What is it with time shares? We went to a Westgate time share sales presentation two years ago. It was okay, the hotel was extremely nice. However, the whole deal is always a very hard sell and just plain shady. Is it just me, or do they remind you of a sleazy car salesman or pyramid scheme? We received a two night stay for $50. I was okay with that since the hotel was nice. However, when we checked into our room it was their smallest room. (it resembles a hallway with a bed) We complained and received a nicer room (we complained because although we didn't buy the $10,000 time share on the spot, like they wanted, we bought a three night stay) In other words, we thought we deserved a nicer room.
This last weekend we used our three night stay. It was great! We swam with the kids, sat in the hot tub and enjoyed our own jacuzzi and steam shower in our room. The fun was tainted. Why? you ask? Because the first afternoon we were there a man came to our door telling us that we had to attend a "survey" during our stay. (what kind of survey lasts 45 min?) It was obviously another sales presentation! But, we were lucky, they said we didn't need to take the tour again. HA! To say the least, I was bugged! Why would I pay over $130 dollars a night and still have to go to the sales presentation? Shouln't my stay be next to free if I have to go to the presentation again? Well, S and I were both upset. He left a message with the manager complaining that it was ridiculous and that we had no intention of buying. In essence it would be a waste of both of our time for us to attend. So, we didn't go. He never called back. They had hinted that they might charge us extra if we didn't attend. We'll see what happens.
If we had the money, I wouldn't mind owning a time share. Why do they have to sell them they way they do? It always seem so scheming and shady. Can anyone enlighten me?

Bill Maher

Okay, I don't know how many of you have watched his show before, I try not to, because I HATE HIM!!! Okay, I know, very strong words. Your mom was probably like mine and told you that you should never hate anyone. You especially should never say that you hate anyone. Well, I am disobeying my mom. Because I really hate him. I have to admit that I have never had any sort of fondness for him over his years on tv. But, tonight I find myself disliking him more than ever. In the past my distaste has been for his extreme liberal, hollywood based views. However, tonight he was talking about the presidential candidates. We only watched because we were interested in what he was saying about Mit Romney. (Now, I am not saying that I think Mit is the one for president. I don't even know his politics yet) But, being a mormon from Utah, I naturally am interested in what others think of Mit. Well, Bill Maher had some very maddening ,derogatory things to say! He was making fun of mormons and all christians alike. He was making fun of Mit's "magic underwear" that Romney believes will protect him. He essentially called our religion mystical. He likened us to "Scientology without the celebrities". Maher stated that when going to the polls he would certainly keep Romney's belief in "magical underwear" and Jesus (who he said was the same person as Santa Claus) in mind while voting. Making mormons sound like a buch of mystical lunatics! And that if the viewer didn't feel the same, there was something wrong with them.
Wow, I could not believe what I was hearing! I could not believe he had the nerve to make fun of a religion and essentially all Christians like that! I thought he was tasteless and crass before, but now I despise him even more. I actually feel that I would like to email him! (that is sooo not like me!)
I know I'm raging on and on. I just think that there are already enough bad misconceptions about Latter-Day Saints, that it infuriates me to see someone on national television saying such things. I do not get offended easily, but was offended to my core with his remarks. My love for our Savior and the gospel are so deep. How could his remarks not hurt and offend? What do you think?
P.S. thanks to S for some last minute photoshop work!

Weekend of Wonders

That title pumps up this post a little more than need be. I had a wonderful weekend! Do you ever feel like life is fantastic and your just wondering when the bubble is going to pop? I'm trying not to think about the popping part, because I am really happy right now.
You know it was my anniversary, so hopefully my weekend was at least ok, right? Well, it was, it was great. Friday was good because I got some new glasses. (I lost mine almost a year ago, so that tells you how in need I was.) The timing was great because I needed them to watch the most fantastic football game I have ever seen!!!! Yes, I'm sure you are all tired of hearing about the Utah game, but, IT WAS AWESOME!! Okay, I am not usually a football freak. It drives me crazy when football season comes around and all Scott wants to do all weekend is watch it! I think he could literally sit in front of the tv, or at a game, and watch football the whole weekend. (Not to mention Monday and Thursday night games.) I'm getting away from my point. Ah hum, despite my dislike for my husband's love affair with football, I love Utah/college football. I like going to the games, I'll even watch one on tv. I love the smells, the kettle corn and yes the proverbial stadium hot dog. It is also the perfect environment for people watching. Wow, I love to people watch, its hours of entertainment. We have a wanna be Elvis impersonator by us. He is continuous entertainment. Especially because he gets drunk and rowdy. He even got in a fight with a BYU fan last year! I digress, the win was so completely unexpected and they played so well, it was fantastic! Not to mention that Scott was in the mood of his life the rest of the night. (weekend for that matter)

My next wonder of the weekend was dessert Sunday night. ( I'm sure that's a shocker.) Tollhouse ( chocolate chip) pie. Wow, I think I'm in a heaven right now. It is a heart stopping, artery clogging, sugar coma causing delight! I first tried this delight at the Dodo. I found a recipe in the Favorites cookbook, but the one I tried tonight I like better. I got it from the beloved Paula Deen. I love her. I could listen to her talk for hours. (In case you don't watch the foodnetwork, she has a southern cooking show, she's from Savannah.) Anyway, I feel that I need to write her a thank you note for this recipe! You may or may not thank me for this, but here is the recipe. (I hope this isn't a copyright infringement.)

2 eggs, 1/2 c flour, 1/2 c packed brown sugar, 1/2 c white sugar, 8 Tablespoons butter (melted), One 6 oz. bag chocolate chips, 1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts, one 9 inch unbaked pie shell. Whipped topping or ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 325. In large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add flour and brown sugar; beat until well blended. Blend in white sugar and butter. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Pour into pie shell. Bake for one hour. Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream. I added 1 tsp of vanilla to the batter.

Its devine, enjoy!
Taush, thanks for the nuts to make this treat even more enjoyable!

My first picture post

This was one of the pictures we had taken for our wedding announcements! Do we look exactly the same or what? (ha ha)
P.S. Scott helped me figure out the picure thing. Yeah!

Twelve years of bliss

Ha Ha, is that cheesy or what? This Saturday is my twelfth wedding anniversary. I echo Tara's words: "where did the time go?" Well, as scary as it was to be engaged, I have to say, I did the right thing! We do have a great marriage. I decided to right twelve things that I love about Scott and our marriage.
1. Isabelle, Grey, Jonah
2. He loves me more than the day we got married.
3. He says I have the best butt in the world. (at least there's one person who thinks that!)
4. While we're on body parts, he likes my small chest. (sorry if that's too much information)
5. He would never tell me I can't do something. (although he may complain)
6. He makes me laugh, he has a great sense of humor.
7. He is my number one fan. He is very supportive of my training and racing. (he doesn't even complain about how much money it costs)
8. He loves to be with me and the kids more than anything else.
9. He is a wonderful father. He drives Isabelle to school every day and walks her to class just to have that special time with her.
10. He is honest. I never have to doubt or question him.
11. He respects me as a wife, mother, and friend.
12. He cleans! (he cleans up dinner every night and helps on the weekends)
I love you Scott!

HELP

Okay, I am obviously computer challenged! I need help posting pictures, a tutorial would help, if anyone is willing. Thanks!

I haven't updated my blog for awhile. I haven't really had anything to say. I still don't feel like I have anything special to say, so you will get to read me ramble on about nothing. School started since I last wrote. I know I said I was sad about summer ending, but I have to say, WHAT WAS I THINKING?! Although I do miss Isabelle being gone ALL day, it has been absolutely fantastic! I feel relaxed again. Instead of having five kids (mine plus two friends) at my house all of the time, I only have Grey and Jonah. Better yet, Grey is going to do a play group on Wednesday mornings. I feel that I have some of my freedom back. Which is interesting, because I was excited for summer, so that we could have some freedom from school. Ha! Ha! Ha!
I actually have been taking a little time during Jona's nap to read. Its a little bit of heaven on earth to have alone time when you're a mom. Am I right? I do love the fun and chaos of summer, but I sure am loving school. Should I feel guilty about the happiness I feel having kids in school? Because I don't!!!!!
This brings me to my next subject...homeschooling (is that one word?) Ok, my sister-in-law home schools (I like it better as two words). I get the why, I just don't get the how. I have a hard enough time doing ten minutes of homework with my kids. Could I really teach them ALL that they need to know for college? YIKES!!! I guess that I also don't get the social aspect of it. Do they really get the social development they need? We have had many a debate with my in-laws regarding this subject. Home school moms seem like superhumans to me. I wouldn't want to take on the responsibility and that makes me feel kind of guilty. As I said before, I like having the time while my kids are at school. Tell me what you think!
So maybe I don't get the why OR the how!