Thankfulness Project, Day 14, Not Me Monday, Captain America: Why he was important THEN, and why he is important NOW.

Thankfulness Project, Day 14

November 14, 2011, Monday

I am thankful that babies have fat, fluffy cheeks to kiss, and soft little pink lips that babble "mamamamamamama" when they wake. I'm thankful for soft shiny curls twined in my fingers and dimples in elbows and knees. Chubby baby bums to pat when it's time to give baths or change diapers, and lavender lotion to calm them and help them sleep, long lashes brushing the tops of those fluffy cheeks, so scrumptious to smooch, and snuggles in the mean time.

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NOT Me Monday

(I would post a button, but I can't find it on her blog anymore)

link up at mycharmingkids.net

I have NOT been made aware that my links on Not Me Monday are misleading because of my blog's name: I am NOT a VOLCANO. It was unintentional, and I am very sorry for those who were excited to see a story behind why I am a volcano- I invite you all to click the photo of the volcano at the top of my blog to read the explanation. I promise, it's valid.

I did NOT let my kids skip School on Friday because I was sick- they were just fine.

I did NOT spend WAY too much money at Savers on SO MANY new(used) sweaters because it was 50% off day on Thursday.

I am NOT done with my Christmas shopping officially, but I do NOT keep buying more things because I do NOT keep finding more and more things my kids would just LOVE to have!!!

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I meant to post this on Friday, Veterans Day, in respect for our country, our freedom and our ideals, but, as has been mentioned several times the last few days, I have been very sick and am only just now getting the energy to do this. So, better late than never, eh?

Captain America:

Why he was important then, and why he is important now.

**Disclaimer- this is based on the movie, not the comics, as I never read them. However, my husband was an avid comic book reader and endorses this article.**

At the end of World War I, in 1918, the whole world suffered from a deep financial depression, which worsened over time until World War II began in 1939. Despite the death toll, the torture, the genocide and the slaughter that happened in countries the whole world over by those corrupted by inappropriate amounts of power, World War II was possibly one of the best things that could have happened to America at the time.

From 1939 to it's end in 1945, World War II improved America's economy, made way for women's rights, spurred industry and technology that eventually resulted in revolutionary technology we have today. At the end of World War II, America had cemented it's standing as a world leader among the great nations.

Captain America was first encountered in 1941, and added deeply to the already thriving area of War Propaganda. Propaganda kept the American people believing in their country, with the feeling that everyone can help in some way. By spending money, they boosted the economy. Captain America, took a very serious role in representing American ideals.

Representation 1. Steve Rogers was just a skinny little guy before he became Captain America.

American Ideal 1. Average Americans can be heroes too.

Representation 2. In finally being able to join the army, Steve is not the best soldier. He is weak, slow, and asthmatic. However, he is the bravest, works the hardest, longest, and solves problems by thinking smarter, not working harder.

American Ideal 2. Again playing the "average Joe" card, lest we intimidate our potential supporters, the ideal is that while not all Americans are or will be the best soldier- they may be weak, they may be slow. But they work hard, they work long and value bravery, intelligence, honesty, perseverance and integrity just as much.

Representation 3. Steve Rogers was chosen for the experiment that made him stronger, faster, bigger and more able because of his goodness. When asked if he wanted to kill Nazis, he replied "I don't want to kill anyone. I don't like bullies, no matter where they're from." This showcases his deep feelings of compassion, and care for the underdog. He is warned that the serum used to make him the best he can be will increase both the good and the bad in him- which means increased compassion, empathy, intelligence, strength and other desirable traits.

American Ideal 3. The average American hero has exceptional compassion, empathy, and support for the underdog.

Representation 4. Captain America has a team full of the best of the best soldiers that fulfill his missions with him. They are a rag tag team of Americans that represent all the countries the world over-

"Bucky Barnes" - Purebred American

"Jacques Dernier" - French American,

"Timothy Dum-Dum Dugan" and "James Montgomery Falsworth"- British-American,

"Gabe Jones" - African-American and,

especially poignant commentary for World War II, "Jim Morita" - Japanese-American.

Furthermore, it is a GERMAN doctor that gives Captain America his enhanced power. The ULTIMATE in enemies during this era.

American Ideal 4. The realization that being "American" is about a set of ideals, not the nationality or ethnicity you began with. America is a melting pot full of cultures, races and traditions that all must be and will be respected and celebrated. This is also a commentary on the place that America should hold in the world- leading an international team - not taking on a solo mission- but leading an international team to fight the bullies of the world.

70 years later, we are facing another depression that surpasses that of the first great depression in some ways. We are fighting another war. And Americans are no longer proud. We no longer foster ideals of bravery and honesty and hard work- instead, we are obese and lazy. We want to keep immigrants OUT of "our states" and close the border. We give our votes to the most popular candidates, not the most able, to prove we are not racist or not sexist. Education is reserved for those who can afford it, and those who can't afford it incur debts they may never pay off. Trades are also no longer of value- only the paper that proves you have paid the money to sit in a classroom and attend lectures. Small businesses can't thrive and our government is bringing us down, not up. We don't want to lead the world and fight for the underdog. Instead, we want to "bring the troops home." We have developed tunnel vision, insisting that we must only help ourselves, even though the vast majority despise welfare, and insist that by paying welfare taxes, they are single handedly feeding, clothing, and putting a roof over the heads of a family the size of the Duggar's. We have a sock-it-to-'em mentality that pours smugly from our lips and into our protests against anything that may not benefit us directly. It has become a dog-eat-dog world, and our president has stooped to apologizing for the American People in speeches to other countries.

For these reasons, perhaps Captain America is even MORE important today than he was 70 years ago.

Veterans day was celebrated on 11-11-11 this year- one day that will never happen in another century. News stations found it more valid to cover babies born on the historic day, and birthdays celebrated this day that reached further coincidence- like the boy who turned 11 on 11-11-11 at 11:00 am rather than talk about those that deserved the real recognition. Many people ignored it, or did not know why businesses and homes donned American Flags, or did not notice the many parades across the country. Some schools did not even say the pledge of allegiance so as to protect the rights of the students to opt out, should they choose.

However, in every city, aged soldiers who put their lives on the line in WW II stood, removed their hats, placed hands over hearts, and with eyes glistening, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" in remembrance of their friends and comrades who fought and died for the pride, hope and support of a country they believed could reach true ideals, could prosper and protect, and which was worth the sacrifice they might have to make. I doubt if any of them regret it.

Around the world, soldiers, airmen, marines, seamen all followed suit. The country cries "Bring our troops home!" - and I daresay that, yes, that is where they would rather be. But every single one joined their military division knowing what they hung on the line, believing whole heartedly in what they are doing. Too many believe that our freedom is already won- that it never stands threatened or needs maintenance. Too many are wrong.

The point is ideals. Consume. Be brave. Work hard. Be compassionate. Accept the new. Improve. Be strong, loyal and honest. Have pride in AMERICA. Respect your neighbors. As of now, we are as much our own enemy as any terrorist out there.

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Not Me Monday and Things That Must Go, Thankfulness Project, day 7

Thankfulness Project, Day 7

November 7th, 2011, Monday

Today, I'm thankful that my husband is not here- not because I don't love him and want him around, but because he is finally starting his second job this morning and it is only 2 weeks to financial okayness. We won't be rich, but we'll be able to sustain ourselves. It'll be a long hard road, but it's a means to an end and we'll make it.

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NOT ME Monday

While I wasn't looking, Scarlet did NOT don all her winter snow clothes- minus a shirt or coat- and go outside to play in the snow.

When I told her to come inside, she did NOT exclaim "But I'm a VIKING!!!!" That is NOT her dad's fault, because whenever it's cold, he does NOT tell them to "Viking up", per our Scandinavian ancestors. Apparently our kids should like being cold, since some many generations ago, our family lived in a colder climate.

Mahone did NOT get sick at school and throw up in front of the office, all over the office lady.

Teague was NOT up all night last night because he's cutting a tooth. (It's just a very big bump right now, but any day now, it'll break through.)

We have NOT been listening to Christmas music non stop since Halloween was over.

Now head over to MckMama's at www.mycharmingkids.net to link up and find out what other people are NOT doing!!!

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There's got to be SOMETHING in YOUR life that MUST GO!!!

1. People who continually spell my name
Brea. It's Brae. If it were spelled Brea, it would be pronounced "Bree" This is especially irritating on Facebook when my name is right there for them to see. I mean, do they think I spelled my own name wrong when I was registering and then didn't ever notice it to change it? A typo is one thing- but I know who does it often enough to know if it's a typo or not.

2. Off handed compliments that aren't REALLY compliments. Like: "I could NEVER pull THAT off!" and "It's so.......youuuuuuuu." I'd rather you say nothing at all than imply that my taste or style is something only I find intriguing.

3. Vomit. For obvious reasons.

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And now,

A QUESTION FOR MY READERS

How interested would you be if I started a Monday blog hop with the specific intention of voting for each other on Top Mommy Blogs, We're on the Fence and so on? I have a history of failing memes. LOL. Maybe it's just that I lack the patience to keep on keeping on until I get link ups. However, we all want votes. And it'd be a great way to get them.

Please leave your opinion on the subject- and don't forget to return tomorrow for a brand new Touchy Topic Tuesday to leave even MORE opinions!

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Like my blog? Please vote for me by clicking the button for Top Mommy Blogs! Thanks!

Not Me Monday and Things That Must Go!

Not Me Monday

over at mycharmingkids.net

You know how it works, friends! CONFESS!!!

I did NOT go to a Halloween party this Saturday without a costume...except for the small tag on my shirt that said "virgin". It was NOT the best costume there!

I did NOT eat around half a platter of almond thumbprint cookies that my sister in law made for said party. I probably did NOT gain like 8 pounds from them...and it was NOT worth it, they were so stinking delicious. These cookies are NOT the absolute BEST thing about the holiday season. She does NOT make them for everything, and I do NOT look forward to them like a kid giddy for presents!

Scarlet did NOT spill a little box of Nerds on my carpet...and I did NOT pick them all up and eat them. I know. Disgusting.

I did NOT make my husband change THREE really stinky diapers in a row yesterday.

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Grab my button on the right sidebar here, and link up and give us your Things That Must Go!

1. My cellphone's short battery life.

2. Trick or Treaters at 3pm.

3. Formula. Ew. I'm tired of giving my son bottles. It'll be great when he doesn't need them anymore.

4. The guys doing "road work" that keep blocking off the road in my neighborhood. Then they look scandalized when people drive through it anyway. Newsflash: There's only ONE road in and out of the neighborhood- you can't block us in/out of it for a week (or more) straight. We can't walk EVERYWHERE and we have places to be.

Like my blog? Please vote for me by clicking the button for Top Mommy Blogs! Thanks!

Not Me Monday and Things That Must Go!

Not Me Monday!!!

(I can't find the button on MckMama's blog, so i can't link back. Sorry.)

My sister did NOT get married this weekend to my new brother in law, who is NOT amazing!!! I am NOT completely excited to have him as part of our family!

I did NOT walk probably 100 miles through downtown Salt Lake City with her and her photographer.

It did NOT take nearly a half hour to lace up the back of her dress. We did NOT have to do it several different times throughout the day, and my mother was NOT terrified of doing it...so I was NOT the one that ended up doing it. (To my HONOR, I might add!!!)

I did NOT get to spend the rest of the weekend with my amazing family, going out to eat, going to corn mazes, kids playing with cousins, and telling ghost stories.

While eating out at Fazoli's, we did NOT let my children sit with their cousins at their own table. While I was not looking, Scarlet did NOT go climb onto the lap of a motherly looking woman and her mother. They did NOT give her one of their bread sticks, and I was NOT mortified when I rushed over to pluck her up and apologize profusely. They did say that she was adorable and it was totally fine...but I'm pretty sure that that woman did NOT go home and blog about that wayward little girl and what a horrible mother I am. Somewhere in the blogosphere, someone is NOT talking about my terrible parenting.

I did NOT take Lilly to an appointment at Star Talent Studios. They did NOT sign her (with the suggestion of one 11 week class to teach her catwalk skills and camera marking skills.) and then, they did NOT insist on signing the whole family, right down to Teague and his darling red curls. Apparently, we're all darling. Brandon and I read a cold script and were NOT told we are "tier 1" which means we're ready to work without the need of classes. Now all we need are headshots! AHHHHH! I am NOT so extremely excited!

You know how this works, friends! Hurry and grab my button on the right sidebar, and link up with YOUR Things That Must Go!

1. Women who are over 30 who are more gossipy and dramatic than kids in high school. There is absolutely NO reason for or dignity in grouping together in a private place to make fun of a person who doesn't have any access to see what you're saying so that she can defend herself, or otherwise, choose the high road and say nothing at all. It's petty. Really. Grow up.

2. Cars that need upkeep. PLEASE someone invent a car that does not need oil changes, brakes fixed, tired rotated, or fluids replaced. It'd be great to not have to fix one thing just to start worrying about the next thing.

3. Fat threads on my serger sewing machine. I can't thread them through the needles. It sucks.

4. The fact that I can't figure out how to make the underlining go away- it always happens after I put pictures in.

Kay!!! Link up and tell us what things YOU need to get rid of!

Like my blog? Please vote for me by clicking the button for Top Mommy Blogs! Thanks!

Not Me Monday and Things That Must Go!

This weekend, we took our kids to Karaoke in the city. (For those in Utah- Karaoke Cafe in Murray is a non-alcoholic family friendly place to go sing Karaoke. I HIGHLY recommend it. It's an absolute BLAST, really great environment, and it's inexpensive.)

Lilly did NOT literally shake her little hips to EVERY song, she did NOT sing the ENTIRE collection the cafe had of "Taylor Swift"

Singing Katy Perry's "Firework"

"Firework"

Singing Taylor Swift's "Love Story."

Singing Taylor Swift's "Fearless"

More "Fearless"

Scarlet did NOT refuse to sing almost anything except for "Three Little Birds" in the style of Bob Marley.

Scarlet singing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley with Daddy.

Mahone did NOT run around the courtyard the entire time, NOR did he flirt with the waitresses.

Mahone singing his favorite: Frank Sinatra's "Fly me to the Moon."

AND....I did NOT forget to bring any diapers for Teague and he did NOT promptly poop in the one he was wearing, so Brandon did NOT have to drive to the closest family dollar and buy a NEW package of diapers, even though we have a brand new package at home already.

Teague, obviously pleased with his dirty-buttness and our having to go fetch him some new ones.

style="text-align: center;">Hanging out before Karaoke started, after the clean diaper.

Oh! And I did NOT get Lilly an interview with a talent agent at Star Studios- Can't wait for Friday! Wish us luck!

Link up over at MckMama's to share YOUR "not me's" and to see more!

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Grab my button on the right sidebar, and link up with YOUR weekly Things That Must Go!

1. Martyr-Mommies. You know the type- the ones who insist that any mother who is not sacrificing EVERYTHING for her children is neglecting her priorities. Even if said "neglectful" mother has passions and/or hobbies that do NOT interfere with her care for her child, Martyr-Mommies seem to feel that she should find SOME way to fill up that passion with her children so that it IS necessary to abandon it. Martyr-Mommies also tend to have NO hobbies of their own that don't include their children- because, you know, THEY have THEIR priorities straight. Often, Martyr-Mommies over lap with the Mommier-Than-Thou mommies.

2. The seam on my new (read: second hand from Savers for 7.00) American Eagle blue jeans that was cut or sewn wrong and so, as I walk, it slowly rotates until it runs down the FRONT of my shin instead of the SIDE of my calf.

3. 24 hours in a day. I need at least 30.

4. 90 degree weather. It's October. Come on, now. It's time to cool off.

Link up below, friends!!!!!

(Oh- and sorry about the underlined text. Every time I put in photos or a button, all the text goes underlined, and I don't know how to fix it...if you do, let me know.)

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Like my blog? Please vote for me by clicking the button for Top Mommy Blogs! Thanks!

Not Me Monday and Things That Must Go!

Not Me Monday:

I did NOT ditch church yesterday....because 1. It's fast Sunday, and I HATE fast Sundays. Also, the kids were practicing for their primary program next week, so I didn't have to plan a lesson, and my team teacher wouldn't be put out if I didn't show up because it would be MY week to do the lesson....well, that and I took my sister's bridal pictures today.

I did NOT get an adorable new pixie cut last Thursday during one of my twice a week 3 hours-to-myself breaks while Scarlet is in school. Because of the haircut I did NOT get, Teague did NOT miss his nap, and did NOT cry for the entire haircut until I held him on my lap. I did NOT let one of the stylists give my 9 month old a tootsie pop so that he would stop crying, and he did NOT end up with tiny shards of my hair all over his sticky hands and mouth and all over his clothes. I also did NOT use his sweater to mop up his spit up after he ate his bottle, in my arms, while I got my hair cut.

Yesterday, I also did NOT wear my cute new hair in a faux hawk. I mean, I'm almost 30 years old. What kind of mom of 4 does that? NOT ME!!!!! Furthermore, I did NOT specifically do it to shock my mother, who I spent a great deal of time with today. Again, how juvenile. 29 year old women do NOT rebel or do things for the sheer delight of shocking their parents. I was NOT slightly disappointed when my mother was indifferent to my hairstyle.

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Welcome to Things That Must Go, inspired in part by my favorite radio show: Radio From Hell on X96 (96.3) here in Utah with Carry, Bill and Gina.

Link up with YOUR list of things that MUST go!!!!!

1. Snot. Particularly snot on babies. Even more particularly, snot on MY babies. Runny noses suck the worst.

2. Road construction on 7800 south in West Jordan Utah. For as long as I can remember, summer, winter, rain, shine, healthy economy or recession, that road has been under construction. I would rather drive 15 minutes out of my way to avoid 7800 south than try to navigate the ever growing and lengthening forest of orange cones and barrels and signs that say "keep right." After at least 30 years of constant work, FINISH THE ROAD ALREADY.

Link up folks- or even let us know in a comment: WHAT THINGS MUST GO??? Grab my button to the right (scroll down!) so your friends and readers can link up too!!!!

31 Day Challenge- 2 Bucket LIST (list post), Not Me Monday, and Bucket List

I did NOT let Scarlet run naked save for her purple "Fancy Nancy" panties all day yesterday because it was Sunday and we were staying home.

I did NOT have an allergic reaction to some medication LAST Sunday, and my right eye did not explode into a solid red mass due to burst blood vessels. The most disturbing part is that my BFF and I did NOT go get me all dolled up and then paint me with fake blood so we could take morbid "murder" pictures.

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31 Day Challenge 3: Bucket List

1. Play Abbigail Williams in "The Crucible" on stage.

2. Live in Ireland.

3. Learn to speak Gaelic.

4. Visit nearly ALL of Europe.

5. See Big Ben

6. Take my kids to Disneyworld again.

7. Work at Disney- I'd rather be a princess, but by the time my children grow up and are old enough for me to put in the time, I'll probably more likely be one of the villainesses. That's okay.

8. Play opposite Brandon as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady"- he would be Higgins.

9. Own a theatre.

10. Buy my almost dream house and fix it up so that it IS my dream house.

11. One day, have everyone home for Christmas. There will be games, jigsaw puzzles and caroling. And LOTS AND LOTS OF PRESENTS!

12. Hike Machu Picchu.

13. Write a Fairy book. (For a sneak peek, visit www.thegossamerjewelbox.blogspot.com )

14. Have my wings featured in Faerie magazine.

15. Sell one of my upcycled sweaters (see www.thegleemansbaby.blogspot.com ) to a famous celebrity.

16. Be financially stable and out of debt.

17. Own that perfect pair of jeans and a gorgeous pair of worn in cowgirl boots- at the same time.

18. Star in an award winning dramatic film, independent or otherwise, and then disappear, leaving everyone wanting more, but hopefully admiring me for my priorities.

19. Make money for doing the hobbies I do anyway.

20. Get a Tattoo. Or 5. (I need to actually write a post about this one.)

21. Become a better photographer...so that any professional can look at it and NOT offer advice.

22. Be exotically and eclectically beautiful as I age.

23. Grow my hair to my waist.

24. Put dreadlocks in my hair.

25. Own a cherry red 1969 Mustang. ~Cargasm~

Not Me Monday!

I have NOT been slacking off on housework and laundry lately and using morning sickness as an excuse when I really don't feel that yucky anymore.

I do NOT still get tired easily, though.

I am NOT in LOVE with Reese's Puffs cereal, and most certainly could NOT eat it for every meal.

I did NOT deny to my children that there were any snacks left in the backpack, and then excuse myself from sacrament meeting just so I could eat the last strawberry rice crispy treat in peace.

I am NOT starting to show my baby belly now.

It is NOT super adorable either! ~wink~

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DON'T FORGET FRIENDS!!!!!

Coming this Thursday, we have a new saga to follow:
"Love Letters From Listeria"

Button soon to follow.

Brag & Blab and Not Me Monday

I did NOT break out my maternity clothes because I am already too fat to fit into my regular jeans. Yes, they are big...but SOOOO much more comfortable than squeezing into something so tight that you look like a muffin. I did NOT let my kids have lemonade girl scout cookies and milk for breakfast. I did NOT bawl my eyes out at church (pregnancy hormones on the fritz) during primary when all the kids were singing the mother's day song they sang last week and both my kids turned to look at me, wave, and blow kisses. I did NOT also almost fall asleep later that hour, and have to get up and walk around the church to keep from nodding off. I am NOT feeling insecure about my baby because I am not yet feeling sick .

You know how this works, my friends!!! Use this button to link back to me, link up, and then brag about something wonderful, and blab about something that sucks!

Brag: I got to spend the evening with Brandon's mom and dad and their kids last night. it was AWESOME! We love them so very much. I was sad to leave because we were having so much fun!!!!

Blab: Well, I wasn't going to sink to their level, but this is the crappiest thing that has happened in a long time.

You know how I used to write a fairy story on Saturdays for my 'other' blog (thegossamerjewelbox)- that one? Well, I've never really been shy about the kind of big dork I am, and that I LOVE to take pictures of fairies. YES, I do do some mainstream stuff- I have some really excellent (I think) pictures of my kids- portrait style- but really, I just like the hobby of it. Never have I proclaimed myself a professional, or even 'good' at it. I just LIKE it. It's a hobby. It was fun for me. I have never had any classes and I'm teaching myself to use photo shop, so I know I have a lot to learn. But I always figured that you have to start SOMEWHERE, and no one was ever good when they were beginning.

Well, on Friday, after two days of waiting through their 2 day 'waiting period' (lest, heaven forbid, they get a spammer) I was finally able to join the January 2011 birth board- which is why I joined http://www.thebump.com/ in the first place. It's an okay board, but it's slow. So I branched out and visited boards like "SAHM's" and "Preschoolers" and "Photography"

The "Photography" board was an absolute mistake because within 10 minutes of posting about my interest in photography, and the kind of photography I like to do, I was made fun of and had at least 2 other threads started with the explicit goal of demeaning me, my blog, and my hobby.

So I deleted the link.

Those who had already been there passed it around and started making mocking pictures of their babies with goat horns on their heads.

They lectured me about how my photography is no good. And it just went on and on.

My gossamer jewel box blog received over 500 hits that day from this site, and they continued to not only bash my pictures, but also to bash my writing and talk about how I abuse my dog.

So I had to set it to private.

Maybe one day- years from now, I will no longer have that blog private. But in the mean time, it's my own space. I am no longer so confident, now, in the possibility that someday I'll be 'pretty good' - which is what I was aiming for.


Still, I love it. I LOVE making wings and dressing my kids up and playing with photo shop. Even if I need a lot of education on the subject. So, even though my dignity has been crushed, I'm going to refuse to stop playing.


If you would like to check out the hateful things they said, please do at these links. All I wanted was to maybe receive some pointers, talk about styles, and maybe get some tutorials about photo shop. Stupid me. (Oh, and notice- I have 3 posts in TOTAL. And none of them were rude in the slightest.)

http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/36703585.aspx
http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/36725668/ShowThread.aspx#36725668
http://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/36717589/ShowThread.aspx#36717589 BTW, I am USUALLY totally up for other people's comments, whether the agree or disagree. And I don't care if people like my style or not. I realize that I'm a little strange and that my ideas are- for lack of a better word- weird. I'm cool with people disagreeing. I have never been one to want people to give me false praise or blow sunshine up my skirt, or pee rainbows or any of those other chat board phrases for 'brown nosing'. It might come from years upon years of creative writing classes- but criticism is good. I like criticism- especially the constructive kind. But I'm not okay with personal attacks, and I can honestly say that I have never in my whole life been involved in something this lacking in tact or basis, nor have I ever tried to hurt someone or diminish their importance the way these GROWN WOMEN have tried to do to me. (It makes me wonder who these women think they are, acting all high and mighty. Who taught them EVERYTHING, and forgot to teach them respect, tolerance, and love? It makes me sad for their children, because I know that MY children will be dealing with THEIR children when they grow up. And that is a depressing thought.)

Forgive me when I say that right now, my pride is completely shattered- and I'm perfectly okay if you looked at my Gossamer Jewel Box blog once upon a time, and thought it was crap. I very sincerely respect differences in opinion. But I'm not posting, nor reading, any comment that may attack me here. I have it under pretty good authority that they found THIS blog while searching for it on google.com after I set it to private. So if any of them have anything demeaning or negative to say to me, it'll be deleted before anyone else has a chance to see it. Because after I slander their names all over my blog, their value is gone.

Not me monday

Lilly is NOT terrified of Barney now, due to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19NvyH2m2H8&NR=1

I most certainly do NOT let my children sit here and watch youtube videos semi-unsupervised while I hang up laundry or clean the bathroom. (Usually, though, I type "Sesame Street" into the search and they contentedly watch celebrities sing their silly songs with the Muppets.)

Lilly is NOT terrified to go to sleep for fear that "it" will come into her room at night.

It's rare that I feel the need to chew people out for their own idiot actions, but I do NOT want to slander their name all over youtube now, and report the video or something.

Not Me Monday!

I did NOT get to leave my kids with my inlaws on Friday and Saturday night to stay in a hotel.I did NOT sleep in.I did NOT watch television all day.I did NOT eat an entire plate of very delicious cheese ravioli in marinara sauce at Olive Garden.I did NOT then proceed with my husband and some friends over to Ruby River and eat apple cobbler. I did NOT crash at 9:30 on Saturday night because I was so exhaused from eating so much food.I did NOT miss my kids so much this weekend that it almost made me cry.

My new Meme and Not Me Monday!!!!

I am NOT using Not Me Monday in the hopes that everyone sees the first day of my first meme, and chooses to participate!!! **Okay- for REALLY REAL, I participate every Monday, so that's not ENTIRELY true. Mckmama, I'm not JUST taking advantage here! LOL!***

I also did NOT wait until Saturday night to get my kids Easter basket stuff.

This morning, I did NOT eat half of their candy.

I did NOT sleep through part of conference. (I LOVE you guys [First Presidency, Apostles, 70's] but I was just so dang tired.)

Over at Supah's, I also participate in "All About Meme Mondays" where, today, we're talking about Love Languages.

I took the quiz, and it turns out, my love language is:


Quality Time
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there–with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby–makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

I absolutely did not expect this. My husband took one of these quizzes for a class in school, and said that he thought I was the one who likes to recieve gifts. I thought so too- and I'm not talking about expensive jewelry or major worldly things- just like, when he brings me my favorite candy bar from the store, or flowers. That kind of thing. Nothing big.

Though, when i took the quiz, and got Quality time as a result, I thought, right away, that it fit. Brandon and i don't get a lot of time together. He works full time and goes to school just about every night. He has Sundays off, but those don't count. So when we have 10 minutes together, it's so very precious.

Time for my NEW MEME!!!!!

Brag and Blab Mondays!!!!!

First step: link to my blog by grabbing the "Brag & Blab Monday" button on the upper left sidebar.

Step two: BRAG!!!

Okay, I need to clarify. This isn't your regular "I'm happy because...." post. This isn't your run of the mill "My kids are so cute because...." post.

No, no, no, this is a blatant "I'm BETTER THAN YOU BECAUSE...." post. You can brag about something you did, how you look, what your child did, how your hubby is so awesome, etc. It doesn't matter. But it HAS to be actual BRAGGING.


Step three: BLAB!!!


Spill it, sister! Give us the dirt, the dish, the scoop, KISS AND TELL! I wanna hear your complaints, your gossip, who did what, and why your mom or mother in law is so awful!!!


(I know. Satan is clearing out a room for me in Hell.)


Now, I know a lot of us have family members or friends who read our blogs and you don't want to dish the dirt on them here. That's fine! I'll settle for a pity party about how your weekend sucked or you wish you had more money, or you hate the color of your car. Fine with me!!!



I hope you all participate! I PROMISE to leave comments for everyone who links up! Hopefully, you all find this fun enough to come and play!

MY INPUT:
Brag: Yeah, I have the worlds cutest kids. I really honestly do. I really don't know any cuter kids, and no, i don't think I'm biased!

Blab: I am SOOOO ticked! My camera (Nikon D40) is broken. I don't know how because I'm overprotective of it, and always very careful. I went to take pictures of my kids when they were getting into their Easter baskets and it wouldn't auto focus, nor would it let me manually focus the lens. For some reason, the lens won't rotate. So I'm pissed. Again, it's one thing after another, and now we either have to spend the money to get it fixed at a shop (which might not be too expensive. Brandon thinks that it should be an easy fix- there's a lose part of the lens inside that we can't seem to get into place, but otherwise, nothing seems to actually be broken or cracked- hopefully it's not too expensive.) OR we are going to have to buy a new lens (the camera itself works just fine.) 200 dollars or so, but Brandon thinks that might be cool, because then he could get his 55-300 zoom lens that he has been drooling over for like 3 years now. Unfortunately we don't have 200 bucks. GAH!!! I'd honestly rather have to survive without my internet/blog than my camera. I take pictures of my kids daily! (okay...hourly.)

Okay- tame blab, I know, but that's the thing that's been on my mind and really really frustrating lately. I am perfectly sure that I'll have lots more things to complain about and lots more drama to relate.

PLEASE participate and help me get this show on the road!!!

Not me.

I am NOT abandoning my blog today.

Not Me Monday- through the years.

In kindergarten, I did NOT get in a fist fight with a boy twice my size because he kept flipping my skirt up. I did NOT win. (It also did NOT have anything to do with a solitary white chair in a sea of brown ones that I always wanted and so did he.) In FIRST grade, I did NOT get into trouble because I did NOT call two boys 'booger butts' because they were NOT calling my Native-American friend 'Chocolate person.' (they actually, for real, did not get into trouble. I was REALLY upset about this.) In SECOND grade, on the day back from being off track, I did NOT chase every single boy down and kiss them.In THIRD grade, I did NOT kick a boy, Frank, in the teeth because he did NOT keep crawling under the desk and kissing my knees. I also did NOT get into trouble because my 3 best friends and I did NOT throw mud balls at the portable (which was our classroom) and we did NOT have to miss an awards ceremony to clean it up. For YEARS afterwords, my best friend's mom did NOT lecture us about it every time we were together.In FOURTH grade, I did NOT bite the girl who sat next to me (Alicia) on the elbow because she would purposely lean over and stick it on my desk. In FIFTH grade, I did NOT have a teacher tell me there was no Santa Clause because she felt I was too old to believe such things. She also did NOT tell me that I should run away and never come back. She also did NOT make fun of me, and my best friends Brad, Rey, and Jake (all boys) at the time, telling the whole class how she saw all of them kissing me, which was absolutely, for really real, not true- we spent all of our time on the swings, and they were for really real, not my boyfriends. And when I was in Fifth grade, my BROTHER was in SECOND grade- and he did NOT change his appearance each day so that he could sneak through the lunch line several times. (Bottomless pit, that one. LOL.) In SIXTH grade, I was NOT an absolute looser with no friends because I switched from D track (where I'd been all my life) to A track, where the rich, spoiled, 'popular' class was, and I was NOT dirt under their feet.

Not Me Monday and "All about MEme"

My children do NOT STILL all have croup.

Whenever Lilly coughs, she does NOT make the excuse "I'm NOT sick, I just swallowed down the wrong tube!"

Lilly is NOT a diva.

Mahone does NOT talk in his sleep and we do NOT have these kinds of conversations:

waking up: I Don't wanna do that! I odn't want to! NO!!!

Me: You don't want to do what, honey?

M: I don't want to go down there!

Me: Where?

M: I don't want to go parachuting! I just don't want to go down there!

Me: you don't have to honey- it's just a dream.

M: I won't just jump out of the plane!

Me: It was just a dream honey, no one is going to make you jummp out of a plane.

M:okay...where's my indiana jones hat?

Scarlet's Baby Stella (Below) is NOT continually on "time out."

And whenever Stella (Scarlet's favorite baby) is missing, she does NOT walk around in tears screaming "STELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!" as though the baby will come running when she calls.

I do NOT think it's posetively hilarious, and it does NOT remind me of "A Streetcar Named Desire" when Scarlet roams the house screaming "Stella!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I do NOT crack up, big time.

I have NOT been known to briefly make Baby Stella 'disappear' for short moments at a time, just so Scarlet will NOT scream "Stella!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" because, that is not a nice mommy. And I am certainly above such things.