Afternoon Tea for Dinner

Three tea sandwiches: cucumber mint, roast beef with avocado/chives, chicken with guac (avocado, shallots, tomatoes and lemon juice). Add mango tea with honey, tea biscuits and strawberries/blackberries.

Two tea-loving, excited girls who have had tea since they were 18 months.

ps. For those of you that have the invite to my Crying Over Spilt Milk blog... I've got some new posts up and... I've even scheduled posts all the way to Wed... now I need to make a menu for the rest of this week. For those of you I know that don't have access...send me an email and I'll invite you to the private family blog.

Why does the White Witch turn Tumnus into stone?

So... we finished Chapter 12 of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe last night. Tonight we read Chapter 13. I adore these books. I started reading them to my girls (ages 4 and 2) 12 days ago. I thought, what the heck, I bet they can get the gist of the book.

My 4-year-old raises her hand at least twice each chapter to ask about Mr. Tumnus and why the White Witch/Queen turns him into stone. She is deeply invested in what happens to poor, Mr. Tumnus. I love that she wants to pretend she's Lucy. My 2-year-old likes to say Aslan, Narnia and oooooh in fright when the White Witch is mentioned. She also reminds us that "the White Witch pretended to be good."

Sometimes I have to pause, during the descriptions of the trees, grass, valleys, to wait for them to bring their attention back, but they get the action, plot and are so excited to have me read to them each night, a new chapter. There's something so warm and cozy sharing books I love with my little ones. It just makes me so darn happy.

I hope this is the start of many C.S. Lewis readings in their lifetime.

ps. Regarding my goal to do better...yesterday, was a good day. FHE went off without a hitch, no one went into time-out, I didn't raise my voice once... it was like a new me. The girls seemed to be cooperating all day. It was a mini-miracle. Today...I'm going to keep a prayer in my head and go at it again.

Phoenix Sundays

Yesterday in Sacrament meeting our friend John spoke. He talked about a man who was too scared to share the miracle of penicillin to a group of his peers. He then talked about how working in commercial real estate his colleague would tell his team, "you don't have to call all your land lords, just the ones you want to keep". It's like the flossing one... "you don't have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep".

He related it to sharing what brings us joy, peace and safety. We don't have to share the gospel with all our friends, just the ones we want to keep. That sort of hit it home for me.

Then in Sunday School our fantastic teacher Greg, talked about the Priesthood. Usually lessons about the Priesthood are one-sided. He was able to bring it to all of us. As he taught us about the history, the order that has been set up, I thought about how while there is this great authority bestowed on those that are worthy, it actually is still a tool the Lord gives to teach us. Just because a man has that authority, doesn't make him perfect. It means, he's still learning, the Lord trusts him.

As a woman and mother I think of this often. That having the power to create life doesn't make me an all powerful being (in a teeny, tiny little lamp - sorry Aladdin reference). This gift of motherhood makes me feel a little inadequate...ok fine, a lot inadequate (I know...not grammatically correct...but I'm not asking for a grade on this one). I realize how little I know, and how much I learn as I go, and how much I have to learn over-and-over again. There's never time to sit back and rest on my laurels and say, "yep, I'm all powerful and I know it all, muahahahaha". When I start acting like that, it's time to commit me to a mental home.

My favorite part of the lesson was where we read in D&C 121 about how the Priesthood should be used, and the blessings from it. I think we glean a lot from this that we can apply to Motherhood, and Fatherhood.

40 Hence many are called, but ^afew are chosen.

41 No ^apower or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the ^bpriesthood, only by ^cpersuasion, by ^dlong-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By ^akindness, and pure ^bknowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the ^csoul without ^dhypocrisy, and without ^eguile—

43 ^aReproving betimes with ^bsharpness, when ^cmoved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of ^dlove toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of ^adeath.

45 Let thy ^abowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let ^bvirtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy ^cconfidence wax strong in the ^dpresence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the ^edews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant ^acompanion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of ^brighteousness and truth; and thy ^cdominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

These verses teach us how we are to treat those we have stewardship over. Greg, our teacher asked us, what our "dominion" was. He said as parents, our children are our dominion, and if we practice gentleness, charity, kindness, and make sure virtue garnishes our thoughts, we shall have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. Our dominion, our children will flow unto us without being forced, coerced... they will willingly follow our examples of righteousness. Gentleness, begets gentleness.

I sat there in the meeting looking at these verses in a way I'd never seen them before. It was like finding the most simple answers to all of my parenting questions. I sat there thinking... it's so simple... and yet, also so hard.

I realized I need to do better, work harder to make myself more pure, more gentle, more persuasive in kindness as a mother. The answer is there. The choice is mine, will I do it... and reap the blessings, or will I make excuses and act weak and foolish.

Then in RS my fabulous friend Carrie taught about Peace. I love that word, Peace. It's like how Peter, Susan and Lucy felt when the Beavers told them about Aslan... I feel all warm and comforted when I hear the world Peace.

I feel Peace in the temple. The reverence, the quiet. And... it was like the Lord was telling me, "If you want peace in your own home, follow the example of mine." So, I'm going to start, again, I'm going to try harder on Monday to be more patient, kind, persuasive and more pure in my thoughts. I'm going to try to be softer in my tone of voice... I'm going to try a little harder to be a little better for my girls.

I am not expecting perfection. I am miles and miles from there. But I know the Lord will appreciate my tiny, little efforts... because I'll give all I've got. And when I fall short, which I know I will - he will accept me, and cheer for me when I pick myself up and try again. You know why? He loves me, just as I am.

Tired of the BULL?

Yeah...me too...and John Stossel shows us all... it's all BULL.

Legislators saving the Budget Crisis? BULL


State Controlled Traffic... BULL


Fed Gov't BULL


Universal, Gov't Pre-K BULL


Congress and the Border? BULL


No Middle Class? BULL



Thank goodness there are people like Stossel in the media.

Picnic in a Tent for Family Home Evening

My hubby called from work and suggested this idea. Which is perfect because the lesson tonight was on the important role of Fathers.

He picked up some sandwiches from Quiznos and then we packed up the following in our car for the short drive up to the park:

- kids-sized tent (because we aren't really a camping family...we don't have a real tent)
- a tarp for the kid-sized tent (because we use the tent inside and I didn't want to get it dirty)
- 2 blankets for comfort
- 2 pillows to make it more homey
- drinks, chips, sandwiches

Load family in ...just like a clown car

Eat

Take turns telling made up stories

Teach lesson

QS: K, what's your favorite thing that Daddy does?
K: Kisses me.
QS: M, what's your favorite thing that Daddy does?
M: Gives me cookies.

Clean up, and use up energy playing at the park

Show yourself...

If you wouldn't mind terribly... would you please click follow on the side bar to the right?

I have friends that have been asking me if I know someone in *insert city/state* who found their blog from mine...and I have no idea who is reading this blog... except for the few that have commented.

So... to save me the curious questions... please... if it's not too scary - show yourself.

Cheers!
QS

How Not to have a Budget solution

QS: I called directv and went with the most basic plan, slicing our bill in half. Also I found out they've been charging us for four receivers, not two. So I am hoping to get a credit back.

R: What are we losing?

QS: It doesn't matter. Did you not hear me? They've been charging us for something we didn't have...it's like money thrown into the wind, willy-nilly.

R: Right, but do I still have my sports channels?

QS: Dose it matter?

R: Well - the extra money (10 bucks a month) they charged us over a year is really not that much.

QS: Are you kidding me? Every penny counts. So can you call them and tell them to give us a credit or something? You're the negotiator.

R: No, I'm too busy at work.

QS: Then can you do it at home? They're available 24 hours.

R: No, I don't feel like it.

Next Day

R: So I called Directv at work.

QS: Really?

R: Yeah, I got them to give us a 5.00 credit a month for the next year, and got them to put back our orginal programming.

QS: You did what?

R: Didn't you ask me to talk to them?

QS: Yes, to implement credit - NOT to redeem your programming package.

What we have learned... men would rather have their families live in a tent, than lose their stupid sports.

ps. My fingers are ice cold...but I won't turn on the heat because I don't want to live in a tent.

Cleaning the Pipes

QS: I need to have s-- tonight. I'm going to be loopy over the weekend. It has to be tonight. We also need to watch LOST...and I have to go to bed at a reasonable hour for tomorrow.

R: Ok, we'll watch LOST and then have s-- and then I'm going to watch the Sharks and you can go to bed.

QS: Perfect.

R: I'm going to have s-- tonight. I'm going to have s-- tonight. And if you're lucky, you will too.

Extracting my wisdom

... Teeth.

Three of them.

Tomorrow.

I'm terrified.

The only stories I hear are about pain, lot's of pain. Sockets... and pain...giant chipmunk cheeks. OH... AND PAIN. And... I hate medications...drugs... going under. Yeah... so... does anyone have any good stories? If you have horror ones... feel free to share those too... (my brother before his mission had his out... he threw up blood after he got home...you wonder why I'm terrified?) because... at least I've been forewarned.

Does it help that my wisdom teeth erupted after I got pregnant with K...back in 2004? Will it be easier... or does the fact that I'm older... you know... everything goes down hill after you're 30...

Peace in Holy Places

Sacramento, California Temple (where K my daughter has a little pebble with her name on it in the foundation)

This morning was my turn to head to the Temple. It's been a while since I've been. I don't know why I hadn't thought of the idea sooner. One Sunday during Relief Society I turned to my friend C, and asked if she wanted to swap babysitting so we could take turns going to the temple during the day. She said yes, and this month was our first go of it.

It ends up being about 3-4 hours of babysitting...and the temple is close to us. When I had her kids the week before it was actually really peaceful and fun...and entertaining... you remember this post.

There's something about the temple that just feels like home to me. I'm a pretty high-energy gal...except when I am sleep-deprived... so to walk into the temple, or for that matter, just driving into the parking lot calms me. I feel like a nicer, more relaxed version of myself... a better version.

Provo, Utah Temple

I was able to work in the Provo Temple as a temple worker my last year at BYU. I've never felt odd going to the temple, I've always felt at peace. I wish I had the time to work consistently in the temple, but I'm grateful that anytime I do go, it reminds me of the time I spent working with the sweetest Grandmas and Grandpas at the Provo Temple. The Provo one might look like an electric carrot, or a birthday cake... but that temple will always be special to me... because I walked it's halls early in the morning.

I sometimes wish we could, just leave the world all behind and walk the temple halls, or sit pondering with our own little families. I want to live at the temple.

Oakland, California Temple - where we were married

Today I felt incredibly strengthened, humbled and grateful. There's something about being allowed in the Lord's house that makes me weep. I was thinking on patience today. I need to practice more patience when it comes to my overly intelligent four-year old. As I sat thinking about this, I realized that my Heavenly Father has infinite patience with me. If he can have that amount of patience for me... I can do better with my own stewardship. They are His children, after all... I will be held accountable if I am not more patient with these precious souls. He will help me.

I was also thinking about the way Hollywood (the world/great and spacious building) looks at us. Those of us that stand on the Lord's side and make a very public stand for family. At the temple I was reminded that fame, the world's wealth, and silver tongues will all be used against the eternal plan. Reflecting on this, I once again was reminded that it matters not if the world, it's courts, etc agree with us. What matters is that the Lord knows where we stand. That when it comes down to it, we let those around us know exactly where we stand when it comes to what is worth protecting. For that, I am grateful that I made a definite mark in the sand and took, and will continue to take a stand. The world is a fickle place. I'm so grateful that when we follow the Lord there is order, there is peace, amidst the trials and sacrifices.

Laie, Hawaii Temple - where my hubby R, proposed

At the temple I was reminded that children are given to us to bring us joy. So much of the day-to-day can be mundane and seem like a tiny grain of sand ... but it is that diligent work to improve and to be better parents, to focus on our children that will endure. I know my husband and I often talk about the challenges of parenting two daughters who are both smarter than both of us, combined. We are constantly worried how our actions affect them. We want to raise them to be strong, faithful, happy and secure women. We often wish that there was a step-by-step book to tell us what to do in every situation.

What we have settled on... until someone publishes that desperately needed book ... is to remember the big picture. Will silly annoyances really affect their eternal welfare... or do we just need to chill out? (yes, we often need to chill out)

I also sat in the temple thinking about Trust. I realized that I am starting to understand the extent of the trust I place in my Heavenly Father. That I trust in his love, patience and blessings. I realize that as imperfect beings, we often can corrupt the trust placed in us, by our own children. I hope I remember to work hard each day to earn my girls' trust. I realized that each day, it is my job to earn their respect, earn their love and demonstrate to them that they matter more to me than praise from people outside my home. For some reason, putting the burden of responsibility back on myself... makes things clearer for me.

Nauvoo, Illinois Temple - a temple that is simply gorgeous...and something to drive to in the middle of the night when you and your hubby can't sleep in St. Louis.

I also thought about sacrifice and equality. I often like to go on a rampage when I see women mistreated. I am so overly concerned about gender equality sometimes that I try to make things equal between me and my hunny. When... there is no need to. He's happy to see me do whatever I want. As I sat there in the temple I realized... sacrifice is not about equality (by now you know I'm a slow learner...). Sacrifice is about putting the other person first. I am guilty of not doing more, when I know I should. I have been too worried about a 50/50 split of responsibilities that I've forgotten what it means to serve the one I love. Sitting there I realized I need to redouble my efforts for my hubby. My sweet man who slays dragons for me.

As I walked out of the temple I thought again about patience. I have always loved how in the temple, we are all so quiet. I thought about how I was never in a hurry. I thought about how it didn't bother me when we had to wait for one more person to join us in the room. How it didn't bother me that I had to wait my turn. If I can have that kind of patience in the Lord's home - maybe I ought to make it so in my own. I suppose that's why they tell us to return often to the temple. So we can be reminded of what our heaven on earth ought to look like, and feel like.

Doors of the Sacramento Temple

There's nothing I love more than the spirit of the temple. To think an imperfect soul such as I, am allowed entrance to feel such joyful peace. It just proves once again, in so many ways, that God loves me as I am. I am so grateful to His eternal plan. I am grateful that with the atonement we can and we should always look to improve... grow, change. I am so grateful to have my own little family. I am so grateful to be a wife, companion and helpmeet. I am so pleased to have the chance to learn motherhood from two brilliant little tutors...my amazing daughters.

ps. Sorry for the topic jumping... needed to get all the thoughts out of my head before they fell out and I forgot all that I felt and leaned, remembered... sorry for editing mishaps...meaning I haven't the energy to edit.

Abuse and Stress

Ever wonder why you handle stress so poorly... click here.

Another study on how childhood abuse affects our brains, here.

Oscar

Or... how adorable is Hugh Jackman??!!

I would've have skipped the kiss-a, love-fest that is the Oscars. BUT... my guy Hugh Jackman was on... you know... Wolverine.

For those of you that did watch - when Tilda Swinton said "The five of us represent...." Didn't you want her to say "...the final five cylons"?

I'm a sucker for song and dance - so Hugh... *sigh*... but what was up with Beyonce lip-sinking...and being off with the music track?

That's all... and I don't like smug, self-important actors like Penn... he bugs...and I want to iron out his wrinkles...and I hate ironing.

....and I forgot... I loved the short animated film acceptance... "Domo Arrigato Mr. Roboto...." awesome.

Two things

If you're interested - check out the Gimme Gimme post here.

And... I'm looking for nicknames for my girls.

K is 4... our resident drama queen, boss, fashion guru, never stops talking, music/dance,theater gal and sensitive heart.

M is 2...my little Momma's girl, mischievous comic, tough girl, singer, dancer and the quiet one.

Please leave your suggestions in the comments below. ;-) THANKS!

My Four-Year-Old's First Kiss...

...That I know of.

Today my friend C, and I started our first go at trading babysitting so we can go to the temple during the day. We are hoping to be able to go once each month.

She has four kids. Her youngest are exactly the same age as mine are. S, her son, is a few months older than K, and her baby E is a few months older than M. (I need to come up with real nicknames for my girls)

E, M, K, S

We had breakfast, played outside, danced outside, had a snack outside, played upstairs, had lunch and dressed up and ended with popcorn and Wall-E.

While were upstairs M felt sad because K was so busy dancing with S. So I took her out of K's room (doors all open) into her own, to talk with her. Soon E joined us, and I realized that the other two were suspiciously quiet.

I walked back into K's room, and found K laying in bed, with S over her kissing her, just like in all those Disney Princess movies. (Blast you Disney)

I wanted to laugh, and throw him off her in the same instant. Instead, I kept my head. I calmly asked them what they were playing. K was so nonchalant, it was like nothing even registered on a significant scale. Meanwhile, little S gave me these mischievous, "I know you caught me doing something I probably shouldn't" eyes.

K told how they were playing princesses and the stuffed animal monsters killed her and S had to revive her with a kiss.

I think one day soon I need to explain that "true love's kiss" doesn't bring us back from the dead.

I then suggested we all go downstairs to draw or dance. K was eager to go draw. She is my little artiste. S, put his arm around K and pleaded with her to stay and play more princesses.

So I quickly came up with a better idea. A movie! And popcorn! I don't know if the suggestion, or my enthusiasm did the trick. They were off scampering downstairs.

Once there S immediately put both his arms around K. I was begging the microwave to pop faster, so his hands would be preoccupied.

Heavens, they are only 4.

They were watching the movie and eating popcorn when I finally had a moment to call R, my hubby.

"Honey, um, I think your daughter just had her first kiss."
"Who do I have to kill?"

Thank heavens they're only 4...if they were 10 I'd be even crazier Mommy.

When my friend C got back from the temple, I told her how her little guy has the moves. She laughed and blamed her husband for that.

Of course, one day, we will all tease them about this. Let's hope tomorrow doesn't come soon. I'm not ready for the raging hormones.

Mulan

Sunday night, before dinner my hubby R was checking work email. The girls decided to attack the Huns.

K as Mulan: We're going to put arrows into you!

R as a Hun: You're going to put arrows into me? That's not very nice.

M as Shang (because K always makes M be the boy): But we're going to put nice arrows into you.

Superstition

I often scoff at superstition.

Chinese people don't like the number 4 or the color white. Both of which symbolize death. As a child I was never allowed to wear a white hair band, clip, etc.

Chinese also believe that if you don't clean your bowl at mealtimes, as a child, you'll marry a pock-faced spouse.

In the middle ages, anything unexplained would be considered witchcraft.

Friday the 13th seems to always illicit another stupid horror movie. (I hate commercials for them... they freak me out)

Beware of black cats that cross your path.

Don't walk under ladders.

I was sitting in the family room today and realized, I have my own... superstitions.

When my hubby used to go on business trips, I'd be extra jumpy. At night, after the girls were in bed I'd shower and then jump into my garments as soon as possible... because I believed that if I wore them - no harm would come to us.

We're supposed to keep the Sabbath Day holy. So even when I have to take my daughter into urgent care and buy her medicine on Sunday - I feel as though I'm tempting bolts of lightening.

I know I have more like this...but the exhaustion of this entire week is... weakening my ability to form coherent thought. So... what about you? What superstitions do you have? Help me jog my short-circuiting brain.

First Five Gimme Gimme

From my friend the Greek Goddess...

the first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! (QS: be afraid...)
my choice. for you. this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. i make no guarantees that you will like what i make! (QS: if you don't...please don't tell me...nah, tell me - I like honesty)
2. what i create will be just for you.
3. it’ll be done this year. {translation: you may be waiting a little while}
4. you have no clue what it’s going to be ... it may be cards, a poem, a bookmark, something yummy or a complete surprise to you (and me!) ... who knows? not you, that’s for sure!
5. i reserve the right to do something extremely strange. (QS: you are forewarned...)
6. most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or if you do not have a blog, facebook) get something made by YOU! the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me ...

Those were the rules as copied exactly from the Greek Goddess' blog. She added an idea. If you're not the kind of person that wants to make something tangible for others, how about some kind of service for them, any type, any size.

Happy Valentine's

Mangoes, Oreo bark, Rice Krispie Balls with Cinnamon

Chinese New Year Video

I have been meaning to post this with the Gongxi Facai post...I finally had some time tonight.

Enjoy!

Saving Face

I have never, ever in my entire life liked the Asian thing of "saving face". I know other cultures have their version of it - in any form, I find it rank and useless.

Recently I was sitting (maybe a week or so ago - losing count of things with the lack of sleep) in Relief Society and listening to a lesson. My favorite teacher Allison, no longer teaches us, she was recruited by the early morning seminary students. She is the type of teacher we all need. She's real, down-to-earth and doesn't do any of the holier-than-thou stuff that drives me crazy.

It just so happened that this lesson started to border on the "we are Mormon and we are so much better than the world". Which drives me bonkers because we aren't better. We have knowledge, but that doesn't matter if we don't do anything about it. We are just as flawed as anyone else. Being a Mormon doesn't come with it a "perfection" card. When people start giving lessons like that, I start feeling as though the whole room starts to feel smug about itself and begins to sneer down it's long pointed nose. It makes me want to scratch my skin off.

So naturally, I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I made a comment about how important it is for us as parents to let our kids know that we are not perfect. That we make mistakes and ...even more important than that, that we will apologize to our children and make amends to them when we hurt them. Because, let's face it... parents do hurt their children. The best intentions in the world, don't erase that, don't excuse it.

Example of this in my own home. During Christmas our oldest K (who is four and a half...she likes to remind us of this half every day) watched the old clay animation movie The Little Drummer Boy. In the movie the little drummer boy says "I hate all people". K caught on to the word 'hate' like it was the best tasting word around. So we told her that if she said that word she'd have to have a drop of hot sauce (tabasco) placed on her tongue.

What do you think happened after that?

She became even, more attentive to what my hubby and I said. And... we had no idea we used the word 'hate' for things we didn't like as much as we did. So... we were dosing our own tongues with hot sauce, and acting like it was awful, for her. She discovered that Mommys and Daddys make mistakes and that we are also held accountable to the same rules as she is. She didn't say 'hate' after that.

It has always bothered me when parents insist on pretending, saving face, or creating a facade that as a parent you automatically become perfect, or that you are blemish free. And how dare anyone even bring up the possiblity that you have ever, in your life, made a mistake. This type of behavior is misleading, dishonest and lends itself to an actual false belief that you are perfect, in this self-created world.

Why is it that as parents, the pride is so much more important than the unconditional love and empathy of a child, no matter what age? Why? Is the association with your children less valued than the lonely, souless pride?

I think that if we want our children to come to us in their times of joy, trouble, need of comfort ...and especially when they make mistakes, we need to admit, and atone for any we make towards them. I honestly believe that as parents, if we sincerely care more about what our kids think of us, than what our friends at Church, work, neighborhood...strangers...etc think of us - we'll not only be able to be better parents, we'll help our children trust us, and want to be with us.

In the end, as parents, we will all be held accountable to how we treat our little ones (entrusted to us by God)... no matter what age.

ps. Yeah, I have to apologize a lot to my babies... but I have learned, that a child is unconditionally forgiving to their parents.

Goodbye Ear Infection, Hello Strep Throat

My girls have been on antibiotics for 10 days (ended Friday) for ear infections. Then in the middle of night (technically 5-6am this Sunday morning) my youngest, M woke up with a fever and complaints of her mouth hurting. She said "I have a canker sore". I looked in her mouth and her throat looked read and swollen. So we went off to the Urgent Care center to check it out.

The swab test came out positive. Also ...my husband has been complaining of a sore throat for a couple weeks (but, like a typical guy doesn't go to the doctor - drives me crazy). So this is all his fault. He is our resident petri dish. Never known anyone who catches every bug than him.

So...looks like we are back on the antibiotic train. Choo choo.

At least they'll stop being contagious after what... three days? That's when I need to throw away the toothbrushes so they don't reinfect themselves.

I think a bunch of you out there in blog-land have Strep too...right? Or am I hallucinating?

He's my Valentine

I think K or M took this picture. How they see their Daddy.

Our marriage isn't perfect. We disagree on things. I don't cave to him, he doesn't cave to me. He doesn't think his word is law. If anything, he let's my word become law. We have blissful moments. We also have doldrums. He knows how to make me weak at the knees, and I can still turn him on. We both make each other laugh. There are things I do that are baffling to my hubby...and things he does that baffle me. He's my sounding board, and he tells me when I'm out of line. He's also willing to change to improve our family. I will say, my honey knows how to be a man.

Last Saturday I was busy working on our Relief Society newsletter. It was late, and I still had the kitchen to clean up. While I was working on the computer, he was in the kitchen cleaning it up. He even detailed the counters.

On Sunday when the girls were feeling sick still, and he woke up feeling hoarse, I went to Church and taught his Sunday School class. I came home to a spic and span bedroom. He'd spent the morning making it lovely again.

When he came home from work on Monday, he started vacuuming the stairs. He did it because he knows I have a hard time doing it. Why don't they make reasonable vacuums that can do stairs? Dyson should do this. We have a Dyson...but it's too bulky for stairs.

My hubby overlooks my shortcomings and the baggage I come with, from my childhood. He loves me just as I am...even though I am a high-maintenance woman. I feel grateful that he forgives easily, and is quick to apologize. That he is tender, sweet and patient with our daughters, and with me. They know that their father will apologize when he is wrong. They know that their father will always love them just as they are, and will not be harsh with them. I love how he'll turn on music in the family room, specifically to get us all dancing together.

I love that my hunny looks for things that will help make my day better. I need to do a better job of remembering this in my daily comings and goings. He's a good example to me. I love my hunny bunny, secksy wexy, sweetie wootie. I confess that since having children I've felt less... alluring, bare. I've always been a bit self-conscious about my small bust, now they're bigger ...but less perky... and I wonder if I'll ever get rid of that flap above the c-section scar...so I do feel bad that I don't attack him with wild abandon when we were first married. I need to get over my own issues and actually believe him when he says I'm beautiful. And that my dear friends... makes me one lucky woman. (Yes, those were names I called him when we were dating... time to dust those names off and start using them again...maybe some flirty teddys too...maybe)

We love you!

Love,
Your girls

He took a bunch of pics of me with my new do... this was his favorite candid shot.

Bringing Home the Bacon

My hubby R and my four-year old K had this conversation as he came in the door from a day of work.

R: Hi Sweetie!
K: Did you have a fun day today, Daddy?
R: It was okay, Daddy's tired though.
K: Did you make us lots of money today?
R: Um, I made a little money.
K: Well then you need to go back to work to make lots of money.
R: You want me to go back to work, and not stay with you guys?
K: (thinks for a good, solid minute) Um, it's okay, you can go back tomorrow.

Cleaning the Lord's House

I don't know how it works out in Utah... but out here the members in the temple district clean the the temple. On Monday mornings they do the deep cleaning, and then each night thereafter members go to the temple 10 min to 9pm to keep the temple looking radiant.

This past Thursday I went with my friend Cam. She' s been doing this for well over a year. I'd always wanted to do it, and when I realized it was late enough that I could sneak out while the kids were in bed, leaving my hubby on guard duty... I was in.

Walking into the temple in my cleaning attire (read, holy work out clothes) was humbling. There were people leaving sessions in Sunday dress, and I couldn't help but feel that I was missing something. It was an odd experience entering those temple doors without my Sunday dress.

Of course, upon entering I felt like I always do when I'm in the temple. I was immediately filled with peace. I'm usually a high-energy gal. I don't do the diet coke/pepsi caffeine regimen, because I don't need it (and soda/addiction isn't my thing). The temple is one place that I can feel my breathing slow, my heart relax and all the worry wrinkles in my mind get ironed out.

I was able to work with my friend at the temple. I rarely have toilet duty at home. My hubby takes care of them. At the temple I was on toilet duty. So there we were dressed in white temple scrubs over our at-home scrubs, cleaning.

As I was spraying down, and scrubbing the toilets I felt like every little movement was sacred and important. I had to get this right. This was the Lord's house, and I was going to make each spot shine. It felt reverent. The role of cleaning is already a pretty humble one.

As we cleaned the offices in the temple, I noticed how sparkling they already were. Sure there were little spots that needed cleaning, but overall, it was better than any day at my home. I realized that our lives need to be like that. That I'm too often happy to have a few spots here and there, letting them buildup (much like the dust bunnies in my home), when I should be eradicating them at every step of the way. It's so much easier to get rid of little spots right away, than after they all buildup into an intimidating mound of gunk.

At one point a beautiful sister in charge of the cleaning that night told me about some stain in the President's office. It was on the plastic that the computer chairs roll on. I was a little nervous, wondering what kind of a stain it was. When it wasn't coming out immediately I figured it was time to get my nails involved. I quickly discovered it was a white skid mark from the shoes they wear in the temple. I was determined to get it out. After using degreaser, some glass cleaner and a lot of elbow grease, it came out. In my head I was exulting and thinking "oh yeah... did you see that? Yep, I got your stain out." I wonder if the Lord laughs at me too.

There was also light mopping, wiping, emptying, dusting, vacuuming... it made me want to clean my own home with such reverence. If our homes are to be like a heaven on earth, maybe I need to start treating my own home with that kind of joy.

I left the temple with my friend about a quarter to 11pm with the same feeling I do, when I'm in there for sessions, feeling refreshed, invigorated and totally at peace. I will definitely be back to clean with the night crew. It was just cleaning, but it was a fun highlight of my week. For those that aren't terribly comfortable in the temple, this is a very good way to get acquainted with the layout, and feel the spirit that elegantly resides there.

I always feel grateful to enter the Lord's house, and I can't wait to go back.

As Bill Cosby says... Brain Damage

Nighttime is ... playtime for some reason at our house.

Tonight was no exception.

We let the girls sleep in the same room on a regular basis (except when their behavior separates them) - because we think it's a good thing...and they LOVE it.

My hubby had been up twice to tell them to settle down, and put M, our two year old back into her bed. She is always climbing into bed with her big sis K, our four year old. My husband told me to go up after he'd been in there twice - to play the, "be quiet or Daddy will come and separate you" card.

Well, a little while later they were still playing, talking, and enjoying each other. So my hubby R went up and found that M had a poopy diaper. The conversation below, nails her personality to a T.

R: After I change your diaper you are going to your bed. You are not talking, playing or doing anything else. Do you understand?

M: Yes.

R: After I change your diaper, you are going to bed. Nothing else. Do you understand?

M: Yes.

R: What are you going to do after I change your diaper?

M: Play.

Gongxi Facai

Monday was the Lunar New Year... or Chinese New Year.

So... Gongxi Facai - we celebrated with good friends on Saturday. Everyone brought yummy food, and company. After we ate there was a little Wii, Cranium and Mulan for the kids. We had about 24 kids at the party and 16 adults. Awesome.

I was going to upload a bunch of photos - but am taking the lazy route - so here's a slide show.

Auction for NieNie

My beautiful, talented, amazing friend ~J is hosting a HUGE auction for NieNie.

Go check it out.

And... I'm busy today...but this morning when I went into the girls rooms - I found them both inside of M's crib, cuddled under the blankets talking.

K: I'm the mommy duck.
M: Oh, I'm the baby duck.

Then after they brushed their teeth I put their hair in pig tails. They wanted skirts today, it's a little gloomy, we've had rain... so they are wearing tights. I think tights and skirts on little girls is so adorable. They make me smile on a gloomy, cloudy day.

Happy Friday.... Hope ya'll have a great weekend...I have big plans - will let you know later. Cheers!

BoM

This year I'm working on being more consistent with my Book of Mormon reading.

I started slow on Sunday... and today I was reading 1 Nephi 3:31 and 1 Nephi 4:1 (see...slow)

Laman had already gone to see Laban about the brass plates, and was turned away, accused of being a robber. Then Nephi, the baby brother comes up with the idea to take all their valuable, material possessions to Laban as a currency for the plates of brass. So Laman, Lemuel, Sam and Nephi try a second time to get the brass plates, and Laban chases them off with his guards, thereby keeping the treasure and plates.

Laman and Lemuel are steamed. They're freaked out from being threatened, they already don't want to go into the wilderness, and now all the things they value are gone. So they do something totally irrational and thoughtless, they start beating their younger brothers.

An angel comes down and stops them. He chastizes them, and then leaves. Here's the part that hit me. I've read this so many times, and this is the first time I've really noticed the following two verses:

And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?

Then in Chapter 4:1 Nephi responds:

And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?

He then continues to remind his brothers of how God helped Moses part the red sea... and then the brothers follow Nephi, and try a third time to gain the plates.

What hit me first was how Nephi, after his brothers beat him, simply stayed focused on the task at hand - obtain the brass plates. If I had older brothers that were crazy, beating me... I'd be terrified to speak back...let alone stay on course with my mission. I admire Nephi for that ability to stay on course and endure persecution at the hands of his family members.

Then I thought about the challenges we face as latter-day saints. We've all felt a personal struggle with the work on proposition 8. I admit until the Prophet came out with that formal letter asking us to do all we can to support, and protect families through marriage between one man and one woman, I was sporting a laissez-faire attitude. I just figured, the world is going to pot anyway, the forces that want it to disintegrate are louder, with more money and own the airwaves... anything we do is tiny.

Then that letter came. When I heard the call from the Prophet, whom I sustain, despite my trepidation, despite my heart strings, I knew there was only one thing I should do. I know there were times in the early campaigning that my faith wavered. So it was nice to read these two verses and remember, we are to do all we can to do what is right. We need to remember that it is in His hands. We need to remember that He has more power than any nation in the world. I need to remember that putting my trust in God is always the right thing to do. I need to remember that feeling intimidated by the voices of Babylon can be overcome by remembering who I am, and who God is.

And on a more personal level, that people who seek to hurt us, don't matter. We just need to focus on our eternal goals, and keep steady....come what may.

Frankly, I am grateful. I am blessed.

And lo, the heavens opened

And the angels raised their voices and sang, quietly at first,

Then, more melodious as the rise of their voices rose against the wind.

The Shepherds stilled their flocks and strained to hear the glorious sound.

The Wise Men traveling from afar caught a joyous whisper.

Soon, the whole of the earth wept in ecstasy as they heard the angels sing in one boisterous, thunderous chorus....

YES WE CAN

And lo, Barack Obama was born in a manger.

Joining the Dumbwagon

Proving that he's another celebrity that likes to demonstrate his lack of intelligence regarding democracy... Tom Hanks.

Making a Mess down Memory Lane

I've discovered that when I get the itch to organize, purge and file around the house - I also discover things I totally forgot about.

I think it's day three of organizing the study. I found these photo proofs from my wedding... a little over 7 years ago. I realized that I don't have the requisite professional wedding photo hanging on a wall in our home. So... please help me pick 2-3 that would do. They were taken on film...

My... to look young, svelte and glowing again.


A.



B.



C.



D.



E.



F.



G.

Breakfast

...in my neck of the woods

This week we are enjoying temperatures in the low 70s and high 60s. It's like it's summer. I love it. I love fresh, plump blueberries and raspberries. Good morning!

$25.00 for peace of mind

Saturday evening I was stringing beads for bracelets, rings... girly activity for my girls.

M (age 2) was sticking her hands in the beads and stirring them...

A little while later she started touching her nose. Then she complained about her nose.

My anxiety started to get active.

It was 20 min to 10pm - when the Urgent Care center closed.

I called them and begged them to wait for us - it takes at least 15 min to get there.

We were in our elephant pajamas from Christmas. I didn't even grab my bra. I was floppy.

I went up to 85 mph - on accident. I ran from the car with M... to be greeted with a dark reception area.

My heart stopped.

I yanked on the door anyway.

HALLELUJAH! They were there. They waited. They thought M was so cute.

The Doctor looked in M's nose - she said she put a bead in there.

He didn't see any beads. He said it would eventually stink and irritate her if there was one.

I paid $25.00 and drove like a maniac... with pajamas and floppy boobs... all totally worth it.

I slept like a baby.

ps. of my girls... M would likely be the one to get into this kind of trouble...which is why I totally took her seriously... meanwhile, she just liked going on a trip to see the doctor.

What's Your Word?

Your Word is "Fearless"

You see life as your one chance to experience everything, and you just go for it! You believe the biggest risk is being afraid and missing out on something amazing. Sometimes your fearlessness means you're daring. You enjoy risky activities. And sometimes your fearlessness means you're courageous. You're brave enough to do the right thing, even when it's scary.

What's Your Word?

Just call me...

Dulaine....I love my new sunglasses...

Passing Gas

Last night... as I writhed and contemplated how I would kneel at the porcelain thrown, I was somewhat, pleasantly, surprised. I kept myself hydrated with Ginger Ale. I munched on saltines whenever the saliva folks were working overtime in my mouth and I figured I should have something to throw up - so I ate chicken noodle soup. I even snacked on some blueberries for color when the dastardly dead would finally ...ultimately happen.

I watched my face color fade to a dreary, 70s yellow with track lighting. I had to lay down to avoid the light-headed drunken walk. Despite all this I did not anticipate on a few things. The ache in my back as if a disc wanted freedom, the extra gas (urp!) I would expel through my mouth and... well the flatulence. I have a friend who says she doesn't fart. She just has flatulence. Either way... it is ... what it is.

So last night as I finally made peace with the fact that it was my turn to surrender to the flu... it turns out I was saved by loud tummy (intestine?) noise...and powerful, chi like ... well farts. The noise kept me up...and it was a tossy-turny kind of a night. BUT... I did not throw up. Eventually the chills left and I felt my body temperture go back to normal.

This might be too much information - but I like to remember it as my own little miracle. Seriously - I believe in miracles...even in the form of... gas. The burps and farts, as lady-like as they are... saved me... tender mercies baby... tender mercies.

Wretched Mr. Winter

I am not a fan of being cold. I despise being cold. If I was ever lost in a frozen wasteland I'd curl up in a ball and stop moving. Cold makes me lethargic and miserable. If you know me, you know I crave sunshine, beach-weather. I like tropical humidity. I ache for natural solar power - that's where I get my energy.

The last few years... January has brought disease. Two years ago we had the flu. But I kept feeling nauseous for three months...and discovered that I happened to also be pregnant with M. Last year - we were all sick with colds. This year, finds us saying "January Blows".

It didn't help that my little girls were sick with colds an entire month leading up to Christmas. Then have them drop like flies to the call of the flu. Seeing your babies throw up destroys me. They can't understand what's happening. They're terrified of it. It was worse when they were even younger and they tried to swallow it back down. This is one case where I'd rather do it for them....it's so desperately sad.

Now my hubby is dealing with it. Listening to him suffer through this was awful. The only thing I can be grateful for is that he was home when the girls were going through this. I had someone to help me....not lose my mind. I am grateful that my girls are ... out of the woods at this point... and am hopeful that I may escape unscathed. Afterall - I have to take care of my honey and girls.

Winter blows... the only thing that helps is that we live in California, where the sun comes out and there isn't snow mixed with nasty slush sitting around. The chance to leave the house ... is a lifesaver.

Agency and Healthcare...

... or how the enslavement begins.

Healthcare - to those emotionally, irrationally attached to a gov't run program... is in the end... all about agency. And it seems that in this particular issue, those that want it - couldn't give a rat's bum about anyone else's agency but their own.

There's been a woman in the blogosphere having a royal fit, attacking the Church as a whole and members who do not agree with her views regarding healthcare. Now I am perfectly fine with people deciding they have different opinions, but for the love of pete... the frothing at the mouth becomes a big, huge turn off, in the midst of calm, rational thought and factual arguments.

My daughters recently watched Robin Hood. The old school Disney version where Robin Hood and the lovely, Maid Marion are foxes. They're hawt like that.

It was fun listening to the dialogue of those days, and it was fitting to hear how the wrongful King John used higher, and multiple taxes to get back at the people who protected Robin Hood. It made me think about the stories from the Book of Mormon and Bible, where heartless, power hungry Kings and Judges sought glory for themselves through foisting burdens upon the people.

That's why when I read a libertarian's comment, S. Logan recently, that I just couldn't stop cheering.

I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you go read the insightful post from beginning to end. But if you don't have time, here's one of my favorite parts from the post:

When social inequality exists, how does scripture tell us to fix the problem? Alma, as the High Priest to the Church and the Chief Judge to the Nephite people (thus leading both the religious and political organizations), gives us an excellent example when he saw the great social inequality among his people.

“Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted. Now this was great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake…” (Alma 4:12-3). Does this sound familiar? Are we currently having great ‘lamantations’ in our own country and among our own people over those in need? Certainly.

Because he led both organizations, Alma was able to either politically or religiously act. I ask, what did he do? Did he pass more laws that chained the people down with heavy taxes? No, such is discussed throughout the Book of Mormon as a condition detested by the Lord. Did he pass laws that tried to create more ‘equality’ among the people? No. Did he do anything politically to extend the arm of government into the affairs of the people to force them to take care of their moral imperative and duty? No. In fact, he completely gave up the judgment seat altogether! What did he then do? He went to preach the word of God!

Before we ridicule this and laugh at such a proposition that preaching the word of God is more influential in changing society than is passing political laws that coerce the individual, first examine WHY he did this.

“And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them” (Alma 4:19). What was Alma’s point? To “stir them up in a remembrance of their duty”. How influential was preaching the word of God as opposed to inflicting artificial ‘equality’ within society through coercion?

“And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just – yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them — therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 30:5). What lead the people to do that which was just? What awakened and stirred the people’s remembrance of their individual duty? Was it positivist law? Was it forced equality? Was it forcing one man into his duty? No, the Lord’s way is established — God will force no man to perform his moral duty.

“Know this, that ev’ry soul is free, to choose his life and what he’ll be; For this eternal truth is giv’n: That God will force no man to heav’n. He’ll call, persuade, direct aright, And bless with wisdom, love, and light, in nameless ways be good and kind, but never force the human mind. Freedom and reason make us men; Take these away, what are we then? Mere animals, and just as well the beasts may think of heav’n or hell. May we no more our pow’rs abuse, But ways of truth and goodness choose; Our God is pleased when we improve His grace and seek his perfect love.” Of a truth, the Lord is pleased when we obey the commandments and take care of those in need; however, he is particular in how we obey such commandments.

Alma’s example shows us that the power of a testimony in Christ can convert the soul to do that which is just by its own inner moral duty. Socialism’s entire structure denies this real possibility of changing the course of humanity through the gospel of Christ to allow man to be morally responsible without being coerced into such duty. Was this not the fault of the very people who killed the Christ? Did not the Pharisees and Sadducees of Christ’s day believe that the ‘Messiah’ would come to rule in political matters? Yet Christ’s real message was for the individual to morally act and take personal accountability and thus throw of their own chains. While the Pharisees and Sadducees looked to man’s government as their solution, Christ changed people’s hearts who then took themselves out of their own bad situations. After all, this is a message continually taught by our own Church leaders: The world takes a man out of the slums, but the gospel of Christ takes the slums out of the man who then takes himself out of his own slums. There are several examples in the Book of Mormon alone that re-illustrate this exact principle. It is beyond contest.

Go... READ ON HERE.

The more I learn, the more I read, the more I recognize what matters - the more I see how every story in the scriptures applies to us, reminds us, warns us and aides us in discerning what is pertinent in our lives. We really are so blessed.