Button, Button.....Whose got the Button?

You guessed it. Bailee and I went to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".

I liked it.

It had a good message. It was Long. 2 hours and 56 minutes. So sustenance is a must.

Popcorn, Diet coke and chocolate.

Tissues might be necessary if you are like me in anyway.

Bailee didn't need them.

I always tease her about being cold hearted.

She tells me she feels things too.

She also likes to tell me her tear ducts are NOT connected to her feelings.

Unlike Mine!

Lincoln, Benjamin and Brooklyn are in St. George so we had a girls night......

Well plus Andrew. Poor guy we are always dragging him to girlish chickish flicks.

He was a good sport.

He liked it too.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and is enjoying their time off.

I know I am.

Tomorrow the Christmas tree must come down I'm afraid.

Sad. I love turning off all house lights and just sitting in the room with the Christmas lights.

I will miss it until next year.

Bragging Rights

Every once in a while, or every day if we're lucky...

We realize how blessed we are.

I am blessed with 3 beautiful, talented, loving,

mostly obedient and fun Children.

They bring so much joy into my life.

It is fun to talk with them about life,

Play with them for fun,

Teach them important things,

and be a family.

I should also mention that I am lucky to have a wonderful husband as well.

Today is Sunday and a day we sometimes reflect and remember on what is important.

My family is the most important thing to me,

besides my relationship with my savior.

I am grateful for my blessings. For my family.

For the gospel and the opportunities to share and serve.

At this time of year I am especially grateful for the Savior,

his birth, his life and ministry,

his atonement and his sacrifice.

Let us all take a moment to be grateful and feel the saviors love in our life.

My pride and joy.....

Bailee December 19th before her date to the Nutcracker.
Benjamin, March 2008 his Eagle Court of Honor.

Brooklyn, today December 21, just being cute! :)

P.S. I Love You....

Have you seen this movie?

Torture I tell you, pure torture.

I saw it in the theatres with one of my best girlfriends.....cried the whole time. No, SOBBED the whole time. Seriously like from the first 5 minues to the end. (I did like it though)

Due to this traumatic experience I swore never to watch it again. Well, now it is Bailee's favorite movie. So she is begging me continually to watch it with her. No! No! No!

It wont be as sad because you know what to expect, she tells me. So I cave last night and sit down with her. You guessed it CRYING the whole time. (at least not sobbing, improvement)

Come on! Bring a little joy. Tis the season after all. I hope she doesn't expect a repeat performance, it aint ganna happen!!

P.S. I Love you all. :)

"Wreaths Across America"

What started in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths decorated by volunteers, has now become a way for people to honor and remember fallen soldiers, as well as honor those service men and women who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a way to teach about freedom and how we obtain it and how it is kept. Today our family (Benjamin specifically) participated in this project.

This morning we arrived at the Camp Williams Cemetery during a horizontal snowstorm to participate in the days events. It started with a program full of speakers and some musical numbers by a children's choir. One song that touched me was "God Bless America". It was beautiful and of course brought tears to my eyes. I am a very patriotic person and almost anything patriotic brings on the water.

It was a new and great way to spend a Saturday morning. Wreaths across America takes place today nationwide. After the program, Benjamin (cadet Paxman) and other members of the Utah Wing Civil Air Patrol placed wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers. Civilians or family members of the fallen soldier were allowed to place a wreath if they chose. All that was asked, is that after you placed the wreath, you wrote the name of the fallen soldier who is buried there down, went home and looked him up on the Internet and took a moment to remember him and his sacrifice for our country.

A flag for each branch of the United States Military was represented during the program. During which time members in the audience with family serving or having served in that branch stood to honor that flag.

Benjamin held the flag representing the Coast Guard.

Benjamin placing a wreath....

and all is still.....except the falling snow.

It felt appropriate.

Cadet Paxman saluting the fallen soldier.

Cadet Benjamin Paxman writing down the name of the of the fallen soldier on whose
grave he placed a wreath.

It was a very patriotic and memorable moment for our family to watch our 15 year old son salute a fallen soldier who sacrificed his life for the country in which we live.


"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

America the Beautiful....

Finally, a month later I am posting our vacation pictures.

We took over 500 photos, so choosing a few was like looking

for a needle in a haystack.

They are in random order of a variety of things we saw.

Gettysburg, PA

Battlefield

Brooklyn and a cannon Gettysburg. We have tons of pictures of cannons.

Lincoln and the kids walked the corn field.
A infamous part of the Gettysburg battlefield.
It goes from Seminary Ridge (Confederate)
to
Cemetery Ridge (Union)

Benjamin and a cannon at Fort McHenry.
The place the National Anthem was written.
During an attack by the British
Baltimore, MA

View of the Jefferson Memorial across the Potomac River
Washington D.C.



Benjamin, Bailee and Brooklyn
in
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA

The kids with a very reluctant Benjamin...
"Why do I have to wear ears?" :)
The biggest Teddy Bear Store in the US.
It had 4 floors of stuffed animals.
It was a stop specifically for Brooklyn.
Gettysburg, PA

The family and many others helping take down the flag at the end
of the day at Fort McHenry.
This flag was HUGE!!
The children in an Amish buggy.
Intercourse, PA.
Amish Country.
The children in front of a Great White Jaw.
National Aquarium
Baltimore, MA
The kids in bunks on the Submarine in Inner Harbor.
Baltimore, MA
National Firefighters Memorial.
Made after 9/11 depicting a picture taken at the site of the World Trade Center.
It is located at the Fire Academy and home of FEMA.
This is a cool place it is less than 5 miles from Camp David.
Emmetsburg, PA.
It is a huge statue.
Lincoln and the kids standing by.

Everywhere we go on vacation if there is a temple we take the kids to do

Baptisms for the Dead.

Here are Bailee and Benjamin at the Washington DC. temple.

They have done baptisms in London, St George, Manhattan and Washington DC. to name a few.

Iwo Jima Memorial

The whole family at Mount Vernon.

George Washington's home.

This estate is beautiful.

His tomb is here and is cool to see.

The Girls at the World War II Memorial

All of us in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

A reflection of the kids in the Vietnam Memorial.

This photo was my idea. We have a better one but it is flipped the other way

and I don't know how to rotate it. :)

The view of the Mall from the Capital Building.

It was an awesome vacation, full of history and learning.

It was also a very patriotic and meaningful trip.

Many times I felt myself almost in tears.

We saw so many things that reminded us to be grateful for the sacrifice

and hard work of all those who have come before us.

I am Proud to be an American!!

27 Dresses

After great debate with the dad...

I have posted a picture of the

Sexy Yellow Dress!!

But only with the wrap on, and not too close up.

Dads!! :)

Without the wrap, it has a two inch strap on each shoulder.

It is very form fitting and looks darling on her.

She has decided that if she gets asked to prom

(she will)

She will wear this color of dress.

She recieved so many compliments...

Just the right color for her, etc.

I am sure there will be many more dresses to come...

Maybe even 27 or so.

The play is over. It is always bittersweet when they come to an end.
Sweet to have a normal family schedule.
Bitter, because according to her it is just one more step to the end of
High School.

Goodness we still have a year and a half.
Scary!!
Before we know it, she'll be graduating and off to college :(

No No Nanette!!

So it's that time of year again. High School Musical time. No, not "High School Musical", but the musical put on by the high school. This year my daughter's high school is doing "No No Nanette". It is a cheesy almost spoofy comedy from the 1930's. Not my favorite, but anything with my daughter in it is worth watching. (you all know what I mean, anything to support the children) I'm sure I'll see it every night it plays. ALL 3 of them.

It made me laugh....That is all that matters. Oh and the totally sexy dress my daughter wears for the final act. The row of guys behind me all let loose with a ohhhh when she makes her entrance, the girls with them said "close your mouths boys". Seriously she is smokin' hot in that dress! :) The dad gave me a look, you know the one, the what is my daughter wearing look? (eye roll and all) He then looked straight to the boy sitting with our family, who had driven from Orem to see her. I think it was a look like, "Don't get any ideas"...Poor poor boys.

Finally, you know how you take flowers or whatnot to give the cast member. NOT I...I put a yellow star and her name on her bedroom door. She was so surprised and loved it. It goes with the theatre theme of her room. She is a Star after all.

If he allows it I will post a pict. He is funny about that kind of stuff you know.

I'm moving up!

I have been coveting a blog!! On one of the blogs I follow immediately plays music as soon as I pull up her blog.

I want music!!

So I got it!!

It was easy!! Once I played around with it for a while.

I admit, I am not the most computer/internet savy person on the block. I am learning though, and now I have music. :) It (the music) brings joy to my heart. You will notice I am a very diverse music listener. One of my favorite current songs is by Taylor Swift...It's about Romeo and Juiet. I couldn't find it. DRAT!!

I wondered if I could just download my itunes onto my blog....This works just as well.

Special Dates

Life is filled with memorable dates. Birth dates, Blessing dates, Baptism dates, First dates, Wedding dates, death dates, etc. etc., you see where I am going with this. We celebrate or mark these special dates in our lives in different ways, depending on the reason the date is memorable. Sometimes it's a happy joyful day, sometime a day for reflection and tears. Sometimes both. My life is marked by dates. Each one special and I hope meaningful in some way. I hope I can make each day of my life a special date, just to be alive, a wife, mother and a friend.

I celebrated one of these special dates this past week. My 21st wedding anniversary!! Wow, it has been a long time and not so long. I felt this special date warranted a little tribute to my "Sweetheart".

L....Lascivious ;) and Laughter.

Need I say more. Both a major requirement in a happy relationship. If necessary get a dictionary.

I....Invaluable

'To valuable to be measured, priceless.'

He is this to me. I don't know where I would be without him in my life every day.

N....Noble

He always lives his life with integrity and has taught this to our children.

Have a high moral standard.

C....Chief

He is the chief of our home. He has always been a good provider and takes charge of whatever needs to be done. (that I don't want to do)

He can fix anything, and if he doesn't know how he gets a book.

O....Observant

He is the king of remembering all things. (good and bad, lol) He gives me the greatest gifts. Things I have said I wanted or needed. Things I can't even remember. He remembers anything and everything special and makes a big deal out of it. He even makes a big deal out of dinner and notices when I clean house or do yard work.

L....Love

Can't leave out this one. It is just too obvious. I love him! I love him!

He shows love to me and our children in so many ways.

N....Nut

He is a nut. A tease! He laughs and teases continually.

Sometimes the girls can't take it anymore. :)

He says the craziest things. (beware)

Now that I have been cheesy and mushy and all those things. I will just say I am grateful for the day he came into my life and for the past 22 years. (counting the 1 year of courtship) I look forward to at least 22 more. And eternity. Check out my Sweetheart Tag post a few before this one for a cute picture.

Only People I Choose

So I have been contemplating changing my blog so only people I choose can read it. My husband is having stress about all the phsyco blog problems talked about on the news lately. He wants me to privatize my blog.

This would mean all of you (the sum total 5-6 of you who READ MY BLOG) would have to log in before you could read my blog. Be honest....Would this be a big pain in the arse? I want feedback.

I have assured him, it is fine. He does not believe me. :) Husbands sometimes think they know everything. You got to love them.

"Sweetheart" Tag

Once a long time ago.....

Still, to this day

Loved you Once, Love you Still..

Always have, always will.

So I have been tagged again!! This is a new one and I like it so I will do it. ;)
Thank you Kelli!

What is your husbands name? Lincoln

How long have you been married? 21 years yesterday. Still going strong too!

How long did you date? 14 months. But he was in the Air Force for 6 months of that and we wrote letters the whole time. He said he knew he loved me during our letter time.

How old is he? 42 for a few more months!! Wow, he's and old man. :)

Who is taller? He is barely...He is 5'9 or 10 depending on whose asking.

Who can sing the best? For sure him. He sang in Madrigals in high school. I know big shock huh.

Who is smarter? Depends on the topic. He definitely is in Math. Me more in Language. He has a 4.0 in post high school, so I guess he is Smarter overall.

Who does the laundry? I do. However, he knows how and has been known to do some if I already have it sorted. (oh, and only if it's whites or towels, stuff he can't ruin by throwing in the dryer)

Who pays the bills? What bills? lol, jk! He does! He does! I am grateful. I can if I have to, but ick!

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Looking at it or laying on it? If it is laying on it...I do absolutely and no way no how will there be trading!

Who mows the lawn? He will say he does more often than I, but that's a crock...I do! I edge and trim too. I like my edging method better than his it looks sharper. He knows it too.

Who cooks dinner? It's a toss up. Mostly me, but often him. He is by far the better cook. It must be all the firehouse cooking. They have great recipes.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Hmmmm..I think it's a toss up. I don't know what he would say, he's not here to ask.

Who kissed who first? No question, he kissed me first.

Who wears the pants? We both do. We make combined decisions on all things important!

Now I tag Monica and Michelle as they are the only people on my blog list not already tagged.

Have fun with this one. ;)

Better Late Than Never

Our own little "Dorothy" acting crazy in the Halloween Parade at School!

Bailee showing off her singing pumpkin. Notice the round mouth with music notes coming out.

The notes continue all around.

Ben and Brooklyn Showing off there home grown carved pumpkins!

According to Brooklyn the best part of carving pumpkins is cleaning out the yucky gooey stuff!!

Ben wont even clean out the yucky gooey stuff.

"Why do it when Brooklyn loves it soooo much."

You'll notice this is my first posting of pictures!! It was not an easy task.
I am learning.
I really don't like Halloween. It is by far my least favorite holiday.
I still however do all I can to celebrate the hated day with the kids.
Now that Benjamin and Bailee have past the age of 12
we don't allow them to trick or treat.
They both went to parties.

My favorite part of Halloween is eating HomemadeHot Soup and
Homemade Hot rolls, that is our tradition.

P.S. Vacation Picts still to come and the post for Paula's B-day.
The Scanner is giving me fits.
I admit I am somewhat computer challenged.
Blogging is a big step up for me, and now with all the news about blogs,
my husband wants me to make it private.
Pfff. I wouldn't even know how.

"Sani Seat"

I have returned from my wonderful vacation to Washington D.C. I will post pictures soon. (I have to download first) I felt so bad about going so long between posts I decided I would post a quick one.

While flying to the D.C. area we had a brief layover in Chicago. Of course, the first thing you do when you get of a plane is race to the bathroom. Here we found a new invention. The SANISEAT!! What is this you ask? A toilet seat covered with a sanitary plastic. You wave your hand in front of the laser eye and the plastic rotates off and new plastic rotates on...Saniseat. This was an amazing thing for me and my girls. We immediatly exited the bathroom to see if the boys had seen one. No such luck. Has anyone seen this before? :)

We spent the best 10 days in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Amish Country (Intercouse, PA) and Gettysburg. History, history and more history. It was a balmy (HOT) 78-80 degrees with humidity like no other. Can you say glisten?...This is what I did for 8 days. Then luckily a little cool weather for Gettysburg.

I will soon post details and pictures.....

BLOG SLACKER!!

Yes, I am a blog slacker.

I have been so ultra busy I barely have time to log on and read. One day last week I logged on and told my husband, "make me get off". Every blog I follow had a new post and I knew I didn't have time to make comment. I logged off immediately with much guilt.I am trying to get the whole family packed for our Washington D.C. trip, the house cleaned for our house sitters, end of quarter grading done, Sept. Visiting Teaching Report done, and finally October Visiting Teaching Calendars done and out. Whew, just thinking about it makes me exhausted.

Enough whining!!

So first things first. Sunday was the birthday of my dear friend, Paula Noorda, who passed away not long ago. After reading all the posts of her children I took my little self out to the garage, climbed into the scary dark loft, and rummaged in my keepsake box. What was I looking for, you ask? One of the many notes, young women hand outs and pictures that I have from or of her. I was looking for just the right memory to post. (all this done in between conference sessions) I enlisted the help of the children...to hold the scary ladder and yell up encouragement from below. It was worth it to them, they loved all the dance and date memorabilia I found of their dad and I. Anyway I found just the right thing.....so why isn't it posted? I CANT GET MY SCANNER TO WORK!! This brought about a lot of frustration. My husband has promised to help me as soon as we return from our vacation. (11 days from now) So look forward to a great picture and a personal note. My tribute to one of the most influential people of my youth.

(yes it will be late, but better late than never)

Secondly, my brief thoughts on General Conference. I loved so many of the talks!! It was the first time in years that I was able to watch or listen to all 4 sessions at the time they were broadcast. It was great. One of my favorite talks was the one by President Monson about enjoying every minute of every day. Not always looking back, but living today and planning for the future. He mentioned how we will look back and wish we had cherished and enjoyed each moment more. This is my goal for the coming year. Try to enjoy each minute, let some of my stupid worries go, they will still be there tomorrow. Hug my children a little longer and spend more time doing the things that matter.

Dr Seuss said, "Be who you are, and say what you feel, for those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

7 Crazy Things!!

May I preface this by saying...Keli you suck!! JK. Contrary to popular opinion I have a very busy life. :)

Apparently I have been tagged. This means I now have to tell you 7 crazy random things about me........

1. I can only sleep on the right side of the bed. No matter where, whose or when. I must sleep on the right side. In the trailer, in a hotel, anywhere. If not the right...no sleeping at all. Hmmm, I just had a thought, this must be why sometimes my husband tries to sleep on my side of the bed...so I have to stay awake and entertain him. He is so busted.

2. My ears have almost NO cartilage in them. This is due to the fact that as a youngster I sucked the pointer and middle finger of my left hand and played with my ears with the other hand. It is soooo true. Just grab an ear and you can smash it all up into a little ball. It's a great party trick. I will show you sometime.

3. I sit in my hot tub naked!! It makes it way less cold when you get out in the snow. No swimsuit to trap in the cold. (this only works when the children are in bed) So, don't come surprise me by looking over the fence to say hi. You will be the one grossly surprised.

4. I have vampire teeth. NO explanation necessary, just say ahhh and have a look see. Four pointy fangs in just the right spot.

5. I am a booby baby!! Big Time. I know, I know, this is not news to any of you. But nevertheless it is true. I cry at movies, commercials, survivor, bachelor, numerous books, occasionally to the radio and most every Sunday in one meeting or another. Pretty much everything can bring a tear to my eye.

6. I store tied up plastic grocery bags, empty capri sun containers, napkins and other various items in my dishwasher. Hey it's this big empty, usable space. Yes you can say it, PWT!! My sweet dear husband has still not hooked it up, to function. To give him credit...I actually don't mind washing dishes by hand, it gives me a moment alone to just gaze out the window and let the old mind wander. He would hook it up if I pestered him, I don't. However, I might start soon. Either way it is wasted space, made useful.

7. My toenails are ALWAYS painted. Winter, summer, spring or fall, it matters not. It is the one vice I have that I do not deviate from. What better way to feel good about yourself than to look down and see a bright cheerful color shining back up at you. And I think I have sexy feet. Yes, I have learned to appreciate my feet. You should too.

Now that I am done with this painful experience I will say goodnight. I am not funny or quick witted but it is all the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me god.

Oh I don't even have anyone to tag. My blog list is too small. I will tag Monica becasue I can, and Michelle because it just might make her post something. So, Monica and Michelle get writing your 7 crazy things.

All alone...What shall I do?

It's true!! I am all alone Friday to Saturday how will I possibly keep myself entertained?

Bailee is off to Cedar City for the Western States High School Shakespeare Tournament. She is having a blast. What can be more fun than high school kids from all over, staying in hotels, wandering the streets, and pretty much partying for 3 straight days in Cedar City. Oh the life. Hmmm should I worry? :)

Brooklyn is going to have sleep over with a friend from school, who now lives in Murray. So she is off Friday at 5:00 to who knows when Saturday.

Lincoln is working a 72 hour shift. Poor, Poor man.

Ben is wandering from place to place, in and out, but really, he's a boy. SO I might as well be alone.

I really should clean, do laundry and pack. We do leave for our 10 day vacay to the D.C. area in one week. But really a free weekend, come on, I need entertainment!!

I am trying to convince a friend to do dinner and a chick flick. I hope I am successful. It isn't very often you have a free weekend to hang with the girls?

Calling all friends (local that is) Anyone? Anyone?

Primary Program

So I have decided that if I take time to blog on Sunday, I will blog about Sunday type things.

Today was out Primary Program.

Brooklyn is my only primary age child anymore, so she got all the attention from our bench.

What a cutie she was, singing her little heart out and signing along with all the words.

When it was time for her to do her part, she read it beautifully.

It was too long for her to memorize.

The sister sitting in front of us, turned to me and said "she looks just like you"

I guess it's nice to have a mini me walking around. :)

I love the Sunday when the children do the primary program.

It is full of sweet music, sweet words of wisdom and a sweet spirit.

It took me back to all the hard work pulling off a primary program is.

This is my second year NOT doing the program. I think it is more fun to watch from the cheap seats.

I do miss seeing all my kids up there singing. But I guess they have to grow up sometime. :(

You really realize how fast time is moving as you watch your children grow and change week to week, month to month, moment to moment.

I don't want to miss a minute of it.

I want to enjoy every moment of it.

So I will!! With a smile!!

Texting Training

We barely joined the wonderful world of text. Unlimited that is. We have always had it, just had to pay 10 cents each for them. With a teenage girl who has a busy social life this was adding up. I being the wonderful mother that I am, insisted that the dad, instead of chastising her about the many texts she unwillingly receives, just get unlimited text and be done with it.

Low and behold he listened. The only problem with this.....is that I am now expected to text. Pfff!! It is like typing with one finger, painless and sloppy. I don't know how to capitalize, I can barely use itapen and forget punctuation. So if you're lucky enough to receive a text from me - know it will look like this: (true text I sent today)

did you find your friends are you having fun and did you win the game let me know what time you will be home and where you are going after the game

Can you say run on sentence? I guess I got the point across. So I am a texter in training, hopefully I will get better with practice.

p.s. I want to post cute pictures like the rest of you....it will take some learning but I will succeed!!

School Shopping

So today my sweetheart decided that I needed to do a little school shopping on him. Yes, he took me shopping for new clothes and shoes. The best part of this shopping trip is that he paid for the whole thing. :)

I have been whining of late about my lack of wardrobe. Fall is coming and all my long pants are worn and well to be honest ugly. I know, I know, why don't I just replace clothes along the way. Well I am the type of mother who, when has extra money prefers to buy cute things for my cute skinny girls. I mean lets get real......Who likes to shop when they have to buy sizes that are for a person 30-40 pounds overweight. NOT I!!

Today my husband forced me. (I believe he just couldn't take the whining) Whatever the reason I am 4 pairs of pants and 12 shirts the richer for it. Maybe I should whine about my church clothes too.

I forget to mention how wonderful my sweetheart is...He went with me and waited outside the dreaded dressing room for me to model each shirt and pair of pants. While I was changing into the next outfit he was scouring the shelves for something else he just knew would look Fabulous on me. The joy of blind true love.

Paula Brown Noorda in Sacrament Meeting

So today was High Council Sunday. Yes, I know your thinking urgh...Dry Council.

Not this Sunday. This Sunday was good, very good. The speakers both told personal experiences about the temple and how attending the temple has blessed their lives. I felt truly uplifted.

The second speakers name was Bother Jay Silcox. He began his talk, by telling how temple attendance and being an eternal family can bless our lives. How family is so important, and the two are closely related. (not in those exact words)

He then said, "I recently attended the funeral of a local lady, a dear friend of mine Paula Brown. Well you would know her as Paula Brown Noorda. She grew up here in Riverton just as I did, we are the same age and went to school together. When I went through the line at her viewing, it was made so clear to me and to any who attended that family was the most important thing in her life. That eternal families were important in her life. Paula and her family are an example of the testimony of Temples, and eternal families. You could see it in the way they all reacted to the loss of their dear wife and mother." (allow some liberty for remembering the exact wording but this is pretty close)

Imagine how quickly my attention was drawn to him. I was listening....but my mind was probably wandering a bit as I was really tired. But boom when he said Paula's name I was drawn right back to the talk. Even my family looked at me with big eyes..."mom, he just said the name of your friend."

This is just further proof that Paula was such and amazing woman in the gospel. That her name and example would be shared by a high councilman, in a ward meeting, where more than likely know one knew her. I knew her. I was touched and reminded of the wonderful lady she was and the impact she had on my life. I was reminded of the many things she taught me personally as a young women growing up in the gospel.

Temple blessings were important to her and she did instill that in her family and others she came in contact with. How blessed I am to have known her.

Talk the Talk....

I started my day the usual way...

Getting the kids off to school. Although I usually go off to school with them. Not today.

Brooklyn apparently has the Chicken Pox!!

Can you believe it, who gets Chicken Pox anymore. It started as a funny rash on her belly on Thursday, and has gotten progressively worse all weekend. I finally took her to the Doctor this morning. NOT expecting Chicken Pox because she has been immunized. Well apparently when they first started immunizing kids for this they only gave one shot. Now they give two, wonder why?!

No worries, she is just going to have a 3 day vacay from school, seeing as how she feels great, but has these funny bumps that sorta itch. The dad had us stop at the store and let her choose her favorite half gallon of ice cream, which she doesn't have to share. She chose strawberry.

Which brings me to my time on the computer. I have all this free time for the moment and decided to browse my blogs. As always this brought me to Cjane and Nie Nie among others.

I am continually amazed by the outpouring of prayer and concern from total strangers. I found myself scouring the church website for the article about blogging by Brother Ballard. I feel compelled to try to be more positive in my blogs. Of course this wont always be the case, because lets face it being a woman, wife and mother are not always easy. It does bring us a lot of joy, but not without it's trials as well.

So I will talk the talk and walk the walk. I will share what I believe whenever the spirit moves me and I will strive to be a better example to those around me. I will be better. :) This is my goal. Kneeling in prayer more often, fulfilling my calling with a bigger smile, being more patient with my teenagers, reading my scriptures more diligently and attending the temple more regularly.

Maybe I will even try red lipstick. NOT!! My husband would pass out from laughter. Maybe lip gloss!?

Nie Nie and the News

Can I just say WOW!! From a blog to the New York Times, to the Today show...What's next?

I started reading Nie Nie because of the link at Keli's blog. I immediately enjoyed her blog and found it uplifting. I found the link about 2 days after the accident and have been reading cjane ever since. What an amazing story about the power of the blogging world and human compassion felt worldwide. I am amazed more every day with the coverage this is getting. What a forum they have had to share their belief in the power of prayer, eternal families, service, faith, the importance of marriage and motherhood and so on and so on. If you think about it, it has turned into an amazing missionary tool for all who read it.

I think in life we often wonder why things happen, then something like this takes place and you have to think, the message that is being shared worldwide must be for a reason. The lord knows all and there is a purpose for everything.

Stories like this strengthen our faith in our Heavenly Fathers plan, inspire us to be better, prompt us to be more heartfelt in our personal prayer and encourage us to share our testimony with those around us.

I am grateful for the example of this dear family and the many ways it touches my life each day as I read their posts. If you don't know what I'm talking about click on the cjane button at the top of my blog and become amazed and find joy that there are still wonderful caring people out there everywhere.

Laundry Lady

Yes that is me. Well it's what I feel like. And I am sure it is what my kids think. Can I just say I HATE LAUNDRY!! It is the bane of my existence. I would rather mow, edge, trim and weed my yard any day of the week. You see, laundry is NEVER DONE!! You do a bunch and think finally all done, then you go into a room and someone has taken off their clothes. Wala more laundry. But when you do the yard you have instant gratification because you can admire your beautiful work for at least a week before you have to do it again.

Today I washed and dryed my daughters favorite new shirt. Big no no!! No drying!! Well **it! You know how it is, your in a hurry and you start pulling the clothes out of the washer and throwing them haphazardly into the dryer, you think you've been careful and gotten all the non dry items out. At my house that is almost all of the teenage items. "I mean really mom they might not fit the same." I think it is way past time the teenager did her own laundry. Is this evil of me? When did we all start doing our own laundry? The dilemma...It is a task I can easily perform to make her life easier. But, it is an easy task for her to perform to make my life easier.

What's a mom to do? Dang I'm complainin'...But come on who on this earth likes laundry?!

Back to Bowling

Yes it's that time of year. League bowling. I have been bowling with friends from high school for 10-11 years now. It is a social blast. BUT, my loser friends ditched me this year to go to a morning league. Can you believe it does 10 years mean nothing anymore. Tsk Tsk.

So being the resourceful person I am, blessed with more than just 3 friends, I replaced them!! Thanks to my almost life long buddy KP and another friend Michelle M. I am back at it, and none the worse for wear. The question is can I dump a few games intentionally to get my bowling average under control...Doubtful. I was trying to bowl semi stinky today and somehow bowled a 176. Can you say OUCH!! This does not bode well for me getting my average all year. Something must be done. Next week I will be so obviously throwing gutter balls. 146 average or bust.

Old and gettin' older...

After a 3 year hiatus from Volleyball, I have returned to the sport. I was assured that it is like riding a bike. -True.- But if you haven't rode a bike for 3 years it's probably going to make your butt hurt like the dickens. Volleyball made my arms, knees and back hurt. I don't remember spiking the ball causing such pain. I can surely tell you this body is not diving for a ball anytime soon either. What hits the floor stays on the floor!! All in all a great time and I will continue playing.

Give me a break I am going to be the big 40 this year. URGGH!!!!

Jam jam jammin'

I have patiently been waiting all summer for strawberries to come on at a decent price. To no avail. What is a girl to do? No strawberries and no jam. My family informed me they were not eating store bought strawberry jam anymore!!

This past weekend I was bemoaning my jam woes to my mom. She said I don't understand your problem, just go buy frozen strawberries. WHAT?! Why has no one ever told me before now that you can make freezer jam with frozen strawberries. Can you say no prep and easy peasy!! Sheesh all these wasted years. :) It even tastes just the same!! I tried hers. So off to Costco I went to buy 1 bag of frozen strawberries. ($8.95) Thaw, puree, add sugar, pectin ($6.00) and lemon juice. 1 1/2 hours later and a sore stirring arm and wala 16 pints of jam for like $15.00!! Now were jammin'!!

5 Dating Do's and Don'ts

You ask why am I writing something about dating? I am not in the dating scene except for "date night" with the hubby. However, the teenage spark is heavily into the dating thing. Some advice for the teenage boy toys, and general Dad dating drama.

1st. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT ask a girl on a date via email or text. Hello, can you even SAY hello? I'm sorry but I am against the mania of not being able to have a spoken conversation on the phone. If you can't have a conversation on the phone what are you going to have to say for a whole date.

2nd. When you do ask said girl on a date. Tell her you will pick her up and give her all other pertinent info. My daughter recently got asked out (yes, via email) by someone going on his first date. He turned 16 July 27th. (She decided he needs dating 101, we are cutting him beginner slack.) Anyway, I sidetrack. He said they would wait for her to get home from camp at 11:30 friday afternoon, before beginning an all day marathon date. After much leading and questioning he finally gave her all the details, what to wear etc. But still no word about picking her up. Finally, she says to him and the boy he is doubling with, are you going to pick me up? Pause.... Oh ummm, ya I guess we'll pick you up. LOL!! She has decided to take $$, just in case. (I feel bad talking bad about the boy, he is super nice . She met him 2 years ago at EFY. He goes to BHS.) I guess we have been spoiled, all her previous dates have been by boys that are seniors, or recently graduated. (experienced) She has only been 16 for 2 and 1/2 months.

3rd. Can you say Personal Priesthood Interview. This is what her dad says each boy must have when they arrive to pick her up. I kid you not, on her first date, 2 days after she turned 16, the dad was working. So, he and his crew and the firetruck were here at our house waiting to greet the date. (this was a concession to her bringing her date to the firestation, for which I said that is too much) Luckily, the boy was a good sport and said it made the date memorable. Ya, memorable for who. :)

4th. NO PHOTOS by the parent, unless said date is a semi-formal or formal. Again the phsyco dad told me to take pictures of her second date, for which he was working again and couldn't be here to meet. This was a date to Lagoon. COME ON!! I am NOT taking pictures of some poor boy and my daughter prior to a date at Lagoon. According to the DAD I am unreasonable. Pffff who is the unreasonable one. Dad's and daughters a powerful thing. (I did not take pictures)

5th. Finally, my advice to the young at heart. My daughter recently told me, Boys are like Icecream. You have to taste A LOT of flavors before you can choose a favorite. I AGREE!! Go Bailee, taste till you can't taste no more. :) A few of her friends have already become exclusive and they are so missing out on the fun. She has been on many dates in 2 1/2 months and each one has been different and fun. Meanwhile the exclusive girls are sitting at home watching videos or hangin' out with the exclusive boy. BORING!! Get lickin'!! (not literally, keep the tongue in cheek) LOL

The joys of parenting a teenage daughter, oh how fun. I love it. She always comes right home from school, dates, parties etc. and wants to sit down and have an un interrupted chat, to tell all. I am so glad. So barring the bouncy moods teenage girls have, she is a ray of light.

*"Dawn" Crazy!!*

Yes!! I am officially "Dawn" crazy. As in a Breaking Dawn. Yes, I read it. I will wait to say what I thought until I know all who might read my blog have already read it. I am totally against giving anything away.

I started it on Sunday night and read only 35 pages before total exhaustion overtook me. Yesterday I read to page 376. Today I began and 9:00 a.m. and read straight through until 2:00 p.m. I kept telling my kids, just let me get this madness over and finish the stinkin' book!! I hate it when I can't put a book down, but alas I couldn't and now the madness is finally over. Life can resume. Thank goodness, cause school starts for me on Monday. :( Goodbye Summer Vacay!

How do you all feel about the vampire/wolf madness? Isn't the red appropriate.

WEDDING WEEDING

I'm sooo done with yard work. A good freind asked me if she could have her sons wedding in my back yard, and of course I said yes. AM I NUTS?! No seriously, I am happy to help her. My yard was in good shape to begin with, but I am a bit anal, so had to do more.

My husband said it was just a way for me to force him into completing the honeydo list. Rats! I thought I had him fooled. The yard looks great though. Now I on the other hand, not looking so good. It's Friday 11:50 p.m. and I still haven't gotten to the shower. What's the point now? My friend said, hey just wait until we put up tables etc. tomorrow, then shower. I mean YUCK!! Dirty sweats, sweaty shirt, pony in the hair, can't you just see it. ICK! The sacrafices we make for friends. Plus I still have the priveledge of picking up the teenage children from various outings. Ben hanging with friends, Bailee at the midnight twilight book release. I am so lucky :)!

Really the only reason I'm blogging this late at all is becasue I wanted to check the Cancer Sucks blog and just got sidetracked. Figured while I'm here I'd complain a bit. But after reading the other blog, what do I really have to complain about? I'm healthy, happy and have a great family with wonderful friends. Thats alot to be happy about. So I'm done complainin', I'll just admire my hard work.

"Be who you are, and say what you feel for those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind ~Dr. Seuss

LOSS & LOVE!!

Recently I have spent time contemplating trials, tests and the whys? Two very dear friends of mine recently passed away after short fights with cancer. The things I ask myself...

Why do we lose the ones we love?
Is this one of those things that is supposed to make us stronger?
How do we go on when bad things happen?
Where is the blessing in the trial?
And where in the freaking heck did this Cancer come from?

My thoughts.... We never really lose the ones we love, they are always with us in our hearts, in the memories we have of them. We just gain more loved ones giving us strength and love we cannot see but feel so deeply. Those who pull for us from the other side, to endure and patiently prepare a place for us. We recognize when something/someone greater is helping us through the day to day struggles, sharing the little moments of joy and smiling because we continue to do that which brought our loved one happiness. Continue living, laughing and loving!

How grateful I am for the plan of salvation, a Heavenly Father who loves me and continues to bless me every day, every minute for that matter. Thank pete my parents raised me in the gospel so I could have the peace that comes from knowledge. I hope all who lose someone they love has this same knowledge and if they don't they can find it. Just ask!!

As for where the heck this cancer came from? Who knows...just pray for a cure!

You can view some of my other posts on a blog called "Cancer Sucks"

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!

I have become a blogger, who knew!!

This all started for me by logging on a blog and sharing memories!! As it turned out sharing the memories became cathartic and somewhat addicting! Why we think our thoughts and memories are anything anyone else will care about, I've no idea. But it's fun to write them all the same.

I have never considered myself prolific! (hmm do I really know what that word means? Sounds good though) I guess writing random thoughts and ideas can be a stress reliever.

And so it begins.....