Roh, is all I can say! I'm not sure we have room for 4 pigs! (I was really hoping we would have 3, so that we could find a home for 2 and keep one. )
I can't quite tell yet whether we have boys or girls or one of each. The girls already are thinking up names. Nat thinks they should be named Ice Cream and Eye Patch. (I just love the way 6 year olds name things!)
--Piggy Update--
I went in to get some pictures of the little guys to post here and when I picked up Gidget I found that she had not quite delivered a third baby. It was obviously not alive, so I called the vet and Mike and the girls took her in to have the vet deliver it (because I had to leave for work). I was very saddened that our third little one didn't make it.
The vet told Mike that it was lucky this was the last one and not the first as it was quite big. She also said that she's fairly certain we have two girl babies. That's good news anyway! (And Gidget is fine.)
If you are interested in owning a guinea pig, please check out these sites FIRST and read up on their care http://www.cavyspirit.com/ and http://www.guinealynx.info/ .
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bulging
I'm sure Moe is whispering to her in their piggy language, "No! You don't look fat, dear!"
Not sure when the babies will arrive. I read that about 2-3 weeks after you can feel the babies moving they will arrive, but it seems like we've been feeling them for at least a month now. Poor Gidget, I know how she feels!
As for Moe: his surgery went well thankyouverymuch. His days of being fertile are over!
If you are interested in owning a guinea pig, please check out these sites FIRST and read up on their care http://www.cavyspirit.com/ and http://www.guinealynx.info/ .
Saturday, February 7, 2009
So I Took This Career Test...
I've been trying on my own to come up with a career goal. Here's what I like to do:
I like cashiering and counting money (they have those cool money counting machines at the casino) and find a certain satisfaction in balancing my drawer.
I like helping people. I like being helpful in little ways and making a person's day better.
I like reading and writing and I have serious typo-finding skillz. (Yeah, it's a typo, I also have a sense of humor).
I like being physical. (Bussing tables, waitressing, teaching dance.)
The state-of-the-art online career evaluation says this about me:
You'll thrive in a career that lets you bring order out of chaos for yours is a talent for organization...your sense of detail is so keen that you never lose your edge or your concentration when doing repetitive work. (See...cashiering I think qualifies)
....you are most likely to find and correct the errors that everyone else misses. (typos)
....you appreciate the clarity of rule-based systems, the perfect work for you should involve high standards, clear, unequivocal guidelines, and explicit structures of authority. (definitely sounds like me).
You need the human connection in your work to feel genuine satisfaction in your career. So, you're a natural for any of the "helping" professions. (I don't like jobs where I'm on my own with no one to interact with.)
You also require work that brings not just money but meaning into your life. Care, compassion, and the genuine willingness to serve incline you to positions of social responsibility.
You need work you can touch to feel at home in what you do. Your greatest job satisfaction will come from a hands-on career. (I'm definitely the hands-on type)
Patience, craftsmanship, and the need to see results incline you toward careers that yield tangible results. Ideally, your career will involve movement and physical exertion. (Yep, got me pegged.)
So at the end it told me my perfect professions to choose from would be in:
Construction & Maintenance
Constructions professionals are able to translate blueprints into real buildings and structures. They are responsible for following the building codes in their jurisdiction. Extraction professionals may work on an oil rig or in a mining capacity. These workers must have a lot of stamina and strength while being mindful of safety procedures at all times.
What types of jobs are available in this field
- Janitors and Cleaners
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Pest Control Workers
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Friday, February 6, 2009
Moody is Feeling Moody
I got my dinner break that night (just an hour into my 8 hour shift) but there were several girls who didn't. I felt really bad for them. We didn't get any breaks whatsoever even for the bathroom. Then they had only one cashier and she worked her fanny off, and ended up working 2 1/2 hours overtime. I was disgusted by the time I got home about how we all were treated. I know it was an especially crazy night, but they should've anticipated it a bit better and put a few more people on. Sheesh!
Then I have been scheduled 8 days straight (tonight's my last night, finally!) and I'm not too happy about that either. In the last week I've seen my family for about 4 hours each, last Saturday and Sunday, and saw the girls on Tuesday for about an hour and a half. I got to spend "quality time" with Sis on Wednesday going to an oral surgery consultation for her wisdom teeth, but other than that haven't seen my family at all. They're all gone in the morning after I wake up (I usually get in at 12:30-1am) and they're all asleep when I get home.
I just don't know if I can do this. I'm just not sure what my options are though. My greatest happiness in my life has been my kids and now I don't get to see them. To me, that's just not worth it. I will hopefully get to talk to a manager tonight about changing my shift, but if I can't get a day shift I will probably just tell them that I'll hang in there for February and then be on my way---but to what, I don't know...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Guess the Pigs
If you are interested in owning a guinea pig, please check out these sites FIRST and read up on their care http://www.cavyspirit.com/ and http://www.guinealynx.info/ .
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Fat Pig
I'm guessing we'll be blessed with guinea piglets sometime in the next week to 10 days.
I've never been an advocate for allowing my pets to reproduce so that my kids can experience the miracle of birth, or for any other random reason, because I think it's foolish to add to the pet population when there are already so many that need homes. That's why I feel a bit ashamed at hoping against hope that nature wouldn't take it's course with our guinea pigs and ending up with a very pregnant Gidget.
So, Mr. Moe has an appointment with the vet tomorrow for some very "delicate" surgery.
Neutering guinea pigs is apparently quite a bit trickier than on a cat or dog, so it requires a vet who specializes in small animals. Luckily we have a local vet who is qualified. Vets generally won't spay females, and even the neutering is very involved and is therefore more expensive which is the reason I didn't get him done earlier.
Thus our adventure into "pig farming" begins. I'll admit that I am kind of looking forward to seeing the little cuties.
If you are interested in owning a guinea pig, please check out these sites FIRST and read up on their care http://www.cavyspirit.com/ and http://www.guinealynx.info/ .
Monday, January 26, 2009
This is How I Entertain Myself at Work
We have a point of sale computer system that can be a bit tricky to get the hang of because it's extremely redundant, and the casino has cards that most customers have that allow them comps and points to pay for their food. I think I've got it down now after working the weekend, and to my knowledge, I only made a minimum of screw ups.
On Friday though, it was a bit of a slow start, so I found myself with nothing to do but stand behind the register and contemplate life. Then I noticed the pens chained to the counter for the customers to sign their lives away with. The chains were quite long and swirly which reminded me of cursive writing, so I got inspired to write my name with the chain.
I did quite well with my name, so then I thought how cool would it be to write a clever message for the observant guest to read when they approached the counter? My first thought was "Some Pig" ala Charlotte's Web, but I wasn't sure everyone would get it, so I decided on a simple "hello".
I was busily getting the chain to loop in just the right ways when a customer approached. Imagine my chagrin when I realized that they would be greeted with "hell" if they should look down at the counter. I quickly distracted them and plunked their bill folder on top of my chain creation. Whew, disaster averted!
From then on I left writing messages alone and instead decided I would stick to shapes and swirly flowers.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cheap Thrills
My own cheap thrill is that on a corner in San Francisco, you can see my son and his girlfriend walking on the sidewalk. That makes them practically famous, right? Well in my book it does.
I'm having trouble linking it. I don't know why, so if you go to 204 Font Blvd. in San Francisco you should be able to see them. (And no, they're not really there RIGHT NOW, Nat).
Fighting FOCA
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Life on Overload
This past week has been crazy what with attending new employee orientation for two days, training all weekend, still showing up for work at my other job, and trying to absorb all that is new and different in my life over the past few days.
Some of my musings:
Getting used to the casino atmosphere is challenging for me. It's like a whole different world inside those doors. The amount of money that people spend "gaming" is incredible, as the employee perks, expansion of the casino, the large estates on the reservation and the crowds testify. Wow. That's about all I can say. Wow.
I'm currently working swing shift, and started stressing out about that last night. Swing shift will mean that during school days I will have to leave for work about a half hour after the kids are home from school and will get home long past their bed time, so in essence I won't see them at all during those days and I will miss our bedtime reading and dinners together. I'm feeling neglectful as a mother just thinking about it.
I know there are a lot of wonderful opportunities available through the casino career wise, and the elusive medical benefits that I've been trying to find through other jobs.
I know this job is a foot in the door and in 6 months time I can transfer to a different department in the casino so it's just a matter of hanging in there for now and making the most of the time that I do have at home. I think "hang in there" is going to be my new mantra.
I'm truly going to miss my other job at the restaurant where I've been bussing/hostessing/waitressing. It is such a wonderful place to work and I feel like everyone there is family. Too bad they can't offer me anything more than 2-3 nights a week or benefits. Sigh...I know I will have to quit working there soon just for practical reasons. I worked double shifts at the casino and there last weekend and will again this weekend but 13 hour work days are not conducive to sanity.
So I guess I'm feeling a bit insecure, a bit overwhelmed, and a bit indecisive. I know it's normal to feel this way and I also know I'll adapt. All I need is time (and some good cold sore medication!)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Land of the Wee Folk
I commented to Nat that they were Irish and she said, "If they are Irish people shouldn't they be this big?" and she held her hand about 6 inches off the floor.
Then I had to explain that just because they're Irish doesn't mean they're leprechauns! Too funny!






