Superb Days

We have had three superb days in a row thanks to my husband.  He sat our family down on Wednesday morning and together we decided what could go into a superb day--playing games or sports, visiting friends or family, watching movies, reading books, limited computer time, good morning devotional, learning something new, walking, service, prayers, baking/making goodies, dates, good food, projects (humanitarian, craft, home), puzzles, limited tv time, etc.

Then we all voted on what should be on the top of the list--prayers, scripture study (personal and family on both), fabulous food and sweets (a definite must), limited computer and tv time (20 min. for games or work on the computer and only 1 movie per day), and reading good books.


Once the shoulds were complete then we chose one fun activity we could do together as a family.  Otherwise it was free time to do the "Bs"--second priorities. 


So now you know the secret ingredients for having a SUPERB DAY! 


We also worked on being respectful of ourselves (don't get down on yourself which, in turn, may reflect badly on others), being respectful of others (don't say or do anything that would harm another), and being respectful of property (don't damage or misuse your own or another's property).  I realized after requesting this of my children that Ben and I play a major role in accomplishing this goal.  Some of you would probably say "no kidding", but it takes me a little longer.  


As parents we are not exempt from having to show respect to our children.  Discipline can still be accomplished with respect.  It will also be much more affective if our children know that we will love them  even through the bad times.  It's during those bad times that they need us the most.  


I am THANKFUL for my health, for having enough and even plenty, for friends, for family, and for a patient Heavenly Father.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

This picture of me and my littlest just about sums up my life!

25 Random Thoughts

1. I love the smell and taste of homemade bread hot out of the oven.  I smother it in butter and honey or my favorite homemade raspberry jam.

2. I love to rest my face on the top of a baby's head and let their angelic hair tickle my nose.

3. I can't believe I have already started to feel my age, especially in my right knee.

4. Another sign of getting older is when your oldest son moves from cub scouts to boy scouts.

5. I appreciate two cars that run, because right now I would be out and about instead of writing this blog.

6. iMacs are the best!  Brothers who sell used ones to little sisters are even better!

7. My second to youngest child is my twin and is a sucker for back tickles just like me.

8. A "love of money is the root of all evil"...maybe that's why I hate it so much.

9. Luckily, it doesn't kill anyone to wear only one pair of pants.  

10. My biggest fear is that I'll be the only one left after all those I love have gone to the "castle in the sky."

11. We are all in the same boat, we just move through different waters--tumultuous or calm, murky or clear, shark infested or not--sometimes by choice and other times so we will have the chance to learn how to navigate better.   

12. I dream of performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

13. I sometimes think that I should have been born in Mexico, cause I can't get enough Mexican food.

14. Christmas is still the best day of the year, even if you all forget to celebrate my birthday.

15. I love children's honesty until they start remembering all of my bad days.

16. I want to try out and be chosen for a part in a musical production on stage.

17. I thrive in a clean and organized house. Then why do I hate to do the laundry?

18. I'm glad I can speak Czech with my husband so the kids can't understand what I'm saying.

19. I wish I could read faster and with more comprehension so I could devour books more quickly.

20. It should be a law that everyone spells their names logically and with legible handwriting so genealogists don't have to guess so much. Oh, and tell me, how do children of same-gender marriages do genealogy?

21. There are days that I can't believe I landed the husband I got.  He is the epitome of patience since being married to me requires lots of patience.

22. I write too many run-on sentences.

23. I can't wait to go back to the Czech Republic so I can dip rohliks in yogurt.

24. My second biggest fear is that my husband will lose his job again.

25. Miracle of miracles! You made it to the end!

Not so perfect

I asked my husband the other day how he thought my blog was going. "You sound like the perfect mother," he said. I replied, "Really?" He responded: "Well, I wouldn't expect you to write about your bad moments."

My intent with this blog was to share life experiences, along with my thoughts and lessons learned for all of us who aren't so perfect.

Today has been one of those not-so-perfect days. It started out okay as I watched my kids swim their hearts out. Grandpa's Cafe snack hit the spot too. Then I realize as I drive home that I've got piles of laundry waiting for me. I don't feel like doing it (since it's by far my least favorite chore), so I decide to get some "business" done. I have to make sure my payments at the dentist are all accounted for, then I call for an appointment to have our attic evaluated on insulation needs (since the utility companies claim that they'll give rebates to a few energy savers). So far so good. As soon as I start talking with a representative from my phone company though, I realize that my day's luck is swaying. I explain my problem and their response makes my feel like I'm living through "Honey, I shrunk the kids." I am telling the long story made short and it's too unbelievable that it brings retribution instead of recompense.

What's the scoop, you say? Well, someone called (back in early May) from our telephone company saying that we had been selected as a valued customer and offered to upgrade our Broadband speed from 256K to 1.5 M. Being the skeptic, I asked him if this upgrade was free of charge. He answered that it would be and that it was merely in thanks for being such a valued customer. Still thinking how absurd the offer was I asked again if the upgrade would affect mine or my Internet providers charges. Again he answered that it would not. Who could pass up that offer, right? I told him to go ahead. When billing time came around, you guessed it, my charges had doubled for Internet service. Feeling like an idiot, I called and explained the situation and expressed my disappointment for being misled in my first conversation with them. (Okay, your probably thinking exactly what I now think in hindsight--dumb, dumb, dumb!) He said that he would refund the mistake and offer my preferred rate for the 1.5M Internet speed (You'd be happy to note that I've kept my cool through all of these conversations.) This month's bill reflected the refund but I don't see where the preferred rate was applied. So today I attempted to get the record straight THREE times. All three times the phone reps had a hard time believing me. (You probably don't either.) But they also said the bill looked accurate to them. I can barely discern what charge goes where, etc. There you have it, what's done is done!

After spending hours on this one issue and having my patience tried, it was inevitable that I would turn into "monster mommy" as I so affectionately call myself when I'm not being very nice. (I should have been taking my power nap instead.) My patience was not only thin but it was hanging by the tiniest thread. Then I had to face making dinner, finishing the laundry, supporting my husband in doing the yard work, getting kids to bed, etc., etc. AHHHH! Life can be so overwhelming!

...But, guess what, tomorrow's a brand new day!

P.S. Having a bad day yourself? Listen to this by Daniel Powter: