All About Women

*I apologize for the length of this post sans pictures. Mostly it's just for my memory purposes. If you don't care to read all the way through, I totally get that.

Last week I had the privilege of not only attending, but being a part of, Women's Conference at BYU. I had been asked by a good friend and bowling buddy to help with the service project part of the conference. Being the giver that I am, I was anxious to help.

Let me say that I have never expressed any interest in Women's Conference. It's not something I would ever do on my own. It's just not my personality to want to better myself, or become more prepared. How can one improve upon perfection? Now if they offered a class in awesomeness, I would totally take that class. Are you sensing my sarcasm here? Because I want that to be abundantly clear. Okay.

So we had agreed to help with the Newborn Kits part of the Service Project, and attended meetings to prepare us for the work ahead. The humanitarian center people kept reminding us that it would seem a daunting task, but the women would come, and we would prepare adequate amounts of kits. We trusted them.

So Wednesday night, we headed to BYU to prepare our stations. We assembled 1,000,000 boxes. Okay, I might be exaggerating there, but it seemed like a million. I think it was somewhere around 5,000. Each box we assembled was to hold 8 newborn kits. You do the math. That's a lot of newborns getting needed supplies. We worked hard all night getting prepped. Around 10:00 we headed home, exhausted and bruised.

Thursday morning we woke up early to head to the conference. One benefit of being a volunteer is a free admission to the whole conference, so we thought we should take advantage of a few of the speakers. The first class I attended was called "Rising Above Depression". Although I remain medicated, I still struggle with symptoms of depression, and I thought this might be a good way to get a new outlook on treatment. The first speaker was excellent. She spoke about her lifelong struggle with her own depression, and even though she is well-educated, most of her life went by as if she was in a fog. That really resonated with me. She didn't get treatment and medication for her depression until her late 30's, and now she knows how hard it can be to overcome. Her thoughts were very practical; medication, therapy and a strong support group are all essential to overcome depression. The second speaker wasn't my favorite. She basically summed up her talk by saying if you're more grateful, serve more, and pray more you won't be depressed. Um, yeah, that doesn't always work. So I got a good 50% uplift out of that class.

The next class was about ordinary women doing extraordinary things. It was great. The first speaker was eh, not great, but the second speaker was phenomenal! I could have listened to her for the whole hour. I wish I was more versed in who I should and shouldn't try to fit into the packed class schedule, but next time I go, I'll definitely look her up.

That night we had the actual service project. We gathered at 4:00 for a team meeting and final preparations. The project was slated to begin at 5:00. 5:30 rolls around, and we're barely finding enough women to staff 1 station. We had 6 prepared. It wasn't looking good. I was so afraid that we'd be stuck filling all those kits on our own. But sure enough, just like the humanitarian center people promised, the women came, and before we knew it, the place was emptied out. If you want to see a great slideshow, including a rather unnerving close-up of yours truly, you can see it here. It really shows the scope of the project.

We ended the night exhausted, but very fulfilled. Honestly, I think I got more uplift from doing the service project than I did from the classes. There's just something about working physically hard, and going to bed completely beat, but knowing you've made such a difference, that makes you feel closer to God.

I'm so grateful to Tammis for asking me to be one of her helpers. I know that I was lead to be on her bowling team so this could all come about, and not just for this purpose. Tammis and Calleen have become very close friends of mine that I might otherwise never have had the pleasure of knowing. They are strong women who make me want to be better. I'll have a good bowling post coming up soon, so you'll want to stay tuned for that.

The Eastern Ones

Friday night we decided it was time to actually go out and do something fun. I don't know what it was about this last week, but it seemed particularly brutal. Not for any specific reason, just generally busy and crazy, but that's nothing new around here. So we thought we'd treat ourselves to something we'd never done before.

We hooked up with some friends, whom we've been trying to get together with for months, but things just keep coming up. They are great fun, and they like Indian food. So we went along, because we're sheepish, and we follow what our friends tell us to do.

I'm asking you, why haven't we had Indian food until now? Why? It's delicious! Emma's best friend in Chicago was Indian, and we had dinner with them once, and she made pizza. Indian food fail. But this time, I actually went out on a limb and ordered something I knew would look disgusting, but it was delicious. Chicken Saag. Mmmmm. Green slimy cooked spinach with chunks of chicken over basmati rice. A little Naan, and I was good to go!

Problem with Indian food is that although delicious and very aromatic, the spices infiltrate your clothes and leave you and all your accessories smelling like Indian food. My phone smelled like it the next day. My necklace did too. Weird.

So next time we go to Taste of India, I'm wearing a rubber suit, and ordering the Chicken Saag with cheese Naan.

Visitors

This weekend we were blessed to have visitors from all over! First, we ended up with Jake and Amy from Idaho crashing at our house, and they're always a good time.

Then Mark and Kelley from Chicago came to visit, along with Gary and Noel from Seattle.

If only Kate (who hasn't posted in for.ev.er) were here, we would have had friends from each time zone chillin in our back yard.

It was like old times, except I didn't take one picture, and I'm okay with that.

Don't mind the lack of link to Kelley's and Noel's blog, they're private, so unless you're invited, fuggedaboudit.

I heart visitors, so if any of you (you know who you are!) ever get out thisaway, you can totally crash here. I'm just sayin'.

Stuffed

Well, folks, we had it. Turkey dinner for 16 people. And I'm fairly sure that no one died of food poisoning during the weekend, so that makes me pretty happy.

It was a great day. 2 big turkeys. One roasted regular style, and one deep fried in canola oil. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and gravy topped it all off, and it was delicious, if I do say so myself. We were treated to yams (sweet potatoes, whatever), jello salad, and 3 banana cream pies, too! Seriously, it was like a little slice of home right in my kitchen.

So thanks to all my peeps for showing up, and for not complaining that the gravy was a little greasy, or that the deep fried turkey was an hour late making its entrance. You guys are the best!

The Days That Were

Ah, summer. Long days, chilly evenings, fireflies, ice cream man, and kids frolicking in the front yard.

Or at least kids used to be frolicking.

Our front yard used to look like this:




But now, 4 of the kids pictured have moved. It's like a ghost town around here during the day. My kids are so sad. They have to play with just each other now.

We still have the fireflies, and the ice cream man, but it's just not the same without Neighbor Kate and her kids. They would walk right into my house through the garage door (like any good friend should), they would take drinks out of the fridge in the garage (like any good friend would), and we would "watch" the kids for one another, which is basically code for "don't let them go anywhere but in the circle, I'll be right back".

I miss her. :(

All I have to say is this; Georgia won't be the same now that Kate has invaded, and somebody cool better buy her house across the street. I don't need anymore freaks.

Festive? Why Yes!

I had a weekend.

I mean a good weekend.

I slept in. I golfed. I birdied. We BBQed. I fell over backwards in a lawn chair and bruised some ribs. (What? Like you're surprised at my gracefulness? Do you not know me at all?)

I attended a parade at 9:00 AM, a softball game at 2:00 PM, and fireworks at 8:00 PM.

The fireworks were Lame-O. But we sat in the McDonald's parking lot and let the kids run around like chickens with no heads, and that was pretty fun.


Here's Sugar Daddy putting the "ass" in classy. Yes, that is a can of Dewski at his feet while he pitches at the softball game. Yes, he's also wearing flip-flops. Yes, he played the entire game that way. No, I don't think his team won. I don't think any team won. It wasn't that kind of game.

Today we had church (Yes, I went) and friends over for dinner. Cheese stuffed meatloaf. A joy had by all. I saw my first lightening bug, and discovered there isn't anywhere we know of in Lake County to purchase dry ice.

These are the things we talk about over dinner.

The holiday was awesome. Most summer days have been, so far. It's a nice reprieve from last summer when things were a little more stressful. I'll have a post about that tomorrow.

How was your holiday?

Fun for Friday

This week's fun for Friday might not seem fun to you, but it was for me.

Last night was our Temple night. As I sat in the waiting room alone, reading and crying, surprise surprise, a woman walked by the doorway. I vaguely saw her out of the corner of my eye. I did notice, however, that she stopped and backed up to look at me through the doorway.

Of course I looked up, and to my amazement, it was a good friend. Not the kind of good friend you recognize from High School or College, or even from the YMCA, it was a good friend from the blogosphere.

A woman I had never met in person, but whom I feel I know personally. And of all places to meet, at the Temple. I felt it was very appropriate.

She is as sweet and wonderful in person as she is on her blog, a nice surprise indeed.

So that, my friends is what makes today fun.

Happy Friday!

Be Thou A Friend

I have good friends.

No, I have great friends.

While in the midst of this horrible depression, I was on the receiving end of several selfless deeds by said friends.

First, Dubya took my kids all day on Monday so I could run several errands. One of which was getting my windshield fixed, which would have been a complete nightmare had I been toting 3 kids around with me. Thank you, Dubya.

Next, J-Lo, being the sweet heart she is, stopped by one evening, just to see how I was, and to drop off a lovely potted tulip plant. All it took was a hug and asking how I was doing, and the tears that flowed pretty much said it all. Thanks, J-Lo.

Neighbor Kate was Saint Neighbor Kate yesterday when she popped her head in at 9:00 AM and practically shoved me out of the house, telling me to go do something fun. So I did. Hair cut, brows waxed, and a trip to the library, I was feeling much better. But she wasn't done yet.

After a noon-time phone call, J-Lo and Laurisa whisked me off to a fun lunch at Chili's. We ate and chatted, I cried, no surprise there, but I felt much better.

After I arrived home, Saint Kate had been alone with 4 children all day. And she wasn't even frazzled. She was my savior.

So thank you, dear friends. You have made a significant dent in my downer mood. I am feeling better. I even went to bed last night without a pill, and slept most of the night. That is a big step.

So today I'm just working on recovering from the dentist trip last night. More about that later.

Obesity

As neighbor Kate and I sat at our craft show, not selling anything, we were discussing getting new clothes. I have this little problem as of late, where my jeans seem to be hanging off me. I'm not complaining, by the way. But I'm not a perfect size 6 like she is, so I was telling her how hard it is for us "full figured gals" to find good fitting jeans. I had previously told her that one of my favorite stores is Torrid. I call it the - and you have to say it fast to make it sound better - "fat chick hoochie mama store". See? Funny, huh? They have sizes right up my alley. And when I go there, I can buy their smallest size, which is a huge self esteem boost for me.

They have all sorts of clothes. Modern and classic, trendy and slutty, basics and accessories. Shoes, too, but I don't have fat feet, only a fat middle, so I can't wear their shoes.

Anyway, Kate proceeds to tell me to head on over to Morbid to get me some new jeans. Of course this strikes me as totally hilarious, because I had never realized how closed Torrid and Morbid sound. And when I hear Morbid, I think Morbidly obese. I wonder if their Think Tank thought of that? Probably did, and thought us fat chicks wouldn't be so quick. But leave it to the skinny girls to point it out.

So today I'm off to Morbid to find some new jeans. Wish me luck.

On Being a Good Mom

We all know I'm in the running for mother of the year, right? I'm pretty sure I'll win after this one.

The other day, I was back and forth and back and forth at neighbor Kate's house, in a futile attempt at perfecting our latest business venture. This back and forthing meant there were a few moments here and there when Gretta and Maggie were home alone. Not a big deal, since I was literally across the street. Like, driveway to driveway across the street. I just don't worry.

Well, as I was leaving Kate's house, the friendly AT&T man was walking through the neighborhood, and gave me a friendly wave. I waved back, because I'm nice like that.

Turns out, friendly AT&T guy had just come from my house, where Maggie answered the door, and promptly told him that she was home alone babysitting her little sister.

Of course this was shocking to him, since he has no idea how good of a mom I am, and that I would never leave my kids alone for more than, oh, a few hours. Not. Kidding, kidding, people. But he did proceed to tell my other neighbor Nancy that her next door neighbor had her kids home alone. She was shocked by this, because I still have her fooled.

But seriously, I was gone a total of like 5 minutes. And my kids of been given strict instructions not to open the door to anyone, or answer the phone, unless it's someone they know and trust. So really, is it my fault or theirs? Kidding again.

This does frighten me a little. Not enough to make me paranoid, but I guess I need to have another good sit down talk with the kids about what to do when mommy is across the street. You know, stranger danger and all that.

Anyway, I'm certain the word is out that I'm a finalist in the mother of the year contest, and hopefully this puts off any unfit contenders, cause I have a spot all cleared off on my mantle for that award.

*and as I write this post, my dear daughter is watching a Roseanne marathon. Yep.
*and here is a funny post I read about leaving your kids in the car. The comments are top-notch. You should totally read it, and the comments.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Sunday was a big day at our house. We hosted a huge Superbowl par-tay. It was a total blast. Here are just a few of the highlights.

A view from the balcony. The men were all intent on the game, and more so on the commercials. I think the "Wipe Out" show was an attention grabber, as well.

The pile-o-coats. Since we moved our front room furniture into the living room to accommodate our 30 + guests, there wasn't a better place to throw the winter garb.

This little gal chewed away on her chubby little toes, and melted our hearts with those fat rolls. I'm pretty sure I could eat her. I don't think Tina would mind, do you?

And a little view of some of the mess atop my counter. Home made pizza, tons of appetizers, and delicioso desserts made for a filling party menu.

We got an impromptu cheer session from Shylo. I outed Carli and her 9 month flu, and we corrupted the Elders because we wouldn't turn off the game when they came over. But for the record, they just came, ate, and skedaddled. I bonded with the newest Kelley and her bow making abilities, (Yay!) and I think Noel, Brooke and I had a little 3 way action that sent The Chad over the top.

I'm just a good hostess like that, what can I say?

We did miss our Lacey Fay, as she was out having just birthed her third baby boy, Justin. But we'll bring her some pizza as a consolation prize. For missing the party, not for giving birth.

And the fact that the Steelers brought it home, including #99, made it that much sweeter.

Because It's Good To Have Smart Friends

Today my good friend Nikki is featured as a guest poster on NieNie. She is sharing her thoughts on her favorite past NieNie post, and she also mentions our Cancer Sucks blog from many days past. Seriously, it's good to have smart friends. And also, thanks to Clisty for her heads up. You gals are the bestest.

Things That Blow

The other day, I got an email from my friend Dubya. She is always on the lookout for a great deal, and when one comes along, she doesn't hesitate to spread the word. In this email, it said that Target.com was having a sale on a Toro snow blower. It was regular priced at $299.00 and it was on sale for....Wait for it....



$15.00!

Yes, you read right. $15.00!!! So of course I immediately hop on the net, and check it out, and sure enough, right there in print was said snow blower priced at 95% off, coming in at $15.00. Add the $25 for shipping, and I had myself a new snow blower for $48.00 including tax. Suhweet. My mind was a swirl with thoughts of Christmas presents bought with the money I would make by selling it on Craigslist. Suddenly my burden was light.

But then, a day and a half later, I received an email from Target.com, stating that it was, in fact, an error on their part, and the snow blower was priced wrong. They had canceled my order, but offered the snow blower to me for the sale price of $219. Nope. No sirree.

That totally blows.

Appreciation

I love living just outside the Ghetto. It makes for fun times driving around town. And it makes me appreciate my surroundings. The other morning I was heading back from a muy delicioso breakfast of Nutella and banana crepes at Wildberry, when I was treated to this prime specimen of hoopdee hoopness.

Sorry for the poor picture quality. I was trying to drive and take a picture all at the same time. Shh, don't tell. But for those of you that can't tell, yes, those are in fact Twenty-Fo inch rims on a car. Yes, a car. Some trucks can't handle Twenty-Fo's. Niiice.




And here are the lovely ladies with whom I shared a nummy breakfast. Neighbor Kate and Cayden, and Rosalia, who we're still trying to convince needs a blog. Because every good mom needs a blog, right moms? And for the record, she has the cutest hair I've seen in a long, long time. And her little boy there, Giovanni, he didn't make a peep through the enitre breakfast. Which is more than I can say for Gretta. And Cayden.

But really, this breakfast has awakened in me a sense that I need to do those kind of things more often, and an appreciation of good friends who share my needs. Why oh why do we act like hermit crabs all winter? I mean besides the sub-zero temperatures? It felt so good to sit and chat about mom stuff, and kid stuff, and most importantly, woman stuff. It was like Relief Society. Only yummier.

Music Days

I have the bestest friends ever. I really do. They take care of me.

Thanks to Dubya and her sweet leadership skills, Gretta is getting Kindermusik lessons. I had no idea how fun this class could be. She loves it. And after just one class, she remembers the "Hammer hammer hammer and See Saw See" actions. I'm sure it's because she's a genius, and not because the class is so much fine. Right.

So we're off to music class today.

And tomorrow brings dance lessons for Maggie. I worry because dance is so girly and she's, just, well, probably more girly than even dance lessons could be, if that's possible. She is so excited, she already has her outfit picked out for tomorrow. That kid, honestly.

Artsy Fartsy

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Warm, at least for this part of the country, and dry, and thanks to Sugar Daddy and his genocide skills, relatively bee-free. That alone could be a post, but I'm more apt to show pictures today. It's been a while, and I've been reprimanded by Kelli who insists I show more pictures of Gretta. Your patience has been rewarded.

Is it just me, or did those first sentences sound all smart and stuff? Wow, 'nuff a dat. Moving on.

Kate had a great idea, and we decided to go ahead and do it right on my driveway. She bought the kids some blank canvases (canvii?) and brought out the paints. The kiddos went all crazy with the cheez whiz and whipped up some real masterpieces.


Maggie showing off her mad skills. She loved doing the dots, and just couldn't stop herself.


And here you go. If I had Photoshop, or the desire to even learn Photoshop, I would totally turn that can into a PBR. Or, more appropriately, Miller Lite. This is Miller country, or so I hear.


My little G. She is so dang sassy. You should see that girl strut her stuff. When she gets going, those arms go swinging, and that diaper shimmies side to side. It's hilarious. One of these days I'll catch it on video. Cause I know you're dying to see one more mom show off how adorable she thinks her kids are. But mine really are. Really.

Anyway, that's it for today. I know I was supposed to do Fun For Friday, and highlight a Noorda Notable, but since I missed a day posting, I thought I better do a make up day. Maybe I'll surprise you with a post tomorrow. I know! Can you imagine? Me, posting on a Saturday? Crazy talk! Since Sugar Daddy is working all day, I may just have to make time and put up a funny little Notable. Are they really that funny? They are to me. Maybe not to anyone besides my family, but at least it gives the rest of you insight into why I am the way I am.

Later!

I Haz Skillz

If you thought that my skills were limited to, say, crafting, blogging and word craft, you are sadly mistaken. It seems I have a new title under my belt. One that I'm not sure I should tout, but what the Heck, why not?

Thanks, Kate.

Dang, That's Early

5:00 AM

On a Saturday.

This better be good.

Did you see what time it started? You didn't?

8:00 AM

On a Saturday.

What place in line do you think we were?

The Greatest Lake

We did something we've been wanting to do for a long time. On Saturday, after the kayak voyage, we loaded up the coolah, and headed over to slum it gangsta style in Zion on the beach of Lake Michigan. I'll be honest, it's a little scary over there. But that never stops us from having a great time. We were blessed with Kate and Pat's presence, and had some good laughs, mostly at their expense.

See that blue chair crumpled up on the ground back there? Yeah, Pat broke that one as he sat down. Oops. Now look more closely at Kate's perch. Yeah, she sat down and busted right through the fabric on that chair, too! Now if that had been me, I would have had the lowest self esteem moment of my life. Not that it would have been the first time I'd broken a chair, but that a whole nother post. But Kate, she just sat there and took the jokes. She's a trooper. A Super Trouper, maybe?

See that huge resort in the background? Doesn't that look like a nice place to spend the weekend? I don't think it's a place you'll be making a reservation at any time soon. It's a nuclear (nucular? GW Bush, anyone?) power plant. You'd think that would make the water a little warmer, no? No. Still freezing. I think the icebergs just melted last week, though.

Here's Maggie and her long lost twin, Madison. These two are soul sisters. They dress alike. They act alike. They're almost 2 years apart, but sometimes we can't tell them apart from afar.

And here's jungle Sean. As soon as he lied down, the kids were all over him. Notice Cayden (I fixed it, are you happy now?) head over heels over him. He thought that was pretty neat, and I think Sean liked the idea of having a boy to play with for a change. Don't get any ideas, that's not happening.

So aside from hanging in satellite Ensenada, and watching all the kids bathe in their Spiderman undies, and the freezing cold water and rocky shore, and biting flies and sand in every morsel of food, we had a pretty good time. Next time, no food items at all. Especially of the chocolate variety. Too sticky.

Gettin' There

Alrighty. It's been a long, gluttonous summer. A diet of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (mmm), and Diet Pepsi does not a flattering figure make. So it was off to exercise class again. It's the getting there that's the hard part. No, I don't have to scale large mountains, or cross large rivers. I don't even have to pull a handcart or walk, for that matter. I get to drive my comfy Vangina a total of 2 miles, to a nice air conditioned church cultural hall. But still, it's, um, harrrd.

But I made it.


And when we arrived, it seemed the door was locked. But there were kids in there! It took them a few minutes to realize there were no parents around. I guess the key-lady opened the door, the kids ran in, she reached back out to get her new baby, priorities!, and the door was closed. Oops. I saw it as a sign that we should go back to bed. Nobody else really did. Losers.



So we did a little jumping and kicking and stretching to a very cool mix of excellent 80's music. I love some of those songs, they bring back the best memories of sitting in my brothers room in the basement, it had carpeted walls!, and thinking I was da bomb because he was (is) so cool.


And then, on the way home (not really on the way, more like the total opposite way but whatever), I had to stop and get a $1 large Diet Coke. I mean, come on people, I can't just give it up cold turkey. Remember, I've tried that, and lasted approximately 2 hours. But here is proof that I can still stretch. Yes, that is my leg all the way up on the counter top. I guess the exercise thing isn't so bad. I just need the getting there part to be better.