The Hamster Wheel

Beautiful Heartbreak

2011-11-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Just though I would share, if you haven't already seen this video. How Hilary Weeks can so perfectly capture thoughts is an amazing gift.

Something to make you smile

2011-09-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

This made me spit my drink all over the place. It is hee-hee-hee-larious. And even though I don't agree with everything on Glee, you have to admit this parody is pretty darn clever. Enjoy.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2011-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

It was the best of times and the worst of times. My super, swell weekend of fun and frivolity, with a little bit of pain and torture thrown in for good measure, is now over. I have returned to real life, but the festivities were remarkably groovy while they lasted.

Diana and I left Vegas, bound for Provo, last Wednesday night. We traveled up to Cedar City where we spent the night with a dear friend of mine. Our husbands were in graduate school together in Riverside. We lived in the student housing there for five years. And despite the limited budget and cramped living conditions, those years were truly magical. We shared dinners, played games, cheered our husbands in championship basketball games, held each others' babies, shopped, and walked, and just generally hung out together all the time. There is something unique about the simplicity of life during the schooling years. And just like most things, I probably didn't fully appreciate what I had, until it was gone. And having wonderful friends to share it with made it all the more fantastic. After those years in school, we parted ways. They have spent 17 years on the east coast, but have come back to the west. So it was wonderful to be able to spend the night at her house and catch up. It is amazing how you just pick up where you left off with really good friends that you haven't seen for a long time. That was a excellent way to begin the weekend.

Then it was onto Spanish Fork, where we arrived just in time to see my niece perform in a first grade patriotic program. All the kids were adorable as only 1st graders can be.

That night we headed up to Salt Lake City to see the performance of Mary Poppins. I heard about the fact that it was playing just the week before and was thrilled when we could fit this into the schedule for the weekend. I have wanted to see it for at least three years since it first came out on Broadway.

Diana and I with Mary herself. Quite satisfactory!!

Next we have me with the official curtain in the background. It is hard to see it but it says "Mary Poppins" on it. Apparently you are not allowed to even take this picture, because we got yelled at by the usher. Photos are not allowed because of copy right issues. I got in trouble for taking a similar picture at Wicked, so that is just how I roll at these things, I suppose. I am not sure if you can see, but we are sitting on the 7th row. Our seats were amazing. I have never seen a show so close up before.

We loved every minute of the performance. There is just nothing like a professional production. It was truly sensational. Trust me it was practically perfect in every way. I would recommend it to anyone, except maybe small children. There is one number with life size toys that is on the scary side. Diana thought it might even give her nightmares. We loved it so much, I am going to start saving up for Beauty in the Beast, that comes in March. Mary Poppins was really the high light of the weekend, and I enjoyed it to the fullest, blissfully unaware that two days later I would witness a tragedy of mass proportions. How is that for foreshadowing?

Friday I got my hair done. And Friday evening I went to the BYU football fireside with my sister and brother-in-law. The fireside was great as it always is. Afterwards I took the chance to meet a few players that had not been assaulted by me before.

This is Corby Eason, the safety. I watched a special about him and how his mom did such a good job raising him by herself. I was glad to get to meet him.

I also ran into Jaimeson Frazier, who I met at the baseball game after women's conference. Shockingly enough he recognized me and said he remembered my funny stalking book and turkey bone story. He may have been saying that to make me feel good, but I suppose in some freakish way, I am memorable. Not many crazy old ladies running around with turkey bones and books of their stalking pictures.

Here I am with Brandon Olgetree. He is another defensive player and Coach Mendenhall says that he is a really nice guy, until he gets on the field and then his eyes kind of go in separate directions. He was very kind to pose for a picture.

And finally the group shot. Someone else had gotten this group together and taken a picture, so it was easy for me to say "hey don't move, I need a picture with all of you." Good, good times, people.

Finally Saturday arrived. There was a terrible downpour on Friday night, and I was worried that it might rain for the game. But the weather was wonderful, although I did bring my coat with me just because it was a night game. Here I am so happy and excited to be parked and at the field. I have no idea that I am about to be run over by a mac truck, so to speak.

And of course this picture was an absolute must. The girl before me to take her picture with this truck was actually blowing a kiss to this player, so I am capable of some restraint. Just so you know.

And here I am ready to party. Kettle corn, cotton candy, and spiced almonds, Oh My!!! So the evening was not a total loss.

My sister came with me to the game. This proved to be useful throughout the night when she would remind me that I still needed to keep breathing. After some plays, I really forgot about things like oxygen.

And even though she is an Aggie, she was kind enough to be supportive and wear one of my BYU shirts and wave her pom and cheer with me. She was a very good sport.

And she pointed out this lovely sunset, which was much better to look at than anything going on down on the field. And at other times she reminded me that yes there is more to life than football and at least no one had died, even though most of us at the stadium probably wished the earth would open up and swallow us whole.

Here is a shot of just how close to the field we were. Yes nothing like practically a front row seat to the massacre. It was like watching someone hit your child with their car, and then back over them again and again and again. Not to mention that the CEO of the bank who gave me the tickets is a Utah fan. So he with his four daughters were sitting in front of us, and the two Utah fans that won tickets were sitting next to us, and there were 3 other Utah fans right behind us. So although mildly entertaining, it was rather disturbing and perhaps even more painful watching them bask in the glory of their teams success. Kind of like pouring lemon juice in my paper cuts, only they felt more like lacerations than paper cuts.

It was quite eye opening to see all of the other BYU fans. I was with my people, if you know what I mean. Sort of like finally making it to the mother ship. One fan had a blue football helmet with angel Moroni glued to the top of it. There were people in completely blue body suits. My favorite sign that someone was holding said "Hey Jordan, my sister called, she wants her arm back."

Jimmer Fredette was at the game and spent most of it on the sideline just below where we were sitting. At one point I suggested to the BYU fan sitting next to us, that perhaps we should put Jimmer in the game. Surely he couldn't have done much worse than the guys on the field. He seemed to agree and called out "Put some pads on Jimmer." Here is a shot of him walking out at the end of the game. You can see the teams on the field in the background.

Overall I would give the ambiance, company, weather, and snacks an A+. The actual game, well not so good. However I do still love my team. I would go to see them again, despite the pain they gave my heart. My status on facebook that night said "Other than the shooting, Mrs Lincoln, how was the play?" That pretty much sums it all up. I only hope that they can learn something positive from all of this. I have the utmost confidence in Coach Mendenhall. I will be there on my couch Friday night cheering them on to what I seriously hope will be a victory. One of these days, things will click and they will march up and down the field. And when that day happens, you can bet that I will be there, turkey bone in hand.

I case you live in a cave and haven't heard

2011-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

In case you live in a soundproof cave and haven't heard me screaming for joy, here is picture proof that I did in fact win the facebook contest for BYU-Utah football tickets. It is also proof that sometimes good guys finish first. And that you should never give up, no matter how far behind you think you are in a race. You never know what the end result will be until you cross the finish line.

I posted about how excited I was about the contest, and honestly I had a hard time sleeping the first night of the contest, as I was in first place when I went to bed. I woke up the next morning only find that I had moved down to 3rd, then 4rth, and finally 5th place. I couldn't figure out how these people ahead of me were getting hundreds of votes. I told myself, "Oh well, it really doesn't matter." But deep down I was very sad to think that I was so close but still so far away from my dream. I still kept voting every day and made my husband and kids votes as well, just so I could stay in 5th place.

Finally it was the last day. The contest was suppose to end at noon. I checked about 1:00 and it said that the contest had been extended until midnight. Then when I looked the top place people had been removed from the contest. I wasn't sure why, but suddenly I was in second place. My spirits soared like a caged bird just set free. I had a chance. The next several hours were spent visiting the homes of several friends, so I could talk them through the somewhat complicated process of voting. Because there is nothing obnoxious about showing up on someone's doorstep, say "Hi, please go to your computer RIGHT NOW and vote for me!!!" I went to people who had multiple facebook users at their house. Also I called and texted family and had them vote as well. I spent pretty much the next 6 hours begging for votes. One of the best things I did was text my good friend The Crash Test Dummy. She posted a link on her facebook wall, and she has 900 friends for goodness sake. It is good to have friends with such connections. Many of her people were kind enough to vote for me as well. In the end I got 300 points that afternoon. Which at 5 points a vote, is a lot of votes.

It turns out that the top people were cheating by using fake accounts and voting services. So they were disqualified once their votes were verified. Because I got so many votes so fast, I was accused of cheating. The people disqualified even used their fake accounts to vote for me to try and disqualify me as well. The morning after the contest I got a call from the verification service to ask me how exactly did I get so many votes in one day. I explained to him about my driving from house to house. This seemed to satisfy him. An hour later I got the call from the bank that I had won the tickets. I am still in shock and disbelief. But there was much happy dancing involved that day.

Hip hip hooray for winning!!! Here is pictorial proof that I did win something, and in fact it is something I am thrilled to death to have won. I have actually never attended a BYU/Utah football game in person. The fact that I finally get to be there in the flesh, well I am excited beyond word. I am covered in bruises from pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Here is a up close look at just how up close I will be watching this game. Hee hee hee, I am giddy with anticipation! These seats are on the 35 yard line, so hopefully I will get to see some touchdowns.

And here is the pair of them. My husband has a scouting commitment so he can't go. I mean priorities, get some. But instead my sister will be attending with me. It is going to be the best day ever!!! And should be good for a few more photo opportunities/stalking situations.

Here I am in my RISE UP game day t-shirt. I wore this last Saturday to wish my Cougars good luck against Ole Miss. And despite the fact that I almost had a heart attach watching that game, my team did prevail in the end. So woohoo! for starting the season off with a win. Good luck in Texas tomorrow.

And one week from tomorrow, you and me baby!!!

Last chance to vote

2011-09-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

OK if you have a facebook click HERE and vote for me to win the football tickets.

With 3 hours to go in the contest, I am ahead by 268 pts.I am holding my breath, crossing my toes and fingers, and knocking on any wood I can find.

Once you click on the link, click on the first star on the right to give me 5 points.

My dream just may come true. Three more hours.

Are you ready for some Football?

2011-08-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was just going about my day today, when I happened to see an email from my bank. This email was announcing the fact that Deseret First Credit Union was holding a contest that would award the winner with two tickets to the BYU - Utah game in September. This is what the email asked "Are you the world's biggest fan of BYU or the University of Utah? Let everyone know on Deseret First's Facebook page! "

Well, hello, any contest looking for the biggest BYU fan is definitely one for me. And then for the prize to be BYU football tickets, well that was a no brainer. I mean it does seem like I may have a slight unfair advantage, given my stalking skills and relentless quest for all things BYU football.

I immediately scanned through my memory and photo folders to find the perfect picture. The only problem is which ONE to choose. Really, why wouldn't they allow me to submit my entire BYU football portfolio? I even have a published book, remember? Because seriously if it was about quantity, I think I could win that contest.

Asking me to pick my favorite BYU football picture, is like asking me to pick my favorite child. So not fair, and actually quite impossible. But if I wanted to enter, then one picture had to be picked. I choose this one, because who can compete with a magical Turkey bone found in my Thanksgiving turkey, predicting the successful win for BYU against Utah that year?

To make me feel a little bit better, I thought I would post some of the runner's up here, since I have no limit on pictures posted on my blog.

I could have chosen this adorable picture of me with the cheerleaders. I mean, just so you know, I am the second one from right. You wouldn't have found me otherwise, I am sure.

I could have chosen this one of me sporting the hat with the cougar coming out of it. And me training up Diana in the ways of loving BYU football.

This could have been a good one since it is with Ross Apo, who is destined to catch some great ones this season. Someday this will be a very famous picture and it would have been very current.

I don't think anyone could argue with the fanatical part of this fan picture. And check out the score on the screen in the background.

This was actually my runner up picture. I love this family Christmas card picture of forced fanaticism. I mean the look on my teenage boys faces is just priceless. My husband steered me away from this picture as I don't think he was comfortable with his picture being in a contest. But then maybe he shouldn't have signed the release form.

This was a possibility because there is no denying my excitement over my 2009 Las Vegas Bowl tickets.

Or this one taken at the actual bowl game might have been a good choice as well. This was the coldest games known to man, but I am so happy I went, as BYU will most likely never play in the Vegas bowl again.

This one could have been a good one also. I mean it is hard to compete with the face of BYU football for so many years. It is my facebook picture by the way. Most people probably think it is me with my grandfather. But No, that would be me harassing the youth conference speaker before he went up to speak.

This is a great one of me with some of my best blogging friends, April, Tonya, and Barb. So fun when blog world meets real world.

Here I am with Bryan Karia and April doing her best "Sound of Music, cuckoo clock dance" impression. Bryan should have an awesome season this year.

Here is another one proving my biggest fan status. Need I say more.

Here I am with McKay Jacobson and my stalking book after the Football fireside in Las Vegas October 2010. I didn't get to go to the game because I had to go to Seattle so Jared could get his patriarchal blessing, but I made it to the fireside anyway.

This is a nice one of Denis Pitta and I after the football fireside in Payson before the UCLA game in Provo September 2009.

This one really is one of my all time favorites, as it was my first stalking picture. Kind of like your oldest child. I have to admit that it makes me kind of giggle every time I see it. It was taken at the UNLV fireside in October 2007. I remember leaving the fireside and all these guys were hanging around waiting for the bus. So I just said "Hey everyone! Gather around the crazy old lady who loves BYU football" Most of these players have graduated, but just behind me to the left is a freshman James Lark, who is a back up quarterback.

After my picture with the players, I was thrilled beyond words to see Bronco and his wife speaking for a few minutes before Bronco got on the bus. I don't know if pictures like this happen as much any more because Bronco's popularity has grown so much. I love this picture.

Now I could have gone on for days talking about my pictures and who I have stalked and when and where. My pictures are rather exhaustive. But these were some of the best ones. I know there are other people whose passion for BYU football is equal to mine, but there is no denying that I am a true Cougar, through and through.

I have been through some difficult times in the past 4 years, and yet BYU football has always been there for me, and at times when nothing else could, has put a smile on my face without fail. BYU football I thank you for that. Here is to many more good times to come. And who knows some day, my dream of having a poster in the locker room that warns players to watch out for me, well it may just come true. Stranger things have happened.

Super Summer Shenanigans in Seattle

2011-08-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted since May. One of the biggest reasons is that I have been either traveling or working for the past three months. I have been to Mesa Arizona, Seattle, and two trips to Utah. Most likely everyone has given up on checking this blog, and I can hardly blame you. But for the two of you who are still around, here are some pictures of the fun Diana and I had in Seattle in June.

Just the two of us went this year as the boys in our family stayed in Vegas to work. We missed them. Also about half of my brothers and sisters couldn't make it up to Seattle this year. They were missed, although truth be told it is easier to feed 15 for dinner than 30.

Here is a big welcome from my nephew. He is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

We went to the Seattle Science Center, which is a tradition and always a good time.

Here we are at the Zoo. The kids loved seeing all the animals.

Snack time to replenish our energy levels.


Preparing Sunday dinner.

The kids had hours of entertainment on the swings.

Diana and Lizzie sharing the teeter totter.

Climbing trees

Five monkeys in the tree

A special fort in the clearing of trees.

Hunting shells at Saltwater Park.

Everyone ready to head to the Church Ranch

Yummy hamburgers and adorable Panda hat.

Look we used lots of soap, do you think we have managed to wash all the camping germs away?

Megan and Diana cooking S'Mores.

Look how perfect my marshmallow is toasted!

Saddle up for a trail ride.

Everyone is armed for the annual bear hunt with Grandpa.

No casualties on the bear hunt, but we did pick up a visitor from another family camping here. Kinda of funny how she made herself at home. She is the one in the middle wearing glasses.

Laura, Megan, and Diana watching the little kids have horse rides.

My sisters Kris and Jen and me after three days of camping. Can't wait to get home and shower.

We really did have such a great time. We just had time to get home to Vegas, wash our clothes and pack up for the next vacation to Utah. Sometimes all this fun and relaxation can be exhausting.

How I spent Women's Conference 2011 or a Stalking Extravaganza!

2011-05-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely picture welcoming you to Women's Conference with some scrumdillyumptious spiced almonds!

The opening session was great with a wonderful talk from Virginia Pearce. I loved the part when she talked about how much coordination and planning went into making this day possible for that many women to leave their families. She said D-day had nothing on this, and I am sure she is right. Her advice was to:

Keep it small.

Keep it simple.

Give it time.

After the morning session and the purchase of my almonds I made my way down to the Wilkensen Center. As I was browsing in the bookstore, who should I happen to run into, none other than Logan Magnusson, a member of the BYU Basketball team. I was talking on the phone to my sister, and I immediately hung up upon my prey's sighting.

I said, "Hey aren't you Logan Magnusson?" To which he unwittingly said "Yes" There was sort of a look of fear on his face. Of course it was necessary to get my picture with him. His wife was with him and took the picture, and she was totally cracking up at me and my giddiness. I love how small he makes me look next to him. To say I was thrilled was an understatement. And I think you can see by the look on my face, that I am ecstatic. My first picture with a basketball player. Sigh.

Well that was all the stalking excitement on Thursday.

But not to worry because Friday was another day chuck full of opportunities for stalkers like me. After listening to a wonderful talk by Sister Beck, I admit that I raced down and was the third person in line to meet Hillary Weeks. I bought her newest book Bedtime and Naptime and got an autograph. But I love this picture I got to take with her. Other than the fact that her little tiny person makes me look kind of gargantuan. She was so kind and gracious and you could tell that she would love to really just hang out with all of us. It was very fun to meet her and I love her music.

While at the bookstore I found a great tie tack for Trent that says Jacksonville Mission on it. As well as Sweet Sixteen t-shirts that were 40% off. I had really considered buying one online a month ago, so it was a great find. And then there was this must have hat: Quite stunning, don't you think?

While you are in the bookstore, it is pretty much mandatory to go next door to the Cougar Eat and well eat something. I am still on weight watchers, but I kind of took a vacation for a few days, which meant I was free to consume this monstrosity of a mint brownie:

I don't even want to know how many points are in this baby, but it really can never be a good thing to eat a brownie the size of of ones head, now can it? I can report that each and every bite was a taste of what heaven much be like. Oh my goodness -- Delicious and worth every point. And here is a picture of my well rounded lunch: water (0 points), fruit cup (0 points), broccoli salad (3 points), BYU mint brownie (priceless, I don't even want to know how many points, but lets just say that I gained 2 pounds this week and most of it is probably due to the consumption of this confection.)

On Thursday night we went to the concert and listened to some fun people sing, play the violin and piano. This young man in named Josh Wright and he can play the piano like nobody's business. He is crazy good. After my picture with Hillary, it seemed good to get one with him as well. You should check him out on Youtube.

Elder Bednar spoke at the closing session and gave a wonderful talk about how important the small and simple things in our life are because it turns out that they are most often the most effective things we do. He used the example of a drip irrigation system getting the water to exactly where it needs to be and how that is better than wide sprinkler systems. He said that 3 days of fasting is not as good as fasting one day, once a month for 3 months. A 5 hour prayer is not as good as having daily morning and nightly prayers. It was a very good talk and you should check it out on BYU TV when they rebroadcast Women's Conference at the end of May.

After Elder Bednar's talk, was the cherry on top of the sundae. I read on facebook that the BYU football team would be at the BYU baseball game on Friday night. When I first read about it, I thought to myself, dang why can't I live in Provo and go to such events. Then it occurred to me that I would actually be there and could go. Woot Woot for meeting BYU football players.

I hurried myself from the Marriot Center to the baseball field just next door. It was ridiculously cold, and in fact started snowing before I made it to the car. I had to buy a ticket to the game, $5 a small price to pay to get close to my victims. I was there before the players even made, so I was first in line, and frankly because of the weather I was the only one in line. So let's just say I had captive one on one time with 5 football players. I showed them my BYU stalking book and they all signed it. And then the obligatory picture taking. I have to say I am a bit disappointed in the glare on my glasses, but all in all, I was very glad that it worked out the way it did. You will notice I made sure to wear blue and my BYU necklace. These guys were freezing and I felt a bit sorry for them that they had to stay for the whole hour before the game.

Me and Ross Apo, wide receiver. The team has high hopes for him and his hands this year.

Me and Jameson Frazier, linebacker.

Me and Jordan Pendelton, another linebacker.

Me and Travis Uale, Defensive Back.

Me and McKay Jacobson, wide receiver.

So that was pretty much my fun filled couple of days stalking unsuspecting people who had no idea they should be afraid of me. Good times, huh?

Hoppy Easter!!!

2011-04-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Insider Tips for BYU Women's Conference

2011-04-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

I posted this last year, but with Women's Conference just over a week away, I thought some of you might need to read it again.

It is one of my favorite times of the year-Women's Conference at BYU. I have attended faithfully for the past five years. Over the years I have gained a wealth of information on how to make those two days really count. And I will now share this treasure trove with all of you. This is a must read for anyone attending for the first time.

DON'T be late to the Thursday morning opening meeting. Every year Mary Ellen Edmunds and Sandra Rodgers put together the most hee-hee-larious videos on the etiquette rules of the conference. It is definitely MUST SEE TV. And as far as I know, you have to be there to see it. It doesn't seem to be rebroadcast anywhere.

DO take the time to get some spiced roasted almonds. They are to die for and taste as good as they smell. Don't pass by thinking you'll get some next time, for they may be gone. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

DO go and listen to classes at the conference center. It is just behind the Marriot Center to the east. They have service station rooms set up where you can work while you listen. It is very fun to edge a baby quilt or color ABC kits. Plus it is not that far to walk.

DO bring lots of spending money. As much as Women's Conference is about soaking up the spirit and eating lots of yummy food, it is about the shopping. Be prepared to shop til you drop with all of the "deals" every where you turn. Check out the tent just outside of the Marriot Center if you don't want to go all the way to the bookstore. From books, music, artwork, to tote bags, good deals are everywhere.

DO plan on standing in lots of lines. You could use this time to read one of the books you just bought, or better yet make a new friend with the person standing next to you. It will help the time pass and nothing says bonding like waiting to empty your bladder with 30 other women.

DON'T forget your camera. This is a prime time for stalking and you want photographic evidence. I like to think of it as Disneyland and the General Authorities as the princesses. Someday I hope to have pictures of all of them.

Don't be afraid to go up and get your picture with any of the teachers. Over the years, I have had my picture taken with Julie Beck, Elaine Dalton, John Bytheway, and Susan Tanner. Besides that I have snapped pictures of Boyd K Packer, Jeffery R Holland, Thomas S Monson, and all of the general auxiliary presidencies.

Try it, it is super dee duper fun. *Portal Q is the best place to sit for stalking opportunities. This is right next to the opening where the leaders enter and leave. It is prime real estate for photo ops.

DO wear your most comfortable shoes. This is not time for making a fashion statement. You will be walking and standing a lot. Don't be foolish, choose comfort over style.

DON'T plan on getting any rest. If you are exhausted and are hoping this vacation will restore your sleep debt the size of the deficit, well you will be sorely disappointed. You can sleep anytime, this is the time for visiting with friends and family and soaking in the whole experience. Thursday activities will go from 9 am to 11 pm. And then Friday will start back up before you know it. Try to come as rested as you can.

DO be prepared for a spiritual feast the likes you don't get every day. Wear your spiritual eating pants, if you know what I mean. Any physical exhaustion you will experience will be somewhat compensated by the spiritual rejuvenation you will feel.

DO eat as many mint brownies as possible. They are manna from Heaven and remember calories don't count at Women's Conference. It is part of the magic. Not to mention the spiced Almonds. Equally delightful.

So there you have it, my insider tips. Now go and enjoy the benefits of my experiences.

Your welcome.

A Tale of Two Lewis's

2011-04-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

We all know how much I love to stalk people. Usually of the General Authority or BYU football flavor. As stated in my last post, my recent trip to a BYU basketball game left me empty handed in the photo op department. But this weekend was something of a cornucopia of opportunities, if you will.

It has been so long since I have had a successful stalking situation, but stalking skills must be like riding a bike, because it all came right back to me, so not to worry. I know you were all worried, right?

The young men and young women in our stake had a youth conference this weekend and the key note speaker was none other than Chad Lewis. You know the BYU footbal star from 1993-1996, who later played in the NFL, culminating in an appearance in the Super Bowl in 2005 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, that Chad Lewis.

There was an hour long break between dinner and the fireside and it was amazing to be able to rub shoulders with Chad and his wife Michelle. Of course I wormed my way right into the circle of people standing around visiting. Here is the picture I got with them. In one of the more disappointing moments of my life, the batteries in my camera died. Woe is me. So we have to be content with this picture taken on my phone. Thank goodness I have a 4 megipixel camera on my phone, because this picture is not half bad as far as cell phone pictures go. Can you get a sense of just how tall these people are? Can you say giants?

These two went on the give one of the most amazing firesides I have ever attended. They both talked about how important it is to never give up and how no matter what struggles we face, they can be over come with the help of the gospel in our lives. They gave an amazing testimony and there was a powerful spirit present.

Of course I showed Chad the published proof of my crazy love for all things BYU football. He admitted that there could be no denying my BYU Super Fan status. How cool is that? Chad Lewis said I was a Super Fan. I may never wash my ears again. It was a wonderful evening to say the least.

And then today I went and heard Jeff Lewis speak at an event at the World Market Center, where I work. If you have never heard of him, he has a reality TV show on BRAVO called Flipping Out. It is about his business in California where he buys and flips houses. In the recent bad economy he has turned more to designing homes. He gave a talk about his background and about his show. It was very interesting especially in stark comparison to the fireside the night before. He talked about how the most important thing in his life is making money. He too had faced some obstacles but unlike Chad, he did not have the peace that the gospel brings. When the economy went bad, he lost a lot of money, and he was not prepared for that to happen. And thus he faced a lot of stress. On the other hand when Chad had disappointments he was OK because no matter what unexpected events happened to him, nothing could touch his testimony. I don't remember the last time I have seen such stark contrasting examples of the the World's way the Lord's way. Not hard to see which way brings the most peace and happiness.

First Jeff was interviewed, and then his assistant Jenny came up on stage and answered some questions. And then after the presentation they let anyone who was interested stand in line and get a picture. I admit to being a bit star struck. It is the first time I have ever met in real life some one I have watched on TV. It was a bit crazy and surreal. So here I am with Jeff and Jenny. What the what. And this time I made sure I had batteries. Sheesh.

I have to say that they were very nice and accommodating. And then after the pictures, Global Views, the company I used to work directly for and still work indirectly with, had a little luncheon. During that luncheon, Jeff and Jenny came in and actually just hung out for a while. Of course the whole time they were filming for their upcoming season. The producers had everyone sign releases so that they could be on the show. The season will air sometime this summer and it will be crazy to watch and know that I was there when it was filmed. At one point during the meet and greet, I stood in a circle with Jenny and a few other people and we just chilled and chatted away. It was beyond insane. And she was so funny and told us about other Bravolebrities. It blew my mind to talk with other people who share my same ridiculous obsession with reality TV shows on Bravo.

And thus another chapter in my "Stalking for Dummies" book comes to a close.

I think my title as "Stalking Champion Extraordinaire" is safe for a while longer.

Which is good because I have become attached to the crown and sash that go with the title.

And doesn't it seem too random that both of my stalking victims this weekend would have the last name Lewis?

What does that mean?

And in a week and a half, Women's Conference. Bwahahaha!

I think this was a good warm up staking exercise.

That was my super stalking weekend. How was yours?

Me and Jimmer

2011-04-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

When the BYU Basketball team came to Vegas for the Mountain West Conference Championship, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go and see them play in person.

It was very fun walking into the Thomas and Mack amidst all my fellow Cougar fans. All of us wearing our BYU Blue. I felt very at home, if you will.

I had purchased a cheap seat up in the rafters. But there were a lot of empty seats down near the front, so I figured what was the point of sitting in the nosebleed section. I got there in time to watch them warming up. Look Jimmer is in my picture.

Ok every one stretch it out and get ready to play.

Even Jimmer needs to stretch.

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed that I didn't get close enough to touch any of the players. I did see Tom Holmoe but I resisted asking to get my picture taken with him. Also seen but not molested, BYU President Samuelson. I had great seats for the first half that were about 3 rows from the front.

People did keep showing up and needing their seats, so I spent the second half up near the top of the bottom section. Sadly it was not that great of a game, and the team struggled but did eventually win. I wish that I had bought a ticket to the Friday night game where Jimmer went crazy and scored 50 points. It would have been fun to be there for that. But it was also fun to watch it at home on TV.

So now I can say that I saw Jimmer play in person.

And Friday night Chad Lewis (former BYU football player) is

coming to speak out our youth conference. And they needed volunteers

to be chaperones. Don't worry I only knocked over 3 people on my

way up to the sign up sheet.

So look forward to more stalking pictures.

Imaginary Burden

2011-04-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Usually when I post, it is something that has been on my mind and I want to share. This post is very unexpected and I did not wake up this morning intending to pour my heart out to the blogosphere.

But when I read my name mentioned in this post , it kind of opened the floodgates and this post came pouring out. If you don't know about the story of Camille, the foster daughter I loved and lost, you can read about it here.

To experience any loss is a horrible thing. But the thing about the loss of a foster child is that it seems like maybe the whole thing really didn't happen. There are no funerals. The child was never yours in any legal way, so if it wasn't legal then what is the big deal? The whole world goes on and life happens. The problem is that no one ever tells your heart that it wasn't real. To most women, the very minute a child is given to them to care for and watch over, well that bond happens instantly. And it is nothing legal or even logical, it is emotional. In fact apparently, it a divine gift we are given so we can carry out the mission our Father in Heaven intended for us. And that is why this loss is hard to explain and acknowledge, and grieve over, I suppose.

And in my case the fact that I moved the day after my loss doesn't help either, because most people in my new life don't know why this horrible event is so horrible. To them Camille is, well imaginary, because they never knew and loved her the way I did. It is hard feeling like I am the only one who is sad about this event. Even my husband does not share my pain because he was gone working for most of the time that we had Camille, and perhaps it is just that men grieve differently then women. It is not right or wrong, it is just a fact.

And so I do not suppose that I will ever get over the trauma of having a child I cared for, ripped from my life in an instant. Most of the time I think I do a pretty good job of pretending that I am OK. But just every now and then this grief sneaks up on me and over takes me like a Tsunami of pain that I am never quite prepared for. I have learned how to go on living, but I imagine that just like someone who looses an arm or leg, things are not the same and never will be.

It is strange. To say the least. At times I am pretty sure that I am crazy.

As Elder Johnson said in conference, "It should come as no surprise that the trials [we have] can be very personal, almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses and no one is exempt, especially not those striving to do what it right."

Elder Orson F Whitney's counsel was referenced twice in General Conference "No pain that we suffer, no trial we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in Heaven."

And so it is not to say that I am not aware that my Father in Heaven loves me. I do realize this and have a testimony of the Gospel.

Most of the times knowing these things, I suppose does help, but sometimes I wonder if this pain will be the end of me. In fact it already has been the end of the happy, carefree me who believed that the world was my pearl and dreams were for the taking. So I not only lost a child, I lost myself. And I am still trying to find the person I used to be. Maybe that is just life and growing up, but I still find at times that I wonder where I have gone and who is the shell of a person I find myself watching my life from.

Like I said, it is strange. And most of the time I try not to think to hard about all of it.

But today the wall I have built around the pain to keep it back, came crashing down. And maybe that is a good thing every now and then.

So to my good friend Debbie, I say a big thank you for just understanding, acknowledging, and helping me carry my pain.

Top Chef Shout Out

2011-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

If you don't watch Top Chef this post may bore you. Sorry, but you have been warned and there will be no hurt feelings if you choose not to read on.

I am a total reality TV junkie. It is bad, people. B.A.D. Need for an intervention bad. But I am not really ready for the cure so I will just continue on with the sickness. And one of my most favorite shows has got to be Top Chef. I love that show. I don't know what I would do without my BRAVO TV. It is must see for me, for sure.

And this season of Top Chef was the BEST. I don't even know how I will ever watch anything again, because nothing will ever be that good. It was chuck full of drama, emotion, the agony of defeat, and finally with the finale last week, a triumph of spirit and well a win for someone I have been rooting for all along.

I loved every last episode this season, whether there was a Jonas Brother and they were doing the Night at the Museum, or Elmo and Cookie Monster screaming for better cookies. They really outdid themselves. I loved it when Carla got to make Chicken Pot Pie for Jimmy Fallon. I cried when the families were brought in on the Ellis Island episode and they celebrated and learned about their heritages. I was on the edge of my seat when they cooked head to head at the tennis open. And I loved watching them compete on the fishing trip challenge. I felt the urge to hide in the bathroom and spend the night at Target when I watched them running up and down the aisles filling up their carts with cooking equipment. Who knew you could make a great grilled cheese sandwich with an iron? I was shocked when the kitchen caught fire at the cook for royalty challenge.

Over all I give the season a big two thumbs up, and ten toes also. Can't wait to watch the reunion show tonight. Thanks guys for the past few months of entertainment on Wednesday nights. I laughed, I cried, it moved me Bob. What can I say.

How about you what is your favorite show?

Sometimes Less is More, but other times Less is Less

2011-03-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it would be a good idea to post something for the month of March. Not necessarily, necessary, but a nice thing. So here is the deal. It has come to my attention through pictures I keep seeing and even if I allow myself to look closely in the mirror, that, well, I am not exactly the person I used to be. There is more of me. Quite a bit. Probably at least 20 pounds more than there used to be way back when. I am not sure of exactly when this all happened. It just seemed to sneak up on me. And here is the thing, in my own head I don't look any different. So you can imagine my surprise, shock, and even dismay whenever forced to face the reality that IS. And here is the other deal, I have never in my life managed to control how much I weighed. It has just been a fact. There have been some times when I weighed very much less than I do now. Sixty pounds to be exact. And that was when I was deeply depressed after we lost Camille and moved to Vegas. I would say I was bordering on being anorexic. And regardless of how skinny I was, it was not healthy. And even then I really could not force myself to eat. I can remember walking through the grocery wondering what on earth to put in the cart because nothing, and I mean nothing looked or sounded good. I can remember how hard it was just to get through each day when you don't have enough energy. And so as much as I would like to loose weight, I do not wish to return to that kind of weight loss.

I am sure that there are all kind of understandable explanations as to why I did finally manage to put on weight, like dealing with a sick child by eating your way through lots of peanut M&Ms. But understandable or not, I am not impressed with my current state of over weightness. (which of course blogger does not think is a word, but I beg to differ)

I like to think of myself as a fairly healthy eater, aside from the peanut M&M binging. I don't really like soda or really any juice for that matter. Strictly water for me. So I know I save a lot of calories there. And really there is nothing I like more than a big juicy salad. Which I thought was a healthy choice.

So eventually I hit rock bottom, or the top of the scales to be more exact and weighed in at the highest weight of my life, just before Thanksgiving. I decided that things needed to change. And so through the holidays I tried to be good and cut back. Shockingly I did manage to loose a pound here or there, although a few of them found me again. After the crazy month of January was over, I tried to be more diligent. And eventually came to the conclusion that drastic times called for drastic measures.

And that my friends, is when I did something I never thought I would do, I joined Weight Watchers. I have had several friends join and have quite amazing results. I figured "Hey what do I have to loose." Oh yea, 30 pounds. And a bit of my spending money. So three weeks ago I went with a friend to my first meeting.

I have to admit to coming home from the first meeting feeling kind of unsure of what exactly I was suppose to be doing. And to make matters worse they are out of the coolio calculators that help you figure out how many points things are when you are at the grocery store. I did my best that first week with what we had in the house because I had already done my grocery shopping for the week. At times I felt like I would explode with the desire to just run to the kitchen and eat everything in sight. I realized that I do a lot of eating for the sake of eating or because I am bored and not because I am hungry. Every day I felt as though I was just going to quit and say "Oh well maybe next time."

A week later I returned to the meeting and quavering just a bit, stepped back on the scale. I was shocked and amazed to find that I had lost 3.2 pounds in just one week. Giddy with that small success, I went to the store and stocked up on lots of fresh veggies and fruits. That week was hard also because I went out to lunch 3 different times that week for work. But armed with what I was learning, I made different choices about what I was eating. I was following the "If you bite it, you write it" rule. And keeping track seemed to make a big difference. I did attend a wonderful baby shower full of the most decadent spread I have seen in a long time. After wards, I was sure I had messed up big time. But in retrospect, I can see how I only had seconds of the fruit salad that was all free points, and I only had 3 small cookies and no cake.

On weigh in number 2, I had lost another 3.2 pounds. Holy smokes! I couldn't believe it. How had I managed to eat out 3 times and attend a baby shower and still loose? I was very excited and impressed with this program of counting points.

Week three presented other challenges including attending a banquet with a set menu. I was able to get the mashed potatoes changed for extra steamed vegetables and said no to the cheesecake they served for dessert and instead got a lovely bowl of fresh fruit. It is amazing how yummy and sweet fruit is when you aren't really eating much sugar. I did give in and eat 2 of the most delicious rolls with lots of butter. I think it was definitely worth it and trust me I would rather have a roll than cheesecake any day.

Still I was worried on Monday when it was time to step on the scale. But not to worry, another 2.2 pounds have left the premises. That means that I have lost 8.6 pounds in just three weeks. My clothes are already fitting better and I can feel an actual difference. It is amazing. And really I love fruits and vegetables so much that it doesn't really seem that hard.

One thing I have figured out is that many things that I thought were healthy, are not. Duh, how do you think I gained the extra weight? It wasn't from eating dozens of doughnuts, I can assure you. Here is the thing. On Weight Watchers, I can eat about 30 points a day. Some of my favorite things are that many points in just one meal. For example I love to get the Garden Crepes when we go out as girls for breakfast at IHOPabout once a month. I am not eating it everyday, but it is an example of eating something I thought was healthy-mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, etc- that would total 28 points just for that one dish. Yikes. So in the future I would know to only eat half of it in one sitting, or even ask for it without the Hollandaise sauce. And all the salads that I love at Applebees or even Wendy's, yes those are chuck full of points as well.

That is what I knew I needed to learn, just what the things I was eating were doing to my body. Because obviously I wasn't choosing the right things.

We will see just how long I can keep this up. Who knows, tomorrow I may quit. But for now I am excited to think that something is working in the weight loss department. That hasn't happened, ever in my life. Oh and I still have energy, so that is a bonus as well.

Nothing to say

2011-02-05T12:55:00.000-08:00

I am tired of looking at my Christmas post, so I suppose that it must be time to put something new up. Problem is, I really don't have anything to say.

I spent the month of January working pretty much non stop, including one week where I worked 86 hours. This is excessive to say the less. But the overtime was nice on the pay check. And that was working 7 days that week, so that is not as bad as squeezing it all into 5 days. Although there does come a point where you wonder if productivity doesn't take a nose dive. Just sayin. All the craziness is over for six more months, and really the summer part of this part time job, is not as intense as the January part. So here is to what doesn't kill you to making you stronger. Although I don't really feel any stronger. I feel kind of empty and exhausted. Every time I sit down, I fall asleep. But perhaps I will regain some of my energy and enthusiasm for blogging.

It is kind of strange to try and return to normal life of driving kids around, making dinner, and cleaning. One can get kind of used to just running to the nearest fast food when you are in survival mode. So I am trying to remember just what did I used to make for dinner. It is a mystery to me.

I keep saying think of the money and time we could save if we just gave up this obsession with eating every single day. But no one every listens to me. And if we gave up eating, I wouldn't need to spend any time concerned with food storage or case lot sales. I think we should all embrace a grass roots program to embrace fasting 7 days a week. Who's with me?

A post of a bunch of picturs of Christmas decorations. And a few of people.

2010-12-29T22:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to get one more post in before the New Year. Boy my posting has really dropped off the charts this year. I think it is due to working so much more. It is OK I can live with it. Perhaps I will post more next year. Who knows? I decorated my house mid November because I was so excited about all the new decorations I have acquired from work. I think one of the best things was a new 9 foot tree. This one I got from a company who works across from RAZ. They just needed it out of the building, and it was free for the taking. It is really one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen, and one I could only dream of owning.

Here is a closer up shot. Most of the ornaments on it came from RAZ. Diana says it is very sad that we don't have all the old ornaments we are used to seeing, but I loved having it all be so cohesive.

Here are a few of my nativities. I loved the taller one of just Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus.

I got this nativity from a company next to Raz who were selling their samples. I love it, and I saw the very same one for sale at Deseret Book for quite a bit more than I paid.

I loved this tall upright nativity, and it fit just right on my little table with my missionary picture.

My niece Brooke came to visit us for Christmas vacation. She had so much fun with Jared and Diana. Here are Brooke and Diana in their new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

Jared is a giant compared to these two girls.

Diana hoping for Santa to come.

The girls strike a pose.

Brooke looking good on Christmas Eve.

Jared's soccer shirt looks pretty appropriate for the season.

Here is my Santa corner. Last year there were just two Santas here, but they have multiplied.

How funny is this moose? I love him. Another favorite addition to the decor this year.

This is the tree for the family room. It has more of the traditional decorations, but still we didn't get everything on the tree.

This Santa was the perfect tree topper.

Here is the collection for the top of the TV.

And here are the snowmen, with one Santa thrown in for good measure.

Diana wore these antlers to school for crazy hat day, and then they seemed to fit just right on this Santa.

I loved how all these red things looked so nice on my white shelf.

This moose is swooning from all of the festivities.

Someone was a bit excited about her Itunes cards.

And finally, even though she is practically the last one to get a Wii, she finally got her heart's desires.

And, YES Just Dance. This game has to be the most fun and has been played almost non stop.

Brooke got some perfume. Jared isn't that impressed.

And here is a shot of my Mother-in-law who is serving in Nauvoo. She is the blond angel on the front row with short hair. I found this picture on Meridian Magazine. Kind of cool.

And finally a shot of my missionary at the mission Christmas devotional. He is hamming it up for the camera. Nice, huh. We had a very nice visit with him on the phone on Christmas day.

I have to say that I am very impressed with how blogger had made it so much easier to put pictures on a blog post. Who knew? Not me as I haven't posted in forever. I hope all of you made it through the season. I am going to be working non stop for the month of January, but perhaps in February I will be back. Maybe. I am not making an promises. OK. So don't hold your breath.

Missionary Update

2010-12-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

My son is doing really well in Florida. He just got transferred from Live Oak to St Augustine last week and was made a senior companion. He had his first baptism the first week of December, two days before he was transferred, and imagine my surprise when the sister he baptized called me on the phone. The connection was a bit fuzzy, but I could understand that she was so grateful to be baptized. She thanked me for sending my son on a mission so he could change her life. It was so good to hear from someone who has seen him and to hear her say that he is doing well. And really at times like those, it doesn't even feel like a sacrifice. Just think in twelve days I will get to talk with him. That will be the best Christmas present ever.

I belong to an email group of missionary moms of sons and daughters serving in Florida. One of those mom's posted this poem, and it is too good not to share. Pretty much sums up how it feels to send a son on a mission.

WARNING : This poem could cause extreme eyeball sweating.

A Missionary Christmas (author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because... This year I'm giving Christ
my son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because, This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion , their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him, I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their shine.
He's always hungered for the part of him, that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year, I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, This year... I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, The toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me, His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make. This year...I'm giving Christ my son.

Sorry this is not Wonka-vision with a box of Kleenex you could pull out of the screen.

Holiday Humor

2010-12-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a little Las Vegas humor to get your holiday started:

Las Vegas Churches accept gambling chips

THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN

LAS VEGAS , BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS.

NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED.

SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS..

THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN.

THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS.

Have you done any good in the world today?

2010-10-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Here is the deal, one of my bff's from blogland is trying to get job by winning a contest. She needs everyone's help, so click on this link and vote for her every day until November 10th.

She will also be having fabulous give aways on her blog so go and check it out if you are into winning free stuff. Just click here. Trust me, her blog will make you smile and sometimes outright spit your drink all over the computer screen. So be sure to swallow before reading. Oh and you might want to visit the bathroom as well. Just saying.

So here is the chance to do a good deed with only the click of the mouse. How often can you make someone's dream come true so easily? Look to it peeps.

Missionary Update

2010-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post just a little update about Elder Hammond.

Here he is the day he got to the mission field with President and Sister Barry.

Do you think he would hate to know that

I think he looks so cute in his badge?

Here is the thing, he is doing amazingly well and loving every minute so far.

I am so grateful that he is where he is,

but it is strange to be so starved for information

about what his new life is like.

You get this kid as a baby and you are there for every single minute.

And then you watch them grow up and you get to go to

every game or concert they are a part of.

You have a front row seat for everything,

and now when he is doing the most important thing he has done so far

you get a few paragraphs every week.

It seems completely inadequate.

And so I stalk the mission blog and

take great joy in seeing the corner of his head in one

of the pictures of the missionaries eating lunch at

a zone conference.

I belong to an email group of other missionary moms to kids

serving in Jacksonville Florida, and every now and then

another mom knows something about the area

he is serving in.

I google earth his address and learn about the city he is in and

any other useless information.

Let me share a part of one of his letters:

"We were challenged by Elder Pearson's wife to read Joseph Smith's history every Sunday and I can say that I've grown to love Joseph Smith. How he was just a normal kid and had many struggles including just bursting out with laughter and being irreverent at church even after his vision. He was a normal guy and I aspire to become like him. I'd love to meet him one day and give him a big hug. He's an awesome man and I appreciate him so much. I gave my first 2 priesthood blessings in 2 days. My first one was wild. I didn't feel any promptings to say anything specific, but as soon as I started I felt the spirit fill my whole body instantly stronger than I've ever felt it. My hands trembled a little as I finished the blessing. It was the wildest thing I've ever experienced with the spirit. He truly encompassed my body and his hands were in mine as I placed them on this lady's head."

Of course when I read something like that, I feel silly for even feeling

like I am missing out on "watching" him serve his mission.

I know if I was there he could not have the same growth

and experiences.

And so it has been a couple of crazy months,

getting him ready to go,

adjusting to him being gone,

and settling into the routine of just one

letter a week.

It is good and truly I wouldn't want him to be

anywhere else than serving the Lord.

The Tallest of Tall with the Smallest of Small

2010-10-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to start embracing wordless Wednesday. It seems all I can muster right now.

This is Jared with my neice last summer in Seattle.

The Witch Is In

2010-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

How do I feel overwhelmed, let me count the ways.

2010-08-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

I am not quite sure, but I think I am suffering from post summer stress syndrome or PSSS, if you will. I think back to May and I was so looking forward to having a break from the routine of school. Of course we did start summer school just 8 days after school ended. But still getting just one kid to school at 7:30 each day shouldn't be that hard should it?

At the same time I helped prepare a child to leave on a mission. Again on paper this doesn't seem that hard, costly, yes, hard no. Just go to the store and fill a cart and empty your check book. But as my sister pointed out, anticipating your child's every need for two years and then cramming it in a suit case, well that could be cause for exhaustion. Never mind all the introspection about how you should have taught him to sew on buttons or cook more or manage money better, never mind have done a better job of forcing him at gunpoint to seminary.   Well the tsunami of could'a, would'a, should'a thoughts tend to leave a person feeling less than perky.

Eventually we found ourselves at the appointed time. I have wanted to write some romantic emotional retelling of the events, but lack the wherewith all at this point to make it happen. Let's just say I forgot his immunization card that they stress was the most important thing to bring to the MTC. This caused me no end of guilt and concern. Fortunately my husband can use a scanner and emailed them to me. Of course the printer didn't work at my sister's house in Utah, so I had to run over to my brother's house, but that was OK because I also needed to hem the baptism pants we bought and I then forgot to even think about again. So not much stress in printing out necessary paperwork and hemming pants all the morning before the drop off. When it was all said and done, he was nervous and tired of waiting around and so we went a half an hour early. And no I didn't cry. I feel like I must be a bad mom for that too. Are we sensing a pattern here?   Truth is I was just so relieved that we finally made it and that he still wanted to serve and that he was where the Lord wanted him to be.

It wasn't until we got home and I saw some of his favorite foods lying around that only he likes to eat. Things like that kind of made me stop and think about how strange it is. And I realized that he is going to miss seeing Jared graduate from high school. Why did I never realize that before. So perhaps I was able to delay my grief about him leaving and I was really sadder about it than I thought.

Of course I went right from Utah to Seattle for a week and a half of fun family time. It was so nice to hang out and have fun with everyone. It was a bit of a chore to help in the feeding of the masses, but everyone pitched in. And of course fun is just so dang exhausting. Can someone explain that to me?

I came home and immediately worked like a banshee, whatever that means for one of my jobs. Long, long hours, but at least my kids stayed in Seattle and I didn't have to figure out what is for dinner when I got home. And then I have spent a lot of time at my second job for the past two weeks.

I am also suppose to be spending every spare moment sitting in the car with Jared so he can finish up his driving hours and get his license. Go figure that other things seem to crop up and take priority over ridding around for hours in the 100 temperatures.   We did spend about an hour driving around last Tuesday night, but someone in our neighborhood called the cops reporting that a small white car was casing their house. I guess we need to increase our driving range to more than just driving around the block for an hour. The cops were very understanding.

Things like 6th grade orientation. Good news there, Diana got a top locker and PE sixth period. Very happy for her. We were not successful in getting her locker to actually open and plan to spend a few hours this week so she will be ready for the first day. She also decided that middle school means no more glasses and so we are entering the time consuming world of contacts. Last Sunday we were 15 minutes late to church because she couldn't get the goll darn things to stay in. This week went better, and we went back to the eye doctor for follow up visits several times. Oh and did I mention the doctor visit because her ear hurt, but the found a darkened piece of ear wax the size of pea in her ear. Once they washed that out, it felt better. Who knew of such things? I have never heard of anything like that.

Someone called to give me a quote for car insurance and I think it is lower so I need to finish analyzing all of that and make some decisions. And I am suppose to be changing life insurance companies which needs some more finalizing and paperwork done. I have got to mail Elder Hammond his new driver's licence which should be in a care package which means I should make cookies. I need to find Jared's proof of driver's ed certificate which I am pretty sure will entail a painful trip to a line at the high school.   I am a complete failure at blogging. It saddens me when I really think about it. Next Sunday I am expected to give a wonderful lesson on Job. So that should be no problem, right. And does anyone else want to just smack me upside the head and tell me to chill out?

Seriously some deep cleansing breaths seem in order. I am sure once I have poured this all out and into the universe, things will feel better. But some of this could be why it feels like the walls are closing in.

Apparently I am not doing this whole working/balancing everything thing very well. at. all.

I think a wiser me would tell me that I have been neglecting the important things like going to the temple and reading my scriptures. But the current cranky me would like to kick the wiser me in the kiester.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Families may be forever, but family pictures are few and far between.

2010-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well proving that sometimes dreams can come true,

or at the very least that fate can miss when it tries to kick you in the pants,

we actually made it to get a family picture taken before

Trent left for two years.

I know, don't pass out from the shock, I know I almost did.

True it was 6:30 the night before he left and JC Penny's closed at 7,

but still

the picture was taken and actually it did not turn out half bad.

Here is a rather fuzzy picture of what we looked like the last time

we managed to force everyone at gun point to sit

in front of a camera. It has been way

too long since Trent wasn't even shaving

the last time we had a formal picture taken.

Diana took a shot with this adorable hat.

And another with a chair and teddy bear.

The three offspring even managed to sit next to each other long

enough for this moment to be captured for posterity.

And no Trent does not moonlight as a bouncer

or hit man for the mob. So you will have to look

else where if you need that kind of thing.

Here is the soon to be next driver in the house.

And here is the future missionary, 36 hours from the MTC.

Here is the happy couple 26 years into this marriage thing.

We needed one of all the boys.

And one with just the girls.

All in all, it was one of the more painless family picture taking episodes

I have been privy too.

Now we don't have to worry about that for 7 more years. Whew

Its a good thing.

2010-07-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Trent has been deposited at the MTC and seems to be doing well. Sometime

I will write a whole post about that, but I don't have time now.

I am off in Seattle vacationing with the whole famdamily.

Its is tons of fun and there is no time for blogging.

So here are some pictures of one of my neices who never ceases to make me smile.

Could this ice cream cone possibly be any bigger?

How lucky is she?

Seriously have you seen anything as huggable as this little girl?

Three White Suits

2010-06-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

Nineteen years ago, we took this cherubic, cherished

young man to the Logan Temple.

Together we knelt at the alter,

and a worker brought Trent

in, and set him up next to us.

When he saw us, he gave us a

grin as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Together, dressed in white, we made

covenants to be a forever family.

A precious day, never

to be forgotten.

A day dreams came true.

Last Friday, we took this very same young man

to the Las Vegas Temple.

This time it was so he could

make covenants of his own.

Another precious day,

never to be forgotten.

Another day dreams came true.

The years have changed each of us a bit.

In so many ways it seems impossible

that he is not the sweet little cuddly baby of

nineteen years ago.

Where have the years gone?

Eleven years ago, was another day for covenants

and dressing in white.

As a parent, there is no greater joy

than to see your children walk in truth.

I loved seeing my husband looking so happy

with his arm around his son,

as he escorted him around the temple.

You can't always have what you want,

but sometimes you can.

For that I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven.

Three Weeks and Counting

2010-06-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well at least he will look like a missionary if we don't get anything else done.

Trent goes to the MTC in just over three weeks.

I know that it will be here in a blink of an eye.

We have finished most of the shopping, and

He should go to the temple this weekend.

Still on the to be completed list:

Update immunizations.

Extend his Driver's License.

Take care of a traffic ticket.

Get new scriptures.

I plan to spend the day with him tomorrow,

where I hope we can knock those things off the list.
We also need to get a family picture,
which means I need to get my gray hair colored,
loose twenty pounds,
and buy an new outfit.
Not sure I can get all that done in
just three weeks.

It is amazing how putting on a suit,

can change a boy into a missionary.

I suppose the bright side is, that with him

in Florida, I can mail him anything

we don't get ready.

See Pat stalk the Prophets

2010-05-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

Shockingly enough, I still have things from Women's Conference that I want to post. Scary that it is a month later and I haven't managed to get them done yet.

After I had the amazing experience of meeting Katherine Nelson (Emma Smith) and Jane Dudley (Pres. Hinkley's daughter), I was kind of caught up in the stalking spirit. A stalking high, if you will.

As I was walking out of the Hinkley Alumni Center, I spotted this picture of my favorite prophet. I couldn't resist snapping a shot with him. Please forgive the fact that I didn't manage to take the picture straight. But seriously, don't we look cute together? (Just try to ignore my double chin, K? The camera adds ten pounds, right?)

By this time I had stalked away all of the time I should have spent getting to my next class, so I decided to just take a walk down memory lane and visit some other Prophets.

Here I am with Joseph Smith. He was just glowing with happiness to see me. Although he was a bit stiff. Thank you Joseph for all you sacrificed, so I could enjoy the blessings of the gospel. I really like your wife, BTW.
And of course my hero, Brigham Young. I am very bundled up because it was cold and windy. Thank you for starting the academy that could later be turned into a University where I could attend and meet my future husband. BYU has had a profound eternal impact on my life. Oh, and the football team totally rocks. Just sayin.

Dear president McKay, Thank you for having a building named after you so I could get up at 4:00 am and empty garbage cans and clean bathrooms and manage to support myself through college. We shared some great times, but that is a post of another color.
Dear sweet, President Kimball, Thank you for shaking my hand when I was twelve. Little did you know that you created a stalking monster. What a wonderful memory and testimony builder. There was no denying how strong the spirit was that day, at that moment. You will always have a special place in my heart.

And President Benson, Do you remember the day I shook your hand? I was in a married BYU student ward and our stake had a conference about flooding the world with the Book of Mormon. You surprised us all by coming to that event and it was also a very wonderful day. I am very grateful for your words of wisdom about the importance of the Book of Mormon.

And just for a bonus, I decided to stalk a couple of apostles while I was at it.

Here I am with Jeffrey R Holland, who just happened to be the President of BYU when I was a freshman.

I even was privileged to take a Book of Mormon class from him, my freshman year. It was at 8:00 am and the times I was there, it was delightful. But I have to admit to a life long sorrow that I spent much of the year imitating Peter, James, and John at the Mt of Transfiguration. The me of today would like to slap the me of 1983 upside the head. Quit staying up until 2:00 am and get to bed so you can get to class and soak up all the wisdom and feast on the spirit with a man of God.

Sheesh, kids those days.

And last but not least, Boyd K Packer. I loved hearing you speak a few years ago when you came to Women's Conference, even though I did not manage to stalk you up close and personal. This will have to do, much to your relief, I am sure.

So there you have it. Me and so many of the prophets. It was a thrill I tell you. Although I may have frightened some of the students on campus. But maybe middle aged women posing with pictures of prophets is an every day occurrence, who knows. In any event security was never able to catch me and escort me from any buildings, so I count the day as another successful stalking situation.

Bye Bye Bye

2010-05-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

A very unexpectedly exciting thing happened to me,

and it's name is:

I got a new garage door opener.

This may not seem like very exciting news,

but here is the picture of my old button for

my old garage door opener.

When my sixteen year old son totaled my car

three years ago,

this button thing barely survived the crash.

And for three years I have been having

to use this little screw driver

to push the metal inside of the little blue circle you can see.

It is a tricky thing to do and usually takes anywhere from a

minute to five.

There may be some cursing involved as well,

or at the very least taking

of said son's name in vain.

Quite the patience

builder if you know what I mean.

I tried getting a universal remote control,

but our door opener was so old that it wouldn't work.

But still getting a new opener never made it to the

top of the priority list of things to buy.

It still worked, kind of, so why spend the money to replace it?

Well last Saturday, Diana was playing water balloons with

some neighborhood kids.

In his usually annoying big brother fashion,

Jared popped one of her balloons.

She then threw another water balloon at him as he was

going into the house from the garage.

Of course she missed, and the balloon hit square on the

garage door opener button attached to the wall.

After that, it did not work. At. All.

I was most disgusted with her for a while,

but then a light bulb went off in my head

and I realized that our home

warranty covers garage door openers.

Hallelujah!!!

So I got a new garage door opener complete with handy dandy

button sans screw driver, for only the mere $55 co-pay.

Have I mentioned how much I love my home warranty?

And now with a quick little push of a button, my garage

door opens.

It is a thing of beauty I tell, ya.

Ah, the simple pleasures in life.

Dig It

2010-05-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

Diana participated in her school play titled "Dig It". It was about different parts of history such as Greece and Egypt. She had lots of fun practicing and learning songs for the play.

Somehow the music teacher discovered that I had some crafting abilities.

She asked me to create a huge sandwich to used as a prop in the play.

I wandered around JoAnn's one night and came up with the supplies to make this:

Here is a shot of it in action:

Here Diana is demonstrating how it looks good enough to eat.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how well it turned out.

Who knew?

Now we need to think of another time to use it, because

it seems like a waste to only use it one time.

I wonder what kind of object lesson it could be for

Gospel Doctrine?

My dad had a conference here that week, so both of

my parents we able to come and cheer Diana on.

This is the first time in her grandparents were able to attend such an event.

Of course no school function would be complete with out the last minute shopping.

I shook my head in disbelief when Diana came home the night

before the performance and told me she had to have

tan pants. What the what? Couldn't I have known

about this sooner? Didn't I spend quite a lot of time

and money on making a prop? Seriously?

Gotta love those "Oh by the way,

could you build me the city of Rome in a day,"

kind of moments.

A trip to Target and Wal Mart supplied her with two choices.

But wait there's more.

The morning of the performance, she insists that she MUST

have white sandals.

If not the earth would open up and swallow her whole,

due to mortification.

I should have just been a good/mean mom and said no

but this is why there is a Wal Mart a half a mile from our

house, for just such emergencies.

Finally with her costume crisis resolved, I deposited her at school.

I wonder when I get to take a bow.

All in all it was a very successful event.

Way to go, girlie.

Love ya tons.

(this is not to say, that I am fairly relieved the elementary

days are almost over for me, ahem, I mean her,

of course there is still the fifth grade dance to provide

one last chance for "I need it or I will die"/drama)

Three Kids and a Camera

2010-05-19T08:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we went out to dinner at Applebees.

The universe having the sense of humor that it does,

my kids ended up sitting next to each other

across from me in the booth.

I can't really remember the last time they have sat next to each other.

Because close proximity seems to result in hooting and hollering

and battles the likes of World War II,

generally I like to keep them in separate rooms,

if at all possible.

So I couldn't help snapping a shot of this very rare occasion.

For some reason they were not impressed.

You would think they would be used to me by now.

Apparently, not so much.

Look how thrilled they were that I was taking their picture?

Classic mother opportunity to bug their socks off.
Diana made an attempt in this shot, but the boys, still not so much.

Well people, chances are you are going

to be together forever,

so maybe you might want to try and at least like each other, K.
I promise it won't kill you.

Scatter Sunshine

2010-05-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

So far you have seen that women's conference is full of yummy food and awesome stalking opportunities, but just like a infomercial on TV, "Wait there's more."

Yes indeedy, one of my favorite parts is doing service whilst learning to be a better person. Kind of a two-fer, if you know what I mean.

My sister and I decided we would prefer to sit and do projects, with a lovely view of the snow falling outside the window, and other women scurrying around to their classes.

The first project we choose was to color these floor mats. He we are ready to get our color on.

And here is the finished project. While we colored this, we listened to a class about avoiding emotional infidelity.

The first half of the class was actually taught by NieNie's sister. She was very charismatic and fun to listen to. She referenced Elder Bednar's talk titled What is real. If you haven't heard about it you should really read it. It offers an apostolic warning about the dangers of the internet and modern technology.

The class urged us to have real expectations for our husbands and to be absolutely loyal to him in word, deed and thought. She also warned that we need to be aware of the adversary's goals. We need to limit time spent with those or things that are in competition with our husbands. Also be sure to connect with our husbands every single day. Also we need to learn to receive personal revelation on how to improve our individual marriage.

Next we moved rooms and worked on sewing up these fleece pockets that have velcro making them attach to a wheelchair.

I wish I had a thimble for this project because it was really hard to get the needle through the velcro. But we persisted and finished both of ours. When I turned my in, I asked if they could find a blind person in a wheelchair to give it too, that way no one would see how crooked it was.

There was a definite learning curve to this project, and so we stayed in that room for the next class and made another one. It actually turned out pretty well.

On Friday they announced all the of the service that was accomplished by so many willing hands. It is amazing what can get done when people put their minds to it. The theme of the service event was "Scatter sunshine." And it was fun to be part of the scattering.

Pat meets Emma Smith and Pres. Hinkley's Daughter

2010-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite classes that I attended at Women's Conference was about Emma Smith. The first half of the class was taught by Katherine Nelson, the actress who played Emma in the movie.

As it turns out, it may have been one of the most popular and with only 600 available seats, scored a bit of a victory, when I managed to wedge my way up to the front. I did not actually push anyone to the ground or cut in line, but I did not take no for an answer when they kept saying the class was full. I was very proud that my persistance paid off. I was one of the last people to be let in the room, and at the last moment I even got a chair to sit in.

She started the class by playing the trailer from the film. It really set a wonderful spirit and tone about all that Emma sacrificed and gave to help build the kingdom. Next, Katherine gave a beautiful talk about just what it was like to portray such an amazing woman. Katherine was so poised and reverent as she spoke. She approached the job with humility and was truly blessed as she had not done much acting before this role. Katherine talked about how trials come in small gift bags of giant packages and that we wouldn't trade the things we learn from our trials with anyone else. There was a wonderful spirit and at the end of the class she sang the song "How much can one heart take."

I was thrilled when I was able to chat with her for a minute and get my picture with her. This was a very unexpected bonus as I had not even pre-planned on attending this class.

The other part of the class was taught by Jane Dudley, who just happens to be President Hinkley's youngest daughter. I loved her talk just as much. She started by saying how she felt that she had been truly set up for failure, by having to follow Katherine. She figured that after the class, there would be a line a mile long to shake Katherine's hand and that she would just try and slink back up to Salt Lake and put as much time and distance between the experience and herself. I loved her immediately. She was completely adorable.

She spoke about two of her friends who were expereincing "Emma years". We will have have such challenges and we can use Emma as an example of how to preservere. We can each face trials with faith and courage and give service to others.

Of course as everyone was lining up to meet Katherine, I made a beeline to talk with Jane, the daughter of my favorite prophet. Yes, I have a favorite. I told her how much I miss her dad. She said she did too. I hugged her and thanked her for her talk and testimony and for being so normal.

It was wonderful and I was so happy that fate allowed me into this class.

Happy Nineteen!

2010-05-07T04:35:00.001-07:00

Nineteen years ago, the Friday before Mother's Day, I was sitting at work completely unaware that my life was about to change forever. The phone rang, and my case work informed me that a baby boy would be waiting for us at LDS Family Services the next day.

It was so hard to actually believe that after almost seven years of waiting and praying, the day had come for our family to blessed with a child. Never again would I feel quite so sharply the pain of unfilled arms. Never again would Mother's Day and other holidays be quite so grief filled. Finally the desire of my heart was to be granted. It was overwhelming and awe inspiring. And I have never been the same.

It was truly a magical moment when we went to the agency that next day, and they placed the most beautifuly, perfect, precious baby boy in my aching empty arms. I remember the car ride home, sitting in the back next to the car seat, worrying if he was OK. Checking on him at night to see if he was still breathing. Holding him and never getting quite enough of those eyes and baby soft skin. It was heaven on earth, pure and simple.

This is not to say that there have not been days in the past nineteen years that have been anything but heaven on earth. In fact one of those other places you read about in the scriptures. But that is to be expected with motherhood. It is part of the package deal.

Yesterday was another one of those milestone motherhood days. Trent received his mission call. We knew it was coming. We talked about it. He told me he wanted to be the one to get it from the mailbox. We agreed that he would not open it until everyone was home.

I picked Diana up from school and ran a dinner over to someone in the ward who needed it. Trent called to say that the CALL was there. My husband was still not home, and so I told him to hang on, I would be right there.

I am sure it was worse than waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. Hurriedly I delivered the dinner and raced to be home. My husband beat me there, but I made them wait for me.

I was dissapointed that I missed the photo opportunity at the mail box. And from the look on his face in this shot, you can tell that he was not interested in a recreation. He is saying to me "Seriously I have waited nineteen years for this, and you want me to wait one more minute while you take a picture, sheesh."

He opened and read the letter signed by the Prophet of the Lord. He will be serving in the Jacksonville, Florida mission and will go into the MTC on July 14th. There are so many things to do to get ready. I am sure that it will be here before we can say "I hope they call me on a mission."

So Happy Birthday, Son! Thanks for letting me share the past nineteen years with you. It has been crazy at times, but so worth it.

Boo-Ya BYU Brownie Madness

2010-05-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Of course I took my own advice and partook of the

delectable and delightful,

ambrosial BYU mint brownies.

They were everything I had dreamed they would be,

and more.

There was no way I could resist the enticing of these

mouthwatering, toothsome, minty goodies.

And because one was not enough,

I had another one

the next day

for breakfast no less.

Is there anything more adorable than

in my BYU shirt,

salivating over one of these

scrumptious, heavenly, luscious treats.

Yes, I didn't think so either.

Eventually I will stop obsessing on

the stalking and the eating and

get down to reporting on

the learning.

Eventually.

Opps, I did it again!

2010-05-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest victim.

Right before the afternoon talks on Friday afternoon,

Sister Thompson was wandering around on the floor
meeting with people, completly unaware she was about to encoutner

the Super Shameless Stalker Extroidinaire.

(dun dun dun - cue ominous music)

Of course I spotted her right away,
and called her over so I could shake her hand.

And then before she knew what had hit her,
I snapped this shot.

My sister said that I totally horrified her,
because she hates to have her picture taken and
she told the person after me
how embarrassed she was.

Sister Thompson, I am so sorry for that,
but thanks for making my day!

And thank you for your service to the women of the world.

You have now experienced the Super Shameless Stalker,
I'm sure you will recover in a week or so.

So it turns out I get to go after all

2010-04-28T14:58:00.001-07:00

Someone up there must like me, because Diana came home from school the other day and told me that her play had been rescheduled. I scared her to death when I yelled "SHUT UP". Not the "be quiet" kind of shut up, the "Princess Diaries" kind of shut up. Or maybe I could have pushed her down and exclaimed an Elaine Benice "GET OUT". Either way it meant the same thing, I was now released from my motherly obligations. And hence I could go to Provo and attend Women's Conference. Woohoo!!!!

This is very unexpected and rather exciting. It would be little more exciting if I had not just spent 9 hours last Friday, driving to New Mexico and another 9 hours on Sunday driving back home. We went to a family baptism which was very fun, but still that is a lot of time in the car.

In any event I unpacked and repacked today. I have stocked the freezer with enough frozen food to feed an army, so hopefully no one will starve while I am gone.

I will not miss all the drama that seems to take place every morning in the process of waking, dressing, eating, and getting in the car to go to school.

It will not be my problem to figure out what people should eat. Glory be. Three whole days of being charge of only myself. How will I ever cope?

This will be my 6th Women's Conference and my fifth in a row. Doesn't it seem like just yesterday I was leaning over the railing to get my picture with sweet, cute Sister Beck? Good good times. I am a little disappointed that I don't have a bigger wish list for stalking this year. Hopefully I will get some good pictures that will be worth seeing next week.

Which reminds minds me, my memory card is full. Imagine the horror of having to choose between deleting treasured family pictures so I could get a shot of Dallin H. Oaks walking into the Marriot Center? Of course it wouldn't be that hard of a choice, but it would be better to download the pictures off the memory card instead of losing them forever.

Don't worry I will eat a brownie for all of you. You can thank me later.

In which my stalking skills have helped someone else in life.

2010-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Who knew this picture would inspire someone else on to stalking greatness?

Any of you who love the Cougars go and check out my friend's amazing encounter with the head coach of BYU. You can read about it here.

I am so proud to think that my shining example of stalking has rubbed

off on someone else.

She totally cracked me up when she asked herself WWPD (what would pat do?)

Go check it out, it is a fun read.

Just goes to prove you never know what kind of a

difference you are making in the world, huh?

Who'd have thunk it?

Insider Tips to Women's Conference

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sixteen

2010-04-12T17:23:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jared!

It seems like just yesterday you
were this sweet baby.

Or this irresistibly adorable three year old.

Where did all those years go?

I am certainly grateful
these days are over.

Glad sixteen looks to be
so much better than
fourteen was.

April Fool's Joke

2010-04-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

An atheist became incensed over Christmas holiday preparations. He filed a lawsuit about the constant celebrations given to Christians and Jews while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.

The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate, presentation by the atheist's lawyer, the judge banged his gavel and declared "Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling. "Your Honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter, and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur, and Hanakkuh. Yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!"

The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously, your client is too confused to know about, much less celebrate his own atheist holiday!"

The lawyer pompously said, "Your honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be?"

The judge replied, "Well it comes every year, on exactly the same date. Psalm 12:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, if your client says there is no God, according to the Bible he is a fool. April Fool's Day is his holiday. Now get out of my courtroom!"

We be jammin'

2010-03-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I wasn't feeling very well. I wasn't sure if it was allergies or a cold, but I needed some orange juice. Because there wasn't any at home, I stopped at Smith's to buy some.

ONLY ORANGE JUICE, NOTHING ELSE.

Then I ran into a friend who alerted me to the fact that the strawberries had been marked down to $1 a pound. OF COURSE this meant I had to buy 15 pounds of strawberries, and 15 pounds of sugar, and pectin, and karo syrup. I thought about buying jars, but thought that surely I had enough in my cupboard. Wrong, but we will come to that part later.

I came home and started cleaning strawberries and got three batches going. This was a bit complicated because I had to stir each one every five minutes and they were staggered, and my addled brain hurt trying to keep everything straight.

Did I put the lemon juice in that batch? Was that 3 cups of sugar or 4 cups that I just put in that bowl? (I haven't actually made any freezer jam for several years because we still had some each year.) Where are those cotton pickin jars that always seem to be taking up all the cupboard space, anyway? What is up with my blender and the fact that it wants the strawberries cut up so that it doesn't just become one big blob spinning around?

Well it was fun, let me tell ya.

And lickety split, I had all of my jars filled up. But alas my jars overfloweth with jam, and I was forced to return to the store for jars. Seriously? So I left in the middle of the assembly line and got more jars. Curses, I hate it when that happens.

In the end I made six batches and I still ran out of jars. Luckily I had some plastic containers to fill up. It also took more room in my freezer than I hoped it would. But it is good to have to throw old things out. Seriously, unless there was a famine, no one was going to eat those pork chops with freezer burn anyway. So it was a win/win situation.

Strawberry freezer jam is to die for, if I do say so myself. But you could probably put 2 cups of sugar with one cup of dirt and have it taste OK. Trent waked through the kitchen and was horrified and outraged at how much sugar I was using. Something about weight watchers or something. Killjoy.

If you have never made freezer jam, just follow the directions on the pectin. It is next to impossible to mess it up, so go ahead and try.

If anyone has any hot rolls or bread, come on over, I've got the jam.

Good news minute

2010-03-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Good news everyone, I have finally gotten professional help. I know you are all thinking of mental help, which I do definitely need, but this time it was professional cleaning help.

Once again life handed me a chance to eat my judgemental words, and boy were they tasty. I have somehow thought that it was a sign of inadequacy to have someone help clean your house. And I have looked down on others who have needed help. (quietly in my own head I assure you) Surely it is my job and not something I can pass of on others. Well I don't think I could be more wrong.

We all have different gifts for a reason. And so if my talent does not lie in cleaning my toilets, then so be it. Now that I am working more, I may as well share the wealth. Seriously I think this experience may be like getting a DVR. I don't know that I can ever go back.

On Friday, my new best friend came and cleaned my downstairs for 5 hours. She worked wonders with her mop and dusting rags. My house has never been cleaner. And I can not believe how happy this has made me. It is as if this huge burden has been lifted.

I am sure economic reasons come into play, but seriously, why have I waited this long. She cleaned out my fridge and it is a glorious thing to behold. She cleaned nooks and crannies I didn't even know existed. It is so amazing and bee-u-tiful.

So even though I did not share this good news minute in RS, I am happy to share it with all of you. All one of you who still read my blog. Your welcome.

My Amazing Race Last Wednesday

2010-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

I stole this idea from someone else but the details are all mine baby. Someday when I am older and grayer, I will look back and see what kind of crazinesss I have survived. This will most likely not interest the average reader, but remember this is about me and not you, so I am not worrying about it.

6:00 am - Alarm goes off and I check to see that Jared is in the shower. Lay back down for a few minutes and then stumble downstairs to make his breakfast (bacon and eggs) and lunch (turkey sandwich) We are out of T.P, how is this possible. We could not even spare a square. Three bathrooms, nothing. Not good. No this will not do at all.

7:00 am - Drive Jared to school. Actually got dressed before driving so I could make an emergency run to Wal Mart. Grab the T.P. Sheesh good thing there wasn't an earthquake or anything. Also grab travel size toiletries for Trent since he was leaving on a jet plane for a college choir festival. After Wal Mart, I stopped at Sam's and got gas since I was almost on empty. Return home with T.P. - drip dry emergency averted.

7:30 am - Check in on Diana to get her started. Assist her in breakfast and finishing up her homework. It is twin day for Nevada reading week, so at least she knows what she wants to wear. Hurrying her along so she can get to school before I need to take Trent to the airport. She sure is cranky these days. I hate the mornings with her. I wonder to myself how I could help her to be more pleasant.

8:15 am - Drop Diana at school and sign her into safe key. Wish her a happy day and promise to be there to pick her up after drama at 4:00, but remind her that I have an appointment to get my teeth cleaned at 3:00, so she may need to go to safe key.

8:25 am - Jump in the shower and quickly get ready for the day. Lament over the fact that my wardrobe is lacking. One benefit of all the stress from the fall is that I have lost 10 pounds. I just don't have any clothes that fit.

9:00 am - Drive Trent to the airport. Talk him through how to get to security and how to get his boarding pass printed. I can't believe that he didn't print it at home. How did I not follow up better with him?

9:20 am - Deposit Trent at the airport with his suitcase and Tux garment bag. Head back home and decide to stop by Marshall's and see if I can find any new clothes. Nothing. No luck. Not even anything I want to try on. I did find a sweet letter organizer that I will hope do something for the mountain of important, can't be thrown away, stuff on my dining room table.

10:00 am - Since the drive to the airport caused me to miss institute, I go to scrap booking at a friends house. I used to go regularly, but I haven't been for at least 6 months, probably longer. I brought thank you notes I was working on for work. I need to hand write 150 cards to customers who visited the showroom in February. I don't even write my own Christmas cards, so this is a stretch for me. It was so fun to sit and write and listen to the others chatting. So nice to catch up with everyone a little bit. I miss having more free time to spend with friends.

12:45 pm - Drive to the post office and drop off the notes I completed for work. Next drive over to the high school where I needed to pick up an autistic young man in our ward and drive him to his after school program. His mom had knee surgery. A few minutes to spare, so I checked in with my boss to give her an update.

1:15 pm - Pick up Lindon and drive him to his program. It is a bit of a drive, but he is a nice young man. It is always good to give service.

1:50 pm - Drop Lindon off. Decide to stop at the mall since I have a little over an hour until my dentist appointment. I check out Macy's. Where are Stacy and Clinton when I need them? (Google What not to Wear, if you have never heard of Stacy and Clinton) I so have no idea what to get or what I even like. I could even afford to spend more than I usually do at Saver's, but I don't even see anything I like. I wonder around for a while but leave empty handed. Maybe if I could loose more weight. Yuck, I hate shopping for clothes.

2:50 pm - Arrive at the dentist, hoping they would take me early. No luck. I write more thank you notes while I wait. While chatting with the receptionist, I ask just how long has it been since I had my teeth cleaned. She checks the computer and tells me December 2008. Seriously? It has been over a year since I had my teeth cleaned? I suppose that shows how busy and preoccupied I have been this past year. Really not impressed.

We interrupt this post to bring you a message from Diana:

(Diana is the best child I have ever had. it's true signed Diana) (That last sentence was added compliments of Diana, she was hoping to hurry me along so I would get off the dang computer.)

My teeth cleaning was a bit painful as the tartar build up had taken on cement like qualities. And I had not had X-rays since June 2008. Time for that. Of course I had two cavities. Why not. They had a cancellation and so I was able to just stay after my cleaning and get the cavities fixed. A call to the school to have Diana go to safe key solved the deadline to pick her up. It was pretty painful to get numbed. The needle hit a nerve and I am still experiencing some pain 4 days later. Also it was at this point that I realized I hadn't eaten anything since the peanut butter cheerio treats at scrap booking that morning. Well and the chocolate chip cookie I had in the waiting room. Great sugar diet, huh?

5:00 pm - Numb all the way up to my ear, I left with my cavities fixed. Nice to get it all done in one trip. Made a quick stop by Payless to see if I could find some new shoes for work. Found some cute shoes on clearance for $9.00. Just my kind of deal. Received a call from one of Diana's friends asking if she could play. Paid for the shoes and rushed to the school to pick up Diana and take her to play at her friends. By now I have put 70 miles on the car that day. Kind of insane, considering most places I usually go to are within a two mile circle.

5:30 pm - Drop Diana at her friends, and run over to Fashion Bug to look for clothes. Three strikes and I am out of trying to buy clothes. I will just opt for a burlap sack, or maybe even garbage bags. Hey, it worked for Jay on Project Runway.

6:00 pm - Home. Jared is the only one there. Marion is at scouts. Go to my bedroom and write more thank you cards wishing this job would just be done already.

7:00 pm - Pick up Diana. Ran to Walgreen's to get color spray for her hair because of course it is crazy hair day tomorrow. Dang literacy programs and their evil plot to take me down. After that we went across the street and got some McDonald's for Jared for dinner.

8:00 pm - Enlist Diana to help me put labels and stamps on the envelopes for the thank you notes, while I write out the notes. American Idol keeps us company whilst we work on this project. Diana also worked on her homework. Finally about 9:00 she passes out on my bed. I keep working and writing. My hand is cramping, but I press on. By 10:00 I have finished all but 30 of the notes. I spent six and a half hours working on that today, and I didn't even go into work. The words are starting to be blurry. I decide to call it a day.

11:00 pm - I fall prostrate on the bed. I don't even remember falling asleep. I know I was seriously busy today, but did I do the things I really was suppose to do.

And so ends another day on the Hamster Wheel. Good times, I tell ya.

Yackety Yak

2010-03-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

Back in January in the middle of my working craziness, the activity day girls in our ward performed a lip sync at a stake activity. They were assigned the song Yackety Yak. It turned out super cute. Diana was chosen to act like the mom who was scolding all the other girls to clean up and don't talk back.

Here is the group shot. We got the ribbon for the bows from work, and the bows totally made the costumes.

Here is Diana with Hannah who was the Dad for the skit.
Here is a short video of the dance. Diana and Hannah practiced really hard on the flip and were so excited when it came off as well as it did. Diana didn't slide very well with out any shoes, but the whole was really cute.

This was such an insane day for me. I went in to work at 8:00 am and then left to get to the church to see the performance. I also had to stop at a fabric store and get some fabric they needed at work for tree skirts. In the end I walked into the church a few minutes before our ward went on to perform. After taking a few pictures, I was able to return to work and was there until midnight. So insance trying to balance everything, but Diana was very happy that I was there to see it.

Working

2010-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hey go check out me and Diana over at my friend April's blog to read about a fun dinner date we had together here.

Here's the thing, I have found myself employed, much to my surprise. Yes I was fired from a job because of my personal opinion about gay marriage. I had a hard time with it at first, but "Oh ye of little faith" of course it has all been for the best and couldn't possibly be any better. When I was fired, I already had a second job working at the Christmas store RAZ. So that job just filled up the time I would have spent at the first job.

It is so much better working for RAZ because they pay me overtime and my social security taxes. Not to mention they are just the nicest people you will ever meet. And working for them during the furniture show was so much more fun and easier on my feet than working for Global Views.

Sadly, it has required some really long hours, leaving no time for luxuries like housework or blogging. Slowly, I am reclaiming my house and a little bit of my sanity.

I also have a job as an office assistant that is very part time. This is working for a friend of mine in my ward. She has taken on a bigger sales territory and so she is needing me more right now.

It is rather ridiculous and difficult trying to balance working and mothering and taking care of the basics. I would be the first to admit that I haven't figured it out yet. At. All.

One the one hand, it is fun to work and actually be appreciated and paid for what you do. On the other hand I worry if more important things are falling through the cracks. It is quite the dilemma. I have greater respect for working moms. Especially single ones, who do not have any back up at all. I know in the future, I will watch for chances to help such moms out.

For now, I think that it is not unbearable, but I will need to be vigilant about not letting Working Me get too out of hand. I think that in many ways teenagers need their moms as much as toddlers do.

I am finding that having more to do, helps me get more done. Sometimes it is good to have a short amount of time to get things done. When I have all day to do the dishes, it is easy to think, "Oh I will do that later." I am also grateful for the ability to get bills paid off. When others are struggling, I feel very blessed to have such opportunities.

Here's a joke

2010-02-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

OK for the record I have not fallen of the face of the earth, although I am pretty sure the numb feeling I am experiencing might slightly resemble what it would feel like to fall of the face of the earth. No I have been working my fingers to the proverbial bone. Yes last week I worked 65 hours and 13 of them were on Friday and 15 of them were on Saturday. And that was after working 48 hours the week before that. How do you spell exhaustion? PAT. There is a bright side to all of this and that name will be called a paycheck with 25 hours of overtime on it. And also it will all be over on Friday. So if I live that long, which is debatable I will be a free woman again, for several months.

Hopefully my family will still talk to me when this is over. Or maybe it will not be so bad if they just give me the silent treatment for ignoring their ridiculous demands for food, clean clothing, and transportation over the past month. We will see how long the recovery process will take, but I am pretty sure it will involve the fetal position and some rocking back and forth.

On a totally different topic, I heard this great joke at work the other day. I laughed out loud at this joke but maybe when you are sleep deprived and high on sugar it is funnier, here goes:

George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Vladimir Putin all die and go to hell.

While there, they spy a red phone and ask what the phone is for.

The devil tells them it is for calling back to Earth.

Putin asks to call Russia and talks for 5 minutes. When he was finished the devil informs him that the cost is a million dollars, so Putin writes him a check.

Next Queen Elizabeth calls England and talks for 30 minutes. When she was finished the devil informs her that cost is 6 million dollars, so Queen Elizabeth writes him a check.

Finally George Bush gets his turn and talks for 4 hours. When he was finished the devil informed him that there would be no charge for the call and feel free to call the USA anytime.

When Putin hears this he goes ballistic and asks the devil why Bush got to call the USA free.

The devil replied, "Since Obama became president of the U.S. the country has gone to hell, so naturally it's a local call."

It's a RAZ Christmas

2010-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

As I am still playing catch up, here are some more things I never managed to get on here earlier.

I worked an awful lot throughout the month and I was glad I was able to get the decorations up early.

This is the only picture I took Christmas morning. Diana was thrilled to get an I-pod and I-tunes card. It was really all she wanted. I was happy for her, because now I get her old mp3 player, which is just like mine that I washed in the washer and ruined. It was a win win for both of us.
Here is our offering to Santa. Notice my fun RAZ decorations as well. When you work for a Christmas store, it is ridiculously dangerous. I am not really sure why they bother sending me a paycheck, I just turn around and give it right back to them. But I sure got some beautiful things.

This is a shot of my cute little nativity, that my husband and I painted many moons ago. BK, before kids when we had more time and money. It looked so cute on the new mirror with a shelf that hangs over my fireplace. Sorry about the light in the mirror.

Diana was thrilled with her gingerbread village. I was thrilled that it was a project she completed on her own. I was a great thing to help keep her busy.

This is a shelf I got from RAZ last fall. My nativities looked adorable on it and loved that they were all together. Of course I have more than this, but this is a small sampling.

I got this amazing garland and ribbon at RAZ. I am not sure it is going to make it to next year because the fake snow kept flaking off of it. But is sure looked nice this year.

This was my favorite purchase. I love this caroling family. They looked so cheery and musical.

I actually got this Santa at RAZ in January last year. Isn't he fun?

Here is my favorite Santa. He has piercing blue eyes. And I love how he is all white. So so pretty. I couldn't resist him. And notice the wreath behind him that matches the garland on the stairs. I had to have that as well.

This is my little Santa vignette at the bottom of my stairs. It made me smile every time I walked by these little guys.

When my husband put all of the Christmas boxes in the attic he declared a moratorium on my Christmas decoration purchases. There is no more room up there, or so he says. Well what about the fact that Trent goes on him mission this year? I will have a whole new room to store things in. What about that?

Pat's Ponderings

2010-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

It has been a really long time since I have done an installment of my ponderings. I wonder what that says about me. Either I haven't been spending much time pondering, or I just haven't had time to put my ponderings down in the written form. Let's go with the later option as it makes me look better. I am sure that it is inconceivable that I would be too busy and stressed to ponder.

Here is the situation. I have been working 2 - 3 days a week since Halloween. Surprisingly enough, there were things I accomplished when I was not working. Who knew? Things around here are looking a bit neglected. And I have noticed that sadly feeding my spiritual self has been neglected as well. My scripture reading has been sporadic and mostly related to teaching gospel doctrine. My prayers are often more of memo, rather than a lengthy conversation with the Lord. The result and no surprise, I feel spiritually weakened.

Last week I had a day off. An unscheduled day that has been far and few in number in the past month. I wondered what to do with such a precious thing. As I was helping Diana get ready to go to a special tutoring program that starts at 7:30, it came to me that I should go to the temple.

Yes, the temple, where I could feast in the presence of the Lord. Where I could get away from the clamour of daily living. Surely my empty bucket could be filled in the house of the Lord.

I threw on a dress and hurried Diana along. Grabbing my suitcase and recommend, I dashed out the door.

Traffic was not good at that time of day. Impatiently, I followed the cars ahead of me. Down Rainbow, up the 95, exit at Charleston, and over to Bonanza. Slowing for school zones that are not usually in effect when I go later. Bottom line it was not the quickest time I have made getting there.

As I pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised to see not very many other cars. I thought to myself, hmmm not many people go to the temple this early. Then it dawned on me, all the cars were trucks with business logos on the side. Wait, I think I remember hearing something at church about the Temple being closed for maintenance.

Dang. No feasting, no peace, no filling of my bucket. I turned around and made my way home. I know just how the foolish virgins felt. I should have gone to the temple the week before. Some of my friends and family told me I would still be blessed for my efforts. I suppose it is true that the desire of my heart would be known by the Lord. But still I couldn't help feeling that I could have made different choices.

I was back home by 8:45. All my kids at school and nothing on the schedule, I went back to bed. What else was there to do?

Trip to Seattle back in October 2010 (oops I meant 2009, I do not have a time machine in the form of a Dalorean)

2010-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this unposted post in my draft box. Since I am trying to catch up over the past few months, I might as well publish it.

Last October Jared and I flew to Seattle so he could get his patriarchal blessing from my Dad, who is a patriarch there. I was an incredibly fast trip, we were only there for 32 hours, but it was wonderful and something worth noting.

Here is Jared with his grandpa. It is very special to be able to get your blessing from your Grandpa. I hope he realizes how lucky he is.

And here is the shot of him with Grandpa and Grandma.

And one with me as well.

Here he is with his good friend and cousin, Michael. There are just six months apart and sad that they don't live closer. But they have a great time when they do get to be together.

Brandon jumped in on this picture. Jared and Brandon have always been great friends. I think that maybe the fact that they both have older brothers has helped them bond together. They always have fun together as well.

And here Laura joined in for one big group shot.

It was a great to visit my parents one on one. In a large family that doesn't happen very often. It was also wonderful to see my sister and her kids. All in all it was a wonderful weekend and Jared received a beautiful blessing. And yes, it was worth missing attending the BYU/UNLV game here in Vegas.

You can't always have what you want, but sometimes you can.

2010-01-13T06:00:00.001-08:00

You know how so many days as a mother you wonder if you are even making any difference? All those sleepless nights, and cleaning up messes, and shivering in the cold at ball games. I remember many days thinking, what the heck am I doing and how did I get myself into this? And as an infertile person, I actually took extra effort, yes, even extra ordinary measures to procure these children who since joining my family have made every effort to suck my will to live. I often joke that I don't know which is the greater trial, infertility or parenthood.

And so there have been days I have wondered why, why I didn't just leave well enough alone. Why did I go through all the tests and stress and frustrations at my lack of control, the hoops and years of waiting just so I could endure more pain and stress and frustrations at my lack of control, hoops and years of waiting, as I watched these kids trying to grow up and make decisions and become responsible adults? Never mind footing the bill for food and clothing.

I know that there are others who seem to just love every minute of mothering, but honestly I am not one of them. I have read their cheery posts on their blogs. Truth be told most of them seem to be mothers of children under 10, which might just be a coincidence, or might have a correlation. In any event, there have been many minutes in the past almost 19 years that I could have done with out quite nicely, thank you. But before you call CPS on me, truthfully there have been just as many minutes that were wonderful and happy and for those I am grateful.

Trent was ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood after Stake Conference last Sunday. This was one of those days that makes you think it is all worthwhile. Over the past 6 years, it has not always been a given that this day would come. He has never strayed terribly far from the straight and narrow, but there were some years in there when he wasn't all that keen on going to church. We have had some struggles and contention even, over this fact. I have spent many times on my knees and at the temple, wondering what to do for this son of mine that I loved so dearly. And I know that I have received promptings many, many times as to a certain action I should take to help Trent grow. But truthfully, to protect my heart, I tried to accept the fact that this day might never happen.

Trent was placed with us for adoption the day before Mother's Day and Mother's Day went from being one of the worst days of the year for me, to one of the best. I have loved him and supported him, sometimes to his detriment as I do too much for him. Perhaps I have cherished him a little to much. We have always had a special bond. And yet every day I have tried to to my best and what I felt was best for him. Even if my judgement was clouded at times.

And so on Sunday, I found my self all amazed that the day had actually come. Tears flowed freely as I listened to my husband bestow this special power upon him and then gave him a special blessing. And then Trent stood next to my husband for the first time in a priesthood circle, as the next person was ordained. It was awe inspiring. Another joyous motherhood moment for which words do not seem adequate.

I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending me this son. And for the guidance I have received over the years. Next up, getting the mission papers done and waiting for the call.

I still remember the day they placed him in my arms. I loved him so much instantly and thought secretly to myself, I will never be able to let him go on a mission. How could I ever let him go? Little did I know that 18 years later I would be strong enough and unselfish enough and even hoping for him to go.

Motherhood, it is quite a wild ride, isn't it?

Obligatory BYU Football Bowl Game Post

2010-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I already posted these pictures on facebook, but I think they are worth putting up here as well. They need to be on my blog for the next time I publish my BYU football posts into a book.

In case you didn't hear about the weather, it was COLD. As in ridiculously, incredibly, bone chillingly COLD. Did I mention it was cold. The temperature was about 40 degrees, but there was a gale force wind that just cuts right through you like a knife.

For any of you unaware, my husband by far prefers to watch a football game from the comfort of his own home. Thank goodness I have a son who is willing to attend games with me. I was not going to spring for the tickets, but he used the old "Mom, it will be my last bowl game before my mission" line to convince me.

Here we are before the game started. When we first pulled up, I proceeded to put on my twelve hundred layers. Trent watched for a moment and then asked if he could just take his ticket and go inside. I showed up twenty minutes later, once the sufficient cold fighting precautions and been applied to my body.

Here is a close up of the team near the end of the game when we went down closer.

Here is another shot I took of the two of us, because I wasn't really all that thrilled with the other one that the person behind us took. I wanted a real up close and personal one. So I did my famous at arm's length. Trent is doing his best "Seriously, you are going to take ANOTHER picture of us at the game" face. Yes, son, I am indeedy. Just embrace the madness.

Look at the cool cougar towel they handed out so we could wave them during the game. And wave them we did, there were many opportunities and reasons to cheer our cougars on. I was wonderful.

Here is a nice shot of me all bundled up. I take my state of warmth seriously. And good thing too. There were so many crazy people from Utah around us that were not prepared at all. Take the girl sitting next to me. She was from Salt Lake and she didn't even have any gloves. Silly, silly girl. I suppose people think, "Hey were going to Vegas, it will be warm." Well any of you who are disillusioned enough to think that it isn't cold here in the winter, let me disabuse you of that misguided notion. It gets very very cold in the desert when the sun goes down. I have really never experienced anything like it.

I was very happy that I had on ten layers, toes warmers, hand warmers, gloves, scarves, hats, and my nice down coat. I really was fairly warm, all things considered. The cold is not unbearable when you are prepared.

Here is my happy face when we won the game. Notice the fans storming the field in the background. We thought about it for a minute, but decided against it.

And here is the token screaming picture with the fans in the background. I may make this my new profile picture, what do you think?

Nice shot of the Y flag waving in the wind before the game.

I thought this couple were funny because they were together and she was a cougar fan and he was a beaver fan. How is this possible?

And finally a nice shot of the beaver mittens the girl next to us was wearing. Nice huh?

And so it is with much sadness that the 2009 chapter of BYU football stalking comes to a close.

Til we meet again. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Catch Up Post

2010-01-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

This post may go on and and on and I try and catch up on the various and sundry events that have happened. And since this is my only attempt at a journal, I will spew them out for posterity's sake.

Diana graduated from Dare in December. I came accross the picture of the boys at their dare graduations and so I thought I would post those as well.

Tent in fifth grade. Seems like so long ago.

And Jared with his DARE officer. He has grown a foot or two since then.

Here is Diana with her very bee-u-tiful teacher.

Good job! She was very stressed out over her DARE essay and spent an evening convinced that she wouldn't get it done and wouldn't graduate, but it all worked out in the end.

Another amazing even in December was Trent's concert with his CSN college choir. He looks good in his Tux, and it made me do a double take to see him sing. He did well and it is fun to discover new and hidden talents. I was too far away to get a very good picture. Trent is the one right behind the piano. I figure that when you are in college you don't appreciate your mother getting up and running up to the front to snap your picture. Maybe I was wrong, but I don't think so.

And Diana was in her school play. It was about some teachers and kids at an elementary school who were hoping it would snow so there would be a snow day. To make it more fun, they changed the names of all the characters in the play to be names of teachers at our school.

Diana had the part of the music teacher, Miss Friend. How teacherish does she look?

Here she is with some of her friends and cast mates.

Here she is with the real Miss Friend. Freaky twin like don't ya think? Can we say mini me?

Her she is after the performance accepting her flowers. A star is born.

My sister was able to fly down from Salt Lake for the day and be there to see Diana perform. It was a great day and I think Diana may have caught the acting bug.

Guess who is going bowling?

2009-12-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming early for me in the form of tickets to the Las Vegas Bowl. The lovely Fed Ex man made the delivery today. Actually I didn't see him in person, so I can't really speak to his loveliness, but still anyone who makes my dreams come true must be lovely, right?

I will be able to watch my favorite Cougars play against the Beavers. What kind of a mascot is a beaver anyway? I am sure a Cougar can take a Beaver any day.

Anywho, I was debating back and forth about whether I valued financial freedom and warmth over the adrenaline rush of attending the game in person. A little persuading from my son, Trent swayed me to take the plunge. He looked at me with his chocolate brown eyes, that I find hard to resist, and pled with me that it was his last chance to attend a bowl game before his mission. Seriously, who could resist that argument. Especially when deep deep down, I was dying to go myself.

I got my tickets off of stub hub and hopefully they are not counterfeit or anything like that. So just one week from today I will be freezing my hiney off whilst cheering my lungs out. I can hardly wait.

I thought it fitting that I post a few pictures of some of my favorite BYU things. Of course we don't want this post to turn into an epic novel, so I had to restrain myself.

Here I am bundled in my BYU fleece blanket. Oh how I love this blanket and take it proudly to church each week to help keep me warm. So cozy.

And what about my infamous blue fuzzy slippers. You gotta love something so blue and so warm. And remember how much they helped me through Jared's hip replacement hospital stay? These puppies have seen me through some rough times. They totally rock.

And last, but by no means least, my BYU pez dispenser. My sister Amie, saw this and knew that I HAD to have it. How coolio is that? Seriously. Would it not have been so much funnier in the Seinfeld pez episode if it had been a BYU football instead of a yellow duck? You have to adore a yummy candy dispenser in the form of a BYU football. Nuff said.

Talk about inflation

2009-12-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

I seriously don't know why posting has been so difficult for me lately. I can post like no body's business in other people's comment boxes. Perhaps I get it out of my system and have nothing left to say here. I could just post links to the witty and entertaining posts I have made all over blog land, but alas I lack the energy or initiative to do that.

I could write about how I have finally been fired for coming out of the closet on my stand against gay marriage. After a briefish mourning period, I have come to realize that I must forgive this injustice and trust that it is all for the best and couldn't possibly be any better. (Thanks Fiddler on the Roof for that little lesson) There are other jobs in the sea and in fact I already do have several other people who want my help. It is just sad to leave a place that I enjoyed working for and knew all about, having been through everything three times. Que sera sera.

I could write about how the evidence that I am losing my mind is beginning to stack up. For instance a week or two ago, I drove Diana to the store after I had taken my sleeping medicine. That lesson on "Don't' be stupid" only cost me $350 for new tires when I drove into the curb going pretty fast on the way home, causing Diana to scream "We're going to die."

Another choice piece of evidence would be that my water was turned off yesterday for about 6 hours. This was due to the fact that when I paid my bills online last month I actually entered the amount from the cable bill to be paid to the water company. This amount was $59 less than the total bill, and apparently the water company takes these things personally and seriously. I have never paid a bill late in 12 years, you would have think they could have given me a little more grace period than two weeks. And it was extremely naive of them to assume that the note at the top of my bill telling me that my water would be turned off if I didn't pay up by November 30th would be read by me. Who reads the fine print on their bills? People who want to have to be bothered with the hassles of indoor plumbing such as dishes, laundry, showers, and flushing toilets. Jared lucked out and was out of the shower in time before they came and installed the padlock at 6:40am. Crazy thing was the balance and new bill amount were scheduled to be paid online that very night. I missed it by that much, so to say.

But the thing I was really going to post about was watching the Brady Bunch marathon on Thanksgiving Day. Seriously, no need for any pie after all the syrupy happy endings. Which worked out well because we didn't really celebrate until Saturday and so I didn't even make any pies.

When I stumbled upon the Brady clan, they came out of the gas station with sodas after filling up the car with gas. I immediately pegged it as the ghost town episode. I am very proud of my Brady Bunch trivia knowledge, I spent lots of years rotting my brain on that stuff. (I can name that episode in 7 seconds.)

The thing that made me do a double take was when Mike Brady said "How much do I owe you for the drinks and gas?" And the guy said "That'll be $6.40." Are you kidding me? $6.40 for a tank of gas and 9 sodas? What the What? The same thing today for that many kids would be about $80. And of course they couldn't all pile into the station wagon today, because there weren't seat belts for every one. Those were the days my friends, I thought they'd never end.

Once they left and returned to get Alice from the bathroom, they were off to the ghost town doing their best Pirates of the Caribbean impression trying to get the dog to give them the key. Oh yes, that episode is a classic.

But better yet is the Hawaii episode. That came on later in the day. Another classic. Nothing like a curse to spread some exciting events into a three part episode. I think I can even remember watching that live and having to wait for each Friday night to find out what would happen. I hate cliff hangers to this day and the Brady Bunch may be to blame.

So until I post again, hope you are all coping with the holiday stress. I am hoping to stay in denial about there even being such a thing as Christmas for at least another month. Wish me luck.

Train up a child in the way she should stalk

2009-11-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

Last night the dancers from So You Think You Can Dance came to Vegas to perform. Sadly, thanks to Dave Ramsey, I am trying to live within my means. This did not allow me to purchase any tickets for the show. Dang, financial limitations.

Happily, thanks to Facebook, I saw that my cousin went to the show in Utah last week. She was kind enough to let me know that you don't have to go to the show to go to the meet and greet. All you have to do is just show up and wait outside for the dancers.

I anticipated that with the show starting at 7:30 the dancers would be out by about 10:00. Diana and I headed over to the Orleans Arena about 9:30. The security people told us that it would be closer to 11 when the dancers came out.

It was ridiculously cold and we were not prepared for that kind of weather, so we went home and bundled up. We got back about 10:45 and joined the others waiting in line.

I know that it wasn't snowing or anything, but it was really windy. The Las Vegas kind of wind that cuts right through you like a knife. We ended up waiting for about 45 minutes with all the other crazies. I kept asking Diana if she was too cold and if she wanted to give up, but she was determined.

After what seemed like forever, they decided to move the free meet and greet inside out of the cold. We were right at the front of the line and we were ushered into a room with all of these people we had watched week after week. It was so amazing.

Here is Jeanine, the winner, with Diana and I. She was so pretty.

Here we are with one of our favorites, Evan. I am afraid I am suffering from an extreme case of hat hair as I value warmth over beauty. Also I wish I was wearing something other than my thermal shirt, but it did help me stay warm.

How cute are these two? We told Jeanette how sad we were when she got voted out.

Diana took this shot. Jeanette looked great in her turquoise shirt.

Kayla was next and no one was available to take our picture, so we have this one I took by holding my camera out.

We did find someone to snap our shot with Phillip. When we first came in, there was a group who had a very tiny baby with them, like two months old. This mother asked Philip to sign her baby. How odd is that? Well, I might do that if I had a baby, so perhaps it is not that strange.

Here Jason is signing Diana's book. Before it was our turn, that same group with the baby let Jason hold her and he was so cute with that baby. Jason was truly one of the nicest people.

Group shot with Jason. People were nice to snap shots for us, but next time it would be nice to have your own photographer.

Diana and Randi, she was so nice to talk to Diana and even help her get to the front of the line when people kept crowding in front of us.
One group in front of us took the classic "Butt" picture. So funny.

Here we are with Kapono. Another self shot, good thing my arm is so long.

The line to see Melissa was so long, we kept coming back but it never got shorter. Finally at the very end we got our turn. I am sure that Melissa hears all the time about how her breast cancer dance impacted people. I added my story to the others. As my mom was in the middle of her treatments, I remember sitting on the couch with tears streaming down my face, as I watched Melissa and Ade portrait so much of what we were feeling.

Cute shot of Brandon signing Diana's book. Look at all her autographs. She managed to get one from everyone who was there. Ade wasn't there, I am not sure why.

At one point they announced the five minute warning, we hurried to get the last shot with Brandon. He is shorter in person than he looks on TV, but he was really nice. Diana is so dang cute and photogenic.

It was midnight when we finally were encouraged to leave and go home. Diana loved all of it. I was so proud. I wonder how many other such opportunities we have missed out on? I will need to be more diligent in scouting out such fun. And the best part was that it was absolutely free. If stalking is wrong, I don't want to be right. Just sayin.

Can't Touch This!!!

2009-11-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Just in case you missed the Halloween edition of the Bonnie Hunt show, I thought I would share this highlight. All of her crew dressed up in different 80's characters. You know you are old when a time you lived through is now considered an era worthy of a costume. Bonnie was Melanie Griffith in Working Girl. The whole show was hee hee larious, but the best, for Diana and I, was this clip of one of her employees doing his MC Hammer impression. Check it out unless you are too young to remember this.

Candy Corn Witch

2009-11-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

This year's costume drama, involved a long long wait in a line at Party City to try on this costume. It was actually her second choice because she had chosen a Pirate costume on line. I of course procrastinated purchasing it, not realizing that it needed to be ordered online in advance. Hence we were left with this second choice, which I think is adorable. I attended my last Halloween parade but my camera was out of batteries, so pictures.
We went to Utah for the weekend to attend a baptism and a baby blessing and it just happened to be Halloween. For the first time ever, we got to go trick or treating with our cousins. Here is the group shot. Diana was especially thrilled that she ended up holding the newest cousin, little Tiger. Check out Little Bo Peep in the front row, I made that costume for Diana 8 years ago.

Here is a picture of me and Lizzie up close. Too bad you can't see the bloomers on the costume. They have 10 yards of lace and ribbon on them. It seems like a different life when I used to actually sew.

Here are the three little witches. So cute. The witch with the blue pumpkin got baptized earlier that day. Kind of cool to get baptized on Halloween.

And here is the completely satisfied Candy Corn Witch with her loot laid out for the choosing. Love the orange stripey socks. Maybe they can be recycled into a Pipi Longstocking costume.

But wait there's more

2009-10-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yes much like one of the infomercials on TV when the guys extols the virtues of a set of knives and then says "But Wait, There's More", there are more funtabulous pictures of me with BYU football players for your viewing pleasure and potential mockery.

You see last weekend, my football friends came to Vegas. And we all know what that means: another football fireside. The fireside was wonderful as usual, but I have to admit to being a bit distracted by strategizing over how to corner potential players/victims to pose with.

Here I am with my defensive guys, Scottie Johnson and Andrew Rich. These guys both wreak havoc in the secondary on a regular basis. Scottie also was a very good sport and feigned sincere interest in my stalker book. Such a good actor.

And next me and McKay Jacobson. He has been a star on the offense this year and is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. I managed to get my stalker book in the picture this time.

In the background most of the team are helping to put away the chairs. In case you were wondering, a football team can put away all the chairs that filled the gym in about 4 minutes flat.

One of the biggest helpers, my good buddy Harvey Unga. I showed him how cute we looked in our picture that was taken the week before.

I also had a fun conversation with Coleby Clawson and his wife. He liked my pictures as well. I was tempted to get another picture with him, to see if I wouldn't be overly smiling, but oh well.

Surprisingly, I am running out of players to get my picture taken with. Almost everyone I saw, I had already tortured. Inconceivable.

As hard as it was to pry myself away, I knew that I needed to go home, pack, and get to bed so I could get up at 5 an to get to the airport the next morning. As I was driving, look who was driving in the lane next to me, two buses full of football players. I had to snap a shot, although I am pretty sure driving while holding your camera out of the window and trying to look at the view screen, is not the safest thing to do.

Here they are trying to make their get away. I contemplated tailing them to the hotel, but thought discretion was the better part of valor.

And here they are getting even further away. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Finally we reached the freeway entrance, they went east and I went west. How sad. They did play fabulously on Saturday as they dismantled UNLV. Trent was there with a friend sitting in my seat. That's OK, he was kind enough to text me during the game. Surely that is the next best thing to being there?

Jared and I had a nice visit in Seattle and he received his patriarchal blessing. It is too bad that I came down with a horrible head cold Saturday morning. That is why it has taken me this long to get this posted.

Sadly, I think this maybe the end of my close encouters with the football team this season. But never fear, I will try to go on living anyway.

Random post about the details of my life.

2009-10-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

This will be a rather random post to catch up on a few things that have been happening around here.

Some of the biggest news is that Diana got the part in the school play that she really wanted to get. Her elementary school is doing a play about some school kids who want it to snow so they can get out of school. All of the teachers in the play have been renamed to match the names of the teachers at her school.

This is Miss Friend. Yes I know she looks like she could be one of the kids, but she is actually the music teacher. She is awesome and clearly Diana resembles her.

Check out this current picture of Diana. From their long hair, glasses, and short stature, well they are kind of twins. So Diana had her heart set on being Miss Friend. There was drama about trying out. Lots of late night practicing and nerves. But in the end, she is beyond ecstatic to have gotten the part she wants. I think it will be pretty funny.

In other news, I celebrated a birthday last week. It was a very nice day. I went to IHOP for breakfast with friends. My husband got me beautiful roses. And we got Qdoba for dinner.

The only bad thing about my birthday was that it happened to be picture day for Diana. Picture days seem to be fraught with stress and drama over how her hair should be and what to wear. Somehow we navigated the rocky road and got her to school. Sheesh.

Another thing I have been meaning to post about is my new phone. To say that I adore this phone, would be an understatement. It totally rocks. And I have given in and paid for the internet so I can check my email and update my facebook status. It has an awesome camera on it as well. In fact you might say that it is a camera with a phone.

My kids like my phone as well, and take turns with it whenever they can. This is pretty funny because I had a picture of Diana as my wallpaper. Whenever Jared gets a hold of the phone, he changes the wallpaper to a picture of him. Then Diana gets it and changes it back to her picture. It is just like Sleeping Beauty when the fairies are arguing over whether Auroa's gown will be pink or blue.

Besides getting to go to the BYU football game, last weekend when I was in Utah, I got to meet my new nephew. Isn't he precious.

He is such a sweet baby. It was lots of fun to hold him and get to know him better.

I am still working on organizing and cleaning up from the flood. It is a bit overwhelming. But as my dear sister in law pointed out, it is a good chance to sort through things and de-junk. A mandatory clean sweep, if you will. And we will paint the family room, before we replace the floor.

Jared and I are off to Seattle in the morning. My dad will be giving him his patriarchal blessing on Sunday. I am so happy that he wants to get this special blessing. It is a bit sad that it happens to be on the same weekend as the BYU/UNLV game, but at least I got to attend last weekend. I will go to the fireside tonight before we leaving in the morning. I am excited about that.

Jared is slowly adjusting to being back in school. He has missed about 12 days, but seems to be keeping his head above water. He slipped and fell last week and that kept him home for a few days. Actually this week is the first week that he has attended every day. Wahoo! I suppose that it is progress and I was overly optimistic that he could just go back 100% of the time. I think that his immune system is weak because he keeps catching a cold or flu. I wonder if there is an immunity idol for that? Hmmmm. I think eventually he will be back in the full swing of things. I went to open house this week and it seems that he has very good teachers. I am pleased with that.

Oh and in other missed it by that much news, I received a letter in the mail telling me that my fridge I purchased 9 years ago is being recalled due to the fact that several of them have caught fire and burned people's houses down. Gee, isn't that special. So this morning a repairman came and fixed the faulty part. Whew, that cisis is averted. Thank you very much, but I think the experience of having my house burn down is one I can live with out quite nicely. Knocking on wood and throwing salt over my shoulder as I write this.

Well I suppose that is all the news that is fit to tell. I hope to be back to working more in the next few weeks.

Yes it's another BYU football post, just suck it up and deal with it, K. You know how much you look forward to these.

2009-10-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Okie dokie, peeps. It's time for yet another of my famous football posts. I know you have all been waiting with baited breath. And don't worry this post full of pictures will not disappoint. Let's just say that it was a heck of day for football.

I was not going to attend the game, but a very kind person in my ward offered me her tickets. She wasn't going and it was a very happy coincidence indeed. I invited my brother, but he had to work, and so I knew that T was up from down south and wanted to go. Thanks to facebook messaging, I invited her and she was thrilled. Who says blogging doesn't pay off?

I arrived at the game a little bit late because of not getting to Provo sooner. But better late than never. I made sure that I was properly attired in all my BYU gear. Here I took a shot of myself as I was entering the stadium.

And here I made the security guard take my picture. She might have muttered something about my craziness under her breath. I'm not quite sure.
Here is the sign they put up just for me. How did they know it would be necessary? Hmmmm.

T was slightly behind me in the drive up, so I watched from the entrance until she got there. After purchasing kettle corn, we made our way up to our seats.

I had not been to these seats and so asked another kind orange coated young man. He gave directions, and we proceeded to where we thought the seats were. Of course they were in the middle of the row and so we made about twelve people stand up as we made our way to the seats. Now mind you, I had a large coat, sweat shirt, and bag overflowing in my arms. And T of course had her cozy. No offense Kristina, but the cozy is uber soft. People were kind and pretended they were not annoyed at us as we trampled on their toes.

Funny thing someone else was sitting in our seats. Not so funny, we were in the wrong section. And so we made our way back over all the people we had just annoyed. All the time saying "So sorry, pardon me, excuse me." We were not pop-u-lar at all. Not even a little.

At this point there was only 3 minutes until half time. So I suggested we sit in the aisle. And then we noticed two empty seats right on the aisle. We sat there, instead of treading all the way to the middle of another row.

It just so happens that four blog souls sisters met up at half time. It was so cool. Here are T, me, April, and Barbaloot. Are we just the cutest thing you have ever seen? Yeah, I thought so too. I totally loved Barb's cute white coat. Very stylish and color coordinated.

T took this picture of me as we made our way closer to high five the team.
And she was also kind enough to snap this shot of me in the process of the high five.
After the game, T had to go home with her husband, but I went and hung out with April. She taught me the stalker skill of hanging out by the locker room entrance so you can see the players when they leave. And who did we bump into, but Queen's mom, who also happens to be Max Hall's grandmother. Of course we needed a picture with her.
Here I am with a pile of stadium chairs. Don't ask why I got this picture, but it was covered with BYU and so I needed my picture with them.
And here I am with Brian Karia. And who is that popping into the picture aka the Sound of Music, cuckoo song. So funny April. Love ya, girl.
And guess who was next, to play the "Get your picture with the nuttiest fan ever" game. Yes that's right. Coleby Clawson. The very player who put the hit on Sam Bradford and took him out of the game when we played Oklahoma. Look at me, I am not the least bit happy and excited about that, now am I.
And here was April's turn to get her picture with Coleby. His wife was a good sport about sharing him with us.
The next contestant, Manase Tonga. Yes people, how cute is he. And he can run also.
Dennis Pitta and Max Hall showed up next. I didn't make them get their picture with me because I got my picture with them last year. I did snap this shot of Dennis chatting it up with some kids.
Now Jan Jorgensen. He is a big guy. Such a good sport also.

And last, but surely not least, ME AND HARVEY UNGA!!! I can't believe it. You just have to pick these people out of the crowd as they leave the stadium. Harvey likes to sneak out and try to avoid some of the crazies like me. But it was not to be. I had to wait behind several small boys, but finally it was my turn.

All in all, it was amazing. I loved it all, but feel like I didn't really see the game. Maybe I will have to re-watch it. And I think I am coming closer to being a topic of discussion in the locker room. Wouldn't that be cool to end up on a poster warning the players to watch out for this "uber fan".

My toilet runneth over!

2009-09-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, (well ok, it was Friday morning, if you must know) there was a grumpy, exhausted maiden who was wont to linger longer in bed.

Alas, her daughter exclaimed, "Arise from thy bedchamber and drive me in the carriage to the house of education. Hasten, for we have languished in bed too long and the time is nigh at hand for the bell of tardiness to ring."

And so the grumpy maiden arose post haste and descended her stairs, whilst rubbing her eyes, longing for a short drive in the carriage, where upon she would return to her bedchamber for a long, lingering, nap, whilst all her children were attending school.

But alas her dream was in vain. Because upon entering her chamber for TV watching, her eyes beheld that an evil wizard had cast a spell turning the laminate floor into a swamp. Yea, verily even the guinea pig hangeth ten as her cage floated across the floor.

In great hast, the grumpy maiden gathereth all the towels of the house and hastened to rescue items of value that were beginning to succumb to the flood. There was much scurrying and bailing. And running to and fro to empty the contents of the room.

And woe, some of the books were soaked to destruction. But by some twisted turn of fate, none of them belongeth to the library, and so no fines of torture were inflicted upon the maiden.

And then the maiden's fair daughter cried out "Woe is me, today is the day scheduled for physical exertion and my running shoes are wet like unto a soggy sponge."

And the grumpy maiden looked and saw that it was true. And verily, the maiden exhorted the fair daughter to wear her slip on footwear and promised to dry the running shoes with the aid of the fire breathing dragon that lives inside the dryer.

Indeed, the grumpy maiden exclaimed for the fair daughter to make haste, for the time was short and the bell ringing was nigh at hand. And so they hastened to the carriage and managed to arrive at the house of education just as the bell ringing started and with out peril to any pedestrians or crossing guards.

The now soggy, grouchy, grumpy maiden returned home to continue her flood fighting efforts. Wielding a broom she did gird up her loins and proceed to sweep as much of the water as possible out of the back door onto the porch.

And hark she heard a rapping at the door. And behold it was her friend with her two small children arriving to harvest her pomegranates, because the grumpy, grouchy maiden hath no time for jelly making. The soggy, grouchy, grumpy maiden exhorted the children to watch out for the slippery floor. And whilst her friend tarried in the pomegranate vineyard, the maiden returned to sopping and mopping.

Whilst sopping and mopping, the telephone rangeth, and the maiden ran to and fro looking for a phone that was fully charged. The phone call informed her of the impending arrival of her new stove from the place of home warranties. This was fortuitous as the maiden could enter a plea to the home warranty place for help in the plumbing department at the very same time. And yea, her plea was of the 911 nature. The soggy, grouchy, grumpy maiden was assured that the plumber would make haste to her rescue.

The maiden was receiving a new stove, because her old stove was old like unto Methuselah and was no longer performing the purpose for which it was intended. Yea, the pilot light did stick whenever the stove was used, and continued clicking for the entire cooking time, whether it be 20 minutes or 2 hours. And the ticking thereof grateth on the grumpy maiden's nerves. And behold the stove repairman declared the old stove to be unfixable, and so a new stove was sent for.

Upon hearing of the new stove's arrival, the maiden redirected her efforts from the sopping and mopping to the pushing and shoving of the furniture to prepare a path for the new stove.

For verily the way from the front door to her kitchen was very narrow and fraught with obstacles.

The maiden searched high and low through out her house for every available towel to be used in the sopping and mopping. Yea even, she began using the magical clothes washing machine, in order to obtain more dry towels.

Shortly thereafter the bell of the door rangeth. And the soggy, grouchy, grumpy maiden hastened to the door and inquired "Are you here for the stove or the plumbing?" And verily it was for the stove.

And whilst the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden continued the process of sopping and mopping, the workman removed the old stove. And they did bestow pity upon the maiden, for they did have great empathy for her woeful state of dampness.

And whence the ancient stove was removed, the maiden looked and saw years of crumbs collected beneath the old stove. And the maiden put her shoulder to the wheel in removing the scourge of filth found there upon. And yea verily the crumbs were hard like unto cement. After some wailing and gnashing of teeth, the grime was removed.
And behold, the grumpy, grouchy maiden began receiving pleas from her son in the tenth grade. Yea, he did text and call her exceedingly often, saying that he felt light in the head and needed to come home. And verily, the grumpy maiden did exhort her son to sucketh it up and stay at school. Yea, and she was not amused at his persistence in exclaiming his impending death if she did not rescue him. But the grouchy maiden was firm and immovable in her resolve that he would complete the day of his education. And his pleas did fall upon deaf ears. For truly she was otherwise occupied.

The new stove was installed, and the maiden saw that it was good. For it was beautiful to behold, in that it was black like unto the fridge and dishwasher, unlike the old beige stove.

The workmen finally retired to their carriage, and the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden looked and saw that the time for the daughters physical exertion was nigh at hand, yea even 5 minutes away.

And the maiden took great haste in finding socks and taking the running shoes to the office of the house of education and bestowed the partially dried running shoes upon the fair daughter.

The fair daughter pled with the grumpy maiden saying "Today is the designated day for families to feast with their children during lunch time. Yea, please bringeth me a BIG Mac from the House of McDonalds as a token of your love and devotion." And the silly, soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden replied that she would do her best.

And so she returned to the task of sopping and mopping.

Verily all of her efforts seemed to be in vain, for every time she looked, more water was seeping up through the laminate flooring.

And behold, the phone did ringeth again. And the grumpy maiden received the news of the plumbers longed for arrival. But woe unto the fair daughter because it was at the same time as the hour of lunch.

Yea and verily the fair daughter did call and plead with great vigor for the grouchy maiden to come hither with her BIG Mac. And the maiden had to deny the pleas of her daughter, yea even though they were many, and the daughter did wail and gnash her teeth at the news that she would have to eat hot lunch that day.

And behold, the doorbell ringeth again, and lo it was the plumber. And the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden did invite him into her abode of sogginess.

And verily, the plumber did search low and high for the source of the flooding, but to no avail. He discovereth not the source of the water. And the grumpy maiden did follow him around and give many suggestions. But alas they could not discover from whence the water was flowing.

Finally, as a last resort, the plumber suggested cutting a whole in the ceiling of the TV watching chamber roon

. Yea, even though the home warranty would not cover repairing the damage done by the hole cutting. And the grumpy maiden did giver her consent for what else could she do?

And the plumber did say unto the distraught soggy maiden, let me run and get a waiver for thee to sign away all thy liabilities. And the maiden did despair, for it is never a good thing when someone says "Let me get a waiver."

And verily, not one hole but two were caused to be cut in the ceiling. But alas, that was not the source of the leaking either. And the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden began to despair.

For she had mopped up buckets and buckets of water, and still there was no end in sight.

And behold there was a plate of brownies sitting on the kitchen counter which were left over from the enriching event of the previous evening. And the starving, soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden did fall upon the brownies devouring many, yea even until the plate was clean.

And behold the plumber did continue his search for the cause of the problem. Yea, even unto the opening of cupboard doors, whereupon items crammed inside did fall out upon his head.

Yea and he did discover that the water had entered the closet of containment, which was piled high with items without other storage solutions. And it became necessary for the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden to empty the closet, which was mountainous to behold. And this at great peril to her life.

And the maiden beheld that the carpet on the floor of the closet was soaking and must be disposed of in the waste receptacle. Yea, even it was dripping with excess water.
And the carpet pad was also soaketh, and caused to be removed. But behold it was glued to the floor and was most difficult to remove. And verily, the grouchy maiden thinketh her back would break from the efforts of removing the carpet pad.

And behold next the plumber discovered the water had entered the cavity that we had caused to be cut under the stairs for the purpose of storage.

And much of the contents of the storage chamber were removed, in order to see the damage that had been done.

Yea, even some of the food that the maiden had stored up for the day of famine as foretold by the prophets, yea some of that was touched by the water flowing into the house.
But behold, much of the food was spared.

And it came to pass that the plumber finally after several hours of searching, yea he did discover the problem. There was a clog in the pipe that goeth from the house out into the sewer. And so when the children had showered that morning, the water was unable to get to the sewer and instead did flow out of the downstairs toilet.

Upon hearing this news, the soppy, soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden felt faint of heart. For this news did concern her greatly. But yea, while the plumber did snake out the pipe, the maiden did continue in her efforts to clean up the mess.

And behold the grouchy maiden did look at the clock, and verily it was the time of dismissal for the fair daughter. And the maiden did hasten to fetch the fair daughter and the fair daughter's friend, who was promised to come for a visit that afternoon.

And verily, the fair daughter and her friend did take the large box from the new stove to make a fort. And they requireth sticky Velcro and fabric for the making of their fort. And the making of it did involve a great mess, but verily it did keep them occupied, whilst the maiden took a moment to sit upon her couch.

And verily, the soggy, grumpy, grouchy maiden did make a call to her home owners insurance, and hence then did inform her of her $1000 dollar deductible. And it seemeth a harsh thing. Yea verily, her husband did say that he could repair the damage for much less, and so the claim will be withdrawn.

At the end of the day, the grumpy, grouchy maiden did lay upon her bed in a state of sheer and utter exhaustion. And behold she slept, but her dreams were troubled by visions of waves and toilets and Guinea pigs hanging ten. And verily she did rise the next day and commence in the cleaning process. And yea it will be many fortnights before all is returned to normal in her home.

But behold, all is not in vain, for the events did make for a very entertaining post for her blog.

Sending out a SOS!

2009-09-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

OK, peeps. Calling out to all fellow blogging sisters of the ya ya sisterhood. Our good friend Queen is in need of our good thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. Her son had surgery again last night. They are still having trouble getting his bleeding to stop. She is living at the hospital during the day. They are still not positive what will happen or when it will happen. So if you could add her in with T, T's family, and Denae, well that would be great.

Yesterday, I stopped by and visited for a little while. Who says hospitals are a bad place for first time face to face meetings with blog soul sistas? Well, for the record, it is a great place. We shared hospital stories, children woe's stories, and for sure our shared grief over the BYU football game last weekend. Sometimes group grieving therapy is a good thing. It was great. The best thing about blog friends is that you can tell them what's new, because they already know about the old stuff.

I am sure she would not mind another kind word in her comment box either. The future is uncertain, and that is terribly unsettling, for sure. Don't ya just love how blogging expands our circle of friends? I know I do.

Rise and Shout

2009-09-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

If you do not like BYU Football, just move along and don't bother with this post. You can go do a sudoku puzzle or something.

My wildest dreams came true on Saturday when my beloved Cougars beat the #3 ranked Oklahoma Sooners. It was a heck of a day for football. Much screaming and jumping were required. In fact at the end of the game, I pulled out my lucky bone for added power in that final drive.

I am sure I will never forget the amazing event. My only sadness was that I was not with a larger group to celebrate.

Since the game ended I have been reading articles, re watching, or listening to the live call over again. I can't get enough of it.

I found these You-Tube videos that came from 1280 the Zone website.

The first is an interview with Colby Clawson, who laid the HIT on Sam Bradford that took hi out of the game. I think I may need to put him on my players to stalk at the fireside list.

And then I thought this interview was heelarious and shows just how big our lineman are. Obviously they did a great job protecting Max on Saturday. O-line always seem to be the unsung heroes of most games.

All in all I couldn't be happier and prouder of my team. Hopefully this means they are only coming to Vegas once this year. I will have to take full advantage of it.

There is something so heartening about watching the underdog win. About a group of guys that no one in the country gave any chance of winning, come out and believe in the unbelievable. I have been waiting and waiting for the football season to begin. So glad it is finally here. Keep it up guys. I hope my potential stalking is not a distraction.

New Look

2009-09-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of the advantages of my working for RAZ, was the opportunity to spend my paycheck on the samples that they moved out to make room for the new stuff. They sold off the samples at 75% off of wholesale. This was ridiculously irresistible. And so now my house has had a total make over.

Here is my new front porch. I am so in love with the bicycle. When I worked there last January, I saw it but it was not for sale. Imagine my glee when it was for sale this time. Originally, it was $108 so that meant I paid $27 dollars for it. Are you kidding me? It was really beyond ridiculous, how much stuff I brought home.

Here is a close up of the cheery wreath that now graces my front door.

And here is a close up of the bicycle. I already had the milk can, but it has been empty for the past four years. Now it is overflowing with color. And the sweet little frogs. How adorable are they? The only sad thing is I park in the garage and so I don't get to see this every time I come home. Still I do go out and admire it when I get the mail.

Next my entry at the bottom of my stairs. I already had the table, but all of the rest is new.

I love the wreath stand and all the bird nests. It makes me smile every time I walk down my stairs.

And how much do I love this birdhouse? Too much. And the suitcase it is sitting on, now holds the Nintendo 64, which is very old, but somehow we can not live with out it. Now it is no longer an eyesore next to my TV.

Next we move to the top of my entertainment system in my family room. The best thing about this, is that my friend, neighbor and co worker helped me put this all together. One night after work, we started tying different things. I was able to see how it looked and take things out and put things in, until I got it just right. I love the yellow watering can. My husband does not really like the rooster, but he said he will live with it. I still need to go to Michaels or JoAnns with a coupon to get some candles for my candlesticks. I looked at Target, but the candles were $6 each. How could I get six dollar candles for my three dollar candle sticks. Seriously.

I love this little shelf which is holding my new bird collection.

And I love this bird house also. And another suitcase to hide videos or a game system. I think all the PSP paraphernalia might go nicely in here.

And so of course all of this bee-ut-iful stuff is going to require painting the room. And sadly the rooms in my house are all kind of connected so that means we have to paint the family room, kitchen, living room, hallways, and so on. I really don't know where it will end. Wasn't there a Brady Bunch episode where Carol wanted to paint her bedroom, but then it was going to require new drapes, and the hall, and furniture, and on and on.

I have not managed to choose a paint color yet. Although I have managed to spend a lot of money on paint samples. There is even more that I didn't take pictures of, for some strange reason.

All in all, it is amazing how new things in your house can improve your disposition.

Oh and a shout out to my Cougars. Here's hoping you surprise the nation. I am so ready for some football. And I am making everyone at my house wear a BYU tshirt today.

School Updates

2009-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't post yesterday, because we overslept and Jared missed seminary for the first time this year. Good news more sleep for me, bad news no computer time. I have found the quiet house and unoccupied computer to be a very big silver lining to the whole getting up at 5 am thing.

So last night I came home from work and decided that clean underwear is not highly over rated, so I gave in and did some laundry. I did not get to watch Top Chef yet, but some day. Thank goodness for DVR's. It also means that Project Runway will waiting for me.

This morning I decided to do some cleaning in my kitchen after dropping Jared off. You know it is amazing how much you can get done by 7 am when you get up a 5. Who knew? It was about time, since I have not done anything but clear the surfaces in there for the whole summer. Talk about scary situations.

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer every day. Only 3 or 4 more days to go.

And just so you know, I can sing all the colors to Joseph's coat if the sound track is playing, but I can not repeat them all from memory. Of course I copy and pasted them in from a lyric website. I still can't stop thinking about the show and singing "Go away little girl." Hopefully Diana does not take it personally.

Jared seems to be adjusting to high school life rather well. He doesn't even need to use the elevator. I have had some issues trying to get him out of PE and into Weight Training. That is what his surgeon suggested. How cool is that? No more $15 co pays for physical therapy, just get it for free at school. I think it will be amazing if he can work on regaining his strength.

The doctor says that he is back to 85% of normal, but he does not want him to do any running or even jumping jacks, yet. When people kept saying it would take a year for him to recover, I refused to believe it or even consider that it could take that long. But here we are 13 months later and that really is how long it has taken him. Jared is in all honors classes and they are sophomore ones at that. I am not sure how that worked out, seeing as how he did not complete any 9th grade classes, but oh well. The one class he really still needs to complete to graduate is 9th grade English and there is always summer school next year.

And it was picture day for Jared today and I actually managed to fill out the order form and send a check. Wahoo! It is not always something I have been able to be on top of in the past.

Diana is loving 5th grade, except yesterday she got moved to sit next to a girl she does not like at all. This girl comes from a very difficult family situation and has lots of behavior issues. For instance sometimes she licks her hand and wipes it on the other girls. Diana wants me to intervene with the teacher, but I am not sure if it will matter. Actually I think that this girl has ended up sitting by herself the past two years. Diana is in the all girl class again this year, but she has a much better teacher and I am very happy about that. There are 31 girls in her class. Just thinking about 31 10 year olds makes me weak in the knees. Her teacher did say that one of the advantages to separating the boys and girls is that they tend to learn differently. Boys like to just get a worksheet done and girls like to discuss it before they ever do it. It sounds right to me. The teacher has also received special training in single gender teaching. I feel really good about it.

Trent is registered to start CSN on Monday. It is totally awesome because my husband teaches there, Trent can go to school for $4 a credit. Much better than $56, don't ya think? It will save him $1000. He is signed up to be a music major, which will be very cool, but I wonder how marketable it will be. Of course who knows what he will want to do after his mission.

All in all we seemed to have survived the first week of school, pretty well. Seriously after Monday morning there was no where to go but up, right?

So sorry life is a bit boring right now, no rain in my house or other such catashrophe's. And no exciting celebrity encounters to report. I will keep my eyes peeled.

Happy Friday everyone!

Dontastic and Marieabulous

2009-08-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the Donny & Marie Show here in Vegas. Good Golly Miss Molly was it out of this world. As my gay boss said when he saw it in July "It was the bomb." Seriously, it was two hours of jam packed entertainment.

First let me just say that most people at the Flamingo are unaware that such events need photographic evidence and hence they stared at me when I took pictures such as this one while standing in line to get into the theater. Their strange faces seemed to say "Isn't that lady cute how she needs to take pictures with all things Donny and Marie." And "How nice that they let her out of the mental institution for the evening."

Here I am taking a self portrait with a cabinet full of stuff you can buy if you want to own a piece of Osmond history. No purple socks, Dang.

Yes here is my actual ticket that I actually paid for with my actual debit card. I wish it would have been my virtual debit card, but Oh well, the piper must be paid.

We were ushered into the Flamingo Theater. It looked like a theater I had seen in movies where it was made up of booths with tables. The seats that we could almost afford were on the balcony at a four person table.

The other couple at the table were visiting Vegas from Oklahoma. I resisted talking smack with them about the upcoming BYU football game against Oklahoma. I would hate to have to hurt any senior citizens over rival opinions.

They were celebrating their 30 year wedding anniversary. They were much older than us, probably 65. By the time we are that old we will be celebrating 50 years. I know that is because I got married when I was 5. And no offense to any older people reading this. It was just strange that's all.

We had a nice conversation with them, although I have to admit to being distracted by the interesting trivia questions they were flashing on the big screens. Did you know that Donny had made 58 albums? Me either. Did you know that Marie was in The King and I and the Sound of Music? Me either. I loved seeing pictures of the good old days.

Finally the show began. It was packed with oldie but goodies, dancing to knock your socks off, Opera from Marie and Paper Roses, and of course Puppy Love from Donny. And Soldier of Love, don't forget that. And so much more. It was amazing.

One of the coolest things was the way they interacted with the audience. There were 4 ladies from Scotland sitting on the very front row and they were going crazy. It was just like the 70's all over again. And when Donny sang the song from Joseph, these ladies were singing back up from the audience and you could hear it. It was pretty funny and he even laughed about it at times. He asked them if they knew every word to every song he had ever sung. Donny would also walk along the tables and give people high fives or shake their hands. It looked kind of dangerous, but the audience loved it. I think he shook hands with everyone in the front section who had paid $250 for their seats.

Marie said she didn't walk on top of tables, but she did go out into the audience and kissed almost every bald man on the head. She must have a thing for that. She was totally adorable and bantered back and forth with Donny like on the show of old. And man can that woman dance. She was totally awesome, although she kept complaining about her mike not working quite right.

The whole thing was very nostalgic and brought beck memories of watching their show every Friday night for the 4 years it was on TV. This was before the day of VCR's or DVRs and TV shows actually were something you looked forward to and even planned your life around.

I loved every minute of it, although it did get a bit loud during the Crazy Horses song. It would be so hard to pick a favorite part. Marie did an awesome Broadway medley. The dancing through all of it was amazing. Donny was dripping with sweat through out.

His partner from Dancing with the Stars was there and he had her come up on stage. I did not recognize her, I think her name was Kim. I wish he would have gotten Chelsie. But that was kind of fun to get a sneak peak.

If any of you ever come to Vegas, mortgage the farm and go see this show. I am sure that it falls into the same category as a home or education for approved situations where debt is OK.

And afterwards, it was time for more pictures for the blog.

Here I am with my best Egyptian pose next to THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT! You know it was red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and azure and lemon and russet and grey and purple and white and pink and orange and red and yellow and green and brown and Scarlet and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and lilac and gold and chocolate and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and azure and lemon and russet and grey and purple and white and pink and orange and BLUE.

And here is another attempt to walk like an Egyptian.

And here I am singing "Go Go Go Joseph you know what they say, Hang on now Joseph you'll make it some day. Don't give up Joseph fight till you drop. We've read the book and you come at on top." Gee, why didn't a chorus line of singers and dancers come out and sing this to me last year when I felt like my life was a perfect graveyard of buried hopes.

Here I am with the very dress that Marie wore on Dancing with the Stars when she danced to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

Yes, they called it Puppy Love.

And finally my meet and greet with Donny and Marie after they show. They were a bit stiff, but I am sure they were just worn out from the show. I did most of the talking and then didn't seem to mind. Nor did they call security.

Sadly I did not obtain a puple sock. I suppose I will manage to go on somehow.

All in all it was a the best time ever. Very worth being married 25 year for. Hee Hee. Two years ago, we went to Wicked. I like this trend. My next dream is to see Lion King. Those tickets are only $50. I am going to start saving now.

And since this is an anniversary post, I thought I would throw in a picture of our wedding day. August 8, 1984. We were babies, seriously.

Love you hon, Thanks for all the years of good times and for being there for the bad. Hope the next 25 are just a wonderful, but maybe a little less exciting.

The Rest of the Story

2009-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

After I wrote my post yesterday, I did give in to the fatigue and laid back down. I made sure to set my alarm on my phone, but alas the spirits of snoozing took possession of my body. My neighbor called me at 8:50 because we were suppose to ride together to drop off our girls and then go right to work.

I answered her call and told her I would meet up with her after she dropped of her daughter. I then ran through the house like the crazed maniac that I am. I woke Diana up and made her join the frenzy. Somehow she got ready and we got in the car. Good thing she had eaten breakfast at 5 am. I did almost run over the crossing guard, for which I would have had a great insanity defense, I am pretty sure. But still, not the best way to start a school year.

We were walking onto the school yard when the bell rang at 9:00. Apparently 5th graders do not want to speak to their mothers, and so I was brusquely told to just leave already. OK, then.

I managed to stumble back to my car and make my way back home, where I was afforded the luxury of brushing my teeth before I had to dash off to work. Showers are highly over rated, right?

Work went well, other than the fact that I was so hungry I was tempted to gnaw off my own leg. Good news, I think I am loosing some weight, survivor style, that is to say starvation. Finally we decided that we needed to leave at 3:00 so we could get home and tend to the kiddies, make dinner, and do our homework.

Can some one please explain to me why it is the parents that get the homework the first week. Seriously, fill out a million forms, that you have already filled out for years. Then here is the list of needed school supplies, could you make a midnight run to Wal Mart to purchase said supplies. I am not so much a fan of the first week of school.

Then Diana and I ran down to the strip to pick up my Donny and Marie tickets for tonight. Yes, my husband are finally getting around to celebrating our 25th anniversary that was back on the 8th. I just hope that I can enjoy the show, seeing as how I can't really differentiate between staring at a blank wall or the TV right now.

Next I took Trent to the bank to deposit some checks and withdraw some money so he could pay me for his car insurance. Of course the gods of technology decided to give me another raspberry and the ATM we went to was out of order. This necessitated a trip to another bank.

When we got home I looked in the cupboards and somehow magically found something to throw together for dinner. Although I am out of cream of mushroom soup, which is inconceivable. Apparently I bought two cases of cream of chicken at the last case lot sale. Bummer.

Then there was the call from the school nurse, telling me that the form my doctor filled out to get Jared out of PE was not explicit enough and so could I just get her a note that said absolutely no PE for him. Well sure, I have nothing else going on in my life. I hope that I just took care of that this morning compliments of a fax machine. We will see.

Then we put Diana's room back together so she could sleep in with out being woken up during the seminary morning madness. I did refuse to go through the mounds of stuff she has and organize it. Do you have a bed that is cleared off? Then, that is as good as it is going to get.

Finally I fell into my bed at 9:30. Summer is definitely over for me.

Tomorrow I should have some fun pictures of our adventure tonight, so stay tuned.

A New Loosing Streak

2009-08-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

I think if I have to look for one more thing I am going to scream.

Jared woke me up this morning at 4:30 because he couldn't find his boxers or clothes that I had washed late last night. So I got up and found them for him, because it was not fun having him stand next to my bed in a towel dripping on me.

Next he asked if I had found his paper with his home room assignment on it. We had talked about it last night when he was going to bed. I was too tired and figured I would have time to find it this morning. So my searching began at 4:35. At 5:20 I stopped looking and made Jared breakfast. I then resumed the search until 5:45 when it was time to leave for seminary. I told him I would continue the search and hopefully find it before he had to go to school at 7:00.

Oh and did I mention that while I was looking through the piles of papers on my dining room table, I felt drops of water raining down? Yes indeedy it was raining in my house again. Dang, I so hate it when that happens. I am not even sure where the water was coming from, but the bathroom upstairs seems the likely culprit.

I went through the motions of punching a hole in the ceiling with a screw driver and placing buckets to catch the dripping water. It is still dripping 2 hours later, but it is not constant enough to be a hole in the pipe I don't think. For now it is under control and I will let my husband deal with it when he wakes up.

So the searching continued and I became more and more convinced that the needed paper had been thrown away in all the chaos of the past week. Next I tried to look it up on the Internet. First my computer told me that my Internet connection had failed. Next the Internet worked but the school link was broken. WHAT THE WHAT!!! Way to stress parents out on the first day of school.

Diana was trying to sleep on the couch, because we are painting her room and her bed is covered with junk. That is only adding to the chaos around here. Yesterday, I couldn't find my lesson manual which was slightly important seeing as how I was suppose to teach Sunday School and I had done zero preparation. Luckily I could print it off the Internet. Next I couldn't find my car keys and had to use my backup set, only to find my original keys in my church bag when I got there. And finally my husband and Jared were 15 minutes late to church because they could not find Jared's church clothes anywhere. Dang Bermuda triangle that lives at my house. Finally Jared borrowed one of my husband's shirts and wore a pair of jeans. Geez Louise.

And so back to this morning. Diana is now awake from all the cursing going on. She needs breakfast even though it is 6 am. I got her a bowl of cereal and decided to run over to the high school and see if I couldn't just find out the home room number.

The school was not very crowded at 6:20 in the morning. I talked with the secretary and she did not know if they had posted the list of home room numbers yet. Also her computer was being backed up and so she could not even look it up for me. I cursed the gods of technology once again.

I went to try and talk to the nurse about Jared's PE exemption, and noticed that the lists were posted on the cafeteria windows. I found the needed information and even walked over and found out where the room was for him.

I made my way back to the car and went to the church. Along the way I passed all the cars going to school. I guess they let seminary out 10 minutes early. I picked up Jared and returned to the school. Explained to him where to go to his class and navigated the parking lot of crazed parents and teenagers.

Now at 7:30, Diana is back asleep. I wonder if it will be hard to wake her up for school in half an hour.

I have to work today, of course. So it will be a long day. Perhaps I will go lay back down for a minute or two. Good thing, I went to bed at 8:45 last night.

Does anyone want to argue with me that I am not Nutty?

So that was my Monday morning, how was yours?

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

2009-08-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I would finally post these pictures from July when we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. It was really nice to see inside and it was great to be able to let the kids go through a temple.

We went to the zoo in the morning and by the time we got to the temple, Jared was done walking. Luckily they had wheel chairs and his cousin his age was excited to push him around. I specifically asked about how the wheel chair thing would work and the worker assured me that the wheel chairs just go off on the elevator but then they rejoin the group.

All was going well until we went down the stairs to the baptistery. Jared and Michael got in the elevator but no one had told them they needed to go down. So the elevator operator took them upstairs. The rest of us all went down and saw the basement. When the boys did not get off the elevator I was a bit concerned. I waited and waited and waited some more.

The rest of the group went on ahead. I went around speaking to every worker I saw asking "Have you seen two young men, one in a wheel chair?" No no one had seen them. I was not really ever totally panicked. How much trouble could two 15 year old boys get into, right? I tried not to envision them running over any little old ladys while trying to do mach 5 in the wheel chair.

Most of the workers kept reasurring me that we would catch up to them at the cookies in the reception tent at the end. It was a true story that where else would two teen age boys be, but at the free cookie table.

Finally I managed to locate them. They still had not seen the basement and so they went down to do that. By this time I had missed most of the tour and so I tried to go backwards and see what I had missed. It was not a good idea to swim upstream, and I kept hearing that line from Mister Mom "You're doing it wrong" over and over in my head.

Finally all was well that ended well. And what could be better than the cookies at the reception tent. They were awesome.

We also had to take advantage of the photo opportunity with the beautiful pictures there.

Here are Diana and I.

Diana wanted one shot by herself. Well herself and her priceless Jesus. I love the way they set up the light to make the Saviour shine.

Here is a group shot of all of us. We are missing a view people who had to work and two sisters who took the four smallest children home for naps.

And here is just the grandkids. We are missing five, but still it is the most that have been together for a long time.

All in all it was a fun event and better than I expected it to be. I was worried that the Zoo and the temple was too much for one day. I am definitely glad we did it. It was a definite high light of our family reunion.

And here is one last shot of some of the girl cousins.