Makes Me Wonder

It's Wednesday, Murray is in New York and it's dinner time. What to make, what to make. As I pulled into my driveway I saw Elle, my sister-in-law, leaving my neighbor's house headed to her own house two doors down. We chatted for a couple of minutes and decided since neither of our husbands are home we will take the kids out to eat at Bridges Brick Oven for dinner.

She loads the kids in her car and stops by my house and Emma and I hop in with her. By the time we get to Bridges our party had grown to 9 people. Matt, Elle's husband, decided to play hookey and skip his night class and my neighbor and her granddaughter decided to join us. I ordered a delicious Vodka Pie. Great homemade pizza crust, with vodka sauce, proscuitto, mushrooms and cheese. MMmmmmm! As I was paying my bill I began to dig through my purse for my car keys. Arrgghh... where did I put my keys? I can't find my keys!! Elle looked at me and said "your car keys?" yes I reply, she starts laughing and said "you rode with me!!!"

Oh yea, that's right. I don't know how to explain what happened, what is wrong with me? I don't know what is worse 1) me forgetting I didn't drive tonight OR 2) that I could really misplace my keys. Makes me wonder.

Happy Birthday Julie!

Julie Renee is one of my younger sisters. There are things that you need to know about her.

1. She was born on June 15, *^$+ I'll leave the year in code so as not to embarass her.

2. She was always Mom's "favorite", seriously, always doing what she was told to do and without complaint.

3. She served a mission for the LDS church and had a companion who was 62 years old. I wonder how the proselyting went with an older companion.

4. She lived with us for a while and shared a bedroom with our oldest daughter. We occassionally took advantage of her good nature and asked her to babysit Lanie. Once while watching Lanie she dropped her off the kitchen counter, accidentially of course.

5. She loves football, I mean LOVES football, especially pro football. She can quote every statistic or piece of trivia you care to ask.

6. You don't know stubborn until you know Julie.

7. She married Steve, who can play anything on the piano and organ. Even the Redskins fight song which he played in a hymn format at Stake Conference for prelude music.

8. She is one of the most "giving" people I know. Julie will help anyone at anytime. She has a heart of gold and goes out of her way to lighten the load of others. She will give her time, love and friendship to everyone and if you have the chance to meet her your life is better because you have known Julie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE SIS. I LOVE YOU!

He's Got My Back

Today in Relief Society I learned something. The lesson was on prayer and the instructor told us " Satan would like nothing more than for us not to pray."

Okay, I'm with her on that.

Then she asked us to think about the last time that we didn't pray because we felt unworthy to approach Heavenly Father in prayer.

Hmmm... I've never felt that. Never.

The teacher than reinforced that by asking "where do you get the audacity to pray to God? Why do we pray?"

Wow, I raised my hand and replied that I am his daughter and that is where I get the audacity to pray to him. And we've been commanded to pray. Then I asked if feeling unworthy to approach God in prayer is a real problem with members of the Church.

She replied that it is a big problem, and asked me "haven't you ever felt unworthy to pray"? Her tone of voice said to me that it's a normal feeling and something might be wrong with me if I haven't had that feeling. (an assumption on my part)

"No, never"

Then the spirit impressed upon me that I have a sacred gift from God. It's called the Holy Ghost and he has testified to me that I never need to feel unworthy to approach God in prayer no matter what my current spiritual state may be. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be deceived by Satan and feel that I shouldn't pray. I am thankful for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He is truly one of my greatest gifts. He's got my back.

Am I really playing the game?

I don't like do this sort of thing, invite others into my home without a massive clean up. I have an image to uphold. :) I may not be able to control my husband, the dog or my children but I can control how clean my house is. This is really stepping out of my comfort zone. I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but you, my internet friends, I feel safe with and will play "the game".

My Kitchen Sink

It's clean and empty. Muray laughs when I say I only have a kitchen because it came with the house. For a short time I have been on a cooking sabbatical. Just tired of it. But I don't think it will last long. Murray is offering incentives to get me back in the kitchen.

My Refregerator
Not really interesting. Murray is out of town for 2 weeks (sorry Andrea, I shouldn't complain) so I don't do too much cooking when he isn't here. Emma and I can subsist on salads and sandwiches. If I were the only one to use the fridge, it would be clean and organized. I can't get my peeps to jump on the bandwagon. ABC order people, how hard can it be?


My Favorite Room
Our family room. It's right off the kitchen and eating area. This is where everything happens. The TV is over the fireplace and we have great surround sound. This is where we play games, read, watch way too much TV and visit with friends. Come on over!

The Throne

Nothing exciting but definitely one of my favorite modern conveniences. How did the pioneers make it without one of these?

The Laundry Room This is my second favorite modern convenience. I just love this room, it's right outside the Master Bedroom on the second floor. I love the laundry sink too, we wash the dog there. We have a 2nd laundry room downstairs in the basement. It's set up just like this one, only no dirty clothes there. That one is not used as often, just when guests do laundry or the basement sheets and towels need to be washed.

My Closet
Murray and I installed the shelves and rods in our closet. We snuck into the house before we closed on the sale and put everything in. The builder didn't seem to notice. He was generally absent from the job site anyway.

What my kids are doing right now

Emma and Rusty sleeping the day away. These two love to sleep together. I don't think many nights have passed that Rusty hasn't slept in Emma's bed. There are nights when Murray wants Rusty in bed with us (yuck, yuck, yuck).

My Favorite Shoes It's summer and I love these shoes. I don't wear them often because they are uncomfortable, but they look great. I wear them with jeans, khakis and even some skirts. Otherwise it's flat skecher tennis shoes for me.

Self Portrait

This is by far the most difficult pic to add to my blog entry. I looked so good this morning before I left for work. It definitely started out as a "great hair day". On my way to work I stopped to fill the gas tank. Eighty-eight dollars ($3.83/gallon) and five minutes later I got back in the car, took a gander in the mirror and what I feared became a reality, the humidity destroyed my hair. The 104 degree weather melted my makeup right off my face and I haven't had my botox treatment this month. I am vain, and my hair is only one of my issues.

Okay, did I miss anything? Don't hate me because I'm slow getting this out. I felt you all nipping at my heels for the last 3 days. Love you. AB

I Want To Know

Dear Lanie,

Please complete the following questionaire. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and used to determine your inheritance. Please keep in mind that answers will be held against you and you will receive no compensation for patronizing answers. Choose your words carefully.

I wish you the best of luck!

Name - Alaina

Nickname - Lanie

Favorite Color - Red (except UofU red)

Favorite Animal - Boys

What do you want to be when you grow up? A mom.

What do you think I was like as a little girl? You were a pistol! I see your name and Brian's name carved on the walls all over Granddad's house.

What kind of a mom will you be? The awsome kind. But my kids won't misbehave cause they know what will happen if they do :D

Am I a nice mom? Yes, especially when we shake the bed and make noise at night. You're the best mom in the world, I hope I can be like you when I grow up.

What do you do for work? I'm a professional sleeper and eater.

Do you still want to marry Daddy? Yes. But he's already got a wife.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Ten years older.

What is your favorite movie? Top Gun.

What does Dad do for a living? Kills the bad guys. Travels.

Who is allofus? Someone who gave me a nice Christmas present one year. (Daddy signed a card for me by writing - lots of love from all of us except he ran his words all together and it looked like allofus and I asked him "who's allofus?"

Could I still support a small nation by collecting $1 per burp that comes out of your mouth? You know it.

What was it like running into Hillary Clinton in the Capitol? Like running into Satan. Except I dont think Satan travels with a posse or entourage--he already knows he's ugly, he doesn't need someone following him around to touch up his make up.

Does Hillary really wear pantsuits all the time? Most of the time. I was often confused as to whether she was herself or her husband by the way she dressed.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

It's 10:30 Sunday night, Murray is out of town keeping our nation safe for democracy. Emma, my 13 year old, just walked out of her bedroom and asked if she could sleep with me tonight. My reply was, "sure". I know this means that not only will I have her in bed with me but I will also have Rusty, the family daschshund. Remember this? An opportunity to interview Emma presented itself and I jumped on it. I'm following Stie's format, so here goes:

Name: Emma

Nickname: Emmy

Favorite Color: Hot Pink and Lime Green

Favorite Animal: Koalas and Pandas

What do you want to be when you grow up? A professional cheerleader and get a PhD in Mathematics

What do you think I was like as a little girl? A geek with an afro she says with a cheesy grin. I look at her and ask "seriously?", she giggles and replies yes Mom.

What does that mean sweetie? You're smart and you have crazy hair.

What kind of mom do you think you will be? I don't want kids.

Am I a nice mom? In a way.

What way: In a good way. (pretty noncommittal, remember that she's 13 years old)

What's your favorite food that I make? Au Gratin Potatoes, even though I could probably make them myself.

What do you think Dad does for work? "Well....., ummm..., he helps the military make weapons. That's all, I think."

Who is your best friend? "Kayla"

What's you favorite thing about me? "I don't know.'

Think of something!! "I said I don't know... your cooking."

What are you afraid of? "Dying before I'm finished living"

Why? Because I want to live my life to the fullest without it being stopped short.

Why are you still awake right now? giggles, Because I took a nap today.

Who is your boyfriend? "no one"

That's my girl, there's plenty of time for boys, like when you are in your 20's