I've Found My Happy Place...

And, go figure, it is at home!! I was laid off a week ago last Tuesday and have spent much of my time catching up on things gone by the wayside here for so long. It has been wonderful! The best part, is I feel like this is the best path for our family right now. My kids have even given thanks to Heavenly Father in their prayers that I don't have to work anymore. Aww. So, while things are changing yet again in my home, it is a very good thing.

Sleepy Logan

Recently, my friend, Ali, wrote a blog post about her son, Logan, being able to sleep anywhere. Find it here. I would just like to add to that post with this picture:


I was watching him one day and all of a sudden I couldn't hear him playing anymore so I went looking and found him crashed out in arguably one of the dirtiest places in my house. This little piece of tile does not get swept as often as it should, which is unfortunate because it is where all the sawdust, dirt, and nastiness from the garage accumulates. I have to say that when I saw this I busted up laughing while at the same time saying how gross it was!! Yeah, it hadn't been cleaned in quite a while.... I just love that Little Logan!

Bowling with the Fam

I tried to take lots of pictures of us bowling, since this was the first time we did it as a family. I learned that it is really hard to: 1) get a good angle since onlookers are behind all the action and 2) take a decent action shot, even with my camera set on the sports setting. As a result, these are not the best pictures. However, suffice it to say that we had a blast. I think Jorja won the prize for slowest bowling ball down the lane at something like 1.7 miles an hour. It was painfully slow but man, was she excited whenever she knocked a pin down!!

Last Day for Sledding

All winter long last year our kids begged us to go out sledding. It was a really cold, long winter and we were not interested in sledding when it was 20 degrees or under. Finally, we got a good snow and it was 30 degrees so we took the kids to the hill next to our church building for a little fun. It was a good thing, too, since that was the last snowfall we had!!

Man, isn't he studly?!

Logan. I love his big, puffy coat!

It took a bit to get a good path down but once we did we were flying all the way down to the road!

Now there is one hot chica!

You can't have a snow outing without a cute angel!!

There's that studly man again. he he!

Jorja didn't always want to go down alone but we made her anyway.

Jillian, trying her hand at snowboarding.

What a goof ball. ha ha!

Being Philosophical

I decided to go ahead and post that last bit. I was in the middle of writing it when I received a phone call from Ali and we discussed a certain issue that I became aware of at church that day. I won't go into details here but suffice it to say that it really upset me but I'm over it now.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my life and what I'm making of it. I suppose most people reach a point in their life when they look at what they have or have not accomplished. Yeah, I'm there. I turn 36 this next Friday. I can't believe I'm that old already!! So I've been reflecting on what I have done in my life and where I'm going.

I have to say I'm disappointed in myself. I don't feel like I've met my goals and honestly, I think that is pretty crappy. I've never been a great self-motivator and when I do things, it is usually at the last minute because I've procrastinated too much. I was thinking about all the things I want to do and the thought came to me, "so what are you doing today to accomplish that?" That's really what it comes down to, isn't it? What am I doing on a daily basis to accomplish the goals I've set for myself? I do a lot of wishful thinking; I want to do this or that someday. As I've said to other people (maybe I should listen to myself!), someday isn't on the calendar -- and it really isn't. If I don't work every day towards a goal, then it will not happen. My problem: this thought overwhelms me because I concentrate too much on the big picture. I think I have to work on every goal, every day or spend all day solely working on those goals. Faulty thinking, I know. My other problem is that it takes effort that I don't always want to give, e.g. I'm lazy. Let me just call that what it is. It's a lot easier to curl up on my bed with a good book than studying the scriptures or practicing the piano. Here's what is interesting though: exerting effort and doing something productive makes me happier while laziness makes me dislike myself. So why the draw towards laziness? Perhaps it is the whole "opposition in all things" doctrine, or even using agency to choose good vs. evil. It is probably both.

So, today I am making a pledge to be more "anxiously engaged in a good cause". There are SO many things I want to do with my life and I feel like I need to begin doing them. Here's a list of some of my goals:

• Play the piano well enough to perform or accompany others

• Develop my singing voice so that I understand and can apply performance technique
  

• Become a scriptorian

• Write a book -- this is my latest goal and I'm excited about it. I have resolved to write more so that I get the practice.
  

• I want to participate in a mini-triathlon -- this coincides with my "no belly-fat" goal. That one has eluded me my entire life. :)
  

• I want to be a master gardener and understand landscaping and then put it to use in my own yard.

• Be a successful geneologist
  

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. They seem to be lofty goals. So, is it possible to do all of it? Is it better to keep things more simple and concentrate on only one thing? I don't know if I could do that; my interests vary too much and, honestly, I get bored easily. Furthermore, by doing my goals am I neglecting things like familial duties, church duties, service to others, etc. that I am supposed to be doing? I guess it is all about how it is done.

Hmmm. Maybe I just need to begin with self-motivation since that would then open the gate to accomplishing the rest!!

Guess What I'm Doing?

Blogging!!! ha ha ha! Every time I get on my blog I think, "Man, I really should do something new." So, here I am, once again, doing an update entry. So what have I been doing? Hmmm, working at work, working at home, reading, playing with my family, eating, sleeping. There you go. You are updated. ha ha ha!

Today I was released from my calling as Primary Chorister. The bishopric counselor told me they want to take me out of Primary but haven't given me a calling yet. I can't remember the last time I haven't been without a calling!! Actually, I'm going to help out the new chorister through the program in September. It should all be good. But I have to say that I will be really weird to not be in Primary anymore. However, I am really looking forward to going to Sunday School.

The Sky's the Limit

I'm at home today since Jillian and Jorja are both sick. So I thought I'd do a little catch-up on the ol' blog. But, it won't upload any pictures so I've decided to just write.

Here are a couple funny things my kids have said:

Jorja -- last Sunday she came up to me and asked, "Mom, is today fast Sunday or slow Sunday?" he he he!!

Logan -- at dinner "My brain can't think; it's on a vacation!"

Silly kiddos! Now a needed update:

Our lives have completely changed within the last month or so. Brad applied for, and was offered a position, at National Marketing Resources (NMR), a marketing company here in town and the company I work for part time. He was hired to be an internet coach. This means he will coach people on starting their own internet-based businesses. He started almost two weeks ago and is in training for another week. It has been pretty intense; he even has to pass tests on both technical knowledge and coaching on the that technical stuff.

We feel incredibly blessed with this job and amazed at the coarse our lives are now on. We never dreamed he'd be doing what he's now doing! But to do this all justice, I'll start at about a year ago and explain how this has happened.

Brad was still running his remodeling business, Copestone, LLC and had also started Shelf Discovery, a roll-out shelf business where he installs roll-out shelves in existing cabinets, pantries, etc. His goal was to build up the Shelf Discovery while phasing out Copestone. His back was continually going out and causing him a lot of pain and the shelf business was a lot less labor-intensive.

Finances were tight and I was offered a temporary, part time job so I took it. We also picked up some packaging work at a fulfillment company here in town. We were able to do that at home so that was nice. However, between all four jobs, we were exhausted at the end of every day. But we made it work. We felt it was good for our kids to see hard work in action; with us working so much they had to help us out a little more as well.

I finished up my temp job in July and was able to start my children's choir in September. The fulfillment work phased out about the time I was asked to work again, still part time and temporary. I accepted and life got busy again! Meanwhile Brad was still trying to promote the shelves and doing whatever remodeling jobs he could find. But his back was getting worse and he was almost constantly in pain. It was so frustrating for him.

We discussed different options and even went to the Bishop for advice. Part of his counsel was to attend the temple. He promised us that we would know without a doubt which coarse we should take. The promise was realized and we knew that he was to search for other employment, while still trying to promote the shelf business.

Although this was made clear to us, Brad was still extremely overwhelmed with this task; he had no idea where to look for work and even which field he should go into. He felt like he had to completely redefine who he was. So he went to the Church Employment Center and worked with some of the Elders there. They had him first discover (a very appropriate word) what his skills were and then write up a resume. This was great because Brad was able to see things he had taken for granted about himself as skills that not everybody possessed. He then had to decide on three different professions he thought he would enjoy. He came up with two and was really struggling with the third. Finally, I reminded him that when we were first married he told me that someday he'd like to be a business coach. He didn't think he was qualified to do that but I told him just to put it on the list so he could move on with the tasks the elders had given him.

He next had to interview with a person in each category. Our bishop owns NMR and was able to refer Brad to his coaching manager. (Just a note: other than this referral, the Bishop was not involved in Brad's hiring. He didn't even know that it had happened until I told him.) Brad contacted the coaching manager and they met for an hour. What started as a discussion turned out to be a job interview. However, Brad was told that they weren't hiring for another month at least. So Brad went to job fairs and had interviews with other businesses, but nothing came of them. But Brad felt like the coaching job was the direction he really needed to pursue.

Finally, a job was opened at NMR and Brad applied, along with 50 other hopefuls. He had to do a phone "interview" where he had to teach the manager how to do something. Since it was Brad's choice what to teach, he taught how to patch drywall that has been damaged from a door knob. The manager said it was one of the best he had heard and invited him to be one of four to have a personal interview. He did well in the interview but then we didn't hear from him at the appointed time. We thought for sure he didn't get the job. When we did hear, Brad was told that they were having a hard time deciding and would he please fill out a questionnaire and email it back to the manager asap. Brad did so and two long, suspenseful days later he was offered the position! It turns out they hired two instead of just one and it took a bit of time to get it approved.

Meanwhile, my temporary job finished up in January. Three days later another position was offered to me at the same company, but in the accounting department (I was in the processing department). This job is permanent, but still part time -- perfect for me! I am enjoying it, although I find it incredibly ironic that after I worked so hard at being educated and having experience in an "outdoor" field and then complaining so much about how I hated doing the books on our business that I now have a desk job doing accounting. The Lord does bless us, although in ways that will surprise you!!!

So now we both feel like we have turned a major corner in our lives. Brad is embarking on a new career, but happy that he can still do small remodel and shelf jobs on the side. We are finally a peace with all of this and that is a wonderful feeling!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fu-un!

Do you know what is great about having a wonderful friend who blogs a lot? It's called "copy" and "paste". Ali wrote most of this (I have changed it to be from my point of view) and took all the pictures so thanks Ali!!

After having our girls BEG us for a night of fun, Ali and I decided to have a "Girls Night In" with them a couple weeks ago. The girls had fun getting dressed up, and picking out the clothes for me and Ali to wear. At first they wanted me in a sweater and after five minutes I was sweating so I made them start over. They didn't do too badly and even added necklaces for each of us. We met over at the Ellefsen's house and then started off the evening by blindfolding the girls and driving for about 15 minutes before ending up . . .back at the Ellefsen's house!

I have to say I loved the full facial blind folds the Ellefsen girls had on. There was no cheating there! It was rather warm though.

We counted to three and had the girls take off their blindfolds. The only one who was slightly disappointed with the destination was Brynlie!

Ali and I spoke in French accents (actually Ali did and I tried!) as we pretended to be the waitresses at the "Fancy Nancy Restaurant". We had a lot of fun being super silly to make the girls giggle. Each girl received her own menu to order from, and fake money. They had to budget so they would have enough money left over for dessert.

Then it was time to head to the spa (aka, the kitchen). We started by giving each girl a facial, with a homemade oatmeal facial scrub I had made (ground up oatmeal, plain yogurt, and honey). Since it had yogurt, we kept it in the fridge and the girls would scream that it was cold when we put it on them!

A facial isn't complete without some cucumbers to soften those puffy eyes!

Facials are messy!!

Next up, hairdos for all of us! Don't we look gorgeous?

Time for make-up!

The night wouldn't have been complete without beautiful nails!

And the last (and best) event of the night . . .singing and dancing to our favorite tunes! Ali started off the activity by singing along to Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," cranked up as loud as it would go. She did some pretty awesome moves, too. Then the girls and I got our groove on, and we were all a happy, sweaty mess by the time the guys walked in the door. Brad, Ryan and all the boys had gone to dinner and done some shopping, so we would have the house to ourselves for the night.

A General Update

Lately every time I sit down to write something I go blank and think "I must be boring because I have nothing to say!" Actually I suppose I am far from boring since I am really running ragged with life. Earlier this week I spoke with my Mom, who has been working on our genealogy. I told her she's going to have so much done that there won't be anything for me to do. Her response was that I need to write my own history. Woops. Been slacking in that department. I've decided that a lot of my neglect stems from my part time job where I sit at a computer most of the time. Really, by the time I get home I'm tired of sitting. But, I do need to be better so I am turning over a new leave and will write more often now. :)

We are nearing the end of the school year and my kids are getting excited for summer. They've had a lot of school parties lately and they have really enjoyed that. Jillian is doing great; her last report card had all A's and a couple A-'s. We're proud of her effort. Logan is reading now and he finds that pretty exciting. He can even do his book reports all by himself now. Very cool. Jorja just finished up with her preschool for the year. She goes to the high school preschool, as part of their early childhood education class. The preschool only goes for 12 weeks and she has loved it! But, she is SOOO excited to go to school like her brother and sister. We signed her up last Monday and all of a sudden she is "in Kindergarten". The other day she even told us that she "celebrated preschool" which meant that she "graduated". So funny. Both she and Logan have made huge improvements in their speech through the speech therapy programs here. Logan can say the "L" sound now and is working on "S". Jorja's biggest improvement has been one of self-awareness; she can hear better now where she is saying things incorrectly. She's been working on the "K" sound and hard "G" sound as well as several others. She catches herself now a lot and we practice together on how to say words correctly. She even says "car" all the time now instead of "tar". You go girl!

On Friday my children's choir performed at the Senior Center here in town. They were so cute and did a great job. We will perform in three weeks at the Kid's Fest where we will open for Mr. Stinkyfeet, a local children's performer. The girls are really excited for that. Then I am done with choir for the summer--I'll start up again in August.

I stole these pictures from Ali's blog -- thanks! This is us before our performance. What cute girls! Ali and I made the hair ties for them.

We're singing "Attitude is Everything". Most of the songs have actions and harmonies to them. It's really a lot of fun!!

Brad and I hosted a booth at a business fair here in town. He was promoting his roll-out shelves and I was doing my choir. I had a lot of people who are interested in it for next year. Brad did well also and will have a few jobs from the fair. He is still doing remodel work when it comes in as well as the shelves. He has also decided to broaden his work experience so he is applying for other jobs as they come up.

My sister, Tamra, came to visit me a month ago and we had such a fun time (still waiting for her to send me pics!). It was her Christmas present from her husband, Eric. We went to all of the local church history sights and even the Truman Library, which ironically is not just a library! It was really interesting. Most of all it was just nice to be together.

Today we had stake conference and were told that the ground breaking ceremony for the KC temple will be on May 8th. Very exciting!! It will be so nice to have a temple so close!

Something New, Finally

Alright, since I don't have any interesting updates I will tell the story of "The Sign," which is pictured below. Now if you happen to be any relation to me, I'm just warning you, you may experience disappointment or disgust at me but then I hope you will see this also as comical and even -- dare I say -- inspirational.

The Story Behind "The Sign"

A couple of years ago I asked Brad what our family motto should be; I wanted to get it cut out on vinyl lettering and display it in our home. He came up with something very Brad-ish and was convinced that nothing else would be better. I thought it was great also but protested, stating that it would not be appropriate to display the motto with young, impressionable kids. Besides, I had my "Perfect Mormon Mom" reputation to uphold. Brad could see right through that falsehood and persisted in trying to convince me that I should make his motto into the sign. I could see that he had his heart set on it.

A short while later I went to a vinyl lettering party and decided that I would make the motto into the sign and give it to Brad for his birthday. It would be such a fun surprise! I had Brad's dad cut the board out for me while they were here visiting, then I sanded and painted the board. I received the lettering while I was at a Relief Society meeting. I was showing it to my friends and we were all laughing about it when an elderly lady, known for being offended easily, walked up to me and asked me if she could see it. Hmmm. I was in a quandary; should I offend her by what was written or offend her by being rude? I chose to be rude and told her no. Probably the wrong decision, but oh well. I have talked many times with said woman since then and hopefully have redeemed myself.

If you have ever worked with vinyl lettering you know that phrases come on one sheet according to color, all nice and straight and lined up perfectly. I was disappointed with what I saw. Apparently someone did not like my choice of words because the last word was tilted, as if hanging off the end of the paper, with the last "s" hanging at an even more crooked angle. It took some work but I was able to fix it. So there, person who cut it out! You could not make me be holy.

I wrapped it up and gave it to Brad and he was so surprised!! We displayed the sign in both my kitchen and living room but we took it down once Jillian started to read. Before we did, though, many a missionary came and took their picture with it. It is a great missionary motto as well, isn't it?

Now it stays in our closet. Part of me wants it up again but I just can't get myself to do it yet. Maybe when my kids are older and realize how imperfect their parents are will I do it. We'll see. At any rate, it makes me smile and yes, it even inspires me! Every family needs a motto like ours!!!

Octo-piss

Last night Brad and I had this conversation with Logan:

Logan: Mom, what does an octopis (yes, that is the way he pronounces it) do when you squeeze it?

Me: Well, when something tries to get an octopus it shoots out this dark liquid and then it swims away.

Logan: Does it hurt you?

Me: No, it just makes it so that you can't see the octopus while it is getting away.

Logan: What is that stuff called?

Brad: Octo-piss!!!