Wednesday's Q&A, Aw crap, it's Friday: All about etiquette

Q. Why haven't you responded to my email/posted on my blog/posted on your blog? Isn't that the polite thing to do?
A. Let me describe the mood in my house: cranky, tired, busy, worn-out, exhausted, ornery. And that's not my kids I'm describing. So, I have not had time, energy or enthusiasm for any of this "fun-ness" of the WWW.

Q. What do you do when you are driving and someone lets you get in front of them in traffic?
A. If you don't know this you are banned from my blog. You are supposed to give them a "Thank You" wave. I hate when people don't do this.

Q. How long do you have to keep something someone gave you or your kids before you can trash it?
A. No really, I'm asking you. If my kids get some toy or "cute" knickknack or I get some "inspiring" quote to put up on my fridge, how long do I have to hold onto it out of obligation to them or my kids before I can toss it? Honestly, how many quotes can I put up on my fridge? I know I have to work on everything so will seeing a quote really help? I go home and toss it. (In case you think I'm just horrible, I don't ALWAYS do that. Sometimes I do keep it.) In my kids' case I usually do it that same evening while they are in bed. Even if it is some humongous teddy bear from their grandparents. Sorry, but no go. I've told you of my dislike for stuffed animals, right? (Don't worry, I'm not talking about anything any of you have ever given us. It's all those other people out there.)

Q. How should you react to someone else's out of control child at the grocery store?
A. Smile bemusedly and be grateful it's not your own. DON'T JUDGE. SERIOUSLY! Who are you anyway? There is one caveat-- if they are doing something the mom doesn't see and maybe they should know about b/c they might get hurt or someone else might. Otherwise, let them throw their tantrum and be glad you don't have to deal with it. For now.

Q. What do you do if your friend says something completely thoughtless and a little hurtful? Purely a hypothetical question, of course.
A. You have two options. 1) Talk to them about it--I'm sure "they" didn't mean it that way and would feel really bad knowing it hurt you and would apologize immediately. 2) Give "them" the benefit of the doubt and forgive and forget. "They" are a really nice person and probably didn't mean it like that. I'm saying this just in case. You never know.

Wednesday Q&A

Q. How long did it take for Mara to lose her first loose tooth?

A. 9 hours. She woke up in the morning, discovered her tooth was loose and immediately grabbed an apple and started eating it. Then she went for the floss and had Jason tie it around her tooth and the doorknob and slam the door. In the middle of this was me saying "Mara, just give it time, it will come out on its own when it's ready." She responded by saying "Mom, why does everything always have to be YOUR way." I proceeded to suck back my anger and respond in appropriate mother fashion. The second go-round of floss and slamming doors did the trick. Jason appropriately commented "She has the patience of a Gough." For any of you who are familiar with Jason's dad or any of those with Gough DNA, you'll know exactly what this means. Mara, of course, had to rub it in by saying "See mom!". And I smiled all the while thinking about how this will evolve in her teenage years. ("You don't know anything mom, I'm not going to listen to you, remember the time with my first loose tooth . . ."she has an incredible memory.)

Q. What did I lie about in my blog last week?

A. Well, you know how I was "jokingly" talking about my friendlessness? I made the comment that we would spend the days off from school all alone. Well, that was a lie. We actually were somewhat popular this weekend. I know, surprise, surprise. Thursday we did hang out by ourselves and went to the LDS Church History Museum to enjoy an interactive display "I am a Child of God." Then we went to Temple Square, the SLC Library and Jason's new office. Friday we went WITH FRIENDS (yeah) to Cabela's and Ikea. The kids had a blast and so did us moms. Thanks to Rachel. Then Saturday we went to Santaquin for a hayride, a trip to the pumpkin patch and a visit with the friendly Santaquin police officer who kindly broke into my car for me and got my keys out. We had icecream and even Shea made a guest appearance. I saw her long enough to bulldoze her with my unneccessary opinions and then we ended with nice dinner at Cracker Barrell. We had a blast with Morgan, Esther and Sariah. The only downside was when Eden walked in front of the waiter and was taken down and got a fat lip. Live and learn child! (JK) Then Monday we hiked up to Stuart Falls with Brooke and Kate. It was GORGEOUS, perfect weather, wonderful. The kids did great. At one point the wind blew and leaves were raining down. I can't describe the beauty of it. (I'll post pictures once I get some from Brooke--thanks Brooke.) SO thanks to all of my friends (right?) who humor me.

Q. Why is it that I am apparently unfit to be a mother of girls?

A. Here is a little background info: Today I was visiting with a couple ladies and one lady (mother to 4 girls) commented on how when her children were younger she worried that if she died who would do their hair. REALLY? I have NEVER even thought of that. NEVER. And I will still never worry about that. The other lady, who was recently out of town for 2 weeks, told us how her neighbor (sweet older lady) came over every morning before school to do her daughters' hair. (2 girls: 7,10) Here is a typical morning for me: "Mara go spray your hair with detangler and brush it." Done. Once every couple weeks I will actually "do" her hair. Not that I do that much. Today I was proud of myself for putting in ponytails, get this, with bows. She came home with her hair down. But, since I reminded her this morning that I had paid for those bows, she did bring them home. She's learning. Evidently I am missing some pertinent genetic information that makes me a girl. These women also discussed how long they take to curl/do their own hair and how their sons and husbands help hold curling irons and curl the back. It's not that I wasn't taught correctly. My first grade teacher nicknamed me "ribbon girl" because I always had ribbons in my hair. Thanks to my mom. Too bad she didn't pass that necessary information on to me. Because I am failing people. FAILING.

Wednesdays Q&A: The Side Effects of Moving

Q. Why are you so happy right now?

A. I just got back from a fun girls only Halloween party (thanks to the girls who went out of their way to make sure I came) and there is no school Thursday, Friday and Monday (and no piano lessons.) SO we can do whatever we want. We,meaning me and the kids, because I am so lonely.

Q. So, I noticed your profile says you are lonely, is that better now, what with the party and all?

A. Well, it's hard being the new person and feeling on the outside all the time. It's hard not having people to call and talk to and friends to call if you need someone to take your kids, or people to stop over and say hi. Or even just people who want to hang out with you. But, I know it will just take time and I have to be patient. Because, I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and gosh darnit, people like me!

Q. What would you be willing to sacrifice to have a friend in your new neighborhood, because you know everything requires some sacrifice?

A. Well, I would be willing to talk about scrapbooking, and organizing my home, and bunko, and Anita Stansfield novels and whether or not we are "trying" (I did have someone ask me that already, I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU! But hey, I'll tell you if you'll be my friend.). Heck, I'd even read Twilight. If you'll be my friend. . . .

Q. Are you serious with all this stuff?

A. Well, I'm being a tad facetious. I am a little lonely but people have been really friendly and kind. It just takes time to find a new BFF, other than Jason of course (you know I love you) and I understand that. So for now, I'm doing a lot of Family Search Indexing! (See my previous post.)

Yes! It is 11:48 and I got in my Wednesday Q&A. My internet was down all day but I did it with 12minutes to spare. Good night. My only friends. Aaah, sweet cyberspace.

Here is a picture I stole from my sister's blog. I love it!

on why I love Family Search Indexing

So, for all you mormons and non-mormons alike, what is Family Search Indexing you ask? Well, in a nutshell (since this is about my understanding anyway) it is a database for anyone around the world to search for their ancestors. The LDS church sifts through millions of files of census (what's the plural form of that, censi?) marriage records, birth certificates, death certificates, and other pertinent data from all around the world and their volunteer indexers (such as me!) enter in the information, as best they can read it, to this searchable database. Each "batch" of information is looked at by 2 different volunteers and anything that they have discrepancies over the church's official geneology people will look at and make an assessment.
That's a basic understanding of it.
The LDS church makes a big deal out of reaching out to our ancestors and giving everyone the opportunity of receiving the true gospel. (As we feel it is.) Anyway, I've never been good at my geneology research and have always been one of those "a time and a season for everything" kind of people. You know, right now I'm dealing with my young kids but when I'm old and have lots of time on my hands (ha!) that's when I'll get around to it. But lately, I haven't felt that I could just let it go at that. Maybe it was my old stake president saying that family history work is for everyone and that to those who say "a time and a season blah blah" well, NOW is the time and season. And then my new bishop (pastor in nonmormon terms) saying that every member needs to do 1 batch a month of names.
And look at me, I've done it!
I know, unbelieveable.
So why do I love it?
Well, confession number 1-- I'm lazy.
Any excuse I have to sit at the computer for a half an hour is great to me. Plus, I can feel like I'm doing something good and think "extra blessings"! cha-ching! I am cashing in.
In trying to be a good Christian most things are a lifelong process and that can get tiring and sometimes a little disheartening. I'm still working on that humility thing. And that loving my neighbor. And forgiving. And I will. Again, and again, and again. But this is something I can say "check" done and feel like I'm taking a step forward (without taking two steps back.)
But I'm not truly that selfish. It really is awesome to think that maybe someone who is searching for their family can find them because I entered in their information. It is so neat to read the information about the people and wonder about the lives they led. When it comes down to it, it does feel good to be helping others.
So, I guess all that Christian mumbo jumbo of serving others and reaching out to your ancestors (you know "the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers") really does do you some good.
Now, what are you waiting for?

Wednesday's Q&A: The World According to Asher

Q. What is a windblower?
A. A Stormtrooper. Duh.

Q. What is a commandment from Jesus that you may not have heard yet?
A. Jesus has commanded us that we should take Karate so we can defend ourselves from bad guys. (So stated from Asher as we were heading to Karate.) So, be ye doers of the word and not just hearers only.

Q. What are Asher's favorite descriptive words?
A. Totally cool. As in "I only like things that are totally cool. Like Ironman. And Batman. And Power Rangers . . ." you get the idea.

Q. What do you do at 5 in the morning after you've had a nightmare?
A. Go downstairs and sneak some candy. That's a good way to get over it.
That's the most rational idea in the world.
Especially at 5 in the morning.
Too bad mom came to tuck you in and discovered.

Q. Where are we going this weekend?
A. Satan George (St. George in adult terms.)

Q. What are K swiss shoes?
A. Metal protectors. They have a metal shield on them . . .metal protectors. How can you not get this? It totally makes sense, in a 4 year old's mind.

Q. What did Asher say as he was talking in his sleep the other night?
A. Mara, Mara. (I couldn't tell if he was mad at her in his sleep or calling out to her.)

Q. What is Asher's nervous habit?
A. Twisting his hair. I hope it doesn't fall out soon. Maybe I should shave his head but then who knows what he would turn to.

Q. What did Asher want to do with his pet moth after it died?
A. Recycle it.

Q. What do I love most about Asher?
A. Hearing his prayers. He is the sweetest kid and he prays for everyone and everything. It can't help but bring me to tears. I love that boy!
on a recent field trip for preschool.

You Know You're Cheap if . . .

• you take ribbons off wedding invitations to use in your girls' hair
• you wash ziploc bags to use them over again (and over again, and over again, and over again)
• you check a swim diaper to see if it has been "used to its full potential"(peed in) and if not, you re-use it (of course if it was stinky it's gone, I'm not that bad!)
• you really have to think about an item of clothing if it is more than $5
• you save the cardboard packaging from items to use for crafts/projects
• you are still wearing clothes/shoes from High School
• you hate to waste money on the nickel slots
• you use both sides of every sheet of paper
• you get excited over a good deal at the grocery store
• even though you listen to/watch public stations ALL the time you give $15 annually, and are proud of yourself for doing that (but you don't donate to the policemen/firemen, sorry Shea)
• 90% of all of your wardrobes are secondhand
• you have 10 years of jello in your freezer because it was "on clearance"
• you debate about buying some second hand underwear because you really need them to work out and forgot yours and don't want to buy some new ones
• you are excited for receptions/company luncheons etc. for good, free food
• you think caller ID and call waiting are for rich people

You use coupons
Check
You are constantly waiting for your rebate checks
Check
You go to company websites to get “exclusive free offers”
Check
You wait in line for stores to open for free offers
Check

As I'm sure you can tell this isn't some generic list. It's all me (except for one which I stole from someone else's blog, who shall remain nameless, can you guess which one?). Which of these do you subscribe to? What are some of your "cheapnesses"? Share them so I can use them as well!

Wednesday's Q&A

Q. I heard Jason got laid off today, is that true?

A. Yes, in a sense. He kind of volunteered. It's a long story.

Q. Why aren't you freaking out?

A. Because I am prepared to live off my food storage for the next year.

No, actually, he starts his great new job as Director of Marketing on Friday. (Read between the lines--better paying.)

Q. Wasn't he at that company forever?
A. Yes, for 10 1/2 years, almost our whole married life. But it is about time he had a chance to advance his career. He is so awesome and hardworking and talented.

Q. What's the catch?

A. He now commutes to Sandy. But it isn't too bad b/c the company runs a shuttle bus from Orem to Sandy.

Q. So what are you going to do with all the extra money?

A. Buy an extra propane tank, more batteries for my storage room and another water barrell and then save, save,save. Can you tell I'm a little freaked out by the current economy and all the latest weather fiascos?

Here's a recent photo of us at his "old" company. The grounds were gorgeous and they were a good company. We will miss it.