tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54378648758862795682012-02-16T03:12:57.200-07:00cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.comBlogger4321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-34419092841582474692012-02-14T19:34:00.013-07:002012-02-14T20:10:56.145-07:00

Homemade Valentines for Maddie and Faye. Because they are such wild lil' monkeys and ld and I are bananas over them:)Five little monkeys, Jumpin' on the bedOne fell off and broke his head.Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,"No more monkeys jumpin' on the bed"!Madds and Faye loved their monkeys and bed, only Maddie thought it was a bed for her. She hasn't quite caught the concept of

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-44351591001653310672012-02-13T16:45:00.002-07:002012-02-13T16:54:32.332-07:00

Waiting in the check out line at Winco today, a woman tapped me on the shoulder.Woman: Ma'am. Uh, ma'am excuse me. Me: Yes?Woman: Excuse me, but you have a paper banana stuck to your butt.Me: (Excitedly) Oh! I was looking for that all morning. Thank you so much. I am so happy I didn't lose it.Woman: You lost your paper banana?(She was looking at me expectantly. I thought about it for a sec. Nah,

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-59031679062995775312012-02-12T06:13:00.002-07:002012-02-12T06:26:32.965-07:00

So it's habits and memories that are important. That's true for character development and relationships as well, I think. Really about all we can give our children and ourselves are these: good habits and good memories. The one takes consistency and the other planning and both require being pleasant in the doing. He he he.Confirmed again that experiences, in the form of habits or memories, shape

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-31881323621399958142012-02-06T07:23:00.011-07:002012-02-06T07:51:44.350-07:00

Kenz threw a shower for Brig's cousin last week. A few pics, then. She let me help with the cake. The first one fell apart due to Cate's being 3 years old. So this is the second one. Yup, it's sculpted fondant on a buttercream frosting. Fondant is too gross to actually eat, imho. One of the baby games. It's an old standby, identify the person from their baby pic. It's been done a lot, so she

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-64597757178579089832012-01-25T07:29:00.004-07:002012-01-25T07:48:36.131-07:00

January has been holding true to itself, it's a l-o-n-g, hunker-down month, filled with new projects, goals and reading. I'm offering no commentary on how these links synch up for me today, they just do....learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-34101415904703452542012-01-05T22:07:00.008-07:002012-01-05T23:10:39.920-07:00

My eye doctor has been talking to me seriously about having Lasix surgery done to my eyes. For the past couple of years he has reminded me of the benefits, particularly since my near vision has become less and less. Since my distance vision is horrible, it would be nice to be able to see at some level. So this is the year ld and I decided to just do it. Only one problem. As I have aged my right

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-74546803868313265192012-01-05T08:27:00.003-07:002012-01-05T08:38:58.733-07:00

I loved the day. A sweet celebration for two sweet people. More pics to come.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-1956857468224342252011-12-31T08:22:00.005-07:002011-12-31T08:52:30.419-07:00

Cate and Maddie slept over for a Grandy over nighter, Meghan came down with flu/food poisoning? yesterday and the tree needs to come down today. We are settling back into a somewhat slower paced routine. Which means my ipad came out of its month long retirement and is getting some needed use. ld loaded this http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Habit-Learn-Use-Life/dp/0743235274/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-13838133860758577662011-12-28T19:32:00.007-07:002011-12-28T20:11:03.460-07:00

Emerson came home Christmas Eve. Christmas Day arrived with every single present wrapped. Ha! The next day we pulled off the wedding. Haven't got the pics back yet, will post them when available. Here are a few of the bridal shots. Thanks fam for all your support, it was lovely having you share the day with us. Jiao had JLW snap this pic right as they were ready to leave. Love this girl. I look

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-89807232467847284172011-12-22T16:59:00.007-07:002011-12-22T17:16:25.591-07:00

Something really tender about a family shower. Women folk coming together to welcome a new bride with gifts, good wishes and love. Thanks to the Larry Arnett gals for hosting such a nice evening. Ladies, you are awesome and so appreciated. Potato leek soup, artichoke dip, french bread, lemonade cupcakes. Oh. My.Good food, good company. The evening could not have been nicer.Chatting it up.Lovely

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-32432047926071411972011-12-18T08:22:00.008-07:002011-12-18T09:01:09.070-07:00

Oh, I am living through an emotional time. Yes, yes. I am. I am filled with worry for those I love and wish I could make everything better. When Meghan returns from her morning hospital visit and Faye is down for her morning nap, I often plop down beside her while she does her pumping. We visit and talk, mostly about her frustration that Emerson is not yet home. She vents and cries. I vent and

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-40812326380819049332011-12-02T07:08:00.007-07:002011-12-02T07:35:50.881-07:00

Flowers, menus, wedding dress. Check. GAH! My head is swimming. And Christmas? What's that? Christmas will come whether I feel ready or not. I helped Meghan set up her tree yesterday. Faye loved the lights. When I came back in the evening to sit with her, Megs told me that for about a half hour or so she and Faye lay close to the tree with pillows, just gazing at its magical brightness. Made me

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-88005262684686705222011-11-29T05:29:00.004-07:002011-11-29T05:35:06.459-07:00

Not a Dilbert fan at all, but so loving this:“You are what you learn. If all you know is how to be a gang member, that’s what you’ll be, at least until you learn something else. If you go to law school, you’ll see the world as a competition. If you study engineering, you’ll start to see the world as a complicated machine that needs tweaking. A person changes at a fundamental level as he or she

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-7921238596947741482011-11-26T18:35:00.003-07:002011-11-26T18:39:37.371-07:00

Seriously. This girl has got skills.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-12351426515702700852011-11-24T19:57:00.001-07:002011-11-24T19:59:27.003-07:00

Check it out:http://jiaonny2.blogspot.com/

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-45298879716334255702011-11-23T21:16:00.013-07:002011-11-24T05:06:35.588-07:00

My list then. Notice it includes only people this year. Fitting.*ld. After almost a week of technological frustration, he painstakingly fixed and restored my computer. Voila. Love of my life.*Jiao - She's here and she is as wonderful as she seems. Really.*JLW - for being smart enough to marry her.Also grateful for:*Sisters in law who come in, muck out, scrub down and shine up. Brothers who show

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-41361976210085061502011-11-21T21:07:00.003-07:002011-11-21T21:28:09.890-07:00

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-24648011269565185552011-11-18T19:49:00.004-07:002011-11-18T20:01:38.894-07:00

Jiao and I rode up to the Chinese market off 90th south in SLC. I could see the relief in her face, they have almost everything there. We bought ingredients for her to cook with, should keep her from starving. She is brave and adventuresome in trying American food but let's face it, familiar foods are such a comfort. We picked up Faye around noon and headed over to HB and Penee. So it's 2 down, 2

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-32789235906204210062011-11-17T17:54:00.003-07:002011-11-17T18:03:43.851-07:00

Introduced Jiao to the Larry Arnett fam last night. She loved the brownies and ice cream:) We were planning on visiting HB's family today but Jiao has been having a wee bit trouble adjusting to American food. Our cuisine is so different from what she is used to and her stomach wasn't feeling well this afternoon at all. Trying to remedy that by stocking up on ingredients familiar to her and

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-14635068976195891552011-11-17T17:28:00.005-07:002011-11-17T17:43:18.670-07:00

As we move through life we collect spiritual experiences that stretch us and sustain us and leave us better equipped to handle whatever else may be thrown at us in mortality. I know this. But once again, like so many other crucibles I have experienced personally, the events from this past week have left me sobered, grateful and in awe. The Lord hears and answers prayers and we’re blessed beyond

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-29452633785579578252011-11-14T08:39:00.003-07:002011-11-14T08:51:19.703-07:00

JLW sent these this morning. They are pics from the wedding celebration (even though they're not married yet, weird I know). They will both be here tomorrow. Yikes! So much to do still. Brig and Keny have been frantically painting in preparation. These pics make me cry. They look good. And happy.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-3072835848944807602011-11-12T14:24:00.002-07:002011-11-12T14:54:16.030-07:00

We received our miracle. Megs blood levels are normal, her bleeding is under control and they are saying they will try her on solid food this afternoon. Considering where she was and where she's been this is a miracle. As ld posted over at the Grandparentals, they surprised Meghan by bringing her baby up to see her. Truly a tender moment, not a dry eye to be found. He could only stay for 15

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-23102766679292078132011-11-12T05:51:00.003-07:002011-11-12T06:12:41.091-07:00

We are starting a collective fast for Meghan and her baby today. Please family and friends join us. I know for a fact that there is strength and efficacy in combined faith, fasting and prayers. I will update and keep you all posted. She continues to be upbeat and we are confident with each passing hour she will get stronger and her blood levels will rise. They are taking out the balloon this

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-90016185676389750542011-11-04T07:56:00.008-06:002011-11-04T09:10:05.061-06:00

In college my Mom used to send back my letters with the punctuation and grammar corrected. She took her red ink teacher pen and circled inaccuracies and spelled out any misspelled words. About once a week, when I received a new letter from her, my last one to her would be tucked in. I never thought this was odd as she was a grammar nazi and well it was just Mother.Woo whee she must be rolling her

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-58923621796199350692011-11-02T08:03:00.010-06:002011-11-02T08:19:26.226-06:00

One of my moms notebooks, filled with thoughts, stories, poetry. Some of it cheesy, some of it not, clipped from random places and pasted onto the pages. An assorted collection of things she thought interesting or helpful and wanted to remember, for whatever reason. It makes me smile. Mother was a blogger, a paper one, long before computers. I love looking and reading and flipping through her

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-27242008952065072312011-10-30T19:43:00.004-06:002011-10-30T20:15:24.038-06:00

The big day is tomorrow. We had a dry run tonight. Faye in all her pumpkin-ness. Years ago her mommy was a baby pumpkin, too. I'll have to find the photo and post it.Madeline as Madeline. Her coat is made out of an old and worn out blanket, happened to be the perfect color.And Astrid? An awesome viking dragon tamer. Sadly, she left her weapon at home. She'll be sure to have it tomorrow night. And

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-71036946149467611672011-10-26T08:15:00.002-06:002011-10-26T08:28:34.387-06:00

JLW flew out early this morning. He'll be back November 15, bringing Jiao with him. Whew. Lots of frenzied activity ahead. Birthdays, holidays, a wedding, Meg's new baby. Haven't got time or tolerance for any more sickness. Beat it, I tell you.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-29393167871222980622011-10-22T08:25:00.003-06:002011-10-22T08:44:11.774-06:00

You never had much fashion sense when you were small. Used to wear your swim suit over sweat pants or moon boots with shorts. Years later you would ask me, "Mom, how could you let me dress myself?" as if I had any say. I always started out the day with you looking cute and presentable but before noon you had changed into some other odd combination. In fact, some days it was hard to keep any

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-56707693817005596972011-10-18T08:43:00.001-06:002011-10-18T09:31:13.739-06:00

Antibiotics, folks.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-88570748040949768372011-10-13T13:11:00.003-06:002011-10-13T13:29:07.423-06:00

Going on day 4 here with my self-diagnosed swine flu. Today is the first time I've been able to crawl out of the covers and face the day. Fever, chills. Check.Vomiting. Check.Killer sore throat. CheckHeadache. Check.Extreme muscle aches. Check.Runny nose, fatigue, feel like death. Check, check and check again.Ld has remained patient and not said anything when dinner has consisted of leftovers and

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-26159341310786913972011-10-06T09:11:00.004-06:002011-10-06T09:48:04.533-06:00

Remember a couple of weeks ago when you came home from church all distraught because the soles of your Sunday shoes had worn out and separated? You tried to convince me to take them to the repair shop and get them fixed. I said it would be better to just buy a new pair. And then you did. Those old shoes had seen many churchin' days.And the other night. Remember when you were telling JLW with so

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-52978452034896828872011-10-06T08:35:00.002-06:002011-10-06T08:57:24.373-06:00

It's all over the news of course. Weird to feel so sad for someone I never knew personally. But his genius is evident everywhere in my house. We own and have owned so many of his products and ld raised our children strong in the faith 'Macs are the one and only true computer'. Oh and the ipods and ipads, what was life like before? It's a sad day. He was a genius, many people say. Interestingly

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-35198886153254502222011-10-04T10:26:00.007-06:002011-10-04T11:30:47.877-06:00

We are the orphaned children of Howard and Ethel. In our veins course their resilient and believing blood. C'mon, if their good and hard lives taught us anything it is to hang on and hang tough. I want to go on the record here and say that I refuse to give up on myself and those I love. That means I have to work hard to keep pessimism and bitterness in check and on especially tough days I have

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-35987170509093234732011-09-25T09:45:00.008-06:002011-09-25T10:39:30.385-06:00

Megs and I threw our first and possibly only garage sale yesterday, and we were pretty well pooped by noon. At 4:30 we headed up to the Conference Center in SLC to support our Keny, who was singing in the choir. As far back as we were it didn't take us long to spot her. Front row, middle section, 6th person in from our left. We could hear her singing above all the rest:) Man, we love our little

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-52818075394087732002011-09-23T13:44:00.010-06:002011-09-23T14:11:48.960-06:00

Bookworm Bubbie, she heard 3 little girls were celebrating a big achievement, so she popped in for a visit. Some achievements are worthy of a certificate, eh? 100 books read for Cate, 50 for Maddie and Faye. Their very own bookworms. Thank you All A Dollar. Yes.Balancing a book on your head is trickier than it looks. But toss the worms off the blanket parachute style, well, that kind of fun is

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-7163600121883867792011-09-19T06:45:00.003-06:002011-09-19T06:55:01.393-06:00

Added to this months MoDa selection, a wonderful short story, just recently published in 322 Review:http://www.322review.org/issue10.htmlYup. The author of A Thousand Distant Cousins is our very own Lacy Lee.Love her writing. Love her.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-37245367451161318492011-09-14T10:16:00.002-06:002011-09-14T10:38:09.743-06:00

You’ve heard of the Khan Academy, yes?*It is a godsend for math dummies like me. Seriously, I don’t want to die so stupid.http://www.khanacademy.org/And just look at all there is to learn. Even a G-mat test section, Kody & JLW please take note. It’s a little weak in the humanities category (like none) but promises to be coming soon. Seriously, go check it out. You don’t want to die so stupid

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-51542698109759407692011-09-13T17:14:00.002-06:002011-09-13T18:01:27.140-06:00

When Chea was here last month she asked me where I wanted to go to take photos. I showed her my favorite spot and she said she could make it work. I love this view driving from Kenzie's back to Orem. Thanks fam for braving the weeds and tall grass. It was worth it. Time never changes,The memories, the facesOf loved ones, who bring to me,All that I come from,And all that I live for,And all that I’

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-27733564568812478072011-09-10T12:13:00.009-06:002011-09-10T12:25:36.787-06:00

Went out to cheer H and Lexi on today. They both ran the Spanish Fork Half Marathon. They are some kind of awesome.Here’s Lex, tired but triumphant. 13 miles and she ran the whole way.And here’s H.B. Gotta say, it was inspiring seeing him push himself across that finish line. Here I was losing faith in human nature and bemoaning the aging process, then here comes H being so inspiring and all.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-88480542599799530892011-09-09T19:55:00.008-06:002011-09-09T20:37:43.337-06:00

Highlights:1. SLC and Trax. A new experience for Cate and Maddie.2. Gateway Olympic Fountain. The dancing waters are magical. Citius, Fortius!3. Bubble gum and Mike & Ike's. 4. Children's Exhibit at the Church History Museum. 5. We were hungry from all that fun, luckily J.B's is just down the corner from the Museum. Spaghetti, French Fries!, Sprite & Chocolate Pudding. Yes, I felt sorry for the

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-32218197177934061552011-09-08T07:49:00.005-06:002011-09-08T08:07:24.441-06:00

A beautiful, wonderful man. Knows what it is to fight his own personal monsters and demons, just like we all do. A grape juice toast then: To Janny. Here's to all your hard work in overcoming your Goliaths and here's to a bright and hopeful future. Clink.http://youtu.be/j0IMASimhRoClose your eyes, Have no fear, The monsters gone, He's on the run and your daddy's here, Beautiful, Beautiful,

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-64363229920446123852011-09-05T13:03:00.006-06:002011-09-05T13:22:12.507-06:00

So here’s the deal.After much tinkering and fiddling around, we're almost ready to go into mass production with the, drum roll please …Aunt-ordian.What’s the difference between an Aunt-ordian and a regular accordian, you say?Well, the sound for one thing. Water damage and mold produce a truly unique squawk, er sound. The Aunt-ordian has been aged in a temperature uncontrolled, damp garage for

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-23592736232010506722011-09-01T19:31:00.009-06:002011-09-01T20:56:24.309-06:00

At it again. Another talk and lesson to prepare. How do I make the topic fresh and relevant, especially if said topic has been hashed and re-hashed? Yeah, dilemma. It's all been said before. I've been hitting my files and researching ideas. Reading what others have said, certainly. But in the end, like it always does, it will come down to my own take, my own thoughts and words or it will not fly

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-13949027519267988912011-08-30T10:35:00.010-06:002011-09-01T21:50:06.423-06:00

A few excerpts from my talk, given last Sunday. Maybe by posting I'll actually take it to heart. Hope really is 'a thing with feathers'* for me, flitting and flying off and hard to hold onto, the bird never perches on my shoulder for very long. Even though I know better, it would stay longer if I didn't always shoo it away. It flutters off too often, and sadly at my own urging. This then:

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-45580784824079517222011-08-23T14:55:00.008-06:002011-08-23T15:19:16.846-06:00

Oh, man. 98 degrees in the shade. But we braved the heat for two dollar discount admission at the Thanksgiving Point Farm. My girls are some kind of frugal and stoic mavens. And the popsicles were totally worth it. Totally. And pony rides. Did I mention ponies? Beefy Hot. My wilted girls. Love these hot mamas. he he he.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-40585312720852167872011-08-23T09:26:00.010-06:002011-08-23T10:06:21.294-06:00

I’ve been exposed. Which is why I feel so vulnerable today. Quick, where are the cookies? How come so threatened, you say? Well, it’s because I raised such snoop-dog kids. Yesterday I was minding my own business attending to important internet stuff. I didn’t notice Mr. JLW picking up the piece of paper I had set aside. He starts chuckling. Then ruffling.* JLW: Oh. My. Gosh. Mom, is this

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-88669694705665337642011-08-20T07:36:00.008-06:002011-08-20T10:25:14.247-06:00

I can't help the poor if I'm one of them Found this little maxim tucked into the pages of the hymnbook a few weeks ago. It was written on the back of a Sacrament meeting program and when I turned to the opening hymn it fell out. Don't know what prompted the insight. Maybe the speaker, a flash of revelation, who knows. But I thought it a great find and my own secret message. It has even made me

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-12068676478205540902011-08-18T15:22:00.004-06:002011-08-18T15:33:59.830-06:00

Nielsen's Grove Park in Orem. An awesome place for the grandies. Ducks to feed, a fountain to wade in and swings that go in circles. We had so much fun last evening that we grabbed Faye and Megs and went back this morning. More info here: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_00779d6e-9264-5a70-bfee-f0dee61a4e0e.html

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-62093643113777095852011-08-16T07:44:00.004-06:002011-08-16T08:00:49.328-06:00

If you're wondering what happened to Sunday's post, well, I deleted it. It was mean and I knew better. But here's something you might like. Five Blessings of Reading 1. In reading, we experience one of the greatest pleasures human life can afford us; books sweeten, nourish, brighten, and enrich our lives. 2. Books enable us to live more lives than the one allotted and allow us to experience

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-35232905876120342762011-08-12T14:48:00.005-06:002011-08-12T15:04:51.157-06:00

Being a mature adult. So. I’m taking this to mean no adult temper tantrums, ‘notice me, notice me!’ antics, blurting out stupid insults, putdowns or 'neener neeners', or speaking without thinking. No, the emotionally mature read the social cues in any situation and adjust their behavior to ‘appropriate to the moment’. Maturity includes the ability to regulate emotions, delay gratification,

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-77167093021258087832011-08-05T09:33:00.005-06:002011-08-05T09:46:12.863-06:00

Woo boy. JLW and I have had this discussion frequently. He accuses me of relying on professional critiques way too much. And then I come right back at him by saying he does the same thing. He won’t watch a movie I recommend until he has read a plot synopsis and several ‘credible’ reviews.But he has a point. The internet with all its information can also taint us, making it more difficult to ‘

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-39613497857303470112011-08-03T09:29:00.002-06:002011-08-03T09:37:27.787-06:00

This: 3 Steps to New Habits View more presentations from Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford Sort of reinforces the idea that habits are best gently coaxed and not forced with grit-your-teeth-willpower.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-40459289071371911522011-07-31T19:53:00.007-06:002011-07-31T20:47:35.657-06:00

This is what 54 looks like folks. Yup. Wrinkles and greying but hey, I'm still here. True I move slower and not as much stamina, but I can't complain.There was a time in my life when I wondered if I would live to see the next morning. Well, I did live and every birthday since my 29th has been a bonus. Bad times, dark times, good times, all a gift. I am glad to have reached 54. ld surprised me

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-10055933883246134492011-07-25T08:04:00.003-06:002011-07-25T08:27:25.931-06:00

In honor of my pioneer heritage I spent the wee hours this morning walking, er, reading. I like this:http://mormonscholarstestify.org/396/richard-lyman-bushmanand this, too:http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=107&chapid=1202I begin with an insistent question that shoulders aside even truth in demanding our attention: How should we live a life? It may take a long time to

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-26052522704913492042011-07-14T18:49:00.006-06:002011-07-14T19:51:44.089-06:00

Had wonderful discussions today about part of this talk:http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12737&x=60&y=3Visited with Meghan about it in the morning and then with JLW this afternoon. I think it has application to evaluating our own upbringing and how we were parented as well. It’s a healthy thing to re-visit our childhood and look at our parents objectively. Warts and all. Most therapy

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-66366448036980523372011-07-13T12:54:00.004-06:002011-07-13T13:00:36.073-06:00

Oh man. Delay, procrastination. It's such a demon.Lose this day loitering, ’twill be the same story
To-morrow, and the next more dilatory;
True indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost, lamenting over days.
Are you in earnest? Seize the very minute:
What you can do, or think you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Only begin it, and the mind grows heated:
Begin

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-14392614646532711012011-07-12T11:13:00.007-06:002011-07-12T11:25:23.957-06:00

Yup. All made from it. Clicky clicky.My girls make fun of me. I have discovered a new medium. As much as I love cardboard, duct tape, paper mache and felt I am crazy about napkins. Oh family crafters, do you realize what a fantastic material this is to work with?In one of my gluing sessions this year, I discovered by accident its many versatile properties.It sews up like fabric, unlike paper is

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-91519594197777616112011-07-05T16:36:00.008-06:002011-07-05T17:00:00.614-06:00

Kenz and Brig were manning a booth all weekend but Megs, the grandgirls ld and yours truly got up early and went to see the Balloons yesterday. Great fun, especially if you bring along party-in-a-box Meghan. She taught the girls the Macarena, walk-like-an-Egyptian and all the actions to Y.M.C.A. Because the 4th is a potato-salad-kind-of-day we headed up the canyon for a little BBQ. Bratts on the

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-38328438744374478622011-07-02T09:26:00.009-06:002011-07-02T09:45:08.547-06:00

Been in this George Eliot phase the last couple of weeks, helped along I’m sure by the DVD collection ld gave me for Christmas. Here:http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/the-george-eliot-collection-14080.htmlI watched Daniel Deronda a couple of nights ago and while a lot is missing from the book it’s a pretty decent rendering. I know, I know Deronda is not her best book and has many criticisms.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-70609433851661243002011-07-01T13:50:00.005-06:002011-07-01T14:04:26.289-06:00

Our first Grandsbury meeting had us making finger puppets. Thanks to Meghan for the 3 Bears idea. Penee fixed a nice lunch and we chatted as we sewed. What exactly is Grandsbury? Our newly formed sister-in-law Grandma's club. We make stuff for our grandkids and discuss the grand themes of life. Yup, productive visiting.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-23036713405273561872011-07-01T07:59:00.006-06:002011-07-01T08:13:46.529-06:00

Liking this today:"What you need to know about [your next piece of art] is contained in the last piece. The place to learn about your materials is in the last use of your materials. The place to learn about your execution is in your execution. The best information about what you love is in your last contact with what you love. Put simply, your work is your guide: a complete, comprehensive,

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-85416734593502091932011-06-29T14:04:00.005-06:002011-06-29T14:29:17.079-06:00

Sitting in the temple this morning, remembered this from Elder Bruce C. Hafen: A wonderful place to gain greater insight about the atonement is in the temple. In moses 5:11 we read:“Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and they joy of our redemption, and the eternal

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-4869654453903200072011-06-28T08:19:00.007-06:002011-06-28T08:39:31.112-06:00

This was a Sunday dinner table topic several weeks ago: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/05/22/is-anti-white-bias-a-problem/when-prejudice-is-so-malleableFiske employs a grid to predict how social groups will be ranked, using attributed vectors of warmth/coldness and competence/incompetence. In the simplest terms, her metric is as follows:1. Those stereotyped as high competence and high

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-40139563195925233392011-06-26T07:43:00.009-06:002011-06-26T08:18:51.185-06:00

Ok, ok. I can't stop showing pics of my grandgirlies cuteness. The float was the result of some pretty frenzied activity this week. Glue, glitter, paper plates, paper napkins, paint and various other odds and ends. Oh, and cardboard. he he he. When these materials come together it's always an interesting result. Like the dollop of whipped cream on the grandgals head. It's an All a Dollar bath

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-20993686131693912642011-06-26T07:29:00.006-06:002011-06-26T08:14:43.484-06:00

Love me a parade. Love me some family. Pics from yesterdays Freedom Festival Children's Parade. Yup, these sweet little cuppycakes won a trophy.More pics coming over at the GrandParentals. Yes, I am an obnoxiously proud Grandma. Sigh.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-86423578217147163792011-06-15T20:59:00.003-06:002011-06-15T22:16:36.385-06:00

The SRC book list for Maddie and Faye, then. For Babies 0-2:AChimp and Zee Catherine and Laurence AnholtChimp and Zee's Noisy Book Catherine and Laurence AnholtLittle Rabbit Who Liked to Say Moo Jonathan AllenGiraffes Can't Dance Giles AndreaeGlobal Babies Maya AjmeraThe Baby’s Catalogue
 Allan Ahlberg
All of baby nose to toes Victoria AdlerHug Jez AlboroughBoo Barney Alex AyliffeBabies Ros

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-70478856024537404382011-06-14T19:18:00.033-06:002011-06-14T22:52:14.207-06:00

A cobbled together list of possible books for Cate’s Grandma sponsored Summer Reading Challenge.The goal is to read 100 books by the end of the summer. I tailored made the list for her and tried to mix it up- some old favorites, some to challenge her. Granted many are my own personal loves i.e. Hey, Al. It’s not exhaustive, no way it could be, but a good start. Also, there is allowance for her

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-21007663855127188872011-06-12T07:48:00.014-06:002011-06-12T08:59:33.687-06:00

Megs called last night and wondered if I would go to the grocery store with her as ‘backup’, to stand by the cart if she needed to dash off to the bathroom. Reason being she and Faye (and now Kody) have been sick all week with a stomach bug.I agreed to come of course because I enjoy her company and because Walker women have a notorious history of embarrassingly inconvenient pooplosions. Sorry,

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-49286716778880747712011-06-11T21:47:00.012-06:002011-06-12T06:39:55.485-06:00

In my high school civics class, taught by blind Mr. Heath, he asked the class: What do you want to be or do when you grow up?My hand shot up and then I yelled his name so he would call on me. (He was blind, remember).All right Candy, what do you see yourself doing as an adult?Need I tell you that my answer then turned out to be pretty prophetic. I blurted out enthusiastically: I want to be a

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-41019512338375414032011-06-11T12:13:00.004-06:002011-06-11T12:33:50.892-06:00

Recent news of a certain congressman's inappropriate and crazy twittering and facebooking have everyone shaking their heads, no? Oh. my. And then today on althouse she linked to this:This just cracks me up. I deleted my facebook a month or so ago because I thought I had been hacked. JLW says I wasn't. I'll probably re-open it again soon but I never could quite get the hang of what it was supposed

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-39492506566577686572011-06-08T08:41:00.001-06:002011-06-08T08:43:39.378-06:00

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-52779507650892402452011-06-07T10:04:00.008-06:002011-06-07T10:18:20.298-06:00

Running time: June 3-6Location/setting: http://laspalmascondos.org/las-palmas-resort.phpStarring: ld, kody, megs, faybee, Keny, Cate & Maddie. And me.Plot summary: Swimming, breakfast at the Bear Paw, Shopping, Lounging, Tuachan (Little Mermaid), celebrating Kody/Megs birthday, BBQ.Plot twist: Cate sick, but still a happy endingRated: PG for pretty great.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-58746188277529964182011-06-05T15:17:00.004-06:002011-06-05T15:32:35.519-06:00

A very relaxing weekend with the fam (well, most of us) in St. George.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-32634527194186521832011-06-01T16:48:00.013-06:002011-06-01T17:28:23.326-06:00

Some people have their gratitude journals, bucket lists, mighty life lists and happiness projects. Remember, I've blogged before about the 14,000 things to be happy about. It's all pretty much the same premise. Finding things that bring one joy. And it is a good practice to document it. Especially on bad days, because even on those there are things to bring a smile. When I run out of things to

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-34222011350927841592011-06-01T07:59:00.005-06:002011-06-01T08:14:25.947-06:00

Liking this. From "Debating the Value of College":I could have answered the question in a different way. I could have said, “You’re reading these books because they teach you things about the world and yourself that, if you do not learn them in college, you are unlikely to learn anywhere else.” This reflects a different theory of college, a theory that runs like this: In a society that

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-88671179972634069152011-05-30T17:16:00.005-06:002011-05-30T17:30:59.400-06:00

Yesterday found me back in my home ward teaching a combined YW/YM lesson on manners. They are a bunch of good kids, 5 of them my piano students even. Hard to imagine any of them being guilty of burping in public, but hey, we were all young once.We did some role -playing and had a good discussion. They know manners are important, it’s just sometimes we forget that at their root is a sensitive

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-62594712556991498382011-05-28T12:32:00.007-06:002011-05-28T13:05:08.296-06:00

Yesterday was the funeral of one of our former BYU ward members. Maybe you read about it:http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=15694780http://www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1168079&fh_id=12339He was an amazing kid and it was a sad funeral. Due to unusual circumstances, Ld conducted the services held here in Utah. We were also responsible for providing the funeral dinner

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-7834623441222758062011-05-23T08:58:00.003-06:002011-05-23T09:14:32.589-06:00

Arrogance and conceit. So easy to recognize in others but so very hard to see in ourselves. We notice those who strut, or pose, or sputter loudly. In their mind it passes for self-confidence.But when does self-confidence, high self-esteem even, morph into that great sin Pride? Where do you draw the line? It's not always clear, but if the line is so blurry perhaps it is best to stay miles away. I’

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-87939134879362485192011-05-18T10:01:00.007-06:002011-05-18T10:45:50.661-06:00

ld downloaded Better by Mistake* for me on my Ipad. It's been a good companion to my head cold today. Also, fits into January's reading of Outliers** well. Then again so does this (see link) Great article about Carol S. Dweck's research on fixed versus growth mindsets. The gist: even geniuses work hard.http://www.stanfordalumni.org/news/magazine/2007/marapr/features/dweck.htmlHere, the visuals

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-77585932814992650612011-05-16T09:57:00.014-06:002011-05-16T11:19:36.232-06:00

Just a few rambly vignettes and thoughts today. Do you remember this about Mother?*She loved chocolate and a scoop of ice cream in a cantaloupe half.*She had a crazy thing going for paint. She would wake up one morning and decide to paint over furniture, picture frames, walls, etc. She did this often. I think she just got bored looking at the 'same old' and was her attempt to spice things up.*She

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-58689440792700496192011-05-14T14:58:00.003-06:002011-05-14T15:10:37.769-06:00

The SwingHow do you like to go up in a swing? 
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing 
Ever a child can do!
--Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894 )I"m not so old that I can't remember the joy and freedom I felt while swinging. Must be why I like my rocking chair so much, they are similar. Sort of.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-12950691881223593802011-05-13T11:22:00.006-06:002011-05-13T11:46:36.621-06:00

For obvious reasons I have an intense curiosity in learning more about Chinese culture. I have been learning a lot here:http://www.extension.harvard.edu/openlearning/hist1825/;jsessionid=IFBFJMBNNKCLThe course is taught by two energetic and lively professors. Fascinating stuff, not boring at all, but granted I have a vested interest. P.S. It is not true that you can see the Great Wall from space.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-28111999940573458712011-05-10T06:34:00.006-06:002011-05-10T06:59:17.753-06:00

Made from black foam board from All-a-Dollar and since Cate and I used up all the watercolor paper on previous crafting, I resorted to using old sheet music. Oh, and I borrowed some black paint from Megs. I finished them during the RS lesson Sunday (yeah, really I am just that bad) and gave them to Keny & Megs for Mother's Day. I'll be making more, there are things I would do differently and

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-57282508007258581272011-05-09T09:27:00.005-06:002011-05-09T09:34:21.600-06:00

Riding buses, cooking, eating & chilling with lots of fam. Word is he's having a great time.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-6107721257320699012011-05-08T08:22:00.005-06:002011-05-08T08:32:09.936-06:00

Today, from my spawn:from JLW (a private joke): Hey 'lil kid mommyfrom Bird: happy mothers day mom i love you more than air and a big truck.from Megs: Happy mothers day! E. D. S. H. A. M. L. Y.Man, I love these little bugger kidlets.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-10378396341212739482011-05-08T07:09:00.012-06:002011-05-08T08:55:13.694-06:00

I don’t share quite the same sentiments as many do about mothers day, that they hate the day because they feel quilty, never able to measure up to the accolades and stories of self sacrificing mothers in talks and lessons in church. I have felt this way before but as the years pass less so.Mothers day is what it is. A contrived and hallmarky day that can’t possibly speak to us all.So what.I take

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-48339189147357110742011-05-06T08:31:00.004-06:002011-05-06T09:13:06.707-06:00

I saved this years ago thinking it gave some pretty great direction on raising charactered children. Even then with all best intentions, I screwed up often. Why can't there be do-overs in parenting? Sigh. We do the best we can with the knowledge and resources available to us. But here's the important part, we never give up, but keep trying to love and nurture. So, from deep within my computer

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-37588899502639228692011-05-03T14:33:00.006-06:002011-05-03T14:40:08.800-06:00

Things are bloomin’ around here, despite all previous weather attempts to keep it from happening. We have color and bees and sweet smells, people.All those April showers did bring May flowers. I want to weave flowers in my hair and string crepe paper streamers from the trees and run around barefoot singing and skipping. Tra la la la la.Look at all the cheery hope springing up in our yard:"The

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-37296486033644470722011-04-29T20:45:00.007-06:002011-04-29T21:19:08.690-06:00

Graduation day for Janny and Megs. Only Janny is China, congratulations anyway gb. A few pics then of the day. Some achievements are worth applauding and noting. Did I stand up on the chair and woot and holler? Uh, no. I was too busy trying to capture moments with my camera. Is this not the sweetest picture?Meghan and her awesome hubby and babeThe whole fan club, minus Mr. JLW.Afterwards we ate

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-84062977601969989972011-04-28T13:29:00.002-06:002011-04-28T13:34:44.543-06:00

He sent some pics last night. I finally downloaded msn, so was able to chat them up in real time.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-20079425378628836402011-04-25T12:23:00.006-06:002011-04-25T12:46:50.152-06:00

I love Easter. All the chocolate, pastels, and eggs. I love new Easter duds, too. Is there anything cuter or sweeter than little girls in their new easter dresses? I offer my gals as proof. Love these girls.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-38331128025291824512011-04-25T11:54:00.006-06:002011-04-25T13:40:48.715-06:00

Years ago when I was a little girl, my great-grandmother Ada Clifford made me several hope chest items consisting of old fashioned crocheted potholders, embroidered dish towels and pillow cases. I had absolutely no appreciation for them then and somehow the only thing that survived from the collection was a set of embroidered pillow cases. I never ever used them but sadly one of them became

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-7103217106783997902011-04-25T10:46:00.012-06:002011-04-25T11:09:03.462-06:00

Good food, good company. It's a sweet and meaningful tradition for our family. Some photos then, from Saturdays annual egg hunt and hat parade.H.B. held off on mowing his lawn for a couple of hours so the eggs would be harder to find. Nice guy. The men hid the eggs this year. The theme idea worked out great this year. I am lovin' me some gangsta and astro bunnies.Our lovely host family. Need I

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-68277376303698643112011-04-20T13:02:00.023-06:002011-04-20T13:40:19.785-06:00

I've adapted this Easter Sharing Time* in so many different ways over the years. It is one of my favorite presentations. This year I decided to morph it into a little quiet book for Faye. Had to simplify the visuals a bit (think die cuts). Doing so made it no less sweet, I think. Velcro blossomsA little pocket of dirt to plant the seedThe tulip 'grows' on the attached stringTurn the egg over and

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-25538149723535419952011-04-19T07:51:00.004-06:002011-04-19T08:00:38.541-06:00

Up at 4:00 am to catch a 6:40 flight. Armed with my copy of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell* (all 864 pages of it) and a new travel pillow, should make the long flight a little more bearable for him. He’ll be there for a month. Yup. Expect photos, people.* by Susanna Clarke

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-55105836809517148812011-04-12T14:37:00.005-06:002011-04-12T14:55:54.127-06:00

Remember that arcade game at Chuck-E-Cheese called Whack-a-mole? You know, the one with the board filled with holes? You’re given a hammer and the object of the game is to whack a mole when you see it pop up through a hole. You have to be fast and remain feverishly focused because the moles keep popping up again and again. Fun, silly game. Unless you’re a mole. Sometimes in life we are a mole.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-33362534231256608522011-04-11T13:53:00.006-06:002011-04-11T17:27:32.793-06:00

The toy offered in this weeks Happy Meal is the same one from last week - a blue plastic bird on a skateboard. Today in the drive through I asked for another toy at Cate's urging from the backseat. I was told that was the only kind they had. Not wanting my grandchild to be disappointed in this weeks Happy Meal I did some fast thinking. When we got home I had Kenzie distract Cate while I got into

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-21611672603191465452011-04-10T21:13:00.003-06:002011-04-10T21:23:21.861-06:00

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.
~Henry William BakerI love this hymn.

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-11581813365736416602011-04-09T15:03:00.007-06:002011-04-09T15:19:40.838-06:00

Last night found ld and I sitting in the Marriott Center watching BYU's Ballroom Dance Company in Concert. A few of our BYU ward members are in the company. They are good, I will give them that. But the whole time I couldn't help reminiscing about our family obsession with the film Strictly Ballroom. Do you remember, people? How many times did we watch and quote this movie? If I remember right

cshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04781760323728248596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437864875886279568.post-13506425423070149192011-04-09T12:57:00.012-06:002011-04-09T13:31:19.037-06:00

This month’s MoDa selection How People Change by Allen Wheelis. A profound little book written back in 1973, not self-help by any means, but philosophically deep. Chapter 5 alone, entitled Grass, will make you weep and warrants its own book club discussion. So much insightfulness, I made ld buy used copies for all our children. Interestingly enough it fits into what I believe and know about

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