ABC Meme Parody Kersten Style

Kersten sent this to me in an email and I asked if I could post it because he is so hilarious and not serious
Here is a parody of my ABC Me from jour Housband

A – Available or Single: Married, at least that’s what the woman I live with says.

B – Best Friend: My XBOX

C – Cake or Pie: I want them both in my mouth at the same time!

D – Drink of Choice: San Pellegrino

E – Essential Item You Use Everyday: My Poké ball

F – Favorite Color: Red

G – Gummy Bears or Worms: Put them in my MOUTH!!

H – Hometown: Preston, ID

I – Indulgence: Monkey Ranching

J – January or February: February

K – Kids and Names: Johann, Thor, Magnus, Morton, and Salvador.

L – Life is Incomplete Without: XBOX

M – Marriage Date: To my xbox? It was October 12th, 2002. I don’t really remember the other one.

N – Number of Siblings: Legion

O – Oranges or Apples: PUT THEM IN MY MOUTH!!!

P – Phobias or Fears: Castration and enemas. The ultimate fear is having them both performed together.

Q – Fave Quote: “Don’t vote for SWAT! SWAT would make a terrible governor”

R – Reason to Smile: The demise of my enemies

S – Season: Curry

T – Tag 3 or 4 People: Is that like on the animal shows where they shot the animal and put a thing on their ear? I would love to do that to lots more than 4 people.

U – Unknown Fact About Me: I can’t dance, I can’t sing; but I can cuss better than a retired sailor who now drives truck.

V – Vegetable You Don’t Like: Okra

W – Worst Habit: Record setting blue flames

X – X-rays: heart of a pig, spleen of a yak and bladder of a 12-year old Pakistani

Y – Your Fave Food: Canned heat

Z – Zodiac Sign: Leo – Roar!

Last night, he was cracking himself up over his love affair with his Xbox. I love him, he cracks me up

My Front Yard Trees today

For Once, Then, Something

OTHERS taunt me with having knelt at well-curbs
Always wrong to the light, so never seeing
Deeper down in the well than where the water
Gives me back in a shining surface picture
My myself in the summer heaven, godlike
Looking out of a wreath of fern and cloud puffs.
Once, when trying with chin against a well-curb,
I discerned, as I thought, beyond the picture,
Through the picture, a something white, uncertain,
Something more of the depths—and then I lost it.
Water came to rebuke the too clear water.
One drop fell from a fern, and lo, a ripple
Shook whatever it was lay there at bottom,
Blurred it, blotted it out. What was that whiteness?
Truth? A pebble of quartz? For once, then, something.

Robert Frost (1874–1963).
( From Harper’s Magazine, July 1920.)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Noah made his very own chocolate chip cookies today. He has been in a fun mood today. He keeps putting on his "B" (blanket) and jumping of things. He says it gives him "Powe". I walked into the kitchen and he had pulled out our chocolate chips and was pushing his chair over to the cupboard with the flour. I asked him if he was going to make Cookies. He said "yeah, Cook- EEes" I commented it would be a fun surprise for Dad when he got home. He said "yeah me, mom too". I asked him if I could help and we got to cookin. He scooped and dumped each of the ingredients, some of them mom helped to measure. He broke and egg in his hand cause he was a bit to fast for his mom's help. And then he put his hand on the eggs while mom cracked them. We at first took turns scooping the dough onto the pan but after a bit Mom did not get a turn anymore, Just Noah. He would say "Scooop and DUmp". He is very proud of his yummy cookies and he actually went and got the camera so mom could take pictures. We had a really fun afternoon. I am still reveling in how big he is. Thank you to Carrie for the wonderful yummy cookie recipe. It is the best

Cool

My new favorite conversation with Noah is this:

Mom or Dad: Noah, are you a Jedi?
Noah: NO
Mom or Dad: Are you Darth Vader?
Noah: Yes (with enthusiasm)
Mom or Dad: But Darth Vader is Naughty and makes Bad choices
Noah: NO, Cool Cool Cool

Sorry if you have heard this from me already. But I wanted to get it written down because I love it

Obiwan Kenobi in Noah language is "Mo Haa" and Daddy is Obiwan when they play
Mo Haa might also be Lightsabers
Lightsabers are "Shhoo, shhoo"

One night while going to bed we asked him who should turn out the light. He said "Me". He stood on his bed and put his hand outstretched and consentrated on his light and said "ZZshzzz" trying to use his Force powers. Unfortuntely, he was looking at the light so Kerst or I could not turn it out. He seemed a bit disappointed but we just told him to keep working on it.
Just so his Uncle Dave knows that we are doing our best to teach him the correct way of the force.

ABC Meme

I dont't know what it is about these silly things but I like to fill them out. I thought this one was a bit fun and different. So If you are sick of reading random things about me, you will just have to skip it or something

A – Available or Single: Neither, I’m happily married (9yr anniversary this year) to Kersten

B – Best Friend: My Carrie, we have been friends for over 15 years, She is amazing, I have other best friends to
(you know who you are)

C – Cake or Pie: Pie if it is creamy and Cake if it is light like lemon, chocolate gets to heavy for me

D – Drink of Choice: Diet Coke of Course, I love lemonade and if I could have sugar drinks Orange Soda

E – Essential Item You Use Everyday: Computer. On it throughout the day, usually. and the Dishwasher

F – Favorite Color: Yellow, To wear red and pink, I am loving green lately for designs etc and I tease that choco Brown is my signature color right now so 2007ish

G – Gummy Bears or Worms: Pronounced “goo-me” (Gumi) in Germany and soft, squishy bears all the way.

H – Hometown: I still live in my home town, about 6 blocks away from where I grew up.

I – Indulgence: Ice Cream, Love it, love it and love it some more and good bread. Care reminded me of one today that is very true for me, that is eating out.

J – January or February: February because it’s closer to getting winter over with and it is the Month of LOVE

K – Kids and Names: I have one boy named Noah Lawrence. He is named after a little boy who had a crush on my at Diabetic Camp and since Kerst and I have been married I had dreams about this little baby I called Noah. I knew I would have him someday and told Kerst that if it was this baby he did not have a choice. And as bonus, Noah is the main character in one of my favorite books "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. Lawrence is my grandfathers name on my mothers side. He is one of my heroes. I was named after him in the feminine form (obviously)

L – Life is Incomplete Without: Faith in Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. My boy or crafting, or books, or blueberry muffins

M – Marriage Date: May 21, 1998, We picked this day because it was the thursday before Memorial day so we had a long weekend for school and work. And it is my half birthday. So I will for sure get a present every 6 months (ha ha)

N – Number of Siblings: One younger brother (by 4 yrs) named Nikolaus Charles, I have 2 older sisters, Emilee Jeanne (oldest), Audrey Lynn, then comes me, then Nik and the baby Amy Renee', Kersten has one older sister Nina Angela, then come him, then Virginia Agnus, then brother Jason Heinz and the baby Christel Ann

O – Oranges or Apples: Gala Apples, yum yum

P – Phobias or Fears: I have a phobia of Rubber. It freaks me out, the smell, texture everything is yucky. My fear is my child wil get hurt, maimed or killed

Q – Fave Quote: Oh, how can I choose just one, I do like this one
"I believe in Christ as I believe in the sun at noonday. Not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else." - C.S. Lewis


R – Reason to Smile: Noah, who is the sillest, best boy in the work . Or when my husband makes me laugh (he can really make me bust a gut even though he's not a comedian).

S – Season: Fall for the crisp air, turning leaves, sweaters, bundling up on the couch, sunsets and fireplaces.

T – Tag 3 or 4 People: Caroline, Amy, Audrey and Nik

U – Unknown Fact About Me: I am really open so I really can't think of one

V – Vegetable You Don’t Like: Brussel Spouts

W – Worst Habit: I pull out my hair when I get nervous or anxious and I am going bald in spots because of it.

X – X-rays You’ve Had: for my stomach a lot, like for my ovaries and uterus and stomach. also for my lungs

Y – Your Fave Food: Buffalo Wings, Cafe Rio Salad or Burrito, Fries with fry sauce, Little chickens with sauce, Tacos,

Z – Zodiac Sign: Scorpio, but I was born on the cusp of Scorpio/Sagitarius so sometimes it fits other times way off.

The Legend of the Pink Boots

Once upon a time, the Lord of the Manor went to market to get nourishment for his family. Upon arriving at market he saw a pair of pink boots for the marvelous price of 5 dollars. The Lady of the Manor needed new boots for the winter snow. He promply purchused them for her. When he brought them back to the manor, the Lady was very excited for the deal and expressed gratitude to the Lord of the Manor for finding said boots for her to play in the snow with the Little Lord of the house. The next morning when the Lord of the Manors Heir the Little Lord arose after a restful sleep. He ran into the kitchen for his morning refreshment. He noticed the new pink boots immediately. He ran over for inspection. He made noises of approval and continued to eat his morning meal. A little while later the Lady of the Manor noticed the boots missing.

She found them in the possession of the Little Lord. He then informed the Lady that they were a spaceship and could fly. He showed her a triangle piece of paper that could stick out the top of the "spaceship" and blast the enemy. He had taken his Obiwan and Clone trooper figures and used them as the pilots for the ships. The Little Lord played with his spaceship all morning before the family when to church, after church he continued to fly them around the house. When it became time to go supper at the Lords parents house. The Lord of the Manor told the Little Lord that he needed to leave the spaceships at home. The Little Lord started to cry and throw a royal fit. The Lady did not feel it worth the fight to have the "spaceships" stay home. The Lord of the Manor wanted to battle and informed the Lady that it was a bit embarrassing to have his son carry around pink boots. Well the Little Lord won that battle and took them to show his Grandpa and Grandma F. who both thought it to be adorable and entertaining.

The Little Lord wanted to have his spaceships eat supper with him and did not let them out of his sight. He inspired his other cousins Josh, Sam and Charlie, to grab other boots in the house and use them as spaceships. The Little Lord later took them to bed with him to keep them close to him throughout the night. The first thing he grabbed as he arose this morning was his pink "spaceships". They have been flying around all morning. In complete joy and contentment. The moral to this story is that you don't need to buy your Little Lords and Ladies the actual toys at the market, Just purchuse a pair of fasinating, fun and entertaining Pink Boots for the Lady in the House.

In Search of Heaven

I just finished reading my favorite Authors, new Book "In Search of Heaven" by Anita Stansfield. She wrote a foreword to this book which is unusual. It intrigued me that she wrote this, She writes so much about human relationships and how our choices affect the outcome of our life. One of my favorite things about her books is her characters are real. They make mistakes and they face the consequences of those mistakes. In most stories people want happy endings and in her books they do always end happy but does not life also end up happy. The knowledge that we get to be with the ones we love in the end are what this journey we call life is about. So of course there will be hard times and struggles but with the gospel there is always light waiting for us. In her foreword she talked mostly about the intimate relationship of husband and wife and it sacred place in marriage and life. This made me even more intriqued than as usual, I devored this book.

This is what it says on the back of the book

"A strange and disturbing conversation overheard while secretly perusing the pages of the family Bible in the Barrington’s study . . .

A mysterious yet intriguing book of scripture left unattended on the street . . .

An elusive new religion that beckons from halfway across the world . . .

The daunting task of becoming the governess to the Barrington children . . .

A proposal of marriage without a declaration of love . . .

Thus begins an epic that takes a young woman from a position of servitude to unrelenting challenges that will test the very limits of her courage and faith.

With vividly painted settings that range from the wealth and grandeur of the Barringtons’ English estate to the vast uncharted vistas of America, you will be caught up in a saga rich with the promise of eternal implications."

Okay so I don't want to ruin the story. But I love Eleanore and her faith and courage in following what she feels the Lord is telling her. Eleanore loves book and "Upon entering the bookshop, she always had to close her eyes and take a deep breath, just to inhale the smell of books. Then she stood for a long moment and looked around, pondering all the magic within the pages of neatly organized books for sale." I do this also at the library or any book store and even the book section at Target. I just love books. So I was extremely happy that the book began with her search of a new book. And when she went to read the bible she "paused as if greeting an old friend." I feel like that with my scriptures before I open them. I am not an elequent writer, so I loved seeing some of my own feeling put into words.

The story does talk a lot about the husband and wife relationship and it sacredness. This was an arranged marriage which would be a challenge in itself. I loved how Mr. Barrington or James was understanding, clear and patient with his wife. She was so much younger than him. Their relationship was an amazing example of communication, honesty and overcoming unforeseen challenges. I gained some more understanding and a different perspective.

Eleanore taught me a lot and that is what I love about reading, is the learning and taking stock of my own feelings and life and my favorite part of reading in losing myself in story. This Anita book was so amazing but not has treacherous as some of her others. I cannot wait to read more of the Barrington Family saga, her website is on my links on the side. Happy Reading!

Happy Birthday Sharon

Today is my friend Sharon F, Birthday and I wanted to let her know how much I love her. We became friends in college and we had almost every single class together. Kersten and my cousin Dave were their home teachers in our ward. We became fast friends quickly. We taught stress management to Polli's sixth grade class and were called the Mrs F's. We sat next to each other at college graduation and celebrated that we were finally done. It was so heartbreaking for me when they moved to Florida but we did get to go see them and continue our friendship. I admire that Sharon is so adventurous. She is continually finding new things to challenge herself and to make her life more exciting. She is so fun and just being with her you know that something is going to happen. She has taught me so much about being a mother. I love and admire her so much. Happy Birthday Sharon. You are a kindred spirit and I count myself blessed to call you friend.

Tulips

Yesterday the doorbell rang and when I opened the door I saw this. I grabbed my scissors and tore into it because it had my name on it and mysteriously my husbands cell phone number


It was very hard to open and I had to use scissors, a knife and all my strength to tear open the box.



I did finally see that there was something beautiful inside although it was attached as though it was not ever suppose to come out



All my efforts paid off, when it was all said and done. There were TULIPS

How sweet and thoughtful my dear husband is. I called to thank him at work and he acts so innocent. Until, I reminded him of the phone number he gave to him, that is only his. He picked out the vase which is square and I love. I have been so spoiled this holiday already as I received all my presents early. He gave me Cinderella 3 A Twist in Time DVD, the new Anita Stansfield "In Search of Heaven" and now these tulips. Wow I am one lucky women. I will make sure and review the other two items. Thanks again my love. You always go overboard. I love you

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

I just finished reading a beautiful book called "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. I love reading book that are historical and tell something about a time and place I can't dream or imagine. The writing is exquisite, she paints pictures as a young chinese girl goes through life doing only what she know best. She is writing her memoirs as an 80 year old widow, thinking back on her life. It is fasinating to learn more about the culture of this time. And a little girls struggles to just be loved, feel love and figure out who she is.,

Here is one of my favorite paragraphs from the book

"I am still learning about love, I thought I understood it -not just mother love but the love for one's parents, forone's husband, and for one's laotong. I've experienced the other types of love-pity love, respectful love, and gratitude love. But looking at our secret fan with its messages written between Snow Flower and me over many years, I see that I didn't value the most important love--deep-heart love."

It was interesting to see how through her life she tried so hard to follow customs and be obedient and in the end she saw so many of her mistakes and her triumphs that we all have in life. And her regrets were only for the people that she loved and cherished. It was well worth the read and I read over different parts and passages afterwards.

Cherie

Happy Birthday Cherie

Today is my friend Cherie's birthday. I hope she has a marvelous, fabulous day. Cherie was my next door neighbor when we lived in our old condo. For a year and a half we barely even talked in the hall till once again the power went out and I commented on how annoying that was. We started talking and realized that we had a lot in common including a common friend. She and my cousin Dave's wife Polli have been friends since childhood. Well, this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I sometimes still long for the days of the condo where I had good friends so close. Cherie is amåzing. She is so very thoughtful all the time. She is constantly thinking of ways to help the people she loves. She is a fabulous mother to Spencer, she has unlimited patience and love for this boy. I will never forget her walking the sidewalk back and forth as he cried. She sacrifices so much to make sure he is taken care of. She is a great example to me. She collects Barbies like I do. She love the skunk from Looney tunes, Pepe lepew. She loves the band Erasure. Her favorite color is peach and coral. She makes me think of life in a new and better way. She lifts me up whenever I get to see or talk to her. Which is not enough now that we moved. I am so grateful to call her my friend. She is one of those rare people in the world that you know will always be there. I love you Cherie. Happy Day

Fleeting Moments

Noah has been struggling with settling his mind down at night for the last week. He goes to bed on time but plays with his Donald Duck and Pal his Dog, read books, plays lightsabers or trucks in his bed. At first he would turn his light on so he could see but after he got in trouble for that he now uses his dog flashlight. When Kersten or I go in there and ask him what is wrong he talks to us in his Noah way, that his mind is going so fast. He is thinking about "pboo pboo" (sound of shooting gun), "beep beep" (a dump or scoop truck backing up) "choo choo" (trains), "shwoo, swhoo" (lightsabers with the sword movements), waaoo waoo (sirens of sheriff or firetrucks) "shoo shoo" (anything flying). The funny thing is if we ask him if he is tired he says "Yes". And he will close his eyes and say "Rest". And a couple minutes later remembers something else he need to play or look at. He is really good to stay in bed and not get out but we hear him up there some nights until 11:00pm. It worries me that he is not getting enough sleep since he will not hear of napping ever since he does not have a binky anymore. We both are flabbergasted in the best way to approach this new development. He has always been so good at bed time and gone right to sleep. Any suggestions would be helpful

Last Night when I went in to see if I could calm him down enough to fall asleep, I climbed into his big boy bed and asked him if I could hold him with is "B" (favorite blanket). He climbed into my lap and I held him in my arms like I did after I would feed him when he was tiny. He snuggled right in and closed his eyes. At that moment I had a realization of how fleeting small moments like these are. I remembered his face as an infant exactly in the same place as it was now. The lighting almost exact to then a small nightlight. We are now even in a different room and the furniture is changed. He is so much longer, heavier and so much more a boy. I hugged him tighter to me, Knowing now that I will continue to get these peaceful moments to remind me that I will always and forever get to be this sweet boy's mom. The moment came and went so quickly. Noah's eyes were done resting and he had to tell me about his book. But for that one fleeting minute, I had peace and I got to hold my boy.

Root Beer Float

I love Root Beer Floats. For some reason lately, I think about them all the time. I finally ate one this afternoon to see if it is everything I remember and more. Now I have to have Diet RB and it just doesn't quite make the cut. Growing up we had Root Beer floats quite frequently at birthday parties at my Grandparents house. They remind me of summer days on their patio, playing red light, green light or simon says with my cousins, climbing trees and swinging on a rusty swingset. They represent in my mind was is carefree about childhood. How life seemed so simple but so hard at the same time. RB Floats signify knowing no matter how much you torture your younger siblings and cousins that at the top of that hill at the end of the yard waiting there is a hug and encouragment that no matter what you will always be loved.