December 31 – Resolution you wish you'd stuck with
I could pretty much list every resolution, since I didn’t really stick with any this year. The one I really wish I had stuck with is reading my scriptures regularly (or, really, at all). I am really bad about this. Maybe I should go ask our bishop if I can be a gospel doctrine teacher again. Somehow, I don’t think he’ll give me the calling I want… This is going to be my resolution again this year, and maybe I’ll do better. The biggest factor, once again, is finding time in my schedule.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 30
December 30 – Ad (What advertisement made you think this year?
Since I don't have TV, I don't really see ads anymore. So, while the following isn't an "ad" per se, it did make me think. (The original video is no longer on YouTube, so I am posting a video that shows the original but with commentary on top.)
This video makes me think about two main topics.
First, I think it's sad that we care about celebrities so much and put them on pedestals. Who cares if a celebrity pledges to be a better person? First, they should stop being such bad examples to children by making inappropriate movies and dressing like porn starts, and then they should quietly make changes to their private behavior. That's great if you pledge not to give someone the finger (though, honestly, you probably have a chauffeur and don't even pay attention to the road anyway), or if you want to donate money to a worthy charity. But posting about it for the whole world to see how great you are doesn't count. It then becomes a publicity stunt and not true charity. But, I guess it doesn't really matter, since I expect that someone wrote this script and the celebrities are just reading it, which make their "pledges" even less valuable.
That rant aside, this video also made me think in another way about how I can improve my own personal citizenship. Lately, I've been frustrated at the growing lack of civility (which is partially why this talk on anger and this talk on basic civility and values are so good), especially between those on opposite sides of a political issue (examples: Glenn Beck and followers vs. "the czars" or supporters of gay marriage vs the conservative religions). I personally believe it is entirely possible to disagree with someone and still be polite. As an example, there is a neighbor of mine with whom I almost entirely disagree on political/religious matters: gay marriage, health care reform, religion, creationism/evolution, etc. But yet, we are friends, and any discussion we have on these matters is informative, interesting, but most of all civil. I personally feel that I leave our discussions uplifted with new viewpoints to ponder, but not attacked or resentful. So, I think instead of celebrities telling us to swear to be a servant of Barack Obama, we should all try to find ways to be better citizens, whether that be actually voting in local, state, and national elections; cleaning up the trash in our neighborhoods; volunteering to sit on community boards, the PTA, or volunteering in classrooms; being more polite and civil to those with whom we disagree; or whatever improvement we feel we need to make. While I can see the benefit of displaying these goals (it helps increase responsibility to follow through), we should also make sure that posting any need to improve should not be for the purpose of saying, "Look at me and watch the great things I will do."
Since I don't have TV, I don't really see ads anymore. So, while the following isn't an "ad" per se, it did make me think. (The original video is no longer on YouTube, so I am posting a video that shows the original but with commentary on top.)
This video makes me think about two main topics.
First, I think it's sad that we care about celebrities so much and put them on pedestals. Who cares if a celebrity pledges to be a better person? First, they should stop being such bad examples to children by making inappropriate movies and dressing like porn starts, and then they should quietly make changes to their private behavior. That's great if you pledge not to give someone the finger (though, honestly, you probably have a chauffeur and don't even pay attention to the road anyway), or if you want to donate money to a worthy charity. But posting about it for the whole world to see how great you are doesn't count. It then becomes a publicity stunt and not true charity. But, I guess it doesn't really matter, since I expect that someone wrote this script and the celebrities are just reading it, which make their "pledges" even less valuable.
That rant aside, this video also made me think in another way about how I can improve my own personal citizenship. Lately, I've been frustrated at the growing lack of civility (which is partially why this talk on anger and this talk on basic civility and values are so good), especially between those on opposite sides of a political issue (examples: Glenn Beck and followers vs. "the czars" or supporters of gay marriage vs the conservative religions). I personally believe it is entirely possible to disagree with someone and still be polite. As an example, there is a neighbor of mine with whom I almost entirely disagree on political/religious matters: gay marriage, health care reform, religion, creationism/evolution, etc. But yet, we are friends, and any discussion we have on these matters is informative, interesting, but most of all civil. I personally feel that I leave our discussions uplifted with new viewpoints to ponder, but not attacked or resentful. So, I think instead of celebrities telling us to swear to be a servant of Barack Obama, we should all try to find ways to be better citizens, whether that be actually voting in local, state, and national elections; cleaning up the trash in our neighborhoods; volunteering to sit on community boards, the PTA, or volunteering in classrooms; being more polite and civil to those with whom we disagree; or whatever improvement we feel we need to make. While I can see the benefit of displaying these goals (it helps increase responsibility to follow through), we should also make sure that posting any need to improve should not be for the purpose of saying, "Look at me and watch the great things I will do."
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 29
December 29 – Laugh (What was your biggest belly laugh of the year?)I’m not sure who remembers all their laughs for the whole year, but I digress. One good laugh I had this year was at our company Christmas party. The boss hired Comedy Sportz in Provo to be our entertainment. Between their hilarious improv and our yearly dumb-stuff-we-do,-sometimes-for-money videos, my cheeks were hurting by the end. My company is awesome!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 28
December 28 – Stationery
I don’t use stationery, so this doesn’t really apply. So, instead, I’m going to say “Computer Program.” This year I discovered PhotoShop, and I love it! I wouldn’t by any means say I’m an expert, but I love playing around with it. I’ve also started shooting all my photos in RAW format, so I can better edit them with PhotoShop. It’s great! Where once I could only take mediocre pictures due to lighting or other issues, now I can correct all those flaws and make even a blah photo look awesome!
I don’t use stationery, so this doesn’t really apply. So, instead, I’m going to say “Computer Program.” This year I discovered PhotoShop, and I love it! I wouldn’t by any means say I’m an expert, but I love playing around with it. I’ve also started shooting all my photos in RAW format, so I can better edit them with PhotoShop. It’s great! Where once I could only take mediocre pictures due to lighting or other issues, now I can correct all those flaws and make even a blah photo look awesome!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 27
December 27 – Social web moment
My social networking moment of the year was just a few weeks ago, when I found B1’s old roommate Jake on Facebook. Jake and I haven't spoken since shortly after B1 and I were married. We had tried reaching him several times when we held “roommate dinners,” when we invited over all of B1’s old roomies for dinner. But, after a brief time, we lost touch, losing Jake’s phone number and having no other way to reach him. But, I just found him on Facebook this month, and discovered that he’s married with one daughter, another baby on the way, and deployed to Iraq!
My social networking moment of the year was just a few weeks ago, when I found B1’s old roommate Jake on Facebook. Jake and I haven't spoken since shortly after B1 and I were married. We had tried reaching him several times when we held “roommate dinners,” when we invited over all of B1’s old roomies for dinner. But, after a brief time, we lost touch, losing Jake’s phone number and having no other way to reach him. But, I just found him on Facebook this month, and discovered that he’s married with one daughter, another baby on the way, and deployed to Iraq!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 26
December 26 – Insight or aha! moment
I can't remember too much of an insight moment, though I have had several prayers answered in ways that were like that. Although I don't want to sound boring, they are a little too personal of experiences to talk about here. So, I'll just say that I know that our Heavenly Father answers prayers, even when he does it in ways we don't like or weren't expecting.
I can't remember too much of an insight moment, though I have had several prayers answered in ways that were like that. Although I don't want to sound boring, they are a little too personal of experiences to talk about here. So, I'll just say that I know that our Heavenly Father answers prayers, even when he does it in ways we don't like or weren't expecting.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 25
December 25 – Gift
Since it’s only for 2009, (and I’m sorry if this is super corny) the best thing I have received this year is D. He is such a sweet, loving baby. He makes me smile when I’m sad, and reminds me why I love B2 when he’s being such a pill. D makes me remember why I want to be a stay-at-home mom, and overall just makes my life so much better.
Since it’s only for 2009, (and I’m sorry if this is super corny) the best thing I have received this year is D. He is such a sweet, loving baby. He makes me smile when I’m sad, and reminds me why I love B2 when he’s being such a pill. D makes me remember why I want to be a stay-at-home mom, and overall just makes my life so much better.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 24
December 24 – Learning experience
Early this year I had a horrible learning experience. One Sunday after church, I was trying to get B2 out to the car while carrying all our church stuff. B1 was working, so it was just me, and B2 decided to throw a tantrum. I was pregnant, tired, and cranky, and the last thing I needed was B2 refusing to walk to the car. So, I grabbed his hand and tried to pull him to the car, while still carrying my scripture case, diaper bag, and who knows what else. With the way B2 was struggling, and my grip on his hand, he twisted his elbow and a ligament popped out of place. It caused him a lot of pain. I called my then-visiting-teacher Rebecca over, and she went with me to the urgent care facility so we could have someone look at his arm. While I waited for her, I just sat and cried, beating myself up for hurting my child. It was a hard lesson, but one I’ve remembered all those times this year that B2 has triple-jumped over any boundary line I’ve drawn.
Early this year I had a horrible learning experience. One Sunday after church, I was trying to get B2 out to the car while carrying all our church stuff. B1 was working, so it was just me, and B2 decided to throw a tantrum. I was pregnant, tired, and cranky, and the last thing I needed was B2 refusing to walk to the car. So, I grabbed his hand and tried to pull him to the car, while still carrying my scripture case, diaper bag, and who knows what else. With the way B2 was struggling, and my grip on his hand, he twisted his elbow and a ligament popped out of place. It caused him a lot of pain. I called my then-visiting-teacher Rebecca over, and she went with me to the urgent care facility so we could have someone look at his arm. While I waited for her, I just sat and cried, beating myself up for hurting my child. It was a hard lesson, but one I’ve remembered all those times this year that B2 has triple-jumped over any boundary line I’ve drawn.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 23
December 23 – Web tool
Well, this isn’t a “web” tool, but it is a computer tool that has changed my life: multiple screens. Yes, you heard me. At work I have two computer screens, and I love it! I don’t know how I was able to do my job before with only one screen, and it’s very hard for me to do anything that requires multitasking at home because I only have one monitor.
Well, this isn’t a “web” tool, but it is a computer tool that has changed my life: multiple screens. Yes, you heard me. At work I have two computer screens, and I love it! I don’t know how I was able to do my job before with only one screen, and it’s very hard for me to do anything that requires multitasking at home because I only have one monitor.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
My life is a pendulum
I have decided that my life is a pendulum. Sometimes, the pendulum is swinging slowly, so we don't really have any ups and downs. Life is pretty consistent. Then, other days (like right now) it swings in big swoops, so we have some awesome days followed by horrible days.
Last night was an awesome day. B2 was in the best mood I've seen him in for a long time. He exclaimed as soon as my key hit the lock, "Yay, mommy's home!" It pretty much got better from there. He ate his dinner without too much prodding, he helped me make bread (and only spilled the flour a little), he was happy and (somewhat) obedient...It was nice. It was like having my two-year-old back again. I almost didn't want him to go to bed because it was such a good night.
And then, along comes today. Every Tuesday at my company I have a meeting from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. At 9:00, a coworker interrupts the meeting with my cell phone, saying that it's an emergency and my husband is trying to reach me. I immediately panic as I call B1 back. He sounds close to tears, saying that B2 decided to put push pins in D's crib (while D is still in it, of course), then runs to his dad and said, "Daddy, D is dead!" B1 freaked out, ran to D and discovered (thankfully) that D was not dead, but was surrounded by push pins. He still hadn't gotten over the shock of what B2 said when he called, which is why his emotions were so close to the surface. Well, B1 took D to the doctor for an X-ray to make sure D hadn't swallowed one of those push pins. They are on their way back from the hospital to the pediatrician's office to have the X-ray read, but it looks okay.
I guess we need to re-baby-proof the house. I don't even know where B2 got push pins...
So, does this mean we're due for another good night, or will this downward swing last longer?
Last night was an awesome day. B2 was in the best mood I've seen him in for a long time. He exclaimed as soon as my key hit the lock, "Yay, mommy's home!" It pretty much got better from there. He ate his dinner without too much prodding, he helped me make bread (and only spilled the flour a little), he was happy and (somewhat) obedient...It was nice. It was like having my two-year-old back again. I almost didn't want him to go to bed because it was such a good night.
And then, along comes today. Every Tuesday at my company I have a meeting from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. At 9:00, a coworker interrupts the meeting with my cell phone, saying that it's an emergency and my husband is trying to reach me. I immediately panic as I call B1 back. He sounds close to tears, saying that B2 decided to put push pins in D's crib (while D is still in it, of course), then runs to his dad and said, "Daddy, D is dead!" B1 freaked out, ran to D and discovered (thankfully) that D was not dead, but was surrounded by push pins. He still hadn't gotten over the shock of what B2 said when he called, which is why his emotions were so close to the surface. Well, B1 took D to the doctor for an X-ray to make sure D hadn't swallowed one of those push pins. They are on their way back from the hospital to the pediatrician's office to have the X-ray read, but it looks okay.
I guess we need to re-baby-proof the house. I don't even know where B2 got push pins...
So, does this mean we're due for another good night, or will this downward swing last longer?
Best of 2009 - Decmeber 22
December 22 – New Business
This year I discovered Erin Wood Photography. She lives in my ward and does photography, and she does a great job! Check out this awesome photo she took of my visiting teacher’s family.
This year I discovered Erin Wood Photography. She lives in my ward and does photography, and she does a great job! Check out this awesome photo she took of my visiting teacher’s family.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas letter
Merry Christmas!
Christmas letter text:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
December 2009
Dear friends and family,
Well, once again, I have procrastinated this year’s Christmas card, so you are all getting it through email instead of the actual mail. I would be happy to print copies of the picture for anyone would like it.
2009 has gone much faster than expected. I am sure that we have hit the point in our lives where time seems to continually speed up, but it still takes us by surprise every year.
B1’s life has been pretty consistent this year. He is still working at [airline company], and is still the Employment Specialist in our ward. This calling has been a great blessing for him, if for no other reason than it helps him be grateful for his job while he’s parking airplanes in negative-degree temperatures.
This year has been a little more eventful for me. I had planned on quitting my job when our son was born, but with the unstable economy and fear of Brian losing his job, I am still working full-time. But, I am happy to be at such a wonderful company. In June my baby sister was married the day before B1 and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. In August I lost my grandpa, and I miss him dearly. This month I launched my own business (mymommyshelpers.blogspot.com). 2009 has brought me some happy and some sad events, and I anxiously (and nervously) await what 2010 has in store for me.
B2 is still growing like a weed. He consistently ranks in the 90th-plus percentiles for height and weight. Despite being white, he might be able to play football for BYU after all. This year B2 has become potty trained, which has been the source of much happiness and much frustration for him (and his parents). He absolutely adores his younger brother, and loves his new babysitters Colby and Kristy (and their kids, of course) and his nursery leaders. B2 is now three years old, so he will be starting Primary next month. I think B1 and I got a few gray hairs once we realized our kid would be in Primary, but we’re excited to see him participate in the sacrament meeting programs. His favorite Primary song right now is Follow The Prophet, and he knows the first three verses. He also likes to regularly inject lines from the song into every day conversation, such as a few weeks ago when he was saying goodbye to his dad and told him sternly, “Dad, don’t go astray.” Of course, we’d rather he repeat Primary songs than what his mom and dad say.
This year we welcomed D.S. to our family. D was born in June, and is the happiest baby you’ve ever met. He is just becoming mobile by turning his body and rolling to get where he wants to go, and is trying so hard to scoot. He has the cutest smile you’ll ever see, and you’ll see it often. He hardly ever cries. Of course, I think the reason why he’s the best baby is because his first word was Mama. In fact, he still hasn’t said Dada, though Brian tries hard, and regularly, to get D to expand his vocabulary.
This time of year reminds us that we are truly blessed. We have wonderful children and extended family, dear friends, a home, and jobs. We hope that this Christmas season finds you happy and able to see the best in your life!
Love,
B1, S, B2, and D
Christmas letter text:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
December 2009
Dear friends and family,
Well, once again, I have procrastinated this year’s Christmas card, so you are all getting it through email instead of the actual mail. I would be happy to print copies of the picture for anyone would like it.
2009 has gone much faster than expected. I am sure that we have hit the point in our lives where time seems to continually speed up, but it still takes us by surprise every year.
B1’s life has been pretty consistent this year. He is still working at [airline company], and is still the Employment Specialist in our ward. This calling has been a great blessing for him, if for no other reason than it helps him be grateful for his job while he’s parking airplanes in negative-degree temperatures.
This year has been a little more eventful for me. I had planned on quitting my job when our son was born, but with the unstable economy and fear of Brian losing his job, I am still working full-time. But, I am happy to be at such a wonderful company. In June my baby sister was married the day before B1 and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. In August I lost my grandpa, and I miss him dearly. This month I launched my own business (mymommyshelpers.blogspot.com). 2009 has brought me some happy and some sad events, and I anxiously (and nervously) await what 2010 has in store for me.
B2 is still growing like a weed. He consistently ranks in the 90th-plus percentiles for height and weight. Despite being white, he might be able to play football for BYU after all. This year B2 has become potty trained, which has been the source of much happiness and much frustration for him (and his parents). He absolutely adores his younger brother, and loves his new babysitters Colby and Kristy (and their kids, of course) and his nursery leaders. B2 is now three years old, so he will be starting Primary next month. I think B1 and I got a few gray hairs once we realized our kid would be in Primary, but we’re excited to see him participate in the sacrament meeting programs. His favorite Primary song right now is Follow The Prophet, and he knows the first three verses. He also likes to regularly inject lines from the song into every day conversation, such as a few weeks ago when he was saying goodbye to his dad and told him sternly, “Dad, don’t go astray.” Of course, we’d rather he repeat Primary songs than what his mom and dad say.
This year we welcomed D.S. to our family. D was born in June, and is the happiest baby you’ve ever met. He is just becoming mobile by turning his body and rolling to get where he wants to go, and is trying so hard to scoot. He has the cutest smile you’ll ever see, and you’ll see it often. He hardly ever cries. Of course, I think the reason why he’s the best baby is because his first word was Mama. In fact, he still hasn’t said Dada, though Brian tries hard, and regularly, to get D to expand his vocabulary.
This time of year reminds us that we are truly blessed. We have wonderful children and extended family, dear friends, a home, and jobs. We hope that this Christmas season finds you happy and able to see the best in your life!
Love,
B1, S, B2, and D
Best of 2009 - December 21
December 21 – Project
My new business (MyMommysHelpers.blogspot.com). I really hope I’m able to sell a little (I’m being optimistic – I’d love for this to be enough to support our needs, but for now it’s just a pet project), but I’m proud that I got out of the “Well, maybe” stage into actually producing merchandise and creating a means for selling it.
My new business (MyMommysHelpers.blogspot.com). I really hope I’m able to sell a little (I’m being optimistic – I’d love for this to be enough to support our needs, but for now it’s just a pet project), but I’m proud that I got out of the “Well, maybe” stage into actually producing merchandise and creating a means for selling it.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Best of 2009 - December 20
December 20 – New Person
This is hard, because a.) I don’t meet that many new people all that often, and b.) I don’t want to offend anyone by naming someone else as the best new person. So, with that proviso, I’d have to say that the best new person is Jen S; she was made my visiting teacher this year, and it’s been a blast to get to know her. She was always one of those people I watched and thought, “Gee, I wish I could be her friend.” Now, I can say that I am!
This is hard, because a.) I don’t meet that many new people all that often, and b.) I don’t want to offend anyone by naming someone else as the best new person. So, with that proviso, I’d have to say that the best new person is Jen S; she was made my visiting teacher this year, and it’s been a blast to get to know her. She was always one of those people I watched and thought, “Gee, I wish I could be her friend.” Now, I can say that I am!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Best of 2009 - Decmeber 19
December 19 – Car Ride
A few months ago B1 and I went to Idaho Falls for two reasons: 1.) to see my aunt, who has been going through a divorce, and 2.) so B1 could visit the grave of a friend from high school. His friend Bryce was in the armed forces, and was in a helicopter accident shortly before D was born. In fact, his funeral was the day D was born, so of course B1 missed it. It was an interesting car ride, to say the least, because of all the emotions behind the reasons we were driving to Idaho.
A few months ago B1 and I went to Idaho Falls for two reasons: 1.) to see my aunt, who has been going through a divorce, and 2.) so B1 could visit the grave of a friend from high school. His friend Bryce was in the armed forces, and was in a helicopter accident shortly before D was born. In fact, his funeral was the day D was born, so of course B1 missed it. It was an interesting car ride, to say the least, because of all the emotions behind the reasons we were driving to Idaho.
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