Speaking Out Loud

Venting

2009-06-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Things I am sick of....

I am sick of doing favors for people who act like they don't want to return the favor!

I am sick of calling people that don't know how to return a phone call!

Basically, I am so sick of people....Period.

P.S. If you read this blog and wonder if I'm talking about you, don't ask, just re-evaluate yourself!

In honor of Denae

2009-03-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

So my friend Denae, just headed up to Alaska to see one of her friends. Did she fly? No way! She drove from southern Utah to Fairbanks. She is either brave and adventurous or just plain crazy! She's gonna let me have it for that crazy bit. LOL.

In her honor, I've decided to post a fun tidbit about my Alaskan experience. I lived in Fairbanks for a very short time. Anyways, my favorite thing about Alaska was that you could leave your drink (you know...MCDs cup or what not) in the car and come back later and it still be perfect! Not watered down and definitely not leaking.

Sooooo Cooool!

It's My Birthday!

2009-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

So, today is my birthday. I have been under the weather the last few days but nonetheless I feel so loved and blessed to have such an awesome family and awesome friends. I have received tons of birthday cards, a cake, birthday phone calls, birthday presents, and surprise performances. This morning, my girls sang the "Happy Birthday" song to me. They are so cute! All I could think about was how blessed I am to have them in my life. They also put on a pop star performance for me because they ROCK! My day is not through yet, so I am sure more surprises await.

More to follow....

I'm back! My day continued on with St. Patrick's Day crafts, a dinner with Lady M and My Favorite Season at my fav restaurant here (TX Roadhouse), ice cream with friends, more presents, more phone calls, text messages, and a chorus (2-4 ple) singing the "Happy Birthday" song through the phone. What a great day! Look out 30 here I come...well, next year anyways!

I miss my love

2009-03-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, I saw this older couple interacting with each other at dinner. It was priceless. I always picture my love and me growing old and being...you know, old people cute! Long story short...I miss my love.

Very Late!

2009-02-20T20:21:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

So our Valentine's day celebration kicked off on Thursday. The girls and I received cards and flowers early morning from the little baby that I used to babysit.

Then, later in the day, my love sent me these beautiful flowers.

On Friday, My favorite season and I had lunch with Lady "M" at her school!

Saturday, I went to a social gathering with some lady friends where we had the opportunity to learn some self-defense moves. I kicked butt! I also received some valentines from the YW in my ward...Thank you.

So actually, V Day may have started before Thursday b/c my girls did make me some valentines this week and last.

As for the girls, they received valentines at school, at playgroup, and from mom and dad.

On Sunday, we brought passion pops that the girls and I made for their classes at church. They were so good!

Can't you just feel all of the love?

WE CAN!

Scripture Moment

2009-02-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

I was preparing my YW's lesson about "Finding Joy Now" and this scripture really jumped out at me. Recently, in my head, I've been going over my past life: things that have brought me happiness and sadness. So many things have brought me both and I know people go around saying that they have no regrets, but heck yeah I have some...I wish I had been as smart as I knew I was back then. But...and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)...ok that's not the scripture I was talking about, but it is a favorite of mine.

Here's the one that jumped out at me:

Alma 41:10

Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

I guess all that sadness has helped me to really appreciate all of my happiness.

We each have the power to bring happiness into our own lives. Embrace it!

I hope 1 of these 2 scriptures can help add some joy into your life!

Summer turns 3

2009-01-20T20:34:00.000-08:00

In honor of Summer's 3rd birthday (has it really been that long?), I'm going to post 3 things that I love about her. I love everything about her, so narrowing it down to a few is going to be a little difficult. Here goes:

1. Her super cuteness

2. Her sweet hugs and kisses

3. That she's really cautious around strangers (that's right, no one's gonna just snatch up my baby!)

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl! I love you!

**Top 3 idea, totally stolen for my friend, Ashley. TY**

We celebrated Sumi's birthday a day early this year (actually, last year, too). She wanted a little bit of everything at her party, so we had Hannah Montana, Dora, and Princess deco. Watch the slideshow below. Enjoy.

Fun Facts

1. Summer had 4 candles on her cake (3 and 1 for good luck)
2. She blew them all out in one shot...WoW, I was shocked!
3. Games played: Musical Chairs, Pin the Candle on the Cupcake, and Pass the Mic (a variation of Hot Potato).

Baby makes 3

2009-01-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone should have a routanbaby, right? I stumbled across this website that let's you upload a pic of mom & dad and then lets you know what your offspring would look like. It took me a few times to come out with a cute baby but here he is with birth announcement and all:

Ben and Sandra are proud to announce the arrival of their little boy named 3000.

Here's the site so you can make your own little bundle of joy:

http://www.vw.com/vwhype/babymaker/en/us/

! Caution: It took me a few tries before I was willing to claim one of these little babies as my own. Don't despair, try, try again...isn't that the fun part :)

Luckily, I didn't encounter this problem in real life :P

2009 New Year Resolutions

2009-01-16T23:53:00.000-08:00

So almost every year I make resolutions and somehow I manage to break them or forget them, or both. Last year, one of my resolutions (I can only remember 1, case in point) was to only talk on the phone 1 hour a day, it went well in the beginning but eventually it went kaput like all of the rest. I'm glad I didn't have my blog at the beginning of last year because I bet everyone would have said that they saw that one coming. Although, I have improved tremendously. I don't talk on the phone nearly as much as I used to.

This year I have 4 resolutions, that's right, I said 4 resolutions. Here they are:

1. Spend more quality time with my children
2. Work "hard" on my degree
3. Save Money
4. Work on my personal progress

So far I have a good start at the first 3. I think the personal progress one might be the one that falls off this year...though I'm not eligible to actually receive recognition for it until I've served for 1 yr. in my current calling, which won't be until June.

Needless to say, please root for me and if you notice me slacking, I give you permission to give me a little nudge. I will leave you with this quote:

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I'mmmmm backkkkkkk!

2009-01-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

2 Days Driving to FL
2 1/2 hrs flying to NY
4 Days in NYC
50 dollars in tolls :(
2 hour flight delay
2 1/2 hr flight to FL
4 days at Disney
6 days in Tampa/St.Pete
9 hours driving to NC
1 1/2 days in NC
17 hrs Driving Home
19 days away from home
14 days back

Over 500 pics downloaded and that's only because I ran out of room on my memory card.

Despite all the counting, we've had a wonderful vacation visiting family and friends.

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-07T02:40:00.000-08:00

Scribble It GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wow! Very Unique!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-07T02:38:00.000-08:00

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Oh, how pretty!

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2008-12-07T02:35:00.000-08:00

Recital Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

So adorable!!

Week or so in Review - Nov. 3 - Nov. 14

2008-11-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been over a week since I last posted. Here's a snapshot of what has happened since my last post...I'm actually going to backtrack a little further.

Monday

My baby girl is "Star of the Week" at school. That's right, I know what you are thinking, she is so awesome!

Tuesday

Emerald went on a school field trip to a farm. That evening, we did some pumpkin carving.

Thursday

I went to enrichment night and made some cute little crafts for the upcoming holiday season.

Saturday

Ben & I went to the San Antonio Temple to do baptisms. It was the 1st time either of us had ever been inside of a temple. It was a beautiful and rewarding experience.

Sunday

The family and I went to church. I taught a lesson on how change is inevitable and how to work through it positively.

Monday

BTW, did I mention that it is a four day weekend! Yippee! We had the dad all to ourselves! Sumi and I went to the library and saw her halloween picture displayed on the bulletin board. She looked so cute.

Tuesday

Our family and Emerald's friend went to Wazoo's (an indoor inflatable playground). They had so much fun....3 hours, that is. I forgot the camera...why is it that I never think to bring it. I have to get one just to keep in the car. Later, that evening, I made some desserts for tomorrows YW in Excellence at church. Also, to my dismay, Samson (one of our dogs) must have gotten into something because he came in all swollen...I totally freaked out and called people at like midnight for advice...Sorry! He's ok now.

Wednesday

YW in Excellence food display. Red, White, & Blue.

So, it wasn't displayed for long. Once it was time to eat, it went very quickly. And boy, was it good! I received tons of compliments :P

Thursday

One of Sumi's friends came over to play. We also went out to eat for dinner. Ben and I reminisced about all of the funny, cute things that our kids have done that we will never, ever forget. Afterwards, the girls tried to win stuffed animals out of one of those crane machines but didn't have any luck. I guess they'll just have to wait until they get to FL, so that Uncle Tim can show them his technique.

Friday

Ouch...my tummy hurts...I definitely ate too much last night. I am definitely paying for it today.

Things that I have learned

2008-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a great day. I did something I had never done before. I voted...I know, don't all gasp at once. I always seemed to be registered somewhere else and never kept up with where. This time was different. I registered in the right place and went out there and made a difference.

I have learned the value of taking a stand.

Yesterday, I realized who cares what your kid wears to the store. Summer dressed herself and I was like, wow, that doesn't even match. But you know, she didn't care. She liked what she had on. I wished she had a button that said "I dressed myself." Later, I took her with me to the store and totally forgot myself. I didn't even think to change her before we left. No one stopped and stared because she didn't match. No one pointed fingers. And if anyone did, I wasn't even paying attention and I didn't care. All people did was smile and talk to her.

I have learned that being perfect isn't everything, but being happy is.

Last night, we had a friend over for dinner. He was desperately missing his family and we were able to open up our home to him for the evening. Summer did something that she has never done before. She sat near him. He mentioned this to me; it was something I had never noticed before. You could just tell he missed his family and this small act helped.

I have learned that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

Last night, Barack Obama was named President-elect. This morning, I woke up with a sense of accomplishment. I helped make that possible. I woke up thinking of all the boundaries that had been crossed by him winning. I realized that our nation had progressed so much, that color did not keep this great man behind. This will yet again be a great day that will be written about in our history books.

I have learned that nothing is impossible.

This morning, I told my daughter of this great feat. I told her that this will pave the way for future successes. I also threw in that she would have to keep getting good grades and make good choices. And that maybe one day, she could be the 1st woman president, if that is what she wanted to do. Her face lit up.

I have learned that encouragement can lead to greatness.

a little mayhem and a little nostalgia at the precinct

2008-11-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

So Emerald and I went to vote this morning. A wise woman told me to arrive early, but of course I didn't. The parking lot was absolutely crazy. Cars were parked every which way, including mine which I ended having to move because I blocked someone in. Inside, the lines were set up like this A-K and L-Z; only there were no signs until you made it to the table so the person in front of you was responsible for letting you know...what? Who hired them for this job? No cellphones passed the inside doors...again, no signs.

What a great experience for Emerald! I hope. When I was little I was able to go into the booth with my grandparents and watch them vote (ok, so they let me press it once...don't tell anyone). No such luck this time around. You got either paper or the computer terminal (which was only semi-private). So I chose the computer terminal and it wasn't too complicated. In the end, Emerald got a "I voted" sticker. Exciting for me, just ok to her; the sticker, I mean.

Finally, the chaos was over once the american flag on the screen waved at me. We rushed to school so Emerald didn't miss her bus for her school trip. Luckily, for me, I was able to keep in contact with her teacher to see when the bus was going to leave. Did you ever notice that when you are in a rush, you get delayed by all of these extra things? Like the police car that is parked in a school zone that you can only drive 20 mph in, like the school secretary that is on the phone when you are trying to check in...AAHH, How frustrating! We were late but actually right on time.

Early voting started 2 weeks ago and everyday I kept saying I'll go tomorrow and tomorrow came and went. I didn't go, not because I kept trying to put it off but because I kept forgetting. I actually tried to go yesterday and would you believe that early voting had ended on Friday. Next time, I will definitely take advantage of early voting. So to anyone out there that still needs to cast a ballot, remember this quote by Benjamin Franklin: "You may delay, but time will not."

7 Years Today

2008-11-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Today is our 7 year anniversary! Congrats to us! I just want to pat us on the back!

A day in the life of the Wendlands

2008-11-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

As I write this, I am so tired so, please excuse any errors in grammar and spelling...I doubt there will many but just in case. I've included some pics of our family outings for today...and I do want to emphasis...OUTINGS! We started off our day at Emerald's school carnival, moved on to the book fair, went to Chuck e Cheese (Emerald's friend's birthday party), came home and played outside, hung out inside for awhile, went to MCDs at Walmart, browsed through Walmart, and then finally returned home...Boy, are we tired! Enjoy the pics of our busy day. We had tons of fun!

Proud to be an American

2008-11-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

I just posted two more songs. One is very patriotic and the other just appropriate at this time...plus I heart Pink. Is there anyone else out there, besides me, that just can't help but burst out into tears when they hear God Bless the USA? What a beautiful, heart-wrenching song! I am so proud and fortunate to be an American. I am so lucky to be born into the land of freedom and opportunity and I will never forget those that made all of this possible for me and my family. God Bless them all! And God Bless all those that are trying to maintain these freedoms. They are truly "angels in disguise."

A Nation Divided

2008-11-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until this election is over. I've never been so fired up about one before. There are so many issues on the table. I can tell you that I don't totally agree with either candidate, but after doing my research, I have narrowed it down to one. I am going to pick the candidate that I feel will work best for our nation, not just for my individual needs or beliefs. This nation is far greater than just piddly little me. I take issue with people who vote blindly. You know those people who vote for another candidate just because of one issue and not looking at the whole picture, those who vote based on color alone, those who vote based on religion alone, and those who choose to not do the research and vote on someone just because someone else tells them to. I am so sick of the comments that are going around, they are very disheartening. Vote for who you want to, believe what you want to believe. I don't knock anyone for their beliefs, so don't knock me for mine. I am member of our church, a member of society, an american hopeful, and most of all an individual with my own mind that has the right to my own opinion. I am not taking aim at anyone in particular, I just feel that I need to express my opinion in somewhat of a tactful manner. I could easily just blurt out and attack others, but that would be too easy and not very thoughtful.

I can say this: I stand in a house divided. My husband and I will be voting for 2 different candidates this election and there is no contention in my home. This is all because he has stated on numerous occasions that I should do my own research and vote for whoever I think will best represent our nation. I love him, he's the best!

Hectic, is all she wrote!

2008-10-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

So I've finally decided to start a blog...crazy, crazy, crazy! But I figure, I'll be a lemming and jump off the cliff with the rest of my friends and give it a try. I can't promise greatness, I can't even promise pictures, but I can promise to make an attempt!

So first off, oh my goodness, this is going to take some time to get used to. I didn't even realize I had set up a blog back in July and never even posted a single thing. This is so different compared to myspace. And to all of you that truly know my little quirks, this had to be totally perfect before I could announce it to the world...or at least to my friends.

Secondly, I attempted to find a layout that fit me. I thought I had found one, but low and behold Ashley was already using it (btw, you have great taste, if I do say so myself!). I did find one that definitely represented my tastes, yet it was not quite diamonds or blinging, like my beautiful myspace page, but nonetheless still pretty...I just had a thought...I feel like I'm on Seinfield...I'm just writing about nothingness...Boy, do I need to find better topics. Good night for now.