Dear Lizzy

Wed. was Utah Field Trips. We took everyone to Highland Farms for their flowers. Most had never been there before so they were delighted. THEN Lisa Davies (our own personal Martha Stewart) wondered if I had ever been to Dear Lizzy's in Highland. I had never even HEARD of the place. The address is 10953 N. Alpine Highway. It is in a little shopping plaza...on the corner. If you love Shabby Chic, funky stores, beautiful "stuff".... then your heart will go pitter-patter. I was almost hyperventilating! They also have a "bistro" for a lovely lunch. A little menu but delightful. So, sit back and enjoy your senses!

Lizzy is named after the owner's mother. Lizzy's childhood picture above....

I want to get these fun drinks for a party I'm throwing. Tie tulle around each one...

Mini cakes....

cupcakes.....

candy counter
we got a kick out of "Poo-pourri." You squirt it in the toilette before you, well, you know what. It did smell heavenly. The concept is hysterical.

love their signs.

candy counter and also the bakery section....the brownies were to die for.....

beautiful stuff....

this was the children's section.....
this is Lizzy's special drink......a cherry cream Italian ice....

Lisa said that each holiday is also over the top there. This Friday is a BIG sale....we got coupons for two 20% off one item. If you live around the valley, you'll want to drop what you are doing and go today. If you live 30 miles from here, you'll want to plan a trip. If you live further, just sit back and enjoy these pictures over and over. Pretend you smell pretty smells. Pretend your right brain (creative) is going zonkers. Pretend you are having 1/2 turkey pesto on a baguette, a Lizzy special drink, a flower-shaped sugar cookie served on a silver platter....sitting at beautiful pink chairs....feeling like you are at a tea party. Heaven!!!

Travis

Today is a birthday shout out to Travis....my middle child

Here are some personality traits that are common in middle children:

Roll with It: Middle children often handle disappointments better. Say you strike out in softball and lose the game. If you were a first-born, you might feel guilty all day, but if you're a middle child, you'll probably find yourself just laughing it off.

Great Negotiator: Middles can be great at seeing both sides of an issue. After all, they're in the perfect place for it!

Lots of Loyal Friends: Middles tend to make friends easily. Once they have them, they often work harder to keep them. They're usually good at keeping secrets, too...
they're in the perfect place for it!

Middle children tend to rebel, be competitive and may feel that they don't entirely belong. They're also flexible, diplomatic peacemakers who are generous, outgoing and social.

Through the past year and a half, I have shared many exploits about Travis....recently in Blasts from the Past (April 23rd post) about his antics as a child. During that time I had an interview with the Stake President. He was asking about our family and when I got to Travis, I sat there and bawled...trying to explain how he was always just flying from the rafters. He sat there and listened....and then smiled...and said "Don’t worry. He’s going to grow up as wonderful as his father!"

And guess what? He has!

Travis has kept me hopping for most of is life... so it is extra wonderful now to see and hear the amazing spiritual experiences he has in his life. He is one the Lord truly "uses" because of his unique personality and his willingness to "go and do" what the Lord tells him to do, no matter how difficult it is. Even recently, Travis was serving in his third Elder’s Q. Presidency. When he walked into combined opening exercises a few weeks ago, he saw a young kid sitting by himself toward the back. He immediately went and sat by him and started talking to him. Now remember, Travis is serving in the Elders Q., not Young Men. But later, the Bishop told him that he was being released to work the young men....a calling they were struggling with....but unbeknownst to Travis, when he "sought out the one", the Bishop was watching and knew their decision was correct. Travis will do a wonderful job with these young men.

Travis loves all sports and is willing to try anything. I say he came out of the womb throwing a spiral football. Currently his sport of choice is road biking and triathelons. His energy is a source of amazement to me. I love what a great dad he is....oftentimes he’ll show up at our house with all three kids early on Sunday morning. They’ve been up in the canyon "looking for goats" (mountain goats) and then hit our house like a tornado and then leave....letting Tenille sleep in. Travie, we love you. We’re proud of you! Have a happy, happy day! See you at Famous Dave’s tonight!

Three

Look at the beautiful surprise I found on our doorstep yesterday! It is a Weeping Pussy Willow tree....purchased by a whole group of my friends, in memory of my father-in-law! It is sooo beautiful! We will treasure it forever!

I think I have done a similiar meme before but here goes. Nothing profound.
Three quirks1. I have to brush my teeth BEFORE I shower or bathe....I can’t feel clean unless my teeth are.
2. I have a imaginary movie I put in my mind to go to sleep every night with.
3. I sleep with one foot hanging out of the bed, free of covers. That foot gets cold, the other hot so I’m even and happy. David loves to tickle the hangie-out foot before he leaves in the mornings.

Three things that bug me-
1. When people are mean or unkind
2. swearing
3. Tags on blouses or sweaters

Three favorite movies I’ve seen this year-
well, this one is easy-
Enchanted
August Rush
Dan In Real Life

Three favorites music artists:
Too many to name....everyone on Idol right now.

Three favorite books I’ve read this year-
I’m not sure I’ve read three books this year
I read and enjoyed The Star Garden (was that the name of the 3rd Nancy Turner book? The "These Is My Words" series?)
That might be all that I have read completely.... But I am to Alma Chapter 30 in the Bk of M.

Three Favorite TV shows-
American Idol
House Hunters (or Designed to Sell)
movie channel

Three places I want to visit this year-
Newport Beach, Calif.
Portland and Battle Ground, Wa.
New England

Three jobs I hate to do-
clean refrigerators
put away dishes
put away groceries

Three jobs I love to do-cook
make my bed
church service

Three Things I'm Not Good At-
1. remembering things- birthdays, phone numbers, any numbers 2. staying on task 3. things with coordination

Three things I AM good at-
1. ideas 2. friendship 3. service

Three acts of service I’ve done lately-
helped my MIL daily with things/babysat kiddos
helped friends with ideas for projects they are working on crocheted on a loom about 7 hats this past week and a half for kids in Croatia


Three things I’m proud of-
well, of course I’m proud of my family
that I am doing good with my walking
that I have lost 12 pounds

Three things I need to do better-
consistently eat better
develop self-discipline
putting away messes

Three things I’m looking forward to this week-
Spring Celebration this weekend
Travis’s birthday this week
Utah Field Trip this Wed.

Where did I live when I was three? Rupert, Idaho

Where did I live when I was 13? Moses Lake, Wa.
23? Provo, Utah
33-? Sandy until I die.

Three things I wish I would have done in my life-
1. Run a marathon or at least a 10K. I would have been happy with a 10K
2. Learn how to inline skate and skateboard
3. Learn how to blow dry (and style) my hair (at the same time)

3 things I have no desire to do:
1. Parachute
2. Scuba Dive (I know, I know, EVERYONE loves it....no interest....)
3. Be president of anything

3 things that bring me great pleasure:
Well, of course my family.....
Painting (oil right now. Not house painting)
journaling or any kind of writing
girlfriends
decorating
seeing and doing anything creative
cooking
eating good food
Lake Powell
sleeping in
planning parties or events
nature
scriptures
Oh, sorry, I thought it said THIRTEEN things I love!

thought:
I trust all joy. Theodore Roethke

Being Provident, Being Obedient, Growing Spiritually

Today our sacrament services were on Provident Living. I'm not so good at budgeting and raising a garden and hard labor and being prepared to earn a living....but I AM a huge proponent of home preparedness and spiritual preparedness. The Zollinger's are a new family in the Ward and they did a good job today, using an older talk of President Kimball. Here are a couple of quotations that I think are excellent.

Preparedness is a way of life that brings its own rewards. Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program.

We could refer to all the components of personal and family preparedness, not in relation to holocaust or disaster, but in cultivating a life-style that is on a day to-day basis its own reward.
Let’s do these things because they are right, because they are satisfying, and because we are obedient to the counsels of the Lord. In this spirit we will be prepared for most eventualities, and the Lord will prosper and comfort us. It is true that difficult times will come—for the Lord has foretold them—and, yes, stakes of Zion are "for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm." (D&C 115:6.) But if we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand.

and also this quote:

"And as we long to help them, we realize the vital importance of their learning this great lesson: that the highest achievement of spirituality comes as we conquer the flesh. We build character as we encourage people to care for their own needs."

"No amount of philosophizing, excuses, or rationalizing will ever change the fundamental need for self-reliance. I know that when human beings have learned to control and master matter, thanks to the work of their five senses, they will soar upwards again and start to develop their spiritual senses."

These quotes aren't from the talks but are some of my favorites that I think of in terms of self-reliance.

To be truly happy you must recognize who you are with nothing.

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
A man is too apt to forget that in this world he cannot have everything. A choice is all that is left to him.

Oh Happy Day!

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happpen exciting to-day?" said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully."It's the same thing," he said.
"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?""

Winnie the Pooh quotes

Don't you just love those perfect days? Yesterday was one. By the end of the day, I just want to kneel by my bed and say, "Thank you!"

Yesterday after a morning with Hallee and Addison....both of them woke up with smiles and giggles.....and I filled them full of chocolate milk and cereal and Dora gummies, then they took a bubble tubbie, than I got them dressed and home. Aunt Susanne was there to then take over. She's so good to Brandi and Ryan (she is married to Ryan's brother, Corby, who is on his second tour of duty in the war) and the kids love her. Ryan's surgery went well....and he is home and recovering. I'm so thankful they were able to do it with a scope and not have to open him up which increases the recovery time. He goes to the Neuro gal on Monday....to see if he has a hole in his heart that might be throwing clots to his brain. More prayers. More prayers. Thank you.

I then picked up Valene and Kathy, for Valene's birthday celebration. We had a day of joy and pleasure. First stop....all the way downtown to......oh, I can't tell you that yet. First I have to tell you about the car ride there. Kathy is the one I am going to write a book about...the one that always says funny but distorted stuff. But I was explaining to them that Ryan's gall bladder was diseased and that it was generic...his mother and brother and uncle and cousin all have it. Kathy then said, "So it was generic, not genetic?" Valene and I look at each other and start laughing....at me! And her. She didn't even catch it. I felt just like Kathy! Funny that KATHY would catch the error. Okay, then we went to the Red Iguana.

I have heard about this restaurant in downtown (North Temple) Salt Lake forever but I've never been there. Hard to believe since I am a die-hard restaurant eater. In my mind I was really a little suspicious about how really good and different this Mexican restaurant could be from others. Okay, now I get it. It was FABULOUS! The mole sauce is so incredible.....I could just slurp it up. We ordered three big plates of everything and shared it all. I said, "Oh Valene, you'll have tons to take home for dinner." She had NONE to take home for dinner. Here is a picture of the happy duo. Birthday girl on the left. Kathy girl on the right. Look at how cool the weeping mortar is on the brick. Funky place.

Afterwards, we hit a few favorite shops. First stop was Ward and Child to check out how the secret garden is doing in the back. It is one of my favorite places.
Look at the fun thing I bought.

close-up
Just my kind of pleasure.

After Ward and Child, we hit Hip and Humble and Charlotte's....which we had to keep driving around looking for because I kept calling it Madelaine's. I really AM turning into Kathy!

We, of course, laughed, solved all the world's problems, talked about progress (or lack of it) in our lives......we had to top it off with dessert at a new yogurt place....The Red Mango which is in the Fort Union area. Tart, delicious, fresh fruit, chock full of good stuff. Delish!

It was so fun.....that now I am waiting for Brendalyn to call so we can go walk. I have to do 4 miles today to make up for 2 missed days being sick and also yesterday's eating!

David set the alarm for 4:00 this morning. He was heading to Montana with Scott Tillotson to pick up some of our horses that have been wintering at Tillotson's Montana ranch. He either turned off the alarm or it didn't work...but I opened an eye at 4:28...and he was still in bed. Scott was picking him up at 4:30. I've been chuckling all morning about the image (just seen with one eye open...the other was still fast asleep) at how "fast" we can move when we've overslept the alarm. He SHOT out of bed- hit the shower, got dressed in just seconds! It was like watching a movie on fast forward. I laughed....then went back fast asleep! Ah, it is good to be a slug.....

I wanted to share a little thought from Brandi's blog (after watching Conference.)

"As the Sunday afternoon session was ending, Parker (9) asked if we could share our testimonies in FHE the next day. He reported, "I'm sure mine will be a lot longer now, because I have figured out a lot more things that I believe!"

Friday Thoughts

Just a few thoughts-

I didn't get picked for the jury, thank goodness! I didn't think I would since I was the second to the last of 40... and I was very relieved.


So then I was able to make it back in time for our Visiting Teaching luncheon. My companion, Gayle, had a water hose break or something and couldn't go, but Elsa and Brenda and I went. Also Linda Raddon and Bertie Wardle, who visit teach me and also Debbie Stowell went. We went to a place called Little Italy.....it is on 7th East....and in an old fast food restaurant. So you're thinking "Really, how good could it be?" But you walk inside and it is transformed into an elegant restaurant. Very good! The best laugh of the day came from Brenda. She was talking about how her son was entering into the world of online dating. He was on an LDS website and he said to his mom to come and check out a particular girl. Under her description, she had listed "not endowed".....and Brenda thought, "What an odd thing to put on her description. She must really have issues about being flat!"

Oh my, oh my! We laughed and laughed. (I doubt anyone reading this isn't LDS but "not endowed" means that she hasn't been through the temple!

My friend, Brendalyn, was having car issues. She drives to Trax and then rides the train to work uptown. When she came home from work the other day, the muffler sounded TERRIBLE! She thought it must have fallen off. She was so embarrassed driving home. So yesterday she got a ride to Trax, then I picked her up, fully expecting to then follow her to a car repair place. But she called one to see if they could take her....and the guy said, "You parked at Trax?" She said yes. He then said for her to look under her car. That apparently there are guys that are targeting Trax parking lots (among others) and sawing the pipe underneath your car and taking out a huge chunk. They use a saw that is noiseless and can do a car within minutes. The repairman said that they melt down the metal and sell it for scrap. He had 14 this week alone. We looked under Brendalyn's car....and sure enough! About a 2 foot section just sawed out!
I have never heard of this before! How frustrating is that? It will cost her a couple hundred dollars to get it fixed, and then what? It will be interesting what the police have to say about it.

I went last night and picked up Hallee (age 4) and Addison (age 2) from Brandi's. This morning Ryan is having gall bladder surgery. He should be in already. They had to be at the hospital at 6:00 so I just kept the little ones here. Tanner slept over so he could get the two older ones off to school. I was worried about Gracie's hair...and I called at 8:00 to see how it was going...and apparently Raye Dean (Ryan's mom) was worried about Gracie's hair as well and she went over to help! Moms and little girl's hair! What we don't worry about. But....if anyone has an extra prayer or two to spare today, their little family could use a little more help. Thank you.

Today Kathy Wilson and I get to take Valene out for her birthday lunch. I still have a runny nose but I'm doing better. Obviously not enough to keep me from party mode! Mom and I have been filling hundreds more Easter eggs for the Spring Celebration coming up.....ha! When it stops snowing, MAYBE we'll be able to have it! I'm not the optimist I used to be.

Here's a darling little quote that made me smile:

Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas. Paula Poundstone

Amen!!!

I got the most wonderful email from Elsa....I wish I knew the source to thank them!

Hi All,
Sometimes I get really tired of hearing about the perverted polygamist sects on the news and having people wonder if I or the other Mormons they know are somehow connected to that. Just so you know, the answer is NO we are not.

For those of you who have been watching the news and may have wondered....

Some Mormon women sing...

Some Mormon women dance...
Some Mormon women write scary stories...
Some Mormon women have lots of money and really great hair...
I know hundreds of Mormon women.
They do all kinds of different things and live all different kinds of lives.

This woman served as a leader in the Mormon church. She recently spoke to teenage girls worldwide. She encouraged them to stand up to peer pressure, strengthen their families and serve others. (Click here for more.)
None of the Mormon women I know look like this...

None of them are marrying off their teenage daughters and-- although some may joke about wanting a sister-wife (preferably one who is really fat & ugly, does bathrooms and changes diapers)--none of them really want to share their husband with anyone.

Furthermore...
Some Mormon guys can throw a ball...
Some Mormon guys yell at the ball...
Some Mormon guys make scary movies...
Some Mormon guys have a lot of money and really great hair...
I know hundreds of Mormon guys. They do all kinds of different things and live all kinds of different lives.

This is one of the leaders of the Mormon church. Last Sunday he spoke about honoring women, especially mothers, and gave advice to husbands and children about how to treat the women in their lives. (For the whole story, click here.)
None of the Mormon men I know look like thisThe Mormon men I know are honest and hard-working. They don't cheat, smoke, drink or gamble. And TRUST ME....the last thing any of them want is another wife.

One Word

Chocolatelover sent me this one word meme. You can only type ONE Word! Not as easy as you might think.....especially for ME! It usually takes me about 5 minutes just to say hi!
1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your significant other? honey
3. Your hair? Spikie
4. Your mother? mom
5. Your father? dad
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? Limeade
9. Your dream/goal? Unfat
10. The room you're in? Kitchen
11. Your ex? none
12. Your fear? World
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Mission
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you're not? Mean
16. Muffins? Chocolate
17. One of your wish list items? peace
18. Where you grew up? Washington
21. Your TV? Big
22. Your pets? Numerous
23. Your computer? desktop
24. Your life? Happy
25. Your mood? Upbeat
26. Missing someone? Always
27. Your car? SUV
28. Something you're not wearing? Watch
29. Favorite Store? Garden
30. Your summer? Slow
31. Like someone? Everyone
32. Your favorite color? Yellow
33. When is the last time you laughed? Lunch
34. Last time you cried? Yesterday

Tom Gwilliam would love this. He is always telling Penny (and me)....just a yes or no answer will do. He doesn't want the details. I had to answer this with a muzzle on!!!

Jury Duty and a Birthday Shout Out!

No blog today....I just got called in to jury duty. Cough. Cough. Hack. Hack. That will show them!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Marilyn Bawden, who recently left for their mission in Guatemala! Happy day! Actually Marilyn and Dean's mission is an area one so they will travel all over.

Blast from the Past- Part Two

Dear Great-great-greats:

Looking through my old journals, in the same letter that I quoted from yesterday....a letter I wrote 26 years ago to my sister-in-law, I then went on to give her an update on our family.

Travis: "Let's start with Travis. Five days ago he went to the bathroom in the heating vents...do you KNOW what that smells like every time the heater goes on? The next day, while jumping off my sewing machine cabinet, he broke it all to smithereens! The next day, I had invited all the neighbors (12 of them) to my house (with all 17 of their pre-schoolers) to meet a new girl that just moved in on the block...and for the finale, Travis fell in the window well, cracked his head open and I had to leave to rush him to the hospital to get stitches. He was soooo brave... he didn't even flinch as they gave him those shots in his cut to deaden it...got 7 stitches. The next day he cut most of Benjamin's socks in two with the scissors, the next day he painted a whole bunch of things in his room with fingernail polish....and so far today, nothing spectacular has happened! Needless to say, he's in a stage. A couple of weeks ago, I took him to kindergarten orientation. He has promised me he will run home from school EVERY day next year so I won't miss him too much!

Ha. Double ha. This is part of the reason when Travis and Tenille leave our home each week, with Boston and Rylee.....David and I just look at each other and SMILE!!!! Love you, Travis! You certainly kept us awake for YEARS!

Ryan: He's still our figure-it-out boy. He is constantly saying hysterical things between his innocence and his desire to have an answer to everything. About a month ago, the boys were helping David clean out the window wells. When they were done, David said, "Now we need to get some gravel to put in the bottoms." Travis asked what gravel was. Ryan immediately replied, "Oh you know what gravel is. It's that stuff that holds us on earth. If we didn't have gravel, we would float up in the air like astronauts."

All these years later, we are constantly rubbing our heads asking ourselves, "Where did HE come from?" He still is an idea man....and a great man.

Benjamin: he is 22 months old months old....still is in our bedroom (which will change this weekend when we finally finish our basement) and he loves to quietly get out his crib during nap time and play in my bedroom and make disasters...like writing all over EVERYTHING with my creamy blush-on or putting my shoes, purses, hairbrushes and rollers in the toilet. Speaking of the cute little devil, he just came down from his nap, pointed to his pants and said, "Stinky!" So right he is....

Ben still like to climb things....he graduated from crib climbing to mountain and glacier climbing. He hasn't flushed anything down the toilet of mine for quite awhile so I've forgiven him!

Brandi is......gorgeous! Everywhere we go, people are always telling me how beautiful she is...and she is...but even more, she is still such a sweet girl! She is such a tender-heart and good sister and good daughter. Her friend's mothers always comment on what a peacemaker she is. If I were a kid, I'd want to be her best friend.

Well, she STILL is my best friend. I always say I won the lottery when I got her!

How lucky I am, when I look back on really how HARD motherhood was sometimes (I'm not sharing here the many entries where I'm bawling my eyeballs out....where I'm so frustrated and sleep deprived.....), that the rewards now are so great. I LOVED being a young mother but it was DANG hard! But these little, full-of-it kids grew up to be so awesome! I couldn't be prouder of any of them! Tanner wasn't even a thought at this time.....I actually got post-partum after I had Ben.....and couldn't even think about any more babies. I remember that in another year, I was feeling the pressure that if I were going to have another baby, I had to have it THEN. But a sweet experience happened. One night, while I was pouring out my heart to the Lord, telling him all the reasons I couldn't POSSIBLY have one more child.....the Spirit whispered, "You don't have to make that decision now." It was quiet yet profound. What? I didn't have to decide right then? Amazing! Tanner came 5 years later....when we were so ready and he has been the joy baby in our family ever since.

Great, great, greats.....family matters. It really does. I hope you will realize that having children is a HUGE endeavor...not to be taken lightly. It isn't easy.....but it has brought me more joy that I could ever imagine. I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I read once that the decision to have a child is consenting to have your heart walk around outside of your body for the rest of your life. Sometimes it feels that way.

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~Franklin P. Jones

A characteristic of the normal child is he doesn't act that way very often. ~Author Unknown

Blast from the Past

Dear Great-Great-Greats: Laying around last night, bored out of my head, not feeling well enough to go walking with Brendalyn or do anything constructive, I pulled out some old journals and started reading. One particular letter caught my eye. It was written 26 years ago and was one I had written to my sister-in-law, Cher, who is married to my only sibling, Gary. I was actually addressing my niece, who is now a mother of two herself. She was quite a track star....all through junior high and high school and then ran for Nebraska and qualified for the Olympic trials. She ran at the same time as Marion Jones....and I remember her telling me that Marion used performance enhancing steroids...only recently that has made headlines and Marion is actually serving jail time now. How frustrating for all runners that ran against her and were clean. She took the gold and someone else’s spot. But regardless, I am, in the letter trying to let Lisa, my niece, know where she got her great running ability. I’m recording this story here because this year in school, Parker had to read "biographies." He couldn’t find one he was interested in, so I put together a "booklet" of stories from my life when I was young. This story is his and Gracie’s favorite:

"Contrary to what your dear, sweet father would probably like you to believe, he was a lousy runner....his legs were like midgets....and as we raced to the bus stop each morning (as we did each morning we lived at Millerville), I would always beat him....except when he would resort to making me laugh by saying such ridiculous things as "Grandpa’s speeeeedy pajamas" or "Grandma’s big red toe." For some reason I thought those phrases or the way Gary said them were hysterical. Or he’d say (like a typical brother) "how would you like to eat some toe jam?" So, Lisa, what I am saying is this: If you are ever behind in a race, maybe you could try your father’s tactics. I, on the other hand, was one of the fastest runners in our elementary school. There were only 2 other kids who could hold a candle to me. Jarue Hurst, a girl who loved horses so much she could snort just like them (which was okay, we were still good friends- she had long hair like a mane as well.) (I wish I would have learned a thing or two about horses from her, since, well, they are part of my life now...) and Greg Hays (who was also the most handsome boy in our school and also my "boyfriend." I knew it was TRUE LOVE because at the Saturday movies he sat behind me and tried to get my attention the entire time...until eventually he poured coke on my head! Sigh! It was love ever after! Well, at least for a few weeks.....) Anyway, I had a neighbor and friend by the name of Jeanine Gorman (who was several years older than myself) (and who was beautiful and so mature) that used to give me a lot of her hand-me-down clothing. There was one skirt in particular that I’ll never forget. It was made of red felt and completely circular and had millions of sequins sewn all over it like birds and bird cages (sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?) Anyway, I thought that skirt was the most beautiful thing I ever owned. Unfortunately, it was HUGE...at least three sizes too large for me. But I wanted to wear it so badly and begged and bugged my mom to wear it to school until finally she consented. Well, in order for it to fit, I had to roll it up a million times and tie it with a tie belt. I imagine that I looked pretty hysterical but I was so vain, I probably didn’t know it! Well, so it was recess, and as was the usual drill, out of the school room door would shoot Jarue, Greg and me...racing with all our might to the "tether ball" poles on the other side of the playground. Unbeknownst to me, the tie belt became undone around my waist and slowly the skirt began to unroll until "Poof!" Off it went! It dropped clear to my ankles. Yikes! I thought I would DIE of embarrassment! And talk about how to shock a 6th grade boy! I doubt I ever told my mom what had happened but I never begged to wear that skirt again. In fact, when I finally wore that size, I remember pulling it out from my closet and thinking that it was the UGLIEST thing I had ever seen in my life!

So, great-great-greats, what I am trying to say here is dumb stuff happens. You will sometimes do foolish things but as my great mentor, Helen Keller would say, "at least do them with enthusiasm." Lots of time it will seem like it is the end of the world. It isn’t. You will survive. And most things that embarrass us to death will someday be the very thing that makes us laugh. I hope you laugh a lot. It is good for the soul. Even though life is very serious, don’t take yourself so seriously that you forget to laugh. It is the best exercise you can ever get!

Dr. Seuss-Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.

Under the Weather Stuff

The state of ill health is a moment to moment happening. Healing is moment to moment balance, bringing awareness to our thoughts, feelings and emotions and how we respond. Vasant Lad

Cough. Cough.

Yesterday was miserable. Actually, not as miserable as it could be. When my daughter or daughter-in-laws gets sick, they can’t go to bed and just veg. That is miserable. Life goes on. But I can just lay around and be a slug. I know how to do "slug." A strep culture came back negative so I guess that means that this great hay fever (the wind just keeps blowing!) has turned into a chest cold.


Cough. Cough.


Things could certainly be worse. I did miss Stake Conference. I went to the Saturday evening session. We went out with Cathy and Kirk afterwards. We haven’t seen them forever...both have been traveling.....and David’s mom went to David’s sister for the weekend so I didn’t feel bad about leaving her.


Niles Ward, my parent’s-in-law’s best friend, in Hurricane, and who also traveled with his wife and handicapped son, Tom, to Blackfoot, Idaho for Dad’s funeral and sang and played the guitar to "Happy Trails" had a massive stroke and is in the hospital here. David went to see him (really his wife, Darlene and their son) today....it doesn’t look good. Sophia and I were talking about how it seems there is a rush to get all good ol’cowboys to heaven right now. I hope that they are there to rustle our wild ones back into the fold!


Cough. Cough. Hack. Hack. The sound effects here are important.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book. ~Irish Proverb

I would love to hear a joke that would make me laugh. Or I would love to hear something silly or stupid that someone has said....you know, the foot in mouth disease that I am so good at. Anyone willing to share?

I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your eyes, is really one of life's sensational pleasures. ~Robert Benchley

And just so I don't leave on a sickly note, I wanted to share this lovely story about Elder Eyring that Ferrell (isn't that a cute name!) shared with me.

Last night in the Priesthood Session of the Mormon (LDS) Conference, Elder Henry B. Eyring was speaking (among other things) about how the Lord will strengthen you and uphold you as you serve Him. He talked about how when you do the Lord's work you qualify for the Lord's blessings. Then he specifically mentioned that as you serve, angels will support you. During this time he got a little choked up, and you could tell there was context behind those words.A few weeks ago when Elder Eyring was at home, he suddenly found himself waking up on the floor, with his leg twisted under him. He went to work, but soon realized he needed to have his leg checked. When heeded, he found out it was broken (which is why heʼs currently using a cane, in case you wondered).But then as the days went by, he continued to have times where he'd suddenly lose consciousness and he felt very weak. He was frustrated because he felt helpless.. Newly appointed as the First Counselor to President Monson, he just wanted to serve. He got into see the doctor, and had some tests done, and went back to work. Soon the results came in, and the doctor told him he had to come back to the hospital immediately.Come to find out, his heart would periodically just stop. So last Tuesday, he had a pacemaker put in. I don't know if you've known anyone whoʼs had that happen, but it's a serious surgery, with an extended recovery time.He got a blessing from President Monson, wherein hews told that angels would support him. The next day- Wednesday, he attended the meeting with the General Authorities in the temple. Thursday, he participated in the General Authority training. Then today (Saturday), he stood up, looking as magnified and healthy as ever, and delivered a powerful address on trusting in God as you serve with all your heart.He is a living testimony of his own words (as he so testified).

Rats!

Sick Today. Just coughing and hacking. Bed never looked so good.

More Kid Fun

(cute Boston and Tenille)

Yesterday Tenille called and wondered if we wanted to go to Thanksgiving Point to see the tulips. Then Marci called and wondered if we wanted to go to the petting zoo at Thanksgiving Point. With all the kids, the petting zoo won out. It was a perfect day...warm but not too hot. There are tons of new babies. Look at these baby goats. The mother on the right is about ready to deliver with twins! Look at the bulge on both sides. The bulge on the left was really moving around....brought lots of empathy remembering being pregnant!

Marci and the kids checking out the baby chicks.

Josh doing a little milking.... (Why is a barn so noisy? Because all the cows have horns.)

Bunnies are my favorite.

Look at the face on this little one!

I think God was having way too much fun when he designed turkeys!

When we saw these pigs and how they were sleeping, Tenille said that this is exactly what their bed ends up like each morning.

We took a wagon ride and the kids did the ponies.

The day was a success!

This morning Brendalyn, Loretta and I went walking. We did 4 miles! For me that is a milestone. But we are trudging up a hill in a residential area and this man comes walking down the hill in his Sunday suit. Loretta was trying to be cute and perky (she actually IS cute and perky) and she said to him, "That's what we like to see. People all dressed up to do their exercising!" He smiled and said, "I'm on my way to a funeral....."

Oh.......

I love it when my friends say things worse than me!

Well, I'd better get out in the greenhouse and get my herb pots planted. SOOOO EXCITED to play in the dirt!

Note:When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.

Enjoy!!!

Yesterday was so wonderful....just to get out of the house and breath fresh air and have the sun shining and be with friends and start buying plants for spring! It was the best!

But first, I have a post a picture of this little guy. Maybe some of you know Super Dell from the Totally Awesome commercial fame. He's had quite the troubles this past year. He and his family live in our Ward. His wife is a saint, Dell adds drama to any meeting....and I'm in love with their little boy. I've been T.'s Primary teacher for 1 1/2 years. The family actually moved and I wanted to chance to say goodbye to this little guy! He is SOOO darling...and we had MUCH in common....especially our love for the story of "The Three Little Pigs." He was great at all the piggy sounds while I took the part of the wolf. His mom told me a funny. With the kids in the back seats of the car, she called back to them. "Are you hot back there?" to which my little guy replied, "I'm hot and spicy!" And that he is....I'm going to miss him! (sorry my MOUTH is OPEN again....)

Valene, Kathy W. and I went to Highland Farms yesterday. It is located on Lone Peak Parkway by the Timpanogos Temple. Oh my! If you live in the Salt Lake Valley or Utah Valley, you need to go to this nursery. Today. Right now. It was like a breath of heaven. The pots are lush and a great price. They will be gone in a week or two. Definitely you would want to get your pots here by May 1st because nothing will be there after Mother's Day.

Here is one of the pots I bought. It is gorgeous. $39.

Hanging baskets of gorgeous geraniums. Perfect Mother's Day gift....$19.

Do these trailing petunias make you just want to squeal?

These lucious herbs are for my pots. Today I got lemon thyme, basil and chives.

Often when I go to American Fork, I spend a lot of time meandering. Meandering because none of the roads go vertical or horizontal. Brigham would NOT have been happy about the planning of roads. But he would have loved this greenhouse....and the temple....and

this great old mill. It is called "The Star Mill" and maybe was built by one of his contemporaries. It is now an antique shop and we had to stop and browse.

It was a delight to my senses!

Afterward a great lunch with Valene and Kathy, I had some errands, then ran to Quality Flowers on 3300 S. and about 10th East in SL. This is a must for flowers as well. Right NOW IS THE TIME to go and buy geraniums. And THIS is the place!
I got this plant for $8.50. It about fills a large pot! I love the "colorspot" of geraniums....they are excellent for the weather here in Utah....they do stink but the DEER won't eat them! They'll enhance any flower bed. So I plant LOTS!
Then I had a date with Hallee Babe. She got a terrible "owie" the day before yesterday. Parker was pulling her up off of the ground and her arm came out of her elbow socket. This has actually happened before (and not unusual for little children growing.) This time it was actually hours before 3 different Dr.'s tried to manipulate her arm back into joint. Painful, painful hours. Her arm is still sore and we're not sure it is totally back to normal. So I took my MIL and we went and picked up Halle, took her to the store and let her pick out a new Dora movie and sticker book, then went to Marble Slab Creamery in The District for ice cream. She is my chocolate girl

David is in Kansas City for business right now...he flew in yesterday and was able to go to the Kansas Mercy Children's Hospital where our friend's, the Gwilliams, little granddaughter is (with leukemia.) He got to see her and her mommy, Pam (formerly Koch who lived in the Granite South Stake as well)....and said she is an absolutely beautiful little girl. Our prayers are with them.

And, the thought for the day:

For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin--real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.-- Alfred D. Souza