A Passion for Everyday Life

Merciful Monday

2012-02-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when your prayers are answered in a unexpected, beautiful way? Personally, I find the idea rather amazing :) I have been needing to get to the bank for awhile but with recent work changes, the time I get home, sometimes I stop at the gym, etc.... it makes it much harder to get to the bank! Today was a day when I was able to get a ride home with a coworker who is a neighbor of mine-she doesn't often have her car but today she did! And.... she goes to the same bank which she gave me a ride to, sweet and so grateful! My bank account is happier, too :)

Then Kerri came over for dinner-I made chicken noodle soup & Kerri brought rolls and we began to plan our spring trip to Boston. Boston bound-yay!!!! My favorite part of the trip planning? Choosing a restaurant to eat at while we there. We consulted the Guy Fieri, "Diners, Drive In's & Dives" and chose Sam La Grassas- a family business since '68. We watched a youtube clip from the show where they made a pastrami sandwich with special mustard dressing, freshly smoked pastrami and coleslaw. Never been a fan of coleslaw but LOVE pastrami and it looked legendary and delicious!

Finally, wore my new pair of skinny jean leggings today "jeggings" Find the name atrocious but seriously, they are SO comfortable to wear. They have "fit" of jeans to they are slipping or falling down but they are so soft and feel so good on my legs. Seriously, forgot I was wearing them at times today.

Found Friday

2012-02-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

About a month ago, somewhere being get out of my friend's car and walking in the door at work..... I lost one of my gloves,didn't realize it until a couple days later. (Brown, faux-fur lined, matches my coat.... Yep, really liked those gloves!) I generally looked around on the school playground to see if I could find my glove, but nuttin'...... At home, I decided I should keep the other glove-just in case I guess?

But I came to be VERY glad I kept that glove. Last Friday getting back to work after a meeting I stopped by a 7-11 next to the school, got some fruit and some chocolate and then walked along the fence back to the classroom. Along the fence I found my other brown glove-yay! Feelings of happiness and gratitude followed :)

Shouting Saturday

2012-02-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

Had a VERY good Saturday. Got my hair cut & colored by April Judd, stylist extraordinaire. Mom dropped me off so I didnt' have take the bus out there so early in the morning. Loved how my hair turned out and then stopped at Kneaders for a bacon, turkey, avocaod on focacia sandwich while I waited for the bus. The turkey was really moist. Mmmmm........

Then headed to the mall to get some new jeans since I have pretty much been wearing the same 2 pairs since August and they are looking a bit ragged...... Went to my favorite store, Vanity. Got one pair of regular and my first pair ever of "skinny jeans" so that I can now wear boots over my jeans! Yeah, I got to admit, I'm pretty excited about the new fashion possibilities.... :)

Took a quick nap at home and then got ready to to my first NBA game!!!!! My friend Amy Jensen recieved some tickets for her birthday and was kind enough to share them with me. We had planned to go out for dinner that night but then her Grandma surprised her with the tickets so we went to Plan B.

LOVED my first NBA game experience! I felt like it was my birthday, instead of Amy's :) We had dinner at a mexican restaurant in the arena (of course Amy's dinner was on me) and my smothered sweet pork was satisfying until the point at which I simply could not eat any more! My stomach was too full and happy :) More stomach space was available though for some red mango yogurt during halftime! I got my yogurt with strawberries and blueberries. It was so. refeshing. and so. delicious.

Got a free poster of the Jazz which I forgot to take with me after the game-left it under my seat, cheered, yelled, (I do like to yell. Loudly and sometimes a lot). watched the Lakers coach get ejected from the game in the 4th quarter. Watched the Jazz bear interact with the crowd and an awesome bmx stunt bike show during halftime..... and saw when the final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard read.....Jazz 96-Lakers 87!!!

Fake Spike Friday

2012-02-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

Dec 28, 2011. A very important day. BYU bowl game!!!!! vs Tulsa. Some of the family was still in GA, but the Neerings, Broadheads & Litster's joined as at M&D's so the kids could play together, the adults could watch the game and we could all. eat. good food. Dave & Sabrina had a veggie tray, Melanie had a 7 layer dip (and you can never go wrong with that!!!) I blue BYU football shaped tortilla chips and I got some Inca Cola soda from M&D's stash in the garage..... Oh, yeah and I also made a batch of salsa chicken in the crockpot. And there were those who had some/a lot of 7 layer dip with their chips but everyone got plenty to eat! Oh, yeah. I was also a big fan of the "cheese puffs" that Derbs brought.

As a sidenote, Carter decided he wants to be a Ute fan now, not so much because he is passionate about college football, but like as he said to him Mom, "I just think the family needs a UT fan." There was some initial ribbing from his cousins but it all got sorted out with help from Mom's and Dad's......

To sum up the game, BYU beat Tulsa, 24-21. Cody Hoffman scored all 3 touchdowns for the Cougars. There was also a field goal scored. There were memorable plays-like Matt Reynolds making a helmet-less block and leveling a Tulsa defender giving Nelson the time to complete a touchdown pass to Hoffman. Also, when it was 4th & 9 at the end of the game, Nelson kept the ball and made an awesome 14 yard run to keep the Cougar's victory hopes alive.

The game was won in the final 20 seconds with some awesome plays from Riley Nelson QB and Hoffman. BYU lined up like and Tulsa believed that BYU would spike the ball in the final seconds to run time off the clock, get a better play off, etc. A spike was the call from the coaches. But Nelson recalled a Dan Marino play he saw as a kid where Marino did a fake spike and won the game. So Nelson acted like he was going to spike the ball, then brought it up and then a pass to Hoffman in the endzone who had a defender behind him but wasn't heavily guarded because of the supposed spike/end of play. Then all merriment, yelling & cheering exploded. Yep. Awesome.

About a week after the game, when M&D were home from GA and I was visiting them, we were watching a dvr recording of the game highlights. Mom and I both had the same thought,"Ww know what a fake spike is in theory, but how is that a great play to win the game???" So we paused the dvr and moved it forward in slow motion. Dad was kind enough to walk us through step by step. Nelson looking to spike the ball, Hoffman casually jogging into the endzone, Nelson bringing the ball back up, etc. Thanks, Dad! It was memorable :)

Birthdays

2012-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:00

We celebrated some of our January family birthdays at the Neerings over dinner. Mom, Carter, Saige & Ashley all have birthdays within the same week. Yay for birthdays!!! Not too long after I got there I went into Ashley's room to see what she was doing. She was working on a birthday card for "Grandma" (my Mom) I was helping her spell the word, "Excited" and at one point she said to me,"Not so loud! I don't want Grandma to know what we are doing!" Right...... because Grandma could hear the word "excited" and automatically think, "Someone's making a birthday card for me!" Nevertheless, I lowered my voice :)

Dinner was lasagna and garlic bread & a cake with lots of creamy frosting. Mmmmmm...... Then Ashley decided she wanted to have a "program" So with her Mom's help she lined up the kitchen chairs in the living room for an "audience" Carter played a song on the piano and Ashely? Well, once the "stand up there & giggle at the audience" phase she whistled a song beautifully. Love Ashley and her giggles!

Overnight Babysitting

2012-02-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Mike and Deborah chose "cash in" on part of my Christmas gift to them, overnight babysitting! Had a GREAT time with the kids, they were truly, as my Mom would say, "good as gold." It was already decided before dinner that we could watch a netflix movie that night so when I was trying to get Carter and Ashley to help with dinner prep and I used the phrase, "C'mon guys. We're all in this together!!!" Carter said, "I do NOT want to watch High School Musical tonight!" Dinner was taco salads and after cleanup and Saige was in bed, they decided on the Netflix movie, "Phineas and Ferb-the 2nd Dimension." Fine with me! I much prefer that over "Power Rangers" anything.....

Then there was the movie prep. And I do mean prep. Carter popped 2 bags of popcorn and he and Ashley each brought in 2 pillows, 2 blankets and 2 stuffed animals into the room to be comfy while watching the movie. I loved it! It truly made "watching a movie" an "experience."

I tried valiantly to get cute pics of Saige this weekend but I was largely unsuccessful. Now that she is fully mobile it's much more difficult to get pics of her from the front & to get her to pause long enough to "pose and smile" for a picture. Ah, well. The kids all slept through the night and were total rockstars about getting in and getting their jobs done. The next morning we went to Carter's b-ball game @ the rec center. Carter had asked the night before to please not "cheer" for him and say stuff like "Go Carter!!!" because it could be embarassing and I respected his wishes. Just watched the game as a bystander and played with Saige while Ashley colored.

One more thing, not too long after I got to the house, I picked up Ashley for a hug. She didn't say much but was just moving her hands. I thought, "what is going on? Is she entering a mime phase????" Thankfully, Deborah was still there and clued me in that Ashley was trying to sign to me, "You're pretty!" Love those kids. Each of them.

Celebrating in Style!!!! Part 2

2012-02-05T13:28:00.001-08:00

Had New Years Eve Day dinner @ the Morleys. Uncle Russell & Paula were there, along with Nate & Wendee-Brockston & new baby Jamison, Marchelle & Jon, Jake & Al, Maegan & Rocko (the dog). Marchelle & I exchanged gifts she gave me the games scrabble and uno so I can actually have games to play with friends when they come over. So I don't have a repeat of, "Hey, lets play some games! Oh, wait.... I don't have any...." I gave her a gift card for a pregnancy massage. All around it was win-win. And I LOVE visiting Uncle Russell & Aunt Paula's house. I have spent lots of time there since I was young and feel very comfortable there.

For dinner, everyone brought a different kind of pizza-yum! And there was the usual holiday fare-cheese balls & crackers, chips & dips. And it was all. very. good. I also really liked the homemade grape juice mixed with sprite. I think I had 3 or 4 glasses of it :)

After dinner? Telestrations time!!! Telestrations is a game where there are cards with 5 words on them. Someone rolls the dice and everyone draws the corresponding word on a piece of paper. So if you rolled a "2" and mice was the #2 word on your card-you drew a monkey. Well, actually the paper was part of a book-cut sheets of computer paper stapled together. You draw a picture, pass it to the person next to you. They look at your picture, try to guess what it is, right the word/phrase on next page in the book, pass it to the person next to you, who then tries to draw a picture of the word you wrote. And I do mean "try" one of the most fun parts of the game is seeing where the word/pictures end up by the last/10th page of the book. It's all up to artisitc interpretation!!!

For example, on one page there was a bowl of something, with steam rising above it, some mice, and something else... And I put down earmuffs for the picture. Have no idea about the connection! Except that there was hot food and when it's cold you wear earmuffs, right? Earmuffs vs teriyaki rice bowls. Those terms are interchangeable, right??? For "chin" I drew a picture of a face with several arrows pointing to, I thought, the chin. However, Maegan thought I was pointing an Adam's apple which then led to pictures representing Adam, the tree of life, etc. After seeing the last picture, Uncle Russell wrote, "crying boy pear tree" Um, OK. But as he said, "It would make a great Indian name!" Yep, it was one of those games that makes your stomach hurt and you have to remind yourself to take a breath because you are laughing so hard :)

Then, to conclude the evening, we bundled up into coats and headed to the driveway where Jake and Nate set off fireworks. They were awesome to watch but I am not a fan of starting fires/flames, except with an aim & flame, I dont' even like lighting matches.... So I did not volunteer in any way to set off the fireworks.

Celebrating in Style!!! Part 1

2012-02-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

I had a GREAT New Years Eve & Day this year. Here are some highlights.....
-Spent new years Eve with the Neerings clan. As a quick sidenote, for Christmas my parents gave several of the granddaughters velour adidas track suits. Very cute. Ashley esp LOVED hers, she changed it right away and wore it consistently for the next few days. By consistently I mean, sleeping in it and still wearing in the morning. One of these days I babysat Saige while Deborah took Carter & Ashley, each with a friend to Jungle Jim's Playland. Ashley's response when Deborah suggested she change her outfit-"But Mom I'm going to be moving around a lot @ Jungle Jim's and it's the perfect moving around outfit!" It is now dubbed her "moving around outfit" I tell you, Ashley is destined for BIG things in fashion. She even has notebooks where she draws outfits for different occassions. And the first day back to school after the holiday? She wore her moving around outfit and to school in the morning. Anyway......

When I got there, Ashley was NOT wearing her "moving around outfit" but it was laid out on her bed for her to change into later :) Instead, she had picked out matching outfits for her & Saige, jeans & white hooded tops. Adorable. I got to love on Saige and chat with her Mom during dinner prep. So awesome. Carter was also kind of enough to let me borrow his book, "Lightning Thief" the first book in the "Percy Jackson" series.

For dinner, we had bbq chicken, squash, ham, green beans,..... I tell you it was a feast! And have I mentioned how much I like eating ham? I like it a lot :) And candy & flavored popcorn for dessert :) Then when Saige was in bed, it was time for..... games!!!!! We played apples to apples jr, one of my faves. Ashley was very particular about choosing the "right/best" card to put down and took her sweet time, but in kindergarten and reading apples to apples cards.... Impressive! Ashley won a round & Carter won a round.

After that, we watched a Jackie Chan movie via netflix-The Spy Next Door. The kids chose it and was great for an hour, but after the kids were in bed, neither Deborah nor I wanted to finish. Bless Jackie Chan's heart, he has great kung-fu moves but as a general actor..... don't love him so much. Then we still had some time to kill before bed so Derbs was kind enough to let me choose a netflix episode, I ended up choosing up an episode from Numb3rs. Came home feeling very happy & very loved :)

So..... it's been awhile.....

2012-02-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

So.... it's been awhile. For now, let's hit some December highlights :)

-For the family Christmas this year, my Mom added a new twist, a grandkid Christmas recital of sorts! Jake, Addison, Davey, Faris played the piano. Ashley and Ethan played the violin. But my favorite moment? Jake got up to introduce his number-he proudly said, "I'm going to play 2 pieces. 'Dashing Through the Snow' and 'Jingle Bells'" Love it!!!!

-For Christmas this year, Santa brought me a portable speaker-a surprise-yay!!! It's one of those where you can plug in your ipod and broadcast music anywhere. And I may or may not have sponatenously burst into Karaoke song at a party before, so..... it will come in handy! The rest of my recieved gifts? Clothes and shoes. Sweet. And God bless my Mom who accompanied me on two lengthy shopping trips to pick out the clothes and shoes!

-Gifts to family? Tickets to Mom and Dad- for BYU young ambassadors & living legends. For Mike and Derbs-tickets to BYU ballroom (they like to ballroom dance together) and free overnight babysitting

-Mom and Dad spent about a week in GA visiting Angela and family so I got to house sit for them. I ended up sleeping in their large comfortable, kingsize bed each night. I didn't intend to at first... but the first night I slept there because I was alone and I could watch tv from their to help me relax. And then the next night I wasn't feeling great and after that, my own bed just wasn't as appealing! I did however, remake their bed with freshly washed sheets. And that was an act of love because their bed making skills are immaculate and professional!

-While at Costco with Mom, I picked out the dvd "Amazing-BYU basketball 2010-2011. Mom got one as well to give to McKay for Christmas. Then the day after Christmas at a quick trip to Costco.... I got one for me! I just couldn't resist/wait much longer :) AND..... while watching it with the Rawlings clan in GA..... we discovered that Jenson has a cameo in the dvd!!! He's a fan holding up a sign in the Gonzaga NCAA tournament game, holding up a sign that "Superman sleeps in a white jimmer jersey" Yay, Jenson!!!!

-On Christmas eve, M & D and I carried what on I think.... is the 3rd year in a row.... Watching "It's a Wonderful Life" on channel 5. Love that movie! Like, a lot.

-Helped with the folks' 3rd annual Nativity Open House. This year the attendees were those my parents knew from working in the temple.

-sang in 2 Christmas programs this year! My own ward and my Mom's. My ward choir, bless them, only does music by the same composer, consistently and I wanted some variety, and.... I got it!

-Funny story about Cora & Saige. Saige recieved an interactive storybook for Christmas, but it took awhile for her to get into it so Cora took it over for her, carrying it around the room. At one point, she passed by Saige who was just chillin' on the floor, muttered, "Hmph!!!" And held the book that much closer to her chest.

-For my sibling gift I recieved a beautiful dress from Downeast-love the orange/rust/peach color.... and a book.

-Probably more to follow but for now.... YAY for December and Christmas!!!!

Melt Monday

2012-01-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

Today I had lunch with Anne & Mandy. We tried a new restaurant, ...... and I just forgot the name! The..... something...... Grill. I know it ended in grill!!!! It just serves breakfast & lunch but the food was very tasty, and the company even better. We all really liked the fries-big, soft and mealy served with fry sauce and I really liked my tuna melt on rye even if it wasn't really a "melt" There was cheese with it but it wasn't very "melted" Ah, well, it was still delicious.

Then I went with them on a trip to Home Depot. I confess, I really do like the smell inside a Home Depot. There's a combination smell that reminds me of sawdust and plants and tools and...... I just like it :)

Back at home i needed to get some groceries but I really didn't want to go out. Thankfully, Savers is next door to the grocery store so I stopped first to get a couple of childhood books to propel me to get groceries. So that it didn't hit me later in the week, much later in the day that, "Hmmmmmm...... I need some food....."

Catch-up posts to follow but enjoy this tidbit for now :)

Smiles for Today

2011-11-27T18:58:00.001-08:00

-had Thanksgiving leftovers for breakfast (slice of smoked turkey, green bean casserole & stuffed mushroom dip with crackers) MMMMMmmmmm......
-Hair curled nicely
-Sunshine and blue skies!!!!
-got sustained and set apart for my new calling-member of the relief society meeting committee
-Sister Sally Barfuss came and sat next to me in Relief Society
-Didn't have to get out of bed right away when I woke up this morning :)
-Candles and candle warmers

Faux Fur Friday

2011-11-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

I recently came to the conclusion that it was time to get a new winter parka, my old blue one has served me well for nearly 9 years but..... the filling is start to be flat rather than fluffy and there are stains that just do NOT want to come out of the sleeves.....

Friday I left after work and went to Burlington Coat Factory. Mom had a full day was kind enough to join me for an hour or so to help me pick out a good winter parka. I had a little time before Mom got there so I used that time to peruse the clothes (non-coat) section.

I tried on about 5-6 coats. Purple, red and black. I was looking for a coat with down filling, a hood, one that was fitted and preferably a color other than black. At first I was not a fan of the faux fur on the hood but when it became apparent that the warmest coats with hoods came with faux fur.... I changed my mind :) I finally settled on the little red number below. It met all my criteria-fitted, colorful, hood, etc.

After shopping I was able to take Kelsey to dinner to celebrate us making it through a long work week. YAY for Fridays!!!! Initially I was thinking Cheesecake Factory at the mall but when I had a work luncheon at the mall earlier that day, I noticed that it was the grand opening of H & M and Crate & Barrel. There was a looooonnnnngggg line spanning the side of the mall and parking took at least 10 minutes.

So instead we went to Ichiro Buffet. Close to home and we both love Asian food. The buffet did not disappoint-egg rolls, fried tempura vegetables, fried rice, coconut shrimp, sweet & sour chicken. We also had our choice of sushi to share-we chose crab & avocado, shrimp &..... something else that I forgot :) Good times, good food, GREAT company!

Superhero Saturday!!!!

2011-11-06T16:21:00.001-08:00

Me & Grace during intermission, she was my buddy during most of the play. I LOVE having a little child on my lap :)

Tonight was a proud aunt moment- seeing not one but TWO niece/nephew in a school play!!!! In this case it was Bennett (14) and Annie (16). The play was "Calling All Superheroes" The basic plot is that there are 2 villians plotting to take over the world, posing as everyday citizens. The only one can stop them is superhero "Xray" whose day job is a bookstore owner and mother of 3. Bennett played Xray's son and Annie played one of the cops who was trying to arrest Xray-one of the many twists of the plot :) They both did great, played their roles fully and I was so proud of them!

We sat by the Dishman clan and here are some photos of our mingling with them during intermission. Here's Jake showing me his latest scouting award, the Wolf. Yay Jake!!!!

Jake, Jessica, Sam & Allen.

Mom/Grandma with her granddaughter, Jessica and great-grandson, Sam. Don't you LOVE Sam's round cheeks???? I do!!!!

Thick Thursday

2011-11-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

Had a really fun experience tonight (10/27), Halloween Concert with Mom!!! The director of the Salt Lake Symphony also the University of Utah Philharmonia, Mom had an extra ticket and I was eager to go!

The concert was FUN. The hallways on either side of the concert hall were decked out-grave yard with RIP & Here Lies.... type of gravestones. An underwater theme with fish, octopus, etc. And the costumes!!!! The entire orchestra and conductors were in costume. We saw a chicken, Indian chief, pirates, lobster, a ketchup & mustard combo, a gorilla, a princess, seeing all those costumes was half the fun! And I think half of the challenge might have been playing in those costumes or seeing the conductor over the top of someone costume :) Huge points for creativity, though!!!

The theme of the concert was "Music from the Depths" there was a variety of selections including "March to the Scaffold" "Little Mermaid Medely" and "Pirates of the Carribean" There was also an appearance by the U of U Ballet Company. The music did not disappoint, either and all the conductors were in costume and really into the fun spirit of the thing!

After, Mom & I stopped for "thick" (hence the blog title) shakes at Arctic Circle. I rarely get a fruit but tonight a strawberry banana shake was quite satisfying :) Thanks for a fun night, Mom! I love you!

Masquerade Monday

2011-10-30T19:01:00.002-07:00

Jake displaying the "Witches Hand" he made. Sorry, this pic is out of order, I know....

Each Halloween the one event I look forward to the most is..... Family Halloween Party!!!! Mom and Dad always pull out all the stops including food, decor, costume, activities and no two parties are ever the same!!!!

Here's how it all went down.....

Wickman, the Transformer
Mom as a Spider, props to her for the idea, design and creation!!!! Cora, also a spider??? The only shot I could get off the whole night.... Posing for pics was not on her agenda....

Sabrina the Skunk, way to work that tail, Sabrina!!!

Dad as Zorro and Sara the Knight going to battle!!!

And the battle continues!!! Sara the knight and Jake the vampire

Grace as Sleeping Beauty

Jessica and Sam as Princess & the Frog

Carter the Ninja and Faris the Grim Reaper

Me as a Runner, a very comfortable costume, I might add!!!! Holding Saige the Bunny. Funny story about my costume-Deborah asked me about my medal, I casually said, "Oh, it's just because I won the race.... I mean... finished the race!!!!"

Jessica made "Witches Brew" rootbeer with dry ice. Delicious!

Common occurrence of the night-Saige pulling on/trying to eat my headphones :)

Lexi and Ashley enjoying their pizza dinner. Note the pan that's by Lexi on the table, part of her "Tangled" costume. She was Rapunzel, Melanie was the mother, Spencer was Flynn Ryder. Quite a sight!!!!!

More pics of the kids, including Beck as an elephant sans mask, and Ashley as a "witch princess" Classic Ashley costume! Why choose between costumes when you can have 2?!?!
Dad explaining how to play "Pumpkin Bowling"

The "pins" Toilet paper rolls with faces

Beck putting his fingers in the pumpkin bowling ball holes

Lexi frosting/decorating her "ghost" I was a bit slow to pick up on that one.... At first I thought they were white christmas trees!!!!

Davey the army guy in part of his uniform and Allen as the "Zombie Vampire Camper" he had taken off his camping backpack by this point. Love Allen and his creativity!!!!

Carter diligently making his "skeleton" with q-tips cut in half

Bennett helping out in the "Spook Alley" why his head is on the table I don't remember.....

my first time through the spook alley was with Mel, Saige, Ashley, Wick, Beck and Grace. Halfway through Saige started fussing, so Mel took her back to Deborah and I finished the spook alley with Lexi & Wick on one arm.... Grace & Beck on the other arm..... :)

And..... the ever popular "Donut on a String!!!" As my Mom said, "Lexi, Wick, Beck & Ashley thinking this is way too messy!"

Steamroller Saturday

2011-10-30T19:01:00.001-07:00

Went to a BYU game today (10/23) went with Mom. A steamroller BYU victory, 56-3 over Idaho!!!! Mom and I had GREAT seats-we were able to use Uncle Ralph's "chair seat" tickets (thanks!!!) and sat on the 15th rowm midfield. SO awesome!!! We could say the players, huddle, watch the play develop-the handoff, the quarterback scramble to throw, etc. The one downside? The ONLY voices cheering, singing the fight song, dancing, clapping, etc. Mine and Mom's. The rest were more like golf claps. I wanted to say, "Really, people??? Do you know how great these seats are????" But I digress..... We also enjoyed stadium hot dogs, something about hot dogs at a ballgame..... And I got my "rise up" football T-shirt
This is the view you get to see when your eyes are not on the field. Lovely.

That night I celebrated my birthday with some of my friends. Mandy and Anne were coming from church meetings and had the cake and the movie so there was a bit of wait time.... I said, "Well, we could play some games. Wait, I don't have any games here!" Thankfully, Eric C did in his truck, so I taught everyone how to play skipbo.

Towards the end of skipbo we were talking about Eric's job at Dominos Pizza and I said, "Doesn't pizza sound good right now?" Everyone agreed so I ordered pizza spontaneously! Well, actually Lisa ordered it online with her iphone, I paid for it. Thanks for taking care of that, Lisa!

The movie part of the night was watching "Back to the Future III" Last February my friends and I embarked on a conquest for me to watch all three BTTF movies, we watched 2 of the 3 in one night than finished tonight. I have now officially seen all 3 BTTF movies. Awesome. Loved them all. Here's a picutre of the movie playing. We also had crackers, popcorn and red licorice to satisfy our palates until the pizza came :)

Here's those that came (minus Anne & Brian who hadn't made it yet) Lisa, Emily, Amber, Mandy, me, Eric N, Eric C.

Anne & Mandy have recently branched out into a new hobby. Cake decorating! Each cakes design is created specifically for the person/event. This particular cake had a BTTF theme. The "Delorean" the car from the BTTF movies. Complete with details like the cars name, a "31" license plate, wheels (held in place by toothpicks) and lots more. Plus, this fondant actually tasted good!!!! I hear it's because they use a marshmallow fondant. I actually ate fondant off a cake this time around :)

Thanks, Friends!!!! You are the greatest!!!!!!

Thespian Thursday

2011-10-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight, (Oct 19) the folks and I saw "My Fair Lady" at Hale Center Theatre. I admit I was a bit wary about going to see the show.... I had only seen the movie once, and I kept falling asleep during it, waking up to realize, "Oh, they're still singing....." Back to sleep, wake up, "Oh, they're still singing...." But I am happy to admit that I was wrong!

I loved the show! The cast was incredible, they all played their roles so well and REALLY stayed in character. The costumes and scene did not disappoint either. A very happy night!!!! And try as I might to practice, speak with an English accent the only one that came out sounding decent was "Wit' a lil' bit o' luck." I like the song too :)

Memento Monday

2011-10-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

I was spoiled with gifts and love on the big day. Check it out...... A black flower hair clip and card from Derbs :) I gave her an overnight of free babysitting

Mom and Dad gave me a mixer/chopper/blender combo.

The label that was on the gift, carefully wrapped by Dad. I love how Dad always signs cards/notes with hearts.

Kelsey gave me a really thougtful card, mini chocolate fondue pot and a tile, "Your future is as bright as your faith-" President Monson

I also got a collage photo frame from Kerri and a chocolate gift basket from Lisa. Sorry I didn't get pictures of those, but thanks friends!!!!

Molar Monday

2011-10-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

After going to the dentist to get a cap the right side of my mouth was numb. Very numb. Thankfully the numbness wore off in time to enjoy..... birthday cake!!!!! I love Costco cakes. Lots of thick frosting and pudding like filling..... :)We got together to celebrate all the October family birthdays. Jim 15th, me 17th, Deborah 19th, Grace 25th. Here we are gathered around the cake, including Ashley who wanted to join in :) This awesome pic is courtesy of my nephew, Spencer.

Singing happy birthday

Posing with the cake, sans cutting :)

Funny story about this picture of Jake-he was at Deborah's when we stopped by. Mom asked him if he was coming over for cake and ice cream later. We all love Jake to bits and one of his trademarks is that he speaks slowly and deliberately, carefully choosing his words. When I said, "No, he's not coming. He just likes to eat brussel sprouts," he looked at me and said, "That....is....an.....incorrect.....statement!!!"

In between the pedicures, Mom and I stopped by Deborah's. The couple times I've babysat Saige has been asleep and I was in need of some Saige time!!!! I think she might have been a little tired for these pics though..... Still, check out those eyes!!!!

Reaching for Grandma's keys

And..... now eating the keys

Me with Ashley & Saige

Grace, the soon-to-be 4 yr old

Derbs the birthday girl with Allen

Me with my cutest grandnephew Sam. Sadly just after this picture was taken I made him cry:(

He's only 3 months old but weighs close to 17lbs, real cute chunk! So with chunkiness I forgot he doesn't have full head/neck support. So when I walked through the doorway holding him, he leaned his hed back and bumped it on the doorframe. Oops. Sorry, Sam! Pretty sure he forgave me, though! Don't you love his smile????

Some of the partygoers-Lexi, Ashley, Grace

Lexi 3, Ashley & Beck 5, Grace almost 4

Jake 8, Bennett 14, Annie 16, Sara 7. I LOVE being an aunt!!!!!

Cora 20 months. Love those pigtails and blue eyes!!!!

Love being with the family!!!!!

Meal Monday

2011-10-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

For this year's birthday I decided I wanted to eat at home with the folks instead of going out to eat.... And eat well we did! And I think the view from the garden room to the backyard just makes it all taste better :) Between Mom and myself, mainly mom, we ate: chicken enchilada casserole, salad with romaine and pears, steamed asparagus and.... inca cola and chocolate milk to drink. Delicious!!!!

Massage Chair Monday

2011-10-18T19:24:00.001-07:00

As part of October 17th birthday celebration, I went to the dentist to get a cap put on my tooth. For real. However, before you think "Dentist on your birthday???? Whaaaat?!?!" It only took an hour at the dentist and..... it allowed me to take the afternoon off of work :) With a semi-free afternoon I knew there was one thing I wanted to do.... pedicure with my Mom!!!
We had a GREAT time. Kerri introduced me to this particular nail salon and I've loved it ever since. It's cheaper, they do a great job and...... you get to sit in a massage chair!!!! The massage chair is the selling point for me :)

Admiring my newly painted blue nails-blue is a new nail polish color for me :)

A view of my blue nails and my Mom's mauve ones. I had a great time with my Mom!!!!

There was a bonus this time though, visiting with our pedicurists (is that a word??? Whatever.....) One has been in the US for 10 yrs, one for 20. They speak English quite well. One of them has all their family here, the other's family is still in Vietnam. I loved hearing stories about foods from Vietnam, their children, their life story. I LOVE meeting people from around the world.

Swiss Sunday

2011-10-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

Got a real treat today-Dinner @ Jon & Marchelle's!!!! Cousin Maegan and I drove down there together. Here's a pic of the table, pre-food consumption.

I was treated to a Swiss meal!!!! Courtesy of a "raclette" a type of grill. Meat on top for grilling, a tray underneath for melting cheese. Cheese choices for this meal were smoked gouda and swiss! Here's Jon grilling the chicken and bratwurst :)

Here's another view of the cheese :)

There was a VARIETY of tidbits to eat with our melted cheese :) Apples, meat, baked red potatoes, red peppers, onions, cooked vegetables and the most popular..... bruschetta!!!!

Since my birthday was the next day, I was fortunate to recieve gifts as well! Here's Marchelle with gifts I recieved from them- a book, Pres. Uchtdorf's "Happily Ever After" and a quote wall hanging- "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."-bt Walt Disney. She said it reminded her of me :)

After dinner...... GAMES!!!!! I chose Scattergories, a favorite of mine as a child :) A few changes to the game but still pretty much the same. You select a list, 1-16, roll a letter and have a time limit to think of as many items you can that start with that letter and meet the criteria for that list. For example, if the letter was "B" and item #2 on the list was "things you find in a purse" you might choose "brush" but if someone else chose brush.... neither of you get points! You get double points for alliteration-such as "blue brush" Here's Jon, Marce & Maegan

And here's Maegan putting the final layer on the TRIPLE layer brownies! Eating one of those brownies is not just eating a brownie, it's an EXPERIENCE. Seriously. A layer of brownie, raspberry & cream cheese/white chocolate chip frosting. Complemented by a handful of hard candies-my favorite were the butterscotch ones :)

A night of food, friends, fun, visiting, laughing. I felt SO loved the whole night! Thanks to all!!!

PS-another bright spot to the day, getting a birthday card from the Bishop's wife. Being new to the ward, this meant the world to me!!!

Salt Lake Saturday

2011-10-16T14:16:00.003-07:00

Tonight I had the opportunity to go to a Salt Lake Choral Artist's Concert. Another concert with a patriotic theme. A work that was ironically finished/composed, I believe, September 10, 2011. Wow. 13 different movements, each with a unique sound/theme. Peace, family, etc. For each piece there were 2 large projection screens on either side of the stage, with graphics going throughout the music. It really added a lot!

Took a picture with Marchelle and Deborah after the concert-we also got to sit with Uncle Russell & Aunt Paula (Marchelle's parents) during the concert, along with Jon (Marchelle's husband) and his mom. Had nice visits with all of them :)

Post-concert bonus???? Riding home with Derbs! I really do love our post-concert chats :) We rode in "Zippy" the name of their family car :)

Flaming Friday

2011-10-16T14:16:00.001-07:00

Spent a VERY fun weekend in a new place this weekend..... Wyoming!!!! My dear friend Amber Taylor was visiting from Boston for her birthday and I was able to celebrate with her @ her family's home in WyomingKerri, Amber, Me, Ruth

Kerri, Amber, Me & Brian. Kerri, Brian and I all rode up together

Amber and her birthday balloon-courtesy of Kerri :)

Ruth & Amber manning the grill-dinner that night was 5 star-steaks AND chicken!!!

Chillin', OK posin' by the backyard fire/firepit. I figured that weekend was as good as any to bust out my hat and boots!!!

Me, blowing fire!!!! FOR REAL. Here's how it works: you stuff your mouth flour & a bit of powdered sugar. Someone else takes a lit stick from the fire, you blow on it/spit on it with your flour/sugar combo and..... fire!!! Not sure HOW it works, but it does and it's SO awesome!!!! Future in the circus for me, perhaps????

Halloween came early this year!!!!! Me as Mrs. Santa Claus-post fire :)

Amber & Dasia (sp???) displaying Amber's homemade carrot cake. Delightful!!!!

Wyoming Sunrise!!!!!

Kerri & Brian in our "Mountain Man" tent. Cots and loads of blankets and sleeping bags, everybody slept well!!!!

Outside view of the tent

The whole group after a delicious breakfast of pancakes & eggs. We ate QUITE well in Wyoming. When we weren't eating, we were playing Charades, talking by the fire, taking at the kitchen table, etc. I hadn't seen Ruth, Amber or Patti for a while so a chance to catch up was great fun!!! Front row-Taylor (I don't know her last name) & Ella Duke. 2nd row-me, Amber, Kerri. 3rd row-Patti Jake & Brian Lambson

Thumb Thursday

2011-10-16T14:15:00.003-07:00

Today after work, I went to Melanie's to do a mary kay makeover-yay for makeovers!!! Also got to spend time with one of the funnest people I know- Lexi!!!!!
She wanted to play make-up too, so I redirected her by letting her be my photographer for the event. A few pictures captured her thumb, hence the blog title, "Thumb Thursday" but she did get a few good ones!!!

Tinkerbell or Lizzie.....???? One of them anyway!!!

Annie-some of her anyway, making chicken noodle soup for dinner!

Applying eyeshadow

Some sisterly help and love :)

After the makeover, I went with Mel to her ward relief society meeting. Loved it! Met several fun & friendly people who made me feel very welcome :) There were several parts to the evening-first of all, crockpot cook-off! YAY! My favorite item won-creamy chicken. It was shredded chicken in a crockpot in a simple creamy sauce, sounds simple, yes, but my thought as I ate it.... "I didn't know chicken in a crockpot could taste this good!!!!" Then a lady from the shared some crockpot tips and tricks, such as.......

-if you're adding something creamy or seafood, add it at the end

-cook pasta on the stove first until it's about half-less crunchy, then add it.

-if you're doubling or tripling a recipe, do not double or triple the amount of liquid

Then a lady from the ward shared some cleaning tips and tricks, such as

-scrub the shower with a toothbrush

-wash mirrors with dishsoap and a rag

Then..... dessert!!!! In addition to the triple chip cookies i helped with, I loved the mini-cheesecakes. Mmmmmm....... so creamy!!!!!! Speaking of the triple chip cookies..... When I first got to Mel's house there was a mad search for Jeff's phone. It was found, but in the meantime, I got to make cookies! I was thrilled, I havent' made cookies in some time! They were triple chip cookies-with semisweet, peanut butter and butterscotch chips! When I finished the dough, the phone had been found so Annie baked them while I had my makeover

3 Times Tuesday

2011-10-16T14:15:00.001-07:00

Tonight I was at Deborah's (Derbs) house babysitting. I didn't get home from working out with my trainer before Molly the babysitter had to go so when I got there, Saige was asleep in her crib, Carter was watching a movie and Ashley was playing at a neighbors. but I hadn't known which one before I got there so I asked Carter to show me.

Well, I went to the house where I THOUGHT I needed to go but either Carter pointed to the wrong house or I wasn't paying attention..... The first house had a big truck in the driveway, no toys outside, all blinds closed. It didn't LOOK like a child-friendly house but one never knows and I thought that was where Carter told me to go....... I knocked on the door. A very nice lady opened the door, she may have had a cigarette in hand, I don't remember.... She asked who I was looking for and I said, "Ummmm..... I'm trying to pick up a little girl....." Thank goodness she told me to try next door instead of calling the cops! About this strange woman who was "looking for a little girl"

I knew the people at the next house but Ashley wasn't there either. I didn't know the people at the next house.... but Ashley was there! Gave her a piggyback ride across the street home. Love that girl! She even showed me how she could tie shoes now! I had her tie my shoes :)

Then I got to visit with Derbs when she got home about work and life and boys and stuff :) She's always so thoughtful and treats me so well and does things for me when I babysit, as she said, "I'm a professional with children" Slept really well on her couch with possibly the most comfortable blanket EVER. Not kidding.

Mom Monday

2011-10-16T14:14:00.001-07:00

Today I went grocery shopping with Mom. Lots of fun!!! We went to Sunflower Market and Winco. I got some blueberry yogurt covered pretzels for us to share :) Loved being with my mom, loved having a car to carry groceries home in, loved getting good deals on food and being able to come and stock up my fridge and pantry! Thanks, Mom!!!!

Symphony Saturday

2011-10-09T19:01:00.003-07:00

Jan (mom) and Aunt Elizabeth-violinists, sisters, shopping buddies, best friends :)

Tonight was the first Salt Lake Symphony Concert of the season! YAY! It was a patriotic themed concert and did not disappoint. My favorite was the 3rd movement of the New England Triptych- an upbeat, marching-type song that used to be a Christian Hymn. And while I love the BYU campus, the layout, etc. but I admit that I LOVE Libby Gardner Concert Hall at the U. It's light colored wood is absolutely gorgeous.

There was a good showing tonight-Uncle Dave, Dad, Mike & Deborah who where there on a date (I sat next to Deborah and we got each other caught up) Matt and his fiance Annie Marsh. Love her already! And..... Mike showed me how to play "Angry Birds" on his iphone. Angry Birds was even mentioned in a conference talk! And I have to admit.... after a few minutes of playing and learning that pigs were involved (I had no idea before) I totally see the appeal!!!

And after the concert, pictures. Because as I said to Deborah, "Someday we'll be dead...... And we'll want to remember......That Mom and Aunt Elizabeth played in the Salt Lake Symphony!" Aunt Elizabeth is also the concert mistress, fyi.

Me and Mom, post-concert.

Funny Friday

2011-10-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

Tonight friends and I had the opportunity go up to Brian Lambson's family cabin for the night. Thanks for hosting, Brian! For getting there, I was part of "Team Kerri"-the 5 of us rode in Kerri's car. Me, Kerri, Emily, Martha and MaryLynn, with AWESOME snacks provided by MaryLynn for the drive to Heber.

Somehow Brian went ahead and got separated from the rest of the group..... And somehow.... we weren't sure of the cabin number.... And.... it was dark and the cabin had no electricity (no lamps were on yet) so while we could rule out cabins with lights on as "not the one" we didn't know where to find a cabin with no lights..... So there was a group of about 5 cars, taking turns calling and texting till Brian came to rescue us in his car. Thanks, Brian! This was an awesome memory, though! It reminded me of girls camp, waiting in the parking lot till we were all there and it was FINALLY time to go!

How many friends can fit under a blanket???? 4-Gretchen, MaryLynn, Martha & Emily. So while there was no electricity, there WERE battery powered lamps that provided an INCREDIBLE amount of light, and we all had either a cellphone or a flashlight we could take with us to the bathroom :)

Group shot-post dinner, bundled in coats and blankets :) Me, Gretchen, MaryLynn, Martha, Emily, Lisa, Becky. This was after our delicious dinner of pulled pork and rolls, chips, veggie tray, broccoli cheese soup. PLUS, birthday goodies, courtesy of Anne and Mandy. A butterfly cake for Jordan, a lightbulb cake for Eric.

The whole group.... This was just after Brian played his AWESOME slide show, full of pictures from over the last year. So fun to relive past memories with those you know and love :) My favorite ones of me were those where I was wearing my white winter hat with a puffball on top and ties, I could see it from a distance in pictures... "Hey, that's me!" Oh, and we also got caught up wtih lots of friends we don't see every week (they moved, new ward, etc) and quizzed each other on Trivial Pursuit questions. Like, the longest train is NOT in Russia, it's an Australia. Or at least it was when the cards were written :) But it didn't keep me from asking Emily who was reading the car, "Are you SURE it's not in Russia????"

And now.... for the "funny part" so during the drive up there, the time at the cabin
and driving home after midnight..... And you know how the later it is, the funnier you and your friends seem to get???? Here's a couple of my favorites from various times of the night....

Martha:"If the cabin doesn't have a toilet i might be OK with an outhouse..." Emily: "Are you anti-toilet?" Martha:"No, I am definitely pro-toilet!"

Me: Saying something about "Nick Lachey" Emily: (strange look at me) "Did you just say neglige????"

Emily: Telling a story about an MBA student she met through work who called to complain, "My balance is at zero and I paid my tuition in full!!!" Me: "I think MBA might stand for Minimal Brain Activity"

Laughing with friends...... Not many activities more enjoyable than that!!!!!!

Witching Wednesday

2011-10-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the fun experience of going to a Haunted House, nightmare on 13th with my friend Emily and her friend, Wendy. I got all ready to go but when Emily came to pick me up I could not find my ticket. Anywhere. I made several looking sweeps around the apt before finding my ticket..... in the sink. I guess it fell out of my jacket when it was hanging over the sink????

I had a scary moment even before I entered the haunted house! A mummy came up to me, checked my ticket, and motioned for me to follow him, I assumed that there was something wrong with my ticket.... and what was I going to do then? Miss out? No, it turned out we just needed to be in the VIP line. We got a steal on VIP tickets which meant minimal line waiting. Yay!!!!

The first creature that got up in face and yelled, "You stink of fear!!!" scared me but after that, not so much. I'd either wave at the random creatures of give them a thumbs up :) Well, except one time. There was a scary hotel room and a scary guy blocking the door, who would ONLY let me go in the door, not Emily and Wendy, too. Just me. I heard the look on my face was terrified and I completely believe it! Whatever was on the other side of the door I did not want to face it alone!!! But really it was just a model hotel room.

There were parts where there were like punching bags and you had to squeeze your way through-thank goodness I am not claustrophobic! But there were "exit" signs/doors throughout. Whenever someone scary did jump out at me, though, I screamed. Loudly. There was a maze with mirrors that took some time and some wrong turns to figure out. But we did :)

One of my favorite parts were the optical illusion rooms, one had ramps that made it very hard to climb up because of the way that the room looked, not because of how the ramps were built..... There was also a tunnel where you walk on a catwalk, there's strobe lights and you don't know in the catwalk is moving, the tunnel is moving, or if nothing/both are moving. What a fun night I had! The right amount of fun and scariness :)

One of the biggest blessings was going to walmart with Emily while we were waiting for Wendy. I had been meaning to go grocery shopping for several days but just hadn't made it. I had no idea that tonight I would get to go but i did and what a HUGE blessing and tender mercy.
Happy Halloween!!!!

Towering Tuesday

2011-10-04T18:50:00.003-07:00

A very proud and satisfying moment today while working out with my personal trainer, Savanna. Or what Deborah likes to call, "exercise lessons" I like that :) Well, actually I wasn't working out with Savanna today but I practiced what I learned from last time. Jumping onto a 14 inch platform, made out of steps, like steps you use for step aerobics. 7 steps on each side. I had to start out small, though. 3 steps, then 6 steps. Then I added 7 steps and I looked at it and thought about it and didn't budge. It just seemed too high!!!! Too "towering" to quote the blog title

Finally, I was inspired to climb on top and then jump down. The momentum from jumping down allowed me to jump back up, 30 times in a row!!!! I was so excited that I texted Mom to tell her :) I feel so blessed to have a body that works well and allows me to challenge myself....... and succeed :)

Mandy Monday- October 3, 2011

2011-10-04T18:50:00.001-07:00

Today was a LONG day at work, we had 3 new kids and it totally changed the dynamics. So when I got home and got a text from Mandy, did I want to dinner and a movie??? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

We saw the movie Super 8, which was OK, not great, but I actually liked it better the 2nd time because I knew what it was like, I wasn't disappointed. The movie has a creature who collects metal object, is trying to get home, but the plot is sorely underdeveloped. Well, I think so anyway.... The creature is discovered by a group of kids who are making a movie. After the credits roll, the play the completed kids movie, the best part of the show!

Dinner was great, we ate at a new place, Tin Roof Cafe, I don't remember by now, what I ordered but I DO remember the potato wedges. They had a fancy name, like patatas bravas, something like that.... but they were sprinkled with paprika (paprika? really???) and were delicious and fresh take on fries/potato wedges. Daniel came to dinner, too. Thanks, friends for a great night!!!!!

Sprite Sunday

2011-10-02T19:16:00.001-07:00

Had a good night sleep, woke up early and finished reading my book, "Pumpkin Cake Roll," a culinary mystery by Josi Kilpack, big fan of her work :) Had breakfast with Mom and Dad out in the Garden Room and then curled my hair. Tried to take a nap in between sessions but was unsuccessful so instead I joined Mom and Dad in eating a meal of stuffed peppers, which Mom makes quite well! And..... zucchini cake. Frosted zucchini cake, recipe courtesy of Rita Greenwood. I took a couple slices home with me for later....

After conference was concluded and after Mom's Messiah meeting, we took a walk to Uncle Robert and Aunt Brigitte's down the street. We had copies of Grandpa Morley's life history to deliver for Brigitte's kids. And Mom and I thought a walk would be nice. It was but true to Morley family tradition, we were then invited to stay for refreshments. The traditional pineapple sherbet icecream with sprite, a twist on the root beer float, if you will.

We sat down at the picnic table and reminisced about neighbors, family, Grandpa, good times we had in the backyard, particularly in the treehouse. Cousin Chantal was particularly good at coming up with summer fun, like backyard fashion shows :) Fun, relaxing and my favorite part of any activity, unexpected! I love life's little surprises!

Spiritual Saturday--October 1, 2011

2011-10-02T17:05:00.003-07:00

No pictures for this post, my camera was still out of battery from making a movie at Grandpa's on Thursday.

Traditional 3rd or 4th Ableskiver breakfast at Gretchen`s- lots of good stuff! I had my ableskivers (like a cream puff) with nutella. There was also peaches, strawberries and bananas. Banana bread, strudel, ham & bacon. SO good. Rode to/from with Emily and had a great time catching up with her.

All day and throughout the weekend, I LOVED conference, I have never felt so much like the conference messages were for ME. I felt truly strengthened, uplifted and inspired to do and be better :)

The food fun continued-had dinner with Amber Cannon, at Joe's BBQ restaurant. The last couple times I have gotten the chicken platter (I love their chicken!) but tonight I tried something new! Joe's Reuben. I asked the server if the sandwich was named for Joe, she didn't know but thought it was an excellent question! Ironically, Dad and posterity also had dinner @ Joe's after priesthood session and Dad also ordered the Reuben! I guess we have similar tastes in food :) Also great to catch up with Amber, a great friend and fellow teacher :)

Touring Thursday-September 29, 2011

2011-10-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went with Mom to say goodbye to Grandpa Morley's house before the sales closes tomorrow. I took a LOT of pictures, this is just a handful. The things I photographed may not be significant, it's the memories behind them!!!! We took a movie, as well. We had to use both of our camera's mine ran out of battery halfway through filming. After we finished at Grandpa's we stopped at Arctic Circle for milkshakes, like we often did with Grandpa after concerts, etc. He liked that :) My shake was oreo mint. Mmmmmm........

In the "pink" bathroom. I visited Grandpa's house a LOT growing up but i didn't really stay there much until summer of 1998, 1999 when we were visiting from the Philippines and our house was rented out. I was amazed by this bar on the end of the shower, that you really COULD hand things on it in the shower and they would stay dry!!!!

Closet just off the living room-this is where Grandpa kept the board games, picture books and a long, flat box of crayons. This was by far my favorite cupboard as a child!

The sidebar/serving table. We gathered here after every October General Conference priesthood session, the serving table was loaded with ham and potato casseroles. After dinner, pineapple sherbet ice cream cones!!!!

This is the spot for the fridge-when Grandpa put something on the fridge it stayed there for YEARS. Pictures of the grandkids Logan and Garrett, pictures of Errol and Faris on magnets, a quote from Dad from an editorial he wrote for the Deseret News, "show some sensitivity" when covering a story of someone hurt, families grieving, etc. You always knew you were important to Grandpa!!!

The avocado green bathroom just inside the side door, across from the washer/dryer. I remember this bathroom because when I was young I had the HARDEST time turning the faucets to turn off the water! More than once I had to call in an adult to help!

This deck was unveiled on a Father's Day within the last 10 years, built by the neighbor across the street, Antoine Martineau. Grandpa LOVED sitting on his deck and enjoying the weather and his yard. He loved to work in his yard and did a bang-up job of caring for it!

Sister Saturday--Sept 24, 2011

2011-10-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

This year I got to attend Women's Relief Society Conference with 2 delights. (1) Going with my Mom and sister Deborah (2) attending in the Conference Center. The highlight was President Uchtdorf's talk with 5 "Forget Me Nots" Forget Not- be patient with yourself, the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice, be happy now, the "why" of the gospel, that the Lord loves you! I love hearing from him, with his accent I could listen to him talking about ANYTHING, but he seems to have such an innate grasp on the life of a woman. Their thoughts, feelings, concerns, successes, etc. Amazing!!! Waiting for our TRAX train, we rode down with Lila Horrocks, the 8th Ward Relief Society president and a fabulous lady.

Me putting on my makeup while waiting for the TRAX train, I had gone with Kerri on a run that morning and then to the Stake RS breakfast and had left my makeup in her car so..... I borrowed Mom's makeup!

After the conference, Mom, Deborah and I met up with cousins Marchelle and Maegan for dinner @ Jason's Deli @ The Gateway. Places close to the Conference Center had lines out the door so we hopped on TRAX. SO fun to be together with family!!!! We all ate very well! My chicken enchilada soup was too spicy for my liking but I loved Mom's french onion soup. My veggies flatbread was delightful as was the large dill pickle! Other ladies enjoyed the muffaletta and we all shared a slice of strawberry cheesecake. We also downed the pitchers of water-we were parched!!!!

Eating dinner @ Jason's Deli @ Gateway. Restaurants right around the Conference Center had lines going out the door so we hopped on TRAX and rode to gateway. We chatted about family reunion, past and future, family history, ward callings, anything and everything. Love all of these ladies. Lots!!!! We hoped that we could share the baggie of Graham Crackers that Debo had in her purse, but instead she pulled out..... her tv remote :)

Comfy and Cozy on the Trax Train on the way home after dinner, MUCH more space this time around! The first time was standing room only for me and Deborah, at least we got to stand together!

Strawberry Sunday-September 18, 2011

2011-10-02T16:39:00.002-07:00

STRAWBERRY SUNDAY- What makes MY Sunday's happy???? Visits from my nieces Katie and Grace!!!! I love hearing about Katie's freshman college adventures-reliving my memories vicariously through her :) After Grace perused my toys she declared she wanted a snack, the most child friendly snack I had was strawberries, so that's what I gave her :) Love those girls!!!!!

Football and Fan Friday-September 23, 2011

2011-10-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

FOOTBALL AND FAN- Good news-BYU won!!! Defeated UCF 24-17. Even scored some touchdowns this time! Bad news-between being full of in/out burger, heat and lots of people, game nerves in my stomach, I spent the 1st quarter in the bathroom doing well...... you know :)
Good news-got an awesome victory picture and a lot of fun with the fam! One of the highlights of the game was a kickoff return for a touchdown, the first since 1998!

Sad Saturday-September 17, 2011

2011-10-02T16:38:00.002-07:00

SAD SATURDAY- for BYU fans everywhere as they lost to UT, 55-10. We left when there were still 10 minutes in the 4th quarter. But I LOVE this picture so I wanted share it. Faris, Cora, Dad/Grandpa and Wickman walking hand in hand on their way to eat before game. A picture worth sharing!

Theatre Thursday-Sept 15, 2011

2011-10-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

So...... the shoe saga. When I left for work that morning, I THOUGHT I put in appropriate dress shoes to match my outfit for the play that night. But I ACTUALLY put in just one shoe :) And I didn't really want to wear my well-loved sneakers with a knee length skirt :) Next option? Borrow Mom's shoes. Which, as evidenced by the pictures, were clearly too big. 2 sizes too big. But I made it work the best I could until..... We stopped at Kmart on our way to to the Broadhead's for Lexi's birthday, on our way to the play. Thankfully it only took about 5 minutes to find a pair of shoes that I liked with a price I liked even more! Then I had time to help Mom pick out Lexi's gift, a pink apron and hot pad set. Adorable.

Lexi in her new "tangled" costume-dress AND hair handmade, by talented mother Melanie. Lexi was THRILLED when she opened up the gift, she said, "It's my new Rapunzel hair!!!" Lexi loves 'Tangled" and can quote long sections of the movie when she feels so inclined. She even added her own lines for the scene where "Eugene" goes off in the boat, with Rapunzel watching. Lexi either says, "Eugene! Come back! I need a boat!!!" OR "Eugene! Come back! I WUV you!" Conveniently, the kitchen oven mitt and apron set matched perfectly with new kitchen set, that big brother Spencer put together for her :) And the funfetti cake with vanilla frosting was delightful.

Then it was on to a show at Hale Center Theatre, a GREAT show, J0seph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Upbeat, fast moving, with awesome dancing and costumes. It's become habit that "I" recognize people when the folks and I go to plays at HTC. Former stake president and wife, Ripley's who were in our branch in the Philippines, to name a couple. Tonight it was another Philippines connection. President Val R. Christensen and wife. He was in the area presidency when we lived in the Philippines during my senior year. I felt very lifted up because he said he was "especially glad to see that I was doing well" and I was there with my Mom and Dad!

During my senior year of high school, we had several discussions about choosing a college, he was a former VP at USU, an accomplished man with a very kind heart. He said that Snow was a great choice because typically when students transferred from Snow to USU, their gpa didn't drop, compared to other transfers. It was fun to tell him about how I had not only gone to Snow, but a BS from BYU and a MEd from the U. Good times :)

Then after the show, more visiting, with Grant and Sharla Pullan, former stake president in a neighboring stake and their kids grew up together, dated together with my siblings. We all just stood on the sidewalk about the theatre, boys talked and the girls talked. About anything. Very fun. But we did visit for a long time.... See the picture below? TWO cars left in the parking lot. Nice.

Memorial Monday-September 12, 2011

2011-10-02T16:37:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with Mom and Dad and the Broadhead's for a school fundraiser. Delicious food! We had Lexi at our table for part of the time, love that girl! I love how even before she's within arm's length she's already chatting away a mile a minute :)

After dinner we stopped by the 9/11 Memorial Field, over by Sandy City Hall. I believe it was one of the first 3 fields in the country of it's kind, where each victim of that day is represented by a flag. The rows are also identified by flight #'s-11, 93, etc. Absolutely beautiful site/sight!!!!

Thanks to all those who gave and still give their lives to preserve the freedom in this great country of United States of America!!!!

Dear Grandpa

2011-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Grandpa,

Hi :) I recently started attending what was your home ward for many years because I will soon be to old for the singles ward :) I never intended to be single attending a family ward but while there were moments of tears, anxiety, etc when time came, it just seemed like a natural next step to take. A big reason why I felt at peace is because of YOU.

The last time I was in the church building was at your funeral 2 years ago, I remember that lots of people from the ward were there to pay their respects to you. I heard many kind words, smiles and tributes directed towards you. I remember at the Morley family reunion just weeks after your passing we shared our favorite memories of you. I remember Christopher was asked by someone for some legal advice. This person had never met him before, but "because he was Bob Morley's grandson, that was good enough for him."

That's a a big part of why I wasn't afraid to go to a new ward. Besides the fact that the gospel is true everywhere you go, carrying the Morley name helped me to stand tall. I figured that because you were so well loved and respected there that if I was connected to you people would welcome and accept me as well, (still being my own person, of course :)).

I like attending church in a ward where you were so faithful as a home teacher. Where you sat in the chapel and worshipped without fail, Sunday in and Sunday out. It makes me feel close to you to be in a place where you have such a presence. I like to think you'd be proud of me for choices that I've made in my life and where my life is going.

Right now the ward is requesting volunteers to help with the reading program at the elementary school. You used to tell us stories about your volunteering there. In fact, the brother who was conducting said, "Bob Morley who was a member of this ward for many, many years volunteered with this program even into his 90's." I smiled with pride and thought, "That's my Grandpa." Thinking about you and other ancestors esp on this 9/11 day.

I love you, I miss you but because of the Restored Gospel and eternal families, I do not fear but look forward to the time when we can all be together again.

Love,

Heather

Sibling and Saige Saturday

2011-09-11T17:22:00.001-07:00

I have a thing for babies in footie jammies.... Esp those that are pink-striped and say "Rock Me to Sleep :)"
How Saige (and the rest of us felt) towards the end of the BYU-UT game.....

Check out the BLUE eyes!!! Love!!!! Even when she wakes up from a nap, she smiles!!! Self-portrait attempt #1Self-portrait attempt #2

Open mouth, insert toy

Hey!!!!! Are you taking my picture?!?!?!

OK-I'll smile big for you anyway!!!!

Fair Friday

2011-09-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Friday night I had the chance to go to the UT state fair with my friend Tiffany. Good times. Very good times.......

Did YOU know that seals traveled to state fairs???? I didn't.... There were also kangaroos but I didnt' get their pictures....

Who says that vegetables are just for eating????

And..... an 876 lb pumpkin. WOW. How does one get that to the state fair without your car or trailer sinking down to the ground????

I liked this because the farm is named "fun size" and I like that. It makes me think of mini-candy bars :)

Sheep are very cute but they're also kind of stinky :) We also saw pigs-round and pink with curly tails, goats who bleated (I thought the sounds were cute) and chickens.

Me with my "elephant ear" I don't know that it's any different from a large scone but still.... it's different!!! And extra tasty topped with whipped cream and strawberries :) And a closer look..... it's a black and white photo (obviously) of bead dropped on a tablecloth but isn't it gorgeous?!?! My friend Emily also entered 2 prizewinners!!!!

Tiffany by her award-winning photo..... 2nd place!!!!

Tasty Thursday

2011-09-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had dinner at Red Robin with Kelsey and our friend Elise. Love the menu at Red Robin! Lots of good things to choose from but when I saw that a burger had "onion strings" (chopped up onion rings) I knew THAT was the burger for me! It also had bacon and bleu cheese, but don't worry, I got a multi-grain bun :) What a fun night with food and friends!!!!

Working Wednesday

2011-09-05T20:02:00.001-07:00

Tonight I went to "work"-hulling strawberries!!! You can see the huller on the left side of the picture-green top with silver bottom. A month ago my mom gave each of her daughters (daughter in law included) a strawberry huller.

It is quite a nifty device! Takes all the work out of getting the top off-without getting TOO much off the top. Push down on the green button, insert, close, twist and you have yourself a hulled strawberry! Once that was done I put them in food dehydrator-one of the best used Christmas gifts I have EVER recieved :)

Thanks, Mom!!!!

Tilapia Thursday

2011-09-05T16:58:00.001-07:00

I love any occasion to get together with my friends and this was no exception! Amber Cannon was visiting from Austin so we got together to celebrate seeing her!!!! I love how Amber makes you feel, how she treats other people and she's just plain fun!!! :) In front-me, Daniel. 2nd row-Cassie, Anne, Jessica, Mandy, Eric. 3rd row-Brian, Josh, Nathan.

Most of us got strawberry virgin margaritas-very delicious! And I also enjoyed my tilapia and shrimp platter.

Then it was back to Anne and Mandy's to play "Buzzword" It was my first time playing that game but I'm already hooked!!! We had 2 teams-Couch Potatoes (those sitting on the couches) and Humber Floor Friends, those who were sitting on the floor. We took turns having a "buzzword" and guessing the name, word, phrase, that came with it. For example, "park" clue being "spiderman" peter PARKer. Or "wheel" "no need to change what has been around since the beginning of time"-"don't reinvent the wheel"

Motor Monday

2011-08-30T20:47:00.001-07:00

Another full and rewarding day with 3 highlights: Ashley's first day of kindergarten, sorting files/papers with Derber and visiting the dept of MOTOR vehicles to renew my Drivers License :)

I was thrilled to get a chance to wish Ash well on her big day. She even made sure to give me a hug before she left. Sweet. Dressed in the outfit she'd had picked out for 2 weeks, (yep, she's related to me, all right!) Mom had some PTA stuff to do at school after dropping her off so I got to stay with Saige, the budding piano prodigy :)

Derber is an organizing mastermind! Seriously. I had stuff filed, but the files were FULL, not all of stuff I still needed. She helped me sort through 4 types of bills (utilities, power, etc) and pay stubs for the past 2-3 years. Totally added up :) Shredding all of it took me over an hour! She's also good at understanding the "logic" behind saving and tossing. In my case, it's "what if I need this paper some day???" Saige was happy to gnaw on old envelopes while her Mom and I worked :)

Then it was onto the DMV-not my favorite place to go, I'll admit. The lines, tests, etc. I was determined to go in and get out so I triple checked to make sure I had all the documentation I needed, my form was filled out correctly, etc. And there's the eye test.... Sometimes my eyes don't work perfectly "together" and so I tend to have anxiety about passing/failing the eye test. Today I readjusted the machine 4 times so I could see all 3 parts of the eye chart line, but..... I passed!!! Then I had to retake my new picture 3 times because I kept closing my eyes. Of course!

Toy Tuesday

2011-08-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today I got to spend the day with Grace, as we affectionately refer to her (Princess Grace, Queen of the World, etc) LOVE this girl! We had fun eating gummi bears, swimming, reading books, eating lunch at Arctic Circle and playing on the playground there, watching Disney Channel and going to Savers where I bought her a couple of books. Because I'm the aunt and I can :)

Explanation of pictures: Grace with towel, "Look I'm an angel!" and Grace "swimming" with arms in motion. A picture of her with a book on her head because she said, "Take a picture of me with a book on my head!" OK :)

Some funny things she said: Reading an ABC book and seeing pictures of "daffodil/D" and "pansy/P" And her saying, that's not a Daffodil/Pansy! It's a FLOWER!!!" And a quilt was a "blanket." While at Arctic Circle she busied herself playing with the toy steering wheel and she told me, "This boat is going to Las Vegas. But you can't go. Only little people can go to Las Vegas." Love you, Grace!!!!

Single Sunday

2011-08-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Today marked a significant day for me. My last day in a singles ward! Ever since I got back from Taiwan 4 yrs ago I have been attending the singles ward. Technically I don't turn 31 till mid-October but with a new school year, it just seemed like a good time to make a change, rather than waiting for 6-7 more weeks.

It was a day full of such sweet memories, that I could not have anticipated. I didn't tell many people I was leaving, I didn't want a fuss. The only person I deliberately told was the bishop. When I got to church though, the other members of the bishopric asked me if the "rumors were true" Yep. I did make it a point to say goodbye to the bishop's wife after RS though, we've had a lot of talks, visits and they've had dinner with me and my parents in preparation for their son's mission in the Philippines. Very positive relationships for which I am grateful!

However, I made the bishop's wife cry so when I caught the bishop between Sunday School and Sacrament Mtg I said something along the lines of, "Bishop-I made your wife cry but I didn't mean to! Sorry!"

At some point I was hoping to have a chance to share my thoughts, etc with my ward members and I think praying for such an opportunity. So I had a few thoughts in the back of my mind when the bishop said, "We don't do this very often, we should, but Heather's been in this ward longer than I have. (true) Would you like to bear your testimony?" Of course I did!

That morning I told Kelsey I didnt' think I'd cry, I felt at peace, ready to move on, etc. Yeah, I totally lied about the crying part! There was speaker and a congregational hymn (that I was leading) before it was my turn to speak and I was gulping and blinking back tears. NOT because I was sad to go, afraid to change, etc. but just because my heart felt SO full! Memories of kind words from ward members, friends, visiting teaching, callings, ward activities, fun, laughs, love, etc. Hence why the first thing I said when I got up to the pulpit "I don't that I've ever cried at this pulpit (I usually smile brightly) before but today could be the exception." The tears only lasted for about 30 seconds though......

While bearing testimony to the trutfulness of the gospel I talked about a favorite scripture, D&C 58:3-4. "You cannot behold with your natural eyes all the blessings.....which shall follow after tribulation." (condensed version) The point was not that changing wards is a tribulation but that it is a change and change is OK! I also wanted to share that I did have fears, concerns, etc about this new phase in the past, so for those who had similar feelings, it is/was OK! It's part of being human. I talked about while i have a great life it is SO not what I planned on, but it's OK and I'm "embracing" this new phase because we can put our faith and trust in God and have joy.

Being able to share these thoughts/feelings with others, including some of my dearest friends was such a tremendous opportunity and blessing!!! And all the kind words after, feelings, etc. really made me think that perhaps I done good in the ward, helped someone, made them smile, let them know I cared, served faithfully, etc. And in return, I felt SO loved. Unlike anything I have experienced before.

Exiting with a full heart while embracing the future!!!!

Sunrise Saturday

2011-08-30T19:09:00.001-07:00

This past Friday and Saturday I had the opportunity to hike Mt Timp with Kerri and Olivia. It was mine and Kerri's 2nd time, Olivia's first. However.... it was the first time for all of us to do it in the middle of the night! It was a true adventure but one I am SO glad I didn't miss.

A 14 mile hike has its own challenges, but for me, the biggest challenges was the large patches of snow! Yes, snow, At the end of August. I slipped and fell on my bottom in the snow. 4 times, actually. So we took pictures, at my encouragment.

The views were fantastic. The waterfalls, the wildflower fields (see below) crammed with color. An unobstructed view of the sunrise. The sky changing colors so fast that you didn't want to look away for too long for fear of missing it! I brought first aid supplies and Kerri and Olivia totally rocked with the snacks!!! Homemade trail mix, apple slices, jerky, gummy bears, fiber one bars- thanks friends!!!! I brought the first aid supplies which thankfully we didn't need :)

Here I am setting out, around 11:30 pm on Friday. With my water backpack (that was leaking but Kerri found the leak and fixed it, many thanks), headlamp, sweatshirt. Water backpack and headlamp were birthday and Christmas gifts from Kerri, respectively.

Enjoy the other pics of the wildflower fields, views, sunrise, Olivia and Kerri, hardcore hikers, and the "take that timp!" pistol picture.

New #2

2011-08-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Keeping in line with my latest goal.... (see previous post) Here are my latest "new"s

-climb Mt Timp in the night to see the sunrise. Awesome! This may very well be a one-time experience but I'm SO glad I had it!

-going to see a play with my friend Amy Jensen, put on by Westminster. It was called "Making Waves" and it was all about vignettes of real life teaching stories. More about this play later but I came home refreshed, renewed and proud to be a teacher! Just in time for the new school year to start......

Try it on Thursday

2011-08-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, last night I gave some clothes to Derber to see if she wanted them. Some shirts, a couple of dresses. It is a well known fact that Ashley LOVES clothes. Any kind of clothes, any style, anytime. She loves to try on clothes whether it's Saige's baby clothes (yes, she really can get them on!) on grown-up clothes.

As we left the house last night, I joked to my Mom, "Who will be the first to try on the clothes? Derber or Ashley?" Well, I got a call mid-morning from Derber-guess who was trying on the clothes?!?! Not her!!!! Though my clothes were recieved appropriately with oohs and aahs...... :)
Love you, Ash!!!!

Tonight I stayed at my parents house, took a nap (a day of training at work had wore me out) then woke up and took a walk with my Mom. Funny, she didn't do anything to wake me up, she was standing in front of my bed trying to decide how to wake me (so I didnt' sleep too long and be up all night) when I sensed soemeone was there and opened my eyes.....

Anyway-then we went for a walk, went past Derber's again, shared some chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Yep, food is a big part of my everyday life. I like the memories it creates!

Windy Wednesday

2011-08-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Tonight I had the chance to go with my Mom to her ward's Relief Society Summer potluck. I jump at any chance to with her to her Relief Society activities. A lot of the ladies still there have known me since I was born and so I feel very much at "home" there. And it was held in my Aunt Paula/Uncle Russell's backyard, a place I feel very much at home, anyway!

Back to the wind, it was windy and drizzling so much that it looked like it was going to be called off but the sun pulled through just in time.....

Could not even come close to picking a favorite potluck item-but the smell when I entered the backyard....... AMAZING. I remember there was some sort of a tuna salad that was very tasty (I'm always impressed when someone can make tuna "tasty") Mom's striped "heirloom" tomatoes created quite a buzz, seeing tomatoes like that! We sat at the table with among other people a faithful Presbytirian who came with her neighbor! She was as delightful as they come and I was in awe of the Mormon neighbor that brought her and took such good care of her. Anytime anyone passed by she would say, "Have you met so and so, yet???"

After the potluck Mom and I went to the library-I'm trying to expand my "mind" and read all kinds of books, "good books" that make me think, but I did get one of my standby favorites, "culinary mystery" That and historical fiction are my favorites.

Then we stopped by Deborah (derber)'s house so I could give her some clothes I cleaned out from my closet, to see if she wanted them. When we approached the house-the car was there, lights were on inside, but no answer..... So after a couple of minutes of knocking and then wantint to make sure she was OK, we let ourselves in. The door was unlocked, it's not like we have a lock-picking kit or anything.... :) She was there just putting Ashley to bed. We visited it was fun, I went to bed happy. Glad to have been able to spend so much time with the one's I love :)

Tomato Tuesday

2011-08-24T10:30:00.001-07:00

Today I had the chance to babysit Ashley before she starts kindergarten next week! Saige was there, too but she slept most of the time :) I LOVE how she wakes up happy, though! Ash and I had a lot of fun together-being silly. She took my headband and pretended it was a "sleeping mask" (see picture below) then she used my camera to take pictures of me being silly. Like pretending to be "Frankenstein" We also played a game of her putting her foot up to my face and I would pretend to pass out :)

We also played "doggie dice" Kinda like bingo, canine style. And Ash was telling me to "read the constructions" Instructions. Finally, my favorite conversation of the day! From Carter and 2 of his friends right after school.
Friend 1 to Friend 2: "You really gotta find someone."
Me: "Like a girl???"
Carter: Yeah!
Friend 1: "I found mine in 2 days!"
4th grade boys-LOVE it!

Today I also enjoyed "spoils" from my parents garden! Many thanks to them :) I ended up with cucumbers, zuchinni, eggplants and several varieties of tomatoes. There is something special about these tomatoes- they are "heirloom" tomatoes. Tomatoes that have not been "cross-bred" to be perfectly round and red. These come in different colors like yellow, black, mauve-ish red, stripes. Some much more bumpy than round. They have names like "black crim" and "black cherry" " antique" Mmmmmm..... BIG fan of them.

Yesterday, I decided to tackle cleaning and organizing my closet. Once that was done, about 8:30-ish, I decided that it would be a good time rearrange my bedroom furniture! LIke i said to Kelsey, "This might not be the best time to do it but I'm not always good at talking myself out of doing stuff....." And I have several pieces of large, heavy furniture that I inherited from my Grandpa Morley (a rolltop desk, a large vanity with a 3x4 ft mirror, dresser, etc) The desk was the hardest to move, but it was the only that got moved once! I kept moving the other pieces around. I would take the drawers out so they would be easier to move, than I'd move it, put the drawers back in and decide it wouldn't work there. Drawers: back out.

Once it was done though, 90 minutes later, I was thrilled with the results!!! I especially like having the dresser in my closet. All my shoes, clothes, jewelery, hamper, right there in one "zone"

Minty Monday

2011-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Monday was a VERY fun day. Well, it was fun after the all day back-to-school training meetings.....
First, Kerri and I had dinner with our dear friend Crystal. We haven't been together in months so there was a lot of catching up to do, and we had a great time doing it! Chattting about anything and everything :) Over dinner at Chili's with chips and salsa and I also ordered an bacaon avocado burger. The burger itself was delicious but the bun was so soggy so fast that I ended up just separation the burger from the buns and eating it with my knife and fork.

Then it was on to celebrating Emily's Birthday!!!! We all love her a lot :) Me, Kerri, Brian, Anne, Mandy & Emily met at Frogurt. After sampling the yogurt it was time self-serve. It was one of those places where you choose all your own yogurts and toppings and then you pay according to weight. I like to load mine up and this was no exception! 4 kinds of yogurt and 10-12 toppings.

As far as I can remember.... starlight mint (hence the blog title), peanut butter (my fav), white chocolate macedamia, and coconut yogurt. Toppings: choc. sprinkles, chopped walnuts, blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, crushed oreos, etc. Why choose when I don't have to?!?!

After we finished our yogurt we stayed and just chatted for another hour. I remember thinking, "This is the epitome of being a single young adult, "laughing, talking with good friends, having fun not necessarily because of what you're doing , but esp because of who you are doing it with." Brian had the great idea to go around in a circle and share what we loved about Emily. I said she was the "loyal-est."

We also took some pictures- an "all for one/hand's in" (self/group-portrait credits go to Kerri) and a "Cheers!" picture. Good times.

My Latest Goal.......

2011-08-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been wanting to avoid a slump, develop new skills, talents, challenge myself, etc. This is what I came up with........

Every week to have a "new experience"- for example try a new recipe, run 1/2 mile farther, create something new. To guide my motivation, I will post on the blog every Sunday about that weeks "new experience" Feel free to check it out!!!!

This week..... Making chilled cucumber soup!!!! Recipe courtesy of my Mom :)

One of Life's Greatest Blessings........

2011-08-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

Still working on the best way to upload pics to blogger.... bear with me people :) Anyway, for me one of life's greatest blessings is being an aunt!!! 30 times over. We recently had a very fun family weekend with Jess' baby shower, Jake's baptism, Allen being ordained a deacon and Samuel's baby blessing.

There are pics of Jess & Grace playing, big sister to little sister, both my nieces :) Frosting-face Grace, she tried to pass off a cupcake to sister Katie, who quickly discovered that Grace had already licked the frosting......

Kids and pizza: while the Mom's were prepping food and decor for the shower, I got to play with the kids! We went swimming in the pool at my apt complex and then I ordered 5 Buck pizza. SO fun!!!!

Me and Grace reading-she LOVES books and asked me that day if she could borrow a book to take home. I said "sure" Then she tried to convince me and brother Beck that HE wanted a book, too, until Beck said, "I.....Don't'....... Want a Book!!!!!" Seriously though, isn't that picture priceless????

Girls playing dress up. Earlier Ashley had been wearing a blue apron and she came up to me and said "I'm a Mermaid!" Followed by a whisper, "But I'm just pretending...." Thanks for the clarification, Ash!"

Me and several of the kids together... LOVE the picture, LOVE them!!!! For documentation sake: Ashley, Carter, Johnathon, Madeline, Lauren, Saige, Emma :)

Whitney and Wednesday

2011-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, after the Morley family reunion Erin and baby Maria stayed in town a few extra days. Erin and I are only 6 days apart, she's older, and our Mom's are very close so they had the great idea that we should go to lunch together! Yes! Our Mom's were even nice enough to treat their daughters to lunch :)

Pictures are pretty self-explanatory, my Mom, Jan & Aunt Elizabeth, Erin & Maria, me, Erin and Whitney.

Funny story about the Whitney picture though, the lense on my camera had gotten stuck earlier and wouldn't open. My Mom got it fixed and then we decided to do a trial picture. Whitney had just gotten there so as passed by I said, "Whitney! Come smile with me!!!" Doesn't she photograph well????

We ate at Paradise Bakery-it's been so long now I don't remember what I ate but I DO know it was delicious! What a fun lunch we had!

Wwwwww....... Wednesday

2011-07-31T21:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was babysitting night! Mom and Dad went down to Panguitch/Cedar City to rescue the repaired van that got stuck there on the way to the family reunion :)

Sara wanted to make peanut playdough so I willingly obliged :) Sara got out all the ingredients, helped me mix and measure. Lexi helped by dumping out the box of cookie cutters on the table. She'd pick up a cutter and ask me, "What's this???" Repeat many times! Cute, though :)

Food Friday

2011-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Fun with Friends!!!! Dinner and a movie :)
We had an hour to kill in between dinner and the movie and I needed to buy some cotton balls so we stopped at Walgreens. I got cotton balls, Anne and Cassie got hats, Anne & Mandy got movie treats which fit very nicely as contraband in my purse :)

Friday night: Dinner at Red Robin and then Rio at the Dollar Movie. Of course, Red Robin is famous for it's burgers and they are delicious but...... I couldn't resist the mac & cheese!!! The picture alone had me sold....... :)

Stupid Human Tricks Saturday

2011-07-31T21:38:00.000-07:00

Two main events from Saturday: Wickman family reunion (from the Grandma Lyle Wickman Litster line) and the Ward BBQ. My niece Cora was in attendance at the reunion. Elder Lance Wickman, my 1st cousin once removed was also in attendance. And I have a nephew named Wickman. He was thrilled to meet someone with his same name and was consistently waving at him, calling out to him. SO sweet!!!!

At the BBQ is where we started discussing "stupid human tricks" and one of the girls there said she could touch her tounge to her nose. So..... of course I had to try, too!

Special Sunday!!!!!

2011-07-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Visitors!!!! Jess & Sam (proud Mother and baby) "So much strong" Grace, and Aunt Katie (going off to college soon!!! We all had SO much fun together-eating Katie's cookies and chocolate covered raisins, loving on Sam, Grace tickling everyone. Saying "I'm not ticklish" but then laughing hysterically, Grace tickling Katie but when Katie had a straight face she said, "LAUGH, Katie!!!"

More Reunion.....

2011-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

So I may or may not be able to sing 95% of the Saturday's Warrior soundtrack. I may or may not, with the help of cousin Aimee, sing this soundtrack late at night for cousin Whitney, which may or may not have scared her..... :) Which explains why when Debo announced the song for the Litster family skit was, "I Am My Own Grandpa" Whitney asked, "Is that a Saturday's Warrior Song, too????"

The Joe Morley family skit: retelling of the "Wide Mouthed Frog" Those little boys in costumes???? Adorable!

The Elizabeth Morley Palmer family to the tune of "Thank You for the Music" sang "Thank You for the Bunions" reminiscent of Morley Family feet problems.... Catchy tune and VERY clever lyrics!!!!

Bob Morley Family to the tune of "Blue Danube" Jan talks on the phone, Bob mows his laws at 10pm, Susan feeds her cats, Joe bought a trike, Elizabeth loves her decor (thanks Brent!) Russell bites his nails.

The hike to a waterfall. Such a fun time to visit with family members on the hike! Mom and Dad even went on the hike!

Chillin in the hot tub and going down the water slide into the pool.... the best way to enter a pool in my opinion.....!!!

Watching "Oliver" and "As Time Goes By" (musical and British comedy late at night)

Holding Saige as my "shield"

Watching the little kids play with dirt and paper cups, all they needed to be content!

Going for a 2+ mile with brother Dave at night. The view was INCREDIBLE. A sky full of stars.... I just kept saying "Wow, wow, wow." And as I said, "Who'd have ever thought we'd be going for run together or that we'd enjoy so much being together?!?!" Faris and Davey joined us for a 1/2 mile and then they had it.....

Good times.... VERY good times..... :)

Family Reunion Reminiscing......

2011-07-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

Recently returned from the Morley family reunion at the Ponderosa Resort near Zions-here are some highlights........
Funny things that were said:

Me helping my nephew put his shoes on. Later his Mom said to him, "Oh, your shoes are on backward. Did you put them on yourself?" Me: "No, actually I helped him." Oops.

The kids each got a "treat bag" from Uncle Bob & Aunt Brigitte with items like sunglasses, mini slide puzzles, treats, etc. Not all the bags at oreos and at lunch Wick was feeling bad becaues he didn't have any. My sister was trying to encourage the kids to each give him one of their oreos. Ethan did give him one, than Ashley, etc until all 5 kids at the table had shared. THEN, they ranked their ability to share. "Well, you gave him a cookie first, so you're in first place. You didn't give him one until the end so you're in last place." Nice.

Waiting to go on the zipline. Wickman said, "I'm going third! What's third???"

Brockston and "smarshmallows" Cute.

Ashley and Sydney spent a "my little pony" night with cousin Adrienne watching the movies, coloring pictures, etc. On the ride back to their own family cabins, "Wouldn't it be great if we were Adrienne's little sisters and and then we could have my little pony parties every NIGHT?!?! Followed by a big sigh and smile.

Playing mad libs for a skit-"occupation" someone suggested "fireman" cousin rob is a fireman, the comment followed, "That's not a real job!!!" All in good fun.

Helping Ashley pack up her stuff to go home. There was a pile of clothes and my job was to put the dirty clothes in a bag. But how did she phrase it;"everything you have seen me wear here, put it in this bag."

The Food:

Mel's baked scones, David's sausage, Adam's scotcheroos, Mom's hawaiian haystacks and boiled raisin cookies. Hoagies from Debo- mine so full and fat I couldn't close it up to put it in a bag for later! Had to eat it on the spot.

Helping Debo make the salad for her dressing-the salad dressing had been left at home so we were scouring the kitchen at the cabin for substititue ingredients. A nearly full bottle of red wine vinegar but sugar????? Not so much. Eventully Debo had the idea to open the sugar packets that were in the "coffee packets" I opened up all 8 packets, measured out barely 1/8 cup, just what we needed!

Snacks for the trip-licorice, animal crackers, pita chips. Good and plentys-that Mom spilled in the between the seats of the car. Haha :) Fruit snacks and gum from Uncle Russell...... Really is any road trip complete with red licorice????

Celebrating Annie's 16th birthday with a big chocolate cake. Happy Birthday Annie! Love you!

Conversations (I think these make any family reunion!)

Late night visit with Debo

Nicole-quilting

Chantal-crocheting and her Abbey Cove shop

Kristen and dirtbike racing with the boys

Catching up wtih marchelle

Maegan and her job at Western Gardens

Aimee and Chandler Children's choir

Talking with Ashley as she tried to convince me that "Uni/Gusti" her pink pillow pet was a pillow, NOT a living creature!!!!

Erin and upcoming concerts

Talking wtih anyone about Grandpa's life history

And many more.......

Miscellaneous

The boys were in HEAVEN spending time with their fellow cousins without having to go home!

Sara the water balloon and marshmallow gun sharpshooter

The water games with pools and duck toys that then turned into an all out FIGHT (balloons, buckets, sponges, hoses, etc)-Lexi was scared and didn't want me to put her down and Ashely was disappointed that there were no means to lay out her towel and dip her feet in the wading pool.......

My luck at the water figh? My aim stinks. My water balloons bounced harmlessly off of everybody!

Wii dancing: My personal favorite? "I want you back" by Michael Jackson. The most difficult? A Russian dance-doing lots of leaping splits and kicking your legs up with your hands on the floor. Loved watching the 8-12 yr old boys get into it, they've got rhythm!!!!

Rob encouraging "shake what your mama gave you!!!"

Video of the original Morley siblings going at it. My mom threatend me if I post it on facebook but she didn't say I couldn't post it on my blog.......

And..... more to come. Definitley need to cover skits and other funny things that I remember....

What were YOUR favorite parts of the reunion??? I'd love to hear about it!

Walking Wednesday

2011-06-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed another early morning walk with my Mom. We talk about anything and everything. We love to look and admire yards and flowers and she is teaching me about flowers as well. Today I mastered identifying an alium. Kind of a purple puffball flower- Yay!!!!

Visited with several people on our walk Michelle Kelly (and admired her many strawberry plants) Sister Patberg, Brother Saunders. I like having neighbors, people that I know and seeing them out and about

Had breakfast with my mom-granola, yogurt and fresh strawberries from her garden. So good! And for dessert? A peach creamie :) Basically like a fudgesicle

Had dinner with dear friends Anne and Mandy in lieu of Anne's birthday party I missed a few weeks ago.... We ate at pistol pete's and while the service was a bit slow...... the food did not disappoint. I went to town on my pork chimichanga. A nice change from chicken, I might add

Got to visit with friends I know and love but haven't seen in awhile.....

On my way to work saw one of my Head Start families-yay! Ashton S and his family were passing by. Yesterday I saw Briseida and family while we were both getting mail at the apt complex

Got a date for Saturday- dinner at Joe Morley's BBQ and salt lake symphony patriotic concert in the park. He's the nephew of one of my parents missionaries from 40 yrs ago. They had a mission reunion on Saturday and I told my Mom she could mention during introductions that I am single and looking. Well, she did! I gave my number to 3 people and i already have a date! Can't beat that! I'm pretty excited :)

Had a really fun at work making paper plate tulips, fruit loop necklaces and marble paintings. Plus, the kids did a great job with the clean up! The kids were really engaged-I think most find it hard to say "no" to glitter....

It was overcast so it made playing outside MUCH more pleasant

Admired my growing strawberries-I feel so successful when I look at them...... And grateful!

Tutor and Trainer Tuesday

2011-06-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

Met with Savanna, my personal trainer today. Multiple push-ups are hard to do..... For now...... Worked on my abs and I liked learning new exercises, I got bored with Pilates....

Felt a bit sore afterwards but loved trying new things and being challenged!

Tutored my twin nephews. We did science experiments today-a lot of them included oil, water, food coloring. Or how a glass full of ice and water actually will not overflow because ice takes up more space than water. The favorite was making "plastic milk" microwaving milk and vinegar, separating into curds and whey, and the curds look, feel a bit like plastic

Watched cupcake wars and this was an especially fun because it had a Philipina contestant. She used some of my favorite ingredients that are typical to the Philippines. Avocado (I love avocado ice cream) and lychee (a small, red spiky fruit)

Got to exchange texts with my nieces Katie, who just got back from a school TSA competition in TX and Jessica, who is having a baby on Saturday!

Played with Lexi after I was done tutoring. She is an adorable 2 yr old chatterbox who can quote long sections of "tangled"

Planned out my monthly menu and did massive grocery shopping! Recipes for the month include: homemade mac & cheese, chicken with orange, potatoes, and butternut squash

Got dried fruit strips at Sunflower markets (my favorite checkout stand treat-indulgence)

Moose Tracks Monday

2011-06-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

walk with my mom this morning-a gorgeous morning!!!

library trip with Kelsey, came home with 10 books!

Moose tracks milkshakes from Arctic Circle with Kelsey

Made dirt cups with oreos and gummy worms at work. made pasta pictures, too

Actually made it to the gym and got a workout in

Texts from friends

People who are kind to me :)

Funky Friday

2011-06-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

And again, "Funky" is not descriptive of the day, I just like the alliteration thing....... :)

spent time with my Dad, he picked me up from an appt downtown. We had a good visit

I was running late this morning (didn't get breakfast-another story) so the receptionist at the dr's gave me some trail mix for my breakfast :)

had Panda express with Kelsey for dinner. My first time there!

Enjoyed my steamed veggies, orange chicken and sweet and sour pork

Ate some and then put some in the fridge, intending to leave it for tomorrow, a few hours later I decided I couldn't wait and I ate it all :)

Hot shower- yay!!!

Started a new book "miracle on the hudson" about the flight that landed on the Hudson

Had my ipod to listen to on TRAX today. I like being entertained while publicly transporting

Had lots of fun chatting with Marchelle via text (also something to do while on TRAX

Glad my hair is long enough now that i can pull it up in a ponytail off my face and it still looks good!

Wore my white chunky necklace-my favorite necklace :)

This Thursday....

2011-06-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Great institute class (Gospel and the Productive Life). Tonights topic was finances. The class is taught by Patriarch and Sister Hooker from the stake.

Remotivated to work on my budget

Held Saige, kissed her, got her to nap (2x)

Great clothes day

Had a fajita at my sister's

Played Apples to Apples Jr with Carter and Ashley

Funny story from Ashley: she was bored so I suggested, among other things, we could make some brownies or cookies. Her response: "How about you start and THEN I'll decide if I want to help you" Love that girl!!!!

Kelsey found my phone in her car ( a VERY good thing because it was NOT inside)

Turned on ESPN just in time to see Jimmer Fredette drafted at #10. Drafted by the Bucks, but will most likely be traded to the Sacramento Kings. Which means I will likely be watching some Kings games next year......

Carter showed me how to play the games "Happy Pets" and "Happy Aquarium" (facebook games)

Misplaced my phone (again) in the apt and then found it because my Mom was calling as I walked by and it was vibrating

Kelsey's home from vacation-yay!!!!

Warm Fuzzy Wednesday

2011-06-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

-wore my silver sandals-haven't worn those in a while.....!
-went to a Mary Kay meeting with sister Melanie
-got free pizza at the meeting. pepperoni is not my favorite, but hey, it's free!!!
-caught the "direct route" trax train home

-had a good laugh with my mom about the "panel discussion that wasn't" (more about that later)
-had my ipod to listen to on Trax
-saw a former professor today that I really like
-hot showers :)
-plain yogurt with fruit-my new favorite snack
-have colorful and different necklaces
-clean/washed clothes and towels

Truly Tuesday

2011-06-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

-had more salad that I made for Father's Day with fresh spinach, fresh basil, red & green peppers, almonds and..... fresh mozzarella. MMmmmmmm........

-enjoyed wearing shorts-I can't remember the last time I owned a pair of shorts (not capris, but shorts) that I enjoyed wearing! I actually don't think I've bought shorts in years!!!!

-got my niece Saige to nap (babysat for her several times before but I've never been able to get her to nap) I think it's been because she didn't want to be sleeping when she could be playing with me!!!!!

-shared a piece of pepperoni pizza and visited with sister Deborah

-Saige smiled big for me

- I have a closet of clothes and shoes that I can choose from......

-Watched "Scooby Doo" movie with Carter and Ashley, IN the bathroom, with ALL their blankets, pillows and favorite stuffed animals. A bit cozy and stuffy but what a great memory!!! Seriously.

-ate fresh strawberries from my garden :)

-my internet works

-I have clips and bands and pins to pull my hair up out of my face

-watched Cupcake Wars (food network)

-have a washer and dryer in my apt that works

-enjoyed some mint chocolate chip ice cream

-Sunshine!!!!!!!

M is for Monday

2011-06-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

Things about today:
-good walking weather outside
-took a morning nap
-had Sabrina's bean soup, leftover from yesterday's Father's Day dinner
-great run with Kerri
-a couch that's just my size for napping :)
-blew bubbles and drew with chalk at work
-delicious Kashi cereal-honey oats

Simply Saturday

2011-05-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Got a late afternoon nap

VERY good hair day

Got to attend my sister's choir concert and listen to music by Bach based on the life of Christ

Saw broccoli buds growing-YAY!!!!

Visited with my parents AND former branch president from the Philippines, a widower who just got engaged!

My mom brought me my curling iron I left at her house and...... tomato plants! Can't wait to plant those!!!

Ride home/visiting with my sister- about how news anchors actually have to buy their own wardrobe, how sometimes we just miss our Grandparents, the concert, the results of my body fat assessment..... Yeah, we can pretty much talk about anything- I love it :)

Got my apt cleaned up, ready for Sunday

Totally Tuesday

2011-05-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

("Totally" really has no connection to the days events.... I just really like blog post titles with alliteration!!!)

ate a home grown strawberry-grown in my own garden! SO good and SO rewarding

made a good dinner-pasta with broccoli, chicken and mushrooms mixed with plain yogurt

made it to the gym!!! For the first time in, oh..... a year :)

watched the Biggest Loser

finished getting fruits and veggies for Marchelle and Alex's shower tomorrow......

good chats with Mom via phone

worked on the year end film as a gift for my students (all the pictures from the year put to music)

good hair day

made plans with Kerri for dinner on Thursday

breakfast pizza for breakfast- that I didn't have to cook myself!

(I'll)Take it Tuesday!!!!

2011-05-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

Highlights from Today:

fun activities with the children (writing letters in flour on a tray and exploring/hammering into a coconut and jicama)

Sunshine (more or less)

Seeing my Mom (she picked me up during lunch to run some errands with me)

Oreos and starbursts from my Mom

My books were in at the library (remember this titan: by Coach Yoast of the "remember the titans movie) and (Not your mother's casserole- though my mother's tuna noodle and chicken lasagna are still my favorites!)

looking forward to reading my new book and trying some recipes from the new cookbook

shared lunch with my parents (the brown rice and african stew i made on Sunday)

Planted my strawberry and green pepper plants (green peppers courtesy of my Mom)

secured summer employment/summer day camp.... YAY!

banana chocolate chip muffins at school lunch breakfast (and the lunch lady sent me home with extras. I like her :))

0% financial stress..... Cannot put a price on THAT!

A picture from Emily of me and Kerri and Tulip Gardens yesterday

Watching the Biggest Loser

Having my mom admire my wreath-in progress and my newly decorated shell themed-bathroom

Mostly Monday

2011-02-28T19:34:00.001-08:00

-reading all the articles at BYU basketball online on deseretnews and ksl
-kind texts from friends
-watching kids make the letter "L" out of blocks and their bodies
-hugs from my preschoolers
-Kelsey who took me to the dollar tree to get stuff for work and then to the library to have something good to read :)
-chatting with Amber C and Anne G at fhe
-pomegranate and blueberry smoothies and some V8 smoothies at FHE. Seriously..... good.

-Dollare Tree-NO matter what it is.... it's a dollar!!!!
-my curls that stayed in really well
-jicama sticks as part of lunch today
-hershey's kisses
-greek yogurt
-means of communication
-getting needed but boring paperwork done
-waking up alert even though it's early :)
-friends that I can laugh with

Stuff about Sunday

2011-02-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

-had dinner with my niece, Katie. Black bean burritos, spinach salad from me and peaches with cottage cheese from her
-story swapping with Katie
-using my new curling iron and having really good curls that will hold
-flower clips in my hair. I really like them :)
-planning a multicultural food dinner party
-laughing at stories about my nieces and nephews.... Grace asking Katie in sacrament meeting: If I'm really reverent, can I have chapstick? Folds arms. See I'm being reverent!!! Carter wiping off the kitchen counter and then putting a "wet paint" sign on it
-Chatting on the phone with my cousin Marchelle- the kind of friend that just gets you completely
-Going to/from stake conference with Kerri and catching up with her
-eating REALLY good peaches, Katie said they were really good..... and she was right!

Sensational Sunday

2011-01-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

-tried to call a girl I visit teach but accidently called my roommate who was just in the next room
-amazing story on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. A family whose daughter died from texting while driving is on a nationwide campaign to spread the message. Seriously how can you not love that show???? But if you don't that's OK, too! No hard feelings :)
-wore white skirt with bright colored flowers. If it can't be colorful outside at least I can DRESS colorful
-heard one of my fave songs on the Tab Choir broadcast, "How Firm a Foundation" Singing it in sacrament meeting is one thing, hearing the Tab Choir sing it..... quite another!
-kind/fun posts and messages from facebook

-pillows and blankets. Need I say more????
-good hair day, used a bobby pin to twist/pull back bangs and the pin actually worked/stayed in place!
-good messages from Bishop Barrow: have faith, serve others, change your heart and.... Men, repent and date women!!!!!!
-new Ensign came in the mail, that always gets me excited :)

-chatting with Depot and Marchelle via phone (not at the same time......)
-had a serious case of "itchy neck" during the middle of church (blast!), but it passed. I think I'll start carrying cortisone in my purse, though......
-melted chocolate chips and cream cheese. Forget the fancy desserts, give me a handful of semisweet chooclate chips anyday!!!!
-visiting with my friend Amber C to/from church. She's great. I like her :)
-red bell peppers and all the stuff you can do with them

Smiling Saturday

2011-01-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

-slept well, albeit short
-Mom picked me up so I could help with the wedding shower prep
-had some good ideas (like storing the bronzeware forks in a water glass and running down to the gas station store to get red cinnamon candies)
-had lots of fun doing shower prep
-Saw my sister Angela, her twins McKay and Sadie, visiting from Georgia
-took McKay and Sadie with me to the store to get the candy
-chatted BYU sports with McKay and food network with Sadie

-saw all my family at the shower, fun to be together
-Mom performed emergency surgery after a whole was discovered in brown sweater dress. Yikes!!!
-Mom found a shirt and pair of capris of mean when she was cleaning out the stuff she's been storing in my room (I thought I'd lost them! Funny)
-Got to hold new babies Oscar and Saige
-Mom let me go in on a shower gift with her and Cristine (pots and pans)
-SO good food, croissants with chicken salad, baguettes with cream cheese spread, cucumber and wild salmon, cheese plate, mmmmmm..........
-ride home with Depot after the shower
-Ashley taking me by the hand and telling me, "Heather, we need your help." (to put in a movie for her, Grace and Sadie)

-movie party with the friends!!! Back to the future II!!!! LOVE.
-had pizza at Mandy's first, I tried slices of chicken alfredo and chicken club. My stomach was happy :)
-brownie Sundaes at Gretchen/desi/debbies My favorites were the topppings (whipped cream, strawberry and choc syrup, caramel). Pretty sure I hit my sugar quota for the week.......
-my friends changed the time for the party since i couldn't come till later
-chatting with good friends

Fantastic Friday

2011-01-30T06:12:00.001-08:00

-dinner with friends/Brian and 6 other girls ("Brian and his harem")
-dinner at Himalayan Kitchen (Indian food) and only ONE item (the momo dumplings) was too spicy for my liking, HUGE step for me. With the aid of water and white rice :)
-wasn't cold while we were outside (special thanks for white hat with the ear flaps!)
-made the following for Jess' wedding shower: rice krispie treats (well, I made them yesterday, I cut them today) chocolate chip bars (didn't burn those!) and the new favorite..... sweet basil cheesecake dip. Hellooooo, delicious!!!!
-ate "naan" (Indian bread)
-made memories. For example, Mandy wrote down all the dishes we ordered on her paper napkin so after dinner we all signed it so she could keep it. I didn't write anything catchy but I DID print my name under my signature since my signature is NOT easily identified as my name
-had a good run

-LOVED the Sundance movie we saw (thanks for getting tickets, Brian!)
-Gained new resepct for the movie industry thanks to the documentary "These Amazing Shadows" about how films are selected for the Nat'l Film Registry, how they are preserved and restored, but esp how movies are like a "family album" or a "time capsule" recording our history at that tme (clothes, hair speech, current events,) It was an "Oh, yeah.......I get it" kind of moment for me!
-got a LOT done at work

Timeless Thursday

2011-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

-had a very successful lesson with the kids sorting shoes by "little, middle, and large" I love having them engaged!!!!
-taped bubble wrap to the floor and let them jump/walk on in with their bare feet, they loved it!
-fun phone chats with my mom
-good lunch (including orange chicken and pumpkin chocolate chip cookie)
-my friend Kerri drove me to the grocery store
-my friend Mandy who gave me a ride to the stake RS activity
-Sunshine!!!!

-leftovers from dinner made yesterday (too lazy to go back and add it to yesterday's post....) sauteed garlic, onions, green/red peppers, zuchinni over egg noodles, covered in salsa. Kinda different but VERY tasty!
-delicious stake RS dinner: cupcakes (I ate two) with a cream filling and studded with chocolate chips and casserole with cornflake topping, slivered almonds, potatoes, chicken and celery. SO good!
-mingling with my dear friends at the dinner

-text from my nephew Davey, using his Mom's phone while he and Dad were at a "meating" wanted to see if "your OK". Being an aunt ROCKS!!!!
-my friends planning a "back to the future party" saturday but spontaneously changing the time when I told them I couldn't come until later. Love them!!!!!
-reading all the online news/hype about the BYU win yesterday
-stayed awake for most of the speakers (3 speakers, 20 min each, full of dinner, you get the idea....)
-making rice krispie treats for Jessica's wedding shower

WOW Wednesday

2011-01-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

-#4 San Diego state "Got Jimmered" by #9 BYU!!!! Jimmer himself scored 43 pts!!!! I am believer in what the KSL broadcaster calls "JIMsanity"
-Got some quiet time to settle down with books from library
-Relieved the great moments of the game with my parents via phone
-Fun game to listen to! The announcer, Greg Wrubell was going NUTS in the last few minutes. Every basket counted!

Tantalizing Tuesday

2011-01-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

-watching Biggest Loser live instead on the internet with a significant lag time (seriously frustrating!!!)
-ran 2.5 miles without stopping! And then ran some more......
-watched part of "cupcake wars" Love that show! The bakers creativity astounds me.....
-free bananas from work! I love bananas :)
-my pajamas that smell like burnt popcorn (my heating pad with kernels bit the dust but I still took it to bed with me for a couple of minutes..... I guess I thought it wasn't that bad????)
-ride home from work from my mom (I called and asked her after there was a LOT of snowstorm and I wore my new shoes instead of my boots. Oops).

-my students make me laugh and smile
-we learned about parts of a shoe today (tounge, heel, shoelace, buckle, etc)
-the new buddy system is working great!
-clean clothes!
-the kids made some really neat pictures with paint and bubble wrap (I admit that even though kids artwork, etc should be their work but I prefer pictures that look like "art" and not just lots of colors smeared on a paper. OK, I said :)

Magnificent Monday

2011-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

-Alternate FHE (ie shopping with Kerri)
-Mall sales!!!
-finding a new top to wear to my nieces wedding next week
-tried a new restaurant, Firehouse Subs. mmmmm.......
-tried a new sandwich, pastrami and corned beef, again- mmmmmm......

-kiss from one of my students today
-the same student asking her mom if they could find a car for me so I didn't have to walk
-sunny enough that my students could go outside to play
-a Mom who finished a project for me today (filling baggies with shaving cream and food coloring to mix and make new colors. After the bags are taped shut)
-successful activity today-hammering nails into the soles of old shoes

-comments on the brain injury blog
-able to use my nordstrom rack (shoe heaven) gift card to get sneakers. Thanks, Marce!!!!
-laughed
-smiled
-parents who donated old shoes to the classroom

Splendiferous Sunday

2011-01-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

-niece Grace in my arms and her brother Beck hanging on my legs
-laughing with my sister's around Jenn's kitchen table about our times at BYU, esp the end of the semester and in PE classes
-laughing with my sisters and quoting lines from "despicable me" (it's so FLUFFY!!!)
-eating brownies
-ward frienship dinner-tacos with ALL the fixins
-planning meals with my new cookbook- Biggest Loser Family Cookbook
-chatting with my niece Katie who turned 18 yesterday!!! LOVE her
-Grace and Ashley's self-applied red lipstick

-singing How Firm a Foundation at ward choir practice
-tuna noodle casserole for breakfast :)
-wearing my shiny red shoes adn black flower clip
-my heated rice pad
-Beck telling me I could move into his house and sleep on the couch
-Ashley's 4 layer outfit
-Sunshine!!!

Stupendous Saturday

2011-01-23T15:29:00.001-08:00

Sure, the titles may be getting cheesy but I like seeing how many different superlatives I can use.....

-watched the BYU-CSU game with the folks, BYU won 94-85
-had my Mom's tuna noodle casserole with the crushed ruffle chips on top (I can make it myself, but it just tastes better when Mom makes it)
-slept in the comfy guest bed
-went to the salt lake symphony "family concert"
-loved the music
-Ashley wanted to sit on my lap during the concert

-ran 3 miles
-got to see and hold my niece, Saige, 3 weeks old now
-Sun was shining!!! (until it decided to snow)
-ate dark chocolates
-heard THIS gem from Carter, while the orchestra was on stage, warming up, "Boy, they sound like they need to practice a LOT more!!!!"

Fabulous Friday

2011-01-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Went ice skating tonight and DID NOT
-run into, hurt or otherwise maim anyone else at the rink

DID
-get in free (Thanks for the connection Debbie)
-make forward progress
-stay upright the whole time (though I did throw myself towards the padded wall on more than one occasion
-did like being with, visiting with my friends
-had FUN

Wonderful Wednesday,,,,,

2011-01-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

-The ice cube experiment worked! Make red, yellow, blue ice cubes with food dye, put 2 of them in a bowl and pour hot water. As they melt, they make new colors!
-Good visit wtih my sister via phone
-Hot shower
-Bananas for breakfast (and cinnamon toast from the lunch ladies)
-Got to wear my BYU tshirt for "Blue Day"

-Got the evites sent out for niece Jessica's wedding shower
-Had extra time this morning
-Have a heated (in the microwave) rice pad thing. It gets LOTS of use. I love it!!!!
-Stayed warm, cozy and dry on my walks to/from work
-Laughed at the "snuggie" pics on facebook-good times!!!

Good Times

2011-01-18T20:54:00.001-08:00

-My roommate Kelsey was kind enough to take me to the store to get some much needed items for work tomorrow
-Attemped to make colored ice cubes for a science experiment tomorrow
-Watched BYU beat TCU- GO Jackson Emery!!!!
-Had a good hair day
-Remembered to wear a red to work today for "red day"
-Sun came out and was able to take the afternoon class outside to play!!!! (no words for that one....)
-Woke up before my alarm went off (got to slowly wake up instead of being jarred awake)
-Tried a new kind of cereal (wheat chex type from Sunflower Market) Very tasty!
-Good breakfast from the lunch ladies at work (homemade egg mcmuffin-mmmmmmm)
-Pay day! Yay!!!!
-When children want to hold my hand and give hugs
-When they follow directions
-Ate one of Kelsey's amazing "rice things" teriyaki chicken wrapped in sticky rice. Again, mmmmm......)
-Got to chat with Jessica on the phone and Grace (for about 30 seconds and she gave the phone back)
-Warm and comfy bed, blankets and pillows
-Sent out evites for Jessica's wedding shower
-Bubble wrap, shaving cream, ice cube trays and dry erase markers, all for good prices at walmart, Items not to be used collectively :)
-tried a new art project at work today, placing pieces of colored tissue paper on a white paper, spraying them till they bleed through. Makes a neat colored paper in the end

Terrifical Today!!!!

2011-01-17T20:45:00.001-08:00

"Terrifical" is taken from the movie "Ramona and Beezus" LOVE that movie, by the way
And I'm recommitting myself to the habit of posting this kind of list before I go to bed each night. So we'll see.......

-Day off from work
-Go to wake up with no immediate plans to go anywhere
-Got in a good rhythm running on the treadmill
-Had clean clothes to put away
-Got to read some more of a good book, "The Girl Who Could Fly" (reccomended by a dear friend, Amber C).

-Had dinner (KFC) with the folks at their house, LOVE the KFC biscuits
-Mom thought to call me to see if I needed/wanted to go to Sunflower Market (grateful for Mother's intuition)
-Good sales at Sunflower Market (namely red peppers and wheat bread)
-Napped
-The sun came out today! Literally.

-Watched some tv- I confess I'm a fan of the Disney Channel :)
-Visited with good friends at FHE and played "Battle of the Sexes" Girls Won!!!!
-Used a Borders Bookstore gift card to order a book online "Biggest Loser Family Cookbook"
-Had my Grandma's pink patchwork quilt to keep me warm in bed
-Worked on my brain injury blog-check it out if you havent' already! braininjurystory.blogspot.com

Weird.Dreams. For Real.

2011-01-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

I want to get a record of these dreams before I forget.... And this one's for you Mom!!!! It's the "weird dream" gene.......

The other night I dreamed my dear friend Kerri's younger brother (nicknamed "Deeds") was apparently a 2nd cousin to my brother-in-law, Jim. Apparently, Deeds needed a place to stay at the end of the school semester before catching a flight home, so why stay with a distant relative instead of your sister?! Makes perfect sense, right????

Anyway, my family met Deeds and was convinced we needed to get together, that we were destined. I kept telling them, "I've met him plenty of times! If he really were interested, he would have done something about it by now!" End of dream.

Now this next one was REALLY weird...

Apparently there was a family wide vacation to disney land. LOVED it. (which coincidentally I'd just been talking with some friends that day about their trip to the DL. Isn't it funny how daily experiences work their way into our dreams????) Pretty uneventful, but very fun. Until we got home. Then my parents decide that we should have a party at 1am!!!!

So random people started showing up-kids from preschool class, and I could NOT remember one of their names (started with letter "N"?) my boss from work, there was a 100 yd dash to an old wood fence in the backyard, (which I won by the way) And I think there may have been a pool.....

Before that, we stopped at the home of a guy in my ward, Josh, for something. And no one could find whatever it was we were looking for. (but I did get an e-mail from him about hymns for sacrament meeting just before I went to bed-hence the dream connection)

Then my mom took me back to my apt. My roommates keys were hanging in the lock. Then, I walk in and there's a lady in her 50's, bleached curls,making herself at home, sewing in MY living room! Everything was turned around. The washing machine was now on a corner of linoleum in the living room, my room was full of boxes not belonging to me.... We had a lenghty discussion, my roommate was asleep, as to "Are you SURE my roommate knows I'm coming back-I just went on vacation for crying out loud!!!"

Then, I was really tired after a late party and did NOT want to go to work the next day, but the strange lady had the same name of a sub I'd heard of in the past and so I asked her if she was a sub for HS and she said "Yes." Sweet!!! But she had no idea where my school was even though she said she'd subbed there before and I was wondering how she was going to get up and go since she'd been up late working on her sewing project.....

Then, I realized I'd brought NONE of my luggage with me from the party. So I had to call home, ask them to bring it to me and my mom and my sister Jenn (who'd magically reappeared after leaving the party) brought me my luggage.

End of dream but then about 30 seconds of panic on my part- where am I???? Was I supposed to get up and go to work???? Do I still have the same apt and roommate???? That's how real the idiotic dream felt! Remembered it was Sunday, fell back on my pillows, sigh of relief.

Holiday Happiness :)

2011-01-02T15:31:00.000-08:00

-Chocolates, lotions, perfume, etc from my preschoolers. Well, mostly the parents, actually....
-Work breakfast at Grand America Hotel. Awesome bread basket, ham, fresh fruit, balls of butter instead of the wrapped kind. Mmmmm......
-Sleeping in the nice bed in the guest with really nice pillows since my room is the current "storage room"
-Waking up in the morning with no immediate plans to do or to go
-Parents 2nd Nativity Open House-where the neighbors come, eat, mingle and see my Mom's nativities and International santa clause collection. Seriously fun.
-Christmas clothes shopping with my mom for my gifts from her and getting the most "bang for my buck" I tried to avoid buying any shirts over 10.00

-Dinner at Zupa's and "White Christmas" at Pioneer Memorial Theatre
-Giftwrapping. I love it, I really do.
-Watching the BYU bowl game and enjoying it! (The BSU/U of U game was just painful to watch!!)
-Dinner at Subway and a temple session with Kerri
-Christmas Eve Breakfast wtih Marchelle. She brought fruit and together we made breakfast burritos!!! I could only eat one because I stuffed the burrito good and full....
-Watching "It's a Wonderful Life"

-Getting one surprise gift from my parents (I picked out everything else, and saved this one for last) a purple "snuggie" (blanket with sleeves) So now when I walk around wrapped in a blanket (I really do this-a lot) I can do it in style!!!!)
-Getting gifts for my parents. Dad-BYU "vault" book. Mom-BYU Young Ambassador tickets
-Gifts for David and Sabrina- Jenga and Pictureka. Fun games.
-Shoveling snow. I like doing this, too.
-Getting flower clips for my hair and trying to figure out the most stylish way to wear them
-Watching tv in the middle of the night because I can :)

And more to come...... I haven't even touched on the food part of the Holidays yet.....

Thanksgiving Favorites

2010-11-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

-Read more of a GREAT book- "The Guernsey and Potato Peel Society" Love it!!!!
-Watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (my favorite parts were the Rockettes and the Sesame Street float-the characters have aged very gracefully, FYI!)
-Had an outfit (plaid skirt) that allowed me to wear my red patent leather heels! Love them.
-Watched the replay of the 2006 BYU/UT game, relived all the glory of the Beck to Harline touchdown. Just as good as it was live!

-Ate the frozen cranberry salad (mom's specialty)
-Other favorites: salmon dip, stuffed mushrooms,veggie tray,mushroom stuffing
-Making my pies: peanut butter chocolate chip (rich but very good) and apple. (I used premade pie crust and canned filling but I did make the crumb crust topping from scratch!!!)
-Sat at the teen's table with cousin Whitney, Addison, Jessica, Katie (who'd had her wisdom teeth out the day before. Rough). Fun to visit with them. Lotsa fun.

-Singing karaoke with the family
Mom (La Bamba and Hound Dog) Debo (YMCA) Allen (Here Comes the Sun- apparently he has a thing for the Beatles....) Faris (Surfer Girl) Jake (I am a Child of God) Wickman (Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam) Dave and Sabrina sang as well but I don't remember the songs.....
-We used Mom's roller hair brush for the micro"faux"ne (hahaha)

The Vacation Continues......

2010-11-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Wednesday morning I woke up and saw that my sister had called, she needed a babysitter and since I didn't have to work, I could do it! She brought Carter and Ashley over and Ashley helped me finish making breakfast, "Apple Toffee French Toast," yes, it is as heavenly as the title says it is but...... rather time consuming. Slicing bread into cubes (easier when it's a bit frozen), peeling and then slicing apples, chopping the skor bars, etc. But worth all of it!

The rest of the time, Carter and Ashley played (Carter had the fisher price hospital and the little people and a bad guy kept knocking people over. The police couldn't help because they were busy taking care of a car accident.) We also played "battleship" and I guess Carter doesn't have much confidence in my navigation/detection skills because whenever I found one of his ships he'd ask if I could see his board..... When Deborah came to pick up the kids I really wanted her stay and eat brunch with us (fresh out of the oven) and so I was very glad when she accepted!

Had grilled cheese sandwiches (no one can make them like my Mom) and watched "Myth Busters" Can milk stop a muzzle flash from creating an explosion? No. Is it hard to get out of a car in the water when it's upside down vs right side up? Yes.

Again, went to bed happy. Had my Mom come in and tell me/kiss me goodnight? Should I be concerned that I'm 30 and still like my Mom to tell me/kiss me goodnight?????

The Long Vacation (and Why I'm Glad for Snow)

2010-11-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

I ended up having quite a nice, long Thanksgiving break with some help from school closure and..... snow!!! The school where i have my classroom was closed for that week, so Monday and Tuesday were prep days for me (no children). There was a half-day staff breakfast/meeting on Wednesday.

Here's how it began.....
Left work early afternoon on Tuesday due to the impending snow storm/blizzard. They sent staff and kids home. My mom was going to pick me up after my respite care job that night but the family was home-bound as well, so Mom came early! After getting settled in the guest room (my bedroom is currently a storage room) Mom realized we didn't have apple juice to make a special recipe for the next morning. Called my sister to see if she had any, she wasn't home, so we jumped in the car and went to the gas station store down the street, with a goal to get home by 5:00. The snow wasn't bad yet but the wind was awful. Shutting the car door was an adventure! But we got the apple juice.

Checked my work e-mail and discovered...... early vacation!!!! Staff meeting tomorrow canceled due to snow!!!! Watched the Jazz game, rubbed Mom's feet, went to bed very happy!!!!
Woke up in the middle of the night but no worries- I didn't have to go work so I could go back to sleep at my leisure and sleep until 9:15! Lovely.

Happiness Is......

2010-11-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

Happiness Is.....

-Watching a snow storm from inside
-Chatting with my Dad about the new book he's reading
-Eating my parents food and watching their tv
-Half-day of work and work canceled tomorrow!!!! (Due to the snow)
-Having whole wheat tortillas to eat again (I've been out of them for awhile....)
-Big, soft pillows

-Sleeping with a teddy bear (I nearly ALWAYS do this because otherwise I sleep on my arms and they hurt in the morning!)
-Sleeping with Mailbox (my pink teddy bear I named when I was 7) or Rocky Jr (the light brown bear with a blue bow around his neck- a gift from Jenn and Jim from their honeymoon when I was 9)
-Watching a BYU mens basketball game
-Being home (where I grew up- OK so it's only 10 blocks away but it still counts!!!!)
-Going to bed with no immediate plans for when I wake up in the morning (I REALLY love this!)
-NOT HAVING ANY HOMEWORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heck of a Season Boys

2010-11-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

The title comes from one of my favorite movies, "Remember the Titans" technically, I think it might not be "heck" but close enough, right????
Here are some of my favorite memories from BYU football this year. Yes, I know the season isn't over yet by a long shot, I'm talking about the home games I've attended this year....
-Having season tickets wtih Mom, Dad, brother Dave and alternatively nephews Faris and Errol
-Having my friend Kerri join me for 3 of the games and doing double high fives with her after touchdowns are scored
-Going to a game with our friends Kyle and Brian
-My 7.00 BYU t-shirt from Walgreens, worth it many times over. I love it!!!!
-Seeing the extreme tailgating parties in the parking lot
-Burgers and fries at Apollo Burger. So filling, but oh, so good.
-Trips to the Pita pita with Kerri. Whole wheat pita, with "extras" avocado and hummus

-Passes caught, field goals kicked, touchdowns scored
-Not getting lost in the stadium. Not once! And if you know me, that says a LOT.
-Waiting in line to fill my water bottle at the drinking fountain. (Funny story: yesterday I forgot I had half a bottle of water left in my purse and so I chugged it fast so the guy would let me in with it. And then..... all the drinking fountains were shut off for winter. So I can't bring it in with water and i can't fill it up, either. More money for concessions, I guess!)
-Accidentally drinking the whole water bottle of the stranger sitting next to me. So far, no diseases that I know of....

-Watching the game with my 7yr old nephew, Jake. Having him sit on my lap to keep me warm, asking me questions about Cosmo the Cougar and telling me his friends Dad worked for "Les Olsen Company" when he heard the commercial playing
-Hearing the song "I've got soul, but I'm not solider," and watching past clips
-Seeing the John Beck to Johnny Harline 2006 pass/touchdown replayed. I never get tired of seeing it.....
-Singing the fight song, and on-key! And I mean ALL the fight song, not just "Rise and Shout"
-Hearing "Sweet Caroline" and not knowing words beyond that.....
-Stomping by feet on the metal bleachers, yelling "Juice" for Joshua Quezada and "B" for when each section of the stadium yells B-Y-U-Cougars!!!!
-Sitting next to my Mom, chatting with her and eating Kettle Corn when the game gets tense.....
-A really, really good hot dog with ketchup and mustard
-Stuffing our pockets with halloween candy (hiding it) and eating it during the game.
-Asking my brother lots of football questions and him answering them

Awesome Day!!!!

2010-11-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

-Went to Messiah rehearsal with my friends Anne and Mandy. Mandy played her favorite organ fugue for me, "Toccata in G" the organ music they play around Halloween time. But I learned there is much more to it than the opening chords!!!

-Breakfast with my cousin Marchelle at Denny's. We went to Denny's because that was one of his favorite restaurant to go to and it was his birthday this month. We split gingerbread french toast (talk about a fantastic smell!!!) and cranberry orange pancakes and they had a 4 item special so I also got hashbrowns with plenty o' ketchup, whole wheat pancakes (saved for later) and we each got a slice of ham steak, discovering that we both like ham over turkey. Huh. Who knew? It's probably because we're related.....

-We shared our favorite Grandpa memories. Marchelle's was putting up Grandpa's tree every year. Mine was how he always made you feel loved "just the way you are." For me, there is/was nothing quite like a Grandpa's love. :)

-Went with Kerri (we met my brother and sons there) for the final home game vs New Mexico, BYU won 40-7, with passing touchdowns, a fumble recovery and at least one interception in the end zone. Yeah!!!!! I got to sing the fight song a lot :)

-The day was cold and cloudy (with a 4pm kickoff) but I actually stayed warm with leggings and jeans, two shirts, a sweatshirt and parka. And mercifully, sitting in the south end zone we were protected from the wind. When I did get close, I would wrap my arms my nephew Errol to keep him warm, too!

-And of course, no trip to Provo with Kerri is complete without a trip to the Pita Pit! I got a chicken souvlaki pita this time. It was good, but I think next time I'll try something else or go back to black forest ham, the usual.

Other fun/grateful/memorable moments:
-My brother driving the car in a snowstorm on the way home, glad it wasn't me driving!
-When my nephews had asked lots of times, "How long till we get home?" Dad told them not to ask again, so later Errol said, "Dad, this isn't a time question..... how many miles until we get home?" Hilarious!
-Another stick of gum from Kerri and a bottle of water from her brother and sister-in-law
-Running on the treadmill while watching BYU basketball and/or SDSU vs UT football. Defiinitely kept me engaged and running longer and faster!!!
-How nice it looks from my window with white, clean, snow everywhere.
-Cheering for SDSU (never done that one before) while running, pumping my fist and yelling, "Go Aztecs!!!"

Ahhhhhhh, life. I love you.

I Like!!!! 11/19/10

2010-11-20T10:36:00.000-08:00

-Seeing a late matinee with my friend, Amber. Despicable Me. I really like this movie for two reasons: (1)Gru (the villian) has a change of heart when he meets the girls. A total 360, sincere attitude. (2) Dr Nefario, who initially was really mad at Gru for being behind on the rocket plans, taking in the girls, etc still forgives Gru and comes to his rescue when he's in trouble.

-Watching an episode of CSI NY on primetime instead of online the next day

-Homemade hummus and pita bread (I love hummus) during a staff meeting, along with mint chocolate hershey's kisses and white cheddar wheat thins

-My appreciation/obsession with food! I joke that I should rename this blog- "Ode to Food"

-My white wicker chest that's full of blankets!

-My "chi"hair straightener