I love to read, unfortunately with two small children I don't get to do much of it...like really any at all. Luckily I did a lot of reading pre-babies.
My favorite book as an adult, one I read regularly, is "How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life" by Peter Robinson. Mr. Robinson was a speech writer for Reagan and gives amazing insight into the Reagan years. I am struck often that the influence that President Reagan had on me, through his presidency and his public persona, is not really that different from the influence that President Reagan had on Mr. Robinson who knew him personally. That, to me, speaks to President Reagan's ability to be genuine in his public persona. When we lost President Reagan, I mourned, when I read Mr. Robinson's words regarding President Reagan, I rejoice in knowing that we were blessed to have Ronald Reagan as a part of our history and that so many of us were able to be shaped by his influence.
As a child my favorite book was "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton. I could read it in just a couple of hours and I read it at least once a year from the time I was about 10 until I was probably about 22...I should find a copy of it...I think I could get through it during a good nap from the boys...
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day Three - Favorite TV Program
This is a super hard one for me. If you know me, you know I love just about everything cooking competition...that means that I am currently DVRing Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen (season just ended), Master Chef, and Next Food Network Star, I also try to catch Chopped regularly.
My love of food means that I also watch Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on a regular basis and I try to eat at the restaurants featured on the show whenever possible.
One of my favorite shows of all time was the short lived Firefly. The series was masterfully written by Joss Whedon (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel fame) and artfully acted by an amazing cast headed by Nathan Fillion.
Nathan Fillion is currently in an amazing crime drama called Castle (so well written you would think Joss Whedon had a hand in writing the dialogue), you will also find it in my DVR list (crime drama's were HUGE on my list of favorite TV until I had children).
Probably my favorite thing on TV right now is actually found on the Disney Channel. Phineas and Ferb is an animated masterpiece showcasing two step brothers in their quest to have "the best day ever" and to fill the "104 days of summer vacation" while their sister Candace tries to bust them and their pet platypus Perry runs off to fight the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz as his alter ego Agent P. Sounds totally hokey right? Well, it is, in the most endearing way! The show is well written, appropriate for children and still peppered with great jokes that only the parents will really get and new catchy tunes every episode (when my phone rings you will hear either Squirrels in my Pants or Little Brothers and there is a whole library of other musical gems). The characters are endearing, from the silent Perry, to the verbose Candace, and from the mostly silent Ferb (a very "Silent Bob" type of character), to the lovable and incredibly intelligent Phineas. I think there is something for everyone in Phineas and Ferb, it's a totally enjoyable experience from two to ninety-two!
My love of food means that I also watch Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives on a regular basis and I try to eat at the restaurants featured on the show whenever possible.
One of my favorite shows of all time was the short lived Firefly. The series was masterfully written by Joss Whedon (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel fame) and artfully acted by an amazing cast headed by Nathan Fillion.
Nathan Fillion is currently in an amazing crime drama called Castle (so well written you would think Joss Whedon had a hand in writing the dialogue), you will also find it in my DVR list (crime drama's were HUGE on my list of favorite TV until I had children).
Probably my favorite thing on TV right now is actually found on the Disney Channel. Phineas and Ferb is an animated masterpiece showcasing two step brothers in their quest to have "the best day ever" and to fill the "104 days of summer vacation" while their sister Candace tries to bust them and their pet platypus Perry runs off to fight the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz as his alter ego Agent P. Sounds totally hokey right? Well, it is, in the most endearing way! The show is well written, appropriate for children and still peppered with great jokes that only the parents will really get and new catchy tunes every episode (when my phone rings you will hear either Squirrels in my Pants or Little Brothers and there is a whole library of other musical gems). The characters are endearing, from the silent Perry, to the verbose Candace, and from the mostly silent Ferb (a very "Silent Bob" type of character), to the lovable and incredibly intelligent Phineas. I think there is something for everyone in Phineas and Ferb, it's a totally enjoyable experience from two to ninety-two!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day Two - Favorite Movie
Favorite movie of all time? Gotta go with "With Honors". It was released in 1994 while I was in high school. I saw it at Scottsdale Fashion Square with Monica Randall-Esteve and Sarah Christian. We were in the International Baccalaureate program and everyone I knew spent a good deal of time worrying about graduating with honors. I saw a lot of myself in Monty Kessler.
It's funny how much I have changed and how much my outlook on life has changed in these past 16 years. I finished the International Baccalaureate program, I have that diploma someplace...but I never graduated from college, heck, I hardly attended college when I was there (thus the never graduating). I never had a great career, I never cured a disease, and I haven't run for office (probably never will). My life didn't take the path I planned even a little bit.
All of that said, I am a wife and a mother. I have the most amazing husband, a man who loves me, who loves the Lord and who loves our children. He works hard so that I can stay at home and raise our children and he supports me in all that I do...he believes in me and my abilities and potential more than I do most of the time. I have been blessed with two beautiful little boys. Punk is smart, caring, and has a wonderful sweetness about him, he learns something new everyday and it is such a joy to be his mother. Bug is such a good baby and I am so looking forward to being there as he grows and we get to learn his personality. I may never do anything the world would consider significant, but I know that if I work to be a good wife and to raise smart, responsible, loving children, I will graduate this life with honors for eternity.
It's funny how much I have changed and how much my outlook on life has changed in these past 16 years. I finished the International Baccalaureate program, I have that diploma someplace...but I never graduated from college, heck, I hardly attended college when I was there (thus the never graduating). I never had a great career, I never cured a disease, and I haven't run for office (probably never will). My life didn't take the path I planned even a little bit.
All of that said, I am a wife and a mother. I have the most amazing husband, a man who loves me, who loves the Lord and who loves our children. He works hard so that I can stay at home and raise our children and he supports me in all that I do...he believes in me and my abilities and potential more than I do most of the time. I have been blessed with two beautiful little boys. Punk is smart, caring, and has a wonderful sweetness about him, he learns something new everyday and it is such a joy to be his mother. Bug is such a good baby and I am so looking forward to being there as he grows and we get to learn his personality. I may never do anything the world would consider significant, but I know that if I work to be a good wife and to raise smart, responsible, loving children, I will graduate this life with honors for eternity.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day One - Favorite Song
I have a lot of favorite songs. I've got songs that make me happy because they bring back memories, I've got songs that make me happy because my son sings them, songs that remind me of my family, songs that just make me want to jump around and dance, and songs that inspire me. On my wall in my home I have quotes, one of those quotes is the chorus from this song:
This song, "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, does several things for me, it brings back memories (the first time I saw Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband was when I was attending college in Provo, UT) but most importantly this song inspires me and reminds me that my dreams CAN come true, a lesson I am trying to teach not only to myself but my two growing sons as well. I hope they always feel like they live in a home in a place where they can "Dream Big" and that their dreams can and will come true with the help of their parents and the Lord.
Special Recognition in the "Favorite Song" category has to go to my favorite hymn, "How Firm a Foundation" (which is hymn number 85 in the LDS Hymnal). "How Firm a Foundation" speaks directly to me and to my family situation, and reminds me that the Lord is with us no matter where we are and He will buoy us up in any time, place, or situation we may find ourselves in as long as we have faith and lean on Him.
This song, "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, does several things for me, it brings back memories (the first time I saw Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband was when I was attending college in Provo, UT) but most importantly this song inspires me and reminds me that my dreams CAN come true, a lesson I am trying to teach not only to myself but my two growing sons as well. I hope they always feel like they live in a home in a place where they can "Dream Big" and that their dreams can and will come true with the help of their parents and the Lord.
Special Recognition in the "Favorite Song" category has to go to my favorite hymn, "How Firm a Foundation" (which is hymn number 85 in the LDS Hymnal). "How Firm a Foundation" speaks directly to me and to my family situation, and reminds me that the Lord is with us no matter where we are and He will buoy us up in any time, place, or situation we may find ourselves in as long as we have faith and lean on Him.
Stolen Blog Journal Ideas from Kenna...
So, I totally stole this stuff from Kenna, but I am really trying to blog more and I think that this will help motivate me...so maybe there will be something new here to read about me and mine everyday for the next 30 or so days...it's worth a shot! THANKS KENNA!
Day 1 – your favorite song
Day 2 – your favorite movie
Day 3 – your favorite television program
Day 4 – your favorite book
Day 5 – your favorite quote
Day 6 – 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 – a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 – a photo that makes you angry/sad (decided against this post and went with a post including my testimony instead)
Day 9 – a photo you took
Day 10 – a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 – a photo of you recently
Day 12 – something you are OCD about
Day 13 – a fictional book
Day 14 – a non-fictional book
Day 15 – your dream house
Day 16 – a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 – an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 – my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 – a talent of yours
Day 20 – a hobby of yours
Day 21 – a recipe
Day 22 – a website
Day 23 – a youtube video
Day 24 – where I live
Day 25 – your day, in great detail
Day 26 – your week, in great detail
Day 27 – my worst habit
Day 28 – whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 – hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 – a dream for the future
Day 1 – your favorite song
Day 2 – your favorite movie
Day 3 – your favorite television program
Day 4 – your favorite book
Day 5 – your favorite quote
Day 6 – 20 of my favorite things
Day 7 – a photo that makes you happy
Day 8 – a photo that makes you angry/sad (decided against this post and went with a post including my testimony instead)
Day 9 – a photo you took
Day 10 – a photo taken over 10 years ago of you
Day 11 – a photo of you recently
Day 12 – something you are OCD about
Day 13 – a fictional book
Day 14 – a non-fictional book
Day 15 – your dream house
Day 16 – a song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 – an art piece (drawing, sculpture, painting, etc)
Day 18 – my wedding/future wedding/past wedding
Day 19 – a talent of yours
Day 20 – a hobby of yours
Day 21 – a recipe
Day 22 – a website
Day 23 – a youtube video
Day 24 – where I live
Day 25 – your day, in great detail
Day 26 – your week, in great detail
Day 27 – my worst habit
Day 28 – whats in my handbag/purse
Day 29 – hopes,dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 – a dream for the future
Monday, August 9, 2010
Back in Bremerton - A Grocery Question
We are back in Bremerton after an amazing trip to Phoenix to greet Ryan as he returned home from his mission to Bolivia. I've got to go grocery shopping...after 10 days of being gone it seems like I'm pretty well "starting over" with the grocery situation, what are your grocery shopping "staples"?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Things I Want - Edited 8/9/10
In no particular order and for no particular reason...
This headache to pass. It did.
The Baby Jogger City Select. Decided against it for right now (but might change my mind later).
Someone to tell what the best decision for our family is going to be for the next two years of our lives, so I don't have to have mommy/wife guilt about whatever decision we make. That is what prayer is for...so, we keep praying.
A time machine, to tell the 2005 me that buying a house right then is a VERY bad idea... Still wish I could have done this, but will make it through okay anyhow.
More of these...there are never enough. I have 19...I'm probably good for now (besides, they don't make many more than I have in boy/neutrals).
A Ford Flex. Again, decided against it for now, but reserve the right to roll up in one in a couple of years.
A new baby that sleeps...I know, pipe dream. He's actually not a bad sleeper...in the swing.
New clothes (preferably without having to shop for them). I picked up a few things to get me through until I can fit into my pre-pregnancy stuff, but still get me out of maternity clothes and I feel better now.
An aircraft carrier stationed in Phoenix (no more far fetched than a sleeping newborn, I suppose). Really, just a pipe dream.
An In&Out Burger, Filibertos, Cucina Tagliani, Chick-Fil-A, and a Cool Cuts for Kids in Kitsap county. But then what would I do when I visit Phoenix?
More friends who live within 500 miles. I have good friends in WA, I should probably spend more time appreciating them and less time lamenting the distance between here and Phoenix...besides, the distance shrinks with Facebook, blogging, email, Skype and phones...I really shouldn't complain.
Okay, I think I'm done whining for today...maybe.
This headache to pass. It did.
The Baby Jogger City Select. Decided against it for right now (but might change my mind later).
Someone to tell what the best decision for our family is going to be for the next two years of our lives, so I don't have to have mommy/wife guilt about whatever decision we make. That is what prayer is for...so, we keep praying.
A time machine, to tell the 2005 me that buying a house right then is a VERY bad idea... Still wish I could have done this, but will make it through okay anyhow.
More of these...there are never enough. I have 19...I'm probably good for now (besides, they don't make many more than I have in boy/neutrals).
A Ford Flex. Again, decided against it for now, but reserve the right to roll up in one in a couple of years.
A new baby that sleeps...I know, pipe dream. He's actually not a bad sleeper...in the swing.
New clothes (preferably without having to shop for them). I picked up a few things to get me through until I can fit into my pre-pregnancy stuff, but still get me out of maternity clothes and I feel better now.
An aircraft carrier stationed in Phoenix (no more far fetched than a sleeping newborn, I suppose). Really, just a pipe dream.
An In&Out Burger, Filibertos, Cucina Tagliani, Chick-Fil-A, and a Cool Cuts for Kids in Kitsap county. But then what would I do when I visit Phoenix?
More friends who live within 500 miles. I have good friends in WA, I should probably spend more time appreciating them and less time lamenting the distance between here and Phoenix...besides, the distance shrinks with Facebook, blogging, email, Skype and phones...I really shouldn't complain.
Okay, I think I'm done whining for today...maybe.
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