tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34273193675951052732024-03-13T09:50:56.897-07:00Hillam's HomeMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-59563690897596975162011-11-02T20:11:00.001-07:002011-11-02T20:20:07.519-07:00BFF<div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Everyone needs a BFF.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:180%;" >Someone who will listen.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPrwcUxQl-VrraNwleMof_4aFcxI4wuwbd4TeUhqx7DYUJuI4J9oDCw00bXHqVe_PgFtd_64t5wtxiNinJQwyEZe4RQSuAJNKHYXGw6qyl58_TcJWiKei_ac42iCtkdHzCbG-69QfrV0/s1600/DSC_6983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPrwcUxQl-VrraNwleMof_4aFcxI4wuwbd4TeUhqx7DYUJuI4J9oDCw00bXHqVe_PgFtd_64t5wtxiNinJQwyEZe4RQSuAJNKHYXGw6qyl58_TcJWiKei_ac42iCtkdHzCbG-69QfrV0/s400/DSC_6983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670602787213897426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">And laugh at your jokes.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1rglKBGuV8v8m9nYGWvZEmp7CEmhd_SyGZT8wo2mKnOkwvOj8Buo7TbjqituMLkaMZZyw9n45kp48jwFd514gFEElUgNN_262nl8CqaX_WfQlH0S8KJZG-uVATphaoMJm4IXGEuejq8/s1600/DSC_6984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1rglKBGuV8v8m9nYGWvZEmp7CEmhd_SyGZT8wo2mKnOkwvOj8Buo7TbjqituMLkaMZZyw9n45kp48jwFd514gFEElUgNN_262nl8CqaX_WfQlH0S8KJZG-uVATphaoMJm4IXGEuejq8/s400/DSC_6984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670602794560881442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Someone to just chum around with any old time.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq-aveFW1SQRy4B2Jxhk6hbmCmXvlcoJSJt1ZOyjjiLMDt6JDQYUKf8RLb63Iy377FXnsbZNIjbnQR_O6sj-PTVtbY2IxRESTvOyNeO2u0L6tAtNfOjcMXEj9NFp9Q9GP5wby7oa0BpU/s1600/DSC_6986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzq-aveFW1SQRy4B2Jxhk6hbmCmXvlcoJSJt1ZOyjjiLMDt6JDQYUKf8RLb63Iy377FXnsbZNIjbnQR_O6sj-PTVtbY2IxRESTvOyNeO2u0L6tAtNfOjcMXEj9NFp9Q9GP5wby7oa0BpU/s400/DSC_6986.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670602818832047634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Or, in the case of these two, ALL the time.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzLYOZCJbXXbhpxcMJX2ljAl12c6908uaHa6h8_IZE1XUhjLyhyEJiNi9nD16cEOGUDyLyvQkkwgzBXk2FH4f-6USGPKGpLB97fmX00h5GWfhiJa3m1fuPTCMiIN9iAqp9VaqVnI04GI/s1600/DSC_6987.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzLYOZCJbXXbhpxcMJX2ljAl12c6908uaHa6h8_IZE1XUhjLyhyEJiNi9nD16cEOGUDyLyvQkkwgzBXk2FH4f-6USGPKGpLB97fmX00h5GWfhiJa3m1fuPTCMiIN9iAqp9VaqVnI04GI/s400/DSC_6987.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670602828360591938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Colby told Adam's mom today that<br />he and Adam were twins,<br />and, quite frankly,<br />there are days when I'd believe it.<br /></span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-11740957322071671042011-10-29T08:20:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:32:23.468-07:00Saturday's Soap Box<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQtRWax7ppNrZSujSqRNnGgA3BfDBmeeqplcNjgQmcBvsAD86zPRRdd0V65npLpeLPinNr8kP0eZFHViy7gVzUgmiOz6Nlq7trpcESDgjt50wwgRbz3ocHL-WY4yeCAlzLfuFQuQHZS4/s1600/DSC_7431.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQtRWax7ppNrZSujSqRNnGgA3BfDBmeeqplcNjgQmcBvsAD86zPRRdd0V65npLpeLPinNr8kP0eZFHViy7gVzUgmiOz6Nlq7trpcESDgjt50wwgRbz3ocHL-WY4yeCAlzLfuFQuQHZS4/s400/DSC_7431.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668952492415923106" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">One of my kids asked me the other day what the purpose of Halloween was. Every other holiday has a purpose right? At least that is what I try to teach my kids. Honestly, I didn't know how to answer her. Candy? Getting dressed up and parading down the street begging for treats? Getting scared? Umm, let me get back to you on that Sweetie.<br /><br />It's no secret that Halloween is one of my least favorite holidays. And I'm not talking about the sugar detox that we go through with our kids for about a month after said holiday. Or the ever-growing number of pumpkins we have to carve with our children each year. I wasn't always Mrs. Halloween Grinch. In fact, when I was a kid the day seemed magical. "So what you're telling me is that I get to dress up as anything I want, go house to house and they will give me candy? Seriously?"<br /><br />Something has happened in the last few years that has killed the innocence of the holiday. I walked into one of those seasonal Halloween stores the other day looking for a Jedi robe for my husband. Simple enough, right? Instead, as soon as I walked in, a heavy dark cloud circled around me and landed squarely on my shoulders and head, pushing me down, making me feel tense and downright gross. It was a store wall-to-wall in not just blood-covered knives and gore, but things that are disgustingly wrong. There were costumes touting the highest degree of sleaze I have ever seen. I'm not just talking about cleavage and garter belts. I can't even mention the sorts of pornographic costumes they have conjured for both men and women that throw anything sacred out the window and flaunt ALL for the world to see. The underlying message attached to each of these costumes (and there are several) was the worst part. I looked around at all the other un-shocked customers. Really? Is everyone else okay with this?<br /><br />And then there was the huge center display of gory zombie babies. Green, covered in blood, red shining eyes, gargling, wickedly cackling, chewing their own legs down to the bone babies. I looked at my own baby on my hip (about the same size as these creatures) and wondered why people have decided to make the purest form of a person into demons meant to kill. One of the employees pointed to one of the red demons and said to another employee, "I want this one so bad!" Huh.<br /><br />Who buys this filth? And yet, sadly, it sells. I left hell as fast as my legs could carry me, shielding my baby's eyes the entire way, feeling more lifted the farther I got from the place. And they didn't even carry a Jedi robe. Heavens no! That would be too good. Too right. Not evil enough.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Is this what Halloween has become? It seems like no matter where I go (Target, Walmart, etc.) the costumes for sale seems to push the envelope a little bit more each year. Just try finding a costume for a teenager that doesn't make her look like the downtown corner street hooker. In fact, I tried finding an Alice in Wonderland costume for my 9 year old this year--you wouldn't believe what raunchy Alice costumes retailers have conjured up! Isn't Alice supposed to be sweetly innocent?<br /><br />I think it is because of these sorts of retail trends, that Halloween has lost it's enjoyment for me. It's the "it's okay to be the sleaze you aren't able to be the other 354 days of the year" mentality that is being forced into our kids' minds. I say forced because these costumes hang in every store you walk into. I feel like the "purpose" of Halloween is being warped and I'm helpless to fight it.<br /><br />Yep. It's settled. If I had to choose to rid the world of only one holiday, it would be Halloween. Clearly. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">So c'mon people, let's bring back the fun, light-heartedness of Halloween! I know it's out there! It may be 6 ft under in some R-rated zombie-infested cemetery, but it's out there.</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-60063153405201073652011-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:002011-10-27T23:15:37.518-07:00I had a crummy day.<div style="text-align: center;">Not quite sure how to come down from a day like today.<br />Correction: I'm already down.<br />So how do I pull myself back up?<br />It was definitely one of those days where I didn't live up to the blog name,<br />as is too-often the case.<br /><br />It started without a shower.<br />Ended with tears and broken glass.<br />Add to that the prayer, "Please bless that Mom can get over her temper."<br />Yah, one of those days.<br />And lest you think I was screaming and throwing plates at my kids,<br />let me ease your mind, my friend--that's not what happened.<br />Broken glass came from one too-curious and regularly disobedient 1-year old<br />who likes to get into my casserole dish cabinet.<br />Yelling. . . well, that may have come from me.<br />Not at said baby.<br />No, mostly to the other four rambunctious disobeyers.<br />Tears? Those were mine too.<br />Some days I just don't feel like a great mom.<br />Todd has been out of the country all week.<br />I've been sick all week.<br />Not usually a great combination.<br />So I vent to cyberspace,<br />hoping for tension to deflate from the rocks that have formed on my back,<br />flow down my arms<br />and ooze out my fingertips as I write,<br />leaving me, hopefully, relaxed enough to be able to sleep tonight.<br />Because there has been very little of that going on this week.<br />And I need it oh so badly.<br /><br />How about rather than list the muck,<br />I'll mention the rays of sunlight that made my day bearable.<br /><br />One ray shone through the little girl named Jessica.<br />I helped her learn her 8s times tables.<br />She is new to Alli's class and is a bit behind the others.<br />I gave her a few pointers, hints<br />and in five minutes she had a more confident smile,<br />excitement to try them again<br />and again.<br />By the end, she gifted me with high fives.<br />Won't her teacher be surprised when she aces her 8s tomorrow?<br /><br />Another came through a friend<br />who brought me a bowl of hot roasted butternut squash soup<br />for no reason at all<br />not even knowing about my day.<br />Or did she see it all over my face?<br />Or unkempt hair?<br />Or smell my unbathed body?<br />Regardless, it was delicious<br />and I was grateful.<br /><br />Or in the <a href="http://www.thevintagemixer.com/2011/10/pumpkin-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookie.html">Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies</a><br />I made today.<br />Mmmmm.<br /><br />Or in the glowing emails from the moms of the playgroup kids I had at my house today.<br />Telling me how much their kids loved the Halloween party I had here.<br />Nice to know the frantic, thrown-together-last-minute activities<br />were a hit with those little munchkins.<br /><br />Or in the moment when, reading a goodnight book to my Ty,<br />his body melts down next to mine,<br />snuggling in close<br />more interested in the colors on the pages than the words I was speaking,<br />or in the sound of mom's voice than the storyline.<br /><br />Or in the simple lingering,<br />from a budding teenager (okay 11-year old who acts very much like one)<br />to be near me<br />after everyone has gone to bed,<br />for no reason whatsoever.<br />Though most times I anger<br />that she is past bedtime,<br />not keeping to our lights out rule,<br />tonight I felt perplexingly okay with her dawdling.<br /><br />Or discovering "Facetime" on iPods,<br />how it connects instantly faces of lovers, companions<br />who are worlds apart.<br />Competing in the Worlds Silliest Face contest<br />every single time we chat in this way.<br />Yah, that made me laugh today.<br />And I'm amazed at how just seeing him<br />calms my soul.<br /><br />So, whaddya say self?<br />Should we put away the ranting?<br />The thoughts of self-pity,<br />the "woe-is-me" attitude?<br />Because sunlight trumps clouds in my book anyday!<br /><br />See, I feel better already.<br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-12346971628389465912011-10-18T09:35:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:52:19.073-07:00Happy Birthday Baby Girl.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUQIgMCj6uA8-yz4I6bnzP0oZWjoV-cUN1alX9af9obVTrjIQjr3sgT8Oc4tYiAVYTeyJg1VuVqh_qAfzoE9M5tF61xRJy0sMARxeOAroIBY0YGjnyqHhN1bJ_oZ9SyY88dda5Ils4wQ/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_783.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUQIgMCj6uA8-yz4I6bnzP0oZWjoV-cUN1alX9af9obVTrjIQjr3sgT8Oc4tYiAVYTeyJg1VuVqh_qAfzoE9M5tF61xRJy0sMARxeOAroIBY0YGjnyqHhN1bJ_oZ9SyY88dda5Ils4wQ/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_783.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664872817748419234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I love this picture.<br />It epitomizes everything Alli is.<br />She has a giant heart<br />full of love for every person,<br />especially her family.<br />Today is her day.<br />She is 9.<br />Each year with her has been precious.<br />(In fact, I got weepy going through all these old photos of her!)<br />Why can't time slow?<br />Just a little?<br /><br />2002<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkErrk5ccj5PwxaI94QsAqZLKgrm_AMvizqu03_dLbOGwtH49lR-DHGYuvo3xCrbDuoTg7ilbkJ5nHWNOjYFvkb4hwSGT5ESC_sngPqa3nvvbBcdjG_bxmyjY3SZkQx2EwLOHGGGUMsdU/s1600/ally.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkErrk5ccj5PwxaI94QsAqZLKgrm_AMvizqu03_dLbOGwtH49lR-DHGYuvo3xCrbDuoTg7ilbkJ5nHWNOjYFvkb4hwSGT5ESC_sngPqa3nvvbBcdjG_bxmyjY3SZkQx2EwLOHGGGUMsdU/s400/ally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664888451837408754" border="0" /></a></span><br />2003<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3T_ECXkX72o6T8ISudZvDOZ-bx4cKGSaa6fFB_31mG3_gVvs5M6FmciYReuMC3h2Rgz83oKBhlyGhLaPF3aJ-VGBaCivc_uLm7oD6Gfy5UXma5rBe71x4XEE9dTu5ugJz531poOduIM/s1600/Alli+1st+b-day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3T_ECXkX72o6T8ISudZvDOZ-bx4cKGSaa6fFB_31mG3_gVvs5M6FmciYReuMC3h2Rgz83oKBhlyGhLaPF3aJ-VGBaCivc_uLm7oD6Gfy5UXma5rBe71x4XEE9dTu5ugJz531poOduIM/s400/Alli+1st+b-day.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664888454603277842" border="0" /></a></span></span></span><br />2004<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo_utZd4f5XUbl8g_H4kUx0S6mGKvE_-TodAYuQ9_uhSa5YM_8BfmcCJUMsiSuviSu10k-BgCj5OZDAyod7f1H9r6ze1gmrRHR6T9rDquxOcKA12EJbetz3PC_RQKM9ua1HgIo3g0wUc/s1600/car.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo_utZd4f5XUbl8g_H4kUx0S6mGKvE_-TodAYuQ9_uhSa5YM_8BfmcCJUMsiSuviSu10k-BgCj5OZDAyod7f1H9r6ze1gmrRHR6T9rDquxOcKA12EJbetz3PC_RQKM9ua1HgIo3g0wUc/s400/car.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664888460259015298" border="0" /></a></span></span><br />2005<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu9CYsHTj-bg331q-Sns3BUvHaXc7-J8Tf4Vo4JYCBGuePIV9DNE4DhKY1kJtFdU7sZpNk7eZfR40iZL7mCHwmONhXtMqjmCKES2mc3_nL1cl9d85L1jj52zBc2EGzBO7bMuZAnntoZo/s1600/Alli+3rd+B-day.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJu9CYsHTj-bg331q-Sns3BUvHaXc7-J8Tf4Vo4JYCBGuePIV9DNE4DhKY1kJtFdU7sZpNk7eZfR40iZL7mCHwmONhXtMqjmCKES2mc3_nL1cl9d85L1jj52zBc2EGzBO7bMuZAnntoZo/s400/Alli+3rd+B-day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664889741096236434" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />2006<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nPT5Xk2aM1fn8ZrEw1WoZdt35pFQFLXDzQyhEVqCgd3NBipDmh4BiIEwln-MCuxPuPkq_Pfqm5AIVPS3kxDK2Kg3dXk6-E_AgtayI6eU-m2dkAl50hnbPXXXO5XLMdRzlo-4k5JCqdY/s1600/STA71176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nPT5Xk2aM1fn8ZrEw1WoZdt35pFQFLXDzQyhEVqCgd3NBipDmh4BiIEwln-MCuxPuPkq_Pfqm5AIVPS3kxDK2Kg3dXk6-E_AgtayI6eU-m2dkAl50hnbPXXXO5XLMdRzlo-4k5JCqdY/s400/STA71176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664889744374565234" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />2007<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvE3_NMSkAUioICOICHYgp_c2pyLCDvJUmBFlgLTEXlKVeh-Y1bajFAWt70lrQMFXzJRKV-ToJToNHU94qyE69Hk9oz5hTgGXpOrqgdfB0fdkh20O0luu7BvfUY3o9U-TOc-sfYJr6H0/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvE3_NMSkAUioICOICHYgp_c2pyLCDvJUmBFlgLTEXlKVeh-Y1bajFAWt70lrQMFXzJRKV-ToJToNHU94qyE69Hk9oz5hTgGXpOrqgdfB0fdkh20O0luu7BvfUY3o9U-TOc-sfYJr6H0/s400/DSC_0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664889747730910338" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />2008 (rock climbing party this year)<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxor_xHSYNilsLfc1xz0Umsvy8v8aNJJIJYai3z0lkTN84iWqgAqGGY_86y3xJYsFyByI9u1J24Qphnk6-5aMcpkm_6PWuz4Harz8sDW05y3-6abCjPQVhMZQyzYSdu8JMLZ3fidoLIg/s1600/DSC_2606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxor_xHSYNilsLfc1xz0Umsvy8v8aNJJIJYai3z0lkTN84iWqgAqGGY_86y3xJYsFyByI9u1J24Qphnk6-5aMcpkm_6PWuz4Harz8sDW05y3-6abCjPQVhMZQyzYSdu8JMLZ3fidoLIg/s400/DSC_2606.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664897237981756882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi3JSXr8DPMPKgE6AAcjGqWUAYNUe26-iFJnTYq4-piPXjoQfdf9kb_r0Tzj_teUh5edOzJ7TH9zw546Ae6ZYdRuhJwx2lDEUe-Lka5qSh1Wb4aoSW4lZSaGkewh-0FLWdpmvq-NHee4/s1600/DSC_2462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCi3JSXr8DPMPKgE6AAcjGqWUAYNUe26-iFJnTYq4-piPXjoQfdf9kb_r0Tzj_teUh5edOzJ7TH9zw546Ae6ZYdRuhJwx2lDEUe-Lka5qSh1Wb4aoSW4lZSaGkewh-0FLWdpmvq-NHee4/s400/DSC_2462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664897234860211042" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />2009<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseICvdJMtAbEyLFY6ndjOv05wwOHfXrmAVDiWKGxHYroPieR5kztQLnRf3QO71mwhSzUoy9oNqYb-0UiknApSBIUtjrEBzF0l92m96n7Fe5xRQ_611tQnnkm5dmr3H-11oNFtvAaZcbM/s1600/DSC_7323.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseICvdJMtAbEyLFY6ndjOv05wwOHfXrmAVDiWKGxHYroPieR5kztQLnRf3QO71mwhSzUoy9oNqYb-0UiknApSBIUtjrEBzF0l92m96n7Fe5xRQ_611tQnnkm5dmr3H-11oNFtvAaZcbM/s400/DSC_7323.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664901437790541618" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />2010<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PwARgT3aoU9NPeTIM-QqAgblyMP8_1EtTx0W8WhrA8nlhZ3GhBxfI4B2oI7VLuQbwg1DYoqVK1-WOvT4R5fqvnAevmh0XvkJrqhJcv3WRTNL6bPwUxaXjHk06TyVPF1b7VCEM7yZB4g/s1600/1011_Alli%2527s+baptism_015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PwARgT3aoU9NPeTIM-QqAgblyMP8_1EtTx0W8WhrA8nlhZ3GhBxfI4B2oI7VLuQbwg1DYoqVK1-WOvT4R5fqvnAevmh0XvkJrqhJcv3WRTNL6bPwUxaXjHk06TyVPF1b7VCEM7yZB4g/s400/1011_Alli%2527s+baptism_015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664901442084859794" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />Today<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06TmbFhyphenhyphen7sPpZLnp0GOaGWuC1_y2W9Ew-7H5GyLKee5Mo4IoPIF2_QXBndOoThRzfiQWvD_uSE0iM4NDQQ4eNERG3ak2qCR_Eus58JGz5sb0VdDaT24hmYip7QAq3ZzR0jFnZ_eNuuM4/s1600/DSC_7009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06TmbFhyphenhyphen7sPpZLnp0GOaGWuC1_y2W9Ew-7H5GyLKee5Mo4IoPIF2_QXBndOoThRzfiQWvD_uSE0iM4NDQQ4eNERG3ak2qCR_Eus58JGz5sb0VdDaT24hmYip7QAq3ZzR0jFnZ_eNuuM4/s400/DSC_7009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905858442790850" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />Happy Birthday Little Bug. We love you.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nUZCYkLPm6RBtmYjyyostuLjouhkdXKiN8cmNMOhbk9xiefsVZAzmp5OZwytcDmauUsuedHeQ3qXjFQ9U-6Z6GIhLJ9qK4260F7Gr8J67ykDU9RPopoV7C3rrngSjKbbefQDlNP0K1Q/s1600/1010_Family+Pictures+2010_045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nUZCYkLPm6RBtmYjyyostuLjouhkdXKiN8cmNMOhbk9xiefsVZAzmp5OZwytcDmauUsuedHeQ3qXjFQ9U-6Z6GIhLJ9qK4260F7Gr8J67ykDU9RPopoV7C3rrngSjKbbefQDlNP0K1Q/s400/1010_Family+Pictures+2010_045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664905865783234242" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-74248849252613061002011-10-17T08:43:00.000-07:002011-10-17T08:53:29.200-07:00Money Matters Monday--Peanut Butter Shortage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihLgcY-BP-dIC7Tw67jNJvkHWosXe6dnN6GbXBYCvdIOs9xubfOK9cI4jIJsENr0H416ExY0U-OmmslhYhOAY6f7lQm-1Q85eY6MfhAxjT_JC9Q-hFRI_-IdO3zknCpsGkCWn5PCvV8/s1600/peanut-butter.ju.top.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKihLgcY-BP-dIC7Tw67jNJvkHWosXe6dnN6GbXBYCvdIOs9xubfOK9cI4jIJsENr0H416ExY0U-OmmslhYhOAY6f7lQm-1Q85eY6MfhAxjT_JC9Q-hFRI_-IdO3zknCpsGkCWn5PCvV8/s400/peanut-butter.ju.top.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664489387975344418" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/14/markets/peanut_butter_prices/index.htm?hpt=hp_t2">CNN recently reported </a>that the cost of peanut butter is about to sky rocket. Supply is down, but demand is still up, and we all know from elementary school what is bound to happen. Planters is reporting a suspected increase of 40% by the end of the month!!! I know, just what we all need--another increase amidst a financial recession. If you like peanut butter, or have lots of school lunches to make like me, then it's time to stock up on your supply. Like this week if possible. I didn't know about this report, but feel lucky to have stocked up on the recent .88 cent/bottle of peanut butter at Buy Low. I have also seen them that low at Maceys recently, so check your local super market.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-72581345143033941512011-10-07T11:15:00.001-07:002011-10-07T11:16:22.914-07:00Funny Friday<div style="text-align: center;">My brother sent this to me and it seriously cracks me up! We did this sort of surprise for our kids once. I might just have to dig it out and post it for next week. Happy Friday!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OOpOhlGiRTM" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-26508479332273612922011-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:002011-10-06T11:46:31.870-07:00I have a new obsession.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For someone who doesn't watch tv, like EVER, this is huge. I knew I had to watch The Sing-Off this season when some friends tipped me off to who is on this season. I caught up on Hulu. You should too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Amy Whitcomb went to BYU and is a good friend of my neighbor. Dang, that girl can sing! This performance was amazing.</span><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M6YlmEVyGrE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">And, of course, BYU's very own Vocal Point. Extremely talented. Extremely entertaining. I'll be sad to have either one of these groups leave the competition.<br />I just love watching them so much!</span><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BAIwMya1Fk8" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-23855523880090516832011-10-05T19:29:00.000-07:002011-10-05T19:38:31.640-07:00October 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWNkLxeg-htYt082npwCLPTU-Fh8Z-Vjpmr9NHpvV9KsGIynzycVLB0Ao7UFuVX1The48Kqp42KP_ojjX8ubW7xrm5SIshCV4Y8tjNCRO6zrE2UL5xSOz-NZcQVgiPBrkuKi2hX6vyVg/s1600/Dustin0019.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWNkLxeg-htYt082npwCLPTU-Fh8Z-Vjpmr9NHpvV9KsGIynzycVLB0Ao7UFuVX1The48Kqp42KP_ojjX8ubW7xrm5SIshCV4Y8tjNCRO6zrE2UL5xSOz-NZcQVgiPBrkuKi2hX6vyVg/s400/Dustin0019.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660202135368534706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">28 years ago,<br />and today I shared a story about you with your grand-kids.<br />Love you Dad.<br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-62354679621068914192011-10-03T09:21:00.000-07:002011-10-03T09:47:18.377-07:00This is what our Conference weekend looks like<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxs_hH3ce2t0xJjuEZz3yxwP-I1D_aWHBOgXFPqH8gZ5J_RBJX2cBXjrjajbf3pgo14BsFkok85dsEt-66O9qZ1qWdnz35I3OYAWtiedyArnjk10tVtbpeg-gaVKnmIteKnMhLBKLVQU/s1600/P1050913.JPG"><img 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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I love <a href="http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/61504/181st-Semiannual-General-Conference--Church-News-coverage.html">General Conference.</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is like a warm, safe blanket for me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It always ends far too quickly and I leave feeling full, yet still wanting more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One word: powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It just was.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Through inspiring words from the church leaders, I'm realizing now more than ever the weighty responsibility that is on my shoulders (and Todd's) to raise our kids to have their own testimonies of our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not to rely on ours, but even at their young ages, to stand firm with their own.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In our world of technology and change, they have to!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is so surprisingly beautiful to me is to already see their seeds of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Andrew has been so excited for conference this entire week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He kept counting down the days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The kids love it partly because of the huge brunch we have, and we can stay in our pjs until noon, but Andrew also drew a picture early on in the week about it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So many great and exciting things happening in the church and I'm anxious to see how it affects missionary work.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We not only have a spiritual feast, but a temporal feast as well. Here was our menu for Sunday morning brunch:</p>Hearty Egg Casserole<br />Breakfast Banana Splits<br />Cottage Cheese Muffins<br />Three Berry Kuchen w/ whip cream<br />Apple Juice<br />Milk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkBnb3FFjdqxpyTJB-7PePiODl7mkKZVlH3eUE-H4dIffsPqDxbLezVDUybfdb-PaLu_cJjKYd3CuliMpjayAnv4Lt3TfR_hmIc-yadwnBWEcBWNdOPyotasXbSBeswYyUn6lnBuCVHI/s1600/P1050907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkBnb3FFjdqxpyTJB-7PePiODl7mkKZVlH3eUE-H4dIffsPqDxbLezVDUybfdb-PaLu_cJjKYd3CuliMpjayAnv4Lt3TfR_hmIc-yadwnBWEcBWNdOPyotasXbSBeswYyUn6lnBuCVHI/s400/P1050907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659305919413655714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was all yummy!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-25130088803725628212011-10-02T19:26:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:48:14.389-07:00Do you want my autograph?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw9U-ItvGbTrLCula1uJEuAgb3vu9MY-LsPaqGZJlib9yVh3aFsFKPojTdrZubkIBaUaRv7pSx-zFAhn9SQmoWd_ddVT5T9uvdAG_9Bk-lcakXaJFU8KeDoHpW9fG4KrGHJqXfolx_-k/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw9U-ItvGbTrLCula1uJEuAgb3vu9MY-LsPaqGZJlib9yVh3aFsFKPojTdrZubkIBaUaRv7pSx-zFAhn9SQmoWd_ddVT5T9uvdAG_9Bk-lcakXaJFU8KeDoHpW9fG4KrGHJqXfolx_-k/s400/IMG_0196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659103039178341010" border="0" /></a><br />This week was crazy insane. I finished out my financial makeover year with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Imagine and Happier You</i> with two newspaper articles, three television appearances, countless interviews and an onstage appearance at the Smart Women, Smart Money conference. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was great to attend, but made for a very tiring day Wednesday. At the conference, the DMC committee presented me with a Lion House basket of goodies, a $50 scholarship starter kit for each one of my kids for Utah Education Savings Plan and, my personal favorite, a $1000 check.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I feel blessed to have been part of this amazing journey and where it has led our family, but I'd be Melly Mendacity if I said I've loved the media attention.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, I'm glad it's over mostly for that reason.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I haven't loved being in the public eye for the past year. Why couldn't my Dad have passed on his cool camera collectiveness to me?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was so nice to have my mom-in-law, Jana, Nicole, Curtis, Todd and my girls at the conference for support.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/52652969-79/women-bank-smart-conference.html.csp">Geena Davis</a> spoke and it was interesting to hear her Hollywood perspectives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Her platform?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>More female equality in media for young kids.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hmmm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She's an Olympian in archery and even had twins at 48!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That's a far cry from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Beetlejuice</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was also intriguing to note that although a beautiful model and actor, she has struggled with her own self-image. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Crazy what the world does to us all, isn't it?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Many of you have asked for links to stories and such, so I thought I'd post them here for you.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700182402/Regaining-control-2-Imagine-a-Happier-You-campaign-helps-3-women.html">Deseret News Article (been told there's another, but can't find it)<br /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1105&sid=17433635">Morning Show on KSL</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=17442165">Nightly news report of conference</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.curtismorley.net/2011/09/28/smart-women-smart-money-melody-hillam/">Curtis' take </a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Here's a few pics from Todd's view:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPTxhzsGYAZyMkm76mcxfFbe3BB8xz5dr2bnjfT8eBC5PX6KebEhKRSDGeBqZdkwV1yhjgVLNAWzIocKKHrQYg3B0U4-yI0YdlvdfAcMyiTOJIzQ4EXUfEB80cGaN1T9mlfuTKGYhzpc/s1600/DSC_6810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPTxhzsGYAZyMkm76mcxfFbe3BB8xz5dr2bnjfT8eBC5PX6KebEhKRSDGeBqZdkwV1yhjgVLNAWzIocKKHrQYg3B0U4-yI0YdlvdfAcMyiTOJIzQ4EXUfEB80cGaN1T9mlfuTKGYhzpc/s400/DSC_6810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659104826244305586" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amandadickson.com/">Amanda Dickson</a> is one FUNNY lady!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKbWaesinL1AwofcrgEPTHYt3BNQmX12hMgMJuerTwdBg6nrQjLAboXgKZkcRcFDs5eBglJ0JS96nsG_WgeKRXpCgM-AU8IMdmnrzpiEDBJTTCiE0tcZHRN3iQVQ9O5s9WSxrKS0LCb8/s1600/DSC_6816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKbWaesinL1AwofcrgEPTHYt3BNQmX12hMgMJuerTwdBg6nrQjLAboXgKZkcRcFDs5eBglJ0JS96nsG_WgeKRXpCgM-AU8IMdmnrzpiEDBJTTCiE0tcZHRN3iQVQ9O5s9WSxrKS0LCb8/s400/DSC_6816.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659104831705728162" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Cristie Richards (my mentor over the past year) is letting me in on the $1000 news that sits in my hot, sweaty little hand. She says, "Don't spend it all in one place!" She should know better--it's going right to savings!</p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWXZ9xCA0cjCDnyOrkNqBYb6espsSxlDLOGFcrSIniiHVheA1_oWoMbCvyF37UJl6t3RdX8K7iDtQnPycsNzfRYFDH32jj64ZGJsrFxfF2X02jKlpLoJNb8Pcd0wBdnaLtfJ8qAM_7hE/s1600/DSC_6819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWXZ9xCA0cjCDnyOrkNqBYb6espsSxlDLOGFcrSIniiHVheA1_oWoMbCvyF37UJl6t3RdX8K7iDtQnPycsNzfRYFDH32jj64ZGJsrFxfF2X02jKlpLoJNb8Pcd0wBdnaLtfJ8qAM_7hE/s400/DSC_6819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659106261490220162" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Us with all our goodies. They had Kendra bring up a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. Can you tell she didn't want to be up there?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfPA9avZd_HxkLEE40Zqw0Ewb6ILHfVEKT4EMzj56unlIE7lKKmpTWHT9AmxAznCvIuvuUlfeNchfs2NT6CR3tgWkqEPjsbZ7wT6nkLL5jTTo7WMgTwN35KUq9vvfjbwCzL8rKGwC79g/s1600/DSC_6828.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfPA9avZd_HxkLEE40Zqw0Ewb6ILHfVEKT4EMzj56unlIE7lKKmpTWHT9AmxAznCvIuvuUlfeNchfs2NT6CR3tgWkqEPjsbZ7wT6nkLL5jTTo7WMgTwN35KUq9vvfjbwCzL8rKGwC79g/s400/DSC_6828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659106267043724722" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Geena Davis speaking on women representation equality. Surprisingly, she had a deep voice, but was quite witty and fun.<br /></p>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-25917358910112094152011-09-26T14:53:00.000-07:002011-09-26T15:02:29.550-07:00Money Matters Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHyug_-QpTZkgI7URSsaBObSoR75RcgXIPmX5MSrHpFLw7EwPqyTv4v4y214PYNn_Y4dv0V_Gn84x7zB_adbzNjHZmCnpBNCcNcXzA3Ir3h6XwFClCyGcvJsaqsikbH6s5qIrRjtk8GM/s1600/starting+blocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHyug_-QpTZkgI7URSsaBObSoR75RcgXIPmX5MSrHpFLw7EwPqyTv4v4y214PYNn_Y4dv0V_Gn84x7zB_adbzNjHZmCnpBNCcNcXzA3Ir3h6XwFClCyGcvJsaqsikbH6s5qIrRjtk8GM/s400/starting+blocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656792061316545522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So here I am at the end of my journey. Or is it?<br /><br />The fact of the matter is, I did win a financial makeover a year ago and have been heavily<br />involved in a financial overhaul ever since, yet I still feel like my feet are tucked firmly into the starting blocks at the beginning of a race. It is a race that I have started several times in my life. I have pushed off of those same blocks before, but never got to full speed and certainly never came close to finishing. In fact, more often than not, I tripped, fell and got completely trampled by others who, like me, were running this financial race of life. Some fell alongside me and still others ran on ahead, strong and confident. And they run on. Grumpily, I'd sit up, scratch my head and ask, "How do they do it"?<br /><br />I was tired of falling, being munched into the asphalt, losing hope that I would ever be strong<br />enough to rise and finish the race. So, I asked for help. In turn, I was given the amazing opportunity for a financial makeover through Imagine a Happier You, and subsequently, I was given a coach. Her name is Cristie Richards. My coach adequately gave me the training and the tools that I needed to not only finish this race, but win it!<br /><br />Cristie's coaching tools included, but were not limited to, tracking my finances, making a<br />working budget, using a cash-only envelope system and saving like crazy. These are the tangible tools, yet there is one tool that she consistently encouraged me to use, though it was not something she could easily give me. The tool? Discipline. She couldn't be the imaginary angel on my shoulder every minute, telling me what to buy or not to buy. Discipline is something I had to practice on my own.<br /><br />Sometimes there will be hurdles thrown in my path. They will come in the form of having a sick<br />child being life-lighted to Primary Children's Hospital for six days or a washing machine breaking down or car repair; really, the list is limitless. Now, however, I am armed with the tools necessary to hopefully sail over those hurdles, prepped for the future.<br /><br />That doesn't mean I won't fall. In fact, here I am after a full year of coaching, still struggling every day to make sure the budget is balanced, that we have enough money for violin lessons and that darn watermelon we were asked to bring to the next family BBQ. My money problems haven't magically disappeared over the course of the year. I am still trying to grab hold of our slippery budget. Slippery because as kids grow and needs arise, it is ever changing. I haven't mastered it yet. What I have mastered is the discipline. And that has made all the difference.<br /><br />Money is one of those things that if you don't master it, it will indefinitely master you. I want to<br />send a call out to anyone who has ever struggled to stay above water, financially. The call is one of encouragement, from someone who knows and has been there, and is many senses, is still there. Don't give up! Don't be the one who stumbles and refuses to pick herself back up, laying motionless, waiting for someone to rescue you by saying you've won the next Publisher's Clearing House. Realize that there is strength still left in your legs, then rise up, pat the dust off your pant legs and walk back to those starting blocks. Discouraging? You bet! Hopeless? Not on your life!<br /><br />The starting blocks are put in place and it is time to take my position. My coach gathers her<br />things, wishes me luck and heads for the exit. My mind is focused, my muscles conditioned. Fear has been replaced with confidence. It is time to do this on my own. And I can. This race will not have a finish line. In fact, I plan on running every day that I have breath. I hope that with more practice, I will gain momentum, feeling comfortable in my stride and perhaps enjoying a few lovely vistas along the way. Won't you join me? After all, I could use a few running partners.<br /><br />On your mark . . .Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-70919245860532637902011-09-25T21:21:00.000-07:002011-09-25T21:40:15.790-07:00Realizations from my week<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Realization #1</span>: After shopping for jeans, I realized that there are two types of people in this world--those who can wear skinny jeans and those who can't. Though I am perfectly content with my body weight, I happen to fall in the latter category. And I'm okay with that. This Moody Booty doesn't do tighty-tight.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Realization #2</span>: I will never be calm and collective with a news crew shoving a camera in my face. My brain goes to mush and my mouth seizes up. Ugh. On Tuesday I had to go to KSL studios to be interviewed, wrapping up my year with Imagine a Happier You. It will be shown at Wednesday's Smart Women, Smart Money Conference.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Realization #3</span>: Our Colby is destined to be a pro-golfer. If he doesn't want to eat his dinner, he will ask, "If I eat this, will it help me hit the golf ball really far?" If we say yes, he will eat. This week he was putting together a puzzle of the U.S. A few minutes later he said, "Mom, I want to go to Panama. Because there is golfing in Panama. So, can I go there someday?" How about we start at the Cedar Hills Golf Course?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />Realization #4</span>: Perhaps I talk on the phone too much? (See Andrew's drawing) The picture depicts the incident according to Andrew. After standing on the table, Ty fell off. Apparently I was obliviously on the phone in the office.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhXUNGhyIrgl1GoydVyHtJWMPC6gAlGcM3SOt0QueIZga5LNihnxN53QqMhOHbYmur_ixbR7oGhijASohBDyKaS8R5qRh6Dic4voMZzqOcdkm1hXBwutDHPu5U-JSGmUwQh90_dw_H2A/s1600/P1050899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhXUNGhyIrgl1GoydVyHtJWMPC6gAlGcM3SOt0QueIZga5LNihnxN53QqMhOHbYmur_ixbR7oGhijASohBDyKaS8R5qRh6Dic4voMZzqOcdkm1hXBwutDHPu5U-JSGmUwQh90_dw_H2A/s400/P1050899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656522156747403314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Realization #5</span></span>: Organic apples really do taste better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Realization #6</span>: No matter how tall or old Kendra gets, I still want to baby her when she gets sick. She had a headache for a few days (sure hope she doesn't inherit my migraines!) and a fever last night. She was the last thought of my night and the first thought this morning. She woke up feeling much better. Side note: While walking down the streets in CA this summer, often I'd be pleasantly surprised when she'd slip her hand in mine and, unembarrassed, walk hand-in-hand with me for several minutes. I know moments like that are fleeting as she gets older, but I'll take them whenever they arise.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Realization #7</span>: I like mountain biking! I tried this for the first time this week with some friends. After falling end-over-end down a hill onto some rocks, and taking home some gnarly scrapes and bruises, I think I shall do this again and soon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWgYO_tyEe-7RekXvVWH2hUwJHHYZmfGDSk4X8BRpKVyPkUpCkWZUBpVxXCq9pBIl4eIcya6F4UOoz32EiX3lLoILqQt3twakM54067j4ilJEd7cq1vES3qlTK13Udx-fibt38109WkA/s1600/P1050898.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWgYO_tyEe-7RekXvVWH2hUwJHHYZmfGDSk4X8BRpKVyPkUpCkWZUBpVxXCq9pBIl4eIcya6F4UOoz32EiX3lLoILqQt3twakM54067j4ilJEd7cq1vES3qlTK13Udx-fibt38109WkA/s400/P1050898.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656522153753977778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Realization #8</span>: After taking 3 kids to the BYU football game, Todd realized that the kids go with him for one reason and one reason only: treats. Oh, and he also realized once again that BYU offense stinks.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkD_SgKtxMORKtQ_sQGc0JetDpxVabFDo-8TF_YKVyoomBcoQL2SDRbUibCt5RrmSYNz9w-t-feC8tEkg1GqcXqdrpxmtSP4_U1em8JSRs76cfHkrtNyxso2U8IP8rGW8kzz2zCy83jc/s1600/P1050900.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkD_SgKtxMORKtQ_sQGc0JetDpxVabFDo-8TF_YKVyoomBcoQL2SDRbUibCt5RrmSYNz9w-t-feC8tEkg1GqcXqdrpxmtSP4_U1em8JSRs76cfHkrtNyxso2U8IP8rGW8kzz2zCy83jc/s400/P1050900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656522160237635090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Realization #9</span>: I am ever-amazed at the goodness of people. After an overwhelming response to our fund-raising neighborhood yard sale, we raised $10,300! (Back story: When planned long ago in ward counsel, one of the members of the bishopric, by inspiration, gave this $10,000 goal. Everyone else laughed. It was amazing to see just how close to the mark we came--not a coincidence in my opinion. Amazing also how Father works and speaks to men. After this report in sacrament today, there were many wet eyes.) Being on the committee and in charge of the bake sale, I watched as people contributed hundreds of homemade chocolates, cookies, breads, pies, muffins, you name it. I loved seeing into the hearts of these great people around me. It was a magical moment where they were completely connecting to the God-like qualities given them at birth, the elements of the soul that need to be exposed more often. And I'm committed to trying to get in touch with that divine part of myself more frequently.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KblxC_euuSD3zrASmQzSPQG5cyratgu6coNh-Ml9pyPWD3K60OifO4OM0acInpq4AtYD3lBCmvIkq3wbfCFIfXAwvv0CtwFdXAS-PiUTKLDgF16AGJNfyfSrj096wYkvl-aQzMriXT4/s1600/yard+sale.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KblxC_euuSD3zrASmQzSPQG5cyratgu6coNh-Ml9pyPWD3K60OifO4OM0acInpq4AtYD3lBCmvIkq3wbfCFIfXAwvv0CtwFdXAS-PiUTKLDgF16AGJNfyfSrj096wYkvl-aQzMriXT4/s400/yard+sale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656522380535017634" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">(I totally stole this picture from a neighbor's FB post--thanks Bro. Lawrence! This pic only shows about a third of what was there. It was an amazing sight to see for sure!)</span><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-81097735607313278842011-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:002011-09-23T14:28:52.134-07:00Goodbye Summer<div style="text-align: center;">What better way to celebrate Fall than to remember our summer?<br />This is long overdue, but it is what it is.<br />This summer we went to southern CA, staying mostly in Oceanside.<br />I tried to narrow our pictures down<br />ended up with over 300.<br />So this video pretty much flies through 300 pictures.<br />But we just can't stop watching it.<br />At least you get a glimpse of the fun we had.<br />And it was.<br />In fact, we want to go back.<br />Very, very soon.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29500130?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/29500130">Summer 2011</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8599115">Melody Hillam</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-44698596000323177002011-09-16T13:40:00.000-07:002011-09-16T13:53:49.322-07:00And the tension builds. . . .<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Who's as excited as I am to watch this tomorrow?<br />Should be a great game<br />as usual.<br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oaa-vDV8U8U" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Go Cougars!!!</span><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UPGRZ27YLng" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-64410042981181991822011-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:002011-09-06T21:05:24.630-07:00Whew! What a Weekend!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->Last Thursday Todd and I took the girls to the Broadway Mary Poppins at the Capitol Theater. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sitting about 8 rows back, this was the closest we had ever been at a show and to me it made a difference!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It easily moved to the top of my list of favorite plays.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bert was straight from playing Bert in NYC and the voices on every single actor was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VNGIQ51aiw">"Step in Time</a>" was my favorite scene.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There was as much magic as the movie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wish I could see it again before it leaves SLC!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hq0rfedDrylHH9AM0EkXUHr54NhBD-KOFznBd-fClmQuRdrKFSZaBkXGXXew3o6pR8qJCEmuKrkyChtuxmKwHXO00mK9zLp64LQQ6Km4koWveldMsAweAb0Ep1uqDf2WV3494Iotcbw/s1600/P1050832.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Hq0rfedDrylHH9AM0EkXUHr54NhBD-KOFznBd-fClmQuRdrKFSZaBkXGXXew3o6pR8qJCEmuKrkyChtuxmKwHXO00mK9zLp64LQQ6Km4koWveldMsAweAb0Ep1uqDf2WV3494Iotcbw/s400/P1050832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649406845658442546" border="0" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>This weekend was our annual weekend girls' getaway to Midway and Swiss Days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We stayed at a friend's cabin front-door welcome late Friday afternoon by a nest of mice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ack!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone, aside from animal-living Kilee, about flew through the roof.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Okay not everyone--mostly me and Nicole.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone else stayed quite calm.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We made Kilee catch the four baby mice, who looked like they had been poisoned and were on their way out of this life anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She got them in a paper cup and pulled an older brother prank by chasing bladder-filled Nicole around with them (see picture).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pf0iU1yXyoF0HbaaELCHnA92JeBA3KoQ-v1qxx_L6YHxiJbVfIDVQLWKkUYH66vHAOVUoTtnDEoEJjNRhWQABWKAvFUrFA1yJtMX4qc_2sfpzMETDfaaEg7ZTakrD82AjOFWq-8cvJM/s1600/P1050843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pf0iU1yXyoF0HbaaELCHnA92JeBA3KoQ-v1qxx_L6YHxiJbVfIDVQLWKkUYH66vHAOVUoTtnDEoEJjNRhWQABWKAvFUrFA1yJtMX4qc_2sfpzMETDfaaEg7ZTakrD82AjOFWq-8cvJM/s400/P1050843.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649453805577976818" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>After putting our bags in the cabin and throwing away another bloated dead mouse, we headed to Park City where we rode the newer Alpine Slide at the Olympic Oval. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a lot of fun, though I wish it would have gone faster!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I even saw a deer standing near the track.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After our adventure, we headed to Flying Sumo where we stuffed ourselves silly with sushi (so yummy!).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After dinner, we went to Whole Foods (I love this store) where we shopped around for a long while and tried to find Nicole some late-night, low-carb protein (she settled on cheese sticks and we teased her about the possibility of mice being attracted to her open sleeping mouth). <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We even Googled mice-repellant and bought some peppermint oil. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We stopped at The Store in town to pick up a flashlight and still more <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZP0IT4FodSO4g2GYREIgXbsUlctcnUtMegOTvLmHQAQoMVJOqqZRg-KkjMpO51e27edppLj5dPENMjvWaVPfTqgGqKCoas4QtcIdyMZs4CWuxWoDRHmARNZiqYK14KU5Dm9F-j-hhos/s1600/P1050855.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZP0IT4FodSO4g2GYREIgXbsUlctcnUtMegOTvLmHQAQoMVJOqqZRg-KkjMpO51e27edppLj5dPENMjvWaVPfTqgGqKCoas4QtcIdyMZs4CWuxWoDRHmARNZiqYK14KU5Dm9F-j-hhos/s320/P1050855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649456898496764978" border="0" /></a>mice repe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7arGrUovZU8kPpL4cfShDiyRb-_uAm0ZXzc1BpN7cMQW9tKk1nu2RRy80VmugUhy1UuLD0AuyWl8U8L3R_s-sgwSBevk4oTvdr7apDP9_PeR7MNQjtmayW5IMaiJWZSmFV_EGwYLuKM/s1600/P1050853.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7arGrUovZU8kPpL4cfShDiyRb-_uAm0ZXzc1BpN7cMQW9tKk1nu2RRy80VmugUhy1UuLD0AuyWl8U8L3R_s-sgwSBevk4oTvdr7apDP9_PeR7MNQjtmayW5IMaiJWZSmFV_EGwYLuKM/s320/P1050853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649454896670501650" border="0" /></a>llant.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The cabin was old, but beautiful and on some beautiful property.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> When we drove up, we noticed i</span>t was very, very dark.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since Mom had bought the half-working flashlight, we felt like we would be able to find our way in okay.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Upon arrival, we noticed the sliding glass door curtain was wide open and a light inside was on (neither which we had remembered leaving that way).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kilee and I thought we heard something in the bushes, so we grabbed the flashlight, while others were gathering things from the car, and noticed that it was only some bugs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Immediately after we shined the flashlight toward the cabin, the light inside turned off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We made everyone jump back in the car and explained what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty soon we were all convinced that someone was in the house and had turned the light out when he heard us arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I called the owners to see if they had a sensor light that may have been tripped by a mouse (they didn't) while Kilee called the police.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Since we didn't know the address, we waited for a unit to meet us at a gas station and then he followed us out to the cabin.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Upon arrival, Kilee and I explained to Officer Ray further what had happened and after seeing how dark the property was, he seemed a little freaked out and called for backup.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Two additional units came, one a K-9.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We stayed in our car, literally shivering with fear, while the three men headed to the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I'm not sure who it was who suggested we pray, but we needed the Lord's comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As Mom was praying, we heard a lot of yelling from the policemen and the dog barking like crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our hearts stopped and Kilee unrolled the window (whilst Mom is still praying) and we heard him yell, "STAND DOWN, STAND DOWN!!!" followed by more crazy barking. This sealed it; surely they had found someone inside.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But after we saw the officers calmly checking the outside property, we realized it must have been protocol upon entering a property.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After a few minutes, they came back and explained to the 5 wide-eyed, white-with-fear women that the property was clear, bags had been untouched and there was no sign of forced entry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just as they were explaining this, Mom gave a fearful gasp (you know the one), and pointing back at the house said, "The light upstairs just came on! Why did the light come on?"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think at this point that the three men were thoroughly convinced we were all crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One chuckled and said, "Maybe it was ghosts?!" but then they all reluctantly offered to go back in and check a second time, since the first time apparently wasn't good enough.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We started to feel a bit sheepish and headed to the cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The officers discovered that the upstairs light had only one old florescent bulb, which seemed to dim and brighten randomly, thus the on and off of lights.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After they declined our offer for a slice Kilee's homemade peach pie, and after we apologized, the officers left.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One even said this was a better call than the one they had come from (a drunk man beating up his wife) because it got them out of more paperwork.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Way too much excitement for one night.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>As the adrenaline levels came down, we ate peach pie, played games, watched for scurrying mice and laughed at ourselves. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ironically, Mom had brought a copy of an article for each of us entitled "Confessions of a Recovering Worrywart" so we read that together.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone else seemed to sleep on the five mattresses in the loft just fine (Lacey's snoring and Kilee's and Mom's talking in their sleep is proof) but I didn't.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the morning after Lacey had gone downstairs to the bathroom, she whispered to Mom, "I found another mouse."<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You should have seen how quickly the rest of the "sleeping" room shot up to the sitting position, quizzically listening for details.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was only after we were up for the morning that Kilee was able to shoo it out of an open door (thanks Ki! You're our hero!).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had scrambled eggs and green smoothies for breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was delicious.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>We found a great little thrift store in Heber and spent some time there.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then we went to Swiss Days where we shopped. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At lunchtime, I once again sat watching everyone else eat their brats and sauerkraut (eww).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We really had a great time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One with many, many laughs and lasting memories.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thanks ladies!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W9u0qAyrBQ8cV3MdkJRO5uIAx6OQnqIPaYy1ve0FB6riQ1oJ0eJf78PLfVxL7l00mYrIstCbBD4jQ32zvNf91E58FCeQ0NDoQ2uKjNQpjjVLWiVaYxPdw1IXfN4TfkqGC0GLpg96FXQ/s1600/P1050863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W9u0qAyrBQ8cV3MdkJRO5uIAx6OQnqIPaYy1ve0FB6riQ1oJ0eJf78PLfVxL7l00mYrIstCbBD4jQ32zvNf91E58FCeQ0NDoQ2uKjNQpjjVLWiVaYxPdw1IXfN4TfkqGC0GLpg96FXQ/s400/P1050863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649458861691849762" border="0" /></a>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-52389075144880117382011-08-19T17:38:00.000-07:002011-08-19T17:41:59.879-07:00Funny Friday--Kids React Philosophically to Sittin on a Toilet<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Been flat on my back for a week.
<br />So posts have been delayed.
<br />Saw this today and thought it was definitely
<br />Funny Friday worthy.
<br />Man, I love kids.
<br />Happy Friday everyone.
<br /></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7gkQ1OYGe-k" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" width="560"></iframe>
<br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-70093180364360765462011-08-12T09:23:00.000-07:002011-08-12T16:53:10.300-07:00Funny Friday--He wants brownies<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">We're teaching the boy how to sign.
<br />He can sign "please, done, thank you, drink" and (his favorite) "MORE".
<br />This was yesterday.
<br />
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mkSVXRmbIi4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-45444780924837974492011-08-11T20:24:00.000-07:002011-08-12T07:34:57.799-07:00Thoughtful Thursday--Angry Mama Bird<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGGofcgGqjr5T3TZUcGEqyGZGAOy1fdNKwwNdSlwm23QhDX4ntMUs69VPwPRFluxpuxvQQyeSaDAtnFeV016M020BpabElBLfeHxt1E_UuxQpyAr9WrEgYvL5h17HVKq2Ch9EMBBwnk/s1600/angry-birds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGGofcgGqjr5T3TZUcGEqyGZGAOy1fdNKwwNdSlwm23QhDX4ntMUs69VPwPRFluxpuxvQQyeSaDAtnFeV016M020BpabElBLfeHxt1E_UuxQpyAr9WrEgYvL5h17HVKq2Ch9EMBBwnk/s400/angry-birds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639823051834012274" border="0" /></a>
<br />Warning: If you have an unwavering love for your iPhone or iPod apps, you may want to forgo reading this "soapbox" post of mine. This Thursday, I just need to get a few things off my chest. Or, if you prefer, indulge me with a few moments of your time . . . .
<br />
<br />A few months ago, my little sister sat on the stool at my mother's house, playing with her phone, when she turned to me and asked, "So, Mel, what kind of apps do you have?" "Uh, no apps--I just have a phone." You know, a normal phone. The kind you call people someone with when you are stranded on the side of the road. The same phone I get calls on when my daughter is sick at school. That is the purpose of my phone.
<br />
<br />I don't get this whole "Do-You-Have-the-Latest-App" movement. (And, again, I apologize if you are one of those who has every possible app ever offered for a phone and love your apps.) Now, I know there are some very helpful tools that are quite cool. Lately the translator app on my husband's phone came in handy when we had our foreign exchange student living with us. Necessary? Not really. I'm pretty sure we could have got along just fine without it. And then there's the Gas Buddy app. It was helpful on our recent CA trip, where we found the cheapest gas was offered near us. But, truthfully, we drove a few miles further to save, what, $1? So, here's my soapbox tonight: Is it all worth it? And why is our society going berserk over phone technology? You name it--there's an app for it! Raise your hand if you think it is time we take a breather from phone-tech.
<br />
<br />What I don't like is what it is doing to my kids. My husband's phone AND iPod have numerous apps and games that will keep our young boys occupied for hours. Hours! Not sure I love this idea. Let's ingrain this must-be-constantly-doing-something at an early age so they can't focus later in school? I don't think so. How about sending them outside to play ball or ride their bike. Novel idea.
<br />
<br />Their current obsession? I'll name just a few. First there is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Birds">Angry Birds</a>. Who hasn't heard of this? It has taken our world by storm--even <a href="http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/search/results.jsp?view=&srchType=simple&_requestid=555621">Build-A-Bear </a>has them now! But, what is it?! You fling a bunch of squawky, crazy, and might I add, UGLY birds (either one at a time, or better yet, make them split into 3) at some even uglier pigs who are just hangin' out, until they pop. Not sure I get this. And, does anyone know <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span> they are "angry" exactly? I recently read an<a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/08/angry-birds-psychiatrist-explains-addicition.html"> article </a>written by a psychiatrist that was supposed to explain the obsession with Angry Birds, but the only thing I got from the <a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2011/08/angry-birds-psychiatrist-explains-addicition.html">article</a> was that the psychiatrist enjoyed the game just as much as the next person. See, world? You have all been sucked in. Conned, people.
<br />
<br />Onto my next beef: So, my 4-year-old, tearfully approached my husband the other day (whilst holding Dad's iPod) and said, "Dad, I tried to feed the little zombie, but it wouldn't eat." Todd consoled him with, "Sorry, buddy, he must be dead." What!? Then, just yesterday, the same 4-year-old, again playing some zombie game, exclaimed to his older brother, "I got more brains Andrew!" They talked more about the game and every once in a while I'd hear things interjected like, "when that person is dead. . . " or "that zombie is ready to be picked. . ." Again, what!? <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zombie-farm/id339933022?mt=8">Zombie Farm</a> is a game (though I use that word loosely) where you harvest zombies. My 4-year-old is growing zombies in a garden. Who makes this stuff up? I'm not okay with my boys talking about dead bodies and brains! What is wrong with people?
<br />
<br />Okay, perhaps I am too conservative. Perhaps this 34-year-old mom could already be considered an out-of-date fuddy-duddy. Perhaps I will lose many loyal readers tonight because of what I say and will be left to fight this battle on my own, but darn it, I can't see many positive outcomes if my kids (or anyone) heads down the addictive app path of fiery destruction. Like I said, people, let's all breathe for a moment. Yoga app anyone? Yep, they've got that one too. Put the phone or iPod down and breathe with me, sans technology.
<br />
<br />Okay, I feel better already.
<br />
<br />Namaste. Good night.
<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-86595277840867891252011-08-09T14:13:00.000-07:002011-08-09T14:20:54.619-07:00Turnback Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEWsThAhSakywGpKLfHgoN2moLVimzSBn3XOQXLjuDtQsqEn4mWpBp-Ny5frkpsH2AdnH1Qqe8ePUOTbyFaY0HRjQZCINLDBsyg7jTG9RlLzL2cAkhJgJ8lUszqTawX048BWW8BJZKh4/s1600/ally.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEWsThAhSakywGpKLfHgoN2moLVimzSBn3XOQXLjuDtQsqEn4mWpBp-Ny5frkpsH2AdnH1Qqe8ePUOTbyFaY0HRjQZCINLDBsyg7jTG9RlLzL2cAkhJgJ8lUszqTawX048BWW8BJZKh4/s400/ally.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638968491343980194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Allison 2002
<br />
<br />
<br /></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Since I have begun school shopping
<br />I have been stunned to find that both
<br />yes BOTH
<br />my girls can now wear women's shoe sizes
<br />and I find myself
<br />longing for moments like this again.
<br />(Sigh)
<br />I miss little feet.
<br />Stop growing, I mean it.
<br />Or else you are grounded.
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-10664781403472836152011-08-08T13:03:00.000-07:002011-08-08T13:11:17.668-07:00Money Matters Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERRtUlme-WdffxKZaeIwGX50M_7MvhN3soB0obguQ2k6f2V_3bvI0zQbgtJ6FtTvQwG4C2_51qs2IyoTmEwXjp0DWPr701C4TSuDwV-aprA5IinS10kuTNVY62I9sec6zM27vCmlnzOc/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1069.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERRtUlme-WdffxKZaeIwGX50M_7MvhN3soB0obguQ2k6f2V_3bvI0zQbgtJ6FtTvQwG4C2_51qs2IyoTmEwXjp0DWPr701C4TSuDwV-aprA5IinS10kuTNVY62I9sec6zM27vCmlnzOc/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638579891807142754" border="0" /></a>
<br />Can you believe it has been a year since I won some crazy budget contest? My year of weekly blog-writing and work with mentor, Cristie Richards, is winding down with Imagine a Happier You and I find myself a little sad. It has been a great experience and a great blessing to my family. I feel like I am more solid ground and have a better head on my shoulders. Here is this week's blog <a href="http://imagineahappieryou.com/5049/a-vacation-and-14-credit-card-applications.html">post for IAHY</a> and your Money Matters Monday:
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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">My family returned home Sunday from a week-long vacation in California, only to find 14 credit card applications in our mailbox.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Fourteen!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We get them often, but never do I add them up over the course of a week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Disgusting. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Another thing that felt entirely wrong was how many times I swiped the one credit card we own on said vacation.</p>
<br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Now, before you discredit everything I've ever said over the past year, let me explain myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you remember my aunt and uncle I wrote about a while back?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You know, the ones who have paid off two houses already?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They swear by the use-the-credit-card-but-pay-it-all-off-every-month method.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact they have taken numerous trips for FREE, using only the points they have accumulated from their card.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My uncle suggests to make a budget, then make a register and deduct what you spend, just as if it were a checkbook.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Please note that I don't want to promote the use of credit cards in any way, however <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had heard about this method working for several people and have been terrified to try it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, in order to keep your credit card balance from sky-rocketing, you had to be extremely disciplined, something we had failed at in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was hoping we could attempt this method for the one week of our summer vacation since we had been practicing discipline over the past year. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The credit card we have gives cash back rewards and because I'm all about saving money, I decided to try it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We had been planning and saving for this vacation for nearly a year and had already set aside a chunk of money.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I knew we could pay it off once we returned home, so after letting Cristie know of the plan, I set up our system.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>At the dollar store I found a pocket file with four tabs, small enough to fit into my purse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I labeled the tabs "Fun", "Food", "Gas" and "Souvenirs". <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everything we bought on the trip should fall under one of those categories, so to keep track of each purchase I put the receipt in their designated slot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the back of my pocket file, I put a small notebook and pen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>On the first page I wrote down our beginning total (what we had budgeted and saved for the trip) and with each purchase, I subtracted that amount. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Like I said, I was terrified of losing control and going over on our budget, so I was meticulous about deducting every penny. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Those who have followed my blogs will know I am a believer of vacations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There is nothing that can replace the quality time with children, isolated away from the busy routines of home-life.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The memories we made were truly priceless, but didn't need to be pricey.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We went to Legoland and Sea World (both with heavily-discounted coupons of course!), visited several museums and spent a lot of time on the beach, which was by far the family-favorite activity.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>One shining money moment came from a comment from my oldest daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each child had earned their own souvenir money prior to the trip and each had a different amount, depending on how dedicated they were to their chores.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kendra, my oldest, had worked the hardest and therefore had the most to spend.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As we walked around the shops at Downtown Disney, her eyes got big and anxiety grew as she realized how difficult the decision would be on which memento to bring home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was holding a cute scarf (that cost a whopping $20!) when suddenly she dropped it and exclaimed, "I'm going to be wise with my money!"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not only a great money moment, but a proud Mommy moment as well.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>I'm pleased to report that we stayed within our budget!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In fact, we came out slightly under. Yay!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As soon as we got home, we got online and paid off our credit card.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The anxiety that had been building with each swipe of the card quickly dispersed once I clicked the "confirm payment" button.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I'm so glad that for once, our vacation isn't following us home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It took a lot of planning and prep work, but knowing we had the money to make the zero balance on our credit card is a great feeling.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>With the cash-back rewards I will get, I plan on tucking the amount away for Christmas because it will be here in two shakes of a lamb's tail. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After the holidays, it will be time to plan and save up for next year's vacation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Until then, it is back to the cash method for me!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seems to have worked great for us thus far, plus it keeps my panic levels to a minimum.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></p>
<br />
<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-34816308319391626022011-08-05T12:33:00.001-07:002011-08-05T12:51:51.911-07:00Funny Friday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">So, it has been a while<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">and he will probably kill me for posting this,<br />but these pictures taken from our recent trip to CA<br />make me laugh every time I look at them.<br />The kids were having fun playing dentist<br />at <a href="http://pretendcity.org/">Pretend City</a>.<br />Colby seems to be confused<br />where the teeth are exactly.<br />Todd was a trooper.<br />What a great dad.<br />Anyone need work done on their teeth?<br />My boys got it down!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUjifldj8a3oCQYIB4evncOpkZPPnWfvMSdwd8mMQfcwaUZLpYhkGCZqHmAPD1hagEviJ1CLl8wTb1sGl9Di974G8sdcerdrxQtiS4oGL5N5yXU023qo1kEJeSwE-Z3AFBjJ8ZrD94fw/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUjifldj8a3oCQYIB4evncOpkZPPnWfvMSdwd8mMQfcwaUZLpYhkGCZqHmAPD1hagEviJ1CLl8wTb1sGl9Di974G8sdcerdrxQtiS4oGL5N5yXU023qo1kEJeSwE-Z3AFBjJ8ZrD94fw/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637461246480333234" border="0" /></a></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-48671798963227290212011-08-04T14:23:00.000-07:002011-08-04T17:33:38.342-07:00Our summer with Jennifer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" 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true.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ve had a 15-year-old daughter for the past 6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Her name is Jennifer— or at least that is what she was called while she was here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t have predicted what it would mean to have a foreign exchange student in our home, but in having her here our family has learned several things:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqE1gV1IQXx5QpmhXRtth532dYzmWQ9W94KzXICUd9TwfFuvqQB_2b1vprj_0y62aYZoOycAI3IjoB80GEuYqE5fZokkx5yI7Qrl9bdoRgoybIScuAfXdyX6tNJHOm0d9oJvEcqf-iFk/s1600/1106_Manti+Pagaent_002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqE1gV1IQXx5QpmhXRtth532dYzmWQ9W94KzXICUd9TwfFuvqQB_2b1vprj_0y62aYZoOycAI3IjoB80GEuYqE5fZokkx5yI7Qrl9bdoRgoybIScuAfXdyX6tNJHOm0d9oJvEcqf-iFk/s400/1106_Manti+Pagaent_002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637152216298770514" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>I learned how to speak Chinese!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I now know the words for cantaloupe (Jennifer’s favorite), watermelon, horse, mosquito, hello, thank you. With Chinese, it is all about inflection.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jennifer often giggled at my poor attempts at her language and I learned that my mouth is quite incapable of properly formulating Chinese words.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsSPRkS1QjkJIKp5DQqjQ8zdm01Jq66nkJ6f1zXJ6rBGPibaZfK3iuNdhC7LI3GETbutgMuiWV3my5lx3T_yUcq-wx9eAaC_J3vqxxOKsV1YeXUKyX7gJbM36FiDy6T6Z8_78NkzxQwY/s1600/DSCF3113.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsSPRkS1QjkJIKp5DQqjQ8zdm01Jq66nkJ6f1zXJ6rBGPibaZfK3iuNdhC7LI3GETbutgMuiWV3my5lx3T_yUcq-wx9eAaC_J3vqxxOKsV1YeXUKyX7gJbM36FiDy6T6Z8_78NkzxQwY/s400/DSCF3113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637152227950440754" border="0" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Americans put far too much sugar in and on everything!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Poor Jennifer had to choke down sugary breakfast cereals, pancakes w/ syrup, cookies, brownies, fruit snacks, candy, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The “healthy lifestyle” I thought we lived easily (and sadly) falls into America’s overly-sweetened mainstream. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_DOeHqHyflf0QpsNYM4BcHIuT6rAAblraHV58kwvkPe4ReUylT3QFG3m0IMTkav5De0mRQT7HIdh3xUrINpxbilR4NwQdUzDPgSIEgPpu26PG8CFxFjjtkD5vVsW29TMrB6KLnLk9is/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_DOeHqHyflf0QpsNYM4BcHIuT6rAAblraHV58kwvkPe4ReUylT3QFG3m0IMTkav5De0mRQT7HIdh3xUrINpxbilR4NwQdUzDPgSIEgPpu26PG8CFxFjjtkD5vVsW29TMrB6KLnLk9is/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1237.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637153415277627074" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Jennifer attends 10 hours of school each day, 7 days a week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s every single day folks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 hours. After she told us this (and after picking up our jaws from the floor) my respect for the dedicated and educated Taiwanese people grew immensely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Case in point: One night, after playing a game of Monopoly w/ her, each of us needed a calculator to tally our points, except for Jennifer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Counting it up in her head was simple enough for her. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still, Kendra reminds me daily that she DOES NOT want to live in Taiwan—too much school for her I guess. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tJ_z51onsqfW1Gh7Er3ZmrdZMSVKsWnlUSnMHYcxBGOJN144SiZs-zeve46s8LtXVy6N1GC8qCJiP54czZdJPDFDF6A6li0ORVXNkNDpczf13JbhEyFEwS6yLMtBrjZckB65q7nIBc0/s1600/DSC_5074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tJ_z51onsqfW1Gh7Er3ZmrdZMSVKsWnlUSnMHYcxBGOJN144SiZs-zeve46s8LtXVy6N1GC8qCJiP54czZdJPDFDF6A6li0ORVXNkNDpczf13JbhEyFEwS6yLMtBrjZckB65q7nIBc0/s400/DSC_5074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637152230193478882" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Though she said she was shy, she really made the best of this American experience.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She wasn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone and try new things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To name just a few: church, girls camp, American food, hiking, camping, roller coasters, boogie boarding, cooking, sleeping in her own room and bed, dancing w/ the Xbox—heck, she even pierced her ears while she was here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUmGIMs8lPSRtI8NOLT2bvJD2am0VbTFua5ynkylL9AH5PcehJ1YTgqKAlpY3exKwuYyT7WpIrSGfLG7a9fuukhIIN3PsIJ5IfuqeooQo3WkEk0VNY7cq4aOtxOSvIrbwVG5Ip4tMM_A/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUmGIMs8lPSRtI8NOLT2bvJD2am0VbTFua5ynkylL9AH5PcehJ1YTgqKAlpY3exKwuYyT7WpIrSGfLG7a9fuukhIIN3PsIJ5IfuqeooQo3WkEk0VNY7cq4aOtxOSvIrbwVG5Ip4tMM_A/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637153403157481250" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Other things that were amazingly new and wonderful to her:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>blond or red –headed people, blue eyes, can openers, macaroni and cheese (her new favorite!), painted fingernails, homemade pizza, babies (particularly our Baby Ty!), trampolines, high school lockers (who knew?), American movies, driving in a car (not a bus or scooter) everywhere we go, going from having no siblings to 5 rambunctious kids!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM7chCgDydf1WjCy4GceReDrD-snuKo1yDNKoFVyUFohpYieCSG2SZa2tet-JJq1prGDyM00VyqVS0awPsEYdF02l4b5EUIwvHgLhHA-lM-inzurfcY57UKEaP-5FnNeHIB48lCmeA78/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeM7chCgDydf1WjCy4GceReDrD-snuKo1yDNKoFVyUFohpYieCSG2SZa2tet-JJq1prGDyM00VyqVS0awPsEYdF02l4b5EUIwvHgLhHA-lM-inzurfcY57UKEaP-5FnNeHIB48lCmeA78/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_233.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637153407446443794" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>And then there are some loves that transcend any language or culture, namely Justin Beiber.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWZP1cROxijyogxsrOKJ4mCAF-cHGqq0UQa5BW7ftTEDeGd0xRRkay_IIbVfDGNZKXJbSQNFpYjb3U420AAFUWFLGsQefFLPA_B7ptRIYd4SkBBgmsU-xqqjwo2rDXZS9UnsPjdUAHmQ/s1600/justin+beiber.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWZP1cROxijyogxsrOKJ4mCAF-cHGqq0UQa5BW7ftTEDeGd0xRRkay_IIbVfDGNZKXJbSQNFpYjb3U420AAFUWFLGsQefFLPA_B7ptRIYd4SkBBgmsU-xqqjwo2rDXZS9UnsPjdUAHmQ/s320/justin+beiber.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637158059874130690" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">7.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>I was blown away by the selfless nature of Jennifer’s parents.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not only did they send their only child to a new country and a family they didn’t know, but after seeing how quickly Jennifer’s English was improving, her mother begged her to stay longer, knowing that any time here will only benefit her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They also have been so giving, showering us with handmade gifts from the heart.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did I mention how incredibly artistic Jennifer and her mother are? Jennifer taught my girls how to make a toy cat out of a baby sock and my boys how to fold the best paper airplanes in the world!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGjlUmhMCqKMOp2jV58kj_7dMMdMpoDP8gJenO3BMgNHgtULZaqldn1olpDXR2L5NyGmeKEGclT5As7qu25COLRPUOtm4UPPZA6oI2ye_7MDVg2h3_3rFWv2WaMhLTR8rwoTf-tv-K-k/s1600/P1050448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGjlUmhMCqKMOp2jV58kj_7dMMdMpoDP8gJenO3BMgNHgtULZaqldn1olpDXR2L5NyGmeKEGclT5As7qu25COLRPUOtm4UPPZA6oI2ye_7MDVg2h3_3rFWv2WaMhLTR8rwoTf-tv-K-k/s400/P1050448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156416346521458" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="mso-bidi-mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">8.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow to love Jennifer in the short weeks that she was here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She is a sweet, loving, patient girl who never complained about anything (except for the cinnamon in the French toast—can you believe she doesn’t like cinnamon?).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Saying good-bye to her at the airport tugged at my heartstrings and we both blubbered like babies.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Though she is halfway around the world, there has been a bond created that won’t be broken and I am quite certain that we will see her again.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcJ_7I73fdKhc2mIXjIkMk92o3q8Olntla17eoGj6DTNI6l0O1WEPOHuwJXydWBGQ_zu2MhQOOFl9UpLVoA0jOuMKdIxyT9viBIAlU_YrQJlwBxWSlqUmJxvEN__xQ5x_HRk-5NmFw_k/s1600/DSC_5101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcJ_7I73fdKhc2mIXjIkMk92o3q8Olntla17eoGj6DTNI6l0O1WEPOHuwJXydWBGQ_zu2MhQOOFl9UpLVoA0jOuMKdIxyT9viBIAlU_YrQJlwBxWSlqUmJxvEN__xQ5x_HRk-5NmFw_k/s400/DSC_5101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637152234039660226" border="0" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"> </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Thank you, Jennifer, for spending your summer with us and enduring the craziness of our home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We loved having you and until next time, “<a name="_GoBack"></a>kan ni yihou”.</p> <!--[if gte mso 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i8ROpSeUP-Yn1CsMJOm35nmG9ec2wMYjVSKBkHXmbydCXnVteLpK8-B9CKpo6ucfh3zNheeRJJwOxeYdOXJC86hWCGRImspgetW5mMrxJMY4xtMRbQV3woszeqvJRHy2YdlG617Kuh4/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1289.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3i8ROpSeUP-Yn1CsMJOm35nmG9ec2wMYjVSKBkHXmbydCXnVteLpK8-B9CKpo6ucfh3zNheeRJJwOxeYdOXJC86hWCGRImspgetW5mMrxJMY4xtMRbQV3woszeqvJRHy2YdlG617Kuh4/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637160433187557810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFEEqtAeNL_QaiKGh1bgZ0GWjl2wN4Mm-goaAZtduyg94dA2WZ7pCvZhGW-m3C-_M5l3wBufba7yag7XDsjWV1zIzPG9eBAHd4sJhwETXyIO0kL0kJFX4V9GxIWeuSAXCXkVKmN0sBAM/s1600/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1294.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFEEqtAeNL_QaiKGh1bgZ0GWjl2wN4Mm-goaAZtduyg94dA2WZ7pCvZhGW-m3C-_M5l3wBufba7yag7XDsjWV1zIzPG9eBAHd4sJhwETXyIO0kL0kJFX4V9GxIWeuSAXCXkVKmN0sBAM/s400/1107_Cali+Vacation+2011_1294.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637160451540412738" border="0" /></a>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-46878404755908347622011-07-08T11:14:00.000-07:002011-07-08T11:31:18.279-07:00Ragnar 2011<div style="text-align: center;">I'm back!<br />I have GRUNDLES of posts to catch up on.<br />But, for now, enjoy a video<br />created by my friend Courtney<br />about our crazy Ragnar experience<br />that we had a few weeks ago.<br />Mom's Just Wanna Have Fun!<br />So insane,<br />yet so much fun.<br />No sleep.<br />Stinky bodies.<br />Crazy eating schedules.<br />One teammate vomited<br />another passed out.<br />But we finished 15th for the women's open!<br />I swore I'd never do it again.<br />Hmmm, so guess who's already registered for next year?<br />Thanks ladies!<br />Thanks to my sis who drove and sacrificed sleep for us!<br />(Surely she didn't know what she was signing up for!)<br />And thanks Courtney for this amazing video memory!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4VepmmxO304" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-14925340580141344672011-06-23T17:02:00.000-07:002011-06-23T17:12:44.062-07:00Happy Birthday Kendra!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnfPRfV0JW8aptSpem01V4QNl6PaJOBNGQn9_SWhJPGjI8IfMQG9gn8hs1F6m0EtuxkMFNvmKaUS96-8bVfTA8R9QVzAqchAoPRS5JgFeGk6_JCCqUUXpdNziYdiV8qcq9YtwtA64now/s1600/P1050401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnfPRfV0JW8aptSpem01V4QNl6PaJOBNGQn9_SWhJPGjI8IfMQG9gn8hs1F6m0EtuxkMFNvmKaUS96-8bVfTA8R9QVzAqchAoPRS5JgFeGk6_JCCqUUXpdNziYdiV8qcq9YtwtA64now/s400/P1050401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621572398308919554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's hard to believe my oldest baby is 11 today.<br />Then again, it's hard to believe she is ONLY 11.<br />I tell people she is 11 going on 15.<br />If I could only slow time. . . .<br />She is growing far too fast for my liking.<br />She shares my clothes.<br />We have the same size shoes.<br />Give her a few months and she will pass me up in height.<br />(Okay, so with my 5'3", it's not entirely hard to do!)<br />She has become my little buddy<br />the one I ask advice on decor and outfits.<br />In fact, a few days ago, she got frustrated with all the questions, and said,<br />"I don't know Mom! Why are you always asking ME?!"<br />I simply told her because she is one of my best friends.<br />And she is.<br />Happy Birthday Friend and Daughter.<br />You are beautiful inside and out.<br />We sure love you.<br />(Hope you enjoy your new Beach Cruiser bike!)</span><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3427319367595105273.post-14472963787567886412011-06-13T09:37:00.000-07:002011-06-13T09:43:39.559-07:00Money Matters Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW-OMhHplsVor3rgcLixjqjXBqeY1tT6OUMrIYN0q3tT2LNPY0_dwCG0PGxFwcmTzEIGGnJXQ_N85Y8beirS5sMi076TPjv7fk_PjF8b3S7eoAO_YaOUma4PHWnLZdRHLCA94v9JdZJc/s1600/kids.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW-OMhHplsVor3rgcLixjqjXBqeY1tT6OUMrIYN0q3tT2LNPY0_dwCG0PGxFwcmTzEIGGnJXQ_N85Y8beirS5sMi076TPjv7fk_PjF8b3S7eoAO_YaOUma4PHWnLZdRHLCA94v9JdZJc/s400/kids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617745513688639330" border="0" /></a>(picture courtesy www.daveramsey.com)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Today I'm making my kids work.<br />They aren't too happy about it.<br />Hopefully they will see it as a gift someday.<br />The gift of hard work.<br />Something my mother taught me.<br />I read an article today entitled<br /><a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/article/keeping-your-kids-from-becoming-summer-bums/lifeandmoney_other/text1/">"Keeping Your Kids From Becoming Summer Bums"</a><br />and I thought it had some great reminders.<br />Take a second and read it<br />then pull out the whip and get them crackin'!<br />You will have a cleaner home<br />and they will learn a valuable lesson.<br />See the win-win here?</span><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424648168677302553noreply@blogger.com0