The high cost of pleasing 28 kids on my son's birthday...

Yesterday's post was a downer. Sorry.

On another note, why do cupcakes in the grocery store have to cost so freaking much?
My son's school has made a rule you can't bring any homemade treats to class anymore. I understand the reasons why- with some of those kids you wonder what kind of homes they come from and how "clean" their cooking areas are. It's kind of creepy, really.

It brings to memory a friend of mine I had in grade school. James (name has been changed, of course) came from a home that was... well, troubled. The mom never cleaned the house and the kids never did, either. His kitchen was a complete disaster area. (True, I have said my kitchen is a disaster area sometimes, but not in this way.) Dead bugs in the cabinets, crunchy cereal all over the floors, old dirty dishes from weeks ago on the conters and table. It was truly gross!

One day, he and I decided we wanted to make some cookies. After what seemed like hours of cleaning we finally had a workable surface. I shutter to think now that we ate those cookies, considering we had to pick out the bugs from the flour. (blech!) Anyway, it makes me appreciate the rule at my son's school now. But that doesn't mean I like it.

If I made cupcakes at home, they would cost me about $5 total, thick frosting, cute colors, yummy cake. Buy them from the store and I would pay $25 at the very least to feed all the students in his class.

I said to heck with that and bought frosted sugar cookies instead. Cost: $10, cost to make them at home: $3.50.

I am somewhat morally opposed to pre-packaged, pre-made foods in general. Hamburger Helper is a sin, in my opinion. Frozen pastas and dishes are extremely expensive, and aren't anywhere near as good as homemade, if edible at all. I used to shop at Harmons grocery store, but their baked goods are astronomically expensive! Their pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are $7 for a package of 8. Smith's are much more reasonable at $3.99, but still, homemade is always better.

So, why can't the school make an exception just for me? I'll take a picture of my kitchen counters and show them they are clean- bug free! Alas, we went with the sugar cookies and I'm sure the kids won't give a hoot where they came from, or how expensive they were.

At what age do kids not bring treats for their birthdays anymore? Just wondering...

Like lemon in a paper cut...

I'm beginning to wonder if tending a little 5 month old for a month was not such a good idea, afterall.

She is sweet, and cute, and funny, and pretty well behaved, and me, my husband and son have fallen head over heels in love with her.

It's like putting a whole chocolate cake in front of someone who's had their jaw wired shut.

It's like beind adrift out on an ocean full of water and you can't drink a drop.

It's like.... well.... it's going to be hard when we don't have a little baby around here to shriek and scream and coo and giggle and be super soft and cute and cuddly and...

I'm a glutton for punishment I guess.

What's up with the Americans?

I love my country. I am sooo glad I was born here in the U.S. of A. Truly! I'm proud to be 'merican, and love red white and blue. I adore our forefathers who had the guts to stand up to the "English" and fight for our freedom. I love that I can vote, that I can go wherever I want and say anything I want because I am free.

That said, I don't always love "Americans". At least, sometimes I am a little embarrassed by some Americans. Especially during the olympics. Example:

While the Germans, or Austrians, or some other cute little country's athlete is getting ready to go down the ski hill, or the half-pipe, or what have you- what do you hear so loudly above anything else? "U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!" I mean, come on! Can't we let them have their moment on television doing what they've worked so hard for without having to hear "U-S-A!" chanted in their ears? I don't think it's good sportsmanship, personally.

What gets me the the most, though, is our athlete's complete lack of ability to sing the words to our National Anthem! Yes, I get that you are excited you won the gold and you're up there on that podium in a state of complete nirvana and shock, but when that flag goes up you need to remember you are representing something other than yourself. You are there for your country! Be proud of that fact and honor it by singing, or mouthing, the words to the national anthem! NONE of our athletes do this! EVER! If you don't know the words, you darn well better learn them before you go to the olympics!

Did you see the Canadian ice dancers last night? They were amazing, to say the least. Their performance was flawless and so graceful. I couldn't decide who I liked better- the Americans or the Canadians. However, a tear came to my eye as they stood there proudly- and through their complete and utter excitement of the moment- they sang proudly their national anthem- EVERY SINGLE WORD!!!!

A few weeks ago in church, we sang the national anthem as the opening hymn. Our choruster had the audacity to cut everyone off after the 1st verse- which NEVER happens- EVER! Luckily, our bishop insisted we sing the rest of the verses, and she begrudgingly led the rest of the song. I got choked up at the last verse. It is truly what I believe our forefathers fought for and believed in their hearts would set our country apart- in God is our trust.

Americans- please, learn the words to the National Anthem. They were inspired- I firmly believe this! And don't just learn the 1st verse- the one we always hear at football games and hockey games and everywhere else. Learn all the verses! (I've posted them below.) The last one is my favorite, and the feeling seems to be forgotten by many Americans today. I am going to make a point to learn all the verses myself. Don't be afraid to sing them out whenever you hear the national anthem! Come on, people! U-S-A!!!!!

The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key 1814
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

All at once...

Well, life is mixing it up a bit around here.

I was just given a new calling in church- I am the 1st counselor in the Relief Society. I never in my life EVER thought I'd be in the Relief Society presidency. That is for white-haired old ladies who wear tacky pink lipstick and loud floral print dresses with saggy nylons, right? (Although I do admit to my share of white hairs, I do still color them. I don't own pink lipstick, nor do I wear nylons of any kind.) I commented to my husband when I was asked to do it and said I can't do that, I'm not old enough. To which he responded- "You're older than you think."

No dinner for him that night!

The ladies I'll be working with couldn't be better, though. My "youth" will hopefully bring some lighthearted fun to the mix, and their experience may help keep me grounded...I hope! I sure have a lot to learn, though!

On another note, I will be watching a little 5 month old girl every day for the next month. She is a sweetheart, and very well behaved. It's funny how much you forget about taking care of babies when you haven't had one for 8 years! When do I feed her? When does she sleep? What's this stuff coming out of her and why is it getting all over my couch cushions? Where are the DANG baby wipes????

Still, it is fun. I have had to slow down my pace, though. I can't just take off and do what I like when I like. It hasn't changed my mind about having another one, though. Far from it. It makes it hurt a little more. My son is such a good helper with her- he would make a fantastic big brother... one day.

My son turns 9 on Saturday. When did I get old enough to have a 9 year old? Oh, ya... I'm old now, I forgot! So, I've got to somehow plan a fun birthday for him and make a cake. He is counting on something amazing...I don't know if I have it in me this year!

I am also going to tackle sanding the dry wall in our kitchen and maybe try to slap some paint on the walls as well as paint my new food pantry!

Anyway, if you try to call me I may not answer. I'll be busy trying to figure out this new craziness called my life!

While the husband's away...

Ok. it is 9:30 pm, my hubby isn't home and I'm bored. Ok, I'm not bored, I'm glued to the television watching the olympics- let's be truthful here. And in the spirit of being truthful, I will admit I have a few olympic addictions.

First of all, I have a crush on the entire speed skating team. Not because they're really cute or anything, but because they are totally awesome! I can't sit down when I watch speed skating. I scream and yell at the television like some plaid-shirt clad middle-aged blue collar worker holding my bowl of jalapeno chips on Super Bowl Sunday. Do I think Apollo is going to hear me all the way in Vancouver? Of course not.... well, maybe, I don't know. He did look at the camera at the exact same time I screamed "Go!", and he had that look in his eye like "This one's for you-" before he quickly moved into first, but I can't keep quiet! It makes me crazy! My son expressed concern over my behaviour last night when I was hitting myself on the head because the U.S. guy wasn't moving up as quickly as I thought he should. "Mom... are you...like....ok?" "Shut up, kid! I'm watching my guys!" (Ok, I didn't say that, but it may or may not have run through my mind.)

I have also surprised myself with my fascination with the men's half-pipe. Aside from their pants around their knees and lack of ability to find the showers or knowledge of what a comb is, I think their tricks are pretty dang awesome, and it almost makes me want to learn to snowboard...almost.

Of course, I always watch the figure skating competitions, but I can't, I repeat CAN NOT have a crush on any of the men's figure skaters- I'm sorry, but someone who is more graceful than I am can't be playing for the same team I am, ya know? Still, I admire the talent they have, and always wished I could skate as beautifuly. Ok, wished I could stay up on skates at all.

Well, I hear my hubby home. I'd better go scream at the television and make him think I've totally lost it! hee hee....

How's my driving? Call this number to report me...

Why is it that the medical profession doesn't seem to have the same expectations of customer service and caring attention as other businesses do?

Why is it that doctors can walk in after making you wait for over an hour, never look you in the eye, quickly look at your chart, take a few short looks and then say there's nothing they can do, then charge you full price for their services?

Where is their bumper sticker that says "How's my caring? Call this number to report careless service"? Semi-trucks have them, why not doctors?

I know not all doctors are this way, but it seems lately that all the ones we've dealt with recently have been careless, flipant, dismissive, and even rude.

I want a bumper sticker number to call and report them! Can't we all just be decent to eachother?!

I'm not a policeman, I'm a princess....

Ahhhh, Swan Lake.

We had the totally awesome oportunity to go see the ballet "Swan Lake" last Friday night, thanks to my hubby's very generous boss.

Let me just say, Oh My Goodness!!!! From the moment the curtains went up, I was intoxicated! Truly! The set design was incredible! The washed out colors and ethereal design made me feel like I was in an old romantic painting.

The dancers were amazing as well. (Well, who can NOT like watching those muscular legs and tight buns on stage- the men, I mean...) and the lead Swan princess was so graceful and beautiful. Everything flowed really well and I was just swept away in the story the entire time.

It took me back to when I was a little girl and I would get home from going to the ballet, throw on my pink tutu and princess crown and dance around the house. I knew without a doubt that I was just as good as those ballerinas on stage! (ha ha, I have about the worst balance of anyone I know!)

So, if you get a chance, I definitely recommend seeing "Swan Lake" at the Capitol Theater.(I'm going to go put on my tutu now... where is that crown?)

Yay World!!!!

I just watched the opening ceremonies of the olympics. (I DVR'd it because we were at "Swan Lake" on Friday night when it was on, which was totally and utterly beautifully awesome, but that's no what this blog is about.)

I cry every time the opening ceremonies are on. Seriously. Like, I cry from the very beginning to the very end. Everything makes me cry. I love the creativity, the artistry, the athleticism, the comradery, the little touching personal miracles from so many of the olympians. I love it all!

I cried at the moment of silence for the tragic passing of the athlete from Georgia. Can you imagine being there with all those thousands of people in silence? It touched my heart.

Yay, Olympics! It's the ONLY time I EVER watch any sports of any kind, but for the next 2 weeks I will be glued to the television!

Yay, World! What a wonderful experience we are having down here!!!!

The mysterious delivery

The other day I got a package delivered by the UPS guy.

My dog was barking madly at him as though his fluffy white meanness could scare off that big, scary brown truck. I know that bark, it usually means my new fabric order has arrived. But I hadn't placed a new fabric order.

Puzzled, I went to the door and found the package there. A cute little brown box, with my name on it!

It's not my birthday, I thought. It's not Christmas, or Valentine's (yet), or Easter, or my anniversary. Why am I getting a present all for me?

With eager anticipation I began opening the box. I paused for a moment remembering back in 2001 when people were afraid to open myserious packages in the mail for fear of anthrax contamination. Could it be anthrax? Or Mustard Gas? I shook the box, but it was way too heavy for that, unless the terrorists were hoping to unleash an amount of anthrax so large it could wipe out the entire state of Utah via little old me.

No. I laughed at that thought. I have no enemies! Giggling, I began opening the box again. The contents were hidden by bubble wrap and papers. I never read the packing papers, do you?

Suddenly, the treasure was revealed...almost. They were two round canisters. Hmmmm... maybe my first guess was accurate, I thought. I pulled up one of the canisters. My heart leapt, could it be two free canisters of my favorite Steven's gourmet hot chocolate? Oooo... I hoped it was mint truffle!!!

I was looking at the back label which gave me no hint as to its content. I rotated the can around and my heart sank. Was this a cruel joke? Why would someone send me this? Maybe I do have enemies after all.

The Similac company! Standing there holding those free "gifts" of baby formula I had to laugh with the irony. No. I do not need these... at all! Sadly, I put them back in the box and sat there a moment before closing it up and taking it across the street to the couple with the little baby. Here. You could use this more than I can. It doesn't make very good bread, I've tried it. No. I'm sure. We don't need it. You take it.

I trudged sadly back across the street to my baby-free home.

*sigh* Maybe someday.

I went to my computer and promptly ordered some fabric.

Me and my big mouth...

"You're too blunt" my husband says.

It's probably true, but I don't think it's as bad as he says. He is ultra reserved about things, so my bluntness must seem really bad compared to him.

But, I do tend to be blunt. Things just come out of my mouth before I can stop myself and say "Hey, that might not be such a good idea to say right now...". I also think when I get nervous I tend to be even more blunt and forward.

My hubby says "You need to take a page from those books you're always reading", (You mean, those period novels where the girls are demure and refined, speaking softly and keeping their private thoughts to themselves? Ya, I would have probably been burned as a witch back then!) I'm sorry, sweetie, but try as I may, I just can't seem to keep my thoughts to myself!

So, here is an apology to my husband who apparently I embarrassed yesterday. But, really, sweetie... you can't be surprised by any of this. I was the same way when you met me, and you LIKED it!

If I could do it over again, I would...

I am not one for regrets. I usually make a decision and then don't look back. However, as I've grown older and wiser I have learned many things I wish I had known in my younger years. I wouldn't change much if I could go back, but there are a few things I'd like a "do-over":

-have some real color on my wedding dress. Like red roses with swirly vines up the bottom, or black scroll designs with deep blue crystals. Come on... white? Ya, I had silver beading which was awesome, but I would totally add color.

- I wouldn't have wasted my time with some of the guys I dated in college. Ya, they were cute, but sheesh! Ever heard of a brain or a backbone, guys? Come on!

- I would have spend the money to get a video camera when my son was a baby. Ya, we were poor then, but to have those moments captured on video would have been sooo worth it.

- I wouldn't have let that tree grow.

- Perhaps sitting on the hood of my friend's car while she drove waaaaaay too fast, then slammed on the brakes while I flew off, skidding on my hands and knees wasn't the best use of judgement on my part.

- I would just tell that guy in high school "I really like you- let's just cut the crap and go out, k?" I never admitted to ANYONE that I liked him. It would have been fun!

- Ultra platinum blonde.... well, not my best color. Let's just leave it at that.

However, there are many many things I am glad I did, and would do over again if given the chance. (And many many things too humiliating to put on here that I did I wish I'd never done, but I guess you'll all see that stuff on my video in heaven. Just wait, it'll be very entertaining, to say the least!)

Home invasion of the worst kind!!!

Would you ever just go out and find a bunch of naked people on the street and invite them into your home to spend the day posing inappropriately? Well, a hundred years ago that's what you would have had to do to get what I had come into my home yesterday! Yes, you would have to actually go outside, round up some people (prostitutes, probably- go down to the local store and say "Hey- ya, I'd like a date with you and you and you and you... ), make them come home with you, set them up in your living room... well, you get the idea.

Nowadays? Well, all you have to do is get a computer virus and it takes care of it for you. Yesterday morning, Sunday (of all days) we were innocently working on church stuff on the computer when suddenly we couldn't open any applications. The computer said they were all infected and we needed to download something immediately to fix the problem. Well, I- being the smart thinking woman I am- smelled a very stinky fish when the wording on the message wasn't even correct english! We shut down the computer and rebooted. No help- same problem. When we got home from church, my hubby went in to see what he could do to fix the problem and I heard him yell "Woa!" and slam the bedroom door. I rushed in there only to find page after page after page of opened windows on our computer screen- all with porn! NOT GOOD!!!!!

Yes, thanks to our AWESOME friend Wes we were able to get it cleaned up and fixed. (Wes, thank you for taking your relaxing Sunday evening to help the very people you were trying to get away from when you moved to another city! If you hadn't moved, I would have brought you over some homemade Eclaires... how sad!) However, it did prompt the next milestone discussion in our home with our kid: What is porn and why you should avoid it. Just what I was hoping we could do on our Sunday afternoon!

Yes, I deduced that 100 years ago a person would have to go to great lengths to get that kind of filth in their home. Yesterday- we got it for free. No thank you, some things just aren't worth it!