I DID IT!! There are pictures IN my post! I feel so much smarter!

My Friday Five

I'm grabbing my time with the computer while I can. I plan on lots of painting tomorrow! So without further ado...

1. After substituting in middle school today I'm so glad I chose to get my degree in Elementary Education. Not that they're horrible but the higher hormone levels together with stormy weather, Friday afternoon, and the natural exhilaration of having a Sub made the last class of the day (43 seventh graders) a white knuckle experience.

2. In spite of much stress, frustration and talking to people named "Keith" with extremely heavy Indian accents I'm proud that both the computers are online, again. According to one hardware helpline we needed another router to assist the modem. I FIXED IT ON MY OWN! Now we get to return the router!



3. With so many wonderful options in what to watch on television (snarf!) I'm so happy to have my DVD collection. Still watch my "Gilmore Girls." And I'm happy to have "The Office" and "Heroes" back. And thank you, Bravo TV, for giving me guilty pleasures in "Project Runway," "Top Chef," "Flipping Out," "Shear Genius," and "Tabatha's Salon Takeover." There's something fun about watching talented people and twits.



4. One of my least favorite things in the whole wide world is rodents. I held squirrels a little higher in esteem until they started eating my blackberries and trying to set up housekeeping in the ceiling of my sunroom. I'm so glad that my baby, Charlie, loves to chase them and run them out of the yard!



5. Do I love this guy or what? He's so sweet to me and I'm so glad we've been together for almost 24 years. Wow, he's put up with me that long?

My Tuesday Gratitudes

It says "Sunday" above but I really didn't post this until Tuesday. I tried so hard to get this done on Sunday but I was kicked off the computer(s) because of homework. I was knee deep in learning how to insert pictures into my posts. I'm not holding my breath. I told Kami's Mom that I like the idea of "Tuesday Two" so I wouldn't have to think but I'm do have many things that make me happy this week

1. I'm grateful for latex paint and primer. We've been working on bringing our 70's Mediterranean dark woodwork up to date. So happy for Steve and Michael indulging my wants and needs in home improvement! Michael picked up the priming where Steve left off when I sent Steve outside to caulk, scrape and prime for the annual weatherproofing (ah, the wonders of going from the upper 90's to snow!).

2. I'm grateful for my daughters and mother cleaning up the house while Michael, Steven and I paint. It's lovely to hear my daughters belting out the "Hairspray" soundtrack (Good Morning, BALTIMORE!...)but it's even cooler that Michael and I agree on music to listen to when the girls moved on. Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Journey. I had hoped for Elton John and ELO on Monday, yesterday, but Michael was doing homework and playing Coldplay. Had to laugh when he asked me if I like the 5th Dimension before he played them.

3. I'm grateful for my hot curlers because they gave my "growing out my hair" campaign a new surge.

4. I'm grateful that the girls had their Sunday School class outside and saw that Charlie had gotten the back gate open; he attended class with them. I guess I'm putting a little painting time aside this week and rebuilding a gate...

5. I'm grateful for my computer and/or Helen's. I'm really having a fun time trying to be a good blogger. I especially love having e-mail to be in close touch with my Elder in New England.

(6. I'm grateful for Allison!!! She really is my best child ever!!!!!!

6. Thank you, Allison. I am so happy to have my family feel loved by them. I'm happy to have good kids who were afraid enough of me at a young age that they listen to me now (and don't hold it against me 'cause they know that I'm right, always). My husband tells me often that he loves me and this does more for me than I can possibly describe. I love having Mom around because she likes doing my laundry and she makes me chocolate cake and lets me eat some of it raw, the only way to eat it.

7. Allison was expressing that we should make it the Sunday Seven since Sunday is the seventh day. She's eerily like me. I'm grateful for Mom and Allison and Michael having little quirks like this so I have someone who understands me when(Alli is sad that I'm not including Em 'cause she doesn't like anyone being left out... she's asking Em if she has any OCD things so she can be in on this).

HELP WANTED: I was able to put one photo at the beginning of the post but how do I get them all through the message? Please help me because I don't think I can work with this any longer!!!

HELEN! HELEN! HELEN! HELEN!.....

FYI I will be the offical blog for my Mom, Helen Ellsworth. I do want those of you who have written notes to her to know that she always reads them. She's gotten really good at surfing the sites and was toying with the idea of having me help her start up her own blog. This morning after sitting for an hour checking up on everyone she stood up, stretched and sighed, "I don't think I want my own blog after all." I'm more than happy to share. So, if it's a posting from Mom the title will start out with a slammer like, "From Helen," or, "From The Old Woman," or some other such rot.

FROM "THE OLD WOMAN..." Okay, I told her I was doing this and she still sits quilting on Diana's pillow shams. I'll catch you up. She spoke in Sacrament Meeting last week on Personal Revelation and did a superb job. She always frets over speaking but always does extremely well. She spoke right after a 6' 4" young man in our ward who introduced himself and announced that yes, he was getting taller and that he was a year older at 17. She introduced herself as my mine and Steven's Mom and a grandmother. I told her later she could have played off of Austin and said that yes, she was shrinking and she had a good 70+ years on him. It floors people when they find out how old she is because she looks so good and is still so spunky and active. I tell people for her because she acts like she doesn't want to say anything but I know it tickles her a little that people think well of her. She is in terrific shape and looks great. Now, the reference to "the old woman" is really an inside joke that I'll share. I called her that one day and all my family turned on me and roundly denounced me. Do you all remember "The Ten Commandments"? There's a scene in which Joshua is saving Yoshabel and the guards ask him who she is to him and he replies, "An old woman." It stuck and Chris still writes to her as such from the mission field. So, it's not meant as disrespect and she is fine with it and even refers to herself as "the old woman."

There, you're caught up. I hope that you'll not shun me in deference to her and I want to still see comments on my posts too. Love you all!

I'm Sprinkled With Pixie Dust!

I'm to identify myself with 5 Disney characters and tell why. I always thought of myself as Sleeping Beauty because I had long blonde hair and loved to sing and dance but as an adult I'm more realistic. Here goes...

1. Stitch (Lilo and Stitch): He's not always well behaved, a little wild, crazy and unpredictable, surprises those around him by doing the right thing and uses naughty language periodically.

2. Merriweather (Sleeping Beauty): Michael tells me I'm like all 3 fairy godmothers rolled into one but I identify more with the blue one. I'm fiesty, like to vent, imagine what I'd do to my enemies, slyly try to get my way and watch over my charges with ferocity.

3. Belle (Beauty and the Beast): I love to read and collect books, I can easily dream of an easier/better life and I am still taming a beast.

4. Evil Queen/Malificent (Snow White and Sleeping Beauty): I really enjoy being in charge and being the "queen" of my domain and, sadly, I'm not always subtle about it. Hopefully I don't meet my demise as they did.

5. Grumpy, Sleepy, Dopey and Happy (Snow White): Okay I just listed four in one but I don't have to elaborate on why I identify with characters who have adjectives for names.

There, I hope I gave someone a chuckle. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Memories

Memory Directions...

1. On my blog post a comment on a memory we share together. Even if we don't know each other very well just think of something fun.

2. Post this on your blog so others will leave comments and you can share the memories with others!

It's going to be really fun to see what we remember about each other.

Now, remember, we all know each other pretty well; be kind!

Who's Turn Is It?

We've all had ups and downs. I'm just glad my kids take turns having a tough time so I can take care of them properly. Does it feel to anyone else that the hardest things you go through may be for your children? I'll admit I've been through some tough stuff but I hate the helplessness of watching your child hurt.

It's been Allison's trial period. She came home the other day sobbing. She'd gotten her first D on a test, it was in pre calculus. Math hasn't ever given her trouble and now her faith in herself is shaken. She took the opportunity to go in this morning and meet with her teacher to see what she needs to focus on. She's also been facing other things that have shown me that she's strong in spirit, character and the gospel. It's been a hard week for Allison and those who love her. Emily and Michael have been a big support. I'd always told them about the "mother tiger" that can ignite in me and now I see it in them. It's quite heart warming.

On a positive note I'll add my Tuesday Two:

1. I'm grateful that my children have a good opportunity for a good education. Alli and Em both got another "letter" for academics last night. Michael just keeps going from strength to strength and is doing extrememly well.

2. I have finally procurred dental insurance and we will all be going under the x-rays soon. It's been a while. Earlier in my life I HATED going to the dentist but the wise woman in me enjoys keeping my teeth.

I love you all!

Does Anyone Have Days Like These?

Dear loved ones, I'd love to know if anyone else has obnoxiousness in their lives. I know I don't want to use my blog just to vent but I also don't want it to read like an Ensign article. My life is not an Ensign article! Now, none of you have Ensign article blogs, I'm just trying to keep mine real without too much reality.

I've had things pop up for weeks like the computer maitenance. Today I was all dressed in grubby clothes ready to get a bucket and do some cleaning when I smelled burning rubber from the vacuum. Sidenote, Michael was vacuuming for me. I love him! I took the Hoover and tried to check the belt. It wasn't the belt but a huge length of elastic that had bound itself up. Where did it come from? As I looked beyond the elastic I could tell I was in for it. Did I mention I have two sixteen year old girls with long hair? Aargh! I cleaned the brush rollers with scissors, screwdriver and my poor stubby fingernails for fifteen minutes. Then I realized that there were wooly mammoth sized dust bunnies clogging the works. Aargh! Luckily I had some pipe cleaners and was able to fashion my own vacuum snake. Did anyone know I'm allegic to dust? Sidenote, as I'm trying to open my airways and get other things done Michael has braved the High School traffic to pick up the girls for me. I love him!

On a happy note I will be subbing for the first time this year for the next two days. Second grade. I love second graders. And Michael, Emily and Allison just came through the front door alive and well. I love them!