I got my first speeding ticket in over 10 years today. I was going 40 in a 25. I honestly had no idea that I was speeding. I was on the way to the gym, listening to SEAN HANNITY, getting all worked up over swine flu, and I think I just flew down the street.
The worst part was, I opened my purse to discover that I had left my wallet (ID, and insurance card) in my diaper bag. I had nothing. Not even money.
The good news is, I was wearing my gym clothes. A tank top, shorts, had just sprayed on perfume...maybe girls can get a break from male cops. Then again...I must not be very hot, cuz my ticket was still 109.50$!!! I guess that is better than the 400$ is was suppose to cost me.
Can you believe that? Unreal! Lets just say, I wasn't happy.
Thankfully, Mike was PATIENT and CALM.
UGGGG, I really dislike those flashing red and blue lights!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Roadshow
This weekend was the 24 hour Youth roadshow in our stake, here in Pennsylvania.
The theme for this years show was AN EVENING ON BROADWAY.
I struggled to pick one show. I had so many ideas. Ultimately the 24 hour time period made Mary Poppins the top pick. The youth gathered at 5:00 pm ,Friday evening. They were introduced to our selections from Mary Poppins. Some of them had never seen Mary Poppins.
They began the music/lyric portion of the numbers that night. We were told the the stake has a hard time with the microphones, so we decided to not chance it. We asked Zach, who has a recording studio to record the kids singing live, he then laid their voices over the original track. So, they were in essence singing live, with their own pre-recorded voice. It worked out marvelously. There were many wards who's dialog wasn't heard at all, due to mic issues. At the first of our number, you will see some of that problem.
Then, back to the church Saturday morning at 9:00 am to learn more choreography, build chimneys and sets, and rehearse the numbers.
The kids did a great job. Given 24 hours, its really quite a great show the stake puts on. Lots of great numbers.
I had some amazing people painting/building the set for us. If you look at the backdrop of our roof top scene, you will notice that I asked them to paint in some of the local HERSHEY skyline. See the HERSHEY COMPANY smoke stacks, and the tall "Kissing tower" from HERSHEY PARK?!!! It was very well done. A great artist in the ward created the backdrop. And other wonderful volunteers constructed the chimneys. The ward really pulled together. I was so proud!
Just by way of explanation, the opening scene is supposed to be a joke about Mary Poppins "magic bottomless bag". Initially, I thought it would be funny to have Mary pull the mic stand out of the bag, but due to time and lack of tables that we could cut a hole in, we opted for the current scene. Mary is looking for her makeup compact in her "magic "bag ( remember the movie, where she pats black dust on her checks to be dirty like the chimney sweeps) . She cant find it in her bag because the person who is supposed to hand it to her is sleeping on the job under the table. She says (inaudible) "Never judge things by their appearance, even carpet bags...I'm sure I never do!". It was supposed to make fun of the "bottomless bag trick". But, it didn't come across to the audience (lesson learned). Then we see Bert. After acknowledging her, you cannot hear Mary replies (inaudible)" Practically Perfect in Every way". That's where we had mic issues.
It was tons of fun for me to direct the show. It was a great experience for me and I learned some important things. But more importantly, its amazing what a little team work can accomplish! ENJOY!
The theme for this years show was AN EVENING ON BROADWAY.
I struggled to pick one show. I had so many ideas. Ultimately the 24 hour time period made Mary Poppins the top pick. The youth gathered at 5:00 pm ,Friday evening. They were introduced to our selections from Mary Poppins. Some of them had never seen Mary Poppins.
They began the music/lyric portion of the numbers that night. We were told the the stake has a hard time with the microphones, so we decided to not chance it. We asked Zach, who has a recording studio to record the kids singing live, he then laid their voices over the original track. So, they were in essence singing live, with their own pre-recorded voice. It worked out marvelously. There were many wards who's dialog wasn't heard at all, due to mic issues. At the first of our number, you will see some of that problem.
Then, back to the church Saturday morning at 9:00 am to learn more choreography, build chimneys and sets, and rehearse the numbers.
The kids did a great job. Given 24 hours, its really quite a great show the stake puts on. Lots of great numbers.
I had some amazing people painting/building the set for us. If you look at the backdrop of our roof top scene, you will notice that I asked them to paint in some of the local HERSHEY skyline. See the HERSHEY COMPANY smoke stacks, and the tall "Kissing tower" from HERSHEY PARK?!!! It was very well done. A great artist in the ward created the backdrop. And other wonderful volunteers constructed the chimneys. The ward really pulled together. I was so proud!
Just by way of explanation, the opening scene is supposed to be a joke about Mary Poppins "magic bottomless bag". Initially, I thought it would be funny to have Mary pull the mic stand out of the bag, but due to time and lack of tables that we could cut a hole in, we opted for the current scene. Mary is looking for her makeup compact in her "magic "bag ( remember the movie, where she pats black dust on her checks to be dirty like the chimney sweeps) . She cant find it in her bag because the person who is supposed to hand it to her is sleeping on the job under the table. She says (inaudible) "Never judge things by their appearance, even carpet bags...I'm sure I never do!". It was supposed to make fun of the "bottomless bag trick". But, it didn't come across to the audience (lesson learned). Then we see Bert. After acknowledging her, you cannot hear Mary replies (inaudible)" Practically Perfect in Every way". That's where we had mic issues.
It was tons of fun for me to direct the show. It was a great experience for me and I learned some important things. But more importantly, its amazing what a little team work can accomplish! ENJOY!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
OUR BABY TURNS 1 !
What kind of things do you say, when you are commemorating the birth of your child?
I cant believe he is already one year old
I cant believe he is already one year old
ASHER PRATT
Your name Asher means Happy/Blessed. Pratt is to remind you of the faith and sacrifices of your ancestors, and the legacy that you should strive to leave behind.
You were so needed. You were so wanted.
I cried when I found out you were a boy. Now, I rejoice in the delight of my SON.
You have always been so happy and curious
I love your smile when I see you for the first time in the morning
Clearness and purity is what I see when I look at you
Your arrival added more joy to an already blessed life
You love to play with your brothers .You think you are a big boy, just like them.
You have never had a diaper rash , 1 ear infection, and very little sleeping through the night.
You are a miracle, a gift, a light
You have 8 little teeth that you love to use on people
You love to play with cars and balls
Tub time is your favorite
I laugh when I think of your arrival and the 25 min of labor. Daddy grunts at the fact that he missed it all.
We thank Heavenly Father everyday for you, and your sweet spirit, kind heart,
bright mind, able hands, wet kisses and cuddly hugs.
"Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours"
We love you. Happy Birthday, baby boy
Asher the 1 year old! 25.3 lbs and 31 inches long
Asher the 1 year old! 25.3 lbs and 31 inches long
Friday, April 17, 2009
A day not forgotten
Saturday the 11th of April was Mikey's 33rd Birthday. With all the Easter events, I didnt want to miss mentioning it in the prior weeks post. We had a fun day celebrating as a family.
Mike is the ultimate husband and friend. He is such a wonderful father. I truly hit the jackpot when I married Mike. He is a fabulous father and adores his children. I feel so blessed to have found him and I am grateful everyday for the man he is.
This is a picture of him last summer. Its one of my favorites.Even with the facial hair...
Mike, I love you and thank you for being my best friend. Happy Birthday sweetheart!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
1 week of Easter Activities
Here is our Easter week in review. Coloring Easter eggs always seems fun, until your 4 year olds try to drink the dye.
And the glitter eggs make "Glitter Egg Salad"!?!
Hershey Park opened for SPRING IN THE PARK. The kids havent forgotten how to ride the rides. They are tall enough this year to ride 2 of the rollercoasters. Everyone loved the coasters, except mom, who swallowed a bug.
We went to the zoo...
Derry Township's Egg hunt.I thought Mike brought the kids coats, he thought I did. No one had coats but Asher and mom. We thought it was supposed to be warm that day. so I went with wet hair and sandals...it was 42 degrees and WINDY! Everyone was freezing. Eventually, we borrowed a jacket from Liam, Tanner wore a spare mom's jacket. And a blanket from the car kept everyone sane.
Easter bunny arrived. Everyone loved their stash! Isnt it weird how the big kids seem to love the baby toys more than the babies?
Easter Sunday, all my boys!
Friends and Family came over to have a wonderful Easter dinner. Im taking the pic so you cant see my mouth filled with delcious food. It was a great day. We love you all, thanks for coming!
And the glitter eggs make "Glitter Egg Salad"!?!
Hershey Park opened for SPRING IN THE PARK. The kids havent forgotten how to ride the rides. They are tall enough this year to ride 2 of the rollercoasters. Everyone loved the coasters, except mom, who swallowed a bug.
We went to the zoo...
Derry Township's Egg hunt.I thought Mike brought the kids coats, he thought I did. No one had coats but Asher and mom. We thought it was supposed to be warm that day. so I went with wet hair and sandals...it was 42 degrees and WINDY! Everyone was freezing. Eventually, we borrowed a jacket from Liam, Tanner wore a spare mom's jacket. And a blanket from the car kept everyone sane.
Easter bunny arrived. Everyone loved their stash! Isnt it weird how the big kids seem to love the baby toys more than the babies?
Easter Sunday, all my boys!
Friends and Family came over to have a wonderful Easter dinner. Im taking the pic so you cant see my mouth filled with delcious food. It was a great day. We love you all, thanks for coming!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
CREATE
A friend posted a link to this short little movie recently. Its called CREATE. It is on the the churches website. Go here to see it. Click on the movie screen by the word CREATE.
After watching it several times, I was bawling like a baby. This touches me on so many levels. I have struggled with letting "the voice of the critics" paralyze me.
As many of my close friends know, I use to sing. I sang all the time. I was involved in choirs and productions. I was asked to sing solos at a variety of events. Then I had the twins. With twins, came the inablity to use my diaphram as I once did. When you have two babies in your belly, the only place your diaphram has to go, is to scrunch up and be less active. It was very hard for me to sing as I once had. With less confidence and no practice, I just stopped singing altogether.
Recently, I have been more willing to try to sing again. After 2 preformances in the past year, I have had blows to my confidence. I was once confident and nerves didnt get the best of me. Now, I shake so badly that I cant control my voice.
There will always be someone who does things better than you do. But, when that person says negative remarks or insinuates that they could have done it better, it discourages you. I hope I can get over the critics, and my own insecurities and start to do what I love again. Its been 4 years and I really miss it.
I havent considered myself to be a creative person. But, I think I should give myself more credit and stop worrying about the things I CANT do and encourage myself to continue the things I CAN do. I can always learn new things. That is the beauty and purpose to life. I am constantly trying to BECOME more.
This video really spoke to me. Maybe it will speak to you.
After watching it several times, I was bawling like a baby. This touches me on so many levels. I have struggled with letting "the voice of the critics" paralyze me.
As many of my close friends know, I use to sing. I sang all the time. I was involved in choirs and productions. I was asked to sing solos at a variety of events. Then I had the twins. With twins, came the inablity to use my diaphram as I once did. When you have two babies in your belly, the only place your diaphram has to go, is to scrunch up and be less active. It was very hard for me to sing as I once had. With less confidence and no practice, I just stopped singing altogether.
Recently, I have been more willing to try to sing again. After 2 preformances in the past year, I have had blows to my confidence. I was once confident and nerves didnt get the best of me. Now, I shake so badly that I cant control my voice.
There will always be someone who does things better than you do. But, when that person says negative remarks or insinuates that they could have done it better, it discourages you. I hope I can get over the critics, and my own insecurities and start to do what I love again. Its been 4 years and I really miss it.
I havent considered myself to be a creative person. But, I think I should give myself more credit and stop worrying about the things I CANT do and encourage myself to continue the things I CAN do. I can always learn new things. That is the beauty and purpose to life. I am constantly trying to BECOME more.
This video really spoke to me. Maybe it will speak to you.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
To all the boys I've loved before
I was folding laundry, watching one of my favorite shows of all time, Little House on the Prairie, and thought "Why is it that I love this show so much?"
It could be because it was pure, wholesome television. Each episode had a good lesson to be learned. Maybe, it was because my mom read me all the books when I was a kid. Maybe, it is because deep inside, I long to return to a simpler way of life. Ultimately, I think its the reason I love any good show...the leading man takes my breath away. I started thinking about all the men I enjoyed watching on TV over the years.Here is a few.
Charles Ingalls. So hot, so buff, hard worker, family man. He can teach a lesson about anything. And he can cry at the drop of a hat.
This is my ultimate sexy man photo. I have always thought Tom Selleck was the essence of MAN. Even with his open shirt, gold chain and mustache. YUM!
My adolescence was filled with after school TV of this hottie. Zach Morris may have even subconsciously helped me name my first born son.
Spot Collins from Newsies. I did love watching Christian Bale in this movie. He was definitely not bad to look at either. But, this cutie stole my heart every time he came on screen.
Jason Momoa. I fell for him watching a show that didnt last long on TV called North Shore. I love that surfer dude look.
Ryan Gosling is so cute. I dig the scruffy look he sports in the later half of the THE NOTEBOOK. I have followed him since his Mickey Mouse Club days. I am not ashamed to admit that I watched Mikey Mouse Club until I was 15.
Rupert Friend. I just watched THE BOY IN THE STRIPPED PAJAMAS (which by the way, is very sad!!!). He was in this, although most people will recognize him as Mr. Wickham from Pride and Prejudice. He has been eye candy for me for some time now.
Of all the men I have looked at and thought," he is cute". Mike, is the one who truly stole my heart. Love you babe. You are the MAN I want to look at everyday!
It could be because it was pure, wholesome television. Each episode had a good lesson to be learned. Maybe, it was because my mom read me all the books when I was a kid. Maybe, it is because deep inside, I long to return to a simpler way of life. Ultimately, I think its the reason I love any good show...the leading man takes my breath away. I started thinking about all the men I enjoyed watching on TV over the years.Here is a few.
Charles Ingalls. So hot, so buff, hard worker, family man. He can teach a lesson about anything. And he can cry at the drop of a hat.
This is my ultimate sexy man photo. I have always thought Tom Selleck was the essence of MAN. Even with his open shirt, gold chain and mustache. YUM!
My adolescence was filled with after school TV of this hottie. Zach Morris may have even subconsciously helped me name my first born son.
Spot Collins from Newsies. I did love watching Christian Bale in this movie. He was definitely not bad to look at either. But, this cutie stole my heart every time he came on screen.
Jason Momoa. I fell for him watching a show that didnt last long on TV called North Shore. I love that surfer dude look.
Ryan Gosling is so cute. I dig the scruffy look he sports in the later half of the THE NOTEBOOK. I have followed him since his Mickey Mouse Club days. I am not ashamed to admit that I watched Mikey Mouse Club until I was 15.
Rupert Friend. I just watched THE BOY IN THE STRIPPED PAJAMAS (which by the way, is very sad!!!). He was in this, although most people will recognize him as Mr. Wickham from Pride and Prejudice. He has been eye candy for me for some time now.
Of all the men I have looked at and thought," he is cute". Mike, is the one who truly stole my heart. Love you babe. You are the MAN I want to look at everyday!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
On my brain today..3 random thoughts.
Ive had a couple of thoughts consuming my brain lately.
First, at the ripe old age of 30, reality is flowing into my life. Like Sick and Wrong go with Richard Simmons , maybe 30 and afflictions are interconnected as well? Im sure it happens at any age, but I am just now getting bombarded with bad news and heart-wrenching stories from friends and acquaintances. Foreclosures, divorce, health concerns and deaths. In the past month I have had a dear friend die of accidental prescription drug overdose. One friend who's sweet husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. One lose a baby at 39 weeks. One have a complete hysterectomy at 28 yrs old. Several in the middle of divorces. And several whom are unemployed or in foreclosure.
My heart just aches for everyone. Its truly what they say "every ones boo-boo hurts" and no one is trial free. I feel extremely grateful to be where I am in life. Even with life's trials and hardships, I am grateful. Life isnt always as happy and fun as our blogs make them out to be. People struggle with many things. I struggle with many things. Thats life, but it doesn't make it less sad to watch people go through hard things.
It brings me to my next random thought connected with health. What is it with all this infertility? Its so strange. Im not sure if I was too young to really grasp the concept when I was a kid, or if no one talked about infertility. Its only been the past 10 years that I have heard much about it. Once I dealt with it myself, I was shocked to hear the stats. Why are so many women struggling with infertility? Why is it skyrocketing? Doesn't it make you wonder if its something in our society that is creating this problem? Yes, STD's and physical trauma (past abortions, scarring from surgeries, past chemotherapy) are adding to the problem. But what about something we ingest or use daily?- There was a interesting study going on at the clinic I used for In-vitro with the twins in Utah. The hypothesis was that artificial sweeteners and preservative used in foods, were causing fertility issues. Isn't that scary?
I dont know that it is legitimate but I for one, worked at gas stations for years and drank at least 32 oz Crystal Light a day. Hum..Maybe they are onto something? I just cant believe how many people are dealing with this issue. Its not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
And lastly, why do people who are not LDS think LDS people are missing out on life by being members of our church? (I realize I have many non LDS family and friends who read this blog. But it is my blog so dont be offended. This isnt a bash on non-LDS people, just the ridiculous nature of such an argument)
An acquaintance asked about all the viewed "restrictions" the church has on its members and said " If you died today and found out that your religion was all a lie, would you be mad?" The answer was given "No, because I know its true, so that wont happen." Im sure she just thought the answer was trite and a self-assured delusion.
My REAL response was not given, only to spare possible hurt feelings or finger pointing. Seriously, what is it I am missing out on?
I had a whole list. But, I thought I'd just leave this question hypothetical.
I know Im not missing out on anything good. I just cant believe what kind of things non LDS people seem to think are important to have a good life (ie: alcohol & drugs,promiscuity, no responsibilties). To me, its very odd that thats all they can think of.
First, at the ripe old age of 30, reality is flowing into my life. Like Sick and Wrong go with Richard Simmons , maybe 30 and afflictions are interconnected as well? Im sure it happens at any age, but I am just now getting bombarded with bad news and heart-wrenching stories from friends and acquaintances. Foreclosures, divorce, health concerns and deaths. In the past month I have had a dear friend die of accidental prescription drug overdose. One friend who's sweet husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. One lose a baby at 39 weeks. One have a complete hysterectomy at 28 yrs old. Several in the middle of divorces. And several whom are unemployed or in foreclosure.
My heart just aches for everyone. Its truly what they say "every ones boo-boo hurts" and no one is trial free. I feel extremely grateful to be where I am in life. Even with life's trials and hardships, I am grateful. Life isnt always as happy and fun as our blogs make them out to be. People struggle with many things. I struggle with many things. Thats life, but it doesn't make it less sad to watch people go through hard things.
It brings me to my next random thought connected with health. What is it with all this infertility? Its so strange. Im not sure if I was too young to really grasp the concept when I was a kid, or if no one talked about infertility. Its only been the past 10 years that I have heard much about it. Once I dealt with it myself, I was shocked to hear the stats. Why are so many women struggling with infertility? Why is it skyrocketing? Doesn't it make you wonder if its something in our society that is creating this problem? Yes, STD's and physical trauma (past abortions, scarring from surgeries, past chemotherapy) are adding to the problem. But what about something we ingest or use daily?- There was a interesting study going on at the clinic I used for In-vitro with the twins in Utah. The hypothesis was that artificial sweeteners and preservative used in foods, were causing fertility issues. Isn't that scary?
I dont know that it is legitimate but I for one, worked at gas stations for years and drank at least 32 oz Crystal Light a day. Hum..Maybe they are onto something? I just cant believe how many people are dealing with this issue. Its not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
And lastly, why do people who are not LDS think LDS people are missing out on life by being members of our church? (I realize I have many non LDS family and friends who read this blog. But it is my blog so dont be offended. This isnt a bash on non-LDS people, just the ridiculous nature of such an argument)
An acquaintance asked about all the viewed "restrictions" the church has on its members and said " If you died today and found out that your religion was all a lie, would you be mad?" The answer was given "No, because I know its true, so that wont happen." Im sure she just thought the answer was trite and a self-assured delusion.
My REAL response was not given, only to spare possible hurt feelings or finger pointing. Seriously, what is it I am missing out on?
I had a whole list. But, I thought I'd just leave this question hypothetical.
I know Im not missing out on anything good. I just cant believe what kind of things non LDS people seem to think are important to have a good life (ie: alcohol & drugs,promiscuity, no responsibilties). To me, its very odd that thats all they can think of.
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