Tigersue's Jungle

Calgary Alberta LDS (Mormon) Temple Construction Photographs

2012-01-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Calgary Alberta LDS (Mormon) Temple Construction Photographs

I am so excited to post these picture of the construction of the Calgary Temple. How I wish I could go to the open house. Alas money needs to be allocated to other areas. Can Anyone say mission fund?

He loves me...

2011-12-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Michael told me I was beautiful the other morning. Since I never feel beautiful, I told him "I might believe you if I was 100 lbs lighter". He looked at me, and said, "Are you kidding? Then you would be drop dead gorgeous!"

He loves me. :)

Is there something wrong with me?

2011-12-05T13:00:00.002-07:00

I have been so emotional the past week and a half. I want to cry and everything and anything. Not just small cries but deep down sobbing. I don't feel depressed, stressed a bit, but even that isn't so bad in general. I can't help but think something is really wrong with me.

2011-11-30T14:57:00.002-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are the most selfish, unreasonable, drama queen/king? Yup that is me right now . I think I need to find a cave and crawl into it.

On the upside, I think I signed the last formal paper for my Aunt's Estate. Only one major thing left and that is doing the taxes to close out the year. (no big deal since everything is one big fat 0)

It is possible.

2011-11-18T10:02:00.002-07:00

What is possible you say? Here is an email from a professional woman to Dr. Laura about staying Chaste before marriage. Is it easy? Nope, but this woman knows her value and is learning as person after person dumps her because she will not have sex before marriage.

Some Mormon apologetic readings

2011-11-01T13:35:00.002-06:00

I have been doing more reading again in apologetic sources. It is something I do from time to time and I can credit my sister for helping me down this trek. Actually, I found myself defending the church and the gospel at age 18, my first quarter in College, away from home. It was an experience I will never forget. I have also defended the church on message boards years ago when I first entered the internet scene. I can't say I'm as good at this as my sister, but at least I know where to go look when I need to.

Here is an article I found today. I frankly found that last bit of it interesting to me. It talks about the different levels of faith and belief. Most members will sit on level A, nothing wrong with that, but when you hit level B, you leave or you have to move to level C. Get beyond that. I suppose I have gone from that point of sitting on level A, to B and C. It explains why I love the gospel discussions that are deep, beyond the regular basic answers, when others need that basics. Why we need the basics in general. I'm sure I'm not making sense, but when I read the article, much of my experiences since the summer of 1984 now makes sense.

Shaken Faith Syndrome
DNA and the Book of Mormon
"Uh oh!" to "Ah, ha!" in aplogetics

Collin is 18

2011-09-21T14:21:00.002-06:00

You do know I have an amazing son right? He turned 18 the other day. It is rather hard to believe and strange to think in another year he will be mission bound. It the past year he was awarded the Eagle, he is in the order of the arrow and he earned the Duty to God award. From what we understand he is only the 2nd boy in our ward to get it since it was organized.

When he received his Eagle I told him that what would really mean more to me would be for him to earn his Duty to God. As wonderful as the scout program is, as a mother it is more important for my children to have a firm spiritual foundation. All though stats show that a high percentage of young men serve missions who have earned the eagle scout, I wonder how much more that stat improves upon earning the Duty to God? It has got to be better right?

So I am so happy that my son has earned both. He told me that he remembered what I said about the Duty to God award and that is why he finished it. I love my son, he is a great man, and I am sure will only continue to show what he is capable of doing.

Happy belated birthday son. I love not because of all the things you do, but because you are first and foremost my son.

Bountiful Baskets

2011-07-23T08:18:00.002-06:00

Today was our first time participating in Bountiful Baskets. If you haven't heard of Bountiful Baskets it is an organization started by 2 women to provide low cost fresh produce in a form of a co-op. You place your order at the website, and then pick it up the following Saturday. The website has a list of the different offerings you can get, from the regular basket that runs about 16.50 (includes the cost of handling), to bread, organic foods and other specials they can get. I had known about this for at least a year but the pick up times always held me back. Also since I'm a low carber I worried about the fruit and starchy food, after all would I use what I get.

I decided to try it this week and I thought I would give my review.

Our time was set to be there at 7:15, you have a 20 minutes window to pick up your produce or you will loose it. We arrived shortly after 7am and a line was already forming. It is a good thing to get there early if you don't want to wait. They could have had a better system for forming lines because they eventually split you into two lines according to last name. If you could start out that way it would cause less confusion. They need something to designate the two lines right off.

They needed more volunteers. After watching many ladies in line went to help and if they hadn't it may have taken another 2o minutes to get ready. As it was they didn't start handing out the food until 7:35. Michael and I decided that it would be worth it to volunteer and since he is a morning person he will probably be the one to do it.

The sort all the food into baskets, one for fruit and one for vegetables. If it is your first time you pay a 3.00 start up fee to buy baskets so they can get up with demand. Since it is two baskets not a bad price. They keep the baskets, you bring bags or your out basket to take home.

We got the following in the baskets.

1 package small tomatoes, (some were green and some were ripe. I wouldn't buy it in the store looking like that but to sit on the counter they will be okay)
1 beautiful large head of leaf lettuce. You can find lettuce this size in the store, at least I have never seen one.
2 english cucumbers. One was damaged, we will have to eat it quickly. Again in the store I would not have bought but looked for one that was not damaged so badly.
1. bag of green beans, I have never seen green beans like this in the store, they looked fresh picked. Not one old or dehydrated.
1 bunch celery
several thin white yams/sweet potatoes. They look like they would be yummy sliced, with olive oil and salt and pepper and grilled.
1. package strawberries
3 mangoes One so ripe I had to cut it right away
1 small cantaloupe
5 or 6 peaches that need ripening
one bunch of bananas, plus one extra. They split up the extra bunches. This one the top was completely removed so it had to be eaten right away.
4 or 5 plums.

For the most part I can't complain. I think the few blemishes are bound to happen from time to time when you can't pick your own food. One thing I did notice was a volunteer just tossing fruit into baskets and not placing them in. Not a great way to handle fresh produce. I think that would be my biggest complaint of the whole process. It was only one volunteer that was doing it and I am glad I didn't get a basket she filled.

All it all I think we would do it again. For less that 20.0o we got a nice batch of fresh produce.

Not even sure

2011-06-06T14:26:00.003-06:00

I'm not even sure how to title this post. I really want to whine, and rant, but what would it do me? I think I am unable to get out of this funkiness I'm in. You know it is bad when you come home from church and cry. Not that anything was wrong with church, but I have so much guilt on my shoulders, like some how I just don't add up, or really belong.

Not that I particularly want to belong, I have never wanted to be part of the in crowd that isn't my desire. Honestly I want to know what is wrong with me?

I'm finding testimony meetings frustrating right now. I'm not feeling the spirit the way I should, and it shows in my attitude. I love the simple testimonies that stick to our 5 basic things and that seems to be the only way I feel the spirit speak to my soul.

Then the RS lesson on Visiting Teaching really got me down. Not that it wasn't a great lesson, it really was, but I wonder what is wrong with me? Why is it that Visiting Teaching has never done for me what it does for others? I have had on the occasion a Visiting Teacher I love, usually she has been a friend before this assignment, but it never lasts, they are moved to another assignment and I'm back to the beginning.

I have had times when I know I have made a difference in someones life going but usually not. I have had partners chew me out for messing up appointments, so between that and my phone phobia making appointments is a real challenge to get courage up to do. I don't mind going, I don't mind giving lessons but to pick up that phone while my heart pounds and I can hardly breathe is horrible. I hate it. When I find a friend that way, they want to do girl's nights out, but I don't do them. I have a husband and children that need me home. When Michael is home I want to be home, I spent enough years working graveyards that I honestly hate anytime away from home and my children, except during the day. I can do lunch, maybe go shopping. I will drag my little ones along, but hey that is what I can do. Evening forget it, they are precious, not to mention if I go out to spend money I would rather do it with my husband.

When I open up about troubles I have I get advice that doesn't work for me at my stage of life. Sorry, that is not what I want. See I am in a funk of some sort. I need something to uplift and inspire me. See I'm making this all about me, I shouldn't, I know that. I guess I haven't found the pattern that speaks to me so I can be of the best service. I'm not sure why it is so hard for me, when it is so easy for my husband to do his home teaching. He loves it, he really does, and he loves those he serves. He does the best he can. Why can't I learn from him?

Lucky me

2011-05-31T08:25:00.001-06:00

Every now and then something happens that makes you stop and think "how lucky I am". That happened to me yesterday afternoon. We have a bountiful harvest of rhubarb in our yard and I thought I should try to make a batch of rhubarb jam, and do a batch of rhubarb juice. The jam went as expected and I was pleasantly surprised to see it set up when I wasn't sure it would with how watery it was.

The juice simmered and steamed for nearly 90 minutes when I realized I hadn't sterilized my bottles yet. Normally when I can I put my bottles in my dishwasher and wash them that way so they sterilize with the heat dry. This time because the dishwasher was running full of dirty dishes I hand washed all my jars and filled them with boiling water to sterilize them before I added the finished product. I filled the first two quart jars with water and as I was pouring water in the third I heard a small crack and water started to pour out of the bottom of the jar. (Luckily I put my jars on clean towels so clean up no problem) after the water drained I lifted up the jar and the bottom had completely broken off in a perfect circle. As I looked at it was immediately grateful that I had chosen to do my jars this way. When we drain the juice it is a two person job, my husband holds the clamp to the tubing and I will sit on a stool and hold a jar with hotpads under the spout. If the jar had broken while doing that I would have been horribly scalded. So lucky me, but more correctly I am blessed that nothing serious happened other than the breaking of what was a very interesting mason jar.

A time to think

2011-05-03T16:08:00.003-06:00

With the news of the death of Osama Bin Lauden, I like most of the nation felt some satisfaction. I can't say I felt joy, and I certainly did not want to dance in the streets.

For me I felt a sense of sadness. Not because a despicable human being was dead but sadness for the waste. What a waste of potential. Here was a man, like all of us in the world that is born innocent with a capacity to do good and he turned to evil.

I saw many people wish this man to rot in eternal torment. I suppose I got to thinking with my beliefs of Heaven and Hell and what does it really mean? I also got to thinking about judgement. I suppose that I am willing to let God be his judge, who better? From what I understand about salvation and the life to come is Hell really what we think and who really goes there. Outer darkness, I think members of the church need to study what the three kingdoms and perdition really are and who inhabits what. I think when we are commanded to not judge it means to beware our condemnation of others when that is up to God and his everlasting knowledge. After all there are many Christians that would condemn me to Hell because I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it doesn't feel right to be told as such when it is not up to them. Does that mean that I think this man with have Eternal Life. No, I don't I don't see him changing who and what he became in this life. I don't see him accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. I am only saying I'm leaving his judgement to the one with the power, not my own wishes.

My other reason for not wanting to dance in the streets, is this is not over. Al-Qaida still exists, terrorism still exists, the fight for our freedom is not over. I am afraid that the weak people in this country will relax, loose focus, and feel that all threat is over. The death of one man will not stop those that hate all this country stands for and hate all that I believe in. I'm sorry Secretary of State Clinton, we cannot negotiate with terrorists, it doesn't work, it never has worked.

Children's Discovery Museum

2011-04-15T16:59:00.002-06:00

Since it has been Spring Break all week, Michael and I decided to take the girls to The Children's Discovery Museum today. We had a coupon for buy one get one free, and figured it would be some great fun. We didn't tell them where we were going but they tried to guess.

One of our pass times when we are in the car is a game called Bingo. We try to count how many yellow cars or small trucks/vans we can see on the road. Instead of a competition we work together, and you call Bingo whenever you see one. They had fun playing that but I finally decided that yellow cars are more popular in the county we live in.

When we pulled in the parking garage, Abbie started to holler that this is where we go to The Children's museum and got so excited.

Both girls were grinning and smiling and eyes were twinkly. We had lots of fun and left after a couple of hours. From my perspective it seemed more of a big play zone than an actual museum. I don't know, I guess I was expecting something more than what it was. So that was kind of sad, I was ready to buy a 6 month pass for the summer, but I'm not sure it is worth the drive up. Good thing the girls thought it was loads of fun.

We were going to take them to The Mayan for lunch but guess what, it isn't open for lunch on Friday's. Go figure so we ended up at Ruby River. Near the end of the meal they got so silly. Kendra was pretending to play a guitar and singing to the country music. All I could think it is is a good thing we don't have guitar hero or rock star in the house. :)

There is something sick and wrong.....

2011-04-11T08:44:00.003-06:00

For the past 2 weeks I have been trying to figure out how to do the tax returns for the trust and estate for my Aunt. It has been a royal pain in the neck. Everywhere I turn I find different rules and nothing that seems to fit my situation with my Aunt's case. In December, our absolutely lovely, (notice I am not complimentary here) Congress passed new rules for Estate taxes for this past year. Notice not 2011, but 2010, the year past, the year my Aunt died. As of this morning there still is not clarification on figuring the basis for the sale of a house. If the estate is worth over 5,000,000 you have answers you can follow, but less than that nothing is defined. Go figure. The Liberals talk about taking care of the poor but in this case they only took care of the wealthy. Needless to say I am stuck in between the proverbial rock and a hard place? I don't know if I can use the fair market value for the sale of her house (good), or the price she paid for the house (bad), do I file an extension, (I really don't want to, I want this over with, dealing with it for a year now is really wearing on me emotionally), do I take my chances with the fair market value.

Why can't the government get on the ball and get this figured out. IF you cannot have it done by the time tax season is upon the tax payer than the previous years rules should be in effect and the new ones delayed for another year. I have so frustrated and so at the end of my rope. This is the only thing for the trust that could potentially earn income on the trust. Honestly with how small it is we shouldn't have to pay anything. I am frustrated beyond belief and I don't even know where to turn to next. All doors and avenues seem to be shut.

(one thing I learned this morning on the phone, is the personal exemption for a sale of a home does not exist in a trust, so the 250,000 exemption is not applicable here either.)

Earth Hour

2011-03-28T19:12:00.002-06:00

Yes I haven't blogged, I'm in a bit of a crossroads in trying to figure out how I want to blog and what is appropriate and protect my family.

This past week Earth hour came and went by. I'm clueless and really could care less about the environmental lobby and nut cases that would want us to live as our ancestors did even less than an hundred years ago. Sorry, I don't want to do that, I love my life and the ease of it.

So here is an excellent article from the Vancouver Sun. Least we forget in the push to save the planet, what technology and specifically electricity and low cost fuels have provided for us. We should be Thanking God daily for this blessing, not cursing it, and being completely ungrateful for all that has been given to us.

Earth Hour, Why I will leave my lights on.

I'm am Spittin" Mad Today

2011-01-18T08:19:00.002-07:00

Collin had oral surgery on Friday. He is doing well and fine. Today I send him to school with a note that he is to take an antibiotic during school hours with the time, and sign it, adding my credentials at the end. I proceed to get a call from him that the school will not allow him to take it without my signature and the physicians signature on a paper at school. Get real!!!!!!!!

I get my signature, but the physicians signature is the prescription on the bottle. That is what makes it legal to carry and take medications that have to be taken that are not sold over the counter. That should be good enough for the school district. I would get it if it is something that needs to be taken over the counter, but a prescription written on the bottle. It makes me fuming mad. So I have a choice drive a 60 mile round trip for a signature good for 4 days, or drive to school everyday and give the pill myself. If they make a stink about it I am legally licensed to give a medication under a doctors order, to my own child, as a parent and a nurse. It drives me crazy the stupid bureaucracy of fear and control we are in in this society. I am a supporter of public schools. I could never home school. I don't have the temperament for it. Ask my children they will tell you. This sort of stuff is what drives me insane.

To the Rescue

2011-01-05T13:39:00.002-07:00

I completed To the Rescue, the biography of President Thomas S. Monson. I loved the book. I'm not much of a biography reader, but I think this is one of the best books I have ever read. Of course it helps that I have a deep love for President Monson, and I have always wished that I could one day have the privilege to shake his hand.

The book made me cry, made me laugh, and made me wish that I was a better person. How can I become more like him. Truly he is a Christlike man. How can I learn to be like that. Sometimes I feel so selfish and I don't look outside and around like I should. I also learned that often we see charity to the poor and needy to be monetary, but as through the example President Monson it is the uplifting, paying attention, noticing and lifting. I know I have failed horribly in the past. I know my faith, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has grown just from reading this book, reading about his faith, his love, his endless service. Although the book is about him, it is really about what we can be when we put ourselves into the service of God. President Monson would not be who he is without the people he has reached out to.

Years ago he spoke at a fireside. I was touched that his goals have never left me, I wrote a song about it at one time. Not a great one, but it inspired me, and later my husband. When I sing it I cry because I have seen it in action in my life, when I do let go of my selfishness and look outward.

Kneel to Pray

Step up to Serve

Reach out to Rescue.

I'm glad that I have lived to see this man in action. I may never have my wish fulfilled to meet and shake his hand, yet I feel that by holding this fine book in my hands, I have gotten to know him and love him more.
What an blessing he is to the us living today. A man that can teach us what living like Christ is and can be if we choose to listen and follow. I honestly can see Satan's hand in the turmoil in the world as a general authority who is perhaps the most Christlike is now the prophet. With all the class war, and the rage against the "rich", (for once I would really like a definition of what rich is?") it is important to understand that charity comes from the heart and soul not from the "amount" given or taken. I hope we learn our lesson from this man. I know I intend to do my best.

Nott Block

2010-12-16T16:04:00.001-07:00

If you would like to watch some very funny, short films, this is the place to go.

Enjoy Nott Block.

Be Afraid.

2010-12-01T19:41:00.002-07:00

I just read this on Dr. Laura's blog. It is worth the read and if it doesn't concern you, it should.

2010-11-29T09:25:00.002-07:00

have you read more than 6 of these books?The BBC believes most people will have read only 6 of the 100 books listed here. Instructions: Copy this . Bold those books you've read in their entirety, italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt and underline the ones you’ve seen the movies of.

1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

2. The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien

3. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte

4 Harry Potter series – JK Rowling

5 To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

6 The Bible

7 Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte

8 Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell (I don't remember, I may have read this in highschool)

9 His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman

10 Great Expectations – Charles Dickens

11 Little Women – Louisa M Alcott

12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy

13 Catch 22 – Joseph Heller

14 Complete Works of Shakespeare-Not completely, just a great deal of his works

15 Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier

16 The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien

17 Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks

18 Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger

19 The Time Traveller’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger

20 Middlemarch – George Eliot

21 Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell

22 The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald

23 Bleak House – Charles Dickens

24 War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy

25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

26 Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh

27 Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

28 Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck

29 Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll

30 The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Graham

31 Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy

32 David Copperfield – Charles Dickens

33 Chronicles of Narnia – CS Lewis

34 Emma – Jane Austen

35 Persuasion – Jane Austen

36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – CS Lewis

37 The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini

38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Berniere

39 Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden

40 Winnie the Pooh – AA Milne

41 Animal Farm – George Orwell

42 The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown

43 One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez

44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving

45 The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins

46 Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery

47 Far From The Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy

48 The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood

49 Lord of the Flies – William Goldin

50 Atonement – Ian McEwan

51 Life of Pi – Yann Martel

52 Dune – Frank Herbert

53 Cold Comfort Farm – Stella Gibbons

54 Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen

55 A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth

56 The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafon

57 A Tale Of Two Cities – Charles Dickens

58 Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon

60 Love In The Time Of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez

61 Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck

62 Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov

63 The Secret History – Donna Tartt

64 The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold

65 Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas

66 On The Road – Jack Kerouac

67 Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy

68 Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding

69 Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie

70 Moby Dick – Herman Melville

71 Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens

72 Dracula – Bram Stoker

73 The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett

74 Notes From A Small Island – Bill Bryson

75 Ulysses – James Joyce

76 The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath

77 Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome

78 Germinal – Emile Zola

79 Vanity Fair – William Makepeace Thackeray

80 Possession – AS Byatt

81 A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens

82 Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell

83 The Color Purple – Alice Walker

84 The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro

85 Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert

86 A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry

87 Charlotte’s Web – EB White

88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom

89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

90 The Faraway Tree Collection – Enid Blyton

91 Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad

92 The Little Prince – Antoine De Saint-Exupery

93 The Wasp Factory – Iain Banks

94 Watership Down – Richard Adams

95 A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole

96 A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute

97 The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas

98 Hamlet – William Shakespeare

99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl

100 Les Miserables – Victor Hugo

It appears that I have read roughly 37 of the books or works listed here. Not to shabby. I can say thanks to high school English because I may not have read some of them otherwise. Some I saw the movie before the books (example Bleak House), others I read the book before I saw the movie (Memoirs of a Geisha). Of the ones I haven't read there aren't many that interest me to pick up to read. Maybe someday?

Gratitude quote for the day.

2010-11-04T13:41:00.002-06:00

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help.

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues"

~ President Thomas S. Monson

Sometimes I think we forget how wonderful it is to be living at this time. This quote reminded me of President Hinckley and his sweet enthusiasm for the future. I believe the conditions in the world that cause so much stress, economy, war, uncertainty, often makes us forget the wonderful promises and prophecies of the future. Sure it is a time of the above, but it is a time of growth, looking forward to so many wonderful things to prepare for the coming of Christ. I think Satan would like us to forget the good and wants us to live in fear. I understand fear, I have it all the time, but hope is such a wonderful thing isn't it? Hope lets us look forward with gratitude and love.

Have you voted

2010-11-02T11:19:00.003-06:00

I am grateful to live in a Country that has free elections. It is a privilege, and right and a responsibility. If you don't like what government does, go out a vote. You can't complain if you don't let your voice be heard in this simple matter. It doesn't take much time, even with the line I stood in I was home in 45 minutes. Go do it! Think of all the people that could not vote in years and centuries past. How blessed we are.

Grateful for the Atonement

2010-11-01T09:44:00.002-06:00

"As President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) observed: 'One of the greatest sins, both in magnitude and extent... is the sin of ingratitude. When we violate a commandment, no matter how small and insignificant we may think it to be, we show our ingratitude to our Redeemer. It is impossible for us to comprehend the extent of his suffering when he carried the burden of the sins of the whole world.... If we really understood and could feel even to a small degree, the love and gracious willingness on the part of Jesus Christ to suffer for our sins we would be willing to repent of all our transgressions and serve him'"

I honestly can say it isn't every Sunday that I'm grateful for the atonement. It isn't that I'm not, but as you know with little ones it can be hard to really focus on the sacrament and the atonement completely and with all your heart. You do your best, but most Sunday's it seems the struggle is trying to help a now 5 and 6 year old to be reverent and sit quietly so they don't disturb others. This is of course challenging if they are distracted by other children who are having just as much difficulty being reverent during this most important part of our Sunday Worship. Yesterday Michael and I were at church without the girls during Sacrament meeting. Since Natasha is home before she goes to her singles ward, it means if they aren't feeling well we can attend sacrament meeting together, at least until the time changes in a couple of months and we are on the same schedule as Tasha.

I really focused on the sacrament yesterday. I don't remember my thoughts exactly, because it was different from usual. Normally I try to focus on the symbols and emblems of the sacrament, but I think this time it was more focus on what it means for me.

In relation to my previous post, I am working on choice and accountability. I'm trying to recognize my active choice and agency in what I do in my life. I'm trying to focus on my love for the Saviour and increase my spiritual well being. I made a choice in the past couple of weeks to leave a certain, popular social networking site, following a prompting I have been having for several weeks. I had seen a steady decline in my spiritual health, and I knew I needed to get back to it. I knew that being there really was hindering me. There wasn't one factor but many and I figured now was the time to stop before I continued to flounder.

Not only did I have the prompting to stop that activity I had a prompting to start another, to help me increase my testimony and strengthen my weakness. I had been trying to muddle through reading the Old Testament. My goal for the year just went by the wayside with the death of my Aunt. Since that was not going well and we, as a family, have been trying to read the Old Testament following the Sunday School lessons the best we can, I felt I needed to start reading the Book of Mormon again. So that is what I have been doing. I'm working on it, and yesterday during the Sacrament, I was feeling better, more at ease and peace than I have been for many months.

It is a wonderful feeling to feel the peace of the gospel, the love of the Saviour and joy in serving God.

The scripture that stood out to me today is found in 2 Nephi 2:26-28

26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;

By their fruits?

2010-10-29T13:58:00.002-06:00

The past few days it is becoming easier and easier to see the good, bad and noble in our society. I haven't made many political posts lately, (not that I have posted much of anything lately) but I feel the need to vent, just a little.

Since President Packer's talk (which I love and agree with), I have heard so many people say it was so hateful. I don't see hate in it. I can see how it can hurt, but hate? Hate is such a strong word. What is hateful about saying we have the right to choose to sin or not? Many, many years ago, I really struggled with an issue. I never talked about it with Michael, and with the degree of depression I was in after having Collin, I was in so much despair. At the end of my rope, I finally asked him for a blessing, and the blessing told me "to honor myself". Now I know Michael had no idea of my struggles, but God did, and that phrase was exactly what I needed to move on, get over it, repent, and start to actually be able to deal with my depression. I could choose to sin or not. Is it easy, nope, but it can be done. That is what I learned from his talk, I would rather figure out what it is I need to fix and not point my fingers at others.

I have heard people say the Glenn Beck is spreading hate, and violence. Tell me, how is calling people to pray, pray for the President, pray for the country, just get down on your knees and pray. How can that be hate? Tell me even if you are atheist how can prayer be hate? How is that going to incite another Oklahoma City type bombing? Just because I'm conservative doesn't mean I'm anti government. To the contrary, I just think the government should be limited in scope and power. Defend the country yes, manage infrastructure, yes, but stay out of my choice to worship, speak, and who I choose to listen to. Where is the risk of another bombing? In my opinion it is not from Glenn Beck, but from those like William Ayers who has done it before. It isn't going to come from those that love the country, but from those that disdain it and what we stand for.

On the other hand, what have I heard that truly is hateful. At least in my book. A vile term spoken by a liberal woman, in reference to a conservative candidate. I have been called that name. It isn't nice, it isn't pleasant, and by no means do you call your best friends that name. In fact my belief is if you use that term, you are showing your own colors and becoming what you are saying the other is.

I have heard the President refer to people like me as his enemies. What? I'm an American citizen, I pray for you, I pray for this country, I don't want your death, I don't want you or your family to suffer pain. I don't want horrible things to happen to anyone. Do I recognize that horrible things happen. Yes, it is part of life, but to me an enemy is some one that wants my death, and I know who those are. All I want is the ability to raise my family and let them choose what they want to do in this life. I want them to be happy no matter what salary they earn. My husband doesn't earn anywhere close to a three digit figure, we are happy, he is happy with what he does. If my children decide they want to earn 250,000 a year, I hope they can do it and not be punished for their success.

My vote is never based on race, sex, religion, but on what I believe and if it is different from you don't say I'm racist, sexist or bigoted. So you tell me what is true hate speech? I think I can see it by the fruits of those that speak.

Signed and done.... for now

2010-10-21T17:04:00.003-06:00

Today I signed the papers closing the sale of my sweet Aunt's house. What a process this has been. What am I grateful for.

That it sold, before the homeowner's insurance expired on 10/24.

That the sale did go through.

That the new mortgage company finally inputed my Aunt's death certificate and my letters of testamentary before I had to get a pay off quote since they would not talk to a title agent.

Hum, what am I not grateful for, or at least what was annoying.

That we had to drop the price 15,000 to get someone offer for it.

That we had to pay all the closing costs.

That the mortgage was sold 3 weeks after the previous company finally acknowledged her death certificate and my letters of testamentary. (which lead to dealing with a completely unreasonable company)

It is hard to say good-bye to her. I have shed many tears over the past few weeks as I have dealt with this aspect of her estate. I miss her so much, and yet I know she is better off now. I didn't expect to have to do all of this so soon. I wish we could have gotten more so there might would have been more to share with those of us listed in the Trust. As it is, I think I barely have enough to pay some of her debts, but not all of them.

If only the hospital had given the charity care as promised, and reassured many times over. If only the State had not canceled the benefits of retirees last year. We could go over the if only's so many times. It doesn't change anything, particularly the greatest wish that we could have her back with us.

A word to the wise, or perhaps not so wise

2010-10-20T10:20:00.002-06:00

If you don't want to be micromanaged, return phone calls, keep people updated on tasks. If in doubt double check.

Honestly, I do hate being a nag, I really do.

Mortgage financing

2010-10-19T13:46:00.002-06:00

Trust me, take my word for it. If you have a mortgage with or soon to be with Ocwen. Don't do it. Run, go somewhere else, refinance with someone else even if it doesn't make sense. They are horrible to work with, I could honestly say I have never, ever had such horrible customer service. You can't get hold of anyone, and I mean it. They never answer the phone. It isn't sitting in que, I get that, I could deal with that, but when even someone from a title company can't get them to answer the phone, you know this is a big problem. Not to mention when that title company calls, has me on conference and they still won't give you a pay off quote. Big, Big, Big problem.

I'm grateful for......

2010-10-18T19:35:00.002-06:00

Yes, I can say I'm grateful for lawyers. Not all of them to be sure! I am glad I have one to help me with all this stuff I have to do. I would be completely lost without it! When I say lost, I mean it, hopelessly, confused, and bamboozled. Whew! Who would have thought I would have had to go through so many hoops and processes just for one thing! Add it all together and it is a living nightmare.

What is on the Prophet's Mind

2010-10-17T20:26:00.002-06:00

I attended Education week in August and one of the classes was "What is on the Prophets Mind". The presenter had a unique approach to conference and how we apply some of what we learn in conference over the next several months before the next conference. The idea is to find out what is on the Prophet's mind and follow it. So what was on President Monson's mind this Conference, out of 5 talks he gave what did he talk about.

Saturday Morning- Preparing to serve missions, for all of us and using and understanding "Preach my Gospel.

Priesthood session Saturday Evening. Three Rs of Choice. The Right of Choice, the Responsibility of Choice, The Results of Choice. I just read the talk, and since agency and the right to choose has been on my mind, it was excellent and something more for me to ponder over.

Sunday morning- Gratitude and living a life of Thanksgiving. My favorite quote from conference came from this talk, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.

Sunday Afternoon, Endure to the end, and carefully study the words from all the talks.

General Relief Society Meeting- Charity never faileth, not just on Charity but on avoiding the temptation of being judgmental. (Something I have to work on!!!!!!)

Anxious, Anxious, Anxious

2010-10-13T16:20:00.002-06:00

I never said I was a patient person, and I will say it again. It is worse this time when so much is dependent on the outcome. I want answers, I want commitments and I want it now. I'm not getting it, so it is wait, wait wait. I really need answers from someone I trust, and someone that can give me, and help me with what I need. I don't know where to turn and I'm running out of time. It would be okay, if I could see an appointment made, answers given.

I know it doesn't make sense. Just more of what I'm going through. More of what I am learning through this whole process. If it doesn't do me in, I will be amazed. What won't surprise me is if I end up with an ulcer.

When are we going to see the Prophet speak?

2010-10-07T18:16:00.003-06:00

Last night we had Kendra's parent/teacher conference, the first for 1st grade. She of course is doing very well, and is advancing quickly on her reading. She is grasping math concepts quickly and although has a few things to work on I am very impressed with where she is at this point.

As we were leaving the school, she kept asking us, "When are we going to see the Prophet." Michael and I both were confused, where on earth was she getting the idea that President Monson would be speaking on a Wednesday night when General Conference had just ended this weekend. As we got to the card she said..

"On the paper to tell us about tonight, it had that big word that begins with a "C" and something like....." and she tried to remember the word Conference. That is when it hit us, she associated the word "conference" with general conference and listening to the prophet, so she figured that is what we were also going to be doing at the parent/teacher conference too.

Don't you love it?

I am a Mother of......

2010-10-05T18:06:00.001-06:00

An Eagle scout and a little girl that taught herself how to ride a bike without training wheels.

How great is that?

Conference thoughts and pondering

2010-10-03T13:21:00.002-06:00

I love general conference. I can't say I always have, it is something I had to learn. As a kid, it seemed to be long boring meetings that we had to sit and watch, and I never got much out of it. As I grew older I appreciated it more. Now as an adult I love it. I eagerly wait for the words of the prophet and the general authorities.

The past few years general conference has become somewhat bitter sweet. My journey to love general conference started in college, with a roommate that I looked up to in so many ways. She is a woman that is as beautiful on the inside as she is out. Her testimony of the gospel was strong and she taught me so much. I remember that first conference we listened to together. All our other roommates went home for the weekend and we were there alone. We sat and listened. We talked about what we heard and shared our thoughts. I remember her testimony and love for President Monson, and her love of the scriptures. She taught me faith in prayer, increased faith in scripture study.

I'm glad I have my family I can share these experiences with, but part of me, wants to be 18 years old again, and go back and firm up my testimony even more. I would try to be a better friend. I miss those days, but I will never forget her example.

I am going to make a goal to be more grateful. So far what I hear that President Monson wants us to do is, think about missions, and make them a priority, and be more grateful. So that is what I'm going to do. Try to fill my life with gratitude and thanks.

Random thoughts

2010-09-20T20:53:00.002-06:00

I haven't blogged much. As I said before since the death of my Aunt I have had little desire to write anything. What I want to write I shouldn't because some of the things I have to say would not be very kind, and somethings never should be shared on a public forum like this even with good intentions.

Most of the time, I'm okay, just living life day to day. Trying my best to take care of my family, loving my little girls and being there for the big ones if they need an ear. I'm trying to be the best wife I can for my husband but sometimes that doesn't seem to work out so well when I'm so wrapped up in my thoughts and frustrations.

When all is finalized I will post more about what I have learned in this journey but right now it is not the time.

I can say, I often feel my faith is weak, the choices I have made with full support from my Father in Heaven has not worked out how I expected or at least hope. More and more I feel rock bottom, in despair and hopeless. My faith is weak, and I pray for strength and miracles but so far the strength and miracle seems so far away I can't grasp it. I'm overwhelmed with things I need to do, things I'm called to do and I can hardly live day to day. I pray daily for relief, for something to give and even release from callings because I'm not sure I can do it all. I'm not doing my best effort, in fact I feel like I'm doing the worst I can. I'm not sure what the next month will bring but I'm terrified. It is said that faith and fear can't live together. I'm afraid I'm losing the battle of faith. I'm not patient, never had been. It is probably my worst fault. If anyone could see the degree if impatience I have they would know that it is the root of all my other faults. I want things done now, and now isn't happening.

Daily I wonder, will this ever end?

A rash of trials.

2010-08-09T21:07:00.002-06:00

Can there ever be a case of too much at once? Oh, I'm sure my sisters would say absolutely, and I tell you I have had just about enough, I want a break, a period of 9 months without something falling apart around me would be nice. Is that too much too ask? Please? Since Aunt Delene died it has been one thing after another.

Our fridge broke down in April. We spent nearly 300 trying to fix it when, low and behold the fix didn't work and we had to fork out the money for a new one. Now, I love my fridge but I really could be using that money for something else. After all the one the broke was nearly 4 years old. You don't expect a fridge that you spend a ton of money on to last only 4 years, 10 at least.

Then a few weeks ago, our stove broke, died, burned out. So now I'm paying for a fridge and a stove, my emergency fund is depleting fast. I guess I should be glad we had a tax return that I could make an emergency fund, but still, couldn't it have lasted a little longer.

Then just a few days after the stove died, our dishwasher was on a recall notice and had to be repaired. The only blessing was that it was paid for so no money out of pocket for that fix.

Now, tonight, Natasha takes the van out on a date, and the thing won't start. I'm sure it is the starter and I have no clue how I'm going to pay for the repair. I had to take some of the money I had saved for car repairs to pay for the stove to limit what is put on credit. I honestly tell you, I am at the end of my rope. I can't take one more thing, with a roof that leaks, sliding doors that don't work well, a front part of the house that still needs the rock put back on from the porch needing to be fixed.

I'm tired, worn out, and I just want to whine and groan. Things need to be settled, and soon because I have had enough. Seriously, enough.

Abbie and Grandma and Grandpa B.

2010-07-29T10:39:00.002-06:00

My parents were over visiting the other day. If you know my dad, he loves to tease, he loves to tease a lot.

Abbie, is a good sport about it, she teases back. My dad was teasing her, not sure what he was saying to her since I was working around the house, she turns to my mother and says.....

"Your Honey is teasing me!"

22 years and I love you more

2010-06-17T08:52:00.002-06:00

If I forget to tell you just how much you mean to me,

I hope that you will remember while your not here with me.

If I forget to tell you that you are my world and more,

I hope that you will remember what I am waiting for.

If I forget to tell you I want you in my life,

I hope that you will remember that I am always by your side.

If I forget to tell you I love you more than words,

I hope that you will remember regardless of the hurt.

If I forget to tell you I am sorry for my mistakes,

I hope that you will remember with every one I make.

If I forget to tell you no other can compare,

I hope that you will remember the love that we both share.

If I forget to tell you I miss you everyday,

I hope that you will remember your absence causes pain.

If I forget to tell you that forever is what I want,

I hope you will remember that forever is what we have got.

Whether I say these words to you,

or wait until you are here with me,

I will show you this forever,

and these words will have no need.

~ anonymous

Happy Anniversary My Michael. I love you more than I can say.

I'm a Dr. Laura fan

2010-06-01T15:44:00.002-06:00

The past few months I have been able to listen to Dr. Laura. I think she is fabulous. Of course I don't agree with everything she says, but on the whole I think she is right on target, and I'm trying, really trying to learn from her. I know I have a long way to go, and lots of pride to get rid of in the process. In the mean time she gets me thinking, and thinking a lot. One thing I have been pondering lately is a dual situation. Why do women not get along with their mother-in-law, or their daughter-in-law. It has got me thinking. Often we blame it on personality issues but when it comes down to it, we set each other up for failure. We look for failure in each other so we can throw it in their faces and not trust each other. It was a wake up call of sorts.

There were a couple of calls that got me thinking. Once was a daughter-in-law that was upset because her child got hurt while in the grandmother's care. Not terribly hurt, something that would happen to my children on a daily basis. You know the kind where you turn around to do something and the next thing you know you have a screaming kid. You give them a hug, a love, maybe clean up a scrape or a cut, use a band-aid even if one isn't needed and off they go and play. Instead, this woman was trying to make it a reason to never let her child's grandmother watch the little one again, ever. As Dr. Laura was getting more and more frustrated, trying to explain to this woman that her mother-in-law was not negligent, had apologized, that her child was fine it didn't seem to want to sink in. All she wanted was a reason to not trust her Mother-in-law, and limit the time her children spent with her. Eventually, Dr. Laura said something to the effect of, "She raised your husband and he turned out all right didn't he?" I thought that was rather poignant, you marry the man your mother-in-law raised and you can't trust her with your children? good point, yup, yup.

Then another caller, this time a mother-in-law, all worried about her son. Nothing was wrong in the marriage, but she didn't think her daughter-in-law could feed her son, love her son enough, and respect him enough. The mother-in-law was doing everything in her power to set up her daughter-in-law for failure. She didn't think anyone was capable of taking care of her son. Dr. Laura spent the rounds again, and finally said something to the effect of....

"She married him and will be taking care of your grandchildren, the same way you took care of your son."

Needless to say, I have been thinking, and grateful for my mother-in-law. She raised a fine son, and he is a wonderful husband and a wonderful father. Where did he learn it from? It had to be from them. They did something right and I am extremely grateful for that. She has never set me up for failure, has never been critical of my faults and failings. I can say the same about my mother, she has never set my husband up for failure, has always accepted them for who he is. I think we are blessed and lucky, two different mothers, two different approaches in how they have dealt with us, and we know we are loved by both. Yes I am lucky.

I'm going to continue to listen to Dr. Laura. Not because I want to correct other people, but because I hope to become a better person, maybe I can catch myself before I make further mistakes in life, or at lease prevent some of them along the way.

Once again I'm so behind on posts.

2010-05-06T13:08:00.002-06:00

The Birthday Girl

Silly Abbie.

Kendra decided a Carrot Cake looked good, and then she didn't like it.

Don't you love cute candles? Thanks Deitrick for bringing them

Grandma Bourne made these cute shawls for the girls to wear to church. They are so pretty.

Aunt Celeste is rarely seen without her knitting in hand.

Collin, Wrylie and Aunt Cindy

Grandma showing Kendra the stuff to go with her Cuddlekids machine. Thanks Aunt Delene.

Kendra wanted a VDV (she can't say DVD. )

Daddy

Natasha and Deitrick

I realize I am so behind. No blogging about Natasha turning 20, no blogging about Collin's concerts and experiences in band. No blogging about Kendra doing a diorama. Yesterday was Kendra's birthday. So here are a few shots of the fun.
We missed Aunt Delene so much, she loved to come for our dinners and celebrating the girls birthdays.

Curtain rods.

2010-04-28T11:28:00.001-06:00

CURTAIN RODS ---

On
the first day, she sadly packed her
belongings
into
boxes, crates and suitcases.

On the second
day, she had the movers come and collect her
things.

On the third day, she sat down for the
last time at their beautiful dining-room table,
by candle-light; she put on some soft background
music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of
caviar,and a bottle of
spring-water.

When
she'd finished, she went into each and every room and
deposited a few half-eaten shrimps dipped in caviar
into the hollow centre of the curtain rods.

She
then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

On the
fourth day, the husband came back
with
his
new girlfriend, and at first all was
bliss.

Then,
slowly, the house began to smell.
They tried
everything; cleaning, mopping, and airing-out the
place.

Vents were c hecked for dead rodents,
and carpets were steam cleaned.

Air fresheners
were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought
in
to
set off gas canisters, during which time
the two
had to move out for afew days, and in the end they
even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting.
Nothing worked!

People stopped coming over to
visit.

Repairmen
refused to work in the house.

The
maid quit.

Finally, they couldn't take the
stench any longer, and decided they had to move, but a
month later - even though they'd cut their price in
half - they couldn't find a buyer for such a stinky
house.

Word got out, and eventually even the
local realtors refused to return their
calls.

Finally, unable to wait any longer for a
purchaser, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from
the bank to purchase a new place.

Then the
ex-wife called the man and asked how things were
going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She
listened politely and said that she missed her old
home terribly and would be willing to reduce her
divorce settlement in exchange for having the
house.

Knowing she could have
no idea how bad the smell really was,
he agreed on
a price that was only 1/10 th of what the house had
been worth ... but only if she would sign the papers
that very day.

She agreed, and within two hours
his lawyers delivered the completed paperwork.

A
week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as
they watched the moving company pack everything to
take to their new home .....

... and to spite
the ex-wife, they even took the curtain rods!

I
LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T
YOU?

I thought I would post this.

2010-04-23T11:40:00.001-06:00

This was a response to the story on Yahoo about Joe Biden being on The View. People were arguing about Joe, Obama, and of course, Sarah Palin. This is an awesome response posted by Y. Sam:

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a teleprompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan's holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, the Emperor of Japan, and various other dignitaries, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the non-existent "Austrian language," would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current in their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to "Cinco de Cuatro" in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had mis-spelled the word "advice" would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoe as proof of what a dunce he is?

If George W, Bush had said "corpse" instead of "corps", would you claim that he is just a stupid redneck?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he's a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush's administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had created the position of 32 Czars who report directly to him, bypassing the House and Senate on much of what is happening in America , would you have approved.

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

If George W Bush had proposed to double the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in a few months -- so you'll have more than three years to come up with an answer.

Congratulations

2010-04-23T11:24:00.002-06:00

I have a niece that graduated from BYU today with her bachelor's degree. Good work Jessica!

In a couple of weeks I have a Nephew that will be graduating with a Doctorate in Pharmacology. It was a long hard road, but I never had any doubt he would make it. Good work Sean and I know you will be an excellent Pharmacist.

Broken fridge

2010-04-19T15:56:00.002-06:00

Saturday night Michael noticed a puddle of water on the floor. Upon investigation of the problem we discovered the food in the freezer was thawing and the fridge was not working. Today it has been a waiting game for the repair man to come, and then of course he has to leave because what he needs he doesn't have with him. (Of course we have a problem that is rather rare and odd so he doesn't carry the stuff with him)

There goes a good portion of our tax return, money I was hoping to put to buying a shed for my honey. I'm not sure why I can't manage our funds the way I should. My fault for not balancing the check book for 6 years I guess. sigh. Sometimes I feel like I am such a mess. bleh.

So a broken fridge is like me sometimes. I'm tying to make a decision and I'm not even sure what I should do. When you know the sentiments some people have expressed about you, it is hard to know where to seal the leak. How do I soften my heart? I have never been one to try to put myself in the path of verbal abuse. Part of my personality is to avoid and spend time with those that like me for what I am, and are honest with me when I need to. I'm afraid that if some of the worst words can be said about you and your family are used, I don't want to be around them. It doesn't mean I don't want the best for them, I figure if feelings are that deep I'm not wanted around either.

At the same time I don't want to cause more trouble, so the peacemaker in me is waring with the part of me that wants to get on with life. Once again I am praying for the wisdom of Soloman, because I don't think I have it anymore.

Life sketch of My sweet Aunt Delene.

2010-03-31T20:32:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Cindy and my Dad for this one.

Nancy Delene Houskeeper
“Aunt Delene”

Delene was born in Provo, Utah, the Second child of “goodly parents”, Dean and Arlene Andersen Houskeeper on February 19, 1948. Aunt Delene returned to her Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, her parents and beloved grandparents, uncles and aunts on March 2, 2010.

Delene inherited her very happy disposition and infectious smile from her mother, and her determination from her father. She loved her Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and was absolutely dedicated to the church and what it stands for. Church attendance and tithing were essential to her life. Sister Houskeeper was a missionary to Brazil in 1971 – 1973. She set a goal to obtain a degree in elementary education from B.Y.U. and to become a schoolteacher. Delene taught in Oakley, Vernal and 23 years in Panguitch. Miss Houskeeper loved the hundreds of children she taught in kindergarten, first and second grade, and Sunday School. She retired from teaching in 2003, sold her doublewide home and returned to Provo to be with her family.

Delene struggled with many health challenges all her life, but always persevered. She started out early with vision problems and sick a lot, subsequently endured several eye operations. Her latest illness started out with what appeared to be a cold and difficult breathing and fatigue. However, it was the result of a very enlarged heart, heart failure; blood clots developed which resulted in a series of strokes. Even during this last illness she maintained her sense of humor and at one point was able to share a few moments of unspoken banter, love pats, finger squeezes, and wiggled toes, with Michael and Tanya. Aunt Delene’s last Face book Status that she recorded was on her birthday February 19th was; “I love my family, they are great people.” Delene was the best friend to her sister Nedra Bourne and her family.

Nedra and Delene shared their very small bedroom in their little home on 8th East in Provo. As a little girl Delene loved to play in the lawn sprinkler (her dad really kept his lawns beautiful.) One day her mom was outside hanging up the laundry to dry and the mailman came back to tell her that “I’m not sure you want your little girl to run around like that.” Her mom, Arlene, said “It’s o.k., she does that all the time.” Later she thought she better go out and check on Delene –there she was as happy as could be, running through the sprinkler,-and naked as a jay-bird. Mom wasn’t sure she wanted to see the mailman the next day.

Sometimes, on Saturdays, their dad would give them some change to go downtown (about twelve long city blocks) to buy a little treat such as a bag of Spanish peanuts at Penny’s candy counter. Nedra remembers that Delene’s little short legs would keep up all the way and that she was so happy.

When Nedra was working in Salt Lake their dad would bring Delene up to stay with her on weekends and they would have fun going to the big stores in the city. Trips to see the grandparents, uncles and aunts were an important part of life in Delene’s family. One trip to grandma and grandpa Andersen’s farm in Axtell resulted in an oft-quoted family story. Delene got up early to help grandpa Leo milk the cow. They brought the milk back to the house to the separator. Then grandma Lizy served up her usual hearty farmer’s breakfast including the fresh milk. Delene looked at the milk with some disgust and declared that she didn’t want milk from a cow – she wanted milk from the store. Family reunions, deer hunts, family dinners with uncles and aunts and grandma and grandpa Andersen were important memories to her. Family reunions with the usual arguments between her dad and uncle Clifford were also a part of life. Memorial Day and visits to the family cemeteries were important to the family. Fishing and hunting are an important part of Utah culture and Delene enjoyed hearing the fireside tales. Arlene would cook trout in the back yard, which Delene, and her dad had caught up the canyon. Trips up the canyons in her dad’s camper with Nedra and her family and prepared by Grandma were happy occasions after Nedra and the family returned to Utah.

Delene’s first trip out of the U.S., without her parents, was when she traveled with some B.Y.U. students to Canada to spend the summer with Nedra. When Delene returned from her mission Cindy was a little girl that looked up to her aunt with much awe. For days she would follow Delene everywhere – even to the bathroom.

Delene loved coming home with Lacey for summer vacation to the home on 1200 north in Provo where she knew and loved all of the neighbors in the ward.

Delene enjoyed to travel and took Nedra, nieces and nephews on vacation trips to Disneyland, Disney World, Alaska, and Hawaii. One trip with Tanya and her family to Disneyland brings back many joyful memories of Colin’s forgotten backpack and the long return trip to retrieve it. When they were back on the road Delene said that she had lost her place in the book she was reading (a book she said she hated) Michael immediately told her the page she was on as she flipped through the book – more laughter ensued. She had many friends and always loved her bishops, church leaders, and neighbors. Delene could strike up a cheerful conversation with a perfect stranger, anywhere, any time. A grocery store line would give her a chance to tell what was going on in her life and in the world.

Christmas was her favorite time of year; she was so excited to buy gifts and fill stockings with fun things for her loved ones and thoroughly enjoyed the all-day Christmases with Nedra, Sid and the family. She not only gave presents at Christmas, but also all year long. She shared whatever she had.

Family gatherings such as July 4th brought her much joy and a chance to “chatter” with the clan. She always giggled her way through “hand and foot” and other family games “Auntie Deeny-Poos”, as her brother called her was always happy to come to dinner on Sundays and whenever she was invited over. Before she went home she always stopped at Sid’s chair to give him a love- pat on the shoulder. Sundays will never be the same without her happy spirit. One of the memorable feasts we enjoyed was when she brought fresh salmon back from Alaska. She always appreciated Nedra’s and Sid’s meals. Christmas and Thanksgiving turkey with mashed potatoes and all the fixing’s made by her mother was her favorite and continued to be so with her family after Grandma and Grandpa left us.

Aunt Delene has 4 nieces, and a nephew and also is a great -aunt to 12 nieces and nephews, and a great-great aunt to four others. She was so proud of all her family and loved them very much. She is Aunt Delene to Nedra Delene Leavitt Fleming, Dean Cordell Bourne, Tanya Elisa Robinson, Jacinda Melrie Bourne, Celeste Kaylene Bourne and spouses. She is a great aunt to Sean, Jayson, Tyler, Jordan and Marlei Leavitt and spouses; Matthew, Rachel, and Rebecca Bourne; Natasha, Collin, Kendra, and Abbie Robinson. She is a great - great aunt to Noah, Ellie, Tobi, and Rachel Leavitt. Delene has a very large host of grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins on both sides of the veil, both on the Houskeeper and Andersen family, whom she knew and loved in this life. Her 93-year old uncle, Dean Andersen was buried on the same that she was.

Delene loved her precious pets, Skeeter, Lacey, Sasha, Nicki, Taffy, and Trixie and all of the other pets our family has had. Candy, Pixie, Kirby and Nemo Bourne loved to jump up into her arms.

Aunt Delene was very proud of her beautiful little new little home and neighborhood and enjoyed her independence. She would often times share loving stories of her neighbors. We as her family loved to stop by to see her and keep her company. Aunt Delene had many hobbies that she took pleasure in, including: stamp -collecting, cross -stitching, knitting,” stamping –up,” collecting, weighing and identifying small gemstones, and, most recently scrap booking. Her favorite outing was to go to all the craft stores in the county, with her beloved sister Nedra. These excursions will never be the same for Nedra and the girls who went with her.

She spent many years following in her mother’s footsteps, working on Andersen and Houskeeper genealogy, helping others learn how to do family research and doing extraction work for many thousands of individuals. She also loved playing “Hand and foot” with her family, giggling and making her unique witticisms that brought much laughter and loving teasing. One of the most comical was when she mixed up the term “hissy-fit”, which became “tizzy-fit” which then morphed into the third form “fizzy – t –t.” What a red face she displayed when she realized what she had said. Crossword puzzles, sudoko, computer games and T.V. filled in any blank time.

All her family will sorely miss Aunt Delene, especially by her brother Sid, who enjoyed discussing political events and issues with her. Aunt Delene had a unique way of relating to each member of the family and discussing with each one, individually, their personal interests and activities. Each of us will love and miss her always.

Her 4- year old grand niece Abbie’s prayer expressed it only as a child can do, “Bless Aunt Delene, help her feel better and bless her to resurrect”

Obituaries

2010-03-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

Nancy Delene Houskeeper My Aunt

1948 ~ 2010

Delene your happy up beat nature will be missed by your loving brother and sister, Sid and Nedra Bourne.

She is leaving behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly, also many other relatives and friends.

~~~~~~~

My Great Uncle

Dean Wendell Anderson, 93, Axtell, passed away on March 5, 2010 of complications related to age. Dean was born on January 19, 1917 to Leo and Eliza Nay Andersen. He married Jentry Nielson of Centerfield on April 30, 1948. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple May 30, 1997. She preceded him death, June 5, 2005.

Dean was a member of the 213th Field Artillery Battalion and was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. He received the Philippines Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Dean served on the Sanpete County and Utah State ASCS committees. As far as Dean was concerned, Axtell was the center of the universe.

Dean and Jentry raised four children, Fae (Jerry) Roberts, Axtell, Scott

(Doree) Anderson, Murray, Lee (Chris) Anderson, Axtell, and Lisa (Clyde) Crane, St. George. Dean is survived by his children, eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; brothers; Kent and Virgil of Salina.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jentry; parents; a daughter, Vicky; sisters, Arlene and Joyce; brother, Duane.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Axtell Ward Chapel. Friends may call Sunday from 6-7 p.m. at the Axtell Chapel and again Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Centerfield Cemetery with military rites by Oliver-Russell American Legion Post #105. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com His children would also like to extend a warm and grateful thank you to the nursing staff at the Gunnison Valley Hospital.

What comes around Goes Around

2010-03-04T11:16:00.003-07:00

My oldest daughter called me today.
She had news of the death of her tormentor and abuser so many years ago. I can feel bad for his mother, but I honestly can't feel bad for him. They refused to get him help when we approached them about the incident. I knew this boy would not live a good life if he didn't repent. So it goes, he dies too soon. Now my daughter doesn't have to worry about seeing him in this life.

It is odd to feel this way. I'm not feeling very compassionate or charitable. Obviously I still have much to learn.

Abbie's blessing

2010-03-04T11:15:00.001-07:00

Abbie said a prayer Tuesday morning.

"Bless Aunt Delene to feel better, and Bless her to resurrect."

Life Changes.

2010-03-01T11:38:00.003-07:00

Me, My mother, and Aunt Delene

Natasha and Aunt Delene

At the beginning of the year I had this inner feeling that something was going to change in my family. You know, those kind of impressions that you push aside, and try to enjoy each day and its miracles knowing that something was going to happen.

I thought perhaps it would be the loss of one of my parents, probably my father but I did not anticipate the loss of Aunt Delene so soon. My father found her lying on her living room floor Thursday February 25th when she did not answer her phone. Since it is just her and she hadn't been feeling very well for several weeks he went to check on her.

She has been in the hospital since suffering with a massive stroke, and congestive heart failure. Her heart has had significant arrhythmia's that are concerning and most likely the cause of her stroke.

It has been so hard to see her in bed, intubated, and hardly responsive. Michael and I did have a moment when we visited that we know she was there and interacting with us, but that has been the only time anyone has seen a sign from her that she was kind of with us. The rest of the time she has been in a coma or heavily sedated to try to help her heal.

As we gathered as a family to say good-bye to this sweet, warm, funny lady, love was very present around her.

She was a woman that never had the blessing of marriage or children in her life, and lived the best she could. Very independent and used to living on her own. She was my mother's only sibling and since my father is an only child she was his only sibling as well. Their sorrow is heartbreaking to watch.

I am always in awe of the miracle of birth and yes the miracle of death. We are designed by a loving creator that has instilled the desire and instinct to live and hang on.

She passed from this life in much the same way, independent, knowing she was loved, and returned to be with her parents who both have died years before. We will miss her very much, for she gave much to all of us. She loved to travel, loved to read, and loved her pets. I promise Aunt Delene to find humor more often and laugh more often.

I don't want to get married!

2010-02-25T18:08:00.001-07:00

Kendra told Michael, "I don't want to get married!"

He asked, "Why not?"

Her answer?

"I want to keep reading Dick and Jane, it is so funny!"

One more Family Picture

2010-02-21T09:30:00.003-07:00

This was taken at Rachel's blessing. Front and Center, KellyAnne and Tyler with Rachel

sitting Snobaybe holding Abbie, Noelie holding Kendra, Mom and Dad, Me

Back Row Marlei, Collin, Natasha, Robert, Jayson, and My Michael.

Facts about Quadruple jumps in figure skating.

2010-02-20T11:23:00.002-07:00

Yigeni Pulshenko hasn't quite been telling the truth about triple jumps. He made the claim that they started in 1998. His belief it is setting the sport back by not giving the medal to someone that "can't do the jump." (Yes Evan Lysacek can do a quad, I have seen him do it. He chooses not to because of a foot injury. Can't say I blame him)

Quads have 4 to 4 1/2 revolution(axel)

Only quad toe loop (the easiest one to do I think? I think the toe loop is the easiest jump but not sure completely) and a quad Salchow have been landed in competition.

It is rumored that Robert Wagenhoffer had been practicing quads 10 years before one was done in competition.

1983:
Two skaters do quads, one unsuccessfully at the World Championships, and one landed during training but the skater opted not to do in a competition.

In 1984, a quad was landed in the olympics but was judged not to count because of a flawed landing. (probably under rotated)

1986, another landed in worlds but because it had a two foot landing was judged not valid.

In 1988 Kurt Browning landed the firt quad toe loop in the World Championships. Brian Boitano attmepted it but it was ruled not valid.

So for the past 22 years have been attempted with rare success. Many injuries have occurred and it has pushed the sport to it's limits.

In 1989 2 skaters land it in Worlds.

In 1990 a Russian lands it in their Nationals.

If you would like to see more of the history of the quad jump go Here.

How about the figure skating? Eh?

2010-02-19T08:46:00.005-07:00

I love olympics. I always watch as much as I can, I'm not much of a sports watcher otherwise, but there is something about the olympics that gets me going.

Figure Skating is always my main interest, particularly the men's program. It has always been my favorite. Good for Evan Lysacek for winning the gold medal, and doing it without using a quad jump.

You can go here to check out the scoring differences and see for yourself how it all broke down. All you need to do is click on the plus sign next to each skater to see his score sheet. Also remember that each judge is scoring something different. There are judges for jumps, some for spins, some for the component (artistic score). Basically what it came down to was Evgeni Pulshenko did not do his three jump combination planned for his first jump sequence that included his quadruple toe loop. He had planned the quad toe, a triple toe, and a double loop jump. If he had done that double loop and landed it, he would have won. I'm sure of it.

Evan also did a Triple Lutz with a triple toe loop and the Russian did a Triple Lutz double toe loop. I don't know if that was a downgrade, that it looked like he did a triple toe, but when the judges looked at it close his rotation, landing was not complete so it would have been downgraded. Those two differences lost it for the Russian. He can only blame himself for not doing what he had planned.

Here is the scoring sheet. I tried to highlight some of the big differences, that undo the points for the quad jump. Although there are also downgrades on Evans, he had a harder program in general. One jump can win a program but not having the others hurts. Not only did Plushenko not have a three jump combination, he did not have a Triple, triple other than the quad combination that was supposed to be his three jump combination. He did not have as hard of a sit spin, and his transitions into his other jumps were not as good a Evan's given Evan a slight advantage over the majority of the elements done.

Figure skating is not all about jumps. It has been an ongoing arguement for years. It is about how you put it all together and who does it the best. Evan had more jumps in the last half of the program also giving bonus points to each jump. Little things can add up. I hope you find the score sheets interesting. I have really enjoyed looking at them as it has helped me understand the scoring a bit better.

Evan Lysacek

Triple Lutz + Triple Toeloop	Triple Lutz + Triple Toeloop	10.00	1.40	11.40
Triple Axel	Triple Axel	8.20	0.60	8.80
Triple Salchow	Triple Salchow	4.50	1.00	5.50
Circular Step Sequence	Circular Step Sequence 4	3.90	1.20	5.10
Flying Sit Spin	Flying Sit Spin 4	3.00	0.80	3.80
Triple Axel + Double Toeloop	Triple Axel + Double Toeloop	10.45	-0.56	9.89
Triple Loop	Triple Loop	5.50	1.00	6.50
Triple Flip + Double Toeloop + Double Loop	Triple Flip + Double Toeloop + Double Loop	9.13	-0.40	8.73
Triple Lutz	Triple Lutz	6.60	1.40	8.00
Double Axel	Double Axel	3.85	0.80	4.65
Fly. Change Foot Sit Spin	Fly. Change Foot Sit Spin 4	3.00	0.50	3.50
Straight Line Step Sequence	Straight Line Step Sequence 3	3.30	0.90	4.20
Change Foot Combination Spin	Change Foot Combination Spin 4	3.50	1.00	4.50
	Totals Executed Elements	74.93		84.57

Music:Sheherazade by N. Rimski Korsakov

Program Components	Unfactored Score	Factor
Choreography/Composition	8.35	2.00
Transitions/Linking Footwork	7.95	2.00
Interpretation	8.40	2.00
Performance/Execution	8.50	2.00
Skating Skills	8.20	2.00
Factored Program Components	82.80

Deductions	Value
Time Violation	0.00
Music Violation	0.00
Illegal Element	0.00
Costume & Prop Violation	0.00
Fall	0.00
Interruption in Excess	0.00

165.51

82.71

82.80

0.00

Evgini Plusenko

Planned Elements	Executed Elements	Base Value	GOE	Score
Quad. Toeloop + Triple Toeloop + Double Loop	Quad. Toeloop + Triple Toeloop	13.80	0.80	14.60
Triple Axel	Triple Axel	8.20	-0.36	7.84
Triple Axel + Double Toeloop	Triple Axel + Double Toeloop	9.50	1.00	10.50
Triple Loop	Triple Loop	5.00	0.60	5.60
Flying Sit Spin	Flying Sit Spin 3	2.60	0.14	2.74
Triple Lutz	Triple Lutz	6.00	0.60	6.60
Change Foot Sit Spin	Change Foot Sit Spin 4	3.00	0.70	3.70
Circular Step Sequence	Circular Step Sequence 3	3.30	0.80	4.10
Triple Lutz + Double Toeloop	Triple Lutz + Double Toeloop	8.03	0.00	8.03
Triple Salchow	Triple Salchow	4.95	0.80	5.75
Double Axel	Double Axel	3.85	1.00	4.85
Straight Line Step Sequence	Straight Line Step Sequence 3	3.30	1.00	4.30
Change Foot Combination Spin	Change Foot Combination Spin 4	3.50	0.60	4.10
	Totals Executed Elements	75.03		82.71

Music:Tango Amore by E. Marton

Program Components	Unfactored Score	Factor
Choreography/Composition	8.20	2.00
Transitions/Linking Footwork	7.25	2.00
Interpretation	8.75	2.00
Performance/Execution	8.80	2.00
Skating Skills	8.40	2.00
Factored Program Components	82.80

Deductions	Value
Time Violation	0.00
Music Violation	0.00
Illegal Element	0.00
Costume & Prop Violation	0.00
Fall	0.00
Interruption in Excess	0.00
Total Deductions	0.0

You know what love is when......

2010-02-16T10:20:00.004-07:00

You know what love is when someone stays up with you when sick all night.

You know what love is when you hear the words "I love you."

You know what love is when someone is there for you during the most important times of your life.

You Know what love is when someone goes to war to defend your home and country.

You know what love is when you hear a baby cry for the first time.

You know what love is when at whits end, arms hold you and let you cry.

You know what love is when someone can tell you the truth even if you don't want to hear it.

You know what love is when someone can tell you the truth and you want to hear it.

You know what love is when someone can hold their tongue.

You know what love is when someone accepts you as you are, without expecting anything different.

You know what love is when someone can laugh with you at silly moments.

You know what love is when you hear a prayer of pleading on your behalf.

You know what love is when you get a letter in the mail from someone that lives thousands of miles away.

You know what love is when you see parents comforting their child.

You know what love is when someone goes out of the way to help you expecting nothing in return.

You know what love is when you get a hug from your children.

You know what love is when a child laughs.

You know what love is when they rejoice for your success.

You know what love is when someone feels for you when you don't achieve a goal.

You know what love is when your child gives you a picture they have colored just for you.

You know what love is when you read a love note.

You know what love is when you see your spouse smile.

You know what love is when you see someone say goodbye to a loved one dying.

You know what love is when you don't fear another's words.

You know what love is when someone says they are sorry.

Tell me, how do you know what love is?

A message from Kendra to her former primary teacher.

2010-02-15T17:35:00.004-07:00

Brother Nott, I love you. See you next time you visit. I hope you have a good time with the girl you love. I wish you good luck(period).

Yes she actually told me to put a period at the end of Luck. When did she get so smart?:)

Two Horses, a parable

2010-02-15T12:49:00.004-07:00

My mother gave me a copy of this story yesterday. I thought is was wonderful. I thought of my brother because I remember following him around as a child.

Just up the road from my home is a field,with two horses in it.

From a distance, each looks like every other horse.

But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.

His owner has chosen not to have him put down,but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell.

Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to her halter is a small bell.

It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him,

and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is,

trusting that she will not lead him astray.

When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening,

she stops occasionally and looks back,

making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses,

God does not throw us away just because

we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us

and even brings others into our lives to help us

when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by

the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this .......... You don't always see them,

but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle"

How do you spell Abbie?

2010-02-15T12:43:00.001-07:00

One of the fun conversations we had started with my asking how many bedrooms Tyler and Kellyanne have in their town home. Natasha and Collin said three, my darling husband said, two plus the masterbedroom. :)

We then just moments later asked Abbie how she spelled her name....

One A

Two B's

One I

and one E.

I guess we know where she gets that way of explaining things. :)

Sunday's drive home.

2010-02-12T10:34:00.004-07:00

Thanks to Miss Marlei we got some fun pictures on the way home. She let Kendra and Abbie both take pictures and Marlei was not afraid to goof it up a bit. :)

So here are some of the fun and laughter on the way home.

A picture of Marlei taken by Abbie I think.

Aunt Noelie being silly!

A cute smile from Abbie girl.

Marlei puckering up? Collin in the background. ;)

Kendra took this one of Collin.

Kendra too this one of Marlei.

Abbie was tuckered out

Abbie took this one of herself.

I think Kendra took this one. Sideways anyone?

Thanks to Miss Marlei we got some fun pictures on the way home. She let Kendra and Abbie both take pictures and Marlei was not afraid to goof it up a bit. :)

So here are some of the fun and laughter on the way home.

More pictures of Rachel's blessing day.

2010-02-10T11:53:00.003-07:00

Look at those eyes! Rachel had the most beautiful crocheted dress. Talk about gorgeous and the work in it was exquisite.

This is not the the best quality picture, I'm still trying to figure out how to get good shots from my new camera, but I love the joy on KellyAnne's face. I know it was probably a silly moment, isn't great.

More of the mommy and daddy with the sweet one.

Grandma Noelie and Rachel

I'm pretty much through with the best of the blessing, some of these are from our drive home.

Natasha wouldn't look at Marlei so she took a picture of her hair.

Collin

Marlei with my little ones.

Kendra and Abbie adore Marlei.

Marlei with Abbie.

Tomorrow more crazy pictures from the drive home!

You know it's bad when......

2010-02-09T12:12:00.002-07:00

I have mentioned that we are driving a car that is on borrowed time. I think there is nothing worse than car trouble but even more so when there is nothing you can do to save the beast. Only keep adding oil, watching everything and pray and hope that you can squeeze out a few more months of use from the poor old thing that has served so many so well for so many years.

You know it is bad when picking up your daughter from preschool you see a lovely house for sale, that is just down the street, close to her school and an elementary school. Walking distance, how lovely it would be. We could have one car, and manage to get by until we saved enough for a down payment for another one. Unfortunately moving would mean getting a house ready for sale, which includes, new shingles on the roof, repair the ceiling where the leak has caused major damage, AGAIN, finishing the family room, repair the driveway that was shattered by a cement truck pouring the step we had to fix years ago because it was pulling on the door of the house making it so we could not open or shut the door if we did manage to get it open, as well as new carpet and paint.

It would cost us more to move so I guess we are stuck. How I wish I could live with one vehicle. It doesn't help that we are just inside the boundries so the girls would have a long walk to school, no busing for us. I wish I knew an answer because I still can't figure out what we will be able to do. At least we don't have year long school so Michael should be able to drive the van to work the majority of the hot summer and keep the little car parked through the extremely hot weather.

More blessing day pictures.

2010-02-09T08:47:00.004-07:00

Abbie, Natasha and Rachel

Grandma Noelie with the little one.

A few pictures of Miss Marlei with her niece.

This one was one of my favorites.

Grandma Noelie, KellyAnne, Rachel, Tyler, and Grandpa Robert.

My little Abbie.

The wanna be model, Kendra.

There's my little girls.

Rachel's blessing

2010-02-08T10:37:00.003-07:00

Our little family was invited to attend the blessing of a new great niece yesterday. So bright and early we got up, and with Noelie and Marlei loaded up the van and headed up to Logan for the event. We very much enjoyed ourselves and had so much fun and laughter as we gathered as families to adore the sweet little girl. Over the next few days I will post some pictures because, well there are many of them. Some I took and some from others.

I am so grateful for Tyler and Kelly, they are wonderful, patriotic, hard working, and we love them very much. It was a wonderful visit with Kelly's family as well. Her parents made us all feel welcome put my parents up for the night. Thanks so much for inviting us!

Kelly, Tyler and Rachel

Kelly, Tyler, Rachel, Mom and Dad (being silly) ;)

Little Rachel

Kelly, Rachel, Michael and Abbie.

Michael and Natasha.

How do you hold on to an Angel?

2010-01-28T15:33:00.003-07:00

My mother-in-law posted a couple of letters written by her brother and his son-in-law discussing the death of this sweet little angel. Anyone that has lost a baby would probably understand exactly what they say and express, and if you are like me and have not had the experience it draws you in enough to feel their sorrow. The letters are worth reading. Go here.