What I learned from Fancy Nancy:

So me, being the good mom and all, sat down the other night and read Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words with my kids. It's a cute book, and I like her style.

She has words like "Dapper- fancy, for a man." "Glamorous- stylish and beautiful, like a movie star." "Ooh la la!- French for 'Look! How Wonderful!'"

Then we got the the letter R.

"Repondez s'il vous plait- fancy and French for 'please answer.' On invitations, you shorten it to R.S.V.P."

I'm 32 years old, and I just learned what R.S.V.P. means!!! Ah man! The things my mother probably tried to teach me, and I never paid attention. Well, Thanks to Fancy Nancy, I now have hope.

I Think I'm Just Ornery.

I need some help.
I need some tips from all you great Mom's out there who never get upset at your kids when they are running around the house like wild monkeys.
All you Mom's who get your kids ready for church all by yourself and get to church happy and on-time. When the whole bottle of milk spills everywhere right as you're about to walk out the door, you don't even get upset.

My real problem is church. I've just been feeling ornery every week!!! I really do need some great uplifting inspiration to help me feel happy in getting me & my three kids to church by myself (Tim is already there for meetings) ON-Time & HAPPY!!!! I keep thinking of Sister Hinckley, and how she likely had a lifetime of church by herself and her little family. She didn't seem like the complaining type. *sigh*

I'm in a downward spiral. I'm the Relief Society Home, Family & Personal Enrichment Leader, and I honestly tried to get out of doing the RS Christmas Dinner & Program for this coming Christmas (yes, 11 months away...). The RS Ward Presidency thought their votes were more important than mine. We're planning the RS Birthday Party for March, and I look at all the upcoming activities in the year, and I just feel tired even looking at the calendar!

Send me some inspiration, or something. I need to get out of grouch mode.

I'm A Loser

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 16. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.Then Satan created HMOs.

-taken from Desperately Seeking Skinny Pants blog -linked from my once blogging friend Camille (Camille!!! How could you really murder your blog, again??? I'm still in denial that you're gone. Are you out there???)

New Year's Resolution. Be healthier. (Really that means lose 15-20 lbs- but I'm trying to make it broader...) My sister-in-law Amy convinced me to really start on Jan. 5th, using the Weight Watcher flex points, but not going to meetings- just eating better, smarter.

So last night I weighed myself and I'm down 5 lbs!!!

That's even with Alec's birthday waffle dinner, pizza party & cake, taking a road trip to Stephanie's with her making German pancakes... This is a good sign! Maybe I'll actually stick to my resolution this year...

Here's my incentive picture of Leslie Hall

-to inspire me to keep exercising. Thanks Camille for introducing me to her.

Weekend in the country

We had a lot of fun hanging out with Steph & Nick and their family! We missed out on all the holidays together, and decided it was time to harrass them.

Nick & Tim getting ready to go ice fishing- a first for Tim.

All day on the ice, and only one fish to show for all the hard work...

Go get 'em, boys!

Megan & Hailey are only two months apart- they are so cute!

Love those little tushies!

Yes, we are definitely sisters. Love ya, Steph!

Dear Toothfairy...

Alec finally lost his first tooth! Just in time for his birthday! He was so excited, that he didn't want to have the toothfairy take it away. So he wrote her a little note. Lucky boy, she took the note and not the tooth and still left the money.

Alec is 7 Years Old!

It's hard for me to believe that Alec is already 7 years old! The time seems to be flying by- and I'm not sure I'm ready for it! He is such a good boy. He watches out for his two little sisters, and makes us all laugh with his crazy dancing and "Opera Boy" singing. I just love him!

He got a new bike. His old bike was looking so little by the end of last summer! We decided it was time to trade it in.

His grandma & grandpa gave him a Hot Wheels track- So Cool! I'm not sure who was having the most fun- the kids or Grandpa!!!

We just had a small party and took them out to a place with bounce toys and a Pirate's Cove with slides and nets. Megan thought it was the greatest place! She was bouncing all over the place!

Pizza, Cake & Ice cream! Now it's a party!

Alec said he wanted a "Ute Football" birthday cake.

I think Tim is brainwashing him.

ALEC, I LOVE YOU!!! You are the best boy in the world!

Alec's 7th Birthday Slideshow

Disturbing Images

These are real photos from an actual catalog from the year 2008. What old biddies run this company??? -and why does my mom have their catalog??? I was having too much fun looking at all the wonderful stuff I could be buying, (birthday gift ideas???) and decided I needed to share a few of my favorite "Must Have" items! Their phone collection alone was ...inspiring?

Exhibit A: Butterfly Telephone

"Make every phone call a special event when you make and take calls.... Just answering this phone can make you feel like an

old-time movie star."

They got the "old-time" right.

Exhibit B: Adobe Telephone

"...this unique telephone that combines the best of new technology and ancient design...."

Another Exhibit A: Big Game Telephone

"Perfect for calling a 'deer' friend!..."

I can just picture this in Tanya's basement under the huge

elk head. Oh, YEAH!!!

Now, if none of these telephones are just right for you,

I'll leave with the Top Must Have:

"Transform your unsightly appliances in seconds with a slipsover especially designed to beautify your laundry area. Crafted of polyester/cotton in yellow and blue floral pattern and trimmed with polka dots and ruffles..."

So Yes, the "Washer & Dryer Stylish Slipcovers" beat out the "Hummingbird Commode Set." Oh, they had me at polka dots and ruffles! For ordering information- And A Greater Selection!!!, go to http://www.collectionsetc.com/

Hard Not To Gloat...

This is my take on the Sugar Bowl 2009

University of Utah BCS Busters

totally took out 'Bama's Crimson Tide!

A perfect end to a perfect season. 13-0. Woo Woo!

Dan & Chan Forever

My sister, Chantelle and her husband, Dan

were sealed in the temple last Saturday!

Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful time for you both! We love you and hope that you feel a closer bond with each other. I feel that my temple marriage and sealing have helped give strength and comfort to me not just in times of trial, but in everyday life and the myriad of choices to make. I believe that there is more to this life than living just for today.

I want to live for the eternity to come.

I look forward to having my husband by my side.

To any who may have questions, and wonder "Why these temples?" Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley had a very nice answer. Here is an selection from his talk posted on www.lds.org

"Was there ever a man who truly loved a woman, or a woman who truly loved a man, who did not pray that their relationship might continue beyond the grave? Has a child ever been buried by parents who did not long for the assurance that their loved one would again be theirs in a world to come? Can anyone believing in eternal life doubt that the God of heaven would grant His sons and daughters that most precious attribute of life, the love that finds its most meaningful expression in family relationships? No, reason demands that the family relationship shall continue after death. The human heart longs for it, and the God of heaven has revealed a way whereby it may be secured. The sacred ordinances of the house of the Lord provide for it."

For the full article by Pres. Hinckley, click on Family History & Temples on http://www.lds.org/