tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53479437719061706612012-01-25T23:48:41.813-07:00Not So UsualEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.comBlogger8731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-73143503045498672852012-01-22T21:34:00.002-07:002012-01-22T21:34:41.234-07:00Another Great QuoteEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-34888467132798956902012-01-22T20:47:00.000-07:002012-01-22T20:47:41.912-07:00We Are Spiritual BeingsThis is one of my favorite quotes. It's by French Philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-50305281735363392312012-01-21T10:33:00.006-07:002012-01-21T10:42:30.600-07:00To My Daughter on Her 12th Birthday
Dear Daughter,
I unexpectedly felt a little emotional this morning while getting things ready to celebrate your day. I thought about the day that you were born and the emotions I had about having a daughter. I looked forward to the times when I would get to dress you in pretty dresses and do your hair all cute with little bows. I anticipated the times that I'd snuggle with you to read EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-66684412773083804772012-01-16T10:31:00.000-07:002012-01-16T10:31:32.566-07:00Age"Age doesn't matter" is a phrase one often hears in the world of dating. And I suppose that's true for the most part, assuming you're not trying to pull a Mary Kay Letourneau. Also, the words "barely legal" shouldn't excite you; seriously.
As far as dating goes, I do have some age preferences, although the only hard-fast rule regarding age is that the dude must be closer to my age than that EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-48190951849724158992012-01-15T20:32:00.002-07:002012-01-15T20:36:55.786-07:00In Tune: Beatbox & BagpipesMelikey... I think this is kinda cool.
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-2819604347620315802012-01-14T10:38:00.000-07:002012-01-14T10:38:08.460-07:00MeetingsLast Wednesday night...
Me: I'll be home a little late; I've got a meeting after my class.
Oldest Son: Meeting? //raises eyebrows, evil grin// What's that code for?
HA!EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-84923624200122932052012-01-12T22:42:00.003-07:002012-01-12T22:43:24.202-07:00If Only...EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-3188241779268361172012-01-12T18:04:00.001-07:002012-01-12T18:05:16.303-07:00Find a Guy...Added this to my collection of Quotes today. Good advice.
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-82510124701104642502012-01-03T01:00:00.000-07:002012-01-03T01:00:03.395-07:00New BeginningsAs we round the bend into a new calendar year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the things we've accomplished this past year and the things we look forward to achieving in this new year.
Last year when the clock moved us forward from 2010 to 2011, I had a few goals I wanted to pursue.
At that time, it was 7 months post the "Big-D & Emma Finale" and I hadn't really moved forward EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-37550953261884357072012-01-02T10:34:00.001-07:002012-01-02T10:34:29.557-07:00All's Fair in Love & Board GamesTypically on New Year's Eve, my kids will attend parties, and about every other year I let them have their sleepover/party here. When it's at our house I let them bang pots and pans and run through the streets at midnight yelling "Happy New Year!" But I only let them do this for about a minute and then they have to come back inside before the neighbors start calling the po-po. Hehe.
Then on EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-85392471893107210072011-12-31T00:28:00.000-07:002011-12-31T00:28:59.302-07:00Miller Parties Rawk!In less than 10 hours I will be chillin' with my peeps.
By "chilling" I mean attending my niece's baptism and by "my peeps" I mean my family. But AFTER the be-on-your-best-behavior-and-wear-Sunday-clothes ceremony, we plan to par-tay. For reals. It's the Annual Miller Christmas Party: Utah Segment. I say that because our family Christmas party usually takes place in three installments, at EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-72461697640508242372011-12-29T17:17:00.000-07:002011-12-29T17:17:38.360-07:00Christmas 2011Visiting Santa...
Christmas Eve...
Snacks for Prime Movie Watching on Christmas Eve...
Christmas Morning...
The Loot...
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-10070046437672794732011-12-26T13:30:00.000-07:002011-12-26T13:30:48.873-07:00I Was a Handful (Who Knew, Right?)I don't know why I thought of this today, but the memory brought a smile to my face, so I figured I'd blog about it.
I am the second of seven children. One might think when I came along things were still pretty easy for my mom. Wrong. I was a colicky baby, only happy if I was held or given a bottle, or better yet -- both! Although I eventually grew out of the colic, apparently I was a bit ofEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-19697823537333947082011-12-26T08:39:00.000-07:002011-12-26T08:39:00.479-07:00Holiday TreatsNo doubt we all have some favorite treats around the holidays. Here are a three of mine and it's not too late to try them, because they are great for New Year's too!
No-Bake Cookies {{Click for recipe}}
Monkey Bread {{Click for recipe}}
Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts {{Click for recipe}}
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-64209536561516856422011-12-25T09:34:00.000-07:002011-12-25T09:34:44.053-07:00Merry Christmas!Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas day! EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-80869321294277760882011-12-24T17:40:00.001-07:002011-12-24T17:43:54.990-07:00Christmas, Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve-EveThis year my kids will be at their dad's for Christmas. So I decided a few weeks ago that we would have our Christmas on Christmas Eve. Of course, this meant we'd have to do our Christmas Eve stuff on Christmas Eve-Eve. :)
Last night we did our annual reading of the Christmas Nativity Story, then the kids opened their new PJs. Well, truth be told the didn't really "open" their PJs. In fact EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-70296635021131171242011-12-23T22:15:00.000-07:002011-12-23T22:15:29.938-07:00News Flash: Some Girls are DramaticSo my 17 year-old son just "informed" me there are some teenage girls who are a little dramatic.
Um.... ya think? EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-72009262180495950942011-12-22T00:22:00.001-07:002011-12-22T00:23:36.936-07:00Half-Ounce ChristmasWho says Christmas can't come in small packages?
Three of my favorite things come together to make this little nugget of Christmas melt in your mouth. Ghirardelli Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice and Caramel. I just sampled a piece and I am in a whole new world of Winter Wonderland. Not.Even.Kidding. For reals -- you should try one. Better yet -- go get yourself a bag and let's split it!
EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-42809161826258703302011-12-21T08:00:00.016-07:002011-12-21T08:00:06.784-07:00Christmas Traditions, Part ThreeOk - the final chapter to the Christmas Traditions post is finally here. These are traditions I have initiated since becoming an adult and having my own kidlets. Once again - in no particular order...
The Tree. Maybe it was because we always had a little tree growing up and the same decorations year after year, but it's been MY tradition to have a "different" tree each year. The first year EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-32255106677020964602011-12-19T08:00:00.001-07:002011-12-19T08:24:44.577-07:00Christmas Traditions, Part TwoI've already mentioned the traditions my Mom made part of our Christmases growing up (see {{HERE}} if you missed it). So, today, I am going to share the traditions from my father's side.
If you've read any of my blog posts over the last few years, you already know my father was raised Amish. In fact, you probably get sick of me saying it over and over and over. But it was part of my EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-68125250389234066192011-12-17T22:05:00.003-07:002011-12-18T01:54:55.717-07:00Christmas Traditions, Part OneWhen I was little I loved Christmas for many, many reasons. As I mentioned {{HERE}} we only received one gift each year. Suffice it to say, that while I cherished that one gift each year, that wasn't the reason I loved Christmas. Looking back, it's the things we did as a family -- the traditions my mother incorporated into our Christmas that made me look forward to that magical time of year EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-77812675166944655002011-12-15T18:08:00.001-07:002011-12-15T18:09:10.729-07:00'Twas the 24 Nights Before ChristmasI don't know about you -- but I'm tired!
Between finals, rehearsals, kids' school programs, holiday shows, church visits, Christmas parties and my birthday, I've had something going every single night since December 1st. I've been so exhausted lately, I even had a dream last night that I was so exhausted I needed a nap. In my dream I was driving but couldn't keep my eyes open anymore, so EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-43089724262351263622011-12-14T08:20:00.001-07:002011-12-17T22:28:24.399-07:00Christmas NerdsMy father, who because of his Amish upbringing didn't go to high school, always worked long hours and overtime whenever possible so that my mother could stay at home and raise us 7 kidlets. (He did go back and get his GED later in life though - Go Dad!) My father is one of the hardest working men I know. (Guess he learned something from years of getting up early to do chores.) In addition to EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-60314620065524570252011-12-13T09:45:00.003-07:002011-12-13T09:48:24.404-07:00'Twas the Night Before a Crafter's Christmas'Twas the night before Christmas, I was glued to the tree
Wonderin' what Santa would bring just for me;
"Would it be cardstock or chipboard or would it be lace?
Or a Cricut!" I said with a smile on my face.
And that's when I heard him. "Hi Santa," I said.
"You know good little girls should be in their beds."
"I know I should Santa. And now I've been caught --
but I was excited to see you,EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-33303173313051586162011-12-10T19:19:00.001-07:002011-12-11T08:27:02.610-07:00My Favorite Things: Wish ListRaindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper packages tied up with strings, these are a few of my favorite things...
The song made popular by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music is among favorites at Christmas Time. About 10 years ago, Oprah started having "My Favorite Things" episodes around the Holidays and audience members would win EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-31962583176179541192011-12-08T10:40:00.002-07:002011-12-08T10:49:39.885-07:00Christmas SpiritWhat is it, exactly?
Some might define the "Christmas Spirit" as the feelings of joy one gets from the holiday music or the rush they get from the hustle and bustle of trimming the tree, hanging the stockings, shopping for the perfect gifts, attending the best holiday parties, or baking the best-ever pumpkin pie. And while those things can surely bring Holiday Cheer, the Spirit of Christmas EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-44168248537944209002011-12-06T09:23:00.001-07:002011-12-06T10:29:46.987-07:00StumpsSo, last week we had a horrible wind storm. The 70 mph winds they predicted actually came in between 80-112 mph last Thursday. Category 2 Hurricane-like winds. Not everyone in the valley got hit hard, but Davis County did, and especially South Davis County, where I live.
We were without power and heat, and unlike some of my neighbors who went without for 55 hours, I was only out of power EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-22513022644455770102011-11-30T23:00:00.001-07:002011-12-11T08:43:46.418-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Thirty
I am grateful for Tender Mercies.
Much of what I have already described in the past 30 days can easily fall into the category of "tender mercies" -- someone calling you right when you need a friend, enjoying the beauty of the earth, getting a feeling or prompting to do something, hearing your favorite song at just the right time, or someone saying something you just might need to hear at that EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-29080093967361122672011-11-29T20:05:00.000-07:002011-11-29T20:05:46.389-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Nine
I am grateful for kindred spirits.
I know I have mentioned in the past that I am grateful for good friends and neighbors. And I truly mean that; I have the best friends and neighbors in the world. They watch out for me and care about me, and I have been the recipient of service and good works so many times I know that I can never repay them.
But I also have some people in my life that I EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-13015260434870945322011-11-28T17:54:00.001-07:002011-11-28T17:56:03.422-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Eight
Today I am grateful for the beauty of the Earth. Seriously.
I love that back home I can drive through the rolling hills of tree-lined streets and winding roads that hug enormous lakes glistening in the sun. Out here in Utah I get to drive through and near the mountains. I enjoy the scenery of the setting of the sun (and if I ever get up early enough perhaps the rising of it too). I like the EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-65965289359655170282011-11-27T15:41:00.000-07:002011-11-27T15:41:16.007-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Seven
Today I am grateful for church.
I know there are many who don't believe in organized religion. But for me -- I am grateful to have a place of worship to attend on Sundays. I enjoy going and fellowshipping with like-minded friends and neighbors.
But more importantly, there are times when I feel a bit "empty" or "drained" from the week, or perhaps I am struggling with a certain trial. EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-17933204890771857152011-11-26T11:38:00.000-07:002011-11-26T11:38:43.020-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Six
Today I am grateful for the peaceful, quiet moments.
Although I enjoy being around my friends and family, I also enjoy the quiet moments wherein I can be alone with my thoughts. The littlest things, from taking a car drive, running the vacuum and drowning out all other distractions, or soaking in the tub, to spending the weekend up at my friend's cabin, taking a little vacation by myself...EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-26931243428091490662011-11-25T11:34:00.000-07:002011-11-26T11:39:18.438-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-FiveToday I am grateful for my immediate family -- for parents who taught me the most valuable lessons in life and to have never-ending faith and for siblings who crack me up, impress me with their achievements and who "get" me, or at least tolerate me. Most of all, I am grateful for their love, support and their belief in me.
I am grateful for my family.
I bet you will never guess which one is meEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-51725875686198144482011-11-24T10:43:00.000-07:002011-11-24T10:43:03.881-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-FourI am grateful to be a mom.
I spent the last three days expressing gratitude for each of my children, so while this may seem a bit redundant, I still feel the need to express that I am grateful to be a mom.
As far back as I can remember, I loved playing "house" when I was a little girl. What little girl doesn't? I think as most little girls play with their dolls (their "babies") they dream of EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-57941786318504040742011-11-23T15:55:00.003-07:002011-11-24T10:16:47.136-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-ThreeI am grateful for my daughter.
Like the boys, labor and delivery with her was a bit scary and she also had cord issues. So, no doubt I was relieved once it was all said and done and she was safe and sound in my arms.
Ever since she could scream and mumble, we pretty much always knew what this little girl was thinking and what she wanted. She is one of those people that knows what she wants EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-35987014105572458532011-11-22T09:40:00.002-07:002011-11-22T09:43:56.071-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-Two
I am grateful for my middle child -- "LittleDuckling".
When I was ready to have another baby, I was excited at how easily I became pregnant. My second pregnancy wasn't nearly as bad as the first, although toward the end I was sick all the time and I had gall bladder disease that went undiagnosed until about 5 weeks after he was born. Labor and delivery however, was just as hard as with the EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-84277565967588528522011-11-21T09:04:00.000-07:002011-11-22T09:19:30.735-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty-OneI am grateful for my oldest son-- "FunnyMan".
I remember when he was born... it was not an easy pregnancy and the labor was no different. Being an inexperienced 19 year-old mom was probably a good thing; I had no other pregnancies to compare it to so I really didn't grasp the danger he was in. I was hospitalized three different times in the first trimester and on partial bed-rest during the EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-66044618404256464012011-11-20T08:33:00.000-07:002011-11-20T08:33:28.168-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twenty
I am grateful for prayer.
From as early as I can remember we had regular prayer in my home. My parents taught us the importance of giving thanks for our blessings as well as asking for things that we were in need of and in some cases our deepest desires. I am a believer that the Lord answers our prayers in one form or another, even if it is not the answer we are hoping for. I also believe EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-41433593564432846482011-11-19T11:53:00.000-07:002011-11-19T11:53:03.019-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day NineteenI am grateful for sleep.
I guess we always want what we never seem to have, and sleeping doesn't come easily to me. That being said, I am exhausted and am ready for a nap.
I am soooo grateful for sleep!EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-82800006976367383722011-11-18T07:00:00.000-07:002011-11-18T07:00:04.844-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Eighteen
I am grateful that I get to wear jeans to work sometimes.
For the most part, I enjoy dressing for work. I wear skirts more often than slacks and stockings/hose don't seem to bother me. I also feel more feminine in a skirt than I do slacks, which I like. But every once in a while, I miss being able to wear jeans on a daily basis too. So, on occasion when it's a short work week or what have EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-42796595182281318882011-11-17T21:44:00.002-07:002011-11-17T21:53:25.409-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Seventeen
I am grateful for art.
If I had the money and the space, no doubt I'd buy a few really nice pieces of artwork. Sometimes, just looking at a piece of beautiful artwork, whether it be a painting, a sketch, a sculpture or a photograph, can bring a feeling of peace or inspiration.
Here is just one of my favorite paintings (which I don't have yet - but one day).
Van Gogh's "Flower Beds in EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-64388429637733372432011-11-16T23:32:00.000-07:002011-11-16T23:32:32.713-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Sixteen
Today I am grateful for talents.
Each of us were born with certain gifts and talents. Typically we discover our talents as we experiment and try new things. The things we seems to have a natural appreciation for or a natural "knack" for -- those are the gifts we must work and grow into talents. I am grateful that many of my family and friends and YOU have shared your talents with me EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-81203744119749214272011-11-15T21:39:00.000-07:002011-11-15T21:39:49.431-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Fifteen
I am grateful for vacations...
...and even sometimes STAYcations. I love taking road trips to visit family, heading to the beach, or camping, or flying to a new destination, or even driving up to the cabin for a long weekend. While seeing new things and visiting new places can be exciting, I also enjoy little mini-vacations/staycations of "nothing"... just me chilling out and sleeping in as EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-83842884224833714662011-11-14T23:19:00.000-07:002011-11-14T23:19:01.410-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Fourteen
I am grateful when my children get along with each other. 'Nuff said. :)EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-70970901236473625322011-11-13T10:36:00.000-07:002011-11-13T10:36:38.104-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Thirteen
I am grateful for Repentance.
True, I was a pretty straight-laced kid-- no drinking, no smoking, no sex, etc. I tried to be a good daughter-- no arguing, no talking back, cleaning my room, helping around the house, etc. I had this strong desire as a kid and as a teenager to "be good". And for the most part, I think I fared out pretty well, though I certainly had my flaws. As an adult I've EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-89051258533554448352011-11-12T11:51:00.000-07:002011-11-12T11:51:19.922-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Twelve
Today I am grateful for cleanliness.
Truth be told, I hate cleaning. I have so little energy by the time I get home from work, school and the gym, that cleaning is the last thing I want to do. Funny thing is, it doesn't go away. The mess just waits for me.
The kids have their chores and the things they know they are to do, but lets' be honest... I didn't always do my chores voluntarily EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-42967879271574691462011-11-11T09:29:00.001-07:002011-11-11T09:31:30.464-07:00If This Gets Out...A few nights ago I was chatting online with a friend. He indicated that I should probably go look outside on my front porch. I was already in my PJs so I sent PrettyPrettyPrincess to check it out.
She comes back with a video game and asks, "Is this for [one of the boys]?"
I laughed and said, "Nope. It's for me." And then I really started to laugh because A) I wasn't expecting him to bring EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-12749629553548535742011-11-11T08:58:00.001-07:002011-11-11T10:36:04.047-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day ElevenI am grateful for games.
I love games. While I enjoy ice breakers and group games, I enjoy board games too. Every once in a while my kids and I will drag some of the board games out. Some of their my favorites are:
Apples to Apples
Mad Gab
Scattergories
iMAgiNiff
Would You Rather...?
Qwirkle
Rollick
Each year for Christmas I try to find a new game or two to put under the tree. Any EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-85396705479960605242011-11-10T08:47:00.002-07:002011-11-10T10:01:49.077-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Ten
Today I am sort of sick of school, so I decided I better find some gratitude for it.
When I started back two years ago, I wasn't sure how long it was going to take me. And so far, it's taking a while, which is what I sort of expected. Honestly, I was a wee bit scared of some of the classes I'd have to take, like Biology, Political Science or any other course that wasn't "easy" for me.
Maybe EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-21533346896921569782011-11-09T00:01:00.000-07:002011-11-09T00:01:00.485-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Nine
I am grateful for exercise.
When I was in college (the first go-round, hehe) I used to run on campus all the time. I loved it. Of course, I lived in Hawaii and there was something about the trade winds blowing against my skin, and the salty air breathing through my pores that made it a bit addicting. Anyway, I loved the way I felt, and I was in fairly decent shape.
Fast forward through EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-78852653658174207502011-11-08T07:47:00.000-07:002011-11-08T07:47:43.590-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Eight
Today, being Election Day, I thought it would be a little apropos to express that I am grateful for my right to vote.
Not only do we have a right to vote because of the freedoms our forefathers fought for this nation, but as a woman I have the right to cast my political beliefs through voting. To me, voting is more than a civic duty or a "right"; it is a privilege as I realize that there are EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-26021084901789152672011-11-07T22:00:00.000-07:002011-11-08T00:44:09.827-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Seven
I am grateful my mother taught me that I can do hard things.
Sometimes, especially in the midst of any given trial, it's easy to wallow - to think, "Why me?", "Why now?" or "What did I do to deserve this?" And even though our trials may not be easy or seem fair or come at a covenient time, I do believe that they provide us opportunity for growth and development. I know I've said it before, EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-47424866305981374072011-11-06T17:43:00.000-07:002011-11-06T17:43:14.911-07:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Six
I am grateful for healing foods.
It was sort of ironic to me that after I posted yesterday about feeling better after having a migraine for three days, I ended up getting sick last night, violent retching included. Bleh. Not.A.Fan.
I slept most of the day today, as much as I could and finally getting up enough courage to eat a little. I remember growing up, my mom would give us herbal tea EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-55350589992547856572011-11-05T12:59:00.000-06:002011-11-05T12:59:12.274-06:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Five
I am grateful for modern-day medicine.
There are lots of really cool diagnoses made through modern-day medicine, many of them very rare. I think back to the "olden days", when people were sick and no one knew why; it was all they could do to sit back and watch someone suffer and possibly even die. Luckily, I don't have any serious life-threatening diseases, but I am truly grateful for the EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-49653610833159555622011-11-04T08:29:00.000-06:002011-11-04T08:29:14.652-06:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Four
I am grateful for my boss.
And no, this isn't me kissing up. (I made her a pie for that, hehe.) But I am grateful that my boss has been able to work with me on my schedule so I can fit school in the mix. It means coming in late to work a couple days per week, but she also knows that if she needs extra help on a file that she can ask me. Like any healthy relationship, our working EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-65034428893480187652011-11-03T11:50:00.000-06:002011-11-03T11:50:43.654-06:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Three
Today I am grateful for laughter.
I am grateful that I can laugh at myself and laugh with others. As cliche as it is -- sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine. I have had the best (albeit extremely late) nights just talking and laughing with friends. Or sometimes a funny email, clever book or hilarious movie triggers a good hearty laugh and instantly, my day is better.
Laughter EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-57470793453558189982011-11-02T01:44:00.001-06:002011-11-03T12:01:26.912-06:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day Two
I am grateful for my friends.
I know that I would not have been able to endure the trials I have endured as "easily" as I have if I didn't have the wonderful and fabulous friends that I do. Great listeners, great shoulders to cry on, great company to laugh with and great conversation.
True friends don't care that I am too busy with school to call or text every day. We can go days, weeks, EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-57453200883597110272011-11-01T23:59:00.001-06:002011-11-03T12:00:37.670-06:0030 Days of Gratitude: Day One
Today I am grateful to be in school.
I am grateful for the opportunity to go back and finish what I started so long ago. Sometimes I feel like it's going to take forever before I am done. But then I look back and see how far I've come and gratitude fills me.
I am grateful for education.EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-41920564134568072702011-10-31T20:13:00.000-06:002011-10-31T20:13:59.723-06:00Halloween 2011Ok -- I already gave you a sneak-peek at PrettyPrettyPrincess' "Storm" costume a few days ago, so I will gloss over her a bit in this post.
Funnyman decided that since this is his senior year of high school it's his last official year as a "kid" and he too wanted to go trick-or-treating. He is going under the guise of taking his little sister. Right - Whatever! We all know that he wants some EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-5354782004910090932011-10-30T02:00:00.005-06:002011-10-30T02:00:07.102-06:00Sunday Sentiments: Daughters of a KingI had this idea for a video project when I served for the Young Women at church about 5 years ago. We had a talented filmmaker in the neighborhood and after telling him my vision for the project, he came up with this awesome video. We then showed the video at a dinner for the girls and their parents.
Many of these girls have graduated and married already. The youngest of the group are now inEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-2653519282214866762011-10-29T12:25:00.001-06:002011-10-29T12:26:15.520-06:00The Belated Swiss Days PostI have been meaning to post about this for a while and then forgot all about it.
There are all sorts of Festivals throughout our state all summer long. One of these happens to be Swiss Days in the little town of Midway. In case you didn't know, many of the little towns in Utah were settled by Swiss Immigrants. Midway is one of them.
One of the things that makes this festival so popular is EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-71294904045589903192011-10-28T07:00:00.002-06:002011-10-28T07:00:02.125-06:00Ring Around the Rosey My FingerFrom May to October of this year I have known 8 brides. A lot, I know. Friends, family, colleagues, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, etc. Lots of weddings, lots of brides and lots of bling! They all had very unique rings too, mostly designed themselves. I thought that was pretty cool.
When I got married (the 1st time, hehe) we were poor college students and it was more about, "What can EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-56114758555384437362011-10-27T09:29:00.002-06:002011-10-27T09:31:39.914-06:00Halloween StormOk - so this is Halle Berry as "Storm" from the X-Men movies. (I think this is from the 2nd one?)
Black outfit, black gloves, silver cape, silvery-white wispy hair.
In case you weren't aware, Storm's superhero ability is control over the weather. I thought my daughter would like to be her for Halloween since she loves the weather. (Seriously. She's been watching the Weather Channel since EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-47503414462715499072011-10-24T21:45:00.001-06:002011-10-24T22:10:20.076-06:00Apparently, I'm a Cruise DirectorRecently I attended a 3-day conference. There were going to be tons of people there; tons of single people around my age that I didn't know. The mere thought of it gave me anxiety. Meeting new people... [Gulp] SCAAAARY.
I remember when I first went to an event for singles. It was this past January. It was a religion class (for mid-singles, ages 31-45) held at a church, with a mixer EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-60942845315481565072011-10-22T10:31:00.000-06:002011-10-22T10:31:45.615-06:00Saturday ScutworkGym - Check.
Clean Kitchen - in progress
Laundry - in progress
Enslave child in yard work - in progress
Nap - Can't wait!
Buy Pumpkins - after lunch
Head down to my sister's annual Pumpkin Dinner Party - w00t!
[Possibly late night movie?] - TBD
What are your plans today?EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-45523294334180861592011-10-22T00:37:00.000-06:002011-10-22T00:37:00.033-06:00I've Decided......I am going to be famous.
Not like international rock-star fame, or anything like that. But, I've decided that I am going to become known, because I am a writer and I am going to get published.
I don't care how many rejections I get or how long it takes, I NEED to get published -- and not, like, SELF-Published. Like for REAL published. And I will make money from writing and from getting EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-76537432830661114592011-10-17T20:14:00.006-06:002011-10-17T21:55:18.411-06:00Guys I Seem to Attract1) Guys who only care about big boobs2) Latinos3) Old4) Blacks5) Disabled6) Asians7) Weird, Creepy, etc8) Unemployed9) Guys who only care about big boobsThere, I said it. And it's true. It's not that I am against Latinos, Asians or Blacks. I mean, I had an interracial marriage for over 14 years (not that THAT worked out, hehe). Just saying that honestly, I tend to be more attracted to EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-17830124202302215152011-10-03T17:40:00.004-06:002011-10-03T17:49:51.079-06:00Headlines: Two-Fer Dates, Exploding Clay, New Relationships and More!FunnyMan ended up with 2 dates (sort of) for Homecoming this year. Pictures forthcoming.I have been go-go-gadget-going to meet a deadline this weekend. Well, the deadline is officially today, but I was able to submit my writing over the weekend. Fingers crossed for an accepted submission, but if not, then I'll chalk it up to experience.My ab muscle is on the mend. I've been doing 200 "soft" EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-8407225401482853592011-09-26T15:53:00.002-06:002011-09-26T15:58:38.061-06:00BehindLast week was a rough week. Not only have I had a lot on my mind but lack of sleep and a little trip to the ER didn't help either. Now I find myself behind; behind on housework, behind on homework, behind on emails and behind on just about anything I've got going. Hopefully I will be able to catch up this week.EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-25247045683535636532011-09-22T21:19:00.008-06:002011-09-22T22:21:44.720-06:00Let Her Rrrrrrip!Or maybe not. Ouch is right!I won't go into too many details, because I will actually gross myself out just talking about it. But here is how it went down. I was in a hurry the other morning and jumped from bed. Literally. I jumped OUT.OF.BED.As soon as I did, I felt this ripping action across my lower abdomen. (Picture in your mind ripping apart clothing at the seam. Yeah, it felt awesome EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-46638830637678806402011-09-21T07:00:00.001-06:002011-09-21T07:00:11.790-06:005 Random ThingsThe Challenge: Post 5 random facts about you that most people do not already know.This was hard for me because I am such an open book - especially here on the blog. And what I haven't shared here is, for the most part, stuff I consider too personal, even for me. Here is what I came up with:1) I have never driven a stick shift.2) If presented the choice between chocolate and cheese, I choose EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-6674358006198427152011-09-17T14:04:00.004-06:002011-09-17T14:20:32.965-06:00Dependent VariablesRecently someone told me my kids & I talk "funny". I was all, "funny?" She replied, "Yeah. Your kids say things other kids don't say."I guess I already knew this a little bit. I like words, I like learning new words and I like using the words I've learned. Certainly this has rubbed off on my kids. However, I blame my mother. I mean seriously, I never knew any of my friends' moms to say, "It EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-22893648661701158362011-09-13T22:26:00.006-06:002011-09-14T07:42:35.963-06:00I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!To make a very long story short, I joined a gym. Not just a typical gym - this is like a gym on steroids. I've never seen so many ways you can work out with tires before!The first time I went was Saturday. I knew I'd be sore afterwards. But it was worse than I expected. I spent the entire weekend stretching, icing and Aleving, eventually adding heat therapy too. They say 48 hours after is EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-13394668076822053682011-09-05T23:35:00.006-06:002011-09-06T00:51:37.131-06:00Emma & Em -- Who Knew?Growing up I knew no other Emmas, except my great aunt, for whom I was named. Emma simply wasn't popular. My parents had very old-fashioned and/or scriptural names for all 7 of us. While all of the other kids at school were Jenny, Amy, Angela, Jason, Julie, Matthew, and Megan, we were Naomi, Emma, Rachel, Samuel, Sarah, Enos and Ruth. We were born between the 70's and 80's. And it's true -- EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-76435832555014585282011-08-27T11:30:00.004-06:002011-08-27T12:01:45.091-06:00The MemoirI have always loved writing, as far back as I can remember. I enjoyed writing poems in grade school, but I liked writing stories even more.
I didn't ever think of writing something with the potential of others every reading it, though. I just wrote for my own enjoyment. It wasn't until I was in a high school creative writing class did my teacher really encourage me. She continued to say EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-48484133145879247232011-08-24T22:24:00.005-06:002011-08-24T22:48:22.936-06:00Reasons I Probably Would Not Go Out With YouYou're too young.You're too old.You're too short.You're too scrawny.You're too bulky.You have a comb-over, which means you are either A)Insecure B) In Denial C) You Rationalize D) You believe the myth that bald=old looking. (Hello! Have you SEEN Mr. Clean?) E) All of the above.You have bad breath.You use that "natural stone" deodorant and you think you don't need real deodorant (which is aEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-13043965073996990502011-08-22T06:00:00.000-06:002011-08-22T06:00:04.984-06:00The Beginning of an EndToday marks the beginning of an end of an era for each of my kids. It's the first day back to school.
FunnyMan is a Senior in High School.LittleDuckling is an 8th grader.PrettyPrettyPrincess is a 6th grader.
So -- they are each the "big cheese" on campus.
I am hoping that they will each do well this year and that we can get off on the right foot, starting the right habits. They each have theirEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-31414501468204214832011-08-21T09:32:00.005-06:002011-08-21T10:19:13.464-06:00Chalk the Walk TestimoniesI've had this picture in my phone since early June. Often when I go on my walk/run, I go up near the Bountiful LDS Temple. It's hilly, so I like the added workout I get. But it's also "safe" because it's not hiking in the mountains by myself. It's an extra wide paved sidewalk that hugs the wide and well-lit Bountiful Boulevard. That road also overlooks much of South Davis County, including EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-19324230005084821222011-08-19T10:00:00.000-06:002011-08-19T10:00:02.469-06:00Etsy Week: $10 Deals! (or less)Ok - since Christmas always seems to arrive before we know it, and since I assume many of you are on a budget like I am, I have decided to scour Etsy for items $10 or less. It wasn't easy, but here are some of the things I have found. These would make great little gifts for coworkers, friends, cousins or even as stocking stuffers!
Lanyards! When I worked in reservations for the Airlines, it EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-89579966011724132892011-08-18T18:37:00.012-06:002011-08-18T19:49:55.957-06:00Etsy Week: Hats!My kids love hats. I love finding cute, clever or fun hats for them in the winter. I don't knit or crochet, but I love the look of some of these. Check them out!
NJwithLove sells these cute hats for around $25. Who? you asked? NJwithLove, that's who!
This is my other favorite from her... Isn't is Tweet?
By the way, I've seen hats like these all over Etsy, ranging anywhere from $10 - $50. EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-52818584540139614862011-08-15T23:24:00.008-06:002011-08-17T09:26:47.919-06:00Etsy Week: Handbags!I LOVE LOVE LOVE handbags! Although you'd probably never know because I am not one to change out my handbag with every different outfit, etc. Nevertheless, I love them. Today I am going to show you my favorites I found during my handbag search on Etsy!
{{Ruffled Begonia}} is selling this handbag pattern for $6!!! I am getting a BIG case of the Gimmies right about now. I am completely and EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-12008663655511831912011-08-15T22:18:00.009-06:002011-08-15T23:18:06.849-06:00Etsy Week: Bookmarks!Do you Etsy?
I do. Not as often as I'd like. Mostly because I am always a little short in the fundage dept. Nevertheless, I love Etsy. For those who don't know, Etsy is basically an online boutique. It's a place for those who handcraft items to sell their products.
I love boutique shopping because I get lots of great ideas and a lot of times I can find inspiration to try my hand at EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-2535290281418213882011-07-30T08:53:00.006-06:002011-07-30T09:52:06.484-06:00Anxiety: Double the Pleasure, Double Fun!I have been having soooo much anxiety this past week. Haven't been sleeping really well, even if I go to bed "early". My thoughts have seemed un-focused, scattered, not "with it". This dull yet constant chest pain (which could also be a rib out of place). So I was trying to figure out "Why?"As my writing class is drawing to the end of the semester (w00t!) we are in the midst of "Finals". For EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-22250585799087409102011-07-28T22:56:00.009-06:002011-07-28T23:47:12.284-06:00I've Found the Perfect Wedding Dress!Ahh... love is in the air. Birds are chirping sweet love songs and soon wedding bells will be going off in the distance. But not for me. Nope. Not this time anyway.It is summer however - the season of weddings, or so it seems. Between work, church, old friends and new, it seems like everywhere I turn I am hearing about someone's wedding. The biggest hubub is usually about the dress.Some EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-14947546288256248172011-07-28T00:40:00.001-06:002011-07-28T00:20:06.381-06:00My Visit to the Upper NorthwestI alluded to my visit to the Oregon/Washington last month. For my FB friendsies -- this is probably a repeat. But, to offset my stressful week of finals, I wanted to focus on something happy. Traveling makes me happy. Traveling to visit my besties makes me even happier.Sidebar: If a web-log is "blog" for short, and a video log is a vlog, then is a pictoral log a Plog? Just sayin'.Without further EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-32312320265166274402011-07-27T08:05:00.002-06:002011-07-27T08:16:39.428-06:00I'll Take an Immediate Consequence PleaseI don't eat ice cream. I can count on 1 hand how many times this year I have eaten any at all. The last time I had a few scoops was over Memorial Day weekend, at my parents' house. It's not that I don't like it. It's that it makes me cough. Sometimes for hours even. I hate constantly trying to clear my throat and that coating is still there - bleh. (Which is why I don't drink milk either, EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-23356047396077131852011-07-25T12:59:00.005-06:002011-07-25T14:36:07.335-06:00I Am Not Into FantasyI haven't read the Twilight Series. [GASP!] I know, I know. I must be in the minority of the Female Population, especially the Female Mormon Population. That being said, I haven't ever read any of the Harry Potter books either. I haven't watched any of the movies for either as well. When my oldest was in third grade, the teacher was a Harry Potter fan and really pushed the kids to get into EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-73529160204921808392011-07-13T00:57:00.007-06:002011-07-13T01:25:34.571-06:00What I WishThis post isn't meant to solicit comments. This is merely an expression of what I am feeling at the moment. Sometimes crap happens. Sometimes I have odd or crazy or even sad dreams. Sometimes I can't sleep at night. Sometimes not sleeping at night has nothing to do with the former, but in the case of the latter it's just merely the fact that my brain is its own worse enemy and there are too EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-29542915017879880412011-07-09T22:21:00.005-06:002011-07-09T22:45:55.972-06:00Gratitude for Giving FriendsIn case I haven't said this enough, I have the best friends, family and neighbors. I really do. I have had more offers to help me replace my fridge than I ever even imagined. Within seconds of my pity-party post last week {{here}}, several of my friends had posted feelers on their FB wall on my behalf, looking for a replacement fridge for me. I had messages and texts and phone calls and lots EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-30464535154778277762011-07-08T00:02:00.005-06:002011-07-08T00:08:08.292-06:00My Son's Love Affair with EllieMy 17 year-old, FunnyMan is madly in love with this singer-songwriter from the UK. Knowing how much I enjoy this style of music, he talked me into giving her a go. This is one of my favorites... I love the message, "How wonderful life is, now that you're in the world." I hope you enjoy too!EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-27474597505271393232011-07-07T00:59:00.001-06:002011-07-07T01:01:51.626-06:00One of My HeroesI remember once when I was a kid my mom wrote me a note and said that I was a good example to her. I was shocked. I didn't think kids could possibly teach parents ANYTHING. Well, now that I am a parent, I know better. Today I am highlighting my fellow blogger and daughter, PrettyPrettyPrincess. She blogged about some of her heroes. You should totally check her out {{HERE}}She is one of MY EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-53598862130824620512011-07-06T00:15:00.002-06:002011-07-06T00:24:01.732-06:002 Books in ReviewDon't worry -- you won't find any spoilers here. I just wanted to let you know of 2 books I finished over the weekend. Anyone who knows me, knows that Sparks is one of my indulgences. Of course, with school and work, I only get to read a new Sparks book about once a year! :)If you're one of my FB friends, you already noticed I've gushed over "The Help". I've heard this book criticized for EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-29030470734547886972011-07-05T12:56:00.004-06:002011-07-05T13:23:26.498-06:00This FeelingDo you ever get that lump in your throat? You know... the one in which you try to hold back because you know it's brought on by the urge to cry? Yeah, that one. I don't even know why, suffice it to say I've just been feeling extremely overwhelmed for quite some time now; like it's been slowly brewing, and yet it's not even one thing really. At least not that I can pin point at the moment. EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-25936264503896810572011-06-21T22:23:00.007-06:002011-06-22T02:19:33.720-06:00To Be or Not To Be... Offended.I offended someone. Big surprise. Probably not the first time, and I am almost certain it won't be the last.I don't say that to be mean. I say it because it was bound to happen. Sooner or later we [probably] all say things that may offend someone else, even if it wasn't our intention. That's the case here. It was not my intent to offend. I didn't even know the other person was having a badEmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-13859728212118377642011-06-16T00:01:00.000-06:002011-06-16T00:01:00.605-06:00You Write the Caption!EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-40948919675275271672011-06-14T21:56:00.005-06:002011-06-14T22:40:57.693-06:00The AssignmentI have an assignment due in just a little over 2 weeks. It's to write a journalistic essay. Specifically, I am to go someplace or do something I've never gone or done before and then write a journalistic essay on it. Lots of ideas are spewing around up in the ol' noggin. I am sure when I find "it" -- the right project -- I'll know.I started off in the "invention" phase of my piece, EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-91546896775170385832011-06-13T18:38:00.002-06:002011-06-13T19:07:26.796-06:00Blog StalkingBlog Stalking: To read and/or follow someone's blog without leaving a comment or making it known you're following.If you're here, chances are, you've done it. You've stalked a blog or two in your day. No worries, I've stalked a few blogs myself. Ain't no shame. And lemme be the first to say, that if you've ever stalked my blog, why thanks. I simply love attention knowing that perhaps EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-43666417343406674092011-06-12T17:41:00.003-06:002011-06-12T18:11:47.785-06:00Summer FunI am not a fan of being overly warm. That being said, I still love summer! Summer is usually filled with fun things to do and fun places to go and fun people to see and this summer is no exception!We kicked our summer off by going to Nevada to visit my parents over Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, it was a freakishly cold weekend -- too cold for the pool or a visit to Lake Tahoe.This past EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-50932968585084695022011-06-07T14:34:00.006-06:002011-06-07T16:02:09.514-06:00Really? I mean, REALLY?Ok, in case I haven't mentioned this before, I dislike drama. I know you may find that hard to believe coming from someone, shall we say, "animated" like me. But it's true. I hate drama and confrontation and tend to avoid it at all costs. KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid is more my speed. In fact I've been known to stop hanging out with certain friends in the past because all they want to do is EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5347943771906170661.post-50202623898388512152011-06-06T12:39:00.002-06:002011-06-06T12:40:44.203-06:00Tribute to the Stars on FacebookThis cracks me up...EmmaPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13674416956252503821noreply@blogger.com2