Leslie

Lyn's Tag

2010-07-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

Just when I thought it was a thing of the past,
Lyn has tagged me with
Ten Current Things About Myself...
1. First time Grandma
2. Able to cross the wake in and out for the first time
3. Went to Tahiti this year
4. Swam with sharks
5. Can dead lift probably 60 lbs 3 x (you definately win Lyn)
6. I take china painting classes
7. I enjoy running stairs
8. Am sporting a tan and a pulled muscle courtesy of Lake Powell
9. Have a son on a mission
10.Have a cupcake obsession lately; have you tried the Cocoa Bean? Delicious!

My beautiful new grandson!!!!

2010-03-28T09:06:00.001-07:00

Whitney Returns-April 21st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Missionary Daughter in Ecuador!

2009-12-15T08:04:00.001-08:00

Thought I could talk my way out of a ticket until the officer saw my dog in the backseat.

2009-12-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Aha! Jokes > Cartoons > Stress reducing plan

2009-06-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Aha! Jokes > Cartoons > Stress reducing plan

Where Can I get this t-shirt?

2009-05-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Happy 14th Birthday-Amanda!!!

2009-04-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

2009-03-23T12:00:00.001-07:00

Because Laughter is Important!

2009-03-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

President Thomas Monson was returning to Salt Lake City after a speaking engagement and when his Plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home.

As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the
driver. 'You know' he said, 'I am getting pretty old and I have never driven alimousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?'

The driver said, 'No problem. Have at it.'

President Monson gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie Highway Patrolman operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure. The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving. He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, 'I know we are supposed to enforce the law.. But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person.'

The supervisor asked, 'Is it the governor?'

The young trooper said, 'No, he's more important than that.'
The supervisor said, 'Oh, so it's the president.....'
The young trooper said, 'No, he's even more important than that.'

The supervisor finally asked, 'Well then, who is it?'

The young trooper said, 'I think it's Jesus, because he's got President Monson for a chauffeur!'

Lost Dog!

2009-01-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

We have lost our dog Riley. He is a toy American Eskimo and if you see him in the Provo/Orem area please call the number on his tags! My youngest son is heartbroken!

Missionary Mishap

2009-01-13T10:19:00.001-08:00

Whitney broke her ankle in an elegant maneuver descending stairs. It is rumored that the Olympic judges gave her a 8.5 (She was robbed). She is getting a cast next week and is being brave!

2009-01-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store, (less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."
As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt---
I said to myself, as I only can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"
So--away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
"Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore---
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

~Author Unknown

2009-01-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

KIDS
IN CHURCH
3-year-old
Reese :
'Our Father, Who does art in heaven,
Harold is His name.
Amen.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A
little boy was overheard praying:
'Lord, if you
can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.
I'm having a real good time like I
am.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After
the christening of his baby brother in
church,
Jason
sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.
His father asked him three times what was
wrong.
Finally, the boy
replied,
'That preacher said he wanted us brought
up in a Christian home,
and I wanted to stay with
you guys.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One
particular four-year-old prayed,
'And forgive us
our trash baskets
as we
forgive those who put trash in our
baskets.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A
Sunday school teacher asked her children as
they
were on
the way to church service,
'And why is it
necessary to be quiet in church?'
One bright little
girl replied,
'Because people are
sleeping.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A
mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5,
and Ryan 3.
The boys began to argue over who would
get the first pancake.
Their mother saw the
opportunity for a moral lesson.

'If Jesus
were sitting here, He would say,
'Let my brother
have the first pancake, I can wait.'

Kevin
turned to his younger brother and said,
' Ryan ,
you be Jesus !'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A
father was at the beach with his
children
when the
four-year-old son ran up to him,
grabbed his hand,
and led him to the shore
where a seagull lay dead
in the sand.
'Daddy, what happened to him?' the
son asked.
'He died and went
to Heaven,' the Dad replied.
The boy thought a
moment and then said,
'Did God throw him
back down?'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A
wife invited some people to dinner.
At the table,
she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said,
'Would you like to say the blessing?'
'I
wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied.
'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the wife
answered.
The daughter bowed her head and said,
'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people
to dinner?'

Finding Time For Joy In Our Lives

2009-01-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

This is a true story and very interesting I think!
A Violinist in the Metro

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best
musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story.

Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Christmas Through Jared's Eyes

2008-12-16T11:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas is Jared's favorite time of year. At 11 years old, most kids are well past the Christmas magic phase, but Jared still "believes." Every day he enthusiastically asks me if "Christmas tomorrow?" This morning when I woke up he had taken out every present under the tree and had put them in piles on the couch. He wears a Santa hat to school every day. Plugging in the Christmas lights outside and on the tree seems to have evolved into his responsibility. If someone is arguing or unhappy, Jared is the first to say, "We a happy family." He reminds us continually that Christmas is about peace. He does constant little acts of service daily; making his sister's bed, setting the table without being asked, helping his sister clean the kitchen, and of course his ever constant hugs and kisses. He makes us remember that the best gift is giving of ourselves. Jared brings the light of Christ and peace of the season into our home. Some people only see that Jared is handicapped, but all we see is love. We are so grateful for his presence in our family!
Pictures by BAP photography www.brittanyandersonphotography.com

My Beautiful Missionary

2008-12-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

Sister Sorenson and my daughter Whitney
Quito, Ecuador

December Chuckle

2008-12-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

My Dear Friends and Family,

Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I'm not getting an annual bonus and Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You'll most likely agree that it's a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I've included the instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:

You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.

Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand Bags.

I've attached a photo of the first pair I made so that you can see the nifty slippers for yourself....

Awaiting your response. It's crucial that I get the right size for each one of you.

2008-11-24T16:42:00.000-08:00

A friend invited people to bold what they have done on her list...
for you to do: copy and paste this to your blog and bold the ones that you HAVE done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
What a fun list! Although there are some things that I know I'll never do... Thanks ) I tag Lyn, Aly, Amanda, Brittany, and anyone else who wants to...

2008-11-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

A Girl with an Apple

August 1942.Piotrkow,Poland. The sky was gloomy that morning as we waited anxiously. All the men,women and children of Piotrkow's Jewish ghetto had been herded into a square. Word had gotten around that we were being moved. My father had only recently died from typhus, which had run rampant through the crowded ghetto. My greatest fear was that our family would be separated.

'Whatever you do,' Isidore, my eldest brother, whispered to me,'don't tell them your age. Say you're sixteen'.

I was tall for a boy of 11, so I could pull it off.That way I might be deemed valuable as a worker. An SS man approached me, boots clicking against the cobblestones. He looked me up and down,then asked my age.'Sixteen,' I said. He directed me to the left, where my three brothers and other healthy young men already stood.

My mother was motioned to the right with the other women, children, sick and elderly people. I whispered to Isidore, 'Why?' He didn't answer. I ran to Mama's side and said I wanted to stay with her.'No,' she said sternly. 'Get away. Don't be a nuisance. Go with your brothers.' She had never spoken so harshly before. But I understood: She was protecting me. She loved me so much that, just this once, she pretended not to. It was the last I ever saw of her.

My brothers and I were transported in a cattle car to Germany. We arrived at the Buchenwald concentration camp one night weeks later and were led into a crowded barrack. The next day, we were issued uniforms and identification numbers.

'Don't call me Herman anymore.' I said to my brothers. 'Call me 94983.'

I was put to work in the camp's crematorium, loading the dead into a hand-cranked elevator. I, too,felt dead. Hardened, I had become a number. Soon, my brothers and I were sent to Schlieben, one of Buchenwald's sub-camps near Berlin. One morning I thought I heard my mother's voice.. Son, she said softly but clearly, I am sending you an angel. Then I woke up. Just a dream. A beautiful dream. But in this place there could be no angels. There was only work. And hunger. And fear.

A couple of days later, I was walking around the camp, around the barracks, near the barbed-wire fence where the guards could not easily see. I was alone. On the other side of the fence, I spotted someone: a young girl with light, almost luminous curls. She was half-hidden behind a birch tree. I glanced around to make sure no one saw me. I called to her softly in German.

'Do you have something eat?' She didn't understand. I inched closer to the fence and repeated the question in Polish. She stepped forward. I was thin and gaunt, with rags wrapped around my feet, but the girl looked unafraid. In her eyes, I saw life. She pulled an apple from her woolen jacket and threw it over the fence. I grabbed the fruit and, as I started to run away, I heard her say faintly, 'I'll see you tomorrow.'

I returned to the same spot by the fence at the same time every day. She was always there with something for me to eat - a hunk of bread or, better yet, an apple. We didn't dare speak or linger. To be caught would mean death for us both. I didn't know anything about her just a kind farm girl except that she understood Polish. What was her name? Why was she risking her life for me? Hope was in such short supply, and this girl on the other side of the fence gave me some, as nourishing in its way as the bread and apples.

Nearly seven months later, my brothers and I were crammed into a coal car and shipped to Theresienstadt camp in Czechoslovakia.

'Don't return,' I told the girl that day. 'We're leaving.'

I turned toward the barracks and didn't look back, didn't even say good-bye to the girl whose name I'd never learned, the girl with the apples.

We were in Theresienstadt for three months. The war was winding down and Allied forces were closing in, yet my fate seemed sealed. On May 10, 1945, I was scheduled to die in the gas chamber at10:00 AM.

In the quiet of dawn, I tried to prepare myself. So many times death seemed ready to claim me, but somehow I'd survived. Now, it was over. I thought of my parents. At least, I thought, we will be reunited.

At8 A.M.there was a commotion. I heard shouts, and saw people running every which way through camp. I caught up with my brothers. Russian troops had liberated the camp! The gates swung open. Everyone was running, so I did too.

Amazingly, all of my brothers had survived; I'm not sure how. But I knew that the girl with the apples had been the key to my survival. In a place where evil seemed triumphant, one person's goodness had saved my life, had given me hope in a place where there was none. My mother had promised to send me an angel, and the angel had come.

Eventually I made my way to England where I was sponsored by a Jewish charity, put up in a hostel with other boys who had survived the Holocaust and trained in electronics. Then I came to America, where my brother Sam had already moved.

I served in the U. S.Army during the Korean War, and returned toNew York City
after two years. By August 1957 I'd opened my own electronics repair shop. I was starting to settle in.

One day, my friend Sid who I knew from England called me. 'I've got a date. She's got a Polish friend. Let's double date.'

A blind date? Nah, that wasn't for me. But Sid kept pestering me, and a few days later we headed up to the Bronx to pick up his date and her friend Roma. I had to admit, for a blind date this wasn't so bad. Roma was a nurse at a Bronx hospital. She was kind and smart. Beautiful, too, with swirling brown curls and green, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with life.

The four of us drove out to Coney Island. Roma was easy to talk to, easy to be with. Turned out she was wary of blind dates too! We were both just doing our friends a favor. We took a stroll on the boardwalk, enjoying the salty Atlantic breeze, and then had dinner by the shore. I couldn't remember having a better time.

We piled back into Sid's car, Roma and I sharing the backseat. As European Jews who had survived the war, we were aware that much had been left unsaid between us. She broached the subject, 'Where were you,' she asked softly, 'during the war?'

'The camps,' I said, the terrible memories still vivid, the irreparable loss. I had tried to forget. But you can never forget. She nodded. 'My family was hiding on a farm in Germany, not far from Berlin,' she told me. 'My father knew a priest, and he got us Aryan papers.' I imagined how she must have suffered too, with fear as a constant companion. And yet here we were, both survivors, in a new world.

'There was a camp next to the farm.' Roma continued. 'I saw a boy there and I would throw him apples every day.'

What an amazing coincidence that she had helped some other boy. 'What did he look like? I asked.

He was tall. Skinny. Hungry. I must have seen him every day for six months.'

My heart was racing. I couldn't believe it. This couldn't be.

'Did he tell you one day not to come back because he was leaving Schlieben?' Roma looked at me in amazement.

'Yes,' That was me! '

I was ready to burst with joy and awe, flooded with emotions. I couldn't believe it. My angel.

'I'm not letting you go.' I said to Roma. And in the back of the car on that blind date, I proposed to her. I didn't want to wait.

'You're crazy!' she said. But she invited me to meet her parents for Shabbat dinner the following week. There was so much I looked forward to learning about Roma, but the most important things I always knew: her steadfastness, her goodness. For many months, in the worst of circumstances, she had come to the fence and given me hope. Now that I'd found her again, I could never let her go. That day, she said yes. And I kept my word. After nearly 50 years of marriage, two children and three grandchildren I have never let her go.

Herman Rosenblat Miami Beach,Florida

This is a true story and you can find out more by Googling Herman Rosenblat. He was bar mitzvahed at age 75. This story is being made into a movie called The Fence.

Also...you can watch them on Oprah if you google - Herman and Roma on Oprah 14th Nov 2007

What an amazing story!!!!

Whitney in the MTC

2008-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Whitney has been in the MTC learning Spanish and more about the gospel for the last mo. She is loving it! Just thought I would put a couple of pictures on that she sent last week.

Lyn's Tag

2008-10-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

I wish: my knees were young again
I hate: that our country isn't more rightous...
I miss: having Whitney and Melissa around..
I fear: I lack enough self-discipline..
I feel: so much better physically since going to Crossfit...
I hear: my children laughing together while carving a pumpkin...
I smell: the candle burning inside the pumpkin....
I crave: Mrs. Cavanaugh's lemon cream chocolates...
I search: the scriptures...
I wonder: why it is so hard to lose weight now....
I regret: missed opportunities...
I love: a good soak in the tub while reading a good book....
I care: about family, the gospel, friends....
I always: worry that I might hurt someone's feelings
I am not: a perfectionist
I dance: in my dreams...
I sing: all the time, especially Barbara Striesand and R&B
I don't always: show patience....or match....
I fight:for people I don't think are treated fairly...
I lose: a lot more often than I win...
I write: letters to my missionary daughter...
I tag: Melissa, Brittany, and anyone else who wants to..

Gonna Be A Bear

2008-10-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

In this life I'm a woman. In my next life, I'd
like to come back as a bear. When you're a
bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing
but sleep for six months.
I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you're supposed to eat
yourself stupid.
I could deal with that too.

When you're a girl bear, you birth your children
(who are the size of walnuts) while you're sleeping
and wake to practically grown, cute, cuddly cubs.
I could definitely deal with that.

If you're mama bear, eveyone knows you mean business.
You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get
out of line, you swat them too.
I could deal with that.

If you're a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling.
He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup, gonna be a bear!

Tag from Melissa

2008-10-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket
2. Where is your significant other? Work
3. Your hair color? ?
4. Your mother? Friend
5. Your father? Kind
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Forgotten
8. Your dream/goal? Perfection
9. The room you're in? Office
10. Your hobby? Cooking
11. Your fear? Rejection
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Delivering cookies
14. What you're not? Patient
15. One of your wish-list items? Boots
16. Where you grew up? Everywhere
17. The last thing you ate? Rice
18. What are you wearing? lab coat
19. Your TV? unimportant
20. Your pet? Riley
21. Your computer? old
22. Your mood? Happy
23. Missing someone? Whit
24. Your car? Efficient
25. Something you're not wearing? toe-Ring
26. Favorite store? Costco
27. Your summer? Crazy
28. Love someone? Absolutely
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

Supposed to be one word answers. I tag Lyn, Aly, Brittany, Amanda

2008-10-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.handbagplanet.com/

is giving away free bags! go there!

What Color Crayon Are You?

2008-09-02T16:08:00.001-07:00

You Are a Green Crayon

Your world is colored in harmonious, peaceful, natural colors.

While some may associate green with money, you are one of the least materialistic people around.

Comfort is important to you. You like to feel as relaxed as possible - and you try to make others feel at ease.

You're very happy with who you are, and it certainly shows!

Your color wheel opposite is red. Every time you feel grounded, a red person does their best to shake you.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Thanks, Lyn!

Counting Blessings

2008-08-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am counting my blessings today. Melissa, Scott, Jared and I went to Zion's National Park Saturday and as we were paying the admission fee, somehow, Melissa's wallet was left on the bench there outside the station. In it were all her credit cards and money. We didn't know it was missing for about 3 hours. I was just sure that it would be gone or at least missing the cards and money, but lo and behold some honest and kind person had turned it in with everything still in it! I am so grateful to that person and it is reassuring that there are still many good and honest people in the world!

Mission Call

2008-07-20T17:43:00.001-07:00

Whitney received her mission call to the Ecuador, Quito mission! We are so excited for her and proud of her!! She will be entering the MTC on Oct. 1st. Wayne's first comment was, "Do they have a Nordstrom's there?" I am sure she will love it and serve well!

Exercise

2008-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine.

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.
My dau ghter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 am. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blonde hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.

_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some o ther crap too.

_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes.

Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me.

Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.
_______________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more tha n a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________
SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

If I Were Tag

2008-06-09T16:58:00.001-07:00

if you were a... tag:

if you were an animal, which would you be... puppy: playful . friendly.curious. a little confused.

if you were a city. which would you be...
Madrid, Spain: lived there for 4 years. interesting, adventure, memories

if you were a flower. which would you be...
lilac: smells wonderful, reaches upward, delicate

if you were a vegetable. which would you be...
tomato: flexible, used in many dishes, great with hot sauce

if you were a color. which would you be...
yellow: cheerful, hopeful, happy

if you were a fruit. which would you be...
any kind of berry: strawberry . blueberry . raspberry . blackberry

if you were a season. which would you be...
fall: looking forward to holiday season and family togetherness.

if you were a shoe. which would you be...
mizuno tennis shoe: so comfortable and ready to run anywhere, anytime

if you were a vehicle. which would you be...
BMW: my dream car, luxurious but fast (maybe with a reinforced bumper)

if you were an appliance. which would you be...
kitchenaid mixer: does it all and I love to bake!!

if you were a disney character. which would you be...
Elmer Fudd: always looking for keys, kids, and various lost items.

if you were a dessert. which would you be...
chocolate cake, lemon meringue pie, key lime pie, really anything good and sweet.

if you were a time of day. which would you be...
crack of dawn: each day a new adventure

if you were a cereal. which would you be...
Reece's Puffs: sweet and sometimes a little airheady (is that a word or did I just make that up...)

if you were an instrument. which would you be...
flute: played in high school, sweet, and a little airy (again with the air thing ......)

Fun in NY and Philadelphia!

2008-06-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

David Letterman Show

Wayne and I went to Philadelphia last weekend and visited liberty square, Valley Forge, and NYC (since it is only about an hour away). We were able to get in to see the David Letterman show (actually I never stay awake to watch this at home, but it was fun to see how they tape it.) While we were there I had to buy a new purse and try Pat and Geno's philly cheese steak sandwiches. They are overrated; Italian place in Orem is better! We had a great time but glad to be back!

Great Roadtrip Idea!

2008-05-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am dying to do this! Can you imagine how fun it would be driving down the freeway at about 90 mph with these balloons behind you?

Step 1. Tie these balloons to your car

Step 2. Drive like a bat out of heck....

Step 3. Watch people freak out!

Graduation

2008-05-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

My darling son is 18. Matt graduated from seminary last night and graduates from high school next week! He has always been such a delight to his father and me. How did we ever get so old? I will now have 3 children in college! Thanks Aly for the cute pictures!

Movie Tag!

2008-05-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

1. the total number of movies i own:
About 200
2. the last movie i bought:
Enchanted
3. the last movie I saw:
Enchanted
(I loved it....incurable romantic)
4. a movie i'll never watch again:
Napoleon Dynamite
[totally brain dead...]
5. five movies that mean something to me:
pride and prejudice
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
[If only politicians today had that kind of passion and integrity...]
The 10 Commandments
[It was the only movie we were allowed to watch on Sunday growing up...]
Anne of Green Gables
[t.v. movies . but priceless...]
Church Movies; The First Vision, etc... Johnny Lingo (j.k.)

Lyn's Tag- 6 Unimportant Things About Me

2008-05-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

tag rules:
1. you link back to the person who tagged you.
2. post these rules on your blog.
3. share six unimportant things about yourself.
4. tag six random people at the end of your entry
5. let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs.
6. enjoy the results.
====================================================================
I am always in a hurry!

You might want to be careful parking

behind me as I have a tendancy to

gently back into other cars (Rosen's

van, Lyn's car, posts, rocks, etc.)

"Sleeping In" seems to be a lost

art form for me.

It is embarrassing to admit, but I enjoy

some of my childrens' music.

I would much rather run upstairs than

walk up them.

I love tobasco sauce on almost anything

that has tomatoes in it.
I tag Whitney, Melissa, Amanda, Brittany, Natalie, and Stephanie

Marriage Advice From the Experts

2008-05-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you likes sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.

Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.

Kristen, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.

Camille, age 10

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.

Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.

Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that Usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.

Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.

Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.

Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.

Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.

Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someoneto clean up after them.

Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?

Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is........

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.

Ricky, age 10

Where is the Beef?

2008-04-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

At my house! We bought a 1200 lb. black angus steer at the jr. livestock show. The 4H Club kids bring their animals (lambs, steers, and hogs) to show and auction off. We bought "Gunther" and he will provide about 400 lbs. of steaks, roasts, etc. for the next year! It was kind of fun. Wayne had his picture taken with him and threatens to blow it up and place it in the diningroom so the kids will know where their food came from. If he does this I am sure I will have several kids become vegetarians!

Oh Nooooo!! Another teenager!

2008-04-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

Happy 13th Birthday to my sweet and fiesty Amanda!

Made Me Laugh

2008-04-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am a Westerner. Rules of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Wild West are as follows:

1. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Turn your cap right, your head ain't crooked.

3. Let's get this straight: it's called a "gravel road." I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way. 4. They are cattle. That's why they smell to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-80 goes east and west, I-15 goes north and south. Pick one.

5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000 combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.

6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese/pheasants/ducks/doves are comin' in during the hunts, we WILL shoot it outa your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

8. Yeah. We eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.

9. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.

10. We open doors for women. That's applied to all women, regardless of age.

11. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on th e menu. Order steak, or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.

12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup! Oh, yeah.... We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat... IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!!

13. You bring "Coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.

14. College and High School Football is as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.

15. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards - it spooks the fish.

16. Colleges? We have them all over. We have State Universities , Universities, and Vo-techs. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come home for the holidays.

17. We have more folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines than all of you put together, so don't mess with us. If you do, you'll get whipped by the best.

18. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump crap ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!

Favorite Resteraunts/ menu favorites Tag

2008-04-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Since I am a hopeless foodie I decided to tell you what my personal favorites are:

1. Chef's Table (for fine dining)-proscuitto stuffed chicken (yum)

2. Magelby's

3. Ramano's Macaroni Grill (chcken scallopini)

4. Las Tarascas (Pork Tacos with mango salsa and fresh fruit infused water-when they have it)

5. Kneaders-turkey, bacon, avacado sandwich on country french, raspberry bread pudding with

vanilla sauce, key lime tarts, pecan tarts, cherry cheesecake with ganache

6. P.F. Chang's-Kung Pao, lettuce wraps (you know what is good there)

7. Sam Hawk (Korean Food-Bulgogi/bbq beef; spicy, but good)-usually a wait

8. La Dolche Vita-Gnocchi Combo, spinach calzone (soup good, salad is blah)

9. Shirley's Bakery-orange rolls, rolls, raisin filled cookies, eclairs

10.Dippidee's Bakery-cakes, cookies (yum, skip brownies-usually dry)

11. Puddin on the Rice-lots of fun flavors

12. Brick Oven-Everything is good; love their garlic bread and homemade rootbeer

13. Ruth Chris-Steak and everything else (SLC-$$$)

This is why I have to exercise! If you haven't tried some of these-go for it and I will probably see you there! I am tagging Lyn, Whitney, Melissa, Natalie, and everyone who likes to eat...I love to hear about new tempting food places to visit!

State Employees- funny!!

2008-04-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

BYU Ballroom dance

2008-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Wayne and I attended the BYU Ballroom showcase. This is the same show that they are taking to China for tour. It is always entertaining and I look forward to it each year! In the next life I would love to be able to dance like that! Wayne might complain about having to do all those lifts that are required, but I am sure he will cooperate????!!!!

Wonder of Wonders

2008-04-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Wayne brought home a toy American Eskimo puppy about 6 weeks old. He looks like a little puff ball and his name is Riley. We have been talking about getting a puppy for Jared, our little Downs Syndrome boy because the other kids are all growing up and leaving. He gets so sad when the family isn't all together. Our other children were deprived; Wayne always told them they could have a puppy if the could find one that didn't poop. They were ecstatic until they figured out that all puppies poop. All the kids are excited. I guess if I can't have any grandchildren yet, a puppy is the next best thing!!

What Is the Matter With Me?

2008-04-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

Now, before you give me all kinds of helpful input that would hurt my already fragile ego, I am talking about my eating habits! I am so sore that I groan every time I sit down and it feels like I have been run through a gauntlet ( I did it to myself-lifting weights and running). Does this stop me from eating 3 Fernwood sandwich mint chocolates or a box or Red Hots on my way to the treadmill-NOOOOO!!! It seems I have either been skipped on the self-discipline gene or have submerged that wise inner voice so far that it is no longer audible. Oh well, I ran 2 and 1/2 miles today.......lunch anyone?

Spring or Winter?

2008-04-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

Waking up to this was a little disorienting. I keep thinking we are starting to hit the warm season and then we get another snow storm! Confusion of the seasons? The good news is that Lake Powell will be about 39 feet higher this summer!

Personality Test

2008-03-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is a unique personality test. There are only 4 questions but the results are very interesting. I was kind of shocked by what some of my answers meant. Be honest and honor what pops into your mind when the questions present themselves. Just click on the following:http://memoriter.net/flash/test.html

2008-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

how long have your been together...

married 25 1/2 years.

how long did you date...
We dated 2 years. I was 19 and Wayne was 23 when we met at Brick Oven. Wayne was the boss and I was a Hostess.

who eats more...
Wayne-unless it is dessert (then it is definately me!)
who said I love you first...
he did . but i was a close second.

who is taller...
he is . by about 7 inches.

who sings better...
That would be me. I love to sing! Wayne always knows if I am happy because I am singing.

who is smarter...
i love to learn and every autumn I get the urge to go back to school . but he is much much smarter. Brilliant-in fact.

who does the laundry...
He does his own laundry because he is very particular. It used to make me angry. now I just say "you go, boy!" I do everyone else's laundry.

who does the dishes...
usually me
who sleeps on the right side of the bed...
from the ..in the bed.. point of view . I do.

who pays the bills...
I write the checks, but Wayne really pays the bills.

who mows the lawn...
lawn care company.

who cooks the dinner...
I do, but Wayne does know how . he grills..

who is more stubborn...
I usually give in because I can't stand contention. If I really feel it is important I will fight tooth and nail.

who kissed who first...
I kissed him on the cheek first, but he took over from there.

who asked who out...
Wayne asked me out.to see his etchings (jk)

who proposed?
he did . on my porch in October. he so romantically asked me, "Well, should we do it?" I knew exactly what he meant

who is more sensitive...
that would be me. me. me.me

who has more friends...
we don.t count friends . we treasure them. Oh I like that Lyn so I am stealing it from you.

who has more siblings...
Wayne-he has 4. and I have 3.

who are you tagging...
everyone.

Gas Woes

2008-03-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I would rather spend my money on! Brandon, hurry up and invent an alternative fuel source!

Happy Keester

2008-03-24T10:12:00.001-07:00

Homemade Samoas Cookies

2008-03-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

Homemade Samoas (a.k.a. Caramel de-Lites)Cookies1 cup butter, soft1/2 cup sugar2 cups all purpose flour1/4 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp vanilla extractup to 2 tbsp milk
Preheat oven to 350F.In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt at a low speed, followed by the vanilla and milk, adding in the milk as needed to make the dough come together without being sticky (it’s possible you might not need to add milk at all). The dough should come together into a soft, not-too-sticky ball. Add in a bit of extra flour if your dough is very sticky.Roll the dough (working in two or three batches) out between pieces of wax paper to about 1/4-inch thickness (or slightly less) and use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter to make rounds. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and use a knife, or the end of a wide straw, to cut a smaller center hole. Repeat with remaining dough. Alternatively, use scant tablespoons of dough and press into an even layer in a mini donut pan to form the rounds.Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly browned and cookies are set. If using a mini donut pan, bake for only about 10 minutes, until edges are light gold.Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Topping3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)12-oz good-quality chewy caramels1/4 tsp salt3 tbsp milk8 oz. dark or semisweet chocolate (chocolate chips are ok)
Preheat oven to 300. Spread coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet (preferably one with sides) and toast 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until coconut is golden. Cool on baking sheet, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Unwrap the caramels and place in a large microwave-safe bowl with milk and salt. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir a few times to help the caramel melt. When smooth, fold in toasted coconut with a spatula.Using the spatula or a small offset spatula, spread topping on cooled cookies, using about 2-3 tsp per cookie. Reheat caramel for a few seconds in the microwave if it gets too firm to work with.
While topping sets up, melt chocolate in a small bowl. Heat on high in the microwave in 45 second intervals, stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Dip the base of each cookie into the chocolate and place on a clean piece of parchment paper. Transfer all remaining chocolate (or melt a bit of additional chocolate, if necessary) into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle finished cookies with chocolate.Let chocolate set completely before storing in an airtight container.
Makes about 3 1/2-4 dozen cookies.

Arghhh! Swimsuit Season

2008-03-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Saw this on another blog from Delias and I loved it! The only way

it could be better is if it went down to my knees. Maybe I could go Muslim

and wear a burka.

These are fun!

2008-03-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

They really look official. Check these out here.

I need to send one of these to Wayne for running over

a rock in my new car. I am in deep kimshi with him!!!

The Negotiator

2008-03-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Little Carol came into the kitchen where her mother was making dinner. Her
birthday was coming up and she thought this was a good time to tell her
mother what she wanted. "Mom, I want a bike for my birthday."
Now, Little Carol was a bit of a troublemaker. She had gotten into trouble
at school and at home. Carol's mother asked her if she thought she deserved
to get a bike for her birthday.
Little Carol, of course, thought she did.
Carol's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted her to reflect on her
behavior over the last year, and write a letter to God and tell him why she
deserved a bike for her birthday.
Little Carol stomped up the steps to her
room and sat down to write God a letter.
LETTER 1:
Dear God:
I have been a very good girl this year and I would like a bike for my
birthday. I want a red one.
Your friend,
Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true. She had not been a very good girl this year,
so she tore up the letter and started over.
LETTER 2:
Dear God:
This is your friend Carol. I have been a pretty good girl this year, and I
would like a red bike for my birthday.
Thank you,
Carol
Carol knew this wasn't true either. She tore up the letter and started
again.
LETTER 3:
Dear God:
I know I haven't been a good girl this year. I am very sorry. I will be a
good girl if you ju st send me a red bike for my birthday.
Thank you,
Carol
Carol knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get her a
bike. By now, she was very upset. She went downstairs and told her mother
she wanted to go to church. Carol's mother thought her plan had worked
because Carol looked very sad.
"Just be home in time for dinner," her mother said.
Carol walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. She looked
around to see if anyone w as there. She picked up a statue of the Virgin
Mary, slipped it under her jacket and ran out of the church, down the
street, into her house, and up to her room. She shut the door and sat down
and wrote her letter to God.
LETTER 4:
I GOT YOUR MAMA.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.
Signed,
YOU KNOW WHO

The Sneeze

2008-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing . And the traditional caps, they looked almost ... As grown up as they felt. Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay withi n the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!! The student on stage.. Simply looked at the audience and said, "GOD BLESS YOU, Each and every one of you!" And he walked off stage... The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval. This is a true story; it happened at the University of Maryland

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYN!!!!!!!

2008-03-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

I hope your day is as wonderful as you are!

If You Are What You Eat........

2008-03-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

Tag by Lyn:

I would have hair made up of spinach salad topped with curly fries. My brain would be cashew nuts-don't even go there! My body would be a giant chocolate kiss with red hot eyes (sounds a little demonic), my face would be chicken with mozarella stick arms. My legs would be bananas with avacado feet. For body lotion I would only use butter! My fuel of choice would be anything with sugar in it.

Apparantly I am not a well balanced individual (surprise, surprise)-my food pyramid is all topsy-turvey. I have way too many food items

in the "other" catagory!

My New Car!!

2008-02-22T14:47:00.001-08:00

Sold the Suburban. It was silly to drive that beast around with only one or two children in it. Maybe now I can pass a gas station without filling up every time ; )

Fun in the Sun! Yea!

2008-02-19T14:15:00.000-08:00

All 9 of us are going together! I am so excited to be with all my favorite people and see some beautiful new places!

Tagged by Whitney

2008-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

7 TV Shows I wouldn't want to live without;

I don't watch TV much, but here are some I like;

Law and Order

House

Cooking Shows

Today Show

7 Books that may have changed my life or enjoyed a lot;

Book of Mormon

Believing Christ

Atlas Shrugged

Enders Game

The Secret Life of Bees

Cold, Sassy Tree

Killer Angels

7 Albums or Artists I love;

Barbara Striesand

Brian McKnight

Westlife

Joe

BoyzIIMen

Rascal Flatts

Most romantic slow jams

7 Movies I go crazy for;

The 10 Commandments

Dan in Real Life

Sound of Music

7 Brides for 7 Brothers

Funny Girl

My Fair Lady

Pride and Prejudice

7 things you may not know about me;

1. I am actually more comfortable and outgoing in a large group than one-on-one.

2. People love to startle me because I am so jumpy.

3. I still do dance routines and sing loudly with the radio when moved upon and no one is

around to witness it.

4. I took a Russian class because I thought I wanted to be some kind of spy. It was quickly

apparent that it would have been a disasterous and deadly career choice for me.

5. My hands and feet sweat when I watch someone climb high mountains and I feel really

anxious, but I don't think I am afraid of high places-maybe just of falling?

6. Saying the word, S-E-X, is really hard for me, which is really funny because I often have to

discuss the subject at work as I do a lot of premarital exams. My kids love to tease me about

this because it always makes me squirm.

7. If someone can make me laugh frequently, they are already halfway to my heart.

I am tagging you Lyn!

Happy Birthday Sweet Whitney!!!

2008-02-05T10:08:00.000-08:00

I got you a birthday cake

without calories-love you

big as the whole sky many!!

Cake Babies Made of Marzipan

2008-01-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

These are so real-how could you eat them?

2008-01-29T05:19:00.000-08:00

A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your prob lems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate; your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define, nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your hot chocolate in 2008!

Oh how we will miss this wonderful, wise, sweet prophet!!

2008-01-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

Which Animal Are You?

2008-01-28T10:42:00.000-08:00

We've all encountered people who remind us of animals. They act like bears, baboons, weasels, sloths, and vultures and often even physically resemble the animals they behave like. The Animal in You (St. Martin's Press) explores why this correlation is not coincidental, for it is rooted in nature's need for diversity, which is an essential component of a healthy ecosystem. Without it, instability and population booms threaten the balance. The food chain -- or, more accurately, the food web -- requires the interaction of predators, prey, burrowing creatures, arboreal animal, and insects to remain stable, and it is the interplay of this divergence that gives rise to enduring and healthy populations.
Through a process known as parallel evolution, unrelated animals species separated by vast distances often evolve similar patterns to take advantage of available niches. We're all familiar with the pack mentality, hunting behavior and physical characteristics of the North American wolf, but in Australia, isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, some marsupials have evolved into animals that are remarkably similar to the wolf. Although almost driven to extinction by hunters, the Tasmanian Wolf or thylacine with its dog-like body, coughing bark, and canine hunting behavior parallels the wolf in many ways. Similarly, the porcupine -- a small creature with a prickly exterior for defense -- is mimicked by the porcupine fish, spiked dinosaurs, the cactus and Joan Rivers.
Because our own species so completely dominates the environment, it has essentially become an ecosystem unto itself. So it's not surprising that this same process works on humans, since the attributes that provide equilibrium in the animal world -- aggression, passivity, stealth, skittishness and so on -- also provide stability in our society. This is why we each exhibit a set of characteristics that corresponds to a particular animal species. Animal Attraction explores the relationships between each of the individual species and details the mating strategies for each animal.
Determining your animal personality is a matter of matching your personality traits to the animal species that is closest to you by taking the Animal In You personality test.

2008-01-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

You think English is easy?

Can you read these right the first time?

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row .

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England nor French fries in France

Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indixes? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital, ship by truck and send cargo by ship, have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be
the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill-in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't Buick rhyme with quick?

2008-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

I am 80% Psychic

I can accurately predict whether someone:
does his/her own taxes
has been camping
has eaten a bug

I cannot tell whether someone:
has a cat
is over 21
watches soap operas

See what my psychic predicted for me!
Take the quiz and get predictions at Spacefem.com

Things I Love about My Children

2008-01-16T19:31:00.001-08:00

Whitney-provides comic relief in our family with her sometimes "wicked humor." I so appreciate her constant support and her "mafia type" loyalty. It is nice to know that she will drop everything and go with me, even on boring errands and that always makes them more fun!
She is a "foodie" like me so we can explore culinary delights together!

Melissa-makes me so proud of her solid decisions and righteous desires; marrying a worthy young man in the Salt Lake Temple being the most recent! Her "can do" attitude makes any job or project seem doable! Her willingness to help with her siblings and her parents has been a joy! Melissa makes cooking fun instead of a chore!

Matt-has always had the nickname "Angel Boy". He has earned that with his cheerful disposition and helpful attitude at all times. He also makes good, solid decisions that are only slightly influenced by excesses of testosterone. I admire his steadiness and thoughtfulness in the gospel. His taste in music is very eclectic; from T-Pain, Louie Armstrong, the Doobie Brothers, to Pavorati! I love to watch him C-walk and any other dancing! He is trying out for Mr. Timpview.

Garrett-is my great big teddybear, literally! He is always ready with a hug when you need one. He generally has a cheerful disposition and really enjoys being around people. Diplomacy is very difficult for Garrett, but he tries so hard. He is an avid reader; he isn't easily stumped on spelling or definitions. If he doesn't know it he can probably make one up.

Amanda-my little estrogenic diva! I love all her energy and that she dances everywhere she goes. She loves to read almost as much as I do and still reads her scriptures every night before bed. She loves being social and is a very loyal friend! This girl is always on the lookout for the "next big thing." Being a good example to her friends has always been important to her.

Jared-is a constant source of delight to me and the whole family! He has the funniest facial expressions and does a great booty shake! He always says "We a happy family" even when the rest of us are not feeling it.

New Tag!

2008-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

Favorite Month of the year:
September because there is such an air of anticipation. Children are starting back to school and are full of news of friends, learning, and activities. I always feel a little twinge that I am not starting back also. The nip in the air that changes the green to autumn colors and reminds you that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.

Favorite Holiday & Why:
Christmas is my favorite holiday because I love to get everyone gifts and anticipate their reaction. Family fun and activities, friends, and of course salty-sweet hams and homemade treats! Christmas music seems to gift wrap the season with a big bow. The reminder of the birth of the Savior seems encourages us all to be kinder, more loving and thoughtful.

Do you like Storms:
I love to watch lightening storms for hours. I love the earthy smell of a summer rain. One of my favorite memories is being safe in the dock at Lake Powell and seeing great, jagged lightening strikes split the sky against the red rocks and improptu silver waterfalls of rain cascading down. All that power reminds me how small we really are.
Indoors or Outdoors:
I love the outdoors. I have tortured my children for years with hikes in Snow Canyon, Stewart Falls, Y mountain, etc. The beauty that surrounds you whenever you are outside in a lovely place; the ocean or the mountains, makes me realize how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father.
Favorite Season:
I love the fall. The changing fall leaves look like they have been frosted with fire and the smell of fires in the air.

People I tag: Alyssa, Lyn, and Amanda

orchid

2008-01-10T12:07:00.001-08:00

you are orchid
#DA70D6

Your dominant hues are red and blue. You're confident and like showing people new ideas. You play well with others and can be very influential if you want to be.

Your saturation level is lower than average - You don't stress out over things and don't understand people who do. Finishing projects may sometimes be a challenge, but you schedule time as you see fit and the important things all happen in the end, even if not everyone sees your grand master plan.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

I was almost a felon!!!

2008-01-10T09:18:00.002-08:00

This morning I lived through my own episode of Law and Order; it is more fun watching it than living it. I went to Days grocery store to get some things and as I pulled out of the parking lot I was pulled over by a policeman with his lights going! Then 2 more pulled up behind me. They asked me for my license and checked it. I said, "I wasn't even speeding" and they said "I know, we will tell you why we pulled you over in a minute." Then they told me to get out of my car and read me my rights! Seriously, read me my rights!! It seems some woman had tried to pick up a Rx fraudulantly and they said that she had blonde hair and was pulling out of the parking lot in a white Suburban right now. Anyway, they asked if I was willing to go back to the pharmacy and see if they could ID me. I told them I would and of course they said it wasn't me. Anyway, I think I prefer watching my dramas on TV. Scary stuff, I am still shaking!!!!

My late Christmas post...hehe

2008-01-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

• wrapping paper or gift bags:
bags. it's much easier, the only downside is that people can peek .
• real tree or artificial: I'd prefer a real tree, but I find we are usually to busy to have one.
• when do you put your tree up:
After Thanksgiving, which people tend to skip.
by january 1.
• hot chocolate or apple cider:
Hot Chocolate-I make really good homade chocolate
• favorite gift received as a child:
My mother made a China doll for me. I still have it to this day, she has a red dress and my mother hand painted her.
• do you have a nativity scene:
yes. several- my favorite is one Wayne and I got in Israel.
• hardest person to buy for:
Wayne- last year he told me what he wanted and posted pictures everywhere, and then preceeded to buy everything himself.
• easiest person to buy for: Jared. He loves everything.
• worst christmas gift ever received:
Used clothes from Deseret Industries when I was 17 it seemed like a huge deal!
• mail or email christmas cards:
Mail- I have it easy though, Wayne mails them from his office.
• favorite christmas movie: It's a wonderful Life
• have you ever recycled a christmas present:
oh yeah.
• favorite thing to eat at christmas:
That's a tough one-Home made pecan logs, breakfast bake, and scones.
• clear or colored lights:
Colored.
• favorite christmas song:
O Holy Night, Mary's lullaby, and Silent Night.
• travel or stay home:
stay home.
• can you name all the santa.s reindeer: Yes.
• angel or star:
The angel my daughter made in preschool.
• favorite christmas memory:
This isn't my favorite, but very memorable. One year my dad was in Vietnam over Christmas and he recorded a tape he made especially for Christmas and we all listened to it under the tree and it was almost like he was there. My mom recorded us opening our presents so he could feel like he was there.

2007-11-23T22:41:00.001-08:00

Wayne and I are heading to Cabo next week-we are so excited!!! We've never been there, if you have please let us know some of your favorite places to see, visit or eat!

2007-11-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Melissa's shower is on Thurs., Nov. 29th!!! Yea!! She also had a wonderful shower given for her by her great Aunt Rachel, Cousins Aly, Brittany and Grandma Eddington.

I need help choosing a dress for my daughter's wedding. Please vote on your favorite!

2007-11-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

A. This would be in black!

B.

C.

D. This is my daughter's vote!

New goal for February

2007-11-10T22:17:00.001-08:00

Reality Check

Jared baptized!

2007-11-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

New Fam Pictures

2007-11-08T21:13:00.001-08:00

My Cute Kids
The Family
Garrett, Jared, Melissa, Whitney, Amanda, and Matthew

2007-11-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

These are my girls: Left to right, Melissa, Leslie, Whitney, and Amanda!