Diary of a Mad Housewife

When We Are Chastened

2011-11-28T00:31:00.000-05:00

The Oyster

Submitted by: Fearless_714

Author: Unknown

There once was an oyster
Whose story I tell,
Who found that some sand
Had got into his shell.
It was only a grain,
But it gave him great pain.
For oysters have feelings
Although they’re so plain.

Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That had brought him
To such a deplorable state?
Did he curse at the government,
Cry for election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?

No – he sad to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I shall try to improve it.
Now the years have rolled around,
As the years always do,
And he came to his ultimate
Destiny – stew.

And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now the tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand
What an oyster can do
With a morsel of sand?

What couldn’t we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.

Trip of a Lifetime: Days Three, Four and Five

2011-11-16T19:03:00.003-05:00

Day 3 We wake up in Sorrento, Italy!
Buon Giorno :o)

We were exhausted by the first few days so we slept in. But what a great day to wake up to. We took a "tender" from the ship to the shore and walked around the little pier while we waited for the shuttle to take us up the hill to town.
The narrow road wound uphill and each turn gave us a beautiful view.

For lunch we ate at a cute little place called Bougainvillaea. I had the BEST gnocchi I have EVER had! The sauce was light and sweet and there were bits of mozzarella cheese melting throughout. Doug said "You'd probably find a jar of Chef Boy-ar-Dee in the kitchen". I don't care, that was some AWESOME Italian canned sauce then!


So yummy!

We bought so great leather bags from a nice lady in her family's shop...at least that's what she told us. The weather was beautiful!

On the shuttle bus back down, we met a wonderful lady, Bonnie and her grand daughter Annie. They were on our ship and they were delightful and funny and so sweet! Bonnie brings each of her grand daughters on a trip every year! What a treasure to be able to vacation with your Grandma!

That night was our formal night and Captain's Reception. It was fun to dress up and see all of the Test Out guys in their tuxedos. For dinner we ate at La Terraza with our friends Steve and Raylene and it was wonderful.

Day 4 We wake up in Taormina, Sicily

This turned out to be my favorite place. The beauty was so unexpected.
We ate our breakfast on the balcony off of our room and it was divine :o) Can you say Chocolate Croissant?
We had another day of walking and I actually felt pretty good. I was tired, but my feet never hurt if you can believe it!

We saw a lovely medieval town with tons of lovely shops...it would be so fun to have unlimited funds. So many gorgeous pottery pieces.


Mt. Etna and it's little eruptions

We visited some ruins that were behind St Catherine's Church. They were discovered in the 1890's and they were a small Greek theater and a temple that was dedicated to Aphrodite and I was standing on part of that temple. It was so unbelievable.

Then we walked up to the Greek Roman theater that is actually still used for performances (Elton John recently performed there). Wow, what a view!

Yep, that's Mt Etna

Can you imagine sitting here for a concert?

By the way, this was Thursday, on Saturday Mt. Etna erupted!
http://www.5min.com/Video/Sicilys-Volcano-Mount-Etna-Erupts-517186580

I cannot wait to come back. I had planned that my next trip would be to Florence or Venice or Milan, but I'd be thrilled to come back to Sicily. Arrivederci!!
Day 5 We are at sea. A few things about our Silver Sea cruise--Our ship is the Silver Wind. It is a small ship with about 320 capacity, 114 of which were Test Out employees! Who don't drink :-) Eventually, the staff got used to us. Actually, the staff was amazing! They always greeted us BY NAME, were super pleasant and helpful. It was the best! We had a Butler, his name is Sergey. He was Russian and is a hotel management major who would like to end up in St. Louis, Missouri, if you can believe it. He did everything for us, stocked the fridge with Coke and Pepsi, brought us chips and nuts for our afternoon tea and water each day before we went out. I asked if I could get some hot chocolate from the restaurant he said, "Oh no. I go for you!" I didn't actually love all of the food, but there were a few stand outs: the Creme Brulee (except for the last day it was over done), the cannolli, there was a tri-color gnocchi, and the best was the filet that I had cooked on deck on the hot volcanic slab!
Everyone was right, I would never do another cruise that wasn't Silver Sea.

Trip of a Lifetime--Days 1 and 2

2011-10-10T00:11:00.004-04:00

I thought I would try to write a little bit about our trip to Italy and Greece. I kept a journal and tried to get every detail, but I won't bore you with ALL of them :o)
We left SLC on Sunday October 9 (Kian's birthday--Yes, I felt guilty, but not enough to stay home!)
We flew into Atlanta and there was a fashion display in a few of the cases that was really cool. It was a way to re-use items and re-work clothing.

We got on the plane and the lady behind us (her name was Rose) made 37 calls to people she knew to say that she was on the plane to Rome with Aunt Louise and she won't be back until October 26--Aunt Louise is beside herself with excitement and Rose just wanted to say good-bye and I love you!!

Then I found out that Kristin Chenoweth has her own channel on Delta Airlines so that was fun to hear her singing.

We arrived in Rome at 8:30 a.m. Rome time..it was a long night! We were waved on through the passport station so NO stamp! Then we waited a couple of hours in the airport for the rest of our group to arrive. I was SO tired it was kind of a blur. We got on tour buses and were taken to a restaurant called Angelique for a "typical Roman style meal".

This was our darling waitress, Giovanna who spoke very little English, but she was exactly what I pictured a quintessential Italian girl!
I had Tiramisu for the first time and it was DIVINE! I probably won't ever eat it again because I'm afraid it will never be the same.

Then it was on to the Colosseum with our tour guide Tyberio, who was SO funny and extremely knowledgeable!! He knew every date and every name of ancient Rome and I was completely gobsmacked.

We then went and saw the Forum and the sense of history was palpable.

This the site where Julius Caesar's body was cremated in a ceremonial pyre...notice that people are still leaving flowers. Amazing.

"All roads lead to Rome". This is the site of the beginning of the first road.

The hotel in Rome was small and dark and not so great, but I was exhausted and we were hardly there at all so it was OK.
That night we hung out with Steve and Ralene Eller. We went to Campo Di Fiori and found a great place for dinner where we met two very cute and very different Italian boys.

Guiseppe was our waiter and he, ironically, wants to be an actor!! He is planning to move to NYC to study acting, but his Dad is not too hip on the idea. I thought he was adorable and he did ask for my Facebook contact info, but I haven't heard from him yet. I was hoping to set him up with someone from our family!

Then the four of us walked the streets looking for gelato and taking in the Bernini fountains along the way.

Gotta throw my coin in the fountain so I get to come back someday! I loved the Trevi fountain...there were so many people just sitting on the steps, hanging out--locals and tourists.

The Spanish Steps

Then there were the high end shops...I had to get some pictures of the girls even if the stores were closed.

Emma Hale Smith, Woman of Tremendous Faith

2011-10-02T01:37:00.003-04:00

http://youtu.be/22KZzaKaY1Q

Forget Me Not

2011-10-02T00:55:00.000-04:00

It is my prayer and blessing that you will never forget that you are truly precious daughters in God’s kingdom.

A while ago I was walking through a beautiful garden with my wife and daughter. I marveled at the glory and beauty of God’s creation. And then I noticed, among all the glorious blooms, the tiniest flower. I knew the name of this flower because since I was a child I have had a tender connection to it. The flower is called forget-me-not.
I’m not exactly sure why this tiny flower has meant so much to me over the years. It does not attract immediate attention; it is easy to overlook among larger and more vibrant flowers; yet it is just as beautiful, with its rich color that mirrors that of the bluest skies—perhaps this is one reason why I like it so much.
And there is the haunting plea of its name. There is a German legend that just as God had finished naming all the plants, one was left unnamed. A tiny voice spoke out, “Forget me not, O Lord!” And God replied that this would be its name.
Tonight I would like to use this little flower as a metaphor. The five petals of the little forget-me-not flower prompt me to consider five things we would be wise never to forget.

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.
Our journey toward perfection is long, but we can find wonder and delight in even the tiniest steps in that journey.

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth.

Third, forget not to be happy now.
Never stop striving for the best that is within you. Never stop hoping for all of the righteous desires of your heart. But don’t close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day’s ordinary moments that make up a rich, well-lived life.

Fourth, forget not the “why” of the gospel.
Sometimes, in the routine of our lives, we unintentionally overlook a vital aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ, much as one might overlook a beautiful, delicate forget-me-not.
Let us not walk the path of discipleship with our eyes on the ground, thinking only of the tasks and obligations before us. Let us not walk unaware of the beauty of the glorious earthly and spiritual landscapes that surround us.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.
You are not forgotten.
Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.
Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!
He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name—you are the daughters of His kingdom. The Psalmist wrote:
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? …
“For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”5
God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.
The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow.

Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you.

It's That Time

2011-09-01T21:56:00.003-04:00

Family pictures 2011...
I have tried to do one at least every year. Some are far better than others, obviously...
That past two years we have taken Grumpy Dad to the family photo shoot-he complained that it was too cold.
So this year I tried a different approach...pictures in AUGUST! In Tooele, where apparently it is always windy. Did I mention it was August? HOT, not cold :o)
Our wonderfully talented niece Meagan took these for us, I thought it might take the grump out of Grumpy Dad.

Everyone complained about the sun so there was a lot of squinting going on and people trying to get away with wearing or at least HOLDING their sunglasses.

Here are some of my favorites from the Blazing Hot Field :-)

Then we moved on to a lovely location in old downtown Tooele...

Then we moved on to a lovely location in old downtown Tooele...Just two kids having fun!

Here are the drama shots...

Our girl is Broadway Bound!


Oh yeah, he's the man that has the girls "Enchanted" (his word)

All in all it was a fun time and I think we managed to keep Grumpy Dad away this year...maybe next year we can shoot for October and keep Hot Mama a little cooler! The best part was that we actually SPENT THE NIGHT in Tooele and got to visit with some of our favorite family members, the Prudens.

Most people got to Disney or Cancun or Niagara Falls for summer vacay...we went to Tooele!! AND while we were there, we got to see a world renowned yodeler at the Art in the Park event with Tooele council man, Steve Pruden. What a blast we had!! Thanks for the memories guys, we love you...

Farewell Friend

2011-07-25T00:32:00.002-04:00

In the quiet misty morning, when the moon has gone to bed,

When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red,

When the summer's ceased its gleaming, when the corn is past its prime,

When adventure's lost its meaning, I'll be homeward bound in time.

Bind me not to the pasture. Chain me not to the plow.

Set me free to find my calling and I'll return to you somehow.

This week we said farewell to a helpful neighbor, a wonderful man, a terrific example, a real cowboy :0) Jack was the sweetest, most generous man I know (except maybe my Dad!)
I lived on the wrong side of the block to be Jack's true neighbor. I didn't really know him well, but I can tell you he was a man of God. He had an amazingly strong work ethic. And most of all, he was smart enough to have chosen an absolutely amazing woman as his eternal mate. Liza...beautiful, delightful, classy, and funny, Liza is a woman I often thought of after we moved away from Provo. I admire her so much I considered naming our daughter Reagan after her.

I don't think I ever saw Jack without Liza by his side. We would walk by their beautiful home (complete with orchards, garden and corral) every day on our way to school. The freindly horses would be nudging the gate to see if the kids had brought them, a snack or just get a rub on the nose. Just a few weeks ago, jack and Liza were in their beautiful yard, he was trimming and Liza was watering.

I remember when we first moved back here in 2009 the first church activity was Halloween. We have a Trunk-or-Treat in the parking lot of the church. We rounded up our vehicles and began the walk of candy, and there in the middle of it all, was Jack and Liza with their big 'ol cooker, handing out hot dogs to everyone! That's what they did, they always seemed to be feeding us :0) Amazing people...

He was loved and respected by his family. They presented a wonderful service complete with a table set with beautiful old and new pictures of his family, his toolbox, saddle and even bowls from which to sample his favorite candies! His family is so talented--his father in law long ago wrote a song called, "I'm Headin' Home Today", his daughter told the story in a kind of a poem fashion of riding the trails with Dad and his grandson wrote a poem about his Cowboy Grandfather.

If you find it's me you're missing, if you're hoping I'll return,
To your thought I'll soon be list'ning; in the road I'll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end,
And the path I'll be retracing when I'm homeward bound again.

Welcome to Provo!!

2011-06-22T20:39:00.003-04:00

Last night we had the unique experience of witnessing the FIRST Frontier Airlines flight arriving at the Provo Municipal airport!
I found out about this event on Facebook and I thought it would be a cool Family Home Evening, PLUS we had Mackenzie's BFF visiting from Georgia and we needed to show her a good time, right?

It was not too well-run...we arrived at our "check-in" and got a cookie, but there was no one to explain the schedule or tell us what to do or look at or whatever. Mostly we just stood around outside until the plane came. I'm not sure how many people they actually anticipated being there, but as we were leaving we saw that people were parked all up and down the roads around the airport.
Anyway, the last time I was at the Provo airport I was picking up Doug and all I remember is a cyclone fence and some gravel. Now there is an actual (small) terminal and a security checkpoint! However, we got to go out to the tarmac and didn't even have to go through security, last time for that!

While we were waiting, a private jet arrived and a white Hummer pulled right up to it and somehow I got distracted and didn't keep my eye on it, but I'm pretty sure it was Donny Osmond :0)

We were there for the Ribbon cutting for the new terminal and the announcement that the flight was DELAYED!!! Sorry Frontier, not off to a great start.

So it was darker than we had hoped for, but it was still really cool to see the plane coming in, we were SO close! The Fire and Rescue were on hand to salute the plane with a water spray. The pilot opened the window and waved with half his body hanging out. Then Miss Provo and the Frontier guy opened the door and the first of about 18 passengers got off to a large crowd and bigger cheers!

This will be so convenient to now fly to Denver right from Provo and then get on a plane to almost any where. I hope this new venture is completely successful and that one day Provo will have a big, wonderful airport like Indianapolis....which is by far the best planned airport I have ever been to.

Welcome to Provo Frontier Airlines...

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

2011-05-18T17:05:00.000-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday...she would have been 68.

This is her last visit with us. We had Family Hair Evening with Mark and Kami...what a great time it was!! Mom, Vanessa and I all got our hair done. There was so much foil in our house that night and Mark even brought magazines so it was a salon in the kitchen :0)
I am so glad we took this picture!

This is a picture of Mom with my cousin Marie. It must have been about 1983 in Logan, Utah. I have mentioned before that I love the look of pure joy on my Mom's face. She loved her nieces and nephews so much! I mean I think she just loved kids and it was her chance to have "babies" around again.

When Vanessa was born, Mom and Dad drove out to Utah from Reno to be there. So basically they drove all the way, hoping that she would be born while they were in SLC...and she was! My Mom loved being Mam--see above.
Mom was a great cook! And I don't mean fancy, gourmet food. I mean real food, real cheap food. She made the BEST potato salad. She could make Franco-American canned spaghetti taste fabulous (I am not kidding). She made burgers with gravy, potato soup, tacos, and pot roast...oh wow! I'm sure the cuts of meat were never expensive, but it always tasted amazing. I still wish I knew how she got the potatoes brown and kind of crispy and her gravy so delicious.
When it was time to talk, Mom would take me to lunch at Frederico's for ham and cheese salad and we'd have some great girl time. I don't remember ever being embarrassed by her. I didn't always like her and I certainly did not appreciate her like I should have, but I hope she knew how much I loved her, and how grateful I am now, as a Mom, to have had the life we had together. When I was in the 6th grade we only had one car so in order to get me to my accordion lessons, we had to put the accordion in the wagon with my little brother and walk there.
Mom put up with a lot of crap and there were a lot of sad days and hard days and lonely days, but she had the best laugh when she was happy!
She liked to do unexpected things too. Some of those times were when we had moved to a new school (again) and she took me to register, then instead of staying there for school, she took me out to lunch...at Pizza Hut! We never ate out when I was young! Once I came home from school in the 8th grade and she had bought me a new bed spread. I loved it and I had no idea! Twice when we had moved to Indiana she drove up from Louisville without a word to me. Once was my birthday. Once she showed up when I was gone, but Calah was home by herself so Mom took her to Cici's for lunch :0)

I still miss her, she was gone too fast, too soon. I will always miss her and wish I had been able to have one more phone call with her, one more of her warm and wonderful hugs.
The last real conversation I had with Mom, she told me how lucky my kids were and what a great job I had done. That meant the world to me...I love you, Mom...Happy Birthday!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:17:00.002-04:00

From my Mom to my daughter...both are gone and it's a day to remember them. My Mom and Reagan did not meet in this life, but I like to think they are together every day now! Right before my Mom passed away, she told me that there was a little girl in red overalls that kept coming to sit on her lap...I knew it had to be Reagan.

~Reagan Noel~

I hold you in my heart because I can't hold you in my arms.

I whisper in mind because I can't whisper in your ear.

I whistle softly with my lips because I can't whistle softly to your curious eyes.

I sing to myself because I can't sing to your sweet cherubic face.

I love you in a way I will never love another because I didn't get to know you.

I think constantly of you with my head because it hurts too much to think of you with my heart.

You will be a constant reminder of God's love and His miracles for all of us.

You are my grand daughter but you are a child of God,

I love you.

Mam

January 14 2005

Questions????

2011-05-05T17:16:00.001-04:00

Questions Kian has asked since I picked him up from school:
Fleas live on dogs, do fleas live on people?

Do fleas bite? Mosquitoes bite. They bite with their nose, it's sharp like a nail. They suck a little bit of blood. Does blood go through your heart? Should you go in the bath tub when a tornado comes? Can a tornado pick up a child? What color is a tornado? Can a tornado be a different color? A little twister can just go through your house and mess things up. It smells like Zombie perfume...are you wearing Zombie perfume?

Does your heart have a smile. Like a real smile? What happens to your heart when you cry? What about when you throw up? Does your heart beat faster? When you run, your heart beats faster. That's called racing. Your heart races. What's a heart attack? Do they have to cut your body open? A headache is when your brain really hurts. When you fall down on the sidewalk, blood will come out right? If you are running and fall down you can crack your head right open and blood will come out?

What are those yellow flowers in the lawn? What are the white ones?

This all happened between the hour of 1:40 and 2:40...yikes! I'm exhausted...Yet somehow he is the one laying down on the couch. YAWN, he says, "Boy. I'm tired, I'm going to lay down on the couch for a little while".

Prom!

2011-04-24T01:26:00.000-04:00

Mackenzie is at Provo High's Prom...

She was asked by one of her drama guys, Zac Orton. She loves Zac,he is fun and funny. He actually sent me a message on Facebook to ask if he could come over to decorate her room as his way of asking her. It was so cute!

It has been so fun to get ready for this. We had two dresses, which was good because she had her heart set on one that was PERFECT, but it sold out. We ordered a different one and before it came the other one came back in stock! We decided to get both and then choose. We actually ended up choosing the second choice :0)

Vanessa did her make-up and it looked gorgeous! Then Zac, Dyllen, AJ arrived and Zac's Mom and sister came to take pictures.

It's our baby girl and I can't believe she is old enough for this!! How and when did this happen? Isn't she beautiful? I hope she's having a great time!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2011-03-06T19:50:00.002-05:00

72 years ago today, my Dad was born in Wichita, Kansas. My Dad had a pretty rough childhood, moving to California at some point while he was still fairly young. He was the only child of a second marriage, having 4 older sisters and one older brother. He lived in San Fransisco as a child and had to get a job to help support his mom when his Dad died while is San Quentin. My Dad was 12.

He was a hard worker who loved his family. He was in the Air Force as a policeman. He became a salesman. He loved sports. He was once offered a "loan" by an acquaintance who was in the mafia in Detroit. He once had a phone call from Magic Johnson's mom. She wanted to build a swimming pool. He thought it was a fake so he didn't take her seriously. No pool.
He was involved in Indian Guides (Anybody remember that?) and hockey with my brothers. He was involved with my drill team.

When I was 21 I fell in love with Kevin Bacon and I had seen "Footloose" 3 times in one weekend...it was true love! Shortly after that I came home from work and taped to my bedroom door was the PEOPLE magazine with Kevin Bacon on the cover...my Dad had bought it for me :0) I still have that PEOPLE magazine.

My Dad had several reversals in fortune. He was in a car accident that left him permanently disabled--the other driver was at fault and had no insurance. He started his own business with a partner who then ran off with all the money leaving my Dad severely in debt. He was trying to go back to school and support 3 kids. It was very difficult, but only now do I appreciate how difficult.
When I got married, I wanted my best friend to be there as my Maid of Honor as I had been hers. She was a young mother of 2 children and not living in the same state. She would have to fly, but that would be a hardship on her tiny families' finances. Without much fanfare, my Dad sold our camper and bought her ticket so she could be there.

My Dad's legacy lives on...he was a terrific and generous man who loved to laugh and be outside with his family eating a good meal.
I love my Dad. He left us too soon. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Gospel and the promise of Eternal Families. I am glad that now my Mom is with him and they are with their grand-daughter, Reagan.
I still miss you...I wish you and Kian knew each other. I know you would have been buddies and you would be proud to see how your example has blessed my life.
Thank you Daddy, for living a good life and fighting the good fight!

P.S. Tonight we're having Brownies for your birthday :0)

I Know the Scriptures are True

2011-02-06T14:43:00.000-05:00

What a great day at church! It was a rough start with us running late and Kian being really uncooperative. But once I get there the spirit is so strong, the children are so beautiful and sweet. We learned in Sharing Time about Heavenly Father's plan for us and that plan is found in the scriptures. We have a living prophet to speak to us the things that Jesus wants us to hear and learn.

The kids were so reverent and their songs were lovely and I have come home ready to make this week better than last! I love my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit to teach me, testify of Christ and and guide me through my life.

What?! Again??

2010-12-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

So I must have forgotten how this works. Kian came running home from Rosie's today yelling, "Hey, Mom! I lost another tooth!"
"WHAT?! WHERE?!"
Yep, while eating a Cheeto he lost one of his bottom teeth that I didn't even know was loose.

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

2010-12-27T16:53:00.001-05:00

We tried to get his second tooth out on Christmas Eve...we thought it would be fun for Santa and the Tooth Fairy to meet up at our house, but he was not interested.
However, on Christmas Day he could deny it no longer...that tooth was practically jumping out of his mouth!

The Best Christmas Party Ever!

2010-12-10T22:21:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Doug's Test Out Christmas party. This is by far the best company he has ever worked for. See last year for the low-down on our first work party :0)
This year we went to The Roof restaurant in Salt Lake City at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Our view was fabulous and I highly recommend the Creme Brulee...it is the BEST I have ever had!!

While we were eating dessert, the owner got up to welcome us and talk about the upcoming 20 year anniversary of the company. Beginning in November they have a monthly event until 11-11-2011! They fed a family Thanksgiving dinner, they bought lights and decorated Main Street in Pleasant Grove and they are set to offer 200 licenses for product to LDS Employment services in January. But he wanted to celebrate BIG...
He decided on a cruise. We looked at each other...did he say cruise? For all of us?
I was thinking, Cool, I've never been on a cruise to Mexico!
Then he said he asked his friend who has been on tons of cruises which one was the best.
Ah, the best cruise? Sweet, I've heard Alaska is an awesome cruise!
His friend said there is a number one cruise, a number two cruise and then there is all the rest.
What is he saying?? We would have to wait, because he began to weep. He was so emotional, the president of the company had to take over.
We were told the BEST cruise is a Mediterranean cruise!!
OMGosh!! Did we hear right?? Did he say Mediterranean? Then did he say ROME??
YES! The cruise leaves from Rome, Italy.

I was literally stunned, speechless. We couldn't believe it. I mean this is once in a lifetime. Then I cried...
To think of where we were just over a year ago and all those years before.
I had just recently been thinking of our hard years and why was it so long? And why didn't we get answers sooner? Why didn't we get the inspiration to make a change before we lost everything?
The Lord really does work in mysterious ways and if we had not had those years I'm not sure I could be as grateful as I am now. Our cup is over-flowing with blessings to the point where I don't even feel worthy.

After this bombshell we were treated to White Christmas at the Pioneer Playhouse. It was a good performance, but not nearly as enjoyable as last year's NunCrackers (I thank Kathryn Laycock Little for that!)

Doug and I stayed over and enjoyed the peace and quiet and poured over the cruise guide we had received and wondered when we were going to wake up from this amazing dream!
The next day we went to have Bar-B-Q at Q4U in Kearns...here was Doug's ribs lunch~

My pulled pork sandwich was delicious :0)

Then Doug agreed to check out Ikea for a Swedish Angel Chime set I was hoping to find. When we pulled into the parking lot, there were flags! Doug complained it was "Damn Disneyland for adults".

Can you hear the angels singing??

He quickly lost his fake enthusiasm and I have vowed to NEVER go there with him again! I was relatively happy (for awhile anyway...) because I found Marabou chocolate!

It's from Sweden and it's my favorite...

Words could never convey my gratitude and happiness and excitement...October 11, 2011 I will still be wondering if it is REAL!!
Thank you God for showing us this wonderful work opportunity and for being patient while we worked it all out. We are so blessed to have a home, a great job, wonderful kids and the love of our family and Heavenly Father.
This is already the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!

Lost Tooth

2010-12-09T00:21:00.001-05:00

Kian has been struggling with school. It is "too long" and I think he is just b-o-r-e-d!
He drug his feet out the door today with a kind of sad resignation.
Then I went to pick him up after being a little worried all day, and this is what I saw:

"Mom!! I lost my tooth at school today! I have it in an envelope!"

His other top front one is really loose, I am hoping that soon he'll be singing "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth"

I Want the Pink One!

2010-12-06T16:57:00.001-05:00

I just found out that on Saturday while at the grocery store, Kian was asked if he wanted a balloon. there was a purple one and a pink one. When the checker asked him what color he wanted he said "Pink".
Doug said "Are you sure you want pink?"
With all of the sweetness that he has he said, "Yeah, I want to say Hi to Reagan!"
That's my guy...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

We have had a great day...way better than last year when I had a mini breakdown :0)
We were supposed to go to Steve and Michelle's Epic Thanksgiving in Tooele, but several of us have colds and just weren't up to it.
So we had a nice dinner here and Rhiannon came over...she's from England so "her People" as Vanessa calls them don't celebrate the holiday, but we don't care.
Doug brought out the Red Wings Thankful Turkey Hat and we got to wear the hat and say what we were thankful for...

I am thankful for my family in California, Oregon and Indiana who were not here...I love my family!
And we all love our new TV and cabinet that we got for an early Christmas. Our first new TV in over 15 years!

Not sure what this was on TV, but it was something on the news...Happy Thanksgiving 2010

He'll Carry You by Hilary Weeks

2010-11-16T11:12:00.029-05:00

‎

I have never written about this. I have talked about it, but I have never written it down. I think it is time I try.

On November 16, 2004 our daughter Reagan Noel was born. She came into the world with her tiny arm up by her head and her hand curled into a fist. My first thought was , "Yes! She's going to be a fighter!" We knew she had Down syndrome and would have some health conditions as a result, but we had no idea what they would be or to what degree. We had prepared as well as we could, including mourning the loss of the daughter we thought we would have. At times I was over-whelmed at the idea of caring for her and unsure of my ability to do so.

At first she seemed to do so well. She was bigger than we anticipated for her early birth. She was soon breathing with regular oxygen and off the c-pap face mask. She seemed to be eating well. She stole the hearts of all who cared for her.

On Thanksgiving that year, November 25 we were enjoying a wonderful meal provided by our friends, the Montgomerys, when we got a call from her Dr. letting us know that she was doing great and she was breathing on her own! She had been moved to the "graduating NICU". What a gift...we believed she would be home for Christmas for sure!

That Friday night as we visited her, she was wide awake. Her Down syndrome made her very sleepy as her heart was working overtime so seeing her beautiful dark blue eyes was a rarity. But as I laid her in her bed to leave for the night she was staring at me. I knew she knew me. She knew I was Mommy. Maybe she knew she wouldn't be here much longer--maybe she was saying "I'm sorry, Mommy. I wish I could stay. I love you". I like to think so.

Then the next day, on Saturday when we went to see her, we knew something was wrong. Kian was only one and so I felt I had to be home taking care of him too and I was torn everyday about what my priorities should be. I knew that Reagan was being taken care of and I knew that a one year old needed his Mommy. So it was later in the day when we got to the hospital, about 4:00. After a little while we could tell there was something wrong. She was making these tiny little noises. At first I thought it was so cute, I hadn't heard any sounds from her before. But Doug confirmed that something seemed "off". The nurse didn't seem to think anything was wrong at first but by 6:00 she was x-rayed, by 7:00 we were talking with a surgeon, by 9:00 she was in surgery. Everyone seemed fairly hopeful, we were even told to go to dinner while they got her prepped and we'd be back in plenty of time to see her into surgery.

When we came back at about 8:30 we went into the NICU to see her and my world stopped when we walked up to her bed. The nurses turned to look at us with a stunned, OMG look and I saw her feet were black. I didn't understand why, but I knew what I saw and I knew it was bad. They put us in a small room to wait for them to come and talk to us and we prayed. I knew as soon as Doug began praying that she was not going to make it. She had NEC-- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001148.htm and it had progressed to perforate her bowel.

I thought the surgeon would come back in the first hour to tell us the news, but he didn't. It took 2 and a half hours. I was beginning to believe I was wrong and that she was going to be OK. But that was not to be...the Dr. came in and unfortunately he was extremely terse and aloof when he gave us the news that her heart had stopped and she was on a breathing machine. That is when I realized the definition of a broken heart.

We knew we would have to turn off the machine. But I could not let her go...I wanted to hold her forever. My world stopped or at least I wanted it to. Doug made sure to give her a blessing and a name. Denny and Sara Downs seemed to show up from nowhere and their support was invaluable.

From then on we had amazing support. Mark Starnes who had lost his nephew to cancer, planned the entire service and went with Doug to the funeral home and cemetery. I have no idea how they did that. Patty Montgomery made a beautiful dress for her. Kim gave her booties from her grandmother. Kami Starnes sang at her service. I don't know how she was able to do this. Nicole and Kim went with me when Sara Downs and Marcia French went to dress her for burial. For some reason I felt I needed to be there and I am so grateful. After she was smoothed with baby lotion by Marcia's tender hands and her hair was done by Mark, I held her in my arms and told her how much I loved her and would miss her. She was beautifully dressed in her "Going Home" clothes as Mark called them. The Holy Spirit was so strong in that room, it was peaceful, not sad and as I held her she smiled. I know it is unbelievable, but we all saw it and we were amazed. I felt it was a gift from my Heavenly Father letting me know that she would be waiting just for me and that she loved us.

For Christmas just one month later I got a Hilary Weeks CD and this is the last song...what a blessing it was for me. Never has a song spoken more loudly to my heart...THANK YOU Hilary. You have no idea how much comfort I felt when I heard your voice. He will carry me, but I needed to be reminded of that. I needed to know that other have felt this same sorrow.
I don't know why she was born with Down syndrome. I don't know why she was taken back so soon. She was such an unexpected gift and Kian would have REALLY loved being a big brother and would have been wonderful with her. Why does he have to miss that? I do know that my Savior loves me and I will probably spend my whole life wondering why this happened. But He knows me. He gives me peace and hope. He knows my sorrow, He hears my heart.

I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ that promises me that I will be with her again. I am and forever will be her Mommy. She is ours forever. She is perfect and she is with our Savior and she is watching over me. I miss her every day and having to leave her tiny body in Indiana has been a new heartbreak for me. I remember wondering once how in the world the pioneer women could lose their children on the trek to Utah and go on to their destination, leaving their precious gifts behind...now I know. You have to, you have to go on. I know that she is not there. She is in our hearts forever, her spirit is with the Lord

I loved you

then I lost you

and I will never be the same.

Caught in your eyes

lost in your name

and I will never be the same.

Reagan Noel

November 16-November 28, 2004

Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus!

2010-11-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

Last night Kian sent his letter to Santa and the Believe mailbox at Macy's.

He asked for:

1. An ice cream maker
2. Harry Potter Legos
3. A scooter

It was so much fun, he decided to write another letter saying Thank You!
But really he just was hoping the second letter would make the Believe Meter go up...

Virginia, you better believe, WE BELIEVE!!!

Once Upon A Time...

2010-10-30T17:23:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time I got an invite on MySpace to see a comic at Morty's in Indianapolis. He was offering 2-for-1 tickets and he was kinda cute so I decided to go.

So we went with our friends Robert and Debbie Orcutt and what do you know...he was funny! Turns out he's a medical Doctor who gave up medicine to pursue his "dream" of stand-up comedy. Yes, his parents must be so proud!!
After the show he was hanging around the back meeting and greeting and asked if we wanted an autograph. I had just gotten Nick Lachey's new cd and it was in my bag. I said "D'you wanna sign this cd" just like a dork and he said "Sure I will!" and he did, with Nick Lachey's name.
I looked him up on Facebook a few months later and there wasn't really anything there. So I started a fan page called I "Heart" Matt Iseman. And pretty soon there were 150 members and then I got a message from someone named Kris and she said her boyfriend had asked her if she had started this page for him! She said "I gave you all the credit and he is totally flattered!"
Next thing I know there are over 300 members and we are spreading the word and he has thanked me and called me the President of his fan club! I know, right?!
So we have "become Facebook friends" ala Stalker/Stalkee and I even almost got a kitten from him and his girlfriend, but that's another story.
Even though I had seen his act in Indy, I knew that he had been to SLC and that he really liked it so I was campaigning hard for him to come back.
This week he has been at Wise Guys at Trolley Square for THREE nights!! Doug and I went last night with Steve and Michelle and it was awesome!
As Michelle and I were going to the loo, we had to walk by him and Michelle says "She wants to talk to you". So we stopped and he said, "What's your name?"
I said, "Caren", like a dork.
He said, "Caren? OH, CAREN!!!" and he gave me a huge hug!! "It's so great to finally meet you, thanks for coming out tonight!".
So Michelle took our picture and she was kind of slow and the first one Matt had his eyes closed so we were locked arm in arm for at LEAST 45 seconds! SO nice...

He was still hysterically funny..."Mandingo..." and the venue was so small and we were so close that we were actually talking to him during his show. It was great! He did my favorite "Precious wants her ring" joke and some great new material about Mexicans...we can call them that because they are from Mexico.
He was so warm and genuine and it was awesome to meet him finally...he is what my family affectionately calls my "boyfriend".
And they lived happily ever after...

Mackenzie and Shakespeare

2010-10-09T23:55:00.002-04:00

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Yesterday, Mackenzie competed at the Shakespearean Festival at SUU in Cedar City. Her last round judge loved her and I could see so much improvement from last year...I can't wait until she is a senior! We couldn't be prouder...

Shakespeare and Reunions

2010-10-09T22:05:00.000-04:00

This has become my favorite weekend. Last year was Mackenzie's first year as a competitor at the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. It's almost unheard of to be chosen your Freshman year. I was fairly impressed :0)
She was chosen again this year and she was even better! Her monologue was Queen Katharine from Henry VIII. Her last judge commented on her "regal-ness"...she was beautiful.

This would be fantastic by itself, but there's more... Kim comes up from Flagstaff and this year the whole family came!! It was so great to see everyone, I have really missed them!

The judge in Kenzie's second round was Mr. "Vest". He was a slender thing and he had a SillyBandz. Need I say more?

Not sure which one it was, but Vanessa would have loved to trade with him :0) He had the kids all hold hands and talked to them about enjoying the realization of all their hard work. He said the audience could not touch their faces or leave. Kian and Maddy were like statues, but it turned out neither one of them felt good.
Kian ended up going to the hotel with Doug and falling asleep at 8:00 p.m. Poor Maddy had to stay with us, but was pretty miserable. So was Bruce if I'm being honest :0)
While waiting for Kenzie's last round which was incredibly late in starting, Kim and I decided to try to learn how to take better (or even good) photos of ourselves with our cell phones.

Yeah, we were really bored, but Kim has the BEST mugshot...I'm sure she will never share, but I have seen it! This is what the "kids" were doing...

Mackenzie's final round finally began and she was terrific! Bruce and Maddy had to leave early to go to the car since they were both feeling awful. I think the judge, who had zero control of the room, really liked Mackenzie's performance. I know I did.

Then we finally got to go eat and out of respect for tradition, we chose Applebee's. We will be starting a new tradition. Kim and I ordered Strawberry lemonade and he brought one that was the end of the lemonade mixed with strawberry and one that was mixed with Sprite, which was really Sierra Mist. Kim refused that one and when I tasted mine it tasted like fruit punch.

Sierra Mist is NOTHING like lemonade, am I right? When I told "Talon" (yes, that was his name) mine tasted like fruit punch he said "Yeah, we used to have one that was really good, but then they changed it to a cheaper one and that's what it tastes like".

Mallory and Savannah...we were all REALLY hungry!

After Kian slept for 12 hours he felt much better and today we met the Spotts' at their rental cabin in Duck Creek Village for a picnic.

It was SO much fun...I somehow forget how much I miss my friend and it was wonderful to see her girls and their personalities. They were so good to Kian and it certainly was a memorable way to spend his 7th birthday.

He did get Birthday Brownies from Day's Market and a watch. He asked first thing when he got up this morning, "Mom, do I look like I'm 7?"

On our way back to Provo we saw SNOW!!! It was actually a beautiful drive.

Then we went to the mall so he could get the "marble game" for his gift. He'll have his party next weekend and for at least 2 more years his birthday will unfortunately get pushed to the week after because the Bard will wait for no kid's birthday! Can't wait for another YaYa subset reunion!!

Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis

2010-10-01T01:31:00.000-04:00

How I love this movie! It has to be in my Top 10 and maybe even Top 5. I have always loved Marilyn Monroe for some reason. It took me a little longer to appreciate the genius of Jack Lemmon whom I adored! Today we lost the last of this brilliant trio, Tony Curtis. My Mom watched tons of old movies and I grew to love them too. I can't remember my first Tony Curtis movie, but I have always had a crush on him :-) SO handsome!!
Now they are together again and my Mom is loving it...Enjoy Mom and save me a seat!

Where is Compassion?

2010-09-19T23:02:00.001-04:00

Recently a friend of mine posted on Facebook, "Where is the compassion in America?"
I thought a lot about this as I wasn't sure compassion had totally left our society at all. I was, however, thinking that compassion is a relative term and it is fairly individual. As a person who has longed for compassion many times while my husband was out of work for approximately 2 years, I think I have a real idea of what is and is not missing. Interestingly enough another friend posted a note later that same day. She graciously has allowed me to share...

"My oldest son, Eric and his wife, Brittney are trying to adopt children. After 9 long years of trying for children in various ways, with countless disappointments, it looks like they may be adopting 3 children, all siblings. We already love these children, even though I haven't met them in person. I love them because Eric and Brittney love them. I love them because they will be our grandchildren.

Today is Eric's Birthday. When I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he promptly replied, "I just want money to get my kids". He went on to explain that they will need not only money for the legal fees, but also beds, dressers, clothes, etc. I've been trying to think of ways to help them.... selling furniture, holding fund-raisers, starting a "family adoption fund", ect... I've been worrying about it alot, mostly laying awake in the middle of the night, struggling for sleep.

This morning they were searching Craig's list for used bunk beds. They came across a set and called. The older lady who answered the phone sounded reluctant, but invited them over to view the used beds. When they arrived, the sweet older gentleman explained the bunk beds were built by him for their boys. The woman was tearing up and was having a rough time selling the beds, but realized they were no longer needed.

When they asked Eric and Brittney how many kids they had and why they were interested in bunk beds, Eric explained their story of infertility, and how they quite possibly may be adopting 3 children in just a few weeks!

The couple glanced at each other and with a slight nod to each other, they told Eric that they would like to GIVE the beds to them, as long as they allowed them to pray for them.

As they prayed, they asked God for many more blessings to fall upon Eric and Brittney."

This is compassion at work in America.

Compassion must come from the heart, not the government. Compassion must be freely given, not legislated. Compassion must be individual or it ceases to have meaning. Compassion is a gift we give one another and it never ceases to amaze me how much compassion there is in America. I have enjoyed compassion from family, friends, neighbors, strangers and once when I was young my family was shown compassion even by the Hell's Angels.

It is here, it is all around us and I am grateful to live in a country where it is given and felt by so many.

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

2010-09-18T01:39:00.001-04:00

I cannot tell you how much joy I get from watching this!! I laughed like crazy when I saw it and I will use it on those days that are just too hard to get through...I need to enjoy my life like Jessica does!

Sunday Burnout

2010-09-05T18:56:00.000-04:00

Last night as I was preparing Sharing Time for Primary and thinking about writing the Children's Sacrament meeting program for Primary, I was over whelmed! I was thinking about burnout...I have only had this calling since February I thought to myself. Then I realized I had this calling for two years in Indiana before this. Yes, it feels like I have reached my limits, but I believe the Lord is there to help me and I will continue to serve until He feels that there is some other way I can serve.
Then today as I looked around our congregation (AFTER my sharing time was finished) I thought of all of the children and here I will even say, my favorites. Sweet and her brother Jake. Drew who is so well behaved and handsome each week. Wesley who always adds a dimension that I hadn't thought of. Little Rosie who is so friendly and smiley. I love Elyssa and Hannah who are quiet, but are listening. I don't know how they feel about me, but I know that it is my job to teach with the spirit and to love each of them. I know their families are the foundation upon which all their learning is based, but I feel a great responsibility to each of them and I realize that when my time is finished, I will miss these little ones. I will miss what I learn directly from them and what I learn as a by-product by preparing my lessons for them.

Yes, I have been in Primary for a long time, but I do love it and after Sunday, October 24. I will again feel as it there is no other calling in church I could love more!

Edgemont South Stake Young Women's Run to the Temple

2010-09-02T00:07:00.002-04:00

What a great idea! 200 young women from our church ran/walked 1.7 miles from the high school to the Provo temple! They all had pink shirts from their summer camp and it was a terrific visual of a personal goal--to strive for an eternal family starting with the temple.

These girls did more running that walking!

Kenzie has a cold so she did all walking. Kian and I left from our house to meet them at the finish line!

She was a little sarcastic about her excitement!

Mackenzie and the temple

Everyone who finished got a medal. Thank you Elizabeth!

The front has a picture of the Young Women's medallion and the date. On the back is a quote from Ezra Taft Benson: "God loves us. He is watching us. He wants us to succeed. We will know some day that He has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew it, heavenly hosts are pulling for us, friends in heaven that we cannot now remember, who yearn for our victory."

Happy finishers!! Even Kian got a medal, thanks Debbie!

Yay! We made it! We even walked back home, everyone else drove :-)

Kian's Purple Belt

2010-08-27T21:38:00.002-04:00

Tonight was Kian's belt promotion at Bobby Lawrence Karate. He has been working SO hard and he has now earned his PURPLE belt!
He is on his way to BLACK belt :-)

It was a packed house tonight so I got the best pictures possible.

Working with his partner on his self-defense.

Bowing to Miki after his showtime kicks.

Running by the bleachers waving his new belt!

The Fourth Student creed:

What are we?

We are a Black Belt School!

We are dedicated!

We are motivated!

We're on a quest to be our best!

We are AWESOME!!!

Miki actually tied on his purple belt after a pretty cool belt ceremony.

I think it's time to move on to Leadership!!

Way to go Kian! We are SO proud of you and all of your practicing. You ROCK!!

First Day of First Grade

2010-08-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

Today was Kian's first day of school. Thankfully, it was only a part day (out at 1:30) so he can ease into all day school :-)
When it was time to wake up he shot his sleepy head up and with drool still on his lip said, "Do I have Karate today?!"
"Nope, school"
Eyes widen a little bit from scrunched up sleep, "Yay!!! First day of school!!" Still he needed a few more minutes in bed to fully be ready (who can blame him?)

Reese's Puffs for breakfast--I know, so nutritional...and then getting dressed. Of course he was ready about 15 minutes before he needed to be, we'll see how long that lasts.

So handsome!

I'd like to go to the beach every day!

At his desk...he sits next to Grace and across from Robbie

He seemed over whelmed when I got t here to pick him up, but happy overall. We are looking forward to a great year and I am hoping to get many things done while he is away.This is the FIRST time ever that I have been alone during a school day. When Mackenzie started first grade and we didn't have Kian yet, Doug worked from home so most of the time even though he had an office, he was there. It will be a little strange!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-08-23T20:45:00.001-04:00

The week before our 25th anniversary was one of the "downs" in the "ups and downs" of marriage. I felt like Doug was still a little cranky from the "staycation" and I may have mentioned a few things. I was having quite the Pity Party when on Thursday Doug suggested we go to dinner on Friday. I said OK and we kind of talked about where we might go. I was feeling slightly better about things and trying to keep a positive attitude about our relationship.
I had to take Mackenzie to a counselling appointment and so I called to let him know we got her schedule worked out. He said "Why don't you just come and get me now"
It was a little early. When I got there he said he had to go home to change before we went out. I decided to do something with my hair and while in the bathroom I noticed my make-up basket was completely empty. I asked Mackenzie if she knew where my make-up was. It didn't make sense for her to have it, but it was gone so...After several minutes her and Doug come to the door and Doug says "We're going to Park City for the weekend!"
"What?!"
"We're going to Park City, you're all packed...let's go"
I was FLOORED!! I couldn't believe how he had planned it all...it has been forever since that happened. He said he had church all taken care of and we'd be gone two nights. He said he decided to tell me so I could say goodbye to the kids. When we asked Kian if he remembered where we were going Kian said "Hawaii!"
Hahahaha...
I assumed it would be the Hampton Inn since he has a card there so I didn't even ask. But on the drive up he mentioned there was a fireplace in the room and so I asked where we were staying??
The Waldorf-Astoria!
We walked into the lobby and it smelled like HEAVEN...or at least what I think heaven will smell like.

Our room was beautiful and there were flowers waiting for me :-)

And there were Chocolates on the bed...

On Saturday I had an amazing Bindi spa treatment at the Golden Door Spa at the hotel. You'll be relieved to know that my "doshas" are all fairly balanced :0)

We went into "town" and walked a little bit of Main Street. We ate at The Eating Establishment which wasn't all that great. I miss Red's! But Park City is a beautiful place...

We had an awesome time and I am thrilled that Doug had such a surprise planned out...all the time and energy that it took. I love that he was willing to do that and even though it's not Italy, I know that will come some day. We've had a rough past 5 years and I am so grateful that we were able to do this and know that the next 25 years will be even better!!

I love you Big Daddy and I always will, I'm still "Crazy For You" :0)

August 22, 1985....Best decision I ever made.

One of Our Many Moves...1977

2010-08-17T22:29:00.003-04:00

Sometime between June 28 and July 15 my parents decided to move back to Michigan from Incline Village, Nevada. My BFF, Beth had come to stay with us from Michigan so instead of flying home, she got to "road trip" with us! It was one of the best trips for us, but had to be the worst for my parents. The following is from my journal as well as a letter that Beth was writing to Tim, a "friend" she met while staying with us in Incline :-)
Obviously she never sent it and it ended up in my journal papers.

The first day, July 25, we made it to Carson City. Then leaving Carson City, the car stopped in the middle of the road so Mom and Beth and I had to push it off the road. Some guy stopped and looked at it and got it going, but 20 minutes later it stalled again. Somehow we made it to Lovelock and took it to a garage for work. Now I know my parents did not have credit cards or savings. Dad bought a used tire for $20 and on the highway, we lost that tire. We were going to put on the spare that had virtually no tread, but we didn't have a tire jack. I cannot imagine how discouraged my Mom must have been! Some people stopped and helped us and we ended up getting a new good tire.
Wednesday the 26th, we made it to Salt Lake City and went to Temple Square. We pulled into the campground that night but it started to rain so we drove to the Scotty motel.

Thursday July 27, we got an early start and we found the U-Haul in the parking lot and the windshield and passenger window smashed. There were things thrown around and everything that had been loaded in the (Yes, CONVERTIBLE) Mustang was missing.
Dad went to call the police and us kids decided to look around to see if we could find any of our stuff. We found a whole bunch of things behind this house and we went and looked in the yard and saw more of our things in the backyard. The lady who owned the restaurant next door--The Red Iguana--

came over to see what was going on so I told her. She went into her place and came back out and said that someone had broken into her restaurant too.
The police came and while they were talking to Mom and Dad, Dad noticed our ice chest inside the house where we had found our things in the yard. So the policeman went into the house with his gun drawn and found all of our missing things along with food from the restaurant. Inside the house there was a lady with a baby and some other kids. She said they went out last night and weren't even home. The cop asked her what she did with the baby and she said she didn't remember! The cops got fingerprints and we got our stuff back and then we had to wait for U-Haul to come out and fix the windows.
We drove onto Rawlins, Wyoming and stayed in another motel and the next morning we went out to the truck and the windshield was smashed again!! Nothing was missing this time. However, by the time we reached Michigan I think my parents felt more like this...

And without a house we ended up "camping" (or homeless) for several weeks until we got the money to get a house. The house was across the ally from a strip joint, but I'll save that for another entry!
The rest of the trip was uneventful and Beth and I spent a lot of time writing notes, writing our "new" last names and listening to great 70's music!!

When we were making our desperate move out this way last summer, I thought a lot about this trip and how things seemed to go so wrong for my parents and how I don't remember them ever losing their cool. They took it in stride and did what they had to do, somehow. I was SO grateful our journey was NOT eventful or costly and just as grateful that I had such good examples of hard-working humble parents.
Thank you Mom and Dad...I love you.

Salt lake City~Our Staycation

2010-08-17T21:35:00.001-04:00

We had some car troubles this past week and so we had to postpone out trip to California. We were all bummed, but Doug and Vanessa still had the time off so we decided to do a little trip to Salt Lake instead.
We left Thursday afternoon and stopped at a REAL movie theater to see Toy Story 3!
Kian did pretty good, but he did ask several times if it was almost over :-) It was a great and really expensive way to start our staycation...I thought it was funny (in a sad way) that the popcorn cost more than the tickets to see the movie. I had just talked to Calah and then the movie is all about moving out and moving on and saying goodbye to childhood. Needless to say I bawled...
Then we were on our way to The Red Iguana.

This is a place that was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives so we had to try it. As we pulled into the parking lot I said,
"This looks like the parking lot where our moving van got broken into...next to the Scotty Motel".
Don't ask me how I remember these things but as we waited outside I wondered down the sidewalk a little and lo and behold...

Can you see the roof tiles? For the complete and exciting story, check out the next blog entry. The food was good, but there was no empanadas which I really wanted and I'm not sure if I would make it a point to go back. I did try the Mole Negro which is what Guy went crazy for.

We went to the hotel and Kian could not wait to get to the pool. I loved that it was open 24 hours so we did a late swim in the hopes that he would have a dreamy night's sleep.

That next morning Kian woke up and barfed. Great! Welcome to vacation :-) We kind of took it easy since we didn't have a lot planned for this day. Doug was sure that it was just too much sugar and excitement.
We left later in the day for the Gateway where the Children's Museum is.
We paid 8 bucks a piece and Kian only wanted to stay in the first exhibit which was all BALLS!

It had all of these colored balls and tubes and ways to make the balls move through the tubes. We finally convinced him to look at some other things, but he kept wanting to go back there. It was a pretty cool museum, though not nearly as big as Indianapolis.
He then made a friend outside...

That night we ate at Buca di Beppo which was divine because now they have gnocchi!

Saturday we got up and drove to Park City where we played Putt Putt golf and went to the outlet mall. Some good deals there, some not so good. But it is huge and we were whipped. Doug was grumpy for most of the trip and I was just glad to be going home. Kian was still having some tummy trouble and Mackenzie had a dance to go to Saturday night.
Hopefully we had enough fun to make some good memories and we are now planning our trip to Cali for Fall break. However, I am glad that we have been able to get out there once and Aunt Judi came out here so it is way better than when we lived in Indiana.

Where Were You On That Day?

2010-08-09T00:36:00.003-04:00

Some people remember exactly where they were when John Lennon was shot or when Princess Diana died or when Donny Osmond was married (yep, May 1978~I read about it in the Lansing State Journal...let's have a moment of silence...)

However, I also remember this day: June 8, 1978

Mostly, I remember how it changed my Dad's views of Blacks. He was not racist, but he enjoyed an off-colored joke. And though we were NEVER allowed to use the "n word", my Dad and buddies often used other terms that were less than flattering.

That day my Dad, though he was NOT active in the church and had not been in a church building in years, knew that what President Kimball had said was momentous and that he would be accountable for his words against any child of God.

Many people ask why it took so long and question the motives of the prophet. To that I say,

"Ask an African-American member of the church. They know it was inspired and it was the right time."

We are truly blessed to have a living prophet.

This to me was more inspiring and humbling and important that the election of the first African-American president.

An amazing event in our history and I am proud to remember that day.

The Sacrament

2010-08-08T20:47:00.001-04:00

Today I have great appreciation for the blessed Sacrament and for the ordained young men who are prepared to administer it to me.
As I sat in the chapel today I was filled with a deep respect for the wonderful blessing we are given each week.

In Matthew chapter 26 Christ is anointed, keeps the passover and institutes the sacrament.
"And as they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it."
And they sang a hymn and went into the Mount of Olives. Jesus went on to Gethsemane where he prayed and suffered for my sins. He was betrayed and was crucified as was Heavenly Father's plan.
I am humbled by this knowledge and I am awed that the Holy Ghost will testify of this to me and remind me of the greatness of the plan of salvation.

"As now we praise thy name with song,
The blessings of this day
Will linger in our thankful hearts,
And silently we pray
For courage to accept thy will,
To listen and obey.
We love thee, Lord; our hearts are full.
We'll walk thy chosen way."

I know that the young men (some as young as 12!) who bless and pass the sacrament are ordained by the Lord through the holy priesthood power. They take on this responsibility willingly. These are normal boys who make mistakes and don't always Choose The Right :0)
3 Nephi 18:5

"Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unt all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name."

However, this is why we believe...we are not perfect, but Christ has shown us a way back to Him and our Father in heaven.
Christ's Church is here on the earth. The same church he was head of in His time. The same rules apply, the same ideals, the same lessons He taught are taught to our children and youth and ourselves each Sunday.
3 Nephi 18:7
"And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you."

The Gospel is true.
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and was chosen as the first prophet of this dispensation when the world was ready to know the truth.
Heavenly Father speaks to and through prophets today. Why wouldn't He?
Jesus Christ walked on this earth and he was crucified and it was the plan.
He knows me and my joy and pain. He loves me. He blesses me. He tests me, refining me and helping me to know my strengths.
The Book of Mormon is a testimony of Christ in the Americas. It is a history of sorts of the people who lived here on this continent before and after His death.
It was translated by the Holy Spirit through Joseph Smith and it is remarkable!
I am filled with awe when I read it.

3 Nephi 18:12
"And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my rock."

Karate Camp

2010-08-06T22:06:00.001-04:00

This week Kian has been going to Karate camp every day from 8:30--12:30. Considering one class is usually 45 minutes, this was a new challenge and to be honest I wasn't sure if he was up for it.
Plus it was Sword Camp and that is completely new!
I expected by day three there would be some grumbling and whining, but I was wrong. He was excited every day (maybe because he got to bring his lunch in a sack).
He did complain when I told him he had to practice the sword and he said he couldn't do it, it was too hard.

But today was the last day...test day. And he did it!
Then he had to do his Tykoku Shodon--all seven steps REALLY well in order to qualify for his orange belt. This is something he has struggled with for a couple of months. It is a series of moves that change direction with every number and each step is kind of complicated. Kenzie has practiced quite a bit with him and we had him try it several times this week because when he gets his purple belt he gets a new Wii game!
I was holding my breath when his group got up there, but he did it PERFECTLY!! I'm not kidding...
I was so proud. And more importantly, so was he!

He was SO excited when he came off the mat shouting "Mom, I got it! I got my orange belt!"

Before they handed out the belts, Miki took them through a little drill that goes like this:

What is pain?
French bread sir!
What is fatigue?
Army pants, sir!
Will you quit?
NO! and they stomp one foot and say,
We want some more! We want some more! We want some more!!

It was great fun and well-worth the cost of camp. Kian loves Karate and he is now on his way to that purple belt...and a new Wii game :0)

Allergies?

2010-07-29T01:38:00.000-04:00

I don't know why, but Kian has become obsessed with allergies.
For the last week he has asked me,
"Mom what am I allergic to?"
"Honey, you're not allergic to anything".
"Well, Vanessa is allergic to tomatoes"
"Yes, she is"
A couple of days later...
"Mom, I'm allergic to peanuts"

"What?! NO, you're not and don't say that out loud, people will FREAK out!" :-)
Last night as I was making dinner he wants to paint his toe nails because if they are shiny he will have good luck. OK, whatever... As I was busy I was a little distracted so he decided to really get my attention...
"Mom, guess what I'm allergic to???? Feet!"

"What?!"
"Yep, I'm allergic to feet", he said with a nod.
Today, the cream soda made his nose itch and tickle so he thought he must be allergic to that.
Tonight he asked me to scratch his back and as the itch traveled all over and he became itchier he said'
"Wow, I'm itchy all over. Maybe I'm allergic to YOU!!"
Oh good grief...

25th Anniversary or 29th Birthday?!

2010-07-26T13:05:00.001-04:00

If you are on Facebook I apologize for bringing up the subject again...but I can become a woman obsessed. For a long time I have wanted a white gold or platinum ring. My wedding ring is gold, but once I started making my own jewelry I have been wearing a lot of silver so I thought it would be fun to have one I could wear with silver. I know, fairly self-indulgent, but there you go.
I mentioned to Doug that there was a sapphire ring at Macy's that I liked and I showed it to him and he was like,
"Really? You like that?"
Hey, yes I do, what's wrong with it??
Vanessa says, "You should get it now, there is a HUGE sale".
Doug was in a generous mood and said I should go ahead and try it on.

I did and I loved it!! It looked so beautiful and not as glam-wow as you would think. He liked it too, until he saw the price :-)
But Vanessa's co-worker gave me the lowdown on the SALE and it was pretty impressive. I tried on a few more sapphires to be sure.
Then the helpful co-worker, after commenting on how nice it is to help shoppers who have good taste, decided to share his favorite ring in the case right now...

S--H--A--Z--A--M!!!!

It is one and a half carats of diamonds...Chocolate diamonds!! The two things I love the best...Yummy! It looks huge, but on my hand it looked perfect.
Now my quandary is that they are nearly identical in price so do I choose my birthstone in the kind of medieval style I love or do I choose the delicious and different chocolate...I do wear a lot of brown. But it is more modern.
So by posting the pictures here I can see them side by side and try to decide which one I would choose if
Doug decides to splurge on me for one of the upcoming special days...And if it were nestled in a box of these--

So much the better :-D
Now you know my Love Language is GIFTS, oh and CHOCOLATE!
Oh well...

My DREAM...

2010-07-17T03:46:00.000-04:00

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to live in San Fransisco OR Italy...

Since I read Under The Tuscan Sun I have dreamed of combing my TWO loves--Italy and restoring an old house.

So here it is in the flesh...my house in Umbria and my dream to renovate will now color all my thoughts.

fontepiccola

I imagine making a large kitchen with beautiful views and a huge wood table that all our family and friends can eat at together. The water is fresh, the rooms are white and light and airy and the stars in evening have no rivals. I can even imagine how the air smells and how it feels on my skin. There would be a pool in the yard and the barn would be used as a guest house. Our kids and grand-kids would come to visit us and we would spend lovely days playing by the pool and relaxing in the olive grove.

Maybe it's too much Househunters International, but everyone needs a dream and a life-change has to start some where, right?

So this is mine...Bella Noce!

Happy Birthday Grams!!

2010-07-08T21:56:00.001-04:00

It's my Gramma's birthday...she is awesome and I love her to pieces. She is 87 today!

This is me and my Grams and Grandpa in September 2009

Here are 4 generations of the Hansen genes...July 1988

Happy Birthday, Oma

We love you!

Where Have I Been?

2010-07-08T21:51:00.001-04:00

Obviously it has been months since I have posted and actually, a lot has been going on. At first I was just lazy and then our computer was acting up and I didn't want to post without being able to use pictures and then I kind of forgot about it...for awhile.

Now I have a new computer and I was afraid to try to learn how to get the photos, but I am going to give it a whirl...

One of the big days gone by is--

February 26

First it was Yellow belt test day in karate. The Dojo was packed, but the kids did great and Kian got his yellow belt! There is an actual ceremony for changing your belt and it was quite interesting and we were SO excited!

We went to Pirate Island after to celebrate. It is a really cool pizza place that had good pizza, waiters dressed like Jack Sparrow and great entertainment.

Calah got a baloon parrot and looked a lot like a true pirate which was good because she was trying to get a date with our Captain jack waiter...I even wrote her name and number on our reciept, but alas, he never called...Just like a pirate not to call!

Later that same night Kian lost his first tooth! We only discovered that it was loose a couple of days before and he was terrified that it would come out in his sleep and he would swallow it. So he decided to let Vanessa pull it out and it took a nanosecond and hardly bled at all.

The next thing that happened is that his composition was chosen by the Rock Canyon PTA as First Place winner for kindergarten! He got to read his essay at Barnes and Noble in Orem. He was the very first one to do it too and when he got done he came running back to me and said,
"Mom! I wasn't even nervous!!"

My Romantic Weekend in St. George

2010-02-23T14:36:00.004-05:00

Doug came home from work Thursday night and asked if I wanted to go on his business trip to St. George with him the next day.
First of all I have to say what progress this is because for years I would ask and he would say, "What would you do all day while I'm in meetings?" I know, right?!
So he now gets that I will of course SLEEP or READ while he is in meetings, duh!
After running through all the reasons why a responsible Mother and church member does not just up and leave her life for the weekend, I say OK let's go!
We leave bright and early Friday morning and arrive in beautiful St George, Utah. Doug goes to his meeting and I read The Actor and the Housewife like a crazy woman for about an hour and a half (this book really sucked me in and I loved it!) then I take a nap.
I wake up feeling kind of "pukey". I take a shower and feel somewhat better.
We get dressed and go out to dinner! YES! Really! Out to dinner!
After dinner I feel "pukey".
I take it easy and read until 2:00 am.
I sleep until (I'm afraid to say it...) about 2:00 pm. Those black out curtains are dangerous. I get up and feel, yep...
We have a low key dinner out, but I am feeling OK after I get my mashed potatoes from Village Inn. I finish my book--didn't love the ending so I made up my own--and went to sleep. Sunday morning I was SO pukey that we had to pull over in a parking lot and then had to stay another night because I couldn't ride in the car.
I virtually was in and out of sleep all day Sunday and then slept all night after asking Doug for a blessing. We were able to make it home Monday and I had moments of feeling pretty good then longer moments of feeling gross again.
Today I feel pretty good. Not 100% but maybe 80%
Needless to say Romance went out the window...so much for our first trip away alone in FOREVER!!
Kind of reminds me of my honeymoon...Sorry Babe, I'm just not a great traveler I guess...SO depressing.

More Holiness Give Me

2010-01-17T21:21:00.002-05:00

We sang this today in Relief Society and the words really spoke to me...

More holiness give me, more strivings within,
More patience in suffering, more sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior, more sense of his care,
More joy in his service, more purpose in prayer.
More gratitude give me, more trust in the Lord,
More pride in his glory, more hope in his word,
More tears for his sorrows, more pain at his grief,
More meekness in trial, more praise for relief.
More purity give me, more strength to o'er-come,
More freedom from earth stains, more longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom, more used would I be,
More blessed and holy--More, Savior like thee.

If I believed in scripted prayers or if I thought a mantra would help, these would be my words.
I love the Lord and His son Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed and I feel every word of this hymn in my very soul. He is my redeemer and our Father's plan is meant for us to find true happiness and spend eternity with Him, His son and our families.

Christmas with Kian

2009-12-29T02:30:00.005-05:00

If you want to details of how our Chirstmas was go over to Vanessa's blog...she tells it much better than I could! But I just have to share a few things about Kian.
This was the first year that he got excited about Santa. Is that normal? He is 6 already! We were able to "use" the naughty and nice list as motivation for the first time and he was so excited that the poor guy couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve.

I mean come on...look at that face!!
He did get exactly what he wanted from Santa this year (yay for employment!!) and we had a great day :0)
On Christmas Eve as I walked in the door from some last minute shopping he says "I LOVE Christmas!! I want to MARRY it!! Marry Christmas...get it?!" Now I'm sure he heard this somewhere, but it still cracked me up.
Then yesterday Vanessa was telling me that when she tucks Kian into bed and kissed him, he has started saying "Aw, shucks!"
I said, "Kian, you are such a ham!"
Without missing a beat he said, "Well, you're a roast beef!"
Where does this stuph come from?? He's the only 6 year old I know who does stand-up.

2009-12-24T02:29:00.006-05:00

We went to see Nuncrackers again on Monday night with Calah and Mackenzie. They loved it by the way... Turns out Doug's friend from high school Kathryn Laycock Little (she asked him to Preference he wanted me to know) directed it with her husband.
Also turns out that after the show in the lobby where the actors are greeting fans I saw not one but three Osmonds!! One was David and he was there with his wife and baby.

My favorite performer from the show is married to an Osmond, I just haven't figured out which one yet. Then as we were waiting to talk to Kathryn a legendary Osmond--Alan--maneuvered right past us to get to the sofas. I said "Hi!" but I guess he didn't hear me!

That's Alan on the bottom left.
So it turns out that Provo is a pretty great place for an Osmond enthusiast like myself :0) Now if only I could spot Donny again...

Joy to the World!

2009-12-20T17:00:00.005-05:00

I just came from the best Sunday Christmas service I can remember! Now granted, I have felt the holy spirit near me all week and my emotions have been riding the surface lately, but WOW!
Mark and Malinda Bramwell narrating from Luke, Isaiah, Matthew and 3 Nephi~
Men and Young Men singing O Come O Come Emmanuel
Primary children and then the congregation singing Silent Night~My Dad's favorite Christmas song (tears of gratefulness)
Women and Young Women singing The First Noel (I get to sing with Calah and Mackenzie)
Congregation singing Angels We Have Heard On High and With Wondering Awe
Sister Pat Pelessie singing Ave Maria~ Incredible and more tears
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with the;
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Brother Gordon Harknes sang Mary's Boy Child
And Sister Bramwell read President Thomas S Monson's message of hope. The Savior gives us hope and we should rejoice in His love and in doing so we have the responsibility to help others have hope too.
In addition I'd like to share President Monson address given just a couple of weeks ago:

With the Spirit of Christ in our lives, we will have goodwill and love toward all mankind, not only during this season, but throughout the year as well.

My beloved brothers and sisters, how grateful I am to be here with you this evening.

Recently, as I’ve reminisced concerning past Christmases, I’ve realized that probably no other time of the year yields as many poignant memories as does Christmas. The Christmases we remember best generally have little to do with worldly goods, but a lot to do with families, with love, and with compassion and caring. This thought provides hope for those of us who fear that the simple meaning of the holiday is diluted by commercialism, or by opposition from those with differing religious views, or just by getting so caught up in the pressures of the season that we lose that special spirit we could otherwise experience.

For many people, “overdoing it” is especially common at this time of the year. We may take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don’t have enough money to spend for those things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out, and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem.

Usually, however, the special spirit of the season somehow finds its way into our hearts and into our lives despite the difficulties and distractions which may occupy our time and energy.

Many years ago I read of an experience at Christmastime which took place when thousands of weary travelers were stranded in the congested Atlanta, Georgia, airport. An ice storm had seriously delayed air travel as these people were trying to get wherever they most wanted to be for Christmas—most likely home.

It happened in December of 1970. As the midnight hour tolled, unhappy passengers clustered around ticket counters, conferring anxiously with agents whose cheerfulness had long since evaporated. They, too, wanted to be home. A few people managed to doze in uncomfortable seats. Others gathered at the newsstands to thumb silently through paperback books.

If there was a common bond among this diverse throng, it was loneliness—pervasive, inescapable, suffocating loneliness. But airport decorum required that each traveler maintain his invisible barrier against all the others. Better to be lonely than to be involved, which inevitably meant listening to the complaints of gloomy and disheartened fellow travelers.

The fact of the matter was that there were more passengers than there were available seats on any of the planes. When an occasional plane managed to break out, more travelers stayed behind than made it aboard. The words “Standby,” “Reservation confirmed,” and “First-class passenger” settled priorities and bespoke money, power, influence, foresight—or the lack thereof.

Gate 67 in Atlanta was a microcosm of the whole cavernous airport. Scarcely more than a glassed-in cubicle, it was jammed with travelers hoping to fly to New Orleans, Dallas, and points west. Except for the fortunate few traveling in pairs, there was little conversation at Gate 67. A salesman stared absently into space, as if resigned. A young mother cradled an infant in her arms, gently rocking in a vain effort to soothe the soft whimpering.

Then there was a man in a finely tailored grey flannel suit who somehow seemed impervious to the collective suffering. There was a certain indifference about his manner. He was absorbed in paperwork—figuring the year-end corporate profits, perhaps. A nerve-frayed traveler sitting nearby, observing this busy man, might have identified him as an Ebenezer Scrooge.

Suddenly, the relative silence was broken by a commotion. A young man in military uniform, no more than 19 years old, was in animated conversation with the desk agent. The boy held a low-priority ticket. He pleaded with the agent to help him get to New Orleans so that he could take the bus to the obscure Louisiana village he called home.

The agent wearily told him the prospects were poor for the next 24 hours, maybe longer. The boy grew frantic. Immediately after Christmas his unit was to be sent to Vietnam—where at that time war was raging—and if he didn’t make this flight, he might never again spend Christmas at home. Even the businessman looked up from his cryptic computations to show a guarded interest. The agent clearly was moved, even a bit embarrassed. But he could only offer sympathy—not hope. The boy stood at the departure desk, casting anxious looks around the crowded room as if seeking just one friendly face.

Finally the agent announced that the flight was ready for boarding. The travelers, who had been waiting long hours, heaved themselves up, gathered their belongings, and shuffled down the small corridor to the waiting aircraft: twenty, thirty, a hundred—until there were no more seats. The agent turned to the frantic young soldier and shrugged.

Inexplicably, the businessman had lingered behind. Now he stepped forward. “I have a confirmed ticket,” he quietly told the agent. “I’d like to give my seat to this young man.” The agent stared incredulously; then he motioned to the soldier. Unable to speak, tears streaming down his face, the boy in olive drab shook hands with the man in the gray flannel suit, who simply murmured, “Good luck. Have a fine Christmas. Good luck.”

As the plane door closed and the engines began their rising whine, the businessman turned away, clutching his briefcase, and trudged toward the all-night restaurant.

No more than a few among the thousands stranded there at the Atlanta airport witnessed the drama at Gate 67. But for those who did, the sullenness, the frustration, the hostility—all dissolved into a glow. That act of love and kindness between strangers had brought the spirit of Christmas into their hearts.

The lights of the departing plane blinked, starlike, as the craft moved off into the darkness. The infant slept silently now in the lap of the young mother. Perhaps another flight would be leaving before many more hours. But those who witnessed the interchange were less impatient. The glow lingered, gently and pervasively, in that small glass and plastic stable at Gate 67.²

My brothers and sisters, finding the real joy of the season comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done or in the purchasing of obligatory gifts. Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the World, who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ... ye have done it unto me.”³

At this joyous season, may personal discords be forgotten and animosities healed. May enjoyment of the season include remembrance of the needy and afflicted. May our forgiveness reach out to those who have wronged us, even as we hope to be forgiven. May goodness abound in our hearts and love prevail in our homes.

As we contemplate how we’re going to spend our money to buy gifts this holiday season, let us plan also for how we will spend our time in order to help bring the true spirit of Christmas into the lives of others.

The Savior gave freely to all, and His gifts were of value beyond measure. Throughout His ministry, He blessed the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the deaf to hear, and the halt and lame to walk. He gave cleanliness to the unclean. He restored breath to the lifeless. He gave hope to the despairing and bestowed light in the darkness.

He gave us His love, His service, and His life.

What is the spirit we feel at Christmastime? It is His spirit—the Spirit of Christ.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming; but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.⁴

With the pure love of Christ, let us walk in His footsteps as we approach the season celebrating His birth. As we do so, let us remember that He still lives and continues to be the Light of the World, who promised, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”⁵

To each of you, my brothers and sisters, I extend my love and blessing. May you have a wonderful Christmas. May there be love and kindness and peace within your hearts and homes. May even those whose hearts are heavy rise with the healing which comes alone from Him who comforts and assures.

With the Spirit of Christ in our lives, we will have goodwill and love toward all mankind, not only during this season, but throughout the year as well.

May this be our experience and our blessing, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, amen.

To my family and friends...My cup runneth over. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son Of God and my Savior. I know he died for me and I know that one day I will see His face and those of my parents and daughter and I hope they are pleased with who I am. For today I am filled with love and gratitude and hope.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room...And ever worship God, And ever worship God, and ever and ever worship God.

Christmas on Temple Square

2009-12-13T01:33:00.019-05:00

It was COLD, but the kids had an early day today and so we braved the elements and journeyed northward to Salt Lake City.
Our first stop was the Legacy Theater in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for the film about Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration has been produced under the direction of the First Presidency as part of the Church's commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith's birth.

The film depicts events in the life of Joseph Smith from his early youth in Vermont to his martyrdom in Illinois at age 38. It recounts Joseph's search for truth as a young boy, a search that resulted in divine revelation that set his life on a path of service and sacrifice in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ. Through scenes of his interactions with family and with early Church members and others, viewers will see both the personal and public sides of Joseph's caring nature and prophetic leadership.

Let me tell you, this is a three hanky film!

Joseph is dragged out of his home in the middle of a cold night while he and Emma had been sleeping with their twins. He was tarred and feathered. While Emma is cleaning his wounds and they are wondering why this has happened and Joseph says "Perhaps I am meant to swim in deep waters"
As Joseph Sr is dying and he calls Joseph over to ask "Will I see Alvin (his eldest son who had died from an illness) again?" Of course Reagan and my parents were on my mind and in my aching heart. I am SO grateful for the knowledge that Joseph brought to us about the eternity of families!!
After the loss of 4 children and years of being thrown out of their home and running for their lives from New York to Ohio to Missouri to Illinois Emma asks Joseph "Do you wonder if god asks too much of you?" Joseph replies, "I try not to."
And then as he and Hyrum prepare to travel to Carthage where they have been demanded by the governor to make an appearance we see Emma's hand slip from his and she says ever so quietly "You will come back to me". People from town are lining the road knowing they may never see Brother Joseph again. And the bagpipe is playing Praise to the Man.
And finally when the bullets begin ripping through the door while the three men try holding it shut as if they could protect themselves from death...Wow, it was all overwhelming...

We decided to try to find Kian a snack when we ran into our dear friends from Fishers, the Rocks who are serving a mission in Temple Square (and by the way...they look so amazing!! What is in the water at Temple Square?) They told us that we could ride Trax for free to Gateway the outdoor mall. So off we went and Kian was so excited to ride the train. We were able to get a snack as well as some hats and gloves for a few members of our family who were ill prepared for the COLD. But it was a beautiful night.

Then back to Temple Square to experience the amazing spirit that is present amongst the beautiful lights!

We had taken a few pictures right after the movie before we headed over to the mall.

Kian with the Native American Nativity

The Japanese Nativity

The lights...

Then finally we were off to experience Pat's Bar B Q in South Salt Lake. The very same one that was featured on Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives from the Food Network.

Wow, talk about a dive! It is on a tiny side street among industrial buildings but Oh was it GOOD! It was the Porch Pounders onstage and the food was absolutely without a doubt the BEST Brisket and pulled pork and cole slaw I have ever had. WOW, a great time!!
I think a Christmas Temple Square tradition was born--Hallelujah!!!!!

A Grown-up Christmas...finally!

2009-12-11T02:44:00.003-05:00

Doug has an amazing job...
They are such wonderful people.
Last night they closed early (at 3:00) and we then met for dinner at Chef's Table in Orem.

A lovely restaurant where we had our picture taken (kind of like Prom) and were served a buffet which included two kinds of salad (Doug couldn't believe that one of them was a Caesar Salad WITH chicken!), ravioli, roasted potatoes, vegetables, huge chunks of salmon, rack of lamb, boneless chicken breasts in a wonderful sauce and hunks of filet mignon. Then came dessert: Cheesecake, a Chocolate Dome or a Baked Apple Beggar's Purse. I chose the Chocolate Dome of course, but I will have to admit that Doug's Purse was actually better. Who knew fruit could be so delicious :0)

Then we were off to the Scera theater in Orem where we saw Nuncrackers.
"The musical features the same beloved nuns from the original show: There are Reverend Mother (played by Celesta Rimington with a Minnesota accent), Sister Mary Paul“Amnesia” (played with a Southern accent by Deborah Bowman), wisecracking Brooklyn street nun Sister Robert Ann (played by Rebekah Martin Osmond), Sister Mary Leo (a ballerina wannabe and stage manager nun, played by Kelsey Seaver) and Sister Hubert (who thinks she should be the Reverend Mother, played by Janna Gates). Shawn Mortensen plays Father Virgil Manly Trott as well as Sister Julia, Child of God (with a spot-on Julia Child impression, of course). The script calls for four children, but the Littles cast twelve to play Mount St. Helen’s most exceptional students."
It was hysterical and touching and I am now friends with 2 of the cast members on Facebook :-)

Plus he was given a Christmas bonus and let's just say that it was better than a ham!

The last five years were incredibly hard, but I am so grateful that they brought is here. I could not be happier--
Merry Christmas

Guarding Stance--Yes Sir!

2009-12-08T02:48:00.005-05:00

This afternoon was Kian's first official Karate class. He is very excited to get there and get some "iy yahs" done! That's what they have to say every time they kick or punch.

He is showing off his "guarding stance"

Look at my little white belt...I am very impressed with their philosophy. I have had no contact or experience with Karate except for the obvious Karate Kid, but they really teach the kids about respect, courtesy, focus, positive attitude and staying clean.
He even gets Karate homework besides practicing his moves, he has to keep his room clean, read everyday and do other chores of his choice without being asked.
He can't wait to go back...yay!!

Online Auction for the Jones Family

2009-12-07T03:59:00.006-05:00

I came across this online auction for a woman who lost her husband on Thanksgiving here in Utah in one of the caves. They have a small daughter and are expecting a baby. I didn't realize until now the link I gave you doesn't explain their story. This young family had come to Utah to visit their families for Thanksgiving and to let their family know they are expecting another baby. The Dad and some friends went spelunking the day before Thanksgiving and fell. He was trapped and tragically died after several rescue attempts were made.

I noticed there are new items added so if you have kids (especially little girls) PLEASE check it out! There are some darling hats, bows, bags, vinyl lettering, booties etc.

I wanted to share it with my generous friends--if you are getting a gift for Christmas why not support this little family?
Please take a look there is a large variety of items.

http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/

May the spirit of Christmas fill our hearts!

Little things I learned from Amy

2009-12-05T23:38:00.000-05:00

I got to use a new trick that I learned from my friend and pseudo little sister Amy Hughes--

My perfect napkin display at the Edgemont Third ward Christmas party~
Yay for little talents :0) Thanks Amy!!

Why I blog...

2009-12-05T01:16:00.001-05:00

I really have no grand designs to keep a day to day history of all the happenings of my family. However, I have always kept a journal and this is an extension of that...with pictures! I'm not sure if my kids will enjoy it or just laugh...Hopefully both.

O Christmas Tree...

2009-12-04T02:00:00.004-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving we went and picked up a really nice tree that Doug's parents offered to let us have. They are down-sizing and since all of our Christmas boxes and ornaments and such are still in Indiana they knew that we could really use it.
I struggled only a little because I have always had a real tree, but the last few years we haven't had a tree at all so I figured it was better than that. Besides it is a really nice tree, it fits perfectly and with an 84 pack of ornaments from Costco it turned out beautifully. Kian couldn't wait to have a Christmas tree. He doesn't remember having a big tree and he was so hopeful that there would be a star on top.
Mom also had a few other Christmas decorations that they were clearing out and lo and behold there was a light up star tree topper!

So our house is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and it is terrific!

Family Pictures

2009-12-04T01:42:00.006-05:00

On November 14, I drug my family outside to Riverwoods in Provo to take our family Christmas picture. The last time we had one taken was 2005 I think.
About an hour before we were supposed to meet our friend Tara there was literally a blizzard of snow and wind and I know that Doug though I would cancel.

But I am no wimp and I am nothing if not stubborn and I grew up in Michigan for goodness sake!!
So off we went...there was no snow sticking to the ground and the wind had really died down and yes it was a little cold...

Even colder when I made everyone take off their coats for the pictures.
But what we ended up with are some great pictures, even if Doug was totally grumpy and not super cooperative. Vanessa thinks next year we will have a stand in Dad and his name is Tim Gunn. We will for sure look great then!

So here a a few of my favorites...
And for sure in my top 5 is this terrific one (thanks Tara!!)

One of these two previous ones will probably be the Christmas card, but I really like this one too--

Look how great these girls photograph! Beautiful!!

And we had to end the day with more fun because that is how we are...though Doug and Kian were warm inside having hot cocoa.
I promise to try to make it a warmer day next year family, but thanks for being such good sports!

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T22:15:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving was a roller coaster this year.
I had a nice quiet time shopping for the food all by myself at my wonderful Day's Market and I really only spent about $15 more than I might have at a crazy, dirty, busy supermarket.
I got all of my ingredients for our brine for the turkey and we even invested in a roaster because our oven is seriously small! But we were so pleased to get one for a great price at Macy's. I felt like such a grown-up with my white and black roasting pan on my counter! I think my Gramma may have had one like this.
Then I had some freaky melt down...I don't know, the pressure of actually having money to go Christmas shopping--whew! I don't know if I can handle it.
I was also thinking about my family which means my brother in Oregon and my brother in Indiana that I just left. My parents were on my mind as Turkey Day was one of my Dad's favorites (maybe even more than Christmas!) It just isn't the same without them. I heard a great line on Golden Girls: "No mater how old you are, when you lose both your parents you feel like you're six again".
I know, pitiful me, but I still feel like an orphan.
And most of all, Thanksgiving is always the time I think about Reagan the most because it was the day in2004 as we were finishing up our delicious meal that was brought over to us by our wonderful friends, that we got the excited call from her Dr saying that she had been taken off the oxygen and she was doing great and we could expect her home for Christmas. I got off the phone and sighed with relief and gratitude and marveled at what was truly a terrific Thanksgiving. Then she was taken from us 2 days later.
It is a tremendously hard time for me, but the kids really stepped up and it was the best dinner!
Vanessa took charge of the menu and kept the kitchen cleaned up as they went. Kenzie helped with the snacks and Calah even made the Sweet Potato Souffle. They were even able to keep Kian occupied while I had my moments.
I am SO grateful for my husband who listened and understood and my kids who knew what I needed and the day was so pleasant and happy!

I have no idea what is going on here--Kenzie

Or here--Calah and Kian

But apparently we were laughing so hard that Kian had to plug his ears. He does this whenever we get out of hand :0)
We did kind of deteriorate from this--
To this--
And even this--

Yes, that is a pie box--that is all I know.
We had FUN and that is what I love about my family.

I miss my brothers and Grandparents and aunts and cousins, but I am thankful for all that the Lord has blessed me with especially these last few months.

Leaving Indiana

2009-11-23T17:19:00.005-05:00

Most of you may not be surprised to know that of all the things that are left in "storage" (AKA the Orcutt's garage :o) the thing I miss the most is not my bread maker, but a book.
But what surprised even me is how much I miss this book!

What may surprise you is the kind of book...it's my scriptures.
Sitting in Sunday school yesterday as Brother Farnsworth was naming the scriptures we were going to read and I felt sad. Crazy I know! I could easily share with Doug and while at home I have access to several copies of the Book of Mormon. But there is something intangible that I love about my own scriptures. My notes are there, my red pencil has highlighted important passages to me. At troubling times in my life I have gone there and found peace and answers. My friend Rich Warren helped me through a tough time with a scripture and it is noted there. When my brother Lee was having awful troubles and I felt helpless for him I found a scripture to comfort me and I hope at the time, him as well.

I have slips of paper from lessons that were particularly enlightening.
It took years, but finally all of the pages are loose and not still gilded together--even those sections that we don't often use thanks to a Bible Study that I did with my Sunblest friends a couple of years ago.
There are memories in my scriptures...kind of like a scrapbook. I miss that.
My family would probably rather have the bread machine since that is the only way I know how to "make and bake" a loaf of bread, but Grandma Sycamore does a great job with bread so my book is the better deal!

Henry V

2009-11-22T02:15:00.004-05:00

Tonight it was finally time to see all of Mackenzie's hard work on stage in Henry V!
It was better than I expected for high school Shakespeare, but Henry V isn't really my cup of tea and I was lost for a lot of it. I knew a little of the background and so I got it OK and the parts of comedy were well-done, but Kenzie was by far the best actor up there.

She had depth to her emotions and her enunciation was fantastic and she made a fine looking Prince of France! She even died on stage--for real, well, you know what I mean.

After the show she was trying to keep us from taking pictures. The girls from her Mia Maid class came to share with her...it was really great of them because they don't even go to Provo High.

But we finally got her and her beard :0)

Getting a Paycheck!

2009-11-08T00:35:00.003-05:00

Since MOST of my personal things are in Indiana still--
That's right, our bedroom boxes were the last to go on the truck and they just didn't fit. The only clothes I have are the ones I wore on the drive out here when it was August and hot.
My jeans, sweaters, winter shoes, journals, scriptures, church clothes, hoodies all in the Orcutt's garage. We are working on getting all of it sent out here, but it is a process requiring perfect timing and many phone calls and estimates and about $1000 so...

So I got a fabulous new dress for church today at Macy's!!!
Regularly $99 for $25!
When Mackenzie saw it she was gobsmacked because she said it is SO cute! But not too young for me :0)
I LOVE it when Doug gets a paycheck...what a great feeling!
Between Macy's and the DI I am not looking too shabby :-)

Invisible Cabbage

2009-10-30T19:43:00.003-04:00

Today as we were driving, Kian says
"When I get bigger I am going to build a building that is so beautiful--when I am like 25 or something"
I say,"Really? OK that's a good idea".
"It's going to be big and I'm going to call it Invisible Cabbage".
"Oh..." A little stumped, I admit.
Then he clears it up for me,
"That means that you can buy like food and games for like zero dollars".
Sounds good to me!
Coming soon to a neighborhood near you--
Invisible Cabbage!!

Kindergarten...

2009-10-29T14:24:00.003-04:00

Most days are great, but every now and then I get a glimpse into the heart-breaking world of being in Kindergarten.
Kian and I have been trying the "drop-off". This is where I pull into the front of the school and he gets out and goes into class all by himself. Many of the kids are doing this so he thought he could too.
Today as we pull in he says, "Mom can you come in with me?"
Right! The day I haven't showered and I have had 4 hours of sleep? What for??
"No, honey, you can do it all by yourself".
"But Mom, please?"
"What do you need me for?"
"So you can help me take off my backpack but not my coat".
"Sweetie, you can take off your coat too".
"But I don't want to, I want to leave it on".
"Why?"
"Because I can't put it on by myself when we go out to recess".
"Well, can't you ask one of y our friends for help?"
"no"...in such a small voice.
In that moment, he seemed SO little and I wondered h ow I could possibly be sending him out into a big world where you can't ask for help?!
I pray that he has a good day, but I will be worrying all day that he is somehow lost. I'm not sure he knows how to ask for help because he never has to at home. Someone is always too eager to help him...he's so cute :-)
But he is in the real world of kindergarten and he can show no weakness!
Poor baby...

Mystery Dinner Theatre

2009-10-25T02:15:00.002-04:00

Also tonight Mackenzie went to the Mystery Dinner that was put on by the drama council at Provo High. It was set in the 1920's and since we could not find a flapper costume for less that $50 we got a couple of accessories and improvised the rest.
I think she looks beautiful!

Autumn Days

2009-10-25T01:59:00.004-04:00

This is my favorite time of the year. I used to think it was only because my birthday is in September! Now I realize there is SO much I love about Fall.
The temperatures are usually cooler and I hate to be hot.
The air seems cleaner somehow and it smells wonderful.
The apples are delicious, the stars are lovely and everyone is calm as school is back in and the holiday rush hasn't started yet.
The first time I fell in love, it was Fall.
My first baby's birthday is in October (as well as two others!)
While I hate Halloween I sure can't complain about the abundance of those delicious "Fun Size" candy bars so I don't have to get sick of one flavor, I can have them all! And clearly I do :0)

Today was one of my favorite Fall activities--leaves!!
This is how our yard looked this morning...

And after a couple of hours and all hands on deck we had 20 leaf bags full!

Before the day turned to this...
Just one more reason that I love this season...the dark clouds and the windy rainy days when hot cocoa and a book or old movie are the best way to spend the day!
Autumn in Provo is wonderful :0)

Bathroom Blues

2009-10-18T23:41:00.004-04:00

I don't mean to be too graphic, but this is part of life. Admittedly, the part I hate the most!
Someone has been vomiting in my house for 3 days!! First Kian, then me, then Mackenzie and almost simultaneously Vanessa and Calah. We were SO scared for Doug because he starts work tomorrow!! I wish there was a Clorox button for the bathroom where I could just close the door and spray it down!
So far Vanessa and Calah have had it the longest and Doug may have it but thank heavens for small favors, it is light. Typically it has lasted about 10 hours, but the amount of laundry that can accumulate...Iy yi yi!!
So if I owe you a response for anything please know that it is coming...it is just buried under 6 feet of laundry!!!

Enough whining...how about some good news?

2009-10-16T01:50:00.002-04:00

Yay!!!! Yesterday Doug was officially offered a job! And today he snatched it up like it was free money!!! ;0)
He will be working (and traveling :0( boo!) for a company called Test Out located in Pleasant Grove. It is small but stable. They have been around since 1991 and are completely debt-free. They have company dinners and Lagoon day and they pay 100% of our medical insurance premium!!
Now our challenge will be making this work with one car, but at least it will be a new challenge and we will be getting money to get a new car eventually so that I can handle.
Thank you to all of my wonderful friends who I know were praying for us, I know that it is how we made it through.

Dirty Little Secret...Bishops' Storehouse

2009-10-14T00:57:00.006-04:00

So in an attempt to share some of the last year of our lives, I will let everyone in on a dirty secret--it's the Bishops' Storehouse. This is an amazing facility where members of the church who are hurting for work and money can get a shopping list from the bishop and go in every 2 weeks and get all the food you need!! For FREE!! Well, by "FREE" I mean it has been paid by member's fast offerings and tithes.
The following principles are used to help measure the success of the storehouse:

Patrons and volunteers feel uplifted by their experiences in the storehouse.
The storehouse has sufficient volunteer labor and hours of operation to meet patron needs.
Inventory is managed to fill bishop's orders and avoid waste.
The facility meets safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and maintenance standards.
The storehouse's operations adhere to requirements specified in finance, operational, and safety reviews and audits.
New missionaries and volunteers are trained in a timely manner.

Since we moved to Provo (and a few times before in the past 5 years) we have been "shopping" at the Bishop's Storehouse. Now I grew up doing this more than a few times in my life and in high school in fact our family worked on the welfare potato farm in Michigan as a way to h elp out for all the help we had recieved. So for me this was only challenging at first---I now have no shame and my point is that on one who utilizes these resources should either. Yet, there does seem to be a hesitancy to disclose the fact that we "shop" here.

What I want to say is that I'm sure there will be many more of us before this economy (and Americans) gets back to working and I do not think we should be at all ashamed. We did nothing wrong. We had "the perfect storm" if you will and we were knocked off our feet in a big way. We lost our infant daughter totally unexpectedly, we lost a great job and eventually we lost our house--all in the span of 3 years. We had no job for 10 months and then we were under-employed (code for under paid) for another 2 years. All this time we are trying to raise good, responsible and caring kids who are not bitter and disappointed by life. Many of us are just rying to get by. My dream is to one day just be able to pay our bills, have 2 cars again, get the kids shoes when they need them and be able to go out to dinner or a movie once in a while. I would love for my kids to have music lessons or be in sports, but all of these things have been gone from our lives for now. But we move on and have faith and trust that the Lord will indeed carry us. Please don't be ashamed of circumstances that you did not create. We are all just doing the best we can...It is not easy to be so honest and I know it is so much harder for Doug. First of all because he has never been homeless and he has always had enough to eat. Second because he "is the man and he is supposed to provide". But I know that just as my Dad did, Doug is a good man, a hard worker and is not responsible for things that are out of our control.

Today we went and low and behold, there was a guy volunteering who Doug knew in high school and had just seen at his reunion. He was mortified--I was like "Can you pass me that Cream of Chicken soup?".
To me, it is what it is.
When you are getting $1400 a month in unemployment and your rent is $1200, well, even I can do that math! So we are getting food. Not gourmet food by any means and we have had to change our expectations about how we get to eat. There certainly are no snacks at the storehouse. Surprisingly (and much to my dismay) not even popcorn!! Wait a minute, doesn't that grow on a tree??! ( a little humor for my Primary friends:0) Though here we can get ice cream.
The chicken is not boneless and skinless breasts and the salsa is not Newman's Own peach. But the Cream of Chicken and Tomato soups are delicious and are in bigger cans than Campbell's, I love to use the brown gravy mix, there is SO much more of it and the Strawberry jam is seedless, just like Smuckers.
Here in Utah you can even get things like fabric! And we have gotten Kian several pairs of socks because his are still in the Orcutt's garage in Indiana. They have sweats and parkas and linens and more things, all brand new.
It strikes me every time how much the Lord loves us. He has provided for us and in such an efficient way!! Our church provides relief and food and clothing and medical supplies for people in trouble all over the world--I am proud of that. We have a system that is totally voluntary and yet we are able to help without regard to race or religion.
I know that this is temporary and I know that when we are making money again we will be even more appreciative of Chocolate chips and Cheetos and we will be more willing to give more generously on that Fast Sunday when the envelope arrives.
I am proud in a good way of how our family has adapted to these difficult circumstances.
We have even gotten a strange joy out of shopping at the D.I. (the Goodwill for my non-member peeps) and are wearing clothes that you would never think had not come from the mall.

I am grateful. I am So glad that we made the decision to move back to Utah even though I know I won't see my Michigan and Indiana people like I did, it just feels so great!
My point is that if you have never had to use these or any other social services you may not understand and I hope you never have to, but if you do own it for what it is...
I know without a doubt that our Father in Heaven loves us and knows us and wants the best for us--even if He doesn't provide Chocolate Chips!

Goodbye Goldie...

2009-09-28T17:30:00.002-04:00

We had to say goodbye to Goldie when we left Indiana and she stayed with a family from church. Today we found out that she got sick and died over the weekend.
She was such a beautiful cat and she was meant to "replace" my gorgeous Scout who died while I was in the hospital with Reagan.
I guess someday I will find another beautiful kitten, but for now I'll wait for a better time to be a pet owner!
Murphy, also in this photo, is happily ensconced in California at Aunt Judi's. It's a good thing he has Missi now because he would have missed Goldie.
So this is how we remember our lovely pets...running around and chasing each other and then laying all cute on the floor :0)

Goldie
June 4 2008--September 27 2009

Trying to Keep Up...

2009-09-26T17:54:00.002-04:00

So I'm back...sort of.
I am still using Calah's computer which means that I don't have my own pictures and that it is too hard for me to type on :0)
Anyway, things in Provo are going pretty well considering...No one is working.
Doug has a second interview next week, Vanessa is hoping for a call from BYU Health Clinic and Calah had a mini interview at Hot Topic. So we are hopeful that everyone will get a job at the same time!!
Kian loves having a 7 year old boy live across the street, if he had his way, he would never come home.
Mackenzie is thouroughly involved in drama and loves it. hse even has Facebook friends from Provo High now!! Two weeks until her competition in Cedar City.
We have enjoyed dinner with Doug's parents, a family party and dinner with the Miguels. I have had a terrific Girl's Day out and next week we look forward to sharing Sunday afternoon with Joey Koons, a BYU student from Fishers!!
Our llittle old house has had some water issues that we are still getting worked out. I'm not sure where it will go or if we will get condemmed due to mold, but I am hoping that we won't end up having to move!!
We are here and we are happy and at peace. I do miss my Fishers Friends and book club though.
In the meantime I look forward to getting back on track and getting back on my own computer.

What We Have to Lose

2009-07-30T19:20:00.003-04:00

So it looks like we will be moving to Provo Utah which we are fairly excited about. However, as we continuously learn, "no income" has it's own punishments. In this case, we will have to let our pets go. Since Doug is still looking for a job when we get there we will be staying with someone in Doug's family. Any takers?! ;0)

So we will have to find homes for our wonderful family pets Murphy, Zoe and Goldie.
Murphy is a 4 1/2 year old pure Maltese. His birthday is August 1, 2005. He is small, loves to cuddle, chase a ball and has a great personality. He is crate-trained and is happy just to have attention. He's kind of a baby :0)
He has been fixed and is current on shots.

Kian and Murphy

Goldie is our beautiful one year old medium hair Tortie. Her birthday is June 4, 2008
She is fixed, litter-trained and is front declawed. She is a gorgeous Diva, but not antisocial. She just loves to know that she is the princess. She loves to be petted and scratched and wants her water fresh! She does not require daily brushing but she does have wonderfully soft fur. She's probably love a good brushing though.
We have another wonderful cat named Zoe, but I don't have a picture. She is a black and white short hair cat about 6 years old. Her birthday is January17, 2003. She is fixed, litter-trained and front declawed. She is SO loving and easy going. She is not uppity like many cats are. She will LOVE to sleep curled up next to you!

Our lives have had so many down-turns and this is just another. It is very difficult for us and we really want to be able to "approve" our pet's new homes. It is just impossible to keep them when we don't know what our living arrangements will be.

We know that making this move is the right thing for our family and we are looking forward to being nearer to our respective families. We are going to go ahead now so that Kian and Mackenzie can start school there rather than switching later. Moving is hard enough on a teenager so we are trying to soften the blow :-)
Please consider keeping a part of us with you!! Or if you can recommend a home. I'd really be grateful!!

Life is an adventure, but sometimes it requires sacrifice. This is what we have to lose...

And Another Thing...

2009-07-09T02:28:00.002-04:00

If you are reading my blog and are not clicking on Vanessa's name in "My Blogging Friends" on the right, you do not know what you are missing!!
She has the BEST posts. You will not be disappointed!
I'm really not biased at all...Awesome.

Kian's Quote Today

2009-07-09T02:14:00.003-04:00

Last night for dinner Calah made French toast...I know!!!
It was wonderful~made more so because I did not have to cook.
As Kian was licking his lips and making Yummy noises, he says "Calah, thank you for making this French toast!!! It's so.....................Distinguished!"
Gotta love that vocabulary even if the meaning is lost to him :-)

Kian's Quotes...again!

2009-07-07T01:50:00.004-04:00

Kian was having a "challenging" day on Sunday. He was very tired and actually fell asleep in Sacrament Meeting!
So that evening he had been in trouble many times. Finally as he was supposed to be getting into bed and he had some other things he "needed" to do, Vanessa in her amazing way, was trying to talk to him about his behavior and being nice to Mommy, she works very hard for you, you need to listen to her... then we look over at him and we hear,
"HUH-shooooooooo!" FAKE snoring!!!!!!!!!!!
Little booger :-)

Kian's Quote of the Day

2009-07-04T01:37:00.002-04:00

Actually there are two of them and they both occurred while driving Savanna to the airport today. We passed three police cars in about 2 miles of each other and Calah being Calah says, "Hey, it's the Po-Po!" About 10 seconds later Kian says "I don't like the Po-Po, I only like hobos!"

Later as we listened to Savage Garden on Savanna's iPod, a song came on and Kian says "When I was um about 2 I really liked this song". As if it were so yesterday! Not to mention it was a song that he had never heard before!!!

Gotta love the quote of the day :-)

What a difference a day makes!

2009-06-30T23:43:00.006-04:00

My life has not always been easy. Who's has, right? But I am blessed to have good friends all along the way. You would think that would be hard for a girl who moved every year, sometimes more than once a year. But I have good friends and one of them is Kim. She just "gets it"--the whole ugly past 4 years that have been crap.
She is my BFF, my fellow Ya Ya, and she was here from Arizona this last week. She used to live here and when we first met I was astonished at how much we had in common. Including, at the time, three daughters!! Now she has a 4th daughter and I have Kian.
Anyway, Kim was here and I cleared EVERYTHING off my calendar for TWO days. I told my kids to pretend I was away on vacation!
You've got to love a friend who takes me to lunch here--

Then says "Let's get pedicures!"
Um, well, I...
"Come on we're going, don't worry about it."
Don't worry about it?! That is music to my ears, All I've done since 2005 is worry about it!!

Then we meet up with the other Ya Yas that are still in Indiana here for dinner. She suggested the Blue Cheese Crumble salad and it was delicious! So thank you again.

It felt so normal to be doing normal things like going out with friends. For two days I was the girl who could go and have fun and not think about all the crap that is my life right now.
On Thursday night LATE we even piled into her car with Calah and Savanna and Kenzie and we drove to the drive-through at Steak and Shake. We sang and laughed at the top of our lungs and we flirted with the "awkward" teenager at the window. It was awesome!!

Thank you my friend for bringing some sunshine into my life and letting me to enjoy some normal days without making me feel like a complete loser. Thank you for being who you are and always feeling comfortable with me and allowing me to do the same.
It made all the difference to me!!

Powerball Anyone?

2009-06-07T00:18:00.004-04:00

OK so I'm pretty sure it's not OK to pray for a Powerball win, but at this point it is seriously the ONLY way I see to resolve our situation. I am not exaggerating or over-stating.
These are the facts:
Moving van and driving 1351 miles? $1768
Fuel, food and sleeping? $875 (we need new tires)
Moving into Gramma's basement? one dog, two cats (not to mention sanity...everyone's!)
Winning the Powerball and doing it our way? Priceless!!

Isn't it time for things to turn around?
Isn't it time for tears of joy rather than tears of desperation?
Yeah, I thought so...

Goldie's Family Birthday

2009-06-04T22:52:00.005-04:00

Today was Goldie's First Birthday and the Norton's threw her a party along with her siblings. Doug asked if Traci was nuts!

The kids got donuts complete with the birthday candles and the kitties had tuna.

Here are the kids looking for Goldie who "high-tailed" it under the couch!

Here is Phelps and Goldie getting reacquainted. Goldie is mad because Phelps never calls!
The family is together once again, sadly without their other brother Tigger. We don't know where Tigger lives, but we're sure he's happy!
That's Coley with Goldie, Hannah with Boo, Sara with Phelps and Traci with their Mommy Elphie.

Insomnia...a cruel trick

2009-06-03T05:05:00.010-04:00

I used to be a good sleeper. I mean once I had kids I was a light sleeper and if something woke me up in the middle of the night I would not be able to go back to sleep. But I remember once Doug saying that he wished he could fall asleep as easily as I did.
Now I may go several days with only 4-6 hours of sleep.
And I know exactly when that happened: September 11, 2001
We had just moved into our house on Sunblest Blvd a few months before. Mackenzie was not feeling well that Tuesday and she had stayed home from school. So I slept in a little that morning. When I woke up, the world had changed.

Someone said "Haven't you heard?" and I turned on the TV to see this. And this was played over and over and over again ALL day long and when I went to bed that night this is what I saw over and over and over again. All I could think about were the thousands of people and what had happened to them. I was horrified and I couldn't sleep.
From that moment on when I can't sleep it's because some picture or sentence or song lyric or part of a random conversation is playing over and over and over again in my mind. Things just keep repeating. It's as if that night, September 11, a part of my brain was unlocked and it has never been shut again. The repeating part of the brain.

Of course the last almost 5 years have given me plenty of images and thoughts that can be repeated. Add to that my fibromyalgia in which pain is likely to keep me awake some nights, pre-menopause in which hot flashes may keep me distracted, or me trying desperately to feed my shopping addiction by browsing eBay and saving things on my list because I can't buy anything and you've got the Perfect Storm for insomnia.

I don't mind the quiet and being able to watch whatever I want on TV and I admit that once I start to hear birds singing I start to get sleepy, but I would love one week of pure uninterrupted, non-drug induced, worry free sleep-until-I-wake-up sleep. I can't remember what that was like, can you?

But I'm pretty sure it's fabulous!!!

I hear the birds singing so it must be time to go try again...G'nite.

Little Explorers Pre-school Graduation

2009-05-23T21:15:00.005-04:00

Thursday, May 21 was preschool graduation. It was So cute and yes there were bittersweet tears!
One part of the program involved the kids showing pictures of what they liked best about pre-school and then what they wanted to do when they grew up. There was a Doctor, a nurse, a grass-man, a paleontologist, a couple of Mommies and a Daddy. When it was Kian's turn Ms Sally asked,
"Kian what do you want to do when you grow up?"
"Work!"
Ms. Sally repeated "He just wants a job!!"

How sad is that? :-)Kian and Wesley, one of his favorite friends

Getting his diploma from Ms. Sally
Kian with his teacher, Ms. Sally Lamping...we think she may have been our benefactor. She is an amazingly warm and loving person and perfect for this job!

Kian and Ms. Lori Lorenz, the pre-school director and one of the most generous and understanding people on the planet! We love her!

Drama Queen...

2009-05-20T02:31:00.006-04:00

Here I am again...it's May, end of school there will be lots to share! But tonight I want to share Mackenzie's last orchestra concert. I was sad. I love the cello. She has played since 6th grade, but now she had to choose between orchestra and theater.

This is her playing Palladio from the Diamond commercial. It was one of her favorites and for sure mine! She says she hates to practice and so this will just be a good time to quit and move on.
I want to make sure I have that in writing since I have 2 other daughters who are constantly saying "Why didn't you make me stay in dance or music or choir or whatever..."
Yeah, I'm getting this one in writing.
Actually later in the evening I did...kind of...
It was time for awards and we had no idea that Ms Cornet would be giving awards for Drama as well. But the first award was for Best Actress at Fishers Jr. High and it was Mackenzie Nelson!! Her faced looked shocked and my camera was in my purse so I have a picture of her after she is sitting back down :-)

So Yay for Mackenzie and her first acting award...may there be many more to come!! Hopefully, next time Mom will be prepared with the camera!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2009-05-18T19:33:00.012-04:00

Mom age 2

Today would be Mom's 66th birthday. As I write this I remember how young she truly was. She has been gone almost 2 years now. I still miss her.
Even though as I've said before, losing your mother is the natural way of things (as opposed to losing your children first) but there is something a girl always needs her Mom for. When Mackenzie made it into the National Junior Honor Society recently I wanted to tell my Mom. She would have been SO proud! Those are the kinds of things that you want to share. I won't be able to tell her all about Kian's Pre-K graduation this week and send her pictures. There will be no "Mam" in the audience beaming because a little boy is "graduating" from pre-school. My great sadness is that Kian does not have a relationship with my Mom or Dad. I can only talk about Mom and share stories and pictures with him.

So now let me share some memories--She got her name Mam from the TV show Webster. She was babysitting a little boy named Brad and he was just like part of the family and she wanted a name that he could call her that would not be formal but was easy to say. Merrilyn was kind of hard for the little kids. Somehow we came up with Mam which I think on the show was short for Madam, but it didn't seem formal at all. It stuck and all of her grandkids call her that.

My Mom, Merrilyn Louise--age 9 months

Merrilyn Louise--First grade 1950

Then there are the things that I never even thought to ask her...

How do you get the potatoes soft and brown when you are making a pot roast?
How old was the girl on the Mike Douglas show where you saw my name spelled with a "C"?
What year was that Ford Mustang convertible that we had for awhile?
What was your favorite movie?
Are these Iris's from my grandma or yours?
What was your first date with Dad like?
What was your favorite food?
Do you have any regrets?
Do you miss me or are you too busy?!

I do know some things about my Mom...She loved Reese's Peanut Butter cups, popcorn, swimming, camping and just being outside. She had a super green thumb and I never took advantage of her knowledge. She didn't have a great relationship with her Mom when she was a teenager, so I think she tried really hard to have a better one with me. It didn't always work, but we got there. She loved to read and later I found out, write. She was very loyal and loved fiercely.

My Mom with her parents Betty Louise and Merrill Hansen October 1959

Mom at high school graduation June 1961

She never went to college. She was a Mom when she was 19. She loved her kids and grand kids. She was so beautiful.She loved to talk and she loved to talk about mundane things that were SO tedious! Maybe we always have regrets when someone we love leaves us too soon, but I will forever wish that I had talked to my Mom every day.
She would have loved that, but I was too impatient and conversations with my Mom always seemed to last forever. But then again, they really don't do they?

My Mom and brothers Lee and Frank and me 1970
(Why am I the only one who doesn't match and what is Frank looking at?!)

I know there was SO much more to my Mom that I never bothered to find out. We always think we have forever or we can't be bothered with finding out or we just don't know what will be important when they are gone.
I love you Mom, I miss you.
I know that you are happy now that you are with Dad. I am sorry that your last days were so painful. I am sorry that I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry that I didn't spend more time with you on the phone.
I missed you when you moved from here!
I will treasure our last conversation when you told me how great my kids were and that it was a testament to what great parents they had.
I had the best example...

Merrilyn Louise Hansen Zabel Davis
May 18, 1943--June 22, 2007

The Big Bang Theory

2009-05-16T01:47:00.003-04:00

We are trying to clear off our DVR and today while I was upstairs Doug started to watch The Big Bang Theory. OK, so not my favorite show, I think it's kind of painful to watch. Anyway, I came downstairs and there was Kian playing in front of the TV as usual and Doug stopped BBT so he and I could watch something else. Kian is all offended,
"I thought you were going to watch The Big Bang Theory?!"
Doug says, "No, Mommy doesn't really like that show"

A few minutes later I hear a conversation in the dining room (our computer room) and after listening for a minute I say,
"Kian, what are you doing?"

He says very matter-of-factly,
"Watching The Big Bang Theory!"

on the computer! I have no idea how he finds these things, but we may have to password protect our computer from our 5 year old!

Proud Parents...

2009-05-11T22:33:00.008-04:00

I know that this phrase is most often used when announcing the birth of a child, but I wonder why? A newborn baby while indeed perfect hasn't really done much to be proud of :-)
Tonight I am a proud parent of a beautiful, talented, smart, funny 14 year old daughter who just happens to be a new member of the National Junior Honor Society of Fishers Junior High School! Yay Mackenzie!!!

Paige Cassidy, Madeline Snipes, Mackenzie Nelson, Claire Volk

Mackenzie has challenged herself for herself and has worked SO hard and she has earned her spot. She had to be a good citizen, leader, get good grades and be willing to serve. She actually is one of only 11 students that got the academic distinction as well which means achieving higher than an 11 GPA on a 12 point grading scale! I should mention that Mackenzie has been taking advanced classes since 3rd grade and is in advanced English, Science and Math this year. Way to go Kenzie!

Mackenzie and "Star Trek" Lauren Hendricks

I have to give a lot of credit to Fishers Junior High. We have nothing but great things to say about the entire experience there. Even when Calah was there it was great. Calah came in from being home-schooled and it could have been very uncomfortable and hard for her to adapt, but they made it a wonderful seamless transition.
Mackenzie's 7th grade team of teachers made a huge impact. Most notably Mr Sturgeon and Mr. Fassould. She has enjoyed learning and likes to be challenged and is most content when she is excelling at what they have assigned. They have inspired and encouraged and I couldn't be more grateful.
My daughter plans to pursue an International Baccalaureate Diploma and attend Yale! I believe it is in large part because of their patience and enthusiasm and ability to teach each kid in their unique style.
So THANK YOU to great teachers who make a big difference and congratulations Mackenzie!!

25 Random Facts About Me

2009-05-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

It occurred to me the other day that I had written some things (answered Facebook quizzes actually) that told a little of my story and I'm not sure how long they will be saved or if they will be on Facebook so I decided to transfer some of them over to here to Blogger. Maybe I will figure out how to do the book thing some day!

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My first name comes from an actress on the Mike Douglas Show and my middle name is the same as my Mom's and Gramma's

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Maybe a month ago

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Thinly sliced roast beef

DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes...5

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah, sure.

DO YOU USE SARCASM? No, never...Did that sound sarcastic?!

DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No

WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NO!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Reese's Puffs...I know disgusting. I'm supposed to be an adult

DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I try not to wear shoes that tie.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Baskin-Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Hair and then smile

RED OR PINK? Red

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My body...yuck!

WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Reagan

WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black pants, red slippers

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I don't know, whatever Calah is blasting in the shower. Probably Slipknot

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Burnt Sienna

FAVORITE SMELLS? Popcorn!

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Phone? I have a phone?!

FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey

HAIR COLOR? Reddish-brown

EYE COLOR? Green

DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sometimes

FAVORITE FOOD? Pizza

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary movies with happy endings!

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Lars and the Real Girl

WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Salmon sweater

Summer or winter? Neither, I like fall

HUGS OR KISSES? Can't choose, I like both

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Beautiful Blue Death, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I lost mine

WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? It doesn't matter what was on last night...tonight is The Bachelor!!

FAVORITE SOUND(S). The breeze through the Aspens and the ocean. And totally different but awesome, a baby's giggle!

ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Uh, yeah, no.

WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Sweden

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Loading the dishwasher FAST and efficient

WHERE WERE U BORN? Lodi, California

Originally Published February 13, 2009

2009-05-11T00:55:00.000-04:00

1. I have a headache.

2. Probably from doing this list again.

3. People tell me I can write well, but I don't think so.

4. I watch General Hospital. I have since I was like 4.

5. If I had a bigger, fenced yard I would get another dog. Doug does not know this.

6. My favorite city in the world is San Fransisco...I left my heart there once...

7. I LOVE Crème Brulee –even if it can kill me

8. I hate wearing shoes. But I love shoes. Is that weird?

9. I can sew. I used to sew a lot of my clothes when I was in college. But I don't really enjoy it.

10. I am an addict.

11. I love love love my family! My gramma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, husband and kids!

12. I have abandonment issues.

13. I think the best chocolate is Swedish...or See's

14. I would be a terrible Juror because I almost always can understand both sides.

15. I was on the Vicki Lawrence show.

16. I am still friends with Jan from 2nd grade and I have moved a million times since then. No, really, a million.

17. I would change nearly everything about my wedding except the flowers (and the groom!)

18. I wish I were taller.

19. I've never learned to swim properly.

20. I have the best kids...Seriously, they are awesome.

21. I am afraid of adults. I can be in front of kids all day long, but their parents are scary!

22. My dream job is back-up singer for Barry Manilow

23. My favorite flowers are Lilacs

24. I am very loyal, like a dog. I can be a doormat.

25. I would love to play the piano.

25 Random Facts About Me (but I actually had to do 27)

2009-05-11T00:50:00.000-04:00

1.Three movies I will watch over and over and over again:
Barefoot in the Park
Only You
Foul Play (I've seen this movie in Swedish too!)

2. I used to think (until I was like 20) that Bullwinkle said “Button up my sleeves” when he touched his cuffs at the opening of the show. I didn't really like that cartoon anyway, I liked The Flintstones.

3. I had a HUGE secret crush on Mac Davis.

4. My first memory is from Kindergarten when I busted out my front teeth on the drinking fountain after school. I walked home bleeding. My teeth didn't grow in until 6th grade.

5. I used to get SO carsick we would have to stop at a drug store to buy Coke syrup.

6. When I was in the 2nd grade, my Mom found evidence in the bathroom that I had been sick. She came to school to pick me up. I thought she was the smartest Mother in the world to know that. I came home and watched Bewitched.

7. I HATE wooden ice cream “spoons”. Like nails on a chalkboard...

8. The first song I sang was What's New Pussycat by Tom Jones. I don't remember this one. I remember The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. Vicki Lawrence...I loved that song! Then I was on her show in 1993.

9. When I was 7 I saw a picture of a bed bug blown up and I was positive they were all over my bed. I laid in bed praying and scared and crying. It was my little brother Lee who went and got my Mom. I had no idea anyone could hear me. Mom explained that bed bugs only hung around “dirty bums” and I was comforted :-) That night I learned that Heavenly Father uses people to answer our prayers.

10. I was “peer-pressured” by Aunt Judi to ride the Matterhorn at Disneyland when I was about 9. I was “peer-pressured” to ride the Vortex at Great America when I was 30

11. In the 8th grade my class took a field trip from Concord, California to San Fransisco on BART to see 1776 in a huge theater. I fell in love with “John Adams” -who later became Mr Feeney on Boy Meets World --even though “Thomas Jefferson” was supposed to be the hottie. Go figure.

12. I started playing the accordian in the 6th grade. My Mom would walk me to my lessons with the accordian in the wagon. It was easy to find teachers in Michigan, not so easy when we moved to California. So I no longer can play the accordian. But I learned how dedicated my Mom was to cultivating my “talents”.

13. I briefly thought I was Marilyn Monroe—reincarnated-- because I was sad and in love with JFK.

14. The summer after 10th grade my friend Lori and I wrote a “pilot” for a sitcom about best friends that drive across the country to become “stars”. We were hoping it would be autobiographical.

15. I have never taken a driving (road) test.

16. I had my tonsils out when I was 21. When I could eat again I really wanted Wendy's but there was no Wendy's in Logan so my Dad drove us to Salt Lake City.

17. I once got paid for an acting job. To this day I wonder if I should have kept at it.

18. My favorite memories are on Nona Street in Dearborn, Michigan.

19. The summer before 10th grade we moved from Incline Village, NV to Michigan—the worst trip in the world for my parents (complete with car break-downs and break-ins)--the best trip for me and my friend Beth. But when we got to Michigan we “camped” before we got a house. This is where I learned that Elvis had died. We also stayed at a “campsite” AKA a community center. We would walk to the building to the restrooms as well as TV. There were glass rooms with orange Naugahyde furniture and each room was tuned to a different TV station. This is where we watched I Dream of Jeannie and Barney Miller.

20. When I was 15 I was convinced that Donny Osmond would marry me because we were both Mormon. Imagine my heartbreak when he married that Debbie girl! It probably won't last...

21. I saw Footloose at least 4 times the first weekend it came out in 1984. I was in love (obsessed) with Kevin Bacon. One day I came home from work and taped to door frame of the hallway was the People magazine with Kevin Bacon on the cover. My Dad had bought it for me. I'm not sure if he had ever bought a People magazine before (or again!) I still have that magazine :-)

22. When I was in the 9th grade my brother Lee and I got into a HUGE fight. We were screaming and threatening and he threw an aerosol can at me which hit the sliding glass door and stuck “on”, spraying this foul smelling Pet Off stuph. For a full minute the only sound was the spraying of the can...then we both busted out laughing! End of fight.

23. I used to do an 1 1/2 to 2 hours of aerobics 5 days a week.

24. When I was in college in Logan, UT I had a date with a radio DJ. He was running late so he dedicated a song to me to let me know that he was going to show. The song was Faithfully by Journey!

25. The best lunch I ever had was after registering for Jr. high in Fresno (another new school). My Mom didn't make me stay at school, she took me to Pizza Hut.

26. My first kiss was at the stop sign at the corner of Holmes and Stabler in Lansing, MI. Oddly, it wasn't awkward at all.

27. My Dad was offered a $10,000 loan by a friend who was “connected”. All he had to do was help the guy's friends with some swimming pool pricing. I am convinced that we missed out on our “in” with the Mob.

My albumn

2009-05-11T00:41:00.000-04:00

What would your own album look like if you were in a band? Follow the directions below and find out...

Here are the rules:

1 - Go to Wikipedia. Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random Wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 - Go to Quotations Page and select "random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote on the page is the title of your first album.

3 - Go to Flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 - Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

5 - Post it to FB with this text in the "caption" or "comment" and TAG the friends you want to join in.