Baxter and the Bonz'

We had a snowy day today. It was beautiful.

2012-02-02T15:18:00.001-08:00

2012-02-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

Most of this post was written just before Christmas. I left it as a draft, and after visiting with Lori Fillerup about our moms today, I finished it and posted it. It may be pretty personal, but these are things that I want recorded so they don't fade with time.

December 2011
This time of year there are so many things to be grateful for. I'm so grateful for a strong, loving family. I have the best husband, son, brothers, brother's-in-law, sister's-in-law, mother and father-in-law. I am truly blessed.

I've been looking forward to Christmas a lot this year, which I think is kind of funny, considering I lost my little mom just 4 1/2 months ago. What a ride that has been. I'm looking forward to a family Christmas, with new traditions starting - a new beginning.

The day my little mom passed away I wrote on Facebook that August 1st would be a good day for a new beginning. I think Collette and I both felt the anxiousness surrounding mom that day, and I believe that we both knew that would be the day. It was a grand new beginning for my little mom, she was able to return to our loving Father in Heaven and "her Max" and Terry, along with countless other family members and friends.

It was also a new beginning for our family. Whatever would we do without her to hold us together? What would I do with my time after work when I would usually go to her house and help her shower or help her with dinner. What would I do without her to call and laugh with and complain to, she always took my side even if I was at fault. I knew that I would never have a champion like her on my side again. No one loves you like your mother.

There have been so many tender mercies this past year, that I almost hate to see the year end. I say "almost" because it's been a pretty tough year also. It's been a year of enlightening for me, coming to the realization that my little mom was still with me in the early part of the year, but she wasn't the little mom that I had had for so many years. She couldn't go shopping with me or really do much outside of her home. I so enjoyed our lunches and after work times together. I so fought her getting "old". I knew she was getting older, but it wasn't until near the end that I finally admitted to myself that she really was a little old lady.

She has always had so much grace and a vitality of life that everyone noticed about her. Her most endearing quality was her humility. She truly had no idea of how special she was to everyone, that made her even more loveable. Although sometimes it drove me nuts that she would belittle herself, her abilities, etc.

I think one of the reasons that I'm excited for Christmas is that she is with me and helping me through this hard time. Between her and my Heavenly Father, I am able to endure my days without her here with me. Because of losing her I think that I truly love my family more, I cherish my time with them. That's all I want for Christmas - family time and good food.

February 2, 2012
Shower time with little mom was the absolute best. At first I resented the time it took, but as I gave in to the love and need I felt from mom I came to love our time, truly alone together. We had such fun and laughed. I'd tell her to lift up the boobs so we could clean under them, she'd chuckle. She loved me to rub her with lotion and was always so happy to be clean and have her garments back on. This is the time I got hooked on Hempz lotion that Collette supplied her with.

I miss our times together, a lot. When I allow myself to think of her passing away, I can't believe that she's really gone. I don't remember when I first realized she was a "little, old lady". In my mind she's still active and fun and I'm bringing her lunch and calling "hello my little mom", and she's answering "hello my little Wendy". Great memories and very sad to not be making more with her.

Little Mom

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

I cancelled our little mom's phone service today. We've had the same number for over 50 years. Funny how sad this made me.

Okay Jill

2011-04-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Jill added a comment on my last post wondering where my resolve had gone. So now I'm feeling guilty that I haven't posted my progress. I haven't made the time to update much, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten that I trying to improve myself.

I'll do a good update this weekend, but for now I'll just say I don't think I've lost an ounce. That's a hard thing because I've been running 4 days a week for the past 3 weeks and a little less the week before that. I'm getting a good workout and I really thought I'd start to notice a difference by now, since I've been so not into workouts for quite a while. I'm running a 5k, 3.2 miles. I'll run for 2 miles, walk for about a quarter mile then run the rest. I'm not running fast, my best time for 5k has been 36 minutes. While that's not slacking, it's also not fast.

One thing I'm noticing is that I'm looking forward to working out, and I haven't felt that way for a long time. I have a conference in St. George next week so I'll try the outside thing for the first time this year. That's what I'm really looking forward to, outside running. I've been plotting a course in my area. Since moving into our new house in 2006, I've only run a 2 mile course. My first outside run in my area will be about 4 miles, and I'm sure I won't run the whole way, but I'm starting with a longer run so I will get used to that distance and progress from there. It's kind of fun to think of running in my "new" area. There are more options than in the Garden Park area. I used to run up Minersville Highway to the old turn on Hwy 91 and back, which was 5 miles round trip. My all-time favorite run was from the KB Express in Fiddlers Canyon, home to Garden Park. Rick would drop me off there on his way to work - I absolutely loved that run.

As you can see I'm pretty excited. Short post on steroids. More ramblings over the weekend.

Peace out! (for Megan)

Journal time

2011-03-10T09:41:00.001-08:00

Okay, so here’s the deal.

I’ve had too many excuses for way too long. I’ve always loved working out alone, like running alone, etc. I’ve been pretty good in the past at holding myself accountable. All that’s changed over the years and I’m not very reliable anymore.

So, starting Monday, I’m going to keep an exercise journal. I know that’s not a new idea, only to me. I’m going to commit myself to daily exercise, eating more healthy (which in my case means less), and I’m going to track my feelings and emotions. I want to track how I feel emotionally and mentally when I’ve done what I should and also on the days I don’t do as well.

I am not weighing myself or measuring myself. I only really need to lose about 10 pounds and I’ll know when the inches start to come off. I will not discourage myself right at the beginning. I don’t want a picture of my in my old 2-piece swim suit. I MAY want a picture of me in that same swim suit after I feel better about myself, but then again I may not.

Over time I have become a little too comfortable with myself, I worry less about my weight than I used to. I guess it has a lot to do with getting older, you notice I said oldER not old. I want to be the best me I can be, for me, Rick and for Justin. I want to be healthy and live for many, many more years. I want to feel comfortable in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I want my “love handles” to get smaller, which means Rick can grab my butt instead. HAHAHA.

I’m posting this on my blog, which only Lindsay, Jill, Justin and Nikki read, not because I want them to hold me accountable, but because I need to finally step up and become reliable again – for me – for my health and maybe to get out of my comfort zone and run a race this year – sometime.

Jon is home

2011-03-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

My cute friend Becca Hansen Denos got her traveling hubby home yesterday. He's been on tour in Afghanistan for some time.

Becca is amazing. She's been both mother and father to 4 adorable boys, moving them from San Diego to the SLC area and not back to the San Diego area. The boys were surprised yesterday when their daddy walked through the door at their new home. Becca has such strength, is an amazing wife and mother. So very happy for her and Jon and the boys.

You can read more here.

Happy hump-day

2011-02-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing much to post about right now (I'm at work and shouldn't be posting anything). Just wanted to say that it is a happy day, for no obvious reason, but a happy day.

I went visiting teaching last night to 3 amazing women and I have THE best partner in the Ward. And since I have final say on the partnerships, mine won't be changing anytime soon.

Tonight I have night Relief Society where I WILL learn to dip chocolates and make a corsage. I will be taking my friend Robin and I'm looking forward to it.

Rick has a yucky cold. He doesn't have night meetings this week so he can stay in and get feeling better. He also has the next 2 days off work. I think he's feeling more at home at Smith's. He's amazed at how busy they are and it's hard to keep up, but all in all I think he's settling in.

Tomorrow night is my escape night. I have book club and I'm so excited. We read "Matched" by Ally Condie, a cute Cedar City girl. I really liked the book, it's similar to Hunger Games, but not as stressful. I love book club, they are my cute friends that I can be totally myself around, and I just love the fun, relaxed time we always have. I'm a lot older than them, but I don't mind and they don't seem to either. They are great examples to me and make me very happy.

Having lunch today at my cute little mom's house. She's not doing wonderful, but she's a young 89 and I'm learning every day to be ever so grateful for having her here with me still. She's such a trooper and I absolutely love her to pieces. I think I'll have a Subway (my favorite) and she's having some soup I made in the crock pot yesterday.

So - again - it's just a happy hump-day.

Ponderings and Ramblings

2011-02-01T16:02:00.001-08:00

Be warned, this is a crazy long post.

I'm in a rambling mood today and need to write (or type) some stuff, record some feelings while they are fresh.

Fresh Market closed their doors on January 2, 2011, Rick's last day was the 30th of December. We are still young, only 57, but at this point in our lives I never thought we'd have to be concerned with career changes. Just before Fresh Market announced they were closing, Smith's Food Store let their meat department manager go. Smith's district manager approached Rick about working for them, quite a pat on the back in my opinion. He applied for the job and found out on the 8th of January that he had been hired. He was supposed to start on the 24th of January as the meat department manager.

During this time Rick was also approached by the 222nd, our local National Guard Unit, about the possibility of returning to Iraq for a second deployment. This is a tough one for Rick, or any other military man. I asked Rick to really ponder and pray about his decision. I knew if he followed his heart alone, he would end up back in Iraq.

Also during this time period, my little mom took a fall at home. I always call her on my way to work to check on her and check in. On December 30th she didn't answer, so I called again, came to work, called, worked a little, called again and finally went down. Mom uses oxygen at night, and her oxygen machine was the first sound I heard when I entered her house. I heard a small voice say "is that you honey"? I found her laying on the carpet between the bathroom and family room and she couldn't get up. She had been laying there for about 4 hours and was freezing. It breaks my heart even now to think of her laying there. After getting her up and getting her warmed up, we determined that she was okay, and didn't need to see the doctor. She even went to have her hair done that day.

She started feeling worse, like we figured she would, but even if ribs were broken the doctor wouldn't do anything and she hates to go to the doctor. On New Year's Day Rick and I stopped by to see her and her right eye was PURPLE. Then as the days passed, the whole right side of her face turned purple. She even had a bruise behind her right ear the shape of her ear. I can only imagine how hard she must have hit the wall when she fell. I thank my Heavenly Father EVERYDAY that I found her when I did and that she's okay, we so easily could have lost her that day. She now has a medical alert necklace so she can call for help when it's needed. She continues to improve, not as fast as I would like, but she's a trooper and keeps plugging along.

I know that her time is coming and my heart breaks to think of loosing her, but I will never ask her to stay or try to keep her here for selfish reasons. I know her life is in Heavenly Father's Hands, I'm happy for that, even though it's so hard to keep focused on the eternal perspective.

During this time I would have been a mess without Justin. He is always my steadying influence. He can calm me, help me see the bigger picture, remind me to turn it all over to our Heavenly Father. And he can do all this while worrying about his cute little grandma and being so sad thinking that his dad might end up in Iraq again. AND all this while working on his PhD. He's 1500 miles away from home, but so close in spirit and always in my heart.

So, Rick met with Smith's on the 24th and told them about the possibility of being deployed. They were less than impressed that they could hire him and lose him 4 months later. This was decision time for us, mostly Rick. He told Smith's he would let them know on the 26th. There were 3 possibilities and I felt that whichever one we chose things would work out. So I tried not to sway Rick's decision too much.

So that morning, in our prayer, we asked Heavenly Father to help Rick make the decision that Heavenly Father wanted him to make. I came to work that day with no idea how the day would end. Would Rick be spending more time teaching at Camp Williams, deploying in June to Iraq or managing the meat department at Smith's? I was at peace, again knowing the future was in Heavenly Father's Hands.

Rick called me about 10:30 that morning and said "I told them to go for it", meaning he chose to stay and go to work at Smith's. My reaction surprised me, I started to cry, I cried because I was happy and because I was relieved and mostly because our topsy-turvey life was settling down a little. He told me not to cry, he didn't like crying women, I said "well you like me", and he admitted that, yes, he did.

Yesterday, the 31st day of January 2011, Rick worked his first full day as the Meat Department Manager at Smith's and I think life is looking pretty darn good. Mom is improving, Rick will be home with us and when he gets over the shingles (yep the stress got to him) he will way happy too.

Like I said on Facebook this morning "February first, time to get moving. So many good things to enjoy".

Thursday, January 13, 2011

2011-01-13T11:46:00.001-08:00

Happy, happy birthday to my cute best friend Renon.

Renon and I have worked together for 22 1/2 years, a lot of that time with our desks 3 feet. We've been together through Justin getting an F in "Mayor" Shirley's class, to Shawn getting an F this week. Both worked hard and made up the "F's". We've been together through her losing Maddie, getting and beating cancer, Rick being deployed to Iraq, Rick and Keith both experiencing career changes.

When we started with the City, Renon in October 1987 and me in March 1988, she was the executive secretary and I was the accounts payable/payroll clerk. Our desks were right by each other and we became friends very fast, even though I'm 10 years older than her. During our employment we have both been promoted, me to City Treasurer and Renon to City Recorder. We are back to working side by side, although a wall separates us, nothing else does. We've threatened to cut a hole in that wall numerous times.

We've gossiped, laughed, cried (sometimes a lot). We've shared the successes and failures in our lives. We go to lunch every Thursday, and have done for years. It used to be Renon, Alice, Jill, Michelle and I, but over the years Alice, Jill and Michelle moved and left us. Michelle has moved back and joins us occasionally for lunch on "our" Thursday. We are pretty protective of our Thursday lunch dates.

I was never blessed with a sister, but if I could chose one it would be Renon. She's my best friend and I know she is always only a phone call or text away.

Love you Renonine, happy birthday.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T18:46:00.001-08:00

January 1, 2011, good day to reflect and contemplate the upcoming year. Rick and I know there are changes in store. For one thing he's changing jobs after 22 1/2 years. Fresh Market let their employees know on December 13th that the store would close the end of December. Merry Christmas to 60+ Fresh Market "family members". We have a couple of things in the works and we know that things will work out.

Usually by this time I have decided on changes I want to make in the new year. I'm non-committal right now. There's always the "get in shape" desire, "read my scriptures more" need, "be a better employee goal". Right now I'm not committing to anything very serious. One thing I'm committed to, a happy, healthy and positive 2011.

Oh, there is one other thing I have planned, well 2 actually. I will write in my journal more and I will blog more. Other than these things, well you'll be as surprised as I am.

Happy 2011 - bring it on!

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so very grateful today for many, many things and most of all many special people.

Good parents, Rick, Justin, Baxter, all the Bonzo's that spent time and effort to help make this Thanksgiving one of the best, and spending time here with us. Baxie loving the kids and being so patient and calm. A hot shower after cooking and cleaning most of the morning, Starbucks, Rick and Justin setting up all the tables and chairs for our dinner.

We had such an amazing day with Rick's family; Eric, Lisa and their family; Todd, Lorie and their family; Dayne, Cortney and their kids; David and Ione, Uncle Doug and our adopted Bonzo, Kristin. We missed Paul this year and Scott wasn't here either. We had a fabulous day, lots to eat and such good company. We enjoyed the company of 27 people today, what a blessing family is. Isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about? Celebrating family!!

Baxter says he's grateful for a a quiet house.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

The day before Thanksgiving, 11/24/10

2010-11-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

1. Looking forward to Rick's awesome family coming for Thanksgiving, along with a good friend, Kristin.
2. The special feeling I have today of thankfulness and joy.
3. Sleeping in this morning - till 5:45. BUT no exercise today - not good.
4. Pizza Factory for lunch with my little mom and Justin.
5. Last day of work until 12/8/10, Vancouver here I come.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

2010-11-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

1. Justin's company.
2. Spirit Fitness and my men.
3. Starbuck's.
4. Having an evening at home with my men.
5. Warm, flannel loungers.

Monday, November 22, 2010

2010-11-22T07:20:00.000-08:00

1. Good workout with Rick AND Justin - YAY!!!
2. A good job with people I love and respect.
3. My cute little mom and her ALWAYS positive attitude.
4. Knowing Justin is home enjoying the day with Baxter.
5. Game night at Youth Corrections.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

2010-11-22T07:18:00.001-08:00

1. Rick and Justin going to church with me. I wasn't alone today!
2. Cute little Bonnie Bringard, getting to take her home after church, with my men.
3. Sunday dinner at Grandma Cowan's.
4. Awesome nieces and nephews who let me share their children every Sunday night.
5. Snow - not the cold, but the snow was beautiful.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

2010-11-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

1. VERY grateful that Justin and I talked last night, otherwise he would have been stranded at the Vegas airport for about 12 hours.
2. So very grateful for the blessing of being a mother.
3. A dependable car.
4. Washer and dryer, Justin has clean bedding.
5. Rick!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

2010-11-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

1. TGIF - it's been a busy, crazy week. And it continues.........
2. Prilosec.
3. Justin coming tomorrow - YEA!!!
4. Beautiful November weather - at least for today.
5. Water.

Kind of weird gratitude's for today, but honest.

Happy 89th Birthday to my Cute Little Mom

2010-11-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

So very grateful today for the many blessings of family.

1. My best friend, my little mom. Such a great example of enduring to the end - graciously. She's been without her sweetheart for over 25 years, and she still pushes forward.
2. Her example of love.
3. That I just recently realized where my argumentative nature comes from - HER.
4. That she forgives me when I'm short tempered with her, I would never hurt her feelings on purpose, but sometimes I act like a jerk.
5. That she's still here with us, loving us, leading us by her example and just being our little mom.

I love you mom, so glad I get to be with you and daddy forever!!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

2010-11-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Gratitude's for today:

1. Justin is on his way home from South Africa. I love that he is able to travel so much, but always glad when he gets back home again. Besides, he still needs to travel again, this time "home" for Thanksgiving and to pick me up, so I can go home with him.
2. Enoch First Ward had our "Year in Review" last night with popcorn and drinks - AND - Rick went with me. Our Ward is awesome and he feels loved even though he seldom sees the good people in our Ward.
3. Lunch with my little mom today.
4. Pizza Factory!

November 16, 2010

2010-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

1. Integrity, even though it's so hard sometimes to do what is right, knowing someone is going to be unhappy with you.
2. The beautiful blue sky I saw on my way to work this morning.
3. The heater under my desk, allowing for one more day of sandals.
4. Just 4 more days until we pick Justin up in Las Vegas.
5. Reading the scriptures, wrapped in an afghan, while Baxter eats on the patio.

November 15, 2010

2010-11-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

1. The auditor's at work. They've been great AND they are done!
2. Subway - my favorite Monday lunch place.
3. Reading on my iPad, can't believe how much I use that silly thing.
4. Going home to Rick and Baxter, who had a great day together.
5. Youth Corrections and getting to know Chase better.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

2010-11-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

1. No meetings to attend other than regular Church meetings.
2. Kipp Lewis. He's going to Canada on a mission and he talked today about not being interested in a mission, going to church, reading the scriptures, etc. He told of spending time with his cute "Grimshaw" grandparents and talking about the Gospel while having lunch and the special feeling that was in their home. This made his decision clear, and he enters the MTC tomorrow.
3. The very strong spirit that was in Sacrament Meeting.
4. The Relief Society sisters, and being able to serve them.
5. Going to moms for Sunday dinner and spending time with my awesome family.

AND a 6th today, so grateful that Alayna was able to go home with her cute little family, that their new baby will stay "put" for a while longer.

I LOVE my families!!!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

2010-11-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

1. The rewarding feeling of a clean house.
2. Spending time with my cute little mom and visiting aunt Pat.
3. The beautiful fall day that is was.
4. Attending Worldwide training, listening to the instructions and feeling the spirit.
5. Finally crawling into bed at the end of a great day.

November 12, 2010

2010-11-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

Much to be grateful for today.

1. Going to the Temple with little Bonnie Bringard.
2. Feeling the Spirit at the Temple such a calm, happy feeling.
3. All of us looking alike in the Temple.
4. Spending time with some of my favorite Ward Family at the Temple.
5. Feeling refreshed at the end of the day.

Veteran's Day 2010

2010-11-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

What can I say:

1. The Veteran's in my life, Rick, David, Randy, Shay and my precious dad.
2. The feeling of awe saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing The Star Spangled Banner.
3. Flags.
4. Living in a free country, because of the brave service of our veteran's.
5. My veteran's license plate.

Salute our veteran's and give them the respect they deserve.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

2010-11-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Gratitude's for today:

1. Warm sweaters on cold days.
2. Having a Friday on a Wednesday.
3. Pillows. Big, soft pillows on my bed.
4. A bagel for breakfast. I know they aren't as healthy as once thought, but hey, it's early in the day and those carbs will be gone by bedtime. I love bagels.
5. Water, what would I do without a big bottle of water on my desk every day? I drink tons of water every day. Love, love, love water.

Happy Wednesday/Friday.

11/9/10

2010-11-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Crazy day in my world.

1. VERY competent people in the office. Customers can be very mean and almost impossible to be nice to. I work with THE best people.
2. Treadmill in the basement so I didn't have to leave home this morning to work out.
3. Crockpots.
4. Car seat warmers.
5. Baxter's toy, "oink", together they make me smile.

Gratitude's for 11/8/10

2010-11-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

I was a slacker over the weekend, I didn't even get on the computer, so no gratitude's for Saturday or Sunday. However, that doesn't mean I didn't have much to be grateful for, like dinner with my cute little mom on Saturday and awesome Church on Sunday.

1. The cuddly warmth of the furnace this morning and the feeling of contentment it brought. It gave me the feeling of the holiday's.
2. Cute little Bonnie Bringhard going to the Temple on Friday, which I just happen to have off. She's worked hard and is looking forward to June when she and Sam can be sealed.
3. Rick and Baxter still in bed when I left for work. No work for Rick today, just work at home with Baxie.
4. The beautiful fall leaves on my little "droopy" tree in the front yard. I'll post a picture later this week.
5. Three (3) work days this week. YAY for me!! That means work at home, but that's good.

Happy Monday!

Friday, November 5, 2010

2010-11-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today's gratitude's:

1. Susan Lewis - she's amazing and such a good example to me.
2. My neighbors - I live on the bestest street.
3. Enoch First Ward - the most loving, accepting Ward.
4. Lunch with my iPad - by myself.
5. Friday night at home with Baxter.
6. Nix the night with Baxter - going to the Ward party with cute little Bonnie Bringard.

November 4, 2010

2010-11-04T07:58:00.001-07:00

Gratitude's for today:

1. A hot shower after a good workout.
2. BFF having a better day.
3. Angie - going to Nathan's Eagle Court tonight.
4. One last day wearing a skirt and sandals.
5. Starbucks and their awesome smoothies.

P.S. It's supposed to be 72 degrees today - love, love, love this weather.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - Hump Day

2010-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Half-way through my week. Sometimes the first week back after being gone is a very, very long week. I'm trying to get back into the "really focused" mode that I was in prior to leaving.

I spent last week in Salt Lake to the Public Treasurer's Academy, hosted by the University of Utah. It was a great week, probably the best academy we've had so far. I am currently Co-education Director, along with Elaine Openshaw from Payson, for the Utah Association of Public Treasurer's. We were able to help select topics and teachers for our academy, and it was very rewarding. Karen Winningham, from the U is responsible for the academy and contacting the teachers. We are always so lucky to have high caliber teachers, most of which teach master's classes at the U. We also had the State Treasurer, Richard Ellis, there for a little bit and a half day class with Deputy State Treasurer, David Damschen. David is a regular with us and we are always excited to see him.

That was just a little background for today's gratitude's:

1. I'm grateful that I enjoy learning new things, that I don't fight change (too much) in the workplace.
2. A job that encourages us to stay current with changes in the workplace, especially since I work with finances and our economic times - well - pretty much suck.
3. Renon, what can I say, my BFF.
4. My basically happy spirit, I don't stay down too long, and I like being happy.
5. Faith and hope for a bright future.

Have a happy hump day.

November 2nd

2010-11-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Gratitude's for today:

1. Justin coming in 3 weeks!!!
2. Living in a free country where I have the privilege of voting.
3. Another morning of no excuses.
4. Alma (the book of).
5. Cuddling with Baxter every morning.

Now, if you haven't voted yet - get out there and vote NOW!

HaPpY NoVemBer OneTh

2010-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy, happy first of November. It's a beautiful day in Cedar City, the temperature is supposed to get to 62 today, imagine November 1st and 62 degrees. My toes and legs are loving the extended fresh air of skirts and sandals.

Starting today I will be posting 5 things each and EVERY day that I am grateful for. This will be a stretch for me, not because I don't have 5 things daily that I'm thankful for, but because I'm going to post about those 5 things. It's such a good idea to turn our thinking to gratitude. So here goes:

1. I'm grateful today for the beautiful sunshine so my toesies can breath freely.
2. I'm grateful today for the fact that my whiny voice didn't win out for the extra bed time this morning, and Rick and I actually worked out.
3. I'm grateful today for Rick, that he's patient with me and that he loves me.
4. I'm grateful today to have a job that I love. I don't really love the first day back after a week's absence, but I do love my job.
5. I'm grateful today that I have a nice, safe home to go home to at the end of my work day.

What are you grateful for today?

October 20, 2010

2010-10-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished the Book of Mormon challenge. I completed it between the morning and the afternoon sessions of General Conference on Saturday. It was a great feeling to know that I had completed the challenge and I was excited to get started again. I didn't have any "ah-ha" moments reading this time or during conference, but I felt assured that my Heavenly Father was mindful of what I had accomplished and my desire to live closer to Him.

Conference was awesome. There has been a lot of talk about Elder Packer's talk on same sex attraction. The world would like the L.D.S. Church to change it's view on same sex attraction, but what the world seems to miss is that what is taught by our leaders comes by way of inspiration, you don't just change our beliefs to fit the world's criteria. I don't believe that God will ever change his mind on SSA. When and if God changes his mind, we will be taught through our living Prophet about the changes.

We are taught that we should love everyone, that it's not up to us to judge. We should love as the Savior taught - unconditionally. I don't believe that I will EVER be asked to make the choice between my religion and those I love who have chosen a different lifestyle. A loving, kind Heavenly Father will sort things out. He knows what is in our hearts, and only He can be the judge.

The world always talks about the separation of church and state. Why is it that the different groups don't campaign, harass, push the "state" for the changes they desire? If it's equal rights they want, the stand of the Church on SSA will not affect this.

I know there are those that really suffer trying to reconcile their beliefs with their SSA. I don't have the answer about how we can help them come to terms with either living a straight lifestyle and staying active in the Church, or living the gay lifestyle. What I do know is that they need our love and support.

Okay, soapbox is put away.

Running/walking continues, I'm not seeing as much progress as I would like, but it will come.

I'm spending next week in Salt Lake attending the Utah Association of Public Treasurers' Academy at the University of Utah. We are at their Sandy Campus and staying at the Cottontree Inn on 106th South. I'm really looking forward to getting away and just relaxing. OH - there always a "little" shopping to be done also. We have classes all day, every day, except Friday. I'll be home Friday night.

I'm reading The Book of Mormon again, and I will finish before the end of the year. I'm enjoying reading and remembering the chronology of events. I'll try to post next week and keep myself on track with my exercise. For now I'm done. I think I'll read "My Name is Memory" on my iPad.

Another week in paradise

2010-09-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture. Baxter walked over to the couch the other night and just flopped his head down on Rick's chest. Rick wrapped his arm around Baxie and scratched his belly. You can tell that they are both very content to stay just where they are.

Running this week - well running/walking, getting better. My legs felt like they weighed a ton this morning, but what a mental boost is gives me just getting up and moving. I have worked out 3 days this week, missed yesterday, but will go again tomorrow. It makes me excited to continue and, hopefully soon, start to notice an improvement both in distance/time and spare tire deflation.

Shay and I have talked about our desire to run in next year's 1/2 marathon. This year was the first and they had over 500 participants, some of which were friends of mine. It started at Woods Ranch, up Cedar Canyon and came down into Cedar, then around some city streets before finishing at the Main Street Park.

Then there's the Redrock Relay that starts at Brian Head and goes through Cedar, Veyo, St. George and ends up in Springdale. This is a team relay and you can have up to 12 team members, and we think we should do this too. We could form a team of Bonzo's and Cowan's and call ourselves the "cowabonzo's", I think that's pretty clever. Hahaha! Anyway, I need to keep working out to get in better shape.

Scripture study continues. I'm in 2 Nephi Chapter 10. I need to push it a little so I can finish Friday, October 1st. It's funny, I'm getting excited to start all over again on General Conference weekend.

So, how's your week going?

Slacker

2010-09-17T11:41:00.001-07:00

Okay, I've been a slacker. I only worked out once this week - ONE TIME. My spare tire isn't deflating very quickly.

On a positive note, I'm doing very well with my Book of Mormon reading. I'm in Heleman and should finish right before General Conference.

I just finished the 3rd Hunger Games book, Mockingjay. Enjoyed this book as much as the others. I read a spoiler about the ending on Facebook, but I still enjoyed the book. I wasn't quite as shocked about Prim dieing, and that was a good thing.

Next week - regrouping! I'll keep myself posted on my blog.

Mean, ornery Monday

2010-09-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days when you are just plain mean and ornery? Well I guess I do, and today is one of them. I'm only fit for my own company. I'd better put on my big girl panties and get over it.

Happy, rainy Thursday

2010-08-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's a happy, rainy day in Cedar City. Fresh air, the wonderful smell of rain, pretty green lawns and bright colored flowers, HUGE raindrops with a little hail mixed in. Should go home tonight and mow the lawns, we'll have to see what the weather in Enoch has been like today. There's a big difference in the weather between Enoch and Cedar. Hopefully we got rain, but hopefully we didn't, lawns really need to be mowed, but we need the water. Nice cool night to sleep, IF the sun stays hidden behind the dark clouds, if not - hot, muggy night to sleep.

We are all happy and celebrating a little at work today. My cute little friend at work found out that her Pet Scan showed "no areas of concern". She has had cancer and her counts have been up for the past 6 months, so her cancer doctor ordered a Pet Scan on Monday. She was a glow-in-the dark friend for about 6 hours on Monday. They inject her with radioactive stuff then scan and watch it flow through her body. She is the most genuinely kind person I know and she's had some hard times her whole life. Things are looking up and especially getting brighter with the latest good news from the scan. She'll do blood work every 2 months and go see the doctor again in February.

Also, side note, I exercised again this morning bright and early. That's 3 times this week. Feel great, it really helps my attitude and makes me happier all day.

VERY happy, rainy Thursday.

2010-08-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Tuesday, August 24th. It's my cute sister-in-law, Collette's, birthday. She got an iPad and is having a great time with it, she'll love it.

Last week I posted about life improving goals, exercise and scripture study. Well, last week I only exercised 2 times. I got lazy, stayed home with Rick one morning and just lost interest for a little bit.

My scripture study continued all week, reading about 8-9 pages each day. I'm finding that I am remembering more about the Book of Mormon because I've read it more over the past year. Things are coming together better than ever, I'm understanding it better, just a couple of examples of what happens when you do what you are inspired to do. Tonight I'm am on Alma 4. Alma is the longest book in The Book of Mormon and it used to drive me nuts until I was done. But this past year I've come to enjoy this long book, talking about wars, rumors of wars, the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. I'm past where it talks about Alma the younger and the Sons of Mosiah trying to destroy the church and how an angel appeared to them, confounding Alma and converting Alma and the Sons of Mosiah; I really like this part. I'm now looking forward to reading, again, about the 10,000 stripling warriors, and how they were taught by their mothers. Love this part.

I have been into Spirit both Monday and Tuesday this week. Yesterday was easy, today not so much. I'm still not running a long ways, but if I'm consistent I will improve. I'm enjoying lifting weights and using the machines at Spirit. I want to firm up my arms, along with LOTS of other places, so the weights are exciting to me.

My little mom continues to enjoy her iPad. Imagine learning about the iPad at 88 years young. She's truly amazing. She loves reading her scriptures on the iPad and she also looks at Facebook each day, trying to keep up with the kids and grandkids. We are still working a little on email, that will come - then it's on to Google, Internet shopping and reading a book with iBooks, Nook or Kindle - all at her fingertips.

Surprising to me is the fact that my favorite thing to do on my iPad is read. I've always loved to read and I love holding the actual book, so I've been amazed how much I LOVE reading on my iPad. Since we got ours, the first part of July, I've already read 2 1/2 books with others downloaded and waiting. I'm finding lots of enjoyment reading again!

I'm pretty boring tonight, I'll try to find more interesting things to post about. For today, and this week probably, the is me - OUT!

Changes of life

2010-08-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

From time to time I decide to make positive changes in my life. I'm kind of private about goals, I think that may be because if I share I'm more committed to the goal. So, today I start sharing some goals I'm working on, some days I'll fail and some days I'll succeed. This will serve more as a journal than a blog, so if you don't feel like reading personal stuff about me, that's fine and understandable.

Several months ago I had the impression to challenge the sisters in my Ward to read the Book of Mormon before General Conference in October. We had a kick off to the challenge on July 14, 2010 and suggested ways to complete the challenge by the end date. One way was to read 6.56 pages per day from 7/15/10 to 10/3/10. I went to a conference in South Carolina for a week and that totally shot my reading schedule. I'm now up to almost 9 pages per day to complete the challenge.

I've also wanted to lose a little weight and get rid of the gross love handles. I don't have much of a waist when I'm my thinnest, well now my waist is turning into more of an "outie" all the time. So, I'm determined to get back with my workout schedule which I abandoned sometime during Rick's Iraq tour.

My report for 8/16/10; I ran/walked 2 miles and lifted weights/used the machines at Spirit for 20 minutes. 20 minutes doesn't sound like much, that's all I can squeeze in because of my morning schedule at home, but it's better than nothing. I get up at 4:30 and go into town, park the car, run from Spirit around the hospital and back down Main Street to Spirit. I then go in and use the equipment. Then I go home and feed Baxter, get my fruit and sometimes lunch ready for work, then get myself ready and arrive at work about 5 minutes late. My tardieness is a goal for another day.

While I feed Baxter, morning and night, I read my Book of Mormon. This morning he ate fast and I only read 2 pages, so tonight I'll have to read the remaining 7. I am really enjoying reading again. Today I read about the tame and wild olive tree and I've tried really hard to understand the meaning. The challenge was inspired, and I know that. We are having some good experiences at church with the challenge.

So, enough for today. I'll update sometime soon, but I will be more consistent, like I'm going to be with my exercise.

Another Cute Rickism

2010-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last night at youth corrections, for Family Home Evening, we were talking about the second coming of Christ. Antonio, the boy that is currently with us has been very interested in this subject. Rick was going over some of the signs of the second coming and he read that there would be "fanimes and pestilences". Not too sure what a fanime is but I'm pretty sure I don't want any famines or pestilences.

He also swore-he said "hell". Antonio just kept laughing about that. Rick was pretty embarrassed and I threatened to put him in orange shoes if he didn't behave. The boys at youth corrections have to wear orange shoes if they are misbehaving. Payless might just be the answer to Rick's cussing problem. Hahaha.

New Family Pictures - Awesome

2010-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

We recently had new family pictures done by Abbey Kyhl, she's amazing. Here is one of my favorites, I'll post more soon and talk about our fun experience.

Lunch with good friends

2010-04-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

I had lunch with Carol Bowns and Dave Nyman on Tuesday at Toadz. Food was great and the friends were even better. Nothing like good company and good food to make me happy.

Shower Caps R Us

2010-04-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

The ongoing saga continues.

42 shower caps/tooth brushes/q-tips/nail files, etc. and counting from Justin's last visit.

Looking forward to a possible fall trip to Beautiful British Columbia in September (ish) to repay his good deeds.

The story of the shower caps

2010-01-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

Once, long ago, at Little America Hotel in Salt Lake, Justin went into the bathroom and came back out wearing a shower cap on his head and we laughed and laughed. This started what has become a traditional competition between Justin and Rick and I. Rick will claim he's innocent, not involved, not true. A couple of years ago Rick put the shower caps out at Justin's house while Justin and I took a rental car back. Over the years we've mailed, stuffed, stashed, squished and frozen shower caps at Justin's home and ours.

It's become a good competition to see who can get the most shower caps. Justin wins hands down, he's the traveler, he goes to exotic places and brings us shower caps, sewing kits, soap, whatever he can get in his suitcase, and we find his little treasures everywhere. He goes to great lengths to get more shower caps than I do. Several years ago he met me in San Diego for a Treasurers conference, it wasn't enough to get the one new shower cap daily, he started bribing the maid. He'd leave her notes and cash - yes cash - and she'd, in turn, leave numberless shower caps, which have all ended up in drawers, shoes, etc. here at home.

I get in a few punches too, but since we don't get to Vancouver very often, I have to rely on him leaving his luggage unattended just before going home. That's when I get to share my stash with him. I wonder what the customs agents think if they inspect his suitcases, they probably wonder what kind of OCD he has. It's kind of fun stuffing the pockets of his jeans and squishing shower caps between his socks. And it's not easy to get them in his luggage, he's a very neat and TIGHT packer. He's started leaving notes on top of his suitcases for me that say "step away from the suitcase". I just laugh as I stash away.

He went home from his Christmas visit this year on the 30th of December. That very night as Rick and I got into bed, low and behold, there were about 16 or so shower caps in our bed. Some were easy to get, just between the sheets, some were stashed between the mattress and mattress cover. There is always that little pyramid from The Luxor that ends up in the bed and it could really cause damage to the body.

Since the night he went home we have added 40+ to our collection, finding them in places like my laundry detergent, in clean folded towels, numerous shoes, pockets of jackets. I had added lumps in the butt of a pair of jeans, luckily I found the shower cap before leaving home. He even put some in his bed downstairs, knowing if I got a cough during the winter I'd sleep down. Well, I slept down there right after he left and found the little gifts he'd left for me.

We have shower caps from Madrid, Istanbul, South Africa, Rio de Janeiro, Paris; then there the ones from my "exciting" trips like Michigan, Spokane and San Diego.

This is a great thing for us. We tease each other, we accuse each other, we lie to each other(little white lies) and most of all we love laughing about the shower caps together. We have an awesome relationship and really enjoy each other. When I die I will request that I be buried with all the shower caps he can find at his house and mine, that should give people something to laugh about.

New Year's Day 2010

2010-01-01T17:42:00.001-08:00

New Year - New Decade. Welcome to my life, come on in.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was a little sad. We were missing Paul, who we lost in September this year. We had a special candle lighting and reading for him Christmas Eve at Rick's folks house. We watched a video Todd had put together, cried and talked about Paul. There is a hole in our family that only Paul could fill. We miss him but are grateful for our knowledge of the Gospel, and that we can be together again.

After we left Rick's parents, we went to Randy and Collette's house. We had great food, I ate too many of Randy's candied nuts (way good), and enjoyed watching Lindsay's and Nate's cute kids, as they negotiated with their parents about what time they could get up Christmas morning. The story Randy read this year was The Last Straw and we got a cute bag of straw for our tree. I love going to their home on Christmas Eve, spending time with their family and mom.

Our Christmas this year was amazing. We started off the day at home, the 3 of us, 4 counting Baxter. I let Baxie out to use the bathroom about 6 a.m. When he came back in, he went right over to the couch and picked up one of the toys Santa left him, then went directly into Justin's bedroom and got up on the bed with him. It was like he knew exactly which was his Santa stuff, cute dog!

Anyway, Justin came upstairs about 7 and yelled "get up" to his dad, to no avail. I guess it's still tradition for Rick to refuse to get out of bed until he's good and ready. After he finally got up we got to see what Santa had brought, too much as usual, and then left for mom's.

Danny and Barb, Randy and Collette and Rick and I all buy gifts for mom's Christmas stockings. It's the highlight of the morning to watch her go through the stockings and "Ooooo and Ahhhh" over each little item. This year was no exception, we thoroughly enjoyed being with her and together Christmas morning. We ate delicious breakfast casseroles and ham and stuffed ourselves to the point we needed naps, which none of us got.

We then went to Rick's mom and dad's and enjoyed watching them go through their stockings. We gave Rick's dad a rubber chicken that appears to lay an egg, but it's still in the sack, pretty gross, but he laughed a lot at it. Eric and Lisa and their family and Scott and Lori were there and it was so fun to be together. It's been a while since Scott has been to family functions, it was great to have him there again. Justin's room mate, Chris, had arrived from Vancouver, BC while we were at Rick's parents. It was great to have him with us too.

Traditionally Rick's family and some of mine come out on Christmas afternoon. This year his parents, Eric and Lisa and their family, Scott and Lori, mom, Danny and Barbara came out, and we had invited a very good friend, Kristin McClellan, to come out too. We just hung out, ate, laughed and tried out my new weighted hoola hoop. It was pretty fun and funny at times. Now we'll see if I use it like I'm planning to do.

This Christmas I enjoyed our families more than ever, maybe I'm growing up after all. Remember I said "growning up" not getting old. Love this time of year and the feelings of a new beginning, lots of excited thoughts going through my head. I don't like New Year's resolutions, but I have plans for some good changes in my life. I'll keep you posted as my list developes.

December 18, 2009

2009-12-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in my room at Planet Hollywood, waiting for 1:42 a.m. when Justin will arrive for Christmas - YAY!!!!! He'll be here for 12 days, well technically 11.5 days, does the 18th count since he's traveling? Who knows. I just know we'll have a great time. I only have to work on the 28th and 29th while he's home. Happy, happy, happy.

When my brothers and I were young, on Christmas morning we had to wait until the three of us, along with mom and dad, were up before anyone could go see what Santa had left. Randy and Danny slept downstairs so mom or dad would lead them through the kitchen, through the front room (with their eyes closed so they couldn't see the presents), and into the hallway. I would be anxiously waiting in the hallway with mom or dad (they didn't trust me not to peak at the gifts) for the boys to get there. We would then all go into the front room together and be amazed we had been that good during the year to receive the gifts we each desired.

Rick, Justin and I have continued this tradition in our little family. When Justin was young, there were some Christmas mornings that he and I were ready to string Rick up for being such a tease and whining about getting up so early. We would then (after the lazy butt got up) go into the front room where we were surprised by our gifts.

Now we go downstairs into the family room, all together, and take turns going through our Santa gifts. We are a small little family, but are not lacking in love and enjoyment on Christmas, as well as any time we are together.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2009-12-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day of work until the 28th. I don't think I've ever had that much time off and just stayed around here. I'm going on to Vegas on Friday to pick Justin up for Christmas, and I can hardly contain myself. We are staying at Planet Hollywood, and you know there are major good stores right there, won't have to leave the hotel after I check in. It will be a fun day and topped off with the best present ever, Justin coming home for Christmas. We have such fun together and Saturday coming home will be awesome. Of course we'll have to do a "little" shopping in Vegas before heading home. Rick's probably glad he'll be home with Baxter and not shopping with us.

A Christmas tradition that I love is Rick's family coming to our house the afternoon of Christmas. We have done this for a long time, even before we really had room, but it was just as fun then as it is now. We usually miss Todd, Lorie and the kids, they spend their Christmas day in St. George with friends. As the kids get older, it's hard for them to travel on Christmas.

Anyway, Eric, Lisa and their kids come up in the late afternoon, as do Rick's mom and dad, all other family that happen to be around are also included. We just hang out and visit, eat cold ham left over from breakfast at moms (post later about that), chips, and whatever else happens to be on the bar. I love spending time with them, and I love my nieces and nephews and now some of them are having children of their own, which just makes it more fun.

10 days of traditions

2009-12-15T10:40:00.001-08:00

I was thinking this morning that I should write about our Christmas traditions. I checked out what Collette has been writing on Facebook and her posts brought such good memories and feelings. Some of my favorite traditions are hers also, rightfully so, we are together for many of the special times.

First off, let me say how grateful I am for my sisters-in-law. I have the best sisters-in-law ever, both the Cowan's and the Bonzo's, they're great! My Christmas memories and traditions center around family and the good times we've had over the years.

One of my favorite traditions is Christmas Eve at Randy and Collette's. We go down and hang out and eat yummy food that Collette prepares. We love spending time with their family and feel so blessed to be able to share in their Christmas Eve. Depending on what kids of theirs are home for Christmas, they come down and the kids get to open one present, PJ's, and they immediately put them on.

Each year Randy and Collette find a fun new Christmas book, we all gather round Randy as he reads the Christmas book, my favorite thing. Then Collette gives us each a little gift that goes along with the story. I have no idea where they find these gifts, I'm pretty sure Santa has something to do with it. Last year we got a tiny pair of wooden shoes, one year we got a peace dove. Anyway, we look forward to this tradition each year.

Happy Birthday to me

2009-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Today is my 56th birthday. Sounds ancient to those I know who are younger than 40, but it's all a matter of perspective. When I was in my 20's and 30's, people who were 65 had one foot in the grave. Now, here I am just 9 years away from that ripe old age, and guess what? I may be getting older, but I'm also getting better. Just ask Rick. Lol!

I am enjoying being more relaxed about things that really used to bug me. Things like needing people to like me, having people like the way I dressed, having the best and latest of things, (at all costs). Now it's pretty important that I like how I dress, and jeans aren't the most comfortable pants I own, so I only wear them when I'm feeling thinner. I used to try to get my mom to wear Levi's when I was young, you know, I wanted her to be more amazing than she already was to my friends. She refused, now I know why, it takes a while to get smarter about that stuff, and moms are always right. I still want people to like me, but it doesn't make or break my day if they aren't that happy with me.

I am able to admit my mistakes (who me?) easier than I used to. I must have more self confidence than I used to, but I now realize that we are all human, including me, therefore we all make mistakes.

I still love my house to be clean, but I no longer think people judge me by how many of Baxter's paw prints they can see on the floor.

Not quite the actual size of Baxter's paw, but darn close. Actually, Baxter's is probably a little larger, he weighs about 120 pounds. Love that boy!

I guess as I've "matured", I find that I'm less judgmental of others, so I cut myself some slack too.

With Christmas coming I'm reminded that I now include Christ more in our celebrations than I used to. Presents aren't necessary anymore for me to have a good time, just my family around me makes me very happy and content.

And I'm about 10 pounds heavier than I want to be, but that too doesn't matter like it used to. I think it's not only the growing up process, but also Rick's service in Iraq, that put things in a better perspective for me. Some "stuff" just doesn't matter as much any more.

Then there are those things that matter more. My family has always been a huge part of my life, but I now look at them through different eyes and honestly realize that without them life wouldn't be worth living. They make me happy, they are the reason that I do what I do.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ now plays a bigger part in my life than ever before, I only wish I would have felt this many years earlier. I missed a lot of time not being totally committed.

I love my job and my friends that I work with. I've had many "happy birthday's" today from friends and family alike. I am so blessed and I'll try harder in the year ahead to show my gratitude.

The best birthday wish I received today came from my little mom. She called me before I came to work to wish me happy birthday and said "You were my Christmas present". Made me cry. But,I thought about what she said and I guess I probably was her Christmas present that year. With 2 older brothers (who I love very much, they taught me way cool stuff growing up, like how to count to 10 burping) and since her and dad didn't know if I was a boy or a girl, being born just before Christmas, I guess I was a Christmas present that year. My mom is such a sweetheart, the most Christlike person I know, what a blessing it is for me to be her "Christmas present".

Gratitude - day diecisiete

2009-11-26T16:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!. Today I am most thankful for family, what would Thanksgiving be without families? I'm grateful today for all those who have sacrificed so I can celebrate, worship, work and play as I chose. It was 5 years ago last night that the Triple Deuce was put on activation alert, brave men preparing to leave home and family. I'm so grateful for their safe return, bless them all this Holiday Season.

Gratitude - day dieciséis

2009-11-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Gratitude's for Wednesday: Justin coming for Christmas because I'm really missing him this Thanksgiving!

I'm grateful for a nice hot shower, beautiful blue skies, sunshine, my neighborhood and great neighbors.

Andrew, Eric and pumpkin chocolate chip bread.

My mom.

I'm grateful for Andra and her service, she's amazing, and also for her Whole Wheat Cottage Cheese Roll recipe that I'm making for Thanksgiving dinner.

Gratitude - day quince

2009-11-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

Sam, the best visiting teacher ever, putting up Christmas lights with Rick, Michelle and bleach, sunshine, service opportunities. No work again tomorrow, maybe I'll decorate, maybe I'll get a manicure, maybe I'll visit Wet Willies. That's what's so good about a vacation day at home.

Gratitude - day catorce

2009-11-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

Grateful that I'm done with the dentist for today, for Baxter getting his Thanksgiving "do" and slipper feet trimmed for the winter,computers, vacation time AT HOME, Youth Corrections tonight (sharing time with Daniel), experiencing the beautiful blue sky and sunshine from inside a warm house, warm house slippers.

I was thinking about the dentist and the difference between now and when I was younger. I had a mean dentist, I mean he was cruel. I hated the shots, so I usually refused to let him give me one (stupidity running rampant on my part). Needless to say the drilling was a killer and I would cry - sometimes I'd cry a lot. I remember one visit when I was crying and I wouldn't stop, he actually put his hand over my mouth to get me to shut-up. In retrospect, I should have taken a chunk out of his chunky hand. Anyway he was MEAN!!! Of course I was a little angel!?!????

His office would call every six months, almost on the dot. My mom worked so they had to call her on Saturday at home. I wouldn't dare say I was "inspired", more likely I had a premonition that a certain Saturday phone call was from the dentist from hell, so I'd go downstairs and ever so quietly pick up the phone and listen to my mom make my appointment.

And, don't ever think for one minute that I forgot when the appointment was scheduled. When the dreaded day arrived, I would either have the flu or a cold, and mom would have to cancel the appointment. All I was really doing was putting off the inevitable. I always had to go at a later date, which only extended my nightmares.

My sweet mom was always so concerned about my health, and so very trusting of her "innocent" daughter, that she never connected the dots. She always believed my "illnesses". It wasn't until years, I mean YEARS later, that I finally confessed. She was actually surprised. She has told me since then that she feels bad she didn't change dentists because I was so afraid of ours. I went about 17 years in between visits years ago. I now have a great dentist, he does a great job and I like him as a person, but he is, after all, still a DENTIST.

Gratitude - day trece

2009-11-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

I missed Saturday gratitude's which doesn't mean I wasn't grateful for lots of stuff, just busy cleaning.

Grateful today for a clean house.

The Primary Program at church, it was amazing. The Primary Presidency are a great group, they love the kids and it showed today. Grateful to Joanna Ellis for all her hard work getting the program ready. She'll probably have a really long nap this afternoon.

Old Navy "Just Bottoms".

Sunday afternoon nap, reading, watching TV, whatever.

Moms for dinner tonight. Love to see the family.

NO WORK TOMORROW. Oh, and NO WORK UNTIL NOVEMBER 30TH. Yea, decorate, play and eat this week.

Gratitude - day doce

2009-11-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Gratitude's for today FRIDAY November 20, 2009. I guess you can tell one of my gratitude's for today is that it is Friday. Love my job and those I work with, but Friday's are great.

Grateful today for a cute, weird boy son who loves his grandma so much. For her birthday, he sent her a huge fortune cookie with a fortune inside from him to her. It made her so happy. He's so thoughtful, such fun, and I'm sooooo excited to have him with us for Christmas, can hardly wait.

I'm also grateful today for going to lunch with best friend Renon, we have such a good time together, good conversations, laughter, tears, we share it all.

Had book club last night. I read "Grace" by Richard Paul Evans, good book but kinda sad. Get to start a new book this weekend, "The Lost Symbol". I'm excited.

Vacation time that has to be used by the end of the year. I'm taking all of next week off and I'm excited to get our Christmas stuff out.

I'm grateful for The Book of Mormon and the reading I'm doing. I'll be done by the end of the year, and I'm learning so much.

Gratitude - day once

2009-11-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

Gratitudes for today:

Water, love water, I drink close to a gallon each day. Mom says I've done that since I was a child.

My health.

Rick (he's starting the Christmas lights today).

Randy, because it's the day after his surgery and all is well.

Good books, I love to read. Right now I'm reading "Grace" by Richard Paul Evans. I belong to a book club and that's my choice for November.

Quiet, early mornings at home before starting my day at work. This morning I "used" my treadmill, did a few exercises, then read my scriptures, before getting ready to come to work. Rick has today off, so he and Baxter were still snoozing. It was a quiet, peaceful morning.

Now on to the rest of my day, finding things along the way to add to my gratitude list.

By the way, we had a great time at Rusty's last night. Missed family that couldn't be there, we'll do it again soon. Mom is an awesome, beautiful lady that I love so much. Here is a picture from our party last night, isn't she cute!

Gratitude - day diez

2009-11-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Gratitudes for November 18, 2009. My mom - it's her 88th birthday today and she is awesome. Grateful for her example, her unconditional love, her patience, her laugh, going to Rusty's tonight to celebrate the wonderful woman she is. She is the glue that keeps our family close. When I grow up I want to be just like her. She's my hero.

She has been surviving without my dad for over 25 years and she stays positive and happy. She loves her family, especially the little ones, they really make her happy. She is a great example of how Christ would like us all to live, kind, loving, giving, long suffering, she is truly enduring (and very well) to the end.

I love you mom and look forward to many more Rusty's dinners to celebrate your day.

Gratitude-day nueve

2009-11-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for staying in bed one whole hour longer, 4:30 didn't happen today. I'm grateful for the holiday feeling that is taking over my body, for good friends that sometimes visit with me too much, for a job that I enjoy coming to each day, for upcoming changes at work.

I'm especially grateful today for the example of others in my life and for life itself.

Gratitude - day ocho

2009-11-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

Gratitudes for today. Carol, who has become a very good friend; a door to my office (so I can close myself in); a pedicure with my cute little mom for lunch; Youth Corrections and Daniel; sunshine, car seat heaters, and my treadmill.

By the way, I have no idea why I started doing my day numbers in Spanish. Sometimes you say "Uno" instead of one, that's what I did and now I can't stop until Thanksgiving of over. Maybe I'll learn a little Spanish along the way.

Gratitude day siete

2009-11-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

Sacrament Meeting was awesome today. Not necessarily the speakers, but the Spirit was so strong today. The choir sang The Battle Hymn of The Republic, a song that I love. My Relief Society Secretary, Susan Lewis, was the accompanist, and she was looking forward to the song being done, it's a very hard piece. She did an amazing job, she made Sacrament Meeting special for me, as I watched her play and felt the Spirit touch my spirit.

That being said, gratitude's for today: Susan, Alma 29:9, Church callings, quiet Sunday afternoons spent reading and napping, spending Sunday evenings eating with family, and my favorite Sunday evening activity; talking to my weird boy on the phone. Love talking to Justin!!!!

Gratitude day seis

2009-11-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

Rick didn't have to work today, so today I'm grateful for a Saturday at home with him. We get about 2 every year, he works almost every weekend. I'm grateful today for Rick cleaning up my flower pots, a warm house that keeps me safe and out of the cold wind, mom going grocery shopping with me and Angie.

Gratitude day cinco

2009-11-13T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for Rick coming home from Camp Williams, 10 days apart was long enough. I'm grateful for the beautiful snow storm we had and the much needed moisture it brought. I'm grateful tonight for Panda Express.

Gratitude - Day Cuatro

2009-11-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

This week has been hard at work. We have had some of the meanest people call and yell at us. So today I'm very grateful for the awesome people I work with, they are the best. I work in a great office, and usually the customers are our friends, but this week has been the exception. So much gratitude today goes out to my co-workers, good job! Especially Kristin - she is truly a saint.

Gratitude day tres

2009-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for service men and women, past and present. I'm thankful to them for fighting for my freedom, so I can play, work and worship as I chose.

I'm thankful for a father-in-law and father that served. I'm also grateful to Randy and Shay for their service, I have an awesome family.

Then there's Rick, what can I say? What a blessing his service has been in our lives. These are my hero's, and I honor them today

Gratitude Day dos (Not uno that was yesterday)

2009-11-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

1) Warm weather so I can wear sandals and skirt one more time
2) Warm heater under my desk to keep my bare legs and toes warm
3) Going home after work with no place else to go

Thankfulness Month

2009-11-09T12:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm a little slow in getting with the program. November is already 9 days old and I haven't posted any gratitudes. I'll start today, not guaranteeing how many I'll do each day, some days I may only have one thing that I'm thankful for. Not really, but some days I may only want to write one thing.

Today I'm REALLY thankful to be Relief Society President, can't say why, too many reasons. Just know that I'm very, very grateful for this blessing in my life.

Paul's weekend and playing in the water

2009-09-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

Rick's brother Paul passed away last week. He has struggled for some time different issues, and the time came that his body said, that's enough. He passed away, peacefully, surrounded by his family. His son, Dayne and daughter Caitlyn were there by his side, as were his parents, brothers and numerous others who love him.

It was a hard, sad time, but the family love in that room was overwhelming. There was a lot of visiting, remembering Paul over the years, talk of Bonzo Deer Camp, Paul being born "in charge" and fun times we all remembered. There were a lot of tears and a lot of laughter.

They were celebrating Oktober Fest at Kolob Rehab. Rick and Eric, always the clowns, came prancing into Paul's room looking like this
I know the picture isn't very good, but you get the idea. It was a light moment that we all liked. Then we had Brandon remove the plate of sauerkraut so we could breath again.
There were many light moments over the weekend. Here are some pictures of Paul's grandson, Kadyn, playing in Great Grandpa Bonzo's backyard, which was flooded with water. He brought light and laughter, at least to me, as I snapped these pictures.

Kadyn has Paul's gloves on his feet like flippers. LOL!

There was much laughter and happiness, family togetherness. I will miss Paul always, but I will try and take something from his life, from his example, and make something in my life better - for Paul - because of Paul. Out of sad things can come good things. I'll find those good things.

Baxter and Kadyn - best buddies.

Rickism and Youth Corrections

2009-06-09T07:46:00.001-07:00

I think I’ve mentioned before that Rick and I go to Youth Corrections on Monday nights, for Family Home Evening with the boys housed there. There are 9-10 couples who go each week, and 10 boys at the most, that are housed in the long term area. This is a calling that Rick and I really enjoy. We are supposed to be good examples to our assigned boy and teach him the gospel.

In the past we have had great experiences with the boys we have met with. We always worry about what they will do and how they will do after they are released. We have had 2 boys prior to our current one. Our first one was John, and we got quite attached to him. Coming from a home where there was no background of family, but a lot of selling drugs, and various “house guests”. He was unique and had a huge chip on his shoulder. We really worried about him, justifiably so. We’ve seen him once in the past year and he had reverted back to his negative, the world owes me, self. Rick offered to help him find a job, he wasn’t interested, but he was interested in us giving him money, which we did NOT. Anyway, we always read the arrest notices in the paper, and sure enough, before long there was his name, he was arrested for drugs. THEN we get a call from him about help with a job.

We also got very attached to a boy named Brittan. He came from a better home, not great, but the kids love each other and help each other. He told us about one Christmas going out and stealing a doll for his little sister, something she really wanted, and the big brothers couldn’t disappoint her. He has solid grandparents that have helped him when they can. He is awesome; we really grew to love him. When he got out he stayed here in Cedar, he wanted to stay away from his friends in St. George. He went to a semester of school at SUU and has a job locally. I’ve talked to him since he got out but we’ve not been able to get with him yet. He called and left me a message and I’ve tried several times to get back to him at work, with no luck. I really feel like he will make it. Great kid, bad choices.

Now we have Daniel, a quiet 16 (his birthday is today) year old from the Vernal area. He's warming up to us and even smiles occasionally. We don't know what his offense was, we aren't allowed to ask, but he is supposed to be released in August. We knew with John and Brittan what they had done, they voluntarily told us.

Well, all that said just so I could tell you about another “Rickism”. It was our turn to be host couple last night. This means that we are in charge of the prayer, thought, music and treats. I told Rick yesterday morning that if he would get the lesson I would get the treats, fair trade I thought.

He got out the Family Home Evening Manual and studied a lesson. While we were sitting in the parking lot at the correctional facility, I asked him about the lesson and he said he was waiting for a “revolution”. I cracked up; he smiled and asked what the right word was. I could have told him it was a revelation or inspiration but instead I refused to tell him, I just said “boy, you really need to go to church more often.” I did tell him that he was waiting for a war of sorts, an over through of a government. LOL! Love that man!

Rick's Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-03T08:57:00.001-07:00

Stevie's Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T07:40:00.001-07:00

Remembering our Freedom Fighters

2009-05-24T19:01:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Am I remembering the things and people that I should be remembering? In Canada this occasion is call Remembrance Day. That's what I need to do, remember those who have sacrificed for me to live free, to be free to chose how I worship, free from persecution.

My dad and father-in-law both served in the service. My dad was in the Navy, and Rick's dad was in the National Guard. They both served honorably. Rick's dad served in World War II and the Korean War, was actually wounded in World War II. My dad has been gone for 25 years and didn't leave us with much information about his service, and Rick's dad doesn't want to remember what he did or saw. This should serve as a good reminder that we need to journalize things that happen in our lives, then our children and grand-children will be able to read about our lives. Reminder to me - write in that journal more often.

Anyway, on this Memorial Day, I will humbly remember my Dad and Rick's dad and be ever so thankful for their service. I will also remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for me, and for you.

I will also remember, in my prayers, the families of soldiers lost, families of soldiers currently serving and families piecing lives back together after the safe return of their loved ones.

Always remember.....

Jell-O capital of the world - well not quite the world

2009-05-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

Reading Suburb Sanity the other day, Deb had posted about going to military functions when her husband was in the Navy. Every dinner function they attended, Banana Pudding was on the table, every time, including the going away party that was held for them when their 4 year enlistment was up.

It got me thinking about Utah’s rich heritage and our penchant for Jell-O, you know the wiggly, squish through your teeth stuff that we see at all our Church and family functions? So I Googled “Utah Jell-O” and came up with some valuable information.

Did you know that if you live in Utah you are living in the “Jell-O Belt”, also referred to in Wikipedia as The Mormon Corridor. Jell-O has been designated as Utah’s official snack food, apparently because Utah has been the highest per capita consumer of Jell-O for many years.

In a current article in Salt Lake Magazine, Jeremy Pugh talks about growing up around LDS families and that Jell-O was a staple at gatherings, to satisfy the children and their sweet-tooth {or is it sweet "teeth"?}

There is a wide variety of flavors, but the flavor of choice at the weekly Sweetheart Grandma Gathering is “red”. Hum, like Jeremy said “is that a flavor”?

Swine flu news flash

2009-05-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

My good friend Kami has a darling daughter named Brinley. Well she was sick over the weekend and she told her mom that she thought she had the swine flu. Kami, not missing a beat, said "OH NO, SMELL YOUR SKIN, DO YOU SMELL LIKE BACON?" Cute little thing said "I think I do". So if you smell like a hunk of breakfast meat, you might have the swine flu. LOL!

Reminder to me

2009-05-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.

- Kahlil Gibran

2009-04-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Part of being sAnE is being a little bit cRaZy.
- Janet Long

Good friends

2009-04-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am truly so blessed to have good friends in my life. Over the years I have had some of the best people in my life, people that have loved me when I have been pretty unlovable; people who still care about me even after long absences.

About 23 years ago our very good friends, Rod and Joann Taylor moved from Scenic Enoch to Gunnison, Utah. They had been such good friends, helping us become a better "us". They had 2 boys at the time, Jeremy and Eric. Justin is about 2 years older than Jeremy and Eric is a couple of years younger than that, so I guess Justin was about 13, Jeremy 11 and Eric 8 or 9. When the Taylor's moved we were pretty sad, I remember crying in Sacrament Meeting when we sang "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" and being so sad to have them leave.

Over the years they have been blessed to add 2 more boys to their clan; Rick (my Rick's namesake) who is 22 and Dillon who is 19. Jeremy and Eric are both married with families of their own. Jeremy has 3 children and Eric one. All 4 boys have turned out great, very responsible, good and kind.

Last week I got a call from Joann saying that they were going to St. George to see Rick, who's going to Dixie State and they wanted to go to dinner with us on their way. I have seen them a couple of times the past 3-4 years but my Rick hasn't seen them for about 10 years.

They stopped by the house Friday night about 6 and it was as if time had stood still. Where had the years gone? They still look the same to me and we didn't miss a beat talking and getting caught up on the past 23 years. They are still such wonderful friends and we will always so appreciate their guidance and love all those years ago.

We went to dinner at Wingers and visited for another 2 hours before saying good-bye and promising to stay in touch better. I really think we will do that. It's so great to have good friends that leave such an impression on our hearts.

Speaking of Blogs

2009-04-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

Idleing away my Sunday (between sessions of General Conference) I've been reading some pretty interesting blogs. Check this one out. It's about customer service, dealing with the public and how they aren't ALWAYS right.

Just like the lady that was upset with the city in February. Seems we "mishandled" the money she paid for the Viet Nam Memorial, IN HONOR OF HER SON. We receipted the money just as she requested on her form, to the Korean War, and when we couldn't find it in the Viet Nam Memorial, she demanded we refund her $150.00. That's right, showed us, our fault SHE's not honoring HER SON. She really taught US a lesson, yep she did. We do weird, unexplainable things, eh?

The blogosphere

2009-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

I really need to get a life. At least a blogging life. I love reading a lot of blogs, but have a hard time deciding that I have anything interesting/fun/happy/sad to say.

I get started reading blogs and I could go on all day long. On Friday, Meganola sent me the address to her aunt's blog. Her writing reminds me a little of Debbie's. They both have fun stuff to say and a unique way of saying it, both have a great sense of humor and are very good writers. I always check out the other blogs they follow and have found some really good reading.

Well, after reading Meganola's aunts blog, I checked out her good reading and found this blog. This particular post is about my good friend, Pam, who passed away in January, after a VERY valiant fight against cancer. What an honor for her and her family. I wouldn't have known about this without the blogosphere.

2009-03-20T11:41:00.001-07:00

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Aren't we such a cute family? Do you have any idea how hard it was to suck my stomach in that much???

Temples

2009-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

With the dedication of the Draper Temple Sunday, check THIS out. It's short, but tells a great story about why we build temples.

Moanie Monday

2009-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have days where you wake up weird? I mean I'm not totally ornery but not happy either. I wonder what the heck I was dreaming last night. I didn't exercise this morning and I don't even care. I'm kind of ticked at everybody. Now understand that I realize nobody has done anything to me this morning, it's my weird mood alone.

It would be a good day to hibernate with a good book and Baxter. Seems like he's the only one I like today, including myself. I'm praying for an intervention so I don't alienate everyone in the office. Not to mention poor Rick.

I'm getting a pedicure at lunch with my little mom, that should help. And if CERTAIN people in the office will stay out of MY office, I think I'll find my way back to sanity before Rick has to deal with me. We don't want a "silence is golden" evening.

That's subject matter for another blog, Hawaii, silence is golden. Will be something to laugh at.

Have a "Meaningful" Monday.

Happy Life

2009-03-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

My childhood was a happy time. We, my 2 brothers and I, were raised on 1150 West in Cedar City, Utah. Our parents were loving and supportive, we didn’t lack for much of anything. That’s not to say we had a lot of money, we were comfortable and had a happy life.

Our street, still today, has big, full trees lining both sides of the street. Most of the neighbors who were there throughout our younger years are still there today. Our mom still lives in the home where we were raised. Our dad passed away almost 22 years ago at the young age of 64. Wow, all three of us are getting close to that.

Growing up on 1150 was quite an experience. All families were somewhere close in age, so there were friends close to our ages to play with. In fact right across the street was the White family. One daughter, Deb, was one year younger than me and we were good friends; she is now married to my cousin. Another White daughter, Barbara, was 3 years older and is now my sister-in-law. There were the Ence girls, the Esplins, Holmes, Sanders, Irons, and I was really lucky to have some very good friends in the Ott girls.

We used to play night games, Simon Says, Hide and Seek, I don’t remember playing kick the can. We would stay out way past dark, feeling and being totally safe. We had enough “mothers” on the street, that our real moms knew where we were all the time.

I was really a wimp, kind of a mama’s girl. I remember sleeping outside with some of the girls on the block. Sometimes we would sleep behind the White house, where there was a big open field. Sometimes we would sleep in the Ence trailer. It didn’t matter where I “planned” to spend the night, I always ended up in my own bed, safe and secure. I would lay awake after everyone else was sleeping and either see big bad things in the field or the trees scraping on the trailer were going to tip us right over. Mom and dad learned to just leave the front door open because I would be home to sleep. Good friends, I don’t remember them ever being mean to me because I was such a baby.

The big field behind the White house is now part in Interstate 15 and a trailer park. My brothers used to build huts in the field, along the ditch bank, using willows. I remember playing in the fields but not actually digging a hut, just using the willows for our shelter. When we were teenagers we went from making huts in the fields to “snipe hunting”. We would take any newcomer to the area out into the field with a paper bag and have them watch for the nearly invisible “snipe”. Now we know they never really existed – or did they?????

Up the street, on the corner, was my very bestest friend, Diane. We hung out together from around the 5th grade clear through high school. We used to play dolls, imagine that, 2 young girls playing dolls. We always had boy friends – another imagine that – and she ALWAYS picked Elvis to be her boyfriend and I was always STUCK with Ricky Nelson. What a bummer. We had “Kitten” dolls, little baby dolls with soft bodies and I remember being mad at her for wetting and curling the hair of my doll and making it all kinky and yucky. Never was the same.

She really was my best friend. We had so many great times together. There were some pretty stupid times as well. I remember when we were in junior high and I was “pumping” her on the handle bars of my bike. She was kind of freaked because I was going fast, she kept asking me to slow down. Being the obnoxious teenager that I was, I just went faster. Finally she realized what I was doing and ask me to go faster, at which point – you guessed it – I slammed on the breaks sending her off the handle bars and onto the roadway, right in front of my bike. Things happened so fast, the next thing I knew I felt a “bump, bump” and realized that I had run right over her. Still cracks me up – nasty aren’t I? Anyway, she survived with just a little road rash, and she still spoke to me. We used to go swimming every day (to see my boyfriend) and her banged up knees kept her away for a while. What a brat I was! She is still a very good friend. We don't see each other much at all. She's in California, I think good thoughts, but don't dial like I should.

There are so many great memories from my childhood. Amazing parents, brothers that I truly love, respect and look up to, especially today. The feeling of love that abounded in our home was the best ever.

Post Valentine Post

2009-02-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Reading Suburb Sanity tonight and her post for Valentine’s Day, I thought maybe I’d talk a little about Rick and I. Where to start?

We were high school sweethearts (sigh). We married at the end of my senior year and Justin was born before our first anniversary. We struggled and played for a couple of years, then divorced for a couple of years. Finally we decided we couldn’t live without each other (another sigh). We’ve been married (this time) for 33 years, that’s kind of weird when your only child is 36, but that makes life more interesting.

He celebrates our first anniversary and I celebrate our second, so needless to say we don’t really do anything for either one. Not that I really care, sometimes he has to remind me that it’s our anniversary (which one?) Anyway, anniversaries have never been a huge deal to me.

Now one un-holiday, Father’s Day, is kind of a favorite of mine. Those wonderful male type people that plan National Guard summer camp must not want to be home for Father’s Day. For many years Rick was gone on this day. So……one year I got the brilliant idea to order Victoria’s Secret “stuff” and have it delivered directly to him at Camp Williams. So for a few years, during mail call on the Saturday before Father’s Day, he would receive a special package from “Vickie” and keep all the guys guessing. Rick loves to joke, and he takes as well as he gives, so he loved the questions and raised eyebrows the packages brought.

The first Valentine’s Day Rick was away from home, still in Mississippi training for Iraq, I was at work as usual and in walked Marilyn and Margene from Albertsons, carrying the most beautiful red-tipped, yellow roses I’d ever seen. Still makes me cry thinking about it. He’s so cute, HE loves yellow roses with red tips, so he will occasionally bring them home from work and he always says “they’re your favorite, aren’t they”? The same kind of roses arrived by the same delivery girls the next Valentine’s Day when Rick was in Iraq. He has some very thoughtful friends at work, and he loves me.

We’ve now been married quite a while, we’ve pretty much gotten used to each others weird issues (not that I have any). He’s become my best friend over the years. He’s the one I want to spend time with, whether it’s at home arguing over the TV changer and whether I can read AND watch TV at same time or not, or going out to a nice restaurant, he’s the one. We don’t go to too many movies, he kind of has a “don’t like movies” block, but I really just want the big bucket of popcorn anyway.

So, when he gets home next Sunday I’ll be on my very best behavior so he knows just how much I’ve missed him these past 2 ½ weeks. I’ll try to weasel a movie out of him, and he might agree and then I’ll probably want to stay home where it’s warm and cozy. We’ll probably compromise with me bringing dinner home from Costa Vida, and enjoy ourselves and an evening at home with Baxter and the Bonz’.

Rick and I at Kits Beach, Vancouver, BC July 2008

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-02-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

Quincy, Shay, Tanner and Rick in their 3D glasses enjoying the commercials.

Mom, aka Sweetheart Grandma, stunning in her 3D's.

A Thousand Words Thursday

2009-02-05T14:07:00.001-08:00

This picture is me in front of a store called "JB and Me" in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a cute store with fun, funky stuff. Justin spent the week with me in Grand Rapids in August last year and we stumbled onto this store. He has a picture like this with him pointing to the sign, which he promises to send. This sign has significance because we have some very dear friends that nicknamed him "JB", for, of course, Justin Bonzo. Albo has since passed on but his beautiful wife Maggie "Muggs" still calls him JB, even though he's now 36, and he still loves her for it. So, some very special times in my life have been spent with just "JB and Me".

Rickism

2009-01-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

A place to get sandwiches and pizza - DoNiMos.

Discombobulated in Bolivia

2009-01-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

After reading Debbie’s post at Suburb Sanity today, about her son being discombobulated, and combobulated not being a word, it got me thinking about “Rickisms”.

Now anyone that knows my Rick knows that there are times his tongue doesn’t spit out exactly what he meant for it to. Things get twisted and “discombobulated”.

Example in point. After his tour of Iraq, well really his whole adult life, he’s had a hard time sleeping. I know without a doubt that it’s not my snoring, I admit I snore, but how bad can it be? Well, that’s for another time.

Anyway, we bought him some Melatonin and to help him sleep. Justin just happened to be visiting (good witness) and Rick said he was going home and take a melanoma and go to Bolivia. He really meant that he was going home and take a melatonin and go into oblivion. From then on we joke that we are going to “Bolivia”.

Great guy, takes as good as he gives. We still call that clothing brand “Tommy Hilliger”. Gotta love him and his twisted tongue.

All tucked in

2009-01-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

I've been watching for something fun or funny to blog about. Not much going on lately. Well today I finally have something funny to tell everyone. Not that it's really something I'm proud of or even really want to admit I did, but here goes.

You know how you see little kids come out of the the bathroom with their dress tucked in their panties? Well that was me today after a funeral in my ward. The family and most of the congregation had exited the Chapel, I walked to the front to move some flowers to the gym. A lady in my ward was right behind me when I started to turn around and she was about to hyperventilate. She said "your skirt is tucked in your pantie hose or something". I could have slithered right out the door. She looked even more humiliated than I felt, I mean she was bright red. Instead of slithering like I wanted to, I laughed and made some lame comment, adjusted myself, and went on about my business. You have to realize I have a hard time laughing at myself, but I tried really hard, I'm trying even harder not to be REALLY BUGGED by the whole thing. I would guess there were only a small number of people who saw, because they were going the opposite direction I was, but wasn't one enough????

I came home and told Rick, thinking he'd never let me live it down, do you wonder about my sanity in telling him in the first place. Well, all he said was "that's better than toilet tissue hanging out of your pants". He had told me about a lady who had just come out of the restroom at Albertsons, where he works. She was wearing sweats and a sweat shirt, and trailing behind her was a string of toilet tissue hanging out of her sweats. What in the heck would you do? I'm sure he was rolling on the ground laughing his head off, not about to approach her and end her embarrassment.

I'm going to start watching other people really, really closely and blog about THEIR misfortunes not my own. Have a great weekend and be sure to look in the mirror at your butt before you exit the restroom.

Losing Pam

2009-01-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

It seems that I've been posting pretty serious stuff lately. I really will post something happy and crazy sometime.

I lost a very good friend Sunday, after a 10 year battle with cancer. Her name is Pam Hunsaker and she's been the Treasurer at American Fork City for the past 24 years. Pam is the type of person that everyone flocks around. She's loud, cute, funny, smart, always happy. We have had some great experiences over the past 12+ years that I've been the Cedar City Treasurer. We've spent time playing in Chicago, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and St. George. We've gone on boat tours, watched fireworks, eaten waaaaaaay too much and enjoyed every minute.

One of our best trips was to Chicago in 2005. Rick had been in Iraq for about a month, so he was otherwise occupied. Justin and Chris met us all in Chicago to spend the week playing. I flew from Cedar to Salt Lake and the rest of the way with Jolene Jackson, Claire White and Pam. As we got off the plane and went to retrieve our luggage, there stood Justin and Chris waiting for us. Pam, Jolene and I are all within a year of each other, Claire a little older. I think Justin and Chris weren't really sure what to do with all us women, and they named us "The Premarin Patrol". We shopped, ate, played, and ate some more. In between, we actually found time to attend our training. We had a great time and it will always be one of my favorite trips. Here are Pam and I in Chicago.

This is Pam lovin' on a male mannequin during our Chicago trip. Pam was always like this. It didn't matter if she was feeling under the weather, she was the life of all the parties. She is such a great example of endurance and love.

Pam has 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Her oldest son just got married in November and I understand that she felt well enough to have Thanksgiving dinner at her house in November. It was just the first part of December, after feeling so tired and run down, she went to the doctor and was told to get on hospice, there was nothing they could do for the cancer, that had spread so quickly and so far.

Bless her heart, she fought a good fight, for 10 long years. She so wanted to stay with her family, and us her friends, that love her so much. Thinking about her today I just know that Heavenly Father is having the time of his life. He's enjoyed watching her from afar, now that she's there with Him, she is totally entertaining Him. She will absolutely keep Heaven hopping.

For our friends that were to our conference in St. George in May, remember Pam the professional "butt drummer". This will always make us laugh and remind us how short life can be. We love you Pammie and will miss you so much.

Me, Jolene, Deanna and Pam having fun in Chicago.

New Year's Plans and Ponderings

2008-12-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

I don’t like New Year’s resolutions, the word resolution makes me mad. I think I’m kind of a rebel and non-conformist, so I like thinking of those strange things we all talk about at the beginning of each new year, as "positive life changes". No that’s kind of pompous. What about a new beginning? No that sounds like a Young Women’s program. I’m still trying to think of my own word or phrase that describes my New Year’s “things”. But I won’t wait for the right word or phrase, after all Thursday is the beginning of another new year. So some of the things, SO FAR, that I’ve been thinking about are listed here. I hope you can relate to some and laugh at others. I’m sure I’ll add to the list as time goes on. And I’ll be sure to let you know when I come up with an appropriate “thing” to call this.

Unconditional acceptance. Have you ever thought about meeting someone totally unlike yourself, someone maybe not as fortunate as you are? Maybe someone whose grooming habits aren’t quite up to snuff. What about the lady in line in front of you at the grocery store using her welfare card for stuff you can’t afford, whose kids haven’t had a proper grooming themselves that day? How do you feel? Are you compassionate? Do you mumble under your breath, do you step back from the un-groomed man? I will try this year to be more thoughtful when it comes to acceptance of those different from myself. People everywhere have different beliefs and different ways of doing things, that doesn’t make them good or bad, just different from me. I will try this next year to be more accepting of others, realizing that they too may find me different and strange.

Live for today, not because I don’t want to plan for tomorrow, but because I want to enjoy today. I don’t want to visualize what “might” happen, I want to experience all the good that is happening to me right now. I don't want to create anxiety before it's necessary. To do this I will try to look at situations in a more positive, "it's good today" mode.

I’m going to write in my journal more regularly. I have a “jottings” notebook that will become my “Gratitude Journal” and I will write 4 things daily that I’m grateful for. Doing this at Thanksgiving I realized just how superficial my gratitude is. I’m hoping that I will become more “deeply” grateful as I become more aware of my many blessings.

I will try to be more efficient at work, play and talk less and work more. I will try to be more understanding of those I work with and look for the best in them and let them know I appreciate them and their friendship.

I will study my scriptures more regularly and read good books. I will pray with more meaning and less selfishness. I will be more kind at home, less judgmental at home and away.

I probably will still procrastinate and dislike it as much as I do now. I will TRY to NOT procrastinate.

I will take better care of myself. I will try to eat a little healthier and if that means losing weight along the way, all the better. I will NOT deprive myself of some of the foods/treats I really enjoy. I will rack up the miles on my treadmill until spring, then I'll hit the streets again.

I will walk Baxter more this year. Some smart person said if your dog is fat YOU aren't getting enough exercise.

When I have the feeling that someone needs me or that I can do something to help someone, I will ACT not just think about it.

I will laugh more and complain less. I will try to control the little "evil twin" that lives in my head that feeds me negative energy.

Most of all, I will continue to love and care for my family. I will make sure Rick and Justin know they are the most important people in my life. I will watch my mom very closely, learning from her beautiful example. I will love my brothers and Rick's brothers and their families and completely enjoy the new additions they bring into this world. I will check with and visit Rick's parents more often and let them know that they are loved and how grateful I am for their love and support.

I will probably need to repeat all these again next year. But for now I have good, positive,happy thoughts and think I really can pull it off. At least for the first day or two of 2009.

Happy New Year to all you you!

Jewel's Christmas CD

2008-12-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas Eve, I think, when all through the house, nothing was stirring, everyone was snoring. When around 2:30 there arose such a clatter that Rick and I almost emptied our bladders. Out in the front room, surround sound blaring, was Jewel serenading us with Joy to The World, loud enough that it left us staring. I jumped from the bed, ran from our bedroom, wondering how to shut Jewel down and restore our peaceful nights sleep. I stepped on the hearth, depressed the power button on the DVD player with a mind of its own, staggered back to my bed and finished the night a little less joyfully.

It turns out that we had a power outage during the night and I hadn’t turned the DVD player off, having listened to Jewel earlier in the day. So when the power came back on, so did Joy to all the World. Kind of a rude awakening, so to speak, but very fun to talk about later.

Christmas Eve, Eve

2008-12-23T10:13:00.000-08:00

Justin came for Christmas, arriving in St. George Saturday at about 4:30. It's always so good to have him home. He keeps me grounded and helps me not be anxious about things I can't control. He's outside right now helping Rick sit the "Otie Tree" back up. Last year, after losing Otis, we started a tradition of putting a Christmas tree on the back patio in remembrance of Otis, and this year the wind keeps blowing it down.

It's cold today, having snowed again yesterday. Rick, Justin, Baxter and I went into Starbucks this morning and it was beautiful outside. It's truly a winter wonderland right now. Driving is kind of sketchy, but otherwise very beautiful.

Today mom and I both have hair appointments at 1, then Rick and I have to renew our military ID's, then it's off to Albertson's for last minute food shopping (I might decide to cook or something). Then a girl in our ward is in the hospital so Anige, Kamie and I are going for a visit.

Rick, Justin, mom and I are planning on having dinner somewhere in town then off to check out the Christmas lights. We'll go by the Tijuana house, the synchronized house in Fiddlers Canyon and wherever else it looks merry and bright.

We are looking forward to Christmas and are trying to keep the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts. We love this time of year and the happy, loving feelings it brings.

Happy Birthday to me and other ramblings

2008-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday was my 55th birthday. That sounds so old, but I don’t feel so old. I remember the first time someone asked my mom and dad if they wanted the senior citizen discount, I was totally offended. Now, here I am at that ripe age.

I decided many years ago that I didn’t want to be one of those people who used age for an excuse for everything from not being able remember things to not being able to stay active. If and when these things happen to me I’ll blame global warming or some other ridiculous thing. I promise to try very hard NOT to say I can’t……I’m getting too old.

I have noticed some changes, like my butt isn’t where it used to be, among other things. My butt feels like it sits further down on my legs, and I’m really glad I can’t see myself walking away. I’m working on that though. I bought a treadmill last year, the day after Christmas (Rick couldn’t take a hint before Christmas). I’m sure it doesn’t have even 300 miles on it since December 2007, but I’m trying to wear it out this next year.

I’m also trying to eat more healthy, but during the holidays that could totally go out the window. Don’t you just love the good food this time of year? The carmels (mom makes the best ever), the great chocolates circulating the office, apples, but who wants apples when there are nuts? Oh, and today we have someone bringing in Mexican food for lunch, just because he’s a nice guy (and they rent his restaurant, great advertising if the food's good). Think of all those good greasy chips, cheese running off the burritos, and maybe he’ll have some deep fried ice cream. I’d better try to wear out the treadmill THIS MONTH. There’s always lipo?!?

I had a great day. Renon told the girls in the office they couldn’t sing to me (I’m kind of weird about the attention) so Megan made flash cards that said: Happy Birthday To You Dear Wendy. Then Megan, Renon, Mary, Cathy and Kristin all came into my office and “sang” happy birthday to me. I wish I had a camera here at work, it was the best ever.

Of course Renon couldn’t tell Britain, at Youth Corrections, not to sing. So that’s just what he did, he announced to the group that they needed to sing to me. It really kind of touched my heart. Last night was the last time we will be with him on Monday nights. He “breaks out” on Friday. I think he’ll keep in touch with us and we pray that he will be okay.

Then my weirdest, best friend, Justin sent a cute reindeer filled with Mrs. Fields cookies – YUM!!! He always does something good and I always like what he does. He said I have another package coming today, can’t wait.

And I do have the best family ever. Mom told me happy birthday numerous times, Ione called and had a pretty, holiday arrangement sent, Danny and Randy both called, so did Paul, best brothers ever. Rick got me a cute card with a Starbucks card in it, what more could I ask for. EXCEPT maybe a Lia Sopia necklace, which I purchased for me from Rick – perfect day.

But then, aren't most days this time of year near perfect?

Daily 5 and then some - Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

1. Todd and Lorie
2. Nieces and nephews
3. AA
4. Cranberries
5. Rain

Kamry, Kadyn and Nathan

Today is a day to be truly thankful for all that we have been blessed with. We are so thankful for Justin and we missed him this year, we love being together for Thanksgiving and enjoying our traditions. The parades just aren't the same without him here. He celebrated his Thanksgiving in Canada in October. He will be here for Christmas, so Thanksgiving wasn't an option this year. I will take Christmas anytime, it's the best family time ever.

Emmie, Jamie and Erika

Rick and I went to St. George this morning and spent the day at Todd and Lorie's house with all the Bonzo's except Justin and Katelyn. The family gets a little bigger each year with the addition of more great nieces and/or nephews. This year Nikki and Michael added Kamry, what a happy, content baby she is, and in March Dayne and Cortney will add Piper, another cute little great niece. It is such a blessing to be involved in their lives and get to know them and their kids. Rick and his brothers are great fun to be around. All in all it turned out to be a great day. It rained all day, from the time we left this morning and it's still raining now. That's pretty unusual for November in Utah.
Mom had Thanksgiving with Randy, Collette, Danny, Barbara, DaNeil, Steven and Stevie. Then she got to meet another new addition to our family, baby Maddie. They had a great day too and ate too much like we all did, I'm sure.

So today is the last of posting my daily 5 things to be thankful for. This isn't the end of recognizing my daily 5, just the last day to post them. UNLESS there is something like Jill entertaining her family with squats and jumping jacks, then I'm for sure posting that.

Daily 5 - Wednesday November 26, 2008

2008-11-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

1. Wednesday Friday's (no work the rest of the week)
2. My own office
3. Cranberry Sauce (mom's recipe)
4. Rick and Baxter waiting for me at home
5. Sleep setting on the remote

Daily 5 - November 25, 2008

2008-11-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

1. My job
2. Lia Sophia
3. Popcorn
4. Good work friends
5. 26 days and counting

Youth Corrections

2008-11-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

For the past almost 2 years (in January) Rick and I have been going to youth corrections. This is a church calling, for us to go out on Monday nights for family home evening. When we first started going there were 10 couples and 10 long term youth in custody. We were trained to not ask what offense they committed to end up in a very secure, youth facility. You don't have to ask, they usually really want to talk about themselves.

Having been raised in a kind, loving home, where we always knew we were important and had the support of our parents, we were totally unprepared for the differences we found in how the boys were raised. Some of the boys had been in custody, in the local facility for more than a year, without any visits from family. Our first boy had been in for about 6 months when we started. He was pretty negative and found it hard to find good things in his life during the week. Each week we could challenge him to come and report of one positive thing in his life. We developed a good relationship with him and really hoped he would be okay when he was released, but having been brought up in a home with drug addiction, sexual promiscuity, there was little hope he would be able to find his way. We have seen him one time since his release and were disappointed in what we saw. Hopefully he will turn himself around and find his way in life.

The boy we are currently seeing is a little different. He comes from a broken home, but really loves his parents and they are pretty supportive of him. His grandparents have taken an active role in his life and they provide the stability that may help him when he gets out. He will be released on December 12th and is planning on staying in a half-way house in the area and attending SUU in January. He wants to get his record expunged and move forward with his life. He has shown some desire to enter the military and also enjoys cooking, so maybe a chef.

This calling has been very rewarding and also frustrating. We just keep going and hope we can make a difference. Tonight Rick will be showing his slides of Iraq and talking about the military and gratitude. I'm sure the boys will all enjoy this presentation.

Daily 5 - Monday, November 24, 2008

2008-11-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

1. Fixed smoke detectors
2. Windows live messenger - messages from Justin
3. Pedicures
4. Youth Corrections (at least this week)
5. Another beautiful day, possibly the last sandal day this year