Christi's Deep Thoughts

New Year Resolutions 2010

2009-12-31T16:23:00.007-07:00

From the beginning of understanding what a resolution was, and how I was to write them down for reference, I have done just so.

January 1, 1988- Age 12

Dearest me,

I need to lose 10 pounds. I want to weigh 100 pounds by February 1st. I want my hair to be straight, and to say my prayers every night. I will read 1 chapter of scriptures every day. I will be more patiant(SIC) with my Brother and stupid sisters. Only if they leave me alone and quite(SIC) stealing my clothes and stay out of my room. I need a lock.

Eat good food

Listen in Sunday School

Be a better friend.

Save my money

Pay my tithing

buy a bike.

exersise(SIC) every day

Learn better basketball

See the Utah Jazz play for real at the Salt palace.

Love, Me

January 1,1992 Age 16

Dearest me,

This year I need to lose 20 pounds. I also want to become a better b-ball player and get nice and fit. I need to get my license,so get a better job! Also, how can I straighten my hair? Find out. Read your scriptures girlie! Every day, no excuses! Help Mom, even when your tired. How about a boyfriend? Ha. Pray always, even when you think no one is listening. Wash your face everyday!

Love,Me

January 1,2003 Age 28

Wow, New years again! In March we will have our 4th and final baby, a girl. So, my annual weight loss goal will have to " weight" haha. I am going to enjoy this baby, and not rush the small things. I will spend more quality time with each child, and instill in them a sense of belonging. Find their unique talents and help them develop them more. Don;t worry so much about how messy the house is girl. Your babies won't remember if the piano was dusted when they were growing up, but they will remember if you stopped to make cookies with them......

Love,Me

January 1, 2004 age 29

Sooooo. Um, yeah. I just read last years New Years Resolutions. We had that baby girl and named her Delaney Grace. She was a bit early. She will turn 1 February 21st, just in time to help welcome the 5th surprise baby girl due April 1st. Is that a coincidence? I'm struggling here!

April fools? So, lose 2 babies worth of weight this year with 2 babies 14 months apart or so. Keep the other kids alive and fed.That's all I can do this year. Love, Me

So, a trend eh? That last baby did come....early. Delaney and Sophie were 12 months apart. I suppose the beauty of a new beginning is just that...a new start to change bad habits that may have resurfaced, a chance to put things back into perspective. A new year somehow equals what it implies; NEWNESS. CHANGE. GROWTH.

So here it is, Christi's annual New Years Resolutions 2010:

Dearest Me,

Don't worry, just be happy my dear. Be happy:) Love, YOU.

Almost New Year. Music it is!

2009-12-31T12:16:00.002-07:00

So, tomorrow is the start of 2010. Dang. I'll write more on that later. Today is Parody day. We can't always take ourselves to serious like and stuff..I think that is a travesty. If we can laugh at ourselves occasionally, I think it makes for good blogging, and blackmail. As some of my readers know, I love Colbie Calliat. In fact, I have only bought 2 Music CD's in my life, and both were Colbie. I sing to her in the shower, while I' m cooking, and cleaning. I HEART her. So, I was looking on YOU TUBER, and found a fun one. Thought I would share it for your entertainment this beautiful last day of 2009. Have a GREAT one! p.s. Bubbly is my favorite song.

It's been 3 years...

2009-12-27T15:41:00.018-07:00

Nicole,Anna,Liz,Paula,Me.

Since I went Britney Spears before she did. 3 Christmas's ago, I was at a pretty desperate time in my life. My good friend Paula was going through chemo for mastatic breast cancer,I was working full time. Depression was my constant companion, Needless to say, I found myself armed with an electric razor in hand one early morning in an insomniac stupor. Buzzzzzzzz.......My over-processed locks fell silently to the floor. I remember looking at myself in the mirror, and sobbing. It was as if the taking off of my hair was a new start for me, a ritualistic symbol of the healing of my soul, my aching heart.

I finally fell into a deep sleep on the couch. I was afraid to go to bed and have my husband awake next to a stranger. I showed him that next morning, and he asked" What have you done?" I shrugged my shoulders. How to explain?

My hair has since grown back, and honestly, the whole experience was well worth it. I found that I have a nice looking noggin, not at all lumpy and scary like! It was rather freeing to shower and rub a towel on top of my head and TADA...dry! I vowed to never color my hair again..Myself. It was also pretty cool seeing what my natural color was after 18 years of coloring it. It was also refreshing to see what some view as a " Womans Beauty" no longer front and center. My hair didn't define me! How I cut it, styled it,colored it didn't determine my social status, my strengths or weakness's. I was ME regardless of being bald, or having beautiful flowing locks. I AM okay no matter what I look like. As someone once said " God don't make no mistakes." So, here I am. :)

~ChristinaMaria~

Sophie and Bald Me 1 week after shaving my head.

Not sure I can do this

2009-03-06T09:04:00.002-07:00

Emilee Ellis

I lost my dear friend Emilee Ellis on March 4th at 8 am to mastatic breast cancer. She was 37. She was my next door neighbor, and I first met her when we moved here to Cedar Hills in June 2008. She was a tender, sweet woman. Even being as sick as she was, she reached out to the "new" girl and made me feel welcome. She leaves behind 3 beautiful boys and a loving husband. You can read all about her and her obituary at http://emilee-ellis.blogspot.com

I re- tore my Achilles last week. If I go by what my Doctor says, I am fine. If I go by pain, and a huge swollen foot that hurts so badly, I cry everyday...... yesterday all day.

My doctor refused to give me the radiologist report from an MRI I had done this week. I felt impressed to go and get a copy. Let's just say my doctor is an idiot. I have a lot of stuff going on in this darn foot of mine. I can't even put weight on it. I have paratendinitis, paratendinitis, an ankle joint effusion and a high grade partial recurrent tear to the achilles. The scar tissue is insane....I just keep thinking that things can only get better. I keep getting worse, and the depression from all this is getting deeper and deeper. Weight loss is like..low down on my list. I am just trying to get through my day without wanting to crawl into the fetal position from all the pain.

I have a picture collage of skinny/fat Christi on the back of my bathroom door with great thoughts and quotes to keep me going. I don't know if I can do this.

~Christi

Organization, or lack thereof.

2009-02-11T14:09:00.005-07:00

Thought of the day:

Habit is habit and not to be flung

out of the window by any man, but

coaxed downstairs a step at a time.~Mark Twain

So, I have been unpacking from our move in June. We have a ton of crap, and I had a realization last night. I like my house clean. Shock? It has been the most challenging 7 weeks of my life not being able to move smoothly throughout the house. It's been neglected..and it was a small disaster before this injury. I FEEL good when everything is in it's place. I DO better with making choices when I feel good.
Of course, with 5 children that is almost laughable..but it has to be done!

I have done SO good the last 3 days. I am proud of myself. I wanted to Congratulate our biggest losers last month, KARILYNN AND KATIE O! You guys are so awesome, and really are motivating! You go girls....and that means all of you!

Thought provoking questions.

2009-02-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

Thought-Provoking Questions

If ghosts go through walls, why don’t they fall through the floor?

Why isn’t evaporated milk a gas?

Why was it that in all different cultures the men always used to come first and never the women?

When you feel down, why do people ask what’s up?

In horse racing, why do they award the rider and not the horse?

If insects are so obsessed with bright lights, why don’t they fly off to the sun?

What happens if you die in your dream?

Why do people more commonly skip breakfast than any other meal, considering that this is the time when the stomach is emptiest?

How are children supposed to take medicine if it’s meant to be kept out of their reach?

Why do people talk about ‘girlie’ things but never ‘boyie’ things?

If you sneezed on a computer, would it get a virus?

Can you dream of having a dream?

Why do we close doors and windows to reduce noise, considering that sound travels better through solids?

If Pinocchio said, “My nose is about to grow”, what would happen?

What did the designer of the drawing board go back to when his/her original design was a failure?

What sort of a vehicle did those huge 300kg tyres that are used in the World’s Strongest Man contests come off?

Why do we hang our clothes on a washing line and not a drying line?

Why do ‘a fat chance’ and ‘a slim chance’ mean the same thing?

Why does your nose run and your feet smell?

Why is ‘abbreviation’ such a long word?

Why are there seeds in seeded grapes, but no bones in a boned fillet?

When people go mental, why do they get physically violent?

Why do we never hear of people coming from ‘left west’ or ‘right east’?

What is an occasional table the rest of the time?

If you get a beer belly by drinking beer, do you get a pot belly by smoking pot?

Why is Friday 13th considered unlucky, considering that the Last Supper was on Thursday?

If you can enjoy yourself, why can’t you enjoy anyone else?

What would a burger of ham be called?

If dawn breaks, does dusk come together?

Why does ‘dyslexia’ have to be so hard to spell?

If you think you’re a hypochondriac, then are you one or not?

If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

Does God believe that there are atheists?

YUM

2009-01-21T21:54:00.002-07:00

Sugar free chocolate pudding. :) Need I say more?

Video of the Day

2009-01-21T21:50:00.001-07:00

Struggling.

2009-01-20T20:28:00.003-07:00

I want to give up. Trying to stay motivated is just not happening.

I cannot stand without assistance with this dang cast, so I have to lean on my crutches.

I am DEBBIE DOWNER. I don't even like re-reading this, because I sound so pessimistic. Fresh start tomorrow. SWEAT and TEARS...Right?

Video of the day

2009-01-09T20:02:00.002-07:00

See where video below came up with their cool rhythm and rhyme...
Check out the Super Bowl Shuffle from the great year of 1985

Video of the day

2009-01-08T23:47:00.004-07:00

The 80's. The awesome wicked rapping. The hair. The......you can fill in the blank after you see it.....

My most favorite video ever!

2008-12-11T20:27:00.001-07:00

Video of the day

2008-11-20T10:12:00.001-07:00

To clarify Twilight stuff.....

2008-11-20T09:40:00.002-07:00

Yes. I have read the book. I typically don't read romance novels because they piss me off. I'm sorry, imagination is good for you, but ladies, real men do not THINK, ACT, LOOK like the men do in these books. Example;" Her skin was like velvet, warmed velvet. She was slim, no delicate, she was tough , disciplined. She tasted of ripe, forbidden fruit, and smelled of midnight gardens......."

gag gag gag.

Men do not notice if you are soft. You are a warm body, therefore accessible. Real men would not know the difference between velvet and cotton-poly blend. Delicate is not a word that would come to mind in heat of passion. And the tasting.....LOL! What, pray tell would " forbidden" fruit taste like,as opposed to un-forbidden fruit, such as a pear, or a gala apple?

I am also sorry to add that if I were told I smelled like a midnight garden ( hmmmmm, would the smell be different, say, at 10:55 am?) I would question the sobriety of my Dear Man.

So, you might be asking yourself why I would go see a lovey story about vampires and LOVE.

Because I may be just a warm body. But there is something there to suggest maybe I am something else. I can think in terms of being unrealistic for 1.5 hours, knowing that none of those things are possible. or, at least never, ever going to happen to me! Because of course, this is real life.

In simpler times.

2008-11-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Debbie Gibson

What I really want....

2008-11-18T15:28:00.003-07:00

Is to leave home right now. Yes, It's true. I think Mom's in general have something wrong with them if they feel the need to be home every second. Right now, I am feeling like I am drowning a slow death. I am being pulled under longer and longer each time, and my breath is labored. Sometimes I wonder if there is really something wrong with me. I love being a Mom, a wife, but sometimes I don't LIKE it.
I want to leave. To be free for a few minutes of all chaos and responsibility. I'm tired. I'm beat. I feel like I have nothing else to give.
I'm a downer today.

Video of the day

2008-11-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

hehehehehehehe, that's all I'm going to say!

4TH FOLDER, 4TH PHOTO IN PICTURE FOLDER- AND 4 THINGS

2008-11-17T19:24:00.003-07:00

4TH FOLDER, 4TH PHOTO IN PICTURE FOLDER- AND 4 THINGS

I was tagged by Melissa.

Here's how it works. Go In your Picture Folder, choose the 4th folder and 4th file, then share 4 things about the photo:

1. I came into my bedroom one afternoon and saw this hanging from my fan, going around, and around.

2. I am truly embarrassed by the dust on top, and that it is slightly out of focus.

3. I have no idea what these cartoon characters names are....from the movie Incredibles.

4. I laughed the rest of the day.

Tagging Tay, Della and Carrie!

Thanks, this one was fun!

NOVEMBER 14, 2008

video of the day

2008-11-09T18:49:00.002-07:00

Don't you just love exercising? Here is my video of the day. This here features Miss. Judi Sheppard Misset - The founder of Jazzercise. Why oh why can't we bring back this great music, the beat, the form...it's like magical and stuff to watch.:)

Cool Animation!

2008-11-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Words of Wisdom

2008-09-30T13:30:00.000-06:00

Stole this from my friend's Blog..LOVE them!

Some of these may sound familiar.
Enjoy them anyway.
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01. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.
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02. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
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03. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
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04. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
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05. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
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06. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
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07. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
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08. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
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09. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
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10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
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11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
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12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
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13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
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14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
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15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
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16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
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17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
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18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
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19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips aremoving.
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20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
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21. Never miss a good chance to shut up
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22. Never take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Goodbye

2008-09-26T08:41:00.004-06:00

My brother was over last night, and as we discussed love and life, the subject came up of past loves. A name was mentioned, and I was taken back again as I had been many times over the years.

I think it is human nature to wonder, challenge, and even have second thoughts about the what ifs. what if I had actually finished college? What if I had waited to get married, to have kids. What if I had married HIM......

Him. My first love. All of us have firsts. First kiss, first date, first broken heart. We have these experiences for growth, and lots of times, the end result can suck regardless. That, or we mature enough to move on. Yeah, That's it.

So why did I relive these particular memories? What was this hold 17 years after the fact ( Holy crap, I'm old.....)

Why did I still have all the letters and cards....pictures and journals up in my closet? I knew my husband didn't approve, but yet I held on, desperate to keep it all. I reasoned with myself, that they were apart of my life, my experiences. MY memories. A good part of my life.

Last night, as I was chatting with my brother, I had a realization. They were not MY memories, but the dreams and wishes and hopes of the " Other" guy. The guy that I am not married to, and not IN love with anymore ( although, I will always love what we HAD..does that make sense?)

I read the first letter on top, a letter from me, it was time. I had written to as why I had kept these items, and how I really should have had a cleansing burning of them years ago, but did not feel strong enough to do it. For the first time, I felt strong enough. I felt I needed to to be free of DMC. To move on freely, and LET GO. LET HIM GO CHRISTI. It's time.

So, I poured out the box off letter's into the fire pit, my baby brother beside me, reassuring without having to say a word. I poured the lighter fluid over the written words, the envelopes bearing my name, the ink dripping, I took a deep breath. My brother asked me if I was okay. I said yes. Was I really? I took the lighter, and flicked it on. I didn't hesitate at all then, lighting the corner of several letters. Whoosh....It all went up in flames. I watched the orange flames kick and roar up toward me. I folded my arms across my chest, as if to hold myself up. I shivered while the hot air from the fire licked my face. I took a metal stick and stirred it. 2+ years of letters furiously came to life, curling and fighting back. I saw a drawn heart leap forward, and I nearly reached in to pluck it out, but I refrained. I coddled and tended the fire until all that was left was charred paper. It was done.

As the embers died, I glanced toward my glowing house. Children giggled from inside, dishes waiting to be tended to. Bedtime was drawing near, and tucking and bedtime prayers would be needed.

My brother only needed to give me glance, and his eyes told me he was proud.

When my husband returned home, I took the top piece of the box that bore my first loves name. I took him to the fire pit, showed him the name, then laid it upon the black, withered paper. He looked at me, then down and only asked "Really?" Really, I said. I lit the corner of the name, and all was done. He took me into his arms, and nothing else was said. Without a glance back, he lovingly took my hand, and we walked forward.

Waxing of the brows

2008-09-19T08:00:00.002-06:00

Since I am new to my area, I have run into a small predicament. It's time to get the brows waxed, and I don't know where to go. I know, this is a little personal. But, I must confess, I didn't even pluck, or wax them until I was 31. My sister Heather had always told me, no, begged me to get it done. For one thing, it wasn't THAT bad..I didn't have a uni brow or anything. They were a little bushy, but I argued the fact that they were really light colored, and wouldn't it hurt to have hot wax poured over them? She suggested plucking. Why not?.I bought some plucker thingies, and thought "No problem..." Proceed to brow. Grab hold of brow hair..PULL...HOLY CRAP! I was on fire.......after one hair! My eyes were stinging, and ears ringing. ( I am a baby!) And that concluded my eyebrow plucking experiment.
So, after that, hot wax didn't sound so bad. I tried it, looked better afterwards, and now I try and get it done at least 2 times a year ( I know it should be every 6 weeks, but again, I am a BABY, and claim my hair growth is really slow.!)
So, my quest is to find a place.Today. And become a new woman with a Popsicle stick and hot, melty wax!

I'm a front porcher

2008-09-18T20:31:00.003-06:00

There is nothing like sitting on the porch steps, weather cooperative, and a banana Popsicle in hand ( and mouth..) I am glad we don't have porch furniture, because it would just take up space, and I would end with my backside on the concrete anyways. I am an observer. Observer of people, cars, plants, animals and sounds. I look at the lake...scratch Elvis kitty's chin, then lick my dripping cold treat. I occasionally glance down at the weird book I have been trying to get through, then lean in to check on my growing watemelon the size of softballs. I think " How darn cute are those watermelon, too bad I planted them too late..."

Cue in Motorcyle sounds. Hmm..red Kawasaki...guy wearing his helmet, good for him! Elvis rubs on my leg. Scratch his ear. purr......
Wind gently sways, and my chimes create a mosaic of sweet sounds. I can smell my roses. That house across the street is still for rent..asking too much. Crazy market. Dog barks, door slams. I need to make dinner. sigh. Don't want to move. Just want to sit here until, until. okay, I want to stay forever.....

Would you believe me....

2008-09-14T21:08:00.002-06:00

If I told you that I have taken a picture a day...Minus the one day I had surgery? I won't bore you with all of them, cause they are boring. Yeah. They are.

I have a lot of stuff to update, but my other job of Mom is calling me now. I will do so in the morning. XOXOX

Christi

sigh

2008-08-16T21:45:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have been MIA! I caught up the picture of the day. WHEW! I really ought to keep up with that!
I've been glued to the TV in the evenings for the Olympics. I love swimming and Gymnastics. When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be an Olympic gold swimmer. Of course, that was the year the Olympics were in Los Angeles, close to where I was living at the time. Big deal back then! ( Holy cripes, I AM old...)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1984_Summer_Olympics
I begged for months after to take swimming lessons....but alas it was not meant to be. I will never know if I had it in me......:) Ha, ha!
So, my hormones are all wacky, and I have been wiping a few tears watching these young un's work their buttocks off, and win.
Dang, I am tired peeps! I will write more tomorrow.
~ C

Pictures

2008-08-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

Miss. " A "
August 14, 2008

My Miss. A's first day of 7th grade. I feel so very old. She is so very grown up!
August 15, 2008

Picture of the day

2008-08-16T21:36:00.000-06:00

My Garden...anybody want some squash?
August 10, 2008

August 11, 2008

August 12, 2008
llama? Dunno, but I dig his hair on top. I really wanted to give him a mohawk!

Miss. A
August 13, 2008

Picture of the day

2008-08-16T21:29:00.000-06:00

August 6, 2008
Rainbow above Lone Peak behind our house.

Our house at dusk.
August 7, 2008

Sun Rays
August 8, 2008

Elvis ( Poor li'l fella) and Bella. I'd better fix them soon, they are getting a little close......
August 9, 2008

2008-08-05T21:33:00.001-06:00

August 4, 2008

Baby birds on our front porch

Picture of the day

2008-08-05T19:12:00.000-06:00

Lake Powell
August 1, 2008

August 2, 2008
Trying out SIL Melissas cool camera lens....So jealous, I want it!

August 2, 2008 Bonus!
One of 3 fish I caught.....Poor little catfishy. I released them all.

August 3, 2008 On our way home.

Picture of the day X 4

2008-08-05T19:00:00.000-06:00

July 29, 2008
Laney did my hair. Pretty Ain't it?

My flowering tomato plant.
July 30, 2007

July 31, 2008
Nice sign in Kanab, Utah. The Freashest Sandwitches...hehehehe

IT

2008-07-28T22:40:00.002-06:00

Saturday night I was playing with our kitty Lilly. She is the cutest thing ever. Black and fuzzy. We have had her a month, and she's about 3 months old. We got her from a neighbor, who said she was a girl. I didn't want any male cats. ( No offense gentleman, but male cats.....) So, I'm messing around with Lilly, and happen to notice a nice package underneath. I look. I look again. I start to second guess what I am seeing. Maybe I just don't know what a boy cat versus girl cat area looks like. So I look at our other kitty Bella...and I am pretty sure " Lilly" has some goods Bella doesn't own. Poor Lilly is a boy. Hopefully the poor cat won't have a complex about his name the last several weeks. After placing names in a bowl, the first pick out was Elvis. Elvis it is. Other names in the running: Jethro ( My pick, dang it all) Chauncy, Willy, Pussy ( yes, real names put into bowl by 4 and 5 year olds....) Jacob, Booger, and my all time favorite. Keith.

Driving down Memory Lane

2008-07-27T20:32:00.002-06:00

I just moved to an area not far from where I went to school from grades 7-9Th. My old stomping grounds are literally up the street. This morning I went for a drive down those old familiar streets. It was eerie seeing where my best friend at the time Tonya used to live. Still yellow. Still looks like crap. At least they added a fence. Too bad it's chain link so you can still see the house.

I drove by the *Smith's place ( *Not their real last name...:):):) Then right across from there is the boy that made me play Debbie Gibson over and over. His name was/is *Ashley. (* yes, his REAL name..) Made me remember his obsession to Michael Jackson before the whole burning nose incident.

Next door to Ashley is the girl I almost beat the living daylights out of. ( We shall call her Nicole, and make you wonder if in fact it was/is her real name.) I went to her door in fight stance and her dad answered the door,asking if I had come to play with " Nicole". So, I was stunned for a minute, and thought..." well, technically, you could consider what I wanted to do to her face playing...... But instead, I slowly nodded no, and walked away. Sucker.

A bit more down the road are the Roberts. Still there after noting name on the mailbox. Good old Roberts. How I despised Kelly, and wanted her to look like Michael Jackson after his nose incident. She was holier than thou, and her smirk made you want to slap if off regularly. But then there was her older brother who was my first kiss at 13 ( he was 16...... male slut, so was the rumor..) on my back deck, under a blue sleeping bag with sprinklers for our sound effects, and the big dipper as our witness.

There are new homes too, and our old place looks just as it did. Same sky, same dreams still in my head as back then. Maybe someday I can move forward with a few......

Batman

2008-07-25T13:13:00.002-06:00

Batman, feeling the crunch of gas prices.........

Saw Batman movie the other night, and I actually liked it. I am not a huge follower of comic story lines, but of course there was this sick persuasion of it being Heath Ledgers last movie...even though I have watched only a couple other movies with him in it. I thought he was brilliant as the joker. It was good.( Even disliking Maggie what's her butt..She bugs me....get some cream for those eyes sweetie.....) Christian Bale was nice eye candy too......

Deeper thoughts

2008-07-24T19:30:00.006-06:00

I have decided that I want to keep this blog for me.....not about my children, or their crazy happenings. I have a family one for that. On here, I am not going to hold back, or apologize for my imperfections..I am just going to let loose. So, if there are grammar police in my midst....SUCK IT UP!

So, a few months back I came across a cool website. This guy named Jamie Livingston, took a picture a day for 18 years. From March 31, 1979 to the day of his death on October 25, 1997 . I thought it was a tremendous effort on his part. I have been thinking about it for months now, and have decided to give it a try. For those that know me well, I am not the most, how shall I put this..UM, Okay. I don't follow through with things that are not pressing. ( Like dishes...and stupid laundry.) So, this will be a challenge for me. I think I am going to try at least. To see Jamie's Pictures, go to http://photooftheday.hughcrawford.com/

And here is my picture of the day with added bonus of what I was in the car doing;

Photo A day July 24, 2008

We went on the Alpine Loop today, and it was gorgeous. The alpine loop is this wonderful corridor through the mountains, with beautiful forests of twinkling alpine trees. All those pictures were blurry ( Of course ) but the view was spectacular.

Just a song?

2008-07-23T09:35:00.005-06:00

On our way to the Colbie Calliet/John Mayer concert last night, I got into a great conversation about music with my SIL Melissa and Sister Holly.
We were listening to my Colbie CD, and Bubbly came on. I explained to them that when I had first found this musician on myspace, I had listened to that particular song over and over. I just loved it. While listening, was also reading blogs and what not. I found out an old friend had lost their baby boy. So, as this sweet song played, I read about anguish and loss...and my heart was breaking. The fact is, that no matter what, when I hear this song, it takes me back to the loss of this baby, to the feelings of sadness and loss for the parents.

I guess music is like that for me. I can be taken back to 1989 with only the first bar of
Lost in Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson. That was the song I connect to my first broken heart at the tender age of 14. Sitting on my bed in the dark, hugging a pillow to my heart, dreaming of that cool guy that would never in a million years notice little old me, and crying as I push rewind on my tape of Miss Debbie and getting lost....

Or perhaps it's hearing Teen Spirit by Nirvana and being whisked back to my Senior year in High school with the windows rolled down in a 1979 Cutlass Supreme, head banging down state street in Orem.....

Or maybe remembering that first sweet kiss of my first love to Vanessa Williams on Squaw peak. Even now, when that plays over the grocery store intercom system, Every emotion, taste, & smell invades me, and I am there once again like it was yesterday.

Just a song to many, I'm sure. But music is just as much a part of me as eating and sleeping. Every song IS a memory, a sort of journal that I can reach back and pluck something from. The year, the feelings, the insecurities, the pure joy...anger, frustration.... all rush back. It's good to remember. Keeps us moving forward, waiting to hear the next memory.

K..Need to start this up again

2008-06-10T21:42:00.002-06:00

I will begin with a tag from Melissa!

Five jobs I have had in my life:

Manager at Taco Bell
Merry Maid
Cashier at Reams
Newborn Photographer @ Hospital
Photo Developer @ Walgreens

Five movies I've watched more than once:
Steel Magnolias
Beaches
Don't know!
Not a huge
Movie
Person.

Five Places I have lived:

Minot, North Dakota
Huntington Beach, California
Salem/Keizer Oregon
Arvada Colorado
Memphis, TN

Five places I have been:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Maui, Hawaii
New York City
Calgary, Canada
Atlanta, Georgia

Five people who email me on a regular basis

Kari
Gianetta
Melissa
Nathan
Julie

Five of my favorite foods:
Mexican
Chinese
Arby's French Dip
Toxic Smell
Roma tomatoes, avocados, & feta cheese

Five places I would rather be right now:
In bed
Hawaii
Taking a bath
Hanging out with Melissa, Holly & Carrie
With friends/family

Five friends who I will tag:
Kari
Carrie
Holly
Julie
Della

Five things I am looking forward to this year:

New House
Lake Powell
Summer BBQs
Date nights
Losing my weight!

Five TV shows I watch: ( or want to watch?)

Without a Trace
CSI
Medium
Cold Case
No kid shows!!

Wow...over a year

2007-12-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!
I can't believe a year has gone by since I have blogged on here! Whew! A lot has happened, but I won't bore you to tears by sharing it all with you. Biggest event...I moved. Yeepers. I am back home. Snow capped mountains. Bad drivers. ahhhhh, the good life!

I just wanted you all to know I am going to try and catch up on here. Keep checking back!
~~~Christi~~~

It's almost been a week, I'm healing....

2006-11-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will mark a week since my surgery. I am healing nicely. I am sore and bruised from the incisions, and still really tired. My tummy is still swollen too. But, that pain on my right side is GONE! Whoohoo!!!
So, the diagnosis. The cyst on my ovary was pea size by surgery date, so he left it alone. I was correct in where my pain was coming from. Everything else was FINE! The uterosacral ligaments that attach the uterus was where the pain was originating from. On the right ligament there were 5 " Cysts" with their own nerve endings. They are not supposed to be there. That was why I was in so much pain. I am just so happy it was something that could be fixed. Although, they are likely to grow back again at some point. Could be 3 years, or 3 months ( Hoping for years..) He was able to burn them off. There were a couple on the left side, so they are gone as well.
My Mom was able to come on short notice, and I was happy to have her here. I was able to sleep and rest. She made lots of yummy meals and treats.
Sorry this is short. I just thought I would give you all an update. I will hopefully be back online soon.
ChristinaMaria

Health Stuff

2006-11-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

I went to the Dr. again yesterday. I am feeling very discouraged with my body right now. This year I have been through more health problems than I would ever care to have again.
I went back in because the pain I have experienced since July ( The same pain that had me end up in the ER in UT thinking I was having a appendicitis.) has gotten worse. The Dr. was hoping after this last surgery that it would go away. It has not. Even with the pain there, and the discomfort and tears, I have delayed getting back to the doctor. I have felt more like a burden to my family this year than a help. I sat on that all familiar fake leathered, slick, brown table covered with flowered paper at the Dr's office, and had unwanted tears falling down my face. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?" I screamed this in my head, as the paper under me shifted, and it made that crunching sound.
Dr. Worthan went through the scenarios. It could be that cyst from August, could be endometrios, could, could, could.....BLAH BLAH BLAH. I mean, come on. I played the "could" game already at home typing my symptoms into Google. Who's the Dr? Who gets paid the big bucks? After 3, almost 4 months, surely the good doctor might have an idea?
So, I get another Ultrasound. If it is an Endometrioma Cyst, than he can treat it with a shot of something that puts me into " fake" menopause. Great fun. If the cyst is gone, then that narrows the playing field for where the pain is originating. If the cyst is bigger, than surgery will be required, and depending on what he finds during surgery, I might lose my ovary and uterus, or I could feel like a million bucks because the pain would be GONE.
Ultrasound findings are that the cyst is significantly larger ( I don't know how big that actually is though) and it is NOT an Endometrioma Cyst. So, he wants me scheduled for next week for surgery. Tuesday it is. Another burdensomeness mess for everyone.Finding childcare, knowing that I can't lift my toddlers for a week or so. I just feel like I am an inconvenience for everyone involved. This is short notice.
I just want to feel better,ya know? I don't want to feel like I am in labor( That's what the pain feels like, early labor all day.) Done complaining:)

I know that compared to dear friends, my maladies are like kiddy candy. I just found out last week that my dear friend Paula, a friend that I have know for 4+ years, had our last 2 kids within weeks of each other is fighting for her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when her littlest baby was an infant( He is 2.5 now) She beat it, had radical mascectamy to be safe. She went in for a routine scan, and found that metastatic breast cancer that has traveled either through her blood or lymph nodes to her liver. They see five tumors in her liver right now.She also got more bad news yesterday. It is in her bones. Her back had been bugging her for a while. It's in her spine.
I want to scream. I am aching for her. I am crying and praying for her. She is fighting. She wants to see her babies grow up. She is only a few years older than me. I will write more on this later. I can't write anymore.
ChristinaMaria

Halloween 2006

2006-11-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

Angel in progress( HAHA) Miss. Aubrie Nicole

Halloween Pictures 2006

2006-11-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2006

Fairy Princess Sophie

Tinkerbell that refused to wear her full costume Delaney

Sword fighting, ninja destroying Knight Caleb

Dr. G.....wanted to be a Veterinarian, but decided to be a real Doctor Kiera.

My life!!

2006-10-23T08:12:00.000-06:00

I know you have probably had this emailed to you a gazillion times, but I still giggle every time I get it. So, I thought I would post it!

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.

Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened.

He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?" "Yes..." was his incredulous reply . She answered, "Well today, I didn't do it."

Have a nice day!
ChristinaMaria

More strep, cotton candy hair. Old age.

2006-10-20T01:09:00.000-06:00

Laney and Sophie do have strep. I went in to get checked, and although my test came back negative, he did note that my tonsils and throat were red and swollen, and pocked with scar tissue. He asked if I had problems with infections in my youth. That is an understatement.
Caleb was in the clear.
I am feeling so blah. I haven't been getting to the gym, and am feeling the effects of not exercising. Part of that is that stupid pain that has been giving me fits since July. I really wish I had the fortitude to go through medical school. Nursing school is looking better and better. When all the kids are in school, that is my goal. It's funny how your life's ambitions can take a radical change so late in life. When I was in college, my major was early childhood education. After I had kids, I said " NO WAY!"
I am not a young duckling anymore. I see it everyday in the mirror. I plucked a grey hair from my scalp on Monday. YIKES! I have laugh lines around my eyes. Nathan recently commented that I have wrinkles on my forehead when I am in deep though, or I am angry. ( Thanks for pointing that out dear..)
You rend to think of yourself as always being young. I am still Me, still Christi. I still think like I did when I was 16, and I remember all too well my teenage years like they were yesterday. It blows me away that I was 16 16 years ago. Half my life ago. You just never think that old age is creeping up on you. Not until you run on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and feel like your having an aneurysm.
I assume that is how our parents, and grandparents feel. Your heart and mind still are young and the memories are there, but your body starts to betray you. Hands that used to be porcelain, flawless and smooth now bear the effects of time. I have noticed it with my own hands. My Mothers hands. Hands that do mounds of laundry and dishes. Hands that bathe children, and peel potatoes. Hands that soothe fevered brows and clap the hardest as children kick a soccer ball, or sing in the school talent show. My hands now bare battle scars from raking leaves and lifting bags of groceries. All for using them as they were meant to be used.
So, I am growing old. So what. Graceful I may not be, but every scar, grey hair, line on my face will have been earned the very hard way. So bring it on Father Time!

Oh, Cotton candy hair. I desperately tried to straighten my hair this morning. I lined up my arsenal of product. Hair straightening serum and cream, a special brush, and blow dryer. I somewhat succeeded after 30 minutes of pulling and blowing hot air onto the cuticles. I was happy!
Then, I walked out to the van with the little ones to go run an errand. It was drizzly. As soon as that moisture hit my hair ( and not even the rain itself, just the moisture in the air) it was over.
I will use cotton candy as an example. Have you ever eaten cotton candy? Of course you have! When your tongue moistens the candy ( Pure sugar I may add), it melts. Yep. That's my hair. Simple as that. A clumpy, curly mess. I need desperate hair help.

G'night my little birds!
ChristinaMaria

Strep Throat

2006-10-17T22:57:00.000-06:00

Yeppers, it's strep. Aubrie's Temp was 103 when they got to the Dr's. We will take the little girls in tomorrow to get them swabbed. Perhaps Caleb to be on the safe side. Hopefully their meds start to work fast. I was a little peeved at Nate though. I called his cell and told him to get the antibiotic shot. They get home and he says " They wouldn't get the shot." I said "What do you mean they wouldn't get the shot?" Long argument later, the girls balked at the idea of the shot, and Nathan thought he could save a few bucks going the route of 10 l o n g days of oral meds. * Sigh* ..... 1 shot in the hiney versus 2 doses a day for 10 days ( that is 40 doses among them in case you have to count on your fingers like me..) Grrrrr. I argued that the choice was not theirs to make, that it was non- negotiatible. I lost an already lost battle. Sometimes choices we make for our kids are not the most popular , and they may not be so thrilled with those decisions. But, in their best interest, some decisions are based on a logical and safer alternatives. Yeah..They will hate me when they get older, eh?
So, here I am with a sore throat, wondering if I need to get checked as well. I missed several weeks, if not months in 5th and 6th grades to strep( and thus becoming immune to several antibiotics) This is only the 3rd time Kiera has ever needed antibiotics. I am not one of those mothers that takes her child into the DR if the sneeze, or cough, and demands antibiotics. I do my research, and only need the John Hancock on a stupid piece of paper for the medication. I already knew the rash Kiera had was a strep rash. Maybe I should become a medicine woman and find the natural cure in Africa with Sean Connery. Hmmm...There's a thought!
Okay, I had better try and get some sleep. The girls will be missing one more day of school, and it will be like pulling teeth when I get their make-up homework tomorrow. I don't even want to think about how much work they will have.

~G'night all. Sweet dreams.
ChristinaMaria

P.S. I think I am psychic. Seriously.:) I dreamed Sunday night that I was sitting at the kitchen table and there was an earthquake. I told the kids to get under the table. I didn't find out until Monday, late morning that one had hit Hawaii. My friend Kari expressed worry, and wondered if we should go over to the islands and see if our assistance would be needed on the beaches....

Off to work I go

2006-10-17T14:33:00.000-06:00

I started a part time job this week. I am working at Target in soft lines( Clothing, shoes accessories, ETC) Some extra money for the holidays, and our trip to Arizona this Christmas. Plus, if you you can believe it, it's a break for me. Something different, away from kids for a couple hours. I miss Nathan though. I enjoy the work. I was going to work the night shift ( 10-3 or 4) but decided against it. Even with my insomnia, I was afraid I would wear myself thin. So 6-11 is not too shabby. Only 20 hours a week.
Kiera saved up enough money to buy a replacement hamster for Delilah. She decided on a male on this time, and got as handsome chocolate and cream colored one and named him Covington. I am sad to report that his strong name was not enough to sustain him, and he passed sometime Saturday. Kiera was beside herself. I honestly could not console her. I told her that perhaps hamsters were not the best pet, and maybe we could convince Daddy to get a puppy. Her sad eyes have about won him over, and we may get a dog soon. Hopefully one that will snuggle with a 9 year old animal lover and be content in her arms for a few years.
We have all been so sick the last week. Some nasty , fever bug. Nathan is taking the older girls to the Dr. Here in a few. Kiera has a weird rash today, and her fever won't go below 102( 4 days now) Just when they seem to be getting better, they both crash again.

I will write more later.
ChristinaMaria

Bliss. Sleep.Too much to do Saturday. Long winded stuff about nothing.

2006-10-07T07:46:00.000-06:00

YEAH!!!
I was able to fall asleep before 3 am! It was close, but I did it! I feel somewhat refreshed. Although, the last few precious moments in bed should gave been cozy and lazy, but the thoughts started up again. The Grocery list was running though my head. The washing machine that we need to put the new agitator part on so I can do laundry. Mowing the lawn, preparing my Sunday School lesson one more time for tomorrow. I get to train a newbie. Boy is my replacement in for a huge roller coaster of a ride! ( I was released last week. I will tell you later what my newest calling is..) What kind of cake Aubrie wants for her birthday on Monday. Chocolate or white? I would assume, her being related to me that chocolate would be in order. Chores. Maybe going to the YMCA to work out today and let the kids swim.
What ever happened to lazy Saturdays? Reading the newspaper while sipping OJ and eating puffed cereal? That is why I chose to take a Mommy break from Soccer this fall. I just could not even deal with 3 different practices, 3 different days. 3 games on Saturdays, all different times. Aubrie was really peeved at me. More so when her old team coach called me up to take the team pictures. I told her that each kid could chose what activity they wanted to do this spring. Aubrie wants soccer. Kiera is leaning toward Gymnastics. Caleb will play b-ball this winter, and I was thinking of Piano in the spring. He has shown an apitude for playing. Nathan played the one song he even remembers from years back,( E.T theme song, LOL) and Caleb went to the piano after he left, and played it. He has my ear for it,( I can play anything one handed by ear, but I don't read music well, although I know the notes....) and perhaps the gift to really make some beautiful music. He is such a talented guy, that little man of mine.

Nathan and I got to go out last night on a date. We had free movie passes. We went and ate at On the Border, and then saw The Guardian. It was a pretty good movie, overall. I am not a Kevin Costner fan, or Ashton Kutcher, but it was a good film. So, I give it 3 thumbs up! That is, If I had 3 thumbs I would do so.Maybe 2 thumbs and a big toe. :)

I have been enjoying old pictures that Holly's friend Barbara has been sending me. I look at them and see the fight I fought even then for control of my hair. I guess the 80's isn't the best hair decade, especially for someone with curly hair. At the time I thought it looked good. I had a fro. Blow drying curly hair, as I see from the evedience, only increases frizz. And the poor ozone from all that Aqua Net. Watch for pictures from my past later on today!

Insomnia

2006-10-06T23:17:00.000-06:00

Insomnia is characterized by an inability to sleep and/or to be incapable of remaining asleep for a reasonable period. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and nonorganic insomnia constitute a Sleep disorder. It is often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs or caffeine. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.

I can't sleep. I just lie there looking at the red projector clock on the ceiling. I count how many times Nathan turns over. I kick the cat around with my restless feet. I hear every creek the house makes. I listen to the Fedex planes fly over the house. I hear every groan, snore, sigh, cough, sniffle that each child/spouse makes. I know every morning around 1:30 am Kiera stumbles up the stairs, knocking into walls and doors, fumbling for the bathroom light( Even though there is a functional, bright night light.)

My mind is overactive. I think about too many things, but this occurs all day every day. I really would like my night to be free of worry and wondering. When I do get that opportunity to fall into a deep sleep, I am living my day over again in my dreams. ( Very vivid dreams, I might add)

I have tried just about everything. Herbal Tea. Hot shower. Last night I ended up on the couch reading some love story at 1 am. ( I hate romancy novels...yeah, I know that romancy is not a word. Add it to my list of Christiisms.) I was giggling, eating Haagen Daas Dulce Leche ice-cream out the container, with a purring cat snuggled up against me. Sounds nice, but preferably during the daylight hours. I did eventually fall asleep. I woke up on the couch, and no sooner than lying my head on my own pillow, in my own bed, did both little girls wake up. Sigh.

So, it says above that " Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is usually necessary to cure it.So, what is the underlying cause? It's not like I am lying there in a darkened room, tired and praying to stay awake. I WANT to sleep. I NEED to sleep. SO, what is the cure??

ChristinaMaria

SHOUT..it out!

2006-09-27T12:50:00.000-06:00

All the laundry. So many clothes. Socks. Lots of socks. Too many socks. I need to invent a device that matches them for me after each load. Like, each sock has a little micro chip in the heel. It can't be matched up unless it matches the chip in the matching sock. When the sock monster takes off with one, it would sound an alarm! Either that, or you could clap, and it would suddenly appear. Well, it's nice to dream anyways.
And I need to find a place that sells vats of stain remover. I can use a whole bottle on one pair of Caleb's shorts. Even that doesn't guarantee that it will come out clean. Maybe we need to invest in a laundromat heavy duty quadruple load washer. Sure would make it worth my while! Then again, we would have to get the super duper dryer to go along with it. Maybe we could charge the kids money to do their laundry....Hmmm, that's an idea! DING DING! They would learn how to budget their money even more realistically. Tithing. Savings. Laundry coins! I think Aubrie might roll her eyes right out of her head if I proposed that!

R.I.P Deliah

2006-09-27T08:58:00.000-06:00

I guess I am wondering if it's bad when your computer sounds like a hamster on an exercise wheel. I think there might be one hiding in there, or maybe the computer just has a really bad cold. I hope it doesn't croak.

I have no motivation today.

Speaking of hamsters, I feel bad about something I did yesterday. Two weeks ago, Kiera's beloved hamster Delilah was found in her cage deceased. For those that know our sweet Kiera, you know that the world was ending on that day. She was hysterical, and inconsolable. Delilah live much longer than I had anticipated ( 8 months longer than poor Annabelle, who died after only 2 weeks. Words of wisdom; don’t wash little hamsters with dawn dishwashing detergent.... )

Kiera had a proper hamster funeral in our " Pet Cemetery" on the south side of the backyard. Yesterday I was in the backyard-playing ball with the kids, when I noticed a little white box above the ground. I recognized it, and hastily picked it up before Kiera saw it. Poor, poor Deliah. She had been dug up out of her VERY shallow grave by a raccoon or other varmint. I hid the box behind my back and walked sideways to the gate. Kiera called out " Hi Mon, whacha doing?" " Um, Checking dinner, could you watch the little ones?" YIKES! I threw the poor little beast in the garbage can. Darn. Kiera is so tender-hearted about animals that I hope she she never finds out.

Picture contest!

2006-09-27T07:58:00.000-06:00

Getting in on the fun!

Okay, caption this picture contest. I will post the winner by September 30th!

2006-09-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

After an exhausting day, the princess fell into a deep slumber.

She didn't realize that the floor was much harder than her soft pillow.

Goodnight sweetheart, Goodnight.

2006-09-26T15:48:00.000-06:00

She moved the carpets together!

2006-09-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

She was telling me she wasn't going to " get" her stories!

Look at those bicepts and tricepts!

Where to next...Mom & Dad's room!

2006-09-26T15:39:00.000-06:00

CHEESE!

Awww..melt my heart why don't ya!

Getting her room cleaned! Good job!

She kept finding little pieces of this and that to place in front to suck up!

2006-09-26T15:32:00.000-06:00

"I'm going in there Mom , K?"

What a cutie pie!

Love this little girl in pigtails!

"Hey..What up Chica?"

2006-09-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

Hmm..Caleb's room next!

2006-09-26T14:47:00.000-06:00

Sophie wanted to help vaccuum yesterday. I followed her around the house as she was such a good helper!
She put all her weight into it! ( All 26 pounds of it!)

Very intent on the job in front of her!

Just what are you looking at Mom?

2006-09-08T14:22:00.000-06:00

Hi!

I thought another addition of The Complaint Book would be a fun Friday read. I see a trend here with poor Caleb's name. The kid doesn't have a chance of getting a word in edgewise with all these girls around. Remember all spelling and sentences are their own.

August 29th. 7:27 p.m. Central time. Log book.

" Caleb would not help me clean after working for at least an hour." -Kiera

" Caleb embarrased me at the parent + teacher meeting today." -Aubrie

8/30/06

I NEED SOME PRIVACY AROUND HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Kiera especially keeps coming into my room, and reading private things, and messes up my bed. Please, I need some privacy!" - Aubrie

8/30/06

" Make Kiera stop staring at me! She stares at me during the day, ALL the time!Whenever she gets the chance, she stares at me. IT GET'S ON MY NERVES!" Aubrie

September 5, 2006
" Caleb will not stop yelling, "Kira Kira Kira, and I am tired of people not calling me by Kiera as in 3 syllyboles. He also called me stupid Kira.

2006-08-30T15:55:00.000-06:00

Best friends. Sophie, Delaney and friend Sadie in Orem, Utah.
Summer 2006

2006-08-28T19:37:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful day today!!! I got to enjoy my birthday present. A full day at the spa. Manicure, pedicure, facial and full body massage . I also had a lovely spa lunch. I felt out of my element eating in a room all by myself.I am still walking on cloud nine I have a truly wonderful husband who loves me!

I made a second installment of The Complaint Book for my kids. Tattling is rampant, and I am tired of it. On the front of the notebook it reads:

Complaints

Please tattle in here. It will be read weekly. Remember: If no one is hurt, no one will get hurt, no danger is involved, you are to write account here. Annoying habits are included!

Here is a sampling from the first hour of unveiling. All is included, even spelling is their own:

" Kiera slammed my foot with Sophie's barbie Bicycles, even when I told her to stop! She did it on purpose. " -Aubrie

" Well, Aubrie pushed me for it. Ouch. Either way, Caleb undressed in the kitchen and was pretending to take off his underpants ( Underwear)8/28/06:(
Please read what Caleb did. Thank you!!!!!-Kiera

" Caleb came downstairs and snuck T.V." - Aubrie

* SIGH* I have a feeling this will be a funny read every night. Maybe this will ease some of my misery hearing 3 kids assaulting me from all sides. HA. We shall see.

Goodnight!

ChristinaMaria

2006-08-25T16:15:00.000-06:00

2006-08-25T16:14:00.000-06:00

2006-08-25T12:15:00.000-06:00

Today is my 32nd birthday. Another day older, but yet the wiser seems to elude me! I have had so many well wishes and phone calls. Thanks everyone! A friend brought me some Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice-cream this morning. I had told her last week how I had resisted it while at the grocery store. So, I am not sure if her giving it to me was vindictive or not.:) No, I was happy! It is my birthday, so I needed to indulge in something bad for me. ( Bad, but oh so good!) I decided to have only a spoonful then put it back in the freezer. Well, One spoon turned to two, then three. Then 3 year old Delaney and 2 year old Sophie came over for a little taste. Well, we made of game of it. How could I resist those faces? I would give one a bite, then the other. Then of course they INSISTED that I have a bite too. So you see where I am going with this folks? Yes, it's true. We ate the WHOLE thing. All 473 mL. 1 pint of creamy, delectable, 300 calorie and 18 grams of fat per tasty serving of it!

I was thinking. ( A big stretch, I know.But, stay with me for a minute!) My Mom said she had a proposition on MYspace yesterday. She e-mailed me the letter, and I just can't resist posting it here. I will add my thoughts in italics, and my response to her at the end. I got a good laugh out of it!

" Sounds like your place was a busy/popular spot in the neighborhood. That's good. You must be a very open, approachable "mom" and anchor to have such a wide following. Have you ever spoken with anyone, in person, that you've encountered in here? Done lunch, a walk in the mall or any such nonsense? Totally non-romantic.( yeah right) I'm not suggesting any such thing actually. I'm just a person who likes to take walks and have met a few interesting people from online who also like to walk.( I am surprised only people online like to walk, I thought it was a pretty universal thing?) So I guess it was a suggestion of sorts but no problem or pressure one way or the other. Anyhoo, have a good one. DJ "

I told my mom to respond as such( Please, no offense to those wheelchair bound, oxygenated, or severally overweight)

" You should write back and tell him how you are physically unable to walk, as you weigh 467 pounds and are in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask. But, maybe he could push you around at the mall, since you have been house bound since 1986...."

Any other suggestions? I have to honestly say I have never been asked out on MYSpace. I did have some guy ask me to be his friend, as he has just moved to Memphis from India. Does this really happen often?

Have a good night:)

ChristinaMaria

2006-08-25T12:10:00.000-06:00

2006-08-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

Okay, Just some fun stuff today. Does anybody else read the peciluar news from MSN? WEll your in for a treat today. Here are a few of my favorites! I am really wishing this first story could happen to me!

Solved! The case of the mystery maid
Unexpectedly cleaned house befuddles woman, and police just laugh!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - When Debbie Phillips tried to report a crime, police just snickered. "I told him that someone came into my house and cleaned," the president of the Putnam County School Board said. "He just laughed."
The problem wasn't that her home smelled a little fresher or looked a little tidier. The problem was that Phillips had no idea who the mystery cleaner was.
Her husband denied cleaning up the joint. So did her next-door neighbor. Everyone she asked denied responsibility.

All she knew was the rugs weren't where she had left them that morning in June. Trinkets had been rearranged and in the master bedroom, the bed was made differently.
It didn't look like anything had been stolen, but she couldn't be sure.
Nearly a month passed before the mystery was solved. Her son called her at work recently after a cleaning lady arrived at the front door.
As it turns out, her neighbor across the street, with a similar house number, the same number of rooms to be cleaned and a house key hidden in a similar spot outside, had hired a cleaning service.
"They just came to the wrong door," Phillips said.

© 2006 The Associated Press.

Workers discover chocolate Virgin Mary
Drippings beneath vat at chocolatier bear resemblance to mother of Jesus

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - As a chocolatier to the rich and famous, Martucci Angiano has posed with many celebrities — but on Thursday she held in her hand a figure that dazzles her more than any Hollywood star.
Workers at Angiano's gourmet chocolate company, Bodega Chocolates, discovered under a vat a 2-inch-tall column of chocolate drippings that they believe bears a striking resemblance to the Virgin Mary.
Since the discovery Monday, Angiano's employees have spent much of their time hovering over the tiny figure, praying and placing rose petals and candles around it.

"I was raised to believe in the Virgin Mary, but this still gives me the chills," Angiano said as she balanced the dark brown figure in her hand. "Everyone should see this."
Kitchen worker Cruz Jacinto was the first to spot the lump of melted chocolate when she began her shift Monday cleaning up drippings that had accumulated under a large vat of dark chocolate.

Chocolate drippings usually harden in thin, flat strips on wax paper, but Jacinto said she froze when she noticed the unusual shape of this cast-off: It looked just like the Virgin Mary on the prayer card she always carries in her right pocket.
‘My eyes went directly to the chocolate’"When I come in, the first thing I do is look at the clock, but this time I didn't look at the clock. My eyes went directly to the chocolate," said Jacinto, dressed in a hair net and apron as she paused from her work. "I thought, 'Am I the only one who can see this? I picked it up and I felt emotion just come over me. For me, it was a sign."

Cruz Jacinto, an employee at Bodega Chocolates, holds a piece of chocolate believed to bear the likeness of the Virgin Mary and the prayer card she carries with a portrait of the Virgin Mary in Fountain Valley on Thursday.

The chocolate, on display for most of the week in the front of the company gift shop, now rests in a plastic case in a back room and is brought out only for curious visitors.
The stack of hardened confection has a wide base and tapers gently toward a rounded top, giving the appearance of a female figure with her head tilted slightly to the right. The dark brown melting chocolate hardened into subtle layers that resemble the folds of a gown and a flowing veil.

A tiny white circle, about the size of a pencil eraser, sits in the upper center of the creation, just above a slight ridge that runs across it. Cruz says the white speck is the head of the Baby Jesus as he is held in Mary's folded arms.
For Jacinto, the discovery came just in time. The single mother has struggled with marital problems for months and says she was about to lose her faith.
‘This has given me renewed faith’"I have big problems right now, personally, and lately I've been saying that God doesn't exist," she said, pulling the dog-eared prayer card out of her pocket. "This has given me renewed faith."
Angiano, who co-owns the 10-year-old company with her sister, has rubbed shoulders with plenty of stars in her job.

The gourmet boutique runs booths at all the big awards shows, including the Emmys, the Golden Globes, the Oscars, the Country Music Awards and the Latin Grammys. Pictures of Angiano with top celebrities — and her chocolates — line the office walls.
But this week's brush with the image of a 2,000-year-old idol has left even Angiano star-struck.
"That's our Oscar right there," she said.

© 2006 The Associated Press.

Okay, Honestly, I see a bird if anything, maybe a falcon. If I really focus, Darth Vadar in all his evilness. I think if you look at something long enough, you can make anything you want out of it. Like, right now I am staring at the light fixture in my son's room. It's, wait, It looks like. Sponge. Sponge Bob. No. Sponge Bob Square Pants. Okay, so it really is Sponge Bob in all his squareness smiling his pearly whites at me with the light switch as his nose.
My challenge to you today is to look at the objects you come in contact with and see if they are not really an image of your favorite Backstreet Boy, or Madonna. Heck. Maybe you will see Dubwa, or your Great Grandma Jo. Please send any images to me. I will keep my eyes out today! Cherrio.
ChristinaMaria

2006-08-17T08:45:00.000-06:00

Hello My Pretty's,
So, sorry it has been so long since my last blog. I have had a rough week. For those that know of my situation, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I am home now, pretty out of it which might be reflected in my blogging today. I have pretty much been unaware of my surroundings the last few days. I am still a bit shaky, and tipsy. I slept all day yesterday, and all night. I won't go into much detail for the faint at heart. Let's just say that I was really close to having major surgery, but the meds they gave me worked. That's not say the Medicine came without side effects, such as throwing up every 10 minutes. Better than surgery!
I know you all have been worried. Poor Nathan has been a single Dad the last few days. We have had meals brought in, and friends watching the little girls. I know Nathan is exhausted as well. It's hard keeping our house running. Don't I know!
But here I am, with all my parts intact.
Feeling lucky.
Thanks again friends.
ChristinaMaria

2006-08-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

2006-08-09T07:58:00.000-06:00

2006-08-09T07:57:00.001-06:00

2006-08-09T07:57:00.000-06:00

2006-08-09T07:55:00.000-06:00

2006-08-09T07:15:00.000-06:00

I didn't sleep again last night. This insomnia stuff is killing me. I definantly know I am related to my brother Alan.
I am having surgery this morning, and I am really nervous to get knocked out. I have never had general anesthesia.
I took the kids to the zoo yesterday with the heat index at 108. We were dripping. I knew I would be out of comission for a little while, and wanted to do something fun before school started on Monday. I am thinking I should have chosen an nice air conditoned bowling alley. Live and learn. For those that have children, a word of advice. When articulate their words in a more grown up way, watch out. I think most of my headaches stem from mt two oldest girls constantly milking me. Example. My oldest is almost 11. She wanted to go to the zoo, and decided to wear jeans and a long sleeved shirt. I mentioned casually that she would be pretty hot in that outfit. She rolled her eyes at me, and shrugged her shoulders. Okay. Fine. So we get to the zoo. It's hot. It's REALLY hot. She rolls up the bottom of her jeans. " It's hot Mom." I glance at her sideways and shrug my shoulders and say " Imagine that, it's hot on a summer day." 30 seconds later, sighing " I wish I hadn't of worn jeans today, and I have a blister on my foot, and it really hurts and I'm thirsty." I just nodded my head and mumbled incoherently to the sea lions. I think they understood my pain. One might have telepathically sent me a message of hope.
I got an early little present from my Mother-in -law. It's a poem that should be my creed. Here it is for your reading pleasure.

What's wrong with Mama?

I wonder what's wrong with mama?

She seems a bit depresssed..

It's nearly time for lunch

And she isn't even dressed.

I used her lipstick on the mirror

Not knowing it would spoil it..

I accidentally cut my hair

And out kitty in the toilet.

What's the matter with Mama?

She seems a bit on edge

it's the middle of the afternoon

And she wants to go to bed.

Well I thought she'd like my art

With crayons on the wall...

Until those darned ol' marbles

Made her slip and fall.

I wonder what's wrong with mama?

She's pulling out her hair...

She's making funny noises

And she's talking to the chair.

My dad says I'm a handful

The neighbors say I'm wild

But ask my mom and she will say

I AM the perfect child!

Alrighty, Off to be prodded an poked. I may not be on for a while. Cheers.

ChristinaMaria

2006-08-08T08:21:00.000-06:00

Cicada

Some weird bug that's pretty in a buggy way

2006-08-08T07:33:00.000-06:00

Let's talk about bugs baby..... Okay. So those that have never lived in the south are missing a few things. Humidity. Humidity. Did I mention the humidity? You walk outside to get the mail and are accousted by sauna like steam that grabs hold of you leaves you gasping for air. No amount of fanning or crying helps. In fact the crying makes it worse. Try having very curly hair in Tennessee. Back home it was wild sometimes, but managable. Here? Forget about it! Try finger in the light socket wild. All that moisture just sinks into the hair molecule and your hair is toast literally. Back to missing out on southern amenities . Oh yes, Humidity and BUGS. I am not taking little bitty ants and an occasional spider to scare you onto the kitchen table, I am taking HUMUGOUS, GIGANTIC, OVERSIZED, bugs. Sure, some bugs are good for the environment, I get that. But, do I have to look at them? Must they come and visit me personally in my own home. If anything, could they at least call next time and make an appointment? This guy was waiting for me when I returned from the grocery store early Saturday morning. He made it very difficult to run past him with grocery sacks, looking at me with those beady eyes.*Shiver* Although, the grocery sacks provided ample coverage of my own self, just in case he decided to attack me. This fella had big enough wings to take flight with our dwarf hampster Elfaba.

This is actually a Cicada.When we first moved here, it was the hottest time of the year. July. Our first night, I was accousted by the most horrible and earth shattering sound outside. It took me a while, and a lot of asking around to determine what that sound was. Here was something I found about this interesting beast "As adults, males produce a loud species-specific mate-attracting song using specialized sound-producing organs called tymbals. These sounds are among the loudest produced by any insects. In some species, the male calling song attracts both males and females to mating aggregations, while in other species males remain dispersed. Female cicadas do not have tymbals, but in some species the females produce clicking or snapping sounds with their wings. "

So, take thousands of cicadas up in the mutitude of trees outside our house, and you get a choir unlike any other you have every heard. You know it's summer when in the early evening , or morning you hear the most tremendous shutter of cicada's in surround sound. Add tree frogs and it's astounding.

Now, this bug was interesting. It looks like a bumble bee with bright red instead of yellow, but bigger. Sorry it's blurry, but I preferred to take the picture fast as not to have the bug get the wrong idea from me that I was trying to be friendly.

Hmm....For some reason the pictures are not working, so I will post them separately . Maybe that will give me time to take a picture of the spider I captured stalking my children the other night. It was so big, even I screamed. My daughter Kiera asked if it was a tarantula. Really, it is big! This is not a fish story, I promise!

Okay, I need to get dressed and clean my house. Have a great day!

Thought for the day: By Jack Handy

“Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights,even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door." - Deep Thoughts

2006-08-07T17:23:00.000-06:00

Cousins Kiera and Chantelle this summer.

2006-08-07T17:11:00.000-06:00

My Cutie's at Easter time.

Caleb Joshua..My handsome son!
Aubrie and Cousin Chantelle in UT

2006-08-07T17:10:00.000-06:00

1994

House for Sale in Memphis TN!

2006-08-07T17:08:00.000-06:00

Red Rose, a favorite!

Nathan & Christi at a Redbirds basball game this summer

Cheese..a rare smiling picture of Me.

Awww, how sweet. Sophie giving Cousin Maddie a Squeeze!

2006-08-07T16:56:00.000-06:00

Aubrie 10, Kiera 9, Caleb 7, Delaney 3, Sophie 2

Cousins in Utah

Sisters Heather, Holly, and Christi. Missing Katie and Alan:(

2006-08-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
So, last night I spend an hour + creating another edition to my blog, and the computer ate it. Talk about irritating! So, those that requested more deep thoughts will have to settle for second deep down thoughts, as I don't remember much of my ramblings from last night.
So, this blog lies! It said I could recover my post, but obviously they were pulling my chain. I am guessing this blogger doesn't get feed too often, for it's appetite wiped my slate clean!
I will digress now. For those that did request another deep thought addition to this site, keep on reading. For those that are reading this out of pity for me, I am giving you permission to look away now. That's right. You don't have to read the rest. I am giving you a free pass. Now, now..You won't hurt my feelings. That is unless you actually tell me personally you didn't read it because I am a dork.Then I might feel a little let down. But I will get over it. I am good that way!
As you may not know, sometimes it takes deep thoughts a little longer to come to the surface as opposed to more shallow thoughts. We all have the shallow thoughts that billow around us. For example. Q:" Mom, what is for breakfast?" Now this type of question is an easy one, one that requires not much thinking ability. A: "Cereal."
Example of a thought provoking question moments later, almost same breath, while eating said cereal. Q: " Mom, Where are babies made before they are in your belly?" Now. Um. See. This requires a little more deeper, straight forward yet informational answer. The wheels are spinning in your head. Graphics swirl in your brain, that book you read on this paticular question has already been returned to the library.A: " You see, Mommy and Daddy....( Cough) Love...( Clear throat) Cabbage. You see, there is a cabbage patch......."
So there ya go. Two very good examples of what kind of thinking life entails.
On to greener pastures. Kiera, my 9 year old took a picture of me yesterday off guard. I look like I am a child of the 60's. I haven't slept in 2 days. I think it's the combination of
not sleeping/worried about surgery/trying to think deep thoughts syndrome. 97% of all people that have this syndrome don't even now they have it. Even worse, 56% of all statistics are made up on the spot. Sad.
Back to the picture she took.( Which, in case you didn't get is the one above) I am rarely in pictures because I am always taking them. That, and I don't like to look at pictures of myself. So, looking and critiquing this picture was interesting. I realize that my sister Holly is right. I have old lady hair, and bad clothing choices. (Please no offense to the old ladies, I mean ladies of maturity, I'll shut up now.) When I was in UT, she made me look cool, hip even. Now I am back to really not caring. So, this is what you get. Uncool, unhip Christi. Holly even pointed out I wore old lady shoes and proceeded to throw mine away. ( It was a fight I tell ya, I told her they were sensible, comfortable shoes. She told me DI would not accept them, and I needed professional shoe counseling.) So what's an almost 32 year old to do when she looks 45?
* Sigh* My sister said that I needed to dress up every day and I would feel better about myself. But you see, that requires again, thinking. Christi talking to self. " Self, what should we wear today?" Self replying." How about jeans and a v-necked shirt?" Self scratching face thoughtfully. "Hmm, Jeans. Dark Denim, Light or acid washed?" Self: " The cleanest ones." Self: " Good Plan."
There ya have it. Fashion police will probably be knocking on my door any day courtesy of Holly. But I will be ready. I do have EVERY color of the rainbow in t-shirts, and I only wear my Chicago world tour 1993 t-shirt to bed, so I am good!
I was going to talk about Bugs, but unfortunately, I have to get ready to go get a physical at the doctors. What a waste of a perfectly good babysitter. And the doctor is too old to have daydreams about, so what's the point?
I will write more later about Bugs, Caleb's haircut and more pictures. ( The bugs are kind of creepy, so beware! )
Love and other barrels of Monkeys.
ChristinaMaria

2006-08-02T11:32:00.000-06:00

Hola!
So here is my first blog. I know you are so very thrilled that I jumped on the blog bandwagon. I can see you rolling your eyes at me. Now you can chuckle...see, you're having fun already! Smiling? GOOD! See the above?( If you can't see it, I would suggest an eye exam) That is my Sister Holly and I at the Salt Lake Zoo in July. FUN!
So, let's make this as comfortable as possible for you. Sit back, relax and hang on to your britches for a fun blogging post!!
ahhhhh...see, are you relaxing a bit? Feel the tension flowing from your shoulders into nothing. Is your headache gone? Have you stopped crying? Pat your face dry and freshen up a bit. Okay, I do have some deep thoughts to share today.

First off do you have any idea what the definition of a thought is? I didn't think so. So, here ya go. Thought(s); Thought or thinking is a mental process which allows beings to model the world, and so to deal with it effectively according to their goals, plans, ends and desires. Concepts akin to thought are sentence, consciousness, idea, and imagination.
Wow. My mind is boggled with that theory. So, this will be a mental process for me. That will be a difficult one for me if you know me well enough. I will need to deal with life effectively according to my GOALS, PLANS, ENDS and DESIRES. Okay. Hold on a minute. I think I am having an epiphany. Wait. What does epiphany mean? In Fiction it means
epiphany; when a character suddenly experiences a deep realization about himself or herself; a truth which is grasped in an ordinary rather than a melodramatic moment." (Meyer).
So, I didn't have a melodramatic moment, but rather a deep realization about myself. A truth so to speak. My thoughts and dreams and ambitions can truly be recognized by not only me, but as you my readers.My imagination can be prodded and my ideas established more fully if I get them out of my brain that has been sleeping the last several years. So here is my thought to keep you humble today:

"You will never be happier than you expect. To change your happiness, change your expectation." by Bette Davis

So, does happiness elude you?Do you expect it to land in your lap folded nicely and smelling of lilac? If your not happy, it is up to you to change your expectations of what happiness is to YOU. Don't let it keep scampering away like a coachroach when the light hits it.( eeew, I know.Sorry.) Face it head on and tell it what you want. Don't worry, be happy. (Wonderful song BTW)

Love and peaches to all my blog readers. Off to contribute motherly offerings to my tribe.

ChristinaMaria