By the light of the full moon....

Yesterday was the weirdest day ever! People at work were yelling at eachother, some guy sent in a resume that consisted of 15 pages of a poem that talked mostly about female body parts (and using very nasty terms for them), people crying and finally to top everything off my cell phone incident.

At work they put out a list of everyone's extensions and cell phone numbers. Apparently this week they released the latest and greatest edition of said list. Well, one of my coworkers needed to get ahold of me, so she pulled up the list. "Oh, how nice, her cell phone number is listed, "she thought. "I will contact her that way." Unfortunately, I don't have a cell phone for work. I have a my personal one, but that's it. So, when she called my "number," she got a message from a "Devon" telling everyone she might return your call, but she's too busy taking a (I cleaned this up) a poo. Also unfortunate, the lady that called it first initially thought it was me and thought it was very "Un-Christian of me." Other coworkers quickly told her it obviously wasn't me, but some weird Devon. Weird thing is, the lady who put out the list doesn't know where the number came from and there are no Devons working here. So, as a result, and a weird one at that, everyone decided I need a cell phone for work. Yuck! It's such a lease! They better understand that I don't answer it after hours because my family is way more important than work!

Another thing with work this week. We have this important case that HR has been working on. My involvement is pretty minimal, except, I have to be the crying post (get it Mom?) for the lady in charge of it. Whine, whine! Stress, stress! We understand it's important, but relax! Take a serious chill pill...in fact some of the nurses have volunteered to sneak me some Zanax for her (of course they would never do it, but the offer was there). I try to separate work and home, when I leave, I leave it behind. This lady calls my boss on Saturday night because she thought of something. My boss gets so mad! It's great that she is so thorough, but we are not perfect and sometimes stuff isn't going to work out, and it's okay! Okay, enough on work.....

I've missed T.V. this week. I think I got to watch some T.V. on Monday and that was it. I've been busy all week. Including last night. I got home late and then looked at my house and silently screamed. Gross! So, I cleaned as James and the kids watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Yes, that's right OOTP! Thank you movie lady! Oh, wait, I have no idea who she is and I have never purchased anything from her trunk. Hee, hee. At least this one doesn't have some guy standing in front of the screen (like our copy of Hairspray). But, anyway, I saw 1/2 of ER last night and got totally confused. I've got all of the episodes on my DVR but haven't had time to watch them. Missed The Office and My Name is Earl, and I can't sit and watch them on Saturday because I have to go to Wickenburg! AAAHHHH!

Seriously, we have an absolutely beautiful Stake building right here in Surprise and no one really needed to go camp out before a training day. Come on! I love my Scouts, but I love my babies more and now I have to drop them off at 6:30am with my poor, poor mother who works too hard already, to attend a training, in uniform, outside. I know I will learn lots of things and I will benefit and so will the boys, but I can still protest, since it is my legal right as a citizen of these great United States. So, I go, with a heavy heart (it will lighten immediately, but hey I can complain, since it is my blog).

On a final note, this week I had the opportunity to do rounds on the Alzheimer's Unit here at my work. Unusual for me since I have no healthcare experience, but I get to help out. What a terrible, terrible disease. I love those residents and I'm so glad I get to visit them everyday! My heart is too full to write anymore. So, on that note...TTFN!

Another boring day in the neighborhood...would you be my neighbor?

Well, I had a meltdown at work today. Too much to do and too little time=me crying and everyone trying to figure out what's wrong. I'm better now. I believe...at least for now.

I'd love to get some sleep, but for some reason I just toss and turn. Or, I have such vivid dreams that it feels like I was up all night. At least one night was spent in Disneyland (I love those dreams!). I may have to breakdown and take some Tylenol PM tonight. Only bad thing is the Primary Program rehearsal is tomorrow, so I can't sleep in (well sleep in until 8am when Sophie wakes up like an alarm clock went off-like clock work, 8am on the weekends!)

The other thing that doesn't help is that my work is so incredibly boring today. Making files...ugh! It's hard to stay focused on files when Ebay keeps calling....I really have to stop! Yesterday I got some clothes for Sophie, today a sweater for Abby. I'm not spending alot of money, just alot of time!

I talked with my crazy brother today. He finally did all the paperwork so I can perform his wedding ceremony. Yes, I am the presiding authority at my brother's wedding. Strange I know, but that's what he wanted. Arizona is a strange state. Anyone can pretty much perform your wedding ceremony, no one really cares. I even checked the Arizona Revised Statutes. It can be someone you "deem worthy" to perform the ceremony. I guess he deems me worthy! But, I have to admit it feels weird to me. I really wish he would have asked a Bishop to do it. He's been on a "I'm not Mormon" kick for the last 10 years or so. I said that I saw him baptized, so he can't deny it. One day, I hope, he will understand why the gospel is so important.

Well that's all, TTFN!

A quiz....

MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
Italian, but honestly I don't like salads all that much way too healthy :)

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Japan Express, I'm on a Sushi kick! (not the gross stuff!)

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Hmmm.....Claim Jumpers? That's a hard one...

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
Usually a pretty good one, I used to be a waitress, so I know how important a tip can be.

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Right now, California rolls (if I wasn't low carb! so apparently cheese....)

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Bacon and veggies on thin crust (James thinks it's a waste, he said I should just get a tortilla)

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
Peanut, peanut butter and jelly! I love that song! Actually usually some sort of jam (easier to spread) but right now no toast low carbing! *sigh*

TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A picture of Sophie on her blessing day

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
Don't be shocked......5

BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
4 wisdom teeth, 2 tonsils, some adnoids and (very good answer) 3 kids

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
It's been awhile, but I have to go to the dentist soon and who knows, with my luck...

Q: What was the last time you lifted something heavy?
That's what James is for :)

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Nope

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No, too creepy

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I like my name, but always wanted to be called Kat (like in Taming of the Shrew, strange I know)

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
green

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
Not that I know of, but they say when you are asleep, *shiver*

Q. Have you ever saved someone's life?
I think I did by helping James join the church....but no I have never lifted a car off someone or anything.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
Heavenly Father and Jesus

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for$200,000?
No, but my little toe, hmmmm......again, that's what James is for (JK!)

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
Where do I sign up? I'm better at reading them :)

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
How hot and am I allowed to throw up?

Q. Would you give up tv for a year for $1000?
Try a million!

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
Eww, a crumpled tissue!

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
Yes! Gosh! Do the chickens have large talons?

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
Carpet and the fake tile stuff (some day!)

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
Stand, except when I was pregnant with Abby we had a cool shower in our apartment with a seat. If I stood up to long in the shower I would get dizzy, so I sat.

Q: Could you live with roommates?
No

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Right now, *sniff-sniff* on one

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Never, they scare me, well jail scares me

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
when I was younger, a broadway star! Now mom, wife and someday a teacher

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8?
My myspace? James

LASTOLOGY
Q: Friend you talked to?
Book club gals

Q: Last person who called you?
James

FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number?
I don't have one

Q: Season?
Sumautumn (that what we currently are experiencing her in AZ, a combination of summer and autumn)

CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone?
My kids...everyday at work!

Q: Mood?
Besides my headache.....calm

Q: Listening to?
Overhead pages at work...."Mark Laney, please call extension 6879." All day guys

Q: Watching?
The clock (I'm at work so nothing)

Q: Worrying about?
Money, what to do with the kids when they are on winter break, if I'll be allowed to go to a conference so work, if my package has arrived, will I lose more weight....Yes! I worry alot!

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
Sorry to be gross, I had to go potty!

Q: What can you not wait to do?
Retire from the State and do what I want to do, come on age 50! But now, I'm such a kid, Halloween!

Q: What's the last movie you saw?
At home I watched Dark Crystal with the kids.. Gelfling!

Q: Do you smile often?
Yes, it's a Customer Service must!

Q: Are you a friendly person?
I have heard that I am.

I've been lazy!

I admit, I've been lazy on posting. Sorry out there! To Becky, as soon as I get my camara arrangement fixed (complicated story) I'll get pictures up there! BTW, your kids are beautiful!

Okay, I have to admit an addiction.

Hello, I'm Christine and I'm addicted to Ebay....(this is where you say "Hello, Christine" like good 12-Step program people-well what I've seen on T.V.) Anyhoo, I can't stop myself from going on there! I've bought 4 things in October and it's only the 16th! Ahh!! It's totally like the commerical they are running for Ebay, comparing it to an English Fox Hunt. Ah, the thrill of the hunt. It really is addicting and I will probably soon have to have an intervention. But, in the meantime I will enjoy my Halloween costume and Sophie's Halloween costume and the shoes and outfits I got for her too. (Not including anything I'm currently bidding on)

Lastly,
I've shared my frustrations with Joey and after much contemplation, prayer, crying, arguing, pleading, bribing, promising, rewarding, yelling and grounding (in the last week alone) I've made an appointment to have him checked out for behavioral issues. This was really hard because no mother wants to admit anything is wrong with their child. But, I want to help him and I will do anything I can to help him succeed. It's hard to express this because I know people at church that don't believe that such issues exist. Well, all I can say is they have been blessed with children without behavioral issues. Heavenly Father made my baby this way and has given us the means to correct these problems through faith as well as science. And that's all I'll say about it because I get too emotional even writing this. Don't even get me started :) Right Tammy and Dennyse?

So anyway, I have an appointment to talk about issues (without Joey) on November 1st. We'll see how it goes. The appointment is the day before my brother gets married. That is going to be a busy week!

Well, there's my latest update. I guess I'd post more if I wasn't on Ebay :)

Before I drop....

I'm tired today. Mostly tired of work. HR is not a fun job! Anyhoo, we have an extra long weekend, and I'm excited! We have a birthday party (they really never end, when your husband has 24 first cousins, you pretty much have them every weekend) and Conference is on.

I really hope to get to watch conference. At least I do have a DVR, so I will be taping it also.

On a side note, my DVR is really, really full. James said I have to spend this weekend watching all of the shows that are clogging it up so we'll have room to tape. There are just so many shows on this year! We have a ton of new shows we have been watching, and honestly I haven't been disappointed.

Anyone else notice the amount of Mormons have increased on T.V. because of good ol'Mitt? Seriously, the media must be freaking out trying to figure out how to include us in everything. Let's point out the guy on House the other night...even a CTR ring. Wow. I just hope we are showed in a positive light and none of the "Utah: Pick a wife, or two" attitude. That is actually a T-shirt. Crazy, I know. And I'm not even going into the Gay Mormon Flight Attendant on Survivor. That's a strange one. The last time they had a gay Mormon on the show you didn't find out that he was Mormon until the show was almost over. Interesting isn't it?

Now, don't forget to comment after reading my blog...so many of you keep telling me that you're reading it, but not a comment...even the guy from India posted one time. But, thank you Amie, I appreciate that you read my blog and I enjoy reading your's. Thanks for introducing me to blogging and extra special thanks for watching my Sophie, you are great!!!!!

Sophie is 1!

Wow, what a weekend! Saturday was a special day because it was Sophie's 1st birthday. It was also a psycho busy day. Joey had Cub Scout day camp in the morning, Abby had a birthday party and then Joey had a birthday party to go to. We ended up the hectic day with the "Joint" birthday party at my brother in law's house.

Here's the run down....

First, my BIL offered to host this joint adventure. In fact, insisted that we do it and that it would be his pleasure. That's when he showed up at our door requesting to be provided with $120 to sponsor the buying of meat for the party. Apparently we had to have an entire cow or other large animal. James gave him $80 *scream* much to my BIL's shock. I thought he was renting a bouncy house. No, he needed additional funds to rent tables. *Sigh* how many people was he expecting? An entire cow and rented tables? So, the day arrives and James receives multiple calls requesting forks, spoons, plates, cups and candy for the pinatas. Mind you, HIS WIFE WORKS AT WAL-MART AND RECEIVES A DISCOUNT!!!! Hello, aren't they cheaper for you? So, we finally arrive after picking up the much desired plastic products. There is no one there that we know! In fact the whole night there was only 4 total family members (besides my BIL, SIL and kids). So, we provided money for a cow to feed complete strangers. And, not that she needs anything and it's really not what counts, but my daughter didn't receive one stinking gift! Not even from my BIL....nothing, or nada as that side would say. So, basically we gave him money to have his kids birthdays. NEVER AGAIN!!!! All I had to look forward to was her real party on Sunday.

I knew my mom was going to have a wonderful party for her, and it was. She put up pink streamers and a 1st birthday table cloth. She had a beautiful cake and my brother and his future bride bought her a mini cake from Wal-mart for Sophie to ceremoniously tear apart. Our great friends Dennyse, Auggie and Chris were there and we ate pizza. My Memere (grandma) was there and her husband Bob. Sophie opened up all of her presents (which means I did) and was instantly drawn to a pretend cell phone my mom bought her. She screamed when we tried to give her something else and screamed when her Papa took it from her just to remove it from the box so she could play with it. She sat on the table on her table cloth to eat her cake...(pictures coming soon!) and did well for awhile until she had a look on her face that Auggie described as the "Mom, I don't feel so good" look. We gave her a bath and put on her new jammies and she played with her new toys (and boxes) until it was time to go. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and was sound asleep for the rest of the night. I couldn't get her to wake up this morning, I think it was a sugar-hangover!

That party completely wiped out the horrid feelings my BIL's party brought on. Sophie is such a special girl and I can't believe it's been a year already. She goes to a doctor's appointment on Wednesday (9:50, Amie, she'll be in right after) and it will be interesting to see where she's at on the charts, my tiny one!

And, now for the last amazing thing that happened this weekend. Those of you with kids have probably experienced the amazing "one time only word or phrase." It's when your kid says something when they are learning to talk but never repeats it and you almost question whether or not it actually happened. I had a witness for this one. Sophie and Abby were getting their hair washed on Sunday. Abby and I were singing "Happy Birthday" to Sophie. Sophie usually hums along or "ahh's" trying to sing. We stopped for a second and Sophie said, "Hap-py bird a." Abby was so shocked she looked at me with her mouth open. We got her to say Happy again, but birthday, alas, was never heard again.