Shimmy Mom

Valentines is Comin Up

2010-01-28T10:26:00.002-07:00

If you are anything like me, you like the cute little holidays, like Valentines Day, that give us the excuse to do extra sweet thing for the ones that we love. This year however, a lot of us don't have the financial means to do anything outside of our everyday budget. That's why I was so excited when a good friend of mine MomZoo came up with a great idea for a week long gift that costs NO MONEY. click here http://momzoo.blogspot.com/2010/01/loving-that-man-of-mine.html to read her post explaining. And let me know if you want to participate too. Or share your ideas for how you show extra( yet cheap) attention to your loved ones.

Have a GREAT Valentines Day next month.

The Two Greatest

2010-01-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

Found this old clip while trying to find a different video today. I just couldn't resist posting it. Talent like this doesn't come around very often and seeing them together is even more rare.

We're Going to Shimmy It Off.

2010-01-11T12:33:00.002-07:00

My dance class agreed to take part in the Biggest Loser's Pound for Pound Challenge.

We're going to be working hard and shedding pounds. Wish my gals luck!

3...2...1....

2009-12-31T14:11:00.004-07:00

Here's to remembering all the blessings of 2009. And letting go of any of the bad. I hope that you are all blessed with Love, Health and Laughter in the coming year! May God bless you all!

Love,

2009-12-21T13:41:00.001-07:00

For my LDS friends. I thought this one was pretty funny.

Getting Into The True Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-09T17:16:00.002-07:00

As most of you know I love Christmas. And one of my favorite parts of Christmas is the music. Last weekend we had my annual sing-a-long.

Today I was sent a link to this new song and knew that I wanted to share it too.

Merry Christmas!

Turn Around Bright Eyes

2009-07-10T19:20:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Country Girl! She was upset with herself for not knowing the artists full name, but knew the answer to this weeks Weekend Words was indeed, Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler. (If you don't already know how great Kate and her blog are, then you have never read my blog before. She is featured here more than any other blog I read. If you haven't been to her site then GO NOW.)

Total Eclipse of the Heart

(Turnaround)
Every now and then
I get a little bit lonely
and you're never coming around
(Turnaround)
Every now and then
I get a little bit tired
of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turnaround)
Every now and then
I get a little bit nervous
that the best of all the years have gone by
(Turnaround)
Every now and then
I get a little bit terrified
and then I see the look in your eyes
(Turnaround bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turnaround bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turnaround)
Every now and then I get a little
bit restless and i dream of something wild
(Turnaround)
Every now and then I get a little bit
helpless and im lying like a child in your arms
(Turnaround)
Every now and then I get a little bit angry
and I know I have to get out and cry
(turnaround)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
but then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
(repeat 2x)

Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround bright eyes
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll never be the boy you always you wanted to be
Turnaround, every now and then I know
you'll always be the only boy who wanted me the way that I am
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's no one in the universe as magical and wonderous as you
Turnaround, every now and then I know
there's nothing any better and there's nothing I just wouldn't do
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes, Every now and
then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you'll only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong together
We can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
Nothing I can say
Total eclipse of the heart
Total eclipse of the heart
Total eclipse of the heart

If you want to see the real music video for this song click here.

But like I said in the last post, I was given a great link to a spoof and this song, and most 80's music videos for that matter. Watching this made me realize that Michael Jackson and Madonna, were the only ones that knew what they were doing until 1990. Enjoy the laugh.

Hope you're having a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

Shameless Plug, So I can WIN.

2009-07-10T11:23:00.002-06:00

My friend Shauna from Trying to Stay Calm, now has a book give-away blog as well. I don't know who she knows, but I want her connections. She has been giving away some AMAZING books. She has cook books, self help books, novels, all on a regular basis. And this week is no different.

For example she is giving away a Bobby Brown, Living Beauty, book. (The make-up artist, not the singer.) It even has before and after pictures so that you can see how to do her techniques.

She also is giving away THIS:

I don't even have a lamp on my beside table. Poor MBC has to fall asleep with the main ceiling light on, when I decided to read in bed. I also have a stack of books that sits on the floor on the side of the bed at all times. This little lamp/shelf would be PERFECT for my room. It's even the right style and colors!

And I get an extra 3 entries for it if I blog about it. So this is my shameful plug.

Wish me luck and head on over to one of Shauna's blogs. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love. She is an absolute SWEETHEART!

My normal Weekend Words post is below, don't forget to take a quess at the song I quoted this week.

Have a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words- I Love the 80's

2009-07-10T11:03:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, my SIL showed me a link to a spoof on this songs music video. We had a really good laugh at the expense of a lot of 80's music videos because of it. So now I have that song stuck in my head and I decided to use it as this weeks, Weekend Words game.

The quote:

"Every now and then
I get a little bit lonely"

So to play: leave your guess as to the correct title of the song in the comment section.

The winner: will get a plug here by Monday and has bragging rights for the week.

I hope that you all have a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday-Family

2009-07-09T10:39:00.006-06:00

This Thursday I'm choosing to spotlight Family. I have so many reasons to be thankful for the family I have. I have 4 amazing kids, the greatest husband EVER, loving parents, super in-laws, and siblings of mine and MBC's that aren't just family they are my friends.

Last night my baby brother (who is a firefighter EMT) taught my son's scout troop CPR so they can go to camp.

Rocker came home so excited. At first he said that they learned so much, he was afraid he wouldn't remember it all, but then for two hours I heard all about how Uncle J brought at least 7 dummies of all different sizes. He told me how to do the Heimlich on an infant, a normal kid/adult, and someone much bigger than you. He told me how to do CPR on a grown up, and an infant. He showed me how to check for pulse, and breathing. He showed me how to find the right place to do compressions, the proper way to do compressions. He told me that when you do compressions you break all the ribs of the person you're saving.

I heard all about how Uncle J. had made everyone practise, but he gave each person a different scenario as they were coming up to take their turn. One boy: just saw a kid fall out of a tree and land on their head, so how should you go about opening their airway? The next: found someone floating in a pool, what should they do? While another: came home from school and saw their mom lying on the floor not breathing. etc.

He told me how big an adults airway is compared to an infants. The list went on and on.

But best of all the last thing he said before he went to bed was he felt so much better knowing that he could save his family if he had to.

I know that he did learn a lot, and he does think that he could respond in an emergency. AND I know that he has a whole new respect for his uncle.

So THANKS Bro.! I really appreciate you taking time away from your own cute family to spend an hour with my son and his friends. You gave him a new hero and made him feel better about himself.

♥hugs♥

Pic of the Week-Breaking the Barrier

2009-07-07T09:25:00.001-06:00

I saw this picture last week and thought it was an amazing shot. It was taken from an air craft carrier as a jet above was breaking the Sound Barrier.

Scientist can't really explain the cone shape, but it has been witnessed many times. For the whole story click here to read the article.

Memories Monday- We Rock as Parents

2009-07-06T18:41:00.005-06:00

So I'm deviating a little from my normal Memories Monday sort of post where I talk about a memory I have from years ago, and I'm going to talk about a memory that we created this last weekend for my kids.

We decided that we wanted to do something really fun for the 4th of July. We've had some things come up and happen this year that have put crimps in plans and we've had to disappoint the kiddos a couple of times. We wanted to make up for that and do something big this summer. So what did we come up with?...

If you don't live in Utah then you might not have heard about the AWESOME concert and fireworks that the Freedom Festival in Provo puts on every year. It was started by the Osmond family over 20 years ago, and especially within the last 10 years they have been able to bring in some really big national names (People like Toby Keith, Miley Cyrus, Alabama and many MANY more) to go along with their dancers and choir.

This year they did not disappoint. The MC was radio and television's Glenn Beck, who I felt was incredibly respectful and patriotic. SHeDaisy, a grammy nominated country girl group that just happens to be three sisters from here in Utah AND...

Yes, THOSE Jonas Brothers; quite possibly the biggest group in America right now, especially if you have three girls living in your house. They LOVE these boys.

and I have to admit that they put on one heck of a show. They were fun, loud,... good. I'm not ashamed to admit that I was able to sing-a-long to a few songs, but my favorite part was when they asked the moms and dads to stand up and prove to their kids that "they still got it" and sang their remake of Sweet Caroline (originally by Neil Diamond). It was so much fun.

So after two hours of great entertainment we got to sit RIGHT under one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country. They were AMAZING. But there was something different this year.

This year they had an intermission in the fireworks and they had a flag retiring ceremony. A huge flag that was made for the 2002 Winter Olympic games and has since been around the country (in fact my MBC held that very flag at a St. Louis Rams game back when he was in the color guard.) but has finally seen it's day.

It was an amazingly patriotic and respectful service. It was beautiful to watch the respect and dignity that was used as the military carried it in and carefully placed it into the "furnace" in which it was to be burned.

I'm so glad that my kids were able to see it and I hope that they will be able to remember the feeling of respect that was in the air.

Then of course there we even more fireworks and we all went home feeling very lucky that we had been there. (and mom and dad even left feeling it was worth the money we dished out; something that doesn't always happen when you do things for your kids.)

So my thanks go out to all those involved in making that wonderful night happen. Thanks for the great memories that you gave to my family, we won't soon forget it.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T10:41:00.003-06:00

I hope that you are all having a WONDERFUL holiday weekend.

Take some time to think about why we really celebrate it and to thank someone you know in the military fighting to keep things that way.

100 Truths

2009-07-01T10:27:00.000-06:00

100 Truths!

April tagged everyone - so I too tag everyone! Mwah ha ha! If you haven't answered them, then post this on your blog too.

1. Last beverage → Choc. milk

2. Last phone call → Amber

3. Last text message → from MBC, he's the only one that texts me.

4. Last song you listened to → Dune Dance at class last night.

5. Last time you cried → Sat. (I was at a funeral)

SIX HAVE YOU EVER:

1. Dated someone twice? → Sort of.

2. Been cheated on? → No

3. Kissed someone? → Yes, at least 4 times, right Amber?

4. Lost someone special? → Yes

5. Been depressed? → Not too bad

6. Been drunk and threw up? → Nope

LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:

1. Purple

2. Green

3. Black

4. Blue

HAVE YOU:
1. Made new friends → Tons of them.

2. Fallen out of love → Yes. (Not with my husband tho!)

3. Laughed until you cried → Yes!

4. Met someone who changed you → Absolutely.

5. Found out who your true friends were → Yes.

6. Found out someone was talking about you → Ya.

7. Kissed anyone on your Facebook friend's list → Yes!
(MBC is on that list)
8. How many people on your Facebook friends list do you know in real life → Like 98% of them.

9. How many kids do you want to have → I'll keep the 4 I have.

10. Do you have any pets → Do you read this blog? My house is a zoo.

11. Do you want to change your name → I already have.

13. What time did you wake up today → 7:45, but I got out of bed at 8:15.

14. What were you doing at midnight last night → In my room, laying down, talking with MBC about a surprise for our kids.

15. Name something you CANNOT wait for → OH, I have to wait, but we'll get there eventually.

16. Last time you saw your father → About a week or two ago.

17. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life → I'd like the house to be cleaner, but we're working on it. My life is really good, I don't want to take any chances jinxing it.

18. What are you listening to right now → A jet flying over my house.

19. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom → Definitely

23. What's getting on your nerves right now? → The state of affairs in my family room. Time to go get cleaning. And the fact that my children aren't up yet.

24. Most visited webpage → hmmm, facebook and my emails. But I have lots of fun blogs I like to visit.

1. What's your name? → Mom, or Shimmy Mom (hehehe, did you expect me to put anything different?)

3. Relationship Status → married

4. Zodiac sign → Capricorn

5. Male or female or transgendered → female

6. Primary School → West Bountiful Elementary

7. Middle School → Bountiful Jr. High

8. High school → Bountiful High
Go BRAVES!
10. Hair color → Dark Brown.

11. Long or short → LONG

16. Height → 5’5”…on a good day.

17. Do you have a crush on someone? → My hot husband.

18: What do you like about yourself? → I'm optimistic.

19. Piercings → My ears…and my belly button when I was 19 that I took out about 8 months later!

20. Tattoos → Zero.

21. Righty or lefty →ambidextrous.

FIRSTS :

22. First surgery → Tubes in my ears when was little.

23. First piercing → Ears, age 8.

24. First best friends → My grandma and Cindee.

26. First sport you joined → Does dance count? Tap. Otherwise YW basketball.

27. First pet → unless we're talking gold fish, a turtle named Spanky.

28. First vacation → I'm sure it was camping with my family, but I had an aunt take me to Disneyland when I was 5.

29. First concert → Depeche Mode

30. First crush → In 3rd grade I had some friends that started to notice boys so I thought that I HAD to like someone, so I chose Andy, but the first crush that I didn't force upon myself was Danny in 6th grade.

RIGHT NOW:

49. Eating → Nothing, I need to go upstairs and find some breakfast.

50. Drinking → Again, I need to go upstairs.

52. I'm about to → Wake up the kids and get to work.

53. Listening to → Silence, that doesn't happen very often around here.

55. Waiting for → This weekend. Bring on the fireworks, baby, I LOVE Independence Day!!!

YOUR FUTURE :

58. Want kids? No more than I have.

59. Want to get married? Done! And I think I'll keep him. :)

60. Careers in mind? Honestly, I don't want to do anything else until my kids are grown, but then I want to go back and finish getting certified as a Sign Language Interpreter and possibly work at a Deaf School.

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX?

68. Lips or eyes → Eyes. MBC's are AMAZING.

69. Hugs or kisses → Depends on my mood, but I'll always take a hug.
70. Shorter or taller → Taller. Way taller. (He’s 6’3”)

71. Older or Younger → THAT doesn't matter. (Okay, I'm six months older.)

72. Romantic or spontaneous → Romantically spontaneous.

73. Nice stomach or nice arms → It's all good. But I like to know that I'm safe in his arms.

74. Sensitive or loud → Sensitive. I don't think MBC knows how to be loud. That's my department.

75. Hook-up or relationship → MBC's just a fling…what kind of question is that?

77. Trouble maker or hesitant → Before I met him, I'd have said hesitant, but MBC is definitely more of a trouble maker.

HAVE YOU EVER :

78. Kissed a stranger → no

79. Drank hard liquor → no

80. Lost glasses/contacts → Luckily I don't have to wear them. I lost a retainer once in the 6th grade though. I thought my mother would KILL me. I found it later that day in my back pack.

81. Sex on first date → ….NO!

82. Broken someone's heart → Yeah.

83. Had your own heart broken → Yep.

85. Been arrested → No

86. Turned someone down → Yes

87. Cried when someone died → Of course.

88. Liked a friend that is a girl? → *looks around…* Like…LIKE like?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:

89. Yourself → Most of the time

90. Miracles → Absolutely

91. Love at first sight → Possibly

92. Heaven → Most Definitely

93. Santa Clause → With out a shadow of a doubt.

95. Kiss on the first date? → Depends on the circumstances.

96. Angels → for sure!

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:

97. Is there one person you want to be with right now? → I always miss MBC when he isn't home, and I have a friend that I miss a lot.

98. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time? → No, I was always a good girl. But my steady in high school went to a different school than me, I totally could have pulled it off. What was I thinking. hehehe

99. Posting this as 100 Truths? → Nope I just did all this typing for my health.

100. There wasn't one - oh well! That’s dumb. If you want to make one up, ask it in the comments, I'll answer them.

Have a great day!!

♥hugs♥

Pick of the Week- Africa

2009-06-30T08:38:00.004-06:00

My favorite video this week is this really fun choir called, Perpetuum Jazzile.
I hope that you enjoy it as much as my family did. Do you remember this song?( You'll have to scroll down and turn off MJ to hear it.)

I think I like this version more as much as the original.
Have a great day!

♥hugs♥

Memories Monday- In Memorium (MJ)

2009-06-29T13:57:00.005-06:00

Trying to come up with a memory for Memories Monday was easy this week. Like most of you I was shocked when I heard of Michael Jackson's death. I grew up listening to the "King of Pop" in fact he was the first celebrity poster that ever hung on my closet door. I was about 11 (I can't remember exactly) and he was the first real person/idol to grace my wall.

(I think it was this picture but he was in front of the pepsi logo.)

It was all down hill from there, no more teddy bears and kittens, it was boys, boys, boys from then on. But Michael in front of the Pepsi symbol was my first and I'll never forget it. (I wish I still had it now, it would probably be worth a lot of money, I couldn't even find a picture of it on the internet)

As a dancer I loved him even more, not only was his music fun to dance to but his moves changed the world. Now that I'm older and I teach a dance that urges you to have muscle control and isolation, I've gone back and looked at some of those moves and he blows me away even more.

A lot has been said about his personal life and I've chosen not to think about it. Call me naive, call me an optimist, call me "wacko" too, but as far as I'm concerned he was acquitted of every charge; he did a lot for charity, and he had a childhood that none of us can understand.

I'm choosing to remember the amazing performer that changed the world of music FOREVER.

Rest in Peace Michael, and thanks for the music.

♥hugs♥

The Winners Can 'Go Now'

2009-06-28T11:36:00.004-06:00

We had two winners this week. Cherie

was the first to know that the answer

was Go Now,

but Country Girl, was the one that knew

that it was originally by the Moody Blues.

( I must admit that I didn't know

Cherie before today,

but when I went to her site I was surprised

with BEAUTIFUL pictures of her

recent trip to Germany and Austria.

It made me want to go there myself.

And I saw that she too had

a tribute to Michael Jackson

and it made me like her even more,

so I will definitely be back

to meet her better.

If you are a regular reader of this blog

then you know that I did already

know Country Girl.

I've been a fan of Kate's for well

over a year now.

Her GORGEOUS photography

and her sweet dog George

combine with her humor and

keeps me coming

back for more.

I follow both her everyday site

and her photography blog

Congratulations ladies,

you sure do know your music.

I hope that you all had a great weekend.

Go Now

by Moody Blues

We've already said, "Goodbye."
Since you gotta go,
Oh, you better go now.

Go now, go now, (go now,)
(Go.) Before you see me cry.
I don't want you to tell me,
Just what you intend to do now.
'Cause how many times
I have to tell you,
Darlin', darlin',
I'm still in love .
With you now?
Wo-oh oh-oh oh.

We've already said, "So long."
(I don't want to see you go.)
(Oh, you had better go now.)

Go now, go now, (go now.)
(Ooo-ooo.)
Don't you even try
Tellin' me that you really
Don't want me to end this way. Yay-ay.
'Cause, darlin', darlin',
Can't you see I want you to stay?
Yay-ay ay-ay ay.

[ Find more Lyrics on www.mp3lyrics.org/9URx ]
[Instrumental break.]

(Since you've got to go,)
(Oh, you better go now.)

Go now, go now, (go now,)
(Ooo-ooo-ooo)
Before you see me cry.
I don't want you to tell me,
Just what you intend to do now.
'Cause how many times
I have to tell you,
Darlin', darlin',
I'm still in love, still in love,
With you now?

(Ooo ooo ooo ooo.)

I don't want to see you go,
But, darlin',
You'd better go now.

[GO NOW]
[Written by: Larry Banks & Milton Bennett
Performed by: The Moody Blues [1] -1965
Appears on: Go Now!-1965, The Magnificent Moodies-1966 & 2007 (Bonus
Tracks)-1992 & 2006, Collection-1986, The Best of the Moody Blues-1997 [2] ,
Anthology-1998, The Very Best of the Moody Blues-2002, An Introduction to
the Moody Blues-2006, et al.]

Weekend Words- The Song in My Head

2009-06-26T11:32:00.002-06:00

I have no idea where I've heard it recently, but this is the song I woke up singing this morning:

"Since you gotta go,
Oh, you better go now"

Anybody know what it is and who sings it. No cheating now, just take your best honest guess.

And have a GREAT weekend. I'm off to play with my girls while the boys are at a scout overnighter.

♥hugs♥

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-21T09:20:00.003-06:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful Dads that have touched my life. Especially to my grandpas, dads and MBC. You're the BEST.

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- MBC

2009-06-18T09:25:00.003-06:00

I truly have SO much to be thankful for. But due to the sentimental feelings that have come up this week, I have to say that having the most wonderful husband on the planet is definitely on the top of my list.

I am grateful for every moment we share together, every laugh he makes me giggle, how supportive he is, what a great father he is, every hug. I'm also VERY grateful that we have both been blessed with good health and hopefully many more years to enjoy together.

♥hugs♥

They're HOME!!!

2009-06-17T17:41:00.001-06:00

I'll do a better update post later, but for now I wanted you all to know that Lucy got returned on Friday and Ramsey came home today!! It's a good day at my house.

♥hugs♥

Stacey You Will Be Missed!

2009-06-16T07:35:00.001-06:00

Stacey Anderson Shingleton 1963 ~ 2009 With hearts overflowing with love for our beloved sweetheart, mother, sister, and friend, we remember the life of Stacey Anderson Shingleton. On June 12, 2009, Stacey returned to the welcoming arms of our Heavenly Father after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.Stacey was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 9, 1963, to Clark and Pat Anderson. She was the second daughter of four girls. Stacey attended school in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where she was active in drill team, drama, girls' basketball, track, and various clubs. She graduated from Kemmerer High School in 1981 and attended B.Y.U. for three years majoring in physical education and art. Stacey met her "Hun," Brent A. Shingleton, on a blind date which was the beginning of an everlasting romance. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 22, 1984. Stacey was active in the L.D.S. Church in which she held many callings. Her favorite calling was working with the young women. Going to girls' camp was always an experience when she was around. Stacey loved the outdoors, she especially enjoyed beautifying her yard with bright and colorful flowers. She was a talented interior decorator, and had a knack of making events into something special and memorable. However, Stacey's passion in life was her children, and she attended all of the activities that they participated in. She had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and shared that testimony through her actions and sincere love for others. Stacey brought laughter and joy to our hearts, and we will feel her warm smile throughout our lives. Stacey is survived by her loving husband, Brent, and their three remarkable children: Taryn (18), Ryley (15), and Peyton (7); her parents, Clark and Pat Anderson (Orem); and her three sisters: Janene (Mark) Dykstra - Logan; Kim (Brad) Frandsen - Centerville; and Kristi (Michael) Barney-Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the L.D.S. Porter Lane 3rd Ward Church on 400 West Porter Lane (400 South) Centerville. Family and friends may attend a viewing on Monday, June 15, 2009, from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers at 295 North Main, Bountiful, and again on Tuesday from 9:30- 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the L.D.S. Church. Interment to follow at the Centerville Cemetery. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- Pets

2009-06-11T11:55:00.003-06:00

Today is a very hard post to write. As my regular readers will know, we have had times that are house was quite a zoo, literally.
Since MBC and I have been married we have had, a turtle,dogs, cats, an iguana, birds, a duck, chickens, rabbits, fish, and ferrets in our house; not all at the same time, but pretty close to it. Each animal has touched our lives somehow. It has taught us something, loved us back unconditionally, or given my children some responsibility and sense of accomplishment.

We are at an all time low, as far as our animal scale goes, right now. Two cockatiels, one cat and two dogs. (and a few fish in Rocker's room) Well..., we had two dogs.

Saturday we were at a Homeschool Convention all day. While we were gone someone messed with our fence and the gate got opened and broken a little bit. We didn't realize this until we got home and let the dogs out. When they didn't come back in, we discovered how they'd "escaped".
MBC was out until 1:00 am Sat. night (Sun. morning) trying to find them. Sunday we put ads in all the classifieds (paper and internet) and started checking everyone's lost and found sections every five minutes. Monday morning we called Animal Control, as soon as they opened, and filed a missing report. We even called our adjoining counties Animal Control and put a report in with them.
Here it is Thursday, and we still haven't heard anything. *sigh* They have never taken off like this and I'm really worried about them.

Ramsey is my baby,we've had him for over 8 years. He turned 9 this month. (Really old for a BIG dog) He has always had asthma, but it's gotten worse lately. He also has arthritis really bad and has started developing a couple of tumors. (benign, but still bothersome.) So I'm really worried that if someone assumes that he is an outdoor dog, or doesn't know how to stop one of his asthma attacks, he won't last long. It is KILLING me to think that I can't guarantee that his last days will be happy and comfortable.

Lucy, as some of you know, is my hubby's dog.I don't take kindly to having my shoes eaten, so I've never really claimed her. But the truth be told, she is a good dog. She is sweet with my kids and can keep my MBC entertained for hours. She is the most friendly girl I've ever met and she wouldn't hurt a fly. And, I can't beleive I'm admitting this, I'm still hiding my shoes when I take them off, and when I remember that I don't have to, it makes me well up.
I know that she would adjust to being someone elses dog easier than Ramsey would, but MBC and I are afraid that people will also assume that she is an outdoor dog, (because she's so big.) and that wouldn't be fair to her. She's been in our house with people since she was 6 weeks old. I think that never being allowed in the house would drive her crazy and she would dig the graters in their yard to prove it.

The are both BIG dogs, who won't leave each others sides, so someone HAD to have seen them.There is no way that they are still just running around and Animal Control hasn't been called. I think someone has kept them and their dishonesty is very disappointing. But I've resigned myself to thinking that they are gone and I'm praying that whoever has them is loving them. I'm also trying really hard to focus on the good. I've had a lot of wonderful memories going through my head this week and I'm especially thankful for the blessing they were to me while they were here.

Pick of the Week

2009-06-02T11:36:00.001-06:00

This week I decided to just show a belly dance video. Shakira is one of my favorites.

I'll Be Waiting (Weekend Words winner with Memories Monday)

2009-05-29T16:25:00.008-06:00

Congratulations to Janene, who was the winner of the last Weekend Words game. Now I must admit that I'm very glad I clicked on her name in the comment section and went to her blog that way, because I had a good friend in High School named Janene and I assumed it was her that answered. That was, until I saw kids that weren't hers and a lady that wasn't her in a part of the country in which she doesn't live. So now I have a new blog to visit and a new person to get to know. From the sneak peek I've had so far it looks like she's already having some great summer adventures.
The answer of course was: Right Here Waiting, by Richard Marx.

As I mentioned on Friday. I went to a Richard Marx concert my senior year. The only catch was that my mother had been given the tickets from a friend. She had no desire to go, (I don't think she had any idea who he was. -She only listens to Oldies.) so she gave them to me, but said the only way I could have them was to take my brother with me. OOH fun date! My brother and I weren't exactly the best of friends back then. (We tried to beat each other on a regular basis.)

I was SO bummed, and I thought that my mother was being SO unfair. But we went and once Richard started singing songs like this, I forgot all about who I was there with, or anything else in the world for that matter.

My brother and I even managed to get through the whole night without threatening to kill each other! That was the first time I realized that I could spent more that 5 minutes with my bro and not die. -Thanks Richard!

Right Here Waiting

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' CrAzY

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance

Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' cRaZy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

YouTube has removed embed codes for the video, but if you click here you can go watch it.

Weekend Words- From the Radio

2009-05-29T16:25:00.004-06:00

There isn't any special reason for this weeks song. As a matter of fact, I happen to be a channel flipper when it comes to the radio in my car. Today as we were running errands, I came across this one on an easy listening station and had to stop to listen. I don't think I've heard it since I went to see the artist that performs it in concert my senior year of high school.

"Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane "

So do you remember this song? And yes google is cheating. We're on the honor system around here. But go ahead and take a guess. The first one to leave the right answer in the comment section is this weeks winner. Your prize? ..... well, bragging rights. We're a cheap blog around here, but it's fun anyway so give it a try.

Have a great weekend.
♥hugs♥

How do you Bang?

2009-05-29T12:56:00.000-06:00

So, I obviously got a little busy this week and forgot to post that last weeks Weekend Words winner was my good friend Jen from High School. Isn't the Internet world a wonderful place to let me keep in touch with so many long held acquaintances? That smart little friend of mine knew that the quote was indeed She Bangs by Ricky Martin. Or William Hung if you're an old American Idol fan. Congratulations my friend! I hope that you and your adorable family are having a great weekend.

Have a great weekend!
♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- A Hopeful Summer Break

2009-05-28T14:47:00.004-06:00

If I'm being honest, this was a tough year -school wise. We added Princess to the mix (giving me three different grade levels) which meant that Deputy thought she had to do school as well. She couldn't be left out you know. (Giving me four different grade levels.) Add in our move in Sept., Rocker's (Big Bro) accident in Jan, and my thinking that I could ad College as well, and I spent most of the year feeling like we were either behind or failing. To say the least we didn't do much fun extra curricular stuff this year.
But As I've gone around the house today, trying to gather the things for our Homeschool Spring Fling tonight. (Basically a year in review, where the kids get to showcase what they've learned this year. My sister-in-laws family puts it on.) I realized that I have learned a lot this year.

I learned that: * Sometimes life happens and you have to make adjustments. *Sometimes, no matter how scheduled I'd like to be, you have to be flexible. *That curriculum needs can change from year to year. (We will be changing curriculums this coming year.) *And that there is nothing better than supportive family and answer to prayer.

A couple of months ago, I was at a huge loss as far as what we were going to do differently this year. But through much prayer and supportive family listening to my whining and reminding me that I can do it, we have figured it out. And you know what? We are all really excited about next year!

So while today I'm, trying desperately to think of things that my kids can actually show case, and I"m INCREDIBLY glad that this school year is OVER! and I'm ready to enjoy a summer break, I know that it won't last the whole summer. The kids already want to start learning the stuff we have planned for next year. (Good thing our local Elementary school is on year round.)
I am so thankful for the spirit of hope that I have found during my times of figuring things out and especially the hope that I feel know as I see my children once again, excited to learn.

I hope that all of you have something to be thankful for today, and that you have a summer full of hope as well.
♥hugs♥

You Knew I'd Post Her

2009-05-26T18:23:00.002-06:00

Again, Britain's Got Talent isn't allowing YouTube embed codes. But if you click here, you can see the whole Susan Boyle second performance.

Have a great day!
♥hugs♥

Weekend Words-Some Music We Can Dance To

2009-05-23T12:42:00.003-06:00

As we were cleaning the house this morning. I plugged my ipod into the speakers and turned up the jams. One of the first songs to play (in my with a dance beat section) was this one:

"Well if it looks like love should be a crime
You'd better lock me up for life
I'll do the time with a smile on my face"

So do you know what song it's from? If you do, be the first one to leave the right answer in the comment section. (There aren't any prizes, but I'll give you a plug and you will feel special. -That's worth somethin', right?)

I hope that you all have a GREAT Memorial Day Weekend.

♥hugs♥

DANCE -Thankful Thursday

2009-05-21T08:41:00.004-06:00

I don't think it would come as any surprise to any of my regular readers to hear me say I'm thankful for Dance.But there have been some changes in the last week that have me SO excited.

A couple of months ago I started teaching belly dance again. It was just a simple, basic moves, class for some family and friends. I thought it would last for about a month. Well, they started bringing family and friends and now almost three months later we have quite the little troupe starting. And I have taught them a 2 min. dance.

Last week I decided to go ahead and offer two classes a week and the response was HUGE. Everyone from my Thursday class said they would come on Tuesdays as well and they are inviting more people to come with them. But the best news of all is...... I now have a real studio!!! (We were doing it in my church before.) My new friend Aubrey, who is also a dance teacher, said that she would let me use her studio for my classes as long as she gets to come for free. How awesome is that!?

This Tuesday was so much fun. It's hard to explain how excited I am to be on the hardwood floor and in front of a mirror again. I know that it will help my class immensely to be able to see themselves and not just myself as I explain new moves.

So this week I am over the moon thankful for my dance class, all the wonderful women who come and especially having a real studio. Thanks again Aubrey!

(If you live in my area and have a daughter who wants to take tap or modern, let me hook you up with Aubrey's number. She also teaches adult hip hop and yoga/pilates.)

Feel free to come join in the fun. And yes, shakin' it is TONS of fun.

I hope that you all have much to be thankful for this week.

♥hugs♥

Tic Tacs Rock!

2009-05-19T00:13:00.000-06:00

I had a friend send me this video on Sat. and I knew I just had to post it.
I LOVE creative people!

*hugs*

The Lady in Green Sleeves.

2009-05-16T10:17:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Merrianne! She knew that yesterdays Weekend Words quote was from Greensleeves. If you've never been to Merrianne's site you should go there. This chick-a-dee is HILARIOUS! And such a sweetheart. She's been a blogging buddy for a long time now and I can't wait til the day comes when we will get to meet in person.

Greensleeves,

"Alas my love, ye do me wrong

to cast me off discurteously:

And I have loved you so long,
Delighting in your companie.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight:
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

I have been readie at your hand,
to grant what ever you would crave
I have both waged life and land,
your love and good will for to have.

Refrain:
Greensleeves was all my joy, etc.

Greensleeves was my delight:

Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
But still thou hadst it readily,
Thy musicke still to play and sing,
And yet thou wuldst not love me.

Refrain:

Greensleeves was all my joy, etc

.Greensleeves was my delight:

Greensleeves was my heart of gold,

And who but my Ladie Greensleeves.

Greensleeves now farewel adieu
God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true
Come once again and love me.

Refrain:

Greensleeves was all my joy,

Greensleeves was my delight:

Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves."

Anonymous (English, 16th Century): Greensleeves,

from Faire, Sweet & Cruell (Bis CD 257): track 9

Of all English Renaissance tunes, this is the most familiar, partly because of its modern use for the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?" However, it was a wildly popular tune in its own day, and was arranged in endless different ways. Here we hear it sung much as it must have sounded in the 16th century. Although the text speaks in the voice of a man spurned by his lady love, it is here sung by a woman, which would not have bothered a Renaissance audience one bit. They had little concern for the gender of the singer of a song so long as the voice was a pleasant one. The message was conveyed by the words and melody, and not by the person of the singer.Thank you to: http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/love-in-the-arts/renaissance.html

for the information about Renaissance Music.

Weekend Words-Renaissance Style

2009-05-15T01:26:00.001-06:00

Since I am off playing with my children at the Renaissance Fair today, I decided to stick with the theme of the day and post a song that was written during the English Renaissance.

Most people know this song, but not because of these words. So here is your hint: This song is VERY popular because it has words that were written for the tune. The Tune is named different than the Song with words. However and the original tune did have words. It was in fact a love song.

"Alas my love, ye do me wrong

to cast me off discurteously:

And I have loved you so long,
Delighting in your companie."

So do you know what the real title is? No cheating now, I want to know who really knows it.

If you know the answer leave it in the comment section and I'll check them when I get back home.

Have a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

P.S. Today is MBC's birthday and I wanted to say: Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I love you and I hope that you have a GREAT day.

(To get to know my MBC better you can read last years birthday post by clicking here. or some fun meme's by clicking here.)

Thankful Thursday-Cheap Field Trips

2009-05-14T10:07:00.002-06:00

This week I'm very thankful for lots of things that have to do with homeschool. I found a group of local homeschool moms and they have been such a great resource. They get the kids together every week on Tues., so that they can exercise. We consider it gym class. But it also lets them make friends, socialize and play team games. AND it lets the moms visit with others who don't think we're CRAZY. They swap curriculums and books and ideas and they put together group field trips, all sorts of great helps. This week they arranged to get us into our local Renaissance Fair for only a dollar per person. There will be real jousters (knights on horses, knocking each other off.), artists, singers, dancers, magicians, glass blowers, falconers etc. We are so excited.

So Weekend Words will be an auto post tomorrow, because we will be off playing. And this week I'm very thankful for affordable field trips.

I hope you all have something to be thankful for where you are today too.

♥hugs♥

Post for a Give-Away

2009-05-13T12:32:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite blogs is having a give-away this month. The Story of A Princess and Her Hair, has given me SO MANY fun ideas for what to do with my daughters hair. I look everyday to see if there are new styles up. Well to celebrate her new site,

she is having a give-away, and a big one at that. She is giving away a $200 flat iron. I don't have one yet, and I really want it. So go over and see the fun styles, enter yourself, and wish me luck!

Multiple Winners- and Memories Monday

2009-05-11T13:59:00.005-06:00

Congratulations are in order to the following:
Jenny in Utah from The Sound You Hear is Living,who was the first to know that the latest Weekend Words quote was from Apollo 13.

Jenny has a very cute blog about her wonderful little family. My favorite part is when she shares her weekly "lunch out of a muffin tin" -such a cute idea.

And Emily was the winner the week that I missed (darn computer). The answer was indeed Wishing You Were Here Again, from The Phantom Of the Opera.

I must admit that I don't know Emily very well. Her answer was the first time I'd heard of her. But I have since been to her blog and it is very cute. She did a lovely Mother's Day Tribute to every mother that has influenced her life and she does what she calls her Journal Jar on Fridays.

As far as "Phantom" goes, Wishing You Were Here Again is the song that I sang for my college scholarship audition. I was so nervous that I wouldn't hit the highest G at the end of the song when she sings ... Give me the strength to try.... I did hit it though, and while I didn't get a scholarship, I did make the choir; and after my sing experience history that made me very happy.

Wishing You Were Here Again,

You were once
my one companion...
you were all
that mattered...
You were once
a friend and father-
then my world
was shattered...

Wishing you were
somehow here again...
wishing you were
somehow near...
sometimes it seemed,
if I just dreamed,
somehow you would
be here...

Wishing I could
hear your voice again...
knowing that I never would...
Dreaming of you
won't help me to do
All that I dream I could...

Passing bells
and sculpted angels,
cold and monumental,
seem,for you
the wrong companions-
you were warm and gentle...

Too many years
fighting back tears...
Why can't the past
just die...?

Wishing you were
somehow here again...
knowing we must
say goodbye...

Try to forgive...
teach me to live...
give me the strength
to try...

No more memories,
no more silent tears...
No more gazing across
the wasted years...
Help me say goodbye...

Help me say goodbye.

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend and that your Mother's Day was something to sing about!

♥hugs♥

What Happens When Your Computer Goes Down For a Whole Week?

2009-05-08T18:43:00.002-06:00

You say, "Houston, we have a problem." So that's the weekend words for this week. Tell me what movie, or what real life situation that quote came from. (Just leave the answer in the comment section) On Monday I will post the winner from both this week and last week.

In the meantime click here to go watch a guy who is almost as cute as Susan Boyle. Why, when they do it here, do they show all the fruit cakes, instead of adorable stories like this?

Have a great weekend!
*hugs*

Weekend Words- Pick a Category

2009-05-01T09:41:00.003-06:00

Today I chose another one that could fall into more than one category (book, movie or song) but I'm choosing to say that today's game is a song quote:

"You were once my one companion
You were all that mattered."

If you know where it's from (without cheating) leave your answer in the comments. First one with the right answer wins! There's no prizes, but hey you win.

Have a great weekend!

♥hugs♥

Today in Science Class....

2009-04-28T04:09:00.000-06:00

We learned about this:

Big Bro. can't wait to go to Scout camp and look for shooting stars now! I can only imagine what he will shout when he sees one!

♥hugs♥

The Season is Open

2009-04-27T08:56:00.004-06:00

Congratulations to Shauna, from Trying to Stay Calm.(Since I told you how wonderful her blog is last week, this week I'll tell you that she currently has a yummy smelling give-away going on, so click on over there.) For the second week in a row she was the winner of Weekend Words. She knew that the movie I quoted was from.... Open Season

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend!

♥hugs♥

P.S. Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl is also having a give-away at her site. She is giving away a print of her BEAUTIFUL photography. You even get to choose the print, how cool is that?! But the give-away ends tomorrow evening (Tues.) so you better hurry and click over there.

New Art

2009-04-27T06:43:00.001-06:00

Remember a few months ago, when I posted about a give-away that a new artist was doing? His name is David Bowman and he has a new piece of art out. It's called "Joy"

Here is what he has to say about this print:

"Joy"
Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. 3 Nephi 17:20

"This is one of my favorite moments in the Book of Mormon. After stating this, Jesus simply spends some time blessing and interacting with the children, while angels descend out of heaven. In this piece, I wanted to depict our Savior in that moment of "full joy". I see Him smiling and laughing spontaneously, filled with so much love for those young people, to the point of weeping for joy (as it mentions in the record He did). If its human nature to manifest feelings of joy and love in that way... then I have to believe that would especially be the case for the One who is the embodiment of every good and righteous instinct of human nature."
~Dave Bowman~

www.bowman-art.com is where you can find all of his beautiful work. (Shauna at Trying to Stay Calm is also giving one print away.) This newest piece isn't even on the website yet, it's that new. But you can email David personally at: bowmandavid@frontiernet.net to get pricing info and order yours.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words -Just For Thomas

2009-04-24T18:01:00.003-06:00

No I didn't forget about the game today. We just had a very busy morning.
For this weeks quote, I'm doing a shout out to Thomas, the son of a friend of mine, who apparently kept repeating this quote over and over and over again on their recent Spring Break trip.

"I'm half deer, half buck, I'm a DUCK!"

If you know the movie that it's from-leave the answer in the comment section. The first one to leave the right answer is this weeks winner.

Good luck and have a GREAT weekend!

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursdays-My Class

2009-04-23T10:53:00.004-06:00

I've been teaching a beginning Belly Dance class for almost two months now and I love it.
It gives me the chance to get out and talk to other ladies once a week AND I've lost a couple of pounds since we started. I wish that I'd lost a couple of inches, but it's a start and I'll take it where I can get it.
(She looks just like me don't you think *wink*)

I hope that you have lots to be thankful for where you are.
♥hugs♥

When You Have a Strong Head

2009-04-20T10:20:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Shauna from Trying to Stay Calm, thanks to her sons, she was the first to answer that the last Weekend Words quote was from the song Headstrong by Trapt. (If you've never been to Shauna's site you must click there right away. Each day is a short and simple little bit of inspiration, or nice thought to help you through your day. She is an absolute sweetheart!)

This is a favorite around our house. Just after Sept. 11, 2001 MBC's unit adopted this as their theme song. It was their way of sticking it to the terrorists, so to speak. The real version has some naughty words in it, so I "bleeped" them out.

"Headstrong"

Circling your, circling your, circling your head,
Contemplating everything you ever said
Now I see the truth, I got doubt
A different motive in your eyes and now I’m out
See you later
I see your fantasy, you want to make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads (yeah)
Well now that’s over
I see your motives inside, decisions to hide

[Chorus:]
(@#!&!)
Back off I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
Headstrong we’re headstrong
Back off I’ll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong and this is not where you belong
I can’t give everything away
I won’t give everything away

[Verse 2:]
Conclusions manifest, your first impressions got to be your very best
I see you’re full of @#!&, and that’s alright
That’s how you play, I guess you’ll get through every night
Well now that’s over
I see your fantasy, you want to make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads (yeah)
Well now that’s over
I see your motives inside, decisions to hide

[Chorus]

[Verse 3:]
I know, I know all about [x3]
I know, I know all about your motives inside, and your decision to hide

[Chorus]

Love to you all,
♥hugs♥

Weekend Words- Rocker Style

2009-04-17T10:21:00.002-06:00

This weeks Weekend Words game is for Big Bro. (my oldest child) Last week he wanted me to do this song. But I did my Easter post instead. So this week I went with his idea. We'll see how many of you ever listen to rock music.

"I see your fantasy, you want to make it a reality paved in gold
See inside, inside of our heads (yeah)
Well now that’s over"

As always, take you best guess and leave your answer in the comment section. (We play by the honor system around here.) The first one to leave the right answer is this weeks winner. There are no real prizes, but it's fun anyway.

Have a great weekend everyone!

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursdays

2009-04-16T12:48:00.003-06:00

This week I am incredibly thankful that I get my hubby back to night. He's been gone on a business trip since Monday and I will be very happy to have him home. He has another one next Monday -Thurs. as well, but that leads me to my second thing to be thankful for. MBC's "business trips" don't take as long or happen as often as they used to. When he was still in the military, he got sent on short(1-3 weeks) deployments at least once a month. And he did have one that lasted for 4 1/2 months. So 4 days now is nothing. Especially when they only happened about every six months or so.

I hope you have lots to be thankful for today as well.

♥hugs♥

Never Judge a Book By It's Cover

2009-04-14T13:08:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I watched a video that I then made all my children watch. I told them that you shouldn't judge people and that no matter what you should have confidence in yourself, even when others are laughing.

YouTube isn't giving embed codes for this one, so you'll just have to click here and go watch the video there. But if this doesn't prove that there is more to people than their looks and what first meets the eye then I don't know what does. I wish her much continued success!

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words-Easter Style

2009-04-10T15:59:00.004-06:00

Due to the wonderful and sacred holiday this weekend. I decided not to play my normal game of Weekend Words. Instead, I decided to share the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns, especially at this time of year.

I Stand All Amazed

text and music by Charles H. Gabriel, 1856-1932

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me.

I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,

That for me a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I marvel that He should descend from His throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,

That He should extend His great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?

No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.

Oh, it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

I hope that you all have a great weekend with a very blessed Easter. I love you all!

♥hugs♥

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2009-04-09T09:27:00.003-06:00

This week MBC and I have committed to getting back into shape. His brother and sister-in-law belong to the same community aquatic center that we do and we agreed to meet each other every morning to work out in the gyms. So that's what I'm trying really hard to be thankful for today.

I'm thankful for my alarm clock that gets me up early and moving, instead of being lazy until 8:00. (I think)

I'm thankful for friends to work out with and keeping me motivated.

I'm thankful for a warm gym to work out in instead of out in the cold morning air. (What's up with more SNOW in April!?)

I'm thankful that for an able body. And the knowledge and ability to take care of it properly.

I'm thankful for the burn that says I'm making progress. (I think)

The only problem is that after yesterdays lower body weight training and this mornings run, I'm not sure I'm thankful for my stairs right now. *ouch, ouch.... OUCH*

I hope that you have much to be thankful for where you are!

♥hugs♥

I Can't Find My Pictures

2009-04-08T15:08:00.002-06:00

Recently our computer started acting REALLY slow. After some investigating my husband discovered that I had filled up 98% of our memory with pictures. (Apparently computers don't like that very much.) So we bought an external memory and MBC transfered my pictures to that. But now I have a problem. I can't get them to upload to my blog. I have ideas for posts, but I don't want to post them without the pictures to finish telling the story. So my blog has been very boring lately. I hope to be able to get MBC to teach my how to find my pictures this weekend. But until then, I'm afraid you get picture-less posts. *sigh* These are the times that I really wish I wasn't so computer illiterate.

I hope that you are all having a great Spring Break, and that your computers are cooperating with you.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words-This Time It's a Different Game

2009-04-03T11:11:00.002-06:00

For this weeks game of Weekend Words, I've chosen a book, an a movie, seeing as how the book was made into a movie. (Oh, did I just give a clue?) And the quote is about a game that they play in the book. So now this is a game within a game, I say.

So here's the quote:

"We've played it ever since I was a little girl..... Why, we began it with some crutches that game in a missionary barrel."

So, do you know what book it is? (Honestly now, we're on the honor system here.) The first one to leave the right answer in the comment section is this weeks winner and will receive a plug here by Monday and bragging rights for the week.

I hope you have a great weekend!

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- Strawberries

2009-04-02T08:24:00.005-06:00

Yes, I said strawberries. It might seem like a silly thing to seem thankful for to some, but I love 'em. I love their red, sweet, juicy-ness.

And I love them even more when I can get them for a really good deal.

A local produce distributor had them on sale this week. A large box was .99¢, or you get a flat of 8 boxes for $6.99.

I bought 3 flats. We have had them over angel food cake. We have had them over breakfast. I've made smoothies, I've frozen them. And this afternoon, I'm making jam with my friend. (A neighbor across the street.)

It's been a yummy week!

I hope that it's yummy where you are too, and that you all have something to be thankful for!

♥hugs♥

He Just Can't Decide....

2009-03-30T11:41:00.006-06:00

Should he commit suicide or not.

Congratulations to Crazy Woman, who won this last weeks, Weekend Words game, for the second week in a row! The answer was indeed Shakespeare in the play Hamlet. (As I said last week, Crazy Woman, is a good friend of mine from back in my high school days, and she still speaks to me, can you imagine it!? Her blog is an honest look at her life and family.)

Hamlet:
To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause—there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th'unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry
And lose the name of action.

(Hamlet; Act 3, scene 1)

I hope that you all had a great weekend. My family spent ours playing and then working, a lot. But my house has moved up to "messy" instead of "bomb zone" on the cleanliness meter, and I consider that a step in the right direction and a good thing.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words -How about some Class?

2009-03-27T10:45:00.005-06:00

I know that you will all, easily, get the WHO this week, but which work is it from? NO CHEATING, we're on the honor system here.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question..."

So, who wrote it and in which work? As always the first one to leave the correct answer in the comments section is this weeks winner. "Johnny tell them what they'll win...." "They win- a plug on my blog and bragging rights for a week, Tom!" Do I know how to play fun games or what?! -Okay, but play anyway.

Have a GREAT weekend my friends.

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday -Great Friends

2009-03-26T08:41:00.004-06:00

I have been blessed with some amazing friends. Some I've had since I was a small kid. Some I've made around the country when we were in the military. Some are in blog land and I've never really "met" them. Others are brand new that I've met since moving into our current home six months ago.

One thing that all of those friends have in common, is that they have touched my life forever. They have taught me lessons, helped me through the hard times, enjoyed the good times with me, given me memories to make me smile, given me advice, accepted me for who I am.

I went through a minor rough patch, that I very much kept on the down low, for about six months that started a year ago. It ended when we moved here. This week I realized it is because of my friends that life seems to have turned around.

So to all my blog friends that got me through the tough times, and all my new friends that have pulled me out. And all the life long friends that have been here when you can. I say Thank you!

It's true, you really can touch someone's life without realizing how big of a help you have been.

I love you all,

♥hugs♥

P.S. Remember to wear Purple today for Epilepsy Awareness Day. I am, for a friend of mine. See, I can return the favor, I hope you will too.

Can Some One Please Explain to Me...

2009-03-25T09:51:00.004-06:00

How what took me a week to clean up can be destroyed in one day?

And while we're at it, how my children can flatly refuse to do their chores yet still expect to be rewarded?

I have a "trial" child (who shall remain nameless) who has not cleaned her bathroom in 2 1/2 weeks!!! She's been told to clean it EVERYDAY, it's still not done. I have a couple of other children that haven't touched their bedrooms.

Yet we were at the store last night and all three of these children wanted candy, or a toy, or a pair of sunglasses. And when they asked I said, "Is your room clean?.. Is the bathroom clean?...Is the T.V. room clean?" And they just looked at me, they couldn't even answer with words. Yet they did not understand why we left the store without candy or toys or sunglasses, and one of them was in tears.

I think my children may need a brain transplant.

Here's hoping children are well behaved where you are.

♥hugs♥

P.S. Tomorrow (March 26) is Epilepsy Awareness Day. I have a dear friend who suffers with Epilepsy. Some of you may know her as Michelle from her, Rocky Mountain Retreat, photo blog. There is a lot still to learn about this horrible condition. Please support my friend and others by wearing purple tomorrow.

I've Got A Big Mouth

2009-03-23T11:26:00.004-06:00

About a week ago I found out that a group of people that go to my church are going to be participating in the Susan G. Coleman, Race for the Cure, in Salt Lake in May. A lady in my neighborhood and a friend of all of us was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and we want to do the race for her.

Like Shimmy Mom's true character, as soon as I heard about the team, I volunteered to do the race for Katie. THEN I found out that all the others in the group are real RUNNERS. A 5k (about 3.5 miles) is NOTHING to them. These are people who have all run marathons, some of them have done Iron Man's. Their normal, just out for a jog, morning run, is between 8 and 14 miles!

I am in BIG trouble. I'm a dancer, NOT a runner. I can't run from my house to the end of the street without getting winded. I thought, I'd be doing something nice for a friend, that if I started now, I could get to a point that I could go that far in a combination walk/run. But now I'll be the only one that isn't running the whole thing. *ugh*

Any body want to come to Salt Lake in May and take a WALK with me?

2009-03-17T08:13:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patty's Day to ya!

Now go put on some green so you don't get pinched!

♥hugs♥

What's on this Platter

2009-03-16T10:03:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Crazy Woman who knew that the Weekend Words song was indeed Only You, by the Platters. Jody was the first to answer the Platters, but didn't say the song title. (Crazy Woman is a really good friend of mine from back in High School and her blog is a very honest look into her life. She is truthful about her marriage, children's learning/personality disorders, in-laws, and her sweet mothers current fight with cancer. Plus she is the primary care-giver to her brothers two adorable girls after their mothers death just over a year ago. She has her hands full and I love how raw and honest she can be about it.)

Only you can make this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone
Can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you

Only you can make this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand
I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true
My one and only you

Only you can make this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand
I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true
My one and only you

As I said two Fridays ago, MBC and I went to a Platter's concert for our Date Night. It was so much fun. We were two of the youngest people there. But it was good music and laughter. So time spend with his grandparents. (He danced with his grandma during a slow song because grandpa wouldn't and I will never forget seeing my MBC dance with his Grandmother- TOO wonderful.) and money spent for a good cause. (The concert was a fund raiser for a local elementary school.)

Did you know that the World Famous Platters claim to be the first group to have a music video? And they have had over 35 hit singles. During the concert they also did a tribute to Ray Charles and sang a couple other oldie by goodies from other artists. My only complaint was that they didn't sing Earth Angel, which is a Platters hit. But not to worry, I included it in the play list on my side bar, so that you can enjoy a bunch of the songs we did that night.

Hope you all had a great weekend.
♥hugs♥

Weekend Words - An Oldie But Goodie

2009-03-13T12:04:00.004-06:00

Last Friday, for our Date Night, MBC and I went to a concert and we heard this song while there. My only hint is it was sung by a group that you probably didn't realize still tours. Yep, it's an oldie.

For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand
I understand the magic that you do

As always the first to leave the correct answer in the comments is this weeks winner and will receive a little plug from yours truly.

Good luck and have a great weekend!!
(A special thank you to all of my dear friends who put up with my little pity party post yesterday and left such sweet comments. I love you!)

♥hugs♥

Thankful?

2009-03-12T10:23:00.004-06:00

Today is supposed to be my Thankful Thursday post, but to be perfectly honest, that was really hard to do this morning.
Have you ever had one of those days/weeks: The house is a wreck, the kids won't obey, people are sick, and it just seems like no matter what you do, nothing is right. That's how it's been around here this week.

I finally got the rest of the family well after 2 weeks of a horrible chest cold, but my house has suffered the consequences (picture bomb aftermath) only to finally come down with the cold myself. My problem is that twice a year, without fail, I get laryngitis and completely lose my voice. This seasons trigger, this darn cold, and I have no voice at all. When I do attempt to talk I cough up a storm.

It's a little hard to teach a school lesson when you don't have a voice or need to stop every three words for a coughing break. So we've been doing a lot of watching things. (We just finished reading Moby Dick, so I let the gets watch that movie. And we watched the King and I. We've watched MythBuster etc.) Big Bro, has been memorizing scout stuff and passing off things for his merit badges and we've tried to do a lot of independent reading time. But I really feel like I failed in the education department this week.

I started trying to get the house back to normal, okay at least back to 'I won't be embarrassed if someone knocks on the door', but it seems like every time I bend over I have an instant headache and by the time I get the laundry folded the kids have the entire family room messed up, or by the time I get the dishwasher loaded someone has clogged a toilet, again! A couple of my kids have flatly refused to do their chores and short of physical violence, I'm out of ideas, because my head hurts. So I know I've failed in the home maker department.

The kids are fighting, being defiant, being messy, haven't done much school so I'm failing in the Mom department.

I finally gave up last night and thought that I would just plan a romantic surprise for MBC and let the rest of it go for one night, well that was until he came home tired and grumpy from a really long day, the kids wouldn't leave him alone, the kids wouldn't go to bed when we told them to and he fell asleep before I could clue him in on the surprise. He's had such a bad couple of weeks, I didn't have the heart to wake him up. So I went to bed in tears because, I'm even failing in the wife department.

I woke up in a coughing fit at 2:00 am and by 4:00 went to sleep on the couch in the downstairs family room because I didn't want to keep MBC up. I finally fell back to sleep at about 6:00 and I'm feeling a little sleep deprived.
Since waking up this morning, I have Trial fighting me about cleaning her bathroom, Princess, who is being incredibly slow about her chores and when I started typing this I had to take a break because Lucy got in a scuff with the little puppy we have in the house (another post entirely) and when Princess tried to break it up the puppy bit her, thinking she was Lucy. So I had to scold Lucy for picking on the puppy, the puppy for biting, make sure Princess wasn't bleeding and on the way to put the puppy in the kennel, I found a potty accident and that Trial was, yet again, missing from the bathroom.

It's starting all over again!! So when I sat down to check emails and realized that I haven't posted since Monday and every one would be expecting my "What I'm Thankful for this Week" post. I almost lost it. And then I decided that I REALLY need to, so here it goes.

I am thankful that my kids feel better. I'd much rather be the one sick than watch them suffering.
I'm thankful for cough drops.
I'm thankful for my new dance class that has given me something to look forward to all week.
I'm thankful for my dishwasher and washing machine, so that what little cleaning I have gotten done hasn't all had to be by hand.
I'm thankful for my, sometimes grumpy hubby, who has tried really hard to be understanding, even though, work hasn't been extremely easy lately and he could have used a soft place to fall when he got home, but instead got toys on the couch. He's only testy because he's working so hard for us and I really do appreciate how great of a provider he is.
I'm also thankful for the sweet things that he has done for me this week. A couple spur of the moment purchases, to make me happy.
I'm incredibly thankful for when I do have a voice.
I'm thankful for good books and educational movies.
I'm thankful that I am able to home school my children. We'll have to do it on a couple of Sat.s or a week into summer vacation because of this week, but at least I have that flexibility.
I'm very thankful for Febreeze.
And if any one is still reading this, I'm thankful for my sweet blog friends that will listen to me whine and get over it.

I hope that you all have something to be thankful for today.
♥hugs♥

Fun with the Alphabet

2009-03-09T15:57:00.002-06:00

I discovered a new site today and thought I'd pass it along. It's called Alphabet Photography http://www.alphabetphotography.com/ Click over and spell a few words of your own, what a great and fun idea.

*hugs*

Weekend Words - Yet another plug

2009-03-06T09:41:00.006-07:00

First of all let me apologize for being a terrible blogger lately. We were having some computer problems and then some internet issues and so I haven't posted in a while. One of the worst things is that one of my kids has had a birthday and her b-day tribute isn't up yet, so be prepared for some catching up next week.

Alright, now for Weekend Words. Last week our winner was Mikki, who was the first to answer that the quote was from the song Beauty and the Beast, from the movie Beauty and the Beast, ( my favorite Disney movie of all time, still to this day.) based on the story (or book) of Beauty and the Beast. ( Mikki has a cute little blog where she shows the goings on of her cute little family. and it just so happens that this week is Mikki's bloggiversary. So if you click over((click her name above)) you can enter her celebration give-away.)

Well, you know me, once a month I shamelessly plug my Book Club Blog by choosing the book that we are reading that month as my weekend words quote. And this month is no different. So I suppose if you are in the club, or if you go there you could cheat, but I'm going to TRUST that you are honest.

"Late in the afternoon on a chilly day in February, two gentlemen were sitting alone over their wine, in a well furnished dining parlor, in the town of P---, in Kentucky. There was no servants present, and the gentlemen, with chairs closely approaching, seemed to be discussing some subject with great earnestness."

Good luck. I hope that you all have a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

Why He's the Greatest Ever

2009-03-02T12:25:00.002-07:00

This morning around 2:00 am, I was awoken by my hubby saying, "Princess, needs you." Well as it turns out, Princess had gotten ill and had started vomiting. I got here a bowl, made sure it wasn't on her or in her bed, tucked her back in and waited for the next call, which happened about 15 mins. later. The second time required changing sheets, a shower,moving her to the couch, etc. And that pretty much set the stage for the rest of the night. About every 20 min. I was up rinsing out bowls, turning on showers, administering meds, etc. The anti-nausea meds did nothing, the essential oils turned every 20 mins into about every hour, but of course, I didn't think of that until about 6:00am. (And I have had to take a break while typing this to go help her again.)

When MBC woke up at 7:00 and discovered why Princess had really been calling for me and that I probably hadn't had any sleep, he asked if he needed to go get some soda for her to drink and I said, that would be great.
Well, when he got back, he not only had soda for Princess, he had breakfast for the other kids complete with two kinds of juice. Lunch for the other kids and snacks for Trial to take to her basketball game tonight. Everything I'd have had to worry about before he gets home is taken care of. And now you know why I keep him around!

Thanks sweetheart. I love you.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words-Works for All Three

2009-02-27T08:25:00.003-07:00

First of all "Congratulations!" to Mrs. Mordecai, who was last weeks winner. (Her blog is full of wonderful domestic-ness. Yummy recipes, home made cleaning supplies, antique ads, and the wonderful antics of Red Chief, the adorable two year old who really runs her household. I remember those days, oh yes, I do.) She was the first to answer The Sound of Music as the movie the quote was from.

Spoiler alert do not read on if you don't want your view of the movie to change.
Did you know that in the book Maria (The autobiography of Maria Von Trapp) she explains that she did indeed have a personal whistle/ Everyone in the family did, even the Captain. But they were never used in the house. They were used because the grounds were so immense that the children could be playing on the grounds but out of the range of human voices. Sea whistles carried much further, so that's how they called the kids in for dinner.

Now for this weeks game.

This week I've chosen something that could fit into all three Weekend Words Categories. It's a song, but it's from a movie that was based on a book.

"Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared."

As always the first to leave the correct answer in the comments is this weeks winner and will receive the glorious prize of.... Bragging rights and a plug on my blog. WHoo hooo! Okay so it's not the Price is Right, but you'll feel special I promise.

Good luck and have a great weekend.

The Language of LOVE

2009-02-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

Just before Valentines Day one of my friends took the Love Language Quiz. I knew of the Love Languages, and I think I've done a pretty good job of figuring out what "language" those close to me are. But I've always thought that I was a little of all of them and know I know I was right.

I feel loved when...

The Five Love Languages

My Primary Love Language is Words of Affirmation

My Detailed Results:
Words of Affirmation:	7
Acts of Service:	6
Quality Time:	6
Receiving Gifts:	5
Physical Touch:	5

About this quiz

Unhappiness in relationships is often due to the fact that we speak different love languages. It can be helpful to know what language you speak and what language those around you speak.

Tag 3 people so they can find out what their love language is.

Take the Quiz!
Check out the Book

So what love language are you?

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words- It's a Classic

2009-02-20T09:37:00.004-07:00

I have an easy one for you today. Here's the quote:

"I could never answer to a whistle. Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals, but not for children and definitely not for me."

If you know the answer to where this quote if from, leave it in the comment section. The first person to answer correctly will win bragging rights for the week and get a little plug on my blog.

Have a great weekend.

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- No More Cast!

2009-02-19T17:21:00.008-07:00

I had something different in mind for my Thankful Thursday post, but Big Bro. had his appointment to see if his finger was healed today and... It is!!!

Ever wonder what 5 weeks in a cast will do to your skin?
There has been bone growth and they said the pins were ready to come out. One of them had already started to shift a little on it's own, so they just pulled it out in the office. (It's iodine, not blood. I didn't mean to gross everyone out.)The other one is embedded though and we have an appointment Monday to go to the surgical center and have that one removed.
We have some muscle rebuilding to do.But we are very thankful that the last six weeks are over and things are finally healed.

♥hugs♥

Still the One For Me, (and a gift)

2009-02-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Smiling Sally! Who thought she would NEVER win a Weekend Words, but was the first to answer, Still the One, but Shania Twain.

As I mentioned in my last post, MBC and I consider this our song. We didn't really have a song, but one day when we were listening to it he mentioned it reminded him of us. Someone had the audacity to tell him we wouldn't last, can you believe it?! Then the church we were going to at the time, had a "Prom" for one of the adult activities. MBC and I got voted King and Queen, and they wanted to play our song for the King and Queens dance. So we said play Shania and this has been our song since. And here are the lyrics for ya:

Still the One, by Shania Twain

(spoken)

When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after all this time, you're still the one I love.

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

Bridge:
They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

Chorus:
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

(Bridge)
(Chorus)
(Chorus)

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby

Now for my Valentines Gift to all of you. My love song playlist can be found in the side bar. Tons of the classics are there. (Over 70 to choose from in fact.) Just click on a song you like, listen and feel the love! The first 5 are especially dedicated to my MBC!

Have a great Weekend everyone and Happy Valentines Day!
♥hugs♥

Weekend Words Name that Love Song

2009-02-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

Since tomorrow is Valentines Day, I decided to post a love song for this weeks Weekend Words game. And not only that I chose MBC's and my song. Do you know what it is?

"Looks like we made it

Look how far we've come my baby "

As always leave your answer in the comment section. The first to answer correctly wins. But don't get too excited, we're playing for bragging rights here.

I'll have a special treat for all of you later tonight, posted through the weekend. Good luck, to those that play!

♥hugs♥

Laughter (Thankful Thursday)

2009-02-12T13:08:00.004-07:00

Sorry, I've been missing for a couple of days, (and thank you to all who have checked in to make sure we are okay.) We are all fine, but a couple of young children with really bad colds, who want to be held a lot, takes some time away from your computer. I hope that you can understand.

Like I said last Thursday. I have been keeping a Gratitude journal and decided to take it one step further and post about one of the things I've been thankful for over the last week.

As I said in my last post, we have had a lot of fun lately. My hubby and I were able to go on a double date with some wonderful friends that we met when we were living in another state, and haven't seen for years! It was a great night full of laughs, remembering old times, and catching up. We also made plans to get all the kids together and have a big Family Game Night very soon. I can't wait.

We also had a big day Monday night, when we celebrated "Trials" recent birthday. You see she asked for tickets to a basket ball game for her birthday and Monday was the night of the big game. Monday's are also the time when her Jr. Jazz basketball team plays. So at 5:00 we went and watched her score 2 baskets! (Much Whoo Hooing from mom! and laughter at her reaction)

Then we headed into Salt Lake and watched the Harlem Globetrotters beat the Generals! Both of my two oldest play for a community basketball team and they loved the skill and antics of the Globetrotters. It was definitely a night, (and birthday gift) that will not soon be forgotten.

Last, but not least, Sat. night my husband made a little wager with "Big Bro." (This is something that has been done before in my house and perhaps someday MBC will learn that "Big Bro." always wins.) The bet was that Big Bro couldn't drink a cup of hot sauce without crying. The wager $20.

He's up for the challenge.

"Almost there, I have to do this."
"Milk, I need milk... cottage cheese will work!"
"Aww the sweet BURNING sensation of success!"

Big Bro is now $20 richer.

To say the least we've had a lot of laughter around here lately. And I am very thankful for it!

Hope you are laughing where you are!

♥hugs♥

A Whale of a Tale

2009-02-09T15:50:00.005-07:00

Congratulations Kate, from Our Red House,

who was the first to get last Friday's Weekend Words answer right. It was indeed a quote from Moby Dick by Herman Mellville.

I chose it because that is the book that we are reading for my book club this month. And yes this is a shameless plug. If you get started now, you still have time to finish it before the discussion in March. And if you hurry you can vote for March's book.

I hope you all had a great weekend. Ours was full of fun and excitement. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.

♥hugs♥

Weekend Words What Book is it?

2009-02-06T14:30:00.002-07:00

I have chosen a book for this weeks Weekend Words game.

For my new readers, here's how the game works:

I write a quote from a book, movie or song and you guess what it is from. The first one to answer correctly in the comment section is the winner. However, there are no prizes here, just me pluggin' your name and bragging rights for the week.

So here is this weeks quote:

"Call me Ishmael. Some years ago- never mind how long precisely-- having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world."

Have a great weekend everyone!

♥hugs♥

Thankful Thursday- The Internet Can be a Blessing

2009-02-05T09:32:00.005-07:00

This year, I started a Gratitude Journal. It's a really simple concept. Everyday I list at least 5 things that I am thankful for that day. I decided to take it one step further and post one of those things to blog about on Thursdays. And this week I'm thankful for the internet.

I rely on the internet a lot. My kids school curriculum is online. My school is online. My husbands school is online. I use it to research information about products we'd like to purchase, illnesses loved ones get, and a million other things that I'd like to know more about. I am love with facebook and reconnecting with old friends. And I am borderline addicted to my blog. It's how I keep a journal and it has made me a bunch of new friends over this last year.

On Sat. I was able to attend a local "Bloggers Lunch" and I was able to meet, in person, 9 women I knew only through the internet.
This is "Trying to Stay Calm" and myself. Shauna is the blogger I know the best that was at the lunch. It was so wonderful to finally meet her in person.
The whole gang (from left to right) Susette (all good things come...), Tink, Newfie Girl, Dayna (from Carlie's Place), Chelsea and her beautiful little blogger Cutie Patootie, Shauna (trying to stay calm), Chillygator, Yours truly, Jody, and Utah Jenny
Once the camera's came out it was impossible for everyone to figure out which on to look at first.
We finally got it down. Here I am with Shauna and Jody a hilarious new friend who helped to plan the get together (along with Tink).

Chillygator, managed to avoid all the pictures except this one and the group shot. She took the rest of them. Mental note for next time: Don't forget your camera again!

They are planning another one for this month. So if you live in Utah, or can make a trip, I'll post the specifics as soon as I have them. So far it looks like the next turn out will be even better!

So today I am very thankful for the chance I had to meet some new/old friends. And very thankful for the internet that made it all possible.

♥hugs♥

Sing a Song Part 2

2009-02-03T00:19:00.006-07:00

If you haven't read the first half of the story click here to get caught up. (Or scroll down and read yesterdays post.)

So we all tried out together.

When the call back list came out, my best friend and I went together to check it.

She had made it, I had not. It didn't surprise me though and I was genuinely happy for her. The choir list had come out the same day, so we went to the choir room to find her name on it as well.
Her last name started with an H, so she started at the top and I started at the bottom and we raced to see who could find her name first.
She was jumping up and down before I could get to her name. (She hadn't only made the choir, she had made a show choir as well.) In fact, I never made it to her name. I'd gotten stuck.... on mine!

"Cindee, what is this?" I said, trying to get her attention, pointing at my name.
"It's your name!" she screamed.
"What's it doing there?" I asked.
"You made it!!" was her simple reply.
"I didn't try out!" I almost yelled back at her.
"But you made it!"

At this point, I gave up asking questions and we went home. -She was ecstatic, I was confused.

I was so confused, in fact, that the next morning, I worked up the gumption to go talk to the choir teacher.
I explained to her, as respectfully as I could, that I was afraid she had put me on the wrong list. After all, I hadn't even tried out. I sang part of one song (what was required for the musical try-out) not that and another song, plus sight reading for the choir try-out. (I didn't even know what sight reading was) Not to mention that I hadn't taken choir the previous two years which was a pre-reg. for trying out.

Her response, "Don't you want to be in the choir?"
I said, "I'd love to be in the choir, but I don't qualify."
Her answer was she'd love to have me anyway, and I could come in after school and sight read if it made me feel better.

So I asked my friend what sight reading was. After school I went in and stunk up the room with my horrible attempt at singing a song, I didn't know, without accompaniment.
But bless her cute little heart, Ms Webb. stayed true to her word and she let me join the Senior Acapella Choir.

I had the time of my life that year. I thoroughly enjoyed every rehersal, performance and competition. Everything was new and exciting to me. I learned a lot about site reading, harmony, and all music theory. Ms. Webb brought singing back into my life and it has been ever since. I have to admit though, that there was always a little part of me that wondered if I really deserved to be there, and it didn't take long before I also asked myself, if I'd stuck with singing the last 4 years, could I have earned it, or even better, achieved more. But, I'd never know.

So why tell you this story? Well, to this day, I love to sing, but I'm still leary to do it. I always second guess myself. I've been asked to sing in church, I've even sung solos, but when I'm done, I always rip myself apart or convince myself that they just couldn't get someone more talented to accept.
In fact every time we've moved and we've joined a new ward (congregation), it has taken me months to work up the courage to join the choir. (I still haven't in my current ward.) It seems like no matter how much I've tried to incorporate singing back into my life, I can still hear Mr. M in my head saying I'm not as good as I thought I was.

Like I said,- one sentence that led to an action, that affected my whole life. But here's the lesson. It was my action. It was my choice. No one told me to quit singing. No one made me respond to criticism the way I did.

I hear stories of people who never gave up and accomplished so much.
I had one other friend who didn't make Mr. M's choir and she decided to prove him wrong. She now sings with an adult choir and loves it. Kurt Warner got told that he should give up his dream, yet he did make it to the pros and he's played in three Super Bowls since then. There are tons of such examples out there.

My point is, don't give up on your dreams. And teach your kids that. Let them know, and believe yourself that we can't let what one person says, dictate the rest of our lives.
I did, I made that mistake and because I believed it for so long, it's taking me a very long time to over come it. We really do believe what we tell ourselves.

I study a lot of music these days. I've been know to sit down at my piano, to this day, and try to sight read. I've learned a lot since my senior year, but the truth is I have a long way to go. But this time I'm not going to give up.
And I hope my story can inspire someone else not to make the same mistake. I hope you, just keep trying.

♥hugs♥

Sing a Song - A, 2-part, Memories Post

2009-02-02T22:19:00.005-07:00

When we pause to look back over our lives, I think all of us have certain memories that send pangs to our heart. Decisions we could have made differently:

●If I'd done this sooner, that car accident wouldn't have happened.
●I should have broke up with him sooner.
●If I'd have said this, maybe that person would have stayed in my life.

I mean, let's face it we have all made mistakes that hurt to remember, or at some point we've wished we didn't make.

I'm no different. My list of personal mistakes could take years for you to read. For the most part, however, I've learned to over come those mistakes. Like most people I've had days of playing the "shoulda, coulda, woulda's" , but in the end I realize that I'm better off with that life lesson under my belt and that it probably helped to prevent a bigger mistake later.
My failures and bad choices have shaped the person I am as much as my successes have, and based on how life has turned out so far, I think I'm doing okay.

There is one choice, though, that still nags at me to this day. One little sentence that lead to one choice that affected my whole life.

You see, when I was 13, I tried out for the school choir. Music has always been a part of my life. I've danced since I was 7. There was always music playing in my home. I longed to play the piano and finally got to start taking lessons when I was 12. And my father has a beautiful bass voice. I thought that I must have inherited some of that talent, and just maybe I could grow up and be in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir someday.
All my friends sang too. We were so excited to enter the world of performing at concerts, and choral competitions. We all knew it would be the time of our lives.

Then it happened.... The list of students who had made the choir came out and my name wasn't on it.

I was crushed. But, probably for the first time in my life, I had the guts to ask why?
Mr. M, the choir director, told me that I could carry a tune, but I wasn't "choir material". To my self-conscious, never before rejected, 13 year old mind, that meant, "You stink!" and I believed him.

One sentence said, one action taken.

So what did I do with this new piece of information?... Did I try to learn more about music? Take voice lessons? Decide I'd prove him wrong?.... Nope. I quit singing.
After all, he'd been a choir teacher for 20 years, his choirs had gotten the highest score possible at the last 5 years competitions, he even starred in the local community theatre musicals, he must know what he was talking about.

So I gave up the dream. I tried to take faith in the fact that I could dance and dedicated my life to that. But the truth was, it shook my confidence big time.

I supported my friends (almost all of them had made the choir.) I was the loudest cheering audience member at every concert. And I had good friends who supported me too. They tried to tell me I could still sing with them in other venues. Tried to tell me Mr. M had made a mistake, but I "knew" they were just saying it to make me feel better.

When High School came along those friends begged me to sign up for Sophomore Girls Choir. I refused. "I can't sing," I told them, "I'm going to take dance instead." (I did love my dance class by the way.)
They would ask me to sing with them in church etc. I would only join in if there were more than three people in the group and I could just blend into the back ground.
The next year came and we had the same conversation.
"Please take choir!"
"I can't, I'm taking dance."

By the time our Jr. Year was about to end, only my two closest friends ever heard me sing and that was just when we were goofing around, and most of my friends had given up trying to get me to sing elsewhere.
As a last ditch effort they begged me to try out for the school musical that would happen our Senior year and I finally caved.
I could dance, one part of the audition down, I'd taken theatre, next part of the audition possible, and if I chose a song that was right in the best range of my voice maybe I'd get lucky and get a small part. I mean, even the Sound of Music has parts that don't sing, right?

So we all tried out together.

To be continued.......

Here we go

2009-01-30T11:36:00.003-07:00

Well, it looks like I stumped everyone on Friday with Weekend Words. (Well, everyone who didn't cheat anyway. Way to be honest Suburban Zoo)

The lyrics were from Here it Goes Again, by Ok Go

It could be ten but then again
I can't remember half an hour since a quarter to four
Throw on your clothes the second side of Surfer Rosa
And you leave me with my jaw on the floor, hey

Oh, just when you think you're in control
Just when you think you've got a hold
Just when you get on a roll

Oh, here it goes
Here it goes
Here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
I should have known
Should have known
Should have known again
But here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again

It starts out easy, something simple, something sleazy
Something inching past the edge of the reserve
Now through lines of the cheap venetian blinds
Your car is pulling off of the curb, hey

Oh, just when you think you're in control
Just when you think you've got a hold
Just when you get on a roll

Oh, here it goes
Here it goes
Here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
I should have known
Should have known
Should have known again
But here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
Oh, oh, here it goes again
Oh, oh
Oh, here it goes again
Yeah, oh, here it goes again
Oh, here it goes

I guess there's got to be a break in the monotony
But Jesus, when it rains how it pours
Throw on your clothes the second side of Surfer Rosa
And you leave me
Yeah, you leave me

Oh, here it goes
Here it goes
Here it goes again
Oh, here it goes again
I should have known
Should have known
Should have known again
But here it goes again
Oh, here it goes
Oh, here it goes
Oh, here it goes again
I should have known
I should have known
But here it goes again
Oh, here it
Oh, here it
Oh, here it
Oh, here it
Oh, here it
Oh, here it goes again
I should have
I should have
I should have
I should have
I should have known
Oh, oh, yeah
I should have known
Oh, here it goes it again
Oh, here it goes it again

It's also the song that has one of the most followed and probably cost effective music videos.

Thanks to everyone who visited and played along.

♥hugs♥

(My Memories Monday post will be up tomorrow.)

Weekend Words #31

2009-01-30T11:11:00.003-07:00

I've chosen a song this week. Here you go:

"It could be ten but then again
I can't remember half an hour since a quarter to four
Throw on your clothes the second side of Surfer Rosa
And you leave me with my jaw on the floor, hey
"

So if you know what song that is from, leave the answer in the comments section. There is no prizes, but the first to answer correctly gets a plug on my blog and bragging rights for a week. WHOO HOO, I know the excitement just doesn't get any better.

Enjoy your weekend!

♥hugs♥

P.S. I have a reader who, just a couple of days ago started to leave comments, and asked to be interviewed after yesterdays post. "Crazy Mom" when I tried to access you info, or blog to get you your questions I was denied access. Could you please send me your email address, so that I can get you your questions? If you prefer to email it. I can be reached at shimmwith4 at yahoo dot com
Thanks

More About Me

2009-01-29T08:47:00.004-07:00

I have been given questions for another interview by Smiling Sally.
(She emailed me the questions and then found them in her draft and thought that she hadn't; so she sent me another email, there were a couple of questions different on the second email. So being the wonderful person that I am. I will answer all of them instead of just five. I told you I was wonderful.)

1. What made you decide to return to school to work on a BA?
This one is outing me. Very few people know that I'm in school. I guess I need to be careful what I say in your comment section. Haha. Well, MBC has wanted me to go back to school for a very long time. When he was in the military and getting deployed a lot, I think he just really stressed about how I would make a living that would provide for our family if something happened to him. But I never wanted to do anything but go back and finish getting certified as a Sign Language Interpreter. ( I started right after I graduated high school but only got about 1 year into the 3 year program before I got married and couldn't afford to finish.) But I had kids and we were in the military, moving, on average, every two years. So going back to school would mean, finding a babysitter, trying to get grants, paying for it and transferring records, if possible, every time we moved. All of which just seemed like too much at the time. Then a couple of years ago MBC saw that the online school that he has been going to, had added education. When we decided to start home schooling our kids, I decided that: 1. a teaching background could be very helpful. 2. That I needed to lead by example and 3. That when my kids aren't in school any more then I could go and finish getting certified as an interpreter and perhaps teach at at deaf school. So long story short, I'm currently working on my BA in Special Education. I have a bout 3 years before I get to the student teaching part, then I'll be a "real" teacher.
2. What is the name of your church? What size is it?
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have a little over 13 million members. (13, 193, 999 as of last Oct.) My ward, which is what we call our congregations has about 130 families in it. (All of whom live in about a 1 mile radius.) Of course congregations in Utah are still bigger than in other states. Our ward in New York had about 85 families and our boundaries where the island of Staten Island. All the other places we've lived have been somewhere in between.
I love my church and will talk about it whenever you want. They also have an official church website: http://lds.org if you want to look there.
3. Do you live close to any family?
Short answer Yes. MBC's parents and both of his brothers are within 5 minutes of my house. My parents and one of my brothers are within 10 minutes of my house. My other brother and both sets of MBC's grandparents are within 30 minutes of my house. (My grandparents are always with me, but no longer live on earth.) It's quite a difference from when we were in the military and all of them were hundreds of miles away.
4. When and why did you decide to blog?
I started a blog 1 year ago (Dec. 23, 2007) I did it because I had a couple of friends that had one. One of them really wanted me to start one too. The other one was wonderful (still is) about documenting all the things that she was doing. She posts pictures of quilts she's made. Trips to the park with her kids. Funny stories about when she and her husband were dating etc. I decided that it was a pretty fun way to keep a journal that I could share with my friends around the country. Now that I have a blog, I've made A LOT more friends.
5. What is your favorite thing for dinner?
Hmmmmm... I don't know if I have a favorite. I think I go through stages. Right now I'm on a Chinese food kick. We just had a really good Asian Cuisine and Sushi bar move into my neighborhood. We don't eat a lot of read meat, so every once in a while I really like having steak. Especially Filet Mignon. My favorite food is ice cream. That one's easy.
6.How did you meet your husband?
We met at the Mall
7.How much time do you spend blogging? Do you have a preference to any part of the day? Too much, probably. I don't have any set schedule. I try to do my daily post either the night before or early in the morning before we start school. I read other blogs throughout the day. We have a curriculum that is mostly online. (We have text books, etc., but we log in every morning to pull up that days assignments and all of our tests or assessments results need to be taken or entered online.) So I pretty much sit at the computer from 8:00 to 1:00. (We have our computer on a table that all the kids work at, not on a normal desk. You can see pictures of our school room by clicking here. except, I've finally painted the yellow chairs, black to match.) So when the kids are all working on something, I will click on my dashboard to see if my reader is listing anything I haven't read yet. I'll read one or two until a kid needs help or is ready to move onto a different subject. I try really hard not to do any blogging after MBC gets home. I spend time with him instead.

Do you want to play along and get interviewed too?
Here's the directions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

About my interviewer: Smiling Sally is a very sweet, book reviewer, who has been leaving comments on my blog for about the last six months. She is probably my most faithful reader (that leaves comments). She is a fellow Christian (just another faith) and has two great blogs. One for herself and one for her book reviews. She is also the host of Blue Monday, a chance to show off all things blue, her favorite color.

Have a great day everyone!!

♥hugs♥

Useful Information

2009-01-28T10:17:00.005-07:00

You know how I feel like part of my duty as a blogger is to spread important information. So here is todays tutorial.

Smiling Sally, a fellow Mac owner, learned how we Mac users can make ♥s. You see on a PC you just have to hit contol and the number 3, but it doesn't work that way on a Mac. However, it can be done. If you click on edit, scroll down to the last option, special characters, and click on it, then click on Miscellaneous and then click on the heart, which is in the third row, then low and behold a ♥ appears. Now I can make all the ♥s I want to.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Next is a very important email that I received from a dear friend, reminding me of the importance of checking your children's homework:

The homework:

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)

Dear Mrs. Jones,

I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Smith

(This would so have happened to me. Now you know why we home school hehehe)

And last but not least is a video on saw on Trying to Stay Calm's Site. Finally we know exactly how Men's brains are different than Womens:

You can check out more from the same guy, Mike Gungor, on You tube. Including a long version about brains, and sex drives just to name a view.

So there you have it. I've done my good deeds for the day and given you all some much needed information.

♥hugs♥

Memories Monday (on Tues.)-A Superbowl Sunday Story

2009-01-27T05:54:00.003-07:00

Below is an email that has been going around that I found on another blog yesterday, but it has special meaning to my family. I'll tell you why after you read it.

ng True Story / Super Bowl Sunday

Kurtis and Brenda, the Checkout Girl

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4.

Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was
unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said,

"Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her older son, who was disabled in a wheelchair. Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with.
Several years later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have adopted 5 more children.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner, both active church going Christians, now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals, who won the championship game and will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl next week end, on Feb 1 in Tampa. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarter backed the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

Now for my Memories Monday part of the story: I LOVE Kurt and his family. We were stationed in St. Louis the year that the Rams went to the Superbowl. Kurt was a hometown hero and on every talk show and new cast around. He was constantly speaking highly of his family and never thought twice about speaking of his faith in God or his religion.

At the time we lived in a Duplex and our next door neighbors went to the same church as the Warners. One day their oldest son came over and wanted to show us some Football cards that he had. They were of Rams players. They looked like regular football cards. There were pictures on the front of the players in uniform, however, I found something very different on the back. Kurt and some of his fellow players had gotten together to make these trading cards that were free for the youth in the area. Instead of stats on the back of the cards... they wrote their testimonies.
When I saw what they were and how excited my little neighbor boy was to have these cards, I cried.
What a wonderful way to spread God's word and let the youth of America know that it is okay to believe in our Father in Heaven.
It's so good to know that there are still good men in the spot light and we do have people in sports that we can let our children look up to.

We've been Kurt Warner fans ever since. (and Tori Holt and Marshall Faulk, etc.) We cheered for Kurt in New York and now in Arizona. He has a special place in our hearts and all I have to say is:

GO CARDINALS!!!

*hugs*

It's Birthday Time!

2009-01-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday "Trial"! The big 1-0!

"Trial" has grown so much in the last year. I am so pleased with the young woman that she is becoming. Happy Birthday sweetheart. I love you.

To learn more about my oldest special girl. Read her introduction from last year.

*hugs*

Spiritual Sunday - I Have No Right To Complain

2009-01-25T09:31:00.003-07:00

I recently received an email from a friend with this video clip. I was instantly amazed and then spent an hour on You Tube watching every video I could find on him. (In tears most of the time.)

If you have some time search for Nick Vujicic on You tube, you won't be sorry. His message is unbelievable.

Happy Sunday everyone,

*hugs*

Weekend Words #29

2009-01-24T14:53:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Mrs. Mordecai who was the first to know the answer to yesterdays Weekend Words.

I was just looking for Star Wars, but she and Mikki went one step further and knew that it was indeed from The Empire Strikes Back. (#2 or #5 depending on how you look at the series.) And it was indeed a quote from Jedi Master, Yoda. The coolest little green guy I know.

(I think Big Bro. has watched all six at least once in the last week, and a few of them have been watched 2 or 3 times.- A casted hand and yucky weather really play havoc with an 11 year olds fun.)

Thanks for playing ladies. Have a great weekend everyone.

*hugs*

Weekend Words #29

2009-01-23T10:30:00.004-07:00

For this weeks Weekend Words I am choosing a movie. The reason: I've seen a lot of it this week. Big Bro. has taken up movie watching since playing sports and most video games aren't possible at the moment. In fact he's the one that suggested this quote. So here you go, from what movie is this quote:

"Do or do not, there is no try."

First to leave the correct answer in the comments is this weeks winner. Good luck.

And now I have some catching up to do. You see last week I issued a much more difficult version of Weekend Words, featuring my favorite video ever.
But with doctors appointments, a child on narcotics, trying to catch up with the days of school we missed and the fact that my house looks like a bomb hit it. I never got around to giving you all the correct answer.
So congratulations to Mikki who had the closest quess. Here are the lists of songs from both videos:

(Original Evolution of Dance)
1. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley (1956)
2. The Twist by Chubby Checker (61)
3. Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gee's (77)
4. YMCA by the Village People (78)
5. Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas (74)
6. Keep On by the Brady Bunch (72)
7. Greased Lightening by John Travolta (78)
8. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC (80)
9. Billy Jean by Michael Jackson (82)
10. Thriller by Michael Jackson (82)
11. Oompa Loompa from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (71)
12. Mr. Roboto by Styx (83)
13. Breakdance by West Street Mob
14. Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles (85)
15. The Chicken Dance by Bob Karnes
16. Mony Mony by Billy Idol
17. Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice (90)
18. U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer (90)
19. Love Shack by the B52's
20. Apache (Jump on it)by the Sugar Hill Gang -- and yes Rosezilla, I also know it as the song Will and Carlton danced to in Fresh Prince of Bell Air.
21. Jump Around by House of Pain (92)
22. Baby Got Back by Sir-Mix-A-Lot
23. Tubthumping by Chumpawaba
24. What is Love by Haddaway (93)
25. Cotton Eyed Joe by Rednex (95)
26. Macarena by Los Del Rio (94)
27. Bye Bye Bye by N'Sync (2000)
28. Lose Yourself by Eminem (02)
29. Hey Ya by Outcast
30. Dirt off your Shoulder by Jay Z
Ending words from Ice Ice Baby and Bye Bye Bye.

(Evolution of Dance 2)
1. I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown (1965)
2. My Girl by the Tempations (64)
3. Pspan style="font-style:italic;">roud Mary by Tina Turner (68?)
4. Hustle by Van McCoy (75)
5. Hokey Pokey by Larry LaPrise, Charles Macak and Tafit Baker (oringinally from the 40's that version from 75)
6. Shout by the Isley Brothers (59)
7. Tequila by The Champs (58)
8. I'm Gonna Be by the Proclaimers (88)
9. Pump up the Jam by Technotronic (89)
10. I'm too Sexy by Right Said Fred (92)
11. Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths (82)
12. My Lovin' (Never Gonna Get it) by En Vogue (91)
13. Tootsie Roll by 69 Boyz (94)
14. Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper (96)
15. Lean Back by Terror Squad (2004)
16. Here it Goes Again by Ok Go (2004)
17. London Bridge by Fergie (06)
18. Soulja Boy Tell Em by Soulja Boy (2008)

*hugs*

My Tough Tough Guy

2009-01-22T12:48:00.003-07:00

We had a Post-Op appointment with the the Orthopedic Surgeon today. One side of the finger is doing really well, but the other side is still quite jagged and still a little off. They think that the growth plates will fill it in as he grows and they don't think it's much to worry about. They put it in a new cast that holds his first two fingers together but is finally releasing the others. But to get it to start healing properly they had to angle his finger down, meaning they had to move it.

I watched my poor little man writher in pain as they moved his broken finger and held it in place until the cast started to harden. He bit his lips, he breathed really hard, his eyes filled with tears. But he never screamed or cried or let one tear fall. I can't get over how tough this kid is.

He was still shaking half the way home. When we got home he went straight to the couch and wrapped up in his favorite blanket. My heart is broken, and I'm a little sick to my stomach. There is nothing worse than watching you child hurt!

*hugs*

Opinions

2009-01-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

You know the saying,"you shouldn't care what other people think of you"? It has me doing a lot of thinking lately.

I have always been a people pleaser. Not because I feel that everyone needs to like me, I KNOW there are people that don't and that's okay. (I usually don't like them either hehe) And I know that you can't please every one.
But I HATE confrentation! I will do almost anything to avoid a fight. (or even an uncomfortable conversation.) MBC on the other hand isn't that way and thinks it's ridiculous that I'm so much this way. He has made me stand up for myself against those that would take advantage a couple of times and I've made progress. But I still tend to keep my mouth shut when I disagree with something said at family parties or when someone has a different view than myself.

Does any one else struggle with having the guts to say what's really on your mind?

No Matter How You Voted...

2009-01-20T08:21:00.003-07:00

Today is a piece of history. Watch the inauguration. If your kids aren't home, recorded it, or tell them about it, or have them watch the replays that will swamp our t.v. programing today.

How awesome it is that we live in this Republic, where the people's voices are actually heard.

I am so thankful to live in this wonderful country. I'm thankful that I get to share this historic day with my children and teach them. I am thankful for modern technology that enables me to do it from the warmth of my own family room.

I hope that you enjoy today as well.

God Bless America!!!

*hugs*

He's Ba-ack!!!! (A special Weekend Words)

2009-01-16T00:22:00.003-07:00

I have been waiting and waiting for the second edition of Evolution of Dance, by Judson Laipply, and it's finally here!!:

(In case you are the one person on the planet who hasn't seen the first one yet, here you go:)

Now for Weekend Words; Instead of my normal, giving you a quote and asking you what it's from, I'm challenging you to list the names of all the songs used in one of the videos. (Either video will work, just specify which one you are using.) Bonus points if you know who sings the songs too. GOOD LUCK! I'll have a special treat for the winner of this one, because it is harder than normal.
Have a great weekend.
*hugs*

All Together Again

2009-01-15T10:30:00.004-07:00

Big Bro. is no longer in pieces! He has two pins in his finger until it all heals, but he's been put all together again.

We were supposed to arrive at the surgical center at 9:00 am yesterday. Due to the location of the center, I was afraid that we would get stuck in rush hour traffic, so we left about 20 min. earlier than I would have at any other time. Guess what? NO traffic, we got there at 8:30. But they were really nice about it and started checking us in as soon as we got there. Around 9:00 they took us back to pre-op, had him change, started his IV etc. As soon as they had him totally ready to go, they received a phone call that the Doctor was running an hour behind at a different hospital. So they brought a dvd player in and let Big Bro. watch Transformers while we waited for the doctor. Some time between 10 and 10:30 the doc got there and they gave him the meds in his IV to put him to sleep. He went one way and I went the other, back to the waiting room.

A little Hispanic family was waiting for a loved one too and they had changed the TV to an all Spanish station. Unfortunately my two years of Spanish class in Jr. High, didn't teach me enough to understand the soap opera that was on, so I spent the whole time reading my book, but I know that I'll get my book club book done this month!

The actual surgery only took about 20 min. But it took him about another 35 to wake up, so it was almost an hour before I went back to Post-op.

The first thing he said when he woke up was that he was hungry. (Didn't like the fasting since midnight idea.) Then he said he didn't remember anything since the doors they wheeled his bed through. (Apparently the anesthesiologist gave him lots of the "happy juice" and he feel asleep before they got to the operating room. He doesn't remember the mask or being asked to count backwards.)

He was able to use the restroom on his own almost right away, so they gave him a little more pain medication in his IV and they unhooked him and let us come home. (They gave him a local during surgery so that his finger would be numb for most of the day. He had morphine twice in his IV and they gave him his first Lortab before we left, so he was pretty doped up.) We got back home around 2:30. (We did stop at a gas station and get him some crackers, he thought he was going to starve. haha) He did really well until after dinner. Then the post anesthetic nausea finally hit and he spent the night vomiting. (Thus, why I didn't post yesterday) We've had a hard time keeping his pain pills down and I'm worried that even though he isn't vomiting any more, he's going to have a painful day today.
Hopefully tomorrow he'll start to feel better.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers and thoughts and well wishes this last week. They've brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I know that we are, finally, almost done. The recovery will take a while but the worst is over.

*hugs*

Randomness

2009-01-13T05:04:00.001-07:00

I hope you will forgive me for doing another meme today, but I'm getting ready for Big Bro.'s surgery tomorrow and these are easy posts, plus I think they're kind of fun to read on other blogs, so I'm hoping mine are too.
Mikki tagged me with the 16 random things tag. Basically I tell you 16 totally random things about myself so here goes.

1. I bit my finger nails until about 1 year ago. (Nasty habit, I hate it, but it took me a REALLY long time to break it.)
2. My first car that I bought all by myself was a white Dodge Neon. I loved it, well, until I totaled it.
3. I was 19 years old when I got married. (I turned 20 exactly one month later.)
4. Each of my children was born in a different state. That's why we'll probably stay in Utah for the rest of our days. We've already had one here, if we move we might get a surprise.
5. I only have brothers. The closest I've ever had to a sister is my in-laws and a couple of really good friends.
6. I hate mushrooms.
7. Books are my favorite gift.
8. My biggest pet peeve is when people don't pull over for emergency vehicles.
9. I once had all of the police 10- codes memorized.
10. My girls are all named after family members, but my son isn't at all. We pulled it out of a baby name book.
11. My husband and I are the black sheep of our families.
12. My only pet as a child was gold fish, which never lasted very long. We had a stray cat that got dropped off by our house once when I was about 12, that my mom told us to leave alone so that it wouldn't stick around. But I used to sneak it food. -Sorry Mom. But it was human food, so I probably killed the poor thing. I had good intentions though.
13. I was in choir my senior year of high school. And I made it without trying out.
14. I have a REALLY loud voice. To a fault, but it comes in handy every once in a while.
15. Some of my closest friends are people I only know through the internet.
16. I'm a Doris:
Explaination: I don't know why I like these so much, but I often have fun taking these little compare your personality quizzes. This one was really fast and I thought it was fun that they went into so much detail. Some are a little off, but some are right on. In truth it's probably like reading a horoscope you'll always find truths and falsehoods, but it's fun anyway.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Doris!

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.

How to Get Along with Me

* Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.

* Share fun times with me.

* Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.

* Let me know that I am important and special to you.

* Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.

In Intimate Relationships

* Reassure me that I am interesting to you.

* Reassure me often that you love me.

* Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.

What I Like About Being a Doris

* being able to relate easily to people and to make friends

* knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better

* being generous, caring, and warm

* being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings

* being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris

* not being able to say no

* having low self-esteem

* feeling drained from overdoing for others

* not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish

* criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should

* being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them

* working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings

Dorises as Children Often

* are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism

* try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding

* are outwardly compliant

* are popular or try to be popular with other children

* act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention

* are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents

* are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)

* are often playful with their children

* wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"

* can become fiercely protective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

(Now, I'm supposed to tag 16 people to do this. But I don't know if 16 people regularly read my blog. So if you are reading this and you haven't done this one yet, then TAG your it.)

So there you go, more than you wanted to know. Thank you to every one that has shown concern for my family this last week. It means so much to us. Thank you for all the prayers. (And I wouldn't object to any for the surgery tomorrow.) We have felt them and it has truly touched my heart. My post will be late tomorrow since I will be at the hospital bright and early, but when I get home I will give you all an update.
*hugs*

My First Blog Interview

2009-01-12T06:24:00.003-07:00

I saw this new tag on Chronicles of a Country Girl, on Sat. Kate was interviewed by another blogger and she posted the interview on her blog. I decided to play along, so here is my interview from Kate.

Kate: Why do you call yourself Shimmy? What's that about? Actually I'm glad you asked because I didn't realize that there were people who didn't know. My very first blog post ever explained why I chose it, but I've never talked about it since. So here you go:
A shimmy is a belly dance move. And yes, I belly dance. I have for about 7 years now. Mostly in my own living room, but I did dance with a troop while we lived in New York. When I started a blog I wanted to play with the "Dancing through Life" idea. I started dancing when I was 7, and I've tried almost every genre out there. But belly dance is my favorite and the one I've stuck with the longest. So that's how the name Shimmy Mom was born.
Kate: What do you consider your greatest achievement? That ones REALLY hard for me. Every time some one asks me that and I go to answer I realize it's not MY accomplishment. I'm pleased with my kids and I"m very pleased with my hubby's military service. He accomplished a lot before he got hurt and as a patriotic gal I'm very proud of him. But as far as me and just me, I don't feel like I've done anything all that great. I'd probably say something totally trivial like my dancing or singing. Some day I'll actually finish getting my BA and then I can say that.
Kate: Where is the farthest you've ever travelled from your home? Why did you go there? If you mean from my home town, or where I live now, then it would be New York and I traveled there because the military made us for two years. As far as a vacation goes the furthest I've been is Tijuana, Mexico. Other than that, I've never left the country. I'd like to someday though.
Kate: If you won the million dollar lottery, what is the first thing you would want to do with the money? To be honest, I'd pay off my house and car. Actually we'd trade our vehicle in on a newer version and pay that off. Boring I know, but I would LOVE to be TOTALLY debt free. Then, I don't know. I'd want to travel and SHOP and shop some more, but I'd probably just do a little shopping and save the rest for my kids educations. I have four, so it will probably take a million by the time they get there.
Kate: What is your favorite vacation spot? Why? Actually, my favorite vacation spot is a little tiny town called Nauvoo, in Illinois. My church has a big historic site there. I LOVE history and my favorite time periods are around the Revolutionary War and the Wild West. Nauvoo is centered around the pioneers. Not just the Mormon ones, any one who traveled the Oregon trail. They have a bakery and blacksmith shop etc. where you can watch people really make things the way they did back then. You can learn how to dip your own candles, and weave rugs etc. Every one dresses authentic to the time period and stuff like that. And I love it there. I've been 5 or 6 times and if you gave me the money, I'd go back tomorrow.
I'd love to go back to some of the places we have lived though, like New York City. In fact we are going back to Seattle for a vacation this Feb. And I would like to travel outside of the U.S. someday. My husband and I would both love to see the British Isles and I want to go Shark Diving off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it's on my bucket list anyway.

Do you want to play along and get interviewed too?
Here's the directions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

About my interviewer. Kate was one of my first, known only through the blog world, friends. If you haven't been to Kate's site, you are really missing out. She has a great sense of humor, her photography is AMAZING(she has a wonderful pictures only blog too.) and her dog George, makes my husband's dog Lucy look like evil incarnate and my dog Ramsey look like a lazy bum. (Actually he is a lazy bum, but he's cute and cuddly and I love him.)
*hugs*

A Weekend Words Journey

2009-01-10T18:14:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Rosezilla, who knew that yesterdays quote was from, Journey to the Center of the Earth, by Jules Verne. (If you've never been to Rosezilla's blog, click on her name to read one of her enjoyable stories.)
Big Bro. is doing well getting through this one. It's a fun story if you can get past all the huge scientific words.
And the Honesty Award goes to Mikki, who was honest about cheating to get the answer and disqualified herself. Way to be good Mikki! (You can click on Mikki's name to go to her blog too. Mikki writes about her family which includes 2 darling daughters and adorable twin boys.)
Thanks for playing ladies. Have a GREAT weekend.
*hugs*

Weekend Words From the Waiting Room

2009-01-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

This week for Weekend Words, I'm giving you a quote out of the book I'm currently reading with "Big Bro." It also happens to be the book that we got three chapters read of in the waiting room of our Orthopedic Surgeon yesterday. (If you haven't heard that story yet, see one post down.)
So let's see if you've ever read the book, if not, you might not recognize it.

"On the 24th day of May, 1863, My uncle, Professor Liendenbrock, rushed into his little house, No. 19 Konigstrasse, one of the oldest streets in the oldest portion of the city of Hamburg."

If you know the answer leave it in the comment section. Winner will be announced tomorrow and receive... bragging rights. It's not much, but it's still fun.

Have a great weekend everyone!
*hugs*

The Full Story, as of Now.. With an Update

2009-01-07T19:49:00.007-07:00

warning this post contains disturbing pictures.

Do you believe in miracles? Because we do.
So here's what's happened so far:
Tues. afternoon, "Big Bro." asked if he could go shovel the snow on his lunch break. (we had about 2 inches of new snow.) I said sure. Well, he decided the snow blower was a better idea, until it got clogged and he decided to try to unclog it. I'm betting you can already tell where this story is going.
Sure enough as soon as the snow was brushed away the blower sucked his hand in.
Now to tell you about Big Bro's character. He found his glove, which the blower sucked right off his hand, put the snow blower in the garage and came in the house, took off his other glove, his coat and his shoes, before he came downstairs to me, crying.
He walked into our family room and sat on the couch, his back to me, crying. I asked what was wrong, he didn't answer, just crying. I asked again, he said, "My hand." I said, "What about your hand?" No answer, just crying. I was walking towards him and said, "What happened to you hand?" He said, "I almost cut it off." more crying. I instantly began looking for blood and was ready to scream at the girls to get more towels.
Then I looked down at his hand and saw some very distinct marks where the blades had hit, but they hadn't cut him. There was NO blood!
"Okay, you need, ice, it's going to be fine." I said and went upstairs to get the ice. By the time I got back down stairs with the ice, his hand was 5 times the size it usually is in three different places. "Let's get your shoes back on, you need to go to the hospital."
Big. Bro was finally able to really talk by now and the first thing he asked was, "Are they going to have to cut my hand off?" I assured him that his hand was going to be fine, but I was pretty sure it was broken. But to be honest, I thought it was REALLY broken and I had no idea what the doctors were going to find.
I called MBC at work to tell him where we were going and we were off to the Emergency Room.
They checked us right in and the doctors and nurses responded pretty fast when they heard "snow blower". He got a little sick to his stomach as the adrenaline started to wear off. He also went white a couple of times and I was glad that they took us straight to a room where they could lay him down. As the doctors and nurses came in all of their eyes got really big when they saw his hand, they all looked right at me and said, "That's not bad for a snow blower!" I already knew that it could have been MUCH worse, but those words sounded VERY reassuring. They next thing the nurse said was, "We don't have an amputation." And that was an even bigger relief. They were checking him over, and realized he doesn't have feeling in a couple of fingers and said things like, "We have a definite radial here." But I knew that things looked better than they expected.
When we were waiting for the radiologist to come in I told Big Bro., "I know you don't feel like it right now, but you are INCREDIBLY lucky. They've already told us that the worst won't happen... The blower could have ripped your hand right off and it didn't. It could have broken it so bad they'd have to remove it and it didn't. We can handle what ever they tell us now. It's going to be okay!" And to be perfectly honest, I said a prayer right there in the triage room. I thanked the Lord that He had watched over my son. I was glad I hadn't had to put on a tourniquet on an amputated limb and called 911. I was thankful he was going to be able to keep his hand. And I honestly confessed that I could handle whatever He dealt me from this point. I could deal with broken bones and surgeries and long recovery times, because the worst hadn't happened.
They wheeled in an x-ray machine and I left the room while they x-rayed his hand. Then we turned on the t.v. and watched Dirty Jobs on the Discovery channel to distract him while we waited.
About 15 min. later the doctor came back in. He held up his own left pointer finger and said, "It's broken, the rest is bruised." I said, WHAT?" He continued to explain that his left index finger was broken right above the bottom knuckle. The rest of the swelling was from very deep bruising, but nothing else was broken. He had no idea how much nerve damage had been done, or if they were just stuck in the swelling. He also said that his finger was completely displaced and would need surgery to be fixed and held in place while it heals. But that was IT!
They splinted his whole hand and wrist, which was NOT a pleasant experience for Big Bro, then they gave us a prescription for pain killers and told us to get an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon within 48 hours and they discharged us. We came home, incredibly happy!
I dropped Big Bro off at home with dad, who had made it home by this time, and I went to fill the prescription. By the time I got back with the RX it had been 3 hours since the accident and Big Bro had gone without ANY pain killers that whole time. I'm am amazed at how tough my little man was.
While I had been gone, MBC had made all the phone calls needed to get the insurance to give us an immediate referral to the Orthopedic Surgeon.
Big Bro's hand is still incredibly swollen and you can still see where the blades hit and how out of place his bones are:
Other than that, we've been giving Big Bro his Lortab every four hours, even through the night. We are keeping it elevated with ice on it, and waiting for Thurs. to get here.
We see the Surgeon today (Thurs. Jan. 8, 2009) at 2:30, and that's when I'll know what else we have in store.

But as of right now, I feel VERY blessed. I truly believe that Big Bro had an angel standing next to him, who may have just put their hand into that blower too. Thank you to all of you my dear friends who have said prayers on our behalf and expressed your concern, you have no idea how much it meant to me. I will keep you all posted.

Update: We're back from the Orthopedic Surgeon and it is badly broken. It isn't only broken and displaced it's slightly rotated. So they definitely didn't want to try to fix it in the office. Not only would it hurt, they doubted it would stay in place. He will be going in for surgery on Wed. and he will have a bunch of pins put in it to hold it in place for 4 weeks.
However, Big Bro. had let himself think about the option of having it set in the doctors office and almost passed out just thinkin' about it, so you've never seen an 11 year old so excited to have surgery. They put you to sleep for that!

*hugs*

I'll be back soon I promise

2009-01-07T09:43:00.005-07:00

I haven't meant to be a terrible blogger lately, but we had a little accident at our house yesterday and well, I just have other things to take care of right now. (Just so no one gets too scared, everyone here is going to be just fine, but we did have a scare and we definitely believe in angels. ) We have a doctors appointment tomorrow that will answer all of the remaining questions. So for today, I'm taking another break and I will give you a very detailed post as soon as I know everything tomorrow.
For now here is my Wordle. It's a fun site that goes through your blog and makes a collage of the most commonly used words.
title="Wordle: Shimmy Words"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/423323/Shimmy_Words"
alt="Wordle: Shimmy Words"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">
Hope life is calmer where you are,
*hugs*

Back to the Ole' Grind Stone

2009-01-05T09:01:00.004-07:00

Like most of you, I'm sure, today means getting back to school and work and normal routines.

None of us are ready for it, but we are doing it any way.

As an update, if you want your chance in the art give-away, today is your last day to post and email David.

I hope that you all had a great Holiday and fun break, and that you can get back to the old grind stone without much trouble.

*hugs*

The Eye

2009-01-02T10:38:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to Shelia, who knew that the rock quote for Weekend Words was.... The Eye of the Tiger (but it's byy Survivor.)

Eye of the Tiger
- Survivor

Risin' up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive

So many times, it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

CHORUS:
It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watchin' us all in the eye of the tiger

Face to face, out in the heat
Hangin' tough, stayin' hungry
They stack the odds 'til we take to the street
For we kill with the skill to survive

CHORUS

Risin' up, straight to the top
Have the guts, got the glory
Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop
Just a man and his will to survive

CHORUS

The eye of the tiger...

Hope you are all having a GREAT weekend.
*hugs*

Weekend Words #26

2009-01-02T10:26:00.002-07:00

No I haven't stopped doing my weekend words game. I just got really busy last week and I didn't want anyone to miss out on the give-away this week. (See one post down and enter to win one of those gorgeous pieces of art.)
This week I have rock on the brain. You see we decided to continue on in our families addiction and we got the kids Rock Band 2 for our big family gift for Christmas. So how could I do anything but a rock song for Weekend Words this week right? Right! But that's the only hint you get. It's a rock song:

So many times, it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

So what song is it? Enter your answer in the comments. First to answer correctly gets bragging rights for the week. Good luck!
*hugs*

And don't forget the give-away below.