2009 in Review

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
I ran in my first 5K ... I actually ran in THREE 5K races.

Did you keep your new years' resolutions?
Yes, to train for and run in a 5K. My good friend came down to Sacramento and did the first one with me. Thanks, Kristin!

What are some of your resolutions for 2010?
Work on a college course, run a 10 K, lose some lbs.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No

Did anyone close to you die?
No

What countries did you visit?
The Bahamas. G and I went on a wonderful cruise together in July.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Nothing. I truly feel very blessed. Okay, a maid would be nice ...

What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 14th: J was baptized.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Completing my first 5K.

What was your biggest failure?
Lack of patience with children, husband, family.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
If you count getting strep throat during the cruise to the Bahamas, then yes.

What was the best thing you bought?
I don't know. I'm not a big spender. I'll have to think about this one ...

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
This is a tough one. I can’t really say here.

Where did most of your money go?
Sam’s Club, WalMart

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Finally being able to go on a vacation with just my hubby on our cruise. It was wonderful! Thanks, Mom, for taking the boys for us!

What song will always remind you of 2009?
I Gotta Feelin’ by the Black Eyed Peas … a very good song to play when I’m running.

Compared to this time last year, are you: much happier, richer, nicer?
Maybe a little bit of all three because I’d like to believe that I’m a work in progress that’s continually improving.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Playing with the boys, and REALLY enjoying the small things.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Computer time, nagging. I do now limit my computer time =) ... and yet, here I sit typing this on my computer ...

How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve: just my own immediate family. Christmas Day: My brother and his family along with my sister and her 4 kids. The kids exchanged gifts and we had a yummy ham dinner with elbeskivers later on (a Danish tradition of ours).

Did you fall in love in 2009?
Again and again with my husband, especially, and my boys. They are growing so fast and it’s been so fun to see them develop into these wonderful, smart boys, and discover the world.

What was your favorite TV program?
I have a few: I still enjoy watching Survivor. G and I like to watch: CSI, The Mentalist, and The Soup, among a few others. I realize it asked for ONE, but it’s hard to narrow it down for me.

What was the best book you read this year?
I loved the “Peter and the Starcatchers” series. Very well written. I devoured them! (so did B)

What did you want and get?
Lots of love from my family and friends.

What were your favorite films of this year?
Star Trek. I loved it!

What were your least favorite films of this year?
I can’t think of one that we saw in the theater that I didn’t like. I thought the 3D feature was a rip-off when we saw Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. We rented The Bridge to Tarabathia, expecting a fun, fantasy adventure. It was a little bit of that, and not at all what we expected. A main character dies … it was a huge let down. The kids were all depressed!

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 38 on August 5th. I went out to dinner with the family, and enjoyed many phone calls and drop-by visits. It was a low-key birthday, but another good one!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If my boys would not be so WILD on Sunday afternoons! Seriously.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
In and out of different sizes all year. Usually jeans and a t-shirt.

What kept you sane?
My husband, my very loving boys, my friends, running, & reading.

Who did you miss?
My family. I don’t have much family that lives close by, except for one brother, who we don’t see near enough. My parents were still overseas most of the year. My other siblings live out of the area or state. It's hard to get us all together. I also miss the many friends that I've made over the years who don't live near me anymore. I've enjoyed Facebook for that very reason: staying in touch with dear friends.

Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Hmmm …. We’ve become really good friends with the Ellings. We think they are amazing.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
It’s actually from a quote that I got from my good friend, Raimi: Kindness is in our power even when fondness is not. I really tried to live by that. We are all God's children.

What are you most excited for in 2010?
When T starts 1st grade. Then, all my boys will be at school for a full day. I want to finish up my college courses and it will be much easier to do that when I have a full day. Also, I'd like to go to the temple more during the day. Plus, I’m hoping to work out some lunch dates with my hubby and then some with my girl fiends!

What are you least excited for in 2010?
Getting up for seminary when N starts High School in the fall. It will be the start of @ a 15 year run of getting up for seminary in the mornings!

Tag of Twos

TAG OF TWO'S

My sister-in-law, Sylvia, tagged me with this quick list of questions. So, here goes:


Two names you go by:
1. Mom
2. Steph

Two things you are wearing right now:
1. Jeans
2. short sleeve stretch crew

Two things you want right now:
1. a maid
2. my 'to-do list' all checked off and done (is that even possible??)

Two things you did last night:
1. Watched "Kung Fu Panda" with family
2. Made banana bread

Two things you ate today:
1. Turkey/Avocado sandwich
2. banana bread

Two favorite drinks:
1. Crystal Lite mix-in
2. Water

Five people I'm tagging: 1. Raimi 2. Allison 3. Julianne 4. Mom 5. Holly

11 Things You Would Never Hear Me Say

No, child, you didn’t use ENOUGH toilet paper. I need to see a pile of t.p. floating in the water.

No, of course not. Why would I expect you to get up and throw that garbage away when you could just conveniently stuff it down the side of the couch.

I think pedicures are a waste of time and money. And massages are overrated.

Chocolate? Nah, I'll pass.

No, I don’t mind answering the same question again since your brother just asked that exact thing in those exact words.

If you whine I promise you will get out of being in trouble.

No, I’m not pregnant, but I’m so pleased you thought I was.

Of course your 2-year-old and 28 of his best friends are welcome to have the birthday party in my living room. Be sure to give them chocolate ice cream and red punch.

Go on, keep fighting with your brother–it’s music to my ears!

Of course I did all the laundry and put it away today. Who takes more than one day? Or worse, who never puts the laundry away but instead just dresses their children out of the laundry pile in the hallway? Certainly not me.

No, please park as close as you can to my car. Ding up the doors while you’re at it. But leave me a can-opener so that I can squeeze back into my car! (This happened to me TODAY. Luckily, I didn't see any dings, but it was a VERY tight squeeze)


What is on your list of things you'd never say??! I have more ... maybe I'll share them later.

All About Me

I lifted this off of my friend Raimi’s blog. I enjoyed reading her answers so I thought I would do my own. Kind of fun!

3 JOYS
*of course my boys - they make me proud - most days!
*A husband who likes to cook – and does it well. Also, he often brings me flowers “just for because” – Yes, I’m a lucky girl.
*Taking a nap, especially after church – love that!

3 FEARS
*losing a loved one
*letting someone, whom I am close to, down
*the price of gas going higher – we’ve already modified our summer plans due to the high price of gas

3 GOALS
* to raise happy, productive, respectful, and independent boys
* to exercise regularly
* to finish my degree … I’m SO close!

3 OBSESSIONS
*Being on time
*A clean floor. I hate having to watch my step AND I can’t stand it when my feet are dirty. A clean floor is a huge step to a clean house, right?
* This blog!

3 SURPRISING FACTS
* I hate lipstick. Lipgloss -- ok. I think I’m too addicted to lip balm. So lipstick would just get in the way.
*After I learn someone’s birthday, I can usually recall it @ 99% of the time. That includes all of the primary children. Crazy, huh!? I’m the one to remind G to call a family member on his side of the family for their birthday.
*I can be quite a home-body. But once I’m out and about, I’m happy too.

FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER
*the middle school
*Wal*Mart
*Sam’s Club
*Church

FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME REGULARLY
*The gals in the Primary Presidency with me
*Mom & Dad
*Lisa
*Raimi

FOUR OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT
*Home
*Costa Vida
*Claim Jumper (LOVE the Citrus Chicken Salad sans blue cheese)
*In and Out

FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
*Getting a massage and pedicure
*Traveling all over Europe with unlimited cash and free babysitting
*Visiting Washington D.C. – I’ve always wanted to see the Smithsonian and all of the history in and around D.C. One day!!
*Lake Tahoe relaxing with family and friends (Wanna go again this summer, Raimi?!)

FOUR PEOPLE I TALK TO ON A REGULAR BASIS (I’m adding 5)
*my kids
*My hubby
*Lisa
*Raimi - I will miss our preschool chats, too! But the summer will probably just FLY by!
*Kristin

FOUR TV SHOWS I’D WATCH OVER AND OVER
*The Soup
*Survivor (I'll watch a new season, but not re-runs. I just really enjoy this show)
*CSI
*Scrubs

FOUR MOVIES I'D WATCH OVER AND OVER
*The Bourne Series
*The Lord of the Ring Series
*Harry Potter
*The original 3 Star Wars movies (my boys LOVE these and it's fun to watch them watching the movies!)
Now it's your turn! Have fun!!

Me From A to Z

Alright, some more info about me. My sister-in-law tagged me with this list. So here goes:

A--Attached or Single? Attached to my hubby, 15 years 3 months.
B--Best friend? My hubby, G.
C--Cake or Pie? Cake, The ONE thing G’s dad said when G was talking marriage was to make sure that “your wife loves pie” – I hate pie.
D--Day of Choice? Saturday, to spend time with the family without time constraints (usually).
E--Essential Item? Lip balm. I take it everywhere with me.
F--Favorite Color? Blue
G--Gummy bears or worms? Aren’t they pretty much the same? So, both.
H--Hometown? Walnut Creek, CA
I --Indulgence(s)? Chocolate in any form, pedicures
J--January or July? This one’s tough because I don’t like the extreme heat in July, however I like how the boys are on Summer break and it means hanging out and vacation time as a family. So, I’d have to go with July.
K--Kids? 4
L--Life is incomplete without? Family and friends
M--Marriage date? December 30th, 1992
N--Number of siblings? 2 brothers, 2 sisters
O--Oranges or apples? Oranges
P--Phobias or fears? Something happening to one of my kids. I’m pretty claustrophobic, too.
Q--Quotes? I have so many favorites … I honestly have hundreds of quotes I've collected. I'll just pick one: "Nothing is more fundamental to a loving home and a happy child than kindness" -- [Marilyn Choules]
R--Reasons to Smile? Going out on a date, and my boys getting along, talking to a friend.
S--Season? Spring. I love the flowers, blossoms, and the weather warming up a bit. My next would be Fall. I LOVE the cooler air and the changing of the leaves.
T--Tag 5 people? Raimi, Amy, Lisa H., Jamie, Keri D.
U--Unknown Fact? I can be indecisive.
V--Very Favorite Store? WalMart – good deals and kinda a one-stop shop. I know, not too exciting, eh?
W--Worst Habit? Spending a little too much time on the computer
X--X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound
Y--Your favorite food? Mexican
Z--Zodiac? Leo

My Stuff

1. Find 5 to 7 things around your house that say something about the person you are and snap a picture of them.

2. Tell us about them.

3. Tag a few people in your post, and in their comments, to do their own pictures of their stuff.

I'm hoping you play along and let me know when you posted YOUR STUFF on your own blog!

This oversized clock hangs on the wall over our landing. I'd wanted a big clock for quite a while. I found this one at good ol' Target, and I LOVE it. When I orginally saw this clock, I hesitated and decided not to get it at the time. I quickly changed my mind, went to the store the next morning and it was gone! I checked back often, and about gave up. Then when I was there waiting for a prescription, I wandered down that aisle and there it was. I bought it right then. Anyway, I especially like how it has the Roman numerals. Two day later, it went on sale and so I went in with my receipt for the sale price. Always lookin' for a bargain!

I guess you could say the clock is a subtle reminder of how important it is to me and G to be on time. I hate being late to anything! Being late is not an option in our family!

These frames are mounted over our piano and I just love them. On the left, there are temples that mat around the "Proclamation". On the right, there are various pictures of Christ that mat around the "Living Christ" document. In the center, is our family. I really like this picture of G & me. Then, there is one of the great shots of our 4 boys together last summer. This wall brings me a lot of joy when I look at it everyday.


Our dear prophet Gordon B. Hinckley gave us the "B's" to help us all be better people. I bought this plaque to remind myself and my family of them. We see it everyday, and it's a great reminder of how to live our lives.

Okay, forgive the dust. My room gets a little neglected with the dusting. Anyway, this is one of my shelves stuffed with my books. I've been really enjoying reading these past 4 or 5 years. I think part of the reason is that I CAN stay up a little later than I used to. I used to have an early morning newspaper route that required me to get to sleep at a decent hour. I would literally fall into bed everynight then.

Believe it or not, our elliptical is not being used for a clothes rack. I'm getting back in the habit of exercising more regularly. I've noticed a difference in how I feel, and I'm enjoying that. I've been pushing myself very hard on it for at least 20 minutes a day, and plan on adding more minutes each day. Here's to my health!!

I saw one of these FHE boards at my sister-in-law's home and just loved it. My sister-in-law picked this up for me in Utah, and it's been a fixture in our home since then. I like the rustic nails. Each tag has one of our names on it. We forget to rotate them sometimes, but the bottom line is that we have FHE regularly. I'm proud of that. We look forward to FHE and enjoy the fun and memories. There would seriously be a mutiny from the boys if we didn't have FHE for any reason. They expect it, look forward to it, and I know we all need it.

Okay, that is some of my stuff. What's in your house? Anyone??

I've been tagged ...

I was tagged by my good friend, Amy, with a list of questions. So, here goes!!

What was I doing 10 years ago? I was pregnant with B, doing a humongous early morning newspaper route, and babysitting one little boy 4 days a week. We were living in one of our favorite apartments … more of a duplex, and we had many friends, who were also young couples with small children, living close by. We had a small backyard, and it was perfect for us at the time. There was one plank missing in our back fence where N and his friend would play with each other right there. G was busy at work on his Master’s Thesis and was gone at school a lot. This was a really good time in our lives. We made lifelong friends here.


5 things on my to-do list today? I did a science lesson in J’s class today, so I had to run to the store quickly to pick up some M&M’s and pretzels for the snack graph. I have to keep the boys off all of the video games today. They lost their video privileges as of last night – behavior. The house needs a good “pickin’ up” in every room. A bomb went off. Did it hit your house too?? Also, I need to get on the elliptical today. No excuses. I’m embarrassed to say that my bed isn’t made. I left in a hurry this morning. The worst thing is coming home to it all. Do you agree??

What snacks do I enjoy? I love snacking at little too much. I'm working on this. I really like the honey wheat pretzel sticks. I also really like a good naval orange. Another favorite is M&M’s. I have a hard time stopping with one small handful. It’s bad!

What would I do if I were suddenly a billionaire? We’d probably upgrade to a slightly bigger house, pay off any debt, and pay off the mortgages of our close family members. Our boys’ college funds would be set, and I would love to find some humanitarian things to do WITH our boys.

3 bad habits? Not exercising enough, but I’m getting better at this. I can procrastinate things sometimes. A good example is getting dinner started! Also, I stay up too late, and then I’m dragging by the next afternoon.

5 places I've lived? Walnut Creek, CA ; Concord, CA ; Pleasant Hill, CA ; Provo, UT ; current residence

5 jobs I've had? Newspaper routes (yes, I’ve had several of them, (my biggest one was @ 415 papers), Clerk at a Health Food Store, Retail Sales, Data conversion of Library Systems (Card catalogs to searchable database – MARC anyone??), Data Entry for Chevron, and of course, MOM.

5 things people don’t know about me? Hmmm … I love to take an afternoon nap when I can (see “3 bad habits” above!). I hate lipstick. I never wear it. Lip-gloss is okay. My sisters pinned me down at one of our last family photos to apply lipstick on me! I really like to soak in the tub after the kids are in bed. It’s quiet, it’s warm/hot, and it’s so relaxing. I love to collect quotes. I have a huge file folder full of various quotes I’ve found over the years, not to mention a couple of books filled with inspiring quotes. I like how they are concise and pack a punch, whether it’s a laugh or it’s thought provoking. I think I've read more books in the past four or five years than I have in my entire life. I'm just enjoying it a lot more. I had some reading comprehension issues when I was a lot younger, so books and me weren't friends. Now, I'm constantly reading. Even before I finish my current book, I make sure I have something immediately to read next. It helps when your spouse is an avid reader, too. G is always reading. It will be hard for me when I start my next on-line class, to not be able to read my novels as much.

I tag my 3 sister-in-laws: JanEtta, Nadine & Sylvia. I'd love to read your lists!! So, copy the questions, add your own answers, and then post it on your blog.