Friday, November 28, 2008

The Lucky 7 Post....Thanks Terri!!

7 things I can do...

1. I can ride horses
2. I can read....pretty fast too
3. I can eat massive amount of junk in one sitting
4. I can scratch any place on my back with one arm or the other
5. I can sing all the words to Vanilla Ice (ya know, "ice, ice baby")
6. I can tie a bow
7. I can sleep virtually anywhere and under most any condition so long as it is after 10pm


7 things I can't do...

1. I can't walk without tripping
2. I can't eat without spilling food on myself
3. I can't do a cart wheel
4. I can't speak French
5. I can't stand the smell of seafood
6. I can't touch my nose with my tongue
7. I can't look at blood

7 things that attract me to Mike...

1. His hotness
2. His hotness....okay, sorry, i get distracted....his kindness
3. His love for the gospel
4. His love for me and the kids
5. His generosity
6. His work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for his family
7. His....oh dang, HE IS HOT!!!!!

7 things I say most often...

1. What do you want sweetie??
2. Boys, that's enough!
3. 1...2...3... (so there with you Terri)
4. Holy Smokes, Holy Crow, Holy Moly, Gee Willikers....other such things
5. I love you ____.
6. Are you serious??
7. Are you okay???


7 Celebrity Admiration's...

1. Reese Witherspoon
2. Entire cast of Twilight
3. Martina McBride
4. Morgan Freeman
5. Stephenie Meyer (I think she has handled fame so well)
6. Andrew Lloyd Weber
7. The late Heath Ledger


7 favorite foods...

1. Chocolate
2. Cookies
3. Ice Cream
4. Broccoli (i know, seems so out of place doesn't it?)
5. Mini corn dogs (i love em)
6. most anything italian
7. vinegar

7 people I tag...

No one reads my blog anymore so whoever reads this...I tag you!!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful

I wanted to take a minute to express my gratitude for my many blessings. I am so thankful for my family. I have been so blessed to be married to the only man who was designed to tolerate me and my overwhelmingly long list of flaws. While I don't necessarily believe in soul mates for everyone, I certainly believe that Mike is mine.
My kids!!! Oh how I love them. They bring such....color? Flare? Pizazz?? They keep things interesting and they keep me on my knees...........scrubbing things out of carpets, picking up toys, playing games and praying constantly for guidance and patience and forgiveness for my imperfections in the realm of motherhood.
I am thankful for extended family and loved ones who teach us so much, give us advice and support us in all times. I truly feel that we are placed into our families for a reason and I know that I have learned so much through my life thanks, in overwhelmingly large part, to my family. I am thankful for Mike's family for being there for me and , of course, for raising the most awesome man alive!
I love, love, love my friends. What would I do without them? There is not enough to say. My friends are angels on Earth, answering my prayers daily with their love, support and sometimes their sarcasm and irreverence. :)
Home, warmth, clothes, food, car, pink pajamas, my sheets, "Twilight", chocolate, movies, dishwashers, flowers, animals, paint, music...I said "Twilight" didn't I? I did? Are you sure?? Better be safe..."TWILIGHT"!!!!!
Most importantly, I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful to know that I am a daughter of God. I am thankful to know that He lives and He knows my name and He hears my prayers and knows my needs. I am thankful for a gospel that teaches love, tolerance and salvation for ALL people, everywhere regardless of beliefs, color, gender, age, etc. A gospel that understands that we are ALL children of a loving and compassionate and merciful Father in Heaven.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope we can all feel the warmth of gratitude in our hearts for the blessings we share.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Prayer Request

Well, the news in the Ramsey family this week is probably not the news I would be most anxious to share.
Many of you know that my Grandmother, Grandma McKenna (my mother's mother) is battling cancer and has recently had surgery. She is doing very well but still has much to overcome and I have so much confidence in her. I know of no stronger person.
We also just learned last night that Mike's Grandmother, Grandma Rich (his mother's mother) has suffered a heart attack and in still undergoing evaluation.
It is very hard for us to be so far away and not to be able to help our families in this time.
I would just love it if my friends could please keep these two amazing women, and their families in your prayers.
Mike and I truly feel blessed to come from two very great heritages. We know that these two women are so remarkable and so loved by our Father in Heaven.
Thanks everyone!!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Happy Birthday Caeden!!




Happy 4th Birthday to our sweet and wonderful little boy! We love you so much Caeden!

Monday, November 17, 2008

My Kids

A little something about my kids.

G- Going to be an awesome missionary!
A- Amazingly clever and sweet!
V- Voices his opiniong....readily!
I- Invents new ways to get into mischief on a regular basis :)
N- Never a dull moment with this boy. He is such a wonderful child!

C- Cute as can be!
A- Affectionate and loving!
E- Emotional! He is my sweet, sensitive soul!
D- Deeply attached to any animal related objects (especially plastic snakes, dinosaurs, crocodiles or really any other animal)
E- Entertaining! He always has something funny to say or do!
N- Next to perfection! He is a blessing beyond measure!

S- Sweet as a pit viper...ooops, I mean, sweet as sugar!!!
U- Unconditional love! Suzy is such a love bug and she gives it freely.
Z- Zesty! My girl has more pep than a Mexican hot wing!
Y- Yes, she IS a challenge but my daughter is such a joy in my life!

I love my children so much. Every day I am amazed at how much they change and develop in their personalities. There is no woman in life more blessed. :)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I Do Wish I Didn't Cry So Much

Just like Alice floating in a sea of her own tears...."I do wish I hadn't cried so much!" You know, people say a lot of positive things about "criers"...those prone to emotional response, like myself.

Myth #1- They are more sensitive.
While this may be true to some extent, it isn't really the sensitivity that is measured...it's the control. It's not that I am more compassionate, loving, etc. than anyone else...it's that I totally lack any control over my emotions. I feel it coming and am simply powerless to stop it in its tracks....this is why I wasn't made a bug. The first time someone cut their lawn I'd be a goner...I'd sit there and stare at it and then just cry as it chopped me into bits.

Myth #2- Crying removes impurities from your body.
If this were REALLY true.....I would never have to go to the bathroom.....EVER.

Myth #3- It's cute when you cry.
There really is no getting around this one...it's just a lie! At the very least, it is a lie when it comes to yours truly. I shrivel up, turn beat red and splotchy and my eyes puff up like mangos.

Myth #4- You can cry yourself out.
I never run out of tears. I never dry up. I will eventually cut myself off or I will force myself to sleep to end the onslaught of flooding but I can quickly resume upon waking. If you don't believe me...ask Mike. I cry when I'm happy, sad, mad, frustrated, worried, PMS, DMS, AMS....I never stop.

So all that can be deducted from this is that crying serves no good purpose to those who cannot contain themselves. I am so out of luck.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Five Favorites

So this is a tag. I will tag 5 people and then you should tag 5...or 3 or 17, whatever makes you happy.
The theme is music.

5 groups you listened to in High School:
1. Collective Soul
2. Letters to Cleo
3. Weezer
4. Vertical Horizon
5. Radiohead

5 songs that ALWAYS make you cry:
1. "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" - Collin Raye
2. "My Daughters Eyes"- Martina McBride
3. "The Eleventh Commandment"- Collin Raye (darn him)
4. "How Can I Help You to Say Goodbye"- Patty Loveless
5. Pretty much ANY Church music....at all...oh yeah and that "Christmas Shoes" song...ugh, open the flood gates!

5 groups/albums you listen to now:
1. Muse
2. Coldplay
3. Carrie Underwood
4. Death Cab for Cutie
5. Collective Soul

5 FAVORITE songs:
1. "The World I Know"- Collective Soul
2. "Music of the Night"- Phantom of the Opera
3. "A Long December"- Counting Crows
4. "Your Guardian Angel"- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
5. "She's Got a Way"- Billy Joel

and I tag: Kelli, Katie, Tenille, Terri and Jen C. oh, and everyone really...I love music and would be so interested to see what everyone says!! :)

Halloween Photos Part 2



King Koopa and Toad in their blogging debut!!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Our Family Vacation!!!!


Boy oh boy do we need it! Even the kids are feeling the pressure these days. Who can blame them? These are troubling times! Nothing solves the burdens of life like a little R&R!
Since it was a gorgeous day yesterday the kids and I were out playing in the yard until dark. Just before the sun went down my boys came running up to ask me and Mike if we could go on a trip.
Oh here we go.....how do you explain being broke to a 5 and 3 (almost 4...sniffle, sniffle) year old?
"Yes, we can go on a trip someday." There we go, that should appease them for now. Will they allow me to escape with that oh-so-vague answer?
To my utter astonishment, the grins emerge and the giggles and squeals of delight erupt. My jaw drops, eyes bulge from my head and these two little blondies have my full and undivided attention. What exactly is going on in those little heads?
"Can we go up to the clouds?!?!?" Smiling as if they are tree sloths at Mattress King they repeat themselves....."Can we go? Can we go to the clouds?"
My first thoughts turn to an airplane. They want to go on an airplane? Oh great, more to explain!!!
But they look so excited so we just have to ask, "What are you talking about boys??"
They turn and grab something off the railing on our deck and come running back to us.
"Daddy, Mommy, if this grows into a giant beanstalk can we pleeeeeeeeeeeeease go up to the clouds? Will you please, please, please go with us?!?"
"Oh believe me boys.....as soon as that grows into a giant beanstalk we will most definitely go with you to the clouds!!"

Happy Halloween!!






I know I've been awful about getting these up but here they are! PICTURES!! Some of the kids picking out pumpkins, some from the house and some from Halloween. I haven't managed to get pictures of me or Mike from Halloween but I promise to work on that.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

This is Why Flamingos Don't Hunt

For those of you who are fans of "Twilight" this will be easy. I want you to visualize Bella in gym class.
For those of you who are not fans....what is wrong with you?
Only joking...there is room for everyone in this world. :) But let me try to paint this picture for you....a girl who can't hit the broad side of a barn, who trips over everything including her own feet, who runs into walls and who, when armed with any type of athletic equipment is considered a hazard.
Have you go the picture going???? If not let me unveil the face of this girl.....it's ME!
I am quite possibly the most clumsy and athletically disinclined person you have ever met....really. Once in high school gym class I tried to play volley ball...I ended up getting my lip busted by the ball. As soon as I tasted the blood I hit the floor.
On Halloween my husband had some rare time off and he decided he wanted to do something together for fun....
Okay, I'm game, what are we doing?
Why don't we go play racket ball?
Say what now?
Racket ball!
............ummmm............
Come on, it will be so fun!
........k...........
Off we go. We arrive at the gym...drop off the kids to play in the kid zone and head over to the racket ball court, which is synonymous, by the way, with chamber of despair.
But really, how bad could it be? I drag my feet along, dread building inside of me. The racket might as well have been a deadly serpent or an oozy nine millimeter. I feel dizzy and a little nauseated. There is just no possible scenario that involves me and Mike and racket ball that ends well.
I turn the corner and see it for the first time and the dread dissolves into pure terror. The front wall is glass....completely clear. You might as well have dragged me into the OBGYN to do a documentary for TLC...this would be every bit as humiliating.
I could feel every set of eyes in the entire gym (also the entire state of Virginia) boring into me and my face was every shade of red known.
And it began. If you can picture a flamingo trying to hunt on the African plains, you might have a good idea of what it was like watching me play racket ball. I spent most of my time plastered against the wall and the rest trying to avoid being hit. The few times I did swing for the ball, I missed, blushed and returned to the wall. If the ball did come towards me I would tuck my neck down, turn pink and lift one leg...classic flamingo position....as the ball/lion comes straight for me.
Then it happened....the perfect time for me to make a change...to no longer be that girl who had once been the joke of her gym class...the ball was in perfect motion, at just the right speed and headed right for my racket. I looked at Mike who smiled at me and I swung with all my might, feeling the racket connect with the ball and watching...as it went entirely the wrong way and hit my husband right in the face. I gave him a fat lip....and a bloody nose.
I guess next time we'll go out for ice cream?

Tulips


Allow me to preface this with an apology to all the ladies out there reading this blog. I am sincerely and whole heartedly sorry.....I stole the very best man out there for myself.
In general Tuesdays are my hard days. It's pretty much a guarantee that I will cry at some point and there are usually at least three times in the twenty-four-hour span where I utter the words, "I hate Tuesdays". This last Tuesday was particularly challenging. I had been battling a little head cold, not feeling my finest. The stresses of finishing up Halloween costumes, in combination with the stresses of pulling together "Night of Excellence" for our Young Women's program, were heavy on my mind. Mike works until 10pm on Tuesdays. It is also the day when Gavin has gymnastics so it means I am taking all three children to the gym and then coming home to do dinner, baths, bedtime, etc. alone. On this particular Tuesday I was scheduled to have a friend over to help with the YW project (she is a leader also).
All seemed to go okay until about 7:15 when my power went out. Mmmhmmmm.
Three children, bedtime, no power, no husband, five candles, one flashlight....and a partridge in a pear tree.
Initially I did not panic. After all, power goes out all the time...usually for a minute or two. An hour later, I was getting a little disgruntled.
I finally got Suzy in bed and the boys fell asleep on the couch next to me. I had to call off the project for YW's and miss a much anticipated episode of "House". Instead I curled up with the cat and finished off the book I was reading.
Around 9:15 or so the power is back on. YAY!!
While the return of our heat and lighting had me in a substantially better mood, I was still a little sullen. It had been a long day and I was tired and a little sad. It just seemed like one more thing that had not worked out the way I thought that I needed it to. I was feeling a little discouraged....which led to feeling very discouraged. By the time Mike called to say he was on his way home from work I was in tears. According to my stressed out and sleep deprived self I would never get my YW's things finished, I would never catch up on the house work, we'd never be out of debt and I would never be able to have another baby......anxiety does not do pretty with Jen.
Here comes the happy part of the story....you're so ready for it to aren't you? Me too! So here it is: Mike walks in the door with a small bouquet of yellow (my favorite) tulips. As he gives them to me he pulls me into a hug and tells me that even though it's raining, cold, dark and windy outside something beautiful can still exist here in our home, where it is warm and bright and full of love. Even when things seem impossible, miracles happen every day.
He is so right. Even when life seems impossible....miracles happen every day!