Time is short.

So, here I sit, just thinking about many different things. On Wednesday, my dear friends little boy was in an accident and he did not survive. The next day as I was driving back home from visiting Utah, I thought continually how short our time can be with the ones we love. I wish there was a way to remember that exact point every second of every day, but unfortunately I don't. I cried for a long time as I thought of their pain, and how intense it must be to have it happen so suddenly. People used to ask me if it was harder or easier to go through the months with Mark being sick, knowing he was going to die, compared to a sudden death. It was hard, very hard, but at least we had talked about many things and did as much as we could with the knowledge that our time was short. For this dear family, he was with them one moment and gone the next. I know their faith is strong and I know they believe in the atonement and that brings peace. However, the grief and pain can be a test some days. It was hard to imagine in the immediate aftermath of Mark's passing that I would ever be happy again. But I am happy! Sure, I still have sad times, like when I visited Mark's grave while visiting Utah. It caught me completely by surprise. I don't believe that's where Mark is, so his grave is just a symbol. Yet, as I walked up to the headstone and saw his name permanently etched with both a beginning and end date to his mortal life, I cried. It's hard to explain the emotion behind those tears, when I don't know exactly myself. I'm not sad for me. I'm not sad for Mark. I most definitely know that he is just fine where he is. My point is that time really does make a difference. You never stop loving the people you lose, but you are able to keep living. That's what they want for us. They don't want us to be miserably sad the rest of our mortal lives. My friends were able to donate vital organs from their son to other children. I'm sure that was a difficult thing, yet to think of the increased hope of survival and a better life for those other children had to bring some comfort to my friends. Where one life is taken, others might be saved.

I think the thing that triggers my tears is that I'm sad for my kids. I've thought a lot about this lately. They are strong and I know they are going to be fine, but I struggle with how to manage all the things that will come their/our way. I don't want them to forget about their dad or not know about him and his life. Especially now that I'm dating. At some point I will likely get married, whether it's to this man or someone else. So how do I bring another man into my life and my kids life and yet still share with my children everything about Mark they need and want to know. It's a much different situation when you are widowed rather than divorced, because I still have a very loving and close relationship with Mark's family and always will. I will always think of Mark with much love and devotion. So take all that and now add a new man. I have very strong feelings for this man I'm dating. I hope it will continue on to something more serious, but even saying that is hard, because it seems that by saying that it means my love for Mark is leaving. Yet I know it isn't, but how is that possible? How can I still love Mark and now love another man. Most days I don't think about it so hard, I just let things take there course. I constantly find myself in a state of wondering, "just how did I get right here where I am with all the blessings and trials, and how on earth am I going to keep going and survive it all." Then Lucas asks for another Graham cracker, Tessa asks if she can go play with her friends and Chase and Patrick tease me for the hundredth time; and suddenly I'm distracted from my deep thinking and I get back to LIFE.

Which, by the way, reminds me, I'm totally behind on my {365} pictures and journaling. I have nearly all the pictures for the last month and a half, but for some reason I keep putting off doing the journaling. That's one of my top priorities next to getting my pool fixed. AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

{week of may 11 - may 17}

sunday, may 17, 2009


saturday, may 16, 2009


friday, may 15, 2009


thursday, may 14, 2009


wednesday, may 13, 2009


tuesday, may 12, 2009


monday, may 11, 2009

{week of may 4 - may 10}

sunday, may 10, 2009


saturday, may 9, 2009


friday, may 8, 2009


thursday, may 7, 2009


wednesday, may 6, 2009


tuesday, may 5, 2009


monday, may 4, 2009

{week of apr. 27 - may 3}

sunday, may 3, 2009


saturday, may 2, 2009


friday, may 1, 2009


thursday, april 30, 2009


wednesday, april 29, 2009


tuesday, april 28, 2009


monday, april 27, 2009

{week of apr. 20 - apr. 26}

sunday, april 26, 2009

Look at this beautiful daughter of mine. I can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. She is thoughtful, giving, happy and really beautiful. I realize over the next few years her teen attitude might take over and things could be more stressful between us as mother and daughter, so I wanted to document how wonderful she is and how blessed I am right this moment.

saturday, april 25, 2009

This was our view from the bedroom suite we had. Rachel has some connections so we were in a really nice room. I haven't been to Vegas {in a hotel/casino} for a very long time. I realized I haven't missed anything. Although I love the fun shows available, I don't love the overall feeling and atmosphere, and SERIOUSLY????, why on earth is this the only place where a non-smoker must inhale a pack of cigarettes just to get from the hotel entrance to hotel room? Let me share a joke I read once. "A non-smoking section in a restaurant, is like having a non-peeing section in a swimming pool." Think about it...funny huh!?

friday, april 24, 2009

Rachel, Mom, Diane and I left my house at about 1pm and drove to Vegas to attend Brit's bridal shower. Her mom Sheryl is in the middle. Brit is marrying my nephew Michael. I'm not going to make the wedding, so I was really excited to take a girls road trip out for the shower. It was a blast, and then we went over to Brit's house and chatted for awhile. Great memories.

thursday, april 23, 2009

My sweet sister and her husband Jim are so good to us. They always have us over for dinner. Today was their anniversary. I meant to call all day, but I never did get around to it, I'm pathetic. I know.

wednesday, april 22, 2009

Chase was in a "One-act" play written and directed by a senior in his drama class. He had a big part and he has to kiss the girl in this scene four different times. Poor guy. He did a really great job, and the premise of the play was four different pairs of people - one engaged couple, two sisters, two scam artists and two buddies moving out for school (that's what Chase was) - are trying to see who can last the longest in the apartment. Whoever does gets to stay in the apartment for free.

tuesday, april 21, 2009

I've been wanting to get a picture of gas prices before they go back up. When we moved down to AZ last August, the price was $4 something. I think it got close to $5, but then it dropped. I can't remember when, but I keep hearing it's inevitable that it will go back up again. So here's proof that it was under $2.00 once.

monday, april 20, 2009

See the cute little tie on Lucas? Well I bought it for Easter. He wore it for Easter, and now we haven't seen it since. How does a tie just disappear? Oh well, it looked cute for the day and who knows, maybe it will turn up somewhere...sometime.

{week of apr. 13 - apr. 19}

sunday, april 19, 2009

This is a watershed lake up in Prescott called Goldwater Lake. After church and some hamburgers on the grill, we went up just to enjoy nature. It really was beautiful. I had so many beautiful pictures of the sun on the water and some with the ducks and geese, but I chose this picture. The simple joys. Looking for the perfect flat rock and the attempt at skipping it. Chase loves it and I swear I can't almost 12 skips on one of his throws today. A friend was telling me about a lake in Montana where the beach is covered in smooth flat stones. I'm going to have to make it there someday.

saturday, april 18, 2009

Late at night...scrappin' away. We have so much fun. We laugh and talk about all kinds of crazy things. We give each other help when we're stuck in a creative rut. I'm often cold, so it's perfectly fitting that I'm in my sweatshirt. Can't say I got a whole lot of scrapbook pages done. Will say I bought a lot, even though I promised myself I wouldn't. It's all good.

friday, april 17. 2009

So anyone who scrapbooks will know that someone famous is in this picture with me, my sister, my mom and our friends. We took her class at the convention and she came back and chatted with our group. She thought it was way fun and cool that we were all there together. We took this picture with her. {She is so skinny, tiny and sweet} I was so excited when I went to her blog and saw that she had posted the same picture....does this mean I'm kinda famous?

thursday, april 16, 2009

I love this picture, and do you want to know why? My mom is amazing at journaling. Seriously...she keeps track of everything. We went to a scrap book convention this weekend; my mom, my sister and I. We started in the year 2000. I think I've only missed one year. We have such a fun time. Sometimes our friends come. Sometimes my sister-in-laws come. We laugh and buy and scrap. But this picture depicts what it's all about. Journaling. Sharing the stories of what, when, why, where and how.

wednesday, april 15, 2009

Do you know what my insane, perfectionist mind just did...I went looking (10 minutes) for this stupid cactus' name. I drive myself crazy. All I wanted to say was "LOOK AT THE BEAUTY OF THESE FLOWERS." How can a prickly scary looking thing called a cactus produce something this amazing? Well, it's happening all over right now. I've never seen so many colors and varieties. It's fantastic. There really is beauty in everything. Sometimes you just have to be patient to see it.

tuesday, april 14, 2009

We literally had two full pool days, yesterday and today. Luckily the weather cooperated great on Monday and wasn't too bad today. Most of the Giles got a little red. I felt bad. I tried to heat up the pool so we could actually enjoy it. Even though we can have toasty days. The nights still get cold enough to keep the water cold. We had so much fun.

monday, april 13, 2009

Yeah!!! We had more visitors. The Giles came to stay for a few days during their Spring Break time. The kids were so excited. The kids hadn't seen each other since October for some and July for the others. It was really great to catch up and hang out. We took them to one of our favorite places for dinner down at Desert Ridge. It's a yummy place called "Islands." I told Kelly about the "Yaki" tacos, and she was very happy with them. I'm not sure what I was thinking. I tried something different and it just wasn't as satisfying. :(

{week of apr. 6 - apr. 12}

sunday, april 12, 2009

Easter - When I think, on this day specifically, just what the Savior did for me, I feel humbled at His grace, mercy and love for me. I look at my children's faces and realize that no matter what choices they make in life I love them with every inch of my being. If I have that kind of love for them, I can't even begin to imagine the depth of love our Father in Heaven and elder brother Jesus Christ have for us. I wish I could remember this point every second of every day, because then I'm sure I wouldn't make so many mistakes. The beauty of it all is knowing that because of Christ's atonement I can always repent for my mistakes - big or small.

saturday, april 11, 2009

We had two Easter Egg Hunts today. One at the church with a Break-the-fast breakfast for our wards 40 day fast. The other we had later at our house while there was a small break in the rain. We had brat's and burgers. It was a really fun day.

friday, april 10, 2009

Lot's of just thinking going on this week in pictures. It's been almost two years since I made one of the most difficult decisions in my life. I knew then and I still know that it was the right decision. I know that both Patrick and myself have learned a great deal about ourselves and grown in many ways. I know that I was able to be a better mother to the other three than I otherwise would have been. I know that our relationship, mine and Patrick's, is so much stronger than it might have been. It's hard to think that I basically had to turn over the responsibilities as a parent, but I know without a doubt that I did the best thing I could do for Patrick, Me and the other kids. I am positive that we as an entire family would not be in as good a place emotionally if I hadn't made the choice I made two years ago. Here's to HOPE - hope for an amazing future ahead for our family.

thursday, april 9, 2009

A huge group of us (about 24) met on the lawn in front of the Visitor's Center for the Mesa LDS Temple. Every year hundreds of volunteers put on this wonderful pageant before Easter called Jesus the Christ. Before the pageant starts the actors come out and meet and talk with the audience. When Lucas saw this particular actor (who was John the Baptist,) he pointed and said, "Mom, it's Jesus."

wednesday, april 8, 2009

This is a problem...and I don't know what to do? Oh yeah, call a sprinkler expert to come and fix the whole system for a bucket load of money. I know this is part of being a home owner, but can I just give a primal yell of aggravation anyway?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

At least now it's all fixed, and I'll soon forget the pain to my pocket book.

tuesday, april 7, 2009

This is a funny story. A year ago I had to replace my windshield, and about one week later a rock hit my brand new windshield. Funny...right? The crack stayed small and contained in the upper right corner, without growing, for ten months. One day when Doug was with me, he said, "I can force the end of that crack to go up to the top so it won't continue across the front of the whole windshield." So he proceeded by putting just the right amount of pressure in the right spot so the crack would head straight to the top. Guess what the crack did instead? It zoomed straight left across the middle. He tried one more time because it wasn't in front of the driver's side yet, but it just leaped right past the new pressure point and well now you see why I have a new windshield. I think it's hilarious. We hadn't been dating very long when this happened, so he felt awful, but I just laughed.

monday, april 6, 2009

I took this picture, because it still never ceases to amaze me that both of these two boys are my sons. One older, ready to take on the world and become his own man. He graduates in a little over a month and will be off to college next fall. The other other one, young and still needing his mama in many ways to help him along the way even though he often tells me, "I tan do it." Then you put the two other children in the middle with their varying needs, and WOW! What an amazing and varied life I'm blessed to lead. I see Patrick and think, "I've come so far, and grown and changed." But then I look at Lucas and think, "I've got so far to go; so many improvements to make and lessons to learn." It's strange how it seems like just yesterday that Patrick, our first little toddler, learning and growing and needing us so much; in the blink of an eye, has grown up and is going off to find his own way in the world. He is still learning and growing and, yes, in many ways still needs us; but it is different now. Good, but different. I'm so excited for what lies ahead for Patrick. There's so much self discovery during this time in his life. My prayers for his success and happiness will never change. I guess this specific picture got me just thinking.

{week of march 30 - apr 5}

sunday, april 5, 2009

Wow...conference was amazing. Two days of wonderful counsel and spiritual uplift from our prophet and the apostles. Each year as I get older, the magnitude of having a living prophet on the earth to lead and guide us, becomes more and more fantastic. It brings me so much peace and comfort. I wanted to soak in every word. Of course with kids, some things are missed. That's why I'm so grateful for the special issue of the Ensign every six months with every talk reprinted. It's wonderful to read the words over and over again. It really was amazing.

saturday, april 4, 2009

C, T, and L have been so excited for Patrick to come home for his Spring break from college in Montana. It's all Tess could focus on for the last week. Funny story though. He was supposed to come in last night. We were all set to go pick him up and grab dinner on the way home. He calls and informs us that the plane out of Kalispell is very delayed and he won't make his connection in Salt Lake. The airline put him up in a hotel and he finally made it this morning. He handled the whole ordeal like a pro. The reunion was delayed, but it was no less exciting this morning.

friday, april 3, 2009

I have lots of decor for different holidays, so I wasn't really planning on buying any new decor for Easter. But...Tess and I were at the grocery store, and Tess sees this really cute fat chick. I was tempted, but still thought "No, we don't need another stuffed animal." But then Tess read the tag "9 inch PHAT chick," and we both looked at each other and laughed right out loud. We had to have this 9 inch phat chick as part of our family, so into our cart he went.

thursday, april 2, 2009

I busted a gut when Lucas came around the corner in these boots and the lei. He'd gotten into the dress up box, and this is what he came up with. To top it all off, he didn't have shorts on, which happens to be his favorite dress right now. So it really was quite the look. Disclaimer...I know Lucas is in the same shirt for the last three pictures. First, he loves this shirt. Second, the last two pictures were taken on the same day. Yes he wore the same shirt two days in a row. I'm living on the wild side and I let him choose what he wanted. We were just hanging around the house and you know what? It didn't kill anyone for him to wear the same shirt again.

wednesday, april 1, 2009

This was so funny. My dad had called to check on us and say hello. He wanted to talk to Lucas. Lucas was talking along and answering questions, but then he saw his new Happy Meal toy "Susan" from the Monsters vs. Aliens movie. He was telling Grandpa all about it. Of course my dad had no idea who "Susan" was, so Lucas was trying to show him...through the phone. He kept saying, "See Grandpa, see, this is Susan." I could hardly contain my laughter. That's the joy brought about by a three year old.

tuesday, march 31, 2009

We went to this cool park in Tuscon to feed the ducks. Lucas had a blast, but I think he wanted to eat the crackers more than he wanted to feed them to the ducks. I found it so interesting to see such a huge variety in one little pond. Usually all I've seen is Mallards, but there were lots of different kinds.

monday, march 30, 2009

This is the face of someone who met a Prickly Pear cactus up close. Poor little Lucas. You can see the pure feelings of "Ouch" and "You want me to smile for this?" Just kidding. I didn't ask him to smile. He loves to have his picture taken, and he especially loves looking at the pictures of himself. There are so many teeny, tiny little prickers in his arm that you can't even see. He was very brave while I pulled them out. So sad. The neighbors actually removed that bush a week later. This was the first encounter with a cactus for Lucas.

{week of march 23 - march 29}

sunday, march 29, 2009

After church the kids were playing games with G-pa and Margy. They had the dominoes out and Chase set up the domino track. He is so sweet and patient and loving with Lucas. Even though Chase sets it up, he let's Lucas push the first domino to start the chain reaction. This was one of them, and it worked perfectly. Everyone cheered and hurrayed!!!

saturday, march 28, 2009

We went to the Phoenix Zoo today. We rented this little (okay large) bike contraption. The kids loved it, although with all our weight, we had to get out and push it a few times. It was just too heavy to peddle up some of the hills. The shade was great though. It's a cool zoo with some great

friday, march 27, 2009

Grandpa Ray and Margy came for the weekend. The kids were so excited. We went to see the Real 3-D Monsters vs. Aliens movie. It was a cute movie. The 3-D is really amazing. Chase was helping out with his school's activity tonight called "Rock the Band."

thursday, march 26, 2009

This whole desk area was quite a disaster before this picture. I spent a good part of today getting it a little more organized and cleaned up. I was trying to use another area in the house for my office, but it wasn't working so I'm going to try and move it up here. Of course today as I'm typing this from said spot, it's not looking quite as tidy as this photo. Oh well. I'm working on it.

wednesday, march 25, 2009

I don't know about you, but stores are closing left and right down here right now. Having a "space available" sign in a store front window is becoming a common sight. The economy is a little scary right now to say the least, and I'm not seeing our new president helping this situation any. Wasn't a fan of Obama before and he hasn't changed my opinion now he's in office.

tuesday, march 24, 2009

Tess is a wonderfully sweet and giving daughter who helps me around the house and with Lucas so much. However, her room is usually quite the opposite of this picture. It is often a spot of contention between us. So when I saw not only her bed made, but all decorated with her build-a-bear animals. I just had to document the moment.

monday, march 23, 2009

At 42 It's quite possible that I'm more than half done with my earthly life. I'm feeling pretty good about being the age I am. I'm feeling pretty good about the things I've accomplished, the way I look and the prospects for my future. I still have things I want to do and see, but if I died tomorrow, I wouldn't have any regrets. My son was the photographer for this pic and he loves tilting the camera so I just had to use one of his artistic tilted shots depicting "42." I had an absolutely fantastic birthday. I had wishes from tons of people on Facebook. I got lots of cards and phone calls. I went out for a fabulous dinner and the most amazing Strawberry Shortcake dessert. We watched a pretty funny movie. Laid under the stars. It was just a really great day!

{week of march 16 - march 22}

sunday, march 22, 2009

Every Sunday this is where the kids and I are first thing in the morning. Being edified and lifted up by the spirit. I love church. I love learning. I love feeling the spirit. I love being able to begin each week with the spirit and a fresh start.

saturday, march 21, 2009

This show was in Scottsdale on tour. I had been wanting to see it, but time kept slipping by. Finally I decided I was taking myself for my birthday and Doug was nice enough to come along as my date. The horses were beautiful and it was fun, but I have to say it wasn't quite what I expected. At least I can say I went. The rest of the evening was great though. We went over to Desert Ridge shopping center and ate some great food and talked by the fireplace.

friday, march 20, 2009

We took the girls to see Jonas Brother: The 3D Concert experience, hence the 3D glasses picture...clever eh? You know what? It was really fun. I was completely entertained and enjoyed their music and I have to admit they are pretty cute too. Tess has a crush on nick. All the girls really enjoyed themselves and it was a fun outing with our friends.

thursday, march 19, 2009

This is my fireplace vent right out our back doors under the porch. This nice little morning dove couple. Came back again after last year and set up house even through my futile attempts to keep them away. Now you can see the fruits of their labors. There are two little babies peeking out from under the mommies body.

wednesday, march 18, 2009

Before we headed out today, we hit the beach. This is Little Corona Beach in Corona Del Mar. Even though it was misty we had a blast exploring the tide pools, where we found tons of sea cucumbers (I think that's what they were) and hermit crabs, a few anemone's and urchins. I spent a fair amount of time searching for sea glass. I came home with some beautiful pieces. The kids tried daring the cold water, but didn't last too long. I've yet to find starfish in tide pools like I found at Moss Beach. I went tide pooling right before we left Stanford almost 14 years ago.

tuesday, march 17, 2009

This is Doug. Doug and I have been dating for 2 1/2 months. We've been having a great time getting to know each other. It's definitely a learning experience when you spend all day for almost five full days with each other. I think we managed making sure everyone got to do everything they wanted with little or no contention. I'm thinking that's pretty amazing. Oh and Happy St. Patrick's Day...notice I'm in green!

monday, march 16, 2009

A few times we ended the night at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Tess happens to love this ride. Come to think of it, this used to be one of Chase's favorite rides too. I noticed that this ride seems to make an appearance in my pictures every time we've gone to Disneyland. I like this picture especially because it's taken at night. Chase and I say it everytime, "I love being here at night near closing time. Most people have left, things are more quiet, and it feels like we are the only ones left in the park." Disneyland is definitely MAGIC for our us.

{week of march 9 - march 15}

sunday, march 15, 2009

This is one of our favorite places when we go to Disneyland. It's over in California Adventure in Hollywood Pictures Backlot. It's called Disney Animation. This big room with huge screens all over plays clips from all the animated Disney movies. Some screens have stills while the others are action. The music from the movies plays and it's just awesome. It's a great place to get out of the weather and sit down to relax. There's lots of fun things for the kids to explore in here too. It's a great place to take in some magic.

saturday, march 14, 2009

Doug and his daughter are going to D-land with us. The kids were playing Mario Kart Wii right here. It's pretty funny to see the way they are all focused on the screen as the play. We'll be spending a ton of time together, so I guess we'll see how if we still want to hang out after this. I've been told these are good tests for a relationship.

friday, march 13, 2009

Bags all packed and ready to go. We are leaving tomorrow morning bright and early. Tess is always packed about a week ahead of time. I love her and the way she attacks everything. I'm not sure if she's like me in that way. I'm trying to enjoy the journey of life. Tess is often looking ahead to "what's next" before we've even started the "right now." But I know I'm impatient sometimes, so maybe I'm not as good at enjoying the moment as I should be.

thursday, march 12, 2009

LAUNDRY?@$%*&!
Need I say more...there is never a time that I can say "The laundry is done." Always before I've finished folding and putting away the last batch, someone has discarded something new into their laundry basket. This was my basket of clean clothes, so I can pack for Disneyland. Yeah...we love that place!

wednesday, march 11, 2009

"The ring around the Moon (moon halo) is caused by the refraction of Moonlight (which of course is reflected sunlight) from ice crystals (usually from cirrus clouds) in the upper atmosphere. Weather folklore says that a ring around the moon signifies bad weather is coming, and in many cases this may be true." Found this info online. I took this a few days ago. The picture didn't come out as clear as it was in person. Pretty cool thing, huh!?

tuesday, march 10, 2009

This boy just loves "Blues Clues." I don't know how many pictures I already have of him watching this show. He usually watches downstairs with me and we watch episodes that I have TiVo'd. Today he disappeared upstairs where the little TV/VCR was plugged in and put in his own tape of "Blue's Clues." This is the way I found him. Fast asleep, with his favorite show in the background.

monday, march 9, 2009

These two are a funny, silly, pair of friends. They have a love/hate relationship. They both want to play with each other all the time, but they also both want to be "the boss" of what they do. Not only would Mark not think it's cute to have let him dress up in a cheerleading outfit, but then to have it be a "UTAH" cheer outfit...that would send him over the top. Sorry Mark. It was funny, and look at his hip action. He was totally into it! HILARIOUS!!!

{week of march 2 - march 8}

sunday, march 8, 2009

Often times it's the most simple gift that means the most. I received these beautiful wild flowers from Doug. It was so sweet and thoughtful of him to bring them to me. I smiled every time I came into the kitchen and saw them on the table. I only wish they lasted longer.

saturday, march 7, 2009

Going to the temple is such a peaceful and spiritual uplift. I love being in the House of the Lord. I can feel the spirit and focus on the more important things of this life. I can get so caught up in all the everyday stuff, but the temple can bring me back to what's really important.

friday, march 6, 2009

Birthday dinner.
Singing the Happy Birthday song.
Eating cake.
Opening presents.
Celebrating LIFE with friends and family...it just doesn't get any better.

thursday, march 5, 2009

Stack:
–noun
1. a more or less orderly pile or heap: a precariously balanced stack of books; a neat stack of papers.

I have come to a reconciliation that I will always have stacks around my house. It's my flaw and I'm trying to embrace it rather than hate it.

wednesday, march 4, 2009

I've been practicing a song with some other ladies from church that we are going to perform this Sunday. It's a really beautiful song about coming together as sisters and becoming one with God. It's a wonderful message. This piano is about 10 years old. I don't play well or often, but I do love the sound it makes. I love when Chase sits down and plays the few pieces he knows, or when he plays around with a new song.

tuesday, march 3, 2009

This is the greatest place. There's a water feature of fountains right near this enormous fireplace that is two sided. Doug and I went to dinner and a movie and then talked for awhile sitting right in this spot. It was a really fun night. The music, the sound of the fountains, the chill of the night but the warmth of the fire, the clear sky and great company.

monday, march 2, 2009

Yes that would be my daughter jumping into the pool. We don't have a thermometer, so I'm just guessing that the temp was around 65. She and Lucas ended up actually swimming around and jumping in for about 20 minutes. The day was hot, but not hot enough for me to brave the water yet. It's coming though! :)

{week of feb. 23 - march 1}

sunday, march 1, 2009

Diane and I have talked often how there is something special about catching people in photos from behind. It feels as if you are witnessing a special moment between the people without disturbing their privacy. Dad had taken Lucas out to see if they could see any of the fish in the pond. Just a quiet moment between a Grandpa and his grand son. One little photo can say so much. The story can be felt even though there are no words.

saturday, february 28, 2009

My Uncle Leon passed away this week and my sister and I drove to Utah for his funeral. I loved my Uncle Leon. I didn't see him as often as I wish I had, but I treasure the memories I have of him. My dearest memory was his challenge to a footrace whenever I came to visit. He was so fast and he always beat me. Once I finally beat him, and he never challenged me again. I know he could beat me now. I was grateful to hear the fun memories of him from when he was younger. His kids and grand kids shared stories; some that I didn't know and some that I had experienced with him myself. The picture it painted made him even more special and dear to me. He always told me he wanted me to sing at his funeral, and I was honored to be able to sing for him one last time.

friday, february 27, 2009

"I don't want to see," he said as the scary dinosaur part was coming on the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth. Isn't it funny that our need to see just overcomes our fear even at such a young age. It proves that temptation is a very hard thing to resist even in the youngest most innocent of souls. This picture just makes me smile.

thursday, february 26, 2009

This, my friends, is a dish I have eaten since I can remember. We call it Eggs Ala Goldenrod. I have found only a few people in my lifetime who eat this same dish. You hard boil eggs. Make a white gravy. Add the whites of the eggs to the gravy. Take the yokes and mash them up. Make toast. Put the gravy over the toast and then sprinkle the mashed yolks on top. It's simple, but oh so delicious. I made it tonight because the guy I'm dating was telling me I needed to try this great dish his mom makes called Goldenrod. I couldn't believe it. Someone who knows this same dish, small world? Maybe...we'll see. My kids were thrilled that there was a reason to make Egg Ala, as we call it for short. They love it. I might have mentioned that this Christmas we made it our new traditional morning breakfast dish. YUMMM!!!!

wednesday, february 25, 2009

I spend a lot of time in front of this computer. Honestly...TOO MUCH TIME...in front of this computer. Today, however, was with great purpose. I've got pictures all over the place on here, in tons of different folders. I was trying to get some organization to it all. I made some great progress, but I still have work to do. It's an important part of my history keeping. I'm not going to feel guilty about this part of my computer time. It's the Facebook, Gmail and random surfing that I've got to get under control. I vow to do it!!! I will take control of my life.

tuesday, february 24, 2009

This has been a very common view for me and Lucas over the last year or so. Lucas is a very picky eater. I've never had a child who is THIS PICKY! He is so far from the normal child eating habits that it baffles me. Most like cheese, french fries, potatoes, pasta, chicken nuggets and such, but not Lucas. He almost exclusively loves "hangaburs." It's ridiculous, but true. I've taken the easy way out and just dashed to Mickey D's often to grab a little cheese "hangabur" for lunch. I've got to fix this little problem...soon.

monday, february 23, 2009

Almost every night there is a sunset that takes my breath away. I've always loved sunsets. My kids even know how much I love them, because they appreciate their beauty as well, and love to point them out to me. I never tire enjoying a good sunset.

{week of feb. 16 - feb. 22}

sunday, february 22, 2009

Best Picture - "Slumdog Millionaire"
haven't seen
Best Director - Danny Boyle "Slumdog Millionaire" - haven't seen
Best Actor - Sean Penn "Milk"
haven't seen
Best Actress - Kate Winslet "The Reader"
haven't seen
Best Supporting Actor - Heath Ledger "The Dark Knight"
saw - he was great, but I just wonder if getting into such an evil sinister role
might have contributed to his depression before dying
Best Supporting Actress - Penelope Cruz "Vicky Christina Barcelona"
haven't seen
Best Animated Feature - "Wall-E"
Yeah!!!!!!!! Finally a great film for the WHOLE FAMILY.

saturday, february 21, 2009

Birthdays! So much fun. My niece's little son turned two a few days ago and today we got to go celebrate with everyone for his big day. This is the face of pure pleasure after having free reign to devour with both hands two personal cupcakes just for him. We all got to ice and decorate our very own cupcakes. What a great party.

friday, february 20, 2009

So remember back when I had my accident on the quad, well under the big scrape was a large mass of something. I went to see the doctor and she sent me to get it aspirated (sucked out.) I know gross, huh? They were worried that the blood might have started to congeal, which would mean they couldn't suck it out. They did a little ultrasound, numbed a spot near my scrape (OW!)and then pulled 75 cc's (almost a 1/2 cup) of blood from my leg. ***This is a representation made with Crystal Light Ruby Red, just so you could have a visual of how much fluid was under my skin. AWWWW...it feels so much better now.

thursday, february 19, 2009

Our stake had planned an Enrichment Night planned for the sisters at the Visitor's Center at the Mesa Temple, where we watched "Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration" movie. I've seen it before, but the spirit was very strong as I watched this story again. I was moved to tears as I watched the depiction of a beloved prophet of God going through so much pain and adversity with such a strong Faith and Hope. I have no doubt he is a prophet of God. It has been testified to me through the spirit so many times. I am so grateful for his example of Faith and Hope. This was a wonderful night. I was lucky to be with wonderful friends and family, feel of the spirit of God's grace and enjoy the beauty of one of His glorious temples.

wednesday, february 18, 2009

These gorgeous ladies are my visiting teachers. They took Lucas and I out to lunch today. We met at a new place for me called "Blowfish." I knew they served sushi, which I have very little experience with, but they also had my favorite - shrimp tempura with tempura vegetables. It was delicious. They are the sweetest gals and I just love visiting with them and being friends with them. I'm a very lucky girl.

tuesday, february 17, 2009

After my visit to Utah, I came home with a variety of sweet gifts from Gma Mary. This little "duck" hat was for Lucas and he loved it. We had a whole photo shoot of different faces and angles with the duck hat on. As I was thinking about it just now, I realized that he is often wearing some kind of hat in almost every picture. He wears them mainly because he doesn't like having his hair done (squirted down and combed,) therefore, he asks to wear a hat instead. I love him in hats so it works for me. Everyone leaves the house happy...unless he wants a specific hat and we can't find it!

monday, february 16, 2009

We sort of have a tradition to hit a movie on these Monday holidays from school. We used to have sleepovers with the Giles the night before as well. Even with no sleepover, the kids were excited to go to the movies today. We chose to see "Coraline." It seemed reminiscent of Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" and all my kids love that movie and others by him. This was fantastically animated and detailed. It's a cute little story, but scary. Lucas was a tiny bit frightened by the button-eyed mom that turns into a spider. I was able to calm him by saying she's very similar to Jack Skellington from "Nightmare." He loves Jack, so that made things a little better. I love these kids. I'm only sad Patrick couldn't join us. He would have loved this movie.