Lake in the Hills Latest

Mass & Maine

2011-10-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Had to take a trip to Boston to see my grand babies, the birthday boy and the Blessed Kate♥, that amazing girl who has the honor of raising my grandchildren. :-) hahahah

Had a delightfully fun time hanging with the fam and friends and sight seeing. They took us to this amazing food place called Mr. Bartley's that has been in Cambridge forever, well my whole lifetime that is. I can't wait to go back. The menu was hilarious. The "Obama burger" One and done. Too funny and too bad I can't remember the other 29 items with funny titles like that. I loved the Cherry lime Rickey and The Elvis shake was so delish. That's really what I'm going back for. Chocolate, banana and Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. hmmmmmmmmm

Did some apple pickin at the Honey Pot Farm in Stow.

Pumpkin Pickin

or maybe just sittin

or how about a little kissin

Candlepin bowling - only in 3 northeastern states and Canada. Totally fun and I liked it a whole lot better than regular bowling.

Our scorekeeper
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York,Maine - the hottest I've been all summer except for the week spent in AZ. Strange we were on the coast and I expected it to be cold like the bay area, but nooooooo. Actually beautiful weather. Couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Love finding quaint outside food places like this. "The Daily Grind"

Birthday Boy with his Ultimate t-shirt quilt. Kate is amazing!

Yep, Mass and Maine a great place to visit, especially when cute kids like this live there.

Anna, I haven't forgotten about You!

2011-10-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

I seem to have a hard time blogging during the summer and now we're into fall.
Sad that my daughter wanted me to blog/brag about her during school last year and I just never got around to putting the pics and story together, so here goes.

We rescued a cat from the pound last year whom they named Cooper. I like the name so that's what I call him. Molly calls him Crookshanks after the Harry Potter crazy cat. My seminary kids called him Mufassa from Lion King. David calls him Roto, who knows why? Anna calls him all four names depending on her mood.

In the spring Anna auditioned for the jr. high play and was caste as the cook in "Alice in Wonderland" You're probably thinking, "I don't remember a cook" well apparently the original version had it, or maybe the jr. high just needed more characters.
She has good friends who came to support her and one artistic friend who worked behind the scenes and had a delightful time putting on Anna's makeup.

Towards the end of school,Anna decided to give her lovely red mane to Locks of Love

Attending a week long Christian Youth Theater (CYT) camp, she got a main role as Captain Hook - Exciting! Good thing she has short hair.

She was thrilled when a new friend, K moved into the ward and they could go together.

Even more thrilled that Molly would take time out of her busy schedule and come watch the performance.

AZ to visit Family

and catch lizards

and hike with cousins.

Back at the ranch.
She's has quite the eye for nature and takes good pics, so here's a few of hers for you to enjoy. These were all taken last week on a stroll in our neighborhood.(in between conference talks)

Yes we do live by a creek with the greatest walking/riding trails EVER!

She also has an ear for nature. She heard this woodpecker and tracked him down.

I'm telling you Fall is truly the best in the midwest!

Rumor has it she's starting her own blog since she's feels she's been forgotten this past year. Good thing.
Unbeknownst to me she took this shot off our deck the other night.
Pretty cool I must admit.
Night, night

Anna, how could I ever forget you? ♥

Card Boat Regatta

2011-08-23T10:09:00.004-05:00

Crystal Lake's Cardboat Regatta is one of my favorite things to do now. I love all the creative kids. Anna and her friend Shelby accompanied me to this fun event. Their favorite boat was "Angry Birds meets Smurfs"

My favorite entry was the Elvis elves.

Two Elvis boats racing and then sinking.

The Paperback Shoe

2011-06-11T10:37:00.001-05:00

The Paperbark Shoe by Goldie Goldbloom

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One of the most strangest books I've ever read but very well written for a first time author.
I debated between a 2 and a 3 star. Such a well researched and very different book from any other I've ever read and I loved her descriptions but the premise was very sad.
I found this book intriguing because of this article in the Trib.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainm...

I'm copying Tim Gepharts review because he sums up this book far more better than I can.

"Gin Boyle Toad and the book's other characters are prisoners, literally or metaphorically, and for reasons largely beyond their control. Born an albino, Gin's life has been one of indelicate stares at a freak. Her life is to some extent almost Dickensian. Although raised in a well-to-do family in Perth, Australia, educated in a private school and trained as a classical pianist, she is ultimately abandoned and institutionalized by her stepfather. She is rescued by Toad, a dwarfish, illiterate farmer who falls in love with her when he sees her playing the piano. They marry and Toad takes her to his homestead in remote, sparsely populated western Australia.

Gin's albinism and Toad's small stature and crude manners alone are enough to make them the talk of the country folk who also eke out a living battling the elements in this often hardscrabble region. Although they have two children — a third, an albino, died — this is a marriage based on needs other than love. Gin and Toad "didn't have anything in common besides the basic need for companionship and a joint wish for protection from the eyes and comments" of area residents. Yet the comments will turn to scandalous gossip in 1943 when two Italian prisoners of war, Antonio and John, are assigned to work on their farm. In fact, some 18,000 Italian POWs were sent to Australia between 1941 and 1947. To alleviate the labor shortage caused by the war, many were assigned to work on isolated farms and ranches.
The Paperbark Shoe is marked by at times exquisite writing and phrasing. Gin's description of Antonio, a shoemaker by trade, fitting her for shoes he is making for her family is as sensual as a real love scene. And as Toad performs at a talent show in the nearest town and inadvertently exposes himself, she describes how each movement "nails me to the bench, crowns me with barbed wire, [and] stabs me endlessly in the eyes with the bayonet of his exposure." Goldbloom, a native of western Australia who now lives in the U.S., uses her familiarity with the land, the climate, the culture, and native flora and fauna to create sense of place that becomes almost a character itself. Yet Goldbloom truly excels in Gin's descriptions of an internal landscape, one that unfolds as she ponders the emotions and ramifications of her past, present, and potential future.

Goldbloom's style helped the book win the 2008 Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Novel Award. That led to it being published in the U.S. last year in hardcover as Toads' Museum of Freaks and Wonders. This new paperback edition returns to the title of the original Australian publication in 2009 and is arriving in larger numbers than the prior U.S. hardcover.

Gin Toad may not end up in catalog of iconic literary characters. Regardless, she and The Paperbark Shoe are certainly deserving of much wider distribution and greater awareness and attention.

Gin's perspective, which she admits are slanted at times, describes the growing feelings and alienation that arise among the four as they get to know Antonio and John. In a number of ways, these include "thoughts that must be murdered before they are born." Various events increase the locals' perception of scandal, including Gin naming her and Toad's new son Anthony, even though she was already pregnant when Antonio and John arrive. Goldbloom does not rush the reader through these developments. Gin's voice patiently unveils not only these relationships but the story of her life before Toad. Throughout, we get a measure of the strengths, flaws, hopes, and dreams of each of the four and how the outside world defines and treats them based on their physical attributes or political status."
http://blogcritics.org/books/article/boo...

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Life List

2011-06-11T10:14:00.001-05:00

Life List: A Woman's Quest for the World's Most Amazing Birds by Olivia Gentile

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A lady from our book club met the author and recommended this well researched book about a housewife who discovers bird watching and becomes the first to see and record 8,000 birds. I personally had a hard time with Phoebe Snetsinger. What would you do if you were the mother of four children and were diagnosed with one year to live? Well Phoebe decides to see as many birds around the world as she possibly can and basically abandons her family. Turns out she lives almost two decades more. She endures quite the adventures of searching the world for the opportunity to see and record rare birds. I get the spiritual feeling of being out in nature. There is a peaceful, blissful feeling of just, walking, sitting, hearing and being in the outdoors that our creator has made for us. But to leave the most important people in our lives behind, just astounds me.

Phoebe may be the greatest pioneer female bird watcher, but she is probably one of the most selfish people I've ever read about. She skips her mother's funeral to take a bird watching trip as well as her daughters wedding. Something is just wrong with that, let alone leaving her husband for months at a time and when he asks for a divorce she is angry and refuses and basically lies to him saying, once she gets to a certain number of birds she'll quit. Well she just keeps going.

She was definitely her father's daughter, Leo Burnett, the great Chicago advertising giant who devoted his life to his work and neglected his family as well. (Funny side note) I was on a United flight to Phoenix when I started reading this book and came to the part how Leo Burnett came up with the advertising slogan "Fly the Friendly Skies of United" back in the 60's. I just thought that was fun, here I was flying the same airline.

Because of her successful father Phoebe was able to travel the world, which I thought was selfish. The good thing was when she died, her children donated the rest of her money to great causes in helping restore lands to keep some of these beautiful birds from going extinct.

This book made for a great book discussion. We all agreed had it not been for our friend meeting the author, none of us would have read Life List.

Side note - I'm obviously not an expert writer so I really have no authority in critiquing any one else, but it drove me crazy that Olivia Gentile wrote so many times "and in her memoir, she said" I get it, you read her journals and these were her words but jeeesh shouldn't the editor have caught that.

Here's the authors link, which I did think was kind of cute.

http://www.oliviagentile.com/

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Prom - Chicago Style or Hollywood

2011-05-06T21:53:00.001-05:00

They do prom a bit different here in the burbs of Chicago, or at least my daughters high school does anyway.
School was out at 1 and Molly dashed home for a makeover and new hairstyle by Janelle her now personal assistant.

Had to take another pic of her P.A. where she was about the same height as Molly.
My favorite line of the day from Janelle "I want to go to prom again"
She had so much fun helping doll Miss Molly up.

Nick (perfect Chicago name don't you think?) picked her up promptly at 3:15. Sadly, she wasn't ready. What girl is?
They exchanged flowers.

We took a few pics and he escorted her to another friends for group pictures. (I didn't go, thus no group shots)

David and I then headed to the school at 4:30 to see the promenade begin at 5.
Arriving

Parents, Friends and Family line up to watch the kids come in then, proceed out. Quite the spectacle. So fun to see all the beautiful dresses. I felt like the paparazzi.

Mary Cate

Nina

Mehdi

Leaving the gym they promptly walk the red carpet arm in arm to the awaiting buses where they were whisked away to some shmancy fancy place in Shaumburg for dinner and dancing.

Jessie

Departing -- Bye bye Lolly

They will return by bus around midnight. So much safer to have them bused than teens driving here and there, leaving whenever. I like it Chicago Style with a flair of Hollywood!!

Choices for Colleges

2011-04-14T10:10:00.002-05:00

Visiting with track moms the other day, discussing where our daughters are headed for college in a few months, I became aware of how unprepared and uneducated I was in this college process.
You would think by number 4 I would be giving these moms advice.

They have compiled spreadsheets of all the colleges they applied to, what AP classes are acceptable, cost, distances, and scholarships so their daughters can weigh the choices. Great idea. For some reason I felt behind the eight ball.

I let Molly do all that work. She asked me last fall if she should apply anywhere else besides BYU.
I said no, her dad said yes.
She should have a backup plan. So she chose MIT and Harvard as her backup.
MIT deferred her till next month and Harvard sent her a very nice text and letter stating she's wait listed.
They took 35,000 applicants for 1600 spots and my kid got wait listed, so if any of those first 1600 don't accept, they will reevaluate Molly. She had a great interview with an alumni a few months ago who gave her a raving review.
I was quite happy with that.

We just so happened to be in Cambridge the day she got her text.
She said, "Either I will throw eggs at their walls or frolic in their halls" so when she got wait listed, she didn't know what to do she was in the middle.
(She would never have thrown eggs - in case any of you Harvard people ever read this.)

In the meantime she's been offered full scholarships by colleges she never even applied to. The funniest one was from Roosevelt in downtown Chicago. They offered her $60,000, told her how they are the 2nd tallest campus in America and you never have to leave the building. Dorms are in the same building as the classes. Oh my! Not a great selling point for an adventurous girl who can't be cooped up

Look at all this college mail she's received since last spring, over 200 pieces, some from universities we never even heard of.
My favorite was the map of Chicago from University of Chicago, now that is useful.

Harvard was smart, they sent her one big packet, MIT sent her some stick on tattoos and BYU sent a music CD.
Others kept sending letters and cards over and over.
Jeesh what a waste of money.

After visiting with the track moms I couldn't help but think of the article back in Jan. about the Chinese tiger mom, who never let her girls have sleepovers, watch tv, be in a school plays, sports or play computer games, they practiced only the piano and violin and got nothing but straight A's. The mom commented on how Western moms worry too much about being liked and we don't push our children. Chinese kids tend to excel in science, math and music because of the strict lifestyle they lead. I was never even close to being strict.

hmmmm come to think of it, Number 1 student at Molly's school is Chinese. (Funny side story) Back in 8th grade she made it her goal that year to make him smile, since no one had ever seen him laugh or smile.
It took to the end of the year, goal accomplished.
That's my girl, she's persistent.
Even though I don't agree with Amy Chua the tiger mom, her daughter did just get into Harvard, so her strict rules worked and the daughter seems normal from what I've read.
I've just wanted my kids to find their own passions,work hard,live balanced lives, love and help others and most importantly have confidence before God.
I also hope they are stricter with their kids when it comes to computer games and tv. To be honest I had no idea Harvard was within reach.
hmmmm I better learn how to do a spreadsheet for the last one.

BYU it is! What a gorgeous campus. I'm quite proud and happy for Molly and I love the comment my husband made on her FB when she announced full ride.
"I love you and my bank account loves you."

Another Great Chicago Adventure

2011-04-06T15:45:00.003-05:00

We went to the BYU men's Volleyball game vs. Loyola back in Feb. and can I just say that Loyola fans are rude to the players. They showed no class in chanting FU BYU. I was wondering do other schools gets treated this way? Some of the students dressed like hicks with short overalls and some even wore shirt and ties, making fun of our missionaries.. REally? When was the last time you saw a Mormon in Chicago wearing overalls?
The gym was sure up close and personal and made for great entertainment.

Too bad BYU lost but it was so worth the five bucks. and the hour and half drive there was a whole other adventure.

It's a culture experience just driving the five miles on Devon Ave, first we noticed Big Beautiful Catholic churches then Jewish shops with signs written in Hebrew. Then all of sudden we were in Little India.

This one's for you Leslie.

It was another great adventure in Chicago. Now you know.
Oh and the BYU men's volleyball team is still ranked 2nd in the nation. Go Cougars!

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

2011-02-27T07:43:00.003-06:00

Mr. Lewis was asked to give radio broadcast to the people in Britain during WWII and he then took these broadcast and made them into a book. Interesting that he was raised Christian, turned athiest, then Christian again. He wrote on a chapter on Marriage that was right on the money and he wasn't even married at the time. C.S. Lewis is one of the greats.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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I love History

2011-02-19T11:11:00.001-06:00

What They Didn't Teach You About the American Revolution by Mike Wright

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am now the "Cliff Claven" on tidbits concerning the American Revolution after reading this book.
When I was visiting in Boston what better book to pick up than this one. Loved the insights of those that went out on a limb for this great Country. So many characters and for some reason I thought they all got along and were on the same page (I know I'm such a PollyAnna) till I read this book and learned how hard core George Washington was and how quite a few members of the Congress totally disagreed with the Declaration and even later the Constitution. Amazing.
I felt like I was back in time. Mr. Wright did a great job in researching so many of the incidents prior to and after the Revolution. It wasn't only the Big wigs we hear so much about but he gives credit to certain farmers and even women who played a huge role in the American Revolution.
I only gave it 3 stars because for me there was just too much war jibberish, (I know it is a book about war) but it was boring war stuff.
On a personal note I did enjoy reading about Count Casimir Pulaski since that is a State Holiday in the Chicago area and I never heard of him till I moved here and pretty much every one here doesn't know about him either. sad, even though we get the day off.
If you want to learn about what made those revolutionists tick,and you enjoy learning about history this is a great book and I would recommend it.

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Boston Roots

2011-02-08T09:30:00.001-06:00

The past several months I've had this urging to get back to my family history. Right after Christmas I finally made the time and chose to work on my Grandmother Dorothy Evelyn Bullards family lines.

I hadn't researched any of her family since 2003 and it was time.

I dove into the Bullard line tracing them back to the early 1800's in Kentucky. Then dead end.
In the meantime my grandaughter Evelyn was born in Cambridge,Massachusetts so we went to meet her in the middle of January.

I stayed an extra week to help out with her sister who is two and adorable.

When Ellie was napping I looked up to see how far the New England Genealogical Society was, turns out it was 10 minutes (an hour and 15 minutes during rush hour coming home - if you know Boston traffic, you know what I'm talking about) Really? - MIT, Harvard,Boston College nor any of the other 23 colleges in Boston can figure out better street planning?

Anyway on with my story. Off to Boston's Back Bay Town we went and I must say I want to go again. Not only the Genealogy junk but all the fun shopping on Newbury street and I'm not even a shopper. It was hopping in the dead of winter, snow everywhere, didn't matter.
(sorry I didn't take a pic and obviously this is copied from Wikipedia)

Upon entering the building I had to pay a $15.00 fee or I could pay 79 bucks and become a member of the New England Genealogical Society. Thanks for mentioning this on your website. NOT. I'm so used to libraries being FREE that I was surprised. Then I remember that I had to pay 30 Euros to walk into the Scotland Library in Edinburgh so about half the price in my own country.
Well worth it though, it was just that nothing was mentioned on their website that ticked me off. Ok so I just looked again and it is mentioned at the bottom on their site "Visit the library". Just so you know.

I headed to the sixth floor where most of the books on Families in the New England area were.
NEHGS has been collecting information for 165 years. Their library has more than 200,000 titles and 28 million items.
I actually went looking for my Welton, Baldwin, Scott and Delamater lines since I knew they were in Connecticut back in the day.

I walked into the room full of books and there above the copier was 2 brand new books with BULLARD written on it. I snagged them and headed back to a table to peruse and to my amazement I think I found the connection from my Kentucky Bullards to Robert Bullard who came from England in 1636 and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. I copied and copied.
I asked my son where Watertown was. He answered, "It's where the mall is. It's the town right next to us."
That night as I was looking over my treasure I realized that my family has made a complete circle of the United States from 1636 till present, from the east coast to the west coast and back again.
My grandaughter who was just born in the same area as her ancestors from 375 years ago. Then to top it off her name is the middle name of her great great grandma who carried that line. I didn't even realize that at the time til I started this post.

The next afternoon I went back and to my astonishment, the books were not there.
It then dawned on me that the shelf I had found them on the previous day was a restocking shelf for patrons to use when done copying.
I would never,ever,ever have gone looking for that Bullard line.
I had no idea they were in the New England area let alone Boston.
Someone within the hour I had arrived the previous day had put those books there. I firmly believe this statement from an apostle back in the early 1900's said,

"The spirit and influence of your dead will guide those who are interested in finding those records. If there is anywhere on the earth anything concerning them, you will find it."
-- Elder Melvin J. Ballard (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin Joseph Ballard, p. 230)

Not realizing that I was being guided at the time but that's how it turned out and what a wonderful experience it is in finding my roots, not only for me but for my children and grandchildren. This fifth generation Californian girl has Boston Roots

Snownami

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just have to write about this epic winter week. So many fun names are floating around these parts - Snowmageddon, snOMG, Blizzard of OZ, Snowpocalypse, Fast and Flurious.

We were warned on Sunday about this major storm coming on Tuesday afternoon. The weatherman was right on the money. It hit at 3 on Tuesday,just as predicted.

Just last month we were told we were getting the storm of the century and we got nothing, so this time they got it correct.

We were so prepared. Our cars were topped off, pantry and fridge filled, propane heater ready to go and Anna even slept with 3 flashlights. Luckily no power outages.
It was actually kind of fun having David home early on Tuesday and then home today. That has never happened in our 27 yrs. together. It feels like a Saturday.
Last night I had to walk up the hill and around the block to retrieve Anna from a friends house since my car was barracaded. No problem. Blizzard conditions. Just wrap up and walk fast. Kind of eerie walking in the middle of the road with no cars, just snow blowing everywhere.
Today The four of us shoveled and shoveled, the sun was out and we survived the 3rd biggest blizzard in Chicago's history.

We got about 20 inches, but what made it dangerous was the winds whipping it around. Visibility was null, O'hare was shut down and people trying to get home from work were stranded.
This morning We had parts of sidewalk with not a speck of snow, then next to it would be a snowdrift 3 to 4 ft. high. due to the wind.

The only thing that didn't survive was our basketball post/net. Like any of us play basketball?
It was here when we bought the place, so I'm actually happy it's down.
Thank goodness it fell in the yard and not on David's new car.

Most of the neighbors were out snowblowing and shoveling this morning. We are all amazed at the amount of snow. Even Government offices were closed.We were asked to stay off the roads and school is cancelled for two days. That's a first.

notice the neighbors haven't even taken down the backyard Christmas decorations.

Anna and her friend even spent the last hour sledding in the front yard. She came in before I could snag a photo. darn

So for our family, we were prepared and it turned out to be fun, simply cuz we were home together safe and warm. It's snow big deal, even with a snownami.
Thanks to Houlihans for reminding me of all the fun winter names with their cute email they just sent

2011-01-29T12:18:00.000-06:00

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an insightful book about Alzheimers. My great grandmother had Alzheimers and passed away in 1985. She lived with my grandparents the last couple of years of her life and I had no idea how hard that must have been for my grandparents as the caretakers but just as hard for my great grandmother who was uprooted from her home and everything she knew but forgot or just couldn't get the words from her brain to her mouth. This book made me think quite a bit of her and wondering "Do I have it?" I am more forgetful than ever, words just don't come quickly, I forget names which we all do but is there something else than just aging?

This story is about a 50 yr. old Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers disease and how her relationship with her successful husband and three grown children changes when she becomes disoriented and forgetful. Just scary for those of us who have this history of dementia in our families.

I loved how the story was told from Alice's point of view, very clever and compassionate. How Alice describes her daughter in detail,then the next year she just says something like, "the lady with the babies". How true is that when their own family forgets their name and who they are.

I read it on my way back from Boston and this part was fun for me. "Oh I was just on Memorial Drive or Storrell Dr. Yes I saw the St. Charles River and walked Harvard yard, now I want to go the beach house"

I think Lisa Genova did an excellent job in telling Alice's story and I would recommend this for book clubs.

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I giggle at the silliest little quirky things in life

2010-12-18T07:03:00.003-06:00

Not sure why every other week when I open up the email from Anna's school I have to chuckle.
At her middle school the kids are grouped into colors, Gold, Blue and White.
She's on the White team,so here's what I just read.

"In order to keep you better informed, the 7 White teachers plan to send emails to let you know what is happening in your child’s classes."

Really 7 White teachers?

Glad they clarified that for us.

Another Adventure in Chi town

2010-12-15T19:40:00.001-06:00

My friend Beck and I don't get out as often as we would like but we did take an excursion on the metra last month for her belated birthday.

First stop French Market All these years of riding the metra and I had no idea this market was even connected to the train station. It's because when I go downtown, I get off the train and head east not north so what a fun find.

We had lunch then sampled. I know, I know, backwards, but it was our first time so now we know. The other cool thing is you can get on the metra from this cute French market instead of going all the way around. Yes I'm so excited to avoid the crowds from here on out. Like my secret lil passage way.

15 minute walk down LaSalle and we were at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on the right.
The building in front is the Chicago Board of Trade

I've been here how long?
Never knew about this FREE money museum. (Thanks Sam and Haley)
We even came home with a bag of money -- shredded of course.
Interesting, educational and no one goes here. Not sure why. I loved it.

Ok so here's my Cliff Claven tidbit.
Why is a thousand dollars called a GRAND?

Don't those zero's look like watermelons? They called it the GRAND Watermelon bill, then shortened it to just Grand. Bet you didn't know that? 1890 trivia

Million bucks under glass. For some reason I was afraid to touch the globe, fearing I'd be Lazered Tazered I guess.

Grabbed our free bag of shredded loot and headed across the street to the Chicago Board of Trade. A pic I snagged from Wikipedia. We weren't really there at night. It's quite the building with a great history - another time.
I have a candle customer who's husband is a commodity broker and he was going to hook us up with his guy in the yellow vest to give us a tour and see the "pit" but dang coppers wouldn't let nobody in - day after Chicago elections and security was tight. Really?

Headed towards the lake to the Art Institute of Chicago My membership is good till Feb, so gotta use it while I can.
The grand staircase was new and lit up so we had to have a photo shoot since we could. They're quite rigid with taking photos in the art museum but here we could shoot away.
It's called Public Notice.

This artwork was from a landmark speech given by Swami Vivekananda over a hundred years ago on Sept. 11th to the World Parliament of Religion to end bigotry and fanaticism and the artist, Jitish Kallat used the five colors to represent our levels of homeland security. Different
Back to the French Market for some Gellato - Did I mention there was nothing French about this place, all kinds of cuisines. I'll definitely be returning on another adventure. I LOVE Chicago!!!

I had my Thanksgiving last summer

2010-11-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Yep, all my kids were home and we had a feast. It actually felt like Christmas to me.

Six Flags was of course on the docket.
Miss my kids terribly.
Here's some of the fun things we did last summer
Family Bike Ride

chillin at the park

Randall Road Petting Zoo

Miniture Golf Of Course

Anna's Garden

Basically just being together makes me very thankful. I'm one lucky girl.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

aWARD Winning Night

2010-11-20T13:30:00.002-06:00

YAY!We won 2nd place for Kate's Kickin Chicken Chili at our Wards Trunk or Treat Party, out of over 20 crockpots full of chili.I know can you believe it? Me - I never win anything let alone a cooking contest. What a joke.
Everyone I've shared this recipe with, has tweaked it to their liking. You just can't go wrong.
I even tweaked the name from the original "White Chicken Chili" to Kate's Kickin Chicken Chili. (Thanks Kate)
We also cooked this in the Dutch oven when we went camping last month.
hmmmmm delishiOHses (sound it out, I just made up that word and I'm sticking with it)

1 lb chicken cooked in
1 Tbsp oil

3 cans Northern Beans
1 can chicken broth (I used 2 chicken boullion cubes and 2 cups hot water)
1 med. Chopped onion or 2 Tbsp minced onion

2 cans chopped mild green chiles (smallest cans)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Cook in crock pot on high for 2.5 hours.

Speaking of award winning - We also won first place for our decorated trunk. - All David's idea. He's quite the creative one. He had to time to conjur up this one since we spent 4 hours in the car dealership waiting to buy a car - more on that later.
Notice the boat with the leg hanging out. He stuffed my old nylons with newspaper and now has a new appreciation for our suffering. He spent hours on that part.

Here we are with JAWS - Thanks to my Gold Canyon packing styrofoam, we were able to make the teeth.

Our aWARD winning prize for Jaws the scary car. Kitty Litter Cupcakes. They were also delishiOHses, just disgusting looking. Perfect for Halloween. Who would have thought that chocolate covered Cheetos would be tasty? Thanks Sharon T.

My pirate girl

Russell and Mr. Frederickson. I think they had more fun spending the entire day coming up with this outfit than they ever have. It's their tradition to dress up together. Another 2nd place prize winning outfit. First Place in my book!

UP

It was just an aWARD winning night for the Allred's

My Home State of California

2010-11-17T15:01:00.003-06:00

Saw this ad the other day in the Chicago Tribune.
Really?
"And Now, Good News from California"
The great state of California is asking the Midwesterners for Money?
A mere 10 Billion bucks
That's good news for us? Come on people.
"An attractive investment opportunity" in a bankrupt state and they are asking this corrupt state for money? HAH
jUsT tHoUgHt I'd sHaRe

You Never Know Who You're Going to Run Into?

2010-11-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

My brother came to visit his new girlfriend who happens to live 4 hours north of us so we met in the middle at Madison, Wisconsin.

What a fun town.

I had no idea.
It just so happened to be the day before the ASU sun devils were playing those pesky badgers.
My brother, his gal pal and I walked to this cool lake which is near the UoW campus.
Lil brother asked a young man that was standing on the pier if he knew what the name of the lake was.
stranger - "no just visiting"
I noticed he was wearing an ASU baseball cap so I had to mention,
"Hey my son goes there and we used to live in Mesa"
stranger -"Oh really where at?"
Me -" McKellips and Lindsey"
stranger - "I went to H.S. on Lindsey."
Me "Did you go to Mt. View?"
stranger -"Yeah graduated 2004"
Me -"My daughter graduated that year. Do you know her? Emily Allred?. My son Jonathan graduated the year before."

Stranger - "no, I was on cross country and track my senior year."
Me- "So were my kids, are you sure you don't them? So you know Coach Sawyer? What's your name?
"Sheldon?"
Sheldon - " Yea I know Sawyer but don't know your kids, maybe my younger sister knows them."
Then I start thinking, hey why is he still in college if he graduated in 04
Me- "Are you LDS?"
Sheldon - "yea" looking at me strangely "served in Canada"
Me -As I show him my CTR ring (like it's some type of secret agent code ring or something)
"I'm LDS too. What brings you out here?"

Sheldon - "Every year we pick a road game to support our Sun devils and this year it was Madison."

He couldn't have picked a better weekend!!

Walked State Street and found a brat place for lunch along with a boatload of maroon and gold old people. (haha I'm not old)
I love my brother and his girlfriend seems just right for him. So great to see him, when he lives so far away.

(sorry I don't have a pic of Sheldon - that would have just been creepy, Molly already told me I'm weird for talking to strangers)

Youth Conference -Some of my favorite people and pics

2010-10-20T12:10:00.005-05:00

These pics are long overdue.
I've poured over a thousand pictures from 3 different photographers.
I wanted to capture the wonderful energy, excitement and enthusiasm that not only myself but so many others felt during the this three day excursion.
It was extremely hard and difficult too pull it off but oh so worth it.
Trying to organize 200+ plus people with food,fun and spiritual settings was daunting and overwhelming to me, luckily I got to work with my husband who is the epitome of patience,organization and vision.
He as well as so many, many others spent countless hours on this conference so that the lives of our wonderful youth would be enriched.
Mission accomplished!

Games on the first HOT day - Thank You Hiram College for letting us use your indoor gym!

David and Pres. Labrum during opening session with Karl Anderson

Pres. Nuttall He makes it all come together.
(the man who pushed me to the limit. -After an exhuasting 2nd day
"Tami Order 50 pizzas on the way home and find some place in South Bend Indiana for the buses to stop."
Good thing my hub was there to say "we'll do it" cuz I was pretty much fried by then. We got er done. Thank goodness for smart phones.

Our Stake Pres. - Ron Labrum - A great teacher and leader

Colin - One dedicated Helpful Youth Leader

Taylor - The girl who never stops smiling.

Spencer

Hunter, Spencer, Parker,John, D.J., Ben

Rachel

Carter

Molly and Kayla

Demarie

Sister Taylor squared

hahhaha -Gina Taylor and Stacey Taylor - no relation

Molly

Carrie

Bro. Jeremy Price (My favorite young mens leader in the stake)

Whitnie

Molly's favorite red and yellow home. - Newel and Anne Whitney home.

Hannah

Lauren

We wore them out, but Sis. Washburn, Maddie and Demarie took advantage of some down time.

John Johnson Barn - Love those flowers

Cook Sisters

Maddie talking on her capri sun

Sis. Labrum one of our food specialists

Marta - Backup queen

Everyone loves Pres. Nuttall
- Thanks for making Youth Conference happen.

Joseph Smith portrayed by Brik Eyre in the quarry - My personal favorite place to be.

Feeding the animals at Hiram Farms

Donkeys keep the coyotes away from the other farm animals. Who would have known?

Molly & Kayla very proud of their barrel of weeds.

Service Project - The only pic with Molly,David and I plus Kind Kayla

Games on the LAST Day

Going Home - 4 Buses -178 youth 44 adult leaders - What a Great Youth Conference

Bus Break with girls from my ward

Bus Break with boys from my ward

2010-10-18T17:04:00.000-05:00

Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful, insightful story for a first time author. I really enjoy reading about other cultures. There were several stories that finally come together in the end. Next time I read this I will write down each character as I come across them. There were lots of characters and I had a hard time keeping track of them, I think because they had unusual names.
This book reminds me of "The Ladies #1 Detective Stories" based in South Africa. Kind of the same matronly wise heroine (Angel) who is the local psychologist but also heals herself by helping others. She finds hope and goodness in her community of survivors. There were a couple of out loud laughing parts which I don't want to give away, but didn't see it coming.

I love how Angel uses the phrase she's a "professional somebody", or he's an "educated somebody"
Or when someone is dead the term "She's late" is used. I have an uncle from the south who says, "She caught the bus" interesting terms for those no longer on earth.

The disturbing part for me is that the Rwandan genocide happened in my lifetime and I never knew anything of it till I watched the movie "Hotel Rwanda" Angel encounters several survivors and tells their story. It's a great story of hope.

View all my reviews

You Thought Square Dancing Was For Old People?

2010-09-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

We took a gamble on our Youth Conference Dance and hired an authentic Square Dance Caller - Frank from Cleveland.

Not sure how it was going to fly with these hipsters but the ones who jumped in had a great time.

Namely Miss Molly. I just really love this pic of her. Makes me happy :-) she's so happy.

(For my friends in Az. Doesn't she look like Haley Woolf?, Carrie has always reminded me of Haley with that angelic face.)

In our home she's affectionately called Lindey Lou.

Good thing we have such adventurous, positive youth, who trusted us they'd have a good time.
They were good sports to try something old fashioned.
Of course their ipods came out after an hour and Molly learned how to be a DJ with help from Frank, Taylor, Sammy and Carrie.

Callers are old but square dancers can be young and still have FUN!!YEEEHAWWW

This Summer Story Actually Began 4 years Ago

2010-09-14T13:50:00.004-05:00

I was asked to teach early morning seminary in my basement to ten teens.

Curriculum for the year was Church History and Doctrine and Covenants.
Being that we now live 7 hrs (6 depending on time of day) from Kirtland/Hiram, Ohio, where the Prophet Joseph Smith established several Firsts for the Church.

First Headquarters of the Church
First Presidency formed
First Quorum of Twelve selected
First Quorum of Seventy (one of which is David's 4Th great grandfather Nelson Higgins.)
First Patriarch called
First High Priests ordained
First Stake formed
First High Council organized
First Bishop's Store House
First Missionary Training Center
The First temple in this dispensation and
Over half of the revelations recorded now in the Doctrine and Covenants - 65 to be exact.

You can see why we decided to take a mini family vacation to this area as well as Palmyra,New York where the sacred First Vision occurred.

Balance is important so we mingled church historical sites with amazing world wonders and then some man made fun stops.
Like Niagara Falls - Canadian side is so much more lively!

and Cedar Point (Home of the Worlds largest roller coasters, with plenty to choose from.

Molly was in heaven.Anna not so much and do you blame her after we put her in stocks)heehee

Back to my original story.
I was hoping to gain a better grasp of our Church's history and I admit it, I wanted my own spiritual experience in Kirtland.
I was so excited to enter the Kirtland Temple to see where Moses, Elias, Elijah and our Savior appeared at various times in the 1830's, but sadly I was disappointed.
I felt nothing and I mean nothing.
Our tour guide just basically said, "here's a room, yada, yada, yada.
She never mentioned the remarkable manifestations that happened here in 1836 at the dedication of the temple.

It was just an old building that took a ton of man hours and cost a bunch back in the day.
We went to the Newel K. Whitney Store - Nothing.
We went to the Morley Farm - Nothing
Three awesome places where the Saviour appeared and I felt NOTHING.

While at the Morley Farm I met up with my roommate from 23 years ago.
P.J. Riczo who lives in the area.
We then went to a park a couple of miles from the temple.
It's the quarry from whence the Saints chiseled out the rock to make the temple. It is now part of the Chapin Forest Preserve
While standing on the quaint bridge in the forest and looking at the old quarry where marks from over 170 years could be seen, I finally felt the sweet spirit confirm to my being the sacredness of this area.
I was so happy. I was thrilled, I can't even describe that incredible feeling.
It was just lovely to me.
I just wanted to stay in the woods.
I wasn't expecting any sort of feeling from being there and it just happened.
How Come?

I questioned myself, "How could this be? No vision occurred here that we know of. The members just worked really, really hard to cut and haul rock from here 2 miles up the road.
David said, "Maybe because the earth remembers what took place here"
That was sufficient for me at the time other than I was deeply disappointed I didn't feel anything from the other sites where I thought I would.

My friend told me about her mom's cousin, Karl Anderson, Mr. Kirtland as he's known in those parts.
How he wrote a book about Kirtland and how he's the expert on the area.
I knew I had to get that book if I was going to teach Church History that year.
We then said our goodbyes.
The next morning our family went to Hiram, Ohio about 30 miles south of Kirtland to the John Johnson Farm, home to over a dozen revelations and the visitation of God the Father and his Son.
How cool is that?
Most members skip this little gem cuz it's out of the way, but I highly recommend that you visit the farm.

After the tour we were standing in the barn when an older gentlemen came in.
The missionaries addressed him as Brother Anderson.
I immediately knew he was my friends cousin and started a conversation with him.
I asked him how could I get his book on Kirtland.
Just so happened he had ONE last copy in his trunk and he even autographed it for me. What are the chances?
I knew it was meant to be.
I love how the Lord helped me in my quest to gain more insight in Church History by placing Bro. Anderson in my path.

Fast Forward 3 1/2 years later. David informs me that we've been asked to head up Youth Conference in July 2010 and the Stake Presidency wants us to take the youth to Kirtland.

My immediate response was, "We've got to get the youth to the quarry" and David's was "We've got to get Karl Anderson to be our opening speaker"
Scheduling Brother Anderson was no problem, we really lucked out. (what kind of term is that lucked out?)
Anyway he was delightful. He truly set the tone for our Youth Conference.
One point he made that impressed us all was the most asked question he receives and I might point out that he's given tours to five prophets, numerous General Authorities and hundreds of other leaders over the years.
Back to the question he gets asked the most by us commoners.
"Why doesn't the LDS Church own the Kirtland Temple?
Why don't they buy it from the Community of Christ?"
In a sweet way he just firmly stated, "The LORD doesn't want the LDS to own it.
The LORD wants the Community of Christ to own it now and they are doing a great job of taking care of it."
It is still standing, even after mobs had tried to burn it down, it was even used as a barn after the saints headed out west.
The Reorganized Church cleaned it up and now anyone can use it.
What happened to the original Nauvoo Temple? hmmmmm Fire, then Wind destroyed it.
So The Lord is in control.

Patriarch Karl Anderson "Mr. Kirtland"

When we were planning this youth conference I wanted the youth to feel that incredible spirit that I felt at the quarry but what will they do there?
Just walk around? Lame.
Have 200+ people look at the quarry and then skip on back to the buses?
I don't think they will feel anything in the woods with a bunch of giddy teens galloping around.

We discovered a mile loop of forest that started at the quarry and
eventually we came up with having a cast of characters portray what life was like for the Saints back in the day. David called it, "Trail of Trials.
Portrayals by Joseph Smith, his wife Emma, Newel K. Whitney, Sidney Rigdon and then for kicks we threw in the "Mob" Which turned out fun for the kids simply because they weren't expecting it and they knew the nice guys so they weren't very believing but it was humorous watching them try.

We sent groups of about 20 at a time on a journey through the woods.
The first four characters shared their story, then they basically asked "This is my story and what I sacrificed for building up the Kingdom of God, What will you be asked to sacrifice and what are you willing to give up?"
This part of the day touched many of the youth who had time to reflect on that question as they walked through the cool forest.

Joseph Smith played by Bishop Brik Eyre (He used to play Joseph in the Nauvoo temple pageant so he had the costume and the lines down)

Emma played by Gina Taylor our Stake YW's secretary. She was so nervous before hand but performed like a pro. The Youth loved her.

Newel K. Whitney played by Paul Taylor (he's our Bishop's Numero Uno, right hand man)Probably one of the most soft spoken men I've ever met. He was great.(I have to say that, his wife reads my blog. hahha) JK

Sidney Rigdon played by Bishop Trump. I honestly don't know how he pulled this off when he stepped in the last minute or how he didn't crack jokes. He stayed in character which was awesome.

I love this picture of our Mob man - aka Spencer Dunn waiting to recruit the wandering Mormons

Bishop Holbrook and Bob Donehey just can't be angry. It was more like Amish Cowboys invade the woods.

When the youth weren't wandering in the woods they were busying touring all the Kirtland and Hiram sites.

The room in the John Johnson home where the Prophet was taken, beaten, tarred and feather. His friends/family spent the night cleaning him up and the next day he preached a sermon from the front porch of this home below.

Yes Parker is yakking on his cell phone.

I love Maddie, one of our Youth Leaders.

The food really was good, even though you can't tell by these faces.

Oh but when Pres. Labrum hands out Air Heads, they're all smiles

>

Her face just epitmizes how I think we all felt.

What an incredible site. 222 Saints in 5 different matching colored shirts (by the way Molly designed it) "Got Roots"

That evening we all met together for our Testimony Meeting in the Kirtland Temple.

When we sang the first line "The Spirit of God..." I was just so happy to finally feel that Spirit in the Kirtland Temple. That's what I'm talking about.
To see my daughter have the opportunity to conduct in such awesome venue was just humbling.
For two hours we heard pure testimony after testimony.
I've never experienced such sweet heartfelt thoughts about our Savior and the Saints that went before us.
I of course was so touched when several of the youth shared their experience of walking in the quarry and asking themselves, "What am I willing to sacrifice?"
Everyone was changed for the better from the day before and that's what its all about.
At that moment when I heard the youth bear testimony of their love and desire to do good, I realized that the spiritual feeling I had in the quarry four years before wasn't for me, it was for these youth whom the Lord loves.
I'm just grateful to have had the opportunity to assist these wonderful youth in such a great experience. I love the youth, always have and always will.

Paparazzi
Todd Cook

Rob Ogle

Sweet Whitnie

2010-09-13T13:06:00.000-05:00

Where do I begin?

2010-09-12T14:03:00.003-05:00

So this summer I was soooooo busy, especially with Youth Conference. Well that ended in July and I still haven't posted about that amazing trip. I'm not sure where to start. I've looked at over 1100 pictures from 4 different photographers, thinking I'll start there with just my favorites. but nooooo, there's so many stories to tell. Do I share my own personal spiritual experience,or do I just lay out the details event by event. boring.... What do I write about? Where's the angle?
What about using pics of the youth without their permission? Am I allowed to do such a thing? I want to write about all the other fun things we did this summer but I keep telling myself I can't till I write about this ONE BIG EVENT.
My dillema is I can't write. This task is overwhelming to me, just like Youth Conference.
I keep staring at this quote from Mark Twain.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and then starting on the first one."
I'm just plain stuck on that first one. What do you do when the task is humongous?

Is this why it's in the dollar store?

2010-09-03T12:35:00.000-05:00

My baby girl turned 12 back in July and she celebrated with her friends. We bought a bunch of neon glow in the dark gadgets and then these cute decorations to adorn our dining room. So it took her 10 yr. old friend to point out to me that they misspelled Birthday. What is this world coming to?

After 24 yrs of having a kid in primary - I'm officially DONE!!! Not that it was a bad thing, it was great. My children have had wonderful teachers and leaders but it's time to move on. So yeah my baby is in Young women's now at church. Hard to believe.
She's a sensitive, sweet and lovie child, oh yeah, she's not a baby or a child anymore. She loves her family and shows it quite openly. She just has a big heart. I love how she enjoys the piano so much when I don't even know a C minor from a B. I'm truly blessed to have her in my life.

Looks like her friend Alyse is smoking. hahha

Allred Adventures - Part 1

2010-07-22T10:25:00.004-05:00

It's been a busy, busy time during the past few months in the Allred household.
Early morning seminary ended in May, which saddens me yet quite thrilled that I don't have to prepare lessons and get up at 5am every school day.

Not all of my students were here. A couple from the other class jumped in so it all works out.

Then my adorable granddaughter moved in with us for a week and she brought her parents as well. Isn't she sweet?

They now live in Hyde Park, 50 miles away while Jonathan works downtown. Don't get to see them as often as I would like, but take any second we can get.

A week and a half before girls camp, our camp director had to relenquish her duties due to shingles. OUCH!!! I won't even go into the chaos about getting ready for camp as the ward camp director. Love the youth, love my girls and since it was Anna's first time - why not?
I'm kind of embarrassed to call it girls camp compared to what I experienced in AZ. It's more like a girls getaway. Camp Matawa. We stayed in nice cabins with bathrooms, showers and even a kitchen.

Lots of fun activities for the girls such as tomahawk throws

Canoodeling - Only 4th yrs.

Because of the rain the first day, archery was moved indoors, here's my Maid Marrion

Horseback riding (not our girls - just gleaned it from the camp site)

Service project besides mulching the camp trails, they made baby quilts for Haiti children. (Anna is down in the corner with her hand over her face)

Anna's favorite - swimming in the pool during FREE Time

You're probably wondering why all the boy scout shirts - well the theme was super heros and we were "Wilderness Explorers" from the movie "UP" We even had grape soda cap pins as well as a couple more that matched our personalities, thanks to Hannah & Co. (I'm the cyclops in the back with the visor on - Running on fumes) These girls do not like to sleep.

Hannah is going to kill me if she sees this pic, but she doesn't read my blog only FB. I love Hannah!! She's an instant Party!!

Now my favorite part about camp was watching Molly shimmy up the Alpine tower, not once but three times. She was the ONLY girl in camp who went up more than once and the ONLY girl who chose the most difficult side to climb.

Let's just call her Spiderwoman.

Scariest climb of all. Jump out to the suspended log, then climb up top, jump to the other suspended log. She did not get nerves of steel from David or I. Just for the record.

Notice her swinging from the top - aiyyyaii yaiii!!

The thrill of accomplishment. AMAZING!!!

Hey Kylie going up? The view is awesome!!

Thus ends part 1 Adventures for the Allreds
(Thanks to Kelly Sadowski for letting me use her superduper camera)

Taste of Chicago Adventure

2010-06-29T18:45:00.001-05:00

My friend Lucy and her 4 nieces and 2 nephews who are visiting her this week drove partway to Chicago this morning. Since she had room for one more in the car, I invited myself, that's how I am. Never been to "Taste of Chicago" and I've always wanted to go but I really hate crowds.
Drove to the N. Cumberland exit and then parked which I'm so happy to know since it's taken me over 2 hours to drive to Hyde Park to see my grandbaby and she's only 50 miles away. That last 25 miles in Chicago is a beast.

We jumped on the blue line and hopped off right at Daly plaza. I just love learning new ways to maneuver around this great city.
Heard an orchestra practicing at the pritzker amphitheater for free, how cool is that?
My son met me at the "Bean" and off to the Taste of Chicago we went. What a beautiful day at Grant Park and the crowds were not even big or bothersome.

Had to try Garrets frozen popcorn popsicle. Yummy treat on a perfect Chicago day in the park.

I loved being there and can't wait to go next year, now I know what to expect - buy tickets in advance and lots of them - Go early. Anyone want to come with me - I'll drive!!

My Husband is Amazing!

2010-06-10T08:12:00.004-05:00

Indulge me while I brag, but I truly am married to the most amazing man.

Here are a few of his unique characteritcs that make him stand out from just any ole guy.
He gets up at 4:30
THAT'S AM
Reads, meditates and then goes for a run, doesn't matter the weather - he's out the door. Even when he was unemployed for 5 months he continued with this routine. (not me, I would have slept in and hung out in jammies all day)

Loves comics especially "Zits" (I think this keeps balance in his life since he's so smart)

Crossword puzzles, when Em is home they either do the daily newspaper one together or he copies it, then corrects hers in the evening.

Excellent listener who gives great advice.

Non judgemental

Sees the potential in others, not only with his family but the youth he works with at church.
Probably why he is so dedicated to his calling as Stake Young Mens President and the Youth Conference Leader.

He loves to serve. In addition to his stake callings he serves in the Chicago temple every other Wednesday. (He is so handsome in that white suit. mmmmmm)

His summer includes scout camp for a couple of days, youth conference in Ohio for 4 days, then he's riding bikes across Iowa from Nauvoo, ILL to winter quarters Nebraska, something like 300 miles.
He drives to meetings all over our stake boundaries which go to Lake Michigan and up to Wisconsin, without complaint. which leads me to another great asset.

Doesn't complain. Not even about the grumpy parents that pop up occasionaly or people at work and church - never, and especially has never complained about my cooking or lack thereof and he has had every right to on many occasions.

Thoughtful towards his mama and grandma. Pretty much remembers them on their birthdays, valentines day and mothers day. He buys and sends the presents with such kind words of appreciation.

Willing to shop for clothes for me and his daughters. He's probably bought me more dresses than I have for myself. Tell me ladies, how many of you can say that? didn't think so.

Genuniely loves little kids, especially our granddaughter, how can you not love her.

Is patient with the rest of us slow pokes on bike rides when he would rather be zipping along.

And of course the usual stuff, like he's a great father, loves me and our kids a ton, honors his priesthood, works hard,you get the picture.

Happy Birthday David. Love you lots.

Queen For A Day

2010-06-01T12:01:00.001-05:00

My grandmother turned 90 last month.
- What an accomplishment.
To be in such great health is amazing.
My mom threw her a party, the first party Grandma has ever had. She's shy.
Grandma had so much fun which was so worth the trip to Cali.
My friend Lori lent us a robe, crown and sceptor and Anna was totally excited for her great Grandma to wear it.
Grandma not so much so -
She finally gave in to sweet Anna's pleadings and then she wore it proudly and even pointed her sceptor at her loyal followers.
Notice the 300 carat diamond ring? bling bling bling.

My grandmother never learned to drive, hence she walked everywhere and I think that has a lot to do with her good health.
I remember as a child walking downtown to the Woolworths in Fairfield, California with her and just about dying cuz she walked so fast.
She always wore a type of slipper too.
No support, no tennis shoes or old lady shoes, just wore a kind of ballet slipper. My feet hurt now and I'm 39 years younger. How did she do it?
Here we are with our matching reversible jackets. Man she was slim and trim.

She never drank or smoked even though her daddy was a moonshiner back in the day.
She married young at age 17. Here she is with Grandpa 50 years ago. She was styling.

Didn't finish high school but stayed in contact with the kids from Oroville High and attended the class reunions.
Gordon Crawford travelled all the way from Prescott, AZ to wish my granmother a happy birthday. So that means they went to school 73 years ago. WOW

My grandmother has never spoken badly or complained about anyone in her life, she's always happy to see her friends and family and with a great big hug. Oh how she loves hugs.

Not only does she give great hugs, she loves getting them. Who doesn't?

Grandson Brandon

Granddaughter Melissa

Great, great grandson Julian

I've never seen my grandmother cry or be discouraged even though she's had a tough life. She made the best of it and looked for the good. Maybe her happy attitude is what has kept her so healthy.
Not sure how she kept her eyes and ears so keen but she even hears and sees better than me.
We were in the Foster Freeze looking at the menu and I asked her if she could see the board up on the wall. "Oh sure honey, it says, BLT, Turkey, etc. I took off my glasses and couldn't read a darn thing.
When I talk to her on the phone, She never needs me to repeat my question whereas I'm constantly asking people to say things again.
At her party, she had friends and cousins in wheel chairs and there's Grandma practically dancing around.

My grandma is still talking about how much fun the day was for her to see, friends and family she hasn't seen in ages.

Thanks to my mom's church friends Sue and Roylene for cutting, cooking and serving food to over a hundred people.

Thanks to Anna for being stuffed by balloons.

Thanks to my nephew Stephen who looks after my mom and helped set the tables and carry in oodles of stuff.

Thanks to my uncle TC for setting up tables, chairs and taking great pics and just being an all around kind nice man.

Thanks to my aunt Sandi for obtaining such cool Peony flowers and putting on a happy face when dealing with the grief of her son in law passing away that very morning.

Thanks to my Mom, aunt and uncles who contributed funds for food.

And especially thanks to my mom for all her hard work in making grandmas day such a memorable and special one for her. You did good Mom. :-)

May "Marie" Countryman deLaney - Queen for a Day but my sweet grandmother forever.

"How thankful I am, how thankful we all must be,
for the women in our lives. God bless them.
May His great love distill upon them and crown them
with luster and beauty, grace and faith."
Gordon B. Hinkley

What makes people dishonest and rude?

2010-05-26T14:25:00.005-05:00

Enjoying a beautiful day at the LDS church in El Dorado HIlls, California for my grandmothers 90th birthday party when some Griswold character or Dave Mathews Band Bus driver
decided to dump their potty water over the edge of the parking lot into a ravine. Unfortunatley they did not see the fire hydrant in the church parking lot, hence the instant fountain. Made for great neighborhood frolicking as well as half time entertainment, several firetrucks and police cars then came to the rescue after an hour of wasted water.
So my question is why are people so dishonest, disgusting and rude. Just go dump your waste on church property and think no one will ever notice? Sheeesh

Top Ten List of Why I love Kate

2010-05-10T13:40:00.001-05:00

#10 She is intelligent -
#9 She's creative. She whipped up curtains for Molly at Christmas just eyeballing it. Amazing!
#8 She works hard - the first one to jump up and do the dishes
#7 She is spiritual -Only female I know who was the assistant to the mission president and now Primary President at age 24
#6 She puts up with Dad's teasing
#5 She is fun and loves an adventure.

#4 She is loving

#3 She is a wonderful mother

#2 She Loves my son

#1 She has the cutest kid in the universe.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the BLESSED KATE.
Thanks for being such a lovely DIL.
Love,
Mom

24 Things to Love about Emily Allred

2010-05-06T18:01:00.005-05:00

My oldest daughter is 24 today and far, far away.
I had to post a few items about her since I love and miss her so much.
In random order.
First off she was a Great Baby who pacified herself by sucking her thumb then gave it up on her own when she turned one. Now what kid does that on her own?

Which leads to the 2nd great thing about Emily -- Fiercly independent.

3. An extremely hard worker. She's like a whirlwind when I ask her to clean up a room.

4. She is a very good Pianist and also played violin. She wanted violin lessons when she was in jr. high but I could not afford everything this talented girl wanted to learn.

5.artistic and creative.

6. great at word games
7. athletic (She even beats boys)

8. wonderful teacher
9. hiker/camper

10. Enjoys reading
11. spiritual
12. served a mission in South Korea

13. loves fish now. Who would have thought?

14. "just like a mom" That's what she used to say to Landon when he wanted mom.

15.fun loving

16. positive attitude

17. sensitive
18.good friend

19. adventurous
20. smart

21. good listener like her dad
22. loves her family
23. quiet

24. Daddy's Girl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!!
I Love you so much,
Love,
Mom

Bubbles,Babies,Boys and Barking Crabs in Boston

2010-04-17T09:10:00.002-05:00

On one of those rainy days on the east coast we headed over to the Boston Childrens Museum
Since I have a Chicago Science museum membership, we all got in for five bucks. whoohoooo what a deal.
Don't know who had more fun, my boys, my grandbaby or blissfully happy Molly?

I love how my boys love to play.

Ellieford loves the water and knew exactly what to do with bubbles, unfortunately they weren't the "no tears" kind. She was an amazing trooper who kept on going with swollen eyes and a smile.

There were other fun things for kids to do like climb up in a net so Miss Molly went for it.

Then the fam started dancing on TV with Arthur. This is what I saw anyway.

This green background is what they saw

Asked where to go close for dinner and The Barking Crab was within walking distance right up the river.
Now I'm not a seafood eater except for fried shrimp and tuna, but wanted to experience Boston cuisine.
J & M decided to try lobster and crab legs and went for it. David had to show them how to eat this crustacean.

I have to admire Miss Molly - she's adventurous and finally got the hang of cracking those legs. Her first comment was "I have to work for my food!!"

I really don't know what the big deal is with lobster and crab legs, nothing special in my book (I know, Keli, don't yell at me you crazy crab leg girl who jets to Vegas just for this morsel)

The clam chowder was excellent but the Itallian soda's not so good. At least we got to keep the glasses. (like we've ever used them since)
I imagine this place on the river front is hoppin when the weather is nice. Still never heard a barking crab.

Walking the Freedom Trail

2010-04-08T07:30:00.030-05:00

We decided to walk this historic trail on our own using the $3.00 map and the $7.00 guide book, because we're cheap like that.
No really, I heard this guy's corny jokes and thought we'll just meander and figure things out on our own. It took us about 6 hours and Kate swore we walked 8 miles, it felt like 20 (like I've ever walked or hiked 20 before)

First Stop - Boston Common - A giant Park in the middle of the city.
Back in the 1600's the people shared this common ground to graze their livestock and everyone paid a shepherd to tend the townspeoples animals.
Nice community livin, till the Puritans also used the grounds for punishments - you know whippings and the "stocks".
They even hung pirates, witches and murderers here plus a couple of quaker gals for their religous beliefs.
Then it became a training ground for the redcoat soldiers.
Now it's just a very lovely park and free speech is still encouraged.

2nd Stop - Massachusetts State House -

3rd Stop - Park Street Church
"My Country Tis of Thee" was sung on these steps for the very first time in 1831. Anti slavery, prison reform and women's suffrage speeches were encouraged here in this church.

4th Stop - The Granary Burying Ground
I don't think I've ever been to a more eerie cemetery at first yet the more I walked in here the more I felt at ease. Estimated up to 3,000 people buried here. Three Declaration of Independence signers along with Paul Revere and Samual Adams as well as Ben Franklins parents. Anna's favorite was Mother Goose. Yep there really was a Mother Goose.

Molly had fun finding headstones with dates that matched her friends and family. Landon didn't appreciate getting two texts with these creepy pictures and his birthdate on them.

5th Stop - King's Chapel & Burying Ground - No pics but people like Mary Chilton, the first lady to hop off the Mayflower and the first Governor John Winthrop are buried here.

6th Stop - Boston Latin School- America's oldest public school. Four signers of the Declaration of Independance attended - Ben Franklin (He didn't graduate - such a slacker) Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Robert Treat Paine.
I still didn't get this donkey out in the front, but it makes for a great pic with a one yr. old.

7th Stop Old Corner Bookstore - Somehow we missed this on our self guided tour. I'll go there next time because it looks intriguing.
Kate and Ellie did make a stop at a local kiosk to buy sweatshirts.
So this counts as our 7th stop.
8th Stop- Old South Meeting House - Talk about drama in history. This is the place where those rebels decided to dump 30 tons of tea in the harbour and off the Sons of Liberty went to do the deed.

9th & 10th Stop - Old State House and Boston Massacre Site- Out front on March 5 1770 (I know that cuz it's Molly's birth date give or a take a couple of centuries) The Brittish Army killed 5 men. Samuel Adams called it a massacre. Hence the Boston Massacre took place outside this building.
Many a speech was given here inside over the next several years urging resistance to the British.
Then on July 18, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was first read to the Bostonians from the balcony.
I like this quote from Abigail Adams who was there, "...As soon as he ended (Colonel Graft) three cheers rended the air...Thus ends royal authority in this state, and all the poeple shall say Amen."

11th Stop - Faneuil Hall
I don't even know what happened here cuz I was hungry and my feet were sore by now.
Luckily they modernized this place and it has a giant food court with soooo many choices. Loved it.
(I'll read up on what was so famous about this place next time I go)
Something to do with bad boy Samuel Adams since here's his statue.

Yay we found this replica of "Cheers" one of my favorite shows from the 80's.

This isn't on the "Freedom Trail" map but we didn't realize we were supposed to follow the red bricks down the middle of the sidewalks, so we jumped across the street and found the New England Holocaust Memorial and it was very somber to walk thru. The mist coming up the 6 tower represents the 6 major concentration camps with their gas chambers. There was a quote at the end that I had never heard before and it left me pondering as to how this ever happened. What would I have done?
"They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
---Martin Niemoeller

Back to the the historic Freedom trail

Across the street is my favorite area. I just loved the nooks and crannys and old shops and would love to meander thru again. Notice the red bricks down the center of the sidewalk. That's the trail you're supposed to follow but we didn't figure that out till much later.

Then I reflected on our Founding Fathers and the courage they had to take a stand. I'm greatful for their vision and the risks they took.
Near here is the location of the "Green Dragon" the tavern that the Sons of Liberty frequently met. I think they did a lot of discussing here before they gave their speeches to the public. I liked this area.

Strolled thru the Itallian district and couldn't resist a canoli, David and Molly opted for gellato.

12th Stop - Paul Revere House - Boston's oldest building still in existence. The guy had 16 kids. I wanted to go in but there was a fee, hence we ditched the inside tour.
I love the brick and cobblestone streets.

13th Stop - Old North Church
April 18 1775 Paul Revere just walked around the block from his house and had the church guy climb the eight stories to light the lanterns in the steeple to let the Sons of Liberty know the British solders were coming.
- Interesting note - Revere would never had said "The British are coming" as he made his famous ride.
They were all British.
It would have been either "The Regulars are out or the Red Coats"
Just doesn't work in the poem though.
Longfellow made this place famous with his poetic phrase "One if by land, two if by sea"

14th Stop - Copp's Hill Burying Ground - Ok three cemeteries in one afternoon is two too many for me and I like cemeteries - it's that genealogy bug I have but I was tired if you've seen one headstone from here, you've seen it, call it a day. Too bad this site is at the end because it is quite pretty overlooking the harbour. I was just done with site seeing.

Then we hiked across one of many bridges in Boston. By now I just want to lay down and put my feet up.

Had to take this pic

15th Stop - USS Constitution - The oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Too bad I walk so slow thus,we got there 15 min. too late and they wouldn't let us on.

Maybe if I wasn't taking so many pictures. Here's one of Molly right before she yelled. She didn't realize the lower part of the anchor was sticking out and connected with her shin, causing a great amount of pain and hobbling.
She's a trooper.

16th Stop - Bunker Hill Monument - The first major battle of the Revolutionary War.

The view from Bunker HIll

They hiked to the top and finished the Trail. Someone had to stay with Ellie since strollers weren't allowed.

2.5 miles
yep 2.5 not 8 in 5 hours, maybe it was 6. Good thing the subway was close on the way back.
Now you know what to expect - Go for a great historical walk.

Haavaad is no Hogwarts

2010-04-07T12:45:00.002-05:00

I was expecting Harvard to look like Hogwarts, don't ask me why.
Well it's not.
It was strange to see a bunch of old buildings amongst stores, full of tourists.
I must admit I did enjoy shopping at the COOP with Jonathan since he gets a discount.
It was also exciting to go under the school thru the tunnels.
Anna wanted to see Jonathan's lockers. Yeah they have lockers like back in high school.
I never had a locker in college, I never went to law school either.
So here we are in a lecture hall up at the judges desk.

This is as close to Hogwarts as they get. The dining hall (I think)

I was impressed that they would have this giant "A" up there and I'm sure it's for Allred (he never goes in this building. hahhah)

This stone carving reminds me of Roslyn Chapel in Scotland.

David and Molly ran on Harvard's track every day. The stadium looks like a miniature coliseum, old cement seats.

Jonathan walks by this cute little house everyday on campus, so Haavaad is not Hogwarts but they've got Disney. Close Enough.

Soggy,Boggy,Boston

2010-04-06T14:48:00.012-05:00

Lots of rain on our first visit to Boston. In fact record breaking. Flooding for a few days then finally Sun, glorius Sun!!
While Jonathan was attending his classes the rest of us ventured out to Walden Pond, home of Henry David Thoreau for two years back in the early 1800's.
I read his book last year discovering that he had a constant flow of visitors. For some reason I thought he lived like a hermit for those two years but his lil cabin sits quite close to civilization and his parents.
The pond was way bigger than I expected in fact it's bigger than Big Lake in AZ which I always thought was misnamed anyway.
Looks like a giant raindrop on David's mouth. :-)

So here's the girls with little Henry. Not sure where Molly was off to?

We scored some fun boots due to all the rain. Never thought I'd wear plaid shoes but these are so fun.

Our last day we went to Concord/Lexington to check out the Minuteman museum and the famous North Bridge (which half was under water)

My most favorite Picture. Just makes me smile :-)

Hikking - A New Sport!

2010-03-09T09:22:00.002-06:00

I bought David a pair of multisport base layered pants and he commented on how he's heard of skiing::hockey:: fishing::cycling::jogging::hunting::trekking:: snowboarding:: but never hikking.

Way to go PARADOX, i guess the marketers in Vietnam don't have spell check. Unless it's a new sport that we aren't aware of yet. Yay for Hicks!!!

17 Things to Love About Molly

2010-03-05T12:10:00.002-06:00

1. She is a great pie maker thanks to the teachings of her Grandma Sandy. (You know I'm not a cook)

2. She is one of the most patient people I know. She spent 2 hours making and frosting cookies while I would have had it slopped on in 15 min.

3. She is an extremely positive person and lets me know when I'm off track.

4. Loves animals, they warm her heart. She wishes she could live on a farm, but alas she was born in the burbs.

5. She loves musicals and plays about as much I do. Last year she asked to go downtown to see David Schwimmer in "Our Town". Up close and personal for her birthday.

6. She is a serious student. She does it all on her own. Never have to get after her to get projects done. Studies a ton, even on weekends. amazing.

7. She's such a brilliant kid who picks up languages easily. This is her 2nd yr. of Chinese and she can read,write, and speak that tough language. I'm sure it's just the basics - but hey what do I know?

8. I love playing boggle with her because of the funny words she creates. Maybe has something to do with that easy to learn language thing. She makes us all laugh at her creative new words.

9 She makes us laugh with her dancing in the kitchen and karate kung fu chops. I especially love her profound statements like, "I've been saving this family money since I was born..... I deserve a car." What's not to laugh about that?

10. She's a good runner. You know I admire runners, something I don't do but gotta love those fliers.

11. She's mostly on time. Her dad will probably disagree but I think she does great for being a teenager.

12.She has a great spiritual foundation and testimony of our Savior. "She gets it."
She just earned her Young Womens medallion at church. It has taken her five years but she finished all those ongoing projects and learned a ton in the process.

13. She is so good to her family. She loves them all.

14. She doesn't stress out!

15. She's easy to talk to and a great listener.

16. She's affectionate even towards her parents. Shocking - I know.

17. She Loves ME. Here she is a teenager and she still loves having her mama around.
She makes me happy.

HApPy bIRThDAy LoLLy!!!

I LOVE DVR!!

2010-02-21T15:11:00.002-06:00

I don't think I can ever watch a commercial again, unless you tell me one that's funny then I might stop and take a gander.

I love the Olympics, but who has 5 hours a day to watch them?
So yeah I watch a 5 hour taping in 1. whoohoooo. It's awesome!! Plus I can make those cross country skiers and skaters go so much faster.

Superbowl - less than one hour. I did go back and catch a few of those great commercials and get this - Molly and her two friends only watched the commercials that night. Yep totally skipped the game, went straight for the funnies.

I love the DVR.
Record my shows and then watch at my leisure, commercial free. So whoever invented this thing was a genius and I'm your friend for life. I can watch all the Olympics, not miss a thing, may take me a few days to get to it, but hey that's better than sitting thru endless commercials.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

2010-02-10T18:30:00.001-06:00

Decided to listen to a classic since I'm in the car so much running kids around these days. I chose this book since Senator John McCain and President Barack Obama both listed this as one of their all time favorites or most influential. Can't say it's my favorite maybe you have to be a guy to appreciate this war stuff.

I will admit that Hemingway tells a good tale with great dialogue.
Spanish Civil war during 1938. Lets be honest who cares.
I know, I know, I love history but this 3 day episode of getting some gypsies to help blow up a bridge, knowing full well you will probably die in the process. Love story thrown in there and the revolt against fascism, which I still don't understand. ughhh politics - so confusing to me.

Usually when I read a historical fiction book, I'm inspired to learn more about what actually took place, nope not this time. I'm wondering what am I'm missing?

Why was this book so popular? They even made a movie starring Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman which was nominated for a fistful of academy awards back in 43.

Still not interested. I should have asked my friend Leslie about her opinion on this movie since she's quite knowledgeable of the classics and I should have asked Kim her take on the politics since that's her field of work.... I'll just wait for their comments, because I'm lazy like that.

Something that was a bit odd concerning the main character, Robert Jordan.
He sounds just like Hemingway and oddly enough suicide is a theme I noticed and I think it was around 20 years after he wrote this book that Ernest killed himself. Very tragic and sad.
So have you read this one? Like or dislike?
So that's my classic reading/listening for the year, onto something fun like Lighting Thief

I'm Such A Loser!

2010-02-03T08:20:00.004-06:00

I don't know how I did it but I lost a sock while changing at the gym.
Sterile uncluttered environment, no place for one sock to run and hide but somehow he did.
I walked in with two socks on and left with one.
While I was in the locker room looking for my sock in walked a couple of gals from water arobics.
I'll just call them Ethel and Lucy since I don't know their names and they're a couple of fun broads.
They were astonished as well and then laughing at me as I left with one sock on.

Three weeks later I went to the movies with my daughters and must have left my new brown suede gloves that my hub gave me for Christmas on the ticket counter.

Went back a couple of days later (I know you're thinking why didn't you do it right then, silly me, got caught up in the movie and just forgot about it)

As I was asking movie ticket boy if my nice gloves were in lost and found, in walked Ethel and Lucy headed to the afternoon matinee.

Ethel - Oh how nice to see you - what are you going to go see?
Me - Nothing today, just looking for a pair of lost gloves.
Lucy - Hmmmm, you lose lots of things don't you?
Me - wondering what is she talking about?
Ethel - Yeah did you ever find your sock?
Me - No and oh yeah, you're right I do lose things.
Lucy - Next thing you know you'll be losing your panties. Hahhhahah
Ethel - Yeah hahhahahahha
Me - Haw haw (but inside I'm not laughing, they could be right)

Man I'm such a loser - I won't even tell you how I left a black glove two weeks ago in a Chicago cab
- ok I just did.
See I'm losing it.
/

Real Feel

2010-01-30T14:08:00.005-06:00

Ok so I have this "Real Feel" do hickey on my blog about the weather and I don't get when it states 23 degrees but feels like 28.
Ok I get it when it states something like 20 but with the wind factor feels like 5.

That makes sense to me cuz that wind is a bite, but if it feels like 28 then why isn't it 28 degrees instead of 23?
Anna just went outside and she insists it's 40 degrees, no coat, no nothing. uh it really is 23 but hey with that sun shining we'll tack on a few more cuz we really can't tell the difference now.

Science Fiction Games

2010-01-28T20:14:00.001-06:00

Years ago my husband told me I would like this science fiction book that he loved and thought I would enjoy as well.

I don't care for science fiction and could probably count on one hand how many times I've read this genre .

It turned out that I enjoyed Enders Game by Orson Scott Card a lot more than I thought I would.
I was right there with that Wiggins boy.
I read another one of Cards books but it did nothing for me, so I was done with science fiction.

Then a few months ago I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and really, really liked this one.
I loved Katniss, rooting for her the whole time.

I realized that the two science fiction books -I like have to do with GAMES .

Yeah I like GAMES.

When I was told the premise of both these books I really wasn't interested (come on - a game to the death) but read them anyway and ended up liking them.

Haven't read Collins 2nd book Catching Fire- Doesn't have GAME in the title.

Just kidding, I'm waiting to read it in the summer right before her third one comes out.

So any other GAME books out there?

The Winner Is??

2010-01-19T21:33:00.004-06:00

After two and a half weeks, auto guy finally found connections to get the radiator, compressor, nuts, bolts and brackets. You see Saturn went out of business thus no one has parts.

Oh they're out there, just where is the question. Geez they made the thing next door in Michigan.

Only took a day to put everything back together, plus a 1/2 day to buff the bumper and voila the total bill came to ................ drum roll please...... $4071.39

all because dumb deer had to follow the crowd and cross the street without looking both ways. Jeeez

So Susan in AZ you're the winner (why didn't my friends out here guess?) I'll be mailing you a lovely Gold Canyon Candle from my stockpile. You lucky girl you.

Yeah look at that picture below and would you have ever believed all that damage was done to the engine part?
Yeah didn't think so. Unless you've hit a deer before too.

Dumb Deer + Falling snow = $Damage

2010-01-05T18:20:00.001-06:00

Rakow Road has not been good to my car this past year. First the Bird Poop Plunder then a few weeks ago Deer damage. So how much do you think this bump on the bumper cost?

First one to answer correctly wins a FREE Gold Canyon Candle from me.
(Family members privy to the price are excluded - you get free candles anyway)

Hint: It's still in the shop - 2 weeks and counting. Like an iceberg, you can't see everything underneath.

fyi - I was not the driver when the herd of deer decided to go for a run across a busy road. There would have been more dents then.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY SISTER!!

2010-01-03T21:30:00.002-06:00

Teri's really not a baby anymore, more like forty-four.

I still refer to her as my baby sister, even though she's a mom and a great one at that.

She is one of the most quick witted people I know, for instance, back when I was a senior in college and Teri was 15 she came to live with me at BYU. The first week she was there we walked up to the campus library. A carload of kids drove by and launched water balloons at us and hit Teri, her first remark while dripping wet was "I got bombed at BYU!!" which made us laugh. I was of course so mad at those jerks. She didn't need that nor deserve it. "Welcome to BYU home of the #1 stone cold sober school in America" I loved how she turned a rotten prank into something we could laugh at.

She was quite the party girl at BYU. She loved to throw "Pudding Parties" where everyone dressed liked nerds and we ate pudding with strange utensils. silly but memorable.

(She's the one laying in the middle of the crazy college kids)

She has always had quite the imagination. My siblings and I love telling the story of when she was little and was supposed to be cleaning the bathroom. There she was with the sink full of water and a family of toothbrushes were going for a swim. Just talking away with the toothpaste the whole time.

She's also good at teasing in a loving way. Several years ago my nephew John had his eyebrow pierced and was driving from AZ to CA to visit Teri and her family when he was in a fender bender that delayed him.
Once he arrived Teri called his mom and informed her that John was fine, except that " he had some metal imbedded in his head."

She has a good heart, and loves her family. Hope you had a great birthday Nufi - You deserve it!! Love You!!

Refrigerator 101

2009-12-15T17:40:00.000-06:00

After a couple of years our Samsung Refrigerator died, just died.
Now the jazzy computer gizmo on the front stated the freezer was -2 and the fridge part was 36 degrees.
So if the freezer was -2 then why was the ice-cream, drippy, milky and my orange juice was luke warm?

Called the local appliance repair shop and no one can fix a Samsung. Great.

Called Best Buy where I bought the dang thing and no one answered.
Twice I called and twice no one answered. Great.

Finally called the 800 Samsung number and was told that a service guy would call in 3 to 5 business days.

" WHAT??? I know you're only the messenger guy but are you kidding me? My food is sitting on the back porch and good thing it's cold here in the Chicago Burbs and no wild animals have ventured up the porch. I think you should really tell the higher ups that this is unacceptable.
I'm getting cold opening the back door over and over again stepping out in the snow to retrieve food."

It's amazing how many times we open the fridge day in and day out and
when it's inconvenient, not so many.

"You don't really need ketchup on those fries, you don't really need salsa with those chips, forget the jam, just have the peanut butter sandwich plain." You get my drift.

I have rethought many a meal now that I don't want to open the back door to get the cold food.

Luckily nice repairman called back that evening and showed up the next day - today.

Repairman -"Everything looks good, compressor, coils and some other mumble jumble mechanical stuff.
Just need to unplug and replug it. Sometimes the computer gets a little glitch and needs to reboot, that will be $126 for the service call"

Yep $126 for the repairman to unplug - oh wait I already did that. so it was $126 bucks for him to plug it back in and give me the fridge 101 lesson that I still don't even get, but I sure get unplug - wait a few minutes -then plug back in.

How come I didn't know this before? Thanks messenger boy for nothing.

Who'da thunk? Yep, our fridge needed rebooting. Simple little process, big price.

Tomorrow I get to bring the food back in. Yay

Noxious Weeds In Our Midst

2009-12-10T15:35:00.008-06:00

I forgot to post this last summer so it's kind of odd looking at these lush green vegetation pics when there's snow on the ground outside right now.

But who cares right?

We took a small group from Youth Conference and headed to the Buffalo Grove Forest preserve to offer whatever help they needed and our group was asked to cut thistle.

So here's my hub having fun working with weeds.

Canadian Thistle are quite invasive and seem to take over where ever they land.

We were so happy, we cut all those thistles and then the guide asked us to go farther down the road to another patch.

Can you see the gazillion thistles?
The motherload of noxious weeds.
So are these thistles from Canada?
Ranger - No
Why are they called Canadian thistles?
Ranger - They just are and we don't like them.

Oh look what Bro. Dunn picked for his wife.

They really are kind of pretty, too bad they take over all the other native plants.

"OOH LA,LA!" (that's what is states on the apron)

2009-12-03T16:53:00.005-06:00

I blushed big time when my friend Gayle gave me this Quickies in the Kitchen book for my birthday way back when.

I just found out that my 11 yr. old took it to a church activity yesterday and had it in her
show & tell bag "All about Me" along with other trinkets and toys.

OH MY

"Why did you take this ?"

"What? I like to cook"

"But why this book?"

"Couldn't find the kid one"

Now I'm really blushing.

I hope those activity day leaders had a good chuckle.

Shadow Divers

2009-11-24T18:49:00.007-06:00

What a fascinating story. Wreck divers discover a sunken German U-Boat off the coast of Jersey and try and identify it. Not as easy as you would think. I learned so much about not only wreck diving,but history. I had no idea what the military assessors do after a war til I listend to this book on tape, very interesting. This book was suspenseful, sad, and historical

I loved the reverence that the divers paid to the men whose bodies lay deep in the ocean trapped in the war sub. Their personal stories and how they solved a mystery and found the families of young men drowned on a U-Boat. So dangerous diving 230 feet in the ocean. You'll never catch me putting on flippers and and an air tank. These men are just crazy adventurers who became obsessed with this find.

I've been to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and I was so amazed at how big a U-Boat is. I thought the sub was a little guy like in the Battleship game, nothing doing. It's huge.

At the end I listened to the author interview the two main divers and I had no idea that hundreds of these U-Boats lay in the bottom of the ocean, mostly around Europe.
I wouldn't recommend it for kids. Too much cussing - that's what macho war men do I guess.

My friend Kim in Arizona also read this book back on March 13th and her post is so much more well written than mine. I should have just copied what she wrote cuz that's exactly how I feel too.

Another reason to Love Costco

2009-11-19T09:24:00.004-06:00

First off I did take pics but they turned out blurry since I was in a rush.

Not only is Costco the closest store to my home but it's just my favorite. I've been known to run in for milk.-- I know can you believe it? Who goes to costco without paying over a hundred bucks. Me (on occassion)

So here's my other reason why I love Costco.

My friends and I were going to another friends grandma's funeral in Chicago on a Monday morning.
We wanted to help and were asked to pick up sandwiches and cookies for the family to have in between viewing and funeral.

Since we don't shop on Sunday, early Monday morning is the next best thing. ONly problem is Costco doesn't open till 10 and we need to be in Chicago at 10:30 and it's an hour drive from here.

Luckily Angela from church works at Costco and she was able to ask the head honcho's to let us in early. Can you believe it - they did!!!

What an adventure- back door - safe route through the store - fork lifts zooming by and I mean zooming- that place is a bee hive of activity. Eric took time out to guide us safely around the store when we know he had a ton of other important work to do.

Bought the goods and made it to the funeral home on time. Thank you Costco.
See another reason I love this store

Running Heroes

2009-11-17T11:45:00.000-06:00

I admire anyone who runs like my daughter and her friend Jessie, and of course my hub, daughter Em and Anna (Hey Jonathan do you still run?)

Two years ago I saw this young man running from Bartlett H.S. and I was touched. So this year I grabbed my camera and found him at the same race course.

The first time I saw him he was in the middle of the pack, people yelling and then this young man who is blind holding onto his friends arm as they ran the 3 mile course over rocks, roots, mud and yay- even green soft grass. Running is not easy, let alone when you can't see where you're going. But this guys does it and he's a decent runner. Middle of the pack with a handicap is pretty darn good in my book.

Apparently he fell and when he went down he reached out and grabbed another runner who stumbled and he in turn grabbed someone. Parents starting yelling, not realizing that he was blind and was not intending to harm others. All they saw was arms flailing and boys stumbling.
When I saw him emerge holding onto his friends arm, I started crying. How does this boy participate in this tough sport, not being able to see?

I thought of the Savior. He leads the way. We are on this journey in life and we need Him to guide us on our path just like this blind runner needs a friend to lead the way, to protect and help him.

He is always with us. He has sacrificed for us because of His great love and He wants us to succeed just like this young man did in helping his blind friend.

When he got to the finish line the friend guided the blind young man in front and said, "Good job, you did good"
What more can I say? Yeah he did good, really good.

I thought of this quote - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy4:7

HOLYMOLY THIS BOY IS 21 TODAY!!

2009-11-14T11:45:00.001-06:00

Even though this is Landon way back when - it's how I feel today!!! Have a Happy Birthday Son. We all love you!!

Anna's top ten favorites

2009-10-27T08:32:00.003-05:00

She brought home a sort of get to know you paper from school and I found this.

SOME OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES ARE:

10. Reading fictional books

9. Playing the piano

8. Kidding around with my cat (he listens to her jokes)

7. Having my siblings visit home cause they're at college. (she misses them so much)

6. Sleeping in (I'm with you on this one)

5. Pulling pranks on my sisters friends. (hmmmm)

4. Writing a fictional story

3. Playing DSI

2. Going on trips to wherever (after her mothers heart)

and the number one answer of Anna's all time favorte things is. drum rolllll

1. Sneaking on my mom's blog to see what she wrote about me and other things. (yeah baby)
Her last xcountry race and she was so proud of the mud all on the back of her. She asked me everyday did you blog about my race, did you blog about my race? Slothful mother that I am I did not so when I saw this school paper I knew I had to get my bootie in gear and get posting.

Cougar Mama?

2009-10-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

My friend Ellen invites me to meet her and some friends in Chicago for dinner and free tickets to see Jersey Boys. Oh yeah I'm there baby. I love plays. Thanks Ellen

Ellen -"Let me warn you I heard there's a little bit of cussing."
I was not prepared to hear the F word over and over again. I sure loved the songs, the acting, and the plot, but man - I don't understand why so much dang cussing. (I'm so glad I didn't go with my MIL & Family)

Lori, Ellen and Me.
Earlier I rode the train downtown by myself and walked down Wells Street to meet up with this fun group at the famous Ed Debevics. I took my sweet time and took some pictures since I had never walked down Wells street before.

Crossing the bridge over the Chicago River.
World famous Gino's East (not my favorite - they don't put enough cheese to my liking) But you gotta admit this is one unique building.

I walked in and saw Lori H. waiting for me I was then announced over the microphone "Tami has arrived". Talk about embarrassing. I wasn't warned that this joint loves to make fun of their customers and it's all good. The place was packed and everyone is just so happy to see what the next insult or joke will be from the wait staff.

Kevlar (if that's his real name) our waiter " Ok I'll bring you a pitcher of toilet water, have had it - cheap people"
to Ellen's son Jeff, "Get a haircut" and I won't even say what he said when he brought Jeff his meal.
OK is that the biggest hot dog you've ever seen in your life? It is for me. Holy cow.

Fun quirkly thing this restraunt does is everything stops and the waiters and waitresses jump up on the counters and tables and dance
notice the hats they give everyone to wear
After the song, Kevlar jumps down, shakes his chest in my face and says, "I saw you taking my picture Cougar Mama, I know you want some of this." Ok not only was I embarrased I was insulted. Yeah that's what they're good at.

I might be a BYU Cougar from way back when but I'm no cougar mama. Old lady seducing younger men. oooohhh that just made me mad.

Later I asked him what the name of the group was that we were listening to. He went up to the DJ's mike and announced to everyone there. "To my cougar table.............." I didn't even hear what the name of the group was cuz I was screaming and everyone else was laughing. hhahha

Ellen thought he was giving us a compliment by calling us that. unhunh, they don't hand out compliments there. She took it that way and that's why she's so positive and upbeat about life and that's why we love her.
Jamie - she served her mission here a couple of years ago and came back to visit Ellen. Too bad the pic is blurry. She goes to school at Utah State and knows Caitlin Porter - my friends daughter from AZ. small world.
We then got a free ride in a taxi all the way back home. whoohooo it pays to know people. Thanks Lori (We didn't want to wait two hours for the train.)

The Adventures of My MIL & SIL

2009-10-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

This week was the first time my MIL & SIL ever flew on an airplane without their spouses. Yay they did it. They are new women because of it.

Wed- we went to my water aerobics class and I learned that my MIL never learned how to swim. She just exercised in the back by the wall but the water is only 4 ft. All those years we played at Lake Powell and I never knew. Got to give her credit for jumping in the pool at the age of 72.

Afternoon my MIL & SIL helped me and my friend make tamales. I think I will call her Tamale Tina from now on. I love tamales. I think it's fun to have four ladies sitting around playing in cornmeal.
Anna had her Xcountry awards that evening so off we went for some fine dining - Jr. high cafeteria style
So who has more gray? I love this pic, so glad we had some down time waiting for that fine food.

Thurs - Diane took Grandma shopping for some new clothes. They came back two hours later giggling with their goods.
We then headed to Potbelly's for lunch. You know how I love a Potbelly sandwich.

We ventured to Goebberts Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center in S. Barrington. Didn't take any pics due to the rain. But we did manage to bring home some Halloween loot.

That evening the whole family went to see "Hairspray" at the Marriott theater in Lincolnshire.
Another first for Grandma, since she's never been to a big production play. We all loved it and I love that theater in the round - well it's really a square but it's so up close and personal, not a bad seat in the house. I'm so happy Grandma enjoyed it. "Can't stop the beat" you know.
Side note - Dear Santa - I would like season tickets to the theater.

Friday - We went back to Barrington for brunch at my favorite little restaurant out here.
Egg Harbor Cafe
Next stop Long Grove, a cute lil German village for some chocolate and the best apple cider donuts you've ever had in your life. Fresh out of the oven mind you.

Then off to Lake Geneva and oh yeah we had to stop on the Wisconsin border for Cheese

You can't see the fall colors because it rained or was cloudy the whole time they were here. bummer. Of course the sun came out Sat. after they left.

I think Grandma had a good time and thanks to aunt Diane for bringing her on an adventure. She needed it.

"The test of an adventure is that when you’re in the middle of it, you say to yourself. Oh now I’ve got myself into an awful mess. I wish I were sitting quietly at home and the sign that something’s wrong with you is that when you sit quietly at home wishing you were out having lots of adventures" Thornton Wilder's play The Matchmaker

Happy Birthday Sweet Ellie!!!

2009-10-14T08:13:00.001-05:00

Can't believe she's One today and she's already attended a class at Harvard.

Coldest Night of My Life

2009-10-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

We had to go back to Devils Lake since last year was so much fun plus David got a new tent.
We didn't care that the weather forecast was snow and rain.

We were going to break in our tent and see the fall colors and do some hiking since mountains seem to be scarce around here and this is one of the few places that we can go up and up.
Devil's Doorway - we hiked up this trail to discover all these purple boulders and this scary edifice.

Anna had no fear climbing through the doorway. I of coarse stayed back and took pictures.
We are way up here where it was nice and warm.

Standing in front of our new tent. The smaller one belongs to "his other wife" that three teenage girls borrowed.
For some reason I thought that since our tent was new it would be nice and warm but nooooooo.

Spent the first night freezing and not sleeping. Anna even woke up crying so I found a heavy blanket for her.
I woke up the next day a zombie. I hurt all over from being scrunched in the fetal position.

I found out everyone else slept in three pairs of sweats, under armor and four pairs of socks.

Duhhhh why didn't I think of that?

Once I got up, dressed and walking around, it was all good. It was by far the coldest night of my life. I now know why it's called the Ice Age Trail. heeheee
Molly loves to live on the edge. This girl has no fear. She loves roller coasters and hanging out on cliffs. She 's such a leader -had her three friends join her.

Our Bishop giving us warm words of wisdom around a fire. I love camp fires.
Most of the group that went, the rest must of have been bouldering.

(click on pics to get a bigger image)This is why we come.-- Fall colors and happy faces
I'm so happy to be home in my warm cozy bed - till next year.
oh yeah and the great thing about camping in the cold. - no bugs or critters - nada one

Ulitimate frisbee fun lovin son

2009-10-09T09:59:00.002-05:00

I've always loved this layout of Jonathan. He's the MAN.!

Happy Birthday!!!

19 Years ago

2009-10-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

Jonathan was in Sandy Shepard's kindergarten class at Dr. Daniel Bright elementary school in Cottonwood, AZ. Who would have known then that he would be a 1st year law student at Harvard 19 years later married to the blessed Kate with the cutest little kid around?

Lately a few of my friends have asked, "Can you believe you have a kid at Harvard?"

Quite frankly -no, but I'm living the dream.

How did this happen? I'm no Einstein, nor is David - he's close though.

My education consisted of basic survival - 12 different schools in 13 years - attending 5 high schools in 3 different states.
When I finally got to college I had no idea how to do a term paper, somehow I missed that and managed to skim by.

Now I will admit Jonathan came smart. That boy learned all his animal sounds when he was around one. Yes indeedee, he could moo and bark upon command. I knew then he was destined for success.

He went to public schools, we never paid for private school or tutors- nope just straight public, wearing t-shirts and board shorts, none of that blue blazer, preppy look.

He played frisbee (which he still does) At the time I was a bit sad when he didn't go out for the academic decathlon and wanted to play frisbee instead with his friends.

My philosophy in raising kids was to make sure they were well rounded which included friends and down time.

We are by no means country clubbers, I've never played golf in my life, unless that putt putt around a castle counts.

So how did he get into Harvard?

This boy of ours is amazing. Not only was he born brilliant but he works darn hard and he's not afraid to try new things or help others. He even puts up with me, his boring mom who has no clue what he's talking about half the time especially when it involves science. He's patient though.

One of Jonathan's qualities that I've always loved is his golden heart and humility. He's just always been kind, well except for those few bite marks he left on Em when she was a babe.

For the most part he's just a sweet, smart boy, well I guess he's a MAN now that he's 25 today but he'll always be a sweet boy to me.

Yeah he turned out quite well rounded and I think that's what Harvard was looking for and to think it all started with "Mr. J has a friend" or maybe it was he knew how to moo before two. heeheeheee

Happy Birthday Son!!!

I <3 facebook

2009-10-09T07:54:00.000-05:00

(Ok I really tried to put this picture at the end of the blog, I've done it before but I can't seem to make it work it now without deleting everything I wrote, sometime I just get so dang mad at these new fangled computer thingeys. I've given up after 20 some odd tries. I can't even get it to load on my facebook. I'm not happy :-(

Anyway - this is Bill Pulsipher back in college at BYU - he liked photograhpy way back when

I love facebook even though I was hesitant at first since my kids have been using it for years. Just sounded like a younger generation thing and I didn't want them thinking I was stalking or being a creeper but when my freinds from AZ were on, I thought what the heck.

I personally don't care for "what style of shoe are you? or what Office character or I've lost a black sheep - be my friend on a farm stuff" So thank you Jonathan for enlightening me with the great "Hide" button. I can zip through FB so much faster now. Like my friend Bernie said, "I just like looking at pictures of everyone".

I have enjoyed reuniting with friends from long ago. I have spent way too many hours these past few weeks yakking on the phone with friends from over 30 years ago. What a blast from the past when my friend Karen and I reminisced looking thru the yearbook. I honestly couldn't remember some Vacaville bulldogs who wrote in my yearbook. By their comments you would have thought we were best friends. HAH How sad is that? I know I was only there for a year and a half, but still.

I love FB, looking at my friends families pictures. I also like looking at my kids friends posts, they are my adopted kids anyway. Everyone is just growing up and that's what it's all about.

On a sadder note I discovered that a roommate from my sophomore year of college passed away. I contacted the other roommates and none of us knew or had stayed in contact with Laurie Pulsipher.

Her brother Bill informed me when we became friends on facebook a couple of months ago.

"I'm great. Bonnie's great. The kids are plugging along. Generally having a great time as always-life is what it is, I might as well enjoy it. Laurie passed away in 1997 from cancer. She has a son in the Coast Guard and a daughter in the Seattle area."

August 6 at 10:25am

"She was very young and it was a sad time for all of us. These experiences make a deep print on our lives as we go through them. Laurie was great through the whole illness, it seemed to bring out the best in her. I miss her a lot, but I am confident that she is ok and we will all get reacquainted later on.
I have enjoyed meeting old friends on ... facebook-have reconnected with most of the old gang and that is a very good thing. Everyone is doing such different and interesting things with their lives. Did you check my 25 thngs note? That will give a brief update on where I'm at lately. Bonnie lived somewhere close the CasaDea(the apartments I lived in) I think although you're right it is a little hazy. Today is our 28th Anniv."

August 7 at 1:04pm

Then last Friday Bill passed away from a heart attack. 51 is just too young in my book. Kind of in shock that we just reconnected and now he's gone. I had told him I was going to look through my old photos and see if I could find any of his sister and now he's gone too. My heart goes out to his family.

Even though such sad news I still love facebook.

Some fun things we did this past summer.

2009-10-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Dupage Children's Museum - We had some time to kill after dropping my mom off at the train station in Naperville. Anna usually gets a free pass to this museum but we had never gone before and alas when we did go we had no coupon. I don't think it was worth the money we paid but everyone with young kids out here should go at least once.

My personal favorite was this bubble making car wash. I like bubbles.
Strolling thru Kettle Morraine state park

Randall Oaks Park and Barnyard Zoo Ok this snapshot doesn't show you the enormity of this pig. She was the biggest pork I've ever seen.
Strawberry pickin in Woodstock

............................................................Anna and friend Lexi.
Museum of Science and Industry - Harry Potter The Exhibition

Weasley's car is the only thing you can take pictures of which is in the main lobby. Bummer no photography in the exhibit. Ok so I've been a couple of times with different members of the family. My favorite is still pulling up those mandrakes (screaming root babies. hahahh)
Some of my kids have been sorted - Jonathan is Raven claw - Anna and Ellie are Griffendor and I can't remember the rest. The exhibit is off to Boston in Oct. They are following my kids.
My girls love to have fun, well some of them do.
I don't think Ellie was too impressed with it but everyone else loved it.
My Family Hiked the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim . Had a Great time
See David's earlier post
I don't know how Jonathan got up there, nor do I want to know. Sure makes for a cool shot.
Williamsburg, Va and Jamestown is where Anna and I ventured - see earlier post.
Yay - Josh and Emerald stopped by on their way to Boston U. So we had to take them downtown to Millenial Park and the Shedd aquarium.
Not only are Josh and Emerald in this pic but so is David,Tami,Molly and Anna. Can you find us?
(click on pic to enlarge)
Josh being an engineer major was impressed that you can't see any seems on "The Bean"

Kayaking in Lake in the Hills -

Paddle boating since they only have 2 kayaks to rent out.
Jet skiing on Crystal Lake. I have the nicest seminary student who invited us for a wet ride.

Jet ski's are my favorite toys. Too bad I don't own one. I miss the Lake Powell Days. There is just something about going super duper fast in the water. I LOVE IT!!!

He belongs on a magazine cover for Yamaha. Love his smile that boy of mine.

Have I mentioned "Never a dull moment when Em is around"
We love it when friends and fam come to visit. Scott dropped by for some Chicago style pizza.
Oh how I miss my grandbaby....

We had a busy summer with girls camp,youth conference,high adventure for girls and trips to Chicago. We love living here and we love company so plan a visit.

You're not going to believe this!

2009-10-02T12:30:00.001-05:00

Don't read if you can't handle gross and disgusting.

ok here goes.

Driving down Rakow road in Crystal Lake just past the lake, I was stuck at a light.

To my right there's a bunch of bushes and trees, all of a sudden, hundreds and I mean hundreds of birds flew out and up. As I was sitting there stuck in traffic I was mesmerized by how magnificent so many birds can fly together without crashing into each other.

Then all of sudden these hundreds of birds made a sudden turn and swooped down and back towards the trees.

As they swooped, they pooped -- BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

Yep all over my car

. Okay so here's the gross and disgusting part --- It was not white (that would have been yukky too) but a very pretty blue and some were even lime green, like paint balls with a touch of purple streaks.

WHAT THE HECK???

I could not see out my window. If Anna was not with me I know none of you would believe me, but I have a witness.

I had to turn the windshield wipers to even see. The car behind us got splattered even worse or maybe because it was white and showed up more.
They later pulled up beside us when we got to Randall Rd. and we just started laughing at what just occurred.

Never seen anything like this before. Not sure what happened.
My guess is something scared those darn birds as they flew from the trees and literally just scared the crap out of them all at once.

Good thing I wasn't in a convertible.

But blue and green poop with a touch of purple. oooh yuk.

The Help

2009-09-24T07:20:00.000-05:00

I loved, loved, loved this book. It's not very often that I find a book that makes me laugh out loud not once or twice but several times.

The three main characters were so endearing to me, I didn't want the book to end.
The relationships that all three have not only with each other but in their personal lives as well, was just sweet and true to life for me.

The story takes place during my lifetime, well my early lifetime, but none the less. I honestly had no idea about the Southern lifestyle and "The Help" from the black community. I loved how she wove pieces of history in her story, just made me feel like I was sitting right there at the kitchen table listening to the happenings of the day.

Impressed with Ms. Stockett being that this is her first novel. How does that happen?

x-country

2009-09-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

Anna was not happy with me that I did not post about her first x-country meet and rightly so.
She's been dreading this event all summer. She has many aches and pains but she finishes and she gets better with each practice and race. David told her this would be good for her so here she is.

One tough Hill but what a beautiful course!!!

I don't think I've ever seen such a smiley runner before.

The beginning of another race. Go Vikings.

Running through the farmers fields..

Having your best friend on the team helps alot. We're so proud of you Anna!!!!!

Ask and you shall receive - wait I didn't ask?

2009-09-17T15:00:00.001-05:00

Lookeeee here, I done got me a new purse.

Yess sirree folks tis true and it's an authentic Coach one too, not one of those knockoffs from Nairobi .

I have good friends is all I'm goin to say.
Who says Bloggin doesn't pay?

Now just where am I goin to go with my new fangled purse?

Backoff Lolly girl!! Its mine!!!

Ok I'll share...... ;-)

9/11 and Coach

2009-09-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

I've seen lots of newspaper articles, facebook posts and blogs about where/what everyone was doing when 9/11 hit.

I remembered this story that happened 6 months later.

David and I were on a plane from Phoenix to San Diego for a weekend getaway which was cancelled back in Sept. due to 9/11 .
I sat next to a gal who worked in New York and was on her way to visit her parents.

Me - "Where do you work?"
Sweet young cute sophisticated girl - "In the Corporate headquarters for Coach"

Me - I have nooooooo clue what Coach is other than Coachmen trailers made up near my hometown of Vacaville,CA. (not sure if they still make them there anymore?)

I could tell by the way she was dressed that she didn't work for no trailer company in New York City.

I also could tell by the way she looked at me that I should know what "Coach" was. So feeling stupid, what the heck, I still had to ask "uhhhh what is Coach"?
She informed me that they make designer purses.
hmmmm, coach purses, still not ringing any bells in this K-Mart kid.

She was still sweet enough to talk to me even though I obviously didn't even know the names of designer clothes, jewelry or purses, let alone own any.

Me - "You work in New York City? Where were you on 9/11?"

Coach Cutie - "Our building was right next to the trade centers, huge explosion, pandimonium. Luckily we were all safe. I tried calling my parents but couldn't get through, until about an hour and half later. My parents live in San Diego. Mom answered the phone. I said, "Hi Mom, I'm fine." My mom answered back, ( Now you must use your grandma voice when reading the next line)
"That's nice dear, I'm fine too."

Her mom had no clue what had happened since the three hour time difference and she just woke up.

I thanked her for sharing her "That's nice dear, I'm fine too" story along with schooling me on "Coach" purses. We had a nice laugh over her story and the fact that she never met anyone who had never heard of Coach before. She didn't actually say that to me but I could just tell she was thinking that.
Yeah like I'm ever going to fork over three hundred bucks for a bag.

Can I just Vent!!!

2009-09-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

It started yesterday. Minding my own business, listening to the RS lesson in church when the Bishopric counselor opens the back door and calls me out in the hall.

"You haven't spoken in church in over a year and a half"

Me, - "un huh, I just spoke in May when the Bishop called me and the other seminary teachers out of the audience when our 5 youth speakers were done in 5 min. and then I spoke back in Jan. with Emily."

He totally forgot. Yeah that's how good my talks are.

So he persuades me to talk this Sunday in Sacrament meeting. No big deal right?

I just spent a week teaching early morning seminary and am teaching again this week as well. Don't get me wrong - I love teaching seminary. I love my class. I love the regimen of delving into the scriptures each day. It's just the timing. It can be stressful getting up at 5 and teaching at 6 for this nocturnal gal.

Labor DAy - Today I spent the day doing laundry, cleaned the laundry room , trying to clean and organize my desk/office (it's a mess). Plus copying, laminating, cutting out scripture mastery cards - 100 of them. (of which I'm not done)
I also took Anna and her friend to the pool and was there for about 3 hours. 2 hours longer than I wanted to be.

Arrived home and my sweet husband is peeling pears on the back porch. He had a bucket of them from a nice man in our ward. David wanted to can them. He doesn't know how to can.

Me- "We don't have a canner."
David - "We don't have a canner?"
Me - "I always borrowed Anita's"
David "Let's call around and borrow one then"
Me - "Good luck, no one cans around here"
David "I bet they do"
Me - "You call then"
So he did. He found a pressure cooker

Me - "I don't know how to can in a pressure cooker. They scare me. Just go to Walmart and buy one"
So he did. He came home with a ............... You guessed it........... A pressure cooker.

David "But you can do both, wet bath and pressure cook, we can cook lots of beans now"
(Since when do I cook beans that's not out of a can?)

Where am I going to put this beast? My storage room is unbelievably full and I just organized it a month ago. Somehow the stuff grew and grew. I hate walking in there now.

Dinner was late because anyone who cans knows it is time consuming
- peel the pears,
find the jars & lids in the unbelievably full storage room
wash the jars & lids,
fill the jars,
boil the sugar water,
cook the jars and hopefully the lids will seal. (I'm writing this while they are cooking)

While all this washing,filling boiling was taking place one child complained how she couldn't find something and another needed something this evening. Too bad, now I feel like a cruddy mom.

Yep 9 o'clock and I just wanted to scream, oh but now we must read scriptures, say family prayer.

Did I also mention that I'm behind on my book club book?
That's what I was planning on doing this evening after family home evening but that didn't even happen cuz David being the good Dad took Molly on a five mile run. Getting her ready for her race tomorrow.

I can't be mad at David, how many men peal pears?

Can't be mad at the Bishopric counselor - just doing his job.

Can't be mad at the kids - we all forget or can't find things once in a while.

Now that I've pounded this out on the keyboard, I do feel better.

Thanks for letting me vent. What a dumb thing to be upset about.

Those 4 quarts of pears better be good!!! I know you're laughing..... 4 quarts? yep that's all we got.

The Soloist

2009-09-06T15:33:00.004-05:00

I really enjoyed this movie. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. both deserve Oscar nominations. I guess I'm just a sap for true stories that have great messages and happy endings. I was also stunned by how many homeless people live in L.A. I sincerely believe they all have a story and this is one man's incredible story.

First time I encountered a homeless man was when I was on a field trip in San Francisco with our high school business club. We left our hotel early in the morning and this shaggy old guy was sleeping in a tiny space between two buildings, littered with empty liquor bottles, vomit and trash every where. I felt so bad for him but yet quite afraid to do anything. I remember thinking "Doesn't he have family somewhere? Do they know this is how he lives now? Is he in this predicament because of the drinking? who knows and who knows what will become of him."
I along with classmates just walked on by gagging.

I personally was left with such a helpless feeling. I think I still feel that way. Never quite knowing what to do. Oh sure I've helped serve food at shelters, given money on occasion but nothing what this newspaper man did in the movie and that's BE A FRIEND.

Is there anything sweeter?

2009-09-01T14:30:00.008-05:00

Ellie in our backyard park.
Nothing sweeter than observing my son be a great Dad!!
Maybe I'm just partial to seeing my husband enjoy his grand daughter.
Nope!! Nothing sweeter than seeing David hold Ellie!!