Pigs and Fortunes

Ben brought home a book he made at school. It is called My Pig Book, by Ben. The first pages are filled with words that rhyme with pig, and words that also start with 'p'. The last page has the printed question: Some people have pigs for pets. What would you do if you had a pig as a pet?

Ben's answer, as written: I wid cil it and mak a fut bol awt uv it.

Translation: I would kill it and make a football out of it.

Some of you may be worried about Ben (especially those of you who own pigs); but personally, I am incredibly impressed with his creativity, and ability to think outside of the box -- or pig pen, in this case!

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My fortune: You will do well to take a vacation travelling to the west.

Huh. Maybe there is something to those things, afterall.

To All the Girls I've Loved Before

A few years ago, while at a large family gathering, my sweet nephew stopped breathing. His mother had taken him upstairs to change a diaper, when all of a sudden he went limp. She looked down and he was already turning blue. She screamed, and several of us adults charged upstairs. When I saw his blue, limp body, I thought my heart would break, and I had never been so scared. He was just a few months older than Ben, which made the situation all the more real for me.

I was just standing there, unsure of what to do, or how to help, when my husband handed me the phone and said, "It's 9-1-1." Then he began checking my nephew. Immediately, I gathered my senses and took on a kind of detached efficiency mode. I calmly communicated the situation with the 9-1-1 operator, and gave her instructions to those helping with my nephew. I think I even went so far as to dictate who should give him a blessing.

Thankfully, this sweet little boy began breathing again, and is full of life and energy and happiness today!

I share this story with you as an extreme example of what happens to me when emotions are high, the pressure is on, and action is required: I become calmly detached and can be incredibly efficient when needed. It is my coping mechanism, to put a barrier between me and my emotions so that I can take care of the situation at hand.

I have become aware that I am once again in my detached-efficiency mode. Emotions are high: the heartache at leaving so many wonderful, dear friends who have positively impacted my life in so many ways; the excitement to finally be finished with James' indentured servitude -- to possibly gain more control over our time and schedules. The pressure is on: the stress of getting through these last weeks with a VERY intense schedule. Action is required: dealing with all of the arrangements involved with our move, the sell of our home, the purchase of another home, James' graduation, etc.

This is the longest I've ever lived in the same Ward in my adult life. It has been a fabulous experience! I feel like this Ward has been so patient and kind with me as I have grown up, and I have no doubt that they will continue to support and encourage each other in our absence.

It is difficult, with a barrier between me and my emotions, to adequately express to my dear sisters (and brothers) here just how much they mean to me. I guess I should have done it a few months ago, before the detachment set in. However, if I had the words to bridge the gap between me and my emotions, I would want to tell them each how their love and support through these last years has been invaluable; how their examples as they have endured trials and heartaches and challenges of their own have taught me so much; how their acceptance of me has helped me to accept myself; how I'm going to miss them, and how I will do double-takes again and again in our new town, when, for a split second, I think I see their face.

So, to all the girls (and boys) I've loved before, thank you! God bless you! And I(we) will miss you! (But not for another few weeks!)

Some Movies That I Wish I Owned

Bridge to Terabithia

Beautiful Mind

Dan in Real Life

Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

Hoodwinked

Stardust

Curious George

Steel Magnolias

Cinderella Man

The Snowball Express

Stranger Than Fiction

Hotel Rawanda

Life Is Beautiful



That's probably enough for now.

What are some movies that you would recommend??

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON. . .

We did it!!! We made reservations for a super-fantastic celebratory vacation!!! Thanks for all of your support/encouraging peer pressure/threats! It meant a lot to me!!

Now, as if that wasn't enough cause for excitement: (Drum Roll, PLease) We received an offer on our house today, and we are now under contract!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOO!! Barring any problems with the inspection or with the buyer's financing, we have basically sold our home! Yay! What a huge burden lifted off of our shoulders.

Dream BIG!! Go Miniscule.

James and I have a history of settling for far less than we originally wanted. Let me give you some examples:

Example #1:
Before James graduated from Medical School, we had planned to go to Hawaii, or at least Disneyland to celebrate. We figured it was an exceptionally big deal, and that we should mark the occasion with some exceptional celebrating!

In actuality, rather than the exceptional celebrating we had wanted, we moved to our new home and worked until we were exceptionally exhausted fixing it up. We did eventually (meaning several months later) go to the local amusement park when we were given some free tickets.

Now, when you have Hawaii or Disneyland in your mind, it's really hard for even a good local amusement park to fill the expectation -- especially four months past due.

Example #2:
As our 10th Anniversary approached, we felt we should do something BIG to celebrate (sound familiar?). We discussed options such as flying our family out West, and leaving the kids with our parents while we had a get-away; or flying one of our mom's out here to watch the kids, while we had a get-away. Places such as Prince Edward's Island, the Great Smokey Mountains, Bryce Canyon, etc. were discussed.

In actuality, we did get away over-night one night when a dear friend offered to watch our kids. We went one exit away from our home and stayed in a hotel. This was several months before our actual anniversary. For our actual anniversary, I did an inexpensive make-over of our bedroom. Not terrible, but not Prince Edward's Island, etc.

Example #3:
This is a bit less dramatic, but it reflects the pattern. It had been a long week for both of us. We were tired, hadn't seen much of each other, and wanted a date. We were feeling pretty poor, so we decided that we would eat dinner at home, but then we would go to a restaurant for a yummy, decadent dessert.

In actuality, by the time we ate dinner, it was about time for the kids to go to bed. The thought of trying to enjoy an outing at a restaurant with tired/grouchy kids was daunting. So, one of us got the kids put to bed, and the other one went to the grocery store and picked up a treat.

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Why do I bring all of this up now? Well, because in 8 1/2 weeks, James will complete his residency program!! Five absolutely gruelling years -- all that we've been working for (professionally) for over nine years! A REALLY.BIG.DEAL, right? Yup.

Guess what sorts of possibilities we have been throwing around? Airplanes, hotels, rental cars, Disneyland, LEGOland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, . . . you get the idea. I should be REALLY excited, right? Yea, sure.

I know I'm being immature, but I'm already pouting about the big celebration that will never come to pass. I guess I better just suck it up, and accept reality: I'll see you all at the local Target . . . maybe we can each pick something from the dollar section.

Relationship Advice from a Six Year Old and Other Stories & Random Thoughts

Ben's finger got an awful infection recently.
As a result, I've made several calls to his daddy, while he was at work, to ask advice. Granted, I call him more often than just about infected fingers, and sometimes, I just want to hear his voice. Often, when the kids and I call, he is unavailable, and we just get his voice mail.

At the end of one of these "advice" calls, I told him I loved him and hung up.

Almost immediately Ben says, "I know how we can talk to Daddy more on the phone."

I said, "Oh, yeah? How?"

Ben replies, "Stop just telling him that you love him. Then, when he sees his phone ringing, he'll be, like, 'Oh, this must be important.' And he'll answer."


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We were eating lunch at Sam's Club yesterday, when I saw Brianna's whole face light up. I followed her gaze to see what had made her so excited and happy. I was surprised to see a grizzly-looking older employee with a beard, who was completely oblivious to her. I wondered why he was making her so happy.
The mystery was solved when she said, loudly, "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

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So, we've had a few people come and look at our home. The feedback we've received is this:

"We like the home, but not the area." and "We like the home, but aren't sure it's big enough for us."

So, in an effort to sell our home, I am having it dug up from the foundation, placed on a VERY large flat-bed trailer; moved to a more posh area of town; and having a new wing thrown on while in transit.

I think it will work.


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The other day, Ben brought me an egg timer -- you know, the sand in the hour-glass type? -- and told me that every time it ran out of sand, it was spanking time. I told him I didn't want to spank him for no reason. He assured me that that was just the way this worked. Sure enough, he'd watch the sand, and every time it ran out, he'd come over to me and stick his little bum out. I'd resist and he'd insist, until I finally gave him a gentle swat. This scene was repeated many times over the course of the afternoon. . . . Maybe Ben knows something that I don't know. Hmmmm. . . . .

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Brianna plays sooo cute with her doll babies. She pretends to feed them and put them to bed; she walks them in her baby stroller, and takes them shopping with her shopping cart. It is very fun to watch her little nurturing self.
A few days ago, she had put her doll down for a nap. After a while, she walked into the kitchen holding the same doll, and said something that I distinctly understood to be, "The baby has woken up from her nap!"
As she turned and headed down the hall, I heard her exclaim, "Whoo-ee! Stinky!" Then, she laid the baby down, and pretended to change it's diaper!

My Sweet Babies!!

Oh! How I love these two precious, little souls!!

I'm not sure what they built here, but it looks cool!

Just hangin' in the front yard.

I thought this picture was a classic! It's sure to be included in Brianna's wedding video!

Happy 6th Birthday, Ben!!

I can hardly believe my little boy is six years old! He is growing up so fast. I am so glad Heavenly Father sent him to our home!

Brianna-eese: Interpreting the Words and Signs of Brianna

As some of you have spent and will spend time with my baby girl, I thought it might prove helpful both to you and to her to provide a Brianna-English dictionary of sorts:

*********Words *********

Goggy now = chocolate milk

Daddy = Daddy or doggy (when she means ‘doggy’ she usually follows with a ‘woof, woof, woof’)

Gun-gwee = Hungry

Show, wewe = Show/movie (i.e., Princess movie)

Ginkie = binkie

Me, Buddy = Ben

Dowa = Dora the Explorer

Waah you? = Where are you?

Moo mees = Excuse me

Wahwee = Sorry

Side = I want to go outside NOW please.

Deent doo = Thank you

Shoe = I would like my shoes on now; OR don’t I have pretty shoes?; OR I would like to watch Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses

Night, night = I would like to go to bed now.


********* Signs *********

Holding fists on eyes = I would like you to sing “Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree” right now.

Holding hands on top of head and grunting = I would like you to sing “Once there was a snowman” right now.

Holding hand in air and opening/closing fist repeatedly = milk (which is to be interpreted as chocolate milk)

Pointing one finger into open palm of opposite hand = more

Tapping hand or fist on mouth = water, please

Back of hand against bottom of chin, fingers wiggling = dirty

Pointer finger twisting on cheek = candy

Hand twisting ear = apple

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I know there are more, but that is all I can come up with for now!

The Perfect Storm

This is more of a journal entry, and it's LONG. Please don't feel obligated to read it. I just felt the need to record these events.

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In six weeks we fly out West to look for a home. If we don't sell our home before then, the trip will seem pretty pointless. We have to move in eleven weeks, regardless of whether we sell. However, any money we have is wrapped up in our home. Of course, we can rent out there, but that won't eliminate our mortgage here, and our money cow just hasn't been giving quite that much milk. So, I feel a sense of urgency and necessity in selling our home -- soon!

Last week, the weather predictions weren't looking too good, and I knew we had an open house for our home on Sunday. So, when the weather turned out to be nice on Wednesday, despite my migraine, I went out into our yard at about noon to rake up all of the leaves that had gathered around our fence line and in our flower beds. The kids played (and Brianna napped) and I worked. And I worked. And I worked. Um, did I mention that we have a HUGE back yard?? Yup. Add to that the feeling of urgency to sell, the upcoming open house, and the predictions for bad weather the remainder of the week. I felt like this was my ONLY opportunity to get the yard in order before the open house. So, I pushed myself to my physical limits. With only a few short breaks to take care of my kids, I worked until after eight o'clock. I was physically ill. I thought I was going to vomit, literally.

I dragged myself into my house, and made myself shower, because I was filthy. I didn't have the strength to dry my hair, so I grabbed a dry hand-towel and put it under my head, and fell asleep on the couch near my husband as he worked on stuff for work. I slept there until some time around two a.m., then between my migraine and my aching body, I couldn't fall back to sleep until sometime around 5:30 a.m.

When my kids woke me up around 7:30, my medicine had taken the edge off of my migraine, but my body was screaming at me to just take it easy. However, the weather decided to be nice again, and as the day went on, my body felt a little better. So, I seized the opportunity to make the front yard look nice also. Yes, I still had a migraine; yes, my body was aching; yes, my kids were tired of playing near me in the yard, but if I didn't do it, it wasn't going to get done. I guess I did, comparitively, take it easy; I only worked about five to six hours.

I decided Friday and Saturday would be my days to get the house sparklingly clean for the open house. Ha! My migraine did switch from the right side of my head to the left on Friday, but it was still there, and stronger than ever. I managed to get Ben to school, but nearly as soon as I got home, I began to experience severe dizziness. I was dizzy even when I was laying down. Even with my eyes shut. Then the nausea set in.

Brianna didn't take well to her mommy laying on the floor, whimpering. Maybe she had had enough of feeling neglected over the two previous days as I had been working in the yard. Whatever her reasons, she kept pinching me and hitting me, and screaming. Love that kid, but none of her efforts were actually helping me feel better. Then, when I was vomitting in the toilet, she was laughing hysterically. She thought it was so funny. (I have since found her 'spitting' into the toilet and then giggling.)

Well, at about this point, I knew there was no way I could take care of my kids that day. I wanted James to come home and take care of the kids, clean the house, and take care of me. I was mad that there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that he would be able to do that. I was sobbing on the bathroom floor and praying for help. I wanted Heavenly Father to at least make me feel better, if He wasn't going to send James to my aid. However, as I was praying, pleading for help, the Spirit reminded me that my friend had called while I was busy throwing up. I had the distinct thought that there was help available to me, but I had to ask. I hate asking. I don't mind so much if there is plenty of advanced notice, but at the last minute, I feel terrible putting anyone out.

But I made the call. My friend came right away and took sweet Brianna to better circumstances for the day. I then slept for about an hour until I went to pick up Ben from school. Luckily, when I woke up, the dizziness had subsided. I still felt lousy, but I was able to go get him.

On the way home, I told him that I was really sick, and that he would need to get himself a bowl of cold cereal for lunch and watch a show. (Hello, that's my kid's dream afternoon!) He didn't complain a bit. As soon as we got home, I went back to bed.

In a little while, another great friend came and picked up Ben for the afternoon. I was able to sleep and get some much needed rest. Somehow, that evening when the kids were back home, they did actually get fed and put to bed. I don't really remember the details on that.

That night, my sweet husband and my brother were able to give me a blessing. I was so grateful. I knew there was no way I was going to be able to get the house ready for the open house without some heavenly intervention.

Saturday, I woke up feeling quite a bit better. I still had a migraine, and I felt very weak. But overall, I was feeling much better. James and my brother had an all-day training at work. I decided that I would just have to work slowly, but steadily, and take frequent breaks, if I was to get my house ready for the open house Sunday.

I started by sweeping the kitchen floor, because I was tired of walking on all the crumbs. When that was done, I was exhausted. I realized just how low my reserves were, and reminded myself that I would definitely have to pace myself.

At about that time, my good friend called to check on me, and offered to take my kids for the morning. I decided that that would probably be a good idea. She came and got them. Then the wonderful girl who helps me clean my house (and who incidentally rearranged her schedule for me so that she could come help me on Saturday) showed up. About five minutes after she arrived, I received a call from the realtor's office, asking if we could have a showing in an hour and a half!

Remember that I basically hadn't done anything on the house since Wednesday. It was a total yucky mess! Remember also that feeling of urgency to sell the house. This was the first time anyone had wanted to come and see our house. I said yes. So much for pacing myself and taking it easy. My house-cleaning friend and I worked in a frenzy to get the house in acceptable showing status. Forget deep cleaning, we're talking pick up the dirty clothes, try to fit four days worth of gucky dishes in the dishwasher, sweep up all the crap that's been tracked into the house and make the beds. We worked furiously, and in the end, our house looked pretty darn good. Great, in fact, if you had any idea what it had looked like!

We ended up having two showings that day!

Thank God for great friends who totally stepped up and helped me in my desperate time of need this week. Thank Him also for the priesthood in my home. Thank Him that there are people actually interested in seeing our home. Thank Him that my kids and I survived this week.

To Answer Your Questions . . .

How did you and James meet?
James and I met April 5, 1997. It was conference weekend. My mission reunion was Friday night, then all day Saturday I hung out with a group of sisters from my mission. After the second session of conference on Saturday, one of the sisters announced that she was going to call every guy she knew in the area (we were haning out in Provo/Orem area.) Well, James grew up with this sister, and he happened to be the only guy who showed up. It was love at first sight!

Do you plan to "have" more children?
If there's is one thing I've learned in this life, it's that I'm DEFINITELY not in charge of this aspect of my life. I am o.k. with that now. I know that He knows better than I what is best for our family, and the individual members of our family. I think that we will likely apply for adoption again when we've settled in the West, but whether or not anything comes of that is out of my hands.

Do you really have to move? :(
Yup.

What is your family's favorite meal?
I think this changes from time to time. One of my current favorites to fix is Chicken Enchilada Casserole. I will put the recipe at the bottom of this post. It is easy and oh, so yummy!

What stain remover do you use?
Well, let me first start by saying that the shirt Brianna was wearing while eating spaghetti is permanently stained. She is such a neat eater, usually, that I don't always think to put a bib on her. That was one time I should have remembered. But, I use Oxy-something, and Spray-n-Wash. The Oxy-something is amazing on blood, however, you may not have to deal with that much.

What is your favorite hobby? (when you have time!)
Hmmm, I guess blogging and watching movies (if those can count!)

What are two strengths/talents that you see in yourself?
I have an uncanny talent for making a genuine-sounding pig noise.
I am incredibly good at rhyming.

What are two things you'd like to change [about yourself]?
Hmmm, just two?? I would like to be more energetic. And I would LOVE to completely ENJOY housework.

What do you think of my two favorite singers, Michael Buble and Josh Groban?
I really enjoy both of them, but Michael Buble's voice and style just turns me to butter! Love, love, love his stuff!

Did you have a childhood experience that convinced you that Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you?
My family and I attended an outdoor play up in the mountains. We got rained out and the whole, huge audience trekked down the mountainside in the mud to their cars. On the way down the mountain, I couldn't see for the rain on my glasses, so I took them off and put them in my pocket.
When we got into our car, I realized that my glasses were gone. I felt awful. It was too dark, rainy, muddy, and crowded to look for them that night. So, the next day, my brother was sent back up the mountain to look for my glasses. When he arrived and saw the muddy mess, he was overwhelmed not knowing where to begin looking. He said a prayer for help, and afterward walked right to my glasses which had not a scratch on them. I think that was the beginning of my testimony.

Just for the record, do you think you could beat the crap out of Tiff?
I don't know, I am pretty fragile, you know.

What do you miss most about the west?
Family.

What will you miss most about the mid-west?
Friends. . . . But Autumn comes in a close second.

After living through medical school, how confident are you in your diagnostic abilities?
VERY. I'm just not sure whether other people ought to share that confidence.

Being so close to Lake Powell, do you suppose a boat purchase is on the horizon?
It has most definitely been discussed. We have also toyed with the idea of just renting a boat when we do go.

What's most valuable time or money?
Very interesting question. For most of my life, I think I would have said money (i.e., "we'll save money by doing it ourselves"); however, time has become a most precious commodity in our home, and my perspective has changed. I now think it depends on your personal circumstances. I still feel inclined to "do-it-ourselves" where feasible, however, if the bank account will allow, I'd much rather do something fun or relaxing with my hubby in the few hours I get to see him, and pay someone else to do the "work".

What has kept you going when the going got tough?
Lexapro, counseling, and prayer. ;)

What is one memory you have that anytime you think of it, it makes you laugh?
The movie clip on this post of my boy dancing.

What kind of laundry detergent do you use?
Gain, liquid. I also, occasionally, use fabric softener: Downy Simple Pleasures, lavender and vanilla. (And no, I don't think you're weird. I LOOOVE the smell of clean laundry!)

Do you keep in touch with any of your High School buddies?
Yes, with Marci via e-mail.

What is your best attribute?
Can I use the pig noise thing again? I'm guessing not. My best attribute, hmmm . . . oh, oh, wait, I have pretty toes!

How many times a year do you watch The Princess Bride?
Never enough.

With the different places you have lived or will live, who will you support (even if it's casually)? Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake?
Hmmm, this is a tough one. I've only actually attended Columbus Crew games; however, I would probably be disowned by my younger brothers if I don't support Real Salt Lake; But then, we will have more money in the fairly-near future, and I could see us attending some Colorado Rapids games. I guess I better stick with Real!

What would happen on your ideal Wednesday?
My ideal Wednesday would start with breakfast in bed, prepared and served by my fabulous, sexy hubby. James would, of course, have the day off. It would be sunny, and about 72 degrees, with a slight breeze. I would have a darling new outfit to wear, and my hair would cooperate fully. The kids would be happy and delightful. We would go to a park and play. There would be an outdoor local concert in the park. We would then drop the kids off at a babysitter, so James and I could have a date. We would go try someplace new and just enjoy being together and talking, dreaming about when these kinds of days might be more frequent.

My goal this year was to be a more creative mom so what makes you feel creative as a mom?
Making up stories for my son as we snuggle before bed.

How did you become interested in massage?
All growing up, my family and I would exchange back-rubs. I was always told that I was good at it. I attended 2+ years of college, but couldn't decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was hating my job, and obsessing about my inability to get pregnant, when I decided to go to massage therapy school. It was a good decision for me. I actually really enjoy giving massage.

What's your favorite quick go-to meal?
Probably quesadillas. I put all sorts of stuff in them: veggies, spices, meats, and, of course, a variety of cheeses.


Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1 (13 oz.) can of chicken, drained
1 onion, chopped
2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (I use reduced fat)
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3 oz. cream cheese (optional)

Place above ingredients in mixing bowl and mix well.

1 (15 oz.) package flour tortillas

Stack tortillas and cut with a sharp knife into thin strips.

2 cups grated Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese

In a greased 9"x13" glass baking pan, layer half of tortillas strips, half of chicken mixture, and half of cheese; repeat. Bake for 30 min at 350 degrees. (I usually cover with foil for 25 min, then broil on low for the last 5 min to get the cheese just a little toasty.)