sorry

I know I haven't been blogging lately, and I am sorry. I love reading all your blogs so much, it seems hypocritical to not maintain mine.

For the first winter in many years (maybe 5) that I have needed my lights for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I have not been happy, and I have not been sleeping. I know that Carolyn and Kerry have been not sleeping more. But I am OLD OLD OLD. Either I can't get to sleep...sometimes all night till 6 am, or else I wake up every freaking hour. I am tired and my body can't take it. Sometimes I resort to ambien after a few days of this because I simply MUST have some sleep. It usually helps for that night, but I find that sometimes it means that the next day without it is worse.

I started my lights yesterday and hope to see some improvement. It has gotten to where I am afraid to go to bed because I am afraid of not sleeping. Doesn't help, I know, but who said I was rational.

I have an appointment with a sleep specialist January 6th for the snoring stuff. Probably I will have another sleep study. I am almost wishing for sleep apnea because then there is a treatment. David won't even sleep with me because of the snoring. perhaps TMI, but it makes me sad (SAD) even more. I know he needs his sleep too, so I try to accept. Actually, it's fun to have a whole king bed to myself, but I miss him.

I know

that I've posted this before, but I wanted to save it because it has the lyrics with it. Feel free to ignore it.


The Mom Song from Northland Video on Vimeo.

All I can say is watch out at the next talent show.

6 am, and the living ain't easy

Since I took codeine syrup for my persistent cough last night, I slept well until 3 am. Here I am 3 hours later, messing with the computer.

I must have deleted all my photo editing software, cause I am trying to do stuff for the big 86 today which probably won't get done because of the aforementioned and because our video card died on Thursday and we didn't get the computer fixed until late last night. Involving 3 trips to Best Buy. I don't even want to talk about it.

Christmas Party

We had a really nice Christmas party this year, with a theme of "international" Christmases. The food was NOT ham and scalloped potatoes. YEA!!! We had little phylo(sp) triangle with spinach in them from greece, potatoes baked from Idaho, some kind of curry dish, empan~adas, red cabbage with apples, strudel-type thingie, stollen, and a bunch more that I cannot remember.

One thing though was the same as always: Kids running loose through the gym, hallways, stage, etc. I had no kids to herd down, but I saw others who struggled and others who let them run, chase, scream. I hate that. But it is always there. Don't know how to change it.

Baby names

Now that our babies have their names, I want to introduce this in case you guys have any more.

Rates up there with "Tabernacle" and "Gonorrhea"

who i am

I hear that "Mouse potato" has been added to the dictionary. I think some of my kids are similarly inclined.

Alma 5: 14, 19

This is from this.

I woke up at 5:30 this morning with this thought. What does the kingdom look like? It looks just like Jesus. It doesn’t look like you, or me, or anyone else. But the more you and I begin to look like Jesus, the more we begin to look like the kingdom. Our priorities become kingdom priorities. Secondary matters don’t matter so much to us any more.

Exactly right. Let's put ourselves in our places. We want to receive His image in our countenance.

Junk mail

I saw this on another blog. Too funny. I don't think I'd ever do it, mostly because it is too much work for me. But imagine....

I wanna go home

So the days are flying past now that I can see the end in sight. As much as I love my family, it is time to go home to my primary family...David. He wrote me a "How do I miss you, let me count the ways" a la Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I think the same. David is going to drive down to Columbus friday night to pick me up from the airport because he can't wait. me either. I love you honey!!!

November

Hey, I just realized that as I sit here, it is the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. cool. I can't wait for 2011!!!

Oh, don't forget "the days of November remember". Source, anyone???

yea!!!

1 wedding and 2 births in October...good month. added 4 grandchildren and 1 daughter in law.

oops

I just saw that Baby E is due in 6 days. It has now been removed, because Kerry refuses to put Katie back in.

this and that from washington

I believe that Jenna has had her first poptart this morning. I am trying to find things that she will eat by herself so that it is less work on Kerry. She now eats peanut butter on ritz crackers (sandwiches) for lunch. Certainly it is less nutritious than the baby fruits and vegetables she was eating, but lots easier if the mother involved is starving herself. Once we started on food she could eat herself, she is not too thrilled to eat baby food. On one hand, it adds to her independence which she should be working on at this time. I even made her use the spoon and put milk on her cheerios. She likes the spoon.

Breastfeeding seems to be going a little better for Kerry and Katie (the two KJE's here). She is latching on better and will sometimes take both breasts at the feeding. She, Katie, needs to work on sleeping soundly at night instead of the day. She still is hard to wake up in the daytime in order to feed, which is frustrating Kerry alot--Kerry wants to sleep at NIGHT.

Pictures will have to wait until I go home...2 weeks and 1 day to columbus. not that I am counting or anything. It is nice here, but I MISS MY HUSBAND AND MY HOUSE AND HAVING EVERYTHING HAVE A CERTAIN PLACE TO BE.

No word from Carolyn, so I suppose all is still the same. Carolyn, I pray for you at least daily...sometimes more. This last bit of pregnancy is soooo hard. not like the beginning is a piece of cake.

I have to go grocery shopping today..I have put it off for 2-3 days. Now, instead of sunny I have overcast, but if I don't go today, Jenna will run out of milk. but not Katie!!!!

Well, Jenna just unfolded and threw around the clothes that I folded yesterday. Serves me right for not paying attention!!! So, I guess I better go to the store.

slow cooker chicken cordon bleu

I made a delicious, easy meal here that I want to remember so I can make it at home. Sorry, Carolyn, I don't think Dan likes stuffing:

Ingredient:
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (can put in frozen). enough to cover the bottom of the crockpot for three, layering if you want to serve more.
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
4 oz sliced ham
4 oz sliced swiss cheese
1 8 oz package herbed dry bread stuffing mix
1/4 cup butter melted ( the day I made this, we had no butter in house, so I poured on some half and half.

Directions:

Mix together the cream of chicken soup and milk in a small bowl. Pour enough of the woup into a slow cooker to cover the bottom. Layer chicken breasts over the sauce. Cover with slices of ham and swiss cheese. Pour the remaining soup over the layers, stirring a little to distribute between layers. Sprinkle the stuffing on top. Drizzle the butter over the stuffing. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. (or longer if you aren't ready to eat yet.}


Man was this good. mmm, hmmm

BTW, this came from allrecipes.com

level of busyness

I truly have to say that I am much busier here at Kerry's than I was in Portland with swimming 3 days a week. People who think stay-at-home mothers have lots of free time haven't been around them very long. I am still reading the first book I started. Lots of attention to laundry, Jenna, meals, etc.

I am enjoying myself, but it sure is busy

ah, primary

so, I went to Primary with Kerry today. I stepped right into "go sit where the teacher didn't show up so all her kids are acting out". I was sitting with the ctr 5 class. This very active guy showed Kerry how to bowl (during program practice), told me he was moving to Japan (sayanara, dude), and that he was going to a soccer party at 2 and he wanted to be at the party (Yeah, I can tell that). Then he told me how when he grew up he was going to be in the army, get a rifle, and proceeded to mime mowing down the primary with his rifle. Yeah, I remember military wards. It was shivery. Just like when I really was in one. There are certain dynamics that must be eternal.

Oh, and I was driven to Washington state yesterday by Ryan and Vicki. Thanks. And I forgot to give you gas money before you left!!

Welcome home

I am the one in charge when the boys get home from school. I almost always call out "Welcome home" when they come through the door. A couple of days ago, Sammy said, "I feel very welcomed." It kind of reminds me of a friend's blogpost. Now I was a single parent myself once, and also have had to work sometimes when married. But I believe the ideal is to have mom home to say "Welcome home" is a value. Feel free to have your own opinion.

politicsand the bailout

I don't usually get too political. But this bailout of wall street makes no sense to me. For an interesting take on this, comparing it to the Titanic, see this.

I am lost

and alone on some...forgotten highway...traveled by many, remembered by few (source????)

It has been a long time from home, 4 1/2 weeks, if the count is right. I miss my hubby. I miss my home. I miss my friends. I miss my ward.

I am truly glad to be able to provide this service for Ryan, Ryan and Vicki, R, V, and Sam and Jacob. I am excited to go to Kerry and Braden's home this weekend and play my heart out with Jenna and help with delivery, recovery, breastfeeding, sibling adjustment, etc. I don't see enough of this family.

but I miss hubby, etc.

Just sayin'

love,
mom

nice quote

On segullah.com/blog (i think), I found this lovely quote:

Sister Hinckley once said:

“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden.
I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”

So Ryan received his endowments on Wed, Oct 1. He looked sorta like a deer in the headlights, but hasn't said to us anything about it. The wedding was Oct 3rd at the Portland temple. This temple is GORGEOUS. I really like it. The celestial room has a mezzanine! And lots of polished wood throughout the temple. The sealing took place at 11:00am. They looked handsome and beautiful, depending on which you were talking about. Vicki's 2 boys waited with Nana in the foyer, which has an attached atrium (probably because of the frequent rain here) where you can take some pictures. It was predictably rainy, but we did get a brief period to take some outdoor pictures before it absolutely poured. Ryan says no pictures on the blogs until he posts. Well, anyway, I don't know how to put pictures up on this computer.

Afterwards, we had a brunch at Sweet Tomatoes, which has salad bar, soup bar, bakery, breads, drinks. It was lovely, and thanks to the Wellings who paid for it.

David and I then took naps back at the little house.

There was a ring ceremony with welcoming addresses by Vicki's grandfather, her uncle Terry and David (my david). Ryan wrote a lovely poem for Vicki that he recited. His soft voice prevented me from hearing all of it, but he left it up on his computer, so I actually saw the words. Very lovely. Vicki had some words for Ryan, and then they exchanged rings. Ryan is wearing his on his right ring finger, cause that's the way they do it in Russia. (weirdo russophile).

The reception was in the evening, 7-9. The 1/2 cultural hall was decorated lovingly by some of the ward sisters and a relative of Vicki's (I can't remember the connection). There was an arch where more photos were taken. The ward sisters baked a variety of bar cookies and cookies. I read a toast that Ryan's sortatwin Ty wrote because she couldn't come and was the best Man/person/woman. Vicki's mom read a toast from Jacki, who is Vicki's twin sister, who is in Korea and couldn't come. They drank and Ryan spilled sparkling juice on
Vicki. Later, they had a first dance...a waltz that they had been practicing almost daily for. They looked nervous at first, but then loosened up. When they cut the wedding cake, no cake was smashed.

The plan had been for them to leave for Bend for their honeymoon right from the reception, but when Ryan changed out of his tux, he realized that he had no shoes, so they came back to the house to get some. The church, where they had the reception is only 5-10 minutes away, so this wasn't too bad.

Then came the cleanup, and then David and I came home to collapse.

All in all, a great time.

Portland Street names

Okay, so I love Salt Lake City and its grid system. Wherever you go, you know where you are by the address. You can find anything.

Portland has at least created a quarterly system: You live either in NW, SW, NE, or SE. East and west are divided by the Willamette River (pronounced will AM it). North and South are divided by, I think, Baseline Road. So, you can tell which quarter of the city you are in just by the street name, for example, SW 170th street. NW Blah Street (ok, I made that one up, but I am in the SW so that's pretty much what I know) (except there is probably a NW 170th also).

My peeve is this. SW Blah court, SW Blah lane, SW Blah street, SW Blah Ave., SW Blah Road, SW Blah cirle, etc. I mean it. And there is no rhyme or reason for where these streets are located. If you are aiming for a BLVD, and are on a street, you could be ANYWHERE in relation to where you want to be.

yikes.

I LOVE SNL

Just in memory of our snl debate video. I did not get to see the actual debate because of the time difference I missed it.





And Governor Palin:

I declare

a FATWA on ants. I know that having ants has nothing to do with if you clean your house or not. Well, I guess if you regularly left food out and doors open it might increase your likelihood of ant populations. But the reverse is not true. You can keep your house totally clean and someone sneaky puts out an ant sign (the lettering is sooooo tiny that the home ocupee doesn't even know it's out there. Like, in hobo days how hobos would leave some coded message that told other hobos of places that would feed them.

At first, I had no ants (not counting back home). Then I woke up one morning to find dozens of them on the kitchen counter. Not being my house, I didn't know where anything might be to zap them. Under the sink was some spray Lysol. I sprayed them and they died!! Yea!!! Next morning, they're back. More sprayage. At least there weren't so many. I was doing my dishes after every meal. All food is in the fridge, including cereal, crackers and chex mix.

I'd go a couple of days only seeing a couple.

Then, I found one in my bathroom glass. No more middle of the night drinks for me, that's for sure.

Today, the sign must have been up again, for I was again invaded. I lysoled them (why doesn't THAT go on the teeny signs: Avoid like the plague or you will be shot with Lysol and die). I admit a washed off fork in the sink. not cleaned yet, but washed off, hey!

I got back from swimming my mile. Turn on the tub faucet. Look down. THERE ARE 12-15 ANTS IN THE TUB. No food there. Well, apple shampoo. but really. So, I got my bathroom cup and drowned every last one. Til I look again, I suppose.

A fatwa on them. All believers kill ants at your leisure. You won't be held responsible. Die!!! (to the ants)

Swimming

I swam a MILE today. woohoo, attagirl. only 36 laps and 1hr15min.

I am the queen!!

Yes, it is only remarkable compared to myself. Love me anyway.

I can't believe!!

...that those babies are both due so soon

...that I have such nice daughters (also including present and future daughter-in-laws at the time not to exceed 3. and legally)

..that I almost face planted in Baker City, Oregon. I forgot to tell you guys that. IT was outside a McDonalds (hi, kev). I was talking to Ryan who was ahead of me on the sidewalk. I tripped on one of those cement thingies that keep you from driving through the building. Luckily, having fallen before, I acted like an acrobat. I SLIGHTLY scuffed my palms, rolled over onto my left shoulder (which hurt for like 10 minutes), then onto my back. Ryan came running over thinking I might have broken something (and thereby delayed his trip to his honey) (no, really he was more worried about me). I was fine, he helped me get up, I went to the bathroom (the purpose for stopping at Mickey D's), he bought a sausage biscuit (no vegetarians for a long trip), and we got in the car and resumed the drive, ending about 5 hours later with no ER trips.

...that I will have 9 grandchildren by the middle of November.

...that I have so much time and so little to do, although the book reading is coming along nicely, thank you.

...that Ryan is going to be a FATHER...so soon (he is already somewhat assuming the role)

...that I am in Portland and it hasn't rained yet (I know, wait a month)



not related to subject line, but I am trying a blocking test with my guaifenesin today. That means I take double the dose in the morning, and unless I feel remarkedly worse, I am blocking and I have to find out what the product is that I am using that has an ingredient I cannot use (because it blocks). I have checked my products with myself 2 or 3 times and with the fibro board person who really knows this stuff inside and out. Here's to feeling bad today!

love you all

I live in a little house

This is very cool that if I have to stay away from home for so so so so long, that I get to live in a little house like it's my own. It has a mud room, kitchen, eat-in space with small table, small living room, bedroom and bathroom. So much better than a motel, and free besides.

I went swimming today. Last time, I went to the Aloha swim center, but when I went there today, they informed me that they had no water. Actually, i think the pool itself had water, but none for showers or flushing toilets. So, I looked on the net and found the Beaverton swim center about 15-20 minutes away. I went swimming, but it was SOOOOO crowded. Like 3-5 people per lane. Lotsa wave action. I was glad when a few of them went away.

I was going to buy a new portland map today since mine is 24 years old. (wonder how I can remember that so easily) I put $5 in my pocket, went to the store and found one for $4.95. Darn tax!! Maybe I can buy it tomorrow or the next day.

Just came over to the big house after watching a DVD and wanting to discuss it, but the lovebirds are out on a walk.

I miss my husband. I'd come home if I could, but I can't. Darn money.

love you all.

Oh, I haven't taken any pictures yet, so I can't put them here to show you.

Swimming

I have found a place to swim here, and swam for an hour today. It is about 5 minutes from where I am staying, so, uber convenient.

Ryan is tending boys today and sending out resumes. It is interesting to see him in charge of the kids.

Other than that, today is boring. am reading, well, rereading wicked. After having listened to the score from the musical several times on the way here, I wanted to reread the book and see how they got from one to another.

I have arrived...so has Ryan

I think the last I posted was from Nebraska. The next day we finished Nebraska (thank goodness) and went all but 3 miles of Wyoming. also yea!!!!! They are both so boring, and I personally (with no offense to wyomingans), hate wyoming. It is so desolate looking. and long.

The next day took us to Baker City, Oregon. At least there were no more state lines to pass. With each one, Ry had to call Vicki and request a kiss. mush mush...
The super 8 had a bigger pool than Evanston, although I did swim for 45 minutes there. Super 8, however, had the pool closed. It looked like crime scene tape around the hot tub (which i wasn't going to use). Where are the CSI's when you want them???

For some reason, on Saturday, Ryan wanted to get going early. He was very excited, and we only had a 5 hour drive. We got to Aloha (pronounced aloa) about 2 pm. The little house I am staying in is soooo cute. And it's nice to have a place to go away. Vicki put in some stores for us, including the only western fabulous stephen's cocoa. Yumm.

Vicki is very nice. The kids, Sam and Jacob are nice also. We will be getting better acquainted as time goes on.

In very sad news, Kevin has moved to Detroit to stay with his girlfriend, Debra. For scripture last night, Dad had us read the parable of the prodigal son. Instead of hope, as it should give me, it instead makes me want to cry. Everyone knows that it was time for Kev to move on, but the circumstances of it are just so wrong. Please keep him in your prayers.

I have found a pool nearby to swim in---yea!!!!!

love to all
mom

On the mormon trail

I forgot to tell you that we crossed the great mississippi yesterday, although you might have inferred it when we left Illinois for Iowa. Had a good breakfast included with the hotel. yogurt, cereal, bagels, hot chocolate and belgian waffles.

Today we crossed the Missouri river. At first Iowa was flat, but as we approached Council Bluffs, it got very hilly. I kept picturing the pioneers walking up and down while Anna (Ryan's Jetta) struggled to take all our stuff on her back towards Oregon. The corn was not as high as an elephant's eye, but it was about 4 foot high and tassled.

Nebraska, just about my least favorite state is still forever long. Ry says it should be called "Flatska". I think it is about 450 miles long. or wide, I should say. Full of corn and I think soybeans. and very very flat. As I recall, Wyoming is pretty flat also, till you get way west and start the rockies foothills. It also is eternally long/wide.

Oh, I went swimming this morning at 7 am. The bed was not comfy, so I was up. I thought maybe it would make my muscles feel better.

Well, hope everyone is okay. Just heard that Kevo is moving to Detroit saturday. Apparently gave notice 2 weeks ago.

love you, mom

Traveling Tales

Ryan and I are on our way to Oregon. Our ETD was 8:00am and we left before 8:10. Drove to the local dunkin donuts to stock up on munchkins. mmmmmmm

Got on I80, still there. well, actually, we are now in our first hotel, baymont inns and suites, Davenport Iowa, just over the mississippi.

Do you know that in Indiana and Illinois there were lights on signs powered by solar?? I thought that was cool. Oh, they also power the cameras and signs that tell you if an animal is in the road ahead (within a mile)

Do you know if you hit a construction worker in Illinois, you will be fined $10,000 and go to jail for 14 years. And I don't think it matters whether or not you kill them :)

Do you know that Ryan's jetta could not hold another item??? Man, is it packed. and cartop carried and all.

Love you all, hope to update tomorrow. Now we have to find somewhere to eat.

PS: I love gaining time as we go west. won't think about the going east part later.

I'm baaaaack

Did you miss me?? I've been down in Cincy helping with the kids and the house and such. The big excitement was stepping on a nail, necessitating 2 trips to urgicare, a tetanus shot and shot of a reallly painful antibiotic. I was complimenting the nurse about her technique, cause I hardly felt it. Then she pushed in the Rocephin. Yowwwwch!! But all is good, it is healing.

I really enjoyed helping out, and getting to be with my grandkiddies more. oh, and the adults too :))

2008 Ohio Scottish Games

On Saturday, June 28th, David, Kevin, and his friend Deborah attended the 31st Annual Ohio Scottish Games in Wellington, Ohio. Here are some comments and photos from David.
I think I have not enjoyed myself so much in one day in a very long time. We went early and stayed late, and were sad to see it end. The parade of the Tartans (with Kevin and I in our McKenzie kilts), the massed bagpipe bands, and the professional caber toss were fun as always. But I think what I loved the most was the music, especially the Scottish folk and dance music. My favorite group was "The Anonymous String band", a foursome that performs every year. I also listened to folk singer Alex Beaton (and bought one of his double CD's) and a group called "The Brigadoons". Kevin liked the group named "Needfire". I've written a lot more in my email. I'll just stop here and let you see the photos.


The Kilted Mile Race. The brothers, Lars and Ralp, doing their pre-race warm up.


The five kilted runners at the start.



Opening Ceremonies - MacFarlane's Company, a group of historic reenactors, from the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.


Parade of the Tartans - David and Kevin marching with the MacKenzie Clan


The Anonymous String Band (from 2006)


Royal Scottish Country Dancers (from 2006)


John Blakeman with his Red-Tailed hawk "Savanna"


Kevin, with his new wardrobe additions, and his flamberge sword.


Kevin and David


Kevin and David

Chocolate Smoothie

Doesn't it look good???

walmart

So, upon occasion, people at Mormon mommy wars go on an on abut walmart, calling it "voldemart", etc. So I have gotten out books and a dvd. The DVD is called _Wal-mart: The high cost of low price_. I think I too will never shop there unless it is an emergency. Get it from the library. It's eye-opening.

The garden, spring 2008

So, our garden looks really nice in the spring, esp after we plant a few annuals. And, by the way, I love weirdness. in flowers. I plan to show you some of my weird acquisitions.





This is what is still known as "Ryan's Garden", even though he doesn't live here anymore and has no say any longer about what to plant or that they must be purchased and planted in groupings of three. :D Wish I knew how to make smiley emoticons on my blog.:( We (using the term loosely: I buy and David usually plants). This year, I got a bunch of violets from my sister's garden. I love violets. Although they only bloom for a bit in the early spring, I remember them from Linden Lane (where I grew up) and the "forest" in our backyard. The leaves are very pretty and heart-shaped, so even without the blooms, it is pretty. And, I figured if they grew under trees in the "forest", they should grow under this tree. And they spread also.

I also bought 2 and received 3 from my sister of a plant/bush called astilbe. They are supposed to do well in the shade. Well, after 2 weeks, one is nearly dead having been transplanted to the sun because it was dying in the shade. Hope I get my money back. The second one that I picked out (my sister's contributions are fairing slightly better) is showing signs of demise also. I also bought some more hosta for around the edges. The first place I looked, they wanted $20-30 for them. I was in shock. This is HOSTA we are talking about...common, ya know?? Then I went to another place where I got them for $4 each. Yay, me.




This is the garden under the bedroom windows, commonly known as the bedroom garden or the garden by the windows. Clever, no?? I point out particularly the bleeding heart or dianthus (i think). Lovely in bloom. Too bad the leaves die with the blooms. It is a perennial. The border is mostly sweet woodruff, which is a perennial and can usually be found in the herb section. I found this out by searching all over and having to ask. I(we) love the way some of it is poking out through the bricks. There is a new weirdo plant here also, but you can't really see it. I'll show a closeup later. Also, if you can see lots of tall spiky leaves, those are part of the something-bells we purchased a long time ago. Obviously they spread like mad and have lots of purple or white bells (oh, it's bellflower i think) that last all summer.



This is the sun garden or garage garden or front garden...take your pick. Some annuals like dwarf dahlia, cosmos, and snapdragons are there. And some weirdos. Snapdragons allegedly self seed, so the idea was to see if they could come visit every year, saving us from buying annuals. (cheapskates, we) There is also a lot of perennial columbine(which spreads) and bachelor button (which spreads), and sedum (which....spreads).



This is one of 2 weirdo plants. The other is the one you can't see in the bedroom garden. I don't know if they flower or anything, but I just loved the leaves. I think it is a perennial.



Note the big bushes at the end...these are my bachelor buttons, the weirdo plant from last year. Don't worry, I'm gonna show you a close up so you can appreciate its weirdness first hand.


Bachelor buttons in front.



The flowers, if you can see them, have a round purple center, and the "leaves" of the flower are 2 skinny blue things that fray at the end and curl up. Looks like no bachelor's buttons I've ever seen. Weirdos.



And now, my other weirdo plant I just HAD to buy. It is called celosia, and can be either an indoor or outdoor plant. I'm hoping I can bring them inside during winter to keep them for next year.



Another celosia closeup.

It is funny to me to see how much pleasure I get from going out and viewing (and talking to) my garden. While I was growing up, the only thing "garden" meant was the dreaded weeding.

Learning about the Brethren

I stole this from a friend.



May I point out again that the tune of Beverly Hillbillies also fits to the words of "If You Could Hie to Kolob". Try it and see. You'll never sing that song in the same way again.

Poetry in Motion

I just found these poems at lightrefreshmentsserved.com and thought they were funny. hope you do too. and maybe when I'm done telling you theirs, I'll write some of my own.

Emily says:

This is just to say
I bought doughnuts a lot when you were little
And didn’t share them with you
Please forgive me
I needed them more than you did
And your father didn’t know either

{Now that one strikes home?;)}


and the blogger herself, Kacy says:

This Is Just to Say
I have taken the ring
and thrown it into Mordor
You probably wanted to keep it
and use it for evil
Forgive me
It was a great ring
So pretty
and so precious

This Is Just to Say
I killed your parents when you were a baby
They were incredibly talented wizards
but they were probably going to foil my plans
for domination
At least
I didn’t kill you
even though I tried
a lot

And now, mine.

This Is Just to Say
That using all your spare time to paint
And put in tile and decks and such is a pain
but when you consider the money we've saved
By sweat equity
Forgive me, but
It's worth it.
Maybe.
We'll have to see.

This Is Just to Say
That having a baby 18 months after the first
Is very stressful on the body
but when you are thirty
and want more kids
You do what you have to.
Forgive me for snoring.
I'm tired.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

This Is Just to Say
That a degree in engineering is useful
And brings lots of money
but before it can do that
You need an engineering job
Like now.
Forgive me for saying
Quizno's isn't it.
Rats

This Is Just to Say
That McDonald's is a smelly job
And it doesn't pay well
but when you don't have a college degree
And don't want one
Your work options are limited.
Forgive me for pointing that out.
Big Mac coming up.
Boring.

What is a Mormon?

This is probably old news by now, but I really liked this blogpost. Check it out for yourself.

Food and Pets or vice versa

Oh, I've been around about various blogs today. So I will share and hope you have as much fun as I have been having.

I don't care for pets. WOW News flash, eh?? (hope you can understand Canadian). So I read this blog and I knew that I had found a soul sistah (do you read eubonics??). I loved this comment: "When I had a gerbil, I would wait until it was running it's its little wheel then I would spin that sucker so fast he would experience g-forces unknown to the gerbil world." hahahahaha. Comprenden?? (continuing in the multilingual flavor of spanish)

Next, I read this blog about food our mothers forced on us. The comments are hysterical also. Don't miss those. "Powdered milk is a horrible thing to do to perfectly good water. The tendency to inflict it on the family is passed down from generation to generation, like child abuse. Your grandmother did it, your mother did it. Fortunately, you've stopped the cycle of abuse." I expect, no demand, to know your tales as I share mine. Even though some of them would apply to me. And come back and recommend as you think of stuff.

Memorable motherly masterpieces to manger (there's the french):

My mother served me:

Brown sugar sandwiches on days when we'd take communion (Catholic, remember) and we had to fast before partaking. Then, we'd get to eat breakfast in class. Boy what a reward for taking communion. I have been known to treat myself to these very occasionally in adulthood when I need comforting. My mom is always near then.

3 bean salad. very bitter vinegary stuff. I told her I'd throw up, but she insisted. I remained at the kitchen table for HOURS, but no mercy. Finally, I choked it down. Then I threw up. Told ya.

Spanish rice (rice, tomato sauce). Just ask my sister. And spaghetti Creole (spaghetti, tomatoes, tomato sauce). ditto. Chili. I have developed my loathing of kidney beans from this masterpiece. Just ask my sister. My sister found a way to enjoy meatloaf, although I cannot. One time Joan served me meatloaf insisting that it wasn't anything like mom's. I tried, Joan, I really tried. But I couldn't. The memories were too strong. Now, as an adult, I realize that at that time we didn't have a lot of money. So I forgive her (my mommy). But I still can't eat those.

Peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches. Actually, I liked these, even made them for myself.

Giblet gravy. OK, she didn't make me eat this, but the very idea of eating gravy with chopped up organs in it did not appeal.

Liver and onions were marginally tolerable if you had enough onions to kill the liver taste. But again, organs.

Brussel Sprouts. Lima beans. Even Dad can't eat these.

One time they made me a whole pizza with the crust cut off. They weren't always mean ;) And of course, I ate the whole thing. I think they did it as a joke, thinking I couldn't possibly eat it all. But hey, when you are a picky eater, you've got to get your calories for the lean times. And she made good pizza.

Okay, now I've got to eat. But it's within MY control now!!!

Wii are having fun now

Especially for Braden, but I predict all will have a good laugh.

Happy Mothers' Day

I think I have posted this before, but in honor of the day I thought I'd do it again.



Too true, too true.

OH, and I found this too.

Walking zombie

So, when the floor was being installed, Dad would work on it before I got up. One day, I woke up, sorta, and went into the dining room to where dad was, in the doorway between the dining room and the kitchen. I looked into the kitchen and remarked, "Where's the refrigerator". Obviously I didn't count the large obstacle that I had to walk around to even see into the kitchen. duhhhh

New kitchen floor

First, the ugly old kitchen tile that one could never really get clean because of all the crevices, etc. Plus, it's "harvest gold".



Showing you who it belongs to, in case you were going to steal it.



The first piece laid by my handyman.



See him in action. only took a week.



I guess this is just the padding stuff that lays under the laminate. But it looks like it's finally gonna happen.



About half way done. This is so exciting.



eh, voila!!



And from the other angle.



I keep walking on it saying, "I love my new floor". Come see it, you guys.

Kevin and Debra

You've been asking, so here it is. No comment. But you can comment.

"poot" is too a word

Since I know that all of you are wondering why no one else ever says "poot", I have a blogpost to show you that we are not alone. Besides which, it is hilariously funny, especially if you have kids. who talk. when you wish they wouldn't. but they say what you are thinking but are too polite to say. I read it the other day, but today, I read the comments. They had me laughing with tears also. Enjoy!!

Peanut Butter Blast

At least that's what they called it at Danny Boy's where we went to eat for our 25th wedding anniversary. Thanks to the 2 children who wished us a happy 25th. Anyway, back to the cheesecake or dessert or whatever it was...it was sooooo great that I ordered it for my birthday tomorrow. Dad just went to get it from the cheesecake factory, which doesn't have the real picture. A little bit ago, Dad came sheepishly into my office where I was on the net and said, "About your pie..." I knew right away what he was going to say. I started grinning. It is from The Cheesecake Factory. "How much," I asked? $44.00. "Could you go for 1/2 a pie???" I said, sure. As long as he and Kevin got one piece each, and I got the other 4. Hey, it's MY birthday.

Total Locker Room Privacy

Last Friday, I went to swim at lifeworks. About 15 minutes before I was done, the lights flickered. And went out. And flicker. And out. And flicker. And out for good. We had lots of tall windows, so it didn't really affect me too much. I wondered about the poor man who comes in his wheelchair and uses the chair assist to even get into the pool. How would he get out??? Finally I was done. My locker isn't too far into the locker room...I thought with the light reflected off white walls I would be able to find it. I did. I thought I could do the combination by feel, as it is buttons, not a dial. But someone from Lifeworks wandered by with a flashlight and shined it on my lock. There was a little old lady in the same "indentation" as me. When she left, she asked me, "Will you be all right alone if I go??" I wondered what she could do for me, and said it was fine. And I skipped my shower--that was too much tempting fate. And then I got dressed in the dark which was very private.

it's everywhere

Oh, this is too funny to pass up.



it is again from here

no, it's actually from here

pet names

I was reading amy at amy'shumblemusings and she wrote about the funny names that stick with us. my comment was

"We have "Dan the man", "Kiwi", Ryanryewheatoatsbarleyfarleyfudge", and "Kevobobby"

Oh, and the third one is easier to pronounce if you say Ryan rye wheat oats barley farley fudge. shortened to "Ry". Here is how it came about: Ryan got shortened to Ry. Rye is a grain. So are wheat, oats and barley. Especially if you are playing "Pit". Which rhymes with Farley. Which is "Fudge"'s real name from the Ramona series. See, it all makes sense now.

And Kevin's middle name is not Robert. It just got started by his sister when he started calling her Kiwi."

Are there any more?? Oh, i should have added my own: ChristyAnnaHannahAmmarillaHotDogHoHoHeHeHaHa. or not.

Feeling kinda old, then I learned to:

from here

Masterpiece theatre and other random stuff

Now i know that many of you enjoy those little guys silhouetted in front of your movie making fun of it. So, here's a twist: just silhouettes. pretty funny.

and for you random factoid persons: this

Randy Wayne White

"'And I'm a vegetarian,' as if he wanted the pigs to hear. Wilson said, "Sharks don't care about your ideology and neither do those hogs. Vegetarians are edible and no amount of broccoli's going to change that."

"We loaded into the van. I slid in behind the whell because Tomlinson drives like a man who really does believe in life after death. He combines the wandering inattention of a child with a teenager's love of speed. Terrifying."

I had a little Sorrow,
Born of a little Sin,
I found a room wll damp with gloom
And shut us all within;
And, "Little Sorrow, weep," said I,
"And, Little Sin, pray God to die,
And I upon the floor will lie
And think how bad I've been!"
---Edna St. Vincent Millay

I like this author. Mystery stories. Good characters and plots. The poem was in his book before it actually began.

after some shoveling and after the storm was over

a hole through the front porch drift so the mailman could've gotten through. Through rain and snow and sleet, etc.? no, he didn't come



How much snow??



King of the Hill

yes, there was a blizzard

So you think you have snow???

Dad helped so many people who got stuck in and around our house. we have 4+ feet drifts..the main front yard is up to dad's knees. I'm enjoying by staying indoors and looking at the beauty. It is pretty if you don't have to go anywhere. Debra and kev got cabin fever and went out in the midst of it. Her truck has 4 wheel drive which she needed. All stores were closed except best buy. so they hung out there for a while. even McDonald's was closed. I am trying to upload pictures, but google is being crappy.

ok....here is try #3 for pics.

Stake conference got cancelled both yesterday and today. Columbus stake conference was cancelled too.

ok try#4, and if it doesn't work, i'll try later. but lotsalotsa snow. and cool giant drifts. makes me wish i was a kid to make igloos and tunnels.

just junk

Actually, I can only second Barack Obama, who responded to the Nader announcement thusly: “He thought that there was no difference between Al Gore and George Bush, and eight years later I think people realize that Ralph did not know what he was talking about.”

The Ultimate Rejection Letter


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Herbert A. Millington
Chair - Search Committee
412A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109

Dear Professor Millington,

Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful consideration, I
regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me
an assistant professor position in your department.

This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually
large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field
of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals.

Despite Whitson's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in
rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at
this time. Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor
in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,
Chris L. Jensen


http://www.chaosmatrix.org/library/humor/reject.html

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/06/self-discipline/

yeah, right. good one

I found this on "by common consent" blog and immediately thought of my children. Good ones. It is talking about translation of BOM

parents. This is a surprising challenge to deal with, because there isn’t a word for “parents” in Biblical Hebrew. (If you do a search on parent in the KJV OT, you’ll see the word never appears in that entire literature.) This isn’t a problem for the modern translations, since Modern Hebrew has since supplied a word for parents, horim. Chronicles oddly has “I, Nephi, son of good ones (good parents).”

Fractured Fairy tales

A blast from the past, as noted by http://weeklyscheiss.blogspot.com/

Linking makes me crazy.

I used to watch these all the time as small blips inserted in other saturday morning funnies..this one is Sleeping Beauty.



ah, actually, as i saw more, i realized it was during Rocky and Bullwinkle.

Here is Rapunzel...



enjoy all of them. Just not all at the same time, cause you'll never have time to overprotect your children. (see last post)(no, i don't want to look cool and make it a link. just scroll down, goofballs!)

Protecting my kids

This essay/posting by Mrs. G. of "derfwad manor" was so touching. I remember all this, and I still am like it. Obviously she is posting somewhere else.

http://flawedbutauthentic.com/2008/02/29/a-little-bit-more/#comments

So, yeah, I was and am overprotective, but I challenge those mommies out there to do any differently. If you can, good for you. I can't help it.

Happy Leap Day

Well, we've just finished our date, and i really really need to go to bed to sleep, but i wanted to wish you a happy leap day before i couldn't for the next 4 years.

I hate the CC

So, Kevin got to learn the realities of life without insurance. He made an appointment to see the dr at 4 on tuesday. Then, when they found out that he didn't have insurance they said he had to talk to "emily". When he talked to her, she said he should come in early to talk to her before his appointment.

We got their at 3:45. Waited for 15 minutes for "emily", who had gone on vacation stepped out. She didn't return before four, so we went down to his appt and said we'd come back. By the way, did I mention we were in a blizzard?? and that i really really didn't want to go out driving in the mess? Or that it was made clear at the appointment making stage that we would be paying the entire obscene amount when we were there?? No, i forgot that part, but we did.

We get down to the appointment check in and the lady says she cannot find kev's name on the list. As she looked harder, she found that the appt was cancelled 2 minutes after it was made. Because he DIDN'T HAVE INSURANCE. Even though all the above. And, gee, she was sorry that no one informed us. And gee, the entire dr. service of family practice AND internal medicine could not fit him in--try tomorrow. Why? so we could waste more time???? but i digresss.

They sent us to see another "financial counselor". i guess that was what emily was, although no one told us that. Turns out, that because he didn't have insurance, he has to call a financial counselor and put down $100 before they will even make an appt. for him. It's not enough that they take the $100 before he sees the doctor. no, before he can even make an appt. so, in sickness, when you have to call to make an appt between 8 and 8:15 when all the same day appts are gone, you can't call until after you call emily. Then you can be told that they don't have any appts left. Grrrrr. I hate the Cleveland Clinic. I hated them before for stuff. But now i hate them again and still. World-class medicine indeed.

Brantley indeed...or is it Brantleigh?

Seriously, haven't you ever wanted to say this???



it came from http://weeklyscheiss.blogspot.com/

For all children everywhere

To avoid plagiarizing, this came from

http://weeklyscheiss.blogspot.com/ Now i tried 4 (million) times to put this up as a link, but it wasn't happening. so cut and paste if you care.

A Prayer for Children
by Ina J. Hughes

We pray for children who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
who like to be tickled,
who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
who sneak Popsicles before supper
who erase holes in their math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who never go to the circus,
who never "counted potatoes,"
who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead near,
who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who sleep with the dog and bury the goldfish,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,
who cover themselves with Band-Aids and sing off-key,
who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,
who slurp their soup.

And we pray for those who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can't find any bread to steal,
who don't have any rooms to clean,
whose pictures are not on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.

We pray for children who spend their allowances before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church or temple
and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at,
and whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children who want to be carried
and for those who must.
For those we never give up on, and
for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother,
and for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it. . .

More random web browsing

Hey, you guys, remember mr. silly???





This, from "Hollywood Flakes":

This X-ray shows a boy who swallowed magnetic pieces of a block one at a time. When they hit his stomach, they reconnected.




So you thin that cats have hairball problems?? this from a human



by the way, she stopped eating her hair.

actually, the things people ate came from
http://www.oddee.com/item_92016.aspx


This is also from hollywood flakes,

I was reading some threads in a teacher's forum today and found that most teachers of young children deal with pica. A frequently asked question among the teachers was, "How do I make them stop?" I liked one teacher's response for how she dealt with her first graders. She says:

"What's in you mouth!? Now if you accidentally swallow that thing I am going to have to get it out. Do you see how big my hand is? I'm going to have to stick my big hand down your throat. You can be sure that it will hurt. If you don't want my big fat hand down your throat then you better get that thing out of your mouth and keep it out!"
She reports and almost 100% effective rate for her method

just gotta share

http://hollywoodflakes.blogspot.com/2006/07/teenage-sleeper-primer.html


from derfwad manor

Temple trips

Alright, I confess. One of my goals, since last October, has been to go to the temple every month. I got myself a partner in this endeavor. Then we decided that, as long as we were going down to Columbus, we'd open it up to anyone who wanted to go with us. I was in charge of details. I made sure that the YW peeps knew, and the Primary peeps. We have been going now for 5 months. Last month or so, we had a new RS presidency called. Next thing I know, the temple trips are in the bulletin. It says to contact either me or the RS president. So, now, I no longer know if peeps want to go, cause they may be contacting her. I don't know if I need to get another driver. I don't know if peeps are cool with Columbus (i.e. notification).

I feel like MY project is now a RS project and that bugs me. I feel like just going myself and not telling anyone. If I had a bigger heart, I guess I would be thrilled to get help from the RS prez and thrilled that maybe more people who were cutting out after sacrament might go. But mostly, I feel angry. And going to the temple shouldn't be combined with anger.

Am I just petty?? I feel like if the RS or Enrichment committee wanted to set up something, they should have done it. If it's your project, you handle the details and I'll just decide if I want to come with you.

Cuba

I don't know why this is in my head, but why are we still having an embargo against Cuba?? There are many worse countries in the world whose politics "we" don't agree with. Apparently, this came about because Cuba nationalized some american businesses. But that was in 1962, folks. Give it up.

I can't make the link work, but http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_embargo_against_Cuba

web browsing

This was on a post from "amythemom" http://www.amythemom.com/. Note the power strip floating between the two flipflops.





Guess who I am not gonna vote for???

Although I think a woman could be president. I just don't want THIS woman.

for Braden

I just finished a Lisa Gardner book called "the other daughter". This one is NOT representative. It reeked royally. I could only figure that it was written before the others and when the other got good reviews, they dug this one out that they wrote when they were 15. Skip it. really really reeked.

I only go where the car takes me

A few weeks ago I was heading to Lifeworks (gym) for swimming. I was toddling along bagley when all of a sudden i found myself at the dead end of a street. At which point i woke up and said, "where am I??" I still don't know the name of the street, but for some reason I turned right on one of the many streets by the Olmsted falls schools. I still don't know why i turned there.

a little bit of this..a little bit of that

First, on the serious side, http://www.ksl.com/?sid=&nid=520# shows the press conference announcing/introducing the new first presidency. It is 40 minutes long, but the statements from the three are done in 10 minutes. President Eyring looks like a puppy...so eager. I really like him. and President Uchtdorf. I'll work on the other one.

Funny from snide remarks. If you go to google.com and type in "chuck norris" and hit "I'm feeling lucky", you get http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com/ However if you go to google.com and type in "find chuck norris" and hit "i'm feeling lucky", you get http://clients.arranschlosberg.com/chuck/ , which is just hysterical.

I swam 20 laps and walked 3 laps yesterday and did my stretching exercises in the warm pool also. Plus went to Walmart, Gordon Food Service, the library, and Marc's Berea for grocery shopping. I rock. Don't applaud, just send money.

New First Presidency

So, it is President Monson, with President Eyring as 1st counselor and President Uchtdorf (sp) as second counselor.

Tribute to President Hinckley

I found this link on MormonMomma. It is about 4 minutes long. very cool.

http://deseretnews.com/photo/sslides/detail/1,5498,40,00.html?linkTrack=rotator:cvr

also, a cool photo spread in the slc tribune:

http://extras.sltrib.com/tribphoto/Gallery.asp?ID=84514&PubDate=2008-02-04&GID=HINCKLEY%5F0128 check out the lapels, man.

They say the new first presidency will be announced today.

so look

i made 4 blogs, not counting this one, and no comments. although if everyone wasn't vomitting, i bet carolyn would have blogged.

Authors again

Lisa Gardner. whoa. just whoa. I think only Braden shares my taste in authors, but I just gotta say that she is fantastic. I never want to stop, even to sleep. Suspense till the end, though I have guessed the bad guy before. I want to write as well as she does.

Mother Hubbard

and when I got there, the cupboard was bare.

Yes, it was true. Usually I send someone down to the food storage in dad's office, which is where we put the things to make powdered milk or chlorined water taste better. I mean, in this instance, I had a true year's supply. Imagine my horror when I went down to get some and there were none left and NO ONE TOLD ME I WAS GETTING LOW. I had to rejoin BJ's in order to get it, cause all Costco carries are the envelopes. My membership had expired from costco anyway. I wasn't going to join any shopping club until this tragedy happened. But before I handed over my money, I checked to make sure that the product was there. 10 canisters, baby. I'll have to go again to fill up for a year. Imagine, though, this giant canister was only $4.99?? There's a deal.

C'mer, c'mer

Isn't he really?? This was from a blog i read.

Almost as good as jenna:

President Hinckley

What a neat funeral. Onlybad part is that he is dead. not much to do about that.

i live for comments

if you want me to blog more, comment more. there is a 1:1 ratio here.

giberty dollops

every time i read y'all's blogs, i think, "i am going to blog today". but by the time i read through yours and the other's that i read, it is waaaaay late and i have to go get stuff done. but know that i read yours every day. except when i have no internet.

Like when we (kev and I) went to detroit last week. Oh, i could've had it if i wanted to pay for it. I figured i would be home in a couple of days, so i waited. Kev wanted to spend some time with his online girlfriend in person. so i relented. he enjoyed himself very much, while i read books and watched cable. i loved the show "how it is made". it was on discovery channel. among other things, i watched an artificial leg get fitted and made. fascinating. another good reason we choose not to have cable. i'd veg completely.

I have recovered my cell phone. thanks for prayer. i know it was by this that i got back the phone...ask me and i'll tell you on the "phone".

one of my goals, starting last october or so is to go to the temple monthly. i have opened it up to other relief society members, and besides the temple, it has given me a chance to know others better. the car rides and conversations are fun. In march and april we have to go to detroit, as the columbus temple is undergoing some construction.

President Hinckley

I have got to say that I think he was my favorite church president. I loved his sense of humor and admired his fortitude at his age globetrotting. I also admired his full embracement of newer technology, seeing its good possibilities without focusing only on its bad. I love pres. hinckley