12 Books for Christmas

http://nothoughts2small.blogspot.com/p/twelve-books-for-christmas.html

My author friend Amy Sutorius Harmon, I've mentioned her books before - I thought.  Anyway, she posted a link for this blog, a friend of hers that is doing something really cool.  She is giving away 12 books for Christmas...and to win, you simply have to share the authors.  She is introducing people to new authors, new books and gives you a chance to help their career, and build your library! What a really cool idea, I wish I'd thought of it.  Anyway - if you would like to participate, the link to her blog is above and it lists the books and the dates and how to enter the contest.  (She also has pictures of her dragon collection on her blog - WOOT! - she's instantly MY friend!)

We are busy, busy, busy which is why my blog is suffering and there aren't many posts here.  I am trying to keep a blog for Anthony, if you don't have the address it is:  http://myzengermissionary.blogspot.com  .  I started it the day he got his mission call and am blogging our activities, our preparations for his quick departure, and than it will have all letters and pictures that he sends home.  New York, Utica Mission - January 23rd - wow, it's going to come fast and Christmas is smack dab in the middle of it!

My PTSD is doing really well getting Anthony out the door - I am really, really grateful and actually surprised.  However, I shouldn't be.  That just proves how the PTSD has strangled my faith in his blessings - that he will shower blessings on me and mine whenever I am in need.  Which seems always these days, and I know I am not alone.  The world is getting a little worrisome and scary out there.  I have no fear sending my son out to preach the word of the Lord for I know that he is prepared, he is willing, and he has an unshakable love of the Lord.  He is so excited and I have peace knowing that all will be well, in preparation, in money, and in his work in the field.

Paix

Busy...Busy...BUSY!

Things have been zipping along and moving so steadily that by the time I'm down with down time and ready to see about blogging - thoughts are gone and all I want to do is sleep!  Yes, I am VERY grateful I can actually sleep these days.  So here we go with a brief snippet regarding each picture.

Olivia's 6th grade did a "waxless" wax museum.  The kids had to read a biography, dress up as the character, and when their button was pushed, deliver a 2 min speil on their character.  Olivia chose Shirley Temple Black, did a little dance with song in the middle and did a great job!  I was very, VERY proud of her.  Her focus was good, she had very few blank outs and slip ups.  Great Job Livey!

This Adylae - Susan's granddaughter (Danyelle's) that turned 1 in November.  We watch her Mon-Wed- Fri each 

week.   Susan found this cute Horse Halloween outfit so we put it on her and took some pictures.  She is so fun and we have a good time.  Below is Grant the III, Susan's other grandbaby (Wes's).  We watch Grant everyday but Monday's.  He is a cutie as you can see.  He has this great personality and I by CHANCE grabbed this photo! He he he

On November 11th Anthony was ordained an Elder in the Melchezidick Preisthood.  His papers were submitted that next week the 18th.  He received his call TODAY - the 28th!  He will be serving in the New York, Utica Mission - reporting to the MTC on January 23rd.  AHHHHHHH!!  I have set up a missionary blog already :) (I know right?) you can subscribe to that blog it is:  myzengermissionary.blogspot.com.  I started blogging today on it and I will continue until he returns home.  Any pictures, letters, and addresses will be posted there so that even those that don't have facebook can enjoy if they would like.

 

Benjamin turned 16!! on Nov 7th - so he was ordained a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood that Sunday also.  Anthony had already been ordained so he was able to stand in the circle to help ordain Ben.  Ben doesn't have his permit yet but will within this coming month.  He wasn't so exited before; however, he now has a term of Drivers Ed under his belt and figures he can probably pass the exam now.  At the Thanksgiving table we went around and around asking each person what they were thankful for - answers?  the Priesthood, bed, sleep, being able to serve a mission, food, pets, and girls.  LOL - yep that was Mr Quiet Ben. ;)  He received a smart man fist bump from his older brother for that.  He knows who he wants to take out, just not if she's old enough yet.  The hard part with him will be getting him to spend MONEY on dates since he is my saver and only spends his money on BIG things that he saves up for.  Gotta love that kid.  Oh - he was Rick Astley (80's singer) for Halloween again this year.  He does a GREAT Rick-Roll!

Paix!

Christmas Shopping!!!!

After 7 yrs ... I'm having a
PAMPERED CHEF "Catalog/Internet" PARTY! 

I loved selling Pampered Chef and was told I was good at it...I loved doing the parties, meeting people- you went to work pretty much to party! ;)  However, life changes, my second son needed me and the Lord blessed me to eek out with one show a month until my website ended so that I didn't have a fee. =]  Therefore, it's been a total of 12 years since I began and my products are still great!  There are one or two that broke last year, my egg slicer, a stone....after 11 yrs when it only has a 5 yr warranty?!? sweeeeeeeeet.

How did this come about?  A consultant buddy of mine that I went to Chicago with about oooh - 9 yrs ago ;0 called  and asked me for help.  She is =this= close to finally getting a trip for her and her husband to Vegas.  Since I have a few products that need replacing and I've looked at the new catalog - SURE! =]

www.pamperedchef.com  (to look at catalog - click shop online)

So - if you would like to help her by helping me and helping your Christmas list!  Send me an email on facebook or regular email kzgris@gmail.com.   Products can be delivered to your door for a small shipping fee or if you are in Utah and I can meet you somewhere in a 30 min area - I'll hand deliver it and we can say HI! =]

Here are the gift idea's I promised. 

Neighbor/Work Gift:  Pan Scraper (set of 3 for $3 #2610) and Paring Knife (set of 3 for $5.50 #1262 ) "Com"pare"d to you, other just "scrape" by.  Merry Christmas!"
   

Citrus Peeler ($1.00 #1260) and bag of oranges:  "You have such an a"peel"ing nature.  "Orange" you glad we're neighbors? (or friends) Merry Christmas!"

Pampered Chef Cookbook for a Cause Vol 3  (-#2468 $3.00) Card and Gift in ONE as you sign the inside cover!  Add a small picture 3x5 of your family and its a card they don't throw away and becomes a memento -remembering good times and people when they open it to use it!

Stocking Stuffers:

Twixit Clip Combo Pack (#2653 $6.00)  Set of 10 freezer/dishwasher & microwave safe.  LOVE THEM!  I have EVERY color!!!

Tie-It's  (#1795 $7.00)  Set of 15 - if you don't want to clip it you can tie it! (re-usable)

Easy Opener (#2590 $5.50)  Helps twist off caps (up to 2 Ltr), pull tabs, and vacuum sealed jar lids.  Magnet keeps it on the fridge or filing cabinet ;).

Herb Infuser (#1788 $9.50)  Place herbs inside so you savor the favor but not eat the twigs! =]

Professional Shears  (#1088 $25.00)  Love Love LOVE them!  Cut chicken bones, trim herbs, cut ROSE bushes - throw in the wash... reuse!  Will pinch but have never had them cut me=]

Clock/Timer (#1900 $16.50)  Never forget it was in the oven again!  Clips to waistband, magnets on the fridge!

Any Bamboo Set (Spoon/Slotted Spoon/Specialty/Spatula) $9.00 to $11.00 - Bamboo last longer than your wood spoons, don't collect as many germs from your dish water.

Ladies- if you have a wishlist - give it to your hubby and have him call me!  I even gift wrap if you are within the 30 min travel time =].

Happy Holidays!! Once a consultant, always a consultant I guess lol.  Paix

It's LIFE..........yada yada

*Breath...sigh...sigh again. * 

Okay.  Life has been life and running by too fast and furious for me to try to catch my breath or even wrap my head around it.

Anthony has been looking for a job for forever. He has put in applications, I have reminded him to add that he is an Eagle Scout to the forms and his resume.  He was partially offered a job with someone in our ward that would have been outside and inside, lots of hard work and lots of hours.  That would have been wonderful - he has less time to be depressed or grumpy when he has a schedule and hard work.  However, it didn't pan out - they said they wanted someone who would be around longer than the year he has before his mission.  Sigh.............  I believe I will start leaving him a list with times I want think fixed by so that he has a purpose and I will deduct from his car repairs, phone bill, and soon to be car insurance.  I have TONS that need to be done so it should work - I'd rather he get a job but yeah...

Ben is doing better, still having spurts of really bad days but I'm trying to figure out how to get him  around them.  It took us 45 min last night to get him to just nod or shake his head in answer to a question after he duct tapped himself in his room - board across the door and all.  Sigh.  I've been giving up my appointments with Sarah (reflexologist) so that he can get much needed help in relaxing, de-stressing, and homework.  He's been doing EHS online (it's free!) and he's done wonderful with it.  He's a smart - smart kid and he's gotten mostly over 90% on his assignments but under 50% first time on tests - obviously a test stresser, not so good.  He has until the 14th to finish his course and he has only two quizzes to retake and his main test. =]  He's liking High School - yay!  I'm thinking of keeping him in UEHS for make up classes and maybe some of his harder classes that he doesn't have applied skills assistance for.  I think this might be a good idea.

Olivia turns 12 in freaking 4 days!  As you can see at the top she is my tween fashionesta and very proud of it.  I have set her up with a manicure with my new neighbor who does nails and she is to bring her best friend Mary along.  She had her appointment with the Bishop last Sunday and the Young Women came over last night to accept her into her fold.  She's very excited.  I really don't have anything to add about her - and that's a good thing.=]

The other picture?  Popcorn nachos =D.  I've always made it - what else are you supposed to do with a craving when you have no Tortilla Chips?  This is one of my favorite finger foods EVER!  I've done air popped-popcorn with melted cheese, salsa and bacon bits or just melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream- don't knock it! It really is finger licking good!

Paix

I keep forgetting....dur

The past few days have been busy, busy, BUSY!  So I haven't taken time to write but I HAVE been THANKFUL! :]  

James arranged a family reunion at Boondocks for the siblings, their kids and their kids.  With meals and arcade and passes we spent probably about $150 dollars.  But you know what?  It was fun and it was worth it!  I grew up not getting to know my cousins due to a family feud from before I was born.  Therefore I got to know the cousins we would visit and since we always lived in the boonie's that wasn't very often.  I think I know my Uncle Doug's kids best; however, that is my point!  My oldest brother is NINETEEN (19) years older than me and his oldest daughter only FIVE (5) years younger than me!  Some of my kids cousins you would think are the younger ones running around; however, they are really the PARENTS.  I want my kids to know their cousins no matter the age differences.  Those onery children in my house that didn't want to go; came away tired but HAPPY.  Family - as annoying as they are - are a GREAT blessing. :]

Thursday - Wesley and Emily went to be induced and have their little boy; Grant Lyman Adams III. 
Poor Emily was in labor all day and unbeknownst to all, little Grant had been stuck in the birth canal for a week!  Emily couldn't push him out either :[.... they tried suctioning and that didn't even work.  They finally did a C-section and at 11:08 pm Grant was born.  Mom and baby are healthy and doing well.  Babies are ALWAYS a blessing. :]

Friday - a FULL day at Boondocks starting at 11 am and we return home to a message that Dean's niece (also pregnant) had her baby!  This was unexpected.  Mandy was swollen and her blood pressure too high; so when she went in for her appointment the doctor admitted her and started her.  Paisley was born at 5 lb 1 oz but able to breath on her own!  Mandy started hemmorraging but thankfully they did a D&C and she is fine and ready to go home.  Major miracles and blessings that day.

Saturday presented itself with pain LOL since Friday was WAY too long of a day!  However, bills got paid, shopping got done and the major blessing was having A/C in the CAR AND in the HOUSE!  Thank you - thank you - I do NOT do heat well.

Today was a good day.  Weird dreams but realizing that my brain is trying to sort things out.  We went to David and Linda's and had a very enjoyable afternoon and evening.  I actually PUT ON a swimsuit - yeah not in 12 yrs thanks you - wore it IN the POOL withOUT a shirt over it 0.0 and grabbed a noodle and floated around.  Olivia and I had a great time laughing and joking at the 3 ft side while David, Dean, Linda, and Anthony all joked around in the 8 ft.  The only thing that would have made it better was if Ben had been in the pool with us. We are still working on that. :(   A nice 15 min in the hot tub to help my woes from Friday =] and than back to the A/C'd house for David's secret recipe burgers, some homemade tomato's, Diet Coke and cheesecake.  Full tummies sat around and watched Mamma Mia - cringed at Pierce Brosnan's singing (but applauded his bravery at trying in front of the WORLD) - and giggled when Ben said the songs were stuck in his head and he began singing them. (he he)  Proud momma moment when on the way home some comment reminded me of a Veggie Tale song and not only did my boys KNOW what song but they SANG it to me - with all the words! Woot!  Good friends and good family memories are a blessing.

Paix

Okay, okay weekends are hard for me.  Mainly because it's hard to get out of bed at all - weekends are crash-ends for me.

Therefore; Saturday - my blessing on Saturday was an understanding husband and the ability to actually "talk" and discuss my feelings and my needs.  That is HUGE and I mean a HUGE blessing.

Sunday -  yesterday got started waaaaaaay later than I wanted due to still lagging but it was good.  My blessing?  An old friend that answered my email.  I wanted to clarify things so that I could reconcile them into myself.  He answered within a day and I had told him he didn't even need to.  That was a really nice blessing.

Now today!   I am at work and waiting for a supervisor to get back to me regarding an new employee I don't have paperwork on.  I am supposed  to cut paychecks due to the Holiday tomorrow (Utah celebrates Pioneer Day - State Holiday- of when the Pioneers came into the barren valley that we now call home :).)  and am waiting for Reba to finish cutting hers and she is waiting for someone to get back to her as well.  Don't we all love the waiting game :).  My blessing today?  Ben came to work with me so that he could start he Electronic High School classes (make up for F's last year).  He has sat right down next to me, pulled up English 4th Qtr and has already submitted one assignment and is 50% done with his second!  Honestly, if this keeps going this well, I am going to figure out how to get some of his required classes done on here so that he doesn't have to deal with the classrooms and teachers that can't give the help he needs.

Paix

Here I am... AGAIN!

Today was interesting.  Had a good laugh with my sisters during work- it relieved some tension we were all feeling with the new insurance that keeps having typical bleeps and glitches.  We watched Ady as usual (my great-niece, Susan's grandbaby) but she was in a mood for not feeling good.  Wesley tried to kill himself on Terry's new dirt bike - wouldn't Emily - past due pregger's any day now - love to hear that?!? Ugh sometimes men are just plain DUMB.  The evidence is in Susi's backyard and I think it will leave a scar... mhm *eye roll*.

Sooo tired today - prolly from being drugged up.  My Dr thinks he's funny and thinks I could have a new hit song with my familiar saying of my "Pocketful of Pills".  From the child whose mother had to force pills down her throat to taking literally the entire palm of my hand full of pills a day.  Geesh and ugh.  So the Staph Infection is gone - YAY!  BUT, it has now left FUNGUS.  Sounds delightful right?  It has the little red bumps and the yellow infection underneath like before and red surrounding it - but it is on BOTH feet - seriously?  *grumble grumble*  My immune system is so low - I keep asking them to freaking just give me a Gamma Globule shot like I had to have from the age of birth to 8 - every week to graduating to once a quarter.  But of course that is old school and only for the military and no one will listen to me.  A couple of years ago I asked for a Kenalog (sp?) shot.  For my lungs/asthma/allergies because they were getting worse...oh no that's OLD SCHOOL.  Guess what?  I was sick enough earlier this year that not only did I GET a Kenalog shot but also a Rocefin (sp) shot ALONG with my antibiotics, etc.  Geesh people would you get it through your thick skulls that I have lived with this body for 42 yrs and I just might - MAYBE - have an idea where it is concerned?  *grumble grumble*   Therefore I now have, 1 steriodal cream for my feet to apply twice a day - mhm, a Z pack because it seems I have a nice double ear infection (while I was on 2000 MG a day of anitbiotic it seems that antibiotic doesn't touch "regular infections" >/ ), and of course, a month's supply - one a week of Diflucan because all these lovely antibiotics are REALLY going to kick my yeast into overdrive. :D  See?  Happy smiling me. :D

BLESSINGS:  I laughed with my sisters.  Rip roaring, all three of us, laughing.  It was good.  I got my nails done, they were way too long and needed repainting.  It cost me more but they GEL painted them and guess what?!?!  They are perfect!!!!!!!  For those that don't ever see or haven't or don't remember, my fingernails hate me.  They chip, crack, break, have ridges and only last maybe a day.  Nail polish is a disaster.  I use my hands for EVERYTHING - including talking - and therefore the polish is always chipped, cracked, dinged and ugly.  It ISN'T!!!!!  I'm so HAPPY! :D :D :D :D ok I know it's silly to be so happy or to consider it a blessing but why wouldn't it be?  Would you rather I classify it as a miracle?  Hmm... I could do that too. ;)
Ben was wonderfully responsible today with all the animals, bless him and even took care of the neighbors house since Anthony isn't home.  And for reasons unknown, I received TWO long hugs from my hubby. 0.0 wow- yay me.

Paix loves

Something small

I keep looking at my blog and feeling sad.  Sad that I don't post anymore, I used to love seeing comments people would post.

I'm trying to come back....to start posting again.  Therefore, to make it easier on myself and all of you (wink wink) I've decided that each day I will post about one little blessing in that day.  No matter what my day will bring, how I am feeling, there is and always will be one part -big or small- that brings a blessing into my life.   Maybe something I share will help someone think a little differently, look a little longer, or feel a little stronger than they thought they could be. :)

Small and simple my blessings today are that my Staph infection is GONE.  I have fungus now due to the antibiotics that is under and above my skin that I must fight but that is a fight I am used to and can handle.  Also, simple lol - I bought a new 1 liter water jug with a pop top for my diet coke at work.  Why is that a blessing?  Because that way when I flip my arms about talking, working, or just moving and I tip my drink over - it will not waste 3/4 of it by it ending up on ME, the floor and my desktop. =P

Small and simple, wonderful and good.  They occur each day in some small way, we need to find them.

Another May 8th

So today is May 8th.  Some years it takes me well into the day to remember what day it is, other years I remember around the exact time what was happening six years ago.  I suppose it will always be this way since you can never be sure when or how memories will affect you. 

I actually thought I did really well today - sentiment wise.  I didn't dwell on it, I did my work, ran my errands, got my brain fried by children and my nerves rattled.  So what exactly does that mean, it means that whether i consciously thought about today or not - I knew what it was, it was constantly present in the back of my mind and now I am feeling the emotions.

Strangely enough, I do miss my mom - enormously.  However, that is not the feelings that I am having.  My feelings at the moment are of being overwhelmed, anxious, unhappy, and disappointed.  I could take the easy way out and simply say it is my new herbal remedies that are trying to flush out my candidia.  I would rather admit though, rather than place the blame on something besides myself, that I am very possibly suffering from the candidia side effects - one of them being depression.  Add that to my memories of today and yep, I think that explains enough.

Went to an Eagle Court of Honor tonight.  Very nicely done, was for Max, Anthony's friend and scout companion since 3rd grade.  Anthony's will be held on June 2nd - they wanted to do them together but we felt it was more appropriate that each boy get his own time and recognition.  Plus, Dean's mom has just been down for Women's conference and they are coming down at the end of the month for his graduation.    Yep, there are some things it would really be nice to still have my parents around for.  I hope that they are watching and participating in the proceedings at the end of the month and that Anthony can feel their spirit. 

Sighs.  Hard to blog when you feel this way; however, it seems to be hard for me to blog anyway. =P

One of my nieces brought me up some JD Robb books (Nora Roberts).  I find it interesting and will just say - what is the use of writing under a psuedo author if your REAL name is going to be plastered above it?!?  I mean really?  Geesh.  The books however; are very fun.  It's a detective series following the life and career of one Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke.  Yes I will agree with most that told me he is a hot babe and don't we all wish our husbands were that in tune with us?  Yep, gotta be fiction, but it tells well.  My #60 finally came up with the most recent Johansen book "What does kill you" about Catherine Ling and I hate to say it but ... I'm bored.  I know right?!?!  I have been waiting for this book for MONTHS and I am finding it lacks what I was wanting.  I will skim through the remainder of the book and turn it in early and #61 will be ecstatic.  I checked out some other books by some random authors to see if I can find another author to scour books for... I'll let you know.

Thank goodness, it's almost 10 pm.  I can almost call this day officially over.  Paix

Interesting....

After 22 yrs of not reading romance novels, I ashamedly admit - I do again.  However, I can declare that they aren't the Harlequin's of my past where I could read two a day in the summer of my youth. :)  These are actually suspense/mystery with romance.  Yes, some authors add sex to the romance, some authors make it very nice and let your imagination do the footwork. 

One reason I gave up reading romance novels as a young single adult was that I knew that life wasn't a romance novel.  Men really aren't strong, masculine, well built, honorable, noble, humble, and totally caring about what a woman wants or feels.  Right?  Yeah, if you have one of those men you have either been married long enough to train him right or you are still living in a fantasy world.  No one is perfect.  See the title of my blog.  My world isn't perfect, my kids aren't perfect, my husband isn't perfect, my house is FARRRR from perfect (especially my yards - poor neighbors), and me - I am the most un-perfect of any list written.  I am a recovering perfectionist.  I know I'm not perfect yet want things I do and create to BE perfect and get very, VERY annoyed when they aren't.  I will stew and fuss and continue to fiddle until I finally give up and say ...
"FINE, whatever, this is what it is!".  Now, someone else looking at what I'm doing that doesn't have a perfectionism gene in that specific area may look at me and wonder what the fuss is all about.  I couldn't agree more, I just can't stop it.  I have gotten better however.  I used to fuss and cuss and leave things UNDONE because I could not make them as the picture in my mind was (perfect for me).  Now, I try, I cuss, I fuss, I fiddle and finally give in because I no longer have the energy to waste.

What do romance novels and self recovering perfectionism have in common?  Oh come on, we all know and I think we all suffer from just a tinge of it atleast once in our marriages.  We want our marriage to be perfect!  We want our families to be perfect, our homes, our love, our passion, and ourselves.  What happens if we are too stuck in this rut?  Things fall apart, we become depressed, we lose sight of what really matters and above all WHO really matters in our lives.  There can be a "Happily Ever After"...AFTER we've worked at it.  After we've accepted our partners faults, worked on our own, decided some things really don't matter - AND MEANT IT.  That's the hardest thing I think, trusting OURSELVES to mean it.  Trusting ourselves to someone else, knowing that they aren't perfect.  I saw a cartoon the other day that had an old couple walking hand in hand.  He was asking how they had made it over 50+ yrs married and she replied, "Because we are of the generation of fix it up, wear it out, make it work or do with out."  I think too many people are stuck in the fantasy world of "what if".   For example, my life isn't exactly what I want it to be, "what if" I didn't have to look after my kids every day 24/7 and be a mom or a dad anymore?  "What if" I had someone who was a better lover? Better looking?  etc etc.   In a world of instant gratification and what if's - no wonder seeing someone reach the 30 yr mark of marriage is a cause for GINORMOUS celebration!  I'm sorry - that's just sad. 

Now, why do I bring all this up?  Why do I read romance novels now?  Because I now read them differently.  As a teenager with no boyfriend, no experience, and no love life - it was fun.  It was exciting, it was fantasizing, it was wishing... it was a little girls dreams of what her life could be like.  As a married woman with teenage children and depression... it's a chance to look at life differently.  Don't get me wrong, it's still exciting and fun; however, I now look at the characters written and try to place them in the real world.  If I've read a book about a policeman or detective, the next time a police car passes me by I see the PERSON in the car.  I wonder what their life is like, their love, their relationship, their family.  I'm beginning to see people as more than jobs and professions as they pass me on the street but as people who have lives just like me - ups and downs, bad timing, horrid days and moments of perfection.   

I was reading the last book in a series (Bitter Creek Series, by Joan Johnston if interested) and it TOTALLY threw me for a loop!  I'm going to try to word this in a way that it doesn't give the plot away - hmm, hopefully.  The series of books is about two families and their ties together and how it effects different people in the family, their lives and how they deal with it.  Characters appear repeatedly throughout the three/four books (something I LOVE because they are more dimensional that way and it's like an epilogue) so the character highlighted in the last book you've known since she was 19 - she's 29/30 in the last one.   Her love life does not end up the way she planned, the way she would have wanted and her marriage leaves something more to be desired.  She has secrets and unrequited love.  HERE is the twist that I found and LOVED in this book.  She has to stop and think, is it really LOVE that she feels for her unrequited love or did it just feel like love because of her situation?  Because her MEMORIES had made it more than it was and they were thrown back together in a situation?  It made ME stop and think.  How many of us - not married to our HS sweethearts - have some unfinished business with someone?  Is there somewhere in the back of your brain a yearning to finish something that is being translated instead into a yearning for something?  I started thinking and pondering, realizing that when your mind is focused on someone you start to develop a relationship with them - real or not.  You develop feelings, any kind - good or bad, based on a memory, based on an EMOTION from the past that is trying to resolve itself.  Interesting.  Atleast I found it so... maybe it's enough to give you some niblets to munch on in your brain as to why certain thoughts are there and if they are really what you think they are. :)   Paix

Fundraiser Run..........

Anthony has the opportunity to go to Seattle for a Senior Band Trip at the end of April.  Anyone that can support the LHS Band in this run - that would be awesome!  He has gotten a job to pay for the trip but fundraising is always a plus and a help!   IF you run....have fun! I'll watch =D

Register under Promo Code: LAYTONBANDS

http://www.colormerad.com

Sponsors will give Layton Lancer Bands up to 20% of all registration fees when participants register under LAYTONBANDS. Proceeds will go towards the Layton High School Band Festival to Seattle. Register at the link posted above and don't forget to use LAYTONBANDS in the PROMO CODE area! Looks like a riot. Thanks — Rachel Gordon (currently Lancer Band Trumpet player).

Growing up .... 0.0

Those that have me on facebook have seen these pictures and heard some of this... this is mostly for those that don't have me on facebook.

Olivia:  Whitesides Elementary does a Shakespeare play with Green show every year with the 5th and 6th graders.  Olivia tried out, was very sad she didn't get a lead in the main show but did end up with a main role in the Green show.  They perfomed A Mid-Summer's Night Dream - in musical.  Our teachers have done Shakespeare since Anthony was in 5th grade and they have quite the talent for it and with the kids.  They add little abstracts here and there to make it fun and interesting for the kids and the families that come to watch.  They sang Tainted Love, some made-up Rap song for Puck, a Fairy song, and yes, a kind of cowboy song too.  We were very proud of Olivia and her friends - Mary is on the right, Ivy on the Left.  Mary was in the green show with Olivia and Ivy was the Fairy Queen in the main show.  Wow, I competed in Shakespeare in 12th grade - she's in 5th... I think she has a raging head start on what I did and I'm excited to support her and help her with her goals and hobbies.  Grandma Terry would be very proud also. =]

Mr Anthony has shocked all who live with him and are around him lately.  He has matured and made some really hard decisions this year - I am so proud of him.  First of all - his Eagle is DONE, the papers submitted - his review this coming Tuesday and it is off to Nationals for final signatures and his medal to be returned. YES - FINALLY!  So proud.  He has had some major hurdles to overcome with this Eagle project and he hasn't given up - good boy.  His project was to redo the social skill video's for his elementary (Whitesides) school counselor.  He originally was going to do 10 - the entire YM./YW agreed to help him and did so for 4 YM/YW activities.  When he went to download all the film and start editing the 3 video's they were gone.  All gone.  Over 60 hrs of work and 3 video's with no trace anywhere - a failed memory card. >.<  Since they had devoted a month of time to help him, they could not devote anymore and Anthony was on his own to get people to help him and restart.  HUGE hurdle.  Three new video's finally were accomplished thanks to a couple of cousins and 5 best buddies (his Movie Geeks).  With no direction in how to turn things in (he is my first you know) we had a review that ended up not - an old eagle application so missing information and leaders who said, we'll submit it and see what happens. >/  Thankfully the district people are AWESOME, called me and walked me through things and pushed through his papers.  I love them. 

Last summer his Aunt and Uncle paid for him to go to EFY with his cousin.  When/If he marries this girl, he owes them big time.  Miss Katie lives in Mountain Green about 30 min away and they met at EFY at BYU-Idaho.  Imagine.  They text and facebook and date.  She was his Senior Cotillion date and they became "facebook official" boyfriend/girlfriend.  For those of you on facebook you know that his status now shows "single" again.  Let me explain this relationship and how mature these two kids are at 17 & 18 with their decisions.  Katie and A (Anthony) knew at EFY that they had feelings for each other and that they liked each other.  He told me about her when he got home and I smiled, re-enforced that yes, she showed all the signs of a girl trying to get his attention. =]  They talk very frankly with each other and are very open and honest about their feelings.  The first sign of maturity I saw was when he broke up with his other girlfriend to date Katie.  His comment was, I love Arianna, I love being with her, I've liked her forever but being with Katie feels different.... a difference I want in my life.   The second was when he and Katie mutually decided that they wanted a mostly non-physical relationship.  Both had had previous relationships in where they had kisses and they wanted more out of their relationship together.  More time, more talking, more really getting to know the person other than just thinking about their raging hormones.  The last sign is when this Thursday they both had been feeling the same thing - finally admitted it to each other and went from "exclusive" to an "open" relationship.  They are still texting, still fb'ing, still calling and still dating. They are simply now dating other people as well.  A very smart move by two teenagers who have already been discussing with each other that they want a future together and that they are meant to be together ...later not now.  Too many emotions and hormones and no they still have not kissed yet.  I am so proud of the man my son is turning out to be.  He is showing me daily that there is more than video games, movies and torturing his little brother and sister to his life.  Seeing this side of him, makes me so proud and love him so much more - and hurt because he graduates in 2 months and will possibly be leaving my home.  =[ *e sighs....they grow up soooooooo fast.

What I've been reading........

My love Emily always tells about these great books she reads so I decided I would share also. =]  Reba introduced me to a Christian Mystery/Suspense/Romance author that I have fallen in love with.  Her name is Dee Henderson and I think I will be adding pretty much almost every book she's written to my library, I am so impressed with her.  No swearing, No sex - just pure mystery, excellent characters that you fall in love with and share emotions with.  Being a christian writer she has her characters offering prayers - prayers like most of us do throughout the day to our Heavenly Father - not the formal ones but more of the thought, need prayers.  She also in some of her books quotes scripture from the Bible and her characters ask questions that many of us ask ourselves or have friends that ask of us.

5 stars...The O'Malley series:  8 books including the prequel.  Prequel: Danger in the Shadows Book 1: The Negotiator  Book 2:  The Guardian  Book 3: The Truth Seeker  Book 4:  The Protector  Book 5:  The Healer  Book 6:  The Rescuer Book 7:  Jennifer O'Malley.

I adore books that interconnect characters yet explore area's of all of their lives!  The O'Malley's are 7 siblings the grew up in an orphange and were never adopted.  When they all reached over the age of 21 they decided on a last name and all legally changed their last names and made their own family.  The undeniable and unconditional love the author shows that they have for each other is incredible.  Showing that family can also be close friends and that they will stick by you through thick and thin and surround you with help and support when ever it's needed.  A grand series that makes you want more!  Because of this series I started looking for the author and pulling more of her books off the shelf. =]

5 stars....The Uncommon Hero's Series:  There are 3 books in this series but I count it as 4 :).  Book 1:  True Devotion  Book 2: True Valor  Book 3:  True Honor  Book 4:  True Courage.

Love someone in a uniform or just even respect the work that the men and women in all uniforms do for us?  Than you will love this series as I do.  Love during war, factual accounts of how certain parts of the military work and how.  The men and women in this series, also flow from one book to the other so you can follow their lives through their friends as you get to know them.

4 stars.... Before I Wake.  Okay I did love this book and it only got 4 stars because it doesn't CONTINUE!  Lol, I wrote the author and asked to PLEASE continue this book in a series - a 2 book series would be fine.  However, she left the identity of the killer a secret and the LOVE TRIANGLE isn't decided either!! I NEED MORE!!!  So rude.

Lol...yes I'm crazy but that's okay.  If you want some light, nice reading I highly suggest these books.  Some of them you don't want to put down.  I spent many nights up until 2 or 3 am because I wanted to finish a certain part. =]  So worth the dark circles. ♥

It's been awhile.......

Every time I think about blogging...I don't.  I know, I know, I should and than there would have been feeling better, etc but eh.   I finally went to see my reflexologist last week - best thing ever, I wish I could have gone back the next day and the remainder of that week.  I say because I was so bad that the effects only lastest 2 days. =[   My body just hurts.  All of it.  After my pneumonia I couldn't and still can't figure out what is going on with my lungs.  Wind storms seem to be hazardous to my health - pfft - just walking from my car in the drive way to my front door and I have to use my inhaler because I'm wheezing.  Really?!?! What am I 80?   I have a fungus in my lungs due to my systemic Candida >/.  I am taking a natural pill called Permalung which is trying to flush the infection out - it will take awhile - it has been there for quite some time.  I can't take an antibiotic because they only feed the yeast in the Candida.   My neck and my hips were blocked and that was PAINFUL to try to lessen so that my energy could flow again.  When I used to go to the chiropractor and he would get my neck loosened and pop it-  I would feel a really weird sensation.  I asked what it was and he had never heard of it.  Let me explain.... it feels like someone is throwing ice water on your head but it comes from the bottom (your neck) and flows UP and around to the top of your skull and all the feeling is under your skin.  It feels really cool - literally =P - and I've always wondered.  Well, I now know that it's spinal fluid being released!  Pretty scary in my eyes to be able to have that much spinal fluid blocked by my stupid neck that I actually FEEL it when it is released.  However, nice to know that it is flowing again obviously. =]

I restarted my Lyrica prescription last night.  I thought I was doing so much better, my legs hadn't bothered me in forever and............ I was wrong.  After a solid week of my legs and hips screaming at me and not letting me sleep and the rest of my body chiming in to hurt due to air pressure...yeah - just make me feel better - ugh.

My girlfriend from Puzzle Pirates - retired AF and living in Japan with hubby who is still in AF, sent me this link.  I posted it on my facebook and decided I would post it here.  I do not have Lupus but I'm pretty sure I do have Fibromyalgia.  Every time I get my Rhumatiod titters checked they are still dormant and my Osteo Arthritis is mainly in my hands and wrists.  I'm sure it can spread but since the Dr put me on Lyrica a few years ago - supposedly just for my legs - it fits.  Plus he is sooooo silent with me.  I always have to ask - so what's wrong with me?  He says, you're sick.  >.< Really - wow, genius.  Most of the time he doesn't know because there are multiple things and not just one.  Yeah - Lyrica and Ibuprofen are my best friends =D.  But here is the link and honestly it is the best description of my energy over the last 5 yrs that I have found.

http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino

My girlfriend Beck said she was letting new people in her life read her blog and it scared her.  Lol, I had this posted on my facebook and I figured it applied to me and my blog.  He he , think nice things peoples. =]