Super Summer Shenanigans in Seattle

 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!

 

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!!!

Insider Tips for BYU Women's Conference

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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.

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

 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

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.