Pepto

Don't worry I am not going to share any details. Yesterday I started to have an upset stomach and I felt really weak. I figured it was just something I ate and that it would go away. Later in the night it became apparent that T was not feeling well either. I happened to have some Children's Pepto and gave it to him. It worked perfectly and mostly eliminated all his symptoms. At about 1AM when I was feeling miserable, I looked for some adult stomach medicine and found nothing. So, instead of going to the store, what did I do? The same thing any guy would do. Yep! I had the highest recommended childhood dose for a 24 hour period! That is six watermelon flavored chewable tablets for those who don't know. Guess what, it didn't work at all! I guess that is what happens when you weigh more than four times the highest weight listed on the box.........Needless to say, we stayed home from church today so that T and I could feel better and not make anyone else sick.

Earlier yesterday, I was telling my Dad that I couldn't figure out what was the matter with me, and why I felt sick. He sarcastically responded "yeah, I mean you are always worrying about your kids, have a million things always going on, never take a moment to rest, and never get any sleep at night...I can't figure it out." Nope! That is not it at all, I think it is just food poisoning. This kind of diagnosis explains why he is a CPA and not a doctor..... I think the culprit was a Little Caesar's Pepperoni Pizza. Everyone who only ate the cheese pizza (like A) was fine, T and I ate the pepperoni and we were not. Dang Little Caesar's and their $5 hijinks!

My Friday Night Date

Tonight everyone but us had a busy night of stuff they needed to do. My brother and his wife were heavily involved with a church volleyball tournament tonight. So, three of their kids (two boys 7, and 5) and this sweet little baby girl (10 mos.) hung out with T, A, and I. We had a pizza party and then watched Kung Fu Panda. Watching Kung Fu Panda this time, was not nearly the sticky experience it was when we saw it in the theater in June. This little sweetheart just smiled and laughed the whole night. She was all smiles. I really love little babies. I loved feeding her the baby food, playing with her, rocking her to sleep and then having her fall asleep on my chest. Little babies just bring such a peaceful feeling with them everywhere they go. They were here from about 5:30 until about 10:30PM. We all had a lot of fun and I know the kids loved being able to hang out with their cousins for such a long time.

Deep Thoughts, Shallow Brain Part 16

Some may look at us, to find where we have failed.
They look at our course and think for sure we’ve derailed.

Some may watch for things we’ve done wrong,
or choose to look down on us as we go along.

Some may look at all the setbacks we’ve faced,
or look at our lives, to think we’ve been disgraced.

Some may search for every negative they can find,
they look for the ways in which, we’ve fallen behind.

In reality, those people are all missing the boat,
these people do not have, a positive message to promote.

In this life we will see more than one setback,
we may have to work hard, to put our train on the track.

We may fall behind and have to catch up in a race,
we may work and struggle, just to find our place.

But in the end we’ve not failed, that is for sure,
as long as we get back up and we always endure.

Most people in life, who’ve had the greatest gain,
saw the storm clouds happen, but chose to dance in the rain.
.
For truly the only one who can never claim a win,
is the person who stayed down, when they’ve taken it on the chin.

So when you’re setbacks hit, and knock you to the ground,

make the choice to rise back up, and failure can't be found.

WHOA Bambi!

Nope, I am not referring to the name of my last blind date, although that might have been a fitting name for her......hmmm. Anyway, I was driving to Spring City tonight for work. All of the sudden "Bambi" darted right out in front of my van. I skidded around it, barely missing it by a couple of feet. This, along with a couple of other near misses over the years, got me thinking. Within the last couple of weeks I watched "Bambi" with my kids. Anyone who has seen it recently, probably remembers Bambi getting a really good chastizing by his Mother for dashing out into the meadow. I am thinking his Mother may have missed something much more important in rearing the young deer. I don't know Mom, you think it might have been a good idea to also tell Bambi to STAY OFF OF THE FREAKING ROAD??!!!! ESPECIALLY WHEN CARS ARE GOING BY AT 70 MPH???!!!! Obviously I am at least a better parent then she was. I tell my kids to stay out of the road all the time!

Veteran's-Thank You!

Today we honor the people, who for our country serve
and stop to give our soldiers the respect they so deserve.

Rarely have so few, fought so hard for scores,
working to defend us, and protecting all our shores.

We honor all who constantly, fight for all our rights,
through long tiring days, and through short sleepless nights.

Back home, a family longs, to fill a huge empty place,
til their loved one returns home, through our Father’s grace.

Soldiers hear bullets flying by, with an incredibly blistering speed,
we sit in the comfort of our homes, and think of all we “need.”

Our respect and admiration, they all have certainly earned,
we especially cannot forget, those who have never returned.

We know of their great sacrifice, we know that freedom’s not free,
they sacrifice for those they don’t know, yet fight so valiantly.

So whether you’re serving now, or served us long ago,

this nation owes a debt of gratitude, our thanks we wish to show.

Photo Tagged!

Reading Armadillo: tagging accepted! This is the sixth picture from the sixth file on my computer. As you can see it comes from July 2006. My Mom took as many of their grandkids as were available on a private, special, all-access tour of the Sweets Candy Company. They all had to wear the little lab coats and the shower caps (I only wish we would have kept the shower caps to give out as Christmas presents later). It was so awesome of Grandma and the kids had a ton of fun.

I NOW TAG EVERYONE! Just get the 6th picture from the 6th file on your computer and explain about it.

• This morning T and A were playing. A was a princess and T was a knight. As he would "rescue" her, he would say to her, "don't worry, your brave and shiny armor is here!" This would be as opposed to her "Knight in Shining Armor" I believe.
• This one is not really funny, but so sweet. I was asking the kids what they might want Santa to bring for Christmas. After a couple of things, T said, "Santa can bring me whatever he wants. He has a lot of toys to take to people, so it is okay for him to give me whatever he wants." I about shed a tear as I told him how proud of him I was. I really am lucky to have such remarkable kids.
• A loves to do crafts. They have a huge stack of construction paper at their disposal and I seem to find it everywhere. Tonight A was making a book. She was licking the edges of the paper. I said, "what are you doing A?" She said, "I am licking this so it will stay closed, but it is not working!" I had to explain that only envelopes have the special stuff for us to lick and seal. I think she thought it was stupid that you can't just lick closed any old paper.

THE WORST (BEST) BLIND DATE EVER!

Normally I keep all my dating experiences pretty private, but today I am going to share. Okay, I have good experiences from blind dates, but for the most part I think I was ready to swear off blind dates (for quite a while I think I did). I realize I am the last thing anyone would consider a "catch," but that doesn't mean I enjoy throwing away two hours of my life. I have had some past blind dates that could only be described as awful, but this one takes the cake (hopefully forever!). Someone I know (luckily they don't read the blog) has been bugging me for about 6 to 8 months to set me up on a blind date. I finally relented and said, "okay." My new deal is, I will call the person and MEET them for hot chocolate or ice cream or something. That way, if things go well, you can spend more time. If it doesn't then you don't have to have the awkward drive home, you aren't out 5 hours of your life, or $100.

After work one night, we met up. So, we introduced ourselves, and the first thing I noticed was this girl was not just dressed nicely, she was way overdressed (under dressed if you were measuring fabric). We sat down and began to talk. One of the first things she told me was that although she was about 5'6" she is "not into tall guys." I said, "okay." She said, "it is just a little too much for me." I just smiled, and thought, "okay, got it." Great! There goes the only thing I THOUGHT I had going for me! I jokingly responded that I could "slouch down in my chair and we could pretend I am shorter if she would like" (she didn't laugh). Okay, does not like tall guys, does not think I am remotely funny, got it! Later in the conversation we were talking about our occupations. She asked me how much I made!!! She said she liked to live nicely and is not really interested in dating someone who cannot take care of her needs. I told her that, "I make enough to buy what I need." (Seriously, if I was a millionaire I guarantee no one would ever know. Who wants to be hitched to a gold digger? Is no one looking for love anymore?). She asked, "well, what kind of car do you drive?" Side note: I can't help myself in situations likes these. It is too much of an opportunity for me to have fun. I mean if the date is going to crash and burn, I might as well have fun on the plane ride down, right? I laughed inside as with a straight face I told her "I drive a 1978 Ford Pinto, but that I was working to restore it." I further told her I was "going to paint it purple once I replaced all the rusted out sheet metal." The only sad part about this post is that I cannot convey her facial expressions. She told me she drives an Altima, but expects the man she marries to buy her a Mercedes or a BMW. I always thought honesty was a good policy, but......... So she doesn't like tall guys, does not think I'm funny, needs the finer things........ check, check, check. After hearing what I did for a living she seemed unable to determine whether my job paid well or not. She then asked if my parents were successful. Knowing what she was really asking, I again used my straight face to tell her that they had 7 kids, 17 grand kids, they were always there for us, good people, very religious, etc., so yes, by all means, they are successful. She asked, "well yeah, but what do they do for a living?" I lied again as I told her that "my dad has worked his way into top management among the city sewer maintenance crew." Anyone who knows me, knows I can keep a straight face when I really want to. As I figured it would, the date went from a fast down hill to a complete crash and burn (at least for her, I was enjoying myself immensely). She then said the person who set us up told her I had kids. We talked about them VERY briefly. She said, "well, I don't know about kids." I said, "what is there to know?" (I couldn't wait for the response!) "I just don't know if I would be a good parent, I am not even sure I want kids" she responded. I was more worried about her eating little children then parenting them at this point! She asked what religion I am. I told her. She for some reason did not seem impressed, and maybe even a little annoyed. So just so I understand: no tall guys, no sense of humor, thirsts for $, no kids for her...maybe, and not impressed with the LDS religion.....got it......and I found all of this out in about 30 minutes! Just before the date was going to end, she told me that it had been a REALLY long time since she drank hot chocolate. She was more of a coffee drinker herself. Whoops! Missed one! Still, I think this is a perfect match, huh?! It didn't take too much longer for her to end the date. She excused herself to go to the bathroom and came out carrying her cell phone. She said she had to go because her "sister just got in a car accident and needed a ride." I said, "okay, well it was a pleasure spending time with you, I hope your sister is okay, have a great night." I kid you not, she said, "okay, bye." Right after the date, I called the person who set me up. In my head I kept wondering if they had even met her before they set me up. Was this really their idea of an ideal match for me, or do they hate my guts? I mean was this a double blind date or what? I called them and told them how much fun I had (really I did if you count the messing with her part). I told them to find out if she had fun because I would really like to ask her out again (I had to at least get a little retribution after a night like that). I can't wait to have them avoid my calls, or explain that she really didn't have that much fun. So, that is the story of my worst blind date ever. However, the whole way home I was laughing as I thought what an awesome blog post it would make! You don't need to thank me, I am willing to sacrifice myself so you can have something interesting to read..........once every six months or so. At least the hot chocolate was good.......

Thankful Day 4

I AM THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS

I am so thankful for so many people who I call friends. Obviously I would include anyone reading this (as long as I even remotely know who you are) as my friends. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with friends. I am grateful for the many couples and their families who allow my kids and I to play the third wheel. I am thankful for the fond memories, the laughter, and even the hard times that I have gone through with so many friends. I am grateful for any of you who have shared your life in some way or another. As I have said before you have made a positive impact in one way or another in my life. You are an example to me, and give me strength to become better. I love the quote, "show me your friends, and I will show you your future." If that quote is indeed correct, my future looks amazingly bright. As with my family (who I also consider my friends) I have been so blessed and so fortunate to be surrounded by great people. I have never had to lower my standards, or feel like less of a person (even though I am) around any of you. Thank you for helping to slowly shape me into something so much more than I am naturally capable of being. As I have been surrounded by so many great people who I chose to call friends, it is no wonder it would cause me to be so thankful.

• Today A was a little out of control in Sacrament meeting. I took her out to the foyer and things only seemed to get worse for a little bit. I calmly asked her why she was choosing to be naughty today. In a very loud, tear-filled voice, she said, "BECAUSE I AM A 4-YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL!" I didn't know whether to laugh or to feel bad for not figuring that one out on my own.

Turkey Trot 5K

The racers: (left to right) My sister and her friend, my niece, A, me, T, my brother, and my other niece
The kids and I right after the race, A was eating a banana and thought it would be so funny to hold it in front of her face. T was eating too, but just stuffed his cheeks before the picture.

Today, my brother and his two daughters, my sister and her friend, and the kids and I all ran in the Sandy City Turkey Trot 5K. It was a ton of fun! I was just going to run and have Grandma and Grandpa watch the kids on the side lines for a little bit. I then felt like they would feel left out, so I pushed them in the trailer/jogging stroller while I ran. I think all three of us really loved it. It was so much more fun to do with the kids. The whole race the kids kept asking if we were going to win, and constantly "encouraged me" to go faster. I had to explain that anyone who participates is a winner. We were not by any means fast. We finished in 30 minutes and 31 seconds. We were in 11th place for the 25-29 year olds, and 90th finisher overall out of 300 or so people. I was still proud of myself. I didn't set out to be first place anyway, plus I was pushing 100 pounds of extra weight (it was even sometimes harder to hold it back on the down hills). For anyone wondering, I was not talking about my 100 pounds of extra weight, I was talking about the stroller and kids. It was worth it to complete the race with the kids by my side the whole time. They are such champs!

Tonight our awesome friends invited us down for dinner. We had so much fun with them, and they were so good to us. It was so fun to hang out with all of them and get reacquainted. The kids and I had a ton of fun hanging out with all of them.

• As I said, I told the kids that we won.....just like everyone else. As we were driving home, A asked what our prize was for winning the race. They handed out bananas, bottles of water, and granola bars for everyone at the end of the race. I told the kids we won a banana and a granola bar. The kids both thought that was the funniest "prize" ever and could not stop laughing.
• When we were at our friends' house tonight, my friend was teasing T that he wanted a new car. T happened to be playing with this little car toy that belonged to their one year old. He quickly offered it to my friend as if to fulfill his wish.

Thankful Day 3

I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY FAMILY

My family is certainly not perfect, but they are the best! They have always been there for me, even when I have not necessarily been there for them. They have always given of their time, support, and caring. My parents, my siblings (in-laws included) are my friends, not just my family. We all have fun whenever we can get together, but no one requires a lot of each other either. I cannot tell you how supportive they have been throughout my life. They have always stood by my side and have always been there for me. I love when we can get our whole huge clan together and hang out, and I also love when I get to spend individual time with each sibling and family. They are so willing to give and to serve anyone. They are truly examples to me in every way. I am so thankful that I was blessed to be born into this wonderful family.