One more October Birthday shout out!! This time it is my sweet sister in-law Wendy! Really she probably is one of the sweetest people I know. She is kind and gentle. She has wonderful insights and takes the time to listen to people - she gets a lot of opportunities because she is one of those people that everyone feels they can open up to. She has a way of making people feel safe and loved.
She is a great example to me. When difficult things happen she actively tries to change her perspective so that she can "enjoy the ride" in the midst of hard stuff! I always tell Ry that if we were in the same phase of life I would want to hang out with her every day (Scary thought ey Wendy!). I love her dearly and am so glad that I finally got the wonderful sisters (in laws) that I always wished for! Happy B-day Wendy, love you!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Middle of the Night Ramblings
Well Addi's been up crying since 3 AM and it appears that she is not slowing down anytime soon! This is the only spot in my house (down in the basement) in which I cannot hear her scream, mamamamamama! I moved poor little gracie out of their room after 30 minutes of her tirade and into my bed! And so I am bedless and wide awake!
Last night we had the opportunity to attend the adult stake/regional conference meeting. It was great. The one talk that really touched me was regarding scripture study and the importance of immersing ourselves in the scriptures. The speaker referenced Jacob where it states that the Spirit will be brought unto our hearts but not into. Action on our part is required to bring it into our hearts, and scripture study was an example of how we could take action in securing those promptings and blessings.
So I silently committed to step it up a notch and consistently read and study my scriptures more. So here are a few insights gathered from my readings last night:
In 1 Nephi 2:12 Nephi is recording Lehi's instructions and teachings to his children and verse 12 states that Laman and Lemuel did murmur against their father "because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them". Unfortunately, this is one of those times that I can relate with Laman and Lemuel, how easy is it to murmur, to second guess our "lot" or circumstances in life, and to lose our faith in a tender, merciful,and all knowing God.
One of my favorite accounts in the scriptures is found in the first chapter of Moses. Satan appears to Moses and attempts to deceive him, however Moses knows God, he understands the dealings of that God who created him and he is able to distinguish between God and Satan. Later, Moses is becoming trodden down and yet instead of losing sight or faith in himself or the Lord he instead calls upon the Lord and receives strength (vs. 20).
In our lives the circumstances which require us to trust in God and to rely on our knowledge and understanding of his dealings and our relationship with him aren't always as dramatic as Moses', but the results are the same. If we know God, if we have a personal relationship with Him, we will be able to discern and to proceed when difficult decisions need to be made. I was having a conversation with my sweet niece this week who has been wrestling with very difficult decisions of the heart.
She stated that she knows her Heavenly Father and she knows how she receives revelation and that she had realized recently that the Lord would not change his ways with her now when she most needed guidance. I was so impressed and grateful that this young woman had developed a relationship with her Heavenly Father such that she like Moses could distinguish and discern promptings that would bless her and fortify her.
When I reflect on verse 12 I am also acutely reminded that it is important that we understand the dealings of our God so that we will not lose sight of the fact that he is a merciful and loving God who wants us to turn to him not just for guidance but for forgiveness. Recently, I was preparing for singing time and was reading a scriptural reference listed with one of the songs we were working on. The scripture is found in Moroni 10:3, Moroni exhorts us to remember that the Lord is merciful to all his children and to ponder this. I did ponder. I wondered why this was so important to understand and then I understood. If we forget that the Lord is a merciful God, if we fail to understand his kind and merciful dealings with us we will fail to take advantage of the atonement in our lives. We will miss out on His greatest gift.
Well, I didn't mean to post a novel, but I am grateful for the insights I received while studying. I am grateful that my sweet niece knows and understands the dealings of her God and has the confidence and courage to follow the promptings she receives!
Last night we had the opportunity to attend the adult stake/regional conference meeting. It was great. The one talk that really touched me was regarding scripture study and the importance of immersing ourselves in the scriptures. The speaker referenced Jacob where it states that the Spirit will be brought unto our hearts but not into. Action on our part is required to bring it into our hearts, and scripture study was an example of how we could take action in securing those promptings and blessings.
So I silently committed to step it up a notch and consistently read and study my scriptures more. So here are a few insights gathered from my readings last night:
In 1 Nephi 2:12 Nephi is recording Lehi's instructions and teachings to his children and verse 12 states that Laman and Lemuel did murmur against their father "because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them". Unfortunately, this is one of those times that I can relate with Laman and Lemuel, how easy is it to murmur, to second guess our "lot" or circumstances in life, and to lose our faith in a tender, merciful,and all knowing God.
One of my favorite accounts in the scriptures is found in the first chapter of Moses. Satan appears to Moses and attempts to deceive him, however Moses knows God, he understands the dealings of that God who created him and he is able to distinguish between God and Satan. Later, Moses is becoming trodden down and yet instead of losing sight or faith in himself or the Lord he instead calls upon the Lord and receives strength (vs. 20).
In our lives the circumstances which require us to trust in God and to rely on our knowledge and understanding of his dealings and our relationship with him aren't always as dramatic as Moses', but the results are the same. If we know God, if we have a personal relationship with Him, we will be able to discern and to proceed when difficult decisions need to be made. I was having a conversation with my sweet niece this week who has been wrestling with very difficult decisions of the heart.
She stated that she knows her Heavenly Father and she knows how she receives revelation and that she had realized recently that the Lord would not change his ways with her now when she most needed guidance. I was so impressed and grateful that this young woman had developed a relationship with her Heavenly Father such that she like Moses could distinguish and discern promptings that would bless her and fortify her.
When I reflect on verse 12 I am also acutely reminded that it is important that we understand the dealings of our God so that we will not lose sight of the fact that he is a merciful and loving God who wants us to turn to him not just for guidance but for forgiveness. Recently, I was preparing for singing time and was reading a scriptural reference listed with one of the songs we were working on. The scripture is found in Moroni 10:3, Moroni exhorts us to remember that the Lord is merciful to all his children and to ponder this. I did ponder. I wondered why this was so important to understand and then I understood. If we forget that the Lord is a merciful God, if we fail to understand his kind and merciful dealings with us we will fail to take advantage of the atonement in our lives. We will miss out on His greatest gift.
Well, I didn't mean to post a novel, but I am grateful for the insights I received while studying. I am grateful that my sweet niece knows and understands the dealings of her God and has the confidence and courage to follow the promptings she receives!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Sleeping Solo.......
I knew Ry was up to something. The last few weeks he kept asking me if I could clear my schedule for 1 or 2 days. I laughed...oh I wish! Unfortunately, my life is just that...very scheduled...too scheduled! Work takes up 3-5 days and then everything else is sandwiched in between the last few available days.
Despite my unintentional effort to thwart his plan Ryan was able to swoosh me off Thursday night. I knew we were staying locally (moola and time were not to our advantage). I figured we would steal away to Snowbird or Park City OR that he had arranged for me to meet my friend Jory from Boise. He asked me if I was curious about where I was going, to which I proudly admited I was sure I had it figured out! He laughed and said I'm pretty sure you don't! He was right! I wasn't meeting Jory and he wasn't going with me either - I was going ALONE!!! I admit, I wasn't very excited! Ryan insisted I needed some Brandi time. In my mind good Brandi time is productive, helpful, efficient, crossing things off my never ending list.
Ryan had other ideas. He said I needed down time, alone time, just me and my Real Simple magazine (which I LOVE!!!). He dropped me off downtown at the Raddison with a change of clothes, a jacket, and a kiss! He wouldn't even leave me a car afraid I might try and run errands (oh, he knows me so well)!
things that suprised me:
1. I LOVED it!!!
2. I was able to relax (I know that Kristy and Steph don't believe me, but I did!)
3. I slept & slept & slept (11 hours)! (I rarely get more than 5-6 hours of sleep a night, I can count on one hand the nights I have gone to bed before midnight in the past few years, it is my only time to get stuff done).
4. I didn't call home to check on anyone!
5. I did nothing essential other than shower. (I snuck work papers in, I figured it would be a great time to catch up on paperwork without cutting into time with my kids, but I didn't touch them - sorry kids!)
6. I was ready in record time! I didn't realize how quickly the whole process goes when you are only doing one head of hair and dressing one non-picky adult!
7. My husband knows me better than I know myself! Thank you Ryan, I love you!
Despite my unintentional effort to thwart his plan Ryan was able to swoosh me off Thursday night. I knew we were staying locally (moola and time were not to our advantage). I figured we would steal away to Snowbird or Park City OR that he had arranged for me to meet my friend Jory from Boise. He asked me if I was curious about where I was going, to which I proudly admited I was sure I had it figured out! He laughed and said I'm pretty sure you don't! He was right! I wasn't meeting Jory and he wasn't going with me either - I was going ALONE!!! I admit, I wasn't very excited! Ryan insisted I needed some Brandi time. In my mind good Brandi time is productive, helpful, efficient, crossing things off my never ending list.
Ryan had other ideas. He said I needed down time, alone time, just me and my Real Simple magazine (which I LOVE!!!). He dropped me off downtown at the Raddison with a change of clothes, a jacket, and a kiss! He wouldn't even leave me a car afraid I might try and run errands (oh, he knows me so well)!
things that suprised me:
1. I LOVED it!!!
2. I was able to relax (I know that Kristy and Steph don't believe me, but I did!)
3. I slept & slept & slept (11 hours)! (I rarely get more than 5-6 hours of sleep a night, I can count on one hand the nights I have gone to bed before midnight in the past few years, it is my only time to get stuff done).
4. I didn't call home to check on anyone!
5. I did nothing essential other than shower. (I snuck work papers in, I figured it would be a great time to catch up on paperwork without cutting into time with my kids, but I didn't touch them - sorry kids!)
6. I was ready in record time! I didn't realize how quickly the whole process goes when you are only doing one head of hair and dressing one non-picky adult!
7. My husband knows me better than I know myself! Thank you Ryan, I love you!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Two....
two names you go by:
1. Brandi
2. mama
two things you are wearing right now:
1. a new grey old navy t-shirt with ruffly shoulders that I got today for a steal!!
2. socks, always....my feet get so cold!
two of your favorite things you do:
1. be with Ryan
2. talk to my girlfriends
two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. pay off neverending hospital bills
2. a clean house,a finished basement,to park in the garage, oh,is that more than 2?
two pets you have/had:
1. a stray bulldog that my mom fed scrambled eggs for 2 days
2. a fish in college given to me by a guy I was dating
two things you did last night:
1. ate at Paradise Bakery, I ordered the chicken and artichoke panini and the roasted tomato soup - AGAIN! The first time I ate there this is what I ordered and as I was raving about it, my sister in law told me that she had tried everything on the menu and that those 2 items were the BEST! I must say, I do have a talent for selecting good food!!!!
2. read Real Simple Magazine cover to cover (well not really cover to cover because I always start in the middle of the magazine and read back toward the front. Then when I reach the front, I go back to the middle and I still get to read the last half of the magazine, I have issues!!)
two things you ate yesterday:
1. a tuna fish sandwich (breakfast/lunch)
2. and the paradisaical food mentioned above
two people you talked to last night:
1. Ryan
2. God
two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. soccer games - if the snow storm actually comes we may be snowed out, one can always hope right??? I really do love going as long as the weather cooperates!
2. work - I have to see 3 patients tomorrow it's been a crazy week, but we are being blessed with many patients and we are very grateful!
two longest car rides:
1. SLC - New Jersey in a Penske cab with Ryan and my brother Travis!!! Now 3 adults stuck in the cab of a moving van for days would be bad enough, but alas we had to stop at EVERY sports arena, amphitheater, stadium, etc, etc, along the way (or remotely along the way)!!!
2. SLC - Washington - 1 me, 4 brothers - need I say more???
two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas - I LOVE decorating for it, I LOVE buying gifts for people, I LOVE the lights, and I LOVE my Savior!!!
2. Halloween - I love this time of year! Halloween is the start of a magical time of year for me! I love getting dressed up and seeing all the kids in their costumes. I love hosting Halloween parties and until this year I got a kick out of "Boo-ing" the whole neighborhood! Let me explain.
"Boo-ing" is a form of pixing or doorbell ditching accompanied with treats and a little note to pay it forward! About 7 years ago, my dear friend Jane and I decided to get this tradition started in our little neighborhood. The first home required multiple doorbell rings and then I had to dive into the neighbors bushes to hid from them - I was 7 months pregnant with Gracie (who ended up coming 3 weeks later). It wouldn't have been so bad, but the neighbors came home to find me hiding in their bushes and I didn't know them! The people at the second home did not see the treats and started looking around and became very upset assuming they were being doorbell ditched. Needless to say, I think Jane and I both laughed so hard we wet our pants (at least I did, being 7 months pregnant and all)! By this point neither one of us thought we could run and hide again so we conned 2 young men in our neighborhood into delivering the last batch of cookies to my secretary in the RS presidency. She too must not have seen the treats and came out cussing at the boys and threatening to call the police!! We couldn't believe how hard it was too spread a little holiday cheer to our neighbors!!
Needless to say I didn't give up. Our family continued to "BOO" each year, however I was always so worried that anyone might feel left out that we continued to increase how many we delivered! Last year, with the help of my mom (who is as bad as I am) we "Boo-ed" over 20 families! This year I was ready to start early and made up several dozen treats to send home with the Mitchells so they could Boo and then several more for us to do! But then I realized this was the year I needed to give a few things up, not bad things, but unnecessary things! So despite the fact that it brings me great joy and that I think it is a wonderful way for my children to create and participate in family traditions, I gave in and we are having a "Boo-less" Halloween!
two favorite beverages:
1. ice water
2. I used to love raspberry lemonade but Amy B. has forbidden me to drink it , convinced that it is responsible for my upset stomach when I go out to eat. So I have to settle for OJ or hot chocolate, both of which I rarely drink because like my dear girlfriend, Rian J., I have a hard time "wasting" calories on a beverage!!
1. Brandi
2. mama
two things you are wearing right now:
1. a new grey old navy t-shirt with ruffly shoulders that I got today for a steal!!
2. socks, always....my feet get so cold!
two of your favorite things you do:
1. be with Ryan
2. talk to my girlfriends
two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. pay off neverending hospital bills
2. a clean house,a finished basement,to park in the garage, oh,is that more than 2?
two pets you have/had:
1. a stray bulldog that my mom fed scrambled eggs for 2 days
2. a fish in college given to me by a guy I was dating
two things you did last night:
1. ate at Paradise Bakery, I ordered the chicken and artichoke panini and the roasted tomato soup - AGAIN! The first time I ate there this is what I ordered and as I was raving about it, my sister in law told me that she had tried everything on the menu and that those 2 items were the BEST! I must say, I do have a talent for selecting good food!!!!
2. read Real Simple Magazine cover to cover (well not really cover to cover because I always start in the middle of the magazine and read back toward the front. Then when I reach the front, I go back to the middle and I still get to read the last half of the magazine, I have issues!!)
two things you ate yesterday:
1. a tuna fish sandwich (breakfast/lunch)
2. and the paradisaical food mentioned above
two people you talked to last night:
1. Ryan
2. God
two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. soccer games - if the snow storm actually comes we may be snowed out, one can always hope right??? I really do love going as long as the weather cooperates!
2. work - I have to see 3 patients tomorrow it's been a crazy week, but we are being blessed with many patients and we are very grateful!
two longest car rides:
1. SLC - New Jersey in a Penske cab with Ryan and my brother Travis!!! Now 3 adults stuck in the cab of a moving van for days would be bad enough, but alas we had to stop at EVERY sports arena, amphitheater, stadium, etc, etc, along the way (or remotely along the way)!!!
2. SLC - Washington - 1 me, 4 brothers - need I say more???
two favorite holidays:
1. Christmas - I LOVE decorating for it, I LOVE buying gifts for people, I LOVE the lights, and I LOVE my Savior!!!
2. Halloween - I love this time of year! Halloween is the start of a magical time of year for me! I love getting dressed up and seeing all the kids in their costumes. I love hosting Halloween parties and until this year I got a kick out of "Boo-ing" the whole neighborhood! Let me explain.
"Boo-ing" is a form of pixing or doorbell ditching accompanied with treats and a little note to pay it forward! About 7 years ago, my dear friend Jane and I decided to get this tradition started in our little neighborhood. The first home required multiple doorbell rings and then I had to dive into the neighbors bushes to hid from them - I was 7 months pregnant with Gracie (who ended up coming 3 weeks later). It wouldn't have been so bad, but the neighbors came home to find me hiding in their bushes and I didn't know them! The people at the second home did not see the treats and started looking around and became very upset assuming they were being doorbell ditched. Needless to say, I think Jane and I both laughed so hard we wet our pants (at least I did, being 7 months pregnant and all)! By this point neither one of us thought we could run and hide again so we conned 2 young men in our neighborhood into delivering the last batch of cookies to my secretary in the RS presidency. She too must not have seen the treats and came out cussing at the boys and threatening to call the police!! We couldn't believe how hard it was too spread a little holiday cheer to our neighbors!!
Needless to say I didn't give up. Our family continued to "BOO" each year, however I was always so worried that anyone might feel left out that we continued to increase how many we delivered! Last year, with the help of my mom (who is as bad as I am) we "Boo-ed" over 20 families! This year I was ready to start early and made up several dozen treats to send home with the Mitchells so they could Boo and then several more for us to do! But then I realized this was the year I needed to give a few things up, not bad things, but unnecessary things! So despite the fact that it brings me great joy and that I think it is a wonderful way for my children to create and participate in family traditions, I gave in and we are having a "Boo-less" Halloween!
two favorite beverages:
1. ice water
2. I used to love raspberry lemonade but Amy B. has forbidden me to drink it , convinced that it is responsible for my upset stomach when I go out to eat. So I have to settle for OJ or hot chocolate, both of which I rarely drink because like my dear girlfriend, Rian J., I have a hard time "wasting" calories on a beverage!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Pirates of the Carrots and Beans!!
This past Monday night Ryan and I had the opportunity to take Parker and Gracie to the Pirates of the Carribean Corn Maze at Thanksgiving Point! My mom graciously offered to watch the two little girls so we could have some special time with Parker and Gracie (thank you mom!!!). We had a wonderful time getting lost in the 12 acre corn maze and the kids loved all of the dozens of other activities as well. We even surprised Parker by having the Bohman's meet us there (Parker's BFF)!
It made me laugh when I saw the Pirates of the Carribean sign. Recently, Hallee was invited to a little boy's birthday in our neighborhood. It was a Pirate's of the Carribean Theme - Hallee was so excited to dress up as a pirate (cute pics, but alas they were destroyed with the other 1499 pictures on my computer last month)! She even found a Pirates of the Carribean sprinkler to give to the birthday boy! I was commenting on this and she retorted, "Mom, it's Pirates of the carrots and beans!" LOL!! She is tooo cute!!
Here's a few pics from our fun evening:
Another Birthday Girl!
October is full of fabulous birthdays - Kami D. is one of them! Kami and I have been friends since our junior year in high school! We cheered together, double dated, played, double dated, traveled, did I mention double dating!! Kami is spontaneous and fun and BEAUTIFUL! She is super organized, keeps an immaculate and beautiful home, and is a great teacher (She is one of my all time favorite Relief Society teachers)!
I love that we share so many wonderful memories and that our friendship continues so many years later. She has been and continues to be such a blessing in my life! Happy Birthday Kami!!!
I love that we share so many wonderful memories and that our friendship continues so many years later. She has been and continues to be such a blessing in my life! Happy Birthday Kami!!!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Happy*Happy*Birthday*Sandy*Dear!!
Happy Birthday Sandy! My mom does little birthday tributes on her blog and I LOVE it - what a great way to document your feelings for dear girlfriends!
I met Sandy T. at least 7 years ago, we were in the same GIANT ward. I planned this great couples get together to try and help fellowship and despite numerous invitaions and lots of food, everyone bailed out except Sandy and her husband Jeff. We had a great time getting to know them and are so very grateful for their friendship in our lives.
Sandy is one of my amazing "domestic diva" friends, she is the one I call for any random item (ei. a bakers hat, slinky, shrinky dink paper, you name it she has it AND knows where to find it)! She has a great testimony of the gospel and she lives it! She teaches her children by her example and their nourishment is her primary focus. When Sister Beck talked in conference on Sunday, I was a little uncomfortable, I believe what she said, but sometimes I have a difficult time letting go of some of the things that make me so busy and keep me from that which is most important. Sandy, is one of my dear friends, who does this! I look up to her so much! She is generous, organized, a-get-it-done-gal, and kind and thoughtful!! I love her dearly - Happy Birthday
I met Sandy T. at least 7 years ago, we were in the same GIANT ward. I planned this great couples get together to try and help fellowship and despite numerous invitaions and lots of food, everyone bailed out except Sandy and her husband Jeff. We had a great time getting to know them and are so very grateful for their friendship in our lives.
Sandy is one of my amazing "domestic diva" friends, she is the one I call for any random item (ei. a bakers hat, slinky, shrinky dink paper, you name it she has it AND knows where to find it)! She has a great testimony of the gospel and she lives it! She teaches her children by her example and their nourishment is her primary focus. When Sister Beck talked in conference on Sunday, I was a little uncomfortable, I believe what she said, but sometimes I have a difficult time letting go of some of the things that make me so busy and keep me from that which is most important. Sandy, is one of my dear friends, who does this! I look up to her so much! She is generous, organized, a-get-it-done-gal, and kind and thoughtful!! I love her dearly - Happy Birthday
Friday, October 12, 2007
Ta-Daaaaaa!!
Today I took the kids to our friends pumpkin patch! While we were getting ready Parker exclaimed that he remembered how we sat Addi on the pumkins last year. He remarked that he knew just what Addi would do this year when she saw all of the pumpkins - and he was right!
Addi likes to throw her arms in the air and exclaim Ta-da when she wants our attention or thinks something is really great! She was right! It was a GREAT day! We trudged through the pumpkin patch, ran through the corn maze (at least a dozen times), played on all the tractors, and picked out pumpkins to carve for Basketball Grandma and Grandpa's Annual Halloween Carving Contest! Here are a few shots of our fun day:
Addi likes to throw her arms in the air and exclaim Ta-da when she wants our attention or thinks something is really great! She was right! It was a GREAT day! We trudged through the pumpkin patch, ran through the corn maze (at least a dozen times), played on all the tractors, and picked out pumpkins to carve for Basketball Grandma and Grandpa's Annual Halloween Carving Contest! Here are a few shots of our fun day:
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Will Work for Food......
I enjoyed a lovely dinner tonight, which was even more delightful since I didn't have to cook it!! My girlfriend Dennilynne (who is a fabulous cook) proposed a little trade several months ago which resulted in me eating a delicous, no effort meal tonight!! I love having talented friends!!
Dennilynne had asked me to take pictures of her and Mike, since they had no pictures together since they were firts married (many moons ago). I tok them at Gardner Village because I loved the way the pictures I had my cousin, Heather D. White, take turned out!!
In a recent discussion with our friend Rob Mitchell, he shared that one of the things he wished he had more of was pictures of MaryAnn and pictures of the two of them before she passed away. One of my goals this year is to get some pics of Ry and I, I don't remember the last time we got a nice picture together. Needless, to say I was grateful to oblige Dennilynne and I think we got some great shots!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Quote of the Day!
Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading.
Oswald Chambers
(I copied this quote from my mom's blogsite, I LOVE it!!!!!)
Oswald Chambers
(I copied this quote from my mom's blogsite, I LOVE it!!!!!)
Monday, October 8, 2007
Tag - Your it!!
I was tagged today! I'm new to this, but here goes nothing!!
1. The best thing you cooked last week?
Dennilynne Pulsipher's artichoke dip. I made it for my niece's bridal shower and my sister-in-law said it was as good as McGrath's!!
2. If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with who?
i would go ANYWHERE with my husband, heck I would even go alone. I desperately need a vacation, the last time we went away together Ryan decided to come down with a brain tumor and well that was the end of that!!
i would love to take the kids to Disneyland
i would love to go to Ikea and buy more stuff so that I could fit all of the stuff I already own into our cute little house!
i would love to go visit my grandparents, my girlfriend Jory, and I would love to go back to New Jersey and see my old, dear friends
3. When was the last time you cried?
good cry or bad cry? Both yesterday!!
good cry (aka: happy tears): I cried several times as I listened to conference. I was so touched by so many messages, so many simple examples of love and faith and tenderness.
bad cry: I cried last night after I put my 3 year old back into bed for the umpteenth time. I looked around my house which I feel like I can never keep on top of, thought of all of the hundred things I needed to do this week, the many more that I would like to or should do, and then I cried. I think it goes with my stage of life. Sometimes it gets so hard trying to juggle everything, last night, as I feel many nights, I thought how is one person suppose to keep up, manage, and juggle all of this???? It's exhausting. And yet, part of me is grateful to be in this stage of life where I still have some control of my little brood, where they are so loving and forgiving. I am trying to find the balance - hopefully I'll figure it out before i move on to the next stage!!
4. 5 things you were doing this month 10 years ago.
I 'm not sure I can list 5 things I was doing 10 days ago!! Ummm, 10 years ago.
1-I was in the middle of my first full time internship in Philadelphia, PA at Allegheny Medical Center. It was one of my favorite places I affiliated. It was just outside of the city. Ryan and I were living in Gloucester, NJ. Life was good, the first time in years I did not have hours of homework.
2 - This was a time that I feel that I made one of my most valuable contributions professionally. I was working with an older lady who had had a stroke and was unable to speak and/or use her right leg and arm. We soon realized that she had apraxia, which means that she had the capability to perform reflexive/automatic tasks with her involved extremities/speech but not perform intentional tasks. For example, she could join in singing happy birthday but was unable to say anything else. I as a fresh new student was trying to figure everything out. I noticed that she had reflexive withdrawl when a certain area was touched on her foot. I hooked her up to electrical stimulation and noticed that she again demonstrated this leg movement consistently with a noxious stimuli. I eagerly constructed a custom molded footplate for her foot (which we had just recently learned in school for other diagnosis). It worked!! She was not only able to move her foot, but she was able to walk with a cane and supervision assist by the time I was ready to leave. It was very rewarding! I ended up earning an award the next year from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ faculty for my case presentation of this patient!
3- I joined Weight Watchers and was able to drop 20# (the freshman 15 hit a little late for me), Ryan and I would go on walks every night after work as part of my exercise program, it was a great time for us.
4 - I was serving in the YW program (still/again). The YW presidency was wonderful they were all like mothers to me and I love them each dearly. The girls were amazing, many were the only or one of a few LDS kids in their high schools. They were strong and courageous, they were silly and full of love! Most of them are married now - yikes!!!
5 - I attended my own surprise party! Ryan and my friend Janee Russon threw a surprise birthday party for me and her husband Scott (we share the same birthday). There were tons of cute young couples there, good food (although I was diligently sticking to my weight watchers program and only enjoyed apple slices), fun times!!!
Scott and I were FHE brothers/sisters when we were at BYU. We both ended up at Rutgers and the same ward the same week with our spouses to start graduate school, he law school, and I physical therapy school - small world!)
5. 5 things on your to-do list - here goes 5/50 to do's
1- wash 5 loads laundry
2 - fold 5 loads laundry
3 - clean van
4 - take Sandy birthday present
5 - turn in patient charts/work papers
6. 5 favorite snacks
swedish fish, pretzel sticks, chocolate covered cinnamon bears; grapes; nuts
7. 5 Bad Habits: Oh, if I only had 5!! Eating when I'm stressed; Eating when I am on the phone; My oh so messy car; interrupting people; getting distracted/attempting to multi-task too much
8. 5 favorite foods: Carrie Lingman's rolls (she sells them and they are the best!!!); Carma-Sultra Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream; Spring Mix Flatbread; Medium rare steak; Iranian food
9. 5-Places I've been:
- Florida (teenager)
- Mexico (teenager)
- San Diego (honeymoon)
- Hawaii (newlywed)
- Eastern Coast (Ry and I took a fabulous road trip 10 years ago last month with 2 of our dear friends Hart and Jory Beal. We took a road trip (pre-kid era) through the Adirondack Mountains ei. Lake Placid, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Boston. We camped out on the beaches, stayed in an enchanting bed and breakfast one night, and had a marvelous time).
10. 5 Favorite memories
- Lake Powell as a child definitely one of my favorite memories
- Singing around the piano as my dad played old Anne Murray and Crystal Gail tunes
- Newlywed life - oh life was so simple and good and we didn't wish it away!!
- FHE with my kids - I know you probably think this is a typo, most weeks we barely get through it, but then there are those weeks were the kids share a tender thought or feeling, each week they are so excited to be together to sing, to pray, and to giggle (and giggle, and giggle). I love this age, I love that they are so full of love for us and for each other. I am certain that many years from now this will remain one of my favorite memories.
- time with Ryan in the hospital. it was sacred time, he and I, not sure of our future, but somehow enveloped in love and peace.
So here goes my tag: Heather D., Suzanne C., Marci W.; Ann S.; Dennilynne P., Lizzy W.
1. The best thing you cooked last week?
Dennilynne Pulsipher's artichoke dip. I made it for my niece's bridal shower and my sister-in-law said it was as good as McGrath's!!
2. If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with who?
i would go ANYWHERE with my husband, heck I would even go alone. I desperately need a vacation, the last time we went away together Ryan decided to come down with a brain tumor and well that was the end of that!!
i would love to take the kids to Disneyland
i would love to go to Ikea and buy more stuff so that I could fit all of the stuff I already own into our cute little house!
i would love to go visit my grandparents, my girlfriend Jory, and I would love to go back to New Jersey and see my old, dear friends
3. When was the last time you cried?
good cry or bad cry? Both yesterday!!
good cry (aka: happy tears): I cried several times as I listened to conference. I was so touched by so many messages, so many simple examples of love and faith and tenderness.
bad cry: I cried last night after I put my 3 year old back into bed for the umpteenth time. I looked around my house which I feel like I can never keep on top of, thought of all of the hundred things I needed to do this week, the many more that I would like to or should do, and then I cried. I think it goes with my stage of life. Sometimes it gets so hard trying to juggle everything, last night, as I feel many nights, I thought how is one person suppose to keep up, manage, and juggle all of this???? It's exhausting. And yet, part of me is grateful to be in this stage of life where I still have some control of my little brood, where they are so loving and forgiving. I am trying to find the balance - hopefully I'll figure it out before i move on to the next stage!!
4. 5 things you were doing this month 10 years ago.
I 'm not sure I can list 5 things I was doing 10 days ago!! Ummm, 10 years ago.
1-I was in the middle of my first full time internship in Philadelphia, PA at Allegheny Medical Center. It was one of my favorite places I affiliated. It was just outside of the city. Ryan and I were living in Gloucester, NJ. Life was good, the first time in years I did not have hours of homework.
2 - This was a time that I feel that I made one of my most valuable contributions professionally. I was working with an older lady who had had a stroke and was unable to speak and/or use her right leg and arm. We soon realized that she had apraxia, which means that she had the capability to perform reflexive/automatic tasks with her involved extremities/speech but not perform intentional tasks. For example, she could join in singing happy birthday but was unable to say anything else. I as a fresh new student was trying to figure everything out. I noticed that she had reflexive withdrawl when a certain area was touched on her foot. I hooked her up to electrical stimulation and noticed that she again demonstrated this leg movement consistently with a noxious stimuli. I eagerly constructed a custom molded footplate for her foot (which we had just recently learned in school for other diagnosis). It worked!! She was not only able to move her foot, but she was able to walk with a cane and supervision assist by the time I was ready to leave. It was very rewarding! I ended up earning an award the next year from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ faculty for my case presentation of this patient!
3- I joined Weight Watchers and was able to drop 20# (the freshman 15 hit a little late for me), Ryan and I would go on walks every night after work as part of my exercise program, it was a great time for us.
4 - I was serving in the YW program (still/again). The YW presidency was wonderful they were all like mothers to me and I love them each dearly. The girls were amazing, many were the only or one of a few LDS kids in their high schools. They were strong and courageous, they were silly and full of love! Most of them are married now - yikes!!!
5 - I attended my own surprise party! Ryan and my friend Janee Russon threw a surprise birthday party for me and her husband Scott (we share the same birthday). There were tons of cute young couples there, good food (although I was diligently sticking to my weight watchers program and only enjoyed apple slices), fun times!!!
Scott and I were FHE brothers/sisters when we were at BYU. We both ended up at Rutgers and the same ward the same week with our spouses to start graduate school, he law school, and I physical therapy school - small world!)
5. 5 things on your to-do list - here goes 5/50 to do's
1- wash 5 loads laundry
2 - fold 5 loads laundry
3 - clean van
4 - take Sandy birthday present
5 - turn in patient charts/work papers
6. 5 favorite snacks
swedish fish, pretzel sticks, chocolate covered cinnamon bears; grapes; nuts
7. 5 Bad Habits: Oh, if I only had 5!! Eating when I'm stressed; Eating when I am on the phone; My oh so messy car; interrupting people; getting distracted/attempting to multi-task too much
8. 5 favorite foods: Carrie Lingman's rolls (she sells them and they are the best!!!); Carma-Sultra Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream; Spring Mix Flatbread; Medium rare steak; Iranian food
9. 5-Places I've been:
- Florida (teenager)
- Mexico (teenager)
- San Diego (honeymoon)
- Hawaii (newlywed)
- Eastern Coast (Ry and I took a fabulous road trip 10 years ago last month with 2 of our dear friends Hart and Jory Beal. We took a road trip (pre-kid era) through the Adirondack Mountains ei. Lake Placid, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and Boston. We camped out on the beaches, stayed in an enchanting bed and breakfast one night, and had a marvelous time).
10. 5 Favorite memories
- Lake Powell as a child definitely one of my favorite memories
- Singing around the piano as my dad played old Anne Murray and Crystal Gail tunes
- Newlywed life - oh life was so simple and good and we didn't wish it away!!
- FHE with my kids - I know you probably think this is a typo, most weeks we barely get through it, but then there are those weeks were the kids share a tender thought or feeling, each week they are so excited to be together to sing, to pray, and to giggle (and giggle, and giggle). I love this age, I love that they are so full of love for us and for each other. I am certain that many years from now this will remain one of my favorite memories.
- time with Ryan in the hospital. it was sacred time, he and I, not sure of our future, but somehow enveloped in love and peace.
So here goes my tag: Heather D., Suzanne C., Marci W.; Ann S.; Dennilynne P., Lizzy W.
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