Stuck On Crazy

JAPAN

2011-03-19T18:11:00.005-06:00

I am ever amazed by what has happened in Japan. To watch the videos and to see the pictures are just heartbreaking.

On the other hand, it is amazing to hear and read the miracles that have come from this. People not doing what they normally had planned and it prevented them from being where they might have been in harm's way.

It is also amazing to see our church in action. They have been praised worldwide for their communication and relief efforts there in Japan. I just wanted to share some links and stories that I have received.

Messages from missionaries, church members, military and so on:

"Well we got to the church about 30 seconds before the tsunami hit and then tried to save the bikes as we watched them rush away. I think that a member might have found them though. We are still struggling to call people because the lines are hard. The streets are messed up and cars are all over and on top of each other. I have lots of pictures and videos. I will send them. Well we are good here. The area is gone. We are in Sendai. Well more when I can. I am fine though. We might have another baptism this month but oh well…"

----- ----- ----- -----

First, all of the missionaries are now out of Sendai and Tokyo. One Elder reported: "Sendai missionaries in the southern part of the mission went to Tokyo and then were flown to Sapporo while missionaries in the northern areas were going to be bussed to the north and then ferried across to Sapparo."

One thing not reported in any media was that many missionaries all over Japan were in Mission Offices or Churches for Zone and District leader training and conferences when the earthquake hit. Many were not in their apartments nor outside, which we think helped protect so many of our missionaries. They were with groups of missionaries along with their Mission Presidents.

----- ----- ----- -----

Elder … emailed his mom: He said on Sunday Pres. Tateoka took him and his companion back to their apartment in Fukushima to get some things. When they got there Pres. Tateoka would not let them go up until he went and checked to make sure it was safe.

The entire apartment was trashed. The refrigerator was on its side and had moved across the room. All the dishes were broken and the windows were all blown in. He was able to get some stuff but because of all the debris and glass he was afraid to dig through it to look for some things (like his camera).

He said it was a blessing that they had been at zone conference when the earthquake struck because if they had been in Fukushima they would have been in the apartment for planning time and would have surely been injured.

He told me that they were on the second floor of the church in Koriyama when the earthquake started and that there is a warning system that sounds on the cell phones when the Earthquake gets past 6.0. All the alarms started going off and Pres. Tateoka yelled at them to get out now!

----- ----- ----- -----

… said that he had to hold onto the railing to get down the stairs and that the Earthquake kept slamming him up against the wall. As soon as they got outside it started snowing heavily.

He said that he has heard many miraculous stories about how missionaries just happened to be doing things just a little differently than they normally would, or had planned to, and that is what saved them!

It was really, really difficult for them to say goodbye to members and investigators.

----- ----- ----- -----

Message from Sendai Mission President..."All is well as far as I know. Koriyama zone elders are at the evacuation center. Honbu is at the evacuation center. Ishinomaki is at the evacuation center. Morioka Elders, Kamisugi Elders and Sisters are safe. We could not get back to Sendai and had to turn back to Koriyama after 6 hours of driving. We have no phone contact. Thanks for your prayers. Love, President Tateoka"

----- ----- ----- -----

Some missionaries were not allowed to return to their apartments to get their clothing, etc., so they arrived with only what they were wearing. They are being taken care of. :-)

----- ----- ----- -----

The final two missionaries are now safe and accounted for. They arrived at an evacuation center and were finally able to send a text message to their Mission President.

----- ----- ----- -----

A Report from Tokyo Public Affairs Director
From Conan Grames, in Tokyo: March 16, 2011
We have had quite an experience here in Japan the last few days. Cindy and I were in the office when the quake hit. We have experienced several of these during the years we have lived here, but I immediately knew this one was different. It was the first time I decided to get under my desk. It
took very little encouragement from Cindy to do so. While under the desk, the shaking continued to grow and seemed to last forever. At that point I began to wonder, "How bad can this get?" Coincidentally, last week I had read two first-hand accounts of our missionaries who were in Japan
during the great Kanto earthquake of 1923. I wondered if this is what would happen. It actually turned out to be a stronger quake up in Sendai. We suffered little damage here—lots of noise and things falling off shelves and shattered nerves.

We have spent the time since, pretty much around the clock, looking for missionaries and members. All the missionaries were found alive and well, even those on the coast. It took us four days to find two sisters who were on the coast in Ishinomaki and get them out of the area. So far we have had no reports of serious injury among members of the church, although many have had to leave their homes.

Our responsibility is communications. Much of our time has been spent coordinating with Diane Sawyer's ABC news team about doing an interview with a missionary who experienced the tsunami. It turned out she couldn't get into the area, but their 20/20 team is here and they are still seeking
an interview. The missionary who will do the interview climbed to the second floor of the chapel with his companion. They watched the water come through the parking lot, sweep away their bikes, and flood the first floor of the building.

Tuesday we sent our first team into the area since there was no transportation until now. They will assess needs so we can begin to send relief. We have met with the Red Cross and the government and have offered cash contributions in addition to the in-kind help. The greatest physical need is gasoline, diesel fuel, food and water.

Wednesday we received instructions from church headquarters to evacuate all our missionaries out of eastern Japan. This was due in large part to the radiation threat and the fact that many of them have no food, water, and electricity. This is a real blow to the members who love the missionaries and depend on them, but they also want to feed and clothe the missionaries when they can't even take care of themselves at this time.

I am sure you have seen the devastation on TV. It really is unbelievable. We feel there has been much divine help in finding people. We hope we can be of some help to those in need.
Conan and Cindy Grames
Directors, Public Affairs
Asia North Area – Tokyo

----- ----- ----- -----

Message from the Pacific Area Emergency Response Manager for the LDS church:
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami – Update #5
March 14, 2011
Status of Church Members and Properties

- All missionaries in Japan are accounted for and are in safe locations.
- All missionaries have been moved at least 60 km from damaged nuclear plants.
- All Church employees in Japan are safe and accounted for.
- Approximately 950 members have been contacted. Initial reports indicate there are no injuries or confirmed deaths of Church members; however, there is still limited information on the status of members from the most devastated areas.
- Local Church leaders and area leaders are working tirelessly to contact and assist all members in the affected areas.
- Of the 54 church buildings in the affected area, 31 have been assessed thus far. Of those 31 buildings, 19 have suffered varying degrees of damage.
- There is no significant damage to the Tokyo temple.
- Church leaders in the Sendai Stake are in the process of assessing the condition of all Church member homes.
- The LDS disaster response team at Church headquarters is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant contact with the area office in Tokyo.
- Area leaders are working with government and humanitarian organizations to provide assistance.
- Members throughout Japan are expressing their love and sympathy to those affected by the quake and are anxious to provide assistance.
-A record 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck Japan on March 11, near the city of Sendai. The quake generated a powerful tsunami which struck northern Japan within minutes, causing widespread destruction to coastal areas and communities. The Japanese government is reporting significant loss of life and severe damage to buildings and infrastructure in the Sendai area.
- More than 2,800 people are confirmed dead with thousands more missing as search and rescue efforts continue.
- The area continues to experience strong aftershocks triggering tsunami warnings. More than 300 aftershocks have been reported which are hampering rescue efforts.
- The majority of causalities in Japan are expected to be from the tsunami rather than the earthquake.
- The government of Japan has mobilized thousands of troops, planes, and ships for a large-scale emergency response operation. The U.S. government and military has pledged full support to rescue and relief efforts.
- Japan declared a state of emergency due to the threat posed by damage to two nuclear power plants and has ordered the evacuation of thousands of nearby residents.
- Access into the Sendai area is very limited.
- Roughly 2,050 evacuation centers are open with approximately 400,000 occupants.
- More than 4 million people remain without power. The government has implemented rolling blackouts to help conserve energy.
- Water and power systems have been damaged or destroyed in the affected area creating a shortage of clean water and other basic supplies.
- Tens of thousands of earthquake victims have been displaced from their homes.
- Communication services in the Sendai area continue to be difficult.
- No major damage is being reported in other countries from the quake or tsunami waves.

----- ----- ----- -----

There are native Japanese missionaries who have family members living in the worst hit areas! I can't imagine how hard it would be, waiting and wondering about their loved ones--family, relatives, neighbors, fellow ward members.

----- ----- ----- -----

Japan: Please pray for the Military that have been sent to Japan to aide in the rescue. Many of the worst hit areas cannot be accessed yet.

----- ----- ----- -----

We are still waiting for an update on the Sendai missionaries. We will hopefully hear soon. This much we do know:

-Contact with all mission presidents in Japan has been established.
-All missionaries outside the Sendai mission are safe and accounted for.
-President Reid Tateoka of the Sendai mission has contacted the area office.
-All missionaries in Japan living along coastal regions have been moved to inland locations.
-All members of the Asia North Area presidency and their wives are safe.
-Minor damage is being reported to the Tokyo temple.
-Tokyo temple housing is being used for to house members unable to return to their homes.
-Local Church leaders are working to contact all members.
-All employees in the area office are reported safe.
-The LDS Disaster response team at Church Headquarters is monitoring the situation and has been in constant contact via "Skype" with the Asia North Area.
-Leaders in all area offices are on high-alert and are working with local leaders to contact members and make them aware of potential tsunami danger.
-Government officials in all Pacific countries are working to move people to higher ground.
-Many cities and towns along the eastern coastline of Japan are reporting extensive damage from the tsunami. This is the fifth largest earthquake since 1900 and is the largest earthquake to ever hit Japan.
-Hundreds of deaths have been confirmed and numbers are expected to increase as reports are updated.
-Strong aftershocks continue to shake the area.
-Tsunami waves as high as 25 feet hit towns along the eastern seaboard of northern Japan.
-Thousands have been displaced from the tsunami.
-Hundreds of buildings and homes have been destroyed.
-Tsunami warnings have been issued for more than 50 countries throughout the Pacific region including Hawaii and the west coast of the USA. Most countries are reporting no damage.
-More than four million people are reported to be without power.
-Communication services are down throughout northern Japan.
-All public commuter services have been halted for the time being.
-Tokyo is reported to be in a state of gridlock.
-The earthquake was felt as far away as China.

----- ----- ----- -----

Remember, the power is out, so they are unable to contact many in the hardest hit areas.

----- ----- ----- -----

"We have heard from several of our friends in Yokosuka (south of Tokyo/Yokohama), where we lived, and they are fine, although there is some damage. They say the earthquake lasted 5 minutes and felt like it would not stop shaking. They speak of the Military Base pool (which is on the 2nd floor of the gym) leaking due to cracks and flooding down the stairs. Friends who had evacuated on Base to the highest hillsides spoke of seeing an explosion across the bay (near Tokyo) of a refinery of some sort. We have friends who are stuck at the airport where the shaking lasted for 30 minutes. Everyone was evacuated from Narita Airport out onto the tarmac to wait. My husband has been able to talk to several people in Japan via phone even though the news reports cell phones are out all over Japan. Our friends in Yokosuka have said they have felt at least 65 aftershocks so far...
I also read a couple of posts from friends on a military base in Misawa (100 miles or so north of Sendai) who report being in the dark, but ok.

----- ----- ----- -----

"We have just experienced a large earthquake here in Tokyo. It is probably related to the one in Northern Japan a couple of days ago. I have heard that this one measured 8.8-9.2, and the first wave went on for more than 20 minutes. It would subside and then go again. There seems to be a little damage at the office, but nothing critical. Both Wade and I and everyone at the office are fine, a little frightened, but fine.

"We have had one good aftershock, unless it never stopped in the first place. It has been nearly an hour now, and things are still not quite steady. We were able to get beneath the desks, so all is well. Any further news, and we will let you know as soon as we can. I'm not sure that the Internet is working, but I will try to send this anyway.

"We are now home at 6:30 and still have aftershocks, but more in the 5 range. We are fine. Disneyland has 1' of water from the tsunami.

"We are really ok. Just shaken, literally and figuratively, but alright.

----- ----- ----- -----

LINKS:

· http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/18/6292170-in-japan-the-mormon-network-gathers-the-flock

· http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/60636/45-missionaries-in-Japan-coming-home-early.html

· http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/d058dca5c41c4e14b9ac55024bc20c37/UT--Utah-Missionaries-Japan/

· http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1110ap_us_utah_missionaries_japan.html

· http://www.theblaze.com/stories/evolution-watch-the-japanese-tsunami-travel-from-sea-to-countryside/

· http://www.theblaze.com/stories/see-footage-of-the-moment-the-8-9-quake-hit-japan/

· http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2011/03/11/updates-on-japan-and-the-tsunami/

· http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14700413

· http://newsroom.lds.org/

· http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700118475/LDS-families-finally-hearing-from-missionaries-in-Japan.html?pg=1

· http://www.rexburgstandardjournal.com/upper_valley_religion/lds-missionary-witnesses-tsunami/article_55e6179e-50e0-11e0-b1b3-001cc4c03286.html

· http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/japan-quake-2011/beforeafter.htm

----- ----- ----- -----

Please Donate through a safe Humanitarian Aid source, like the Red Cross. I would suggest donation to the LDS Humanitarian Services.

Milano

2011-03-19T16:52:00.002-06:00

In December 2010, my son entered the Provo MTC. He was called to serve a 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent 10 weeks there training and learning Italian. In February he embarked on the biggest adventure of his life. His journey to Italy began on a Tuesday morning at 10 AM (where he was required to meet and travel to the Salt Lake City Airport). He flew to Denver, Colorado. From Denver, he flew to Frankfurt, Germany. From Frankfurt, he flew to Milan, Italy. He arrived in Italy Wednesday at 5 PM.

We talked to him on the phone when he was in Salt Lake and Denver, but then didn't hear from him for a few days. I was sad to find out the the Mission President's wife called some of the parents of the other missionaries to say their kids had made it (14 had traveled together), but she had not called us.

The first message we get from my son is that he wants to come home. He had only been there a couple of days. This was a night and day difference from our phone calls with him. He was so excited to be going and couldn't wait to be there. What happened in those first few days I do not know, but something happened. I couldn't believe the message that I had read. I immediately forwarded it to his mission president. I also sent a message to my bishop and stake president. This is the first time I have had a missionary. I didn't know what to do with a son who wanted to come home.

If he needed to come home because of worthiness issues or health issues or something that made sense than this would be a whole different story. Even if it had been a few weeks into his mission, this would have been a different story, but when it was only days, I knew something needed to be done, so I did all that I could at the time which was to fast, pray, go to the temple and let those who might be able to do something know.

I have no idea what my son was really going through, but this was a hard thing for my family to deal with. We were sad, then mad, then irritated, sad some more, and so on and so on. My son has no idea how much his siblings look up to him and how let down they felt by him. As a parent, I mostly worried about how my son would treat himself if he came home early. I think he would be his own worse critic and would really have a hard time with this his entire life.

The next few days were trying. I believe in the power of prayer. I know that my son has so many people who care about him and love him, so I asked if they would keep him in their prayers and since the upcoming Sunday was fast Sunday, I also asked if they would join our family in fasting for my son. I was overwhelmed with the love, compassion, and kindness of my friends, neighbors and complete strangers. I literally received hundreds of messages. I heard and received story upon story of personal missionary experiences. I was strengthened by their love and testimonies. I wished that my son could have felt the love and compassion from all of these people.

Fast Sunday came. Our family fasted longer than we had ever done together as a family. For my youngest it was hard, but she really wanted to do it. Even though I was a mess the week before, I woke up Sunday with the feeling that I have witnessed the Love of our Lord. I have no idea what the outcome will be for my son, but I knew that the Lord was mindful of him and of all the prayers and fasting that were being done on his behalf. I bore my testimony that day. How I don't really know. I just did. I didn't get up to thank or have some great story to tell, but a simple testimony. One that had been strengthened and needed to be shared.

Phone calls were placed to and from Italy. I am so blessed that my son has the Mission President he has and that we have a Stake President that is kind and caring and took the extra effort to set up a weekly call to my son to help put him back together each week.

Monday, following Fast Sunday, my son said he was staying - that he would give it 6 months. Tuesday he said he wasn't. Wednesday our Stake President got him to commit to a week and to take it week by week from there, and so on. It has been an emotional roller coaster for all of us, not knowing what to plan on or what to expect and not really understanding why. I finally got the confirmation that I had done what I was supposed to do. I had let it go. It was up to the Lord to help all of us get through whatever the outcome might be.

I don't see that the only successful outcome for my son is to serve a full 2 year mission. I wouldn't see or treat him like a failure if he were to come home. If he were to come home, there would be a lot of adjusting both for him and for us. We would have to then arm him with the skills to move on with his life, and just like sending him on a mission, I feel just as inadequate to do that.

So here we are a few weeks later. We finally got a message from him that states that he is excited for Christmas in Italy! His message wasn't all rosy and happy, it was almost of a more rebellious nature, but I can see that he is working through some of the issues that he has been having and is running the range of emotions, like I had earlier. However, I never expected that he would be happy for something 9 months away. This seems like the glimmer of hope that he needed and that we had all prayed for. Right now he is serving in Milan, Italy. I would sure love to be there. The 2 pics are from Milan.

Too Much Time has Passed

2011-03-19T16:33:00.000-06:00

I think that I checked out for a year! 2010 was a really hard year for me. Don't get me wrong, lots of really great things happened. However, overall there were a lot of things that were just hard. 2011 has not started off so well either, but in all the craziness, I can finally see how things are working themselves out and how I have been extremely blessed along the way. Perhaps at some point I might mention some of the things, but for now I just want to move forward and look ahead.

2009 Christmas Update (newsletter)

2009-12-16T09:50:00.007-07:00

Wow! Another year down. Crazy how time flies by so quickly. This has been an interesting year for us. It has had its ups and downs. Which reminds us of how thankful we are for all the blessings we do receive.

Ally - Just turned 9 years old. She has had an exciting year. In January, she was baptized. She played on a soccer team. She is easily entertained. She is very excited for Christmas. She has already made her family presents, wrapped them and put them under the tree. She is kind and friendly to everyone.

Landon - He happily graduated elementary school, joined the Deacons Quorum, and moved on to Middle School. Landon has never enjoyed school all that much, but middle school seems to work for him. He is getting good grades and doesn't hate it, but to say he liked school would be going too far! He does enjoy earning merit badges in the Boy Scouts and hanging out with his friends. He is fun to have around.

Sam - She is still our Dancing Queen! She was Sleeping Beauty in her Spring dance production. She is an amazing ballerina. She is looking forward to turning 14 in a few short weeks. She also loves to babysit. She is a favorite amongst many of the children we live by. She loves to shop and hang out with her friends.

Keyan - This has been a big year for him. He played lots of soccer, futsal and indoor soccer. He earned his Eagle Scout Award. His project was massive. He put in a sidewalk. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but he did it through a city grant which meant he had to go to neighborhood meetings, city council meetings, and other city meetings for approval, not to mention all the other requirements, just for the grant (not even the actual project). He is a senior in high school. He turned 18. He is a great kid. We are very proud of him!

Christy - I've been busy with all my volunteer stuff. My kids keep telling me I need to learn to say no! I enjoy it though. Although I really do need to get a paying job. I need a reason to get out of the house and to earn some money too! I coached Ally's soccer team this Spring. I designed the entire elementary school yearbook in only a few short weeks. I do web design projects and other digital design. I still love to scrapbook, although I never seem to find any time at all for it. I am still the Young Women's president for my ward and I love it! Mostly, I just do whatever my kids need me to.

Chris - This year has brought some unexpected changes. He has been a finance manager for years. He was at a car dealership that happened to lose both of their franchises due to the current administrations dealings with the US car companies. No, we are not big Obama supporters around here! Due to his dealership being up in the air for so long, they lost nearly all their business. Although Chris had a job, he wasn't making anything. So he jumped ship and is now working for One Hour Heating and Air. So if you live in Utah and need anything furnace or air conditioning related, you should call that company. It's been a huge adjustment for all of us! He is still a youth Sunday School teacher which he very much enjoys.

So life has been crazy as always.
How could one expect anything less? :)
We are looking forward to the holidays and the new year.
We hope that you have a very
Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Last year I made a list of things I am thankful for. I think it all still applies :)

27 Things I'm Thankful For - 1 each day until Thanksgiving

DVRs
art
chocolate
music
scissors
my own bathroom
digital cameras
eclairs & cream puffs
snow globes
staplers & hole punchers
fire opals
tote bags
metal lunch boxes
my computer
scriptures
rainbows
pictures
my church calling
tulips & sunflowers
friends
family (near & far)
ally
landon
sammy
keyan
chris
Jesus

{keYan'S EAGLE pRoJecT}

2009-07-13T11:50:00.001-06:00

Keyan finally was able to do his Eagle Project and what the project it was! He applied for and received a City Neighborhood Grant to put in a sidewalk that would not only benefit the neighborhood but also the school. The school also funded a large portion of the project. It was just over 200 feet long and 6 feet wide. Keyan had over 400 service hours for all the volunteers (eagle projects only require 80 hours).

We have the best neighborhood! Keyan had so much help and support. People brought tools, food, donated supplies and so on. It really was incredible.

I'm so proud of Keyan. He did an amazing job!

Before & After:

{oQuiRrh MoUnTaiN teMpLe}

2009-07-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

The youth in our ward and families took a trip to see the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. It's always a great experience to tour a temple.
My thoughts about this temple as compared to the Draper Temple which was newly dedicated and similar in size. The Draper Temple had the sego lily motif everywhere and the colors were more spring like. The Oquirrh Temple had a star motif and the colors were all shades of brown/tan, much more masculine.I'm glad that my whole family was able to go through.

Freedom Festival

2009-07-05T11:30:00.003-06:00

Around the 4th of July Provo has their annual Freedom Festival. There are many events leading up to the 4th. This year Sam's dance company opted out of dancing at the Stadium of Fire and they just had a performance at the downtown stage.

Ally, Sam & I slept out on the parade route. At about 1:30 a.m. we had a major down pour. Luckily the people in front of us let us campout under their canopy, so we stayed dry.

In the morning, Chris & Landon ran the 5k and Keyan ran the 10k along with my siblings. We also got to watch the hot air balloons play fox and the hound.

Then we watched the parade.

Later, we napped and bbq and did fireworks and watched the fireworks from the BYU stadium. It was another great 4th of July!

Ragnar Relays - Wasatch Back

2009-06-21T12:14:00.000-06:00

So I was on again and off again with running in this race. In the end, I didn't run, but my son and sister did. So being the eternal cheerleader I took Landon and Ally and we went to cheer them on.

This is a race where most teams have 12 runners (some had only 6) and each run 3 legs of the 189 mile race starting in Logan and ending in Park City.

We watched them race Friday afternoon/evening, then we camped out at North Summit High School in Coalville. Chris and Sam joined us then. At 2:a.m. we were up to watch them race their second legs. Keyan was a little nervous about running in the middle of the night so Chris rode his bike along side him. It's the only part of the race that someone is allowed to do that. Chris had to leave to go back to work when they were finished.

Next the kids and I drove the Ragnar hill that Keyan was going to have to run up in his last leg. We decided that we wouldn't make it to the finish on time if we stopped to watch Keyan run his last leg so we just headed off to the finish. By sheer luck we were able to park at the venue instead of up at Park City Mountain resort where we would then have to shuttle down to the finish. It rained, it poured. Keyan's last leg was an 8% upgrade in the pouring rain, but he rocked it. His last leg was the only individually timed leg (it was the hardest hill leg in the race). Keyan ran it in 40 minutes and 55 seconds, placing him as the 27th fastest runner up the hill of the 440 who ran it in the mixed category.[The above picture is what it would have looked like when Keyan was running his last leg but instead it was like the pic below - wet and muddy!]

Out of 334 teams in their open mixed category they came in 23rd overall. The pic below shows their official time and their place at the time of their finish. All the teams start at different times so the places kept changing.

Overall it was a great experience. I saw parts of Utah I had never seen before and because of all the rain we have had this year it was all green and beautiful! It was a great specator race for the most part. We were able to see my son and sister at multiple parts of their first two legs. If they would have been in van 1 we would have seen their last legs also, but my sister was the last runner so we wanted to make sure and be at the finish line!

Hanging out by the finish line before the rain came and soaked us through and through.
Keyan running to the finish line.

{sUmMeRfEsT}

2009-06-13T23:34:00.000-06:00

We love Orem's Summerfest. However this year all we made it to was the parade. We did come back for the fireworks also. One of my young woman was marching in the parade, so it was fun to go see her. Right after she went by, it started pour rain. Go figure!!!

{keYaN's fiRsT mArAtoN}

2009-06-13T11:08:00.001-06:00

Utah Valley Marathon (June 13, 2009) - about a week and a half before the marathon, Keyan's father asked him to run with him. Everyone at his work was doing it and of course Keyan said yes. They had this run then walk schedule worked out for it. Keyan went 18 miles the Saturday before the marathon. That is the farthest he had ever gone. He was excited for the marathon. The people he was with were planning on a 10.5 minute mile pace. About half way through Keyan left them and decided he was going to try for a 4 hour marathon (which in about a 9 min. mile pace). So he went from 10.5 minute miles to sub 9 minute miles to finish at 4:02:06. Crazy, huh?!!!

{HOA eLecTioNs & rAinBowS}

2009-06-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

We have just completed our first year of having an HOA (home owners association). We had the worst builder ever, Brad Burnside. He set up the whole development as an HOA, but never did anything about it and then just dumped it on us. There were no dues being collected, therefore there was no money to pay to take care of the green space that Provo city required us to have. It was a mess at first, but I think it worked out ok considering what we were handed.

It was hard for some people because they had lived here for years and never had to pay. They had forgotten that they signed a paper at closing stating they would be required to pay HOA fees, or they were not the original owners and never signed a paper. Unfortunately for them it doesn't really matter if they signed a paper or not, it's documented with the city therefore they have to do it. That is my way of explaining it simply!
So last year I was elected as my streets rep. We had a president, secretary and 4 street reps. So we finally had our election to vote in new officiers. I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve, but I'm even more happy to pass it on to someone else!The night of our elections it started to down pour. We have had so much rain lately you would think that we lived in Washington state. However, this evening it produced the most brilliant rainbow I have seen in years. It was a full double rainbow. The main one was so vibrant. Pictures do not do it justice!

{hiKiNg thE Y}

2009-06-09T22:29:00.004-06:00

I had the grand idea of hiking the Y today. It was a lot of fun. It's about a mile up, but it zig-zags the whole way there. I would highly recommend this to anyone. The views are spectacular! Ally had to stop and take breaks a few times on the way up. We did stop and take a bunch of pics along the way.On the way back down there was a guy running up who gave everyone a high five along the way. I wonder if he is the guy I read about in the newspaper a few years ago, who runs up everyday.

{faSt oFfeRinGs}

2009-06-07T22:14:00.002-06:00

This was Landon's first time to do Fast Offerings. It's when a Priesthood holder gets the privilege to help out in the collecting of money that will be used to help those who are in need in our neighborhood. Every member fasts for 2 meals and generously gives the amount they would have spent on those two meals and then some. It's a truly inspired program. We do it on the first Sunday of every month.

Landon seemed to be unhappy or sick before we went to church that morning. When I asked him what was wrong, it turned out to be that he was just nervous about doing fast offerings. He didn't know what it was he was supposed to do.

After church he was all smiles. In priesthood he had it all explained to him and now he knew exactly what was expected and required of him. It is so neat to watch him embrace his new responsibilities and to enjoy it.

{owL}

2009-06-07T10:26:00.000-06:00

After church our neighbor boy came and told us we have to come see something. We walk over to another neighbors house and he tells us there is an owl in the window. Sure enough. How odd! Another neighbor came over and said that it must be fake. He threw a wood chip at its feet and it didn't budge. I wondered why someone would put a fake owl in their window (scare mice away?), but hey what do I know? Turns out it was real. Ally saw it fly away a few hours later!

{cAmeRa shY}

2009-06-04T22:10:00.000-06:00

My daughters are not camera shy! They loved to take my camera and take pics of themselves and their friends. Of course, they first have to get ready (make up & wardrobe). It's fun to find these random pics when I transfer them to my computer!

{UFOs}

2009-06-03T23:05:00.000-06:00

Across the lake on the mountains there were these strange lights. I guess it's not so much that they were strange in appearance, but in that they would blink on and off all up and down the mountain. Upon first glance I thought it was a fire, but then I realized that was not the case. We never did find out what it was.

{boAtiNg}

2009-06-03T21:55:00.000-06:00

This year the weather has been strange. We had record highs in the spring and now that we are moving into summer it's been raining everyday. (This was the case for the next 2 weeks also). However, we were able to make it out on the lake once. It was not super hot, but tolerable enough.
Ally is our fish and just couldn't wait to jump in. They all enjoyed it. Chris & I wakeboarded. I wasn't going to because I like to be in the water when it is a little warmer, but I was so glad I did!

{sTarTing oUt tHe SumMeR riGhT}

2009-06-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

The first official day of summer, we had our yearly scheduled youth assignment at the temple. This was going to be Landon's first time to go, but he ended up being quite sick so he missed it. This was a bit traumatic, but we'll get him there soon. Our ward is having a Celestial Saturday this week so some of the youth had their own family names which always seems to make it a more memorable event. (On Saturday morning I was able to go with the ward. It was a really good experience.)

{mAy miShAps}

2009-05-31T22:09:00.001-06:00

So I think the funniest thing that happened this month is one morning Keyan comes up and tells me he HAD gum in his hair and wants to know what to do about it. He had taken the electric shears and tried to cut out the gum. He shaved lines down to his head. He claims that he didn't fall asleep with gum in his mouth!!! I tried to fix it up a bit, but I didn't know how much to do. I didn't want to completely shave the sides, because his senior pictures were coming up soon. Luckily my neighbor helped him out (Thanks Shelby, you're the best!).

{maY madNeSs}

2009-05-31T21:11:00.003-06:00

May has been a crazy month for me. My calendar is ridiculous. I feel like I’ve hit the ground running and haven’t stopped yet. I guess that is what June is for! My June calendar is much more reasonable.

I have already blogged about the 50’s Sock Hop, PHS Prom, and the missing cow. Here are some of the other things that has gone on: Stake Conference, Jason’s birthday, Keyan finished up his soccer year with a few more games (do you like what Landon does during the games?) and a banquet, water fights (the weather is finally good enough for it), Katherine’s Bridal Shower, YW Camp Leader Retreat, Mother’s Day, Softball, Mutual, PTA Convention, car show (the black car was supposed to be in the new transformer movie but it was smashed into the week of filming so it got the boot since the couldn't fix it soon enough and the VW Bus was Ally's favorite), Landon’s birthday, Landon’s DARE Graduation, Sam’s Dance Concert (which meant lots of dance & practices leading up to it), more Camp meetings, help at the school, Landon Water Party, make stew for 6^th grade Feast, lots of playing outside,Yard Sale (our neighbors invited the whole cul-de-sac. Landon says that he never wants to do another yard sale again!), visit cemeteries (Memorial Day), get fried at Seven Peaks on the 6^th grade trip, School Carnival (that is Ally ringing the bell at the top of the rock climbing wall), Neighborhood Meeting, Make Diplomas and programs for 6^th grade Graduation, attend 6^th Grade Graduation, help with field day (I was incharge of the tug-A-war. Chris came to help me. One class wanted to do it against the Adults. They killed us!), Chris' sister came to town (this is Chris and 3 of his 5 sisters), attend Central Committee Meeting (I loved that they used the keypads, it made the meeting so much more efficient), Shirstin's graduation (she is one of my sweet young women), and cousin Matt's reception. Yeah for May!!!

{cOw kiLLeR}

2009-05-05T11:09:00.007-06:00

We have a cow killer in our midst! There is this little toy cow that has been nicknamed, "the Guard Cow." It has stood watch over our front yard for about a month now. Chris has tried to give it back to it's rightful owner, telling anyone who lives by us with little kids, " I think your cow is in our yard!" Which always gets an interesting response.

This cow is hilarious. It is always in a different part of the yard, on the steps, by the front door, on the sidewalk, and it is always sitting upright. No matter who walks by it, child or adult, if it is knocked down they will sit it back up.
Imagine our surprise when we go to church Sunday morning to find our cow frozen in a block of ice! Of course, we all laughed hysterically and speculated who might have done it. Everyone thought for sure it was our neighbor 2 houses away. Although I kept saying, "Wouldn't it be even more funny if it wasn't him?"

Chris & Sammy came up with the idea to do a WANTED poster. Sammy made her poster. On her way to school this morning she put it up on the neighbors front door.
Several hours later, I get a call from this said neighbor. "Do you have some graffiti artists over there?" He swears he did not do it. Do I believe him? ... hmmm... I told him it was either you or our neighbor next door. He claims it had to be him. So we moved the poster to his house...... update (evening of putting up the wanted poster) - the cow is now missing. Just up and walked away this morning. I don't think Sam is very happy about it!!! Oh, and no, none of my neighbors have admitted to doing it yet and yes, Sam has asked just about all of them. Ask might be a light term, accused would be more like it!

{PHS jr. prOm}

2009-05-05T10:49:00.004-06:00

Prom...
Provo High School has this great tradition of holding a promenade. The couples hand the announcer a paper with their names on it. He then announces their names and a spotlight shines on them. They are then required to not trip over the cord and make it down the front steps of the Provo City Library at Academy Square. Everyone is invited to come and watch. It takes forever, but as a parent I love it. It is so fun to see who everyone went with. It's even more fun to see all the beautiful dresses. I heard so many comments about how pretty the girls all looked because they were dressed modestly. Funny how that is! Take away the distractions and you can be seen for the beautiful young lady you really are!!! It's also fun to run into all the parents. Many of us cruised on over right after the Adult Session of Conference let out. I was so happy that it ended a few minutes before the hour. Apparently the promenade started right at 9:p.m. It had already started when we got there, so we weren't sure if Keyan had already come down. No, he didn't promenade until an hour later. Parents kept saying that their kids said they are almost there, every 5 minutes. Apparently the line inside was really long and just when they thought they were almost there, they would turn another corner and have to wait some more!!! I also like this tradition because I think it keeps the kids at the dance longer, which is always a good thing, if you ask me!Keyan's group went 4-wheeling for their "day date." It was pouring rain. It was super muddy, but they all enjoyed it. Apparently there was about 4 inches of mud caked on everything! They went out to Lehi for dinner and then to the dance. They went to Joe's for ice cream afterward.

{50's sOck hOp}

2009-05-05T10:19:00.004-06:00

The Activity Day Girls had a mother and daughter Sock Hop! It was a rockin' and a rollin'! Everyone was asked to dress up - poodle skirts, dark denim jeans and white t-shirts, saddle shoes. I spent the afternoon making us skirts. I'm not fast enough to have embellished them, but that is fine by me! Elvis greeted us at the door. We played musical chairs. Ally won! We danced/learned the Electric Slide. We Limboed and we danced some more. Plus we took pictures (I'll have to get them from my neighbor) and ate ice cream sundaes. What a fun way to spend an evening with my Ally.

{rOunDinG Out aPriL}

2009-05-05T08:01:00.007-06:00

For some reason April was an extremely busy month. I am so looking forward to a summertime of not a lot to do!!!

Landon had his 6th grade world fair.

I went to the Tax Day Tea Party in Provo.
It snowed....and snowed...and snowed...
Spring Break :)
I made the Lakeview Elementary Yearbook. I am so thrilled with how it turned out so far! Hopefully all the edits make the final print!

I finished coaching a 1st-2nd grade girls soccer team. They are so cute! It was a rough season, but we pulled off an awesome win at the end. It was fun to see them improve so much! Most had never played outdoor soccer before.

Keyan has been in full swing of his soccer season.

Sammy is super excited to be the part of Sleeping Beauty in her upcoming dance recital.
My nephew turned 1 years old.

Landon finished up his soccer season.

I went to the Utah County Republican convention.

Ally had a spectacular school program. She's on the back row in the center (black dress).

{whAt tO dO whEn yOur smOke alArm gOes Off}

2009-04-14T08:40:00.004-06:00

In light of this mornings events, I thought it would be wise to remind everyone what to do when your alarm goes off (obviously I didn't follow all these and needed the reminder also!). This was taken from a smoke alarm company:

What to do when the alarm sounds:

Alert small children in the home.
Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don’t waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home - not from yours!
Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.

IMPORTANT: Never Ignore the Sound of an Alarm!

There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA Standard 72. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline

Here's reasons I found that smoke alarms (smoke detectors are particle sensing devices, not heat detectors) might go off when there is not a fire:

accumulated dust
bugs, especially spiders that crawl inside
condensation (water vapor)
very cold weather
entry door, if adjoined to a heated area, is opened
low battery
dirty battery

Reminder - change your smoke detectors batteries at least once a year, or better yet every daylight savings, beginning and end. Every time you change the batteries get a can of compressed air and clean out the detector.

{sMokE aLaRms}

2009-04-14T07:21:00.006-06:00

Do you get that sick feeling when your stressed and haven't had enough sleep? Almost like you are going to throw up at any given moment. This is the general feeling Chris and I had early this morning and I'm still not feeling great.

At 2:am our smoke alarm went off. Our house has the relay alarms (hardwired), so when one goes off they all do and the one in the hallway loudly says something about a Fire.

Chris literally bolted out of bed and took off down the hall. I quickly threw on some jeans and a jacket and Chris was back, saying he didn't think it was a fire and in the same breath said I have to sit down ... something about a head rush. The alarm only went off for a few seconds, by the time Chris was back it had shut itself off. It was the strangest thing.

I asked if he checked in each of the kids bedrooms downstairs. He said he hadn't so I did. Ally was not awake, although she was very restless, probably if the alarm had gone off a few seconds more she would have been up. I checked Keyan's room, he was sound asleep. This makes me a bit worried. Sammy was sitting up in her bed. I told her it was the fire alarm, and we have checked the whole house and there is no fire, so it's ok to go back to bed. Next, I check Landon. He is awake, but laying down on his bed. I tell him the same thing.

I checked the garage, etc. I can't for the life of me figure out why the alarm went off. I even cracked a window just incase the alarm was supposed to be for carbon monoxide, since the talking detectors are combined in one unit.

I'm completely stressed. Even a half hour later my heart is still racing. I was afraid to go back to sleep. I just couldn't settle myself.

We talked about what we need to do to get our kids out safely. We have a plan and the kids all know it, but actually putting it into action is a completely different story when you are coming out of a dead sleep. I was stressed that Keyan and Ally didn't even wake up. I wondered if maybe we were up for another reason. You know how sometimes strange things like that happen. It was just disturbing for some reason.

While laying back down in bed we noticed that the smoke detector in our room was blinking red occasionally (I found out later that this happens when your detectors are hardwired and it blinks so that you can know which detector set the whole thing off). We changed the battery, wondering if that would help. I know when the battery gets low the alarm chirps, but it still didn't make sense that it would completely go off because of the battery. After that the light still blinks. Chris changes the battery again, thinking maybe it was a bad battery. This seemed to do the trick. After an hour we were finally to a point where sleep might be possible! Chris was completely asleep and I had looked at my clock 10 minutes earlier, but was lightly asleep, by the time the alarm went off again at 3:30 am. This is ridiculous.

However, this time Ally is completely up, coming out her door and ready to run outside to our safe spot, by the time Chris turns the alarm off. Sad as it seems, I was really happy by this. I was happy that she didn't sleep through it again. I held her and talked to her for a minute. All the while I'm racking my brain trying to figure out why this is happening (is there a fire in the attic, no the house would have burned down by now and so on...) She was scared. She wanted to go with me to check on the other kids.

Keyan again was sound asleep. I had to tease him a bit this morning. He literally had no idea that the alarm went off. I'm going to have to check the alarm in his room to make sure it really works. All the alarms were tested when we moved in so I know they all worked at one point. Landon and Sam were up. Again had to explain what happened and told them to go back to bed. Once Ally saw that they were all ok and heard Chris tell them to go back to bed, she went back up to her room. Chris checked in on her when we got back up and she was on her bed kneeling in prayer.

While I was checking online and not finding what we were looking for, my computer internet wasn't working, so I was just using my phone, and it's too slow when your tired and stressed!!! Chris had removed the detector. At least now we know it won't wake us up again this morning.

When I got Ally up this morning she said that she was scared that there was really a fire. And when I got Landon up he says, "do I get up for real this time?"

My poor kids. I know I about had a heart attack, seriously my heart was racing so fast for quite awhile, I can't imagine what they were thinking. I'm going to have to go to the school and talk to Landon and Ally's teachers so they can understand if Landon falls asleep in class and if Ally freaks out about something strange.

After all this, I am so thankful that my house did not burn down. I'm thankful that my little family is healthy and safe. I am thankful that I now know that there is no way I will sleep through the alarm and I'm thankful for the reminder to talk to my kids about fire safety.

Too bad I can't go back to bed right now. I sure could use a good night sleep!!!

{eAsTeR weEkeNd}

2009-04-13T14:40:00.007-06:00

I love Easter! I love that even though the world has turned it into Easter bunnies and chocolate, we can still find and teach the peace, joy and happiness that comes from what our Savior, Jesus Christ, did about 2000 years ago. The pain that he suffered, his life that he freely gave up, and the miracle that happened 2 days later would be our ultimate gift. It's strange to think that my ultimate happiness was brought about by so much pain and agony. It really doesn't seem fair, now does it? I love my Savior and am so thankful for his sacrifice and I am so thankful that we have a day dedicated to those events of long ago.

So here's my weekend:
Friday, Keyan had a soccer game against Mountain View. It was cold and wet and windy (look at Landon's hair in the pic below)!
Saturday, Landon and Ally both had soccer games. It was cold and wet!After games, I took Landon and Ally to Macey's and Downtown Provo for some candy hunts (can't call it Easter egg hunt, since they weren't really looking for eggs). They played games, got a ton of candy and had a great time!
I took Sam to her dance pictures. I'm sure they will be darling! I just wished that they would not do it on holidays or holiday weekends (they did it on Memorial Day one year).
I still hadn't gotten Ally an Easter Dress and she really wanted one. Off we went! Wouldn't you know? She picked the most non-Easter dress (it's black) she could find. It fits her personality quite well!!!
I did go to one political meeting Saturday night. It was really entertaining! I don't think anyone could ever say politics are boring!!!
Sunday, hooray for Easter Sunday! Church was fantastic - Choir Cantata, new Preach My Gospel Class and a wonderful new Laurel's adviser that gave an amazing lesson on Christ.
Coloring Easter Eggs, making a Bunny Cake and eating ham and potatoes rounded out our day. It was a great Sabbath Day!

{it'S aLreAdy aPriL}

2009-04-08T11:52:00.003-06:00

Yikes it's almost Easter! I feel out of sorts for some reason. I think I can attribute it to being out of town 2 weekends ago and having this weekend be General Conference. I haven't had my weekly time at church to center my week, to get a new start.

I have been busy though. We are gearing up for our Republican County Convention. It's an organizing convention so we are just electing new Party Leadership, but that still requires some effort and time to get to know them to see if they are someone I want there.

Young Women's is always crazy busy. There are so many meetings!!! I sure love the girls though. I remember the first Sunday I was called and the old presidency and new presidency all bore their testimonies. I knew then that I loved the girls and it's only gotten better. They are all so amazing. It's forced me to be a little more outgoing which is always a good thing.

I'm also working on the Lakeview Elementary Yearbook. I think originally they weren't going to have one, but I think enough people voiced an interest in it. The principle found a printer who will do it on such late notice. We have to have it done just after Spring Break (2 weeks exactly). I'm not an expert at these sort of things, but I can be of some service! Using those 9th grade yearbook staff skills!!! :)

General Conference was great! We got a new apostle, Elder Anderson. I like him a lot. As always there were a lot of great talks. The last session had a huge focus of getting to the temple. I'm thankful for our bishop's challenge to get the youth to the temple monthly. It helps me to get there also. It's nice to have Chris off on Wednesdays so that we can go in the morning/early afternoon. It's never very busy then. My siblings all came over for the last session. I almost never have extended family over for conference. I liked it a lot. It's fun to see everyone progressing in the gospel. There was one talk during this session that was about members responsibilities to find people for the missionaries to teach. I couldn't help but think of Bryan and mentioned how he must be smiling from ear to ear to hear that!!! Love you, BRYAN.

{teeNagerS}

2009-04-08T11:39:00.003-06:00

Life sure is funny! Being a mom of teenagers is turning out to be my hardest challenge yet. Why can't kids learn from their own parents mistakes? I love my kids but I have to tell you that there is only so much one can take!!! I hope it gets easier. I can see why so many parents choose to turn a blind-eye to the things that their kids are doing. It's so much easier. It's nice to be oblivious and not know what your kids are up to. I wished my parents had done more and I never want my kids to feel that way. So I guess getting easier is out of the question! I say this to remind myself, when my other kids are older, to remember that I survived it once before!

{sAmmY, saMMy, SamMy!!!}

2009-03-23T17:35:00.006-06:00

This has been a crazy weekend, mostly all about Sam! On Saturday, Sammy had a dance competition. It was Dance America at Timpview High School. It was really nice to have it here locally. Usually we have to travel to Cedar City or St. George. Her team did really well. I think they had 5 dances and scored 1st & 2nd in all and high marks/point (I can't remember the exact term) on the ballet. It was the best run competition I have been to over the years. The man that was emcee did a fantastic job. He kept things moving right along and we were actually done at a reasonable time. In fact, it was right on time with the schedule or maybe even a few minutes early. Sam had an aerial in the first dance that she landed perfectly. She practices and practices. I'm so proud of her!

On Sunday, we got to church 10 min. early. So Sam was looking over the Sacrament program and noticed that the first speaker said "Youth Testimony ............. TBA" Sammy asked what this was and if the Bishop would just call someone out of the audience. I told her probably. Then she asks the Bishop's daughter, who is sitting in front of us, the same thing. She replies that is what he usually does. Sam then turns to me and says, "I going to the bathroom right after the Sacrament!" I just shook my head. Funny how the spirit prompts you! :)

Of course, after the Sacrament, the Bishop announces that he would like Sam, another girl, a boy, and then he starts to say another boys name, and then back tracks, and says he meant to say Keyan!!! Yeah for my kids. They both got to share their impromptu testimonies. Sam was terrified (tears and all). If she wasn't such a good kid, she just might have walked right on out. I don't write this to embarrass her. I just want her to know that I think she was very brave. That is such a hard thing to do and now that she has done it, maybe next time it won't be so bad!

I remember being in a ward council once when the bishop asked if we were able to give a Sunday School Lesson on the fly. I was the only one who didn't raise their hand. I need time to prepare. I know that the lessons are more meaningful if I have done my part. Sure there are things that I could give lessons about without any preparation, but not 40 minutes of Adult Sunday School!!! See I'm not so good with the impromptu stuff either!

After church, I was talking to Keyan and he said that as soon as the bishop started talking about the youth sharing their testimonies, he knew that he would be asked. He said he didn't know what to say either. I'm proud of him too!

Our youth have had some great opportunities lately. We took all the youth in our ward, which nearly everyone of them came to the Draper Temple Open House. Then last week the Bishop had a fireside for the kids to talk to them about Temples and to answer their questions. Then yesterday was the Draper Temple Dedication.

Landon and Ally were both disappointed that they were not going to the temple to see the dedication. I foolishly made the mistake of not taking them to the open house. I guess I was hoping to find a time when we could all go as a family and that just didn't happen. We couldn't go when Chris was off because we had Mutual and Scouts. Then all the kids sports started. Next time, I'll just take them all separately, because I can't not take Ally and Landon again. Luckily I'll have another opportunity in a few months!

Today, the kids were out of school. Yeah for teacher quality days!!! Sam invited a bunch of friends over to watch Twilight. We had breakfast and they watched the movie and played some games. I think they all had a nice time. Chris went with me to buy the movie Saturday morning. It was released at 12:01 a.m. Chris and I left our house after midnight. We went to the Springville Walmart. We walked in and stood in line. Then I followed the line up to the front and found a much shorter line and called Chris to come to the other line. We were in and out in less than 15 minutes. Some people in the other line said that they had been there for several hours. I guess if you want to be part of the hype, coming early is the thing for you, but if you are like me and just want the movie, they way we did it was best!!!

{dOn'T do DRUGS}

2009-03-12T08:12:00.001-06:00

Tuesday night just after 9:p.m. Chris came home from work and asked if the street south of 1010 was in our ward. Yes, it is. He then goes on to tell me that there are a bunch of cops there and they have the street blocked off just 2 houses deep off Lakeshore Dr.

Come to find out a man, riding in the passenger seat of a car, emptied 4 rounds on the corner house. There were 9 people in the house, including women and children, at the time.

Luckily no one was hurt. Normally, across the street from this house is a handful of kids playing basketball or riding boards. That night, a parent and child, a couple of houses away, were in their front yard and saw the whole thing happen. One neighbor heard what he thought was a knock at the door and quickly went to see who it was, not knowing that the noise was actually bullets hitting a house. All of these could have been really bad if circumstances would have been even a little bit different.

So my whole point of this is don't do drugs. This house was targeted. The man who shot at the house thought that someone inside owed him drug money and was coming to collect a debt.

This is just another example how one person's poor choices affect more than just themselves. Drugs not only ruin the lives of the people who abuse them, but also affect friends and family and sometimes complete strangers in ways that the abuser could never know or care.

Christ's perfect example was centered in love. To take and abuse drugs is one of the most selfish things a person can do and far away from being Christlike in any way.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

{wiNteR sLumP}

2009-03-09T09:09:00.003-06:00

It always seems like when it rains, it pours! However, right now I feel like I'm in a lull, that I am enjoying! :)

We've had some really nice weather recently, so it's been nice to be out and about. Our neighbor got a new basketball standard that he set up in the street. This has been a huge hit for the entire cul-de-sac.

Even though I say I've hit a lull, I'm still pretty busy. I still help out at the school. I have my young women's calling, that takes up a lot of time. I've had some political meetings lately. Landon's basketball season is just about over. He claims that soccer is his sport, but always wants to play basketball every year. It's fun! Keyan has his first soccer game tomorrow. It's a pre-season game, that just might get canceled if the weatherman is right. A storm is supposed to move in this afternoon dumping 3-6 inches of snow tonight. Yes, it's spring soccer season. It never fails, game day is always the worst weather day of the whole week. Time to dig out my winter gear again!

{thE drApEr temPLe}

2009-02-20T07:53:00.007-07:00

(all images in this post are property of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

I loved the Draper Temple. It was simple and classic, yet had a earthy vibe (meaning the decor). I loved that the base boards were stone (or at least looked like it) throughout the whole temple, even on the pews in the chapels. The kids thought it was cool that all the wood came from Africa. There are sego lilies in just about every room - carved into the carpets, etched in the glass, motifs on the ceilings, etc. The 2 telestial rooms were painted differently. Some asked if they would get to choose what room they went to, because some like one better than another. I was really surprised at how much the kids, especially the boys, loved the temple. They oohed and awed over most of it. Of course, everyone loved the incredible chandeliers. You can't help but to love those.

I have to say that my favorite room was the bride's room. I absolutely loved it. The leaf wall covering, the flower carpet, etc. I think I just loved that it was a bit more colorful, not all white.

I would highly recommend anyone, of any faith, to visit this amazing place, it will be well worth your trip. The open house is going on until March 14th.

Draper Temple Dates:
October 2, 2004 - temple construction was announced
August 5, 2006 - Pres. Hinckley performed the ground breaking ceremony
January 15 - March 14, 2009 - Public Open House.
March 20 - 22, 2009 - 12 Dedication Services will be performed.

{wHat to eXpect whEn tOuRinG the dRapEr temPLe}

2009-02-20T07:31:00.003-07:00

On Wednesday night we went to the Draper Temple Open House. It was our mutual activity for the week. I believe the final total was 68 of us. We had to wait a long time, but it was so great.

Here is what to expect if you go on a busy night with a large group ...
Your ticket will tell you what church building (there are 5 different ones they are using) you are to go to. You park there and go inside. We went into the cultural hall and sat down. The rooms in the building play a 12 min. video about temples. Our group was so large that the cultural hall emptied twice before we were taken to the chapel to watch the video. After we got to the chapel we waited a long time again. We started to sing songs while we waited. Then we watched the video. Then we waited again, and Bro. Maryott and Sis. Burton shared some thoughts about the temple.

Then we went out into the foyer and waited for the buses. I think we ended up on 3 different buses. Once at the temple grounds they drop you off and you walk through covered pathways up to the temple. Surprisingly they did not have us put on booties over our shoes. The carpets were covered by the thick plastic carpet protectors similar to the industrial strength ones you use for a computer chair. Some rooms even had the plastic and a layer of carpet on top. I wondered if anyone had fallen, since it made it a couple of inches off the ground.

Since there are so many people coming through the temple, it is a silent tour. The rooms are all marked with plaques on the wall and there are posters set up to learn about the rooms. The last room you go into is one of the 4 sealing rooms. Here you get to sit down and listen to a couple talk about the spirit felt in the temple and about the importance of temples, etc.

Once you leave this room you head out of the temple and follow the covered walkway to the church building, on the same property. Here they have the cultural hall set up as a reception place. There are people to answer any questions you may have. You are encouraged to fill out a comment card and of course the best part, they have cookies!

From the time we left our church and I arrived home, after dropping kids off, we were gone about 4 hours. The difference with any other group will be that you will be done in 1 - 2 hours. Smaller groups will easily be able to get through the first church building to watch the video and get on the bus, where we had to wait for a very long time because of our group size. If you don't go on a mutual night, there will be fewer people. I had5 hosts tell me that they had an above average amount of people there that night. Also we spent more time at the church after touring the temple waiting for all our groups.

{vaLeNtinE's in vEgAs!}

2009-02-18T09:28:00.008-07:00

We spent the weekend in Las Vegas. My sister, Annie got married. It turned out so great! The wedding was on Valentine's Day. The wedding was outside in the morning. It was on the cool side for Vegas, but it was still pleasant.2 of the bridesmaids didn't make it. They had car trouble , it broke down on the way. Gina had an extra black dress just in case. Sammy quickly changed and filled in as one of the bridesmaids. The dress was super short and sleeveless. I felt bad, but she was a good sport about it. I even gave her the shirt I was wearing so that she wasn't so stressed about it. I think she was just happy to take part.The ceremony was great. I have to admit I was a bit worried about what a preacher in Vegas would say, but he did a wonderful job. Nothing to cringe at! :)We got to hang out while Annie & Sergio took a bunch of pics. Then we went to the JW Marriott for a buffet lunch. This was the best idea ever! Everyone could hang out and eat whatever they wanted. We had a whole section to ourselves. Annie & Sergio opened presents, cut the cake and got to miggle with everyone.After this, we went to Ceasars Palace to the Forum Shops. Of course, the kids love FAO Schwarz. They especially love the giant piano keys. It was lots of fun to watch Ally & Keyan play Fur Elise.
While there we got to meet and shake hands with Pres. Uchtdorf. He declined taking a picture. Oh well! It was fun to met him.

We caught up with my cousin, Matt and his girlfiiend, Tiandra. We went to eat ... at In-n-Out Burger. It's a must with my siblings to go there as often as they can. I think they went the night before, when we got there.

The next morning we all met up at my grandma's grave. It's the first time I've been back since the funeral, nearly 2 years ago. My grandma was a spunky lady, with a spirit that was larger than her 4.5 ft. frame!
My grandma was so smart. She picked out her plot back in the 80's and had it paid for. She picked a spot right under a tree. It's just perfect. Not to mention, the added bonus of the airport runway across the street. We had a blast watching the planes fly right over us and getting whipped by the wind that follows. Thanks grandma ... we love you and miss you.

(this picture is a better one to see how low the planes were. You can see the bottom of the plane at the top of the picture.)

We had lunch with Taylor and then headed out of town.

It was a wonderful trip. I'm so glad we were able to go.

{miNi wRaP up}

2009-02-11T07:50:00.004-07:00

I know that one day when my life settles down I'll be sad that I don't have as much stuff going on. However, right now, I feel like I'm going every which way. There is so much going on and to look forward to.

So here is a wrap up of the past few weeks.

Keyan is trying to figure life out! He is excited for soccer to start. He thinks he wants to join the Army. He's been working on his eagle project. He's been dating. Of course, this is all his stuff, but it still keeps me busy and stressed!

Sammy's dance keeps her busy. I'm glad she loves it so much. I'm going to have to get a job to keep her in it.

Landon is playing JR. Jazz still. It's fun to watch his games. There are some great kids on his team and I always enjoy running into parents that I haven't seen in awhile.

Chris had a birthday! I always like his birthdays because then he is 2 years older than me (if you look at our ages only) for a brief few months. He dreads his birthdays. He's just getting old! :)

I've been busy with my young womens calling, but as everyone has told me ... it's always busy, but overtime it gets easier! We had a very long clinic to jumpstart camp this year. I really enjoyed Sheri Dew and Pres. Sabins talks. I was really glad I went so that I could hear them. However, now we are jumping into all the camp stuff, which I am still trying to get a grasp on.

My sister is getting married! I've been helping out with that. Melinda and I threw her a bridal shower last night. We've gone dress shopping, both for wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses. We've gone shopping for lots of other misc. things also. We made her bouquet and the bridesmaids bouquets. Spent hours online trying to book everything and figure out everything else! I love my sister and would do anything to help her out. I'm excited for her wedding. It's going to be great!

Missing President Hinckley

2009-01-28T10:29:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley. The youth celebrated his life once again by dressing up for school. I'm so proud of my youth and the good examples they are for their younger siblings.

Year of the Ox

2009-01-28T10:23:00.003-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year (2 days ago)!

We had celebrated, by setting out all of our Asian decor, having Chinese Food for dinner and having Family Home Evening. We had our lesson and Ally taught us all to make paper frogs (Ally style).

Elder L. Tom Perry

2009-01-28T09:59:00.002-07:00

As far as I can remember, I have never had an opportunity to shake the hand of a general authority. I know my children have not either. Chris, on the other hand, has met several of them. Mostly from his mission, when his mission president died.

Landon, Ally, Keyan & I had just such an opportunity. We got to meet Elder L. Tom Perry. We all shook his hand. He told Keyan, he better look after all of us and he kindly let me take a picture. What a great man! How wonderful it is to know that the Lord loves us enough to have a living prophet and apostles to guide us.

Jr. Jazz

2009-01-28T09:39:00.003-07:00

Landon (blue #5 in pic above) plays on a Jr. Jazz team. I think he likes it. He is one of the shortest on the team, but he tries hard!

One of the perks to playing on this league is that they get to see a Jazz game for free. Usually Landon will go with his team to the game, but this year the coach wasn't going. Several other teammates weren't going either, so we were able to get tickets for the 4 of us (Sam was going to a party and Chris was working). The ticket came with free food and nosebleed seats!

This was an awesome game to go see. Utah Jazz vs. Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are the number one team in the NBA (that night they were). Even though the Jazz couldn't pull off a win (not surprising they are ranked 7th in the western division), they really held their own, and it made for a great game. LeBron James is amazing! Our own Deron Williams is quite amazing also!

At halftime they had this crazy duo preform. The highlight being the girl standing on the guy's hands. She then jump roped and bounced a ball off her head. It was crazy.

Ally loved the Jazz Dancers. Now she wants to be one. I'm not sure what I think about that!!!

Sisters

2009-01-28T09:36:00.004-07:00

I'm so glad that my daughters are friends. They are so nice to each other. The other day Sammy took Ally to the mall (well technically I drove them there). She bought matching shoes for the both of them. Ally absolutely loves her new shoes! :)

Weddings...

2009-01-28T09:23:00.003-07:00

My sister is getting married in just a few short weeks! Melinda & I went with her to try on wedding dresses. She looked fabulous! (no spoilers here!)

My mother-in-law also called wanting advice about my sister-in-laws wedding. Her's isn't until May, but we are excited for her just the same!

BYU MOA

2009-01-28T09:09:00.002-07:00

Earlier this month we went to the Museum of Art at BYU (MOA). One of the YW leaders wanted to see the Japanese Ink Blocking exhibit, but I have to admit that I enjoyed Dan Steinhelber's exhibit a lot!

Here's what MOA said about Dan Steinhilber:
"Dan Steinhilber creates sculptures and installations with familiar materials ranging from soda, Styrofoam peanuts, duck sauce packets, and drycleaner hangers to electric blowers, disposable containers, garage door openers, and plastic tubes. Steinhilber explores light, form, social tensions and everyday experience."

{wii bOwLiNg}

2009-01-07T14:46:00.008-07:00

Landon was so Happy that he bowled a 279. When Melinda was here he had told her it was a 274, so she thought she had him beat by one point, but on further review (check of the pic), the score was actually 279.

But leave it to older brother to out do you... Keyan had a near perfect game, he missed one pin on the last turn of the whole game and ended with a 289.

(I'm so glad they are back in school!)

{aLLy'S bApTism & sAm's biRthdAy}

2009-01-07T14:27:00.003-07:00

(they just so happened to be on the same day)

I am so proud of my Ally!and I am so glad that Sammy was BORN!!! Love ya!

{hAppY NeW yeaR!!!}

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001-07:00

I hope that 2009 turns out to be the best year yet! :)

{DeCemBer wRap up}

2008-12-31T14:32:00.004-07:00

Sam keeps telling me I should update my blog. She's right. I've just been so busy I haven't had time to do it. So I'm cheating and dating this so it goes into December.

The hula turned out great. The girls were fabulous! The boy's Hakka was excellent also. Santa showed up at the end of the party.

Ally's birthday was the next day.

Taking family pics for the Christmas Card is always a treat!

Ally wanted a disco party with her friends. They danced and sang. It was loads of fun!

We took a trip to Temple Square to see the lights.

It snowed A LOT!

Landon's friend did the 12 Days of Christmas. Here's Ally late one night blowing bubbles that had come that night.

Christmas Eve we ate Chinese food and opened presents with my family.

Christmas Morning - the kids definitely got what they wanted.

Chris' parents came over Christmas Morning and played with us.

Ally and I had a fun day out, looking for dresses.

New Years Eve Day - our stake took the youth ice skating. It was great!

New Years Eve - we ate, played games and watched fireworks at our neighbors.

{dAnciNg the HULA}

2008-12-11T15:46:00.002-07:00

OK, I don't know that it is the Hula exactly, but some Polynesian dance, that we are having to learn for the Christmas Party this Saturday. I am such a bad dancer, I hope the girls get it down so they can make the rest of us look good!!! Leah is so great to teach it to us. Thanks, Leah!!!

{cHoiR cOncErts}

2008-12-11T15:32:00.003-07:00

The choir department had a Christmas Concert last night. 4 of the young women (Sammy, Laura, Tara, and Ciaran you all did a fantastic job!), from our ward, were in it, so we decided for our activity this week we would go see it.

Their director is great! She said the concert would be an hour and I believe they were done in under an hour. I was glad that I went early to save some seats. I thought I had enough, but then when I got the text that we would need more I was the only one there saving seats so I couldn't leave to find some. Oh well, it worked out ok. I couldn't believe it was so packed though!

(pre-concert rehearsal)

{sCiEnce fAiR}

2008-12-11T15:20:00.004-07:00

Landon, I'm so proud of you for doing such a great job on your science fair project!

Doing science fair projects is so stressful to me. At our old school it was an optional thing and if my kids didn't care to do it I didn't mind one bit. However, at the new school doing a project was mandatory for 6th graders. Landon was so good about it. He and Chris found something to do and Landon worked on it all by himself. All I had to do was take and print pictures and then worry about his grade! Since he said if he fails this project, he will fail science and won't pass 6th grade. For a kid that couldn't possibly think of something worse, as far as school goes, this is a big deal.

I have to admit it was hard looking at the picture placement and the crooked, taped and cut paper without a background, and so on, but I was more than happy to see, once I got there, that the kids had all (mostly) done their own boards also!

{sAmmY's CULLEN chRisTmas TrEe}

2008-12-11T15:15:00.003-07:00

After the Festival of Trees Sammy wanted to have her own Cullen Christmas Tree. So I helped her gather, buy, print, and cut stuff so she could hang them on her tree. She wanted to immediately cart it off to her room, but we made her leave it so we could all admire it a bit longer! Good Job, Sammy!

{feStiVaL of tReeS}

2008-12-11T15:00:00.004-07:00

We love going to the Festival of Trees. It's fun to get ideas on how to decorate your Christmas tree. I wondered how they did this year. I was worried that lots of them wouldn't sell, just because people are pinching back this year, regardless of effects that the economy has on them. We were there on the last day and there were more unsold trees than normal, but it seems like they did pretty good. All the money raised from the sale of the trees goes to the Primary Children's Hospital.

We also like to go to the Festival of Trees to see Sammy dance!

{caNdY wiNdOws}

2008-12-11T14:44:00.004-07:00

During the Gallery Stroll we were also able to see the Candy Windows. It doesn't seem like they had as many as usual, but maybe we just missed some.

{doWnTowN gALLerY sTroLL}

2008-12-11T14:36:00.003-07:00

Every first Friday of each month Downtown Provo has a gallery stroll. Galleries are open in the evening for free, so that people can come and see the local artists stuff. This year my in-laws were the ones in charge of the show at the Covey Center for the Arts (I prefer to call it the Covey Arts Center, so if you see it mentioned either way, it's the same place!). They along with about 15 other artists displayed art in a fabulous showing. It will be there all month.

{ooPs...foRgot to pOsT piCs of THANKSGIVING}

2008-12-11T14:23:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving was great! It was probably the most laid back Thanksgiving we have ever had. Yes, we did have to cook and we even had family over for dinner!!!

Turkey Bowl JR Edition!

gobble...gobble...

{tiMe iS sLippiNg By}

2008-12-11T14:11:00.002-07:00

Life has been crazy lately.... I guess it's that way for everyone!

Since I've had my thyroid out, It seems like when I get sick, I get pretty darn sick. I wonder why that is? So I haven't been up to typing much lately. I seem to be on the mend now. It's a good thing. I asked my kids what they wanted to make sure and do this holiday season and Landon's immediate response was - "not have any surgeries". I guess having me out last Christmas was pretty traumatic!!!

So it's almost been a full year since my surgery. I think I've adjusted to my meds pretty good now. I think it was only changed 3 times to finally get it right, if it's even right. I'm not sure you know how to tell completely. My scar is never going to go away, but at least it doesn't bug me anymore. I couldn't wear shirts or necklaces that would rub against it, or even have my hair down around it. My family doesn't make as much fun of me anymore for doing strange things, so I'm guessing either they have gotten use to it or my body is really balancing out better.

All in all I think Landon will get his wish!!! No surgeries this Christmas, Please!!!

{wEEk bEForE ThAnkSgiViNg}

2008-11-29T18:18:00.004-07:00

I went to a Girl's Only Party at my sister-in-law's. It was a lot of fun. We played some silly games and had lots of yummy food and snacks.

I took the kids to see Twilight. Sam was dying to go and seriously thought she might be the last person on the planet to see the movie. We waited in line for an hour, but were only 20 people back so we easily got some good seats next to each other. That's what they were most worried about is having to sit by themselves. They wanted to leave to go wait in line an hour before I actually left. I didn't want to wait that long!!!

Annie and Serejio came over and we played Fluxx and Curses! Game Nights are always a riot!!!

The kids were throughly enjoying the nice weather on their Thanksgiving break. I left and they were all playing flag football.

When I came back, the neighborhood kids were all huddled together and I get out of the car to Landon saying, "Don't touch it! You don't know what kind of diseases it has!" Apparently the neighbors cat had caught a mouse and the kids (not mine) were playing with it. How disgusting, don't they know ....

{yOuNg wOmEns}

2008-11-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

This was a crazy, busy month for young women's activities. We had our regular once a week activity, and then we had a Stake Evening of Excellence, a laser tag trip and a trip to see Elizabeth's new baby.Sam's Evening of Excellence Display.

Free night of babysitting to get some early Christmas shopping done.

Laser Tag - we played 2 games, the Stake Young Women's President won the first game and I won the 2nd game! Yahoo for me!

Sunday trip to the Payson Hospital.

Leader Lost and Found - this has to be the funniest activity we have done yet. Leaders dress up and the youth try to find them. Once they do they give them a clue to decipher.

{DanCiNg QuEEn's ShOw}

2008-11-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sammy's concert was Fabulous! Great Job Sammy!!! :)
Ally thinks that maybe she will want to dance again!

{a bOwL fuLL of boOgeRs}

2008-11-14T10:04:00.005-07:00

Apparently this is the worst thing for a 7 year old to get on her next birthday! Seriously, that is disgusting!

This is what you might have to talk about to get your child to forget about not wanting to go to school. I think she might be a hypochondriac-in-training. It's always something with her - headache, stomachache, can't find shoes, etc.

I was at the school yesterday leaving after helping in Landon's class and I see Ally in the hall. No, "Hi Mom!" It's "What are you doing here?" I proceed to tell her what I had been doing and that now I was headed home. I ask her what is she doing out in the hall. She is headed out to recess.

She asks, "Will you walk me out?" or at least this is what I heard. I say, "sure, lets go" and I take her hand and head towards the back of the school. As we pass the office door she stops and has that look of "you are going the wrong way".

As it turns out she asked, "Will you CHECK me out?" Too bad her complete elation over the prospect of going home was so short lived.

She's only 7 - I don't know if I can handle 11 more years of this!!!

{dAnCinG QuEen}

2008-11-14T09:57:00.003-07:00

After all these years, Sam still loves to dance.
We are excited for her dance concert tonight!(Sammy top right)

{oLd sLidE shOw}

2008-11-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

{reALLy oLd sLidE shOw}

2008-11-14T09:40:00.001-07:00

(p.s. if player stops double click the X in corner and it will continue)

{piCtuRe tAg}

2008-11-08T16:04:00.003-07:00

This is a picture tag. You are supposed to go to your photos on your computer and find the 4th folder and pick the 4th photo in that folder. Then, you go to your photos again and find the 6th folder and then pick the sixth photo in that folder. Next tag someone else.

Pic #1
Here is Chris officiating the long jump at a track meet. He'd be a great coach.

Pic #2
This is what happens to Landon's math folder when he has a really bad day at school! :)
Now I'm going to tag: Heather D., Heather U., Julienne, Amanda, Jeanne

{cURseS}

2008-11-03T08:22:00.003-07:00

Curses! Curses! Curses!
I have watched this game being played and have now also played it. Everyone should get the game Curses. Lots of people can play (regardless what the rules say). It's so stinkin' funny. People are given curses and have to do them the rest of the game. If someone catches them not doing it then they call them out on it (ring the bell) and they lose that curse. 3 strikes (lost curses) and your out.It's great fun to watch everyone try and do all their curses, sometimes all at once. "I pity the fool!"

{aDuLt HaLLowEen PaRtieS}

2008-11-03T08:06:00.005-07:00

There is definitely something about Halloween. When I was in San Francisco, everyone that I talked to that lived there, talked about how big of a holiday Halloween was for their town, always with the inclusion, "and I don't mean for the kids."

Chris and I were invited to an adult only Halloween party at our neighbors. I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to go, because I wasn't going to go to a couples party by myself. Chris works Saturdays and the earliest he would be home was 8:30, but if he had to stay later than who knows how late that would be.Luckily for me Chris was home at 8:30, so we headed on over. They were already in the middle of a game so we nicely got to have a turn when we first got there. The costumes were hysterical. Lots of cross-dressers. Playing the games in the costumes were downright wrong!!! I haven't laughed so hard and for so long in what seems like forever. Thanks for the great party! :)

{haLLoWeEn}

2008-11-03T07:51:00.004-07:00

10.31.2008
I think this was one of the best Halloween's ever!
The weather was perfect. It was warm enough that I could be outside without a jacket.
It did try and sprinkle some rain and send a cool breeze, but nothing major.
It was nice that my kids could take themselves to trick-or-treat the grandparents, so that I could get some last minute things done. I had a deadline for some stake stuff and I was still trying to get all the forms collected, etc.
We actually had trick-or-treaters this year. Last year we didn't have more than 30 people, that included my 4 kids!!! It's because last year all the houses weren't even built yet around us and we are at the north end of the neighborhood.I have no idea how many came this year, but it was much better. It was fun to see a lot of my young women girls and all the cute neighborhood kids.
The bubble fogger was a huge hit. Some kids could have stayed all night just popping bubbles, no treats were necessary for them (yes, we gave them treats anyway)!

{HaLLowEen WeEk}

2008-10-31T09:07:00.004-06:00

This has been a fun week!

Saturday - Ward Fall Festival (Halloween Party)

Sunday - Shirsten's Young Womanhood Recognition Night. Shirsten is the first young woman in our ward to earn this in 3 years.
Monday - Pumpkin carving. Ally was so proud of herself for doing hers all by herself. She really did (it took her 3 times as long). The only thing that anyone else did was Chris cut open the top for her.
Tuesday - Laser Tag (they took all the 6th graders and I had to help drive). I also got to play which is always great fun! I was the 2nd best player (yes, I realize I was playing against 11-12 year olds). Yahoo for me!!!
Wednesday - Halloween Trivia & Cookies
Thursday - Final Shindig with my Team In Training group
Friday - THIS IS HALLOWEEN!!! The sunrise was beautiful this morning and the high is supposed to be around 70 degrees. It's not very often that we have such a nice Halloween!

I stayed up late last night helping Keyan to make a Waldo shirt. If you are ever painting a shirt, the painters tape worked great (the paint didn't get under it). Don't use the color spray for fabric if you want a bold color. We ended up painting over with fabric paint. Also don't freak out if your red paint looks pink, it will dry red! :)

Sammy has a cute fairy costume, but since she didn't want to deal with it at school she decided to go as a badminton player (anything to wear a t-shirt, her school has a dress code that doesn't allow t-shirts).

{friEnDs}

2008-10-25T12:14:00.005-06:00

It's funny how life and things turn out. I convinced Chris to get on facebook. It just so happens that within a few days he was able to connect with some of his childhood friends. He finds out that one moved to Utah within the last year and another is coming to Utah in about a week.

Last night the 3 of them were able to meet up. I know that Chris was excited. For me it was fun to see Clint again (you haven't changed at all since I last saw you about 12 years ago!) and nice to finally meet Jennifer!

I really should have Chris write about this! I hope that they will all stay in better contact now and I look forward to the day that we can get all our kids together. We each have 4 kids (although I think Jennifer might have 5) and we each have 12 year old daughters!

{daFFodiLs}

2008-10-25T12:04:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I went to help the 2nd graders (Ally) plant daffodils at their school. It will be fun to remind them in the spring that they planted those pretty flowers!

{bAnD}

2008-10-25T11:48:00.004-06:00

Keyan let us know after school that he had a band concert that night (Tuesday) that was worth the majority of his first term grade. He takes the percussion class, but they always throw them in the concerts. We had no idea what songs he was going to play in. With one song left to go I had told the kids if Keyan is not in it (we'd already seen him play in some of the other songs) then we would just go, since I was still really sore from my marathon. I'm so glad we stayed. Of course, he played in the last song and had a nice little solo part also! Yeah for Keyan!!! He is an awesome drummer! :)

{4:58:58}

2008-10-21T12:55:00.004-06:00

Message from Nike:

… Even with a new course for 2008 and a few additional hills, you rocked it out there! … In total, over 20,000 runners toed the start line and included participants from all 50 states, 25 countries, 5,000 Team in Training runners, 1,089 brave (and brilliant) men and 400 5-time or “legacy” runners. … You and thousands of others ran not only conquered the Nike Women’s Marathon, but also helped raise over $18 million to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Isn’t that incredible! My little Utah team raised over $89,000. I just think it’s amazing.

Let’s talk about this course. From the beginning, everyone has said you will not get a PR at this course. When I found my coach, with 1.5 miles left, he said that for this race he always suggests that people run the half marathon. Now he tells me! Did you notice the little blurb from Nike - “a few additional hills”? Sea level, whatever! This course kicked my butt. The hills were killer, but for me, the worst part was going around Lake Merced. That lake went on and on what seemed like forever. Even though you were going around in a big circle it was nearly all uphill. This was also the part of the race where the “Bite Me” stage sets in. Some guy was out there on the sidelines eating a hamburger and fries, which I could smell. I wanted to kick him! I was so starving. Once around the lake and up the hill you have several miles back up the Great Highway to the finish. I was really cold at this point. You have the ocean wind blowing on you and spraying the water. It seemed like it was raining. Then the finish line you can’t even see until you are almost right on it. There is a small (very small) hill that is right before it, but it’s just enough that from a distance you can’t tell where it is.

However, I had such a great time. I made my goal of under 5 hours, although I really thought it would be possible to run it in 4:48. I was only 10 minutes off though. I had many 13 minutes miles (2 at the beginning and several on the hills and around the lake), so that kind of put a damper on it!

The start was crazy. They had us get a pace band and line up in the street that that pace was assigned. There wasn’t a gun or anything that we could hear that marked the start of the race, although we were at the intersection diagonally across from the start. It took 13 minutes to even get to the start. We’d walk, then stop, then wait, then walk, and so on.

There were so many people. We probably ran an extra mile laterally just trying to get around people. I thought it was weird to be passing people when you weren’t even a mile into the race. Oh well. I couldn’t believe how many articles of clothing were just tossed aside. I’m sure they had truck loads when they went to gather them all up.

The hills were killer, like I said before. I’m actually really good at running up hills. The problem here was that you could only go as fast as the people in front of you. There wasn’t a lot of weaving through people on the hills. That made it harder for me.

I was so happy that at the last minute I decided to put my name on my shirt. Most of my team had puffy painted their names on their shirt. I just couldn’t bring myself to do. I knew I would mess it up. My teammate, Tammy, showed me her shirt and she had ribbons hanging on it with names on it and I thought I could just write my name on some ribbon and pin it on. It worked great. It was incredible having people cheer for you by name. They’d give you advice and say things to make you smile. It really was worth doing.

Another hard part for me was coming out of Golden Gate Park. I knew I wouldn’t see my family again until the end and I had 10 miles left to go. I knew that the half marathoners were within a mile of their finish. And to top it all off I could see runners coming back with only a few miles until their finish and they would be done 1.5 – 2 hours before me! Grrr….

I have to admit that I don’t feel any desire to run another marathon, but I wouldn’t rule one out. I just need to convince my family (siblings, husband, Keyan) to all run one together. They should all like that, at least they wouldn’t be the last one in, I think I’ve got that spot covered!

They will have to wait awhile though. I’m on a month long hiatus. I was told you need 1 day to recover for each mile, so I’m nicely rounding it up to a month!

(The time in the picture is the clock time. My official chip time was 4:58:58)

{sAn FrAnciScO}

2008-10-21T12:45:00.005-06:00

San Francisco is such an amazing city. There is so much personality everywhere and the shopping! Oh, Oh, Oh! There are so many great stores, and lots and lots of cute shoes. Also the food is fantastic.

Unfortunately we stayed in the bad end of town. Everyone said don’t be out on Market Street between 5th and 7th at night. There are lots homeless people there and blatant drug dealing. However, I was more scared during the day in those areas then at night. The other bad part was their language. I was so glad that my kids were not there to hear some of the awful things that were said.
I’m sure I probably walked a good 50 miles in those few short days. I am happy to report that their public transportation is great (trolley and bus). We also ended up taking a taxi once because we were going to be late for our airport shuttle. He was nice until the end, then he was rather rude.

I did some of the tourist things: Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Coit Tower.

As always the highlight was visiting with family. It was great to see Adrian & Tane and also my Grandma. My grandma is 90 years old. She’s amazing!

My cousins Adrian & Tane came to rescue me for an afternoon! They took me on an insider’s tour of the city. I was able to meet some of their friends and they helped me discover my new favorite dessert, ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream. It was divine!

The entire country and Canada’s Team in Training got together the night before the race for a pasta party. We had pasta dinner and some motivational speakers. Every team was assigned tables. Our director and coaches decorated our tables. It was nice. It was also the first chance we had to see our whole entire team together.

{My TEAM UTAH}

The night of race day they had a Victory Celebration. I would have been ok skipping that. They feed us turkey and potatoes (of course there was other stuff also). I was just tired, sore and not really up to it! There was lots of walking involved to get there.

All and all, this was an incredible experience. I had no idea I could accomplish such a thing. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this.

{cRaZy dAys}

2008-10-16T20:05:00.005-06:00

Life has been absolutely crazy around here. I think that today I am overly nervous for my upcoming race. I board an airplane in a few hours and set out for San Fran. I guess I think that if I blog that I'll relax, we'll see! :)

Some of the highlights from the past week:

I got to help pass out treats at lunch for Red Ribbon Week. They had to dress up for different days (red, crazy socks, hats, backwards) and if they did they got a treat. Nearly all the kids on put a "cap" on drugs day wore a hat and they loved it. Then on "turn your back on drugs" day Ally wore her shirt backwards. When she came home she looked kind of funny. Then I realized she had her jeans on backwards. Silly girl! She said that she turned them around at school.

***

The other day Landon and Rob (our neighbor) were throwing a ball at each other. When they were done Rob said, "here's your ball back". Landon says, "It's not my ball" and throws it in his yard and runs off. When Landon went to bed last night he finds the ball under his pillow. Landon groans, "He wins..." But then this morning, Landon runs the ball over to Rob's front porch. This time with a sticky note that says, "Ha Ha I win"

***

As far as Wednesday night youth activities go, I think this weeks activity has been the best so far. We went up to Timp Lodge to serve, eat & dance! We hauled wood, then had a great dinner. Of course, the dance was the best part. Josh Nichols brought up his sound equipment and was our DJ. Katie Williams came up and offered some dance instruction (Cha Cha). Some people were a little worried about having a dance with just our ward. I figured that the kids all knew exactly what we were doing and they still showed up. It was a great success and hysterical too! :)

***

Oh to be young again! Here's Ally and friends. It reminds me of when I was little and we'd all roller skate. The wheels have changed (Heelys now), but the freedom of flying down the street will never change.

{hOoRaY fOr mE}

2008-10-03T16:07:00.005-06:00

I'm so excited! Today I had my final check-in with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society over my fundraising. I official made my goal of raising $4000. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me do it. Obviously, there is no way I would of ever been able to do it without you.

My race is in a few short weeks. Last week I survived my first 20 mile run. I even have cuts and bruises to show for it. Yes, I'm a klutz and had a little tumble down a cement hill. Now we taper our runs. I think tomorrow is only 10 miles and the next Saturday is 6 miles and the week after that is race time!

Running a marathon does not sound like any fun to me! It's going to be a huge challenge. Everyone keeps telling me that the last 10k is the worst. I believe it. However, I will finish this race, even if I am crawling in on all 4's, and I will be so happy to say,
"Yes, I've run A marathon!"

{oH tHe jOyS oF a nEw sChOoL}

2008-10-03T07:27:00.003-06:00

Last night after 9p.m., I'm driving Sam home and we pass by the school. There are several cop cars and a fire engine on the east side and the back corner. The fire engine has it's ladder stretched up to the top of the school. I'm thinking great they must of had some kids up there again and they were too scared to come down. All the neighbors around the school have been asked to call the the police if we see anyone on top of the school. They have already had problems with this.

About an hour later the school bell goes off and then we hear an announcement over the intercom, ...the building is surrounded...the police dogs will be called in...please find the nearest police officer. I look out the window and sure enough the building is surrounded by police cars. The one on our corner had his spotlight on scanning back and forth. Chris and I go out and sit on the porch and wait. I was worried that it was going to be some of the youth from my ward, and thankful to know that my kids were all home.

After about 20 minutes, I hear on his radio that they have the suspects and about 10 minutes later he drives away and officers start coming out of the school. I never did see who it was. They must of found them around back.

Moral of the story (for my kids): Stay out of anything that is not yours.

{ tHis iS hALLoWeeN ... }

2008-09-29T09:18:00.003-06:00

5 Reasons that you know Halloween is soon approaching at our house:

All the costumes (from closets and boxes) are flung all over the house.
The kids are outside riding their bikes and running around dressed as their favorite super hero.
The neighbor talk turns to pumpkins, candy and haunted garages.
Ally can be seen with a bat on her head.
Chris can't resist a new Halloween gadget.

I have to admit this Bubble Fogger is very cool! It makes either small or large bubbles that are full of the fog, so when they pop, the fog is released. Oh, how we love Halloween!!!

{ 2 wEeKs }

2008-09-23T10:30:00.004-06:00

I found out that I don't have until my marathon to raise money for children with cancer. I only have 2 weeks left.

I figure I just need:

100 people to donate $25 each,
or 250 people to donate $10 each,
or 500 people to donate $5 each.

I don't think I even know 500 people who could donate! Please help me. If you know anyone who could spare a few bucks to help raise money for such a great cause will you please help me by asking them to donate.

Please donate online at http://pages.teamintraining.org/ut/nikesf08/cgomm

This is Omar. He is my Honored Teammate. He is 8 years old and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage IV 2 years ago. Right now he is currently in remission and winning his battle with cancer. You may email Omar at melihafejzic@comcast.net or Meliha.Fejzic@imail.org.

{hEbEr vALLeY caMp}

2008-09-23T09:26:00.003-06:00

I have never been up there before. I just thought I'd pass along some of the information that I thought would of been helpful to know about the facilities.

We stayed in campgrounds Lucy Mack Smith #2 & #4. These worked out great for us since they were close to each other. YM were in #2 and YW were in #4. The girls choose #4 because the bathrooms seemed closer. It's my guess that they weren't that much closer, they just weren't down hill.

We each had 3 cabins. Each cabin holds 16 people. They have wood bunks that are actual twin size, so if you are bringing up a twin size blow-up mattress it will fit. You will definitely want some sort of thick mattress. You can pull your vehicle right up to at least one of the cabins, but you can't leave your cars parked there. They make you park out on the road (which isn't that far away, we had to cross that road to get to our bathrooms). The cabins each have a bulletin board (cork board) and a dry erase board. They also have 2 banquet tables in each cabin along with 8 chairs. The table and chairs are not allowed outside. The cabins have 2 doors and each has a metal screen door, which is nice for airing out the cabin! There are lots of windows. Yes, there is electricity and lights. The cabins each have two outlets, one by each door. Also a little garbage can in each.

There is a lake somewhere, but at this time of year it is drained, they use it for irrigation.

The bathrooms are fully functioning - 3 stalls each, soap, paper towels, mirrors, hot & cold running water, electrical outlets, and there are even showers (which we left locked so we wouldn't have to clean it when we left).

Outside there is a little covered pavilion. It has a sink (hot and cold water), one metal picnic table, and a big garbage can. It has a closet that has a refrigerator and metal shelves. You will use this to store all your food and cooking supplies. You aren't suppose to have food in the cabins.

The campfire area has a cement fire pit, with all the lumber you could need. There is log seating (theater style) and 4 metal picnic tables. Our group of 50 fit great with room to spare on the log seats. There is also a flag pole.

Be sure to allow for clean-up time. I'd suggest an hour. There is a list in every building of the things you need to do to pass cleaning inspection before they allow you to leave.

{ i wiLL suRviVe ! }

2008-09-23T08:43:00.003-06:00

I had such a great time at youth conference. I went from being told that I wouldn't have to do anything, to having to do dinner, get sisters to do workshops, do a workshop, and stressing over having enough YW leaders there, and so on! Chris just laughed at me saying, "Did you expect anything less?"

They wanted to have youth conference at the Heber Valley Camp, where they have girl's camp all during the summer, so this was the soonest they could schedule it. Our girls got there and almost everyone of them said, "This is not camping." They go to Mia Shalom, which is nothing like this place. One girl said, "This is a resort."
Our basic agenda was this: dinner, bishopric trust & leadership building games, little free time, sleep, breakfast, challenge course, service project, lunch, workshops, home.
We had about half of our girls there. There were more young men there than young women. The downside to having youth conference when school is already started. There were so many sporting events that both the young men and women couldn't miss.

I am so thankful for this experience. If this is even a small portion of what it is like to go to girls camp as a leader, then I couldn't imagine why any leader wouldn't make every effort to go.

It was nice to get to know the young men in our ward also. I really didn't know but a handful of their names, so it was fun in Sacrament Meeting to be able to name all the young men that were passing the sacrament, since they had all gone to youth conference.

The bishopric games were fun. They had to learn to work together, to trust each other, and to step up and lead.

I guess when you go to these type things you don't plan on sleeping. I also learned that as a leader you should go to sleep after all the youth, that you should sleep with your clothes under your sleeping bag, that your shoes should not be left out in the open for any reason and to have a good sense of humor no matter how it all turns out! Now having said all that I will tell you that nothing happened to me or my stuff, but you might want to ask the young men leaders about theirs! If you go to up there I would definitely suggest that you pay the extra to do the challenge course. It was really a lot of fun, even though our guide/host was making it difficult. She was rushing us so much, and didn't want to let us figure anything out for ourselves.
Our service project was to bring falling/cut trees down the mountain. It poured on us, but everyone had such a great attitude and we by far exceeded their (camp hosts) expectation of what we could bring down.
I'm not sure how all the workshops went, since I had to teach one. Bro. Green and I did ours together. Mine was on relationships and his was on eternal marriage. We had the beehives and deacons first, which was our biggest group, so that was a little challenging. The next group was the mia maids and teachers. I am thankful for Bro. Maryott and his insights. The spirit was so strong, I was a mess. It really was a great workshop. The last group we had was the laurels and priests. I had changed some things, which I wished I hadn't, because of time. Oh well, you live and learn.

Even though I am still catching up on my sleep, I am so thankful for my calling and for being able to have the opportunity to participate in this great weekend. The girls in my ward are amazing!

{biG wHeeL rAceS}

2008-09-16T11:11:00.005-06:00

Last night we had our annual summertime potluck dinner. Normally we have this on a Sunday, but since we moved we don't have any play things for the kids (swingset, etc.) so we had to be creative. Chris thought it would be fun to have Big Wheel Races. We've been planning on doing it all summer, but due to weather, resurfacing the road, and other events, this has been the first open Monday.

It was a blast!

I've never had or been to a big wheel race so I wasn't sure what to expect, but everyone was so nice. I think everyone, young and old, had a great time. I had many people tell me that their kids were looking forward to this all day!

Thanks to all that came and for the yummy food you brought.

I apologize to those who did not get the invite. My kids took them around a couple of days last week and it was windy both days. I was worried that some may have blown away.

P.S. I've posted all the pics on facebook - get an account (it's free) so you can see them!

{bAbY bLeSsiNg}

2008-09-14T15:48:00.003-06:00

Today we got to go to my nephew's baby blessing.
Ammon is the newest addition to that side of the family. It's hard to believe he is 3 months old already.

{nEwS}

2008-09-14T15:38:00.003-06:00

2 weeks ago we had an attempted child abduction in our neighborhood. The boy was on his way home from school when a man told him his mom was in the hospital and that he needed to take him to her. Luckily, the boy was smart enough (thanks to programs like RAD Kids) and he just took off and ran the whole way home, where his mom just happened to be. This was a good wake up call for our area and an excellent reminder that it's always important to talk to our kids about stranger danger, etc.

Channel 4 news came and did a piece on it for the 6 o'clock news and channel 5 came to do a piece for the 10 o'clock news. Landon and his friend, Jesse, decided to go and try to get on the news, which they did. They walked behind the girl reporting and waved! For the 10 o'clock news they did it in the parking lot that you can see in the bottom of the picture. Since it was live you could hear it in stereo. Since our windows were open, you could hear the guy outside and on the TV.

{RibBoN cuTtiNg}

2008-09-14T15:27:00.003-06:00

Last Monday our new elementary school had a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The 5th graders sang a few songs. We had the pledge of allegiance (we turned around and used the flag across the street at the church). One child from every grade along with Real Salt Lake's Lion got to cut the ribbon. Then we followed Provo High's Drum Line around back and had a picnic. They had an amazing turnout. It was a lot of fun to chat with friends and neighbors.

{foOtbALL}

2008-09-13T22:32:00.003-06:00

I have to admit that I was a bit surprised that the BYU football game against UCLA made the front page of Yahoo, when I had clicked on today. I love football. I'm not a crazy fanatic, but I could be!!!

{9-11}

2008-09-11T23:44:00.002-06:00

We just finished watching a History Channel special on 9/11 (102 minutes that changed...). I was once again reminded of something that I sometimes think is easy to overlook.

While Satan's Army is exercising their free agency to carry out Satan's Evil Plan, our Heavenly Father is there, watching over us and helping us in ways that we don't even know.

I just kept thinking that while watching this special and part of the show before it. They said that the towers on a normal day would have 30-40,000 people in each one. A potential of 60-80,000 people could have died that day. Just think if the towers would of have been struck even one hour later. As it was, we lost nearly 3,000 people, but it could have been so much worse.

What about all the people who for some reason or another were late to work. It almost seems like an unusually high number for that one day. Their reasons were all over the spectrum - kids couldn't find their shoes or backpacks, slept through the alarm, mom called and couldn't get off the phone in time, having a rough morning after a Monday Night Football party, they were sick, and so on.

Then there were the people inside. I believe that some people were prepared for this day. Not in the sense that they had what was physically needed, but that the Lord had given them experiences in their lives that would allow them to heroically save thousands of lives, even at the cost of their own. I learned about a man who helped get all the Stanley Morgan people out of the building, around 3,000 of them. He was there with a bull horn making sure that everyone got out and keeping them calm and orderly. Telling them they were all good Americans that didn't run, but were orderly, in his efforts to safely get them down the stairwells.

I know sometimes it is hard to see the Lord's hand in all things. I know that this country was founded by the will of God and as long as we acknowledge him in our lives and the affairs of this great nation, he will be there to guide us and keep us united and strong.

{phErOmoNe}

2008-09-10T16:31:00.012-06:00

While at Alice Lane, Chris discovered his new favorite artist. His name is Christopher Marley. He makes insect art. I know you might think that is weird, but his stuff is really neat. He takes insects from around the world and turns them into art pieces. They are stunning and beautiful and slightly strange all wrapped up into one.

I can't wait to own one!

*
Christopher Marley's site: FORMANDPHEROMONE

{aLicE LaNe}

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

There is a brand new furniture store called Alice Lane. It's located in Orem right next to Artic Circle. It's the cutest store. Adam & Jessica Bennett took the old, pink cinderblock walled, blue carpeted building and turned into an airy, clean, and refreshing place to be. They know how to open a store right.

I say this because Chris and I spent the morning going to every furniture store that we could think of, big and small, looking for one specific item of furniture. Who knew it would be so hard? We went to the big store - where everything now looks the same, old store - where everything looks like it should be a lot cheaper, and to the second old store - where even though the nice lady was persistent and actually doing a half-way decent job, still didn't really listen to our needs.

Before we went to Alice Lane, Chris said, "I guess we'll just save up and get something."

I replied, "Save up for what? We didn't see anything we wanted or even liked."

Then we went to Alice Lane. The 3 of them, that were there, were all very friendly, not pushy, and genuinely happy to help us out. They dressed professionally (this is always something that Chris notices), their showroom was all set up (no mazes through the stacks of boxes to get to the front door), and my favorite part is that they are promoting the local artists and ones that have ties to the area (they went to BYU, etc.). I left with measurements and pictures of the piece I want.

I do not personally know Jessica or Adam. I only met them today, but I will be more than happy to stop by again soon.

{sUmmErS gOnE}

2008-09-03T08:51:00.001-06:00

This is never a happy sight. It goes from 90's one day to near freezing the next. This is the Utah weather I remember as a kid!

{17}

2008-09-03T08:49:00.001-06:00

Can you believe that this young man is now 17 years old?

{wAtEr fuN}

2008-09-03T08:37:00.001-06:00

We ended our summer with a few water activities. One was a trip to Seven Peaks. It was the after school started half day. It was perfect. The weather was still really warm. The water at the park was even warmer. There weren't very many people there. Landon was able to ride more rides in the half day then he would of all day since he barely had to wait in line for anything.

For our Youth combined activity we had a pool party at one of the girl's home. They have a nice setup: pool, hot tub, in ground trampoline, fire area, and lots of grass space. The kids had a great time. We will have to do that again next year.

{bReAthe}

2008-08-25T09:31:00.004-06:00

Sometimes I think I just move along on auto-pilot and that seems to be ok. I'm busy with the normal glorified chauffeur duties and such, but all of a sudden I feel like I've been thrust into outer space at warp speed!

I don't feel overwhelmed ... just really busy. There is so much to think about and do.

I'm still training for a marathon. 2 weekends ago I thought I was going to have to find a different marathon to do. I am running the Nike Womens Marathon in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The concept goes ... I raise money for LLS and that gets me entry into this race. I had a deadline to raise a certain amount of money by Friday, 2 weekends ago, and I had come up short. I cried all weekend, because I really wanted to run this particular marathon. I don't plan on running another marathon and if I am only going to do one, this is the one I want to do. Sometime after Friday, but before Monday, my father-in-law donated the amount of money I needed to hit my minimum. At this point I had thought I was already out of the race and then had mixed feelings about whether I wanted to try and continue. The hardest part of all of this is raising the money and I'm only a quarter of the way there. I talked with the Team in Training staff on Monday and they were more than happy to keep me in! Of course, this is what I wanted so I'm sticking with it. We had a yard sale to raise money this past Saturday.
School started ... hooray for me!!! I can have my computer back and maybe a little peace and quiet! So far everyone seems happy about school. Keyan is in a class that mixes 4 classes into an all day adventure. They go out in nature and do activities, have class, etc. Today they are going to the ropes course. To me it just sounds like a lot of fun. Sammy is loving not being in Elementary school ... so many new friends (cute boys!) ... and enough different classes to keep her from being bored. Landon and Ally are so happy to just hop the fence and be at school. Ally was a little worried when we first went to the school to see what class she was in because she saw that her teacher was a MR. She didn't want a boy teacher. However, we met him on back to school night and she found out that he loves Hawaii and has a son going to the Philippines on a mission so now she thinks he's ok! This new school voted to have a PTA instead of a PTO, so now I'm also on the PTA board. That could be interesting. (pic: Ally & Landon 1st day of school)

Young Women's has been quite the adjustment. There are so many meetings and things to do. Hopefully I'll get to know the girls quickly. I think that will make the transition a whole lot easier! Eventually Sam might even like that I'm in there!!! (pic: my 1st activity, the Sunday after I was sustained was a trip to Temple Square)

Politics - this is going to be an exciting election! It's funny to think that no matter what the outcome nearly half of the U.S. voting population will be upset over it. I'm the precinct chair for my neighborhood and I'm starting to get a ton of email from the candidates. I'm guessing that after the party conventions that campaigning will become a big priority.

{buLLseYe}

2008-08-11T15:28:00.005-06:00

OK. So I can't shoot that well. Besides shooting a BB gun at Cub Scout Day camp, I don't think I've ever shot a gun. For a Stake Laurel's activity they took the young women to the Orem Police Shooting Range. Out of all the girls I believe only 1, maybe 2 of them had ever shot a gun before. You would not believe how much they loved this activity. I think it empowered them in a way that they weren't expecting. It was funny to listen to them giggle after they would shoot. I'm not a gun fan, but I think it was a good opportunity for the girls to understand how to use them, how to handle them, etc. It was interesting to know that many of the girl's boyfriends owned guns and this gave them a better understanding of them. They got to shoot a .22 rifle and pistol, a .40 magnum revolver, and a .44 pistol. What a great activity!!!

{GaMe On}

2008-08-09T08:05:00.008-06:00

[I love the buildings in that picture - the aquatic center and the Bird's Nest stadium]

I've waited all summer for the Olympics (bee-limb-pics as one of my kids use to say it) to start. I missed a lot of the opening ceremonies, but from what I saw China did an amazing job! I'm so excited. It looks like the USA already has several medals and Michael Phelps beat his own Olympic record in the 400 m - too bad that wasn't the finals! There is so much going on (too much to type). I'm sure I'll be glued to my TV for the next few weeks.

On a sad note, a relative of the U.S. Men's volleyball coach was killed. Some 47 year old Chinese man attacked the tour guide and 2 Americans while touring the Drum Tower. He stabbed to death one and injured the other two. Now they are deciding if the US team will need more security.

{tOpSy-tUrVy}

2008-08-03T15:15:00.004-06:00

Today my world was turned upside down! I was sustained and set apart to be our ward's Young Women's President! I'm so excited ... Wish me Luck!!!

{fAmiLy niGhT}

2008-08-01T15:53:00.004-06:00

On Monday, we went to Salt Lake City. We decided to take the kids to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to watch the movie there. Afterwards we took them to the observation deck to look out on to temple square. We then went and walked around the temple.

I forgot how much I liked this movie. It is quite moving. Ally bawled all through it. I'd tell her that there is no need to cry, it's a happy part and her response was, "I don't know why with this movie I cry at all the happy parts." We also had a discussion about Satan being on earth. There is a part where before the first vision Joseph is overcome by Satan. Ally panicked and wanted to know what that was. I told her it was Satan and she argued with me saying that everyone told her that Satan was not on this earth. I finally had to say we will discuss it after the movie. It turns out that her understanding of the war in heaven is that only the people who followed Jesus came to earth and the people that followed Satan stayed where they were. She didn't understand that the spirits that followed Satan still came to earth, they just weren't blessed to have a body. Wow! Imagine how confusing this life on earth would be if you didn't believe that Satan was here tempting us and reeking havoc. If you didn't believe that there was a loving God and life after this one. So then she was getting more confused..."so people made a right choice (choosing to follow Heavenly Father and Jesus in the spirit world), and then they make a wrong one (choosing to follow Satan on earth)?" How nice though that she can comprehend it and try to figure it out!

If it's been awhile since you've gone up there I would highly suggest doing it sometime soon.

{rAciNg to sAvE livEs}

2008-08-01T15:28:00.004-06:00

As most of you know I am running the Nike's Womens Marathon this October in San Francisco. I am running as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. I have committed to raise $4000 to the research and patient services of those with blood cancer. I knew that raising the money would be hard, but not impossible. Although I have to admit it is harder than I had thought it would be. I'm not even a quarter of the way there. Yikes! Last weekend 2 of my teammates and I had a fundraiser outside the American Fork Walmart. I walked so many miles in 2 days that on Sunday I hurt so bad! We raised over $1000 which was great!

If you would like to make a donation ... big or small ... please do so online at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ut/nikesf08/cgomm

{JuLy 24th}

2008-08-01T15:10:00.006-06:00

Happy Pioneer Day aka Cooper's Birthday!

Here in Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day... parades, fireworks and all. My nephew turned 4 years old today! How fun to think that fireworks are just for your birthday.

{Hawaii Day 8}

2008-07-28T11:47:00.005-06:00

Today is our last day in Hawaii. We spent the day with our relatives. We went to Ala Moana Beach Park for Jenee's baby shower. It poured on us for a little while, but they had a tent set up and everything. We ate, played games, hung out on the beach, and talked. Afterwards Hazel, Amber, Michelle, Dee, Aaron, Annie and I went to the movies. We were just trying to kill sometime before they took us to the airport. Our rental car had to be back at noon, but our flight didn't leave until 10:p.m. So they were nice enough to cart us and our stuff around!

Here we are at the airport. It was really sad to come home. Yes, I missed my husband and my kids, but I really loved being in Hawaii and I miss all my new found relatives!!!