The Misadventures of Mama Bookworm and the LegoMaster

Party Planet

2012-01-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

Sam got lucky this year. We found a groupon for Planet Play with the best deal. Seriously the best so Sam got to take three friends to play laser tag, bumber cars, lots of video games, eat pizza and generally just have a good time. We all had so much fun. Even I wanted to try out the laser tag it looked so fun and non threatening. We were all exhausted when they day was over but it was so much fun. Let's do it again!

2011 Misadventures

2012-01-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

It's funny that last time I wrote I spoke of trying to be better about blogging and then I never wrote again in 2011. It was a busy year and we had 'stuff'. Here are a few highlights:

I was co-conspirator with my friend Michele Ebright in planning our mission reunion. I think it ended up being perfect. It was so fun to see so many sisters. I think the furthest came from Australia but we had lots of people from lots of places. Can't wait til the next one!

We had a blast with our family at the Wood Family Reunion. Sam loves spending time with his Papa and Dede and his cousins, especially Cambridge. He loves taking care of Beckett and Jude and playing with Lincoln, Spencer and Hayden. The whole trip was loads of fun.

We went to the Utah Scottish festival for the first time and I can tell you we will be back again next year. We had so much fun. Who knew there was so much to do! Plus the root beer is to die for, I think I would pay to get in just to pay to get root beer, honestly it is that good!

Sam and I had our first gun experience. My uncle is a gun kinda guy showed us how it is done, safety first and then lots of fun. We had a great time with my parents, aunt and uncle and cousin. I think we need to do it again ... and soon!

Sam finished up summer with his summer play. This is his fourth year and it was fun as ever. He was a Merry Man in Robin Hood's band as well as one of the three little pigs in a side skit. It was so fun to watch his facial expressions, he really gets into his part. He was amazing!

Then summer was over we spent the week before school hanging out at the pool, spending a day at the zoo and partying it up at the Children's museum. I have to say to that I LOVE Sam's teacher this year. If you have children at Adelaide pray for Mrs. Packard because she has been a God-send to us.

Sam was a pirate for Halloween but I have to say when he is next to our cousin Kellen who was Wesley from Princess Bride he could pass for Inigo Montoya, don't you think? He made out like a pirate in the candy department - funny he probably won't eat half of it, he is more a salty kid. His favorite treat a bag of microwave popcorn!

Sam loves his counsin Cambridge. They email back and forth and Skype from time to time but nothing is better than a visit! Thanks for visiting!!!

Finally the holidays. We loved Chuckarama with the Lanham family. Sam said it was the best Thanksgiving ever because he got pepperoni pizza. I think here is a new tradition in our family. We had so much fun setting up our Turkey Tree and remembering all the things we have to be grateful for. I got to sing in a Christmas Choir for the first time in years. Sam was a superstar and would come to practice with me every Sunday night for two hours. So grateful he is such a good kid. We also got to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas performance, wow was it amazing! Finally, Christmas day and New Years. I loved being with Sam on those holidays. Remembering our Savior and bringing in the New Year with Sam is the best way to celebrate.

Now it is time for 2012 and I am sure we will have plenty of misadventures!

It's March ... Already!

2011-02-28T13:02:00.005-07:00

I often think my life is boring, well if it is so boring how did January and February fly by so fast? I have a few clues that may lead me to understand how these two relatively long months flew past.

First, my Sam turned 8 years old on January 27th. He is such an amazing kid. He fills my life with laughter and stories and wild imagination. I went to his school the day after his birthday to share a birthday treat and play a game, we made Lego puzzles for all the kids. It was really fun. I loved watching Sam interact with his class. I don't get to do that very often but it is really one of my most favorite things.

We had fun planning Sam's Pirate themed party at the local aquetics center. My favorite part was watching him try to eat with a pirate eye patches on both his eyes.

Second, two weeks after Sam turned 8 he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a perfect day. And I do mean perfect. I had been stressing about the day for months, no need to go into the details but I just worried it would not be great. Then a couple days before I just felt peace, I felt that God was looking out for Sam and it was going to be a beautiful day and it was, it was perfect. I felt blessed to have so many family and friends come and show their love for Sam. He looked amazing in white and his smile was contagious. Brother Randy Benson baptized Sam. He has been our Home Teacher for over six years. Sam loves him like a grandpa.

Third, Sam joined the ranks of the cub scouts. I'll be honest scouts scare me (funny my sister Facebooked me the same sentence!) but really scouts scare me. It also seems to want to nickle and dime me into poverty but that is a story for another time. Sam looks so dang cute in his blue shirt. At his blue and gold banquet last week they had made short films to show the parents. Sam's group was the best. It really was so funny. I think I may have an actor on my hands. He did a really great job.

So the past few months have gone by fast and furious. I don't think it will slow down any so hopefully I will be better about blogging but probably not. Here is the update. I still can't believe it is March 2011.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-28T16:40:00.004-07:00

I wanted to send letters to everyone but alas ... here is my Christmas letter to ALL my wonderful friends and family

Dear Family & Friends,

It has been a year of ups and downs. Mostly ups, a few downs.

This past January my grandfather, Ralph Wood, passed away. Over the year, I have been reminded of what a wonderful example of faith and love he was to me. I have missed him but I am grateful for the legacy he left for my son and me.

We took a couple of road trips this year, one of which was traumatic and financially painful but it was all worth it to see family. Many people know that I do not like to drive but I do it anyway. I may not take a road trip again for a time. I don't like to fly either so if you love me and want to see me I guess you will have to come to Utah!

Sam performed in summer theater camp again. This year they did several skits of twisted fairy tales. They did Falling for Rapunzel, The Emperor's Old Clothes, Ode to Humpty Dumpty and the Princess and the Pizza. Then they also did four dances, Sam was a part of three: Smelling the Roses, a contemporary dance; Hero Battle, a hip hop routine in which Sam had a kickin' break dance solo; and a Bollywood dance. He had so much fun with all his friends. I was told (by people that don't even know us!) that Sam was their favorite. He has such a great face and gets into all the difference characters. He had a great time doing the play and I had a great time watching.

I asked Sam what some of his favorite memories were from this year. He said his favorite memory of this year was spending time with family in California. It was so fun to spend time with my family hanging out at the condo, playing at Disneyland, seeing the ocean for the first time and swimming in the pool. The reunion produced wonderful memories that we will cherish.

Sam and I are going to spend a quiet Christmas at home. During this time of year, we have reflected on the many the many blessings that we have been given. We are so grateful for our family and friends that love and support us. I am grateful for my job and the people that I have the opportunity to interact with every day. We are grateful to live in this country. We are most grateful for Jesus Christ, for His birth and for His Atonement.

We wish you are the very best Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love Liz & Sam

NaNoWriMo

2010-10-16T15:33:00.004-06:00

It is that time of year again. I was not going to do it this year but when October rolled around all I could think of was NaNo starts in November. What am I going to write?

Then I had an idea about a huge empire that took care of the people living within the original country/kingdom but mistreated the 'colonies' some of which were the moons surrounding the planet. They bring 'worthy' warriors out of the colonies to become empire guards or whatever. My MC Riley is from one of the moon colonies. The reason the empire peeps are bringing in outside muscle is that they are guarding a dirty little secret. Anyway that is a start.

Problem is this is the first time I have written from a male POV. I find I am struggling. So now with only a few weeks to go I am thinking of striking the whole idea and writing a different story back with my good ol' female POV but then I feel like that is giving up. NaNo is hard enough to write without struggling with the main character. But just now I thought I could write from third person which would mean I wouldn't have to get into my MCs head. Hmmm choices, choices. Nevertheless and notwithstanding I am doing NaNo this year. What exactly I am going to write it yet to be determined.

Happiest Place on Earth

2010-09-28T14:15:00.006-06:00

I am in serious neglect of my blog but I am here to redeem myself. We had a great time a couple of weeks ago in California here are the highlights:

The first day we were there it was a beautiful day for the pool. The kiddos has a great time playing in the water and sliding down the water slide. They had not seen each other for a while but it didn't take long for everyone to jump in and play.

We went to a farmer's market and got the best fresh fruit EVER. It was all so good. The only downer was I bought a lot because I just could not stop myself on the last day I was stuffing peaches in my mouth trying to eat it all before we left for home. Sam got some really cool clothes. Here he is trying them out.

Ah the beach. Sam LOVED it. It started off a bit cool and overcast but for me it was perfect. I love that kind of weather. Walking along the beach with a cardigan the water splashing on my toes. Then the clouds cleared and the sun came out. It was a perfect day at the beach.

The family at Disneyland. Needless to say we all had a great time. We laughed, we cried. It really is the happiest place on earth until you have to leave. Sam wanted to know if we could live there. Who doesn't want to live at Disneyland? Sam's favorite ride was the Matterhorn. Mine was Indiana Jones.

Sam, Cambridge and Hayden at Disney. Everybody was so great and had such a good time.

Sam loves Lego - he is a LegoMaster - so when i found out we were only 20 minutes from Legoland I couldn't resist. It was a blast. And Sam got his drivers licence. I have to say going to Lego after Disney slightly lessened the experience for me (although if you ask Sam it might be his favorite part of the trip). It is an amazing place but really nothing compares to Disneyland.

Note the super tired look in Sam's eye. Two full days of parks wears a person out!

Legoland. I can't believe I rode this thing. But Sam had so much fun I just could not resist. It is called the Knight's challenged. To me it looked like a giant dragon claw grabbed us then flung us about. That is pretty much what the ride did. And I didn't even get sick to my stomach! When you got on the ride you had to take of anything that could fall off - flip flops, earings, sunglasses - and take all items out of your pockets. They had a little cubby by the ride to hold your personal belongings. Sam pulled out of his pocket a tiny silver screw, he was so proud of his personal item.

Our last evening in California we went to a Padres game. We, OF COURSE, screaming and yelled for the San Fran Giants. Sam said it was the best, a least the parts he could remember. After all the fun and excitement he couldn't keep his eyes open. Even with loud and crazy fans all around us he was fast asleep after the 3 inning. I had never been to a professional game before. It was so fun.

The last day at the pool. The kiddos loved chasing Papa around and he loved being chased. It was such a fun packet, yet relaxing adventure.

Kipp, Sam, Lincoln and Spencer - the cool kats.

It was so much fun to spend the week with family. My sister is a rock star for putting it all together. Thanks Katie for all your hard work. Can't wait for the next one.

Twisted Faery Tales

2010-08-17T15:21:00.006-06:00

Sam's play was awesome. The first skit was called Falling for Rapunzel. As you can see I was in the back but I moved up after the first skit and got much better pictures.

This next skit is called the Emporor's Old Clothes. Sam was the cutest farmer. He did such a great job dancing and he really got into his character.

This next part was so cool. They did four dances and Sam was a part of three. The first was called "Smelling the Roses" and it was a contemporary style dance where one child is reading a book looking around at his friends when they all run around and do not slow down to enjoy growing up and then the all fall down and go to sleep. They don't die. The just sleep. The director wanted to make the clear. Sam was amazing and I am not just saying that because I am his mother. More than once person (a couple I don't even know) came up and said Sam did an amazing job.

This one was the hip hop routine. Sam had a solo where is did a little break dancing. My little B boy. This was a war between the heros and the heroines. It was pretty awesome. And they end up being friends in the end. Who doesn't like a happy ending.

This last one is a Bollywood number. It was a workout and a half. The all did such a great job.

It was an amazing night. I was so proud of Sam for learning the skits and the dances. The next night there were two new skits: Ode to Humpty Dumpty and the Princess and the Pizza. Sam had a great time. So proud of you son!

Summer Luvin

2010-07-27T14:44:00.004-06:00

Summer lovin had me a blast ... gotta love Grease. This summer is flying by. I can't believe it is almost August. Here is a pic of us at the 4th Fireworks at Sugarhouse Park. We were so glad that they were on this year.

I look a little tired and my head HURT like crazy but it was fun nonetheless.

Here is a pic of Sam pretending to be asleep on my dress. I was actually trying to get him to fall asleep while pretending to be asleep. It didn't work.

This is Sam eating his Shrek ice cream that got all over everything (including my dress) because the stick was not very far into the ice cream. It continually fell off it was messy, it was gross, according to Sam it was delicious.

Here is a pic of Sam after he fell asleep in the car on the way to my cousin's daughter's baptism. He was coloring along and then BAM out cold. I thought it was cute how he pulled his hat over his eyes.

Finally here we are at Sam's superhero fashion show at summer camp. I thought all the kids did a great job. But I have to say my superhero was the best!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2010-06-10T21:54:00.010-06:00

Let's start with the Ugly:

That would be my car being hoisted up onto the tow truck. Fun. NOT!

So we were cruising along minding our own business when the car started slowing down like it was running out of gas. When I pushed on the gas it sputtered, lurched and then continued the downward spiral towards zero miles per hour. I safely maneuvered the car over to the side of the road, panicked and then said a little prayer.

I called my brother (that is what brothers are for!) and he said he would come get us even though we were hours away from his house and he had a pretty big weekend on his plate. So I started the car again and kept driving. We pulled over four of five times before I finally realized that we would never make it. Brother to the rescue.

But then a guy from a service station pulled over and talked with us. His station was the one that gave us the tow. Just FYI when you are stuck in the middle of NO WHERE on I15 in Utah it is NOT cheap to get towed. Just for future use.

Here is Sam in the truck. He was having a wonderful adventure and it was because of him that I survived at all. There are many kinds of stress that I handle extremely well. However, I do not, I repeat, do NOT, handle car stress well. So I cried. When the tow truck got there I started to tear up again. Sam said, "just so I know are you going to cry again?" for some reason it struck me as hilarious. We both bust up laughing hysterically.

Here we are in the tow truck. All smiles. Me - tear streaked face. Gotta love it.

Fortunately, we made it safely to Cedar City, car in tow. It ended up being the fuel pump. I had got my car serviced the day before we left. I asked the guy if my shop had done a poor job and he said probably not. Even if they tested it the day before it might have been fine. Stupid fuel pump. The good news is that I now have a lifetime warranty on my fuel pump. Betcha I never have another problem with the fuel pump.

Onto the bad: (you thought the above was bad, I am talking about another kind of bad!)

S'more Brownies - oh so amazingly delicious. My sister-in-law made these bad boys up. Yum. Really, really yum.

And now onto the GOOD - the really good. The reason we went down the Cedar City in the first place. To see family. I have not seen my sister and her family in almost two years. Seeing her cute kiddos was so much fun. I had not seen my brother and family since Christmas. Being with family made the whole trip worthwhile.

If that is not a picture of pure happiness I don't know what is. Love all those kiddos.

I was so happy to be a part of Cambridge's baptism

and to see cute little Beckett get blessed.

Even through the trials it was a wonderful weekend. Seeing family, loving babies, enjoying the beautiful weather. I would do it all again, yes even the trauma of my car breaking down in the middle of no where just to be with the family again. Thanks everyone for helping us and letting us be a part.

We ended up spending a couple extra days. So thank to Cambridge and Addi and the rest of the crew for helping us have fun. Thanks to Parker and Beckett for letting me snuggle them lots.

Laughter

2010-05-28T16:26:00.004-06:00

I love to laugh. I mean who doesn't. Today at work my co-workers had me in stitches. I was dying. Then the phone rang. I answered "So and So's office this is Liz". They said "hello, this is (insert prominent person's name here). I said "I'm good. How are you?" To which he laughed and said fine. After I got off the phone I said "I am a dumb." I guess when I laugh a lot my brain gets mushy.

I am just in one of those moods.

I need to go home and watch Monty Python

or Clue.

"Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward." ~ Kurt Vonnegut

"Laughter is inner jogging." ~ Norman Cousins

"Shared laughter creates a bond of friendship. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, teacher and pupils, worker and boss. They become a single group of human beings." ~ W. Lee Grant

"I was irrevocably betrothed to laughter, the sound of which has always seemed to me to be the most civilized music in the world." ~ Peter Ustinov

"May your walls know joy; May every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility." ~ Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey

Crying Shame

2010-05-18T16:40:00.005-06:00

I find it ironic that the first post after "Eternal Optimist" is about crying. My life is full of irony, I embrace it.

Some days you just need to cry. The other day was my day. I left work after breaking down and decided to pick Sam up early because that would make his day. So I go to the school office thinking I have dried my face, cleared my eyes. They send Sam down from his class and I wait for him in the hall. He takes one look at me and says, "Why are you crying?" I am not currently crying, he could at least use the past tense. Kids are so observant. I told him some days I cry. Today is one of those days. He said something like 'as long as it isn't about me go ahead'. Made me laugh.

The day did not necessarily get any better but that is not the point. The point is crying can be cathartic. Not the wailing, gnashing of teeth crying I think that just gives a person a headache. But releasing the emotion. Letting it go. Do-some-yoga kind of crying. Crying occasionally is good for the soul. The next day I woke up to the gentle sound of rain pattering on my window feeling better than I have in days. See - crying works.

Then today at work a very wise man told me "There is a difference between pondering on a problem and worrying. Pondering invites the spirit, worry weighs you down."

I liked it.

I have been a little discouraged with my weight loss goals. I try so hard and yet I seem to fail. A lot. My relationship with food is not healthy. Not to mention the fact that I don't cook. People always give me these great healthy recipes but unless I can make it in 20 minutes (or less) AND it is made of stuff that doesn't rot in the fridge it just ain't gunna happen. People, I sit at a desk ALL DAY LONG. I love my job but sometimes I just want to throw the computer across the room and flea. But these are just excuses. I know that.

You know what grates? My boss is doing weight watches with his wife. He hardly even tries. He only watches his points because his wife makes him report and he has lost over 20 pounds. He needs to buy new suits he has lost so much weight. I know it is unwise to compare myself with anyones weight loss let alone a man because they loose weight faster and easier but come on. He isn't even trying!

But I am not giving up, failure is not an option. The funny thing is I have tried in the past to loose weight but I kept my goals very close to myself for one reason and one reason only. I hate to fail. So telling people about my goals has been difficult but good. I am not kidding. Failure is not an option.

Eternal Optimist

2010-05-13T14:43:00.004-06:00

So I am not saying that I am an eternal optimist, although my dad did call me "Little Miss Mary Sunshine" when I was a kid. Sometimes I choose to be negative but it rarely makes me feel better. Usually I feel worse. Sometimes I cry or get angry about things that are out of my control. So much of my life feels like it is completely out of my control. But, really, being all grumpy about it does what? Nothing. Exactly. So why be all gloomy? I was talking to my sister and she told me about a woman she knows who complains about everything. I have known people like this in my life and usually I just want to avoid those kinds of people. I would rather look life in the face, laugh and move on.

I heard from somewhere (I know amazing with my references) that George Washington made a list of things he needed to work on and every morning he would remind himself of what was on the list and every night he would review and reflect on how successful he was at accomplishing his goals. I thought about how character is built through work, day by day with conscious effort.

I want my friends and family to think of me as a positive person, not to say that I will be fake because some days are just plain crappy but that I try to look on the bright side of things. The whole 'sun will come out tomorrow' attitude. One of my favorite quotes from this past conference was from Elder Hallstrom, "...giving up is not an option ... without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His Grace to lighten your load."

Today I have determined to find joy in my chaos, to find comfort in the rhythm of my storm tossed sea.

Brownie Points

2010-05-06T14:37:00.005-06:00

First, I would like to make a confession. "Hi, my name is Liz and I am a brownie-aholic."

I love brownies. I met someone once who did not like brownies. It was fortunate that I already liked this person before I knew they were anti-brownie.

I love brownies: brown brownies, blond brownies, mulatto brownies. I have no prejudices against brownies. They are all one big happy family to me. May the world have lasting peace through chocolate gooeyness.

So you are probably wondering, hmmm this girl has fallen off the weight watchers bandwagon which she only mentioned one post ago. No, never fear dear reader. I have found empowerment from a brownie. Yes it is true. So the first Thursday of random months is our staff meeting; seriously it is random, but I digress. Always at said staff meeting they produce yummy chocolaty brownies. I know this. It happens every time. Okay I think once they decided to get some other type of treat and there were riots in the halls. So I prepared, saved, planned so I could eat a brownie. And I ate one. It felt great to eat a treat I love AND to know that it is not going to set me back. Not going to hurt my life long goal of being healthy. Strange how planning to eat a brownie could make me feel so capable of reaching my weight loss goals. Nevertheless and not withstanding that was the feeling produced. Then I ate salad for lunch and fruit. Yummy fresh pineapple and watermelon.

So I learned a great lesson today. I can eat what I want (albeit it sparingly) if I want it bad enough. Empowered by a brownie, who knew.

A Weight Watcher's Way of Life

2010-05-05T11:41:00.002-06:00

So a couple of weeks ago I jumped on the Weight Watcher's bandwagon. I decided it was far past time for me to do something about my weight. Yes, 'my' I possess it or rather it possess me. I decided that when I started to loath family events, refused friendly get togethers that it was time to change something. Okay perhaps loath is too strong a word but worry, despair, embarrassed. Those are appropriate words. I have done Weight Watcher's before and was moderately successful. So here is to a second try.

I tried Metafast first. I think it could be a good program. I was enamored by it and I even coerced a friend into trying it (who was very successful at it by the way) but I just could not stand the bland food. Give me some flava' please. I liked the flavored water, even when I found out it was packed with caffeine (Yea, I know that was probably why I liked it so much). But the program just did not work for me. I felt hungry all the time and the food I did eat was yucky.

So on to Weight Watchers. So far so good. I have lost 5 pounds. I am pretty excited about that and it motivates me to keep at it. I am connected by the hip (or the tips of my fingers rather) to the computer so I check the points on everything. I'll think to myself, hmm really how much could a Blizzard cost me. Yea. I took one look at the amount of points I would loose for a Reece's Blizzard and decided I would probably never have one again. There are so many things I would rather ingest, for less points and would probably keep me far more satisfied. Even Sam is getting into the whole points thing. When I eat anything he'll say, is that in your points. Most of the time I think it is cute and helpful. It is only when it isn't within my points that I get a bit frustrated that he asked. He has been very supportive and encourages me to work out. That or play Wii but he does try to be supportive.

So the journey has begun. I have tried this journey before and lost but I think it is because I tried doing it alone. So that is why, embarrassing as it may be, I am reaching out to you my friends and family to support me in this journey. I want to be a healthy person. I don't need to be a supermodel (but honestly have you seen me? I am pretty hot!). So here I go, onward and downward.

Puppy Luv

2010-03-31T13:38:00.003-06:00

Sam and I went to visit a friend whose dog just had puppies. You see below Sam with Zeek - the daddy! And what a daddy. He is a huge mass of muscle but a sweet kind BIG dog. Sam loved Zeek he wanted to take him home. Sam loved this puppy. He said it was his. Too bad he was already sold. Not that we could have taken a puppy home anyway because we can't have dogs at our apartment not to mention the fact that I am allergic to the cute little pups.

Just look at Sam's face. Pure love and excitment is what that is. Pure. He played and loved and played with those dogs for hours and then slept all the way home. He does not take naps anymore, naps are for babies says he, but he was so tired he zonked right out. I think before we even left their driveway.

Sam is loving soccer. His little team is getting their act together and they have stopped running around like a swarm of bees. He loves being the 'defender' there is no goalie in his league so they call it the 'defender' instead. We may have a future goalie on our hands.

Sam and I went to the zoo on a teacher work day. It was crazy fun and a bit cold. The two thumbs up is his new thing. Can't wait for summer and more zoo trips.

Women's Conference

2010-02-01T11:26:00.004-07:00

Women's Conference = Windows of Light

This past weekend I attended a local women's conference. I was really excited to hear Sister Kristen Oaks speak. She talked like she was speaking to friends. Although the room was filled to capacity she made me feel like she was talking to just me. (and from comments I heard from others they felt the same way too - that is talent!)

I wanted to share a few thoughts I had from the conference. One of my favorite things she said was to 'immunize yourself by knowing God's voice'. I thought to know God's voice you have to hear it. To hear it you have to listen through scripture reading and prayer, even singing or listening to Hymns. She said, 'negative thoughts are not from God, He may tell us hard things but in a loving way'. I knew that, I know that but sometimes I get caught up in the negatives. It is important to remember God loves us and chastises with peace and love, never chaos, confusion and anger.

Another thought she shared that I love was a quote from I believe it was Elder Holland but don't quote me on that! "Salvation is not a cheap experience." Meaning Jesus Christ's life was not easy, his suffering was not easy, even his preaching the word was not easy. Why then would life be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him. Sometimes I want things to be easy. Life, love, relationships but in reality life is not easy it is how we live that makes life enjoyable. I believe that Christ was a happy person not because His life was easy but because he choose to be. It also relates to a workshop I went to on being happy she said something like 'deeper sorrow contours a place for greater joy'. Experiencing the hard, the sorrow, the pain grinds out valleys in our hearts for love, joy, laughter to resonate. I actually thought about this nature show I watched about the creation of valleys, created either by glaciers grinding away, or volcanoes bursting open, or earthquakes tearing things apart. Not an easy process but look at the beauty that is left behind.

She spoke about many things but the last thing that really struck me was she told us that we must 'never disconnect ourselves from the real world'. She said she loves the Internet and movies and books but relationship with friends and family over a hot meal (or a cold one - everyone laughed) are really important. I love my friends and family and honestly most of the time because of long distance we can only connect over Facebook or blogs or emails but I hope that I am capable and willing to leave the virtual world and live in the real world too.

Then I went to three workshops. I will give one or two of my favorites parts from each:

First I listen to Ann Madsen she has been teaching Old Testament at BYU since 1976 (which is almost longer than I have been alive!). For the past several years her focus has been on the teachings of Isaiah. She also lived and taught at the Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. Talk about a women with amazing experience.

She talked about studying the scriptures saying 'once you know, the Spirit will help you remember'. She spoke a lot about the scriptures being an 'anchor' and I thought about the storms of life and how I need to remain anchored.

Then I went to a photography class. Which is ironic considering the fact that I do not own a camera but here it to hoping. There were three things that stood out to me. First was change your perspective. The second light, light and more natural light. And finally, observe and find the beauty. (she also gave several hand outs about actually taking pictures)

I thought those were not only good tips for shooting pictures but living. Sometimes I just do not understand circumstances, other people but by changing my perspective I can perhaps see. She talked a lot about light, she said, 'sometimes we get too caught up with the background ... and we don't pay enough attention to the light'. Sometimes I get caught up in the background forgetting the really important things. And lastly observe. She said, 'there is so much that can go unnoticed in everyday life that is worthy of your attention'. She, of course, was speaking of photographs but I was thinking about the little miracles that happen all around me and that I would feel more peace and find more joy if I just took the time to notice.

Finally, I went to a workshop on Humor, the title of the class was "Finding Humor and Peach through Lives Journey." She said we have to have in our arsenals humor at the ready. The quote on the picture says, "Never in recorded history has housework been finished." So true, so true. So we have to find the humor in living. She was a very funny lady and I hardly took any notes because I just kept laughing but I learned that we have to laugh, laughing makes me feel better. And anyway, it is much better to laugh than to cry. Although I did hear that crying is great for the complexion (after the redness and swelling go down that is...)

Really I learned three things: 1. God loves me. 2. There are wonderful women (and men) around me that lift me up. 3. Laughter is a good thing. (oh and I really want an camera)

My Super Star = Sam

2010-01-28T11:06:00.003-07:00

2005 Birthday = We had just moved into our new apartment - literally I think that day or just a couple days before his birthday. I just love how he likes to cuddle and sit next to me on the couch, even to this day he is a snuggler and I love it.

2006 Birthday = Sam loves superheros, especially Spiderman and Batman. He is my superhero. He is always willing to help clean the house or run errands with me. He is a great helper.

2007 Birthday = Sam has a wonderful sense of humor. I love to hear him laugh it is contagious. He tells wonderful stories and has an amazing imagination.

2008 Birthday = Sam is a Lego Master. He can build anything. He is so patient sitting there building, he could do it for hours and hours. He likes to follow the directions, once; and then he likes to build and create and imagine his own things. And doesn't he have the best smile!

2009 Birthday = Sam loves anything green. And if it is army green that is even better. He wants a green car, a green house, green clothes and if it were possible a green dog, however, he will settle for a regular dog ASAP please.

2010 Birthday = The night before his birthday my friend, Kacy, brought over balloons and stuff to surprise him but he was still awake. He was so good staying in his room. He knew something was going on downstairs but he was obedient. When I went back up stairs he was sitting in his room in the dark. He said he felt like it was Christmas. Then he said you got me a snuggie and I couldn't help it I smiled. He said, "I knew it, I just knew it." He really wanted a snuggie. Sam is my best boy. He is bright and funny, loving and cuddly, head strong and energetic. I am so glad he is my son.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T15:41:00.003-07:00

Halloween was fun. Sam was Luigi and I was supposed to be Princess Peach but I couldn't find a princess costume that was peach or even pink. So I was a blue Princess Peach. We had so much fun.

Here is Sam with a few of his buddies from C Street. It was fun to see old friends.

The cutest Luigi EVER!

The stash!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween.

NaNoWriMo 2009

2009-10-16T14:10:00.004-06:00

Well it is just about that time again. I was very seriously considering not doing it, considering the fact that the last two novels I have written during NaNo are not finished. And just as I was about to scrap the whole month and just work on the stuff I need to finish I got this idea. This little glimmer of an idea that I really want to explore. So here goes nothin' (yes my grammar is immaculate). This is the least prepared I have ever been for the National Novel Writing Month. But I do have two weeks to try and do some world building, character development, a few sub-plots and a twist or two.

My last year NaNo which was a high fantasy (elves and all) is still yet to be named and is in the final draft phase. My co-worker has read the first eight chapters and has been bugging me to finish. She wants to know what happens. I am guessing that is a good thing.

I reworked my two years ago NaNo The Forbidden Art a techno fantasy. I changed the beginning almost completely. I am very happy with it. The same co-worker as above says the first chapter is creepy. I hope in the this-is-a-great-hook-and-I-would-read-the-rest kind of way not boy-this-is-really-creepy kind of way.

This year I am using a working title of Time Escape. Should be interesting to see if I can pull it off.

Lost Tooth

2009-08-14T11:17:00.003-06:00

Sam has been working on this tooth for a couple of weeks. Then Wednesday night I let him get a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. He loves those. I don't know what makes them any better than a regular size pizza from the same place or anywhere else for that matter but he LOVES them. I actually like it too because I don't like pepperoni and he loves it. Yet another food we disagree on. Anway, I digress. So he is sitting in the back seat chopping into his pizza (even though I suggested he wait until we get home) and BLAM out pops his tooth. He was so excited! His face was a bit bloody. First I thought it was pizza sauce but it wasn't. We cleaned the tooth (and his face.) He put it in this little silver container that says First Tooth on the outside. He said he was not ready to part with it so I gave him until this weekend to put it under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy to visit him. He is such a funny kid. I love watching him grow up.

Summer Fun

2009-08-10T10:45:00.006-06:00

What a wonderful summer we have had so far (and it is almost over NO!!!!!). Sam and Cambridge had a wonderful time at the Cowboy Dance that we all went to. They learned several things but got the dosey doe down pat. We had such a good time when we went down to Cedar City to visit. We hope that we can come visit again soon.

The 4th of July was a blast down in Cedar. The parade was really fun and the kids all looked really festive. Sam was bummed that he didn't have anything red to wear but never fear Grandma Cathy to the rescue. She got him a red bandanna and that great cowboy hat to wear for the day. All the kids had a great time - the parents did too!

For our family reunion we went up to Heber Valley Family Camp. Sam was really excited to sleep on his top bunk bed until it actually came time to sleep then he slept with me. Tight quarters let me tell you but he slept great. We shared with my Uncle Walt's family it was great thanks for letting us crash the Walt Wood party.

Heber Valley camp is really beautiful and what an escape from the heat of Salt Lake. Here is Sam and Papa walking to our camp.

Sam was really brave and went on the 'swing' first. He showed us all how it was done. He did a great job. He will tell you that I was a baby and it was true. I don't like heights so what possessed me to go on the thing I will never know but I screamed ... like a girl ... which is ok because I am girl!

Sam and Papa out on the lake. Sam was really excited about being in the canoe and they didn't even capsize.

What would summer be without a few trees to climb?

Sam and Papa! My dad had just finished telling Sam the story of the Ghost of the White Eyes. Have Sam tell it to you, it is pretty funny. He tries to do all the voices like my dad does. Sam's Russian voice is pretty funny.

Well summer is almost over and it is a good thing we are all getting tuckered out...

Let's Get Economical

2009-07-17T12:30:00.004-06:00

I need to do some serious picture catch up, we have been very busy this summer.But in the mean time I am going to update some funny things Sam has said recently. We were driving in the car and Sam told me that "in the cowboy days when they burped they did not say excuse me which is why it is called the wild west." I really tried not to laugh because he was very serious about it.

While my parents were here Sam took a day off from summer camp and played with the grandparents while I was at work. On the drive there Sam had some chocolate milk which he spilled on his yellow shirt. My dad pointed at the stain and said looks like you have a problem (joking) and Sam looked down at his shirt pulled his arms in switched the shirt around and said, "happy?"

Later that day Sam was at the grocery store and picked up a giant size Hersey candy bar. He asked if he could have it which my dad said no. Sam put it back without a fight or a tear. Then when they were in the check out line he picked up another Hersey bar (the regular size) and said, "how about this one Papa, it is more economical." How could he resist that? Sam got his candy bar. I swear that kid is way too smart for his own good sometimes :)

School Water Day

2009-06-24T13:14:00.003-06:00

Yes that is my son buried in tire chips in a bucket. It was actually a bit chilly that day but they got all wet and dirty anyway. I had so much fun playing hooky from work and playing with the kindergartners.

We had a rule not to get Sam's mom wet and it worked for the most part. Sam and his friends played and had so much fun until it stared raining. They did not mind getting wet but it was cold!

Here they are getting water buckets full of water to throw at Maggie's dad. They had so much fun getting him and he had no problem drenching the kids. All but one thought it was great. The one that thought it was not cool sat by me since I was off limits to water.

Here is Sam with his good buddy Auden. They had matching towels and they were both freezing but a good time was had by all especially me, I did not get wet at all. Then I went inside ate lunch with the kiddos went into the baby room and cuddled a few babies and went home early. I love visiting Sam's school.

The Car Show

2009-06-17T15:07:00.003-06:00

Saturday morning we wake up and head to swimming lessons. I had seen a sign about a car show the week previous but knew that I would forget but as we drove to swimming lessons I saw all the cars and so did Sam. After swimming lessons we walked over to the show. It was so fun. Sam got his face painted. He is a knight in shining armor or shiny knight as he likes to call it. You should have seen the look on the painters face when he said that mostly 'ok, I can do that!?!' I think she did a great job. Sam LOVED it. He played at the bouncy house and slide, ate some popcorn and a shaved ice and looked at a few cars. It was pretty fun.

Three Hot Dogs and a Cemetery

2009-06-12T09:36:00.004-06:00

Ok random. So Kacy, Andrea and I decided that it would be fun to go to the cemetery. There is a HUGE cemetery in the avenues. So after work last week while Sam was at his dad's house we grabbed some hot dogs a Slurpee and walked to the cemetery.

I must say that we had a pretty good time. We were cracking each other up taking pictures with our cell phones. Then we noticed this creepy girl was across the street taking pictures of us eating hot dogs underneath the cemetery sign. We asked her if she wanted us to move and she said, "no, just taking pictures." Of what exactly? Us? Eating hot dogs? It was creepy. Or maybe it was because we were at a cemetery. I don't know. Then we walked around. It is a beautiful place. We saw several headstones of president's of the LDS Church and pioneers.

I took Sam back a couple of days later. He loved looking at all the headstones. Some of the really old ones are very pale in color and he asked me "why did they make the headstone out of soap?" Sam also said it felt very peaceful and quiet. I thought so too.

Help, Help I am Being Oppressed and For the Love of Animals

2009-06-08T10:24:00.005-06:00

Help, Help I am Being Oppressed:

Ok so he wasn't oppressed he actually begged, pleaded, whined until I buried him in the sand. But we had a lot of fun getting all dirty. It was actually pretty cool outside still but once he was inside the sand he said he was toasty.

For the Love of Animals:

Sam loves animals. And he is great with them. He is so gentle and kind. I think animals just know that he loves them and feel comfortable around him. He takes really good care of his guinea pigs and loves to help with family and friends pets as well.

More graduation pics and fun field trip!

2009-06-02T13:07:00.006-06:00

I just got the pics from friends took at the graduation. Also Sam went on a fun field trip to the Tracy Aviary he had a great time...

I love this picture of Sam with Maggie. I wish his eyes were open all the way
Sam and Auden such good friends
The Three Muskateers: Hunter, Jack and Sam
Sam and his awesome teacher Miss Jeddah

Looks like they are having fun huh! :)

The Best Weekend

2009-05-27T15:44:00.005-06:00

Here is a snapshot into the best weekend...

FRIDAY:
Don't we look snazzy. We are getting ready to go to Sam's Kindergarten graduation.

So proud of my graduate! They had so much fun singing and walking across the stage. Their teacher made me cry she gave such a great speech about these wonderful children and mine is especially wonderful, don't ya know!

Fast forward to Saturday. Sam loves his swimming lessons he called me one morning when he was at swimming lessons with his dad and said, "Guess what mom! I floated on my back for 10 whole seconds ALL BY MYSELF!" He was so proud and I am super proud of my little fish.

Later in the day we went downtown for a play but we got there way early SO we went on a tour of the Beehive House and this nice Sister missionary asked Sam is he knew what these things sticking out of the wall were for and Sam said for talking to people in another place in the house and you know what? HE WAS RIGHT! She said no one had ever guessed before... what a smart kid I have.

Then we went to the play The Jungle book, which was awesome by the way. We had a great time. The Children's Theater downtown Salt Lake is great for kids. We had a blast. Then we went back to Temple Square and walked around the grounds and went on top the Conference Center which has gardens on the top of the building, pretty impressive. This picture is at the end of the day. I look tired and Sam is acting tired. But it was a wonderful fun filled day.

Now fast forward to Monday (not that Sunday did not happen it was a beautiful rainy day we loved it but I have no pictures of us at Church)

We went to This Is The Place Monument which has this fun western town. Sam was shaved by the local sheriff we was standing in for the barber who was running some errands, mighty nice of him.

Sam got to color a snake. He was pretty excited about that... we also ran into my aunt Charlotte and family. That was quite the coincidence. Hope you had a much fun as we did!!!

Sam loves animals and he is so great with them. The animal handler was really impressed with how gentle he was with the little critters and how calm they all were when Sam was holding them. He said he wants to be an animal doctor right after he becomes a vulcanologist. (yes he did in fact use that word! If you don't know what it means volcano scientist -got nothing to do with Star Trek!!)

We went home exhausted but happy. We rented a few movies and cuddled on the couch eating our favorite snack - POPCORN. The best weekend!

Easter

2009-04-15T11:47:00.003-06:00

We had a great Easter this year. Saturday we had an Easter egg hunt with Sam's school friends. It was a little chilly but very fun. After we played at the park and I got to sit and chat with the other parents. So fun.

Sunday we went to Church. When I asked Sam what Easter was about he rolled his eyes and said, "Duh, Jesus." Well ok, can't argue with the correct answer. After church we came home and colored Easter day pictures. It was a great day.

Sam on the "Merry Wheel" - he came running up to me, yelling, "Mom can I ride the Merry Wheel!" He rode it forever. I can't even watch it. I get sick to my stomach.

Sam and his buddies from school. They all banked in the egg department. Last year we went to a city Easter egg hunt. Sam got three eggs. This year his basket was overflowing. More candy than any kid needs.

We got there early so we helped hide the eggs. If you look past Sam up the hill that is where they 'hid' most of the eggs. They got a great work out as well as hunting for the eggs, they needed to expend the energy considering how much candy they all got.

Sunday morning. Sam found the eggs pretty fast but it took some time to find the basket - that sneaky Easter bunny. He got a DS game from the bunny and pretty much did not care about the candy. He also got a green fuzzy frog. I always got stuffed animals from the Easter bunny. So Sam got one too. He named him Emerald.

Here is Sam and Emerald playing the DS. :)

Chick is short for Girl

2009-03-24T09:43:00.004-06:00

So last night Sam and I were watching Dancing with the Stars just the end where they show all the dances one more time. Sam would say, "Oh that is a hot chick. That is a hot chick. She is a hot chick." Then he turned to me very seriously, matter-o-factly said, "Chick is short for girl." Ha! That is so funny. Short for girl... where did he hear that? As a side note has anyone noticed that So You Think You Can Dance alum are showing up on Dancing with the Stars, they now have THREE SYTYCD peeps on the show Dimitri, Lacy and Chelsea. Kinda crazy.

When I was putting him to bed he said, "Mom you are the best because you know everything and you are soft." Then he put his hand of my face. "See touch, you are really soft." I LOVE MY KID! Then I told him he was cute and soft too and kissed him all over his face which always makes him laugh until he cries. I don't know why but it does. He also says I am his angel. He drew a picture of me and his dad together at his dad's house. I was the angel and his dad was a devil. I asked him about the picture and he said "your picture is true but my dad is just a prank I can prank my dad because he has air for a brain but you are too smart to prank." That is so funny - true and funny.

Well this chick better get back to work :)

Sleep over Sam

2009-03-23T11:28:00.002-06:00

So I had a rule - no sleepovers. But then one of the three musketeers had a birthday and Sam wanted to spend the night. It was a tough call but I have known these people for years so I gave in. I dropped Sam off at 4p.m. they went to Fat Cats (a bowling/pizza place) and then returned and watched movies. Sam called me about 8:30 to confirm that he was having the time of his life. Kate (that is the birthday musketeer's mom) said he slept great and they had tons of fun. Well good for him because I couldn't sleep at all. Could this be the real reason I don't want Sam to spend the night at other people's houses? I don't get any sleep. I was worried that Sam would get scared or need to come home and I would not hear the phone. So I kept waking up and checking my cell to make sure no one called. No one did. Sam had a blast. But we do have a new rule you can't spend the night at people's houses unless I have known them for years. I don't want to set a precedent!

Can I also tell you that Sam is the best kid. I have been really trying to work out every day and I am terrible about getting up in the morning so right when we get home from work/school I pull out my turbojam video and work out. Sam sits there and plays DS while I work out. The cute thing is he will give me encouragement. "Good job mom" "You can do it" He pretty much just repeats what the instructor is saying but it is so cute! And honestly motivating. Now I just need to stop eating so much junk food and I think I will make a dent in this weight issue!

Ihop

2009-03-02T13:39:00.004-07:00

All hail the International House of Pancakes. Sam LOVES that place. Why? Because they have bacon. Lots and lots of his favorite food in the entire world bacon. And chocolate milk. I mean honestly what could be better? Bacon and chocolate milk for breakfast. Yum. I discovered after the first time that we went there that if I get him a side of bacon and a chocolate milk and then me a breakfast it doesn't even cost that much. He usually eats a bit of my pancakes but he is mostly focused on the ... yup ... bacon.

I also have to mention that I have the cutest little boy ever with a hilarious personality. I wish I had a recorder last night when he was telling me all about the minataurs and giants fighting each other. It was hilarious. I think he should be a movie director when he gets big. He would be really good at it.

Oh and the black hat in the picture is his 'fancy' hat. Don't you just love it!

Handsome Sam the dog lover

2009-02-25T10:41:00.003-07:00

Isn't Sam totally handsome in his suit and tie? He loves dressing up for Church so he can look like the 'water-boys' (i.e. priests who bless the sacrament).

I love this picture of Sam. He is such a great kid.

Here is Sam with his cousin Hailey. I use the term cousin loosely. In my family you have too. She is actually my cousin's daughter. Which makes her what to Sam, second cousin? First cousin once removed? I have no idea. And then there are the cousins that are my cousins but Sam's age. It gets confusing. So everybody is just a cousin. It is simpler that way. So Sam loves Hailey's puppies. Chad said we could have one and honestly I wished I could have taken him up on it because Sam LOVED that dog.

Here is Sam with his other cousin Berkley. Can you not feel the love?

Sam and his little buddy who was sold to someone else. Someday Sam ... someday!!!

Happy Birthday Bug!

2009-02-11T16:50:00.003-07:00

We had a great time at Sam's Army Birthday Party. We played find the flag outside in the snow. It was actually a really beautiful day. Sam and the kids played Wii and other fun games in the house and of course opened presents and had cake with ice cream. We had such a great time with all our school friends.

Chemistry and Field Trip Fun

2009-01-22T15:48:00.003-07:00

Sam LOVES science. And one of his favorite things to do is science experiments. He got this great book for Christmas about fun and easy experiments. This one is where you mix vinegar and baking soda to make the balloon blow up all by itself. He really liked it and when he got home he even remembered all the ingredients and we did it at our house too. What a smart kid I have!

Sam had so much fun on his field trip to the zoo. By the way he does actually own a coat but for some unknown reason only wants to wear this jacket that I have to wash only at night because it does not matter if it is dirty he must wear it. He loves riding the carousel and playing with his friends. I wish I had been there but after taking ten days off for Christmas I felt I could not take the time but after seeing all the fun pictures I wish I had. Maybe next year!

Christmas Photos (Better late than never!)

2009-01-21T15:03:00.005-07:00

Sam and I had a great Christmas. On the Eve we went down to my uncle Brent's house, both Sam and I had a great time. Sam played with all his cousins; running, screaming, jumping. I played Guitar Hero with Landon. SO MUCH FUN! We left early as to avoid getting caught in the horrible snow storm that did not show up until the next day. Oh well :)

Christmas Day was magical. We opened presents, ate yummy food and snuggled on the couch. I can not imagine a better day. We missed spending time with extended family but we definitely enjoyed being home, safe and warm. Enjoy the pictures!

Sam has Lego fever!!!

Whoa - what a mess! We had SOOO much fun making it. Sam got some great loot but I must say he was a little disappointed in the amount of clothes he got. I guess he cares less about being clothed than having toys to play with fortunately he has a loving mother who is willing to take the eye rolling at Christmas when he opened another clothing item :) Poor kid!

Here is my little helper. He loves to use the swifer vacuum - best purchase I ever made.

Sam talking on Mom's new cell phone... hey wait that is my Christmas present...

He took a picture of me while I took a picture of him. He deleted my picture ... oh well :)

We had so much fun putting together his Lego helicopter thing. Can't do Lego without hot chocolate and popcorn snacks!

Nightmare on Christmas

2009-01-05T11:08:00.002-07:00

I do not watch scary movies. I just don't. First of all I live alone with my son, no big bad man to keep me safe in the dark night. Second, I have an overactive imagination. Third, I am a wimp. So a couple nights before Christmas I had put Sam to bed and decided to go downstairs and change the laundry from the washer to the dryer (I know Marie it was a miracle I remembered!). I go downstairs and decide to not turn on any lights but the light in the laundry room because I am stupid. Anyway, I hear Sam sneaking down the stairs. I put the laundry in the dryer and prepare to be scared by Sam because that is one of his favorite things to do. I go out of the laundry room and Sam is standing in the dim hallway then very kids-in-the-Shining-like points with his thumb at our front door and says, "someone is at the door"....

Remember no lights on. I walk slowly towards Sam peak my head around the corner to look at our front door. It is WIDE open and a dark shadowy person is standing in the doorway.

I actually died for a moment. My heart stopped beating, blood stopped flowing, and no air filled my lungs. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life!

Then my Relief Society president said, "It is just me..." just me my foot. Then I walk towards the door. She tells me Sam let her in and I turn to glare at him but she says he did look out and he does know her. Blah, blah ... I am getting a lock that he cannot reach so he can NEVER open the door again. She gave me whatever it was that she was going to give me (I cannot for the life of me remember what it was) and left.

I got Sam back to bed. I think he might have been half asleep anyway. And then sat trembling in my bed for hours. I slept with the light on that night.

Yet another reason to not watch scary movies...

You Surround Me

2008-12-18T10:49:00.005-07:00

Game Rules:

Put your music player on shuffle (all music).
For each question press the next button to get your answer
You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds!
Tag friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the game from.

If someone says "Is this ok?" you say:
You're Welcome/ The Beach Boys

What would best describe your personality?
Dancin/ Olivia Newton John

What do you like in a guy/girl?
Independent Trucker/ Brooks and Dunn (that is funny!)

How do you feel today?
The Lucky One/ Alison Krauss & Union Station

What is your motto?
I Don't Want to Know/ Fleetwood Mac (That is freakishly true)

What do your friends think of you?
I Know What I Like/ Huey Lewis & the News

What do you think about very often?
It's a Hard Life/ Queen (yeah me and Queen we are on the same page)

What is 2+2?
Live Those Songs/ Kenney Chesney

What do you think of your best friend?
Hope Has a Place/ Enya

What do you think of the person you like?
Where Does My Heart Beat Now/ Celine Dion

What is your life story?
Caught/ Nylons

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Touch Me When We're Dancing/ Carpenters (Wow Carpenters. Blushing!)

What do you think when you see the person you like?
Hit Me With Your Best Shot/ Pat Benetar (Hahaha!)

What do your parents thing of you?
Don't/ Jewel (I think that was a word they used for their other children...I was perfect)

What will they play at your funeral?
Make Believe It's Your First Time/ Carpenters (That is hilarious!)

What is your biggest secret?
May It Be/ Hayley Westerna

What do you think of your friends?
Sea Cruise/ Beach Boys

What the worst thing that could happen?
Immenso/ Andrea Bocelli (Umm I hope that is not too bad??!?!?)

How will you die?
Those Canaan Days/ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat

What is the one thing you regret?
I Walk the Line/ Joaquin Phoenix

What makes you laugh?
Memory/ Cats

What makes you cry?
Bruises/ Chairlift (yeah bruises do make me cry!)

Will you ever get married?
If Love Was a Plane/ Brad Paisley (what does that mean? I will get married on a plane?LOL)

Does anyone like you?
Sweet Surrender/ Sarah McLachlan

If you could go back in time, what would you change?
Those Sweet Words/ Norah Jones

What hurts right now?
Hurts So Good/ John Mellencamp (honestly I can't believe this song came up!LOL)

What will you post this as?
You Surround Me/ Erasure

This was fun I am taggins all my friends who want to give it a shot :)

Christmas is a Feeling

2008-12-12T15:10:00.004-07:00

Sam and his class did such an amazing job at their school Christmas program. I love that Sam goes to a religious school and we can call it the Christmas program. He had a wonderful time singing Feliz Navidad, Hallelujah Christmas and City of David. Afterward they had a reception with candies and goodies the children made themselves. It was a wonderful night.

After the performace Sam and I got our picture taken. The performance was in the beautiful sanctuary of the 1st Presbyterian church.

I do not know what possessed me to let Sam dress in boots, a swimming suit and an old t-shirt from when he was a baby to decorate for Christmas. But more than that what possessed me to take a picture! :) We had a wonderful time listening to music and decorating the tree.

This was the first year we tried the gingerbread thing. We had a lot of fun though not a lot of success. It kept falling apart but it did stay together for the picture. We had a lot of fun again listening to Christmas music and enjoying being together. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

We invited our friend Ellen over for dinner and Sam was so excited that he made name cards for each of us...

Here is the table set by Sam. Isn't it pretty. He did a very fine job. We had a wonderful soup (which Sam would not eat) and rolls and Lion House Honey butter (which Sam would not try) but he did eat the roll.

After dinner Sam and Ellen played Wii. We all had a great time.

Last night Sam had a homework project. He had to list his favorite Christmas traditions. It was really fun to sit and talk to him about what Christmas means to him. His favorite Christmas treats are mint M&Ms and cuties (little oranges). His favorite Christmas tradition is getting new pajamas on Christmas morning and celebrating Jesus's birthday.

I love the feeling of Christmas. May the joy of the season surround you. Merry Christmas with love ...

The Story of Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T10:46:00.002-07:00

This morning when we were driving into work Sam asked me if I knew why we celebrate Thanksgiving. I told him I think so but what was his idea. He told me he was going to tell me a story.

Once there was a very bossy king. He was so bossy he made all the people do his laundry. The pirates were sick of the bossy king. They waited and waited and waited until night and then got on the ships. Then they swayed (imagine Sam swaying back and forth). The pirates got sea sick. They had to poo. It was smelly. They got to America. The Native Americans said ‘welcome’ and they had a feast.

Who knew that was why we celebrate Thanksgiving.

I also got in trouble for saying Indian. It is Native American for you politically correct people. But I think it would be fun to have the Indians and Pirates play a game of baseball at the feast.

People my son is hilarious. A boy from next door gave Sam his art table. Sam was so excited. He told me it is his office. He told me not to tell anyone because it is his secret identity. I pinky promised not to tell his friends at school. He and Bruce Wayne had a lot in common.

Happy Halloween - better late than never...

2008-11-21T15:10:00.003-07:00

Sam the Clone. He loves Star Wars. And he was very excited about his awesome Clone Wars costume.

Sam and his good buddy Hunter. They had so much fun at the trunk or treat. And if you note their little bags are bursting. They got a ton of candy and we still had house to house trick or treating ... !!!

Sam and his awesome teacher Jeddah. She is so much fun. Sam and I both loved her Queen of Hearts costume. I want to steal it for next year!

I sure love my boy. We had a great Halloween.

Quirky Me - Tagged by Jenny

2008-11-10T10:47:00.008-07:00

Random Quirks
Here are the rules: "MY UNSPECTACULAR QUIRKS"

1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell 6 unspectacular quirks about you
4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking to them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged
So my talented friend, Jenny, tagged me.
Okay, here goes:

I am not a cleaning queen like Jenny but I must have my Mr. Clean blue Febreeze cleaner. I cannot live without it. I ran out once and the store didn't have it so I bought something else. NEVER AGAIN. I broke the Sabbath to go to a different store and buy the stuff. I don't know what I will do if they discontinue it, course I buy enough to keep it in high demand.

I love photoshop. My favorite thing to do is fix my teeth. I am not going to tell you the problem I have with my teeth cause you will notice it once I tell you but in pictures it is always perfect. I love digital deception

I have a secret crush on 007. Now of course it is no longer a secret. I love all the Bond movies but I am especially crushed for the new Bond. Quantum of Solice coming soon!

I love to watch Avatar with my son. Who knew I would get into Americanized Anime. Aang is so cute. But I love Prince Zuko of the Fire Nation. I think the world is really fun and if I could pick I would be a firebender. Yea that would be awesome.

I love to read fantasy. But I also love fantasy art. I wish I had the ability to create my own but I use other people's art to fuel my writing. Quirky, I know ...

Time to Tag ... I'm taggin'
Katie, Bethany, Danielle, Sally, Jamie & Alita

Tradition - Wheeler Farm

2008-10-28T10:11:00.005-06:00

On the Hayride
Sam the pony man!

Looking for the perfect pumkin!

Oooooh scary batman!

We had a wonderful day!

Sam and I have a tradition and every year we go to Wheeler Farm for their Scarecrow days. We go on a hayride, pick out pumkins, walk around the farm, Sam goes on pony rides and of course Sam gets his face painted which he loves. This is was especially beautiful. We were there for about four hours just taking in the beautiful day. We got to see baby pigs and chickens. We fed the ducks. Sam got candy at the fish pond. It was a great day. We just could not go home because they weather was too nice so we grabbed some lunch and went to Liberty park. I think we were outside for a good six hours. It was glorious. I love fall!

Maisie Dobbs - Review

2008-10-28T09:55:00.004-06:00

I read one of the sequels first so I was a little surprised by how this book flowed but I loved it nevertheless. I usually read straight mysteries with very little character development (you know like Agatha Christie novels where Miss Marple does not grow, change or develop in any way – I am not saying it is bad I am just saying it is true!).

But this mystery is about Maisie and how the mystery affects her. I can’t say that I enjoyed reading about the war but it made the characters actions much more understandable. At the beginning Maisie is hired to investigate a seemingly simple case of infidelity and is soon enmeshed in a case that sends her back into her past and forces her to face pains she would soon forget.

Through a series of flashbacks we discover that Maisie lost her mother. Then her father, who loved her very much but couldn’t support her, sent her to be a maid in an aristocratic family, I love how she would sneak into the Library to read their books. The Lady of the house recognizes Maisie’s talent and intelligence and arranges for Maisie to be tutored while continuing her employ as a maid. Eventually she qualifies to attend Girton College at Cambridge. But sadly before she could complete her education the Great War breaks out and she joins up as a nurse. She falls in love with a young doctor. She then manages to survive three years of harrowing experiences. But sadly just before the war is over she is badly injured and her doctor dies. After recovering she finishes her education and becomes a private investigator using her knowledge of working class as well as her connection with the aristocracy.

As you can see the mystery is secondary to the development of Maisie. I think this is a great book. I would recommend it to any reader. You don’t have to be a mystery reader to enjoy Maisie Dobbs. I have also read a couple of Jacqueline Winspear other books and would highly recommend those as well. Happy Reading!

November is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho which I am frantically reading because on November 1 to November 30 I will be participating in NaNoWriMo (which you may remember from last year is writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days).

Darth Vader Theme

2008-10-06T11:37:00.002-06:00

So this morning we are driving into work and Sam is sitting in his booster chair singing at the top of his lungs BLAH, BLAH BLAH (yes he was saying blah!) the Darth Vader theme song. It was so funny that I almost got in an accident. The more I laughed the louder he got. He is going to be the blue storm trooper for Halloween. He is VERY excited about that. I just wanted to take moment to tell the world that I have the best son. He is the most humorous, loving, funny, frustrating, maddening, cuddly, happy, grouchy, helpful boy in the world. I am one fortunate mommy.

Today is my birthday ... na, na, na, na ,na

2008-10-01T16:12:00.004-06:00

I love birthdays. I know some people don't but I do. It is just fun. Even if it means getting one year older. I gotta alota love today. I have great friends, wonderful co-workers and awesome family that have made my day great. The only downside today has been me locking us out of the house this morning. I walked out Sam in front me with my bag, Sam's lunch and backpack but no keys. The door shut and boom we were locked out. I tried our looser landlord but since he is never there when you need him I guess I should not be surprised that he was not there even though his garage door was open with his car inside. Maybe he was running. Or maybe he took the bus. Whatever. He was there! Anyway. So I go back to my house and decide I am going to try and break in. I take my blockbuster card out of my wallet and go at the door. Guess what! It WORKED! I got the door open. It was a happy moment for as long as it took me to get the keys but then I thought, honestly, if I can break in who couldn't. So rethinking the way my front locks. But other than that it has been a glorious and wonderful day. Thanks to all for making me feel loved and special. You are all the BEST!

Mormon Scientist

2008-09-29T12:45:00.004-06:00

I do not often branch out of non-fiction but I was pleased with this read. The book, Mormon Scientist: The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring, was a suggestion from a friend. I enjoy biographies but I was not sure about the science part. I would not say that it is a quick read but it was not laborious either. I found Henry’s whole story fascinating. He was a family man, a man of science and a man of faith.

To me he exemplified how we can live in this world today. I loved the idea that viewing the world is like a puzzle and just because things don’t match up exactly now does not mean that they will not. Science and religion can work together. One of my favorite quotes from the book was F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.” I love that: see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise. I think my favorite section of the book was the chapter Master of Contradictions.

I liked how he knew who he was and was never embarrassed about it. It never bothered him if people did not like him because his family was a polygamist family or that he was a Mormon or the way that he lived his science. I hope I can develop and understanding and confidence in myself that is that strong. To be able to stand up and say this is me – live with it.

Another one of my favorite quotes was what Henry Eyring said about one of his students. His son (I think) asked him why he did not give it to him (the student for not performing well) and Henry Eyring said: “The world knocks them down. I try to build them up.”

I admire his confidence, his belief and his determination. I liked when he said, “If an idea is wrong, it will fail; if it is right, nothing can stop it.”

I really enjoyed this book and I am glad that I purchased it because I would like to read it again.

Knife Clasp

2008-09-18T16:20:00.002-06:00

So I went to the chiropractor. Come to find out that I have a deformity called Knife Clasp. I was born with it ... apparently. Anyway the lowest vertebrae is missing a part and the one above grew an extra long piece so when I bend backward the extra long piece sticks through my spin and hits my spinal cord causing pain. Fun huh. No more back bends for me. That is why it is called Knife Clasp because it hurts like a knife. So I guess when I say my back hurts I am not kidding. He said that it will only get worse as I get older. But that he can help me get back to almost 100% and then have a good place to start from. I'm young. I'm spry. So I have several appointment this week and then two weeks of two and I will learn some stretches and stuff and then once a month for a while until he gets it fixed as much as it can be fixed. Then we got to have the dreaded weight conversation. That is one of my favorite conversation. Like I don't know that I am overweight. Well now I had added motivation to get healthy. Knife in the back. Good motivation.

My Big Helper

2008-09-17T11:18:00.002-06:00

Sam has been such a great helper since I hurt my back. He LOVES to do the dishes and he was very excited to get them all done. He also helped me make my bed (and he made his bed all by himself without me asking!) I need to do laundry tonight and I am sure he will happy to help.

This is a cute outfit that Sam's paternal grandmother sent him. I love it. He looks really good in orange I decided. He must have my coloring. But then again I look pretty darn good in any color (how's that for humble pie!) We are just heading off to school and work. I wanted to take pictures to send to Omi.
Sam loves Lego's and I mean he LOVES them. He gets the Lego magazine and he wants to have his picture taken with one of his creations and have it sent to the magazine. So this is one of them. This is called an "Intelligent Weapon" that is what he called it. I think he just learned the world intelligent because he uses it all the time. That and boring. Everything is boring. Which is funny because I read a lot of British literature and they like that word too. The Lego magazine is really fun but sometimes it has stuff in it that drives me crazy. Like they showed the new death star Lego thing and guess who wants it? Sam does. Guess how much it costs? Come one ... guess. $400. No I did not make a typo. It is FOUR HUNDRED BUCKS! Who spends that kind of money on Legos? I guess someone but certainly not us. So Sam's loves are Lego anything, Shiny Knight anything and Star Wars anything.

As a side note I am going to the chiropractor today at 3:00 p.m. and I hope I am feeling much better tomorrow. Here's to hope.

Back Pain

2008-09-16T13:40:00.002-06:00

So this is me ... no, not literally, figuratively speaking. I have a red glowing, painfully aggravating, throbbing ache pulsing in my lower back. It all started the Sunday before last when I tripped on some stairs. You know the experience you are up again before you even hit the floor looking around at all your family and friends swearing that you are just fine and trying to hide the mortification written all over your face. Yes that was the experience. But I honestly did not think I was that hurt. My shins hurts more than anything but this past week has been, well, painful. And the frustrating part (on top of the pain part) is that I have a lot to do. I have my newly beautified entertainment center to put back together. I have my bedroom that I tore apart to put back together. I have my garage to clean out and get ready for the cold season so that I can park my car inside because I will park in the garage before it gets cold. Back pain or no. And one more complaint do you know what hurts the worst? Sitting. Do you know what I do all day long? Yes you guessed correctly. I try to take walks. I run errands but honestly there is no getting around sitting at this blasted computer. Well I am going to walk around the block. It makes me feel better. Emotionally mostly but that is better than nothin'

Dinosaur Park

2008-09-15T14:40:00.003-06:00

Sam and his classmates went on a field trip to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden, Utah on Friday. They had a great time. Sam and his friend went to the dinosaur graveyard. It in a deep dark cave. Ooooh very cool

Here is Sam with his Kindergarten class with a mighty dinosaur.

Best friends. Isn't life grand!

The Path - Straight and Narrow

2008-09-11T13:22:00.002-06:00

I was fortunate to be a part of a discussion a couple of weeks ago about perfection. I often feel about as far from perfection as I am from touching the sun and it gets me down. Why (I ask myself) is it so easy to see my imperfections and so incredibly difficult to see my strengths. During the discussion an associate of mine quoted Bruce R. McConkie and I thought I would share this quote with you.

"We don't need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don't. There's only been one perfect person, and that's the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path – thus charting a course leading to eternal life – and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship. I'm not saying that you don't have to keep the commandments. I'm saying you don't have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this: You get on the path that's named the "straight and narrow." You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that's called eternal life. If you're on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you'll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you're working zealously in this life – though you haven't fully overcome the world and you haven't done all you hoped you might do – you're still going to be saved." Bruce R. McConkie The Probationary test of Mortality, Jan 10, 1982

So lets get on the path. I have the capacity to do that much at least. I might even be able to start walking down it a bit. Hope is a lovely thing. I will not beret myself because I am not a perfect mother, a perfect friend, a perfect employee, or a perfect sister. I will just remember that I am doing all I can and sometimes perhaps a little more.

Bookclub

2008-09-10T16:33:00.005-06:00

So I started a online bookclub and the first two books went very well but the third I just got so busy but I also realized that I don't have enough time to keep up with two different blogs. So I am going to nix the bookclub blog but still have a bookclub so if you still want to play with me we are reading the Mormon Scientist. I am just going to put everyone in one place. So here is the two reviews that have already come to pass...

Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks

Devil May Care is the newest installment in the iconic James Bond series. The book was released on Ian Fleming’s birthday, May 28. Now, as I have no point of reference, (I have not read any of Fleming’s books) I don’t know if this book was true to past books. So all I have to base my opinion on is this book and of course the movies. I am pretty sure I have seen every James Bond movie there is and I admit I am a fan. But we’ll talk about that later, first the book.

I liked it. Not loved, but liked. I felt the pacing was rather slow sometimes for an action packed novel. I liked the character of James Bond and felt that it remained true to the martini guzzling, womanizing man that we have all come to love, although with a bit of a softer perhaps slightly more fragile side, especially in the beginning. Really it was the characterization of Bond that made me like this book as opposed to really not liking it.

As for the Bond babes, again I liked them, not loved. And here is a spoiler if you have not read it … I didn’t like that Poppy and Scarlet were really one person. I figured out that Scarlet was the other double O and honestly I didn’t quite believe it. Ok, so she was acting scared and stuff but she just didn’t seem tough enough. She is a double O secret agent for heaven sake and at the end she is practically weeping for Bond to love her even though she had to fake him out. The end really got it for me. So they just have this little skirmish and they bring down the nuclear toting plane and then a little jaunt through Russia and then it was over … really. When Gorner shows up did you not see that coming? He had to die, that was expected but oh I don’t know it just felt rushed. And then Scarlet’s behavior at the end which I have already mentioned just not my idea of a woman double O. Ok maybe my problem here is that I grew up on the movies not the books. Movies rely heavily on action and books not so much. Anyway. In the end, I loved Bond, the story itself was ok.

And as a mildly unrelated topic who is your favorite Bond? Mine used to be Sean Connery but I am afraid the newest Bond, Daniel Craig has taken over top spot.

Comments:

Cathie: I’m a flake. I did not read the book this month. But I do have a new grand-daughter. Gracie, born 7/20 weighed in at 4lbs 15 oz and she is doing great. I have the book for August and will start reading it today. I love reading!!!

Susie: Ok, here's the thing...I just don't care for James Bond. I've only seen one movie and I haven't read any of the books but everyone knows who he is and what his character is all about. As for the book, I didn't really like it. The plot was alright, the characters were predictable and boring and I only finished the book so I could say that I didn't like it! I probably won't read another James Bond book unless it's for another book group.

DeAnne: I did read this book again it was a first for me. I think I have seen most of the OO7 movies except for the Daniel Craig ones. This was a fun to read but like Liz I liked the book not loved it. I felt that the Bond character was so weak. But he always gets what he wants in the end. I also wasn't so keen on the Poppy/Scarlet character being one person either. And like you Liz I didn't feel she made a very good secret agent. I also think I will read another OO7 book just to compare. My favorite movie Bond is Roger Moore. Don't even know why just he is my favorite.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

This is one of the most famous opening lines of all time.

I read a review that said, “Jane and Bingley fall in love so quickly as to easily get them out of the way of Elizabeth and Darcy.” I have to admit although I love the quick and sweet love between Jane and Bingley it is the tumultuous and difficult romance of Elizabeth and Darcy that entices me to read Pride and Prejudice over and over again. “It is frustrating enough when one person refuses to fall in love, but when both refuse, we cannot rest until they kiss.”

Not only is it a great love story, it is a great story of relationships. The relationship between Elizabeth and Jane is sweet and tender. The relationship between Elizabeth and her parents, especially her father and the relationship between all the sisters, don’t you want to kill Lydia sometimes. The book is also full of humor. I don’t know if sometimes it is meant to be funny but honestly, I laugh out loud at some of the situations.

One of my favorite lines is, “I might more easily forgive his vanity had he not wounded mine.” The wonder that is Austin is her ability to deliver the truth. As I was reading there were so many great lines, I should have taken a highlighter to my book so I would not forget them. The setting of the book is so perfect. The time period too, the rules of decorum and how those rules are broken. I feel so much pain for Jane and Elizabeth and Lydia runs off and ruins all of their reputations. They understand the consequences even if no one else seems to understand. But in the end it really is Lydia running off that opens Elizabeth’s eyes to how kind and generous Mr. Darcy really is and she is able to overcome her pride and prejudice. Sometimes I wonder what happens to Lydia. Jane and Elizabeth take in Kitty and we are told she greatly improves and Mary is happy to be at home with her books but Lydia is stuck I wonder how her story ends.

I was surprised by how many had not read this book so I am interested to see what you all thought… who was your favorite character? What was your favorite scene? Did you like it?

Comments:

Andrea: That is a really great blog for the book. And I so agree with so much of it. Amazing book about relationships - the struggles, the heartache, the tenderness, all of it. Very poignant. I found myself reading and often laughing out loud one moment and almost crying the next. Truly a book about seeing beyond mere superficiality and reaching/looking for beauty from within.

DeAnne: Liz, so glad you decided to have this book club. I have not read Pride and Prejudice before. I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't usually read love stories but this seems different. I agree with Andrea that it is an amazing book about relationships. It also made me laugh and cry. Jane is probably my favorite character. She is more reserved and gentle and pleasant to be around. Elizabeth is sensible, intellent and quick-witted (like I wish I could be) but sharp at times. I would rather be in Jane's company. She is more comfortable. I liked how Darcy learns to admire and love Elizabeth for her strong character. I liked reading about the social classes and how they reacted to each other. I just found this to be a very interesting book and will read it again. I'm not sure what my favorite part is but toward the end Elizabeth says, "Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her.", really touched me. Just wonderful writing.

Susan: I haven't been able to finish this book. I was really hesitant to start it but fell in love with it right away. I love how well Jane Austin was able to paint a picture for me. It reminds me so much of Little Women that I find that I've created the characters in my mind to look the same in both books. I look forward to being able to finish it at some point.

Cathie: I love this novel, I enjoyed the glimpse that you get into that era, the way they think and feel. I remember thinking as I read the book that it gives you a good look at how easy it is to misunderstand someone and take what they say or do wrong. Darcy and Elizabeth seem to do that constantly. It’s a good thing they actually got together with all the wrong perceptions they were coming up with concerning each other. I thought more than once that the mother was just a tad over the edge but when you think about a girls life in that time if she didn’t marry, you can understand how concerned she might be about her daughters. I’m glad that it was a happy ending and everyone left with the right person. I would like to know what happened to Lydia and Wickham. There was definitely another book there.

Elizabeth: I agree, Susan, that Austin is able to paint a picture that makes you feel liek you are there and that is definately one of the reasons that I love it so much. Cathie, I too think that sometimes the mom comes across as WAY too much but then in reflection she was honestly worried. Can you imagine leaving daughters with nothing and no hope, no job, no way to support. I think marriage pressure is bad today think about how vital it was to get married back then. Dede I agree also that the writing style itself is so beautiful, sometimes I wish we still spoke with such grace. I am glad that you all liked it. Please feel free to keep commenting.

Susie: I just love this book! I love the characters and how they develop in the story. Lizzy is definitely my favorite. She has a quick wit and strong will that captivates me. One of my favorite lines from the book that she says is, "The more I know of the world the less satisfied I am with it." I feel the same way. I hate watching the news and hearing all the yucky stuff going on out there. I love Mr. Bennet's sense of humor. He knows that his wife is an idiot and annoying and loves teasing her any chance that he can get. I guess it goes to show that you shouldn't marry someone based on looks alone or you might end up with a Mrs. Bennet on your hands. Overall, this book is great and I would recommend it to anyone.

First Day of Kindergarten

2008-09-04T16:26:00.004-06:00

Sam's first day of school was very fun. He loves his teacher (who happens to be the same teacher he had for preschool - she got promoted at just the right time). He loves his friends. He got to bring to school his "ME" poster. He enjoyed picking all the pictures and stickers out to create it.

Unfortunately just three days into school Sam got really sick. Wednesday night he came into my room almost every twenty minutes telling me that he didn't want to sleep in his bed. So I would give him a hug and put him back in his bed, turn on his music and try to go back to sleep finally at about 4:30 in the morning I let him get in my bed because I was so unbelievable tired. I would say about 30 seconds later he threw-up ... IN MY BED. So I asked him (after I clean up Sam and my bed) why didn't you tell me that you don't feel good. And do you know what he did? He said, "Mommy, I don't feel good." Ha what a crack up. Even when sick he can be funny. So he was puky and feverish and finally on Friday evening I took him to instacare because he said he had a sore throat and yup he had strep. Poor little guy! Within twenty four hours of getting the antibiotic in him he was feeling great. Now the challenge is for me to remember to give a happy, healthy boy medicine. Don't worry I made a colorful chart and placed it on the front door. I can't leave the house without seeing it (saved me this morning!).

So about three weeks ago (maybe even longer) I took my entertainment center out of my living room into the garage and painted it. Well not right then, first I sanded it and then primed it and then painting it and then painted it again and then painted it again and then lacquered it. With several hours of drying time between. And now it is done. I hope it looks ok because I am not the most detail oriented person (I am more a big picture person). Leave it to me to forget painting something visual and important but I love the color. It is green, a nice rich green. I can't paint my walls so I thought I would paint the furniture instead. I am hoping to get some help to move it back into the house today or tomorrow.

Also my good friend Julie came over on Saturday and Monday and helped me clean out my room. It was a disaster. It was so helpful to have someone objective say, "Really ... honestly ... you want that?" It has been great. Fortunately even after the drudgery of helping me clean out my room she still wants to be my friend and is even going to help me with the rest of my house. She deserves a medal. Or at least a nice dinner. Or at the very least a milkshake.

Work has come back full force and a rarely have even a moment of down time. But I like to be busy. School, sick kid, work, house, happy kid, painting, it has been a full couple of weeks.

Sam's Play Willy Wonka

2008-08-19T15:14:00.004-06:00

Sam is the third kid from the left on the top row. SO CUTE!

Sam's play was a HUGE success. He had so much fun with his fellow UmpaLumpa's. They danced. They sang. It was really fun. After the second night Sam told me he for sure wants to do it again next year. I was really impressed with the set (designed and built by the kids). I thought the kids were very comfortable. They acted well and were actually really funny. I did not record the whole play just the parts Sam was in and I wished I had but oh well next time. Sam had to much fun and really that is all that matters. My little budding superstar!

Kindergarten Orientation

2008-08-08T09:23:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we went to Kindergarten Orientation. I picked Sam up from school and we went to McDonalds because we really didn't have time to get home and get back in time. We had about 45 minutes to kill. He would not even play he ate as fast as he could and then said let's go. He really wanted to go through the drive through. Which I think is just funny because he always wants to stay and play. So we got to his school about half hour early. But we talked to the coordinator and his teacher for a while. Then orientation started and the kids got to make name places for themselves while the teacher talked to the parents. It really was not anything that I was not expecting. I was excited to learn that the class was not full (it still could fill up but...) but that means that there are only nine kids in the kindergarten class. Talk about one on one time.

They have a great literacy program that I am so excited to start. They have a goal for their class to read 1000 books. Sam and I are rearing to go and get started. Sam is so excited to start chapter books. He thinks that is so cool.

They will study language & literacy, library media, social studies, math, science, art, information technology and healthy lifestyles. One of the dads commented on the information technology category. He was excited about it but just expressed the thought my how times have changed.

They gave us a list called The 10 Best Ways to Help Your Kindergartner Succeed in School: A Parents To Do List

Encourage reading in any way you can
Treat your child as though he's an author
Make math part of everyday life
Teach your child how to listen
Support your child's teacher and the school rules
Tell the teacher everything
Make sure your child is ready for school
Spend time in your child's classroom
Encourage responsibility and independence
Ask your child about school every day

I am really excited for Sam to start school. I am happy that he is in such a great school that has such wonderful, thoughtful teachers. We are lucky.

Oh the funny thing was after it was over Sam was kinda mad at me and I asked him why and he said that was not much of a Kindergarten Celebration (orientation ... celebration ... you see how confusing it could be! :) ...)

Americas Favorite Dancer

2008-08-08T09:13:00.004-06:00

I missed the first few minutes of the show because Sam and I were at Kindergarten orientation (which I will speak about in its own post) but right when I turned on the television I saw Katee and Joshua dancing Bollywood and I thought wow this is even better than the first time. I really liked seeing my favorites dances from the season again: Mark & Chelsie doing Bleeding Love; Will & Katee doing that amazing contemporary; Mark & Courtney preforming the Garden; Twitch and Katee dancing the Door; Katee and Joshua's No Air; and of course Twitch and Kherington doing that lovely Venetian waltz piece by Jean Mark Generaux. I loved seeing Mary Murphy and Nigel dance. It reminded me that they do in fact know what they are talking about. Wow about Mary's legs. She is sitting behind that table I had no idea they were so long and lovely. Nigel was funny. I liked it. I loved the Old and New dance it was pretty fun. It was fun to see some of my old favorites dancing with the new. I though the guests were great the Debbie Allen Dance academy who danced with Nigel such cute kids. The cast of Believe - talk about amazing. Sam really liked that one. And of course (my good friend Jenny's favorites) the Jonas Brothers. I thought this was one of the best finale's I have ever seen. It was all about the season and the great dancers and choreographers. There was the poppers but they were awesome. None of this who was the worst and let's celebrate them. No, it was great. I loved seeing all my favorites dances again. I thought the guests added to the show. And it all came down to Twitch and Joshua. And America's Favorite Dancer is.... JOSHUA!

After the show we were going downstairs and Sam said I'm sad. So I asked him why he said because it is over forever and it was your favorite show. Ahhh isn't that sweet. He wasn't sad for him he was sad for me. What a good boy I have!

Fabulous Four

2008-08-07T10:17:00.002-06:00

First, Cat Deely was absolutely golden. She is a chameleon and she is lovely. All the dancers danced with everyone so it made for some very tired dancers.

The solos first: Courtney was lovely in yellow and I loved that Missy Higgins song she danced to I felt it was very lovely and full of passion. Twitch's cameo was perfect. He is such a humorous, fun loving person. He is an entertainer. Katee really is amazing and so beautiful to watch. Josh has such charisma when he dances solo. I liked them all.

First up, Twitch and Courtney danced a Hip Hop routine from Tabitha and Napoleon. It was a fun fighting couple. What is it with Twitch and fighting with his girlfriend? It was fun and I liked it.

Back together yet again, Katee and Joshua danced a Wade Robson contemporary (digression: I love Wade and I was so sad he did not choreograph more this season but glad to have him back ... I want to go to Vegas and see Believe!). It was beautiful. When the camera caught Katee at the beginning I felt real pain there she is an actress as much as a dancer. I liked it.

Katee and Courtney were up next doing a Tyce Broadway. It was so fun to see the girls pretty and girly. I liked the dance it was fun. Very old Hollywood.

After the break we came back with the Russian Troupec. Wow and more wow. I didn't know anyone could jump that high, Josh was flying. It was a powerful performance but it also really entertained. You could tell they were having a lot of fun. I liked it.

Foxtrot - The dance of death. But no Twitch and Katee were superb. It was lovely and romantic. Twitch was so handsome and gentlemanly. And Katee and that dress so beautiful. I loved the lift it was elegant and effortless. I LOVED it.

Last up was Courtney and Joshua and it was fun. But it was slightly disappointing. They are such great dancers but it just didn't have the omph. But I liked it.

Finally they all danced a Mia Michael's contemporary. I really liked it. I didn't love it as much as they judges but I really liked the Scottish theme and the dancing was very powerful.

It was a great evening of dance. I would have died after dancing five dances in two hours. All the dancers did an amazing job. I don't know who will win. I think they are all great dancers and deserve to win. Sam voted for Twitch two times so I guess if it is up to Sam Twitch will win it all.

We will be at Kindergarten orientation tonight so we won't know until later who wins it all...

What I am Reading to Write

2008-08-05T10:38:00.004-06:00

Almost a year ago I wrote a very rough draft of a novel and then I drawered it. (You know shoved it in a virtual drawer and left it to fend for itself). There were two reasons for this drastic action. One was because I just could not stand the sight of it anymore and the other was I was stuck. I had my beginning, middle and end but something was missing. I was not sure where to look or how to find that missing component so I drawered it. I picked up a novel idea that I had been working on for some time and was making good progress but again something happened and I do not know what but I knew that something was missing, something was just not right.

So I took a break. And I started reading. Not that I do not read like a crazy person in general. We are talking about me but I started reading about writing. There are a lot of books on writing but I am certainly not going to read a book on how to be a successful writer by a person that I have never heard of and has not got one single book on a best sellers list. Not that I am aiming for the best sellers list I would be happy just to finish a novel, and it would be joyous to get it edited and it would be brilliant to get it published. So what books should I read by authors who know what they are doing?

Well, for some time I have had on my list of things to read On Writing by Stephen King. And I finally got around to reading it. I read it once and immediately went to Barnes & Noble and bought my own copy so I could mark it up and really use it. I thought it was brilliant and I would suggest it to anyone who wants to write in any medium. Although I must give warning he uses a lot of four letter words. That does not really bother me but if it bothers you maybe should not read it.

After I read King I thought "this is excellent but I want to write in speculative fiction" (otherwise known as science fiction and fantasy) so I went looking again for a good read. I found a great book by Orson Scott Card called How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. Card specifically mentions that his book is not about writing, it is about writing speculative fiction. It was extremely helpful and again I bought it so I could mark it up and really use it. Then I got his book Characters & Viewpoint which was very helpful for me because I have a tendency to switch viewpoint frequently (and I learned that isn't necessarily bad I just have to be in control not just randomly switching). Lastly I bought Elements of Style which both King and Card recommended as the book for style. Eventually I will buy or go to the library to read Writers Market.

It has been an epiphany. I am so excited to write both my novels now I don't know which one to work on first. I have always loved to dream up stories but felt nothing compared on the page with what was in my mind but I think I have a better feel for how I can get those stories told.

Me and Wrong

2008-08-01T09:39:00.004-06:00

Ok. So me and wrong apprently are still best friends. But I'll get to that in a minute.

I absoletly loved the group number. It was lovely and elegant and I really enjoyed it.

I loved Little Demon. The little six year old breaker. I honestly held my breath when he did every single trick thinking, who will catch him if he falls on his head? But he didn't and he was so cute. Sam thought that was pretty fun as well. I hope Sam doesn't try to spin on his head. We might have to have a conversation about that come to think of it. But the second guest? What? Lady Ga Ga is strange. I have heard the song before and I like it but holy strangeness batman.

Onto the eliminations. So the girls are up first and Katee is sent immediately to safety. No surprise there.

Then the guys and they send Joshua to safety - again no surprise.

So back to the girls. I have not really liked Courtney until the last few shows. I loved the Venitian Waltz that she did with Mark and I discovered she really is very elegant and classy and perhaps it was not her fault that the costume designers and choreographiers kept making her a vixon. But I was still completely and utterly surprised when she beat out Chelsie. I was and I will admit it freely a little tearful because I think Chelsie is so dang cute. And I will miss her but I am excited to see her on tour.

The guys so it was between Twitch and Mark and really it could have gone either way I would have been happy because I really like them both and it could have gone either way and I could have been sad because I relaly like them both. But in the end it was Mark that was sent home. So my Bleeding Love couple is gone. But I am really excited about the final four. I think it will be a great show. Tune in on Wednesday for the Finale!

Hot Six

2008-07-31T09:48:00.003-06:00

So I had a few conspiracy theories thinking that honestly was it really random who the dancers picked as partners I am still not sure but at least I know they are not putting people together that have never been together as the partnerings show. I was convinced that it would be the following as they had never danced together: Katee & Mark; Courtney & Twitch; Chelsie & Joshua but I was wrong, wrong, wrong. (Me and wrong are getting along lately).

First let's talk about the solos. Chelsie was up first and can she move those hips. Her dance genre is always hard because she is supposed to have a partner but she is hot, hot hot.

Twitch has the best solos no doubt about it. He is such an amazing creator. I love his musicality and humor. And that was the best that Cat put his gold teeth in her mouth.

Katee is so beautiful. Her lines and the way she moves is grace in motion.

Joshua is so powerful and strong. I liked it alot (not as much as Twitch but very cool)

Courntey she can be so elegant when she wants to be and today she won me over.

Mark so quirky so fun. I love the way he moves.

So here are the non conspirital partnerings. Mark and Courtney. I was a little worried by this as they seemed to be the weakest links but wow did they ever come out fighting. Their first dance was a Venetian Waltz and it was beautiful, elegant and romantic. I loved it, it flowed and moved and was just classy. Their second dance was a Jazz number by Sonja who I have to admit is a pretty funky choreographer and I wonder how America feels but I loved it. I loved the flip on the beat they did, wow. It was way cool. Very memorable.

Back together again, Katee and Joshua. Holy Contemporary. It was amazing that running catch in the air splits thing ... I am speechless. There was so much passion and strength and wow. Wow. It was amazing. I said that already but I can't stop. Amazing! Next that had a Pasa Doable and I thought great another one but again I think it was the best I have seen well maybe not as good and the Neil/Sabra from last year but a very close second.

Cheslie and Twitch. The Mambo. I thought great for Chelsie ummm for Twitch but wow did they pull it off. That girl's hips have hot the energizer bunny beat. It was so fast and so fun. I loved it. Then they did a hip hop and I thought great for Twitch ummm for Chelsie but again I was floored. I loved the concept from Tabitha and Napoleon of the quarreling conductors. It was great I loved it.

Did you notice a theme here? I loved it. Yes I loved every number. This was an amazing show. As for predictions. Nigel had it right when he said that the two that go home it isn't because they did not do well it was just the others got the votes. He said anyone of the dancers could go to the final and I agree. But although we would love for all to go only four get on the hot tamale train. So who do I think? I think Katee and Joshua are in for sure. I think Chelsie will beat out Courtney. And as for the final guy sadly I think Twitch will be sent home. I have predicted Mark for so many weeks and been wrong (happily) but I think after last night he may have pulled it through to be in the final.

Tune in tomorrow to see if I am right...

B A C A T I O N

2008-07-28T11:35:00.004-06:00

Ooh 'bacation' is so very nice. Sam and I took last week off and I mean we took it off. I don't think I even looked at a computer. No wait we did when I went to the Library I looked up some Lego Indiana Jones walkthroughs because I couldn't pass the first level but other than that I was technologically free. It was brilliant. We hiked, we colored, we painted, we played, we relaxed. Now if that isn't the prefect vacation I don't know what is.

I LOVE VACATION!

Sam's hands

2008-07-18T13:23:00.003-06:00

Sam came to work with me today. He didn't feel well and we tried school but it was a no go. After he got here he snuggled down in my bosses recliner and watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. After that he began to feel a bit better and he helped me with some scanning. He loves to use the scanner after we had done the word he scanned his hands and we photoshopped them together. I think it turned out very nicely. Then he started to feel sick again so he is laying down in my bosses office watching CareBears. We will go in a few minutes after I send out a report that must be sent at a certain time on Friday.

Sam is such a fun boy. I am glad he came to work with me today. He got to meet some of my friends (I love to show him off!) It is nice that today is a good day for him to come. I like having him so close. Well I am off to check in him. I think he is asleep actually. That is when you know that he is sick.

Well we are off for our vacation. Hope you are all having a wonderful July!!!

Mosiac Me...

2008-07-18T10:38:00.003-06:00

Here are the instructions:
1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
2. Use only the first page of results, and pick one image.
3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

Onto the questions and my answers:

1. What is your first name? Elizabeth - I typed in my name and this photo is titled Elizabeth and I thought it looked really cool. Very Goth. I liked!

2. What is your favorite food? Orange chicken - no I don't eat baby chickens but isn't that the cutest picture I love it! Sooo cute.

3. What high school did you go to? Hamilton Southeastern High School....home of the Royals. The far left is cut off but there was a person with a Royals sweatshirt and you could see it really well so red and blue!

4. What is your favorite color? Blue - So I was debating and debating and I couldn't decide between blue and red so I typed in blue and look at this beautiful picture that I got with a hint of lovely red. I very much like this photo.

5. Who is your celebrity crush? Christian Bale - Honestly some things never change. I have loved him since Newsies, Swing Kids, Little Women, ... ooh so fine. And now that he is a hot superhero too yum gotta love that!

6. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke - I actually have been trying to get off the carbonated drink train but man it is hard to jump off a caffeinated train!

7. What is your dream vacation? India - I would honestly LOVE to go there and see all the color and smell all the spices. Really it was a toss up between India and China (I liked the India picture better!)

8. What is your favorite dessert? Brownies with ice cream - I am a simple girl, give me a simple dessert.

9. What did you want to be when you grow up? Writer - I wanted to be a writer - I love that ink picture. I still want to be a writer and I am working on it ... honestly!

10. What do you love most in life? My Sam - When I typed in his name this was one of the first pictures up such innocence and beauty just like my boy. I love him more than words can express.

11. What is one word that describes you? Imagination - I love to imagine and tell stories and when my life has been rough I have been able to imagine it getting better and look what happens when you believe - I love that rose so delicate and beautiful gets my imagination rearing to go...

12. What is your nick name? Liz - simple easy to remember. I don't think the picture is simple but you will definitely remember it. It is funny and fun and I love it.

That was really fun.

Boy was I WRONG!

2008-07-18T10:32:00.003-06:00

So did I have it wrong or what first I thought there was a bottom three but they only put two people on the hot coals. So I was right I guess about who would be in the bottom but was I seriously wrong about who was sent packin'

First the group number was way cool. I love that Bollywood stuff. I love India. I want to go there someday so it was fun to see the whole crew dancing. I thought Mia's was a little strange. The girls looked really washed out, I know that was the point but I am a vibrant color kinda person I have decided. The guys routine was so fun. Sam loved it. But he was confused about the five guys named Mo thing. It was funny.

The choice of the guys (to me) was just plain hard. I thought they all were great and gave 110% but I really thought Mark was going home. I am sad that Gev is gone. I really like him. He added a lot to the show. I am glad that he will be on the tour.

The real surprise for me was Kherington. Wow. I know that I haven't really liked her but I thought for sure Comfort was going home again.

Crazee. Well let's all tune in next week :)

A Second Chance...

2008-07-17T13:36:00.004-06:00

So at the beginning of last night's show after the whole name calling thing Cat points out that there were only 9 dancers and asks "did anyone notice who was missing" and honestly I did not know. I was like ummm hint please. Come on out with it Cat. So it was Jessica. Hmmm no wonder I didn't even notice. So she broke her ribs sometime ago and finally went to the doctor and she has to sit it out for the next four weeks. That is sad. Cause honestly she would have been eliminated tonight either way so whatever. But the surprise, surprise news is that they bring back Comfort. She is one lucky chica. She is excited and blown away and really so is America. Ok well good luck Comfort let's get on with the show.

First I will talk about the couples and then the solos. So as SYTYCD veterans you will know that now that we are down to the top 10 partners change every week. Kinda exciting! First up Courtney picks Joshua. Their first number was good I liked it but the second number was so fun. I thought (especially Joshua) was amazing. That was a seriously fun dance.

Next up my not-so-favorite-girl and my favorite guy and ummm what just happened? It was actually painful to watch. Two-step ... who knew that was the dance that would crush Kherington and Mark. But it was bad. And painful. Even Nigel said he was willing it to be over so it could end for them. Not good. Then their second dance was ok, Nigel hit it when he said it was technically great but after you checked off all the boxes you were still feeling blah. I think Mark does an awesome job when he is given a character or a story something to play up but when Tyce said just dance (I got nervous right then!).

Twitch and Comfort umm doing ballroom? Oh boy. The judges were not impressed but I was ... I thought they did a really respectable job. They are hip hop people. Anyway I did not think the judges harshness was called for ... BUT their second dance hip hop with Dave ouch! That was so cool. I loved seeing two excellent hip hoppers gettin' buck. Wow did I just write that it doesn't seem right but you SYTYCDers know what I am talkin' about ... It was WAY good.

Now onto some real awesomeness. Katee and Will. Talk about a match made in dance heaven. They are both such amazing and strong dancers. I loved both of their numbers but the Broadway number for me was the best. It was so fun and lively. Loved it. The Pasa du was great as well. They are amazing.

And to round it all out Chelsie and Gev. I really liked their numbers as well. The judges were a little hard on Gev but I think they really pulled it out. Gev and Chelsie are both so dang cute. And that Jive whoa Chelsie but Gev kept it up ... he was there he did it! I liked it.

Now to the solos. I think it is hard to make predictions from solos but I will just say that I thought Chelsie, Gev, Mark, Twitch, Katee, Will and Joshua hit their solos right on. (yes that is all five guys - I love them all!) The others were ok. No one was bad but at this stage no one should be.

So who do I think America will send home. Sadly I think Comfort's number is up again. Poor girl. And I think Kherington and Courtney will be in the bottom with her. As for the guys your guess is probably better than mine. I think the bottom might be Mark, Gev and Twitch ... no Will ... no Joshua ... no I have no idea ... with who going home? I have no idea. Maybe ... Mark?

Let's all tune in tonight to see who gets cut... Oh and I talked with some friends and we are going to get tickets and have a girls night out and go see the tour. Should be some serious fun!

Ride the Reading Wave

2008-07-15T16:36:00.008-06:00

So guess how many books I have read in the last few days? Go ahead ... guess. Well here they are: The Secret of the King by Rachel Ann Nunes (which I have actually read several times to Sam but is a GREAT children's book.) I love the story of the two kids who just want to help and they think the only way to help is by joining the army and then learning how they have skills that the king needs. We like reading this book.

The Girl with the Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts (a novel for kids between 8-12). I had a friend encourage me to read this book. I wasn't so sure as I am not really a children's book reader but I loved it. We are all different sometimes it is easy to see like silver eyes and others it isn't I hope Sam will read it when he gets a bit older.

The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau (a young adult book) that I really enjoyed. I got this book in the sci-fi/fanstasy section but I haven' figured out the sci-fi/fantasy part but that didn't stop me from really enjoying it. It is about a girl and boy who live in Ember a city that is always dark and the lights are failing and the choices they make to save the day. I have the second book in the series on hold. Maybe it will be more sci-fi-ish but even it it isn't it will be a great book. Then I read Paragon Walk by Anne Perry (a mystery novel). I loved the first one and this was good too just not as good.

And to round it out The Redemption of Althalus by David and Leigh Eddings (a fantasy fiction novel). I love reading Eddings. I love his characters and the families he creates. This was a little slow getting started but it was great once I got into it. If you like fantasy you will love this book.

You may ask you self why so many book in the last few days. My answer: July. You may ask what has July got to do with it? And I would answer work ... or perhaps that lack thereof. July is the month that all by bosses retreat, leave, vanish, disappear. So I bring a book just in case. I have gotten up to date on all conference reports, cleaned out my desks, updated my folders, recreated my job 'bible', finished three projects, done two other peoples jobs (they are on vacation) and I still am bored. AND it is only July 15th. I need to learn how to be less efficient. It would help if one of the jobs that I taking care of while she is vacationing actually had a few things to do ... she does 10 week letters, letters that we send to presidents before their conferences, but do you know what is 10 weeks away ... GENERAL CONFERENCE ... no 10 week letters. Alas!

But I have been having fun. Don't feel too bad for me. I have read five books in the last couple of days. And I have played around with digital scrap booking. And I am almost done with my prep work for the novel I am going to write for NaNoWriMo in November.

And I am taking all of next week off so I better get all my play time in now cause July will be over before I know it. Sometimes my job is like a raging white river and then it slows down to a trickling stream but before I know it that raging white river is going to be sneaking up on me and before I even hear the roar of the water I will be in the thick of it again .. HA! How is that for imagery ... hmmm back to my book Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner ...

Pirate Pool

2008-07-14T11:55:00.002-06:00

Saturday I picked up Sam and his friend Hunter from school a bit early and we headed over to the Davis County Recreation Center which has on outdoor play are we like to call the Pirate Pool. Sam was really excited to share this place with his friend. It is always more fun with a friend. Sam and Hunter played in the pool for about an hour and a half non stop.

Avast me hearties!

Gazing at the pool I made them get out. Sam said he wanted to stay in the Pirate Pool forever.

After the pool and while we were waiting for Hunter's mom the boys got to try the climbing wall. Both had a great time. Sam says he hopes he gets to have Hunter come play again soon.

Smores

2008-07-11T14:50:00.005-06:00

Sam and I had a great time a couple of weeks ago at my brother's house. Above Sam and his cousins are having fun. Down below are a couple pictures of us with smores ... hmmm so yummy. Yes I am holding two smores one was Sam's that he sucked all the marshmallow out and it was kinda gross. But I did eat.

Here are two little angels that were born just a week apart (or less maybe I can't remember).

And here is the house that Sam was jumping off...

We are going back for the 24th should be fun. Sam and his cousin are going to sleep outside!!

And then there were 10...

2008-07-11T10:42:00.003-06:00

If you DVRed or Tivoed So You Think You Can Dance and have not seen the whole show or the results (i.e. my sister) please do not read ****SPOILER****

Ok so apparently me and the rest of America agreed that the judges extra lovin was not justified when it came to Kherington but I was honestly surprised to find them in the bottom. But I, like Nigel, was glad because seeing Twitch dance was awesome. His musicality is amazing. If you have not seen his solo you should YouTube it cause it was very cool. Sick even. (I don't know why the judges use all these words that mean bad things that are really good, sick, ridiculous, gross I just don't get it... anyway...) Kherington was beautiful too and they both quickly and easily went straight back to the bleachers with the rest of the gang.

The girls were first and after sending Kherington to safety they basically told both of them that they both lacked. But it seems the hot and steamy and sexual dance saved Jessica yet again. I read a blog that said Jessica is good but not great. That pretty much sums it up. But if I were Jessica I would pack my bags. Look who she is left in competition with ... Kherhington so not going home ... Chelsie not a chance ... Katee puhleease ... Kourtni I don't think so ... I am just sayin. Not that Comfort deserved to stay her solo was lacking. It was like she knew she was going home and just didn't put any effort in it was so ever.

The guys. As I have already said they pretty much just shoved Twitch back off stage and left Will and Thane. Like anyone in their right mind thought they were going to cut Will. I mean honestly. They gave him kudos and sent him back to the gallery. Thane was cut. Nigel did say to Thane if they had their way they would be sending two girls home tonight. And he would have been able to stay. I agree. Thane has not always been the best but if you look back at his work he really does give it all, maybe if he had been partnered with Katee or Cheslie or Kherington he would have had a chance to shine. Oh and don't feel too bad for Thane Mia practically offered him a job the night before and Nigel told him that he is going to be working for Mia soon ... so don't get weapy for Thane is sittin' pretty with Mia.

So goodbye Comfort and Thane we won't be seeing you on the tour. That is only for the top 10. Guess what they finally decided to make a stop in SLC. So I am going... even if I have to go alone!

Ooh ooh Bollywood

2008-07-10T09:05:00.004-06:00

Tonight's show was kinda hmmm for me. The blatant sexuality is getting my nerves, hey I am all about passion give me some passion but pure sex no thanks. I read a blog that joked that the numbers should have been 900 numbers instead of 888 because the sexuality was so ... well sexual. And what on earth was Mia wearing on her head? I love this woman, she is brilliant but she should fire her stylist because that was just wrong.

Ok sorry for the rant onto the show. First up was Chelsie and Mark and I love them. Their first number was hot (and yes a little sexual but not over the top at least I didn't think so...) The judges were a little hard on Mark, what do they expect perfection? But were all joy and gladness for Chelsie which I thought was justified. Their second numbers was fun too. As much as I love them they are my favorites neither number was a rush out and post it on my blog number I actually think they might be in trouble. Which makes me very sad and very scared.

Comfort and Thane, poor Comfort and Thane. The thing is the judges were seriously harsh but I didn't think it was that bad. Granted the chemistry is not there but they danced it. Thane who isn't a bopper danced it and it seemed only Mia had words of encouragement. There second attempt though was just as bad and Nigel said it, the choreography was beautiful I wanted to see someone else dance it. Chelsie and Mark or Katee and Joshua wow that would have been amazing. They are definitely in trouble.

The judges and I really disagreed about Will and Jessica. The hot Tyce number that was WAY over the top I thought and where were their clothes? I don't think the judges even talked about the dance they were just all hot and bothered. I didn't like it. I thought Will was amazing (per usual) and I guess Jessica carried her own but it wasn't all that and a bag of chips like the judges seemed to think. And the second number was worse. Mia got it right when she said Will just looks tired of carrying Jessica and that he needs a new partner. Wow I was thinking it but telling them right to their faces ... ouch! If I were Jessica I would be packing my bags. But then I thought about it and once in the top ten they change partners every week so maybe she doesn't have to be worried. ... Maybe ...

I have always liked Courtney and Gev, not loved but liked but this week I think they were the only couple that gave two consistent, great dances. They are really cute. They just work well together and have a very natural chemistry.

Krump. I know it is supposed to be cool but I just don't like it so I was trying to look past the dance and look at the dancers and I thought Twitch was amazing but again the judges were all praise for Kherington and she totally messed up and all her steam went out about half way through the dance both Nigel and Mia ignored it (that was their own word for looking past her mistake) and said she did a great job. Why? Why does she get a 'good job Kherington' when Mark gets slammed for not keeping his frame and poor Comfort and Thane are ripped to shreds. I don't get the judges sometimes. But on their second number I thought they were, sadly, spot on. There was no chemistry and it was like they both gave up, maybe they were both just really tired from Krumping?

Last Katee and Joshua. The judges didn't seem to like their waltz but I did (course I am not a professional dancer) but I thought it was really beautiful. Katee has amazing lines. But the Bollywood dance that was so fun. I am really glad they put it on the show cause it was fun.

So my predictions. I think Comfort and Thane are for sure in the bottom. I can't see who would save them so it might be curtains. Rounding out the bottom is a harder deal I think Jessica and Will but the judges will save Will immediately. I wonder if they will give Comfort one more chance and send Jessica packing. As for the third couple in the bottom. I think whomever it is will be safe ... I hope because I think it might be Chelsie and Mark. Here is hoping that it isn't as they are my favorites...

Tagged ... by Jenny

2008-07-09T14:07:00.012-06:00

I was tagged by my good friend Jenny to go through my house and some of my favorites... I just followed the list man. Just followed the list. It was fun thanks Jenny!

My Laundry Pile

The clean clothes are on the bed just waiting to be folded ... yeah that might happen today ... maybe. The dirty clothes I am going to carry down to the washer right now ... honest ... I AM!

My Toilet

Ok, so Jenny said I couldn't clean but I was going to clean anyway before I even knew about the challenge I was going to clean so cleaning is ok if I was going to do it anyway ... right!

My Favorite Pair of Shoes

This one was hard cause I several pair of shoes that I like but these are SOOO comfortable and I love to wear them so they made the cut. They funny thing is I am sure they were hand-me-downs from someone but I can't remember who ... well whoever you were THANK YOU!

My Closet

Sooo obviously this is not my closet it is the outside of my fridge but some how in the transfer of files I lost the closet picture ... not exactly sure how but I did end up with two fridge pictures so here you go. And my closet isn't even that bad...

My Fridge

Ok so right after I took this picture I cleaned it out (how proud are you Jenny that I didn't take the picture AFTER!!!) It was bad. Really bad. But hey that is what these kinds of things are for ... motivation!!!

My Sink

Not that happening. It is jut a sink but it is clean. Yippie! I really dislike doing dishes. I love to cook but hate the dishes hence I rarely cook.

My Favorite cleaning product

I added this (wasn't on the original list) but I love this stuff. It smells clean. That is what I like. Clean. Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean. Whoa I am almost out ... gotta run to the store!

My Favorite Room

I love to hang out and read, and watch tv and play Wii with Sam here in our living room. I also like to jump on my elliptical machine over there in the corner.

My Kid - What he is going right now...

What else? Playing Lego Star Wars ... umm excuse me I need to join the battle...

My-Self Portrait...

I should have had Sam take the picture he is a pretty good little photographer ... oh well maybe next time!

This is the Place and America Day

2008-07-07T10:02:00.007-06:00

On the Fourth of July I decided that we would take a kid friendly hike behind This is the Place monument and then head across the street to the zoo. It was a good plan but when we got to This is the Place we saw the town (which I had never noticed before) and decided to head in there first. We got there about 10:30a.m. and we didn't leave until about 4:00 p.m. It was a blast and a half.

Sam had been there before with his class so when we walked through the gates he said, "let go do some chores!" ...

After the chores we went to the animal care area (that is what Sam called it) and he got to pet and play with some little sheep and goats, he got to ride a bull, and he got to ride a real horse! He was pretty excited about it all.

He got to make four crafts, he made an "America Day" necklace (that is what Sam calls the day). He made an Indian sand painting. He made a whistle. And he made a wooden star wind wheel. That was some serious crafting. We also played Crockett, played in the kid town, rode the train and Sam got to go to school and play some games with other kids. It was a great day!

When we were at the school. The teacher asked Sam if he wanted to stay in the school house or go ride the train. Sam said he would rather stay in school. We had such a wonderful day. When we left we grabbed some food and headed to Sugar House Park to camp out and wait for the fireworks.

Sam played at the park. I tried to convince him to sit down and take a nap but that was a no go. (it was obvious later that he would have been a happier camper if he had taken a nap but oh well ... the only problem happened when we were walking back to the car ... he told me he was going to sleep for a week!) We did lay on the blanket in the shade and played some fierce rounds of Go Fish. Later we went down to the bottom of the hill and watched people playing frisbee, after almosting hitting us three times one group invited Sam to come play. He loved it. When the sun went down we put glow in the dark items all over Sam. His ankles, wrists and around his neck. The people next to us called him the glow-in-the-dark-kid. The fireworks were amazing. We had a wonderful day.

Sprinkler Fun...

2008-07-03T13:50:00.004-06:00

Sam loves to run through water. He has a talent for it. Sometimes at night (if it is not still 100 degrees) we go for walk around our neighborhood and he inevitably finds a sprinkler in full motion. He loves it! So here is Sam at his dad's house livin it up... I love the first part when he is running around flailing his arms and then what he says at the end ... "Did it work?"

Oh Mia

2008-07-03T12:37:00.003-06:00

Mia Michaels is amazing. I love most of her numbers on So You Think You Can Dance and I think she has a winner with Katee and Joshua's first number from last night's show. Here is the run down for those unfortunates who missed the show.

Will and Jessica started of the show and once again I felt like Jessica was holding Will back. He is so fluid and has so much energy. Their second number was a bit racy but for the first time I thought Jessica was holding her own, perhaps it will be enough to save them from the bottom.

Next up was the newly formed couple of Comfort and Thane. Now I admit I was a little hard on them and predicted they would fare no better with their new partner than with the old but I think I was wrong. Both of their numbers had much better chemistry and it was just better. But ... yes the big but I think it is too little too late, so I am predicting they they will be in the bottom three.

Next up Kourtni and Matt. Can I say I love Matt and Kourtni they are so cute and I like them but (oh brother here it comes again) it was just not good. The hip hop routine was really not good and I don't even know what I am talking about I just felt it was quite there. And to make matters worse I don't even remember what they did as a second number all I can say is that is not good. I predict they will also be in the bottom.

Then came my favorite couple from last week. Mark and Chelsie. I love them. I think they are so fun and interesting together. I read a blogger that said they are the perfect ying/yang. I agree. There first number was fun and upbeat and they have great chemistry. Their second number a quick foxtrot was great. Even Mary liked it. I think (as do some of the judges) they are the couple to beat.

Again I have divided loyalties here. I love Twitch and I think Kherington is a great dancer she just rubs me wrong sometimes. But I have to admit both of their numbers were pretty fantastic. I didn't dig the first one, the Paso Double (I have no idea if I spelled that right) is ok for me, just ok but the Mia Michaels creation can I say I liked it very much. Yes I did.

We are going to skip Katee and Joshua for a minute and go to Courtney and Gev. The first hip hop number thing did not like Courtey at all which was completely against what the judges liked. She is cute and smiley and charming but the number came off (what did Nigel say, Cinderella getting dirty) ... DID NOT LIKE IT. I thought Gev was fine, good ok but they didn't like him. Me and the judges so did not get along on this one. Their second number was ok for me too but just ok. I predict that they will round out the bottom three.

As for who is going home tonight. What I could hope would be that Will and Jessica would surprise me and be in the bottom and Jessica go home and Thane (who I think is going home no matter what) so that Comfort and Will will be pared together, not that I think that is a stellar paring but who knows. Comfort and Thane surprised me maybe Will and Comfort will be even better. But if Jessica doesn't go home I think it will be Kourtni.

Now let's end on a positive note. Joshua and Katee. WOW! Their second number was ok. But the first number blew me away. I loved it. That Mia Michaels knows what she is doing. The intensity, the powerful movements. I was with Napoleon, that assisted run was so amazing and the jump and stop thing that Tabitha talked about ... WOW again WOW. I loved and I hope that you do too.

Bleeding Love

2008-06-30T14:50:00.005-06:00

So not only is Bleeding Love one of my all time favorite songs, (Leona Lewis is amazing) but now it is the song from my favorite So You Think You Can Dance number from last week.

I am wavering with a favorite this year. I loved the above number with Mark and Chelsea. I really like these two dancers. Mark is so quirky and fun and Chelsea is beautiful (and honestly just as quirky in her own way). I also LOVE Joshua and Katee they are such great dancers and they have a great chemistry together. I LOVE Twitch but Kherington kinda gets on my nerves I have no idea why, she is an amazing dancer no doubt about it but ... yes but. I also thought that Kourtni and Matt were awesome last week but I don't think they will be around long. My prediction is that the newly formed couple of Thane and Comfort will not not fare any better with their new partner than with previous partners but as for the top four I have no idea who I want because every week I am completely impressed.

I"m a Chicken

2008-06-23T12:00:00.003-06:00

So I was telling the story of Sam and the stitches adventure to my Sunday School class because every week they ask me at the end of class for a "Sam Story" and I mentioned a part that I previously left out and they all said I had to write it down so I am writing it down here...

While we were waiting for the doctor to come back and put the stitches in I was trying to calm Sam by telling him funny (and yes exaggerated stories) of my dad's many broken, bashed, and bruised body parts. Which Sam thought was pretty fun. Then Sam asked me if I had ever had stitches and I said, "No, because I am a Chicken." Sam looked up at me with those big green eyes, put his hand on my arm and said, "No, Mom, you are not a chicken, you are a people."

I laughed. It was funny!

Oh and if you recall his stitches adventure happened on Thursday. On Sunday we went to my brother's house and Sam climbed up onto of his cousins playhouse and jumped off. I told him this was very much like the action that got him stitches in the first place ... and do you know what he told me! "It didn't hurt that bad." Next time I am not going to let them numb the area before the stitches and then maybe he will think before he leaps!

Stitches

2008-06-20T15:15:00.003-06:00

The above are pictures of BEFORE Sam got his stitches out (note the headphones, he is watching Spongebob on my Zune - I never get to listen to it anymore cause he wants to watch movies!)

After he got his stitches out, you can't really tell but it was an Army band aid which he thought was pretty darn cool as was the sticker and sucker he got. What a hero!

Water Play!

2008-06-20T14:53:00.004-06:00

K-Crew Summer camp went to the gateway water fountains to play. And boy did they play. As Sam and his crew were walking past my building his teacher text messaged me and I ran down and walked with the kids to the traxs station. Then I rode the train with them to the gateway fountains where they got all wet. Sam kept hugging me so by the time I left and went back to work I was pretty soaked too. It was so much fun to see all the kids running around, screaming and LOVING the water! (And yes that is a pop tart temporary tattoo - gotta love those pop tarts!)

Fanny Fry

2008-06-16T16:37:00.004-06:00

I was asked by the relief society president to participate in a relief society lesson on pioneer women in July and I was given a narrative to read (I am actually going to try and memorize it) about a women named Fanny Fry. She was born in September, 1842, in Portsmouth England. When she crossed the Atlantic Ocean and made her way across the planes she was only 16 years old. She came across with a sister and a brother. The brother stayed to earn money in New York. Fanny and her sister made it to Nebraska together but her sister travelled with a different company to Utah. Here is an excerpt from her story

I recollect one day the captain put me to a cart with six people's luggage on and only three to pull it (Don't you think like I do that often we are asked to pull far more than we think we are able...) - a woman, a lad of sixteen, and I, newly seventeen. All grown people were allowed twenty pounds of luggage apiece and their cooking utensils besides. That made quite a load for us. I know it was the hardest day's work I ever remember doing in all my life before or since. We had to pull up quite a long hill, and part of it was steep. In climbing we got behind one of the teams for the oxen to help us, for it was all we could do to keep it moving. Captain Rowley came up and called us lazy, and that I did not consider we were at all. (I don't know about you but I would have been furious at the Captain, all that hard work, the intense labor and they were called lazy. I think about all the times I have worked so hard and not received any recogniztion, whether it be as a Sunday School teacher, or a mother, or a friend or whatever but I thought perhaps man doesn't notice but God does.)

While pulling this heavy lead, I looked and acted strange. The first thing my friend Emmie knew I had fallen under the cart, and before they could stop it, the cart had passed over me, and I lay at the back of it on the ground.

When my companions go to me, I seemed perfectly dead. Emmie could not find any pulse at all, and there was not a soul around. They were, she thought, all ahead, so she stood thinking what to do when Captain Rowley came up to us. "What have you got there Emmie?" he said. "Oh my, Fanny is dead," she said. It frightened him, so he got off his horse and examined me closely but could not find any life at all. He asked Emmie to stay with me and he would go and stop the company and send a cart back for me, which he did.

When I came to myself, my grave was dug two feet deep, and I was in a tent. The sisters had sewed me up to the waist in my blanket, ready for burial. I opened my eyes and looked at them.

I was weak for some time after. I did not fully recover during the rest of the journey. Through it all I found I had a great many friends in the company.

I found this story to be so amazing. My first thought was the amount of patience she had not only to pull the cart but not yell and scream and get angry when the Captain called her lazy. She just considered him wrong and kept working. Then she almost died and although weak she realized how many friends she had in the company. I think of the amazing and difficult trials the pioneers overcame as they crossed the planes but I think my trials are no less and my triumphs just as miraculous. I have more to learn about Fanny and I am excited to read about her life and then consider how very much we are alike.

I know ... I was there...

2008-06-13T10:05:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was not a good day. I was at work sitting there ... working ... and suddenly I got hit with a wave of nausea. It was awful. And it didn't end there ... ooooh no it did not end there. So finally after enduring several trips down the hall to the ladies room I decided to abandon work and go home. I made it home (barely!) and took a nap. I woke up to the tinkling of my cell phone. I reached over and it was Sam's teacher. He had been playing on the jungle gym, fell and cracked his head open. They thought perhaps he might need stitches. So I tell them I will be right there, steel myself against the sickness, throw on some clothes and race down to his school. He was so sad and small, he had a huge gauzy thing taped to his head. But he didn't want me to touch it because it would hurt. So I took him to insta-care. When they called his name he walked back and down the hall (exactly how he was supposed to go) the nurse said, "I see that you have been here before." Yup that's us insta-care professionals. So she asked him what happened and I start to talk but he interrupts me and says, "I know, I was there..." and proceeds to tell the story in great detail. He got it right although slightly exaggerated. Then we went back into another room and she cleaned the wound. The doctor came in and said, indeed, he did need stitches. Four in total not many but I have never had stitches so it was an experience. (Not to mention I already felt like throwing up). Sam was a trooper. Even when she numbed the area (which as we all know is the most painful part) Sam didn't cry or even move his head. We were all impressed. Sam wanted to go back to school and show off his stitches but it was already four p.m. by the time that we got out of insta-care so we went and got him an ice cream for being such a brave boy. And a movie. Then we made it home just in the nick of time for me to ... well ... I won't go into detail.

This morning I feel much better. Sam feels like a superhero and proudly showed off his stitches at school before heading out the door for the Zoo field trip. And if my camera had not completely died yesterday I would have pics to show you of his bravery. Oh well I am sure there will be a next time!

Book Club

2008-06-06T16:09:00.003-06:00

I decided to start an online bookclub. So if you are intested in joining please email me your most liked email address and then go to this site... http://blockbookclub.blogspot.com/
It should be fun :)

Crushed...

2008-06-06T15:59:00.002-06:00

Sam can fall down a flight of stairs and not cry. But when he feels left out he is crushed. This morning we were having a better than normal day. Honestly. We even got to school early. Jeddah is Sam's teacher. Jack and Hunter are Sam's best friends. We walk in Sam all smiles. Then this little girl in Sam's class walks up to Sam and says, "Jeddah left you. She took Hunter and Jack to the store and they left you."

Sam's eyes welled up with tears. And then he started to sob. New Kristin (that is what Sam calls her) reprimanded the little girl but the damage had been done. So I took Sam back out to my car and we talked for a little while. We saw Jeddah and the boys walking back but then Sam went from really sad to really angry. So I had him stay in the car while I talked with Jeddah for a minute so she understood his behavior. Fortunately, she and the boys came and talked to Sam and within a few minutes he was his happy playful self.

It is kinda funny when I leave he 'races' me to the end of the playground. He is inside the fence and I am outside the fence and then he blows me kisses. Gotta love that!

Prince Caspian

2008-05-30T16:38:00.005-06:00

On Memorial Day Sam and I had a picnic to go to but unfortunately it got rained out so we went and Saw Prince Caspian instead. It was fantastic. I loved it. Both Sam and I were on the edge of our seats. There are several intense battle scenes and I must say I really enjoyed when the 'stormed the castle' by being carried in the claws of griffons. I liked Prince Caspian although I loved Edmund. There were a few parts when I thought Lucy was a little too sweet and Peter too moody but I thought Susan and Edmund were perfection. This is definately a to own movie. And if I were a 15 year old girl I would have a huge crush on Skandar Keynes (Edmund). Right after the movie was over Sam jumped out of his seat and said, "Let's go see it again!"

Schoolin' the Pastor

2008-05-30T16:30:00.002-06:00

Every Wednesday at school they have Pastor Mike Time where they go into the sancutary and have a spiritual lesson (mostly on being kind to one another and stuff like that...) So last Wednesday Pastor James was there with hip and cool guitar playing Pastor Mike and he said the prayer to the effect of thanks for our friends and amen. Sam in the quiet says loudly "It isn't a prayer unless you say in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." Sam's teacher (who is Mormon by the way) thought it was hilarous. Pastor James handled it very well. Go Sam you know how to pray!

Assistance Please

2008-05-30T16:26:00.003-06:00

I was in the kitchen preparing dinner and Sam was in the living room playing ... you guessed it the Wii (Star Wars actually I rented it again - free - honestly I need to buy this game) anyway... Sam calls out, I need assistance please. Assistance please. I loved it. I wish I could have recorded his voice because it was so funny. No help me or yo mamma. Assistance. I thougth it was hilarous. It was like unto when I called him inside for dinner he was out playing in our newly fenced in backyard (can I tell you how thrilled I am about that!) and he yells back to me "coming mother." I swear just like a child off of Little House on the Prairie or the little boy from Summer Magic. And the funny part was he kept saying it, "I am coming mother." (emphasis on the mother). And yes I did help him pass the level. The problem is that he is getting so good when he can't pass a level I am not that much better. Pretty soon when he can't do it we will have no one to give us assistance as I won't be of much help.

The Conference

2008-05-19T12:01:00.002-06:00

First I had a great time and I went with totally rockin chicks (so that helped with the fear factor and craziness people factor of which there was an experience but I am not mentioning). And because I like to be positive I will start with the negative and move onto that which is uplifting and so forth. I thought it was a singles conference not women’s conference but the more I thought about it the more I realized that the kind of guy I am interested in probably would not be that interested in a sitting through three hours of workshops on warm fuzzies. So it started off a little estrogen heavy. I won’t even talk about one of the workshops. Where do they get these people? Drag them off the street. Ok enough of the negative onto the good stuff.

Oops before I go to the good stuff they had this HUGE break between the speakers/workshops and the evening activities which we took as an opportunity for entertainment (we listened in the workshops about being positive!) and went to see Iron Man. Yes it is a great movie. I would recommend. Not a kid movie. No kids. But wow the action was great. I was not convinced that Robert Downey, Jr. could pull off playing a superhero but he did it. I enjoyed it immensely. Ok back to that which was good. Oh wait no we got back from the movie and they had a band come to start of the evening. And ok it wasn’t terrible it was a Beach Boys cover band and I don’t know perhaps it was because we were in the hall but it sounded really, intensely out of tune. And so we went upstairs to escape the music and chatted there we met a very nice guy who entertained us until the dance started. As I mentioned before I am not sure I am a dance kind of person but it was so fun. The DJ played the best music. I will repeat myself: It was so fun. The speed dating for the young people (yes that would be me) was scheduled for 11:00 p.m. For those of you know me … AT ALL … know that I am so not a night person and like to sleep so I was not terribly excited about staying up to be perky and cute at 11:00 p.m. but as it happened it did start at 10:30 p.m. which was moderately better. AND it was actually fun. I think every guy I talked to was … should I say it … normal! So overall the evening events were very fun and it was worth it to stay up past my bedtime. Oh and I tried Mediterranean food … look at me, trying new food!

Now onto the spiritual, the two good workshops (remember I am omitted the one just NOT worth mentioning). I must admit I was really not in the mood for fuzzy workshops. Which is why we picked the first one we went to which was a disaster (and I have beaten to death so I will stop!). So one of the girls suggested that we go to the Believe it, Become it! workshop because she knew of the speaker, Paula Noble Fellingham. She had so many great quotes and thoughts. I emailed her to get her whole talk because it was uplifting and positive. She had the brightest happiest smile. Then we went to Be Still (which is also a book by them as well) by Victoria E. Anderson and Lois D. Brown (one of them was not there during our session but I don’t know who was who). It was great. She talked a lot about stress and how to cope, exercises (which she did in fact make us do right then and there … which was moderately humiliating until reflecting that EVERYONE was doing it!). I was really impressed with these two women and I am glad I got talked into going to the warm fuzzy workshops.

Now the key note speakers Rick and Andrea Shroder were AMAZING. I was expecting good but it was honestly spiritual, funny, honest and believable. I think I get worried when I have to sit and listen to a ‘famous’ person for fear it will come across as fake but no imitation feelings here. Andrea spoke first she grew up in the Church had a very normal upbringing with trips to Disneyland with her siblings traveling cross country in an old station wagon. She met Rick when she was 18 and they got married. He was not a member at the time. She gave this great analogy of wanted to be super mom and so she decided that she would make a menu for breakfast for her kids to pick the night before and then she would make wonderful, nutritious breakfasts every morning before school. The first morning was a great success by the second morning all the kids had eggs and toast. One of her daughters asked,” Where is my French toast with strawberries and cream?” She explained, “I don’t know anyone who gets exactly what they order.” She talked about the rest of her talk about not getting exactly what we order but the Lord knows what we need and when. She remembered a time when she really wanted Rick to be a part of the Church but she didn’t think he ever would. She was crying to the Lord and felt strongly that she needed to love him for him. To be grateful for the many things she had and then life changed. Slowly Rick began to have a change of heart. When he decided to be baptized it was the night before his son’s baptism and he crept into their room at her parents’ house and told he thought he would get baptized tomorrow too but not to tell anyone … it was so funny the look on her face. She said I think we have to tell someone! In the end he was baptized that day and was able to baptize his son. Her whole talk was about trusting the Lord. She was so humble and caring.

One of my favorite things Rick Shroder said was “judging ourselves by the yardstick of the world is actually very limiting.” I love this. I personally judge myself a lot by the yard stick of the world and perhaps even sometimes by the cultural yardstick of the Church and I, so often, fall short but if I let go of that and look at myself through the eyes of God I will see that I am doing a pretty good job.

He talked about how when people look at other people they categorize for instance he is an actor but he said there is so much more that he wants to be but he was afraid because of his weaknesses to try and be something more. Much of his talk was about our ability to change and make difference decisions he quoted someone but I can’t remember who but it goes like this, “If you continue to do what you’ve always done then you will continue to get what you have always got.” We all have the ability to change. He also talked about making good choices but I thought this was interesting he said, “We can make the right choices an still not get what we want … that does NOT mean we have failed.” Part of the fear of change is the fear of failure. He spoke of how he wanted to be a writer and a director but felt inadequate in his education but he went for it and he said it was not easy but finally in the end he was able to write a script and get it produced. There are still many things he wants to do… I thought about the things that I want to accomplish and wonder what is holding me back. Often I think I worry that I will fail but I will never know unless I try. The last thing he talked about what “taking the hand that is offered” and searching for good things, he said, “If we can look for things and make them happen … make sure you are looking for good things!”

Overall I think the conference was a raging success.

The Davids

2008-05-13T15:28:00.004-06:00

At our hourse a war is brewing. Ok not really but it is fun to start that way. We have been watching American Idol at our house and we have a slight controversy. Sam loves David Cook and I like David Archuleta. It is so funny because when Cook sings Sam listens and is quiet but when Archie sings Sam gags and throws fits. He honestly doesn't like him and says that he can't sing. Um what? Can't sing. Hello?? So we have conversations about singing ability pretty much every Tuesday night. Is it possible my five year old is simply pushing my buttons? It is a beautiful day outside so we are going to hit the park and then home for some .... (imagine Ryan Seacrest here...) American Idol.

may the force be with you...

2008-05-12T15:38:00.003-06:00

Lego Star Wars ... so fun. Sam and I finally got our Wii that I planned to get for Christmas but was too poor and unable to wait in line for hours on end to get. But I saved and planned and whoa we got one. We are addicted to Star Wars. Sam and I have so much fun playing together. He likes to be the guys that shoot and I like to be Jedis with swords so it works out pretty well. We do not own this game however but just rented it with a free rental that I had ... I need more free rentals! So sadly the game goes back tomorrow so guess what we are doing for Family Home Evening tonight ... yup you guessed it a spiritual lesson, a healthy snack and then STAR WARS baby!

Single Adult Conference

2008-05-09T10:49:00.008-06:00

I am going with some friends to the SLC single adult conference next weekend. Sam is spending a lovely Saturday with his favorite Utah cousins, Cambridge, Parker and Addison. The conference should be pretty fun. The key note speaker is Ricky Shroder (yes the boy of Silver Spoons fame that grew up to be a NYPD Blue detective) and yes he is a member of the Church. I had no idea. So it should be fun.

The first conference the key note was Glen Beck which was very entertaining and more importantly spiritual. There are workshops, lunch, a service project and then a dance. I am not so sure about the dance part but I will go with the flow. There is speed dating which I have done once and it was fun so I am going to give it another shot. My opinion about these things is they are what you make them. I trust it will be fun, therefore it will be fun.

So if you have any single friends (other than me ... he, he) over 30 send them to this website http://www.slc-sa.org/conference and they can get more info about the conference. Oh it is May 17 which is a Saturday but there is also a devotional on Sunday and some other things leading up to the event.

Wish me luck and hopefully I will meet someone as cute as Ricky Shroder...

Blessing

2008-05-09T10:40:00.005-06:00

We went to little Addison Kay's blessing and it was beautiful. She is a lively, lovely girl. She looked like a princess. And she has a great set of lungs. :) After the blessing we went to Brennan and Sandi's house for a birthday celebration for Cambridge. It was so fun. We stayed the whole day (hope you didn't mind Sandi) but we love hanging out at the Brennan Wood home. Look at my stylish and handsome son. He wanted to get a 'water-boy' outfil (i.e. priests who bless the sacrament) and he was so excited when I brought home the black dress pants, white shirt and tie. It was also so nice to see my grandparents. What a lovely day...

All the kids in their Sunday best
Sam and his buddy Parker - what dapper young lads!
Two lovely princesses Cambridge is such a good big sister to Addison
Sam with Great Grandparents Hymas

Caught Red Handed

2008-05-09T10:33:00.005-06:00

So ... if you have read previous posts when Sam was about 2 years old he got into a bottle of green paint and painted himself, the tv, some furniture and a rug. (The rug had to go) Fortunately now he is old enough that when he decides he is going to paint himself he doens't get anything else messy but the bathtub which is fine with me. I was upstairs taking a shower and I come downstairs and Sam has painted both his hands bright red. He then waited for his hands to dry and cleaned up the paint and put it away. Hard to be upset about that :)

SOCCER #6

2008-04-16T13:12:00.003-06:00

Last night's game was SNOWED out ... snow. SNOW! Can anyone tell my why it is still snowing in April, the first of the month, ok I accept that as a possibility but we are 1/2 way through the month. Ok enough of my diatribe on snow. Sam was mortally disappointed that his game was cancelled and he could not fathom why on earth they could not play in the snow. He kept telling me that it was fine, he likes snow. Anyway the only way to appease him was to head over to the movie store and grab a couple of films. Secret of NIMN, I haven't seen that movie in forever. Alas his uncle Kipp was supposed to come to the game last night and they leave in a week so hopefully (cross you fingers) it does not snow or rain next game because it is Kipp and Kumi's last chance.

So ... here are some pictures of Sam's Saturday game (a few days before the SNOW came it was perhaps 80 degrees - oh the torment of Spring, taunting and teasing with warm and then ... snow.)

Coach Casey is giving the kids a pep talk before the 2nd half starts. They were pretty worn out as they play four on four and we only had four players.

Sam sure loves to run and run

Coach Casey is telling Sam good job for the awesome assist he just made he kicked the ball right to his pal Chase and we scored - Yippie!

A game just isn't a game without the end of game high fives and handshakes

I told Sam spring was like a roller coaster some days warm, some days cold and he told me yesterday that we were in for a wild ride. So funny...

I read it in a book

2008-04-13T21:02:00.002-06:00

So I can't remember what Sam was telling me but I do remember when I asked him where he had heard about it, he looked at me like I was completely silly and said, "I read it in a book." Then he added, "a very big book." HA! So all that reading has paid off. I can't wait for him to actually be able to read. He is going to have so much fun discovering all sorts of things. Where does he come up with this stuff. He contantly makes me laugh and the sad part is half the time I don't remember why I was laughing I just know it is funny. What a lucky mom I am...

Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite

2008-04-01T11:21:00.003-06:00

So we have watched Wallace and Gromit, I don't know, a million times and last night he was watching and hears that phrase, "don't let the bed bugs bite" and he asks me what it means. So I tell him. The kid isn't afraid of the dark, or heights, or snakes, or Voldemort but he is now terrified of bed bugs. Poor kid. He had to sleep on top of his sheets because he was too scared that he would get attacked by bed bugs. So I told him that I put a spell on our house so the bed bugs would explode if they tried to come in he thought that was funny he thinks that if you hear a toot then it is a bed bug exploding. What a crack up.

Happy Birthday Katie

2008-03-20T10:43:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Katie!

I hope you have a wonderful day. I still think of you as my sweet 16 year old sister, I keep forgetting you are married and a mother of three. Where does the time go? Sure love you and I hope you have a special day.

Back...

2008-03-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

Ouch. My back hurts. I woke up this morning with a major back pain. The only thing I can think of is that I carried Sam to bed last night after he fell asleep in my bed while I was taking a shower. He isn't exactly little anymore. But it didn't hurt to lift him so maybe I just slept wrong. Who knows. Hopefully it will just go away ...

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-19T14:38:00.003-06:00

We had a very fun St. Patrick's day. Sam loves green it is his favorite color so when he went to school he was wearing about five different layers of all green. There was no danger of him getting pinched. He even had clothes to spare. Sam does not really understand what St. Patrick's Day means he told me that on St. SpongeBob's day we wear camoflague and on St. Sandy's day we should wear pink. So funny. Yes, I too find it confusing why we celebrate Patrick Star's day and not SpongeBob. (Note: Sam is wearing his seat belt while pretending to drive my car ... safety first!)

Jane Austin

2008-02-14T10:46:00.004-07:00

My friend Sally took this test and I was so excited. I love all the Jane Austin books. They are so much fun. I am not sure that I am really Elizabeth Bennett I think more often I am like Anne Elliot or Jane Bennett (but Jane wasn't one of the choices). At least I wasn't Kitty. HA!

Take the Quiz here!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:31:00.003-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Sam and I stayed up a little late last night putting together all his Valentine's for school today. We had so much fun picking which Valentine should go to which friend. He is having a fun party today with pizza, a cake walk and a heart hunt. Should be great. I asked Sam if he would be my Valentine and he said yes. Happy Valentine's to all our friends.