This is......

The book I won from the giveaway on Trying to Stay Calm/ Book giveaways. If you refer to my earlier lip gloss post you will see it is very appropriate. Thanks Shauna!

This is what me getting ready to 'fly' on a bike looks like, thanks to "ZFX Flying Effects" and my local community theater.
Please note "Russell", the zFx fly guy that is hooking the bike to me. I immediately liked him because he totally reminded me of Dave Ramsey (is that a hint of my sick obsession?) and so while he may not have instantly bonded with me, I instantly bonded with him. He even played "Bad to the Bone" on his I-phone for me while I was hanging around on stage.....I got to air guitar with my broom. Russell is awesome.

This is what you find after your kids declare they have invented a 'really fun game' and then disappear quietly for an hour or so.........ummmm, should I be worried?

and THIS is what you find when you finally relocate your camera and upload the latest pictures.

And you wonder why I love it when school is in?

Back to School.

Do you hear that?

It is my clock. I can hear it ticking.
The windows are open, there is that fall breeze blowing through the curtains, and I am sitting at my computer without a son in line to check his facebook messages.

Heaven.

It is 10:30 a.m. and I am in my sweats, my cold Diet Dr Pepper is nearby, and I have not even thought about getting ready for the day.

I could be doing laundry. I could finally load the dishwasher ( I avoided it last night after rehearsal). I should go run a couple of miles. I need to vacuum, the kids ate popcorn last night. I have a few phone calls to make.

But no. I am going to sit here and enjoy my soda and read blogs.

So there.

Were you one of them....

One who turned off the news because it was too stressful? One who stayed home on election day because you felt your vote didn't count? One who thought that it was useless- there is more of "them" then us, they make the laws, and we just follow them?

Well, suddenly 'those' people are getting up off the couch and researching out bills. They are watching the economy and worried about their children and grandchildren. They are watching freedoms and rights become more threatened as laws scream out with needs to squash our rights in the name of safety and emergency. They are making posters with whatever they can find and taking days off work to show up and ask questions, debate ideals, and cry out in honor of the founding fathers who gave them this right.

It doesn't matter who you voted for or what letter sits after your name on the register. It matters that people are fighting for freedoms, as fundamental as speech and bearing arms, and as power continues to grow- on BOTH sides of the aisle- those in power would shut out these voices if they could.

If you are one of those people out there speaking up, you inspire me. I watch smart questions being asked and patriots of all ages applaud them. I am given the strength to ask questions of my own, and say what I need to say when asked.

Consider this quote by Elder Charles Didier:
"A democracy requires men and women to be agents unto themselves to defend their freedom. When a democracy collapses, it is because the individuals and families are dropping their arms."

Let us not drop our arms when the battle is in this momentous stage. Let us be like Moroni in the Book of Mormon who dared proclaim by scrawling his desperate message on a torn coat...."In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children..."

Study out one freedom you value. Make a poster. Send an e-mail. Call a politician, and mostly, teach your children. And as you do these things know that somewhere, there is someone like me, inspired and in awe of your efforts and joining on right beside you.
(yes, this means the verdict is in, and I am marching in DC in September. You can learn more about this at 9-12 DC MARCH)

If you haven't joined us yet, what are you waiting for? Even a torn coat will do.

My name is RamSam, and I am an addict

Here is my drawer in the bathroom. (Please ignore the fact that it is super junky and unorganized and does indeed have dried bits of toothpaste here and there and bear with me.)

Now what you may not realize is that I have a horrible addiction. Hidden beneath the Victoria's Secret bronzer and watches and rubber bands you will find this.........

Okay, count them with me. That would be 14 lip gloss/lip products. One doesn't even have it's lid anymore, but I do believe there is a good week of two left or applications, so it will stay.

Keep in mind this does not include what is in my make-up bag (that I get ready with- I believe there are 2 in there) the ones in the car (one in cup holder, one in jockey box) and the 2-3 I keep in my purse.

I even have lip gloss in my 'Primary' bag...because I really believe a girl's gotta shine.
Before climbing in bed I have at least 3 lip balms to choose from so my lips aren't naked over night.

I believe the first step is admitting you are an addict. Which is why I made this.

Is there any other way to put it?

So fun you'll hurl! (And the Book Winner)

First things first......

VANESSA

you are my winner. Please let me know your address and I will get you the book- crisp and new and ready to read and apparently shake up a controversy or two. :-)

Okay...now for the fun stuff. Here is my past week...
Sending off a missionary (my ever awesome nephew)and getting plenty of ridiculous photos (this photo shoot ended with at least one girl wetting her pants, a common occurrence at my family parties).

Getting to wear my costume for the very first time for the parade ,
here with my mom, who spent more hours making this amazing costume for me than I can even count.

Riding the "Gravitron", along a few other crazy excuses for fun, at the carnival.
Yes, that is my son who has worked himself upside down as we spun, and my niece next to him not looking so hot.....

and her after the first ride happily jumping on the "Zipper" only to exit the ride, and run to the garbage for this..... now, I had another picture that got a little more of the gory details...but my son declared it too gross for the readers of this super classy blog.

BUT my husband says it is to cool to miss....so here you go.....
BARF ALERT
Funny....she kind of didn't want to ride any more rides after that......

Now we're off to fireworks tonight and I am hoping to sleep in tomorrow, because while I dearly love being busy, I also love my sleep, and it has been pretty sparse lately.

Giving away common sense for free.....

Here is my summer giveaway just in time to honor the pioneers...you know, because having common sense is kind of pioneering idea right about now.

I am half way done with my copy, it has a hundred pages or so of modern day common sense ideas, and the it has the original "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine. This is the only book I have watched my husband finish in one day...of course, he was fuming mad as he read it, but hey, a little fire in the belly never hurt anyone, right?

Not a partisan supportive book, more of a cry against government spending and "emergency" passing of bills that only hurt the American people by adding to our crippling debt. I think members of both side of the aisle would find this interesting, it is an easy read that will get you thinking.

So leave a comment for one entry, refer a friend to comment to add additional entries ( tell them to mention your blog/name, whatever, and give them one entry), and soon a brand new copy of this will be in the mail to one lucky winner.

Enter by July 24, Pioneer Day, and good luck!

Give said the little stream......

I must take pride in this quite accomplished charm made by my sister to celebrate her birthday with her blog give away.

And while I am well aware that sending you her way ruins my own chances, I just think it will make up for my blog slacking this summer. So go to Little White Attic for a peek at a great Jane Austen charm and maybe get inspired to follow something you love with loyalty and fervor while you are there.

We'll be in touch.

Party like a Patriot

My family is politically charged and often over heated. That's the way we like it. Sure, sometimes you may drive home from a family party in tears, but once the sting is gone it's all good. We do not all agree. I think that's okay.

My dad has always been the fired up man, and I can not remember the first time I saw him speak while waving his pointed finger passionately about-it is just the way he has always been. From Sunday School to family dinner, he knows what he believes and he fights for it.
Here is me and my papa at the Independence Day Tea Party. We snapped this as things were winding down, but it is a picture I cherish. I like to think I caught a little bit of his spunk....and I have been known to wave a finger on occasion.

One question for you all though....

How do you enjoy the Jonas Brothers LIVE with thousands of girls of all ages screaming at the top of their lungs?

My son obliged me by jumping up to dance around and sing for a few songs.....

My husband preferred to play a rousing game of Brick Breaker, hoping to break a record (he was there for the jets and the fire)
My sweet (but seat hogging) neighbor enjoyed the show in an entirely different way......



And now that the vay-cay leading to holiday weekend is all over, I have much catching up to do. Apparently this doesn't get much blogging done, but oh, it was so badly needed!

The one about Michael Jackson....

I loved him.

I saved money with my sister to buy the album...yes, the vinyl record, and we listened for hours.
We awaited the premier of his "Thriller" video on Friday Night Videos with baited breath, nervous we wouldn't be able to stay awake (did that show start at midnight, or what?) because we were nowhere near a house that had the elite channel, MTV.

We saved our Shasta sodas and day old Hostess treats, carefully rationed by dad, to add to the experience, and I remember it like it was yesterday.


In High School me and my friends vowed our love to him and further showed our loyalty by praying to be back-up singers someday, with posters plastered in our hotel window on choir tour. We did his moves whenever possible, and usually laughed ourselves silly- or worse, until someone peed their pants. I remember taping my fingers at one point in my life.


After high school the trials and plastic surgeries started, and I was sad to have to admit Michael was a complete freak...but it didn't stop me from using my knowledge for gain.....

And of course, that is me, lip-syncing "Billie Jean" (and winning, might I add), at our singles ward party. I cruised the Halloween dances that year in this get up- and ended up center floor during "Thriller", surrounded by clapping dancers (would have been a you tube hit, I am sure) and even had a girl ask me out. Creepy.

Anyway, MJJ (middle name Joseph....yea, I know that) was such a big part of my life...such a huge part of my dancing and grooving to music and dreaming about stardom. For today I have to put aside the law-suits and stories of abuse and honor him for what he gave me.

Happy days dancing with my radio blasting....learning the moonwalk....giggling with friends...trying to kick my leg to the side....staring at posters... watching my reflection in the big family room window at night, just being a happy kid.

I kind of regret I never saw him live, but I am glad for the silliness I did have as a loyal MJ fan.

Rainy Summer Days

Locals know it has been raining off and on for weeks here, and my family is feeling a little stir crazy. We got out last week to enjoy some cool exhibits at a nearby museum, where we saw some of Walter Wick works (say that 10 times fast), the brilliant man behind the "I Spy" books.

No cameras allowed in the gallery...oopsy...I took this at the doorway and put it away the rest of the time. The little houses and villages were amazing.

Then it was off to feed some ducks and play frisbee..... Which kept the boys busy for a while ( light sprinkles of rain for that portion of the day.)

As for me, my idea of summer fun is a little bit of spotlight time. A nervous audition for a great director I acted besides (eh-hemm) back in the 80's in "Saturday's Warriors" and 2 years ago in "CATS" got me this great news.... That's right.....I get to be a real witch. I can not wait! I have hade dress fittings (inspired by Elphaba from Wicked) and I already bought my green finger nail polish..... now I need to start memorizing those lines.

Summer Arts & Crafts Camp

I excitedly registered my kids for classes in our city's arts festival after the fabulous experience we had last year. My oldest will be jamming with a bluegrass ensemble and getting a first time lesson in songwriting (I want to be a fly on the wall for this one) with Cherie Call.

My youngest sons are taking a LEGO art class that *gasp* had an extra $43.00 fee (on top of the class $30.00 fee) for Legos and storage bins. I gulped down my summer savings anxiety and signed them up, like I said...last year's classes did not disappoint.

But I am chomping at the bit to create, and trying to purge some of my old scrapbook papers and stickers that I will probably never use. I have declared all summer Mommy's Art & Crafts Camp, and will feel free to create (and buy) as my artistic needs arise. That's fair, right?

First Project- Crystal Light Canisters
Cyrstal Light canisters are clean and durable and break my heart to throw away, so I covered these with scrapbook paper- with a little stamping and personalizing. The first one I made I added extra glue- and you can see the squiggles under the paper, which I hate, so skip that and stick with double stick tape on all edges of the paper (a 6'x9' piece)- roll and smooth to stick on.
No need to take off the original wrapper if your paper isn't see through. I have markers and brushes in mine. I imagine ribbon and tags would be cute on these too, but I tend to be impatient and wanted to keep these simple today.

Next is my "About Me" album which is an ongoing process. I finished 2 more pages, making me close to half way done with the book.

The first page is Strengths and Weaknesses- funny how the weaknesses are hidden in a file behind the strengths. It was a fun one to ponder as I worked on it, and I believe this the first picture from my 'CATS" role that I have scrapbooked. What took me so long?



The second page is the Labels page, which I thought sounded kind of dorky in the instruction book. BUT- there was a similar DARE a couple of months ago which made me go ahead and give this page a shot instead of trashing it to do my own thing.
Now I am in LOVE with this page. From a little tag stolen from my most comfy pair of jeans to a cafe' logo from New York, just looking at this page makes me happy. I would have never thought of this cute "label/tag" idea on my own, and I love it. I think labels, tags, and advertising bits would be great in collages so I am going to start stashing these away a lot more.

It is a good start. Summer is already rolling along so quick and I don't have near as much computer time as I do when the kids are gone during the day. Being creative keeps me sane and much like blogging, make me reflects on the ups and downs that are my life.

My scared self is getting the best of me

(Little old me with Congressman Jason Chaffetz at the 9-12 Project rally)

So this little rally started a fire in me. The planning of it, the people I met, the things I discussed all gave me a sort of empowerment. I am not scared to use my voice, and that is a good thing. Even disagreeing with people doesn't cause me anxiety attacks like it once did. So imagine my surprise when my husband kind of thinks it would be fun to support the tax-payers protest rally taking place in D.C. this fall. There will also be memorial services for 9/11 victims and caucus meetings. We booked our tickets and made hotel reservations......

BUT.... I really don't like to hear about Anthrax threats , especially when they are bragged about being like "confetti on the lawns of DC".
Even if you aren't afraid of Anthrax or terrorists, what about crazy people showing up and causing a mess? What about the fact that I am just a little old mom trying to show her kids it's okay to take a stand, but I need to be home on Monday to pack their lunches and send them off to school? I can't be in a mass arrest.....I can't be in some lockdown airport if the crazies come to play, and I certainly don't want to be on the lawn of the White House when the "confetti" falls.

I have taken pride in the fact that I try not to get paranoid and live with peace and happiness, but I am kind of losing confidence in my D.C. vacation.
I'd love to hear your opinion on this (not really the reason why I am going, that is a whole different post and debate) BUT just the fear I am kind of experiencing over the trip. Am I silly for worrying? Should I still go and call it an adventure? Or do I just switch up my vay-cay to some where else, and enjoy the moments I have with my hubby for our anniversary?
What do you think...and also, are you ever scared of this kind of stuff?

Sweet Tidbits

Ahhhhh...the past 24 hours has held a few sweet moments for me.

As you can see, my youngest was looking mighty fine as a cowboy for his reader's theater. He didn't tell me he had a major part as "Pete", the promised cowboy to "Julia" in "Rodeo and Julia". He raced Rodeo for the hand of Julia on a broomstick horse, only to lose and faint in the end. (And I didn't take my camera!)

Next was graduation for my niece. This niece was possibly the first toddler I saw my husband love to pieces, she was the sweetest little girl and babysitter, and is simply the nicest girl you will ever meet. To top that all off, she is beautiful to boot. Seeing her graduate almost made me cry....almost.
Last but not least, today was my oldest sons's fitness day. I signed up to race in the 5k with hundreds of other students and a few other parents. Much to my heart's neediness, he hung out with me before the race and let me stand by him and his friends. After him passing me a few times, then falling back to walk, I finally passed him and noticed he never caught up to me again. When I finished before him he explained to his friends..."Yea, but my mom's a runner." Complete moment of happiness.
(Here he insisted on climbing in a tree after graduation...still a little boy at heart) But I've saved the best for last...because when we got home late last night after dinner he came into my room. He sat on the edge of my bed. He talked about girls, (reluctantly), an upcoming party, things he wants to do this summer, and other random subjects.
I was smart enough to appreciate it.
And that is the sweetest thing of all.