Old photos

Ah Bloedal Reserve. We spent so much time there! These photos were taken in the spring of 2005....

Below is Myrons birthday....look at his face!! So funny!
My dad visiting/goofing off with the kids. He was shooting a nerf sling shot. He's a big kid.
Rhonda and I, at Bloedal.
Nathans birthday party....he and Noah were inseparable that year. Kylie of course, with Rylan. I bet she doesn't remember how much he liked her holding him!
Myrons birthday again.
Jenny and Ben on one of our Bloedal outings.
My stair step children.....one right after another.
It's a beautiful day out there folks! Time for the bat a thon!

My kids pray in their sleep....what? yours don't?

Yup, that's right. Proof is in the photos. What? You don't believe me?

Just look at those hands....

Really....you should all try to be more RIGHTEOUS...(scoff)

Vintage Goodies

My "other mother" Sandra just stopped by to see if I wanted anything she was about to donate.

I said no, and as she was leaving she said "well, just come take a quick peek". So...I did and lo and behold.....it was vintage yumminess!!

I wish I could list all the finds, but there are just too many. Vintage sequins, beads, clips, yarn, doilies (plastic ones), clips, buttons etc.
Now I just have to figure out WHAT to do with all of it.
Help!
Update- Just sold all the sequins for 50.00....to a neighbor. Yeah!

Just Dance- Don't be SKURRED....it's okay

It's okay....you can look now. It's not me this time.

IF you were lucky to see my little embarrassing video in the 24 hours it was up, I bet you were wondering, "how did she learn to dance so amazingly well".

"Was she born african american"?

"Years of school"?

I am sorry, but I cannot reveal my secrets....

What I CAN do, is show you my little protege Mae....

Now this one....I can leave up. Enjoy!

FHE- I LOST.....Please don't watch

Aw.......you missed it!!

Um.....I don't know what to say. For FHE we did a "Butler entertainment night". Private video style. Each of us took turns in Myrons room with the webcam, then we sat down and watched each others. LOSER had to post on facebook or blog. Ouch.

I happen to love physical comedy and unless we are really really REALLY close friends, you'll never see it. (until now) If you are in fact a family member, then you have been blessed to see this often. My kids love it, my siblings make me do it and some friends from high school request it.

As you can see....I need no music. Just the tunes in ma head. I am warning you.....this is graphic....humiliating, and you'll never look at me the same again.....

I warned you.....

Since I lost our talent show tonight, I am to keep this video on my blog for 24 hours.

It is 11:26.....let the countdown begin.

Again.....PLEASE.....DO NOT WATCH.

Thanks

Easter Sunday 2011

My children are toads (as friend Cathi would say). I spent a week on Mae's dress...and all night on their ties. All I asked was for them to sit still for a proper photo. Keep in mind that both my cameras aren't working and I had to use my MAC cam. Tough! I finally had it propped on Mae's dollhouse and the kids were just um....TOADS!
After about 20+ photos of them goofing off (these are the best), I got ONE semi good photo.

Bet you can't guess which one....
THEN.....my husband has the N E R V E to call me to lunch by saying "come on crazy KATH".

What?! Don't Call ME Kath!!
I promptly took off in the van, hung out at Sandras for an hour and came back home. Feeling totally unappreciated, I came home to Shane finishing dinner. I am talking, ham in the oven, cream peas and potatoes made and banana cream pie. What did I do? I got angry! How dare he cook dinner and the peas had lumps in it and no potatoes! To say I was grumpy was an understatement. SO....after I "fixed" dinner by adding potatoes to the peas and throwing together some stuffing....I put myself to bed for a loooong nap.
Hey...I am only human. I guess they are too?
So back to Mae's dress....

I went thrifting a couple of weeks ago and saw this beautiful french dress, but size 6. I decided to deconstruct the dress and then reconstruct it to my liking. I cut the back and repositioned the buttons and holes, took the blue gingham ribbon off the waist, bottom and shoulders of the dress, made a fluffy tulle skirt to go underneath and then wrapped ribbon around her waist and hair. I think it turned out great and cost about 10.00. 5.00 for the dress and another little bit for the ribbon and tulle.
It was very sweet. Unlike me....as of late.

Lucky you guys....you get two photos of Mae in this dress because I STILL can't figure out how to delete it on my MAC.

.......and that my loyal and faithful readers?? is all she wrote....

The Spazmatics!

Last night, I went to the Spazmatics concert at the Casino with some friends from high school.

The Spazmatics are an 80's cover band and they were SOOO good! They come out on the stage dressed like total nerds.....so cute. I wanted to just put em in ma pocket!

They played all the classic 80's hits and there was no cover. Incidentally, there was also no place to sit down either, so we stood. I even went out and danced with my broken pinkie toe.

It's not a happy toe today. The Spazmatics also play under the name Afrodesiacs. They are a disco cover band as well and sport afros and gold chains. If I were into disco, I'd be there again tonight. Alas....I will have to wait until the Spazmatics come back. Swoon

The video isn't the best quality, but you can see how cute their personalities are....so FUN!

Coach Wilo

So, my son has had coach Wilo for 2 years now. Nathan and Myron had him as their coach for two years as well. I'd be lying if I said that this years goodbye isn't going to be an emotional one. We've had our ups and downs with Coach Wilo. We've been upset at each other, more him than us.... Through it all, he has guided, loved, and patiently coached our sons. He has taught them life lessons, he has been their friend, and he has shown them the path to victory inside themselves. When I watched the below video that he shared with the kids, I cried. It doesn't take much, but I cried. Not only did I see my own Brennan in the description of these amazing atheletes, I saw Coach Wilo. Well, I "heard" Coach Wilo in every word that the coach in the video spoke. Every Single Word. It's no wonder he wanted to share this with the kids. The things said in this video are things I have heard him say over and over for the last 6+ years.

Well done Wilo.....it will be a sad goodbye.... (unless he stays until Rylan is in Majors) Fingers crossed. xo

They say housework won't kill you, but why take the risk?

I used to have a plaque that said the same thing....

Yesterday was a half day and the boys were all with their friends, except Rylan. So, Rylan and I decided to rearrange and clean his room. Weyll....wouldn't you know it, while rearranging, I dropped Myrons bed on my pinkie toe. OUCH! The above photo doesn't do it justice. (Jenny, ask Jillian) I didn't even get to finish their room. Below is the half finished room.
As you can see, I didn't even get to finish making the beds, touching up their paint or lay their rug back down. Oh well....I found some funny quotes today that I quite love...

Housework, if it is done right, can kill you. ~John Skow

You don't get anything clean without getting something else dirty. ~Cecil Baxter

A clean house is the sign of a boring person. ~Author Unknown

This house is protected by killer dust bunnies. ~Author Unknown

In the meantime, how the heck am I going to go dancing tonight? I can't even put a shoe on!

God sends messages.....

I testify that god answers prayers and questions if you only ask....

Last night, after I wrote my last blog post. I just KNEW that my mind would be changed.

I sincerely prayed last night, on my knees for about 10-15 minutes. I poured my heart (and teary eyes) out. I asked for forgiveness, I asked for wisdom, I asked for the desire for wisdom, I asked for a softened heart....for answers. I opened my scriptures...started to read and then went back to the book "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church (Joseph Smith)".

So many things about this book have really touched me. It may be that it is because I love memoirs and can really get into it, it may be that I am finally seeing truth where once I didn't.

The other night, I was reading Joseph Smiths letters to his dear wife Emma while imprisoned.

They were so loving and thoughtful. He mentioned his children so often and how he wished Emma to treat them. So tender were his words and desires for his little ones. It really hit me and I have been hooked since.

Back to last night. I found the page that listed the "Articles of Faith" and I read each one and asked myself .."do I believe this"?

I found that yes, I do believe 10 of them and question the other 3. Not bad. I found an article of faith that I have a deeper love and understanding for.

" We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow men the same privilege, let them worship, HOW, WHERE, or WHAT they may."

Wow....just WOW. Then I went on to read about Relief Society and friendships in our church.

Although I am a lot more guarded now than I have ever been, I see the purpose in being social in the church and that it is OK to come for the social. Joseph Smith had amazing friendships and stressed that this was something special about our church. Our friendships. We see each other as brothers and sisters on this earth but a small amount of time, and yet, we have the knowledge that these friendships will continue on past this lifetime.

So, after reading about this....wouldn't you know it, in Sunday school, this was the topic. Friendship, forgiveness if friends hurt or offend you etc. I was speechless, well, for a little bit.

I had to pipe up and share my experience, that I had just studied this same topic the night before. I shared some quotes that Joseph shared and this is the one that I loved the most.

"Do not injure the character of anyone. If members of the Society shall conduct themselves improperly, deal with them and keep all your doings within your own bosoms, and hold all characters sacred."

This has become a lengthy post....

To sum it up, my heart was softened, not completely, it will take some more work. I have prayed for understanding, forgiveness for myself and to help me forgive another. I did take the sacrament today, but excused myself and did so in private. I didn't want to be distracted by kids or any other thoughts and feelings other than the pure sweet spirit I was feeling....

Baseball

I Heart Baseball!!!

My new camera....DIED!! That's right! The lens is extended all the way and wont close OR take photos. What is up with me and cameras??

Anyhow....I didn't get any shots of Brennan and he OWNED his game today and ended up with the game ball. The kid pitched a flawless 4 innings AND hit every time he was pitched to.

Can't wait for his select baseball tournament in Eastern Washington for Memorial Weekend!

His team is going to kill it!

Tomorrow he has another game and then Tuesday. I may or may not go to church tomorrow.

Still debating. I have been reading my scriptures which has been fun. I am in Jacob and have also been reading "The Teachings of the Presidents of the Church (Joseph Smith)".

It's been great. I still feel no desire to attend church, but we'll see how I feel. I may bring the family to sacrament. I wont be taking it, but they can. I am in a very cold place right now.

Meaning, I feel no closeness to anyone in the church right now. I am still pretty angry.

Sorry. I don't want to chit chat and I don't want to talk about "it". I am in protective mode still.

Friends

I found this photo a few days ago. It was taken in 2008. Rhonda and I went to the temple and then Ikea. I can't remember who had Nora....while we were in there!

It was a great day. Just look at that sun. I want it back!

The BFG

I just have to share this fun book that Rylan and I are reading at bedtime now.

It's definitely one of Roald Dahls best books.

Human beings are called "Human Beans" and there are silly references and words that we use everyday, twisted around to provide ample laughs.

Have you read it?

When to share and when....not to...

Sorry, but there isn't much of anything that I feel like talking about.....
I say that and then watch...this blog will be overflowing with words.
So....spare yourself and go read someone else's fun, witty, lighthearted blog.
I shared with 3 people to be exact....a circumstance that I have been dealing with.
My "other mother" and two close friends. It wasn't something I should have shared. I have a problem keeping things "in".
When I do, it riddles my mind and causes panic attacks. The way I protected myself was not in anyones best interest.
Now it has gotten back to someone that happens to have been in this circumstance and
in a bad way. Luckily this someone loves me unconditionally and was in no way upset with me.
I could tell, disappointed etc. but this person knows my intentions and who I am.
But....the person who can't forgive herself...is me.
I am sick with myself, disappointed in myself and disgusted, to tell you the truth.
Now I seem like an untrustworthy, busy body, intent on destroying peoples lives.
I am sharing this with you readers (if any are still reading) because I find that writing is like talking it out.
And i need....to talk it out. I am destined to have a difficult life. I feel misunderstood ALL the time.
Do you ever feel that way? I never have a "bad intention" in my mind, but I feel sometimes it comes across that way.
I talk.....talk talk talk TALK TALK! Don't i! If you know me...you know that.
I won't be sleeping tonight. This conflict upsets my tummy, makes me tear up every 2 seconds, and takes me right back to middle school, when my mouth would get me in to trouble...again and again.
Maybe it's time to start sharing less....much much less of myself.
At least it's safe that way.

What "she" knows.....

This was ever so empowering to me today. .....enjoy.

Letter from "other mother"....

"Yes – I have Leukemia. It has returned – 5 years later. It is AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Currently – there are no cancer cells in my blood system – only in my bone marrow. The cancer cell count is at 6%. It takes 20% to be called “Cancer” – so right now they are labeling me “pre-cancer” and have estimated that I have 3 to 6 months to live if I go untreated. Although – even with treatment – my chances of dying are up there because last time I went through this – I almost died 2x due to infection.

So – I am looking at this as a death sentence and planning to wrap up my estate. But here is what I want you to know:

1. I know that if I do die – I will be going home to live with my Father in Heaven where I will be re-united with Ina (my mother-in-law), Grandma Lou, Aunt Kathy, Brother Michael, Mom & Dad, my dog Kuma, my dog Cori, as well as many others who have gone before me and will be there with open arms when I return home.

2. If I do die – it is His will – not mine and He must have His reasons. I know He loves me and wants only the best for me so for whatever reason I am to return to Him – it must needs be, I trust Him and know that I will be OK.

3. I have lived many lives – I have been a lover, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many people. I have been a hippie. I have hopped freight trains. I have seen many hall of fame rock bands and blues artists live. I have been to rock festivals. I met Little Richard and JP Patches. I have river rafted, snow skied, kayaked in Mexico, snorkeled in Maui, rock climbed, camped and hiked. I love the outdoors. I love animals. I’ve been to a tavern with my Grandma when she was 82 years old. I learned to play the Viola when I was 45 years old. I have my own business and know many wonderful people as clients. I have my name in a tile at the Public Market in Seattle. I have seen paradise on earth. I love to sing. I love to dance. I have no regrets. I have danced.

4. I also know that there is life after death. I was raised Athiest. But as I was taking the Missionary lessons – I had angels put their hands on my shoulders in support of me – so that I could say “no” to the bottle of wine that was being passed around the table. I saw 2 angels between eye blinks telling me to decease my abominable actions and why. I did not stop and they went away for years. I had a blessing from heaven and was given the gift of abstinence. I was told to buy gloves on my way to Seattle and then got stuck in a snow bank on my way home and used the gloves to dig my way out. There is much I do not understand – but I have been shown and proved that there is life after life. I have been shown that God loves me and I am important to Him.

5. I have learned to love people. I have learned to forgive people as well as myself (that’s the hardest one). I have cursed God for making my heart so big because it makes my hurts so much greater. Sometimes I want to go back to my “numb” days where I didn’t care about anyone and nobody cared about me. Life did not hurt so much. But neither was I really living.

6. Sometimes it feels like He is training me to be a Warrior in Heaven. He has put many obstacles, lessons, hardships and stress in my life. He has toughened me up to do His work. He has caused me to study Demons and Evil Spirits – I believe so that I can fight them. I know this sounds crazy – but I am very proud of my idiosyncrasies – thank you. Sometimes I’m an idiot, sometimes I sin and sometimes I’m crazy – thus “idiosyncarsies” describes me well.

7. So here is my “FINAL WISHES LIST” for anyone who wants to volunteer to help make my dreams come true:

a. I want to make a book about my life but in the form of a Children’s Book – simple and silly. I need someone to work with me to illustrate it.

b. I want a web page or blog where I can post my progress and such – Kathryn???

c. I want someone(s) to help me write (dictate) goodby letters friends and family.

d. I want someone to help me with my will. I have a program but then what?

e. I want someone to compile my favorite music.

f. Can someone help walk my dogs later on when I can’t?

g. I need my business web page updated.

h. I need my photos organized.

i. I need my writings organized.

j. ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN THINK OF??????

THANK YOU - I LOVE YOU!!!! REALLY!!! I DO!!!"

-Sandra