Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Meet Thelma


I would like to introduce you all to Thelma.  I met her on Christmas, and hope she becomes a really great friend.  I also hope she can help me make things that will look amazing on me, or whoever I dial her to fit!  I hope to use her soon, but have more demanding things to do right now, like business bookkeeping and costumes.   I will keep you posted on our friendship!

P.S.  Right now she is wearing  a top I am making for the dance commpetition for B.   There will be a leotard under it.

Good things:
1.  Thelma
2.  Sewing
3.  Creativity

Meanest Mom Ever Award

Yes, I received this award yet again over the weekend!  It is not hard to believe I have the longest running streak yet.  Almost 20 years to be exact!  So, now I am going to explain why...
1.  Actually, I have to admit this is a very selfish reason, to save face.  No one ever wants to hear, "those _________(last name, not expletive) children are out of control."  The short of it is, I want my children to make me look good.  I have enough issues of my own, that cause me to fall short of the perfection I  strive for.  I know, silly as it may be, I want  other people to think all is under control etc.  I want my friends to think I am a good mom.   Why is that? We all know that unfortunately, children make their own decisions, much to our dismay.  We cannot force them to make the right choice, oh yeah, I think that was Satan's plan.  (why is it that his plan is sometimes so appealing?)   I try not to judge others for the choices their children make.  We try our best to teach them, and sometimes they just make stupid mistakes, just like we did when we were their age... And still do. Yes, note to self, never judge a parent, (or child) for their child (or parent's) decision.  We all make our own choices therefore resulting in our own consequences.  At the seminary fireside on Sunday, Pres. Packer quoted Romney, (I think) "We must teach  not to be understood, but so that we cannot be misunderstood."
2.  I want my children to grow up to be amazing, adults.  I have high expectations for them, and I want them to be better than me. I want them to be smart, compassionate, grateful, respectful, spiritual, wise, humble, successful, responsible, etc.  I want them to know all the answers, do all the right things, learn everything they need to, and not get hurt.  I really do want the very best for my children, and hope they can see that even through my meanness.  I really am trying to help them achieve all those things, and I expect so much from them, it probably isn't even realistic.  But I still want it. 

Even if I continue to receive the award for the meanest mom ever, I will not back off.  I will continue to help my children be all those things previously mentioned.  To me, it is proof that I love them, and want the best for them.  Yes, they do need to learn to work, do well in school, have curfews, text me where they are and who they are with.  They need to wake up early to read scriptures, go to seminary, come to FHE, make dinner, clean, etc.  I just hope by the time they leave my home, they will know that I really do love them, and am not trying to make life miserable, but actually wonderful in the long run.
And by the way, this parent thing is really really difficult!  And I have some really great kids despite their mother!

Good Things:
1.  high expectations
2.  my children
3.  being a parent

Sunday, January 15, 2012

About that responsibility...

Yes, b has three jobs!  I think maybe I should get a job, it almost makes me feel guilty.  She has been working at the district attorneys office four days a week for 12 hours and a work study credit at school.  Two days a week  she works at an after school program for at risk elementary students, and cleaning G's office two times a week.  She stays quite busy!  But I think she loves the freedom money can buy her...I like it too!  Better than that, is that her co-workers like her, and they say she is a good, hard worker.  And of course I remind her to save for college.  She is doing a great job.  If only she could keep a clean room!

Good things:
1.  Hard working people
2.  Saving for a rainy day (or college)
3.  Employment

Prom ...again!






Just a few pictures.  B went with her good friend Skye, she said they had a great time, even if her mean parents made her come home early...1:30!  Apparently everyone else stayed the night! What were they thinking?! Yes, again, I am proud she chose her dress wisely and looked more beautiful than ever.  (I will refrain from going on and on, you have already heard it.)  We did a hairdo found on pinterest of course, the waterfall braid.  And no, I didn't make the dress.  She got it from Shade for $25.  Can't make it for that!  She is becoming not only beautiful, but also responsible.  She paid for her fun with money from her three jobs.  I think this girl is going to be ready to be on her own soon.  So proud of her for making really good decisions about prom!  (and other things too)


Good things:
1.  Wise children
2.  Responsible children
3.  Standards to keep us safe

P.S. No, she is not taller than me.  Just 5 inch heels!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Accepted!

B has been accepted to BYU-I! 

HOLY COW, what happened?

A whirlwind happened! A whirlwind of fun.  It all started with k coming home from school and ended with her leaving.  Hmmm, maybe it was just her. 
She arrived home on  a Thursday, and then everyone just kept coming.  We kept three nephews so their parents could celebrate their anniversary. (that was just a quick overnight)  Our friends the Brummetts came that same day with their three children.  And the chaos, I mean party began.  It really worked out perfectly.  The kids are pretty close in age and they all had a great time playing together. We gathered a few friends and went caroling.  That is my must for Christmas every year.  We sang and delivered some goodies to a few homes, and then sang at an assisted living center.  I think they loved it too, and it felt good to share some Christmas spirit.  I think we even sounded pretty good!  The Brummett's made some delicious pizza for us and I can't wait to use the leftover dough they left in our freezer.  Unfortunately, their visit ended with K, B, and I throwing up.  The good news is they were able to make it home without our flu bug.  They left on Monday, leaving me just enough time to get bedding washed and ready for my parents who arrived Tuesday afternoon while G and I were at a wedding at the Reno temple.  That night was two concerts and a reception.  I like it when Mom and Dad come, nothing exciting happens, but it is just nice to visit with them and enjoy their company.  My mom even made me some divinity.  Try as I might, I can never get it to set up.  I am still enjoying it, and thinking of Gramma Rita everytime I have one. 
Then it was Swiss Christmas with friends and K.   She requested we celebrate with her even though we celebrated earlier in the month with family.  Christmas Eve was celebrated with roclette and G's family.  A swiss thing.  You know you are getting old when you can wake up, take a shower, and make a salad for dinner before your children get up on Christmas morning.  What happened to the excitement?  I guess it grew up.  After opening gifts we went to a combined sacrament meeting with all the fallon wards in our stake.  I like going to church on Christmas, it helps me keep focused.  B was thrilled beyond words (that was the sarcasm font) to lead the choir in singing "Away in a Manger."  We had a yummy dinner with just our family (K said that was the first time since she had been home - 10 days.)  B made pazookies for dessert and we were joined by more family.
On Monday, we left for our time share at the hot springs until Saturday.  Lots of relaxing happened.  G and K finished a 2000 piece puzzle.  It was so big, we had to borrow some sheet rock  because it wouldn't fit on the table.  I read books, magazines, crocheted,soaked, watched a few movies, and slept.  I liked it!  We came back on Saturday, and  hosted a New Year's Eve party that night.  K dropped by the airport  to pick up her Christmas gift, a boy named Grayson.  We had a great time playing games that night, and were up way past my bedtime!   Sunday was spent recovering from the late night and a visit  with family and ice cream.  More relaxing came on Monday and Tuesday.  Tuesday night we watched B cheer for the first time.  A cheerleader in my family?! (sarcasm font)   K left on Wednesday morning at 1:30 am to get to class by noon...silly kids! 
The other kids  go back to school on Tuesday.  I am trying to get myself organized and back on the workout boat.  I think I need a vacation after all that!

Good Things:
1.  being together with family
2.  celebrating Christ
3.  having so much fun a vacation is needed
4. getting a dress form for Christmas - I can't wait to create something