NEW PRIVATE BLOG!!!

I went back and forth with the private blog thing for a long time...

I would rather have a public blog, but some things have happened weirded me out...

If you want to keep up with our family, you can follow my new blog @ 

www.kemraandcompany.blogspot.com  

If you left your email & didn't get an invite...please don't be offended. It was an honest mistake! 

If you want an invitation, Leave me a comment (WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!!) & I'll invite you too! The more the merrier...right?! Don't worry - since I moderate my comments, I won't publish the comments with your email address in them. 

Oh - and I'm going to do better at this whole blogging thing...I hope!

RIGHT NOW...

                       ...I could really use some of this,

and this, 

...but mostly, I JUST WANT THIS!!!

I'm also going private,

so if you want an invite, leave your email address as a comment and I will invite you! Even if I don't know you, but you are not a crazy stalker person, feel free to leave your email address!

FYI - I moderate my comments, & I won't be publishing your email addresses. I will just copy them & then delete them, and I will be the only one who sees it!  I know some people (myself included!) are a little leary of leaving emails on the web!

Have a great weekend!

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE....

Polls are open from 6:00am to 7:00pm

 

I CAN SEE....almost!

I am SO EXCITED!!!! Tomorrow I will be doing.... this!

Yes - that's right - I'm getting LASIK!!!!! I can't even tell you how overjoyed I am!

I think I will have a glasses destroying party when I get home!!! Anyone want to join me?

Unconditional Love

Instead of declaring me to be mentally unstable, institutionalizing me, or demanding that I begin a rigorous dose of psychotropic medications, my husband came home with these...





...and a gift certificate for a much needed pedicure! Love must be blind!

OVERLY OBSESSED!!!

Price of Avocado Egg Rolls from The Cheesecake Factory: $10.00

Price of gas to get the Avocado Egg Rolls: $47,000

Time spent in the Gym BURNING off the Avocado Egg rolls: 3 hours 45 minutes

EATING the Avocado Egg Rolls: worth EVERY penny & calorie (DANG IT!!!)


Dear Cheesecake Factory:

I am begging you PLEASE - will you start frying your Avocado Egg Rolls in ipecac (or some other vomit inducing solution - I'm not picky!). Then MAYBE, I will have at least a fighting chance at resisting those delicious pieces of heaven.

Sincerely,

Your calorically challenged, (& broke) customer

Emma would be so proud!

You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Dean may disagree with some of these alleged attributes!!!

Happy Valentines Day????

So - this season of AMERICAN IDOL was amazing! THere were only a few people in the top 12 who I didn't like! This is one of the FEW shows that Dean and I BOTH like to watch!

Dean almost had a heart attack during the finale tonight - here's a recap of what happened.

Seacrest commented on Randy Jackson's red suit, by asking him if he was celebrating:



I'm sure that to 99.9% of those watching thought that this comment was nothing more than a corny joke - and had forgotten it within 2 seconds (I would have been among that group if the following had not immediately followed!)

My dear husband, who is completely oblivious to all holidays (another post for another time!), started sweating bullets - and with just a small amount of panic says, "Is today Valentine's Day?"

I stifled my laughter and just said, "Are you kidding me? Do you know what month it is? Do you know what MONTH V-day is?"

As these words were coming out of my mouth I realized that this would have been the perfect opportunity to make him THINK that he had forgotten it, hit him with a truck load of guilt, shed exactly two tears (because anymore than that would be overreacting and he MAY start to get annoyed too :-) , and get some new fabulous shoes to make up for it! Good thing for him that it was late (thanks to DVR) and my mind was a bit groggy!

So, to all you calendar illiterate people out there (I know he can't be the only one!) I hope you have a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

I'm Back....or I will be soon!

Hey guys - we really are alive over here - this past month has been absolutely nuts! When I look in the mirror, I see this lady - it's not a pretty picture!

I promise to post something soon - hopefully this weekend. I am looking forward to the madness being over, and apologize for neglecting this and all other blogs. I hope to get back in the action soon!

We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet!

My heart is filled with so much gratitude tonight! What a wonderful conference we had - words cannot describe the feelings that I have experienced the last couple of days. I never had any doubts that President Hinckley was a prophet of God, and the man chosen to lead the church. When I learned that he returned home to our Father, I prayed earnestly that I would have the same confirmation and conviction for the next prophet. Today, as I participated in the Solemn Assembly, the Spirit bore witness to me so powerfully that Thomas S. Monson is the true and living prophet, and that he is the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost, and the truth that he bears record of. I was amazed as I listened to President Monson speak - I have always loved his talks, and enjoyed his teachings - but this time there was something different about him - almost visible! It was almost like you could SEE that the Mantle had passed on to him - he truly is a Prophet of God!

I am so thankful to belong to a church with living prophets and apostles, and for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, who will bear record of truth and light. What a blessing and comfort the gospel is to me.

It's Here!

Since I was about 13 or 14, I have been in love with Pride & Prejudice - (I am talking serious love too, not just infatuation or a fleeting crush!) However, I was unwilling to shell out all the money that was required to purchase the 6 VHS tapes! I bought the Kiera Knightly version of it a couple years ago, and while I do thoroughly enjoy it, this version is not true to the book and leaves out many (in my humble opinion) crucial details & characterizations. In other words, when I was in need of a good Jane Austen fix - it did not do the trick!

I love modern technology! I was on half.com the other day, and saw the TRUE version of P & P for $19.00 - on DVD, plus a book on the making of the movie! I almost started to cry! I instantly called Heather - and we both invested in this fabulous WORK OF ART (for those of you who don't agree that this is a work of art - you NEED to watch it! Mr. Darcy by himself is worthy of the title!)

Now all that I have to do is find 5+ hours to sit and watch - I'll let you know when that happens. I don't see it happening in the near future - but at least I have it waiting for me! I am SO EXCITED! Anyone up for a GIRLS NIGHT IN?

Let the pain begin!

I feel like I have changed A LOT in the last couple of years. I have grown and matured in many ways, and still have so much growing and maturing ahead of me! There is one area of my life that I have made drastic changes, and I'm so glad that I made the change! I'll take you on that journey!


In high school, I was the girl with about 5 pairs of shoes (Crazy huh! Who knew they were out there!). I had a couple pairs of dress shoes, a pair of tennis shoes, and of course...the flip flops! I was obsessed with flip flops, and what's not to be obsessed about? They were comfy, cheap, and I didn't have to worry about breaking my neck! I didn't really care about shoes! If they were uncomfortable, I wouldn't buy. If I bought a pair of shoes that gave me blisters - I NEVER wore them again. So, you may have guessed by now that high heels were considered as nothing more than a WEAPON used to inflict pain, and I was NOT going to suffer for style!

Sadly (for my feet & bank account) that part of me died about 2 years ago. I'm not really sure why or how, but I still remember the moment. I was in the mall with my daughter, and I saw them. A gorgeous pair of pointy black shoes - about 4 inches tall! I was admiring them, thinking about how sexy they were, but how I could NEVER pull of something like that. I sighed, looked down at my flip flops, and started to return the shoes to the display table. It was then that my body was taken over by the shoe spirits, and I heard myself asking the sales woman to bring me a size 7. I couldn't believe what I was doing!


She brought me the shoes, and from the moment I placed my foot inside, I was a changed woman. As I was walking around in them, I felt strangely powerful! I felt like I could take on the world - nothing could stand in my way! Of course I purchased the shoes, and that was the beginning of my obsession!

Why didn't I discover this sooner! It is amazing what 3-4 inches can do for the legs, especially for girls like me, who have abnormally short legs! It is totally worth any discomfort, blisters, and even blood that may be required for the added style. Not to mention that while wearing a nice pair of heels, I have found it much easier to persuade my husband to do things he doesn't want to! NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE PERSUASIVE POWER OF A WOMAN IN A SEXY PAIR OF HEELS! Consider this lesson learned! I was not totally incorrect in my notions, I still consider them weapons, but now they are my WEAPON OF CHOICE!

I am happy to report that my shoe "wardrobe" has significantly improved over the last couple of years. Here is my latest aquisition, these gorgeous peep toe pumps! Aren't they fabulous?

I wasn't even going to buy them, but of course I just had to try them on! Let me tell you, they CHANGED MY LIFE! Never have I worn a more comfortable pair of high heels! I have never associated heels with comfort...until now! They are 4 inches tall, and they FEEL like they are about 2 - it is amazing! (I really wanted them in red, but that's the problem with shopping at TJ Maxx - cheaper shoes, less of a selection!) I think I am in love!

The Breakfast Club!

So, this post is almost a month late - but better late than never right? OK, so last month, we (Liz, Tricia, Sarah, Julie, and I) went out to breakfast for Julie's Birthday! The food was amazing, and it was so fun to talk and catch up! It was a much needed (and cheap) therapy session (at least for me)! I love these girls! Thanks for the fun time! We really need to do it more often! Thanks for the pictures Tricia (I just copied them off of your blog -hope you don't mind!) We missed you Tasha, Suz & Janna - it just wasn't the same without you there!

So, since ti was Julie's Birthday - its high time that she gets her birthday shout out! I know I'm the worst friend ever - I am always late - and this is no exception! Anyway - Happy late Birthday Jules!

Here are my favorite things about Jules - and some random pictures that I also stole from Tricia's blog (my scanner is not working -so I had to steal them! Sorry again!):






Julie is so much fun! She always livens up a party and makes me laugh. She has a fabulous smile, and is always so much fun to be around!

Julie is really compassionate - she would do anything for you! It's always nice to know that "she's got your back!"




She has these amazing legs that are 18 miles long (I'm not exaggerating either!). I think I've been jealous of them since we met!

She is so pretty too - have you seen her eyes? They are amazing!




Julie has a great eye for style. She always looks so cute, and puts together these great outfits.

SHe is an amazing hair stylist. She has a real talent for it! I remember in high school (before she had any formal training) she was cutting & coloring my hair - and she did a great job! Three words: Frost and Glow! I still can't believe that Tricia and I came out of that with hair that wasn't scary! You have to have mad skills to make "frost & glow" actually look good!

Thanks for the great cut - I love it!


We have had some great times over the years! Thanks for being a great friend! I love ya! Hope you had the best birthday ever!

Thanks Heather!

So Heather came by the other day with her new toy - this amazing camera! That, coupled with her mad photography skills (not to be confused with her computer hacking skills or her nun-chuck skills) equals these darling pictures! I was so happy with how they turned out! Thanks a lot Heather!

Here are a few of my favorites! Enjoy!












Look at her other pictures here

Gordon B. Hinckley: Beloved Prophet & Leader

I am sure that most of you already know that President Hinckley passed away last night. He has been the leader for the last 12 years, and will be truly missed. I know that he is in a better place, and I am so happy that he has been reunited with his dear wife. He lived a rich and fulfilling life of service, and I know that he his happy!

That being said, I will truly miss listening to him speak. Whenever I would listen to him, (or even read his messages) I could feel his love for us and for the Lord. He was so gentle and encouraging, and had a fantastic sense of humor. I think that my favorite thing about President Hinckley was his encouragement to "Be a little better." He knew that we were not going to be able to overcome our faults and weaknesses overnight, but that it is a LONG process! His simple words "Be a little better" touched me, and made me want to better myself!

I am so thankful to have been able to be taught by this Prophet of God. I have no doubts that he was truly the Lord's prophet in these latter days. I am so thankful for his selfless service.

All I Want for Christmas!

So, it is always hard to know what gifts to give for Christmas - so I thought that this year I would make it easier by publishing my wish list for the whole blogging community to see. Too bad my husband never checks it - maybe I should email it to him directly! I am probably like most other women, and my "wish list" is never ending. I have to admit though - that this is at the top of it! Enjoy!


How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:


You need four maxi pads to make a pair.

Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.

The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.

Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.


Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most

aesthetically appealing), holiday themes, etc.


These slippers are:

* Soft and Hygienic

* Non-slip grip strips on the soles

* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh

* No more bending over to mop up spills

* Disposable and biodegradable

* Environmentally safe

* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.


I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the

nifty slippers for yourself!


I also have to announce my good news.....drumroll please.....Cohen has slept through the night (from about 10:30 pm to 5:30 am) for 3 consecutive nights, and has even taken a couple of naps! I am a changed woman and life is beautiful! Amazing what a little sleep can do! Now, if I can just get those fabulous slippers I will be good to go!

Devils Rule, Kitty's Drool

The rain STOPPED, the cats were BEATEN, my voice is GONE! LIFE is BEAUTIFUL!

Duel in the Desert!

It is almost here - the biggest football day of the year (at least in my mind!)! I have been so excited for the U of A game - mainly because I want to kick the cats all the way back to Tucson with their tails between their legs! If you can't tell, my disgust with the Wildcats runs deep! I can't take all the blame for that either - anybody raised in my parents house was trained to hate 2 things: Toros and Wildcats! (Yes, I did rebel a little by marrying a Toro!)

Anyway, I have been looking forward to this game all season! I hate to admit this, but I have even been trying to think of little sayings to write on Cohen's helmet, like: "No pity for the kitty!" or "We like to kick cats!" (I know they are stupid - just humor me!) However, there may be a problem. THe forecast for tomorrow shows a lot of rain. Normally, this is great news for me, and would not deter me from an ASU football game. Give me a poncho and I will be just fine. But, I am most likely going to have to take Cohen to the game. I know I'm pretty hard core about the Sun Devils, but I can't bring myself to take my baby out in the cold rain, so that I can watch a football game. I hope he appreciates the sacrifice! I even looked for a baby poncho - couldn't find one!

So, I will be praying that the rain lets up for the game - or else I will be watching it from my family room - not nearly as fun! Oh - and if we lose this game, don't be surprised if I spiral down into a deep depression. Losing to Oregon and USC was tough enough for me - I don't think I could take losing to the Wildcats! Rudy - rally your boys and lets kick the cats!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving Day! This is my favorite holiday, and I am so excited! In addition to delicious food, we will be celebrating by going to the ASU/USC football game! It should be a great one - this one is HUGE for the Sun Devils, so hopefully we can pull off a big Win!