Liebster Award - I'm Famous!

I was recently nominated for not one, but two Liebster Awards.  I'm honored and all verklempt.  No really...first and foremost I'd like to thank my Heavenly Father for molding me into who I am, my parents for putting up with me and my husband for choosing me.  Now that I've got that out of the way, let me tell you of the lovely ladies that nominated me:

Whitney from Southern Hope
Alissa from One Part Joy - One Part Circus

**Both ladies are uplifting bloggers who are strong in their faith.  I always come away feeling a better person for having visited their blogs.**

Would it be terrible of me to tell you that I lived in the day of chain letters?  That dates me doesn't it?  I have to confess that I was never very good at those chain letters.  I used to send the recipe or post card or whatever was requested to the next person on the list, but I never followed through with the rest.  Like please copy this letter and send it to 100 of your friends.  I don't know about you, but I don't have 100 friends even though Facebook tells me I do.

So, in keeping with my slacker ways, I will graciously accept this award, refer to my lovely nominators and answer the questions but as for tagging a bunch of my friends...probably not going to happen.  Therefore, I am tagging EVERYBODY!  There you have it...you are all my friends.


The Rules are as Follows:

1. Share 11 facts about myself
2. Answer 11 questions from my nominator
3. Nominate 11 followers (with less than 200 followers) for the award
4. Create 11 questions for nominee to answer

11 Facts about Me:

1. I have a fat cat named Milo.  He looks like Allisa's cat and shares the same name as Whitney's cat.
2. I have been married twice.....to the same guy.  First time here.
3. The second time I was married, my boys were two and three so I'll tell people I've been married for 18 years with a 21 year old son.  GASP!
4. I have an addiction to diet cherry coke.
5. I love to run, though I'm not very fast.
6. Yoga makes me feel amazing and strong even though my daughter says its boring.
7. I'm a youth leader at Church.  Should we be worried?  
8. I have moved 15 times.  I'm grateful to have stayed put for the last ten years.
9. I am an introvert
10. My daughter is my best friend, though, I don't think she likes me as much these days.  
11. I struggle with reading overly long blog posts.  I just get lost in the words...Guess what?  This is going to be overly long.  

Questions from Whitney:

1.  What is one of your favorite quotes?

Happiness is like a butterfly, 

the more you chase it the more it eludes you.

If you turn your attention to other things

for just a moment,

It will come and sit softly on your shoulder ~ Nathaniel Hawthorn

2.  If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?  Mickey Mouse because then I could hang out at Disneyland all day.  ;)

3.  If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?  I like my first name, so I wouldn't change it.  But when I was in High School, I wanted to change the spelling because it was so common.  

4.  If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?  I think it would have been cool to watch the Berlin Wall come down.  I saw it on TV, but to have actually been there would have been cool.  

5.  What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?  Sending my son off on a Church mission.  It was really hard and a test of faith to let him go.  

6.  What was the last book you read?   I just read a series of young adult books at the recommendation of my daughter.  They are a modern day twist on the Jane Austen books by Jenni James.

7.  Have you ever met a famous person?  Heck, I'm a famous person!  At least on my blog...But, I'm related to a former US Senator and my Aunt is a German Actress.  My Grandpa used to sing at Disneyland and he has several albums which you can't buy anymore.  (he was a crooner)

8.  Why blog?  It is a fun place to express myself, and I'd like to think that I might make your world just a little bit brighter through my blogging.  

9.  Which is your most favorite place?  Disneyland, duh...Is that even a question?

10.  Where are you right now?  Sitting at my computer desk in my family room.

11.  Got milk? Why, yes, I do...

Questions from Allisa:
1. Do you have a favorite Bible verse or quote?  What is it?  Yes, my favorite right now is actually on my blog up top there... "joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." Isaiah 51:3

2. What was your favorite television show from your childhood? Brady Bunch

3. If you had/have a daughter would you ever let her participate in a beauty contest?  Why or why not? No, I don't think so, or at least I wouldn't push her into it.  I think the most relevant beauty is what is found on the inside.  

4. What is one of your pet peeves?  Toilet seat up...nose pickers...rude drivers

5. Favorite blog and/or link up??  There are really too many lovely blogs to choose from.  Right now I really enjoy reading Ann Voskamps blog A Holy Experience.  The verdict isn't out yet on link ups.  I haven't met one yet that I truly love.  

6. What is one recipe you learned to make in the last year?  Homemade bread but it was an epic fail.  

7. What is one strange habit you have?  I rub my arms when I get stressed.  It seems to calm me down.  I'm thinking my mom must have done that when I was a baby because I'm not consciously doing it.  

8. Where is one place you would visit if cost was no object?  I'd love to visit Scotland or Ireland.  I've read some historical romance books that are set there.  That would be a cool trip.  

9. What is something you want to learn to make or do??  I'd like to learn to be a better photographer.  I have a nice camera, now I just need to take a class.  

10. Beach or Mountains?  Ooo, that's tough.  I've lived in Hawaii, California, Colorado and Idaho.  Both worlds!  In the end, I'd have to go with my toes in the sand and a diet cherry coke in my hand.  

11. Coffee or tea?  Herb tea with stevia and cream.  I like Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea.  It is my favorite right now.  You have to like cinnamon, though.  

Your mission should you choose to accept, EVERYONE, are to answer the following questions:

1. Name one talent that you have
2. What is your drink of choice?
3. Pizza or pasta?
4. If you won the lottery, what charity would you donate some of it to?
5. Who or what is most inspiring to you?
6. Favorite ice cream flavor
7. Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter and why?
8. Who is your favorite musical artist?
9. How many friends do you have on Facebook?   Personal account, not blog account
10. "Buddy the Elf, What's your favorite color?"
11. Will you let me know if you do this so I can come and visit and support you?

Ready, Set, Go...

1. And when the Nominee is finished you must link it back to me (as I did above) in your blog post

A Confession

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I have a confession to make:   I am a homebody.  

It's true!  I know you are SO shocked...I love being home.  I love cleaning my house, or baking something yummy.  I even love doing laundry.  I love the smell of the fresh clean clothes and the warmth of the soft garments as my hands fold them.  The allure of being home and creating seems to supersede all other needs.

In fact, as I write this I should be going to the grocery store.  I have my list all made out, but the drive to go just isn't' there.  Sometimes my family has to suck on dried beans just to get the nourishment they need.  Well, okay, that's an exaggeration, but I can get creative with food.  

I saw a quote the other day by Jane Austen, "Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."  I found a pretty cool free printable the other day at Becky Higgin's blog.  (the cute one at the top of this post) You can down load it here.  You are welcome.  ;)

A Coupon Named for Me?

Yes, you read that right!  I have a coupon named after me!  It's crazy, I know.  eShakti is an online company that offers custom sized dresses.  I don't know about you, but sometimes dresses fit me all wonky.  Tight on the top but perfect on the bottom.  With eShakti you can submit your measurements and they will customize the dress of your choice to fit you!  Normally there is a small extra fee for customization but through February 28, 2013, customization is free.

Currently they have a delightful line of Spring dresses and Bridesmaid dresses.  I love how feminine and flirtry their dresses are.  They do have a fun retro flair to them, as well.  eShakti is offering the readers of That's What She Said...a coupon code worth 20% off your purchase.  The code expires March 10, 2013.  Head over and check out their line of dresses, skirts and blouses, and if you decide to order, use the coupon code:  LISAHAMER in the 'Promotional Code' box.

I love the birds on this dress...

I have one of their summer sun dresses and absolutely love it.  I would have tried it on for you for this post, but lets just say, my legs are kind of winter-white and leave it at that.

**While my opinions of their beautiful dresses is my own, 

I have been offered a free dress for my time in helping promote this company**

BSU or Air Force

I was in a quandary the other night.  We went to a BSU basketball game and I wondered should I wear my BSU sweatshirt or my Air Force sweatshirt?  My oldest is in the Air Force.  Would it be utter betrayal of a mother if I wore the wrong sweatshirt?  Oh, the dilemmas of a mother!

In the end, I went with the Boise State sweatshirt...I rationalized it saying "Well Military Man isn't actually attending the Air Force Academy".  So there you have it, the flimsy excuse of a mother not supporting her son.

This is Miguel's best friend BLT.  Even though Miguel is on a Church Mission, BLT still goes everywhere with us like he's another son.

By the way...we won.

Miguel's Missionary Moment

Well this week was pretty good!  So on Monday we scheduled an investigator named Charlie for Baptism on the 23rd of this month. He is a stud, he used to play baseball for UGA!  He has just cut all contact with his old life and the things he used to do because he wants to get married in the Temple and be baptized.  It has been awesome.  What is really funny is he doesn't like my companion too much because he knows nothing about sports, but he is a stud...he is so solid!  

Then we met another lady who we just scheduled for a March 3rd baptism.  So we met her on the road, and we were in a big hurry to get back to our apartment for our dinner. We stopped and gave her a mormon.org card and talked to her for only a few minutes.  She said she just couldn't forget about the card and went on the website and read everything through 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon! Then she submitted her own name to be taught the lessons! She is now through Alma and when we teach her we basically check what she understands.  It is crazy but awesome!

Also this week my companion and I and only 12 other sets of Elders in the mission got to drive into Atlanta and meet Elder Sores who is in the First Presidency of the Seventy.  We were trained and learned from him.  It was super spiritual. 

Elder Miguel

A Month Ago

One month ago yesterday...

I'm so grateful for 40° days in February.

Shotguns and Shovels

After our experience last week, we found it was important to know the difference between a shovel and a gun.  The fact that the weather was an unusually warm 50° didn't hurt us either.  This is only the second time I have ever shot a shotgun.  Let's just say, I was visualizing a zombie apocalypse.

This is just how we raise them in Idaho...
Ladybug - safety off, ready, aim, fire, safety on.
(we said that a lot)

BLT, Miguel's best buddy.

KT being a man about it.

And that's just how we roll...

"A Gunman"

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The news websites have information before, we, at my school do.  There has been a gunman spotted in a neighborhood Middle School.  I receive a text from my daughter at the High School one mile away from the gunman  "We are in Lockdown, something is going down at Heritage."  My mother heart is afraid, it's not her school but still, I worry.  I text her back, "You will be okay, just do everything they tell you to do."

We have contacted the police at my school and are assured we are far enough away that there is no "lockdown" required.  I answer calls from upset parents and try to calm their fears.  While answering calls and seeking information, I get another text from Ladybug, "They have locked all our doors, our lights are turned off, the windows are covered."  I assure her, "Just being cautious."  My heart is racing.

The streets have been closed off and heavily armed police are making a room to room search and sweep of the affected school.  A crisis center has been set up at a local church.  Still waiting for information.  Who is it?  What is going on?

More clarification comes from the media, it is not a gunman but a teen with a suspicious weapon was spotted by a student and teacher.  Still trying to identify the teen and weapon.  Waiting, watching, worried...

Information finally comes in, suspect has been caught with a fold up camping shovel he brought to school for a class project.  Really?  REALLY? We have become such a "trigger happy" society.  With what has been happening in the world, although it is certainly understandable.  All those children and their families have been traumatized over thankfully NOTHING.  But, why is it that we can't just ask the student, "Hey, what do you have there? A shovel?  What for? Let's go confirm that with your teacher"

I'm not a guy, but I certainly have more cajones than that teacher, just sayin'.  I would have just asked.  Most children are not evil.  I know we need to be cautious these days, but so many people are jumping to conclusions.  There needs to be a happy medium somewhere, don't you think?  Or perhaps we just need to outlaw fold up camping shovels.

Miguel's Missionary Moment

I haven't heard from Miguel much over the last few weeks.  I haven't gotten a written letter since November and not more than two sentences over the last couple of weeks via e-mail.  He is basically writing to let me know he is still alive.  I'm so grateful that he is fully committed to serving others and teaching people.  He is busy beyond belief.  But, a mama still needs to hear from her son.

Since he is on a mission and immersed in scripture, I decided that perhaps he could relate to scripture better than a regular e-mail.  I wrote Miguel my own scripture:

"Dear Elder, It is expedient that thou shalt write unto thy dear mother this day.  Thy words shall be balm for her soul.  She prays mightly for you unto the Lord and it behoveth you that thou shouldst send her good tidings of great joy.  But, if the spirit constraineth you that thou shalt not write unto thy dear mother, let the spirit confirm it unto her also.  For, in the day that thou shalt not write good things unto thy mother thou shalt surely die.  Amen!"

Guess what?  I got an e-mail, and a promise for a written letter soon.  Having a missionary, while a huge blessing, is a financial and emotional sacrifice.  I've sure been a blubbering baby lately missing this one.  More from Miguel himself next week...

On a side note, a blogging friend and I discovered that Miguel is serving in her brother's church.  I don't know why this made me feel so good, but it did.

Hunger brought to you by the letter C

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Today I am hungry.  I want to eat everything in sight.  I am shaky and maybe a little crabby.  I have been on a reduced sugar and carb diet, eating whole foods when I can.  My body is fighting me and so is my brain.  But I am stubborn.  This eating healthy thing is sometimes not for the faint of heart.  But, I will win.  It's the Swede in me.  I've lost three pounds so far this week, so I know it is working.

But would someone please just pass me a freaking cheeseburger and chocolate bar and a Cherry Coke.  Interesting how all the things I crave start with the letter "C".  Now that is something worth studying.

Does healthy eating send your system into an uproar?

Post edit:  I blew it!  I got caught up in all the lovely treats of Valentine's Day and completely blew it.  I was handed a beautiful sugar cookie decorated with gooey icing and red sprinkled sugar, and I could not resist.  Who turns down heart shaped cookies on Valentines?  No, not me.  That would be like turning down...LOVE.  Good thing tomorrow is always a new day.  

How well does he know me?

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I'm participating in a Valentine's link up today entitled "How well does your spouse know you?" The list of questions is below.  My answers are in pink and KT's answers are in blue.

How long have you been married? 
Almost 23 Years
23 years


Where was your first date?  
McDonalds
McDonalds in Laie, Hawaii


Where was your first kiss? 
I can't remember
Bill Labigan's Car on a double date (He gets huge points for remembering this AND the one below)


Who first said, "I love you"? 
I can't remember that either.
Me


What were your wedding colors? 
Peach and White
Peach and white (WOW!)

What is her most commonly used phrase? 
It's all good
I know right…


Who is her celebrity crush? 
Gerard Butler
Matthew McConaughey (Yes, I do like Matthew, too.  Can I like both?)


If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get? 
We would each get Coke Zero
Diet Mt. Dew and Diet Cherry Coke (While this is exactly true, I would have said this, too, but I thought it meant in a restaurant.  Diet Mt Dew or Diet Cherry Coke aren't usually carried in a restaurant.)


What is the best meal she has ever cooked you? 
Homemade Pizza
Southwestern Chicken (Both delicious)


What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?
Probably Chili, KT hates Chili.  
Some kind of soup. (Hmmm Which does he hate more?)

 
What is the most-played song on her iPod? 
Since I listen mostly on the treadmill lately, I'd have to say anything Black Eyed Peas
Trouble by Taylor Swift (Oooo, good song!)


What would she say is your most annoying habit? 
Playing on his Ipad all the time.  He always has to be fiddling with electronics.
Picking ingrown hairs. (Yes!  Gross!) 
What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed? 
Washes my face
Asks me to play with her hair (True!  Yes, I do ask that, it is so relaxing).


If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be? 
My Air Force sweatshirt 
Black man socks!!!! (In my defense, these are my boot socks...)


What would you say is your favorite thing about her? 
He THINKS I am a good mom
She is beautiful inside and out. (Awww...Isn't he sweet?  Most of the time...)


What's her go-to drink at Starbucks? 
Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate


What's her blog's name?! 
That's What She Said...
That’s What She Said

Embracing V-Day

In years past, I haven't thought much of Valentine's Day.  It's commercialized, and I feel like I've said this before, but KT says "Every day is like Valentine's Day when you live with him."  He has a mighty big ego, but that's probably what drew me to him...all that magnetism.  Last month, in my January Funk, I decided to Embrace Valentine's Day.  I have absolutely no decorations for this holiday, but I ignited my craftier side that lays dormant more often than not.  This is what I have been doing to make my home more cheery, and LOVEly.

I downloaded this printable and strung it on jute across my fireplace.  I wish I could reference where I got it, but I can't find it in my feed anywhere.  I usually like to give credit where credit is due, so if you know who created and posted this printable, please let me know.

I downloaded this cute printable from Simple as That, and decided to make a heart bouquet.  I had everything to do it, cost was $0

Then I decided to make some Valentine slip covers for a couple of throw pillows.  I already had the pillow forms so the fabric at 40% off was my only cost.  I found the directions for a novice seamstress here.

Be assured that I will not be decorating for St. Patrick's Day.  I find little leprechauns to be quite creepy.

Emasculation of America

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I have a confession to make,  I am a woman who believes in the divine roles within a marriage. I believe men should be men and that they are the providers and the protectors. Women are the nurturers and homemakers. I do work outside the home, part time. I love my job, but I love my job at home more. I actually truly enjoy homemaking. But that is beside my point here. My point is in the Emasculation of American Men as it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

 I get really frustrated with commercials and how dumb they make men look. I'm not gunna lie, some men ARE dumb, but for the most part men are intelligent and kind and deserve a little more respect than they get. My husband gets upset by these commercials, and the peacemaker that I am, I try to remind him that he likes to laugh at dumb blonde jokes which are just as stereo typical, but inside I am seething.

I relinquish driving privileges to my husband when we are out and about together. It's not that he doesn't LET me drive, but I know that to him it makes him look and feel less masculine when I drive him around. It is important to me that he feels like a man. Quite frankly, I'd rather sit in the passenger seat....far less stress.

I heard a woman once say that her husband doesn't LIKE football anymore, as he longingly looked over her at a distant television with a football game on. Yeah Right! We are trying to change our men and mold them into the image of us. Where is the fun in that? As we try to feminize our men and not embrace their masculinity, they will begin to ignore our femininity. We become just one of the guys...Or they become just one of the girls...I don't know about you, but I want my man to hold doors for me and to look at me with so much love that I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that his sun rises and sets with me...All that good stuff  is directly affected by how I treat him...I'm grateful for my husband, his masculinity and that he is still a guy.

 So I am petitioning my fellow women to remember that

 "He is Still a Guy" 

 

Gratitude Knits Hearts

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I would be remiss if I did not share with you a an experience for which I am grateful.  In December before Christmas, my 93 year old grandmother took a fall in the shower.  I was supposed to visit her, but my trip plans got altered because of weather.  Grandma was in the hospital for three weeks.  She begged to go home.  Before the fall, or BF, she could walk and sit up and stand, dress herself and all those things like unto each other by herself.  After fall, or AF, she has not been able to do anything by herself.  The doctors basically said they released her to her Assisted Living facility to die in her little home.

She lives so far away, by her choice, and I try to visit her often.  But, she is sad and depressed and has told my dad that she is waiting to die.  The spark has finally gone out of her eye and her drive is gone.  I am so grateful for my dad.  He listened to the Spirit and was impressed that it was important for my brother and I to accompany him on a trip to California to visit with her.  Only a few short days but so precious.

This was a bitter sweet visit.  It is so hard to see my grandma so helpless and acting like a child.  I miss her sharp mind and stories.  I miss being able to converse with her as her deafness is increasing.  Yet, being able to see her and visit with her is such a treasured memory.  I'm grateful that she remembers who I am, I'm grateful for all the love she has shown to me.  As her health dwindles, I knew when I said goodbye that it was probably our last face to face goodbye.  So many people don't get that, but I got it and for that I am eternally grateful.  Grandma expressed her gratitude over and over, thanking us for our visit.  In our gratitude, our hearts are forever knit together.

Car Accidents and Blessings

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I may have griped about it earlier this month, but Military Man was in a car accident in Albuquerque.  He was stopped on an off ramp in traffic when an 18 year old came barreling down and hit him going an estimated 40 to 50 mph subsequently pushing TJ into the vehicle in front of him.

I experienced a Mother's gut-wrenching, soul draining fear when I received that call from the side of the highway almost 1,000 miles away.  I felt so helpless to help.  I was so worried.  I know that this whole experience is a true miracle.  He has a second family in Albuquerque that has all but adopted him.  They took him to the hospital and watched him the whole weekend after the accident.  I'm grateful to them and the fact that he is healthy and pain free today, a little over a month later.  His car sustained over $8,000 in damage yet his frame was not touched.  He loves his car and was so worried that it would be "totaled".  The insurance company decided not to total it but instead invest that $8,000 into fixing his car.

I know miracles happen.  TJ basically walking away from that accident was a miracle, and the fact that he got HIS car back is a miracle.  I'm grateful for these tender mercies from a loving Heavenly Father.

Warm Lemon Water

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With wellness on the brain, I have been researching different healthy trends.  This article popped up about drinking warm lemon water.  After reading all the health benefits, I decided to give it a try.  What can it hurt? The juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water?  

The article by Ashley Pitman lists the following health benefits:

• Boosts your immune system (hello vitamin C)
• Balances your PH levels
• Helps with weight loss
• Aids digestion
• natural diuretic (bye, bye toxins)
• clears skin
• hydrates the lymph system

Definitely read her article, as she expounds and explains further.  I am new at this and have not noticed all the benefits just yet.  But, I have noticed that if I take that quiet time to sip it with intention, not rushing but thinking about making healthy choices throughout the day, then I have been better at just that.

 

Don't Do That!

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I've been frequenting a website recently called Mind, Body, Green.  There are a lot of good articles that seem to pertain to me and my Wellness.  One article in particular seemed to encompass all aspects of the Wellness I, personally, am trying to focus on.  The author, Rebecca Butler, listed 5 Don'ts in order to be happier and "thrive".

The five things are:

1. Stop dismissing compliments
2. Treat your whole self:  body, mind and soul
3. Don't define yourself with bad experiences
4. Sabotage!  Yeah, don't do that!
5. Stop putting yourself and your goals and desires last.

She really expounds and explains.  If you are seeking some good information about Wellness, like me, be sure to check out her article at Mind, Body, Green.