The Fundamentals

Hope your Halloween was as fun filled as ours!

Three fundamental truths of the Speer household....

We have many adventures,

we never roam alone,

But most importantly, there is no place like home!

Dorothy and Toto

I wish this last one was a better picture. My camera is apparently starting to go. Thanks Ro for letting us drop by for a cute shot with Toto, er Maggie.

Tagged!

For you Tim :)

I am: by myself
I know: my kids will be up soon
I want: to have a fun day
I Have: lots of stuff to do
I dislike: mud
I miss: my daddy
I feel: contemplative
I hear: the fan
I smell: cold
I crave: cough drops
I cry: at movies
I search: the scriptures
I wonder: when my cough will go away
I regret: getting sick
I love: CW
I care: too much about what others think
I worry: about the future
I remember: almost nothing
I believe: in Jesus
I dance: with the kids
I don't: keep in touch
I argue: when I am tired
I write: often
I win: at gin rummy
I lose: most other games
I wish: for happiness
I listen: to weird music
I can usually be found: at the computer
I am scared: of not being prepared
I need: more time
I forget: to enjoy what I have
I am happy: mostly

Up and Out

Today I got rid of a ton. 5 bags of clothing that have been cluttering up my closet plus all kinds of stuff that has been sitting out in the garage. I love being about to set things out and have them picked up. I don't know why I never did this before.

Next, I am going to call the ReStore place Chanda recommended tomorrow (not open on Mondays) and have them come take away all the stuff sitting out in the garage left from the remodel projects we have been doing around the house. So happy they will come and get it:)

It will be a relief to park my van in the garage again. yipee.

I don't know if you have ever had one, a phone call in the middle of the night that scares the crap out of you. I had one last night... I have caller ID and don't ever pick up 'unknown' numbers. I don't know why I did last night...



Reporter: Hello my name is Richard Lazano, I am with the LA Times, I am trying to reach the family of Carl Pack.

Me: Yes he is a relative of mine.

Reporter: Are you aware of the train accident that happened in the Los Angeles area ma'am?

Me: (puzzled) Yes I am aware that there was a accident, what does this have to do with Carl Pack.

Reporter: Ma'am I am sorry you have not heard or been notified but Carl Pack was among the dead.

Me: (feeling sick) I am sure you must be mistaken. Carl Pack is my father in law. The accident happened yesterday, I am sure our family would have heard had he been on the train.

Reporter: The coronor just released these names, in the last hour.

Me: I just talked to my sister in law 30 minutes ago. She is his daughter and lives in town. We talked about the crash and later in the conversation I asked about her parents. She would have told me. We would have been notified.

Reporter: Are you sure? I have his birthday at 01/01/50, he is listed as 58 years old.

Me: Yes that is his birthday but I am sure your information is incorrect.

Reporter: The age was released by the coronor.

Me: I am sure we would know.

Reporter: But you haven't talked with Mr. Pack

Me: No.

Reporter: Can I relay this information to my editor? Can I have your name.

Me: My name is Jenni.

Reporter: Jenni Pack.

Me: No, I would rather not give my information

He already knew my information, I didn't care. All I wanted was to get off the phone so I could make some calls. I love my father in law but I don't talk with him often. I was sweating, sick and almost crying by this point. He left me with his name and contact info and told me to contact me if I knew anything.

I called my mother in law. She calmed my fears (even though she is on the other side of the country from her husband right now). CW came home he called his dad just to make sure he was ok. Everything is fine. Except we can't figure out the mix up. Identity theft? who knows. But it was scary. Here is some info on the crash if you are interested.



*Names have been changed to protect everyone but me...

A little blog-lovin'

Ok, so I am in love with this blog. Laughed so hard lemonade came out my nose (boy did that hurt). Enjoy (the blog or my pain your pick).

Let's talk about the weather

Hi my name is Jenni and I have compulsive weather syndrome.

If you didn't already know I was a nerd, this just confirms it. I am obsessed with the weather. I have to check on it constantly. When I can't check on it at weather.com. I am checking on it on the Weather Channel. At night I will stop what I am watching at 10pm so I can watch the weather on the local news.

I think this disorder may run in the family. My niece 3 states away can't go to school without first turning on the weather channel, she's 10. You want more evidence... My dad stayed up every night till after 10pm even though he was up at 4am "to watch the weather". I would definitely say it's hereditary.

My disease has gotten progressively worse since we moved to Texas. We didn't really have weather where I grew up. Arizona has Sun, Sun, Sun 300 days a year and in case you haven't heard California is known for it's mild weather. So all this freaky Texas weather is making my CWS a serious problem. I will be honest, cloudy weather really just depresses me.

Who knows? Maybe I was meant to be a weather girl (on the radio obviously).

So right now I am watching Hurricane Ike and wishing it could just stay to the south. Here's to hoping for no company, from my little brother and his family or from Big Bad Ikie.

The Education of a Mom

Two important subjects were discussed at the breakfast table this morning.

Alex: Mom, have you ever had a really important job?
Me: What do you mean important? I have an important job now.
Alex: No I mean really important, like the president of something.
Me: I have an important job raising this family (teaching moment) my job raising you kids is so important that the President of our church issued a proclamation to the world about it.
Alex: President Hinkley
Me: yep and I even have a copy if you want to read it.


Eating resumes....


Alex: Guess what Mom.
Me: Alex if you are going to spout random trivia at me I would rather not guess.
Alex: (crestfallen)
Me: Is this random trivia?
Dad: Is it useful information Alex?
Alex: I think so...
Me: Ok tell me.
Alex: Mom, did you know that 20 buttons are lost every minute.
Me: (cracking up) Ok Alex, just so you know, THAT was random trivia.
Dad: Well at least you have something to blog about later.




Moral of this story, don't wish for more to blog about it or you may be subjected to questions about your job and infomation regarding the buttons of the world.



:) Good day!

A Comeback?

I think I can, I think I can...start blogging again that is.

It's not like I have nothing to say. As those of you who know me can attest, I never seem to run out of things to talk about. Even talking about the most mundane things makes me happy. The problem is when I actually type out these things, they seem well, what's that word again???

MUNDANE.

But I'm going to try not to worry about what my fan club out there might find interesting...I know all 2 of you that actually read my blog might find that appalling but live with it. :)

Okay, so maybe I will find something interesting to "type" about.

Fave Summer Treat

Well here it is, our favorite summer treat. Cheap, cold and yummy...did I mention cheap.

When the Bough Breaks....

The kids and I were off to the pool at about 11:20 this morning. As we are driving it got pretty dark and ominous outside and really windy. This is what we saw when we got home...

The picture doesn't show that the tree is basically bare in the middle or that it took 2 really big, strong guys to get the branch out of the road. I am just glad a car wasn't parked there.

Tiny Dancer

She is utterly uncoordinated but thoroughly enthusiastic. What is she most excited about, you may ask, the outfits of course! I think she's a beauty.

Hit the Road Jack!

I get a horrid disease every summer.

Some hideous desire to ride in a car for many many hours. At times across empty stretches of desert and more often than not to end up in an empty stretch of desert. It is called wanderlust. It is commonly defined as a strong desire to travel, or, of having a strong desire to explore the world. Some consider it to be a simple linguistic compound of wander and lust.

I am desperately trying to control said desire this year.

CW asked me this evening why I insist on talking about how expensive gas is. Really it's the only way I can control my overwhelming desire to hit the road. The cheapskate in me, yes she does exist, is helping to keep me in check. That and the promise of England in 2009. As if the thought of 14 hours in a car with three screaming children is not enough to try anyone's sanity.

Do you look forward with anticipation to your yearly hiatis from home? Do you hear the siren's call of family, friends and fun? Or would your rather hang at the homestead?

Excuses, Excuses

I have them in abundance.

1. My underscore on my keyboard was broken and I was having to steal underscores from where ever I could find them (thanks Rochelle, I always knew I could find one in your blog address).

2. The S was SSSsssssticking and sometimes completely stuck. Such a pain to write anything. You don't realize how much you use SSSSS until it's gone.

3. My camera has been broken also.

Alas all this has been remedied. So if you haven't already seen them. Here is a couple of cute kids at Easter.

The Speer Kids

Alex and Lily

Ed (of course his only real interest was in the tripod)

Don't forget today's our day Texas!

Ok so I don't feel there is much in the way of choices, but still I am goin' out to be part of the process.

Here's some funnies, thanks Kelly.



If you want to own them for you very own click here and here.

Why do I love these quizzes. He he.

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

Valentine Memories

Memory #1

Disclaimer...this memory doesn't actually belong to me.
It's Valentine's day in the late 1950's my dad has his Valentine's all ready for class and decides to hitch a ride to school on his big brother's handle bars. Of course they crash, it's pretty bad and my uncle decides to walk his bike home, my dad however does not want to miss the Valentine's party at school. So he goes on his way. He shows up a school and the teacher insists he go home and get cleaned up. So he goes home and then his mom won't let him go back to school. He said he was always upset about missing that party....

Jenni's Dad Late 1950's

Memory #2

I am in 6th grade. There is slush outside on the ground because it "snowed" the night before. I am running to the bus stop when I realize that I have forgotten the dip for the V-day party! So I decide to pretend to slip in the mud so I can go back home an retreve said dip and then my mom can take me to school. I get home and chicken out about going inside so I am hiding out on the carport, in my mind I am going to hid out there all day until school lets out, mind you it's in the 30's out there. I guess my mom hears me though and comes out to investigate. I tell her I slipped on the way to the bus stop and decided to come home. I don't mention that I really only turned around because I forgot the dip. She tells me that I can stay home from school that day because she is not going out, my baby sister was a month old.

To this day I don't think my mom knows I turned around because of the dip.

My brother and I Valentine's day 1987

Memory #3

CW and I had been married only 5 weeks, it was our first V-day together. I wake up that morning to find chocolates everywhere...and I mean everywhere. In the silverwear drawer, all over the desk, all over the floor, in our bed. I did not think it was funny or romantic. In fact I was ticked and I did not fail to let him know it. He tried to make up for it with dinner but truly all he remembers of our 1st Valentines day is that he was "trying" to be romantic and I got mad.

CW and I -- 1997

So what are your Valentine's day memories, I know I have read some of yours already, but please feel free to share if you haven't already.

Follow the Prophet, Don't Punch People in the Mouth

Like a lot of LDS families, Monday night is set aside as family night. Tonight was Alex's night to "conduct". He wanted to talk about prophets, which is great considering we got a new one today.

We started off singing a song (Follow the Prophet), had a lesson where we talked about President Monson and his counselors and how they are chosen and then had a couple of games. We played " The Prophet says" like Simon says. Then we went around and named things the prophets have asked us to do. Like FHE, obey the commandments, read the Book of Mormon. Lily's turn was last and she was having a hard time coming up with an answer so CW asked her what the ring she got in Primary was called, she let us all know it was a shield and that reminded her not to punch people in the mouth...Good answer.

Pictures complements of Lily.

My pirate name is:

Mad Prudentilla Cash

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Sleep! Who needs it....ME!

I can't sleep.

It is not a good idea to start a novel right before going to bed. Especially not one as good as "Can You Keep a Secret" by Sophie Kinsella. It is a trap I tell you! In error I thought that reading would help me go to sleep. It doesn't usually work but I was already tired at 10:30 tonight so I thought, a few minutes with a good book won't hurt...3 hours and 300 pages later, I a FORCED to stop. CW has a head ache and the light is keeping him awake. The nerve.

I lay in bed for an hour after turning off the light with a fabulous idea turning around in my brain. I just had to get up.

It's 5 till 5 and I have to be up in an hour because Alex has chess club at 7am, which means he cannot ride the bus and that I should get him up at 6 instead of 6:25.

Busy day tomorrow...see you all then!

Blogging Fever -- Sassy Apron Swap!

I know you've seen more of me in the last 2 days than in the last 2 months. What can I say??? I have a fever...blogging fever...heehee. Ok so maybe I do have a real fever but at least it's been entertaining.

I have decided to participate in a swap. You can still send your info in to be included in the swap but only till tomorrow January 20. The project it due March 1st.

I am so excited. I have been needing a project where I could use my new machine. I guess we will see how it goes.

My true color....

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

Take this test >

11 things I love about my husband (One for each year)

11. He always listens without interupting (I can't say the same for myself).

10. He takes me places he knows I like even if he doesn't really care about them. Trust me when I say we are forever going to museums/festivals/exhibits, because I like them and he just likes me.

9. He really likes me and he tells me so. Who doesn't need to hear that.

8. He recongnizes when I am feeling overwhelmed and tries to remedy the situation without making a big deal about it.

7. He's kooky, funny, entertaining and a great storyteller.

6. He is the realist to my idealist and it's a good thing too or we would be living in my good intentions instead of our beautiful home.

5. He always believes in my talents, even when I have forgotten them.

4. He really smart and very talented, good at his job, and a great provider.

3. He's an introvert, he's always felt like an outsider in his own family of artists, performers and musicians but it's made him very unique.

2. He is a great dad. He knows things about the kids that I don't and can't understand. He tries hard to be a good parent, not just to talk to them but listen to what they say.

1. He is my partner. He bring balance and stability to my life that had always been lacking.

Happy Anniversary, babe! Your the best!

I am so ashamed.

Here I am visiting all of these simply fab blogs while mine own is so neglected.

I do have an excuse for this last week though. Up until today I have simply been feeling wretched. I have been keeping the companies that make nyquil and theraflu in business.

Other than that...my christmas was wonderful, my birthday fun, fun and more fun and my anniversary very romantic. I have practically every special day of my life within a month. I didn't plan very well although only one of those is actually my fault. :)