Addiction

I need it, I crave it, I have to have it, can't live without it. Cranky beyond belief and I feel completely helpless and lost without it.......I think it's safe to say I have an addiction.

Hi, my name is Alison and my computer is my addiction.

We had this crazy, huge storm blow through the last couple days. We have a rod-iron fence in our backyard and literally NOTHING for MILES. So to say a storm came, would be an understatement. A storm landed on us, did a little dance, left ALOT of rain, felt like I was in the Wizard of Oz twister - waiting for the wicked witch to ride her bike past.... and then left today.

In the process, our power went out at least 6 times - great if it's daylight, horrible when it's night and my kids are freaking out because there is no power. Which means we can hear EVERYTHING outside - no white noise inside to drowned out the great outdoors.

So today 1/22/2010, I survived an entire day (only because it happened last night around 10:20pm on 1/21/2010) without the internet - the power surges wiped out the info for our wireless router. I think I have a headache from actual thinking.

I depend on the computer to do the following things:

search for phone numbers

send email

read email

facebook

check my bank accounts
pay bills

find an address

get directions to the said address

search for good deals at any store
recipes
and I JUST NEED IT!

I honestly considered bringing out the phone book to look up a number. NO! I couldn't do it because it would take too long. The longest part would be actually figuring out how to use it again. Instead I sent Jeff a text for the phone number to our car dealership and waited probably 4-5 hours for a response because he was at work. MUCH EASIER! :)

I'm a computer addict and proud of it! Thank goodness my husband took pity on me and fixed it - I can sleep safe and sound tonight.

preschool

Lucas had his first day of preschool - he was so excited!!! He'll only be going once a week until the end of the regular school year, but still so thrilled to be 'grown-up' like his sister. He asked me about 8 times in 20 minutes this morning if he was going to preschool. Yes, Lucas. Then he would run to tell Lea: Lea, I'm going to preschool. :)

We got to the Meadows home and as he was getting out of the car said "I'm gonna be a good boy." GREAT! :)

He had a wonderful time and was even more thrilled to have "homework" to show for it and a folder with stars and his name on it. Awww, the excitement of learning....isn't it contagiuos!?

Songs of the heart

Angels Among Us  by Alabama

Holes in the floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner

Find out who your friends are by Tracy Lawrence

Last week, I was feeling pretty homesick. My parents are serving a mission for our church and are no longer a phone call away. Most of my family lives in Washington State and I was really missing all the time they get to spend together. I do have a brother and his family in Wickenburg, but even that seemed too far away and a brother in Florida - I can only imagine his homesickness. I listened to all these songs and realized I have a pretty great family here in Laveen. Friends that are as close as family who I depend on and trust on a daily basis.

Our hearts and prayers are with the Palfreemans as they deal with the loss of Candace's mom. We love you and know we are here for you. I couldn't be more grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ at a time like this. Without it, I wouldn't have such wonderful friends with the same values and be able to find peace in a time of trial and stress. We love you Candace and Scott.

And to another friend who is undergoing surgery on her eye somewhere back east. A couple different families had her kids and I was amazed - although I shouldn't have been - by everyone's attitude. Noone complained to help out, we'd drop everything to help out and so did these families by adding more kids to their house for a few days. They took the kids to church and were happy to serve, although it probably didn't feel like service - it's just what you do. :) Much love Britt!

Flu - round 2

Monday Jan 11, Lea woke up at 12:30 am and said "mom, I have to throw up...." uh great, move to the bathroom and don't throw up on me! :) None this time, so we grabbed the designated throw up bowl and sent her back to bed. An hour later, CRYING from the girls room - both girls up, Lea covered in throw up (ewww......!), but luckily none on the carpet. Jeff - WAKE UP, I need help. Toss those in the laundry, Jeff, help Lea to the shower and calm down Abbey while I clean up the rest of Lea's bed.

After setting up the "puke" zone in our room. Which includes courtesy towel on the ground and barf bowl. Small kid's couch to lay on and blankets to sleep. Sounds like a night at the Hilton right?! Everything but the mint on the pillow because that would cause more sickness. hehe :) Lea continued to dry-heave the rest of the night, day and into the next evening. She was unable to keep any liquids down or even popsicles. She had a 102 fever, but I couldn't even give her medicine for that - it would come right back. Around 5 pm, she finally finished dry-heaving and was ready for bed. Erin came to my rescue and rode with us to Fry's so I could pick up a redbox movie.

Day 2, Tuesday, no school and note from her teacher wondering where she was - I am usually on top of contact with the teacher, but Monday was a LONG, LONG, day. No throwing up, just the fever to which I was awakened by Jeff cursing at our broken thermometer.....nice timing. Although he did get one reading and it was 105!!! Not only is this going on, but we had an appointment to take our van in for a broken seat belt. Jeff went to Walgreens - no digital thermometers, CVS - score! Back he came and more temps were taken and for everyone because it's just so much FUN! :) Zapped of energy, Lea slept most of the day and at one point - all 3 kids were napping - sweet relief. Erin was nice enough again to follow Jeff in with the van and bring him back so he could go to work. To which she took me and Lea later to pick up the van, her Geoff had a momentary lapse of judgment and watched Abbey and Lucas for me.

More of the Beckers: Lea's fever was not going anywhere - it was still 102 and she was miserable! Jeff and Geoff gave her a blessing with oil from Geoff's dad - he purchased and consecrated the oil in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was visiting Jerusalem. (I hope I got that right.....) Pretty special oil. Thanks Geoff.

Day 3, Wednesday, still no school and the first day of soccer practice. Lea was finally up and I made her shower, get dressed and we fixed her hair. There's nothing better than a good shower after being sick for a couple days. She started feeling better and was wanting to play with friends at the park during practice. She opted out of practice - not feeling that great yet. She ate dinner - first thing she ate since Sunday.

Day 4, off to school and sort of unhappy about it, but she's good now and back to life! :) Happy to have survived another mild round of the flu. Phew.

New calling - 1/17/10

PS: This is for my journaling purpose - feel free to skip to a post with pictures. :)

Last week, I received a new calling. I had been serving with the Activity day girls (ages 8-11) for the past 3 years and have loved working with them and several wonderful leaders. We started with 2 leaders and 15 girls and at the end of the 3 years, had 6 leaders and about 20 girls. They were so much fun: excited to learn and loved being together even though they all went to different schools or home-schooled.

I was nervous to get a new calling - I dreaded getting called to be a Relief Society teacher - that would have given me ulcers and a one-way ticket to the insane asylum. My fear of public speaking is almost paralyzing. Luckily I didn't end up with that - and that's not an invitation to have me teach, speak or do anything of that nature.......

I am humbled and sort of feel like I've graduated from Activity Days to Relief Society Board leader aka Enrichment, aka Home, Family and Personal Enrichment, Homemaking, whatever you call it, this is where I am at and I'm the one in charge - deep breath........yes I will do it. I was still nervous to accept this calling as Jeff works so much still and I feared I would be unable to attend activities and make sure everything went as planned. I guess this is what a committee is for. :) Our friend Scott is now in the bishopric and was the one to interview me - a little strange because we already know each other and our families are close. He used to work with Jeff at Deloitte a few years ago. I feel old being on a first name basis and family friends with 2/3 of the bishopric.

These are some of the blessings and promises I received while being set apart - much needed and I know it was from the Lord because I received answers to my struggles as I accepted this new calling and new challenge.

blessed with the gifts of the spirit
inspired to help the sisters of RS - individually and as a whole
spiritually strengthen
work as a committee and board to serve the needs of the sisters through meaningful spiritual activities
be able to balance the calling and needs of my family
my family will be blessed as I serve in this capacity
prayer, continue reading the scriptures - the Lord will bless me and my family

As a side note, my mind thinks mostly in crafts, so we'll see what happens! :) I'm excited to work with the committee and a smaller ward - should make our job a lot easier.

Snow day

 Took a day trip to the snow with Steven and family. It was cold! We had a good time once we finally got there, got the right clothes on and someone gave us a couple of inner-tubes to use because they were done and didn't need them. Nice!

 Abbey and Shay along for the ride.

 Jeff and Abbey

 Jeff gave me a little extra help......

 Tanner got some good speed on this one. Ashley I couldn't keep up with she came and went before I could ever take a picture of her.