I absolutely LOVE the lights at Temple Square! This season has such an amazing feeling and going to see the lights just enhances it. I can't wait until we can go again. Beautiful!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Lights
I absolutely LOVE the lights at Temple Square! This season has such an amazing feeling and going to see the lights just enhances it. I can't wait until we can go again. Beautiful!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Clever
I stole this off of my cousins blog. I thought it was so funny! Focus on the house on the right. :)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving Thanks
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. What a great time of year! The time when we reflect on our blessings and all we have to be thankful for. I hope everyone had a great holiday and is getting ready for the next one...Christmas! :)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
thoughtfulness
I sure wished I would get on here and post whenever I hear of a good deed or have one happen to me more often, but this one is on my mind a lot lately. My 2 year old had ear infections I believe 14 times in her short 2 years. always seemed to be in pain, so when we heard she needed tubes we thought it would be the best thing ever..... until we found out OUR share of the bill. ugh! Our insurance wouldn't even cover half of it!! I believe it was just under $2,000 PER EAR.
My husband's parents quietly gathered donations for us and was able to get us the $570 we needed upfront. His whole family who helped us are truly angels. Christmas is months away, surely they could have used their money in other ways. So selfless. So that right there could have been the end to my story, but no, my hubby was on twitter (not even sure what that is!) and mentioned how we still needed the rest of the balance and it was due within 4 months (due in feb). he said it to just a couple of friends and I guess a good friend of his, Amy secretly got a bunch of friends who also wanted to donate and asked us to open an account for donations to finish paying for our daughter's tubes! Can you believe it?? Where are all these kind people coming from? What a blessing! we have been having a hard time (financially) and almost put off her whole surgery and I felt strongly we needed to do it. It was over a month ago and she hasn't complained about her ears! Not one time! It's habit to ask about her ears every time she cries! Anyway, sorry if this is long and rambling. I just love hearing other people's stories like this. Thought I would share ours! thanks, goodnight-Mandi
Saturday, October 10, 2009
"Happy Birthday To You!"
This lady in our church congregation is the CUTEST thing. She is so unique; it is hard to describe her. She has been through a lot of hard knocks in her life, so she's a little rough on the edges, but she has such a sweetness to her at the same time. Every week at church all the birthdays are printed on the program, and she takes it upon herself to call everyone and sing "Happy Birthday" to them on their birthday. She never announces who it is, or says anything for that matter. You just answer the phone, she sings to you in her gruff tenor voice, then "click", she's done. She left a message on my birthday since I wasn't home. I left it on my voicemail for months, and every time I listened to it I couldn't help but smile. She sang to my two-year-old yesterday. So sweet!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
General Conference
Wasn't General Conference just amazing? I am always so touched and uplifted by it. I look forward to it so much. Who's talk was your favorite? I always love Elder Oakes' talks. He just says it like it is. I am also so grateful for our prophet, President Monson. What a truly inspired man. I love the feeling I get when I hear the messages from our leaders.If you are not familiar with what I am talking about, please click here for more information.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Voila!
As I was sitting on my couch, contemplating what to make for dinner, there was a knock on my door. My daughter gets it to which she says it is our cute neighbor. Our wonderful neighbor brought us over a pizza and some cookies for dinner. She said she hoped we hadn't eaten yet, that they ordered too much for themselves. I was so surprised and grateful. Wow, dinner was totally taken care of. Thanks Allison!Saturday, September 19, 2009
Breast Cancer Research
I recently found out that a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have also just recently donated to breast cancer research. If you are able, please donate whatever amount you can to this cause. It helps save lives. I know my friend would appreciate it, amongst every other victim of this horrible disease. Every penny goes a long way. Thanks!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
39 Parenting Tips
I stole this off of my friends blog. She got it from Parenting magazine. I thought it was great. Enjoy!
1 You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed restaurants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.
2 Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.
3 Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing.
4 Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?
5 If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
6 Just throw away the poopy underwear.
7 Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
8 Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping - you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge the parents too harshly - it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of potty training, all bets are off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)
9 Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
10 Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.
11 Embrace their quirks.
12 Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
13 At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It's the circle of life, baby.
14 Always get boys' haircuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.
15 Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?
16 Never stifle a generous inclination.
17Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.
18 Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
19 If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
20 I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior, but sometimes it's hard to think of natural consequences. In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but you must find your own.
21 Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.
22 Buy kids deodorant before they need it.
23 Teach your children to make their own breakfast - and allow enough time so they can do it without pressure.
24 I can't stress this enough: Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their bed.
25 Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
26 Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
27 Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
28 Do not allow the word wienies in your home.
29 Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
30 Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at the diner.
31 It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
32 Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals. But don't expect your kids to play with them.
33 Just say "No" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.
34 Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?
35 Don't buy the most expensive school-picture package. It's a waste of money.
36 Give out awards for actual achievements.
37 You're never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.
38 If the school year, new babysitter, or karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the improvement that can be made by the end of the year.
39 Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
1 You never have to go to obnoxious kid-themed restaurants. Ever. I wish someone had told me that.
2 Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.
3 Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing.
4 Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?
5 If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.
6 Just throw away the poopy underwear.
7 Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.
8 Teach your kids not to pee outside unless you're camping - you'll be glad you did. But if other people's kids do it, don't judge the parents too harshly - it's all about karma. (If you're in the midst of potty training, all bets are off. You've gotta do what you've gotta do.)
9 Buy cheap shoes when kids are little. Feet grow faster than you think.
10 Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.
11 Embrace their quirks.
12 Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)
13 At some point it will be February. Things will seem bleak. You will think about vitamins, glasses, more exercise, more sleep, more chores, less TV, more rules, fewer rules, and organic food. Just wait. Things will get better when the snow melts. Know that it will happen again at the end of summer, right before school starts. It's the circle of life, baby.
14 Always get boys' haircuts at barber shops instead of hair salons.
15 Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?
16 Never stifle a generous inclination.
17Try to like what they like. It kind of sucks when it's Bob the Builder, but the payoff will come when they discover Lemony Snicket.
18 Teach them to pump on the swings ASAP.
19 If your child falls asleep occasionally without brushing her teeth, don't wake her; baby teeth do eventually fall out.
20 I know you are supposed to use natural consequences to punish bad behavior, but sometimes it's hard to think of natural consequences. In these cases try threatening your kids with clipping their toenails or some other activity they dread. I've had great success with this one, but you must find your own.
21 Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.
22 Buy kids deodorant before they need it.
23 Teach your children to make their own breakfast - and allow enough time so they can do it without pressure.
24 I can't stress this enough: Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet. Not only will you thank me for this advice, but your kids will thank me as well when they are learning to make their bed.
25 Remember clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.
26 Don't administer a punishment that hurts you more than it does them.
27 Always pack wipes. If your kids go somewhere without you, send along wipes. It's like having a mom with them.
28 Do not allow the word wienies in your home.
29 Dress your little girls like, well, little girls.
30 Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at the diner.
31 It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.
32 Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals. But don't expect your kids to play with them.
33 Just say "No" to any toy or doll that comes with packets that have to be mixed with water.
34 Teach them to like cool music. Why suffer through The Wiggles when you could be enjoying Wilco or counting along with Feist?
35 Don't buy the most expensive school-picture package. It's a waste of money.
36 Give out awards for actual achievements.
37 You're never too old to dress up and decorate your house for Halloween. And it's more fun for everyone if you are into it. It also entitles you to more candy.
38 If the school year, new babysitter, or karate class gets off to a rocky start, don't totally stress out about it. Instead, think of the improvement that can be made by the end of the year.
39 Independence is a wonderful thing. For everyone. So is together time. Make sure you have a healthy dose of both.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Some of the most hilarious and true things you'll ever read
A friend sent this to me. I thought it was too funny not to share:
1. There is a great need for sarcasm font.
2. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
3. Bad decisions make good stories.
4. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
5. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
6. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
7. The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again
8. A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.
9. Was learning cursive really necessary?
10. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
11. Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
12. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
13. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a putz from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
14. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"
15. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?
16. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
17. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
18. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
19. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
20. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
21. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
22. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....
23. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
24. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
25. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
26. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
27. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.
28. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
29. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
30. Why is a school zone 15 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
31. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
32. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
33. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
34. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
I hope this made you laugh as much as it made me laugh!
1. There is a great need for sarcasm font.
2. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
3. Bad decisions make good stories.
4. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
5. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
6. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
7. The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again
8. A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.
9. Was learning cursive really necessary?
10. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
11. Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
12. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
13. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a putz from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
14. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"
15. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?
16. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
17. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
18. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
19. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
20. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
21. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
22. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....
23. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
24. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
25. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
26. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
27. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.
28. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
29. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
30. Why is a school zone 15 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...
31. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
32. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
33. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.
34. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
I hope this made you laugh as much as it made me laugh!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Grateful Journal
I challenge you to keep a grateful journal. Every day, write something down you are grateful for. After a while, it will be so good to see what you have written. I have not done this before but I am starting now. I hope you will join me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Question
I have a question:
What do you do when there is someone in the circle you associate with, who treats you poorly? It is obvious she doesn't like you yet you can't think of any reason why. You try to be nice, you always say hello, ask her how she's doing. If you're lucky, you get somewhat of a response before she darts away. Do you just chalk it up to, it's her problem not mine, or do you approach her and ask if there's something wrong?
Please offer advice. Thanks!
What do you do when there is someone in the circle you associate with, who treats you poorly? It is obvious she doesn't like you yet you can't think of any reason why. You try to be nice, you always say hello, ask her how she's doing. If you're lucky, you get somewhat of a response before she darts away. Do you just chalk it up to, it's her problem not mine, or do you approach her and ask if there's something wrong?
Please offer advice. Thanks!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Great Book
I just received this book today. I have wanted it for a long time and am so happy to have it. It's been out for quite a few years but if you don't have it, it's worth it. So neat to read the histories and see the beautiful pictures.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Revive
I just got back from six weeks away visiting family and friends this summer. I'm sorry I haven't been online much. I would love to revive this blog and to hear uplifting stories. I still am uplifted by our experience at the grocery store. By the random kindness of strangers. Do you have something you are willing to share?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Another Good Deed
My husband and I went to the grocery store the other day. As we were waiting in line, a clerk signaled us over, saying he would check us out. As we were doing that, we asked him about the name change of the grocery store. He said he had bought it last year and changed the name. We congratulated him and then he asked us if we were from the area. We said yes but that we were away to law school for now. He said his brother was a lawyer and he happens to practice in the area we are seriously considering moving to when we're done. When we told him that, he got out a piece of paper, wrote his brothers name, firm, phone number, and his own name down, and handed it to my husband. He said to give him a call to see if he could help us in any way. Wow! Talk about being in the right place at the right time and showing kindness to others. I think that is a very good deed this man did for us. Thank you Mike!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Happy days in the AZ VALLEY!
Cody, Natalie, Granny Jo, Amber, MariahApache Junction pool
Night swimming
Granny Jo and Sterling
Poppy Rod, Jonathan (his son), and Sterling
From left to right: Amber, Jonathan, Jerrod, Joseph, Cody, Mariah and NatalieMcDonalds Playcenter in Gilbert
Poppy Rod and Sterling
The SASSY GALS
(Check out Mariah's GUNS!!)
Cindy, Poppy Rod, and Sterling
Nanna Moore and Jules
Nate, Cyrus, Nanna, Amber, Betty, Lana, Poppy Moore, Mariah, Sterling, Teigen, Cody and Natalie--lovin' family time!!
Poppy Moore and Cody
Poppy Moore and Nanna
Amber GOOSE!
Nanna had rhinestones, fliplops, and sunglasses for EVERYONE! Arts and Crafts time is always the best!
Poppy Rod and Sterling
The SASSY GALS(Check out Mariah's GUNS!!)
Cindy, Poppy Rod, and Sterling
Nanna Moore and Jules
Nate, Cyrus, Nanna, Amber, Betty, Lana, Poppy Moore, Mariah, Sterling, Teigen, Cody and Natalie--lovin' family time!!
Poppy Moore and Cody
Poppy Moore and Nanna
Amber GOOSE!
Nanna had rhinestones, fliplops, and sunglasses for EVERYONE! Arts and Crafts time is always the best!
Monday, June 8, 2009
What's Your Blog About?
Tell us about your blog. What are some things that happen throughout your day? If you think your blog could be a fun one for us to read, please, come toot your own horn. We wanna know. :)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
C'mon
Okay, we need some suggestions. What are some blogs that make your day? What are some of your must-reads? Tell us, tell us, tell us...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Clarification
I don't think uplifting is the word I wanted necessarily. What I'm going for is a blog that makes your day, makes you laugh, makes you smile. It doesn't have to be positive, too sugary, all the time. Just one you enjoy reading, and think others might too. The good, the bad, and the ugly, all mixed in one. :)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Uplifting Blogs
Who writes an uplifting, fun, and enjoyable blog? We need some recommendations out here for us to read. Please leave a comment with the name of the blog and why you like it. Thanks!
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