General Conference

My friend, Stacie, introduced me to this new blog, Diapers & Divinity. Right now, in addition to her regular blog, she is doing a General Conference Book Club. What a great idea! Every week she discusses a different talk & then anyone can comment on it, as well. I love Conference time & I especially love when the Ensign comes and I can read through and really contemplate the talks. This is just an added bonus to see what others have found in their studies. I have started a new thing, where I pick out some quotes that are especially meaningful, to me, and I print them out and paste them up. It's such a great feeling to be able to read the words of the prophets that are meant for us. I'm hoping that you might want to join in, as well.

Boyfriend? Really?!?

Today, I heard something that I never thought I'd hear. Let me set the scene. I was on the computer (huge shock, I know) and Finley was playing. Our computer is in the same area as all the toys. Fin had gotten out her Littlest Pet Shop 'house' and some dolls. The doll she happened to be playing with at the time was a miniature Sleeping Beauty. So there she was sitting, playing, talking (in a doll voice) to her 'friends'. I wasn't really paying attention, since it's never really anything interesting. It's usually just 'Oh, come over and play at my house.' Or, 'What are you doing?','Do you want to come over and play at my house after school?" You know, just the basic 5 year old made up gibberish. Then, I heard it! It was the funniest thing I've heard in quite some time. She was talking to 'a friend' and she said: "Oh, this is my boyfriend, President Monson."

At first, I thought for sure I had heard wrong. So, I questioned her. She, of course, told me that she didn't remember what she had said. She was just playing. So I asked her if she had said that Pres. Monson was the dolls boyfriend. She smiled big and said, 'Yes! That's her boyfriend!' Wow! Kind of took me back. I mean, is this a glimpse at what is yet to come? I always saw Finley being the trouble maker and pushing the limits. If this is the type of person that she thinks is boyfriend material, then I think I may live to tell the tale of her young adult life. Time will only tell. Don't worry, friends (and you know who you are), I made sure that she realized that the Silver Fox (Pres. Uchtdorf) was the better choice.

I mean really, who can argue with that?

Emery is here!

Well, she's actually been here for almost 4 months. I am a little slow - I guess. I can't believe that I haven't updated my blog since then. Wow! I guess that's what happens when you have 4 kids! Anyway, here she is! She was born on April 2. She was 6 lb. 2 oz, and 17.5 inches long. Since we were coming home for the summer, we decided to wait until we were here to bless her. She was blessed last Sunday, July 25. We have some great pics, so check back. Hopefully, I'll get them downloaded soon.

See?!?! Even Jesus has a sense of humor!!!

There is a blog that I visit on a regular basis. She was going to use this on her blog, but decided against it. Although, she did give a link, for those who wanted to check it out. I hope it isn't inappropriate to say that I laughed - and I laughed a lot! I think it's great to show that Jesus was a normal (albeit perfect) person.

Does this post negate the previous one, though?!

Am I doing something right?

I was dropping off Finley, today, at school, when her teacher approached me. She said she just had to tell me something that had happened the previous day. Knowing Finley, it could have really be a variety of things. She seems to never be at a loss for hilarious comments. Anyway, the class was reading a book. The teacher, Ms. Theresa, said how much fun it was to read and how she wished she could read it everyday, all day long because she loved the book so much. So what does my Finley say? She asked, "Even more than the Scriptures?" Luckily, Ms. Theresa said "No, not more than the Scriptures!" and then she told me how thankful she was that Finley had reminded her how important the scriptures are. I guess there is hope for her, yet!

Good News or Bad News?

I can't decide. It's a little of both, I guess. So, we'll start with the good news: Well, I found out today, that my insides aren't dying. That's good, healthy body. Woohoo! Also, I found out that I have about 3x's the amount of amnionic fluid that is necessary. So, if you happen to be running low, I got your back. Even though 3x's is a lot, I was guaranteed that it's not too much. So, it's not like I'm a freak. Just for people in my 'age range', I have 3x's the minimum level. So, we need not worry. So, what could the bad news be? Well, that my insides aren't dying, so there is no need to have a baby anytime soon. I'm good to just hang out and wait it out. Woohoo! I am due back next Friday for the same round of tests.
On another note - should one be concerned when they are not surprised by the stupid things that the Dr's do? Back, about 20 weeks ago, I had my first ultrasound. The tech told me that by my measurements, blah, blah, blah, that the due date should be April 15 (per my LMP, it is April 13). So, my Dr here, at Zama says, not to worry, it's only a couple of days, and he doesn't feel we should change it. On Monday, when I went to my 1st appt in Yokosuka, the Dr said that, in the system, my date was April 15. Hmmm . . . Then, I got a copy of my file and perused it and saw on the actual ultrasound print out, where it says April 15 (by measurements), and the Dr's writing saying, not to change it. So, then, who changed it? Normally, I know people would be saying, "So what? Who cares?" (said in Fred Armisen's Joy Behar impersonation) I will tell you why I care. It's because 2 days, is a big deal here. Especially, when it can take 2 hours to get to the hospital. See, here at Camp Zama, we don't have a hospital. So, the Medical Clinic pays for only 10 days of lodging/housing (called Stork Nesting) down on Yokosuka. If they change my due date, then I am not approved for Stork Nesting until April 6. So, that's 1 week prior to my actual due date. Not only that, but Scott was 2 weeks early. So, just a little frustrating, especially when you have no clue if you'll be early, late, or on time. Just some extra things to have to worry about. The Dr I saw today, was actually the Dr who delivered Scott. It was great to see her. She remembered us and everything. She took charge and wrote me up a note to have the due date changed back. Now, I have to deal with the Clinic here - no fun! Anyway, that is my rant for the day, along with my progress report - or maybe I should call it my 'non-progress report'.
Here is something else that I entertained myself with on my 2 hour drive, in nasty traffic, this morning. The Japanese have some of the best names of cars. Not the make - but the model. I seriously need to start a list of these names. Just today I saw 3 of the best ones - I truly don't think anyone can beat these, but if you can let me know. 1st, I saw a Scrum (I believe it's from Mazda, but could be Suzuki), then I saw a Sparky (that was a new one - but I didn't get to see the make) and the last one I saw was A Suzuki Every - they are all over, but this one was a Turbo JoyPop. I wonder if the Japanese have awards for the oddest name?! They really should. I think that has got to be one of the best jobs in Japan!

It's the final countdown . . .

So, we only have 4 more weeks until Emery is due to make her appearance. I went to my 36 week appointment, down at Yokosuka, which is not only the hospital we will be delivering at, but also, the closest OB/GYN office. Doctor S was great. She is actually the last one that I saw, before Scott was due. She told me that from now on, I will be going down every week, so every Monday. Then, after we chatted, she decided she wanted me to go down this Friday, and every Friday thereafter. That way, we have an idea of where things stand before the weekend. Since it takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there, that is a definite plus. Dr. S told me that for my last month, all appts will be up in Labor & Delivery. They'll hook me up to monitors, etc. to get an accurate reading of what is going on inside. At first, I was excited! I said, 'Wow! That must be a new thing you guys are doing! That's cool!" Then she informed me that it was because I was over 35 and basically my insides are dying. So, here is what we are dealing with:



At least we know my insides have a little attitude. So, stay tuned folks . . . we may have some news soon!

Olympics, Schmlymics . . . .

I have noticed, in the last few days, that everywhere you look, read, or lend your ear, everyone seems to be having a major meltdown of the Olympics being over. Don't get me wrong, I love the Olympics. I think it's fun to watch these amazing athletes do amazing things, but really, enough is enough. I'm good with it for about a week, then I'm over it. Maybe it's because they show the actually interesting stuff first, then get down to showing the boring stuff, like the skiing/shooting/biathlon thing. It just seems to go on forever . . .
Most of you know how I feel about the winter. So, that may have something to do with my opinion. (Although, I do feel the same way about the Summer Olympics, too!) To watch all the spectators out in the freezing weather, to see all these athletes that think doing stuff in the snow if fun - it's really just unfathomable to me.
I was doing a routine search on HULU, one of my favorite things (see below), and saw this from SNL. Now, I will admit, I do love a good Saturday Night Live skit - even if it includes people that I'm not necessarily a fan of. But, I do give mad props to Jennifer Lopez. She's hilarious! Check IT out! I felt I had to post this, just because it really captures my feeling, as well. I hope you enjoy it, as much as I did (and do). Hopefully, it's not just funny because I'm almost done being pregnant & I'm insane.

Compliments of David Letterman

Top Ten Surprising Facts About Curling

10.Every year it's watched by dozens of people
9.Consistently ranked the world's number one broom-related sport
8.It's a lot like hockey, minus the speed and excitement
7.No number 7 - writer fell asleep while researching curling facts
6.Not to be confused with Norwegian sport "Carling" where you push a guy named Carl across ice
5.Longest match ever: unknown, because no one ever stays till the end
4.No number 4 - writer still asleep. Damn, curling is boring
3.Mickey Rourke making film about washed-up curling legend who comes back for one last big curl
2.Thing they slide down the ice is called "Thing they slide down the ice"
1.No one cares

These are a few of my favorite things!

No, this is not a 'shout out' to the Sound of Music. So, I hope you are not disappointed. Instead, it is simply a list of some of my fav things - and why they are. I love products - different kinds - and when I find something I love - I love to share it with all. I have thought about doing this before, but figured most people would not be interested. Well, today, I don't care. So, here goes - in no particular order:


This is my most favorite product by far. I started using it when I was pregnant with Berkley (so 6+years ago). It's called Beauty Rush Soothing Lip Balm. It used to be called Balmy Nights - and my sister-in-law (love her) used to make fun of me, because I would use it all day long. I am a lip balm addict - but I also am very picky about what I use. I hate when you put one on and 5 minutes later, your lips feel dryer then they were to begin with. This does not happen with Beauty Rush! I use it every morning, after I brush my teach, once or twice during the day (depending on the weather) and then before bed. It is so fantastic that I had my Mom send me a bunch from the States. I have one in my bathroom, once in the kitchen, and one in my purse. Also, it does come in tints. I have yet to try them out, but can't wait to check them out this summer.


Next is the Bamboo Prep Towels, from Pampered Chef. Since we are here, in Japan, there is a huge volume of Home Based Parties. What can I say, we get lonely for anything American. I have many items from Pampered Chef & I really like all of them. There are a few that I completely love! This is one of them. These towels are amazing! Let me preface by saying that, by nature, I am a Paper Towel Whore! I love the Paper Towel. I know that it is not very economical or environmental, but I love them. Partly because I hate having to dry my hands on a wet, stinky towel. Well, that has changed! I still have to use the Paper Towel for cleaning, but for drying I use these towels. They are awesome! Even, if you've just used it, it still dries. It's kind of like those car shammy things. But, white, pretty, and soft.


I have tried just about every mascara in the stores. I love LashBlast! I have been using it for, at least, a year and have had no desire to try anything else. They also have LashBlast Luxe, which has a shimmery look to it. I use that when we go to the Balls, etc. They have recently come out with LashBlast Length, which I am eager to try and compare.







Since we are here in Japan, we don't get a lot of options on the Tele. That make Hulu a popular site with many of us. If you have never checked it out - you should! There are tons of free shows to watch. It's so nice to be able to stay tuned to shows that AFN (Armed Forces Network) decides to not bring back. It's also one of the only ways we ever get a chance to see some shows. I love that no matter what, I can always count on Hulu to catch a missed show. Well, at least, most of the time - and without the dragged out commercial breaks!



Lastly, is my Kindle. Ed completely surprised me with this, at Christmas. Compared to most of my friends, I am not a huge reader - but I try. I love that it is so convenient. It's light weight, easy, and just plan cool! I had been checking them out - and wasn't sure if it would be worth it - or live up to the hype. But, for me, it has! Good job, Ed! I think this is the first time he 'out did' me in the gift department.

If you have something that you love - I'd love to hear about it. Like I said - I love products!

. . . and the winner is . . .

This is the 2009 Pacific Region Dental Command NCO of the Year! Ed had the opportunity to be sent to compete in the beginning of December. (Yes, December! I'm trying to catch up!) I don't think anyone was surprised by him winning. He worked really hard studying, working out, etc. The competition involves a test & essay, physical test, land navigation, combatives, and a board, where they are asked a ton of questions on various subjects. One gets points for answering correctly, their knowlegde of current events, their appearance & how well they carry themselves. Since he won that competition, he is now in Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the Dencom NCO of the Year. That is were all the winners of the various regions (the Army is divided into 7, worldwide) come to compete for the title of Dental Command NCO of the Year. His competition starts on Sunday and goes for a week. Hopefully, he will do well. He has really been preparing for it! Either way, he's our NCO of the Century!!!
As a side note - after Ed got back, he was helping out in Finley's class. Finley and a fellow student began to argue about whose dad was better. Finley won out when she said, 'No, my Dad is better! He even has the trophy!"