LOOKING TO FONDUE

Does anyone out there have easy fondue recipes and ideas? Thanks
Gail

Mama's Boys

VOTE NOW

Suffering from a monumental case of writer's block, she asked her constituency, limited though it was, what they'd like her to write about. Not that she believed her eloquence was anything worth seeking, but just in hopes that their input would spur her creativity and motivation.

1. The Importance of educating women.
2. How moms use their education daily.
3. Putting High school behind you. Or not.
4. Lifelong goals and dreams
5. Any variation of the theme "20 . . ." for example: 20 places I must see before I die, 20 Books to read this year, 20 foods I cannot live without, 20 best books of all time, 20 injuries I got this year, you get the picture.
6. Professions I should have entered and why.
7. Fears-- irrational and otherwise
8. Great life triumphs
9. Dream vacations
10. Life-shaping events
11. Testimony
12. Expansion of certain topics: NCLB, The State of Education in Wash Co., Family History, the Book of Mormon
13. Family Memories

Okay, friends. Help me out. Be my muse. Help me decide what needs to be discussed for my online journal. Vote now.

Waxing Poetic on Mundanity

Most of you know that we have just finished an extensive, life-altering remodel. In addition to the blood, sweat, time and energy this has taken, there has also been a significant monetary investment. Especially on the carpet. Let's rewind a few years.
About 10 years ago I had a friend. You know the kind-- has it all together, is kind, beautiful, perfect, etc. I REALLY admired her and respected her opinion. She moved up in the world-- building a new house in the up and coming neighborhood in our area. I ran into her in the grocery store one day and asked her: Are you loving your new house. (I was, at this time, thinking of my leaky roof, chipped bathroom tile, and hideous yellow countertops-- I know you remember them, Angela:))
Anyway, I asked her about her house and she said, "Gail, in the end, it's just a house. The kids still throw up on the carpet"
Fastforward to present day. I am immediately reminded of this conversation. I am brushing my teeth, getting ready for bed when Rob yells "Katie, do you have to throw up?" I turn around and there is Katie Throwing up on my bedroom floor. She is delirious-- having just been unceremoniously awoken by her sudden illness. I grab her elbow and almost shove her into the bathroom to the toilet. I assume she knows the drill. I forget this is not a vomit-girl. I can't remember the last time she's thrown up. She proceeds to throw up all over the wall in the bathroom at which time some instruction ensues.
After some significant time cleaning walls, and three places on the carpet with the little green machine, I am reminded of Brooke's comment.
How much have I worried about this dumb carpet, the walls, etc. It's just stuff. All of it will be nicked, kicked, balled. I have six children. Hopefully with those nicks, kicks, and balls come incredible memories to create kind, responsible, thoughtful adults. For this I pray each day.

Random, newsy, but not pithy update.

I have nothing PROFOUND to say, but I will let everyone know what's going on around here:
1. Amy is cleaning out her fish tank. It matters not that the vast majority of her environment down there is in disarray. THe fish tank bugs her.
2. Rob and Matt went with the YM to the Nellis Air Force Base Air Show. Wish I were a Young Man so I could go. I love the air show.
3. we are weathering the limited cable transition seamlessly and absolutely LOVE our Roku player. I SERIOUSLY recommend this device.
4. I am teaching impressionism to Matt and Katies classes this week. It's a pretty fun program which leverages parent volunteers to make up for the lack of art education in the schools.
5. We had dinner club last night and had a really great time. Let's just say I now want a fondue pot.
6. I will pull the pilgrims out of the attic today. Yea!!! I so love decorating for Thanksgiving. For Christmas-- not so much.
7. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I have been "taking it easy" to take care of some problems and yesterday the doctor told me taking it easy wouldn't change a thing so I may be checking out the new gym today.
8. Things I want for Christmas: fondue pot, Amazon Kindle, a Digital SLR Camera. Small things, really ;)
9. Matt Just finished football season. He likes it. I am more of a basketball girl.
10. I Want to run. Running hurts, right now. I want to run. No pain, no gain, right.
11. When I clean my house, or it is organized, I love it and want to change nothing. When it is in disarray-- I am unsettled and think I need to "decorate" when what I really need is a clean home. I think I shall spend some time to that end today.
12. I really need to dead head my roses and clean up my front flower bed.
13. Checking out the price of beans-- no, really.

Making Life just a little bit "FUNNER"

Flying Leap

I finally did it. After much discussion and more weep, wailing, and gnashing of teeth (from the same family member. Are you sensing a Pattern? :) I turned in my DVR and cancelled the cable. Whoa. Hold on to your hats. It's not as heroic as it seems. As you know, I have been contemplating this move for a long time. The kids watch way too much TV and, if the truth be told, so do I. While I love my DVR for the relative ease and comfort it creates for me to watch all my favorite shows at my convenience, I so often found myself in front of it instead of getting accomplished ANYTHING on my ToDo list.

When I turned into the box at the cable company they told me it would be $30 per month for the very basic local and shopping channels. I knew that in town there was a service offering local channels for $10 so I said keep your stinkin' limited basic cable. Then I called the other company which said they had raised their rates to $15 but added some channels so now I get local, +discovery kids, health, (not home, darn it) but TLC, Hallmark and Hallmark movies as well as animal planet. Know what--that's plenty AND I can watch the biggest loser online for free, mind you. So I cut the cord and saved myself $65 a month. Go Me.

Have 1 Need 1

After much research, study and discussion, we decided that our family should have the H1N1 Vaccine as we have an infant in our home. TO this end we found out when it would be given out and resolved to just DO IT despite much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth from one of our clan who will remain unnamed-- but who is older than all the other children :)_. As I passed the venue at 9 a.m. on this cold, rainy thurs. morning and saw cones and law enforcement galore, I knew this was going to be one crazy line. So I got in it. The drive-up clinic was scheduled to open at 1. I got in line at 10 and was the 6th person in line. Bentley and I hung out in the car until Grandma brought Nate after preschool. Then the three of us hung out for another hour with nothing to do. At 12 p.m. first responders and health care professionals were allowed through while we waited patiently. The plan was for Robert to pick up all the kids at 12 and bring them to me in plenty of time for the 1 p.m. opening.
The Best Laid Plans . . .
The nice police people began allowing everyone in my line to go, but I had no kids. This, too, happened to be the day that Rob's phone decided not to work so I called the elementary school in a panic. Found out that Rob got Matthew but forgot that Katie goes to that school too. Called Maggie's school and told the receptionist to tell Rob he forgot Katie. By this time I had pulled out of the line and told all the nice police people that I was waiting for my kids. They were patient with me, kind of.
Bear in mind that I have been hearing that health centers have been running out of the vaccine all over the country. So, I call back the elementary school and tell them to tell Rob to call me. When he does I tell him to forget picking up Amy and just get over here with the other kids. (Although Amy is probably the one who needs it most, frankly) He does, we get in line and then he says-- the line's going slow now, should I try and get Amy? (Schools about 1/2 mile away) Why not. So he left. We are now at the front of the line in our car with no Rob and no Amy when sprinting down the parking lot they come-- Just in time to get their shot. Definitely a Rocky Movie Music Moment.

Yea!!!The whole family is vaccinated in the van. It was a vancination.

Did I mention that the line, by 1 p.m. was about a mile long? Glad I got in line when I did.

WHAT WOMEN WANT

Around here there's a biennial event held each October and April. It is an expo, a convention as it were of "What Women Want". This expo is hugely popular. Finding a parking spot is difficult which is saying a lot as the area set aside for said parking is beyond enormous. I go every time because, frankly, there's a lot I want and I'm always hoping they'll have it there. They never do. Why? Well, let's see . . .
If the event coordinators are a good judge of what women want then I must be looking for hair bows, flower headbands, chunky acrylic bead watches, eyelash extensions, weight loss surgery, glitter . . .you get the picture. Do you know what? These things are n o t w h a t I w a n t. (although I was kind of excited about the ice rink coming to town-- If you build it, they will come ;)
WHAT I WANT:
Windows that wash themselves and Clothes that fold themselves
Motivation to quilt, bead, scrapbook-- anything.
A Guarantee that my family will not get the swine flu
Peace of mind
Energy to do-- anything.
A cozy place to read.
For my mind to conceive and my hands to achieve
Patience-- with my children, myself, and life's patterns
To feel that I am contributing-- to my business, my calling, society, etc.
To be more organized
To see the world.
To be articulate, intelligent, compassionate and fun
To love myself and to conduct myself always in accordance with this belief.

These things are not available at the expo.

An Assessment of Addiction

Books. Are. My. Friends.
Are they yours?
* Were you twice as attracted to the young man you eventually married because you were impressed with the size of his bookcase and paperback collection?
* Do you cry at the end of Anne of the Island because Anne and Gilbert are finally together and all is right with the universe Even though you've known it was inevitable since she cracked that slate on his head and this is the 10th time you've read it?
* Do you walk around in a funk for 2 days after finishing a book not because it's sad, but because it's over?
* Do your books all have chocolate stains on the pages?
* When you go to D.I.(salvation army-esque place) do you spend more time in books than in any other section and do you squeal with joy when you find Cry, The Beloved Country, Cold Sassy Tree, and a college Algebra Textbook all in the same trip:?
* Do you have books in boxes, on shelves, by your bed, between the seats of your car, on the back of the toilet, and on the treadmill all at the same time?
* Can you read 4 different books simultaneously?
* Are you constantly saying to your kids-- "No more reading-- get outside and play," only to breathe a sigh of relief, plop yourself down and begin reading your own treasure?
* Do you make your daughter's book overdue because you found it and can't put it down?
* Do you pick your elliptical trainer/ treadmill literature based on the length of the articles?
* Can you find something worthwhile to read even in "Dayspa" magazine if nothing else is available?
* Do you act shocked when your daughter says she's read HP7 more than 4 times, but silently admit that you've read the DaVinci Code at least that many times and let's not get into the number of times Anne has cracked that slate in your world?
* In any home you enter do you immediately find the bookshelf and start checking off the books you've read and make a list in your head of the ones you want to read?
* Do you secretly Hope that your Sister In Law will offer to loan you the new Dan Brown book that she has in her shelf that you found in the first ten minutes in her home last week?
* Do you ask every stranger in the gym what they're reading?
* Do you have 40 minute conversations with other moms that include words like "Percy Jackson", horcrux, and alethiometer?
* Do you run the book fair at your school despite that fact that you've got a newborn at home?
* Do you think Bella, Edward, Jacob and Stephanie are just a l.i.t.t.l.e. overrated and wish the young women in your life knew hero's and heroines like Ender, Elizabeth Bennett, umfundisi, etc.
* Do you have a hard time organizing your bookshelf because they are overflowing?
* Do you think alone time at the library is akin to heaven on earth?
If you can answer yes to any one of these questions, you are likely in need of some serious therapy.
Oh, Wait! maybe there's a book for that :)

GLIMPSES OF THE NEW NORMAL

Rob is sitting on the rug in front of the fireplace trying to find a seat pack for his bike. (Rug and fireplace are new)
I can shower without kids coming in to use the bathroom (cause my bathroom isn't the only working toilet in the house)
I have no idea what the downstairs looks like :) (Cause I haven't been down there-- no need to.)
Someone's coming over with my mom for lunch tomorrow and I'm pretty sure I can clean it up in 15 minutes. (cause everything's still in the garage)
We just watched a "Voyager" episode on the projector. It was less work than using the TV. (B/c Honey pie hooked it all up)
I can open all my doors and they all have screens.
Yea for being done. Now. . . What. to. talk. about? Literature, perhaps.

Too many Closets. . . Too much stuff

The last four years have been years of accumulation-- of building materials for our house, of books -- to feed my addiction, clothing-- to keep up with my many sizes (read: Post baby, cool weight loss, marathon running, pregnancy(again !) and full circle back to post baby) and children, and toys/games/educational materials(yet another addiction).
This habit of accumulation has put me in a funny position. I now have closets. I now have dressers. I finally have room for all this stuff. But I don't want to bring it back in my house. I love looking at the empty closets and dresser drawers. I do not want to fill them up. I want to shed.
Living in this chaos has taught me that all I really need is my books and probably my fabric/hobby stuff. The rest of it I don't need or want around. We took all of our toys/games/puzzles and put them in one room. I would like very much to have the entire world come to this room for the greatest garage sale ever. I don't need it and I don't want it.
Part of my problem is that I am a sucker for a great deal-- Buy used and save the difference I like to say, but the truth is I buy used and then buy some more used. I bring so much stuff home from the DI that is really cool, but most of it I don't "love", I just like that it's so cheap. and I'm stuck with a lot of stuff that's cheap that I don't want to fill my closets with. I need little, I have too much. I'd like to break this habit.
I spent some time this weekend in a home that is always neat, orderly, and meticulous. There is, in this house, great attention to detail. Items bought are quality and nothing is bought that is not cherished and well maintained. The occupants of this house (and all former occupants and frequent visitors of this house) know the procedures and systems that reside therein. Order, here, is the norm. When I visit this home I feel a spirit of peace and order that I crave. Conversely, in my home CHAOS is the norm.

This ought not so to be.

To that end:

I RESOLVE:

To sell or give away things of worth that I don't need or want anymore.
To care for and maintain that which I have that is of value,
To keep my environment uncluttered and neat
To shed 30% of my current wardrobe
To use the food in my freezer before acquiring new.
To shed 50% of the items in the playroom and storage room.
To create systems and schedules that maintain the desired order.
To collapse in a heap at the end of the day, but to be satisfied with the order around me.

THE NEW NORMAL OF ORDER AND ORGANIZATION BEGINS . . . Tomorrow.

TO DO

Pack for SL
Calm Fussy Baby
Vacuum
Calm Fussy Baby
Sweep Bathrooms
Calm Fussy Baby
Empty Bathroom Garbages
Calm Fussy Baby
One last load of laundry
Calm Fussy Baby
Shower
Calm Fussy Baby
Hair
Calm Fussy Baby
Dust office
Calm Fussy Baby
Wipe counters
Calm Fussy Baby
Drive to SL
Calm Fussy Baby
Get anything done? Not on your life.

Some recent Pictures

Necks Horny Toads Waiting PatientlyOreo face at the Rodeo (or as Nate says "Radio")

Football Boy

Check out my facebook page for others.

UPDATe

Painter comes tomorrow and carpet is laid on THURSDAY. This day, Thursday October 1st is the first day of the rest of my life.
No more painted subfloor anywhere
Kids can invite their friends over
No more excuses why the family party can't be at our house.
No more excuses why the flower beds aren't weeded.
Much less dust
No blue paint on the light switches
No more children assuming chaos is the norm and perpetuating it.
Finally being able to get a leg up on other honey-do's like washing windows, etc.
No more putting off a shower because there are strange men in my house
No more worker-guys for Nate to bother
Room in my garage.
I AM TRULY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW NORMAL :)

GOOD THINGS

In the interest of channeling my inner Martha Stewart, I've decided to compile a list of my own "Good Things". For the unintiated, good things are items, projects, habits that make life just a little more pleasant in the use of them.

*Reading cookbooks and pretending that I might actually, someday make the new stuff. With this, of course, comes a delusional thought/hope that my family might like it. Unlikely.

*Blue Clear Bic Stics-- The only other pen that comes close in flow are the pink pens from the Eye doctor. The blue and green ones that are the same brand are inferior.

*Uniball-micro roller-- Is it strange to have such a love for pens. The micro-roller is especially good for doodling, drawing, etc. on the margins of notes and for making up monograms-- a hobby of mine.

*Fiskars small paper cutter: I own a large paper cutter. It can cut many sheets of paper with one pass. I never use it. Enter, though, the little 8 1/2 in. one that I use for absolutely everything from scrapbooking to fliers. A very useful tool.

* Graco Bouncy Seat w/ vibration and toys: for obvious reasons this little bugger is a real sanity saver. But be careful. Overuse can result in delayed development-- just ask Nate's physical therapist whose first words when she walked in my house were: "Throw it outside and Step away. The bouncy seat is NOT your friend." Ummmmm-- Yes it was. And is again.

* vaseline--when running, this substance protects from chafing, blisters, etc. Lifesaving, even.

* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.-- Any mom whose ever had a budding van Gogh in their midst can appreciate this little sucker removing pen, pencil and every other art medium off of walls. + lots of other uses.

*Advil-- Ibuprofen is what the doctors were talking about when they said "take two and call me in the morning". 4-600 mg. always seems to cure what ails me. Except when I have a migraine in which case the miracle is Excedrin. I haven't got much use for tylenol, except when nursing the kids. Advil will even usually do the trick for me post-surgery, baby, etc.

*HP5700 Series printer/copier/scanner. When I got my first all-in-one, Rob thought it was excessive. No longer. We copy financial records at home, I can make things up for the kids to do at home. I can't begin to tell you how useful it is to have the scanner and copier features. I have never been able to figure out the fax feature but it matters not. The time and energy I have saved in having this has more than paid for its relatively inexpensive price.

*IPOD: Music is such a part of my life's experience. I love having all of it at my fingertips. So be it a country, or pop, or broadway day, with the click of a button I am transported. Priceless.

*Library card: I'll admit that since the proliferation of my children I have been somewhat remiss in my library attendance. I am known for the late fees I owe as my visitations are sporadic and undisciplined. But a library is a heavenly building. In my alternate life I would probably choose to be Rahni (librarian at East High, I believe) handing out the best books to teens and watching them get excited about the amazing literature out there. I don't think I could work in a book store for two reasons-- I'd spend my paycheck in the store before I ever walked out the door and 2. I would just like to give away books as a gift to people who walk in the door. Anyway, libraries are some of my favorite places.

WOW, this is a way long post but I guess it just shows me how many amazing little things I have to be grateful for, in addition to all the big things.

This is a test, only a test.

This is a new post to see if Facebook will still get my RSS feeds even though I've gone private.

Cursed by the Remodel Gods

Do ya ever feel just a little cursed? Like there is some cosmic thing out there that just does not want you to finish a project or get something done? This is just so in the case of my remodel. The first incident happened months ago. Having ordered tile from the sample in the showroom, our tilesetter laid down what was delivered by the tile company. I took children to school, etc, etc. and when I came back, was shocked to see that the tile was nothing like we ordered. Long story short the beautiful-but-matching-nothing tile was removed, new tile paid for (by US) and the result is perfect we love it. But lots of frustration, especially at the tile company for sending us a completely different tile than we ordered, and then not standing behind their mistake.
Today, while the hardwood floor layers (we finally have given up on trade boy and are just paying people to do these last little jobs. It's almost not worth their time to come in to finish it all up, but a job's a job, I guess.) were laying the floor, they noticed that 7 of the 25 boxes were the wrong color. Luckily, this time the worker-guys (Nate's name for all the new friends he's been making this year) noticed a problem, and went to bat with the supplier. So half our hardwood is laid. YEA. Glass half full, room half done, glass half full (my remodel mantra)
Anyway, last straw: Rob was installing bathroom lights and is missing 2 Essential parts sets. We've looked everywhere. IT'll take at least a couple of weeks to get in these screws. Lights half done, glass half full.
Cursed, I tell you. Cursed!

Oh YEAH!

if you don't facebook, e-mail me from the link on the right.

4 miles

4 miles in 56 minutes is only a 14 minute mile. BUT, the first 3 were 15-minute miles so that puts the last mile at 11 minutes. Not bad if I do say so myself. Maybe I will get my groove back after all.

GOING PRIVATE

Dear Friends and Family. I love that you read my blog. I've linked my blog to facebook, so all friends should be able to find it. Recently, though, I've been concerned with the dangers of having my children's pictures, etc. available on the internet for viewing so at the end of next week, I will be changing my blog to a "by invitation only" blog. I know this is a little inconvenient, but I just think it's something I need to do for the safety of my kids. Everyone who wants to read it need only send me a facebook e-mail message so I have your e-mail (still working from Rob's Laptop which has HIS contacts, not mine). Thanks. If you don't read it, ignore this message:)

JUST WONDERING:. . . .. . .

. . . . If I'm the only one who didn't know BYU was playing Oklahoma and won
. . . . Why, to borrow a phrase from cousin Renae, I'm so stinkin' blessed to have been in the room when a fan combusted in my house-- could've been when I was gone, or the kids were alone, etc. Instead-- everybody's safe, fire is contained within seconds and no damage to anything but the fan. pretty sure I don't deserve it.
. . . . why Bentley is such an angel in public and such a pill at home? So not useful for eliciting sympathy.
. . . . When did my children start growing up so much?
. . . . When will J.R. Bring my office cabinets-- if ever?
. . . . Why some people refuse to join facebook-- Even with me as their only friend. :) THis is for You, R.J.-- Since you're such a loyal reader :)
. . . . Why I didn't appreciate my extended family as much when I lived near them.
. . . . Can you overdose on dark chocolate and almonds?
. . . . Which book should I read next seeing as my sit-and-focus time is as rare as Bentley sitting quiet and alert?
. . . . What was I supposed to bring to the Bayles' cabin?
. . . . When will my house be finished?
. . . . Am I overfeeding this kid or is he just HUNGRY?

Anyway, just wondering.

FuN SAtuRdAy

Yesterday, after many weeks of boring, stay-home-with-the-baby monotony, the cabin fever got to us and we just had to get outta dodge. So we packed everybody up, even the peanut, and headed up to one of our favorite summer hangout spots-- Pine Valley Recreation Area. We love it there because we can play in the creek and it's cooler than St. George and we always have a great time. Additionally, Rob dusted off his GPS (never used birthday present from like 2 years ago) and we did our first geocache. Ben liked it to, but next time we go I've got to have a front carrier or something like it because Strollers don't go there and it's not terribly convenient to carry a baby in our arms (See Rob in the woods)

Anyway, this is the kids attempting a Geocache Commencement pose a la Charlie's Angels. On the way home it rained-- a rare treat in So. U. Summers.

And, the piece de Resistance --instead of movie night we watched Start Trek, the Next Generation on DVR. For those uninitiated in the audience, this is the best of the 4-5 Star Trek Spinoffs. The shows were always clean, usually had a moral, and the character development was amazing. I think it is one of the greatest science fiction television series of all time (or maybe I'm just a nerd). In any event, I thought I'd let my kids watch it, honestly expecting that Amy and Katie would hate it, but they loved it. Love that.

Mulletts

It's not enough that I have body issues and baby issues, I went in to my trusted, very hip hairdresser to have her fix my not so great layered cut that has been irritating me for two months. I tell her specifically to give me the long layers I usually get and fix the layers that give me really great curly hair but are a huge nightmare to straighten. I turn my head for two minutes to help Nate help the baby and when I look back in the mirror, she has cut a MULLETT in my hair. I kid you not. Very short ( I told her long, I swear)top layer, and LONG in the back. It has taken all my restraint in the last week not to complain to everyone I know about this horrible haircut. I really need to get this fixed. Help!!!!!!!!

The Spirit Is Willing . . .

Since long before I had Ben I have been wanting to Run. I get on the treadmill and my mind wants to run. RUN RUN RUN. Instead of the exhilaration I know comes from running when I do this, I experience a lot of pain and discomfort. WAAAAHHH!!!. But, now I am not pregnant and can run. . . NOT. Apparently my joints are not all back in alignment. Yesterday, I went for a walk during which I planned to intersperse jogging moments, thereby buoying my spirits, reminding me of how much I liked to run, burning calories along the way. AuContraire mon frere. At the first jog my pelvic floor started screaming and I knew, it was still too soon. I've got to give it two more weeks until I see my Dr. and get the go ahead. So, yesterday's walk was just a walk. Five miles of walk.
SOME RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ABOUT EXERCISE AFTER TAKING A SABBATICAL FROM IT:
Take water
5 miles is a long way. Even longer when you've left the baby and forgotten your phone.
Have to re-form those callouses-- which start out as blisters
Upper back muscles-- forgot I had them.
If your IPod isn't charged up, it will die-- allowing much needed time for reflection and renewal.
Leave early-- even 8:30 is too late in the So. Utah August sun

The only New Pictures I have

OK, confession time: I have not been taking tons of pictures. I plan to repent. Here are some I found on my Phone.

Interesting Point:

" We have given teens more money, so they can construct their own social and material worlds more easily. We have given them more time to spend among themselves-- and less time in the company of adults. We have given them e-mail and beepers and, most of all, cellular phones so that they can fill in all the dead spots in their day -- dead spots that might once have been filled with the voices of adults -- with the voices of their peers. That is a world ruled by the logic of word of mouth, by the contagious messages that teens pass among themselves." And, might I add, less comment moderation, so to speak. Fewer reality checks, fewer moments of loving , thoughtful interaction with parents. This quote comes from Malcolm Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point.

Super Simple-- Things that make it -- ALL GOOD!!

*Whoever snuck in to my house and tidied my kitchen and family room last night while we were in Zion!!!!!-- Although I am extremely embarrassed that it was seen in that condition.
*Rob-- for too many reasons to number.
*Grandpa having his cell on at the lake so mom can do a life jacket check
*5 oh yeah!!!, 6 ! incredible, beautiful, healthy kids
* Baby loves hanging out on Grandma
* Ankles, feet, and other non-swollen jointed appendages
*Reuning with the family.
*TV in my family room (temporary though it may be)
*Napping babies
*Formula and pacifiers-- making possible the aforementioned napping baby
*Power ranger underwear (making it all good for Nate to miss the lake)
*Chocolate chip cookies with tons of nuts.
*Dr. A saying I can start exercising next week.
*Preschool every day coming up this year.
* 1 st grade-- exciting for K and for me (all day, every day-- is my excitement too palpable?)
* fb-- so I don't feel like the entire world is passing me by
*Maternity shorts that don't reveal their true nature so I can look half cute just one week later
*blogging-- the only way I'll ever have a journal-like thing in my crazy life.

Separated at Birth?

I'm not sure you can see it, but the mom's eye knows. I think these two are going to be twins.

WELCOME BACK, Y'ALL!!!

I like to give a hearty welcome back to . . .
My ankles. You have no idea what a happy day that was. After 4 months of spreading joints, swollen feet and water retention, I finally have my ankles back. They are grateful to rejoin the world. The feet, as well, are excited for the new world awaiting them. All those shoes they couldn't fit into-- no longer an issue. Every day something new, something a little more to look forward to. Like today, for instance, the first time I wore non-maternity unmentionables (my dad's euphemism for underwear). It seems like a small thing, but you know in your heart that it's not.

Baby, too is making strides. Today he stayed awake for almost two hours. I haven't seen his eyes that much this whole week. It's pretty cool. Pretty soon I expect him to start turning toward voices and responding to sound. He already likes the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. And workout music-- Go figure. Even in utero this baby has responded to music. With his ear and hyper long fingers we expect a chopin in the next few years.

Bentley

Introducing Michael Bentley Jensen. Born Friday, July 17th at 7:47 p.m. and Weighing in at 8 lbs 2 Oz, and 21 and 3/4 inches, young Jensen is a contented, happy baby. Crying does not seem to be his preferred method of communication and he is not terribly interested in eating, either-- of course we expect that to change as he looks to have his Dad's hollow leg. He is perfect and beautiful and the most pleasant baby that has ever graced our home.

His delivery was induced. It looked like I would go fast, but didn't. I progressed to a 7 and doc said he wanted me to get an epidural so he could help turn the baby, etc. and he expected it would be another 2-3 hours. I assented because, well because it hurt-- really bad-- and I was tired of hurting and getting nowhere. So the anesthesiologist comes in, gives me the epidural and it just won't numb anything (yes, my legs, but not the stuff that mattered). In fact, the contractions just kept hurting like the dickens because the baby was already pushing on the pelvic nerves and the epidural just wouldn't help me with that. Thanks@!!#$ Can you say excruciating. Holding the bedrail and crying is all I can remember. Less than an hour after receiving the epidural the baby was ready. Just so you know-- I'm taking credit for not getting the epidural since it didn't even work.

Anyway, that's the story. Here are the pictures.

Two More Days!!!! :(

Let the nesting begin. Our bedrooms are finished. We are moved in, cleaned up, ready for the baby, we think. We still have tons to do in the family room, living room, and office but we have our beautiful bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. Everyone is in their new bedrooms for the first time ever. I'll post pics soon, I hope.
Pregnancy wise, Two more excruciating days of 108 degree weather, horrible contractions that do nothing, and waiting, waiting, waiting, for this baby to be born. My doctor will induce labor on Friday if I haven't had him by then. I'll probably have to wait til then, knowing me.

A Word to the Wise

Not 12 hours after our return from an exhilarating but exhausting trip to Lake Powell I found myself pulling into the church parking lot for choir practice at 8 a.m. (church is at 8:30). There was a momentary thought as I pulled into the tree-lined parking lot-- do I take the usual spot about halfway down or do I take advantage of the spot just opposite the doors? This is a no-brainer, you say, take the easy spot. I'm 38 weeks pregnant for heavens sake, don't I deserve a little break? You'd think so. So I took it, unloaded my kids, and headed into practice America, the Beautiful. Sacrament begins and Robert leans over to me and says, "Brother X (names changed to protect the really nice, but not so innocent) hit your car. It's pretty bad."
I am incredulous. "You're kidding, right." Nope. He hit two cars because he revved it in reverse. (Did I mention I like him. He's 95+ and really funny and likes my kids because they remind him of his grandkids) So after Sacrament I check out the damage. It's bad. The entire rear hatch and bumper will have to be replaced. I tear up a little 'cause I've had this car for only 6 months and it's the newest car I've ever had. But, it's drivable. SO I drive it. And when I park the car rolls forward. A fluke, I say. But the next day it happens again and keeps rolling backwards, IN PARK. Needless to say, I hightail it with my 5 kids a summer's worth of car garbage and my huge belly over to the collision center rushing to get a rental car to get to the doctor. CRAZY DAY. BASIC FYI Don't ever park behind the Handicap parking spots, even if it is really shady.

TO BE ooooor NOT TO BE!!

Nate has a new vocabulary word. EXIST. Don't ask me where he got it, but he did and now he asks: Does the lake exist, does the boat exist, does spiderman exist etc.,etc. So last night we're driving home from Lake Powell after 3 hours driving and 5 tired days on the lake. Our guard was down. We didn't listen as carefully as we should. "Mom," he asks, "does the tooth fairy exist." "YES!!" I answer emphatically. And then the cogs of his brain kick in, his generalization instincts rear their little heads, he remembers that superman, spiderman, and batman are fictional and replies with no perceptible emotion, "the tooth fairy doesn't exist."
Katie, who is not yet ready to make this cognitive steps cries out, "Yes, Nate the tooth fairy exists." At least we still have one believer :)

FRIDGE WOES!!

IT was inevitable. After my last weekend prayer, the fridge is definitely on its last legs. We are headed out of town for a few days and have researched some fridges. When we get back we will probably buy this fridge. I want the french doors because the side by side has just not been great as far as finding room for things. We like the ice maker and hope this one makes as much ice as our last one. I think, also, that I need a garage fridge-- something that allows me to shop at Costco and buy in bulk, but not necessarily keep all the bulk stuff right in the kitchen. Maybe for CHristmas.

Heaven on earth!

Just got finished laying 5200 feet of sod in our backyard. Sorry there's no before pictures-- believe me, it was just dirt and weed and briars and noxious weeds-- that afflicted and tormented me. NOW< it's heavenly.

HELP!!!! I NEED TO NAME MY BABY!

It's legendary in the Jensen family. Girls names are picked and ready, even before conception. There is a long list of mutually agreed on, lovely female names. Male names, however, have not fared so well. When naming our boys, both times, we have been in the hospital, ready to leave, when forced to write something down for the birth certificate. We wanted to name one after Robert and we liked his initials (RMJ) so Matthew became Robert Matthew Jensen. This idiosyncracy of being called after his middle name is truly a hassle if not tantamount to child abuse. The poor kid is always having to correct things with teachers, dentists, etc. Now, we don't ever put Robert down unless it's official documentation and I have to watch the EOB from insurance companies to make sure I file things in the right folder (Rob or Matt)Anyway, when Nate came around what did we do? We did it again. Robert's older brother Richard was killed 17 years ago in a car accident. They were very close. Robert and Richard were named after another set of brothers in the family Robert and Richard Wells. So we wanted to continue the tradition and have a Robert and Richard, too. Hence, Richard Nathan Jensen. The only justification we use for these word games is that someday they may sound like a General Authority's name. R. Nathan and R. Matthew Jensen.
OKAY, enough of the Jensen male naming history. Male Baby No. 3's current name is

Bentley Michael Jensen.

Michael is, of course, after my dad, but it would be strange to call him Michael. Bentley is Robert's dad's middle name-- a grandmother's maiden name, I believe. We might call him ben, then again we might not. At times I really like this name. At others, I am just not sure. We are definitely making it an issue of prayer. But I'd love to hear what others think.

UPDATE

After doing all the tricks I know, and a little prayer, this morning the fan was blowing and the stuff in the fridge seemed cool, if not really cold. I'm not holding my breath that this will give me another two years, but my prayer was for 2 more days until the store opens and I think I may have been granted that. Thanks, Heavenly Father.

All Good THings . . .

Well, I think it's finally come. The end of the refrigerator. A couple of years ago the fridge died and I called in a repair guy. He basically told me that my not very old refrigerator had a warped door that was essentially irreparable. He put a little compressor starter on it and told me it might last a week or a year, he just didn't know. i guess I should consider myself fortunate that it lasted this long. To replace the compressor is about $1300. and it might go bad again because of the door-- so not a good risk to take. Best bet, suck it up and buy a new fridge which, considering how much money I've paid out in the last month or two for this house is not a happy prospect. NEVERTHELESS: you've gotta have a fridge so I guess I try to get one right away.
In the meantime toast without butter, granola bars , but no dairy. Try to eat all the produce tomorrow. go to the store early to get ready for YOuth Conference breakfast. Luckily my icemaker still works (gotta love that crushed ice). it will be nice not to have to monitor the fan on my fridge anymore. And if Eliza R. Snow can pray for her oxen to walk, I can pray for my fridge to work-- just until monday.

COMMENT QUIZ:;-- Make your guesses in the comments!

HERE's THE QUIZ: 15! 15! 15! Who knows to what this refers? Any guesses? I'll tell you tomorrow.

House/Pregnancy Update

At the risk of being too whiny, I'll take a minute to update everyone on the pregnancy, summer, house thing.

I have 42 days left. I cannot tell you how forward I am looking to the end of that time. I have generally swollen feet. Heartburn is a common friend-- usually linked to my favorite foods-- pasta & peanut butter. Sugary things nauseate me (but not enough to Pavlov me into not eating it.)Not sleeping much, but definitely visiting the restroom a couple of times a night. Gaining a little more weight than I'd like. Pretty fun, eh! But all worth it. I cannot wait to meet this kid. And hopefully we'll bring him home to a finished house which brings me to part II of this post.
THE HOUSE: The chaos. A year ago my friends told me-- Gail, you can't accurately gauge how well you're doing keeping house when you have, essentially, been living in an apartment for 3 years. (7 people, 3 bedrooms, 2 closets, sharing one tub/shower) Granted, the Kitchen is roomy and nice which has made things bearable. But now, only one of our 4 toilets is installed (the others have been removed to tile the floors). OUr stairs have been torn out. All our furnishings are stacked to the ceiling in the family room and garage, my bedroom doubles as office, bedroom, laundry staging area and dump station. The depth of the destruction is astronomical. Chaos, entropy, and dust are the new normal. I have no air conditioning in the basement because turning it on would suck up so much sawdust it would ruin the system. Strange men in my house ALL DAY. EVERY DAY!!! All right. Enough whining. THE GOOD NEWS: the tile is all but finished-- friday everything should be done. Same with the stairs. The granite will be installed monday. Then trim work, paint and flooring is all that's left. We have 30 days people (I need at least 12 to nest) Let's get 'er done.

Happy 4th Birthday Nate!!!!

What an amazing 4 years it's been you sweet boy. You are adored beyond belief and loved almost more than you can handle. You're a happy, funny, lovable, thankful little soul and we have been so blessed to have you in our lives.

Spirit of Elijah

I just wanted to take a second to testify to everybody that finding our families and engaging in genealogy is so important that when we take even one step in the direction of seeking out our families, Heavenly Father blesses us. I have two specific examples, one extremely recent, one not so.

I have been very interested in following certain genealogical lines of my father, but at one point became very discouraged and quit-- for about 3 years. One of the things I wanted was a copy of a very old book containing much of this genealogy, but I wasn't able to find one in a format I could access. Short of a trip to Salt Lake, I'd never see this book except on microfiche. Anyway, Paul explained to me that the reason I had become so frustrated was a simple matter of data entry that was easily correctable. So yesterday I corrected some of these entries and do you know what happened TODAY? While researching Baby bouncy seats, my cursor accidentally scrolled and clicked over something (I really have no idea what happened) and without ever doing a search, The Annals of the Sinnott, etc. families came up as a free download in Google. I now have the book I needed through no thought of my own, because I know Heavenly Father wants me to have it and was waiting for me to express a desire to do this work. What an amazing blessing.

One other experience I have shared with many is the time that I went on to a genealogy forum for the first time ever and somebody had recovered an old photo of my great grandmother and was offering it free to family. I tried to post, but couldn't (but thought I did) and heard nothing back. 3 months later I logged back on and checked the same forum. In the interim between these logins, the finder of the picture and a genealogy enthusiast from Ireland had begun a conversation that included much information I did not possess regarding birthplaces, family affiliations and dates that I needed. I did finally receive the picture and the information, too.
I can't chalk this stuff up to chance. The Lord has a work for me to do and I need to do it. The prophet Isaiah promised that the hearts of the children would be turned to the fathers. The spirit of Elijah is alive and well in this house.

Off to see the Wizard.

Our trip to San Francisco to See Wicked finally came. The play was great. The hotel, magnificent. The city, wet but beautiful. We had a very nice time. And I learned some things about myself along the way.
1. I may like the IDEA of the big city, but the reality of it isn't exactly my idea of fun. We drove around for miles looking at the architecture, which, of course, I love but I couldn't help wondering where there kids play or where they plant their tomatoes, or when do they get to see their own roses bloom and dig in the dirt and I was very much grateful for my little bit of earth here in Utah.
2. You only need to ride on a trolley car once to appreciate the experience. Sardines, and pickpocket warnings make me so grateful for the fresh air I can breathe just by walking out the door.
3. I'm a little bit of a fraidy cat when it comes to deserted streets at 11 o'clock at night. My fight or flight reactions kick in, every person is examined suspiciously, and my mind automatically plans my escape route-- especially when I don't know where I was going which, by the way was most of the time downtown.
4. My phone works really great as a GPS. But a GPS doesn't help if you don't know where to go. I'll plan things a little better next time. Unstructured time means you miss stuff you thought you wanted to see.
5. I have no idea what stuff in the real world costs. We rented a car because we got a great deal and spent more to park it ($50 per day) than we did to rent it because parking was at a premium.

Rob and I were discussing whether I'll be able to handle places like New York and Europe, if I got so frustrated with San Francisco, but my friend C assures me that New York is much better. In any event, I will definitely plan better, understand that it takes longer to get places on public transportation, and plan EXACTLY what I want to do. Plus, frankly, I missed my kids and kept thinking "Nate will love this." Or "I can't wait to tell Matt and Maggie about this." Maybe I'm getting a little older and the wanderlust I used to feel so keenly I realize is only fun when it's a shared experience. But sometimes you just gotta get away without the kids, too.

Nose Issues:

So, last night Nate popped up off the potty and popped me in the nose. It was very clearly broken. I've done this a few times and I know when it's broken. Luckily, it's not displaced so I don't need to go to the doc, but it hurts and gives me a slight headache for a couple of days and then will be stuffy for weeks if not months while it heals. For posterity, I am chronicling my broken noses.
1st and Worst: While 5 months pregnant and country dancing Rob and I were swirling around his parent's living room on Christmas break when his elbow connected with my nose displacing it. Apparently it looked pretty bad because Rob immediately called our friend who is an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Anderson came over and said, yep, it's broken and called Dr. Marsden who opened his office despite the fact that it was Saturday on a holiday weekend and met with me to fix the nose. He stuck a long rod up my nose, pulled quickly to the left and realigned the nose. I was left with a huge bandage and two black eyes. When we went back to law school, Rob had to endure a lot of ribbing about beating me up.

2nd.::Amy jumped on my lap and popped me in the head. It wasn't displaced, but eventually I did have to get surgery to fix that one.

3rd. More country dancing

4th: Popped in the face with a baseball at super close range on the shuttle bus to the kite festival.

I know the feeling, I recognize the crack. I'm usually pretty protective when everyone is climbing around me cause I really have having this happen. Apparently not careful enough.

THIS IS SO PERFECT!!!

PrEGnAnCy RaNt!!!!

I am writing this entry, not so much for you, my loyal readers, but for posterity, for myself in case I get any more revelations about having children, and for my memory which always seems to fade in the light of super sweet babies. PREGNANCY STINKS. (I'm sorry, this may get vitriolic. Make sure you cover your eyes if I get too offensive) The top 20 reasons this sweet baby boy is baby Number Never Again:
1. my backside seems to get as pregnant as my frontside.
2. I'm too tired and nauseated to get off the couch but not sick enough to feel justified in staying on said couch.
3. I can't breathe.
4. Did I mention I can't breathe.-- Despite using an inhaler for the first time this pregnancy, my lungs cannot handle the stress of pregnancy-- even in the first trimester.
5. Not being able to breathe seriously limits my workout possibilities contributing to the Catastrophe listed in No. 1.
6. I have really cute, skinny friends who carry their babies like little basketballs in front, not showing until the 8th month.
7. Motherhood Maternity clothing makes clothing for the aforementioned friends not for moi whose babies ride MUCH LOWER.
8. Said maternity clothing store is not into vanity sizing. Their clothes are really small. Even the larges are not large.
9. They are the only place to get maternity clothes in this town.
10. I have to go to the bathroom after 2 oz. of water. And so, am chronically dehydrated for fear I won't be near one in time.
11. I'm hungry all the time. But the minute I eat, I feel sick. You would think, using Pavlov's reasoning, that I would eventually stop eating. Au Contraire mon frere. Apparently Pavlov's principles do not apply to the ravenous monster inside of me.
12. I'm exhausted, but can't sleep.
13. I have no energy for creativity. My sewing machine is dormant. Angela inspires me.
14. Everybody seems to happen upon a miracle weight loss cure at the same moment my waistline is expanding beyond belief.
15. When I lay on my left side (the preferred side, wouldn't you know) I get overwhelmingly nauseated.
16. My hair gets way curly which would be great if I weren't trying to straighten it every day.
17. I ran a mile yesterday (only one mile--AAAARGH) and as soon as I stepped off the treadmill felt like I was going into labor. For a good 10 minutes.
18. I'm the one to whom people say, "haven't you had that baby yet?"
19. Okay, maybe I can only come up with 19. Honestly, we're super excited to have this baby. We feel like he was waiting to come to our family and is getting to know his grandpa before he comes. But I think my body's had enough of childbearing and is ready to run again.

Two word Sentences.

Baby coming. House messy. Plastic everywhere. Treadmill lonely. Dog sick. Kids hungry. Easter coming. Baskets missing. Walls textured. Granite expensive. Sleep Elusive. Bookcase covered. Vacuum iffy. Weather windy. Nose running. Carpet expensive. Tax day coming. Sewing machine unused. Trampoline broken. Kids excelling. House progressing. Backyard progressing. Summer coming. Bed made. Dow up. Conference amazing. Kids happy. House progressing. Chaos temporary. Baby coming. Laundry folded. Appliances working. Dinner planned. Spring springing. Life . . .Good.

N.U..M.B.

I am remiss because lately I have Not Updated My Blog. I seem to have so little to say. And yet, yesterday at my TJED 5 pillar class (if you must know, I am the sole public school adherent in a group of homeschool moms [2 dads]) I had NO PROBLEM SAYING ANYTHING because we were talking about ideas, philosophy, religion, economics and sociologies of different worldviews. I won't repeat my opinions here because I'm not sure they were all that well thought out, but I will say that sometimes I tire of talking about the mundanity of life (is that a word) and instead want to talk about IDEAS. When it begins, I feel my brain whir up like a hard drive. I remember a time when I was productive, intelligent contributing. Right now I feel not so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!

ON TWO WHEELS!

Katie Learned to Ride her bike on two wheels and Nate graduated to the the alley bike. Time for a bike ride-- now we just have to pump up mom's tires.

Looking for Sympathy!!!

I'm posting pictures of the current state of my house-- three bedrooms, my office, the hall, family room and two bathrooms--plastic covers everything, so does drywall mud. I'm being so patient. I have never lived in my master bedroom in this house and we've lived here for 3.8 years so I am not complaining. Instead I am finding my zen place. I am enjoying being 6 months pregnant and stepping on nails in my bare feet. Zen! Zen!

FACEBOOK :) :) :)

For years I have been the quintessential YW leader-- paying close attention to all the issues that social networking brings to young girls ages 12-18. Let's just say that I have not been an advocate. I must amend my former views. I still think it brings up a lot of social aggression and in immature hands might be abused. That being said, for a 30-something ex-Alaskan like myself with extended family everywhere, Facebook has allowed me to reconnect with some of these cherished friends and family for the first time in years. Cool!

SPRING BREAK!@#$%^&*!!!!!

We get spring break a little early here in our neck of the woods. Having all 5 kids home generally is not a problem. Unless, of course there happens to be a drywall guy in every room, sheetrock dust in every room, and your living space limited to three bedrooms, one bathroom, one family room, and one family room filled to the brim with all of the furniture from the rest of the house.
There's just something so irritating about having someone in your house all dang day. And starting tomorrow, for two weeks, we have to have all doorways covered in plastic. I will not complain. I will not complain.
As we sit here, I am writing this post, listening to "A Happy Working Song" while the kids are bickering, bickering, bickering about cleaning the kitchen that they destroyed with their desire for a break-worthy breakfast. Meanwhile to the drywall guy I look like a lazy bum, sitting on the couch while the kids slave away (yeah right) but you know what I mean. I need to end this post and restore some semblence of harmony to my home. Talk TO you later. Can't wait for school to start again.

Gail's Top Broadway Songs-- 1980+

These are just MY favorite songs. If I liked the entire Musical it has an accompanying asterisk.

1. LES MISERABLES*-- -- I Have seen a Broadway Touring Company and at Tuacahn Ampitheater (Amazing Regional Theater). Love it every time
Do You Hear the People Sing

One day More

On My Own

Finale

2. ANNIE*: As Always. A classic. Probably not pre-1980's, but so what.

Tomorrow

You're Never Fully Dressed

You Won't Be an Orphan for Long

3. CHESS-- I just can't get over the infidelity and egocentrism

I Know Him So Well

One Night in Bangkok

Someone Else's Story

4. MISS SAIGON-- Too much drama, no happy ending

Bui Doi

I Still Believe

5. SECRET GARDEN*: Love it, love it, love it. Even more after seeing it for the first time this summer.

I Heard Someone Crying

If I Had a fine White Horse

Wick

6. LITTLE WOMEN*-- It was just OK, but Some Things Are Meant to Be may well be my favorite song of all time-- and that's saying something.

Some Things Are Meant to be

Small Umbrella In the Rain

7. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Don't like it. Sacrilege, I know. I just don't. It's the Thelma & Louise issue-- don't try to make me sympathetic to reprehensibility.

Think of Me

All I Ask of You

Phantom of the Opera

8. RAGTIME: Haven't seen it, but would like to.

Sarah Brown Eyes

9. INTO THE WOODS*- Love it, love it.

I know Things Now

Children Will Listen

Finale

10. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT* Love it, love it.

Prologue

Any Dream Will Do

Jacob's Sons/Joseph's Coat

Finale-- Remix

11. AIDA*-- Pretty good. Not stellar.

How I Know You

Enchantment Passing Through

Written in the Stars

12. SEUSSICAL* Way too much unexpected fun.

The One Feathered Tail Of Gertrude McFuzz

Here on Who

Notice Me Horton

IMPULSE PURCHASE

Broadway calls to me. Since I was a little girl fascinated with Annie (what little girl isn't) Since Ursula S. did her book report on Phantom of the Opera my junior year of HS and played music from the broadway production. Since working in a music store and discovered Les Mis, Jekyll and Hyde and so many others. And since my freshman year of college when pianos in the great room and so many talented pianists and singers who enjoyed sing alongs allowed me to put in my puny voice. (Thanks Tyler, Chris, Kristie). For years I have collected songs from so many different productions and find so few that share my love. Thankfully, I have raised a righteous posterity who understand the value of a broadway musical. Amy and Maggie are Afficiandos. Anyway. Wicked is coming to Salt Lake. Hold your ponies. Unless you pay exhorbitant rates to purchase season tickets to Broadway Across America--- You cannot purchase tickets to see this great show. Cry! Cry! Curse! Curse!
But wait:
Craigslist. I only have to say the word and you know what I mean. I found two tickets in Salt Lake to see Wicked for $200 each. I told Rob and asked if I could buy them and, True to form he said--"If we're going to pay that much shouldn't we go somewhere fun." So I found tickets to Wicked in San Francisco, flights and a 4.5-star hotel for about $600-- Okay, maybe a little more with taxes, etc. But you get the picture. A little bit more money, lot more fun. Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!!!! The only snag in this really cool picture is that when I go I will be in week 29 of this pregnancy. waddle! waddle! Oh Well.!

REAL LIVE RACE CAR!!!

Cheerios and Hamburger Helper have a real race car and Wal Mart shoppers got to see it. Nate got a special trip over to see the race car

Shrine and Door Removal

Those of you who have been to my house may remember the "Shrine." Originally built to house a John Wayne Statue, we have never had any art worthy of such a venerable resting place. Instead, it became a dust and clutter collector. To this end, and because Drywall comes tomorrow (for sure) it was REMOVED. It's pretty cool. Also, we cut out the wall to provide for double doors in our office. A gamble, yes, but one that we feel paid off.

Hair Today!

I am so intrigued by all these Hair sites-- you know the ones , where sweet little girls sit quietly while mommy combs and plaits and rats and curls, the end result being works of ART. That is not me. In mormondom, especially, being able to do cute girl hair is almost a prerequisite for being a mommy. I am a failure in this department. I have neither the time nor the desire to do such things with my children's hair-- except on Sunday which brings us to this morning's events.

Every Sunday I decide that it's extremely important to be coiffed at church. My children wait patiently while I do all that jazz-- curl, rat, etc. Usually, I'm fairly restrained (mostly because I have no skills in this area) But today my focus fell on Poor M. She has the most beautiful long straight hair the color of milk chocolate. I personally know minnions who would kill for it. But today I put it in dog tails (two little pony tails up front). Little did I know this would cause such distress. It upset her. She's growing up and doesn't want to look like a little girl.

So we girls had a hair discussion. I explained that the hair issues in this house were not theirs. Clearly they were mine. Most of you who knew me before the age of 15 remembered that my hair was always short. Since then I have always preferred Long hair. And I want it pretty (although, again, only on Sundays). Hopefully they'll forgive me for making them look 2 when they're 12.

Cutie Patootie!

After two years and much whining and moaning and trips to our friend the Orthodontist, A got her braces off. She looks way too grown up.

Nathanisms!

At the ultrasound the other day everybody was discussing whether this baby was a boy or a girl (moot point, now, you say. But pertinent at the time) He asked, "Mom, do you want a boy or a girl--- or just a medium?"

Anything remotely related to "Cars": "Focus, focus." or "Speed, I am speed." and our all-time favorite: "The Checkered Flag is mine."

For all tasks that seem beyond his capability: "I don't how know to"

Every single announcement that he has to use the facilities is followed by "And I didn't go in my pants."

Tape/Stickers: this, of course is not a favorite phrase, but fetish. A while ago in an uncustomary fit of organization I organized and labeled all the videos, toy bins, etc. The effect was awe-inspiring. For an entire hour the heavens aligned and I, I was an organized person. Then Nate woke up and tore of every single label off my boxes. In addition to ruining my really cool black boxes, we now could not distinguish the Home movies from the living scriptures from the disney. . . Well, you get the picture. Anyway, a month later in an another uncharacteristic fit of organization I re-made the labels and explained to Nate that any removal of the labels would result in severe and unalterable punishments. He agreed and I got two hours of Organizational bliss at which point the irresistible urge of adhesive won over and again the labels came off and attached themselves to his shirt, pants, shoes, etc.. The other day at the basketball game, they were cleaning up the floor and removing the blue painters tape that marked the out-of-bounds line. Can you say happy camper as Nate became the proud recipient of the 3 point line. He took it to bed.

Tired, So very Tired ~!

Because I so related to Sandy and her diary, I thought I would make an attempt, any attempt to get back on here. Of course S has her facebook sparkly as an excuse. I, on the other hand, have no excuses. Just amazing fatigue that convinces me that time on the couch asleep and in other 1/2 states of unconsciousness are totally justified. I keep telling myself that because I'm 5 months along, I've only got 4 months to go. WRON GO!!! Whoever came up with the 9 month thing ought to be shot. It's 10 full months by golly and about this time every pregnancy I start to think, wow, I'm more than 1/2 way. My steps feel lighter and I begin to float until I do the blasted WEEK calculation that reminds me that I am Technically, at 20 weeks, only half way. Half way. Uncool. If I'm this tired for another 20 weeks heads will roll.

It's a Boy

Alright, the boys win. We'll be the Brady Bunch because Peanut Jensen is now officially Peanut Male Jensen As Yet Unnamed. We are taking suggestions for names, noting that Aunt Banana and Grandma have already weighed in with some doozies. We are super excited, but we know coming up with a name that both R and I agree with will take some time (past experience being the yardstick). Amy couldn't make it as she had to attend a Once Only Middle School Orientation. She was a little bummed so we took her a Blue Ring Pop as a clue when she returned from her field trip.

On a somewhat less important, but definitely still exciting note, we passed our insulation and plumbing, and gas inspections and are free to Hang Drywall. Yea!!!!

Julie Visits

This is so cool. In the space of less than a month two cousins I haven't seen in five years came to visit me. I am so blessed. We had so much fun. Our moms are sisters so it was refreshing to compare notes and remember old times.

Mii!

So, Sweet little innocent Katie says to me, "Mom, you know how you're really skinny on the wii? Well, we made you a little fatter." Thanks.

Mack Truck

Yesterday I felt Like I'd been run over by a mack truck. My chest was so congested and my wrists ached (my wrists, of course, being a metaphor for every single bone in my body) and every time I coughed I sounded like an engine trying to start. Today, however, I am better because I have to be. I've got to get R and A off on a trip with the YM/YW to a temple open house and all of the accoutrements for that excursion as well as set up the book fair at the girls school which is not hard, but can take oodles of time. Not to mention that I can't lift boxes of books like I used to. THis should be interesting. Busy, busy day.

Happy Birthday Rob!!!

41!41!41!41!41!41!41!41!41!
15 Years Later you are still the Coolest guy I've ever Known!

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