Finish it up Friday.

A new scripture bag for me (because I got new scriptures!)

Anna wanted a matching bag. Done. 

A new bag for my dad too. How fun are those robots!

I made a yarn bag to hold my small supply of yarn 

Because I can't remember if I posted this or not, I made this scarf and I really love it. 

Look what I made.

They are here and they are bEauTiFuL!!!

5 Addictions I May or May Not Have...But Probably Have.

1. I love flossers. I even keep them in my car and I use them all the time.

2. Brand new scriptures. I love them!! If I could have new scriptures every time I reread the Book of Mormon, I would be so happy. Since I've been married, I had 4 sets and #5 will be here on Friday. I can't wait!! Because of my love of new scriptures, I sometimes read brand new paperback blue Books of Mormon. It's a cheap fix. They are less than $3.00 each.   

3. In addition to having new copies of scriptures, I have also purchased more copies of foreign language Books of Mormon than I care to admit. It's fun to read them side by side and figure out translations. I love it! I recently acquired a copy of the Book of Mormon on CD in Portuguese.  I'm going to listen to it.

4. I am totally addicted to Diet Pepsi. I'm happy to say I've only drank it 5 times so far this year. That's pretty darn good. Sometimes I like to drink it 3-4 times in one day.

5. Routine. It sounds silly, but it is more than just a habit. I actually get anxiety if I go out of order, on my schedule without notice, regarding things I do everyday. Routine. Must. Be. Followed.  Maybe this is OCD and not Addiction.  hmmm

6. I love naps. I don't think you can be addicted to taking naps, but I'd love one everyday. Now that I'm homeschooling again, my naps have gone by the wayside.

7. Lists

8. I love post it notes, sharpees, and notepads

9. This list has turned into more than just a list of things I could quit doing at anytime.

10. I like pie

11. I hate cats, but I love this picture I found on pinterest.... I dedicate it to my friends who have cats...which is almost all my friends. Weirdos.

A short story found in my scriptures.

While I was walking home, I ran to the library to check out a book and use the computer. On my way home, my mom called me and asked, "Where are you?"  I said, "On my way home." When I got home, I saw my doors were locked, and so I got my keys, and put it in the keyhole. Then I saw it was a phony key, so I ran to the Egyptian pyramids and stole King Tuts bow and arrow and ate my apple, then shot the door. And mom came. 

An Epiphony

I have decided this year that I am going to read the Book of Mormon an excessive amount of times. I'm afraid to disclose any specific number to you, because that would mean I'm totally accountable. Suffice it to say, I started on January 6 and I'll be finishing it for the first time this year, on Saturday. I'm pretty excited and a little bit ahead of my crazy schedule. Over the last two days I read 3 Nephi. As I was trying to fall asleep last night, I had an amazing thought come to me--a true light bulb moment that left me feeling so happy and excited, I knew I had to share it here. 

Throughout my life, I have met a handful or two of amazingly Christlike *men. I was thinking about some of them last night and then I got to thinking about the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 15 more amazing men who I love to hear and study their words. Also throughout my life, I have been terrified at the thought of the second coming of Jesus Christ. I have never felt ready or worthy or prepared. I have felt certain I would immediately become a pillar of salt if he were to arrive today. 

Last night, all of those thoughts changed in an instant. I realized that when Jesus Christ comes, he will be one more man who I will want to listen and learn from, because I already do. He is full of love and truth and my perfect example. He has a vested interest in me. And in you also!  When Christ comes, I am going to be looking to him still, as my perfect example. The only difference is I will be able to see him and not just feel him near me. The second coming of Jesus Christ is not the end. It's the beginning and that thought give me so much joy and hope, all I can do is laugh and cry and pray it comes sooner than later, because I am excited!

*I have also met many Christlike women. They weren't in my thought process last night. 

Two things to be jealous of.

Before Anna left for school this morning, she told me she was going to get a 12 minute hug from me when she got home. That hug lasted nine minutes. She called it quits early. She is the best hugger. You should all be jealous. 

You should also be jealous of these two. Gina and I are married the best guys. Ever! The one on the left is my favorite.

My Glass is Half Full Again

I showed one of my kids a spot on my lip where I bit it and said child responded, "at least you didn't break your nose."

Glass half full. 

I'd like a glass half full of Diet Pepsi please. 

Seriously, I need a soda. Or chocolate syrup. 

10 Ways To Surprise My Kids...

Here are ten things an outsider would think I had never told my kids, based purely on their reactions. 

1. You may not eat at the computer. Or on the couch. Or anywhere but the table. 

2. Your chores have to be done before you have electronics. 

3. You may only watch G rated Disney sponsored movies in Sunday or movies with the church logo on the back. 

4. Anna's bedtime is at 7. Nicole and Matthew's bedtime is at 9.

5. I will wake kids up (and pick them up from parties) if the don't finish their jobs. 

6. When I'm in the bathroom, I don't want to brothered. 

7. We have to be ready to leave 45 minutes before church starts. Being ready means: church clothes are on your body (and zipped/buttoned/tied), socks/tights are on, shoes are on, teeth are brushed, hair is combed, faces are washed. 

8. If you are bored, you can read a book, draw a picture, or write something creative. Practicing the piano and cleaning the toilet are also viable options. 

9. You have no control over your consequences, only your choices. If you don't want a certain consequence--choose your choices wisely. (This one causes surprise *and* rage.)

10. We leave for mutual at 6:45. 

Bonus::

Your dad and I are going on a date. No, you aren't invited. Yes, we will probably see a movie or go to dinner. Nope, you're still not coming. No, we won't bring you home a meal from the restaurant. Q. What time do we have to go to bed? A. Anna goes to bed at 7, Nicole and Matthew go to bed at 9. Q. Can we eat in the living room while you're gone? A. No, eat at the table. Q. What can we do when our movie is over? A. Read a book, draw a picture or write something. You can also practice the piano or clean a toilet. Please get your chores done before we get home or I will wake you up to finish them.

 Response: wwhhhaaaaaaaatt??!!!!!!!!!!

Hold On Mom, I Want To Try Something...

He got stuck. 

Hot Spot...Or A Cold One.

Last night Ken and I went to Burger King and got an ice cream cone while Matthew was at Civil Air Patrol. We chose that Burger King because it has free wifi.  Last time we went there  the wifi wasn't working. I was able to to connect last night and as Ken sat down at our table, I told him I was able to connect to the hot spot.  He looked at me funny and then said, it's not cold? I was a little confused and figured he was making a joke about it not working the time before. I said nope, cold last time, but hot this time. It connected. Then he got it. He was had no idea what I was talking about and figured it had to do with sitting in a warm seat versus a cold one. It was one communication at it's finest.

Gag Order

Because I only have 4 1/2 readers, there hasn't been much sadness over this here blog not being updated. I've written quite a few posts and I have some things to say, I'm just really scared to post anything for fear of offending people. I've become quite sensitive in regards to what people think of me. Don't get me wrong. I don't care if people like or dislike me. I know I have character flaws that rub people the wrong way. We all do. My problem is that I have the kind of personality that makes people feel like they can tell me anything. It works well most of the time, because I know how to keep a secret and you can trust me. That hard part is when people feel they can tell me and whoever else is there when they;re sharing, all the bad things they thought about me before they knew me. I know I don't make a good first impression. I also have feelings. It's hard to laugh it off sometimes and keep going while trying to heal from the hurt, without choosing to be offended after my wound is gone. How am I supposed to act normal around a person who went home crying over something I did when I never had a conversation or exchange with that person? What about a stranger who watches me weigh myself at the gym and then is astounded at the number they saw? They also felt comfortable enough around me to gush over their new found knowledge. All I said to them was thank you. (You may not know this, but I'm over weight. It's an obvious flaw, but there is more to me than that number.)

There are a few more examples but maybe I have 5 1/2 readers and they might feel bad if I wrote about it.

I would never write, say, or do anything that would hurt another person. I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt.

 Anyway, that is why I haven't written. All my thoughts and ideas are staying in my mind right now because I don't have a safe place to put them. But know we are doing well. Christmas is over, Robert's birthday/anniversary passed by with no fanfare, and I've been sewing fun things. I'll post some pictures of that on Friday.

ttfn,
I'll see you soon.