We've been there before...

The first thing Mr. Finn says upon entering our bedroom last night was, "Where's my clothes rack?".  Funny Guy!  I guess the ironing board was there a little...a lot too long.

I do like how the room looks after it is gone.  Kind of like remodeling or just moving the furniture around.  Gives you a new perspective on your room, even your life.  I always feel like I have made a change and it lightens me a bit.  I just have to put up with the mess for a month.  

Can you believe, after having that amazingly gorgeous bare foot day, we are so cold that it is supposed to snow this afternoon.  I think it needs to warm up before it can snow as it is that cold.  Yuk!  I was looking forward to more warm days.  Sigh...

I am off to do some visiting teaching this morning and the the Dude is fighting me.  According to him, we've already been there so we don't need to go back.  He hasn't been properly indoctrinated at this tender young age of his.  His day will come and with it much responsibility, so I will allow him to complain for now.

Work and Rain

Today it is raining.  Drip.  Drip.  Drip.

I guess I need to tackle that pile of ironing I have been avoiding quite successfully for weeks.  

In fact, if I look at the pile in a certain way, I can't even see the ironing board.  

So, does it really exist?

I could just pretend I am a slob for a while longer.

Ho Hum!  I guess I will just have to get off my duff and get it done because in reality it isn't who I am and it is making me CRAZY!

And that isn't just because my dear husband has started using it as a place to put his clothes at the end of a day.

And, I did tell my favorite Aunt this morning that I needed to get off the phone so I could get to it.  

Shhhh! Don't wake me...

Is it Spring?  It can't possibly be this early.  

The sun is shining and WARMMMMMM.  

The day lilies are starting to sprout up through the ground.  

I am rocking on the front porch partially asleep while the kiddies play in the yard.

A gentle breeze is softly blowing over my bare feet.  

Zzzzzzzzz

Snort!  

Can't fall asleep yet! 

The kids are calling me.

Playing Hookey

Miss Boo goes to a Lutheran Preschool and today they are celebrating Ash Wednesday.  And with this comes the ash on the foreheads of all the students.

I DON'T THINK SO!

I am not close minded, but I believe it would be confusing to a 4 year old.  And to our particular 4 year old, it could play out in a couple of different ways:

1.  She could be upset if I don't allow her to participate and throw a fit.

2.  She could be upset if they try to put it on her forehead and throw a fit.

3.  She could participate and be confused why we don't do it on our church (LDS) and that might possibly end up in a fit if she can't wrap her arms around it.

See the general theme going here.  She is a good kid, but if she doesn't understand something it can overwhelm her.  We are working on how she reacts to things, but in the best interests of Miss Boo, we are playing hookey.

She will go to school after Devotional is over today with her friend that is in the same boat.

Happy Birthday!

Imagine this to "The Brady Bunch" song. It kind of works.




This is a story.

About a LADY...

Who is funny.

And really, really fun to hang around.

This is a story.

About a FRIEND...

Who is bright and sunny.

and her advice is really, really sound.

And together, they make someone I call MARGARINE.

(Whose name is changed to protect the innocent.)

Corny, I know!  But since she has made it very difficult to celebrate her birthday, I thought I would do what I could.  She doesn't like her pictures taken or her name mentioned, so this is all I had to work with.

Poor little girl...

Miss Boo is sick.  hack...hack...hack.  Ouch!  Little throat is sore and tummy is not hungry.

It is 10:45 a.m. and she has not moved from my bed where she slept last night, not even a muscle.

Can I have a hug, she asks?  

Whatever her little hearts desires, I say to myself.

According to Miss Boo, she has lost her scream.  

Please don't find it!

It will be a quiet day in the Finn Family Home.

SIGH!

Joy is in the Journey

I know this picture is from inside the visitor's center, but it was 18 degrees and windy.

It never seems to be too cold for Miss Boo though.  Note the unzipped coat.
This Tabernacle was built around 1845 out of logs.
Or 1847...like the sign says.
Mr. Finn noted that if you look closely you can see that the wind is blowing their clothes back.  As I mentioned above it is windy in Omaha.
The "kids" enjoyed playing with the miniature wagons.
Our reluctant pioneer.
Not so reluctant hand cart pusher.
Princess nails.
All things princessy!  Miss Boo was in heaven.  She gifted this "barbie" to her brother who promptly gifted it back.  She then re-gifted it to me!  The pink eyes are my favorite.

Nebraska was so worth the short trip. The kids love Hotels and it helped to keep them quiet while driving.

We were up at 8 a.m. and in the pool.  I know! I know! You don't think that could possibly have been me in that pool, but I have you all fooled. I am slowly being made into a morning person out of necessity and as for the pool, I was in it up to my chin. That's about as far as I go! It was a blast racing my 4 year in the pool.

We went to the Visitor's Center and just for you Stacey I checked on that violin, and YES it is the original. The one in the case, not the one the mannequin is holding. I believe it was Isaac Morley's. Beautiful instrument. Rosey did dress up as a pioneer, but it was short lived. Once again, I know you are all surprised! They enjoyed playing with the handcart and toy wagons, but that was pretty much it. If they would have let the Dude ride the elevator it would have been the best time of his life thus far. But, thanks to a family history class he was banned. (insert puppy dog eyes here.)

It's been a while since I have enjoyed a road trip as much. I think it was nice because we didn't have any plans etched in stone. We just did what we wanted, keeping our children's moods in mind and didn't keep to a schedule.

Of course, we were back for the Princess Party. Oh My! Princesses galore with painted finger nails. Miss Boo was truly in her element. I had meant to stay for a short time, but she was into everything they did, so that meant two hours with 10 very excited 4-5 year olds. Gave me some great ideas for her party in April. Hannah made sugar cookies in lieu of cake and had the girls make fruit pizza with them. What a clever lady!

Today I taught the lesson in R.S. about "Having Joy in the Journey". This was a much needed lesson for me as I am trying to find that balance in my life with all the chores to be done, spending quality time with the kids, church, husband, friends, you name it and realize that we need to find JOY in the moments and not wait for the timing to be right. I am going to try a little harder at it all with the desire to run amuck in all the JOY!

Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn.

We are off to the infamous Omaha, Nebraska.  We have wanted to go for a while and since we made our move from out west, have not been through Omaha.  The only thing I remember about it was our first taste of Famous Dave's Ribs.  Yummmmmy!

We want the children to see the Winter Quarters Temple and visit the Cemetery.  I hear it is the place to go.  

The Dude is beside himself with glee and anticipation.  He loves Hotels.  He keeps saying, "Remember when I watched a movie in the Hotel?"  I love it!  Miss Boo is equally as excited because they usually have pools and she will do anything to do some swimming.

I am not ashamed to admit that I have been holding it over their heads to get them to stop fighting and get along.  It seems to be working and has even stopped a cry midstream.  Makes one wish for that much power all the time.  Well, maybe just a little...

We will be back in time for a Princess Party at Rosey's friend Sophie's house on Saturday.  Short trip, but with two little kids, it is about all they can handle before they want the comfort of their own things around them again.

Do you know the Muffin Man?

We get movies at the Blue Berry Muffin Store.  Come to think of it, we get most things there as well.

The Dude has named the grocery store for his favorite thing of all time that he has to eat every time we are in the neighborhood.  They are pretty tasty.

Yesterday Mr. Finn was home by 2 p.m.  What a nice surprise that was.  I know he told me beforehand that he would be home early, but it was a surprise to the kids.  As a family we loaded into the car, popped in the movie Igor for the kids and we drove through the neighborhood delivering the Notice of Turnover.  We actually had a good time.  The Dude fell asleep about 1/2 hour into it and Miss Boo was able to watch all of the movie by herself.  When we finished 1-1/2 hours later we went to Dairy Queen to thank the kids for being so good while we finished up with the LAST thing that I am doing for the HOA.

We then played at the "Blue" play area so the kids could get some wiggles out.  Once again the wind drove us out, but for a change it was the whole family together.  I, for one needed this family time.  Makes me wish I were fit and innocent enough to think I could master the Monkey Bars again.  Ha!  I couldn't hold up my own weight.

Happy Birthday Leisel

This picture was taken 19 years ago.  Yikes!

I have had my friend Leisel since the 4th grade.  (that makes it sound like she is my pet.  Sorry Lee!) We have literally been through everything together.  We had so much fun as kids, when I rebelled I hung out at her house, her parents called me a boy (they did that to all girls) and I loved it.  She was my "rock" in my life, always there.  The only time she wasn't, it was my fault.  

She is the most organized human being I have ever met.  Healthy!  My heavens, she cooks everything from healthy scratch and it tastes GOOD!  When I visit she lets me sleep in Zoe's bed.  Sorry Zoe!  And we have the best time together, no matter what it is.  I love to be around her and especially do her craft projects with her.  For a couple of hours I actually feel crafty.  That's a major accomplishment.

We actually wore parachute pants on the same day to school.  With Jellies.  And, beaded necklaces.  And that wonderful feathered hair.  We were that COOL!  You so  would have wanted to be our friend!

Actually, we were well rounded.  Band, Orchestra, Cheerleader, Matmaid, boy friends, racket ball, you name it.  We pretty much did it, unless it was illegal.  We knew how to draw our lines and make sure we still had fun.  I can't think of high school without her.  

We wrote all of our notes to each other in shorthand so my mother wouldn't read them. (or anyone else)  I guess we weren't thinking about not being able to read them when we were older either.  LOL.  I tried, but I can't remember much of it.

I love you Leisel.  I am so glad we are still friends.  

Oh Valentine!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have loved hearing my offspring use that phrase so generously today with all whom they have come in contact with.  Reminds me that we don't share kind words or looks with others as we should.  

I am not the one that remembers these kinds of holidays.  Mr. Finn is by far the more romantic one and I for ONE am grateful, although it makes me feel incredibly guilty for being so lame/forgetful.  Take your pick.

I knew the night he took me to dinner at Greer Lodge that I was supposed to be with him.  Why it took this many years after he tried to get me to marry him, I do not know.  I just know this is where I am supposed to be and even though I am not the best wife, I do love him and appreciate how he takes care of his family.  

HE IS an honorable man.  Not an overly cute and cuddly type, but steady and constant.  That is a compliment to who he is.  It can be a bit exasperating for someone with my temperament, but at the end of the day, I am glad he comes home to me...

...with my sweats and all!

Dreaming of you...

Shannon T. and I went to the Sha Na Na Concert last night.  She stood in the line to get the tickets and I stood in the line to get into the concert.  (Kind of like Mr. Finn and I do when we go to the movie so we don't have to wait as long.)  After a while I realized that Shannon had gone in the other entrance, so I went looking for her to no avail.  

I was able to slip in with a rather large group and find a place to sit while searching for her.  After a while I gave up and went back to the other entrance area and found a way in to look for her.  I still couldn't find her so I called Mr. Finn, who showed up later.  I won a clock, I'm not sure how as I don't even have a ticket, so he goes to pick it up and I scan the crowd looking for my friend.  I still can't find her and I was so looking forward to spending some quality time with her.

Eventually I leave to take another prize I won (eerie, isn't it?) out to the car and as I am there, Mr. Finn shows up.  I got so upset because how was Shannon going to find me now.  Keep in mind, I don't have a ticket, how in the world is she going to find me?

I woke up devastated I couldn't find my friend.  

This must mean I miss you Shannon!  

A Little Calm...

I am a little more calm today.  I have Miss Boo to thank for that.  We decided to test out the camera on my computer as it was starting to feel terribly neglected.

She loves pictures of herself and more if I will join her.  We had a grand time as you can tell by her smile.

But...when she was done, well, that was it.  

By the way, I am sporting a new hairdo.  It has taken a little bit to get used to it shorter, but I am doing o.k. now.  Just had to learn a new way of doing things.

Shocking! Or is it?

Unbelievable isn't it?  Who filled this guy with balloons?

Apparently our community lacks the commitment to actually show up for the meeting they have been chomping at the bit for during the past 3 years.

I don't even know what to say.  LOSERS!  Yes, I said it!  That is what I think.  After the years of complaining and whining and accusations of secret agendas, they could not be bothered to come to the meeting that required 20% of the vote to make the turnover.

UNBELIEVABLE!  So, I am still not off the Board.  I took all my boxes of accumulated HOA stuff and stacked them in front so that everyone knew I was done.  The Developer decided he was not taking any resignations from his board members.  I told him he would have to take it up with my husband as we had decided this was the end.  When all was said and done, he gets one more month from us and we bail.  So, 30 days to get this meeting organized again and  hopefully the homeowners there that had plenty of things to SAY, will be a little more proactive and get more votes for the next meeting.

Oh, and the subject of our shed came up.  Shocker!  It has been 3 years of hearing about our shed.  Some guy had the audacity to ask if we had brought proof that we had permission to put it on our property.  We did everything the "RIGHT" way, through the proper channels and yes we do have all the signed documentation from the DRC (design review committee) and the county.  Makes you want to smack someone.

YES, for those that aren't sure, I AM CRABBY!  TIRED!  And  SICK of it ALL!

THIRTY, 30, THIRTY, 30 more days!  And, then I will go back to being the charming, fun me?! 

We can only hope.

The Point

I guess I never did get to the point in my story of the stinky car.

Hmmmmm....

I suppose it would be that sometimes when life gives you lemons, that lemonade you make may be undrinkable.  But at least you did something!

Mr. Finn gave me a t-shirt many years ago he got riding in a 100 mile bicycle tour in California.

It says  "Butt Up, Head Down And Pedal".

Kind of inspirational, don't you think?  LOL

Clean Car

Saturday I spent 3 hours on a beautiful day cleaning out my disgusting, kid crusted vehicle.  I had the help of a very talented and bossy helper.  Yes, that would be Miss Boo.  

I have been meaning to clean the carpets since a lost sippy cup of chocolate milk blew it's contents all over the back of the Durango.  Mr. Finn and I had been out to dinner as part of our anniversary this year.  When we returned from the restaurant we thought one of us had stepped in dog poop.  Not me, of course.  I watch where I walk.  LOL  We got out and checked our shoes, the sides of the car, etc...and nothing.

So, we went to the movie theatre to buy our tickets and came back to the SMELL, could you believe it was getting worse?!   We went shopping at Target for socks (the hubby forgot to bring some on our trip) and by now the smell was getting unbearable.  And to think that it started out smelling somewhat like parmesan cheese.  Gross!

We drove to an empty lot and scoured every inch of the vehicle.  I found an empty sippy cup in the third and forgotten row.  When Becky (SIL) visited we used it because of the new addition of twins.  (Finally, it came in handy...one of the reasons I had to have a Durango.)  Alright, I know this story is way too long for one about a smelly car, but it has a point, I promise.  Miss Boo took up residence in the backseat during the visit and she loves her chocolate milk.  So, it was at least 2 weeks since the trip and I had completely forgotten about her milk and since we had put the seats back down, it was hidden from view.

As I was talking to Mr. Finn, I realized that the smell was coming from this cup.  The holes in the sippy cup must have been crusted over and with the cold from outside and the heat from the heater and the bumping on the road, it made a bad combination, spewing its putrid contents all over the carpet.  I cleaned up in the 2 degree weather with wet wipes to the best of my ability, but I could still smell it every time I got in the car.    

A warm day, a little bit of energy and VOILE, 3 hours of cleaning.

AND THEN COMES THE IRONY!!!!  After all that cleaning we get in the car to get Rosey's soccer equipment and the vehicle smells like ARMPIT!  

Are you kidding me?

Armpit combined with smelly feet, but mostly armpit.

I couldn't figure it out!  How could this happen to  me?  Is the universe really that cruel?  Did I offend the Cleaning Gods by basking in my own glory of a job well done?

Come to find out, the ArmorAll cleaner that I used had gone bad.  Did you know it has a shelf life?  I certainly did not.  I assume if you still have some in the bottle, it is good to use!  LOL

Now my clean car smells like PIT until I can figure out how to get rid of that smell.  I assume a trip to the store is in order to fix that problem.

WIND, WIND, WIND

Is there anything else in this place?  The weather forecast said 69, but neglected to include the gail force winds blowing the warmth into our little town.

I let the children play at the "blue" play area, but the wind was too much to handle.  

So, we rented 2 kids movies from Redbox.  Madagascar II and Fly Me To The Moon. 

Now, I am undecided as to what I will do for the next several hours.

The cleaning bug has jumped ship, so I think that is out, although the floors need vacuuming desperately amongst other things.

I recorded some shows earlier this week that sound inviting, but I find myself here in front of my computer muddling around.

I am nervous and tense today.  Not sure if it the weather or what, not even sure it is the HOA stuff, but I have an inkling it is.  

It started out with an email from a resident that throws a lot of "@%*&" at the wind and creates a lot of negativity about all things HOA Board.  I know it is only a matter of days until I am done for good, but it still irks me.  

It is my name he is dragging through the mud for his own "political" purposes/gains and that irritates me to the nth degree.

All I have to say is...GOOD LUCK!  You are going to be sorely disappointed being on the Board.  I will use this quote from one of the board members response to this particular resident,  "It is a difficult, time-consuming and thankless job and those who have taken part in it to this point have nothing but the best interests of the neighborhood in mind.  The notion that anyone has an agenda or is hiding anything is laughable".

I appreciate him taking the time to comment back.  He is also stepping down from the board at this time.  I can completely understand why!

Sunset

This is a sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point. This is a scene you will probably never get to see in person, so take a moment and enjoy God at work in the North Pole.  Also, you can see the sun below the moon .

Just wanted to share something that Enid sent to me today.  She sends me so many thought provoking pictures and stories.  I am grateful that she always looks for the good and beautiful in the world.

Running Amuck

The question is, can you can put it together before the end?

ADORABLE LITTLE BOY ANKLES
Grown up BIG BOY underwear
Flight of comfortably padded stairs that lead to...
A VERY HARD WOOD FLOOR!

The end result is this sweet, yet slightly "donked" face.

Oh yeah!  Did you watch the Super Bowl.  I didn't even though I did want the Cardinals to win.  Who would have thought they would make it that far?  I did a puzzle instead that was finally finished this morning while Miss Boo was at school.  She demanded it be finished by then!  Ha!!

I enjoyed spending lots of time just sitting and thinking about shapes and colors and sizes.  I really think it helped my aging mind, what do you think?  No, really I don't.  Just a rhetorical question.  It felt good to do absolutely nothing, I even let the children run amuck for days.

And boy does it look like it.  On that note I spent 3 hours deep cleaning bathrooms. 

So, now I have to get back to work while I still have the BUG...

Want to be Rich?

Do you have Wonder Hangers, Mommy?

Well, no I don't.

Do you have pants?

Yes.

I have pants, says the Dude.

I have shirts too he says.

I am so glad, I reply.

On Friday, Miss Boo had a similar conversation with me.

Do you need Space Bags Mommy?

I already have some Miss Boo.

Really?

I use them to store stuff under the bed (my little secret).

Wow!  Then you probably need Wonder Hangers!

Do you realize that these commercials are on Nick Jr?  A program for kids.  Those darn marketing people have found out how to get the lemmings to sell product to the old folks.  Constant repetition!

I was reading a friends blog today and she talked about the Prophet and when he repeats something, it bears instant action upon it.  The Bible, the Book of Mormon, all forms of repeating the same messages to us.  I believe we need constant repetition before our minds accept that we have to act upon the message.  I really want to be one of those that doesn't have to be reminded constantly to do the Lord's will...as he intended.

There was a comment shared in Gospel Doctrine class yesterday at church.  I had forgotten about it until I read Jolin's blog and know that I need to remember this and REPEAT it often:

If you want to be rich...

          Count Your Blessings!