Why men are happier people

I got this as an e-mail from Kim Hardy, but loved it!

NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah. If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back. When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators. SO TRUE!

MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale. That is ME!!!

BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel . The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail. OKAY, so I AM the exception here. A man will dress up for weddings and funerals. (But I did think of Kim when I read this, You always look beautiful!)

NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed. Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house. (Luckily for me, I am blessed with a very involved husband!)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!

Is it morally wrong to lie to your kids?

As many of you know Sean and I have been blessed with a sweet baby girl. Our sweet baby girl is a BIT of a tomboy. She is starting preschool this year, and I would love for her to wear something a little more girlie! When I was in Park city shopping with friends, we went to gymboree. They had adorable skirts, blouses, and tights. Even though I knew I could not pull off too much cutsey stuff, I did find some shirts, leggings and barretts.

Anne had a great suggestion: "How about if we have Caleb give these to her. I bet she would wear them then. At least, she is more likely to." We were thrilled to try it! Here is how it went down.

Wish me luck that I can get her to wear the barretts a couple times!

And today, thanks to cold weather, SUCCESS!!! Doesn't she look cute (even without barretts!)

The importance of a reservation

I am sure that many of you already realize the importance of making reservations of where you and your family will sleep when on vacation. This is something that we Gordons haven't quite learned. From sleeping in a filthy cat ridden hotel (did I mention I am allergic to cats) to setting up camp at midnight, or paying $250 a night for a regular room in Salt Lake, you would think we would have learned. We chose to take the kids camping this weekend. We got in the car and started driving. As we were heading down the interstate towards the y to Idaho Falls or McCammon, we decided to head right (because last time we went left).
30 minutes into the trip we decided to head to Bear Lake. Then we needed to narrow where in Bear Lake? We called and invited my dad and Gail to join us for dinner. We decided that while we wouldn't NEED a reservation, we would use our high tech blackberry phones to do so.
Apparently the Utah Parks and Rec is only open M-Th (for those who do plan ahead!) "That's fine" I think "It's not like anybody would be camping--Utah and Idaho schools are back in session, and next weekend is Labor Day." All the campgrounds were full except for this one by RATTLESNAKE ROAD. The name was enough to keep me from sleeping there, but there were also lots of rocks, and no trees.
We decided to follow dad and Gail back to their house in Kemmerer. We used their firepit to roast hot dogs. Nate and grandpa T-bone slept outside. Apparently there were tons of stars out. My dad has been a scout leader for several years and knows the diffrent stars, so they had fun talking until midnight. I stayed insided (due to a sinus infection), and Sean stayed inside to help with Jaron and Emily so I could sleep (isn't he awesome!!).
Saturday we had fun playing at the park, riding 4 wheelers, soaking in the hot tub, and Nate earned money helping grandpa wax the boat. They even convinced me to go on the 4 wheelers. It reminded me of when Sean and I were first married. We would take his aunts jetskis to American Falls and ride them together. While I have calmed down a lot, I still did have fun racing him on them. We headed home Saturday night so we could be home for church. We are very tired, but we made it on time, and enjoyed the lessons.

So I've been wondering.....

Is it worse to be on the toliet and get walked in on, or is it more embarassing to be the one who walks in on someone? Of course the answer is whichever person you are. We went camping this weekend, and stopped at Maverik for a pit stop. Nate went in, then Emily and I, and Jaron was dying in the hall. Did I mention I am on cold medicine (yet another sinus and ear infection.) Well, I forgot to lock all the locks on the bathroom door. In my defense, I did lock one of them. So just as I sit down the door opens, and a guy (same age as us) walks in on me. Now I know how this feels. So I yell: "Sorry, I am so sorry!" Emily is in the bathroom saying "mommy did he see you, is that okay that he seed you privates?" (A 3year old adding salt to the wound of embarassment.) I am sitting here humiliated thinking why didn't Jaron tell him that I was in there? I came out redfaced, looking at the ground to find Jaron looking at the candy and toys. Then the guy comes out with his hands in the air and said "I promise I didn't see anything!" Sean of course was dying laughing at me.

Unfortunatly this is not the first time this has happened to me. One time I was going to the bathroom at Shopko, I was getting ready to wash my hands when a guy walked in and said "I think you are in the wrong bathroom". So I quickly left and went into the womens to finish up.

Another time I had to stop at the reststop between Blackfoot and Idaho Falls. It was a busy weekend with a lot of people. There were a lot of people in the bathrooms and I had to go bad. As I quickly entered the bathroom, I realized halfway in that I was in the mens room. I rushed into the stall quickly to avoid the embarrasment of being seen. Once in there I thought, "If I go out there I am going to be seen, and then I will have to wait in the womens room and see them again as I leave. So I chose the unthinkable and went to the bathroom in the mens room (keep in mind there were about 10 men in there.) When I finished, I ran out with my face down, and ran to the car and layed down so I wouldn't be seen.

About 13 years ago, I had a boyfriend who was going on a mission. At his farewell was the first time I met his family, and afterwards we went to his home for dinner. I was dying to go to the bathroom. It was a large bathroom with an elevated toliet at the far end of the room. It had an accordian door that didn't lock. So I told the 6 year old sister to guard the door for me. Of course moments later, the dad walks in on me. Talk about humiliation! SO, What would YOU have done?!!!

You know me and tag games!!!

1. Do you like blue cheese? NO. It is discusting, but Sean LOVES it!

2. Have you ever smoked? Never

3. Do you own a gun? No.

4. What flavor Kool Aid was your favorite? Fruit Punch

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? YES. Especially if they are going to dig for blood, and I dread getting naked

6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like them grilled, but I cant have them too often, or I get nausia.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story.........Ralphie!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Lots and lots of water

9. Can you do push ups? I honestly don't think I have done a pushup in my life!

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding ring, but a few years ago Sean bought me an opal necklace and a thin chain, that made me feel pretty

11. Favorite hobby? blogging, laughing with friends

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Some times I have to wonder

13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? I don't really hate anything about myself, but I do wish I could be better organized on a regular basis

14. Middle name? None. My parents figured I would get an extra name when I got married, so why bother.

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I should be cleaning, I want to rest my back, I want a nap.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Water, Water, Milk.

17. Current worry? Why am I so tired, I better run my errands, what can I do fun with my kids today, what should I fix for lunch, when should I prep dinner, I still need a few school supplies, I better not forget to fold my laundry, What was that noise in the basement...what mess are the kids making. I would write more, but my hands are tired.....

18. Current hate right now? A tired body and mind

19. Favorite place to be? On vacation with Sean and the kids

20. How did you ring in the New Year? We had friends over to visit and play games, kids all played, and we watched a movie on the "big screen"

21. Where would you like to go? Out for lunch, or to take a nap

22. Name three people who will complete this? I wonder.......

23. Do you own slippers? Yep somewhere, I prefer to go barefoot, but if I need slippers, I borrow Seans

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? pink

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't think I ever have, but I do like high thread count sheets

26. Can you whistle? Kind of. It really irritates Sean because it is a bit like a hum.

27. Favorite color? I like white, cream, and soft neutrals.

28. Would you be a pirate? I could be a sexy sea wench, but I don't like rough burly dirty guys

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Les Mis, Fiddler on the roof, Stop in the name of Love, I'd rather be a hammer than a nail, and much more. (Nate teases me about it)

30. Favorite Girl's Name? aside from my kids: Elise, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Annie, Maele, Maelani

31. Favorite boy's name? aside from the kids: Andrew, Jacob, Joshua

32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Sean was laughing in his sleep last night.

34. Best bed sheets as a Child? Strawberry shortcake and Sesame Street

35. Worst injury you've ever had? Delivering babies, Horrific sunburns

36. Do you love where you live? I LOVE it! I love Pocatello, and I love my neighborhood (wish I didn's smell Simplot as much though.

37. How many TVs do you have in your house?2 TVs, 1 projector, 1 in the garage "kids fort"

38. Who is your loudest friend? I think I am "the Loud friend"

39. How many dogs do you have? None... a few weeks ago we almost got 2!!!lol

40. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope Sean does!

41. What is your favorite book? Photobooks, scrapbooks and journals

42. What is your favorite candy? 3 muskateers

43. Favorite Sports Team? Pocatello High School! lol

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? When I was in the Alameda 2nd ward choir we sand a medley of "Each life that touches ours for good", and "Abide with me, fast falls the Eventide" It is beautiful and very touching. I love it!

Okay, so if you choose to do it, let me know!

We're doing WHAT!??!!

I thought this photo was too funny! She looks so SURPRISED! As some of you know we went boating with my dad in Soda on Saturday. A little less known is the fact that we could have lost her that day. When the plans started forming the thought came to mind "Keep Emily in her lifejacket." Of course, that is always the plan, but I think Heavenly Father is too aware of my laziness and wanted to make sure I knew how important it was. My dad had a big raft that he pulled behind his boat. Nate, Jaron, Sean and Emily went out. (I was vidoeing this). When they were bouncing around, I realized they were bouncing a little too much, (I was the spotter). I turned to tell my dad that it was a little too rough (now the video turned off), when all of the sudden they hit a big one, and Emily seriously flew up about 5 feet high and out. Sean hopped up and dove in to get her. My heart started beating again when I could see that she was in fact floating on top of the water, thanks to the lifevest. We put her into the boat, and I wrapped her in a towel and held her for a few minutes, after about 7 minutes, she was ready to go out and do it again. I still can't really laugh about it (except when she says "Mom, did I flied in the air?"), but I do feel so very blessed. I hope that this experience will stay with all of us so that we can keep our families safe, now and in the future. It also reaffirms my testimony that we have a living Heavenly Father who truly does love us and is mindful of us at all times. He truly is always at the door, and it is our responsibility to listen and let him in. I am so greatful to live in America and especially in Pocatello. I love my family, friends and associates, and am so greatful for all my blessings.

I guess when you read my blog, you never know if you will laugh your can off, or if I will be really sappy! Well, today I am sappy.

BUT........

Did you know that Pocatello is the BIG CITY:

Okay, this kills me. There is a car dealership in Soda Springs that says that Pocatello is the Big City: "go to Poky to ride a escallator, elevator, or attend a big sporting event, but to get the best deals on cars, go to the little city of Soda."

And people laugh at me that I think Salt Lake is the BIG CITY!

Tag

Since my last tag went so well, NOT!
No I thought this would be fun. Answer with the first word that comes to mind.

1. Where is your cell phone? car
2. Where is your significant other? airplane
3. Your hair? ponytail
4. Your mother? working
5. Your father? working
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? non
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. The room you're in? computer
10. Your hobby? blogging
11. Your fear? snakes
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? greatful
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? athletic
15. One of your wish list items? energy
16. Where you grew up? Pocatello
17. The last thing you did? talked
18. What are you wearing? PJs
19 Your TV? off
20. Your Pet? none
21. Your computer? on
22 Your mood? dull
3 Missing someone? Sean
24 Your car? dirty
25 Something you're not wearing? shoes
26 Favorite store? Shopko
27 Your summer? fun
28 Love someone? Sean
29 Your favorite color? cream
30 When is the last time you laughed? minutes ago
31 Last time you cried? hours ago

Wisdom shared at a day out with the girls

First of all, we wished everyone was there! You were missed.

Bev likes expensive bras.
Jen sometimes wears hers backwards.
When calling Anne, state your first and last name before she gives you too much information.
If you want Michelle to keep a secret, you have to specify that it is infact a secret.
Kim "compares" her children. (At least when it comes to buying clothing.)
Bev loves bright colored shoes!
Michelle talks ALOT.
Kim is into ORANGE lately.
When bearing your testimony, remember, there is a diffrence between scrotum and saccrum.
Jens first kiss was Michelle's cousin.
Michelle's first kiss is lucky to be alive after having his head smashed into a phone pole repeatedly.
If you are considering buying Boyd a swimsuit, don't ask first, just do it.
If you are at work, and trying not to work, DO NOT make eye contact with Bev, she will make you help her.
Michelle thinks men made out of legos can talk.
If you see Jen shopping, MUG HER, she is the only one who carries cash.
If you share any food items with Anne, YOU divide!
Kim likes her drinks SOUR!!!
If the guy at TCBY asks you how to make your chocolate milkshake, get something else.. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, even chocolate.
Use a flash when taking photos at a restraunt.
If you are close to starting...use the boy scout motto..be prepared!!
Even without saying a word (ie blogging) Michelle talks ALOT
When on a budget, don't ask your friends "Should I get this?"
Women think about guilt at least as much as men think about sex---Whew that must be why our husbands are TIRED!!!

Finally, even when you are nervous to leave your family for a day, do it you won't regret it, plus, laughter is good for the soul!

Lava with Ramsey family

Yet another video of a fun family trip to Lava this year! Sean and I and the kids went to Lava on Monday. We were in style sitting under shade with a table, chairs, games, etc. George and Hazel (Annes mom and dad) were up there camping and met up with us at the pools. We had a great day. It has become a tradition for the husbands to jump from the 3rd platform each year. Now the oldest boys (Nate and Logan) have followed in their dads footsteps and begun jumping from the 1st and 2nd platforms.

In the video you will notice several refrences to ritz crackers. This became the joke of the day. Gordons brought crackers, and several time thruout the day someone would want crackers. "Oh, are these yours?", "I thought these were mine", "sorry", "ask the Gordons" were just a few of the comments made that day.

George and Hazel were so sweet to the kids that Emily told Anne the they were "her grandparents too!" We have had so much fun this summer.....What's next!?!!

Girls day out!!

So, yesterday was a first for me. Jen Mecham, Bev Jones, Kim Hardy, Anne Ramsey and I headed up to Park City Utah to go school shopping. We met at 8:30 am, so, you know me, at 8:10 I was still not showered and planning to not go. But I am so glad I did. We had so much fun visiting and laughing with eachother.


Of course we shopped ALOT!!! We also went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday. I can just say that Bev and I were the DDs. No we were not the Designated Drivers, we Drink Duds, in that we only consumed water while our friends kicked back a few flavored lemondades. Kim made me try some of hers, but that stuff is too strong for me!

Our shopping mainly consisted of purchases for our children, but while shopping we decided that we needed some jewerly. We found a great necklace that we all loved. Dang my fat neck!! It didn't look good on me. They each got a matching necklace, but I found a diffrent one that fit a little better. It's okay, I like mine too. In fact mine brings good luck.


We had to take a trip to Walmart (non of your business why), and I was the only one who this handsome fellow hit on. (It may have been my dangling earings--always sending the wrong impression!) His name was a little odd, but he promised me gold, jewels, and plenty of adventure. He became very quiet when I told him I was already happily married. Don't worry Sean, my heart always belongs to you!


I do have one more surprise from this trip that I will reveal on Halloween, so keep reading!

Summer Swimming 2008

I have had a heck of a time getting this video to upload! Hope you enjoy it. Hope Anne gets those cookies to me. Hope we are all still friends! And I hope you all have had as great of a summer as we have!