I Don’t *do* Drama.

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

For those who know me, they know I don’t really deal well with drama. Generally, I just don’t have the patience for it. Do I sympathize when something sad or bad is happening? Of course! But when things are made up or made out just to induce sympathy or drama, I just don’t get involved…or really anything. For this reason, I find the following story rather hilarious. Well, to me anyway, probably not to my poor, unsuspecting, emotional, children. (haha)

So on a Monday morning a couple of weeks back, Graigg was out of town and I needed to get into the office and get some work done. The kids did not have school and so I thought it would be a great idea to give them a small list of things to do and then when I got home (mid-day was the plan) then we could do some fun things. Jo wanted me to paint her room. Campbell wanted to go run errands with me, etc. Well, here is what happened about 30 minutes after I got into the office.

Phone call
Me: (Hmmmm it’s the house, hope everything is okay.) Hello?
CW: Hi mom? Um, JoJo is crying because I asked her to help me get breakfast and she said no and I told her she was being mean.”
Me: Okay, can you just get your own breakfast and leave Jo alone, I gave her a list of things to do and she is probably trying to do them.
CW: Okay. Bye.

*15 minutes later*

Text message from JO: Everyone hates me
Response: Just ignore Campbell and get your work done and be happy!

*10 minutes late*

Phone Call #2
Me: Hello….
CW: Mom? I feel like I’m Harry Potter and everyone here is The Dursleys
Me: Have you done the (3) things I asked you to do?
CW: No.
Me: Why don’t you focus on your work and just not let anything bother you.
CW: Okay but Jo is crying again.
Me: Okay, bye

Text Message from Mallea:
Why is everyone mad at me? I just want to do my school work!
My response: Just don’t let it bother you and get your work done sweetie.
Mallea: Okay

Text Message from Jo:
Campbell is being REALLY mean and all I did was ask him for some help!
My response: Okay please just focus on your work and please just try to be the better person and be nice?
Jo: Okay

Phone call #3:
Me: HELLO!?!?!?!
CW: Mom? Mallea is mad at me and Jo keeps crying and I just feel like I can’t do anything right!
Me: Have you done the (3) things on your list?
CW: ….no….
Me: Okay why don’t you just worry about that and NOTHING ELSE.
CW: Okay bye

Yes, folks, this was my ENTIRE morning and early afternoon. I did NOT go home until closer to 2. Why? Well, would YOU want to be home with 3 kids being emotional and dramatic and crying?!?!? I thought not.

I FINALLY pulled in to the garage and counted to 20 about 20 times before walking into the house. LOL

Oh yes, there had been weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. Okay maybe not that last part. But man was the drama and the crying at an all time high! FINALLY everyone got calmed down and I gave them the guilt trip of their lives for not being helpful good children under the stress of dad being out of town. Yep…made them cry again. Then we hugged it out. I told them that they couldn’t get what they wanted because they didn’t do their lists in the manner that I expected. However, I was not a complete shrew. I ran a few errands in Liberty. Went by Michael’s and while I was there I bought some fun little trinket toys I thought they would like. The evening was fine. Then, at about 7:30 Jo came to me and said she was tired. I looked at her and I said, “I’m sure you are! You’ve been crying all day and you look like it too!” She did! lol They all slept rather soundly that night. 3 emotional preteen, teenagers in this house. I think I need to make a “crying room” so that I don’t have to hear all the dramatics that will be going on for the next 8 years. HAHA!

Posted in Children and Family | 1 Comment

End of Theneverending Meme. =)

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

So the never-ending meme is over…which means is really wasn’t a *never-ending* meme, right? ;-)

36. Have you watched American Horror Story?
no, I hate movies like that.

37. Baseball hat or toque?
Toques are cool!

38. Do you shampoo or soap up first in the shower?
Shampoo

39. Wet the toothbrush or brush dry with the toothpaste?
wet

40. Pen or pencil?
depends on the point of the pencil and the pen. lol

41. Have you ever gambled at a casino?
no I have absolutely no desire to do so.

42. Have you thrown up on a plane?
Yes, I was pregnant with #2 at the time. fun!

43. Have you thrown up in a car?
Yes, when I was a kid I would get motion sickness…ew

44. Have you thrown up at work?
Listen, when you are pregnant and have morning sickness you will throw up EVERYWHERE!

45. Do you scream on roller coasters?
Totally – even louder if I’m with the kids! We all laugh at how goofy we are.

46. How many shoes do you have?
More than I really need – snicker

47. Who was your first roommate?
My little sister, Holly. BEST. ROOMIE. EVAH!

48. What alcoholic beverage did you drink when you got drunk for the first time?
I’m so pleading the 5th on this.

49. What was your first job?
I worked at a dry cleaners

50. What was your first car?
VW Beetle – I got the green light to get it back and have it restored! Yay!

51. When did you go to your first funeral?
I think it was my grandpa’s. I can’t remember, somewhere in California.

52. How old were you when you first moved away from your hometown?
18

53. Who was your first grade teacher?
I can’t even remember my youngest’s 1st grade teacher, let alone my own!

54. Where did you go on your first airplane ride?
Utah – Girls Academy. good times man, good times.

55. When you snuck out of your house for the first time, who was it with?
I never really snuck out.

56. Who was your first best friend and are you still friends with them?
My sister, Holly. YES!

57. Where did you live the first time you moved out of your parents’ house?
Utah – BYU – Heritage Halls *Fox Hall baby!*

58. Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
Graigg, or Holly. lol

59. Whose wedding were you in the first time you were a bridesmaid or a groomsmen?
My oldest sister, Carol.

60. What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Open my eyes. lol I usually hit the gym first thing. It’s a great way to start the day!

61. What was the first concert you attended?
I think it was Stray Cats. Pretty sure!

62. First tattoo or piercing?
Ears Pierced

63. First celebrity crush?
Shawn Cassidy and Johnny Depp – yeah baby! lol

Okay so that was fun. lol

Gratitude for Monday:
1. Sweet Text message from Graigg when I woke since he is out of town.
2. the auto start on my car.
3. JoJo’s willingness to just get up and going without me having to poke and prod. lol
4. My big fat curling iron
5. high speed internet that is REALLY HIGH SPEED!

A song for fun:

Posted in General Thoughts, Know more about me! | Leave a comment

Streams for free!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Gotta do the stream A-La Fadra

Here’s a bit of a hodge podge….

1. I painted Jo’s room yesterday. I needed to get it done because nothing else can get done without the paint. I never realized how bad her room was until I spent all afternoon in it. LOL It looked dark with that black ceiling. It looked closed in with those colors. Wow. lol Here are a few before and after pictures.

BEFORE


AFTER


BEFORE


AFTER


I had fun doing it and when Jo got home from her church activity she jumped right in and helped me finish up – as you can see. lol That is just phase one. We still have so much more to do and of course I’ll have to take pictures along the way. lol I am hoping to have it all done by her birthday. Here’s hoping! lol

2. I took a picture for my church today. I have to admit I have not gotten out my camera in months – MONTHS! I loved it. I’ll have to keep it out and get back into photography again. I was playing around today and I was loving just being behind the lends again!

3. When G is gone I end up watching some really different things. lol I ended up watching My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. I have to say, I think I am hooked! I love seeing these girls who have been through so much get a fairy tale wedding. I love seeing good things happen for people! Makes me happy!

4. Jo has been wanting to make cake ball FOREVER! lol Finally I told her she could today after church. Graigg left on business and so I figured why not let her just have fun and have fun. They were YUM-MEEEE! lol She LOVED making them too!

5. Speaking of food – I made this beef barley soup for the 2ND TIME and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Here is the recipe:
Moms Famous Beef Barley Soup
Submitted by: JEEP_GIRL

Easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients on hand already.
My mom use to make this in our family restaurant; it always sold out quickly!

Minutes to Prepare: 15
Minutes to Cook: 60
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup Carrots chopped
1/2 cup Celery chopped
1/2 cup Onions chopped
1 tbs Butter
4 cups Beef broth
4 cups Water
1lb beef (steak, chuck, stew meat, or whatever leftovers you have)
1 (14.5oz) can of diced tomatoes
3/4 cup Barley (use quick-cook if you prefer)
1 tsp Salt (or less if you prefer)
1 tsp Pepper, black
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2 tsp Oregano

Directions

In soup kettle or dutch oven, saute carrot, celery and onion in butter until tender (about 5 minutes).

Add the broth, water, beef, tomatoes, barley, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer until barley is tender (about 20 minutes for quick-cook, about an hour for regular).

Makes 12 servings

Number of Servings: 12

I got it from SPARK PEOPLE. This soup is amazing! Flavorful AND EXTREMELY healthy!

Okay that was fast! LOL

I am so grateful for:
1. strong medication when a migraine decided to hit.
2. moisturizer
3. cake balls made by my sweet daughter
4. my camera – love that thing.
5. feel-good shows

Posted in Family Frolicks, It's all about me. | 2 Comments

Moves Like Jagger

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

It seems like even though this winter has been unseasonably warm I am ALWAYS FREEZING COLD! I don’t know what my problem is lately but I just can’t get warm. I have to say I really don’t appreciate it. lol

JoJo gave me a birthday wish list. lol I thought she understood she was getting a new room…well, I might get a few more things on her list. ;-) I have to list it though because it is too cute!
1. Painting Canvas/paper paints and brushes (Her inner artist is coming out)
2. Drawing pad with supplies
3. Roller Skates
4. Neon fishnet fingerless gloves – BAHAHAHA!
5. makeup (huh? eep!)
6. REALLY tall converse shoes (I like that emphases on “really”)
7. Redo my room
8. Updated Ipod – 4th gen.
This kid is too cute!

I have this thing I do with the kids when we are in the car. I pull out my iPod and then we take turns picking a song. We dance and sing in car together. I love how Jo will choreograph moves in the car and then we dance to the songs singing right along. It’s so fun to just be goofy together in the car. We always have a test to see who can find the best song too. Well, have contests with just about everything. The funnest part is when one of us messes up the words! What is really fun is to see what kinds of songs the kids pick. It is a sure tell for me to know what kind of mood they are in. I love driving Jo to school in the morning and we choose a fun cheerful song. I always want her to start her day off on a happy note! No matter what happens at school I want to make sure she is happy when she hops out of the car.

The kids decided not to swim this summer. They really liked it, but they didn’t LOVE it. Jo wants to focus on dance and CW wants to golf. Jo was moved up in two of her dance classes so she wants to be sure and take the upper classes this summer. She will also have the change to take point this summer and she is super excited for that possibility. She absolutely LOVES dance performance. She isn’t a cheer or dance team person as much as she is into performance art on the stage. She is pretty good and I am thrilled to see her take an interest like this and try to hone her skills and focus on it.

I have a new cleaner coming on Monday. Deep clean and then weekly upkeep. yay! She is really nice and I think she is going to work out great!

I have decided to have the kids in charge of their own laundry. This should be interesting since they seem to think that the laundry basket is where they put everything they don’t want to put away. lol They are each going to have a day to get their clothes done. This should prove entertaining. Updates to follow….

I am SO excited because Sherlock is coming back!!! Not until May – But, I CAN’T WAIT!!!

I have really enjoyed doing my gratitude lists every time I blog. It has really helped me to find things to be grateful for and I truly feel that I have been able to look for the good in all that I encounter. Truly, our burdens are lightened when we consider the blessings we have been given, even through the trials that come our way. It doesn’t mean the trial is gone…just that the load is lifted and that weight literally feels like it is off our shoulders. I have a sure knowledge of how our outlook can determine 75% of what happens to us.

And with that I’d like to say what I am grateful for today:
1. Big, heavy, warm hoodies.2. moisturizer
3. 3 sets of 100 calf raises that kill my legs. lol
4. my macbook – so. much. fun!
5. the view of the sunrise and the sunset from my front yard.

Jo had me download Lauren Alaina’s album a while back. She played this song for me one morning which made me teary – I tried not to cry in front of her. lol

Posted in Children and Family, Family Frolicks | Leave a comment

Long awaited – Eagerly Anticipated

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

The First Presidency has announced the public open house and dedication dates for the Kansas City Missouri Temple as follows:

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, April 7, through Saturday, April 21, 2012 (excluding Sundays)
Instructions for obtaining free open house tickets will be provided at a later date

CULTURAL CELEBRATION
Saturday, May 5, 2012

DEDICATION
Sunday, May 6, 2012, in three sessions
Sessions will be broadcast to congregations in the temple district

NEWS RELEASE

http://newsroom.lds.org/article/open-house-dates-announced-kansas-city-missouri-temple

Members are looking forward with great anticipation to these temple opening events!

Yes, yes we are!!!

Oh what Joy fills my soul!

I am so grateful for:
1. those who worked so tirelessly for this tremendous blessing for The church here in the area.
2. The beautiful temple that I will soon be able to attend often!
3. Temple work
4. The joy in my heart upon hearing this beautiful news.
5. the responsibility that goes along with this tremendous blessing!

Posted in Spiritual Musings | Leave a comment

Steel Cut Oats

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Warning: This is a HEALTHY way to easily cook oats. Meaning, there is no sugar in this at all. I am sure there can be great sugary variations but for those of you who are looking for a tasty way to eat oats and have it be “clean”, this is my favorite so far.

1 cup of steel cut oats
1 cup of milk
4 cups of water
1 TBSP of cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 tsp of vanilla
cook on low in a slow cooker for about 3.5 to 4 hours or until creamy.

You COULD, for taste and variation put in dried cranberries, or fig or another great fruit. Be careful though, because fruit means fructose and that does mean sugar.

This amount can last one person one meal a day for well over a week! One of the best “pre-made” breakfast ideas yet! Especially if you are like me and have notimewhatsoever in the mornings and can definitely use the extra fiber.

I am so grateful for:
1. my iPhone and ease of work from it.
2. stickie mustaches that my kids like to wear – they crack me up.
3. remote control app on my phone that lets me mess with my husband. haha
4. my sweet son’s cute little smile.
5. nail files.

Posted in It's Healthy Baby! | Leave a comment

Frivolity Abounds!

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Hodge podge post because I really am thinking like this right now…..

* Things have been really hopping at work. We had a few bumps at the end of the year but now we have been completely and utterly slammed. It’s a GOOD slam though! A few additional clients and a few additional jobs and whammo! I have been proud of myself though. I committed to coming home earlier a couple weeks ago and I am sticking to it – so far. lol

* My Mary Poppins had to quit. Mainly because her fetus is sucking the very life out of her. But, I love her and I want her to be healthy for her and the bub. I can’t say I don’t miss her though. And, yes, she will always….ALWAYS be *MY* Mary Poppins – so there. ;-)

* I’ve had some back issues (among others) and so I have been really good at going back to the chiropractor and getting adjusted when I am supposed to. Let’s just say, I really need to stick to the schedule so that I don’t mess it up again. But, I am rather distraught that it looks like running is out of the picture for me. At least for now. What was most disturbing was not being able to move after just WALKING on the treadmill Saturday morning! I do have to say I am loving the elliptical – kicks your booty if you aren’t in shape cardio wise but it is easy on the back and I can get a really good workout on it. So, where there’s a will, there’s a way!

* I’ve lost 20 pounds since Thanksgiving. I have to say this was NOT easy during the holidays and I completely took the week between Christmas and New Years off. Which kept me at maintaining. (I was proud that I didn’t even gain!) I am getting close and closer to my goal! I am so excited! I feel fanTASTIC! I am eating better and I am loving it! My trainer was making my food there for a while and then something just clicked because I realized how easy it is to eat clean if I just prepare my food for the entire week! I have been into soups lately – hey! It’s the time of year for soups so there! I’ll have to post the yummy recipes when I have time! I am loving some of the ways I have been able to see how easy it is to eat and still loose weight. I am quite proud of myself, I have come a long way…believe me! lol The only thing is, my wedding ring is getting REALLY loose. Doesn’t that mean it is time for a new ring?!?!? BAHAHAHAHAHA!

* I decided to redo Jo’s room for her birthday. She is going to be 13 in Feb. THIRTEEN!!!! ACK!!!! Anyway, she outgrew her “fairy” room some time ago but she and I only recently got the inspiration for her room. I cannot WAIT to unveil it! it is going to be COOL! She is beyond excited as am I! I have to say we really have a lot of fun together. She is still emotionally whacked like all 13 year olds but she is FUN! That kid continues to amaze me with her maturity and ability to see people for who they are. Kids and adults alike, she really can see right through to their character and she still manages to have compassion for those around her. She and I are working on personal progress together and I love her insights with this wonderfully inspired program. I am so grateful that we are able to do this together and that I am able to see how things bring spiritual support and balance into her life as it was intended. What a blessing!

* Mallea is such a sweet heart! I love that kid! My heart breaks when I see her struggle but I have been so proud of her! She had a boy ask her out and she didn’t feel right about being alone with him. So what did he tell him? She told him that she really just wanted to be friends and that she would love to do something with him and a group of her friends. she amazes me with her ability to trust her instincts and to listen to her gut. She knows when she shouldn’t be involved with something and I was so proud of her for not just going along with going out on a date with this boy just because he likes her and he asked.

* CW started karate back up and tested into Orange belt! Yay! That kid doesn’t miss a beat! He is loving his new guitar and I have to say it has been rather enjoyable listening to him practice. No one can remind me of that comment when he is 17 and rockin out in his room with is high school garage band…Okay? Okay! lol

* I have been bit by the creative bug lately. I have the rest of my bedroom to do. I also want to get my bathroom done and the office….to start. Between those rooms and Jo’s birthday bedroom makeover I’d say I’m pretty well, listed out. Haha!

Well, since it is Tuesday, I thought I would do a quick top five.

Top Five things I miss when my sweet husband is out of town: (G has been out of town again since Sunday night. boo!)

1. I miss watching Top Gear with him.
2. I miss hearing his voice.
3. I miss smelling his cologne.
4. I miss his laughter when he is playing with the kids.
5. I miss laying on his chest and falling asleep.

I’m so glad he will be home tonight!

Posted in Frivolity, It's all about me., Top 5 Tuesday! | 1 Comment

Monday Meme…meme…meme

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Okay here is part 2 of the never-ending meme.

21. Did you go to your high school prom?
Yes I did! With a great friend and I had a great time!

22. Perfect time to wake up?
between 6:30 and 7. It is early enough to be totally productive throughout the day but late enough to feel like I’ve slept in. yesiknowimcrazy.

23. Perfect time to go to bed?
Between 9:30 and 10. I can get all the rest I need if I can get there by then.

24. Do you use your queen right away in chess?
never

25. Ever been in a car accident?
Yep, totaled my car and left me with deep tissue damage down the left side of my body. I still have issues and can’t run because of the hip issues now. bugger.

26. Closer to mom or dad…or neither?
BOTH!!!

27. What age is this exciting life over for you?
I think I’ll be going as long as I can.

28. What decade during the 20th century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
40′s 50′s maybe?

29. Favorite shoes you have EVER owned?
my Uggs. LOVE THOSE THINGS!

30. Do you have an article of clothing you have had since you were in high school?
nope and I’m not really sad about it either. lol

31. Were you in track and field?
Hahahaha…no

32. Were you ever in a school talent show?
nofreakingway

33. Have you ever written in a library book?
yes…but it was unintentional. totally!

34. Allergic to?
some mold and cats and some pollen.

35. Favorite fruit?
Pineapple – ALL THE WAY!

I am so grateful for:
1. my paved driveway.
2. scissors
3. nail polish remover
4. paint cutters
5. white boards

Ciao Bellas!

Posted in Family Frolicks, Frivolity, It's all about me. | Leave a comment

So….so…done

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

…with the day.

I’m still sick. I did not sit down until after 6pm. I want to go to bed for like a week.

But on the flip side…

I’m so grateful for:
1. the ability to order 12 my groceries online.
2. back rubs
3. hot baths
4. my DVR
5. seat warmers

I’m going to bed…it’s late.

Posted in Nothing to do with Anything | 2 Comments

Why cold medications and I do not mix

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

I have to say that I am not a drug taker. Let me esplane.

I am more than willing to take something to diminish a migraine.

I am more than willing to take something to alleviate pain in a muscle or overall pain.

I am more than willing to take something to take care of allergy issues.

However, I am not really a “cold medicine” kind of person. Mainly, because they knock me out and then I wake up 2 hours later unable to go back to sleep and rest.

Today, I couldn’t help it and I took some medication. After successfully picking up Jo I realized that I was a little whacky. Mainly because Jo was laughing at me hysterically all the way home. G offered to pick up CW and I did not fight him at all. I relented and let him pick him up, why? Well, because I wasn’t coherent enough to even tell him that I could do it. I crashed and did not wake for another hour. And now…I can’t go back to sleep. I am miserable…coughing, sneezing, drippy, achy.

I…want…to…crash…and…burn…

In the mean time, I will not take any more cold medicine for fear of what I might tell my kids. (Jo thought it was hilarious that i was telling her the journey of our mail – I didn’t realize I did that. She thinks I should take it more often because apparently I am TONS of fun when I act like I am drunk – I think I feel an FHE lesson coming on in the subject of The Word of Wisdom. lol)

However, the Indian food today was wonderful and I had the best company with it. I love laughing so hard that I start to cry. Now I am hoping to wake up with new energy, new health, and new abilities! lol

I am grateful for:
1. a husband who will do kid duty when I’m out of it.
2. kids who will take care of me, even when I am loopy.
3. toast with goat cheese.
4. super duper soft blankets
5. auto-correct on my texting.

Posted in Family Frolicks, It's all about me. | 1 Comment