33 down forever to go!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

There are so many reasons that my parents are just about the most wonderful people that most of you will ever meet. Their power and grace are felt and admired by all those have come to know them. For those of you who don't know them here are 33 reasons that I admire my parents, their marriage and their lives.

33. They go on a date every week
32. They are best friends
31. They work together
30. They can take direction from each other
29. They appreciate their differences (and there are a lot of them)
28. They are always working to improve themselves
27. They support each other in their goals
26. They know how to disagree
25. They know how to compromise
24. They are funny
23. They handle crisis well
22. They love their family
21. They serve with purpose
20. They love the outdoors
19. They have perfect faith
18. They have excellent taste
17. They work as a team
16. They are always improving
15. They are without guile
14. They know the meaning of sacrifice
13. They enjoy the little things
12. They know the power of prayer
11. They are understanding
10. They are humble
9. They are constantly improving
8. They protect those they love
7. They cherish the important things
6. They are hilarious
5. They are positive
4. They lead by example
3. They love to learn
2. They reach out to others
1. They are examples of love

If I had kids I would have this!

So I saw this product and just thought it was BLOG worthy. I mean after the conversation about potty training at last night's family home evening I thought what could be better!

http://www.varsitybaby.com/order.html

And for all those of you who don't know the COUGAR fight song....here it is!

Rise, all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the White and Blue.
While we sing, get set to spring.
Come on Cougars, it's up to you!

CHORUS:
So Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out
Along the the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out,
As you unfold your vict'ry story.
On you go to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue,
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.

Thumbtastic!

It is at this time today I would like to thank my Heavenly Father for making sure I have two thumbs. Since my peach can insident earlier in the week I have been minus one working thumb. Here is a list of things I have found that you need a thumb for:

Opening medicine bottles

Driving

The space bar on the keyboard (thank goodness I have one working thumb or this post would be harder to read)

Any kind of hook, which can make some undergarments hard to manuver

Holding books, and turning pages

Holding glasses, plates, and most other things.

Opening my cell phone

Holding hands

Pressing buttons

The list could certainly go one, but my thumb is throbbing most painfully.

Importance of the Opposable Thumb
The thumb, unlike other fingers, is opposable, in that it is the only digit on the human hand which is able to oppose or turn back against the other four fingers, and thus enables the hand to refine its grip to hold objects which it would be unable to do otherwise. The opposable thumb has helped the human species develop more accurate fine motor skills. It is also thought to have directly led to the development of tools, not just in humans or their evolutionary ancestors, but other primates as well. The opposable thumb ensured that important human functions such as writing were possible.The thumb, in conjunction with the other fingers make humans and other species with similar hands some of the most dexterous in the world.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumb)

Smoothie, Stitches, just another Thursday

So Thursday night I was working on my homework and decided to take a break and make a smoothie for dinner...I know that isn't a very substantial dinner, but it has yogurt and juice and fruit. Anyway I decided to add a can of peaches just for a change. That is where the drama all started. I have two can openers, neither very good, which I use to attempt to open the peach can. I tried one and then the other...and then the other again. Finally I just decided to push down to open the can enough to get the fruit out. I mean I am pretty strong so it totally could have worked.

It went from working to blood in point two seconds. the lid cut into my thumb. I immediately ran it under water and then applied pressure...but it just didn't look right. I mean there was something like brain coming out of my thumb. I called Val (my sophomore roommate and current neighbor) to come and give me a second opinion. She gracefully started with getting me some pain reliever...she is so smart!

Then we decided to go to urgent care...mostly because of the depth of the cut...and the brain coming out of my thumb. Once there we got right in (again she is so smart to go there instead of the ER). The Doctor said the brain matter was really fat....who knew. He also said that once you cut into that layer it is time to get stitches. Seven stitches and only 30 MINUTES later I was on my way home.

So the pain in horrible, but wow what a story...and because it is my left thumb I can still type! Which means that I get to share my adventure with you!!!

Back...Back I say...Stay on that side of the line

As a single woman I feel really....um...what is the right word....guarded about my interaction with married men. I know there is a line and I don't want to cross it. For most of my interactions I find that this isn't difficult. Married men know there is a line and guard themselves as well.

Let me take a minute to thank those men for never making me feel awkward!

So today I had a married man run past the line and I wanted to yell "Back...Back I say". He told me in a flirtation way that he admired a quality of mine and then said, "Maybe I married the wrong woman".

Uh no..no you don't get to say that. I have been single for all these years and you had your chance to choose. You picked her, there was a party and presents and lots of time to think it through before...before you made a commitment.

Commitment...do you need to go back to the dictionary to look up that word. I am pretty sure that it would say that you don't get to flirt with other women and muse over what if.

There were so many things I wanted to say in that moment...instead I laughed said,"I am sure your WIFE has many many qualities to admire" and then ended the conversation.

My dear friends hug your husbands and thank them for knowing where the line is!

Sick Advice

So I have been sick...so I thought I would blog about it. After hours and hours of drinking water, broth, juice, soup and or any other type of liquid wanted to know why we have to take in liquid when we are sick.

Here is some advice I found:

Stay at home - You should avoid contact with others as much as possible and stay away from work or school while the infection is contagious. Why is it that you have to be sick before everyone is okay with you avoiding society? Why don't I get to stay home when I am well enough to do something useful? Why is it I only ask this question when I am sick?

Rest - You will probably feel very weak and tired until your temperature returns to normal. Resting will provide comfort and allow your body to use its energy to fight the infection. You can't do it all...if you are working, cleaning house or even chatting with friends it is likely that you are wasting energy that could help you feel better...but it my save your sanity.

Drink plenty of fluids - Extra fluids are needed to replace those lost through sweating due to fever. If your urine is dark, you need to drink more. Try to drink a glass of water or juice or an equal amount of some other fluid every hour while you are awake. Okay serious...8oz an hour. I try to drink 64oz a day anyway. But I probably double that when I am sick. First of all I am not awake as much and yet I am getting about 128oz...that is 16 hours of fluid...but I know I am not awake that much...which is why I think I feel a little like a sprinkler bursting at the connection than a person when I have been drinking fluids for a couple hours.

Take simple pain relievers such as ibuprofen (in doses as recommended on the package) to ease your muscle pain and bring down fever (unless your doctor says otherwise). I have had major body aches with this flu...in fact after overdoing it on Saturday night I felt like I could barely move...and even though I wanted to take more than perscribed I had self control and only took the recommend amount. I had a couple soda crackers with my meds...this helps my tummy and soaks up some of the massive amounts of water I take with my meds...because you are supposed to drink 'plenty of liquids'.

Here are some personal tidbits of advice.
1. Tell your mom...this just makes you feel better, who knows why.
2. Soup is just one way to get your liquids and a little bit of protein.
3. If anyone asks if they can help you could always ask for movie you haven't seen to save on your budget...since you aren't working and will have to use vacation time if you have any.
4. A good book, the audio version works if you really feel like all you can do is lay there (local libraries can be helpful with this)
5. Shower at least every other day...it will make you feel better, and you won't be so embarrassed when someone stops by to check up on you.

Feel better my friends!

Celebration of Love

For Valentine's Day this year I took Heather and her family out to Lunch. Lunch with Ben and Sam is always something to remember. We went to Red Robin...Idaho Falls newest resturant. My sister and I secretly, or not so secretly, love the freckled lemonade. We put our names on the list and then went to target to pass the time. I learened that Pokemon has been replaced by Bodigone...I know I spelled it wrong. Anyway they are this little balls that transform into some type of fighting machine...LOL...boys toys today haven't changed much.

Then I got all my stuff together and went to babysit my brother kids so he and April could share a night out. We had a heart shaped pizza for dinner. Heather came over with the boys and we made special Valentine's for Grandma and Grandpa and Ben and Ellia (and her doll Wendy) went to deliver them accross the street. It was so much fun. We finished our little party with special cookies and milk.

After a week of the flu it took a toll on my body, but it was a good day. I am very lucky to have so many little poeple to share my love with. Their hugs and kisses made the day even better!

PS they all got little valentines from Aunt Jen, the best was Ethan in his new Superman PJs!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This valentine's day I am loving my nieces and nephews. They bring so much joy into my life! Here is a list of how each of them are special to me.

Ben is my hisotrian, he can remember anything from anytime (he keeps me check)

Jarom is my big squeeze. He comes up and I say how much do I love you and then hug him really tight and say this much!

Caleb Michael is my flirt I think he has pretend gotten married more times than I can count.

Caleb Matthew is my all american boy...and is a quite and steady.

Conner is my cuddle man...he is the best cuddler in the world.

Brooklyn is my spice. You always know where you stand with Brookie

Sammy is the funny one. I can't even tell you why, but he always makes me laugh.

Ellia is my shadow. She is easy going but loves attention.

Kadee is my Angel. She brings peace to the family and a promise of forever.

Ethan is my muffy! You would have to know him to understand

Blain is my baby, he is getting big to fast.

Sarah is my smile, she is so presious and brings a smile to everyone...even if she is smiling because she has gas.

They are my reason for living, and they give me a place for all the love that I have to give.

My friend Anita

So I just picked up Anita Stansfield's new book...I have been reading her books since the age of 14....that is more than half my life.

Anita,
Did you know we were such good friend? Thanks for a good novel to read while recover from winter's latest cold!

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Waiting on a feeling

You know that feeling that you get when you know that you have found something or someone that just feels right.

It is like that time you found that sweater that goes with most of the things in your closet and keeps you warm without making you look like a snow person.

Or that time you got a hug from your mom and life feels better even though it is highly likely that the rest of your world is falling down around you.

Kind of like the feel of your bed in the morning and you just know that the minute you move you will lose that spot you worked all night to find.

A really good soup you eat after coming in from a winter storm and putting on your jammies.

Your favorite pen in the bottom of your purse when you have to write a note and you thought you took your last pen out at home to finish making notes on your calendar.

The feel of returning to your childhood places and remembering how simple life is.

The point is that after a long year (or ten) of the wrong guys I am recommitted to waiting for that feeling. Call me picky! Call me crazy! Call me an old maid! Either way I am waiting on a feeling.