Believing in Something

Check It

2011-08-15T13:12:00.001-07:00

I'm posting somewhere new from now on.

Lots of exciting stuff has been going on over there.

Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

You can view my new blog here.

See you there!

New Blog

2011-08-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked in in a while, be sure to go to my new blog.

I will be posting over there from now on.

If you get there before Monday, you can still enter my giveaway.

Check it out!

The Bachelorette

2011-07-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

I know you're just dying to know what I thought of The Bachelorette, aren't you.

At least these Bachelorette posts always get the most comments, that's my basis of what I think you really want.

Well, I will tell you.

Once you go to my new blog and enter my giveaway.

Do it! GOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Give Said the Little Blog!

2011-07-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

And a little blog it is.
Honestly, I am working on changing that.

So I'm hosting a giveaway.

Yes. Me. Here. On this teeny tiny blog.

Well actually not this blog.

I'm moving on to bigger and better things.

Okay, maybe not better but hopefully bigger.

And I'm so excited for you, for me, we all win!

So head over here to enter!

Hurry! Go Now!

I Know

2011-07-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'm obnoxious. Especially when it comes to music. Sometimes I just have to share, though.

This song will make you ache.

If not, you're a bad person.

Okay, not really. But you should listen to it.

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up

2011-07-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ok not an ad for Life Alert or the Samaritan Village Nursing Home

Just a slight rebuttal to Shar's blog :)

I have as a matter of fact fallen into a black hole (albeit I hope temporarily)! I have taken on a very large project which has eaten away at my regular work time and caused me to hang in this place much much longer than I prefer. Then when I get out of here I seem to be running to church or to my dad's so there is literally not enough hours in the day.
I miss Sharlee. I miss Shane I miss Todd I miss going to the movies and I miss seeing daylight like a normal person
In reference to Shar's lovely little post. I did in fact call her yesterday and I thought I had written back to her emails. But that I can not be sure of.
Let me explain the horror of my day.. so I normally am pretty good with where I work but then once in a while there is something that will cause me to have a lack of faith in people. Yesterday was a day like this for me.
We have temp people working here for us in the office. Lately there are quite a few of them. We had a lady start on Monday and by yesterday I guess they decided she couldn't do the job.I have a differing opinion on that but... will leave that for another time.
So they were going to let her go the end of the day yesterday. They don't want to train her anymore so they have her sit with me!!! So she watches me put in the ad, asks questions and I am showing her stuff. All this time they know she isn't staying but she doesn't ... it literally made me sick to my stomach. Did I also state the woman was very nice and I could have really liked her. But of course this is all business you know.. I will also probably blog on that at a later date. She tells us goodbye and see you tomorrow and I literally almost cried.
Yes I am a wuss and no I probably wouldn't make it as an officer in this company or even a supervisor. Although I do believe I might make a pretty decent one. I haven't got the hardness it takes for that.
Let me also state that they did this to me a couple of months ago with another temp too. They had her sit with me and we went through all kinds of stuff and I printed her out instructions and everything. They let her go because they said she was strange..this is literally what they said. another blog.
So basically if you are a temp and they send you to sit with me
Look out!
This is my explanation.. not an excuse.. I feel like that cat in the nursing home that goes in to sit on people's lap's when they are about to die.

Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

2011-07-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

Seriously!

What's up with this?!?

Mom has some big project at work and I am forgotten. Left out in the cold.

She doesn't respond to my venting emails.

She won't take my phone calls.

She reads my blog, though, so here's to hoping she gets this message
This is me, reaching out.
Crying for some attention.
The equivalent of slapping my brother or eating dog food or some other attention crying act.

Doesn't she know that I'm the most important thing in her life?

Perhaps she has forgotten.

This will serve as a fair reminder.

This is the best that I could do in the midst of my abandonment. Here I am. Alone and in the cold.

Call me, mom!

Answer This

2011-07-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

A while back my mom got me a subscription to Good Housekeeping magazine.

I like reading it quite a bit.

There's lots of good stuff in there.

And each month they ask a celebrity when they felt they had earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

They're reasons for earning the seal vary from planning the perfect party, organizing a pantry, thrifty purchases, etc....

So I ask you:

When have you felt you earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval?

I have had mini moments when I've felt so deserving of said award.

But they are fleeting.

I feel like a failure only days later.

The thing is: I want to be worthy of such an award. I love being domestic. I really do.

I'd say that I'm most proud of my domestic abilities when one of three things happens:

1. I successfully grocery shop.

This means I stuck to our weekly budget.

Planned a menu in advance.

Have a refridgerator and pantry full of food that is good for you. No premade meals or anything of the sort. In our house you have to make it if you want to eat it (I usually do this always when shopping--it's the sticking to the budget part that's hardest)

2. When I successfully use the Winco bulk foods section. When I need ingredients that I don't have, if I remember to use that section, I am so proud of myself. There are things that I haven't had to buy in months that I've gotten from there, for the price that a container would have cost (i.e. rice, pasta, parmasean cheese, spices, baking ingredients, etc.)

My mother-in-law keeps all of her baking ingredients (baking soda, flour, sugar, etc...) in jars--because they live in the South it keeps the bugs out. When I was baking at Christmastime at her house, I found it so easy to access the baking soda from a Mason Jar instead of that stupid box. I recycle all of our jars (Miracle Whip, banana peppers, peanut butter, etc..) and I use them to contain all of my bulk food purchases. This always makes me feel proud! Silly I know. I don't feel wasteful and I feel a little more prepared when I have extra on hand.

3. We had Austin and Natasha over for dinner this weekend. It was a great weekend. Natasha keeps a clean and orderly home...like really....and she complimented my house. She said that it is clean and homey to her. She has a home that I can truly relax in...so to hear her tell me that she loves my house--well that was the compliment right there. My home is homey to someone else. It just added icing to the cake when Austin piped in in agreement. A boy much like Zach--agreeing that my house is homey.

Approval awarded.

So what about you?

When did you feel you earned the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval?

and if you have a minute...head on over to Misty's blog

She has an "Answer This" post for you, too!

This Post Has 2 Purposes

2011-07-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

1. This is so true for anything for me.

The hardest step for a gardener is getting outside and hooking up the water.

The hardest step in doing anything domestic is starting.

This also holds true for things that cause me anxiety:

Ringing doorbells and making phone calls...

it's the anticipation that kills me.

Once I've dialed the number, I'm fine. But they'd better answer or I'm done.

Seriously, making phone calls takes a lot out of me. I don't like doing it. At all.

I've had to do a lot of it lately and I've met my quota. I'm done.

Ringing doorbells. Can't do it. Someone else can ring the bell and I'll talk, but I just can't do it. I'm a "knock-er."Anyone else understand?

2. But once I do it. I'm okay. It's that first initial step I have to get past.

Same goes for exercise. So here it is. I want to be more of a runner. I don't want to necessarily be a runner. I'd like to get my butt out and moving every day. I'm thinking I'll exchange dancing on the KNect or Shredding with Jillian every other day with a run. I need to get some music on my phone and some proper earphones, but I think that I will try it.

I'll let you know how it goes.

I think self discipline is so important and I so lack it. I think that first step is so necessary to conquer and I think this is just the way to do it.

When I Saw This Picture

2011-07-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

I knew 2 things:

1. This is a picture that would make Misty laugh

(and I know exactly why...in fact sometimes things are funny not because they're funny but because for reasons unexplainable they are things that would make Misty and I laugh...case and point Ames last night which is why I took the picture that I did)

2. This is a picture that my mom would look at and then later email me that I am the same little girl at 26 as I was when I was 4, 6, 12 (you get the point) and then she'd tell me this picture would make her want to just hug me. (**Kind of ruined it huh, mom? I'm sorry.)

If I know anything it's Mom and Misty.

What do you say guys, am I right?

The Bachelorette

2011-07-19T01:24:00.000-07:00

I heart Ames.

I really do.

Did you hurt last night?

I did.

I also played catch up and I hurt when Ryan got sent home as well.

In fact, that's the best thing about this horrid season.

I'm not invested in any of the pairings of Ashley with the guys.

I'm just invested in the guys.

I like every single one of them.

So every remaining episode will most likely make me sad, because I honestly like them all.

What did you think?

Church Sign Up Sheets

2011-07-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love my husband. I really and truly do.

But we really need to begin communicating about church sign up sheets.

I remember the time that he signed us me up to bring brownies to the ward Christmas party when I had already signed up to bring rolls. That ordeal wasn't too big. I baked while he was in class but since the ward party was on a Thursday and they needed them by 1 or something I had to have Aleisha take 3 different plates to the church building for us.

Yesteday a sign up sheet for pioneer days came around. I quickly passed it on with the thought, "I am so glad we don't have kids yet. Oh no! When we have kids do I have to go to these things or they won't fit in at church?!Probably. I hate Mormon culture! This sucks. I don't want to go to pioneer days activities ever!"

*Note, I am extremely grateful for the pioneers. I honor them. I have deeply engrained respect for them. I'm just not so much a fan of church social things and pioneer day is just...really a church thing that I don't want to partake in.

We get home and we're snacking on some food and Zach says, 'I signed us up to help out at two stations for the pioneer days activity."

From the drama of my response: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Oh my gosh! You didn't!

You would think me the worst wife ever.

Here Zach is, trying to help out at church and be involved with the primary things and I'm throwing a fit.

But we really should have a quick discussion prior to going our separate ways after sacrament meeting.

Stand Ye in Holy Places

2011-07-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it!

Home safe and sound and rested (finally) after three full days/nights at Girls' Camp.

Verdict: Success.

For the most part. Of course there are things I would've done differently or I wish would've gone better, but for the most part...I loved it and I think the girls did too.


The leaders at the top of the hike on Thursday morning. No, I'm not sweating so much...my neck cooler was tucked into my shirt. Lovely.

The theme for young women's camp this year was: Stand Ye in Holy Places

derived from the scripture D&C 87:8- Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved until the day of the Lord come.

We talked a lot about the temple.

It is a holy place.

But we can't always be at the temple, we have lives to live.

So we can always live worthy of the temple and that means we always need to be standing in a holy place.

So we talked a lot about this year's mutual theme which is my favorite, the 13th article of faith:

"We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. Indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul: we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

We sang Guardians of Virtue

You get hundreds of teenage girls in one area singing that song and you will feel the Spirit undoubtedly.

What did I walk away with?

In my journal I took these notes and I am more than happy to share them with you:

*We have been asked to make lists of things we will always do and things we will never do. I have much to work on. But these are goals for the woman I want to become.

Things I will ALWAYS do:

-Attend church

-Accept/Magnify Callings

-Attend Temple

-Pray Daily

-Read my scriptures daily

-Take care of my body

-Maintain and uphold virtue

Things I will NEVER do:

-Drink/smoke or abuse harmful substances

-Be unfaithful to my husband

-Take the Lord's name in vain

-Live a life that others would not call virtuous

*Commitments to self and Heavenly Father take some of temptation away.

*What can I sacrifice to show my Heavenly Father that I am willing to sacrifice to get to know Him?

He knows what it means to you to give that up. John 15:18-19

*Honesty is being accountable for anything we do or say.

*Honesty is necessary for our salvation.

*"This trial wasn't going to do me in and it wasn't going to do my family in." -Powerful statement made by a powerful guest speaker up at camp on Tuesday.

*I want to live my life with honor and faith. I want to return to His arms unashamed."--Song" Valiant Faith"--those words really hit me.

*I need to take time. Just a minute or so, every day to think about my Savior. What He did for me and who He is. I will be happier and I will make better choices every day.

I left camp with a stronger testimony of The Book of Mormon. I truly felt it's power while reading at camp and during Bishop's night as the Bishop bore testimony of the book. I left with a stronger testimony of the knowledge or who I am (a daughter of God). I have always known that He loves me, but sometimes we need reminders. I think that is one of the reasons that I was given this calling, so that I could stand with the Young Women and recite the Young Women's theme every Sunday. I need a reminder of who I am, what I am worth, and what I should be doing. I am so far from perfect, but during Bishop's night I truly felt better about my path than I have in years.I will probably share the Bishop's insights at another time. All I know is that I feel like I know where I need to improve, I always have. But now I feel better about where I need to start. Just a little bit each day.

I need to do things that remind me of who I am.

Most Terrifying Phrase on Earth

2011-07-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

" The Meeting is at 10 o clock"

“ PEOPLE WHO ENJOY MEETINGS SHOULD NOT BE IN CHARGE OF ANYTHING “
THOMAS SOWELL

“A meeting is an event where minutes are taken and hours wasted.”
James T Kirk

“A meeting moves at the speed of the slowest mind in the room. (In other words, all but one participant will be bored, all but one mind underused.)”
Dale Daulten

To get something done a committee should consist of no more than three people, two of whom are absent. ~Robert Copeland

If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings." ~Dave Barry,

And now my new favorite
"Oh my hell this could make a terrorist talk!"
Carma Burley .. after Two 4 hour, One 2 hour and a half hour meeting this week about a new program the company is rolling out.

An Oddity About Me

2011-07-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Remember how I told you about Zach singing this song over 4th of July weekend.

As usual, I introduced him to this song. Meaning I turned it up when it came on and then explained why it was good.

I do that with my country music.

I have to explain why it's good--especially when it comes to my oh-so-conservative husband.

Who's music holds true to conservative values? Mine does. And I am ever so proud of that fact.

So in good Sharlee fashion, I pointed out this line as one that made me feel all proud of my country values and my Idahoan upbringing (seriously I get like emotional and it's not even that good of a line--my heart soars. Can't explain it.)

"Ain't no shame in a blue collar forty, little house, little kids, little small town story."

source

So I'm sure you're wondering what I'm getting at.

I've already told you an unnecessary number of times about my country music pride?

Right?

Yes.

It's this blue collar obsession that I have.

Before I was married, I enjoyed going into Les Schwab more than going to a football game, party, and a million times more than a singles ward activity.

Why?

The guys with their names on their shirts.

And dirt on their hands.

I have a thing.

It's not so much an attraction thing, although that is part of it...

As it is a skill and a man who knows how to actually work thing.

One day I had a friend of mine and her boyfriend (he's her husband now) come by to bring Zach and I some fence making supplies (so nice of them).

Mind you...this is an older couple...as in she could be my mom. Seriously. Her son is my exact age.

After they left we had this conversation:

Me: Mike's attractive. Especially with his...

interrupted by Zach's response: Name on his shirt?

Me: Yep.

Now, I'm not one to think that it's okay for married couples to discuss the attraction of other people. In fact, I'm against it. This is more of a Sharlee oddity than a "so and so is so hot!" thing so please understand that. This man is older but he has his name on his shirt. Plus, if we're being honest, I'll take the husband who is going to bring in a big fat paycheck and go to work in business casual (very casual) clothes to an office job doing nerdy stuff who can then come home and put up a fence or change the oil, tires, etc...My husband knows how to work like a man and that is sexy.

But there's just something about a hard working guy with his name on his shirt.

I see him as a family man with family values.

And I just love it!

That's Not Ladylike?!?!

2011-07-13T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on modesty.

And I'll be honest--I'm posting this because I want feedback.

In my church we teach modest dress.

We know that we are daughters of God and our bodies are temples and should be treated with the utmost respect.

I concur.

I practice this.

I respect myself and my Heavenly Father, therefore I dress modestly.

I also think it's important to dress attractively.

Again, I'm divine and I respect myself.

Dress. is. important.

You can look sexy and be modest.

Hello Jackie O?

Hello Kate Middleton?

Class is attractive...or at least I think so.

At a recent swimming activity for both young men/young women the young women and their leaders were told that they had to wear a one piece swimming suit.

Fine. I have one. I hate it, but okay.

The girls asked if they could wear tankinis.

I find this completely reasonable.

Way to go girls!

All of our girls are capable of pulling of a bikini.

They have chosen to purchase a modest swimsuit!

WAY TO GO!

Well, they were told that if they'd like to wear a bikini they needed to

safety pin the top to the bottom.

If it was pulling too much they would need to put a tank top over top.

Because when you move around your stomach can show.

And we need to keep the boys' minds where they should be.

Since when did a one piece swimming suit mean that boys won't think bad thoughts?

That's what I'm wondering.

And the girls have chosen a modest swimsuit.

They are doing their part.

Tankinis are modest...and often times more modest than some one piece suits.

My thoughts are this:

First of all, the girls should be taught to dress modestly out of respect for themselves and their Heavenly Father.

I'm sick and tired of telling the girls to dress modestly for the boys' sake.

The girls should do their part for themselves.

The boys' can take care of themselves.

Also, I feel that we are in essence punishing the girls or making them feel like they did something wrong in purchasing a modest swimsuit.

I'm not challenging my church or it's leaders.

Sometimes people bring their own beliefs to the table at church.

So I'm asking:

What do you think?

Answer This...

2011-07-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

So, Shane and Kylie are getting married.

I'm the Maid of Honor, can you believe it?

It would make sense as Kylie is a follower of this blog and Shane is not.

In fact, he refuses to be.

See how this is.

Do you see how incredibly fortunate I am to have a future sister-in-law that I like...

or I would probably lose all ties with my brother.

I love him dearly, you know this.

He's just...such.a.boy.

Anyway...I am throwing a shower for the bride-to-be in August.

What are your words of wisdom for a young bride to be?

And if you're not married, what are your words of wisdom for one living on her "own" for the first time?

I say this:

That's my only suggestion.

Well that and be friends, but I'm pretty certain that's a given!

As a newlywed myself, I don't have a ton of advice as I'm certainly no expert.

Why so important to register well?

Because ~~Zach an~~d I was so afraid that we were going to be poor that I thought we needed everything.

We certainly couldn't register for the best of everything because then we wouldn't get it...so we registered for middle-ground everything (except bedding...we do have some decent bedding.)

I even remember my Aunt Taunya saying to me: We bought you a bunch of stuff because you didn't register for anything expensive.

So not even two years into the marriage and we need to replace things. So I say: register well.

I know...do I ever seem shallow? That's my marriage advice as maid of honor.

So help me out....

What are your words of wisdom for a young bride to be?

A Little Summer Math for You

2011-07-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

2 Nights until we leave for Girls' Camp

3 Rooms in my house that have been overrun by camp

1 Rug that was left outside since Thursday (or maybe even Wednesday) when I was cleaning and decided to shake it out and then got so busy with everything else that it just sat out there

3 Clocks in our house that haven't been working since Thursday, there was a power outage and I just haven't cared one bit what time it was...no matter what, right now, I don't have enough of it.

343212 Things still left to do

8789789789312 times I have told myself that I need to stop procrastinating

2 hours that I'm more stressed about than anything

3 full days and a morning at camp for spiritual edification

3 nights away from my husband

4 is the number of times I have burst into overwhelmed tears today alone.

1 more tip for working with women

if there's more than one of them, you'll never satisfy them all...you probably can't even if there's only one.

cause 1,2, and 3 of nervous breakdowns today.

5 is the number of visitors that I've had at my house this week. 3 today alone. Nobody from the ward comes to our house. But seriously, if you were to draw a random day to come by, it would be clean, smelling good, and cool. It is clearly NOT clean, the air conditioning broke and the guy is coming tomorrow, and I haven't turned on my Scentsy in my frantic state since last Monday. And this is the week I've had more visitors than ever before. But you know what, I'm at that point where I really don't care. That's how you know it's bad.

My house at the moment. I am only okay showing you this because it usually NEVER looks like this. It is bad. It is so bad and I can't take it.

With all of these numbers I hope that my efforts, though they are procrastinated, sloppy, and little, are enough.

I hope that my testimony grows an unmeasurable amount.

I hope the girls' testimonies grow unmeasurable amounts.

I hope we grow stronger as ward.

I hope that I get to hear more testimonies born than breakdowns I've had.

I hope that when I return on Friday it will all be worth it.

But stay tuned. I have not forgotten you....I have scheduled posts all week long. Read, comment, and share that love. Three nights without my husband, with only women, camping, crafting, and in the heat...I need all the comments, love, and prayers if you have any to spare that I can get.

HOLD THAT BABY !

2011-07-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

The other day someone said to me "Did you have really good kids and so this is your test?" in a conversation about a rather hard dilemma I am having lately in my life. I responded with "Well yes, I did have really good kids."
Later I was sitting at my desk thinking about the fact that I did have a fairly easy time raising my kids. This still goes back to my theory - Children come the way they are.. (This will be up for discussion in another blog at another time Sharlee) :) I would also like to state that my kids are now 22 and 26 years old. I began babysitting when I was 10 1/2 years old. I have two children,some nieces and nephews that love me and 20+ years of working with children and youth in my church. I have A LOT of experience with children. I am simply stating this because I am not an expert but I am pretty good with kids and I am not a Fool.
I was in the store shopping last night and this woman with three small children walked in and stuffed her baby in the cart. The kid was already upset when she plopped him in there and for the ENTIRE 20 minutes I was in the store that baby cried RELENTLESSLY..oh my hell!!! It was not the cry of a spoiled brat, which by the way is still another issue, it was a cry of hungry or tired or doesn't feel well. He looked ragged and worn out and she looked just STUPID to me. I don't know if it is because my kids are older and the time went by so fast and I realize how very sad even small things like this are.
Your children love you unconditionally. LOVE THEM BACK. Don't have them if they are too much work for you. Don't have MORE children if you can not HANDLE the ones you have and certainly don't go telling people how your kids drive you nuts. I hate to tell you-your children didn't make you NUTS you are NUTS..
I made a lot of mistakes and still do as a mother and some of them I will carry for the rest of my life and probably on past.The one thing I WAS given was the knowledge that these two souls were something incredible. I was given a gift from Heavenly Father. He entrusted them to me. I was to love them. I didn't have to be told to love them. I freaking loved them so much. It is unreal to me.. I still do. Sometimes I still mess up, but seriously neither one of them would be able to tell you that they were not loved.
So to that woman in the store yesterday and the ones I have seen in the past and actually I have told a few .. Don't shove them.Don't scream really loud at them so everyone looks at you both in horror. Don't drag them around the store when they are really sick or really tired. Don't ignore them when they are crying.

Love them..A LOT!!! Pick up and HOLD That Baby NOW Dammit!

Why the Blog Title

2011-07-06T23:25:00.000-07:00

Believe.

It's a word that you'll find in every room of my house...

eventually--I'm working on it. Decorating takes time. It has to feel right.

It will be the theme of our baby's nursery someday.

The word sits on my desk at school and I have quotes littering the space around my desk that echo the same message.

I keep a book of quotes and a head full of dreams at all times.

When I was little, I dreamt of my future.

My future home, my future job, my future spouse, my future everyday life, etc.

My home with hardwood floors and a wrap around porch.

My job as a successful and compassionate veterinarian.

My spouse, my soul mate, he would be the ideal husband/father/working man trio.

I would be comfortable and happy.

My dad used to try to discourage me.

"It won't happen. Everyone says they're going to have this and that but they don't. Look at so and so..."

I may not have the wrap around porch or the big glorious home or the veterinary career that I dreamed of.

I do, however, have a home. A place of refuge (which does have a porch albeit a tiny one--I still believe that someday I will have my wrap around porch).

I have a career that does center around my compassion as well as my passion.

I live a fulfilling life.

I am happy.

As a teenage girl, I babysat a lot.

I would visit people's homes and I would want things that I saw in their homes and in their relationships in my future.

Whether it was the family going to the temple for a date night coming out of their room dressed so nice and smelling so good.

Or the clean house that smelled like...home.

Or the family pictures hanging on the wall.The ones with everyone making funny faces, everyone barefoot, or outdoors in a pile of leaves.

Every cliche in the book? Didn't care, I wanted it.

Or the wife dropping cookie dough down the front of her shirt and telling me she would save that for her husband for later.

Or the way the husband put his hand on his wife's back and lead her out the door, treating her every bit like a lady.

I wanted it all.

And I believed that I would get it. All of it.

And I did.

I still want.

Not in a bad or envious way.

Not in a way that suggests that I'm ungrateful for what I have but there's still so much I want.

Every day I come in contact with something that I either want for myself now or I want it in my future.

I believe those things will happen...and no one can tell me otherwise.

In fact, if we're being honest, you're likely to just piss me off if you tell me otherwise.

And so I guess it's my blog is my way of celebrating what we as humans hope for and believe in. Love, family, friends, blessings, and fun!

There's a lot of power in believing. A. lot. of. power.

I believe that with all of my heart.

It's such a huge part of who I am to believe. And to celebrate and give gratitude for those things I believed in so long ago that are my reality today.

Tips for Working with Women

2011-07-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

~~People who don't work with women~~ Some people dont' understand working with women.

In.any.capacity.

Or perhaps some are just completely unaware for whatever reason.

I'm all about pride in being a woman.

Trust me!

The world could not make it without us.

And we could probably do the world a whole heck of a lot of good if we'd stop trying to compete with one another...

I know that I can be a horrid woman to deal with at times. I do. I'm insecure, opinionated, and vocal. Those don't always make for the best combination. But I also know when I've done something well and I am proud of it. I don't need to seek further credit or attention. I get my validation appropriately.

Job well done? I tell someone. My mom, my husband, even my boss if I feel I have that much to be proud of. Lucky for me, all three are really good at validating my efforts.

But I've come to find out that most of the time...if you just do your job (again, in any capacity. You don't have to be a "working" woman to have a job...) validation comes.

For example at work: I have areas of weakness as a teacher. I tell my principal about them and what I'm working on. In the meantime, I have strengths. I am a creative lesson planner. I like to have ownership over my own ideas and so I take the curriculum and I add to it. I create. And it gets recognized.People in general like to be recognized for their efforts, but I think very few of them trust that they will be and so they--especially women--turn into catty women and thus comes the dilemma of working with women. So here are some tips I've come up with for working with women:

1. Don't ever let another woman see your insecurity or doubt. EVER! She will immediately want to out-do you. Don't tell her about your lack of education on the matter, don't tell her anything. Fake it til you make it. You've got this under control! Once you break this rule, there is no way out. She will feel that you need extra advice/help that you need her. The only way to possibly get out of this situation is losing your temper and that's never a good thing and just plain awkward. So just don't get into the situation. Period.

2. Smile and nod through the advice if you've already made a mistake.Either take the advice and appropriately thank the giver or don't take it. Don't make a big deal. Just smile, nod, and make your choice.

3. Men call it a pissing match, I don't know what women call it. Just don't get into it. If you're the less needy of validation, you'll never win. Someone needs validation and the one who needs it most is going to get it. Come hell or high water.

Although these tips are few in number, I see this getting us a lot farther than out crafting, dressing, cooking, churching, teaching, etc...one another. Don't you think?

Musings on Independence

2011-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend we:

*Read the Book of Mormon together in the front lawn...

July Journey baby...read the Book of Mormon in one month! WHAT!?!

*Grilled up and made some delicious summer food: steak, corn on the cob, salad, lemonade, and s'mores cookies.We ate until we were stuffed. It was pure bliss!

*Gassed up the truck and took Mal to the lake and let him swim while getting a little sun ourselves

*Set up the air mattress in the living room and had a sleep over while finishing season 4 of Burn Notice and I nearly cried...it can't already be over?

*Went to the temple together

*Bought a new curtain rod and a ceiling fan for our bedroom...July heat...you have nothing on us! We will sleep in such comfort now!

*Spoke to someone about our finances...investments and all that fun stuff...

*Blasted country music on the radio(it is summer after all) and Zach insisted that this song (or this song) get stuck in my head...as in he searched for it on the radio and sang it every free moment he had at home all.weekend.long.

If we didn't live here there's a large chance that we:

*Wouldn't be able to attend a church of our choice let alone read our religious text out in public.

*Wouldn't have fresh food to eat and certainly not such an abundance of it...

*Wouldn't be able to buy fuel, have a pet, or take our pet to a public place

*Would have much bigger things to be sad about than the end of a television season.

*Wouldn't have the luxury to buy things to make our sleep more comfortable. We were living the life of extreme luxury just by being in a house with carpet, running water, and air conditioning...

*Wouldn't have the hope that we have as we plan for our financial future

*Wouldn't have relaxed and enjoyed a three-day weekend just the two of us in safety

The reality of this makes me feel bad, honestly. We are so very very blessed. I am thankful for the opportunity to live in this land of prosperity and opportunity. I am thankful for the men and women who put their lives on the line so that I can go out and get a tan this weekend, sleep in an air conditioned house, eat fresh food, and worship the way I want to.

THIS IS NOT A FASHION ADVICE COLUMN JUST A RANT

2011-07-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

If any of you know me at all I am not one to give fashion advice. Just ask my kids or Misty about my lawn mowing clothes or my infamous big denim blue shirt (which by the way I am going to gift to Sharlee in my will with that blubbery story about the daughter and her moms shirt)
But here are a few things I DO know from living 51 years and working almost 40 of that. Some things are not ok

1. Flip Flops in church
2. Ditto for denim skirts that look like you are on a picnic
3. Jumpers and platform heels
4. Things that make you look like a sister wife from FLDS.

5. Sandals in winter with a coat
6. Those Tights people want to pass off as pants with a shirt that
is up to your rear..Not Ok EVEN if you have a good rear !!
7. White nylons.. on anyone ever.. unless you are playing out a
fairy godmother fantasy.. in which case we should not be
seeing this anyway

8. Birkenstocks with socks

9.Sandals with socks

10. Tank Tops with half yourself hanging out if half yourself
is over 100 pounds and I am giving a grand leeway here

11. Camping shorts in the office .. unless your office is at the
Bureau of Land Management or a national park
12. Sweatpants as work attire
13. Those matching sets that look like you got your outfit at
Osh Kosh or Baby Gap To quote Shar's friend Renee.."just
because your top and bottom match doesn't mean you should
wear them to work."

So here is my post for the day. See you at the mall- I hear Penney's is having an excellent sale.

Just a Thought

2011-06-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

So I'm taking this to mean that it's totally and completely okay that I don't do yard work.
Even if it mean our yard is mowed weekly (by Zach) and not much else is done because I don't enjoy it.

I also take it to mean that it's okay that I'm blogging right now (with passion) and not doing laundry because I don't have a passion for laundry at this very moment.

I do get musters of passion for housework and it will come, but it's not here now.

So if I feel passionately about reading a book outside so that I feel the sun on my skin (and hope it kisses it some) Then that's okay?

If I love chilling with Mal when I get home in my quiet peaceful residence and would rather do that then go out and join the rest of the world, that's okay, too...because I'm passionate about Mal and my house.

Right?

I think I agree.

Finding Balance

2011-06-29T15:04:00.000-07:00


pin

I have lots of friends.

Church Friends

Work Friends

Just regular friends found wherever...

I have friends from before marriage

Friends from during courtship/engagement

Friends from after marriage.

I've always been proud of how different all of my friends are.

Like every single one of them is different.

It's always been that way and I think it's good.

However, lately it's been a source of frustration for me,

My husband works and goes to school.

When he's home he's usually doing homework.

We have plans every week with each other and sometimes with others.

I work and have busy callings at church.

We both have families here.

Is it bad that I sometimes find it a little frustrating that in order to "catch up" with friends I haven't seen I have to meet someone, closer to them because somehow I feel guilty for living where I do so I drive to them.I usually end up going out to eat, because that's what friends do?

Gas rounds up to $4 a gallon.

And a meal is at least three times that.

That's a lot of money.

When you have 10 different friends.

Wanting to have lunch at ten different times.

It can add up pretty quickly.

I can't get all of my friends together at once.

I feel too pressured to make sure everyone is being spoken to/acknowledged/entertained/having fun

And almost always someone is not being spoken to/acknowledged/entertained/having fun

And out comes the phone (which is cue for a whole different post entirely)

Facebooking, Texting, Etc....

like seriously, you are coming to something I have planned and asked you to be at and just because you don't have my attention this very second that calls for Facebooking via the phone?!?! I can seriously feel my blood pressure rising.

It is not fun for me.

I end up more mad at my friends than happy I saw them.

A girlfriend of mine had a birthday party at The Cheesecake Factory a little while back

She invited roughly 20 people. No joke.

It was packed. Originally I was sitting by someone I had never met before.

A bunch of single girls from a new ward that I was never a part of.

I didn't even get to talk with my friend at all over dinner.

I didn't care.

It was her birthday and she wanted all of her friends together.

I met some new people and visited and enjoyed some dessert.

It was fine.

I left there thinking, "Why can't I do that?!"

Why do I feel so obligated that everyone be happy...when if I'm the one planning it, it should be my way, right?

I often get this line,"Well you let me know when you want to do something because you're always so busy."

This puts a lot of pressure on me to practically maintain a friendship.

And I am busy. And I like my house. And I like my husband.

And gas is expensive and eating out adds up.

I am meeting all of my people next week over the course of four days for lunch dates etc.

And then I am just inviting everyone to game nights and dinners at our house...single /married...Mormon/ not...nerdy/not nerdy...you get the drift.Come one, come all! You like us...surely you can all find a common thread of sometime. Really they're all awesome.

That will be my attempt at getting together with my friends.

And that's just it!

Words of Wisdom

2011-06-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Do you like this random Christmas picture in the midst of summer? Me too. I haven't shared it yet, but it makes me happy.

I love these words.

Too often I think we look for the faults. We compare our spouses to some ideal that isn't there.

The fact of the matter is, there are so many of us who have found the ideal for us as individuals.

I feel so blessed to have found mine.

And even though I love him like crazy...

I think I'm gonna try to "love a little hard when there's love to be had..."

Answer This

2011-06-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

What are some traditions that your family has?

During our heritage lesson on Sunday some of the girls and leaders shared some family traditions.

I loved listening to them.

There are several that I would love to adopt.

Family traditions fascinate me.

Our family traditions may be smallish in nature but here are a few:

*Santa still comes to visit Shane and me. As does the Easter Bunny. True. And I look forward to it/need it.

*Pajamas for Christmas Eve every year aside from the one year my mom made a massively poor choice and went with bathrobes.

*Every Christmas Eve my grandpa reads the Christmas story from the bible.
*And every Christmas Eve the kids act out the nativity.
*In Zach's family we have Gingerbread House Wars

*Zach and I have just started gifts of Love, Want, and Need for Christmas. (Thanks to Aleisha and Rich for sharing that tradition with us. We love it and will do it with our kids, too)

*For our first anniversary Zach and I decided that we will not buy separate gifts for each other but that we'll make a purchase together for something fun that we can do/use. Whether it be a game, camping equipment, a vacation, etc...Something we will enjoy together and will make memories.)

But I'm just dying to hear more.

So tell me:

What are some of your family traditions?

My Last Name

2011-06-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the Young Women had a lesson on heritage. I loved the lesson.

I especially loved the question that was posed:

"What kind of ancestor will you be?"

When I met Zach/realized I wanted to marry Zach (those two are pretty much synonymous)

I had a very difficult time with the idea of parting with my last name.

Do I hyphen it?

Do I keep it as a middle name?

Do I get rid of it all together? Just the thought of that made me shutter...

You wouldn't believe the heated remarks you can get out of just about anyone when you bring that up.

Everyone had an opinion on it: my principal, my future father-in-law, my friends, my co workers, my ward members.

But I just couldn't handle the idea of parting with the last name I was given.

With what it represented to me.

To me, my maiden name represents

This woman:

My grandma.

The biggest compliment you can give to me is to either tell me I look like her or that I have a characteristic of hers. My mom is best at doing this.

To me, my Grandma Marty is my last name. She encompasses so much that I desire to be:

Righteous

Steadfast

Strong

Intelligent

Faithful

Tall

A forever brunette

Well-Dressed

Well Respected

I love all of my family.

My maiden name means a lot to me because it is my family.

It is my history.

And I had a hard time parting with it.

It's the name I share with my brother.

It's the name that followed me for a quarter of a century.

It's the name on my college degree.

It's the name that hung above my very first classroom door.

So I kept it.

It is still there.

It's legally still my name.

In addition, I got another last name...

I am every bit as proud of it.

I'm proud of it, mostly because of my husband.
I am so proud to be his wife.

But also because my husband carries this man's last name, as well. And I could not be more proud.

On Father's Day we spent some time at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Those two treat me like I'm family.

100%

I have always had a thing for grandparents.

They are such great gifts.

I watched Grandpa play with his great-granddaughter and my eyes teared up.

I cannot wait to get to see him hold our baby someday.

I can't wait to pass this heritage on to someone else.

So what kind of ancestor will I be?

I certainly hope the kind that will make my posterity proud to carry on my name.

I can think of no greater honor to those who have given me theirs...

"I may never make it famous, but I'll never bring it shame. It's my last name."

"My Last Name" by Dierks Bentley

WAIT A MINUTE

2011-06-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

This blog is mainly a self help version for me today but, I do think that any of you that are reading it probably DO need it too.
So last week I was coming home from work at around 6.30 and was on the phone with my sister and we were going over all the stuff that needed to be done at our houses and with helping my dad. She and I were dividing out the different errands and then I will admit griping about some things because seriously it seems like there is just a myriad of TO DO items on the list ALL day every day..
I pulled into the driveway and had to wait for the garage door to open up. I looked over to the right and my roses next to the sidewalk were so FREAKING pretty.. Sooooo pretty. I then in mid conversation told Cara "oh my hell my roses are so freaking pretty!"
to which she replied "did you just wake up from a nap?" and yes we both laughed.
I have been thinking about that a lot lately. About how I am not really present in any moment that I have lately. When I am at work I am worried about what to do at home. At home I am worried what I need to do for >>>>. When I am with >>>> I am wondering when I will get to the store...blah blah blah.. Everywhere I am my head is somewhere else.
I love working in the yard because it is a task that keeps you in the moment. You are doing what you need to do and that is all you are doing right this minute and as you work you see results and when you are done you look around and see if it paid off.
I really feel that no one takes enough time anymore to be Present in their own life. And believe me lots of things pass us by this way..
So I am going to try to do as my kids used to tell me when they were little (and believe me Kids have the best advise:) "Slown down I want to see it !" and we would and we DID.
Stop and smell your Roses

Letters--Letter to Me

2011-06-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write a letter to my past self for a while now.
I saw it on a few blogs recently and that was all the encouragement I needed.
This is a letter to me at 17.
Pic of a senior pic...pretend you can't see me in the reflection taking the picture. This was the best I could do.
Shar,

First of all, I know you'd be both fascinated and annoyed by this letter. I know you won't want to read what it says, because you think that you know what's best for you. Let me start out by assuring you that you are happy. You are still you! You argue and cry. You love chocolate still. You still have big dreams and goals for your life. You still love baths and new jeans. You still love your mom a lot. More importantly, yes, you still laugh with Shane about your parents (and yes, you like Shane's fiance! WOOHOO!) You like your television shows although they no longer are your life most nights. You still read and shop and tan. You haven't lost yourself. You are beyond pleased with where you are at in your life...and I know you'd be even happier on the way getting there if you'd just take these little bits of advice:

*Go to a singles ward and quickly! Don't wait around feeling silly or pathetic. You will meet some of the best friends and most amazing people. Your testimony will soar and you will get to know who you really are by serving with such wonderful people.
*Pay your tithing...ALWAYS! The blessings are irreplaceable.
*Read your scriptures and say your prayers every.single. day. When you start to feel like something's missing, like you're not quite you--you don't sparkle, shine, or have that passion for life--the never-fail immediate solution--pray and read!
*He's a good guy and I know you love him. You really do need to worry about loving yourself. You are worth so much! He honestly occupies way too much time and thought.Don't sell yourself short feeling bad about yourself because of him. He will practically go bald and you will have an awkward encounter when you see him SIX years later! SIX! And I promise, when you see him, you won't feel a thing. Not one thing. I know you are very worried about that. In addition, you will still be able to text Misty about it and she will completely and totally understand. She'll be able to picture it. She'll know.
*Oh and when he goes it will hurt, but let him. You will be so proud of yourself later!
*Exercise and eat right, but do it for you...always. Do it to feel good. Do not waste another second standing in front of the mirror poking and prodding at your imperfections. Learning not to do this will be very difficult, but I promise the sooner you do it, the better.
*Play poker! Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it, it's your choice. Play lots at Jonnie's! LOTS! You should probably not play at the bars after about a month. Give yourself a chance to experience it but don't prolong the experience. Do it and be done with it!
*Smile at Shane in the morning when he's in a good mood in the mornings--don't be so pissy-- and be nice to him when you come home. You will miss that relationship of sharing the same home and you'll both be "grown ups" before you know it.
*You should probably pay a little more attention in your classes. Especially right now. You'll get the hang of it after the first year, but you probably should care a little more about your studies. You'll have lots of fun in college, but you will actually regret not taking advantage of full time school and the blessing that it is!
*Schedule your classes with Misty and Jonnie. This will make your college experience beyond incredible. You will thank me later!
*Apply for a scholarship or two.
*Dress your best all of the time.
*Let Troy actually cut your hair, the sooner the better.
*Give up soda for the most part. Partake every now and again, but your skin will clear up the second you do it. I promise!
*Be good to your friends the old and the new. The really good ones are going to stick by your through a lot. Fights and disagreements--bad decisions and lost loved ones. You will always want to feel that you did all you could to let them know they were appreciated.
*Don't gossip at work--this little advice will come in handy at a number of jobs you will work in the future!
*Don't make fun of people who want to be with their significant others all of the time. You will eat. those. words. And you still don't take a piece of humble pie very well.
*Listen to mom and dad: don't get a credit card!
*Save your money!
*Whenever Gram asks for grape juice...get it for her!
*Tell Grandma Marty how much you love and admire her. Let her know you are proud of being her granddaughter. I have a feeling those words would mean a lot to her.
*Keep a diary of everything that anybody ever said to you. Document. You will want proof of every occasion when you were right or stood on the moral compass pointing in the right direction. You have an uncle that will throw you under the bus, and another one that will deny things. Trust me...document everything!
*Keep believing!
*And in the words of a song that you will learn to really love, "These are nowhere near the best days of your life!" I know how much those words will comfort you. It gets better and better, but live up everything...your life is beautiful!

With Love,
Sharlee

Here's the deal! Write a letter to yourself--past or present--and post it. Comment and link to your post so we can all share in the fun!

Good Question

2011-06-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

The other day I was taking my summer school group to art.
The teacher explained to them that they would be making push-pin art.
(using push-pins to punch tiny holes in your paper in a design you like)
She told them they could draw their picture first and then poke if they'd like.
"Any questions?"

"Yeah. Um. What if we want to draw a dragon but we don't know how to?"

Something about this question really made me laugh.
I think the teacher was looking for questions like, "Where do I get the cardboard?" or "Can I take it home and finish it at the end of the day?" Not
"What do we do if we're lacking the skills to make our desirable masterpiece?"
I wish it were that simple.
What if I really want to be a healthy, motivated individual but I don't know how to?
What if I really want to be selfless but I don't know how to?
What if I want to be more disciplined but I don't know how?

What if...a million other things.

And the answer to his question is the same to alllllllllll of mine:
"Just do your best and keep practicing."
Pretty simple answer, too. Don't you think?

Is It Just Me?

2011-06-20T20:17:00.004-07:00

Or does Ames resemble a Disney Character?Perhaps he looks a little like Flynn Rider?

Or every tall-dark-handsome white knight character in every Disney movie?

Source

I'm not really making fun. I adore Ames. (By the way Stacey, I just happened to forget him last week...don't know how.)

Other thoughts:
*This is the best cast of men the show has ever had. I have a heart for so many of them. I love them.
*Sad to see Ben C. go--happy about William.
*Ashley's dumb. I don't think she deserves to be happy.
*Someone needs to teach Ashley how to dress.
*Did anyone else's heart hurt over the boxing date?
Who the $#%$ thought that was a good idea?
Ashley is dumb.
This season would be more of a dud than it already is if it weren't for these guys...thank goodness they're lovable.
She is not!

Answer This...

2011-06-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

This is definitely a post that require a response, but I have no actual question.

In my daily dose of blog reading, I was led to this greater than game!
So I'm copying and playing on here...You ought to play too!

Fall>Summer>Spring>Winter
Doing something with Zach>Doing something without Zach
Reading>Watching TV
Cake>Brownies>Cookies>Pie
Chinese Food>Chicken Strips>Burgers and Fries>Spaghetti>Mexican
Laundering Sheets>Laundering Whites>Laundering Delicates>Laundering Towels>Laundering Colored
Country Music>Alternative>Pop>Rock
Heels>Flats
Skirts>Shorts
Brunette>Red>Gray>Blond
Seven Up>Sierra Mist
Napping>Sleeping In
Nighttime>Morning
Our Shows(Burn Notice, Lie to Me, Damages)>Other shows
Sun>Snow
Getting stuff DONE>Blogging your to-do list away...

and that's why I need to stop now.

But take a second and share yours...anything goes!

Crafting...

2011-06-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

First of all don't you all love it when my mom chastises you for not commenting on my blog. I do. It's as if she fears I'm getting the cold shoulder from mean girls in high school or something and she's "going to put a stop to it," to use a favorite phrase of hers. It just makes me smile. Mom has my back, always!

Something you should all know about me and if you don't, you should:

I don't craft.

Like at all.
More importantly, I am more than okay with this. I have zero desire to craft.
First of all, I do homemade gifts and things like that but that's not the same in my mind. Not at all.

I don't decorate my house in blocks of wood either painted in chalk board paint or mod-podged in scrapbook paper and vinyl lettering that declare the weekly menu, the day of the week, what I believe, FHE responsibilities, etc...
I'm not saying anything about those that do. It's definitely a talent and takes a lot of patience. They usually have homes that look like someone really cares.
It's just not my thing and here's why:
-You don't stop. That's the problem. If you are a crafter you don't just make a menu. That would be fine with me. No! You have to continue playing and making more and more things. Then you have to find somewhere to put those things. Rotate? If I rotate, I have to find somewhere to store the things I'm not using. I barely have Christmas decorations. I just can't handle the constant rotation of things seasonal...versatile, etc. Call me uncreative, but it's just how I am.
-I'm impatient with crafting. I don't enjoy the process. I want the end result and I want it now. This usually leaves me with a sloppy thing that would have been better crafted by one of my students.
-Especially in my decorating style, I prefer to keep things clean and simple.
-Dust. I don't like dust and these extra things laying around my house just collect dust and that just gives me more work to do.
-Craft rooms. Talk about overwhelming. An entire room full of supplies. Keeping that room up to par for the latest fad would add up to a lot of money and fast. I cannot imagine having an entire room of scrap book paper, stamps, ribbon, etc. To some people, this is an absolute dream. I could not relate any less.
-The cost, which I basically just discussed. Seriously, though, the cost! Oh my goodness....money money money. I have the hardest time getting handmade cards as gifts. They are usually wonderfully creative and pretty and they give you a temporary thrill. Let's be honest, though, it's a card. A card. I will throw it away or feel bad about throwing it away and I will hold onto it and it will clutter and then I'll be resentful about the card I once found beautiful. It only adds flam to the fire when you take into consideration how much money someone probably spent to make said card...and then add TIME on top of that. It's just too much pressure on the recipient.

At first I felt that my lack of desire in the crafting department was blamed on my mom. I have even attended an enrichment night crafting thing here and there. It is just not in the stars for me. It's the truth. I know for myself: crafting is not my thing.

Our Dads

2011-06-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!--Lydia M. Child

And how blessed we are (Zach and I) to have so many father figures in our lives.
Thanks to my daddy, Zach's dads, and our grandpas for blessing our lives. We love you!

Oh, and if you're looking for clarification--my husband is the baby in this photo. Not the man holding the baby, that would be his dad. Did it trip you out? It does me...every. single. time.

Wore Two Different Shoes Today

2011-06-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Soooooooo... I wore two very different shoes to work today and am seriously worried where my head has gone. Whatever was left of it..
Anyway I was kind of sorry not to see answers to Shar's blog so I am going to do that today and then I hope to see comments from people on one of ours. I like to hear what other people are like.It is more fun for me.
10 things you wish you could say to ten different people right now:
1. Man I am glad you are home!!
2. Please pay attention to what you are doing right now .. your future depends on it.
3. I am so very ashamed of you for that.. then I would actually like to finish with the reasons why and slap them.
4. Knock it off ..
5. You are so excellent
6. Thanks for being so good to my dad
7. Let me tell you the truth about my family.. as you know NOTHING of it and have made incorrect judgements on all of it!!
8. Apologize to me and MEAN it.
9. Life does not suck
10. Wow not what I think we should be talking about but???
9 things about yourself :
1. I LOVE my husband.. more than people really know
2. I LOVE My kids as in above and I actually love their spouse
and fiance too. I lucked out.
3. Cleaning is like therapy to me, it is the one thing I can do and see an immediate result
4. I am not nice in my mind even when I try to be sometimes.
5. I Love to read
6. I would live in San Francisco if I could get Todd to do it
7. I work hard
8. I do not like women as a whole very much. I know some very good ones too but.....
9. I want to go to 3 movies in a row in one day and eat popcorn at every single one of them.
8 Ways to win your heart:
1. Be kind to older people, kids, waiters,cashiers everyone..
2. Have good manners
3. Make me laugh
4. Laugh at me..
5. Show respect
6. Listen to me rant
7. Surprise me
8. Love me
9. Let me love you back
7 things that cross your mind a lot
1. What are my kids doing .. mind you they are 26 and 22 and this thought has crossed my mind for the same amount of years they have been alive
2. When can I go to a movie and what is playing this week?
3. I have to get ... and .... and .... done
4. Todd
5. My Dad
6. I need to get more sleep and exercise
7. Church
6 things you wish you'd never done:
well more like 6 things I wish I had done
1. Paid much more attention to my kids and been better
at protecting and caring for them
2. Been ready to go to the temple when I got married and been a more gospel centered mom.. my kids are just good and
I got lucky
3. Finished School
4. Been less of a dormat and then lost my temper. happens all the time even now
5. NEVER let myself get so overweight
6. Never Said what I thought until I thought some more about it
5 people who mean a lot (in no order):
1.Todd
2.Shar
3. Shane
4. Zach
5. Kylie
4 turn offs:
1. Laziness
2. Whining and complaining
3. Tempers
4. Excuses
3 turn ons:
1. Great Eyes(and yes he has them :))
2. Hard working
3. Faithfulness

2 words that describe your life right now:
1.Busy
2.Pretty damn good

1 confession:
sometimes I have a really black heart.

Give it a shot yourself. If you do it, be sure to comment and link back to yours, I'd

Countdown

2011-06-15T12:26:00.001-07:00

I found this on pinterest and I thought I'd take a crack at it...all at once.
pin
10 things you wish you could say to ten different people right now:
1. You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to me!
2. My heart is what you made it to be and I am so grateful for that!
3. Stop complaining! So many people are without all that you are blessed with.
4. Please stop crying!
5. Do you remember the time you did/said ________?!?! I'm still waiting on an apology for that. (This applies to many)
6. I love you!
7. I am so glad that we have friends like you! I truly am so excited about our friendship...it's so much fun for me! What a blessing you are to us!
8. I secretly worry that my baby won't be as cute as yours!
9. You're gorgeous!
10. No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9 things about yourself :
1. I like to win.
2. I love to get ready to go somewhere. Love getting ready! But I would rather stay in and watch a show, cuddle, and eat pizza than go out.
3. I love wearing Zach's t-shirts and occasionally flannel pj bottoms to bed.
4. I hate Sunday nights.
5. Reading recipes helps to tame my food cravings.
6.Naps are divine!
7. My favorite Jodi book is Second Glance
8. I love cherry Coke!
9. I have a very strong testimony of the gospel.
8 Ways to win your heart:
1. Be sincere
2.Laugh at me
3.Be kind to others
4. Thank me
5.LOYALTY
6.Honor your priesthood
7.Feed me!
8. Be a gentleman
7 things that cross your mind a lot
1. My blessings
2. Decorating ideas/thoughts/desires etc...
3. Food
4. Goals/dreams/aspirations/hopes...I'm a big day dreamer
5. Grace
6. Teaching ideas
7. Zach!
6 things you wish you'd never done:
**not big into regrets but I think I could've handled the following differently
1. I regret apologizing for things that I never did intentionally. I am thinking about one instance in particular but this could apply to many things.
2. Not standing up for myself.
3. Calling him several months after it was over. I had a secret hope. It was pathetic and didn't help. If only I'd had a glimpse of what was yet to come!
4. Gotten a credit card!
5. Gotten into a car accident...or two...or three...
6. Gossiped (in general) but in certain instances, I really regret it.
5 people who mean a lot (in no order):
1. Misty
2. Shane
3. Mom
4. My students
5. Zach
4 turn offs:
1. Excuses
2. Laziness
3. Pouting/Being a downer/
4.Being a pig
3 turn ons:
1. Being a gentleman. Opening my door, offering to hold the heavy things, offering to do things that I am getting ready to do (i.e. water the garden, go to the store to get the one ingredient that I don't have...)
2. Diversified knowledge. Knowing lots about a lot of different things: history, math, English, politics, building things, fixing things, computers, etc...
3. Work
2 words that describe your life right now:
1. full
2.blessed
1 confession:
1. I sometimes think bad and rude thoughts...at church. (gasp!)

Give it a shot yourself. If you do it, be sure to comment and link back to yours, I'd love to read it!

Marriage is Hard....

2011-06-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Or so they say.
I heard it again and again...
and again
before we got married.

And so I've been waiting for it to get challenging and difficult.
I've been waiting for it to become "work." As I've so often heard it described.
I've waited for it to become a challenge to enjoy Zach's company.
I've been waiting to want to be alone and single some days.

But guess what?
It hasn't happened.

Do I think my marriage is better than anyone else's?
No. I actually do not.
At least not most marriages. Some, yes. I will admit.

Now don't get me wrong.
I will not lie and say we don't fight or argue or that I haven't wanted to smack my husband upside the head.
Oh have we ever fought!
But I could say the exact same for my mom, brother, dad, friends, co-workers, ward members, the loan officer at Cap Ed.
Anyone you have a relationship with, you will fight or argue with. True story!

I find it sad that so much negativity surrounds marriage. Especially when there's a newly engaged couple around.
I don't recall walking out the front door to meet the little neighbor girl across the street when I was little to hear my mom stop me and say, "Rufie, you just need to know friendship is hard."

I don't recall my mom telling me when my brother was born, "I know you're really excited , but I just want you to know that being a sister is really hard. It's a lot of work."

But if I want to be a good sister, it is sometimes something I need to put effort into. But I wouldn't call it work or hard.

But we do have to put effort into anything we want to be good at. I want to be a good wife?
Why?
Because Zach is good to me.
He makes me happier than I've ever been.
And because our marriage is fun and has surpasses all that I ever expected or even wanted.
I don't want that to change.
I only want things to get better.
That means that I have to get better.
I have to continue to improve myself daily.
And if I do that, I'm a better wife.
And we're happy.

So marriage isn't hard...it's a relationship.
A relationship that I love and feel blessed by every single day.

So maybe it's hard and maybe it's work.
But I don't see it that way.

I Love My Job

2011-06-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

The task:

Go through your Creatures magazine and browse the articles.

Write down any questions you might have that you think the articles might answer.

Never a dull moment.
Ever.

The Bachelorette....

2011-06-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I'm like a month behind on this.
It's just that I really wasn't too excited about this season. I wasn't an Ashley fan.
But here are my thoughts:

On Ashley:
*I actually feel sorry for her. She is by far the most human Bachelorette they've ever had. Hello insecurities. I am an insecure person, but I like to think that even I am not that insecure.
*Does she ever wear a top. For someone as flat chested as she is and as aware of it as she is...her shirts are always showing off her stuff...it's either that or her stomach. You would think she's confident, but she's not.
*If I have to hear her say, "I was in such a dark place last week!" one more time, I don't think I can watch anymore. Okay, that's probably not true, but I am seriously sick of it. The show has been running for a month and she had tons of one on one dates with great guys. The one guy...you know the one EVERYONE is talking about...I won't even bother to talk about him really because that's what he was after and I won't give it to him...even on my little blog. But seriously. What a dumb girl! How embarrassing!

On the guys:
*I like A LOT of them. I mean a lot. I can't really choose just one at this point because so many of them have my heart. I'm just attached. This is a great set of guys for sure.
I especially like: JP, Mickey, Constantine, Ben C., and Ben F. (with the mural?! I LOVED it, too cute!)
I also like Ryan.
I don't like Blake.
What a girl Blake is for confronting Ryan about being too positive. He didn't even do anything?!?! Isn't Ryan adorable? I think so.
So Blake can go.
And I am not really into personal trainer Nick so he can go.
And William has lost all credibility so he can go, too!
Although, I'd kind of feel bad for William, but he has it coming.

What are you thinking?

Is it Just Me?

2011-06-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

**Disclaimer. Very honest post here!

There are three people who hear this statement from me on a fairly regular basis:
"I'm most likely/probably going to hell..."
Those three lucky people are my mom, Zach, and Misty.

It usually comes before I make a remark.
Something that I think most people think but most people don't say out loud.
But you see, I have guilt for thinking it.
So admitting I thought it and know I'm being horrible
somehow makes me think I'm going to feel better.

I blame my mom.
She laughs at me when I'm rude.
And as a result, well...sometimes I get a little out of control.

I think things like:
That baby is kind of ugly. I hope my baby doesn't look like that! Oh my goodness, what if my baby looks like that.

No, my baby will look like that (admire another baby)baby. I will make sure of it.

Then I think that Heavenly Father will teach me a lesson and give me an ugly baby because I'm so rude and superficial. Then the guilt sets in so I lean over to Zach.

Me: I'm horrible, but that baby is not very cute and I feel bad for thinking it.
Zach: I was thinking the same thing but I wasn't going to bring it up or anything.

Seeeee....I shouldn't bring it up. Even my husband knows better.

Sometimes I think:
Wow. I am really grateful that Zach still has his hair. I'm really glad he will always have his hair. I'm grateful that Zach knows how to comb his hair or just do something to his hair in general.
In fact, I think Zach is so much better looking than most anyone in this room. I'm so happy about that.

And then I think that I will be punished for this and that Zach will go bald and I will be humbled.
Don't get me wrong, I am not in love with Zach or married to him for his hair
(well, maybe in the sense that I want dark-haired babies)
It's just that Zach has good hair and I'm glad for that.

Another thought I fairly often have is:
Wow. My kids will not behave like that ever in public. If this were happening right now and I were in charge, I would __________.

This is usually where Zach is most compliant. I lean over and tell him and he will say: Oh, I know. You're not horrible. People need to learn to raise their children. Sometimes in church Zach will remark out loud, "Time to take your kids out!" He says it like he's talking to me but it's definitely loud enough for those around us to hear. Sometimes I get embarrassed. Sometimes I laugh. Most of the time it's both!

This is where you are all probably thinking that I have a lot to learn and I will re-read this post when I have kids and realize that I had it coming. I deserved it. And I know that. I do think however, that our kids will not do x, y, or z without proper consequence.

And there are more. SO so many more. But I don't want you to think I'm just an unforgivable terrible person. I promise--I'm not trying to be. So I will stop here and just beg responses.

I know I shouldn't have these thoughts.
But please tell me, first of all, that I'm not alone.
And 2nd of all...any tips for becoming a better person.
I think I may have to send myself into hiding for about three weeks to purify my heart and then come back to reality?

WHY

2011-06-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

DOES THE TRASH BAG ALWAYS RUN A HUGE RIP WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO HURRY TO CLEAN UP YOUR HOUSE?
ARE THE SHOES YOU TRIP OVER NOT YOUR OWN AND THE ONES YOUR SPOUSE STUMBLES ON ALWAYS YOURS ?
IS THE CUPBOARD ALWAYS OPEN JUST SO THE CORNER CAN CRACK YOU IN THE HEAD?
IS YOUR HEAD FOLDED ENOUGH TO FIT UNDER THE CUPBOARD TOOOO CRACK YOUR HEAD?
DOES THE CAT PUKE WHEN YOU ARE LATE FOR WORK?
DON’T MEN KNOW THE MEANING OF “RIGHT NOW” UNLESS IT IS IN REFERENCE TO A TV SHOW, SPORTING OR BEST BUY SALES EVENT?
IS IT HARDER TO PUT A DISH IN THE DISHWASHER THAN IT IS TO PUT IT IN THE SINK?
DOES THE NEIGHBOR DOG ALWAYS KNOW WHAT TIME YOU GO TO SLEEP EVEN IF YOU SWITCH THE TIME DAILY?
CAN’T YOU FIND THAT BRIGHT RED PUSH PIN UNTIL YOU ARE BAREFOOT RUNNING THROUGH THE HOUSE?
DOES A KID HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM WHEN YOU ARE AT THE GRIMY CHEVRON IN BLISS INSTEAD OF THE CLEAN REST AREA OUTSIDE OF MOUNTAIN HOME?
DO” EARLY TO BED EARLY TO RISE “PEOPLE FEEL SUPERIOR TO THOSE WHO ARE NIGHT OWLS AND SLEEP LATER.. POMPOUS EVEN?
CAN’T YOUR HUSBAND HEAR A DAMN THING YOU SAY WHEN YOU ARE RIGHT IN THE ROOM BUT IF YOU ARE DISCUSSING SOMETHING HE DOESN’T LIKE 3 ROOMS AWAY HE CAN HEAR IT AS PLAIN AS DAY?
DOES THE LAWN MOWER RUN OUT OF GAS ON YOUR SECOND TO LAST STRIP OF GRASS?
WHY ISN’T THERE ANY MORE GAS IN THE GAS CAN WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS ?
DO YOUR CHILDREN ALWAYS INHERIT THE TRAIT FROM YOU THAT YOU SIMPLY HATE?
DO YOU HAVE THAT ONE TRAIT FROM YOUR PARENTS THAT YOU SIMPLY HATE?
WAS THERE EVER A PERSON WHO TRIED ROTTEN MILK AND DECIDED IT WOULD BE EDIBLE IN ANY FORM ie. Cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese or buttermilk?
WHY DO WE LOVE THESE ROTTEN MILK PRODUCTS STILLTODAY?
DO STUPID PEOPLE FEEL COMPELLED TO SPEAK?

Answer This

2011-06-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite kind of ice cream?Apparently, my mom knows nothing about my love of ice cream...shakes in particular.

I kept craving a shake while we were in Utah for Memorial Day...
dieting+boredom= I WANT A SHAKE!
My mom was like, "You don't even eat ice cream that much!"
What?!? Um...okay. Well maybe that was before there was a McDonalds a mile up the road for us. And now, well...I want an Oreo McFlurry all the time.

I've always hated being asked what my favorite kind of ice cream is because I don't feel that I have a favorite. Nothing that just screams out to me "This is the best thing I have EVER had...EVER!"

So I have some preferences:
1. My ice cream must ALWAYS be accompanied by chunks of something that are chocolaty. A scoop of plain chocolate ice cream won't do. It has to have chunks of stuff in it. I will eat plain vanilla if it accompanies a piece of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. ***That is like the best thing you can give me to eat, by the way!
The only exception to the "chunks" rule is Huckleberry ice cream from the little parlor in McCall.

2. I would rather have shakes than ice cream unless my ice cream is coming with cake.
So my two preferred kinds of shakes are:
Oreo McFlurries...they are just so good. Don't judge. I won't eat cookies n' cream ice cream...the cookies are soggy after sitting in the ice cream for so long. But with a McFlurry--they put them in seconds before you eat it. And so the crumbs of cookie are all crunchy and creamy inside ice cream!

Or I will gladly take a Shiver from TCBY.
The Shiver should be white chocolate mousse frozen yogurt...
with peanut butter cups mixed in...
and after it's blended I ask them to pour a little hot fudge on top
(This gets cold and chewy and it's amazing)

And that's the way I like ice cream.
I still won't say that I have a favorite, but I did share my preferences.
So..Mom, it may not be a 1/2 gallon of ice cream, but I do like ice creamy things!

So what about you guys?

What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
Or what are your ice cream preferences?

Excitement

2011-06-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

What's all the excitement about?

This came out yesterday!

And we were thrilled.
We ate yummy...unhealthy food...
(the only person who knows what we ate is Misty and it shall remain that way until I hit the grave.)
I hit an all time low.
But I received some unsettling news yesterday, and Burn Notice came out, and Zach's not in school...
So we ate, cuddled on the couch, and watched the first episode.

We're trying to watch the episodes sparingly.
To us, this show=summer.
And it doesn't even feel like summer yet.
So we have to make it last.

But I'm so happy it's here!
Michael Weston...boy have we missed you!!!

And yes, I do know we're nerds.

Sleep walkin'...Pillow talkin'

2011-06-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, so he's going to probably want to kill me, but I just have to tell this story about Zach.
Have to.
Background info: Zach laughs in his sleep.
This is hilarious to me and I love it!!
If I am not too exhausted, I can "wake" him up and get him to tell me what was so funny.
One time it was a dream about Superman telling someone he would be able to do something about a problem if he could "piss rainbows."
One time it was a dream about the Queen of England saying something about chicken nuggets.
He seriously dreams the strangest things.
And I can't help but love him for it.

But this weekend, I laughed harder than I've ever laughed before.
And Zach hadn't even laughed in his sleep.
I woke up a little early and showered before church on Sunday.
I came into the bedroom and this was the conversation we had:
Me: Hey, did the alarm go off while I was in there?
Zach: No, but the phone did.
Me: My phone or your phone.
Zach: My phone.
Me: Who was calling you?!?
Zach: The Developers of Doom.
Me: Excuse me?
Zach?!
Wait!? Who called?
Zach: The Developers of Doom.
Me: Laughing. The Developers of Doom called you on the phone?!
Why?
Zach: They're from ID Software

And from that point on I just laughed.
And then when he actually got up, I laughed some more.
Zach didn't remember the exchange.
And his phone never did actually go off.

I love my husband.
And I love laughing at him, too!

Need A Laugh?

2011-06-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

A mom texting using a pencil to touch the screen.
I laughed out loud.
Although, I would caution you not to visit the website.
There are about 100 dirty jokes to every 1 actually funny one found.
I didn't search much, trust me.
Just in shock at what parents and children apparently talk about?! GROSS! Who knew!
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My mom is going to say, "How freakin' rude!" In regards to this one.
I just know it.
I laughed out loud.
And I am very guilty of having over-used Comic Sans in the past.
I'm so over it, now.

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Is it not so true?!

Same here: So so soooooo true!
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If I imagine saying this in Sam voice it's even funnier...

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Isn't this the perfect wish for....you know that person?
I love it!

Hope you enjoyed!

I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks. ~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.

2011-06-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have no color prejudices nor caste prejudices nor creed prejudices. All I care to know is that a man is a human being, and that is enough for me; he can't be any worse. ~Mark Twain

I have decided to write today about something that truly angers me and I want to state before I start -you may disagree but I am right."
I have grown up and been surrounded by many people that I truly love(and some that I don't care for at all) that carry this despicable trait.
I just want to state today that anyone who claims to be a Christian and is predjudiced needs to know without a doubt that Jesus would never condone this behavior.
God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. (Acts 10:34-35)
God does not judge by external appearance. (Galatians 2:6)
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” James 2:8
I know I grew up in Utah and live in Idaho and we do not have as much of an opportunity to see this here, but I have seen it and I have heard it as well. As a kid my grandpa would say things sometimes about a certain ethnic group that lived in our town and even as a small child I could feel in my heart that this kind of thinking and feeling was not good. It left me with a bad feeling and I just knew it.
There are people who want to tell me that their children shouldn't go to school where my daughter teaches as there are "too many ----- over there"
"oh he is just a lazy ----"
" ---- and so is a freak he is gay"
" you would understand if you lived ---- the ----- here are different"
oh and here is one for some of you.. catch this if you think you have a place to stand.. "well thats a ------ * Mormon, Catholic, Jew* (I have heard all of these) for you"
I understand that people think they are justified in lumping an entire group together due to some experience they have had or some perception they were given or even the way they were brought up... This is untrue.. It is not ok.

Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart. ~Countess of Blessington

You are an ignorant fool. Clean up your act.. try to gain forgiveness and get some brains. I am sorry this is not a fun or uplifting subject but I heard something today that made me want to scream so I am doing so on the blog .. Can you hear it??
Then as I used to tell my children growing up-Pay Attention and LEARN

If you judge people you have no time to love them. ~Mother Teresa

What's For Dinner

2011-06-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, obviously we've really been lacking on our cooking blog.
Misty's got a good enough excuse.
Me? No...
So I've decided to change that.
I can at least do one more recipe a week.
So to give that blog a little more attention, I've decided to dedicate five posts to sauces.
My favorite things are sauces/dips/etc.
I LOOOOOVE to dip my food.
I've decided that I don't eat for the food, I eat for the dip.
So:
1. Head on over to our blog and read my first "Get Saucy" post.
2. Plan to make the meal ASAP--you won't be sorry.
3. Follow us, so you'll know when we update!

I Did It!

2011-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

I made the summer check off list that I showed yesterday from Pinterest.

I did something semi-crafty.
Remember, I don't desire to be crafty.

I do desire to make the very most of this summer.
Because if you didn't know, I absolutely loooove the summer. Love it!
I know the picture's not great.
Here are the things on my list:
-go camping at least twice
-rafting
-fair
-float the river
-pay of (credit card) debt
-exercise daily
-read Book of Mormon
read every day
-walk the Greenbelt once a week
-get a tan
-eat a snow cone
-fancy night out!
-read by the water
-take one road trip (however small) with Zach
-play poker
-sleep over
-drink lots of water
-grow a garden
-church camp
-FHE
-Roaring Springs
-go to the dentist
-go to the doctor
-clean out garage
-see/hold/play with Grace
-have a couples night at our house
-grill
-meet up with friends I don't see very often: Jonnie, Jen, Lynch Fam, Rachel, Renee, etc.
-teach summer school
-play on new KNect
-go for a hike
-temple
-alphabet date
-ENJOY!

More!

2011-05-31T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with pinning. Actually, it's not that bad. I found my newest pins in about a half an hour.
But dear readers, I loved them so much, I have to share with you.

I really needed to see this today.
It applies to SO many aspects of my life...

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Isn't it true...

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I think this is one of the cutest ideas. Of course Zach and I haven't known each other since we were kids...but we've actually been consciously taking pictures with him kissing my cheek when we're on vacation. It started on our honeymoon and coincidentally we did it again in Hawaii and said, "Hey! We should always take a picture like this and make a collection!" Won't it be neat fifty years from now?

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CLEVER! It's not really my style, but I love this idea. This would be great for mutual or a youth group don't you think?

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Ginger ale and strawberries+the presentation.
LOVE IT!
Next time you're invited over for dinner, this might be what you get?!

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Oh, how badly this makes me want to write a whole new post.
But I will refrain.

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I think my mom will laugh. This is SO me somedays.

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Seriously think I'm making one of these this week. Seriously. I have one...it's on the back of an envelope. I need this. It's WAAAY cuter and far more functional! :)

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Okay, so I don't have a tattoo. I won't get a tattoo. Generally I'm not a fan of them. I like Misty's and until I saw this, I had only liked Misty's. I really like this. I love it.
Plus, I adore John Mayer and this song.
It's all beautiful!

Just thought I'd share!

Words I'm Going to Start Living By

2011-05-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had a big. fat. epiphany.
I was pondering on some things that I was watching someone else do...and I realized that in my own way I do it too. This quote came to mind:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. "
--Marianne Williamson

I'd just like to discuss some of the aspects of this quote that go hand in hand with what I've been thinking.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that others won't feel insecure around you.
How often do we do this?
How often have I downplayed some of my blessings.
My wonderful family, friends, and yes husband.
Somehow sometimes I feel bad that I have these things.
Or that I've taken a vacation.
Or purchased something new.
Or done something fun and exciting.
At work, I really try not to play small too much.
I will tell my boss when I feel like I've been successful or done something right.
He's actually taught me to do that...to toot my own horn, if you will.
And I'm learning...at work.
But I still downplay my personal life.
Quite a bit. I feel bad that I love my husband and would rather spend time with him than the "girls." I either feel like they'll think I'm dumb or they feel like I am still a newlywed and eventually the honeymoon will "end." And so I don't really express how much fun I have at home with Zach or how much I like spending time with him.
But really, why not?
Who am I hurting by covering up my happiness?

I feel guilty sometimes that I still have good girlfriends from before marriage.
There's a different kind of relationship there, and I definitely think it can leave others envious at times.
I sometimes have felt bad about sharing Misty's position in my life. That we are the best of friends. For forever.
So I've been known to consciously tell someone something like, "But I don't see her that often. I'm a bad friend."
To water down the beauty of our friendship.
And I've done it knowingly.

When I talk about other friends, I feel like I downplay their importance in my life.
And more importantly, my love for them.
I love differently, but there's something to be said for the love I have for Misty, Jonnie, Sarah, Natasha, Jennifer, and Aleisha.
Some of that love goes beyond a family kind of love.

Why?
Why shouldn't others know about my blessings?
Maybe they'd be more comfortable sharing theirs?
Or maybe they'd look for them more?
Or perhaps they'd seek some of the things I have?

I know that I have friends that are very ambitious in their work.
Or maybe they're really good with their money and are very deserving of the things that come their way as a result of the choices they've made.
I know that I could feel envious of them and just bad about myself for all that I'm lacking.
But if I'm ever aware of my blessings and I let the beauty of my life shine.
I think I'm just more likely to come home and tell Zach that I want more.
More out of myself.
More discipline.
More education.
More ambition.
Not necessarily this minute, but I'm not done.

And if we all help each other to keep from settling.
To keep from using that awful word: content.
Wouldn't that make the world a better place?
Wouldn't we truly be serving the world?

I think so.

What's worse than being content is to be blind to your blessings.
To publicly deny them.
That's just plain ugly.

I don't know about you, but I think I was meant to be beautiful.
I want to be beautiful.
So I think I'm going to try a little harder...to let my light really shine.

GOOD ENOUGH

2011-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

I didn’t write last week but suffice it to say I have had a whirlwind couple of weeks. I was sitting here yesterday and was truly sooo Tired that I thought I may puke. This has happened to me twice in one week and is actually unusual for me. I began thinking about how my attitude has changed over the years in regards to work - at home, in the yard, in my job, friendships and church.
While I was growing up my mom was absolutely the ULTIMATE almost OCD worker. She could clean a house like no one I have or will ever meet in my life. I learned the correct way to do things and for the most part I followed this as I got older (not to the extent she did) but I did follow it. I would actually set aside 6-8 hours for cleaning and when Shar was a baby my carpet had to be vacuumed EVERY SINGLE Day... Then I had more work hours and a little girl to play with and I had to let that habit slide a bit – just a little bit though. And I would still set aside an allotted amount of time and I even had a job that allowed me to work 9-10 hour days and leave early on Fridays so for years my Fridays were spent specifically cleaning. So I had Fridays and then every day I had to do a run through wipe things down with Windex, pick things up, sweep , straighten .
About 7 years ago my parents both had health issues that required quite a bit of outside help from the family and I took on some of my mom’s housework. This was the OCD woman by the way. And I would be over there cleaning and she would say “OH that is Good Enough”…… Wait .. What the hell??? Good Enough... since when... really??? But she meant it. She said “That is good enough, let’s just talk.” So I would finish up and we did talk..
Now my responsibilities have basically doubled and I have truly mastered the art of Good Enough. I will change the sheets every other week now at home and at my dad’s. I weed eat the yard the same way. I do clean every week but I spend maybe 2 hours cleaning at dad’s and maybe 3 at mine unless I have an extra chance. There simply are not enough hours in a week to cover the old way and I have found that it is ok. My floors are mopped and the vacuumed and I don’t bathe in a dirty tub. Life will go on if I don’t have prize winning sparkle. Things are good enough.
I think that this concept should also follow through for us in acceptance of people. So they are not the cleanest, smartest, sweetest or easiest to take. They are Good enough.... We are not always aesthetically pleasing to everyone either!!! What makes us think that our standard is any better than theirs? That our personality type is the top shelf? Who on the earth ever told us it was ok to choose how someone else should behave?
I feel we should all try to master this art of good enough. In our lives, our work, dealing with people and in love. While I still also believe we should strive to be the best we can...we have limits and so do the people around us. If we can calmly accept and care for people and truly believe in “GOOD ENOUGH” we will find more time to “just talk” remember our friends, be more patient with those we love and maybe, just maybe, stop expecting everyone and everything in our lives to go as we think they should. We will be Good Enough and if we are Good Enough then so are they...
After All if Heavenly Father thinks they are Good Enough .. Who are we to decide otherwise?
I am going to try.

Well That Was Embarrassing...

2011-05-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Well, after my mom's take on my last post...
I decided I needed to blog something new...ASAP.

(For the record, I was on the phone with my dear mother when she was reading that post for the first time and she laughed and said, "Oh dear, I wonder if Zach sometimes has to go somewhere else in his mind sometimes with you."
So I'm pretty sure she knew the point of that post.
FUNNY!
Instead, she thought she would be funny...
but she knows...as should the rest of you, I would never blog about something like that.
I'm not a prude...but I don't share things like that. I. just. don't.)

Now that that awkward situation is CLEARED up...

I introduce those of you who don't know about pinterest...to pinterest.
Pinterest is a social network (although, I'm not using it as such and really don't have any intention to) that allows you to catalog all of the wonderful things you find online.
Rather than bookmarking.
Or (even worse) doing what I do: emailing myself a million links for ideas I find online and then labeling said emails.

Pinterest is so much more fun!

Check out some of my finds:

Things to make/eat...

Pretzel Choc Chip/PB Chip Cookies...YUM

Clever Ideas

Do you love it?

Ideas for the home

Hanging Photos

Things I Want to Wear...

Swimsuits

Practical Use Things to Buy

Shower Curtain Rod/Towel Holder...Yes Please!

Things for the home

Someday I will have these walls/this floor...

And this...this is just bliss. Pretty please....

Picture Perfect Porch Swing

If you do so desire...you can check out my pin boards here.

There! I feel more sophisticated already.
Well...until you see that my fullest pin board is of food!

That's How We Roll

2011-05-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a little exchange that went like this:

Me: Zach, can you come into the bedroom for a second. I have two parts on my body that need to be examined.

Zach: Yeah. Are you freaking out?!

Now see...a normal wife would maybe make this comment in a flirty/teasing manner. Perhaps a ploy to seduce her hubby. I realized this after the words came out of my mouth. What I love and what made me laugh is that Zach knew that that's not what it was at all (and if you're wondering, I did not say them in a tone of fear or worry. I said them playfully, actually, in my cute girl voice so as to disguise my obsessiveness. I do that quite often.)

Zach knew the hypochondriac in me never rests. So he knew that I was probably having a panic. So he came in...took a look...and assured me that everything is okay.

Now, I know he's not a medical expert but that's how we work around here.

I freak out. Zach calms me down.

Push Pause!!!!

2011-05-25T11:09:00.001-07:00

Those are the words I yelled at Zach as we were watching the new Karate Kid.

This is how the rest of the conversation went:

Zach: Why?
Me: Push Pause!! On Jackie Chan's face. It has to be on his face!
Zach: Okay. Why?!?
Me: He looks like my Uncle Levi (begin hysterical laughter at self) and I have to show Shane!
Zach: He does NOT look like Levi!
Me: Yes, he does (continue laughing as I snap a picture and send text to mom and Shane) Shane will back me up.
Zach: What's so funny is how amused you are with yourself.
Me: I know. (Continue laughing)

Well, once again, my brother let me down.
I never received a text back.
He's my agree-er.
Mom looks like Oprah. We agree.
Will looks like Jim Carey. We agree.
Levi looks like Jackie Chan (still laughing). I still don't know.
So what do you think?
Do you see it at all?

Hilarious either way!

Thin is the New Happy

2011-05-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

I remember one Sunday dinner at my parents' house, when it was still my house.
Misty and Ken were over for dinner (they used to come to Sunday dinner sometimes)
and mom was telling them this story:
"The other day we were at Deseret Book and I found a book on combating body image issues. I told Shar I was going to get it for her and she said, 'NO! I like my body image issue!'"

Mom was baffled by my response.
Misty laughed and replied something like, "I love us. We are so proud of every part of ourselves."

Which was true and still is.
I take immense pride in who I am.
Mostly due to my mom nurturing that in me.
And later, Misty and I sharing this odd little trait.

But I've decided I'm done with "liking" my body image issue.
I've found it's gotten incredibly worse over the past little while.
And then it's gotten immensely better
**dare I say..I think it's the tan which is so horrible of me***

So I picked up this book on Friday night and I finished it today, Tuesday. I couldn't put it down.
There was so much I could relate to.
SO MUCH!
I can't sing the praises of this book enough.
Sure there are a few bad words and some wild living in it...but it's GOOOOOD.

I fell in love with the cover first and foremost.
I had to read the back. I was sold.
So if the cover doesn't sell you...perhaps a few of these excerpts will?

"In the five months between diagnosis and death, Glenn relived his childhood struggle to gain weight. He dwindled to skeletal proportions. Watching the ravages of his disease was soul-and appetite--killing for me. I lost interest in food. I dropped twenty five pounds, and two dress sizes, seemingly overnight, effortlessly.
And I was thrilled about it.
Yes, my husband was dying. I was on the verge of widow-hood at thirty-five. My daughters were losing their father. I was lonely, frustrated, heartbroken, horrified by the toll illness took on Glenn and everyone else who had a front row seat. Still, despite the sorrow, I took supreme joy in my increasingly roomy clothing."

" ' Women our age our fighting a tougher battle than our mothers and grandmothers,' she said. 'They fought to be seen by men as more than decorative sexual objects, for he right not to be judged on their looks alone. Our generation is supposed to be CEOs, mothers, wives, expert lovers, have perfect bodies, run marathons, make a million dollars, be gourmet chefs, swing a golf club, never eat, never get tired. Men of any generation have never been asked to do what feminism asks of us. We are multitaskers but not superhuman. The standard of what is expected of us and what we expect of ourselves is too high.' "

"Among all oppressed peoples throughout history, we women hold the dubious distinction of being the only group to persecute ourselves."

"Perfectionism really is the enemy of happiness and success."

My verdict. Great book.
Wonderful insight.
Great ideas to break your own body image issues.
And I'm really going to try it.
Starting now!

Announcement

2011-05-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

These two are getting married.
Date? TBA

Engagement took place last night!
Details unknown at this time.

Now if you don't know how much I love my brother you can read about it briefly here and here.

So I'm sure you can imagine my reaction when I received a text from my brother last night that said, "Hey ya'll, we're finally engaged!"

Yes, yes. My brother did, in fact, send his only sibling a mass text to tell of his engagement.

I couldn't even offer the proper congratulatory words.
My response was something like, "Um, congratulations, but you're seriously telling me via mass text?!?!"

And that's how it is.

Thankfully, I LOVE my brother's fiance, Kylie.

LOVE HER!

I am so excited that she will be joining our family. She is the perfect addition.
She eats dinner with us.
She loves Mal and Roy and Eppie.
She laughs at my brother's disgusting boy habits.
Which usually leaves me the only one not laughing. Zach, Kylie, and Shane have a blast laughing together while I remain disgusted.
She watches The Bachelor with my mom and me.
She's a pickier eater than I am!
She's cute!

If you didn't know, I had a long time fear that my brother would marry someone I didn't like and that would just be it. Our sibling friendship would be no more.

No worries, though. I love her.

Here is one of many reasons why:

I sent her a congratulatory text as well and her response was:

"Thank you. He should've called you!"

Congratulations, Kylie and Shane! I love you both and I am so excited for you!!!!

p.s. You guys all thought I was having a baby didn't you?!?!

Mahalo

2011-05-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

What am I thanking you for?
Maybe for reading?
Or waiting with excitement for Hawaii pictures?
Or maybe it's the only Hawaiian word I learned/used...
once.
Zach used it EVERY.WHERE. I felt silly.
Like an impostor.
But it seemed like a good enough blog title for our little trip.

Please forgive the fact that I just learned how to use Picasa 3 to edit my pictures/make a collage.
I spent a lot of time putting these together--but you can tell I'm still in the early learning stages.

I also included text on EVERY SINGLE collage.
But couldn't get it to stay on my picture when I uploaded it?
So here's our trip in pictures:

Waikiki Beach
In attendance: Boi, Kassie, Zach, Me. Everyone played in the water.
Me? NOOOOOOO!
I put my bottom on the sand and I didn't move until it was time to leave!
I read and basked in the glorious sun.
And when it was time to go, I ran into the water--my whole body, head, too--just to say I did!
Haunama Bay
Snorkeling
My favorite thing!
LOVED IT!
In attendance: Zach/Me :)

Laie Temple
Prettiest place on the whole island
In attendance Wed Night: Long story. Still upset about it.
All of Boi's family, Grandma Mary, and eventually Zach and me. Eventually would be why there are no pictures of anyone else there.
Of course everyone was in attendance for the sealing on Saturday.

Wedding Dance
In attendance:
All of Boi's family, Dad and Mom, Grandma Mary, Nana and Granddad, Aunt Donise, Rob, Kay, Zach, and Me.

I love these pictures.
They give me a sense of pride.
Pride in the family I married into.
They are so much fun. Just look at them.
And proud of the family that I'm now "related" to via Kassie's new marriage.
I love Boi.
LOVE him.
He's such a great guy and his parents and family are phenomenal. I feel so fortunate to have these people in my life...forever. We are so blessed.

The Wedding
In attendance: see all of the above

Beautiful sealing.
Truly beautiful.
It was the first wedding day sealing I've ever attended. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of it.
Kassie's smile was so big and excited. I remember that feeling.
The Spirit was so strong.
The Tongan people have such strong testimonies and such appreciation for temple blessings.
It was truly a joy to attend such an event with them.
They take nothing for granted.
We cried.
Kassie was gorgeous.
Grandma Mary made her dress and veil...incredible huh?

Wedding Reception Everyone in attendance: EVERYONE!
Traditional Tongan reception.
INCREDIBLE experience.
So neat.
I learned a lot and felt so privileged to be a part--in a small way--of this family and this culture.

Just the two of us

A few pics that we snapped throughout our trip...I absolutely loved having so much time to spend with Zach.
I love him!

Random Favorites
The top and bottom pictures on the left were for Shane. He sent me a text telling me I must get pictures with these guys. (Boi has cousins that are in the NFL) I was a little apprehensive. So I asked Boi if that would offend him, he said not at all. So I approached. Nicest guys!

The top is Ma'ake Kemoeatu of the Redskins.
The bottom is Chris Kemoeatu of the Steelers.

Also included: a picture of a sea turtle we saw on Turtle Beach, a cute puppy named Snoopy, our family eating at the PCC--such a fun group, the most comfortable bed EVER, my handsome husband, and the view from our hotel room. I read a book every morning (4 a.m. Hawaii time) that we were there on the balcony. I enjoyed the weather and the view. Just beautiful to me!

We had a blast but we spent A LOT of time in the car. A really lot! :)
It couldn't be avoided. But I get grumpy in the car.
So the last picture is me keeping myself busy.
You might equate me and a camera in the car to a DVD player repeatedly playing Tangled or goldfish crackers to appease a child on a long road trip.
I play with the camera and find myself amusing and might even laugh or brag my wonderful ideas.
(In fact, I could probably dedicate an entire post to pictures like this, seriously)

Eventually, though. My boredom overtakes and I get grumpy.
Luckily, I could then text my mom or Misty and then we would reach our destination!

And we said goodbye to Hawaii but we hope to go back someday!
Thanks to the Tilini family and my in-laws!
Plus a nice tax return and my daddy.
We had a wonderful time!

In Love

2011-05-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

When I first met him

(picture taken...Late October '08--just startin' out. As in JUST starting out...this was our FIRST time alone in a car together. I love it!)

I could not get enough.
I mean seriously.
I checked my phone as frequently as I possibly could for text messages.
I would leave work and race to wherever he was.
I would stay with him and barely be able to pull myself away at the end of the "night" which sometimes--err most of the time--wasn't really night anymore.
All I could think about was Zach.
And marriage hasn't strayed far from that path. Honestly.
I still wait for his text messages--although they are less frequent.
I still can't wait to get home to him or for him to come home to me!
And I have the HATE saying goodbye whether it be in the morning, after the weekend, or after a long vacation together.
I still cannot get enough.

Well...

Move OVER Zach!
There's a new love in my life and I cannot get enough...

You may think I'm being silly, but it's true.
I was driving home yesterday after visiting with/holding Gracelynn for a while.
The only thing I could compare my obsession to was my love for Zach.
I love getting texts from Misty. Whether they're pictures of Grace (which are the best!)
or her telling me what Grace weighed at her latest check up.
I want to see her all of the time, but I don't want to be too overwhelming.
And I seriously have the hardest time leaving.
I could stare at this baby forever. She is perfect.
She is so tiny, and beautiful, and perfect.
She is also sweet...because you can just tell these things.

And I love her.
I cannot get enough.

And guess what?

I get to see her tomorrow!
And I CANNOT wait!

Blessed

2011-05-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of school.
And I am not running down the hall.
I did not count down the minutes until school was out.

I hate this day.
Yes, it is full of anticipation of a warm and relaxing summer.
But it is also so so sad as I say goodbye to the kids who have come to mean so very much to me over the past school year.
Kids who know my likes, dislikes, and everything in between.
It will happen like it always does.
I cry today. (Check)
Tomorrow and the following day I might cry.
For the next two weeks I will randomly and sporadically think about something and think to myself, "I have to tell my students about that on Monday!"--because my mind will think it's just a weekend.
I will tell Zach that I miss my class 3903847 times a day.
And he will say, " I know! You will love next year's class just as much as this year's class."
And I will.
It will just take me time.

When I was in high school, one of my teacher's wrote us a letter and I copy this idea every year for my class. I am going to share it with you, if you care to read it.
***Names are removed to protect the innocent

To ________, who can find joy in just about anything,
To _________, who has an amazing sense of humor,
To ________, who can always be counted on to treat others with kindness,
To _________, who never shorts himself,
To _________, who brought our class together this year--Donation Book anyone? (inside joke)
To ________, who shows genuine kindness to all,
To ___________, who works hard and takes pride in every success,
To ___________, who has a gift of drawing people to him and everyone is welcome in his circle of friends,
To ___________, who won my heart this year with his shy smile, hard work, kind heart, and his laugh,
To ________, who is always eager to help others,
To ___________, who others love to make smile,
To __________, who has a smile that will light up the darkest room,
To _________, who rises to a challenge,
To _________, who knows who she is and is true to herself,
To ________, who has a contagious zest for life,
To _________, who is a shining example of integrity,
To __________, who is wise beyond her years--Oh the things she has taught me!
To ____________, who has mastered being happy,
To _________, who quietly takes on the world,
To _________, who has learned a lot about learning and herself this year,
To _________, who tells the best stories with great enthusiasm (and has a killer laugh),
To _________, who is always up for a laugh (even if we're all laughing at HIM when he wakes up after falling asleep in the middle of an Open Court story!),
To _________, who loves to share her knowledge,
To ____________, who has an incredible imagination and view of the world,
To __________, who is a true leader,

Each of you have so many gifts. I have only listed one for each of you--but you all have many more. You are incredible! I have been honored to have you as my first "Hatchlings." You'll forever hold a special place in my heart. I hope for you all to have many successes in life. I hope you'll take this bit of advice:

Like Mrs. Frisby, help those in need, we all make mistakes.
Like McBroom, always look for both sides of the flapjack.
Like Anne Frank, always believe in the good around you, even when it seems to be missing, I promise--it's there!

What a wonderful year you've given me! I love you and I will absolutely miss you! Enjoy your summer and ROCK fifth grade! Don't forget that you're always a Hatchling--REPRESENT!

Love,
Mrs. Hatch

And that is why I cry.
And that is why I have the best job in the entire world!
I am so blessed to be surrounded by these people every day.
They are the best people I know.
And I miss them.
I miss them already.

Answer This....

2011-05-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, first and foremost.
I'm in blogging rut?
Do you know why?
I know you're reading, but you're not commenting.
And this is making me sad.
Especially when my husband says to me, "It makes me sad that nobody ever comments on your blog."

Listen, people. I don't need my husband's pity.
I only need his love and support.
So tonight, I spent some time teaching myself how to spruce up my blog a bit?
What do you think?

So if you are reading this today, make yourself known.
If I know you but we haven't spoken in years...tell me.
If we've never met tell me...
and of course...if you're my mom, you can still comment.

Today's Question:

Read any good books lately?
I ask this question because:
a). I am always excited to hear about a good book.

b). I haven't.

Okay...so it started out with Water for Elephants
I am probably the only reader of this book who did not LOVE it.
I heard everyone rave and rave about it.
It got wonderful reviews.
So I bought it for Misty and then I bought a copy for myself.
I read it and I maybe enjoyed reading 1/20 of the whole book.
And that wasn't cutting it for me.
Jodi writes hard to stomach stuff sometimes.
Her stories are far from happily ever after.
Yet, somehow I can't seem to stop. I hunger after her kind of darkness.
This book was a different kind of dark.
I seriously hurt while I was reading this book.
I would often put the book down and clutch my chest in dramatic Sharlee fashion.
Zach would ask, "What just happeneds."
Without going into a long-winded explanation (which I did do on some occasions) all I could usually answer was, "This book is too much. I can't handle it. It hurts me too much to read."

So I finished it and it was honestly a relief.

And I waited until Hawaii to purchase a book.

During Hawaii, I purchased two "Beach Reads" with every intention of reading them at the beach.
That definitely didn't happen.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed
Heart of the Matter
and
Best Friends Forever
more if I had been sunning on the beach.

Actually. No. I wouldn't have enjoyed Best Friends Forever at any time.
No way.
That book had the most ridiculous plot line.
I was actually embarrassed for the author and for myself.
It was silly to say the very least.

Anyhow. I am in need of a good book.

So...

Read any good books lately?

C'mon, help a girl out.

School's just about out...I need to do some serious reading!

Mindless Entertainment

2011-05-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

I watched the Royal Wedding all of it!!! I am actually proud to admit it  I think there is still something great about a real life Prince and Princess. I like William and Kate is beautiful so I actually am hoping for the HAPPILY FOREVER AFTER for them as well. Yes I am interested in the non-life altering news. I really actually love it. I love the Good Buys at the Dollar Store segment they had on Good Morning America, the zebra from our local Channel 6 yesterday and the gardening thing from the Lauderbach lady in the Idaho Statesman. Sometimes life is plenty full of crap and bad news. So when someone snubs me and climbs on a pedestal because I am not all involved in the tragedies and horror all the time. Oh well. I think that we are what we associate with and if you only watch and analyze the negative I think you become negative. I do think a person needs to be informed just not inundated!! I also think when you have a handle on the fun things it has a good effect. I think I should know because seriously I am pretty FUN  . So I will continue to watch entertaining news, read the advice section of the paper, schedule the weekly Monday night Bachelor with Sharlee and even occasionally get the funny sports stuff from Shane. The ornery grouches can all still watch Fox News and CNN and if something I need to hear is there go ahead and feel free to let me know. Otherwise pinch your face up some more, argue politics or talk gas prices and buy yourself some stock in Tums.
On a funny side note - Everyone is talking about Kate’s dress- the sleeves the lace. Even had designers running to copy it. Here is a fun news flash. The top of her dress looks a lot like mine and Shar’s ..( I love saying mine and Shar’s) but hey that idea is not new.. I had it 30 Freaking years ago!!!. Maybe they even got the idea from us… Now how about that for life altering ?

We're Back

2011-05-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

We had a great time!
Our return is bittersweet.
Today I found myself wishing I were here with him.
A lot.

And then I was thinking about us here.
And this picture just makes me laugh
(and I am wearing a suit. The strap is a halter and it's small and the suit clearly does NOTHING for my chest. I know. Fail.)
And then it made me sad.

But then I thought about how Grace is here!
And how I love her for waiting for me.
And how I love her even more for coming on Mother's day!
And how she's just the most beautiful, sweetest thing EVER.
And how I just want to get back over to Misty and Ken's so that I can look at her some more.
I think I am obsessed.

Isn't she beautiful?!

I can't believe she's here.
I can't believe Misty is a mom.
I am thrilled!

Grace is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Treasures

2011-05-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

"May each of us treasure this truth: One cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one." --President Thomas S. Monson

Zach and I are so blessed to have so many mother figures in our lives.

We've only pictured a few
(and yes, I recognize I need new pictures of just about everyone but Nana and Grandad.)
We have aunts and grandmothers and others that are not pictured here.
My Mom:
She's as good a mom as a mom gets! She's darn near perfect. I am blessed!

Zach's Mom

She gets me and I feel so blessed for that. She hugs me, laughs at me, she's even cried with me. There's a LOT of laughter when Suzanne is around. I love her!

Zach's 2nd Mom, Pati

She's tough and I admire that! I love that she is always complimentary and I feel like she has my side when I feel outnumbered by the boys. (Zach and his dad). We've shared a number of quiet glances across a room when we're in agreement but would rather keep it quiet :)

Zach's Grandma Hatch

Her home feels like home to me and I always feel welcome there. I feel like she's my grandma, too. I love her so much it's not funny. She is so giving. She's just plain good to me. She is also the hardest working grandmother I've ever met. No joke! She's incredible!

Zach's Grandma Mary

She's a crack up! Takes life a moment at a time, you can tell Zach spent a lot of time around her. She goes with the flow, cracks a lot of jokes, and has a good time no matter what.
Zach's Nana

Nobody can make me laugh as hard as Nana (except maybe my brother). The thing is--she doesn't even mean to. She's just a riot. She's just like me...super obsessive but watching it in someone else it's just hilarious. Anywhere from jumping to the conclusion that her air conditioner was absolutely broken--when in reality it just hadn't been turned on, to freaking out about Zach drinking an outdated Capri Sun, to playing Hand and Foot with her. She's wonderful!
Happy Mother's Day to all!

I don't have any digital photos of my Grandma Marty and so I felt uncomfortable posting one grandma picture and not another. Ya'll know how I love my grandmas.

Hey Mom

2011-05-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday is Mother's Day and I would like to honor the Mom's that have had an impact in my life. I apologize as this may be long.
Mom
My mom was..(and it still is hard for me to use "was" as I try to forget that she isn't on the earth anymore)born to be a teacher. She loved children truly loved them and loved teaching them about things. She didn't teach in a way that felt like you were being made to learn. She would take us along in the everyday things,make games of things and most of all read. She loved spending her time with us and never while I was growing up did I think she wished she could get away from us. That is something I took for granted until I hear so many women tell me that they just had to get away from the kids, they drive them nuts, they get on their nerves etc. etc. I just always knew that she was there. There is a peace in the knowing that when life is good or bad someone at the other end of the house,the other end of the phone line, right in front of you or even in heaven hears Hey Mom and is there to answer ALWAYS.
I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still The deepest impressed on my heart.
-- Eliza Cook
Marty
This is a big one too. I love her and I feel as if I have loved her as long as Todd has. She was a black or white person you knew where she stood and she did NOT move. She believed and she lived as she believed. She was hardworking and very talented and I admired her for so many things. She was an excellent listener and I respected her. I seriously never have understood or been able to join in the Mother in Law Jokes or hatred. I do not know or understand how you would be able to hate the woman that had the largest influence on the man that you love. She is the reason he is the man you love and I am forever grateful to her for Todd as well.
My Grandma Rose
Oh wow writing her name made me cry... Grandma was a different kind of love to me. She was a nice smelling house, Danish Dumpling Stew, Bunko games, a real good laugh and ever present crochet hooks and yarn. I loved her and I loved to make her laugh. She had the funniest laugh. I believe this lives on in my sister. It was a contagious funny undeniable laugh. She loved corsages on Mother's Day,family dinners and my homemade cards and our annual goofy Christmas program. I loved her so much I named my daughter after her.
"A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween."
Author: Erma Bombeck
My Aunt Lorraine
She just passed away and I have mentioned her a couple of times in other blogs but she was a big influence in my life. She was friends with my dad and mom not just a sister but a friend. She and my Uncle Chris and my cousins just all ran into one family with ours. We went camping and fishing together and we lived at each other's houses in the summer. She was the fun one, the funny one, the strong one. People loved to be around her. I loved her. I am far older now and she meant so much to me that my friends here know who she is. I mow the lawn the way I do because of her. I don't think she ever knew that :) I admired her and truly loved her.
Caren
She is Misty's mom. I made friends with her the day I met her. I went down the hall in her house and there were pictures of her children and grandchildren all along the walls. She made me laugh. We shared united stories of Shar and Misty. She could see my side. Misty loved her with a love that I have not seen too often at all. It is the kind that Shar has for me and it is different. They were friends. She loved her grandchildren and spent time with them because she loved them. She was very good to Sharlee. I felt I could have spent the night like teenagers with her. She was a friend by chance but will be a part of my life forever.
Jeanne,
I got to know Jeanne because she was the mom of Danny's best friend. I babysat for her. She is just the kind of person that is good. She is just good. She lives a very good life and was a very good mom. Her house was always peaceful to me and I spent WAY tooooo much time over there. I know now how very annoying that had to have been. I just would go there and never want to leave. She taught me how to hoe beets and while hoeing she taught me things about the church that I doubt she even knew she was teaching. She also taught me about true love and faith and she actually loved me back. I swear that she did save my soul.
I have many more moms that I truly admire and love. Some are not mom's but are aunts that have had an enduring influence on my and my children's lives as well. I think that there is no better gift than to have been blessed with the influence of very good mom's, grandma's, aunts, friends, teachers and sisters. I would just like totellCara,Taunya,MaryJo,Suzanne,Janalee,Glenna,Diane,Carma,Fontella,Sheila,RaeLee,
Kira,June,Aunt Deanne,Aunt L'Neve,Aunt Bea,Aunt Betty, Virginia, Aunt Pat, Misty,
Margie Atkinson,Donna,Paula,Nancy,Joyce,Zan,Lorrie Maughan,Jan McArthur, Cleo....
The list could go on and on
You are examples of love to me

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.
Mother Teresa

Happy Mothers Day Everyone Love You ALL

Answer This:

2011-05-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Do you have girl crushes? Who are they?

Urban dictionary defines a girl crush as:

"The admiration one girl has for another. It could have to do with hair, body, make up, car, clothes, career, talents, etc. Completely non-sexual."

The other day a friend of mine's husband was a little shocked when I admitted to checking girls out at the gym. I do. I am a girl with quite a few girl crushes. For now, my celebrity girl crushes will have to do.

Angie Harmon
She is my ultimate girl crush.
She's my favorite.
She's a sexy, beautiful brunette.
I love brunettes, I love brown eyes, I love long hair, I love the natural look...she's got all of it.
If I did wish to look like anyone else (which I honestly don't--because then I wouldn't look like my daddy or my mom or most importantly, my grandma Marty) it would be her. I could look at her all day. She's stunning!

The Girls of Army Wives

I love them all and have a crush on every one of them I guess. But my biggest crushes are Joan (she has a rockin' body), then Pamela (just plain gorgeous), then Roxie. I love Roxie's spunk, plus she's beautiful as well.

I think her name is Julie but I'm unsure. But the girl from the Insanity workouts. :)
(*She's the one in the front with the white band on her shorts)
The first day I worked out to the videos I saw her and said, "She annoys me, I don't want to look at her anymore!" The next day I was repeatedly saying, "That girl is fierce. She's tough." Day three I announced my girl crush. Obviously she's pretty and has a very nice body.
But it's her strength. She is non-stop during these workouts. I'm not expert but these videos are tough. They are! She just keeps going. She's in unbelievable shape and has a strength and discipline that I desire.

Rachel McAdams
She's beautiful. She's sweet looking.
She has that natural/soft look that I just love.
Silly as it sounds, she looks like we could maybe be friends.
She looks like the girl who is nice to everyone.
She's the best kind of beautiful--I explained this to Zach one day when we had an actual argument when he compared Rachel McAdams to Anne Hathaway (whhhhatt?!!?!)
Um, no. The only way I could explain the difference is this, "Rachel McAdams is beautiful and she doesn't seem to really know it, yet she's confident. You can't hate her. It's almost impossible. Anne Hathaway thinks she's more than she is--nothing fits on her face and I just want to hit her."
***Apologies to any Anne Hathaway fans out there. I'm probably going to hell if it makes you feel better.
Rachel McAdams is simply beautiful.

Britney
Oh yes. I am a long time Britney fan.
And yes, she may be crazy.
But that's Justin's fault :)
And Misty and I have always had a girl crush on her (hope that's okay, Misty)
Yes, I love her music.
And her body.
She's hot, I'm not going to lie.
She's had her rough times but really, it makes her all the more lovable.

So now, your turn.
I'm dying for some responses people!!

Do you have girl crushes?
Who are they?

And We're Off!

2011-05-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have a few post-dated posts in the works so you can keep checking in.

And mom should post on Friday.

In the meantime, I will be tanning/relaxing/laughing/loving my life here!source
And praying that Grace doesn't come a DAY SOONER than her due date because I just cannot wait to meet her but I need to be there, in the hospital, to catch a glimpse of her for the first time or I will just die. So pray with me, please.

Who Am I?

2011-04-27T20:02:00.001-07:00

Who Am I?
Aubry and Jen posed the question.
And even though I don't know them, I'm answering.
Because I love the question.
And I want you to answer it as well.

Misty may be the only one who would appreciate this. I thought about just posting a poem I wrote in the fifth grade. It had the same repeating line after every stanza...my line was:
I'm a talkative girl who loves cats...

So...who am I? I like to think that question is best answered here.

But I can give it a shot.

I never follow the crowd.

I have a terrible temper.

But I love just as fiercely.

I have a sharp tongue.
Judgements escape my mouth within moments of hearing something or meeting someone.
I can and I will form an opinion in an instant.
But I can find true and honest compassion even faster.
My compassion is a great strength, it just gets buried sometimes.

I ache. I ache for myself, for someone I'm close to, for a stranger at the store, even for a fictional character in a book.

I'm irrational.
I get my feelings hurt easily.
Because I am sensitive.

If I have an opinion on it, I will get fired up, emotional, or moved by it.
I give speeches on a regular basis.

I am easily disappointed and when I'm disappointed it's ugly, but it's because I so easily believe.

I am a mamma's girl like nobody's business, I talk to my mom usually every day if not multiple times a day. But my dad and I have an unspoken relationship. He held my hand when I got my heart broken for the first time and the day that I walked into my grandma's funeral.

I HATE sports, but I moved heaven and earth to make it to every single basketball game my brother played.

I can stand in front of the mirror and tell you every body part that I love about myself and then I'll forget it in literally seconds.

I am creative but I am not crafty.
I do not desire to be crafty.

I am not patient with things that I want to be perfect. Period.

I love speaking in public, but rarely admit it because I don't want people to think that I desire being the center of attention.

I'm a math nerd. A math nerd who took math 25 more than once. I didn't realize I was a math nerd until I was nearly finished with college. I can't get enough of it.

I can make conversation with anyone. Crowds don't scare me. Strangers are actually fun for me. I will often break the ice at any social event, but I will usually leave feeling like I've talked too much.

I am obsessive, but I'm clean.

I live for the summer. I only need summer and fall seasons.
Everything is better with a tan.
But "the last day of school" is a bad word in my classroom--we don't discuss it--I cry every year.

The year I stop crying is the year I should look for another job.

I'm a good teacher. And my power is in my love of the kids and my respect for the gift they are.

I am extremely forgiving, but I can hold a grudge like nobody's business. If I decide I'm done, I'm done. The end.

Things are black or white in my world. Right or wrong. It doesn't mean I always live in the white, but I do not make excuses or justify my behavior and I cannot stand when others do.
My students will tell you: Laziness and Excuses are a sure fire way to get into trouble in my class!

Moms that complain all of the time drive me crazy. I can't stand it, but I secretly fear that I won't be able to live up to my own high expecations for motherhood. My mom did it amazingly, but can I?

I love kids. They are the best kind of people. So don't you dare complain to me about them, your calling in the primary, or anything of the like. I will judge.

I want to start a family and I would love to stay at home someday, but I want to go to grad school and I still want to take on the world!

My brother makes me laugh like nobody else, but I can let a swear word slip out of my mouth faster than anything when he makes me mad. I can describe him all sorts of ways.

I will leave the house without makeup. I will leave the house without having showered.
But I will not leave the house without earrings on.

If I could sum myself up in one word it would be passionate.

I love and hurt deeply.
I am not afraid to tell you what I think or to stand up for what I believe.
I cannot be pushed around.
Nobody can tell me what to do.
I like to think I'm pretty tough, even with all of the crying.
I yell.
I cry.
I laugh.
All to extreme degrees.

As with everyone, there's a whole lot more to me, but this is a start.
How about you?
Post your own, comment, and link.

Pride

2011-04-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

See here for wise words...
and an amazing song.
which happens to remind me of my gram.
It's a good day!

Answer This

2011-04-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

What empowers you?
Source

Exercise
Lately I've been working out with a few women from work.
We are working out to the Insanity videos right after work.
It's been a while since I've consistently worked out (ahem..as in since I've been married...)
and I'm just baffled at how much I've missed it. I definitely did myself a great disservice not treating my body right since I wanted to come home and be with Zach. Nothing else mattered. I am dying. The workouts kick my behind. They really do. But I've forgotten how good it feels to sweat and to have a red face even.
I've forgotten how good it feels for a person like me--a list person--mark it off the list. To start a habit of it. Consistent exercise helps me feel tough, strong, and somehow more beautiful. I love it!

Reading
Reading a good book--a book that's somehow more than a story--helps me to feel like I'm using the brain I've been given. I feel more knowledgeable and often times (if the author is amazing) I feel more open-minded, more compassionate, and more aware. I've been made aware of political issues, social issues, history, and relationships in ways that I've never been before.

Self Discipline
Training myself to say no or yes. This goes along with the habit of exercise. It also goes along with my ability to pass up sugar and chocolate for Lent. The time in my life that I was at my thinnest and most confident was a time when I had given up chocolate altogether. It gave me a sense of control that I guess I need. I feel strong.

Getting Ready/Pampering Myself
There are days when being a lady is a pain. I will admit, washing the hair, drying the hair, curling the hair, the makeup, the shaving, etc. I do all of this while Zach sleeps every morning. He gets up, hops in and out of the shower, occasionally shaves, does his hair, and he's out. Twenty minutes max. And sometimes I begrudge him. I want to sleep a few extra minutes, too. But I love being a girl! I love baths, lotion, perfume, makeup, and jewelry. I love heels, skirts, and dressing up. I love making myself look my best. I don't always succeed, but just like exercise and reading, when I put time into myself I feel better and more confident.
Note...there are days that I am equally empowered by going to the store sans makeup. Or feeling comfortable enough in my own skin to attend Young Women's in jeans and a sweatshirt when so many other leaders dress to the 9's. Sometimes that can be just as empowering.

Worshipping
Spending time at any time during my week either attending church or reading the words of the Prophets and Apostles I feel edified. I feel uplifted, capable, and I have a renewed dedication to being better. I know where I come from and I know where I want to go. I know who I want to be in between and I feel that the more I study and spend time serving the Lord, the more tools I have to help me become the person I really want to be.

I've been feeling really great lately with the workouts and treating myself.

So I ask (and I desperately want you to answer),

What empowers you?

Easter Memories

2011-04-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ok so this weekend is Easter and a bunch of the people I work with were talking about what they do and why.
So I got thinking about why I like Easter so much and I have a lot of really good Easter Memories.
When I was 8 years old my mom took me to the Bon in Ogden and I remember trying on my new dress and then carrying it down on the escalator in the little bag. I was sooooo excited to wear it. This is funny for me because I wasn't ever really into dresses too much but I did love the new one at Easter.
Coloring the eggs with my dad and mom at the table.
The hunts for the eggs outside of ours and Grandma's house.
The year I slept at my Aunt Lorraines and she gave us these hopping windup bunnies
and we ate Ebelskivers that my uncle made for breakfast-I loved those.
Then I remember the baskets outside my room. It is funny but I remember Danny's new truck in one of his but I don't remember the stuff in mine.

Then I got older and I got some really good memories out of the holiday.

1 Sharlee at 7 months having her first chocolate bunny and her cute
little yellow dress
2 Buying a new dress for Sharlee every year was always so fun. She has
always liked dressing up and sometimes I had to buy her two dresses
because they looked so cute that I couldn't just have one.
3. Easter pictures and Easter dinner with my family and sometimes with
Todd's family
4. Shane in his cute little suit and tie.
5. Shane eating his candy. He liked the peanut butter stuff way
more than plain chocolate
6. More pictures because he and Shar were soooo cute on Easter
7. Both of them getting their baskets and just how happy they were
to find them.
8. Hunting eggs with Shar and Shane
9. Black jelly beans.. Chocolate... need I say more than that :)
10. Church and remembering the true spirit and meaning of Easter
and the great gift of our Savior.

I actually still LOVE Easter sooo much because I like the baskets and the dinner and the egg hunts with my niece and nephews and I love the flowers and the sunshine
and the hope and actually still the Chocolate

* Last and best Easter memory .. 30 years ago on Easter Sunday Todd
asked me to marry him. And this was the beginning of many of the
memories above.:)

Have an Eggsellent EASTER ( this is a stupid funny thing which will annoy Shar :) and hey that makes the day complete.

I Think I've Found a New Favorite

2011-04-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Flower.

Today I came home to
these beautiful tulips.
My aunt Cara
(the one with 2 sets of twins, pets, a house to run, a husband to look after, and family to take to doctors appointments and such)
somehow found the time to buy flowers, arrange them, and drop them off on my door step.
Don't they look beautiful.
Made. My. Day.
Seriously.
I need these all the time.
ALL THE TIME!
They look soooo good on our mantel. They fit perfectly.
I can say that since I didn't think of them, make them, or anything of the like.

My aunt Cara has made arrangements for weddings, funerals, every shower I've ever hosted.
Birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter. Etc.
I think she should start a business.
So if you're interested, let me know. I will act as the middle man here :)
She doesn't know I'm saying this, and that's kind of funny of me.
But she'd do it. And she'll do it cheaper and better than anyone else.
I promise.
Anyway, I thought I'd showcase her talent on here.
Cara did ALL of the flowers for my wedding:
corsages for all of the groomsmen, ring bearers, grandpas, and dads,
all of the bouquets for the bride, bridesmaid, and flower girl,
and all of the flower arrangements on the tables at the reception. Take a peak.
Comment or call if you want some of your own :)

As Promised

2011-04-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2009

Best Costumes Ever

Highlights from this Halloween:
*Searching Savers for costumes for two hours. Leaving--deflated. Only to see these brand new BYU jackets hanging on the racks outside. We both looked at each other and said, "Should we?"
I was on a high the whole ride home. I was just thrilled. I kept telling Zach how amazing these costumes were and how funny we were going to be. You see, Misty and Ken were having a costume party that year. I wanted to win best costume. We didn't :( But we sure tried.
Notice the polo shirt I'm wearing with a crew neck tee underneath, my braid, and my expectant bump? Notice Zach's part in his hair and his cheesy grin?

*Telling Misty that Zach and I had the best costumes ever and her response being, "Are you guys going to be Mormon?"

I was sad that she figured it out beforehand, but it just made me laugh that she would even think that.

Going shopping at the grocery store in costume. People were staring, "Are they in costume or are they real?" "Should I laugh?" "Should I be offended?"

My dad not liking the expectant bump at all and being really bothered that we put a picture of Zach rubbing my belly on our wedding slideshow. Hahahaha :)

A little sacralidge? Maybe.
Maybe not, though?
A distaste for BYU helped us connect that first night.

I remember these lines coming out of my mouth:
"You play poker? I play poker!!!"
"You hate BYU? I hate BYU!!"
And my girlfriends watched as I realized I had to marry this guy.

Plus, I've softened a little toward BYU lately. I really have.
It's really miraculous.
I have a student who is a BYU fan.
And every game day she wears these ribbons in her hair.
And her family is awesome.
And it's just too darn cute.
Totally softened me.

Simply Sharlee

2011-04-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Over spring break (shoot, I still need to blog about spring break)

We cleaned some stuff out. I went down memory lane a little as I organized some of my "memorable items' I keep in the garage. I went through a college paper I wrote for
my Cultural Diversity class.
We were to describe ourselves in the paper.

In my paper I addressed some misconceptions that I come in contact with all of the time and the truth about them. Here is a brief synopsis:(LOVE this picture. LOVE it. This was 1 week before my wedding, I am tan, happy, and in THE best Halloween costume EVER! EVER! In fact, I may have to blog our Halloween pictures from '09 sometime)

Fact: I am a teacher.
Misconception: I decided to become a teacher for one of the following(or any combination of the following) reasons: A). I want to "only work" nine months out of the year.
B). I really don't want to work. I'm a Mormon woman after all, so I'm probably waiting until I can stay home with my kids. So I probably wanted a degree that I could "use at home" (heard it a MILLION times).
C). I'm not very smart. Those who can't, teach. Right?
Truth: I love kids! They are the best people in the world. Trust me, you'd rather spend your days with kids than adults. I promise. They rock!
I also believe whole-heartedly that education is the solution to all of the world's problems.
I feel passionately about kids and I want them to get a valuable education. I want them to love learning. I want them to question things and use their resources. I want them to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and avid readers. I thought I could make a difference. That's why I'm a teacher. **Oh, and I am pretty smart. :)

Fact: I will ask people if I look okay, if I look fat, etc.. In an outfit on a fairly regular basis.
Misconception: I'm fishing for compliments. I am completely and totally insecure. I must look fat if I think I do, so why am I asking?
Truth: My mom will be the first to tell you that I have very off perception of my body. So I would seriously never leave the house. 90% of the time I'm unsure of how I actually look because of the way my brain thinks. This did not happen in my teenage years like most people think. I was 30 pounds heavier in high school and I couldn't have cared less. Seriously. See here for photos :) I finally did begin to care during my first semester of college and I lost the weight. I never realized how much people pay attention. I seriously got so many "You look SOOO good!" "How much weight have you lost, my gosh!" "Are you losing weight?" and I often got the 'body scope." I was looked up, down, and all around by many women (and men, too) but women are the worst. Funny, I was just remembering this the other day. When I lost weight, it was over the summer. I started "dieting" and exercising in May. In July, Trevor (a guy I worked with and a friend) commented that I had lost weight. It took his brother (and one of my best friends--also a co-worker), Jonnie, until October to say, "You've lost some weight haven't you?" In a random conversation. He was one of my closest friends. Women do NOT wait that long. I definitely became more aware of how much people pay attention to weight. As a result, I now do the same to myself and honestly, I'm pretty aware of others now, too.

Fact: I hate alcohol.
Misconception: I hate alcohol because I'm Mormon. I also probably hate it because I "can't drink it."
Truth: I can drink it. Nobody is holding a gun to my head watching my every move. I choose not to due to what I've been taught and how I feel about it. That's not the only reason, though. Alcohol serves no positive purpose in the big scheme of things. From what I deem, it's occasionally fun or perhaps relaxing. I get that. However, I don't understand why pay into something that contributes to so much bad? It doesn't make logical sense to me. Also, it's a drug. Drugs gross me out. Period.

Fact: I love country music
Misconception: I am a redneck. I have no depth. I am unintelligent.
Truth: Well, I already told you, I am pretty smart. I also like other kinds of music. When I am hurt I heal myself with the kind of music for the time. Music will often make me ache. Country music does all of it for me, though. Sometimes it makes me want to get up and dance! SOOO bad. Like this song right now...so obsessed. Sometimes it makes me want to cry...and succeeds. Sometimes it makes me feel patriotic. Sometimes it makes me just proud. I have this great respect for true country folk. REAL country folk. I want to be one when I grow up. I want to be tough, hard working, and hospitable. I want an admirable work ethic. I want to look ROCKIN' in a pair of jeans. :) I love everything about it! I think my love of this defines me and I am not ashamed. But so many people dismiss based on that or think that they have a right to use the fact that I love "Watermelon Crawl" as ammunition against me, now that's shallow.

Fact: I am opinionated.
Misconception: I am wrong.
Truth:I am right.

Wonderful World

2011-04-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

Sooo.. the weather was kind of crummy gray driving in today but as I hit the connector the sun started to shine out of the clouds and changed the view of the Boise Skyline to this shiny gold looking backdrop against the mountains..I have been making this drive for 25 years and rarely even note how insanely pretty it is .What a wonderful world Heavenly Father has actually created.
I can remember as a kid growing up in Utah I would be outside in the spring and the Wasatch Mountains surrounded us in a huge purple looking mass and I would tell myself "I am never going to leave this place!" I thought it was the best place on the entire earth. To this day those mountains make me instantly happy and reverent at the same time.
But, I did leave and I sure found out that there is certainly an extraordinary plan for all of us wherever we live to have a wonderful world. There are the red clay hills and awesome canyons in southern Utah, the beautiful apple orchards and Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and then on many vacations there is my all time favorite thing in the world the OCEAN.. there is such proof all around us that Heavenly Father wants us to be happy here on the earth and I think we owe it to him sometimes to recognize and tell him we appreciate its beauty. I for one want to say that I am so happy I get to live on this earth.

What A Wonderful World
Songwriters: Thiele, Robert; Weiss, George David;

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces, of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, sayin', "How do you do?"
They're really sayin', "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Oh yeah

So Wise...

2011-04-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Being a friend of Misty's has led me to appreciate things that perhaps I may have never known about or understood.
Lent is one of those things.
Even though my church doesn't officially observe Lent, I like the idea of it.
I like the concept. I like the meaning behind it.
And when I choose to observe Lent, I truly do think about Christ more often.

This year, it's been every time I've had the offer of chocolate.
I can say, I've denied myself chocolate for about 30 days now, if my calculations are correct.
I once gave up chocolate for a year and a half...one of my proudest accomplishments and lowest weights at that, but I digress

I have given up chocolate oh yes,
but I've found ways around it.
Like my new love/obsession of praline pecan ice cream and caramel.
Or how I ate Reeses Pieces at the movies on Saturday because they are chocolate-free.
And so I felt like a cheater.
Like I was living the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law? You know?

And so I am giving up sweet things until Hawaii.
I feel like I can make it that long.
And that much time will make up for the cheating I've done during my 30 days.
I know it doesn't work like that, but I want to get something out of this experience.
And no, not just a few fewer pounds.

I told my students about this decision.
To rid sweets from my life until I land in Hawaii.
And they told me they would keep an eye on me.

I need the accountability from the ones who spend most of my day with me!

Yesterday, I came to class after lunch with a drink from the coffee shop across the street.
It's called a grasshopper.
It's a frozen chocolate/mint blended drink. (Don't judge. I asked for skim milk!)
It doesn't quite look as fancy as the one pictured above.

One of my students asked me what I was drinking.
I told her.
She goes, "Mrs. Hatch, you're not supposed to have sweets!"

Another student, listening in, defended me instantly, "It's not a sweet, it's a drink."

A girl after my own heart.
And oh so wise!

Letters-Letter to your Best Girlfriend

2011-04-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hopefully Misty will forgive some of the pictures and hopefully you'll forgive the abundance...I just couldn't post about this without showing some snapshots of our history.
Dear Misty,
I'll start by telling you that my eyes filled with tears as I looked through all of our pictures.
You are one of the greatest blessings in my life. I look back on our past tenish years together...WOW...and I think how rich it has all been.

How truly full of love and fun my life was. Especially in high school and college.
I would do both of those all over again.
Just because of the beauty of our friendship.
Thank you for being my friend from that first day in Mr. Gross's math class.
Thank you for every single project in English.
Thank you for listening to me ramble on and on...endlessly about Kamron.
More importantly, thank you for supporting it. For keeping my hope alive.
That was a true act of friendship.

I love you and I love us.
I love our history.

Do you remember :
"Penis in the pants?"
Rushmi?
My rated R movie moment?
The girl who was going to bring sodas to the party in British Literature?
Joseph? Did we go to a movie with him after the semester was over...or was that just me?
Biology and the two girls we became friends with?
Playing hangman during biology?
Meta phase 2?
Misty Blake is that you?

Do you remember:
Friday lunches?
Thomas?
"The last thing I want to do tonight is fight with the two of you?"
Sting?
Our confessional?
"Fields of Gold" being the soundtrack to the video from the apartment?
"Maybe that's my problem"...in reference to milk. Angie said it.?
Angie's dishes in the sink?
EATING?!?!?
Reading our high school notes in Rushmi's class?
Writing our papers for Mrs. Rickett's class?

Do you remember:
Best legs and best hair?
Me groping you during our interpretive dance senior year?
Dance party in the parking lot?
The singles dance...when you were Mormon?
Or the singles dance with Dan and that guy that came diagonally (and quickly) across the room to dance with me...just my luck :)
Secret hope?
Scott's going to be a little late to class?

Do you remember:
"I think we need to get a plant"
"I was just getting a drink of water"
"I thought you said we needed to get out of the projects."
Laughing on the kitchen floor?
Punk'd?
The Osbornes?
The Real World?
Real World Road Rules Challenge?
Do you remember every single conversation about every single boy I thought I might end up marrying?

Do you remember:
When I called you at 3 a.m. to tell you that I officially had a boyfriend?
And then you texted me a few days later saying: You are in a relationship with Kamron Eck?
It was really cute of you!
When I told you that I didn't have a boyfriend anymore?
A few dinners at Texas Roadhouse?
You and Ken dancing with me? Without alcohol?
That was also really nice of you.

Do you remember this night with Dan?

Do you remember?
Singing the Rent soundtrack on New Year's Eve and Ken getting annoyed?
Dancing on the bar at Shakers with Tammy?
Naked Chinese Firedrills?
Naked car wash visits?
Naked runs through the high school soft ball field?
The naked summer?
Summer Catch?
Moulin Rouge?
"I'm moving to San Fransisco to work for Uncle Richard?

Do you remember:
How dirty I was?
And how fat I was?
Your fight with Dan?
And you laying in the hallway and kicking Angie's door?
Shari's?
Getting kicked out of Shari's?
Watching the Village?

Do you remember:
The library make up days in high school?
Our spring break trip to Boise?
Me breaking the headboard?
Our impromptu stay at a motel because there weren't any movies playing?
How annoyed your mom was?
How funny you were as you rolled your suitcase down the driveway?

Do you remember:
Laughing really hard at the above picture because we looked like we had been partying?
Every witty walk shirt or walk thought we've come up with?
Every walk period.
Crying when we see people's shirts on the walks?
Our traveling pants?
Floating the river?
Mary and Rhoda?
My child?
Mona?

Do you remember:
Me helping you into your wedding dress?
And you helping me get into mine?
The bridal showers?
The dinner dates?
The funerals we've attended for one another?
Every tear?
Every text?
Every prayer uttered on the other's behalf?
Every I love you?

I do. And I remember so much more.

Our memories bring a smile to my face and often make me laugh.

Our more recent memories are definitely more subdued, but no less amazing.
They include a text message with a picture of your positive pregnancy test.
You don't know this, but I was dancing around the house all morning.
"Misty's pregnant. Oh my gosh, Misty's pregnant. This is huge. This is life changing. This is huge." I seriously probably said, "This is huge." at least 20 times. Which is funny now.

They include getting to feel Grace kick...once.

And laughing with you about playing "Will I Lose My Dignity" during your labor.

Our lives are a little more settled now.
But I have a strong belief that neither one of us would be as settled, as happy, or as ready to face the changes that we've faced or that lie ahead...if it hadn't been for such a free-spirited time in our college days and prior. And for such an abundance of love and acceptance.
We truly lived.

We have laughed together.
We have definitely cried together.
We've hugged one another.
We've fought.
We've been competitive.
We've shared school stories.
And crazy people in our lives stories.
And we tell each other that we are in the right.
Not just because we're friends, but because we really are.

I love us because:
We are not afraid to compliment each other's boobs, butt, or any other body part.
We can often times communicate in one word descriptions
Do I look like "the apartment?"
That was during the "Rent" period.
That was during "Ryan."

We can also send either first or first and last name texts to one another.
That means we just saw that person.
And we know exactly what that means.

We can talk about our fatness in the past and it's not the least bit offensive.

Even though we see each other less we love each other the same.
We love the same, period.

I always want to see mediocre horror movies with you.

Or cheesy teen romance flicks with you.

I always want to make you read the book I just read, regardless of whether or not it was actually good. Just so I can talk to you about it.

I can always tell you when I'm having a bad day.

I love you because you are family to me.

I love you, Misty. Thank you for so many memories!
Thank you for being the friend that you are. I am so blessed.
I know I'm not the best at being around or leaving the house for that matter, but I am always here and I love you SO SO much!

Truth Be Told...

2011-04-11T16:07:00.001-07:00

1. My lunches need to be warm. I like warm food. I'm not a huge fan of cereal (as a meal), sandwiches (unless it's a french dip), or salads...usually.
2. Every shirt I wear to work out in came from a 5k Run/Walk that I've participated in with Misty. Every single one of them.
3. I make a contest out of drinking water at a restaurant. I somehow feel the need to have my water gone by the time the server comes around again.
4. I'm very opinionated. And I'm always right. But I don't like contention.
It makes for a difficult dilemma.
5. Sometimes I want to leave Idaho. (Never want to leave my mom or Misty...it's just sometimes I feel suffocated. I can't explain it...at least not on here.)
6. And then I look at the farm land when I'm driving around and I can't ever imagine leaving.
7. The bed has to be made...always.
8. I really really don't like yard work. This is possibly the most difficult thing for me about having a house. I do believe in taking pride of where you live. I just don't even know where to start sometimes.
9. I know some of the best people and I am so honored to call them friends and family.
10. I am so much happier when the sun is out.

Answer This

2011-04-09T10:16:00.001-07:00

What are your favorite household cleaners?

I "wasted" a good portion of time today reading blogs about cleaning. Seriously.
I began to feel inadequate somehow. All of these products I don't use or even know about.
And then I decided to clean my house instead.
I instantly felt better.

Lots of girls blog about clothes and makeup.
I buy my makeup at Target. My clothes at JC Penney, Maurices, and..uh..Target.
I don't do designer. And I am definitely okay with that. I'm not passionate about designer. I am also not wealthy.
But I can clean. So I decided I would do an answer this on my favorite cleaning products. I'm hoping some of you will respond with some other products and make me want to try them, tell me a little about them even, so I don't feel so "out of the loop." Here are a few of mine. Nothing too new here:

Clorox Bleach

I use this for just about anything. I will occasionally mop my floors with it. Clean my bathroom/tub/shower with it. Everything. I love how I know it disinfects, I love the clean look, and I love love LOVE the smell. When I was little, my mom often had Fridays off or she worked half days. I would LOVE coming home on Friday afternoon. The house would be clean and it would smell like bleach. LOVE it! And with this stuff...it really needs to be Clorox brand. Just sayin'Clorox Bleach

Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Yes, I am blogging about this. These are a tad spendy for my taste.
Really they're not, but I'm kind of a tight wad in a weird way
When we were first married I went on a cleaning supply spending spree. I bought like $50 worth of cleaning supplies when I was just going to pick up bathroom cleaner. I got carried away. I love the cleaning aisle. I picked up these things and I'm addicted.
I remember the moment I felt like I needed to "confess" to Zach all that I spent that day.
"And I bought these toilet bowl cleaner tablets that were like $10 for four of them!"
I felt like I had been so irresponsible.
Leave it to Zach to tell me how much each was costing us per week to help me justify my shopping :)
And now I can't live without these.
They really do keep the toilet bowl clean.
They are not blue...I tried the blue stuff once..it was cheaper...NOT WORTH IT!
And every single time a toilet is flushed, your bathroom smells like bleach. A huge plus!

Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
I like this stuff. The kind that foams. I use it to clean my bathtub pre bleach.
I don't always bleach, just an FYI. Only sometimes.
But this stuff will clean a tub in seconds.
Spray it on.
Leave it a minute.
Come in with a scrub brush and scrub away.
So clean.

Lysol Bathroom Cleaners

Comet Cleanser
I don't really use this all that often. I clean my sink with it. That and Bar Keeper's Friend. Those are the things I use to clean my sinks. If I'm out of supplies, I will clean the bathroom with it, though. I know all of my products are considered "abrasive" but there's something about the paste it makes, plus the scrubbing, plus the clean smell that I just love.

Comet Cleanser

Microfiber Cloths
Our house needs dusting constantly.
It's gross.
One time it led to a rather embarrassing break down.
We hadn't been married very long.
I clean every Saturday and that week was no exception.
I had dusted the tv stand.
Three days later it looked as if I hadn't touched it in months.
I had a fit. I told Zach our house was "unlivable" and that we could never have a child under these conditions.
I still remember him, not getting angry, but telling me to just listen to myself for a minute.
It makes me laugh now.
I told Grandpa about this "dust" problem.
He brought me a microfiber cloth.
I use it to dust now and I LOVE LOVE it. Seriously. I highly recommend them.
In fact, I love it so much that I bought a microfiber dry/wet mop made by Mr. Clean.
It is the best mop, especially if you have pets that shed.
I love microfiber cloths!
Plus, you can dust the front of your television with one!

Microfiber Cloths
Note: These are not the brand of cloth I use. I don't know my brand. It came from Costco apparently.

Scentsy
No, this is not a cleaning product.
But it certainly helps me feel better about the cleanliness appeal of my home.
It's the way I reward myself.
I know, I'm sick.
If the house is clean, I turn on my Scentsy and it just feels "done."

Ah! Saturday cleaning.
I love a clean house!

What are your favorite household cleaners?

Scentsy

Wish That I Had a Mind and Hands That Work Like That

2011-04-08T11:02:00.001-07:00

So last night I came home to the fence in the front part of our yard being framed
and set up. No big deal to some of you but to me it is..
This brings me to the kind of mind that can do this kind of thing and how I wish I had one like it.
Todd(my husband & Shar's dad)does have this kind of mind. It is the kind that can build things, fix things, visualize things, learn from watching something be done and figure out how something works by taking things apart and then putting them back together.
All my life and this is true. I have seen things to make or do in a magazine and early on I used to think I could try that. Well I have tried it and it turns out that my mind works like a preschooler on Orajel and Nyquil when it comes to this type of thing. It just doesn't work that way and no amount of study can fix this.
So for now and I wish I had taken a picture of this and actually of the fence my son in law built last summer to illustrate :)
There is something incredible to this type of brain. During my lifetime I have watched this type of mind work -in the cars my dad fixed, the planes he used to work on for a living, the camper he built and all the things he has done to fix anything that we might bring to him. When I got older I married Todd and in our time together he has fixed VCR's and furnaces, rebuilt engines, painted cars, installed the furnace and airconditioning in the first home we built together, painted, tiled our new house with Carma(another friend of mine with this type of mind)installed a new tub and tiled our bathroom, he installed a new furnace for his mom, sprinkler systems in 2 homes plus his dad's yard and actually put a 1947 Stinson Airplane back together from inside out, in our garage no less, with only the book to follow. It passed inspection and he has also flown this plane.
I know there are a lot of people like this in the world but I am not.
I am a if something looks like crap it is always going to be crap kind of person. I would not be able to decide to pull out the carpet,lay down a different floor and paint and have something that came from Better Homes and Gardens. I do not visualize and my mind does not work as to figure how to make an engine stop clanging.
Needless to say I am in awe of people that can. So for today I will just be proud of the new fence my husband is building and I will bathe in the tub he put in and pay the hangar rental for his plane. I on the other hand will just clean up the mess from the construction (because apparently those minds don't work like that :)) and be happy with that.

Love It

2011-04-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Source

I have a new obsession with Drop Dead Diva
The plot is a little odd, to say the least.
But I stumbled upon it...
and I love it.
It's just the perfect amount of mindlessness (in the sense that it's easy to follow), character development, heart, humor (I do occasionally find myself laughing out loud)and chick flick style that make it perfect for an evening on the couch while Zach is in class.

I love the characters. Almost all of them.
I've had the most difficult time attaching to Kim.
And then she said this tonight:
"You didn't know. You're unsure. You're on the fence. I have no patience for the fence."

And just like that, I love her.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
I love it!

Hilarious

2011-04-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

An excerpt from one of my student's letters about his spring break:

"I went to a place called Phoenix Fire Games, a game store. I thought it was a video game store but it was a Nerd Store. It was all role playing games, wizard games, and board games."

I seriously laughed for like five minutes. It's the "nerd store" plus "role playing games" plus "wizard games."
Fourth graders are so smart.