*REMEMBER to click on the pictures to enlarge*This is a great way to get your little "helpers" in the kitchen...and stay clean! Thanks again to Angie b. for this darling creation!
I'm sure many of you have heard the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielson. They reside in Mesa, Arizona and were involved in a plane crash a week ago Saturday that has left them in intensive care with extensive burns. If you'd like to hear more about their story you can find information HERE. Her sister is also doing updates on her blog HERE.
I have been wanting to post about this for some time, but hesitated because I only know Stephanie and her sister through their blogs. I have lurked both of their blogs for quite a while now. I usually comment on blogs I visit, but for some reason I was intimidated an felt like they had plenty of friends. Stephanie's blog has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her approach to life, motherhood, and marriage is so uplifting.
I've decided to post now because there are several efforts under way to raise money for what will be overwhelming medical and household bills during their months/years of recovery. They have four small children the same ages as my kids. My heart aches for them.
Design Mom, has inspired many other bloggers to hold auctions on their blogs on Thursday August 28th to help raise money. I have added a button to my sidebar if you would just like to donate without being involved in the auction. On Thursday morning I will be offering several items that you can bid on. It won't be glamorous, but it's something I can do . I hope you will all check back on Thursday and bid with generosity. ALL MONEY will go to the recovery fund of Christian and Stephanie Nielson. I will mail out all winning items at my own expense. Details of the auctions are as follows:
When can i bid?
As soon as the post appears.
Where do i place my bid?
in the comments section of each item's post. Leave the first comment with the starting bid such as "i start the bid at $20". then the next bidder can submit a comment with their bid like, "I bid $30." and with each bidder to follow they just leave a comment with their price.
What amount can i bid?
please keep all bids to an even $1--no change please. example: if the bid is $65.00, then the next bid should be $66.00 not $65.50.
How do i know what the highest bid is?
check the comments. it will be the most recently posted comment.
When does the auction end?
THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 28th @ 10:00 PM PST
What if i win the bid?
after the close of the auction we will post the winner and their bid.
if you are the winning bidder, just email your contact information to crazygoodlife@gmail.com.
How can i pay for the item?
a Paypal payment would be preferred. (that makes it easiest for us to transfer the full amount to the Nielson's fund) but we will also take a check/cash if you know us personally.
Will all of the money go to the fund or just a portion?
ALL OF IT, I will be paying the shipping myself.
Please help in any way you can. I encourage you to browse the links I provided to get a sense of how incredible these people are, and how much they need your help. On Thursday morning be prepared to visit participating blogs and bid generously. Thanks!
I know I'm extremely late posting about our July trip to Utah, but blogging just hasn't been in the cards for me lately. It'll happen...eventually!
This is how our trip to Utah started. NOT FUN!! Our transmission went out three days before our trip and we miraculously found someone to fix it in time. Problem was that we only got about 1/2 hour out of town on that day before we ended up like this on the side of the road.
So, Paul went with the tow truck and I stayed on the side of a terribly busy street with my four small kids in the 113 degree heat. My darling sister in law came straight from the grocery store (20min away) to pick us up while all her groceries baked in the car.
Needless to say we weren't going to take that car to Utah anymore. So, we rented a car and tried again the next morning. I know I just posted about how I still didn't need a new car and that I was fine with our 7 year old "old reliable"?! Well, that has changed. I didn't know what I was missing until I drove the rental van (2008 Toyota Sienna) for two weeks. I'm still not ready to jump on anything, but our van has been back in for transmission issues three times since we returned home and I've had it. So, now I've got to decide what I'm going to commit to for the next 5+ years or so. I'd love your suggestions.
I must say that we were lucky that the car died just 1/2 hour into the trip instead of in the middle of nowhere. Yup, just tryin' to look on the bright side!
Lena, Stacey, Me, and BekahYes, it is the night before the first day of school at our house. I'm not even close to being physically ready (school clothes, supplies, lunch items, etc.), but I am more than mentally ready. I sure love these kiddos, but they have had plenty of time together these last several weeks.
I've been wanting to document one of my favorite poems by my Mother and this is the perfect time. I think I have mentioned that she is quite the poet. This was written when she was only 19 years old. She didn't have kids and she wasn't even a teacher...yet. Here it is for your enjoyment.
13 really always has been my favorite number. Maybe it's the part of me that always likes to play "devil's advocate." It makes conversations so much more fun...but also gets me in trouble. Why do I do that? Anyway, why is today my LUCKY DAY? Because 13 years ago today I married HIM!!
Paul is the best. Of course, anyone who has been married longer than a minute knows that you have your ups and downs, but we are definitely on an up and up! I guess it's like the stock market. There's some dips, but the general pattern is increasing! Here are some random thoughts about why 13 years ago I made the best decision of my life.
Paul sends me the funniest text messages in the middle of the day. Just a couple of weeks ago I got a text from him that said, "your the bomb yo!" {huh?} It just made me laugh and smile. Oh, and yesterday he sent one that said, "I can't wait to get the matching tattoo's tonight." (we went out last night to celebrate the anniversary)
Paul is always happy and excited for me when I get something new that I need. He was just as excited about my new road bike as I was. Actually, even more excited I think...I'm a little scared. I can't wait to ride more with him.
He is ALWAYS concerned about my safety. He has been trying to buy me a new car for a couple of years because he wants us to have the safest car. He may get his way next year. I don't think he'll talk me into the SUV though. I'm still too sold on the minivan for my stage.
Paul is such a great Dad. The kids love him so much and can't get enough of him. These pictures really depict his relationship with each child.
He and Ella have such a good relationship. She can really open up to him and he listens better than I do. I'm so glad she has him.
Yes, this is pretty much how it is with the boys in our house. They have a lot of fun together.
This picture of Paul and Nora is over two years old, but it still represents their relationship. He loves to give her hugs and kisses, and she is willing to oblige.
It's been a great 13 years so far. I can't wait to see what the next 13 hold!
So You Think You Can Dance?...quite possibly my favorite show EVER!! I've never really posted about it, but I have SO MUCH to say. I truly love this show from the bottom of my heart. So, now here I go with my break down of the judges/choreographers and the top ten.
First of all, you've got to LOVE Cat Deely!! She is adorable, comfortable, and stunning to look at. I think her legs are as long as my whole body...unbelievable! Really though, I think she does a great job and has a great ease with the judges and contestants...very few awkward moments.
JUDGES/Choreographers:
Nigel- I think he does a good job. Of course his role is to always give a "shout out" to the choreographers, give himself and the show a pat on the back, and basically promote So You Think You Can Dance. That part is obvious. I do however think he does a good job in general in critiquing the dancers. I just need to get over the Chiclets in his mouth he calls teeth!
Mary-
This one is a VERY FINE LINE! Yes, she can be annoying, but you just have to love her. I could do with a lot less of the screaming, but I love that she really shows emotion. She laughs, screams, and cries. The thing I love about her is you can tell she is genuine! I mean, it would be easy for her, in a show like this, to try to dress a little more "hip" and/or modern, but she sticks with the 80's sparkly, puffy sleeved, sweetheart neck, beauty queen look that fits her so well. I love the contrast of Mary and Mia when they are on the panel together...classic.
That brings me to Mia-
I really do love Mia as a judge/choreographer. I'm not so sure I'd like her as a person. She has something going on in that brain that I'd love to get a glimpse of. Her pieces really move me. As a judge I think she is direct/harsh, to the point, and mostly dead on. I'm a bit more of a softie, so her criticisms sometimes sting, but that doesn't mean they are wrong.
Dan-
I really like it when Dan Karaty is a judge. He doesn't get too emotional, but I think he is very objective and constructive.
Lil' C-
I was really excited last week to see Lil' C as a judge. It is always great to see a new perspective especially from someone who is into a form of dance that I know nothing about (Krump).
He TOTALLY ROCKED IT!! I was seriously impressed with all of his insights, tips, and obvious love of dance. I'd LOVE to see him as a judge again.
Choreographers:
I LOVE Mia, Mandy Moore, Tabitha & Napoleon, and Jean Marc Generaux. I do miss Wade Robson...what's his deal? Maybe next season.
DANCERS:
I started this post when there was still a top ten so I will just comment on all of them...because I know you care so much...he he.
Katee might just be my favorite!! Ooh, that's so hard to say right now, but I do just love her...pretty much everything about her. It actually surprises me because as the beginning I didn't think I would. I love how understated she is in everything. She doesn't demand attention, but deserves it. She is a beautiful dancer and has been COMPLETELY versatile. Go Katee!
I LOVED Kherington...until she got a little defensive. I don't like it when people can't take criticism gracefully. That said, I still think she deserved another week. I think she is absolutely adorable and a great dancer. 
I like Mark. He is quirky, and different, but I like him. Again, that doesn't mean he's the best dancer. In my humble opinion I think his time should have ended last week. I'm happy for how well he has been doing. I think Chelsea really brought him up in the competition.
How can you not LOVE Twitch?! That smile is just the best. I'm a sucker for a guy with a big smile. He just seems so nice, real, and easy to be around. He is a great dancer, but I think the competition is getting a little stiff for him. I'd love to see him stick around another week or two, but I don't think he's top three material...dance wise. 
What can be said about Will? U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E!!! He has so much talent, control, and strength, and masculinity it's SICK! He could use a little more personality, but he seems like such a good guy. I think he is definite top 3 material. 
WOW! I love Chelsea. She is so versatile. She dances with a lot of energy and passion. I love that she has a curvy body and really performs. She too doesn't have the most dynamic personality, but she is not arrogant and showy. She's one of my top three pics too.
Oh Comfort. I really wanted to like you...I did! I was so impressed the first week at not only your ability to cross over, but your smokin' bod! From then on though, I've thought your days were numbered. I'll admit I was disappointed that you coming back ended in Kherington getting booted off. Oh, and ENOUGH of that IV Real thing...seriously. (more on that later)
Courtney is as cute as can be. I refer to her as the 5th Anderson girl. One of my good friends from High School is the oldest of 4 gorgeous girls, and Courtney could fit right in. Anyway, I really like her and her performance ability. I don't think she is the best technical dancer, but I will be sad when she goes anyway...because she will go. I'm not calling top 5 with her.
Where oh where has my little Gev gone?! I seriously LOVED him. There was this little puppy dog quality about him. He really put himself out there. Boy howdy can this guy tear it up?! I think he is the best hip hopper the show had this season. His moves were crazy, and so entertaining to watch. I honestly think that if this show was just solo's then Gev could easily make it to the top three. I will miss him, but am SO HAPPY that he made the top 10. I may just see the traveling show because of him.
Joshua. I have been blown away at this hip hoppers versatility. I could seriously watch the Samba he did with Katee a million times!! I love how smiley he is. He has this tough, football player look, but is just a big teddy bear. I'm hoping he will last a couple more weeks, but I'm not sure about going all the way.
Now on to my three complaints about the show. YES! Can you believe it? I do have criticisms.
#1 Do they force the contestants to do the cheesy hand signals indicating the number to dial after their dances? If not, then I'm shocked that people haven't begged and pleaded for them to STOP!! I really do hate it and have to fast forward on my DVR every time. I get embarrassed for them. I'd be so much more likely to vote if they just stood there and smiled.
CONFESSION: I don't vote! AHHHH. I know it's crazy, but I'm usually watching the show well after it aired, and I don't tend to vote anyway. I'm ready for the backlash.
#2 Would Comfort, Will, Twitch, Joshua...oh and Nigel PLEASE STOP with the IV REAL thing?! It's not cool when it's overused like that. I mean, it's great to have a little inside thing going, but now it just looks dumb when you keep putting your elbow up, hand on your shoulder, and start nodding your head like your the man or something?! Anyone else feel me on this? (do you like my constant reverting to gangster talk on this post...yes I realize I'm doing it...humor me)
#3 I am going to go all "Fuddy Duddy" on you now. I really was disappointed by the guest performer on the result show a couple of weeks ago Katy Perry. She sang her now #1 downloaded hit "I kissed a Girl." I was shocked and honestly angry. The title itself is a little provocative, but it was the content of the song, and how she sang it that really bothered me. I know I may get a little crap for this opinion, but like I've said before...It's my blog and it's what I think.
The demographic of that show is OBVIOUSLY tweens/teens, and college age kids (oh and 30 something stay at home moms!) Just look at the pan of the audience at every show. The only older people there are the parents/family of the contestants and the choreographers. I seriously am considering writing the show to let them know how I feel. The singer has every right to write and sing any song she wishes, but the producers of SYTYCD don't have to promote it on their show. I'll have to think some more about this one.
So there you have it! Much more info. than you wanted. It is going to be a great countdown to the winner. I'm just wishing they would put all the dances on a DVD so I could buy it. It would get worn out from wear. What do you think? BE NICE!
I read this (one of my favorites) to my kids the other night, and was struck by these words. They are so true of people. "Real" people are my favorite kind. I wish I could express myself like this. Enjoy.
...."What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?" "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." .....
- The Velveteen Rabbit
Elder Richard G. Scott
"....You were taught and prepared for the circumstances you would personally encounter in mortality... Your memory of premortal life would be kept from you to assure that it would be a valid test, but there would be guidance given to show you how to live"
President Spencer W. Kimball
"If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective."
I heard about this hilarious satire blog about all us Mormon Mommy Bloggers. I've been reading in and literally laughing out loud. It's called Seriously So Blessed, and you can click here to check it out. What makes it funny is the copious amounts of truth behind it. It is a parody, so of course it is over the top.
I can laugh at myself. I have always considered myself to have a good sense of humor. I can see how this blog might offend many, but really...c'mon...you have to admit it's genius.
YES, I see myself in some of the things it talks about. I mean, just three posts ago (Lucky Me) I said, 'seriously', 'so', and 'blessed' it in. Thankfully they weren't said together, but I thought that was classic!
NO, this doesn't make me want to stop blogging, or blog differently. I have never been one to cave to peer pressure. I LOVE blogging and what it has done for me and my family. I am so glad that my kids might actually now have some sort of record of their days, and their mothers thoughts. Ella (my oldest) is 8, and I haven't scrap booked for um....10 years or so. So, now at least I can give them something to reflect on.
I love getting good ideas and connecting with friends and loved ones. I have ALWAYS tried to be real in my blog. I have had my fair share of "Debbie Downer" posts, but I want my kids (and girls especially) to know that I am a real person with real trials. I'm thinking when they are mothers of young children someday they will appreciate it. On that same note, I DO want to document the good times. That is what life it about...optimism and enjoying the journey.
So, there is my two cents. Now, for your viewing pleasure, I give you two of my favorite uses of satire. One by the ever genius SNL, and another oldie but goodie from you tube. Now, remember...DON'T be offended. Have a good sense of humor....it's funny!!
