Things I Did Today

1.) Buzz-cut the boys.
2.) Became overwhelmed at the outrageous list of things to do
3.) Had a minor nervous breakdown.
4.) Froze, ended up watching King of the Hill Reruns and hysterically laughing my butt off while the kids ran wild.
--Time to call the psychiatrist? You decide.

However, I did find the sanity to take a cute picture of the boys after their summer buzzcuts.

Thoughts While Avoiding Packing...

THOUGHT 1: So it’s supposed to look like this: But mine only looks like this: Santa doesn't even have a face yet! Now granted, I have about 5 more months to finish, but COME ON! I’ve been working on it since LAST November. This is all work, no fulfillment! Why am I even worrying about this right now?

THOUGHT 2: I workout with this lady who has a little boy Stevie’s age. They play together a few times a week. But this lady keeps asking me “Have you told Stevie yet? Have you told Stevie yet?” Like I’m supposed to have a major sit-down with him and make him realize the horrible severity of it all. Yes, I’ve told him we’re moving to the beach where Grandpa and Adam and Jessica live. Have I told him that he’s leaving all his friends and that he won’t see them anymore? No. And forgive me, but I’m just not going to shove that down his 3-year-old throat right now.

THOUGHT 3: By the by, we’re having a garage sale this Saturday (on my anniversary, no less…how romantic is that??!!). So for any of you Junk Hoarders out there, stop by and get your fill. Email me if you want our address or a link to our craigslist posting. But here’s a few of the things we’re selling:

A Great Day

I sleepily got out of bed this morning, let my kids sleep in late, and all in all had a lazy morning. Of course by the time I got to the Rec center, I realized that oops, it was Tuesday, not Monday, and so their free babysitting time was over. But at least we got out of the house, right?

I had a marvelous Memorial Day. I can’t remember having such a good one. Early afternoon found us at the Grimmetts for a celebratory Memorial Day Barbecue. And if there is one amazing thing I can say about Mr. and Mrs. Josh Grimmett (and there are many amazing things), it’s that they know how to feed a guest! I’m still salivating over the memory of those fall-off-the-bone ribs and Julie’s baked potato slices.

But yesterday evening took the cake. My absolutely wonderful friends threw us a Going-Away party, and I was blown away by how fantastic it was. There was so much care and effort put into it, and they added so many considerate little touches. (My kids have been going crazy with the sidewalk chalk and bubbles and yes, Haley, Winterfresh LiveSavers do spark in the dark.) It was wonderful to be around all the people we care about and eat and talk and all-in-all just celebrate our friendship. I got teary-eyed several times, tried to be as stealthy as possible. We truly felt loved. Even Steven (whoa, that rhymed) remarked thoughtfully on the way home, “We have such nice friends.” Well-put, Steve-o.

I LOVED PRINCE CASPIAN!

Seriously, what a great movie! And even though I haven't read the book in 5 years (it was very different from the book, by the way), I think I liked the movie even better! This is a raving review for me, because I usually poke holes through movies until you can see through them. But I really, really enjoyed this one. Maybe it’s because C.S. Lewis is one of my all-time favorite writers. Maybe it was because I felt like I was hearing gospel principles while seeing a masterful production in action. Maybe it was because the main characters were so heartbreakingly adorable. And even though I was making wise-cracks through the whole thing, I seriously felt the spirit so many times. I loved this movie, and it gave me a lot to think about.

One of the main themes that I recognized was coming to depend on the Lord for your comfort and direction, instead of trying to do it all by yourself. In the story, Peter declines to send for Aslan (who symbolizes Christ) and instead tries to lead the troops into battle and even challenges the main enemy to a duel to the death. He does this both out of a lack of faith that Aslan will help him (haven’t I gone through that?) as well as a desire to prove himself brave and capable. And finally, after he does defeat the main enemy in the duel, he realizes there are battalions of enemies ready to continue the attack. Only when Aslan intervenes is the battle actually won.

And when I think of my own life, I see how I suffer this time and time again. I think “this isn’t important enough to trouble the Lord with”, or that I need to conquer it by myself, be strong, prove myself. And I go along getting weaker and weaker until at some point, I realize that without Him, I just can’t do it. I have to stop trusting my own strength, and trust in the strength of the Lord to carry me through. This is a major principle I’ve been sent here to learn, and yet because of my own thick-headedness, I’m forced to learn it again and again.

But I’m so grateful to be a part of the battle. It may not be as romantic or as exciting to watch as this fabulous movie, but it’s still a true, valid struggle. And the sooner I can truly give up my will to living the laws of God, the sooner I can have peace and happiness. A line from one of my favorite songs (How Can I Keep from Singing), says

What though my joys and comforts die?
I know my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I’m clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

Variety Show

We had the Top Banana Variety Show at church on Friday night, and it was crazy fun. It did run a little long, but what are we going to say to people? “Sorry, we have enough acts already, so you can’t do yours.” And anyway, everyone seemed to enjoy it and we had yummy banana splits afterwards. (I don’t know why I say “yummy” banana splits…I hate banana splits…I like bananas and I like ice cream…just not together—big surprise--).

We had some guitarists, bassists, a harmonica solo, a performance by the Arlington Sparkles, some hilarious and idiotic skits, some singers, gymnastics, a rockin’ line dance routine and even a poetry reading. Sa Brown, Heather Clinger and I sang “I’m a Woman” by Peggy Lee, and it was really, REALLY fun. That song has the greatest Woman Power lyrics, and I think our husbands should read them twice a day.

All in all, the variety show was not the fiasco I predicted. Steven did a wonderful job and I shouldn't have fretted so much! Thankfully my needless worrying did NOT come into fruition, and a hilarious time was had by all.

Summer Fun

Is there anything better than having great friends? Unless it's a great friend who owns a sparkling pool and invites you and yours to come swim in it? Friday we all had a Fan-Schmabulous time hailing the beginning of summer and swimming our hearts out in the Kirchman's pool. I'm a total water-baby at heart, and it looks like my kiddos have followed suit!

Stevie's Dressing Adventures...

Just recently, Stevie has taken a great interest in dressing/undressing himself, which I am extremely grateful for, as I had begun to wonder if I would be hoisting on his high school football uniforms and tying his laces for him. However, the size of that kid’s noggin sometimes poses a problem, in that it’s hard to get that little tiny hole over that great big head. Yesterday, after attempting to pull a shirt off for bath time, he left it hanging halfway and said “Look, Mama, a Night Cap.”

He’s a funny kid.

Absotively Adorable

Maybe I do suffer from a touch of indie fever now and again, but if you watch this video of VAMPIRE WEEKEND performing “A-Punk,” you might understand why I think they are so darn cute! I just want to smash their little faces in! (as Kelli or Sarah might say). This is a good one, but my favorite song by them is "M79." Cutest song ever. Click HERE to listen to it.

Shacks & Jitters

So here is our next residence from June 7th to Oct. 7th (notice the hurricane shutters on the windows). True, it’s a shanty, but a shanty that will house the Grundbergs while we scout out League City and make sure we actually want to live there. From all accounts, it seems like a pretty nice town. There’s just the one ward for the whole town (the League City Ward), and I’m just praying that it’s a good one. I’ve been horribly spoiled by 1st ward, so I’m not expecting too much.

I’m sick with nervousness and premature nostalgia. Did you ever have to switch schools midstream in junior high or high school? And you didn't know anybody, and you just wanted to hide in your bedroom closet and eat ice cream? Well, that was me in 9th grade, and it's happening all over again.

Plus we have this idiot talent/variety show on Friday and I just know it’s going to be a fiasco. I know, I know; I’m being a Debbie Downer today.

Looking for a New Nest

Well, we’re in Galveston this weekend looking for a place to stay. It’s going to be tricky because we have to find a rental that will allow us a short-term lease, because we’re planning on buying a house in September. Steven’s going to be getting double paychecks through the summer (thank you Arlington ISD), which will leave us with a nice big down payment for a new mortgage. We could always just break the lease if it really comes down to it, but I do prefer not throwing money down the toilet.

I am NOT looking forward, however, to moving TWICE in the next 6 months. But, if it means a lovely 3 bedroom-2 bath is on the horizon, I guess I can brave the storm.

As for the trip down, I just want to thank the good people who invented portable DVD players. How in heaven’s name MY parents drove US around the country without a DVD to distract us is beyond me.

He's Here!

Congratulations to my brother Adam and his beautiful wife Jessica! Their son, Jackson Bembrey Howsley, was born late last night. We're so excited he's finally here! The Howsley Grandkids tally is now Boys-5/Girls-0! I'm so happy for Adam & Jess, and we can't wait to meet Lil' Jack!

Steven & Mother's Day!

Steven’s birthday was yesterday, and while I’m a little late, I wanted to do a post for him. Poor guy had to share it with Mother’s Day! We actually celebrated on Friday night by picking out a gift at Guitar Center and trying out a new restaurant called “Rockfish Seafood Grill,” (it was excellent, by the way…yummy snapper!) Not a fancy birthday, but that’s what he asked for, bless him.
Steven is the best thing in my life. He makes me laugh every single day with his crazy antics. He gave me my two beautiful children. He is the best, most involved and interested father I’ve ever seen. He can do just about anything, from fixing the carburetor to composing jazz pieces. He also can talk to anyone with ease, be it the President or the little old lady next door. I love him to pieces and am so glad he’s mine. Happy Birthday, Baby!

Mother’s Day was great. My boys made me these cute little things in primary/nursery. And Steven bought me some beautiful flowers and gave me the entire day off. Priceless.

But it was a strange day. I kept expecting to burst out into tears or depression, but it never really came. I just haven’t been able to mourn my mom lately. I don’t want to talk about it and I don’t want to think about it. I cried a few times at church on Sunday, but I really feel that, at least for the present, I want to keep that door closed for awhile.

Lovin' Girlz Night

After a minor hit to my self-esteem yesterday, my spirits were majorly lifted going on a Girls' Night Out with some fabulous and hilarious ladies. Thanks, girls, for being so much fun! You rock!


UNRELATED WARNING: I’m not in the market for any more unsolicited weight-loss advice right now. I know I don’t eat right and I’m just not able to conquer that yet. But if one more person tells me why they’re skinny and I’m not, I just might end up stabbing them with a salad fork.

Tired of Trash

I’m having a really hard time identifying with characters in books and on TV shows lately. For some reason, I just get really upset at the overall lack of morality or ethics of any kind (and I’m not just talking about sex, I’m talking about general morality—you know, like Pres. Hinckley’s 6 B.’s). Sometimes it’s all I can do not to yell at the page/screen, “If you would just keep it in your pants!” or “If you would just think of someone besides yourself!” And when I stop being able to find a connection with the characters, I stop enjoying the book/TV show. Is it too much to ask for a story about a flawed human who makes a courageous, true and selfless choice? I need examples, people, because personally, I’m a mess.

Maybe I should read the scriptures more.

One of the worst parts of it all is the fact that I’m being bombarded with people who want to excuse adultery for one reason or another. Okay, “He abuses me,” or “She cheated on me with my brother,” are both understandable, but PLEASE stop feeding me garbage like “I need a change” or “he doesn’t understand me” or “we grew apart” or “I didn’t mean to fall in love with someone else, it just happened.” On Law & Order, they even make a joke out of the fact that “every man does it, even good men.” If that’s a true statement, then ladies, we’re all better off alone. It’s started to make me so mad that I’ve stopped watching the show (and if you know me, you know I love my Law & Order).

Are we, the entertainment enjoyers, really so pathetic that we’re only truly drawn to horrible, scandalous, demoralizing stories? Or, are the writers, who granted do have a strangle-hold on the media, just write this stuff because it makes them feel better about their own sorry decision-making in their lives?

I’m just tired of all the crap. I just want to be uplifted without having to be dragged through the sewer first. And I don’t want to feel like I’m just being Old Lady Grundberg ranting about how naughty the world is. Isn’t there anybody out there who wants to believe the world is basically full of good people?

Warlock Steven

So Steven has the day off because of Cinco de Mayo, and while cleaning out the front closet he comes across this little gem:


The cloak/cape/whatever-the-heck-it-is OBVIOUSLY called for a gnarly magical stance, so of course he obliged me--(we're such dorks).

What in the world was this thing doing in our closet? Anyway, you all better be nice to Steven or he'll summon up some Dungeons-and-Dragons buddies and cast a spell on you.

There Is a Reason

Well, the call came on Friday. Steven got the job, and we will be moving to Galveston the second week of June. I’m so full of excitement and happiness for Steve, because I know he’s going to be doing something he loves and I know he’ll do it well. I’ll also get to be close to my Dad, who’ve I’ve missed so much, as well as my bro & sis-in-law, Adam & Jess.

But my heart feels very sad, too. I want to leave with an adventurous heart, but I hate change and feel lonely and scared to start over again. I’ll miss the comfort and the familiarity of Arlington, and most of all I’ll miss my friends. You don’t even know how much all your friendship and kindness has meant to me this past year.

But President Hansen’s story today about the man who was asked to leave his fruit trees and farm and all his possessions to go and colonize another county filled me with hope. Not everything is about my needs and I really feel like the Lord wants us to go. It reminds me of a song by Alison Kraus that I love, called There Is a Reason. It goes like this:

Hurtin' brings my heart to You, a fortress in the storm
When what I wrap my heart around is gone
I give my heart so easily to the ruler of this world
When the one who loves me most will give me all

In all the things that cause me pain, give me eyes to see
I do believe but help my unbelief
I've seen hard times and I've been told
There is a reason for it all

But never fear…I promise to continue my endless rambling on this blog, and what’s more NOW everyone has a place to stay when they want to vacation in Galveston!

Lil' Help?

Everyday, the only thing that keeps me working out is listening to the awesome tunes on my mp3 Player. You should see me at the gym: chugging away on the elliptical, tapping the beat on the rim, lip-syncing my guts out and seriously trying to ellipticize (word?) in tempo. I’m pretty sure everyone there privately refers to me as "that poor schizophrenic girl."

But after 11 months, I’ve seriously started to wear out all my best dance/workout songs. And while I switch them out as often as I can, I now realize the sad truth. I need some new music! If you have any favorite dance/workout songs to suggest, I’d love to hear about them…anything with a good beat. I definitely need some new material; I’m desperate here! Heaven forbid I lose all interest and my 6-year anniversary rolls around without a lither, slimmer Jenny! My dress size is in your hands!!!!

Okay, here's my top 50. Long list, maybe, but I highly reccommend all of them:

All He Can Do Is Hold Her- Amy Winehouse
Anything Can Happen- Finn Brothers
Are You Gonna Be My Girl- Jet
Breakable- Ingrid Michaelson
Bust a Move- Young MC
Bye Bye- Jo Dee Messina
Cecila- Simon and Garfunkel
Cleva- Cake
Come Back to Texas- Bowling for Soup
Fell in Love With a Boy- Joss Stone
Fidelity- Regina Spektor
Fighting for My Love- Nil Laura
Fourth of July- Shooter Jennings
Friday I’m in Love- The Cure
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper
Give It Up- Amos Lee
Goodnight and Go- Imogean Heap
Groove Is In the Heart- Dee-Lite
Hallelujah- Martin Sexton
Hangin’ Around- Counting Crows
Heartbreak Even- Ani DiFranco
Hey Julie- Fountains of Wayne
Higher Love- Steve Winwood
How Can I Keep From Singing- Eva Cassidy
I Turn My Camera On- Rock Kills Kid
Jesse’s Girl- Rick Springfield
Jungle Boogie- Kool & the Gang
Just What I Needed- The Cars
Kiss Me on My Neck- Eryka Badu
Knock ‘em Out- Lily Allen
Like a Prayer (Dance Mix)- Madonna
Livin’ on a Prayer- Bon Jovi
More Than a Feelin’- Boston
Mud on the Tires- Brad Paisley
On the Radio- Regina Spektor
Praise You- Fat Boy Slim
Shake, Senora- Harry Belafonte
Short Skirt and a Long Jacket- Cake
Smile- Lily Allen
Sooner or Later- Michael Tocher
Speak, Lord- The Color Purple Soundtrack
Thank God I’m a Country Boy- John Denver
The World- Brad Paisley
These Words- Natasha Beddingfield
Uptown Girl- Me First & the Gimmee Gimmees
Venus- Bananarama
We Didn’t Start the Fire- Billy Joel
What a Good Boy- Barenaked Ladies
Wordplay- Jason Mraz
You Part the Waters- Cake