~The sun came out on Sunday!~

I live in Washington state, and as many of you know..it rains. Horrible horrible amounts of rain about 75% of the time year round. Winters are the worst for this, but last sunday the sun came out! It was beautiful and for the first time in months, I was able to wear a pair of high heels to church. I adore high heels..They make me feel pretty, tall, and even a little bit sexy. They kill my feet, but I dont care..They make my ankles look small and my calves look hot. There is something about a dress accessorized with a gorgeous pair of heels that always makes me smile. Of course we are back to the gross and stormy January weather once again this week...but at least I got to wear something pretty on sunday, instead of knee socks and mary-janes, like I normally would this time of year. I'm so ready for Spring!!

The Talent Show

Last sunday during Relief Society, it was announced that the ward would be putting on a grand talent show this April. Although it is still three months away, I couldnt help but be excited! I hadnt been to a church talent show since my sisters, my friend, and I were back-up dancers for my ex-boyfriend lipsynching to Barry Manillo's "Miracles" in highschool eons ago...Talk about a hoot! We had everybody in hysterics. I dont have any true performance talents (unless you want me to mock something, then im your girl!) But I still feel this urge to participate in some way. Once I shared this news with my husband, he instantly perked up. "Talent show, you say?"..Then he scratched his chin and thought out loud, "I suppose I could do something accoustical.." For those of you who dont know, my Jason is a wonderful drummer, who also dabbles in guitar and bass. What joy my heart felt at his wanting to participate also! I have only a couple months to figure out what I am to do..I could pretend I'm karaoking (one of my favorite past times,) or concoct a small skit? Another cheesy dance number while recruiting some friends to participate also? The possibilities are endless...I'll keep you posted!

~Gratitude Journal~

Elizabeth has come up with a wonderful idea of giving thanks in her blogs, in an attempt to keep herself feeling grateful and stress free. I have decided to steal her idea, because, who couldn't use some of those feelings? I certainly could benefit from a day of reflecting on the things I should be thankful for...Lets see if it does indeed make a world of difference in attitude. I plan to do this once a week as a recap. :0P "Count your blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done"....



Today I am thankful for: Fudgecicles,
The warmth of a good hoodie,
Temple Recommends,
Color markers and large paper,
Making my husband laugh out loud,
A very nice tax return this year,
Heart felt thank you's from my
children,
Studying the Book of Mormon in
Gospel Docterine this year,
Aromatherapy,
Cherry Almond body wash

~The evil that is..Laundry~

Ever since I was pregnant with my now 2 year old daughter, I have been waaaay behind in the area of laundry. I despise this chore with every fiber of my being. Having to fold it, is of the devil. Great amounts of morning sickness for 9 straight months will do that to a person, I suppose, but post-partum depression will keep it at bay even further...Just a few short weeks ago I managed to do every mound of laundry stacked taller then my childern, and finally, my floor is clear!! It took me doing 5 loads a day for an entire straight week to get caught up..I didnt even know we owned that much clothing. The clothing on the bottom of the pile that once belonged to my Erin, now belongs to my Skylar...and Erics clothes have since been thrown out, since they have outgrown them. I have had to do multiple trips to goodwill because our closet cannot support so many items. I'm proud to report that my floor is still clear een weeks later, and hopefully I can keep up on the evil that is laundry!

~Uninvited House Guest~

7am this morning I groggily made my way to the bathroom, and sat down on the toilet leaving the door open but the light off, when suddenly, (mid stream)I saw a mouse dart out from behind the toilet and run down the hall! What the heck?!! Ive always had rodents as pets growing up, but when I see one dart across my feet at 100 miles an hour, it makes me want to sh#@ myself! (Good thing I was in the right location for that.) So today I had the pleasure of mouse trap hunting at Walmart...wahoo. I have never seen any poop across my counter tops, seen food boxes eating through, and I sweep everyday, so hopefully this is just a single mouse coming in from the cold. Too bad for him cuz i've officially put on my exterminator hat. Im taking back my house..

A Strange Topic, indeed....

In the past 2 years I have had three cousins die in early age..Two of which occured this year only a few months apart from each other. My dear cousin Chris who battled colon cancer for many years gave in at the tender age of 50. My cousin Raquel, whom died unexpectedly one night while having one of her normal asthma attacks, on her front lawn..leaving behind 4 children...And most recently my sweetest cousin, Belinda..Who, after 17 years of battling breast cancer, died in her 40's right before christmas, leaving behind two young sons. Its a strange topic, but it is one for reflection of how fragile life is..and how prepared we should be to meet our maker. Jason and I have thought a lot lately about how prepared we are, personally.. What sort of funerals we would like to have in our honor, as well as what is to happen to the family. Its a topic nobody likes to discuss, yet I feel its one of the most important. Our families need assurance, details about our wishes, and valuable information. Today I sat down and decided to write out everything I could think of for my family. What medical issues run in the family, how I feel about being resusitated, organ donating, what bills I have, liquidating my important assets..etc..but most importantly, preparing journals of our lives for people to reflect on. Amazingly enough, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment after doing so..and I feel a bit comforted as well. I got to thinking, should I pass away before old age hits me..how ready am I? Thanks to these thoughts, I have had a complete change of heart about my personal life. Ive made check lists for things I wish to accomplish and unfinished business that needs settling. Ive made goals for myself and even changed my attitude with my family. I want my children to remember me as a loving mother who did all she could..not a selfish and stressed lady with a mean tongue. I feel deeply grateful for this strange opportunity to plan my funeral. I feel its something everyone should do..no matter how morbid. Its important. Right down to the color flowers and list of speakers..Even the mormom potato casseroles you want served afterward. I, for the first time in my life, feel as if I have prepared..and I'm no longer scared. I hope I dont get to leave this earth for a loooong looooong time. There is still a few things I wish to do with my life. I want to give more service. Ive always wanted to volunteer at places, do more temple work, but cant in this season of my life thanks to a brood of small children. I want to make sure my kids get raised up the best way they can..and to be spiritual, sensitive, loving, successful, and charitable human beings. I also have a great deal more genealogy to do. But still...after all this..I feel comforted. I would exhort you all to make out your lists of preperation. It will change you..and you will be better for it.

~My New Years!~

I had the rarity of spending New Years Eve by myself this year. Only 4 days ago, the bassist of Jasons band announced that he had a gig for them on that very night, and since we had no other major plans he agreed to go. I was a little sore over it, because there was such short notice, and it would be impossible for me to find a sitter on the most partying night of the year, (Jasons folks being sick that weekend..I didnt want to burden them.) Especially since another one of his gigs on short notice, kept him from attending an important out-of-town family weekend. I was left feeling bitter and not at all supportive. Before Jason left for his party, he made a stop at the store and bought me a gigantic box of Jr. Mints, buttered popcorn, and a 2 liter of pepsi. I thought his gesture sweet. But who was I going to ring in the new year with? Who was I going to kiss at the stroke of midnight? After I put the kids to bed, I snuggled in a warm blanket on the couch, opened my box of candy..and found a Fred and Ginger marathon on TCM. What was suppose to have been a lonesome night, turned into an entertaining evening of dancing and witty banter. It was actually quite pleasant and the quiet of the house was relaxing. It was one of the most enjoyable New Years i've had in a long time. I just feel badly that Jasons gig sucked that night, and he was sorry he left. Happy 2008 everyone!