Background issues!

so yeah- on my computer the background looks great- it's the right size and everything. I just checked it on flee's 'puter and it's totally too small. bummer.

hmmmmm. I might have to do something about that.

New background!!

YAY!! I finally figured out how to make my own background!! (I've been working on it for about 2 weeks!) This is my first attempt at a background, and there are some things I don't like so much about it, but overall, I think it turned out great!!

I know some of the text is still a little difficult to read, so I will be fixing that soon. I am going to continue to play around with different looks/styles so my background might change often! sorry!!

I had a ton of help from the web making these, and I've given props to the people/places I got my info/graphics from on my sidebar ------>

Ok, thats all! (I gotta get back to designing new backgrounds!!)

I'm at work, and guess what!!

oh, bet you can't guess!! You'll never guess!

oh wait, maybe you will.

I case you haven't guessed, I'm at work, and I'm bored. People just don't like to be in the hospital during the holidays! I can't imagine why . . .

I'm updating my playlist, since Christmas has passed. And I'm thinking of changing my background. But I really love this one. hmmmm.

I can't find any other backgrounds that I really love, so I wanted to make my own, but the only way I can find to do that is with photoshop, and I don't have that. bummer . . .

anyway, I'm gonna go for now!! later!!

You asked for it!!!

So, my cute sister-in-law joked the other day that no one loved her 'cause no one dedicated a post to her. So, I am here to rectify that, and to show the world how much our Karla Kim is loved by all who know her!!!!

For those who didn't know, I lived with Karla four about 2 months before she and Seth got married. We lived in an apartment in south Orem, by Chuck-a-rama kinda. We had tons of fun!! I remember the morning of their wedding Karla came into my room and told me that their photographer had broken her arm (or leg, or some bone) and she asked if I would just take some pics for her. I called my cute friend who is a photographer, and she totally saved the day!!! Karla got a bunch of really cute pics!! It was fun to live with Karla (especially since I was still in high school, and I felt all cool- like I was on my own!)

so, the first person that loves Karla is obvious-

A few weeks ago Karla, Steve, Jan, Jenn, Emmy, and I all got to go to the Christmas Devotional together. It was a ton of fun!! We told funny stories on the way up, and ate some random health food that I believe was called pulse?? And we got to enjoy hearing our Prophet speak!

In our family, there are two favorite aunts. I can tell you right now that I am not one of them. Jan and Jenn are loved by all our cute kiddies, and pretty much all of them would say that Jan and/or Jenn are their favorites with the exception of one (if he could talk). I'm pretty darn sure this cute face would say Karla was his favorite aunt!!

Another obvious one- her darling kiddies!

The dynamic duo!! If you can't find Karla at her house, there's a very good chance she's somewhere with Stace. I swear they would be joined at the hip if it were possible!! Yay for BFF's!

I am 100% positive that every single person in this picture loves Karla!!

And lastly, there is One who loves Karla more than any of us combined- more than we can even comprehend. He knows Karla better than she knows herself, and has sacrificed so much for her, and the rest of the world. He knows her needs, her wants, her fears, her weakness, her potential- and He is waiting to help her do amazing things!
I know He loves you.

And I love you too!!

Some Christmas Funnies . . .

Ok, so our security guard brought by this cute little flyer with funny Christmas sayings on them- just to cheer everyone up! It was super funny, so I'm going to steal it and use it here!

Let me say before I post this though, that I understand that mental disorders can be very difficult, and should not be made fun of in a cruel way- which people do so often. Let me state that this is simply for entertainment, and no offense is intended! (Especially since I have one of these disorders myself!)

ok, here goes:

Christmas Song Psychology

Schizophrenia -- Do you Hear What I Hear, the Voices, the Voices??

Amnesia -- I Don't Remember if I'll be Home for Christmas

Narcissistic Personality Disorder -- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me!

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Episode) -- Deck the halls, and walls, and house, and lawn, and streets, and stores, and office, and town, and cars, and buses, and trucks, and trees, and fire hydrants and . . . (and just for my siblings- clean the kitchen, the laundry room, the bathrooms, the bedrooms, the living room, and I'll give you a dime!! hee hee!!! Love you Mommy!!)

Paranoid Personality Disorder -- Santa Clause is Coming To Get Me.

Multiple Personality Disorder -- We Three Queens Disoriented Are.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells . . . .

Agoraphobia -- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day But Wouldn't Leave My House

Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia -- Walking in a Winter Wonderland Miles From My House in My Slippers and Robe.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder -- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause So I Burned Down the House.

Social Anxiety Disorder -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas While I Sit Here and Hyperventilate.

and my favorite one of all --

Attention Deficit Disorder -- We Wish You- HEY LOOK!!! It's Snowing!!



and 'cause I'm really bored at work, here's some that I made up!

Acrophobia (Fear of Heights) -- Ding Dong Merrily but Not So High

Agoraphobia -- Oh Little Town of Bethlehem There's No Way Out

Antisocial Personality Disorder -- Come, They Told Me (Pa rum pa pum pum) and I Said No.

Claustrophobia -- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, I'm Gonna Go Somewhere Bigger.

Gambling Addiction -- I'm Betting on a White Christmas

Narcolepsy -- It's Beginning **snore** to Look A Lot **snooze** Like Christmas . . . **snore**

Insomnia -- It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and I Was Still Awake.

Kleptomania -- All I Want For Christmas is Your Two Front Teeth.

ok, thats all!! :) I may just end up posting again before I leave! There really is nothing to do. My charge nurse said she would let me go home, but there are only 4 other people here- two nurses in the Level 2 nursery (NICU) and her in the regular nursery, and the Nurse for the 3 patients that we now have. So, yeah. Basically I'm here solely to answer the phones. I really shouldn't complain cause I'm getting paid time and a half . . .

anyway, goodbye for now!!

Merry Christmas to all . . .

. . . and to all a good night!

So, I'm at work, and it's REALLY slow!! We usually have 15+ patients, and tonight we only have 2! So, the things I usually have to do when I first get here (which usually take me between 2 and 3 hours) only took me about 20 minutes ('cause I didn't have any interruptions). So, now it's 6:50 and I am done with everything I am supposed to do. And I have 11 hours left. yeah. 11 hours.

it's going to be a long night!!

Christmas was great! We had dinner at Steve's sister's house, and opened our jammies from Steve's 'rents, then we had our traditional family get-together last night at my 'rents house, and for the first time in who knows how many years, the entire family was there!! All 37 of us!! It really was so much fun. We had lots of yummy food, and did our white elephant gift exchange, and the kids did a nativity play. (We didn't make it in time for the play, which Jenni was SO upset about. She was going to play Mary, and had been looking forward to it for days!)

After the fam left we put the kids to bed so Santa could come. Steve and I were up until 1 am finishing everything up, then we got up at 7:30 to open presents. (So yeah, it is going to be a real long night!!!) Jenni and Joe-joe both got bikes this year (two wheelers!) They were SO excited.

We had the yummiest breakfast ever at my 'rents house, then we did presents with my family. We went over to Steve's 'rents house and spent a little over an hour shoveling the snow (with a blower) and digging the cars out of the snow. It was SO cold. We did presents with Steve's fam, then went to Steve's grandparents and aunts houses. It was a lot of fun!

All in all it has been a great Christmas! We are so blessed to be surrounded by our family.

Just for you Stace!

Ok Stace. I was looking at backgrounds on thecutestblogontheblock and I found your perfect background. It totally screams STACEY. Really. I saw it and you were the very first person I thought of. So here's your task. I will past the html code below and I want you to go add it as your background (at least for a min) so you can see the background that was MADE for you!

no cheating. I want the first time you see it to be on your blog!!!





I lied.

It won't let me post the code. hmmmmmm. how can I do this then??

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. ok I have an idea

<*s*t*y*l*e t*y*p*e*=*"t*e*x*t/c*s*s">b*od*y {b*a*c*k*ground-i*m*age: u*r*l(*"*h*tt*p:*//i*3*42.p*h*o*tobucket.c*om/a*lbums/o*401/T*hecute*stblo*gontheblock*/I*wo*nder_b*est.j*pg")*; b*a*c*kground-p*o*s*ition:* c*e*n*ter; ba*c*k*ground-re*p*eat: n*o-r*e*pe*at; b*a*c*kground-at*t*achm*ent: fix*ed; *}*<*/*s*tyle*>*<*d*i*v i*d*="t*a*g" s*t*y*le*="*po*s*i*tion:ab*s*o*lute; l*ef*t:0*p*x; t*op:*3*0p*x;* z*-in*d*ex:5*0; w*i*d*th:150p*x; h*e*i*g*ht:45*p*x;*">*<*a* *h*r*ef=*"*h*t*t*p*:*//w*w*w.th*e*c*utestblog*o*n*theblock.c*om*"* t*a*rget*="*_b*lank"*>*<*i*m*g *sr*c=*"*h*t*t*p*://*w*ww*.thecutestbl*o*g*ontheblock*.*c*om*/*im*ag*es*/t*ag*.*j*pg" bo*r*d*er=*"0*"/*>*<*/*a>*<*/*d*i*v*>*


ok, so it wouldn't let me post the code (and just show the characters in the code) so here's what I did. There are no *'s (asterisks) in this code. So- very carefully- go and delete each of the asterisks, making sure not to delete the spaces. got it? If not, let me know, and I'll try again!

like I said- NO CHEATING!


hee hee. I am so demanding. How can you stand me?? But I sure do love you!

hee hee hee!!!!

(I just did spellcheck and I've got TONS of errors!! 'cause of that code up there! all kinds of little yellow boxes! Ok, really I am done now)




i lied again. I'm not done

Ok, so I just tested the code on another blog I have, and it worked but I realised something . . . you may or may not have already used this background! on my little 17" screen you can't see the whole background as it was meant to be seen (It looks really familiar when it is actually used on a blog) anyway, I am going to leave this post up anyway cause I think you will enjoy it! (you know you get enjoyment out of my randomness. don't try and deny it!!)

but so others can get the full effect, here's the link to the background that is SO Stacey:
**disclaimer: Stace you are NOT allowed to use this link! unless you really really really really want to. but erasing a bunch of asterisks is kinda fun . . . if you're really bored*****

http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/background.php?id=272

Oh FINE. Stace you don't HAVE to erase all the asterisks. Just go to the link and see the background!

I think I may be suffering from lack of sleep. and many other conditions that alter your mental status!

ok, I think I am now done with all of my randomness. I think. I could be wrong. I may think of something else to say. But I think I'm done.

UHG!!

So, who wants to know what I have been doing for the last 24 hours????

I've been praying to the porcelain gods!

(ie: I've been stuck over the toilet dry heaving my guts out!)

Not so much fun. Really. I don't recommend it. And because I already know what your next question is, no, I'm not pregnant. (at least, according to approximately 8 tests I'm not.) I have been SOOOOO sick the last two days. I'm not going to go into all my symptoms here, because I don't think you all want to know! Every 'symptom checker' site I've visited has told me to 'seek emergency medical attention' but when you've been to the ER as many times as I have, going back AGAIN just really doesn't appeal to me. At all. hmmmm. I need to call my sister . . .

So, not much else is going on! I'm still not ready for Christmas (and yes, I am aware that it is only 3 days away.) I have mixed feelings about the snow. I love the way it looks, but it is so COLD! I hate being cold. And, since our car is having health issues right now, I'm not driving my own car in the snow, which makes the snow that much more undesirable. I blame my sister-in-law Nicky. She prayed for snow. (And she has enough faith to make it happen!) No, I don't really blame her, I'm glad there's snow on the ground for her sake. I'm glad for you Nicky!!

Ummmm, I can't really think of anything else to say . . . . so I guess that's all for now!

have fun all y'all.

I have decided . . .

I have decided that the following people need to update their blog . . . um, now please!

Jenn - it's been 10 days! 'nuff said.
Mom - you've got plenty of time!! And you can get in there by yourself now too!
Emmy - you need to do the 'i am' tag. because I said so!
Alicia R.- I think the last post was in the spring! and it was hilarious! (and I loved the M.O.M. post! I may just steal it!)

I have also decided that the following people need to create a blog, so we can all enjoy it. And you really do have time! It doesn't take that long!

Janice - really. you need to. I need you to need to!

Daddy - yeah, I know you don't read this, but mom will pass it along- you need to do the Southern Examiner, or whatever it was called that you used to do for the missionaries in our fam. You know everyone would read it, and love it!

Marianne - I always like hearing your stories from the Temple and Primary! share the ones you can with people so they can realize how wonderful they are too!

Lamissa - We really don't see each other anywhere NEAR often enough, and it would be great to hear about what you are doing in your life!!! (like why you all of a sudden decided to quit your job!)

Rinny - dito to what I said on Lamissa's (except about the job stuff)

That is what I have decided. If you could all oblige I would appreciate it!!

I know, I'm random! But really, I have a lot of free time at work, and blogger and facebook only take up so much time! I'd like to increase the time they take up!

The 'i am' post below is new today as well! just fyi!!

k, thats all!
chelle

i am . . .

So, I saw this on Karla's blog, and I wanted to do it- I would like to note though that she got it from MJ, so I say thanks to MJ and Karla for letting me be a thief! (Yeah, I know you didn't really 'let' me but oh well!!)(And I know I don't technically know who MJ is, so Karla if you'd pass on my thanks I'd appreciate it!)

I added a few of my own (not that there wasn't already enough!) just for fun!

i am... a wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, friend, cousin, secretary, basically, I'm me!
i live ... in the moment (which isn't always a good thing!)
i have... more than I will ever deserve.
i haven't... had enough children. I want more.
i need... to be a better person than I am.
i wish... I knew how to forgive myself.
i try ... to be a peacemaker.
i could... be any one's friend .
i couldn't ... love anyone more than I love Steve.
i fear... losing my family.
i want... to be in the Celestial Kingdom with my family.
i hear... song lyrics and music . . . all the time . . .
i will... hear one of my songs on the radio someday.
i read... to escape real life.
i like... the way an orchard looks just after snow has fallen.
i admire... people who don't have to try to be good (Janice, Jennifer, Emmy).
i admit... that I need to keep my house cleaner.
i search... people's reactions to me.
i think... people see the best in others and the worst in themselves.
i do ... absolutely love my job.
i don't... handle contention well. I don't like to be around it.
i regret... not being more like my sisters.
i love... so many things, I cannot even begin to name them here.
i ache ... for the will to be good.
i work ... to make a difference in other people's lives.
i help ... keep things running smoothly.
i pray ... to be able to see good in any situation.
i cry when... I'm feeling a very strong emotion.
i am not... a mean person.
i never... swear. Never have.
i always ... like to listen to music, even when I read.
i rarely... want to be alone.
i miss ... being in Chamber Choir at OHS. It was incredible!
i don't miss ... being single.
i get nervous ... when I'm around demanding Dr's (one in particular!).
i watch... for ways to make life around me better.
i hate... when people are mean, especially to little children.
i am confused ... at how Steve loves me so much.
i need...to know that I am loved (Steve is very good about this!).
i should... try harder to keep my house clean
i can ... write and compose my own music and lyrics
i can't... walk past someone asking for money without giving some
i will... do my very best to make my family happy
i won't ... intentionally hurt anyone
i feel... so blessed to be me.

and because I'm me . . .

i tag . . . Stace, Flee, and Emmy (you better actually do it this time Emmy!!)

"Well . . . ya comin'?"

Who knows what movie the above line is from??

I'll give you a hint- its animated

another hint? - It's a holiday movie

one last hint? Tom Hanks is the voice of the character who says it.

I'm pretty sure everyone in Steve's family could tell you what movie it's from since most of us saw a bit of it a few nights ago! It's from The Polar Express. We went on the Polar Express the other night to the North Pole, and the kids got to see Santa! It was SO fun! Seriously, I was almost crying the whole time! I'm such a goob!

anyway, here's some cute pictures! Steve's 'rents know the owner of the little train and he does this polar express thing every year. We absolutely LOVE it. It's one of our favorite Christmas memories with Steve's family! (although we greatly missed John and Alicia this year!)

(And I know I don't usually put this many pictures in, but Annie wanted copies of the pics, and my email is retarded and will only let me email them 2 at a time!And I forgot to upload the pics so they would be chronological! So they start from the end of our trip and go to the beginning! oops! oh well! enjoy!)

Whitters the Red Nosed Reindeer!

Whitney wouldn't sit on Santa's lap, so Steve asked her if she wanted to sit on his lap, and he'd sit on Santa's lap. She's so cute!

Hailey did not like it very much!!

Joe-joe wasn't sure how he felt about it!

I can't believe how big Kobe is! I still remember the day Steve told me Alicia was pregnant! We were in high school, and he was SO excited to be an uncle he came to one of my classes and waited outside the door until I got there! he's so cute!

So yeah. That was our fun trip to Santa's Workshop! After the train stopped at Santa's the rest of the ride back was filled with Pictures of the Savior, while Christmas music played. It was incredibly touching! (It helped that one of the songs was 'Mary, Did You Know?' which is one of my favorite Christmas songs!)

Thanks again Mike and Annie!! It was awesome, and we're already excited for next year!!

Working . . . again.

So. I am at work again, and also again, I have nothing to do! I made some cute name cards tonight with a Christmas theme! It was fun! I love Christmas!

hmmmmm.


hhhhhmmmmmmmmmmm.

I did bring a book, but I'm not really in a reading mood. And there aren't really any good movies here to watch (and I totally forgot to bring some). again I say hmmmmmmm.

So, lets see, whats up with us. We put our Christmas tree up today finally. The kids had lots of fun trying to decide where to put the ornaments, and -of course- joe-joe's all ended up in one little area! He did finally get the hang of it after a bit!

Jenni is doing much better in school- for which I am SO grateful! She loves the later-gator class. I don't particularly like that she doesn't get out of school until almost 4, but hey- at least she's happy! It just makes us stuck home all day 'cause we live too far 'out there' to go do much before school or during school. oh well.

So yeah. I think thats all. Maybe I'll try reading. only 7 more hours to go!

GAH!


sometimes I REALLY don't like 12 hour shifts!

What do I do?? -- UPDATED

So, I'm super concerned, and what do I do when that happens?? Naturally, I blog!

So here's whats been going on. Jenni used to absolutely LOVE school. I mean, when we had to keep her home because she was sick she would literally throw a fit. Then- about 3 weeks ago- she decided she didn't want to go to school. Literally overnight she decided this. At first I thought it was just that she was tired, but as time went on it got worse. No matter how much sleep she gets, every morning trying to get her to go to school it like pulling teeth. She just doesn't want to go. Finally about a week and a half ago (after MUCH persuading) she told us that people are mean to her- that they call her names. So we talked about what to do when that happens, and she said she'd try.

It didn't help.

It got really bad this morning. She cried, said she didn't want to go. Then when I told her she had to, she said that her tummy hurt.

I did finally convince her to go, so we got all ready, and I drove her there ('cause by this time we had missed the bus) I walked her in and talked a little to her teacher about what was going on, and Jenni- who had gone in to class- came running out with tears in her eyes saying she didn't want to stay. I tried to get her to stay, and so did her teacher, but to no avail.

We finally decided to try to switch her to the afternoon class (called the 'later gators' instead of the 'early birds') and I'm taking her today.

I'm really so worried about her. I mean, this just isn't like her! When I asked her what she wanted to do, she said she wanted to be in a different teacher's class. If this later gator class doesn't work out I'm going to have to see about switching teachers.

Meanwhile, back in the office I had to sign a waiver excusing the absences she has had, and saying I understand that if she misses too much school that means a CLASS B MISDEMEANOR for me and Steve. But I just can't FORCE her to go when she is so upset. Not to mention I don't think they'll let her stay if she was crying like that!

ARG! Parenting is so hard sometimes! I'm coming to the realization that I can't protect her from everything, and I do not like that.

So yeah. Thats whats going on right now. Super bummer. really. Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

~chelle

UPDATE

So, I just dropped Jenni off for the Later Gator class, and she was REALLY excited! We went in and talked with her teacher and it seemed to go really well! She was her normal excited self!! So, here's hoping!!!

If you would, for me, please keep Jenni in your prayers! We'd appreciate it!

ugh! nightmares!

So, I did actually go to bed at a decent time tonight. Then about an hour ago I woke with a HUGE JOLT! I totally had a nightmare! It was so scary! Really. *shiver*

Not much has been going on. Just the usual.

Oh- I do have a funny conversation though!! Here it is:

Me: "Joe-joe, we need to change your bummy!"

Joe-joe: "But I not stinky!"

Me: "I know, but you're wet!"

Joe-joe: "We don't need to change my bummy! We just changed it last week!"

HAAA HAAA!! It was so funny!!! Needless to say I do change my kids diapers more than once a week!! hee hee! He cracks me right up!

anyway, I think I'm going to try to go back to sleep now since it's almost 5 am!

night all!

Christmas Quiz

(I didn't make this one up. I stole it from Karla!)

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE! Just copy this entire post and paste it into a new post of your own. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then Tag 5 people you want to learn more about!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I think wrapping paper looks better, but when I'm rushed (or in the car) I do gift bags.

2.Real tree or artificial? Real. For sure.

3.When do you put up the tree? Black Friday. (The day after Thanksgiving)

4.When do you take the tree down? The day after New Years.

5.Do you like Eggnog? mmmmm eggnog! (thats a yes in case you didn't catch that!)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My bunk bed, or my bike. then when I got older we had a Christmas where my mom gave away heirlooms. that was pretty cool.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Steve. or Daddy. or both.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Kids. any kids.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.

10.Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. You can't very easily hang an email by your doorway!

11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? hmmm. Can't think of one.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Hands down.

13.When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually sometime in December. (I'm the worlds biggest procrastinator!)

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Hmm. Cinnamon treats. and Banana Cream Pie with whipped cream!

16. White or colored lights on the tree? I prefer white, but I don't think color looks bad.

17 .Favorite Christmas song? "Mary, Did You Know" and "Breath of Heaven". I also really like "Candlelight Carol." And pretty much any Christmas music by Mannheim. (you can't ask me about music and get just one answer!)

18 .Travel at Christmas or stay home? I don't need to travel far 'cause all my family is here!

19.Can you name all Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph, and Olive. (That lase one was just fore Steve! Can you figure out where it comes from??)

20. Angel on the tree top or Star? I grew up with an Angel, but my tree will have a Silver Star this year!

21.Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? One of Christmas Eve (Jammies) the rest on Christmas Morning.

22.Most annoying thing about this time of year? Scrooges.

23. Favorite ornament? Thats a tough one. I have two favorites- one from my mom thats a silver-white-ish heart with red and silver rhinestones with a really pretty red ribbon. the other we got for our wedding- it's a silver snowflake with our names and anniversary engraved on it.

24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Roast and potatoes, rolls, gravy, corn, and of course eggnog. mmmmmmmmmmmm

25. Favorite Christmas cocktail? can't say. I've never had a cocktail!

26.What do you want for Christmas this year? To be able to give my kids a good Christmas!

27.What don't you want for Christmas this year? Ditto to what Karla said: to gain weight

28. What is something you have never done that you want to do for Christmas? Hmmm. I think Disneyland would be super fun, but then I wouldn't get to be with my family.

29.Who is the most likely to respond to this? Flee.

30.Who is least likely to respond? The ones that I don't tag!

Who do you tag:

Flee
Emmy
September
Stace
Jenn

It's CHRISTMAS time!!

Working girl . . .

I'm sitting here at work, being bored out of my mind because I haven't done any actual work in over 2 hours. I did manage to finish Breaking Dawn for about the 5th time though. I'm thinking I'm going to read the Harry Potter series again. I very much enjoy both the twilight and harry potter series because I can read them without having to think. Meaning it's really easy reading that gets me away from life for a while! I really go for the easy reads. Someday I will probably be more into the heavier and.or religious books, but for now, easy reads are my thing!

Things are going alright. Still on the look for a job for Steve! He has been working for my brother some though, which has been helpful!

Other than that things are pretty much the same! I'm going to write up some funny survey to start spreading around the fam and friends. I did this once a while ago back when these surveys were big in the email circuit. You know the kind I'm talking about, you'd get an email with a random questionnaire asking questions about your life. You'd read about the person who sent it to you, then you'd copy and paste it into a new message and replace the answers with your own!

gotta think of some random things . . . . hmmm . . . . I'll have to come back to that.

Well, ALAS! I think it's time for me to try and find something productive to do. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Thats all,

chelle

Feelings . . .

So, do you ever get that feeling that you are just not good enough? And you never will be? Like every time you turn around you're hurting someone you love?

I'm having that feeling today.

I am not perfect. Obviously. I really wish I was. Or that I was closer to perfection than I am. Really, I wonder why I do some of the things I do, and I have no answer, even for myself. I'm really having one of those "I'll never be good enough" days. (And I know what you're thinking flee, but I am, and I can't do anything about it. I just really have to get this off my chest.)

I've hurt people before. I know I have. But not quite in the way I have recently. (I'd rather not say exactly what happened) I have no way of really saying sorry enough to these people that I've hurt. It just wouldn't seem adequate enough. And besides, saying sorry isn't going to change what I've done. I don't know why I did it. really. It's very much not like me- not like I was raised. I am really having issues with this whole bi-polar thing lately. I know I can't blame my mistakes on that, and I'm not trying to, but it really has thrown a wrench into my life. I just can't seem to get back to myself- the myself that I used to be, once upon a time. The myself that wouldn't have even dreamed of doing some of the things I've done. And right now, it's not looking like I'll ever get back to that self.

I'm really not having a good day- if you couldn't tell. I usually try to be optimistic, but I can't seem to find that in me today. So, I'll be done soon, let me just say this: To those who I have hurt- you know who you are. I really am so so sorry. Words cannot express what I'm feeling. I beg for your forgiveness, even though I know I don't deserve it, and ask you to pray for me. Pray that I will- someday- pull it together and get back to 'myself' again.

I love you.

"You are the love of my life . . ." Hubby Tag

1. Where did you meet your husband? His best friend's mom was my piano teacher. She tried to set Steve up with my sister first!

2. How long did you date before you were married? We dated for a year before his mission, wrote all through his mission, then we were married 7 months after he got home from his mission- so just over 3 and a half years.

3. How long have you been married? We will have been married for 7 years January 17. (Steve had to correct me on that! Ack!!! I did my math wrong!)

4. What does he do that surprises you? he loves me.

5. What is his best feature? hmmm, his eyes are amazing!! yeah, his eyes. (and he has a cute hiney!)

6. What is his best quality? his compassion. he is so good.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? He calls me My-Chelle. Or just Chelle. (Although when he writes it, he spells it Chell. He drops the last 'e'. something that only he does! and I love it that way!) He is my Steve-hun

8. What is his favorite food? Del Taco. Hands down. He also really likes his mom's lasagna. mmmm. lasagna.

9. What is his favorite sport? DUH! Football. BYU Football to be precise. (I know, my heart still hurts from Saturday's game too. bummer!)

10. When and where was your first kiss? July 19, 2001 outside my apartment by UVU in Orem.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Just be together. We like to talk- whatever we're doing, we're usually talking about something.

12. Do you have any children? 2 Darling kiddies.

13. Does he have any hidden talents? Lots. One is he can set up any entertainment system about 10 different ways (he changes ours frequently.) I love it! He gets called all the time by peeps we know asking for help on how to set up their TV, or DVD, etc. Another one is he can make me laugh by saying just one word!! (inside joke!)

14. How old is he? He's 28. He's really gettin' up there!!

15. Who said I love you first? He did in his first letter he sent to me on his mission. He was also the first one to say it when he got home from his mission- on his parents porch saying good night! He's so cute!

16. What is his favorite music? Lots. He likes country mostly (which is funny 'cause before his mission he HATED country!) His favorite artist is Taylor Swift.

17. What do you admire most about him? There are some many things, but I think I the thing I admire most about him is his ability to forgive. especially me! He is incredible!

18. What is his favorite color? Blue

19. Will he read this? He's already read most of it!

20. Who do you tag? hmm, lets see I tag Mom, Emmy, Laura J. and Chelsea S. Have Fun!!

to bang or not to bang!

So, I finally did it. I finally cut my hair again, and got bangs. Lots and lots and lots of bangs. A little too many, but what can you do? They're already cut!! So here's some pictures of a few different styles. I need input on what looks best!!!

Here's my new Dark, angular, very bangy hair! I know, I look like I'm about 10 years old. Steve says I could join The Beatles. So here's Straight with Full Bangs.

Here's Straight with Parted Bangs

Here's Flipped with Full Bangs

and Flipped with Parted Bangs.

Curled with Full Bangs

Curled with Parted Bangs

and finally Half Up, Flipped with parted bangs.

So, now I'd like you to vote--tell me which one is your favorite, or which one you really don't care for, or which one just made you laugh. Whatever. I'd like some input!! :)

to recap: Here's the choices: Straight with Full Bangs, Straight with Parted Bangs, Flipped with Full Bangs, Flipped with Parted Bangs, Curled with Full Bangs, Curled with Parted Bangs, and then Half Up.

ooooo, I'm excited to see what everyone says!!!! comment comment comment comment!!!

Chelle's Family Pictures!

We finally got the results from the family pictures we took in September! There were some that were awesome, and some that were not so awesome! I've put a few of my favorite here so everyone can see how cute my family is!

My mommy and daddy! I really think this picture turned out awesome!!

Janice and Jennifer- or the girls as they are frequently called. (and, yes- they are twins if you couldn't tell!) My Jenni is named after this Jenny.

Emma

Brayden and Adam (Brady is camera shy!)

Kate (aka Kateus)

Truman

Jenny and Ethan

Mieka

Jan and Jenn and their kidlets! (all the grand kids are here!) Technically Steve and Adam are in this picture too. Joe-joe and Brady are sitting on Steve and Adams shoulders respectively)

The whole family! wow. There are a lot of us! 37 in all!

I am thankful for my family!

And thanks again Emmy, for setting this up!

Love you all!

~chelle

Tolerance

Stace posted a link to an article in the Meridian Magazine that I was very moved by. You can read the entire article by clicking HERE

Really, it's hard for me to not feel anger at what the 'no on prop 8' protesters did at the Los Angeles Temple recently, just as it is very difficult for me to not be angry at the people who sent white powder to the church office building and the Los Angeles Temple. **(see more below) This article however had a lot of very good points to it, one of my favorites was this:

"Tolerance is not agreement and should not be a one way street. However, we must still remain tolerant of those who are intolerant of us. "

Wow! I was taken aback! I loved that- Tolerance is not agreement. I've always liked the phrase 'agree to disagree' and this is what tolerance should be. We are not always going to agree with everything that goes on around us, but that doesn't mean those disagreements should lead to anger, contention, and worse. We fight for what we believe in, not against those who believe differently. It may seem like the same thing, but its not. Here's another blip from that article:

"We can only be disciples of Christ when we respond to adversity in a Christlike manner. To do less opens our actions to the influence of the adversary and hurts us even more."

Anyway, I'm glad Prop 8 passed. I'm glad there is still some people willing to stand up for what is right regardless of persecution. Thank you to all those who have dealt with whats going on in California. Thank you for staying true to your beliefs. Thank you for being so strong!

**As I stated above, there was an envelope with white powder mailed to the church office building/Salt Lake Temple, and the Los Angeles Temple a few days ago (it was originally reported the church office building, then later reported as the Salt Lake Temple.) You can hear and read KSL's story by clicking HERE. This bothers me for a number of reasons- the obvious one being they were mailed to the Headquarters of the church, and a Temple of the Lord. The less obvious one is this- my sister works at the church office building. I realized that if anything were ever to happen there, ie an attack of sorts, she could be at risk! This scared me a little. I called her the night the story originally aired and we talked for a bit. I felt better after talking to her, but still, I am worried by it! I do believe, though, that no righteous man or woman will be taken before their time.

Anyway. I'll get off my soapbox now! I would highly recommend reading the article from Meridian though. It is very good. I hope I can be more like the man that wrote it!

Have a wonderful day all!!
Peace out!

chelle

Time for some optimism!!!

With the world the way it is today, it seems everywhere I turn I'm hearing something negative! It's really getting on my nerves! So today, I dedicate this post to optimism and positivity! (is that a word??) so here goes . . . "I know it seems hard sometimes, but remember one thing, through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, keep your chest out, keep your head up and handle it."
~Tupac

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
~Thomas Alva Edison

"Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up"
~Jesse Jackson
(he was bound to say something good . . .eventually!)

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace"
~Unknown "There are two great days in a person's life - the day we are born and the day we discover why." ~William Barclay

"The person who says it can't be done is interrupted by the person who is doing it."
~Anonymous

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."
~Albert Einstein

And mom, these last two quotes are especially for you!!

"I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing."
~Agatha Christie

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
~Churchill (I've got to get me a shirt like that! And I totally think they should bring that stamp back too!!)

Life is interesting! It may not always work out the way we want it to, but hey- we couldn't enjoy the happiness if we never had to endure the sorrow! (profound, I know!) So to all you fellow bloggers out there I say:

Have a wonderful day! And see the beauty in everything!

I love you all!

~Chelle

Its the most wonderful time . . .

. . . of the year!!!! Yes, thats right!!! It's coming up on Christmas time, and for those of you who don't live with me- I start listening to Christmas music really early!!! I love Christmas music!! I get such a great feeling listening to it!! So, after searching for quite a while, I finally found a bunch of Christmas songs for my playlist, so while you read my next post, enjoy some great Christmas music!!!

Oh, and if you've never heard 'The 12 Days After Christmas' you should listen to it! It's hillaritous!!! The copy playing here isn't the best one, but it works!!

later!

Today is such a special day . . .

Who knows what today is?????? Anybody? Anybody?

AAAAnnnnyyyyybbbboooooddddyyyy????????

Today is Flee's birthday!!!! YAY for FLEE!!! So, I know I did a post very similar to this in September (for Emmy's birthday), but hey- there are only so many ways to do a birthday post so here goes!!!!

Happy birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Flee,
Happy Birthday to you!

This month is such a special one
its birthday time for you!
We'd really like to celebrate
your happy day with you!
Zip-a-dee-ay and heigh-dee-ho
here's something we can do
We'll sing a song that we all know-
Happy Birthday- To YOU!!!

Happy happy birthday Felicia dear,

happy days will come to you all year

If I had one wish then it would be

a happy happy birthday to you from me!

You say happy,

I say birthday

Happy - - Birthday

Happy - - Birthday

(Steve thought of that one!)

You've had a birthday shout HOORAY
I'd like to sing to you today!
One year older and wiser too!
Happy birthday - - - to you!

Have a very happy birthday

filled with sunshine every where

may the year bring joy and gladness

and the love of friends who care

Flee, happy birthday!!! I can't even begin to tell you how much you mean to me!!! I would be so lost without you!! I am so very thankful that your 'rents and my 'rents were neighbors 40 years ago in New York! The memories we have are priceless, and I look forward to years and years of more happy memories! Thanks for being my BFF!!!! Love you forever!!!

~Moosh

41 Years and counting . . .

Today my parents have been married for 41 years!!! In this day and age that is quite unheard of, and I see it as a HUGE accomplishment!!! My parents are two of the most wonderful people you could ever meet! They are both so generous and selfless. They have been such amazing examples to me in my life- in so many ways! I can't even begin to put in words how I feel about them, and how grateful I am for how much they have done for me. There really just are no words . . .


So today, I dedicate this post to them- Mommy and Daddy I love you with all of my heart! You are so good, and the Light of Christ shines through you both. I am forever in your debt- and I hope and pray that one day my children will feel about me and Steve the same way I feel about you two. I love you.

Mommy and Daddy, How far do you think I'll go?

Mommy and Daddy, how much do you think I'll grow?

You've helped me reach the stars when I've shot for the moon,

And I know I grew up way too soon.

But know that in my heart I will forever be
Your baby girl

love you,

Michelle