PotterHaus

Word of the day

2011-12-27T19:33:00.002-05:00

My horoscope said this today:“Sometimes, the blame game is pointless. It doesn't always help bring aboutdetente.”

Détente? What the heck is détente?So I look it up, I’m ok with definition one, but what’s up with two? Why wouldyou define a word using the word you already don’t know what it means?? I justdon’t get it.

dé·tente

noun \dā-ˈtänt\

Definitionof DÉTENTE

1: the relaxation of strainedrelations or tensions (as between nations); also: a policy promotingthis

2: a period of détente

My co-workers response:

Fooled me altogether. I thought itwas some french guy, camping, trying to get out of the rain.

"It is pouring....put up de-tente."

A Bird Story

2011-12-26T17:24:00.000-05:00

Ian, who loves all animals has wanted a bird for sometime, I don't know that I really have anything against birds, but I really am more of a cat person. The co-op we live in has a three pet rule and we had three cats so I was able to use that as a valid reason not to get a bird... then one of our cats got really sick and we had to let him go to cat heaven. That opened up room for the much desired bird. I kept saying we have cats, you can't have cats & birds together, we know nothing about birds, they cost too much, you get the picture. Enter strike number one: a neighbor of my mom and dad (up-north) knew someone who would give us a bird for free! Ok, Ok, but you still can't have birds and cats together... or can you? I told Ian he needed to find me someone reliable that has had both and it worked-not one of his school friends someone I could believe-he found Sister Berger from church, strike two. Sister Berger went so far as to send me an email telling me it would be fine and I should let him get a bird. Alright, I give up! We can get a bird-one bird-we'll bring it home with us after our "up-north" vacation. But the story doesn't end there, Ian goes up-north a few weeks before to spend some one on one time with grandma & grandpa and I tell him to see if he can get some more information on the bird we are going to get so I can do some research and be prepared to have what we need and the proper care.
Ready? Strike three, the "bird lady" no longer has the one bird to give us so Ian decides on two doves and he's bringing them home with him! My anxiety is so high I can't sleep at night, and then, yes it gets better, Ian sends me a text that says he's worried one of the birds seems to have a hurt toe, I have no idea what to do so I suggest he call the bird lady and see what she knows, no help found there. (On a side note did you know that you can't take a bird to just any vet it has to be an avian vet?) I got the name of an avian vet from Pruess Pets (they were life savers the first couple of weeks) and called to make an appointment for a bird I hadn't even seen yet, they too were wonderful, I'm sure I sounded like a crazy women telling them my story. So, birds coming home, appointment at the vet, how do you get the bird there? I have a cat carrier that should work right? Nope the bird can get caught in the mesh and hurt itself, back to Pruess's for a bird carrier.

To back track a little we also didn't know if the birds were boys or girls (there is no easy way to tell on birds) and female birds will lay eggs without a male they just won't be fertile and if we have a boy and a girl there is no way to stop them from laying eggs-which would mean baby birds, this knowledge resulted in more sleepless nights for me.

Ok back on track, the birds come home and off we go with one to the vet. At the vet we find that somehow his toe has either been bitten or pinched and he will lose it, because he is a pet and not in the wild it shouldn't cause a problem... unless it gets infected. The bird gets a shot, some ointment for his toe and a liquid antibiotic that has to be given to him twice a day for 10 days. OMG how do you give a bird an antibiotic? Do I care? It's Ian's bird he can do it, but wait! He's going to scout camp in two days so mom gets to do it! Two things that worked in my favor; the bird didn't feel well so it didn't fight me a much as it could have and I learned that birds don't have a gage reflex so once you get the medicine in it's not coming back up. This bird and I became friends-well maybe not friends exactly-whether we liked it or not and I managed to get the medicine down his throat twice a day all the while saying to myself "please don't break it's neck" which was my biggest fear. This same bird (the gray one above now named Echo) had to make another trip to the vet a couple weeks later because of extreme molting that the vet couldn't explain but he did compliment me on how well the toe looked. And then last but not least I needed to figure out what to do with them when we went on vacation (remember they weren't suppose to be coming home until AFTER vacation.) With cats you can just have someone come in every other day or so to make sure they have fresh food and water, with birds you really should have someone come in twice a day. My brother came to the rescue, he was able to recommend someone that he has used in the past and was willing to come himself in the evening so I only had to pay for one visit.

So in conclusion, Echo, Coco and I have survived, they now have a new larger cage that they seem happy with.We have been able to change their food from seed to pellets (something the vet recommend for their health) and I even kind of like them. Oh! and we haven't had any eggs so we must have two males. Echo seems to be the dominate one but all and all they get along pretty good or this story might be longer yet. If Ian ever says I'm not a good mom I will quickly remind him of what I went through for his birds. 8~)

Notes from the Edge of Life.......

2011-09-15T17:58:00.003-04:00

Dear Noah,
We could have sworn you said the ark wasn't leaving till 5.
Sincerely,
Unicorns

Dear Icebergs,
Sorry to hear about the global warming. Karma's a bitch.
Sincerely,
The Titanic

Dear America ,
You produced Miley Cyrus. Bieber is your punishment.
Sincerely,
Canada

Dear Yahoo,
I've never heard anyone say, "I don't know, let's Yahoo! it..."

just saying...
Sincerely,
Google

Dear 2010,
So I hear the best rapper is white and the president is black? WT....... happened?!
Sincerely,
1985

Dear girls who have been dumped,
There are plenty of fish in the sea... Just kidding! They're all dead.
Sincerely,
BP

Dear Saturn,
I liked it, so I put a ring on it.
Sincerely,
God

Dear jf;ldsfa/kvsmmklnn,
Please lknvfdmv.xvn.
Sincerely,
Stevie Wonder

Dear Skin-Colored Band Aids,
Please make one for every skin color.
Sincerely,
Black people

Dear Scissors,
I feel your pain.....no one wants to run with me either.
Sincerely,
Sarah Palin

Dear Osama Bin Laden,
Marco....
Sincerely,
United States

Dear World of Warcraft,
Thank you for ensuring my son's virginity.
Sincerely,
Parents Everywhere

Dear Batman,
What was your power again?
Sincerely,
Superman

Dear Customers,
Yes, we ARE making fun of you in Vietnamese.
Sincerely,
Nail Salon Ladies

Dear Ugly People,
You're welcome.
Sincerely,
Alcohol

Dear World,
Please stop freaking out about 2012. Our calendars end there because some Spanish d-bags invaded our country and we got a little busy ok?
Sincerely,
The Mayans

Dear White People,
Don't you just hate immigrants?
Sincerely,
Native Americans

Dear iPhone,
Please stop spell checking all of my rude words into nice words. You piece of shut.

Sincerely,
Every iPhone User

Dear Trash,
At least you get picked up...
Sincerely,
The Girls of Jersey Shore

Dear Man,
It's cute, but can you pick up peanuts with it?
Sincerely, Elephant

Where were you on 9/11/2001?

2011-09-10T09:17:00.000-04:00

I was in my car trying to find a house a friend had for sale when I heard about the first plane on the radio. I pulled over into a parking lot to listen and had this overwhelming feeling of dread; I turned around and went home.

How they grow

2011-09-05T18:09:00.000-04:00

Kirtland Conference 2010

2011-09-05T17:54:00.000-04:00

Last fall I had the opportunity to attend a singles conference in Kirtland Ohio, it was an amazing spiritual experience. I totally enjoyed the visitors center, the different sights and the wonderful fireside in the chaple with speaker Karl Rick Anderson, author of "Joseph Smith's Kirtand."

But by far the most amazing thing was the fireside held in the Temple, as we sang "The Spirit of God" it felt like the spirits of all the saints that had gone before were in the room singing as well. It gives me chills just thinking about it now.

The hymn was sung for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, 27 March 1836

The Spirit of God like a fire is burning;
The latter day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning;
The angels are coming to visit the earth.
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven:
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,Henceforth and forever:amen and amen!

W.W Phelps

Stupid stuff

2011-09-05T16:48:00.000-04:00

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last; thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture most people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Sleeping Bear Dunes 2010

2011-09-05T16:26:00.003-04:00

We went to Sleeping Bear Dunes before is was named "The Most Beautiful Place in America." Ian, Sean and Araysa walked all the way to Lake Michigan and back, pretty impressive! One day I hope to go back and enjoy a sunset.

Summer 2010

2011-09-05T13:20:00.000-04:00

Each year the boys and I spend some time in Kalkaska with my mom & dad, just down the road from their trailer is Rugg Pond Dam, it's a peaceful place to sit and read or just enjoy the sounds of nature. You can also fish there if that works for you. The Rapid River mentioned here runs through my parents property.

Its been a long time

2011-09-05T12:41:00.002-04:00

I once thought that keeping a blog was so cool and then I signed up for facebook, its sooo much easier! But as I paid a visit to my own blog and read some of what I had posted I realized it contained some memories I seem to have forgotten. So I'm back we'll see for how long :)

Kitty Litter

2010-06-09T22:17:00.002-04:00

So this morning when I was cleaning the litter boxes I wondered "who invented kitty litter?" What would make someone even think about such a product and did people have indoor cats before kitty litter? If they did have indoor cats what did they use? This is what I found via the Internet:

Edward Lowe was born July 10, 1920 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Lowe served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. After the Navy, Lowe worked for his father selling industrial absorbents, including products such as sawdust and an absorbent clay called Fuller's Earth. Edward Lowe's neighbor Kay Draper asked for a replacement for the ashes she was using in her cat box. (George Plitt first packaging ashes from burned wood for cats to use.) Her cat was trailing ashy paw prints all over her home and she was hoping for a cleaner alternative. Ed Lowe suggested that she use absorbent clay, she did and loved it.

In 1947, Edward Lowe decided to package the clay in 5lb bags marked "kitty litter" to sell in a local pet store. The store owner did not think the product would sell for the asking price of sixty-five cents, sand for cat boxes was very cheap. Ed Lowe convinced the store owner to display his product and give it away. Soon, the customers were willing to pay for more kitty litter.

Thank you Edward Lowe!

Heavenly Father

2010-06-09T21:43:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday was fast testimony meeting, a time when members of the congregation will get up and bear their testimony. A Sister was telling how her dog had this problem with eating things he shouldn't and now had a major blockage. They could pay a large some of money for a surgery or play the waiting game and hope for the best. The chance of the blockage taking care of itself wasn't likely so the family was trying to prepare for a loss. She decided to pray and fast-something she really didn't have a testimony of-she prayed to be able to handle the situation. When she arrived home from church she found the dog had managed pass the blockage on his own, something the vet said he had never seen happen before. What amazes me about this story is how our Heavenly Father teaches us lessons in unconventional ways. He knows that all of his children have different lessons to learn and need to be taught in different ways; what works for one person does not necessarily work for another. It is proof to me once again that he knows each of us individually and will give us what we need, when we need it, and how we need it.

Today

2010-04-10T23:04:00.000-04:00

So today I went shopping-for clothes-the worst type of torture I can imagine. Nothing ever fits, EVERYTHING is too long. My feet are so small and fat I can’t just buy shoes like a normal person…Grrrrrr! However on my travels from one torture chamber to another I noticed how green the grass was, the new leaves on the trees, the temporary ponds with ducks and geese… I love spring, more daylight, warmer weather, and the bright promise of things to come.

Airline Check List

2010-01-12T09:14:00.001-05:00

After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics problems encountered with the aircraft during the flight that needs repair or correction. The mechanics read and correct the problem, and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken, and the pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual logged maintenance complaints and problems as submitted by Qantas pilots and the solution recorded by maintenance engineers.

(P = The problem logged by the pilot.)
(S = The solution and action taken by the mechanics.)

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what they're there for.

P: IFF inoperative.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget poundingon something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Team work

2009-12-26T15:30:00.003-05:00

We had our second annual "Deck the Doors" contest at work and my team won!

You could get:

Best Overall Door
Best use of Humor
Best Representation of Department/Team.

We got Best Representation of Department/Team. I am so lucky to work with such a great group of people!

Big Julie

2009-11-16T19:26:00.003-05:00

This was waiting for me when I returned from vacation. Excellent team work guys! My favorite part? The Donny necklace of course!

2009-11-11T22:20:00.006-05:00

I bought the kit this year with the stencils and tools to do some more creative pumpkin carving; these are what Sean and I did. We also found out the hard way that you need to make sure you get "carving pumpkins" not "cooking pumpkins." Sean's was for cooking and much harder to carve!

Jew?

2009-11-11T22:20:00.005-05:00

So Ian is telling me this story tonight about a sub in one of his classes... he says the sub "looked like a Jew." So I ask him "What does a Jew look like?" (My first thought was that he was making a judgement and I was going to set him straight if that was the case.) His response was "I don't know, but all my friends thought so too." Ah, the need to fit in!

Living in a lego house

2009-10-02T19:17:00.000-04:00

Will we all survive?

2009-09-29T20:52:00.003-04:00

Potter household:

One tween
One teenager
One peri-menopausal mom

Living on the edge of disaster!

Big Slip n Slide

2009-09-03T19:43:00.000-04:00

Where does he come up with this stuff?

2009-08-21T23:11:00.003-04:00

Last night Ian and I went school shopping, who would of thought a boy could be so indecisive? The goal was to get a couple t-shirts and a sweat shirt, we ended up with nothing. After the waste of time shopping trip we went to Finley's for dinner where I had this conversation with Ian:

Ian: "there's this guy at dad's I think you'd like."
Me: "why do you say that."
Ian: "because he's lost like you."
Me: "what do you mean?"
Ian: "you know he says these things that he thinks are funny and he laughs and nobody gets it but him."

What do you say to that? Thanks Ian I love you too!

Summer 2009 #2

2009-08-15T22:22:00.012-04:00

The boys and I spent our traditional week up-north with my mom & dad. The boys went with my brother and his grand-daughter over to Torch lake for an afternoon and all the kids got swimmers itch-I looked up on the Internet and now that I know what it is I'm kinda creeped out!

My mom & dad buy some fireworks on clearance each year and one night we have a fire and light them. Much fun!

We went to Pirates Cove in Traverse City again this year, it's a really neat family activity place. We played a game of mini golf and drove go carts. This year they added a zip cord thing-we decided to wait until next year to try that one. They also had this rope climbing course that Ian & Sean did. They seemed to really enjoy it. Ian said this part in the picture was a bit nerve racking-but he did it!

Summer 2009

2009-08-11T22:12:00.002-04:00

It's been a really different summer: The boy's dad has been laid off so he's had them more, there has been a lot of one on one-I've liked that part. What I haven't liked is the lack of routine, I don't really like not knowing which kid or kids will be home from day to day. None of them (Rob included) seem to understand they need to keep me in the loop and that they really should ask me if there is anything else going on. Grrrr

Rob did take the boys on a road trip; they went to Ohio, Maryland, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky. They saw a lot of military stuff; battlegrounds, tanks, ships, etc.-Robs speciality. They also saw Mammoth Caves and the Smokey Mountains-now that stuff I like. (I hear Ian's favorite was the beach with the bikinied girls :)) They got to meet their great uncle Ray and his family-that was cool. All in all it was a good trip, but they were happy to come home which made a mom really missing her boys feel happy.

Extraordinary Mothers

2009-08-11T21:24:00.001-04:00

Sunday Paper

2009-06-27T10:23:00.001-04:00

I fear this will be me someday...

"WHERE is my SUNDAY paper?!" The irate customer calling the newspaper office, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was.

"Madam", said the newspaper employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered until tomorrow, on SUNDAY".

There was quite a long pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition as she was heard to mutter, "Well, ****, so that's why no one was at church today."

We'll miss you Smokey Joe Potter

2009-06-04T20:54:00.006-04:00

It's not like my emotions weren't running high as it was, I came home after work on Wednesday to find a very dehydrated cat, I knew right away we were in trouble... We went to Ian's graduation ceremony and as soon as we got home called the vet to take him in. You could tell right away that she knew we were in trouble too. They kept him over night tried to get some fluids in him and take some blood. The blood tests confirmed her fear-kidney failure. Bottom line, not much you can do. So this afternoon we let him go. Ian and I went to the vet to be with him, then Sean, Ian and I took him out to my mom & dads and buried him in their backyard. Sean made a cross of sorts for him-it's been a very sad day in the Potter household.

Ian's Big Day

2009-06-04T20:30:00.011-04:00

Ian graduated from middle school Wednesday-(no really he did and without summer school!) Even with all the struggles this year it was still his best middle school year. He didn't want to go to the celebration at all, and all the way there told me how unfair it was that I was forcing him to go. He may or may not appreciate me making him go in later years, but at least he won't regret not going! I wasn't able to get any good pictures because the set-up was a little different and in Ian's eyes that would be "annoying". So I will post a partial picture as well as the balloons and cake just for the record. High School for this one next year!

Sean's Big Day

2009-06-04T19:52:00.004-04:00

Sean graduated from 5th grade on Tuesday, on to middle school! They had a nice program, the 5th graders sang about 5 songs, then the 5th grade teachers gave them an advancement certificate. Remember how your parents said they grow-up really fast, enjoy each moment? They're right!

Watching out for John

2009-05-23T12:51:00.004-04:00

Thursday night Sean and I went to Flap Jacks for dinner-I over heard the following conversation between the old guy in the booth behind me and another couple:

Couple: Hi John, how are you?
John: I'm doing well how are you?

Some additional conversation then:
John: How do I know you again?

Some additional conversation, John seems to know who they are now and they talk about friends they have in common, some alive, some not.

Couple: We haven't seen you in here recently.
John: I come in about once a week.
Couple: You used to come every night.
John: Maybe I still do.

Poor John-I hope someones keeping track of him.

Star Trek

2009-05-23T12:39:00.003-04:00

I went to see this movie last night (I know I'm a little behind the pack. I hate the crowds when movies first come out) I thought it was great! One of the things the original series had was good humor between the main characters, the movie had that as well. I was pretty impressed at how they picked actors the resembled the original characters too. I think I'll have to buy this one.

Sean's Band Concert

2009-05-18T16:11:00.006-04:00

Sean has been learning to play the clarinet this year and had his band concert today. Still being technically challenged I missed the first part of the video trying to figure out how the stupid camera worked!

Remember I love you

2009-05-11T21:06:00.003-04:00

A few years ago I got these decals that you can put on mirrors, windows etc. (wish I could remember where I found them!) Anyway, I have one in the upstairs bathroom that says "Did you think to pray?". In the downstairs bathroom I have "I am a child of God". I also got one that says "Remember I love you-mom". I put that one on the window by the computer. My hope was that as the boys are playing on the computer they would see it and remember I love them. To be honest I hadn't really thought about it for some time, and I can't remember the boys ever saying they even noticed it was there... until Sunday. Sean made a Mother's Day card in primary, the same one all the other kids made, but when he signed it he put "Remember I love you-Sean".

Joys? of a single parent

2009-05-02T11:45:00.002-04:00

We all know being a parent can be full of frustrations and luckily full of joys and experiences that out way those frustrations. When you're a single parent you get to shoulder more of those things by yourself; you often get to answer questions that you might be tempted to say "go ask your father." Most of these question seem to come while we are driving, I like that because I don't have to look them in the eye as I answer the question. The last few weeks however have not been so kind. A couple weeks ago it was "Mom, what is an erection?", last week it was "What is genital herpes?" Darn TV.

Fridays

2009-05-02T10:57:00.008-04:00

Ok,so I know I'm writing this on Saturday, but I LOVE FRIDAYS! I wake up Friday morning and think "last day of the work week!" Woo Hoo! Rob takes the boys most Friday nights-I can go out with a friend, see a movie, or I can buy something yummy that I want to eat, and not share! I can watch any silly thing on TV without hearing "you're going to watch that!?!?"

DANCE TRAIN STATION BELGIUM

2009-05-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

Three Pigs

2009-04-29T14:21:00.001-04:00

This is a true story, proving how fascinating the mind of a six year old is.
They think so logically.

A teacher was reading the story of the Three Little Pigs to her class. She Came to the part of the story where first pig was trying to gather the building Materials for his home. She read . 'and so the pig went up to the man with the Wheelbarrow full of straw and said: 'Pardon me sir, but may I have some of that Straw to build my house?'

The teacher paused then asked the class: 'And what do you think the man said?'

One little boy raised his hand and said very matter-of-factly ...'I think the Man would have said - 'Well, I'll be damned!! A talking pig!'

The teacher had to leave the room.

How could I forget??

2009-04-12T21:11:00.002-04:00

So I made Easter baskets for the boys, they no longer believe but that's no reason to pass up candy! Somehow I managed to forget jelly beans! Jelly beans are like Easter basket 101. Geez!

I did it!

2009-04-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

I'm sure this is no big deal to anyone but me... On Saturday I actually managed to parallel park right the first time! I have a friend that can do it with out even thinking, he pulls up and backs in as easily as I pull straight into the parking spot at Target. Me: I back up-pull forward-back up again-hit the curb-give up and look for somewhere else to park. Saturday I managed to do it text book fashion! Go ahead, say it, I need a life!

Buzzard, Bat & Bumblebee

2009-04-04T10:06:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure if the Buzzard, Bat & Bumblebee part is accurate... but I know the people part is.

THE BUZZARD: If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT: The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE: A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE: In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat,and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! Just look up. Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up! Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.

A little LDS humor

2009-03-31T20:15:00.000-04:00

Choose your ward- find your niche in specialty wards
by Robert Kirby Tribune columnist - Salt Lake Tribune

Most Sunday mornings, you'll find me on a pew in the Rosecrest 1st Ward chapel. It's where I'm supposed to go to church. Lucky for me, it's also where I want to go. Technically, Mormons don't have a choice. For church, we're bound by the geography of the ward boundary. We worship where we live.

The only time Mormons can switch wards without also contacting a Realtor is when we attend specialty wards. For example, I went to a Spanish-speaking ward in West Jordan for a while. Specialty wards allow members with specific common needs to worship together and support each other in their exclusive part of the Lord's vineyard. There are (or have been) lots of LDS specialty wards, including singles wards, college wards, deaf wards, ethnic wards and nudist wards.

OK, I made up that last one. There are even seasonal "snowbird wards" in places where Mormon RV owners congregate.

I talked it over with my friend (despite a restraining order) Ken Wallentine. We think the specialty-ward idea needs to be improved on in our ever-changing and increasingly divided culture.

For example, there needs to be a late ward, a ward Mormons who are perpetually late for church could attend and not feel bad about dragging their herd in 15 minutes late. The only problem with a late ward would be showing up late for a meeting that was supposed to start late in the first place. Eventually, you would end up with a ward that ran out of time before it started. "Welcome to the Tardy 3rd Ward, brothers and sisters. We will close now by singing hymn No.145."

Given the high birthrate among Mormons, I thought about the need for maternity wards. Except that we already have those. They're called married student wards.

A Star Trek ward might do well. The bishop would preside from "the bridge" instead of the stand. High-council Sunday would be referred to as a "Klingon Sunday."

Harley riders congregate to the exclusion of just about everyone else. Why not an LDS biker ward? White shirts and neckties go well with black leather.

Ken really wants to attend a concealed-weapons ward. He says church would be a lot more interesting if real personal risks were involved in disagreeing with a lesson.

There could be a texting ward for teenagers. Bear your testimony with your thumb. In 25 years, they'll all belong to carpal-tunnel wards.

At the less-active ward, maybe there'll be a meeting and maybe there won't.

Testimony meeting in an anger-management ward might be interesting. Nobody's going to sleep through, "HEY! I KNOW THE CHURCH IS TRUE, STUPID!"

A big hit would be the Multi Level Marketing ward, also known as a "Gadianton robber ward." With all the financial scamming that goes on in this culture, it would be nice to have them all in one place for a three-hour block weekly.

I think a Democrat ward is a good idea, although in Utah the best we could probably hope for is a Democrat branch.

McElway Basketball Story

2009-03-13T19:10:00.001-04:00

I'm a sucker for a feel good story.

The Deer and the Kitty

2009-03-12T20:08:00.000-04:00

Beth Israel workers agree to go without to save jobs - The Boston Globe

2009-03-12T19:50:00.004-04:00

Thinking outside the box... click on the sentence below.

Beth Israel workers agree to go without to save jobs - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

David Letterman at Taco Bell

2009-03-07T12:27:00.002-05:00

This is hilarious!

What is a grandparent?

2009-03-03T20:17:00.002-05:00

(Taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)

Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own. They like other people's.

Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn't play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn't step on 'cracks.'

They don't say, 'Hurry up.'

Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes.

They wear glasses and funny underwear.

They can take their teeth and gums out.

Grandparents don't have to be smart.

They have to answer questions like 'Why isn't God married?' and 'How come dogs chase cats?'

When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a Grandmother, especially i f you don't have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack time before bed time and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we've acted bad.

It's funny when they bend over you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

The Law of the Garbage Truck

2009-02-25T22:08:00.002-05:00

I like this message:

One day I hopped into a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by inches. The driver of the other car whipped his head around immediately and started yelling at us. My taxi driver simply smiled and waved at the guy in a friendly manner.
"Why did you do that? That guy almost ruined your car and could have sent us both to the hospital?"
He winked at me and said "This is called the law of the garbage truck".
He explained that people are like garbage trucks. They run around loaded with garbage, full of frustration, anger, disappointment. As their garbage piles up, the need a place to dump it. If you aren't careful, they dump it right on you. Don't take it personally, just smile, wave, and move on. Don't take their garbage and then spread it on at work, school, church, or on the streets. Successful people don't let garbage trucks take over their lives. Life it too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right, & pray for the ones who don't.
As I got out of the taxi, he called after me "have a blessed garbage free day."

Michigan trivia

2009-02-18T22:38:00.003-05:00

Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.

Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.

Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.

Colon is home to the world's largest manufacture of magic supplies.

The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.

The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.

The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.

I can't go...

2009-02-18T22:29:00.003-05:00

Sean and a few of his friends are planning a trip to the movies, I tell him he can go but I want to know what parent is going to be there with them. He says he's not sure but it won't be me. I ask him why and he says because his friends think I'm weird. Weird I say, they don't even know me! I told them about you he says. So of course I have to ask "what did you tell them to make them think I'm weird?" "I told them you watch Hannah Montana and you're racist with your M&M's." GEEZ!

Ian's first dance

2009-02-15T20:19:00.003-05:00

This was such a positive experience for Ian and for me I just have to share. I've been trying to get Ian to go to a stake dance (with church) for almost a year now, he always says no and I can't dance. The other young men at church have tried to tell him how much fun it is, but he just didn't want anything to do with it. Last Wednesday after scouts the young men and young women (you know what a smile from a girl can do) convinced him he should go.

Saturday afternoon came around and I think nerves got the best of him and once again I'm hearing "I don't want to go". We had a mom to son talk, I told him I understood he was nervous and how everything is scary until you give it a try. I suggested he watch others fast dance and just copy what they did until he figures out his own style. I showed him how beginners slow danced-this was particularly funny because he had to look out the window first to make sure no one would see. I also through out the option of not dancing just "hanging out".

Still not clearly convinced he wanted to be there I took him over to the stake center. I asked him if he wanted me to go in with him, he said "no I can do it". I was so proud of him, I knew he was nervous and neither of us knew if anyone he knew was there yet. At 10:00 I went to pick him up. He was so happy! He talked all the way home (the endless talking he did get from me). He had such a good time, he danced with three girls, he couldn't wait until the next dance. I thought my heart would burst. I am so thankful that he had such a good time and that I was the one to pick him up AND that he shared his feelings with me.

Sean on cooking

2009-02-15T19:32:00.003-05:00

Sean has really taken an interested in cooking lately, a fact that makes me pretty happy, it would be nice to have someone in this house that can cook. :-) This afternoon on the way home from church Sean explained to me why he liked cooking:

It's like science; you get to experiment
It has math; you have to figure out how much to make.
You get a reward at the end because you have something good to eat.

Who do you think of?

2009-02-12T11:48:00.002-05:00

(Click on picture to enlarge)

The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith

2009-01-30T20:54:00.000-05:00

1. People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered (including me). Love them anyway.

2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway.

3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.

6. The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the littlest people with the littlest ideas. Think big anyway.

7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.

9. People really need help, but may attack you if you do help them. Help them anyway.

10. Give the world the best you have and you will get kicked in the teeth. Give the best you have anyway.

Christ lives in you

2009-01-25T22:44:00.001-05:00

Music

2009-01-21T21:32:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been driving and a song comes on the radio that suddenly transports you to a different time and place? This afternoon on the way to an appointment I heard a Bob Seger song, suddenly I'm a teenager on a warm summers night, the nostalgia is so strong you'd swear you could touch that time again.
When I hear certain Jackson Brown songs, anything by Dan Fogelberg, and "Desperado" by the Eagles, it reminds me of someone I love but can't be with.
When I hear the song "Footloose", I must dance. When I hear "We will rock you", I must clap and sign along.
When I hear Lee Greenwood sing "I'm proud to be an American", I AM proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free...
"Christmas Shoes" will make me cry no matter how many times I hear it.
In Church when we sing "I stand all Amazed", or when the primary and the teachers do "A child's prayer" I think my heart will explode with this feeling of truth, understanding, and gratefulness.
And when I hear "Jesus take the Wheel", I'm reminded where to look for guidance when I just can't do it all myself.

This is so sweet...

2009-01-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

Snow can be fun

2009-01-10T21:36:00.003-05:00

Sean enjoying a windy snowy day on a tiny hill outside our house.

Makes me laugh

2009-01-10T21:29:00.003-05:00

I got this silly thing for Ian-Sean got a similar one-I have no idea what it's saying, but for some reason it makes me laugh!

What I REALLY got for Christmas

2009-01-10T21:21:00.002-05:00

The boys got me this throw, its warm and cozy! It has a pocket on the front (not sure what you put in it) with my name on it, and a pocket for your feet at the bottom. I tried to find a tag to see where it was made... couldn't find one. I don't think it was Pakistan though!

Our Christmas tree

2009-01-10T21:13:00.003-05:00

The star on top Ian and I made together when he was about three or four- card board and aluminum foil. We had a little trouble with the star shape, but made good memories none the less. Ian suggested he and Sean and I make a new one next year, I think we just might do that.

Invisible Mother

2009-01-01T20:25:00.001-05:00

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweepingthe floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.' I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now, they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.' In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, ’Because God sees.' I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our life time because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, ’You’re gonna love it there.' As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Jingle Bells

2008-12-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

Christmas Gift

2008-12-13T12:27:00.002-05:00

Recent conversation between Ian, Sean and I:

Sean: Mom at insights Mrs. Carl showed us a web sight for a man that makes catapults, can I buy one with my money?

Mom: You need to wait until after Christmas to buy anything for yourself, and besides you should be spending your money on a Christmas present for me. (Sometimes you have to give them a reminder.)

Ian: We already got you a present.

Mom: You already got me a present? Your dad took you to get me a present? Already? (I must have said this three or four times.)

Ian: Yep, we got you an exploding bra.

Sean: It was made in Pakistan.

Breath of Heaven

2008-12-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Thank God for kids

2008-12-08T22:29:00.006-05:00

I can't say that Christmas is my favorite holiday, it's always so busy, and we seem to forget the real meaning of CHRISTmas... but I do like the music. Sometimes the words just touch my heart and for a moment I feel the peace and joy this season is meant to bring. This song is an oldie-but I love the message.

After listening to this song again this morning, I had to smile at the "Big Bird and Mickey Mouse" part. What would it be today? Bob the builder and Dora the explorer perhaps? Kool aid on the couch...that never changes!

Smart kid

2008-12-08T21:24:00.009-05:00

The Lansing School district has something they call "ABBIT"-A's and B's because I try. They recognize 4th & 5th graders that got all A's and B's each marking period. This is Sean's third time. Way to go Sean! Mom's proud of you!

Family Turkey

2008-12-08T21:06:00.003-05:00

Ian's English teacher gave him a project: decorate the pre-drawn turkey with your family. Use things you have around the house. This type of project is right up my alley, I love this stuff. The family project ended up being mostly me, with a little input from Ian. I don't know if you can see this part or not, but the feet just have some little colored spots-they were m&m's. It seems the kids at school picked them off and ate them. Notice the little silver puff ball eye? That's the third one, one of the cats (or maybe all three) found them fun and they kept disappearing. I ended up taking the completed project over to the school and asked the teacher what the purpose of the project was-I mean it was English, not art. (On a side note, I learned they don't even have art at Ian's middle school this year. Stupid budget cuts!) She said she tries to do something like this once a quarter, the goal is to have the family work together. Families are so busy these days they don't talk anymore. She hopes these types of projects will get them to spend some quality time together. What a wonderful teacher!

OK

2008-12-08T20:53:00.002-05:00

I've been a little negligent in my blog posting lately, things kind of got away from me for awhile there. I had a minor emotional melt down turning 50, how does someone get this old anyway? I distinctly remember saying I would never be so old. So I went through a little "woe is me" stint. Then some wonderful people thought I was lying to them about it, "no it can't be! I thought you were 35 or 40", God love 'em! And then I stared to think about how blessed I was and God willing I'll have another 30-40 years to do the things I still want to do. Life is good.

One Vote

2008-10-25T20:17:00.002-04:00

I have become pretty conservative as I've grown older... I'm very concerned about what has happen to the traditional family... I sometimes worry about what our children and grandchildren will be up against... once again I ramble. My reason for posting this video is not to convince anyone of what is right or wrong, you have to decide that for yourself... the point I want anyone looking at this to get is that ONE VOTE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Follow your heart-and vote November 4th.

Amazing Guitar Player - Tony Melendez

2008-10-24T20:21:00.000-04:00

Eli came in second....

2008-10-19T17:59:00.001-04:00

Eight Things Tag

2008-10-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

I was tagged by Elaine.

8 TV shows I love to watch- NCIS, Forensic Files, Ghost Whisperer, Monk, House Hunters, Design on a Dime, Stargate SG1, and Futurama.

8 things I did yesterday- Got up at 6:30, made sure Ian was up and in the shower, made lunch for the boys, got Sean up, took my own shower, went to work, tried to act supervisorish while at work, Friday night to myself!

8 things I'm looking forward to- Things stabilizing at work, being out of debt, making memories with my boys, our next “up-north” vacation, fall, thanksgiving, the boys realizing I’m not really as dumb as they think I am right now, and retirement.

8 things on my wish lists-A three bedroom 1 ½ bath house, a clean house, a front loading washer and dryer, a dishwasher, that the boys would know how lucky they are to have each other, an eternal companion, that the boys will stay safe, healthy and happy to a nice old age, that I had 8 people to tag!

Did you know this??

2008-10-19T16:29:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wondered what side your gas tank is on?

If you look at your gas gauge, you will see a small icon of a gas pump?The handle of the gas pump will extend out on either the left or right side of the gas pump? If your tank is on the left, the handle will be on the left? If your tank is on the right, the handle will be on the right (see photo). It is that simple!

Even Children Understand =-)

2008-09-22T21:31:00.003-04:00

I was talking to a friend of mine's little girl, and she said she wanted to be President some day.

Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her,"If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?"

She replied, "I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people."

"Wow - what a worthy goal." I told her, "You don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow, pull weeds, and sweep my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food or a new house."

She thought that over for a few seconds 'cause she's only 6. And while herMom glared at me, she looked me straight in the eye and asked, "Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the$50?"

And I said, "Welcome to the Republican Party ."

Her folks still aren't talking to me.

Where I'm From

2008-09-12T20:14:00.008-04:00

My Ian is very bright but struggles a lot in school, he doesn't tend to do very well in the traditional classroom. English is the worst, he does much better with verbal and hands on. That said he came home this week with a terrific poem, I even got a post card from his teacher (can you believe it?) saying what a great job he did.

I thought I'd share:

Where I’m From

I come from an up north blue painted trailer with a golden deck.
I’m from a place where animals roam.
I’m from a place with many trees and where the air is fresh and clean.
I’m from a place where blue jay’s call.
I’m from a place of peace, a place I call home!

Written by Ian Potter

Have you ever wondered?

2008-09-12T19:51:00.003-04:00

How Do Hurricanes Get Named?

Sept. 8, 2008--The Atlantic region is dealing with a steady—and scary—line-up of tropical storms. Hurricane Gustav struck last Monday with a weaker blow than anticipated then came Hanna. Now, Ike is in effect and Josephine is on her way. So, how do the names for all these hurricanes get chosen?

G, H, I, J—well, alphabetical order is clear, but apparently there's a little more to the selection process. Short and distinguishable names are used to identify storms, instead of the older method of identifying a storm by its latitude and longitude. Naming tropical storms allows for information about them to be easily distributed, especially when multiple storms occur at once.

Every region in the United States has its own naming procedure with a pre-approved set of names familiar to that area. The storm-prone Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific have the most elaborate naming procedures. According to the National Hurricane Center, both regions have their own set of six lists. The lists are used in rotation every six years, meaning the same list of names that was used to name Gustav and company will be used again in 2014.

Each of the six alphabetized lists includes 21 pre-approved names, with the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z excluded. The name of a particular tropical storm indicates how many others have occurred that year. Our friend Gustav, thankfully tamer than his name might suggest, was the seventh storm to hit the Atlantic this year.

Other areas, like the Central and Western Pacific, use a strictly sequential selection method. Lists are not designated by year. If the third name on a list is the last storm to hit, then the first storm of the following year is named by simply picking the next on the list.

There are, of course, exceptions to the rules. When a hurricane's impact becomes too severe, deadly or costly, its name is retired from the list. A new name with the same letter is then added to the list during one of the World Meteorological Organization's annual meetings. Hurricane Katrina of 2005 was one such retiree. Others include: Hurricane Agnes (1972), Hurricane Betsy (1965) and Hurricane Andrew (1992).

The hurricane name game was an all-girls club for quite some time. In the late 19th century, Australian meteorologist Clement Wragge introduced the method of naming tropical storms after women. In 1953, after an international phonetic alphabet was introduced for naming storms, the practice of naming storms after women became common in America. The Atlantic region didn't go co-ed until 1979. And now female and male names are listed alternately in alphabetical order.

In extreme conditions, the Greek alphabet is also an option for naming hurricanes in the Atlantic. As a back-up, storms take on names like Hurricane Alpha and Tropical Storm Beta when all 21 names from that year's pre-approved list have already been used.

And while there have been several tropical storms in the Atlantic this season, here's hoping that Ike is the last name we have to remember.

Saaret E. Yoseph is a writer living in Washington D.C. and editorial assistant for The Root.

Top 10!

2008-09-12T19:48:00.000-04:00

More Eli

2008-09-04T18:02:00.002-04:00

I love this guy.

What color are Raisins?

2008-09-04T17:52:00.003-04:00

I see I lost one of my three viewers, thank you Becky and Elaine for popping in once and awhile!

When this question came up at work there was quite a disagreement, so of course we went to the Internet... it was so funny because the first entry I found said "they are a dark color". Sounded like more political talk to me. =-) John found an entry that said "black with purple hues". How's that for making everyone right!

Friday's question

2008-08-31T20:50:00.002-04:00

Are raisins purple or black?
Let me know you thoughts.

Mom & Dad's place

2008-08-30T10:42:00.002-04:00

Vacation #2

2008-08-30T10:06:00.007-04:00

The boys and I spent a week "up north" at my mom and dad's place. We have done this for the last few years, usually planning to visit some tourists attraction during that time... this year we decided to just chill out and relax. The boys (and my niece Araysa) played in the pool each day, visited with the neighbors dogs, and practiced target shooting. One of the days we went to a place called "Pirate's Cove", it has really fun mini-golf, go carts, water slide, and water bumper boats. We didn't everything-big bucks-but we had a really good time.

They boys were wonderful all week. You'd think with just two of them the conflict would be minimal, not these guys. Sean is my debater, now that I think about it Ian was that way at 10 too. Like "the waters not blue it's really aqua", or some other thing that really has no bearing in life. Ian at the all knowing age of 14, just knows he's smarter than anyone else. But this week was filled with politeness, helpfulness and caring. Makes a mom think (if only for the moment) that she might be doing something right!

Vacation Fun

2008-08-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

The Mormons Meet the Metro Narcotics Unit

2008-08-18T19:22:00.002-04:00

Couldn't verify this, but it's a good story none the less.

The Mormons Meet the Metro Narcotics Unit
By Daryl Zadok Budd - Clearfield, Utah

The Elders Quorum President and I were visiting some lost souls, when they were found by the long arm of the law. As we were preparing to say the closing prayer at the conclusion of our visit we heard someone pounding on the door and yelling, "it's the police! Open the door!" I thought, "Oh, that old joke." Then there was more pounding, "it's the police! We have a search warrant!" Before this lady's boyfriend made it to the door to open it the police opened the door for him. Into the house stormed ten police officers dressed from head to toe in black body armor. Each gentleman had a sub machine gun. When I saw the door burst open, read the word POLICE across the first officers Kevlar vest and saw the large gun that he had I thought, "This is going to make a great story."

The Officer only got to "Get on the..." and I was face down on the carpet with my hands above my head in full view. "Get down on the ground!" The friendly officer again shouted at the President. The only trouble the President had was that the room was very small and had a coffee table in the center of it. There was no available space remaining on the floor, as the rest of us had already "hit the deck." There was no room left in the Inn, if you know what I mean. The Elders Quorum President therefore made the mistake of Standing up from where he was sitting on the couch and trying to explain who we were. The kind officers did not seem to like this action and one very large officer stepped toward the President who then found himself looking directly into the muzzle of the gun with a bright light shining in his eyes. As the officer placed his finger over the trigger and shouted, "I said get on the ground!!" The president decided to do so. As there was nowhere else to go, he laid on top of me, his first councilor. I never thought I would need to "support the President" like that I assure you. I really felt the "weight of my calling."

We were instructed not to move or speak which was difficult to say the least as I had eaten a little too much for supper and the President is not exactly a small man. After a time the President whispered, "Are you O.K. down there?" I didn't dare answer. But a few seconds later the humor of the whole situation hit me full force and I started laughing, silently mind you, which made my body shake and the President being on top of me was well aware that I was laughing and thought, "What in the
world could he possibly be laughing at?" After they got done handcuffing the two closest to us they were ready for us. "Stand up and keep your hands above your head!" We arose and the officers searched us for weapons. The heroic officers did a much more extensive search of the Presidents person due to his earlier, "Non-compliance"

"Who are you?!" asked the large officer who had gently persuaded the President to get down on the floor. "We are the Elders Quorum Presidency from a local Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Replied the President in one breath. The officers looked at each other and their weapons lowered a little bit. "Do you have any church I.D.?" One officer asked. They gave us back our wallets and we showed them our Temple Recommends and Drivers licenses. Big smiles came
onto their faces and they soon escorted us out to our car, wished us a good night and allowed us to drive away with a great story to tell.

I knew that my Temple Recommend could help me get into the Lord's house but I never dreamed it could help me avoid going to the "Big house." This time the lost sheep that we were hoping to bring back to the fold sadly ended up going to a different pen.

Pennypranks

2008-08-09T19:59:00.004-04:00

OfficeMax has a number of these hidden camera pennypranks. You can check out others on youtube...

Potter's Army

2008-07-30T21:51:00.011-04:00

My boys, being boys, have lots of guns and LOTS of army guys and the stuff that goes with them. We even had one boy that came to our house that couldn't even remember Sean's name, but wanted to know if he could play with "the boy with the guns".

The other day one of Sean's friends and his brothers came by and wanted to know if Sean could come out to play; could they play with the army guys? I had to take some pictures of their setup to share. This is only a small portion of the army stuff we have, notice the plastic box labeled "Potter's Army"-we actually have a second larger box labeled "Potter's Army II". Even though I get very unhappy if I step on one of the little guys, I like seeing the kids playing outside using their imagination.

Wish I was this quick

2008-07-23T07:46:00.000-04:00

THE HAIRCUT

A young boy had just received his driver's permit and asked his
father if they could discuss his use of the car. His father said he'd
make a deal with his son. 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B
Average, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we'll talk
about the car.'

The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the
offer and they agreed on it. After about six weeks his father said,
'Son, I've been real proud. You brought your grades up and I've
observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm real
disappointed you didn't get your hair cut.'

The young man paused a moment then said, 'You know, Dad, I've been
thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that
Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long
hair and there's even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair.'

To this his father replied, 'Did you also notice that they all walked
everywhere they went?'

Jokes that can be told in Church

2008-07-10T20:42:00.002-04:00

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything,
including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when
they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he
were ill, and she said, 'Johnny, what is the matter?' Little Johnny
responded, 'I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife.'

How to eat M & M's

2008-07-07T21:29:00.007-04:00

My youngest brother works for the same company I do, one day (yep we work hard) he put this together in an effort to understand my
M & M eating habits:

HOW TO EAT M & M’S
According to Julie Potter

1) Open package and pour into a bowl
2) When ready to eat, grab a handful and place on clean surface
3) Separate M & M’s by color
4) Separate into groups of two
5) If there’s an odd number left over, eat each “extra” one individually
6) If the M & M’s vary in size, eat the smaller “babies” first
7) If there’s only one “baby” hold it off until the end, or until you stop feeling sorry for it
8) Now eat the remaining “full grown” M & M’s by two, saving your favorite color until last

When ready for more, repeat steps 3 - 8

I had to clarify...

A clean surface is optional.
You can mix the “extras” or “odd ones.”
If there is only one baby, you can’t eat it; you have to wait for more.

Six Quirks

2008-07-02T21:34:00.019-04:00

I'm not nearly as entertaining as Becky, but here goes.

1: At work everything has a place and it needs to stay in that place. One of my co-workers once joked if they borrowed my stapler they needed to draw a chalk line around where it was because I would notice if it wasn't put back in the same place. I also need the paper piles straight, my co-workers will make them all messy just to make me nuts. What's extra odd about this is if you have ever been to my house you know it's a mess, but don't let it happen at work!

2: You know those little tiny box tops for education squares you get off things like pop secret popcorn? I send those in for Ian's middle school, the instructions say you don't have to trim them, I have to trim them. I just can't bring myself to send them in any other way. This takes a lot of extra time, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

3: Chair spinning. I like to spin in my chair, and for the record if anyone tells you that spinning one way and then back the other will stop you from getting dizzy, they lie!

4: When packing a stuffed animal in a backpack, I have to leave the head out. What if Toy Story is true? They need to breath!

5: I had mentioned in a previous post I really like plain M & M's, but I have to eat them a certain way. First I have to dump them all out, then put all like colors together. They need to be in even number piles; two blue, two red, etc. If I have an odd number, say five green, I have to eat the odd one to even it up. The really goofy thing is the number of individual colors don't have to be the same. I can have four yellow, six orange, two red, just as long as the number is even.

6: I don't like stepping on the yellow lines in the parking lot, I step in between them. I also try to avoid cracks, but sometimes that's just plain impossible!

Could you pass the latest citizenship test?

2008-07-02T17:42:00.000-04:00

I got 55%.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25461301/

How to fold a t-shirt

2008-06-30T19:38:00.001-04:00

In case you haven't had the pleasure of seeing "How to fold a T-shirt".

Close Bags without Using a bag Clip

2008-06-30T18:24:00.003-04:00

This reminds me of the "How to fold a shirt" video. Looks so simple until you try it! Hopefully you're more coordinated then me, I gave up and used a paper clip. :-)

My Mom & Dad

2008-06-29T22:17:00.003-04:00

My Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 6th. We had a casual gathering with a taco bar. I was worried they would want something fancier, but my mom said "Are you kidding? I was nervous enough as it was!" It was nice seeing people that had been such a big part of our lives. We all get so busy and time just seems to fly, you sometimes forget the importance of staying in touch...

ABC Tag

2008-06-29T20:42:00.004-04:00

Elaine tagged me a couple months ago... I'm just a little slow.
BTW-did anyone notice there isn't an "X"?

A-Attached or Single? - Single
B-Best Friend? - Denise
C-Cake or Pie? - Blueberry pie
D-Day of Choice? - Saturday
E-Essential Item? – My pillow & blanket
F-Favorite color? - Green
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? - Bears
H-Hometown? - Lansing, Michigan
I-Favorite Indulgence? – Plain M&M’s
J-January or July? - July
K-Kids? – Ian and Sean
L-Life isn't complete without? - Hope
M-Marriage Date? – Still waiting
N-Number of brothers and sisters? – 4 brothers
O-Oranges or Apples? - Apples
P-Phobia and Fears? – I’m afraid of pretty much everything, it’s a wonder I get up in the morning!
Q-Quote? – I can live out of my imagination instead of my memory
I can tie myself to my limitless potential instead of my limiting past
I can become my own creator
R-Reason to smile? – Ian & Sean
S-Season of choice? – Fall
T-Tag ten people? - I’m going to skip this one. I think about three people actually look at my blog and one has done this already!
U-Unknown fact about me? – If it is unknown I wouldn’t know it either, right?
V-Vegetable? - Corn
W-Worst habit? – Watching too much TV
Y-Your favorite food? – Taco’s
Z-Zodiac Sign? - Scorpio

America's Got Talent!

2008-06-25T21:26:00.006-04:00

Of the three of you who actually look at this, are you watching America's Got Talent? This guy was on last night and is just amazing! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Men fillet Charlie the Tuna statue in Oregon

2008-06-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

Check this out, it's totally funny!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25130298/from/ET/

Monson Ear Wiggle

2008-06-09T21:05:00.003-04:00

For my LDS friends you already know what a wonderful story teller President Monson is; how he shares his message using everyday experiences that we can all relate to... this is no exception.

For my non-LDS friends, I think you will enjoy it as well.

In everything we say and do, we are an example.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=UTmft6wkNa4

Car Accident in Texas - Priceless

2008-06-09T20:15:00.001-04:00

Disclaimer: There is one swear word in this (he**).

This is a voice clip of a guy who witnesses an accident while he's in the process of leaving a friend a voice-mail message. His laughter is absolutely contagious! Click on the link, turn up the sound and enjoy! This accident happened in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area. It is a phone call from a man who witnesses a car accident involving four elderly women. It was so popular when they played it on CHUM FM that they had to put it on their website. The guy's laugh is contagious. If you close your eyes and picture what he is watching, it is even better than a video clip!

http://www.chumfm.com/MorningShow/bits/march24.swf

Detroit Science Center

2008-05-29T21:01:00.012-04:00

I went on a field trip with Sean to the Detroit Science Center, and I have to tell you it is a very cool place! Almost everything is hands on. They also had some presentations that were both educational and entertaining (especially when adults were the victims). The center has a planetarium and I have to say that was my favorite! I've always loved them. They also have an IMAX theater, unfortunately we didn't get to see that show.

Impression 5 in Lansing is still better for very young children, but I would highly recommend this for older kids, especially if they have a keen interest in science.

These pictures are of a robotic arm playing chess... way cool!