Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my senses, so that I am able to enjoy these glorious things when I'm out for my morning stroll....

I am thankful for my lovin' man, who works hard for his family.....

I am thankful for these little beauties. (especially when they're loving each other)

I'm thankful for these little messmakers.....

And, I'm thankful this little monkey hasn't broke his neck yet, after stunts like this.....

Wordless Wednesday

(whispering) I haven't tried the WW yet, but thought I'd give it a shot today.

After

Ok, here are the after shots of my little project.

Here's my cleared off paper pile.

Just so you don't think I simply piled it up on the other side,

here's the whole counter--all cleared off. This only happens like, once a month.

I guarantee you, tomorrow it will be piled up again.

The old bill drawer. I moved odd & end sippy cups and sippy cup lids
into it; thus, clearing off another counter above the dishwasher-where they'd been piling up.

And the new bill paying, paperwork center.

I need to invest in a couple stackable boxes or bins like the article recommend for paperwork. For now, I'll be using the basket you see on the left.
I opted to leave the medicine's and cookbooks there for now. I don't have enough room in my bathroom cabinets for the meds. And I think I prefer the cookbooks in the kitchen.

Overall, I'm happy with how it turned out. I got my island cleared off, the counter above the dishwasher cleared off, and the junky bill drawer cleared out.
Now, If I could just get the rest of the house up to snuff.

Todays Project

In the September 17 issue of Womans Day magazine, there's an article on organizing your 5 biggest trouble spots.


I love the first one the most, because this is my worst spot--it's the kitchen. Here's what the article suggests:

The Kitchen
Old way: The countertops aren’t just for food prep, they’re for paper prep too. “Everything gets done in the kitchen—bills, homework, birthday invitations, classroom forms—all while meals are being prepared,” says Heidi Karpa, broadband host for HGTV.com’s KitchenDesign. “The best thing you can do is give all that paper a new place to call home.”
New way: Turn one of your kitchen cabinets into the Household Nerve Center. Stock it with mail and other paperwork that used to clutter your countertops.
How to organize: “Pick a cabinet and empty it,” says Karpa. Then install a bulletin or magnetic board on the inside of the door. It’s the perfect place for phone numbers, schedules and need-to-see papers.
On the lowest shelf, place stackable boxes, labeled by name for each family member. This acts as a delivery center for permission forms, reminders and mail. On the second shelf, corral must-have items: pens, pencils and scissors go in a mug, bills in a letter holder, stamps in a see-through plastic container. On the top shelf, place a plastic-sheet binder of important papers, labeled on the spine, alongside directories and phone books. Use bookends to keep everything upright.
Not allowed: Schedules, papers or forms that you also have on your computer. You can always look at the digital version as needed.

Ok, here are my before shots that I'm going to use to implement this plan.

The cupboard that I hope to renovate,

currently being used for recipe books,

odd & ends, and as the medicine cabinet:

The bill drawer:The paper pile:

I intend to make a few changes to the plan of course to suit my particular needs. I'll post the after shots, well after. Wish me luck! What'll probably end up happening is that I'll have to empty out more than one cupboard in order to make room for what's in this cupboard. Which isn't all bad, because then I'll have all my cupboards reorganized. :o)

“The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.”--from the Apocrypha

From the May 2007 Ensign:

The Tongue of Angels
Elder Jeffrey R. HollandOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

"It is with this realization of the power and sanctity of words that I wish to caution us, if caution is needed, regarding how we speak to each other and how we speak of ourselves.

In that same spirit we speak to the sisters as well, for the sin of verbal abuse knows no gender. Wives, what of the unbridled tongue in your mouth, of the power for good or ill in your words? How is it that such a lovely voice which by divine nature is so angelic, so close to the veil, so instinctively gentle and inherently kind could ever in a turn be so shrill, so biting, so acrid and untamed? A woman’s words can be more piercing than any dagger ever forged, and they can drive the people they love to retreat beyond a barrier more distant than anyone in the beginning of that exchange could ever have imagined. Sisters, there is no place in that magnificent spirit of yours for acerbic or abrasive expression of any kind, including gossip or backbiting or catty remarks. Let it never be said of our home or our ward or our neighborhood that “the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity … [burning] among our members.”

May I expand this counsel to make it a full family matter. We must be so careful in speaking to a child. What we say or don’t say, how we say it and when is so very, very important in shaping a child’s view of himself or herself. But it is even more important in shaping that child’s faith in us and their faith in God. Be constructive in your comments to a child—always. Never tell them, even in whimsy, that they are fat or dumb or lazy or homely. You would never do that maliciously, but they remember and may struggle for years trying to forget—and to forgive. And try not to compare your children, even if you think you are skillful at it. You may say most positively that “Susan is pretty and Sandra is bright,” but all Susan will remember is that she isn’t bright and Sandra that she isn’t pretty. Praise each child individually for what that child is, and help him or her escape our culture’s obsession with comparing, competing, and never feeling we are “enough.”


---I love this entire article. If you get a chance, go read it. It's such a good reminder. I didn't post the counsel to men, but it is there, lest you think the women are being picked on.

I just feel like I need to be reminded frequently of this. I am so harsh to my children sometimes, and it breaks my heart when I think about how I must sound to them. I love them so much, and they are such precious gifts. We have been entrusted with their care, and I take that for granted a little too frequently.
My prayer this week, is that I might be a little more mindful of the words I speak, and the manner in which I speak them.

Scatterbrained Saturday

OK, the idea for Scatterbrained Saturday came from Merrianne (private). Hope she doesn't mind me stealing it. I'm using it as a sort of random list of things I think or do or whatever.

So, I can now do 5 pushups in a row! GO ME!!! Is that pathetic or what? Now lest you think I'm really, really bad--that's 5 of the hard guy ones, not the modified, easy girl ones. I can do lots more of the girl ones. Maybe I should just switch to the girlie ones though, I'd feel lots better about myself. What do you think?

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My job is sooooo boring. I even started to write a poem about it, but it's too boring to post. :o)

The good thing about my boring job, is that it's quiet. It's the only quiet time I get.

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Jason and Justin are both walking all over the place. They're just so stinkin' cute. They keep us in stitches. They're even climbing up on things now. I must be ever vigilant.

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I've begun working on an array of scripture totes. Give me a month or so to build up a small inventory, and then I think I'll be opening up an Etsy store. I just need to figure out how much to sell them for. What do you think would be reasonable? I want to do a large and a small version.

~

I just feel really great today. I was on my way into work this morning, and I just felt the overwhelming power of Gods lYve for me. Every day is a gift, and we really need to embrace it. We have so much power to do good, and serve others. It doesn't even need to be a grand gesture. A simple smile, a small act of service or compassion.

~

I think I'm really getting into the power of positive thinking. I started getting my monthly migraine at work last night (other people get cramps, irritability, I get migraine's). These usally end up with me bent over the toilet, excavating the contents of my stomache. But, I told myself it wasn't going to beat me, that it was going away. I popped a couple advil (which don't usually help my migraine's) and it went away. :o)

I've had some great discussions with my boss about the power of thought, and I really believe it is true. So, guard your thoughts!!!

Well, that's enough randomness for today. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!! Z

My name is Mikki, and I'm an.....

Ok, I have a serious problem.

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I thought I could control it,

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but lately, it's gotten

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out of control...

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I stop on my way home from work...

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(11:00 at night)

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I think about it on my way to work...

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I try to be strong,...

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But I just. cannot. resist...

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~

~

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Is it any wonder my waistline keeps expanding?

location, location, location

I went walking up my favorite hill today with the boys in tow. It was a beautiful morning for a walk.
I detoured through this lovely neighborhood towards the top of the hill.
Here's an example of one of the houses. It's not THE prettiest of them, this one is vacant, that's why I took a picture of this particular one. It's quite lovely don't you think? I was thinking to myself, Oh how I wish I could move up into one of these homes. They're HUGE!


However, I do see one problem with these homes. Do you see it too?
Look how close they are to each other.
Look at this one, I wouldn't want to walk out into my miniscule backyard, or have my blinds open to the backyard. The neighbors behind me could see everything I was doing. (not that I'm doing anything strange, I'm just sayin')
Now, my house is just as close to my neighbors too. Fortunately though, we're all single story, so it's not like we're getting into each others business.





Now this one, I could handle. They're right on the corner lot. Which means they probably have a much bigger back yard, more in keeping with the size of the house, and they're enjoying some privacy as well.











Same house from across the street. They're up on this hill too, so they have a great view of the horizon line. It's probably nice at night. They can see some of Vegas' lights, but far enough away not to be obscene.

So, what's my point here? Not sure I have one, just noting things I want to keep in mind for that day in the future when I get to hunt for my dreamhouse.

I'm in big trouble now!

Ok, I was just blog surfing and found out that Stephanie Meyer has decided to put a book that she's been working on, on the internet for us to read before it gets published. Apparently, the book, "Midnight Sun"--which is "Twilight" from Edwards point of view is still in the works, got leaked somehow, so she has decided to just put it out there, rather than all her fans having to make the decision whether to be honest or not.
This must be so disappointing for her. She say's on her site that she can't even finish it at this time.
So, here's the link to her site, where you'll find the link to the book. I just read the first 16 pages, and had to stop myself. I need to go to bed.
I'm in for it now though, knowing I can access this on the computer. I see another day of very little being accomplished around my house. Hope the kids are on their best behavior tomorrow!!

I am so delighted to have received another little award. This one came from the Mama Hood. She gave it to me, like a week ago, and I'm just now getting around to completing it.
Anyway, she said some of the sweetest things about me, I think I'm blushing!
Jia created this award, and I am finding that she is hysterical. You really ought to go check out her blog.
So, here are the rules for this one:


1. If you receive the "Rock on Sistah Friend" award, you must post the button on your blog(in sidebar or in a post), and link back to Color Me Untypical.

2. Let Jia know if you receive the award from someone, so she can add you to her Sistah's Who Rock Blogroll, and give them her personal "Rock On Sistah Friend!"

3. In the post on your blog, you must give the award away to 3 other Sistah's who you think rock. Post links to their blogs, why they rock, and post the rules to the award. Also, let them know you've given them the award so they too can celebrate themselves and pass on the love.


Now, let me tell you, it was tough to narrow it down to just three people. There are a ton of deserving blogs/bloggers that I like to visit. But, here are three for now.

1. Jamie B. is such a cool person. She's so sweet and friendly, has two adorable--a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. little girls. She is sooooo smart. If you have a technical question, more than likely she can answer it.
2. LaDawn, I met through the blogosphere, she's the wonderful mom of two really, really cute little boys. She decorates beautiful cakes. I'm so jealous of her talent.
3. And Rebecca, she is so cute. Livin it up in L.A. ( I think it's L.A.) She has been on a quest for good health, and she's passing along some great information in the process.

So, there you go. Thank's to everyone out there for being so inspiring!!! I truly enjoy peeking into your lives through your blogs.

I am...tagged

Rebecca tagged me with this. Thanks Rebecca, it was kinda' fun!


i am: thirty-something

i think: very little these days. When I do think, it tends to be scrambled!

i know: less than my 4th grader.

I want: a bigger house, with just a couple more bedrooms

I have: reverse anorexia--ya know, I look in the mirror and think I'm thinner than I am!!

I dislike: canned peas, brussel sprouts, lima beans, soggy bread, tapioca pudding, dumplings (mushy bread), peach scented lotion

i miss: my sister, my mom and dad, my brothers

i fear: not being there for my kids

i feel: content

i hear: my husband and daughters playing their gameboys together, and the dishwasher

i smell: a candle burning, mixed with a little au' du' dirty diaper

I crave: in-n-out cheeseburgers, and chocolate

i cry: at least once a day. doesn't take much to get me going.

i usually: leave the dishes til morning.

i search: for that gosh darn sippy cup!!

i wonder: if I'll ever be truly organized.

i regret: there are a few things sometimes I wish I'd done differently, but then I look at where I am now, and can't really regret it. I have 4 beautiful children and a wonderful husband. What's to regret? Well, maybe a little more education would have been good. If only I could have picked a major!

i love: my hunny, my sweet kids, my extended family, Heavenly Father and my Savior.

i care: more than I seem able to show

i always: pick my nose when I'm driving. yes, I do. disgusting I know.

i worry: not too much, just turn it over the the Lord.

i am not: the mother I'd like to be

i remember: turning four, and before that, I have memories, or maybe it's a memory of a dream of leaving a beautiful place and being engulfed in a giant tulip.

i believe: in God the eternal Father, and in His son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

i sing: in the car, and to my kids

i don't always: brush my teeth in the morning

i argue: with my daughter Haley. I think she's the only person I really ever argue with.

i write: not nearly as much as I used to. I used to write these horrible teenage romance novels, well I wouldn't ever complete them, just start them.

i win: rarely

i lose: my marbles, daily

i wish: I could wiggle my nose like Samantha from BeWithched, and the house would be spotless

i listen: to country, rock and roll, 80's music

i can usually be found: in the bathroom

i am scared: of the dark, a little, still

i need: Pepsi infusions daily

sometimes i forget: my kids' names

i am happy: most of the time
I Tag:
imbeingheldhostage

Jamie B

Sis. Boyd

LaDawn

The Mama Hood

Dolly

PN

Sher

My Philosophy of housecleaning

Especially for the Ladies !

I don't do windows because ... I love birds and don't want one to run into a clean window and get hurt.
I don't wax floors because ... I am terrified a guest will slip and get hurt then I'll feel terrible( plus they may sue me.)
I don't mind the dust bunnies because ... They are very good company, I have named most of them, and they agree with everything I say.

I don't disturb cobwebs because ... I want every creature to have a home of their own.

I don't Spring Clean because ... I love all the seasons and don't want the others to get jealous

I don't pull weeds in the garden because... I don't want to get in God's way, HE is an excellent designer!

I don't put things away because ... My husband will never be able to find them again.
I don't do gourmet mealswhen I entertain because ... I don't want my guests to stress out over what to make when they invite me over for dinner.

I don't iron because ... I choose to believe them when they say "Permanent Press".

I don't stress much on anything because ... "A Type" personalities die young andI want to stick around and become a wrinkled up crusty ol' woman!!!!

HAPPY LABOR DAY EVERYONE. HOPE YOU'RE NOT "LABORING" TOO MUCH TODAY!!

Sold, to the lady in the back

Well, first, I want to thank everyone who bid on my auction.
The winner is Ryann, with her bid of $45. So, just email me your confirmation after you donate to Nie's fund, along with your address, and I'll get this out to you. I presume USPS will be the most cost effective way to ship overseas. Does anybody know?
Thanks again to everyone. This is a great cause. I think I might have won an auction as well, so I'm off to check into that. Wish me luck!!

Our Divine Nature

"One of humankind’s greatest blessings is for righteous womanhood to hold “the highest place of honor in human life” and to be “the perfect workmanship of God.

I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the “highest place of honor” in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.
One of your particular gifts is your feminine intuition. Do not limit yourselves. As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. Femininity is part of the God-given divinity within each of you. It is your incomparable power and influence to do good. You can, through your supernal gifts, bless the lives of children, women, and men. Be proud of your womanhood. Enhance it. Use it to serve others."

--taken from a talk given by James E. Faust and found in the May 2000 Ensign .

I would like to strive to attain all these lovely virtues of womanhood. I have a long way to go! :o)
Just as importantly, if not more so, I need to instill these concepts into my daughters' minds and lives.
I feel a Family Home Evening lesson coming on here. :o)

very interesting and funny

If you yelled for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days you would have produced enough sound energy to heat one cup of coffee. (Hardly seems worth it.) If you farted consistently for 6 years and 9 months, enough gas is produced to create the energy of an atomic bomb. (Now that's more like it!) The human heart creates enough pressure when it pumps out to the body to squirt blood 30 feet. (O.M.G.!) A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to death. (creepy) Banging your head against a wall uses 150 calories an hour. (Don't try this at home, maybe at work) The male praying mantis cannot copulate while its head is attached to its body. The female initiates sex by ripping the male's head off. (Honey, I'm home. What the...?!) The flea can jump 350 times its bod y length. It's like a human jumping the length of a football field. ( Can you imagine?) The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds. (What could be so tasty on the bottom of a pond?) Some lions mate over 50 times a day. (I say...quality over quantity) Butterflies taste with their feet. (Something I always wanted to know.) Right-handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people. (If you're ambidextrous, do you split the difference?) Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump. (Okay, so that would be a good thing) A cat's urine glows under a black light.. (I wonder who was paid to figure that out?) An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. (I know some people like that.) Starfish have no brains (I know some people like that too.) Polar bears are left-handed. (If they switch, they'll live a lot longer)