Dreams. Where Do They Come From?

I typed this question into Google because I was curious. I have been having some off the wall dreams lately.

I wanted to know why I was dreaming that my family was the Brady Bunch. I was Carol Brady, Dustin was Mike, and so forth. We did have a sixth child, but they did not appear in this episode. Dustin was lecturing Grace-aka Marsha- on being a tramp who wore her skirts VERY short. I won't use the word he did. It was funny because he said it in the Mike Brady tone!Marsha just turned to her father and shook her booty at her and walked away! I'm so confused!
I think I'm losing my mind!

I may not have figured out what my dream meant, but I did learn this:

"Content-analysis studies have identified common reported themes in dreams. These include: situations relating to school, being chased, running slowly in place, falling, arriving too late, a person now alive being dead, a person who is dead being alive, teeth falling out, flying, future events such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. (with different scenarios), embarrassing moments, falling in love with random people, failing an examination, not being able to move, not being able to focus vision, car accidents, being accused of a crime you didn't commit, suddenly finding yourself naked, going to the toilet, and many more."

Kind of interesting. I know I've dreamt a few of those. Thank you Wikipedia!

So any interpretations? They said the more you do it, the better you'll get.

I wanted so bad to photoshop our adorable mugs in, but I don't have it on my computer. I do think it would be lovely to have a housekeeper.

And Back Again...

When Dustin and I moved into our ward in 2000, we were immediately put into the nursery (I think that's where new couples go, not that there's anything wrong with that, I just think it's funny). I was there for about 6 months and was called as the YW Personal Progress person, not sure of the official title. Was in that calling for a short while, maybe 3 mo? They wanted me as the Laurel advisor. I was really excited! Especially since it was Laurels, the more mature group. I had that calling for almost 6 years! I loved it! I could tell it was getting time for a change though.

So, about 2 years ago I was called as the Compassionate Service leader! I loved, loved that calling! It fit me perfectly! I was there about a year and then called as the Relief Society secretary. I had to grow into that calling. I loved the women I served with, but being a secretary you needed to be on top of things and organized, not my greatest strength. Just ask Dustin, he'll vouch fro me. I entered that calling overwhelmed and terrified. I have come to love it though. The RS is a GREAT organization, truly inspired. I loved the women I served with, being with women my own age, and getting to know them better.

A few weeks ago I got a phone call asking to meet with a member of our bishopric. I was a little nervous and confused! I hadn't been in this calling for much more than a year. Fear started to creep in. I was thinking, " What calling could I have and still have my current calling? Oh, scouts. They're going to put me in scouts" -not that there's anything wrong with that, just not one of my strengths. Thanks Jill, Jayleen, and Camille, I appreciate all the help with the boys and scouting.

I was nervous as I walked into the room. We sat down and Bro. Brown said, "How much do you like your calling?"

"ALOT," I replied. "Whhhyy?"

"We would like to call you to be the Laurel advisor." ... pause... "What do you think?" he continued. I think he could tell I was thinking hard. It wasn't that I didn't want the calling, I was just confused. I just came from there. Is that allowed?

The moment he asked me "what do you think?", this happiness filled me. All the the doubt went away and I knew that was the calling I was to have at this time. I clapped my hands, smiled big and said, "I love it! I miss YW." Just weird because I didn't think I missed YWs at all. I was very happy where I was at. It was the first time I had ever had that type of confirmation about a calling. It was pretty cool. It all happened in about 5 seconds.

So there's my big news of lately! I'm back in Young Yomens. I've not been released as secretary yet, so I'm extremely busy. That's alright though. I don't mind being busy. I'm just happy to serve where, and how long I'm needed. While, I'll do another 6 years if I have to!

Cookin' With Mom

I have started a new thing with the kids. It has been really fun. You can tell by the pictures we have been doing it for a while -our kitchen is now redone. I let them be in charge one night a week. Each child takes a turn to pick what we are having for dinner and then gets to help make it. I don't let them pick something easy because I want them to learn some cooking skills. I need to be able to put them to work when they're older and cheese crisps and hot dogs are not going to cut it. The little girls have just been helping make desserts. They don't need to be exposed to a burner, that would be disastrous!

It has been fun talking and cooking with them. Plus, they are learning a life long skill.

cooking with Ryan. He was "too big" for the cute apron and hat!

Brownies with Kate and Becca.

Grace in her cute hat! Ready to help.

I would say out of all the kids, Aaron was the most excited. He loves doing new things and special time with mom. Here's too many more and a day I can send them into the kitchen and cook a meal all by themselves!

Sugar Rush

I shouldn't have eaten so much junk last night. I'm paying the price today.

I have been doing so well on cutting that stuff out. I devoured them like no other! Yes, I pretty much ate the whole bag of PB M&Ms myself. I hadn't had it in soooo long, so I went overboard. Now my body is having a terrible reaction! I have a massive headache and I don't feel very well. Who would've thought the day would come when I don't want to see another chocolate thing again!

Here's to sticking to the plan! Gladly.

Chillin'

Well, Ryan and Dustin are off on the Klondike camp out. They are braving the snow in the mountains with just a sleeping bag and a tent. I hope they are warm. I hope they are safe from bears.

The rest of us are gorging ourselves on pizza, popcorn, and PB M&M's. The 3 Ps. I deserve a treat after being so good on my weight management plan. We are relaxing, well trying, to The Spiderwick Chronicles. It's a little creepy! It's nice to just relax and enjoy!

The Obituary of 'Sister Perfection'

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!
You could do what I do if you only knew how.
I study the scriptures one hour each day;
I bake and I garden. I scrub and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;
I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.
I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear!
I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair!

I memorize names of the General Authorities;
I focus on things to be done by priorities.
I keep our home organized, clean and attractive.
I drop by with goodies and see the less-active.

I play the piano! I bless with my talents!
My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance!
Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;
I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!)

I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul,
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all...

I track my bad habits ’til each is abolished.
I floss everyday! My toenails are polished!
Our family home evenings are always delightful;
The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy faithfully, too.
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;
I know all the names of each youth in my stake!

I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!
I bless the community, too, with my labors.
I write in my journal! I sing in the choir.
Each day, I write "thank yous" to those I admire.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;
My visiting teaching is done the first day!
(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.
It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.)

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;
I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.
I can home-grown produce each summer and fall.
But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all...

I went back to school to update my degree.
My studying earned me a new PhD
I split with the Sisters who cover our ward
to spread that glad truth that the Gospel's restored.

I go to the temple at least once a week.
I make my girls' prom dresses- modest, yet chic.
My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!
My kids get straight A's! And their bedrooms are clean!

I have my own business to help earn some money.
I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.
I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread.
I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.
I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply.
My shopping for Christmas is done by July!
(It's out of the way early on for a reason.
I then can prepare for the real Christmas season.)

These things are not hard. It’s good if you do them.
You can if you try! Just set goals and pursue them!
It’s easy to do all the things that I do!
If you plan and work smart, you can do them all, too!

It’s easy!” she said…
...and then,
she dropped dead!

We are here today to say goodbye to our dear 'Sister Perfection'...

Okay, okay. To me she was not dear. It is because of her I had an enormous amount of guilt growing inside my mind. I have decided to...

This is my new book that I am reading and I love it! So many truths in it about the way we women tend to make guilt out of nothing! (Like me feeling guilty that I was buying this book rather than Pres. Eyring's, I almost bought both so feelings would be spared!?) I'm so excited!

For a while have been dealing with this idea of perfection. We as Latter-day women seem to think we are not okay, if we are not doing everything. I was totally frustrated and depressed. I was tired of being a mom, I felt I was not a very good one. I was tired of being a wife for the exact same reason! I just wanted to be plain Larae. I'm good at being her! Then I realized while being in mommy and wife mode for so long, I was forgetting how to be her. This book couldn't have come at a better time.

We're Going to....

Disneyland!!!

I haven't been there since I was 17 and Dustin hasn't been there since he was 12. I will say from my own experience, I was no too impressed at 17. My kids on the other hand are beside themselves!

Every morning Kate and Becca ask if this is the day we leave for Disneyland. I have to answer their question with a, "not today." I can't wait till I can say, "yes! Today's the day!"

We will be leaving March 8th and will return on the 15th. We need some pointers and good insight. We would like to go to the beach. I have yet to see an ocean, so I want a nice, quiet, not too many people beach. Any suggestions, or are my expectations too high?

With the package we bought, each kid received a free back pack. We wrapped each up and let them open them. They were a little confused. They didn't understand what the back pack meant.

Here was their reaction once we told them what they meant. They were SUPER excited!!

Dustin's Stupid Meter

Isn't there a difference between stupidity and forgetfulness?

*Nobody was called stupid in this process. The acts were deemed stupid.

If you start vacuuming and trip a breaker because your husband has the space heater plugged in, in the same room, is that considered stupid? What if after he goes outside, resets the breaker and comes back in, you decide you need to vacuum again and immediately trip the breaker again? Does that qualify as stupid? Just forgetful, right?

You are are starting dinner. You have left the oil on the stove to heat. You FORGOT about it and the whole pan bursts into flames. Considered stupid? What about if you take the pan and dump the burning oil down the drain, not realizing that in doing so you have added water to the fire and the little fire has now soared, singed the curtains, and blackened the wall? Stupid or forgetful?

So what, if every batch of cookies you make, the last batch is always burnt. You just always forget about the last batch. No stupidity there. A lot of people do it, just google burnt cookies.

Dustin and I have been having this discussion for some time. He deems the acts stupid. I say I'm just forgetful. It wasn't ME who dumped the oil down the drain. I only FORGOT about the oil. When I do things out of forgetfulness, Dustin has a meter that goes off indicating the level of stupidity. The farther the hand raises to the right, the stupider the act.

I am asking you to join the fight! Fight for Stupidity or Forgetfulness, I don't care. Just let your opinions be known. I say there are endless possibilities of forgetfulness. What do you say?

The Vegetable in Me

I believe it was Seinfeld who said that an onion has many layers. I have discovered that I...

am an onion.

What am I talking about? I have been trying to come up with a little something about myself for my Facebook account. I always write about me being a mom. While I love being a mom, it is only one layer to the many layered me! In this process I have really had to dig deep, okay not too deep, to explain to the world who I am. The world really wants to know.

Here's what I came up with:

I enjoy life. I believe it is the little things in life that bring the greatest joy. I like baby ears, feet, and hands. I like holding hands. Kissing my husband still makes my head spin. I am addicted to volleyball and chocolate. A smile is contagious, so I do it A LOT! I hate fruit. I don't like wet socks. I pity mean people. I don't drink, smoke, or swear. I'm a pretty positive person. My life motto has always been "be all you can be" (yes, I stole it from the army, those commercials were on all the time when I was little). I'm passionate about serving others. It's hard for me to admit I'm wrong. I'm forgetful (more on that coming soon). Sometimes I think I suffer from adult ADD. I procrastinate. I love snapshots. I like to write. I wish I were a little more like my mother. I love music, I got this from my mother. I watched The Sound of Music on my honeymoon. I wish I was more romantic. I'm learning to love words. I'm trying to be more creative. Being my best is sometimes exhausting.

So that's what I have so far. Not too deep. I like to keep things simple, life is already too complicated.

This procedure reminded me that motherhood is only part of who I am, even though right now it totally consumes me. I need to take a little extra me time and develop who I am, all of me. Right now I'm just a plain old onion. Soon, I hope to be blossomed, dipped in batter, and fried. Nothing is yummier than that!

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons

Since my daughter has to learn such big words, I have decided to pursue this as well. I plan on learning a new word every day. I plan to use it at least once that day. I might as well make the most of it.

Today I have five! They all come from her own vocabulary words. Remember these are 1st graders! We should know and use these words.

ebony- of a black color

haughty- behaving in a superior, or arrogant way

envy- the unhappy feeling of wanting somebody's success, qualities, or possessions

bodice- a kind of vest worn over a dress or a blouse and laced up the front

bier- a kind of table on which to lay a dead person

Joyful Learning!!!