Song of the Week

"Somebody" by Depeche Mode

I thought that I should feature this song next since I mentioned it in my survey as one of the 3 songs that I know EVERY word to (and b/c I've already featured Bohemian Rhapsody and Sarah McLachlan.) I actually prefer the live recording from their 101 cd (it's much sexier), but I couldn't locate a good recording so I settled for the original album version. Whenever I hear this song it makes me think of my oldest sister Christi, who was absolutely in love with these guys when I was still just a kid. She had gone to a concert and had the huge posters and pins (a definite sign of the '80s). I also have an urge to clean my house when I hear this song because I always blast '80s music when I clean. John always knows if I'm in a cleaning mood by what music I put in the cd player. The reason I love the live version so much is because it's just Martin Gore and the piano, probably my favorite combination for this kind of song. Anyway, I love it.

"Getting to Know All About You"

Okay, so I decided to start my own questionaire since I've never been tagged for one (though I'm not sure why... I'm pretty cool....right?.... tell me I'm cool!.... I need to hear you say that I'm cool!!!) I'm not a big fan of the hokey ones with the silly questions, so I decided to make mine nice and juicy... and personal. For the people that I tag you can certainly plead the fifth... but then your coolness level will really suffer (take it from someone who's WAY cool!)

The Rules:
1. Post the rules
2. Answer the questions
3. Tag 5 people

1. What is your full name? Audrey Renea Sabin

2. What do you like to do in your spare time? Blog, read good books (esp. classics), listen to music, hang out with friends and hang out with my family

3. Name two of your biggest vices: 1) Not being patient enough with my children and spouse (but esp. my children); 2) I just can't break the habit.... I'm an avid nail-biter!

4. Name two of your biggest virtues: 1) I know how to LOVE.... especially kids that I teach and my own kids (and you, honey!); 2) I have an unwavering testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ

5. What is your biggest regret, up to this point? Not dropping out of college to take care of my grandmother before she died when my grandfather called me personally to ask if I would ( I was very close to her, but very caught up in the whole college scene...)

6. List 5 of your deepest, darkest desires (keeping it G-rated, of course): 1) I want to write children's stories and poetry and have it published (click here to read one of my poems); 2) I would love to open up an indoor rowing gym where people could come and compete in erg (ergometer/rowing machine) races, as well as just work out; 3) I know this is lame, but I would love to have my very first pedicure, facial and manicure (I didn't really get in touch with my feminine side until after Steven was born, and then I didn't have the money for stuff like that anymore!); 4) I've always wanted to sing a Sarah McLachlan song up on a stage for a ward talent show (in fact, when singing to Sarah I often invision myself in such a setting... I know I'm a freak); 5) To suddenly become a size 8 (or any single digit size, really...)

7. What do you consider a perfect day? A day spent in harmony with my family, doing anything really, then having some snuggle time with my hubby followed by a movie (Pride and Prejudice) with lots and lots of REALLY buttery popcorn and a box of Whoppers... all before 10:00 so that I can still have some "me" time.

8. Name 3 songs that you know EVERY word to: 1) Sarah McLachlan "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"; 2) Depeche Mode "Somebody"; 3) Queen "Bohemian Rhapsody" (after all, I did have to sing the whole thing all by myself for a youth conference kareoke show!)

9. What fictional character do you secretly envy and wish you could become? Jane Bennet from Pride and Prejudice because she is so good and a little niave, but mostly because she is able to see the good in everyone, even when it seems obvious to others that they are undeserving of her goodwill.

10. What's the first thought that pops into your head when you see yourself in the mirror? "Man, I look good!" Just kidding, it's usually "Man, I need to start working out again."

'K, I hope you enjoyed that; now it's your turn. I tag: Bethanne, Kristi, Julie Gropp, Emily and Kelly. (Have fun with it, girls... I look forward to seeing the juicy side of you!)

Song of the Week

"Feeling Good" by Michael Buble`

I know that it hasn't been a full week yet, but when I decide what song I'm going to feature next, I sometimes have a hard time waiting until Monday... and this one's good!

Okay, I don't know why I've had such a resistence to this guy, but I just never really listened to him or gave him a chance. My first exposure to Michael was the opening scene to the movie "Down With Love" (which was hilarious but waaaaaay too much in the sex department.) Being the huge fan of Jazz that I am, I immediately loved the song and could've sworn that I knew that voice... I didn't, but I loved it. So I've been listening to alot of Buble` on the internet and came across THIS song. Gotta say that I absolutely LOVE it... as well as so many of his other songs! Finally, a purist... none of that Josh Groban crossover mess. I can't handle crossovers.... okay, unless it's 311.... or Fiona Apple.... or Panic at the Disco....mmmmmmm.... maybe I just don't like Josh Groban. (Strong possibility!) Anyway, I love this song for lots of reasons. First and foremost, how can you not listen to this song without "feelin' good"? I mean, come on, everything about this song screams SEXY, aka "feelin' good"! Am I right!?!?! And I am definitely NOT a dancer, but I really just want to get up and dance some sexy, booty-swingin' dance to this song. (Sorry for any disturbing images that I may have placed in your head.... ERASE!) And what's crazy is that it's not even the words that get me moving; they're innocent enough. It's purely a reaction to the music itself (which is proof that music is a powerful force!) It's everything from the grungey, dirty brass to the swingin' bass line to the clinking piano chords.... and lets not forget that voice! Owwwwch! SEXY! (All I'm sayin' is, John, come sing to me like that and I'll stop everything for you...) For those of you who know me well, you're probably shocked to hear me talk this way since my middle name is prude, but I'm sorry... blame it all on the song!

I'm Sorry, But I Adore My Kids!

So of course I have to show off these pics that I just found on my camera. (I say found because the batteries have been dead forever and I just replaced them.) I know that I was just complaining in my last post about a bad day, but I really do smother, uh, I mean LOVE my kids (to death.)

Being silly with Daddy (gotta love the hair!)

Gotta love that beautiful face! (Margaret, not me!)

Steven snuggling his favorite bed buddy, Lamb. (If you look closely, you'll see that Lamb has big-boy underwear on, too. They potty trained together, so they graduated to underwear together.)

One word: Mischief! (Are you proud of me, Bethanne?)

Steven's "messy" face. (He definitely takes after his mother... one speck of food on his clothes and he freaks out and changes his shirt... I'm a freak, I know!)

OH...MY...HECK...

Today has been one of those days... you know what I'm talking about. You're caught wondering if it's really possible for a toddler to PMS; or just how high can a scream get before it's only audible to dogs...

or maybe there's some starving family in China who could really use the food under that highchair... you know, one of THOSE days. After enjoying a lovely day with Margaret during which all of the previously mentioned questions popped into my head, Steven gave an Oscar performance to finish off the evening. We couldn't even have Family Home Evening, he was so bad. And of course, sending him straight to bed on a Monday night without FHE treats was probably our fatal error... it's like taking away presents on Christmas or burning the Thanksgiving turkey. We, in effect, had a nuclear bomb on our hands that had exploded and all that remained was chaos....

Oh, how I love my children!

Song of the Week

"Who's Crying Now" by Journey

Here's some good ole classic rock for you guys from some of the best! Bethanne, I'm not sure if this falls under your category of butt-rock or not, so let me know. I love the catchy, sexy rhythm of this song... very addictive. I want to go around singing "Na-na-na-na-na-na" after listening to it. Enjoy!

Checking In

I posted recently about our plans to improve our family prayer and scripture study and I just wanted to check in for accountability purposes. We've been doing great! Since starting with the star chart at the beginning of the month, we've only missed one day and that was because we were out shopping all day (tax-free weekend) and then we went to a baptism the same night. By the time we got home it was just too late. John and I actually came up with some really fun ideas for our scripture study to try and make it more meaningful for Steven and to help him remember the stories that we read. During the last Worldwide Leadership Training meeting, Julie B. Beck said something about reading kids stories from the gospel art picture kits while they're young. So here's the plan that John and I came up with:

First of all, we decided to focus on the same story for the entire week to give Steven the opportunity to really remember what we're learning about. It wasn't until the fourth or fifth day that Steven realized that it was the same story, which was proof for us that repetition was a good thing.

Next, we came up with different ways to present the story for each day of the week:
1. Look at the picture from the gospel art picture kit and read the story on the back as an intro (we keep the picture displayed on an easel throughout the week to facilitate conversations or questions)
2. Draw/Color a scene from the story (then we display the pics somewhere prominent in the house)
3. Read the story in the scriptures (or a few excerpts, if it's a story that comprises several chapters, such as Jesus teaching the Nephites)
4. Act out the story/Role play (this is Steven's favorite part)
5. Discuss what lessons we learn from this particular story
6. Take turns telling the story to each other from memory
7. Read the story from the scriptures again (with the intent that this time around names and events will sound more familiar and recognizable)

Reading the scriptures this way as a family really has been so enjoyable, I must say. And I have definitely noticed a change in our home as a direct result; a recognizable increase in the spirit. Amazing how that works....

What are some ways that your family studies the scriptures together? Or do you have any suggestions for us on how to tweak ours up a bit?

A Tough Decision

John and I don't really watch alot of TV... honestly. We usually just pop a movie in if we want to watch anything, so we never really know what's going on in the TV world. About a month ago we were stumped on what movie to get from Netflix , so John's sister recommended we start watching a few tv shows. At the top of her list were "The Office" and "24". After looking into both of them, we decided to go with "24" since I was already familiar with the creative team behind it (they were the same guys that did "La Femme Nikita", one of my favorite shows in college.) We ordered the the first 4 episodes of season 1... it came in the mail... we popped some popcorn... got out the pillows and blankets... and we were set to go. By the time the first episode ended, John and I were both sitting up straight on the couch with the covers thrown off and just staring at each other with the same word on our lips... "Wow!" It was so good and mind-blowing. I hadn't really known what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect it to be so focused on the family relationship. Before I get into the pros and cons of the show, I just want to clarify that we have just finished season 2 and we've mutually agreed to put the show on hold for awhile... we need a break.

I want to list the positives about this show first:
1. Characters in this show are constantly faced with really hard, moral dilemmas concerning what is best for the most people... even if it means that someone (even someone you know) might die
2. I love watching shows in which the military/armed forces are depicted as the real heroes that they are; not blundering idiots. It fills me with a certain sense of patriotism, which I love.
3. It is very moving to watch a family that was broken come together even closer than before due to very stressful and trying circumstances. I would have to say that THAT particular story line was the most endearing part of the entire show for me... especially when the mom and daughter who used to never get along were about to be killed together and the camera focuses on them holding hands just before they are about to die. Where's the tissue?
4. The mystery and suspense is certainly not lacking, for those of us who really get into that sort of thing

And now the negatives:
1. I would have to say that my number one problem with this show is the blatant lack of reverence for the sanctity of life. People literally die left and right in this show, and it's usually in a very graphic way. I understand that Jack Bauer is dealing with the most evil people in the world, but really.... enough is enough.
2. Waaaayyyy too much torture going on for me; especially in season 2. I think we counted 4 seperate torture situations in season 2 and all of them were very graphic and very looong. I just can't handle that kind of stuff. (On a positive note, however, there was a stark difference between how the good guys tortured someone and how the bad guys did.)
3. This show really did give me nightmares and made it hard for me to leave my children and go to bed at night. I was constantly thinking of all of the bad things that could happen to them because of all of the evil people in the world that we are just oblivious to. I remember balling my eyes out one night while praying before I went to bed just begging Heavenly Father to please keep my children safe and never let anything like that happen to them. Not something that I really like to dwell on, you know...

So John and I decided to stop watching "24" because we felt like it really wasn't inviting the spirit into our home or putting us into the right frame of mind for the next day. I know that may not be the decision for everyone, but it's what we decided would be best for our home.

Bejiing 2008

The Olympics are well under way and still I haven't made time to sit down and actually watch any of it. When I do, it'll definitely be to watch the rowing.

It's been a long time since I've been in a boat, but man does watching it bring back alot of memories (most of them good.) Just look at those women... that's (almost) what I used to look like in college! Now.....

Yep... sad but true. I've just let myself go. If only I could lay off the brownies. But alas, it is my one weakness!

I'm getting so old!

I was out weeding the flower beds this afternoon and feeling pretty good with all that I was accomplishing. But when I came in and finished cleaning up, I couldn't bend over and my feet were killing me! I remember (not so long ago) when I could work out in the yard forever and sure, be a little sore, but nothing like this. Man!!!! I'm getting OLD!!! This has nothing to do with the fact that I'll just be that much closer to 30 this week (yeah, right.) Or that I'm the unhealthiest that I've ever been in my life right now. Or, now that I think about it, maybe I just did too much too soon after surgery. But let's face it, there's just not time to sit around on your duff and let the weeds grow (or the house get dirty, or the kids go unfed, etc...). Especially when the HOA is breathing down your neck to fix the garden beds, even if you have only lived in the neighborhood for a few months and still recovering from the move, financially. Sure, just let me go and spend $80 bucks that I don't have on mulch, tools, gloves and everything that I would need to accomplish the job because we have nothing (a plus for living in an apartment) on hand. I have to admit that these beds are atrocious and I was already planning on fixing them up, but not yet, for crying out loud! Oh well, that's life. Do you have any HOA horror stories to share? :)

Song of the Week

Main Theme from "Superman" by John Williams

We've been listening to this music, along with the theme from E.T., alot lately. John has started having movie nights once a week with Steven while I work. Needless to say, Steven loves it and eats it up, as well as John. So far, they have watched Superman, E.T., An American Tail and the beginning of Star Wars. Steven, after having only seen Superman one time, was running through the house last week singing this song at the top of his lungs. I was so surprised with how well he remembered it. For some fun, we turned on one of our John Williams CDs that had theme songs for alot of movies that he has composed for. Most important to Steven, though, was that it had Superman, E.T. and Star Wars on it. We now listen to that CD at least once a day so that Steven can run around the living room like a crazy man. Fun!

Our Game Plan

I know that most of you are already really great at having family prayer and scripture study (I can just tell), but it has been something that John and I have both struggled with since we've been married. We've done it off and on, but never very consistently, and it's something that's been on my mind ALOT lately. So our FHE lesson this week (which we have ALWAYS done consistently) was on living the gospel in our daily lives. We had already had previous lessons on prayer and family scripture study, so this lesson was meant to get us to develop a plan to implement them more regularly. We decided to print a calendar for this month and hang it up on the fridge. For everyday that we have family prayer and read the scriptures together, we put two stars on the corresponding day on the calendar. If we fill up the calendar with stars on every day, then we get to have a family treat (John and Steven decided that we should go to Pump It Up, Jr). So far, so good. I decided to do it this way, because it also got Steven more excited about doing it everyday, and he has started to remind us about prayer and scripture study too! He is very aware of those stars. If this continues to work for us, then hopefully, after a few months we will have developed this righteous pattern in our home.

In the ward that we just moved from, the bishop was very keen on each family developing patterns of righteousness in their lives by seeking daily doses of the spirit. While we certainly believed his teachings and admonishings, we didn't have any real changes in our family that occurred. Something was lacking, on our side. I don't know why, but ever since we have been in our new ward, I have felt a constant desire to improve myself and really take to heart his teachings. Maybe it has something to do with the opportunity to start over; I don't know. All I know is that we still have the ward goals from our last ward hanging on our fridge and that I have a greater desire than ever to really follow through with them. Things like keeping a journal for at least a quarter, making a personal goal regarding my temple attendance and faithfully fulfilling home and visiting teaching assignments. But as a foundation to all of these, our family MUST pray and study the scriptures together, as well as me doing these things personally. I have seen people who grew up doing these things with their families since they were young, and most of them are amazing people whom I try to emmulate. Having NOT grown up with these patterns of righteousness, it is a struggle for John and myself to try to establish them for our family (not that it isn't a struggle for those that have, but you know what I mean.) I want, more than anything, for my children to be like those amazing people that I know. To have them grow up with these patterns in their home so that they can take them and use them with their families when they are older. To not have to struggle over the basics like I do. But I know that alot of that begins with me.... I have alot of work to do...

A Big Thank-You

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has helped our family while I've been recovering. It has been such a blessing to have meals brought to us and to have people help with the kids. Most especially, I want to thank my mom and all that she does for our little family. The kids are so excited to see you (again) tonight, and I'm looking forward to visiting with you too, now that I'm awake! I love you, Mom. You mean so much to me and our family and life just wouldn't be the same without you.

I'm Alive and I Survived!

I finally have the energy to sit at the computer and work on my blog today. After last Thursday, I haven't really felt THAT much pain, mostly just exhausted and lots of backaches from having to sleep on my back everynight (I'm definitely a stomach girl, myself!) My sister-in-law requested surgery pics in her last comment, but I have to admit that I don't have any. There is absolutely no way that I am posting pictures of my, shall we say, lovely stomach on the internet for the whole world to see! I didn't even take the camera with me to the hospital and no pictures since I've been home... it just didn't seem like one of those picture taking moments. Sorry to disappoint everyone. Thank you to everyone for all of your words of encouragement, though I didn't even read them until this past weekend.

I meant to update everyone on Steven's potty training before I had my surgery, but I forgot. He is comepletely 100% potty trained, aka Master of the Potty! We were having a hard time getting him to poop on the potty, but finally, his Aunt Christi promised him a candy bar if he would do it and then we threw a candy bar into the pot (as in the gambling pot) too, and the very next day he went and hasn't looked back since! Go Steven! (For those of you who already knew this info, sorry for the repeat!)

Other than that, I've just been hangin' at the house with the kids, trying to pick them up as little as possible, until I feel like I'm ready for a trip. So feel free to stop by! :)