"I am." I said.

To no one there. And no one heard at all, not even the chair. Slight reference to a Neil Diamond song that usually cracks me up for that very line. However, today "I am" takes on a whole new meaning. I'm stealing this from someone else's blog. Not a tag, but you're welcome to steal it from me and put it on your blog. I think it will be fun, interesting, mind-stimulating, and very personality revealing:

I am: Woman, Hear me roar! (Except today, when I totally sound like a man because of my sore throat. Someone told me it was 'sexy'...I think it's embarassing! Think Mary Carillos...announcer from the Beijing Olympics!)

I want: To go away to a quiet island where I can read a book and listen to the ocean.

I have: Too many things to do, and not enough time to do them.

I dislike: Whining and whiners

I miss: My brother. More now than three months ago, probably not as much as I will in December

I fear: Losing my children...to illness, to accidents, and yes, even to bizarre stalkers and kidnappers

I feel: Paralyzed

I hear: Duncan Sheik singing the FINDING NEMO version of "Beyond The Sea" off my i-tunes account. I really need to get to a beach, and fast!

I smell: Nothing. I'm sick, dang it! However, if I had a choice, it would definitely be something baking...something yummy like pumpkin pie, or homemade bread, or lasagna. MMMMM!

I cry: Way too much lately

I usually: Try to be funny. I like to hear people laugh. Sometimes, the pressure to be a stand-up comedian 24/7 is a little too much. Maybe I should seek my serious side.

I search for: Lost papers in my endless piles. One day I WILL get organized and that will be an entirely different blog.

I wonder: If I wished upon a star...would the wish really come true?

I regret: Getting so involved in so many things that need to be wrapped up in the next few weeks. I'm missing my favorite season sitting inside at the computer.

I love: Phillip, of course...Whitney, Cassidy, Eli...friends...good books...warm summer evenings and beautiful fall evenings...and truffles! (The chocolate kind!)

I care: What others think. I know I shouldn't, but I do. Desperately.

I always: Remember to say, 'please', and 'thank you', and especially, 'I love you' before I hang up the phone with Phillip or the kids.

I am not: Ready for winter to come. I wish it could stay fall for months and months and months!

I remember: People's names, what they are interested in...fun mindless trivia...and when I thought 75 cents a gallon for gas was out of this world!

I believe: In a Father in Heaven who loves me and knows what is best for me and for my loved ones. I also know His timetable is not my timetable. This has been a very hard lesson for me to learn in life.

I dance: All the time...especially when no one is looking, or when I am public with my children so I can embarass them. Actually, I really am a good dancer, and proud of it!

I sing: Along with every song I every hear, and usually know all of the words. Songs make me happy; singing them makes me happier. Too bad I wasn't blessed with the best voice, but in a car, no one really cares!

I don't always: Take compliments very well. I usually have an excuse of why what someone comliments me on isn't true. I should work on this. So, if you see me, compliment me on something, and I will take it with simple gratitude.

I argue: Rarely. "Peacemaker" is my middle name. But I do like to argue with stupid people on tv...probably since they won't fight back!

I write: Because I love it...not because I'm good at it. I just love to do it!

I win: At cards. Sometimes by luck, sometimes by cheating.

I lose: Weight rarely. But I must be the same size as the average American woman, because when I go shopping, she has already purchased everything decent and good in my size.

I wish: Everyone in my life was as happy as they could possibly be, and that all of their dreams would come true. Maybe I will tell them to wish upon a star!

I listen: To all kinds of music. Depending on my mood, there's something out there to fit it, and I can probably find a copy of it to listen to.

I don't understand: The stock market. That's why I have Phillip around. Truthfully, right now, I'm glad I don't have to understand it. If I have questions my husband can't answer, (Which, by the way, is NEVER!) I can always find what I'm looking for from Suze Orman.

I can usually be found: Doing something for the family...or at the computer...or in the car...or, weather permitting, on my porch!

I need: My throat to stop hurting!

I forget: Confrontations. I am very quick to forgive, and not very easily offended.

I feel happy: Most always...after all, my name is Joy. This blog isn't long enough for everything that makes me happy. Just know that I am...and it's probably partly because of YOU!

Lucky Number 7...

Thursday was Eli's 7th birthday. He has been counting down the days on the calendar since about last January. Not just because '7' sounds like a lucky number, but because he knew this was the year for a 'friend' birthday. Before I proceed, may I just state, that, for the record, 'friend' birthday years really STRESS me out. I can't just invite a few kids over for cake and ice cream and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. It always has to be big and clever and out of this world. Once, when Whitney turned '7' we had a huge surprise party at McDonalds. And when Cassidy turned 4 we had 17 kids from the 'hood over for egg dying, egg hunting, and a pinata, all held in the basement due to a last minute April snow storm. Last time Eli had a 'friend' birthday it was a Scooby Doo mystery event, complete with mummy wrapping, bat-catching, and the great gummy worm jello grab! Do you get the picture? The word SIMPLIFY does not belong in my vocabulary when it comes to birthdays. But I'm getting older, so I figure it's time to get a little wiser. This year, we decided to invite six friends, plus Eli, making it an even 'lucky number 7' in the guest department. We loaded up the car after school and headed to KUNG FU PANDA. Everyone got popcorn, candy, and a drink. We had the theater to ourselves. (I told Cassidy it was every girl's dream...to be all alone in a movie theater surrounded by boys! Maybe just not boys in the 'ten and under' age group.) We told jokes out loud before it started, and danced along with the pre-show music. It's great to let loose in a theater when no one else is watching. For me the movie was just okay...no FINDING NEMO, but not as bad as SPIRITED AWAY. Of course, the boys LOVED IT. All the way home I was the single female in a car full of male testosterone...arm farting, karate chopping, belching, and the YUSHI finger hold...something from the movie that causes great pain on the part of the receiver. My mind flashed back to days gone by when my parties involved manicures and crafting cute frames with rhinestones and lots of pink fluffy things. I guess I have entered a new dimension in life..."THE SECRET WORLD OF BOYS". It's going to take some getting used to since I'm not quite sure about the body-function noises and the pain-infliction rites of passage. However, knowing how much I enjoy the teenage boys that are frequently guests in my house, I really do have something to look forward to. The other day I used one of them as an example and said, "Eli, Cassidy's friends never burp when they are at our house. They have respect for women." Cassidy's friend smiled at me and said, "Hey, Sister Sorensen, I'm glad to know that at least you've never heard me burp." Then he winked at Eli for a little male-to-male bonding. I'm also pretty sure they both burped when I left the room!

He Still Sends Me Flowers...

I'm officially a "Silver Anniversary' woman. On October 7th, Phillip and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. I had grand plans of a beautifully written, romantic and praise-worthy salute to my husband, but life just got away from me that week. Luckily, I have a husband who thinks of me even when I'm not at my best. He surprised me with a leisurely lunch at Olive Garden, where we split my favorite...a decadent slice of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake. He really does know a way to a woman's heart! When I arrived home, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of roses in my favorite shades of fall colors. They made me smile every minute of every day for the rest of the week. The anniversary celebration didn't stop there. Friday we went out to dinner with some good friends where we enjoyed calamari, shrimp cocktails, and almond-crusted halibut. I had needed a few moments away from the hustle and bustle that is my life, and he squeezed them in at just the right times. So, I guess instead of all the beautifully written and romantics praises I had planned, I'll just sum it up like this. He has been steady and sure for 25 years, and I know he will be steady and sure for an eternity more. We balance each other. He's the intellectual; I'm the mindless trivia expert. I remember the names of everyone I've ever met; he keeps me around to remind him of the names of all the people we've ever met. He sits through chick flicks with me; I'll watch sports wtih him. He makes me laugh. And laugh. And laugh. He holds my hand when I'm sick, tucks the covers around me when it's cold, and always kisses me goodnight. We've had a few disagreements over the years, and I'll admit he's usually right, but he still tells everyone I'm the best thing that ever happened to him, and of course, he's right again about that! Together, we have been blessed with the 3 most amazing children on the planet. They have their dad's intellect, their mother's ability to remember names and mindless trivia, and again, their dad's gift of tenderness and compassion. Someone asked me if the 25 years was from more than one marriage. I was proud to tell them that all 25 years had been spent with just one man, my man, my Mr. Phil, the heart of my heart.

To him I say, "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be."

Back to bloggin'

I have been SOOO busy lately that I have fallen behind, but tonight I'm going to play catch-up on my blog instead of catch-up on laundry. I hope this doesn't cause too much of a commotion on Monday morning when we're all looking for something to wear...

It was 21 years ago today...

...that something lovely and wonderful entered our lives. We spent many years (impatiently!) awaiting her arrival, and from the moment we first held her in our arms we have been blessed every day by her presence. Happy Birthday Whitney. Here are just 21 reason why we love you! 1. Sisters, Sisters...there were never more devoted sisters. Two girls--different in so many good ways, alike in even better ways. Cassidy has looked up to you with admiration and love for 17 years now, and it has been a beautiful journey to watch the mentor guide her student so gracefully. And don't forget, "Go Go Girls Tip Number #1: Never wear white after Labor Day, unless it is in a pair of Nancy Sinatra boots!'

2. You LOVE to laugh. Your laugh is contagious. It's infectious. If I close my eyes right now, I can hear it ringing through my heart, and it makes me happy!

3. You are the best big sister a brother ever had. From the moment you put out your hand to Eli and he curved his fingers around yours, you have been joined hand and heart. To quote Eli, "I like Whitney because she does things with me, like board games. We eat ice cream together and read the comics. She plays with me and we do Charlie Brown dancing! Good grief! She helps me with stuff, too!"

3. You are the queen of vocab--the word nerd--indeed, the Grammar Goddess and Queen of English. We knew early on that words would be an important part of your life. Afterall, you were only 2 1/2 when you told the neighbors, "I'll have a ham and cheese sandwich, but without the cholesterol, please!" WOW! You're still dazzling us with your command of the English launguage!

4. You are a loyal friend. Never jealous of anyone else's accomplishments, always complimentary, always willing to be there for whoever, whenever, whatever. I notice that you have a special gift of making everyone around you feel like they are the most important person in your life, especially if that someone is an underdog, and needs a little extra TLC!

5. You are a lover of the finer things in life...lilacs in the spring, leaves in the fall, reading Anne of Green Gables on the front porch. Watching the waves crash to the shore, and building a sandcastle on the beach. It's the simple things that make you happy!

6. We share a fear of clowns. Not to sound like a 'circus freak' but we don't like clowns. We think they are creepy. Even though on your 8th birthday you were a guest ringmaster at the Barnum and Bailey Circus with a nice clown, all other clowns are taboo to be around. (Maybe that's why you also don't like mascots at baseball games!)

7. Speaking of sports...you are the worlds greatest spectator, and the Olympics most loyal fan. If Michael Phelps had a dollar for every time you thought about him, he wouldn't need that billion dollar endorsement deal he is getting. You also love baseball (the Cubs!), basketball, (March Madness with dad), lacrosse (Johns Hopkins) and of course, tennis (Roger Federer!)

8. You LOVE to learn. I never knew what is was like to raise a genius until you came along. Once you learned to read (Ted and Sally with grandmother) you have absorbed and inhaled everything and anything around you. I think you are a mensa, just like your dad, with a photographic memory. I'm pretty sure you would've been good with the Jeopardy buzzer as well. Only time will tell!

9. You are a well-seasoned world traveler. London, Dublin, Hawaii, St. Louis, Connecticut. I'm pretty sure the next destination you head towards will be one chosen 'especially for you', if you get my drift. I can't wait to watch you open that envelope!

10. You are spiritually wise beyond your years. So many experiences in your short life have helped you to learn to rely on the Lord. You are also very good at learning lessons from the spirit. Your testimony has been strong for years, and you work very hard to strengthen it daily. You have graciously received and served in callings, and will have many more to come in your life time. Thank you for tutoring me in spiritual ways. As I observe the life you live, it makes each of us want to try a little harder to do a little better.

11. Lover of all good books...what can I say? If we start a list now, it will be like the song that never ends. Just know that if there is a good book out there, you have either read it, or will read it, or better yet, write it in a few years. Enough said.

12. Lover of all good music...what can I say? It has been a wonderful 21 years tutoring YOU of all things good in the land of rock-and-roll. When you were little I would sing "Here Comes the Sandman" and "Teddy Bear Picnic" to lull you to sleep. Dad would dance you around the room singing "My Girl" and you would gaze up at him with those big green eyes! Soon we moved onto primary songs, your favorite was "Adam was a Prophet." But the fun really started when you learned all about the Beatles, and the Beach Boys, and the Osmonds, of course! Later still, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. I still think that you and I are the best radio car singers on the planet...next only to, best makers of Sonic Car commercials!

13. Lover of all good movies...what can I say? The first movie dad and I ever took you to was GHOSTBUSTERS 2, which may explain the next paragraph, but after that we stuck with Disney Shows for a few years and they never steered us wrong. The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan...later Cool Runnings, Remember the Titans and The Rookie. You are a romantic at heart...Return to Me, Sleepless in Seattle, and While You Were Sleeping. You love anything to do with history...Amazing Grace and Glory Road and Miracle and To Kill a Mockingbird. Anything that makes you feel good...That Thing You Do, On the Line, What's Up Doc. Anything old and classic...That Touch of Mink, Charade, High Society, To Catch a Thief, Rear Window. Anything involving superheroes...Batman Begins and Superman Returns. Anything that makes you cry...The Ultimate Gift and Anne of Green Gables. I guess I could keep going, but I won't. You get the picture!

14. Lover of all good foods...what can I say? Popcorn is your absolute favorite, followed closely by shrimp, zuchinni, paella, mushrooms, sausage, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and once in a while, a drink from Sonic to indulge your mother.

15. You can turn the world on with your smile. You can take a nothing day and certainly make it all seem worthwhile!

16. You are brave, like Sheila Rae! It may have only take 17 years to get you on "The Haunted Mansion" ride at Disneyland, but since then your courage has been tested in many ways. Rides at Lagoon, going to college, leaving the country, taking a train ride in Ireland unsupervised, going in a CAVE! When ever you are scared, just put one foot in front of the other and say, "I think I can, I think I can, and you will!"

17. Just like that famous pig, you are H-U-M-B-L-E. You have had many wonderful accomplishments over the years, and they are not mine to brag about, but let me just say, you don't brag about them, either, and that is very admirable. I think you have been blessed because you are humble, and with so many great things in your future, the practice will come in handy! S-A-L-U-T-A-T-I-O-N-S!

18. From Dad: "Reliable, honorable, a person with great integrity." He went on to say that as an employee, there has never been anyone as concientious and accurate at balancing as you. I'm sure if I polled your employers at Gameworld they would state, "If Whitney's working for you, you don't have to worry about sanitation issues or shoplifters!"

19. Great shoe sense--at least in the sneakers category. If there is a pair cool sneakers to be had, you will certainly have them.

20. You were rightly named, because you are, the 'wittiest' person I know. Never in a hurtful or inappropriate manner, but always clever and always funny. We can count on you for humor during car trips, humor during rock-picking and sod-laying, humor during breakfast and humor during dinner. We miss your 'wit' when we don't have it on a daily basis; perhaps it could be bottled into something over-the-counter. I'm sure it would make the world a happier place!

21. WOW! Here we are at 21 and I could keep going for 21 more. But I won't. I will conclude this salute to you by saying, YOU ARE WONDER WOMAN! We have never wondered what you were up to; you were always up to something productive and good. You make us wonder how we could be so lucky to have had the priviledge of raising such an amazing, wonderful, beautiful and brainy girl. No matter what experiences life throws your way, just swing that golden lasso and get busy! We love you and want you to know that we think you are a WONDER-ful WOMAN! May this day be your best yet, and may there be many more just like it over the next 21 years.

Blog Stalking...

...not normally a habit of mine, but I did want to HIGHLY recommend a blog I happened upon quite randomly. Addictively, I keep returning, never to be disappointed. It is listed on my sidebar under "Something to Blog About" as 'Normal Mormon Husband'. I'm not sure there is such a thing as a normal mormon husband, or just plain normal husband for that matter, but whoever he is, wherever he is, he is hilarious. Scroll down to his video on the TWILIGHT series, and don't miss his comments on 'The Palin Love Affair". I promise you will be rolling on the floor with laughter. It makes my day, and I hope it makes yours, too!

Politically speaking...

...I just spent the night with Mitt Romney. He was in town for a political rally and I was only 4 rows away from touching him. Almost as close as I was to Three Dog Night, but not quite. Close enough, though, for some sweet photo ops...In the first one, he is pointing right at me and saying, "Joy Sorensen, I wish I had a son for your daughter Whitney to marry." I have titled the second photo, "Mitt's Back" in honor of his pre-announcing that there is a strong possibility he will BE BACK (say it like Arnold) for another political run after the next 4-8 years to come. The third photo...just a nice picture of a very nice man. His smile could melt your heart. I still wish he was going to be my president!

He is so handsome...almost as handsome as my husband, who was right by my side, taking just as many photos on his cell phone. We are like a crazy political stalking duo!