creativity, musings & such

Sunday Thoughts

2012-02-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

Landon gave his first talk in Sacrament Meeting today and did a fantastic job! He prepared it completely on his own, practiced it for me once this morning and then gave it today in front of 400 people. He is light years ahead of where I was at age (13.5).

He used Elder Bednar's talk from the October 2009 General Conference entitled More Diligent and Concerned at Home as material for his talk about "love in the family". He highlighted Elder Bednar's 3 suggestions for strengthening the love in our homes.

1. Express love and show it

2. Bear testimony

3. Be Consistent

But the most touching part of the talk for me was this personal story he shared.

"I can remember a time when I was about five years old and I was playing with action figures on my mom and dad’s bed when my dad came in the room. He took me in his arms and told me that he loved me. He hugged me for a while until, being a five year old concentrated on nothing but my action figure; I told my dad that I already knew that he loved me. He then explained to me that he wanted to make sure that I really knew it. I think it is in times like these that we find that we really do love each other as a family."

He is currently serving as the President of the Deacon's Quorum (for about 2 months now) and takes his responsibilities seriously. He never complains about going to BYC or his weekly presidency meetings before church. He calls the rest of his presidency to remind them of their responsibilities and he sets a good example for them. I am humbled and amazed by his character and spirit.

**Thoughts??**

Happy Saturday!!

2012-02-11T11:29:00.003-07:00

I was up at 6:30 this morning to take Whitney back to Space Camp (she went from 7-11 last night), then I got donuts for the family (a very rare treat), filled my car with gas and had an hour at home before Cathy came to get me for our walk. We've been driving to various trails (all new to me) and then walking for an hour. We went on one close by today, but totally new to me...I'm giddy about it. It felt surreal to have such a nice trail with a gorgeous view just 2 miles up the road from my house! We had a great walk and talk, which I'm finding to be the perfect way to start each Saturday. I feel so accomplished getting the majority of my day's steps in before 9:30am, plus I get to socialize and breathe fresh air so I end up with a "life is good" feeling before I've even set out to be productive. As much as I adore sleeping in and lounging in bed reading, this new plan is way better for me.

**What are your plans today?

Do you have good trails near you?

Can you believe how snowless we are?**

Comment Window Tidbit:I LOVE this!!

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” —Mahatma Gandhi

Five for Friday

2012-02-10T06:36:00.002-07:00

1. I finally took the time to clean out my side of the closet! I don't know why I let it torture it me for so long, it was easier just to take the time to do it. I filled 2 bags for D.I. and have a pile of dress shirts to give to a friend from church. Now I actually have extra space and hangers in my closet and I don't feel like swearing every time I have to hang something up!!

2. One of our frequent flyers at work (kids who comes into the office regularly) brought us a framed print out of her grades because all her grades are over a C. We thought this was so funny, but we also know what a big deal it is for her. We've kept the frame on our counter for over a week and she checks to make sure it's there every time she comes in to the office.

3. Our Relief Society activity this week was a fun speed-dating type activity where we had a minute and a half to ask questions to the person across from us, then everyone slid over one chair and talked to the next person across from them. It was really fun and such a great way to get to know people.

These are the questions they gave us to start with, but as we got going we all asked random questions we wanted to know. It's amazing how much we could cover in such a short time. I have two different conversations that brought tears to my eyes.

4. I've been listening to Pandora so much that I finally paid for a membership ($36) to make it commercial free. I listen to it in the morning while I'm getting ready for the day and then all day at work too, and then at last week's game night I shared my Donna Summer radio station with the group. They didn't love it as much as I do, but I think it was quite nostalgic for Adam and Lori...Amy was baffled.

5. I had a bad headache on Monday and had to get a medicinal Coke (I only have 1 a week) to accompany the medicine I had already taken. I fled to the cozy to read and relax, but didn't feel better until it was almost time for bed. I'm just grateful it wasn't too painful for me to read. I finally finished Death Comes to Pemberly, which I enjoyed but ended up not totally loving it so I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads.

**How was your week?

Does your closet need to be cleaned?

What are you reading?

Do you listen to Pandora?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I am so happy it's Friday!! It feels so liberating to know I don't have any obligations after work and that I can sleep in tomorrow.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T06:20:00.003-07:00

Comment Window Tidbit: I've had a better couple of days. Work has been super busy so that keeps things interesting. I'm glad it's not always this crazy, but for this week it has been helpful. Plus Randy brought a Cafe Rio pork burrito for Wendy and I to split (per my request) and that was fortifying.

Oh No

2012-02-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

{Click to Enlarge}

I went to a Parent/Teacher conference for Whitney last week and was surprised by a couple things her teacher had to say.

Whitney spends so much time drawing that she sometimes misses instruction and has to come ask me for help later. She also distracts others around her because they want to see what she is drawing.
She was assigned a partner to work with for a Revolutionary War project involving text and illustration. When Whitney's partner was asked what he contributed to the project he said, "Nothing, she wouldn't let me help!" (I was horrified by this until the teacher clarified that he is the kind of kid who is more than happy to let the other person do all of the work...but still.)

The projects were hanging up around the room but I spotted Whitney's immediately, she has a detailed style for sure.

Also expressed during this conference was that Whitney prefers to work by herself than in groups even if the assignment is specifically for the sake of learning to work in groups (uh-oh). This was the first time I have ever come away from one of these feeling panicked. This girl has a stubborn streak that makes me nervous. I know that often there are personality traits that don't jive well in childhood but can serve us well as adults, but I'm at a loss as to how to help her.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I am battling some attitude problems these days and am feeling rather unsatisfied with life right now. I think I have issues with repetition. It's hard to get up and go to work AGAIN every day, even though it's not bad when I'm there. I feel like I can't do all the things I want to do at home and I have been getting headaches which shut me down so the afternoon hours are useless. Wah!!

Good Mail?

2012-02-01T18:53:00.002-07:00

I came home from work today to find that my mom had dropped off this little "gift" for me. Apparently part of the requirement for being the recipient of this gift was having a VCR, so that eliminated pretty much anyone else besides us. I would have been super offended if anyone else had given me this, but from it is funny.

Good mail for real from my visiting teacher was waiting as well!

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I went for an hour long walk this afternoon, I can't believe it's nice enough to do this in January!!

Miscellaneous Monday--Life Rewind

2012-01-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Landon went through 5 weeks of physical therapy (3x a week) and finished on January 24th. He surprised us by being able to play basketball with the deacons that night! The most crushing thing (other than pain and frustration of his injury) has been missing basketball season in P.E., through the Rec Center and through church basketball.

I was so excited for him that I actually went to the game (I haven't gone to any church games in the past). He did great and even scored the first 2 points of the game. He scared me at one point when his wrist on that arm was twisted and he went down in pain. I feared all his hard work had been in vain and that he'd jumped in too soon, but after a short break he recovered and went back into the game for some one-handed play (it was funny).

We had New Beginnings last Tuesday! Whitney was one of 6 girls who will be turning 12 and moving into Young Women's at church this year (I can't believe it! When we moved into this ward she was 3 and a new Sunbeam!)

I got to introduce her to everyone and tell all about her, plus at the end they did a slide show of pictures the moms had submitted of the girls. It was fun to see cute pictures of Whitney up on a big screen; she loved it and told me I should have given them more!

I commissioned Landon to make me morning mix that I can listen to on the way to work to help me get pumped up for the day. I need this! He did a good job, but I think I'm going to need several in my rotation...any volunteers?

Thursday night was Maturation night for all the 5th grade girls at Whitney's school! I remember this being highly traumatic for me back in the day, but we're worlds more open these days so this wasn't stressful or embarrassing at all. In fact, they didn't cover a lot of the "stuff" I thought they were going to cover, so it was even easier than I'd guessed it would be (mostly girls' cycles and body changes).

Afterward we went to a new bistro to check it out and get a treat. Whitney got a ginormous cookie ice cream sandwich and I got a ginormous sugar cookie. Doesn't she look older in this picture?! We're on the cusp of teenagerhood and she's not even 12 yet!

Last week was a rough week for me pedometer-wise. I'm not sure why my steps were so much fewer than normal, but I have got to get to the bottom of it. One afternoon I dropped Whitney off at dance and then walked 5-6 laps around the pond (my new favorite place). It is such a gorgeous place to walk, especially since the sun is setting at that time and with each lap the sky is totally different.

Since Randy had a seminar to go to early on Thursday and Friday I brought Whitney to work with me so she could hang out until I could drop her off at school close to 9:00. She loves coming to school with me because we have vending machines! (It's a good thing she doesn't get to come very often!). She was content to eat her treat and draw the whole time.

I made these baking powder biscuits on Sunday morning and was so pleased with how they turned out, they were the perfect balance of flaky and soft and full of buttery goodness.

I came home from work today to find this note from Randy on the kitchen counter...this is one of the reasons I keep him around!

**How is your miscellany?

Do you enjoy biscuits?

Have you gone walking lately?

Will you make me a mix cd?**

Sunday Thoughts

2012-01-29T20:21:00.002-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, Amy gave us a great scripture journal tutorial, but she also told us about this great book she's been reading along with her study of The Book of Mormon. I was excited about this because I'm always wishing I had a way to sort of translate things so they're easier to understand. I ended up ordering it from Amazon last Monday and had it in my hands by Wednesday (glorious) and could tell immediately this was the book I'd been waiting for!

This morning I woke up at 6:00am to use the bathroom (if you must know) and ended up "waking" up for the day. I took a shower, dried my hair and was on the couch reading before 7:00am. It is a very rare thing for me to have the quiet house to myself since Landon is usually such an early riser (Sunday is the only exception most likely because TV and video games aren't an option).

It was so peaceful to sit on the couch reading over today's Gospel Doctrine chapters in The Book of Mormon, and it was exciting to have this new book which explained things and pointed out insights I had never considered before! I was so into it that I didn't want to stop and then found myself totally prepared and excited about class today.

For example:
"Note: Just a quick comment about some possible symbolism in going up into a mountain to commune with the Lord. It requires effort to climb up a mountain. Similarly, it requires effort for us to live worthy of inspiration and guidance from God. Symbolically, climbing up into a mountain could also represent drawing closer to heaven, or closer to God." page 126

I am so excited to expand my very limited view! I have already been experiencing a high level of motivation/increased desire to spend more time in the scriptures, but this is going to make it so much more rewarding!

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: This has been such a great Sunday! It has been the perfect balance of study, church, food, and family time.

January Book Club

2012-01-26T06:07:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday (17th) we met at Collette's house for our January Book discussion and to celebrate Jenn's December birthday.

We combined efforts to provide a scrumptious birthday dinner for all of us. Michelle brought her homemade grape juice, Jana brought fabulous rolls, I brought a salad, and Amy made Martha Stewart's beef stew (Collette made dessert).

It was so good!

Jenn's family had just returned from a 10 day vacation at Disney-world so she was kind enough to bring us all some souvenirs.

Amy gave us a little lesson on The Red Headed Hostess' scripture marking and journal methods because she has been using them and loves it! Michelle and I were particularly riveted because we have been planning on doing this too.

We discussed this month's book (don't judge it by the cheesy cover) and all really liked it.

Ah dessert!

Apparently I didn't take a picture of Jenn opening her $100 Mall Gift Card, but that's what we gave her.

It was a good night, but I really can't take staying up until 11:40! I had already stayed up until midnight the night before in order to finish the book (my fault), but then to stay up late a 2nd night in the row did me in. I was out of sorts the rest of the week and really struggled at work. I just can't do that. We're starting our gatherings earlier (6:30) but they're still going late, so I'm going to have to give myself a curfew. This makes me feel old, but when I end up feeling terrible it affects a lot of people so I need to be smart about it.

**Have you read this book?

How much sleep do you need each night?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful...

Life in My World

2012-01-24T16:17:00.003-07:00

Aargh! Life in my world these days feels a lot like playing catch-up, which is so NOT my favorite thing to do! I thought things would ease up this semester since Whitney is no longer doing Elementary Orchestra on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and while it is very nice not to have to run around on both of those days I still feel like I'm going a little bit crazy.

I was walking through the cafeteria looking for a student (which was unsuccessful because there were 800 kids in the area) and one of the boys I know offered me part of his peanut butter/chocolate-chip on wheat sandwich. I politely declined, but he insisted and then wanted me to try it in front of him! Yikes! I pulled a chocolate chip out and ate that, but there was no way I was biting into that despite the kindness it came with! It's probably a pretty tasty combo when made on good white bread in one's own home. Ha.

Whitney gave us a very interesting (fly by the seat of her pants) FHE lesson on Free Agency which included these cute, personalized handouts for each of us. She is a visual learner and so creative that her favorite part of any lesson is the handout or visual aids she makes.

We also let her be in charge of the game that night because the rest of us didn't care what we played. She chose Apples to Apples, which involved each of us reading our personality-trait descriptions (based on the cards we won during the game) at the end...these were my cards. I felt like they were strangely accurate for me, dang it.

I continue to have up to 15 games of Words With Friends going on all the time and continue to be skunked regularly. Cathy seems to be killing me the worst and early on as evidenced by this game we started yesterday! Either I should give up playing or start cheating for real!

Randy had to check Landon out of school today for his last elbow-related doctor's appointment (hooray!) so he brought Wendy (the other secretary) and I a burrito from Cafe Rio to split (I had requested this in detail this morning. I have instructed Randy that he is never to come to the junior high empty handed! It feels like battle conditions to me so food, beverages and treats are particularly precious to me.) It was so fantastic to have a good lunch at work, even though it took us an hour to eat it. Cafe Rio is still good when cold! I was a little bugged that I left work with a killer headache despite the large medicinal Coke he brought me. The kids (at school) were really on one today and I think there was no escaping the headache they gave me.

**Are you playing Catch-Up all the time?

Ever had a peanut butter/chocolate chip sandwich?

Any Words With Friends advice?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We have New Beginnings tonight for Whitney and Maturation on Thursday, what is going on?!

Five for Friday

2012-01-20T06:08:00.003-07:00

1. The mother of a student at the junior brought this box of Dipidee Cupcakes to the office staff to say thanks for being so nice to her! She calls multiple times a day to help keep up with her daughter's work (she was out for a long time because of a surgery). Though this was unnecessary, it was definitely a thoughtful gesture and kind thing to do. I have a much greater appreciation for school office staff now that I am one of them!

2. Adam and Amy have been coming over weekly to play Dominion, I think we're all addicted to this game right now.

3. I was all excited to find Landon reading in the cozy the other day, but it turns out he was playing a game on the iTouch!

4. One of my co-workers gave me a bulb kit for Christmas and it has been so amazing to watch it grow. I love see its progress each day.

5. Now that Randy is unemployed, I have been referring to him as a man of leisure. He has actually been doing a lot of free lance work and projects, but it cracks me up to think of him this way. Michelle was asking me if he had turned into a "groove buster" (as in times past) but I'm happy to report that since I'm at work all day I have no groove to bust! He has been very helpful and just yesterday did 3 loads of laundry, made lasagna for dinner, went to the Pinewood Derby for his calling, then came home and made a chocolate bundt cake for me to take to work today since I had a migraine!

**How was your week?

Did you force any bulbs this winter?

Have you thanked your school's office staff?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I had to miss dance last night because of my migraine! I hate it that I was useless from 3:30 on yesterday!

Creative Friday--Sinus Infection Edition

2012-01-19T06:26:00.001-07:00

Michelle and I almost had to cancel Creative Friday (on Monday) again because she'd been sick all weekend and was going to the doctor on Monday morning. I was on standby, but was pretty sure she'd end up not feeling well enough to get together. She surprised me by wanting to get together despite her Sinus Infection Diagnosis. It's amazing what a shower and antibiotics can do!

I noticed this self-portrait Eva had drawn and had to laugh at her Hollywood-sized lips!

I brought us big drinks and some food from Taco Amigo.

Michelle's first dose of antibiotics!

I love it that Michelle sets out books to loan me, they always feel like gifts. We recently split the cost of a couple spools of baker's twine and this is my half of the stash!

Michelle printed some vintage designs on this funky shrinky dink paper, so she spent a long time cutting them out.

Eva was at a friend's house for a lot of the time, but joined us at the table for awhile so she could continue to work on a bunch of Valentines...she's ahead of the game on those.

This is the one she made for Whitney, they're riding a horse together.

The boys were in and out, but spent some time playing a video game together.

Michelle's super cute shrinky dinks!

I spent the day writing Christmas thank you notes and a few other just-because type notes. I really love it when envelopes are cute!

**What did you on Monday (MLK Day?)

Have you thought about Valentine's Day yet?

Do you enjoy cute envelopes?

Comment Window Tidbit: Even though this is only a 4 day week of school it's feeling long to me.

Comedy

2012-01-17T06:34:00.001-07:00

We had school off for Martin Luther King day yesterday (which was glorious) and I planned to go for a walk in the morning before heading to Michelle's house for Creative Friday. But it was super windy and cold outside so I couldn't go. Instead I chose to do the kids' new "Just Dance" game on the wii! Oh my goodness, it was so funny. Luckily Landon was at Physical Therapy, Randy was in the shower, and Whitney was having a sleepover at my parents' house, otherwise there would have been witnesses to the humiliation of seeing my large, uncoordinated self "dancing" in the family room. (I have lost a lot of the rhythm I used to have.)

I was able to appreciate the humor of this sight even when there was no one there to see it! I kept looking over to make sure Randy wasn't peeking around the corner! It was so funny and proved to be a good workout for me. My heart was going, I was sweating and smiling, plus I got 5476 steps on my pedometer. Good times.

**Have you played a game like this?

Was it embarrassingly fun for you?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Today is the first day of the new term at school, which means tons of kids will have lost their schedules and won't know where to go. Aargh! Plus, I stayed up until midnight (unheard of!) to finish my bookclub book so I'm tired today!

Sunday Thoughts

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-07:00

I'm a day late on my Sunday Thoughts' post because my Sunday ended up being too dang busy! (That is NOT how I like my Sundays to be!) Even though I'm loving the extra 2.5 hours we have in the morning because of our new 11:30 schedule, I'm finding that my day feels way shorter because of this huge chunk of time taken out of the middle. Mathematically it should all work out the same, but somehow it doesn't.

I mentioned last week that I am really feeling motivated to change the way I read the scriptures and that I want to spend more time doing that this year. Last Sunday after church I was asked to teach Relief Society on the 22nd on one of the General Conference talks, but she didn't know which one it would be. I thought about this for the next day or so until she got back to me and said I was to teach Elder Scott's talk The Power of Scripture! (Chills!)

I've listened to this talk several times throughout the week and then was reading it yesterday morning. I started to write down all the things Elder Scott said about the scriptures and came up with this great list.

They are packets of light
They are pure truth
Key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Provide Strength
Stalwart friends
Always available
Foundation for truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost
There is great power through memorizing scriptures.
We forge a new friendship when we memorize them.
They give help, inspiration and comfort.
They are a source of motivation.
Give great direction.
Foundation of support.
They are a large resource of willing friends.
They are an enduring friend.
Key to unlocking revelation
Calm the soul
Give peace, hope and restore confidence
They have the power to heal emotional challenges
Accelerate physical healing (!)
Communicate different meanings at different times in our lives.

Isn't this a great list? I think it's interesting that he referred to them as our friends so many times. It made me think about how I can teach my kids to feel that way about them so that they will always think to turn to their scriptures in times of need. I'm excited for more insights to come as I continue to study this talk this week.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: Oh how I love a 3-day weekend!

12 on the 12th--January Edition

2012-01-14T10:24:00.001-07:00

Michelle has started the new year off by saving my bacon once again by making this grid for me!

{click to enlarge}

My morning started like every morning with my Instant Breakfast, a Feverfew pill, 2 Vitamin D pills, and a Super B Complex pill.
I played several of the Words With Friends games I have going on.
Family Scripture Reading, we started The Book of Mormon again.
My phone at work...I answer this 100s of times a day (though usually with the ear piece I wear).
A crazy student who visits me several times a day, was at school early so she chose to "delight" me with her conversation while she used all the pens on my desk to write me a note...her grammar is atrocious! It was all I could do not to circle all the mistakes in red!
I came home from work to find Randy (who is newly unemployed...we had warning) doing some leaf blowing! What is up with our "winter" weather?!
Whitney holding up the flyer for the upcoming Maturation Program at school. She said, "Bella went to this last year and said it was horrifying! She almost passed out!"
I got my Mammogram results in the mail--no cancer!! That gives new meaning to Good Mail!
Landon was thrilled (as am I) that Randy figured out why our internet has been torturing us by timing out and being slow, now it's super fast and doesn't kick us off anymore. Hooray!
I started a Jazz class the hour before my weekly Tap class! Oh Nelly, it kicked my butt so hard. I am so sore I am moving like an old lady, but I'm excited to wake up my dormant muscles!
I worked on a fun quiz for our Office Aides at work for the next day's party we were having for them because it is the end of the term.
Reading in bed before crashing for the day. I've only been getting 3-5 pages read before falling asleep, so this has slowed my reading progress down substantially.

**Did you document your 12th?

Were you horrified by your Maturation program?

Is your internet fast?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I must tackle my office today or I am going to go crazy!!

Five for Friday

2012-01-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

1. Cathy and I have been braving the cold to go walking on Saturday mornings for the past couple of months. We haven't had to deal with any snow or ice since we haven't had any this winter (so weird!) but it has been really cold so our bundling has been quite comical.

2. I put this photo on Facebook but it bears documentation here as well. What in the world?! These are the shoes of a 7th grade girl (who looks 17)! She brought both pairs to school and wore one of them and then complained about her back hurting! I was flabbergasted by this on so many levels.

3. Randy brought me a medicinal Coke at work on Wednesday when I felt a doozy of a headache coming on, and Landon happened to pop into the office during his lunch break at the very same time! He didn't know Randy was coming, so he was surprised by the little reunion.

4. I picked Whitney up from school the other day and found her wearing this ensemble! Clearly Randy is on the morning shift before school! He thought her outfit was creative and coherent, but for me it was a head shaker for sure.

5. I got a nice thank you note from Amie this week but was surprised by the damage done to it. It looks like a shark got to it! There weren't any protrusions so it's weird that it was damaged in the mail, it must have gotten stuck in one of the machines.

**How was your week?

Thoughts on Whitney's outfit?

Would you wear those heels?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I started another dance class last night and feared I'd be too sore to walk today, but I'm only slightly sore (more aware of my muscles than anything else). I'm very grateful for this!

12 on the 12th--Year in Review

2012-01-12T06:18:00.002-07:00

I successfully accomplished another year of 12 on the 12th grids, thanks to my bacon-saver Michelle who made 10 of my 12 grids because of my technology woes. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having these snapshots of my days and feel like they capture my life (and my family's life) so well. There are so many repeat things going on, but really aren't most of our days variations of the same day anyway? I'm okay with that and am excited to participate in another year's worth of memorable grids! Check out my sister-in-law Amy's post about this idea and how to do it...you should do it too!

Wednesday January 12, 2011

Saturday February 12, 2011

Saturday March 12, 2011

Tuesday April 12, 2011

Thursday May 12, 2011

Sunday June 12, 2011

Tuesday July 12, 2011

Friday August 12, 2011

Monday September 12, 2011

Wednesday October 12, 2011

Saturday November 12, 2011 (a day I will NEVER forget).

Monday December 12, 2011

Some Observations

I'm a little preoccupied about what time I start my day.
I really like to read.
I take various kinds of pills.
I like to end the day with a TV show and then a book.
Cafe Rio is a fixture in my life.
Work became a bigger deal since August.

**Will you participate this year?

Did you make any other observations?

Comment Window Tidbit: I woke up on my own at 4:30 this morning! Of course I didn't get up until my alarm went off at 5:00, but still!

First Dance Recital

2012-01-11T16:28:00.001-07:00

Landon has been taking a Men's Dance class at school this semester and they had their performance the other night. I was super curious about this because I'm familiar with many of the boys in the class (because of working at the junior high) and knew it was a huge class (50 kids). I have no idea how the teacher is able to wrangle that many crazy boys in one class!

They performed "The Evolution of Dance" which was highly amusing! They were going every which way and had a wide range of skills and enthusiasm. The kid in front of Landon (in the stripes) had us howling with laughter. He was a good dancer, but his intensity, wardrobe and pelvic gyrations were hysterical! We were wiping tears from our eyes!

It was hard to take pictures in there because of all the heads in the way (there a broad shouldered woman with a wide puff of hair sitting right in front of me), but luckily Landon was on the sides and not the middle so we were able to see him.

We had a random stranger take our picture afterward and while she was taking it her little boy said, "Who are they!?" As if she was just taking our picture for her own use--I found this funny.

We went to JCW's for a celebratory ice cream cone...the boy was pleased.

Olivia, Robyn, Austin and Landon were on one side of our Mormon-family sized booth.

Randy, Me, Whitney and Ashley were on the other (don't worry, I didn't purposely pair the scarf with my jacket, I'd worn the scarf all day and only put that jacket on at night. (My mom didn't come to JCW's.)

**Do they offer a Men's Dance class at your Jr. high?

Would you have gotten vanilla, chocolate or a twist cone?

Isn't Whitney super photogenic?**

Comment Window Tidbit: My sporadic blogging has been driving me crazy! I have been so busy that I'm too pooped to fuss with it at night, plus I need to do a bunch of rewind-type posts and that feels overwhelming. I'll do what I can do.

Sunday Thoughts

2012-01-08T21:45:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to be studying The Book of Mormon this year. One of my BIG intentions for the year is to change the way I read the scriptures. I want to shift from my usual surface-style reading to more of a study-type, insightful way of reading...I'm just not sure how to do this.

I have been very inspired by the amazing scripture study style of The Red Headed Hostess and just bought myself one of her great scripture journals and some gel pens so I can do what she does. Even with all her great posts I'm still feeling slightly daunted and inadequate, but also highly motivated and excited to learn.

Today was week number two of attending Gospel Doctrine and other than the extreme heat in the room (seriously coma-inducing) I really enjoyed the class. Here are my notes...

It is up to us to determine whether we think The Book of Mormon is true. So do what it takes to find out!
1 Nephi is a journal where Nephi records the things of God.
Why is it important to keep a journal and what should we put in it?
What do we write in our journals? We should write the things we do, think, say, and believe.
We should include the things of God. (This made me so happy that I have hundreds of Sunday Thoughts posts recorded!)
We do it to instruct and teach and to connect with our posterity.
Lehi instructed Laman and Lemuel to be firm and steadfast, continually running into the fountain of all righteousness, we should be like this too.

Laman and Lemuel's issues stemmed from being worldly, not knowing the things of God, not listening to the prophet, and murmuring continually which drives the Spirit away.
What are we teaching our kids? Do they have faith? Do they know the things of the Lord?
Nephi really believed his father had spoken to the Lord, he didn't think that was crazy.
The Lord is more willing to give us further light and knowledge when we share the knowledge he has already given us (our beliefs/our testimony).
The Lamanites were not the Nephites' problem, they were just a reminder to them to remember the Lord and trust in Him.
Do we have the attitude of "however" or "therefore"?
Do we value our scriptures? How important are they in our lives?
We don't know why we have to do the things we've been asked to do, but we can move forward one step at a time in faith.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: Though I'm enjoying the new 11:30 church schedule I'm feeling like there's not enough time in my Sunday and that is the opposite of how Sundays usually feel to me. Uh oh.

Five for Friday--It's a New Year Edition!

2012-01-06T06:32:00.001-07:00

1. I started the new year out just how I wanted to by getting up early(ish) and going for a walk. I am determined to get at least 11,000 steps a day on my pedometer (I love that thing) and since we don't have any snow or ice it was easy to go. Hooray!

2. After our Yadies Yunch with Michelle and Eva, Adam and Amy and the girls came over to play games. I was very happy about this because we hadn't been able to get together for awhile. We played Quiddler and finally figured out Dominion, which ended up being very fun. Too bad it was a school night otherwise they would have stayed later.

3. On Tuesday evening I was about to drop Whitney off at dance when I realized I needed about 3000 more steps for the day so I quickly changed my clothes, dropped her off, then went up to the pond to walk 4 laps as the sun went down. It was beautiful and I had the place to myself.

4. On Wednesday afternoon I had my first ever Mammogram! I was pretty nervous about it and my co-worker had said "it hurts!" which didn't ease my mind at all. But maybe it was good that I was prepared for torture because it ended up being super quick and not bad at all. It felt like a big, grown-up milestone for me.

5. I had another doctor's appointment on Thursday! I went back to Provo to the Women's Center (I had gone on December 21st--happy anniversary) for some necessary unpleasantness. Sometimes it's tricky being a woman! I'm just thankful for a great female PA who is thorough and who "pushed" me into getting my mammogram.

**How was your first week of the new year?

Have you had any women's doctor appointments lately?

Do you ever wear a pedometer?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Wow it's Friday already! I was so busy yesterday that I was moving from 5:10am-9:20pm!

New Year's Yadies Yunch

2012-01-04T06:29:00.001-07:00

Since we had 2 full weeks of Christmas Vacation to enjoy, Michelle and I were confident that we would be able to get together for Creative Friday twice. We were successful the first week, but when our second week came along we ran into a few snags. First Eva was sick, so our Wednesday plan moved to a Thursday or Friday plan but by Friday Lucas was sick so we moved to a Monday plan. But then on Monday (January 2nd) morning Michelle texted me to say Lucas was sick again!

Aargh!! I would think she's trying to uninvite me except that she was equally crushed by this latest blow. We had to formulate a new plan quickly so this is what we came up with...a Ladies Lunch (i.e., Yadies Yunch) at Los Hermanos for the 4 girls so we could still get together and exchange Christmas presents.

This was a first for our little foursome and it ended up being quite fun (possibly a new tradition). Whitney and took this self-portrait in the car (while parked)...check out the disco ball-like reflection on my forehead from her hat!

Our table was so covered in gifts we hardly fit!

Eva cracked us up with her continual lip gloss applications, she was loving it.

The perfectly primped pair!

Eva opened her gift from Whitney first, it was a box full of horses!

Whitney was cautiously excited (i.e., rude) when she opened her gift of 6 new books! Whitney doesn't think she's a reader, but Michelle wisely and thoughtfully found this series about a classroom hamster named Humphrey, so I'm really hoping this is the series that will light the reading fire under Whitney.

One of Whitney's Christmas presents was a Los Hermanos t-shirt which serves as an "Eternal Coupon" for a free $5 fancy drink when we go there. Michelle ordered Eva a fancy drink as well and this was her first dreamy sip (she later decided it wasn't her favorite).

Michelle gave me 3 new shirts! She has never bought clothes for me before and I was excited because I always need clothes and she has better style than I do, woohoo!! She was so nervous about her choices that she'd purchased a back-up gift just in case...no need.

My gifts to Michelle were a hodge podge of things I knew she'd like. I got her a book and a set of knitting needles from her Amazon Wish List (everyone should have one of those) and then a scripture journal and some gel pens to use with it (and for scripture markings) ala The Red Headed Hostess. (I bought the last 2 items for myself as well and am very excited for a year of fruitful scripture study!)

After all the gift giving we got to enjoy a table full of food!

Eva was finished eating first and kept trying to entice Whitney into playing with some of the toys she'd brought with her. Whitney wasn't super keen on this, but eventually consented to go outside (it was nice weather) to play for a few minutes (which ended up being 45 minutes!). Michelle and I were able to have serious conversations about our goals for the New Year.

I think it's funny that the receipt actually says "Eternal Coupon" on it. Two more visits and her shirt will have paid for itself.

Our group self-portrait upon leaving.

Then I grabbed Michelle for what would have been our Creative Friday self-portrait and first one of the New Year.

It ended up being a really fun outing and a great way to cushion the blow of not being able to have our regular Creative Friday!

**Have you had a Yadies Yunch recently?

Have you seen those scripture journals?

Do you have big plans for the New Year?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm having my first ever Mammogram this afternoon and am feeling a bit anxious about it.

Sunday Thoughts

2012-01-01T16:35:00.001-07:00

On Christmas Sunday our Bishop spoke and then the ward choir and the congregation sang Christmas hymns together as part of a planned program. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas (I love it when it falls on a Sunday)! I was rather surprised when our Bishop started giving his talk because he wasn't talking about the Christmas story or anything I expected him to talk about. Instead he talked about forgiveness. I loved what he said and felt like it was exactly what I needed to hear!

Christ asks us to follow Him on the path of discipleship.
We offer a broken heart and contrite spirit.
No contention!
Don't allow anger and frustration into your heart!
Desire to always have love and harmony in your relationships.
Give away your hard feelings and resentments.
Resolve today to forgive others and move forward.
Daily worship Jesus and follow His path.

I realized that these apply to me in a lot of different ways and that I have a tendency to think that forgiveness involves really big situations, but that in my life the things I need to forgive and forget are lots of little things that I tend to pile up into a large list of grievances. These weigh me down and make life unpleasant much of the time, but this is something I really want to change.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: Today was my first Sunday in over 10 years that I went to Gospel Doctrine class because I no longer have a Sunday calling! It was a strange feeling, but I'm very excited to study the Book of Mormon this year.

Creative Friday--Christmas Vacation Edition

2011-12-30T16:18:00.001-07:00

Landon, Whitney and I headed over to Michelle's house on the first Monday of our Christmas Vacation (the 19th).

We took our self-portrait next to the Christmas tree, fa la la la la.

We started with big beverages from Sonic of course. I had cramps so I treated myself to a medicinal vanilla Coke.

I spent the entire day working on this stack of 125 Christmas cards. This was the first time in 17 years that Randy didn't create our card, we just wanted to get it done and not have to hassle with it this year so I uploaded a photo to Costco and they were done the next day...God Bless America!

Michelle worked on these beautiful ornaments for book club gifts.

Whitney made Eva's dreams come true by playing with her all day long...they did great!

Michelle took this picture of Whitney's lunch, I didn't see this set up.

I also didn't write a letter to go in our cards this year so I ended up writing on a lot of the cards, phew. This photo showcases the skin cancer divot I had on my right cheek. I had it biopsied in October then did a month of cream treatment and then found out this week it's okay...relief!

Oh so sparkly!

The table was covered in goodness.

The boys played video games and chess throughout the day.

Michelle's aesthetically pleasing book club boxes.

The finished stack of cards!

We've been on standby to get together this week because Eva was sick and then Lucas got sick and now Whitney is sick...argh!!

**Do you write on your Christmas cards?

Are you planning to do thank you notes?

Have you gotten together with a friend lately?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I've been reading a ton to finish my GoodReads goal for the year and I made it!!!

Christmas Day

2011-12-29T15:51:00.001-07:00

Santa ate the Oreos and milk Whitney left out for him, but she was alarmed that she forgot to leave out carrots (as promised in her note) for the reindeer. Randy actually fed carrots to the horse next door (which seemed rather random at the time) so I think it still makes for good JuJu.

Santa complied with Whitney's wishes and covered all his gifts with blankets so as to hide them from the kids on Sunday morning.

We had ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Christmas morning.

We had a great morning at church and came home feeling uplifted from the talk the bishop gave (I definitely needed to hear it) and the great music. I tortured the kids by making them pose for a self-portrait when we got home, they were dying to go in to open presents.

We all changed clothes and began the opening of the presents. The kids were definitely surprised to find the keyboard.

Landon was happy with his BYU basketball jersey.

And the cash he found in his stocking.

Landon is so sweet, he kept stopping to say thank-you and to say that just the stuff from Santa was enough!

Whitney did not share his sentiments! She likes to keep the presents coming (I'm like that too!).

We gave randy a couple new ties (he asked for some).

We love Rango!

Whitney made this calendar at school. It has all the family birthdays inside along with great illustrations for us to enjoy year round.

Landon typed up a list of 25 things he loves about me. This kid has a way of going right to my heart.

Landon made thoughtful coupons as a present for Whitney. They involve doing many of her much-disliked jobs.

Kristi sent me this awesome book full of tons of awesome good mail photos.

Landon gave me this double layered cup full of Twix.

Prior to Christmas, Whitney went through the Toys-R-Us catalog and circled everything she wanted (which was a lot), but when I asked her what one item she would want the most she chose this Journey Girl (which we all think looks just like Bella).

Randy got me a new body for camera!!! A couple pedicure gift certificates and a huge box full of my favorite Lehi Roller Mills Raspberry Muffin Mixes.

We went from not being able to find it anywhere to being very well stocked.

My parents, Lori, Robyn and her kids came over for a lunch of all our Christmas Eve leftovers.

It was tight quarters.

We had the tasty vanilla cream pie I made and the Egg Nog Christmas Cake Randy made.

Cute picture of Robyn and Olivia.

Andrew was "thrilled" to be at our house.

The gift for my parents was waiting for us when we returned home from their house on Christmas Eve so we were able to give it to them on Christmas. I was just bummed because a big part of the gift was setting it up for them and I would have liked to have done that on the day I gave it to them. (Instead I drove out there and did it on Tuesday.)

After everyone left we enjoyed a mellow afternoon of reveling in the Christmas goodness and talking to Randy's dad on the phone.

**How was your Christmas?

What was your favorite gift?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We still don't have any snow! We had a record high temperature of 53 degrees today! What is going on?!

Christmas Eve with the Whole Family

2011-12-26T15:47:00.001-07:00

My family always gets together on Christmas Eve to celebrate Christmas. I like this tradition because it turns Christmas into a 2-day affair and it eliminates travel on Christmas day. I was feeling strangely emotional (think raging PMS, but it wasn't) all day and was battling it so that I'd be in good form. I spent most of the morning in the kitchen making pie, Christmas cake and funeral potatoes. I was enjoying the Christmas music and group effort with Randy and the kids, but I kept feeling like I was going to start sobbing any moment (not my favorite feeling).

Also on my mind was the gift I'd ordered for my parents. I tracked it online and saw that it was scheduled to arrive that day which gave me hope because our mail usually comes by noon on Saturdays...but not this time. I was crushed. Randy and I were looking down our snow-free street trying to spy the mailman before we left but there was no such luck.

Apparently when Santa drives around town he drives a red station wagon!

It was good to see Andrew home for Christmas and enjoying some nachos.

It's crazy how tiny the kitchen feels when we're all there, but 17 people is a lot!

The kids ate in the kitchen (we were also celebrating Austin's 11th birthday).

The adults were in the dining room for a couple hours talking. We had a couple belly laughs which I loved.

Austin was super anxious to get his birthday party going so we gathered in the kitchen again for presents and birthday brownies.

Randy made this awesome card of Austin in his soccer uniform reading (he's a big reader).

My mom originally planned for the grandkids to do a talent show on Thanksgiving, but it didn't happen that day so we did it for Christmas instead. Bella and Megan played a couple songs on the violin, Tess played a song on the piano, Austin told some jokes, Olivia sang a Christmas song, Landon talked about his physical therapy progress, and Whitney told a funny story.

Andrew was dying to open "pesents" so we let him go first. It's so fun to watch him because he almost can't contain his excitement.

The funniest moment came when he opened a black jacket which he spied and handed to Lori so quickly it didn't seem possible that he could have even looked at it. He knew it wasn't a DVD or something Toy Story-related so he wanted nothing to do with it!

I think my mom looks so cute in this picture!

Amy was in action!

Landon was very pleased with the shoes my mom and I picked out for him, but that my parents bought for him.

My mom cracked us up by numbering the presents this year rather than writing our names on them. She used to do this when we were kids so that we couldn't figure out who had more presents than each other, it helped the grand kids keep from piling the gifts up in front of people.

Ashley got this huge American Girl horse which proved to be a huge draw for all the girls. They took turns brushing its hair, which made me wonder if perhaps they wouldn't all enjoy a wig for Christmas.

I had this collage print made for Andrew and his love was evidenced by the 10 full seconds he spent looking at it!

Lori gave Landon a Miami Heat t-shirt, which he absolutely loved.

Whitney's big gift from my parents was a bike! She had picked this out months ago with my mom but had changed her mind and decided not to get it for her birthday. It's a huge bike and a stark contrast from the tiny bike she's been riding for years.

My dad's only request was for family photos to put in his flip-frame at work. Me, Robyn, Lori and Amy all had a bunch printed and put them in an envelope for him...he should be stocked for quite awhile.

Amy had my name this year and made me 2 pairs of earrings and a charm for a necklace! I love all of these items and was thrilled to get them.

My new charm!

Lori is very generous and buys presents for everyone just because. She gave me a new book and a gift certificate for a pedicure, woohoo!

We ended the day by saying goodbye to Andrew who was freshly bathed and set up with his favorite toys in my parents' room as always.

**Do you draw names in your family?

Do you ever get emotionally overloaded at Christmas?

Did all of your gifts arrive on time?

Did you Santa driving around town?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I've been managing my time off from work rather poorly and can't decide if I'm okay with that or not. It's nice not to "have" to do things, but it's frustrating to have whole days disappearing without much to show for them.

December Bookclub!

2011-12-22T15:15:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday night we gathered at Collette's house for our favorite bookclub gathering of the year!

Collette's husband Travis took this picture of us after amusing us with his efforts to get the shot just right. By the time he finally snapped the picture we were fatigued from smiling!

We all love the look of our presents for each other under Collette's tree.

Cute Collette said the prayer over dinner and got choked up (of course I took this picture after it was over).

We had a wonderful meal, but I thought the camera battery had died so I couldn't document it but I did get this shot of Jenn's gorgeous salad. Amy made a roast, I brought Smashers from Wallaby's, Collette brought Shirley's rolls, and Jana made some tasty drinks...Michelle was on dessert.

Collette "proudly" displayed the white elephant gift Travis won at his work party.

Our book discussion this month was a fabulous choice, especially for December. We have never read a church book before, which is silly because we all have that in common and have so much to say.

We talked for a long time.

Poor Jana, her pneumonia was gone but she was left with 3 cracked ribs from coughing so much! She was pretty uncomfortable and struggled every time she needed to cough.

Jenn has only recently gotten texting technology on her brick...ahem cell phone. We just had to tease her about this. I took a picture of her with my phone and texted it to her but it came through looking like a cartoon!

Behold the glorious Caramel Cake Michelle made for us! The cake was so soft and delicious that I kept eating it even after I should have stopped.

Our favorite part of the night is our gift exchange! This photo doesn't even show everything, but it does show the lovely pile-up of presents waiting to be opened. Jana gave us the cute First Aid Kit and Jenn gave us each a bag of our favorite Cadbury Eggs!

Michelle made these beautiful ornaments complete with pages from Sense and Sensibility.

Amy made these cool paper decorations with one of her creative machines (I can't keep up).

I gave the girls this great book.

Collette gave us a BYU water bottle and and big bag of chocolate covered cinnamon bears plus a sparkly ornament of our initial.

We also did our book exchange (remember we drew names last month?). I think everyone was delighted with the results.

This is the book I got from Michelle, delightful!

Collette gave to Amy: Unbroken

Jenn gave to Collette: Remarkable Creatures

Michelle gave to me: Death Comes to Pemberley

Jana gave to Michelle: Infinite Jest

Amy gave to Jana: The Spanish Bride

I gave to Jenn: A Parchment of Leaves

It feels like a lot of effort to get everything together for this night, but we're always so glad once we get there. Vive le book club!

**Have you read any of those books?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Can you believe I didn't post for a whole week?**

Comment Window Tidbit: It's weird to finally have some down time. I read in the cozy for 2 hours this morning and finally finished a book! I have messes everywhere that need to be cleaned up but I keep puttering around because I can.

12 on the 12th--December Edition

2011-12-14T16:10:00.002-07:00

Michelle saved my bacon and made my grid once again!

{Click to Enlarge}

I started out my morning (at 5:28am) listening to the Danny Gokey Station on Pandora Radio. I've been listening to Pandora at work and at home these days and love the almost-commercial free listening and variety of artists I get to select, woohoo.
I had time to write a couple thank-you notes while my hair was in curlers.
My view during family scripture reading.
I keep all my work hours in this little notebook and was using it to total up last week's hours so I could turn in my timecard.
The headset look I sport in the office.
I had to rush home to bake some cookies for Whitney to take to Activity Days (luckily I had dough already made in the freezer!).
I was also scrambling to get a package of stuff Landon sold on ebay ready to ship before I had to go visiting teaching.
I made it to the post office to drop off the package (luckily I'd printed postage online before arriving so I didn't have to stand in the long line there), then picked up more free Flat Rate boxes and went visiting teaching from 4-6.
This creation of Whitney's was so funny and brilliant to me!
Randy and I went to Los Hermanos for dinner to discuss Christmas. I had definitely been feeling unsettled about it and found great relief in making a plan.
We stopped by Target to buy bagels and price something and Randy tied my shoe in the middle of one of the aisles, it looked so chivalrous like he was proposing!
We stopped by Barnes and Noble to get a book for my work's book exchange. Of course I bought A Girl Named Zippy because anyone would love it.

**Did you document your 12th?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Have you gone visiting teaching?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We've had potlucks 2 days in a row at work so I've been eating far better than I usually do, except that today I accidentally sampled a seafood dip that I mistook for a taco dip (the coloring fooled me) and was totally grossed out.

Miscellaneous Monday

2011-12-12T12:35:00.004-07:00

Michelle brought me a drink at work on Friday and came to see me in my "habitat". It is kind of crazy to me that I spend so much time at work and do so many things there yet only the people I work with know about it. It feels all encompassing to me so it was fun to have her stop by in the middle of a very crazy lunch time to see some of it. Plus the drink was a delightful treat for me the rest of the afternoon!

We have popcorn for the staff on Fridays, plus my big drink from Michelle and then a Christmas present from the school nurse who comes in once a week. I was so shocked that she gave me something and I'm very excited because I've always wanted to grow bulbs indoors, so this little kit was a great surprise for me.

This is a peek into one of my desk drawers. Cake, fishy crackers, keys, a mirror, lip gloss, my phone would be there except I had to use it to take the photo, and miscellaneous notes and papers. I always feel kind of silly having food in my drawers, but I eat while I work or I don't eat at all so this is how I roll.

We had a gloriously obligation-free Saturday so I was able to clean and putter to my heart's content. Randy was kind enough to get me some Cafe Rio for lunch and I enjoyed it at the computer while watching Friday Night Lights...bliss!

The demise of my good camera is seriously hurting my blogging ways, that combined with busyness is making for some sporadic blogging for sure.

**What do you think?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Usually my tolerance for life at the junior is very high, but today it was not. It's probably because I'm feeling antsy about all the other stuff I have to do this week, but I hate it that it affects me so much.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-12-11T20:31:00.001-07:00

Every morning as I get ready for work, I listen to a Conference talk or two on my iphone thanks to the Mormon Channel App. I used to download the talks as podcasts, but using the Mormon Channel has made it even easier.

The other morning as I was scrolling through my Conference talk options I went back to 2003 just for the heck of it and listened to Elder Oaks' talk entitled Give Thanks in All Things. There were multiple things in this talk that jumped out at me and made me say "whoa!" because of their pertinence to my life right now (I love it when that happens).

He said...

“Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; … and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good” (D&C 98:1, 3). And to Joseph Smith in the afflictions of Liberty Jail, the Lord said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). Brigham Young understood. Said he, “There is not a single condition of life [or] one hour’s experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 179).

Pioneers like President John Taylor, who witnessed the murder of their prophet and experienced prolonged persecution and incredible hardships for their faith, praised God and thanked Him. Through their challenges and the courageous and inspired actions they took to meet them, they grew in faith and in spiritual stature. Through their afflictions they became what God desired them to become, and they laid the foundation of the great work that blesses our lives today.

Like the pioneers, we should thank God for our adversities and pray for guidance in meeting them. Through that attitude and through our faith and obedience, we will realize the promises God has given us. It is all part of the plan.

These words were comforting to me this week as I felt crushed by the money woes of our car repair, car registration and untimely Costco renewal (I just shouldn't have renewed it right then). It's easy for me to spiral into negativity in times like this, but I was able to shake it off (eventually) and move forward

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I got a new calling today (but can't reveal it until I'm sustained next Sunday) and am in disbelief about it. You'll never guess what it is, but you're welcome to try.

Compliments

2011-12-07T06:48:00.001-07:00

I can live for two months
on a good compliment.

~Mark Twain

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to receive two super kind compliments and an act of kindness. The first one came from an older man who had been substitute teaching at the school all week so I had interacted with him before and after school each day. On Friday morning after I had given him several things he needed he said, "I want to tell you something, you are one of the kindest, most understanding people I've ever met in my life and the world would be a better place if there were more people like you."

I stood there with tears in my eyes and said, "I don't think my family would agree with you, but thank you so much for saying so."

Then later a girl interviewing for a job was sitting in the office waiting for her interview so I chatted with her for a bit, after a little while she blurted, "You look beautiful in red!"

Then in the afternoon the father of one of the students (who I happen to know from church) came by to bring his son some medicine. I talked to him for a little bit and was looking on the computer to find where his son was and he handed me a bag of Peanut M&Ms. I thought they were a treat for his son, but he said "I knew I'd be seeing you so I got you some too."

Once again I teared up. It was such an unexpected kindness and took such forethought that I was stunned. He had bought a bag for his son too, so it wasn't the bag he intended for his son.

All of this has got me thinking about compliments and the way we treat other people. I think I do a great job of this while at work because I am consciously making an effort to be a positive influence on the people around me, but I know I need to do better at this at home.

**Are you quick to compliment?

What's the best compliment you've ever received?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I wish I didn't have to figure something out to wear everyday. My wardrobe is sad.

A Thought

2011-12-05T17:35:00.001-07:00

Today I'm sort of feeling like everyone is trying to take a piece of me or my wallet, and I don't like it one bit. We've been invited to several parties over the next couple of weeks and I have RSVP'd yes, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed by the need to find multiple white elephant gifts (though that really shouldn't be hard) and an ugly sweater to wear. There are overlapping events and generally always someplace we're supposed to be. But it's all fun right?

Plus, I went to Costco to buy bagels for Landon and then remembered that our account expired on November 30th (oh the humanity!). So I mentally prepared myself to pay the $50 renewal fee but then almost passed out when my total with the bagels ended up being $111! I had forgotten that we have the Executive (2% cash back) membership. So though it's fine most of the time, today it really wasn't and I've felt sick ever since leaving there today. I came home and told Landon that his bagels cost me $111 and that I hope he'll enjoy having those for his Christmas gifts. Ha. Aargh!!!!!!!!

The car goes in for repairs tomorrow. Good times.

**Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Does everyone want money from you?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We've already received a bunch of ridiculously cute Christmas cards...should this be making me feel blue? I may need to up the meds.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-12-04T17:00:00.001-07:00

We had Stake Conference this morning and though I got something from all the talks, I took the most notes from our Stake President's talk.

We all need the Atonement.
Alma 5:14-16
Quit looking to the past all the time, look forward.
Pray to know how our weaknesses can become our strengths.
The Sacrament is fundamental to the building of man's character.
The deep spiritual significance of the Sacrament is knowing we can be forgiven of our sins.
We should come to church peacefully and prepared to receive the Sacrament (as opposed to arriving in a frantic, grumptastic frenzy from rushing to get kids ready).
We should leave the things of the world outside the church and focus on the Sacrament.
We should sing the hymns and prepare ourselves to receive the Sacrmaent.
The most important word in the Sacrament prayer is REMEMBER.
We can be filled spiritually when we take the Sacrmanet. The wounds of our Spirit are healed.
The chapel is a sacred place, we should be reverent and quiet. Socializing should take place in the foyer and halls.

I love these thoughts and have noticed a difference in the peacefulness of Sacrament meeting for us since we have been arriving so early for it this year in an effort to get a soft seat. I spend that time reading over Conference talks or my scriptures and listening to the prelude music. I often notice the loud socializing that goes on around me but I do my best not to participate in it (i.e., I don't go looking for people to talk to). Hopefully after his message today the chapel will be more reverent.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: We're finally decorating for Christmas!

Another Week...

2011-12-02T17:05:00.001-07:00

Phew! I made it through another week, this feels like a major accomplishment. I'm feeling that Friday feeling that makes me just want to stay home and relax and not have to be anywhere or do anything, but instead I have to make cookies for a ward party that starts in an hour and a half. I actually went to the store after work with the sole purpose of buying cookies, but then forgot and ended up getting some groceries instead. Luckily Whitney remember we needed to get cookies while we were standing in line (I have no doubt that the only reason she remembered is because she wanted one, if I had needed spinach it wouldn't have even been on her radar) so I had to finish paying and then go look for the cookies. It was going to cost $7.49 for 20 cookies, and of course I'm supposed to bring 24 so in a fit of energetic ambition I decided I would go home and make some instead. What was I thinking? I guess I was still feeling the day's momentum but have since completely lost it and just want to read in the cozy. Oh the humanity!

**Would you have bought the cookies?

Would you have planned ahead and made cookies sooner?

Do you operate on momentum?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I made it through my 12 hour day without too much trouble thank to Randy bringing me a medicinal Coke around noon for my headache!

Just in Time for Christmas

2011-11-30T18:53:00.002-07:00

Why oh why did we buy a car in November oh so many years ago? We weren't thinking of the horror of having to register it every year this close to Christmas obviously. I went to register my car today feeling pretty pleased that I could do so but didn't realize I was going to have to have the safety and emissions testing done, so that was blow number one. Then blow number 2 came almost immediately when they told me my front outer tire rods need to be replaced (a $200 repair)...I almost cried, but then I reminded myself that it will all work out and that at least this was discovered before I was flying down the freeway right? Blow number 3 came when they handed me this unmistakable message on the paperwork. Sheesh. In fact, Randy just brought the paper into the office as I'm writing this and said, "How is this supposed to help me feel good about myself?" Good Hell.

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men. Fa la la la la.

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm working 12 hours tomorrow because it's Parent/Teacher Conference night. I will be accepting food, beverages, chocolate and messages of good will as offered.

Creative Friday--Thanksgiving Break Edition

2011-11-29T06:44:00.003-07:00

Landon and I went to Michelle's house on Friday for a glorious Thanksgiving Break Edition of Creative Friday!

I had such bad cramps that I feared death was imminent, but knew Michelle would have the medicinal mixture I needed to feel better. Sure enough, she hooked me up with a combination of these two items and within a half hour I was feeling good.

Max practiced the piano for awhile and Marc regaled Landon and Lucas with news of the next big innovation coming to the Wii.

I got down to business writing some long overdue thank you notes. I have been very frustrated with how behind I've gotten on my good mail ways.

I like this shot Michelle took of my supplies including the medicinal Coke I had that day. (I fear I'm cultivating a new addiction and am trying hard not to give in to it, but that day it really helped.)

Michelle worked on some cool Christmas ornaments that proved to be more time consuming than she'd anticipated.

Michelle was quite smitten (as am I) with these darling thank you notes I found a couple months ago at TJ Maxx. When I bought them I hadn't even noticed that the envelopes were cute too.

Marc was kind enough to offer me a piece of his birthday cake! I would have completely understood if he had wanted to save it all for himself.

My phone beeped at 5:00 to notify me that it was Creative Friday!

Cute Michelle.

She made progress on her sparkly ornaments.

I wrote 16 thank you notes!

My hand hurt and felt like a hideous claw by the end of the day.

We didn't see much of the boys until the end of the day when they played chess in the family room. Landon's broken elbow busted their groove a bit so they weren't able to play basketball or jump on the trampoline.

It was a really great, restorative and productive day and one that I definitely need to help me regroup and relax.

**Have you written any thank you notes lately?

Do you love TJ Maxx for stationery?

Ever made your own ornaments?

What do you take for cramps?**

Comment Window Tidbit: As much as I love to be home, I must say that I manage my time far more effectively now that I'm working. Apparently I really need a set wake-up time and early bedtime and didn't need to be watching so much TV all these years!

November Bookclub

2011-11-28T06:42:00.001-07:00

One thing I've noticed about using my Kindle is that I don't have an accurate feel for how long the book is, so I don't end up knowing how to manage my time in order to finish in time for book club. I was in a total panic the day of book club because I was only 70% done with the book (how does that number help me?). I spent all afternoon frantically reading, then had Randy read to me while I was getting ready to go.

Then Michelle read to me while I drove us to Collette's house and we sat in the driveway for 5 minutes finishing the book! As you can see, Michelle saved my bacon once again!

We brought our own dinners to enjoy at Collette's house (I enjoy this) and I had my usual.

Jana showed up even though she was coming off 3 weeks of pneumonia and couldn't hear well because her ears were plugged (this ended up being funny). She freaked us out by how skinny she is! Apparently the combination of running and being sick agrees with her, but now she's wasting away! I told Michelle I'd like to show up to book club looking shockingly skinny one of these days.

We talked at the table for a long time before moving into the cozy family room because we knew Jana would be leaving soon (she had to get home to her sick kids).

We drew names for our Christmas book exchange.

I got Jenn! Michelle got me!

I was lamenting that I didn't have a good feel for the book because I read it on my Kindle and found out the cover of the book was at the very end of the Kindle edition...what the?

We got cozy to discuss the book and ended up spending more time talking about the previous week's RS lesson on The Millennium.

**Have you read this book?

Ever read to someone by headlight?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I went to bed early with a headache, then took medicine at midnight, but still have a headache! It's just too cruel to have to start the day not feeling great.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-11-27T17:40:00.003-07:00

I recently started reading No One Can Take Your Place by Sheri Dew and think it's wonderful. I mark so many passages on every page that I'm ending up with only small bits actually unmarked! I love it when that happens.

"Now, the Lord doesn't ask us to be more than who we are. The reality of mortality is that our work never stops--not if we're serious about immortality. So I ask you, Will you join me in identifying one thing you can do to increase your faith and knowledge? If you will, your obedience and purity, integrity and sense of identity will also increase--with unflinching moral courage being the result. Latter-day men and women of God must have this courage if we are to be a light and a standard, if we are to open our mouths, if we are to be disturbers and annoyers of the adversary's kingdom, and if we are to build up the kingdom of God. We can do it. I know we can!" page 26

I've been thinking lately that I need to make a more conscious effort to be more spiritual. I have gotten into a routine of personal prayer and scripture reading, but am not feeling the results I'd like to be feeling. These changes take effort and need to infiltrate my life more completely. So what will I do to change this???

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm actually ready to go back to work tomorrow!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T20:40:00.003-07:00

I woke up with wicked cramps and a headache on Thanksgiving and felt a wave of dread. It was just too cruel to feel so awful on a day I really wanted to have fun, so I mentally rallied as best I could, took some Excedrin and then stopped at McDonald's for a medicinal Coke (Landon said he needed "medicinal fries" and Whitney said she needed a "medicinal sundae" Ha.)

I had just started this book the night before and was telling Randy about it in the car and just had to read him part of it, but then we were all enjoying it so much I read to us the whole way out to freakin Eagle Mountain...good times. Oh how I love a book that makes me laugh out loud!

This was our first ever Thanksgiving with just our family! Usually we gather with my mom's side of the family for a feast at her sister's house, but this year my aunt had back surgery and couldn't host so we were left to fend for ourselves...and we did!

Lori tried chopping onions with a matchstick in her mouth to help stop the eye irritation involved, it worked.

We received the family cookbooks my cousin's wife organized in the summer, we all contributed recipes and she took care of everything else (all my best recipes came from Michelle and Amie!).

Andrew was home!

The first item of business was to take a family photo for my parents' Christmas card. As always, we set up the tripod and put the camera on self-timer, took 4 shots and hoped for the best. My dad and Andrew both have a very small window of patience for this experience so it's a good thing we got one with everyone's eyes open! (My dad had to lift Andrew's chin so he'd look up.)

The kids' table was in the kitchen and the adults' table was in the dining room, I think everyone was happy with this set up.

My dad helped Landon cut his turkey since he's having a hard time maneuvering with his cast on.

Amy took pictures with her awesome camera and I took over Robyn's since mine is at death's door and is practically useless. (Sob, sniff, sniff, sigh.)

Our feast at the adults' table!

Someone started reminiscing about the little pilgrim figurines we used to have when we were kids and my mom pulled them out of the hutch! These bring back memories of Thanksgivings gone by.

Whitney has love affair going on with my parents' cat.

The rest of the day wasn't documented very well (I'm lost without my camera and even though Robyn was fine to share with me it just wasn't on my radar the way it normally would be). The kids played all day so we hardly saw them. We perused the store ads (I am so NOT a Black Friday shopper), watched Elf on TV while the guys watched The Godfather, and just hung out.

I made this fabulous (if I do say so myself) vanilla cream pie with a chocolate bottom. I used a different recipe for the custard (it calls for cornstarch instead of flour) and it held it's shape better.

I ended up buying this huge pecan pie at Costco because it cost a dollar less than the bag of pecans I was going to buy!

My mom finished this year's jammie pants for the grandkids so Amy took this photo. It's a little sad that the kids are getting so huge!

Overall it was a happy, relaxing, day filled with good food and family the way Thanksgiving should be.

**How was your Thanksgiving?

Have you taken a family picture recently?

Did you shop on Black Friday?**

Comment Window Tidbit:It has been a nice few days off work, though it's messing with my head...I'm very prone to time warp issues.

Morning

2011-11-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

This is what I saw when I stepped out of the house to go to work last Friday morning at 7:15. This picture doesn't even do it justice.

I pulled over as I passed the temple because the view was so gorgeous!

Comment Window Tidbit: I only have 2 days of work this week so I've been thinking these days would be calm and easy...they're not.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-11-20T14:57:00.001-07:00

I feel blessed. I think about my blessings all the time, but especially at the end of the day as I say my personal prayer and mentally review my day. With every inconvenient, painful, frustrating, discouraging experience there are good things to accompany them. I have seen this over and over again this week as Landon has spent the week on the couch recovering from his surgery. We have received 2 fantastic dinners, lots of visits and phone calls, kind words, a card in the mail and so on. It has really been heart-warming and humbling.

Landon's friend Russell brought over this funny note and treats.

The Rasbands brought donut holes (a true weakness of mine) and cookies!

James, Jackson and Dallin showed up at 7:15am Tuesday morning with a half dozen Krispy Kreme donuts! They had gone to the Provo Temple at 5:00am and stopped for donuts and to share with Landon (he usually goes to the temple with them on Tuesdays) on the way home. So nice!

Amie brought Landon and I lunch on Tuesday and also brought Landon a BYU t-shirt and a box of white cheddar Cheez-Its (both his favorite things).

Spencer, Jackson and Dallin stopped by to check on Landon on Friday after school.

Sister Bangerter brought Landon (and us) this huge tray of her delicious, homemade rolls yesterday!

The Wilcox family brought us a huge dish (this photo really doesn't show how big it is) of homemade macaroni and cheese, ham slices, bread, green beans and rootbeer float fixings! This meal will feed us for days! When Tracy called on Friday to offer to bring us dinner she said she wanted to wait until the dust settled a bit because it's easy to feel forgotten after that...I cried.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: It was so weird to only be 12 minutes early for church today and to be able to easily get a soft seat! It feels like we lost half our ward to the split. Oh the pain!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T16:43:00.001-07:00

Comment Window Tidbit: I really should change my Wordless Wednesdays into Wednesdays by Whitney since she shows up so often!

12 on the 12th--November Edition

2011-11-14T09:31:00.002-07:00

This is the 9th month in a row that Michelle has taken pity on me and made my grid! What can I say? She's my bacon saver!

{Click to Enlarge}

I got up at 6:30 and did a little early morning Facebooking. I finally succumbed to the craze and have a love/hate relationship with it.
It was a glorious Fall morning with falling leaves and rainy streets.
Cathy and I went walking for an hour and a half.
I already had my day's step goal by the time I got home at 9:30!
Landon came home early from a scout camp out with a mangled elbow and some cuts and scrapes.
We spent a couple hours at Urgent Care before they sent us to Primary Children's Hospital.
Our ER co-pay was $125.
Landon circled by the medical team that operated on his elbow.
Randy and I had the family waiting room to ourselves.
The surgery went great and we got this little photo of the nifty pin in his elbow.
It's a good thing I'd brought my phone charger with me because I did a ton of texting back and forth to update friends and family...their concern was touching.
We came home at 1:00am to a poster, balloons and treats from Robyn and her kids.

Comment Window Tidbit: It was a memorable 12 on the 12th for sure!

Sunday Thoughts

2011-11-13T20:31:00.001-07:00

The deacons' muddy shoes that they left on the porch (by their own choice) when they came to visit Landon today.

Blessings!

This is a priceless photo!

These two came over to give Landon the Sacrament...oh the tears!

These amazing men/church leaders came by to check on him and filled our home with the Spirit...even Landon cried.

It has been a humbling weekend (I'll post the details later) for sure. I am so thankful for the gospel, for good leaders, for answered prayers, for safety, for modern medicine and technology, for health insurance and for opportunities like this that bring people together and show you that you're loved!

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm emotionally drained.

Five for Friday

2011-11-11T06:33:00.002-07:00

1.I love the results from a good trip to Costco!

2. This is my attire at work every Friday. I don't love the shirt, but I do love not having to come up with something else to wear!

3. Whitney spent most of last Saturday cleaning out stuff under her bed, behind the dresser, stuff tucked in the closet and under the futon so we could rearrange the furniture in the kids' room. It was an ordeal! I fear she's a hoarder in the making!

4. I went through our container cupboard and got rid of everything that didn't have a lid (how does that even happen?!) and washed all the new containers I've had sitting in the garage for almost a year.

It wasn't a fun project but it ended up being highly satisfying!

5. It was Landon's turn to clean the bathrooms and though he said "Yes, Ma'me" when it was time to do it I could feel resistance oozing from him. It's funny to me because it's really not that hard and it makes life more comfortable...or is that just what I think?

My good camera is acting up so badly that only 1 out of every 4 pictures is successful so I really haven't been using it. It's seriously cramping my life style and documentation!

**How was your week?

Do your containers have lids?

Do you love a clean bathroom?

Been to Costco lately?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Sweet Fancy Moses it's Friday again!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

Comment Window Tidbit: Oh how I hate it when I feel wasted after work. Sometimes I feel super energized and productive, but many times I feel like I need to shut it down right away...this doesn't make for a good home life.

Escalante Trip--Day 4 the End

2011-11-08T06:43:00.003-07:00

Waking up on our last morning was less relaxing because we knew we had to clean up to go home and we wanted to do so by 10:00am...how did the time go so quickly?

It was a beautiful morning with this gorgeous view out from the kitchen.

It really is such a nice house. It was luxurious for all of us to have our own room while we were there.

Farewell kitchen full of snack goodness!

We planned one last outing which was to see Devil's Garden. It meant driving 15 miles down a dirt road then turning right at this sign.

Apparently the Devil's Garden looks like the bottom of the ocean! It was full of these amazingly ginormous rocks, caverns and scrub brush, it truly felt like we were walking along the bottom of a drained ocean.

Crazy no?

Of course Michelle did her rock climbing in style!

Check out the reflection in my glasses!

I had never seen anything like this place before!

After that stop we broke out the rest of the fabulous caramel popcorn my mom had made for us, this big hunk looked like Africa.

We drove home a different route from the way we came and as we made our way back into real-time we traversed all kinds of landscapes.

We stopped at a couple scenic look-outs including one that must rival the Grand Canyon.

We stopped in Boulder for lunch.

We were too late to get their fabulous breakfast (Amie had told us about) but we were all happy with our lunch choices. I had the best BLT of my life!

We also drove past the cutest post office ever!

Amie's husband and kids were on Boulder Mountain hunting for the weekend, so we stopped in the mud to visit them. Only Amie was brave enough to walk through the crazy thick mud, so we just waved to the kids (Jimmy was sleeping in the trailer).

There was snow on the mountain!

Amie and I turned our cameras on each other.

The mountain views were so beautiful that Michelle took pictures from the car window.

We had just been in the desert so it was super weird to be on a mountain in the snow!

Beautiful!

And then it was back to red rocks on desert views...crazy.

I came home to this sweet note from Whitney.

I also came home to a new hamster! I knew they were going to get one while I was gone, but it was still a surprise to come home to a new member of the family. "Rino" looks like a fluffy little mouse but with a hamster tail. He's so light that he feels weightless.

**Ever seen anything like Devil's Garden?**

Comment Window Tidbit: The Headache book has suggested peanuts/peanut butter as a possible trigger for my headaches...I eat a peanut butter sandwich every day at work! Hello!

Oh the Humanity!

2011-11-07T18:36:00.003-07:00

Usually I really enjoy my job. It is NEVER the same day twice even though many of the elements of my days are the same. Usually I laugh (to myself of course) at the extreme junior-highness of it all, the drama, the nerdiness, the locker jams and so on. But today, despite having a relaxing yet productive weekend at home with plenty of sleep I just was NOT in the mood for junior high. I didn't feel sympathetic, tolerant or even very nice but I did my best to mask those feelings and somehow made it through the day. Of course, I had a screaming migraine after that and even though I took a Relpax at 1:30, got home and into the cozy by 2:45, I wasn't okay to surface until 5:30pm! It's robbery I tell you! I seem to be having a resurgence of headaches lately and I am not happy about it. I am rereading my headaches book in an attempt to eliminate any triggers that may be stirring things up. Aargh! Hopefully tomorrow's junior-high dramas will find me at full strength.

**How was your day?

How often do you get headaches?

What are your triggers?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm having some motivation issues tonight with a little side of guilt since I know I should be doing stuff today that will make my tomorrow easier.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-11-06T16:51:00.002-07:00

I've been thinking lately how thankful I am that most of the people I associate with are comfortable talking about spiritual things. This is because I live in Utah and am surrounded by fellow church members who believe the same things I believe, so that means that most of my friends, most of my co-workers and many of the people I encounter around town share my feelings. Though this also means we don't have a whole lot of diversity around here, this post is NOT about diversity. Ha.

I have been touched by various conversations with people I work with and am so thankful to be united in our beliefs. The other secretary in the front office (Wendy) has a son on a mission in Texas and she tells me stories every week about how he's doing and the miracles going on in his life. It is not unusual for us to both be in tears after one of her stories.

I've gone walking a couple times recently with my friend Cathy (who I know from church) and have loved that as we do laps around the temple we can talk about spiritual things. I sometimes tell her about Relief Society lessons she has missed while serving in primary and we have both gotten choked up as we discuss them. It is a blessing to be able to speak freely about the Atonement.

As I speak with other women it is apparent that we all feel the weight of our responsibilities as women in the gospel, as mothers, friends, neighbors and daughters, but we all feel comforted by our heavy reliance on the Lord and the ability to turn to Him in prayer. We are all trying to do our best and are there to help each other do likewise. I love the gospel and I love being surrounded by people who love it too!

I feel like a huge part of myself would be left out of every conversation if I had to keep spiritual things out of my conversations. How does the rest of the world function?

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: It's emotionally exhausting to lose two streets of families from our ward! That's 58 people we love and who add so much to our ward family...wahhhh!

Escalante Trip--Day 3

2011-11-03T21:24:00.002-06:00

Morning number 2 was leisurely as well and meant that we could take breaks in the middle of getting ready. Michelle and I were both reading ROOM for book club and were thoroughly sucked into it.

Amie had gifts for us!

Amie taught Melinda how to play Sudoku.

Michelle had to spend some time on the phone with various family members because her mom ended up in the hospital. It was quite worrisome and yet we were in the middle of nowhere and thousands of miles from her mom...it's a good thing prayers travel well.

We ventured into town again and saw a few more fun sites, including this very blue house with intimate apparel on the line (yes, it is the home of one of Amie's relatives!).

We went to lunch at a gas station in town because Amie's mom recommended the pizza there.

I couldn't believe it when Amie showed us Jessica's picture on the wall of this gas station! It was like visiting another planet, but different.

The pizzas took awhile to cook so we spent some quality time in the gas station...weird.

Fun though.

The pizza was really good and I indulged in a Coke again. (It's a slippery slope for me after being off diet Coke for 6 years! I thought if I drank Coke I wouldn't like it enough to get hooked, but I keep thinking about it and wanting it.)

After lunch we drove down the road to the Hole in the Rock Monument where we read about the amazing story behind it. It confirmed for me once again (as if there was any doubt) that I was NOT cut out to be a pioneer!

Beautiful.

Covered wagons are narrower than I thought!

After our time at the monument we drove around some more to take in the scenery. Amie was kind enough to humor Michelle and I when we wanted to stop to take photos.

Michelle took some pictures of me taking pictures.

And I took some of her too. I love it that we share a passion for photography!

This is one of my favorite shots.

Amie also took us to the reservoir to see more beautiful sights.

The town map has an Alvey Wash! I'm telling you, Jimmy and Amie's family has some roots in this town!

After touring the town, we spent a couple hours watching "Persuasion" (oh Mr. Higgly bottom).

And cutting coupons and loading pictures for blog posts on the laptop. I had seen that version of the movie before but Michelle and Melinda hadn't and I really wasn't sure if they were going to recover. Jane Austen has such a way of building up to a big finish.

We ventured out one last time to go to dinner at a place that cooks everything in an outdoor brick oven. It was tasty food and an interesting place to visit. We had to drive over a super narrow bridge to get there (good thing Amie was driving) and the people at the table next to us were German tourists (apparently they wanted to go back in time too).

**Have you heard the Hole in the Rock story before?

Have you seen "Persuasion"?

Do you enjoy Sudoku?

Ever hung your undies on the line?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Today was crazy busy, I worked 9 hours, did Orchestra car pool, came home and planted daffodils, went to dance class, helped Whitney with her homework and then blogged. I'm wasted.

Escalante Trip--Day 2

2011-11-02T15:32:00.002-06:00

As much as I love it when I get going early and seize the day, the thing I really love to do on vacations is to wake up on my own and then read in bed for awhile. I surprised myself by waking up at 7:00 but then spent a delicious hour and a half lying in bed reading.

When I surfaced I found Amie and Melinda showered and ready hanging out upstairs, and I found this pretty view of the fall leaves through the window.

This is the amazing view through the sliding glass doors in the kitchen!

When we finally all got ready (happily Michelle was on the lounge and read wake-up plan as well) Amie drove us around town and pointed out where all their relatives live. It crazy that both her parents and Jimmy's parents are from Escalante (it's a seriously tiny town) so they have all kinds of relatives there. She took us to Jimmy's grandma's house and that solidified the "going back in time" feel of the trip. It was like a museum!

Aren't these the coolest stove knobs? Did you have those salt and pepper shakers when you were a kid? I did!

We visited the one tiny grocery store in town and then the thrift shop.

Michelle found several books, I bought a couple decorative books and Melinda found the original Primary Children's Song Book that we all grew up with.

Our last stop was for big drinks at the gas station (I got a Coke for headache-relief purposes and actually liked it) then came home for chicken salad lunch.

We had a leisurely afternoon at the house. I went out on the patio to read for 1.5 hours and loved it. I soaked up the sun, enjoyed amazing view, listened to the sprinklers and the huge birds flying by. It was a Zen experience...antisocial but Zen.

The other 3 stayed inside (they thought it was too cold outside) to work on projects and read.

We opted to stay in for dinner that night (more chicken salad) and then played cards.

Michelle made a different kind of gooey munchable that we were more than willing to try.

We played "Speed" for quite awhile until it was clear that Melinda is a wicked card shark and that we didn't stand even a little chance of coming close to a victory. She pointed out that she's a middle child and fiercely competitive and I pointed out that Amie, Michelle and I are all first born children and don't care to lose. Ha.

The score sheet of doom!

**Are you a card shark?

Do you ever drink Coke for medicinal purposes?

Do you like to read on vacation?

What number are you in your family?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I bought tap shoes for myself today and it felt good.

Surprise!

2011-11-01T21:01:00.001-06:00

I got a great surprise at work today! My cute blogging friend Erin (from Idaho) popped into the front office at school to say "hi" and to give me a Cherry Limeade from Sonic (my new favorite). Her visit could not have been more unexpected. We had a really quick visit, took this self-portrait (complete with the chunk of my face missing from my trip to the dermatologist Saturday) and hugged...it's was great. I love a good surprise.

**How was your day?

Do you enjoy a good surprise?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Whitney came home sick from school today (she's fine) but that meant she didn't go to orchestra or dance so I got a delightfully productive afternoon at home instead of running her around.

Escalante Trip--Day 1

2011-10-31T06:50:00.007-06:00

It's ridiculous that it has taken me over 3 weeks to get to these posts, but I am determined to post about my girl's weekend trip to Escalante, so here you go.

It seems like whether I'm packing for 4 days or 4 weeks the amount of stuff I need to bring is the same!

Good grief, the weather was cold, rainy and then snowy for our travels...not my favorite weather to drive in but Amie was driving and we were in her big truck so I didn't fret.

Our self-portrait in the truck after picking up Melinda.

We had to stop at a small town gas station to leave Jimmy's Elk Call so he could pick it up the next morning on his way to Boulder Mountain to hunt with the kids. I wish I could have taken a picture of the freaky guy working at the gas station who was totally confused about this whole operation.

They had a petting zoo with a zebra at this gas station...what in the world?

I was the only one who went over to check out the zebra, then the girls all documented me doing so...kind of funny.

Michelle brought some super tasty, goo-rific stuff for us to munch on in the car.

Melinda caught up on her guilty-pleasure magazines in the back seat.

Michelle checked out recipes in Everyday Food Magazine.

I did my job as navigator and kept watch on the crazy weather while talking to Amie as she drove.

The turn off to Escalante might as well say, "Going back in time here."

Good heavens, these rocks look color-enhanced!

We had to get a self-portrait with these in the back ground.

I felt all kinds of stupid standing on the side of the road by myself posing with this rock tunnel behind me, but Amie insisted.

This is Escalante!

This is Amie's parents' beautiful vacation home.

Do you think we brought enough treats?

My mom humored me and made a great batch of her tasty caramel popcorn early the morning of our trip so that Amie could pick it up on her way to pick me up. It was so good and lasted up to the ride home.

We went to dinner the first night at one of the 3 restaurants in town.

The food was pretty good, but the inebriated people at the table behind us made for a distracting dinner.

The rest of the evening was spent with Michelle knitting, Melinda putting together treat bags for her son's birthday party, Amie doing her nails and me flipping through magazines. Good times.

Comment Window Tidbit: Halloween at the Junior High is exhausting!

Sunday Thoughts

2011-10-30T15:11:00.001-06:00

Today in church the Bishopric spoke about increasing love in our families and marriages, then the bishop spoke during the 5th Sunday meeting about our new ward goal to QUADRUPLE the love at home! Oh my goodness, this is going to be quite the goal.

As the bishop talked to us (he based his talk on Dr. John Lund's teachings) he pointed out that all frustration stems from having unmet expectations and that we must do a better job of communicating and managing our expectations (this is easier said than done of course).

He said it's important to learn to distinguish between goals and wishes.

A goal is something that depends only upon you and is something you can control.

A wish is something that depends upon someone else.

This was interesting for me to hear because I have a very active wish list in my head and not a very long list of goals. Apparently I need to really take charge of me and stop wishing for other people to supply my happiness. Dang it.

Do not confuse Love and Trust. Trust is earned through responsible behavior. Do not confuse unconditional love with enabling behavior. Do not judge. Love, teach, testify.

What if your family and your spouse do not appreciate you?
--You can go to our Heavenly Father in prayer and ask him to accept your offering to your family and your spouse. Ask Him for his acceptance and feel His love.

We learn to love and bless the lives of others, not necessarily because they are good, or they deserve it, but because we are disciples of Christ and He asked us to do it. (I love this!)

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: They announced that they will be realigning most of the wards in our Stake next Sunday which means we'll be losing part of our ward next week...cue the tears!

Six for Saturday

2011-10-29T11:57:00.001-06:00

It has been another hectic week, hence very little blogging has gone on, but here are some tidbits from my week.

1. I still haven't conquered the beast that is couponing, but I did actually have some of the coupons I intended to use with me at Wal-Mart on double coupon day, but since all but one were for $1 off and they don't double dollar coupons that meant I really only benefited by saving an extra .45 cents on string cheese. But the joke is on me because I saved $7 total with my coupons and still spent $99 and left there feeling like I wasn't sure what happened to me.

While walking down one of the aisles at the store this darling little girl (maybe 3 years old) was on the phone with someone and said, "Oh just couponing with mom." It was so cute and oh so funny. My 3 year olds never learned the word couponing.

2. Landon is going to be a rock star for Halloween so we really needed to find him some shades with attitude...mission accomplished.

3. We are still enjoying this mess each day as we come and go from home...yes, it's a pleasure.

While sitting in the construction waiting for our turn to go we saw this Pac-Man Pumpkin decoration in somebody's yard, it made us chuckle.

4. Our ward had a Fall Festival this year (we've never had one before) and these are some of the amazing pumpkins submitted for a contest. I was so impressed! I have no vision or patience for pumpkin carving, so whenever "we" do it that means Randy does it and I breathe out of my mouth for an hour. We don't have anything festive in our house at all this year!

5. I had to leave early the other day so Randy wasn't up yet to make my lunch so I ended up buying school lunch for the first time this year. I had to sneak a bite here and there in-between the busyness of the front office and I never got to eat the roll or apple slices that came with it.

6. I had an appointment with the dermatologist this morning to have him check out a suspicious white patch on my cheek. He ended up numbing that part of my face (which affected my eye too) to biopsy (an alarming word) it. I couldn't feel the pain of that but I could hear the scraping...not pleasant. I couldn't believe how weird my face felt afterward (and still does) or how shaky I was. It wasn't as horrible as it appears to be in this picture but was a little scary all the same. It's kind of messing with my Saturday a bit because I don't want to go out in public like this (apparently I'm fine to post it though...go figure).

I found myself flipping through the Botox info pamphlet while waiting for my appointment. I've never been particularly vain, but this fissure on my forehead really bums me out. I heard a woman (maybe 27) at the hair dresser last month talking about how she got it done on her forehead and can't believe how much better it is. We don't really have a Botox budget, but maybe we should start one.

**How was your week?

Have you decorated for Fall/Halloween?

Ever had a skin biopsy?

Do you use coupons?

Botox?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I've been planning on the costume party all week and even got a doable idea but my face is a mess and I don't feel great, so we may not go. Lame.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-26T06:29:00.001-06:00

Comment Window Tidbit: Randy and I have been invited to a Halloween Party (the 2nd one ever in our marriage) but we need a good costume idea!!!

Creative Friday--Fall Break Edition

2011-10-24T18:54:00.002-06:00

Landon and I were excited to have a Creative Friday with Michelle and Lucas on the Friday of our Fall Break! We took this self-portrait while waiting for our big beverages at Sonic (I'm tired of not getting anything so I tried a Cherry Limeade).

We took our self-portrait right away (before we ate or got haggered) but I still look red-faced and not very "made up" looking.

Landon cracked us up by adding his partially eaten apple to the table scape.

I picked up a couple Pork Tostadas for our lunch and was amused yet again by the mistake made with my last initial. Granted, it's always loud at Cafe Rio and "S" does sound like "F" but "S" doesn't sound at all like "A" right?

Oh deliciousness, I never tire of you!

Eva was having a rough day and was feeling quite overwhelmed by the task of cleaning her room. We finally motivated her by timing her with the stopwatch on my phone and she completed her tasks in under 6 minutes! (She had spent far longer than that crying about it.)

Max tried to silently play the piano for a bit before heading out to find a ghost town with some friends.

In a Creative Friday first I brought my laptop (courtesy of Stefanie) to try to get on top of my Escalante Weekend Photos so I can finally post about our trip...it's overwhelming.

Michelle's kitchen is under construction while she's doing the incredibly laborious job of painting all her kitchen cabinets! It's a good thing she had no idea how challenging this project would be!

These are the few she has done and it changes things drastically!

The expression on Eva's face while lamenting something (possibly not having the right noodles for lunch) was classic, I'm so glad I caught it!

It took forever just to load one blog post's worth of Escalante photos onto my blog. Meanwhile Michelle was super productive and wrote many thank you notes.

It was a little weird to spend so much time on the computer while at Michelle's but we were still able to talk and catch up on life.

Eva's dreams were crushed when friend cancelled their playdate because she wasn't feeling well. Michelle was neck-deep in smotherhood for sure, but handled it like a champ as always.

Even after so many years of blogging I still get a little thrill when I see my blog on screen.

We didn't see much of the boys, but at one point they stopped in to use the computer and sat on the same chair.

One of my other big tasks for the day was cleaning out my wallet! I had so many coupons, receipts and miscellaneous notes in there that it had gotten quite thick. It felt great to clean so much out!

**When was the last time you cleaned out your wallet?

Have you dealt with any Smotherhood lately?

Do you enjoy Cherry Limeades?

What do you think of Landon's contribution to the tablescape?**

Comment Window Tidbit: The extra hour I get on Early Out Mondays is phenomenal! Today I picked Whitney and Madison up from school, completed my 3rd visiting teaching appointment for the month, did 2 loads of laundry, sorted through all our newspapers and junk mail, emptied the recycling and blogged! However, I did NOT make dinner.

Sunday Thoughts

2011-10-23T13:16:00.006-06:00

Our new bishop shared a cool experience he had this summer while in Wyoming with the Young Men. They were doing mission preparedness stuff and were teaching the boys to "Armor Up" each morning by praying and reading their scriptures before facing the day. He talked about how all his life he has read his scriptures before going to bed, but how that's illogical if you think about reading the scriptures as putting on the whole armor of God...because who needs to put on armor before going to bed? (Of course it's good to read the scriptures any time, but even better to start the day with them!)

I absolutely love the visual of putting on the armor of God as a family each morning before we head out into the world to face the day. I know we are better prepared to face the challenges of the day because we start the day together reading the words of God and kneeling in prayer together. It's a simple thing that provides great strength!

Ephesians 6:11-18

 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Today on the back of our ward bulletin was a new thing, it said...

Bishopric Admonition

"Armor up!" Put on the full Armor of God each day with Prayer and Scripture study every morning. Read seven or more chapters a week in the scriptures.

I loved it and thought it was interesting that this new bishopric felt the need to put an admonishment on the program. It was at the very bottom on the back, but I think it caught all of our attention.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I think it would be cool to have "Armor Up!" in vinyl lettering above our front door.

Celebrating Eleven...All Week

2011-10-21T09:48:00.001-06:00

Whitney talks about her birthday year-round. She basically pins all her hopes for fun outings and gifts onto her birthday, so by the time it actually rolls around it feels like we need to get it right.

This year she woke up to find the birthday banner hung, the balloons leftover from Randy's birthday (which was 6 days earlier) and her "corner presents". She had a box of her favorite cereal, a pack of cute socks (she has sock issues), 2 pairs of earrings and a cartoon cat made by Randy. She was thrilled with all of these items.

Apparently when Randy took her to school they brought "Rino" our new hamster (our other one died a few months ago) in his exercise ball to show her class. He also brought her some Arby's for lunch and ate in the cafeteria with her and her friends.

I picked Whitney and Madison up from school for a fun outing of Krispy Kreme donuts (I had a coupon). We NEVER go there so this was a major treat for all of us.

We got a dozen since I had a coupon for a half dozen free, but our bill was still $11! Apparently I need to remember that it's the 21st century because I still think a dozen donuts she cost $4.

We spent a "fun" hour at Toys-R-Us shopping for the ultimate birthday gift from my parents and siblings. They originally planned to go in on a bike for her (since the one she has looks toddler sized when she's on it) but she wasn't excited about that so she had birthday cash instead. Luckily Madison was with her and could share in her excitement and help discuss the pros and cons of each toy. I leaned on the shopping cart (and really wished I could sit down) and played "Words With Friends" on my phone.

She was elated with her purchases!

Later that night we went to dinner at Los Hermanos as a family (I used another coupon...they're going to expire on November 1st so I'm on a mission to use as many as I can).

Good times.

I never get tired of their food.

It was Whitney's first time being sung to at a restaurant and she handled it well. I never enjoy that when it's my birthday and always want to crawl under the table to hide.

The birthday continued on Thursday when she started the morning by opening a present from Amie and her kids. They gave her homemade hair flower clips (including the orange one in her hair), which Whitney loved!

Then we drove to Adam and Amy's house to pick up Bella and Tess for a day at the zoo (oh joy). It's rather great that our Fall Break from school fell on the week of Whitney's birthday!

I had a coupon that saved us $8 so it cost $22 for the 4 of us to get in. (This outing was in lieu of a birthday party, but I never spend much on her birthday parties, so the joke was on me.)

Mapping out our route was very important.

About an hour after getting there we were all hungry. I had originally planned to stop at Wendy's to get food to bring with us, but we didn't pass any fast food on the way to the zoo so we got hosed and paid for zoo food so it was $27 for lunch!!

Tess had a stare-down with her hot dog.

I don't enjoy the zoo, but did enjoy the fall leaves and the perfect weather (65 degrees and sunny with a breeze).

They have a gorgeous Merry-Go-Round there now but of course it costs $2 per ride. The rides seemed oh so short to me so I timed it...less than 3 minutes! I figured out (with my 7th grade math skills) that they make $96 every 3 minutes if the Carousel is full. Outrageous!

Of course we had to have some ice cream for $8 ($2 each). I know I sound like I'm ridiculously cheap (I'm not) but it was like I had a cash register in my head dinging each time we did something.

Later we road the train (4 minute ride) for $1.50 each and that was fun and it was nice to sit down, but good grief already with the expenses. Also is it wrong that I wish the ride lasted longer and went around the whole park? I know it's not Disneyland, but the wait in line is way longer than the train ride.

Our train self-portrait.

Our final stop was the play area, so the girls could run free and I could sit on a shady bench for awhile.

I had my book with me, but only got a couple pages read because it was hard to keep my eye on the girls, plus I was sitting next to a weird couple that made me wonder about humanity.

After 4.5 long hours at the zoo we headed out to freakin Eagle Mountain so the girls could have a sleepover at my parents' house. My mom wasn't home yet so we went to Amie's house to hang out, but Amie wasn't home yet either but I talked to her on the phone and decided we'd hang out in her backyard. The girls jumped on the trampoline while I enjoyed the sunshine and breeze and read a few more pages in my book (this book is taking me forever even though I like it).

Later we had dinner with my parents and I visited with them for an hour or so then left the girls with my mom (my dad was getting ready for bed...it was 8:15) then headed back over to Amie's house until 11:00pm.

It was a marathon day but everyone was happy. Landon had stayed home and ended up playing with several friends from church and got to see Monty Python's Holy Grail for the first time. It's a quotable classic so it was time.

**Do you enjoy the zoo?

Do the costs of outings like this bug you?

Do you enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts? (What kind of question is that?!)

Comment Window Tidbit: I really need to catch up on blogging, I'm drowning in pictures!

12 on the 12th--October Edition

2011-10-17T06:50:00.005-06:00

{click to enlarge}

I woke up to a very chilly house which made it so much harder to get out of bed.
I texted Amie to remind her it was 12 on the 12th day.
They hung my photo name plate in front of my desk in the front office, apparently I'm official now.
A little snapshot of the items to the left of my computer keyboard. I love my mug. The cupcake was from one of our student office aides...I didn't get to eat it until I drove home that day.
I battled the copier all day between running back and forth to the front office to do my regular job (the copy girl was out 2 days in a row--I ended up with 19, 113 steps on my pedometer).
Lovely traffic,ust doors down from home which was so cruel because I was exhausted.
Whitney's delight upon receiving a felted penguin from her pen pal Luci for her birthday.
Landon's midair catch at his flag-football game.
My mom came to Landon's flag-football game so we just had to take a self-portrait (I think it's one of the cutest photos of her ever).
Our group photo after Landon's flag-football game.
Randy's birthday dinner at Appleby's (we had gift cards).
I read myself to sleep which was a nice reward for such an insanely busy day.

**Did you document your 12th?**

Comment Window Tidbit: These darker mornings are making it so hard to get up!

Sunday Thoughts

2011-10-16T16:15:00.002-06:00

It's time to face facts, I have become a cryer...especially on Sundays! How can church be so uplifting yet so emotionally draining (in a fill you up sort of way) at the same time? I guess it just is.

We had a recently returned missionary from Chile speak to us and his enthusiasm was positively contagious. These are my notes from his talk.

It is wonderful to go and serve a mission for the Lord.
You learn charity out on a mission, otherwise you'd turn into a red ball of steam. (From people slamming doors in your face and calling you names.)
The Lord fortifies you, He puts you in a pair of bigger shoes.
I learned a lot about pride, I went in confident but learned quickly that I didn't know anything.
I learned there are many ways to teach something.
I cried over that relationship quite a bit. (About his 1st companion's lack of obedience.)
I started to learn to give myself to the Lord, I learned to give more.
All your preparation ahead of time helps!
You get lost in the work and find out what really makes you happy.
Take away all the stuff you think makes you happy, then through the gospel you find real happiness.
Happiness is not given, it is earned.
The less I had the more happiness I found.
I was happy when I had work to do.
You really learn charity when someone is yelling at you for knocking on their door. You learn to really feel for that person because you are representing Christ and they are ultimately slamming the door on Him.
New converts have an amazing spirit.
Open your heart and widen your circle of friends so you can share the gospel.
Preach the gospel and if necessary use words.

Edited to add: The original quote is "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." from Francis of Assisi

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I was walking down the hall after Sacrament meeting today and said hi to this man (a former boss of mine) and he said, "Jill, you look happier than all get out, what's going on?" and I said, "I'm alive in Christ John, what can I say?" How funny is that? It just came out. I talked to him for a minute longer and he was kind of laughing at me (just like he used to 18 years ago when I worked for him) but in an affectionate sort of way.

When Did My Life Get This Busy?

2011-10-15T19:18:00.011-06:00

I'm not sure when my life got this crazy (oh wait, I guess it was when school started again) but I am barely keeping my head above water. If I have a productive yet restful weekend then I can usually trick myself into thinking I'm on top of things during the week. But since I was out of town last weekend and didn't have that time at home, this week has seriously kicked my butt. It's a good thing we're off school next Thursday and Friday for Fall Break, but that means I still have to make it through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Aargh.

My big girl tap shoes with stripey socks. They were a little slippery on the dance floor and at one point my lunge got away from me and I'm lucky that it didn't end in a 911 call...it wasn't pretty. Thank heaven there are only 2 of us in the class along with the teacher (what happens in tap class stays in tap class).

I dropped Landon off at the church yesterday for a Scout Camp Out but then ended up staying and talking to one of the other moms for over an hour (it was delightful), so I got to see our former Bishop (who is now their scout leader) get the boys in formation complete with vintage scout hats. (Click on the photo to enlarge. Landon is the 4th in from the right.)

Adam, Amy and the girls came over for game night last night and mocked us with their new iPhones.

Bella slept over so Whitney could NOT have been happier.

This morning I met up with my friend Cathy to go walking around the temple grounds (it's a .75 mile loop) and we just kept going and going. Every time we got around to the starting point we'd say "one more time" because we just wanted to keep talking. It was great, but I've been paying for it all day. By the time I got home I had 13, 775 steps on my pedometer (my daily goal is 10,000). That little white item on the ground near Cathy's foot is a mini marshmallow. She had found a bunch of them in her coat pocket and even mashed one on her toe to act as a blister barrier, so she put one on the ground as part of our photo...cute.

This tree looked so pretty with the early morning sun shining through it, plus the temple is in the background (though you can't really see it in this picture).

There is major construction happening on our street directly in front of our house, so every time I return home from somewhere I have to wait for several minutes until it's clear for me to go. This afternoon I was returning home from Costco when the orange-vested worker person (who makes double what I make at the school by the way) told me it was going to be a 10 minute wait. I informed her that I live at the house with the cement mixer in front of it, so she worked some magic with her walkie talkie and got me through in about 2 minutes instead. I've got connections.

Both Landon and Whitney have been talking about wanting a job like this because the money is good, so I've had to explain to them how it's important to factor more than just the dollar amount of a job when choosing one's employment.

**How was your Saturday?

Are you exhausted?

Has a lunge every gotten away from you?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I visited with both Robyn and Lori at different times today. Viva familia!

Party of Five

2011-10-13T18:30:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday night we gathered at Amy's house for our October Bookclub gathering. The moon was ginormous and looked so amazing coming up over the mountains! (Michelle was driving so I was free to snap the photo.)

We were celebrating Amy's birthday 3 months late and opted for the bring-your-own-dinner plan, except that Collette picked up Amy's request for Kneaders. Jana wasn't able to make it that night because she had family in town.

Jenn brought Kneader's for dessert for all of us, so we got a sampling of a cannoli, a key lime tart, a cream fruit tart and an eclair.

We gave Amy a $100 gift card for Amazon.

It cracks me up that Amy's face is always illuminated by the glow of her iPad.

Collette got silly after the clock struck 9:00.

This month we discussed ROOM by Emma Donoghue. Apparently Jana hated it, but we only know that because of a text she sent Jenn. The rest of us liked it and were quite fascinated by it. It was like nothing else I've ever read.

**Did you see that HUGE moon?

Which of the desserts would be your favorite?

What time do you get silly?

Have you read ROOM?

Comment Window Tidbit: It's already Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday, which means I may be able to relax and watch TV at some point in the near future...but first I have dance class.

State of Affairs

2011-10-13T06:34:00.004-06:00

Remember when I used to be able to blog daily?
I do.
But for now I'm just plain busy.
Yesterday I worked 8.5 hours with only one bathroom break and
not even a Wheat Thin passing my lips.
It was crazy.
I got 45 minutes in the cozy (for regrouping purposes) before heading out for Landon's flag-football game and Randy's birthday dinner (Whitney had to miss art class).
I haven't watched TV for 11 days (not by choice).
I was in bed at 9:20.
I'm spent.
Serenity now!!

Comment Window Tidbit: I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful, I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful.

Whirlwind

2011-10-10T06:47:00.001-06:00

I am so sorry to have left you with that heinous port-a-potty photo for 5 days! I thought I might be able to blog from my trip, but it would have meant that I didn't fully veg out and that just wouldn't have been right.

I took over 400 photos during our Girl's Weekend in Escalante, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to post about it for real, but anything is better than a port-a-potty photo! So here are a few photos to look at until I can officially post about our super fun 4 day trip.

**What have you been up to?

Have you ever been to Escalante?

Have you ever gone a trip that

made you feel like you'd gone back in time?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I came home to find 2 kids from our ward staying with us, a new hamster and that the ward newsletter I'd spent 5 hours on last week didn't print right so Randy had to redo it without photos!

Not My Favorite View

2011-10-05T20:12:00.002-06:00

I usually enjoy the view from my kitchen window, but today I returned home from work to find a Porta-Potty places across the street from my house and out my kitchen window. I suppose I should be glad it isn't directly in front of our house, but it's pretty dang close. They are doing major road construction down the street from us so apparently this is now a designated rest room for the workers. I fear we'll be looking at this for a long time. If it's still here for the holidays we may need to put some tinsel on it. Randy always said we'd live like kings. (Name the movie.)

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm not ready for my trip, I have way too much to do but all I want to do right now is get in my jammies and watch "Survivor" with Randy.