A simple thought from me to you...
(in the stylings of Dr. Seuss)...
I am thankful for my food,
I am thankful for my brood.
I am thankful for my house,
I am thankful for my spouse.
I am thankful for my offspring,
I am thankful for the love they bring.
I am thankful for the truth,
I am thankful for my youth :)
I am thankful for my folks,
I am thankful for funny jokes.
I am thankful, and I pray,
You all have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The good, the bad, and the frightening...
I was thrilled when Joe's aunt called and said she had some tickets for us to the BYU / Utah game - thanks Leslie!! I haven't been able to go to any games this season because of my darling (nursing) son and his mild attachment disorder (okay, it was my disorder).Joe's family is split red v. blue, so the three BYU brothers and their wives donned blue and sat in the top corner. The two Utah brothers and their wives, donned red and sat down on the front row. In any case, we were all there - if not together.
Excitement filled the air as we drove down, eager for a good game between two nationally ranked teams. Apprehension replaced excitement as we got closer to the stadium and were bombarded with the "worst word", boos, jeers, "accidental" bumpings followed by an icy glare, and even a small army of children urged by their parents to attack us as we walked by. Not cool, Utah folks. Finally, we got to our seats and were relieved to be surrounded by a small sea of blue, most of which had a player's name displayed because they were the athlete's families.
It quickly turned from this, a civil handshake:
to this, BYU being forced off the field as soon as they started the traditional Haka dance. So rude.
The game got going, the stadium steadily turning more and more into an ocean of red. The sounds and smells of the Utah fans two rows ahead of us started to waft back. Sorry, but beer just plain stinks. And what were you smoking before you got here? That smell ain't tobacco, I got news for you...
The cowbell got so annoying, that after a while, the cowbell-bearer's friends were telling him to put the bell away, but the real highlight was watching a Utah fan be escorted out by several security guards (that frankly looked like the Canadian mounties) after throwing a couple of punches.
Oh, and the game? It was okay, could've been better. There were a few disappointing plays but nothing that a true blue fan can't deal with. After all, it's just a game. I salute the Utah players and the coaches. They deserved to win and I look forward to watching them play in a BCS bowl. I look forward even more to the the cut of the loot BYU will get from being in the same conference as Utah. The team had a great season, that's just a fact. But the fans? They should be ashamed of themselves. 
For half-time, both school's bands always perform together. Can't we take a page out of their book and just all get along?
I said it before, I'll say it again.................GO COUGARS!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Go Cougars!!!Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Change is in the air...
Since we moved into this house over three years ago, Joe has been wanting to move the t.v. downstairs. "No", I argued, "that's just one more area for me to keep clean." Or, "It's easier", I said, "when I need to get things done. I can turn on a show for the kids and have them right there with me, but not in my way." Or, my favorite, "That would be hard to move the t.v." Oh, the list of excuses I had!!
Well, Joe finally talked me into it. He wanted our living area to be t.v.-free. He wanted a nice sitting room where the kids would read or play games. He wanted a more open, inviting space. He also told me that I would not have to help move the t.v. at all. For the record, he moved our t.v. downstairs all by himself. It's a big t.v. and that was no easy task!
But as all home projects go, it was not just about moving the t.v. First, we had to clean and organize the basement, the storage room, and while we're at it, the office. Then, we moved the t.v. and entertainment center downstairs, which left a huge space in our living room, so we moved the couches around. Which put the sofa table out of place, so we moved it into the office. Which means we had to take down the desk that we don't use to make room for the sofa table. Which means we had to take all the movies out of the sofa table and move them downstairs. Whew!
After about two weeks of organizing, cleaning out clutter, and moving things around we have achieved our goal. The t.v. is downstairs (and we are able to finally use the surround sound speakers that the house was wired with when we got here). The sitting room is open, inviting, and has a great new chair in addition to the couches. The office looks great and there's actually room to walk around in there.
But the best part? Last night, in our new and improved family room, I looked at my darling kids. Dakota was reading to Camri. Emma was reading "Pinkalicious". Colin was building a castle with blocks, and I was feeding Beau in the comfy chair (or Mom chair, as I call it :) There was peace, there was joy, there was a feeling of contentment. There was no t.v. I am convinced that Joe knew what he was talking about when he said he wanted to cut down the noise in our lives.
When we do go downstairs, we watch a family movie or play a game with the kids on xbox. It's exciting and different and special now. It's not that we watched a lot of t.v. before, but just having it out of our living space has improved the feel of our home.
Sometimes, change is a great thing.
Well, Joe finally talked me into it. He wanted our living area to be t.v.-free. He wanted a nice sitting room where the kids would read or play games. He wanted a more open, inviting space. He also told me that I would not have to help move the t.v. at all. For the record, he moved our t.v. downstairs all by himself. It's a big t.v. and that was no easy task!
But as all home projects go, it was not just about moving the t.v. First, we had to clean and organize the basement, the storage room, and while we're at it, the office. Then, we moved the t.v. and entertainment center downstairs, which left a huge space in our living room, so we moved the couches around. Which put the sofa table out of place, so we moved it into the office. Which means we had to take down the desk that we don't use to make room for the sofa table. Which means we had to take all the movies out of the sofa table and move them downstairs. Whew!
After about two weeks of organizing, cleaning out clutter, and moving things around we have achieved our goal. The t.v. is downstairs (and we are able to finally use the surround sound speakers that the house was wired with when we got here). The sitting room is open, inviting, and has a great new chair in addition to the couches. The office looks great and there's actually room to walk around in there.
But the best part? Last night, in our new and improved family room, I looked at my darling kids. Dakota was reading to Camri. Emma was reading "Pinkalicious". Colin was building a castle with blocks, and I was feeding Beau in the comfy chair (or Mom chair, as I call it :) There was peace, there was joy, there was a feeling of contentment. There was no t.v. I am convinced that Joe knew what he was talking about when he said he wanted to cut down the noise in our lives.
When we do go downstairs, we watch a family movie or play a game with the kids on xbox. It's exciting and different and special now. It's not that we watched a lot of t.v. before, but just having it out of our living space has improved the feel of our home.
Sometimes, change is a great thing.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Spiritual seven...
Thanks Sue for the tag. Here is my spiritual seven...
1. What is your Fav. Temple and why?
The Jordan River Temple. When I was a kid, I donated my pennies to help build it, and I went to the open house. It was the first temple I ever went to for baptisms for the dead and then my own ordinances. It was the place I was sealed to my husband for time and all eternity. It is my temple.
2. My favorite calling that I've had in the church?
Missionary.
3.Most difficult calling?
Missionary (or whatever calling I have at the moment...)
4.Favorite scripture story?
Christ's visit to the Americas, recorded in 3 Nephi. Especially chapter 17 when he blesses the little children. I love to read about his interaction with the children and the tenderness he feels towards them. I have a feeling that if He visited today, He would be found in Primary.
5. Where would you like to serve a mission?
I'd go back to France in a heartbeat.
6.When did you know the Gospel was true?
It has been confirmed to me many, many times over the years, beginning with the day I was baptized.
7.Who has been a spiritual giant in your life?
My parents. They have shown me that against all odds, it is possible to live Christlike lives in mortality.
I tag: whoever wants to do this fun tag...Just copy and post it on your blog. Let me know if you do it, and I will be sure to read your responses!! There's no time like the present to share our testimonies...
1. What is your Fav. Temple and why?
The Jordan River Temple. When I was a kid, I donated my pennies to help build it, and I went to the open house. It was the first temple I ever went to for baptisms for the dead and then my own ordinances. It was the place I was sealed to my husband for time and all eternity. It is my temple.
2. My favorite calling that I've had in the church?
Missionary.
3.Most difficult calling?
Missionary (or whatever calling I have at the moment...)
4.Favorite scripture story?
Christ's visit to the Americas, recorded in 3 Nephi. Especially chapter 17 when he blesses the little children. I love to read about his interaction with the children and the tenderness he feels towards them. I have a feeling that if He visited today, He would be found in Primary.
5. Where would you like to serve a mission?
I'd go back to France in a heartbeat.
6.When did you know the Gospel was true?
It has been confirmed to me many, many times over the years, beginning with the day I was baptized.
7.Who has been a spiritual giant in your life?
My parents. They have shown me that against all odds, it is possible to live Christlike lives in mortality.
I tag: whoever wants to do this fun tag...Just copy and post it on your blog. Let me know if you do it, and I will be sure to read your responses!! There's no time like the present to share our testimonies...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I'm so thankful...
It's November and 'tis the season to be thankful. Actually we should be counting our blessings all year, but this is the time of year to be really vocal about our blessings.
I used to keep a list of things in my Franklin Day Planner (oh yeah, it was hot back in the day...) It was a list of things that make me happy. I'm sure many things on there would be the same today, in any case, I am going to start over.
I'm thankful for:
- Joe
- My kids
- My Pulsipher family
- My Heugly family
- The Gospel
- Good friends - the kind that don't care if your makeup's not on and your hair's not done.
- A good elementary school for my kids
- Snow - freshly fallen AND full of my kid's footprints
- A working furnace
- A fixed roof
- My shoes - all of them, even (especially?) the flip-flops.
- The temple - actually the five temples within 20 minutes of my house.
- Joe's job
- Q-tips
- Primary programs
- The buttons on my car key that open the car doors
- DVR
- Technology, especially my computer and the internet
- Rebate checks
- Cafe Rio
- Music - all kinds.
- Movie theater popcorn
- Baby sounds and smells (most of them)
- Christmas decorations in November
- Falling gas prices
- Clean laundry that is all put away
- A good book on a cold day
- Jazz games
- Thanksgiving...
This is a tiny part of my list, it goes on and on and on. Whenever I get sad, or overwhelmed, or frustrated, or even hormonal, it helps to read my list over and remind myself of the countless things that make me happy. When you start looking for the good, you find that it's a lot easier to notice.
Happy Thanksgiving Month, everyone!
I used to keep a list of things in my Franklin Day Planner (oh yeah, it was hot back in the day...) It was a list of things that make me happy. I'm sure many things on there would be the same today, in any case, I am going to start over.
I'm thankful for:
- Joe
- My kids
- My Pulsipher family
- My Heugly family
- The Gospel
- Good friends - the kind that don't care if your makeup's not on and your hair's not done.
- A good elementary school for my kids
- Snow - freshly fallen AND full of my kid's footprints
- A working furnace
- A fixed roof
- My shoes - all of them, even (especially?) the flip-flops.
- The temple - actually the five temples within 20 minutes of my house.
- Joe's job
- Q-tips
- Primary programs
- The buttons on my car key that open the car doors
- DVR
- Technology, especially my computer and the internet
- Rebate checks
- Cafe Rio
- Music - all kinds.
- Movie theater popcorn
- Baby sounds and smells (most of them)
- Christmas decorations in November
- Falling gas prices
- Clean laundry that is all put away
- A good book on a cold day
- Jazz games
- Thanksgiving...
This is a tiny part of my list, it goes on and on and on. Whenever I get sad, or overwhelmed, or frustrated, or even hormonal, it helps to read my list over and remind myself of the countless things that make me happy. When you start looking for the good, you find that it's a lot easier to notice.
Happy Thanksgiving Month, everyone!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
I'm back...
I have taken 137 pictures since my last post. What have I become?
A blogger.
We had Mother-Daughter Book Club.
We had Koko's birthday.
We had the school Halloween parade.
We had Koko's birthday PARTY.
We had Halloween.
We had Halloween dinner with family. (Thanks, Liz!)
We had a family project to stain my sister's deck.
We had dinner with Grandma Puppets, who just got home from her mission.
We had friends stay with us, and their darling daughter turned three while they were here - more cake, more fun!
And of course, we had the first snowfall.
I have 137 pictures of these events. Because I care, I'll save most for the scrapbook. But here's a little sampler for your viewing pleasure. You're welcome...
These are the best girls ever! We missed Sydney, though!
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What's a nine-year-old girl's birthday without a little Camp Rock?
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My entourage - aren't they darling?
I thought the parade started at 9:00, but it started at 8:45 -- oops. Sorry, Em. I missed her in the parade, but I caught up to her in the classroom with her awesome teacher.
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The infamous birthday cake...
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Joe telling the kids a Halloween story, they were mesmerized...
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Halloween was a long day. Poor little guy got all tuckered out!
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My amazing, wonderful sister. The left side of the picture is the "before" deck. The right side is the "after". It was fun to get together with everyone, let the kids play, and work together to finish a project. It was like a good old fashioned barn-raising.
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My kids adore Great-Grandma Heugly and her friend Cornelius. She just got home from the Nashville Tennessee mission and is such a good example of missionary service. No wonder everyone loves Grandma Puppets!
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Our friend's birthday. She's the only girl with all her brothers. She is the cutest (and toughest) princess around :)
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All of this snow is from one day! It was so beautiful...
But I loved the snow boots, Sunday dress, and winter coat the best. "Look, Mom, it's SNOW!!"
Sunday, November 2, 2008
100 Posts, let's make this one count...
I didn't know until I was about to post that this was my 100th post. Yay, me.
Sometimes I get in trouble for the things I say, especially when it comes to hot-button issues. I get very passionate about my own opinion, although I am aware that by sharing my opinion I will not change yours.
But it's my blog, so here goes...
Among other things, California is voting on Proposition 8 tomorrow, which would define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Gay activists feel that this is some kind of intolerance or anti-gay movement. They are angry at religious organizations for supporting the proposition. There are many experts out there on the proposition, I don't claim to be one of them (to see what the experts say, click here). But I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't at least take a vocal stand for what I believe.
By definition, marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. The sky is blue, 2 + 2 = 4, and marriage is between man and woman. The word "marriage" is taken. Let gay couples be couples or unions or whatever, they cannot redefine a word because they are more noisy about it then the rest of us. It is like trying to pass legislation to make 2 + 2 sometimes equal 5. After all, what do you have against the number 5? Why do you hate it? Sorry folks, 2 + 2 will always equal four, nothing against any of the other numbers. Marriage will always be between man and woman, nothing against any other group of people.
Proposition 8 does not take away any benefits of a gay couple, it just does not allow them to be "married". They beat their chests and shout, "It doesn't affect traditional marriage, why do you care?" Right. Just like drinking alcohol only affects the person drinking it? Alcohol is legal and every single day alcohol affects someone that doesn't drink it. DUI, domestic violence, you get the point. Gay marriage WOULD affect traditional marriage. It would be taught in schools and introduced to our children at a young age. This is not a civil rights issue, it is a moral one.
We all know and love someone who is gay. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I'm not out to get anybody. I am trying to preserve the sacred institution of marriage. On the highest level, it is a covenant between man, woman, and God. To redefine it is to make a mockery of it, and I can't sit silently by while the debates rage on around me. Marriage itself has been trivialized far too much in our society. Morality is a punchline. Abstinence is a funny joke. Well, not to me.
Let's take our responsibility seriously to let our voice be heard. Vote according to your conscience. And heaven help us all...
Sometimes I get in trouble for the things I say, especially when it comes to hot-button issues. I get very passionate about my own opinion, although I am aware that by sharing my opinion I will not change yours.
But it's my blog, so here goes...
Among other things, California is voting on Proposition 8 tomorrow, which would define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Gay activists feel that this is some kind of intolerance or anti-gay movement. They are angry at religious organizations for supporting the proposition. There are many experts out there on the proposition, I don't claim to be one of them (to see what the experts say, click here). But I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't at least take a vocal stand for what I believe.
By definition, marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. The sky is blue, 2 + 2 = 4, and marriage is between man and woman. The word "marriage" is taken. Let gay couples be couples or unions or whatever, they cannot redefine a word because they are more noisy about it then the rest of us. It is like trying to pass legislation to make 2 + 2 sometimes equal 5. After all, what do you have against the number 5? Why do you hate it? Sorry folks, 2 + 2 will always equal four, nothing against any of the other numbers. Marriage will always be between man and woman, nothing against any other group of people.
Proposition 8 does not take away any benefits of a gay couple, it just does not allow them to be "married". They beat their chests and shout, "It doesn't affect traditional marriage, why do you care?" Right. Just like drinking alcohol only affects the person drinking it? Alcohol is legal and every single day alcohol affects someone that doesn't drink it. DUI, domestic violence, you get the point. Gay marriage WOULD affect traditional marriage. It would be taught in schools and introduced to our children at a young age. This is not a civil rights issue, it is a moral one.
We all know and love someone who is gay. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, I'm not out to get anybody. I am trying to preserve the sacred institution of marriage. On the highest level, it is a covenant between man, woman, and God. To redefine it is to make a mockery of it, and I can't sit silently by while the debates rage on around me. Marriage itself has been trivialized far too much in our society. Morality is a punchline. Abstinence is a funny joke. Well, not to me.
Let's take our responsibility seriously to let our voice be heard. Vote according to your conscience. And heaven help us all...
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