My friend and I were talking the other day about things that people have asked us that they just shouldn't. We wondered why this was so and came up with two really good reasons. 1. They've known you all your life and expect some sort of free pass to get all up in your business, 2. They just don't know any better. So, to honor that conversation, here's a list of things you should NEVER ask.
1. When is your baby due? You never ask this unless the person has brought up the fact that they are pregnant. Could lead to serious embarassment.
2. When are you getting married/ Why aren't you married yet? A snappy come back: All the guys that I date kind of freak out when I turn into a werewolf at the full moon, it's a little off-putting. Serious note here: People that aren't married might not want to BE married, leave them alone.
3. When are you having another child? Serious note on this one: Again, it's none of your business, don't ask, it could be very painful. I can't think of a snappy comeback that's not really offensive so I'll pass on that one.
4. Is that your natural hair color? Snappy comeback: That's between me and Ms. Clairol.
5. You used to be so cute, why don't you lose some weight? Snappy comeback: We've been commanded to have a years supply of food, I just carry mine with me. Where's yours?
6. What happened? These two words can be tacked on to the end of any phrase and it becomes something you never say. Example: You were so cute as a baby, what happened? Snappy comeback: Life.
7. Are you wearing that? Snappy comeback: Apparently so unless it's clothing optional.
So people, the point is to think before we speak. I have been known to blurt things out only to wish that there was something in front of my face to catch my words but I'm trying to do better. We never know someone else's circumstances so unless they bring up the subject, it's better not to ask.
***Disclaimer (read in that car dealership mumble at the end): This is not meant to offend anyone, just bring to light something that happens. Please remember, the cone of safety is in place.
Y'all have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
What is Love?
Hello all-
Notice the title, it's a capital "L" in love. A few weeks ago, Mike and I were enjoying some well earned time by ourselves courtesy of granna feeling adventurous and having all of the grandkids spend the night (brave soul), and we went out to dinner at our local Olive Garden (love me some bread sticks). Anyway, as we're going to the car after finishing our meal, we both notice the older couple on the sidewalk in front of us. The man is tall and straight with silver hair and wearing dress pants and a polo with little tassely (sp?) shoes. The woman is small and straight, with hair just so and dressed in a dress, pumps with a matching handbag. She has her arm through his as they walk down the sidewalk to their car. As we are walking behind them, we also see another older couple coming to the sidewalk. He is also tall and straight and casually dressed. She is tall and willowy, but there's something not right. He's having to help her stand and walk. It looks like she's been the victim of a stroke or something else affecting one side of her body. As Mike and I stepped onto the grass, this gentleman helped his wife up onto the sidewalk and they moved into the restaurant. I remarked to my DH that those I wonder what we'll be like when we're older. He of course says, just like now older and a little shorter, but we will still love each other, probably more than today.
I've been thinking alot recently about those two couples and others that I see around me. What exactly is Love? My thoughts on that subject have changed through the years. In the teen years everything was bright and flashy and quickly crashed and burned. As I listen to teenagers today, I think about what some of them are looking for, looks, money, a cool car, whatever. That is love. They don't think about after those looks are no more, you're driving a broken down car b/c you've got kids to put through school or heaven forbid your spouse gets sick with some dread disease. I read an article a while back about Fmr. Supreme Court Justice O'Connor's husband who is stricken with Alzheimer's and is in a facility of some sort. He doesn't know who she is, who his children are, but he's found a new love there in the facility. Their family acknowledged this and pretty much said to the public, if he is is happy then they're happy, they love him and want him to be happy. That, my friends, is Love.
Here is my definition of Love: A feeling of peace, contentment, joy in being with someone else. This feeling is not affected by the mood of either individual or circumstance. Love is patient, kind (you guys know that verse, it's all true). Love is, for me, something you don't take lightly. It's not a passing fancy or crush. Love is knowing that the looks that attracted you may fade, but now you're more attracted to the heart. Mike isn't Brad Pitt, I'm not Shania Twain, but I know that he would be there for me to lean on walking down the sidewalk, helping me when I need it (although sometimes I won't ask for it-I'm stubborn like that). He knows that I am there to support him, lift him when he's down and generally make his life wonderful :-)
That my friends, is Love.
Notice the title, it's a capital "L" in love. A few weeks ago, Mike and I were enjoying some well earned time by ourselves courtesy of granna feeling adventurous and having all of the grandkids spend the night (brave soul), and we went out to dinner at our local Olive Garden (love me some bread sticks). Anyway, as we're going to the car after finishing our meal, we both notice the older couple on the sidewalk in front of us. The man is tall and straight with silver hair and wearing dress pants and a polo with little tassely (sp?) shoes. The woman is small and straight, with hair just so and dressed in a dress, pumps with a matching handbag. She has her arm through his as they walk down the sidewalk to their car. As we are walking behind them, we also see another older couple coming to the sidewalk. He is also tall and straight and casually dressed. She is tall and willowy, but there's something not right. He's having to help her stand and walk. It looks like she's been the victim of a stroke or something else affecting one side of her body. As Mike and I stepped onto the grass, this gentleman helped his wife up onto the sidewalk and they moved into the restaurant. I remarked to my DH that those I wonder what we'll be like when we're older. He of course says, just like now older and a little shorter, but we will still love each other, probably more than today.
I've been thinking alot recently about those two couples and others that I see around me. What exactly is Love? My thoughts on that subject have changed through the years. In the teen years everything was bright and flashy and quickly crashed and burned. As I listen to teenagers today, I think about what some of them are looking for, looks, money, a cool car, whatever. That is love. They don't think about after those looks are no more, you're driving a broken down car b/c you've got kids to put through school or heaven forbid your spouse gets sick with some dread disease. I read an article a while back about Fmr. Supreme Court Justice O'Connor's husband who is stricken with Alzheimer's and is in a facility of some sort. He doesn't know who she is, who his children are, but he's found a new love there in the facility. Their family acknowledged this and pretty much said to the public, if he is is happy then they're happy, they love him and want him to be happy. That, my friends, is Love.
Here is my definition of Love: A feeling of peace, contentment, joy in being with someone else. This feeling is not affected by the mood of either individual or circumstance. Love is patient, kind (you guys know that verse, it's all true). Love is, for me, something you don't take lightly. It's not a passing fancy or crush. Love is knowing that the looks that attracted you may fade, but now you're more attracted to the heart. Mike isn't Brad Pitt, I'm not Shania Twain, but I know that he would be there for me to lean on walking down the sidewalk, helping me when I need it (although sometimes I won't ask for it-I'm stubborn like that). He knows that I am there to support him, lift him when he's down and generally make his life wonderful :-)
That my friends, is Love.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Happy Father's Day!
As I think about Father's Day, I realized that sometimes we take dads for granted. Of course, they never complain, that's not the dad way. But, they are always there to bail us out of trouble, whether that be car trouble, money trouble or any other kind of trouble we get ourselves in to. I'm lucky to know and be associated with three wonderful dads.
First, my own dad-we're so much alike it's funny. We both have a quirky sense of humor, an obsessive need to plan everything and a great amount of let's call it stubborness. Years ago when my dad was going to have a gamma knife procedure to cut something out of his noggin, mom and I were there to lend moral support. He was hooked up in a halo type head thing so that the doctors could put the radiation just where it was needed. Anyway, there were quite a few jokes from him and I about him turning green and bulking up the next time he got angry. Then of course, the Darth Vader impersonations began and trying to get him something to eat was an adventure in and of itself. When I was young, we fought but I also knew that I could count on him. I've come to appreciate him more that I'm older and have my own kids and watching him with said children is a joy. He's taught me to hope for the best but plan for the worst just in case. Maybe I get a little of my craziness from him (ya think?). I couldn't ask for a better dad.
2nd is Mike's dad-Steve is truly the epitome of sweetness and light. I don't think the man knows how to raise his voice in anger or frustration. He set the example for Mike of how to be a good, gentle, caring man who thinks more his wife and kids than himself. He is steadfast. I always see him as a ship on the sea, whether the seas are turbulent or calm, he is there doing what needs to be done without thinking what's in it for him. Mike looks up to his dad and wants to be like him. I couldn't think of a better person to be like.
Last but certainly not least is Mike, my own love. You've read "our" story and you all know us. He was a blessing in a time of great need and he continues to bless my life everyday. He came along to love me at a time when I felt very unlovable. He stepped into a ready made family and then glued us all together into one family. He is an example to me of what selflessness is(much like his dad). He always thinks of our needs first and does without so that we can have what we need. He is crazy, caring, sweet and a wonderful man. I see Jared following him and hope that he'll be the next in a long line of good men.
We'll hug those that are with us still, cry a little for those that are gone, but mostly, be thankful that they were our dad. Happy Father's Day guys!
First, my own dad-we're so much alike it's funny. We both have a quirky sense of humor, an obsessive need to plan everything and a great amount of let's call it stubborness. Years ago when my dad was going to have a gamma knife procedure to cut something out of his noggin, mom and I were there to lend moral support. He was hooked up in a halo type head thing so that the doctors could put the radiation just where it was needed. Anyway, there were quite a few jokes from him and I about him turning green and bulking up the next time he got angry. Then of course, the Darth Vader impersonations began and trying to get him something to eat was an adventure in and of itself. When I was young, we fought but I also knew that I could count on him. I've come to appreciate him more that I'm older and have my own kids and watching him with said children is a joy. He's taught me to hope for the best but plan for the worst just in case. Maybe I get a little of my craziness from him (ya think?). I couldn't ask for a better dad.
2nd is Mike's dad-Steve is truly the epitome of sweetness and light. I don't think the man knows how to raise his voice in anger or frustration. He set the example for Mike of how to be a good, gentle, caring man who thinks more his wife and kids than himself. He is steadfast. I always see him as a ship on the sea, whether the seas are turbulent or calm, he is there doing what needs to be done without thinking what's in it for him. Mike looks up to his dad and wants to be like him. I couldn't think of a better person to be like.
Last but certainly not least is Mike, my own love. You've read "our" story and you all know us. He was a blessing in a time of great need and he continues to bless my life everyday. He came along to love me at a time when I felt very unlovable. He stepped into a ready made family and then glued us all together into one family. He is an example to me of what selflessness is(much like his dad). He always thinks of our needs first and does without so that we can have what we need. He is crazy, caring, sweet and a wonderful man. I see Jared following him and hope that he'll be the next in a long line of good men.
We'll hug those that are with us still, cry a little for those that are gone, but mostly, be thankful that they were our dad. Happy Father's Day guys!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's Off to Camp She Goes.....
Yesterday I dropped Kiersten off at the church to go to Girls Camp for the first time. As I said earlier, she's excited and ready to go and hang out with her friends. I stuck around until everyone was packed into the cars and they were on their way. As I drove home, I felt a little pit in the bottom of my stomach. You know, the kind you get when you leave your first child at daycare for the first time, the first time they spend the night with a friend, the first day you leave them at school. It's another first for her and I'm glad she's able to go. I told Mike the other day that I'm glad she's flying a little bit on her own now and it's a little from the nest. She's always been a little more adventurous and more able to accept changes than Jared, she'll get on a roller coaster in a heart beat, I've never had to worry about her going to a new class (although she did have a little bit of an issue last year changing schools and all). She'll have a blast and I'll hear all about it when she gets home.
As I was doing my morning flit around the blogs, I came across Cindy's blog about sending her daughter off to camp and the memories that she had of camp. I had to laugh at that because she and I have some of the same memories. Some of my (now) fond memories of camp:
Running with the bull. If you weren't there you don't understand. We even got little medals. However, watching Crystal's mom and aunt Libby clear a gate like Superman was something I'll never get out of my head.
The camp with the pool (only one time in all the years that I went to camp that we had a pool). Watching Sis. Barentine go off the high dive and thinking "that's not going to be pleasant".
Camp Appletree in the NC mountains, it rained all week and we were all sopping wet. However, being in the testimony meeting and watching the clouds come over the mountains like a wave was really cool. That was my favorite year I think just because of all the spiritual experiences, like that final testimony meeting.
Camp Hell(that's my name for it anyway) at Sis. Marsh's family cow pasture. I learned how to conserve water and put together a shower out of a hoola hoop, a shower curtain and a wooden pallet. I got chiggers on my feet so bad I couldn't wear shoes and my mom ended up giving the Bishop and Stake pres. a piece of her mind for putting "her girls" (she was YW Pres. at the time) in a hell hole.
It's funny how now the craziest things stick out in your mind. They may be funny, sad, spiritual or bad memories but I'm glad I've got them.
As I was doing my morning flit around the blogs, I came across Cindy's blog about sending her daughter off to camp and the memories that she had of camp. I had to laugh at that because she and I have some of the same memories. Some of my (now) fond memories of camp:
Running with the bull. If you weren't there you don't understand. We even got little medals. However, watching Crystal's mom and aunt Libby clear a gate like Superman was something I'll never get out of my head.
The camp with the pool (only one time in all the years that I went to camp that we had a pool). Watching Sis. Barentine go off the high dive and thinking "that's not going to be pleasant".
Camp Appletree in the NC mountains, it rained all week and we were all sopping wet. However, being in the testimony meeting and watching the clouds come over the mountains like a wave was really cool. That was my favorite year I think just because of all the spiritual experiences, like that final testimony meeting.
Camp Hell(that's my name for it anyway) at Sis. Marsh's family cow pasture. I learned how to conserve water and put together a shower out of a hoola hoop, a shower curtain and a wooden pallet. I got chiggers on my feet so bad I couldn't wear shoes and my mom ended up giving the Bishop and Stake pres. a piece of her mind for putting "her girls" (she was YW Pres. at the time) in a hell hole.
It's funny how now the craziest things stick out in your mind. They may be funny, sad, spiritual or bad memories but I'm glad I've got them.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
I will never, ever, ever...
In life, there are things that you will just never, ever, EVER do and no one will ever be able to talk you in to doing them. I'm quite the chicken and worrier so my list is long and somewhat silly but I'm taking a break at work right now so I'll let you in on the list.
I will never, ever, EVER....
1. Eat in the bathroom. That's just icky.
2. Ride another roller coaster. I hate them, they scare me to death. However, Kiersten loves them-she can ride with Mike, not me.
3. Eat bugs. I know that there may come a time when bugs are all we have but I will eat grass and dirt before bugs. I'm working on my food storage a little every week just so that it won't come to that. ICK!
4. Check a mouse trap. If there's a mouse in it, someone else has to get it out, not happening. If Mike isn't at home, I'll call my dad or the neighbor.
5. Watch a scary movie. I can't deal with things like that, gory, make you jump. The previews for the horrors movies now scare me slam to death. I know, some people really enjoy them. I am not one of those people.
6. Ride in a hot air balloon. The thought of riding in one is very lovely but then the whole thought about what if it runs out of hot air, what if the bottom falls out and I plummet to the earth? Not good thoughts.
7. Sky dive. Again, plummeting to the earth and I don't get along.
8. Go underwater spelunking. Don't people know that you can get lost and there's NO AIR DOWN THERE! That gives me the shudders just thinking about it.
I know it, I'm a chicken.
Okay, that's what I can think of right now, I'm sure there are other things but the thought of them is just too traumatic for me at this point. What's on your list?
I will never, ever, EVER....
1. Eat in the bathroom. That's just icky.
2. Ride another roller coaster. I hate them, they scare me to death. However, Kiersten loves them-she can ride with Mike, not me.
3. Eat bugs. I know that there may come a time when bugs are all we have but I will eat grass and dirt before bugs. I'm working on my food storage a little every week just so that it won't come to that. ICK!
4. Check a mouse trap. If there's a mouse in it, someone else has to get it out, not happening. If Mike isn't at home, I'll call my dad or the neighbor.
5. Watch a scary movie. I can't deal with things like that, gory, make you jump. The previews for the horrors movies now scare me slam to death. I know, some people really enjoy them. I am not one of those people.
6. Ride in a hot air balloon. The thought of riding in one is very lovely but then the whole thought about what if it runs out of hot air, what if the bottom falls out and I plummet to the earth? Not good thoughts.
7. Sky dive. Again, plummeting to the earth and I don't get along.
8. Go underwater spelunking. Don't people know that you can get lost and there's NO AIR DOWN THERE! That gives me the shudders just thinking about it.
I know it, I'm a chicken.
Okay, that's what I can think of right now, I'm sure there are other things but the thought of them is just too traumatic for me at this point. What's on your list?
Monday, June 9, 2008
Bringing You Up to Date....
Hello all,
We've survived the first really hot weekend of the summer (highs in the 100s). Mike has survived yet another deep sea fishing trip (barely and he's still feeling the effects almost a week later). Kiersten is getting ready to go to girls camp for the first time and Jared will be going to Cub Scout daycamp at the end of the month.
Mike went with a group of friends from church deep sea fishing on Wednesday, thinking that the first pukefest about 5 years ago was maybe a fluke. Well, it wasn't. The poor guy had been popping dramamine from Monday before going on Wed. He said he was fine until about an hour in (only halfway to the destination 50 miles off the coast of Charleston), then it did not go well. He did manage to catch some fish but I really don't think he cared. He ended up getting sunburned only on his face (hanging off the boat and the sun reflecting off the water and all that). To add insult to injury because his lip was burned, he's got fever blisters all the way across his lip. He said the pain in his lip woke him up a few times last night.He's also being ragged by the Bishop about the whole thing. He and Kiersten went to the temple on Friday and the good Bishop asked if he would be okay doing baptisms because the water was a little choppy. Silly Bishop.
Kiersten is leaving for camp on Wednesday and it promises to be an adventure. They're going to an actual camp with cabins and a pool, rock wall and zip line. When asked if she was going to go on the rock wall, the fearless child said of course, who cares that it's 40 feet up in the air. She's even more excited about the zip line. It's a good thing I'm not going, I'd need some Miss Clairol for sure. She's very excited about the whole thing, her first time away from home without a parental unit (unless you count a few days at the beach with her BFF last summer). She'll be back on Saturday and I hope everything goes well.
Jared is being himself, just kind of hanging out. He goes to Cub Scout day camp the last full week of the month (same week that his dad will be at Boy Scout camp). He's progressing nicely in the Cub Scouts, got his 2nd belt thingy last week. He should get his Bobcat badge at the next pack meeting (I think next week?), he only has 2 more requirements for that and we're going to work on them this week. He's keeping up with his reading and is not all that impressed with the Lego thing that he bought with his birthday money (it apparently is not as indestructible as he thought). He keeps telling me he needs to glue the thing together but he won't stop playing with it and changing it long enough for me to glue it.
That's the report for right now. It's too hot to think deep thoughts. love to all!
We've survived the first really hot weekend of the summer (highs in the 100s). Mike has survived yet another deep sea fishing trip (barely and he's still feeling the effects almost a week later). Kiersten is getting ready to go to girls camp for the first time and Jared will be going to Cub Scout daycamp at the end of the month.
Mike went with a group of friends from church deep sea fishing on Wednesday, thinking that the first pukefest about 5 years ago was maybe a fluke. Well, it wasn't. The poor guy had been popping dramamine from Monday before going on Wed. He said he was fine until about an hour in (only halfway to the destination 50 miles off the coast of Charleston), then it did not go well. He did manage to catch some fish but I really don't think he cared. He ended up getting sunburned only on his face (hanging off the boat and the sun reflecting off the water and all that). To add insult to injury because his lip was burned, he's got fever blisters all the way across his lip. He said the pain in his lip woke him up a few times last night.He's also being ragged by the Bishop about the whole thing. He and Kiersten went to the temple on Friday and the good Bishop asked if he would be okay doing baptisms because the water was a little choppy. Silly Bishop.
Kiersten is leaving for camp on Wednesday and it promises to be an adventure. They're going to an actual camp with cabins and a pool, rock wall and zip line. When asked if she was going to go on the rock wall, the fearless child said of course, who cares that it's 40 feet up in the air. She's even more excited about the zip line. It's a good thing I'm not going, I'd need some Miss Clairol for sure. She's very excited about the whole thing, her first time away from home without a parental unit (unless you count a few days at the beach with her BFF last summer). She'll be back on Saturday and I hope everything goes well.
Jared is being himself, just kind of hanging out. He goes to Cub Scout day camp the last full week of the month (same week that his dad will be at Boy Scout camp). He's progressing nicely in the Cub Scouts, got his 2nd belt thingy last week. He should get his Bobcat badge at the next pack meeting (I think next week?), he only has 2 more requirements for that and we're going to work on them this week. He's keeping up with his reading and is not all that impressed with the Lego thing that he bought with his birthday money (it apparently is not as indestructible as he thought). He keeps telling me he needs to glue the thing together but he won't stop playing with it and changing it long enough for me to glue it.
That's the report for right now. It's too hot to think deep thoughts. love to all!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Weekend report
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Hey there all,
Just got a few minutes to post about J's baptism on Sunday. It was really wonderful and special. Thanks everyone who was able to come. It was extra special because all of Mike's uncles were able to attend. The kids just came home from their granna's house last night wiped out after being in the pool all day so hopefully I'll get some of his thoughts about the baptism as we go through the rest of the week. Here are some pics and everyone have a great week.
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Mike, Jared, Nana and "the boys"
Sam, Paul, Brad and Tim
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