Lillian J. Banks

An open letter to the neighbor who hates me

2011-07-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Dear neighbor that hates me (and the city ordinance officer who doesn't seem to have a clue),

First of all, what is up with you? We are good neighbors. We don't get in anyones business. We don't cause problems and we keep to ourselves. Heck, I've never even borrowed a cup of sugar or an egg from anyone. Aside from that we are very loyal to those who show any slight effort to communicate with us. That is why we were surprised to get an Ordinance Violation on our front door. We have animals, it is true. We did not know we should have moved to a farm when we bought our house in the middle of suburban life. We had the two dogs.

Then, we decided to give the kids some rabbits to learn about responsibility and life. Of course we got a male and female so they could have kids. What better way to teach about life than that?

Then we ventured into backyard chickens. We only got 4- and we haven't bought eggs from the store since. How was I to know they would be so friendly and easier than dogs to manage?

Then, a few months ago, after finding out my 2 year old is allergic to cows milk and after buying goats milk for 5$ a half gallon, we decided to buy 2 goats- because having just one is not good for a herd animal. So, we bought to goats for 30$. They were pygmy goats- which means little. One was pregnant when we got her- because, believe it or not, for a goat to give milk it has to have a baby. She had the cutest kids (yes, that is what goat babies are called) a girl and a boy. We kept the girl and sold the boy with the other goat we had bought so we were back to two.

If you have bought a pet from the pet store only, then you have never really had your own pet. When animals are babies, that is when the magic happens. The rabbits would come when they were called and we would let them roam the yard while we played outside. The kids carried them everywhere- even in baskets and down slides. The rabbits would wait for them to catch them if they got a little bit away. They would also jump on your lap if you were sitting on the grass and cuddle.

The baby goat, unlike the mom who was wild- would run to you. The kids carried her around and she loved to nap on the swing set. They were funny on the kids play equipment. They would run and jump on it and even tried sliding down the slides for fun.

The chickens have never pecked anyone and they come when they are called. It was like having little dinosaurs running around the backyard.

Of course the animals were only out when we were home and with them- except the chickens who have eaten our spiders, snails and ant populations to nothing. We had a larger than we needed goat pen with rabbits and chickens in it. The straw on the ground hid any scent and it was smell free and clean. We cleaned up everyday- the kids learned a ton of responsibility and they loved it more than we did. We had our own petting zoo.

So the Ordinance Violation was a complaint. Was it for noise? Nope. The chickens do get a little squawky, but not for long- just to chatter at each other or let us know something is in their nesting box- like another chicken. The goats would call us when they were hungry or they heard us come out to play. Other than that, our nights were quiet. We kept checking with our neighbors and they all seemed fine.

Was the violation for smell? Nope. Like I stated. We are very clean. I am a germ freak and I did not want animal germs in the house, so the best way to keep that from happening was to keep the outside clean.

The violation was for too many animals. Apparently in our city we can only have 6 animals- we were 10 over. Most of them rabbits. So- neighbor who hates me, you had to pop your head over the fence and count the animals- even the littler of baby rabbits we just had.

Okay, that makes sense. 6 animals in the city. This was an experiment in urban animal farming and we wondered how long it would last. We got milk and eggs out of the deal (and even a bit of rabbit meat once, just to see if we could live off of it in an emergency. The rabbits, lovingly refereed to as our 'living food storage' were more than just pets) So all our animals produced something for us. Even the dogs offered protection and I don't think I can look at 'pets' the same way again. It was cheaper to buy goats and feed them then to buy goats milk.

So what next? We had 2 weeks to get rid of 10 animals. (we did not eat any of them, I promise)

We asked the city Ordinance Officer- who seemed nice- if the goats were okay to keep. He said yes, but we just needed to get down to six animals.

Okay- we did it. We got rid of one dog ( my favorite) 1 chicken and ALL the rabbits. Mostly farmed out to family- although many of the babies did not survive the change.

So, we had 2 goats 3 chickens and 1 dog. And we were in compliance. So we thought.

The next thing the City ordinance officer was back again telling us

A. he was angry he came to the house twice and we didn't answer. Really? My mom can't even get me in two tries.

B. Upset we didn't call him. He never said we should call him. Even on the form it didn't say we needed to, we just had to get it done before the deadline.

C. We had to get rid of the goats since they are considered a farm animal. Okay. Why didn't he say so at the start??????? We could have kept 2 other animals.

D. He goes on to say that this wasn't a complaint, but then said we would have more time if it wasn't a complaint. Huh?? I am thinking this guy is off his rocker.

So, dear lovely neighbor who hates us. Guess what was on our garbage cans when we checked later that day to bring them in from trash day?? Oh, wait. I am sure you know since you called on us.

Another violation because our garbage cans were not 4 feet apart. Really?? Why didn't the 30 other houses have a complaint since they didn't have theirs far apart either? And by the way, everyone I talked to had never even heard of that.

So, we sell our goats. Within the time frame. We call the officer who said "good, we will talk soon." I really don't want to talk soon. I don't really want to know any more than I all ready know- I moved in a city. Ooops. I am from a city. My hubby is from a city. I really didn't think much of it, but gosh, The call of the open, neighbor-less range is yelling my name. I must be white trash in my heart or a farmers wife- as long as their is an internet connection.

So dear neighbor, I think the Nazis would love to have you as an informant. And if that ever does happen you may as well call on us now since I am sure we would be hiding Jews in our basement (and we are not Jewish)

I wish you would have just left a nasty note on our doorstep or talk with us. We would have complied just to stay off the radar. I hate being on the radar.

I would love to know who you are so we can kill you... with kindness. Cookies, odd jobs, nice visits- just to make you feel guilty for making my kids cry almost everyday that their best friends are gone (I guess we will have to make human friends. Darn.)

Signed,

The former urban animal farmers

P.S. I have a craving for a mini pot bellied pig- just to warn you. OR maybe a honey bee farm in the corner of the yard (which side is yours). At the very least a 10 foot fence- which is illegal too.

Baby heart beat

2011-07-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today I heard the heartbeat for the first time. I've seen it twice since I have had some complications and had to have two ultra sounds, but this is the first I've heard it. IT really makes it hit home that this is really happening. I am 12 weeks, and none of my pants fit- I guess the 5th kid will do that to you.

I have had horrible morning sickness that lasts all day long. Ughh. I haven't gained any weight this three months and I can't keep down my vitamins. The Dr. told me to take clairatin to see if that helps and if not he will write me a prescription.

But even though this was a surprise, (I am not a fan of surprises: surprise parties, gifts, thank you's, any unplanned attention, etc.) and changed all my plans for the next year or two, and with the morning sickness, and complications, blah blah- the heartbeat makes it all worth it.

After freaking out major over the last 2 surprise babies, we know from experience that this will all work out.

My mom has started calling the baby Thor- assuming it is a boy. She has never been wrong, so we will find out eventually :)

I am packing away all the clothes I will not wear the next year and trying to make my closet expecting friendly.

That is all for now.

Lillian

Monte Carlo Review

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

My mom and I sneaked out of the house lat last night and went and saw the Selena Gomez movie. And since I have morning sickness all day long until around 4 or 5pm, I was able to eat a bunch of yummy, buttery popcorn. This review may be biast, just because the butter was really good. That doesn't always happen :)

Starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy, Cory Monteith, Luke Bracey and Pierre Boulanger. Directed by Tom Bezucha. Approximately 109 minutes. Playing at major theaters. Rated G.

I went in expecting it to be dumb, since hardly anyone that is a critic is giving it good reviews, but when are they ever right? In this case they are dead wrong. My mom and I laughed and had a good time. It was clean, no sex, no drugs, no swearing. A nice break from the norm. i would take my 10 year old back to see it, and I wouldn't hate seeing it again. It is a charming romantic comedy, and the theater was fuller than I thought it would be for 9:45pm- all ages, all laughing.

The 3 girls were well matched by their 'men', and the romance had an old movie feel to it, but in a cute chic lit way. Honestly, I would be happy to pay full price and see a cute, clean comedy like this and I would even own it. It was cute for old and young alike.

Get good popcorn and take your tweens.

Look Out For Mr. Stork my announcement

2011-06-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am just letting you know that the stork found me again- 5th time/ 3rd surprise. I blame the 2 year old- she has been watching Dumbo too much the last few months that the Stork has his eye on us. I am handling this surprise much better than the last two- I didn't throw the pee stick at my hubby this time. See, improvement.

I know what you are thinking- why didn't you just stop it? Well, apparently getting knocked up on birth control isn't unusual for my female line. Nice, huh.

I am due late December or early January. We might shoot for the first New Year's baby

- that would be cool- although a bigger tax return would be nice too. My kids are ECSTATIC- so, I will get that way too. I am having grandchild # 14- I also have #5 #11#12 #13 :) Grandma is excited.

My ten year old is excited- I thought of all of them she would say, "Mom, Dad, really? Another one?" But she was happy. huh.

Usually my brothers and sisters give me MAJOR grief with each kid, but I sent them all an email saying we didn't want to hear any grief- so far sooo good :)

This will be 4 kids in 6 years.

Moo.

Guerrilla Gardening

2011-05-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a dead spot of land and just wanted to make something out of it??

Have you ever heard of Guerrilla Gardening? It is taking a spot of dirt, or a whole dirt lot and making it into a garden. It is all the rage right now in larger cities, New York and London have been infiltrated by it. While I am not sure how legal it is, who can complain about an isoar turning into a place of beauty?? And if you didn't have the land to have your own garden, you could easily get a bounty of food off an abandoned lot. Could you do it? OR are you like me and have to fix your own yard first before going guerilla somewhere else.

Hee Haw Farms Utah

2011-05-18T06:58:00.001-07:00

Hi! I had a bit of issue with Blogger recently, but I am up and running again :) In our effort to do more local things in Utah, I wanted to tell you about Hee Haw farms in Pleasant Grove, Utah. It didn't look like much when we pulled up, but the kids were exhausted when we were done :) They rode a pony, climbed a huge hay bale with a long slide, did a potato sack slide, dug in a a sand box, rode in a tractor ride, a hay ride, and they had an awesome petting zoo with ducks, chickens, a baby cow, baby goats, rabbits and pigs!

They had a blast! Of course we had to sport what little cowboy stuff we had.

The people working there were very nice and informative of any questions we had. We had a great time! We went to the Harley Davidson store and ate at the Marly's there. They have yummy hamburgers called sliders. They were perfectly sized for the kids. I had to have two :) Try the Handsome Rob slider, it was my favorite!!

All in all, this is what it looked like when we got home. 3 kids asleep on daddy- who was crashed out too!

-Lillan

Things I may or May not have said...

2011-05-11T06:33:00.000-07:00

Things I may or may not have said Yesterday:

'Don't eat the dog treats',

' How do we get the chicken out of the tree?'

'Stop being nice to your sister, you're choking her.'

'The dog is not for wrestling'

'I forgot how good chocolate milk is when you sneak it from the kids.'

'Would the house stay cleaner if we moved out of it?'

And finally,

'Who took mommy's stress chocolate?'

That is all.

Water For Elephants review

2011-05-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

*I DID NOT READ THE BOOK* That being said, I went in expecting to be entertained like I was at a circus- only behind the scenes of one, which should be more exciting, right? Nope, it is as slow as real life, only deadlier.

What I did love about it: I am a huge fan of period pieces done right, and by right I mean authentic. This story was set in the 1930's depression era. It was beautifully done. The circus on wheels has always impressed me. The first guy that thought, 'I want to take wild animals and people who perform on the road across the nation,' has way more ambition than that Trump guy.

The scenery was beautiful. And I had to ask my mom, who I went with, if the elephant was real or fake. It was real. Weird twist on life when I am impressed with Hollywood using a 'real' elephant, just like all movies used to have to do. I still think they should have named the movie "You vaguely saw the Elephant with Water once, the rest of the time it was booze, and Elephants is NOT plural, it is Singular because there was only one' but who am I do decide?

Robert Pattinson (that Edward vampire dude) Did a great job and proved he does have a beating heart. And the camera crew got all his best angles, something the Twilight camera crew should take note of. Robert is awkward to film at the wrong angles, in case you hadn't noticed. Actually the camera shots were all very well done. Kudos to the crew.

Reese Witherspoon, who I prejudged to be too cutesy and old (partnered with Robert) to play this role, did a fantastic job. She really pulled her character off. (who doesn't love Reese?) And she was beautiful with her blue doe eyes and her non-anorexic body that has had two kids and was not afraid to squeeze into the tightest leotards possible, not looking like a stick figure but a woman.

Christoph Waltz was an excellent ringmaster. Except behind the circus scenes where he was the perfect president of his own nation on the train. The depression made men tough as nails, or killed trying to survive, and this movie showcased that. *trying not to give spoilers here*

The elephant stole the show and they did not show her enough.

What I did not like:

For the prohibition times, there was more alcohol in this movie than most any modern day movies. The prohibition era actually intrigues me, since I had relatives who used to make bathtub gin back then, which was alcohol, glycerine and juniper juice. My relatives, dead a long time would not be happy with me since I have never had a drink of anything with alcohol in it, ever. Not that I am preachy about it...

Hee hee. Some poor people believed that you could make antifreeze nontoxic by straining it through a loaf of bread. Many died from poisoning. Yup, crazy time. Especially since many families were lucky to buy a loaf of bread. My other, non-bathtub gin relatives had to eat beet greens and dandelions to survive the depression. Something else I have never had.

Ahem, back to the movie. There was one lovemaking scene, but I can't remember how detailed it was because all I was thinking was how he would smell like an elephant.

I have always loved going to the circus. I took my oldest when she was little and we rode on an elephant. That was cool. I need to go again. That was the coolest part of the movie, the feeling of the circus.

I am going to give it 3 stars.

Seriously though, if I would have known it was a slow movie and a little depressing, I would have enjoyed it more.

-Lillian

Hope For Haiti Bob Parson's style

2011-05-09T02:15:00.001-07:00

Love him or hate him, but GoDaddy's Bob Parson has a lot of money to throw around- and he is doing his best to throw it where it will do the most good. This video is truly unimaginable.

-Lillian

Sasha Libby

2011-04-25T00:59:00.000-07:00

Sasha is a Canadian blogger who I check up on every so often. Her charm bracelets are to die for and her cupcakes are too beautiful to eat. Sasha keeps busy with an almost grown up daughter who is beautiful and also deals with Asperger's Syndrome. My sister has 4 Asperger kids, and so I know second hand what these amazing kids face daily in their lives. Sasha is smart, funny, talented and does great award shows recaps with a fashion rundown that you don't want to miss- even if you miss the show. She is also giving away a 50$ target card for those who comment and post to tell about it :) Go now. I think it might end soon.

http://www.saucysprinkles.com/

My favorite Easter Candy...evah!

2011-04-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

I used to be a fan of the jelly bean. I liked the candy like taste. Peeps were also high on the list, because sugary marshmallow dipped in sugar? What could be wrong about that? Cheap chocolate wasn't too bad either. And then I grew up and tasted real chocolate.

Then I met my handsome hubby and he introduced me to the all be it candy for Easter. This was his absolute favorite and he bought two bags of it a month before Easter. I tasted it, and being the punk I am didn't want to like it because he did. So I let him for the the first few years of our marriage have is simple little treat. Then it happened. I ran out of my chocolate in the house. I saw h is bag of these scrumptious morsels and I decided to give it another whirl. Seriously? Why didn't I instantly love these in the first place aside from trying to be a pain in the tush to my hubby?? They were fantastic. I ate the whole bag. See the bag below?

So the Cadbury Mini eggs has slaughtered all the other candy for Easter. I have since learned that you have to bunny these early- the second they are released to the public, because the closer you get to Easter, they are gone! Which may actually make them taste better. I have gone through 5 of the big bags that I say I buy for my hubby, but maybe has gotten a handful. My hips are not happy, but my tummy is doing cartwheels :)

If you see any more of these bags, buy them now! They will be gone and you will be ever so sorry. I can't find any at our regular store all ready, but I will still be on the hunt for these Easter eggs. *cheesy grin*

Soul Surfer Review

2011-04-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Soul Surfer
I am not much of a crier. This movie was no exception. But, all the giggling teenage girls that happened to be there during my first date with hubby in a long time actually shut up and watched the movie. Which made me deliriously happy. Until they started *SOBBING* Seriously, I thought they were laughing they were crying so hard! Really? My hubby teared up because he doesn't have a heart of stone like I do, but crying so hard you can't breath in a movie theater seems a bit much to me.

I am no rocket scientist, but I am going to blame it on the girly emotions at that age. Suckers.

Back to the review.

Anna Sophia Robb was charming and perfect for this role.

Carrie Underwood can't, lets be real here folks, act worth beans and as a religious advisor looked a little sketchy to me. But she has great teeth

Dennis Quaid had a good part to play, but I swear his smile has grown

Helen Hunt her part was a little lacking, but she did well with what she had

*Hercules* Keven Sorbo still looks pretty darn good.

Her brothers in the movie, Ross Thomas- oh were there two? I didn't notice. Clearly Ross was chosen for his eye candy appeal, but he can act. Next time I would hire him instead of sweet little Carrie Underwood. PLEASE.

Okay, now to the nitty gritty. The movie was slow at first, and a bit religious- but not too cheesy religious, but really really close. However, it was nice to see a family going to church (and who wouldn't if they all were like that) and a family that prayed together, like in real life.

I wanted to see more of the shark. This is HIS movie too, ya know? Oh well, I doubt those teenage emotions could have handled any more drama, like a build up to the attack. Think Jaws, this is NOT that movie. It was all done very tastefully and was not over the top shocking or horrific.

The story line had one small twist that gave it a bit more depth to the movie- not that this was a deep movie. It is surfing after-all, and that is done right on top of the waves.

I loved the setting, which totally makes me feel that living in Utah is the wrong place to be- especially since the Easter Bunny is going to need to borrow Santa's sled this year if things keep up- and I would love a beach-side house Sharks and all. I married a surfer, so that was cool to see what he used to do. Back when he had Ocean.

And if Surfing gives you a bod like that, I am going to have to add it to my bucket list when I am healthy :)

This movie made you really feel you are at the Ocean the entire show. That was Awesome!!

5 Stars for the scenery

4 stars for the movie - go see it and ignore the cheese, and crying, unless it is you crying then take tissue. And ignore how she was praised for getting eaten by a shark. For some reason they were proud of her for that. I would be more proud if my kid Didn't get half eaten.

1 star for the giggling, sobbing teenage girls. And I have 3 girls- help me now. At least the boy will understand his future wife someday - sort of.

* If the teenagers could barely cope with it, it probably isn't for little ones. But the rest of the movie before and after the attack and hospital was fine.

Have a great day-

Lillian J. Banks

Writing challenge

2011-04-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is a new writers challenge that sounds fun. A Round Of Words in 80 Days. I love the tagline "The writing challenge that knows you have a life." lol. I am supposed to set a goal. I have 2 new book ideas that came to me this month- all plotted out- I am dying to run with them, but I am still editing my novel I wrote earlier this year and I still need to edit a few contest winners from years back.

I would rather write.

I am going to try to find that editor/writer balance so my goal is going to be small. Not to mention I am editing the podcasts at Writing Snippets (M. L. Forman's interview is up - he was really fun) and I am still trying to get healthy again, save my blog from all those who dropped me because they thought I had died (I live), and my craft blog with my SIL. Let's just say I am as busy as everyone else, but I am playing catch up with home and family for being down flat for a year.

Hmmmm, on good nights I can get 10,000 words- but those are rare and far between. It seems so easy when it happens, but it is hard to duplicate. I am going to shoot for 1,000 words a week and see if that is attainable :)

This is really cool, I can't wait to make new friends :) -Lillian J. Banks

Confession: Phone style

2011-04-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ahoy, Ahoy, confession time

I have a love/hate relationship with the phone. I know, I've mentioned it before, but seriously the hate just won't leave.

For instance. I DO NOT let the kids answer the phone unless they know who it is. Actually, they can only answer if it is a relative. Other than that, they had better not answer. They are all good to run the phone to me, and then I decide if I am in the mood to handle a phone call right then, or let the machine do it. Machine typically always wins- especially if I don't recognize the phone number.

I called a friend the other day and her sweet 3 year old answered. Seriously, she had no idea, and he kept singing at me. Not to me, AT me. I called back later and she answered. No big deal, right? That's because it wasn't my kid. Other kids are 'cute' when they step on the pet peeve line.

When my kids do it, panic ensues. If I've noticed one of the kids had answered the phone unbeknownst to me the anxiety kicks in. My mind starts reeling the last 20 min. of my life.

What did I say aloud that they may have overheard? Was the word Butt or Bugger used by any of the other kids? Did my secret love affair with netfilx on the Wii babysitting my kids come across the phone? Did I accidently curse? (it is rare, but it happens) Was I yelling at my 4 year old about pooping in her underwear again? Thereby causing a slew of 'I hate you Mom! your just a meanie to me," etc. to flow from her mouth as if it were rehearsed.

See a pattern here? I tried to keep the phones hidden from the kids, and not from myself.

But, I love that we are not on a party line like my parents had to be on when we were young. *A party line is when you had to share the phone with a few other neighbors in the olden days when soap opera's were only on in the mornings, and Old Miss Tisdale had nothing else to do all day long but listen to your conversation about how the microwave was a tool of satan when it first came out to consumers.

Or when I was a bit older and my brother, a teenager, bought an extra long phone cord. *Phone cords actually hooked to the phone and the base of the phone, and you could only talk in the radius it encompassed, thereby limiting you to washing dishes where the Male construction workers planned you to be while you talked about how Madonna was a tool from satan.

He got the phone cord to stretch all the way down the stairs and into his room. Talented boy.

That was even before caller ID or call waiting (at least at our house)

So the love part....

hmmm.

I love that they invented email. I was so born for that moment in the world to happen.

I do like my cell phone- it is nice to call my handsome hubby when I find something I want to buy. I keep hoping something like this will happen:

But alas, it has not.

I did get a txt the other day from someone I didn't recognize the number to, but they knew me and wished me a happy birthday. It seriously freaked me out. 'Who knows it's my birthday? Are they threatening me?" Paranoid lately? I think so. It was my niece.

I am trying to put off the whole phone call thing as long as possible for my 10 year old- but that is a different story.

Just know, if my kids do answer the phone, I don't act like this.

-Lillian DV

*Disclaimer: I do like Microwaves, and Madonna's music, but I don't know if I like her- I've never met her.

Disneyland Tangles me

2011-04-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

I, need to go to Disneyland. Not want. NEED. I can't help it. It is an addiction fostered by my mother. I was only 3 months old when we started to take our yearly trips there. 6 kids in a large van, driving at night. 14hours straight (until my parents became too old to pull all nighters) Then at 4am, we would park the van in the parking lot- when they still allowed that- and sleep until the park opened its ticket booth. Then we would go for the day and drive home that night. 6 kids. Wow.

I am a pansy.

But I still try to make it to Disneyland every year, which does not always happen. Right now I haven't built back my strength to go, (or paid off all the medical bills) Until I can (I did send my oldest with my parents so she could get her fix this year) get to Disneyland I will do the next best thing and that is watch a great animated disney film.

This almost satisfied my Disneyland craving. Tangled was a fun romp in the woods. Mandy Moore did a great job with Rapunzel and her singing voice was beautiful. Zachery Levi was the charming Flynn Rider who was dashing and rogue like, but had a believable character arc. (for a Disney film) And he could sing surprisingly well. Pascal, the chameleon and Maximus were all kinds of cool. Was it perfect? Nah, but my kids thought so and so yes, it was most definitely perfect.

I rate this above Princess in the Frog. The whole voodoo thing was way overkill for little ones in that one.

No voodoo here, just a manipulative, emotional abusive Witch named Gothel. Who doesn't love those? Gothel may have been the name of my last mother-in-law, but water under the bridge, eh?

Burst out your inner Rapunzel- unless you shudder at her hair getting dirty the entire film, and let's not mention how tangled it should be. ( I have 3 girls, I know) But we will assume 'Magical Hair' doesn't get as tanged as the characters do, "You broke my smolder."

Let's face it. Life is too short not to look for things to get all hyped up about. Tangled is a good one. My daughters' hair on it. ALL OF IT.

5 out of 5 :)

-Lillian :)

Bad day

2011-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

My Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia has hit a bit hard today, ulg. I hear it is the air pressure or something, but it doesn't matter because I hurt and I am in pain, but I did have a bit of computer time :) And I did get one of my goals today done, and that was to scrub off all the counters and keep the kids happy. :)

Tomorrow will be better.

Sugar Pie Farmhouse heart

2011-03-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am not a cowgirl, but I am a farm girl wannabe- We have 4 chickens after all, and they give us a few eggs every day. We haven't had to buy eggs since we bought them and they are amazing. I love to see my little hens running around the backyard. Look how beautiful these eggs are! Not a chemical in sight. Plus the Chickens ate all our Hobo Spiders we were infested with and the red and black ants in the corner of the yard where my children would be covered in ants before. A good deal, right?

Here is the Man- my hubby (squinted eyes from the sun and all I think he's so handsome) He is holding Lady Katherine DeBird. Lizzy is below...
And this is Jane. We also have a teenage chicken called Kitty. She likes to climb trees.(I just need a Mr. Darcy- but Roosters are not allowed in the city) My son is the chicken whisperer and loves to hold them.
Speaking of Farm girls, here is one I just adore...

Sugar Pie Farmhouse

If you have never been by Aunt Ruthies then stop on by! She is a breath of fresh air out there in the dark wilderness and a lot of fun. Her faith and homemaker optimism has brightened some of my darker homemaking days for a few years and I can't believe I haven't mentioned her before :) Go get uplifted by her latest post or read some of my favorites- Christmas at the Farmhouse - Just look at her beautiful space to decorate :)

Gumption goes a long way - this was charming. Don't forget to check out the recipies as well, yuuummmyyy :)

Have a great day!

-Lillian

My Mind's Eye Eye Candy

2011-03-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

Saturday, I went to the Scrapbook Expo, There were a lot of great deals there. It still isn't as good as it used to be. Ten years ago they had a ton of free make and takes, etc. But my favorite thing at the expo is always My Mind's Eye (and the cute guys that sell it) Seriously, if they had a poster of all of the cute guys in their cute brown My Mind's Eye shirts, I would possibly buy it :) Some have been around a while, and if you know them by name- they will work out a deal with you. My Mind's Eye products ROCK!! Here is a short video of KC, who is super cute and a lot of laughs. *Don't worry, my hubby knows all about my scrapbooking crushes. :) (the video is old, but it is all I could find- I didn't bring my camera to the show :(

seriously, cracks me up :) And guys talking about glitter without laughing is just cool. Go check out the My Mind's Eye Blog, who would totally get more views if they had KC, Nick or Jason, did I miss anyone?? Did I tell you their product is awesome to decorate with because it is so sturdy?

I have to add Tim Holtz to the list as well, :)

-Thanks for staring,

Lillian

Author image

2011-03-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

My author image is different than my regular (I am not ashamed to admit- PJ's Mom of 4 style) Here I am editing my novel I wrote this year and has almost finished going through the critique group. I am trying to hurry and finish up before I leave to meet some of my sisters for the scrapbook expo in Sandy Utah. Notice the mess? This is the dining room where the podcasts are recorded with our authors. - I have it cleaned up by then. I typically have a home down in the basement for my MAC- who I like to call Edward (I started to call it that to tease my hubby, but it stuck) - Where I can spread out, the kids can play and we are all in the same room. I call it the Toy room- which stands for we need a bulldozer to get out alive room. (more on that another day) So my hubby, who I am madly in love with, and can drive me crazy like no other, sees me. I guess I should try to see this from his perspective- wife only looks decent (since being ill) for Writer's group or Podcasting, - there is not any podcasting going on tonight- and wife is dressed. Get Camera and record moment.This is me trying not to smack him- and not smiling for him in protest.
The hat is to cover my bad hair day, btw. The boots are fierce, and I like that. They make me ignore that I still have 10 pounds to lose since getting sick and losing all my muscle, and that less than half of my good jeans still fit. So what? I've got rocking boots on. (I swear they made me edit better too)
So I give into Hubby saying, yeah- take a picture, it will be while before it happens again. I am dying for my comfy jeans and an oversized T-shirt with Darth Vader on the front (my favorite) but I'm glad my hubby thinks I am cute. (I did survive my first 20min workout in over a year this week- yay! Just in time for my birthday)
As far as the scrapbook expo- this will have a devoted post to it in honor of the My Mind's Eye Men who sell it. Stay tuned :)

-Lillian

PS the Writing Snippets Podcast is having a giveaway :) LDS author Tristi Pinkston has signed her novel- the Secret Sisters, a delightfully fun book. Go here and enter :)

Inspiration...

2011-03-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you were inspired? I mean, your heart pounding, excited to be alive kind of inspiration. Mine was on Tuesday when Hubby took us to IHOP and I didn't have to make dinner that night- did I mention that kids eat for 1.99 after 4pm?? Smiley pancakes were eaten with butter pecan syrup. Sweet.

But then I saw this and it blew pancakes out of the water, er syrup... Enjoy. I can't tell you how awesome this is- it starts out slow, but hang in there. (watch video)

Understanding the auto immune social life

2011-03-22T09:15:00.001-07:00

After recovering from the issues of this year- and with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia aside from that- I am in the stages of having really good days and then paying for them for a couple days after that. Those of you who have recovered from a surgery or who have chronic fatigue, or another auto immune disorder, know what I am talking about. The rest of you?

Let's face it, as sweet as you are, you won't quite understand why you see us one day at the store and then wonder why we can't make it through all of church.

Let me enlighten you...

First, my credentials. I have had CFS and Fibro since - let's just say since my diagnosis when I was 13. I had it so extreme I was in a wheelchair and I never made it to a 'normal' school until college. I have gone up and down with this- and a few other illnesses we won't get into- because really, who cares. I have also helped many people with auto immune issues learn how to manage their lives with it. Anyways, back to enlightening you healthy people :)

When someone has a health issue they have to be very picky about what they choose to do. Doing anything drains their energy. It is worse when they are around other people. I know that seems weird, but it is true. When they are in a crowd, it exhausts them more. (A lot of these types of people are sensitive to a crowds emotions and it drains them) I know that seems unnormal, but hey, we are talking about unnormal here for most people.

So when you see *Joe out at the supermarket walking and acting fine, but he can't make it to your party later that night and he said he would... Don't take it personally. If *Joe said he would come he meant it. We are very good at saying no to things we don't want to do, or feel like we can't do, but *Joe there must have overdone by driving to the store and exerting trying to get the best deal on Avocados. It isn't your fault.

A lot of people with auto immune issues who aren't sever, or who get to a point where they can hide it, would rather die then tell you they have anything wrong with them (I have been here too) Sometimes these people end up being a bit flakey, unreliable, or vague. This does not excuse the people who are really a bit flakey, unreliable or vague, it just means there may be something deeper underneath that you can't see going on. So Joe may let you down one week, but over compensate another week, thereby letting you down another week- and the beat goes on. Give Joe a spouse and some kids and Joe may really like you, but Joe doesn't have an ounce of energy left to spend on one more person right now- wait until summer when the energy on the planet is moving faster. He will get to you. (that is not a threat) Trust me, Joe is excited for summer too.

My point is, life can suck- be glad you are healthy- hee hee. No really though, my point is to give a bit of insight into an ill persons life where they are at the point where they almost can be a real human. They try hard, but their bodies won't allow them. This is where blogger buddies are awesome. I can visit when I have the energy- and so can Joe :)

So thanks for being my buddy :)

*name has been changed

Thanks- Lillian J. Banks

Dear Blog

2011-03-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Blog- I know I haven't been around and I have neglected you terribly, but I had other responsibilities that I had to fulfill even while sick- I won't bore you with the details about my ups and downs this year as an ill chick, and I would like to put it all behind me as soon as my body is willing. Let's just call it a truce, blog, you and I are now truced, and start over. Deal?? Deal.

Besides, hubby is begging I start up again. I love hubby, but, dear blog, he has no idea how much time sapping blogs are. So dear hubby, if the dishes are not done.... oh wait, no shock there. :)

MIA

2010-07-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

I know I have been missing in action, but I have had some health issues (including mono) but I think we are getting closer to a diagnosis having ruled out the majority of scary stuff (after an MRI, CTscan, EEG etc.) It seems to be a neurological issue and deals with my nervous system. We are trying new meds for it and we shall see. I miss you all.

Feb 2010 Valentines decorations

2010-03-06T01:24:00.000-08:00

Bright Eyes Turned 1 year old!!! Crazy
Cute Kids
Still in Love

Valentines decorations- The non kiddy cutout ones

My cute Family, Dec 09

2010-03-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

Oh the joy of finally having everybody dressed decent for church- except Cinderella is on a "don't do my hair' kick- but these turned out pretty good- since the kids would only let me get one or two shots of them. These would have been on the Christmas card- had we sent any out this year.Cinderella turned 3, Jasmine turned 9, Lil Mate is 4, Bright Eyes turned 10 months 2009

Silly

More December 09 decorations

2010-03-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

Dining room

Christmas 2009 Decorations

2010-03-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

I know I overdo it- but here is a record of my decor that I will copy for this year. I love me some Christmas (most of my stuff has been gifts to me)

Christmas peeks, Random us, Mod podge redo :)

2009-12-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

A few Christmas sneak peeks- Chandelier - I love the hanging candy canes, but I think it needs more. Stay tuned. ;)My holiday changing shelf
Main tree- I added the gold ribbon this year (tia pan, 6.00$)
Tree two, in the family room- I love the pink glow

Hanging on for dear life asleep at the Festival of Trees (Beautiful place)

Daddy and kids- My hearts!Myself and kids- such a cute playhouse behind me... how would it be?Us's with baby- this was right after court. All day. we were exhausted, but felt we needed to lift our spirits.

lil' mate Awake

Cinderella awake- she fell asleep too
Baby 9 months old and beautiful!
Jasmine -She lost a tooth and the tooth fairy is 3 days late :( oopps
Handsome guy there! The trees were amazing, but we lost the red hat Lil mate wore (my nike hat) and two socks (the baby was sock-less above) I think we lost way more then we came home with. Ahwell
I love these Santa pictures. My mom mod podged them in the 70's?? Anyways, they look old, they are cute- they are hanging from my banister with raffia :)
Cinderella loves to write on anything!!! Here, a nice ruined tray, but since I love black. I love paint (in this case I just used craft paint)
And why not fix up this ugly frame??
Much better- I mod podged some scrapbook paper on the top to cover the writing. Trash averted, like mother like daughter.
and even the old picture looks better in this fresh coated black frame :)

The two year old Cinderella has been at it again. This time she put stickers all over daddy's arm while he slept.Hubby showered the next morning and went to work
The stickers were still there when he got home- and he had to wear a short sleeve shirt that day. Um yeah, the office laughed. My guy of course thought it was hilarious and look how the pretty colors bring out his eyes :)Daddy and oldest :)

Jasmine, Lil mate, and bright eyes- see how bright eyes throws her tongue to the corner of her mouth. Don't ask me why, even when she is crawling she does that. LOL!

And there you have it, a few random shots of our life and the glimpse of Christmas!

-DV

Diva Vixen

WIN FREE STUFF at Today's Mama

2009-12-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

Today;s Mama's “sleigh” is a Madsen Bike filled with gifts and goodies from Provo Craft to help you create those handmade projects including a Yudu screen-printing machine, a Cuttlebug, a Cricut Expression Machine, a Your Story thermal book binder, and a Knifty Knitter loom set. That’s not all - they've got treasures galore - a Dyson Blueprint, an Easy Walker Sky stroller from MamaBargains.com, two Sidekick baby carrier bags from Kemby and anAmber Alert GPS unit and a full year of service.

That’s over $3,800 in gifts!

Entering this contest is easy and fun. Just answer and post the meme below on your blog and send Today's Mama the link

To participate you must include all of the text, including the links, in bold below:

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme
TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.
1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?

* Scrapbooking supplies- cuz you can never have enough

* Really tall, sexy hot, black boots that come up to my knee. yeah baby!

* All my film developed- I think that would equal a years worth.

* A surprise from hubby :) He comes up with great things- like jewelry or my twilight record that hangs on a wall

* My house clean for Santa- wish I could borrow his elves for that one

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?

* Seriously? Anything food. But my mom has made me darling Christmas decorations that I love each year

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?

* Making jewelry or something cool for my friends

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?

* Sega Game system- spent hours with sonic the hedgehog (he is my hero)

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?

* Wii games- specifically MArio World wii- it is sooo much fun I give it 5 stars

* Nintendi DSi

* Dora Christmas movie

* Curious George Christmas movie

6. What is your favorite holiday food?

* Anything edible that remotely is unhealthy - Cookies, lots of cheese, etc.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?

* Cracker pulls (toilet paper rolls, stuffed full of goodies and covered in tissue paper and decorated)

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?

* The Star Wars Christmas special (okay, not!) Um, I actually have loved White Christmas since I was a kid- the Bing Crosby one. It is fun (all be it plotless) and musical. Danny Kaye puts a smile on any scrooges face

9. Favorite holiday song?

* White Christmas:It doesn't drag on forever or get tooo noisy.

10. Favorite holiday pastime?

* getting excited and passing on the excitement to my children and hubby. It is a gift- what can I say :)

Go NOW!!

I Tag- Scrappy, Tammy and Lola
http://www.todaysmama.com/exclusives.php
Thanks to all of our generous sponsors that helped make Mama’s Holiday Wishlist possible!

NEW MOON -Date with Hubby

2009-11-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

So a while back I posted about my New Moon dilemma. Since I know ya'll have been losing sleep over wondering what I decided to do. Hubby- Edward (and JaKe) So I chose both. (or all)

I went to the Fab Hubby work party with the most delicious food that I end up craving year round (Grand America Hotel Down Town Salt Lake City, Utah- so classy) There was a live band with a singer who had a great soothing background music voice so I could mingle in between my many times back to the buffet. MMMMMM- anyways- I had a lovely time with my husband- who I am OVER THE MOON about. He is such a rock star in my life and we hadn't had a date since..... the baby was a few months old?? Anyways, I love being with him and was reluctant to leave him and got to the movie without him. He was kind enough to take me to Gateway and drop me off so I could meet my posse to go to the movie with :) Then, dear hubby of mine, rushed home to take care of my babies.

My posse (mom, SIL, Mom's friend) were early- the line was long- long long long long. Luckily we had reserved seating (awesome seats) but before we could even get into the theater we were given our bags full of free stuff :) I LOVE FREE! (it felt free, we paid for it a month ago) A free necklace that says 'I kissed a vampire and liked it) free chocolate, free popcorn, a free t-shirt that says Edward steals my soul' a free car license plate cover that says 'Faster than a speeding Cullen' - which is tooo true for my driving skills- a free scenty smelly thingy- and it smells goood! free candy and a drink. A cool cup with edward on it. Nail polish, and a few micl. items- like vampire teeth.

NEW MOON: Movie starts- Flies by- Ends. Why did I feel bad about leaving my husband to see this??? I LOVED IT!! I can't wait to leave him again for it. Jacob really pulled it off and I am totally playing on both teams now! If I would have pictured those tan, buff muscles when I read the book- it wouldn't have driven me crazy that Edward was gone :) Go see it- take me with you- it was fun. Don't think about it, just enjoy it. It was way better than The first movie.

I can't wait to make dear hubby watch it- he has used many a line from that movie on me when we met. It sooo works. :)

PS I got home around 1AM- With all 4 kids asleep- Good job my good man- and to think, I was worried.

Psh!

raid your scrapbook stuff for decor

2009-11-23T14:48:00.001-08:00

I love meshing two things I love: Scrapbooking and Decorating

Using ribbons for both comes in handy like on my chandelier where I used a white ribbon to tie on the cutest little acorn.

I placed scrapbook paper around candles and I used stickers as well. I love my FALL sticker I used on a regular old candle. The other sticker I framed in a cute frame. Easy Peasy lemon squeezy.

The candy corn wreath was on clearance at Tia Pan (love that store) for 5$ and the pheasant feathers were on sale for 2$- I just combined them. Cheap and easy compared to the 25$ wreathes they were selling with the feathers already on it. Then I used it as one of my center pieces. All the ribbon was from the dollar store.

Think about what you have in your scrapbook stuff for Christmas- I will be :)

-DV

Thanksgiving Decor 09

2009-11-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

I had a really fun time decorating for Thanksgiving this year!! And now I am excited to take it all down for Christmas!! :)

Stranded in my PJ's

2009-11-04T23:21:00.000-08:00

Let me set the scene here, The night before was horrible- 3 kids in the bed, scared of,...???
I did not get to wash off my make-up (hate that feeling ALL night long)
Did not sleep well
Did not get a shower in the morning- or afternoon
Did not get dressed in the morning- or afternoon
Clingy, whiny- but still so sweet and cuddly kids- to distract all day
BARELY remembered to throw us in the minivan to go and get Jasmine from school.
I park. Whew, minutes to spare.
Did I mention I was in My PJ's?? And Bra less?? And in YESTERDAY's make- up.
A person parked in front of me and left me little room to pull out. I am IRRITABLE (my fault) and I am cursing her (nicely- I never use bad language- out loud- almost never)
So I turn my car to back up just a tad, before I am blocked in.

The CAR goes, rechagagagagag,
I TRY again, rigachagagagagaga
Again?? Rigacha
Crap!
I reach for my cell phone- but why would I have my cell phone on a day like this?? It is not there- I NEVER NOT HAVE IT!!!!!!! TODAY??? SERIOUSLY???
I slam my head (without blowing the horn) into my steering wheel. I pray. It went something like this.
Crud Lord, (can you say Crud to God- er, should you?) I have oily hair, and I am in my PJ's with nasty makeup- and my car battery is dead. I have no cell phone to call my hubby to rescue me. I can't go into the school to call looking like this, I am too chicken, (if it was just the pj's, that I could handle, but the oily hair, nuh-uh. I will have to walk home- with my kids- in the SNOW. Why does it have to be snowing?? I feel the tears a coming.
Tap Tap Tap
Lifting my head the sweet person in front of me- Who I just did not curse at for parking so close to me- was knocking on my window. I rolled it down, while snow flurries rushed in.
"Is your battery dead?" She happens to be beautiful- I try not to look her in the eye.
"Guess so." was my timid response- did I finish my prayer yet? Amen.
"Do you have jumper cables?" I look at the pile of stuff I got from a party at my moms house yesterday that I was too tired to take out of the car. I dig through it, but alas- why would I a mother of 4 kids have jumper cables?? That would border on smart.
"Don't worry," says the beautiful person that parked in front of me that I did not curse at, "I can run and get some, I don't live that far away."
I am eating humble pie at this point. I still can't look her in the eye and I nod.
I try to hurry and pick up the JUNK that is loading my car down to the ground, Jasmine gets in the car, and a few minutes asks why we aren't going. I explain. Realizing I have no idea how to open the hood of my van, and not wanting to look any more the idiot, I find a nice little pully thingy that releases the trunk just as 'she' pulls her cute jeepy car in front of me. I force myself to get out of the car, glad I have a coat with boots on. It is wet, and cold.
I open my hood that I had released, feeling a little cocky I figured that out. She hands me the jumper cables and I have never held them before.
"Don't hold them in the same hand, or touch the wires, you could electricute yourself."
Humble pie, I tell ya, good eaten.
So I hold them correctly- becuase heaven forbid I die with old make- up on, oily hair and in my pj's (bra-less) and I keep them out of the pooling water on the ground. She does not remember what is posotive or negative- and I don't know what the battery looks like. What's that? A Man? And he knows her? We are saved (oh crap a man, can it get much worse?)
Apparently it can- they both know me. How is that possible?? I try to be as reclusive as I can, and yet...
"I know you from, such and such. (kicking myself)
Of course my mom's voice pops into my head "Always get dressed with make-up on in the morning becuase y ou never know who you will run into during the day."
BITE ME!
Car starts, I am home- and I am never leaving AGAIN!!
(hangs head in shame, eating humble pie)
I did manage a thank you prayer, and apology for all the not cursings- because seriously, not only did my prayers get answered quickly- but I learned never to curse the person blocking you becuase they may save your pj tushi in the end.
-DV
Eaten any humble pie lately??

80's Halloween

2009-11-02T15:05:00.001-08:00

Like, we totally had the RADest time dressing up from the 80's, it was soooo BOSS!

Like, Check us out :)- Here we are at the party house

--oh and the kids too (We did not have those in the 80's)

I especially Love My baby tiger- sweet little girl :) 8months old and still not sitting on her own- the perfect baby :)

Hope you had a good one

A peek at Mom's Halloween

2009-11-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

I love my mom- I love how she decorates. Nether of us wastes an empty space with nothing- it must mean Something has got to go there. Who likes a white boring wall? (Besides my hubby?)

Late- I know- but here it is :)

l

Again, this is NOT my house, this is my mommy's- my Kids Grandma- The woman who gave me life- and taught me how fill in every nook and cranny in the house :)

Fooky Decor- Halloween 2009

2009-10-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

My house is very spooky, or 'fooky' as Cinderella - actually it is sooo not! It is very kid friendly because the 2 yr old is already 'fooked' out. But it is seriously everywhere in our house- even the black toilet paper in the bathroom (which I did not take pictures of- you're welcome) I also left out all the 'cute' kids projects. Too much? Never!

My favorite Halloween Item

2009-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

All the Halloween books!! I do this for every holiday, and keep the star tin out year round for the books in my living room.

I put all theme books away with the holiday it belongs to.

I mean away away, as in 'boxed up until next year so the kids are excited to see them again and it keeps them busy' away. We have a smallish collection right now for Halloween, but every year we try to add at least one more to the pile. Our Christmas collection is very large.

My mom started this with just Christmas, but I tend to use a good idea to death and let it trickle to every area it can. Do you have a Holiday book collection?

Take a moment- and watch this

2009-10-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is all too real- I am not afraid to say that I Love America- and I LOVE FREEDOM- and I am against any design man may create to capture our freedom and place us in bondage. King BO is just the fall guy with no real power. There are evil men at work, but they must fail. America is in our hands, and we need to pray for its deliverance from the clutches of greedy socialists and communism. FREEDOM FOREVER!! AMERICA FOREVER!! OUR CONSTITUTION FOREVER!!! This is my prayer. Join me. Speak up! Blog it!

-DV

Thanks wishtrish

THE hair cut

2009-10-20T00:20:00.001-07:00

Before- the day before the cutting job. All curly for church. SO cute.
Caught. See the almost bald spot?? Again, never leave your toddler alone. I pay for it every time!! If you do have a child you can leave alone for five minutes, count your lucky stars and go use the restroom for me, or shower, or put on makeup. Thanks.

Piles of it- not all of it pictured here *read below*

This is the 3rd time this year!! *Takes deep breath chanting I will survive*

float in my head- would ya?

2009-10-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

Just things floating around in my head tonight...

A. It has come to my attention thanks to another friends blog post t

hat new moon is coming next month. NEXT MONTH!!! I thoug

ht it was forever away- especially last month when I paid 40 dollars on one ticket for just me, no hubby or children, to go see said movie. forty dollars!!!! On me! I must have had a fever- but I am way excited to watc

h it before anyone else :) hee hee- Even if I found out later (okay, yesterday)

that the movie does happen to be on the same night as the fancy dinner party for my hubbies work. Free food. Fancy food. HMMMMM, Edward or Hubby??? How will I do it??? And leave the baby that long if I do both???? (40$$$ forty!!!!! UG!!!)

2. (Yes I know the last one said A. That is how I roll- er float) How do people live without playing Bunco?? (unless you spell it Bunko) It totally saves my sanity- and not just for the free food (seriously- the way to my heart is through my stomach- multiple times) I love the lovely ladies I play with, they are so amazing. It is such a great way to get to know people other than just a hi- or bye. Love it, love them, love seeing how people decorate too. Bunco it is a good thing.

B1. My oldest niece (pictured below with Cinderella) did some fancy fangeled mannoise (seriously can't spell that- I had to go to the fridge. Mayonnaise) and egg concoction in her HAIR to make it shiny. CONFESSION and a WARNING- first of all, her mom said her hair stank horribly, but it does shine. When I was in elementary school I heard how eggs would make your hair shine. I snuck (sneaked) an egg out of the old green avocado, or was it yellow- yup yellow- 70's fridge and took into the shower with me. Cracked it on the top of my scalp with my head hanging down. Egg shells everywhere that I had to pick off. Then I turned on the hot water. HOT WATER AND EGG PEOPLE!!! *shaking head in shame* IT COOKED the egg INTO MY HAIR. I had poached it into my hair!!! Not good. I have thick hair and it was down to my butt, and it was covered in clingy egg- with the yellow yolk, mind you. Fun times. Never told my mom. Never will. Great, now I am hungry.

I guess while we are on the subject I should tell you about the time I thought Vaseline would make my hair shiny.... Doesn't. Takes a good week to get rid of the oil look. Don't try it.

4. Halloween Decor. I decorated mid september. Crazy early this year. I have still been tooo lazy to take pictures of it. It is stinking cute. I love Halloween.

e. Baby Bright Eyes is so darling. I am so in love with her. She is 8 months old now. I finally had time to give her mush yesterday for the first time. She loved it. My 2 year old had a ball feeding her, but Cinderella must not have been doing it right because Bright Eyes took the spoon from her. I guess she was waayyy ready for solids. Great, now her poop won't smell like cheerios anymore and will actually stink like a toddlers. Ah, the milestones of life. I have to say this, Cinderella wiped off any spills of mush from the babies face. Why is she so clean when it isn't her?? Baby still can't sit up alone. She is scooting a bit more then I want her too. Jasmine was walking around furniture at this age. I love having a baby longer than a few months. I recommend the not sitting up thing. Totally :)

d. Haircut- This should have been posted back when I was talking about hair. Cinderella cut her hair this month herself. twice. The first time I walked away for 5 min. Not far. One room away. There were no scissors when I left, but when I came back there was a pile of hair. A PILE OF HAIR!!!! Right from the top. Her bangs have stubble in a chunk above them (hence the bow below) I am hoping no one will notice, ever. This last time I was working on a craft project- paper flowers- and I had the scizzors right next to me. She grabbed them- snipped the side of her head and put them back before I could even drop my project. I could just yell the NOOOOOOOOOO in slow motion like in the movies. We changed her name to sweet and sour- I am still waiting for the sweet side to stick.

10. (gotcha) We did a Family Home evening on the golden Rule. You know the- 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. I am trying to explain this to the little ones. "Lil' Mate- if you hit Daddy, and he could hit you back would you do it?" He nods yes. "The answer is No." He hits daddy. Change the focus off of him,

"Cinderella, do you want people to hit you?" She nods yes. "I hit daddy too." She whacks daddy. FAIL!

I had to explain it about out dog- cuz no one wants the dog hit. Mommy could be hit, they all could be hit, but no one better touch the dog. So the dog was the key character in the good samaritan story, lying on the side of the road hurt. Did the get it? Nope. After the good lesson on not hitting and treating others kindly they both ended up in time out for tackling each other. I tell you... this was the whole reason for the lesson on not hitting in the first place. Where did I go wrong???

Oh well. Look at these sweet faces. All. Worth. It.

I am a prude...

2009-09-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

*warning- this may be a bit judgmental*

So, when did the memo go around that it is acceptable to look like a hooker to pick up your child from school?? Can we take the memo back and burn it? Can I tell you how sick I am of seeing everyones cleavage? Seriously, I don't even think real hookers show that much when they pick up their own children from school.

Come on ladies, I have a boy- and a husband- and 3 girls that observe too much- keep your girls under wraps during the day and bring 'em out for special occasions- like a hot date with your hubby. Not at the school ground where my lil' mate can ask why you are showing your 'chest cheeks.'

Okay, I admit- I have never shown cleavage, and I am not sure what the appeal is. I can get cleavage- don't get me wrong, but I just have never felt the need to flaunt it around, and since I do not want my girls to flaunt it around that is another reason I choose not to.

I know you think it is a religious issue, but it isn't- plenty of ladies who know better still find a way to let it peek out. ticks. me. off. Maybe it is because my ex used to be addicted to Porn, but church should be the last place I need to see cleavage.

Can we just go back to the pioneer days in that respect? Please? I know I am a pruney prude, but lets compromise - keep your chest, and its cheeks to yourself at school and church where my kids are- and I won't throw a judgment on you when I am at the movie theater. And also, in return, you are welcome to call me a prude and look down upon my lack of cleavage- I'll still love ya. Even if your chest cheeks hang out around me- just please not my kiddos. Thanks

-DV

In God We Trust

2009-09-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but in our house we trust in God over any institution, organization, and government.

That is why we are proposing a Pray for America Day.

We can pray for America to be in God's hands.

We can pray for the safety and protection for our children.

And as always, Pray for our Troops.

God Bless The USA- as it is, as it was- as it will still be.

Friday- the official PRAY FOR AMERICA DAY

If you agree, spread the word :)

Quiz time!!!

2009-08-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

I took a fun color quiz, Thanks Scrappy, but I am not sure what I think about the results- here they are:

My existing situation:
"Creative and emotional, looking for ways to further expand those qualities. Looking for a partner who enjoys the same activities. Seeking adventure and new and unusual activities."

My stress source:
"Has high standards and wants to make friends with those who have equally high standards; however, she has been unsuccessful in building these types of relationships. she is feeling under appreciated and her self-esteem is damaged because of it. she is uncomfortable with the situation and wishes to escape, but refuses to make compromises or lower her standards. Puts off resolving her problems because she afraid of the conflicts it may cause. In order to feel secure, she needs to feel appreciated by others so they will do what she asks of them and respect her opinions"

My restrained characteristics:
Feels unhappy and isolated because she is unable to succeed in finding the cooperation and understanding she desires.

Current events leave her feeling forced into compromise in order to avoid being cut off from affection or future cooperation.

My desired objective:

"Wants interesting and exciting things to happen in her life. she is able to make others like him, because of her genuine concern for them. she is charming and open and makes friends easily. she can have an over-active imagination, which leads her to fantasize and daydream."

My actual problem:

"Impressed by unique and one of a kind things, and by people with exceptional personalities. Tries to takes the characteristics she likes in other people and apply it to herself as well as coming across as a unique individual."

My actual problem #2

"Feeling tension and stress brought on by situations which are out of her control, leaves her feeling helpless, anxious, and in adequate. she tries to escape into a fantasy world where things go her way and her desires are easier to reach."

Actually, it explains me pretty well. I like fantasy worlds.

Take it yourself

http://colorquiz.com/

And here is what I smell like to Edward Cullen *giggle*

I Smell Like Freesia to Edward Cullen You smell like freesia, just like Bella. Edward finds your scent so devastating that he can barely control himself. He is constantly fighting the urge to consume you - he isn't sure if he should bite you or kiss you.

- And that is Exactly how my hubby feels too. ;)

How I Smell to Edward » QuizRocket.com's fun quizzes!
Is Your Style Sexy?::Are You Rock Star Material?
What Shoe Are You?::How Punk Are You?

I won!!!

2009-08-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

I actually won a giveaway!! I hope that is a new trend for me :) (It has only taken me two years to win something online :) Check it out here- and enter to win other prizes.

http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Thank you!!

It happened....

2009-08-12T23:22:00.001-07:00

I so don't listen to my own advice! Don't let anyone tell you having three kids 4 and younger is easy- and if they do ask them what their doctor prescribed them (and send it my way)

Flashback- around two in the afternoon. It had been a busy day and I was tired- not unusual- I laid down with the baby and was feeding her.

Preschooler: accounted for and playing nicely by my feet.

Toddler: accounted for whining about not getting gum next to my head.

Baby: Oh yeah, I am feeding her (do you ever look for kids you are holding- maybe that is just me) and she is dozing off- let me shut my eyes for a moment.

Me: I am not asleep- I can hear the two playing- and opening the door- "Why don't I have an inside Child proof lock here?- I will make a note and tell hubby." I can hear them going into the family room- that is good- it is kid proof there.

Baby: Almost asleep- I should follow mid- two, but it will wake her up. Hmmmm.

ME: Just a few more minutes I actually hear happy chatter in the next room over. They are getting along!!! After a day of fighting they are happily having fun together. Ahhh. This parent stuff is easy peasy.

Baby is asleep, I';ll just slide away from her and walk into the room to see what they are playing with and I find this!!!...!!!!....!!!!... What the.... Where did they get scissors??

Sooooo caught in the act!!!!! Big trouble!!! What was funny is I just got Lil' Mate's hair cut and I was just saying how I needed Cinderella's cut soon too. Well, here she is sitting in the baby's Bumbo (awesome thingy) and here Lil' Mate was cutting away- listening to her jabber and he was saying uh-huh- uh-huh- just like a hairstylist. Very Metrosexual and maybe a future career- he even cut from all sides, not just one- but for now he is in deep doodoo.
Her nice hair cut- sticking up UP
Her holding the pile of hair I collected and put into a baggy to show daddy.

What to do when Time Out won't even begin to touch it (and here I am trying my darndest not to luagh)

For your information (sicne I know you are dying to know) We are NOT going to slice her hair up anymore- it will stay this way until it grows out. She still looks like a girl and it isn't like she is going to let me fix it anyway. But there goes my past advice:

Give me a yellow hat and I will eat it.

What's on your Keychain??

2009-08-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Since I tend to get keys confused my hubby thought this was a perfect solution- and I have to agree :) for 2.50 at walmart- it can't be beat!! Now I know what key goes to what just by the design- and it saves me from carrying a bunch of different keychainy thingys that bulk up and wack me in the head.

I do have to carry the pirate princess around though. (sorry it is blurry- no idea why)

So- what is on your key chain?
-DV

Get on this train...

2009-08-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to Psych! imdb - and IMDB (internet Movie Data Base) I have been using imdb for a couple years now and I must say it never disappoints. It even has a parent rating guide where you can read what other parents say about the movie to see if it is right for your kids.
Anywho, back to Psych- it is in it's 4th season, it is clean- I think the only risque make out scene is in the pilot episode and it is minor for now days. The main character has a photographic memory- which sooo rocks- anyways, he is Like MONK (another fun show) but way funny-

oh- just watch it on HULU- if you haven't heard of Hulu see the link below:
Hulu advertisement- Alec Baldwin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m71m-LBqFQ#watch-main-area

Tickle your funny bone now :)
-DV

Peace- be still

2009-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

I have been getting too upset about the while Health care issue (Hitler and Stalin like) And I had to remind myself to put More Faith and Less fear into the equation. As I was praying on how to do this I felt like I should check my email and this was sitting there at the top of my inbox...

Harold B. Lee's Quote on America

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America ; you and I must have faith in America , if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.
I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. (Ye Are the Light of the World, 350-51)

It doesn't mean I can ignore what is happening, but I do have faith in America- the way God intended it to be, and that is what I will hold onto.

-DV

Pop tart humor

2009-08-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

YUMMM

This was from theidearoom

Temple Sealing Anniversary

2009-08-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

4 years ago- We chose to have our family be a Forever Family and we were sealed together inside the Salt Lake Temple-- Best Decision Ever! Jasmine Was 4, Lil' Mate was 4 months old. We were thrilled when my Temple divorce was finalized from my last marriage so we could move onward as a family :)

'Rainbow' Please

2009-08-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet and Sour, Cinderella, asked me to tie her a Rainbow on her her dress. She is into dress ups right now and as girly as she is- she will NOT let me touch her hair. Here she is, messy hair, a pretty dress, my shoes and a girly pose. Love her.

Long May you Wave

2009-08-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is From The Purple Diva- Love her Love her blog!

3 Crying children and Laundry

2009-08-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

BTW- thanks for the encouraging posts below- very needed. We are very grateful for the early diagnosis- it helps tremendously.

Here is my cute- happy family (overall)

Jasmine at Drama Camp- She is a huge help with the 3 little ones and I am not sure what I will do when school starts without her.

Problem:Laundry needed to be folded, kids needed to be roped down, tightly (too much pinching and hitting going on)

Solution: Car Seats!!

Buckled all 3 kids- took two strollers out of the back (one was a double- you should see us go places- people look at us like we are a train)

Loaded up with clean laundry that needed to be folded.

Drove with AC so loud to drown out crying 2 year old (she was mad I wouldn't give her gum)

Kids fall asleep 10 minutes later- ALL Three!!

Pull over in park- with shade and leave car running. I FOLD Laundry- to the nice hum of the car engine and quiet from the kids- and ignore the onlookers- did someone take a picture???

PROBLEM SOLVED

Now, how to get it inside and put away before they dig through it. hmmmm.

*I love my kids, I love my kids, I love my kids*

-DV :)

(seriously, I am fine- and I am not going crazy- or baby blues- ing- I think)

Pediatric (Early onset) bipolar

2009-08-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

My boy- lil' Mate- has been diagnosed with Pediatric Bipolar. This is our second opinion- which kinds makes it official. We have suspected since birth that something was not quite 'right' with him.

I read 'The Bipolar Child' by Demitri Papolos, M.D. and Janice Papolos

It was really informative, but beyond that, I cried and cried when I saw what I had been dealing with for 4 years explained and validated. Other people have had to deal with this too. Neither my husband or I are bipolar, but my hubby's sister has been diagnosed with it.

It really helped to know that my boy really can't do anything about it. That we can't force him to be good.

I wish I could describe what it has been like with him since infancy without sounding like I am making it up. If you don't have to deal with it day in and day out, there is no way to understand it. We have lost friends and we have and to be more secluded because of his 'condition'. I had to stop going shopping becuase I never new when he would have an episode- which could have been manageable with just he and I, but I have other little ones. One mom wrote this on a card and handed it to people when her son had a flare up- and when other onlooksers were vocal about judging.

"Thank you for your advice and concern. My son is suffering with early-onset bipolar disorder, a neurological brain disorder which causes him to feel very irritable and anxious and culminates in tantrums and rages such as the one you are now witnessing. Screaming and threatening inflame the situation and are damaging to this child. Becuase it is obvious that you are concerned about this kind of behavior, may I suggest that you contact the Juvinile Bipolar Research Foundation at (973-275-0400) to learn more about this devastating illness of childhood-and if you can- please make a donation to support research so that no child should ever have to contend with this level of emotions in a little body and a developing brain. Thank you." (this was actually in the book)

----

He is a rapid cycler- which he switches moods aften, and unlike adults where it cn be over the span of months, my little guy can go from happy to a rage to depression to happy within minutes to hours. We get breaks form his inner rage, and he is the sweetest, most enjoyable kid, and sometimes they would last a week or so, giving us hope that maybe we were wrong, but it never lasts. At his worst he was throwing chairs and dumping shelves down around us, at 4 years old.

My 2 year old, Cinderella, also has many of the same symptoms and will likely be diagnosed with the same in a year or two- luckily she is not as severe. Bright eyes, 5 month old, has no symptoms of it at all- yes they can track it from birth.

We love this guy very much- and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He doesn't understand what happens and we are doing our best to help him. He also has ADD- which we can't medicate him for becuase it flares up the BP (bipolar)

We are pretty optimistic though, and since we are not able to medicate the BP until he is older (or else he builds up an immunity (and it won't work when he will really need it- as a teen.)

And we have found many natural, energy tools that will help him- things I learned years ago that are making a huge difference. I will post what works here and there.

I am determined to help other parents going on this journey in their family.

-DV

Congratulations to me (and my wedded bliss)

2009-07-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

I (okay, we) Survived 3 kids age 3 and under!! It was not easy, let me tell you, but we are here to tell the tale.....

If only we could remember the tale- I could tattle tell, but that would be boring and annoying.

Alright, so I am a wuss, (pardon my French- I know, you are wondering why I am picking up a different language when I don't got English down) we only had 3 kids age 3 and under for 2 months or so- but still, badges in life are hard to come by for a WAHM/SAHM/CAHM (craft at home mom- so me) So I am going to brag about this for years- not in my good friend who had 3 kids 21 months and younger, nope- she takes the entire cake (did I mention one was autistic?) Plus I had an 8 year old to help, that loses brownie points, and I had my hubby (Halleluea, my chronic fatique and fibro needed him home!) for a months worth of maternity leave from work, so that knocks it down a bit too- but throw on the court crap and I get a bit more kodus, right?

My next small and hopeless badge of motherhood is to survive 4 kids, 3 of which are 4 and younger :) (and to have no more surprise babies!!- and still keep a hubby)

Without further stealing of the spotlight (see a trend here)

The birthday boy!!! I love you lil' Mate- the good and the bad- you are bright and delicious to be around...

And Birthday boy number two: Daddy/hubby who turned a very handsome and distinguished 40 (yes four zero)

Yes stud, you rock my world, and spoil me rotten. Thank you :)

Prayers Please!!

2009-05-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the big court date- we feel we have everything ready as much as we can and we just pray that our daughter will be kept safe- and us too.

JOY

2009-04-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Go here to enter an awesome give away!!!

http://trying2staycalm.blogspot.com/2009/04/david-bowman-print-giveaway.html

Go HERE to see more of David's work

http://www.bowman-art.com/indexFineart.htm

Prayers for Sadie and Little Owen

2009-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sadie is a beautiful 6 year old girl- I have had her info on my side bar for a while- anyways, they are taking a break from her Chemo and she needs prayers to have energy and to feel good during this break so she can play with her little sisters and family. You can read about her journey and her amazing family here:
http://sadiehuish.blogspot.com/

Little Owen is a baby born early and weghing 1 pound when he was born! He has made it to 2 pounds, but has a bad infection. His mom got to hold him the first time after a month this week!! Please pray for them- and thier little toddler too (18 months old) You can read about him HERE:
http://jtppp.blogspot.com/

I am hoping you will visit these amazing familys and leave a note of love and comfort. THANK YOU!

(And thank you for your prayers for us- this week is HUGE in our own fight- the best thing about ours is we know our girl will live no matter what the courts decide- these familys don't know if thier little ones will survive- but we pray they will)

The two and the three

2009-04-17T21:45:00.001-07:00

These sweet toddlers are only 20 months of unplanned ages apart. Lil' Mate was planned and anxiously awaited for, Cinderella was a complete shock and surprise- I worried long about Lil' Mate (who I was still breastfeeding when I got knocked up- don't worry, that was not our form of birth control) and I was co sleeping with him, and he was not the easiest kid I'd been around anyway, (And I had lots of experience) So I had to wean him and kick him out of my bed before the baby was born- so to say there was a little resentment may be an understatement.

What is really ironic is I am 21 months older than my little brother- and we did not get along. Okay, that was wrong, I did not get along with him, I was angry that he took my mommy away from me- He didn't really, my mom got very sick with toxemia and she and he almost died from it. After her delivery she came home drugged and sick and was stuck in bed delirious for a few weeks. My dad would take the baby to her only for her to nurse him- and I got lost under the shuffle of 3 kids older than me- not their fault, I would hide under chairs and scratch anyone that came close. (My older sister and Grandma still has a scar) So the only tangible thing I could understand at such a young age was that the baby did this to me, and to my mom. Years of resentment later, I finally understood what had happened and I was able to love and have tons of good memories with my bro. He is great! But I never wanted to have kids so close together like that.

Karma. Not only did I do that (only thank heavens without toxemia) but I did it a month closer. UG! PLUS dear hubby was working three jobs just to make ends meet with the court stuff we have been dealing with since 8 year old was 3- he's got a new job now and doesn't work nearly as much. (*grin*)

It was not easy, Lil Mate loved to hurt baby Cinderella whenever he could- so I could not take my eyes off of her. Plus she was extremely accident prone, even as a baby (luckily we worked through all that) If anything in the room fell or was thrown, it was drawn to her head like she was a magnet- it was horrible, my adrenal glands were shot!

I had my acupressure certificates at this point, and I was working on my EFT certificates (Emotional Freedom Technique) and both really made a difference and helped a ton, but having two toddlers who are bullheaded and don't quit get the concept of a consequence or the word 'No' (except for when they use it) is bound to lead to some biting, hitting, scratching, wrestling, kicking, throwing, etc...

It also has great moments of sharing, loves, hugs, kisses, pats on the head, clapping for one another, and one clinging onto each of my legs giving hugs (or biting, scratching, crying, hitting, begging, telling me not to leave, etc...)

But after Bright Eyes came into the picture (or a little before when I could barely left my head off the couch) The not so good moments overshadowed the good ones, and we kind of have been stuck in that pattern ever since. I have tried all the discipline techniques out there (and I have read many a book about discipline) Since most of them were time out kinds of things- (oh get this, I do not believe in spanking, but holy cow have I tried it- didn't work) But what I realized is most of it was punishment and not enough encouraging- so the new game plan is *gasp* Sugar. I have banned sugar up till this point because it makes my kids really, REALLY REALLY violent- No, REALLY. Dried fruit- bad- granola bars, fruit bars- fail, anything processed- fail badly. Sometimes ketchup will trigger it. Lil' mate is worse than Cinderella, so we have avoided sugar as much as possible, (except special occasions- where we pay for it later on) unfortunately it also motivates them. So, using only the brown colored m&m's (less food coloring which triggers Cinderella) I have now rewarded the kid who just got hurt with one m&m.

Worked like a charm

Until Lil' Mate decided to egg on Cinderella to bite or pinch him- apparently he was sooo sugar deprived that he would a mortal wound for it.

Then I tried the 'if I leave the room (because I so have not been able to leave them alone together for an instant) and while I listen to them on the baby monitor and if they are good the entire time I am away they will both get an M&M. That worked a few times (a girl has to pee-I don't wear diapers, 3 kids in them is enough, although Lil' Mate is wearing underwear most of the time now :)

Then I tried an M&M for every Ten minutes they were nice (they have not gotten very many of those)

Then I tried to get to quiet time...

Now I am trying to keep one gated in one room and the other in the room next to it and I stay in the hallway holding the baby to keep an eye on both of them- They switch rooms every ten minutes.

I was letting one sleep in, and waking one up early, then alternating naps so they are on different schedules, but that didn't work so well either. Plus I was staying up late with the one who napped late and getting up early with the one who woke early, plus feeding and changing a diaper at night. (Hubby started a new job, so he needed his sleep, otherwise hes been good to help) Jasmine was a fantastic help- darn that school and being gone all day- I can leave and go to the bathroom when she is home (taking baby with me of course)

Part of the issue is there is not a large room in my house so they are in closed quarters and in each others face ALL DAY LONG (Me too, might I add)

Any tips or thoughts on what has worked for you??????

E 6000 - he-man glue

2009-04-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

E 6000!!!!!

He-man glue it is!! I am in LOVE with this glue! It is seriously my new best friend and totally does what I want so it is better than he-man :)
Picture one- Sexy, no?

It is stronger than glue gun glue, and tackier than tacky glue and beats up Elmer's in one whiff! (I am not endorsing whiffing glue- or snorting either- of which I have done neither- I did used to let Elmer's school glue dry on my hand and enjoy peelng it off- but that was in 2nd grade, maybe longer- actually, that sounds fun I can tell the kids it's my real skin like my brother told me. Darn April Fools day is over)

The stuff stinks to high heavens (I am actually growing fond of the smell- it is the smell of accomplishment) and should not be used in closed rooms- there actually is a strong warning on it, much like 'Leave the room if you can't breath anymore' (not a direct quote) - so I do not use he-man around kids/baby, but what else was I going to use that will last longer than anything else under the superhero rug??

Here is its claim:
Industrial Strength (see, He-manish)
High Viscosity
(I am not sure what it means but I likey)
okay dokay, me being the word smith that I am *snicker* looked it up for you, even though, possible you, unlike me all ready knew that word, and again, unlike me remembered it...

The Multi-purpose Adhesive
Self-leveling Formula (yeah, self-leveling- what man can do that? Don't answer)
Waterproof
Flexible
Non-flammable
Paintable- you so can't go wrong with paintable!!

I am finding all sorts of uses for it, such as:

Shoes (my daughters favorite sparkly Hannah Montana shoes were saved!!!) the sole was coming off.

Broken items, toys, frames, anything else the toddlers get their hands on :)

and my favorite: CRAFTS!!!

Okay, now that I totally sold you on this awesome (did I mention it dries clear?) product you are asking where can you buy it, am I right? I am sooo right. I bought it at Roberts- yes Roberts!! The craft store, easy peasy. I do not know how much it cost (don't tell hubby that I didn't pay attention) I was so thrilled and giddy to find it (and lil mate was trying to pull the cart down, accidently? Almost dumping Cinderella who was buckled up front and was kicking at him while the baby who was sleeping in her car seat in the back of the cart- it was past time to leave) So I threw it in the cart (yes I forgot there was actually a baby in the back of the cart, but luckily I had missed her) ahem*clears throat* (don't tell hubby that either)

Here is the picture again for this Industrial strength glue- sleek and tantalizing, No? I think yes!

Questions???

EDIT: Robert's is a craft store

http://www.robertscrafts.com/index.php

It may only be in Utah, but check your craft store- I do not sell this, I am just in love with it :)

Redemption!! Bring on the chocolate!

2009-04-17T20:42:00.001-07:00

I have NOT a cavity- None, zero! I am shocked- I had waayyy more acid this last pregnancy than any other and lesser flossing time than normal- but hey, count the many blessings that come your way :D

Speaking of... Bunco is awesome! I love my group, they so rock! We made it through our first year without any backstabbing, biting, nail clawing, or gossip- Everyone still likes each other and can't wait to come. Since I am president of the group that makes me very happy- so I decided to make a reward for the winners throughout the year (I have kept a running game total) We have 4 prizes each month:

Bunco

1st

Travel

Booby (loser)

I tallied the wins all up for the twelve months and Made some rocks for the winners saying, Most win's

Most travel's

Most booby's

They are rock magnets made with my favorite glue.

And then the coveted prize of the year was the most Bunco's in one night. 7 did you see that? No? SEVEN!!! My mom has been in a group for 25 + blinking years and no one has had 7 bunco's in one night!!!

Anyways, she got this dandy thing, Being the Queen of Bunco's and all- and I doubt anyone can beat her. Ever.

Then of course, because I am a sucker for a loser (being one myself- more on that later) I made a bunch more of these for all!!! The Twilight ones went FAST!

All in all it was a fun, much needed girls night out once a month for 5$ The only issue I have, with me being president and all, is that I did not win one a single prize the entire year!!

What's that you say?? not one?? *sigh* nope, not one, so I am cavity free and prizeless - and I have yet to win any of those stupid blog giveaways either... but do not pity me for my lack of luck, oh no, not I. Just send me things :) Money would be perfect. Seriously though I had one friend mourn the losses I have had and she had a plant ready to give because she "Knew I would not win anything," aren't friends the bestest? (BTW it smells beautiful- like lilacs) Besides, seeing the shock on every ones face that I even kept a running tally and rewarded them for it was worth it :) Plus I had 11 meals and desserts that I did not have to cook- yippy!!! (Not to mention 3 tables with sugar treats on them, yummm) And I was relatively kid-less, except for the baby who was awesome. (It was on one such night that hubby fed Cinderella fry sauce from the straw- ah well, so worth it)

What kinds of fun things do you do for Bunco?

Yeah, it's me- the mom with the hairy legs...

2009-04-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered "Who the heck is that???" Not just because you look strange and different, but because you act and do things you never thought you would?

EXAMPLE:

... I remember being a young, free, stupid teenager thinking it was horrible that my own mother did not always shave her legs (can we say Shallow?- it probably was winter too!) Not that she wore shorts like that, I only noticed when she was in her bed clothes for a family night movie. I swore then and there I would never have hairy legs- well Ha! Take that Karma, I now have hairy legs, often, if not all the time- is it the four kids? Am I lazy? Do I just not care?? (All of thee above?) Luckily my hubby doesn't care- he dated some Very hairy ladies, apparently. (those are not Really my legs- or the rest of me, they are closer to bathing suit season than I am)

Anyhow, my mom had 6 kids, and always looked very nice and stylish- Here I am in a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt - and what was I thinking getting dressed an hour before my Dentist Cleaning - did I forget I have a baby? Babies like to pee and poop out of their cute little money devouring diapers. The poop/pee loves to find the freshly cleaned

only nice clothes that you can fit into after having said baby who likes to poop/pee- now, with little time to wash clothes (and yet somehow time to blog about i

t) I am wearing good old Mickey mouse, bought in 1990. Thank goodness there is Snow outside so I don't have to look cute and springy yet.

So- I wouldn't normally care about the hairy legs (we've established the laziness) but tonight I have a girls night out- and how can you feel cute with all the other cute gals who have smooth legs under their trendy clean clothes. I mean, the hair makes me feel manly, and that is not the right attitude for a girly part

Could I get any more Shallow?? yes!

Have you ever had a space of time where you did not wear makeup?? Maybe basic, I have to see someone and I don't want to scare them makeup, but just not the full blown- yeah I am trying to look like hot stuff (or at least look I care) kind of make-up?

It has been a while for me- so long ago in fact I had forgotten how. I am standing looking in the mirror thinking 'what do I do now?' it took me FOREVER to get it on, and since I am going to the dentist and they will nicely mess it all up anyway, did it matter?? Come on, DV (me) you can do this!! It is only Mascara and eyes hadow!!

Sigh

It doesn't help that yesterday, while attempting to start to think about sort of trying to lose all the weight so pleasantly gained during the pregnancy I spotted my husbands birthday gift of these:

http://dktruffles.com/index.htm UTah Truffles

Not just one, but an entire box of them 24!!!! He bought me a box those for Valentines day which I had not a one problem downing in less than a month.

So, being the good girl I am, I avoided anything sweet and went for these:

The whole bag- alone- without help (okay, Lil' Mate had 5)

And then I ate one (possibly two, but don't tell me- or my hubby because they are his after all) of the Minty goodness Chocolate anyways. Hmmmm-

Can we say FAIL!

Yes, but I enjoyed every minute of it!

Do you remember feeling this way after a having a baby too????

I think if I can make it through the dentist Cavity free it will redeem me for the month :)

I will try to be less shallow tomorrow- maybe later today

-DV

Why is it Wednesday...

2009-04-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Why is it that Curious George is the perfect toddler- and he's a monkey???! If the stupid man with the yellow hat could learn anything about toddlers - or at least by his own experience dealing with george- he would realize that most of his problems come from leaving George alone. Alone!! You can't leave a Toddler alone!! And those who do seriously pay for it- trust me! That is why the nail polish ends up on the walls- or the chap-stick that you thought was high enough out of reach was eaten by said toddler (actually I was in the same room)- or the reason you have to call poison control 3 times in the same week. once for eating too much toothpaste, and another time for eating tums, and another time for sucking on a washcloth that you had just scrubbed with cleanser on it (okay, most of those happened because I have two toddlers and I was chasing after the other one trying to keep him out trouble)

Maybe it's because the man with the yellow hat is just that- a man. You can't leave men alone with toddlers either because one of two things happen:

A. Toddler gets into trouble

B. Man gets toddler into trouble,

Such was the case when I left two full grown men, dads no less alone with Cinderella. They thought it was funny and encouraged her to drink fry sauce- WITH A STRAW!!!

So please man with the yellow hat, do us all a service and watch poor George- its not his fault you are an idiot. Sure, things he does wrong tend to work out for the better, which does not help my kids -who idolize him- behave any better.

Maybe we need a 'marry off the man in the yellow hat' petition- that chic from the movie will do.

More court stuff

2009-04-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

It seems we still need prayers of protection for my oldest (8) girl. My baby is so beautiful and such a joy. My son turned 4, and he and 2 year old sister are so loving to the baby- not quite so much to each other, but every day they are getting better with that too. Everything is falling into place nicely :)
I am keeping the faith well, and appreciate all the kindness and support we recieve. I have had so many fun projects going on and learned many things I can't wait to share with you. Life is fantastic! (aside from the court issue, but even that is not going to pop my happy bubble) I am choosing to deal with this as well as I can.
My stud of a husband had his birthday- and he is just as fun and as cute as the day I met him- actually, even better. I love how he has aged and I love how he has really found his happiness with us- his wife and children. He is such a fantastic father to all 4 kids and a wonderful hubby and best friend to me. When my ex has caused so much pain to my oldest girl, my husband has been the best example of what a real father should be, and has brought her much joy and happiness. She wants my ex to move on from her and let her heal- and we pray that he can make the choice that is in her best interest- not mine or anyone elses, but hers. Even her councelor feels that she should not be alone with him- so the fight goes on.
Prayers please- and Happy Easter. *hugs*

Emergency baby carrier with pants.

2009-03-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

Add this to my 72 hour kit...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq2KD-dBY6M&feature=related

:)

She's here!

2009-02-23T00:29:00.000-08:00

Baby 4- Everything went great! She is such a joy and bright spot in our lives.

Day in court

2009-02-18T12:40:00.001-08:00

Day in court:
Did not go well, the commisioner went back on what he said last time, throwing everything in our favor out. Not sure why. We will take it to the judge. My daughter needs prayers of safety until we can get things ironed out for court. This is just another step to protect her is our prayer. Still no baby, I have a dr. apointment tomorrow. Thank you everyone.

Baby stage fright?

2009-02-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, yesterday I was having contractions all day and they started getting really close together and painful- and they double peaked- with back labor. I decided around 9:00 to go get checked out at the hospital- sinceI was having a hard time talking during a few of them. My parents get to my house at 9:30 and My hubby and I leave. They monitered me for an hour and I watched as my contractions slowly got further and further apart. False alarm!!! Ug! So they sent me home around midnight- very nicely- and said I had such a good head start that it wouldn't take long when it did happen- but alas, it was not meant to be.

I felt so dumb- I knew I was in labor, but it just didn't stick. You hear about that happening, but I have never done that before. So after apologizing to the nurses for wasting their time- poor sweet things- we left confused, disappointed, and relieved.

But all was not lost- Hubby and I got some alone time while we were there, it was almost like a date, except I couldn't eat anything and I was in a hospital gown and hooked up to a bunch of moniters. But hey, we are parents of 31/2 kids- we will take it when we can :) So, court day is tomorrow and the baby I think has decided to wait, because I am a walking timebomb and have yet to explode. I may as well do some laundry. TTYL

Thanks, my peeps, for all the encouragement and prayers :)

V-Day 2009

2009-02-15T10:58:00.001-08:00

This year was all about the kids- poor hubby didn't even get a gift from me- he bought me mint truffles, my fave. I just couldn't get out and about this year. He even surprised me with breakfast in bed with all the kids. It was so cute to see their eyes light up from surprising me :) I love being a mom!

Then we went to Jungle Jims Playland- it is like a chucky cheese, but with rides. It was not cheap for the hour my kids only lasted. But they had fun. We ate lunch at Wingers and decided to live on the wild side. I ordered onion rings for my meal and my husband ordered sticky fingers for his meal and we shared. What?? Nothing healthy?? They did come with celery sticks, but the kids were still hungry so we let them eat those- so yeah, breaded and sauced- it was great. Then we delivered neighbor gifts (all right, Husband and oldest did that- the two little ones took naps, and I scrapbooked :)

Then my sweet husband had to go to work and the kids and I watched a movie. It was a really fun kid friendly heart-day. Oh, the hair do was off a great site called The story of a princess and her hair It was really fun. I actually combined two of the ideas I liked.

February stuff 09

2009-02-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is the Valentines box we made for school. My sweet, unpredictable girl wanted a Leopard Box. We made it so the mouth opens and you put the valentine's in the mouth and they fall into the bigger box below. we used material and a staple gun to attach it to the box. I love projects like this, and she was a huge help. I used to make boxes like this when I was a kid, and I did a life size R2-D2 for my brother one year, and a tall dragon one year (Maybe I can dig up old photos.) It is funny though- she wanted a girl cutsie leopard, I would have gone with a boy that wasn't cutsie :)

The heart is a rod iron candle holder that hangs from a lantern hook I have had for years, and the idea hit me to cover it with ribbon for v-day decor. I already had the ribbon lying around (The red was left over from my wedding) It was a fun project to keep myself busy with.

The kids had just made cupcakes and we were going to give them to neighbors, but I came down with a cold and decided to keep them and buy something for our good neighbors this year. We ate the cupcakes ourselves (okay, I ate most of them)

Fun stuff.

I am still hanging in there

2009-02-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

I was checked on monday- dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced. I was having many contractions, until two days ago. I am thinking I will make it to court- but I am praying for help to let go and not stress over what may or may not happen with court, or the baby. I am not in control of any of it and I just need to do the best I can.

It is an odd feeling to think I won't be a mommy to 3 kids, but to 4. I wish I could use their names on this blog, but when you have an ex who would love to learn too much about your current life we have to take many precautions.

I love my children so much and they are such beams of light - each in their own way. My oldest 8 year old girl is such a fantastic help and so cheerful for what she has to deal with. I love listening to her jabber on about school and to hear the way her mind works is so fun.

My son is 3 and is getting really independent- and helpful. His eyes light up so bright, full of wonder and mischief. He is learning a whole new vocabulary "Not exactly, mom" is the thing of late. He cracks me up.

My 2 year old is such a spit fire, and so snugly. She is trying so hard to keep up with her big brother- and show him up when she can. She talks all the time and is so expressive with her whole body. She has been carrying a baby doll around, and not too gently. Hopefully she won't impose her new skills on the new baby when she comes :)

I can't seem to make it through a day without the awe of these kids that I am in charge of. So many times they seem so much more intelligent than I am and they should be teaching me. Other times it feels like I am hanging out with my best buds and just exploring this world together. And other times I wish I could just have the house perfectly clean and take a nap. But honestly, there is nothing more important to me than my family and I can't imagine not having these precious moments with my little ones. I still have no idea where or how the new baby will fit in- safely being a huge concern. Between flying toys and rambunctious toddlers. I really like the idea of a basket I can tie to a rope and pulley up to the ceiling, but the rope would be swung upon. ;)

Even though we were trying to prevent the bottom two kids of the four, I can't imagine my life without them- and I can't imagine how a chunk of my heart that I didn't know was missing was filled by their presence. Each of my children have done that- what a empty life without them I would have! There are no accidents, huh?

I am so grateful for my best friend, my husband. He is such a fantastic dad, and the kids ask for him all day long- which is a testament to me of how much they love him.

The end of a pregnancy sucks. I hate surprises, and I like to have things planned out ahead of time as much as possible. I am learning to bag the plan and just deal, and I am also learning how to enjoy the moments, despite the chaos, and be in a state of gratitude regardless of what happens or doesn't.

The dr.s and I never thought I would last this long with this pg- and last month there were scares of coming too early, so I am glad that she is fully developed and when she comes, I can't wait to hold her in my arms, and see my husband hold his baby girl for the first time. He is sooo sweet to watch with our children.

Anyways- The court date is on wed. so we will see what happens with both. I have no predictions.

I hope all is well in your world :)

Prayers Please!!

2009-02-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

my Lawyer called. We have a hearing on February 18th at 9AM. (we will be able to change that if I am in the hospital with the baby)

We need prayers that my daughter will continue to be protected- and that the commissioner will see that.

I had a check up yesterday and I am dilated to a 2 and 80% effaced- So basically I can go at any time- or last 3 more weeks. They don't know. I am due the 27th so really, anytime. I did not want to have to think about this while I am about to deliver my child, but oh well. We will deal. I would actually prefer to wait until after the hearing to deliver- since I can't take a newborn to court with me.

So yeah, prayers please. Thank you.

Christmas Decor...

2009-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a few shots of what I did this year with some of my mountains of stuff:)

The penguins did end up in the kitchen- I wish I had gotten a picture of the kitchen table all penguined up, oh well. I loved it. Since I have been collecting decorations in high school (mom has come in real handy every year too ) I have too much, but I am always excited to see it as I put it out and then again as I put it away.

Yesterday at Court

2008-12-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Court day went as good as we
hoped. My daughter will still be supervised!!! Which means she will be kept safe. We are not sure if we are done at court, but for now- we will take this miracle and enjoy the holidays (
plus prepare for our new baby) What a huge relief this is! My lawyer said he couldn't even sleep he was so concerned about how it could go.
Thank you so much for all your prayers and kind words- they helped more th
an you know. :)
Yesterday, as well, my other daughter turned 2!!! She is such a character and sang 'Happy to me!' All day long. Then and now pictures. :)

Thankful Thursday

2008-12-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Other Church Member,

Thank you so much for noticing me- even though I was trying hard not to be noticed. I realize that it was the wards Enrichment activity and that I spent most of it bawling uncontrollably in my car to the point that I couldn't even drive home- and I realized that I had done a table in my dishes and silverware and with my penguin decorations and I couldn't leave them there. I know I felt good when I got there and the prayer was nice and I waited nicely for it to end outside the doorway, and when it did end the fact that my daughter had to start going again to supervised (thankful it is supervised) visitation tonight hit me, and all the tears from my little girl begging me not to send her- even though I am court ordered to do so and I have no choice finally hit me too. I lost it and ran from the church to the said car. It was cold outside, and for some reason- when I felt I could not cry any more- I thought that the program portion of the night would be in a different room than the room where my table settings sat- I sneaked back inside the church- praying no one would noticed. Sure, I looked like I had been crying, but if I didn't make eye contact, who would notice, who would care? I hoped no one would notice, I hate being a victim martyr type. So I was surprised there was someone out in the hallway. Sure I recognized you, but didn't think you knew me, but I guess you did because you asked if my husband still worked two jobs (he does- but not as often) And then you asked if I felt okay- sure, in the grand scheme of things I feel physically feel fine for being pregnant. "No, you don't look fine, what's wrong." Was your posing questions. I kept my answer brief (I did not want a pity party- or to be on the pity pot) and I knew you couldn't fully understand, and that is okay- there is stuff you go through that I will never understand. So I faked a closed mouth grin and wiped away my tears that I thought I had ran out of. Beautiful music played from the program, but there was no way I was going in there, with my table, or the food. "Can I get you a dinner plate?" Angel of angels, I had not eaten dinner- nor had I thought about food, but I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten that day- a banana for lunch? I was too worried to think. I nodded and you brought me a full plate- and a full plate of dessert. I found a dark quiet room, where I could still here the laughter and fun and it was perfect. I ate my meal, and you brought me water. I cried while I ate and you were gone. I waited until many people left before I realized someone would need their nice goblet back. I braved out into caring people, unable to put on a happy face, unable to hold it together, unable to pinpoint exactly why tonight- of all moments- this had to hit me then. Why not later when the kids were in bed?? Sure my toddlers have been pushing the nighttime until 2 am because they want to boycott their naps until 7pm when I can no longer force them awake. Maybe I was crying because I was exhausted. But mostly I think it was the calmness. I hadn't had a moment of calm in some time and it needed to come out- right then- in front of everybody.

I scurried to gather up my dirty dishes, a good friend helped and tried to help me avoid people, but it was too late- there were still so many left, and many tears kept rolling down. 'I am going to be fine' I would try to console people who did not know what to say to me. Thank heavens for the angel that listened well enough to get food in my tummy. Thank you to good people who care- no matter how much I try to do it all on my own, alone.

Thank you this day for the service of others- but next time- let me cry home alone in peace.

-DV

Teaching Heart Mom- Giveaway

2008-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

http://teachingheartmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/teaching-heart-mom-giveaway.html

This is so cool- if you have small kiddos- this is for thier teacher- or your family. A basket worth 70.00$$$$ :) I think the preschool teacher we use would LOVE it!

Go Here to enter

Tagged- Christmas Style

2008-11-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

Tanja, a super fly chic at http://herbigfamily.blogspot.com/ did this tag and I thought I'd add my two cents worth.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I used to work for ZCMI in the wrapping center- give me some good product to work with and I can wrap anything.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial, that way I can have it up earlier and keep it up longer.

3. When do you put up the tree? Typically right after Thanksgiving- but this year we started earlier

4. When do you take the tree down? It depends on how ready I am to have a clean house back. Usually New yearsish

5. Hot chocolate or apple cider? Hot Chocolate (minty) Apple cider makes me shakey and jittery

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Too many- Video Games- I am a huge video game player (at least I was until I had kids- but someday they will be older)

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, lots.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My almost 2 year old girl. Everything is either too babyish or too old or too expensive

9. Easiest person to buy for? My 3 year old boy- tons of fun stuff for him at allt he right prices

10. Worst Christmas gift ever received? Nothing is worse than something

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas card? Mail is fun- but I am sooo open to email.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? hmmm- classics are really fun now that my kids are fun to watch while they watch

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? July

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Heck yeah. Sometimes the best part of a present is knowing someone who will love it more than you

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The fact that I don't have to stop 'cookieless January is just around the corner'

16. Clear lights or colored? I was a total clear lights girl for the longest time- but this year I NEEDED color

7. Favorite Christmas songs? Uh- anything I know the words to that isn't played too often I am sick of it

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home!!! We do the fun morning at home and then slip over to in laws for a light lunch, or breakfast, and then hurry home to play with the kids

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph

20. Angel or star on top of the tree? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve is a HUGE party at my parents where we have loads of gifts/giftgiving and a cheesy, but fun program the grandkids give. Christmas Eve at home and we open one gift which is usually P.J.'s- or some such nightime deal. Christmas morning is our little family and our loot.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? I don't mind the hype- it means that people actually believe in Christmas- whatever thier religious belief- it is fun. I HATE the crowds and the Traffic- kill me now. This is why I start shopping in July, to avoid the stores like the plague.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Penguins the last few years

If you read this, consider yourself tagged!!

News Flash- Election withdrawals

2008-11-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving never happened!!

2008-11-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

Okay- it really did- and it was really good, but since I didn't take any pictures- at all- I will never remember where, what or who it was with. Oh well, at least there was pie.

Here are some pictures that almost look like they could have been on Thanksgiving, even though they were not. See how we can't seem to get the kids to look at the camera- cute- at the same time?? Any Tips?

See my big belly? 6 months along, and she is growing great, measuring twice as big as my other kids! We can't wait to see her in a few months (although we soooo can wait)

-DV

I admit...

2008-11-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a tough day , I cried and had a hard time. Anyone who says they never have a hard day is selling something- which I am clearly not. Today I am excited to decorate for Christmas.

Goodbye Bees

2008-11-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

My kitchen is in bumble bees- and this year I decided to take it all down and decorate it for Christmas. See my 11 buckets of Christmas stuff???

That is what I will be doing this weekend. :D

It's beginning to look a lot like Turkey Day!

2008-11-25T15:58:00.000-08:00

At least for toddlers! :D

We made the plate Turkeys one for each family member and put them in our window with a sign saying, "Happy Thanksgiving from all of us Turkeys."

Handwriting

2008-11-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are sometimes a very energetic person, but you are sometimes quite lethargic. You're moody, prone to ups and downs, and you don't have a lot of endurance.

You range from very outgoing to very shy. You are a shapeshifter who is very versatile. You adapt well, and you look at things from many angles.

You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others.

You need a lot of space in your life, and it's easy for you to feel stifled. You avoid commitment and responsibility whenever you can.

You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart.

You are a poor communicator. No one really knows exactly what you're getting at.

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

I thought this was fun- http://eastcoastevansfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/handwriting-critique.html - had it on her blog.

I have nevr liked my handwriting, but this is a fair assessment of me :)

Energy Is Everything

2008-11-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

"Energy Is Everything." My Chinese Master Acupuncturist, Tao Tan, would always say during class.
Energy is Everything.
I, having Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia knew that was so true. When I didn’t have energy- everything seemed impossible, but he wasn’t talking about physical energy. He was talking about the Energy of The Universe. God.
God’s Energy is in Everything! Master Tao Tan would say that nothing in this life matters, that it all belongs to God and that it will all return to Him.
But, while we are in this existence, know that we have are own divine power and experience with energy.
Words and thoughts have energy. We create every single day our lives with our thoughts and our day to day life experiences play out those energetic thoughts.
In the Bible (exodus) we learn the phrase I am that I am.
14 And God said unto Moses, a
IAM THAT I AM:
We are created in the image of God and therefor are like him in many ways. Human, but are goal is to become more like Him- and that starts now, in this life, with energy. We are Creators and what we say or think about ourselves has great power. ‘I Am" Is a creating statement. Remember that list of negative I had you make? http://allaboutdv.blogspot.com/2008/11/law-of-attraction-thursday-1.html
Now we get to see what we are creating. Look at your list... notice the things you don’t want on it. Now think of how many times you tell yourself those things on the list. For instance:
I Am fat
I Am always late
I am such a mess
I am so poor
I am always making mistakes
I am the victim
I am not as good as her/him
I am not happy until I have...
I am tired
I am depressed
Variations of the words I Am
The house is always a mess
No one helps me
I have to do everything all by myself
I will never lose weight no matter what I try
I will never have money
I will never be happy
I can’t be happy when people do this to me
Do you see what you may be creating in your life by the energy of these thoughts and words? Now, the law of attraction will bring back what you put out- especially if it is emotionally charged. I invite you to take a few days becoming aware of your statements, but mostly I want you to focus on statements about yourself. When I first became aware of my thoughts I realized how negative I was on myself and how I never gave myself a break. I was nice to people around me, but treated myself as though I was the enemy. I decided to change that and I started by noticing my inner dialog to myself. I started treating myself as I would my best friend.
Steps to changing our thought patterns. (Inner dialog habits)
1. Become aware
2. FACE AND REPLACE (more on this next time)
3. Consistent replacing
4. Once a new positive habit is established then you can focus on creating what you do want.
You have now entered Awareness. Do not Judge your thoughts!! Just notice them, take notes, see where your pitfalls are.
One of my all time favorite books The Hidden Messages of Water teaches us through a science project the power of words.
http://www.whatthebleep.com/crystals/
(I am not affiliated with this) It is worth seeing the crystals and their beauty when words are spoke that are kind and how the energy of negative words can prove to twist water into something ugly.
Check it out :)

Peace-DV

Handling Stress

2008-11-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

I got some bad news on Sunday- I was served papers to go to court in a month. It is to fight to protect my daughter from being alone with her abusive father. This is not the first time. We have had supervised visitation for a couple years for her, and it has still been hard, but now we have to fight to keep it that way. I believe in miracles and the power of prayer- so if you could throw us in with your own prayers, I would appreciate it.

So... How do you handle stress?

Here are a few tips I have learned using energy.
Gratitude breathing. Gratitude breathing is very calming and actually is proven to calm the body and mind down.
Start by focusing on your heart (Heart Chakra for those who understand Chakra's) Think of something you are grateful for. Breath it in deeply and lock itinto your heart. As you breath out, allow the energy to flow up your body and out the top of your head (or Crown Chakra)
Breath in another gratitude on another deep breath in. Do this for as long as you can- roughly 5-6 breaths is fine, but some do it for 5-10min. (I don't have that kind of time with kiddos)

I can tell you this really helps me stay focused and shifts my thoughts away from the fears and the stress. Some days- like the last few- I have to do this multiple times throughout the day.

One thing that really hit me last General Conference is that Faith and fear can't be in the same place at the same time. And recently the words, 'Adoid fear like the plague' have really been hitting me from all sorts of directions.

Don't get me wrong- knowing this stuff does not make me less human. I have cried my tears, had to stop contractions, and wish I could cover my head under a blanket until it is all over, but when I can use tools like this, with prayer and support, I can face it better than I normally would alone.

Real quick. Right after I recieved the court documents I called my mom, who was supposed to be in church. She answered and told me she was sitting in her meeting and just felt the need to go home. Right when she walked in the door, the phone rang and it was me.
How many times does God prove to us that he knows us, and that we are not alone- and how many times does he do it without us being aware of it? I know you are watched over as well, and that even our little struggles don't go unnoticed. Jesus Christ is the only person who had a mortal body who understands all of our emotions on every level and we only have to hand him our pain. The atonement is why I am not bitter or hateful towards my ex for the pain he has caused my family. I pray for him to find paths that will lead him to peace (just hopefully away from us)
:)
I am very human, and on my own I would have quit long ago. I am grateful for the knowlede that I have been led to and grateful for the suffering in my life that has guided me there.

Peace,

DV

The Curse of The Full MOON

2008-11-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Did anyone realize the full moon of late?? I didn't either- here is how I found out.

Hubby- late at night- kids almost asleep, "I know you are pregnant..."
(Right then I knew something was about to be told to me that I doubted I wanted to hear- but with all my might I resisted the urge to tune him out)
"... and you're not supposed to have PMS, but..."
(oh crap- I've been caught! Was I horrible today? No? Feisty maybe- ok, ok, so I growled a little, bit his head off a few times I AM as he pointed out Pregnant- and really who's fault is that??)
"...I've noticed about every full moon it as if you are PMS-ing." He paused, flinched a little even, and waited.
Me? PMS-ing while I am PG? Impossible. "Huh." Just walk AWAY, NOW. So I peek out the window, sure enough there is a full moon- Keep mouth shut. (stupid angel on my shulder- like that is going to happen.)
Me "So, you have been keeping track every single month of the moon cycles?" I was so trying to sound polite.
Him: "No, your cycles- it just happens to fall on the full moon."
(Keep in mind that every PMS I can't stand him he can do nothing right- he even is all of a sudden ugly to me and I can't for the life of me figure out why... until I figure it out that I am PMSing- then I say to him. 'I think I am pmsing' where he usually responds. 'I know, but didn't dare tell you (smart man)' so I tell him to keep his distance (gladly for both of us) and then one day I wake up and he is sooo cute and thoughtful and how could I possibly think those thoughts of why the heck did I marry him.)
"Do you keep track of my cycles in a journal? At work with your buddies? Tell my friends too, huh?" My voice has clearly gone up an octive.
He gives me that half condeming half scared look of - 'Don't you know me at all', and ' what are you crazy?'"Do you need more chocolate?"
I am trying to catch my breath. I was mad- not that I was PMSing-ish, but that he was right and then I was even angrier (furious) that I couldn't have a break- not even for nine months??? "So when did you figure this out?" I said trying not to sound like a cat who was preparing to defend her cubs.
"I was out on a drive (trying to get almost two year old asleep) trying to figure out what was going on, and I looked up and saw the full moon and thought, duh."

"So you felt like you could not have done anything possiby wrong?" (sure he didn't jump fast enough when I asked him to, but still...)
"Well..."
(And this all had nothing to do with the fact that I just realized I was older than princess Leia that day- even in Return of the jedi- din't she look old their- and now I am older??? And Pregnant a year before we wanted too? And) So here is about where the tears started (I hardly cry) "I'm older than princess Leia." Stupid Full moon and its too much yang energy!

At this point he let me cry on his shoulder- afraid to say anything- and I was able to regroup- and avoid him the rest of the night and the next day- now I feel great. :D

PMS- The reason women have such a hard time staying enlightened on higher levels of consciousness (Did Mother Teressa have this problem??)

TIP JUNKIE SUPPORTS MOMS

2008-11-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Tip Junkie is giving things away everyday!

Make sure you stop by her shop of mom's for your Christmas shopping ;) Homemade,good quality from mom's who want to stay home - its a good thing

Feet???

2008-11-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

What Your Feet Say About You:

You are more expressive than most people. You let everyone know how you're feeling - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

You are a very passionate person. You are highly charged and easily inspired.

You are an assertive and aggressive person. You are determined and not likely to ever give up.

You fall in love easily and develop strong bonds. You are attached to many people.

You are easily frightened. You are fairly neurotic and paranoid.

You are intellectual and philosophical. You are more concerned with thoughts than action.

You are very spoiled. You don't work unless you have to, and you love to be waited on.

You are not easily influenced by other people. You hold your ground and are true to your beliefs.

What Do Your Feet Say About You?

Confession- my husbands feet make me nauseous when I am pregnant and he has to hide them- isn't that the dumbest thing you have ever heard? Aside from that, feet are a pet peeve of mine- except children feet and toes- until about age 5. Strange the things we pick up and have no idea why :) how about you?

I did tell you life still happens, right

2008-11-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

All right- so- we all know I am too human. Here is the lowdown. my 11month old- sweet, sweet terrible two's before she is two girl has been having keeping on her diaper issues. Well- keeping clothes on period. This girl is into everything- writes all over her self anytime she finds something to write with, sticks food up her nose and in her ears, climbs anything she can including getting up high and throwing everything off, breaks crayons into tiny, minuscule pieces that you can't pick up on your own, bites, pinches, is the messiest eater I have ever had, including getting food stuck all throughout her hair, she does exactly opposite what you tell her then runs away laughing. Keep in mind I rarely leave her alone- usually to chase after 3 year old brother and put him in time out for hitting or throwing and this happens in the two seconds I am gone. BUT I Don't mind all of this EXCEPT the diaper thing.

We have tried putting her diaper on backwards, keeping her in sleepers- on backwards- taping the diaper on with duct tape, packaging tape, everything outside of stapling it. Bed time and nap time- at least 44 times in the last few months- have I come into check on her only to find a cute pile of poop sitting on her clean sheets with her naked body smiling at me saying "Hi mommy." Just as proud and as chipper as she should not be since she should be asleep and clothed.
Today was another final straw. This time she played with the poop! I am a germ freak anyway, but to see poop wiped up and down the crib railing, her hands covered and she painted her toes, was enough to make a pregnant girl spew. Luckily for me I am not in my first trimester and the spewing is hopefully pretty much done.
So I shower my dear, little one and try not to let her hug me on the way. I put her diaper on backwards, tape it and wonder if I should be taping her hands together as well, throw her sleeper on backwards- ignore her complaint that her toes are not fitting well this way and go on my merry way to clean up the poop next to her PERFECTLY CLEAN DIAPER that was taped on before. Did I mention she put poop on the floor too??

The next baby to use this blessed crib we got for free will get a taste of Clorox every time it tries to eat the wood. That is for sure. It is such a good thing that I have nothing better to do with my life then loads and loads of poopy, sometines urinated on luandry. (I wish)

On a plus side- she is the most loving, cuddly, sweetest of my children. Always giving hugs and kisses. *sigh* I guess she is worth it and I shouldn't duct tape her hands together- I am sure she would find a way out of it anyway.

Life moves onward.

Law of Attraction Thursday #1

2008-11-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post about this for a while. For those of you who know The Secret, here are my thoughts on it. I practiced this law years before the secret came out. I learned the techniques while I was still in a bad marriage full of abuse and pain. I was able to survive being battered - get divorced- and find a wonderful man who is exactly what I want from a husband and best friend. The Secret is full of holes and misdirection- but I am glad it is awakening many into a higher level of awareness.

1. The law of attraction is not the only law in the universe. It is definitely not God. Heavenly Father (God) has better things to do than sit around and make gravity work. He created the law of gravity- and others like it- (the law of attraction)- that the universe must obey and so we can learn to govern ourselves. God knows us individually, and if something is important to us, it is important to Him.
He is not a genie, waiting to obey your every desire, but the Law of Attraction could be explained as a genie (although, in the original story of Alladin's lamp, the genie was a trickster and twisted wishes)
Basically it is YOU who are in charge of the Law of Attraction. Like attracts Like. You are a walking magnet that will pull what you are to you. (There are exceptions to this Law- as with any) The frequency of energy your thoughts and beliefs you send out will be returned to you. This law has nothing to do with good or bad, sinner on saint. Those who can clear limiting beliefs and thoughts from their lives will attract easier lives (again- there are contracts and trials we have signed up for that no amount of the 'right kind of thinking' will help us avoid. We all have lessons to be learned)
I explain like this. If you took a bouncy ball and slowly tossed it away from you, it would slowly return to you. If you took the same bouncy ball, put as much energy- or emotion, in the throw as you could, it would return to you faster. Think of the emotion as your thoughts, rarely do people get all fired up with good emotion as they do with anger or fear, but if we could switch those low frequency emotions to gratitude and joy for the things we want to attract- we would have them faster.

THIS IS MORE THAN POSITIVE THINKING. This is deeper core beliefs that we may have gotten from our ancestors. Fake it until you Make can work in a lot of areas where you feel you attracting not quite what you want.

But sometimes you have to go deeper and clear those beliefs that hold you back.

Attraction is a person to person event. Some things will come as fast as a rock falling, and other things will fall to you like a helium balloon.

Some of things I have attracted?
More patience
Money
Swing sets for kids (free)
Furniture (Free)
Car (free)
Being published
Clothes for my kids (free)
Sliding door and deck
Jobs when I needed them (pay was unheard of)
Friends that are true friends (This used to be hard for me)
Good Health (I was in a wheelchair for years- Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia with other ailments that were life threatining- now I can have a life and raise my beautiful children)
Weight loss - I now can hold my perfect weight with ease and grace- and little sacrifice
Vacations that looked impossible
A clearer understanding of the Plan of Salvation- Christ's ultamate sacrifice for the multitudes of heavean and Earth.
and more- to the point I have to watch what I think or else it will show up in large abundance to where I have too much.

Knowing this, and wanting to share this, does not make my life perfect, but I avoid a lot of stress and pain because of it.

I always tell my clients the first place to start is by writing down what they don't want- and keep a journal of the negative beliefs they have over the next few days. Usually picking one area in thier lives they would like to change and focussing on their thoughts around it.

God has taught this law- and amny more - for thousands of years. Any religion will speak of it. With my own religion, once I understood this law, the teachings and scriptures opened up a new level and became even more powerful in my life. Too many replace God with this law, and replacing God, or taking the credit yourself, will simply get you more unhappiness even when you attract things of the world to fill that void.

In a few days I will blog about what to do when you have made your list of what you don't want. Later I will teach you how to clear limiting beliefs.
Remeber, Heavenly Father loves us, and wants us to have Peace and Joy.
until then,
Gratitude is the key for any lock. Peace.
-DV

PS- if you have small children, now is the time to learn this to teach them- you would be surprised the good things my 8 year old can attract. My 3 year old is getting pretty good too.

2008-11-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

Boy 1 had a lesson on the Holy Ghost on Sunday. We got home from church and Hubby had taken our Halloween decor down. Boy 1: "Daddy, where did all our Holy Ghosts go?"

Girl 2- at the same lesson in nursery was asked if she obeys her parents. She then emphatically shook her head NO. Ah- pure honesty. :)

It is so fun having 2 in nursery at the same time- even though we just got released as nursery leaders :( Of course, we are still in there anyway- our kids won't let us leave, and that is fine with us :D

Confessions-

2008-11-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Confession 1.

I absolutely HATE the telephone. I hate when it rings- it totally ruins my groove. I hate talking on it- even to people I like- I hate dialing numbers- especially being dyslexic they are not always right- I hate feeling like I have an electronic leash every-wear I go. I handle this by letting the machine answer for me- and I return calls on a day I feel social (see below) Sorry if this doesn't work for you.

Confession 2.

If you haven't noticed I am very Introverted. I have spurts of being social- but even to people who I think are the greatest I will pull away from when I feeling anti-social- or in mommy mode, which kills any conversation fast. So sorry if you are the brunt of my social ineptness- I do like you, really, just wait until I let loose (usually without my toddlers and outside a church environment which I feel is sacred- even VT.)

Confession 3.

I hate, hate, hate doing dishes. I like laundry, I like vacuuming, I like scrubbing countertops- but dishes??? Uck. Thank heavens for hubby who picks up my slack with the dishes.

Confession 4.

I can't seem to go a day without chocolate. Any kind right now- but my faves this pregnancy are Flipz- Chocolate covered pretzels- dark chocolate- and since none of my kids can have sugar, I have to sneak them. I admit I am addicted.

Confession 5.

I love being home- I love being in my house with all my kids. I hate sending 8 year old to school because it is sooo long without her. We have fun at home- it isn't the most beautiful, or the cleanest- but it is ours. If I have too many things on my calendar to leave the house for in one week, I don't handle life as well. I love days in pj's and no make-up.

Confession 6.

I feel stupid confessing these things. And now they sound more like whining :)

What are your confessions?

Have a good day,
DV

Tip Junkie Free stuff!!

2008-11-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

Head over to Tip Junkie (Who I love, by the way- you will be amazed if you have time to go through her posts at http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/ )
and enter to win- she is giving gifts away!

I Love This!!!!

2008-11-10T14:07:00.001-08:00

Very Law of attraction-ish Only better :)

Almost to the third trimester

2008-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Oh tums how I love you- even though my mother says if I eat too many I may get toxemia, but that is just an old wives tale, like putting my hands above my head will wrap the baby's cord around its neck (Just because that happened to two of my three kids means nothing) Or that indigestion means your baby has lots of hair (Okay, my baby's all had hair)

Huh- there may be a trend here.

Okay, so I will only have tums at night so I can sleep instead of feeling ill while trying to avoid weird baby dreams of how the baby's arm falls out of me, or how there is a flood and how the heck do I hold 4 kids safely?? Ever dream of having a litter of cats?

But Tums, oh great Tums, why, oh why do you leave my mouth so chalky tasting?? Don't you know I am too tired to get up and brush my teeth, (let alone use the toilet, and so I try to stay on one side and let the baby lay there because if I move, it will roll onto my bladder) So please, please don't ruin my teeth (especially the lumineers I got last year- I like them- a lot) Just hold on until Feb. and then I won't need you everyday (will that go for chocolate too?)

Stupid indigestion! PS- that is a picture of me on a good day- the shirt says BABY GIRL- but I can't wear very often because it glitters the heck out of my other kids. :)

Blogger issues

2008-10-30T17:21:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to post everyday for a while and it isn't working... (pictures mostly) sorry- stay tuned

Spooky House

2008-10-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Halloween at our house- Not so spooky ;)

Sorry the pictures are upsidedown- I had to use firefox instead of Safari and Safari is easier- but not working. ;)

Garfield Minus Garfield

2008-10-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

Garfield Minus Garfield is a site dedicated to removing Garfield from the Garfield comic strips in order to reveal the existential angst of a certain young Mr. Jon Arbuckle. It is a journey deep into the mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness and depression in a quiet American suburb.

http://garfieldminusgarfield.net/

This site makes me giggle uncontrollably :)

Enjoy!

Give away!

2008-10-15T15:54:00.000-07:00

http://vshcmidt.blogspot.com/2008/10/birthday-giveaway.html

A birthday girl giving away a present- awesome:)

Enter to win on her post

Lillian J. Banks

An open letter to the neighbor who hates me

Baby heart beat

Monte Carlo Review

Look Out For Mr. Stork my announcement

Guerrilla Gardening

Hee Haw Farms Utah

Things I may or May not have said...

Water For Elephants review

Hope For Haiti Bob Parson's style

Sasha Libby

My favorite Easter Candy...evah!

Soul Surfer Review

Writing challenge

Confession: Phone style

Disneyland Tangles me

Bad day

Sugar Pie Farmhouse *heart*

My Mind's Eye Eye Candy

Author image

Inspiration...

Understanding the auto immune social life

Dear Blog

MIA

Feb 2010 Valentines decorations

My cute Family, Dec 09

More December 09 decorations

Christmas 2009 Decorations

Christmas peeks, Random us, Mod podge redo :)

WIN FREE STUFF at Today's Mama

NEW MOON -Date with Hubby

raid your scrapbook stuff for decor

Thanksgiving Decor 09

Stranded in my PJ's

80's Halloween

A peek at Mom's Halloween

Fooky Decor- Halloween 2009

My favorite Halloween Item

Take a moment- and watch this

THE hair cut

float in my head- would ya?

I am a prude...

In God We Trust

Quiz time!!!

I won!!!

It happened....

What's on your Keychain??

Get on this train...

Peace- be still

Pop tart humor

Temple Sealing Anniversary

'Rainbow' Please

Long May you Wave

3 Crying children and Laundry

Pediatric (Early onset) bipolar

Congratulations to me (and my wedded bliss)

Prayers Please!!

JOY

Prayers for Sadie and Little Owen

The two and the three

E 6000 - he-man glue

Redemption!! Bring on the chocolate!

Yeah, it's me- the mom with the hairy legs...

Why is it Wednesday...

More court stuff

Emergency baby carrier with pants.

She's here!

Day in court

Baby stage fright?

V-Day 2009

February stuff 09

I am still hanging in there

Prayers Please!!

Christmas Decor...

Yesterday at Court

Thankful Thursday

Teaching Heart Mom- Giveaway

Tagged- Christmas Style

News Flash- Election withdrawals

Thanksgiving never happened!!

Sugar Pie Farmhouse heart