things that make me go hmmm...

Let me preface this by saying that, politically speaking, I'm a moderate. A liberal conservative if you will. So what that I listen to Sean Hannity & Glenn Beck, in fact I really like them, that doesn't make me a right-winged conspiratorial wack job. And I'm sure as heck not a left-winged nut job. However, I've been noticing a lot of "subliminal" advertising these days in our new Obama-nation. I used to think it was maybe just me, but there's a lot of talk on message boards about this as well: company's logos that are created on purpose to look similar to the Obama campaign logo.

Obama


Pepsi

NFL

And even commercials such as:

the Driving America (check out the logo) and the Chrysler Jeep "Yes we can" commercial.

Maybe they feel a sense of obligation to Obama for the $TRILLIONS$ of federal dollars in the bailout?! But I'd be willing to bet dollars to donuts that we'll see more of this. Look. I think Obama is a very charming, articulate, motivational speaker and those are definitely good qualities for the leader of the free world to have, but therein lies the deceptiveness. However, he is NOT the Messiah--the chosen one--who will end all problems. I just wish we'd all STOP paying such allegiance to him and start paying allegiance to this country and it's Constitution (not to mention our Maker).

superbowl party

I'm starting to really like the month of February. It is becoming quite the busy month for us--first the Superbowl party kicks things off, then there's the annual daddy/daughter dance, then valentines day & two birthdays--it really is turning into a fun month!

So, this past weekend we had our traditional Superbowl party, now held at Jeff & Felicia's house. While it's sad to see the Logan tradition come to an end for whatever reason, it opens the door to continue a new tradition, here in Salt Lake. This year I couldn't decide which team I wanted to win. I'm comfortable with the Steelers (memories of '70's Steelers vs. Cowboys and all) but the Cardinals were the underdog. Eventually I cheered for the Cardinals, but alas, it wasn't meant to be this year. :( We had a lot of fun nonetheless and man, oh man, I had heartburn for the next two nights thanks to that party! Ugh!

Our festive dinner plates--Superbowl 43.

Our festive football platter & the culprit to my heartburn--buffalo wings!

My girls loooved the balloons

I made these football cupcakes myself. My hubby thought I was going overboard, but I reminded him that if I'm going to support this sport then I'm going to have fun with it my way!

One of our many games--the questionnaire. It makes watching the game so much more fun!

The quarter prizes for the lucky winner that has their name in the square ending with the same numbers as the quarter score.

Lysette won 2 of the 4 quarters this year (last year she won 3/4).

Everybody got really excited when the Cardinals ran the ball into the end zone...

...even Flea.

It was a very good play--longest touchdown run in Superbowl history.

Alyssa & Emma (two peas in a pod).

Lysette & Sarah--sweethearts.

Little miss Morgan fell asleep on the way home holding the football balloon.

let the wild rumpus start

Superbowl Sunday! Whoohoo!!!!!!!! pics to come soon...

resolutions

Once upon a time, long ago (aka: before kids), I loved to make new year's resolutions. LOVED it. I relished the time spent pondering what areas of my life could use improvement & progress and I loved to challenge myself with lofty goals. And to take it one step further than your "typical" resolution-maker I would categorize my goals, make monthly charts, check the boxes as I accomplished a goal and then calculate the percentage of success at the end of the month. A little extreme, I know. Type A, I get it. But I loved it! I wasn't entirely rigid--I was extremely satisfied with a 70% overall monthly score. I did this for years. (Side note: one of the things that attracted me to my husband-to-be was that he actually did the same thing...while we were dating.)

That was long ago. Then, when we had our kids, some of my goals became more simplified (still categorized) but more attainable, more about the kids. And then, I don't know how or when, but somehow I got down to making only one lousy goal a year: "I pledge to shower every day" or "I pledge to eat more than just Cheerios all day long" or "I pledge to read more than just Saturday's Warriors as my scripture base." You get the idea. One year I just gave up all together and didn't even make a resolution.

However, this year I'm feeling it again, but different. Maybe it's age, or the climate of the world these days, but I want my goals to be deeper, more heart felt and less about percentages. Merriam-Webster lists resolution as: a firmness of decision, and lists the synonym as courage. This struck me for some reason. I never thought of needing courage when keeping a resolution. The general authorities say that in proving courage one is faced with pressure; sometimes an outside pressure, or a social pressure or pressures of a personal appetite. Charles Dubois says: "Courage is being able to sacrifice what we are for what we could become." What can we do if our determination crumbles under the pressure? Repent. In other words, and in the context of specifically new year's resolutions, you can always start a new--not just in January. Like the orange juice commercial, "Resolutions. They're not just for January anymore." Catchy no? I digress.

So, this year I made some resolutions, and even categorized them, but they are truer to my heart than in years past. Shakespeare said: “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Hamlet)

• I pledge to strive to live with such candid honesty that I may be able to say (when the occasion permits): "I wish I could, but I don't want to" instead of making excuses.


• I pledge to eliminate soda from my diet altogether (this one's actually easier than you might think--I hate the stuff).


• I pledge to show appreciation for my neighbors and to be more aware of their needs.


• I pledge to sell or give to charity all the crap in my house that is outdated or that I can no longer stand.


• I pledge to respect myself more by defending positions important to me & by allowing some "me time" a few times a month.


• I pledge to strive to see our marriage through my husband's eyes; improving my words & behavior as a result (I'm sure).

What's your resolutions?

say it ain't so

You know, I've just about had enough with Hollywood. What the heck happened? It used to be a place for artists to fulfill their dreams and they took their fame with some responsibility. I know, this is nothing relatively new & I'm fairly sure we all agree that Hollywood has, in the last decade or two, become nigh unto an island for moral lepers. I understand, and even tolerate to a degree, actors who use their fame to push a certain cause especially some that are very worthy. I get that. Honestly if I had that kind of spotlight I'd be shouting out about something. And I can even handle the fact that my main men and favorite actors are democrats...barely. But when Tom Hanks calls me "un-American" because of my religion, that crosses the line!

Let's clarify some of the facts:

1. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints did not give their "money to the church" to campaign for California's prop 8, and thus the church did not "make this happen".
2. If members in California decided to donate their money for prop 8 it was their choice.
3. If members of the Church, in CA, came out by the droves to VOTE for prop 8 it was their choice and frankly I can't think of anything more American!
4. Other conservative groups & religions supported prop 8, including the Catholic, Jewish, African-American & Latino communities. I don't hear Tom Hanks calling any of them "un-American".
5. Hanks says that he doesn't "like to see discrimination". Really? Hollywood is all about discrimination these days--that's what he's doing labeling Mormons un-American.
6. He also says that we "need to have faith in the California constitutional process". Faith in CA? Really? What has it produced to encourage that "faith"? People who check into rehab on nearly a daily basis, who think they're above the law, San Fransisco trans-genders & Britney Spears? No thanks, I'll stick with the American Constitution and my prophet, thank you very much!

I'm so sick and tired of the liberal Hollywood type shoving their view points down our (conservative/moral-centered) throats. They're not happy unless we lie prostrate on the ground and accept their liberal views, agenda and way of life. I've liked you for a long time, Mr. Hanks, but I'm afraid that I have to end this love affair. I need to take a stand. And you need an education, remember: Stupid is as stupid does.

Update: Tom Hanks has come out and "apologized" for his remarks. However, I'm tired of actors who use their grand stage and loud voice to ridicule people who challenge their views and then quietly, via their press agent, apologize for their behavior. The latter is only done to save their career/fan base. If they were truly sincere they'd choose their words carefully in the first place.

new

I'm sure that, by now, everyone has heard of her story. I started reading her blog a couple months before she became famous--before the accident--but I've kept tabs almost every day since and have prayed for her recovery, simply because she's a good person and the world needs more good people.

Today, she's back!

new year celebrations

Happy New Year! So far, for us, it has been hectic--there's nothing quite like starting a "new" among vomiting children and piles of laundry. Things are starting to slowly get back to normal but I'd be remiss if I didn't post about the end of year festivities. So here's some quick pics:

If Santa didn't make it to your house it's probably because he suffered a diabetic coma after eating the cookies that Sarah & Emma left out for him. My apologies.

And, per Chelsea's request, here's our gingerbread house that we made from scratch. In the past we've done those kits, but this was easy and waaay more fun! I'm tempted to make a whole village next year.

Ringing in the new at Jeff & Felicia's playing "Rock Band" (note the snarl on Morgan's upper lip--the future Pat Benatar) Gene on bass. It doesn't matter what we do, spending time with family is the best!

Sarah was a trooper and stayed up, though semi-conscious, until midnight. Emma & Morgan didn't make it past 10:30.

We also played spoons/truth or dare (the one without the spoon had to choose) and Jordan, on a dare, had to strip down to his boxers and make a snow angel, but I love the little dance he's making in this shot!

After staying up all night and dragging the morning of New Years day, we had lunch at the Outback (so glad that Cheryl could grace us with her presence for all of 5 minutes).

My nephew, Dean, in his Air Force dress blues. We took him out to Ejo (Korean) restaurant the next day, before he headed to Omaha, NE. He also took us on a tour of Hill Air Force Base while he was here. It was so good to spend quality time with him!

Christmas morning

You know how some years you try to have a perfect Christmas, but despite your best efforts something is lacking (sleep, batteries, an ingredient) and what you end up with instead is a headache and feeling frazzled? This year that did not happen. This year Christmas Eve and Christmas day were perfect. After a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at my brother's house we came home and decorated cookies for Santa Claus, gave the girls a bath and then had them open their pajama-present. We then read one of our new Christmas books and tucked our girls into bed.

Then, in the middle of the night, Santa came.

Sarah and Emma woke up first, around 7:30, ran to get their stockings then woke up Morgan. When they walked into the front room their faces lit up and they squealed like only little girls can. They each took turns unwrapping their gifts and they were simply adorable in their reactions. After the unwrapping we ate our traditional breakfast of quiche, cinnamon rolls, bananas and orange juice. The rest of the day was spent lazing around in our pajamas enjoying our toys and each other's company. Lovely.


I must remember this in the future--when the kids are pushing my buttons--how thoughtful Sarah was to watch over her sisters and make sure they were having fun. How Emma hand-made each of her gifts to her family members that included acts of service and how Morgan wouldn't stop hugging our legs all day long. The joy & peace that we experienced was perhaps the best Christmas gift of all! I hope you all had an equally great Christmas.

We happened to snap this photo after Santa came late on Christmas Eve. The giant dollhouse is a big hit with their Barbies.

Sarah opening her T-Rex model. This child is a scientist through and through.

Emma opening her Little Pet Shop palace.

Little miss Morgan opening her doll. Yes, that's a bandaid on her forehead (that's what happens when you try to take candy from a baby).

Gene opening his Wii gaming system (that we are ALL enjoying).

I got Gene an indoor sky-diving gift certificate. He's all about activities.

(He got me a Bamboo, clothes and sewing accessories among other things, but my early morning mug broke the lens and there will be no pics of me here.)

Our festive Christmas breakfast table complete with quiche, cinnamon rolls, OJ and milk.

Morgan playing with her Little People mini-van...

...and her Aqua Doodle wall pad.

Emma, Sarah and Morgan playing with their Diamond Castle Barbies and their new dollhouse.

Of course their enthusiasm would wax and wane throughout the day with a particular toy as they would switch back and forth between their games, gadgets, the Wii, dolls, etc. As a parent I simply LOVED watching them all. day. long.

Merry Christmas

May we all remember the true meaning of Christmas & feel the love of our Savior this season.

christmas traditions

Merry Christmas!

1. Christmas story books under the tree.

2. Watching A Christmas Story a hundred times.


3. Driving around neighborhoods to look at the lights (especially
Christmas Street) while listening to the Forgotten Christmas Carols.

4. Making Gingerbread houses--this year from scratch.


5. Reading Luke 2 with our advent candle each day of the month and
watching Mr. Krueger's Christmas on Christmas Eve.

a look back at Thanksgiving

The last couple of years I've had the privilege of hosting Thanksgiving at my house--an opportunity I welcome and look forward to (however this year was a bit more frantic and somber than usual with the death of Gene's dad). I realized some time ago that out of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite. The reasons: family, great food, counting blessings, Macy's parade in NYC, the beginning of the Christmas season and, of course, Black Friday!

As much as I love watching my kids open presents on Christmas morning, I have a sort of sadness at the end of that day. Wah--it's over. And Black Friday? Yes. I've been doing this thang since before I had kids--going on 14 years now--and No. We didn't trample anyone to death, so I don't want to hear about commercialism or retailers ruining the spirit of things. If I go I'm feeding the beast, if I don't go I'm not contributing to the economy on a very important, profitable day, so I pay no attention & go for tradition's sake. Felicia and I have plans to go even when we no longer need to buy things just to "people watch".

Thanksgiving company. We put 2 long tables together in the downstairs great room--reminds me of eating at Grandma Wood's as a child. Then we go through the ads and the guys watch football.

Yummy! I can't remember if this was first dinner or second dinner...

My favorite thing about this picture: the giant blue pitcher of gravy. We are a sauuucy family!

bitter-sweet november

Let me preface this, first, by saying that my in-laws are unconventional to say the least, and second, that as a nation, as a culture, I think we are a bit too removed from death. (Click here to read a good article about personalizing funerals.)

On Sunday, November 23rd, four days before Thanksgiving my father-in-law passed away. He had been in the hospital for a couple of weeks, but appeared to be improving and I think most of us expected him to return home. However, before church, we received a phone call saying that he was failing rapidly and that we needed to come right away. He passed while we were en route. My husband's siblings & their families quickly gathered around their beloved dad and spent hours reminiscing & comforting one another, finding it hard to leave. Years ago, while the family was gathered in grandma & grandpa's frontroom, we were talking about funerals and such. Someone had asked my father-in-law what he would want & how he would want his funeral to be handled. He said "Just build me a pine box, put me in the back of a pick-up truck and drive me up to Idaho" (where he was born & raised).

So. That's what we did.

Now, like I said it was not your typical funeral, but I will say this: I've never seen a more personal, intimate funeral process in my life. There has to be something said about my father-in-law, Sirren, and the life he lived that so many people would be willing to go to such lengths to grant him his last wish. I will always remember him as the perfect example of patience, humility & spiritual endurance. I'm so thankful that he was a great father to my husband, and that Gene now can pass down many lessons learned from him. We will miss grandpa sorely!

The family gathered in the VA hospital room, just moments after Sirren passed.

I don't know about you, but being surrounded by loved ones is a pretty sweet way to go.

Barbara holding her husband's hand.

After 53 years of marriage I'm not so sure that I could let go either.

Grandpa's "pinebox" in the back of Verle's pickup truck.

One of the requests Sirren had made was to have his "life's road map" etched on the top of his casket. This depicts his journey from Soda Springs, Idaho to his mission, service in the Army, the various places his children were born & various homes they lived in.

The whole family, adults & grandchildren alike, traced their hands and left grandpa messages as well as traced some of the wood crafts that Sirren had made (moon).

The grave side service in Soda Springs. Nicole & Jennifer sang "O Danny Boy" a capella beautifully (I wish I had a recording). Memorial services were held later in the week, back home, in which Gene and some of his siblings gave beautiful talks about their dad.

We'll miss you dad, grandpa!