Note to Self:

Next time, pay attention to the lesson in Sunday school.

Here's why:
After chewing out my kids for laying down and trying to take a nap, and not listening during sacrament meeting, I ventured into Sunday school.

I sat down next to Brother and Sister O., said Hello, then opened up my scriptures, preparing myself for the upcoming lesson.
I don't know what it is about Sunday school, but for some reason my mind begins to wander. Like the time a few weeks ago when the person sitting next to me whispered to me about the scripture we were on, and broke me from my stupor of thought--wondering if the bishop's wife dyes her hair or if it is naturally that black.
So, today, as soon as the teacher started in about why we need the Book of Mormon in the latter days, I started thinking about the handful of Hershey's kisses in my bag, and wondering how I could grab one, unwrap it and eat it without anyone noticing.
So, I started rifling through my bag, pulling out old used Kleenexes, past sacrament meeting programs and tithing slips, and scratch paper my kids had colored on. Underneath the trash was the old PDA C had brought to entertain the kids.
Temporarily forgetting about my chocolate fix, I grabbed the PDA and turned it on (thankfully it was on silent) and began to play. Eventually I found the scheduling thingy (whatever it's called), and started typing in the coming week's events, proud of myself that I was being so organized.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something fall on the front of my shirt. In silent panic, I thought a spider had landed on me and frantically start swatting at my chest. Looking down, though, I saw a single, thin silvery strand of spit. While intently focusing on my task at hand, I had started drooling.
I glanced slightly to my right to see if Brother O. had noticed. Either he was snickering silently to himself, or he didn't see. Thank goodness.
Quickly, I put away the PDA and started listening.

Next time, to save myself the embarrassment, I'll just listen to the lesson.

Why Fake Trees Save Marriages

Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I can humbly concede to the spirit of this holiday that is Christmas. I know I've been a stinker and a scrooge, and might have offended some people with my bah humbugging. Sorry.

To express my sincerest apologies, I've decided to spread a little Christmas cheer.

As promised, here is a little story about why I have recently purchased a "fake" Christmas tree.

To preface this story, you must know that my sister's husband family own a huge amount of farm property outside the town that they live. Part of that property is up in the mountains. So, early last December, I thought it might be a fun family experience to go all Griswold, and drive up to my sister's property and cut down a Christmas tree. We drove nearly two hours to get there, trekked through mud and snow and forest for hours scouring the slopes for the perfect tree. After searching, and searching, and not finding anything good enough for my humble home, I started hiking up a hill way off the road. Finally, I found a tree that I deemed worthy to be OUR Christmas tree. I called for my hubby, who came with the chainsaw. He laughed and told me it was too big for our house, and I just guffawed and said "This is the one! Cut it down!" Of course, he was tired of following me around the mountain, so he cut down the tree, dragged it down the mountain, and strapped it onto the back of his truck.

We got home, did "a little" trimming to fit the tree into the corner of our family room. One side of the tree was fuller than the rest, so of course that part went in the front. I immediately set out decorating the tree. I was so excited and was sure it was going to be the most beautiful tree EVER!

Later that night, after the tree had been lovingly decorated, the kids and I went to visit my Mom (leaving C home to watch football). An hour later, C called me on my cell phone, fuming, and said that the tree had fallen down, but he'd put it back up. I gathered the kids, and came home. Patiently, I re-decorated the tree.

The next afternoon, the tree fell again. And we patiently pulled it back up. And again the next day.

The next night, around 2:00 a.m., while sleeping peacefully in my bed, I was awakened suddenly, by a strange sound. I heard a slight whoosh, then a tinkle, tinkle, and crash!

My first thought in my half asleep state was that a burglar was in the house. Heart pounding, I thought what to do. Then I realized at once: The tree! I jumped out of bed, flipped on the light, and sure enough there was my beautiful tree lying awkwardly on its face in the middle of my family room. Shocked and stunned by my tree's suicide attempt, I decided to take it upon myself to save my little tree's life. Tired and frustrated, I shimmied behind the tree, and proceeded to attempt to pull up the damaged tree myself. Grunting and pulling, sighing and pushing, I tried every angle I could think of to get that damn tree up. But the enormous mass was just too heavy for weak little me. I wasn't about to swallow my pride and wake up my husband and ask him to help me, so instead I made the biggest racket I could, until finally, he stumbled out of bed and came out to help me on his own. Both of us, agitated beyond reason, having been disturbed from our precious sleep, took upon the task of righting this horrible wrong. He pulled while I pushed, and finally the tree was up, crooked, and cockeyed, but up. With ornaments and lights, strewn everywhere, I again, shimmied around behind the tree, to hold it in place, while C rushed out to the garage to find something to weigh down the back of the tree. He came back with several bricks, and handed them back for me to put into place. Screaming at each other, because it still wasn't working and I wasn't understanding what C was explaining, as he tried to tell me where to put the bricks, we, finally, got the stupid tree upright.

I climbed back out from behind the tree and assessed the damage. A huge puddle of water and sticky sap soaked into my carpet in the middle of the floor. Lights were falling off the tree, and ornaments were everywhere.

After having redecorated the tree so many times that week, I just couldn't wring any more creative energy out of my physically and emotionally exhausted self. So the ornament were literally thrown onto the tree, strings of lights left where they hung.

Covered in sap, sweat, dirt and tears, C & I finally stormed back to bed in bitter silence.

We survived that Christmas. Barely. So, now you can understand my distaste for decorating. I did it enough in that one week to last me for the next decade.

So, to save my marriage, this year, I chose to go fake.

And I will be burning a pine scented candle for effect.

No more Griswold Christmas' for me, thank you very much.

Happy Thanksgiving

"It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

Know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

- Abraham Lincoln

Lost and Found!

My camera finally turned up today. I was thinking how sad it was that I'd lost, yet, another camera (I washed and dried my last one, having forgotten it was in my coat pocket, right before Christmas last year).

KJ was outside jumping on the tramp, yesterday, while locked out, because I wasn't home yet, and found it on the back patio.

TJ had taken it out there and left it. Thank goodness it didn't rain while it was out there!!!

Here's what I found on there, unedited:

Ok, I took this one. This was from TJ's last Belt ceremony for Karate.

The rest are by TJ, himself!

Stumped

I haven't written a post for awhile. Yesterday's post, I actually wrote sometime last week, and had forgotten that I'd scheduled it for Monday. So, when I read my email and saw how many comments I'd gotten I was shocked. Then I noticed that it was on the tag post.
I'm completely brain dead for ideas on what to blog about. This is a rare occasion, since I ALWAYS have something to say. I noticed how many of you are taking blogging breaks for the Thanksgiving holiday. And some of you are just quitting blogging all together. Smart people.

Lately, I've been thinking to myself: maybe this whole blogging thing is getting way too out of hand. It shouldn't consume me the way it does. Does anyone else have this problem?

Yesterday, I had a crazy busy day, and didn't even turn on the computer. Not once. It actually felt pretty good. I got a lot done. I did the dishes and laundry, then, my Thanksgiving grocery shopping in the morning, drove my kids to their respective friends' houses and went out to lunch with my lovely visiting teaching partner, Motherboard, and our beautiful friend, Andrea, who we visit teach. It was really nice. I'm loving all the lunches I've been going to lately. I could get used to this life!
After lunch, I had to drive across town to pick up the kids, then saw I had 30 minutes before my neice came over for her piano lesson, so decided to go buy that Christmas tree I saw at Hobby Lobby. (Yes, Robin, I bought a Christmas tree BEFORE Thanksgiving)

The guy helping me to my car was a complete idiot! First, while I was waiting in line to pay, my SIL called to say she was at my house, and where was I? Crap!! So, needless to say I was in a hurry (thankfully she was there when KJ got off the bus). The dude pulled the cart carrying the tree box out to my car, and while I proceeded to help Peter get buckled in he stood at the back, staring. Just standing there staring.
So I said, "Do you need help?"
He said he didn't think it would work. (Keep in mind I drive a full size SUV).
I, frustrated and maybe a little cynical, said, "Oh, then will you just deliver it to my house, then, because it's this car, or nothing!"
Of course, he said they don't deliver. He then walked to the side of the car, and without a word started trying to pull down the center row of seats while Peter was sitting on it in her carseat!! What a doofus!
Exasperated, I said let me do it. So, I pulled Peter out of her carseat, moved it over to the other side, pulled TJ's booster seat out, and pulled the seat down, so he could push the box in. Good thing I only had one kid with me, or I would've been up el creeko. Dumbass.

Anyway, so I cruised home (skipped going to pickup TJ from the neighbor's, even though I was supposed to get him BEFORE my piano lessons), and rushed through my neice's piano lesson. Then left KJ home to babysit Peter (please don't call CPS on me), and went to get TJ at the neighbors' house. Got home to find my Mom there with my brother, ready for his piano lesson.
Everything about my day yesterday overlapped. I just couldn't quite get the schedule together!

Finally, things calmed down a bit. The kids were awesome and helped me clean the house (after I lost it a little bit) Then, Clint brought home a P90X Yoga DVD from work, so for FHE the whole family did Yoga together. Something I never thought I'd ever do with Clint, but it was fun, and crazy hard. That is an advanced Yoga video! But, I loved it! Great end to a crazy day!

p.s. remind me to tell you sometime about why TJ was painted completely green, when I got back from our blogger lunch on Saturday. (Motherboard, care to email me that pic so I can post it?)

p.p.s. also remind me later, to tell you the story about why I am now buying a fake Christmas tree, instead of a real one. Funny story....

ABC Tag

I was tagged by Tink, one of my newest bloggy buddies! I'm pretty sure I've done this one before, but oh, well, I'll do it again. It's nice to have something for when I can't think of anything to talk about (like that EVER happens)
Here goes:

A--Attached or Single: Attached!

B--Best Friend(s): My sisters: Kris & Kat, Nis, Lisa, Motherboard, and Clint!

C--Cake or Pie: Pie. I'm not a big cake fan. I like pie on occasion. I'm more of cookie/brownie person
D--Day of Choice: Saturday! C is home, and I get to run a little later than normal, and then we can go out or play as a family!

E--Essential Item: my Piano (although I'd really like to get a grand piano), and my computer (I might be a little addicted)

F--Favorite Color: Red!!!!

G--Greatest Accomplishment: 1st: my marriage and children, then, writing my music, and running marathons.

H--Hometown: Layton, UT (I've ventured VERY far away from home)

I--Indulgences: duh, chocolate!

J--January or July: July! I hate winter. It makes me depressed. Plus, 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.

K--Kids: 3: daughter, KJ (7), son, TJ (5), daughter, Peter (3)

L--Life is incomplete without: music, chocolate (OK, all food), my family, sisters, friends

M--Marriage Date: May 26, 2000

N--Number of Siblings: SEVEN! One older brother, 2 younger sisters, 4 younger brothers. My baby brother is now 11. There is a 22 year gap between the oldest and youngest in my family!

O--Oranges or Apples: Apples! But I like oranges, too.

P--Phobias or fears: Heights, my kids getting hit by a car, my husband waking up and realizing he's way too good for me

Q--Quotes: "Anything is good if it's made of chocolate"

R--Reason to Smile: Funny things my kids say, when people tell me they love my music, my hubby hugging me (and not so I'll smell that he just farted)

S--Season: It used to be Fall, hands down, but it's more and more Summer these last few years.

T--Tag 5 Friends: Ugh, if you haven't done this one, then YOU.

U--Unknown facts about me: I love to cross-stitch, my still haven't finished the last project I started when I was prego with Peter (3 years ago)

V--Very favorite store(s): Target. Hobby Lobby (I thought of this one because I went there recently)

W--Worst habit: losing my temper, sitting at the computer all day in my PJ's

X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: ultrasound, they are happy memories for me with my babies. X-ray usually means something is broken.

Y--Your favorite food: Uh, duh...chocolate!

Z--Zodiac: Pisces

Not Imaginary Friends, anymore!!

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to lunch and meet some of my favorite blogging pals. I met with Motherboard, Frumpy, Wonderwoman, Redhoodoos, Binders, and Debbie.
Motherboard and I drove down together, belting Wicked songs at the top of our lungs! Gosh, I sure do love that woman! We are truly kindred spirits.

It was fabulous to meet everyone in person, and put a face to all the wonderful personalities I've gotten to know on your blogs. At one point, Wonderwoman said everyone was so much more beautiful in person. I couldn't agree more! It's a new experience to see everyone's faces, and hear their voices, and see their personalities in action, rather than trying to picture it as I read.
I know that many of you will be my friends for life!

Sorry, I don't have pictures. I can't find my blasted camera. I know exactly where I left it. It seems a little 5 year old elf swiped it and can't remember where he put it. He hid it good, too, because I have searched high and low, including his room, under his bed, etc. NO sign of that damn camera. Crap! I hope it turns up before Christmas!

I look forward to meeting more of you! (As long as you're not stalkers or serial killers or anything like that)

Ladies, thanks for a great afternoon!

Alright, alright...I give in!

I was chastised by many for not having shared my Wassail recipe, in a previous post, while bragging about it. I've made it my personal creed NOT to do anything remotely crafty or domestic on my blog, because that might possibly mislead you into thinking that I actually Do things that are domestic. (Sorry, to get your hopes up Robin!)

Well, back in the day, I used to fancy myself something of a culinary genius. I think we've all been there. Fresh from the alter, anxious to please my new husband with all my domestic brilliance. I made up recipes and cooked them for my husband and family. I even made a recipe book a few years ago, and gave it out to my family for Christmas. I've been told by some of my sister-in-laws that it's the only recipe book they use!

Now, before you pass out from shock, please understand that this was the younger, more ambitious and more energetic Sherrie.

There is something about having 3 children in 3 1/2 years, that can wipe the fun right out of you. Now, I'm lucky to have a meal cooked every night. And yes, cheese tacos, mac 'n' cheese, and frozen pizzas are regular menu items now days.

So, since I've been lacking in the holiday spirit, and the domestic department lately, I thought I'd unburden myself by sharing my Wassail recipe with you.

I started making Wassail for Thanksgiving when I was 10 years old. (So when I said 20 years ago, I wasn't exaggerating!) My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sevy, had the class all help make it one year. I was so excited to come home and share it with my family. That year, we (Mom and I) made Mrs. Sevy's recipe for Wassail. Over the years, I've altered the recipe slightly, adding an ingredient here and there, taking out things I didn't think worked. I've had some years when I tried new ingredients and it turned out simply awful. But the last few years, I think I've got it mastered! I have NEVER missed a year of making Wassail since that year in 1988. Now, I'm passing on the delicious blessing to you.

Are you sick of my talking yet? Are you thinking, well get on with it then, where's the recipe?

Now, I'm having second thoughts. What if I've hyped it a little TOO much, and now you'll be expecting some magic potion of youth and vitality, and you'll be disappointed when it turns out to be just plain old Wassail, delicious as it may be.

Maybe I won't share.........

Ok, I will. Here it is:

Best Ever Holiday Wassail

1 gallon apple cider (not juice, cider has more zip. Yes, that's important)

4 oranges (these are for juice, you could use frozen juice, but it's not the same)

2 lemons

ground nutmeg (I don't know how much--just shake the bottle, probably 4-5 shakes)

or about 1 tsp, if you are a measure freak.

ground cinnamon (same rule applies, only use a lot more, probably 10 shakes)

or 1 TB-ish

ginger (4-5 shakes, or 1 tsp)

1 bottle of stick cinnamon (just dump it in--about 10-15 sticks)

16-20 whole cloves (you can use ground cloves (1 tsp), but it's not as pretty)

Pour cider into large pot or crockpot, set on Low heat. Slice oranges and lemons in half. From each orange, cut a slice and set aside. Juice oranges and lemons with juicer (or just squeeze 'em if you're really strong), and pour juice into cider. Add spices. Stir. Stick cloves in sections of orange slices. Put slices in cider to float as garnish(now it's tasty and pretty. Simmer 1 hour. Serve Hot (duh.)

There you have it! Now you know I don't measure when I cook. I just dump stuff in and hope it tastes good. But if you're a OCD control freak, and HAVE to measure stuff, you can. I'm pretty sure it won't taste as good, though, if you measure it. I'm not sure why. I think a little dash a rebellion is my secret ingredient.

So, go try it, and then, tell me how much you LOVE it!!!

Things I Love....

1. I went to the music store yesterday while the kiddos were at school to look for choir music or Christmas and came across this:




For years, I have wished I could get my hands on sheet music from George Winston. And I was always under the impression that he doesn't publish his music in written form. Until now! I'm so excited. I've already sight read through the whole book! If you've never heard George Winston, you must!! He is a brilliant musician, and definitely one of my idols as a pianist.


2. Last night my hubby and I watched one of my favorite shows.



I'll admit that part of the reason I like this show is that is probably one of the very few shows that both of us equally enjoy watching together. If you've never seen The Unit. Check it out! It is so full of suspense, drama, action, plot twists, and whenever an episode ends, I'm lefting dying to see what happens next.

It's on Sunday nights, so we usually Tivo it and watch it on another night. You know, because of the Sabbath........oh, and Sunday night football. Whatever.


3. Last week I downloaded the new album from David Archuleta. Can I just say I love it! Especially this song:




My kids call it the "whistle song" It has a really catchy tune, and everytime I heard it I want to start bobbing my head and play air drums on my steering wheel. (What? Am I the only one who plays air drums to song I like?)

Anyway, take a listen. You'll be hooked!

Today, in a round about way, I love that I have all three of my monkeys home. Unfortunately, KJ woke up barking at 3:00 this morning. The Croup? Probably. But, I kept her home from school, and TJ is now home from school, so we're all just taking it easy today. I'm going to go cuddle with my little monkeys now.

I'm thankful for all these things today!

Giving back the Comment Love

Rule 1. List the first 10 people who have commented on one of your blog posts. I used my last Random 10 Friday, because it has the most comments.


So here's the list:

1. Little Miss

2. Kristina

3. Annette

4. Motherboard

5. Shelle

6. Deb (kitchen ditcher)

7. Mikki

8. Mary

9. Tink

10. Devri



Rule 2. The meme questions: 10 blogs - 15 questions



1. What is your favorite post from #3's blog? Well, I've only been reading her blog for a very short time, but I'd have to say Thanksgiving with the Apes. It has me reeling, seething and laughing all at the same time!

2. Has #2 taken any pictures that have moved you? Mostly the ones she posted last week with Christian Bale. Yum!! And her co-worker? A little weird.

3. Does #6 reply to comments on their blog? I have never gotten a reply from any of my comments on her blog. Seriously! What's up with that?!!

4. Which part of Blogland is #4 from? Oh yay! She's from my own backyard (or around the corner, whatev) in Northern Utah! She is also my own personal visiting teaching partner, my very good friend, and I love her to death!!

5. If you could give one piece of advice to #7 what would it be? Ummm......I don't know, she pretty darn near perfect if you ask me. Oh, I know. Now that she's gotten her temple recommend, make sure you keep going back often, because it's easy to get out of the habit and make excuses.

6. Have you ever tried something from #9's blog? She has another blog called Healing 4 Life.
It's about eating well, and following the word of wisdom, and I'm trying to follow her advice and improve my diet, in addition to exercising.

7. Has #1 blogged something that inspired you? Her very being inspires me! She is funny, deep, and intelligent, and I admire her immensely. But this post, written long before I found her blog, but which I found after we reconnected really says a lot about her! Also, this one, even though it didn't quite sway me to the other side, it still gave me a lot to think about!

8. How often do you comment on #10's blog? I'm pretty much hit and miss on everyone's blogs. I know I've commented a few times on Devri's blog, I could probably be a better commenter.


9. Do you wait excitedly for #8 to post? Of course! She is hilarious and I laugh at everything she writes! I would love to meet her in person someday to see if she is really that funny, or if it's just her blog alter-ego.

10. How did #5's blog change your life? I really loved her post about Hope. It lifted me up, and when I was very near rock bottom. Also, she is another one of my imaginary friends who I have come to know and love through blogging.

11. Do you know any of your 10 bloggers in person? Motherboard is my VT partner, and Little Miss was my best friend in 5th grade, and dated my husband, and we recently became reconnected through blogging!

12. Do any of your 10 know each other? Gee, I really don't know. Maybe I should do a post about that, and have everyone tell me who they know in real life. Maybe that'll bring in some extra comments!!

13. Out of the 10, which updates more frequently? Probably Motherboard with her bucket fillers.

14. Which of the 10 keep you laughing? Mary, Motherboard and Kristina!!

15. Which of the 10 made you cry (good or bad) tears? Shelle, with her post about hope when I really needed it, and Motherboard, whenever she leaves me sappy comments about how much she loves me!

Turkey Trot!

Calling all Runners!

(and wanna be-runners/walkers)

If you will be in the Davis County (UT) area on Thanksgiving morning, then come run with us!!

What: Turkey Trot Fun Run!

5k, 10k, and 10 mile run

When: Thanksgiving morning, Nov 27, 2008

7:00 a.m.

Where: Sherrie's house

Email me for directions

How: I have mapped out a course for 3, 6, and 10 miles routes. Come and run whichever route suits you. I can also tell you a 2 mile route, too, but come on! Push yourself and do the 5k!!

Why: Because you'll burn enough calories to cancel out all that Thanksgiving food. What more reason do you need that that?

Cost: Free!! This is just a fun run, and an excuse to get together as friends, and get some good exercise, and have fun!

So, if you are in the Davis County area, and are interested in running with us, send me an email to pianorunner@yahoo.com

and I will send you directions to the start.

(For obvious reasons, I am not posting my address here.)

So come run, and have fun!!!

“We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." Pres. Thomas S. Monson

I love this quote! Sacrament meeting was surprisingly uplifting today. By surprising, I don't mean that it usually isn't. Well, other than the fact that I usually spend more time and pay more attention to wrestling with and shushing kids. Today, the kids weren't especially reverent, but for some reason, between their wiggles, and noise, I heard the words of the returned missionary who spoke in our ward today.

I didn't catch every word, but his topic was Gratitude. And basically that we should have joy in the journey. Heavenly Father wants us to be Happy in this life, and showing gratitude will help us to do that!

For those of you who don't know, my calling in my ward is choir director. We have late church, so that makes is really hard to find a time to have practice. No matter what time we try, people whine (including me). We finally started meeting at someone's home in the morning, and we're starting to get a better turn out.

Well, today, the choir sang in sacrament meeting. I was so pleased with the turnout. We sang "All Creatures of our God and King" arranged by Mack Wilburg. If you didn't know, Mack Wilburg is the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I LOVE him! His hymn arrangements are amazing, beautiful, and I love to sing and listen to them. Someday, maybe a few years down the road, I aspire to be able to sing with the Tab choir under his direction. What an honor it would be to work with him!! Another dream I have.....Yes, I like to dream BIG!!!

Anyway, our ward choir sounded amazing, and thankfully I kept myself together through the end of the song. After singing it dozens of times during practice, you'd think I'd be "immune" to the song. I was touched from the beginning, and the spirit was so strong throughout the number that I have no doubt that angels were singing along with us.

Whenever I start to grumble about my church calling, the time comes along to perform in church, and it renews my testimony of how important music is to our meetings, and in the gospel. Hopefully, soon, I'll be able to spread the gospel through my own music, and touch someone's life for good.

(BTW, I had my final recording/editing session on Saturday. That sound engineer is a genius! It's going to turn out really good! I can't wait for you to hear it!)

Today, I'm thankful to be able to serve in my church, and for the many people in my ward to support me by coming to sing.

Random Crap and Stuff...and more music!

Dangit! I really need to start writing stuff down! I had all these great ideas. And again....they're gone. Hopefully they'll come back. This is why my blog isn't funny. It is completely, and totally Off. The. Cuff. None of my blog posts are premeditated. Because I'm too hair-brained to remember any good thoughts I've had, or too dense to write it down when I do have good thoughts (which are rare anyway).

I do have a very funny Christmas tree story, but I'm saving it for later. I can't bring myself to discuss anything Christmas-y before Thanksgiving. It's one of my personal morals. No offense, and please know that I love you all, in all your holiday-annoyingness, but I can't stand it when people start doing Christmas stuff, playing Christmas music, etc. before Thanksgiving.

I mean, come on, people, you're skipping a really great Holiday.

Not only are we forgetting to be grateful, but we're just going to skip it all together, and get straight to the "getting stuff." Now, ask yourself, since we're on the subject. WWJD? I think you know the answer. He'd tell you to put away the sale ads, tacky inflated snowmen, and twinkle lights, and start thinking about how you should appreciate what you already have, and just be grateful to have a simple Holiday where you can enjoy a delicious meal, surrounded by people you love.

After binging on Turkey and yams, then you can go all hog-wild for Kris Kringle. M-kay?



**************



That said. I have a confession to make. You know how I've been something of a holiday scrooge of late? If you haven't noticed, then Thank you for seeing the good in me. I really have been boycotting all festivity regarding Holidays (including Halloween), especially with decorating, cooking (hence the buying birthday cakes), and whatnot.

Well, I'm starting to get excited for Thanksgiving. Can you tell, I LOVE this holiday? I'm very grateful that I don't have to cook Thanksgiving dinner this year (BTW, that's my grateful #14).

But, for the last 20 years, I have had a tradition of making Wassail for Thanksgiving every year. I must say, my recipe for Wassail is THE best you've ever tasted. And no, I'm not selling the recipe (Ok, maybe, if you make me an offer I can't refuse)

So, if you want to have a taste, then just invite me to your holiday party, and I will bring some.

It is TO DIE FOR!!!

**************

I am consistently at least 5 minutes (or more) late for everything. For years, this fact has baffled me. I get everyone read on time, I get myself ready on time (usually). But, recently, I finally discovered what the problem is. I have a set time in my head for when we need to leave. I usually allow the minimum amount of time allotted to get from point A to point B. So, if it takes 15 minutes to drive somewhere then we leave 15 minutes before it starts. Rain, snow, sleet or shine.
The real problem is that after years of having 3 children, I still forget to account for the fact that it takes like 10 minutes to gather everyone and get them all buckled into the car. There goes our precious driving time. Hence, we're running late.
My new goal this week is to start getting the monkeys in the car 10 minutes BEFORE we have to leave.
Does anyone else have this problem?

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This little tidbit is for the people in my neighborhood. So, if you're not, feel free to skip ahead.

My stake has exercise classes during the week. I only go to the Friday Yoga class, because I run and/or go my gym on the other days. But, can I just say, that the girl (whose name I've forgotten, I'm a dork) is an amazing teacher. She teaches at one of our local gyms (unfortunately NOT the one I currently go to), and she has a rockin' body, and I love this Yoga class. It kicks my butt, EVERY WEEK. I always thought Yoga was easy and boring, and just a bunch of stupid stretches until I started going to this class.
Currently, I am the ONLY person in my ward who goes. What is UP with that?!! Come on, people! I don't know if the word is just not getting out, or what, but I'm here to say get up off your lazy butts and come join me in this incredible Yoga class!
It starts at 8:55 on Fridays at the Stake Center. There are other classes on other days, but I don't know those details.
So, seriously, if you want to come next Friday, call or email me, and I'll come pick you up.
(FYI, I do go a little late because I have to drop TJ off at preschool first)

Or, if you don't live by me, then find a Yoga class, or go for a walk or do SOMETHING. It might seem daunting or hard at first, but exercise makes you feel sooo good! Do it! NOW!!!!

Ok, I might still be on a little endorphin high from yesterday's run. Or from the Yoga class I just got home from.
But, when you find something you truly LOVE, you just want to share the joy with EVERYONE!!!

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I think it's about time I took the Thriller song off my playlist, since it's now way past Halloween, don't you?

How about a new random list of tunes!!!

1. Like Whoa (Aly & AJ)
2. We Close Our Eyes (Oingo Boingo)
3. Hold Me Now (Thompson Twins)
4. I Get Weak (Belinda Carlisle)
5. Complicated (Avril Lavigne)
6. So What (Pink)
7. One Step at a time (Jordin Sparks)
8. Better In Time (Leona Lewis)
9. Dangerous (Roxette)
10. Bold as Love (John Mayer)

Bonus:
All At Once (Jack Johnson)

Why waking up before the crack of dawn is a good thing....

I'm feeling pretty darn good day. Especially despite the fact that I woke up today at 4:30 am.
Actually that's part of the reason I feel so good.

Yesterday, my friend Annette, in my running group emailed me. In the subject line it said, "We miss you." She is really good at making me feel wanted and giving me a guilt trip at the same time.
So I got up this morning and went running with the group. I'm so glad I did. I always feel so good after I run, even though it's crazy hard, because I'm so out of shape from not doing it.
I don't know why it's so hard to get myself out there and going.
Actually, I do. I hate getting up in the morning. I am sooo NOT a morning person. If I could stay up til 2am and sleep in til 10 every day, I totally would.

And it's such a gorgeous day today. It's nice and calm, a little overcast, and 45 degrees. Perfect crisp fall weather.

I'm thankful today for such a beautiful day. I'm also thankful, again, to be able to run.

Thankful #12

Today is starting out much better than the last few days. I said my morning prayers for the 2nd day in a row today. And I decided to start having a little family prayer with the kids before they leave for school. I'm hoping it helps set the tone for their day as well as it does for mine.

Anyway, today has been good, so far. I had a really great workout, and I've been eating a lot better. I'm sure that the amount of sugar I consume in one day is contributing to my blues.

I came home from the gym, got the mail, and noticed in the ads that both Smith's and Albertson's are having 10 for $10 sales. So, we packed up the monkeys and headed to the store.

I only made it to Smith's today, but I stocked up on a lot of good food for our food storage. I can't believe how much food I got for so little. I got home with 2 full carts full of food for about $140. Now, I'm probably not as good at bargain shopping as some of you with your coupons and all, but I'm pretty proud of myself.

My cold storage room in the basement is now full of food, and I'm excited to have more than just a few cases of canned green beans, and dry-pack oats for my food storage.
I'll probably be going to Albertson's tomorrow to see what I can get.

Today, I'm thankful for bargains! and for being able to add to my food storage.

So, if you have a Smith's or a Kroger, or an Albertson's in your area, go check out the deals!!!

I just had to post this picture of Grocery Outlet, because I worked there for a couple of years in high school. I remember always trying to explain to people that no, we didn't sell expired food! I don't think there are any Grocery Outlets left in Utah, so this photo brought back some memories....

Thankful #11

I know yesterday's post was called Thankful #11. Well, I'm senile, and thought yesterday was the 11th, and was just going by the date. You'd think I'd use my logic and think it was just two days after my daughter birthday, and by deductive reasoning figure out that it was the 10th. Or look at a calendar.

My Mom called me this morning. She read my blog, and got worried. Apparently, this here blog has been a bit of a downer lately. Sorry about that.

I have totally lost my funny bone. Why is it so stinking hard to break the habit of complaining?

Seriously, and don't hate me for saying this, but I think it just might be easier to lose weight than to be positive.

For some of you, you have a lot of weight on your shoulders, and a lot of reasons greater than mine to concern you, and yet you continually strive to see the good in things, and uplift others.

You are truly an inspiration to me.

It's a vicious cycle, I think. I get down, then think about all the reasons I shouldn't be down. I mean, I really do have a great life. I have a lot of good things going on. So, I have no right whatsoever to be depressed. Then I get more depressed, because I feel like a loser for being depressed when I'm so blessed.

I'm ready to stop that cycle once and for all. This morning, when I got out of bed, and I was about to start my day, same as usual. And I started to make my bed. Then I remembered what my sister told me yesterday. So, I stopped right then and there, knelt down and said a prayer.

It was hard. I don't know why it is incredibly difficult for me to pray for myself. I can pray for all the people in my life, but when I need help, I find myself avoiding the Lord. I think part of me is ashamed, for neglecting Him, even though I know He knows my thoughts. The crazy thing is that I had a really wonderful experience about a month ago with prayer, and it's sad how soon I forgot that I really need to come to Him everyday of my life.

And I've discovered that it's Ok, to pray for help in knowing what to pray for. Sometimes I kneel down and draw a blank, because I'm so overwhelmed I don't know how to word it. It's something I need to practice.

So, today, again, I'm thankful for Prayer. I know I used it yesterday, but since I said two things, I figure I can bend the rules a little and say it again.

I'm thankful that I can commune with God, and that I know He hears me, and answers me, even though sometimes it's hard to recognize, or it's not what we were expecting. He is there. He wants us to talk to Him.

And I know He loves me, and wants me to be Happy. So, that alone is going to get me through this day. And maybe step by step, I'll be able to pull out of this black hole, and find the light.

Thankful #11

I am really struggling with this. Last week I could already see the positive effect that finding things to be thankful for would have on me. But, when I feel down in the dumps it is just soooo hard to look on the bright side. Why is that? I've been wondering if I need to start taking my happy pills again. I haven't taken them for about 3 months. Also, I still havent' been running as much as I would like. Turns out, it's harder that I thought to get back into it after taking a break. Especially getting up early in the morning. But I need to do it.

So, today, I was again feeling dumpy, so I called my sister, in OK. She is an amaxing person. She has 3 beautiful, wonderful children. Lives far away from all of her family and friends, because he husband is in the military and was stationed there. She is also pregnant with twins, and her house just flooded a couple weeks ago....while her husband was out of town. And she is also so upbeat and positive.
But, I call her and whine and complain to her, even though I feel like a loser doing it. And she listens. And even though she is my baby sister, and I should be the wise one in the relationship, she also has the best advice to give me.
Today, she told me in essence that I need to swallow my pride, and get down on my knees and pray for help. Because nobody can go through this hard life alone. Nobody. We need the Lord in all things.
She is such a wise and admiral person.
She told me a great way to remind yourself to say prayers everyday. Just make it a goal that every time you make your bed, say your prayers. So, if you forget to make your bed, the unmade bed will be there to remind you that you still need to say your prayers.
I like that. I make my bed everyday first thing when I get up. I need to start saying my personal prayers when I do that, too.

So, today I'm thankful for two things. I'm grateful for my wonderful sisters. I have 2 sisters, and 6 awesome sisters-in-law, who I dearly love, and appreciate.

Also, I'm grateful for prayer. For a loving Heavenly Father who is just waiting to hear from us, who wants to talk to us, and help us, if we just humble ourselves and come to Him in prayer.

KJ's Birthday

I was going to post about KJ's birthday yesterday, but I just didn't feel like it.

So Saturday, the plan was to go to Chuck E. Cheese (again, I know), and then gather the girls together and go see High School Musical 3. Well, we arrived at Chuck E. Cheese and there was a line going all the way out the door into the parking lot. So, we decided to go bowling instead. KJ had a great time. Our SIL, Erin came with her kids, and they bowled with us.

Afterward, I took the girls, KJ, Peter, and 3 of our cousins, and one friend and one uncle to the movies. Only Peter wanted to leave before the movie ended. Otherwise, everyone had a great time.

Then we had cake and ice cream at home with the family.

I cheated again and ordered a Hannah Montana cake, instead of making one. Sue me.

Sunday blues...

I am just having one of those days today. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something. Or maybe it's just a post birthday party hangover, I don't know. I woke up just feeling blah. Nothingness. Do you ever feel that way? When you're beyond being angry or sad, your just empty and numb? I've been wandering around the house like a zombie, not wanting to talk to anyone. My husband gave up trying to pull me out of it about an hour ago. (Coincidentally about the time football started). It's also hard to avoid people with children. And my two nieces slept over last night for KJ's birthday. So far, I've only had to send KJ to timeout once for being a bossy diva. Otherwise they're pretty much entertaining each other.
So, I logged on because what else is there to do on Stake conference Sunday (our meeting isn't until 2:00, but we're skipping it to drive the girls home. They live about an hour south of here.)

I've been feeling a little guilty about blogging lately. Like maybe I've been spending too much time here, and not enough on the things I should be, like laundry, and feeding my children. But, nonetheless I logged on today, and I read a couple of posts, here and here, that I'm sure were written especially for me. This is why blogging is a good thing.
Because I've met some seriously amazing women through blogging, who I've come to love and admire. You are my friends, despite not having met face to face. I've also gotten to know women in my life, who otherwise, I probably wouldn't have gotten to know and love so well.
Because time and time again you say things in my comments to lift me up, or you write an truly inspiring post that helps me through the day.

Today, I'm thankful for You. My blogging friends.

Happy Birthday KJ!!

I can't believe my baby girl is 7 years old!!
Seven years ago today, a sweet little baby girl came into the world and changed our lives!
I was going to post some baby and pregnancy pictures, but my scanner isn't working, sorry.

KJ wanted to stay in there forever, so on the morning of November 8, 2001, we went to the hospital to induce labor. It was fast, completely painless, and my only complaint was that the pitosin made me sick. But, that's only because I cheated and ate before I came, even though they told me not to.

K. J. Shepherd was born on November 8, 2001 at 2:53 p.m.
She weighed 8 lb 6 oz, and was 19 1/2 inches long.

She had the cutest little chubby cheeks and I remember the pediatrician asking me if I'd eaten a steak dinner every day while I was pregnant. She was such a sweet, cuddly baby. She loved to be held, and of course she was my first, so I was happy to spoil her rotten.

Here is KJ on her 6th birthday 11/8/07

And on her 5th birthday, 11/8/06


Here are 7 things I love about KJ.


1. She is good at everything she does. From karate to tumbling to singing in her choir, to soccer to piano, and school, she excels at it all. She was definitely born with a gift.

2. She is a little social butterfly. She makes friends everywhere she goes. She loves to talk to people. I admire this about her immensely, because I was a very shy child.

3. She is such a great helper. She does what I ask her, usually, and is a great help with her little brother and sister.

4. She is quite the diva! KJ is my shining star. She knows what she wants and how to get it, and loves to be the center of attention.

5. She is so smart! She is reading like crazy lately, and always wants me to sit and listen to her read.

6. She is an amazing artist. She loves to draw and color and is always asking me to sit and draw with her.

7. She loves to spend time with her family. As you can tell from above, she always wants me to do something with her, and when Dad is home she is a total Daddy's girl!

Happy 7th Birthday KJ! We love you!!!

Random complaints.....

Ok, I know I've been all positive on my blog lately. I'm so sorry to have let you all down. Since it's been awhile since I have a good complain session, I just needed to get a few things off my chest.

Then I'll go back to being Thankful.

Ok, first of all. I don't allow people to find my blog by searching on google or whatever. But I recently found out that their is some Indonesian Porn star named Sher something-or-other, and before when I used to allow searches, I'd find people searching for her ALL THE TIME, and would come across mine, when I checked my stat counter. Needless to say, I quickly removed authorization to allow perverts to search and find me by accident.

That said, I'm considering changing the name of my blog. The address will remain the same, but I'll just change the title. I haven't come up with anything catchy, yet, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

*******************

I was going to copy Mikki and do a big celebration and giveaway for my 200th post. I figured it was coming up to is pretty soon, but had some time to think about it. Well, I guess I blog more than I thought, because this particular post rings me up at 202. Oh well. Maybe I'll do a giveaway to celebrate my 217th post or something. Or maybe I'll wait until my CD is released, then there might be some free CD's to go in the goody bag. We'll see......

******************

Ok. And now, a funny, scary story, in which, I very seriously contemplated putting my 3 year old up for adoption.

Yesterday, KJ went home on the bus with her friend, to play for a few hours after school. At 6:30 or so, I got dinner started on the stove, put on low to simmer, then packed TJ & Peter into the car to go pick up KJ before C got home from work. I pulled in to the driveway, put the car in park, and put on the emergency break. My friend's driveway is very steep. I left the kids in the car, with it running (I know, don't' lecture me...I know), because I was only going up to the door to get KJ. Well, she and her friend wanted to finish their game, and I got talking to her Mom, then TJ came walking in and I lost track of time. Finally, (about 15 minutes later), I decided we'd better get going, because Peter is probably sick of sitting strapped into her carseat in the car.

Well, I went out to discover my car not where I had left it, but down at the end of the driveway with the back sticking out into the street (I drive a big SUV). I freaked! I went running down the driveway, to discover Peter sitting in the middle seat in the front, with a seatbelt on, the gearshift in Drive! and the car was stalled., and the doors all locked. Peter was just happy as could be, jamming out to her tunes. I pounded on the window for her to open the door. She just grinned at me and shook her head. So, I yelled, "Peter you better open the door or I'll come in there and spank your bum!" Apparently my 3 -year old's logic is better than mine, because she didn't flinch at all. So, since my cell phone was in the car, I went back in and borrowed my friend's phone to call C, to have him bring the spare keys. I figure he'd be home or close by now. Well after 4 phone calls, he didn't answer, I resolved I'd have to leave the kids with my friends, run home and get the spare keys, and then run back. I went back out and Peter was now in the drivers seat with the windshield wipers on, and "steering" Finally, I got her to open the door, and we drove home, but boy was I wound up for the rest of the night!

Luckily, no one was hurt, but I can't but think about what could've been. Believe you me, I will NEVER leave my kids in the car with it running EVER again. (My old van used to have a feature that you couldn't pull it into gear unless the brake was on, I guess this car doesn't have that) And I WILL be getting my emergency brake checked out, because apparently it's not doing its JOB!

So, before you report me to the CPS for child neglect, just remember that I do love my children, and I'm trying. Really I am. You can't tell me something like this has NEVER happened to you! Can you???

************

Ok, just one more, and it's a little serious, but I just needed some input on what to do about it. Don't' be alarmed. I'm sure it's nothing. Maybe I'm just something of a Hypochondriac.

I recently found a lump under my right armpit. Not right in my pit, but down underneath on my side. And it hurts. It's very distinct, and it's not on the other side. So, I googled painful armpit lumps, and tried to find all the reasons I could have a lump other than the most obvious and the most scary. I'm not even going to say it out loud. But it said your lymph nodes in your pits can get swollen or you can get cysts because of a viral or bacterial infection. They used mastitis as an example. I'm telling myself that having a cold counts. That counts, right? I'm thinking I'll just wait a week and see if it just goes away, and if not, I'll go get it checked out.

Does anyone have any experience in the area? Have you ever found a lump or known someone who has? I just need someone to tell me it's nothing, and to not worry about it.

****************

There now. I'm done complaining. Do you want to see some random pictures the kids and I took, while goofing around the other night?

No?

Well, I'll post 'em anyway, just for fun.

BTW, TJ had another belt test for Karate yesterday, and testing for his purple belt. He gets his belt ceremony next week. Way to go TJ!!!

Thank you For the Music

OK, now you all know how much I love tags. This is fun! This is a little twist on my usual Random 10 list.
You all know how much I love music. I have always been deeply affected my music, and have a deep passion for it. I think there is probably nothing that affected me more than good music. It can stir me to the very core of my soul. I love to hear it, play it, sing it, write it, and whatever else I could do with it!

And I think it is no coincidence that I randomly picked "Thank You For the Music" for my title.

Today, I am thankful for MUSIC!!

So, come play along!!!

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this post what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'IS THIS OKAY' YOU SAY?
Lay Your Hands on Me (Bon Jovi)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF
Staple it Together (Jack Johnson)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Lost! (Coldplay)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Life's What you Make It (Hannah Montana)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
There is No Arizona (Jamie O'neal)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
If I Could (Jack Johnson)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Stop This Train (John Mayer)

WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Have a Heart (Bonnie Raitt)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Mary (Sarah Mclachlan)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Something Bad (from Wicked)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Poco de Amor (Shakira)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Dancing Through Life (from Wicked)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
All These Lives (Daughtry) (I really danced to The Way You Look Tonight at my Wedding)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Come Thou Fount/Hie to Kolob (Sherrie Shepherd)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Good People (Jack Johnson)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Make Some Noise (Hannah Montana)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Just another Heartache (Chely Wright)

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS EMAIL?
Thank You for the Music (ABBA)

Thankful #6

I've been wracking my brain all morning, trying to come up with something specific to be thankful for. I didn't think I'd get stumped this early in the game. It goes to show what a terrible habit I have of whining and complaining.

It's especially difficult amid the 3 year old meltdown going on. I think she's mad because I helped her into the car after preschool, and she wanted to do it herself.

My next investment: soundproof bedroom doors.

I do have to say this. I am truly, truly amazed at how much this being thankful thing has helped me. I think Sister C, from my Enrichment night was right. Having gratitude does bring you happiness. Since I've started forcing myself to think about what I'm grateful for, it has vastly improved my attitude toward myself, my daily tasks, and especially my demeanor with my children and my relationship with my husband.

I've noticed my husband is suddenly more helpful around the house, is more eager to come home earlier from work, and stays upstairs when he gets home instead of heading straight downstairs to his "apartment" to watch his games. I'm not saying that I really had anything to do with this, because he's made a lot more changes than my little attitude change. Maybe it's just that. My attitude. Maybe he's always been helpful, and I just didn't notice, because I was so focused on finding fault.

But, that he came home last night, and did a couple of really amazing things. First, he changed the sheets on our bed (because my little "animal" had another accident the night before and I hadn't gotten to it), and he brought me a bottle of water for my nightstand while I was brushing my teeth (we always keep water by our bed at night). I know those things seem really little and insignificant, but they meant a great deal to me, because I knew he was doing them just for me, and that really means alot. After that we had a really great talk. The best we've had in months. For the first time in a long time, I felt like we really opened up to each other, and joked and laughed.

I think when I focus on finding the good in him, and the things he does for me, then it makes me love him that much more, and makes me want to do things for him.

Today, (and everyday for that matter), I'm so very thankful for my wonderful husband. I'm so grateful to have him in my life. He's a great man, and a fabulous father, and hard worker, and I truly appreciate all he does for our family.

I love you, Clint!

Running

Yesterday, after voting, I went to the gym to run on the treadmill. I ran 3 1/2 miles.

And it felt pretty darn good.

Since the St. George marathon, I have not run AT ALL. I know. I took the first week off to recover, then my hubby went out of town, then I was being lazy and not getting out of bed in the morning, and excuses....excuses.....
Needless to say, I lost the drive.

So, long story short, I was feeling like CRAP! I was tired ALL the time, achey, sick, getting headaches, cramping, and for some reason every single pair of my jeans had shrunk. And my scale went all skiwampus and told me I had gained 10 pounds, which can't be for real! And not to mention the emotional effect. I was a total basket case! My poor family. Words cannot describe the insanity that my body went through. So, I thought, well, it can't be that I've been totally lazy and worthless for a month, there must be something wrong with me.

So, I took a pregnancy test......

I thought I'd scroll down for effect, just to get a reaction. Did you think I was pregnant? Did you? Well, the pregnancy test was negative. As I knew it would be. Sorry to disappoint.

The only thing I'm pregnant with is a huge amount of food and no exercise.

So, if I'm not pregnant, then the only common denominator of all this craziness is me NOT running.
I had no idea running did so much good for me, until I stopped. So I made some plans.

First, I'm going to get together a little fun run Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. I haven't decided a route yet. Last year, we ran from Fruit Height up to the Bountiful Temple. It was fun, and that hill is the MOTHER of all hills.

So, if you're in No. UT, and are around on Thanksgiving morning, come join us! I'll post more details later.

Also, I decided to run the Painter's half marathon again. I did it last year. It was my first half, and the hedgeway into my passion of running.

So, I decided I better get back into it. Saturday, I met up with some of my running buddies. I was planning on just going 6 miles, because after not running for a month, I thought I better start slow. I ended up doing 11 miles. And it was hard, and I walked alot.
I wish I could say I felt great afterward, but I didn't. I was exhausted.
But I'm glad I went, and got started up again.

So, today, I'm thankful that I can run, and for all the postive effects it has on my life.

I Voted!

I voted first thing this morning. I dropped the monkeys off at preschool, and drove straight there. Thru the pouring rain, and slush. Pouring is an understatement, by the way. It was more like pounding rain, if that's possible. But, that's a whole other topic of discussion.

There were no lines. I was anticipating huge masses of people. I'd heard that the early voting was a complete debacle. So, I was pleasantly surprised that I got right in.

Again, I find myself wanting to grumble about all the turmoil our country has been in the last few weeks, and about feeling like my vote isn't worth much or isn't going to make a difference.

And again, I'm trying to find reasons to be thankful.

I'm thankful, that, at least, I get to vote. That, as an American, and a woman, I have rights. And I have a say in who leads our country. And if everyone who thought their vote doesn't count, didn't vote, how would we make that decision?

Today, I'm thankful that I got to vote, and I'm proud to be an American!!!

Thankful #3

Mondays are cleaning days for me. Catch up from not doing any housework all weekend. Mountains of laundry, picking up toys, and clutter, scrubbing toilets, sweeping, vacuuming.

You know how much I love doing all of that.

But, today, while I was whining to myself about still being sick with this wretched cold, and not being happy about scrubbing toilets, I was trying to force myself to think about what I'm thankful for today.

So, today, I'm thankful, that I have a home to clean. That my children have a nice warm bed to sleep in everynight (even though they all usually end up in mine), and that we have a roof over our heads.

Today, I'm thankful for HOME.

I'm Thankful #2

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things." D&C 59:7


Today, I'm thankful for the Gospel in my life, but especially for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

What are you thankful for today?

I'm Thankful for......

Well, it's November now. The month of gratitude and thankfulness. (Yes, I'm aware that that was redundant).

So, I'm going to try something for the month of November, just to help me stay on top of my game, and avoid the "depths of despair" (thank you Anne of Green Gables) during the Holidays.

Recently, I went to an Enrichment night, where we talked about emotional health. The speaker gave such a great message. She said something to the effect of gratitude is the ticket to happiness. Basically, if you think of what you are grateful for in a situation, or in a person, then you'll find joy in it, instead of despair. She passed out this little handout.

In case you can't read that it says: Relax, Reflect, Restore....with the attitude of gratitude.

So, this month I'm going to try to post one thing I'm thankful for everyday.

Today, I am grateful for my wonderful little family.

C & I took the kids to a Weber State Football game. It was fun. We made it almost all the way through the 3rd quarter before the kids got restless, and we had to leave. But, when we left WSU was up 31 to 7 (I think). The kids loves seeing Waldo, the purple Wildcat. (I told them we were going to see the purple kitty, so that was their focus).

I'm so thankful to have a loving husband, and three beautiful, healthy, spunky children!

p.s. don't forget that tomorrow Daylight Saving Time ends. We get an extra hour to sleep in! YEAH!!! I'm thankful for that too!