truly random

*If it's true, this is my 365th post. That's a year's worth of posts over three years...
*Had a rough week this past week... even though it was the week of thanks, I had a difficult time focusing on what we have and unfortunately focused more on things we don't have. Like a job. Or a house. Or just our own place with our own furniture would be nice. Passing the CA Bar would have been even nicer...
*I've been throwing myself into crafting. It's a happy distraction, at times. I really want to make these. And I'd really like to get my Christmas quilts quilted. I didn't quite finish my Thanksgiving cross-stitch, but maybe, just maybe, I'll finish my Christmas stitchery on time ;) I'm also dreaming up a Christmas granny square pillow, made out of some beautiful brick colored Alpaca wool I got for my birthday (thanks Mom!).
*After hours of agonizing and comparing apartments, we've decided that maybe buying a condo/townhouse might be a smart investment... because a two bedroom townhouse is cheaper than a two bedroom apartment. True story. So maybe we'll live in a condo for a year or two, get our life back in order, and then rent it out when we eventually move up in the world. We'll see. We did place a bid on a rather nice townhouse close by. We'll see. It's funny though, because I swore I would NEVER buy a condo. Never. And now we just might. I'm trying not to think about it, because it makes me mad that I'm not moving into a (4 bedroom) house. I'm also trying not to think about it because the thoughts of having our own place again (even if just a condo) just seems too good to be true, and I'm tired of having my heart broken...
*I need to cut my boys' hair. Wishing my little girl's hair would grow a bit more... especially since every now and then I catch a glimpse of strawberry blond curls.
*I wish I could be happy for others and their miracles, but more often than not I'm left feeling bitter. I hate that.
*I'm tired of crying. Lots of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth going on over here. I hate it.
*I love Bing Crosby. And Ella Fitzgerald. And Frank Sinatra. And Christmas music. I love Pandora! I also love Hulu and Netflix. They've saved us from Cable withdrawals.
*Am I really the only one who thought that sending a M.A.L.P. through the Narnia wardrobe was hilarious?! That's embarassing, haha.
*Saw New Moon (with my baby brother and my clueless father) and liked it. It was definitely better than Twilight. But it was still lame... because let's face it, the books themselves are lame. Reading cheesy fantastical romances is hugely different than watching it. That being said, how inappropriately hot was Jacob?! Wow. If I weren't such a vampire fan - a love and obsession long before the Twilight saga - I'd be team Jacob. If I were Bella, I would have ditched Edward a long time ago... the only thing he has going for him are his looks, and being a vampire. In my book, the latter characteristic is key. Like I said, I'm a sucker for vampires! But if anyone were to sway me from my weird devotion, it would be that wolf boy ;) Maybe I'm team Volturi... Italian vampires? Yes please.
*Little Miss is crawling!!!
*As much as I love nursing, I've been going back and forth on whether or not I should continue with it or give up. You see, I'm really worried about my health. Physically and mentally. And I can't really do what I need to do to help my health without it affecting my milk supply. But then again, I feel like nursing is the one thing I've triumphed over this year...
*I love going to the temple. I wish I could go every day and all day. I am constantly craving the peace and strength that comes from visiting often.
*Anyone interested in an online quilt group? We could share projects, organize block exchanges, talk stash, sew on and sew forth ;) It could be fun! Please tell me you'll think about it.
*Really wanting to relearn how to knit, applique, and embroider. I'd also like to try my hand at rug-making... there I go, preemptively throwing myself into crafts again!
*Since the past few Octobers haven't been the best, I might have to change my favorite holiday from Halloween to Christmas. Red and green are my two favorite colors, after all ;)
*If I could choose one word to wear around my neck or to hang on my walls, it would be BELIEVE. I love that word. It's filled with hope and magic.

How's that for random??? *B

funny is as funny does

I thought I'd use Fridays to post about things that brighten my day(s). And as this particular Friday happens to be a somewhat stressful/sad day, this sure did bring a smile to my face :)


What has you smiling? Anyone have a funny story/joke to share? Because I'd love to hear 'em! *B

kinda blurry

published in 1968

I scored this little gem at our local Goodwill. It caught my eye... I quickly glanced around the room and then quickly grabbed it for my own! It will go absolutely PERFECT in Elsie's room (when she has one). See, it even matches her bedding ;)

It's full of sweet little pictures, songs, stories (with morals!), etc. I love it oh so much and it makes me so very happy. *B

a day in the life of

crafting at night

Bad lighting, but boy do I love me some cross-stitch! Hopefully I'll finish it before Thanksgiving... my track record isn't too great, seeing as I just finished my Halloween needlework yesterday. True story. Don't judge. *B

almost famous

A couple of days ago Brad came across this article. Naturally, he thought it might interest me ;) So, I dutifully passed on the information to the Lex. As in the Twilight Lexicon. And then, they mentioned me! Yeah, when they say "TY to Beth for pointing it out" that's me! I'm Beth! And I am oh so cool now.

So I started thinking about all of my encounters with the famous. The Black Apple mentioned, and linked, me on her blog once. That was pretty awesome. And Heather Bailey came and visited my little blog and even left a comment! That sure was exciting, too. And then there's all the people we chanced to meet while living in Malibu, CA: Pamela Anderson, Denise Richards, Jay Leno (driving one of his fancy cars), guy from Burn Notice, Fred from Buffy, Wesley Crusher (real nice guy) and Data from Star Trek, Dr. Klopeck from The 'Burbs, and of course, our personal favorite, Richard Dean Anderson, aka. Jack O'Neill from Stargate SG-1, also known as MacGyver. I feel like I'm missing someone... anyway, fun times in the Golden State!

And there you have it! My brief brushes with fame. Maybe someday I'll meet Stephenie Meyer. She lives here, you know. *B

faith in all things

Today in Relief Society the lesson was on faith. Go figure ;) Anyway, the lesson was great in and of itself, but the comments shared were equally enlightening. As some women briefly shared their struggles, I stopped and counted how many serious life-changes I've had to deal with this past year. I came up with at least seven. But, it is good to know that I'm not alone. Not that I would ever wish any of my hardships on another, or hope that someone else has a rough time with life. However, it is nice to know that I'm not the only one struggling.

We talked about the destructive path of doubt, the antithesis of faith and hope. And how miracles do not promote faith, but they come as answers to faith. I realized that we all feel the same during our hardships, too. We all feel that "why me?" at some point(s) in our lifetime. For me, it's "but it was such a good plan," and I've had to stop myself and remember that it's not about my plan, it's about God's plan.

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a chapter from President Eyring's "To Draw Closer to God". The chapter is titled "Trials of Faith" and in it he promises that 1) there will be trials of your faith; 2) there will be opportunities to serve others, and; 3) we will see God again. As I sat in church today, with tears running down my face (and no tissues!), I remembered his words: "Please find out what it is the Lord would have you do, believe he has prepared a way for you to do it, and share what he's given you with others. As you do that, you will feel his love and you will become more like him. You will find joy and consolation, you will become sanctified by the gospel, and then you can go home again."

I must admit, I am feeling better about things. Not because things are easier. They're not. We lost the house, we're still looking for extra work, and Elsie insists on waking up at least three times a night... but our Savior has suffered more, and He has lifted the weight of my burdens from my shoulders. They're still there, and I don't know how long I have to endure them. But I do believe I've been given the strength to carry them. I am exercising my faith. *B

more blogging

Is it just me or does it seem like all of Blogland is slowing down? I mean, unless you're a somebody, hardly anyone visits (let alone comments) on your blog. Now don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining about this latest trend. It's just that I've heard a lot (and felt the same) about feeling pressured to be popular or go private.

I didn't start blogging just because everyone else was doing it. I started it for me. I've talked about it in the past, but I really do want this blog to be mine. To be a journal of sorts. But a journal worth sharing. I want it to mean something to me, my family, and my friends. Some of those friends are real-life best friends. But more often than not, those friends are acquaintances reconnected or friends that I've met through various online communities. The start of these friendships does not matter so much as the relationship... and I am always up for making, and keeping, friends!

Anyway, I started wondering why I read the blogs I do. And I started thinking of blogs I admire. There's Clarissa for her consistency, Camille for her creativity, NieNie for her strength, Heather for her tenacity... and the list goes on. And I realized that I want to be that kind of a blogger. For me. And for you (the reader). Not because I want to be the next big thing, or because there's an assumed responsibility, but because I want to be better. I want to write down my thoughts, hopes and dreams, to reveal my struggles and celebrate my triumphs, to share my crafts/projects, to show off my cute kids, etc. I want to post it all and I know at least someone out there wants to read some of it.

So, I have an idea. Really, it's my game plan... I have a nifty little trick that helps me plan meals day after day and I'm going to try and apply the same concept to my blogging. And that, my friends, is the secret of themes. Call me lame, or just plain silly, but I think it just might work! I'm going to at least try it and we'll see what happens ;) For now, I'm thinking of having Random Mondays, Creative Tuesdays, Wordless Wednesdays, Thrifted Thursdays, Funny Fridays, and Sacred Sundays. Maybe I'll throw in a Sharing Saturday, haha. Basically, there may or may not be a brand new post every day... it will just depend.

I want to be a better blogger. I think it's good for me. It's what I need, for now. *B