Are Flip Flops a total Flop?

I recently had a quick discussion with someone regarding the wearing of flip flops to church. The girl was 7 months pregnant and wearing flip flops. She actually felt guilty for wearing them to a church baptism. When I served in the Young Women's program (girls ages 12-17) in our previous ward (church congregation), the President of the organization talked with girls about wearing flip flops to church and basically told them that she didn't think that it was "appropriate"...I was wearing flip flops that day.

Since then, I have not worn flip flops to church. I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb, but since having that conversation with this particular lady, I have thought a lot about it. Here are my thoughts:

Flip flops are shoes for crying out loud! The Lord isn't going to judge a person because she or he are wearing flip flops to worship him in. Don't you think that the Lord would rather you be at church than at home because you had no "nice" shoes or you just wanted to wear flip flops? I don't think the Lord cares honestly, as long as you are there. It is true, we should wear our best to show respect for the Lord, but what if flip flops ARE our best? Are you going to judge that person...maybe you should walk a mile in their flip flops!

Ranting done ;-)

Fourth Festivities

Watching kids do this:

While Jenn did this:

So we could eat some of these:

And keep the fly's away with a few of these:

(By the way, it really works)

All the while the men did this:

Later that evening, we enjoyed watching these:

and overhead, watching these:

While playing with these:

Made for a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of our nation...the good ol' USA!

Mind Blogging

I'm always having conversations in my head with myself. It keeps me somewhat sane. Since I've started blogging again, I've realized that I've been blogging in my head also. It flows so well in my head, but by the time I get to my computer to actually type it up...it's a jumbled mess again. The other night I had a dream about blogging. I woke up a few times and I was still "blogging" in my head. It was almost annoying....actually it was really annoying because I remember thinking something super clever and by the time I actually got up for the day....it was gone. Maybe I should continue with the conversations that keep me somewhat sane.

February 2010

Here's my February 2010 Facebook Catch-up. This has been a very time consuming project and hopefully it will keep me from neglecting my blog in the future. FYI, I am not spell checking these facebook catch-up posts...there are just too many errors done by my friends (not me of course ;-), so I am not going to do it.

I'm once again going back into the past...care to join me?

PAST:
On February 2, 2010 at 10:24pm, I wrote:

"is wondering why Carly is still awake and won't go to sleep...she may outwake me tonight!"

COMMENTS:

~Nikki Painter: Watch out! You may have a night owl on your hands! I swear I (and my youngest) were meant to rule the night! I could sleep all day and not miss the sun! Turn that clock around now! Or get her into Twighlight (and boys that *sparkle*) hahahaha!
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PAST:
On February 4, 2010 at 12:00pm, I wrote:

"While Malia was practicing her singing for her play during play practice at school today, Ethan sat there and watched her giving her a thumbs up to let her know how awesome she was doing...He's such an awesome kid!!"

COMMENTS:
~Kristen Page Oram: I agree!
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: That is so cute!
~Marqueta Jonas Graham: What a good little guy!
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: How wonderful!! What a sweetheart! I HATE living so stinkin' far away!!

PRESENT NOTES:
Ethan is really the sweetest kid around. He is so amazing and caring and loves his sisters. As far as Malia and her play, I believe I have another post closer to the actual performance date that I will spill the beans with...but as a little teaser...she was absolutely AMAZING!
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PAST:
On February 6, 2010 at 10:47am, I wrote:

"Sitting at wallys looking at the snow capped tahoe mountains and waiting to get my massage life is awesome but missing my kiddos"

COMMENTS:
~Holly Johnson: That sounds AWESOME
~Heather Miller: I looked into that one. It's not a clothes optional right?
~Jennifer Thompson: Missing your kids? ARE YOU NUTS? I'll walk across the street and visit them all for you right now....YOU just enjoy!
~Heidi Hufstetler Wright: love massages! just enjoy :-) what's wallys?

PRESENT NOTES:
What is Wally's??? Well, it's actually a time share. Our friends Jason and Cristin Gilbert were able to use this time share (thanks to Jason's parents), for dirt cheap So we headed up for two days to relax and regenerate ourselves. It was so relaxing...I can't even explain! Probably one of the best trips I've been on with Patrick...ever! Wally's has a bunch of Hot Springs. They are like spa's but out in the middle of Tahoe and it's all natural. We hung out in those most of the trip. I did get a nice massage. The girl who gave it to me talked smack about the "Wally's" company and how they are re-doing a bunch of stuff since a big cooperation bought them. It's not what I really want to hear while I'm getting a massage, but I got an extra 15 minutes out of it for free...so it was worth it! Our room was like a house. there were 3 seperate parts. A common living room with a fireplace, a kitchen, and living room. Then there were two seperate bedrooms on either side, so it was perfect for two couples. I really had a nice time. I think I brought my camera, but I don't think I actually took any pictures, but I will never forget how I felt...even when we got a knock on the door the day we were leaving with someone telling us that check-out was 2 hours earlier than we thought...I barely got my hair dried before we headed home...good times.
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PAST:
On February 8, 2010 at 8:56pm, I wrote:

"Raya and Malia just cleaned the entire house including my room without being asked...I must be doing something right!"

COMMENTS:
~Alyna Reagan: Oooo, can you send them my way next?! lol
~Amber Ballard Rice: Let them come over to my house so they can teach my 3 kids. lol.
~Jennifer Whitmore: Or they did something wrong. :-)
~Denise Wilson Samuelson: or they want something :)
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: You're doing a LOT right....just loving our kids goes a loooong way.
~Marqueta Jonas Graham: Isn't that a nice feeling?
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PAST:
On February 10, 201 at 6:41pm, I wrote:

"in honor of valentines day (*gag*) I just changed my profile picture to one that includes my significant other...Patrick...aka, my babies daddy! 13 years we've been together and most days, it's been awesome! Happy Valentines day baby!"

COMMENT:
~Brenda Della Casa: Congrats lady ;)
~Scott M. Robinson: Girl thats yo baby daddy, shooot,...n stuff, ok
~Scott M. Robinson: Holla sorry i couldnt stop
~Candice Nite: Congrats, and I love the part Lol!
~Tiffany Trudeau Boyle: You are too cute for words...you worded that just right..Patrick is a lucky man to have you...

PRESENT NOTES:
I really do love Patrick. He is an amazing husband and works hard and trying to be the best one he can. I am truly blessed to have him in my life!
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PAST:
On February 12, 2010 at 7:02am, I wrote:

"Today = Awesome!"

PRESENT NOTES:
I really wish I could remember why I wrote this. I posted it at 7:02am which means that I probably was excited for something to happen that day. I wonder if that day really was awesome...hmmm?
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PAST:
On February 14,2010 at 7:37pm, I wrote:

"just returned home from the California Regional Fire Academy Graduation. Congratulations to my little brother. I am so proud of you Jared!"

COMMENTS:
~Sarah Andrews: I have to say that ceremony was totally awesome! We are super proud of Jared!

PRESENT NOTES:
One of the kids got really sick. I think it was Carly, but can't remember for sure, so only I was able to attend the graduation (and not Patrick). It was held at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento. That place is amazing inside. Jared was awarded for something special...I can't remember what it was, but there were only 4 individuals from the class who recieved these specific awards and the best thing about them was that the Captains decided who should get them. I know Jared works really hard at whatever it is he does and it didn't surprise me at all that he received this honor, that is why I was ready to pop out of my seat so that I could take the above photo. Jared is currently in school so that he can become a paramedic...then, he'll be more valuable and hopefully be hired on as a firefighter somewhere (hopefully close by). I'm super proud of my little brother!!
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PAST:
On February 20, 2010 at 11:59 am, I wrote:

"when I find pine needles from our Christmas tree on the floor in February, does it mean I suck at house cleaning or that I just want to keep the Christmas spirit alive?"

COMMENTS:
~Alyna Reagan: It means pine needles from Christmas trees are aggrivatingly good at hiding!
~Jason Poindexter: alive sis alive!
~Brenda Della Casa: The latter...I just took mine down. I don't judge.
~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: easter grass is my villian to find...
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: I still have my artificial tree up, because it's in the basement and we rarely go down there, and I'm lazy. I hate putting that huge thing away. Soooo...yeah. Who cares, right?
~Deidre Townsend: i found some today too. haha
~Jennifer Thompson: It means I've never seen a tree that shed it's needles like yours. Next year, try watering it! :P
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I refuse to water something that is just going to die anyway...I mean I already have to make sure I water 4 kids...isn't that enough to have to remember to do?
~Brandy Amos Greer: Well, I find a few all year long, and I have hardwood floors and a whole house vacume....I think they hide and then reveal themselves randomly. Mwahahaha
~Stephanie Bailey Alston: lol. I vote for Christmas spirit :)

PRESENT NOTES:
I realize that I didn't even post anything about our 2009 Christmas. Since I can't really remember much about it, except that we hung out down in the Bay Area at my brother's house...and had some akward moments with someone that I won't really mention here...we still had fun and of course, the kids had a blast. Here are some photos of Christmas morning!

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PAST:
On February 21, 2010 at 6:17pm, I wrote:

"can't breath through my nose...I hate that!"

COMMENTS:
~Candace Smith Sauter: I HATE that too!
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Vick's plugins!
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: That blows....;)
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: actuallly...it doesn't blow like it should ...hehehe
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PAST:
On February 22 2010 at 7:03pm, I wrote:

"heading off to my unexpected yet totally welcomed massage...thanks babe!"

COMMENTS:
~Heather Miller: Yay!
~Tammy Blair Sirmans: Very jealous! :) good for you!!
~Jennifer Thompson: Enjoy!
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Niiiiiiiiccceee!!! What a sweet husband!
~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen" You're hooked now...welcome to the club.

PRESENT NOTES:
Patrick came home from work and said to me "I have some good news and some bad news, what do you want first?" I told him the bad news and he said "it's by a guy" I was totally confused and then asked for the good news, he said "You're gettina massage." That was the first time I've ever had a massage by a dude and either he sucked at what he did, or Patrick had a little talk to him about not putting his hands all over me when he gave me the massage...the guy literally gave me a massage over a sheet...didn't even touch my skin...Lame! But it was a nice thought by Patrick...
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PAST:
On February 26, 2010 at 6:10pm, I wrote:

"Malia woke up last night to a nightmare and made her way to my bed. i woke up this morning from a nightmare too...scheduling conflict...so sad!"

COMMENTS:
~Holly Johnson: you would have never known she had no sleep last night, she was a lil' angel in class today!
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: Oh she slept fine after she made it to my bed...with her foot in my face ;-) She's been scared a lot lately because miss Abbie has been telling her scarry stories at school...she won't go into any room alone and follows me around like a dog all day...it's kind of sad!

PRESENT NOTES:
It took well over 2 months for Malia to be able to go and do things on her own. She wouldn't go anywhere by herself. She followed me around or I asked one of the other kids to go with her. It became annoying, but she got over it...unfortunately, it wasn't the first time that she's been so scared that she couldn't do things by herself, it was just the worse time.

January 2010

*WARNING*

This post is going to be rather long. As you all know, I am trying to catch up from the past six month on this blog using my facebook status updates, and although the status updates has some kind of meaning to me, it maybe just boring reading for you. My goal is to catch up so that I can start entertaining you with my current thoughts and not those from the past. So here's a whole lot of past all in one post: P.S. If you are having Rachael Blogging Twilight Withdrawels...see my previous post!

PAST:
On January 1, 2010 at 12:32am, I wrote:

"Rachael is super excited to be getting a new sister in law!!! Congratulations Jake and Sarah!!!"

PRESENT NOTES:
My little Brother Jake is getting married! The date is set for October 17, 2010 and I was asked to be a bridesmaid. I guess along with the duties a bridesmaid has, I will be hitting the gym or the track or the Wii Active...or whatever. The wedding is 4 months away...I guess I better get started.

Jake proposed on New Years Eve and then headed over to our cousin Nate's house where we were able to bring in the New Year. It was a lot of fun. I have some crazy embarrassing video somewhere on my server and I'm not going to post it here because, well, I'm in it...

PAST:

On January 1, 2010 at 12:45am, I wrote:

"Apparently my little baby pushed all the way til' 11pm without even taking a nap today...glad I didn't have to see any meltdowns! Happy New Year!"

PAST:
On January 2, 2010 at 12:50pm, I wrote:

"Happy Birthday to my sweet baby Carly Fox...2 years old today. Where has the time gone?"

COMMENTS:
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Happy birthday little Carly girl!
~Jenna Sorenson: Happy Birthday lil Lady!
~Tammy Larsen: WOW! That just goes to show that it's been far too long since I've seen you guys! Happy Birthday to your little Fox! :)
~Jennifer Thompson: Happy Birthday girlie!
~Lelah Rothschild: Carlie says "Happy Birthday Carly!"
~Jody Stout Jensen: Happy birthday Carlie!
~Anna Durling: Happy B-day little cute one!

PRESENT NOTES:
For the first time ever, I didn't throw a huge birthday party for one of my kids. Carly's birthday crept up on me and I found myself too exhausted from the previous holiday's to really do a huge party. Nonetheless, she got two birthday cakes and a small party with the Gleason's, Gilberts and other family members. A homemade cupcake cake on her "real" birthday and a store bought cake and a homemade birthday crown, fit for royalty made by Malia the next day. Happy 2nd Birthday Carly!
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PAST:

On January 4, 2010, I wrote:

"I...don't know why I continue to torture myself with doing the elementary school yearbook."

COMMENTS:
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: because you love us. =)
~Stephanie Bailey Alston: Because you know in the end that nobody could do it better!
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Oh yah, that's a better answer.
~Lelah Rothschild: Definitely! You do a great job! Also, no one else wants to do it?
~Diane Pettigrew Davison: Because moms like ME that can't be there to enjoy it :) Thanks for doing it!!
~Kristi Goldrup: because we love you!...2 weeks till bonita..i will turn in all the 6th grade field trips on a cd..as soon as we are back....promise.....anything else you need help with let me know.......you rock!
~Amy Ortiz Bodily: Overacheiver!!! I was once like that. LOL

PRESENT NOTES:
All I can say is that I am soooo glad the yearbook is finished. Now I have to figure out what to do next year. I know for a fact that there are many other posts abut the yearbook, so I will share photos with those posts.
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PAST:

I wrote: "I...think it's funny that Carly is Rockin' the Spiderman costume..."

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PAST:
On January 6, 2010 at 6:24pm I wrote:

"Carly is preparing to jump off the table now...With the rate this girl is going, she'll be jumping off the roof by the time she's 3!"

(I know that these pictures are not of Carly jumping off of the table, but they are of her jumping and that blur in the photo above, well, that's Carly too)

COMMENTS:
~Holly Graham Matua: Moni loves jumping off the tables...the bunkbed ladder..the couches..beds...luckily he has not done the countertops....I can't beleive she'd doing that...Ugh....girls aren't suppose to do that just boys right? Tell her that...lol...:)
~Candice Nite: Ha ha, sooo funny!
~Jared Graham: It's ok for her to jump off the roof just as long as she's making a home movie.
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PAST:
On January 6, 2010 at 9:26pm, I wrote:

"My husband ROCKS! He writing a script for me to help me with the yearbook...It will save me about 8 hours of work...yes people, he does love me...(the script will take the mass file I have of all the student's photos and put them in their individual class folders with a click of a button)...I love being married to a computer nerd...Nerds are cool!"

COMMENTS:
~Nikki Painter: That rocks! I feel your pain having done the YB for a whole elementary school in the past myself. I'm glad I only have to contribute pictures anymore (although I end up being the one to sort and tag everyone's contributions on our Flickr page, *lol*).
~Kefu Pupunu: Nerds are Cool...I wish I was one!
~Kefu Pupunu: I was just informed that I cannot be a Nerd... That Nerds are smart... and a Nerd with no Brains is just a "Dork"...
~Sheree Sultana-Bos: What a guy....don't ya just love the little it's things like that, that truely show much us they love us. my engineer computer nerd does the same stuff for me...gotta love it!!
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: oh ya, I forgot to put his official "Engineer" title on my post...makes for the whole "Nerd" experience...Hahahha..
~Sheree Sultana-Bos: the sad but tryue thing is mine is really an engineer computer nerd, no joke....yep smarty farty...can you say nerd. But I love that guy, going on almost 17 years
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: no, it's not sad, mine is really an engineer too...so you know what I mean...Love mine too...13 years and counting!
~Sheree Sultana-Bos: Wow...we have something in common our engineer computer nerd husbands who love us!!! NICE
~Kefu Pupunu: My wife loves me too, but I'm a Dork!
~Holly Graham Matua: I wish i was a computer nerd...that way i would know what i'm doing and be computer smart too...*) Good for you Rachael to be able to use your hubbi's talent as much as you can....i swear i wish i was a nerd...lol...i know your yearbook is major work.....Dorks are funni...*p
~Melissa Hogge: Thats so awesome!
~Lelah Rothschild: Love it! My hubby is a computer nerd too! He can do anything:)

PRESENT NOTES:
Yes, it is still true, my husband does rock and did rock that script...It saved me so many hours of work!
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PAST:

On January 7, 2010 at 3:04 pm, I wrote:

"Really??? REALLY? My camera is fried!!!!!! Oh, and WHITE!"

(above is a picture of me with my very first DSLR Camera...the one that broke!)

COMMENTS:
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: What happened, I just saw you with it? Wahoo new camera, right??? right???
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I don't know what happened. I was using it at the school and the last 10 or so pictures were mostly black. I thought at first it was my card, but through trial and error, I realized that it was the camera not the card...sucky!!!! Anyway, what kind of camera do you have? I sure hope I'm getting a new one...my bday is next week...soooooo...hopefully. I need some ideas on what kind to get...any suggestions?
~Quinn Bane: Is that why you looked upset after school?
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: I have a Nikon D60 and love it. I think next time I'd get a Canon just for fun. =) **waving at Quinn** "Hi"!
~Quinn Bane: Hi Heidi!! Rachael, so do you want a DSLR or a fixed lens?
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I didn't find out until after I got home...did I really look upset??? Maybe it was because I knew chiaos was coming home with me...hahahah....I'd prefere a new camera but a fixed lense will do...
~Quinn Bane: I really like my Fuji S6000, and I can take pretty decent ( although not long) movies with it. though it is a few years old. You know the new ones are even better.
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I found a killer deal on ebay for the Nikon D90. It comes with a crud load of stuff. I'm looking into it more...Is that what your husband was using at the choir thing at santa's breakfast?
~Quinn Bane: He has a Nikon D40. but he wishes he had gotten at least the D60. he can't auto focus on some of his lenses. But your right he was using my camera to tape it.
~Evonne Olson Ballard: Nikon, all the way. I've had a Canon and wasn't as in love as I am with my Nikon now.
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: If you are going to get the 90 look at the 3000 I think it is? It has video on it. I miss having video on my camera.
~Quinn Bane: My father in law has the 3000 it's a beast!
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Really? It didn't look that big to me. Huh? Well good to have input from someone that has it.
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I'm not worried about video, but for some reason I thought that the D90 had video, maybe I'm confused since I've been reading on all different kinds of cameras...I have a video camera already...Thanks for all the tips, keep em' coming. I'm still leaning towards the Nikon d90...but I need to go make dinner...or clean, or do something so that when Patrick comes home he doesn't think I've sat at the computer all day (which I have) :-)
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: LOL Rachael.
~Christine Brown Santos: oh that sucks! i have the d40, love it, however i would rather have the d60 or higher ;) because they have more lenses. good luck.

PRESENT NOTES:

Yes, my digital Canon Rebel SLR stopped working correctly. Patrick thought he could fix it, so he spent all night one night and fixed it. Until...a shock was felt through his body and fried the camera. He was so mad for spending so many hours trying to fix the darn thing only to have it completely fry as he was putting it back together...it was a bad day...but hey, I got a new camera...stay tuned for a past post all about it ;-)AND the little ending that said "Oh, and White"...well, there was this secret forwarding email going around on facebook. Basically all the women would send this chain email to each other that said something to the effect that since it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, change your status update to the color of bra you are wearing...only the color and nothing else. So all the guys on facebook were trying to figure out why all these women were posting colors as their status updates...It was so world spread that it actually made the news...yes, I get tricked into playing little games like these on facebook.
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PAST:

On January 8, 2004, at 2:04pm I wrote:

"I walked by Ethan's room and heard in a grown mans voice "Are you going to F***ing answer me?" Walked into the room and found the Walkie Talkie on. Apparently we had some interference...thank goodness none of my kiddos heard it...geesh!"

COMMENTS:
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: Holy crap! That is lucky. I thought you were going to say you found Patrick in there yelling at Ethan. Whew! Sorry, evil flashbacks.
~Stephanie Bailey Alston: woah, that's creepy!
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Did your heart skip a beat?
~April Hahn: Def Creepy !!
~Evonne Olson Ballard: Yikes!
~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: whoa that is really scary
~Jennifer Thompson: Hmmm....walkie talkies don't have a large range. Wonder which neighbor that was!
~Anthony Durling: Those kiddie ones are not that great. Probably Patrick in the other room. LOL
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: They aren't the kiddy ones, but they definately aren't top quality either....Is there someone named Tom that lives around us Jen?
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PAST:

On January 9, 2004 at 9:44pm, I wrote:

"I...got a new camera...YAY!!!! Went in to get the Nikon D90 and left with the Canon 50D...doesn't do the HD video but it's a way better camera so excited to learn all it has to offer...."

COMMENTS:
~Heidi Menebroker Lettau: Awesome, I hereby resign. =)
~Jennifer Thompson: woo hoo
~Joye Griffith-Underwood: YAY!

PRESENT NOTES:
I Love LOve LOVE my camera! I am still learning how to use it, but I think my photography is amazing. Once again, you can check out my photography blog at www.rachaeldphotography.blogspot.com and my website: www.rachaeldphotography.com
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PAST:

On January 11, 2010 at 5:58pm, I wrote:

"2 kids got shots today. They both cried for each other....so sad, yet, so cute!"

COMMENTS:
~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: awww

PRESENT NOTES:

It was a little strange. Ethan went first. I could tell that he was nervous and knew what was going to happen, but he didn't even flinch or try to get away. He sucked it up and took the shot. He cried a little, but Carly got upset at seeing Ethan upset. After his shot, Ethan went over and hugged Carly and said that he was ok. Then it was Carly's turn. She cried while getting the shot and then Ethan started crying for her and was telling her that she would be ok. The nurse thought it was so cute how they comforted each other. Ethan and Carly have a very special bond. They are great friends!
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PAST:

On January 12, 2010 at 8:14 pm, I wrote:

"Me: "when did you miss school?" Raya: "When I had the flu?" Me: "Oh, when you had the swine flu" Raya: "I didn't have the swine flu, I didn't snort." AND SHE WAS SERIOUS...HAHAHAHAHA!"

COMMENTS:
~Christine Brown Santos: hahaha
~Holly Graham Matua: LOL......thas so funni...
~Jennifer Thompson: Can I snort at her next time I see her? LOL
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PAST:

On January 13, 2010 at 5:11pm, I wrote:

"Whoa!!! Massive Facebook Email Overload today! Thanks everybody for the birthday wishes...I had to do the math to figure out how old I was...Thank goodness it was one year less than I thought. Phew!!!!"

PRESENT NOTES:

My wonderful visiting teachers, Jody Jensen and Corri Brubaker, gave me the beautiful flowers and my good friend Stasia surprised me with the yummy Clown Cone from Baskin Robbins. Patrick bought a cake that said "Happy Birthday Rachael" on it and then added the "33 in blue gel frosting after he got home" It was a very simple day that I enjoyed very much!
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PAST:

On January 14, 2010 at 10:18am, I wrote:

"left over birthday cake and diet pepsi makes for a great start of the day don't ya think?"

COMMENTS:
~Denise Ewing Pinnegar: sounds good to me!!:)
~Kristi Goldrup: my favorite!
~Candice Nite: ha ha!
~Quinn Bane: I missed a great opportunity to honk and yell happy birthday today... darn it. Well happy belated birthday anyway!
~Joye Griffith-Underwood: YUM! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY RACHAEL!
~Tammy Larsen: birthday cake for breakfast...mmmmm!
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: and dinner....Hahahahahah!
~Tiffany Trudeau Boyle: I love those kind of breakfast's!!!
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PAST:

On January 18, 2010 at 5:55pm, I wrote:

"I...a full tank of gas for $0.67...seriously!"

COMMENTS:
~Teresa Black: Ok, how did you do that? My tank is empty right now.
~Denise Ewing Pinnegar: WOW!! How did you do that!????
~Michele Upson: Was it through Safeway? That is great!!
~Rachael Poindexter Durling: I guess the ticker thing wasn't working correctly and I didn't noticed cause I was in my car since it was pouring rain. After I filled up, I figured the true amount would reflect on my receipt. It didn't, so I went into the station and told the guy. He told me that he thought my gauge was off and I assured him it was fine. It was like he didn't believe me...all I was trying to do was be honest, but whatever...He said thank you and that he would keep an eye on it. I came home and checked my bank and sure enough...67 cents was charged....good thing is, I don't even feel guilty about it since I did the right thing...
~Nikki Painter: Wow! Lucky you!
~April Hahn: Wow! can you tell me what gas station and what pump you were using... lol
~Heather McDowell West: buy a lotto ticket... you are on a roll!
~Melissa Kriser Bowers: Your LUCKY day! Did you just pay your tithing!!!!
~Denise Ewing Pinnegar: that is awesome!! You are so lucky!!
~Candice Nite: Yeah, no guilt on that one! Not ur fault he didn't believe u. You chose the right, lucky you!
~Amber Ballard Rice: That's awesome.
~Tiffany Trudeau Boyle: Being honest pays off again!! I love when that happens...I only got a free Blockbuster video but it does feel better not to feel guilty!!!
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PAST:

On January 21, 2010 at 4:21pm, I wrote:

"little arms wrapped around my neck in a sweet hug is the best feeling in the world!"

COMMENTS:
~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: absolutely
~Kelli Poindexter: My favorite is when Rylie says, "mama I hold you". Melts my heart.
~Lelah Rothschild: Totally agree!
~Barbara Sell- Whitlock: I so agree!
~Holly Graham Matua: Love the feelling...a lil of heaven for a while...
~Jennifer Durling Maness Nelson: And when they're 19 and come home to visit, big arms feel nice too. Good message....thanks. :)
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PAST:

On January 22, 2010 at 9:34am, I wrote:

"I'm...gearing up to teach preschool....I need a lot of gearing today...."

COMMENTS:

~Jennifer Thompson: Eat a lot of chocolate...that always helps!
~Dorothy Fowler Gregersen: somewhere or at home??? It will be fun fun fun... I had a blast when I taught at Sally's...

PRESENT NOTES:

I guess I never did blog about Joy School (that's really kind of Sad!) Basically 5 kids and their moms were our Joy School group. I didn't want to pay $130 a month for Ethan to go to preschool (I must be in the wrong business!). So, Kristine Miller (Karley's mom), Amy Stockett (Logan's mom), Kelly Davis (Scot's mom), and Kristen Bradford (Morgan's mom) and I got together and rotated teaching preschool in eachother's homes. Looking back, it was so worth it! We only paid $60 for the entire school year. Some days were harder than others, but like I said before , it was so worth it. The schedule was Tuesday'ss and Friday's from 10am-12:30pm. We had a schedule with what number/letter/theme we would teach and even had field trips! Some of the field trips were to The Dentist office, the Folsom Zoo, Safetyville, The Pumpkin Patch, Fairytale Town, and even to Baskin Robbins. Carly even got to participate in preschool when it was held at our house. Ethan and his friends had a swim graduation party and graduated on May 25th and they are now ready for Kindergarten!

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PAST:

On January 23, 2010 at 7:25pm. I wrote:

"does anyone know how to give a 5 year old "the Force"? He just doesn't seem to understand that it's pretend..."

COMMENTS:

~Nikki Painter: That's just what you think, Moooooom. :-p
~Jennifer Whitmore: Tell him he must grow into it, and it will come to him.
~Scott M. Robinson: Last time i used the force in traffic and a van's tire blew out, u gotta be careful with that stuff!
~Alyna Reagan: Ooo ooo I do I do! JR happens to have the force! He showed me the other day. It went a little something like this...

"Watch mom I have the force..."

*licks hand and advances toward little brother with hand outstretched*... See More

*Little brother instantly backs away*

I cracked up. It was true...he has the force!!!
~Brandy Amos Greer: No worries, it'll all make sense to him soon enough. Enjoy it now!
~Jody Stout Jensen: Say what! The force is pretend??...
~Jason Poindexter: I'm with Jody!
~Belinda Lawlor Durling: Hey! We just talked about this yesterday. Liam had a Star Wars bday party. We watched the part where Luke uses the force to stand on his hands holding Yoda up. I told the boys that their force was their strength and self will. We had a hand stand contest. Only one boy was able to lift up on his hands (off of his head). Later we told Liam that the force was the spirit.
~Jake Poindexter: He already has it.
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PAST:

On January 27, 2010 at 11:30am, I wrote:

"Rachael Poindexter Durling I think Carly is going to be a hair stylist when she grows up...The girl can't keep her hands out of my hair...she's brushing it right now...."

COMMENTS:

~Heather Pearson: Tanith loves to do that, too! She even brushes her stuffed animals and puts bows around their ears. But when it comes time to brush her own curly locks, well...that's a different story.
~April Hahn: LOL- I'm getting my hair did right now as I type. They can go to School together!! :)
~Holly Graham Matua: has she given you a scalp massage yet...lol....you wouldn't complain about that would you?....lol
~Tammy Larsen: You know you're loving every minute of it! ;)

PRESENT NOTES:

She's a natural. She does the whole holding the hair with one hand while brushing it with the other trying to put it into a ponytail. As some of the comments said above, I really do love when people are playing with my hair, just not a two year old...Hopefully she will still enjoy playing/doing my hair when she's older and understands how to be more gentle...then I will be in heaven!
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PAST:

On January 29, 2010 at 5:44pm, I wrote:

"Ethan asks me if we have Oatmeal...I told him that I forgot to get it at the store. He says, "You always forget stuff...you should have a list." He's 5 people...5 years old!"

COMMENTS:

~Jake Poindexter: See. He was using the Force...
~Jeniffer Taylor Ketcherside: my 4 year old is the same way am I smarter than a 5th grader heck no I don't think I am smarter than my 4 year old it just goes to show we are born knowing everything and we forget it as we get older
~Melissa Hogge: Thats funny!
~Tiffany Trudeau Boyle: I love when they tell us exactly what is true!!!It hurts but it sure is funny...

PRESENT NOTES:

This is one of the reasons I now have a "Kid Quote of the Week Section" here on my blog. That kid really does say the darndest things!


Wow, it was a lot of work getting January's Facebook Status Updates on here, but I am glad I am doing this. Now on to February...

Decisions, Decisions.

Do you like my post title? I'm sure that in due time, it will become as infamous as "Go ahead, Make my day" made famous by Clint Eastwood or "I'll be back" made famous by the Terminator (aka Arnold Schwarzenegger). Decisions, Decisions was quoted by none other than Jane from the Volturi!

YES, THIS IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER TWILIGHT POST!

I wasn't as excited to go and see the third installment, Eclipse, from the Twilight Saga,as I was with the first two movies. I think there's something really wrong with me. Here's why:

1. I haven't been watching Twilight faithfully while folding my laundry anymore. I figured once New Moon came out on DVD, I would switch to that, but NO, I've only seen new moon like two dozen times (and despite what Patrick will tell you, I've folded laundry way more than two dozen times).

2. I don't even know when the movie Breaking Dawn will coming to theatres, AND I haven't even had the desire to look it up online.

3. I didn't post any theatrical trailers of Eclipse on facebook or this blog nor did I watch the trailers more than a dozen times.

4. When the hype of the release of Stephenie Meyer's Eclipse Novella "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner" started, I had to do a little research of who Bree Tanner actually was AND only vaguely remembered her being part of the story only at the end of the book when the Volturi burns her to her death!

5. It took me two days to load up Eclipse onto my iTunes so that I can listen to it and compare the movie to the actual book (side note: I did actually READ the books and not just listened to them the first time around. It wasn't until after the movie New Moon was released, that I purchased the audio versions of the books so that I can get my second fix AFTER I watched the movie so that my hopes would be a tad bit lower for the movie...we all know that the book is ALWAYS better than the movie). AND I STILL HAVEN'T STARTED LISTENING TO IT!

6. Ethan no longer shows me all the Twilight stuff as we walk by it in Walmart

7. I posted a rather lengthy review of the movie Twilight (found here) and now think that all my made up character looks actually do not match the descriptions the author gave them in the books.

8. I never even wrote a review about New Moon when it came out...never mind that I saw it six times in the first 2 weeks at the theatres.

9. I haven't even purchased the soundtrack to Eclipse and didn't even think about it until AFTER I saw the movie. Usually, I know all the songs and all the words to the music when I see Twilight flicks for the first time.

and the tenth and probably not final (because there's probably more, I just don't want to torment the Twilight section of my brain anymore) reason is:

10. I let Raya keep all the books in HER room.

So, here's my quick review of Eclipse:

It was good. I really enjoyed watching all the hot werewolves without their shirts on and being surprised by what was going to happen next and thinking "oh ya, I remember that part". It's been over a year (or close to that) since I've posted something about Twilight on my blog. I've read the Twilight Books and can't remember all the details. Edward still needs acting classes looks like he's going to cry every time he's onscreen, and Bella still twitches and hesitate with all her lines as well. Charlie still has his quick personality and Leah is now introduced and I still don't like her. Jasper is still ugly but he is a bad ace vampire and Emmett, well, let's just say that Emmett probably has the best body personality of all the vampires.

The werewolves were hot...literally, a scorching 108 degrees and I think my favorite part (besides the cracking and burning heads of the newborn army after the Cullens and wolf pack ripped them apart), was when Bella and Jacob finally kissed. Jacob still has the best body of all the guys in that movie. I think he may still be under age so I guess I am a pervert for saying that, but it's kind of hard to miss when he's shirtless for the better part of the movie. Oh, and naked too...yes, naked (you want to go see it now don't you???)

Maybe my Twerdiness is slowly coming back...this post was not supposed to be about Twilight at all. It was supposed to be about me making a decision to post something current rather than my facebook past, but after titling the Post "Decisions, Decisions, I couldn't help but think of Jane from the Volturi...who, by the way, is one of my new heroes. I want to be just like her when I grow up...red eyes and all.

SIDE NOTE: If you do not know me and read this post, you need to know that I am fully trained, have excelled at, and have been given many awards in the art of sarcasm. I do not think of Twilight as a religion of any sorts and do not lust after worship Vampires or Werewolves. I am a mother of 4 children and they regularly never get neglected when it comes to my Twilight Passion. Therefore, this post is really just full of truth sarcasm. I am not normal. I swear!

Mommy, I Two!

It's time to change the "Kid Quote of the Week". Because I don't want it to get lost in the "forgotten funnies" held in my crazy mind, I am going to blog the previous one...so I won't forgot.

Kid Quote of the Week:

"Mommy, I Two" ~Carly, while proudly holding three fingers up

Actually, In time, I probably will forget, thank goodness for blogs!