Happy Thanksgiving

Here is a short list of some of the things I am thankful for this year, in no particular order.

1. My husband
2. BG
3. The gospel
4. A home
5. Secure jobs
6. Reliable transportation
7. Living close to my parents
8. Extended family
9. Friends
10. Blogging
11. Making new bloggy friends
12. Flannel lined pants
13. Professional opportunities
14. Jewelry
15. Sunsets
16. Fires (in the fireplace, not blazing out of control)
17. Cute shoes
18. Fun handbags
19. Animals
20. Homemade cheeseball
21. Good health
22. Financial stability
23. The miracle of the human body
24. Happy children
25. Primary songs
26. Jesus Christ
27. Modern technology
28. Telephones
29. Papa's goats
30. Christmas lights

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

The Duck Says..

Quack-a-whack.

Trust me, you don't want to disagree with a 2 year old on animal sounds. A duck does NOT say quack quack. A duck says Quack-a-whack. As an adult, you would think I should know this by now. Apparently, I don't.

Black Friday

Do any of you participate in this crazy, yet time-honored tradition? I do. Almost every year. Usually with my mom. We wake up long before the crack of dawn, blindly pull on some clothes, throw our hair back into ponytails, and venture out into the dark to snag some deals. When we arrive at our first destination, there is usually a HUGE line of other crazy women out hunting for deals. We wait patiently (or not) in line until the all important hour arrives, 4 am. Or sometimes 5, 6 if we are feeling really lazy. The store doors open and the mad rush begins.

All patience and kindness is out the window and it's every bleary-eyed shopper for herself. Mom and I have our list of "must haves" and rush to those items first. We forgo the carts because you are hard pressed to get one. Once we have managed all the Must-haves, we move on down the list. It is wise at this point to have someone get in line to check out because it will take a while. Last year my coed cousins came with us and stood in line while we continued our powershop. We eventually make it to the cash register, pay, then pack our treasures into the car. Then on to the next store! This truly is the "shop till you drop" day and ends with a nap sometime around noon.

Last year's shopping trip was cut short for me. I had to head home at 6am because my husband got sick. He ended up in the hospital having surgery later than day. Remember that fun?

This year I'm not sure if I will go, and here are my reasons why.
1- My mom is going to California for Thanksgiving and I'm losing my shopping partner.
2- For the first time in MANY years, I actually have to work that day. stupid hospital job...
3- I, like many people, am a bit concerned about our finances right now and fear I will overspend.

Despite all these reasons, I am still draw to the ads. I have spent far too much time today online searching our which stores are already posting their ads (Kohl's, Wal-Mart) and which ones are not (Target, Best Buy). I am still eager with anticipation of the shoppers high that is associated with the day. I get so excited looking at and picking gifts for family off the glossy ad pages. Maybe it's a good thing I have to work. It might just eliminate any desire for me, knowing I will have to work after shopping, do my hair, and wear something other than sweats.

Jewelry Giveaway

Mama Kat over at Mama's Losing It is doing a blog giveaway. And guess what the prize is? A pair of my handcrafted earrings! Be sure and stop by her blog to enter. All you have to do is visit my website, pick your favorite piece then leave a comment on her blog stating which piece is your favorite. Go check out her site to see the earrings the winner gets! See, so easy to enter and win. Go now!

Germany

While I have been home suffering from impending death (aka, the flu) The Man has been in Europe on a business trip. He traveled to at least four different countries on his trip. He sent me these pictures. I'm pretty sure they are all in Germany, but I can't be sure. Someday, we will go together and actually get to do the touristy, sight-seeing kinds of things. But for now, his work pays for him to go and he tries to scope out the places we would want to visit together.

Snowman

Ok, these pictures are really old, but I wanted to finally post them anyway. We got our first real snow of the year on Nov. 5. The roads were horrible so we opted to stay home and build a snowman instead. Only here can you build a snowman when your pumpkins are still on the porch!
I had to bribe her to kiss the snowman, but it made for a cute picture.
This is BG "helping". No, she isn't putting the smile on the snowman, she is eating the raisins that make the smile. The snowman ended up looking pretty unique with only half a smile.

The flu continues.

BG is finally starting to feel better. But now I have caught whatever she had. It's horrible. I'm guessing I will not be blogging too much in the next few days and I try to rest and rehydrate.

It seems like everyone I talk to is or have recently been sick. Have you been sick? Take the quiz on the side bar.

The Flu Sucks

*Warning! Graphic illness related stories ahead! Consider yourself warned.*

I've decided to officially name the ailment at our house the flu. BG woke up with a slight fever and after last night I decided to stay home with her. She has been fairly happy today but more clingy and doesn't want to eat anything. I got her to drink some water and orange juice. Then for lunch I had the great idea to make smoothies. I figured if her food were in liquid form, she might be more inclined to take it and it would get her some more nutrients.

Well, she did drink some. I was all proud of myself. After lunch, we sat on the couch to read some books. She was acting really tired and sad so we snuggled on the couch and read. Then it happened. Again. She threw up all her smoothie. I don't know if this is just me or a mother thing, but I would MUCH rather her throw up all over me and my clothes than the couch or carpet. It's so much easier for me to strip down to wash clothes than either the furniture or carpet.

So as she started, I pulled her close to me and we both got covered. Gross. However, most of the couch was spared and none on the carpet, so yay for that. She is now in bed and I have for the second time today cleaned up her barf. The second load of barfy clothes are in the wash. I decided I so need some blog time to myself while she naps. And I hope she naps for a long, long time. We both need it.

School girl

Yesterday BG looked so cute I just had to take some pictures. This is a new skirt I bought for her and I just love it.
This picture was taken in the morning when she was feeling fine. Not in the evening after she threw up all over a blanket and the carpet. She also got a little on the Ensign magazine and was really upset that she threw up on the prophet. I'm so glad my mom was here to help with the whole mess. Not so much fun for her, but so much better for my sanity to have someone there. She even cleaned up most of it. What a great mom I have! Love you!

Since we have both been sick for over a week now, I'm getting a little tired of it. I have considered the possibility that we both got flu shots a week ago Friday. Could that have anything to do with it or just an odd coincidence?

GMAT, Here I Come

I did it. I scheduled my appointment to take the GMAT today. I'm a little nervous about it. I take it on December 1. That is two weeks away! The schools I am applying to have their first deadline on December 1. I was hoping to make that deadline for the best chance at scholarships. When I went online today to schedule my test for Nov, the appointments were all full and I was bummed out. But then I checked out the school requirements again and at least one of them will accept the unofficial scores that you get the day of the test to review your application. They won't offer admittance until they get the official scores, but at least by taking the test Dec 1, I can be part of the first pool of applicants.

So now I am officially two weeks away from test day. It makes me nervous just thinking about it. But I have studied hard for months now. I will keep studying these next two weeks and hopefully, that will pay off. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Toddler Love

I feeling pretty lousy today. After primary practice this morning I came home and laid down on the couch. I told BG that mommy wasn't feeling well and she needed to be extra good.

She lightly stroked my arm. With all the love and concern of a 2 year-old she asked "You want honey?"

It made me smile. For the last week, with her sore throat, I have been giving her honey and explained that it will help her feel better. I think it has, or it's just really yummy because she keeps asking for it. It was so sweet of her to offer something that helped her feel better to her mommy that is not feeling well.

TGIF

Really, that's all I can say. Man, am I glad it's Friday. Not that my weekend will be relaxing. There is primary program practise tomorrow morning coupled with housework, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. Sunday is the program and a nap after that. Still, it sounds better than being at work. It's been a really long week.

BG still has a cough and I have a sore throat. Just when I thought it was going away, it came back. I'm not sleeping well and I'm really cold. Not sure if that has to do with the illness, oncoming winter, or poor circulation, but I am freezing all the time. Even with sweaters and layers. Even when the thermostat says 70 degrees. I don't believe it so I turn on the fire too. Oh, and the man is still gone on business. Do you feel sufficiently bad for me or should I go on?

Ok, ok enough whining. I'm just really glad for the weekend. TGIF!

The End is in Sight

Remember how I've been preparing for grad school ? Well, I have been studying 4-5 days a week since September for the GMAT - the graduate entrance exam. I have most definitely hit a rut and am so bored with it. On one hand, I just want to take the test and be done with it. On the other hand, there is no way I am going to shell out the $250 registration fee until I know darn well I'm prepared. I am not taking this test more than once!

Today as I was thinking yet again, it's time to study but I'm so bored of it, I looked at the calendar. I had originally planned to take the test the end of November. That is only 2 weeks away people! I am in the home stretch! I think I will end up actually taking the test early Dec, but it is within sight. That was just what I needed to light the fire again under my butt and hit the books. I only have a few weeks left and I want to make the most of the time I have to study, study, study.

I have started my applications for the few schools I will be applying to. I'm working on the essays and have made a list of things I still need. Yesterday I faxed my request to send transcripts to my schools of choice. I really am plugging along. That is really encouraging for me. I am not the most patient person so it's a little hard that this process takes so long. But today I realized that I am closer than I think. I'm a few weeks out from the test - which will really determine my chances of getting into school. I just have to wrap up my applications then wait to hear from schools.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

* Be direct and clear

* Listen to me carefully

* Don't judge me for my anxiety

* Work things through with me

* Reassure me that everything is OK between us

* Laugh and make jokes with me

* Gently push me toward new experiences

* Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

* being committed and faithful to family and friends

* being responsible and hardworking

* being compassionate toward others

* having intellect and wit

* being a nonconformist

* confronting danger bravely

* being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

* the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

* procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

* fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

* exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

* wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

* being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

* are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

* are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

* form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

* look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

Marilyns as Parents

* are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

* are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

* worry more than most that their children will get hurt

* sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Thanks Friends

Thanks for everyone who is concerned about BG. She is doing much better. I, on the other hand, have now gotten sick. Yesterday afternoon I was feeling pretty miserable. Sore throat, migraine, etc. So I did what anyone should do when they are sick. I packed up and went to my Mommy's house. She made me chicken soup and Papa read to BG so I didn't have to stress over her. It was great. Thanks Mom & Dad!

I am feeling a bit better today, but still not great. I hate being sick. It's a good thing I have a frozen pizza and frozen burritos in the freezer. I think that is what we'll be eating tonight. yum!

Croup Update

I am hoping the worst is over. BG slept all night long last night without a peep. She is still coughing a little bit today, but happy and upbeat. Hopefully the really bad night we had was the last! Oh, and I'm feeling fine thus far.

Preparing to Disappear

Just a heads up to my two blogging fans, I will be dropping off the face of the earth. Not by choice really. More out of necessity.

Last night was the third, and worse, sick night for BG. She slept in Mommy's bed coughing and spewing germ-infested saliva 2 inches from my face all. night. long. So I fully expect to be near death's door in 24-48 hours. Poor little thing.

The Man took the day off work and took her to the doctor. The Doc said she is sick. He suspects it may be croup and in addition to the honey we have been giving her, recommends bundling her up and taking her outside into the freezing cold to help her breathing. He kindly informed us that we can do this as often as every half hour throughout the night. Should be fun. I think I'll try the running hot shower approach first. Why not waste water during all the fun?

So, I will be managing a sick, sleep-deprived toddler while trying to stave off the infection myself and packing my husband for his business trip. Oh yeah, did I mention I get to do all this by myself. It should be a fun weekend. If you know some teenagers that need firsthand experience with birth control, feel free to send them my way! I'm sure after this weekend at my house, they will think twice about their own weekend plans.

Product Review

On a recent shopping trip I bought some of these flannel lines pants from J Crew. Can I just say, they are AMAZING! I live in a cold and wintery part of the world and am always cold. From about Nov to March I am complaining that it is too cold. I hate that my muscles clench up and my fingers are numb.

These pants are one step in the other direction. I tried them out yesterday (first snow of the season) and they worked beautifully! They are fuzzy warm, like you are wearing a blanket under your pants. I think I need 4 more pairs so I can wear them every workday of the week.

You can find them on the J Crew site, but I bought them at the outlet store for a lot less. These pants almost make winter something to look forward to. Almost...

Welcome Obama!

His mantra was change, We Can Change.
And we have.

Congratulations to Barack Obama! He did amazing things in the election. This election had an 11% increase in voter turn out over last presidential election. That's impressive. He inspired young voters, a traditionally hard-to-reach population. He proved that our vote does count. We have been watching the election coverage all night and we are celebrating at my house.

I was really impressed with McCain's speech tonight. He was incredible gracious, and kind. Good for him.

I am so grateful to live in this great country where we can vote. We have the great ability and responsibility to get involved and let our voice be heard. We have tried to tell BG about the importance of voting. Earlier tonight I had the following conversation with her on the way home.

Me: I am going to take you home and you will stay with Daddy while Mommy goes to vote.
BG: I come too.
Me: You want to come vote?
BG: BG vote too.
Me: Ok. Who are you voting for? John or Barack?
BG: Ba-wok
Me: You want to vote for Barack?
BG: Vote Big wok.
BG: -pause-
BG: And little wok.
BG: Two woks!

I hope as a country we can now unite for the better of everyone. No matter what, Barack and his administration are in need of our prayers as they lead this great nation.

What a Memory

Doing BG's hair in the morning is usually a fight at best. She usually doesn't want her hair done but it is constantly falling in her eyes.

This morning I decided to do something a little different from our normal hair routine. I did two half pigtails but didn't pull them all the way through on the final wrap. So it left two nubs on the top of her head. She really liked it and starting saying she looked like her friend K. It took me a minute to figure out what she was talking about. But then I realized that when we went to the pumpkin patch with K, her hair was done in the same style. That was almost a month ago! I was surprised that she has remembered that.

Bakers Delight

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but it always makes me want to be in the kitchen baking. This is pretty unusual for me because I'm not a baker, at all. (I just barely figured out how to make cookies and it's only because I got a family recipe from a friend that included strict preparation instructions such as how long to beat the mixture, etc.) I enjoy cooking, but am not that great. But for whatever reason, when the air starts getting cooler and thoughts are turning to Thanksgiving, I get all ambitious.

I have already made a batch of pumpkin bread - which I love! Yum. Tonight I am going to try sweet potato fries. I made two batches of homemade tomato sauce from my garden tomatoes. And anything with squash or pumpkin sounds delicious. I also love soups. I love how they warm you up and taste great as leftovers. During the winter we plan on at least one pot of tasty soup each week to last a few nights. Wow, all this talk is making my hungry...

When Did This Happen?!

We were cleaning the cars the other day and BG was helping. I cleaned one side of the dash while she sat on the other side. We switched and that put her on the driver's side. It was shocking to suddenly turn around and she BG sitting in the drivers seat. What?! Huh?! When did my baby start driving? Weird. I'm sure when it actually happens it will feel the exact same way. Except it will be real. Scary...

Happy Halloween!

I was so excited for Halloween. I love the cute, kid-friendly parts of Halloween. (Not so much the scary, gory parts.) I had prepped BG and we had practiced what to say when the neighbors opened their doors. She says a pretty cute "trick or treat!"

She had a really fun time. She asked to go to the next house and usually remembered to say thank you. She was a little confused why we were only going to the houses with lights on. She carried her candy bag the whole way all by herself. were only a few time that I had to carry her. She is really into counting and counted all the pumpkins on everyone's proches. There Dad stayed behind to hand out candy to the other kids and he even confided to me this morning that he actually enjoyed it this year.
On the porch with our pumpkins. I have pictures of carving the pumpkin but haven't made it that far in the blogging world. I'll try and get those posted. BG loved that too.
BG was a dog. Her costume made it so she couldn't really turn her head. I don't have many pictures of her smiling. I think that is because when she smiled, the fur got in her mouth.
Checking out the stash. I decided to draw on some whiskers at the last minute and am glad I did. I think they turned out cute. She got to eat half a sucker last night and had the rest this morning. Mom ate a few pieces of her candy. We had a great time!