Thankful Thursday Birthday Edition

My birthday was a couple of days ago and it never fails... I end up feeling depressed every year.

This year Scott took me out to lunch, and we ended up lumping that in with a visit to the Chiropractor, getting my brakes worked on and a return visit to JoAnne fabrics ( a whole other boring story). When we got home, it was rush rush for me to get Sophia and the preschool crew home just in time for my Oliver to get off the bus. He walked in looking like death warmed over so I took his temp. 102.6, folks. So, I rushed him to the clinic and after three hours of the fun "ailment elimination" game, we discovered he has pneumonia. The gift that keeps on giving. Then it was on to the pharmacy and home. Did I mention it was about 30 degrees that night? (That's 20 degrees for me) Anyway, I ended up making steaks in the cold and opening up presents as fast as I could because the little ones needed to go to bed.

What's the point?

Clearly my "special day" wasn't the relaxing break I had envisioned, and for the last two days, this has really chaffed my britches. That, my friends, makes me a LOSER. A loser with PMS, but that's not an excuse to be such an ingrate. So, for "Thankful Thursday" this week, I present you with a list of bday highlights that I am thankful for and maybe this will redeem me a bit.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...1. My friends. My friend Gay remembered (she remembers my bday every year somehow) and I got a bday call from awesome Jackie Lindsey. I also got a bday song from ????? They left a message, but I have no idea who they were! They were good singers though.

2. My kids. They were soooo excited before school, and gave me big hugs and kisses. The girls even made me two doll houses out of cardboard while I was at the clinic with Oliver. I heard, "You're the best Mom ever" more times than I can count and there's nothing better.

3. My extended family. Scott's family always remembers my birthday, but this is the first year in a while that mine did as well. THANKS MOM!!!

4. Scott. He bought, without any help, one of those big "Cricut" machines! Can you believe that? Then, Mon night, he went online to try to score more cartridges. Funny guy. He also brought home two Pepperidge Farm cakes at my request, 1 chocolate, 1 coconut + he told me I could pass for college age.... Not a 4 year, but definately a grad student. Our lunch date was lovely at Ms Saigon, and he listened to me talk about embroidery machines and how I want to be a librarian all the way home.

I hope you all aren't judging me too harshly, but I had to air my dirty laundry as a confession of sorts, again, to redeem myself.

ps. Oliver is doing much better. I am thankful for antibiotics!

Spiritual Tag

Hey guys!

Devri, aka Naulu Tribe, tagged everyone and it's like the perfect online Sunday activity! I've never heard of a spiritual tag and like the idea, + I'm in a terrific mood + who doesn't like to talk about themselves. So, here it goes.

1. What is your Fav. Temple and why?-----

That's a hard one. I think St George is the prettiest, but I guess the Nashville temple wins because it's so close and it's a blessing to live close to a temple.

2. My favorite calling that I've had in the church--

My favorite calling was Primary President. We had an awesome group of kids, and I had tons of support. I was sad to be released.

3. What has been your hardest calling in the church---
Youth Sunday School. I had like 3 teens and 2 of them were "in like". So they would hold hands and stuff in class. Really awkward.

4.Favorite scripture story--
The Tree of Life... it's easy to remember and the symbolism is cool.

5. Where would you like to serve a mission?--
KOREA, of course! By that time I'll be fluent and I want so desperately to be legit. I would also love all the good kimche and rice.

6. When did you know the Gospel was true?--

Like Devri, I know I've had a testimony all my life, but it really developed after my second child was born. I was somewhat inactive for a couple of years before that and had a good bishop who helped me find my way. Thank goodness for good bishops.

7.Who has been a spiritual giant in your life?--
There have been a lot of "giants" in my life who have set wonderful examples but there's not enough space or time to mention all. So, I'll just mention one.... Sister Klein. She was my YW president and loved me through all my rebellious years, and offered good righteous advice when I needed it most. She is, in my mind, the ultimate example of "charity never faileth" and I love her so much!

_________________________________

PS. We had our Primary presentation today (aka the best sacrament meeting of the year) and it was just wonderful! The closing song was, "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet" and the whole congregation joined the primary for the last couple of verses. It was beautiful and I meant to recite part of it during my lesson, but quoted the wrong hymn. DUH!!!! Anyway, here is the actual verse for anyone, like me, who is feeling a little apprehensive, especially considering all the goings on out west over the last week or so.

(2nd Verse)

"When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us And threaten our peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before us, And we know that deliv'rance is nigh.

We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness. We've proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against Zion, Will surely be smitten at last."

_____________________________________

pps. This is a really long post.

What's in a Name?

When I was growing up, my parents didn't call me "Renee". For a little while my dad referred to me as "Chaka" from Land of the Lost, but the whole time I was in grade school, everyone called me "Shelley". My parents came up with this variant when I was a baby and I had no idea my real name was "Renee" for years. It was very confusing, but it was even more irritating having to explain this over and over to new friends at school, because of course I was "Shelley" at church. Dumb, right?

dad, "Shelley, come here"
new friend, "Who's Shelley?"
me, "I am"
new friend, "What?"
me, "It's a nick name for Michelle, my middle name."
new friend, "That's weird"
me, "I know"
new friend, "You don't look like a Shelley"
me, "ok"
new friend, "Seriously, that's weird"
me, "Can we talk about something else?"

I'm only writing this because my blog is supposed to be a pseudo journal. I thought my kids would get a kick out of this, especially considering the ridiculous nick names I've given them, GG, Wencer, etc..

I'm just sayin'.

Blog Giveaway

Here's a fun giveaway for all you quilters out there. I never win these so I rarely enter, but this drawing is on my bday. We'll see!

http://lolaagain.blogspot.com/2008/11/teaser.html

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for landscaping. The planning, buying, planting and mulching of my new landscaping has been a year in the works and it's finally done. Well, in the front at least. It looks really nice and I can't wait for the Spring to get the sides and the back going! Then I'll be thankful for that too.

I am thankful for Gorilla Glue. Have you guys tried this stuff? AMAZING.

I am thankful for The Magic Eraser. Another amazing invention. It cleans up almost anything with no effort.

I am thankful for online shopping. This is a landmark year of total online Christmas shopping and it's such a relief! I don't love shopping to begin with, but shopping during the holidays fills me with dread and dark thoughts. This year will be a happy jollier time filled with magical memories and free shipping! Hooray!

These Boots Were Made for Walkin'

Here comes winter, and at our house that means Renee pulls out the big guns. There are a few items in my wardrobe that are so dear to my heart I wear them almost daily. Are they attractive?... no, they're not, but oh so practical.

Number 1: wellies- I bought my wellies about 4 years ago via JCrew catalogue and have loved them ever since. I even made little bootie inserts with gellins so they can be worn for hours and I do. Sometimes I even wear them to church because you know what, it gets cold here on Sunday too.

Number 2: long puffer coat- This is another very unattractive item of clothing that I can't live without. I look like a fat chimney sweep in it, especially with the above mentioned wellies, but it's AMAZING!!! I might even buy another one and make a pair of pants out of it.

Number 3: scarf, any scarf: There's a trick to wearing scarves that is guaranteed to keep a girl warm and sassy. Fold in half the long way, then fold the short way. Wrap around your neck and pull the raw ends through the loop. Then fluff. FABULOUS. Unlike the previous 2, this is very cute.

So, what are your indispensable wardrobe items, good or bad?

Sign of the Times

I just got this email from the "Family Leader" and I'm appalled and saddened. To all my LDS friends, especially out west, be watchful, careful, but don't give up.

Prop 8 Protesters Target the LDS Los Angeles Temple

The LDS Temple in Los Angeles was under siege yesterday by 2,000 protesters angry over the Church's role in passing Proposition 8, forcing the temporary closure of the temple. According to reports, a gay activist called the temple saying they would be protesting outside the temple permanently until there is gay marriage.
Signs were hung from the fence around the temple and protesters screamed in anger, snarled afternoon rush-hour traffic and said, "This isn't going to stop us...If we do this we have a chance." "We're going to fight it until the world changes," protesters claimed.
"Shame on you," chanted the protesters. Outside the temple, grafitti was scrawled on the walls and signs hung, "Go back to Utah," and "Go to hell Mormons." Their signs said, "No on H8."
Protesters promised to go after the Church's tax-exempt status and harass Mormons who had donated to the cause, listed on a website Mormonsfor8.com. The promise was to make the Mormons pay for their role in the passage of Prop 8.
One LDS member in the area said, "I don't quite understand our police response (even though I'm one of the police). If this was happening at a Jewish synagogue or a Catholic church, we would be arresting people for hate crimes. As it is at the moment, protestors are sitting on the walls of the temple and the police are on the grounds inside. Church members in our area were called last night to come down to the stake center and spend the night protecting the building from vandalism -- it's like 150 years ago."
To see a news report on these events click here.
This was the politics of intimidation and harassment, targeting the LDS church, though many other churches had helped in the effort-and a sample of how the homosexual agenda has spread across the nation. It was like San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsome, said when he illegally started marrying couples in the city before that America was going to have this whether you like it or not.
It will not be about people being able to vote their conscience, or calmly assess the issues and consequences, but about threats and vilification.
Other churches who participated in the effort have not been similarly targeted.
The LDS Church is, of course, in no danger of losing its tax-exempt status. The only donation made to the campaign according to records was $2,078.97, an expense which covered the travel of church leaders who went to California to meet with the coalition. The Church insists that by law it has the right to speak out on moral issues.

Spooky

Halloween was fun, but hectic like every year. Little Sophie was a Korean princess, Grace was a witch, Spencer was a mummy and Oliver was a teenager with better things to do. Good times!

Just Curious

My sister told me about a website devoted to celebrity plastic surgeries gone wrong. It was awful/ fun. Lots of awful/fun pictures of expensive mishaps. It got me to wondering...

What "plastic" procedure would you have done, or would you? Be honest.

For me it would have to be a combo tummy tuck, breast enhancement. No question.

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls....

Tennessee is a beautiful state! We recently took the kids on a hike and saw a lovely waterfall... ahem, THEY saw a lovely waterfall. I made it to the smaller (shown above), but couldn't stomach the climb down the steep cliff to the bigger waterfall. Oh well.

Grace's Birthday and Baptism

Scott and Grace. What a great dad!!!

Grace, Sophia and cousin Betty.

The kids and the Miller cousins in front of the Nashville temple. What a beautiful day!

My parents with Grace.... so proud!

Grace had a wonderful ice skating party and a week later was baptized! She's such a sweet young lady and we are so very proud of her!!!

Karaoke Song of the Week

I know I've mentioned this song before, but it's one of my all time favorites and this is the best rendition ever!!! I love Debbie Harry (met her 7 years ago and she was awesome)!

You don't really need lyrics, right?

You like me, you really like me!!!

*Write six random things/unspectacular quirks about yourself
* Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them
* Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog* Let the tagger know when your entry posted.

1. I'm 10 degrees colder than everyone else. Seriously, this is true. I think it's because I have low blood pressure which is another unspectacular quirk. I've had several nurses freak out a bit and recheck over and over. Wow, I'm really interesting, huh.

2. Like most good Mormon girls, I am cheaper than the cheapest cheap. I've even carted my own junk to a flea market and straight up bartered on the spot. People have a harder time saying no when you're right in their face, huh Scott?

3. I used to figure skate. Years ago I wanted to be Dorothy Hamill. I even got my haircut like her, and btw, it was way past in style. I had dreams of going to the Olympics and having a "Rudy" moment but then I realized, hey, I'm not that good. Also, I had no friends because I was at the freaking ice rink all the time.

4. I snort when I laugh, big time.

5. I've been compared to Valerie Bertinelli more times than I'd like. I don't think I look or act anything like her, but apparently there is a similarity because this has come up way too much over the years and I always say the same thing, "Hey, I didn't know Valerie Bertinelli was Korean."

6. I have so much road rage. I think I've blogged about this already, but it's worth mentioning again. I've done some crazy crap on the road because of this issue and I am ashamed. Once, when we were in Chicago, I almost got Scott into a fight with this huge scary biker guy and I wasn't even the one driving!!! Another time I followed a jerk doing hand signals like crazy. "I (pointing at myself) am going to call (hand to ear cupped like a telephone) the police (finger in the air going round and round). Remember Candice? A couple of months ago, I was so bold to actually pull up next to these two idiots and and scream it out. These are never my brightest moments, but I've gotten much better.

7. I love Martha.

I tag whoever wants to play and hasn't already.

The Snuggie

I saw this on tv earlier tonight and busted out laughing.... especially at the 1:03 minute football game scene.

I know what I'm getting Scott for Christmas. Shhhhh

89 year old lady arrested for keeping a kid's ball

BLUE ASH, Ohio – Police in Ohio say an 89-year-old woman is facing a charge of petty theft because neighborhood children accuse her of refusing to give back their football.
Edna Jester was arrested last week in the Cincinnati suburb of Blue Ash.
Police say one child's father complained that Jester kept the youngsters' ball after it landed in her yard. Police Capt. James Schaffer says there has been an ongoing dispute in the neighborhood over kids' balls landing in the woman's yard.
Jester said Monday she has received many calls and didn't have time to discuss the matter any more.
Jester is to appear in court next month. The maximum penalty for a petty theft conviction in Ohio is six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

KARAOKE song of the week

This goes out to my lovely friend Chelsea in honor of her 80's theme. I'm so sorry we can't make it, but here's a little shout out from one of the big time 80's queens, Ms Sheena Easton!

I wake up every morning
I stumble out of bed
Stretching and yawning
another day ahead
It seems to last forever
and time goes slowly by
Till babe and me's together
then it starts to fly
'Cause the moment that he's with me
time can take a flight
The moment that he's with me
everything's alright
Night time is the right time
we make love
Then it's his and my time
we take off

My baby takes the morning train
he works from nine till five and then
He takes another home again
to find me waiting for him (repeat)

He takes me to a movie
or to a restaurant, to go
Slow dancing anything I want
Only when he's with me
I catch light
Only when he gives me
makes me feel alright

My baby takes the morning train
he works from nine till five and then
He takes another home again
to find me waiting for him

All day I think of him
dreamin' of him constantly
I'm crazy mad for him
and he's crazy mad for me
When he steps off that train
I'm makin' a fool, a fight
Work all day to earn his pay
so we can play all night

My baby takes the morning train
he works from nine till five and then
He takes another home again
to find me waiting for him

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for Mums. They're pretty, that's it.

I am thankful for "Word to Your Mother"'s Mindi. She has a most entertaining blog and just recently added the post, "Confession Booth pt II". If you have time for over 100 random confessions and need some big time laughs, a few shockers, and can endure a couple of "eewwws" and "what the hecks" (yes, I'm judging so step off), you have to check it out: http://wordtoyourmother-mindi.blogspot.com/2008/10/confession-booth-part-dos.html

Mindi's blog is always fun fun fun.

I am thankful for my new house. We've been in Tennessee for almost a year and a half now and it really feels like home. It's big and comfortable and I feel beyond blessed for the opportunity to be here. Our community rocks and our ward is so awesome, I can't even tell you all the ways! So, there you go, it's a wonderful life! I know too that all blessings are from our Heavenly Father, and things will come and go. So forever, I will be grateful for this lovely time in our lives and pray that I can feel inspired to do the things I need to do.

I'm Bringing Sexy Back

I've always wondered what life was like back in the day. Thanks to my lovely friend Chemenn, I can now at least see what I would've looked like.... pretty awesome. (BTW, that's what I wanted my hair to look like in the 80's, but no dice. I always ended up looking a little too ethnic after each one of my unfortunate perms.)

So c'mon, you guys have to try it, and post your vintage photos as well! http://www.yearbookyourself.com/

ps. Scott is a lucky man.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for window shades! I finally, after a year of being in this house, installed some lovely window shades. I found them on a website called http://www.theshadestore.com/ and fell in love with the selection. Check it out!

I am thankful for PERO. I recently found out through Alice, aka Funny Mom, that the delicious coffee substitute, Postum, has been discontinued. After confirming this info and working through the various stages of depression (shock, denial, anger, etc..), I was open minded enough to try another substitute. PERO is product of Switzerland that is made from malted barley, barley and chicory. It's great, but FYI, you have to use double the amount recommended per cup. Also, it's better with full fat cream rather than milk.

Finally, I am grateful for our new chapel!!!! Our bishop announced our new chapel will be built right here in town. This means a 5 minute drive rather than a 25 minute drive. With 3 kids in weekly church activities, and one getting dragged along, this is definitely reason to raise the roof!!! You know, if you're hopelessly out of touch like me.

KARAOKE song of the week!

A new feature! I'm going to start posting a great karaoke song once a week. Sing it, really loud, and I promise you'll feel awesome!!!!

I love the karaoke.