Learn To Speak Chinese

I've always heard that if you can speak more than two languages (or is it more than three languages, whatever...), then you were considered a genious. I can speak English, Spanish, Sign Language and now Chinese. Don't worry though just read the following and you'll be able to add Chinese to your list too...

That's not right

Sum Ting Wong

Are you harboring a fugitive?

Hu Yu Hai Ding

See me ASAP

Kum Hia Nao

Small Horse

Tai Ni Po Ni

Did you go to the beach?

Wai Yu So Tan

I bumped into a coffee table

Ai Bang Mai Ni

I think you need a face lift

Chin Tu Fat

It's very dark in here

Wai So Dim

This is a tow away zone

No Pah King

Our meeting is scheduled for next week

Wai Yu Kum Nao

Staying out of sight

Lei Ying Lo

He's cleaning his automobile

Wa Shing Ka'

Your body odor is offensive

Yu Stin Ki Pu

I thought you were on a diet

Wai Yu Mun Ching

Happy Birthday Sam!!!

Well, today is Sam's 12th birthday. He is going to receive the priesthood in two weeks as this coming Sunday will be General Conference. He is very excited. Last Sunday, the Bishop asked him to go to a fireside they had that night. He was really nervous, but so happy to attend. I dropped him off in the front of the building and wanted to cry. I could see alot of the youth in the hallway and just thought about how pretty soon, those cute little beehives and deacons will be going to stake dances and youth activities and one those little deacons is mine. Aghhh! So scary! I can't believe how fast the time has gone since Sam was born. He is such a good kid and I am really proud of him and his desire to serve the Lord. Happy birthday Sam!

Fall is Here...

I am so excited to welcome fall. It is so comforting to experience the cozy feelings that come with this wonderful season. I love that seasons always change and that is one thing that we can always count on. It is so nice to be renewed with the scents and colors that come with fall. I Love it!

Online Bill Pay

Have you ever used this feature? I got online and had all of my bills payed within 20 minutes. This included having to set up the feature. It was awesome. Many banks and Credit Unions offer discounts and cash back deals for using their program. I can't believe how awesome this is. You all should really try it.

What Is Love?

'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl - age 5
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri - age 4
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss' Emily - age 8'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.' Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 7
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8
'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6
'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris - age 7
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7
this one 'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 6
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8
And the final one The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

Ok, One last thing...

I finally bought the Twighlight series to read. I must admit that I am not much of a reader. I'm not sure why, my family reads alot. So, anyway, I am going to see what all of the hype is about these books so that I don't feel like an idiot anymore when everywhere I go, it happens to be the topic. Even in YW, the Beehives have read this, I guess I'd better get with it. Wish me luck!

One More Thing..

Today I was looking through a magazine and it was talking about all of the many uses for a waffle iron, besides just for making waffles. One thing caught my attention and I am curious to see how it will come out. It said you could make brownies or cornbread in one just like you make waffles. Intersting right? I will try it, it would be fun to think of other things too. Any suggestions?

New Recipe

Ok, so today I subbed for a first grade class. Too fun! Anyway, last night I told my friend and neighbor that I would put on a pot of beans this morning for our dinner tonight. To make a long story short, I somehow forgot to cook the beans in the morning chaos. Go figure! Anyway, as I was feeling bad and carrying a bag of rolls I had managed to make the day before to her house next door, I explained that I had managed to forget the beans. Sorry Sunny! Anyway, she said, "I have a great recipe for us to try tonight." She pulled out a box of frozen rolled taquitos and defrosted them in the mic. She layed them in a casserole dish, chopped some onion and sprinkled them on top, opened a can or two of enchilada sauce and poured it over the taquitos and then grated cheese for the top. It went into the oven for 30 minutes and came out hot and bubbling. I couldn't believe how easy and delicious it was. Seriously, it was easy and my kids loved it! Thanks Sunny!

Funny Signs

I thought these were too funny.... Enjoy!

Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:

'Dr. Jones, at your cervix.'

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In a Podiatrist's office:

'Time wounds all heels.'

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On a Septic Tank Truck:

Yesterday's Meals on Wheels

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At a Proctologist's door:

'To expedite your visit, please back in.'

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On a Plumber's truck:

'We repair what your husband fixed.'

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On another Plumber's truck:

'Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.'

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On a Church's Bill board:

'7 days without God makes one weak.'

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At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee:

'Invite us to your next blowout.'

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At a Towing company:

'We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows.'

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On an Electrician's truck:

'Let us remove your shorts.'

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In a Nonsmoking Area:

'If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action.'

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On a Maternity Room door:

'Push. Push. Push.'

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At an Optometrist's Office:

'If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place.'

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On a Taxidermist's window:

'We really know our stuff.'

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On a Fence:

'Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!'

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At a Car Dealership:

'The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.'

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Outside a Muffler Shop:

'No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.'

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In a Veterinarian's waiting room:

'Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!'

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At the Electric Company

'We would be delighted if you send in your payment.

However, if you don't, you will be.'

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In a Restaurant window:

'Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up.'

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In the front yard of a Funeral Home:

'Drive carefully. We'll wait.'

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At a Propane Filling Station:

'Thank heaven for little grills.'

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And don't forget the sign at a

CHICAGO RADIATOR SHOP:

'Best place in town to take a leak.'

Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck:

'Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises

I'm seeing red

So this past weekend, I started painting my kitchen red. It's very red. I don't think it's true what they say about dark colors making a room seem smaller. My kitchen was already pretty small and I'm sure a bright color wouldn't make it seem any larger. My crap still fits the way it did before I painted.
The kids all helped and as you can imagine, we had quite a mess. I don't know what is wrong with me though. I can never seem to start and stop a project all at once. I think I get bored and have to move on. The problem comes when a year later, I still haven't been in the mood to finish the first job. Luckily, I have good friends who will come and take me by the hand and say, "Faith, we need to get this finished!" and then help me get it done. I really don't wait for this to happen on purpose. I promise.
Anyway, I love red and the way my kitchen turned out. I will post pics when it is all finished. Mabey in a year or so.

Substituting

So today ended my three day run as the substitute teacher for the self contained special ed. class at my kids school. I must say that this was the neatest thing I have done so far as far as subbing goes. There were about 15 kids in the class. They were the most precious kids ever. I actually left feeling sad knowing that I wouldn't be in class with them tommorrow. One little boy was The Love Bugs' age and was in his class last year. I just wanted to take him home with me. These kids were so loving and trusting. They were just precious. This experience helped me have a greater appreciation for my own children and reminded me that children are all just precious even when they are a little slower than others, a little faster than others or just plain stinkers. I am a better person today for having been able to teach this class this week.

Sarah Palin

I just needed to add my two cents about the upcoming presidential election. I must say that although I am a Republican, I was still not 100%, unequivocally sure that John McCain would be able to handle the multitude of challenges that he will face after being elected President. I know that he was ten billion times better the choices that Osama Bin-Laden Obama Hussein Insane, or whatever his name is. He is just plain scary. In case you haven't heard, he is the newest celebrity to entertain the spotlight (which should tell you something about him and our media). Since all of the focus has been on him and off Senator McCain lately, it's hard to follow his campain. Anyhow, since Sarah Palin has become a part of the ticket, my fears have been lifted. She carries with her such a warm and inviting spirit. A spirit that we have not felt for a long time. I love that she is so patriotic and that life is so precious to her. She is what a women who has any place in the White House should be about. I am really excited to see the changes and growth that will take place in our great nation. I hope that the citizens of this country will wake up and finish what they have started. I feel for our current President, President Bush, it seems that as we were all united in the decision to fight for our freedom, many have backed down because it wasn't as easy as anticipated. Sad that when the going gets tough the tough back out. Too bad for them and the spirit of our nation. But I really think that John McCain and Sarah Palin together can help restore some faith in our great country. Things will never be perfect but with the poor attitude that seems to be the majority right now it can't help make things better either. I say, people need to start focusing on the good and hope for the best and stop being so dad-gum negative. If you look for bad things to happen they surely will prevail. Anyway, that's how I feel.

Lemon Meringue Pie

So, I got this from Pollyanna in an email and thought it would be fun to post. Anyway, you are supposed to look at the dessert choices and then choose the one that you would pick if they were all laid out in front of you. You can see from the pic above which one I chose. Is ther any other option? I say not even close. Anyway, then read on down at what the psycho, I mean psycologists say about you. Mine was kind of scarey at how acurate i thought it was. Anyway, check it out.....

Here are your choices:

1. Angel Food Cake

2. Brownies

3. Lemon Meringue Pie

4. Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Icing

5. Strawberry Short Cake

6. Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Icing

7. Ice Cream

8. Carrot Cake

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving and cuddly.You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times.Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day.
Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons.When tempers flare up you whip out your saber.
You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction
You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Smooth and articulate with your hands,
you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher.
But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time.
A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your own thing.You shine when it comes to helping others and have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous,
not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lacking motivation.
Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker.
Others should be cautious in making you mad.
However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm and loving.You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return.
Intuitively keen.
You can be emotional at times but, a true person in every way.
You like to do things yourself: not asking for help.
You help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING - Sweet; always ready to give and receive.Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate.
You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside.
Not afraid to take chances.
Will not settle for anything average in life.
Love to laugh

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer.If you could, you would like to participate, but you also enjoy watching sports.
You don't like to give up the remote control.
You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh.You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you.
You are a very warm-hearted person and a little quirky at times.
You have many loyal friends.
You were meant to lead and teach others.
A wonderful role model.

New Calling...

I am really excited about my new calling in YW. I will be in charge of the Beehives. What could be better than that I ask? If they keep me in for at least a year, I will get to be in when Brandee turns 12. So exciting!

I will probably be calling my mom, sisters and friends for advice and ideas alot, so be prepared. I am just so very excited!

Goodbye Summer 2008!

I love summer! I love that the kids can play outside in the grass without shoes, socks and in Joey's case sometimes, clothes.



I love being able to go to McDonald's on a nice summer day and enjoy the playground and dollar menu....

I love the countless hours that are spent at the pool. I don't know about the rest of you, but I personally think that the family pass was the best invention ever made by man. Until we strike it rich and can build a pool or move lakeside, the summer pass is the way to go. We spend as much time at the pool during the summer as we can. Whether it is for family swim, swim team, or just for the heck of it, the pool is definately the place to be!

I also love summer because of the things you can do outside that shouldn't be done inside. You know, like watermelon and koolade on the trampoline. I love the water hose. After the family swim pass, it is the second best thing ever.

Anyway, I will really miss the summer, oh but wait! We live in Arizona, which means that we will be able to wear shorts till Thanksgiving and the water hose doesn't really freeze until well into January. McDonald's is open year round, so I guess we're good.

So, I guess I will enjoy the rest of the summer and wait until my next favorite season to come. Winter.....

Soccer Boys...

We had a great weekend despite the fact that I am one of those moms. You know the kind who buys their kids cleats and shin guards five minutes before the game. You know, the kind of mom who as the family is running out the door (already late), looks at the schedule to see what field the game is supposed to be on, realizes that it's our turn for snacks and drinks. Not to mention that I was sicker than a dog this weekend. Anyway, I am glad to say that we survived and luckily I one of those moms that hides things like juice boxes and cheese crackers from their kids for such an occasion. Whew!

The wonderful thing about this weekend was that it drizzled all morning which allowed the normal 115 degrees to cool to a nice 80 degree something morning for the boys to play in. They both won their games (or so the little one thinks), and had fun doing it. It really was a wonderful weekend!