Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Four

On the Fourth Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

People with a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. It is a difficult world in which we live. There are lots of pressures and stresses that put a strain on each of us. But does that mean we have to let it get us down in the dumps? No! Life is difficult. We are here on this Earth to learn and grow. It's not supposed to be easy. But that doesn't mean we can't laugh and enjoy the ride. I am thankful that I have many people in my life that are positive and can laugh at life with me. (Or laugh at me and my life.) ;] Life is too short to not find the joy in the journey, the comedy in the crap, and the sarcasm in the sucky times. Thanks to all of you who make life laughable!

Firelight...the New Twilight

I saw this and laughed my bootie off. Now, before I get any Twilight lovers out there upset with me, I read all the books and loved them. But I still can laugh at things that are funny! Like this:

So, unless you've been hiding under a sound proof rock, you are aware the next movie in the Twilight series comes out this weekend. Am I excited? Yes, I am. Although New Moon was my least favorite of the four books, I have hopes the movie will be better. Why was it my least favorite? All of Bella's whining and depression. I kept thinking, "Okay. We get it. You're depressed. Move on!" Not that I'm trying to criticize the writer. It had to be done to keep Bella's character consistent in her love/borderline obsession with Edward. But, at times, it made for frustrating reading. The end of the book made up for it though. Hence why I kept reading.

The mania behind these books/movies is quite interesting. People either seem to love them or hate them. I haven't seen much in between, except maybe my husband. After I had read them, we read them together. He likes them but isn't obsessed with all things Twilight like I was when I first read them. I didn't start reading them until December of last year, after the fourth book had been released. I read them in rapid succession. My poor hubby. Many a night he would wake to me reading in bed or on the couch, unable to put the books down. He was a Twilight widower for a month until I finished reading all four. Poor guy! Lucky for me, he still loves me. :]

Now for the answer to the big question....Do we have tickets on opening day? Yes, we do. Jealous? If not now, you will be! :]

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Three

On the Third Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

My Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful to have the gospel as a central part of my life. I am thankful to know that this life is not the end, but a part of an eternal experience. I'm thankful to know that families can be together forever. Death does not part us. I will see my Dad and sister Laurie again and will be able to continue those relationships forever. I will also be with my sweet husband and children as well as the rest of my family forever. I am thankful for the Atonement of Christ. I make mistakes on a daily basis. It is wonderful to know that I can repent and be forgiven of all of the dumb things I do. I'm thankful for the Book of Mormon and the Bible as guiding sources of inspiration and direction for my life. I am grateful to know I am a daughter of God who loves me and has a plan for each of us. It is comforting to know that life has meaning and purpose...to progress and grow, to make correct choices, to learn from our mistakes, to give of ourselves, to show kindness and love to others, and eventually to return to live with our Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for a living prophet and apostles (one of whom is shown in the video above) who lead us and guide us through direct revelation from our Savior. I am thankful that I am not left alone to get myself through this life. I have a constant companion in the Holy Ghost who, when I am listening, guides me, comforts me and teaches me. I'm grateful for the Temple. It is so wonderful to leave all of my worldly cares and worries outside while feeling of the peace that is found within. Lastly, I am thankful for faith. There may be things in this world that confuse or frustrate me, things I may not understand. But I know that all will be okay if I trust in the Lord, follow the prophet and continue to seek guidance and direction for my life. I don't have to have all of the answers nor do I have to be perfect right now. I just have to keep on keeping on.

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day Two

On the Second Day of Thanksgiving I am thankful for:

My husband, Michael. He is truly my hero, and not just since I've been pregnant. He is such a wonderful husband. Not a day has gone by since I met him that he hasn't expressed his love and affection towards me. He always makes me feel beautiful, even when I'm not looking my best. He works so hard to take care of me and our little family. He is so excited to be a Dad and already loves our little girl and would do anything for her. He goes to prenatal classes with me and never complains, even though he worked a long day and I'm sure would rather stay home and be cozy. He can always make me laugh, even when I am crying. He has held my hand and my hair during morning sickness and has surprised me with dinner when he knew I didn't have it in me to cook. He is so easy to please and quick to laugh. He is so smart. He has a wide range of interests and likes to share what he likes, knows and learns with me. He is such a good man. I love how dedicated he is to the Lord. I never have to wonder if he is going to go to church or fulfill his obligations. I love him with all of my heart and am so grateful he is mine forever!

Twelve Days of Thanksgiving-Day One

I have always thought that Thanksgiving, as a holiday, gets the shaft. Months before every other holiday we are bombarded with ads on TV, aisles filled with products at every store, and music on the radio in celebration and promotion of the holiday. Poor Thanksgiving gets a nod here and there but doesn't get the props it deserves.

My hubby, Michael, decided this year to start a personal celebration...the Twelve Days of Thanksgiving...and he invited all who wanted to do so to play along. So, here I am. So each day between now and November 26, which is Thanksgiving Day, I am going to list one thing for which I am thankful.

One the First Day of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for:

The opportunity I have been given to be pregnant and to stay pregnant. It has been a long, tough road. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would do it in a heart beat. There is nothing in this world that compares to feeling life inside me grow and move and to see her develop. I can't wait for the day she will make her appearance in the outside world. I'm excited to be able to have another ultrasound next Tuesday and to get another sneak peak at our daughter.

If anyone would like to play along, feel free to join in on the fun!

Waste Not or Want Not?

I was talking to someone today who thought blogging and Facebook were a waste of time. It kind of bothered me for several reasons. First being because blogging and Facebook are my main way of staying in contact with friends and family who live all over the world. People who live as far away as Switzerland, England, Korea, Australia, Germany, Japan, Afghanistan, etc. I can still know how they are and they can check in on my life, too. Second, both were super wonderful during the time when I was on complete bed rest because, other than the telephone and my husband, they were my link to the outside world. I didn't feel quite so secluded because I knew friends and family were a click away. Third, because I have been able to make new friends and strengthen old friendships, too. And lastly, they are also both great ways of journaling.

During my pregnancy I have posted different things on my blog and on Facebook that I want to remember. Things like..."Michael saw the baby kicking from the outside of my stomach the other day for the first time. I had just had some chocolate milk and she was kicking and swimming all over the place! It was wild! After seeing it, he said it reminded him of the movie Alien. Bless his heart!" Fun memory. I have since gone back on Facebook and copied all of my status updates and several of my blog posts and am adding them to her scrapbook. How cool will that be for our daughter to read these things!?! I wish I had something like that!

Another reason I love blogging specifically is because my hubby blogs. He has blogged since before I knew him. Because of this, I can go back on his blog and read what he wrote the day we met, see how his feelings for me grew as we dated, hear his version of how he proposed, as well as our life together as a married couple. How lucky am I?! When I scrapbooked about our proposal, I printed out his version of the story and added it to the page. It is one of my favorite layouts! It is wonderful to hear our life from his point of view.

I understand that not everybody gets what is so great about blogging and Facebook and they really aren't for everyone. Just as things like quilting, baseball or running a marathon aren't for everyone. But, just because it isn't for you, is it necessarily a bad thing? I think not. But can a good thing become a bad thing? Sure it can. I do think there needs to be moderation in all things. As Mr. Miyagi says, "Must have barance". Maintaining balance is important. But, because everyone is different...have different life circumstances, goals, family situations, interests...that balance is an individual thing that shouldn't be dictated by someone who wears different "hats" in their life than you do in yours.

I didn't mean to make this post a blogimony. I'm not trying to convince anyone to start a blog or a Facebook account nor am I getting royalties for people doing so. (I wish!) ;] I just needed to vent and to have my voice heard since what I said to this person fell on deaf and decided ears. Ultimately, I wish people would show more tolerance, especially about things they don't understand. Maybe someday. (Wishful thinking? Hope not!) Until then, I will try to exercise more patience and to take offense less. How does that song go? "Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me..."

You may now go back to your regularly scheduled program. :]

45 Life Lessons

While blurking the other day, I came across this list. Nothing ground breakingly new but good reminders for me. Hope you enjoy them, too!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

(Life Lessons, by Regina Brett (Cleveland, Ohio) and Courtesy of Bakow Babble. Thanks!)

Life Imitating Art...

I've received complaints about not posting anything on my blog for almost a month. Oops! Sorry about that! In my defense, October was an interesting month. I came down with a really bad cold that moved to my chest. I was pretty miserable for about two weeks. No energy. (That is, even less than a normal pregnant woman. If you can call me normal.) ;] In the meantime, we had a leak under the sink in our kitchen and had to pull everything out of all of the cupboards and pull out all of the drawers. Boy! Was that fun! The leak took some time to fix and then we had to wait to make sure it was truly fixed and dry. So, I've had dishes in boxes on my kitchen table, on the chairs and on the dryer for about a month now. That combined with being sick and having no energy, my house became a disaster area! Never before in my life have I wished harder for a fairy godmother. But alas, she was a no show. And, if the sick thing and the kitchen fiasco wasn't enough, I got a super nasty virus on my laptop. I've never seen one that nasty and clever. Luckily, I had my brother Ben...otherwise known as Super CPU Healer Man...come to my rescue. He was able to get 'er fixed and I didn't lose any files in the process. Yay! So, don't cry for me, Argentina. All is getting better. Computer is fixed, I'm starting to feel human again, and my house is slowly, but surely being rediscovered. That definitely makes Nancy a happy camper.

Joys of Being a Mom...

Did I know what I was getting myself into when I signed up to be a Mom? As Scooby Doo says, "Ruh Roh!" ;] I kid! I kid! I'm excited. But I saw these and thought they were hilarious! I'm sure I will love them even more once our little gal gets here and I can more easily relate. Hope you enjoy it, too!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Recognize any of these? I know I did! Hope you enjoy the highlights.

(Courtesy of Mindi. Thanks!)

S-M-R-T...

The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

Here are the 2009 winners:

1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.
2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an a$$hole.
3. Intaxication : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
5. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.
7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high
8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.
9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
10. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)
11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.
12. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
13. Glibido : All talk and no action.
14. Doppler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
16. Beelzebug (n.) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.
17. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.

And the winners are:

1. Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.
2. Flabbergasted , adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.
3. Abdicate , v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. -
4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.
5. Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.
6. Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.
7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.
8. Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.
9. Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.
10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

(Courtesy of M-Cat. Thanks!)

Getting excited!

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Trailer in HD

Anyone else getting excited? I sure am. I'm surprised that I'm excited because the 2nd book was my least favorite of the 4 books. I'm hopeful that the movie will be better. Keep your fingers crossed! :]