Blogging With Beth

For the past year, we've been waiting for Hunter to have his "language explosion." He's been saying "Mommy" and "Guggy" (Daddy) for a long time, plus a few scattered words here and there. But in the past two weeks we've compiled the following list of words and phrases that Hunter can say:

kitty
baby
duck
bye bye
OK
uh-oh
coat
hungry
car
bottle
thank you
binky
dance (and he shows you how!)
all right
eat
night night
love you
wow!
meow (this also means cat)
shoe
hug
baby
amen
no-no-no (with accompanying shake of the head)
Mickey
A-Na (Helena)
Pooh
Ga-ga
more please
Yee-haw!
Pa-pa
hat

We're relieved. We've always known Hunter had a lot to say!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate, always. Occasionally tasty with peppermint or raspberry flavoring, always better with whipped cream. The best I've ever had was the kind Grandma made in a saucepan on the stove with actual cocoa powder and whole milk. Mmmm.

2. Wrap presents or bag them? I do both. It depends on the shape of the gift.

3. Colored lights or white? We have white lights on our tree and colored lights outside. I like both, but I'm still on the fence about the new LED lights - their colors seem a little vibrant.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but not for any real reason. Where would I get mistletoe, anyway?

5. When do you decorate? Usually right after Thanksgiving. The day after is best because Dan's home from work to drag everything upstairs.

6. Favorite holiday dish? This is tough...I like plum pudding, but miss Grandma's candies. I make pepperkakor cookies (which are a kind of Swedish ginger cookie), and they're a decent stand-in.

7. When and how did you learn about Santa? No idea. I'm sure that Andrea probably told me - or maybe it was Jen?

8. How do you decorate your tree? When we were first married, we used the "purple" theme leftover from our wedding reception. Now we have enough unique ornaments that it's a more eclectic, non-themed tree. It's more special this way.

9. Snow - love it or dread it? I love it in the abstract, and from underneath several blankets on the couch, but dread it the rest of the time. It is such a mess, it gets everything wet, and there is NOTHING worse than stepping in an unexpected cold puddle.

10. Can you ice skate? Yes. Not very well, which is too bad considering the lessons I took with my friend Renee. I even had professionally made skates, which (2 babies and a few pounds later) are now too small. Some of it has to do with my gimpy feet.

11. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think the most memorable gift I received was the Samantha doll I got when I was about 9 years old. (She's one of the American Girl dolls, and is being retired this year.)

12. What is the most important part of the holidays? Remembering - and acting like - the Savior.

13. Favorite holiday dessert? See above.

14. Favorite memory? I loved Christmas with Andrea when we were little. I liked that we always had a fire in the fireplace. It was also one of the few times during the year that I'd usually see Uncle Fuzz. Looking back, I remember Uncle Elwood calling me "Betsy" and giving me $5, and then he'd tell me to go to McDonald's with it.

15. Do you have a special ornament? Well, I have lots of them for my kids, and they mean a lot to me. There was one that Merilee Otto gave us when we were married with our names on it...that was sweet, too.

16. What do you do on Christmas Eve? As Andrea mentioned, we usually go to my Mom's house and do a big Mexican dinner. To celebrate our Northern European heritage. It is universally tasty.

17. If you could have anything for Christmas what would it be? All of my family and friends here at the same time.

18. What do you do for your friends/neighbors for Christmas? It's usually an assortment of cookies. Once in a while I will put in an extra - an ornament, towels, etc. I know, time to get off the Creativity Train!

I tag...umm...well, if you haven't done this yet, then post now!

Thanks Nikki!

I hereby tag anyone interested in completing a blog without having to think up a snazzy topic.

8 TV Shows I Watch:
1. The Office
2. Jon and Kate Plus 8
3. The Duggars (17 and Counting!)
4. Half Ton Dad
5. Half Ton Mom
6. Everest (a seasonal program...it's not on right now)
7. Supernanny
8. WZZM13 - for the weather

(Sorry, I don't watch much TV - and mostly I'm just dedicated to "The Office".)

8 Things That Happened Yesterday
1. I took Helena to preschool.
2. We had family home evening.
3. I made grilled cheese sandwiches and applesauce muffins.
4. I wrote out some notes to my visiting teachees.
5. I sent out umpteen emails
6. I stayed home and played with Hunter while Dan took Helena to gymnastics.
7. Helena and I read chapter 2 of "Kirsten Learns a Lesson"
8. I walked on the treadmill and sang at the same time. (Yep, I was strolling, more than walking.)

8 Favorite Places to Eat
1. The Hearthstone
2. Chili's
3. Main Street Pub and Eatery
4. Brooklyn Bagel
5. Los Hermanos (too bad it's in Provo, UT)
6. Sunshine Seasons (too bad it's in Epcot)
7. G & L - when my digestive system's feeling optimistic
8. Olive Garden - I guess. Depends on the service. Salad's wicked good.

8 Things to Look Forward To
1. Christmas
2. Disney World
3. Thanksgiving
4. My children becoming adults...
5. My children being kids
6. Helena's preschool party tomorrow
7. Being old enough to not care two pennies how my hair looks
8. Singing in the shower tomorrow morning

8 Things on My Wish List
1. A DVC membership
2. Single-digit pants
3. Raspberry cheesecake - which doesn't help number 2
4. a mission when Dan and I are Oldies But Goodies
5. the opportunity to do some family history work
6. a lengthy visit to Europe
7. to share the joy!
8. warm feet

Not so exciting, but done!

Helena asked Dan and I, out of the clear blue sky, if we'd voted for "The Rock Obama." We responded that no, we hadn't, but how did she know who that was? She said "The Rock Obama is going to be our next president. We talked about it at school." Hey, a preschool that teaches current events? Very forward curriculum, no? It was hilarious the way she kept pronouncing the poor man's name!

Later that day we were asked to put in only "cool, snazzy music, not boring stuff."

Whew!

No, I don't mean the weather, although check it out - winter is here, in a very nasty and not-too-picturesque way. Forget about soft blankets of snow - try hideously wet leaves clogging every possible grate, sleet and hail in the same day, and cold soaking through to your bones.

I titled this post "Cooling Off" because I've noticed my blog has been politically-focused for the last few weeks, probably because of the election and the attention to politics that naturally engenders.

So here are a few utterly random and hopefully amusing pictures!


Probably the most creative thing I've ever done (outside of bear children): Followed directions not quite exactly, but close enough. Very time-consuming. Happy 2nd Birthday Helena!



We've made good use of our Kelty backpack. Usually we head out to the state park and walk on the cross-country ski trails. Note that the kids are wrapped in blankets or other winter gear. Why don't we just wait until it's warmer???




These photos are recent; probably from a couple of weeks ago. The kids LOVE to play in the leaves. We also have some cute video from this day, but I was shaking like a drunken sailor, so it's not so fun to watch.



Maybe these photos belong on the other blog - I don't know. This picture was taken at the Restaurant Akershus in Epcot's Norway pavilion. One is from 2005, when Helena was almost 1 1/2 years old. The other was taken in Feb. 2008, shortly before she turned 4. Notice, if you will, the change in attitude. (Holly's already seen these but they're worth a look and a laugh.)

SO - There you go! No politics here!

Here are just a few that I enjoy and look at every so often:

Crockpot 365

Filling Your Ark

Kinghorn's Called to Serve

The Simple Dollar


Enjoy!

Today was our ward Primary Program. The kids (and their leaders!) did a wonderful job. It was a shame that we couldn't videotape it today...too many cute moments to describe. Let me just say that Helena has not one WHIT of shyness in her. She grabbed that mike and took charge! There was also some beautiful "interpretive dancing" going on with Jaleigh and Helena, and lots of "hiding behind the stand" games with Emma, Jaleigh, and Helena.

My heart was bursting, so full of pride and love and amazement that four years of my daughter's life have passed so quickly.

Then tonight we had our YWIE program, my first as YW president. I worried, of course, but for no reason: the girls sang better than they ever have, the Spirit was poured out on everyone, and my counselors and co-leaders lightened my burden in ways that can't be described. Some of the girls who I was convinced would not come showed up. I asked my mom and another good friend in the ward to create flower centerpieces and corsages out of fresh flowers, and they were absolutely lovely. I was so proud of the girls! How do they not get nervous? They are so talented! I love them!

The worst part was that I kept wanting to cry, both from the Spirit and just from being a little emotional, but because I had to play several songs on the piano I knew I couldn't see if I cried. I managed to hold it in until the last hymn, "I Believe in Christ," which (fortunately) I know pretty well.

All in all, a very good Sabbath Day.

At 2pm this afternoon (Pacific time), a press conference was held at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles, where a protest had been organized by opponents of CA Proposition 8. To the media present, the woman speaking (Lorri L. Jean, CEO of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center) made the following announcement:

Today we have decided to include the President of the Mormon Church in a campaign that is more productive for our community. We are going to raise money to support the effort to repeal Proposition 8, and we are encouraging people to make donations on our new website: www.invalidateprop8.org. For every donor who makes a donation, a postcard in the name of that donor will be sent to Pres. Thomas Monson of the LDS Church, and I want to read what it says:

“Dear President Monson:

A donation has been made in your name by _________________ to “invalidateprop8.org” to overturn California’s Proposition 8 and restore fundamental civil rights to all citizens of California. The money will be donated to legal organizations fighting the case and to support grass-roots activities in support of full marriage equality. Although we decry the reprehensible role the Church of Latter Day Saints [sic] leadership played in denying all Californians equal rights under the law, we are pleased a donation has been made on your behalf in the effort to overturn the discrimination your church members helped enshrine in the California Constitution. Given that throughout its history the Mormon Church has been subjected to bigotry, we hope you appreciate the donation in your name to fight religious bigotry here in California.

*For the record: I do support Prop 8, although I'm not a citizen of California. I think an attack on the Church will do nothing to change the LDS Church's position on gay marriage. Showing disrespect for LDS temples, as sacred structures, is uncalled for. If the voters of California support another ballot initiative then that is fine - but I think all sides should accept the result of that vote. It's much better for voters to decide such an important question than for four judges to make that determination. Additionally, I want everyone to know of my love and respect for my many homosexual friends. At this time California gives the same legal rights to same-sex couples as it does to heterosexual couples, with the exclusion of the word "marriage" to describe lasting relationships.

Dwight Eisenhower's Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson met with USSR's Nikita Khrushchev and related:

“I have talked face to face with the godless communist leaders. It may surprise you to learn that I was host to Mr. Khrushchev for a half day when he visited the United States, not that I’m proud of it. I opposed his coming then, and I still feel it was a mistake to welcome this atheistic murderer as a state visitor. But, according to President Eisenhower, Khrushchev had expressed a desire to learn something of American Agriculture — and after seeing Russian agriculture I can understand why. As we talked face to face, he indicated that my grandchildren would live under communism. After assuring him that I expected to do all in my power to assure that his and all other grandchildren will live under freedom he arrogantly declared in substance:

“ ‘You Americans are so gullible. No, you won’t accept communism outright, but we’ll keep feeding you small doses of socialism until you’ll finally wake up and find you already have communism. We won’t have to fight you. We’ll so weaken your economy until you’ll fall like overripe fruit into our hands.’

“And they’re ahead of schedule in their devilish scheme.” (Ezra Taft Benson “Our Immediate Responsibility.” Devotional Address at Brigham Young University. circa 1968.”)

Whether you think your vote matters or not, VOTE.

Even if you believe the race is won, VOTE.

Make the drive, wait in the line - VOTE.

Female suffragettes died so women could - VOTE.

You are an American citizen and you must VOTE.

Follow your conscience and VOTE.

Happy Election Day!

From www.rushlimbaugh.com:

(Note: Orson Scott Card is an LDS Democrat and author of many best-selling books.)

RUSH: Now, I mentioned in the previous hour a piece that I saw yesterday by Orson Scott Card. Now, this was originally published in the Rhinoceros Times of Greensboro, North Carolina, but now it has spread throughout the Internet. I looked him up on the Internet. He is a Democrat. The editor's note here says, "Orson Scott Card is a Democrat and newspaper columnist." He is a full-fledged Democrat. He is pro-gun control. He thinks that the Republican Party in the South is still very racist. But this piece... It's nothing you haven't heard before on this program. It's about the mortgage crisis, but Mr. Card here takes a shot at the media.

"Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights? -- An open letter to the local daily paper -- almost every local daily paper in America: I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know. This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration. It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans. What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.

"The goal of this rule change was to help the poor -- which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house -- along with their credit rating. They end up worse off than before. This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them. Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans.

"(Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.) Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefiting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending? I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. 'Housing-gate,' no doubt. Or 'Fannie-gate.'

"Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting sub-prime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed. As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay ... 'Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury.' These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was the Democratic Party.

"The party that tried to prevent it was the Republican Party. Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout! What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame? Now let's follow the money right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae. And after Freddie Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.

"If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was. But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an 'adviser' to the Obama campaign -- because that campaign had sought his advice -- you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign. You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican. If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.

"If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis. There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension -- so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.) If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.

"Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper. But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie -- that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad -- even bad weather -- on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to. If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth -- even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate. Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means. That's how trust is earned.

"Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time -- and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing. Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter -- while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months. So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all," in journalism, left? "Do you even know what honesty means? Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for? You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women.

"Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles. That's where you are right now. It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there. If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices. Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.

"You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way. This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion. If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe -- and vote as if -- President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie. ... You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a news paper in our city." That's Orson Scott Card, a card-carrying Democrat writing in the Rhinoceros Times in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I haven't had much going on in my "real" life, but you can find a few new posts on my Disney blog.

Still, a couple of days ago I came into the room where Helena was coloring, and I found this:



She can be so imaginative - amazingly so. Here's another example - a car she built from Legos, with no help from me and no pictures to work from:



My favorite part is the associated "senior picture pose" going on behind the car.

In other news: 1)Helena's started gymnastics and is so excited she can barely pay attention to her teacher 2)Hunter and Helena both have nasty colds, complete with fevers 3)Dan finally finished three (or was it four?) freelance websites and feels free enough that 4) we are going on a mini-vacation this weekend!, and 5)I'm halfway done with my D&C class and more than halfway done with my ever-present Chinese history course!

Remember, "Ignore adversity." Wash and repeat.

Today Dan and I took the kids up to New Era to enjoy some fall festivities. We started at Country Dairy, where we had a delicious meal (I think that the kind of sandwich I ate is what made America great) and unlimited refills on chocolate milk. The kids were restless and little crabby, but we were rewarded with Hunter's enthusiastic calls of "COW! COW!" After that we headed to the Lewis Farm Market, where they had every sort of Halloween-themed amusement known to man (for the preschool set): a miniature "train" hauled by a little tractor, hayrides, a bouncy thing in the shape of a "ginormous pumpkin" (as Helena put it), playground equipment, petting farm-type animals, and a pumpkin patch. This is where things went south.

I really, really hate crowds. I think most of Muskegon and Oceana counties were in attendance at this place. It was hideous. Also, I am coming down with a cold and am in the unpleasant dry-throat-and-headache portion of that illness. Helena was touchy and easily upset. Dan and I had no idea what was available, or where to buy tickets, or what to do first. I think Helena fell down three times. Hunter was blessedly unaware of anything wrong, and was happy the whole time.

Once again, I felt like the Biggest Loser Parent of the Year. What was supposed to be a loving family outing became a day I'd very much like to redo.

When we got home, I laid down in my room and sort of slept for about an hour. Dan took the kids outside, and they played out there until at least 6:30pm. They had so much fun. In the yard. For free. For several hours. And at the end of the day, Helena only had good memories of her experiences this morning.

All told, things turned out well. But I re-learned that eternal lesson: When Mom's not happy, nobody's happy.

One funny thing: When Helena's realized that she's been naughty, but decides to try and be good, she'll say, "Yes, Mother." "MOTHER?" I've never referred to myself that way...

1. Let good thoughts be your sword and your shield.

2. Ignore adversity!

3. Abide by the rules of love.

4. Larger than life is just the right size!

"Life's like a movie,
Write your own ending!
Keep believing!
Keep pretending!"

-The Muppets

The World With Beth

Honest opinions and helpful suggestions, please!

Well -

After that last post drew an enormous response (!) I thought I'd offer the thoughts of a few people besides me.

"Frugality is about getting the maximum value for your dollar while living squarely withing your means." Trent at www.thesimpledollar.com

"Practice thrift and frugality." Elder James E. Faust

"God recognizes only one justification for seeking wealth, and that is with the express intent of helping the poor." Hugh Nibley

"It has seemed that one of the inevitable side effects that occurs as people apply gospel principles in their lives is that their material circumstances also improve...The Lord has made it clear, however, that when his people are obedient, he desires to bless them with the necessities and comforts of life so that none should live in want...Historically, the abundance with which the Lord has blessed his people has proved to be one of their greatest tests." Elder Dean L. Larsen

"Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments...Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever." Psalms 112

"I am a Protestant Baptist. I believe that frugality is the only way of life that the Lord meant for us to live."

I found the above comment on a frugality website. The lady who said this is 38 years old. Her husband serves in the military, and she is a foster mom to six children. She sells Avon on the side.

Do you think her statement is correct? IS frugality the only way God wants us to live?

Comments are welcome!

Here, finally, is the long-awaited (by whom, again?) picture of the message board I made. I borrowed the idea from another blog, but chose everything from the pan to the quote myself. It was actually easy and inexpensive to make.



If you can believe it - it's hard, but try! - I think I'm going to attend the Needlework Night at church! Yep. I'll learn from the experts.

And what of this banking/economic mess? It's had very little effect on me so far, but will that last? Where exactly is the bailout money coming from? Is my food storage extremely well-stocked?

Have you listened to Amy Winehouse yet? I admit, she looks a fright, and acts even worse. Hard to deny her musical talent, though...if you're a fan of Motown, you'll go for this. It's modern, but with classical Detroit touches (from a British girl?!). Skip anything with naughtiness, obviously...discretion needed!

Additionally, if you haven't watched "Rat Race" yet, rush to your local VideoMart and pick it up! Be prepared to laugh hard enough that you may snort food or beverages out of your nose. Maybe just avoid snacks altogether while viewing.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." - Albert Einstein

Another busy week at the Big Blue House!

Helena started preschool. This is her first year, and it will be her last, as she will enter (full-day!) kindergarten next year. She has fallen in love with school and found a new school friend named Lola. We have a play date for Friday! I'm excited to see them play together and to meet Lola's mom, who sounds like a really neat person. Here's your mandatory First Day of School photograph.



Hunter's also had a fairly good week, except for Monday - he had to have his blood drawn to test for anemia and lead poisoning. (I was supposed to have this done months ago...yet another Mother of the Year award lost.) Poor thing. Here's how he looked later that day.



So, no lasting trauma.

We're all trembling with excitement over this Thursday's "The Office" season premiere. I've missed it, especially since last season was so short with the writers' strike interruption. I'm making (or buying?) a cake to celebrate. This is a nod to the "E.R." parties we used to have in college.

Dan's starting to lose his sanity over "The Wiggles." The thing is, Hunter wakes up early every morning and neither Dan nor I are really ready, so "The Wiggles" help make up the difference. Unfortunately, Dan finds the "Where's Jeff?" song echoing through his brain at home, at work, in the car...anywhere he's alive and breathing. (My favorite thing was hearing him sing the song. Good money can't buy that kind of humor).

I love my YW calling. There are some serious problems right now, but I'm overcome by the love, maturity, spirituality, and friendliness of the young women I now refer to as "my girls." I'm also fortunate to have six of the ward's best women serving with and supporting me (the ward's other best women are busy staffing the Primary and Relief Society!). I thought that this would overwhelm me, particularly in terms of how much time it takes, but so far I've been blessed to just appreciate this call.

More random stuff: We had a turtle visit our house about two weeks ago! This was no ordinary turtle. I saw it through the kitchen window while washing dishes. It had been very rainy for several days, and I guess he was out hunting for worms.




He was lovely, as you can see, although Bennie was a little too interested for my tastes. Not for long, though - he quickly retreated to the plants and bushes separating our yard from our neighbors' yard.



This week I took my copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" off the shelf to find a reference that I couldn't remember, and I read the funny, sweet, brilliant inscription on the inside cover that Rachel wrote to me. This book has a history: Rachel and I had discussed how and where we would purchase the book the day it was released. She had planned to go to a store (can't remember which one!) and agreed to purchase a copy for me. I was so excited about the book release that I couldn't sleep, and when I heard her put the book in my mudroom at 1:00am, I ran downstairs and read the whole book through that night and into the next day. And I cried a little at the inscription, particularly because I knew she would be leaving MI soon. It means so much to me, Rachel, and I wanted you to know that.

One last thing: I noticed that my early posts - 2005 and 2006 especially - seem to have so much more meaning and feeling than my posts do now. I wonder why that is. Perhaps it's because I know more people are reading my blog, and I'm more conscious of what I write. Maybe my kids are sapping my creativity, and I have nothing good to say (or can't say it with an appreciably unique turn of phrase). However, I am thrilled that they exist. It's the only journal I have.


"I have learned to love the fallow way." - Judy Collins

This lovely photograph is from my first trip to Walt Disney World.

I'm guessing here, but I think this was circa 1980, and I was less than a year old. I'm the one in the baby carrier.

Also featured are my dad and Andrea. This is in the Magic Kingdom (it would have to be, Epcot wasn't open yet), near Liberty Square, I think.

I'm certain that some (many!) of you are tiring of all these Disney-focused posts. However, I thought that this information was of too much value for those of you who will soon, or someday, travel to Walt Disney World.

These "Touring Commandments" are taken from the WDW Today podcast, available through iTunes for free subscription. It's not my most beloved podcast but it's usually well-presented and has plenty of good information. (I'm eliminating the ones I think aren't relevant, or are inside jokes related to the podcast).


1. Thou shall not covet they neighbor's "Ears." (This refers to the crazy outfits that some people wear around the parks. Might be okay while in the Magic Kingdom; definitely not so cool when you're back in Michigan.)

2. Thou shall take naps. (This is just as important for you as it might be for your kids).

3. Thou shall leave when thou art not having fun. (When everyone's crabby, go back to the resort. No one gets happier being dragged around when they're too tired).

4. Thou shall not be ignorant. (With the preponderance of guidebooks and internet websites devoted to Walt Disney World, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to find whatever information you need and thus enjoy a much better vacation.)

5. Thou shall not pay "rack rates." (There is really no reason to pay full price. There are so many discounts available - it pays to look).

6. Thou shall make a touring plan. (When you walk into that park, you'll be overwhelmed and excited and...it saves time, energy, and frustration to have a plan.)

7. Thou shall be considerate to others. (Basic courtesy - watch where you're going, be polite, etc.)

8. Thou shall make ADRs early. (ADR stands for Advanced Dining Reservation.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif DO NOT WAIT to make these, as they're harder to get because of the Dining Plan.)

9. Thous shall make use of Extra Magic Hours. (This isn't always good advice. Occasionally, during busy times especially, crowds can be overwhelming.)

10. Thou shall use Fastpass. (This is a miracle of modern engineering. Use it as much as you can.)

11. Thou shall write a journal or trip report. (Writing down what worked, what didn't, and what you'd like to try next time is so valuable.)

12. Thou shall be flexible. (If something goes wrong, be ready to enjoy Plan B.)

13. Thou shall not bite off more than thou canst chew. (Don't try to do it all, even though you'll want to. Remember - you'll want a "next time.")

If you'd like to listen to the podcast with this topic, visit http://www.wdwtoday.com

Even though I'm mathematically a grown-up, this video describes EXACTLY how I feel when I get to the Magic Kingdom...



(And I love that Dan was able to figure out how to add video to my blog in 4.2 seconds. Thanks, honey!)

I've been holding off on writing a new post, because I haven't gotten all of my pictures on to the computer and readied for this. BUT - there's so much to tell! I'll have to post the pictures later.

Lame as it might be, I'm going to number the highlights of this last week.

1. Our toilet in our main floor bathroom overflowed, thanks to Helena's generous use of toilet paper. (Can I ask - who puts CARPET in a bathroom? Previous owners???) Thank goodness we got roped into buying that Rainbow vacuum.

2. I had a troublesome mole removed from my chest. (Yes, you can see the before picture now, and after pictures next time. It's in a decent place, don't worry). Helena said it looked like a raisin. Fortunately, it was tested and found benign (non-cancerous).



This photo is from when I was pregnant with Helena, and Dan thought it was hilarious that the keyhole in this neckline framed my big, ugly, witch-like mole. I suppose I'm glad to at least have a picture of it to put on this blog. How forward-thinking of him!

3. My sweet and nearly perfect husband agreed to add one extra day to our Disney trip. (I got him on the numbers. It's only $4 more in terms of ticket prices for us to stay the extra day; including hotel and meals it was STILL a great deal.) Incidentally, I'm listening to the soundtrack of one of my favorite rides - "Soarin'" at Epcot's Future World. Lovely.

4. I received GOOD MAIL FROM NIKKI! One of the best parts of the week. I'd been having a "Jonah Day," where everything seemed to be wrong. I'd just finished putting the kids in the van and I was up to my ears in frustration when I ran out to check the mail and - there it was! I'm all set to pay it forward, so look for good stuff, everyone! THANKS Nikki! Your sweet and encouraging note (and fabulous labels!) turned my day around completely.

5. Inspired by the bloggers I was previously envying, I decided to get down with my crafty self - it took some doing to find her - and I made a magnetic message board. Wouldn't it be nice if I had a photo? :) I will, I promise. Doesn't look half bad, either. Just doing it gave me the belief that I can do new things successfully.

6. Two wonderful people passed away. This was not a good thing for those of us left behind, but for those that have gone on - there is one happy party in heaven right now! It's up to us who are left behind to fill the vacancy of goodness and righteousness that they created by moving on.

7. On another depressing day (hello, call the doctor! time for better living through chemicals!), I received the most beautiful picture from a good friend who was in Zermatt, Switzerland. I actually have that photo, too.



It was so inspiring; again, it changed my outlook.

8. We enjoyed a fun block party here in the "Ruddimere" development. The party itself was held mostly across the street from us, and included a bike parade (which Helena and Hunter were both in), a pinata, caricatures (we had ours done), barbecue, and the kids' favorite - foam! It was up to Hunter's chin, but he kept wading through it, and Helena eventually just sat down and let it cover her up. It was nice getting to know some of the neighbors who are newer to the neighborhood, as well as the ones we just plain never got around to meeting (outside of the "honk and the wave" common in these parts). It's an annual party connected with Labor Day. I think it's gone on for over 75 years.

9. Miracle of miracles, we grew tomatoes and green peppers! They were finally ripe and ready for eating. It seems like our tomatoes have been green for months. I wonder - what were they waiting for?

10. We attended a birthday party for my aunt Christina, where we all played hide and seek - even Hunter, who leaned his head against a tree, closed his eyes, and whispered "shush-a-shush-a-shush-a" and then would start running. He was getting into it, let me tell you.

11. Our ward has a new bishop! The rest of the bishopric remained the same - same counselors and everything - and Bishop Wilson seemed, well, a little overwhelmed, but I bet he's excited deep, deep down, right? I'm looking forward to working with him and wish him the best.

12. I started a new BYU class - the second half of the D&C. I know, I know - I do feel like I'm cheating a little, by taking a religion course, but these BYU professors know how to "take it to the next level." I need a few more credits and this is a fulfilling way to complete them. Honestly - what other schools could I take this class at? Certainly not GVSU, that's for sure. Little by little, I'll complete this degree if it takes every cell in my body (or at least my brain).

13. And now for a humorous story: Yesterday Helena was digging around in a pile of "Friend" magazines I had for pictures of President Hinckley and President Monson. She kept coming in to where I was, saying "Here's ANOTHER picture of President Monson!" After a few minutes, she came in with a picture of President Hinckley and said,"I know how sad you are he passed away. (Long sigh). I just don't know when all these guys will come back." It was like she'd really considered this...and I don't know when we'll see "all these guys" again either! It's like watching Hunter "pray" - he bows his head and squeezes his wee eyes shut and whispers nonsense, and we laugh, even though prayer is supposed to be spiritual and everything. I love those two.

It's a busy Saturday, and here I am at 10:34am posting on my blog. What gives?

I've been blurking on many blogs, mostly those of LDS women, and I am amazed and flabbergasted at two things:

1. That they have the time to create and maintain such lovely, creative, inspired blogs

2. That their lives are such that they can post about such interesting and amazing things: travel, hobbies, crafting (lots of this, and not my area of expertise), family, photography, etc.

I have a wonderful life, granted, but I must be a profligate time-waster. I know I'm not the only one with kids, spouse, chores, church callings and the like.

In the spirit of NOT wasting time, I'm off to finish the aforementioned chores.

I don't enjoy shopping for clothes. I attribute part of this to the fact that I am not a size 4...or any single digit size, for that matter. Besides that, I don't have much of a sense of style, and I'd prefer to remain in jeans and a t-shirt (with appropriate seasonal variation to capris, or sweatshirts, or whatever). Still, I find enough items to prevent me from being naked, at least, and hopefully I'm at least clean and presentable, most of the time.

But even worse than shopping for me is shopping for Helena. When she was just a wee babe, I loved this. So many cute things are available for baby girls that I still want to buy them, with no reason.

Now, of course, Helena's nowhere near a baby. She wears anything from a 6X (they're mostly too small now) to an 8, depending on the garment and the manufacturer. I've mentioned before that she usually goes through about two sizes a year - her "beginning of summer" clothes don't fit now, at the end of August. Compared to other girls her age, I've purchased twice as many clothes. Additionally, I'm trying to be sure she has not only her school/fall clothes, but also a few summery things for our January trip to Florida (last time it was in the 80s in Feb.).

She just keeps getting bigger, and in different ways! One week, she's bigger around, and the next week, she's two inches taller. At her recent 4 year visit, her pediatrician said she's off the charts for height, but - and how does THIS happen - many times I'll buy some jeans or pants, and they're inches too long, but tight at the waist.

And all of you can relate to the joys of shopping with a preschooler. "Let's go to the changing room really quick." "Again? I don't want to." "Helena, please. We'll be fast." "Can I get a treat?" "No! Why do you ALWAYS think you deserve a treat for exhibiting polite human behavior?"

Anyway, besides the inevitable frustration and gazillions of clothing returns we've been through, this whole endeavor isn't cheap. At least Hunter's clothes are purchased and ready to go for at least another year (store sales and yard sales.)

Shopping is beastly. Hunter's much easier to dress.

I just don't get it.

Now, I understand that Elvis was a cultural phenomenon, marrying the music of the white and black cultures, giving teenagers their own music, etc. But I can never listen to his music and enjoy it. In fact, the only time I listen to him is when I hear "Blue Christmas" in December on the radio and think of my mom, who does a spot-on imitation of this song. (Take a minute and imagine that!)



This I DO get. I think that we're all born with the Beatles' music in our DNA. Their music changed so much over the years that it's entirely possible to like something from 1962 but could do without the 1969 stuff. Plus, I have a funny Beatles story, that again features my mom.

When the Beatles first came to the U.S., my mom would have been about 16 years old. She grew up, of course, in a conservative LDS family. There was to be no "Summer of Love" or Woodstock for the Nelson family. BUT - she and her cousin Stephanie were CRAZY for the Beatles (because what teenage girl wasn't at this point) and the Beatles were coming to DETROIT! That's so CLOSE! We SO have to go! Amazingly, my grandparents allowed Mom to go along with Stephanie and her dad - who had a lovely limo to drive them in. As they arrived at the concert venue, their car was mobbed (everyone thought Diana, Stephanie and Chuck were John, Paul, George and Ringo). When they finally started to watch the show, Mom didn't have a very good view, so an obliging police officer hoisted her onto his shoulders to get a better view. (Yeah, sure, Officer. I bet.) It was probably the most exciting moment of her life, even including having her two daughters.

I'm just saying...I don't understand Elvis. Go ahead, enlighten me.

I finally figured it out. The answer to Holly's question of more than a year ago about why I'm in love with Walt Disney World. I go there to PLAY.

The answer came to me while I was reading a book by John Hench, one of the original (and greatest) Imagineers. He discusses in his book that one of the reasons they created Disneyland and the other parks was to encourage whole families - not just children - to PLAY. They created a safe, magical, other-worldly experience that all but begs you to relax and enjoy. People take care of you, other guests are as excited as you are...it's something that I don't usually feel with a bunch of strangers, you know? And it's at least as much for the adults as the children.

In other news: Last night we had a youth fireside at the church. Our Bishop showed a DVD of a John Bytheway performance called "What's In Your Backpack?" I thought this might be hokey, but it was hilarious, and the adults enjoyed it as much as the youth. John Bytheway made a great point about time: He gave some statistics regarding television viewing versus reading books, and shared a personal experience about his own most unproductive time of day (10pm and after). Then he said, "What if you took the most unproductive times of your day - the time you're on MySpace or watching TV or whatever - and spent 2 hours instead on your dreams, your talents, your passion?" This really hit me. I'm not much of a television viewer, but I can burn some time on the computer, or reading, that I could be using for my dreams and passions (whatever they are).

This led me to two questions: What are my dreams? and Can I possibly stand to get up any earlier to do this?

I'll keep you posted.

How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.

-Og Mandino, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”

Before you get concerned, I'm NOT going to discuss any parts of the human anatomy. :)

I am so grateful for my calling with the Young Women. I knew it would be challenging and time-consuming, but I had no idea that it would be the overwhelming blessing it's already proven to be! I told them about a challenge I'm experiencing right now, and we discussed it a little during our class. They are a great example, and they remind me of the Better Beth I used to be, when I was their age. Best of all, I think I'm melting the facades of some of the YW who I wasn't initially as close to.

Another flashback:



On the way to church, I was trying to find a CD that I could use for "prelude music" for our YW opening exercises. While sifting through my "church CDs" I came across this little gem. The first song is basically Sky and Beth's Theme Song: "Do you think that it's possible that strangers like us could be friends, in just a moment or two?" I used to listen to this music, and other LDS classics from the 80s and 90s, when I was in high school, and while this might be embarrassing in retrospect, I derived a lot of joy, comfort, and spiritual strength from hearing them. Over the last few years I've stayed away from popular LDS music, in part because I don't think I'll like it, and also because I find the popularized, "rock and roll" versions of hymns and children's songs aren't very appealing to me. Oh, and I'm also an Old Fogey, as I've mentioned before. It was nice. I can't put it any other way.

Lastly, in an attempt to be more personal (this is for you, Nikki!!!), I thought I'd tell you all what I've been up to lately. Besides the running thing, which is sort of happening, I spend most of my time with my kids, cleaning the endless dishes in our kitchen, working on lessons and activities for YW, sneaking in time on the DISBoards, and sleeping not enough. I've also been a long-time fan of an author named Miss Read, and I'm working my way through her books chronologically. (It's almost the only fiction that I read.)

The only trouble is, I don't spend much time on me. This is true for the superficial - my hair - to the more eternal things, like scripture study or meditation (yes, I've done it.) I get depressed sometimes, and I haven't spent any time on deciding what I want from life; it seems like some days I'm just spending my time getting THROUGH it. I understand that having children means I've devoted most of my time and energy to them, but occasionally (other than Girls' Nights Out) it feels like I've given up my life for them! They ARE worth it. In the not-too-distant-future, when they're more self-sufficient, what will I be? When considering my list of talents and interests, both sides appear pretty short to me. As the scriptures (and the Byrds) tell us, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Maybe this is my season for unselfishness. Don't get me wrong: I'm not upset about this. Occasionally I just wonder..."Do I still have the ability to carry on a decent conversation?" (Incidentally, this came up this weekend when I had dinner with an old friend, and three of her friends that I didn't know. Did I sound reasonably intelligent? It SEEMED to go well, unless they were just being nice.)

Oh, and I need some ideas for Hot Topics. They can be as Hot, or not, as you want.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer

I have to add this one thing: Helena is OBSESSED with Paula Deen. She watches her cooking shows at my mom's house (Ga-ga has extended basic cable, which includes Food Network; we just have basic cable, which doesn't). When she sees a magazine at the store with Paula Deen (we always say her full name!), she wants to buy it. I found a bunch of Paula Deen clips on YouTube and she watched maybe 15 minutes, completely enthralled.

I'm not sure why she feels this way. Maybe because Paula Deen resembles the Fairy Godmother from "Cinderella." Maybe because she likes the idea of real cooking happening (doesn't go on all that much at home!).

Paula, thanks for being Helena's first hero.

So, I couldn't think of a clever title for this very small, random post.

I did the first leg of my Couch to 5K week 4. It required running for 5 MINUTES IN A ROW. This is very difficult for the slightly (or even more than slightly!?) overweight person who's two children and a couple of gimpy feet past running. Still, I was able to do it without being taken to the emergency room. That's something.

A couple of weeks ago, we had an informal Young Women's party here at the house. I asked the girls what movie they'd like to watch. I included "Steel Magnolias," of course, as it's a classic girl movie and an essential to every woman's film experience. They each looked at me as if I were from Mars and when we voted, NO HANDS went up for this excellent film. Clearly, my work is cut out for me. :) Actually, if I went back and watched the thing, I'm sure I'd realize it was totally inappropriate for me to show the YW, and hence not appropriate for me, either! I love it too much to give it up now.

I haven't posted anything about the kids lately, so here's my chance. Hunter is absolutely the cutest human being I've ever encountered. He has SO MUCH personality (as does Helena, although they're very different), which he augments with many different funny faces. He rarely puts his head on my shoulder but when he does, my heart melts utterly. He can say a handful of random words, including "Pooh," "cow," and "go?" (always said as a question, as in, "Can we go?"). He still likes baths, and is a fast little runner - especially when headed down the driveway into the street. He's aware of what's going on and seems pretty bright. So's Helena - maybe a little too smart!? - but she can also be sweet and compassionate. She's always worried about Sis. Nash from church. "Mommy, why is that lady sitting alone? Won't she be lonely? Will someone sit with her?" Then, when Ashley comes in and sits by Sis. Nash, Helena will say, "Mommy, that girl is sitting by the lady. Is she lonely now?" Helena and Hunter have started playing with each other now. In fact, Helena woke Hunter up from his nap today because she wanted to play with him on our new moon bounce thingy. I was upset by this, since it was WAY too early for Hunter to wake up, but I appreciated that at least they love each other. Later this evening, they were running around the house, screaming with laughter, and somehow Hunter hurt his little baby foot. He wouldn't put weight on it for about an hour. I naturally wanted to rush to the E.R. but Dan advised that we wait until the morning since nothing was swollen and the only time Hunter complained was when he tried to walk. After about an hour, he seemed to be back to normal. I'm still on Mommy Watch, though.

I don't know. I guess I'm in love with them.

I finished Week 3 of the running plan I've been working on yesterday.

I also made these for dinner:


(It's the bread-looking things on the left; I borrowed this picture from someone else!)

Puffed French Toast (Crystal Palace Restaurant - Magic Kingdom)

Serving Size 6

Ingredients:

4 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 each eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 slices bread
oil -- for frying

Method:

1. Combine 3/4 cup sugar with cinnamon and set aside.

2. Mix egg, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, salt, vanilla and milk until well blended.

3. Slowly add flour and baking powder and mix until smooth.

4. Cut bread diagonally into triangles.

5. Dip bread triangles in batter, allowing excess to drip off. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper towel. While toast is still warm, roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture.

I didn't do a calorie analysis, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that the sweaty effort of one was canceled out by the delicious sweetness of the other.

Anyone else see a pattern here? :)

Tonight I did something major: I finished week two of the Couch to 5K running plan. I think I've started this thing twice before, but this time - I've done two weeks! That's a big deal to me. This evening I ran on the treadmill, which helped my sore shins. It felt like less of a painful ordeal - yes, it's even getting easier! Not easy, yet, but better.

I've had some troubling health...well, symptoms, not really "problems," yet. But I'm scared into behaving in the food/exercise department! Hey, whatever it takes. I just want to do all I can to be available and healthy for my kids, as long as possible.

For all of you who were wondering what an "elephant ear" is, here's a photo, hastily taken - my first food porn!



It's really just fried bread dough, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Somehow, it's the most amazing thing - it almost melts in your mouth.

"Shame does not produce change."

I was reading back over some early posts, and they were all very introspective. My recent posts are much more interactive. Thanks for participating!

Some of you may have already heard of "The Secret," the book and movie of the same name which teach about the Law of Attraction. For more information click below.

The Secret

Today's question is, do you believe in The Secret? Is the Law of Attraction a real thing? Has it worked in your life? Or is it just a lot of hype?

On some levels, I can see that the Law of Attraction works. The example I usually give is Dan - he makes "Five Year Plans" (like the Soviets) and details what he wants to have happen during that time. So far, all of the things he's put into his plans have materialized (mission, marriage, job, freelance work, kids, etc.). Something about the act of intention in writing it has produced real results. Of course, he started doing this way before he watched "The Secret."

Many religious leaders of various faiths would say that the Law of Attraction is not only false, it's almost evil. I don't think that.

Today in sacrament meeting one of the speakers mentioned "a book" that, after he got going, was clearly "The Secret." He was using it loosely in connection with a general conference talk, and it did fit; I just thought it was funny that he was even familiar with it and funnier still that he worked it into his talk. (I do the same thing with Disney).

And the greatest question of all: will it work in MY life?

"Many individuals preoccupied by the cares of the world are not necessarily in transgression. But they certainly are in diversion and thus waste the 'days of their probation.'" - Neal A. Maxwell

recognize anyone in this video?

Called2Create

This new project is sort of a combination of "The Secret" and reality TV. It actually sounds incredible.

On to a new topic: Sudoku. What's the deal with this? Is it a puzzle? Is it mathematical? Should I try it? It seems so HOT right now.

Summer Celebration started this week. I took a nice walk last night - very nice, really. The weather was humid but not hot. Lots of people were out walking, running, working in their yards, sitting and visiting. And across the lake I could see the Midway Festival (riding those things is taking your life into your hands) and I could easily hear the Steve Miller Band playing "Take the Money and Run." We don't go to the concerts much, but it's nice somehow, just knowing there are lots of people over there having a good time. Plus, I can go to the Art Fair and eat elephant ears, which helps to increase my cholesterol. Good thing that's only once a year!

Another meme! Rachel gave me the idea - when you're without any ideas for a blog, do a meme. Here we go:

1. A movie you were surprised you liked: "To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar." Besides having a weird title, this movie is about a trio of drag queens. So it doesn't, at first blush, look like anything I'd want to watch. But thanks to my good friend Tom, I DID watch and then loved it. It's clearly about so much more than drag queens, and it's filled with one-liners that come in SO handy. Like, "Approval neither desired nor required." Or, "I think tomorrow is a Say Something hat day."

2. A song that makes you emotional: "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush. I haven't found anything else by her that I like, but this one hits pretty close to home.

3. One thing you have always loved: Having my back scratched. Sorry if that's too personal. It's just so relaxing.

4. Something you collect: Mugs from Walt Disney World. Face it, everything ELSE there is too expensive! My collection is hidden in a cupboard, but is available for display on private tours. Call to schedule an appointment.

5. The concert you wish you'd been at: The Concert in Central Park with Simon and Garfunkel. I was absolutely meant to be there. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have appreciated even if my parents had brought me because I was two years old at the time. Thank goodness for video recordings.

6. A place you never need to visit: Latin America. And Antarctica. Just watch: Dan and I will serve a mission in Latin America somewhere when we're a doddering old couple.

7. A person you miss: My friend Sky. He lives in N.Y. and we almost never see each other, and while we email and talk on the phone, it's just not the same thing. He hates Muskegon and I can't just leave for N.Y. tomorrow, so this will probably go on for a while.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but I'd love to see everybody's responses to these questions.

"No one say anything frivolous for the next few moments. I am having a Significant Experience." - Vida Boheme

is blowing in the wind.

Thanks for your responses on my last post! I know this format will get tired, but for now it gives us all something new to read and think about.

One comment I need to amend from the last post: I talked with Dan about the whole "fines for missed days" that Gretta described from her school district. He explained that it wasn't that the school NEEDED the money, it was just a deterrent to prevent absenteeism. It DOES make more work for teachers when kids are gone, especially if they miss something significant. I think that if I do take the kids out of school, it will probably be when they're young or they'll just miss an extra day or two surrounding a vacation.

(My mother would say I'm just borrowing trouble. She's right!)

Today's Hot Topic is really a question: Is it acceptable in your neighborhood to hang laundry to dry on a clothesline?

This question might never have occurred to me if it hadn't been for another blog I'd read. Apparently, because of the culture of his neighborhood, it isn't really acceptable to use a clothesline. He's not a wealthy person in a very posh neighborhood or anything, but he feels strongly that it would cause bad feelings if, in an attempt to be more frugal, he hung his laundry out.

Do you do this at home? Do your neighbors? Have you ever felt funny because you did it?

I line-dry our clothing all the time now. Our gas dryer is one of the biggest energy-suckers in our home, so it makes sense to use it less. Plus, I like taking the time to put the laundry out, and Helena helps me, so it's kind of nice that way. We have a privacy fence around that portion of our yard, but other neighbors can see it. However, I don't think they mind. No one's ever said so!

I should say that there are some "unmentionables" that I don't put on the line. You know.

So put in your two cents.

Should I get more crazy with these questions? Politics? Religion? Money? I love suggestions!

Hey, if The View gets to do this, so do we!

I'm trying something new on the old blog...and most of the interesting stuff will be in the comments section. PLEASE leave a long comment, if it takes you more than a sentence or two to chime in.

Something I've been following on some Disney message boards (I know, I know) is whether or not it's okay to take your kids out of school for vacations during the school year. People have widely varying opinions about this. Some argue that it's completely fine, that family is more important than school, that vacationing is less expensive during off-season, and that kids can make up any work missed.

Others would say that it's disruptive to kids' schedules, that (especially for older kids) they will miss too much class discussion and homework, that there are huge stretches of time that families can travel together (like the summer) that are better.

So now I want to know what you think! This isn't something I have to deal with now, but obviously it will be in the future. Some schools and/or teachers are vehemently opposed to children vacationing during the school year (although I think that at the school my kids will likely attend, it's pretty much accepted).

Thinking back to my own childhood, I think we basically traveled on school holidays to prevent us having to miss much school.

What's your experience with your family? What about your school district? Is this something you've ever considered?

I'm also open to other Hot Topics. I'll bet they'll be hotter than this! Disney people get weird with their hot topics - pool hopping between resorts, refillable mugs, stroller rentals, etc.

I'd love to hear from everybody, so speak up and speak freely!

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." - Robert Collier

(Tagged by Heather)

A) Attached or single? Attached

B) Best friend(s)? Dan

C) Cake or Pie? Yes. Ryke's cake, blueberry pie

D) Day? Saturday - usually less responsibility, plus the family's together

E) Essential item? A hair tie. I hate having my hair in my face when I'm working.

F) Favorite color(s)? Purple

G) Gummy bears or gummy worms? Neither.

H) Hometown? North Muskegon, Michigan

I) Indulgence? Pop. It is so good.

J) January or July? Oh, July. It might be hot and humid, but you don't have to shovel humidity or scrape hot off your windshield. Plus, there's the beach, flowers, Summer Celebration...

K) Kids? Two

L) Life is incomplete without? The gospel

M) Marriage date? December 10

N) Number of siblings? One sister; also, 3 stepsisters 2 stepbrothers, 2 half-brothers (plus MANY sisters and brothers-in-law)

O) Oranges or apples? Apples

P) Phobias or fears? I hate spiders.

Q) Quote? "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller

R) Reason to smile? Life.

S) Season? Spring.

T) Tag? Holly, Caity, Andrea

U) Unknown fact about me? I have no gall bladder.

V) Vegetarian or oppressor of animal? I eat meat sparingly, and enjoy it when I do!

W) Worst habit? Grinding my teeth.

X) X-ray or ultrasound? Which would I prefer? X-ray, b/c you don't ever need a full bladder for that!

Y) Your favorite food? Raspberry cheesecake (but not the baked kind).

Z) Zodiac sign? Cancer

Here are just a few pictures of what we've been up to this spring.
Watching the crabapple tree bloom


Putting up some hanging baskets


Learning how to give kisses


Putting buckets on our head


Oh dear, things are definitely going badly.


Well, we'll save that one for his graduation open house, or maybe a wedding slide show.

Well, maybe it's a bit early for a post like this. As yet, there has been no swimming in Lake Michigan, or eating cancer-in-a-sausage-casing bratwursts, or my birthday (July 16 if you're counting.)

But today it was HUMID. The all-capitalization of that word doesn't do it justice. Is there anywhere on Earth more humid than MI in the summer? Maybe Florida. I guess. Although it only reached 78 degrees, it had that "feeling."

I've blogged before about how I'm in love with my hometown. I really am. The smells (warm pine trees, fresh dirt, mowed lawns, lilac bushes, Muskegon Lake), the air (think damp), and the indefinable "something" of the atmosphere reminds me that summer's coming. I went to the farmer's market this week - mostly asparagus - and we actually have wee berries on our blueberry bushes.

The only thing is - I'm a sweater. No, not the item of clothing. What I mean is, I perspire. Often. Easily. It ain't pretty. Nothing feminine or cute about sweating! What did the "ladies of old" use for this problem? I guess it's time to break out the talcum powder! (Let's embarrass Dan for a minute. I remember him writing me during his mission asking for Gold Bond Medicated Powder, for his "feet." My mom and I dutifully sent off the desired product, knowing it had way more applications than just feet. Hey, Spain gets hot in the summer!)

This month's cheapest, in-season fruits and vegetables are: watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apricots, corn and lettuce.

I've been trying out a few other Disney podcasts. My advice is, don't waste your time. Those that feature video are at least interesting to some degree, but the only one to devote your hard-earned time to is The DISUnplugged.

This post has rapidly degenerated into a long, rambling, random one. So sorry - but still, a pleasant way to pass ten minutes, right?