Wednesday's Words with Ellie (my dog)

Setting: Janalynn has just peeled an orange and sits down to eat it. Ellie the dog comes mosey in. Instantly she sees that Janalynn has something in her hand, and whatever it is, it is making it's way up and into her mouth. Instantly she goes from "woe is me" attitude, to, "I'm getting me some of that". (Actually it's pretty hard to tell facial expression on a Basset Hound).

Janalynn:(a little irritated) No Ellie! You wont like it! So stop begging and leave me alone!

Janalynn: (resignation in her voice) Ok, but I promise you wont like it!
(Janalynn holds the orange just above Ellie. Ellie jumps as high as she possibly can, maybe 5 inches off the floor, to snag the orange slice. She sits then spits it out. Sniffs at the orange, looks at the orange. Pushes the orange with her nose. Then finally leaves the orange and returns to Janalynn).

Janalynn: (frustration and disbelief in her voice) "Really Ellie!!?! C'mon, It's the exact same thing I just gave you, and you obviously hated it!!

9 Goals for 2009

Me and my dog Ellie (I got her for my Birthday in 2008)

9 Goals I want to Accomplish in 2009

Listening to a lot of experts on how to accomplish goals, I was repetitively told NOT to make too hard or unrealistic goals, that would be impossible to achieve. So this list was very hard to come up with, but I managed to come up with 9. I figured that being "Being more healthy" was a given, so didn't even bother listing that goal, because for as long as I can remember, that has been my ongoing goal.

1. Get out of debt (Pay off my credit card)

2. Take the kids to Dreaded Disneyland (I have a phobia of Disney-anything)

3. Paint and Redecorate my entire upstairs (ok maybe just livingroom, entry, and possibly kitchen)

4. Make a Memory Book of my Sister Bonnie

5. Read the BofM and D&C again

6. Visit the Temple more often (I'm trying for at least once a month)

7. Give up Pepsi (at least cut back)

8.To unspoil Porter (this one will by my hardest)

9. To spoil Jared (this one will be easy)

Wish me Luck!!

Favorite 8 of 2008

8 Favorites of 2008

8 Favorite Books read in 2008
1."Jackdaws" by Ken Follett
2."Austinland" by Shannon Hale
3."The Other Boleyn Girl" by Gregory Philippa
4."Innocent Traitor" by Alison Wier
5."Hornet Flight" by Ken Follett
6."A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Hosseini Khaled
7."Cane River" by Tademy Lelita
8."The Host" by Stephanie Meyer

8 Favorite Activities in 2008
1.Playing games with friends
2.Shopping with daughters
3.Surf'n Swim with kids
4.Lunches with girlfriends
5.Going to the Temple with mom and Sister
6.UofU game with friends
7.Working in my Flower Bed
8.Saturday dates with Jared

8 Favorite Foods I ate alot of during 2008
1. Cafe' Rio Salads
2. Pei Wei Mongolian Chicken
3. Rooster's Ravioli
4. California Kitchen's Thai Salad
5. Maverick's Cheesy Bread
6. Campbell's' Chunky New England Clam Chowder
7. Turkey and Swiss Hoggie sandwiches
8. Home Grown Garden Tomatoes

8 Favorite Purchases in 2008
1. New Furnace and Central Air
2. Basset Hound named Ellie
3. American Eagle Jeans
4. Tires for Jared's Car
5. Area Rug for my Living room
6. Leather Couch, Chair and Ottoman
7. Custom made Mother's Ring
8. Camera

8 Favorite Songs in 2008
1. Shattered, by O.A.R
2. Stop and Stare, by One Republic
3. Calling You, by Blue October
4. Apologize, by Timbaland
5. Rise Above, This by Seether
6. Viva La Vida, by Cold Play
7. Paralyzer, by Finger Eleven
8. Pork and Beans, by Weezer

Wednesday's Wall Words

Wednesday's Wall Words With Daughter Kailey

setting: I'm downstairs watching a movie. Kailey yells down to me.

Kailey: "Bye Mom, I'm going."
Janalynn: "Be sure to check in."
Kailey: "I will!"

(three hours later, Kailey returns home)

Kailey: "I'm Home"
Janalynn: "How come you didn't check in?"
Kailey: "I did!"
Janalynn: "No you didn't"
Kailey: "Yes, I did!"
Janalynn: "Don't you think I'd know if you checked in with me?"
Kailey: "Don't you ever read your text messages?"

(Janalynn goes upstairs and down the hall into a back bedroom where her cell phone is on it's charger, because unlike all teenagers, Janalynn does NOT carry her cell phone on her body at all times. Janalynn checks her cell phone. Cell phone has little picture of envelope floating across screen.)

Cell Phone Text from Kailey's cell phone says: just checking in

Tuesday's Top Ten

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Party Photos
(2 different parties, Jared's family's and my family's Christmas Parties)

#10 My Sister Susan and I (she's 10 years older than me, doesn't she look great?)


#9 Jared and Uncle Rick acting like....well like Jared and Uncle Rick


#8 Cousin Zach holding Natalie "Hostage" during the Charades game.


#7 Aunt Robbi showing us a Yoga move during the game, Charades


#6 Aunt Lorina sitting on Santa's Lap


#5 Uncle Tom getting a Barbie Doll in the game, "Santa Spilled his Bag"


#4 Kelsey getting Great Grandma's False Teeth as a Gag Gift


#3 Cousin Hayden giving Porter a Hug


#2 Porter with Keven and Lucy. Porter wearing Mr. Potato Head Santa's Beard and mustache


#1 Jared and I enjoying a party together

The Mom Song

Wednesday's Words For MOMS!

Christmas Has come at last. I saw this video over a year ago and my good friend Becky e-mailed it along with a Mom's letter to Santa. This mom is my Hero and pretty much sums up my life as a mom especially this month.

Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my own doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bar s to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out -- over several Christmases.
Since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles; and who knows when I'll find any more free time in the next 18 years, so now - -

*** Here are my Christmas wishes ***

* I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (-in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

* I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

* If you're hauling big-ticket items this year, I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

* On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

* I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, 'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my childrens hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

* If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

*If you don't mind, I could also use a few miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

*It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing, and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his red crayon back. Have a safe trip Santa, and remember to leave your wet boots by the door, and come in and dry off, so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours always with love and appreciation,
A Mom

P.S. One more thing . . You can cancel all my requests, if you can keep my children 'young' enough to believe in Santa.

To All You Moms out there...
I hope you had a very Merry Christmas!!!

Tuesday's Top Ten

Top Ten Christmas Memories
#10 Watching mom and dad make homemade fudge (the only time I ever saw them frustrated with each other)
#9 Grandmas Christmas Train. Still a favorite with my kids
#8 The only Christmas where Santa came early and we had to wait down stairs while he unloaded his gifts. Then we opened as soon as he left around midnight. We never did that again.
#7 Caroling with the young men and women on a tractor pulling trailer through the streets.
#6 Caroling with the family with home made chimes
#5 Riding on the sled behind Grandpa's Tractor, up into the canyon to find Christmas Trees.
#4 Having my very own Christmas Tree in my room
#3 Performing as singing Christmas Elves with my siblings
#2 Pizza for Christmas Eve dinner.
#1 listening to my dad's favorite Christmas album all month of December..
"Mitch Miller and the Band"

First and Last

My First Child.......

Kailey and Chris

Christmas Ball, 2008

And My Last Child.....

Porter lost his 1st tooth.

(I hate the tooth fairy! Right up there with the Easter Bunny! Another Blog for another time!)

Wednesday's Wall Words

A Frequent Conversation With Kelsey.

setting: Any given Day!

Kelsey: "Please Mom?"

Janalynn: "No."

Kelsey: "Why?"

Janalynn: "I already told you why."

Kelsey; (a little louder, and an added whine) "Please?"

Janalynn : (a little louder, and a touch of annoyance) " I said No!"

Kelsey: (Whine) "Please?"

Janalynn: (a DUH type tone in her answer) "A... No!"

Kelsey: (A lot more Whinnier) "PLEASE?"

Janalynn: (Ignores this question and rolls her eyes)

Kelsey: (Draws out the question) "PA-LEEEEEEZE?"

Janalynn: (A lot Louder and draws out her answer) "NNNNN-OOOO!"

Kelsey: (Asks with a voice like she is in pain) "Please?"

Janalynn: (snippy) Ask me please again, and You won't be doing ANYTHING!!"

(Quite for about 10 seconds)

Kelsey: (more controlled) " So can I?"

Janalynn: (drops whatever she's doing and walks into her bedroom and locks the door to keep from screaming)

(knock on Janalynn's Bedroom Door)

Kelsey: (quite, and sweetly) "So was that a Yes?"

Janalynn (yells through the door) "GO ASK YOUR DAD!!"

Tues. Top Ten #3

Top Ten Favorite
Christmas Songs

#10 O Holy Night

#9 Little Drummer Boy

#8 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

#7 Must Be Santa

#6 Silver Bells

#5 Let It Snow

#4 Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer

#3 Sleigh Ride

#2 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

#1 Do You Hear What I Hear

Thursday's Thoughts and Theories

Thought: Is It Worth Shopping on BLACK FRIDAY?
My Theory: If you don't mind BLACK MOODS.
Ok so I got all excited to go out and SAVE BIG!! I have only done this one other time, and like giving birth, must of forgotten the pain and misery you are in, and repeated the same act. My sister goes every year and is so organized and swears by this her method of shopping on this day. Unfortunately I tried her techniques and failed miserably. Yes I got what I wanted, Yes I ran to the check out and was even out of the store just 15 min after it had opened, only to realize when reaching my car, the checker had not scanned the main item I went for. This meant I had to go back in to pay for it. By this time the lines were at least 45 min.LONG! After an all day Shopping event, I spent the evening and into the night wrapping all the presents, numbering them and putting them away until Christmas eve, (My sister's tactic). Long story short, I have spent this week returning 10 items because, I either found something better, wrong size, it was broken, or I just plain didn't need it. Three of the items were already wrapped (good thing I numbered the gift!) While returning, I found that a lot of the "savings" wasn't all that much of a savings, and even found a few of the same items I "rushed" to get were still the same price a week later. I also wonder if some of the stores jack up the price, so it looks as if you're saving big. I'm not sure. I am sure however, some people love this day, and somehow can pull it off. Me? either I have to find an easier way, keep practicing, or just avoid "Black Friday" all together!

On a cheerful note....Thanksgiving was enjoyable. Held at the church, and Hosted by my family this year. The gym was open for basket ball and games, the kids ran free, and the kitchen large enough to "not get in the way".

Wednesday's Wall Words

A Conversation with Porter

This is what a fly on the wall would hear.

(setting: Janalynn bringing in groceries. Porter going through the bags to see if Janalynn bought any treats to eat.)

Porter: "Yea! you bought Dr. Dew!!"

Janalynn: It's not Dr. Dew, It's Dr. Pepper.

Porter: "Oh, I get it....Dr. Dew is Dr. Pepper in French.

(Janalynn just smiles, and thinks, too cute to correct.)

Tues. Top Ten #2

Top Ten Reasons I drive a Minivan
#10 Sliding Doors (a must when you have to share the garage with the husbands car).
#9 Built in Car Seats. (Do you think 16 is too old to still be in them?)
#8 Easy to separate fighting kids. (they get their own bench.)
#7 I love to see if I can out speed a SUV at a red light. (Sometimes I actually win. You Go MOM!!)
#6 I love the sound of soup cans, soda cans, balls, and even milk jugs roll up and down the floor of the van when returning home from the store.
#5 The bench seats make nice lawn couches when they are removed for yearly cleaning.
#4 Nothing says "Car Pool Mom" better than a Minivan. (There is always room for one more.)
#3 To embarrass my kids. (I lived through the station wagon era, and I survived, and so will they.)
#2 A dent in a minivan looks natural, no one asks, horrified,"What Happened?!"
And the #1 reason I drive a minivan...
1. My teenager doesn't ask to drive it!!!

Wednesday's Wall Words

A conversation with Natalie

If you were a fly on the wall at my house, you might hear this conversation.
(setting: Natalie sitting at the table coloring a picture of the Mayflower, reciting to herself a poem. I'm fixing dinner Jared in the other room doing who knows what.)
Natalie: "In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Mom? How old were you in 1492?"
(Loud laughing from the other room)
Jared: "Ya, Mom, how old were you in 1492?"
(more laughing from the other room)
Janalynn: "I wasn't born in 1492"
Natalie: "you mean you weren't alive when Columbus came to America?"
(louder laughing from the other room)
Janalynn: silent gives no answer.

Tuesday's Top Ten

Being the week of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be appropriate to list the top ten things I am THANKFUL for.
10. Automatic Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher (all major appliances)
9. Indoor plumbing, heating, air conditioning (My Home)
8. Modern Medicine
7. Employment
6. Health
5. Friends
4. My Parents, and siblings
3. My Children
2. Jared (He's just happy to be in the top ten)
And the #1 Thing I am Thankful for is...
1. My Testimony of the Gospel.

The Day After....

Thank You Laura! I knew Laura would come through for me. She made this video. She knows how to have a good time. (I talked to her this morning on the phone. I won't blog our conversation, lets just say...There was A LOT of active, not so good, hormones at the movies). I'm still standing my ground on "Twilight"

I'm In The "Twilight" Zone!!

WARNING: If you are a "Die-Hard Twilight Fan" over the age of 19, Please do not read this post. (I still love you Laura, and Becky!)

I'll admit it. I've read all the Twilight books, one right after the other. I'll even admit, that they were a VERY fun read. I will continue to admit that I really enjoy Stephanie Meyers writings, and her creativity. But I'm going to stop there!!

Really? Really? Come on now. Can you really lust after a Vampire? I had to laugh at "Edwards" description. All on the same page mind you. End of page 18 to the top of 19, I'll type straight out of the book,

"And yet, they were all exactly alike. Every one of them was CHALKY PALE, the pales of all the students living in this sunless Town. Paler than me, the albino. They all had very dark eyes despite the range in hair tones. They also had DARK SHADOWS UNDER THOSE EYES-PURPLISH, BRUISED-LIKE SHADOWS. As if they were all suffering from a sleepless night, or almost done recovering from a BROKEN NOSE. But all this is not why I couldn't look away. I stared because their faces, so different, so similar,were all devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful."

I don't think I was Ever turned on by this description. Maybe I'm weird, but pale, cold, sparkling skin, just doesn't do it for me. Enough of the description. I can forgive my girls falling for a Rich Kid who can give them the world. However my girls ARE in high school, and sure they can imagine BOYS are like this. But if your not in high school....Are you in la-la Land? Why in the world would want someone that controlling? (High schoolers can only see the money, they don't see how controlling he is). Sure we would all loved to be saved from harm time and time again, but can you say "STALKER"! Book Two I was warned was the "Boring" Book, because Edward was hardly in it. Now I have to disagree. I thought Jacob's story was much more realistic other than he was a Werewolf. However, his not-so-sure-of-himself was more endearing. Always trying and getting turned down was more like boys in my high school days. Which brings me to my last and final "Beef" of the Books. HELLO!! This book is about teenagers!! They think and act like teenagers. I am NOT a teenager. I have no problems with my TEENAGERS going nuts over the books, but if you are NOT a teenager....What am I missing? Do you secretly wish your high school days were like Bella's? I don't understand the attraction. Help me out here, give me your comments. Really I want to know why older women in their late 20's and 30's are so obsessed with these books!!

My girls are both going to go to the opening movie tonight. I was asked if I was going, I wasn't sure if the person asking was serious. LOL!! I wouldn't go to any opening movie. I could maybe understand if the movie was only going to play one time, but I believe most movies are in theatres for a least 3 months. Do I really feel it necessary to stay up in the cold, loose sleep and be with a bunch of teenagers, just to see a movie that I can see some other time, with less people? Ok really I'm done!! BTW Kailey informs me since I haven't gone to any movie opening night, I don't know what I'm missing. (Exactly). She LOVES going opening nights to movies, but then again, she's a teenager.

Utah Weddings

Bride and Groom - Daneila and Jack
Mother of the Groom (my sister Susan)

I paid big bucks to dance with my nephew!

Natalie and Jack

Porter and Daniela

Yesterday, my nephew Jack, was married. he married a beautiful, sweet girl, Daniela, who is Mexican descent. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. This was the morning after the 2,000 people protest at the temple. I was a little afraid, that there would be some protesters still there, however, there were none. It was beautiful day. Afterwards the wedding breakfast was held at the church. Cafe Rio style tacos and salads was served. The reception was what was the high light. The reception started out quite typical of "UTAH" style receptions go. Ward members of my nephew's and sister's came, formed a line, congratulated the couple, sat at a table, ate their mint/peanut cup and cake with slush, and left. Daneila's friends, and family, came half way through, and the fun started. Now I am so sheltered here in Utah, and for the most part have not participated in too many weddings or receptions, other than "Utah Style" When the mariachi band came in and the Latino dancers, I was excited. They sang and danced and entertained. Mexican pastries, and flan was brought out, and the party began. Starting was the Wedding dance. The couple danced, then we started to pin money on either the bride or groom to have the chance to dance with them. Everyone got involved. It was a lot of fun. My kids had a blast. The most humorous however, was when the DJ played "Boot scootin' Boogie" Ironic to see a bunch of Mexicans doing a country dance. I laughed the whole song. (I have no idea how this got recorded sideways. too much laughing I guess).

Shopping Done Right

I Love to Shop! I think most reading, could probably agree with me that it's enjoyable to shop. I don't mean you have to buy everything you see, just looking sometimes and find the newest and latest things out there. I don't particularly like to shop for a certain item, cause I get too frustrated, because I feel like I'm racing against time, to get to all the stores to find that one item, and then to get it at the best price. I just like to more or less BROWSE. I love to search the clearance racks and find the best deal. I love to shop at stores that have unique things, that you usually can't find elsewhere,(however, I tend to buy more at these stores, therefore don't shop there often). Today I am making a shopping list. Whenever a list is involved, it immediately takes the fun out, and a list usually involves food. This is one type of shopping I DO NOT like. In the past I've had Jared go for me......although I don't like to go, sometimes it's better for us all if Dad doesn't go.
These are the top 10 reasons that Grocery Shopping is not a favorite of mine.
1. 50% of the time I leave my list at home.
2. 50% of the time I forget an item or two on my list and don't realize it until I'm checking out.
3. 99% of the time, I'm buying just STUFF, without a clue when I'm going to use it, or cook it.
4. For some reason, I keep buying peanut butter, and tomato soup. I always think we're out, but, my pantry is over stocked with these items.
5. For some reason, I keep forgetting to buy bread and eggs.
6. 50% of the time the clerk doesn't put the rest of my groceries in while I'm paying, and then I end up walking out with out a bag or two.
7. 10% of the time, I'll buy all the stuff for a great recipe but never make it. A year later, while cleaning out my pantry, wonder why the heck I bought molasses.
8. The Ice cream isle.
9. I know I need to buy fresh vegetables..come on I just can't get myself excited to buy fresh, and hurry home to use it before it goes bad,
10. Where is the canned pumpkin? does it belong in the canned veggies? Or the baking isle? (the stores, won't make up their minds.) And on that note, lemon juice. Come on now, is it really a juice? Right next to the Kool-aid?
Help me out here. How do you make Grocery shopping more enjoyable. Oh and if I have to take a child with me, I just WILL NOT GO!! So all you mom's out there, who has to have a take-a-long, Well I guess I do have it better than you! I'm so sorry!!
Question for all you Grocery Shoppers
1. Do you shop at different grocery stores?
2. Do you stick to a list?
3. Do you add match?
4. What is the most unbearable thing to you about grocery shopping?
5. About what price range do you spend on a weeks worth of groceries?
6. What are some items you always run out of, or keep buying?

If you can't tell, I'm stalling. I don't wanna GO!!