Conference Weekend = Heaven

I LOVE conference weekend!
It hasn't always been like that though.
I remember growing up, I HATED it!
We had the fun traditions of having
sour dough pancakes conference morning...
and then going to Grandma Larsen's for lunch
with all the cousins then watching the last
session at her house...a tradition my parents
continue at their house today.
But at home. both Saturday AND Sunday,
my "mean" parents used to MAKE me and my
sister sit and watch ALL of the sessions.
We did our absolute BEST to show my
parents how bored to death we were...
that we just might DIE of boredom if
we had to sit there for one more minute
listening to a bunch of old men with
monotone voices that put us to sleep.
My parents HAD to have been so annoyed
with us and our dramatics, but just sat and
listened and insisted we do the same
because it is what we were supposed
to be doing--whether we liked it or not.
Now that I have my own children, and they
have pulled the same "I might die of boredom"
tricks. I realize what a blessing it is to have parents
who have taught me to BE where I'm supposed
to BE, DOING what I'm supposed to be DOING
just because it's the right thing to do. I truly
believe we are blessed when we are doing what we
are supposed to be doing--whether we like it or not.
I loved the talk yesterday by Sister Cheryl Lant
the General Primary Pres. on raising our children
with righteous traditions.I have been blessed with
such a home growing up, and as a result, I
continue those righteous traditions in my own home.
It was a neat experience yesterday to stand in my
family room with my children with the millions
of other members of this church, wherever they
were watching, to sustain a new prophet--
Thomas S. Monson. What a historic event to be a part of!
I think it's safe to say, my kids were happy to be able to
take part in this inspired ordinance rather than being
anywhere else, doing whatever else...
So with that, I will enjoy watching conference this
day with my whining boys (the girls have learned to love it!)
in my efforts to hear what the lord would have us
hear and be doing what the lord would have us be doing...
because that's where we should be, and what we should be doing.
And for this, we will be blessed.

Grocery Bags...

So I'm at the grocery store the other day, I walk up and I'm greeted with the usual "Hello Ma'm! Did you find everything you were looking for?" I reply with the usual ""Yes, Thank You." Then it begins...."do you want plastic?"
"Yes."
Then the bagger walks up,"Do you want plastic?"
"Yes, please"
"Sorry m'am...did you say PLASTIC?"
"Yes, plastic will be just fine."
The cashier says, "She said she wanted plastic."
"Plastic bags then?"
"Yes! Yes! I want plastic!!"

Sheesh.
Let's announce it over the P.A. "We have a woman here on checkout 5 who wants to use PLASTIC bags!!"
I admit it! I am an environmental destroyer! Plastic, plastic, plastic!
I also used disposable diapers on all of my children.
I throw all of my cereal boxes away....and my newspaper...and my milk cartons...
I do not save my dryer sheets and re-use them as toilet paper.
And another thing...I HATE compact flourescent bulbs!!!
There. I said it.
I am not very good at recycling everything.
I am sorry.

























I know that re-useable bags are the thing now

...and I think they are wonderful....however....what a pain! Do you know how many of those I would need to shop for my family of 7?...a Plethera...that's how many...
















100% Cottam is all about these babies! And is having a re-usable bag giveaway...so check her out!



Don't get me wrong...I am all for saving and protecting the environment. And I do recycle my plastic grocery bags....in fact look what one can do when one has absolutely NOTHING ELSE to do...

Make yourself some fancy summer footwear!
It's even waterproof!

Or how 'bout this little number?
Sweet, no?

You could even make a re-usable bag!!!
Ironic, isn't it?


However, these make the most sense and are the most practical...














































(Sorry mom...couldn't resist...)

A poem written in my honor....not

Mormon Women:
If you, or someone you know has ever felt overwhelmed by all they feel
they need to do, Vickie Gunther of Redlands , California , wrote a hilarious
poem, Dr. Seuss style, about how much LDS women try to take on. David B. Marsh
used it at Women's Conference, and Vickie has given permission to share it.

The Girl in a Whirl by 'Dr. Sue' (a.k. A.. Vickie Gunther)

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.
I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!
I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)
I'm taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I track my bad habits 'til each is abolished;
Our t-shirts are ironed! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.
I do genealogy faithfully, too.It's easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!
I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It's the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)
I chart resolu tions and check off each goal;
I seek each "lost lamb" on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all,
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!
Each day, I write "thank you's" to those I admire.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!
I have a home business to help make some money;
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I go to the temple at least once a week;
I change the car's tires! I fix the sink's leak!
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years' supply;
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
These things are not hard; 'tis good if you do them;
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It's easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you ca n do them all, too!

It's easy!" she said and then she dropped dead.

Ding!, Dong! the Witch is dead!

Just an update:

The witch is dead!...at least, MOSTLY...dead....
I'm feeling MUCH better!!!
Thank you to all of you for your support and concern!
...and I would especially like to thank you for not dousing me in water!

April's Fools

April Fools Day!
I love a good prank! Every year I think I'm going to do great things, but always find myself unprepared...there's still time though!

For some fun tricks to play on your family, click on,
Family Fun April Fools jokes

Here are some videos of some very funny pranks!
Have a great day!---those of you in Utah, steer clear of my sister! She's the Queen of April Fools jokes!!! :)
(glad I don't live there...)

This ball is full of cement....


This is free makeover day in the mall