Honey, Did You Prevent Some Breast Cancer Today

I just saw on MSNBC that household chores prevent breast cancer by 30% in pre-menopausal women. SERIOUSLY, I am SO cured of it. I clean probably 50% 0f my day away. In post-menopausal women it's 20%. AND (get this) working-out didn't cause any difference.
Check that out.
Good thing I haven't worked-out since school got out!!! :)
They think that it has something to do with working on stuff all day long. Which, I totally do.
So, that's the word women, self exams, and clean bathrooms, that's what it's all about.

A Tale of Two Men

First off, last night was girls night out. Super good times with my friends, and well-needed after weeks at home with crazed/sick children. Ahh, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. :)
Anywho, we went to BJ's. It's actually a really great place to eat. We each got salad, and an entree and dessert, oh and root beer, so we were in no way a "small" tab. Although, we didn't order beer (BJ's is a brewery, as well as a restaurant, as are half the restaurants here). So, our waiter totally sucks. We didn't get drink refills the whole night, no checking on us, poor Miranda's food came late once, and the totally miffed her dessert order with no sorries (more like, why'd you order that?). Anyway, it comes time for the bill, we all plop down a card for him to put 1/3 on and he proceeds to totally ignore us for about 10 minutes. Miranda even tried to hand him the check once, and he walked right on by. So, Angie goes and talks to the manager, who gave us free drinks, desserts and salad (very generous). Anyway, it was interesting to see someone who takes his job so totally lightly. I mean, if you're in the service industry you've gotta perform some service for your fundage. This guy obviously could care less. Finally, the manager comes over and our server (we'll call him Adam) comes over and says snarkily "you guys got that taken care of?" Sadly, Adam became the brunt of all jokes for the rest of the evening. BTW, we left him 3 cents for his tip, along with some nasty notes on our credit card receipts. Don't mess with 3 worn mommies. We also went to Kohls and spend the money we saved on our dinner.
Let's compare him with Drew. Drew's been home for a week and a half now, and I fear that I made some disparaging remarks about his house-keeping skills over Christmas. Apparently he took that time to show me how wrong I was. He's done a great job of keeping up the house, keeping happy kids and all that goes along with that for our family. I, on the other hand, have been delivering San Jose. Anyway, Drew has been so great over the break, I have really appreciated him (and I think he's ready to run back to school when the time comes).
On a sadder note, all that extra time at O'Connor will be going into our cars. New tires for the "new" car, and some lovely new bearings for the other car.
I'm mildy bitter. Seriously, there is no "extra" money out there -- is there?

Persuit of Happyness

Went to see this film tonight.
I wanted to have a corononary during the film. I was so stressed out with his financial ruin. I also realized how incredibly lucky we are. We've had some pretty tight times, but we've never thought we might be homeless, and I've always known that if it got to that point I had the church and my family that would help us out.
However, the thing I most appreciated about him is that he struggled, and he took risks in order to turn his life around. Recently on Oprah they had a show about people who came-into big money. Someone had done a documentary about a homeless man, they gave him 100k. Just after a year he had nothing. He'd had job offers, but didn't take anyone up on it. He felt like that 100k would last forever, even though he was paying sticker price for huge-ticket items. That particular Oprah gave me little hope about the world, but this movie just made me realize that there are a lot of people who struggle out there who really want to make it big some day. I want to help those people, but I'm just not sure how.
It's a good movie, but don't go wanting to live through a good time, go -- to realize a little something about those around you and about yourself.
Love Wil Smith, the man's the new Tom Hanks, I tell you.

Happy Birthday Mommy Dearest!!!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!

My mom's birthday is on Christmas, and although I am always sure to make sure that she gets TWO presents from us, I doubt that it gets the hoopla that it deserves.

My mom's the best. She comes out twice a year, and spends a week or more with me and the kids. I was thinking the other day what it must've been like to have me move to a new city that she knew nothing about. I remember they were all set to come back then, and then 9/11 hit and she couldn't fly. They had to wait a month or so to wait til' the whole thing passed to come out. Anyway, I'm sure it was difficult. She's a trooper.

Now, my dad has had his little "accident" she is playing nurse with him. She had to miss Christmas with my super-cute family and has had a great attitude, although I know she wishes she could be here.

I love you mommy, you've made me half of who I am. :)

Christmas Eve

I'm so glad that Christmas Eve has fallen on a Sunday this year.
We went to church, we even sang in the choir (Drew usually does, but I felt guilty not helping out this year -- AND, our friends Linday, Stephanie and Taylor watched S and C). Then we learned that we wouldn't have our last 2 hours of church, that we would have the time to spend with our families.
Present indeed.
I love to be together on Christmas Eve, I love to feel the love of our family and the Savior without having to worry about a single ounce of hustle and bustle.
Honestly, I kind of think that having a Christmas Mass is something the Catholics got right, and next year I'm going to try and do the same thing next year.
I chose this particular song because it's a Christmas favorite of mine (obviously). I love how deliberate the whole song is. Joseph thought about how he was going to treat the baby jesus, and so should we.
Merry Christmas Everyone.

My Thoughts on the Rosie/Trump Dispute

You didn't think I could write about anything else as of late, could you?
No, I am still not watching the View (although it was on in the break room yesterday during the 5 minutes I had to kick my feet up and drink some juice), but I have seen the clips on the news and the internet.
First off, I found it amusing that both of them think of each other what we're all thinking of them. It's amusing that Rosie thinks it was a ginormous publicity stunt, as is Trump's entire life, and that's just sad. It's amusing that Trump thinks that Roise is annoying.
HOWEVER, these two are no longer 5 years old (and honestly, what they're doing would in no way be tolerated on the Ponderosa playground. They have this "second step" program which helps the kids learn to deal with their emotions. You just can't go on Larry King saying that someone is a fat slob and you just knew that if her lover saw how a man as manly as you she'd leave her. She's someone's mother, she's someone's sister and more importantly she's a child of God.
I was talking to my mom yesterday (hi mom!) and she was saying that when some people in our society see Donald Trump out there crapping on Rosie like that, they think it's fine for them to do it. Which is most likely true! I was just really sad at the whole thing. I would wish that some dignified person out in the public eye would see these two for what they are and call them on it -- HARD. Please, someone? Puh-leese?
I also think it's especially sad that this particular ill-heartedness is coming at Christmas when the Savoir deserves us to be loving each other even more then we normally do.
Anyway, I am normally a watcher of the apprentice. Business situations facinate me, because my work is in no-way anything like the boardroom. My job is actually important and the things I do really will make differences, either good or bad (I'd like to see a reality show about nursing school, now THAT would be good TV). However, I won't be watching it anymore. Much like my banning of the View I will now do the same for Donald. I was fairly bitter after his whole letter to Martha thing (did anyone see that -- did you see the Katie Couric interview after where she asked if there's any of it he'd just like to take back -- he said no, what a loser). But, this pretty much pushed me over the edge.
On a brighter note, Drew and I have finished most of our wrapping last night. Christmas is coming after all. I am actually kind of glad that my parents aren't having to travel in this mess. I hope they can come out soon though.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Psycho people

should not reproduce.
Period.

Easy Dinners

Last weekend at Safeway they had Fresh Express Salad Kits on sale.
This week I've made a few easy good dinners by combining those salad kits with chicken (I bought a rotissarie chicken at Costco last week, so I've been using the leftovers from that). Add a little bread, and whamo -- dinner.
Kids like them too!

Can Someone Tell me Where The Year Went?

Wasn't it just a couple of days ago I was at Conner's last day of Kindergarten before Christmas, and now here we are in first grade, doing the whole thing over again?

I feel like each year goes faster and faster, drives me insane.

Anyway, I wanted to share with everyone our Christmas card for this year. I think they're mostly sent-out and I wanted to share a little christmas/Star Wars cheer with my blog friends.

Merry christmas blog friends. I hope the season is merry and bright.

A Christmas Miracle

Anyone who went to our rockin' good ward Christmas Party might know that Spencer was one of the most reluctant to go to Santa Claus (except for Santa's own son, but that's a story for another day). He didn't want to go

in the room with Santa he barely wanted the candy cane (the kid has to draw the line of fear at some point).

So, Santa came to the high school's staff family Christmas party on a Fire Engine (he later told the kids the reindeer got stuck in Tahoe because there's no snow here). Then, he sat around and talked to the children for a minute and then he had a present for every single boy and girl. I could see Conner's eyes just about buggin' out of his head at the thoughts that he would receive a present from the hands of Santa. So, we go through most all of the other kids and then it's Conner's turn. He's fine. He gets Batman and Robin, Spencer is eyeing those toys with lust... and then they call his name. All night I'd been asking him if he was going to be a big boy and sit on Santa's lap and then he'

d start to cry. So the name is called, and up jumps Spencer, of his own accord runs right up to Santa and sits on his lap and SNAP, there is said picture of Spencer on Santa's lap, I think it's the first since he was under 1 at Conner's preschool Christmas party. He said thank you and everything. And for the inquiring m

inds who want to know, Spencer apparently was in need of a Sesame Street video game. He couldn't have been happier.

The party ended on the high note of a pinata. Conner seemed to losen it just enough that the boy after him sent it home and knocked it down. Horray for the staff party, we had a great time. Conner said it was the best party ever (although I'm sure he's discounting the ward party that his mom spent about 40 hours putting on).

Merry Christmas everyone, and remember that miracles come in all forms this season. Watch for them!

Me and My Three Wives

Did anyone watch this show last night on TLC?
I DVR'd it, in case it was about Mormons, and thankfully it wasn't.
So, there was this guy, and he marries this lady and when they're getting married he says to her, "I don't think I can be monogomos" (bright red flag), but she loves him so much she figures that she loves him so much that she can overcome it even if he has an affair (red flag -- wife #1 needs some pride).
Wife #1 is apparently serving our contry in the army, and while she's gone he strikes-up a relationship with another woman, and gets her pregnant. Wife comes home, baby is born and he decides that he can not abandon the baby so he want's to get a duplex and have his wife #1 on one side, and this woman and his son live on the other side.... BUT they decide that it's easier that they all move-in together (and he is sleeping with both women). This living arrangement just continues and now wife #1 has 2 kids and wife #2 (to whom he is not legally married to, but is spiritually married to) has 4 (two of whom are named Summer and Winter).
So, they've been "married" together for 16 years and said husband decides to bring another wife in. Her name is Denise. No one likes denise, most especially wife #2. She says there isn't enough of this husband to go around. It seems like everyone in the family hates denise, except for the father who just wants everyone to get along. The episode (and sadly, I think there's only one episode) ends with all 4 (wife #1 and 2, Denise and stupid husband) in a discussion about how they can all marry Denise. Wife #1 finally blows up and says she can't take all the stress anymore and it's time for Denise to move on. The husband gets-up, taps Denise on the head and apparently that is the sign in psycho-weirdo-pologomist that it's time to break-up. That's right, he had his wife break-up for him. However, in a postlogue, the dad says that he doubts he can break-off his feelings for Denise (aka, he's most likely still sleeping with Denise, even as I type this).
Is anyone still with me?
Mostly, I think that this is the sad story of low self esteem. WHY on earth those two first women thought they should have to share a man for absolutely no good reason, I will never know. However, they currently seem to be fine with the relationship and enjoy it. The other part of this story is WHY does this man think that he can just TELL his wives he's bringing another in without a care for how it will effect the wifes or the children (heaven forbid we think of the children).
I think the saddest part of the show was an interview with one of his little boys. He looked to be about 8 or 10. They asked him if he was going to have a polygomist relationship like his dad. He said most likely not, but if he got married, and then later found another woman that he loved and if his wife liked her too, he'd marry her too.
Now, honestly -- THIS is why we can't allow gay marriage, because there is no reason that freaks like this can't want a marriage as well. The children have an extrodinarily squewed viewpoint of life and it's just plain sad.
Here's the real kicker, the dad's a therapist.
HE TALKS TO PEOPLE ABOUT THERE PROBLEMS #%(*&!_)&)(@&
He said he's a real good one too. Uh huh... come here honey, let me soothe your sorrows... wanna be wife number 5?

Creative Parenting

My kids have this compulsion to step on books, toys, pretty much anything that's on the floor. Even if there's a clear pathway, they'll go OUT of their way to step on the item. It's really annoying as a mom. Anyway, this morning Spencer was doing a little jig on one of his puzzles, so I initiated a time out (which, frankly he's amazing at -- I suggest everyone start time-outs early, the kid realizes it's a punishment, takes the opportunity to calm down and is truly repentent after). Then, he had to tell me he's sorry and then I made him go over and tell his puzzles that he was sorry. He did, he went over to each one and told them he was sorry and that he wasn't going to step on them again. It was amusing to me... but hopefully it does the trick.
But, I have a little punishment of my own that I've forgotten to blog about. People, I am done watching the View. I actually quit about 2 weeks ago when I was chatting online with my friend Lara ranting over something ELSE that Rosie had said. Personally, I think she is WAY over the top with her gay viewpoint. I am fine with her mentioning it every now and then. I have gay co-workers (whom I really like) and they don't bring it up every 10 seconds (nor do I bring-up my husband). Anyway, I was just telling Lara how freakin' annoying it was and she said, "THEN STOP WATCHING IT." It made sense. I was supporting something I didn't believe in, and much like buying a playboy just to "read the stories" I was giving my "money" to her. So I'm done. I think Rosie should be taken off TV until she can learn to be a regular person who realizes her viewpoints are just that -- hers and it's not something that everyone else needs to believe. Shut it Rosie.
Anyway, those are my fantastic Tuesday thoughts. Spencer and I are still fighting our viruses. But we vow to stay the course. :)

Party Party Party

We had our annual White Elephant party this past weekend.
I love this party.
I forget how much I love this party til' I'm crying over my delightful appetizers at the great stories and friendships that we all share. Those were tears of laughter by the way, not mushy tears.
Drew and I came home with a lovely pinata, and an even lovelier Napoleon Dynamite keychain.
I am REALLY wishing that I had the excellent picture of Kristin to put on this blog right now. I think it would've added a lot.
But, the meat of this story is how grateful I am to have friends here. Our first Christmas we were so anxious to get home, really missed Utah, our families and our friends. We had only lived here for a few months, and although I had to work Christmas eve and Christmas day in order to get a few days off -- it was worth it.
Now, although we do still miss our family desperately at this time 0f year we also realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by great friends, most of whom also live away from family and we can feel the joys and the pain of that together.
Merry Christmas to all my friends. So glad we're here for each other.

Ok, and now for my funny story of the day: Spencer and I both have little colds, so I was just dropping Conner off instead of our usual walk-in for the little fellow. I see these people who have backed about 6 feet out of their driveway and stopped. Their back windshield was clean, but the front was totally iced over {gasp, our temp's have been getting to about 24 at night lately -- OMG -- it's practically antartica!!!!}. Apparently these fancy CA'ians didn't have an ice scraper, so she was using some junk mail to try and get the frost off, and then it looked like perhaps a make-up brush. Anyway, it made me giggle (and then realieze that I'm not sure where my ice scraper is for the van).
Gosh, it's hard living here. :)

Not a Complete Disaster

My new little mantra has helped me several times this week.
For instance today -- Safeway on Homestead is having a giant grand opening sale and has SWEET deals. I even brought Drew along so that if there's a limit on a few things, he could get 2 and I could also get 2. Anyway, we had the kids. I forgot to give them my coupons and ended-up paying over 5 dollars extra. I honestly want to have a panic attack. I mean, this isn't a big deal. Right.
This is not a complete disaster {breathe, breathe}.
On an update on an earlier post, I did get a letter today from the people who are in charge of all banks (I think I sent my letter about 2 weeks ago) and they are opening a case against Wells Fargo and will update me. It's nice to know that a letter still gets noticed amongst all the business world these days. I did have a VP at Wells Fargo call me this week to tell me they are taking the matter very seriously. Still couldn't send me a copy of my application though.
Still kinda bitter about that, but not a complete disaster
And on a brighter note, I called Safeway and if I give them my coupons on my next shopping trip along with my receipt, they'll give me the money back. Sigh -- now if I can just remember to do that.

Christmas Isn't About Presents

Conner, after watching the latest Wonderpets episode (save the Reindeer) drew-up this little letter to Santa. I loved how he'd learned something onthe show that I really want to teach him. Christmas isn't about presents, but it is about giving (and a fun part of learning to give is also learning to receive and be gracious), and remembering that long ago Heavenly Father gave us the greatest gift he could. I love that he loves Christmas, and I think that although a great part of the reason he loves Christmas is the presents, I think he loves the feelings, the family time, and the spirit of the season. At least I hope that's what it is.

Call the Shots

Hey, I've done a little updating over on my photo website.
Check it out, tell me what you think!

Sunday Will Come

Did anyone read their conference issue of the Ensign?
I am slowly making it through. I try and use the best talks in FHE lessons, but last night I read Elder Worthlin's talk.
I don't really remember much of it from the actual conference session.
For my non-LDS readers, this talk really helps you understand a little bit more about our belief that families are forever.
He talks of the agony that occurs when you lose someone you love. It's just a really great talk. Kind of tied it into this, the season of hope for me.
I also related it to yesterday's entry about how only very few things are complete disasters. He reminds us to keep the final goal in mind -- and perhaps even death should be considered a complete disaster (although, from a medical standpoint it always will be).
Anyway, read the talk.
Now.
Go do it.
Oh, and are people having a hard time commenting on my fine blog?
If so -- email me.

A Complete Disaster

We had a little miscommunication last night at work. Absolutely nothing bad happened, except perhaps that the doctor lost a few moments of his precious sleep. It was a learning moment for all involved.
The doctor (who I normally adore) comes out and says (he has a REALLY thick middle-eastern accent)"HILARY, that was a complete disaster."
I looked at him. I've had prolapse cords with this doctor, hysterectomies you name it, we've done it and I was dumbstruck.
This was the antonym (1st graders sang that song today while I was spying) of a complete disaster. It was fine.
I was wondering how often I do that. I know I do it a lot. Blow things out of proportion. This time it was just so obvious for me to stare at. I was totally taken aback.
Anyway, good lesson for me. For, as far as it is in my mind -- complete disasters usually end in death, or the los of a limb at the very least. For instance (for purely my own edification):
Spilling milk, not a complete disaster.
Forgetting our coat at school, not a complete disaster.
Paying regular price for something, not a complete disaster.
Having the wrong social security number with the job you've had for 2 years, not a complete disaster.
Maybe that should be my new mantra:
"this is not a complete disaster"
Childhood favorite Christmas tune now on the player -- check it out.

FHE Central

(music is back to non-auto-play -- it scares even me).
Last night we had Family Home Evening on honesty. We're doing the Articles of Faith, starting with #13 for this month (going to #1 next month). There had been a good talk on honesty in the last General Conference so I plucked a bit from that and did a story.
The main part of my story was the dishonesty only hurts one person -- and that person's YOU -- not anyone else.
I think that hit home to Conner. We also did the honesty train, we all picked 2 (except for Spencer who only got one) and we colored our part of the train, and then when we glued them on we had to say a way we could show that in our life. Then, we played who's got the button, which is a really wierd game and I don't even get the concept -- but the kids liked it anyway, and it showed you needed to be honest to play the game. Whatever, it went over big. And we're done for a week. :)

Do You Want Control?

Do you want control over my little musical interlude?
I can make it autoplay, so you don't have to think about it.
Or, I can make it play on its own....
Anyone?

Freak

I had a dream last night that we found a new house here, and put our current house on the market. The new one was pretty similar, but with another room and the washer dryer was INSIDE.
I woke-up in basically a panic attack about selling this house.
I like to freak-out about things that are YEARS away.
I know it's taking years off my lifespan.
Just wish I could stop myself....

Behold a new crock pot meal

April's Crock-Pot Yumma

My friend April gave me this recipe just the other day. After the ward party I'm ready for a day of napping, so I though it called for a day of crock pot.

Take some potatoes, I peeled mine, you don't have to (I also quartered them) -- I think those little red potatoes would be great in this. Throw them in your crock pot.
Take some carrots (I did baby ones, but you could cut-up a regular one), throw them in.
Get some boneless/skinless chicken, throw that on top (I cut my chicken into 4's, and I would recommend defrosting them before you cook it, just to cut-down on the time).
Get some canned alfredo sauce, pour it on. Put it on high or low, depending on your time frame. Mine was cooking for 4.5 hours and I did it on high for 1 hour, and then low on the rest. Vegetables weren't mush. I was happy with how it turned-out. Served it with rolls (left-over from said ward party).
End of story.
Yummy, even for those out there (coughcoughmomcough) who don't like the canned alfredo sauce it's yummy!
Email me with questions, if you wish.

Behold, the Gift

(first off, new music -- Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven, thought it was fitting for today's entry -- it's on autoplay for right now, I figure since it starts off soft, it won't be as scary)
Yesterday our family braved the rainy wonderland that has become the Bay Area to drive up to Oakland to the LDS temple.
They put-on a presentation called "Behold the Gift." It's basically an interprative dance of the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, it shows it from both the Americas, as well as from Jerusalem (for those of you unaware, the Book of Mormon is basically what was happening in the Americas before and after Christ's birth and when he comes to visit the people of America after his -- for more information see www.mormon.org).
We went last year, we loved it.
I think what hit me most is that Jesus should be the "great uniter". At the end of the show you see the people of the Americas and the people in Jerusalem dancing in joy in the wonderous event that just occured and how amazing Jesus is and how he has saved us all.
I then thought to how Jesus seems to be such a divider anymore. Many people not believing that he did what he did do, and hating those that do believe such. I'm sure that he looks down and wonders where it all went wrong.
Another great moment is when they hold the baby jesus (real baby, I always love it when they use a real baby in any nativity re-inactment) up to the light and the light shines on him. I feel such a shiver or peace and how the whole world's hopes rested on that sweet . They still do. There is still a ray of hope each time a baby is born. I think that sometimes I forget the wonder of it all.
Anyway, those are my thoughts on this sacred Sunday. I think we're off to Bethlehem tonight. Can't wait.

In the Mood for some New Internet

We've had Comcast High Speed Internet as long as we've had DSL internet. It's expensive, and I'm tired of paying it.
I'm in the mood for some new internet.
So, I want EVERY SINGLE PERSON to tell me about the internet they're on (and I all know you're on one) and why you like it, or don't like it -- and its pricing. I'm not really sure how other internet works. Does my computer have to be near a phone cord for other DSL to work?
I obviously can't live with dial-up... but I am really really tired of paying almost 50 dollars a month for Comcast, and the attitude their little person just gave me on the phone when I asked for a promotional discount. For your information, once they have you as a customer, they don't feel the need to keep you.
And I don't feel the need to keep them.

There are Days You Just Need a Nap

And perhaps a little motrin....
zzzzzzzz......
That's pretty much all I have to say today, no clue why I'm so tired....

Mr Wells Fargo

He called me today.
Told me he was taking the situation seriously.
Wondered if I needed his cell phone number.
Who knows if the letters perked some ears, I hope so. I also got back my police report that I filed. It's officially filed.
On a brighter note, Drew called the cops to Santa Clara after being sworn at repeatedly by a non-student after school.
Oh, and did I mention we beeped on our way out of the library today?
The sun will come out... tomorrow... bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
there'll be sun...
BTW, check-out the new music feature on the right. I even made it so none of you jump out of your chair not expecting my fantastic tunes. :)

Vinyl Letters

A few friends have asked if I know anyone that does Vinyl letters, and I DO!!! I got some a few weeks ago to put over the boy's towel bars... since they can't seem to figure it out and I wanted to try them. Anyway, there are a few benefits I've found so far.

1. They're so thin! They look just like I painted them on. Makes me feel fancy!

2. Very easy to put on, and if you make a mistake they peel right off. My "dealer" also tells me that when you move you just peel them right off. Have yet to move, but I'll keep my peeps informed.

3. Spencer has learned to spell his name while sitting on the potty. :D

Anyway, I really like them. My friend's email is <trixiejolley@yahoo.com>, and her name is Michelle. She's really nice and shipping is pretty dang reasonable too. She's supposed to be sending me some other photos to give you guys ideas if you want them. She has like 14 colors, and the pricing is $0.06/ sq inch. I think I got these two sent to me for around 10 bucks. I think. Also, she can do any font you want and she's super nice.

So, email me or her with any questions.

Just Got my Osmond Album

Anyone listen to this growing-up?
I did. Loved it.
Anyway, a little Christmas montage set to the soulful sounds of the OSmonds.

BTW, Conner lost a TOOTH!!!! You'll see some of those pictures near the end of the video. Sad news, he swallowed it. Apparently (thankfully, I was at work) he cried for about an hour. However, I reminded him that the tooth fairy just knows he's lost it and will still be happy to make a donation, even if the tooth is unavailable. :) Also, on a brighter note, I told him if he just yanks it out next time he won't swallow it.

Monday Madness

Girls, I lost 3 pounds last week, but I'm starting to think my scale just has a mind of its own. I have obviously built-up a little muscle in the 3 months I've been working out, but the scale still says that I have MORE body fat then when i started. Hence, I am ignoring that particular part of the scale.
I am, however, starting to think that the whole weight/building muscle thing is the part that I have been lacking. Perhaps I'm on the right tract folks.
Of course, maybe I'm not. Won't even be surprised if I stick to my little regimen and by the end of the week I've gained 5 pounds.
Busy week, we have our church party at the end of the week... and that's always lots of work and fun. Our activities comitee is a heavy decorator and people, I have one word for you -- Christmas tree chandalier. Anyone wanna come?

Easy Crock Pot Chicken

My mom is interested in some easy Crock-Pot meals, so I thought I'd give a few here on my blog. Maybe one or two a week.
First one, easy crock pot chicken. First off, this guy is SUPER cheap, and yummy... AND because it's rare that a family is going to eat an etire chicken, I usually have some leftovers.
Take 1 whole chicken (can even still be frozen), put it in the crock pot, pour two cans of broth (regular size, no super-size ones, you could also use Chicken Stock) on and around the chicken.
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and poultry seasoning.
Turn crock-pot on.
Sometimes I add carrots, and onions, and potatoes, sometimes I don't -- often just depends on what I have on hand.
voila. :)

Santa

I am a firm believer in Santa. I believe that God put Santa on the earth to let children, and some of our less-spiritual friends to feel a little bit of God's love for us. I'm not talking about the fluffy round guy you meet at the mall, but I am talking about his helpers. Some go under the guise of "secret santa" and sometimes they just help others a little more often during the season of Santa.
I am always brought to tears by the good things that people do at Christmas. I appreciate Santa, and I appreciate the feeling of giving that he gives to our country. Today in church I felt the spirit of giving and people counting their blessings so strongly. Even though I had both kids I really got a bit out of the meeting.
This month I'm going to find some santa moments, and hopefully post them on the blog. I know they're out there, I just need to write them down, and take a moment to appreciate them.

Give Me a Little Credit

Some of you may have heard my woes with Wells Fargo. I took Conner in for his first Savings account, and a week later I realized that not only did we get a savings account, but they had signed me up for a Credit Card and some weird rewards system that I would be charged a yearly fee for.
I never OK'd an application, and I was never talked to (Conner and I were set for bowling right after we stashed his moola, so I coudn't waste time with extra crap). I wanted to post a little letter here that I have written to the Office of Thrift Supervision:

Office of Thrift Supervision
PO Box 7165
San Francisco, CA 91420

To the Office of Thrift Supervision:

On October 14th, 2006 I went to my local Wells Fargo branch located at XXX NEAR ME RD, in Santa Clara, CA. I went to sign my son up for his first savings account. We went in, made his account, and she told me I need to sign on her electronic pad a couple of times to sign him up for his account (she told me I need to do this, because the account would be under my name as well). At no time did she mention me signing up for a credit card, or anything of the sort. The pad that I signed on just said that all the information I had given was correct -- and, it was. I already have a large home equity line through Wells Fargo and I am not interested in obtaining a credit card as well.

The following week I received my card as well as a few notices that I had signed up for the “Wells Fargo Reward Program.” I called Wells Fargo saying that I had not signed up for a credit card and I wanted the application sent to me ASAP. I also closed the account that day. I did/do not want the account.

I did not receive the application I had requested, and followed-up with it today. I spoke with the branch manager and was asked to come down and speak to both himself and the Wells Fargo Representative (XXX) that signed me up for the account. I went to the bank. I spoke with both and and was told that this was obviously a misunderstanding. I do not believe it was a misunderstanding and no amount of apologies will make fraud a “misunderstanding”. I do not like the way I was treated at Wells Fargo, feeling as if I was in the wrong, it was my fault. There is proof that Ms. did this, in that she put the wrong name in for my mother’s maiden name (I have yet to find-out what name she did put in, but I know it is neither my mother’s name nor my own maiden name – the people at my branch wouldn’t tell me, nor would the people I spoke on the phone through the credit card 1-800 #). There is no way I would fill-out a form by myself and make an error in that part. I still have yet to see the form, even after my initial request and a request of Mr. .
During the process of trying to find-out when I had applied, etc. through the Wells Fargo corporate line, I was told that this type of thing happens very often. Representatives have things “pop-up” on their screen that they are supposed to offer the customer. They receive incentives for each person they sign-up. Instead of offering the customer the option, they just click yes, and fill in the form for the customer, information that they do not have – like a person’s mother’s maiden name is just made-up. I do not know if this is the case at Wells Fargo, but I do know that I never filled out a form, nor was I asked to fill out any such form. This is a situation that needs to be resolved. I would like a follow-up on any information that you obtain. Thank you very much.
I Cc'd that letter to Wells Fargo Coporate, Wells Fargo Consumer Credit Division and the manger of the bad bank. I'd like to share a nice little ending that I complied to the cover letter for the CC'd.

Most of all, I am saddened that incident occurred on the happy occasion of my son getting his first savings account. Perhaps, in further evaluation of your processes, you would realize that opening a child’s savings account is not an appropriate time to ask the parents if they would like a credit card, and even a less-appropriate time to commit fraud.

If there isn't a little time for sarcasm -- what has this world come to?
Anyway, I just wanted to share that it's out there and it sounds like it happens fairly frequently. Something to keep your eyes open for.

Welcome to December!

Today is report card day and and Awards Assembly at school. Conner got an award this time, and the report card will come home this afternoon. Conner has been doing really well at school this semester, we're really proud of him! Today I was spying in class and I was amazed at how much he has grown-up!

Congratulations Mr. Superstar!!!!!

I feel bad taking-up a Conner post with my useless header drivel, but this month's header is our yearly ornaments. They are M&M Star Wars Characters. That's right, it's our "theme" :)