Dual Personalities/Appreciated Conference today

Don't worry, I am not announcing that I have an alter personality! It is just that sometimes I feel so confused about who I am. When I was young, I read a book about a Chinese immigrant coming to America. As she crossed the ocean in her boat, she danced a strange dance. She would be dancing towards America and then contort her body as if China was dragging her back. She kept this up for quite a while. This brilliantly illustrated how torn she was. She was excited for all of the new opportunities that America had to offer, yet she would miss China dearly. I feel like this character a bit. No, I am not torn between countries, I wish it were that easy! It is sad, but I have let these stupid things cloud my life and make it so that I can't see through the haziness...for example: I want a clean house, yet I have children who I want to play with, which is more important? I am not able to do both things at once! These are the types of the not so important things that plague me.

So, today as I watched the Relief Society session of conference, I was so touched. My leaders spoke to me and told me how I should live so that I won't have to do the Chinese immigrant dance anymore!! They told us to pray, study, and serve. Yes, I heard this before, and I will have to hear it over and over again, BUT today and for the near future, I will have this lesson fresh in my mind.

I want to add how much I love the new presidency too! I already loved Sis. Beck, but I am so happy to have heard Sis. Allred and Sis. Thompson (I think that is her name, I am too tired to look it up now, if it is wrong I will edit). Sister Allred spoke beautifully. I couldn't have done that in my native tongue! Sis. Thompson was delightful. I am so happy that we have such a diverse presidency, as I think this represents the women of the church much more accurately.

OK, I am done....I sprained my ankle earlier today and need to rest it!!

Weekend Wrap Up

Not that we did anything fabulous, but I loved this weekend for many reasons:

1. It finally cooled down, well for AZ standards. Sunday morning Harrison was outside and said, "I'm cold Mom". I walked to my Mom and Dad's house for dinner on Sunday and I thought, "Fall is in the air." Todd drove and when I met him at my parent's house I told him how good it felt outside. That's when he told me the car thermostat said it was 93 degrees. Go figure, an Arizona girl thinks 93 is cool!

2. Our talks are over! We had to speak for our new ward and I am so glad I am done with that! I spoke on prayer, Todd spoke on personal revelation.

3. I got to visit with my grandparents.

4. I got to sleep in. There is nothing better for a big sleeper like me.

5. Lyssa gave me three fantastic hugs. In an earlier post, I mentioned that she likes everyone else better, or so it seems. She must be warming up to me! She also preferred me to Todd a lot this weekend. This was the best part of my weekend!!!

Seven things about me!

Becky tagged me for this....

1. I love to read.

Sorry to copy you Janell, but I do. I can get kinda bad though when I get into a book: I get no sleep, the kids pretty much run amuck, and the whole house is a disaster.

2. I am addicted to Diet Coke.

Everyone probably knows this one though!

3. I love TV and movies.

I love that TV series are on DVD now. Todd and I pop them in and bond while being couch potatoes. Our favorites are "Big Love", "Lost", and "Weeds".

4. I also love to exercise.

I like running. I even ran a half marathon last May and a ten miler with Marsha in June. I also love to walk too.

5. I enjoy planning activities to do with my kids.

My kids are pretty sick of it I'm sure, but I research all of the fun, cheap, kid things to do and then we do it. Our favorites are the sprinkler park, Cabella's, story time, and play dates.

6. Going out to eat is a favorite of mine.

I can't think of anything better that eating something yummy and not having to clean up afterwards!

7. Viva Las Vegas!

I loved living in Vegas while Todd was in Law School. Don't get any crazy ideas, I never gambled or anything. There was just tons of fun things to do. We loved the parks, and Ethel M's the best. It was a little cooler than it is here, I froze in the winter! Plus, some of the greatest people I have ever met live there. It is funny, but I get a little homesick for it once in a while.

Twilight, I give it 2 stars

Well, I have finally read "Twilight". Everyone raves about it, so I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. I'm probably going to be the first one to say this but......it was just alright to me. Not my favorite by far. I thought, since it was about vampires, it would be a little darker, edgier. Also, the story was a little too predictable for my taste.
Maybe I didn't love it because I heard all of the hype and built it up bigger in my head. Maybe its because I have an aversion to liking things everyone else does: I can't stand Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. Or maybe its because I am just weird.

The things I did like about "Twilight" are:

1. Some of it takes place in Phoenix. It is fun to know exactly how to picture the scene in your head.

2. The "vampire" family. I liked hearing about their history.

**Note: I am sorry if you love any of the books I listed above and it offended you. My intent is not to hurt feelings, it is simply my honest opinion.

Reverse on the 3/11 rule

Have you ever heard of the 3/11 rule? That is where you tell 3 people if you had a good experience somewhere and 11 people if you had a horrible experience. So, if there are even 11 people who read this, I want to do a reverse of this rule. I am such a rule breaker! ha, ha

So earlier this week, when I had my bad day, I went to Fry's Pharmacy. They had to do a simple refill and somehow, even with three people behind the counter, could not complete this task in under 2 hours. I called it in. Waited the amount of time I should. Went to the store in the heat with two cranky kids. When I got to the pharmacy, my script had not been filled yet. They asked if I could wait a few minutes. Sure, how long could it be. Well, after too much of my time had been spent waiting with two screaming kids, I stormed out of there, with no meds because, the three of them couldn't fill it in a half an hour. (not to mention I called it in way, way, earlier).

Fast forward to today. I have another prescription to be filled (If you haven't noticed, my face broke out like a teenager's and I finally went to the dermi and now I have even more meds to take). So I dropped it off at the Neighborhood WalMart. What a night and day difference!!! There was an issue with a discount card the doc gave me, so it took them a while to figure it out. They were so friendly and helpful. They explained to me what I should do with my meds. They even gave me samples because of the wait. Plus, there were only two of them there. Additionally, when Harrison was sick last week, I sent Todd to that same WalMart to get some Children's Ibuprofen. When he got there he was a little overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Plus, I had asked him to get me canker sore medication (yes, I am a druggie). So, Todd had no clue what to look for. (Even though he is a brilliant attorney, he can't find his way around a drug store, go figure) So, he asks the pharmacist. This is a different guy than who helped me. This guy gets out of the pharmacy thing, and helps Todd find the exact right medicine, with a smile on his face! I am so thrilled with the quality of service we received at this store.

So, if you need a prescription filled, head on over there! Plus, it has a drive through!!

Me and Todd

Our engagement picture...

I was tagged so here it goes...

1. How did you and your husband meet?

Well, that is a long story. My MIL and Mom worked in the same department at Gilbert High School. My Mom was new and the entire first week of school my MIL was gone, which is a big no no. So when my MIL came back, my Mom jokingly asked, "Who do you think you are being gone the first week"? Turns out, she was picking up Todd with my FIL from his mission in Italy. After that first meeting our moms got to be friends. Well we all know friends talk. During one of these talks, their kids came up. They thought that Todd and I would be perfect for each other. So they bugged us to meet and we both refused, for months! Finally, to get his mom off his back, he went to "check me out". I was working in the jewelry department at Mervyns. Funny thing, I saw him walking around before he approached me and thought he looked like such a good guy. So he came up to me with his broken watch and asked for help. Mervyns doesn't fix watches, so I sent him on his way. Discouraged, he finally said, "Does your Mom teach at Gilbert High"? We have been together ever since!


2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?


Hmmm...maybe, can I help you?

3. Where was your first date?

I know you will all be jealous. Filaberto's and Skateland. Romantic huh? What happened was, Todd asked a friend what a fun date would be, and this was it. Don't worry, I have forgiven him. Plus, Skateland was really fun!

4. Where was your first kiss?

In his car. After about five dates.

5. How long did you date?


About two months!


6. Did you have a long or short engagement?

It was 6 months. To my LDS friends it was long and to my other friends it was short.

7. Where did you get engaged?

In his backyard. We were playing around and all of a sudden he hugged me and said, "Marry me." A week later, after he asked my Dad for permission and bought a ring he took me to the Temple grounds (sound familiar?) and kneeled down. He goes, "I have a very important question to ask you...what is your favorite color?" He has been teasing me ever since.

8. Where were you married?

Mesa, Az Temple on June 8, 2000

9. How did the reception go?

Great. It was beautiful. We had it at Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse. We danced to "Here Comes The Sun", by the Beatles. We left on a boat! We had a friend who lived on the water in Val Vista Lakes and decorated her boat beautifully so we could sail away on it. That was so fun.

10. How was the honeymoon?

Pretty good. We stayed in a nice hotel for the wedding night. The next day we drove to Sedona. It was so relaxing. I think Todd and I need to take another trip just the two of us!

As I said on Janell's blog, you are my only blog friends so far so I tag however hasn't done it yet!!

GAVIN

Since I have mentioned every other member of my immediate family on this blog, except my other brother Gavin, I thought I would dedicate today's entry to him. Gavin is such a great brother. He is always there to lend a helping hand. Everytime we move, there he is with his truck ready and willing to help. Our kids love him. Harrison loves to wrestle with him. Lyssa runs up to him every time we see him to get a huge hug. Todd loves the fact that Gavin will watch, talk, and play sports with him. I know that I get on Gavin's nerves every once in a while, but I hope he knows I love him. According to Harrison, this is what Gavin stands for:

G - great uncle

A- always helping

V-vivacious (I helped with this one)

I- incredible

N- nice

We love ya Gavin!

Make my day

Unfortuanley, today has not been great. My Dad called me in the midst of chaos that has been following me today and I burst into tears. Even though I have 2 kids of my own, I guess I still need my parents. I felt like I was a little girl again when I told him all of my woes. Then, because he is the greatest dad, he knew just what to say to make me feel better.

After we hung up, I thought that the best thing to do to keep my spirits up was to look at cute pictures of the kids. Then I stumbled upon the one with Harrison and almost lost it again! It is Harrison and my brother Brennan. Brennan is serving a mission in Barcelona and I miss him so much! He is my best friend. Looking at this did make me happy though. I know he is doing the right thing by serving a mission. Plus, this pic was taken on a happy day. Brennan adores Harrison and bought this slip and slide just for him. They played on it for hours!

The one of Alyssa I love just because it makes me laugh.... The other one is of my Mom and Dad with Brennan. I aspire to be the kind of parent they are.

September 11th

Today is the sixth anniversary of September 11th, I really can't believe it happened. It is like a movie, a bad dream, an even worse joke. Why did this happen? Why? It is so very senseless. I can't fathom how the grieving family members feel. I understand that in other places of the world terriosim happens more often than here. A lot more often actually. It is a scary world.

However, when I look at this picture, I feel better. I love what it represents: triumph, overcoming evil, a sense of hope, and love of community. This world might be scary, but we can make it a better place.

I hope to never forget these horrific events. I am so grateful that I am an American and that I have the right to use my vote in a productive manner. I often pray for President Bush to make wise decisions concerning this country. I also pray for all of the world's leaders. I pray for peace and safety. Today I will pray for the grieving family members of September 11th.

Good intentions....

Today I found myself in such a predicament! Here is a little back story...Todd loves to go to Gospel Principles for Sunday School. He likes that it is a small class size and he also likes meeting investigators. So last week in class I mentioned that it would great if we had snacks in class. I even volunteered to bring treats the first week. Sounds great, right? Well, fast forward to this Sunday.

Todd and Harrison not feeling well. Alyssa is screaming. I don't want to go to church all by myself with a screaming toddler. I announce that I will not be going to church. Todd looks up from the couch with his pale, sick face and asks, "What about Sunday School?"

GREAT! How "member missionary" would that be to no show when I promised a treat? Plus, I really want to be a woman of my word. So here I am baking stuff this morning. I am so not a baker. I hate it. I mean I love the end product, but I detest the mixing, the mess, and the extra padding that I get after I partake. Plus, my baked goods are not really all that good.

Alas, I make it. I drive to church before Sunday School. I can't find a parking space and end up illegally parking so I can quickly run inside to bring baked goods to my fellow classmates. As I stroll down the hall everyone is oohing and awing at my treats, the baked ones that is. I finally find the teacher, give him the goods, and hightail it outta there. I blame all of this on the fact that last week was Fast Sunday and I was a little lightheaded when I opened my mouth to volunteer snacks. Anyway, I hope they liked them!

Harrison

Harrison is a joy. He is smart, friendly, and loving. He is obsessed with trains. This picture is of him with Grandpa Smith this summer on the Heber Valley Railroad (aka The Heber Creeper). Even though he is great, he has his moments like every other 5 year old. Here are some of our most recent conversations:

Me: It is time to do your homework (why kindergarteners have homework is beyond me)

Harrison: I don't want to do it!

Me: Too bad.

Harrison: Too GOOD!

Here is another one:

Me: I don't like it when you talk back.

Harrison: I'm not talking back, I'm talking FRONT!

Even though I am a little upset when we are having these conversations, I have to stifle a giggle. It is too funny!

Here is the latest Harrisonism from this morning:

(He had a fever and red eyes last night)

Me: Good morning, how do you feel?

Harrison: I feel better, my eyes are brown now!

And what handsome brown eyes they are.

Alyssa

Alyssa, my sweet redhead girl, is something special. She is very particular, bossy, and stubborn, but at the same time is so very sweet! Obviously this toddler keeps us on our toes.
Some of Alyssa's favorite things are:
*getting into my makeup
*getting into markers and drawing on her body
*her blanket and baby
*her "baba" (I know, I know, she is too old for a bottle, but I have got to pick my battles!)
*her Daddy and her brother.
Me? I am chopped liver. Unless I can provide her with makeup, markers, her blanket, her baby, her baba, her Daddy, or her brother!! Todd says that every time I leave to go somewhere with out her she is inconsolable. I am grasping to this and hoping that it means she loves me and can't live without me!

Here we go!

I am entering the world of blogs. I just hope that I can be techno-savy enough to keep up with this.