So, what do you think about this entertainment unit?

Funny thing is that even though I finally have my wholesale license and several companies in which to purchase furniture -- I still haven't bought a thing. Our entertainment center in the living room is a plastic folding table and the toy shelf/entertainment center for the family room/playroom is a filing cabinet. I guess there are so many options I just cannot choose. I think I have finally (keep your fingers crossed) made a decision on this unit (since the company is offering an additional 15% off wholesale). I want it stained in a mocha color and the inside painted either white or a robin egg blue. I just hope that all my feet dragging did not cause me to loose out on the discount. So, what do you think?


BTW -- the reason I like this one is that is has a little whimsy flair with the scrolled bottom and the rounded top -- a little better for a more casual room. And (the best part -- beside is being made in the grand USA) behind the lower cabinets are drawers.

"Mom, you're the best mom ever....

but you are a little behind in being nice but way ahead of taking care of me," Kadan said to me after tucking him in bed tonight. He then elaborated:

"You are like 1000 ahead on everything but just a little bit less than 1000 when it comes to being nice 'cuz when I get in trouble sometimes you yell at me. But, if you talk nice all the time, even when I am in trouble, then you will catch up and be way ahead in being nice too."

Well Mr. Kadan -- I will try hard to be nice even when you're in trouble because I want to be ahead in everything.

Which Celebrity mom am I?

Reese Witherspoon

Plucky, positive, and fiercely protective, you are, above all else, a survivor. If your husband were to leave you for an attractive younger girl, you'd grab the nearest attractive younger guy and become instantly thinner, sexier, and more fashionable than ever before. Belying your broad comic talents, you're a remarkably private person, a defiant and devoted mom dedicated to raising your kids with the simple, down-home values your folks instilled in you.

This was a fun quiz -- thanks to Nat for the fun idea. If you too want to take it go to:

http://family.go.com/community/quizzes/which-celebrity-mom-are-you-qz/

With great termoil comes....

even greater spiritual blessings. You know when you are confused and feeling down -- not knowing what to do or which way to go or even if you are adequate enough to receive inspiration from our Heavenly Father, this is when your prayers can become more fervent or when you just curl up in bed and cry. I have been having some of those moments -- all too often in fact. Many times I feel that my little challenges are not worth going to the Lord about and that He does not need to be bothered by me again. Yet, there is always something, someone or some feeling that lifts me up and makes me remember that I am worth it, that I am special, and that I have a Heavenly Father that is there to help me through it all.



This past week was one of the most challenging weeks of my life -- personal tragedy (too personal to expound upon) and ultimate shock brought much confusion. How can this be happening to me? Is this what I signed up for? I have strived my whole life to follow the Savior and live the principles of the Gospel so why did I make decisions years ago that led me down this path? But even with this questions I was surrounded with the most amazing peace and comfort. I felt a since of elevation beyond this world. I knew that everything would be okay.



With many of these issues still pressing on my mind, I prayed, asked for a Father's blessing (where I was instructed to read D&C 9) and fasted to know what to do. The message was simple yet direct. I was given personal revelation, even a prophecy, of what would come in the days to come. I write today to testify that each one of these events foretold me by these prayers and blessings did indeed occur. I didn't even realize the extent of this miracle/prophecy until I spoke to my older and wiser sister this afternoon. Using the scriptures, she demonstrated how just like when Nephi prophesied of the murder of the chief judge in Helaman chapters 8 and 9 everything that he foretold did indeed happen. Yet, even though he told exactly what happened to the judge and who was responsible for the murder, many people did not believe and imprisoned Nephi. She then shared with me that I was given inspiration and I can choose to promptly listen and obey. Her wise counsel sent the tingling confirmation that what she was speaking is true.



I am so grateful for the Spirit of prophecy, for remarkable and valiant older sisters who know the scriptures and enlighten your mind, for friends that encourage and love, for parents who taught me the gospel and continue to be an example of strength and faithfulness, for brothers who are honorable and good, and for God continuing to be a God of Miracles.



Boy oh boy, it is struggles like this where I long for the good ol' days sometimes. When life was simple and full of chasing fireflies, swinging so high that your feet touched the clouds, riding "horsey daddy" to bed and holding on tight to not get bucked off, falling a sleep to your mother reading you bedtime stories, writing love notes, and playing kissing tag. Those were the days!!! Well, I can tell you what -- I am making sure that days like things keep coming. It is time to just love life and love all the greatness that God has given to us.

Just for fun -- My cousin just sent us some pictures of when we were young -- guess which one I am.

So, who wants to go to LONDON with me?

My sister just started a travel business and part of the promotions that she was given, was to host tours at over 1/2 off retail. One of the tours that she has is scheduled in May and sounds SO cool!!! For instance, who would like to go to the Eiffel Tower for a noon tea and sleep in luxury at the Hyatt Regency? Ah...I would! I sounds so wonderful and the price it right (basically you are getting hotels 1/2 off -- usually $500+ per night -- and the tour is almost free -- I think the total price for lodging and the tour is $1500 for a week of fun). So, wanna GO? It would be a blast for all my wonderful ladies to meet me for this get-a-way.

I can give you more info if you wish. I will have to post her website later.

The day after Halloween...

is always a crazy day. Check out the pictures of the Addy and Bo that are still in partial costumes. Addy was feeling much better -- playing dress-up and giggling. I just had a take a picture of her today with messy hair and all. Yesterday's pictures you could tell that she still wasn't feeling well with her partial smiles and droopy eyes. I love the feel good, play hard Addy much better! Just look at her smile.
Using Tia's fun idea -- Addy's Super Hero name would be The Pink Sunny-DBo's name would be The Purple OJ -- what a little tough one!

Happy Halloween!!!

to all our friends. This year was not like any other. Living in a small town with more vacation homes than permanent resident homes, we had no real place to go trick-or-treating. I don't even think the kids said the words "Trick-or-Treat" even once yesterday. So, instead of our traditional Halloween night, we went to carnival after carnival. First to the school then to the church and then to Addy's teacher, Mrs. Rienholdt's house for stew, games and pie. We had a marvelous time and was so grateful that Addy was feeling good enough to join in the fun (she had been really ill for 2 days and wasn't able to get out of bed. But at 5:30 on Hallow's Eve she woke up with enough energy to play.