Showing posts with label Tags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tags. Show all posts

Monday, February 2, 2009

Lucky Winner!!!

Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It'll be done this year. {might be a little while}
4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet (but Heaven knows it will most likely be super shiny or look like it got attacked by a bedazzler). I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

*Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!*

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Christmas Tendencies TAG

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both…But, they have to represent the Savior somehow.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, because I’m frugal. However, I love the real ones best.
3. When do you put up the tree? It can NOT go up before Thanksgiving!!!
4. When do you take the tree down? Around New Years
5. Do you like eggnog? Disgusting
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Getting to give up my Christmas to help someone needy
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mother-in-law
8. Easiest person to buy for? Opa, my husband’s grandfather
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Of course—the best symbol for Christmas!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? We mail a newsletter.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? There’s no such thing…a gift received is cherished.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Nativity
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually, not until AFTER Thanksgiving!
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Only food…we will share.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? All the assorted sweets.
16. Lights on the tree? White ONLY!!! One of my annoyances.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary, Did You Know and Silent Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home…although, last year we went tubing on Mt. Charleston…that was FUN
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Unfortunately, yes.
20. Angel on the treetop or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Morning.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? Everything has to symbolize the Savior…if it doesn’t, it will NOT be seen in my house!!! (NO Santas, reindeer, snowmen, or off colors…SORRY!)
23. Favorite thing to eat for Christmas dinner? Hmmm…I like a BIG meal, with as many assortments as possible
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I am NEVER big on presents. My biggest joy is giving service.
25. Who do you want to do this tag? Don't be a scrooge...Tyson, Amber, Monica, and Adrianne.

While I'm revealing my Christmas tendencies, I might as well express my extreme sadness as to the way the world treats this holy occasion. I decided many years ago to take commercialism out of our family Christmas traditions. When Frankie was two years old, I stopped doing Santa. I didn't want to raise my children under such a falacy and detract from the opportunity to teach them about the Savior. I know some say you can do both. However, I don't like the competition in my home. I have tried to find creative ways to celebrate without training my kids to expect to be given a "wish list." To me, that would be instilling selfishness and envy. Instead, I've allowed them to see the beauty of service and love. They're always involved in giving service and spreading warmth and cheer. Now, I'm not a total scrooge. I give my children presents. Some years, I've done treasure hunts. Each present could be found by reading a scripture. Example: 2 Ne 4:23 "Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night time." And the gift would be hidden under a pillow. Then, the gift would have attached a message regarding how the present related to the Savior. Example: If the gift was a shirt, I would explain how it is a protective covering and could symbolize the shoulders that bore the weight of the cross and the burdens of the world. Christ is a protective covering to us. He envelops us with his watchful care. (You get the idea) I relate their presents to the wise men giving gifts to the Lord. Our presents are NEVER the focal point of Christmas. It saddens me tremendously when others do that. I have tried to insill in my boys to actually GIVE gifts to Christ and that is done by being righteous and serving others. I pray that the world will adopt a purer reflection of our Savior's great life and sacrifice.

4-4-4 TAG

I got tagged by Christi:
TAG rules: Go to My Pictures, choose the 4th folder, 4th subfolder, and 4th picture and post.This is Alex, Delia, and me (siblings).
Look at our 70's clothes! Ha.Ha.
This was before my other 4 siblings came along. :(
Tag 4 people: Christie (post, girl, post!), Mary (you definitely need something to do)...Pamelia, and Diane.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Quirks of the Family

Okay, I got tagged a couple of days ago from Mikelene. The assignment was to reveal my quirks. However, this task has really stumped me. I guess I'm either way too normal or I'm in extreme denial. I have been mulling this over, but each time I come up with nothing. In the process, though, I have discovered quirks of my other family members that I will share.

My husband: He rocks back and forth when standing. He can NOT keep still. He has constant movement for some reason. A.D.D. maybe?

When he gets out the shower, he lays spread eagle on the bed, under the fan, to get completely dry. He loves the cool breeze.

He has to have a pair of shoes on to walk outside, even if it's on the porch. He says it's a "safety issue."

He CHEWS ice cream! (It has a horse-like sound effect--kind of echo-ey. It's really weird.)

Frankie: He sleeps with his "daily" clothes on (blue jeans, whatever). I guess it's too much trouble for him to change into something comfortable.

Brandon: I can't think of a single thing. Maybe he's overly organized? Oh, I know, when he goes to the icemaker to get ice, he twirls his cup while the ice is falling down. AND...he bites off the husks of the popcorn and collects the fluffy section in a cup. Then, eats all the fluff at once. Weird, huh?

Kela: She is just OCD, period. She has to have things a certain way. Don't change her things. She freaks out!

Gabriel: He has to have a window open when he sleeps. He likes his room cold, sleeps in boxers, and then he bundles up with thick blankets.

Noah: He doesn't wear clothes. School has been an adjustment bc he actually has to cover himself with things other than his drawers. Who hasn't road by my house and seen Noah in his undies? That's what I thought.

Disclosure: I couldn't come up with anything for myself, but after asking around...

My husband says my quirk is that I change my voice when I'm talking to non-family members. Apparently, he says I sound much more sophisticated when I talk to others than how I act with relatives, especially phone conversations. He swears I do this...Do I???

I also like to sound intelligent in WRITTEN word and use the thesaurus to avoid repetition. I don't like using the same phrasology. (Is that a word? I didn't look it up. LOL) I can't stand sounding ignorant. It probably stems from the fact that my brothers used to tell me I was very "dingy" and "dumb." I'm making up for it now.

Mary, was quick on her observations: She says I pick my teeth constantly. I'm always running my fingernails over all surfaces of them...That is true. I do like my teeth feeling smooth. However, I don't do it NEAR as much because, several years ago, one of the kids had pin worms and it made me super nervous about my habit. I've evolved a bit.

I can't sit down to talk on the phone. I have to be up and moving about. That's probably why people hear me breathing heavily while talking. Mary says I sound like I'm having a workout. Sorry.

Tiff and Laurie, you're now tagged!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I....

Thanks, Abigail, for tagging me. (I love these tags that actually get into one’s inner self and reveal personal thoughts. They are insightful to future generations. I think, anyway.)

i am: a daughter of a Heavenly Father.
i know: that Jesus is the Christ.
i want: all my kids to make righteous choices.
i have: to change my parenting skills to train my kids more fully.
i hate: when I make mistakes.
i miss: Frankie.
i feel: good when my boys honor their priesthood.
i hear: the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
i smell: evidences of God all around me.
i crave: to have my family all together.
i search: for peace.
i love: the gospel.
i care: for wounded souls.
i always: thank Heavenly Father for my husband.
i believe: in my kids.
i sing: praises to God.
i write: for the purpose of changing lives.
i lose: my sanity when my family errs.
i win: when I’ve made a difference.
i never: stop loving my family.
i listen: to counsel.
i am scared: that I’m not good enough.
i need: more wisdom.
i am happy about: my progression.
i tag: Mary, Carla, Tyson, and Tashina

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Husband Questionaire

(My favorite picture)


1) Where did you meet? His x-girlfriend introduced us.
2) How long did you date before you got married? One year
3) How long have you been married? 18 ½ years
4) What is your favorite feature of his? His eyes are hypnotizing, his lips are soft
5) What is your favorite quality of his? He is persistent and hard working
6) Does he have a nickname for you? “Mom”or “Hunny” now, but he used to call me WT for whale tale!
7) What is his favorite food? Hands down, ribeye steak
8) What is his favorite sport? Basketball to play, Football to watch (Patriots and Gamecocks)
9) When and where was your first kiss? First date--through the window of my sister’s mustang—open mouth…He did not waste time…Totally shocked me!
10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Just being together is a luxury, anything will suffice…However, I love when we can be alone and talk while cuddling
11) Do you have any children? HELLO!
12) Does he have a hidden talent? Most people don’t know that he is VERY sensitive, and I would say sensitivity is a talent.
13) How old is he? About to turn 36
14) Who said "I love you" first? He did. Hello!!! You know I’m captivating!
15) What is his favorite type of music? 80’s, 90’s, Country, and Rock
16) What do you admire the most about him? He is driven by his love of family. He works his tail off to provide for us. He sets my needs above anything else. He listens to me and communicates effectively. He is by far my #1 fan and encourages me in all that I do. He has strong desires for righteousness. He lets me be me.
17) Do you think he will read this? Yes, he loves my blog!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

3 Wishes

1. I wish my family was all together.
2. I wish I had more time in the day.
3. I wish I had an unlimited source of money to provide me with the opportunity to spend as much time with my family as I want.

What else is there?

Friday, October 3, 2008

Clean-O-Meter Tag

First off, I'm going to KILL Adrianne for tagging me on this one. Fortunately, I get to spread the embarrassment. I will tag Angel, Kaycee, Tara, and Mikelene. Ladies, get your cameras out and take a picture of the following things AS IS! Don't clean or move anything, just snap a picture and let us all see how messy or clean you really are! :) Fortunately, I am really good with camera angles...you're not going to have a clear view of my mess. Yes, I am a messy person, I confess...

The sink

Don't let the food gross you out! Honestly, though, the reason there aren't a ton of dishes in the sink is because they're scattered throughout the house. Yes, my kids are slobs. I, personally, do not leave dishes around. Notice the orange bowl. That is my color and it is in the sink...we are color coded. (We all have our own colors so I can spot whose dishes are left out. This gives me the right ammunition when scolding.) :)
The fridge

Yes, it needs purging.

A bathroom I chose Brandon's because his is the cleanest, for sure. He does really well about keeping it decent. Me, on the other hand, not so good. THANK YOU, Brandon, for saving me!
Favorite room This is my cleanest room. Therefore, it got chosen.
A closet This is the clean side of my closet (it happens to be my husband's side)..the other end, not so good. I know I told you I am terrible about throwing my clothes everywhere. ..Now my hubby is saving me. :)

Laundry room Normally, this room is horrendous. Luckily, I had to wash clothes today because Frankie is leaving in the morning for SC...not too bad.However, I felt I needed to show my hallway overflow because it is packed with clothes. I don't fold clothes or put them up for anyone. Everyone has to come get their own basket. Usually, they are slow about this so my hall stays cluttered. This is a normal look.
Favorite shoes Even though I work at Payless, I am not big on shoes. I do, however, like having my feet warm...so here are my slippers.

Self picture This is me trying to kill myself.
Kids It was VERY difficult rounding them up. Also, this is the last night for them to be together. Frankie leaves for SC in the morning.
Dream vacation This is definitely what I need right now...I am awaiting my Mediterranian Cruise that I will go on for my 20th anniversary...less than 2 yrs away. I plan on seeing Venice, Rome, Barcelona, Greece, others. Can't wait!!!



WARNING: get your house cleaned before you get tagged!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The ABC's of ME...

Tif tagged me...thanks!!! Hopefully, one day my kids will like knowing this info about me. Here are my ABC's...

A. Attached or Single? Eternally attached!
B. Best Friend? Hubby and Mary
C. Cake or Pie? Definitely Pie
D. Day of choice? Sunday, my true day of rest
E. Essential Item? My bottled water
F. Favorite Color? All earth tones
G. Gummy Bears or Worms? Haribo bears, white only
H. Hometown? Columbia, SC
I. Indulgence? Blogging, of course!
J. January or July? Hands down...JULY!
K. Kids? Don't you hear the commotion?!
L. Life is not complete without? Family/Gospel
M. Marriage Date? May 4th
N. Number of brothers & sisters? 3 brothers, 3 sisters
O. Oranges or Apples? Fuji apples
P. Phobias? Losing my family
Q. Quotes? Failure's not falling down, it's staying down.
R. Reasons to Smile? Most everything makes me smile...
S. Season of Choice? No brainer...Fall!
T. Tag some Peeps! I would tag Mary, but she still hasn't done my last tag...so...AMBER & CHRISTIE need something to do!
U. Unknown Fact about Me? I've seen bigfoot, for real.
V. Vegetable? Greek salad, especially the kalamata olives
W. Worst Habits? I throw my clothes EVERYWHERE
X. X-Ray or Ultrasound? I prefer neither
Y. Your Favorite Food? Bread & pasta
Z. Zodiac Sign? Saggitarius

Friday, August 29, 2008

About Me...

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I was named after an Italian song.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Sunday at church, that’s normal for me.

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? I used to have beautiful handwriting, but as I’ve aged I just don’t care. I write speedily and sloppily.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Uh, I don’t eat them very often, but if I were to choose I would say Turkey.

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I’m a good listener.

DO YOU USE SARCASM? Unfortunately, I use it way too much, especially with my family.

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Only if a family member depended on it

DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Spiritually, yes…Physically, no

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Bryers Mint Chocolate Chip

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? How they treat others

RED OR PINK? That’s hard. Red is powerful and bold, pink is delicate…they both look good on me…hmmmm…I can’t decide…I like them both.

WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Grrr…that’s hard too…so many…I guess I’ll say I care too much about worldly things.

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Mary and Liz Ann…Is that question fair?

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Orange…it’s bright, lively and earthy. (This doesn’t mean I’m not a Gamecock fan!)

FAVORITE SMELLS? vanilla

FAVORITE FOOD? bread

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Definitely happy endings…after watching The Prince of Darkness in high school, I never wanted to see another scary movie again. I’ve avoided them ever since.

FAVORITE SEASON ? Fall…not only is it cool, but it has beautiful earthy colors…also, who doesn’t love Thanksgiving?

FAVORITE DESSERT? I’m pretty moody on desserts. I love them all. My preference changes from day to day.

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The New Testament (with my family), AND my Biology, Chemistry, and ALS course books.

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? TV??? Who has time for TV????

FAVORITE SOUND? Anything tranquil…birds chirping, silence, rain…

WHERE IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? I’m not good at Geography, but I believe Hawaii.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Hmmm…I’m sure I do, but honestly, I don’t feel like using my brain power to think about it.

I tag Tyson, Mary, and Nicole...

Monday, July 28, 2008

Disney Princess

I am a Disney Princess and it appears that I am Pocahontas! (This might be a disappointment to my husband, considering he thinks Jasmine is super sexy. Oh, well.)

I am Free-spirited and wise. I have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know me. The wisdom and common sense that I have is really what guides me through life. Even so, I also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.



Okay, I guess I can live with that.
What princess are you?

Friday, July 11, 2008

Memories...

This tag is pretty unique, so I thought I would give it a shot.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

20 Year TAG

Thanks to Mary Beth I am responsible for revealing the following:

20 YEARS AGO (Yr 1988)...

I was a sophomore in High School. I turned 16 and could "officially" date. I traveled to Idaho to visit my sister, Delia. We went snow skiing at Brighton Mtn, UT. My best friend was Wanda Kinsey. I was dating John Bowen, Troy Hoard and a guy named Scott Barton, not simultaneously.

10 YEARS AGO (Yr 1998)...

I was living in Sumter, SC. I was a mother of four. I can't remember exactly which one, but I had one of the following callings: YW Counselor, RS Homemaking Leader, or Primary President. We went to the Shaw AFB Branch. (It was very small, so we had multiple callings at times...life was exhausting!) I also loved to collect Pokemon cards. Yes, you heard it right. I (me, not my children) was totally into Pokemon.

5 YEARS AGO (Yr 2003)...

I was a mother of five. I was living in West Columbia, SC. I was helping my father run his little convenience store. I became fixated on gardening. I loved being outside with plants (still do). I enjoyed landscaping my yard and picking vegetables out of my garden. There is nothing like a fresh cucumber eaten right off the vine. Yumm! I believe I was Enrichment Leader at this time.

1 YEAR AGO (Yr 2007)...

I got my hair cut short-short for the first time. (My hubby LOVES it!, BTW) I moved to Las Vegas. I got a job working at Payless. I was immediately called to be the Teacher Coordinator in Primary. I got to see my all time favorite show The Phantom. (Thanks, babe!)

SO FAR THIS YEAR (Yr 2008)...

I became the Assistant Manager at Payless. My oldest child graduated from High School. I restarted college. I'm aiming to get a BS in Dental Hygiene. I'm the RS Education Counselor at church.

YESTERDAY...

I went to work. I broke down in tears to my husband explaining that I miss my mother. I celebrated the 4th of July with Gabriel and Noah by watching the movies My Mom's New Boyfriend and Fool's Gold. (My husband was chauffering, Frankie was in St. George, Brandon was out, and Kela was uninterested.)

TODAY...

I cleaned my refrigerator (much needed). I went to work. I took Frankie out for lunch (Salad Creations). I prepared RS challenges to coincide with the Family Proclamation to hand out at church tomorrow.

TOMORROW...

I will go to church. I will participate in Family Home Evening. I will spend time with my husband (my favorite pastime).

IN THE NEXT YEAR...

I will send my oldest son off to college and my youngest to Kindergarten. I will continue working and going to school. I'm hoping to get more organized. At least, my husband hopes so. :0)

Drum roll...Now, I tag Mary, Tara, Sallie, and Carla.

Friday, May 16, 2008

TAG. You're it!

Thanks to Liz Ann, I have been tagged and am now responsible for the following:

TAG
1. Pick up the nearest book

2. Open to page 123

3. Find the 5th sentence

4. Post the next 3 sentences

5. Tag 3 people and acknowledge who tagged you

Okay, I had three books that were identically the same distance from me. The first was Strengthening Our Families, An In-Depth Book at the Proclamation on the Family. Its pg. 123 was just footnotes. The second book, A Heart Like His, Making Space For God's Love in Your Life (Our stake RS challenge to us), didn't have a pg. 123. So, that left me with my last book, Teachings of Presidents of the Church--Joseph Smith manual. It just so happens that pg. 123 is this weeks lesson for our ward. However, it is the section at the end where you have the questions to ponder. So here they are:

"What experiences in your own life have taught you that you must be worthy in order to use your spiritual gifts?

Review the secion that begins on page 117. In what ways does the Church benefit from having members with different gifts of the Spirit?"




I think I will take the liberty to answer these questions (I am going above and beyond :) :

1. First of all, spiritual gifts come from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will not dwell with those who are living unrighteously. Consequently, in order for spiritual gifts to be manifested one must be worthy.

One spiritual gift that I have is the gift of prayer. I quote my patriarchal blessing, "The Lord gives unto you the gift of prayer...He will always be present and no matter the location or the circumstances you through this gift will be able to receive the answers that you need..."

Prayer indeed has been a gift in every sense of the word to me. However, if my mind is caught up in trivial things, I clearly feel this gift fade from me. Only when I am truly focused on the Lord and His will do I feel the guidance, inspiration, wisdom, and direction that I need. I feel true power when I atune my mind to the Savior. The Lord's presence almost feels tangible during these times.

I have called on my Father in Heaven in many circumstances and attitudes. I bear testimony that when I have filled my mind and soul with frivilous and distracting thoughts, my prayers have been unfruitful. However, the times that I have pondered and meditated on the weightier matters of life, I have been lifted, sustained, succored, and invigorated. I have been enlightened, edified, enriched, and encircled with truth and love. It is beautiful. It is rewarding. It is peaceful. It is a gift of the spirit that is only felt when I am worthy. It is utilized and magnified when I am at one with the Lord.

2. Every member of the Church has at least one gift available to them. At baptism, the Holy Ghost was confirmed to each member. This companionship marked the way for spiritual gifts to flow. Not every member will have the same gifts, but every member will have at least one. Furthermore, we should seek after these gifts, for they are ours to inherit. They are an heritage to the righteous. They are ours to embrace.

It is beneficial that we come to together and share the gifts that we posess. The scriptures list what some of these gifts are. However, it is not a comprehensive list. Elder Robert D. Hales listed some other possibilites, "The gift to ponder; looking to God for direction. The gift to hear and respond to the still, small voice. The gift to be calm, which includes the ability to curb anger and to be temperate rather than contentious. The gift to study and to listen." Marvin J. Ashton said, "Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important...the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being aggreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony" And, Bruce R. McConkie summed it up by saying, "Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety."

Think about the many gifts that are offered and available to man. It is profoundly wonderful and awesome! Now, think about the many members of the Church and the contributions that they make because of the gifts that are accompanying them. Everyone's unique disposition and qualities embellish the Church. You may see in someone else a gift that you would like to develop. The fellowship and time spent together will help build and harness every member. You see, we all have something to offer and we all have something to learn. This unified effort, when we come together, only fortifies and strengthens us all to progress to greater heights.

As a reminder: D&C 46:8 counsels, "Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given"

And why are they given? ...
The gifts of the Spirit are always given to the saints to benefit them and also to edify others.

What gifts do you have?
What gifts do you need?

I pray that we will recognize the Lord's hand in our lives; that we will love with all holiness, and be faithful in our covenants, to live lives of shining examples, and keep moving forward with great strength. I testify that the gifts of the Spirit will help in our journey and will increase our abilities. Use them wisely. Seek them diligently.


Okay...
Hannah, Amber, and Angel
You are now tagged!