Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Giving Up

Probably 99% if the people who read this blog know that I'm LDS. I love my religion and am grateful for the peace it has brought to me during my life, but I LOVE other religions and religious practices. Hanukkah is such a beautiful holiday. My sister actually celebrates this holiday with her family by lighting a menorah and giving presents. I would have to say my personal non-LDS practice would be the Catholic Lent. You can read about it HERE.

Ever since I was about 15 years old I've been giving up something for Lent. I've done everything from sugar to cussing. My sisters can get pretty creative, giving up elevators and gluttony for example. I always thought it was such great timing...coming right after New Year's resolutions had bit the dust, it is a time of renewal. I time to start over and really get it right this time...can anyone say Atonement?

So, what'll it be this year? I'm still thinking of mine, but would love to hear if any of you would like to join in. Come on. Just give up for once and don't even feel guilty about it.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Fruits of Our Labors

I've never really enjoyed shopping. I know, I know, but it's the truth. I think one of my favorite jobs ever was working in the misses department at Sears when I was in high school because I didn't really have to think. If someone I worked with said, "Hey, you'd look good in that," I'd say ok and buy it. Done and done.

My dislike for shopping grew 300% this weekend when I realized that both Aren and Tatiana needed new shoes for church and that Rick and I were in desparate need of sneakers. My game plan was to go to Payless and do the buy one get one half off deal and spend as little as possible. I know what you're thinking...Sears? Payless? You're noticing a pattern. Yes, I'm cheap. You try clawing your way out of $50,000 in credit card/medical debt and tell me where you shop.

So, in we go and Tatiana, unlike her mother, is in heaven. She immediately begins making the sign for shoes and screaming the word and almost like magic, runs to her size, sits down and begins taking her shoes off and not so patiently waits for me to dress her. Rick grabs Aren and they go to look for some size three shoes. After trying on every pair of size 5 and 6 white dress shoes, the perfect pair of shoes is found and Tatiana walks away, eager to show Rick her amazing find. By this point, I'm ready to call it a day, but I keep plugging away. I find Rick and ask about Aren's shoes. "We couldn't find any to slip on." My cold stare told him that was not the right answer so I grabbed Aren and pulled him back over two aisles while yelling, "Rick, where's Tatiana?" Aren replies, "I'll get her!" "NO! Rick?!" "I'll find her babe." She was found...walking right out the door.

One pair of shoes later, Aren has new dress shoes and I again find Rick. "Any luck?" "No, I've been watching Tatiana, remember?" Another cold stare. "Aren, watch your sister. Rick, find some freaking shoes." Another one pair of shoes later, I found some that would work well enough. Again, "Rick, any luck?" "Well, these are ok, but I was thinking about these..." Third and final cold stare was followed by, "These will do."

And out we walked with four pair of shoes, Rick wanting to shoot himself in the head, me remembering once again why I hate shopping, Aren begging for a new video games, and Tatiana screaming for more shoes. Behold, the fruits of our labors.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Tit for Tat

Growing up is hard. I remember as a child thinking I was so wise beyond my years, believing I could do it all by myself. Aren feels the same way...well, he did anyway until this afternoon.

Aren has always loved reading. He's seriously been reading since he was around 2 years old. I swear. I've got video of him reading Dr. Seuss and I have friends that will witness how they took an encyclopedia off the shelf and handed it to four year old Aren and he began reading the whole thing. I guess nerd runs in the family, huh Rick. His love for reading has continued and continued and a few weeks ago he discovered Harry Potter. He's read books two and three, started four and is half way through number one...don't ask. We're allowing him to watch the movies, but only after each book is read. Because of this, it's been hard to tear him away from book one.

This morning as he was reading, I asked him if he could stop and help straighten the family room. He looked right at me and said, "But mom, I'm reading Harry Potter and don't want to stop." I calmly told him that if he wanted me to help him with anything today that he needed to put that book down and help me. His reply? He stared at me for a few seconds then continued to read. Fine. No help. Rick tried to help him understand and got the same reaction. Fine. No help from dad.

Aren asked for help gathering snacks for church. No help. He asked for help gathering books. No help. Every request this morning was handled by me saying, "I'm sorry. I don't help people who don't help our family." It seemed to be going ok until we got home from church and Aren said, "Mom, I'll just have the usual for lunch...ya know...Raman," to which I replied, "I'm sorry...". Then it hit. The tears started coming and didn't stop for ten minutes. He kept saying, "I'm sorry. I promise I'll help you again," to which I responded, "I'm sure you will. Now go make your Raman."

I wonder which is harder - being a kid and needing so much help or being the grown up and doing all the helping. Maybe it's a toss up.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

It's Car Buying Time!

Ok, so Rick and I are getting ready to buy a new to us car and we're pretty dang excited. We've had one car for about six months now and although it is doable, I'm not the best planner and I think Rick is going to kill me if I call him one more time at work and beg him to pick up some milk during his lunch. Love you milk boy!

So, I need help. We're looking for a bigger than a 4/5 passenger car. NO, WE'RE NOT PREGNANT, we just want some more room and the option to have more than just our kids in the car if we so choose to. Any suggestions?

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!

Rick and I gave up on Valentine's Day dates a long time ago. It probably had something to do with the fact that we were/are poor, kids were sick, Rick was gone, whatever. So, instead of dates, we've switched things around and our whole family has a fun themed dinner at home. Here are some pictures from this year...




Friday, February 13, 2009

Icky Words

So, my last post got me thinking about disgusting words that should never be used unless you're trying to creep someone out. Words like lover, penetration, and my latest gross word - moist...thanks to Marissa and Sarah for putting that on my list. Ew.

So now I'm curious as to what words drive you crazy? Anything that makes you cringe every time you hear it? Come on, I know you have some.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

My List of Things That Bug Me Today

Normally I'm a pretty positive person...I mean come on, I survived the death of a child and the bone marrow transplant of another within nine months of each other and did it on limited anti-depressants. That's pretty good, right? But things are bugging me today and here they are in no particular order...

1. Husbands who can't find their wallets. I'm guilty of not finding things either, but come on! Leave it in the back pants pocket and you never have to worry about where it is, or better yet, just put it on top of the piano when you walk in. Love you, babe.

2. People who don't immunize their children. Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, don't tell me, the mother of two children who were born without immune systems, that you don't immunize and then wonder why I won't come and see you. My daughter almost died of chicken pox. Don't even think to tell me that polio, measles, and mumps don't exist any more. They do you moron, but children weren't getting sick because they're immunized. Why do think there have been so many outbreaks lately. You suck.

3. When talking about your husband, please don't refer to him as your "lover". That is so gross. I'm not quite sure why...to me it's a word that ranks up there with penetration and penis. Just words I don't particularly enjoy hearing.

4. Doctors who won't see you if you haven't been seen in over a year. Look you jerk, it's not my fault I don't get sick. My ears are about to explode and my throat feels like I'm swallowing glass. Just let me come in and get some meds!

That's about all I can come up with at the moment. Strange thing is, I'm not even PMSing so I don't know where this is coming from but I needed to get it out. Feel free to post your own annoyances here...even if it's you're annoyed with people's random list of annoyances. All are welcome.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Television Confirmed It

So, most people know I'm not fond of children. Hell, I'm not that fond of my own kids a lot of the time. I mean, I don't beat them or tell them they're ugly, but I'll admit that by the end of some days my children are not cute, humorous, or even smart. They just plain suck. The other day while watching t.v. a commercial reminded me how much I really don't love my children.

Has anyone seen that Sinupret commercial? There's a beautiful brunette mom with her beautiful brunette daughter and they are in a beautiful field of flowers, one saying, "I love you more," followed by the other, "I love you more," and so it goes until the mom pipes up stating her superior love is defined by the fact that she gives her daughter Sinupret, which is best because it's all natural blah blah.

Seriously? It used to be that love was defined by reading stories at night before bed and a trip to the park. Now it's defined by all natural sinus relief? I must really hate Aren because I give him Claritin...and it's the generic Target brand at that.

Sorry Aren, Lily, and Tatiana. I promise I do love you for the most part, but when therapy is started, I'll take the blame. Now THAT'S love.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Who Am I?

Like so many good LDS people, this week I’m reading the Book of Mormon every day. And like so many good LDS people, I have a hard time finishing this book and find myself stopping and starting all over again. It’s kinda cool how Heavenly Father knew the majority of us are a bunch of non-committal dolts because he put a whole lot of information in those first few chapters. Especially when it comes to what kind of people we are.

Take a look at the main characters presented to us in the first four chapters of Nephi. We have, of course, Nephi – the goody goody who does everything right. He listens to his dad, who just happens to be the prophet, then prays to receive personal revelation to verify the truths. He does what he's asked, knowing full well it can be accomplished as long as he does it righteously, faith never wavering.

Then there is Sam. He does what he’s told and doesn’t really ask questions. He does it because if dad says so, and Nephi’s double checked, then that’s good enough for him. Of course we have Laman and Lemuel, the ones who everyone in Sunday School says we shouldn’t be, but come on, they deserve some credit. They royally screw up and then repent, granted only to screw up again, but heck, they must’ve done something right because they made it to the promised land same as Nephi.

I must say my personal favorite is Zoram. I mean, here’s a guy who pretty much just wanted to be left alone and got dragged into this whole mess by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He ended up with Nephi not so much because of his sense of right and wrong, but more so because Nephi was going to kick his trash unless he did as he was told.

It makes me wonder what kind of person I am. Am I a good girl who’s always listening and paying attention, double checking with the Big Guy to make sure I understand correctly? Or am I more like Sam and content with the fact that if someone else knows it’s true and I trust that person than it must be good enough for me. Am I a Laman and Lemuel, knowing right from wrong but constantly messing up anyway, or am I more of a Zoram…doing everything because I don’t want to get my arse racked across the coals after I die.

Maybe I’m like each of them depending on the day. Maybe one isn’t any better than the other as long as I make it to the promised land.