Keeping Up With The Joneses

Today I am thankful for . . .

2009-10-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Good friends, healthy kids, two jobs, a great Sunday School teacher and Dora the Explorer ! AND MUSIC ! LOTS OF LOUD MUSIC !

The Tails Continue

2009-10-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well apparently, the escape route that I had chosen was ineffective. I ran and hid in the nearest spot available only to find that I was trapped INSIDE the residence. My only hope was to remain hidden the entire day, allowing no one to detect my presence. I was able to achieve this goal, however once the sun was down again and the keepers had again retired, I found myself once again - locked in. I was able to prowl around the home quietly enough to not arouse the canine. I found myself in luck ! The kitchen window was left slightly open. I could feel the cool night breeze and my freedom. The white plastic-ish coverings were in the way but I was able to work around them in order to begin my task of detaching the wiry screen to allow my passage. I am sure that I created quite a racket banging the coverings around. But my diligence was rewarded. I exposed just enough space to permit me to escape just before the keepers made their way into the kitchen to investigate my presence. I must send my apologies to the universe for the unsightly mess of muddy pawprints and black fur that I left on the clean white sink. I must also beg pardon for the unattractive hole left in the window screen !

Tails from the Curtain Rod

2009-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

The day began as days usually do for a cat like me. Although I must say, the dreadful heat in this sultry town seems to be gone for a season. It is October I suppose, which is my favorite month. My coat is solid black and I am therefore an interesting participant in the traditions this time of year. While I have no belief in superstition, I find the habit of crossing paths quite entertaining, as the keepers, both young and old cannot resist averting their steps to avoid me. They are quite comical actually, but I digress. I spent the day napping, chasing that bothersome blue jay that torments me endlessly, napping some more and then searching for something to eat. My keeper feeds me well, but it is my nature to hunt, so I hunt.

As I wandered the neighborhood, it came to my attention that a certain garage door was partly open. Just enough so, that I could slink into the garage to check for, well whatever cats check for. At any rate, for whatever reason, I gave into the temptation and found my way into the garage. It looked as if it had been organized at some point but had lost its way recently. While there were no mice to chase, there was a blanket. It had seen the test of time, and proved itself worthy of my afternoon nap. As I dozed, I considered the consequences of my softened vigilance, for it is not my constitution to relax so in unfamiliar territory. However, the comfort of the blanket and the solitude of this quiet garage were simply too inviting. I napped.

Upon awakening I found myself in a most precarious situation. You see, the partially opened garage door, had, during the course of my respite, been completely closed. I considered my situation and elected to wait. The door was bound to be opened eventually and if there was anything I had, it was patience. I waited.

The house became quiet. It occurred to me that the keepers within had retired for the night and would not be opening the garage door anytime soon. I began to investigate my surroundings and found that the door leading to the house had been left ajar and was indeed passable. I entered and again began to survey the location. The setting was familiar. There appeared to be young as well as older keepers in the residence. But suddenly my eyes set upon a suspicious object. A recently filled water dish was placed neatly in the corner. I became aware that I was likely not a lone quadruped in this environment. My senses were awakened as I continued my exploration. All of a sudden, I heard it. The sound from behind one of the closed doors was clearly NOT feline. It was, in fact, canine in nature. I made haste in my attempt to abandon my surrounding, retreating in the direction that I had come. However, it was too late. The keepers, evidently curious as to their canine’s agitation had released the animal and it was obstructing my path. I turned and ran toward what appeared to be an exit. It was, however, closed and I saw nowhere to go but up. Up the curtain panel I clawed. The ascent, however effortless was futile as I was now “treed” if you will atop a most narrow rod that appeared to hold the curtain. I watched.
The commotion attracted the keepers. At first it was only an adolescent, a female. She immediately summoned another keeper, apparently named “Mom” and presently they both stood staring sleepy eyed at their captive. I was confused at their intent because as suddenly as they realized my predicament they put the canine away, imprisoned behind the door. But they followed up by waving a long armed brush in my direction. As my defenses instinctively kicked in, I growled and hissed in every direction to let them know of my desire to deliver myself from this situation on my own terms. I jumped frantically to the mantel and down to the floor, attempting once again to leave this desperate situation following the same course that I had entered it. This time it was the adolescent that blocked my path. I circled back, toward the window, and thinking that it had been opened ran full force into it. You can only imagine my embarrassment as the keepers could not contain their laughter. Upon regaining my bearings I once again climbed the curtain panel to find myself in the exact same circumstance that I had been not 2 minutes before. However in my hustle to scale the drapery, I disconnected the rod and found it to be hanging haphazardly just below my position.

At this point, another keeper, named “Dad” entered the room. He appraised the situation briefly and then returned to his nocturnal deep breathing. I continued to grumble my displeasure as I watched the two female keepers discussing their options and finally appeared to have decided on retiring as well. But not before first leaving the door obviously open and pointing one of those cursed black boxlike devices that randomly flashes bright lights, directly at me, several times. Before I die I would like to know just what purpose those infernal things serve except to temporarily blind their subjects. I watched as the keepers left and waited until I was certain they would not return. I carefully disembarked the curtain. I escaped.

Movie Quote Monday *****

2009-06-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

A terrible movie ~ but a hilarious quote !!

"Go ahead and clap. Mediocrity deserves applause. Why don't we go find a Ford Focus and clap around it!"

Happy Father's Day John

2009-06-21T21:44:00.001-07:00

For Father's Day we took the day off and took our dad to one of his favorite spots - the Hof Brau in Morro Bay. (I know it's so naughty but we don't get a real vacay this summer and when our dad has a day off . . . we take it !)We had a great Day !

2009-06-21T21:43:00.001-07:00

Movie Quote Monday ***** - and the story of my life!

2009-06-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hm. Teenagers. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you

BYU Women's Conference '09

2009-05-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Okay - so here are a bunch of pics of a bunch of people that you mostly don't know and a few that you might know. My Sister was a Service commitee leader for the Crocheted Hair Flowers ( you can see us sporting these darling little things in a few of the pics !)that will be sent to hospitals and shelters. The sisters attending Women's Crocheted over 1000 of them and them me and Tiff and Kelly and Michele (Bills-Talbot, Bills-Chisolm respectively) sat up way too late sorting, tying off and gluing little gems and hair clips onto them. (There was some Dairy Queen involved) And we have the hot glue burns to show for it !!

The Conference was wonderful as usual and the weather was beautiful which is NOT the usual. We ate too much and slept too little and took the shuttle a little more than last year. Some of us even caught a couple naps (I won't mention any names like Kell"Y" !) Can't wait til next year !!

2009-05-07T18:52:00.001-07:00

Nate-ism - Lisa I feel yor pain !

2009-04-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

Me: (trying to teach Nate about fractions and inequalities)See this pie - it only has one out of four slices left that's 1/4(th) - this pie has three out of four slices left or 3/4(ths). So which one would is greater ? (meaning greater than or less than)

Nate: Blank stare

Me: Which one has the most - you know - which one would you want ?

Nate: I would want the 1/4 because I don't really like pie.

GOOD GRIEF !!

About an egg . . .

2009-04-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Okay - so I have to admit - I was not up for Easter. I was in Utah, enjoying my family, sleeping in, having my mom bring me a cinnamon roll or John bring me a toasted bagel from Einstein's for breakfast. We were eating at Cafe Rio every chance we got (and could afford) and basically just hanging out.

Then came Thursday, the day we had to leave to get home in time to prepare a YW lesson for Easter Sunday, get the house ready for Easter Sunday and make sure that the Easter Bunny had everything ready for Easter Sunday. Because I don't know about you, but our Easter Bunny requires a lot of help from Mom.

Naturally I resented Thursday. It meant the end of being a happy slug and the beginning of being a responsible human being again.

this is a happy slug - FYI

At any rate - We came home, did laundry, bought groceries, saw friends, did more laundry, searched sugardoodle for lesson materials, borrowed videos (thanks McArthurs), made A LOT of cream puffs and got rained on (which is really another post but don't you love it how when it rains other places people run for cover and when it rains in Bakersfield people (including me) go out and stand in it ?) In other words, we got to work.

these aren't my cream puffs - I stole this picture from google

Sunday morning came. Again, I don't know about your Easter bunny, but when ours gets to our house he for some reason thinks it's naptime and has to be awakened to go hide the danged eggs at 6am. The eggs were hidden.

The two big girls had no interest in hunting for eggs. They preferred to retrieve their candy and iTunes gift cards from their baskets and then go back to sleep. The two little ones however, were aching to go hunt.

I thought to myself, I look forward to the day that my kids have outgrown all this stuff. (I know - sad) But, I did think it and I do admit it. I mean, they've been finding the same eggs in the same spots for their whole lives. At any rate, they grabbed their baskets and their shoes (stickers in the backyard) and went after it.

Soon I heard it . . .
"I found one!",
"Look over there Nathan!"
"Daddy, why did the Easter Bunny put that one so high - doesn't he know how short we are ?" "Here's one!"
"I saw that one first!"
"This one has a dollar in it !"

I hoped that my neighbors (retired on both sides) were up and enjoying this. Is it possible that they could be having this much fun finding cheap plastic eggs filled with cheap (well not that cheap - I have holiday candy standards) candy and one dollar bills ?

They proceeded to come inside and dump the eggs, baskets and paper grass ( a lesson learned after many years of "Easter Bunnying - vacuum cleaners like paper grass better than plastic) all over the living room floor. They were honestly having a great time.

I guess it's all worth it . . . go figure.

The Joneses at the Conference Center

2009-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to get 6 tickets to the closing session of General Conference. They were way up in the balcony but we were thrilled to be there. Of course a the last minute my sister (who knows "people") got tickets on the plaza (ground floor) and sat 9 rows from the pulpit. Go figure -

At any rate - it was a wonderful day even when we had to explain to the kids what all the protesters were doing outside the temple. Seriously - do these people really have nothing better to do ? And many of the members line the sidewalk outside the temple and sing hymns. I guess they figure they mights as well take up the sidewalk space with something worthwhile and uplifting.

The weather was beautiful and of course love being with our cousins !

Movie Quote Monday

2009-04-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

"WHERE - IS - MY - SUPER - SUIT ?"

FFF

2009-04-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel today ! "Do I have to come out from under the covers ?"

YEA !! Nate has a tooth !!

2009-04-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Nate came home with great news today ! -

Let me preface this by explaining that my teeth are/were a disaster - As a kid I had missing permanent teeth, incisors in my palate and other bazaar anomalies. One of the teeth that I didn't have was my upper right lateral incisor or #7 (the one just to the right of your middle two teeth - be impressed - I worked in dentistry for 6+ years) Consequently I had to have teeth extracted, surgically wired to my braces, moved around and bonded with vaneers to get what I now call my smile. It's not perfect but I guess it was worth it because it's better than gaps or half formed teeth. I digress.

Nate lost his "baby" upper right lateral incisor (I think D - but we didn't see a lot of kids in perio so I never learned to count baby teeth !) over a year ago and alas - no permanent tooth. I forgot to ask for a full mouth set of x-rays before his last dental visit (it doesn't show on the little bite wings that they take) so it was scheduled for next time. I've been so worried that genetics would doom the poor kid to endure all the ortho and various other "treatments" that I had to fix this.

But - Great News! - a tender mercy has allowed for a permanent tooth ! YEA!!! It's just barely breaking through but appears to be normal ( I had one that wasn't fully formed - PRETTY !) So one more dentistry bullet dodged ! I'll post a pic when it comes in all the way. (because I know your dying to see it !)

Movie Quote Monday *****

2009-03-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

"What if that had been poop? "

It's Monday - How about a movie quote ?

2009-03-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

"Rick 'em, rack 'em, rock 'em, rake. Stick that sword into that snake! "

We spent Wednesday in Cozumel, Mexico. Thanks Jason for hooking us up with a great excursion to a quiet little beach. The snorkeling was great. The food was yummy. And the shopping was - well . . . Mexico. FUN !

2009-02-23T08:55:00.001-08:00

Tuesday was spent at the Grand Cayman Island - It was warm and beautiful. We snorkeled and enjoyed the great beach and good friends !

2009-02-20T09:00:00.001-08:00

Monday was at sea and it was a blast - Here are a few highlights !

2009-02-19T15:03:00.001-08:00

We spent day three in Key West, FL. The weather was beautiful and we saw lots of cool shops and ate Key Lime Pie. Nate spent the day with the Farnsworths and Mom, Nat and Erin got Henna tatoos. All four girls were custom fitted with toe rings and Dad got a muscle shirt at "Sloppy Joes" - It was a great Day !

2009-02-17T13:44:00.001-08:00

Day 2 - All aboard - it was a little bit of work getting all of us aboard but it was soooo much fun once we were there . . . Welcome - THE JONES FAMILY

2009-02-17T11:45:00.001-08:00

Our first day of travel was a little mostly spent on the plane. Everyone did great and even got some homework done !

2009-02-17T11:32:00.001-08:00

I Found Something Blog Worthy !

2008-12-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

FFF (on Saturday) - This is for you mom !

2008-11-08T13:57:00.001-08:00

Justin, Natalie and Brandon approx - 1998-99 - I can't remember ! But isn't it just the cutest picture !

Happy Birthday to my first born in the wilderness ! We love you Nat - Happy 15th

2008-11-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

It's Over !!

2008-11-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

I am officially removing the "YES ON 8" gadget from my blog. While I am grateful to have been able to work on something that was obviously so important - I am SO glad it's over. And while some may some it's too soon to say "for sure" - it looks like all of our hard work has paid off. So until we meet again (because I'm fairly sure we will) - farewell to this issue !

And Last but not least . . . Movie Quote Monday

2008-11-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

"A needlepoint sweater and a mini-van. I'll be back in about eight minutes. "

Some stuff I learned driving to and from Utah by myself with my four kiddos !

2008-11-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

1. No matter how many times you tell a teenager to pack her stuff , she will still wait until the last minute and she will definitely forget something.

2. Make them pee every time you stop

3. Plug the DVD player in at the front console so that you have complete control

4. Don't bother with the trash cans - they're going to throw their garbage on the floor anyway

5. My van does NOT take 85% Ethanol gasoline

6. The Burger King in Baker is NASTY !!

7. Some pictures of Donny and Marie are just too big !

8. Cafe Rio is practically empty on Sunday (oops)

9. The "all day in the car" cabin fever that will set in about State Line ( on the way home) will only be exacerbated by french fries and milk shakes !

10. The cabin fever/sugar high created by the milkshakes will cause TERRIBLE "Your Mama" jokes but will be over in about 20 minutes.

Oh Ya - and Cafe Rio TWICE !!

2008-11-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

It's Great to be 8

2008-11-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

We spent this past weekend in Utah with my sister's family for Dylan's Baptism. It was a short visit but so wonderful. The driving was easy, the kids were great and the weather was mild. Here are all of our cute cousins after the baptism !

We spent Halloween in Utah with our cousins !! It was super fun and GREAT weather (surprise !)

2008-11-03T11:05:00.001-08:00

Two days in Heaven

2008-10-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

This post is for me ! We're leaving EARLY Thursday morning for Bountiful/Centerville for Dylan's baptism. We can hardly wait. It will be two long days in exchange for two short ones but it's worth every minute !

FFF - those were the days !

2008-10-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

The outfit - the hair (i was going for a Jennifer Grey from Dirty Dancing look) - the mustache - Wow ! This is the picture that taught me "you ALWAYS stand at an angle when being fotogged thus making your hips NOT look 10 miles wide !"

Has anyone ever mentioned . . .

2008-10-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

how much a male candidate paid for his "campaign wardrobe"? I mean - the jacket she wore for her acceptance speech was VERY pricey, but it's all relative isn't it ?

#3

2008-10-19T20:51:00.001-07:00

"Let me get this straight. You know her. She knows you. But she wants to eat him. And everybody's okay with this? "

#2

2008-10-19T20:50:00.001-07:00

"You are the "dumbest" smart person, I have ever met in my life! "

Movie Quote Monday #1

2008-10-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

"Derice, a gold medal is a wonderful thing. But if you're not enough without one, you'll never be enough *with* one. "

This one's for Dana

2008-10-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

So this morning Nate was asking about his Dad's job. He said:

So is Dad a manager ?

Me: Well, he's an assistant Manager

Nate: So who's above him

Me: The Manager of his store

Nate: Well, who's above him

Me: Neal's Dad

Nate: Well who's above Neal's Dad ( I'm starting to see that this could be an exhausting conversation telling him the entire hierarchy of Walmart Management. So in an effort to escape -I take advantage of the fact that John has just entered the room with no knowledge of the prior conversation)

Me: Dad, Nate wants to know who's over Neal's Dad

John: Neal's Mom I guess

FFF - Does this make YOU smile ?

2008-10-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

Our beloved little Cocoa made this happy surprise for us one day. We thought she was pretty talented to poop a smiley face !

YES - it is on the rug ! She wasn't quite house trained yet !

More Nate-ism !

2008-10-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Nate : Mom what did you want to be when you grew up ?

Me: Your mom

Nate: NO! you know - what did you want to be ? a cheerleader ? a band player ? or what ?

Me: I wanted to be a Mom

Nate: so that's what you signed up for at college ?

Me: No - I didn't sign up for a certain thing (trying to explain that you can just take general classes)

Nate: - OH ! so you were a HOBO !

Me: Yes Nate ! I was a HOBO !

More Movies !

2008-10-12T22:22:00.001-07:00

"If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us it's that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, expands to new territory, and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously."

Movie Quote Monday

2008-10-12T22:09:00.001-07:00

"One minute you're defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down Darjeeling with... Marie Antoinette and her little sister"

This is why I live in California

2008-10-10T08:30:00.001-07:00

We get a couple weeks in the fall and a couple weeks in the spring that are perfect ! Lows above 50 and highs below 80 - We are loving our long sleeved, down east shirts and even a sweatshirt now and again ! The other 48 weeks of the year here in Bake-town are pretty questionable - but today the weather is perfect ! I'll stay. (Oh yeah - and there's that scenery two posts down that keeps me here too! We love the locean)

FFF -My Huz going "Commando"

2008-10-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is John and our oldest nephew Tom (he's my age) - Tom has a sever preoccupation with assault weapons and the like. These two were out doing some major damage to an old junk yard and decided to catch the moment for posterity!

Last weekend we went to Ventura for a Memorial Service for Aunt Debbie ! We couldn't resist a few minutes visiting the "lotion"!

2008-10-08T16:22:00.001-07:00

Somebody set me straight !

2008-10-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

I’m trying to think of something really intelligent to say. You know, like I’m a deep thinker and I have this whole Prop 8 thing figured out. Don’t misunderstand. I know how I’m voting and I know most of the reasons why. I’m just unclear about teaching my children.

You see, the world I was raised in saw different colors of people. I would love to say that I was raised in a home with no racial prejudices, but I wasn’t . I hope I don’t offend my parents by saying that. But it is how I feel. It is not, however, how we have raised our children. I know that my children see the differences between themselves and others (skin color, hair color, race, religion) but I can truly say that these differences do not figure into who they choose to be around or have as friends. They rarely mention whether a friend has different color skin. They have been “desensitized” to these differences. They accept others for who they are and judge them according to their choices and their behavior. I am thankful for that.

I do not want my children to think that they can “dislike” a person only because they are gay. I do not want my children to sit in judgment of a gay person. It is not our job. I do not want my children to think that they are “better” than someone else because of “sexual preference.” However, I do not want them “desensitized” on this subject. Is that wrong ? Have I been desensitized ? Am I giving to much leeway to this “lifestyle choice”? or am I teaching tolerance and love for all mankind ? How do you make it clear that - Heavenly Father loves everyone and therefore we should do the same. However, we think that the way of life that they believe has chosen them, is morally wrong and a sin and therefore we must wage a full scale war against their so called “right” to make it legal. I believe this. Truly, I do. Is it just that this is too complicated to explain to an 8 year old and yet because I have a “Yes on Proposition 8” bumper sticker on my van that I am compelled, by his questions to do so.

I watched as Ellen Degeneres talked to John McCain about the subject. Why did I feel sympathy for her ? I agreed with John McCain whole heartedly, I just felt sorry for Ellen. Could someone please set me
straight ? (no pun intended) Tell me what you tell your kids. Tell me how you balance “Love One Another” with “avoid even the appearance of evil”.

Same Movie - More favorite quotes !

2008-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

"Look there's a band"
"Well then quit callin' me !"
"Oh, I'm not trying to land him, I'm just using him for sex."
"She's wonderful! Where ever did you find her?
976-BABE"
"I'm a safety girl"
"Oops... slippery little suckers"

The list goes on- this movie is a fam favorit - must be because of the message huh ?

Movie Quote Monday

2008-10-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Okay- so this was a rated "R" movie. But it's been on TV so many times now that everyone should have seen it !! So - no excuses !

"You people work on commission, right?
Yeah.
Big mistake. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now. "

"I told you so . . ."

2008-10-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

It is very rare that my darling husband gets an "I told you so . . ." moment. So I thought it only fair that I humble myself and post it.

Many years ago he purchased a most coveted pair of Reebox "Pumps". He didn't play basketball, in fact he hates playing basketball. But that little ball on the tongue of the shoe that injected air into pockets around the shoe giving it the "oh so perfect fit" was just irresistable.

Well, as some of you may or may not know- John likes to save things. Mostly photos and such. But he is very sentimental (somewhere in our garage is a duffel bag with his high school football uniform, still bearing the mud from the last football game that he played on Griffith Field - do you see where I'm going here ?)

Much to my dismay - he has held on to these shoes for a looong time. I've tried to get him to get rid of them. "They're cluttering up the closet !" But he liked them, and he saved them.

Last night we attended the birthday party of our dearest, bestest friend Amy. It was an 80's theme - because Amy loves all things 80's. Well, my darling husband pulled out these shoes and put them on with a big "I told you so" grin on his face. He was the envy of all the guys at the party. I concede.

But if it's any consolation, his feet were killing him by the end of the night and his socks had this weird black stuff all over them - Your guess is as good as mine !!

It's still Friday - so here's a fav ~

2008-10-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

This is my Erin - I have many pics just like this one because Erin thought everything that made a mark (pen, pencil, marker, actual lipstick)was lipstick and she'd put it on !! (either that or she was just trying to eat it !!) But isn't she just the cutest !!

I was (briefly) a scrapbooker - here is more evidence that Erin loved her lipstick !!

Memories of my sister Debbie

2008-10-02T15:40:00.001-07:00

Nathan

2008-10-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Okay so - a couple of years ago John got a great deal at work on one of these:

Nathan of course started drooling immediately. But he was just too little. So it sat in the garage and sat and sat (except for a few unfortunate times that us grown-ups had to try it out - and yes we got it on film but that is for another humiliating post !! Yes Tiff - (my sister - not landee) there is one of you !)

At any rate - I finally let Nate try it out this past summer with the condition that if I EVER caught him riding without a helmet AND shoes it would be sold at the next yard sale !

It was FAB he rode it all summer long. His good buddy Elijah got one ( that kid gets everything !) and they were so cute zooming (it goes all of 20 mph) back and forth between each others houses and up and down the sidewalk. (another condition - no riding in the street -- duh mom !!)

It was just good fun - no crashes, other kids in the neighborhood (even the big ones) were sooper jealous, responsiblity (if he wanted to be able to ride it - he had to remember to charge it!)

Until - of course - the day before school picture day. Last night (while mom was a mutual of course) had a VERY minor collision with the street. (just crossing - not in it)scraped his knee, and of course - banged up his eye ( it didn't even bleed). He's actually done worse damage to himself playing basketball. But srsly- the day before school pictures ? So I have it documented for posterity that I am an overly permissive mother who let her kid ride a motorcycle thingy which got him banged up !! I didn't take a picture before he left for school this morning - I'll get one this afternoon !

I'll be offering parenting classes after the holidays ! Included will be a savings plan for urgent care visits ! ( no we didn't have to take him to urgent care - it was nothing - REALLY!)

My First (and last) Formal Gown !

2008-10-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

No formals or proms for me in high shool - not that I wasn't asked (well once - i wasn't 16 had to turn him down)There were just a lot of crazy circumstances:Here they are in full detail - send your sympathies would you !

Freshman Year - Sean Roether asked - but I was only 15
Sophomore Year - I was old enough but at the time my heart belonged to Derek Hays who was only 15
Junior Year - Old enough, heart belonged to Jeff Staten - who was also old enough but whose parents had some "anti-formal" rule - couldn't go !
Senior Year - pretty much done with the whole high school thing - there wasn't anybody that I liked enough to spend that much money on so me and by very good friend Yvonne Gu (in an effort to thumb our noses at the whole institution) drove my cute Honda Prelude Morro Bay and stayed in a Hotel and ate ice cream and watched movies all night - Had a great time !

Finally - 6 mos later my darling husband asked me to marry him and I finally got a pretty dress !

I'm getting one of these !

2008-10-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

So do you think that my children would have any more respect for the fact that The Kitchen is Closed if I purchased one of these fancy velour ropey thingys and put it at the entrance to my kitchen ? I wish I had a nickel for every time that I go to bed with my kitchen in order (alright - I know I'm a terrible housekeeper - but at least reasonable) only to wake up to whatever mess that some child created after I retired. Generally chocolate milk or cereal all over the counter !!! You would think they would make some attempt to clean up after themselves to keep from getting caught. Apparently they're sneaky AND they're slobs ! This morning it was the stuff that supposedd to be inside the electric pencil sharpener all over the OUTSIDE of the electric pencil sharpener ! and therefore all over the counter. What a delightful morning greeting !!

Costco......wooooooo!

2008-09-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

SOOOO
tonight we went to costco :)
and of course whenever you go you have to ask for anything and everything!!
mom can i have...

oh and nathan got a bloody nose :O

hahahahahahaha

LOVE NATALIE ♥♥♥

One More !

2008-09-29T18:28:00.001-07:00

I'm spending the day with family (Jones side) and everyone has a favorite quote ! Bear with us !!

"Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line"

One More Movie Quote

2008-09-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

It's the same year after year, they come, they eat, they leave; that's our lot in life. It's not a lot, but it's our life.

Movie Quote Monday !

2008-09-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I'm late today ladies - i've had a busy day. Quote for today is:

"Ted Nugent called - he wants his shirt back!"

Keeping up with Amy . . .

2008-09-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

Okay - so Amy put that super awesome glamour shot on for FFF. And, well, I guess I'm a little . . .::trying to think of some word that describes whatever I am:: I don't know what but any way - I just found this the other day. I'm guessing it was placed in my path so that I could share it today. Did we go to glamour shots with our sisters because it just seemed vain to go alone ? And if we did it as sisters then it was a bonding experience and not just a chance to see how totally hawt we could become with the right amount of make-up and VERY hot styling tools !

Favorite Foto Friday

2008-09-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

Okay - so this is lovely, I know. But isn't it cute how my doggies love me. We were doggie-sitting Skipper, one of Elsie's bestest friends and we all decided that an early evening nap was just what the Dr. ordered.(please refer to landee's comment that pictures of sleeping adults are rarely cute - but the pups make up for it . . . right !)

Other uses for your dog

2008-09-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so landee's advise on keeping your floor clean has prompted me to share my "deluxe model" furry maid. Because, not only does mine do floors, but she will tidy up the high chair when it's user is done with lunch! Last I checked most stores had sold out of this model Chihuahua. We are very lucky to have her. And yes, that is pink and yellow on the side of her back, Natalie recently tie dyed her. And yes, I do wipe the high chair down with disinfectant when she's done for those of you who may be offended by doggie saliva !

I'm a cool mom . . . YEA!!!

2008-09-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

So we're driving home from the church tonight and the conversation goes like this:

Nate: Mom - you are sooooo cool, you wanna know why ?

Me: Absolutley !

Nate: Because you can lay down on your bed and even if everyone is talking and the tv is on and it's really noisy, you just close your eyes for a like, a couple of seconds and then you fall asleep.

Me: You think that 's pretty cool huh ?

Nate: Yeah, I wish I could do that, it takes me like, f-o-r-e-v-e-r to fall asleep.

Me: I guess I've been working on it for a long time

Nate: Yeah, I guess so.

So you may also consider yourself "COOL" if you are so sleep deprived that you can fall asleep in a matter of seconds in the midst of children talking (loudly), itunes coming from the comp, and spongebob on tv. I know, I should put that on my resume, or maybe not !

2008-09-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

natalie here :)

i saw hannah's cute picture so i wanted one too :P

Let's call it "Movie Quote Monday"

2008-09-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

So there's "Favorite Foto Friday" and "Tuesdays with Ask Memzy", Here's my contribution (but I don't know if I can limit myself to just Mondays- there are too many quotes in my head !"

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address"

This might be tough if you don't have kiddos !

2008-09-20T21:38:00.000-07:00

"There's nothing more toxic or deadly than a human child. A single touch could kill you. Leave a door open, and one can walk right into this factory; right into the m****** world"

(the *** word would have given it away !)

"In a sea of . . . red feathers"

2008-09-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time a mom went to mutual to selflessly serve the young women (tie dying - so much fun !) in her ward. Midway through the activity she received a phone call that began with, "just so you know, it's not my fault !" There was no more explanation. When the evening ended the mom returned home to find that someone had staged a full scale attack on a red feather boa from the children's dress up box.

Upon investigating the incident, the children's names were all cleared as the evidence began to appear and the perpetrators had very questionable alibis.

Our houseguests, Ruby and Bella Seany, have been charged with the crime. Their sentence is to endure one more day of incarceration at the Joneses with children who will not leave them alone and two other dogs who have been attacked by the green eyed monster. In the meantime, they are just so darned cute that we will gladly have them back anytime. And we open our home to any of our friends' pooches who might need a place to stay while their humans are gone for awhile.

Who gave this great advice and in which movie ?

2008-09-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

"You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

I think Scarlet was a "red" anyone agree ?

2008-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Definition of a "red" (stolen from landee's blog ):RED (Motive: POWER)—These are the power wielders. Power, the ability to move from point A to point B, and get things done is what motivates and drives these people. They bring great gifts of vision and leadership and generally are responsible, decisive, proactive and assertive

New Movie Quote - One of my favs

2008-09-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

"As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again"

Funny how things can turn on you ~

2008-09-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Okay - So my dear better half that I raved so hopelessly about in my last post, kindly suggested that our van problems would be solved if I didn't let the kids eat in the car. I explained that while this looks good on paper it just isn't practical. He boasted that he rarely lets them eat in his truck. I gently reminded him that our delightful offspring spend about twenty times the amount of time in the van as they do in his truck, and that his truck is newer, and that he does give in some of the time so it's all relative anyway. He then sweetly noted that he "bets that most of my friends don't let their kids eat in their cars". So please weigh in friends. I have a poll to the right. I would like to know if I stand alone as a negligent mother of slothful children. Or do you also have a three course meal hidden between the seats in your automobile ?

Our Daddy is our HERO !!!

2008-09-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know ~ we have one of those 10 year old, falling apart vans that epitomize LDS families (unless you're talking to the teenager at our house who thinks EVERYONE has an SUV except her family). At this point, it runs great, it's completely trustworthy, and I can park just about anywhere. However, even though it does have two sliding doors, one of them had been broken for over a year. Well, about a week ago the other one finally gave up as well, (I'm beginning to learn that this is a common Toyota problem, John however, believes that it is a "soda spilled into the sliding door molding, causing the door to stick putting undo stress on the handle" problem. - Unfortunately, and you know I rarely admit this, I think he is probably right.) This most recent event caused the van to be a traveling death trap, as once the doors were broken from the outside, they were "unopenable" (No, I'm not sure that is a real word) from the inside. Well, John found the parts on a Toyota website and yesterday he fixed BOTH doors. YEA JOHN!!! We all stood there, like Tom Hanks in "Castaway" turning the light switch on and off, just opening the door and shutting it over and over again, like it was some kind of miracle. I think we were all truly amazed (including John) that 1) the doors could be fixed and 2)it didn't take an act of congress and a ward fast to get it done. John said that it was actually pretty easy. But we'll just credit that to his superior "fix it" skills. At any rate, the doors are fixed, the van is safe again. If we could get that new belt to stop screaching everytime we start it up, Natalie might actually start riding with us again.

Welcome to your psychic friend's blog !

2008-09-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Okay - so yesterday Nate had scouts and our wonderful scout leaders are great about encouraging the boys to come in full uniform which I TRULY believe in and appreciate. HOWEVER, being a little frazzled and a lot unorganized, I had no idea where his shirt was. I looked everywhere I could think of but didn't find it in time for scouts. I felt like a super loser mom but - It is what it is right? Well - I must have felt really bad because I dreamt about it last night. I was looking everywhere for the shirt and finally just dumped out Heather's "dress-up" tote in her closet. There it was . . . in my dream. I remembered the dream this morning but thought very little of it because that tote has been emptied and refilled all summer and Nate hasn't worn his scout shirt all summer. But, this afternoon my curiosity go the best of me and low and behold, a very wrinkly scout shirt was smooshed into the bottom of the tote. I will never disregard my dreams again ! Tonite I'm going to try to dream about how to fix our big screen tv. Who knows, maybe it will come to me and save me the $450 repair bill. I'll be taking requests for a small fee !

Does it help . . . .

2008-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

if I tell you that the Lake is later called "Camp Green Lake" and that there is not any water in it. It's just a big "hole"

Getting a jump on tomorrow !

2008-09-09T22:21:00.001-07:00

Natalie's Favorite . . .

" The duck might swim on the lake, but my Daddy OWNS the lake."

Hello McFly !!!

2008-09-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

1985 was the year that we all went "Back to the Future". What a great trilogy !

Flash Back to 198? . . . .

2008-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here's another one from John ~

"Lorraine, my density has bought me to you"

God Bless Kurt !

2008-09-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is only a high school play (it's all I could find with just this scene) But it's still fun. You'll have to watch the first 2.5 minutes to get the line.

OK - How about an easy one ?

2008-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

I forgot the other boy. Oh, what's his name. Oh, well, God bless What's-his-name

2008-09-06T22:51:00.001-07:00

Keep in mind that my eternal companion is a "movie-a-holic". Not only does he love movies but he loves watching them again and again. We have a movie library to rival any mom and pop movie shop (minus that R rated of course). And fortunately we have pretty similar tastes in movies. So keep that in mind as you consider today's quote.

"I don't know...fly casual."

No takers huh ?

2008-09-06T22:26:00.000-07:00

Actually my mom guessed correctly in an email. This is from one of my Dad's favorite movies, "Quigley Down Under" with Tom Selleck , Laura San Giacomo ( I love her in this movie - she's a hoot as "Crazy Cora")and Alan Rickman (Severus Snape). If you've never seen it, it's worth a 99 cent rental. But if you're headed out to get it don't watch the clip below - it will spoil everything !

Okay Dad, This one's for you !

2008-09-05T09:01:00.001-07:00

"I said I never had much use for one.
Never said I didn't know how to use it. "

THE ANSWER

2008-09-05T08:54:00.001-07:00

From my beloved Mary Poppins

Someone play along !

2008-09-05T03:19:00.000-07:00

So - yes I am up at 3:20am posting. I had a migraine and because I choose awake with no pain (because the medicine has caffeine) over awake and in pain (without the medicine)- I am awake. But as I lie in bed trying to talk myself to sleep, for some reason this idea popped into my head (my best ideas always come in the middle of the night - you be the judge).
My family (as I am sure does yours) frequently quotes favorite lines from movies and then forces the other members to guess the movie and character. I thought it would be fun to post one occasionally and see if we share the same favs. So here is the first one (and no John and I did not go to bed angry - this just happens to be a favorite. Hint - this one is set to music)

"Though we adore men individually, we agree that as a group they're ra-ther stu-pid"

So - you guess at mine and then hit me with your best shot on your blog !

Why do I get involved ?

2008-09-04T10:14:00.001-07:00

Okay - so when I saw the little "Piper incident" last night during the convention, I laughed because it was absolutely soooo cute. I of course wanted it on my blog so I immediately went to youtube to find it. It was, of course right there and I posted it because I thought it was so sweet and wanted to share it. Well, as I looked through the different options on youtube one of them said something to the effect of "more odd behavior by one of Palin's daughters" referring to the "hand lick" ! I glanced over it last night not giving it much thought but the word odd was still echoing in my head this morning so I went back to youtube to see if I was remembering correctly. Did someone actually find this darling little girl's actions "odd" ? They did!
Now I realize that I live in Bakersfield and that I'm around little children all of the time so maybe my opinions are slightly warped, but who in their right or left mind could have found this to be odd, or nasty or any of the other words used to describe it by youtube viewers. I was amazed ! So I, of course had to sign up for a youtube account just so that I could reply to a few of these ridiculous comments. (how childish am I? - anonymity gives me such courage !)At any rate - It is what it is! And it is sweet and charming and delightful ! Thank you Piper !

Is there any question who we should vote for ?

2008-09-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

Didn't you just love this ? THE BEST Republican National Convention clip EVER !! We love Piper Palin ! (and her mom's a good bet too !)

If You Give a Mom 10 Minutes

2008-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

I wrote this several years ago when my kids were first into the "If you give a Mouse, Moose, Pig . . ." books. My "favs list" reminded me of it and I thought I'd share it. I hope it makes you giggle.
If You Give a Mom 10 Minutes . . . (based on actual events in my life)
If you give a mom 10 minutes, she will probably use it to go to the bathroom. When she goes into the bathroom she will notice that a child has put an unusually large amount of toilet paper into the toilet. She will need the plunger.

When she goes to get the plunger she will see the toilet bowl cleaner and think to herself that she might as well clean the toilet after she plunges it,

After doing so she will remember that the toilet bowl cleaner should sit a minute before scrubbing so she will scrub the bathroom sink and counter while she waits.

After doing this she will realize that the sponge she used needs to be laundered.

She will take it to the hamper only to realize that it “ runneth over”.
In an effort to make room for the sponge she will empty the dry clothes from the dryer, switch over the wet clothes from the washer and start a new load of wash.

She will need to fold the dry clothes.

As she puts the clean clothes away in the children’s room she will tidy it.
As she puts the clean dish towels away in the kitchen she will remember that the children have not had lunch.

She will fix them sandwiches and begin to clean up after them only to realize that the dishes in the dishwasher are clean and need to be unloaded. She will do this and then rinse the dirty dishes.

The running water will remind her that she has to go to the bathroom and she will think to herself . . .
“If I only had ten minutes ! !”

Friday August 29th was the Activity Day Girls' Daddy Daughter Date ! Erin been waiting so patiently (NOT!) But it finally came and she had a wonderful evening with her Dad !

2008-08-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

Nathan's First Soccer Game of the Season! Go Orange Strikers !

2008-08-30T14:24:00.001-07:00

Day II was better !

2008-08-19T21:37:00.001-07:00

Day I of High school was not so great, in fact I think the exact adjective was "Lame". Nat came home exhausted, cranky and starving ! (went to bed too late, had to wait too long for the bus and hadn't eaten ALL DAY !)HOWEVER - today was much better. She had a better night's sleep (got to seminary on time YEA !!)And found out that they sell food during lunch hour and it's not just social time ! She came home much happier. And Mom is much happier too.

Thing 2 and Thing 3 made it home

2008-08-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Erin - "Homework on the first day !!" "Mr Dokolas is so nice" "My bookbag is sooo heavy!"

Nate - "I hate 3rd grade, it's so long !" (his first year to go until 3:05 instead of 2:15) "Did you make cookies ?"

First In !!

2008-08-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Heather had a wonderful day. She came home and informed me that she did great ! She was the first one to remember her library # (also the number they need to type in to get lunch) and she is a straight A student. GOOD NEWS !

The Quiet is almost scary !

2008-08-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

I know we've all looked forward to this day for the past two weeks ! But now I'm not quite sure what to do with myself ! I guess laundry and every other bit of housework that's gone undone lately. But I'll be honest - I can't wait for them to get home and tell me all about the first day - I know - I'm a little nutters !

The sigh heard 'round the world ! They're off to school !

2008-08-18T09:24:00.001-07:00

DONE!

2008-08-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Erin has shoes - everyone has underwear ! This morning I told Nate - "go get dressed so we can go get you a couple of new outfits for school" ( he has a ton of clothes and really doesn't need anything but I figured he ought to have something new for the first day right ?) He replied " UGH ! I hate shopping ! can't you just go get me something !" I (astonished because the girls would no sooner let me shop for them as let me chew their food) said - "YOU BET !!" and off I went ! School clothes shopping isn't nearly as bad without any whining children ! Anyway - I found him a couple of things - great deals - and didn't have to argue one lick !

Michael Phelps' Diet

2008-08-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

I guess swimming five miles or so a day and having a body that is pure muscle affords a 23 year old man the pleasure of eating whatever he wants. But this is crazy !
Michael's Diet
Breakfast: Three fried-egg sandwiches loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions and mayonnaise. Two cups of coffee. One five-egg omelet. One bowl of grits. Three slices of French toast topped with powdered sugar. Three chocolate-chip pancakes.

Lunch: One pound of enriched pasta. Two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayo on white bread. Energy drinks packing 1,000 calories.

Dinner: One pound of pasta. An entire pizza. More energy drinks.

What I want to know is who fixes ALL of this food for him (when he's not at the olympics anyway !)

The Remains of the Day

2008-08-13T18:06:00.001-07:00

FOUND THE REMOTE !! you can all stop looking now ! And we had chinese take out for dinner !

2008-08-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today we cannot find the remote ! It has been a long day. I don't know what to fix for dinner. But on the up side I have a glittery blinky thing on my blog. neat huh ?

2008-08-12T22:48:00.001-07:00

MICHAEL PHELPS WON AGAIN!!! ♥♥♥
-NATALIE :)

2008-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Get a load of this little girl - Amazing!