TAGGED

So, Melanie tagged me and now I get to share 7 things about me...



1. I Love Food! All of you already know this, but I can compete with the best of them (even large men) when it comes to eating huge portions. At least I never wasted a date's money when he took me out to eat! I realize this is not a great habit, especially since it seems way harder after 30 to maintain any sort of figure! I think I tried doing the Weight Watchers' point system for about one day before I said, "I'm HUNGRY!!! Forget this!". My mom was way more dedicated and lost a bunch of weight. I just enjoy my food tooooo much! I really don't get those people who eat just because they have to or they'll die. I love going out to restaurants and trying new food. In China, my friends would have me taste everything first and tell them what it was like. The only food I really dislike is spaghetti, so my poor kids never get it for dinner. My favorite foods include but are not limited to the following: anything cinnamon, great Chinese food, cheesecake (& anything made with cream cheese), green olives, Cafe Rio salads (sweet pork), Cafe Rio key lime pie, shrimp, crab legs dipped in melted butter, and lately I just love Greek food like pitas and hummus, yum! O.K., I may never get to number 2 unless I stop now.

2. I am completely uncoordinated when it comes to sports! I have always been more inclined to duck than catch flying objects. It comes down to lack of hand-eye coordination. P.E. was a nightmare for me! A date once took me to play raquetball and told me I just looked like I was dancing around instead of playing. I really wish I was more skilled, because I'm sure sports are fun for those who actually make contact with the ball. Maybe in the next life...

3. I love being outside. I'm glad it's finally cooling off here so we can go outside more! (sad when cooling off means were down to 95 degrees). I really enjoy camping and hiking and I don't mind getting dirty and roughing it.

4. I was very last in the hair line in heaven! All of the thick, long beautiful hair had already been handed out, so I got a few strands of thin, flat, leftover hair that will plague me till I die. Oh well, I really do try not to complain about shallow things that I cannot change. Things like this keep us humble, right?

5. I love going to Broadway plays! Here's a list of the ones I've seen: Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and most recently, Wicked, which I am seeing again in two weeks!

6. I am a very deep thinker and tend to analyze and over-analyze everything. This can lead to worrying about things I don't need to worry about, and I'm trying to work on this. I tend to think of the worst case scenario and let my imagination run wild until I've created this huge problem in my mind that may or may not ever really happen. I know, I'm a little crazy! I think pondering a lot has a good side, too and I really have learned so much by taking time to be still and reflect on my life.

7. Here's a list of some of my favorite movies: Anne of Green Gables, Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice (A&E version), Awakenings, Deceived, It's A Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation, Meet the Parents, and from my youth: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Better Off Dead, & Parent Trap (the old one). We had a parrot who could whistle that entire song from Parent Trap, because we watched it so much as kids.

So, now I'm supposed to tag some people, but most of the people I know have already done this. I tag Karin and Kris, since I don't think they have.

Any bright ideas?

Can anyone tell me why my easiest, most mellow, angel child is the one who turns into a monster when I kindly ask if he wants to try to go potty like a "big boy"? This is my compliant James who always says, "I'm happy, are you happy, Mom?". He is easily talked in to obeying other rules, but for some reason the toilet training holds no interest for him. He can recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance from memory, but has gone potty a total of once in the toilet. We tried making a little sticker chart and bribing with ice cream, etc. but to no avail. This kid just turned three, so we really need to stop changing his diaper! You see, I've been changing diapers everyday (with an occasional break when we have been on a date or out of town) for the past 8 years with no lapse between children. Yes, I am having a pity party. So, the question is, do any of you have any bright ideas about getting a child to go in the toilet? Please share your wisdom with me! I am also accepting suggestions for keeping the house and van immaculate, cooking perfect meals, and getting children to listen on the first try. Enlighten me!

Time Out for Women

I was able to attend Time Out for Women yesterday with my mom and Adina. It provided a much needed break and spiritual boost. Dean Hughes was one of the speakers. He is the author of the "Children of the Promise" books, which I love and recommend. He talked about focusing more on becoming Christlike and less on "chasing things that don't matter". This is such a good reminder! He warned against competing, comparing and trying to "get ahead" in worldly pursuits. I also like something that Carol Rasmus said - "The gifts of the Spirit are yours for so small a price". It is so worth it to take time out of our busy schedules to read scriptures, etc. so we can reap those gifts that Heavenly Father is just waiting to give.

Marinne's Baptism

Here are some pictures from Marinne's baptism. It seems crazy that we are old enough to have an 8yr. old! It was a wonderful experience and we are proud of Marinne! My mom made her beautiful dress (she is so talented). Marinne got new scriptures with her name on them and I made her a scripture case. We did put her baptism jump suit on backwards at first, but Ray corrected me and we switched it around just in time! Other than that, everything went well!

Here's Marinne with both sets of grandparents.

I finally joined the club...

O.K., I know I'm a little slow, but I am now following the crowd by creating a blog! Our most recent family event was James' 3rd birthday, hence the picture of the fishbowl cake that I fashioned myself. Usually I rely on Costco for such things, but I decided to be brave and try to do something a little different. I think it turned out pretty cute, and it wasn't very hard. I baked two round cakes, frosted between the layers, cut a little off both ends, stood it up and frosted it. The rocks are "nerds", the plant is made from "sour straws", and then I added "Swedish Fish" instead of attempting to draw fish with icing as the instructions suggested (I'm afraid it may not have turned out very well had I gone that route).