Anyone know a good therapist?

It's been a year and I'm still recovering from this...

(click here for the complete story)

When yesterday, I discovered this...

She knows what she's done. She taunts me with her open defiance.

For those of you who have asked me how watermelon out of your own garden tastes, I still don't know... Heck, I may never know!

Ask Macy she seems to think it's pretty darn good.

Pray tell, how does a dog cut a watermelon clean in half? I can't even do that with a butcher knife.

Manic Weekend

It was up!

It was down.

Saturday there was a few rare moments where the scene in my house seemed to be cut straight out of the pages of "How to Raise a Kind, Well Adjusted, and Christlike Family, that Works Together, Plays Together and Loves Each Other" (yes, there really is a periodical called this... you might know it better by it's acronym, HTRaKWAaCFtWTPTaLEO). Picture this, Kelsi came out of hibernation (her bedroom) and was patiently helping Afton with her homework. They were cooperating and being kind to each other, this gave us the chance to witness, first hand, Kelsi's pleasant personality - not as easy to observe when she retires to her room and to her computer. After golfing a fantastic round, Brad was home to teach me how to use the Rug Doctor, but then volunteered to shampoo the carpets himself (so sweet), so I could continue my deep cleaning of the upstairs hallway (this may sound like an easy job, but it was a quel nightmare. Suffice it to say I had the ladder out and my magic eraser and crevice tools were flying). I had already previously scoured and bleached the kitchen sink, vacuumed the stairs, made delicious and healthy salads for lunch and ran 5 miles. Brady was very pleasant and helpful, he made Afton's lunch and starred in the movie she was making for World Studies, without even batting an eye. It was definitely a red letter day in the Meyer household, one where angels were quietly humming "Love At Home" in the background.

That evening was just the icing on the cake. Brad and I surprised the kids with tickets to see Brian Regan. They didn't know what we were doing right up until we were in the car headed in the direction of the show. Even though they were burning up with curiosity they all cooperated and were ready on time, and were even willing to pose for some photos before we left (since when is everyone on the same page for that?... try never!) No one even complained about where we were going to go for dinner except a little concern on Afton's part when she heard we were going to the "Old Spaghetti Factory" (I don't think she wanted to eat food from a place that has "old" in the title) Lucky for her the wait was too long so we at at Sonoma Chicken across the street. YUM! Ahhh, life was bliss. I knew right then and there I would never have to worry about discipline or unkind words in our house EVER again.

Cut to Sunday--

It all started off innocently enough, we even left for church early and had time to pick up friend Shaelyn, whose parents were out of town. But by the time a very long, very tiresome day was coming to an end, the boredom took over. Brady was making very loud, very unnecessary noises at every turn. Kelsi disappeared back into her room (who'd blame her with all the boy-noise going on) Brady and Afton were playing baseball in the family room (yes, you read that correctly)... watch out glass picture frames and vases. Brad took a long nap and then closed himself in his office. I was left making dinner and trying to keep my wits about me. Seeing that everyone was making movements to resume their previous activities as soon as dinner was over I made a few comments about all pitching in to clean. You can imagine how this was received. To make a long story short, the whining commenced, people spoke for the "easy" jobs, and insults about the choice of songs or the sound of singing voices started flying. Others were begging to make chocolate chip cookies instead of cleaning. I made it very clear that we were all going to help and no one was to make cookies until the kitchen was clean. 10 minutes later I was in my room in tears of frustration. I didn't come out for the rest of the night. I got up this morning and realized ALL was exactly the same as when I left it. Dirty dishes in the sink and on the counters, un-wiped table, trash laying around, stuck on, dried on food... and one addition, a batch of chocolate chip cookies still adorning the likes of the cookie sheets they were baked on, with all the paraphernalia to go with them propped precariously around different parts of the kitchen. Sigh...

I tried not to notice the items laying around the upstairs hallway (yes the one I just cleaned). I tried not to dwell on the piles of laundry waiting to be done, I tried to ignore the rings in the toilet bowls and the nasty hair clogging the drain of the shower. I've got my work cut out for me today - no wonder I never get to that list of "things I'd like to do someday."

I know, I know, enjoy this time right? It'll be gone all too soon.

Those of you who are Brian Regan fans will recognize this image as him, even though it is a terrible photo. I only brought my whimpy, little PAS camera plus I was deathly afraid of the elderly usher in our section at the show. The man had already come screaming down the isle, wagging his aged finger and moving quite quickly for someone who'd been bussed in from the geriatric ward; threatening to confiscate someone's camera, all before the show even started. I couldn't very well have the glowing screen of my little camera shining all over the place while I steadied the camera, waited for good lighting and for Mr. Regan to hold still so I could shoot without using the flash, now could I. So instead, I just raised the camera up, got him in my sights, took the shot and quickly put the camera back in my purse. This lone photo was the result. Sadly, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to sell this photo illegally on eBay any time soon. The quality just isn't good enough. I really thought for a second I might have a new business idea going on.

What you may think is a figment of your imagination or an over exposed photo though really isn't. What you do in fact see IS a platinum blonde Brian. He called himself "Frosty Locks" and said if we didn't find his jokes funny we could just laugh at his head for an hour. Other than that he offered no other explanation. He is a funny, funny guy! I adore him!

There's a Lump in My Throat

This isn't supposed to happen to a mom whose baby is going into 7th grade is it?

I did resist the urge to walk him to class. That's good right?

Two Things I May Never Get

...but want anyway.

A Bug

and a Pug.

It's AWESOME!!

Well here we are back to the old grind. High School and Seminary started this morning. It's is bittersweet. While the staying up late/getting up late way of life is fun and easy, we SO need some structure back in our lives. While no one is all that excited (see photo below) to get back into homework, practices and a rigorous schedule it's all for the best. Character building, as they say.

(new backpacks)

It all really hit home last night as we attended the Stake Seminary Fireside. This is the Lord's plan for these kids and it is so right (not that I've ever doubted). Here are some things that stood out to me and some notes I took during the fireside.

Anna Dickson (a good friend of Kelsi's) spoke and did a fabulous job! Speaking in public isn't one of her favorite things to do, but she always does great. She does a good job of bringing a sweet spirit into the room. And I appreciate the scripture she quoted (Ether 12:27) as her favorite scripture mastery scripture from the Book of Mormon.

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness

I give unto men weakness that they may be humble,

And my grace is sufficient for all men

For if they humble themselves before me and and faith in me

Then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

This is my all time favorite scripture and it was great to see this scripture in action as Anna spoke. Public speaking may have been a weakness for her before, but her humility and preparation has made it a definite strength.

Pres. Jensen (Counselor in the Stake Presidency) made the comment that if someone were to ask what his favorite book of scripture was, his answer would be whatever book he was currently studying, because he gets so excited about what he reads. I want to be like that. I want to continually be excited about the scriptures. I realized that I occasionally get excited about the Book of Mormon, but I would really like to get excited about the other books of scripture too. Maybe I'll study the Doctrine and Covenants with the seminary students this year.

Pres. Merrell (Stake Pres.) talked about the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants that he called the key to the universe. D&C 88:124

Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean;

cease to find fault one with another;

cease to sleep longer than is needful;

retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary;

arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

See what I mean about Seminary being the Lord's plan? It practically describes it right there in the scriptures.

Some things that Pres. Merrell pointed out in regards to this scripture is, that you should work on keeping negative thoughts and emotions at bay. He said you can't learn and be enlightened if you are harboring negativity. He also said, "Work first and play later. If you do this you'll have time for both." I need to remember this.

Hopefully my girls got some insight for their lives and this school year, but I have to say it was inspirational for me. This is a new day and a time for change. I started training today for a 1/2 marathon that I'm running in the fall. It's time to get the house in shape (I've been working hard today, but it seems crazy right now. Brad is installing a safe in the office, there is stuff displaced all over the house. It drives me up the wall. Troy has stitches that need to get removed. The yard is overgrown and needs lots of attention. Our fridge broke, so we've been dealing with spoiled food and sticky floors. It's a blow I don't need right now especially since we are trying to start eating 70% of our foods with natural water -- ie; fruits and veggies -- of course they all need to be refrigerated :(. But promise is in the air. It's time to set and reach goals. It's time to be happy!

And it makes my heart happy to hear Afton say, "I'm excited to wear my new clothes and go to Seminary." Yes! this is the way it should be!

Brady Kaczynski

I came home to scene this yesterday. Poor Redd, he's ready to be blown to bits and he can't even call for help due to the tape over his mouth. At least it's comforting to know he is a patriot until death.

You scientific types may be wondering what the bomb was composed of and you conscientious types may be wondering how a minor (and known recluse), such as Brady, could come to obtain such volatile materials. Well wonder no more, the bomb was constructed of nothing more than common household products found in the seemingly innocent "family game cupboard". The base of this particular bomb was the electronic version of the game Catch Phrase, with built in timer and obnoxiously loud beeping noise. Let this be a lesson to parents. Avoid future tragedies such as this. Please keep your game closets securely locked at all times. Simply closing the door just isn't enough.

Quick! Run for cover!