Friday, October 31, 2008

Flashback Friday (Part two)

Today is Halloween. Well, I guess I like Halloween. Although, I find fear not an emotion I particularly like to experience, I try to find the fun in Halloween. It's easier to do that when you have kids, I guess. I remember liking it as a kid and I just like to watch my kids enjoying themselves.


So here are some memorable Halloween stories to scare you!

1. My first memory of Halloween is when I was probably 3 years old. We went to a good friend of the family's home. They had turned their garage into a haunted house and thus began my long dislike of haunted houses. I remember very little about the tour through the "house" but I do remember a giant gorilla, an alien and someone being electrocuted (always nice for a 3-year+old to experience). I still remember being terrified out of my mind!

2. I remember when I was young, in elementary, coming home from school after a great day of parties and tons of sugar. My sisters and I would walk home from the bus stop and we could barely contain our excitement for trick or treating. We would get home and try and perfect our costumes and wait impatiently for my mom and dad to get home and take us trick or treating.

3. One time my dad dressed up like a fat woman. It was embarrassing.

4. My mom had the best scary stories I have ever heard. She would tell them to us sometimes when we begged and they still frighten me when I think about them. They were so great because she claimed they were all true and they were things that happened to her or people she knew and they seemed all too feasible. My mom is the best story-teller.

5. The year I met Martin, my best friend Jen and friend Steph took me (or rather, dragged me) to a haunted house. In Utah in the 80's and 90's haunted houses were the rage. I remember the March of Dimes haunted house and many more. There was one at Rocky Point near my house. Anyway, Jen talked me into going. I was scared so bad I nearly had a heart attack. From the minute I walked in, to the long awaited minute I walked out, I HATED it. There was one part that a guy with a chain saw came after me and I wanted drop to the floor, huddle in the corner and cry in the fetal position--no really, literally. Jen was so brave...not scared at all. I think maybe we went with a guy but I don't think he was hot so I literally had nobody to hang onto except Jen and she left me at some point. Some friend!

6. Also, the year I met Martin we went to a Howard Jones concert on Halloween or the day before, I can't remember which. It was great because we had just met a couple of weeks earlier, but had already kissed and there was lots of snuggling and such. That was a good Halloween. Nothing like HoJo.

Happy Halloween! Make some great memories this year!

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Thoughtful Thursday

A friend of my came up with doing "Thoughtful Thursdays," and I liked the idea and decided to be a copy-cat (thanks, Shellee). In these posts I will be telling about a thoughtful act someone did for me and then I will do something thoughtful for someone else (the last thing I won't post about, because I might try to do something anonymously and I also don't want to seem like I'm bragging that I helped someone!). It think this will help me be more grateful for my blessings and it will help me be more proactive about doing thoughtful things for other people. I'm excited to do this!

A year ago I was going through a difficult time. I had just had foot and calf surgery on one leg and was preparing to do the same to the next leg. I had to use crutches and a little knee scooter (that I loved) to get around in my own house for 6 weeks on each leg. All the time this was going on my sister was very sick in the hospital and drawing her final breaths. It was overwhelming and I was tired and sick of sitting around the house all day doing literally nothing and worrying about my sister. I wondered if anyone knew or cared.

One evening some friends (who will remain anonymous) showed up on my doorstep with several (I think 5) casseroles for me to freeze and use at my discretion. They had gotten together and decided on their own accord to help my family out by providing us with some meals. It touched me that they did this without provocation. I think they knew about my surgeries, yes, but they didn't know about the inner struggle I was having and their kindness made my day--actually my week! I will always remain thankful for their caring about me and knowing I was in need of a jump start.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Beautiful Day

Yesterday was such a nice, autumn day. We were able to be out in the sun at Alex's final football game of the season and it was great. They played at East Lake High; they have a really nice football field--wow. I even got to take my coat off most of the game. There were dragon flies flying around everywhere and it was just fun to talk with Martin. Dragon flies equal magical in my book. Did they win their game? Ummm....not exactly, but it was fun anyway.

Does this look like a face that is happy to be done with football? I would have to say, emphatically, yes. I know he will miss getting hit in the head and ribs on a daily basis, but I personally, will not miss driving him to practice every day! Happy days are here again!!! Does it matter their record was 1 and 9? Nah.

Funny side note: he still plays football daily with his friends outside. Weird. A month ago he told me he hated football (I think that was because he didn't feel like going to practice that day). I guess he doesn't really hate it so much.

Olivia enjoyed her day also. She did her favorite thing: reading. She is so much like her dad. These days she nearly always has book in hand. I would get upset, but what can you really find wrong with that? And, bonus: the book she was reading, "Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear," gave her several good ideas to vanish her own big brother.

She is such a good sport to go to all these games. If I counted up the hours she's spent at baseball and football games it would probably be astronomical. She just goes along and usually plays with other friends, socializes and never complains. She also looks after her little brother too.

Second funny side note: Alex complains about going to an hour and a half dance recital Olivia has once a year. Okay, that's just sad.
And here's The Cuteness again hitting another childhood milestone. Do you see it? Look closely...yep, he lost his first tooth. Major BFD (big freaking deal). He came in Friday night while I was almost asleep with this huge grin on his face, toothbrush in one hand, tooth in the other and blood dripping down his lips!!! Oh, what an adorable scene. Adorable and then-(gag, cough, dry heave)- a little tiny bit disgusting. He was so excited to welcome the Tooth Fairy for the first time. He woke up to a $3 reward (wow, I usually only got 50 cents). He was very pleased.

Here's what he did at the football game. We forgot to bring a block (Isaac's favorite toy) and he was not sure how he could survive. Martin saved the day with one of his business cards from his wallet. I kid you not, the child played with this card for two hours. How do you play with a block or business card? Well, if you're Isaac, you turn the said card into anything you can imagine. It can be a spaceship, a guy, a car, or, my personal favorite, Indiana Jones. Explosions usually accompany the play and can be very annoying to his sibilings. But, at the football game, nobody cared or bothered him! Score one for The Cuteness.


Monday, October 20, 2008

It's Party Time!!

I went to the costume/party store to look for some costume ideas for the kids. It was a mistake as the store I went to had mostly adult costumes and 2/3 of them had to be covered in areas with "post it" notes because of the partial nudity. Wait a second...did I say nudity?

Truly, I was thinking Halloween was more for kids, like it was when I was younger. Ah, those were the days. Now, I know there have always been the "french maid" costumes and such that were skimpy, but apparently, the rules have changed to include everything from busty pirates to half-naked angels. I mean do people dress up for their jobs and wear these costumes? Is there a market for this? I don't know.

Martin tells me there are these costume parties for adults that basically the idea is to go in the raunchiest, skimpiest costume you can find. I don't know what takes place at these parties but I can only imagine in my wildest dreams.

Also, what happens when you are not the model type portrayed on the front of these costume packages? I guarantee I would not look as good as the model in that lei and flower pasties "hula" outfit that I saw. I KNOW I'm not the only one.

So what does a person do who is invited to a party like this, and is not a size 2, 4 or even 10? I guess that's what the Spongebob adult costumes are for. Fun. All these beautiful people walking around and you're the only one not showing considerable skin making your date drool.

Yep, I had my eyes opened at the party store today. I shall never be the same.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Meme's the word

I was tagged by my friend Deb W., whom I miss terribly, with a meme. I'm supposed to post the 4th photo from my 4th folder. I've never heard of a meme before. But according to my friend, Stacey, a meme can be a catchphrase or concept that spreads quickly from one person to another. Thanks, Stac. Cool!!! So here's mine:


This is my crazy dad, nephew, Dallon, niece, Marie and niece Savannah holding my other niece Phoenix. They are, of course, making funny faces. It's New Year's Eve of '06 and we were at my sister Mindy's home. It's funny, but with all the people in this picture my eye directly goes to my sister, Jenny who is behind my dad (you can't see her face). Boy, I wish I had taken more pictures of her while she was here. It's good to know she was there. She loved a good party. We always play this funny game called "Loaded Question" with my mom and sisters and older nieces on New Year's. It's become a tradition. That game is so hilarious! Every year I laugh harder and harder. Last year I nearly passed out from laughterand I am ashamed to admit I nearly wet my pants. Unfortunatley, Jenny was in the hospital last year and we played without her and I guess will from now on.


I recommend that game to anyone, especially a group of women who are friends and very comfortable with each other. It's kind of a "get to know you" game and be prepared to laugh--hard.


I tag Brenda, Jen V. and Dayna

Friday, October 17, 2008

New 2008 Survey

Here's another survey.

1. What is your best physical feature? I’m told it’s my winning smile
2. Where were you born? Ogden, Utah
3. How many siblings do you have? 4 sisters 1 brother
4. What is your favorite pastime? Reading or working out. Actually, reading AND working out at the same time.
5. If you had to have a tattoo what would it be and where? “Martin,” you don’t need to know where.
6. How old were you when you had your first kiss? Pushing 16
7. What is your favorite time of day? Bedtime
8. Dogs or cats? I love dogs because they are so loving but cats are easier to take care of and they have funny “I don’t care about you” attitudes.
9. What song best describes you? "She's a maniac"
10. How many books, on average, do your read per year? 10-20, maybe more, maybe less.
11. Are you most often a rescuer or rescuee? Usually rescuer, but have been rescued many times.
12. What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you? When Martin and I were first married we lived in a little duplex in Farmington and there was this gang of dogs. They traveled the neighborhood causing all kinds of havoc. It was funny because they were like people with a leader and everything. There was probably like 20 of them or more and they were all owned by people. It was so funny to see their atttitudes . That’s all I can think of right now.
13. What is your favorite kind of soup? Tomato, with fishy crackers
14. How many broken bones have you had? Zip
15. What was the best part of High School? Graduating and never going back to that hell on Earth
16. What is your favorite school subject? Literature and writing
17. If you got to choose a celebrity to date, who would it be? Chris Martin, for sure. But, seriously, how can I compete with Gwyneth Paltrow? Speaking of, my sister, Mindy looks just like her!
18. If you were deserted on a desert island who would you want with you? Martin
19. Have you ever been abroad? Yah, I’m a broad. Ha-ha. J/k. Not unless you count Canada
20. Can you drive a stick? Absolutely
21. What is your favorite meat? Chicken most of the time—free range
22. Ever been in a fist fight? Yes, my younger sisters both punched me, and one time my big brother bloodied my nose at Knott’s Berry Farm because my sister, Jenny was lost and I made the comment that I hoped we never found her.
23. Do you like ketchup? Yuck. Fry sauce, on the other hand, is mmmmm.
24. Dancer or singer? singer
25. Do you like horror movies? Hate them. I cried silently to myself when my brother dragged me to “The Sixth Sense.” I was so scared. ("I see dead people")

I'd love it if you wanted to post your answers!

Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Question and Answer

My friend, Jen Vesper emailed me this and since I haven't posted anything lately, I thought I'd post this.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 10 am. Really. My husband is a sweet heart.

2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds AND pearls

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? City of Ember with Olivia’s school class. It was good, but over my head. I think I need to read the book.

4. What is your favorite TV show? The Office. I love to hate Michael Scott.

5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal. Various kinds.

6. What is your middle name? Marie

7. Least favorite foods? Sushi. I can’t even get it past my nose, the smell triggers my gag reflex something awful. Most other foods I like too much.

8. What is your favorite CD at moment? Coldplay, Viva La Vida, baby! I also am listening a lot to Pilot Speed.

9. What kind of car do you drive? 04 Chrysler Pacifica. I love my car…Martin’s car just makes me cry. It’s a ’94 Toyota Camry. It’s so small Martin looks like Mr. Incredible in it.

10. Favorite sandwich? Subway club.

11. What characteristic do you despise? Know-it-alls, especially when it comes to politics. Also, flakiness and cheesiness.

12. Favorite item of clothing? My velveteen sweats. I love being draped in velvet like George on Seinfeld.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Italy with my hubby so I can understand the people through him. I’m afraid to go anywhere too far or too foreign. No desire to go anywhere third-world.

14. Favorite brand of clothing? Speedo (but not on me--just kidding)


15. Where would you like to retire? Where my children are. I’m hoping that will be here in Issaquah or Utah.

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? I guess I’d have to say this past birthday. My sister had just passed and my sisters and mom and I went to the Greenery at Rainbow Gardens for lunch. It was a mistake as it was difficult to be somewhere she loved so much. However, my best friend made me an awesome Hello Kitty cake and then we went to Toad's to play Laser tag and ride go carts (neither of which I could do because I was only a week or two post-op on my foot).

17. Favorite sport to watch? Alex playing baseball. Also, I like to watch him playing football now (I know, that’s just crazy). I like to watch the M’s too, but not this year...they were terrible!

18. Farthermost place you are sending this? Not sure of the exact miles.

19. Person you expect to send it back first? Don’t care.

20. When is your birthday? March 19, 1974

21. Are you a morning person or a night person? Neither. I’m usually in bed by 10 and I don’t get up until late after 8. I am always tired!

22. What is your shoe size? That depends on the shoe. I wear a 7 in shoes if they lace up. If they’re any other kind I could go clear up to 8 or 9. I have really, really, wide, thick feet. I hate my feet!

23. Pets? One beautifully annoying kitty-cat named “Tinker.”

24. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? Yes, I want to try out for American Idol. That or have another baby; whichever comes first.

25. What did you want to be when you were little? A Marine Biologist

26. How are you today? Tired, and mad because I got all dressed to go work out at the gym and it turns out there’s some meeting going on there so I couldn’t.

27. What is your favorite candy? Chocolate with hazelnuts. I love the Ritter Sport bars.

28. What is your favorite flower? Daisies

29. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Halloween. I’ll also be glad when it’s over.

30. What is your full name? Heather Marie Higley Chamberlain

31. What are you listening to right now? Isaac making one of his “movies.” I am hearing all kinds of explosions and screaming from his characters.

32. What was the last thing you ate? A bagel with cream cheese.

33. Do you wish on stars? Sure, it can’t hurt-right?

34. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Yellow

35. How is the weather right now? It’s raining, big surprise. Very autumnish.

36. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Haven’t been on the phone yet. I hate the freaking phone, I try to avoid it at all costs.

37. Favorite soft drink? Hello, Diet Coke!

38. Favorite restaurant? Firenze, Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory.

39. Real hair color? Dark blonde.

40. What was your favorite toy as a child? My Friend Mandy doll. My mom threw her away so I got another one. My sister Jenny had a My Friend Jenny doll.

41. Summer or winter? Summer, although, I hate being sweaty and hot.

42. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who’s giving them.

43. Chocolate or Vanilla? Well, if it’s ice cream I’d have to say Vanilla. But for all other intents and purposes chocolate.

44. Coffee or tea? Nah…

45. Do you want your friends/family to email you back? No

46. When was the last time you cried? Yesterday. I finished a book that was amazing that made me sob uncontrollably.

47. What is under your bed? Tinker

48. What did you do last night? Watched a Presidential debate; a lame one!

49. What are you afraid of? My children being in peril.

50. Salty or sweet? 90% of the time sweet.

51. How many keys on your key ring? 5 or 6

52. How many years at your current job? 12 years

53. Favorite day of the week? "It's Friday, I'm in love!"

54. How many towns have you lived in? 7

55. Do you make friends easily? Not at all. I’m very unfriendly by nature. People generally bug me and that makes me ornery and mean.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Me llike antibiotics

I have been sick for the past week or so. It didn't get really bad until Monday, when I decided I was going to tackle cleaning the shower. I wasn't thinking, obviously. I have had a really bad cough. So I got in the shower, sprayed it down with the first cleaner I use for mold, then rinsed that off. Then I sprayed with the other cleaner I use for hard water stuff (seriously, can't they come up with one cleaner to do both things?). It was so smelly in there, and I was scrubbing so hard that it went directly to my lungs and I started to cough profusely. I could not stop. I was sweating and coughing. I looked in the mirror and my face was bright red with white splotches, probably from the lack of oxygen:). I seriously have NEVER coughed that hard. I called Martin and asked if he could come home because I was supposed to pick up the boys from school and needed him to do it...driving would have been a very bad thing at this point. So, I was on the phone with Martin and trying to talk and I couldn't. Everytime I inhaled to say something I coughed. Finally, I told Martin what I needed and hung up. Then went to the couch and passed out.

Since then I have been struggling with this infernal cough. I went to the doctor on Friday night and he did prescribe some antibiotics but told me to hold off on taking them. He assumed I probably had a virus. So I waited....until yesterday. I took the first dose last night before bed and I woke up 85% better--85%, people! Now that is good luck.

Lesson learned: cold + cleaning chemicals = dumb. I better check what's in those freaking cleaning supplies. That can't be good for my health. Or better yet, hire someone to clean!!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Yeah, that's what I thought




Your Issue Profile: 4% Obama, 96% McCain



The results are in, and John McCain is definitely your choice.

You're probably not surprised. It's possible you've had your eye on McCain for years.



Popular or not, you will likely stick by McCain. For you, it's a matter of principle.

And besides, there's something exciting about rooting for the underdog!

I guess this does not surprise me at all. I am republican through and through. I listen to talk radio (Rush, Medved, and Beck), and like it. I read Ann Colter and Sean Hannity and agree with them. So, like it or not, I'm not just a little bit red but I BLEED red. I used to think I was just choosing the lesser of two evils (didn't love McCain that much) but obvioulsy it means more to me than that. The issues have made me what I am--and the issues are really important to me. So, according to the issues, I am for McCain.
As to "rooting for the underdog," I don't know that I agree with that. McCain may be an underdog, but only in the left-wing media's eyes, and in their biased view of the issues. Lucky for me, I form my own opinions based on my ideals and that's what everyone is welcome to do. So don't mail me and question me for what I believe...I don't think any less of someone for the way they feel.
My late sister Jenny was sooo liberal. I used to think she was out-of-control in her political views, but now I see her differently. I respect her now more than ever. She was someone who really weighed the issues according to her beliefs and learned and studied as much as she could. If anyone does that, I have to respect that. If there's anything I learned from her, it was that I shouldn't be embarrassed to state my opinion. And that's all I'm doing here! So, form your opinions and run with them! Thanks for reading!