Therapy, swords and Holidays

Asher did so well with his occupation therapy today. It was the best session to date. He has started clapping. It's so cute. He mostly just moves the left arm. He is starting to bear more weight through his right arm and becoming a little more mobile but not much.




Heath made Noah and Asher swords and hats out of newspaper and a little bit of tape. Noah is so into swords right now. He says ,"come on cha cha". "Cha cha" is what his he says when he swings his sword so basically it means "come on lets sword fight". The other day he said dangerous. This is a big word for a kid in speech therapy:). He's doing so well.

Thanksgiving was good. We spent it with our friends the Householders and On Friday the Coburns invited us over to eat another Thanksgiving dinner. Donna had to work on Thursday so she had everyone over on Friday. It was like a dream...awesome food two days in a row with awesome friends. St. George for Christmas.

Christmas is around the corner. Stockings are hung and the tree is decorated. Noah understands who Santa is and it makes it a little more fun for me.

I have to admit I don't rock Asher near as much as I rocked Noah. While Noah was napping today we rocked. It was quiet, just us and we rocked. He laid his head on my shoulder and I kissed his sweet little cheeks and smelled his baby smell. Not much could be better.


I did't get a picture of Noah because he wouldn't stay in one place long enough.

It's true that it's snowing today. Also true that I did not go shopping this year on black Friday and that I'm not really sure what the deal is with cyber Monday. Who started that?

Little Angels

Here's a selection of photos that will not be gracing this year's Christmas card....


















Do you know where he has his hand??!



















This one speaks for itself.


















When are we going to be done......



















I can't take this anymore..


















Flames are beginning to shoot out of Lucy's head.....


















The Christmas photo shoot. Such a delightful tradition.

Turkey Talk Continued

4am on black Friday, and my first thought as I was kicked in the gut by my 10 month old was, surely food poisoning would have hit by now? In which case, oh my God, maybe I managed not to kill everyone with my turkey. Just maybe I pulled it off......

I can't tell you how fantastic all your turkey tips were. I can't believe chole found the exact Bon Appetit article I'd been searching so fruitlessly for - thankyou! Wading through all the suggestions of roasting the bird at a high temperature early vs browning at the end, vs cooking upside down right from the start vs flipping the bird as it rests at the end, well, to quote my Aunty, I was 'in a tailspin of indecision'. So I'll tell you what swayed me. I'll admit I was very tempted to take Fluffy's advice and just buy a pre-cooked bird, but in the end I was too heavily invested in the challenge. I wasn't going to take a beating from the only land animal with a wattle more impressive than mine. I was going to cook the hell out of a turkey!! Round three!

In the end I abandoned my old method, tempted by a promise left in my comments:

Foolproof.

Now that's a culinary phrase that appeals.

I invested in a Reynolds cooking bag, and as had been promised by Carrie and Anonymous (love her) the bird was simple, juicy, flavourful and edible.

Lord have mercy.

Now I'm not entirely sure why cooking a turkey in a condom works wonders, or even how food-safe it is but by jove that was one tasty bird. I'm sure the polyethylene or similar inorganic compound added a certain je ne sais quoi that my earlier herb rub was unable to reproduce -, it even browned nicely in there. Well, it looked lovely and brown until I cut in to the bag, dislodging the tablespoon of flour I'd put in there to keep the bag from popping and watched it cascade whitely all over the breast. My lovely browned bird was suddenly covered with mildew. Apparently there's foolproof, and then there's me. Anyway, I dusted off the flour and my Dad set to carving. I know I should have taken a photo, but by the time I remembered the carcass had been picked clean and was carried off by Beth to make soup. Perhaps I should suggest to her she makes the soup in a bag? Hmm, a whole new world of cookery just opened up...

Here's a photo I did remember to take:





My two little turkeys.















Oh, and before I forget, I also bought an oven thermometer, wisely suggested by Julie. And wouldn't you know it, I discovered that yes, my oven thermostat must be way off base because the 'oven ready' light comes on a good 100º before the required temperature is actually reached. I'm starting to think that all those fucked up cupcakes, birthday cakes, appetizers, and well, quite frankly food may not have been entirely my fault. I'm not quite ready to quit the dizzying heights of medical office managership for culinary school, but I am confident the meals round here may improve as a result.

I would also like to say a huge thanks to Chilly for supplying the bird, to my Mum and Dad for peeling a hundred thousand potatoes, cleaning the bathrooms (really, above and beyond), watching the girls, and to LK for doing a sterling job of keeping everyone the hell out of the kitchen so I could frenzy-cook in peace.

Now I'm off to make a cup of tea. In a plastic bag.

Thanksgiving Top Ten

Today, I have many things to be thankful for. Here are my top ten:

1.My husband, who shows me in quiet ways every day how much he loves me.


2.My little brood, for whom my heart swells. They are my refiner's fire, but also my greatest treasure. I couldn't be more grateful to be a mother.


3.My testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and of His truth restored on the earth. This precious knowledge gives me perspective and understanding of who I am, why I am here, and where I am going. This, in turn, guides my daily decisions, and blesses my life immensely.

4. My parents, who filled my childhood up with love, faith, music, good books, and accountability. They will forever influence me for good.


5. Jared's parents, who loved me from the moment they met me, even though it took me a while to learn how to be a good daughter-in-law. I love them immensely.


6. Our siblings, who share with us the laughter, sorrow, rejoicing, and mourning in our lives. They are our best friends. And they have beautiful children! (Sad that the only photo I find of my sibs together without searching high and low is this one, taken about 25 years ago. Yes, I am the hottie in the thick glasses.)


7. A comfortable home in a safe neighborhood of our choosing. It may have old, gnarly carpet, but it gives us warmth from the cold, a roof over our heads, and a haven from the world.

8. A strong, healthy body. Lately, I have been appreciating this more, as well as feeling responsibility to take better care of it. I am loving this website that is helping me reach my goals.

9. Good books to read and the opportunities for knowledge and education available to me. I am grateful for the freedom to educate my children and to learn along with them on the journey.

10. A wonderful network of friends, both local and long-distance (and some even virtual), who support, inspire, and love me. I'd go crazy without you. And I really need to take more pictures of you!

This list is woefully inadequate when I consider how truly blessed I am, but I am going to sign off now and go enjoy my family, rather than spend longer listing blessings and digging up the perfect photos.

What are you thankful for today?

Lunch

. . . is nearly ready. And , yes, it includes green bean casserole (as discussed in the comments over at Pond Parleys) because my father-in-law likes it! DD has already announced her intention not to eat it! I'd like it better without the fried onions on top. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lunch

. . . is nearly ready. And , yes, it includes green bean casserole (as discussed in the comments over at Pond Parleys) because my father-in-law likes it! DD has already announced her intention not to eat it! I'd like it better without the fried onions on top. Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for (in no particular order)...

                    Asher and the progress he has made with his weight and his arm
           Noah and the things he does and says that make me laugh
                                              Heath and that he is a hard worker
  the growth that I have experienced this year (I am truly a new lady)
washable crayons and markers
                                   ladybugs (that they invaded our house and not scorpions or snakes)
                                                               running and drinkable water
my interest in emergency preparedness and food storage

                                       the restored gospel of Jesus Christ

                                                                        ALL of my family
                                  The feelings I have when I talk to my Mother  
a pellet stove that works most of the time
                          that Asher sleeps well
                                               good friends

                                        


These are just a few of the things I'm thankful for. There's not enough time in the day to finish.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING. 

 

Thanksgiving tradition

A housemate of mine introduced me to this many years ago - the New England Thanksgiving tradition of listening to Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie.

Thanksgiving tradition

A housemate of mine introduced me to this many years ago - the New England Thanksgiving tradition of listening to Alice's Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie.

Black Friday? More Like Black Magic!

Finally! The holidays are here! Time to clock out & spend some time around the table with the people who drive you nuts and who you love the most. Then once we've all slept off that massive meal it's time for you know what!!

X-mas Shopping!

For all you Model Citizens out there I've got some good news!


1. There are over a dozen items in the SALE section of my shop right now! T's for $12! You'll also find some Boy Beaters, Bobby Pin sets & Earrings too!

2. In honor of Black Friday, ALL black items in the shop will ship for FREE all weekend long! That includes hoodies, yoga pants, tanks, t's, & dresses! Just enter BLACK MAGIC in the message to seller field when checking out and your shipping will be refunded to you.

3. Since the holidays are all about sharing I'm giving away a pair of custom Best Friend Necklaces! One half will say your name and the other half your best friends! How cute is that? If you'd like to enter to win all you gotta do is leave a comment telling me your favorite song with the word Black in the title.
The first one that pops into my mind is Black Out by Pavement - it's a damn good song.

I wish you all safe travels & a fantastic holiday! Eat a second helping of mashed potatoes for me!
...and of course I urge you to steer clear of the malls - handmade is where it's at! I know I am preaching to the choir, but what kind of Model Citizen would I be if I didn't say something?

xo!
Bonnie Rue

3 Already! A little man's story!

Where has the last 3 years gone. My baby is 3 today! This little fireball has always been busy! I remember thinking when I was carrying my daughter that she was a kicker and I nicknamed her fidget. However, it was nothing compared to being pregnant with Charlie, he kicked so much he would wake me up in the middle of the night. I couldn't rest anything on my stomach with out it falling off from his soccer kicks.

He started causing me trouble earlier than that. I had an extended 34 day period the month before I found out I was pregnant. The next month didn't seem to be any different at 35 days I took a pregnancy test and it showed no lines. At 42 days I began to get a little worried and was about to call the OB's office. The thought of having a really long time between periods when you are trying to get pregnant is not the most appealing, now of course I would love 4o days between that time of the month! The morning of day 42 I thought well just before I call her I will do another pregnancy test (good job I bought the double pack)! There it was the extra line. I did wonder if it could be true having had the negative one only a few days earlier. I remember walking into Molly-Mae's bedroom and watching Nic change her diaper - "ummm, guess what" I said! He didn't look up as he spread "butt cream" over Molly-Mae's bottom. "Well, we are having another baby", "really"? At this point he looked up and I showed him the little white stick. "I guess I'll be calling my OB anyway".

The pregnancy was much easier than Molly-Mae's although there were a few things that got me worried. In the first 16 weeks I only gained 1lb and could still wear my normal trousers, I was worried that the baby wasn't getting enough nutrition, unlike Molly-Mae, with which I couldn't wear my normal trousers at 7 weeks (not kidding) and gained 50lb during the pregnancy. With the 2nd pregnancy I had terrible constipation and when I mean terrible, I am talking an hour in the bathroom, with a numb bum almost every day. It got to the point where I didn't want to go to the bathroom at work because my co-workers thought that something wierd was going on because I would be gone for such a long time. One day I was late for picking up Molly-Mae from daycare because I was literally stuck! I have to say I hated being pregnant, the non-sleeping, the constipation, the inability to eat anything without getting acid reflux along with all the other "side effects", I just kept saying to myself "keep your eye on the prize".

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I had my last appointment with my Dr and she told me I was in early labor. In fact her exact words were "there is absolutely no way you are going to make Thanksgiving". Famous last words! Thanksgiving came and went, the Friday after Thanksgiving came and went and Saturday I checked myself into the hospital bright and breezy at 7am. I had no idea whether it was a boy or a girl. I labored all day, with the nurses telling me the second is always easier. How wrong were they? This little guy wasn't coming out for love nor money and then at 8.28pm in the evening, the exact same time as his sister he decided that the World outside my stomach was his. The birth was excrutiating, he decided that he wanted to come out hand first and so I had to deal with the head and the shoulder. Lets just say the less I talk about the better and I don't recommend that type of birth. I was so excited to have a boy and he was such a "Charlie" we knew it when we looked at him. He was worth the room looking like a massacre had happened, he was worth me throwing up 10 minutes after his birth and he was worth the 9 months and 35lb of weight gain. He was worth the loss of blood and D and C 2 weeks later, he was worth the crazy night schedule he kept, of being "upside down" and being awake most of the night, but most of all, he was my little boy, the boy that I had dreamed of to complete our family.

My cheeky Charlie turns 3 today. He is a busy boy, crazy busy boy. He is wide awake from the moment his eyes flick open, just like his father. He is smart, I thought his sister was smart but he amazes me, he could count to 10 at 20 months. He loves bellies and is always playing with his belly or my belly or his dad's belly, its like his comfort toy (which at times can be a little embarrassing). He hates to be alone and can not play alone, he craves people, he needs people to be with him. He worries about his sister, in fact they both worry about each other, I couldn't have asked for them to be closer to each other.

Yes my little man is 3 today, this was him in early October competing in a kids triathlon, he came 2nd in the 3 and under age group. He loves his bike and really needs a bigger one.

Happy birthday my little man! Thanksgiving will always mean me being thankful for you coming into my life.

Catchphrases (2)

1. "Ooh, Betty!" - Frank Spencer (Michael Crawford) in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
   
2. "I didn't get where I am today by . . . " - The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
3. "Get down Shep!" - John Noakes on Blue Peter
   
4. "You're gonna like this - not a lot, but you're gonna like it! " - Paul Daniels, magician
   
5. "Good game, good game", "Nice to see you, to see you nice", "Didn't they do well?", and when memory fails say "Cuddly toy!" - Bruce Forsyth on the Generation Game
   
6. "Ooh, you are awful! But I like you!" - Dick Emery
   
7. "Boom boom!" - Basil Brush
   
8. "Rassen-frassen" - Muttley in the cartoon Wacky Races
   
9. "Can you tell what it is yet?" - Rolf Harris
   
10. "What do you think of it so far?" - Morecombe and Wise (I think their answer was always "Rubbish!")
11. "You dancin'?" "You askin'?" "I'm askin''" "I'm dancin'" - The Liver Birds
    
12. "And now for something completely different..." "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!" "This is an ex-parrot!" - Monty Python's Flying Circus

Catchphrases (2)

1. "Ooh, Betty!" - Frank Spencer (Michael Crawford) in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em
   
2. "I didn't get where I am today by . . . " - The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin
3. "Get down Shep!" - John Noakes on Blue Peter
   
4. "You're gonna like this - not a lot, but you're gonna like it! " - Paul Daniels, magician
   
5. "Good game, good game", "Nice to see you, to see you nice", "Didn't they do well?", and when memory fails say "Cuddly toy!" - Bruce Forsyth on the Generation Game
   
6. "Ooh, you are awful! But I like you!" - Dick Emery
   
7. "Boom boom!" - Basil Brush
   
8. "Rassen-frassen" - Muttley in the cartoon Wacky Races
   
9. "Can you tell what it is yet?" - Rolf Harris
   
10. "What do you think of it so far?" - Morecombe and Wise (I think their answer was always "Rubbish!")
11. "You dancin'?" "You askin'?" "I'm askin''" "I'm dancin'" - The Liver Birds
    
12. "And now for something completely different..." "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!" "This is an ex-parrot!" - Monty Python's Flying Circus

The Manhattan Declaration and the Spiritual Black Plague

In an interview with Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly commented on The Manhattan Declaration (see http://ManhattanDeclaration.org/ , and repeated the biblical statement that "he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone." And while I believe that Bill O'Reilly is a sincere believer, his response to the clergy who signed the Manhattan Declaration embodies the error of much of the Christian world today.

Bill O'Reilly's shortsightedness stems from his misunderstanding of the difference between judgement, and discernment. Christians are not only obligated to discern the actions of their brothers and sisters, but a lack of discernment has the power to totally undermine their standing as a believer and follower in Jesus, and the core Gospel teachings. The answer is found in the statement of Paul not to judge the people outside the Church, and yet to have nothing to do with them -- i.e., "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person'" (1 Cor 5:11-13 NKJ). That the vast number of Christians have failed to observe this commandment, is representative of the very reason for the great struggle with the cultural immorality and depravity that has undermined the Church.

One of the primary obligations of a Christian household is to raise children who are able to discern good from evil -- choosing the good, and having no part with the evil. And clearly, Paul teaches to have nothing to do with those who are "...sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a person." What has been the impact on our children, of ignoring this requirement? Research gathered by the Southern Baptist Council on Family Life which reported in 2002 "...that 88 percent of the children raised in evangelical homes leave church at the age of 18, never to return." (see God's Indictment Of The Church). Why? For largely convenience and complacency, the vast majority of Christians fail to see the grave error in permitting not only the government, but also left-leaning secular progressives to teach those souls who were placed in the care and hands of Christians to raise in accord with core Gospel principles. Again, if we ask: What does Paul state about having anything to do with unbelievers? "Therefore 'Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you'" (2 Cor 6:17 NKJ). Yet, we immerse our children in the unclean and the immoral, in total disregard of Gospel teachings and requirements.

Like most Christians, Bill O'Reilly does not appear to have an enlightened perspective on the vast differences between the commandment not to be judgmental, and yet be able to discern good and evil. When Jesus said that "he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone", this was in response to those who wanted to stone the woman as punishment for her sins. And in confirmation of what Paul states above to the congregation of Christians, Jesus states to the woman: "go and sin no more" (John 8:11 KJV). If, as Jesus states, the woman should go and sin no more -- and in defiance, she continues to sin -- does that mean that the Christian should ignore the commandment to have nothing to do with those who reject the Gospel message, and choose to live a life of sin? And how can the Christian be at fault for discerning good and evil -- and fulfilling the Commandment to be separate and not to touch those who choose to be unclean from a Gospel perspective -- without possessing a very clear understanding of what constitutes sin? And refraining from such a lifestyle? Perhaps more important is Jesus' words to the man he healed: "Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14 KJV) -- an ignored profound statement which is explored in the article: Obama - The Church's New Simon Magus? If as Jesus states that a person's actions can bring even worse circumstances upon them, then the whole concept of Obamacare which attempts to ignore the cause of each person's plight, should be rejected by every believer today.

As a biblical author, Paul is the most misunderstood -- prompting Peter to write with respect to the Epistles of Paul that "...as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures" (2 Pet 3:13-18 NKJ). The key is seen here in the fact that people were misinterpreting Paul's doctrine of faith apart from actions, and thereby twisting this doctrine "...to their own destruction". And to the degree that people were twisting Paul's doctrine of faith, is in fact the legacy of Martin Luther as demonstrated conclusively in this link in the article The Lie (see The Legacy Of Martin Luther). Perhaps just as important is the fact that Peter is warning that ignorance is not bliss -- and those who twist Paul's doctrine of faith into a doctrine of apathetic complacency, were in fact orchestrating "...their own destruction". Yet, Paul's warning has no place in modern non-discerning Church dogma that preaches salvation regardless of one's actions and lifestyle.

As Church leaders, the signers of The Manhattan Declaration may very well have waited too long to lead the people in The Way of Righteousness that is clearly required of those who call themselves Christians. Most often, while the secular progressives define morality to accommodate their most base appetites of the carnal instincts of the flesh -- and in the same way that for the sake of convenience they rip the unborn from the womb and call the murder of the unborn choice -- daily, these same misguided souls immerse the impressionable young minds of our children into a culture of spiritual destruction. But when we pose the question: Who is responsible? In failing to protect our children and teaching them to discern good and evil, it is the sin of both Church leaders and the parents who will be held accountable. Thus the long ignored warning of Paul that "...For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries." (Heb 10:26-27 RSV). And it is for this reason that Paul stated that the Christian should "...not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a person" -- and a Christian is obligated to "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord."

The earth moves through phases -- and what is known as the Black Plague, wiped out as much as 60% of the earth's population. What is not realized is the fact that the earth is moving through a similar phase in the present -- with the exception being, that the disease is attacking the mind of those who live in moral abandonment -- i.e., "...sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee". And while the multitude of people will dismiss the very words and warning of Jesus, it is the failing of the Church to promote proper discernment from a purely Gospel perspective, that is the true cause of the problem. Which causes us to pose the question: Is it too late for the Manhattan Declaration to bring wholeness of mind to the mass of people who have been stricken with the modern plague that is destroying our culture from within?

GodSpeed in TheWay,

Jacob/James - Brother of Yeshua/Jesus

http://BrotherOfJesus.org

A good day (my 100th post)

We drove 3 1/2 hours yesterday to get the Palmyra temple (click here to learn more about LDS temples and how families can be together forever). Our friends the Nazelrods got sealed together as a forever family. Heath and I had been debating who would go in the temple and who would stay out with the kids. Last week I thought I would just stay home with the kids because it would be too hard to figure out a way for someone to watch them. Heath said we should all go. You have to make reservations at this temple because it is small and well attended. I made a reservation to go to the sealing hoping (but not knowing) that I would be able to go. I had not made a reservation to do an endowment session.On Thursday I said a prayer that I might be able to go in the temple. I didn't know who would watch the kids and it is so hard for me to leave Asher because I worry so.  An answer came with a question asking If I believed that it was possible, that He (Heavenly Father) could make it possible. I knew he could. The next day a lady from our ward called to tell me she was sorry that she missed the emergency preparedness class I had taught the night before. She also told me that she would not be able to attend the temple on Saturday (I wasn't sure why she told me that part but whatever). Friday night Chris Nazelrod called and asked if he could borrow Heath's pants and asked that we be at the temple by noon. We left at 8:15 am and did arrive at noon. Heath planned on staying outside with the kids so that I could go in for the sealing. He was sick this week and said that it might be better if I went in. We were there at noon and the sealing wasn't until 3. The endowment session started at 1:30. I then realized that we were there in time for the session and that the lady from my ward that called me on Friday wasn't going to be there. I went into the temple and asked if I might be able to take her spot in the endowment session. They said I could. I came out to tell Heath, kissed him goodbye with tears in my eyes realizing all the things that had worked together for me to get to go into the temple. I sat in the small waiting area with my bag and the bishop came and sat by me. We talked and a temple worker approached and asked the bisphop if I was a friend. He explained who I was and told him that Heath was outside with the kids. I am a cry baby. I get this from my mom. I couldn't hold the tears back. I felt blessed and grateful. Blessed that Heavenly Father answered my prayer once again and grateful that my husband let ME go in the temple. The man saw my tears and explained he knew how I was feeling. He asked if he could watch my kids. He only lived a few minutes away and would love to watch the kids. His wife walked by and agreed. I told them that Heath hadn't even dressed for the temple and explained Asher's condition. He asked if when we came again he could watch the kids. I told him that would be very nice. I, of coarse, continued to cry. I made my way though the session and into the sealing room. The man that sealed the Nazelrods was the same sweet man that offered to watch my kids. After the sealing and on my way out of the room the man stopped me again and told me to not forget his offer. I told him I wouldn't. I couldn't get to the dressing room fast enough. I was ready to see my little family outside of the temple. I told Heath of the man and his offer and the man walked out of the temple right after I was done talking about him. His home was just right up the hill. Heath said only the temple president would live in that house. It was the temple president I told him. It said President on his tag. I had not put two and two together until that moment. Again I began to cry. I don't know exactly what the duties of a temple president are but I know he must be busy but he offered to take care of my children so that I could be in the holy house of the Lord with MY husband. What a sweet experience and a good day.

In the car on the way. Noah ignoring me :)

 

 

 

I love this picture because of Asher's cute face. Makes me laugh. Made it to the temple. It was cold. 

 

After

 

The Nazelrods

 

...Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior may I learn to love thee - Lord, I would follow thee...In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee.  -Lord, I Would Follow Thee (pg. 220 LDS Hymnal)

Catchphrases

Some more phrases from my TV watching past.

1. "I didn't get where I am today by . . . "
2. "Ooh, Betty!"
3. "Get down Shep!"
4. "You're gonna like this - not a lot, but you're gonna like it! "
5. "Good game, good game", "Nice to see you, to see you nice", "Didn't they do well?", and when memory fails say "Cuddly toy!"
   
6. "Ooh, you are awful! But I like you!"
7. "Boom boom!"
8. "Rassen-frassen"
9. "Can you tell what it is yet?"
10. "What do you think of it so far?"
11. "You dancin'?" "You askin'?" "I'm askin''" "I'm dancin'"
12. "And now for something completely different..." "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!" "This is an ex-parrot!"
    

Catchphrases

Some more phrases from my TV watching past.

1. "I didn't get where I am today by . . . "
2. "Ooh, Betty!"
3. "Get down Shep!"
4. "You're gonna like this - not a lot, but you're gonna like it! "
5. "Good game, good game", "Nice to see you, to see you nice", "Didn't they do well?", and when memory fails say "Cuddly toy!"
   
6. "Ooh, you are awful! But I like you!"
7. "Boom boom!"
8. "Rassen-frassen"
9. "Can you tell what it is yet?"
10. "What do you think of it so far?"
11. "You dancin'?" "You askin'?" "I'm askin''" "I'm dancin'"
12. "And now for something completely different..." "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!" "This is an ex-parrot!"
    

I Need a Sponsor!

Dear Land of Nod,

Do you need a mommy blogger to help you with your advertising? I would be so happy to have you as a sponsor. It would be easy for me to go on and on about your quality children's furniture, your cute little names for things, and your stylish new baby gifts and gear. But the real reason I want some free swag in exchange for my endorsement? I want oodles of your toys under our Christmas tree this year.

The only thing I can't gush about is your prices, which could be a bit more budget-friendly for this mother to five. And yet, unlike so many toys in the big box stores, these aren't made of poisonous, lead-laden plastic and paint. They don't light up or make arcade noises. These toys don't talk back to your kids, allowing them to use their own (gasp) imaginations and to invent their own dialogue. They don't have any heavily merchandised characters that induce my children to swear their loyalty to a movie or brand. And that may save me some money in the long run!

So, just in case you had me in mind for such a gig, I'm attaching my wish list for Christmas. If Santa could come early in the form of a gigantic gift card from your lovely store, I would really appreciate it. Until then, I will try to be content with a few of the less budget-killing items and watch for a sale.

For my boys:

"Do you hear what I hear?" is just the kind of eavesdropping device my little Harriet-the-Spy wannabe would flip over!

And it coordinates perfectly with this "Secret Agent kit", an item which happens to be on Kimball's rather extensive wish list this year. (I wonder where he gets it?)

My little nephews would be over the moon to get this fire engine or "If I had a hammer and workbench" from Aunt Michal.

For my Girls:

"Thank heaven for little girl dolls" and coordinating pillow pals are sweet, indestructible, modest, and don't push my girls into the teeny-bopper stage too soon. Can I just grumble for a moment about how much I hate most of the dolls out there for little girls? Grumble grumble.


Cutest little "Starter house perfect for first time owners". Love it. Too bad the family and all the furniture are sold separately. This Santa's helper wants them all.

One of the many accessories that I love to go with the kitchen at the top. We might end up with the cookie set, but sadly, we'll have to make do with our plastic hand-me-down kitchen without an LON sponsorship.:)


This stylish stacker is perfect for the baby who already inherited everything from her older sibs. As is the vanilla flavored teething ring (not pictured). What a great idea.

These adorable blocks almost make me want to sit down and stack them up. And there were several other equally beautiful block sets.

These are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to educational toys and games for all ages. I think Bronwen may get a few of these under the tree to keep her busier during "school time".

In short, please have your people call my people. On second thought, you'd better email me. The background noise of my life is too chaotic for any official phone calls! I'm sure that we can arrange a mutually satisfactory situation! I'll brag all about your wonderful toys and furniture, and you'll send me one of everything! Deal?