WEEKEND UPDATE

Matthew went to Joseph's soccer practice and played on the playground.

Joseph LOVES soccer! His first game is this Saturday and he is super excited!

Sari goes to school with the original mean girls. This week one of them took someone else's food off her plate (the victim of the month) and then wouldn't tell who did it, and in fact, blamed it on another kid. They went to the principal's office and everything and still didn't know anything. Sari finally piped up and said who did it and then "everyone" was mad at her. Mr. Bontrager said really nice things about Sari and the next day the girl who did it gave her a Symphony bar and told her "Thanks" for making sure she did the right thing. I was proud of Sari. She has been going to school with most of these girls since Kindergarten and they have behaved this way for the seven years I have known them. Where are their mothers? Who still lets their daughters treat other girls this way? When are we, as women, going to figure out that we are our own worst enemy? We should all be lifting and helping each other!

Remember my crown and root canal? That tooth has to be pulled now and get an implant. If and when we do tooth implants, Ben gets first dibs.

Poor Larry was playing too hard at Mutual and he rolled/fell on a basketball on his ribs. He has been in a great deal of pain all week. Our hometeacher is a chiropractor and he looked at it and thinks they are only bruised, or maybe he tore the ligaments that hold it all together. It really doesn't matter what the injury was because there is nothing they would do anyway (it is lower on his ribcage).

A highlight of our week was that we got to babysit the Kwon twins while their parents moved to a 2 bedroom apartment! They are almost four months old and SO cute! They look like dolls. We all loved holding them and feeding them. Grace is in pink and Kaelyn is in blue.

It was all fun and games until they started to cry. Then I was left on my own! I thought it was so cute! Rachel finally got off the phone and took one. Then they both fell asleep.

How cute is that? A lot cuter when you haven't listened to it all night. I never thought I would say this, but I HAD forgotten how hard it is to have a newborn and how you don't get anything done. Times that by two and I don't know why ANYONE would pray for twins!

Larry and I went to see "MammaMia".

I had seen this several years ago with Utah and Jenn Stauffenberg and thought it was about the cutest thing. I was excited to go with see it with Larry.

Sadly, this time there were a lot more explicit and inappropriate innuendo, actions, and jokes. I am always surprised at the laughs they get. I liked some of these actors better, and some of the first actors better. Still, I love ABBA and I think the person who took all their songs and made them into such a cute musical (albeit anti-marriage) is a genius! I love the way they used the songs to tell the story.

Imagine my happiness to discover that my man Colin Firth (aka Mr. Darcy in the 6 hour BBC version of Pride and Prejudice - the ONLY good version of the movie) is going to be in the movie version of MammaMia that will be coming to the United States on JULY 18th!!! He will be Harry. I didn't know Pierce Bronsan could sing, but he is going to be SAM!?? I think Meryl Streep is a freak show politically, but she can act. I never thought of her as Donna ... Oh, just watch the movie trailer:

I removed the trailer because I couldn't keep it from starting up automatically. Sorry, it was a limited time offer. You can always google it, if you must see it!

IT'S A SMALL, SMALL WORLD (I mean REALLY small!)

So, I go to Elizabeth's blog (weird connection here - she knows Wendi who I knew in Wymount round deux AND Kim Gibby who grew up across the street from Larry - so we are blog friends now) and she has a funny video clip on her blog. We watch it. It is cute and then at 1:45 we get a surprise!

Removed for my convenience. Sorry for your inconvenience.

For those of you who don't know - that couple is Larry's parents who were on their mission in Los Angeles until January. We think this coincidence is very funny ...

WOW!! (again)

Who knew?

Of course not too much of a genius because I accidentally erased this post a minute ago and so I lost the comments from Kristine, Shelli, and Utah. Sorry. So this is the do-over.

But to sum it up: this is good news for ALL OF US! I mean, here you are, reading a blog that you have to be a genius to understand!

Wait, is this good news?

TV Reviews

UNCLE JASON, the Potato Head

Matthew was playing with the Potato Heads this morning. He brought this one into the kitchen and said, "Guessth who thisth isth?"

The answer was clear to me, but was it to him? I said, "Uhmm..." I paused too long. Matthew was exasperated and he said, "MOMMM!!! It'sth Untle (Uncle) Jasthon (Jason)!"

That's EXACTLY who I thought it was! My hot brother Jason (sorry ladies, he's married with kids - and yes, she is beautiful AND talented AND smart AND all that ...) and his family just started a blog and we all read it last night. So, I knew Jason was familiar again. If this isn't a reason to start a blog, I don't know what is! What uncle (or aunt or grandparent) doesn't want a potato head made like them? I think Matthew did a good job with the ears (which you will see must be in the Hathaway genes, since Matthew has them, too) and since Jason is in the military, he has had more hair on top, and nearly shaved on the sides for as long as my kids have known him. Snaps to Matthew.

Matthew went on to make a few aliens, even me (Darth Vader's helmet was my hair), and then he came in and said, "I alstho made Dad."

He didn't give him much credit on the hair line (made with a mustache held on backwards), it's really more of a prediction. He also used the Sunday shoes and Larry's ears are close to his head and therefore not on the potato head.

EASTER DRESS-UP (and messed up)

Every now and then the kids are ready for church on time and dressed nice.

This was not one of those days.

BUT, their Easter outfits coordinated, so I took some pictures (look closely and you will see ravioli on Joseph's mouth, toothpaste on Matthews, Ben's haircut fell through so he looks like a Bay City Roller, and more!) It was very weird to be in pink and spring clothes when it snowed in the morning and then rained the rest of the day!

I was going to take family pictures afterwards but Joseph and Matthew ran around outside after church and got soaking wet! Could they be more happy and proud of themselves? I think not!

Oh well, maybe next year we will do family pictures!

EASTER EVE

Coloring Easter eggs!

The final product! They look so pretty!


Rachel breaks an egg on her first attempt.

Joseph dives right into the double color technique!

Daniel concentrates on lowering the egg without breaking or spilling (even more - although he was VERY careful).



Matthew thought the egg dyeing process was so cool!



Sari with her batch under her watchful eye.



Last but not least, Ben WILL be thrown in our secret dungeon of torture for this little bit of blasphemous heresy!!!

FUNNY FROM LARRY

Something a lot of people might not know about Larry is that he is hilarious! One of the reasons I married him, in fact! But he is not LOUD hilarious (like my siblings and myself) he is quiet hilarious and if you are not careful, you will miss it. Your loss.

This morning, my friend Julie tells me she had this conversation with Larry, on Thursday night:

Julie: Hey, do you need me to come over with a bottle of bleach and help you disinfect your house?

Larry: No, just bring a match.


Hilarious!!!

LAST ONE STANDING FELL

Sooooo ... this morning I got the 2 - 4 day flu that has been plaguing my family. (Larry just said, "Is this the flu? I thought it was ebola! It feels like we live in a hot zone!")

I thought it was all in my head, just tired from puking teenagers and toddlers all night long. I have done positive self talk at least once a day and sometimes twice. I also took vitamins at least once. I washed my hands more obsessively than my usual obssession.

It was not all in my head.

The good news is I lost three pounds just this morning!! (Yea me!)

Tonight Joseph offered to sleep with me so I wouldn't be lonely. I declined. He also said, "You are my favorite one to cuddle with, when you are the only one here."

RED LETTER DAY!!

I took all six kids to the dentist for their semi-annual cleaning:

NO CAVITIES!!!

I can't believe it!

A random P.S. - the only thing worse than six out of eight with a 48 hour stomach bug (Rachel and I were the last two standing) is not when everyone is puking and staring glassy-eyed at the television. It is when they feel better enough to fight but not well enough to go to school. Yes, Joseph started a family puke fest that is ongoing. You would not believe how much laundry and dishes I have done since Saturday night ...

I AM CAYENNE PEPPER (it's written in white, so you can't see it)

You Are Cayenne Pepper

You are very over the top and a bit overwhelming. You have a fiery personality, and you can give anyone a good jolt. You can easily take things up a couple notches, no matter what crowd you're running with.

What Spice Are You?

I think this is very odd since I HATE cayenne pepper.

PROPHESY AT TIME OUT FOR WOMEN - AKA - WEEKEND UPDATE

Let’s see this week – I won the Nobel Peace prize, created world peace, AND made homemade cinnamon rolls!

Okay, that is not what I did. Not even the cinnamon rolls .

The calendar is pretty empty – but I didn’t accomplish much, either.

I took Daniel to the orthodontist and his teeth look really amazing:

I found out the people who were doing my nails are not using FDA approved stuff AND they sanded my nails so deeply that they are growing in from the cuticle all funky so I had to go somewhere else and pay more and I have to keep doing it until my nails grow back in one piece. Ugh.

I got my oven fixed.

The following was the highlight of my week, and possibly my month. It was only possible because Larry is the best husband in the entire world and he took care of EVERYTHING while I was gone, including making sure all our company (Thanks for coming, guys!) were fed and had a place to sleep! I could just go and be relaxed and enjoy my time because I knew Larry would take care of everything!

HIGHLIGHT: I went to the Time Out For Women workshop and Seminar! (Yes, it is a shameless promotional of Deseret Book products, but I chose not to even think about that!) The speakers at the workshop were Sherry Dew, Virginia Hinckley Pierce, Wendy Watson Nelson, and Wayne Boss. The workshop was so amazing that when I got home that night, I was surprised to see that I looked the same – I thought that I would be taller, thinner, and prettier, because I felt that way inside. (It was kind of a letdown.) It would be hard to pick a favorite, I liked them all, but I have to say that Wendy Watson Nelson’s gave me some great ideas, Sherry Dew made me think I could change the world, and Wayne boss, well, Wayne Boss’s presentation was about Power.

Wendy Watson Nelson, Virginia Hinckley Pierce (how sassy is her jacket?!), me, & Wayne Boss's wife.

I know, you are saying, Mormons and Power? What? Well, let me say, if you EVER have the opportunity to hear him speak, it is amazing! Everything he said made complete sense. Teilani and my dad would have LOVED it!! Everyone can benefit from it!

I volunteered at the workshop and I was a little worried because I wanted to be able to be with Kathryn, Mom Sant, and Linda. But I was assigned to take care of Wayne Boss (one of the presenters) and that was over pretty quickly, the rest of the time, my pass meant that I could go in early and get us good seats. Yeah me!!

Friday night was Time Out for Women, too. That night we had Michael McLean, who I have seen several times and he is DEFINITELY on better anti-depressants. He was extremely funny and was the emcee as well as performer! Then Chieko Okazaki spoke and she was AMAZING! (I got to meet her and she is an 82 year old bundle of energy, she is articulate, straight forward, and … right.)

Me and Chieko Okazaki (don't you HATE it when someone takes a bad picture! Then smiles, hands the camera to you and says, It looks great!)

THEN, we heard from Elia Gourgouris and he was a riot! He spoke about the five love Languages, mostly, on how to have happy marriages, and on following the Spirit. There was a new girl group on tour with them – “Mercy River” and I enjoyed their somewhat Celtic sounding music. They were new a little rough around the edges in performing, but they sounded GREAT!

Saturday, bright and early we were back in our seats, ready to be filled! There was more “Mercy River” and Hilary Weeks (who I hear used to date my friend’s sister’s husband, so we are practically related – haha). The music was exceptional and I especially enjoyed the stories Hilary told. I am planning on using them in family home evening.

We also heard from MARY ELLEN EDMUNDS

Me and ME!! (Mary Ellen Edmunds, calls herself ME or MEE! (Insert more stuff about people who can't see how bad the picture they took is.) My friend Kye KNOWS her and I am SOOOO jealous!

who is one of my favorite speakers, ever since I was in the MTC! She is so sweet and endearing! It totally cracks me up that she laughs before she says something funny. AND I got to meet her! The other presenters were Merrilee Boyack (service – wow!!), Doug Brinley (my friend from BYU Pioneer Trek, Becky’s dad. I sent a note onto Becky through him). Jane Clayson Johnson (who is like an old friend, since we watched her on KSL news for so many years), and Carolyn Rasmus, who I knew nothing about but I enjoyed her comments on the valleys and mountains we go through, spiritually. Little did I know it would be prophesy – keep reading…

Saturday I didn’t volunteer, although I had the option. I was tired. I sat in the balcony with Kathryn, Charmaine O’Donnal, her mom, and Stephanie Jones. Mom, Jean, and Linda sat on the main floor. They had good seats, but I just HATE being surrounded by people. I get claustrophobic. Also, this way, I could put my feet up. At one point, I even slept a little. (Not that the talk wasn’t good, I was just REALLY tired!)

Saturday late afternoon, we came home, the Baleros left (everyone else left from the Seminar AND the Baleros were OVERLY generous while they were here! Really, I feel like WE owe them! Dono bought the most beautiful Easter lilies, which I have ALWAYS wanted and NEVER actually bought for myself, AND he helped Rachel with her … mashed potato soup??? …, took the kids to the mall, talked music with ben, I could go on and on but I will sum it up and say he was pretty much the best uncle! Thank you!) and Joseph, who had eaten an entire CRATE of cherry tomatoes, was stomach sick.

The Easter Lilies from the Baleros!

Uncle Dono with his some of his faithful followers. Sari and Katie being silly.

Oh NO!!! It got much much worse!!! Remember the VALLEYS and peaks? I am flashing back to the rotavirus he had a few years ago when he had to be put in the hospital (I don’t think this is it – it isn’t NEARLY that bad).

The thing is – Joseph is a loud, whiny, crying, sobbing, demanding sick kid. (I know there are those who say, they don’t feel good, let them do it, but I have NO patience. I was raised that you are silently sick, and I think it is a good idea!) I let Larry take care of him because I figured, I am going to get night duty and ALL STINKIN’ DAY on Sunday, while Larry does his 10 – 14 hour day of rest! Well, it wasn’t long before Joseph had sucked Larry dry and we were glaring at each other: which one gets to take him now?!

Rock Paper Scissors!

Alan Jones and Larry gave him a blessing and he slept for a few hours at a time, which was a big improvement.

So, all night I had Joseph duty. I got no sleep, he got a little. He wants water. He throws it up. Rub my back. Rub my feet. Too hard. Too soft. Crying. I am thirsty. I am hungry. I am STARVING TO DEATH!!! Rub my feet. Rub my back, no scratch my back, no scratch my head, rub my neck. yoU AREN'T HELPING! It is not only that the crying drives me crazy, but I think that it makes him feel worse than he really is.

I feel really sorry for his FUTURE wife and mission companions. He is the worst sick kid I have ever seen. But we know who’s side of the family to blame this on!

So, here it is, Sunday afternoon, with the highs of Time out for Women a VERY distant memory. The valley of no sleep, sick, whiny kids, a messy house, and a few other things is VERY real, as I take a break from rubbing Joseph’s back, finding the right color of Popsicle, etc. Ohoh , It’s been 2 minutes and I hear a sobbing-whine-screech, “Mommy, come rub my back ….” (Chanting here - children are a blessing children are a blessing children are a blessing)

We woke up this morning to snow.


Good thing I never started drinking.

Oh, one more thing:

Last but NOT least, Rachel and Ben's Stake Dance was themed Black and White. They really got into it. Ben was not allowed to wear the hat, of course. This picture does not begin to do justice to how cute Rachel made that dress and sweater! No, I didn't sew it! Burlington Coat Factory, baby!

CONVERSATION WITH EMERIL, I mean, Joseph (age 6)

Joseph: "Should I have this or this for breakfast?"

(Holds up oatmeal and bag of sugar-coated-chocolate-balls.)

Me: "I think ... oatmeal!"

Joseph: "Why?"

Me: "It's better for you and today is a school day so you need something that will stick to your stomach and make you smart."

Joseph: "Why does oatmeal stick to your stomach?"

Me: "Because it a complex carbohydrate."

Pause.

Joseph: "Okay. That makes sense then."

ME, ON TV

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Claire Huxtable

You are Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show. You have high expectations for your children, just like you have high expectations for yourself. You've probably got your own life and your own career, but nothing is more fun than spending time with your family. You may be a professional woman, but you enjoy getting silly with the kids sometimes.


You want good kids, but you also want them to be successful, smart individuals who can speak their minds — as long as they do so respectfully. While you enjoy being the kind of mom that your kids can come to with a problem, you are not afraid to set them straight when they're acting badly. When it comes to discipline, you try treat your kids like adults, talking calmly and coolly. And that's ultimately why they're going to grow up with such unwavering respect for you — as both a mother and a successful person.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

I took this test twice, because on about 4 questions there were two answers, depending on the child.

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Roseanne Connor

You are Roseanne Connor from Roseanne. You've probably got a sarcastic streak, and you may take some pleasure in embarrassing your brood. But ultimately, your kids know that when they really, really, really need to talk about something, you will listen...eventually. Truth is, you tend to see things from their points of view; you just don't like to let them in on that until necessary.
That's your little secret. And while it may not be your style (or fit your schedule) to compulsively whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies, if your kids want to microwave some popcorn and watch TV with you, there's always room on the couch, and even on your lap.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

I think I am usually Roseanne with Ben and Claire with the rest of them. Different kids have different needs. I find I parent my children differently. I don't know if this is good or not, but it is what I do.

AND I totally whip up chocolate chip cookies AND pumpkin muffins AND really super yummy eclairs that were my great grandma's recipe AND my sister's secret lemon squares AND brownie bars ALL THE TIME!!!

MRS. MINNIE WILKINSON

Tonight the Young Women had dinner with their secret Grandmas. Rachel's secret Grandma was Minnie Wilkinson, the oldest member of our ward - she is about 95. She is a sweet, dear woman whom we adore. Rachel first met her six years ago, when in 4th grade, when she interviewed her for her school project. That was a huge blessing in our lives! We feel very privileged to know her!

Minnie, as she insists we call her (I was always taught to call my elders Mrs. or Mr. Sister or Brother, but NEVER by their first names!) has had hard time lately. She has lost nearly all her hearing and her eyesight. She just had a daughter die from cancer and her other daughter has terrible Alzheimers. Her husband died about 25 years ago. She told me once, "I go home to an empty house, but I am never alone. I know that the Lord is with me." She has beautiful white hair, bright blue eyes, and a glowing smile!

She is such an amazing woman! I look forward to seeing her every Sunday.

This is the little gift that Rachel made for Minnie to give her at her dinner:

She also made her a scarf and gave her a plant. We weren't very good at giving weekly gifts. Plus, Minnie was gone all of Christmas time and all of February. No excuse, I know.

So, here's to Minnie Wilkinson ... we love her!

GOOD FOOD CHOICES ABOUND - updated

About once a month, on Sunday, we have S.O.S. Or, Sant O'Donnal Sunday. This started WAY BACK when Tracy O'Donnal was called to be our home teacher and usually his partner couldn't come, so we said, "Bring the wife and kids!" He did. We all got along fabulously! Yeah!! It can be very hard to find friends that I like the husband and Larry likes the wife and they like us and their kids don't bug us (okay, me) and our kids don't bug them AND we have similar parenting styles. (All the things necessary to make FAMILY friendships.)

This Sunday, I was running LATE and didn't get time to get a roast in, so we had waffles and bacon for dinner. The kids loved it, but couldn't understand why they didn't get dessert. Toward the end of the night, Matthew got the last piece of bacon and what did he want on it? Whipped cream. That would be REAL cream, whipped. Poor kid, I could hear his 4 year old arteries hardening. When Elizabeth reads this (maybe she'll miss this one) she will have a heart-attack herself! (Sorry, Elizabeth, it was a one time deal! I promise!)

Matthew enjoys seven different kinds of fat ... he usually runs around half naked, but this time he wanted his Sunday clothes left on, with his shirt TUCKED IN all day and night.

Today Joseph came home from kindergarten and said, "Mom, for lunch I want my secret ingredient sandwich. Don't tell anyone what is in it." I said, "okay". I am sharing it here, but I don't think he has to worry about anyone stealing the idea and marketing it ...

Yep, that's right, my 6 year old got out the GINORMOUS jug of mayonaisse (someone revive Elizabeth at this point!) and the GINORMOUS jug of relish, the mostly eaten GINORMOUS bag of shredded cheddar and two slices of REAL whole wheat bread.

That is his secret recipe sandwich. He made it all himself and ate it all. In fact, when he was done, he announced he was still hungry and had another one.

Can you tell that we shop at Costco?

Update - I was telling my friend about this and she reminded me that my kids love to eat: broccoli, tomatoes (big and small), squash, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, and carrots, to name a few. And raw, too. No ranch dressing served in equal parts of veggies/dressing. This made me feel a little better, so I add it as a disclaimer.

FLYING MONKEYS

I CANNOT find a way to keep my boys from jumping on the couch! They act like they were raised in a barn - which they were NOT!

Matthew mid-flight from one couch to the next ... Joseph on the left prepares to fly next.

Daniel watches (shirtless, of course, he NEVER wears shirts - gets it from my brother Jason) as Matthew jumps back and lands on Joseph who has just crash landed into the wall behind the couch (on purpose) and then rolled on down.

Yes, they've split open heads, cracked heads, hurt backs, all that stuff - nothing stops them.

"We just cain't have nice theeeengs."

Two points for the person who can name who said that - and ya'all better hurry because Utah knows the answer!

Sorry for the blurry pictures - I didn't want the animals to see and think this was okay all of a sudden.

RACHEL'S CHOIR CONCERT

Mrs. Fennessey ...

So, Rachel has the greatest choir teacher in the world! She is a 5 foot tall, 80 pound bundle of energy! She is so enthusiastic and passionate about music and that essence just radiates off her! She teaches an art history class that I totally want to audit! (Do they let parents do that?)

The Girls Select Choir and Chamber Choir sang with the Orchestra for a community concert. Very serious and difficult music. Yeah! I remembered - it was "Gloria" by Vivaldi. The 6th movement is voice and violin. The orchestra teacher played her violin and Fenn sang the soprano choir part. It was just beautiful.

I guess in one ... section ... the sopranos couldn't nail the part, so Fenn joined in while the Orchestra teacher conducted. Here she is - a perfect example of what the girls are SUPPOSED to be doing - standing up straight, engaged in the performance, smiling, confident. (Rachel is an alto so she isn't in the frame - BUT, those of you who stalk my blog and knew Jon Sok (Elder Sok) from my mission, the white-blond next to Fenn is Sok's oldest daughter, Rachel. She is in our stake. I think it is funny that our kids are the same age and have the same name. Small world.)

And here is a picture of Rachel singing (back row, glasses). For those of you who are familiar with some of her friends, Christi is the blond next to her, eyes down, then next to Christi is Alyssa. In the picture above, besides Rachel Sok, above Rachel there is a red-brown haired girl, that is Rachel's friend, Megan.

Here is the orchestra and chamber choir ...

(More miscellaneous information - the one behind Fenn with the glasses is a senior who calls all girls the B word. "She is nice about though. Coming from her, it doesn't sound bad." - my Rachel. Here is an example, "Rachel! Where did you get that dress?!" "My mom made it." "What?! No way! You are a lying $%#*&!" hug hug "Did she really? That is so cool!" So I guess that is okay?)

I tried to put in a video clip of them singing, but I can't get it to work. Check back, I might figure it out. Either way, I am FINALLY posting this!

WEEKEND UPDATE sans Kevin Nealon

So, this was a sad week, but there were some great things, too. I will start with the bad and then move on.

On Wednesday night (Thursday, early morning) a member of Rachel’s Cross Country team, Sarah, was brutally murdered while at her friend’s house (The friend, Tanner, was also murdered) by her “boyfriend” of two weeks. He also set fire to the house, to try to burn it down and cover the homicides, but that didn’t work. Someone saw the smoke, the sheriff kicked in the door and found the bodies and a scimitar and samurai sword nearby. Tanner was a member of our ward, but we had never seen him. It took more than a day to identify her body, which just turns my stomach.

In other news, this week -on Thursday I was rear-ended. No biggy. Not for me anyway. The truck in front of me slammed on his brakes because a car changed lanes in front of him, I slammed on mine, white car behind me slammed on hers. Gray truck behind her hit her, she hit me. My Suburban is like a Norwegian woman – strong boned, so she is fine, but the white car got a wrinkled hood and busted out grill.

Friday was the Cubscout Pinewood derby, followed by the ward Pinewood Derby. Read my previous post to find out what it was like being the Ward Activities Chairman AND committee. Daniel took first place with the scouts:

In the ward Pinewood Derby, Joseph took 1st, Sari 2nd, Rachel 4th, and Daniel 5th. I think that Matthew would have been 6th except he was in the elimination round with Sari, Rachel, and Joseph and only the top 3 could go on and Matthew was number 4. He didn't care. Everyone else was really into it though!

Ben sprained a big ol’ muscle in his back doing a clean and jerk max out. He can't lift more than 10 pounds for 4 - 6 weeks. Dang it. He is strong, so this is an inconvenience.

Rachel and I stayed up until midnight one night doing her tessellations project.

I finished "Chesapeake"!!! 1001 pages. Wow. I really liked it.

Saturday Larry had to work. I took Rachel for her driver’s test and she did very well. I was proud of her! I know she was sick-nervous. (That doesn’t mean I think she is a safe driver. I think teens, as a general rule, are dangerous drivers.)

FEELING FERKLEMPT ...

Things that are bugging me tonight:

~Mean people who make veiled, snide, passive-aggressive remarks
~People who don't do their callings
~People who say they will do something and then they don't and thus create a crisis for me which carries over to my family
~My daughter thinking that "California stops" are okay as long as no one is coming, same with not using the blinkers
~Getting my budget cut and the admonition to have more activities - in the same meeting
~Chores being done in a half-baked way
~Too many dishes to fit in one dishwasher load
~Clean clothes (still folded!!) dropped down the laundry chute
~Costco closing at 6 pm on Saturday night
~Lost battery charger for pink camera
~Messy bathrooms
~I cut through my silpat

~Insomnia.

HELP! I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GIVE IT UP!

Ben asked for a black mouse.