There can only be one Highlander!

Remember the other day when we were talking (well, you were reading and I was talking/typing) and I told you about my reading addiction? I am totally going to tell you something else that I just learned about myself because of my addiction. I wish I was Scottish. Yes, you read that correctly. I wish I had a Scottish accent and that some sexy highlander would call me Sassanach. MMMM! Isn't that yummy? And that man would wear a sexy kilt (traditional- hahahah!). And that he would have to lead me on wild life-threatening adventures all over Scotland. And that we would have to get married in order to save both of our lives. And that I would secretly be grateful that I was forced to marry him because then I could enjoy his pationate kisses everyday.

Hmm, so here is why.

Have you heard of the series The Outlander? It is by Diana Gabaldon. AMAZING story. Only if you are interested in listening to 32 hours of a love story- which I totally was up for. At work I type and listen to audiobooks. What could be better?

Okay, so I would even be so drastic as to say that I would put this just under Twilight. I know- that is totally saying something. But when you think of sexy highlanders in kilts saving lives and such don't you want to swoon? I am daydreaming about it as I tell you this. I have Jamie on the brain. I have Jamie in my dreams (almost as much as Edward) and if I could somehow change my life I would make it so that Hubby's scottish ancestry was closer in line, close enough that he would still carry the accent (and the overwhelming desire to wear a clan kilt). He is from the Ferguson Clan and actually has a crest and tartin. Sexy, huh? I know you are jealous.


Theme song- Scotland the brave! Gotta love the bagpipes (unless you are the main chick in the movie Made of Honor- in which case you will want to turn off the sound to this post).

I've about had it

I am thinking I was more than just a little crazy to ever think I could handle multiple kids. Maybe I should have stuck with my original plan.

Original Plan = no kids

Here's why... I am insane. I really, truly am.

Actually, I am going to start at the beginning.

My mom started a daycare in our home when I was 4 years old. On top of having 6 kids in our family we were swamped with at least 12 more kids- DAILY! (Well, except for the weekends- but we had to do our chores all day Saturday- or at least it seemed like it was all day.) Our house was crazy. As I grew up I had more and more responsibilities to help out with the daycare.

I'm not telling you this because I resent my mom for doing this. In fact, I now understand why she did it. She had a degree and for sure could have made more $$$ working in an office, but then she wouldn't have been home to raise us. I love my mom, and recognize that this was a total sacrifice for her. I'm just telling you my issues- remember that!

Back to my story.

By the time I was in high school I really hated going home after school. I didn't mind the evenings when the house was semi-quiet (really, how quiet can a family of 8 really be?) but when the daycare kids were there I dreaded life. (I really was a dramatic child/teenager. I wonder how I ever had any friends- but that is a story for another time.)

I remember one particular day. I was watching some of the kids inside while my mom was outside with a few others playing on the bikes and swingset. Mom popped her head in to check on me and the kids and I must have had the look of death on my face because she came in and sat down, facing me. Totally serious, she asked, "Are you ever going to have any kids of your own?" Totally serious back at her, "Probably not."

I think back on this and have to laugh. What was so horrible that I would say that? I know there are other reasons that I would say that but what happened that day that would make me give the Gramma of my kids a heartattack? My answer made her very sad. I am sure she was blaming herself for it, knowing that I had had just about all I could take of kids in general.

Once I met Hubby that attitude changed. Of course I was going to have kids. Of course we were going to have at least 4. Of course. Why wouldn't I? Umm, because I lack patience. Because I lack the desire to put myself second (or 6th in my case) all of the time. Because sometimes I just want to read in bed all day and not have to get up to get the kids going. Because I think that reading a book beats taking my kids to the park. What in the world? What am I thinking? I just have to get my head out of my hiney and buck up. These are my kids. I was in on the action to create them. I birthed them. I fed them, bathed them, and now I am raising them. So, even though I have my weekly NPSA meetings, I still know, in my heart they come first. I know that I need to be a better mom.

This week is just a really hard one for me. It seems that everyone and their dogs are going away for Spring Break. Around here everyone is constantly going on vaca............except for my family. We hardly could afford the last trip we made and now I am looking ahead to my anniversary this summer. Hubby and I were hoping for Hawaii (maybe see a little Crash and such). Now we are just hoping to decorate our room Hawaiian-style and get a babysitter for a night so we can fool around at our own private luau. TMI- sorry!

I strayed again, sorry. So, this week is Spring Break and the kids are home and I have had a tiny glimpse into what my summer is going to be like. I need help!




Back to my insanity thing. I now I am crazy. I've known this for YEARS. More than 20 years to be precise. Why would I ever think that I can handle raising kids when I can hardly get myself up in the morning? I love to just sleep and read and sleep some more and then read some more. That is peace to me.

Peace is not the screaming kids waking me up after only 5 hours of sleep. Peace is not my son throwing blocks at my daughter's head because she said something mean to him. Peace is not fighting all of my kids to get in their seatbelts so we can take a jaunt over to the store and post office (don't forget to get your taxes in the mail today- taxes are not my idea of peace either!).

Did any of you get through that whole post? Did anyone follow my thought process? Are you crazy like me? Thinking that because I was grown up I could handle the little ones? My daughter has a shirt that says "I'm in charge here. The parents are just for show." This is SO true!

Theme songs- Double header for today- both by Will Smith-
1) Parents just don't understand
2) Summertime

Enjoy!

Easter Thoughts

Easter was a great day, I've got to tell you. The sun was shining and I was with my family. What could be better? Nope, not just the candy could keep me happy today. I needed the full spiritual boost!

Easter church has always been a favorite but today seemed especially wonderful. We had a missionary farewell (even though that is not what they are supposed to be) in our ward. He shared a wonderful testimony of Christ and the resurrection.

I admit, I totally bawled! Where are the tissues when you need them?

Then Relief Society was THE BEST! Patti- you did a great job teaching. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, testimony and the Spirit with me today. Sorry I make you cry when you look at me. Is it my face or the fact that I can't NOT cry when I hear you talk about the Savior? Your testimony is a true example to me. I hope you know I am very grateful that you are my friend!

After church was fun with hubby's family. Great lunch, fun hunt and wonderful conversation (well, until the end when we had to make a quick getaway before I lost my lunch because of the off-colored jokes- seriously people, it was getting bad!).

Look at those happy faces! Grandkids on Dalen's side of the family.

Dixie and Annie

Darcy, Steve, Carly and Hayden

Daren, Shandail, Cristie, Hayley and Dylan

Then we came home and I got the best Sunday gift EVER!


A NAP!

WooHoo!

It was a short one, but beautiful all the same. Then the fam went for a walk. The day was just too beautiful not to fully enjoy it. I love Spring! There were friends and family we saw while we were out and about. We saw flowers. We enjoyed the not-freezing weather. It really was the epitome of Easter to me. Everything looks new.

If you want to enjoy a very inspiring Easter video check out Wendy's post from yesterday. I watched it twice. Loved it. Loved the music. Also, check out Heidi's Easter post. She has a fabulous link to a youtube video that was just beautiful!

PS I think my kids have had way too much candy.

Today's Theme song- Face to Face by Kenneth Cope. Beautiful music about the Savior!

Where have I been?

I know peeps. I have been neglectful of your blogging needs lately.

This just follows my neglectfulness of what is supposedly important in life, like my kids.

Today is our weekly meeting of NPSA (Neglectful Parents Syndrome Anonymous). If you need more info on this check out my original post. This is our third weekly meeting. Yes, this support group is in its infancy, but I really feel support from those of you out there who have been participating in my NPSA meetings via my comment box. Really, I'd love to encourage you all to get on the bandwagon and post your own admission of NPS! (Hey blogging peeps...how to I make a button? I really want to create one for my Friday posts, but I am not so smart in the button arena. Fill me in- thanks!)

I'd like to bring this meeting to order. Thank you for all being here. Sometimes I feel all alone in the world with my NPS and then I come here and I know that I am one of many (or at least 2 because my sister told me she would stop by today).

I struggle, as most of you know with time management. Really, I don't manage it at all, I just go with whatever I feel like doing (which never includes laundry, dishes, making beds or cleaning bathrooms). Usually I feel like being on the computer or watching a total chick-flick. So, I am admitting to my electronically-induced child neglect today.

Yes, the keyboard and mouse, the screen and the remote call my name constantly. Who needs to get your kids dressed or change diapers when you could be watching a fabulous YouTube video spoof of Twilight? Really people. So, I've seen the video about a million times (maybe closer to 25, but who's counting when you are rolling on the floor laughing your butt off?).

Facebook calls me when I have to get the lowdown on my non-blogging friends and family. It also calls me when I get a hankering for a good gamefest of Bejeweled Blitz. This can keep me occupied for hours (literally- I was almost late for a Dr's appointment yesterday because I was playing and kept telling myself- ONE MORE GAME, JUST ONE MORE!).

The hilarious (or sad) thing about watching movies is that I have a very hard time just sitting down to watch it. I have to multi-task. I should be using my hands to fold the bazillion baskets of clean laundry while I watch but lately I just grab my Sudoku book and have at it. I guess my brain is in need of extra stimulation. It's good for me, right? I'll keep telling myself that for now.

So, do I need an intervention? Do I need to have hubby lock me out of the computer room. Do I need to banish my television? Help me out here.

PS No theme song because you HAVE to watch this hecka funny video that keeps me laughing!

It has struck again!

Just when you think it is safe to back in the water...



I mean, just when you think life is safe to live again- the CURSE strikes again. Do I need to remind you of the curse? Check out the link if you forgot. Most of you are repeat customers, so I am sure that you are up on my lingo, my life, and ultimately the lowdown on the curse.

Well, it struck again. I know, you are in total shock. You are asking yourself- how on earth can so many bad things happen to one family. Well, the answer to that is- THE CURSE!

This past week has been a ton of fun with my sister. We made pretty hair flowers, watched conference (all sessions), got together for a girls' night with Sherry, had a HUGE extended family dinner on Sunday (totally fun to see everyone) and stayed up late watching movies. In all actuality I really did think that the Curse would do a hop, skip and jump over this little family visit. But, alas, no such luck. (I feel like Shakespeare when I say alas!)

Yesterday my sis and her family ventured down to my sis' (and my) Alma mater- BYU (Provo- I only add that because there are now 2 other BYU's). I think we have already ruled out BYU Hawaii- since I have never been there, which leaves BYU Idaho (which I did attend but when it was Ricks- so I will ALWAYS call it Ricks). So, that leaves Provo.

Okay, I strayed, sorry! So, they spent the better part of yesterday touring the campus, checking out President Hinckley's building (with Sister Hinckley's chair inside) and seeing all of the new sites since my sis and I attended school there.

When they got home I only had a little bit until I had to jet off to work. Knowing this was our last night together before her trek home we planned for a Denny's midnight run. There are great memories attached to Denny's. Not necessarily the food, but the memories were fabulous. Trying to relive old days we planned that when I got off of work we would head on over for a little sister-time.

Lucky me got off work early so I thought we could head to Denny's early and then get home in time to help get her car all packed up and ready for today's journey. I called ahead to make sure she was ready to jet and this is what I heard,

"Ummm, I have a daughter who is chucking."

WHAT?????

Seriously?

She was totally fine when I left. Apparently her daughter caught some bug that caused her to hurl her cookies about every 10 minutes. Good times!

The result of said illness is that we did NOT make it to Denny's. Instead my BIL watched the sicky while sis and I ran to the store for popsicles and a few necessary snackage for the trip. Secretly we did do a driveby- oh, I mean a drive thru at Del Shmaco for a chicken soft taco and fries. We also tried a shrimp taco, which to be honest was surprisingly good. I think I might venture there again for a seafood extravaganza (if one could call it that- which I just did). We had to be sneaky, though, so we stuck the food in the grocery bags and went in. I left our water cups on the porch so as not to arise any suspicion. Worked like a charm. BIL went to bed and sis and I headed to the couch for a little sister-time sans the Denny's. Too bad, but we'll take what we can get.

Sis and fam headed home to Idaho this morning. I'm gonna miss her. Had so much fun with her cuties, and really had a blast with my BIL who totally loves my sarcasm. (Did you feel that drenched with and oozing the sarcasm??? Well, you shoulda.)

I just got off of the phone with her and so far no chuckage. Let's pray she makes it home without any "incidences."

Theme song- Another one bites the dust by Queen.

Whaddayado?

Okay, so I know that really isn't a real word, but it should be.

I forgot to hold our weekly meeting for NPSA yesterday. Sorry! So I am going to bring this meeting to order...

Again, I will go first. Honestly people. Can someone else feel comfortable enough to go first or am I always going to start these meetings? Oh, wait! This is MY blog. I guess I should go first. Unless, of course, someone wants to totally participate. In which case you have to blog about it on FRIDAY on your blog and let me know about it.

Hello, My name is Julie and I am a neglectful parent.

(Hello Julie)

This week I realized my children come second to my iPod. Well, maybe they are third on the list because my books are first, then my iPod. I knew this when I grabbed my iPod from my bag once I got the kids buckled into the van. I was planning on listening to an audiobook while I was driving up to hubby's work. When I took it out of my bag, UMM asked, "What are you listening to on your iPod, Mommy?"

So, I know some of you may not think this is a big deal. However, I was planning on putting BOTH earpieces in and totally ignoring whatever they said for the duration of the drive. If this isn't neglectful I don't know what is. Really, they could have been having a corinary in the back seat and I would have had no clue. There could have been a three-legged unicorn flying by their window and I wouldn't have heard their screams of joy/fright (this is a quandry, would they be excited about the unicorn or freaked out that it only had 3 legs?).

A couple of times during the drive I would vaguely hear someone call, "MOMMY!" but I am pretty sure it was just the wind.




No, just kidding. I would push pause, take out one earpiece and say, very calmly, "WHAT!" Then I would not so patiently listen to whoever had called my name. Then I would say (again, very calmly), "WAS THAT NECESSARY TO BUG ME ABOUT?" Really, I am so loving and caring sometimes, don't you think?

So, am I alone here? Is the iPod/mp3-player inventor a devil-man wishing and plotting ways to make me suffer even more from NPS? You tell me!

Theme song for tonight- Cotton Eyed Joe because I put my iTunes on Random Shuffle and this was the first song to play. Appropriate that I would let my iPod do the picking tonight. Are you feeling like you come after my iPod in importance to my life? Well, maybe you're right. But, you read this post all the way through and you are still here, so I am guessing you can forgive this one fault. RIGHT?

Just thinking

Who couldn't use a good smile with that face? Can you see my baby's fangs? I know you are thinking that I have an unnatural fixation with vampires, but I am part vampire, don't you know? I mean, the girl does have my genes, and check out those biters! She looks terrifying in that duck towel, too!

Moving on to my real topic for today. (I just don't have a picture to go with it and I took this one this morning and really wanted to share it with y'all!)

I am now contributing to a new blog managed by 2 of my blog friends from my stalking list- Andrea at BloggingMama and Shelle at BlokThoughts. The new blog is In The Real World- Venus vs. Mars. So, today was my first post and I have already made new friends. I love this blogging thing. Who knew when I started this that I would meet people from other states and countries. People that I probably will never meet in real life (well, except for Heidi at Dunhaven Place because she is coming to Utah THIS month!!!). I do however totally plan on meeting Crash one day because I WILL go to Hawaii! I WILL! I WILL! I WILL! (done with a foot stomp) I also should be able to realistically meet Kristina at Pulsipher Predilections because we don't live that far from each other, but this post might creep her out and she might put a restraining order on me and then I will either have to go to jail for breaking the law or never meeting her. Hmmm, hard choice there. I have so many others that I am sure you have noticed that my Shameless Blog Stalking list is constantly growing. What is a girl to do when her time is limited and she keeps meeting new friends on their blogs? Skip the cleaning? Yup, already do that. Let my kids eat crap for lunch? Yup, already do that? Neglect personal hygiene? Not usually, but I do wait until after I have satisfied my blog-hunger. Where else can I pull time from?

Really, all this goes back to PLEASE read my posting over there. And if you have jumped over here from there, WELCOME! Come back anytime. I love visitors, friends,family, stalkers, neighbors and the like.

Today's theme song- Mr. Rogers' Theme song from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

WELCOME TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD!