Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sassy Apron

I finally finished the apron and sent it out in the mail. If you want to check out my creative genious, you'll have to go to the jenni-bit blog, or the Sassy Apron Swap flickr group to see all the fun things. I must say, it turned out quite cute! Watch out, you might want to join the next group!! (I'm still working on the "Prom Queen" idea....)

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Servant

Saturday I came down with some sort of bug, because my body began to "cleanse" itself. After I got the kids to bed, and S went back to the office to catch-up, I had a lasagna(e?) to make. You see, I'd agreed to feed the missionaries and I wanted something that could be popped into the oven. (Plus, S loves my lasagna. I think I make it once, maybe twice a year, because it's such a labor of love--but it's seriously the best lasagna EVER--recipe available upon request...anyhow) I felt quite ill, but had to get through. I managed to, and the next day was quite busy. I was quite useless as I was still recovering, and S really stepped up and kept us all going.

At the end of it all, I was putting the kids to bed and snuggling with them, when C requested that daddy come and finish snuggling. I tried to explain that because mommy wasn't feeling well, daddy had done ALOT that day--he had gotten the kids ready for church, fed them, took them by himself to church, taught the primary lesson, fed the kids lunch, put them down for naps, cleaned the kitchen, made sure dinner got in the oven, entertained the missionaries and cleaned up the kitchen afterwards. He was exhausted, and taking a break now.

Sweet A said with real concern in her voice, "I feel bad he's been the servant today."

Hmm. "Who do you think usually does all that stuff?"

"You."

"Do you think I'm like a servant?"

"No, you're the mommy."

And there you have it folks. Out of the mouth of babes. (I did get a good chuckle and then wished I'd had better sense to stay in bed EVEN LONGER!)

I wish my fellow mommies a lovely day!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Student of the Month


This is spotlight time for A.



We received a letter in the mail inviting us to a reception on Wednesday to help honor A- as a Student of the Month for her school. (The students didn't know until their names were announced and they were told to go to the gym.) S managed to rearrange his schedule so he could be there with us, and it was sooo cute to watch my little girl come into the room (after she was waylaid at the door, holding it open for about 20 kids). She was supposed to find the chair with her name on it, and she looked so shy, walking slowly and scanning the names for hers. Of course, she was at the Kindergarten end, farthest from the door, and was suprised to see us there too. She wouldn't smile for very many of the pictures. Anyway. The principal had little certificates for the kids with five adjectives on them, written by the teachers. He announced each child's name and then read their adjectives.



A's are: Polite.... Happy... Positive... Considerate... Wise


(I find these interesting for a five year old--and now I can see the image she projects when I'm not around. Hmm...)


Watching A being honored for doing something good was so sweet. I still find it crazy that my little girl is in school, but she is doing so well and learning so much. g


Way to go A!! We're proud of you!!


ps. This is what little brother thought of sitting through all the other kids commentaries....

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Good Foundation

The Theory: A good foundation of unmentionables and unseens makes a huge difference in the fit and flatter of a woman's wardrobe, and thus in the confidence of the woman.

The Problem: Finding the correct fit. All women are not proportioned the same. (I know, shocker.) For something worn by most (hopefully ALL) of us daily, we really have little knowledge of correct fit and style for our curves. We would rather live in discomfort and disfit than ask a total stranger for assistance. (About 8 out of 10 women wear the incorrect size!)

The Remedy: Get fit! When I heard the passionate tale of a friend in her quest for the perfect underwire, and her desire to help others, I took her up on the offer. She claimed that Nordstroms offered the best figure fitting service she had tried, so if you are fortunate enough to live near such a store, GO! If, like myself, one doesn't exist in the entire state, read up on fitting tips and enlist the aid of a good, trusted friend. You will both emerge feeling like new women.

My Personal Feelings: This is something that is essential and inevitable, though somewhat awkward to discuss. I have to set aside enough time that I don't feel rushed, go without husband or children, and try to hit the January/February sales. I also try to go on an "off" day when stores won't be as crowded. This is an investment. (And you're going to want at least 3 good ones for rotation.) I try on everything in my size. You never know what's going to fit well until you try it. I don't trust anything with less than 3 hooks, and I don't like the WWII white torpedo models. I want the band to be tight enough that the straps do hardly any lifting, and it should be snug on the loosest hook. (Generally women go down a band size, and up a cup size when they find something that really fits.)

Last trip I was lucky and found something I liked on the clearance rack--I ended up getting about 75% off of the original price. Yippee. (this was after scouring a previous store and coming up with only one that worked. Try multiple stores if you need to!)

Parting Thoughts: Size doesn't really matter. Good fit, support and coverage are more important than a number/size. Lock'em and load'em and you'll feel like a million bucks-- even as you keep'em under wraps. =)

Good Luck!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Driver's License

So. One of the joys of state hopping is getting a new drivers license. This is not a joy I look forward to.

In KY, the license are really pretty, and S and I got ours on the same day. Little trauma. (This was also Before Children-B.C.) In NM I had to go to the "express" DMV three times (dragging theh children each time), because I didn't have the "correct" information to prove residence (two current bills with MY name on them--most of the stuff is in S's name, or mine is on the account, just not on the actual bill that comes to the house). Needless to say, I was upset by the time it was all over. (But my picture did look quite stunning -for a license.)

In OR, I was not excited to switch licenses. I'd had enough trauma getting the suburban registered (having bought it on the fly and it's registration was up) that I didn't want to go back to get a license. Then comes the law that you must have OR plates and licenses by Jan 31. Joy. S registered the buick and got his license. No problem. Then he watched the kids so I could get mine.

Did I mention there was a knowledge test involved?

Yeah. I had to prove my residence (again, not many options in print) and my person, and take a test at the computer. Only 35 questions, once you get 80% you pass. If you fail, you must return and re-take the test. Oh, I did not want to fail!! You could skip the question once and then answer the skipped ones at the end. With sweaty palms I donned the headphones and touched the screen all the way to a 27-7 score. Seriously. One last question would decide my fate. (I must say that I felt quite ill.) Thankfully, I had the sense to let the white tipped cane weilding pedestrian cross completely to the other sidewalk, even though I had a green light, before passing through the intersection. 28-7 was my final score, and I passed! Yippee! I don't know that I've ever been happier to get 80%!

Perhaps I should read the driving manual next time....

Sunday, February 17, 2008

More

More has been happening besides my burning desire to talk movies. I've just been without a computer, and can't always sit down with it when it's here.

I've gotten a new drivers license (always trauma for me when we move), bought new dishes (they make me happy!), three of the three necessary evils I hate to shop for (brassiers, swim suits and jeans), acquired a cold/cough, and "traveled" back to 1925 where I nearly almost did Mr. Bemmington Frath in (but I didn't!). I'm also trying to get some sewing in for a deadline, keep the counters sufficiently cluttered so I don't bake and use every dish in the kitchen, not let the milk go sour, and drown the ants in my shower. (yes, folks, they're back.) I've got more to say about each item...so hopefully this week we'll see something new around here! thanks for your patience!

Friday Movie

Later edition....

subject: Lesser Known (possibly rising) Men Who Are Fun To Watch

I have a few here. The first is Gerard Butler, who many of you may have seen in P.S. I Love You. Lovely film. However, I fell in love with Gerard when he played Atilla (how romantic, eh?) and then I enjoyed Timeline, (although the book is 10,000 times better than the movie) and I've been wanting to watch Dear Frankie and Reign of Fire (might have too much man-power to ignore--might be lame). He is also the Phantom of the Opera in the movie version. A man of many talents...not to mention a fabulous Scottish accent.

Second is Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who I enjoyed in P.S. I Love You, and I look forward to seeing in the Accidental Husband. (This show also has Colin Firth in it, definitely a MUST see.) Don't know much else about the guy, except he's been on alot of t.v. shows.

Third is someone who should have been given his own post, but who is so quiet, that I forget about him sometimes. Yes, I'm talking about Matt Damon. He doesn't seem to be in too many romantic "chick flicks" but his Bourne movies were great. Very different from his role in the Ocean's movies. He seems like a nice guy you'd want to talk with. (And his voice makes watching Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron bearable-since my kids love it!)

Nicholas Cage is one that I didn't like at first, but he sorta grew on me. He can play romantic or tough guy. John Cusak is fabulous, and Tom Hanks, and I've got to stop before I name every man on film today.

There are more to talk about...but I want to hear who you like that might be off the beaten path, so to speak...or one that you just adore.

Next week is the "retro"-men talk....be thinking about those "oldies"

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Friday Movie Part VIII

Okay, here's the Tuesday Readers Digest Condensed Edition. (Like I said, we were out of town, and S took my computer away from me.)

But I was thinking of.... Matthew McConaughey for last week. Who doesn't enjoy this eye candy up on the big screen?!? I'm really excited for Fools Gold coming out. I've also enjoyed We Are Marshall, Failure to Launch, Sahara, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and The Wedding Planner. I'm interested in seeing Reign of Fire, Contact,and U-571.

What's your favorite movie with this hunka-man?

(Next edition I want to know a favorite though lesser-known leading man you have....and the week after is "retro" leading men...just to get you thinking!)

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Still Alive

Hey, I'm not dead yet. S just took "my" computer over to the office, and then kidnapped the laptop as well. I've been technologically deficient for a few days, and we went down to Central Point for a Temple trip over the weekend. Been a bit tied up. I'll get back with more news this week...sorry, pics don't post as well from this computer, so they might be fewer.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Small Talk

Last week as we were getting ready to run errands, my sweet little C man looked at me very seriously and commented,
"Mom, I don't like your hair. (then he reached out his little hand to my
cheek) But I do like your face."

He's off to a diplomatic beginning, and smart to like the things that aren't as easily changeable. (You'll understand why no pic accompanies this post....)

Monday, February 4, 2008

I was inspired for this post by Jessie who gave me a good laugh with her answers. So here are mine.

  1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)-Sue Suburban
  2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)-Vanilla Bean Fudge Brownie
  3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) - Jand
  4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)-Green Porpise
  5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)-e Salt Lake
  6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)-Andje
  7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)-The Brown Lemon Water
  8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)-Vyrl Blaine
  9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)-Wings Milky Way Midnight
  10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )- Lee Barr
  11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)-Jeffries Juneau
  12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)-Spring Orchid
  13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)-Pineapple Sweatsie
  14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)-Chex Dogwood
  15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)-The Sew Lightning Tour
Okay, your turn now, make me laugh ..... copy, paste, and join in the fun !!!!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Random Thoughts-Avacados


So...if an avacado isn't ripe, is it considered "green"?

Friday, February 1, 2008

Friday Movie Part VII

Okay, a new month, a new theme. Since this is the month when we celebrate LOVE, we need some love and some candy. Eye candy, that is. Someone you enjoy watching in the movies because they're so easy on the eyes. (Ahem, yes, I will be discussing men only. Women fall into a different category.)


Instead of giving a quote, I'll just talk about what show I like them in...and you can comment on your favorite with that actor-line, scene, movie, etc.


The first one is a suprise to me. Brad Pitt. I don't always love this actor, and most of his films are ones I won't see. But he is easy on the eyes, and I fell in love with him in this movie:







I was suprised at how much I liked this show. It's sorta hard to find, but good once I found it. The story grabbed me and made me want to watch to see what would happen. I found it very interesting. Fav. parts were Joe speaking to the old lady at the hospital and eating peanut butter. (The "Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" song medly by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is from that show (and if you can tell me another show it's in I just might send you something cool!))

I also like the Ocean's Series --lots of fun there...(not sure if I've seen 13...)





I'm not sure about his life decisions...but I enjoy these movies. Anyway. What do you think?

(Come back Friday to see who the next lucky actor is...)

Friday Movie Answer Part VI

I love that y'all love this movie! I managed to sneak in a viewing of it this week while ironing shirts. (I think S has about 40!)

Pride & Prejudice --BBC version with Colin Firth is my absolute favorite! He captures Mr. Darcy so perfectly...as does Jennifer Ehle with Elizabeth. So much is said without words-- and just the right look.


I also enjoy the new version...because I get the whole story in a condensed version, and the cinema is so georgous!


This is a cheeky "modern" take on the original, which is quite fun. The characters are hilarious and there are so many references to the original story.


The "bollywood" version is also great. A musical version, if you will, where culture is the big divider rather than English class distinction. Very fun to get up and move to.

*sigh* such a good story...