Well, I had a great week! I have decided that I love being a stay at home Mom. Although I am thinking about opening a preschool at my house for September, but there are lots of things to do. I love this idea and have felt REALLY good about it. We'll see what happens I guess.
I have been working on my kitchen cabinets, Spencer's Uncle and Aunt gave us their old light Oak cabinets and they have been sitting in my back porch for a year. I am sanding them all down to the bare wood and staining them a natural color. I've been using a disk sander, which has saved a lot of time, but the grooves are killing my hands, if anyone has any tips, I'd really appreciate it. And my back room is really dusty, I might just start doing it outside in the back yard to save my lungs and the mess. My plan is to do a couple doors per week and have them finished by April or May. I have huge plans for my kitchen, involving taking out a wall, buying a corner lazy Susan from a used cabinet shop and making a eating counter.
Spence and Kali have been sick this week, Kali stayed home most of the week and Spence stayed home Thursday and Friday. I'm sure I'll get it next week.
My great friend, Erin Wallace, and I are flying to Las Vegas next Sunday. I am SOO excited!! We are going without kids, totally unsupervised, it going to be sweet! We are planning on spending a day in Vegas and we're renting a car to drive to Las Angeles to hit some beaches and DISNEYLAND! We booked our trip a couple weeks ago and got some great deals, we organized our kids and husbands, and we've been planning all the fun stuff we are going to do. Only one more week!!
I LOVE MY LIFE!
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Soddom and Gommorah in Haiti?
I may receive some interesting comments about this post, and that's okay. It's my blog, I can write whatever I want to. I'm kinda sick of hearing about Haiti, I AM sorry that there are children going without food and water in Haiti. But really, Haiti is a very dangerous place, I read some articles about Haiti about a year ago stating that it was a very dangerous place to visit/vacation. I remember reading that Canadians were being robbed, kidnapped, killed... I never had any desire to go there. I am not super surprised that they were shook by a quake that killed hundreds of thousands. I found another article posted by the U.S. government:
There are no "safe” areas in Haiti. There is a persistent danger of violent crime, which can be subject to periodic surges sometimes not obviously explained by other events or conditions. Haiti is among the four most important countries for drug transit to the United States. Law and order in Haiti has steadily deteriorated as a result. Kidnapping, death threats, murders, drug-related shootouts, armed robberies, home break-ins and car-jacking are common in Haiti. Generally, these crimes are committed by Haitians against other Haitians, although several foreigners and U.S. citizens have been victimized. The incidence of kidnapping in Haiti has diminished from its peak in 2006 when 60 U.S, citizens were reported kidnapped. In 2008, there were 27 reported kidnappings of U.S. citizens, and as of September 2009, one U.S. citizen had been reported kidnapped. Many U.S. citizens who were kidnapped reported being beaten and/or raped by their hostage takers. Kidnapping remains the most critical security concern. Kidnappers have frequently targeted children.
U.S. citizens who travel to Haiti should exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country. Travelers should keep valuables well hidden, ensure possessions are not left in parked vehicles, use private transportation, alternate their travel routes, and keep doors and windows in homes and vehicles closed and locked. U.S. citizens should avoid all night-time travel due to poor road conditions and increased criminal activity after dark. They should be alert for suspicious onlookers when entering and exiting banks, as criminals often watch and subsequently attack bank customers. Withdrawals of large amounts of cash should be avoided.
Criminal perpetrators often operate in groups of two to four individuals, and may occasionally be confrontational and gratuitously violent. Criminals sometimes will seriously injure or kill those who resist their attempts to commit crime. In robberies or home invasions, it is not uncommon for the assailants to beat or shoot the victim in order to limit the victim's ability to resist. If an armed individual demands the surrender of a vehicle or other valuables, the U.S. Embassy recommends compliance without resistance. This recommendation also applies in the event of a kidnapping. Visitors to Haiti should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures frequently.
U.S. citizens in Haiti must be particularly alert when arriving from overseas at the Port-au-Prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies. The use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private transportation used for commercial purposes) should be avoided. Visitors to Haiti should arrange for someone known to them to meet them at the airport.
Taken from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1134.html
My opinion is pretty clear, Heavenly Father is taking care of his people. If some children have to die... what a blessing for them rather than to grow up in Haiti. And I'm thinking those people need a little more than food and water.
There are no "safe” areas in Haiti. There is a persistent danger of violent crime, which can be subject to periodic surges sometimes not obviously explained by other events or conditions. Haiti is among the four most important countries for drug transit to the United States. Law and order in Haiti has steadily deteriorated as a result. Kidnapping, death threats, murders, drug-related shootouts, armed robberies, home break-ins and car-jacking are common in Haiti. Generally, these crimes are committed by Haitians against other Haitians, although several foreigners and U.S. citizens have been victimized. The incidence of kidnapping in Haiti has diminished from its peak in 2006 when 60 U.S, citizens were reported kidnapped. In 2008, there were 27 reported kidnappings of U.S. citizens, and as of September 2009, one U.S. citizen had been reported kidnapped. Many U.S. citizens who were kidnapped reported being beaten and/or raped by their hostage takers. Kidnapping remains the most critical security concern. Kidnappers have frequently targeted children.
U.S. citizens who travel to Haiti should exercise a high degree of caution throughout the country. Travelers should keep valuables well hidden, ensure possessions are not left in parked vehicles, use private transportation, alternate their travel routes, and keep doors and windows in homes and vehicles closed and locked. U.S. citizens should avoid all night-time travel due to poor road conditions and increased criminal activity after dark. They should be alert for suspicious onlookers when entering and exiting banks, as criminals often watch and subsequently attack bank customers. Withdrawals of large amounts of cash should be avoided.
Criminal perpetrators often operate in groups of two to four individuals, and may occasionally be confrontational and gratuitously violent. Criminals sometimes will seriously injure or kill those who resist their attempts to commit crime. In robberies or home invasions, it is not uncommon for the assailants to beat or shoot the victim in order to limit the victim's ability to resist. If an armed individual demands the surrender of a vehicle or other valuables, the U.S. Embassy recommends compliance without resistance. This recommendation also applies in the event of a kidnapping. Visitors to Haiti should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security procedures frequently.
U.S. citizens in Haiti must be particularly alert when arriving from overseas at the Port-au-Prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies. The use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private transportation used for commercial purposes) should be avoided. Visitors to Haiti should arrange for someone known to them to meet them at the airport.
Taken from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1134.html
My opinion is pretty clear, Heavenly Father is taking care of his people. If some children have to die... what a blessing for them rather than to grow up in Haiti. And I'm thinking those people need a little more than food and water.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
The start of a new decade
We've been home for a week now, I think we're settled in. It sure was amazing to have a two week holiday. I've noticed it has taken some people all week to get back to normal routine, one of the ladies at work has been calling people by the wrong name. She called Miss Neufeld, Seinfeld, and Mrs Lewry, Flurry, it made me laugh and want ice cream at the same time. Luckily, I didn't have a hard time getting back into the swing of things, Monday came without much notice.
Kali is happy to be back at school and I'm glad she's there, although, I did miss her. She's learning about space this month, the stuff she is learning now is so up to date, my knowledge is foggy and from 20some years ago. She told me this week that she knows more about everything than I do, so I had to prove her wrong... 5+5? 10+10? She sat quietly in the back seat, HA, I do know a little more than you. Funny thing, I thought I knew more than my Mom, and I still think I do.
Spence is working hard on some Energy Audits and a couple re-designs, he actually had to stay late Wednesday night. A friend called for him while he was at work, his friend told me that I should have a hot dinner ready for him when he got home. I said "if he's not here when we eat, too bad", I was chastised to show a little compassion, and that was my plan.... until I fell asleep putting Kali to bed. Spence is a good man, he re-heated his dinner and washed all the dishes.
My highlight of my week was Volleyball night, Tuesday. Our stake does women's volleyball from 8:30-10:30pm. It was REALLY fun, it took me a few minutes to get my game on and my serve. Luckily no one is too competitive, we have all ranges of talent (and patience).
I dragged Spence and Kali to the Arena last night to watch some Ringette, we watched 7 year old, and 12 year old girls. I loved it!!! I had to tell Spence the rules as it went, and Kali was making friends, running around not even watching the game. I really wish she was more interested in sports, that's almost reason enough to want more children.
Well I'm looking forward to using the new manual tomorrow at church, and for our new 11am time slot.
Kali is happy to be back at school and I'm glad she's there, although, I did miss her. She's learning about space this month, the stuff she is learning now is so up to date, my knowledge is foggy and from 20some years ago. She told me this week that she knows more about everything than I do, so I had to prove her wrong... 5+5? 10+10? She sat quietly in the back seat, HA, I do know a little more than you. Funny thing, I thought I knew more than my Mom, and I still think I do.
Spence is working hard on some Energy Audits and a couple re-designs, he actually had to stay late Wednesday night. A friend called for him while he was at work, his friend told me that I should have a hot dinner ready for him when he got home. I said "if he's not here when we eat, too bad", I was chastised to show a little compassion, and that was my plan.... until I fell asleep putting Kali to bed. Spence is a good man, he re-heated his dinner and washed all the dishes.
My highlight of my week was Volleyball night, Tuesday. Our stake does women's volleyball from 8:30-10:30pm. It was REALLY fun, it took me a few minutes to get my game on and my serve. Luckily no one is too competitive, we have all ranges of talent (and patience).
I dragged Spence and Kali to the Arena last night to watch some Ringette, we watched 7 year old, and 12 year old girls. I loved it!!! I had to tell Spence the rules as it went, and Kali was making friends, running around not even watching the game. I really wish she was more interested in sports, that's almost reason enough to want more children.
Well I'm looking forward to using the new manual tomorrow at church, and for our new 11am time slot.
Sunday, 3 January 2010
The Greatest Vacation EVER!
We got home from Nauvoo last night, it sure was nice to be out of the car and to sleep in my own bed. We went to visit Mom and Dad Torrie on their mission. I l
oved the one on one time we could have with them, we had a blast. Mom and I played some games, not near enough though, she hasn't played in a while and when I beat her it was just like old times. I loved seeing Mom and Dad as church history missionaries, Mom loves history, she knows so much. When we would meet other missionaries they would say one of two things about Mom, either that she is such a hard worker or runs around like a crazy lady ( I think they were jealous of all her energy and zest for life). What a great example she is to us and our Kali.
Dad is having lots of fun in Nauvoo too, he is a teamster who takes care of the horses, he gives site tours and just like Mom they perform in a great musical called "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" Dad and Mom are so talented. We went to their show 3 times while we were there and recorded most of it on our camera. I loved the songs and the stories.
I loved Christmas in Nauvoo, really I think it was the best time for us to go. I hate the crowds and the busyness of big family Christmases, and I loved having Mom and Dad all to ourselves. We saw all the sites, my favorties were: Carthage Jail, the Blacksmith shop, Lucy Mack Smith home, John Taylor home, Brigham Young home, the mansion house that belonged to Joseph Smith and the Family Living Center. All the sites were really great, although having so many things that Kali couldn't touch was almost too much for her (and us). There is a special spirit in Nauvoo, especially at the Temple and the LDS sites. We went on a community of Christ tour, I sure wished our church owned those sites too, it would have been amazing. My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith has increased and my appreciation for the Saints at that time increased too. I've been to many places and this is my favorite so far. Thanks to Mom and Dad for serving the visitors to Nauvoo and the Lord. Here are a couple of pictures of Mom and Dad, I love how you can see the name tags.
Elder Torrie after a long day.
Sister Torrie after a long day
oved the one on one time we could have with them, we had a blast. Mom and I played some games, not near enough though, she hasn't played in a while and when I beat her it was just like old times. I loved seeing Mom and Dad as church history missionaries, Mom loves history, she knows so much. When we would meet other missionaries they would say one of two things about Mom, either that she is such a hard worker or runs around like a crazy lady ( I think they were jealous of all her energy and zest for life). What a great example she is to us and our Kali.
Dad is having lots of fun in Nauvoo too, he is a teamster who takes care of the horses, he gives site tours and just like Mom they perform in a great musical called "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" Dad and Mom are so talented. We went to their show 3 times while we were there and recorded most of it on our camera. I loved the songs and the stories.
I loved Christmas in Nauvoo, really I think it was the best time for us to go. I hate the crowds and the busyness of big family Christmases, and I loved having Mom and Dad all to ourselves. We saw all the sites, my favorties were: Carthage Jail, the Blacksmith shop, Lucy Mack Smith home, John Taylor home, Brigham Young home, the mansion house that belonged to Joseph Smith and the Family Living Center. All the sites were really great, although having so many things that Kali couldn't touch was almost too much for her (and us). There is a special spirit in Nauvoo, especially at the Temple and the LDS sites. We went on a community of Christ tour, I sure wished our church owned those sites too, it would have been amazing. My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith has increased and my appreciation for the Saints at that time increased too. I've been to many places and this is my favorite so far. Thanks to Mom and Dad for serving the visitors to Nauvoo and the Lord. Here are a couple of pictures of Mom and Dad, I love how you can see the name tags.
Elder Torrie after a long day.
Sister Torrie after a long daySunday, 29 November 2009
I can't believe November is almost over, Christmas is really creeping up on us. In 3 weeks we should be in or close to Nauvoo, IL to visit Grandma and Grandpa Torrie. We have Christmas parties coming up, for both of our jobs, Christmas baking to do, Kali's Christmas concert and we have to make sure our car will be up for the 24 hour drive there and back..
Kali is going to be star of the week this week at school, we made her poster yesterday, she is pretty excited, I think she gets some extra privileges. Spence just got back from his winter camp with the Scouts, I'm really glad that he can do that with them. I would rather be dead than go on a winter camp, I have a hard enough time sleeping outside in the summer.
Things I've done this week:
- I just changed jobs this week, from a Montessori School to a regular preschool. I work for the Catholic school board and I requested that they relocate me, luckily I'm at the best preschool now. It makes a huge difference to be at a place with nice, happy people.
- I also got ambitious and carpeted the stairs going to the basement, they look great. They were kinda dangerous before and ugly with glue from whatever had been on them before.
- I had fun helping out a friend by watching her boys last week, I took them to their swimming lessons and couldn't get them out of the pool without getting wet. I'm taking them tomorrow, but I think I might have a better plan, swim with them before the lessons.
- I gave a talk in church today about the goals our ward is working on. We do specific goals each week, it was fun since the talk was only 5 minutes long. I hope my name is scratched off the list for another couple of years.
- Last Saturday, we went to the Temple with our ward, Spence did all my father's work. What a blessing it was and an amazing experience, I love the Temple, it was amazing to be there with our ward. I really love our ward.
Well, Christmas is that time of year of extra stress. I hope I can slow down and share some special moments with my family.
Kali is going to be star of the week this week at school, we made her poster yesterday, she is pretty excited, I think she gets some extra privileges. Spence just got back from his winter camp with the Scouts, I'm really glad that he can do that with them. I would rather be dead than go on a winter camp, I have a hard enough time sleeping outside in the summer.
Things I've done this week:
- I just changed jobs this week, from a Montessori School to a regular preschool. I work for the Catholic school board and I requested that they relocate me, luckily I'm at the best preschool now. It makes a huge difference to be at a place with nice, happy people.
- I also got ambitious and carpeted the stairs going to the basement, they look great. They were kinda dangerous before and ugly with glue from whatever had been on them before.
- I had fun helping out a friend by watching her boys last week, I took them to their swimming lessons and couldn't get them out of the pool without getting wet. I'm taking them tomorrow, but I think I might have a better plan, swim with them before the lessons.
- I gave a talk in church today about the goals our ward is working on. We do specific goals each week, it was fun since the talk was only 5 minutes long. I hope my name is scratched off the list for another couple of years.
- Last Saturday, we went to the Temple with our ward, Spence did all my father's work. What a blessing it was and an amazing experience, I love the Temple, it was amazing to be there with our ward. I really love our ward.
Well, Christmas is that time of year of extra stress. I hope I can slow down and share some special moments with my family.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
I have a family here on earth...
Kali had one of her debuts today singing in sacrament meeting. She sang "Families can be Together Forever", Spencer and I were her back up singers. We had a few practices and Kali would not hold notes long enough and she'd come in too early, finally with the patience of our wonderful Relief Society president and pianist, she got it. She was so unfocused during practices that I told that I would spank her in front of everyone if she did not behave properly. Then I told her that I would reward her with anything she wanted if she did well, I'm not sure which worked.
We were announced to sing after the high council speaker, just before he finished Kali "desperately" needed a tissue for her nose. Spencer went to retrieve her as the speaker sat down, I sat hoping they would come NOW, I was not prepared for a solo. After what felt like 5 minutes we went up to sing. Our ward had like double the people it seemed. We sang the song together until the second verse where Kali had a solo, "While I am in my early years, I'll prepare most carefully; So I can marry in God's Temple for Eternity," . Spence and I almost couldn't sing, the spirit really touched us, I would have been bawling if I'd been sitting in the congregation. One of our friends told us how proud he was of Kali even though she was not his child. We received many nice compliments, but really it was Kali who did a wonderful job, she is our star.
We were announced to sing after the high council speaker, just before he finished Kali "desperately" needed a tissue for her nose. Spencer went to retrieve her as the speaker sat down, I sat hoping they would come NOW, I was not prepared for a solo. After what felt like 5 minutes we went up to sing. Our ward had like double the people it seemed. We sang the song together until the second verse where Kali had a solo, "While I am in my early years, I'll prepare most carefully; So I can marry in God's Temple for Eternity," . Spence and I almost couldn't sing, the spirit really touched us, I would have been bawling if I'd been sitting in the congregation. One of our friends told us how proud he was of Kali even though she was not his child. We received many nice compliments, but really it was Kali who did a wonderful job, she is our star.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Primary Presentation... check
Kali had her primary presentation today, on the way to church we talked about last year and having Grandma and Grandpa Torrie there. She really misses them. The presentation is probably my favorite sacrament meeting of the year. Kali's teacher said she was so well behaved and encouraged the other kids to be reverent too, I'm glad she's a good girl. She loves to sing, I could hear her the loudest at the end of the verses, I think she likes to have a strong finish. Everyone had a part, Kali's was "Reverence and keeping the Sabbath day holy strengthens my family", we had to remind her of that today a couple of times. The Bishop read the part in 3 Nephi where Jesus took the children one by one and blessed them and where the angels surrounded them, I really felt that today. Those children who can't sit still, put their hands in their noses and mouths, sing too loud or not at all, still have bed head or the most beautiful dresses but lovingly wave at their parents are just the ones that our Savior loves so dearly. If only we could be as innocent as a child. Church was totally focused on families today, it made me feel the spirit, it was a good day.
Next week we've been asked to sing "Families can be Together Forever" as a family. We have to sing it in C so that I can do it. We practiced tonight... it may be a gong show, we'll see, I better pray real hard.
Our Super Saturday was yesterday, I taught a class making block nativities and using vinyl to decorate them, I think I will give one to Kali's teacher. I made a watch with beads and a frame with a glass insert that says "Family", Kali has already put that in her room. She begged to come to Super Saturday, she loves crafts, I had to tell her that it was a day for Mommies to get away from their kids, she didn't like that, but had fun with her Daddy anyway.
Next week we've been asked to sing "Families can be Together Forever" as a family. We have to sing it in C so that I can do it. We practiced tonight... it may be a gong show, we'll see, I better pray real hard.
Our Super Saturday was yesterday, I taught a class making block nativities and using vinyl to decorate them, I think I will give one to Kali's teacher. I made a watch with beads and a frame with a glass insert that says "Family", Kali has already put that in her room. She begged to come to Super Saturday, she loves crafts, I had to tell her that it was a day for Mommies to get away from their kids, she didn't like that, but had fun with her Daddy anyway.
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