Safe Blogging? Well as safe as can be....

Sources:
http://ilookbothways.com/learn-safety/blogging/
http://www.microsoft.com/security/family-safety/blogging.aspx
http://www.netsafe.org.nz/keeping_safe.php?pageID=142&sectionID=adults&menuID=106

Let's talk about how to blog safely. Well as safe as possible. There are some common sense rules about blogging that lots of adults don't think about and certainly things that kids would even comprehend about the dangers of blogging. It is so easy to share too much, risking identity, pride and embarassment.
Here's what I found.
The first site listed about gives 8 great tips on keeping safe when you blog. All great advise. In fact, this blog has tons of other good suggestions as well.
2nd link: I love that I found a blog from Microsoft about blogging and Internet safety. They are a very trusted source and a very popular brand, kids will follow their "expert" advise.
The last link is to a blog post about adult safety, which is good because we tend to think that we are indestructible and untouchable, but we are just a vulnerable as children when it comes to the Internet. It address copyrighted material, which is great and can get a person in trouble.

Happy bloggin.

TTFN
Juli

Blog-topia about learning, who've known...

Blogging about e-learning, learning and education isn't something I have ever thought about. In fact, I'm a big blogger. They seem to take too much time, and if you aren't updating them regularly, they get outdated faster than milk in the fridge. They certainly have their purpose and can bring people together over spans of land and sea, but still, for me, keeping a blog is just blah.
For my class, I had to search out blogs about learning and holy cow there are a ton. I looked at several examples of how they were used in classrooms in K-12. The blogs were fun if they had pictures and I also saw a great way to let kids learn technology, by letting them become the blogger/ authors. Another great use for blogs is to connect and share with a sister school in another country. The kids must really dig that.
I also a plethora of blogs about e-learning and higher education learning. Several were fascinating, some were blah (kinda like my blog). 
I'll post more on that later.

TTFN

Juli

On the blog again.....

So I am starting a Master's program at USU. It is called Instructional Technology and Design degree. I am excited to be learning and part of my first class is to set up and use a blog. So, I will probably being blogging a bit more. Ha ha, since the last time I posted something was like a year ago or more! So crazy. Click here to learn more!

Family

I have wonderful neices and nephews. Here are some pictures of some of my favorites.

Amy (all valley b-ball player of the year), Paige (dressed as a Princess) and a video of Peyton laughing at his sister.

The Last Few Months...

Life has been pretty boring the last few months, yet very different. I am adjusting to life as a stay at home mom. I still search daily for a job and have interviews almost every week, but nothing seems to materialize. The kids are normal, with school and friends and piano, we are all wishing for warmer weather.

Mike is enjoying his new job at work and his new schedule. He leaves the house sometime in the AM, between 3 & 4 and gets home between noon and 1. It is really great to have some one-on-one time in the afternoon together. Different but great. We haven't had alone time like this since the kids were born. The good thing is that he doesn't go to bed any earlier and he doesn't smell like cheese anymore.

The kids spent spring break with Jennette & Janell- and they had a blast! They are wonderful sisters to take them for 4 days to give me a break. It was great for us to have a little vacation at home....

For the Easter weekend, we had Bob and Dani and Addie stay with us! It was so fun and conference was wonderful. I am grateful for family and the joy they bring into my life. I love having company- it is a great excuse to clean the house.

Last Friday night- I hosted a leadership training overnighter for the YW leaders and class officers. It was so much fun! The girls were so sweet and fun. Olea came and gave a wonderful talk about service and how each YW are superheros in these latter days. She explained how to keep their "super suits" strong. They are each "incredi-girl". It was awesome to have the spirit here. The girls laughed and talked for hours. Erin, Ruth and I, found ourselves upstairs with some yearbooks and laughed as much as the girls. What a great night, what a great calling, what wonderful sisters I serve with!

Enough for now-

Juli

Will and the pants

Today was the Valentine's Tea at school for Will. Everyone dresses up and they have a lesson on manners and escort a girl for punch and cookies. After the tea and lunch, Will packed regular clothes to change into. This morning, I told him his clean pants were in a pile and to grab clean pants to wear, which he did. About 30 minutes ago a got a call from him, he was whining and I was annoyed- what could be wrong??? Well, he grabbed my pants instead of his. He was laughing so hard. I ran up to the school with a pair for him. I am so thankful that he found the humor in the situation as he held up my pants with one hand as he headed to the bathroom to change. I am great that his personality was such that he didn't cry or be embarrassed. His whole class new what was going on and he laughed his way through the situation. I love that kid!

Life Without a Job

My life has been flipped upside down since I lost my job last September. That week was full of ups and downs. After I returned from my week in Las Vegas for work and turning in my last assignment to complete my Master's degree and I got the call. If nothing else this time has allowed me to put my faith in my Heavenly Father. Mike and I both were comforted by the spirit and we knew that we would be OK. I have been blessed in so many ways over the past few months, I can't begin to count. Unspoken prayers have been answered and the simple desires of my heart have been granted.

I don't have a job yet, but I have been able to strengthen my interviewing skills and meet some new people. I am preparing to take the PHR exam (a test for HR professionals) and I have had some wonderful time with my family. I was so busy before that the Lord knew I needed a break from it all. Thanks to all who have supported and blessed my life.

My life, I must admit has become a little lazy and too full of TV. I have cleaned out almost all the closets, cleaned almost everywhere and painted a wall in the front room, dark brown. December was full of homemade crafts and that meant a lot of trips to Hobby Lobby. It was fun to be creative. I have taken up beading, just a little and even homemade valentines. See the picture....

I really think the worst part of it all is the hours it takes the kids to get their homework done everyday! ugh! I do love them! They are wonderful kids and so very smart. Mike has been so supportive and understanding, since I feel so displaced and sometimes the self esteem got low. He loves me- no matter what and I love him in return. Happy Valentine's Day everyone.

-Juli

What can I say???

hello to my fellow bloggers. i am sorry i have not posted anything forever but life just took control and i never got a free moment to write. i am happy to announce that i have completed my master's program and the university of phoenix. it was a wonderful program that allowed me to travel, work and be a mom while i furthered my education. i hope that having this degree will pay off. i am now on the job hunt to see if there is anything out there that i could love as much as my current job and perhaps it will pay a little better.

Mike keeps teasing me that i should continue on and get me doctorate.... no way. LOL

below is a picture of me at graduation and I waited to post it to make sure that i actually finished and didn't die along the way.....

a big thanks to everyone who supported and help me along the way, Mike, Mom, Jamie, Jennette, Janell, Erin, Ruth, Chelese and my kids!!

Enough about me- here is an update on the kids....

Will started the 4th grade. He has Mr. Nagata and loves it. He got an iPod from his best cousin Daniel for his birthday and he is constantly singing Lady Gaga. it is great. He is very musical. He is still doing piano and loving it. He got a new bike for his birthday as well and is constantly gone. Next he'll need a cell phone... ok not quite yet. :)

Olivia loves the first grade but isn't too keen on the lunch menu. I see a lot of packing lunches in my future. She likes riding the bus and riding her new bike as well. She has started piano and loves it. she is growing up so fast.

Mike still makes cheese!

that's all for now- i have some homework to get working on... oh wait... I done!!!!!

(more pictures and summer highlights to come!)

-Juli

Spring! Spring? Where Are YOU??

Today is Sunday the 29th and it is snowing.... Yuck. I am ready for flip flops and sitting outside in the evening air. So, in the event of summer ever coming, I will day dream about the things I like about summer and warmer weather.

1. I love painting my toe nails for wearing sandals. (you won't catch me with bare toenails!)
2. I love sitting out side in the evening, enjoying the CV cool air.
3. Reading in the sun
4. Baking in the sun @ Bear Lake
5. Walking in the morning hours before it gets too hot
6. Working in my flower beds (I really wish I had a "flower bed" like the DeMille’s- that just cracks me up!)
7. Smelling fresh cut grass
8. Mike worrying about mowing the lawn each week before the Williams girls (lol- he is just too funny!)
9. Eating outside at my Mom's - on the deck. The sound of the river is mesmerizing.
10. Feeling a burst of cold air when I step inside the AC house!!!

Another great thing about summer is the kids play outside a lot, but that comes with bumps and bruises and bike crashes. Yesterday, Olivia has a dozy and has a beautiful purple bruise on her chin to show for it! I'll post a picture!

TTFN- Juli

Broadway Words of Wisdom

Many of you may know, or not, but I like to listen to the Broadway channel on my satellite radio. The other morning, I shared with my sisters three words of wisdom that came from songs I had heard... They were pretty funny so I thought I would share them with you!

"It's a beautiful day for saying it's a beautiful day"- (Can't remember)
"Don't be stupid, be a smarty, come and join the Nazi party" -The Producers
"When life throws you garbage, you can use it to climb." - The Wedding Singer

Don't you just love the wisdom!??

-Juli

Hello Hello...

I few house keeping things....
First I took the music off. As much as I LOVE 80's music- it just got annoying. So I hope you don't mind.
Second- thanks everyone for your comments! I am really slow at reading them- but when I do, they brighten my day.

OK- life....
It is has been crazy. Between school, work, YWs and trying to keep the house clean, I just haven't had time to do anything other than the basics. Can I just tell you all how wonderful my husband is. Because of him and his willingness to help and support me, I had a companion at the temple on Friday and I, now, understand the wonders of the "magic" underwear drawer. LOL. It seems to re-fill it's self. (if you don't get the joke, call me!) I love Mike!

One other thing- I have been thinking a lot about my womanhood roles and working and teaching these principles with the YW has helped, but I wanted to share with you a little poem that I found. Please share your thoughts about the poem. I just love it. I think I will frame it for Olivia one day. I shared it in YW's today as part of my lesson.

"You never know what a girl is worth,
You'll have to wait and see;
but every woman is a noble place,
A girl once used to be."

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts. I think you are all "girls" and you can change today to be the person you want to be!
TTFN-
Juli

Things I am Grateful For!



I wanted to just share with you the top 5 things I am most grateful for......

1. MY Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement for me.

2. My husband

3. My new electric blanket (with the window open I can stay warm!)

4. My job! It has its ups and downs but at least I have one!

5. Living in a free country



What are you thankful for?

-Juli

Juli's Creations

So, in my spare time, when I should be updating my blog- I have been sewing and being crafty.

I have sewn some skirts for Olivia. She hates pants, so this is our only option. She really likes the tan/pink one, but hates the read one! What a poop.

She does love the nightgown I made for her during the Holidays. I spent almost an entire day at my sister, Jamie's house. She helped me through the entire process. I had never made anything with sleeves before! What a fun time and I learned a great skill.

Another thing is kind of scrap booking- but pictures, not pages for a book!

I bought this picture frame at a thrift store about a month ago, not sure what to use it for. I decided to make it into a wall hanging for my mom.

I painted the frame black, and ordered some vinyl lettering (Thanks Erin for Missy's number- Thanks Missy for such a quick turn-around!)- a quote that my mom has had on her fridge for a year- saying that she would love it on her wall. I got some help from Ruth P- (I love you Ruth) and scrapbook papered the background. It turned out awesome! What do you think?

Before

After (the pic isn't the greatest. The quote says: Families- make your memories, determine your future, love you no matter who you are")

TTFN

-Juli

As 2008 ends, 2009 Begins

Hello everyone,
Welcome to 2009. I am happy that you survived the '08 Holiday season. Things were fun here at the Weber home. Mike and I snuck out to the movies, twice! We saw Australia and Yes Man, both were great!
Christmas was fun and pretty normal. I will put together a slide show in the next few days or so. Big Christmas news- Jere and Alisa are expecting baby number 2! That makes 3 new babies for this year. My niece Kerry is due any day, that will make 4 for Kolton and Kerry. I have another nephew- Caleb and his wife, Brittany are expecting in the spring- 2009 will be full of new life!
New Year's was great. We joined Jere and Alisa at a ward party. Bob and Dani came too! It was fun, except I fell on my knees playing broom hockey and now I have a really cool bruise. I hope you all enjoyed the holidays with the ones you love!

Things I am looking forward to in 2009-
1. More Great SV Lady Bobcat basketball (and hopefully another state title) Go Amy!
2. A Master's degree
3. another Young Women's Camp
4. The movie New Moon
5. Camping
6. Mike's annual trip to Phoenix or maybe a fishing trip with his dad
7. Family vacation???


TTFN (Ta Ta for now!)
Juli

Random Pics of my cute kids!

I am not dead- just busy

Hello, Hello!
I have missed you all. I have been so busy so I apologize for not posting. So let me re-cap the last few months.
First- Halloween was tons of fun. Mike and I went to an adult murder mystery party, thrown by the Schow's- tons of fun. Trick-or-treating was good. Livy was a witch and Will, The Hulk.
I started a really hard class, business financing! Wow- it was a killer but I survived and even passed with a B+. Go me!!!
I took a 5 day vacation with my sisters, Jennette and Janell and my cousins, Becca and Kirstin to Gatlinburg Tennessee! It was fun. Lots of shopping. We went to two dinner shows, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, and to a Murder Mystery dinner show (the theme was American Idle Christmas Special). I was chosen as a contestant. I came in 2nd. You'll have to call me to find out how.
Thanksgiving was great! Same old same old.
In Young Women- we just had our Young Women in Excellence program and it was amazing! The girls were fantastic! I love them so much and so does our Heavenly Fathers. Thanks to Erin, Ruth, Chelese and Barb for all their hard work and commitment to our lovely young ladies.
That's all for now....
no wait! I forgot to tell you about the movie Twilight! It was great. Was it as good as the book- no way! but enjoyable still the same.
TTFN
Juli

Spicy Blogs? - Mine is the El Sol of Blogs

So, as I read the blogs of others I hear music, see pictures neatly aligned, great back grounds, videos and much more. Mine..... nothing. It is so boring. It is bland and plain, over and over!
So I am calling out to all you pro-bloggers for some training. How do I make my blog fancy and spiced up???
Thanks friends- I know you are going to help.


On a different note- dinner was great tonight. I picked up Papa John's pizza. My favorite
Olivia is sick and it breaks my heart to see her under the weather.
YW tonight was great. What an amazing group of girls. They tied two baby quilts in just over an hour! Awesome.

Night~
Juls

Thoughtful Question

At dinner yesterday, my father-in-law commented on a single adult something or other, next weekend in Salt Lake, for the church. He is single and my sisters are single as well. Mike then made a comment to me and it really got me thinking. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the comment.

"We are looking for a custom fit in an off-the-rack world."

How often to we wait for everything to be perfect? For the stars to align before we make a choice, a change or a decision? The comment was originally made in the context of finding a companion, but what else does this crazy comment apply to.?
If we are waiting for the perfect fit, is there no faith? Have we forgotten that alterations can be made in time? Or that we might change ourselves to fit the change?
Thoughts anyone?

Happy Monday
-J

BTW- Olivia is offically without her two front teeth. Tomorrow is picture day- and I guess that is better than the second hanging crooked! LOL :)

RISING MOON ADVENTURES

My bestest friend, Olea Gough is a fabulous artist and has created her own "toys". I hosted a party for her last weekend and had a great time playing with her stuff! She is new and up coming and has items that you can't find any where else!
If you have any plans to buy any child a Christmas, birthday or just because gift anytime soon, I encourage you to check out her stuff before you race to Wal-Mart!
She does flannel board stories (nursery rhymes, B of M stories, fairy tales), bingo games, memory games, books, card and invitations and more. She also creates earrings, key chains, scripture tags, cell phone charms, hair clips and more with some type of clay! Soooo cute. The best part is that she can personalize anything- from colors to faces!
Please check out her blog- you won't regret it. www.risingmoonadventures.blogspot.com

Olivia finally had her BIRTHDAY

After counting down since January, Olivia's birthday finally arrived.

She was so lucky and had 3 parties.

The first party was a "Fancy Nancy" party. This evening was based on a book, in which Nancy the little girl teaches her family how to be fancy and they go to dinner. So that is what we did. Olivia dressed us up and out we went. (Mike too) We ate at El Sol with our pinkies up and called each other "darling" all night! What a blast.

Sunday was dinner @ mom's and then on her birthday we caught a volleyball game, ate dinner with all the Grandparents @ Firehouse and then made it to pack meeting.

Happy Birthday, my fancy little princess!