The Scariest Thing

So, as you may know, my very favorite holiday is fast approaching...and so I thought it fitting to write about what scares me. I know that there are many who are afraid of ghosts and cemeteries and other such things, but I have never really been scared of them. In fact, I recently visited an actual haunted house with some friends, and have spent a night in a graveyard. (I know, something is wrong with me...if you feel the need to point this out, I suppose you can. Also, the video of the recent haunted excursion and a full report are forthcoming). These things really don't terrify me. I am not going to say that a creepy spider doesn't make my skin crawl a bit, or that a ghost wouldn't make my heart stop for a fraction of a second, but they don't keep me up at night either. However, the thing that really freaks me out is (and I fully understand the mocking that is comming my way for this) unnatural movement. Let me explain this a bit. You know when you are watching a movie, and suddenly the camera is sped up making someone move really fast and jerky? Or when someone is all bent inhumanly? That freaks me out to no end!! I know...it is the weirdest thing ever, but I can't watch that part in the exorcist where the girl is backward bend/walking down the stairs. It freaks me out for days! I can't watch The Ring...and not because of the plot or other creepiness...it is really just the way that that blasted girl comes out of the TV! I am not gonna lie, sometimes even claymation gets me. I am still kind of afraid of the Abominable Snow Monster in Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It gives me the flipping heebies when he first climbs over that mountain...and on that note, so does the old King Kong. What the crap is up with those creepy eyes, and the jerky way that me moves!?!? So, while I may not ever be scared of "What Lies Beneath", or any of the classic slasher movies like "Halloween" or "Scream", just know that I won't sleep without the lights on if you ask me to watch "The Grudge", or even, potentially "Rudolf".

Sectum Sempra

So, I totally forgot to write about the HP6 extravaganza that I had. (Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince). I was asked by a friend of mine, Jordan Quist-Goodson, to volunteer at the HP6 party that the Jordan commons was having. I met Jordan at a few other midnight movie premiere camping crazinesses that I have been to. and so he knew that I was a but nutty for this type of thing. He also asked that Stef, (The Cap'm) join in the fun, as well as invite two others who could volunteer with us. I asked my sister-in-law Jen and her husband Devin if they could help us out. Stef and I dressed up as the Weasley twins, Fred and George, and Jen and Dev were Mad-Eye Moody, and Professor Trewlany. Stef and I handed out Pygmy Puffs, and candy from the "Weasley Wizard Wheezes" store to random people. We were assigned to check VIP people in. Jen and Dev ran the "Hogwarts Express". The evening was complete with butterbeer and cauldron cakes. By the time the movie started, we were all exhausted, but has had a really great evening.

Practice What You Preach

This is another gem that I found in a parenting magazine. I have had it hanging on my fridge for a few years (it is from the September 2005 edition), and it is pretty hammered. I decided to post it here so that I can finally throw it away, but share it with you as well.

Practice What You Preach
Are you sending mixed messages about good values? See if any of these little slip-ups sound familiar.

You tell your child it's nice to help others, but you never drop anything into your supermarket's food-drive bin.

You shout,"Turn off those cartoons", but you spend every evening watching TV until bedtime.

You tell your child she's perfect just as she is, but you're obsessed with your weight.

You explain that people come in all shapes. sizes, and colors, but when a neighbor tells a racist joke, you laugh.

You tell your child to be a better listener, but you interrupt his stories to answer your cell phone.

You say it's polite to take turns, but you hog the remote control.

You tell him to control his tantrums, but you curse at anyone who cuts you off when you're driving him to school.

You say, "Use your words!", but when you're angry at your partner and he asks what's wrong, you snap, "If you don't know, I'm not going to tell you."

You urge your child not to compare herself to others, but you get jealous if your neighbors take fancier vacations than you do.

You teach that it's wrong to steal, but you take towels home from the hotel.

Things Every Mom Should Know (or, What I have Learned From Motherhood So Far)

I found most of these in a parenting magazine. I thought that they were really good.


1. Do household chores while the kids are awake. Using up naptime to clean the bathroom or wash the dishes is truly soul-crushing.

2. Embrace your children's quirks.

3. Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want to...why not?

4. Lay with your kids in bed if they ask. It will be too soon before they stop asking.

5. Don't forget to play board games with your kids...sure you will have to suffer through Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Disney Scene It are actually pretty fun. And who can resist a good game of Jenga?

6. Find out all about stuff that your kids are interested in, even if it doesn't interest you. Then, when they talk about it, listen intently, and have intelligent things to say about it.

7. A trip through the washing machine and a run under the iron can work wonders on DI clothes.

8. Try to like the books that they do. It sucks when it's "Bob the Builder", but is awesome when it is Harry Potter, or Lemony Snicket.

9. Buy kids deodorant before they need it.

10. Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.

11. Make sure you know how your kids like their burgers and eggs cooked. This will save so much time when ordering at the diner.

12. Expose your kids to a variety of foods early and often. You will squash pickiness early.

13. You're never too old to dress up and decorate for Halloween. It is more fun for everyone if you are in to it...and it also entitles you to some candy. :)

14. Give awards for actual achievements.

15. Just throw away the poopy underwear.

16. Read to your kids in the morning at breakfast. Also use this time to practice spelling words. (Then check two things off of your To-do list).

17. Eat somewhere nice(er) instead of a fast food place, and order one entree for you and your kids and split it. This will save you money, and is not as gross.

18. Independence is a wonderful thing for everyone...and so is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.

19. Volunteer in your child's classroom. You can help the teacher, as well as observe how your child interacts with the other children in the class.

20. Teach your children healthy eating habits, and then don't beat yourself up when you have Cold Cereal occasionally for dinner.

21. It is OK to have your own hobbies.

22. Don't compare your kids to others. Just love and embrace the child that they are.

23. Expose your children to different races, religions, and ideas than your own. (Especially if you life in a community that is filled with people who all look and act the same as you.)

24. Don't compare yourself to other moms either.

25. Love every day with your kids. Don't pine for their infanthood, or babyhood too much, or your run the risk of missing their childhood. Find joy in every stage they go through.

26. Motherhood makes you a crazy person. Accept it and move on.

FYF

So...I have to take a minute and publicly declare to the world what a wonderful husband I have and how grateful I am to him. I was attracted to him from the first moment I saw him...and have not ceased to be since. I can't think of anyone else in the world that would be as supportive of all the crazy things that I do than he is, and the knowledge that I have left my children in the most capable hands possible when I do go out on an adventure is invaluable. I appreciate how hard he works to make this family have every comfort imaginable, and that he does so without complaint. I love that he can listen to me talk to him for hours, and still listen the entire time. I love that he still flirts with me, and teases me the same way that he did when our relationship was new. I am so glad that I can be so in love with him...and so infatuated with him at the same time. I love that he is such a driven individual and is not afraid to push himself to accomplish whatever he wants. I love his amazing runner's physique. He is never one to say anything negative about me, and I am so appreciative of that. I love the way that he gets so passionate about something new. I love to watch him play with the kids when he gets home from work. He has never been above doing the dishes after dinner...and he has done them 95% of the time in our entire married life. I am sorry ladies of the world...I married the best!.

The Mayan

So, Bryan decided that it would be fun to take the kids to The Mayan for lunch on Labor day. I have to say that The Mayan is one of my favorite places. The food is OK, but every time that I eat there, I feel like I have stepped into some kind of Disneyland extension. The kids love it as well. I love doing fun family things, and feeling like a bit of a kid again myself. I am also so grateful for a husband who values time with our family as well. I am a very fortunate individual. I also love having a family who is not afraid to embrace the ridiculous a bit as well...as you can see from some of Liza's pics. :)

09/09/09

So, my birthday was a day filled with a lot of craziness. First, My sister brought me some breakfast (which was LOVELY...strawberry and cream cheese muffins).
Then, my mother and Marf took me out to purchase a skirt from the mall.

Marf was very excited to try skirts on, as you can clearly see from her picture.

I can't remember why we were looking melancholy in the picture, but whatever. I did find a really cute black skirt, though.

Next, Bry and I went to lunch with his mom. It was lovely. We ate at Red Robbin, and I had some kind of Asian Rice bowl or something.

Marf had decided that it would be a good idea to try all 31 flavors of Baskin Robbins ice cream, as I turned 31. I have to say that I don't recommend this. Although I was certain of the flavor that I wanted by the end, I had a bit of a stomach ache for a while afterward. It will be a while before I crave ice cream again.

The next event was a pie fight at the park. It was HYSTERICAL FUN!! (However, adding to my aversion to things cold, sweet, and creamy for a while). For those of you who were not in to getting this messy, I have to say that you totally missed out!! It was a scream!

The final part of the day was a movie night with a bunch of people. I don't know what my problem was, but I asked the kids to take the pictures of that event, and there were mostly pictures of the dog, and the treats that were brought, but none of people...so I apologize. We watched "Twilight" with a Riff Track. It was HYSTERICAL!! (For those of you not in the know about Riff Trax, they are tracks that you can buy that play along with movies and make fun of them. They are done by the same people that did Mystery Science Theatre back in the day.) I highly recommend watching that movie that way. And, if your have a husband that didn't originally want to watch it, he would watch it this way. :)

I had a great day, everyone! Thank you for making my AWESOME 09/09/09 birthday amazing!!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!!!

I woke up on Sunday morning to find my kids doing this ridiculous thing. I think you will agree that it not only needed to be videoed, but shared with the world as well...

...It Smells like Horse Poop!

This was a funny comment by Belle during the parade.

4th of July Events

The 4th of July was an eventful day for our family. My girls were cheerleaders in the Kaysville Parade. They were absolutely darling! Bry and I got soaking wet in the water portion of the parade, which was followed by a giant "slip n' slide" event at the Hess Farms Park. Then we all went to the Kaysville city fireworks in the evening. It was an awesome way to celebrate the birth of this country. (...and yes, I cried at the fireworks). :)

The Pledge of Alliegence

I have volunteered in my children's classrooms since my oldest entered school, and on a recent volunteer day, had the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance with my daughter's kindergarten class. I remember beginning each school day with The Pledge, but I was either too young to understand what I was saying, or had said it so many times that the words had lost meaning. I found myself tearing up as I pledged my allegiance to our flag on that day. I realized that I really mean the words that I state each time I recite The Pledge. I love this country and everything that it stands for. I know that it has its faults, and is far from perfect...but it has never failed me, and I am proud to be an American. I look forward to celebrating this country's birth this week and will cry as I watch the fireworks just like I always do, (and my husband will roll his eyes and say, "Tell me that fireworks really don't make you cry", even though he knows that they do, and always will). I have made a Pledge to the Flag, and to the republic for which it stands. I believe as do many that this is truly one nation under God, and will pray always that it remains indivisible, with liberty and justice for all...as I have pledged to do on countless occasions.

The Best Job

I will never understand the obsession with getting into the kennel with our dog...but I have to say, I love it! I know that every parent feels this way, but I love watching my kids grow up. I love the way that by morning, both of my girls have ended up in my room to sleep...and that I can hear some nintendo playing in the background from my son who has arisen earlier than everyone else so that he can play. I love the way that my son senses when I am nearing the end of my rope, and always takes that moment to give me a hug and tell me that he loves me. I love the way that my older daughter tells me "Thank you for this wonderful dinner, Mommy" everytime we sit down to eat...whether we are having something that I have slaved to create from scratch, or cold cereal. I love when my baby sees me getting ready for the day and says things like, "Mommy, you are so tretty.", or "Mommy, it looks dreat in here." after I have straightened up a room. I smile as they choose parts to "The Mysterious Ticking Noise" in the car and recite the entire thing as we drive, and then explode into fits of laughter when the entire cast is blown up by the pipe bomb. I laugh at the wrong words they sing to songs like "American Lumbo" (American Woman), and "In Stand an Oval" (Istanbul). Don't get me wrong, our lives are filled with the same whining, and fighting, and craziness that everyone else's are. I am just choosing to take today and focus on how gratetful I am for the children that I have, and how much I enjoy being a part of their lives.

Lonliness in a Crowded Room

So...I know that everyone goes through those times where they feel alone. I don't think that knowledge helps when you are feeling that way, however. The problem is self-inflicted, in my case, as I don't ever choose to share my struggles with anyone. I have a problem with trying to appear like I always have everything put together, which I assume everyone has. I just never share anything, and so when I have difficulties, I feel very alone.

I have learned of late that this is a ridiculous behavior. I don't know why I never share my struggles with others, because there are people who are willing to be there for me when I need it. I really do know amazing people...who are not so self-invloved that they wouldn't take time to be there for me. I am in the wrong for not allowing them to be there for me if I need it. I am learning that friendship goes both ways. I know that I am forever willing to be there for those that I love, and would feel very badly if they did not feel that from me. While it is difficult to admit that I am weak, I can take the oppurtunity to lean on those that are strong. I love you all.

Easter

...And I Know it Wasn't You, But Even So...

So, as many of you will recall, I posted back in September about singing with a local band. As the majority of you will also know, I still sing with the aforementioned band. Bry recorded us singing the origional song that I was asked to sing with them at a recent acoustic performance. If you remember, I said something in the first post that I wrote, I said something about it being the most difficult somg that I have ever sung due to it's quick moving line, and VERY many words. Now, you can hear the song if you would like for yourself. I apologize, the sound on our small and dorky camera doesn't really do the song justice...but it is the best that we have at the moment.

Is Anyone Else Suprised that I Birthed a Cheerleader?

Liza has been taking a cheer class of late. Last Saturday was her first cheer competition. The group did very well and took first place in their division. If you can't tell on the video, Liza is the little blonde that gets lifted up in the little formation (there is another little blonde...Liza is the one in the front at the beginning). She is one of the very smallest in the class...hence the lifting. I never thought that I would have a cheerleader for a daughter. I am quite certain that any athletic ability, or desire for that matter, comes from her very athletic father. She really enjoys doing it, and we were very proud of her. :)

Guitar Hero FOR REAL!!!

So...just tell me that my son is darling, and we can move on. :)

Mawage is What Bwrings us Togevah Today

Liza and Belle asked if they could see my "beautiful marriage dress" the other day. I pulled it out and showed them...which produced much "oooh-ing" and "ahhh-ing". Of course they said that they wanted their own wedding dresses to look "exactally the same" when they got married. I decided that they might really like to try the dress on. They loved it, and have been talking about it ever since.