Houston Hansen's

Cruise, elephants, and

2010-11-30T13:26:00.000-06:00

if you are reading this you should follow or subscribe or change your blog roll to this site http://mkhansens.blogspot.com/

TWINS!?

2010-10-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to say CONGRATS to our sweet cousin Tina and her darling family in Dallas. They found out that their family of 5 will be a family of 7 in April.

And be sure to head over to our blog mkhansens.blogspot.com to see our own little Pirate, How we ran our first 10k together, and makana's Race for The Cure and to tell McKay HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (Oct. 20)

We Moved. Again. or Back.

2010-08-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life gets so hectic. Ok, not sometimes, most times. Don't you agree? If it is not one thing then it is another. And that is the way life is. In desperation we try to keep things intact, to keep the appearance of simplicity. Think of duck on the water. I am sure you are familiar with the analogy. Having trouble picturing that?

That should help.

While graceful on top underneath the water this little guy is moving at a ferocious speed. One would never think so from how serene he looks.

I do have a point. Stay with me. All of our lives are moving at ferocious speeds. If it is not one thing, then it is another. I had this whole week off of work and was really looking forward to finishing all of my projects. Instead I tended to a very ill little girl the past 5 days. It was fine. Lots of cuddling. She is 90% recovered.
While I say that I did not get "anything" done, I know I did. I was a mother to my baby and that is irreplaceable. This blog however, is not.

We have gone back to our original blog. Its mkhansens.blogspot.com. Go on over. Tell us you love it. And tell us how you manage with the day-to-day instances of life. I am a new mom still, just a beginner and could use all the tips I can get.

ps-if you need my new email address and phone number, please let me know. Also, if your blog is private, I am not able to access it anymore but would love to.

Oh, and this is makana writing, not mckay.

7 Days of Birthday

2010-08-17T12:32:00.004-05:00

I am sure the hubbs is happy for the 7 day marathon to be over. For me though, it is always a little sad when it ends. Good thing the anniversary is real close behind. This year it my turn to plan it though. More if that in a little while.

Day 1: Ice cream, new cut

Day 2: Pioneer Woman Cookbook

Day 3: Starbucks Strawberry Frappachino

Day 4: Dinner cooked by the hubbs, turning back time for me so we can watch Lost

me: I can't watch it. It's too late

him: Hello Moshi (our talking alarm clock). Set time. 8:00pm. There. Now its 8.

Day 5: Sealings, dinner at BJ's, visit with Berlin.

Day 6: Surprise in the YW Room at church, Family Birthday Party. This is the cake my sister made.

Day 7: Lunch with the Girls, SALT and MarbleSlab, 1 hour massage gift certificate.

Email dependence. Please respond

2010-08-13T07:58:00.003-05:00

I am Dependant on air and water and food. Without it, I will not survive. When I leave the house, I always have my car keys, lip gloss on incredible G1 Phone. I have to. Its like air.

So is posting. It is how I de-stress. I know, I am weird but chances are that if you are even reading this then you have a blog too.

Which brings me to this point. If you ever change your password, write it down. If you changes your password write it down twice. I did not. I failed to do either. And now I have a new email. I will probably have to get another blog address. I locked myself out of all of my blogs so I am writing under Mckay's.

Good thing it is my birthday week. And a Friday. Because I think this could whole thing could possibly make me go grey. And lose my marbles. And let's be honest, I only have a cracked brown and yellow marble left so I can't really afford to lose anymore.

On a more spiritual and insightful note, I felt prompted to just jot down the new password. I didn't. And now look. Its not a tragedy but my life could be that much easier if I would have heeded. So there is your lesson for the week. When you feel like you should do something, do it. I am recommitted now. I am better prepared. I am acutely aware of how not responding can bring me a whole mess that could have easily been avoided

Oh, last thing. Since the comments you make are kept private unless I publish it, please send me your email. Thank you. Gratsi. Mahalo.

28 and counting

2010-08-11T22:08:00.002-05:00

birth·day [burth-dey]

Its day 6. Birthday week has begun folks. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.

28 years old. Hmmm.

Want to know what I have been spoiled with so far? I bet you do. Who wouldn't. But it will have to wait.

I will tell you this though. I did get something I have been waiting for. I'll give you a hint.
It has to do with the owner of a female orange tabby cat. Yup, female. Girl. Tabby. Cat. But its not the cat that is necessarily important. Its the author. And her cookbook. Ooh ooh ooh, I am one happy woman with the best hubby. Ever. That is not up for argument.

Song of a mom

2010-08-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

Here is to all you moms out there.

And I just had to post this one too. I was showering. It was innocently enough. And then I realized that the toddler had put half the roll of Charmin down the toilet. She is being potty trained and LOOOVVES that part of the process. Keep in mind, the one roll is actually 3 rolls. Its a mega roll. I also have been going ice cream free for the last two weeks. My birthday weeks starts on Tuesday. I intend to eat ice cream each day for teh rest of the month. Hmmmmm.....

Hazards of Sonic

2010-08-06T09:37:00.000-05:00

Every time I drive by Sonic during happy hour, I say something along the lines of "Hey look! Its Sonic. Lets get a drink!" More often than not it is with the Hubbs and more often than not the car continues on without stopping. That's ok actually becuase I sort of hate Sonic... minus the slushes. And all thanks to Kelsi. My favorite? The Lemon Berry Slush with a shot of Vanilla. Its disgusting really how much I like that drink. So it is a good thing we keep driving. Otherwise I would be an addict. I guess I am an addict going through withdrawals anyhow.

After this past weekend though, I realized its probably for the better.

This is me in the beginning of the freezing of my brain.

The beloved slushy brought as a surprise to me by my beloved hubby was giving me a brain freeze. It was bad. As the camera selfishly snapped pictures, my niece came to my resuce:

Whats the matter!?

I have a brain freeze!!!

Whats a brain freeze?

Its when your brain gets frozen.

Why is yoru brain frozen?

That's a good question.

MOOOOMMM!!! Her brain is frozen

Mom of niece: Well you better help her unfreeze it

And so she dutifully did, She blew on my brain. See the lady in the background on the couch? She is my sister and she is laughing so hard she is not even making a sound. I am sure you know what I mean.

And for the record... it really hurt. And now I no longer want Sonic. Ever.
And here is a picture just for fun. Because she is darn cute and we love you.

15 minutes to make a happy Husband.

2010-08-04T17:07:00.000-05:00

"And so I have committed myself to 15 minuted each day...."
I sat there in my car. (yes, I said my car and it makes me smile), and committed as well to break down my day into 15 minutes. On a mission we had our time broken down into 30 minute intervals. So I think the 15 minute idea is inspired. Its from Dr. Laura. I know what you are thinking but she makes some great points.

Here is what happened:
I cried. Yup, in my car. I was beyond overwhelmed. I am sure you have been there too. Not a very fun place to visit. So I called my friend Mommy-to-be-T and said "Canyoucomehelpmepulleesse!!!" I had to say it fast for fear I would just lose it on the phone. And let's be honest, no one really needs any more reasons to think I am nuts. I do a fairly excellent job of that on my own when I try to be stable. "Of course" that was her reply. Because she may be pregnant but she is a whole lot more stable than I am. And she even made a full picnic lunch. I mean, who does THAT!? It was the best lunch I have had in a while and I even sat down at the table to enjoy it.

The next day I was driving and listening to a book on tape. Dr. Laura describes a letter she got. >>>CAUTION, it is a little naughty>>>> I am going to paraphrase.
This woman calls up and says to her "My husband has been having sex with a co-worker for 9 years. He has been doing it every day after work for 15 minutes"
(My jaw DROPPED when I heard this, as I am sure your did as well) I don't recall what the response was but I am sure it was something along the lines of "if you had been busy being intimate with him for 15 minutes each day, I am sure he would not have gone and found it with another woman." It's Dr. Laura. She is not really known for her compassion.
Well, she then goes on to talk about a letter she received from a male listener. He said that after he heard that 15 minute affair, he started thinking "What if I took 15 minutes each day to love my wife (this is not sexual, just loving in any form), or 15 minutes each day with my kids, or in scripture reading or in improving work skills etc....
I thought back to my crying breakdown episode and thought, if I can just spend 15 minutes each day in excersing, in learning to spell, in calling a friend, in loving my husband and daughter, in cleaning the house... even in dinner preparations... WOW!!! Now that would make a difference.

And so here I am, making a public goal to be better 15 minutes at a time. It took me 15 minutes to write this. That is my limit. I am now going to spend the next 15 minutes cleaning up with the hubbs... is that double dipping?

Forgiveness

2010-07-30T17:22:00.000-05:00

My wife and I just barely finished watching this. Of course she was crying, but I teared up too (that's no small feat for me). This was such a powerful and incredible story about forgiveness. I'm glad that there are people like Chris in the world that we can all learn from and be inspired by.

McKay

Reasons I love the South

2010-07-27T16:37:00.000-05:00

Manners, Manners manners manners. This is something that is fast disappearing, What! You have noticed this too? I blame it on social media. But not on blogging. Just the other social media forms. Yes, THOSE ones.

Living is Texas for TWO YEARS now, I like to think that we a bit of experts if you will, on the south. You see, since I have started working at the lovely little people place, I have noticed a few things.

4 year olds call me Ma'am
3 year olds tell me they are fixin' to go
Teens say "pardon me"
and of course, who can forget the endless supply of small talk that greets me everywhere from the post office to the gas station to the parents who are dropping off kids. Seriously, we are all BFF's here. And Paris Hilton is no where to be found.

It is truly wonderful. Simply wonderful. And being the now well mannered and polite and reformed California girl that I am, here is a list for you to enjoy. And remember:

Having bad manners will cause other southerners to question your upbringing

................................................................................
-Say "pardon me" or "excuse me" when having to walk in front of someone or if you bump into someone.

-Err on the side of being too nice.

-Conduct small talk with others whether you know them or not (particularly in stores and restaurants, etc.).

-Respect elders

-Be gracious and extend hospitality whenever possible. Offer guests in your home food and drink.

-Don't interrupt

-Say "yes sir" or "no sir" and "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" at all appropriate times. If you don't use these you may
be viewed as arrogant or disrespectful, or uppity.

-If you don't get what you want, say something like "well, thank you anyway." You should also use "May I," "You're Welcome," "Excuse Me," and "Pardon Me."
Read more: How to Have Good Southern Manners | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2324670_have-good-southern-manners.html#ixzz0uAQvE30
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Houston in July

2010-07-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

{before I start, let me preface that I have been writing this since Sunday. Yes, Sunday. I am finally getting to post this. I have dishes in the sink, Lemon-Blueberry bread in the oven and 6 seasons of LOST to watch. Feel privileged. Oh, and I am allergy-ridden along with my toddler. Feel very privileged}

and here we go.......
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Most people I associate with love Houston. I mean, where else will you find such diversity in people, art, food, etc. It is the 4th most populated city in the USA, home to the largest medical district in the world, and the second LOWEST cost of living. Lest you think I have made these facts up, just click here.

I love Houston. I love the heat. I love the humidity. I love the use of Ma'am and Sir and doors opened for me by strangers and chatting to my new BFF in the grocery line (you know, the one you will never see again). Its.... wonderful. HOWEVER... I do understand that some people really do not like the heat and humidity. But really, who goes outside for long periods of time in ANY US city where it is hot and humid? I'll wait for your response...

still waiting.....

I didn't think so. With that said, there really is a lot to do in Houston. I feel like we are doing something each weekend. Maybe all this "going-and-doing" is why I currently have lost my sense of smell and taste and can't seem to stop the sneezing and watering of my eyeballs. I should stop. I should rest. I should.... but I don't. It is a disease. Its called "I can do it all, all of the time" disease. You have it too!! And here I thought I was the only one. Glad to have you aboard my friend. You can be the Vice President.

This week we have started the POTTY TRAINING process. And I would like to say for the record that I am doing pretty well. Every twenty minutes I try. And so far it has been a success. Oh, and the toddler has been doing pretty well too. But don't be fooled. She still has a long ways to go. But the end of diapers in in sight! Please bless I am not saying this prematurely.

And then we went to see this beautiful girl. Lois! who smelled like, well, crap. Apparently at its peak it smells like a rotting corpse. No thank you. And yet, we lined up and saw this girl with Mommy-to-be-T.

One of the truly great things about here in Texas is how they battle this war against heat and humidity. For instance, building a stadium that is indoors. Yes my friends, picture enjoying a baseball game in the comfort of AC! The last time we went the toddler was still in incubation. This was our two-year anniversary of that almost to the day.

And who could forget the celebration of another 16year old! Our cousin had a bday party. And teenagers do but of course, I never did because I am perfect. (sarcasm? satire?) The toddler was taught to JUMP OFF THE TRAMP INTO THE POOL. And as her ever diligent parents, we watched her do it not just once, not just twice, but three times. I figure she is going to do it anyhow so I may as well encourage it and supervise.

Now that is sound parenting advice right there. And I am off to visit LOST

This says it all

2010-07-20T21:04:00.004-05:00

Many people have commented to me something along the lines of:
"Wow, she's a firecracker"
"She must keep you busy"
"No wonder you are so skinny!" (really, that's all you can say?)
or even my special favorites:
"None of my kids would ever do that"
"Doesn't she ever stop"
"I bet she never sleeps"

When I hear these statements I think to myself "........." Actually, I am not going to tell you what I think. I am sure you can imagine. i just take a breath and give thanks to God for this girl of mine and her daddy who takes over when I need a break, or even when I don't.

As we gear up for the big SuperWHY Birthday Party in just a month, I am loving even more her activity. She dances, she sings, she climbs and UNlike her mommy, she has no sense of fear. Hmmm, maybe that is the wrong statement. She does know her limits. She is very (read: for a toddler) obedient. And boy can this toddler sleep! But she is my lover of life. And when she wants to try something crazy (like cliff jumping for beginners at Club Larsen) and I don't want her to, I just remember that Life without adventure is likely to be unsatisfying. And no, I did not make that up on my own. (but it is not because I am not clever. I am very clever in fact)

I love Spam

2010-07-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. And unless you have tasted this lovely dish, preferably at the 7-11 off the Kam highway in Laie, I just don't want to hear it. We are going on a cruise in a few months and I am hoping against hope that the cruise has these onboard.

Welcome Home Jonji!

2010-07-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

Jon-ji. The name dubbed to my little-but-taller than me brother by a certain mrs. chatterbox niece
He has been serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ for Latter Day Saints in Denver, Colorado. This mission lasted two years. I have done it, the hubbs did it and hopefully this will continue to the posterity. Some much is learned on a mission. Mostly about your self and the world in which we reside. It is really hard. There are times I wanted to quit. There were times I cried. And there were times where my happiness was off the charts. And it is where I have met some of my very best friends. It is great to see Jonji home. He came home Friday and flys to Hawaii on Monday.

“Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings.”

2010-07-18T13:32:00.001-05:00

but before we talk about the zoo, I just wanted to take votes on what you think is?

Hint: NOT due to excessive walking. And in accompanied with 8 mosquito bites and another one JUST like this.

...................................................................................
And now, for the zoo. Because you see, I did not just observe animals, but people as well. Especially this particular person who just about got heat stroke. And before you judge me, I was drinking water. I was also sleep deprived and food deprived and it was 100000* outside with humidity at 1000000*.
I did recognize the tell-tell trait of the mommy in me coming out. I wanted the toddler to experience this. I mean, doesn't this face look like a kid who is having fun? How could I rain in her parade?

After an hour we went home. Obviously. You see, the toddler is more of the "Do-Er" type. But not before we saw my sister. :) (I am not being mean)

To be a good wife you must first...

2010-07-16T09:31:00.001-05:00

Get married. Yup, no point is being a good wife if you do not have a hubby.

But in all the semi-seriousness that I can extract, I just wanted to share why today, on My Husband Rocks Friday a few thoughts. Brought to you by none other than Dr. Laura,. Yes, THAT Dr. Laura. Because my friend B&G had this on their shelf and now it is in my hands. In the opening pages i read this quote:

As a man, I can tell you our needs are simple. We want to be fed, we want our kids mothered, and we want lovin'."
-- Vince

Now I am going to toot my own horn here and say that I like to think I am a pretty decent wife and mother. More often than not I am a Mother first and foremost to which Dr. Laura disagrees with. And to which I recall many a lessons in my classes of Marriage and Family agreeing with her. I agree with her as well. I need to be a wife first, THEN a mom. I also like that she is in favor of SAHM. And the need for them in families esspecially with how there is a strong attack on the family.

As I am not very far in this book, here are a few reminders, ideas, thoughts.... whatever you want to call them. Have you read this book yet? What do you think?
...........................................................................................

As one listener, Gary, says:

"A husband is like a horse. At the end of the day he is usually rode hard and put away sweaty. Like in the movies, if his master drives and beats him, he'll go just so far before bucking and rebelling.

If you love him, if you coax him, he'll drive himself till his heart explodes before he will let down his master. He'll give himself to death for the one he loves.

Which way should women handle a man?"

I have never gotten a complaint from a male listener in twenty-five years on the radio over my assertion that men are very simple creatures. They agree. I have explained time and again on my radio program that men are borne of women and spend the rest of their lives yearning for a woman's acceptance and approval. Unless you've got a man with a frank mental or personality disorder (the exception, not the rule), men admittedly are putty in the hands of a woman they love. Give him direct communication, respect, appreciation, food, and good lovin', and he'll do just about anything you wish -- foolish or not.

...........................................................................................................

"Men really are not as complicated as we think they should be. Men love to hear that their woman is happy and that they are the source of this happiness. Men deserve the same respect you would show a visitor in your home -- even more. Men love to be complimented. They also like to be admired. I always thank my husband for working so hard for us, and I encourage the kids to do so, too. Men are grumpy when they are tired and/or hungry. Anything they say while they are in either one of these states is not to be taken seriously. Men don't like it when women talk about them behind their backs. Men are not your 'daddies,' they are your contemporaries and get stressed and scared about things just like you do. And if you were a real friend, you would help ease their burdens, not add to them. Men have dreams, too, and it doesn't matter if it's logical or not, don't walk all over them. (this is where our dream, me speaking, of living in Montana comes in... he would love that. I hate the snow. But I love him so its ok)

This doesn't mean that we don't have problems -- everyone does -- but it's a lot easier to work them out with a man who knows you love and respect him."

..........................................................................................

Well I am sure you can go read the book for yourself. Really, its worth it. I had one professor point out that we claim to put Family first on our list of priorities. Within that list if our relationship to our spouse. But what are we doing for them? Are we continuing our education regarding marriage? He then said that we should be constantly improving that relationship. We should be reading about it, working on it and even going to classes and seminars on it. So as they wanna-be A+ student that I am, I am reading this book. And I can't seem to put it down.

So here is to you Hubby. I love you. I appreciate you. Thank you for working so hard for our family each and every day. For coming home and doing the dishes and watching the toddler and rubbing my feet and telling ME to go relax. I am pretty sure I should be rubbing your feet and telling you to relax instead.

My needs. Sound familiar?

2010-07-12T19:46:00.001-05:00

I am a woman. And as a woman I have certain needs. I have been reading a really marvelous book called "The proper care and feeding of husbands." After I finished the pages that are not even real numbers (XXIII etc...) I asked the hubbs to read as far as I went as well. And he did. And he agreed with every word. I HIGHLY recommend it. I think it will change your life just as Leadership and Self-deception will. Or has. Depending on if you have read it yet obviously. But, I am not here to talk about that. I am here because I have needs.

Recently two of my girlfriends, Mommy-to-be-T and The Scottish couple, decided that rather than cook everyday for a whole two people and a toddler in my case, we should split the work. Living in close proximity helps this dream become a reality. Just think of date night trades. Its like that. But with food. And it is heaven-sent.

I was enjoying the time of not having to cook and just enjoy sitting. I am sure you understand that this is a rarity. In fact, I would go so far as classifying "mommy-sitting-down-with-no-one-climbing-on-her-or-nothing-to-do" as endangered species. Sometimes I realize the only time I sat down was to relieve myself. But even then I tend to not be able to do that distraction free. What that TMI?

yes, I did just. Go figure.

It was in this rare moment of watching my all time favorite program of Food Network. And don't you dare think less of me. I was watching this and he showed me this.

And then I just knew that I had a need. It was this.

A cooking torch.

I sort of love camping. But my reasons all have to do with food and nothing to do with nature. Once again, I have needs. One of then does not include sleeping on the dirt and peeing over a hole.

But it does include tin foil dinners and now, smore cupcakes. Oh please bless you my friend with long life for sending me this beautiful item... I'll name a child after you. Well, maybe not. How about my next plant?

***note: i do not own one. But if you want a plant named after you, i'll send you my address.

Then I did the unthinkable.

Kept.

Watching.

And I realized I need to go to Utah. To Salt Lake. To The Sweet Candy Company. To eat some taffy. Yumm. Until then, I will just have to make my way to Austin. For these. Lots and lots of these tasty treats found at the Holy Cacao. Road trip anyone?

Typical Journal Entry

2010-07-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

diary. A journal. A blog. Really there is no difference. And so this post is dedicated to posterity once again. Posterity and far away family. If you are not either, there is no point in wasting your time. That is, of course, you are here because I DEACTIVATED MY FACEBOOK ACCOUNT!

That's right. I did it. I took the leap. (Actually, it took me three times but whose counting). Will you?

So without further hesitation (because he who hesitates is lost" **note: only those who know about the Baudelaire's will get that literary reference)

Dear Diary/Journal/Blog,
This week has been jam-packed and wonderful and actually, this whole month has been. It is hard to think that I once lamented that Summer would take so long to go by. But it has. 24 hours at a time. And now it is already the MIDDLE of JULY! Yikes! What have we done this summer?

Racetracks, Sleepover, Dress up, Watermelon Party, Dress like a Cow, Swim. A LOT., Play 18 holes of golf, visit with family, cook, bake, sew, color on walls, Wicked, basketball, volleyball, ride 4-wheelers, start a new job, read, watch movies, buy a new car, swim. A LOT. Scooter rides, beach time, world cup parties, BBQ's, drive-in movies, Super WHY, bed time tantrums, new editions, and the park. Enjoy

I know that was a lot. But now here are just two movies that are sure to impress. Can you get what the first one is? It involves USA and Ghana

now this one is more of what happens you combine a tired toddler with a show she loves to watch around bedtime. Don't judge me. I'm new at this mom thing.

The perfect Victim

2010-07-09T08:31:00.001-05:00

Remember the M&M's with the Crispy center? What about Strawberry Oreo's or Chocolate Covered Cherry Jamba Juice? What! You don't? Obviously you are NOT like me. A perfect Victim. A sucker for labels such as "NEW" "LIMITED TIME". I mean, what if it doesn't comeback like Orbitz?

And so one fateful day I was offered by Big Daddy Matt the chance to try my taste buds with these. Pretzel M&M's.

I opened my hand like a child waiting for that chocolaty goodness to pour out. And just for the record, I don't like M&M's... ever since they snatched away my Crispy's. These ancestors of the Crispy's are round. The colors just as bright and intriguing. And the bag is even one of the colors from my wedding. Soon, I have a handful and I remember that contrary to popular belief, these little balls of goodness will melt in my hands. Houston in the Summer means I better pop them fast. And so I do. I place the first few into my salivating mouth. And then.... Crunch. AAAHHHHH!!!!!

Followed by an OOHHHH!!!!

Followed by "I need to get more. NOW!" And then I think, next time I am pregnant or cycling (the monthly kind) I am going to be sure to crave these. Heck, I crave them already and I am not either of the two. My next thought is "next time I start walking I am going to be sure to crave these." And true to my word, I get up from the lovely leather sofa and walk to the table to get more. Because I am walking now. I am craving them. And these little brightly colored balls have seriously made my list of top 10 things to always always have on hand. Either that or I need to find alternative methods to walking.

So I go to the M&M site and contact them. I ask them to never get rid of this product. Or if they do, please send all left over inventory to me.

NOTE: I have shared my new love with family and friends and its agreed. These are DELISH!

Thoughts on the Treadmill: Part III

2010-07-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

This is my third installment of the fantastic series "Thoughts on a treadmill". I know I have held all of you, my eager readers in suspense since the last one. Feel free to read the first one here and the second here.
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It started last night. I went to bed at 10p. It has been a long time since I went to bed at 10p. Generally it is more close to 11 or 12. Why I have no idea. Usually it is because of a dirty kitchen, full dishwasher, semi organized laundry pile and a bowl or two of ice cream. Bryers. Vanilla. And a book. But there I was at 10p in bed. Prayers said, house clean. Just the silence emanating from the toddler's room over the gentle hum of her fan and the busy day at the Club Larsen and the hubbs breathing evenly next to me. The perfect equation for a good nights rest.
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BEEP>BEEP>BEEEEEPPP!
6:30 am already here. "I don't hear a toddler, I can still sleep" And then I remember. It's 6:30 am. Time to get up. Perfect Morning goal. Then to hit the treadmill/elliptical. Then get back in time to get everything done for the day before the day is over. These are my thoughts as I kiss the hubbs and head out the door.
.......................................................................
The work out center is always empty this early. So it is just me verse the machine. And my mind. This time I mount the elliptical with much on my mind. Mostly thoughts of why am I such a weirdo. That's not the right adjective. Maybe more like spaz or airhead or idiot. Yep, something along those lines. I wonder to myself how is it that I have made it to live 27 years. How is that the toddler will be almost two and that I still have a great marriage. Being me is hard. Its frustrating. Confusing. My sister once visited my world inside my head. The hubbs once took that journey as well. I would say it it similar to Alice in Wonderland. Confused yet semi-organized chaos. And beautiful in its own way.
I move my legs and arms in rhythm and feel the buzz of adrenaline and the beads of sweat form. This is how I feel mentally many time. I move. I work. I sweat. I toil. Sometimes the results are instant but most happen over the course of time. Like... realizing that if I don't write it down it won't get done. Realizing that if an event is not on my google calendar, my two wall calendars, my planner, and my phone, I will NOT be there. And then I wonder how is it that my Savior knows how I feel. I am pretty sure He had it together. I am pretty sure He never dropped the ball. But I know that He is also the one that can help me be more of an adult. To become more responsible.
..................................................................
25 minutes pass. A few muscles to work out before I am no longer the solitary person in the space I am currently occupying. Before I venture back into my mind completely. But now I have some new goals. And I realize that these new goals, new ideas that have been created over the last 25 minutes are the result of my desire to change and the influence of the Spirit. And so I go home. I kneel and say thanks to my Father in Heaven for helping me to become better. I am sure I will still be the Spaz that you know and love, but maybe I will be a little less absent minded. At least, those are the thoughts I had today on the treadmill.

Racetrack: You know that hot tip I told you about?

2010-07-04T08:43:00.003-05:00

Jack Kelly: Yeah.

Racetrack: Nobody told the horse.

Nothing is as timeless as "Newsies" Well, except for maybe the Fourth of July.

I love the Fourth of July. It is actually my favorite holiday. Maybe it's the patriotism. Or the lovely red white and blue everything. Maybe it is the BBQ's and the swimming. Maybe the fireworks. I am not sure. I just know that I love this holiday. The past two years we have gone to race tracks with the Knudson's. (I know what you are thinking. But believe me, it is not trashy. It was really fun.) This will be the last time as they are bidding us farewell and moving. And this leaves just one unanswered question: Who will be the toddlers new candy dealer?

We spent the day adapting to the rain due to Tropical Storm Alex. We met up with our lovely friends at the track and enjoyed day making faces, feeding horses, playing Phase 10 and getting DRENCHED at Chick Fil A for an EXTREMAL Spicy Sandwich.

Did you look closely at the Hubbs shirt? Can you see what is written there? :)

And here is a video our friend Mommy-to-be-T hubbs captured for us.

NOTE: No animals were hurt in the making of this post

The Colors, The Music, The WICKEDNESS

2010-07-02T08:28:00.064-05:00

It was 8:00pm on July 1, 2010. By 10:30p I knew it was love. But for who? GALinda (with a GA), Elphaba "Elphie", Nessie Rose, the Hobby Center?

Now I mentioned that the Hubbs had a great date night planned and boy of boy did he come through. My friend B and G watched the toddler and Mommy-to-be-T brought in delish dinner. I was dressed to the nines for the second weekend in a row and hubbs downed his blue button up which on any day normally makes me swoon to begin with. Add some "Very Sexy" and I am putty in his hands.

So off he whisked this red clad momma to the Hobby Center for an evening of Wickedness. And I enjoyed it. Every. Single. Note. But as all things must they curtain closed and the applause rang out and I thought about how easy life would be if I were like ~~GALinda~~ Glinda. I could tell people what they want to hear, give people something to believe in. Then I thought about Elphaba. "Elphie" Her courage and passion and if I were like her I could accomplish anything. And then I realized that these two woman were very ~~different~~ ~~similar different.~~ These two women both suffered heartache. Loss. Dreams destroyed. Dreams realized. In appearance they share nothing on common besides having the correct amount of appendages. Yet in heart and mind they share the same values and even loved the same man. One great lesson I can take from this experience is that truly there are always two sides to each stories. People do crazy things for love and for friends. And each action for good or for evil can change lives. That was more than one lesson. Oh well.

Some of our favorite quotes:
Let the green girl GO!

You mean this whole time... the two of you, behind my back?
No, no Glinda, it wasn't like that.
Actually it was, but it wasn't

I wanted something to remember her by and all that were left were those shoes! And now that wretched little farm girl has walked off with them

We can't all come and go by bubble!

I can't harbor a fugitive! I am an un-elected official!

Bedtime Story for everyone

2010-06-30T21:04:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, (has it rally been THAT long?) I talked about the iPad and this. A Story Before Bed.
I blogged about it and therefore felt that I needed to take it for my very own Hawaiian-style test drive. And so it was late one night with the toddler asleep and the hubbs in the next room that I was alone with the laptop, my TV, a webcam and internet. We have our laptop feed into our TV (I am sure that is the technical term) so our little screen is now a VERY BIG screen.

I entered in my user name and my password. And, OH NO! Whats wrong?! I knew something was not right. The VERY BIG screen was VERY MUCH all BLACK. I emailed the customer service and the sweet and ever prompt Hillel responded. I thought, "She must never sleep" and then "She is Superwoman" followed by "I got to get whatever she is on."

After a few brief emails the problem was resolved. It was a due to user error. Go figure. Once again I typed in my user name and my password. And my oh my... I was introduced to virtual heaven.

Books upon books at my fingertips. All it took was a click of the mouse to browse through page after page of books. With so many choices I decided to try the Itsy-Bitsy Spider. Simple. Classic. And free. The result? I loved it. I think that being able to "read" aloud a story via computer is a really innovative way top connect to those inside your home and those who may not be inside your home right now but are inside your heart. I will let you check it out here. (Don't judge me off the cheap quality web-cam)

Oh one more thing. Both the Toddler and the hubbs LOVED it. I am going to make more. And you should too. Especially if you are far from your loved ones.

I'd do it again you know...

2010-06-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

Phil Foster: I'd do it again you know? Us, you, me the kids, all of it. I'd do it again. I'd choose you every time.
Claire Foster: If we are going to pay this much for crab it better sing and dance and introduce us to the Little Mermaid!

Remember the post here. Of course you don't. I mean, who really remembers things from other people's lives anyhow? Who even really reads all of this post?

The Hubbs a some of you as well are over a week into the Summer of Love. Part of this for us here in Houston means that each week we trade off with who plans a date. I NEVER KNEW how tough guys had it planning dates! It is hard work let me tell you. I got the idea for this one from The Dahling Divas because let's be honest here, I am just not that creative. (feel free to dispute this one in the comment section)

Here is how the whole night went down:
24hr before: Watched the preview for Date night
18hr before: Printed off fake tickets and stuck to the mirror so the hubbs would see it in the morning
5pm day of! Hubbs and I get ready to go. Take picts, pack the toddler up and drop her off at the sitters. Thanks again Steph!
5:40p-Dinner at PF Changs on the Patio (Thank you Brandon and Shelby). We make reservations as the Triplehorns and ten act like a silly couple and as spys. And we play the "Guess their story game" We did this when we were dating each other as single people so it was extra fun
6:30p-Go see Date Night at the Dollar Movie Theater
7:30p-Walked out of Date Night between the f-bomb and the strip scene
Do a few errands, pick up the toddler and pick up ice cream and cold medicine.
NOTE: even on a date night we can't manage to do "parenting" things.

It was like a real date when we were single... the dressing up, the anticipation, and even the walking out of yucky movies together.
This week is McKay's turn. And he has a big date planned for us!

Dear Crayola,

2010-06-28T16:28:00.003-05:00

My sweet Crayola,

We have been together through a lot over the years.It was you who was with me when I first learned to spell my name. Through Grammar school you comforted me with your new big box and built-in sharpener, always ready to color when teacher asked us to draw our summer vacation. Then in junior high school you came with different smells such as "popcorn" and "chocolate"; again an added comfort during those awkward years of puberty We were been together during that particular long car trip to Colorado where the little brother puked on everything. You were the one who helped me illustrate it in detail and you were the one even in College who allowed me to use you on a dreadful date to diagram the water cycle. Yes Crayola, you have always been there for me. You are reliable, sturdy, and provider of color for every occasion and mood I may be in.

Now look how you have grown! You are no longer restricted to colored wax in paper. You have become an essential to any worthy mothers emergency pack. Coloring on the walls is no longer a fear with Color Wonder. Little hands can grab your waxy flesh to color or stack together with no problem as you pose in Beginning Jumbler. And my personal favorite, your water soluble formula that, after all these years, allows me to write and draw in the shower thus giving a surprise pleasure to those who will follow.

And so I thank you Crayola my love for the many years of memories for me and the many to come for my family. You have been with my daughter every step of the way and through every stage of life.

PS: What is your favorite Crayola product or memory. Come on now, don't be shy!

Daxton Michael Osmond

2010-06-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the world beautiful boy

"There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.""

Author: Mark Twain

Tonight, is the night...

2010-06-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

Jaedyn is POUNDING to get out of her room as I sit here. And I will continue to ignore it as this is my 3rd attempt at nap time. But I had to steal away a few moments just to say that this is the night.

Why you ask? Why, I would be happy to list them for you.

1. Babysitter

2. Getting dressed to the 9's (what does that even refer too? I'll have to BING it)

3. Dinner with a certain sexy man I know

4. Movie with said certain sexy man

That is all I can say for now. I have been so excited for WEEKS for tonight... Maybe if you ask nice I will elaborate. Maybe. But for now, I better go make sure the toddler left the door intact but the sound of the last BANG makes me question that.

Note: Origin of dressed to the 9's found here

Thoughts on marriage.... totally not an expert

2010-06-23T11:32:00.004-05:00

Ive been thinking a lot on marriage. Between completing my personal progress and the Summer Of Love, this topic has been on my mind for two weeks. There was a conversation that took place a few days ago I thought to share.

Me: Awe, so cute!
Hubbs: What?
Me: That old couple driving together.There. See?
Hubbs: Why is it that it is so cute?
Later.....
Hubbs: Awe! Look at that 40-something and all the kids. Oh, there is even a dog!

Hahaha
.....................
But it DID get me thinking. Why is it that my reaction to the older generation seems to always be the same? Then I read this.

"It is far more difficult to be of one heart and mind than to be physically one. This unity of heart and mind is manifest in sincere expressions of 'I appreciate you' and 'I am proud of you.' Such domestic harmony results from forgiving and forgetting, essential elements of a maturing marriage relationship. Someone has said that we 'should keep [our] eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterward.' True charity ought to begin in marriage, for it is a relationship that must be rebuilt every day." -Elder James E. Faust

and

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
Mother Teresa quotes

And the infamous "Love is a choice you make each morning, each day, each moment"

Recently there have been some loss of marriage through death and divorce. And oh how my heart hurts. And if you been able to wade through all my thoughts put to "paper" here I will make my point. I have LOVED doing this Summer of love. I know, its only been a week. Not even. And each day I am excited to show the hubbs how I love him and also to see what he does.

I remember while I was at Winter Quarters and seeing how sweet the older couples interacted with one another and promising myself that I would have that. Somewhere I realized that we both have to work at it daily or we will wake up one day, all old and grey and wrinkly and not know each other. I refuse to let that happen. So I choose now. I choose to forgive always, to be slow to anger and to love fully.

What things have you done to show your love or what have you learned in marriage? I'm interested, open and ready to learn

note: picture by Jared Paulsen

Taking a vote. Please chime in!

2010-06-21T10:00:00.004-05:00

L to R: The Hubbs at 1 yr, the Toddler at 1 yr (thanks Mel Parker), and your truly at 1 yr

Question: "Which is stronger? Black bears or brown bears?" -Dwight Schrute

Kidding.

Question: "Who has the stronger genes?" She will be 2 in September and we will be celebrating with a Super WHY party. I wonder how much change will take place between now and then?

So I am taking votes. Tell me what you think. Thank you

News: A new addition to the family

2010-06-19T20:17:00.002-05:00

This little doll takes this other little doll everywhere we go. This little doll takes this other little doll everywhere we go. Did I mention that this doll goes EVERYWHERE! We got a stroller for her today (Thank you my friend) and I think we will need a car seat pretty soon.

To make my point that these two are in fact one, let me just say that if the doll is not with the other doll for bed, she will not go to bed until it is safe next to her. If the doll is does not get kisses from mommy and daddy after prayers, you can bet said parents will hear about it. And if doll is MIA from walks or outings, we end up searching and searching amidst the cries of a toddler until she ifs found.

Thank you grandparents. This new edition has changed our lives. And did I mention it cries as well? Yep.

The end of Cheerios in our home

2010-06-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

I awoke to something touching my face. My nose and mouth to be specific. Hmmm, i think. It smells an awful lot like chocolate. My eyes are still closed and I am not sure what is going on.
................................................................................................................................
Gasp! I have a toddler! I shoot of bed like a bat out of you-know-where and look.
.................................................................................................................................
And I see it. Chocolate. Its on hands, face, pajamas, and my just laundered white sheets. "Ok, I get it. First, we need to put a lock on your door. Second, you need breakfast." And if I could have read her mind or understood her words that spilled out I would have known she already tried. I wonder briefly why she runs into the kitchen and attribute it to her growling tummy. I pull on some clothes and follow after her only to hear a sound I have never heard before.
Swishing cheerios. Crunching cheerios. Cheerio-snow angels singing with new birth. Lovely. And like the good mother who is half-asleep with the smell of chocolate (which I DO NOT like) stuck into my smeller, I get my camera and snap-snap-snap.
.............................................................................................................................
"this is going to make a great post." I think to myself. Now it time to throw away all of these cheerios and bring the cheerio-snow-angels and quick death. And for the record, resurrection is not an option.

Wanted: Participants for the Summer of Love.

2010-06-16T10:07:00.001-05:00

Me: "Hubbs, I have an idea"

Hubbs: "ok" (I have LOTS of ideas so he is used to this)

Me: "I have been thinking that maybe we could do something fun and different this summer"
(in my mind I am picturing ideas from here, here, and here)

Hubbs: a little hesitation than, "what do you have in mind)

because let's be honest, sometimes my ideas are WAY out there. Like how I think we should live in Australia. No job there? BAA! Who cares! Let's just go

Me: "Summer starts on the 21st. That's in a few weeks. So, I was thinking that everyday until the end of summer we can do acts of love. EVERY DAY. "
(I can't see his face since we are laying in bed but I can only imagine...)
"It doesn't have to be very big. (because I know he is adding up the costs) But just little things each day, like a letter or leaving a note somewhere or....

Hubbs: "That's a great idea!"

Me: "Really?" I mean, "yeah, it is a good idea. If course it is!"

And thus begins our summer of love. Are you going to participate?

What's the obsession with Gmail? (Open letter)

2010-06-12T21:26:00.004-05:00

Okay so I was searching for my tax returns from the past couple of years in my email inbox. My Dad, as a CPA, does a great service for me every year by doing my taxes and sends me those returns via email. I'm glad to have him as my CPA because he really knows his stuff. Anyway, my point is that I have two main email accounts, my Yahoo and my Gmail and my Dad has

started to send me emails exclusively via my Gmail account. So I have long been a fan of Yahoo over Gmail for various reasons that I will soon enumerate. While searching for the forms in both

my Gmail and Yahoo accounts, I was reminded of those differences and said to my wife (who is an avid Gmail user), "Seriously, why do you use Gmail when Yahoo has such better functionality. I don't know what the big deal is and why more people don't have yahoo accounts." She said,

"why don't you blog about it...?" "I think I will!" Now please don't think I am against have a Google account. It is almost a necessity for other things. I love Reader. I like my iGoogle. I love Google chrome and the bookmark bar and the extensions you can add (although I do like Bing a

lot too, especially for maps and travel). I think Google Voice is awesome, and Blogspot is generic, but okay, but seriously people Gmail has been long overdue for an upgrade. I mean after the initial launch all the college people got an account and never checked to see what the competition was doing. Yeah the mass storage was awesome back in 2005/6, but everybody has that now.

So anyway, here is my list of what makes Yahoo better than Gmail.

Tabbed messages - seriously Google, how easily would this be to implement. I mean do you know how nice it is to be writing an email and to be able to stop and reference something that is in another email without having to save and exit your existing message. Any major email client has that and if you want to be taken seriously Gmail, it is a must.

Message previews - I don't want to have to open every message that I get if it is only a couple sentences long. I can quickly scroll through all the messages and then if I want to open it, I can. You do this in Reader, why not in Gmail.

Your search function is awful - Yeah you can do an advanced search and get better results, but Yahoo's is superior in so many ways. All you have to do is enter what it is that you are looking for, in my case it was "tax forms". There were a lot more results than I was expected, but no matter. Over on the right hand there was a bunch of quick filters. Year sent, sender, mail folder, attachment, etc. I didn't have to do an advanced search because that option is available with every search. You just narrow it down after you see you got too many results. See the pic below.

Gmail also doesn't sort by date, by sender, file, etc. Yahoo does. Sometimes it's really nice to have that functionality.

I've heard it argued that Gmail is nice because it has all your chat contacts right in the mailbox. Guess what? Yahoo does too! It's just that everybody uses Gmail for some strange reason so you have everybody has more contacts there. Anyway, let's be honest, everybody uses Facebook now for chatting and messaging, right?

Oh and what's the deal about grouping all "like messages" together? I hate that! We use Google for our email server at work (but use Outlook as the client). Every now and then I have to go into the main Google account to check for Spam because some legitimate emails to get sent there. Well Google groups all messages that have the same subject line and a "Re:" even though they aren't related in the slightest.

Yahoo also offers some pretty cool features like Other In Box that organizes those annoying (but sometimes important) messages from bank and credit card accounts, Linked In updates, shopping. I don't want to be completely removed, but I don't want them cluttering up my inbox either. So now I just get a daily update from OIB and I can scan through to see if there is anything worth reading.

Oh and I also like how they have top news stories right there on hand on one of the tabs.

By the way, while I am at it Google. Why do you make it so hard to add people that I want to share with on Reader. Maybe I don't have their Gmail account. If they are sharing publicly, why can't you make it easier to search for people and add people by other mail accounts? I'd like to see what more of my friends are sharing. I use Reader a lot more than Facebook and if you made it easier to search and add people than maybe a lot more people would switch over. And you can never tell who is actually following you and posting stuff for you to see.

Okay, I've given my opinion, now give me yours. If you are a Gmail user, why do you use it? Because you are comfortable with it and don't want to make a switch and give out a new email? Well you did it before when you switched to Gmail a couple years ago, right?

21 months old

2010-06-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

Moving is a Hazard

2010-06-10T12:45:00.003-05:00

When we moved I lost a few things. My coupon binder, my cookbooks, my favorite lamp. (scored it for $30 from $250!) I know. Weird. I did manage to NOT LOSE my child, mind or my marriage. I consider it a win. However, my heart aches each time I reach into my would-be cupboard for my faithful cookbook. My toes hurt each time I stub them on the table due to lack of light. And I cannot begin to express my pain at the loss of my trusty coupon binder. As I thought about replacements, I thought about what things make me happy. And here they are. I would like to get these two books. The Pioneer Woman and Bakerella. But I can't.
I also want a shirt from each place.

The Pioneer Woman I cant ever have. EVER. I missed the book signing. It was before I became a fan. (sigh....) But I could get the Bakerella one. Actually, I can't. I have 6 more months of no shopping. (BIG sigh). And I publicly apologize to the hubbs for putting myself through this. I am sure he has had enough of my complaining. Or should I say, self-inflicted pain.

Love of a father

2010-06-08T14:41:00.001-05:00

There are no words needed. This is love.

Just kidding. Here are some words. But they are not mine. "Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child's life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family." Thank you Pres. Eyring

I deserve to brag

2010-06-07T11:09:00.000-05:00

Randall's purchase. Originally $100. After coupons and card savings $26. Subtract $6 mail in rebate. Total=$20

9 Whole Wheat Pasta, 2 Red Baron singles, Organic milk, 3 Welch's Juice, 2 Snyders Pretzles, Organic Sour cream, 2 packs go-gurt, Cheerios, Trix, 2 Girads salad dressing, 7 Mac and Cheese, well you get the point. My power has gone out twice now so I am just going to stop while I am ahead. .

2010 Sand Castle Competition. Becoming a statistic

2010-06-05T22:18:00.002-05:00

Every year thousands of people swarm to East Beach in Galveston, TX. This year, your truly and the fam were one of the thousands. We laughed, we played, andwe ate snacks lightly salted with sand. It was a good day

Can't you tell I have been working out? :) Seriously, my schedule is tough but it is fulfilling. More of that and exciting news to come. I have been trying out my new camera. Obviously I still need help on the aperture blah blah blah settings. But I am getting the hang of it. Sorta.

The Dr. Seuss stole my heart right out my chest. I sat there in awe, in amazement and wondering what I would have to do to get them to come to a sand castle party that I would love to throw. Just for them and just so I could I have this in my backyard. Of course I was over-zealous with the camera and took many-a-picture. But this will suffice. Just mark your calendars for next year. And you too can become a statistic.

Why is your husband the best?

2010-06-04T12:29:00.001-05:00

Seriously? I hope that this was staged. If not, good job getting it on camera random photo from google guy.

Each Friday I share with the www different ways in my hubbs rocks. I then email him the post. I know, I am really great wife. But he is a really great hubbs and not only puts up with all my dysfunctional habits and impulsive behavior and too often "blond" moments, that a once a week sound off of why I love him is a small price considering.

But this post is to you wife and/or momma reading this. Tell me, and the rest of the world for that matter, why your husband is the best. Then send him your response. I bet he will be surprised...

Whats your funny kitchen story?

2010-06-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

This needs no words. Although, I am curious as to what you have discovered in your kitchen. Any good tales to tell?

My Friend Sharee Fike

2010-05-31T10:40:00.003-05:00

Made this:

and now it is all mine!

And she can make you one too! (or anything you want really). Just let me know and I will send you her email.

I have always wanted something like this. I love what this symbolizes. It stands a reminder to me each day that whether it is spilled milk, nail polish on the carpet or throwing up on the airplane with 40minutes left, each moment is a gift.

Take a peek into the LDS Salt Lake Temple

2010-05-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Recently we went to UT. To be specific, we went to the Salt Lake Temple among other things. A temple is where a man and a wife can be sealed for all eternity. There is no death till you part. A temple is where you make covenants or promises to God. It is special. It is sacred. The hubbs and I were sealed in the Sacramento Temple. It will be three years this August.

There are many people who want to know about the temple and the ordinances that take place therein. This new display was unveiled to give people insight to the architecture of the building.

There are many rooms inside and I have not been into all of them. One added feature of the display are interactive kiosks.

you can read more about it here.

My Muddy Boot Love

2010-05-28T07:48:00.001-05:00

Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots. -Farmers Wife

This is my guy. My Muddy Boot Love. I ran across this photo this morning taken a few months ago and thought, "wow, he is one cute guy!" And I have to say I look pretty good myself.

Now, the hubbs does not have muddy boots yet (check this post out for our dream life) but one day we hope too. And oh well if it never happens. Until then, I will sing while I pick up his shoes and make the bed and do the laundry.

Everyone has an opinion...

2010-05-25T12:37:00.004-05:00

I am sitting here blogging. I WAS organizing my two months of coupons. When I heard "Moms need to..." and "women should..." The toddler is feeling ill (due to some shots) and is sleeping quietly on the couch. The TV is on low because when the toddler is sick she can do whatever she wants, like watch 3 hours of TV. But the shows are over and its a talk show or something and that is when I heard yet someone else telling me what I should be doing.

Seriously?!

I am a little tired of it. Not in an angry-tired. Just a real had enough-tired. I am tired of "people" telling me what I need to do. What kind of mom I should be. And even how to raise the toddler. Blah blah blah... the list goes on and on and I am sure you can relate.

Granted, there is a fine line between "chatting with other moms" and "telling other moms what to do." (Not sure why I put that in quotations but I am going to leave it. I am sure I have a reason.

Sometimes I just get frustrated. In fact, that is one reason why changed Pediatricians. Sometimes I feel like this is a race. How early can my child read? How soon can she be pottied trained? My child is 3 and is already on the fill-in-the-blank Ivy league fast start program. Do this for shyness. Try this for picky eaters. Go here for play dates. Yep, I am a mom who is border line fed up with everyone's opinions. (by everyone, I mean people on TV or the Radio etc. I don't even know them) But I guess that is the benefit of living is this land of freedom. Another benefit, I can go live in a cave and just not deal with any of this. I know just the place...

I was reading a mag in the bathroom last night. It was a parenting one and I generally enjoy this one mag. Partially because its a free subscription and partially because the articles are really good. But one of the features was how to make healthy dinners for picky eaters. We are parents to a self-proclaimed picky eater. However, I can't see myself buying salmon and greek yogurt for the child to "try". I know myself enough to know that if she wants to eat string cheese all day, I will say no after two sticks... and lovingly watch from a distance as the tantrum unfolds. I might even pop a bag of popcorn for it. And I am not going to grind up sugar snap peas and mix it with Mint and pasta for toddler treat. Nope. Not me. Not this mom.

So in case there are no more posts from me after a month and a day, you can assume I went to a cave. To not be told what to do or how to raise this child. To not feel like she has to be at a certain level at a certain age. We will live off berries and dried bear meat. And mac and cheese.

Maybe I should just turn off the TV. Or not get vaccines.

ps-to defend myself, we only watch three shows via Hulu.com and it was an un-ordinary event (sickly child) which is why the TV is on during the day. And I really don't feel pressured. Thank you to my friend Kelly for this little note when I remarked that I am not a real mom yet: "you are a real mom....you gave real birth. :)"

What have you discovered about your child?

2010-05-23T15:41:00.003-05:00

Or if you do not have a child, what have you discovered about a child in your life? Yesterday, we discovered this: The Toddler has an obsession with The Carousel. Not just any carousal, the one at the Downtown Aquarium.

This means that we get to cross it off our list. (this is our ever growing list of things we want to do in Houston).

I don't want to bore you with details of our day. And by "day", I mean from 10am until 2:30pm. And while I don't want to toot my horn, I am going to on this one aspect. We got to do it all for $16. UNLIMITED EVERYTHING! TOOT TO-OOT TOOT!! It's nice to know I still got it. Even if the wallet was empty.

And that is how I know that she has this obsession. We went on the aforementioned ride a dozen times. We took turns as the parents since going around and around can take its toll on 20-somethings. The ride would stop and as we started to exit, she would run to another one. Over. And over. And over. Being first time parents we of course loved this little obsession from our own little obsession. And I got to thinking to myself and asked "self, what do other child obsess over?" "What do we have to look forward to?"

When I was a youngin' on the farm (true fact), I had a really bad love/obessesion. What was it you ask? Rainbow Bright. And two "imaginary friends" but that is a topic for later. I had a Rainbow Bright party once. It lives on as one of the best days ever lived by yours truly. The hubbs was not immune to this. (wait, that makes it sound like he had it in for RB as well.) His childhood downfall was TMNT. Otherwise known as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ask him about it sometime.

The rest of this is just pictures. Pictures that say so much more to me and the hubbs than it will to you I am sure. But I think it is supposed to be that way sometimes. Taking a picture does capture a thousand words. But being married or giving birth to the one in the picture, well, the picture then speaks a trazillion words. (yes, trazillion is a word. At least for me. And its my blog.)

When Mom is away...

2010-05-21T10:23:00.000-05:00

Super J comes out to play!

Now, doesn't this look like a little girl who is having fun?

and apparently she can out play the Dad.

I love this guy. I love him I love him I love him. And this one is for you. Because in all seriousness, you treat me very well and have yet to say things to me. Actually, I am pretty sure that you never will because you treat me like the queen I am.

Brandon Osmond Photography

2010-05-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

This last week we were in UT for the sealing of these two kids. Cassidy and Daniel. Everything was perfect and I will more pictures coming soon of the day and the reception. I wish I could tell you that I also had pictures of the star struck baby/bridal shower. I wish I wish. But my SD card is mysteriously damaged. So, until that is remedied, enjoy these gems by Brandon Osmond Photography

She thinks I am mean

2010-05-18T09:43:00.001-05:00

While I am not nor ever have been big on enforcing rules and the like... after she attacked THE ENTIRE BAG of my favorite treat, I had to put my foot down. Although with those big eyes and even even bigger tears I did feel guilty. How a toddler can induce guilt into an almost 30 year old woman is beyond me.

Do you procrastinate?

2010-05-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Taken from here: " According to Pies Steel, a human resources professor at the Univ. of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business, 95%of us procrastinate at times, with 15% to 20% being chronic offenders.

Three factors make us procrastinate: (1) lack of confidence about finishing the job; (2) boredom with the task; (3) human tendency to go for immediate reward over long-term gain. A common ploy for avoiding work at the office is reading each email, or IM, as it comes in.

How to overcome procrastination? Professor Steel believe the key is cut off distractions from the working environment. In his words, "millions of people-hours are spent making distractions as succulent as possible ... there are so many ways we could do something else ... convenient access to inferior choices is decidedly inconvenient".

.....

One comment: "Interesting, though a bit hypocritical. You do realize that with your blog you are aiding and abetting my procrastination right now, don't you? ;)"

................................................................

With that said.... I should be doing this and this.

But I am doing this and this right now.

Holding my sweet girls hand and cuddling together. That is what she wants me to do today.

Daniel loves Cassidy

2010-05-15T13:34:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful trip to Utah. We made it there and back safely and missed the snow... I personally was very happy about that. I will the "professional" looking pictures up later but I wanted to get these up.
Whats cute about Daniel and Cassidy is that they are next door neighbors. Well they were, now they are roommates.

The were sealed in the Salt lake Temple. And while there I realized that my friend Robin Johnson was also there as a missionary! I can't believe it did not dawn on me previously. I spent every spare moment looking for her but to no avail. As the fates would have it, I saw her walking along the sidewalk as we were driving to lunch. Not one to miss an opportunity, I yelled "Robin! Its Makana!" I am sure that was not at all confusing.

The toddler enjoyed her time with the family. She is now an expert at kisses and walking in the pond. As usual, family pictures are generally boring to everyone else so here is to you posterity!

I thank you, my Father in Heaven

2010-05-13T10:03:00.002-05:00

Recently I read this blog post. That was after watching this:

And suddenly my beautiful life was overflowing with blessings and it seemed that every breath I took, each moment I am able to spend with the toddler on my lap, every day that the Hubbs goes to a from work, has become a blessing from my Father in Heaven. And I give my great thanks to Him.

I am sure I am not the only one that sometimes needs reminders of how loved and cherished we are. I think about how we live in a time that has been foretold by Prophets. How we live in a time of great advances in medicine and in technology... the technology that lets me listen to a concert thousands miles away or even post these thoughts. It is a time of unsurpassed freedom and wealth (yes folks, even in a recession) and information. And for that I feel blessed. And once again I thank you Father.

I have been out of state for a wedding these past few days. It has been just me and the toddler for the past few days. What that translates into is that each night she ends up in bed with me rather than in her bed. And there was a time when it was hard since sleeping with a toddler, or my toddler to be exact means lots of feet adn hands in the face and ultimately she is laying on top of me. So I don't sleep. And after reading the post and watching Stephanie Nielsons video, i lay there with tears in my eyes for how fortunate I am to have a healthy baby girl and that I have not had many hard trials in my life thus far.

I realize that as I say that I know that it can all change in a single second. I could lose everything that matters to me. But I also know that if I did, my Father in Heaven would be there to support me and to continue to pour out His love and blessings upon me. And I thank you in advance my Father in Heaven.

if the video it not playing for you go here or http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?autoplay=true&index=1&locale=0&sourceId=5f9653e760468210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=bd163ca6e9aa3210VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

I would like to wear a diaper

2010-05-10T17:35:00.001-05:00

Did you see this?

Thats right. It is May. Notice the already 90* temps? Good thing we know people with a tramp and a finkler. I mean sprinkler. It really depends on who you ask what it is called. Ask this ninja in training and it is a finkler.

As I stood outside feeling my skin start to burn (yes, I may be brown but I am really white), i thought "I which I could run around in a diaper topless". It would be so nice. I have pondered many times about how nice it would be to wear a diaper. I guess I will have my chance in 50 years to enjoy the benefits of just peeing when I feel like it. No more running to the toilet. Ahh yes, to go poop and pee and not even worry one bit about it.

Until then, I will just have to settle for these. Although, I will admit I don't think I am into the diaper sags the toddler has going on.

One word for how I feel: PANICKED

2010-05-08T10:11:00.001-05:00

panicked. Function: verb Inflected Form(s): pan·icked
1: to affect with panic
2 : to cause to laugh uproariously

This is how I feel. I feel the first one... not the second one. Why? Why or why!!??

Today is Saturday May 8th. It is the day of not one, but TWO baby showers. One of one I am in commissioned for and the other which is for my new ward. That means I don't know anyone. Its like when you are back in grade school and its the first day of school and the bell rings for lunch. Where do you sit? Who do you sit by? Yep, its that feeling all over again. As an adult. So it's 100 times worse. Maybe even 1000 times.

But if that were all I would not be "affected with panic". I would be normal. Well, as normal as a still hormonal woman of a toddler can be I suppose. (And I was a little crazy BEFORE I gave birth)

Tomorrow the hubbs and I are speaking in church. Yup, your truly and my main squeeze will be speaking to the congregation on Mothers day. (i know, i laughed too)

Topics? "And upon the Handmaidens of the Lord" and Mothers and Daughters. Here and here

I really enjoy public speaking. I enjoy meeting new people. I enjoy planning parties. But I will admit that all three within an 18hr period is a lot. A. LOT.

But because I am a mom and a wife and yours truly, I will handle it all. And I will make it look effortless.
And here is to you. To all the moms and women who want to be moms and who step in as moms for those who are without. It is you who I think about and it is you who help me to not feel so panicked.
........................................................
poem found here
Before I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom -
I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom -
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life
so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom -
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

7 days to Mothers Day

2010-05-03T19:52:00.001-05:00

If you are a long time follower of your truly... or have been remotely near my during the months of August -October, you are well aware of a little tradition of ours.

It started, well now, I guess it started because of my Love Language. Know which one it is?

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Weird huh? When I told my sister about this discover 3 years ago she said "Yeah, I already knew that about you." Really? Why didn't anyone tell me?

So that's that. I love to give people things. I will mention that in this mind set of receiving gifts that I am humbled when the Hubbs gives me the gift of time with him. Whether it is at night listening to my endless conversations of everything from the shallow celebrity gossip or the weighter matters of my tender heart or just going for ride with me while I do the errands, I always end up feeling so loved.

Ok enough mushy mushy stuff that no one but me really cares about.

Today I was notified of the newest tradition in our family. 7 days to Mothers day. I like this. A Lot.

Sunday evening update:
Monday: Notes from the hubbs
Tuesday: Hubbs Laundry duty
Wednesday: Handmade tiles from the toddler
Thursday: Night out alone
Friday: Dinner at Isle de Honduras
Saturday: Free tickets to Iron Man II
Sunday: Breakfast and massage

Adventure is out there.

2010-05-02T18:22:00.003-05:00

to see the pictures bigger just double click on them

I LOVE LOVE camping. I love the tin foil dinners. I love messy s'mores. I love the ash-speckled pancakes. I love the water filled bottles tied to a rock in the river to keep it cool. So when we were asked to go camping this weekend, our answer was a YES! It may have even been a HECK yes but I am not going to admit anything.

We went to San Antonio. Centerpoint to be exact. We spent the past few days here. Did you click it? Did you see how we had to sleep under the stars? :) Well, we could have. There was a hammock. But this type of camping was perfect actually because of the toddler. And toddlers in tents are fine but not when there are tired adults who want to sleep.

We wasted our days away swimming, floating on the river, reading, fishing, and I would be a sad excuse for a journal keeper if I did not mention (I AM NOT GOING INTO DETAILS) our rope swing competition and the apparent sudden arrival of a full moon... you get the picture I am sure. It was one of the most funniest things I have encountered in my life. Ever.

Ok, I'll give in. I was never good at peer pressure.

My sister and her hubbs had challenged yours truly and my study hubbs to a rope swing-off. Never heard of one? Basically it's when you have to out do what the previous couple did. Think of PIG in basketball. Just omit the hoop and ball and add in water and rope.

One trick completed. Two trick completed. Three. Now, we need to do something really cool. "Ok, you climb up on my shoulders" said the hubbs. "OK" "this is going to be pretty cool" i thought to myself. Camera ready, water clear... GOOO!!!!

I am not sure when exactly it happened but I felt the hubbs let go of the rope. I was on his shoulders and was hanging on to the rope higher up. I thought "shoot! I need to let go too! " But by then i was headed back and was scared of hitting this submerged rock now one could quite find (until they hit it of course). And then there was the trees and the branches and the platform coming in quickly. So I held on. I saw my bro-in-law ready to catch me so, after stifling a little laugh that I managed to stay dry and the hubbs did not, i felt hands grab me.

UH OH.

The hands slipped.

No wait, they caught me! Whew!

uhm... pretty sure that was my swimsuit bottoms. And I am pretty sure that they just got ripped off.

I opt to jump in the river now please.

Scroll down for more pictures. There are a lot. I blame the hubbs since I got an awesome camera. :)

Happy Mother's day already?

2010-04-30T08:04:00.001-05:00

I was given this. A Nikon D40. That is why my husband rocks. I have been using my camera phone for a month now. I think the best part is that

1. I had no idea.

2. He got it for as cheap as a digital point-and-shoot camera.

Thank you hubbs. Thank you infinity.

Not quite clean...

2010-04-28T08:03:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite places. The Houston Temple.

I love its architecture. I love the grounds. Most of all I love that it is the House of the Lord.

Last night I went here. This picture is from the linked blog but last night, it did look like this. The sky was that to-die-for blue with the cotton candy pink clouds. And for th brief moment I took to soak it all in, I felt that there must not be anything more beautiful. Well, aside from a newborn baby or some miracle like that. But you get the picture.

While this Temple was breathtaking beautiful, I was well aware that I, at the moment, was not. "What!?" Yes folks, I was not really quite clean. I had planned on going swimming that day so opted out of the usual morning shower. As being a mom is, one thing led to another and some homemade bread and a visit from friends later, I was STILL bra-less and shoeless not to mention shower-less.

So what to do? The hubbs had already come and gone and come again. And I had just 30minutes to get there before it closed. And being that we will be gone the remainder of the month, this was it. The last day. Do or die.

I chose do.

And now I was regretting it.

My hair was greasy and I couldn't find the nail polish remover ANYWHERE! I had tried to scrape off my black nail polish but it didn't all come off. Seriously?! And as I write this I still cannot find it.

But I went. I went in and something beyond description happened. I was met with loving words from the sweet man at the front. As I proceeded upstairs, I felt more at ease but also more aware of my unwashed hair. And of my chipped black nail polish. And the words of my mom and grandma about being dressed properly for Temple worship. As I got dressed I kept thinking that maybe I should I leave. Or at least I should have painted my nails red.

After a few minutes and many conversations in my head later I was ready to do what I came to do.

And it was beautiful. It was inspiring. And it was so unique and life altering for me in a tender way that I had to write it down. I don't want to forget.

..............................................................

The Temple is God's house. I am His daughter. And the work that happens therein is crucial. I am a part of it.

..............................................................

While I will prepare much better next time. I will begin to bring names to the Temple. And I will always remember the sweet lesson I learned. That I wasn't quite clean. But none of us are. And that is why we have the Savior. That is why we go to the Temple and to church. And that is why missionary work and genealogy work are so important. Because whatever sin or weakness we are experiencing. Whatever trial we must pass through, the opportunity to know Christ and to become joint-heirs with Him (Rom. 8:17) are worth it.

Love in the Laundry room

2010-04-24T21:42:00.000-05:00

I love a lot of things. Most things actually. There are a few things I HATE to do.
-Dishes
-Ironing
-Laundry.

Now, I don't mind putting the clothes in. I don't mind changing the load. It doesn't bother me to haul the load to the laundromat even and back again. But I just LOATHE folding the clothes.

Good thing I know Cher.

Well, I don't know Cher but I do know her blog. And if you are married you really should acquaint yourself with Love-Actually too.

Just go here.

But remember, I introduced you to Cher. So thank me. Well, Thank Love-Actually, actually. Nothing will be the same EVER again... And for those Mama Mia fans, I am talking about DOT DOT DOT... :)

Eclipse Trailer

2010-04-23T12:01:00.001-05:00

The movie looks pretty good. Considering the first two left me feeling underwhelmed. I think I will wait until it comes out on DVD though this time. Anyone else?

Here's to you Grandpa!

2010-04-23T11:55:00.004-05:00

Makana surprised me today with a text while I was at work that said "Happy Birthday to Grandpa!" I'd forgotten it was his birthday, but Makana remembers everyone's birthdays. Then when I came home I saw this: (a banner that said "Happy Birthday Grandpa")

Yes, Harold Stanley Madsen was born on April 23rd and although he left us a few years ago (and sadly Makana never got to meet him) he still is a big influence in my life. I thought we would celebrate with some of my favorite stories about him. I shared one of his favorite poems with Makana and I performed it the way he would. Those who heard it know what I am talking about.

"The Lord in His wisdom created the fly...

But then he forgot to tell us why!"

I believe that was written by Ogden Nash. Another favorite of his that he would often quote to us was The Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll. It is a bit longer, but you can enjoy it here. You see, Grandpa was an English professor and he loved literature of all forms. He also was a terrific writer and wrote a biography of his earlier years (up to about the time he got married) and gave it to all the extended family as a gift for Christmas one year. I was a teenager at the time, but I loved it and loved learning about Grandpa. He lived a great and interesting life. He served a mission as a young man at a time when not everyone was expected to go(and then three more with my Grandma...they would have served more if it weren't for the health issues that made them stop), served his country in WWII and, one of the best things, is an alumni of Jordan High. We would even sing the fight song together on occasion.

Later he was stricken with ALS or Lou Gherig's disease. He was determined to finish the second part of his autobiography even though he could no longer type. He got some transcribing software and worked on it until he was finished, which he did just a short time before he passed away. All that knew him loved him. In fact, my Uncle Chris' brother was in town last year with his family and I found out that they lived in Lehi. I told him my grandparents lived there. They asked me their names and I told them and they both started raving about how they were the neatest people that they knew and that the whole ward just loved and admired the Madsens.

Some of my favorite memories from Grandpa. He had a great sense of humor. One time when my family was visiting we asked him why they kept the blinds closed. He got a smirk and said, "Oh, I just don't want the neighbors to see Grandma running around in her bikini."

Another time I was at lunch with he and my grandma and my mom. He was in a wheel chair at this time and had trouble doing any physical activity. He insisted on picking up the heavy glass of water and drinking. I asked him why he just didn't use the straw. He didn't answer, but Grandma turned to me and said, "He's thinks it's too feminine to drink out of a straw."

I also noticed that he was the first one off the chair when somebody walked into the room so he could offer his. This occurred even when he could barely stand. We had to firmly tell him, "Grandpa no, you need to sit more than we do."

Now I've been around a lot of old people and I see a lot of them get frustrated, cranky or angry, but I can honestly say that I never saw my Grandpa get angry or even be cranky in the slightest.

He loved serving in the Temple even when he was ailing. I had the cherished experience one time in college when I went to the temple one day and much to my surprise he was working there and got to serve me while I did the work. We were both surprised, but thrilled to see one another.

There are so many other experiences that I can share, but I'll leave those for another time. We love you Grandpa. We can't wait to see you again.

love,

McKay

Case of the iPad. Tech savvy time waster or not?

2010-04-18T22:35:00.001-05:00

I don't really like to spend money. Let me re-phrase. I don't mind spending money if I feel like I am getting a good deal. Case in point: Aside from a dress I bought for a wedding because I am a brides maid, I haven't bought new clothes all year. And I feel fine about it. I budget every week. I like to know where our money money is going. McKay doesn't go to work for us so I can just spend spend spend. And I don't stay home so I can blog all day or sleep in or play on Facebook. I have too much I want to learn about and try and do.

And then I came across this.

The iPad

And then this happened: For 45 minutes

What is that you ask yourself? Its the iPad. And its an app called Scratch Pad (or something like that). And that is my bro that lives in Hawaii. He was homeless so he came to Texas for 10 days until he could get into his new place. Jaed, aja-Little Miss Perpetual Motion, sat on Robbie's lap and played on this for a very long time.

All of the sudden i was envisioning plan rides to Grandma's and car rides to downtown and realized I was drooling. On my face was a grin. A BIG one. If just one app can do this, I wonder what else it can do? I was soon to find out.

The starting iPad is $499 plus tax but free shipping from the Apple store. It's not a glorified iPhone. Its way better. The 16mg can hold about 30 movies. I am happy with just three! 30? Really? Amazing. It can turn into a typical touchpad keyboard and be used to surf the net and type etc... And after tonight's third demo i had from Matt, I am hooked. And you as a family member should be also. Because of this gem

A Story Before Bed.

Incredible. Thanks Robbie. I can picture Jaed already laying in bed and being read to by Grandma.

Maybe for mothers day? Maybe for the toddler's 2nd birthday? Maybe for Anniversary gift or Christmas gift or maybe we will combine the entire year of holidays into one. Actually, I better just start looking on the ground for change to finance this. I think I will start with the laundromat. Because while there are PLENTY of ways to waste time with technology, there are not many ways to connect with family in this way. And that my dear reader, is priceless.

Battleship

2010-04-17T11:36:00.008-05:00

Remember how I said I lost my little digital camera? Well... what was lost now is FOUND! Whoop whoop.
Thank you to Tia and Anna for letting us borrow your kids for the day. We had fun even with the rain at teh Battleship.

Ultimate daddy daughter day

2010-04-16T23:30:00.030-05:00

We have decided that daughters and daddy's need each other. Here are two reasons. Thank you Becca for your post with these in them.

"Relish the moments when she toddles up and for no reason at all throws her arms around your neck. Resist the urge to buy her the world."

Daddy's need their little girls. And little girls need their Dad's. Growing up we would have date night with dad. It was one on one and I remember feeling SO important. It usually entailed running errands but I always got a happy meal or a dipped cone out of it. And I knew that my Dad loved me.

Just as couples need date nights, so do little girls. And just as mommy's need "alone" time (which still I can't manage even if I am in the shower or going on the toilet and if you are mom you totally get what I mean), we knew that an hour out with just the hubbs and the toddler together would be magical.
................................................................
As stated earlier, McKay and I are opposites in SO MANY THINGS. But not in the things that really matter. Like traveling for instance.

"Take her out of town to somewhere she's never been at least once a year. This will develop her sense of adventure."

We love to travel. Out of country, state or just to a new town. Or even to just a new exhibit. It doesn't seem to matter. I recently started to put my hard-earned education to work as an event planner. This weekend will be an open house and I know I will be invisible. McKay will be a single dad for a few days.

As mentioned we love to travel and are always looking to find a great deal on something. The hubs stumble across a steal of a deal to Lousiville, KY for this coming weekend only. So he got it and is headed off to Louisville. Why to KY you ask? The toddlers cousin is getting blessed this weekend. It will be a TOTAL SURPRISE !

And it will be the ULTIMATE DADDY DAUGHTER DAY (or weekend).

And that is why my husband rocks. Because he will willingly and lovingly take a 20moth old on a plane and stay for 3 days.

Children's Festival

2010-04-14T10:03:00.000-05:00

Frommer’s 300 unmissable events & festivals around the world.

Thats right. Your eyes are not deceiving you. Houston's Annual Children Festival is one of these events. And this past weekend we ventured out in the rain to experience it.

I have somehow manged to lose my camera. Actually, my official statement it that it was stolen. I bet Golem mistook for the Ring and snatched it. Or a leprechaun. It was a very pretty camera. (sigh...) At least I have a camera phone.

WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES

Hat-check. Sunglasses-check. Necklace-check. not shown-Pink bucket. Green Bucket. White purse. Check, check, and check.

It cost us $8 per adult. BUT... i won a $10 gift card. McKay won a Nintendo DS set and comedy tickets. We got a lot of cool stuff including two homemade Mothers day gifts that McKay and Jaed made. There was a circus as well and you know if there is are circus performers then it is automatically going to be excellent. In all reality, it was a nice day, it stopped raining and the sun came out for the rest of the day. I don't think we will go again but we are glad we went once and now can work on the other 299 things to do. The best part was being able to spend the whole day together.

hello there, I have missed you

2010-04-12T12:31:00.001-05:00

Well I have missed you too

Where have you been anyhow?

Around? How about you?

Oh, the same.

So how is everything going?

Things are great. How are things for you?

Doing well.

Ok. well, I should let you go now. It has been nice talking to you.

Ok, good talking to you to. Bye bye

ps? did you see the girly tutorial on teh side under "If I had a Nanny?"

no, i didn't. But i'll be sure to check it out. Thanks.

A Just because I love you gift.

2010-04-02T19:04:00.001-05:00

In staying with tradition of praising my hubby on Fridays for My Husband Rocks Fridays, I came across this site. For my ever faithful readers (yes, you know who I mean and its you), I have mentioned Union 28 once before. So far I have been doing really well on not buying any clothes this year. I did get a pair of jeans from Hollister when I was in CA... but I did not buy them. (picture: mom with a double stroller cruising into Hollister....)
When I saw some of these clothes though from Union 28 I almost broke my goal. Especially when I saw that the one I have been eying (the one with Angel wings on the back) is on sale.

So my question is this. If I but it so the hubby can give it to me for one of those "just because I love you" gifts, does that count? Hmmm... maybe you will have to tell your hubby to get you one too! And I have to add, they are located not only in TX but down the road in Humble!

California

2010-04-02T10:05:00.022-05:00

Well, after a well deserved chance for me to take a week off, I did. I took the toddler and we went to good ole' Californi-a. 10 days of no dishes or laundry or grocery shopping. 10 days of no packing, of reading all day and sleeping in. 10 days of taking advantage of my mom and my brothers. It was lovely. :) the toddler was spoiled with lots of love, hugs, kisses and a day at the mall with Aunti Kiana. (everyone should have one of those). She took Jaed and her cousin Kalea who is a few months older to the mall to Build-a-Bear. She has to make sure her bear is in her bed for her to sleep at night.

We also spent a week in Nevada City with my aunt and uncle and their amazing kids. They have a lot of land and animals and it was a dream come true for our little one. For her it was a non-stop party! We loved being able to spend time there.

I was happy to just have a break for while. We did a lot but if you are reading this you probably don't really care so I will write it all in my journal and leave you with some pictures.

Please help me.

2010-04-01T02:40:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else worried for me?

Did you read the part about spiders in the hair... salt in the drink... I know it doesn't say "wife" anywhere but I think that is because he was in 4th grade. Girls had cooties then, which I am happy that I finally grew out of. Really, soap in the breakfast bowl?! AHHH! I think I need to re-think some things

Any thoughts on the Passover?

2010-03-30T01:45:00.001-05:00

There are holidays that I love and can't wait to get here. And then there are holidays that I feel reverent towards. And I know full well that the Passover is not a "holiday" per say, it does stand to be recognized for a number a reasons. I think you understand what I mean when I say that.
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A few weeks ago I was going through a "blue moment". I am sure you know what I mean. A moment when everything seems to go wrong and when it can't get worse, well, somehow it does. This moment for me seemed to last for weeks though. Talk about a party pooper!

At one point I had just had it. I was done with the floating raincloud over my head raining on my parade. I had such a nice parade... floats, life-size snoopy balloons, dancers... and well, they were getting all soaked. I had to do something.

Comments such as "get over it" or "give more service" or even the unspeakable "no one even loves you so why does it matter" seemed to assail me. I felt a little abondaned (since i am being really too honest here). I blame it on Screwtape. It wasn't until I began to realize somethings about myself that it dawned on me like a ray of sunshine after a cloudy day (nice tie in huh?), I needed my Savior.
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I still have a ways to go I am sure. And in like fashion, I doubt that Screwtape and all the other little helpers of that guy will just walk away and let me win. But I know I can and I know this because of everything that happened thousands of years ago, beginning at Passover.
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Here is an excerpt I wanted to share with you. From Elder. Holland. For my sweet friends that are having a hard time, I pray this will find you and you will know that you are not walking alone.

But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us. When the uttermost farthing had then been paid, when Christ’s determination to be faithful was as obvious as it was utterly invincible, finally and mercifully, it was “finished.”18 Against all odds and with none to help or uphold Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the living Son of the living God, restored physical life where death had held sway and brought joyful, spiritual redemption out of sin, hellish darkness, and despair. With faith in the God He knewwas there, He could say in triumph, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”19

Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”20

My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,”21 for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen

Lydia Raquelle Hansen

2010-03-29T13:55:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the world beautiful girl

"A baby girl...
one of the most beautiful miracles in life,
one of the greatest joys we can ever know,
and one of the reasons why
there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness
in your world today."

Do you have friends like these?

2010-03-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

Friends are relatives you make for yourself.

I am finishing a family history photo book. It is almost all only photos and it is a way for the toddler to "see" and "know" her aunts and uncles and grandparents since we are away from the majority of them. And I was scouring through pictures from Matt and Tia, I came across this one in my wedding album.

We are missing a few people, Mark and Megan, Elliot and Channel, Joe and Jess, Brandon and Kami, Kim and Lane, and Ben just to name a few. But, most of us are here. And this single picture speaks volumes to me.

What can it possibly say you ask?

Long nights up talking, learning what was important, witnesses to my first kiss at 19, late-night movies, dancing at the Mine Shaft, High School Prom dates, early morning seminary, just to name a few.

Most importantly, girls camp, and Youth Conference and testimony growing experiences.

And now I am all teary eyed.... (deep breath)

Without these good folks you see, I am not sure how those precious teenage years would have turned out. Mine were filled with laughter, T.P Runs, leaders who understood me and parents who guided me and friends to fill in all the blanks and keep me holding on when all I wanted to do was let go.

Thank you for letting me in your life. Thank you for "being there" and thank you for your love even today. And most important to me is that I was able to find my best friend of all... the cute tall one in grey behind me. :)

There are Aliens among us

2010-03-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

Uhm... anyone know where the little girl went too?

Oh boy, I think we've been here too long...

2010-03-20T14:38:00.004-05:00

The other day I walked into the room and saw this abomination...

I can't have my daughter growing up with this blasphemous influence...is it time to leave Texas (Babylon) yet?

Houston Rodeo Picture Post

2010-03-20T09:07:00.000-05:00

If you are not familiar with the Houston Rodeo, after this you will be. The toddler and I went with Tia and Anna to spend all day there. As you will see in the next pictures, we had a good time.

I loved: The smell of the fresh hay and fresh wood shavings, the great photo ops, all the farmers and cowboy hats. The horses were beautiful and the pigs HUGE! Spending time with family and just being out it the sun made it perfect... oh, and that one of the goats ate my dress in the petting zoo.

She loved: the fries, her cousins, chocolate raisins, petting the cow, hitting the bunny, riding the tractor, climbing on the benches, putting her hand in the public indoor toilet, sunning, sporting her sunglasses, watching Strawberry shortcake on her way home and picking the horses nose.

Notice all the green? We went on St. Patrick's Day.

Eye-candy?

2010-03-19T11:24:00.001-05:00

My in-laws are really talented when it comes to the arts. I have been dreaming of getting a picture painted from my mother-in-law since I met her.

I came across these little treats of eye candy while moving and had to share them. It made me smile as I was looking through them and appreciate my husband that much more. I am not sure why, maybe it is just the nostalgia of days gone by. Ever have one of those moments? Where everything goes a little blurry (think Saved by the Bell) and you go back in time... oh, I am starting to slip into past-land already.
Whew, that was close. I need to focus before going back there again.

Now, you get to feast your eyes on these. 6th grade pencil drawing of Pres. McKinley. Pretty good huh?

Starry Night 4th grade... Uhm, I am pretty sure I could not do that even now.

"Fisherman in the blue shirt"

By: McKay Hansen 4th grade

When you read the title it automatically feels "grown-up" doesn't it?

On a side note: If you ever want a good laugh, go back and read journal entries from when you were a pre-teen! McKay and I could not stop laughing. Most of them started with-"I am supposed to be cleaning my room" or "My mom is so mean!" (which is FAR from the truth)

Blah blah blah

2010-03-15T04:59:00.000-05:00

I just wanted, well, I want a lot of things. Let me start over...

blah blah blah

That's better.

I once was told if you can't get out what you want to say, just write blah blah blah over and over until something comes out. I wonder if that is the same as talking... do you think I could just say blah blah blah until something pops into my head?

What I am posting about is simple. It solves the question I get daily. (really, daily. how strange is that). "How do you post so often?" or "I need to be better at posting, how do you do it?" or "Why did the chicken cross the road?" I can't answer the last one but the other two I sure can help with.

Its the about the little POST OPTIONS button on the bottom of the text area when you are typing a blog. Go ahead and look. I'll wait.

Seriously, take a peek. I'm not going anywhere.

Did you look at it? Did you click on it.

Ok. Good. You get a gold star. There is a area in the right side titles post date and time. Click on the scheduled at. Did you see the date and time appear? You did?! Yeah, one more gold star. So you can write things ahead of time and when that date comes around, whola... you got a post up.

Usually I will sit down once a week and see what is coming up or what is on my mind and start writing. Or if I am going on vacation then I will make posts. This works GREAT for my business. What?! You didn't know I had one? Shame on you. Give me one of your gold stars and move your card to red. Its Make it Myne. I also contribute to If I Had a Nanny.

Which two are you?

2010-03-14T19:52:00.001-05:00

This was shared by my brother Matt and it was too good to let it pass by. What do you think of it?

No dream killers allowed!! Thank you.

2010-03-12T06:57:00.000-06:00

A ranch in Montana

see the baby grand in the corner?

We are not Millionaires. You too? And I am perfectly ok with that. We live in an apt and I am totally fine with that. And we function on one car and one scooter. And that's good for us.

But sometimes... sometimes when the world gets too crazy and our neighbors have a party or the dog below can't stop barking... well, we talk. We dream. And we plan.

The sentence usually starts out like this "Can we get { fill in the blank } for our ranch in Montana?

The answer "yes, but only if we get two"

You see, this little ranch is our dream. Well, its mostly his dream but I like it so I adopted it as well. And in this dream there are certain rules. Just one.

NO DREAM KILLERS ALLOWED.

What is a dream killer? Usually reality does it but sometimes it is saying no. When we first got married we got a CD set called "From here to Eternity" by Dr. Lund. If you have not listened to this yet, DO! Even if you have been married 50 years, please do. It is really remarkable. He addresses what a dream killer is. And you do not want to be that. EVER.

Its nice having a ranch in Montana. So far, I have my chicken coop and he has is herd of cattle. Of course there are goats, sheep, and horses. And a pond with a boat and an island. And a river for fly fishing. A garden that blooms all year long (yes, even in the snow storms). There is a wrap around porch. There is a sun room, a reading room with books from the floor to the ceiling. Of course a movie room for the winter time and a basement full of our year supply for our family and neighbors. We have a wood shop and I have a craft room. There are ATV's and mine is pink. Of course there are snowmobiles and a guest house. They get their own snowmobiles too.

Its nice having a dream. Will it ever happen? Probably not. Although if it does, you are invited. And we will probably turn it into a dude ranch for the summer time. That is another dream. Here's to you ranch!

PS- every ranch worthy of being called a ranch has a name. Any suggestions?

Life without sweets

2010-03-09T13:06:00.002-06:00

I have bad teeth. I like to blame it on my genes and my daughter. (please let there be SOMEONE besides me whose teeth got a little worse for wear because of pregnancy). Sometimes I dream of having good teeth. The kind that are strong and healthy and brush and floss themselves.... big sigh.

But alas, that dream is not to be mine and therefore I must be content with my not-so-tough-teeth. What does this mean you wonder? Well, it means I use an electric toothbrush. I use floss. I use special toothpaste and special mouthwash. I use these items three... yes I said THREE times a day (well, floss just twice).

And I cut out all sweets.

That makes me sad.

Very. Sad.

But, I get to keep ice cream.

And that is happy.

Truth be told, I don't much miss the sweets. I did not really like chocolate or cake. And I only liked two pies. I was not a big fan of candy bars until I discovered Smarties in Scotland. If I ever have the chance to eat Smarties again, I know I will fail. Don't these look so yummy? Ugh... I am drooling.

oh, right, I don't eat sweets. And I am ok with that. Amazingly, I am not really tempted. Anytime I bake I noticed that I did not really eat what I baked. Maybe the yummy smells filled me up. Yes, that must be it. And now that I think about it, I do like the smell of cookies baking more than the cookies themselves. You do too!? What a pair we make.

So here is my posts to sweets. To no more sixlets or KitKats or molten-lava cakes. Goodbye my tasty tarts and salt water taffy and gummy bears. Farewell birthday cake and brownie bites. Because, my teeth are more valuable that sugar and calories.

And if you are in need of a Dentist in Housotn... You have GOT to check out Dr. Hamilton Calder. He is just wonderful. Great staff, top technology, friendly, affordable, and I could go on. And tell them I sent you. The girl who doesn't eat sweets.

A few good men

2010-03-05T09:50:00.000-06:00

Well, one actually. Just one please. Just one good man to take out the trash, watch the toddler, (and I mean that in a "watch-the-toddler-responsible-way", not the "watch-the-toddler-dump-out-all-the-moving-boxes-and-toys-way). One who will load and unload the dishes, one who will fold the laundry and put them all away. Yes, all. His, mine and the toddlers. A man who will call to say "I'm passing by the store, want anything?" When I know for a FACT that he may very well HATE the store...and comes home not only with much needed diapers but also flowers. Just because. One who will make dinner, start to finish (including clean-up).
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Maybe if this keeps up, (getting what I want because I am a mom&wife&and entitled), I will be more willing to give him what he wants. Like playing tennis. Oh I do not like tennis. But we can't all have it all.
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These past weeks have been trying for me. Why? Probably because I am selfish and as stated... entitled. I am not sure what yet, but I am sure I am. And so, after a particularly exasperating day, I stuck the toddler in the tub. Its her favorite place besides the water dispenser from the fridge. I grabbed my book (Fable haven for the second time around) and settled in on my porcelain throne for 45minutes of reading. Ahhh... big sigh. 3 minutes later, she wants out. Really?! Sorry, you have to stay in. I'm busy. And being the independent girl that I have, she climbs out. Well, attempts to but it is pretty slippery and I picture how it must feel to be a penguin. Or maybe a seal. The water is hot, the girl is out streaking the in the living room and I say "I'm going to take a bath".
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Silence. I am totally caught up in my make believe world.

knock knock knock (and i think... please please no. Just let me sleep in here)

And it is a certain good man with grilled cheese on a plate. And now I have a big goofy grin across my face. A book, a tub, and grilled cheese. Heaven.
THE END.

141MPH. Can you believe it?

2010-03-04T13:36:00.001-06:00

I have no idea if this is real. Frankly, it doesn't matter to me because I was laughing. I will clarify that I hope this does not make any one angry... I have DEEP respect and admiration for all those who put their lives in danger each moment to protect me and my family. But.. well, just read this. I think you will be laughing a bit as well. ( thanks to my aunt for passing it along)

Top This One For A Speeding Ticket

Two Highway Patrol Officers were conducting speeding enforcement on I-15, just north of Oceanside , San Diego , California ....

One of the officers was using a hand held radar device to check speeding vehicles approaching the crest of a hill. The officers were suddenly surprised when the radar gun began reading 300 miles per hour and climbing.

The officer attempted to reset the radar gun, but it would not reset and then it suddenly turned off.

Just then a deafening roar over the treetops revealed that the radar had in fact locked on to a USMC F/A-18 Hornet which was engaged in a low flying exercise near this, it's home base location.

Back at the California Highway Patrol Headquarters the Patrol Captain fired off a complaint to the US Marine Corps. Base Commander for shutting down his equipment.

The reply came back in true USMC style:

'Thank you for your letter.

You may be interested to know that the tactical computer in the Hornet had detected the presence of , and subsequently locked on to, your hostile radar equipment and automatically sent a jamming signal back to it, which is why it shut down..

Furthermore, an Air-to-Ground missile aboard the fully armed aircraft had also automatically locked on to your equipment location.
Fortunately, the Marine Pilot flying the Hornet recognized the situation for what it was, quickly responded to the missile system alert status and was able to override the automated defense system before the missile was launched to destroy the hostile radar position .
The pilot suggests you cover your mouths when cussing at them, since the video systems on these jets are very high tech. Sergeant Johnson, the officer holding the radar gun, should get his dentist to check his left rear molar. It appears the filling is loose. Also, the snap is broken on his holster.'

Semper Fi

Picnik

2010-03-02T14:19:00.000-06:00

What a great website. Picnik. I have been testing it out and I like the results. So I posted some below. If you are looking for a good, FREE online photo editor, this may fit the bill.

When we went bowling for free on Saturday, I took these snapshots. It was so warm and sunny it was hard to believe that it had been snowing earlier on... and that Monday would quickly bring rain clouds once more.

Can you tell what I did here? I played around with the saturation and other things I can't remember. I also focused on the face and blurred out the rest. I know, she has crazy hair. Think "Daisy Maizy" or "Cindy-lou-who" That's because we started to go to a Dr. Seuss Party but could't find it. So this toddler was pretty tired

I made this one lighter and grainer. It was a bad shot but I am pleased with the results

And... Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss and to Caleb Larsen.

Month in review

2010-03-01T13:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I will forewarn you. It is one of "those" posts that no one really cares about. The kind where there are a lot of pictures that have zero meaning to anyone else. But, this is our family journal so it really doesn't matter to anyone but us. :) Hugs and loves. And since i have neglected many pictures in lieu of blogging discussion, craft posts and wedding/party planning, here is a concentrated dose. In no particular order

Jaed Maliana with Ozzy Osburne glasses from the Valentines Party

Eating. Big surprise. She eats a whole box of cereal a week. By HERSELF!

Making a fort... or tearing it down. One of the two

Really into books and reading. She does this all by herself\f while I read my books. Its a nice setup we have

Please take note: Polka dot hat+rolled up jeans+black un-buttoned shirt (one of three layers)+ binoculars, sippy cup +one pink shoe+one brown shoe. She dressed herself.

Fifths diease. One word. Miserable. Miserable for everyone. No sleep, crying all the time, itching all over, gonna have some scarring... poor little girl! This rash was ALL OVER her little body. Her ears. face, feet... after two weeks we just have really rosy cheeks. And we have our little firebolt back

This doll cries when it wants to be fed. She is really sweet with her.. well most of the time. I have seen her throw her down and step on her a few times though... i am sure it was an accident.

Loves to write.. on everything. Thank goodness for Magic Wonder Markers from Crayola

We went to a car wash. She was memorized. A little blurry but one of the few times she is still and I HAD to capture it

This is a guitar shirt I made.

Watching the snow fall. It started out as ice and then became big flakes. We played in it but it was pretty cold

Got coupons for FREE BOWLING so we took advantage of it. Jaed even bowled. Can you see her ball down there? Yep, she got a strike. Actually, she got a LOT of good bowls in. As a matter of fact...

She was beating both McKay and me for most of the game.

Final score: Makana: 93, Jaed: 87. McKay: 84

In two weeks she will 18month old. I am thinking I want to have a celebration for her... hmm....

Friends. Understanding from Luke 22

2010-02-28T10:59:00.001-06:00

Friendship. This has been on my mind for a while. I would like to think it has been just in the past few weeks but as I really start to delve into this "delicate" subject, I think it has always been on my mind.

The past few months I have been able to have a few conversations with a few people. And the topic has come up about friendships. I have been thinking about friends and decided to Google quotes and this one came up.

"A faithful friend is the medicine of life."

--- Apocrypha

I am not even going to ask if you agree because I know that you do. In light of my 10 year high school reunion being in a few short weeks, I reflected back upon those people in my life who I have called as friends. I think about the people in my life right now that I consider to be my friends. And I think about how I have very few friends that I have known for 10 years that I still keep in close contact with. To be exact, the number is somewhere between 3 and 5. I do have one special friend I have known since nursery. Our daughters are just weeks apart.

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I have a handful of friends that I can call or email and we pick up where we left off... mostly ones from college and my mission.

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And I have my circle of eternal friends also called family that, no matter how rude or tactless I can be, still love me.

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While conversing these past few weeks, months, years etc, one common thread in these people that I have noticed is that they are excellent friends. What makes an excellent friend? I think you know. I started to think more about this and had an experience I wanted to share

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Luke 22

44 And being in an ^aagony he prayed more earnestly: ^band his sweat was as it were great drops of ^cblood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

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This is in Luke in the New Testament. It is regarding Christ's intense agony as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. And it is a part I have often simply skipped over and never really took time to understand. (these two verses, not the Garden of Gethsemane).

I try to make sure I react to situations as my Savior would. That I am calm, collective, and look at the situation from all angles or as "Leadership and Self-deception" would coin "thinking out of the box". Am I the only person that does this? Sometimes it is annoying to some since this causes me to defend "the other person" rather than be faithful/loyal.

The bottom line:

Christ asked one thing from His disciples. That they stay awake and pray. Perhaps He just needed to know that He had friends. It had been such a long day for everyone and surely they tried to stay awake. I know that I would not have been able to. Yet He asked one thing of them. And they were not able to do it.

Now, rather than be upset, (that is what I would have done), He said "46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation". That was it. And then He moved on.

From this I learn two things, maybe three.

1. Christ, the Savior of the World, needed friends. His own disciples were of difference socio-economic backgrounds and of different professions. Lesson: Friends in un-likely places {some of my favorite people have grandkids my age!}

2. Even when they failed to stay awake (substitute: remember your birthday, send a thank you note, or said/did something hurtful), He still loved them and still walked with them. Lesson: Do not judge and do not hold grudges. We are commanded to forgive. NO. MATTER. WHAT.

3. Prayer. He asked them to pray. I wonder what would have happened if they did. What was waiting for them? What could they have learned? Lesson: What lessons/insight could be mine as I pray? As I am good friend? As I seek to serve others and love others?

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I am not as good of friend as I should be. I can be better. And hopefully, like me, if this is an area where you can improve on as well, we will be able to accomplish this together. I know there are a few people that I should express my gratitude for their friendship. Starting with the one I married and the one I gave birth to.

Text Message Wake Up Call... Tsunami in Hawaii

2010-02-27T13:09:00.001-06:00

"Earthquake in Chili this morning. Expected Tsunami in Hawaii. "

That is what I received this morning from my brother Robbie there at BYUH. My sister Leialoha is there as well and our cousin Chloe. I talked to both of them. This is a little scary I will admit. I heard they are being evacuated to Laie Falls. BYUH is being used as an evacuation site.... 3 more hours until it is supposed to hit. Be safe. May the Lord bless everyone on all the islands

If you were a toddler...???

2010-02-25T08:59:00.001-06:00

Childhood happens just one time. Thats it. Only one chance to play in the dirt, jump off dangerously high places, and eat things off the ground. Its probably the only time when picking your nose is "age-appropriate", no one care if you fart, (and when it REEKS!), and those daily tantrums where kicking and screaming is sure to happen doesn't much turn a head. There are many positives to being a toddler. So I made a list. Which, is sure to be incomplete so please add your own.

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1. Waited on hand and foot

2. Falling asleep in the car and being carried in

3. Getting to sleep through church and it being cute... not rude

4. Taking off clothes and putting them on again, but this time the pants go on the head

5. Special packages from people far away filled with goodies "just-because" (Ok, so when as an adult did you get one of these sweet mail treats? After my mission it was non-existent)

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To go along with #2, it really must be nice to just fall asleep anywhere. Just take a peek at this:

I had come in and after a panic search around the house and wondering if she could unlock the front door, found her in the drawer, second from the top. I have NO idea how she got there or how she deduced that it would be a nice and cozy place to sleep. And I wish I could have dresser big enough to try. All those clothes to keep you warm and cozy. I will admit that this was taken with my camera phone since she was sleeping on the camera as well. (why it was in her drawer is beyond me)

Yes folks, she is sleeping. And if you know our toddler, you know that she NEVER STOPS. Seriously. Its 100 MPH ALL. DAY. LONG. For example: She was playing at her aunties and went straight for the toys (another things only toddler can really get away with. Can you imagine visiting a friend and running to the ATV?) She dumped them out and, from what I am told, laid down and within a minute was alseep.

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So tell me, what would be the best things about being a toddler for you

Micheal Scott loves the Olympics

2010-02-20T15:25:00.001-06:00

Ok. Notice the commercial. See the couple at the end sitting on the ground. Well, that is us. By us I mean, McKay and Makana. Yep, play it again. Notice how there is no table? They are eating on a coffee table. (which is not a real table). We sold our table and chairs and when I saw this commercial, it made me feel... complete. No, that's not right. I felt like I was in High School again and I just got invited to sit with the popular crowd. Yes, that's it. Oh, so you can relate to that feeling can you? Hmm, isn't it nice to know you fit in after all. Mmmmmm.

But, the rest of the clip is pretty good too. Kurdling. You mean hurdling? No. I mean what I said. Kurdling. Hold on please....................
still there?
Actually, I just googled it. You are right. Its not quite Kurdling. It's C-U-R-L-I-N-G. And it is with brooms and it is on ice. See here

I like Micheal's version. What do you think?

On a serious note...

I can't wait until Pam has her baby. At least, until I can actually watch it on our Computer. I wonder what it will be. A boy? A girl? Did I miss that episode?

Thoughts on the Treadmill: Part II

2010-02-19T14:04:00.003-06:00

Sweating. Sweating a lot. My lungs are burning and I contemplate stopping but I just can't. I mean literally can't. I am going full speed on the elliptical and last time I gassed out I somehow managed to get caught awkwardly in between the arm things and the radio/display thing. I have no choice. I have to finish. Just. A. Little. Bit. Farther. There. DONE! My lungs are still burning and boy are my shins going to be protesting anything resembling walking the next 24hours.
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So I get off and attempt to not look ridiculous as I walk to the water station. I really want to crawl and lap up the water like a cat. But I don't. I still have a shred of dignity left. That wasn't evaporated with my sweat. And as I am trying to slowly drink and not ravishly guzzle, I hear a small voice come to the surface of my thoughts. "Always do the hard thing first" and "If you don't plan your day, someone else will" and "You can be perfect in this." That's right I think. I can be perfect in at least this, in exercising each day. And I can do hard things. That's why I wake up early and make sure it is the third thing I do (#1-go potty. #2 Kiss the hubbs) and I planned on working out. I also planned on running a few races this year. Its a goal. And I am a goal setter. But more importantly, I am a goal keeper. And I am not a quitter.
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And while I meander, feeling as a cow must feel, over to the weights (today is tri's, glutes, and shoulders), I think two more months. I can totally do this. I feel empowered. I feel truly blessed. And I feel love from my God. Strange to feel that. Unexpected. And yet surprisingly needed.
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And it made me wonder. If God can bring me peace while my body is in agony, I am sure that when I am at peace it may be even more. What do you think?

PS- Bellaire Trolley Run April 10, 2010
Mudd Maxx Race June 19, 2010