Sunshine & Gratitude

Herbs (Part 1)

2009-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

As previously stated - I would like to grow my own Herbs (and I like to pronounce it like the Brits - heavy on the H) and use them in my cooking. Why? Because it's a challenge. But mostly because food tastes amazing with fresh Herbs.

So, I researched and found that if you start them in something called "peat" and then transplant them into organic soil which has been enriched with poultry waste they are completely safe to consume. So, I quickly sent away for the supplies and planted them today.

Since I, er I mean SANTA, got Mini-Me a digital camera for Christmas, I can now feature better photos. Thanks Santa!

Those mini chocolate donut looking things? That's the peat. After 10 days or so, the Herbs will grow out of the peat and then I can plant them in soil. (enriched by poultry waste in case you missed it-yum!)

You may be wondering about all the other crap on my window sill so I will give you a tour. I spend alot of time standing at the sink by this window. I like to think of it as one of my offices. If I have things I enjoy looking at, it makes the experience so much more enjoyable!
Behind the Herbs is a cute stainless steel "D" to remind me who I am, some sand dollars lovingly dug up and collected and brought back to me by my friend, two suns because I am rarely in a room without one or two, to the right of the Herbs is a bird bath that I LOVE and toss my jewelry into when I'm washing dishes...next to that is my prayer photo. Every month I select someone to keep a prayer in my heart for. I've been doing it for years. Got the idea from Lyn. If you see your picture here - it's cuz I love you extra.

Very soon there will be wee baby Herbs growing. Pictures coming soon!

P.S. Regarding Puppy - I chose to get a new Thyroid instead of a new Puppy. It's supposed to have a similar effect. More on that later!

This is RISKY!

2009-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to put this out in the universe and see what happens. I've been thinking about this for a long time, It's a HUGE decision. Sort of like getting a tubal ligation reversal.

I want one of THESE for my birthday.

I'm a Tailgater Blogger

2009-01-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

I'm not clever. I am not unclever. There are many who are more clever. I'd rather spend time reading other clever blogs than fretting over how to make mine clever. With that said - I really ought to throw something up here bi-yearly just in case they delete blogs for inactivity.

2008 was definitely eventful. Most of you who read this experienced most of 2008 with me so I won't rehash. (not clever, remember?) Plus you can go here or here or here or here to get the gist of '08. Oh, and here too. Also, I've discovered Facebook which is really clever.

I don't do the resolution thing. I never have. However, I am a great goal setter and I like to try new things. This year I plan to plant an herb garden and use the herbs in my cooking. (a certain someone did freak me out a little about all the chemicals in potting soil though) I want to learn to embroider by hand. I hope to introduce more yellow into my wardrobe. Just the one blouse is all I have. I want to learn conversational spanish for no real reason other than I've always wanted to. Plus, then me and Jorge can talk about everyone without them knowing. I think he is going home in May so I better get going.

In addition to these new things, I plan to breathe in and out every day and love my family. Thanks for stopping by. I'll post something again soon.

Back to what I was saying......

2008-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's Mama's turn. I need some ME time. I've put on hold stuff I love doing for long enough. I have been collecting for I can't remember how long projects I would like to get to. I have two orange boxes FULL of kids drawings, art projects, cute pictures that require more than just a Walmart frame and the like that I have been meaning to get to.

Not to mention some sewing.

Don't get me wrong. I am NOT a seamstress. I like craft type sewing though. I have made my grand sons matching blankets they use when they come to Nana's. Dabbled in a little applique and aprons. I have a whole folder of Etsy websites bookmarked that I fully intend to rip off.

I've spent some time in fabric stores lately. The usual haunts, JoAnns, Hancock, Wally world. I don't get that same vibe I did when I was a kid, running around House of Fabrics in my home town pressing my face up to the fabric and feeling it on my cheek.

Until I found Broadbents. This is heaven.

There’s a little treasure on 100 East in Lehi that you might pass by if you didn’t know better … or if you never ventured off Lehi’s main drag, or passed through Lehi at all. But 125-year-old Broadbent’s is the kind of place you’ll like knowing about, whether you’re looking for a porcelain collectible to add to your collection, or the hippest new fabric to top your latest project.

Broadbent’s Dry Goods has been around since 1882—same location, and operated by the same family. Only in 2008, instead of stocking the shelves with sugar from the Lehi Mill or denim overalls as in the days of yore, you see stuff like the cutest ensemble of vintage-inspired glass ornaments and tinsel tree-toppers (if it’s December), classic candies and a drool-worthy selection of fabrics—only a glass case of what appear to be handknit doilies and gloves show what Broadbent’s might have been like half a century ago.

But down to business. MY favorite thing? The fabric. Prints by Moda, Amy Butler, Free Spirit and Kaffe Fassett—even some Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner and Alexander Henry.

Because I am no longer too fat for belts, tonight I am making an assortment of these. Shhhh don't tell!

Tagged Schmagged

2008-04-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm not exactly in the mood for a game of Tag. On the other hand maybe it will get me out of my funk. The rules of THIS game of Tag are:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Factoid Numero Uno:
Due to a traumatic brain injury in 2003, I have some gaps in the memories of my life. For example, my wedding day. I have the pictures, I know I was happy and cried alot apparently. No recollection. I know. Sad, huh? Some vacations we apparently took that I dont recall. Stuff like that.

Dos: I have been on a mad crazy diet for 60 days which has netted in a 35lb weight loss but I have also not had any of my beloved peanut butter. None. Not a snitch, lick, or nibble. I have a fresh bottle of Skippy Super Chunk hidden away for that blissful day when we will once again become one. My estimations are June 5.

Tres: I know how to count to 100 in Spanish.

Quatro: I sleep with socks on. Even in the Summer. If I am going on a trip - I take socks with me to wear in the car/plane. These are called "sleeping socks" and they are oh-so-different than "wearing socks". Sleeping socks are soft and cuddly and chunky. Wearing socks are thin and don't get all bunched up in your shoes.

Cinco: I have a strange relationship with underwear. When I was a kid we didn't have alot. I wore my sisters hand-me-downs almost exclusively. What I didn't get from my sisters, or cousins we made on a sewing machine. Including underwear. (Why couldn't I have chosen the memories I lost?) So, now, I must, must, must have many pairs of clean underwear in my drawer at all times. If they start to wear out even the least tiny bit. TRASH. I give my girls 5 new pairs of undies every Christmas. I think you cannot have enough new undies.

Seis: I love Summer tomatoes.

Siete: Let's talk about purses. I am 42 and on a mission for the perfect purse. I've owned hundreds and I still have not found it. I change my purse and/or wallet every week. I have a theory that there is no absolute perfect purse - it's the purse you're in the mood for that is the perfectness about it. Right now I'm on a white purse kick. I think it's because Oprah said "everything looks great with a white hand bag".......

I tag the following people: Kristy, Katie, Janessa, Marie, sharON, Elizabeth, Kristine

p.s. Thank you Elle for helping me with my list. You should be a therapist some day.

I Heart It !

2008-03-31T08:23:00.001-07:00

See this? The new lovely design? It's perfectly me and perfectly adorable and perfectly exactly what I wanted! I'm completely clueless when it comes to all things blog. Not Kenna. She's amazing at just about everything, including design stuff (and writing, and photography, and singing and cooking and being a fantastic mommy, and working full time and a great friend) and finding a way to express the essence of someone through design. Big squeeze for my oldest sunshine. I'm crazy about you!

Seussical The Musical

2008-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ellebelle makes her thespian debut this month in the school's production of Seussical The Musical. She has been practicing daily with the troupe after school. She has her costume all sewn and ready to go. She has done a awesome job of keeping up with her schoolwork. She will play one of the "bird girls". I've never seen this play and she won't tell us much - she doesn't want to "ruin" it for us. She loves it and it's so great to see your kids doing what they love! Performances are: March 27,28,29 at 7pm. Ticket prices are $5 Adult, $3 Students & Kids, $20 Family (max6). Drop by and see the play, or just send her a "break-a-leg" email: elledavis8@hotmail.com

Wake up and smell the roses!

2008-03-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

For more than half my life I have given my time and efforts to other people almost 100%. I have been a dedicated wife and mother and worked circles around my coworkers wherever I have worked. I don't say this in a bragadocious way at all. No, in fact if you know me I would deny I was busy and volunteer to help you in any way. Well, needless to say it has taken it's toll on me. To the point that I don't know what to do with myself unless I am full-throttle-can't-breathe-busy. It's actually a sickness. Big Daddy has encouraged me for many years to get a hobby, get a life and get out of the house more. I have always felt that my hobby was my job, I couldn't possibly spend more time away from my family. You see what I've done?

So, for the last several months I've been dedicating time to myself. I'm so shocked that my house hasn't fallen down, the laundry still gets done and everyone is well fed. On top of this, I have read many books I've been putting off for years. I stopped insisting that I do EVERYTHING for family dinners. I learned what a blog was and started it. I sought out alternative treatment for my chronic pain. I weaned myself off all of my prescription medications and on to natural or herbal remedies. I filled out an application to volunteer at the hospital. I am in the process of purchasing the sewing machine of my dreams so I can take up crafting again. I love to do my Zumba dancing workout every morning. I am participating in a radical weight loss plan that will be successful. It feels good to be alive again. Who knows, maybe I'll even learn to golf!

10 Things About Me

2008-02-27T12:30:00.000-08:00

Fine. I'll be "IT".

1. I LOVE Delilah. FM100 in the evenings. I love elevator music in general. I know most the songs and can sing them by heart and they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

2. Peanut Butter is my favorite food --hands down. I think I might be a teeny bit allergic, or maybe I just overeat it because sometimes I eat so much peanut butter I get kinda sick. :( What is wrong with me?!

3. Everyone knows I have a twin brother. But I don't think everyone knows I consider him my best friend. Besides Big Daddy of course. But I can tell him pretty much anything, finish his sentences, read his thoughts. I trust him with my secrets. I have no idea if it's a twin thing or not having never been anything else. I just know that's how it is.

4. I always wanted alot of kids. I wasn't blessed to have all the right plumbing for alot of kids. I'm lucky to have conceived the two I did. Instead I married a family who graciously invited me to help parent 4 more kids. It's been a wonderful ride.

5. I can't wait to have treasure hunts with the grandkids. I have the perfect treasure chest.

6. I'm a closet cowgirl. I secretly listen to country music in the car. I LOVE to wear my red cowgirl boots. It makes me feel like I can do anything and nobody will give me any crap. Well. Alot of my family will give me crap when they read this.

7. I get my feelings hurt easily. Sometimes it takes me years to get over stuff. I work on this daily. Sometimes hourly.

8. I'm a giver. I like to give things to people and do for others. It makes me really happy. I love to watch our children eat. I love gift giving and I've been known to go ape.

9. I love a beautiful yard but I hate to work in the yard. Such a diva.

10. I really wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. I'm over it.

Nana Fridays

2008-02-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

Friday's are pretty much my favorite day of the week. I excuse myself from the outside grown up world that requires hair styling, matching clothes and make up and sit and play with our two adorable grandsons. Life revolves around Carter and Rayder one day a week. I don't answer work phone calls. In fact, I only answer phone calls that are imperative. I only have two hands and they are usually holding one or both of them on Nana Fridays. It's THE best!

I can't wait for the weather to warm up so we aren't cooped up all day. I look forward to stroller rides, going to the park and swinging, playing in the sand box, kicking the ball, rolling on the grass... etc. etc. etc.

I did not have the opportunity to have a close bond with my grandparents. Mostly because they were too old to get on the floor and play silly games or even hold me on their lap by the time I came along. I think my brother and I were #40 and #41 among 50+ grandchildren. I was so thrilled that grand babies came along early enough in life that I can get to know them and become great playmates and friends with them.

I WIN!

2008-02-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

I had to post this ADORABLE song before Elle did..... (click please) we can't wait to teach it to Carter.

Hot Shot or Not

2008-01-31T07:48:00.000-08:00

Today my baby boy is interviewing for a position with the Lone Peak Hot Shots. His dream is to become a fire fighter and I think this is an honorable and worthwhile selection for a career. I do have my concerns though. It's dirty, dangerous, and he will be gone for weeks at a time without contact with his Mommy. Whether he becomes a Hot Shot, he is always a Hot Shot to me. Good Luck, son.

I forgot how to post a video, so click here to see what Hot Shots do....

Winter Blahs

2008-01-23T16:01:00.001-08:00

I really am not allowed to complain. I returned ten days ago from Florida where it was warm and sunny. I can't tell you how badly I want to run away from home right now. Our latest storm dumped about 10 inches. We are running out of places to pile the snow.

The weather in Florida was a balmy 68-75 every day. We climbed to the top of a lighthouse, went to Epcot, saw alligators, oh and golfed.

The highlight of the trip was getting to meet up with Dustin, Craig's nephew in St. Louis. Dustin is a pilot for Sky West and he got to fly us home. We were treated to extra Biscoff Cookies, a Shout Out from the cockpit and an extra special landing that was super smooth. Thanks Dustin!

Alrighty Then.....

2007-12-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

After 13 years of marriage and alot of nagging I never once got any Christmas ideas from Craig. He always wanted me to spend the Christmas budget on the kids. He was happy to get nothing. This year? 2007? I got catalogs with things circled in RED! Also, he has done more Christmas shopping than I have already this year. (see above) This is worth posting about.

See below for some of the things on Craig's list this year:

Two different Radio Controlled Helicopters from Hammacher Schlemmer
were circled.

Golf Pushcart from Prindle

5 Language Talking Translator from Prindle

Clogs from Herrington

Slippers something like these from Cabelas

I don't know if Santa will be able to get all these things, but she sure wants to !

On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me....

2007-12-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

A *Japanese bidet.....

I learned a long time ago to accept the gifts your husband gives you in the spirit they are intended. And also, not to expect gifts just because the calendar tells you it's a gift giving occasion. Once for our anniversary I got a package (Costco Size) of my favorite gum. Another time I got a heated massage chair, and there was the time he surprised me with a Cruise. I may or may not get flowers on Valentines, but I get them when it strikes his fancy. My man doesn't like to be pinned down by the social norm of gift giving. If he wants to give me a gift, he doesn't always need a holiday to tell him it's required. I find this much more thoughtful and sincere. I know his gifts come from the heart.

I am a teeny bit baffled by the bidet though. In a former life with a former husband I was given as a gift a hunting rifle. I think maybe this type of gift fits into the category called I-think-it-would-be-so-cool-to-have-one-of-these-so-I-will-get-
her-one-as-a-gift category. Either way I will use it and smile.

*When Craig went to Japan last month he would not stop talking about the toilets. He was so impressed at the design, the obvious lack of personal hygiene of American toilets and how great it was not to have to use (as much) toilet paper. He's been talking about them ever since. The warm seat, the way the water is warmed and then sprayed gently on your bum when you finish your bathroom activities, and the efficiency of the whole system. After telling a few people about this new addition to our master bath, it seems the Men are especially appreciative of it. Women turn their nose up but secretly they like it too. My favorite part is the warm seat. Especially for the middle of the night potty runs.

Worth The Wait !

2007-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Rayder Davis Ricks
November 21, 2007 at 3:49 am
He was 7 lbs. 10 oz.
20 inches long

It's hard to take your eyes off his sweet face isn't it? I could stare at him forever. I think I will. We love you,

Nana and Bampa

Detox

2007-11-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Another item on the long list of projects I wanted to accomplish while Craig has been out of town is to detox. Diet Coke and Sugar mostly.

I have faithfully done ColoDetox for a week, taken my vitamins and minerals and I gave up Diet Coke. Teresa's warnings about aspartame finally got to me. OK, honestly it was a combination of Dr. Oz, Teresa, Dr. Russ Bianchi, and the book Skinny Bitch. But, Teresa, you get full credit for planting the seed. You just didn't scare the bejezus out of me like the authors of SB.

I won't lecture - the info is out there. Go read it for yourself. I just really don't want to die of cancer.

So, yea. Diet Coke is out of my life. I have been drinking it off and on for 20 years. I cleansed it out of my system with ColoDetox but I also substituted Green Tea. I LOVE Green Tea. It has half the caffeine of diet coke, but it has many health qualities. I suppose if you're going to get hooked on something it should be healthy, right? So, I drink 2-3 cups of Green Tea every day, 2 Zija every day plus my Neo Source. Best of all, I feel really great.

Theres Nothing Left to Clean

2007-11-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

When Craig first announced to me that he had to go to Japan for a week, of course I was a little sad. I knew I would really miss him and probably wouldn't sleep that great, but I was really looking forward to tackling a few projects around the house. Clean out drawers, closets and the dreaded dun dun dun.....store room.

You know when you move in to a house and you just shove stuff in the first place that makes sense that gets the mess out of the way? That's basically what we did. I'm a closet slob. Every single drawer, cupboard, closet and store room are jam crammed with no rhyme or reason to them.

While Craig's been gone, as predicted, I have slept on average 3 1/2 hours each night. When I'm not sleeping, I'm sorting and organizing junk. I think I may have caught OCD while Craig was in Japan. I'm sick and insane with lack of sleep. I even sorted through all my scrapbooking markers and tested each one to see if they still had ink, and threw out the ones that don't. 24 more hours and Craig comes home and my body can collapse. Poor Craig, he'll want to tell me all about his trip and I'll be sound asleep. He will try to make a sandwich and won't be able to find the bread.

Who Am I Kidding ?

2007-11-07T18:54:00.001-08:00

I am NOT a blogger. It's been a good solid six weeks since my last installment. I think in the world of blogging that's called blogstipation. In my world it's called life. I'll recap the last six weeks.

Radio Frequency Treatment - Many of my closest friends and family know that I have some health challenges that relate to my spine and arthritis. The discs in my neck and back are slowly either turning to stone, or bulging into my spinal cord causing alot of pain and muscle weakness. I came accross a treatment that may get me some more mileage before doing more spinal fusion. RFT was performed in my neck about 4 weeks ago. The description does not adequately describe the procedure. I went in 3 times to precisely locate the nerve causing pain and agony. Each time a long needle was inserted into my neck directly to the spine. I had to be awake the entire time. I was on Valium and Fentanyl, but it still hurt and was really scary. When they turned on the radio waves it felt like I was being electrocuted. HOWEVER, It has greatly improved the pain in my arms. The muscle weakness is still a problem. Hard to cook, clean and hold Carter. Don't care about cooking and cleaning as much as I do holding Carter (and Rayder due in 12 days)

Zija International Convention: Since my retirement from full time employment I have enjoyed working for Rodney at Zija helping out with events. The convention was held in Dallas, Texas and it was a great success. I'm really proud of my brother, the CEO. He has such a great way of leading people that is confident and powerful, yet kind and gentle.

Craig's Japanese Adventure: Craig has traveled quite a bit in the past for different work projects, normally it's been me who has had to travel while he holds down the fort. It's finally caught up with him, Craig couldn't put off a trip to Japan any longer. Quest Group recently launched some a new colon cleanse product which require some specialized local marketing strategies be put in place. Craig is meeting with some Japanese marketing specialists who will sell the heck out of our newest ColoDetox product. He is also spending some much needed bonding time with our office staff and other business associates we so appreciate.

There you have it. My excuse for being blog clogged up.

Proudness

2007-09-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

The house is especially quiet today. It's more than just having 1 3/4 less people and 1 less fish here. We knew Melanie would only be with us for a short time. We knew it was best for Melanie and Kris to prepare for the baby together and learn a familiar routine for a while before baby comes. I just didn't know I'd hate the quiet so much. It's not like Melanie makes a ruckus all the time either. I just know she's not here. I keep going up to Melanie's room looking for something I can walk 4 blocks and take to her. (no. she did a very clean sweep)

Theres alot of quiet reflective thinking going on with Craig and I. Furrowed brows and staring off into space kind of thinking. We couldn't be prouder of Melanie. She's a tough cookie. Both Mel and Kris have shown great maturity with the young impetuous eagerness you'd expect from 19-20 year olds. We have high hopes they will continue to move ahead with this new process of becoming a family with the strength and courage they have chosen so far.

We love you Melanie and Kris.

I hate shopping.

2007-09-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

For Couches.

It's too much of a commitment. I have to like them for a lot of years. Do I want the trendy microfiber that never ever ever stains? Do I want leather? Do I want chocolate brown, black, or tan? I mean really. Can't someone just tell me what I want? The sales people remind me of this advertisement. I counted the other day when I was at RC Willey. Literally 10 sales people wanted to share their opnion about what I should be getting. How can anyone make a decision with that kind of pressure. Sigh.

What Color is God's Skin?

2007-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I remember a song from my childhood with this same title. "What color is God's skin? Is it black, brown or yellow, is it red? is it white? Every child's the same in the good Lord's sight."
My brother and sister and I knew every word of the song. It was one of our favorites. I do not remember growing up in a home that had real racial prejudices. Not really.

I have 1.5 grand sons who are not 100% white. I really don't see that. Or THINK that. I don't look at them and see that. I don't look at people and see color. I don't feel people with certain skin colors are socially allowed to do certain things or be certain things. I know our daughters don't either.

But the other day I made a horrible slur that I can't get out of my head. I can't figure out where it came from either. Right in front of a dear friend who is of hispanic decent, I referred to our neighbor as "that mexican". I think he pretended he didn't hear, but he must have. He looked away from me quickly, almost like he was well practiced in ignoring these kinds of things.

I instantly felt terrible, because inside, I don't feel that way towards hispanic people. I was raised in a community where I was the minority and I love the culture- infact I really consider it MY culture. I was so ashamed of what I had said that I got up and moved from where I was sitting. I know I hurt his feelings.

So, I've been confused for a few days, mulling this topic around in my head, trying to think of how to apologize for this bizzare slip up. I can't help but wonder if maybe in the world we live in it's somehow become trendy to say little racial things out loud - even if we don't mean it. I'm ashamed to say that maybe that's just what happened.

My friend is bright and intelligent and extremely talented in his field of technology. I've never known him to be anything but true to his heritage, completely helpful and supportive of his extended family. He has a wonderful family who is beautiful and loving and accepting of everyone.

This is my public apology. This is my way of saying I'm going to be more careful how I let careless words cross my lips. I want people to know I feel really strongly about this.

Gift List For Craig

2007-08-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

Been keeping tabs on things dad has mentioned he wants or thinks is cool

Two Wheeled Wheel Barrow
Universal Card Reader for digital camera
Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls

I will leave it to you kids to go in on items together.

Megan - please chime in with a wish list for yourself :)

Take a Picture - It lasts longer

2007-08-20T07:53:00.001-07:00

Over the summer Craig and I have perfected the fine art of porch sitting. We love to start and end our days sitting on our front porch. We eat meals on the porch, read the mail, have long talks, or sometimes say nothing, just watch the plants grow. Its normally nice and cool there and we can have alone time without the TV blaring in the background.

The view of the mountain we see 100 yards away from our home is breathtaking. The animals, the colors, the fresh breeze creates a lovely serenity that can't be matched. We've added bird feeders to our yard so we can enjoy the different kinds of birds, their colors, the differences in personalities -this is really fun. I know it sounds like we're 80, but who wouldn't love this peacefulness? I've caught the kids on the porch sometimes - just sitting.

Well, now the summer is ending and we've awakened each morning the last week to a large track hoe grinding away at the view. Our neighbor is beginning his extensive landscaping project which really dampens the porch sitting experience. The flying dust and sound of metal scraping on rocks might have something to do with the unpleasantness.

If I can stand the horrid grinding of the track hoe for a minute - I'm going to take a pic for my camera phone before all the loveliness is totally scraped away forever....

I am small boned :)

2007-08-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

I knew it. Somewhere deep inside there is a small boned person. I have done a little more research and after more rounds of testing and xraying (MRI, EMG, Nerve Conduction and Reflexes) We have discovered the nearly non-existent discs in my neck are bulging below and above the fusion site from just last November. Numbness in my arms and hands is back with a vengeance.

I have a few strikes against me - a) I have degenerative discs - the soft padding in between my vertebrae are shriveling up; ( Teresa says this is caused by all the aspartame I ingest) 2) I have bone spurs forming on the edges of my vertebrae which grind against each other and d) I have an incredibly small spinal cord canal.

Who would have known? Me? With the wrist size of a large man? It's small and I have the x-rays to prove it . Wierd. Translation - whatever bulging that happens is compounded by the fact that there's no extra room whatsoever. The nerve endings in my spinal cord are pinched and causing pain and muscle weakness.

How wierd is it that when I left the doctors office the first thing I wanted to tell everyone was that I have small bones. Hehe. I crack myself up.

Seriously though. Drive slow and watch for people in cross walks.

Josh Groban-To Where You Are

2007-08-11T17:14:00.001-07:00

I Miss You

2007-08-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

THIS was supposed to post with Josh Groban - "To Where you Are", and Many of the Comments have reiterated what I wanted to say - eitherway, here's my thoughts on the matter..

Yesterday I was gettting a pedicure at Walmart. Elle was with me. FM100 was playing elevator type music for all the patrons at Da Vi Nails listening pleasure. Normally you don't really notice the music at places like that. It's just there.

I usually "people watch" when I'm getting my Pedi done. People mindlessly shopping at Walmart. Old people, short people, brown people, beautiful people, dirty people, people with no shoes, people with no manners. All kinds of folks. This time I took my book. I could see Elle was reading too. It was nice and relaxing.

All of a sudden I noticed the song that was playing in the background. Josh Groban "To Where You Are" was playing. Elle and I instantly looked at each other and our eyes locked. We both got emotional and looked away from each other quickly. Otherwise we would have lost control of our emotions completley.

We've had this unspoken rule at our house that we just don't listen to Josh Groban anymore. Not allowed. Period. Ever. Not since this song was chosen to play during a very emotional slide show at Grandma Lyn's funeral just over 2 years ago.

So, while the nice asian man was painting my toenails I listened to Josh Groban and yes, I was emotional but I was surprisingly not a puddle of tears. I had a nice reflective moment about Lyn. I realized that lately, I hadn't thought about Lyn nearly as much as I used to. It's getting easier not to.

I know it's easy to allow life's little frustrations and the complexities of family and kids to overwhelm us. I have recently made a shift in how I choose to approach family stress. For my own health and well being, I choose conciously every day to let the things that would normally annoy me or stress me out to just roll off my back. I accept that I am not perfect. My kids are not perfect. My marriage is not perfect.

It occured to me while I was listening to the lyrics to the Josh Groban song in my head that Lyn didn't allow other's choices to cause her pain either. Lyn was very accepting and nurting and didn't view life or people as annoying or inconvenient or stressful. She certainly had reason to. She chose not to.

I really miss Lyn. She is really the most Christ-like person I ever knew. She's such a great example still today of how to be happy.

"To Where You Are"

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here

I feel you all around me

Your memory's so clear

Deep in the stillness

I can hear you speak

You're still an inspiration

Big- and I Mean BIG Things Hapening

2007-08-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

So, there's tons going on this month. In no particular order: McKenna and Urban Botanic branching out into the world wide web looking for affiliate partnerships. Creating a blog from Urban. Constantly amazed at how creative and efficient that girl is. Freaking wonder woman. Craig is selling his beloved dirt bikes. I know. Woah. He's being so brave about it. It's even his birthday month. Melanie is moving out into a real apartment. Going to college didn't really count. This counts. Big Time. Christopher has a great job he really loves with people who love him. Chris saved up for a new car, bought it and wrecked it all in the first 3 days. Oh well, live and learn. He's in a really good place right now. Austin is registering (and really going this time) for college. Baby steps to adulthood. It's ok. Megan is beginning her last year of high school. Its times like this I wish we had actual video footage of her saying things like: Puwpuw, patterin, llellow, and hambuwguw. She's pretty tight lipped (at least at our house) about what's next after HS. Maybe if I bribe her with a book she really wants. :) Lauren Elizabeth is going to Junior High! She morphed over the summer into this little young lady who is confident and hormonally argumentative- ay yi yi I hope we all survive it. Elle Mom and Dad 13 year anniversary on the 13th. Dad turns 49 (honest) on the 21st. Megan turns 17 on the 30th. See what I mean? Big stuff. And the month isn't even half over yet.

Don't Let The Motorcycle Fool You

2007-08-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Dad loves being a grandpa. True to his Big Daddy Bear persona - tough- looking -and- gruff sometimes- but- soft- and -cuddly -wuddly -pushover -for -his kids-he was dreaming and talking in his sleep about Carter the other night so loudly it woke me up.

I awoke to hear him YELLING V-A-R-O-O-M!!, V-A-R-O-O-M!!, V-A-R-O-O-M!!, HERE COMES THE DIVE BOMBER! OPEN WIDE! I started laughing so loud I had to jump out of bed and go in another room, where I could still here him talking (yelling) in his sleep. In fact, it was so loud it woke up Elle!

Elle came down stairs to see what was going on. I was laughing so hard I couldn't really explain it so I walked her in to our bedroom to hear for herself. Dad was still Varooming loudly. This went on for a good 10 minutes. We both giggled so loud we woke him up and he got embarassed, cursed a little and rolled over grumpily and went back to his normal snoring.

I put Elle back to bed, crawled back in bed snickering to myself saying "I am soooo going to blog this!" When I asked Craig about it later, he said he was dreaming him and Carter were eating chips and dip. We obviously need to talk about what's ok and what's not ok to feed a 4 month old.

13 years of marriage and it's never dull.

My Secret Blog

2007-08-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Just about everyone I know has a BLOG. Most of my kids have blogs. Nieces, nephews, friends, associates, and professionals all around me spend time on blogs every day, sometimes a few times a day. Some blogs are valuable and list things I want to refer to - mostly recipes. Other's are just silly and fun. I could easily waste an hour reading miscellaneous blogs. I think my all time favorite blog is http://www.dooce.com/ I totally GET her.

I wouldn't say I'm a blogger. I'm somewhat private and don't necessarily feel I have much to say that would be considered blogable. Plus, I feel self concious about my terrible grammar. I do see the benefits of writing for therapeutic reasons. Also, I haven't had time (or made time) for my creative side in months. So, for this reason, I will attempt to creatively and therapeutically blog.

Life is about being happy - right? I am my happiest when I maintain a positive outlook on life - regardless of the reasons not to. I find happy moments each day in little spurts. A song on the radio that I know all the words to. A hug from one of my children. Meeting and locking eyes with my husband. (they're blue = swoon) Creating a meal everyone in the family devours. Talking to a friend. Beautiful sunny days. You get what I mean.

I think I will find happiness in blogging.