Savor It Sunday... Magnifying Callings

About every 5 years the bishops in LDS wards get replaced. Today was the day for the change to be made in our ward. We have had the most wonderful bishopric. Bishop Daniels is an amazing man. He was the perfect example of someone who served faithfully, loved everyone he served and magnified his calling. I had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Daniels on a couple occasions and shall cherish those memories and the counsel and blessings he gave me. He had two great counselors Brother Emett and Brother Postma who also served faithfully by his side. It was a sad to see them released but they have definitely earned some time off for faithful service. At least a week or two until they get called to their next calling!
It was wonderful to sustain a new bishopric today. Bishop Cooper and his counselors Brother Stewart & Brother Davis will do a fabulous job. Knowing the bishop was going to be released Brian and I did a little guessing as to who it might be. We didn't guess correctly but as soon as Brother Coopers name was called I got a huge smile and knew he was perfect for the calling and that the Lord had called him to be our new Bishop. He has been Brett's scout leader for the last 2 years and has faithfully magnified that calling and has to be one of the best scout masters around. He took Brett & the other scouts on a 50 mile hike this summer and a couple of months ago took them 20 miles in one day to complete their hiking merit badge. Brett has learned a lot from Brother Cooper and I know will continue to learn from Bishop Cooper!
Thinking of these great men has made me reflect on how I magnify the callings I have been given. I was recently called as the activity days leader in my ward for the 8 & 9 year old girls. It's a great calling. Plan an activity twice a month for a dozen girls. There aren't many callings that are easier or funner than this one. So far we've had 2 activities. During the first one we played kickball (Rachel's idea- the other leader I was called to serve with) & toilet tag (the girls' idea), talk about a great workout. For our second activity we learned how to make bread. The 3rd activity will take place this week and we're talking about how to be a good friend and making friendship bracelets & friendship bread. When I was set apart the bishop gave me a fabulous blessing telling me how important this calling was and how I could make a difference in the lives of these young girls. I'm determined to love these girls and help them come to love the gospel in their lives and have a lot of fun while doing so!
The biggest problem I have is "enduring to the end" in callings. I tend to start off so excited and then burn out after a while. This was especially true in nursery. After over a year and a half despite loving the calling I was burned out and ready for a change. I don't know how long I'll serve in this calling but I intend to put my heart into doing the best job I can with these beautiful children of God and not burn out in the process. So here's to having fun activities with a purpose and enjoying every minute of it.

Tis The Season

The Stocking were hung by the chimney with care.... Ok not much care... I pulled out some small nails and hammered them into the fireplace!

The kids decorated the tree themselves this year. A couple of our neighbors were over and helped out too.

We don't have anything to go on top of our tree so Kim made a yellow star to tape on the top.

All that hard work by the kids and I'm in the kitchen enjoying some hot homemade bread. I'm going to have to quit making it because I never tire of it and it is going to ruin the hard work I've done dieting!

And of course the outdoor lights are up too thanks to Brian and Kim who stayed out in the cold to help him get them all hung up. The rest of us went inside for dinner but Kim stuck it out and helped until he was done. Then she made hot chocolate for Brian. She is such a sweetie!

Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

This is my first attempt at home made whole wheat bread. It turned out fairly well. For activity days last week the activity was to learn to make bread. I've never been much of a bread maker but I learned a few tips that helped a lot. It was really yummy and the best part is since it is whole wheat I can eat it!

Food Storage Friday - Protein

For food storage this week I purchased 4 containers of protien powder. I have a protein drink for breakfast the majority of mornings and we just opened our last 5 lb. container of it. I also bought 2 20 lb. turkeys to go in the freezer for future meals. Can't beat the price!

Thanksgiving 2008

We enjoyed a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. Turkey, mashed potatos, gravy, cream corn, homemade rolls and raspberry pretzel jello with pumpkin pie & ice cream for dessert. We invited Jean-Luc to come over since his family was out of town. He was grateful and said he would have had lime jello and boiled eggs for dinner if we hadn't invited him to join us.

We truly have plenty to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Geocache.

Seeing as I knew I'd be eating too much and needed to exercise I suggested a family hike on Thanksgiving morning. Brett wanted to go geocaching so we found the location of a few geocaches and headed out in the rain.

Things started off nice but after a short time the rain started falling and the location where I thought the geocache should be did not match up with the coordinates we input into the GPS.

Don't be deceived. This smile won't be around for very long. Kylie only lasted a short time before she melted down and wanted to be carried and then wanted to go home!

The geocache said it was on top of a hill between 2 rocks. The location the GPS lead us to was not on top of a hill.

Can you say frustration? A screaming child, wet cold rain and no success at finding the cache.

Maybe we'll have better luck next time. At least we got some exercise.

100 Things (AKA - How boring am I?)

Ok AmyO I'm playing too...
You are supposed to copy the list and bold the ones you have done. Let's see how boring I really am~

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your own

A Great Day To Feed The Ducks

When I was at the bread store yesterday they had loaves of bread for .25 cents. I bought 5 of them so the kids could each have a loaf to feed the ducks with. Today has been rainy so I wasn't sure if the ducks would even be out but let me tell you it was a perfect day to feed the ducks. Obviously no one else is crazy enough to go out in the rain to feed them. The ducks were ravenous and surrounded us as soon as we pulled up in the Suburban. Within the first few minutes both Kylie and Bryce had been nipped at by ducks trying to take the bread right out of their hands. Once the bread was gone we threw them pizza crust. What a great rainy day activity!

Visiting Dad at Work

We went up to Brian's office today. Something we don't do very often because the kids aren't exactly quiet while we are there. Thanks for all your hard work Brian. We love you and appreciate all the hours you dedicate to providing for us.

Women's Work 45

1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing?
I can honestly say I've never even tasted Blue Cheese Salad dressing. I don't have a clue what blue cheese even tastes like. I'd be open to trying it but it would have to be at a buffet or restaurant because I buy Caesar, Thousand Island, Ranch and sometimes Italian, that's all.
2. Favorite late night snack?
I no longer eat late night snacks... No eating 3 hours before going to bed; however I used to enjoy a bowl of ice cream or some kettle corn popcorn after the kids went to bed.
3. Do you own a gun?
I don't. Brian does. He has the gun he was given when he earned his Eagle Scout Award many years ago. He used to use it for hunting but hasn't gone in a few years.
4. What’s your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop?
Water? Does that count. I've only been in a Starbucks once in my life and I got a glass of water.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Nope. I don't mind going to the doctor. Last time I went I was told I was the healthiest person the Dr. had seen all day.
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Hot Dogs are ok to eat if they are BBQed until they are black or smoothered in chili. I buy them once in a while for a quick lunch.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
It changes a lot. I think last time I said Oh Come All Ye Faithful because that was what was stuck in my head. I like a lot of Christmas songs from traditional songs like Joy to the World, Away in a Manger & Silent Night to fun songs like I'm Gettin Nothin for Christmas, All I want For Christmas is My 2 Front Teeth & Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Water or a Chocolate flavored protein drink.
9. Can you do push-ups?
Yes I just tried to see if I could do a real push up and I did 4 of them. Usually I do modified push ups on my knees.
10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
The jewelry Brian bought me in Mexico. Silver & Opals.
11. Favorite hobby?
Reading, emailing, blogging...
12. Do you have A.D.D.?
Nope but I sure do get sidetracked sometimes.
13. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
I'm struggle with balance and moderation.
14. The last disease you contracted?
I can not even think of the last time I've been sick. I rarely take medication for anything, ever. It was probably a cold or stomach bug but I can't remember when.
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
I need a drink of water, Bryce is being too loud, Wonder what Kylie is up too because it is too quiet.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
Water, protein drink and there isn't a 3rd that I regularly drink because those are the only 2 things I typically drink. Think soda & juice are bad to drink so I mainly drink water.
17. Current worry right now?
Having enough money to pay all our bills (Although Brian is writing up a contract today :-) so hopefully that worry will be eliminated.
18. Current hate right now?
The clutter that I constantly have to battle to keep my house clean.
19. Favorite place to be?
With my family.
20. How did you ring in the New Year?
That was a long time ago and I'm drawing a blank so I'm guessing we were at home watching a movie.
21. Like to travel?
Mostly. I love travelling but I don't love the packing and unpacking part.
22. Name three people who will complete this:
Not sure 3 people will even read this let alone complete it.
23. Do you own slippers?
Nope.
24. What color shirt are you wearing?
Purple
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Never slept on Satin sheets that I can remember. I like cotton sheets in the summer and flannel in the winter.
26. Can you whistle?
Yes but not very loud or very well.
27. Favorite singer/band?
Kenneth Cope.
28. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor?
Not a chance.
29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I don't sing in the shower. I'm pretty much tone deaf and couldn't sing on key to save my life.
30. Favorite girl’s names?
Not sure I have one. Emma or Emily maybe.
31. Favorite boy’s name?
Brian ;-)
32. What’s in your pocket right now?
My cell phone
33. Last thing that made you laugh?
Drawing a blank. Lots of things make me laugh... things my kids say and do, things I read on the internet.
34. Like your job?
Being a mom has it's ups and downs but overall yes I do love it.
36. Do you love where you live?
I'm getting used to it. It's too hot in the summer but I'm getting climatized.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house?
2 that work
38. Who is your loudest friend?
That is a tough one... I have a lot of friends who are loud when we get together. Definitely a Twilight Friend.
39. Do you drive the speed limit or speed?
I speed a little. I usually go a couple miles over the speed limit.
40. Does someone have a crush on you?
Yep - My husband.
41. What is your favorite book?
Does anyone really not know the answer to this question. If so you don't know me at all.
42. What is your favorite candy?
Milky Way Dark
43. Favorite Sports Team?
BYU
44. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Almost asleep
45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today?
I didn't get enough sleep and want to go back to bed.

Happy Birthday TwilightMOMS from the Cast of Twilight

One year ago today I joined the TwilightMOMS forum. I was the 3rd person to join and there are now 18,696 members. Happy Birthday TwilightMOMS. It's been an amazing year!

Tackle It Tuesday - or Maintain it Monday Attempt 2

So I'm not sure what happened yesterday. It was one of those days when I was busy all day and got nothing done. I managed to clean the bathrooms & my bedroom. Mitchell vacuumed and the kids picked up the carpeted area so those are also off the list. That's about it. So Tackle It Tuesday for today is simply to finish my Maintain It Monday list. Once that is done I'm off to grocery shop and run errands so I don't have to shop the day before Thanksgiving.
dishes
wipe down the kitchen table & counters
sweep and mop the kitchen floor
clean off the dining room table
clean off the clutter from the window seat, fireplace and entertainment center
clean the office clutter up
get Kim to clean her room
get the boys to clean their room
clean the family room
wash, fold & dry 5 loads of laundry
get the kids to put their laundry away

Thou Shalt Thank The Lord Thy God In All Things

So my cousin (cousin in law?)made this really cute Thanksgiving turkey with her kids for FHE last week listing all the things they were thankful for. I thought it was such a cute idea and wanted to do it too. But that meant I needed to be prepared and go to Lowe's to get paint swatches and that didn't happen. So instead we broke out the butcher paper and markers and made a huge list of everything we are thankful for. We read from President Bednar's most recent talk on expressing heartfelt gratitude while praying. Then wrapped up with brownies & the movie Wall-E.

We definitely have plenty to be thankful for...

Maintain It Monday - Consequences of a Day of Rest

Seriously what happens to my house over the weekend is so frustrating. Nearly every Monday morning is the same. That "day of rest" gets me nearly every week. Despite telling my kids "if you mess it up on Sunday, you can clean it up on Sunday" it never gets all the way cleaned up.
So to get my house back in shape I have to do the following today:

• 1 more load of dishes
• wipe down the kitchen table & counters
• sweep and mop the kitchen floor
• clean off the dining room table
• clean the upstairs carpeted area
• vacuum the carpet
• clean off the clutter from the window seat, fireplace and entertainment center
• make my bed and pick up the clutter that is starting to accumulate in our room
• office clutter
• wipe down all 3 bathrooms
• get Kim to clean her room
• get the boys to clean their room
• clean the family room
• wash, fold & dry 5 loads of laundry
• get the kids to put their laundry away

It's already nearly 2 o'clock so I had better get started on my list!

Mother It Monday - Family Week

Each year around Thanksgiving the PTA sponsors family week. One of the things they do is have a couple of days where they encourage parents to eat lunch with your children at school. So today I ran through Wendy's Drive thru at 10:30 to get lunch for Brett and ran up to the intermediate school. I think I was the only parent there since they didn't advertise it at the intermediate school. I didn't take a camera in there because I was already walking a fine line between being the good mom and making Brett mortified that his mom and sister were at school eating lunch with him. Thank goodness I came equipped with a Frosty, hamburgers and french fries. After eating with Brett we went back to Wendy's to go through the drive thru again to get food for Kimberly, Bryce and Bradley. Note to self - If you eat lunch from Wendy's twice in one day it uses up almost all your calories for the entire day!

Once I got home and uploaded picture I realized the camera setting were not set on "auto" so most of the pictures didn't turn out. Gotta love technology.

Menu Plan Monday!

Monday
B- Scrambled Eggs
D- Spaghetti
Tuesday
B- Boiled Eggs
D- Hamburgers
Wednesday
B-Pancakes
D- Chicken Chili
Thursday
B-Waffles
D- Thanksgiving Turkey
Friday
B- Aebleskievers
D - LO Turkey
Saturday
B-Pancake Puff
L- Grilled Cheese
D- LO Turkey
Sunday
B-Swedish Pancakes
D- Roast

Savor It Sunday... Temple Puzzle

I decided to start a puzzle today. I love doing puzzles. I've had this puzzle of the Salt Lake Temple sitting in my closet for a long time. I've never taken time to put it together. I decided I'd take some time and relax and enjoy doing something I love today.

Speaking of temples... I'd plan to go to the temple yesterday but was thwarted in my attempt. Although I'm ok with the reason. I had got out of the shower and was getting ready to go when Kylie asked where I was going. I told her I was going to the temple and she begged to come with me. It was so dang cute I just didn't want to resist her. After several pleadings similar to: "Please mommy I go to temple too?" I finally told her if she wanted to go to the temple she had to go get her church dress on which she did. I did her hair and got her all ready and then drove to the temple. Kim came with us too. The big nativity was already up so we looked at the baby Jesus and the manger scene. They had recently decorated for Christmas so we walked around the grounds and then through the visitors center for a while looking at the Christmas trees. She walked up the steps of the temple and wanted to go in the doors at the top of the stairs. I certainly hope that desire to enter the temple remains with her and that she lives worthy to be able to enter the temple when she is older.

Green Light for New Moon! Great Opening Day for Twilight!

Waking up to this Twilight news this morning made me smile!

Summit Entertainment's "Twilight" grossed a staggering $35.7 million from 3,419 runs on Friday to score the second biggest opening day gross outside of summer after "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," which grossed $40.4 million on its first Friday in November 2005.

"Twilight" is off to a record pace at the box office. The vampire-romance saga, based on the book by Stephenie Meyer, reported $7 million from shows at midnight on Thursday and looks like it will take in as much as $30 million from Friday showings, Variety reports.
That sum would rank in the Top 20 of the biggest opening-day grosses in history. Moreover, the film is almost assured of exceeding its predicted $60-mil-plus first-weekend haul -- by far, Variety says.

-- Summit Entertainment announced today that the studio is officially moving forward with the production of NEW MOON, the second installment of its filmed franchise TWILIGHT, the action-packed, modern day vampire love story. The movie will be based on the second novel in author Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series titled, "New Moon." The first movie in the TWILIGHT franchise, the self-titled TWILIGHT, arrived in theaters this weekend to sold-out showings.

Twilight The Movie - My thoughts after seeing it for the first time

First off books are always better than movies. There is just no way to condense 500 pages into 2 hours and make everyone happy. This movie needed to be at least twice as long to capture everything that was in the book that I wanted to see.

I totally get why some people don't like the movie and why some of the reviews have not been good. I can see the movie through their eyes and see where they are coming from. There were budget constrains that made some of the special effects seem a little cheesy. Dialogue and storyline was changed to fit this movie into 2 hours and so people who haven't read the books might not get the movie because so much of the background was left out. And let's face it the books have been described as flowery & cheesy by some so obviously the movie will come across the same way to people who don't appreciate the books.

I've been looking forward to seeing this movie for a long time. My expectations were really high and I realize impossible to live up to. I was administrating on the TwilightMOMS site when the movie was being filmed and received reports & pictures nearly everyday on what was being filmed. Through the escapades and reports of a couple of friends I lived and breathed the Twilight Movie for several months earlier this year. Having read the book 5 times I had certain ideas in my head that were portrayed differently on the screen.

Despite not living up to all my unrealistic expectations I'm pleased with the movie. Catherine Hardwicke did an amazing job creating this movie with the limitations that she had to work with. I'll be going to see it again and buying it when it comes on DVD. It's sure to be a cult classic with a group of loyal followers who will see it over and over again. Those not enamored by the Twilight world might criticizes it's flaws and not get it but for those of us who adore the world Stephenie Meyer created it works despite its flaws.

The mother of 7 I was sitting next to will be seeing it 3 times in the next few days. At the elementary school this morning everyone was talking about the movie and when they are going to go see it. I can't help but believe Twilight will be successful. Its success will come as a surprise to those who are not devoted fans of the series, but won't surprise any of us who are already devoted fans of the books.

I've read dozens and dozens of reviews and this one hit the nail on the head.
Every now and again a movie comes along and is labeled as "critic proof", which basically means that despite whatever critics might have to say about it, fans will still see and enjoy it regardless.

I totally enjoyed it!

So here is a rundown on my favorite parts:

An obvious departure from the book was the Spider Monkey scenes where they were climbing & flying through the trees. This was one scene that worked for me. I loved seeing them at the top of the trees looking out on the beautiful scenery below.

I also liked the meadow scene despite the changes that were made from the book. The movie captured just a fraction of the feeling that was in the book but it was enough.
Again the setting for this movie was beautiful. There were some fabulous shots of the forests, rivers, trees. I liked the music in the movie too. There was a lot that was portrayed with no dialogue at all. Having read the books I just filled in the gaps.
Kristen Stewart did a great job as Bella. She's a great actress and I enjoyed her performance. I'm not a Robert Pattinson fan but he too nailed Edward in more scenes than I thought possible.

Bella's friends - I liked them all. They did a great job portraying high school teenagers.

Most surprising of all I really liked Billy Burke as Charlie. He was the one person they cast that I just could not picture. He totally nailed the part in my opinion.

The baseball scene was one of my favorites. It was just plain fun to watch. I thought the baseball uniforms would be hokey but they worked for me. I wish we'd got more scenes like this one and the one where Bella meets Edwards family.
I loved Laurent's accent. Glad he'll be back for a scene in New Moon!

The fight scene in the ballet studio was probably the best special effects of the movie. I loved the fight scene.

I love Nikki Reed! I know a lot of people don't like that she was cast but she is the perfect Rosalie. She did a great job and I loved her in the scene when Bella met the Cullens at their home.

Victoria was perfect. Can't wait to see her in Eclipse!

I can't find a picture of the sparkle effect yet but it worked for me, less cheesy than I thought it might be. They showed Edward sparkling in the sun from a couple different angles. One of them had it just right. (The others he looked more like he was made of glittering sand paper).

So what didn't I like.... The movie was a little choppy and suffered from lack of budget for special effects. It was definitely made for fans of the book who already knew and loved the characters and storyline. They left so much was left out! I know that is inevitable but I would have gladly sat through another 2 hours or more.

The theater we saw it in had the worst sound quality ever. We actually got a free ticket to go back and see it again because we complained the quality was so bad. Definitely looking forward to seeing it again... and again... and again!

BTW- Be sure to look for Stephenie's cameo! and don't forget to "Remember who you are"!

Twilight - First to Bite

I'm exhausted! Totally glad we went to the midnight showing but I'm tired this morning!

Thought I'd post a couple pictures from our midnight showing and I'll post more about what I thought about the movie later. We slept late and I gotta get the kids to school first & I have to volunteer at the school this morning so I better get moving!

Food Storage Friday - Emergency Bucket

Other than getting my food storage rooms organized the only other things I did towards food storage/emergency preparedness this past week was to purchase one of these emergency buckets that are on sale at costco.com this week. It's something I hope I never have to open and that it will just sit on a shelf in the basement for 20 years.

Off to the Midnight Showing of Twilight!

This review Men, Don't Be Afraid of Twilight made me laugh:

Guys, there’s a good chance that the significant female in your life is going to be asking (dragging) you to see the Twilight movie this weekend. I know you’re dreading it with every fiber of your testosterone-laced being, so that’s why I’m here to tell you:
Don’t be afraid of Twilight - it’s actually not that bad.

I'm "dragging" Brian to the midnight showing of Twilight with me tonight. Actually he wants to go with me! 3 hours 58 minutes and counting!

Thwart It Thursday - Suburban

There is something in my suburban that stinks. I can't find the source. I'm starting to think maybe a milk jug tipped over and leaked some milk on the way home from the grocery store. Or maybe Kylie spilled something or maybe there is something rotten hidden under a seat of something. So today I'm going to attempt to thwart whatever is stinking up my vehicle by thoroughly cleaning in out.
Paper clutter is also starting to appear in the office so I need to spend a few minutes going through the mail and school papers that are starting to pile up. Then spend a few minutes straightening up in each of the other rooms in the house.

ETA: I found the culprit causing the stench in the Suburban... melted ice cream. Saturday we ran through the Arctic Circle drive through and got the kids ice cream. Kylie had dropped hers. It had been picked up but some of it had gotten under the floor mat and ultimately was the cause of the rotten smell. Now my suburban is all cleaned out and vacuumed and looks and smells much better... now for the paper clutter and straightening up of the rest of the house.

Glasswing Butterflies

These glasswing butterflies reminded me of my friend Georgia. She makes the most beautiful pendants out of butterfly wings.
I totally have the song My Heavenly Father Loves Me going through my head:

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by a lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, mind, my heart;
I thank Him rev’rently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Christmas is Just Around the Corner...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Usually Paper with a few gift bags. I prefer gift bags when I'm wrapping because they are so easy but wrapped presents are a requirement.

2. Real tree or Artificial? We have an artificial one but I prefer real. We used to have real when we lived in WA and you could cut them down yourself a few miles from home.

3. When do you put up the tree? Aim for Thanksgiving weekend

4. When do you take the tree down? We leave it up as long as possible. Around New Years

5. Do you like eggnog? Yuck

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A new bedroom set

7. Hardest person to buy for? Parents - My dad & in-laws

8. Easiest person to buy for? Kylie

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes one from Costco

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Prefer to email but like to receive them in mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can I plead the fifth?

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life

13. When do you start shopping? Around Halloween

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Homemade caramel

16. Lights on the tree? The more the better

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Come All Ye Faithful

18, Travel at Christmas or stay home? Used to travel now we stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One gift on Christmas Eve the rest on Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercials the kids see and think they need to have whatever is being advertised

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Snowmen

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham on Christmas, Eat out on Christmas Eve

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A commission check from Brian closing a house