A Funn Little Family in a Funny Big World

It's Christmas Time!

2009-12-08T09:38:00.010-07:00

Mele Kalikimaka! I love this time of year. It took 6 days but my decorations are up! I love the house at Christmas time. Everything feels so warm and cozy. I'm always sad in January when it's time to take things down.

Christmas is going to be extra special this year. It will be our first one with our "complete" family. Ngun is unbelievably excited. They do celebrate Christmas where they come from, just not quite as elaborate as we do. And presents? This is all new territory. We are really trying to focus on the "true" meaning of Christmas. I want them to feel we know this holiday is really about the birth of our Savior and the everyday gifts we receive because of him. Because we have so much more materialistic things then they've ever seen, it would be easy for them to think we might have forgotten this. I want to focus on the events surrounding Christmas instead of the gifts but it is soooo hard! It is so much fun buying presents for them because they are so appreciative.

I had to relax more than I usually do with my decorating this year. Usually I have one tree the kids can help with and the rest is off limits. Part of my OCD I suppose. I want things the way I want them. This year I've tried to let everyone help where they've wanted too. It's been worth it. The kids have had so much fun decorating all the trees and helping with the other things too. I'm just trying not to notice those ornaments not quite where I would have put them!

We are having Christmas with my parents on Sunday, December 13th. They are going to Florida to spend the holiday with Jenny and the kids. Everyone is very excited to head up the mountain for this occasion. My mom has always made Christmas so special for me, and now she does it for my kids. Her house will be decked out beautiful and the presents will be wrapped like the receiver is the most important person in the world. She has a beautiful gift, something I wish I had inherited. My dad will be "teary" most of the night caught up in the spirit of it all. He'll tell me 10 times how special I am and how blessed he is because of me and my family. I'll tear up too. He's my daddy, and I'll know he'll means everything he says. We'll all go home that night on a huge high. The kids each believing that they are my parents' favorite grandchild and us in awe of the love and gratitude we feel for being so loved. I can't wait until Sunday. I am fully aware of how blessed I am to have been born to the parents I have.

It's snowing again today. I actually don't want to cry. I'm cozy and warm and filled with the spirit today. The snow seems like it should be here and ya'll know I don't ever say that. Maybe I'll work on our annual Christmas letter today. So much has happened this year....how do I chose what to include?

Always a Southern Girl.....

2009-12-07T16:07:00.002-07:00

Do you ever listen to country music song and think "That's exactly what I want out of life"? I don't mean the cheating and drinking and partying songs, but the songs that bring out the important things in life like...
Country roads, fried chicken, cotton blowing in the wind and really big front porches. Do you see a theme here?. I'm a jeans and pearls kind of girl. Breakfast is rich biscuits and gravy with a side of cheese grits. Music is meant to be 2-stepped too. Humidity keeps you looking young. "Yes, Mame" should be everybody's first words, only second to "ya'll and fixin". I love that people love to talk. There is no "in and out" at a 7-11. First because it's a Circle K not a 7-11, and next because people genuinely are interested when they ask "how are you today?". In the South, that isn't a rhetorical question. You can actually keep a poinsettia on you your porch at Christmas time because the odds of a deep freeze are pretty low. I just LOVE the smell of a magnolia. Nothing smells better than that except maybe a babies head. I miss balmy evenings, lightning bugs, whoopie pies and swimming well into September, because Indian Summer is the best.

I NEED to live in the South. It will always and forever be a part of me. I dream of it constantly. I don't know if I ever will get to again, but my heart will always be there. Lance got me a personalized license plate for my little bug that says "GRITS". For those that don't know, it means- Girl Raised In The South. He knows me. Couldn't have picked it better myself. I am proud of the fact I was raised there. Proud of the values and lessons that were instilled in me. I wish that most for my children. I try to keep my southern roots alive in our home here west. Where we live is a good place for kids, but it saddens me to know just what they are missing out on. Patriotism is not just a holiday act, but a way of daily life where I come from. It's God, your Country and your football team all the way. Family is anyone you love and loves you back. There is always a space at the table because there is no such thing as a guest.

So all my western friends out there.....don't wait to be invited, the backdoor is always open. My southern friends already know this. I make Biscuits and gravy on Sunday and always have extra.

My Pineapple Man

2009-10-14T10:16:00.002-06:00

Can I just say I love this man? I have a friend who laughs because I refer to him as my Pineapple God all the time. I can't seem to help myself. Heavenly Father gave me a great gift when he matched us up. Today I'm listing 10 (it's going to be hard to narrow it down) reasons I can't imagine a day in my life without him. Yes, this is a pretty sappy thing to do. Maybe I'm just extra hormonal, or maybe he hasn't made me what to strangle him in a while.....no that's not it.....must be the hormones. I'm kidding of course! He really is the cat's meow in my book. So here is my list in no particular order.

1. He has the best hands. Seriously. In my list of what I wanted in a husband many moons ago I actually wrote that my hubby had to have "man" hands. Lance's hands are the best. Manacured nice but they still look like they've seen a day's work in his life. Stong. When he holds my hand, his are the perfect size to make me feel safe and protected.

2. He's funny. He has me laughing constantly. His sense of wit is immediate and he knows just what to say to put a smile on my face.

3. He thinks I'm funny. It's nice to have someone laugh at your jokes. We crack each other up! Each the other's biggest fan.

4. He is sensitive. He gets embarassed if he tears up during America's Home Makeover, but he'll do it anyway. Chic Flicks.....just between us........he loves them.

5. He can fix anything. I mean ANYTHING! He's just a handy guy to have around all the time. One of my favorite memories of times together is when he was changing the brakes on one of our cars. It was raining soooo hard and I was standing over him with an Umbrella. Some of the best memories stem from being young and broke!

6. He loves kids, all ages, he doesn't care. He's comfortable holding a baby, changing a diaper, or hangin' with the youth. Kids like him.....they can always detect the good ones.

7. He's a Boy Scout. Literally and always. He actually lives by the code. If someone needs help he'll be the first to volunteer. He'll stop and change that lady's tire on the side of the road.

8. He's a Poly. Polynesian that is, and to me that means just a fine speciman to look at. Broad shoulders, great legs, and the greatest brown eyes.

9.He likes football. Really don't think I could be with him if he didn't like football. He's the biggest USC fan I've ever seen. Love to watch him do a dance when we win.

10. He loves me. Despite of all my hot temper, lack of laundry energy, forgetting to put the garage down everyday, pretzel mess making flaws and more, he still loves me. He thinks I'm the cat's meow too.

Though I'm sure you're all jealous by now, this wasn't my intent. It was to just let my Awesome Pineapple God know he is my reason for loving my life.

It's Winter...right when Autumn was just getting started

2009-10-02T12:43:00.005-06:00

I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry. I'm not going to cry. Just because it snowed here on September 30 does not mean it's going to be freezing cold for the next 8 months. Right? Right?!! Oh heck.....now I'm going to cry. I am going to go to the tanning beds this winter. Never been before In my life. I keep having people tell me though that it helps those of us that need sunshine to function. Such is life in Utah. One day I'll learn to accept it!

I'm actually pretty good spirited all things considered. I decided if I was going to make through another winter I needed to get my house in order. I've been a working fool all week! I've rearranged the dining room, breakfast nook, family and living rooms. It almost feels like I live in a new house. If I could just conquer my bedroom there just might be a light at the end of this tunnel.

Things around our house are good. School started too soon. Everyone busy all the time, but I guess that is to be expected with 7 of us. I was released from the Relief Society Presidency about 2 weeks ago. Once I finally stopped crying I realized it's a good thing. I'm still in Cub Scouts, and I was called as the Welfare and Employment Specialist. This will be another busy calling but at least Sunday's will be calmer. Because I had all this extra time on my hands (hahaha) Lance and I joined the football booster club at our new High School. We actually really love it. We basically just work the concession stand at all the home games for JV and Varsity. It's fun getting to see the community and being in the middle of everything. Lance kind of is anyway since he's doing the Cop thing in town on the weekends.

Our kids are good. ALL of them. Ngun and Ling seem like they've been around forever. The honeymoon is over. This is good. I can really holler and yell and be myself now! All of them are growing like weeds. We seriously go through some food around here. Is it their constant need for nourishment or am I just an amazing good cook? I'll choose to think the second, it's good for my winter moral.

Ngun had her birthday on September 20th. I had a surprise birthday party for her. First Birthday party ever. First birthday presents too. It was a wonderful night. She actually cried. Only the 2nd time I've seen that happen. First time was at girls camp during testimony meeting. She cried when she told the girls she loved them. We played all the games you would play at a party if you were 5 years old, not 17. Pin the tail on the donkey, Pinata, musical chairs, limbo, and followed up with 2 hours of Volleyball. All the kids laughed and had a great time. It was fun seeing all the teenagers pin the tail. Ngun was very overwhelmed and just kept repeating over and over "Tank you Mom."

Kaikea's bday is next. He'll be 6 years old this month. Feels like he should be 16. I'm positive that kid has been around for a very long time. How can I have gotten all these gray hairs in only 6 years? I'm not sure what we are doing for him yet. Time will tell.

Ok...got to get off of here. More rearranging is calling me name. Or better yet, I think I'll go to the home decorating store and see what's on sale!

Life in the fast lane.....

2009-07-18T12:19:00.011-06:00

"It is my pleasure that my children are free and happy, and unrestrained by parental tyranny. Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents."- Abraham Lincoln

I love that quote. It make me happy. Makes me smile. Makes me proud of the decisions I've made in my life. I haven't updated in almost 4 months. Not for having nothing to say but more because there has been too much to say... if that makes sense. I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll start with me.

I'm happy. I've pretty much always known I've had this blessed life, and despite various trials in life have still managed to be a "happy person." I didn't know though that this amount of self contentment and personal peace could be possible. I can honestly say I am busier then I have ever been in my life. Too others it may even seem to busy. A day planner is my constant companion these days. That and a prayer in my heart that I'm not forgetting some responsibility or person that needs my attention. I'm been learning what I'm good at, and definitely where my shortcomings are. I suppose the difference is that I'm learning to accept both. I'm surrounded by love constantly. Lance....I'll never know what I did before this life to deserve him. My children....wow! I can't even begin to express.

Ya'll are wondering about our newest additions I'm sure. It has been a surprisingly easy transition. I may not be the mother by whom they entered this world, but I can truely say my heart doesn't know the difference. As more time goes by, I'm not sure their's does either. They seem to genuinly love us. I have opportunities to be around other refugee children, and they don't seem to feel the same way in most cases. Let me tell you about my kids....

Ngun- She quickly became "Sissy". She is the big sister my boys have always wanted. She laughs very easily and her smile lights up a room. She shows very little anger when she is upset. She is quick to forgive and quick to love. She is not shy when you get to know her. Her English is much better, but she is slow to try to speak it when she's around those she doesn't know. She loves chocolate. Peanut M&M's to be exact. And gum. Lots and lots of gum. Pizza is an absolute No! She's not sure what we Americans can't seem to live with out when it comes to that! She cannot wait until her birthday in September. She's decided she really likes the way we celebrate here! Presents....that is a totally new concept to them. She is the daughter I never really knew that I wanted. I've joked about wanting a girl....but deep down was very content without the girl drama. I can't imagine my life without her now. I think I'll keep her.

Ling- He turned 16 on July 4th, which in case you don't know if my absolute favorite day of the whole year. I'll never forget this years if I live to be 1000 years old. He is funny! Not shy in the least. He loves to joke and tease. His English has gotten very good for 4 months here. He likes to talk and initiates conversations easily. He wants to be a Doctor someday. He's very smart. I wouldn't be surprised it he does just that. He loves banana icecream. He is pretty much a typical teenage boy in that he will eat just about anything. At least he trys it. He had a cold and fever a while back. He stated he wasn't sick because he "no like sick". That's pretty much summerizes how he thinks. If he likes...it's so. If not...can't be true. He was outwardly affectionate sooner than Sissy. He is quick to say we are a family. He has a temper, but forgives quickly. He never ever goes to bed with out saying "goodnight mom, I'll see you in the morning". Him...he's a keeper too.

Kaleo- Has been the one I worried the most about the transition. He has surprised me with his generosity and kindness towards them. He seems to have accepted they are not going anywhere and loves them too. Kaleo sooooo has his dad's sense of humor. He laughs and cries easily. I think Nunu is his favorite person in the whole world. At least Nunu would think so. He is very excited to be in 6th grade this year. He is loving Boy Scouts. He thinks he can have his Eagle before he's 13. Who know's he just might do it. He's addicted to facebook, and he is the world's best "yo momma" joke teller. Seriously. No one can beat him.

Kaikea- Kaikai is my little freckly face white boy. I suppose "little" wouldn't be the best description. He's only 5 and looks like he's 7. He has the kindest heart of all. Also the worse temper! I would say he should have red hair with his personality! Kaikai is the button pusher. He is also the peacemaker. His little face makes me smile because I see my father everytime I look at him. He has me wanting to scream about 100 times a day. The rest of time he has my heart melting. He's an all or nothing type of kid.

Keanu is my baby. At least I treat him that way. He's our Linus. Wants his blanket wherever he goes. He is a perfect combination of Kaleo and Kai. He's going through a pinch phase I could do with out. He is our kisser. Loves to kiss your face. Makes it easier to pull your hair I think. He loves Buzz and Woody. Loves naps. Does not like to share. What's his is his and what's your's is his. He's the only kid I've had that REALLY like to sit in my lap. He thinks Lance's "peace car" is the coolest. At night he cries while he pats his chest and says "sit". His way of telling me he wants me to rock him and pat his back. Don't you know I do it. He is my baby.

We've had lots of new adventures for Sissy and Ling the last 4 months. Too many to name and talk about. I wish you had been a long for the ride. You would be able to love my kids as much as I do. How come Heavenly Father loves me so much to give me so many amazing people in my life? I haven't even started on Lance yet. That would have to be a blog in and of itself. Sorry it's been so long. Ya'll are in my thoughts.

2009-03-27T11:02:00.005-06:00

It has been a crazy week! It's been so much better than I could have hoped for. Ngun and Ling are adjusting really well. Their English gets better by the second. It's amazing how their brains can just suck up info and remember it. Oh...to be young again. It has been really fun watching them experience things for the first time. We took all the kids to a play place that has all the blow up slides and bouncers. Honestly you would have thought those teenagers were 5 years old. They played so hard. Laughing and giggling constantly. Going on a bike ride was a huge treat. They have learned to play Dominos and Uno. You can really see their sense of humor while they are playing games. They love to win. Who doesn't! Really good sports too if they don't. My little kids ADORE them. I was worried how Kaleo would adjust but he has been great. He really likes that they are older and can do things with him the younger bros. can't. Last night they were all dancing and singing around the family room to music videos. All of them laughing at how funny the other one looked. Another moment I had to keep myself from crying like a big boob. They (the kids) really do act like one family.

Ngun and Ling had their immunizations this week. It was horrible! Ling took it like a man. Poor Ngun wanted to cry to badly. They are not good at showing that type of emotion. She was shaking she was so scared. They had just had some in Malaysia so they understood what was coming. I tried to make a big deal about how I cry EVERY time I get a shot so maybe she would feel ok to cry, but she held it in. Ngun had 7 shots, Ling 6. It's only the beginning. They have to start like newborns because there are no records of them being immunized. They also had their TB test. Ling was good. Ngun's came back positive as a carrier. She doesn't have an active case to she is not contagious and won't be since they are treating her with Meds. She was Very upset to find out she had TB. It is very common where they come from I guess. A lot of people still die from it. It was very hard with limited English getting her to understand she was really fine and would continue to be so.

Ling started playing soccer last night with the coach for next years High School soccer team. We are hoping maybe this will turn into something for him. He seems to be a really good player. We meet with the Principal, School Board member, counselors and social worker next week for a pre-school meeting for them. They are very ready for school to start. We are holding them back a year. This will give them both an extra year of English in school and will allow them to graduate with a high school diploma versus a GED. So Ngun will be in 9th this year and Ling in 8th. There is only 2 more months of school but this will give them an opportunity to make friends too with Jr. High kids before they are both moved to the new High School next year.

The picture was taken Sunday before church. That was a fun experience! I know they were so confused. Mainly because we attend a Tongan Branch. Everyone is brown just like them, and we sing the songs in Tongan not English unusually. When we got home that day we pulled out the globe and did the best we could explaining Lance was poly and where he comes from and the people at church come from. They seemed to really understand.

Ngun will NOT smile in a picture. She can be laughing hysterical the second before you snap a picture and she sees the camera and her face goes blank. I think she feels she is not supposed to smile. Ling does sometimes for pics. In real life she is smiling constantly. So....with that being said, in the pics she really is happy despite what she looks like. She called me mom today. I had to try hard once again not to cry. They refer to Lance as father when he's not around. They really, really, really love it when he's home. He makes them laugh alot. Imagine that. Lance making someone laugh! :) Our family feels like just that...a family. Everyday things get easier and the laughter gets more frequent.

There here!

2009-03-18T21:17:00.005-06:00

As tired as I am right now, it might as well be 3:00 in the morning even though it's only 9:20. I just really felt I needed to publish while my thoughts and feelings are fresh.

Ngun and Ling came in last night at 11:45 from Malaysia. I had such mixed emotions. I can't believe how scared I was. Lance and I watched about 8 Burmese people walk into the luggage area. Butterflies like crazy. We looked at all of them, and we both knew instantly which two were ours. We didn't even have to discuss it. They weren't together, but somehow looking at those people, it just felt perfect when we saw them. It's odd having that feeling about someone when you know they don't feel that way about you.....yet. They of course were scared to death and very nervous.

My friend Jodi whose Burmese kids arrived in Dec had called before we left for the airport to ask if her daughter Biak, could go with us. She was very excited to meet new friends. Jodi lives about 3 miles from us. We of course jumped on the chance because even though Biak has only been here since Dec., her English is great. The translator at the airport didn't show up, so Biak was a huge blessing helping everyone.

On the way home in the car Biak translated back and forth. She explained all the things she was scared about when she got here. Someone was watching out for us. She came home with us and showed them the toilet, how to run water, how to get a drink....pretty much all the very basics. I had learned from Jodi that the kids wouldn't know how to get inside the covers on a bed. They've only ever slept on top without blankets...so Biak explained that too. My little boys were excited and somewhat shy. Which is soooo funny if you know Kai. That NEVER happens. Ngun (the girl) took to Nunu right away. Scooped him up and became the little mother to him.

Today has been crazy with meetings with different social workers and agencies. The poor kids were so tired that all my kids were in bed by 7:30 tonight. Food is somewhat of a challenge. I kept trying to give them rice, veggies, meat. The basics. I did learn tonight that they want to eat more American food. That takes some pressure off. Girl Scout thin mints seem to be a success!

I'm having a very hard time being patient. I want them to know right now how safe and loved they are. I almost totally lost it last night when I showed Ngun her room. You would have thought the room was built for a queen. Her face just beamed! She said through Biak..."so pretty." Honestly, we wouldn't think twice about how nice it was. It's just a typical girls room.
Ling has been REALLY quiet. This afternoon he did play ball with the boys outside. I could hear him trying to talk to them. He's obviously much more comfortable around the kids. I know it's all going to take time. I wish I could hear their thoughts, (In Eng of course!) and take away their fears. We were told through the social workers that they desperately want to please us so they agree to anything we ask. They are afraid we would put them out on the street, in a country they don't know, with no money and no English. It is so sad to me they can't trust us to know this could never happen.

Here is our very first family picture. In reality not very good, but will always be priceless to me. They look very tired and very sad and scared. They have smiled quite a bit today and are beautiful when they do...of course I just might be biased. I am their MOM after all.

They're Coming!

2009-03-13T11:12:00.005-06:00

I got word yesterday that our background checks are in, and we are getting our 2 on March 17th. I cried for about 3 hours straight! I am so excited and at the same time think I must be freaking crazy! I don't think I slept 2 hours last night.

I know its going to be hard. I'm not that naive that I think otherwise. Almost everyone has been so supportive of our decision to do this. ALMOST. I won't mention who hasn't been, because frankly I'd like to pretend they don't exist. Anyway.....I just want everyone to know I am aware of how this is going to change our life. And I want to do it anyway. It's more than want. I feel like it was supposed to "be". I thank all of you who have sent your "well wishes" and encouragement.

I would like to write them each a letter and tell them how much I already love them. How I hope one day they will really think of me as their mother and Lance as their dad. I want to be there when they get married and witness for them. I want to be in the delivery room when my first grandchild is born. I want to be their baby's nanna. There is soooo much I want to tell them. I would scare the heck out of them if I did! I know I have to relax, take things slow. Their culture is so different from ours. They show affection differently. I think I'm going to write the letter now of how I'm feeling, and give it to them one day when they speak English fluently and already know they are loved. Maybe it will help them know how very much they were wanted.

This week would have been my twins 12th bday if they had lived. It was the first year I haven't cried. I haven't replaced them, and I still yearn for them; I just seem to have a little more perspective into what might be Heavenly Father's plan for me.

I've thought so much lately about how I've come to be where I am. Literally. Why was I given the gift of being born in the United States of America. I was born into a family that would provide me the opportunity to find the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. I've always had food to eat and clothes on my back, a roof over head and safety from someone trying to harm me. Why was I given this, and so many not, when I have the fortune of understanding the purposes of life where they do not? Everyone reading this is pretty much in the same boat as me. Do we really realize how blessed we are? Have we taken it for granted as everyday life? My awareness for needing gratitude has grown immensely in this journey our family has been going through. How can I be almost 40 and just realize the depth of what I've been given?

I want my friends out there to know how much I appreciate you. Truly. Your support means everything to our family. We are scared and excited at the same time. I love reading your blogs, even if I don't comment very often. Your families and examples you've set are inspirations to me. You too are a blessing in my life that I don't ever want to take for granted.

Life in the Funn House

2009-03-05T12:17:00.002-07:00

I admit it. I'm awful. Haven't blogged in over a month. I have excuses, lots of them, but never the less I suppose they are still excuses.
I suppose most of it is due to the fact that it was Feb. I HATE FEB. Really I do. I want to cry on Ground Hogs day every year whether 'ol Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not because living in Utah there is always AT LEAST 2 more months of winter. This week has been rather warm here. It's lifted my spirits. Except today when there was new snow on the ground.
I've been pretty frustrated with the whole lose weight thing too. I did go see my Dr. this week and he gave me hope! He gave me some suggestions to work with. He has had the diet surgery too so he totally understood my problems with not losing weight because I don't eat enough and my body is in "Tiffany is starving I better hold on to every little bit of fat" mode. He gave me new meds that won't make me sick, and did a lot of blood work to check all the vitamin, chemical issues. He even gave me a very moderate exercise plan to start. Sunday is the new diet day for me. I've decided maybe if I picked another day besides Monday it might be more successful. It is the Lord's day after all. If its good for Him, maybe it'll bring me some luck! Dr. also said I my goal should only be 30 pounds. Yeah right! Oh well. A guess small goals first.
Feb. has been very busy. We are getting ready for additions to our family! No, I'm not pregnant, but we are becoming parents again. Of teenagers! I have a friend who asked us if we would be interested in being foster parents to Burmese Refugees. This isn't the normal foster program. Basically we can't give them back if there is a problem. We pick them up from the airport straight from Thailand (in most cases). These kids escape their homeland. It is VERY sad to hear their stories. If they were to stay in Burma, they would be killed or made to work in either a slave camp or be sold into Sex slavery. Most have escaped from the slave camps. An organization sends them here to the USA for safety and a chance for a new life. They don't speak English. They get put into our high schools right away. It takes about 3 months before they are speaking well. Really fast if you think about it. They come here having rarely eaten anything in their life but rice every other day, so they are malnourished to say the least. Never seen indoor plumbing, let alone used it. Burma is considered a 4th world country. I didn't know there was such a thing before this. I can't tell you how excited we are. My boys are too. Kai keeps telling everyone he's going to have a sister. We are really hoping our background checks get back in time for the next batch of kids. If they do, we will be getting a brother (15) and sister (16) on March 17th. There will be more coming after that. We've always wanted a big family and I've never been able. We wonder if this might have been the reason. I keep thinking how nice it will be to have daughters! Even teenage ones. Haha. Their culture is very family oriented so we shouldn't have to worry to much. I'm sure before long they will be typical American teenagers, but hopefully they will keep the respect and appreciation they come with. There has been a lot of paperwork, Dr visits, and classes we've had to do. We are just about ready. And can I say my daughter has the cutest PINK room ever!
I'm recommitting to updating better. It'll be boring I'm sure. A lot of diet details. I will update on my kids though and add pictures when we get them. Pray for us. Pray that we find the kids that need us the most. That they will learn to love us as much as I already love them.

I've been tagged...again!

2009-02-03T08:33:00.005-07:00

My Boys on a Sunday morning last year. I love them.

I've been feeling just a little pressure to blog. I keep getting tagged for various reasons so I thought now was good a time as any. My fellow bloggers out there are good! I figure if I get a posting out once a week, I'm fulfilling my duty. I just don't seem to have all that much to say sometimes. Right now my life is uneventful. One because it's winter. I really try not to leave my house. Two, Lance is gone all the time so no little love tidbits to share, and three because its winter and I tend to get the blahhhhhhhs!

Dana tagged me to post a picture. There it is above. Not too bad for a random pick!

Sharon tagged for 10 honest things about me. AND she has the nerve to want them interesting! This could be very difficult but I will do my best!

1. My earliest memory is being a baby in my crib. We lived in VA at the time. My mom had given me a bottle in my crib in the middle of the night and I remember I was wailing because I couldn't get the milk to come out. She kept coming in to see what was wrong and I couldn't tell her because I couldn't talk yet. The nipple was clogged. I remember being soooo frustrated she didn't understand me. I know this sounds crazy but its true. I told my mom this memory years ago and she thought I must have imagined in because I seriously was a baby. I didn't. I could describe exactly where the crib was and the room to her. I wasn't a year old yet when we lived there.

2. The very first time I ever went to the temple was when I was sealed to my parents at the age of 10. I was so amazed how strong the spirit was in the temple. I knew for a certainty that Jesus was in the Building! No, really, I knew when the elevator opened he was going to be on the other side of the door. He had to be. How could I feel him so stong? I kept looking for a glimpse of him the entire time I was there.

3. I have ALWAYS been extra sensitive to spirits. I have seen more than my share. I especially am sensitive to evil ones. I can feel their presence the second I enter a room if there is one. I used to "joke" to Heavenly Father that I would only do my genealogy if he didn't allow any of the ancestors to pay me a visit in gratitude.

4. I have seen Kaleo, Kai, and Nunu "talk" to their elder brothers through the veil as newborns. Then they each had a turn, saying goodbye that would be followed by a big cry. I'm not making this up. I know it to be true.

5. I have had many wonderful friends through my life. I tend to make "forever" friends much easier than casual ones. My oldest friend and I met in the 1st grade. We talk a couple of times a month. She truly is a sister to me. She doesn't have one relative I do not know.

6. I am not or have ever had one prejudice bone in my body. It sooooo makes me mad at any racist joke or innuendo. I try very hard not to stereotype. I've always been this way, even before I married a Polynesian.

7. I always wanted older brothers growing up. We used to have tons of Elders around all the time. I was always afraid I would get underwear for Christmas because we usually had at least 2 Elders that had gotten permission to spend the night on CMAS eve. Maybe this yearning is why I was given all boys!

8. Choir was my saving grace in High School. I would have been invisible if not for it. It gave me confidence and a social circle to be a part of. My self esteem was VERY low through Jr. High and choir helped pull me through. It wasn't until long after I graduated though that I felt I could just be me.

9. My heart aches for Alabama. Oh brother, now I'm crying. Good grief, get a grip! As I was saying....My heart will always call AL home. I have lived so many places in my life, and AL was the only place that ever felt like home. I like other places, but I never have the yearning to smell the air during an Indian Summer, or wish for the cotton blossoms to be flying everywhere.

10. Lance completes me. He is more than my eternal companion and best friend. I feel I was never a whole person until he came into my life. I feel he's like the air that runs through my lungs so I can live, be productive, and be happy. Probably not the most healthful attitude to have, but it is what it is.

So there you have it! 10 honest things about me. Does your life seem more fulfilled? Are you thinking I made the right choice being her friend? Or are you thinking....how to I erase her from my blogger updates? Interesting has never been one of my strong suits!

Thou shalt not covet

2009-01-26T10:38:00.003-07:00

I really don't care that much about money. Never have. But every once in a while I just get into these phases where I think I'm gonna die if I don't get what I want. I'm kinda feeling that way today. Did you know I lu-u-u-u-ve home parties? Lance swears that if they put a pile of poop in a catalog with a pretty bow and sold it at a home party I'd buy 4. I can't seem to help myself. My favorites are Southern Living at home, Pampered Chef, Scensy Candles, Usbourne Books, Lia Sophia Jewelry, tupperware, Mary Kay....see the problem. I could really keep listing cause I love it all! Why am I like that? I don't buy myself a new pair of shoes or an outfit ever. But entice me that I might get something for a discount or free if I spend my life savings and I'm there. I'm really wanting Mary Kay today. Ya'll know me. I am not even a make-up person. But I want in today cause maybe I'll start to be a makeup person. Maybe it could change my whole entire life! My girlfriend sells it (I know someone from just about every home party network out there) and she told me to check the online virtual makeup tool. It is soooooo fun. You download a pic of yourself and then you get to play. Hairstyles, hair colors, and lots of makeup choices. You can go from a "sweet spirited" mom to a hooker in no time flat. It really is fun, you gals should try it. But this isn't really the point. The point is how do I get sucked into this stuff? If I buy one more kitchen tool my drawers are going to fall out. How many tupperware bowls does one person need. Apparently 15. Just in case I have to go to 15 different potlucks in one day. And Ohhhhh the jewelry. I won't buy a $5.00 pair of earrings at Wal-mart I adore but will spend 35.00 on pair not as nearly cute with Lia Sophia. I think I have a problem. Do they have a HPJA (Home Party Junkie Anon.) association to help me through this crisis? I have 100.00 birthday money burning a hole in my pocket. Somebody save me from myself!

I was in need of a change in attitude!

2009-01-16T18:46:00.002-07:00

I hadn't updated in a while. I've always been taught if you don't have anything nice to say...blah blah blah. So I've been kind of quiet. Well I started today with a new outlook. And it's been nice. The first day in 4 that I haven't cried like a baby. This has been my challenge: I've been dieting. Hard. You would think this is a good thing. I've been exercising too. Also hard. You would think besides a few sore muscles I would be feeling great! Not the case. I've been sicker than a dog. AND gained almost 2 pounds in the process. So...last night I broke down in tears (which just happened to be very easy to do because I hadn't stopped crying since Monday) and called my dear friend in VA. She is a physical trainer for the FBI guys at Quantico. (She's very cool and oh so knowing!) Anyway....these are the conclusions. Did you know my heart rate was not supposed to be 182 when I run. Imagine that! 182. I got this wonderful watch for my bday on Tues. that keeps track of my rate. I told you in my last post you could see it beat through "the girls". I wasn't kidding. So, the 5K training is on hold for a little while till I get my heart conditioned a little more. I'm still exercising everyday pretty hard. Just not running. Now the diet. Most of you know I had diet surgery. It's been 7 years now. Well let me tell you how hard it is to diet! When I eat "what your supposed to", my total intake of calories for the day is around 800. And that is FORCING myself to eat when I don't want to. Good for you food is not very high in calorie. My stomach cannot consume much because it's been made smaller. So while I'm "being good" with what I eat, my metabolism slows down because my body thinks I'm starving. Hence, I don't lose and will gain. I had not slept more than 2 hour a night in 5 days. I couldn't eat enough Advil for my headaches. So...now I'm not dieting. I'm eating smarter, but eating what is normal for me. If I want a piece of pizza I'm eating one. After all, I can only eat one piece anyway. I'm gonna see if just exercising makes a difference. I'm going to try for 1 month. I don't eat alot. I can't. I don't eat sugar because of the surgery so that's not an issue. We will see how I do. I'm also not weighing myself AT ALL for the whole month. If I lose anything it's better than before right? My jeans are A lot looser. I know I've lost size this week, but it was not worth how I've felt. I am not a crier, and I've done nothing but. My drastic change apparently affected my hormones. I've had some wonderful friends who did nothing but listen to me boohoo constantly. I owe 'em big time. If after a month I don't lose anything we'll move on to another plan. But what is another month for heaven's sake! I've been a pudge for 38 years! I feel hope today. Headaches gone. And I know it's because of the wonderful glass of milk and handful of pretzel sticks I ate! And my heart rate today while I was exercising averaged 140. Much better. No dizziness and no nausea! And I burned 260 calories during my 25 minute workout. I have 40 pounds to lose. Now you know all. In perspective, that is less than 1 pound a week for a year. I would hope maybe I can do that with exercise. I am not giving up, I'm just changing styles till I find the one that works with my messed up body!

I'm still alive...but barely

2009-01-08T19:55:00.005-07:00

I've officially been on my "life-style" change for 4 days now. We don't want to use the word diet, because I seem to fail everyone of those I ever do. I'm determined not to this time! The eating is going ok. I'm doing a mixture of lots of different things I know. Basically just trying to eat healthy. But let me tell you about the exercise! I've said in my goals I'd like to do a 5K so my friend Alisha sent me this wonderful program to get started. Afterall, the first week you only have to run a minute at a time. I mean, how hard could that be? My conclusion is this. I am an old woman. An old fat woman. I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE!My heart was beating so fast I could see it! Honestly! My "girls" would vibrate with every beat! My legs were noodles. You know that saying "feel the burn"? I think mine were 3 seconds from cremation! But I didn't quit. I've been running the schedule all week. Part of me is quite proud. The other part is scared to death for next week to come when I have to run 2 minutes at a time. Why do people love this? I am hoping and praying the person who came up with this program knows something I don't. Surely they tested it enough to know that I HAVE to have more stamina next week, right? Pray for me. Cause I ain't quittin! I might be crying as I move my blob around the track, but this blob is gonna get thinner one way or another!

Our Family in 2008

2009-01-03T21:06:00.001-07:00

A new year of hope, happiness & health

2009-01-01T21:38:00.002-07:00

A new year is exciting. A time to start fresh with all my goals, ambitions and dreams; new commitments to be a better self, wife, mommy and daughter of our Heavenly Father. How am I going to do this...with a whole lot of prayer!
Lets start with a better self.

Lose weight. It wouldn't be a new year if I didn't have that goal. That is ALWAYS my New Year's resolution. This means I need to exercise more. I REALLY want to start a running plan. This scares me to death! I'm going to have to duck tape the girls (aka boobs) together so I don't knock myself out.
Work on my OCD. It really will be alright if I start on the right side of Costco when I shop instead of the left. It will...won't it?
Get my hair done more than once a year. Seriously, the grays are overtaking my head.
Be more patient with myself. Heavenly Father doesn't expect me to be perfect. Why do I?
Make an effort to make more close friendships. I don't live in AL anymore. Time to accept it.

As a mommy-

Yell less. ALOT less. I always wanted to be that momma that never raised her voice. Instead I'm that momma that is hoarse by the end of the day. Everyday.
Not freak out over kids messes so much. This would also fall under the category of OCD.
Make an effort to listen better. I have 3 little mouths that NEVER stop moving. They even talk in their sleep. I really should at least pretend Club Penguin is interesting to me.

As an eternal companion-

Be more understanding of his needs, and by needs I mean NEEDS. He is a man after all.
Try to stay up later with him. I unfortunately need a lot more sleep than he does.
Make him teriyaki chicken more often. He loves the stuff. Me...not so fond.
Remember to wear his favorite perfume.

And to live up to my Heavenly Potential-

Read scriptures together as a family. This is so hard for me. I have boys! They cannot sit still. But, I will try again. I will also read them personally again this year. My life was so enriched last year by finishing the BOM again.
Pray more often. I know when I pray in the morning my day is better. Why then is it so hard to do it?
Be a better counselor in Relief Society. I want all my sisters to know I love them. Not because I'm "required" too, but to genuinely feel my sincerity. I pray for their happiness as well as my families.

I don't think this is too much to ask for one year. After all...I am a superwoman.

Why is the day after Christmas Sooooo Wonderful?

2008-12-27T09:02:00.004-07:00

I LOVE the day after Christmas. It has to be one of the most relaxing days of the year for me. I remember my mother saying when I was young that her best night of sleep all year was always Christmas night. I never understood that then. I absolutely do now. So...here are the ten reasons I think we should celebrate Dec 26th more than once a year.

The hustle and bustle are over.
My kids still think I'm the best mom in the world for their presents and are sure no parents have ever loved their kids more.
I don't have to cook. Too many leftovers.
The phone isn't ringing off the hook. Spoke to everyone yesterday.
Sales. Sales and more sales. Some of the best shopping ever. AND I almost always have gift certificates to spend that some one has told me are only to be used on myself. No diapers. No toys. Only selfish indulgences.
My husband loves me. I mean he always loves me, but on this day I'm perfect. What is different? Maybe it is just so obvious I had spent the entire last year looking for that gift that would give him unexplainable joy second to only one thing we don't need to mention.
I love my mother more. I have so much more appreciation for what she did for us through the holidays.
I like the snow. And I NEVER say that any other time. But this is a definite improvement over the other 6 to 8 months of snow we have here in the beautiful state of Utah. I concede there should be snow at Christmas. It is amazingly beautiful when everything is covered in white as the kids play with their new winter toys. It is now Dec 27th....I hope it's starting to melt.
Everyone is in a good mood. I mean EVERYONE. Even that neighbor that thinks your husband should have been castrated on your wedding day so we hadn't produced our spawn is waving as he drives by to do his after Christmas shopping.
And the last reason is.....I don't have to read a Santa's wish list for at least 10 more months wondering how if the world Santa is going to make my kids happy. I mean, I've only read what....3 a week since October?

So all my wonderful friends out there, I hope your yesterday was as peaceful and joyous as mine.

2008-12-20T20:16:00.005-07:00

So many people I know are blogging these days. I've decided to give it a try. I've never been very good at journal writing so we'll see how it goes.

It's Dec 20th. 5 days and counting till the big Christmas Day. My boys are crazy with anticiptation. Me....well.....I'm wanting it to be over. But being the "good" mom that I am I'll go all out for the next few days making sure it's a special time for the men in my life. Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. At least I used to. It is so hard these days to bring the real meaning of Christmas into our homes. Now that my shopping is done I do feel the spirit coming on stronger. I want Christmas to be like it was when I was a kid. Santa was MAGIC! And of course Jesus's Birthday was most important.

Christmas Eve was my favorite night of the year as a child. When I was young we would take the long drive to my Nanny and Pappy's house for the family gathering. We (my sister and I) were the only grand-daughters for a very long time so we were spoiled rotten by all of my mom's wonderful brothers (6 of them!). We would spend all afternoon just waiting till it was time to open our presents. We would play with the other cousins we never saw much and it was a perfect day. We always had a dinner of lunchmeats, chips and salads. And of course the sweets! When it was finally time for the presents it seemed like it took us hours to open all the gifts from everyone. We ALWAYS walked a way with a new doll and accessories. My nanny loved her baby dolls. Hence, so did I. When it would get late we would pack the car and head back home to Delaware. Sometimes in big blizzards. We would be asleep 5 minutes into the trip. The next thing we would know if would be Christmas morning and the magic started again. I would do anything for my kids to have my same memories. We are around family but the magic is just so different. Kids are so much older than they once were. Not as much innocence I suppose.

I've spent the day addressing our annual Christmas letter to all our loved ones. At last count I think I was up to 68. That's what happens when you've moved around as much as we have. Lots and Lots of loved ones. I wouldn't change this for the world though. We know the best people.