It's Aloha Friday, no work til Monday...

Oh wait, I'm a stay at home mom so I guess that doesn't apply to me since basically Saturday is my busiest working day..LOL.

~~~~~~sighs~~~~~~

Yesterday was the last day of school for the kids. As of today, they are officially on their Christmas vacation. Does anyone know what that means? Besides the noise and the constant refereeing that I have to do?! My favorite of all things when the kids are on school break.....I get to sleep in. No more getting up at five or five thirty-ish to drive kids to seminary and then hauling more kids off to school an hour or so later. I love me some sleep and haven't been able to enjoy some serious slumbering because of the early morning schedule my high school kids keep.

So today, I actually slept til ten thirty without anyone knocking on my door, jumping on my bed or calling my name to wake me up. I tell ya, it's heaven. And of course the kids were so happy to get a break from school, they practically laze around all morning doing, practically nothing, ok cross that, they were doing whatever their little hearts desire. And I get to sit around too after I woke up and just enjoy the slow and laziness of the day...no appointment to rush off to, no commitment to keep, Nada, zip, zilch.

I took my final yesterday so you could say I'm officially on a school break too...although since there was only one class I was taking, it didn't feel like much. And last night, our ward had a Christmas party. It was called a night in Bethlehem..we had to dress up in Biblical times and started off the evening with the Primary kids doing a skid of the Savior's birth. We were told in advance to bring canned goods to give to the Bishop, in turn, he and his helpers give us a bag of coins(those fake candy coins) that we can use in the market place to buy food and other merchandise. I tell ya, the activities committee did such a beautiful, it actually felt like you were in Jerusalem peddling goods or bargaining for goods. They even had a live nativity scene set up in the Primary room for anyone to go and have their pictures taken. (Kaitlin fell asleep and my boys each took off on different directions to enjoy the night, we didn't have our pictures taken. And I also forgot to take my camera with me...bummer!) I actually like the set up...there was no Santa in sight, which I think it's very fitting since this party was taken place in a place of worship. I'm glad that someone actually thought to plan a Christmas party where the main focus is on the Savior...not that I have anything against Santa, mind you.

Oh yeah, my daughter Jenn went to Sadie Hawkins and it was so cute she asked this cute boy to be her date. She actually put time, money and effort into this dance. You wanna know how she asked the guy to be her date? She got a shirt, wrote on the front "wash me" and on the back she wrote "Sadie's?". And then she wrote a bunch of girls' name with washable markers and she wrote her name with a permanent marker. And then she had some random person gave the shirt to the boy she wanted to be her date. You see how that worked right? When the boy washed the shirt...all the washable ink disappeared except for her name. He responded by texting one of Jenn's friend that "yes" he will go to Sadie's with her.

Jenn then went out and bought two red t-shirts(red is the boy's favorite color) and have their names written in blue(blue's Jenn's favorite color) on the shirts. So they went to the dance in matching t-shirts in their favorite colors combined. Now, you wanna see what her date looks like?

Don't they look cute together? Yeah, I think so too and I'm not just saying that cuz she's my daughter...LOL. Yep, while we were traveling the road to Bethlehem last night and bargaining for goods in Jerusalem, my daughter was hanging out and dancing her little feet off with some cutie..ahahah. Makes me all the more excited to see how her prom would pan out.

Now, I'm off to plan out a fun night with my hub. It's our date night and Steph's taken all the three little kids with her so I am free to go out and enjoy being with my hub. Hope you are all enjoying the season. Have a great weekend!! ☺

Love,

A Non-post Post

Today, instead of writing a regular post, I'm just going to direct you all to this blog. Yes, it's the relationship blog I wrote about in my earlier post. Remember how I said that I have a post written up for this week that might come out either Friday or Saturday? Well, I lied, well not really lied, I wasn't the one in charge of the post schedule so I just estimated the day my entry will be posted based on the time I put it in.

Anyways, my post is on today. I'm usually a little hesitant about directing anyone over to read my post there because most of the ones I wrote already were a little on the sensitive side but today, I figure, what the heck? And the post I have for today is not too sensitive, it's a little on the fun side so if you're in the mood to read something a little more interesting, go read it.

If you feel up to it, feel free to read all the other posts as well. There are different bloggers who write something everyday so you might enjoy the different views of the relationships of the bloggers who write on that blog. Like I mentioned in an earlier post...the founders of that blog have decided to theme each week and this week's theme is Compatibility. And you feel like it, leave a comment too to let us know what you think about each post. Again, go here if you feel like reading a little romance..lol...kidding. But really, do come over and check out my post for today.

I want to post some new creative craft this week but for some reason, my camera is not cooperating with me. I am working on some fun paper craft and of course some new cards idea so be on a look-out. In the meantime, have a great day and hopefully I might see some of y'all's fingerprints on the other blog.

Happy blogging and God bless!!

Not much to write about today

I know I have been very inconsistent with my posts lately. I have no excuses that could make me look cooler for this total sporadic of my posts. I've been blogging, at least that's what I thought that was...I do stay online on blogland, but I mostly spend that reading other very interesting blogs out there.

And of course, life in general is very hectic for me. I've been trying to be a very good mom by dedicating most of my time to my kids since they are home all day and it's been fun. Where else can I get to know my kids all over again...

Anyways, I just want to update a little of my weekend.

Fourth of July was a great one....we were able to go to a block party and mingle with old friends and meeting new ones. And of course, food is always a great factor to a get-together. OMG the food...the people in Hawaii really know how to throw a party. I think I've gained at least five pounds just from eating on Saturday.

However, my little girl, Katie, got sick and I had to practically stayed up all night taking care of her. So both she and I didn't go to church yesterday...I was able to catch up on sleep since she was sleeping most of the day. I was actually in a great mood because I made a great dinner for my family...even made a new dessert, one that I've never made before.

Then my family came home after church yesterday and told me that one of ladies I know, her three year old son had fallen out of their two-story window and landed on the cemented sidewalk below and cracked his skull. He's now in the hospital...my heart goes out to the mom. Right now she's battling her own demons...she's been struggling with anxiety attack and now this. I think in the four or five years they've live here in Hawaii, they've moved at least six times that I know. Everytime they get settled in one house, the owner ended up selling the house so they ended up having to look for another place. And I have to tell you, I don't think I would be able to handle that kind of stress...they have little kids, the oldest is eight...can you imagine that? I guess that's what brought on the anxiety stress she has. Poor lady...I feel sooo bad for her.

My daughter Steph is volunteering this summer at the hospital where the little boy is at so she told me last night she's going to stop by and see how the boy is doing. I'm going to find out sometime today how long he will be at the hospital so I can go visit. I asked my hubby last night if the little boy is going to make it and he said yes but I'm sure there's going to be some major problem that will result from the fall. Can you just picture that? A three year old falling from a two-story window and a cracked skull? I shudder just thinking about it. I get usually very neurotic when my daughter or any of my kids get near our windows or the older kids climb a tree...now with what happened to the little boy, I think I'm on the verge of being paranoid now.

Other than that, everything is ok on my end. Katie's feeling much better, up and about in her old self, singing and dancing and just being her old cute, adorable unresistable self. Jen's attending Summer School this summer and I've mentioned already, Stephanie's volunteering at the hospital. All four boys are home, being mommy's helpers, and just enjoying their time at home. How about you all? How's your summer coming along so far? Hope you're enjoying the great summer weather...the sun is out and brightly about, I think I might take the kids across to the beach to do some kayaking.

If you're interested in reading something really fun this week, go here. I've mentioned this blog before, it's on my sidebar, Mars versus Venus, a relationship blog...I'm one of the posters on there. This week, the posts are extremely fun to read, the owner has decided to theme the post so this week's theme is Compatibility. You might not want to miss the posts on that blog...go check it out. I have a post I've written, I'm just not sure when it will be posted, maybe Friday or Saturday but every single post this week is going to be a "must read". There's a really fun post right now...it even comes with video of a real live couple so please go check it out, ok?

Aight, y'all take care and have a great day.

My Foot in My Mouth

I got a phone call this afternoon. It's not a call I dread, per say, but it's also not one I really am excited about either.

Yesterday I posted about my cleaning spree...Today I was just continuing on from where I left off. I spent most of my morning scrubbing, and I mean I got down on my hands and knees scrubbing, my kitchen floor. I've never seen my floor so sparkling white.

Anyways, in between scrubbing floors, doing dishes, wiping down cabinet doors and straighten up toys, I got a phone call. It was my Ward's Young Women President.

"I need to ask a favor of you," she said. Me, cheerfully, "Go ahead".

I thought it was going to be something like she needs me to sign some permission slips or lending her my daughter for the evening to help with something to do with Young Women. Nope, that is not even it.

Her: You don't have a calling yet, right? {I got released from both of my church callings last month.}

Me: Nope, not yet.

Her: I was wondering if you could teach the Laurels class this Sunday. {My 17 year old daughter is in Laurels.}

Me: Hummp...I guess I could. Do you have a manual I could use? And what is the topic?

Her: The topic is on Homemaking and you can find the lesson on the LDS web page under "Young Women".

Me: Hmmm, Homemaking uh? That is a hard one, not a very strong suit for me.

Her: Oh I figure you can do it since you have that many kids and you like to make all these cute artsy stuff and you being a stay at home mom and all...the girls will love to see some of your creative talents.

Me, totally doubting myself: Ok, I'll do my best.

Her: By the way, this week is our Ward Conference so there will probably be somebody from the Stake Young Women Presidency who will be visiting the class.

{Now she tells me...sheesh.}

I hung up the phone and blurted out to my 15 year old daughter..."Oh crap!! That was Sister SoSo and she wants me to teach the Laurels class this Sunday."

Her response: Well mom, you've always wanted to be in Young Women. Here's your wish come true. {What a smart aleck...I so wanted to smack that smart mouth of hers.}

She's right though. I have expressed that I would love to be in Young Women while she and her sister are still in there. I would love to be able to do things with them to keep up with what they're doing in there, and what better way to do it then to be right there with them.

I'm a little, no take that back, I am beyond nervous about teaching these 16 & 17 year-olds. Especially on the topic. HOMEMAKING...me? teaching about homemaking.

Honestly, my skills in homemaking are completely lacking. The way I manage my home is nothing to shout over the rooftop about. My idea of homemaking is to nag my kids to do their chores til they are practically in tears and then let my house go til we are practically buried in clutter and mess before I go on some cleaning freak mode to put my house back to something close to decent shape. I am the least organized person in the world, although I love the idea of organization and the way I manage my home... my goodness, I would be lucky if my kids don't end up seeking therapy for the rest of their lives.

But I guess since I've already said yes...I'll just have to suck it in and do my best to teach the lesson as best I know how. Hopefully whatever suggestions or examples I use, my daughter won't call me out on it.

Moral of this post? Never never ever wish for something unless you are absolutely sure you can handle it should the occasion calls for it. I have literally put my foot in my mouth this time. My daughter is right; although I will never in this lifetime admit that to her.... I wanted to be involved in Young Women. Now I have totally gotten my wish. A well deserved lesson for me...LOL.

Did/Do You Know?...

Do you know that toothpaste is not just for cleaning or brushing teeth? It's true, I discovered today that there is another very useful thing you can use toothpaste on besides brushing your teeth. You want to know what it is?

Well today, in lieu of my new blog make-over, I decided to do a little house cleaning while I waited for the designer to install my new do. I started walking around the house and I notice something. My walls are disgustingly filthy. There were dirt built up, crayon and permanent marker marks all over my walls and the doors. All the walls in my house are in shades of white, off-white and pure white. So you can visualize what the walls and the doors look like with all these filthy crimy marks, right?

I can't believe it. Where have I been all this time that my walls were being totally abused like this? So, I got out my cleaning rags, some cleaning solutions and attacked the walls. And this is where I found this discovery. I had the hardest time getting the crayon marks off the walls and doors. Who did I run to for help? Yep, that's right, Mr. Google himself.

I had to ask him for help...and guess what? He suggested I tried toothpaste to clean the crayon marks off my walls and doors. I was skeptical, it sounded kinda dumb, so I started out very reluctantly. And guess what? It worked like magic. The crayon marks came off with amazing ease. You can imagine my excitement. I ended up cleaning every visible walls in the house along with all the doors. Who would've thought? I've already been buying toothpaste in bulk...now my bulk is going to be bulkier.

This is such a great find and it came at just the perfect time. My two year old is really fascinated with colors...she's constantly getting into my cosmetics and my stamp pads. She not only play make up on herself but on any surface she can reach. And so whenever she gets crayons in her hand....yep, you can quess where that little hand will be drawing her next creation. So, I am totally going to be ready for her...LOL.

Well, after I finished cleaning the walls, I was sooo excited about the end results that I rounded up the kids after school and gave my house a total deep cleaning. Now, I'm not the kind of person who likes housecleaning but when I do get into the mood, which is very rare, I can be a real freak about it.

Now, I just can't help but sit and bask in my gleaming white walls...LOL...and clean house. Yeah I know, come tomorrow morning, the house is going back to it's messy state but at least now I can just enjoy it while it last.

Oh by the way...notice the new look? I just love this new blog make over, I love everything about it. If you like this new look, leave a comment about it. You can also check out the designer on my left sidebar...she does such great work. And her prizes are totally generous. Thanks Erin...you're the best!!

What Do They Talk About?

My 15 year old daughter, Jen, came bursting into the house, all blushed from running from the bus stop to our house, curiousity written all over her face....

Jen: Mom, is cucumber a vegetable or a fruit?

Me: A veggie, why?

Jen: Just wondering. So what is a gourd?

Me: Don't you want to look it up yourself in the dictionary? And why are you asking me these questions?

Jen: Well, because Josh said cucumbers are gourds and I didn't know there's such a thing as a gourd til now.

{This daughter was always asking me what does something mean, or how do you spell something or some such other simple stuff so I usually hands her a dictionary to look up her words or have her google it...don't u just love googling?}

Then she proceeded to relay this conversation she and her friends had while they were waiting for their school bus.

{Conversation between Jen and her friends Maila, Steph, and Josh.}

Maila: What do cherries grow on?

Steph: uhh.. trees? hahaha

Josh: yeah you've never heard of George Washington chopping down the cherry tree?

Maila: well, yeah, but... wait, but they're so small.

Steph: yeah??

Maila: shouldn't they grow on like bushes, like berries?

Jen: hahaha Cherry-berries.

Maila: hahahaha that's so cool. ohhh!! but they have blue berries and black berries and raspberries.. that would be awesome if they had cherry-berries.

Jen: haha yeah. Oh! did you know that potatoes are starches?

Maila: What?? you mean they aren't vegetables??

Josh: no, potatos are starches.

Steph: umm.. hahaha. yeah starches, kinda like rice?

Jen: I thought rice was grain.

Steph: Grain is a starch.

Jen: oh... like bread.

Josh: yeah.

Maila: wait.. you mean there's another category??? why can't it just be fruits and vegetables??

Jen: yeah.. wait.. what makes fruits and vegetables.. fruits and vegetables?

Maila: don't fruits always have seeds?

Jen: no cause cucumbers have seeds and they're vegetables.

Josh: well, technically, that's a gourd.

Jen: what the heck is a gourd??

Steph: like squash, or pumpkins.

Maila: ....you mean there's ANOTHER category??????????? why do they have to make it so darn confusing???????


I was laughing the whole time she was retelling this conversation. I thought this was so funny I just had to blog about it.

Glad to know "boys" aren't the only topic of my daughter's conversation when she's with her friends.