Wednesday, March 31, 2010

It's Coming. . .

General Conference Weekend is fast approaching. I am excited to have family visit from the Great White North. I am excited to get pictures taken of my little Sweet Pea. I'm excited to hear some spiritually uplifting speeches. I'm stoked for Navajo Tacos.

I'm not sure who is my favorite to listen to. (you know ya'll have a favorite. . . don't lie) It was President Hinckley. (I know, it feels like the easy choice, but I really liked how he ALWAYS told us how it was. No sugar coating) But now, I don't know. I really like to listen to Elder Bednar. That might be an easy choice too because I was at BYU-I when he was President. But I like to listen to him anyway.

I like the stories that we all hear. I guess that means I should like to listen to President Monson, but there is something about the way he talks that I don't love. So I would rather read his.

OH! I know who it is.

I love to listen to President Uchdorf.



He's so great. I relate well to his stories. Not that I was or ever will be a pilot, but I just understand well what he says.

I'm excited to hear from him.

Who are you excited to hear from?

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Sacrificial Donut



There was a boy by the name of Steve who was attending school in Utah. Brother Christianson taught at this particular school. He had an open-door policy and would take in any student that had been thrown out of another class as long as they would abide by his rules. Steve had been kicked out of his sixth period and no other teacher wanted him, so he went into Brother Christianson’s class. Steve was told that he could not be late, so he arrived just seconds before the bell rang and he would sit in the very back of the room. He would also be the first to leave after the class was over.

One day, Brother Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. After class, Brother Christianson pulled Steve aside and said,
“You think you’re pretty tough, don’t you?”

Steve’s answer was, “Yeah, I do.”

Then Brother Christianson asked, “How many push-ups can you do?”

“200? That’s pretty good, Steve,” Brother Christianson said. “Do you think you could do 300?”

Steve replied, “I don’t know. . .I’ve never done 300 at a time.”

“Do you think you could?” Again asked Brother Christianson.

“Well, I can try,” said Steve.

“Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I need you to do 300 in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,” Brother Christianson said. Steve said, “Well. . .I think I can. . .yeah, I can do it.”

Brother Christianson said, “Good! I need you to do this on Friday.”

Friday cam and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, Brother Christianson pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren’t the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited- it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get a early start on the weekend.

Brother Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, “Cynthia, do you want a donut?”

Cynthia said, “Yes.”

Brother Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?”

Steve said, “Sure,” and jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Brother Christianson put a donut on Cynthia’s desk.

Brother Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, “Joe, do you want a donut?”

Joe said, “Yes.” Brother Christianson asked, “Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?” Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut.

And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. And down the second aisle, ‘til Brother Christianson came to Scott. Scott was captain of the football team and center of the basketball team. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When Brother Christianson asked, “Scott do you want a donut?”

Scott’s reply was, “Well, can I do my own push-ups?”

Brother Christianson said, “No, Steve has to do them.”

Then Scott said, “Well, I don’t want one then.”

Brother Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn’t want?”

Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, “HEY! I said I didn’t want one!”

Brother Christianson said, “Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don’t want it.” And he put a donut on Scott’s desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Brother Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Brother Christianson asked Jenny, “Jenny, do you want a donut?”

Jenny said, “No.”

Then Brother Christianson asked Steve, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn’t want?” Steve did ten, Jenny got a donut.

By now, the students were beginning to say “No” and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve was also having to really put forth a lot of effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Brother Christianson asked Robert to watch Steve to make sure he did ten push-ups in a set because he couldn’t bear to watch all of Steve’s work for all of those uneaten donuts. So Robert began to watch Steve closely. Brother Christianson started down the fourth row.

During his class, however, some students had wandered in and sat along the heaters along the sides of the room. When Brother Christianson realized this; he did a quick count and saw 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Brother Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking lot more time to complete each set. Steve asked Brother Christianson, “Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?”

Brother Christianson thought for a moment, “Well, they’re your push-ups. You can do them any way that you want.” And Brother Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled, “NO! Don’t come in! Stay out!”

Jason didn’t know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said “No, let him come.”

Brother Christianson said, “You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him.”

Steve said, “Yes, let him come in.”

Brother Christianson said, “Okay, I’ll let you get Jason’s out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?”

“Yes.”

“Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?” Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Brother Christianson finished the fourth row, then started on those seated on the heaters. Steve’s arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was dropping off of his face and, by this time, there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two girls in the room were cheerleaders and very popular. Brother Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, “Linda, do you want a donut?”

Linda said, very sadly, “No, thank you.”

Brother Christianson asked Steve, “Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn’t want?”

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Brother Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. “Susan, do you want a donut?”

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, asked, “Brother Christianson, can I help him?”

Brother Christianson, with tears of his own, said, “No, he has to do it alone. Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?”

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Brother Christianson turned to the room and said, “And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, plead to the Father, ‘Into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ With the Understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, he collapsed on the cross and died. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.”

****************************************

Do you eat the doughnut or leave it on the desk?

Just something I found that I thought you would enjoy thinking about this Easter Season. Have a wonderful Sabbath.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Snow Conquered Spring


I thought that Spring had Sprung. Apparently I was misinformed. I hate that.

It's been another one of those days. You know the ones that are FOREVER long, yet they fly right by. The day that has gloom pressing down upon you. The day that you watch kids movies all day long just because they are positive and inspirational so they HAVE to lift your spirits. The day you just want take out. A day to cuddle under a blanket and sleep through.

I'll go back to my day. Maybe I'll go read my book.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Red Moose Lodge Eden, Utah

This past weekend, my Hubby, Sweet Pea, and I went spent an evening at the Red Moose Lodge in Eden, Utah. It was kind of hard to find. The street signs in this little town are non-existent. We finally found it though. When we did it looked like this:


Actually, it looked like this in the morning. At night there were NO lights on the signs and the building is clearly NOT marked. (I did find lights pointing to the signs in the morning; they were just not turned on the night before)


When you first walk in you see this:


The lady at the front desk was very friendly. She checked us in quickly (baby needing to be fed probably helped). Then we walked down to our room.

I'm really sorry I didn't get a picture of the room when we first got there. And I wasn't about to take a picture of the room with the beds turned down, baby stuff all over, and our luggage strewn about. (And I wasn't about to make the beds the next morning. I make them at home, not when I have a maid to do it here.)

That evening we ate at Eats of Eden. I had a Taco Salad and my Hubby had the Buffalo Burger. We shared some fries and onion rings. All were AWESOME. If you are ever skiing up Ogden Canyon you should definitely spend your dinner time here. It was very good and not too expensive.

I really liked the Bath & Body Works Shampoo, Conditioner, and Lotion. Coconut Lime Verbena. My favorite.

The Continental Breakfast was better than others. Oatmeal, bagels and cream cheese, danishes, multiple kinds of fruit, cereal, milk, juice, coffee, hot chocolate, cider, and muffins. I enjoyed my Breakfast.

However, I was disappointed in my towels. They were not only really rough, (I was definitely exfoliating AFTER my shower) but they had something yellow on them. Are you serious?

I hope you can see the yellow spots. They are there. Trust me.


I was also disappointed in their sheets. They felt like I was staying at Motel 6 or something.

If I'm spending a little bit more on a place to stay I WANT:

-soft sheets (I don't need 800 count, but not 100)
-soft and CLEAN towels (my towels that were many many years old are softer)
-a shower that drains (I don't like to stand in my own filth)

Needless to say, I wouldn't go back to stay here. I might like to drive up the canyon to go to Eats of Eden though.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Coo Coo Ka Choo




I love the little Coo's that my Sweat Pea makes. I can't think of a more enjoyable sound. Especially when she is trying to coax me into picking her up, change her diaper, or feed her. She doesn't cry very often, she has the art of guilting you into it down already. (I may be in serious trouble when she is older)

BUT for now, It's so adorable.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Confessions





I, Phannie, do shout from the Mountain Top:



I put Heavy Whipping Cream over top of my Vanilla Ice-cream. (don't judge me; it's AWESOME!)

I dream about Bob and Jillian. (Biggest Loser) They are yelling at me as I struggle to run up this HUGE, VERY STEEP hill.

I may or may not have wrapped my Sweet Pea up last night in her poopy blanket. (apparently I was THAT asleep)

I LOVE country music. Especially Brad Paisley. (My Hubby is winning the battle for my affections by his beautiful long eye-lashes)

I enjoy playing in the mud.



I like to skinny dip. (I may or may not have done this on a trip with a class from BYU-I)

Speaking of our class, we SPOONED too!


It was SO Freezing.

I believe I was more fun when I wasn't married. I'm kind of a stressed, over protective, worry wort now.
I blame RESPONSIBILITIES.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Progress to Success

I was feeling the ambitious bug today. He was itching. So, I thought that I would let you know how I was doing with my Progress to Success.

1. Lose 60 lbs.
weight on Jan 28th: 226
current weight: 195

total loss to date: 31 lbs Yeah I'm half way there.

2. watch less TV.


I haven't been watching ANY television during the day. I have been devoting my attention to my home and Sweat Pea.

3. Races
The 1st race scheduled:

Running With Angels
June 19th

This Book is Awesome. I highly recommend it.

4. FHE's
Still non-existent

5. Study Preach My Gospel
Still not happening.

6. Get Up -exercise -shower -get dressed
I currently Shower and get ready about 3x a week
My 1st Exercise Session was this morning at 6 am. It felt so wonderful to exercise again.

7. Play Outside with Baby
Still too Cold

8. Quilt
I haven't dreamt up what I my next quilt will look like

9. Sew curtains for my home
Haven't been able to buy the fabric. Later.

10. Read and Write More
I have been writing a whole lot more here on The Blog. It's been fun.
I'm reading. I don't know about "more". New Goal: Read 1 Book per month

11. Save Money



I'm still working on this one. I think I have figured it out. I will share later when I have more months under my belt.

(you can buy this piggy bank HERE)

I guess I better get to work. Lots to do.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Saint Patrick's Day



It's GREEN Day! I confess, I didn't wear green. (unless you count my jacket) I wanted to wish you a wonderful day. I hope you did something fun, dressed up in green (my hubby dressed up in green I will have to get a pic to show you), ate green, and saw tons of participating fun people.

I also wanted to tell you what I learned about St. Patrick. I had no idea. He was a really wonderful guy. He was from Britain, was captured by Pirates and taken to Ireland. He was sold into slavery here for years and then he escaped after 8 years. He fled back to Britain. Later, he felt that it was God's will that he return to teach the people of Ireland about Christ. So he went back. He taught many people and had great success there. He was known as "the apostle of the Irish." He was said to have died, many years later, on March 17th. This is why we celebrate on this day.

Just some random information for you. I thought it was interesting. I didn't really know why there is a St. Patrick's day. Now we know.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Enough Women

"Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.” -Margaret Nadauld

I have a really hard time with this quote. I feel that when Sister Nadauld spoke these words they were portrayed in a way that was negative. As if you could be only one way and not the other. (heaven forbid you be a well-balanced person)

I am Proud to be Tough.
I am Tender (unless you make me angry)

Coarse? What does this mean? If it means rugged and outdoorsy then I'm proud to be that too. I love that I have the pleasure of being a WFR, have experienced time in the desert with just the clothes on my back and I enjoy all that God made for me outdoors.

I am Kind. (again, ONLY if you don't cross me)

RUDE. I don't belch. I do my best not to pass gas. (unsuccessfully I might add) I don't cut people off while driving. So, I'm not rude.

Refined? I don't know many women who are "refined." (maybe not any) The Queen. When I sit down to a 7 course mean I have NO idea which fork to use. (I have to ask) My posture isn't perfect. My walk has a little bounce in it. I speak my mind, instead of holding my tongue. I don't think I'm "refined." So, does that make me rude?

I'm not famous.
I certainly don't have a fortune.
I'm pretty sure my faith isn't where I'm comfortable. If these are opposites, then how do I not have any of them. Oh, I have met some really nice, humble famous people. And I know some AMAZING people who really do have a FORTUNE. I don't believe that makes them any less faithful.

I'm not Greedy. (However, if we do not have more than an acquaintance status, then DO NOT ask to borrow something from me. I WILL say no)
I'm decently good.

I'm not vain. (I find it incredibly humorous that I live in the City that was voted by Forbes as the most vain City in the US in 2007. Even more interesting is that Fox 13 covered this story last year- just a little slow.)
I'm virtuous.

I'm definitely NOT popular. (especially in my ward.-they fear me)
I'm pure. (If you ask me something I will give you a genuine and sincere answer)

I just don't understand this quote. None of these things are opposites. I don't feel they really contradict each other. Oh well. I will just keep with the things that I like, enjoy, and am proud of. My Hubby loves the way I am.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

It's just a Day

Today is just a day.
It's a day to read.
A day to sleep.
A day to wish that someone else makes the dinner.
A day of pondering.
A day of games. (card and board)
A cloudy day
A chilly day. (not that I am going outside or anything)
The day my Hubby is gone to meetings ALL day. (I hate meetings! Especially the ones where the person in charge thinks that something can still be accomplished after the first hour. NEVER happens.)
A day of loneliness at home. (Sweet Pea sleeps all the time still)

How's your day?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bitter Sweet Religion

Why do I stay in the church? I have thought about this many times, but today the question was spurred from reading the article Enduring Well from this months Ensign. More specifically from this quote,

"Ye seek me, not because ye desire to keep my sayings, neither because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." (John 6:26, footnote a, from Joseph Smith Translation)

So, why do I continue to seek God? Why do I do it here? What have I tasted? I have had, multiple times, experiences that should have driven me away. I continue to have these experiences. What keeps me here?

My Hubby has asked me more than once; even stated that he is surprised I'm still willingly around. In response to his questions I always reply, "Because I know."

What do I know? That the Gospel is true? That the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has the Priesthood Authority needed to perform ordinances that last? That "the church is true, but the people aren't"? (don't lie, you have all heard this one)

I always thought it was stupid for people to leave the church because someone offended them. I understand that over time it gets harder and harder. In truth, it's not so much the offensive act, as much as it is the supposed "man or woman of God" committing the offense. And when it becomes more frequent there seems to be no point in sticking around. Love, Truth and Kindness just don't seem to be present anymore.



So, what is it that keeps me around? What did I taste? You know, I don't remember. That's the problem with time, it gets harder and harder to recall things. I don't remember what I tasted, when, or why. What I do know is that it was something I tasted more than once; so it MUST have been good. What I'm tasting now is bland, sometimes bitter and often revolting.

Maybe it's just the HOPE of sweetness that keeps me here. Someday. someday.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Beginning. . .AGAIN!

Before I was out of my first trimester, my cousin told me that I needed to make sure that I got right back into my regular jeans after I had my baby. I thought that she was crazy. She said that the people that spend all of their post pregnancy time in their Maternity pants tend to eat to fill the pants.

Well, since I have had my little Sweet Pea I have been wearing my Maternity pants. Mostly because I was afraid to try on my regular pants in fear of not being able to pull them up over my now fat legs. However, I dared today to try on my regular pants. I can:

-pull them over my fat legs

-squeeze my huge butt into them

-AND do them up.

I was so excited. Now, aside from the bulges and the incredibly huge muffin top I have, I am glad that I put on my regular pants. I feel as if there is a little bit of hope. I am motivated to choose more healthy meals to help to rid myself of the excess and exercise a little bit. It's time. FINALLY.

I have been so anxious to get started again. I will not be jumping into my routine where I left off. 5 miles of running and p90x every day is just not where my body is at right now. I'm thinking light weights, walks, and light house work. (since I am not allowed to do any "heavy" house work yet)

So, here I am at the beginning again.

weight: 226 lbs
pant size: Somewhere bigger than a 14
aerobic ability: walking around the apartment

Ready, Set, GO!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Any Ideas?

I am bored out of my mind. I need something to do (beside clean my horrific home). I have a bunch of fabric I could use. I just don't know what to use it for. My home is looking really blah.

Any ideas about how to liven up a dull, winterized home?

Friday, March 5, 2010

Warning!

If the roads look like this:


(photo from Nikchick on flickr)

And you're in a zone like this:




DO NOT TAILGATE ME. (especially when I'm ALREADY speeding) I AM AN ORNERY, NEW AND VERY OVERPROTECTIVE MOTHER. I WILL SLOW DOWN! AND CREATE THE FAMOUS "UTAH ROAD BLOCK" WHICH WILL NOT LET YOU GO ANYWHERE. IT WILL RUIN YOUR DAY AT WORK AND MAKE ME FEEL 1000% BETTER.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Burp Rag VS Boob Rag

While I was pregnant, I thought that I would be so crafty and make myself some burp rags.

I made them with extra cotton fabric that I had left over from some quilts that I made. (which meant that they matched)

And I received a whole bunch of these:

And I've even crocheted a couple myself.

HOWEVER, the previously mentioned burp rags are imposters. They do not really fulfill the desired requirements for their work. They are just not adequate for the Projectile Vomit that occurs during the day and night at my house.

Although I was disappointed, I have found a use for the beautiful pieces of cloth. They are perfect for the Boob.

Directions:

Place rag under boob while feeding. This will catch any excess dribble from Baby's mouth or excess spurting that occurs with accidental unlatching.



These are the BEST Burp Rags:

These cloth diapers transform excellently into super absorbent Burp Rags. PERFECT!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Diaper Dilemma

I have a Diaper Dilemma.

My little one is a throw-up baby; meaning, that if she lays on her back within 30 minutes after feeding she will throw it up. So, I change her diaper before I feed her. This is great except she spends the whole time she is eating filling her britches. After the thirty minutes are passed and I can lay her down, she is asleep. I don't want to risk waking her. But if she sleeps in the dirty diaper that means I have to take a scrapper to her bum to get it clean.

Any suggestions?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

There's No Place Like My Bed

We spent the last week and a half at my parents house because my body decided to have a tantrum. This was a great help because I couldn't move or breathe very well for the first few days. Then my body ached SO bad by the end of the day for the rest of the week, I just had to have someone else cuddle with my little one. YUCKY PAIN! Grandpa, Gramma and the Uncles were very willing to snuggle Sweet Pea so that my body received a break. Thank you VERY MUCH!

Now I'm back at home. This is nice, but quiet. And I'm still not allowed to do very much. (my house is a mess) Sweet Pea has to get used to the new environment again. She has been good some of the time and a little fussy other times.

It was great to sleep on my bed with my OWN PILLOWS. Oh, glorious pillows. (The pillows are just not the same when you go away.)

Monday, March 1, 2010

Setting Goals Before Having a Baby. . . Bad Idea

These were the goals at the beginning of the year:

1- lose the 60 lbs. of baby weight I put on.
2- watch less TV.
3- Run 3 races this year and one of those needs to be a 1/2 marathon.
4- Have fun FHE's.
5- Study Preach My Gospel with my Hubby.
6- Get up, exercise, shower, and get ready EVERY day.
7- Play outside with Baby 3-5x a week.
8- Quilt 2 blankets this year.
9- Sew the curtains for my house.
10- Read and Write more.
11- Save more. (I will find a way to be a young parent, just out of school with loans to pay off, with a beginning salary that can SAVE MONEY better than I already am)


This is how they are going:

1- I put on 60 lbs and have LOST 30 lbs. I love breastfeeding! and losing the water weight and the actual weight of my almost 10 lb baby. (we'll see how the next few months go.)

2- I don't know that watching less TV has been happening. The Olympics didn't help out with that. I will have to see how it goes now that they are over.

3- With extra, unpredictable pain I haven't been able to even really walk all that much so, getting closer to my racing goals this year has not begun yet. It will.

4- Watching the olympics was pretty fun for FHE nights. But other than that, we haven't done anything. (does staring at the baby count?)

5- Definitely haven't been studying. Just trying to get sleep

6- The get ready every day thing is non existent. And I am lucky if I shower every other day. (don't judge me)

7- Sweet Pea isn't old enough and it's not warm enough to take her outside to play.

8 and 9- Haven't had any time. I will figure it out closer to the end of the year.

10- I casually read. Not as much as I would like. Which means it takes me FOREVER to finish a book. (UGH)

11- I think I figured out a way to save more. I will see how the next few months go and will let you in on how I am doing it. (if it works)


How are your goals going?

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...