99ner meme – Part Deux

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Doing the meme!

26) Are you happy with the person you’ve become?
For the most part – but there is ALWAYS room for improvement

27) What’s a sound you hate; sound you love?
wet running shoes on the treadmill. lol
my children laughing together.

28) What’s your biggest “what if”?
I don’t fulfillment divine potential?

29) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?
ghosts – yes. Aliens – nonotreally

30) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.
right – pencil and some paper I was writing work notes on.
Left – my DSLR camera that I just finished uploading pictures from.

31) Smell the air. What do you smell?
I’ve been battling a cold all day so I can’t really smell anything.

32) What’s the worst place you have ever been to?
Worst? Probably Vegas. I’m sorry that place is a pit. The shopping isn’t even that good! lol

33) Choose: East Coast or West Coast?
Hmmm…
West for sun and fun
East for culture and fashion

34) Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?
I think I’ve always had a thing for Chris Cornell. But, Michael Buble can make me melt the second he opens his mouth.

35) To you, what is the meaning of life?
To find JOY in the journey!!!!

36) Define: Art.
Creative beauty

37) Do you believe in luck?
More like providence

38) Patriots or Giants? Or, who gives a rat’s ass?
Well, since the Giants won yesterday is this when I say Giants? lol

39) Will you watch the game? If yes, with who?
Yeah, totally didn’t even realize that the Super Bowl was yesterday. Iwasalittlecheckedout.

40) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?
Yes, and Yes. lol

41) What was the last book you read?
I’m in the middle of My Cousin Rachel and Teaching with The Spirit. I need to finish BOTH of those! Time, where are you!!?!

42) Do you like the smell of gasoline?
Yeah, kindaIdoalittle.

43) Do you have any nicknames?
My sweet Amore calls me Tes and I really don’t mind it! In fact, I love it. Heath, by my sisters. Uhhhh…probably a few others that I’m called behind my back. HAHA!

44) What was the last movie you saw?
Mission Impossible 3. It was great!

45) What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
Probably the recurring back one that I have now. Thank goodness for good workouts and a FANTASTIC chiropractor!

46) Have you ever caught a butterfly?
Yes!

47) Do you have any obsessions right now?
does finishing my daughter’s room count?

48) What’s your sexual orientation?
I’m a girl, that likes a boy.

49) Ever had a rumor spread about you?
BAHAHAHAHAHA! Let’s just say I’ve been recovering from discoveries of a few months back.

50) Do you believe in magic?
I DO! There is NO way that David Blane can do that all through tricks…he’s MAGIC!

I am so grateful for:
1. a husband that is willing to pick up kids when I am feeling sick.
2. my sweet puppy that cuddles up to me when I feel yucky
3. humor that lifts the spirit
4. eraser toppers
5. mickey mouse.

Posted in It's all about me. | Leave a comment

Teenagers, Streaming, and photos OH MY!

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

It has been a couple of days. Mainly because I have been wrapped up in Jo’s birthday and the party and recovering from her birthday and the party. lol Not to mention, I woke up this morning with a migraine which turned into a cold. Not. Cool. So I officially have another teenager in the house. It is like overnight she acts like one, talks like one, walks likes one, and thinks like one. She had a party on Friday and that kid cracks me up! She had originally invited 11 friends. Then, she realized she forgot to invite a friend from dance. Okay, 12. Then on Friday, she invited two more girls who she thought needed a boost and was worried they felt left out. THEN…she had another friend call her because she was in town and she wanted to hang out with Jo. So, of course Jo promptly invited her over for the party. Can I just say how I love that this child is always thinking of others? The party? It was a tremendous success! And those girls had a ball! As far as I know, there was NO drama. As far as Jo knows as well. I asked her and she was super excited that everyone got along and had a good time. The girls really seemed to mix well together too. Jo had a few friend from church who aren’t from around here and they seemed to just be accepted into the group which was so great to see! Here is a picture of the crew.

Jo's Party Girls

I have more (oh so much more) pictures of the party but I don’t want to bog the blog down. lol Maybe I’ll put it in a fun photo sharing program instead. I was never a fan of the blog that lists TONS of pictures. scroll and scroll and scroll and scroll…lol

Streaming up!

#SOCsunday

SO I got to go to ALL of church for the second time in over 5 months! Yay! I can’t tell you how much that means to me! I was able to bare my testimony as well. I talked about small acts of kindness and how in The Lord’s eyes and in the eyes of the receiver there is NO SUCH THING as a small act of kindness. One of my heroines in life Marjorie Pay Hinkley was quoted saying just that, “There is no such thing as a small act of kindness.” I have that on a magnet on my fridge. It is through small acts of kindness that I am able to go to church, to serve and be there to be spiritually uplifted. It is through small acts of kindness that I have been supported throughout the years with regards to certain things that my son has needed. It is through small acts of kindness that my husband was encouraged to get his leg looked at which virtually saved his life. it is through small acts of kindness that my mother was saved through little helps along the way which gave her the information she needed to get home and fight this cancer. It is through small acts of kindness that I have seen my children grow and learn in the gospel. It is through small acts of kindness that I have begun to feel like I am part of a ward again and that I matter and that I am missed. It seems sometimes that when one keeps getting knocked down that is all that can be seen. And then, when unkindness is point blank admitted and excused without thought it makes you second guess everything you thought was there. Knocks you off your center and that can take quite a while to get back. But then, small acts of kindness almost like little rays of sunshine start coming through and you realize that maybe you aren’t alone. That is much more good and positive that is being brought to you. Absolutely, if you look for it – you will find it! I didn’t say all that in my testimony. Mainly because I think that it is more important to actually GIVE the testimony and not talk about superfluous self-discoveries. I did enjoy hearing all those who spoke. I truly feel that everyone has something valid to say and I have to say I look forward to feeling the spirit through sincere and honest words. I find it amazing to feel the strength of someone else’s conviction through their words. The strength and conviction in their truth resonates soundly when you know they TRULY feel it. I love that! I know that I talk a lot about my religion and my spiritual feelings and foundlings here. But it is because I feel it to my very core. I KNOW that my life is blessed because of these things that I know and feel. I KNOW that I have joy in my life because of the guidance from My Heavenly Father and through the atonement of Jesus Christ. For me, this is the very essence of what life is all about. Finding joy in the journey through spiritual growth and development. Spiritual growth and development which, by the way, doesn’t end for the duration of our time on earth. I KNOW that Christ lives and I KNOW that he is the savior of the world. I also have a very personal and private relationship with him which to me is developed daily through prayer and relying on Him. I find it funny how many times a day I pray to Him. that getting to know Him through prayer and scripture study along with the modern revelations has enriched my relationship with Him especially these past few months immensely. It has literally changed the way I think and the way I live my life. And, I am hopeful that my joy in life and my willingness to share what I know isn’t offensive; maybe just informative. ;-)

And that was A LOT that I streamed….WOW! lol

And finally, a couple of “room progression” pictures!

Bed Canopy with new punched tin light!

Pouf Canopy with hanging light.

I am so grateful for:
1. Small acts of kindness!! lol
2. ALL my children and how they teach me so much with their example!
3. the beautiful office window that gives me a great view!
4. the sound of my son’s guitar when he plays.

Posted in Family Frolicks, introspective, Spiritual Musings, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

An Abundant Life – I have one! Do you?

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

A good friend of mine printed this article off for me and gave it to me to read. She was so sweet when she told me that she thought of me when she read it because she thinks that the things President Monson talks about are things that I do. I was flattered and then I read the article again. lol What an incredible compliment! You know, we all have those days when we feel down or hopeless. We all have those days when staying positive is the hardest bloody thing that we can possibly accomplish.

I truly believe that it really is just this simple! The ABC’s of living an abundant life.

1. Pres. Monson talks about ATTITUDE:

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.

YES! I can attest to this! Truly, with all the trials, challenges, whathaveyou, that I have had in my short 41 years I have found that 100% of the time my attitude has always EVERY. SINGLE. TIME dictated my ability to accept and handle whatever has come my way. Attitude is key. Attitude is the difference between the biggest tragedy that can come your way and the biggest opportunity for learning and growth. It really is all about perspective. If you read about those in history who have succeeded at tremendous things always had the perspective or the attitude that you make your challenges become opportunities and your failures become the classroom for learning. Looking at that glass and determining if it is half full or half empty is what defines one’s character to its core.

2. Pres. Monson then talks about BELIEF: In ourselves, in those around us, and in those all-important eternal principles:

You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith.

Simple, and so completely true! Change does not come if we do not believe in any or all of those three aspects. Especially change from within. the core of who we are is determined largely upon what we believe. Do you believe that you are capable of wonderful accomplishments and a beautiful life? Do you believe in those around you to help you grow and keep you true to what you know is right? Do you believe in those core values or principles is what drives your life and makes you the kind of person you are and should be? Belief is what drives us, pushes us, encourages us. Belief in ourselves helps us stretch beyond what we are comfortable doing and helps us be what we are capable of being. Belief in others is what helps them reach their potential or their purpose in your life or in their own. Belief in core morals or values is what determines our character, integrity, and is what resonates with all who come in contact with. If we don’t have and act on that basic belief then whatever is left at the end of our time here on earth does not prove worthy of others remembering. No one will remember the kind of decorations you hung in the home, or the kind of handouts you made for a class or how hard you worked on an activity. But they will remember if you treat them with respect or compassion. If you were selfless and kind. If you were sincere and honest.

3. Pres. Monson talks about Courage:

Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.

I LOVE this quote!! Living decently, honestly, compassionately; with principles and integrity! THAT TAKES COURAGE! In a world where standing for something becomes looked down upon it is important for us to remember that it takes courage to have that honesty and integrity. It takes courage to be compassionate. It takes courage to set standards – and stick to them! I do know though, that having that kind of courage does enrich your life. It has enriched mine! The test always comes when you least expect it. And those who do not understand may put you down or shun you. But in the end, having the courage to live your life in the manner that you know is right and decent consistently does bring more joy and more enjoyment to who you are and what you do. No matter what it is.

Pres. Monson ends with this:

May we remember these ABCs as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours.

No truer words have been spoken. I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt. One of my favorite quotes is from a book called Anne of Green Gables and the little Heroine says: “It isn’t what life holds for you, it is what you bring to it that matters.” I loved that quote and have tried to live by it daily. By looking for what *I* bring to my life I have found wonderful little treasures in what otherwise could be looked at as mud. By striving to have that positive attitude, believing in who I am and what I stand for; and by believing the those around me, and by having the courage to do and say what I know is right and true – no matter what; I have found that I truly DO feel tremendously blessed and have SO MUCH in my life that is good and true and full! I *have* an abundant life! And it isn’t measured by the things in my home, the car that I drive, or the balance in my bank account. It is in those day to day experiences; looking for the humor when all seems dark, finding the gifts when it has felt that so much has been taken, knowing that *I* am capable of doing what I know is right, and having the courage to act on those things that I know I should.

Yes, I have so much!

I am so grateful for:
1. Words of wisdom
2. digital cameras
3. TV remotes
4. pretty nail polish
5. my son’s awesome guitar skills. ;-)

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Pinch and A Punch!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

…First day of the month! Okay yeah, we always play that game and I’d like to blame credit my little sister Holly for encouraging this with my children. So the recap from my January Goals. I have to say that I got a little sidetracked. But, in a good way! lol

1. To archive another 1,000 names. I love doing this and I love feeling like I am helping in ways that aren’t typical.
Yeah, not being able to go to church has really made this a regular Sunday thing for me. lol

2. To prepare my own meals this entire month. I have been having my trainer prepare some of my meals the last couple months but I KNOW I can do this and I just need to set aside the time to prepare my meals.
Oh I SO TOTALLY ROCKED THIS! I LOVED doing it and I am SO excited that I lost more poundage and inches and it was ME ME ME! lol Watch out! I might actually end up liking to cook. crazy huh!

3. To finish Teacher By The Spirit by Gene R Cook. I have been really enjoying this book and I just need to set aside the time to get it finished.
Well, this didn’t happen. And I feel bad but I have had a few other things on my plate so reading has been on the back burner.

4. To get my store room off the laundry room organized and decluttered. That room is driving me nuts. I have to get that done!
Yeah, this was a no-go as well. I’m not really rocking’ the consistency with my goals lately, am I. LOL

5. To get my window treatments in my master suite done. The next step in getting my room done and I just want to make this a priority this month.
I think if I was graded on what I got accomplished I’d be failing right about now. But in my defense, I started redoing Jo’s room this month and I really want to get that basically done for her birthday (which is the day after tomorrow! YIKES! so I have been focused on this. lol

So, OKAY! FINE! I didn’t really get a lot of my monthly goals done. Meh….it’s been a busy month and Graigg was out of town like 3 times. Must recommit! lol So for the short little month of February here is what I want to get done….

1. Finish Jo’s Remake on her room. I’m almost there! Just a few finishing touches and she is already in heaven! I’m so happy for her!

2. Finish Teaching By The Spirit. I *will* finish this book! lol

3. Get the numbers from our Florida Villa finished and see how much we made from that last year. That’s kind of important. lol

4. Get through the rest of the conference talks. I want to review the talks as well but I just want to start with getting through studying all of them for now. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get more reviewed.

Okay, that is ALL I am going to try and do this month. Jo’s birthday this week and Graigg’s toward the end of the month has me a bit frazzled. Plus, I have some other things going on that I am super duper excited about and I want to try and get them going.

For now, here is a song that has been on my mind all day:

I am So grateful for:
1. fun new opportunities
2. surprise visits from my pops!
3. Voxer
4. Netflix
5. REALLY FAST wireless on my mac. lol

Ciao Bellas!

Posted in Goals, Know more about me!, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

99 luft Memes!

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

HA! Kidding. 99 meme – part 1.

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

1-Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps – Doris Day
2-Favorite Song – Colbie Callait
3-Everybody loves me – One Republic
4-Que Sera Sera – Doris Day
5-Only Prettier – Miranda Lanbert
6-True to Myself – Ziggy marley
(this was a fun exercise!)

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

President Monson

3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.

Jesus Taught by Asking Questions: (headline)

4) What do you think about most?

Generally? My husband and kids
Specifically? What I need to eat to get down another ___ pounds. (I have a goal people)

5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?

“Punk, I barely got him to shower and not even Sonic is tempting him to do anything else.”
From Claire explaining Payne’s attitude this morning. Oh it’s gonna be a day. lol

6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?

Oh with! Are you kidding?!?! LOL

7) What’s your strangest talent?

I can pick things up with my toes – I think I already shared that.

8) Women…. (finish the sentence); Men…. (finish the sentence)
…inter-relate everything.
….compartmentalize everything.

9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?

My sweet husband has written a few poems about me. ;)
But, nothing that has been published.

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Air guitar is not my thang.

11) Do you have any strange phobias?

I hate being enclosed in a crowd. I have to be on the end of an isle or closest to a door. Otherwise, I feel smothered or…something. lol

12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?

ew…no

13) What’s your religion?

I am Mormon!

14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?

Well, when the weather is warmer I’m either reading or doing yoga on my back deck. Ican’twaitforspring!

15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

Oh behind – most def!

16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?

I think some of these are repeats…
Band? I love the timelessness of Glen Miller

17) What was the last lie you told?

Huh….I’m trying to think.

18) Do you believe in karma?

More like fate.

19) What does your URL mean?
Well, the URL? it’s my last name, and clan is another term for family, so….

20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

weakness – too trusting, I am always completely shocked when I learn of someone else’s behavior.
strength – my integrity/honesty in who I am.

21) Who is your celebrity crush?

Probably Hugh Jackman – I like nice guys.

22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?

Ummm…

23) How do you vent your anger?

A good hard workout – usually on the elliptical or bike now that my hip and knee have decided to rebel against my desire and love of running. I have to sweat it out though. That tends to center me and keep a good perspective.

24) Do you have a collection of anything?

pins from Disney
Vinylmations from Disney
wood carved boxes
purses
shoes
…I’ll stop there. lol

25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

I have yet to video chat so….it would be the talking one. lol

I am so grateful for:
1. This time with my kids
2. body wash that helps my skin stay hydrated
3. Hi-Chews
4. smooth Monday mornings.
5. dried fruit that I can make my oats yummy with!

And because of my post title I HAVE to post this!

Posted in Know more about me! | Leave a comment

Just a little streamy

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Frivolous Mom

Five minutes – GO!

Jo and I got a bit more done on her room. The bunk bed is gonzo! The poufs and pillows are in the room and situated. We figured out what to do with the window treatment, the corner canopy and the bed canopy. I am super excited! We are planning on getting this done this week. We have Jo’s cake to make. We went shopping together and we just spent time together. It was good. She’s different. Older. Something. I don’t think I like it. lol It is like she is changing right before my eyes and I don’t like it. Well, I don’t like seeing a part of her change and kinda go away and turn into someone different or should I say, older. We talked about her friends. We talked about boys. We talked about church. She has an amazing spirit. She knows what is right and what understands gospel principles in ways I never did at her age.

I am in awe. I am honored and humbled to be her mother.

This little girl isn’t so little anymore. :,(

Streaming is out….

I am so grateful for:
1. my daughter
2. my mother
3. womanhood
4. warm blankets
5. small acts of service

Posted in Children and Family | 2 Comments

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 | 2 Comments

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