Three For Thursday

Got this prompt from EVELYN, and I thought..."why not?".  Hey!  Maybe if you join in too, she will make it a weekly meme and have link ups...DO IT!

Three things I do after the kids are in bed:


1. Eat something I probably shouldn't.
2. Watch all my shows that aren't appropriate for children.
3.  If the mood strikes us me, some sort of team sport... *cue stripper music*

Three people I kind of want to be, but not really:

1.  Me...11 years and 70 pounds ago. 
2. Blanket Jackson.  I'd introduce myself, and say "My friends call me Blankie".
3. ANYBODY who can walk comfortably in high heels wihtout looking "special".

Three objects I would never buy used:

1.  Lingerie
2.  Breast Pump
3.  Makeup


Three things I didn't do today:

1.  Wake up refreshed.
2.  Eat breakfast.
3.  Feel guilty about going out to lunch.


Three books I would like to read...probably in ten years when all these dang kids are in school:

1.  The rest of the Hunger Games trilogy.
2.  The Mortal Instruments series.
3.  Some sort of vacation planning guide.  Preferably to Australia.


Three things that have been ruined for me thanks to stomach flu and/or morning sickness:

1.  Bananas
2. Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup.
3. Yogurt


Three things I appreciate about my marriage:

1.  Our personalities just "fit".  Like we were made for each other.
2.  The boy can cook!  Which means...I don't always have to.
3.   Even after almost 11 years of marriage, we still flirt.  It's nice that my hubby is still hot for me...


Three things within a two foot reach of me:

1. Butterfly habitat
2. My Turn on Earth CD
3. A happy baby that does not belong to me.


Three pictures:


My sister, Boogs, recently sent out announcements for her husband's graduation from Dental School.  I am in love with my nephews!  Especially the grumpy one in the front.  He's so much like his mother, I just can't stand it!!!

Speaking of "announcements"...my brother and Sister in Law recently announced they're EXPECTING!  *praying for a girl*.  As if that's not enough, the incubator up there is turning 25 TODAY.  Happy birthday, Didj!  I love you!

THIS is my newest niece!  Isn't she beautiful?!

Three plans for the near future:


1. Go out to lunch with BAUB.
2. Work for 4 hours at the Book Fair.
3. Publish this post.


Three final thoughts:

1. I think I have allergies
2. Symfully Sweet will post THIS COMING SATURDAY, because my computer was broken, and we just got it fixed.
3.  Something about shopping at midnight, made me feel slightly less appreciative of the teachers

I Lie Like a Rug

So, I've seen a lot of you participating in various Memes lately, all centered around the same general premise.  To lie.

Now, I have not done very well at guessing everyone's lies thus far, and I have never been known to lie well, but I was still super excited to participate.

But nobody would tag me!  Yeah, that's right.  Ya'll know who you are...

Luckily, Vivienne took pity on me, and I was finally tagged!  YAY for me!

So here are my 5 truths and a lie.  Try to see if you can figure out which one is NOT true.

1. As a "tween" I once peed my pants in public.
2. After graduating high school, I went to a party.  At said party, I drank what I THOUGHT was only orange juice.  Turns out, it was actually a "screwdriver". 
3. I was kicked off a plane for being a threat to security.
4. I have a hicky on my neck.
5. I started writing a mystery series with a friend in 6th grade, and have seriously considered picking it back up.
6. I once got in trouble for drawing a pornographic picture. 

Which one is the lie???  Leave your guess in the comments.  I'll reveal the answers throughout the rest of the week.

Thanks, Viv!  This was fun!

Second Quarter...More than a Little Late.

I'm going to make this short and sweet.  I've been a tad under the weather, and just as I was feeling better, it was time to get preparations underway for me to host Christmas for 3 of my 4 siblings, and their families. 
I should have known better than to think I would actually have time to BLOG during all of the craziness, but at least I know better for next year, right?

APRIL

I celebrated my 29th birthday, and participated in my very first swap, all on the same day!

I shared some of my biggest quirks.

Bug turned 4.

I mistakenly expected a grown woman to act like a grown woman when I revealed my childhood nickname, and IMMEDIATELY REGRETTED IT.

And last but not least, Roon fixed the car.


MAY

The straw finally broke the camel's back, and we taught the kids a lesson by STRIPPING.  Their rooms, that is!

I posted about the SURPRISE BABY SHOWER I threw for my friend, Baub.

My children FAILED MISERABLY to give me what I asked for for Mother's Day, and I couldn't be more grateful!


JUNE

June was centered mainly around one thing.  Mine and Roon's 10th wedding anniversary.  I invited ya'll to celebrate with me, by hosting a game centered around our courtship and marriage. 
I announced the game HERE
and the rest of the parts can be found HERE.

The romance continued as I accidentally "sexted" Lady.

I "met" Evelyn when I was partnered with her for the Red White and Blue swap!  She's now one of my bestest friends...in real life or otherwise.

There. I'm sure that's not ALL I did that's worth mentioning this quarter, but it's certainly all I have time for.

My EXTRAVAGANT First Quarter!

I haven't quite decided the best way to do this yet, but is that going to stop me? 

No!

Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start (Julie Andrews.  Sound of Music.  Anyone???)

JANUARY:

I started my blog!  January 1st to be exact, and I'm happy to see that there was finally a resolution of sorts that I was able to keep!

I admitted to the world my love for Jake Pavelka, and proceeded to bore you with my thoughts on "The Bachelor" for the entire first quarter, and some of the second.

Basically, I was VERY new to blogging, and was not entirely entertaining. 

FEBRUARY:

I seemed to have found my bloggy niche by then.  I actually had a few posts that I'm not embarrassed to claim I penned!

Like THIS ONE where I told Bug he'd only get toilet paper for his birthday.

WE GOT SNOW!!!  No really!  We did!

Boo did a little art project while the rest of us were sleeping AT NIGHT.

And I wrote one of my favorite posts about an Iniana Jones type adventure.

On the creative side, I finally figured out how to decorate my mantel.  And it is awesome. 

MARCH: 

I got an iPhone.  It has been my lifeline since then, and I have no idea how I lived without one.

I shared with you all the woes of people misspelling my name.

I celebrated a very important anniversary.

I started Quince Quote.

And my favorite post of the month included the season passes we purchased to Six Flags.

So, that about wraps up the first quarter of my year!  What did YOU do?

Write it up, and link it on on any of the blogs hosting.  If you do it (making sure to include the official button), you will be entered into the giveaway.  You only have to link up with one of us.  Your link will show up on everyone's blog like magic!
Don't forget that you can also get an EXTRA entry by following all 6 blogs hosting. 

 

Don't forget to link!

 

Because, What Sounds More Fun Than an EXTRAVAGANZA?!

Does anybody else have a really hard time believing it is already December?

It could be because I live in Texas, so the 60-70 degree temps don't exactly scream CHRISTMAS or WINTER, but by golly, it IS already December!

What on Earth did I do all year?!  How can I possibly give everyone a big ol' rundown of the highlights from my year, whilest finding out what YOU have been up to as well...

If only their was an awesome linky party going on for that...

BUT WAIT!!!







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THERE IS!

Emmy had a brilliant idea, and was kind enough to invite a few of her favorites (that's right, I'm one of 'em!) to collaborate with her to take this party to new heights! 

But before I tell you who they are, allow me to give you the 4-1-1 on this little shindig.

Each post should contain a rundown of what you did for the specified quarter of the year.  This could include pictures, links to your favorite posts, stories of what you did, etc.  This could be the perfect opportunity to tell some of those stories that you MEANT to blog about, but were too lazy to forgot about. 

The plan will go as follows: 

NEXT Friday, the 10th, you will link up with your recap about January, February and March.
Friday the 17th-link up with recap of April, May and June.
Friday the 24th-link up with recap of July, August and September.
Friday the 31st-link up with recap of October, November and December.

I'm pretty relieved that they are done in 3 month increments.  I had a few months that were pretty skimpy.  *cough* October *cough*

You can link it up on any of the 6 blogs hosting and your link will show up on ALL of them...like magic!

Sounds simple enough, and FUN, right?! 

BUT WAIT!!!

You can't have an EXTRAVAGANZA, without a little something EXTRA, right?!

SO, by playing along, you are automatically entered to win a fabulous prize from your beyond awesome hostesses!  Each week you link up, you will receive an entry into the giveaway!  Link all 4 Fridays, get 4 entries!  SIMPLE! 

PLUS if you follow the blogs of all 6 ladies, (which you SHOULD be doing anyway, really) you will receive an extra entry for doing so.  Perhaps this'll help get me over my icky number slump...

Are you curious about the hostesses?  Allow me to introduce you...

First you have the brains behind the operation, and my "zipper sister", Emmy!








THEN, there is the person you can all blame for getting me interested in blogging in the first place (even if she didn't know she was doing it...) MiMi, from "Living in France".  She lives just slightly outside of France...






 If you don't recognize this next one, YOU'RE FIRED!  Did I sound like Donald Trump? 






Next, we have Laurie, AKA "CA Girl".  I don't know her too well yet, but from what I do know, she rocks!  Wish we all could be like her... (Beach Boys, get it?  Anyone?  Anyone?)








We mustn't forget Emily!  Yes ANOTHER one.  I also don't know her well yet, but any friend of Emmy's is a friend of mine.  At least, I HOPE so...








And quite possible saving the best for last, we have Shortmama.  Who doesn't know Shortmama?!  We're tight.








Don't forget to go check all these lovely ladies out.  While you're there, say hi, and don't forget to follow them via the Google Friend Connect.  Only a crazy person would pass up the chance to get an extra entry to win a FABULOUS prize.  Once you're following all of them, click and leave a comment on THIS post to let Emmy (because she is the keeper of the points) know that you did.

Did you get all that?  I probably don't make much sense.  I've got swapping on the brain.  Go visit any of the above ladies, and let them explain it to you.  They probably did a MUCH better job.

I Prefer to Think of it as Fashionably Late

Yesterday was actually the day I was supposed to link up with Emmy for her "10 things to smile about", but I had to announce the finalists, so I'm late.  Perhaps I will throw in an 11th thing to make up for it?  We'll see...

1.

 

Finding out the Sissy is well above her grade level in Reading, and "catches on quickly" to every subject.  I think she got that from me...or Roon.  It's definitely one of the two!

2.

I have really learned a lot about sports since I got married.  Why?  Because it makes Roon happy.  Plus, it makes me happy to see Bubble and Bug get into the excitement, even if it only lasts about 5 minutes into the first quarter. 

3.

 

The return of our favorite shows!  Roon and I spent all summer watching Doogie Howser M.D. on DVD so it's a little odd to see him again as "Barney", but it still makes me smile.  Yes, I realize it's pathetic that fictitious people made my list.  Let's move on...

4. 

I recently contacted a custom illustrator to help give my vinyl website a bit of a facelift.  HE WAS AMAZING!  Very professional, fairly priced, and it only took him about a week to take something I had dreamed up in my head, and make it a reality.  This is only a fraction of the overall picture, but it turned out PERFECT.  If you need a custom illustration, please contact him.  Every time I look at it...I smile.

5.

Yet another successful swap!  Most of my goodies are gone, but the new friend I made, is most certainly NOT gone.  New friends always make me smile...

6. 

The overwhelming support I had in making my new party a success makes me grin from ear to ear.  I hope the enthusiasm continues for many months to come.  Speaking of which...have you voted yet?  Do it NOW.  You can even vote for more than one person.  Check out the projects.  They're awesome.
7.

When Roon was in Florida for a week, he found these shirts, and bought them to serve as souveniers for the kids.  Truth be told, they were more for me.  I laugh every time I see them!
8.

Not being forgotten when my mom went to Forks (again) without me.  We may be on different teams as far as Twilight goes, but she'll still shell out money on Jacob paraphernalia because she knows it will make me smile.  And it did.  It really did!

9.

These guys moved closer to me!  Still not CLOSE...they live about 6 hours away, but it's a heck of a lot better than before!  I love my nephews!

10.

A completely amazing and out of the blue package arrived at my door from an incredible friend.  It was a "thank you" for something I did...but I think I got the better end of the deal.  I'm STILL smiling, and I opened it like 4 hours ago.  I know many of you won't get the reference, but she's like the Wally Kessler to my Harold Green. 

What 10 things do YOU have to smile about this month?

8 is LATE!

Eons ago, I was tagged by the wonderfully hilarious Shawn for the "8" meme.  The questions have been sitting in my drafts folder, most likely getting stale, but I always try to follow the rules when tagged for something, so here it goes...

1. If you could go to one place, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Hands down, that would be Australia.  I'm not sure why, but I've wanted to go there ever since I was a kid.  Could have had something to do with my HUGE obsession with the movie "Grease", and my love for the way "Aussies" talk, but whatever the reason...it tops my list.  I was SO jealous when I saw THIS Monday on Oprah. 
2. Do you coupon? {I have friends that save a ton and I just can't figure it out} If you do what are your secrets?
I don't...yet.  I imagine that once Bubble and Bug hit middle school, it will become a necessity as they try to eat me out of house and home, but right now...I just don't seem to have the time to devote to it.  I have friends who do it, and have built quite the food storages as a result, but I guess my brain just doesn't work like that.  I think to REALLY be able to do it, I'll need Roon's help.  He's definitely got more of a math brain than I do. 
I will clip the occasional coupon for Pull Ups or dog food, but for the most part, I just buy what I need, when I need it. 
3. If you had one thing to do over what would it be and why?
I probably wouldn't have had a boyfriend my senior year of High School.  My boyfriend "Sume" was a few years older than me, and had already graduated, which meant that I didn't get the whole experience of being asked out to a dance, and then going.  I never went to Prom, Homecoming, or any of the other random dances throughout that year.  My Senior Year was so much more lame than it should have been. 
At least I know from experience how to discourage my daughters from making the same mistake. 

4. Are you an organized clean freak or a less than tidy "tomorrows another day, it can wait" kind of girl? What does your house look like right now?
Right now, my house looks a little worse than "lived in".  Because of our bathroom remodel, there is evidence of construction everywhere, especially since we're doing the whole thing ourselves.  Normally, I am a "keep it clean enough that I don't gross out the Orkin man" kind of girl, and will often get fed up with clutter, and go on a day long cleaning rampage probably once a month.  I'm a work in progress.  Let's just say that progress is slow, but steady.  I aspire to be as neat as my sister, Boogs, but it gives me a glimmer of hope knowing that not even SHE was always neat.  I know.  We used to share a room.
5. Toilet paper...Over or Under ? And, are you compulsive enough to change it somewhere else {I am}?
OVER!!!  Funny thing is, I didn't know I had an opinion about this, until about a year and a half ago.  My mom was here helping me out, and she brought to my attention that my toilet paper was "facing the wrong way".  See, she is equally as passionate about it going UNDER.  It was never really a fight, because I used my own bathroom, but once she left, we turned all the TP around.  And all was right with the world...
6. You're talking to a group of people and someone has something in their teeth or their nose. Do you tell them, ignore it or excessively rub your tongue over your teeth or run your finger under your nose until they get the hint?
I guess this would depend on how well I know the person.  If I know them well, I will flat out tell them.  If I am acquainted with the person, I would probably do something a little more subtle, but if I didn't know them at all, I would probably just ignore it.  That makes me horrible, doesn't it?
7. You're out and about and you see a friends husband with another women. What do you do? Address him on the spot, call him the next day and give him an ultimatum or tell your friend?
I think this would depend on the circumstances of the encounter.  If I saw them in a passionate embrace, I would DEFINITELY do something.  Probably with an email or phone call after the fact, because I suck at face to face confrontation.  If it seemed innocent enough, and the friend was a good friend, I might go up and say hi, and see if he seemed weirded out.  I wouldn't assume there was something shady going on, unless I caught them in the act. 
8. What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten? What was it and who gave it to you?
Not so much sure this could be considered advice, but my favorite quote that I repeat to myself often is "I would rather be, the best ME that I can be, than a cheap imitation of someone else."  It's what helps me to stay genuine and true to myself.  I think I learned it in a church lesson when I was fairly newly married.

So, now I'm supposed to tag 8 people with 8 new questions.  The problem is, most everyone I know has already been tagged.  I think I'll tag as many new people as I can, and invite anyone else who wants to answer them to do so. 
My 8 questions:

1. Do you collect anything?  What is it?  If not, do you WISH you did?
2. What room in your house would you most lke to remodel?  Would your answer change if soemeone else was paying for it?
3. What is your LEAST favorite chore?  Do you hate it enough to get a maid to do it, or are you too anal for that?
4. Have you ever broken a bone?  What, and how?
5. Music.  Do you have a go to album that you play to get you motivated, or do you just blare the radio, and pray that something peppy comes on?
6. How do you keep track of your schedule?  Old fashioned calendar?  Set alerts on your phone?  Fly by the seat of your pants, and pray you don't forget a Parent/Teacher conference?
7. Cooking, baking, or neither?
8. Are you brand name specific, or are generics just as good?  What is one product you would NEVER replace with a generic brand?

Now, the 8 people I'm tagging are:

1. Hanging By A Silver Lining (I just love her!)
2. Brooks: Outnumbered
3. All4Speakers
4. BeckyJune
5. Mom Has the Mondays
6. Mamarazzi

Okay, so I can't count.  Sue me.  If you WANT to answer my questions, let me know, and I'll add your name to the list as being tagged.

The Fog Is Lifting!!!

Hello all!  Remember me?!  I know, I know.  I really had no intention of taking a blog break last week, but it took longer than I expected to get back into a regular routine again. 
I'm working on a few picture heavy posts, to give you an idea of what we did on vacation, but I thought that it would be better for me to link up with Mamarazzi's HAPPY LIST to help pull me out of my blog funk.  So, here it goes...

1.  MY BED.  Nothing makes you happier than coming home after a long vacation to your OWN bed.  My mattress is a Simmons Beautyrest INDIGO mattress, and it is like sleeping in Heaven. 

Throw on some $400 sheets that you found on clearance for $50, and you you have yourself a honeymoon every night...

2.  MY WASHER AND DRYER.  Laundry is my thing.  I love it.  I really like to do it, I don't mind nearly every task involved with doing the laundry.  Especially since, I got these:

I've had them for about 2 years, but I fell in love with them again when I got home, and had the mountains of laundry to wade through.  Plus, you gotta love an appliance that was paid off with NO INTEREST. 

3.  Speaking of appliances!  I had wanted to get a second vacuum for a while, so that I wouldn't have to lug the one we had up the stairs anymore.  But, since we have a vacuum that's kind of expensive, I hesitated to approach Roon about getting another one.  Luckily, the one we have has started to give us fits.  It hasn't quite given up the ghost yet, but it did present an amazing opportunity to point out to Roon that we would hate to be up a creek without a paddle, when our beast decides to die.  Luckily, Mamarazzi heard my plight, and recommended  this baby:

Only $60, and I am in AWE!  I didn't even think my floors were that dirty, but this thing sucked up things I couldn't even see!  While I do miss the self-propelled awesomeness of the beast, who now resides upstairs, the fact that he cost about 5 times as much, eased the heartache a bit. 

4.  Buying favorite things...IN BULK!!!  This goes beyond Costco, people.  While I do LOVE Costco, there are sometimes things I want that are a little harder to find. 

Like this:

 

And THIS: 

A while ago, Mamarazzi (Do I sound like the president of her fan club?  I think I am...) listed an item on her HAPPY LIST that she had to buy in bulk off the internet, because she couldn't find it in stores.  This reminded me of BUYTHECASE.NET and how they carried my absolute favorite body wash of all time.  I can never find it in stores, and spent a good part of our vacation looking all over the place for it.  No luck.  Once I got home, I ordered a case of it, along with a case of my favorite popcorn.  I have spent the last week smelling sweet, and finding any excuse to pop me some popcorn.  Who says it can't make a good lunch?! 

I also ordered one more thing in bulk, but it hasn't arrived yet.  When it does, it will FO SHO be on my happy list. 

Hey!  Whatdaya know?!  My blogging MOJO seems to be coming back!  I guess I'll see ya'll tomorrow! 

Dear Someone...

Dear Roon,

I always knew you were a super hero, but I always thought your powers were more geared towards nerdy computer things.  Now know that calling you "not mechanically inclined" is no longer accurate.  Way to go, changing the radiator by yourself, and saving us $100!  You rock my world, baby! 
See, I can write you a letter without being snarky...
By the way, you forgot to take out the kitchen garbage this morning.  (Okay, I ALMOST wrote you a letter without being snarky...)

Love,
I shouldn't have laughed at you, and made fun of your mechanic skills...
Sami


Dear Cooking Magazine,

What the crap is a "celery rib"?  I've heard of celery stalks, and I've even heard of celery hearts, but ribs?  I took a guess, but it sure looks like there's a disproportionate amount of celery in the crock pot now.  Yes, I could have Googled it, but if I have to Google terms in your magazine, I don't think it should be categorized as a "Simple and Delicious" recipe.  I'm just sayin'...

Signed,
Who do you think I am, Julia Child?!
Sami


Dear Kids in my Sunday School Class,

I'm really glad that you like me, and all, but I think it was a little harsh of you to tell your teacher, that alternates with me, that you don't like her anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered, but that doesn't exactly sound like something you should be saying in church.  Got it?  Next time, just smile and nod, and know that I will be teaching the next week okay? 

Signed,
Really?  My lessons are "interesting"?!
Sister Carter


Dear Texas Heat,

So, we meet again...  Why not?  It's May, after all, so flirting with 100 degree temperatures is about right.  But, if you could do me a favor, and let up long enough for us to enjoy a day OUTSIDE on Saturday, I promise, I will tolerate you the rest of the summer. 

Reluctantly,
Who am I kidding?  You can't read!
Stir-crazy Texas Mama

Alright everyone!  I know you've got to have one or two letters rolling around in your brains that you wish you could send too...  SO DO IT!!!  Pay a visit to our wonderful hostess SHORTMAMA, write up, and link up.  It's as easy as pie...Marie Calendar's style!

Dear Someone

Dear Elementary School Receptionist,

Did you recently fall on your head?  I mean, seriously.  I'm worried about you.  Every Wednesday at noon, I stroll into the office.  Every Wednesday at noon, you acknowledge me with a knowing glance, and simply ask if I'm there to volunteer.  Every Wednesday at noon, I answer in the affirmative.  Until, yesterday.  Yesterday (Wednesday at noon) I strolled into the office, and you didn't even seem to know who I was.  You randomly asked if I was headed to the library, and when I answered with a confused "no", you asked if I was there to eat lunch with my kid.  Nope.  It was just Wednesday at noon.  I was there for the same reason I was ALWAYS there Wednesday at noon.  I hope I didn't offfend you when I looked at you like you had lost your mind.

Signed,
They have CAT scans for a reason...
Sami


Dear Impending Storm,

I realize that with all of the melting ice caps, and whatever, that rain is something we greatly need, but if you could hold off until Saturday afternoon, I would greatly appreciate it.  It's not that I don't like the rain. I do.  I love the sound, and the smell.  However, I really don't like the idea of walking my 3 am shift at Relay for Life in soggy shoes.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Signed,
You get athlete's foot thata way...
Sami


Dear Society,

Since when did R.S.V.P. start to stand for "Responding Seems Very Persnickety"?  I don't mean to get all "Emily Post" on you, but when someone sends out 51 invitations, and only receives 15 RSVP's, it begs the question "are they not coming, or did they just forget to RSVP?"  leaving said person to prepare for the party as if 30+ "phantom" people are going to crash.  Don't get me wrong...I LOVED making 20 more favors than were needed, along with a couple dozen extra cupcakes, but I just feel that my time may have been better spent elsewhere.

Signed,
No, it was not just a suggestion...
Sami


Dear Roon,

$175 seems like a lot to have to pay for not listening to your wife, doesn't it?  Perhaps you should have listened the first time I suggested you get the car inspected.  Or, the 3rd time, or the 11th time over the course of 10 months since our sticker expired.  But, no.  You answered every time with a resounding "eh", and now have to pay for a ticket that Officer Whatshisbucket gave you.  As an added treat, we got to take the kids on the little field trip to the courthouse, where I got to explain to the children what barbed wire was for, as we waited out in the scary looking parking lot of the county lock up.  Maybe next time you will listen to me.  Maybe?

Love,
I bet you're glad you saved your $35 now, huh?
Sami


In case you couldn't tell, I'm FINALLY linking up with Shortmama again, for her "Dear Someone" letters.  If you have a list of grievances, I suggest you do the same!

I is for Idiot.

Today, I am linking up with my gal pal Myya over at Myya Says for her "Stick your foot in your mouth, Monday."  After you read mine, you should head on over to read hers, and maybe take a minute to link up with her as well.  I promise, we'll only laugh WITH you.  Not AT you. 

So, this story takes me all the way back to high school.  I graduated high school in 1999, from a high school in Utah.  However, to understand this story completely, you must know that I completed the majority of my schooling in a little farm community in Ohio.  My Freshman and Sophomore years of high school were in this little community.  For several reasons, which included my parent's divorce, my grades slipped once I reached high school.  Like, I'd be lucky to get into a community college kind of slipped.  Once the divorce was final, my mom moved our family out to Utah, the summer after my Sophomore year.  Immediately, my grades improved.  I excelled in English, and brought my GPA up dramatically. 

In the final weeks of my Senior year, I received a letter, informing me that I would be receiving an award or scholarship at the upcoming awards ceremony.  I was psyched!  Unfortunately, the wind was let out of my sails, when at the award ceremony, I was one of several people to receive the award "most improved grades".  Some people may have found this to be a great honor.  I was not some people. 

Later in the day, after the award ceremony, I sat in my Medical Terminology class where a friend of mine asked about my prestigious award.  It was then, that I began to rant.  "Oh, this thing?  It's basically an insulting piece of paper, that says that hey, at least you're not as stupid as you used to be.  I'm still too stupid to get a scholarship, or any kind of award indicating I'm smart, so they had to invent an award to give me."  I was basking in the hilarity that was my make believe prize, when I realized that one of the guys in my class had also been the recipient of the same award.  When he had walked into class, he was carrying his certificate with is head held high, and a smile on his face.  However, when I turned around to hear the conversation he was having with his girlfriend (a friend of mine), his demeaner had changed.  He was now sullen, and he had folded his certificate up, and was telling her that it didn't mean he wasn't dumb, just not as dumb as he used to be. 
I felt HORRIBLE!!!  I felt about as tall as Stuart Little, and immediately wished I could take back what I had said.  I apologized to him, and told him that I'm sure that his grades had improved more than mine, so the award probably meant more for him.  It was too late though.  I had already tarnished his view of the award. 
This is exactly why I shouldn't rant.  I'm much less aware of my surroundings when I do. 

Go ahead, try to beat that one!

On an unrelated note, have you entered my QUINCE QUOTE giveaway yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?!  So far, I only have 2 people entered.  Contest ends, tomorrow at midnight.  HOP TO IT!!!

Top Of The Muffin To You!

Does anyone else remember that from an old episode of Seinfeld? I swear, with as often as I reference TV and movies, you all probably think I'm a real couch potato, and you would be right. Anyway, in that episode, it makes it out to be that the top of the muffin is the only part worthy of eating. NOBODY wants to eat the stump. The stump, is for all intents and purposes, inedible. Why then, do I long to be the stump? Do you see where I'm going with this?
I'm joining up with Shortmama, and several other fabulously...robust women to finally shred those extra pounds that we claim is "baby weight", but let's face it, you can only blame the baby for so long, before it becomes the donut's fault, or the dollar menu at McDonald's. It's not their fault, it's mine! I've gotten lazy, I've indulged too much, and my waistline and thighs have paid the price.

Boy, does that picture look all too familiar! Of course, I think the thighs are not nearly poochy enough! So, the first assignment, is to come up with 3 things we will commit to change to help us on our journey to have a body we're not ashamed to show at the beach. Not in a swimsuit! Heaven's no! Just one we can be proud to wear some comfy capris and a top, that doesn't leave us looking like the lady pictured above. Here are my 3 things, in no particular order.

1. I will eat breakfast. I've always heard that eating breakfast is one of the most important things you can do to lose weight, but I have never gotten the hang of it. I usually skip it, which I know is a no-no. So, even if it means I have to get up earlier to get ready, so there is time for me to eat breakfast before we enter the radius of lunchtime, I will do it. I will eat breakfast.
2. I will be more active. You may recall, that I set a resolution of sorts to exercise way back when and have done pretty well so far at sticking to it. I work out for 20-30 minutes a day, 4 days a week, using my Wii Active. The problem is, that the weekends become couch potato time, and you know that when you're being lazy, you are more likely to snack. Every Monday morning I get yelled at (not really yelled at, but informed) by the Wii, that I have gained weight since my previous weigh in. I want this to stop! Therefore, I will attempt to be more active on the weekend, whether it be by taking a walk, parking further away at the grocery store, doing yard work, or vigorously cleaning my bathtub. I will be less sit on my butt lazy on the weekend.
3. I will plan/regulate my lunches. I was doing pretty well for a while with eating "Smart Ones' refrigerator meals for lunch, but that got expensive, and quite frankly was not always very appetizing. Not that the food was bad, but the ones that I liked, only filled up 2-3 days a week, so I got bored with them. I would buy whole wheat bread, intending to have sandwiches every day, but that got boring, and I HATE PB&J on whole wheat bread, and I'm a bit of a deli meat snob, so my options were very limited. In the end, I would stare into the fridge for a while, and then settle on Ramen noodles (so not good for you) or leftover candy for my meal. I've decided that if I create a plan for my lunches, purchase what I like (i.e. deli meat from the actual deli, non artificial cheese slices, etc.) and switch it up weekly, then I won't run the risk of getting bored. More likelihood for success! This week, I have "spicy turkey roll ups" which is a flatbread wrap with a teeny amount of mayo (like less than a teaspoon), some turkey, a slice of pepperjack cheese, and lettuce all rolled up. The spicey cheese gives it a zing that's not boring, and it serves as a motivator to drink my water. It's more than enough to fill me up when paired with some multigrain chips, and a string cheese. I will also add fruit to my plate normally, but my kids are absolute pigs when it comes to fresh fruit, so we were all out.

I would like to say that I can give up soda, but since I don't drink coffee or alcohol, my "drug" of choice is a "large caffeinated beverage" when I've had a hard day. I will cut back, but I cannot promise to cut it out completely.

Sound like something you need to do too? Head on over to ShortMama's, and link up to the motivation train...WOOT WOO!!

Think, Before You Speak.

Well, it's Monday, and as you know, that means it's time for Myya's "stick your foot in your mouth, Monday" over at Myya Says. Since my life is like a scrapbook of what NOT to say, I figure this is a great Meme for me to link up with regularly.



Do you ever wish your life had a Tivo? Like, you could pause the screen, look around, and edit your comments accordingly? If they ever did come up with something like that, they would make bank, that is for sure.

First, a little back story...

Roon served a mission for our church for 2 years in the Dominican Republic. When the locals would see his name tag, they would say "Carter! Como- Jimmy Carter!" and then they would laugh. Yes, the name Carter was not nearly as common there as it is here, so they were fascinated that they knew any other person with such a last name.

From the time Roon and I got married, he had been joking about names for our children that would copy real life high profile people. For example: James (Jimmy), Vincent, and Kijana. Yeah, I never took him seriously.

When I was pregnant with Bug, Roon and I went with some other older couples in our ward out to dinner, that would also serve as a leadership meeting for church. (Roon was a secretary of sorts to the bishopric, so he had to attend these meetings also). We were by far, the youngest people along for the ride. The subject of my pregnancy came up, and it was a major topic, since we had opted not to find out the sex of the baby. They were asking how we were picking a name, if we didn't know what it was. I said that we had picked names for both a boy and a girl, so it was covered. Since we had also decided we were not going to tell either of the names until the baby was born, when they asked, I opted to distract them with the story of Cameron making fake suggestions.

It was then, that I embarrassed myself by saying this...

"One of Roon's suggestions is James. He thinks it would be funny to have a Jimmy Carter. It would be cool if I were a fan of his in general, but since I don't particularly care for the name James, I vetoed it."

Not too bad, right? WRONG! As soon as the words escaped my lips, it occurred to me who was sitting at my immediate left...

Brother JAMES So-and-so.

My only hope was that he hadn't heard what I had said, since he was like a hundred years old.

Moral of the story? Before you speak, you should just take a glance around and edit your comments accordingly. Of course, if I did that, I would have much less to blog about...

Now, head on over to Myya's, read other tales of toes on the tongue, and link up with her. I can't be the only one with stories such as these, right?

Betcha Didn't Know...

I saw this list of quesions over at Emmy's blog, and she got them from MannLand5. I thought it might be fun to link up to a brand new (to me) blog, so here I go...

1. What year did you graduate high school?
1999. SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST, BABY!!!

2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?
I would have to say my brain. So many of the things I do take so little brain power, that I sometimes feel like it is going to turn to mush. Eventually, I'll have time to read books without pictures again, right?

3. Beach house or Lake house?
Since I can't swim...I would have to say lake house. At least if you fall in a lake, you have a finite area you would have to swim before you reach a shore. Plus, there wouldn't be waves threatening to drag you out to the middle of the great blue. Plus, I like changing seasons. The beach doesn't seem to offer that.

4. Mac or PC?
PC. No reason in particular. I married a PC. The decision was made for me. I do, however, haven an iPhone. So, does that make me both?

5. Did you wear braces?
Nope. Sometimes looking at my teeth now, I wish I would have...

6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be?
How about anyone who has amazing homemaking or organizational skills. Of course, to make it worth my while, I would probably have to be them for more like a month...

7. How many times have you moved in your life?
5 that I can think of when I was a kid, 1 time to go off to college, and 6 times since I got married 10 years ago. Wow. That's like a dozen different houses!

8. Would you rather cook or clean?"
I guess I would rather clean. I prefer baking over both of those options though. Maybe my answer to number 6 should have been Julia Child. Can't seem to cook worth a darn.

There you have it! A little bonus information about me, and it's not even the 12th of the month, you lucky ducks you! Go over to MannLand, and link up, if you feel so inclined...

Dear Someone

This is the first time I am linking up with Shortmama for the Dear someone letters. I am so excited! After you read mine, go check out some more Dear letters!

Dear Helpful school aide person,

While I was not there on Monday to witness

"the event", I wanted to take a moment and

thank you for supplying me with my WTF

moment this week when I link up again, with MiMi.

If not for you, I may have had to think for a whole

3 minutes to come up with something from my past.

So, THANKS!

Signed,

Really? Not even a Sorry?

Sym

Dear Roon,

I love that while we were making the shopping list this week,

you kept saying "floss" every time I said there was something

we were forgetting. I knew that there was something bathroom

related that we were in need of, but you kept breaking my train of

thought, and saying "floss". Thank you so much for that, because

when Monday came, and I was out of DEODORANT,

the floss really came in handy.

Signed,

Bet you regretted it when you came to bed that night to a stinky wife!

Sym

Dear Boo,

I wish I could understand you, child! Here it is FREEZING

and you would prefer to walk around without any more on your

little body than a diaper. I'm cold just looking at you, but no matter

how many times I chase you down and wrestle the clothing back onto

you, you take it off, and exclaim "Look a me! Look a Me, Mommy!"

Whatever, as long as you're happy and comfortable...who am I to judge?

Signed,

My skin would be purple if I ran around like that!

Sym

Tag! You're it!

I'm actually pretty excited about this! I have officially been tagged by someone that I do not know in real life, but I'm so glad to know her via blogs and email. CJ at "Simply Simonsons" tagged me for this challenge. Here goes:

4 shows I like to watch:

• The Bachelor(ette)...obviously
• 24
• Lost
• Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice (they can count as one right?)

4 things I am passionate about:

• Lately...doughnuts. Totally cancels my workout, but sometimes I just don't care.
• Collecting Box Tops for Education. Yes, I know they're only 10 cents a piece, but so far I have single handedly raised like $100 for my school doing it. You don't want 'em, send 'em my way...it's free money y'all!
• Voting/Taking surveys. I vote in every election I know about, and research the facts so I'm informed, and I actively participate in a survey panel for "Knowledge Networks". I love feeling like my opinion matters.
• Linen Closets. Not even my husband is allowed to put things away in there. IT'S MY TURF!

4 phrases I say a lot:

• "No Ma'am!" (Usually to Boo)
• "It's true." (I blame my Brother in Law)
• "Friggin A" (No, this is not a substitution for the real words. I actually do say this...)
• "Smooth move, Exlax"

4 things I have learned:

• Money can make you comfortable, but it can't make you happy.
• Some recipes are only meant to be photographed.
• If you want to know who your true friends are...have a crisis.
• Don't judge parents based on a snapshot into their day. Chances are, you are not seeing the whole picture.

4 places I would like to go:

• Australia
• An amusement park (sans children)
• A spa for the weekend
• A Disney Cruise (Fun for the whole family!)

4 things I did yesterday:

• Talked with my sister in law on the phone.
• Signed up for FreeCycle (time to purge some of this STUFF!)
• 2 loads of laudry (still trying to get caught up from my week long hiatus aka head cold)
• Watched the Bachelor

4 things I'm looking forward to:

• Getting our debt paid off.
• Our 10 year anniversary trip (even if it will come 8+ months late.)
• My little brother moving closer to us.
• Getting my house organized.

4 things I love about winter:

• Snuggling under the covers to watch a movie with Roon.
• Baking without overheating the house.
• Folding warm clothes straight out of the dryer (Sounds like a chore, but it's one of my favorite things in the wintertime.)
• Making and eating soup.

4 things on my wish list:

• A new refrigerator. (there's nothing wrong with our current one, but it was only meant to be "temporary". Going on 4 years now...time to let it go.)
• More time in the day.
• An organizational system for my closet.
• A large caffeinated beverage (this is always on my wish list by way of Dr. Pepper)

4 People I tag:

Well, since I only have two followers, and only about 4 people read my blog...consider yourselves tagged. Unless you don't want to. I would love to hear your answers though!