Thinking of You

Mom-
Thinking of you this week for your birthday! Everyday I miss you more, and everday I have more peace that we will be together again some day. Boy what a year that it has been. So much has gone on. I know that you are with us daily, watch us and help us. I know you can see how cute my kids are, but oh how I wish you were here to hold them and play with them. I listened to the funeral the other day. It was nice to remember our family when we were normal. Not that there is a totally perfect family, but our normal. It was nice to hear the memories of you and remember you and your wonderful influence when you were alive. How you touched so many many people. Especially your children! I hope that your legacy lives on in us.
Mom, I still can't get over how quickly you were taken from us. We just weren't ready, yet I have a knowledge that the Lord did prepare us in many ways. It's just not fair no matter how prepared you may be. I still just can't bare that you are gone.
I try to remember the good times daily, your sense of humor, your wit, your exactness and perfection. All the things you managed to teach me in 32 years is incredible! You truly our my example, my hero, my shining beacon to look up to. The other night I got to sit around with all of my brothers and sisters and laugh. I knew you would have laughed right with us and I hope that you were in heaven looking down on us laughing. That was the best part about you Mom, you were always so over joyed with your kids! All of my great memories of you are you throwing your head back, with your laugh and beautiful smile. You truly taught us how to love life. How to enjoy it and live it with dignity. How to think of others before ourselves. How to focus on our families and those things that would bring us happiness in the eternities, rather than the things that only bring us temporary happiness. You taught us so much wisdom! I am thankful to you every day for the many blessings that you brought to my life. To me Mom, you were perfect. I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life. There truly isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of you. And I now think of the day where we will once again be reunited. Where we will hug, laugh, hash and re-hash out life and all that you missed while we were apart. I have no doubt you are busy doing what you need to. But I have no doubt that Heavenly Father allows you to also care for us, you are most likely one awesome gaurdian angel.
To you Mom on your birthday I say I love you, I miss you! Until we meet again I will try to live life so that you will be proud of me. So that on that day where we are all together again in our own little heavenly mansion, you can tell me "You did good". Love ya Mom and I'm remembering "who I am"!
Love-
Margaret

AI Week 2-Women

Okay I just realized that I forgot about Jason Castro in my men's discussion. I just love this guy! I think he is totally genuine and I thought that the song was perfect for him last night. I disagreed with the judges totally on him! He is my cool granola man! Okay, for the women... interesting night. No one totally blew me away like they did with the men. Let's start with Alaina Whitaker, I wanted her to do well, but she just didn't. Especially since we have the same food issues. You can tell she can sing, but she seems nervous. Alexandrea Lushington, ooo boy, I hope I don't totally rip her to shreds but I DO NOT like this girl. Her outfit had to be one of the worst I have seen on AI to date. She looked like she was going to high school in her shorts and then slipped on her mom's high heels right before she went. Really she bothers me! She isn't bad on the vocals, but she was really out of tune actually on certain parts. But her overall "look" is just annoying to me. Amanda Overmeyer, she pretty much just scares me. And not an annoying scarey, like a literal scarey. She could go postal on ya I think. She also looks about 50 years old and like she has lived a hard life bar hopping and riding her harley. I guess her hair do tonight confirmed that she hasn't been wearing a wig, but boy was it terrifying! Asia'h Eppersen, she did a good job. Overall good vocals in my opinion. Brooke White, bar far the best female of the night. You can tell that she is just plain talented and I like that. She is going to go places even if she doesn't win the competition. Maybe she can hang out with Peter Brienholt. lol Carly Smithson, again this week, I just don't get her. She is way over rated. And why people are you choosing Heart songs!? Kady Malloy definately needs to go. She is way to cocky or snippy or something. And her song may have been the most, or one of the most, horrendous songs I have heard on AI to date. That was just plain TERRIBLE!!! The band at her alive, you could barely hear her! Again, Heart, why? Kristy Lee Cook, poor girl just needs to go home, but she seems like a nice girl. She is yet another one I want to get my hands on her hair. But a singer she really isn't. Ramiele Maluby, I like this girl. She is a little ball of spunk. She probably won't win but she does some great vocals. And I disagree with the judges, I liked her "don't leave me this way". One of my favorites. And more people should have been throwing out the disco for the 70's week! Although she did manage to make the song somewhat boring. I still liked her. Well, there you have it, hopefully I didn't forget anybody! :-)

AI Week 2- Men

I was going to do one big blog post, but now I can't resist discussing the men from last night. Really most of them are so-so, but there are a few stand outs. Here's my run down: Chikezie, sorry Annie, I like this dude. :-) His clothes are strange though. But how could you not love the soul he was throwin down last night. Love it! Danny Noriega, I still do not understand him whatsoever. Don't get it! He was okay on the vocals, but PLEASE why would you pick a Carpenter's song if you are a teenage boy??? David Archuleta...LOVE! He was by far the best of the night! Although Dave and I think someone needs to go paint some scruff on him because he looks SO young! David Cook, I do like him. He did a good job on his guitar and with the vocals. I just want to get a hold of his hair! BAD! David Hernandez, to me he is a Lagoon singer, but he has good vocals and he is a good performing, but I don't think he can win unless he gets some pazazz about him. Jason Yeager...NEEDS TO GO! If I could vote for who you DON'T like, I would have voted for him last night. He needs some serious help with everything! Especially his metallic belt, for some reason that really bugged me. lol I bet you now want to go back and re-watch to catch the little details that I notice that are non-singing in this singing competition. Luke Menard, oh boy, he needs to go to. Although, I think he would make a great J Crew or Eddie Bauer model, but a singer he is not. Michael Johns, I love the man, but he wasn't as good last night, I have to admit. Still, he has proved himself and shouldn't go home. Robbie Carrico, he found myself totally bored with his hard rock song. That seems like a oxymoron. So I can take or leave him. Although I do hope that he has some potential. Still, no Bucky!

AI Part Deux

Well it's obvious that we now know who was booted out of AI for last week. So discussing the men is probably a mute point. But, no surprise on who was hung out to dry. Still, I'll give a rundown of what I think thus far on the men...
Chikezie, you've got to love this guy for his wardrobe alone. And did anyone catch of glimpse of his mother while he sang. You an tell she is just in love with "her boy", hilarious! Glad he's still with us! Danny Noriega...umm.....I just don't get it. "All the colors of Danny" actually fits him well! David Archuleta, how can you not love this kid!? His smile is the best and he just seems generally like a totally nice guy! David Cook...he was really good but I really don't get his hair. David Hernandez, he was okay. Jason Castro, loved. He reminded me of many a granola that hung out at my high school. Jason Yeager, oh boy! He really needs to go. He bothered me badly, in fact I had to FF the tivo through his performance because I was uncomfortable watching him in the privacy of my own home in my pj's. Luke Menard, Simon was right, he really was a forgetable performance because I can't remember him. Michael Johns, I love this man. He probably needs to win. And lastly Robbie Carrico, he was good, but who can beat our long haired blonde rocker Bucky from a few seasons ago. So I'm pretty sure he can't win. Anyway, there's my thoughts. We start a whole new week tomorrow. Should be interesting. Isn't it sad that AI is the highlight of my life at this time? Hmmm... if you know me you can probably figure out why! lol

AI

Sorry, I must do it, I must discuss American Idol. You can't watch this show without having an opinion and discussing it. So feel free to check in with me weekly and hopefully I can keep up this little discussion. But today I am going backwards because I haven't watched the boys yet on tivo. I only watched the girls tonight. Here is the rundown.... and if you aren't sure of who goes with what name yet here is the link: http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season7/
I don't have tons to say yet about who I am set on. But I know who should definately be out as of tongiht and that is Amy Davis! Oo boy! There is always someone each year that I feel bad for and think the judges set up for failure, and this year it is clearly her. Amanda Overmeyer, she scares me, she really does. Usually I like rocker chics, but she is a scarey rocker chic that is usually about 50 years old and a chain smoker and who you woudln't want to be neighbors with cause she has a scarey dog with a spiked dog collar. That's just my opinion.lol Oh and she is weird because I think she wears a wig of her regular hair. I think she has blond hair and then puts on a halfsy wig to cover most of it. Very odd, and please, some years we should just start with a style make over for these contestants rather than improving them throughout. If I was the stylist I would start with her! Alaina Whitaker, I don't know yet, but Matthew likes her and we threw her a few votes. It's alwyas interesting to me who he likes, but Matthew definately perfers blondes because a few years ago he was all the way for Kelly Pickler. Alexandrea Lushington, she goes down as the winner of "the performance that bugged me the most". Her shoulder shrugs were enough to make me actually change the channel. Don't try to be like TLC girl! Asia'h Epperson, not sure about the name and I'm thinking that she can't win just based off of the name because no one can pronounce it. Also her voice sounds super strained. Brooke White, definate contender, liked her although I hated her song tonight. But I look forward to what she can do in the future. Matthew and I definately voted for her. Carly Smithson, bugs, I agree with Simon on this one, I don't get the hype about her. Joanne Borgella, no thoughts yet. Kady Malloy, Dave called her pouty, and she bugs us just for that. Kristy Lee Cook, no thoughts yet, but probably not in the running. Ramiele, small, but like her. Syesha, pretty much like her. I think her hair is funk de funk and I like her face. Good singer as well.
Well that's my low down. I'll try to watch the tivo of the men and get back to ya!

My Honey

Happy Valentine's Day to my David! He is seriously the best! For the most part ;-)This is our 13th Valentine's Day together (we'll be married 13 years in June) so I thought that I would write him 13 reasons why I love him today. Hopefully he'll read the blog!
1- He is truly my biggest supporter! He is there for me when I need him. I still remember when we had our first baby Matthew. I couldn't bear to ever have him leave me in the hospital. So he slept on this stupid tiny chair in the room. And if you know Dave you know that was uncomfortable cause he is 6'4 and a big guy! I needed him SO much to tell me everything was okay. It meant a lot to me, he stayed with me every second and he is like that with everything!
2- He has a positive attitude. He is always looking at the bright side of things. When we did IVF he would always be there cheering me on every step of the way. When I would get discouraged that things wouldn't work out with our IVF, he would always say "if you don't get up to bat you can't hit a home run" Just super positive.
3- He is a hard worker. He does tons for our family so that we always have enough to live. And he has worked to get an education and better himself in all things
4- He is a AWESOME father! He spends so much time with our kids and he enjoys it! He really loves everything about them and he encourages them to always be the best that they can be. They always love him more than me!;-)
5- He is a man of pure honesty and intergrity. I trust him with my life!
6- He is funny and he likes to laugh at the tales that I tell. That's important cause I can really be dramatic sometimes. lol
7- He makes sure that we are always following the Prophets counsel with living within our means. He makes sure we can sleep at night and that we live an authentic life with who we are and what we can afford. He is a money stickler! But I love him for it!
8- He is super handsome! I love him best in a suit and tie! I also love his feet, if they have socks on. lol
9- I have always loved the way he said my name. He is the only one that says my name in a good way. When everyone else says "Margaret" I feel like an old lady. lol
10- He encourages me to be my best self. He made sure I graduated from college, and he keeps my on my toes to try to achieve my goals.
11- He is nice to EVERYONE! I am never embarassed by the way he acts. He is thoughtful and kind and jovial with everyone he mits. His mission pres. use to say that he could put any companion with Dave because "Dave could get along with anyone." and this is true!
12- He is an awesome preisthood holder and I am thankful to have this in my home.
13- Ihave been in love with him since the first time I saw him. We have been through so much and I know we are meant to be together. He has supported me TONS through this last year with my Mom's death and family changes and he continues to do so. He has let me grieve, has given me blessings, has lifted me up, has cared for the kids when I couldn't do anymore, and has try to make me remember what life is all about. He is everything to me! I love you Dave!!!! Today and all year round! I'm so glad we get to be together forever! I wouldn't have it any other way!

The Judges

Last night I just had to take a picture of this cute little sight. Firstly, all three of my kids were getting along! But secondly, they were pretending to be the judges on American Idol! It totally cracked me up. They sat in order with Maren in the middle as Paula and made Will be Simon. They were so cute and sat in front of the tv and made comments on the performers as they tried out. It was a hoot! Wish you all could have been there.
This is Maren being Paula. LOL And I mostly just took this pic cause I felt it showed off Will's curly locks. :-)

Jumpstart!

Yes I realize that my blog of late has been seriously lacking! So I decided to get tagged by my sisters fun, mindless, and yet enjoyable "quiz" so you can all learn a bit about me. Cause let's face it, you know you want to! So here goes...

1) Which celebrity would play you in a movie of your life? One for looks, one for personality. Flatter your guts out.

This was very difficult but for looks I think that I would go with Jennifer Connolly cause I wish I could look like her. OR, does she really look like me? And for personality I would have to go with Janeane Garofalo cause she cracks me up! But don't get that confused with looks cause generally she looks like she never showers and I'm a stickler for a shower with my daily make up!

2) Are you married? If yes, did you marry for looks, love, attention, or money?

Yes, I married for love! I would say that's my main reason and that Dave is my best friend. But not for money, although I thought he was a high roller with his Ford Taurus at the time.

3) How closely does your life resemble what you thought you'd be when you were four?

Mostly it resembles what I thought it would. Of course I was going to be a millionaire by age 33 sunning myself on a sandy beach somewhere without the stretched out belly that motherhood so lovingly gives you!

4) Do you like when playlists play music on blogs?

Uh Duh!

5) Where were you when Heath Ledger died?

I wasn't aware he was a modern icon and that I SHOULD remember where I was when he died. But my sister Cathi gmailed it to me so I was sitting in the same place I am now.

6) Who will you vote for in November?

I really have no idea. I'm kind of depressed about it actually. I want Mitt, generally agree with most of what he has to say. I don't want McCain cause I'm not sure what he even stands for. So if he wins republican it is a dicey toss up for who I will vote for.

7) Costco or Sam's Club?

Definately Costco! Love it!

8) Do you hate it when your husband/wife plays video games?

Um yeah, my theory is it makes him more rude and aggressive. But he needs a little of that sometimes.

9) Have you ever had the dream where all your teeth fall out and you choke on them?

No! Although I did have a reoccuring dream growing up where a vacuum cleaner was possessed and chased me everywhere. lol Funny I don't have that dream now because it is reality.

10) Have you ever been semi-conscious and totally unable to move and feel like you might be possessed by Satan?

Sometimes...

11) What are the best t.v. shows that you think others should be watching too? Does the Writer's Strike make you lonely, bored or unemployed?

Definately The Office! Best show on earth. Sadly my other favs are reality shows. But I have to say I love Amazing Race, Survivor (sometimes), American Idol and my fav of all that is SO underrated by SO good..America's Next Top Model! Really it is amazing what touch ups and a good photographer can do for you!

12) Do you watch trash t.v. when you are alone? Are you embarrassed?

Do all my above reality shows count for this. And yes, I like trash tv and no I'm not embarrased! Maren and I have a favorite The Young and The Restless! Actually I didn't know she noticed my show until after a few weeks she said to me one day about a storyline "Wasn't that girl in jail?" lol Then I realized I probably was a bad mother.

13) Who is your current favorite music artist?

Wow! That is vast! My recent favs The Killers, Sarah McLachlan, The Cure, Cake, Dave Matthews, and much more....and my sister Cathi turned me on to an awesome song I can't get enough of and if I actually wrote or performed a song it would be this one or just like this one .. The Story!

14) What's the worst movie you've ever seen?

Probably Church Ball or the 3rd Priates of the Carribean. Yikes!

15) Should they take the word "God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Uh, no.

16) List only your four best friends to respond to this survey on their blog
You decide if you are one of them! :-)