"Jungle Red"

Ok, my hands look really old right here! Aacchh! I meant to make the picture smaller. Anyway, I saw a movie recently with Meg Ryan and other famous actresses in it. It was about women and some of the trials they go through. It mostly follows Meg Ryan's character and how she goes from wearing muted fingernail colors to wearing "Jungle Red." Or rather, going from being content with life to having the courage to do something that is scary yet possibly, very rewarding. So, I decided that, even though I am very happy with my life and wouldn't change the big things about it, I could set some goals and make a list of things I've always wanted to do but haven't made a priority. So, I started with painting my nails of course. This is something I have never been into. I really hate painting them and finding that, in the same day they are already peeling and breaking, etc. However, I figured that it was more of a statement to myself than anything and maybe it would be fun. My little girls actually started it off because they wanted their nails painted and it seems like I am always doing that for them (ok, so I have a hard time clipping them but I do paint them). So, thanks Kate and Ellie for giving me that boost! I'm off and fired up with my "Jungle Red" polish. Wish me luck!

Wipeout!

New favorite show! Tuesday nights on ABC. I can't decide on my favorite contestant. It's a tie between Mr. Excitement, the 56- year old grandma and the Jazz Dancer!

What "Labor Day" Means To Me

Tomorrow is Kate's birthday! Six years ago I delivered her almost a week late but right on Labor Day! The day we came home from the hospital was the 1st day of school for the kids. It was crazy, chaotic, joyous, fun and tiring! She cried a lot after the first day home, to the point that I knew that she must be hurting. Nothing would soothe her. She wouldn't even nurse. We took her to the Dr. to get her checked out and nothing was wrong, which was even more frustrating. How could nothing be wrong? I had had babies with colic before but this was different. She was in pain. After going to her Pediatrician, we decided to try a Chiropractor. After a couple of weeks she seemed to be getting better but I don't know if she was just feeling better on her own or what. Then at 18 months, she started walking around with her head tilted to one side for a whole week. After visiting our 2nd chiropractor, he sent us home with exercises and it seemed to work. She also had Priesthood blessings given to her that I know soothed her and calmed her down, enabling her to sleep and get some needed rest. I am so grateful for the miracle of life and for the power of a loving Heavenly Father that is there for us if we ask.

I love you Kate!

Sweet Child of Mine

During these summer days all that Ellie wants to wear are her pajamas and an occassional bandana. Like her sisters before, at this age, the clothes come off and all that is left is diaper. But at 2 years of age, it's pretty cute. If she's still favoring this at age 30, we'll talk.

"telling it like it is"

Sometimes I worry about saying the wrong thing so much that I just don't say anything at all, ok, I do it a lot. However, recently I have felt that, with age, not only comes poundage but the ability to not be so inhibited. Not to say that I don't have a long way to go but, I am doing better. I say this because I just attended a memorial service for a friend, fellow blogger and member of my ward who was remembered as being fun and, "telling it like it is." I always enjoyed reading her blog and looked forward for the next, partly because she was so candid and frank with her feelings. Her death was sudden and shocking. I have found myself asking, "How can this be?" even though I know the answer. She leaves behind a beautiful, young family and many friends that will miss her dearly. My heart goes out to them. Life can be so fragile. Her friends and husband told funny stories about her and we laughed and cried together. Even in her passing, I am encouraged and inspired by her example and the memories of her family and friends. In fact, we were able to "Celebrate her Life" because of their willingness to "tell it like it is."

"Talking Smack"

With the start of the summer olympics, all the drama, suspense and cheering came to a pinnacle last night during the mens, 400x100 relay! The French were favored to win the event and even told the press that they were going to "....smash the U.S., that's what we came for." Strong words that the Americans pinned up in the locker room for a bit of inspiration. The relay started and the French were looking strong and ahead of the rest for most of the race. In fact, during the last leg, the American, Jason Lezak, was a whole body length behind. He was thinking that there was no way to pull it off and then he said to himself, "This is the Olympics, anything can happen." And the last 10 - 15 meters he pulled ahead and won the French by a touch! I love when the underdog wins or when someone talks smack and loses! Already, the olympics are just as inspiring, sappy and crazy as years past and it has only begun! I am amazed by the ages of some of these athletes, Jason Lezak, the anchor on the mens team, is 33. The U.S. also has, Dara Torres, a female swimmer, who is 40 something and Great Brittain also has a gymnast that is 33. Crazy! Can't wait for more events and more drama!

Here are the Frenchmen after the race! Whose talking now?

"Bah Humbug"

Ok, it's late and I'm in a bad mood and need to just write. So, I have come to some of your blogs for commic relief, entertainment, etc. and I have to say that it is working! Maybe it's the lack of sleep I'm getting because of the book I am currently reading, "Breaking Dawn." My husband gets up at 4:00 a.m. to get ready for work and he found me in my closet (a.k.a. my office) reading a couple of days ago. I had lost track of the time. In fact, I finally got him hooked on the series now as well! Anyway, I need to finish this book so that I can get some sleep and return to normalcy. I'm off to my office to finish! Good Night!