2009. It has been a year.  This was the year that, in January,  I landed in the hospital with a Type I diabetes diagnosis.  The next day I stared up at the TV in my room, and saw a commercial for mint M&M’s, and cried as I wondered if I would ever, ever eat one. (more…)

If you were offended the cover of Elna Baker’s book, do NOT watch this little animated video. Really.

Dear Jodi–

First, let me say that I like you. I really do. You’re one of the few authors that I feel actually does belong on the Best Seller’s List. Your writing is uncluttered, your stories are interesting, your characters compelling. But Jodi, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. (more…)

OK, so this year we bought our oldest daughter a digital camera.  A real one, not one of those digital things for kids that break after 3 days. (And oh, yeah, we already have a trip to Target and Costco planned to return broken stuff.  Awesome.  Although I do LOVE returning stuff and seeing the credit card balance go backward.  Anyhoo….) She’s been complaining about the lack of picture taking that we do, so hey, now SHE gets to do it. (more…)

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you. May your holiday be blessed with the presence of His spirit, and may His name be written in your hearts.

My hand is shaking as I dial the numbers, balancing the little spiral-bound directory on my knee. Jane picked up on the second ring, “Hi Tracy…!” I jumped a little, always startled when caller ID betrays me. I was born at the wrong time. “…How are you!?” Jane is always cheerful, despite having seven kids and an array of stray pets brought home by her veterinarian husband.

“Hi Jane” I choke out, the tears clogging my throat and getting stuck somewhere in my mangled greeting. (more…)

I’m grumpy. Like, GRUMPY. The thought of traveling to Utah in crazed weather conditions and a mildly sick child just makes me want to crawl back under the covers and stay there until New Year’s.

I’ve been trying to shake the grumps all day, and it’s not happening. I’m not PMSing, I’m not too tired, and I’ve eaten, which rules out all the usual suspects. I haven’t exercised for 4 days, as my daughter has been sick, which could be one culprit, but I think the looming Christmas chaos that I know I have to face is bringing with it all the stresses of past Christmases. Especially last year, which was especially bad.

So your mission is to post something funny. Anything funny. Youtube, jokes, embarrassing stories, go wild. And if you want to throw something in that will soften my heart about Christmas, that could be good too. Nobody likes a Grinch.

I’m not sure what a stereotypical Mormon is, or not, but I don’t think I’m one of them.

I’m not from Utah.

I did not go to BYU.

I didn’t get married until I was in my 30s.

My husband’s produces professional theatre that some members may or may not approve of.

I come from a long line of Mormon Democrats (all 10 of us).

Other than those characteristics, I’m fairly normal Mormon: temple recommend carrying, scripture reading, testimony bearing, sacrament taking, tithe paying, leader supporting, member. (more…)

My brother took this picture at a local Wal-Mart.  Apparently $10.00 doesn’t include Joseph’s head or hands.  But it WILL give you a couple of extra roosters, so you know, that’s a bonus.

Guest post by Vada

While I usually wear skirts and nice shirts when I need to get dressed up, and I like that, occasionally I find myself wanting an actual dress.  I decided that I was going to use the Christmas money from my mother-in-law this year to buy myself a dress.  I’ve considered buying one from Shabby Apple, and I still might.  The thing is, though, that even though I know they’re great about returns, I’d like to wear the dress on the vacation we’re taking with my in-laws mid-January (because it will delight my mother-in-law).  If there are any sizing concerns and I have to send it back, I probably won’t be able to do that.  My husband suggested instead that I just go buy a dress while I’m up in Utah over Christmas, which I thought was a pretty good idea (because it is nice to try clothes on before buying them).  However, I don’t particularly like shopping, and I have three kids who I’ll have to get one of my parents or siblings to watch while I go shopping, so I want to make the most of my time.

So here’s the request for advice:  Where should I go dress shopping in Utah?  What are your favorite stores for finding cute dresses?  I’ll be staying in Logan, but will also be in the Provo and Salt Lake areas a few times, so suggestions for stores in any of those places would work.  Thanks!

I got an envelope in my newspaper the other day. It was a Christmas card, with a happy little note from my newspaper carrier, and then an envelope tucked inside the card with his name and address on it. (more…)

I like to run in the mornings. But once a week, I go to a bonafide gym to attend a weight training class that kicks my butt. (more…)

First of all, how sad is it that the season is over?  This was arguably the best season of Top Chef they’ve ever had.  Of course, it was desperately needed, after last season, but still, a fabu season overall.  I will miss it. (more…)

(Was that the same title Tracy used recently?  If so, sorry, Tracy.)

I can’t wrap Christmas presents.  It always ends up looking like a 5 year old did it.  It’s a spatial thing.  I can’t gauge the amount of paper correctly, I always end up with way too much paper or way too little.  I have been shown how to do it several times, and yet, it comes out wrong 98% of the time.  It depresses me.  Why can’t we just declare wrapping paper “non eco friendly” or something and be done with it? (more…)

No not Christmas shopping or decorations or caroling or Christmas cookies, but…

Tithing settlement. (more…)

On Sunday night, I lost it. (more…)

How did I miss this site? Cake Wrecks, it’s called, and I’ve wasted a half an hour of my life laughing my uncreative butt off. If you have a creative butt, you will probably laugh even harder than I did. Please, go partake and enjoy.

While baking 3 dozen peanut butter cookies for your son’s recital, does anybody else give your 2 year old a small bowl of flour to keep her occupied so she doesn’t put her booger laden fingers in the batter? (more…)

My 7 year old has stumped me.

Tonight, we did an experiment with baking soda and vinegar. You all know that drill, I assume. It’s a popular chemical reaction for little kids, just because it’s so dramatic. Well, my little scientist wanted to know what would happen if he added something in addition to the baking soda. (more…)

Oh man. I was sweating this entire episode.  I just kept staring at all four incredibly talented chefs, wondering “which one has to LEAVE?” (more…)