My Computer Hates me!

I went without a while back......my computer sort of went into a coma, and now it has died again. It has out right died. It will not start up (same ting as last time) although the blue screen of death has not hit yet..... I believe it is time for a whole new hard drive and just see if I can get by for a bit longer....



I so don't want to spend my money on another stupid computer ! Aren't these things supposed to last more than a few years, or I am so naive ? Ugh Ugh Ugh. So easy, even a caveman could be frustrated....



ANYWHOOOOO I am posting from my hubby's laptop, so my fabulous drawing and all future post are completely relying on HIM. Wish me luck.



In the meantime, remember this little bit of advice. Diet Coke and chocolate make a great dinner, too. The chocolate cake is bye bye now.



Soooooo Saaaaadd! booo hooo.

I can not say it better

....than a prophet.

As a prophet reveals the truth it divides the people. The honest in heart heed his words, but the unrighteous either ignore the prophet or fight him. When the prophet points out the sins of the world, the worldly either want to close the mouth of the prophet, or else act as if the prophet didn't exist, rather than repent of their sins. Popularity is never a test of truth. Many a prophet has been killed or cast out. As we come closer to the Lord's second coming, you can expect that as the people of the world become more wicked, the prophet will be less popular with them.

Ezra Taft Benson

I was inspired by Rindee to post my feelings today, and I will keep it short. Then tomorrow you may enjoy a happy charm drawing free of any political stance.

I love many people who choose not to do right, but it does not force me to pass laws in their favor. I do not understand how this comment is less brave than one that supports abortion, same sex marriage, or any thing else the world wants me to believe has no consequence. I do not write this to persuade you to follow my beliefs, just to let you know where I stand. I remember raising my arm to sustain a prophet, and I will continue to do so. I also believe that we can live together, we can build a country, we can raise children without fighting about it.

Don't get mad....just think about it.

Breakfast of Champions

I have shopping to do, laundry to fold, coupons to clip and 3 clients scheduled....

This breakfast has never failed me yet!

Let's Play "I Spy"

This for all of you haters out there that said "Wow. Your house is so clean. I can never do this photo tag!" (which is laughable) HERE YA GO.

First- my vanity. It is supposed to be a cute little place to nestle together my lotions and jewelry for me to enjoy. It is this.......................



I spy a string cheese wrapper, ( or two, my favorite in bed snack), a gray wrestling t-shirt of my sons (his bedroom is 10 feet from mine. Why is this still there?), a lotion bottle that is magically balanced in an empty drinking glass, curling ribbon (what if I want to wear that? Just what if!!!) and a mall receipt from last years Christmas. What I don't spy is my cute Shabby Chic vanity. I am going to get rid of this whole thing because it is such a clutter magnet.

WAIT there is more! This room has potential to be a bedroom, possible laundry and storage room, or even a crafter's dream! Instead it is this:



Please note the blue tote that is our 'dress up' tote. It is almost empty, but the dress-ups are strewn around on the floor. The drum set is my sisters- my kids insisted they could play it and start a band. It is too big for a bedroom (and a junk room). I need to take it back. You can also see my Living Scriptures VHS collection (instant Family Home Evening- stop your coveting NOW)and the sheet rock that should be on the walls is leaned agianst the side making and INSTANT SHELF for my junking pleasure! The best thing about this room is the brick chimney you can see behind the movies. When we ripped down the trailer court paneling to start on this room I was so excited about this. Now it is the only saving grace of the room. Bonus points if you can spy the heating blanket (that now longer heats) and the monster truck toy. It belongs to my husband, not my kids.

Don't worry. I have already sent pictures to Oprah and In a Fix, and I am sure they are on their way to help.

Now me......



I love my wet curly stringy hair, don't you? The best part of this photo is the robe I got at Dillard's on clearance, for 9 bucks. I will admit this; I took a few shots before I got this one, which I can deal with. I wasn't smiling in the others and the lighting wasn't right, so I kind of looked like a convict. This shot reveals the true size of my nose. (large)

Hope you enjoyed seeing a couple of my messes. Take my word for it, there are plenty more. I hope I will have them cleaned up before my kids move out.

Now quit blogging and go vote (but don't tell me who you are voting for. I don't want to know!)

Happy Birthday to Me!

There are ow TWO fabulous ways to celebrate my birthday.

1- Enter the etsy artsy give away below. If it goes well, I will do it again at some random later time. I am turning 38 and would be so heartbroken if I get anything less that 38 in comments on my giveaway, and I can't type them all to myself!

2- Click on this link provided by my sister Shannon (Happy Birthday Mona) which will show my hotness from the 70's AND the early 90's. This brought to you by the same girl who put up the family movie of me being attacked by a giant spider. I made this movie as a grown adult, and of my own free will. I blame it in the children.

Now, I must toodles because I am meeting my friend for lunch and spending the day with Hubby Samy. You won't want to miss tomorrow! Not only will my posts be one year older in wisdom and wit, but you will see my messy house vote winners!!!!

Oh my gosh! How will you all sleep?

The Birthday Blog Give Away!

I was so inspired by Teresa's birthday bash and Jillene's giveaway (which I won) , plus many more tokens of blogging love, that I had to copy, copy, copy. Combine that desire with kind of a crappy Sunday (that means I for sure lost my temper, ate way too much chocolate, was an hour late for church, and drank a Diet Coke well before 10:00 am)
and a need to feel creative, and that equals my GIVEAWAY!

I sat surrounded by copies of Somerset Studios and
Sally Jean's Pretty Little Things






and in spite of my rotten, terrible, horrible,
no good very bad day,
I felt happy.
(take note crafting haters!)
Now you can cash in on my joy and my birthday
(which is all about presents, right?)

Here is the prize, in honor of cupcake lovers everywhere, as well as those of us who love our life, even on the kind of sucky days. One handmade charm for your jingling pleasure.


The front features a proper lady, much like yourself, about to partake of her cupcake. It reads The sweet life. The back says "don't forget to lick the bowl" (also known as my advice to grown women across the world).
Comes on a ribbon, but you can hook it to a chain or cord, if you like. These are great on a chunky necklace, hanging from your rear view mirror, or tied to your handbag, but stay away from key chains- the glass has been known to shatter when tossed to and fro. Hand made by ME so imperfections are considered artsy. (that's what I tell myself).

Just leave me a comment to have an automatic entry for this lovely charm. If you think this deserves a little more than one feeble entry, then in your next post or sidebar link up to a post of mine that you think others might enjoy. That will earn you 2 extra entries.

I know people think this is mere bribery, and even though it kind of is, I was so excited when I got my necklace from my winning entry that I had to share the love. Plus, who else would enjoy my creations?

I will keep the entries open until Friday night, November 7, or Saturday morning when I stumble out of bed. Good Luck!

Halloween Hos

Just as stated in 'Mean Girls', Halloween is a great opportunity to let the Ho in you shine. How about some HOT Halloween Hos from the family party!



As for me (the devil woman on the right, since me and my sisters kind of look alike), this was my THIRD dress purchase of the day. Stupid costumes with rips and faulty zippers....grumble grumble grumble.... I also had no idea the front panel in my dress was so mesh like, so my white bra was pretty much shining for all the world to see all night. *oopsy!*

Is my family full of Hotties or what? Even the sister-in-laws played.

Now the kids....

my nephew (Fred from "Scooby") and my oldest in my cheer outfit (it is finally good for something, seeing as how it never had the Rachel affect on men for me)




Masty G and Hammy are getting in the spirit (yes- they found these costumes in the bin, I paid them to come up with there own thing this year!). My Ham boy started out as a Mad Scientist, but that merged into a Zombie Face..... I guess that's his prerogative!




And finally....the annual cake

Major thanks to the CAKE WRECKS blog for listing this idea as overwhelmingly tacky and gory.....sounds perfect for my family party!

Happy Halloween!
(stay tuned for your Messy House winner pics....)

Vote for a Mess

Well fine then. Everyone acts all amazed and mad that my pictures of my house looked.....well, clean. I took them as is, but as I said earlier- I strategically placed my camera.

Now, to make you all feel better I am letting you PICK A MESS and I will photograph it. I will let you see my mess...... and you will all think I am the biggest slob ever and you can even bash me anonymously if it will make you feel better. Make your voice heard! Rock the vote! Peace, Love and Blah Blah Blah!

PICK FROM
- dirty kitchen floor/70's ripped linoleum
- my closet crammed with clothes, piles of shoes, and other un-used items
- our extra 'junk' room, including the stack of sheet rock for the room 'make-over' that is still waiting to happen (has been waiting for 10 years)
- our mud room half of the laundry room- AKA the bottomless pile of shoes
- the grow-your-own clothing, magic piles which line my bedroom wall and foot stool
- my Un-vain Vanity, better known as the catch all flat surface free for garbage and rubbish sprinkled with lotions and jewelry and magazines and Tylenol PM
- kids bedroom- they clean their own, so it is usually slightly chaotic

Just leave a comment saying which mess intrigues you the most! VOTE NOW, two choices maybe, if you can't make up your mind, and you may just be lucky enough to see the other side of my sweet old house. The messy one.

Fight and Make Up

It is a quiet Saturday. I am sitting at the computer wasting time in one way or another, when I notice fighting in the next room. There are words, screeches, tears and tossing of game paddles. My usual threat comes first, "If you can't work it out, it's off."

More fighting, accusations and name calling. I stand up, walk in, and turn off the TV. "I warned you," is all I have to say. That begins the blame game, finger pointing antics. I have learned to ignore these antics years ago, so back to the computer I go.

I hear a tearful child (my middle) run to the bathroom and close the door. I see the eldest and youngest whispering, and hear papers being passed under the door. I pretend to ignore them, but laugh to myself, wondering what they are up to.

Suddenly Hayden emerges, saying softly he is sorry for yelling and crying, and can they play if they agree on the guys...(what the???). I give in, and give them one more chance. They resume game play, but after about 15 minutes decide it would be more fun to go play dodge ball on the trampoline
( miracles never cease.)

I find this note in the bathroom, ripped up, but lying flat on the floor with a sharpie nearby. I have taped it together for historical purposes.



"Dear Hayden we are terribly sorry for making fun of u.....so we will make it up to you by ....getting your guys swim up to Tosha's Chang...all you have to do is convince mom to let us play
Yes or No circle"

Man, I wish the worst thing I had to worry about in my life is whether or not my guys were swimming up to Tosha's Chang.
Whatever the freak that is.

Photo Tag- I'm It!

I have seen several versions of the photo tag, with photo subjects ranging from one thing to the next- and it is my turn now! I am taking inspiration from Mary and Teresa. Enjoy!


Take a picture of your BATHROOM. NO Cheating- take the photo as is, don't clean! (this goes for all photos). I got lucky on this, because I do wipe down my bathroom every morning, so it usually looks pretty clean. What you can't see is ME standing on the edge of my tub to get this shot. My bathroom is tiny!

The Kitchen Sink. Again, I am surprised by this picture because my kitchen is kind of gross. I blame it on living in an old house. You can't see the brownie pan that is 'soaking', and I really have no explanation for the fact that there are 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths stacked up. Isn't one of each enough?




Your Fridge. (Again, as is- but if you get down a little while shooting you can't see the shelves and any drippings that may be lingering there- not that I have any!). Yes, you can see TWO fridge packs of Diet Coke. I just gave in yesterday and bought them. It is a great thing, and I strongly suggest everyone go OFF Diet Coke just so you can happily go back ON. One of life's few pleasures..... As you can see I am also stocked well on Sour Cream and Eggs. Just in case......

Now a close up of my magnets......
First my Anne Taintor Favorites..."Stop Me Before I Volunteer Again" (this is for real, people) and "The Secret Ingredient is Resentment" (my friends think this is funny, my mother and husband don't quite get it...) and of course, "I finished your laundry....the ashes are in the fireplace". Also seen is my magnet from Kristina P "I'm kind of a big deal on my blog".
I can not explain how much happier my life is with these magnets greeting me everyday.


What are your kids doing right now? Don't be impressed by the productive nature of this photo. They would usually be sitting at the TV while playing their Nintendo DS. The reason they are raking is to earn NEW games from dad, who bought them off KSL.com for a steal. Our tree drops hundreds of horrible chestnuts that become the punishment and reward opportunity every fall. One child (who is not raking) is the neighbor. The other is in the next picture.


The Laundry room. More of a closet, in my case. I really hope these piles of laundry baskets ( there is another one waiting to be folded by my dinner table) spilling over make someone out there feel better about themselves, because it killed me not to move these before I took this picture. Laundry is not my strong suit, but I try most days. Also pictured is my youngest child, who is crying because of the above task (raking and picking up the yard). He is pretty sure he should not have to help. He loves to cry, so I am always willing to give him a reason.


The Self Portrait. I took this in my PJ's but look kind of okay because I haven't washed my face yet. I am clutching my bedside reading, Allure, In Style, and Redbook. My Ensign is there on the floor, but I hate to say I reach for these first. (Don't judge me, Earl!) I am super happy because I just got home from a date night with the man.

What you can not see is the pile of garbage on my vanity, including dried up face wipes with mascara on them, and the laundry piles that magically grow all week until I force myself to hang up/sort/wash/put away. What you can see is my new dark panels from IKEA (love them! I can nap anytime of day now) and the cool Moulin Rouge piece my hubby bought from a restaurant owner in Japan on a business trip. He literally took it off the wall and walked out with it, all for me. Yay Hubby!

Okay- I tag anyone who has the patience to follow through with this tag. I would love to see every body's day to day life. Mine is now a moment in history.

What do you think? Do you still love me in spite of my laundry?

Just because I want to laugh

Mad thanks to my niece for sharing this last night and making me laugh
RI-dii-Cuu-Luuusss-ly!

You deserve a laugh today.

The Curls......

The youngest child.

He is the self-proclaimed "Masty G" (don't ask), the nickname that has stuck for years.

Right now his pride and joy is his HAIR. He splashes it, just so. He gels it, just so. He even sprays a little hairspray and shakes his head to let it all settle into place.

At dinner the other day I said, "Hey bud- are you ready to cut your hair short again?"
He stared at me in disbelief and said to me, like I am completely clueless,
"Mom, the curls get the girls."
How do you argue that?

Quick Call for Mommy Help

Okay, all parents and teachers out there I need help. I know I already posted today but I am so sick about this and don't know where to turn.

My sweet 9 yr old is struggling in school. He tested in the highest for his grade and qualifies for our gifted and talented group, but can't go because he is so behind in class. His teacher said he will sit and look around, stare off, or just do nothing during work time. He is now at 50% of his class work being done. I spent a long afternoon visiting with his teacher yesterday, and she is so impressive and cares about him, but she is also frustrated because he isn't responding to her prompts to help him get back on task. She is an amazing woman, and I can tell is sad about this,too.

When he takes a test he almost always gets 100%, so I know he is listening to lectures and comprehending things. When it is time to follow the instructions on the board and complete tasks he just stops. He freezes. He gets distracted.

I am open to suggestions, and if you know someone who has experience with this please send them to my blog ! I will read books, I will buy games, I will try almost anything. This child has NEVER had a problem in school before. Now he has just stopped, and my heart is breaking over it.

I should say, my husband is not excited about medications, neither am I. But am I hurting him by saying this? Ideas, websites, ANYTHING you have ...... I need it!

How do you teach a child to FOCUS?