Basic Economics

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."
Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931-2005

Preparations...

Well... it's been a productive day or two! I was blessed to check Freecycle yesterday and a BYU student was getting rid of their desk/cabinet for free!! I went to pick it up and though it has a few blemishes on it... Cody will now have his own "space". *GRIN* It matches *my* desk in the office too! LOL

Also...we went to Costco today and picked up 4 curriculum workbooks for his age group - and he wanted one for Caleb so he can teach Caleb too!! wahoo!

Another addition to his passion for learning list:
How is coal turned into energy? :)

Just to name a few...

Here are a few of the subjects Cody has listed on his list of things he wants to know more about:

* How does the earth's rotation effect the seasons in different sides of the earth?
* Why is the Sun a star?
* How do they make movies?
* What is the cycle of water? Why do clouds have rain in them and how does it get there?
* How do they make paper out of trees? and can we make our own?
* What does it take to be a beekeeper and make honey? Can I do it? (He has the Utah County Beekeepers Assoc wanting him to write an essay on why he would want to do it and they sponsor a certain # of adolescents each year with their own hive, equipment and support! He is THRILLED)
* Why do plants need sunlight? and why is it their "food"?

We have also discussed learning to make bread, algebra and making an indoor greenhouse! He also wants to be very involved in our family garden this year! :)

Boy... am I going to learn a lot! Bwahahahaha

It is Official

I went to the District Office yesturday. There was a quick form to fill out - they had a notary on site and I handed it over. Legally I am Cody's teacher now. He will continue to attend until Feb 13th... but then we are off and running. I am so excited for us both!

Cody has a long list of things he can't wait to start studying! I will post some of them this afternoon!

There are a variety of Home Schooling Support Group's online and they have all encircled me with open arms and great encouragement.

New Blog

Well... I have decided to start a new blog for keeping track of our Home Schooling adventures. :) If you'd like to keep up on it please visit us at:

http://doriushomeschooladventures.blogspot.com/

Wow. It is decided. All the research and prayers have concluded things for me. Jess and I went to the temple for Stake conference and we both felt like the decision that lay before us was crystal clear. And it was THE right thing to do.

Here is a quick synopsis of the story:

Cody has been struggling. I mean really struggling. He is brilliant. He finishes all his work in record time only to sit and be bored to tears while waiting for his classmates to finish. We have sought options over and over both this year and last. Last year his teacher let him check out books in the library and he read during those times - which he enjoyed to a point - and he was reading 7th-9th grade level material. (he's in 4th grade). The school is new and has no prograams yet... in fact the only enrichment activity he has had is they started a chess club for a couple of weeks (which he LOVED!)

This year his teacher was PG and had a baby - and so he has had little out of curriculum enrichment. The substitute for her 8 week maternity leave was making Cody help the other kids with their work so he "was busy" when he completed early. When his teacher came back she continued this practice. When we heard about it we thought it was an ok thing... and for most children it would be... but the last 2 months or so Cody has slipped more and more into himself. He is withdrawn and doesn't want to play with his friends after school or go to scouts. Some other kids have been teasing him relentlessly about being a nerd and he *hates* recess and school lunch time - or even walking home. His self confidence and sense of self has dramatically taken a turn for the worse.Jess and I began worrying and wondering what the change was in him and tried to figure out what was going on.

And then the catalyst came - I cut his hair.Yep. You read that right... I cut his hair.

Now that isn't a strange phenomenon in our household... I have always cut his hair. But he kept saying "please don't cut my hair" "do I have to have my hair cut?" "please don't make me". I thought maybe it was something of a "style" issue so I agreed to simply trim and not change the style... it just needed the ends cut to eliminate the fuzz that happens when boys need hair cuts. And we got about half way...He began to get whiter and whiter. He broke out in a dripping sweat. He started to shake. He begged to lay down as he felt like he was going to vomit. And he laid on the floor of the bathroom... crying... shaking... sweating, covered with hair and panicked... for about 3 full minutes.He regained composure and we talked about why he *really* didn't want his hair cut. (BTW - cutting hair with clippers when the scalp is dripping wet and the ends are dry is a freakin' mess LOL FYI) It came to light that he wanted to no more reason to have anyone notice him - and everyone would ask him about his haircut. He was tired of being "forced in everyone's face", and being "the smart one" that teaches others etc

I was heartsick for days. How do I help my sweet 9 year old - and how do we prevent these panic attacks? Counseling? drugs? nothing seemed to fit. He was out of balance in so many ways. Cody is my quality time/physical touch love language child. He needs so much more out of life than he is getting in education, mental, emotional and social. And so what the heck do we do??

Then came the email from Denice. She had a real estate question (sorry Denice - I am going to share as you are a main part in this story! LOL) I emailed a response and asked how she was. I told her I missed her and needed a "run away" in a bad way and wished we could schedule one. She called me and said "I have a few hours today..what are you doing right now for lunch?" Jess was home with no work - so I said let's go! We went to eat and just talked about everything from husbands and jobs to church callings and politics.. She was telling me about what's going on with her and how much she is enjoying her kids. (one of my deepest desires) She told me about how the have pulled her elementary kids out and are homeschooling them. And I felt like I had been hit by lighting. I sat there and cried. It was the dumbest thing ever! I could not ask her enough questions. I was shaking and honestly wanted to stand up right there at lunch and scream HALLELUJAH!! and EUREKA!!! THIS what I have been searching for. The Spirit of Confirmation was burning inside of me. And I was scared.

I had many reservations about Homeschooling in general. I know the stygmas. I have had friends that did it and failed miserably, or received no support from anyone and felt outcast & judged. I knew the old wives tales about how "backwards" home-schooled children are and how socially it will be detrimental to children. Blah Blah Blah. And so I started an intense mission. With the feelings I was experiencing there in the restaurant and the utter terror I felt inside (especially of "what if I fail him") I knew I needed as much info as I could on the matter. And Jess was behind me 100%.I checked out every book available at our library on Homeschooling. I searched website after website. I prayed. I cried. I watched Cody intently. This was no small thing... I NEEDED to be sure. Every time I prayed I was overwhelmed with peace and confirmation. And I would cry again. I shook with excitement. I could see and feel the changes this would give my little man who was whithering away. This was what he needed! And all the research proves that homeschooled kids are actually much more successful and actually can get scholarships to and attend most any college they want! They are self starters and motivated. Just like Cody usually is.

We went to the temple on Friday seeking the answer to this question: Do I home-school Cody for the rest of this year? I could barely get the words out of my mind as the feeling/words came into it "You already know the answer. The question is will you step up?"

WOW. That is what it boiled down to. Will I step up? Of course I will!! He is my son. I want him to succeed AND be happy. What is more important? My freedom and Independence... or my child's success and well being? I only have this time once... my freedom and independence can wait a few years...

He is not socially backward - he does make friends and they are best friends. But his learning style is not conducive to being in a big group and being conformed with every other child. He needs to have that one on one emotionally. He has so much to learn and offer - he needs to allowed to chase those desires ... and not just after school from 4pm-8pm each day after he has learned in the time frames allotted by someone else for each subject while trying to process bullying and social angst. He is responsible and thoughtful. I know he will flourish *more* socially when he is more self confidant and finds out who he truly is and what he truly can become. I know that he will excel and that I will be able to take little credit for it. And I KNOW he will do awesome!

I just simply have to let go of the standard SAHM ideal that I created for myself - and turn my focus on him during the day... instead of me and my desires. This will be a growing experience for me and much as it is for him.I must learn to better manage my time. I will be doing what every mom truly dreams of! I will be watching my son grow and learn and be hands on with him in it! It excites me to no end!!

And I KNOW this is the change I have been being prepared for. Each aspect of my life has been to make this possible... from finding FLYLady 7 years ago and getting my life and home in order, to my heart surgery giving me the physical strength as well as the gratitude of each minute and the value of using each one to its fullest, to my taking on the challenge and getting JWD paperwork in order and a system that it can function properly. I have the right people and resources placed before me. And I have this dear sweet son, who has shown me that not all of my children are the same and need the same thing. And that it is ok!

And so... we are pulling Cody out of school after Valentine's Day and he will be home - learning and growing with me. My other kids really flourish in school and so they will stay in school.

It was amazing and IS amazing the change in Cody since I sat him down and talked to him about it. He is on fire too. He wanted to read the Homeschooling book with me, so we curled up for over 2 hours reading and discussing options. We have decided to do the "Un-schooling Method" with some K-12 Curriculum worksheets to keep him on track - if not ahead *WINK*. The list of subjects he has started making of things that he wants to know about and learn about is growing by the minute!! The thought of studying what he wants for as long as he wants until he is satisfied thrills him. He is chattery and full of deep thoughts and questions. It's like this shell has cracked and he is off and running. He has the wings he needed and he is ready to go!

He wants to finish his County Report early (not due til the end of Feb) just so he can say he has completed it, and he wants to pay for his library book that someone stole at school before he leaves. And he'd like to be there for Valentine's Day for his cute "friend" - yes...he does have a "girlfriend" at 9 yrs old! But I have not seen him happy or excited like this in such a long time. And that makes my resolve to make this succeed all the more solid.

Shortly after Cody & I got back from our long talk and research, I received an email with 4H info in it (one of the programs he can use as a homeschooler to enrich his education) They are offering an intense Beekeeping and Honey Beginners course... his biggest dream since he was 5!! Just one more little confirmation that he will succeed and Heavenly Father is mindful of what each of us needs and when we need it. Cody will flourish having his love language met, making his social struggles easier to manage, and the resources to interact with other homeschoolers and diverse groups is phenomenal! He won't be lonely that's for sure! He will also be learning Real Estate as he works closely with me and running our business too. He also will be teaching me things I have forgotten, helping Caleb learn things he needs to learn and becoming more balanced than he has been in a long time.I have never felt so stretched and joyous all at the same time. Bless his heart!! This son of God will get exactly what he needs right now - and I am honored that I get to be the one to help him. :) Words do not do the eternal ramifications justice. And how empowering it is to be led to what is right for *our* family and to pursue it.

I know it will not be easy... believe me I do! But I can do hard things.

And I know we will never regret it!

Wow. It is decided. All the research and prayers have concluded things for me. Jess and I went to the temple for Stake conference and we both felt like the decision that lay before us was crystal clear. And it was THE right thing to do.

Here is a quick synopsis of the story:

Cody has been struggling. I mean really struggling. He is brilliant. He finishes all his work in record time only to sit and be bored to tears while waiting for his classmates to finish. We have sought options over and over both this year and last. Last year his teacher let him check out books in the library and he read during those times - which he enjoyed to a point - and he was reading 7th-9th grade level material. (he's in 4th grade). The school is new and has no prograams yet... in fact the only enrichment activity he has had is they started a chess club for a couple of weeks (which he LOVED!)

This year his teacher was PG and had a baby - and so he has had little out of curriculum enrichment. The substitute for her 8 week maternity leave was making Cody help the other kids with their work so he "was busy" when he completed early. When his teacher came back she continued this practice. When we heard about it we thought it was an ok thing... and for most children it would be... but the last 2 months or so Cody has slipped more and more into himself. He is withdrawn and doesn't want to play with his friends after school or go to scouts. Some other kids have been teasing him relentlessly about being a nerd and he *hates* recess and school lunch time - or even walking home. His self confidence and sense of self has dramatically taken a turn for the worse.

Jess and I began worrying and wondering what the change was in him and tried to figure out what was going on. And then the catalyst came - I cut his hair.

Yep. You read that right... I cut his hair. Now that isn't a strange phenomenon in our household... I have always cut his hair. But he kept saying "please don't cut my hair" "do I have to have my hair cut?" "please don't make me". I thought maybe it was something of a "style" issue so I agreed to simply trim and not change the style... it just needed the ends cut to eliminate the fuzz that happens when boys need hair cuts. And we got about half way...

He began to get whiter and whiter. He broke out in a dripping sweat. He started to shake. He begged to lay down as he felt like he was going to vomit. And he laid on the floor of the bathroom... crying... shaking... sweating, covered with hair and panicked... for about 3 full minutes.

He regained composure and we talked about why he *really* didn't want his hair cut. (BTW - cutting hair with clippers when the scalp is dripping wet and the ends are dry is a freakin' mess LOL FYI) It came to light that he wanted to no more reason to have anyone notice him - and everyone would ask him about his haircut. He was tired of being "forced in everyone's face", and being "the smart one" that teaches others etc

I was heartsick for days. How do I help my sweet 9 year old - and how do we prevent these panic attacks? Counseling? drugs? nothing seemed to fit. He was out of balance in so many ways. Cody is my quality time/physical touch love language child. He needs so much more out of life than he is getting in education, mental, emotional and social. And so what the heck do we do??

Then came the email from Denice. She had a real estate question (sorry denice - I am going to share as you are a main part in this story! LOL) I emailed a response and asked how she was. I told her I missed her and needed a "run away" in a bad way and wished we could schedule one. She called me and said "I have a few hours today..what are you doing right now for lunch?" Jess was home with no work - so I said let's go! (Sadly it seems lately last minute is the only way I can ever get any "me time"... the "Dorius Curse" of illness when we have plans aways seems to prevail!) We went to eat and just talked about everything from husbands and jobs to church callings and politics.. She was telling me about what's going on with her and how much she is enjoying her kids. (one of my deepest desires) She told me about how the have pulled her elementary kids out and are homeschooling them. And I felt like I had been hit by lighting. I sat there and cried. It was the dumbest thing ever! I could not ask her enough questions. I was shaking and honestly wanted to stand up right there at lunch and scream HALLELUJAH!! and EUREKA!!! THIS what I have been searching for. The Spirit of Confirmation was burning inside of me. And I was scared.

I had many reservations about Homeschooling in general. I know the stygmas. I have had friends that did it and failed miserably, or received no support from anyone and felt outcast & judged. I knew the old wives tales about how "backwards" home-schooled children are and how socially it will be detrimental to children. Blah Blah Blah. And so I started an intense mission. With the feelings I was experiencing there in the restaurant and the utter terror I felt inside (especially of "what if I fail him") I knew I needed as much info as I could on the matter. And Jess was behind me 100%.

I checked out every book available at our library on Homeschooling. I searched website after website. I prayed. I cried. I watched Cody intently. This was no small thing... I NEEDED to be sure. Every time I prayed I was overwhelmed with peace and confirmation. And I would cry again. I shook with excitement. I could see and feel the changes this would give my little man who was whithering away. This was what he needed! And all the research proves that homeschooled kids are actually much more successful and actually can get scholarships to and attend most any college they want! They are self starters and motivated. Just like Cody usually is.

We went to the temple on Friday seeking the answer to this question: Do I home-school Cody for the rest of this year? I could barely get the words out of my mind as the feeling/words came into it "You already know the answer. The question is will you step up?"

WOW. That is what it boiled down to. Will I step up? Of course I will!! He is my son. I want him to succeed AND be happy. What is more important? My freedom and Independence... or my child's success and well being? I only have this time once... my freedom and independence can wait a few years...

He is not socially backward - he does make friends and they are best friends. But his learning style is not conducive to being in a big group and being conformed with every other child. He needs to have that one on one emotionally. He has so much to learn and offer - he needs to allowed to chase those desires ... and not just after school from 4pm-8pm each day after he has learned in the time frames allotted by someone else for each subject while trying to process bullying and social angst. He is responsible and thoughtful. I know he will flourish *more* socially when he is more self confidant and finds out who he truly is and what he truly can become. I know that he will excel and that I will be able to take little credit for it. And I KNOW he will do awesome! I just simply have to let go of the standard SAHM mom ideal that I created for myself - and turn my focus on him during the day... instead of me and my desires. This will be a growing experience for me and much as it is for him.

I must learn to better manage my time. I will be doing what every mom truly dreams of! I will be watching my son grow and learn and be hands on with him in it! It excites me to no end!!And I KNOW this is the change I have been being prepared for. Each aspect of my life has been to make this possible... from finding FLYLady 7 years ago and getting my life and home in order, to my heart surgery giving me the physical strength as well as the gratitude of each minute and the value of using each one to its fullest, to my taking on the challenge and getting JWD paperwork in order and a system that it can function properly. I have the right people and resources placed before me. And I have this dear sweet son, who has shown me that not all of my children are the same and need the same thing. And that it is ok!

And so... we are pulling Cody out of school after Valentine's Day and he will be home - learning and growing with me. My other kids really flourish in school and so they will stay in school.

It was amazing and IS amazing the change in Cody since I sat him down and talked to him about it. He is on fire too. He wanted to read the Homeschooling book with me, so we curled up for over 2 hours reading and discussing options. We have decided to do the "Un-schooling Method" with some K-12 Curriculum worksheets to keep him on track - if not ahead *WINK*. The list of subjects he has started making of things that he wants to know about and learn about is growing by the minute!! The thought of studying what he wants for as long as he wants until he is satisfied thrills him. He is chattery and full of deep thoughts and questions. It's like this shell has cracked and he is off and running. He has the wings he needed and he is ready to go! He wants to finish his County Report early (not due til the end of Feb) just so he can say he has completed it, and he wants to pay for his library book that someone stole at school before he leaves. And he'd like to be there for Valentine's Day for his cute "friend" - yes...he does have a "girlfriend" at 9 yrs old! But I have not seen him happy or excited like this in such a long time. And that makes my resolve to make this succeed all the more solid.

Shortly after Cody & I got back from our long talk and research, I received an email with 4H info in it (one of the programs he can use as a homeschooler to enrich his education) They are offering an intense Beekeeping and Honey Beginners course... his biggest dream since he was 5!! Just one more little confirmation that he will succeed and Heavenly Father is mindful of what each of us needs and when we need it. Cody will flourish having his love language met, making his social struggles easier to manage, and the resources to interact with other homeschoolers and diverse groups is phenomenal! He won't be lonely that's for sure! He will also be learning Real Estate as he works closely with me and running our business too. He also will be teaching me things I have forgotten, helping Caleb learn things he needs to learn and becoming more balanced than he has been in a long time.

I have never felt so stretched and joyous all at the same time. Bless his heart!! This son of God will get exactly what he needs right now - and I am honored that I get to be the one to help him. :) Words do not do the eternal ramifications justice. And how empowering it is to be led to what is right for *our* family and to pursue it. I know it will not be easy... believe me I do! But I can do hard things. And I know we will never regret it!

(Thankyou Denice for helping me "run away" - I "needed" it more than I realized!

Boys Being Boys

SO... the boys are in the other room as I type. I can hear them playing. They are playing their favorite game... they are real Pokemon... and after they decide whom they shall be... it is time to select their secret powers....

CODY: " I will use the power of WIND!"

CAMERON: "I will use the power of NATURE!"

CALEB: " I will be the power of Chicken Butt!"

Bwahahahaha!!

I guess the chicken pox nickname has morphed! *GRIN*

So... I have been wrestling with a quandary that has perplexed me for some time now ...only to meet up with a dear friend with great wisdom... and catch fire with an idea laced with the Spirit of confirmation that it is the right thing to do... and I am scared spit-less and hopelessly excited... and thrilled at the resources and options available... and aflame with a stirring deep inside me, activating a part and passion that has been long forgotten.
My head hurts from the influx of information, and my heart races for the promise it could offer... and well... while I am still seeking to be fully informed and praying diligently that I will take the right steps at the right time and not jump before I am completely ready... I feel like I am a sponge absorbing the will of the Lord for me as a His daughter and it is an overwhelming, exciting, fulfilling, interesting, scary, joyous place to be.
I truly will share more when all is ready to move forward, but I had to give some voice to the swirling in my head.The peace that this will bring, despite the extreme sacrifice (honestly I guess that is what it is) on my part... elates me.
And I find it interesting that just weeks ago I was feeling that I was standing on the edge of this huge change of something in my life - I even told Jess and the Bishop's wife separately, I sensed it was coming though I knew not what it was - and this idea *never* would have been what I would have thought the change would be!! Amazing how the Lord works - He truly is mindful of us all... in all things. I feel so guided and so utterly humbled at the path that lies before me...

A Prayer

Heavenly Father...

Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student,balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us,the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.

Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

Amen.

A trip down memory lane...

YOU KNOW YOU GREW UP IN THE 80's or early 90's IF.....
(found this in an old folder - from 8 years ago...interesting how much is coming back! LOL)
1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word "PSYCHE ".
2. You watched the Pound Puppies and owned one.
3. You can sing the rap to the "Fresh Prince of Bel-air " ...and can do the "Carlton".
4. Girls wore biker shorts under their skirts and felt stylishly sexy.
5. You yearned to be a member of the Baby-sitters club and tried to start a club of your own.
6. You owned those lil' Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
7. You know that "WOAH " comes from Joey on Blossom
8. Two words: Hammer Pants
9. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock ".
10. You had plastic streamers on your handle bars... and "spokey-dokes" or playing cards on your spokes for that incredible sound effect.
11. You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales " (Woo ooh!)
12. When it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
13. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.
14. You saw the original "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles " on the big screen... and still know the turtle's names.
15. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.
16. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
17. You played the game "MASH " (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
18. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
19. L.A. Gear....need I say more
20. You wanted to change your name to "JEM " in Kindergarten.(She's truly outrageous.)
21. You remember reading "Tales of a fourth grade nothing " and all the Ramona books.
22. You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF "
23. You wanted to be a Goonie.
24. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us... head-to-toe)
25. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.
26. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
27. You took lunch boxes to school... and traded Garbage Pail Kids in the schoolyard.
28. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.
29. You still get the urge to say "NOT " after every sentence.
30. You remember Hypercolor t-shirts.
31. Barbie and the Rockers was your favorite band.
32. You thought She-ra (Princess of Power!) and He-Man should hook up.
33. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
34. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes. (and like #24, probably in neon colors, too)
35. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I? "
36. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up "
37. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
38. You ever got seriously injured on a Slip and Slide.
39. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
40. You had or attended a birthday party at McDonalds.
41. You've gone through this nodding your head in agreement.
42. You remember Popples.
43. "Don't worry, be happy "
44. You wore like, EIGHT pairs of socks over tights with high top Reeboks.
45. You wore socks scrunched down (and sometimes still do...getting yelled at by "younger hip" members of the family)
46. "Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK, all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK"
47. You remember boom boxes.. and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were all that.
48. You remember watching both "Gremlin's " movies.
49. You know what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare!!""
50. You remember watching "Rainbow Bright" and "My Little Pony"
51. You thought Doogie Howser/Samantha Micelli was hot.
52. You remember Alf, the lil furry brown alien from Melmac.
53. You remember New Kids on the Block when they were cool... and don't even flinch when people refer to them as "NKOTB". (GO BECKI!!)
54. You knew all the characters names and their life stories on"Saved By the Bell ", the ORIGINAL class.
55. You know all the words to Bon Jovi - SHOT THROUGH THE HEART.
56. You just sang those words to yourself.
57.You remember watching Magic vs. Bird.
58. Homemade Levi shorts.. (the shorter the better)
59. You remember when mullets were cool!
60. You had a mullet!
61. You still sing "We are the World "
62. You tight rolled your jeans.
63. You owned a banana clip
64. You remember "Where's the Beef?
65. You used to (and probably still do) say "What you talkin' about Willis?"
66. You had big hair and you knew how to use it.
67. You're still singing shot through the heart in your head, aren't you!!!LOL!!

CSI - I am so happy!!

Ok! It's my blog and if you read it you know I share about the things that make me sad & happy etc etc etc

SO!! I have to share! I am still glowing! *GRIN* Jestin and I have watched CSI as often as possible since it came on when Cody was a baby. We have LOVED trying to figure out the plot and crime scene before the end... and it is lovely that often we can't figure it out. It keeps it fun.

I was completely so sad when Warrick was killed last season. It tore me up - especially adding that to the "failed romance" of Grissom and Sara. Her leaving and him not going after her was torture! (not to mention I dont love shows that I have watch every episode to stay informed... so this little story line was makin' me crazy anyway!) I was not sure that the intrigue would still be there for me. (It is.) I still love the suspense of "who done it" etc. However I have been completely dissappointed in Grissom for letting Sara leave... my faith is his "wisdom" after being so "dumb" was makin' me nutty! LOL

And then to learn that Grissom was quitting the show? well my dismay doubled! How can he just disappear from the show?? ACK! All my favorites were leaving! And there was no good closure!

So this last thrusday I curled up with my sweetheart to watch this said one show we actually watch on TV to see Grissom's last episode. It was a sad episode where Grissom helped find the bodies of girls a serial killer had hidden - and it was great that he could crack this one last case. And then he was leaving...

and he left...

and there he was walking in the jungle looking at the bugs he so adores to study and he glances at his GPS... and there a beacon shines to where the camp he is heading to.. and it comes into view...

and he stops and smiles...

and there she is!!! Sara!! Taking pictures of a monkey!!! She turns around sensing that he is there... they rush to each other and embrace!!!!!!! And kiss!!!! and the camera swirls around them!! They are going to live happily ever after photographing bugs and monkeys and solving crimes in the Amazon!!

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH..........

And this little CSI fan is very pleased with the ending. Any other way and the writters would have lost me forever. I needed to know that love prevails the wicked sickness of this world. At last... the two destined to be together for over 6 seasons... get to be together. Happily Ever after.
And we can get back to episode to episode with no soap opera. yes!

Too bad the same couldn't be the case for Smallville.
Bwahahahahaha!!!

My friend has some darling aprons she is making for Valentine's Day! Fun for kitchen and possibly "a surpirse for your hubby" *wink wink* Check them out.... Way to go Nichole!!

http://justinandnichole.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-first-giveaway.html

We have survivied! LOL!

The chicken butts are healed. :) The stomach flu has past. The enfluenza is gone. The pink eye has vanished. The head cold has moved on. The sore throats are over. My heart is back under control. The kids are all back to school. Asthma seems to be controlled again...

Can we move on to the new and brighter year now??

LOL! What a couple of months! It has been non-stop it feels like - I am not sure we have attended church together with all of us but once in the last two months - and Emma was sick that day and we didn't realize until Sacrament meeting was over! LOL! Sheesh! I am gettin' off this rollercoaster ok? Disinfecting and washing sheets and holding fevered kids and keeping kids home from school and entertaining sick kids and missing out on event after event and eating food storage because I never seem to make it to the store because someone is sick and by evening I am beat and my heart acting up because I haven't gotten sleep at night listening to little ones and giving breathing treatments and well.... YUP! I am looking forward to some good health! *WINK*

Chicken Pox - Round 2

Ugh! Here we go again! Cam came in last night and said he had some itchy bumps - on his hiney! What the? Is it the rule of thumb that Chicken Pox belong on your butt? or what? This morning he had more - he has anywhere from 10-20 on his thighs and tooshie. *sigh* The school nurse called and informed me they do not want him back to school until he is scabbed over - and would prefer 1-2 days after scabbing to make sure. I thought the shot was suppose to prevent them? LOL

Emma started with what Cody had for Christmas on Sunday afternoon - she has run a fever, sore throat, extreme fatigue and weakness and has had body aches with the whole nine yards ever since. Last night after a full day of keeping nothing in her tummy at all - including her meds to bring the fever down - Jess and our Home Teacher gave her a Preisthood Blessing. She finally slept well (she had been whimpering in her sleep for the past two nights - which Momma's don't sleep well through!) and this morning she drank some sprite and kept it in. Her fever is down and she is on the road to recovery.

Whew! I am back to washing sheets like mad (THANKYOU Santa for bringing the kids all a new set of sheets so that now I can get the bed made when I take it apart! Saves TONS of time!) and disinfecting. SUPER fun!! Finding the joy: Caleb has someone to play with *grin* LOL

New Year's Day Tradition 2009

Cam asked daily if we were doing our "tradition" (I guess going once makes it tradition LOL) this year for New Years. SO...we went Sledding. We wanted to go to the Golf Course in Elk Ridge - but were terribly disappointed they had gated it off this year - must be from all the sue happy people in the world - *SIGH* So annoying...

Anyway so we drove to Spanish Fork's Golf Course, which had some hills - though nothing like the other course, the kids still had fun! :)

Caleb found a bitty hill at the top and went down over and over and over by himself!

"Dis big hilw was so 'tary... Dat I goed lots a times!"

We took some of our neighbor friends, and found many others from the neighborhood there as well! It was a complete blast! We should have a neighborhood sledding party every year! LOL

Isn't my "youngest son" a doll?? I just love this kid! Mine or not!

And here's Emma with one of my adopted daughters!

GO CALEB!!

AND CODY!!

We did our 'traditional' snow ball fight - Cam had a blast teasin' Bro. Sorensen!

Cameron's Bestest Friend

Cody's Bestest friend mid toss (the snow ball is in mid air & headed for Cam)

We had traditional hot cocoa

Cody & his bestest friend...

Cody and Mom trying to hold hands down the hill.... he went too fast and Mom went too slow - her tube had a hole in it and was going flat - not so easy to go fast on!

So then Caleb and Mom tried a disk... and WAHOO!! It was smokin' fast!

We had a blast! Then we went home to hot potato soup and fresh baked rolls. It was a lovely beginning to a new year! Dad wants to add going shooting to the New Year's Day Agenda next year... but all in all it was a perfect day!

Peeling off the Layers

And no, I am not an Ogre! LOL!

That is my motto for this new year. New Year's Resolutions (NYR's) always make me feel like a failure. I am gun-ho for the 1st couple of weeks only to mess up and throw my hands in the air and give up. So this year I have a motto:

(what's a motto? Nothin'! What's a motto with you??" Bwahahaha)

PEELING OFF THE LAYERS

What does that mean you ask? Well here is a simple version:

* Financial debt - I want to focus on "I have enough" and get some small debts and JWD debts paid off. I also want to accept the challenges of a budget and make and try to live one each month this year. I also want to keep up with a Christmas savings - it was LOVELY to pull that $ out of a savings account and do Christmas on Black Friday. (there were many times I wanted to pull it out early because we "needed" the funds - but I just pretended it wasn't available! LOL worked great - and the auto transfer from my account made it even easier - it was "a bill" the bank paid for me! LOL)

* Physical Pounds/Health - even if it is only eating more healthy...I am taking better care of me! And I am shooting for walking the dogs at least 4 days a week if not more! I also want to get dressed 1st thing each day and do my hair and make-up. All too often the phone starts ringing and work and kids start calling and I ever feel completely READY for the day at hand.

* Emotional Walls - I tend to be reserved with my heart and affection - I want to open up more, love more, live more! I need to stop hiding or my life will pass me by! I need to stand up for myself more and be taken advantage of less - but in a kind and gentle way. I need to not allow myself to be overwhelemed by life - and learn to say no when I really need to - and then have NO guilt that I did (I know so many of my girlfriends suffer from this same syndrome!)

* Spiritually - I want to be closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father and I know I am the one who's buried herself in these layers of human - I want to peel a few of those off. I want to search for eternity in the windows on humanity.

* Personality - I can be out going and loving and befriend people - though it's not my natural personality. My more common self keeps to herself and waits for others to come to her - I am going to peel those layers off and try harder to think of those who may need me to come to them and be the one who befriends them - I want everyone I meet and get to know to know that I love and accept them for who they are.

* Motherhood - I tend to go through the motions more often than not - I want to get in and PLAY and BE with my kids more... And I want to be more involved in what is important to them.

* Homemaking - layers of dirt and grime - I am healthy now and I can care for my own home again - but have become a bit lazy in my deep cleaning housekeeping skills...so I need to get back to my routines. I also would like to make a good meal at least 5 days a week - the kids can have Ramen etc on the off days - but I need to step it up a bit and try harder

* Professionally - I am going to start being more active in my role as Office Manager and Realtor. I will start looking for clients more, instead of waiting for them to come to me, and I will keep up better on JWD and start some advertising for both.

These are layers and so any small amount I can pull off each day is good! I dont want to change overnight, I just want to peel back a bit and be a little better, try a little harder and live my life a little fuller.

Those are my NYRs. :) And I also wrote "Peeling off the Layers" on my mirror in my bathroom to remind me everyday to keep moving forward! *wink*

Tagged

One Word Tag
1. Where is your cell phone? brastrap
2. Where is your significant other? Showering
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? Sad
5. Your father? Sentimental
6. Your favorite thing? Sleep
7. Your dream last night? Happy
8. Your dream/goal? Joy
9. The room you're in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Boss
11. Your fear? Snakes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy
13. Where were you last night? Cleaning
14. What you're not? Outgoing
15. Something on your wish list? Backyard
16. Where you grew up? Utah
17. The last thing you did? Groceries
18. What are you wearing? Clothes
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet? Sleeping
21. Your computer? Running
22. Your mood? Tired
23. Missing someone? Nope
24. Your car? Expedition
25. Something you're not wearing? Pants
26. Favorite store? HomeDepot
27. Your summer? Missing
28. Love someone? JW
29. Your favorite color? Blue (or brown)
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? 21st

I tag everyone who hasn't been tagged with this one and reads it...