The other night we had Family Home Evening at my brother's house, and then Collin and Krystal went Easter shopping. We were told that they needed to be in bed no later than 8:30. Gotta say that is hard! They are so funny, and come up with the funniest things to stop that from happening. They were in their beds by 8:40, yay us! Being asleep, totally different story...
So, the baby was asleep, Addy was laying on her mom's and dad's bed watching a cartoon, and the boys were in their room, but not even acting like they were tired. Ford has a loft bed, and Ev's bed fits under there, but it was pulled out for him to sleep in. I went and layed underneath Ford's bed, and said I'd only lay there as long as they were being quiet and trying to fall asleep. So, that was the deal. Next thing you know, Ford says in his sweetest voice, "Pyper, why did the chicken cross the road?" "I don't know Ford, why?" "Well, normally, people say to get across the road, but really it was so he could fly..." I didn't get it, but he certainly thought it was hilarious! So, then I told them that the first one asleep gets a dollar, but if I was first asleep, I'd get a dollar from both of them. So, they were trying to fall asleep. It got really quiet, and I thought they were close, and then Everett says with a really sleepy voice, "So, when you say a dollar are you talking about bills or quarters?" I said it didn't really matter, and Ford said, "I'm thinking a bill, because that's way easier to hand to mom and say 'the next time you're at the dollar store this is what I want.'" Ev says, "Ya, no, I'm thinking quarters would be best. They're easier to use on other things." So, I said we could work that out, if Ford was asleep first he'd get one dollar bill, if Ev was asleep first he'd get 4 quarters. They seemed content with that, and then Ev says, "No, I'm thinking Ford gets one dollar bill, and I get 5 quarters..." He's a smart one!
Earlier, I'd been brushing Addy's hair after her bath, and she says, "Um, Pyper, why am I looking at the wall?" (I was sitting next to the bed, facing the wall.) I told her I didn't know why she was, and she said, "It's because you put me here." Like, how dumb, Pyper!
Then, while she was laying in bed, I was sitting by her, and said, "What are you doing?" while her finger was up her nose. "I'm not picking boogies, Pyper, I'm feeling my snot, and it's not gross! It's just wet."
Where do they come up with these things?!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Interesting thoughts, questions and the game of life...
So, I've been working part-time for a week and a half. Gotta say I've made some discoveries about myself. I've thought I'm a pretty feminine girl, but I do a lot of stuff, and I would never say I was prissy or anything. Yep, I have my moments of not wanting to get all filthy and stuff, but I work through it and I'm fine. Well, for this part-time job, it's dirty, casual, and different then I expected. I've discovered that the second I get to my house from work, I'm taking off my clothes and running up the stairs to hop in the shower, because I can't wait for the second that I get to feel like a girl again. Weird, maybe... but I gotta say there is nothing better than having my hair done, make up on, and heading out the door in high heels! It's my favorite time of day! I am such a girl!
I've mentioned how I get random weird questions often, well last night, I had another one of those thrilling moments. Someone who is recently new to the mid-singles scene was talking to me about concerns she had with being there, and what's out there. Nothing new. Then she asked me if I was divorced or what, and I said I haven't been married, then she looked at me, and asked, "What's wrong with you?!" Wow! That wasn't a question I've heard much, and it caught me off guard. What am I supposed to say to that? I really don't know why I'm not married, other than that I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be, leading these mid-singles, and when the time comes, and it will come, I'll be ever so grateful for it, but I'll also be so grateful for the chance I've had to work with these amazing, interesting, and different sorts of people. I've certainly grown being able to do this!
In our stake, for ward conferences, we have a youth activity with each ward the tuesday or wednesday before their ward conference. The stake presidency runs the activity, and the stake young men and stake young women presidencies get to participate. It's a great way for the youth to get to know the stake leadership. This was my 3rd or 4th round of ward conferences, and my last one for at least a while as being a stake leader. This year they played "the game of life" that our stake president, I think, created. It takes you through the years of 18-33 when you make huge life decisions, but in the game each decision is based on a roll of the dice. For example, if you roll 1-3 you serve a mission, if you roll 4-6 you don't, etc. This happens for all life decisions... mission, college, tithing, marriage- temple or not, children, even salary. Some people roll these high numbers and in the end their income is really high. However, there is this other column on the spreadsheet that is for blessings, and it shows you how many blessings you receive. There are a couple times in the game where you get to pick an "opportunity" card. On these cards, it says something like, "pet runs away. -$100 +0 blessings" or "house fire. -$50,000 +15 blessings," etc. The kids get a kick out of it! As their income grows, they get to move higher up in the line to the soft seats, so there's constant motion. It's a little chaotic if you have rambunctious! So, when the opportunity comes to roll for marriage, every one usually gets married in the first couple of years. Every once in a while, there's one person who doesn't get the chance to get married for a long time. They roll and roll and roll, and it doesn't happen for a long time. A couple of times it was a young women leader that wasn't getting married. So, as they weren't getting married, they were whiny and complaining, and talking about what a loser they were and that there for sure won't be anyone left for them to marry, and they'll have to settle for some loser... Okay, this was all a game, and they are married in real life. Granted they were thinking they were hilarious. Let's take out that I'm single, and just think about how the way that behavior affected their young women. Not all of them are going to be getting married right after highschool or right after their missions or college or maybe ever. They will remember all of those comments as they deal with that part of their lives. Just one of my pet peeves! Like when someone says, "I made all of the right choices and did my personal progress, and got my medalion, and that's why I was able to get married." Really?! I think that all of those things are great! The personal progress program is amazing! It strengthens you and trains you! However, having done those things, I can say that they're not the "reason" someone gets married. I hope that as I've been able to serve in young womens for a few years that those young women have seen me, and see that it's okay to go at whatever pace the Lord has intended for you, and that you can be okay if you don't get married right away.
I've mentioned how I get random weird questions often, well last night, I had another one of those thrilling moments. Someone who is recently new to the mid-singles scene was talking to me about concerns she had with being there, and what's out there. Nothing new. Then she asked me if I was divorced or what, and I said I haven't been married, then she looked at me, and asked, "What's wrong with you?!" Wow! That wasn't a question I've heard much, and it caught me off guard. What am I supposed to say to that? I really don't know why I'm not married, other than that I know that I'm where I'm supposed to be, leading these mid-singles, and when the time comes, and it will come, I'll be ever so grateful for it, but I'll also be so grateful for the chance I've had to work with these amazing, interesting, and different sorts of people. I've certainly grown being able to do this!
In our stake, for ward conferences, we have a youth activity with each ward the tuesday or wednesday before their ward conference. The stake presidency runs the activity, and the stake young men and stake young women presidencies get to participate. It's a great way for the youth to get to know the stake leadership. This was my 3rd or 4th round of ward conferences, and my last one for at least a while as being a stake leader. This year they played "the game of life" that our stake president, I think, created. It takes you through the years of 18-33 when you make huge life decisions, but in the game each decision is based on a roll of the dice. For example, if you roll 1-3 you serve a mission, if you roll 4-6 you don't, etc. This happens for all life decisions... mission, college, tithing, marriage- temple or not, children, even salary. Some people roll these high numbers and in the end their income is really high. However, there is this other column on the spreadsheet that is for blessings, and it shows you how many blessings you receive. There are a couple times in the game where you get to pick an "opportunity" card. On these cards, it says something like, "pet runs away. -$100 +0 blessings" or "house fire. -$50,000 +15 blessings," etc. The kids get a kick out of it! As their income grows, they get to move higher up in the line to the soft seats, so there's constant motion. It's a little chaotic if you have rambunctious! So, when the opportunity comes to roll for marriage, every one usually gets married in the first couple of years. Every once in a while, there's one person who doesn't get the chance to get married for a long time. They roll and roll and roll, and it doesn't happen for a long time. A couple of times it was a young women leader that wasn't getting married. So, as they weren't getting married, they were whiny and complaining, and talking about what a loser they were and that there for sure won't be anyone left for them to marry, and they'll have to settle for some loser... Okay, this was all a game, and they are married in real life. Granted they were thinking they were hilarious. Let's take out that I'm single, and just think about how the way that behavior affected their young women. Not all of them are going to be getting married right after highschool or right after their missions or college or maybe ever. They will remember all of those comments as they deal with that part of their lives. Just one of my pet peeves! Like when someone says, "I made all of the right choices and did my personal progress, and got my medalion, and that's why I was able to get married." Really?! I think that all of those things are great! The personal progress program is amazing! It strengthens you and trains you! However, having done those things, I can say that they're not the "reason" someone gets married. I hope that as I've been able to serve in young womens for a few years that those young women have seen me, and see that it's okay to go at whatever pace the Lord has intended for you, and that you can be okay if you don't get married right away.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Change is inevitable, right?
When I quit my job at San Francisco Design in 2008 I had multiple reasons. There was the fact that there was nowhere to grow. The fact that the owner was a beast, and I could say was discriminating, because of my religion. Or the staff that would drink and do tarot cards all day long. Let's just say it was not a fun place to be. You know, people can do what they want, but drinking and all the other stuff on the clock was so unprofessional! However, due to that uncomfortable situation, I read and studied the scriptures more than I ever had before, and my testimony grew in leaps and bounds. So, for that, I could say I was thankful!
As the time for me to quit was drawing nearer, I kept getting more uncomfortable being there, and knew that there was a big change coming. I remember driving home from there, and stopping at the Bountiful Temple multiple times to just sit and ponder or do a session and pray to know what to do. I applied for a job, and they really liked my work, but ended up saying that they couldn't afford me, and kept my house design I did for them. Wonder if they ever built it? It was awesome! When I interviewed with them, I secretly was hoping that I'd get it, so I didn't HAVE to follow the impressions I was receiving, because that was too scary! How horrible is that?! I think that's the first time I ever admitted that. When it fell through, I decided I'd need to move forward on faith, and told SFD that when I was supposed to be going on vacation to DC, I was actually not coming back. I think we were mutually thrilled with that prospect.
So, I started Designs by Pyper in October 2008. I'm so grateful I did, even though there have been so many scary things, since. It was perfect for being able to take care of Grandma. There's no way that I would've ever been able to spend part of every day with her, had I worked in Salt Lake everyday. I know that she was a major reason to do it, when I did it. It was amazing! I remember shortly after she passed away that I knew it was time for me to be more proactive in all facets of my life. Then the economy tanked. Work was so slow! And it hadn't been much before then. Somehow I made it, though, and have been able to do so many things!
Anyways, I've been in the need of something else. Not that I'm quitting anything, but more income would be great and very helpful, and I need to be out of my house more. I absolutely love the freedom that I've had, and giving up some of it is difficult for me. I've been trying to figure out what I could possibly do, and not work nights, weekends,and still be able to make piano work. It's been this big stress for me, because I could easily find something that was 10-6 or something like that, but I've not been wanting to let my piano students down or their parents. I had lost half of my studio last summer, which has never happened before. While trying to figure things out, I told myself I'd give it until January 1st, and if I didn't get enough new students, I'd have to quit entirely. I felt so horrible about doing it, but charging as little as I do for piano, it just wasn't cutting it. The last week of December I got a number of calls for piano, and I'm now back to teaching every day. It still isn't as much as I used to have, but I really can't go any later into the evening, so one day I applied at Home Depot. What a weird thing! I thought, hey it deals with homes, and I deal with homes, and I didn't want to go completely away from design, but didn't want to work anywhere where it would be a conflict of interest. So, I applied, and really didn't think anything more of it. Then they called and did a phone interview, and said I might hear from them again. Well, I did, and the hours are 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.. It works perfectly to still teach piano. It's only a few days a week, so I have the other days to and afternoon/nights to do interior design. I have to say that as I left the interview, I knew I was going to be offered the job, and I was sad and scared! Weird, huh?! I was nervous about how in the world I could do all that I do, and do this, too, and ever sleep.
The fact is that Designs by Pyper has been keeping me busier than ever before, and my sort of announcement on that blog, has brought me some great possibilities, too. I get to decorate a wedding at the end of the month.
So, when I got the call that I got this part-time job, I got off the phone and bawled. I used to hardly ever cry, and that's the reaction to so many emotions lately! I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I had a priesthood blessing, and I'm so grateful for that!
Today was my first day there, and pretty much all of it was watching web training videos, which was way difficult to stay awake for, seeing that I got up at 4:30, and yes I fell so deeply asleep during one part in between me clicking "next" (so it wasn't very long) I dreamt that Toby Keith was going to come present at my upcoming conference. How crazy is that!? I had to keep standing up and changing positions.
Anyways~ I've been able to get so much accomplished today, and it ended up being a fantastic day! I'm so grateful to see prayers being answered!
As the time for me to quit was drawing nearer, I kept getting more uncomfortable being there, and knew that there was a big change coming. I remember driving home from there, and stopping at the Bountiful Temple multiple times to just sit and ponder or do a session and pray to know what to do. I applied for a job, and they really liked my work, but ended up saying that they couldn't afford me, and kept my house design I did for them. Wonder if they ever built it? It was awesome! When I interviewed with them, I secretly was hoping that I'd get it, so I didn't HAVE to follow the impressions I was receiving, because that was too scary! How horrible is that?! I think that's the first time I ever admitted that. When it fell through, I decided I'd need to move forward on faith, and told SFD that when I was supposed to be going on vacation to DC, I was actually not coming back. I think we were mutually thrilled with that prospect.
So, I started Designs by Pyper in October 2008. I'm so grateful I did, even though there have been so many scary things, since. It was perfect for being able to take care of Grandma. There's no way that I would've ever been able to spend part of every day with her, had I worked in Salt Lake everyday. I know that she was a major reason to do it, when I did it. It was amazing! I remember shortly after she passed away that I knew it was time for me to be more proactive in all facets of my life. Then the economy tanked. Work was so slow! And it hadn't been much before then. Somehow I made it, though, and have been able to do so many things!
Anyways, I've been in the need of something else. Not that I'm quitting anything, but more income would be great and very helpful, and I need to be out of my house more. I absolutely love the freedom that I've had, and giving up some of it is difficult for me. I've been trying to figure out what I could possibly do, and not work nights, weekends,and still be able to make piano work. It's been this big stress for me, because I could easily find something that was 10-6 or something like that, but I've not been wanting to let my piano students down or their parents. I had lost half of my studio last summer, which has never happened before. While trying to figure things out, I told myself I'd give it until January 1st, and if I didn't get enough new students, I'd have to quit entirely. I felt so horrible about doing it, but charging as little as I do for piano, it just wasn't cutting it. The last week of December I got a number of calls for piano, and I'm now back to teaching every day. It still isn't as much as I used to have, but I really can't go any later into the evening, so one day I applied at Home Depot. What a weird thing! I thought, hey it deals with homes, and I deal with homes, and I didn't want to go completely away from design, but didn't want to work anywhere where it would be a conflict of interest. So, I applied, and really didn't think anything more of it. Then they called and did a phone interview, and said I might hear from them again. Well, I did, and the hours are 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.. It works perfectly to still teach piano. It's only a few days a week, so I have the other days to and afternoon/nights to do interior design. I have to say that as I left the interview, I knew I was going to be offered the job, and I was sad and scared! Weird, huh?! I was nervous about how in the world I could do all that I do, and do this, too, and ever sleep.
The fact is that Designs by Pyper has been keeping me busier than ever before, and my sort of announcement on that blog, has brought me some great possibilities, too. I get to decorate a wedding at the end of the month.
So, when I got the call that I got this part-time job, I got off the phone and bawled. I used to hardly ever cry, and that's the reaction to so many emotions lately! I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I had a priesthood blessing, and I'm so grateful for that!
Today was my first day there, and pretty much all of it was watching web training videos, which was way difficult to stay awake for, seeing that I got up at 4:30, and yes I fell so deeply asleep during one part in between me clicking "next" (so it wasn't very long) I dreamt that Toby Keith was going to come present at my upcoming conference. How crazy is that!? I had to keep standing up and changing positions.
Anyways~ I've been able to get so much accomplished today, and it ended up being a fantastic day! I'm so grateful to see prayers being answered!
Monday, March 4, 2013
When does one date turn into "dating"?
As any of you few readers, that read this know, I sometimes use this as an outlet to share weird situations I run into in this delightful singles world. Well, I'm just going to get a little something out there, and then it'll all be good!
I got an email from a guy I went on 2 dates, count that 2 a long time ago, probably 14 months ago, or so. I've posted previously about that experience. Anyways, it was just a friendly "hello, what have you been up to" email, ---> I have to say that when my brother was on his mission, he had a certain girl that loved him and was waiting for him, and did a study abroad thing right near his mission, hoping to get a chance to see him... Anyways, she wrote to him all of the time. He said that her letters wore him out. Well, I get that way often! If someone is just rambling or if they're constantly texting, oh my gosh, I have things to do... Okay, so that's not the case when I'm really into someone, but when I'm not... <--- font="">Okay back to the story. The emails were coming, more like instant messages, but that's another thing... I don't mark myself online for the above mentioned reason. Then he says he has something he wants to show me, and proceeds to tell me, and tells me it reminded him of something I had said once. I thought it was funny that he even remembered something so small, and told him so. He said, "well, you were the only girl I dated that had ever said anything like that, so it stood out."
So, that's where my question of the night comes from. When does a date or two turn into actually dating? According to me, one, two, maybe three dates in is just "going on dates" not "dating." It's still the process of figuring out if I want to actually "date" the person. By the fourth date, yep, I'd say we're dating, but those initial dates not really.
I know some guys who think that just asking someone out means that they're stuck having to date the girl. I don't know where that idea comes from. Are they over thinking? Have they run into lots of over-bearing, over-anxious women? I don't know. Probably, both. I saw on a girls blog that we singles need to have faith, and faith without works is dead, so when the plan is to have an eternal family, but you don't go on dates, then how's that going to happen.
I saw on a guys blog something about being Mr. Nice Guy, and it doesn't work for the nice guys. He said that the girl saying, "You're nice, but..." is not the best way to put it. It's hurtful and mean, but he doesn't think that they intentionally are trying to be mean, but it is. So interesting to see these different perspectives coming out. I think the "you're nice, but..." in the guy world, is the same as me having to be every guys best buddy. It's nice to have friends, but really there needs to be more.
Speaking of being someone's buddy, which in this case I'm totally fine with. I love when I get texts asking about other girls. You know, if I'm friends with the girl that's one thing. When I hardly know the girl... Let's just say, I am NOT a wingman! Seriously! It was something to help with an engagement a month or so ago, but that was a one time deal, and I'm not in the business of setting you up or giving you insights into getting that special girl!
I got an email from a guy I went on 2 dates, count that 2 a long time ago, probably 14 months ago, or so. I've posted previously about that experience. Anyways, it was just a friendly "hello, what have you been up to" email, ---> I have to say that when my brother was on his mission, he had a certain girl that loved him and was waiting for him, and did a study abroad thing right near his mission, hoping to get a chance to see him... Anyways, she wrote to him all of the time. He said that her letters wore him out. Well, I get that way often! If someone is just rambling or if they're constantly texting, oh my gosh, I have things to do... Okay, so that's not the case when I'm really into someone, but when I'm not... <--- font="">Okay back to the story. The emails were coming, more like instant messages, but that's another thing... I don't mark myself online for the above mentioned reason. Then he says he has something he wants to show me, and proceeds to tell me, and tells me it reminded him of something I had said once. I thought it was funny that he even remembered something so small, and told him so. He said, "well, you were the only girl I dated that had ever said anything like that, so it stood out."
So, that's where my question of the night comes from. When does a date or two turn into actually dating? According to me, one, two, maybe three dates in is just "going on dates" not "dating." It's still the process of figuring out if I want to actually "date" the person. By the fourth date, yep, I'd say we're dating, but those initial dates not really.
I know some guys who think that just asking someone out means that they're stuck having to date the girl. I don't know where that idea comes from. Are they over thinking? Have they run into lots of over-bearing, over-anxious women? I don't know. Probably, both. I saw on a girls blog that we singles need to have faith, and faith without works is dead, so when the plan is to have an eternal family, but you don't go on dates, then how's that going to happen.
I saw on a guys blog something about being Mr. Nice Guy, and it doesn't work for the nice guys. He said that the girl saying, "You're nice, but..." is not the best way to put it. It's hurtful and mean, but he doesn't think that they intentionally are trying to be mean, but it is. So interesting to see these different perspectives coming out. I think the "you're nice, but..." in the guy world, is the same as me having to be every guys best buddy. It's nice to have friends, but really there needs to be more.
Speaking of being someone's buddy, which in this case I'm totally fine with. I love when I get texts asking about other girls. You know, if I'm friends with the girl that's one thing. When I hardly know the girl... Let's just say, I am NOT a wingman! Seriously! It was something to help with an engagement a month or so ago, but that was a one time deal, and I'm not in the business of setting you up or giving you insights into getting that special girl!
i LOVE being an aunt!
We had a family dinner last night, and while I got to spend individual time with each of my cute nephews and niece, I sat there listening to their funny stories and creative ideas or seeing the baby trying new things, and was just so thankful that I get to have each of them in my life!
The other day I was thinking about how I wanted to be able to have some one on one time with each of them. It feels like it's been forever since I had that chance, and I was missing out on things. The other day Ford was telling one of his other aunts that even though Mom and I come from the same location that we bring separate cars, because I ALWAYS have to go to church things. Of course, being to all of my things is important and great, but I felt bad that he felt that way. I was really glad yesterday that I didn't have to leave, and we could just chat.
While we chatted, we made a leprechaun trap. Well, he made it, and let me cut the gold coins out, and hold things while he taped it. Here's the finished product:
The other day I was thinking about how I wanted to be able to have some one on one time with each of them. It feels like it's been forever since I had that chance, and I was missing out on things. The other day Ford was telling one of his other aunts that even though Mom and I come from the same location that we bring separate cars, because I ALWAYS have to go to church things. Of course, being to all of my things is important and great, but I felt bad that he felt that way. I was really glad yesterday that I didn't have to leave, and we could just chat.
While we chatted, we made a leprechaun trap. Well, he made it, and let me cut the gold coins out, and hold things while he taped it. Here's the finished product:
Then listening to Ev and seeing his ginormous eyes getting so big while he talked about the dragon blood he was looking at through the microscope was so fun! He poked his finger with the dropper, and said that he was putting dragon blood in him, so he could be able to do everything that dragons do. What a funny kid!(FYI~ dragon blood was just water. What a great imagination!)
Ad's and her kitchen and barbies. She's such a girl! Then she can be playing with the boys, and be just as strong as they are! So much fun! She loves to cuddle!
Aks is crawling all over the place and loves to play ball. He has a great arm! Both arms! He can throw better with his lefthand than I can... almost ;)
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