Inspired By My Sisters

Barbie Karen!

2010-08-14T15:22:00.001-07:00

This is my sister Barbie. Not, only did Karen dress up as Barbie for Halloween she has also done a couple Birthday parties for little girls.

This is how it works, the mom tells all of the little girls, "Wouldn't it be exciting if Barbie could come to life and come to our party?"

Then the mom takes the vintage Solo Barbie and puts it outside the door. The little girls chant, "Come on Barbie, let's go party!" Three times. ... and ... Presto. In walks Karen (A.K.A Barbie) through the door.

As you can imagine the little girls at the party are enchanted. Karen hangs out with them for a while, plays Barbie BINGO, talks to them about her favorite outfits, and how she always loses her shoes, because they are so small.

Well on June 29th Karen told my brother Mike that she would come and do a Birthday party for my little niece Sarah. Jonathan was going to lunch with his dad for his Birthday at Lamb's Cafe. It was so funny when I called Jonathan on the phone and asked him what time he was going to be at lunch?

He asked me, "Why?"

When I told that I had something really special planned for his Birthday, he immediately put two and two together. Jonathan is always so easy going, so I love it when I can fluster him.

"Jenny, Do not have Karen come dressed as Barbie. That is not a good idea. My dad would hate it. Seriously Jenny. It would not be funny."

Well, Barbie did not go to Lamb's Cafe for lunch. I went with and Karen that night and we did Sarah's party. On our way home I thought that we should stop by the Young Men/Young Women BBQ, and wish Jonathan a Happy Birthday. I wish so bad that I would have had my camera.

Barbie said, "How old are you Jonathan?"

I said, "Jonathan is 40!"

Then Barbie replied, "Forty? That's old! That is older than my Dad!"

Barbie had everyone join in and we all sang Happy Birthday to Jonathan!

Happy Birthday Plumber!

Don't feel to bad for him. He had a guy in a tutu come and

sing to me when I worked at the insurance company.

A laugh for the day...

2010-05-07T01:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

I know Valentines Day has past but, I only got my craft project done 2 days before Valentines Day..... So I am enjoying them now (It's still February....) Jenny and I made these cute hearts covered with scrapbook paper (they were so fun and now I am addicted to paper/wood crafting) modge podge, glitter, paint. paper..... so much fun!!!! What else could a girl ask for (maybe a little sewing?)

I forgot about this blog

2009-12-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Just a new post because those strawberries creep me out!!! Hopefully there will be more to come sooner or LATER!!!

Spiderberries...

2009-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Strawberries are one of my favorite foods... I LOVE them. I usually buy 2 great big flats at Costco a week....Although I am now trying to get past my fear of eating them... The other day I was cutting the tops off strawberries as I grabbed one I happened to look inside it and saw a spider... I thought euuw gross and chucked it in the sink. I then told my husband what had happened. He came to see. He picked the strawberry up an there was no spider to found... (It must have been alive, I knew I saw a spider)
Ever since then I have been a little freaked out.... Every time I have strawberries I have to cut them up, I was thinking to me self (I am so mental... what are the chances I would ever see another spider in the middle of a strawberry???) just then I cut one open and "There was a spider right in the middle and it was alive!!!"
Well, I have decided I am not a mental case.... In all three spiders were found!!! I was taking to my sister and she also had found a spider in the middle of her strawberry!!! I decided to take a picture..... So you could all see what I am taking about!!!!

I will never be able to eat another spider-berry again without cutting into it.... I guess this rules out Chocolate covered strawberries for me.... Oh, and I wonder how many spiders have been eaten with out anyone even knowing it???

If You Give Mom a Wash Rag

2009-03-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

If you give a mom a wash rag, she will wash the counter!

Then she will see all the dirty dishes and think I better load the dishwasher.

Once she starts the dishwasher, she will think of her washing machine.

That will make her want to go switch the laundry!

As she throws in a load of darks, she will wonder if there are any dirty clothes in her kids room?

She will want to get those dirty clothes so she can wash them.

When she goes down stairs she will pas the computer, then she will think of her email...

She will want to check her email. Once she reads her email she will see that someone left a comment on her blog. That will make her want to post on her blog. Then she will want to read everyone else's blog.

Once she is done, she will see a shoe on the floor. She will want to put the shoe in the closet where it goes.

When she opens the closet she will see the vacuum, that will make her want to vacuum. When she is done vacuuming she will notice how dirty her kitchen floor is.

She will want to sweep the floor. Once the floor is clean she will want to mop it. While she is mopping the floor, she will hear the phone ring.

She will want to answer the phone. If the person on the phone is her sister she will talk for an hour! She will get tired of standing so she will sit on the couch...

All of the sudden she will ask her sister what time it is??? If her sister says "it's a quarter to four" She will say "bye, I have to go do carpool!"

She will get into her car and go pick up her kids. When her kids come home they will be hungry. She will want to make them a snack. After her kids eat their snack they will be messy.

She will need to wash them off, she will get a wash rag.... Once she gets the wash rag you know what it will make her want to do!!!!

This was my life the other day.... I had recently read "If you give Mouse a Cookie" to my kids and decided I should write a little book!!!

The only person who thought it was funny was my sister!!!!

Santa Claus Ain't Comin' to Nobody's House!

2008-12-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

My sister and I decorated gingerbread houses with our families on Sunday night. I just love her creative House/Pirate Ship. She is such a good mom of all Boys. We had a really fun night!

Notice the decapitated Santa swimming with the sharks.

2008-11-30T22:54:00.000-08:00

A friend emailed this to me, and I thought I would share

it with anyone who wants to take the time to read it.

Too many people put off something that brings them joy

just because they haven't thought about it, don't have

it on their schedule, didn't know it was  coming or are

too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the

Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful

night in an effort to'cut back the calories'.

From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible!

How many women out there will eat at home because their

husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after

something had been thawed? Does the word'refrigeration'

mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in

silence while you watched 'Who wants to be a millionaire'

on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said,

'How about going to  lunch in a half hour?' She would

gas up and stammer, 'I  can't. I have clothes  on the

line. My hair is dirty.  I wish I had known yesterday,

I had a late   breakfast, It looks like rain.'

And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She  died a

few years ago.  We never did have lunch together.

Because we cram so much into our lives, we tend to even

schedule our  headaches. We live on a  sparse diet of

promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions

are perfect!   We'll go back and visit the grandparents

when we get Steve toilet-trained.  We'll entertain when

we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second

honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older.

The days get shorter, and  the list of  promises to

ourselves gets longer.. One morning, we  awaken, and

all we have to show for our lives is a  litany of

'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,'  and 'Someday, when things

are settled down a bit.'    When  anyone calls my

'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure

and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new

ideas. Her enthusiasm  for life  is contagious. You

talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready

to trade your bad feet for a pair of roller blades

and skip an elevator for a  bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years.

I love ice cream. It's just  that  I might as well

apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and

eliminate the digestive process The other day, I

stopped the car and bought a   triple-decker. If my

car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have

died  happy.

Now go on and have a nice day. Do something you

WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list.

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone

call  you could make, who would you call and what

would you say? And why are you waiting?

Have you ever watched  kids playing on a merry go

round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed

at the sun into  the fading night? Do you run

through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?'

do you hear the  reply?    When the day is done, do you

lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running

through your head? Ever told your child, 'We'll do

it tomorrow.' And  in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die?

Just call to say 'Hi?

When you worry and hurry through your day,

it is like an unopened gift...Thrown away...

Life is not a race. Take it slower.

Hear the music before the song is over.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for...

but while we are here, we  might  as well dance!"

Neglecting Blogs...

2008-11-19T22:48:00.000-08:00

Life is crazy... If you don't stop to enjoy it every once in a while, it will pass you by...

To anyone who is still reading this blog, sorry I have seamed to neglect this poor little blog!!! I am trying to finish up a football video and then maybe I'll get back to posting... (Maybe) or who knows I might let it go another month... Just so you all know my intentions are good...

It's the thought that counts.... and believe me I have a lot of thoughts!!!

Sister Retreat

2008-10-17T09:02:00.001-07:00

We packed our bags and headed off... Why we need so much for only two nights and one full day I have no idea.... This is only 3 peoples stuff....

We always have all sorts of yummy treats. This year we had to much.... That we didn't even get a carmel apple at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory... Maybe next time!We made fun crafts... These are the cute Christmas ornaments we painted!

We had a great time at the Sisters Retreat...

Keeping up...

2008-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while, I guess keeping up four blogs is kinda hard! I have been cleaning up a storm and getting so very organized...

Maybe next week if I feel like blogging I will post some more!!!

Really does anyone read this blog???

To Clean or not to Clean

2008-09-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

All the kids are back in school

and I've become a cleaning fool

Why do I spend so much of my time

Why don't I take out more time to rhyme

When the house is way too clean

They come home, and I am mean

Pick up your shoes, put your back pack away,

Who left out the milk, keep this clean today

One day I will be all alone, in my very clean house

Wishing for a hectic day with my children and spouse

I'll step over the laundry, and walk past the dirty floors,

and I'll spend more time with the children outdoors.

The little ones grow up too fast,

and a clean house will never last.

So, I'll take more time to laugh and play

and save my cleaning for another day!

Are you still reading this???

2008-08-27T17:08:00.001-07:00

Is anyone out there still reading this blog? If so maybe I will post more... Although I will have to change the name of the blog to "I hope I can inspire my sister to blog"

Leave me a comment if you are reading this blog!!!

Girls just wanna have fun....

2008-07-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

We are off to Chicago for 4 days of fun!!!

My Sister...

2008-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

This blog was a joint effort (with me and my sister) Although I think I am all alone in this venture... I think she likes starting NEW blogs more than keeping up on old ones!!! Jenny if you're out there in the blogging world... Please say Hi!!!

Just Be You...

2008-07-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

Be Yourself.

No one can ever tell you

you're doing it wrong.

-James Leo Herlihy

Hold Everything Please...

2008-06-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

I went shopping with one of my friends last night. We had so much fun!!! We hit the mall, then once it closed we went to Target and then ended up at Wal-Mart. It was so much fun talking and laughing and then laughing more.
It was around midnight and we were both really hungry so we went to the drive-thru at Wendy's. We ordered "one hamburger with everything but the bun (for her) and one hamburger with nothing but the bun (for me)" As I was ordering our food right in the middle it was so funny we both started laughing!!! The person taking out order was not amused!

I am so blessed to have such amazing girl friends. While we are so much alike in so many ways we we are defiantly different when it comes to hamburgers!!!

Its always a great time when you're with just the girls!!!

A Day at the Pool

2008-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

"The only way to truly enjoy motherhood,
is to put everything aside,
and take time to play with your kids"

Everyone loved the "Hot Tub"

Today I filled up the swim pool at nine in the morning. We headed outside at noon and didn't come in till 9:00 at night. We swam the day away and had so much fun!!! It was nice to put everything aside and just have a fun day that was all about the kids!!!

'Brownie Recipe'

2008-06-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

BROWNIE RECIPE

A father of some teenage children had a family rule that they could not attend PG-13, R or X rated movies. His three teens wanted to see a particular popular movie that was playing at local theaters. It was rated PG-13. The teens interviewed friends and even some members of their family's church to find out what was offensive in the movie. The teens made a list of pros and cons about the movie to use to convince their dad that they should be allowed to see it.

The cons were:
*It contained ONLY 3 swear words!
*The ONLY violence was a building exploding (and you see that on TV all the time they said)
*You actually did not 'see' the couple in the movie having sex, it was just implied sex, off camera.

The pros were:
*It was a popular movie,(a blockbuster).
*Everyone was seeing it.
*If the teens saw the movie then they would not feel left out when their friends discussed it.
*The movie contained a good story and plot.
*It had some great adventure and suspense in it.
*There were some fantastic special effects in this movie.
*The movie's stars were some of the most talented.
*It probably would be nominated for several awards.
*Many members of their Christian church, including the pastor, had even seen the movie and said it wasn't really 'that bad'.

Therefore, since there were more pros than cons the teens asked their father to reconsider his position on just this ONE movie and let them have permission to go see it.

The father looked at the list and thought for a few minutes. He said he could tell his children had spent some time and thought on this request. He asked if he could have a day to think about it before making his decision. The teens were thrilled, thinking, 'Now we've got him! Our argument is too good! Dad can't turn us down!' So, they happily agreed to let him have a day to think about their request.

The next evening the Father called his three teenagers, who were smiling smugly, into the living room. There on the coffee table he had a plate of brownies. The teens were puzzled. The father told his children he had thought about their request and had decided that if they would eat the brownies, then he would let them go to the movie. But, he explained, just like the movie, the brownies had pros and cons.

The pros were :
*They were made with the finest chocolate and other good ingredients.
*They had the added special effect of yummy walnuts i n them.
*The brownies were moist and fresh with wonderful chocolate frosting on top.
*He had made these fantastic brownies using an award-winning recipe.
*And best of all, the brownies had been made lovingly by the hand of their own father.

The brownies only had one con :
*He had included a little bit of a special ingredient:
The brownies contained just a small amount of dog poop. But he had mixed the dough well and they probably would not even be able to taste the dog poop and he had baked it at 350 degrees so hopefully any bacteria or germs from the dog poop had probably been destroyed. Therefore, if any of his children could stand to eat the brownies which included just a 'little bit of crap' and not be affected by it, then he knew they would also be able to see the movie with 'just a little bit of smut' and not be affected.

Of course, none of the teens would eat the brownies and the smug smiles had left their faces. Now when his teenagers ask permission to do something he KNOWS THEY SHOULDN'T BE DOING the father just asks, 'Would you like me to whip up a batch of my special brownies?'

A friend emailed this to me yesterday. This story has such a great lesson, that I think everyone can use.

Happy Sweet 86

2008-06-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is my Grandma. Isn't she sassy? She will be turning 86 this month. As I look at these pictures it makes me think about how we all get older but, we still feel young inside. My sister went and visited her the other day and asked her 'if there was anything she could do for her?' she said "yes, find out how I can be 16 again." I love my Grandma so much . She is always so fun to talk to. I wish there was away that we could make her 16 again! So far we have not heard of anything, so we will be throwing her the biggest "surprise" sweet 86 birthday ever!!!

Sushi Sisters

2008-05-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to sushi. My friend Mandy has taken me to this really fun, sushi bar. Yes, it is a bar and you do need I.D. to get in, or you have to be with your mom if you are under age. The name of the place is Ahh Sushi (it is so much fun to say)! The great news is they have a Happy Hour, where everything is 50% off. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true. So, if there are any sushi sisters out there, let me know. I think that it would be way fun to get a group of girls and go have sushi in the tatami room. This is a room for eating sushi, and it looks like it is right out of the movies. Let me know if you are interested in becoming a sushi sister!

Just a Mom?

2008-05-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is, " explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a ...?" "Of

course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar." "What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it? I do not know.   The words simply popped out.   "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."  The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.   I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.  "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"  Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,(any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).   But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.   I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"

And great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates?"
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
"Associate Research Assistants."

Harsh Words

2008-05-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

I ran into a stranger as he passed by. "Oh excuse me please was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said good-bye. But at home a different story is told, how we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, my son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the children you love, you seem to abuse. Go look on the kitchen floor, you'll find some flowers there by the door." "Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself; pink yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, and you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, and now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em out by the tree." "I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I am very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way. "He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway. I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

Author Unknown

I Did It!

2008-05-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

So today I did it I ran my first 5K. I loved it. It was really inspiring. I can't wait for my next race. Would anyone like to join me? I found this excerpt from a talk given by President Thomas S. Monson. I hope you enjoy it.

A favorite poem of mine gives to each of us the challenge:

Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Beginners are many, but enders are few.
Honor, power, place and praise
Will come, in time, to the one who stays.
Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you;
Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it too;
For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile
Will come life’s victories, after awhile.

Let us remember the advice from Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,” but to they who “endure to the end.” The Apostle Paul further counseled: “They which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize. … So run, that ye may obtain.”

In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination, to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential. But the way is rugged and the course is strenuous. So discovered John Helander from Göteborg, Sweden. John is twenty-six years of age and is handicapped, in that it is difficult for him to coordinate his motions.

At a youth conference in Kungsbacka, Sweden, John took part in an 800-meter running race. He had no chance to win. Rather, his was the opportunity to be humiliated, mocked, derided, scorned. Perhaps John remembered another who lived long ago and far away. Wasn’t He mocked? Wasn’t He derided? Wasn’t He scorned? But He prevailed. He won His race. Maybe John could win his.

What a race it was! Struggling, surging, pressing, the runners bolted far beyond John. There was wonderment among the spectators. Who is this runner who lags so far behind? The participants on their second lap of this two-lap race passed John while he was but halfway through the first lap. Tension mounted as the runners pressed toward the tape. Who would win? Who would place second? Then came the final burst of speed; the tape was broken. The crowd cheered; the winner was proclaimed.

The race was over—or was it? Who is this contestant who continues to run when the race is ended? He crosses the finish line on but his first lap. Doesn’t the foolish lad know he has lost? Ever onward he struggles, the only participant now on the track. This is his race. This must be his victory. No one among the vast throng of spectators leaves. Every eye is on this valiant runner. He makes the final turn and moves toward the finish line. There is awe; there is admiration. Every spectator sees himself running his own race of life. As John approaches the finish line, the audience, as one, rises to its feet. There is a loud applause of acclaim. Stumbling, falling, exhausted but victorious, John Helander breaks the newly tightened tape. Officials are human beings, too. The cheering echoes for miles. And just maybe, if the ear is carefully attuned, that Great Scorekeeper—even the Lord—can be heard to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Each of us is a runner in the race of life. Comforting is the fact that there are many runners. Reassuring is the knowledge that our Eternal Scorekeeper is understanding. Challenging is the truth that each must run. But you and I do not run alone. That vast audience of family, friends, and leaders will cheer our courage, will applaud our determination as we rise from our stumblings and pursue our goal. The race of life is not for sprinters running on a level track. The course is marked by pitfalls and checkered with obstacles. We take confidence from the hymn:

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, …
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. …
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, …
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

Let us shed any thought of failure. Let us discard any habit that may hinder. Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.

Running with Angels

2008-05-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, tomorrow I will be running in my first 5K (this is a 3.2 mile run). The 5K is at Thanksgiving Point. It is called running with Angels. Pamela H. Hansen wrote a book about how running changed her life. I just started reading this book. I will let you know how I like it.

I started doing some running just this last January. It is so much fun, it gives you such an awesome sense of accomplishment. Each time I run I try to push myself just a little bit further than the last time. I am really excited about this being my first run, because it is not about racing against others, it is about changing yourself.

A man must love a thing very much if he not only practices it without any hope of fame and money, but even practices it without any hope of doing it well."

- G. K. Chesterton

To Blog or not to Blog...

2008-05-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

To blog or to clean...

That is the question!

While blogging is a lot of fun... I am sitting here thinking of how much stuff I should be doing right now other than blogging! Lately I have been trying to tackle one project every few days... Like cleaning the closet, weeding the garden, organizing the fridge... Yet I look around and I still have so much to do... So today instead of blogging I will be finding a project. I will be sure to take a before and after picture. Wish me luck as soon as I am finished I will be back to blogging...

A Mother

2008-05-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

~Washington Irving

Blonde...

2008-05-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I found this quote and thought it was appropriate to go with the little car incident...

"I'm NOT offended by all the dumb blonde jokes

because I know I'm NOT dumb

and I'm also NOT blonde."

-Dolly Parton

Opps!

2008-05-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my sister and I went to lunch with my mom. After lunch we were going to look at some flowers that were next door. I wanted Karen to open the car so I could put some things in the front seat. I am standing there telling her to unlock the door, she keeps pushing the button and telling me that it is unlocked. I am trying to open the door, and telling her that it is still locked. All of the sudden Karen starts laughing, as she tells me that is not her car. I look down and not only is it a totally different kind of car it is green (hers is black). Opps!!!

"The Last Lecture"

2008-05-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Friends are Gods way

of taking care of us."

On Thursday I got a package in the mail from my sister-in-law Kathy, she sent me the book "The Last Lecture". I had never heard of this book, but it looked like excellent reading material and I am always excited to get a new book. The next day my friend Kristy gave me the same book, (I think I am supposed to read this book). When I went on-line to find a picture, I found that "The Last Lecture" is the #1 best seller! I am so thankful for my friends and family who strive to keep me connected to the rest of the world. So I am going to start reading, and then I will do my first blogging book review!

Thanks Kathy and Kristy,

I can't wait to lose myself

between the pages!

Digging Up Bones!

2008-04-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

I love it when my girls do things together.

They were busy playing in the sand when they discovered some bones. It amazes me that even with their age difference, how much fun they can have together, when they are united in a cause. This being a very disgusting cause. They did accomplish their goal, they dug up some pretty gross bones.

Nothing makes a mother happier then
watching her children enjoy one another.

"No matter what the scheme,

you can always count your sister in."

I make the Yoga Teacher Laugh!

2008-04-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Today I went to yoga, for my 5th time. This is quite an accomplishment for me. I started going to a class over at the Rec Center. It is insane how difficult it is. The first class, I was so out of my element. They were doing some balancing exercises. I know what your thinking Jenny and balancing. Ya, it was pretty embarrassing. I think that I was disrupting the whole class.

The teacher smiled and then said, "Let go of all your competitiveness and ambition, just focus on what is right for you. If you have to, go ahead and drop your balancing pose, and then pick it up when it is right for you."

I just love that comment. I am so competitive in all that I do, and really I need to just focus on what is right for me and my family. I am totally hooked on yoga, I love the work out and I really like the teacher. So now when I go to the class I concentrate more on what I am doing, and not so much on what the rest of the class is doing. Although, I still make my yoga teacher laugh, I am getting a little better!

Crepe Recipe

2008-04-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Me and my sister both took French in high school (she did a lot better than me, and was actually fluent in French) I only stayed in one year, just long enough to get the best Crepe recipe ever.

Every Sunday we used to make Crepes together, they are so good and really easy. They are great with whip cream, vanilla pudding or powdered sugar on top. I pulled out this recipe and whipped up some strawberry crepes, they were so good!!! and my husband was really impressed!

Ingredients:

1 egg beaten

1/4 cup skim milk

1/3 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon white sugar

1 pinch salt

Filling:

Fresh Strawberries sliced

Hershey's Chocolate

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat together egg, milk, water and oil. Beat in flour, sugar and salt until smooth.
Heat a medium, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place 1/4 cup crepe batter into center of pan, tilting to coat the bottom. Cook until golden brown on one side, turning once, 2 to 5 minutes. Continue with remaining batter.

Place chocolate and strawberries in and fold. Top with whip cream, pudding or powdered sugar.

You're not just Sisters!

2008-04-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

You're not just sisters.

You're two people bound by the

fact that you know far to many

embarrassing

stories about each other!

"We're All The Same".

2008-04-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about this song, "This One's For The Girls" and how it reminds me of the Sister's Retreat. This is a picture of my Little Grandma and her sisters. She is the one on the left, sitting down. She would always say that she may look 90 on the outside, but on the inside she still felt like a 20 year old! I think that no matter if we are 14 or 44, we still have the same feelings inside, so remember...."We're all the same inside.....".

Our Sisters Retreat

2008-04-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

In 2003 we started a Sister's Retreat. This has been a really fun tradition. The sister's consist of my mother and her three sisters (the first generation). Then comes all of their daughters and daughter-in-laws (the second generation). Then my daughter (the third generation). All of the little girls are invited to come when they are 11 years old. My 11 year old is really excited.

We have so much fun. This is a total girl week end. If it is girly we do it. Some of our activities have included, shopping, chick flicks, painting, making jewelry, making cards, eating out, eating in, playing games, knitting, riding trains, story time, eating carmel apples, slides, crafting, and my favorite talking and laughing the whole night long (some sisters do try to sleep).

This is going to be the sixth year that we have done this fun tradition, and I can't wait. There is nothing like a Girls Weekend to help you connect with one another. When we all get together, we seem to pick up right where we left off.

"You are never, ever required to fake

laugh when you're with your sisters."

We are Sister's

2008-04-24T21:56:00.000-07:00

As little girls we played together, dressed Barbie dolls, acted out the musical Annie, and made cookies together. Our favorite was playing Charlie's Angels and raiding our brothers tree house. As we grew older we talked on the phone, went shopping, cried together, scrapbooked together, and laughed a lot. Over seven years ago we lost our sister Denise in a plane crash. We miss her, and we think about her every day. We are so thankful for all of the memories that we share. Our only regret in starting this blog is that Denise won't be posting with us. We know that she would have loved to blog with us, in fact she probably would have started this blog a long time ago.

Our names are Jenny and Karen. We are addicted to blogging. We started with family blogs, we do a blog for Mom and Me Scrapbooking, and The Little Give Blog, and now this one ...

Inspired By My Sisters.

As we have gotten older we have found that any good girlfriend is like a sister. We feel so blessed to have wonderful friends, fantastic sister-in-laws, terrific cousins, fabulous aunties, and an incredible mother (who always says, "I just know if we were in High School together we would have been best friends!") Well, she's right.

We look forward to sharing a little piece of our

lives with all of you. After all, we are genuinely ...

Inspired By Our Sisters.