k and p

Strength

2011-08-03T15:26:00.000-06:00

P broke my best (and only) paring knife. :(

He was trying to cut a peach.

Sad is the day that a peach can snap a metal knife in two.

Farewell, favorite Cuisinart paring knife.

You served me well.

The Road to Recovery: Stuffitis

2011-08-01T13:27:00.000-06:00

MONEY CAN'T BUY EVERYTHING

(from an old Music book of mine)

Money can't buy everything

Money can't make you a king.

Money doesn't bring success.

Money can't buy happiness.

But the one thing I am sure

Money doesn't make you poor.

Money doesn't make you sad.

Money can't be all that bad.

(Don't know if I quite agree with it, but recalling the lyrics was sure fun!)

*via

According to Dave Ramsey

When asked, "What is the most important financial principle?" He answered:

“The Dave Ramsey Show” and my company, the Lampo Group, have become very well known for teaching people how to get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget. All of us on staff here are very thankful for the response we’ve had to these concepts, but another financial concept is the hinge on which the door of successful person finance swings. I have only begun to realize the full significance of this concept during the last year or so. When you understand this concept, all the other concepts work, and until you implement it, none of them will work. When you stick this concept deep into your soul, it becomes easy to save money and even have money to invest. Getting out of debt happens quickly once you learn how to apply this concept in your life. Budgeting is made easier, and your marriage or relationships regarding money are freed up and made smooth. This is the most important financial concept.

Contentment. That’s right, contentment. Contentment brings peace. Not apathy. Not the deadhead fog of Prozac or Valium. Only contentment brings peace. We live in the most marketing-focused society in the history of the world. The very essence of marketing is to disturb your peace. We say things to ourselves like, “I’ll be happy when I get that boat,” or “I’ll be happy when I get that china cabinet,” or “I’ll be happy when I get that house.” Or, or, or, or!!!

NOT TRUE. Happiness is sold to us as an event or a thing, and consequently, our finances have suffered. Fun can be bought with money; happiness cannot.

We live among a bunch of people who are deeply in debt and have no money saved because their emotions were tricked. Just like drug addicts, people have been conned into believing that happiness will come with the next purchase. So, Daddy works hundreds of overtime hours and Mommy works 40-plus hours a week…all in the name of STUFF. You probably think I am writing about someone else, but I’m not. I am writing about you. I know because I suffer from the same disease, but I am recovering and so are many of you. The human spirit was not created to attain peace, contentment or fulfillment by gathering more stuff.

You can get out of debt, save money, and get on a budget, but until your intellect forces your emotions and your spirit to accept that STUFF does not equal CONTENTMENT, your finances will always feel stressed. At our office we counsel every week with folks who are making $25,000 per year as well as folks making $250,000 per year. These people share a common problem: they all suffer from some level of “stuffitis,” the worship of stuff. Change your focus and change your life for the better.

Personally, I could use a ~~little more~~ a LOT more contentment in my life. It's a very freeing way of being.

I really appreciated what he said about buying the next thing being like a drug addict. You get the rush, but it leaves you wanting more. It’s how our culture has become, which is a sad, terrible thing. "Wants" have replaced "Needs", and it’s left us worse off than ever.

Special Delivery!

2011-07-22T15:12:00.002-06:00

Bet you weren't as excited as I was
to get the mail today. (Thanks, Mama!)
The 4 bags to the left were why.
4 varieties of juicy, ripe cherries
Fresh from the homestead.

There is just something about receiving fresh
Washington produce in the mail.
Whether its been while I was living in ID, NH, ME, VT or (now) UT;
Nothing compares to it in the slightest way.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again:

I LOVE BEING A FARMER'S DAUGHTER!!!

*Just thinking about them

makes my mouth water (:

MMMMmmm!

It was INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2011-07-15T14:04:00.070-06:00

Can you believe July is already almost over?!

I am so thankful to have a free country to live in.

Here is a photo log of some of the things we did/saw on this day,

The celebration of our Country's Independence.

Waiting in the park for the fireworks to start.

Sunset in Huntsville, UT

If you look hard enough, you can see the moon (which was what I was trying to take a picture of in the first place).

The following is a demonstration of how not to show your patriotism:

Sporting the Red, White and Blue

Ultimate FAIL

Check out whose smile is looking better and better every day!

That's right.

Results from P's retainers have finally made their appearance!

Anyway, I love that picture.

It reminds me why I am so glad we are 2 small-ish people.

We took this picture while lying in the same sleeping bag.

Believe it or not,

Together we fit quite comfortably in one bag.

It's awesome!

And something else we did not want to see on Independence day:

Check out the large

Crack in the back

Note how Patriotism fail was also included in the picture.

I don't think we could have picked a worse view...

BARF!

(We were all very glad when Patriotism moved

only a few minutes after this pic was taken,

and Crack adjusted his shirt and shorts properly thereafter.

I wonder if they saw me taking pictures?

Or maybe they just heard us talking.

Either way, we felt much less distracted after those events took place.

*insert sigh of relief here*)

I included this one, just to be cheesy.

Plus I liked the bow I had in my hair to show

some of my favorite colors

this holiday season

Some of my favorite fireworks

(wish I could have captured a more vibrant pic of them)

I am so thankful to have a free country to live in.

Please, please, please

Always

Cherish and Celebrate

Your Freedom!

For Those Who Haven't Already Heard...

2011-07-13T17:57:00.001-06:00

At last.

The time has come to announce our long awaited news.

P is expecting!

At least, that is what Gerber and Enfamil told me about a week and a half ago.

All this mail was addressed specifically to him.

I still giggle every time I picture him prego...YIKES!

*random rant: I hate when

your info gets sold

and good paper

gets wasted on consumers

who will not consume

the product being marketed.

Good thing we have friends

that can use the $25 in coupons

and more

for their little ones!

A Little More Light

2011-07-08T17:49:00.001-06:00

Huntsville 2011 Independence Day Celebration

If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.

If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.

If there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.

Chinese Proverb

The Jitters

2011-07-01T16:43:00.004-06:00

I realized an interesting inclination in myself just the other day. I always wake up with really strong "pre-marriage jitters" the morning of good friends' weddings. I do, I really truly do. It's as if I re-live the emotions from morning before I got married, but instead of having the feelings for myself, I have it for the couple getting married. It almost seems like I'm having some kind of strange sympathetic reflex. That happens to you too, right?

                              Maybe not...
                                             *awkward*

     Aaaaand we're moving on....

24 June 2011

This was definitely a wedding I am so glad I did not miss. Seeing my cousin get married to a really good friend of mine was a real treat!

I am so in love with the background picture.

Maybe it's the joy you can see in both their faces?

Maybe it's my cousin, Carmen, the blushing bride.

She is absolutely gorgeous,

and I am so happy for her!

I honestly think it's Allen's fist pump.

Gotta love that guy

(and his enthusiasm).

And, of course,

going to a wedding at the same place that I got married

to my best friend always brings those

special memories to the front of my mind.

And I wouldn't change that for anything.

Quite the awesome coincidence that my shirt
matched the wedding colors almost exactly.
I had no idea beforehand.
I promise! :)

Grad-u-ma-uation!

2011-06-29T12:39:00.000-06:00

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

Dr. Seuss

The fam and I, looking oh-so-grown-up.

I knew my haircut was vastly different than any hairstyle my family members have. However, I didn't realize how metro I looked compared to everyone else. It's no wonder no one there recognized me. For good or for bad, it's pics/times like this that I think its a little shocking to see what I've let living in Utah do to me... :/

Wow. That hat is even less flattering when it's worn!

Since we didn't get any pictures from P's sister's graduation, you get to see a pic of P sticking his head out of the sunroof when we were at Sonic (for Happy Hour!) in Southern Utah after Mag's graduation.

Congratulations,

Magg and Brookie!

The Niagara Syndrome

2011-06-22T14:58:00.001-06:00


*via www.wokay.com

To maximize my potential,

I choose

to make deliberate decisions about

what I want in life,

and take the steps necessary

to achieve the desired results!

I came across this analogy by Anthony Robbins (an authority on peak performance) in my Stress Management book the other day (by far one of the best classes I have ever taken. My instructor is amazing, and the topics we have discussed thus far this summer semester have been incredibly helpful in real life). I really found it inspiring.

Take from it what you will.

Enjoy! :)

The Niagara Syndrome

Life is like a river, and most people jump in the river of life without ever really deciding where they want to end up. So, in a short period of time, they get caught up in the current: current events, current fears, current challenges. When they come to forks in the river, they don’t consciously decide where they want to go, or which direction is right for them. They merely “go with the flow.” They become a part of the mass of people who are directed by the environment instead of by their own values. As a result, they feel out of control. They remain in this unconscious state until one day the sound of the raging water awakens them and they discover that they are 5 feet from Niagara Falls in a boat with no oars.

At this point, all they can say is, “Oh, shoot!” But by then it’s too late. They are going to take a fall. Sometimes it’s an emotional fall. Sometimes it’s a physical fall. Sometimes it’s a financial fall. It is likely that whatever challenges you have in your life currently could have been avoided by some better decisions upstream.

Live. Love. Farm. Always.

2011-06-13T17:03:00.002-06:00

No matter how big of a city I may live in, I am always a country girl at heart.

You may take the girl out of the country,
But you can't take the country
Out of the girl.

Always have been a Farmer's Daughter,

Always will be a Farmer's Daughter.

*Thanks to my sister Brooke

for sending me this pic.

Shortest...

2011-06-05T15:54:00.001-06:00

Following the suggestion of P, two weeks ago I went ahead and had my SIL hairstylist drastically change the way I wear my hair. I think this is the shortest I've ever chopped my hair yet-I can actually pull off a fauxhawk now. Favorite thing about it so far? I love the fact that I can combine this 'do with bed head AND helmet hair and it still looks amazing. I've already had quite a few people tell me they love it or they hate it (one of my guy coworkers told me he really disliked it. At least he said it to my face! lol), but I love Love LOVE it! It's so easy to do and looks so good!

P.s.-Don't mind my funky smile :)

A Memorable Weekend

2011-06-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

Memorial Week-end 2011 is likely to live on in memory.

I had planned on setting up the tent in the yard Sunday evening with P

And make tin foil dinners.

With s'mores for dessert.

Too bad the whole weekend was dominated by rain.

And we woke up Monday morning to this:

Ugh. As if we haven't had enough of it already.
The mountains are still covered in the stuff.

Bummer we didn't get to make s'mores either. I forgot the most important thing: the Graham.

Good thing I saved the day from being totally ruined with this (made in the oven and wrapped up in foil, of course!). Delicious!!!

(I am really missing camp time. I will make it for real, SOON!)

It's That Time Again

2011-06-01T22:35:00.004-06:00

I just realized I never posted any of the St. Geezy family pictures we got.
I'm so glad they are over for at least another year.
I hate taking family pictures.
Especially when I have to take them on my "golden" birthday.

But, I love looking at how everybody changes;
Especially from year to year.

Don't mind that my hair has already been drastically changed from what is in these pictures.
I love having amazing hairstylists in the family!

Here are a few of my faves:

I love how my feathers really stand out in this one.

I love concept that taking a picture freezes a moment in time. I love kissing pictures. However, this pic just makes the moment seem more awkward than romantic (at least for P and I...). How does one take a good looking kissy picture? Any hints/tips would be greatly appreciated!

World's Largest

2011-05-29T11:38:00.017-06:00

I swear I got the world's largest papercut at work today.

Actually, it was more of a plastic cut.

Seriously.

You know those really thick plastic divider/tab things you use in binders to separate groups of papers (especially in medical charts)?

Just so you know for future reference,

They will slice right through your skin with no problems.

I was surprised it didn't go down to the bone;

It hurt so bad!

Plus, my finger bled like crazy.

Click on the pic for a better view of the cut!

I always knew I hated medical charting. :)

Gravel, Gravel, Gravel

2011-05-22T10:12:00.000-06:00

Along with the issue unusually large amount of rain we have been receiving, we have been dealing with abnormally huge mud puddles at the bottom of our dirt driveway. So, a couple days ago we happened to finally have a whole day off together. P searched and searched for the perfect deal, and we were ecstatic to find some gravel/dirt mix (80% gravel, 20% dirt) for free on KSL.com (good for working student budgets). We called the guy, then drove to slc and loaded down the Taco. It was hard work, let me tell ya (I probably loaded 1 scoop for every 3-4 of P's...at least I was helping, right?!) but definitely worth it in the end.

Wish I would have got a pic when it was full...In the middle of unloading-we scooped til the entire bed was full of gravel to the top wheel wells

Everywhere there is gravel, there used to be one massive puddle.

Another angle of our handiwork

Just look at those muscles we developed! lol

Unless the rain quits soon, I can already tell we are going to be needing more gravel...Oh well, it was good while it lasted!

Zombified!

2011-05-20T11:18:00.001-06:00

I couldn't resist.

I had to snicker at the news about recent "Apocalypse" prediction.

(You can actually see the "believer's" website here.

It is...um...shall we say interesting?

*coughcoughweirdcough* I wouldn't waste too much time there.)

The crisis I must fear is no longer May 12, 2012.

The date has been moved up.

This Saturday-as in tomorrow, May 21, 2011-

is now "Judgement Day".

The beginning of the end of the world.

Apparently May 21 2011 marks exactly 7000 years since the flood.

Hmmm.

Just in case I don't make it to the righteous group,

(being not spared from observing this awful calamity on Earth)

and have to stay here with the dead that will rise, living again,

(the dreaded ZOMBIES!)

I've got my 72-hour emergency supplies kit ready-

for this,

or any other emergency that may come my way.

Are YOU prepared?

(Please, visit this site for a humorous, yet sensible article about how to be prepared.

For Real Emergencies, that is.)

Now, if you would please be so kind as to excuse me while I go research appropriate zombie deterrents/weapons to increase my preparedness level. kthanksbye

Hindsight is 20/20.

2011-05-02T20:48:00.000-06:00

Does the power in the possibilities created by hindsight ever get on your nerves?

It does to me.
Quite often, actually.

Like finally giving in and buying that full-priced "thing" you have waited for months (oh, so patiently) to go on sale...and the next week the price drops?
Or skyrockets higher?

Shoulda jumped on that while you had the chance, huh dingbat?!

Sometimes its hindsight that frustrates me in how I could have helped someone dear to me.
Maybe that one little act
Wouldn't have changed much.
Or anything.

But maybe, just maybe-
that one little act
would have changed everything.

Life sometimes knocks us down.
But we can't let that act define who we are.
Or who we will become.
Because we have the ability to become so much more.

"Ability is nothing without opportunity." Napoleon Bonaparte

Hindsight cannot explain everything.

And for that, I am grateful.

Dangerous, continued.

2011-04-30T20:58:00.010-06:00

image taken from http://www.ariven.com/store/ariven/crazy

I am a psych tech.

I work in a Senior Behavioral Health Unit. For short, we call it Gero-psych (short for Geriatric Psychiatric).

Basically, I work with old, crazy people.
In a locked down unit.
That is an adventure, in and of itself.
I've grown a large amount of patience by working this job for the past 10 months.
Everyday I encounter something new/funny/gross/interesting.
I promised to tell the story of what happened to my finger.

Long story short: A patient did not want to come out of a place he shouldn't have been. He and I had a tussle. He sprained my finger. I got pissed. Someone FINALLY came to my rescue. He got shot. Apparently, I deserved what happened to me. The end.

Wanna hear the short story long version?
Here goes.

April 8, 2011

All was well at work. I had managed to get someone to cover the last half of my shift (from 1pm to 7pm) so I could hang out with my mom and sibs while they were in town. 5 minutes to 1pm, I heard a bed-ridden patient (we'll call him Henry) down the hall calling out for help (his yelling out wasn't a usual occurrence. We have had patients before that yell out "Help me!" at least every 15 seconds. If not more frequently. I am not exaggerating whatsoever. I promise.), which broke through my consciousness. I stepped out of the nurses station and headed down the hall to check out what was going on.

The only reason for Henry yelling that I could see was because another male patient had entered his room (We will call him Herbert). Some things you should know: Herbert has dementia, so some days are good, some are bad. The day before he had been a model patient-helpful, happy and kind. This day had started out bad, and he had gotten more ornery as the day went on. I stood at the doorway and tried coaxing him out of Henry's room (Henry had MRSA in his lungs and was on isolation precautions-we had to put on face masks, gloves, and ugly yellow gowns to enter the room). Henry became frantic when Herbert wouldn't leave. I took a deep breath for patience and entered the room.

There is something you should know about me here. I like to think I'm usually a nice person. But, when I walk through those locked doors to work, I am someone different. I become forceful, gruff and hard-hearted with a will like steel.

Determined to remove Herbert from the room, I told him he had 2 choices-he could either take himself out of the room, or he could be helped out of the room. With a sneer on his face he flippantly told me "You'll have to help me out." So, I moved to do just that (he is just a couple inches taller than me, and probably about 70 pounds heavier).

I began by trying to link arms with him. He didn't like that and proceeded to try and toss a cup of ice water on me, which I deflected toward the floor. I started calling out for my coworkers to come help by that time.

Nobody responded.

So, I continued to try and get him to walk with me out of the room. We had a bit of a tussle-me trying to grab and guide him out of the room safely over the icy puddle we were now standing in, while he was trying to grab my hands. All the while, I was yelling-any nurse name I could think of.

Nobody responded.

I finally realized that we were in a dangerous spot when he got hold of my right hand in both of his. He was holding on to my thumb and first 3 fingers in one hand, and the pinkie in the other. Slow motion. I watched him pull them apart. In quick succession I heard my hand go Pop! Pop! CRACK!

That was the moment I lost my patience.

I started screaming for help at the top of my lungs.

I lost control the moment I let myself feel anger. Pissed that I was in the room without personal protective equipment (a face mask, most especially). Pissed that I let him grab onto my fingers (number one rule when dealing with a dementia patient-keep your hands to yourself!). And, most especially, pissed that NOBODY seemed to hear me, no matter how much I screamed.

At that point, I let him push me against a wall. Repeatedly. Realizing nobody was going to come to my rescue anytime soon, I gathered my wits and assessed what I could do. I most certainly couldn't drag him out now. I didn't know what damage had been done to my finger. Adrenaline and anger had kicked in, so I couldn't feel it hurting yet. Then there was the problem of the wet tile floor. As ticked off as I was at Henry's behavior, I couldn't just let him (or I) slip and crack a head or hip on the floor. So, I did the next best thing. I let him smash me one more time, and used the force as he drew back to throw him into a straddling/seated position on the empty foot board of the bed next to us.

And I held him there. And screamed. Told him very angrily that he better STAY THERE! Screamed some more.

And nobody came.

The whole situation from starting til now happened within minutes.

I had probably been screaming for help for a good 3 or 4 minutes before someone came. Finally. I looked at the nurse and immediately said "You deal with him. He got a hold on my finger. I have no more patience-I'm going to strangle him if I stay here another second!" Then I walked away. Probably not the safest thing I had done, but I really had no patience left.

I walked across the hall into the dining room, and proceeded to wash my hands. Every movement and touch of my right pinkie evoked pain. I began to cry-not so much because of the hurt, but because I was stunned. "Did that really just happen?" I let cold water run over it for a few minutes, hoping it would subside.

Coworkers came in and out asking how I was, of course I replied "fine" with tears in my eyes (why is it that strong emotions seem to always produce tears?) and after telling the story to the nurses and the APRN's, it was decided that I had to get it checked out in the ER (Worker's Comp stuff). It was just after 1pm by this time (so much for getting off early-I knew I'd be in the ER a few hours at least) and I sat in the nursing station collecting myself back together.

Want to know something kinda funny?

The nurse apparently thought she succeeded in talking him down out of his anger after she had gotten him out of the room, and let him roam the hall. This was fine and dandy till he pushed a patient in a wheelchair into a small, dark room across from the nursing station, turned the chair around and began yanking on her braid (she has waist length hair), almost to the point of tipping her over. She yelled out, everyone responded, and he was promptly held down and given a healthy shot of Ativan in the hip. Then he was shoved into the "seclusion" room (a tiny room with 4 walls, a twin bed, and a security camera) to calm down.

Revenge was finally mine. Though, I was not the one to exact it, I felt satisfaction.
(Just kidding. I'm not that vindictive. But it did make me feel just a teensy bit better about my situation.)

Ironically, when asked by the psychiatrist about the incident a few days later, Herbert recalled that it had happened, and proceeded to tell him that he did it because "she deserved it."

RUDE! hahaha

The final decision on my finger? Just a sprain or a strain. I had to splint it for 2 weeks, miss a couple days work, etc. All I ended up seeing was a swollen hand with bruising on the back of my hand and a silver dollar sized bruise on my palm. Not too shabby. Its pretty much back to normal now...3 weeks later. Yay!

And that, my friends, is why working with the elderly is dangerous. Always make sure you watch your back (and your fingers!) when around them. :)

And just for a random FYI: no, we do not use strait jackets. Someone asked me that the other day.

Working with the Elderly is Dangerous...

2011-04-11T19:44:00.000-06:00

This story will be told later. Its too hard to be patient enough to type a whole story with only your non-dominant hand...all while trying to keep the other hand raised above heart level. Ha!

Unexpected

2011-04-02T19:13:00.002-06:00

"It ain't bragging if you can do it." Dizzy Dean

We came home to an unexpected, yet exciting letter from school the other day...
See for yourself!

How incredible is that? Totally awesome.

"Sometimes I think my husband is so amazing that I don't know why he's with me. I don't know whether I'm good enough. But if I make him happy, then I'm everything I want to be." Angelina Jolie

So glad I'm with P. He gives me so many reasons to be proud of the man I chose to marry!

Celebration in the Sun

2011-03-30T18:41:00.002-06:00

Just a picture-filled addendum to the goings on of my birthday weekend down in Southern Utah.

Our newest addition to the family-Bentley.

This gorgeous little guy was supposed to be a surprise for my birthday...but that was accidentally spoiled an innocent email sent to me by P's mother. Nevertheless, we love him lots already! He's a 5 year old silverback yorkie, very well potty trained, rather quiet, and prefers men (we attribute it to the fact that his first owner was a truck driver). My awesome SIL Jack had a friend (who also happens to be our family photographer) who was unable to keep him, so we adopted him for FREE! We are so glad to have him in our family!

Half of the fam at my birthday dinner (Jack, P, me, Moolaar, Terrabull and Date)-and yes, we are all still wearing our family pic outfits. Be jealous. We're just awesome like that.

I've never been to a place like Samurai 21-I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Moolaar for the suggestion! We had lots of great bonding time after taking family pics...I sure hate having them taken (and its even worse having them done on your birthday), but hopefully they are out of the way for a couple years. I should have some to post soon-we are such a photogenic group!

No trip to St. George seems to be complete without me making a complete fool of myself in thinking that I can spend any amount of time outdoors in the lovely sun without suffering the consequences. These burns are the result of maybe an hour spent outside soaking up the sunshine...OUCH! I'll be peeling here soon for sure!

Birthday Wishes

2011-03-28T13:39:00.001-06:00

SO happy to be together on my birthday in Zion's NP

All I wanted for my birthday this year was to hike Angel's Landing in Zion's National Park. I'm so blessed to have a husband that will indulge me in my wishes.
Though my birthday morning started out early, it was a trip well worth it. We had one accidental 40 minute long detour...which was okay, since we got to see 5 baby mountain goats-so adorable! We also had all sorts of crazy weather (clouds, sun, hail, wind, rain...), but it didn't rain til we got back into the car. Talk about perfect timing!

On top of the world

Such an interesting crack in the rocks.

The True top of Angel's Landing- I will make it there someday soon!

Breath-taking!

Proof that you can grow anywhere you're planted...even in rocks!

The start of the hardest part of the climb-the last half mile.

The hail that came down on us just as we started back down Angel's Landing.

I just love the outdoors!

Jinishing the hike.

Such a gorgeous view-the sun decided to peek out of the clouds just as we arrived near the top!

Battlefield Sergeants

2011-03-17T12:12:00.001-06:00

photo courtesy of www.lanl.gov archives.

Many people already know I have been accepted to a 2 year nursing program starting this fall.

Most people don't know the struggle it took for me to get to the point that I would actually be excited to hear that news.

It took me a long time to come to grip with the reality of my life as a nursing student applicant. By long time, I mean since middle school I have known I wanted to be in the health field. Anything in the medical field. Except nursing. I wanted more glory...I didn't want to live my life as a professional pill passer.

Or, so I thought.

When I finally understood that nursing school was the direction I was destined for, I still fought it. Fretted, really. It was almost like a sentence of impending doom. Was I giving up something awesome for something just convenient? I love going to school. Would I really reach my potential with a 2 year degree, when I had promised myself years ago I would at least finish a Bachelors degree, or graduate from a Master's Program?

"...[A medical unit] is a battlefield, and there are definite hierarchies of command. The patients, they're the ones doing the tour of duty. The doctors breeze in and out like conquering heroes, but they need to read your child's chart to remember where they've left off from the previous visit. It is the nurses who are the seasoned sergeants--the ones who are there when your baby is shaking with such a high fever she needs to be bathed in ice, the ones who can teach you how to flush a central venous catheter, or suggest which patient floor kitchens might still have Popsicles left to be stolen, or tell you which dry cleaners know how to remove the stains of blood...from clothing. The nurses know the name of your daughter's stuffed walrus and show her how to make tissue paper flowers to twine around her IV stand. The doctors may be mapping out the war games, but it is the nurses who make the conflict bearable." Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper, p. 229-30 (emphasis added).

It was Thanksgiving 2009. I had only recently, however hesitantly, set my goal to apply and be accepted into the nursing program-a far cry from my previous year-long desire of graduating as an Athletic trainer, then entering school to become a Physical Therapist.

Sitting around the table after dinner, the conversation turned to this exact topic. What was I going to do with life?
Just then, he happened to enter the room.
The EMT of the family (of whom I do still respect).
He had only one thing to say.
"Ha! Why would anybody ever want to do something like that?"

Hurt. Shock. Somewhere in a small corner of my mind I wanted to cry. Lame excuses were the only things that came to mind. I couldn't say anything. Feelings of insecurity in my decision rose in my mind as I wavered and yet again questioned my decision-making skills.

Just as quickly as he entered the room, he left it and walked up the stairs.
"Don't worry about him," they all said, "You will be great."

It wasn't until later that I knew what I would like to have told him right then and there.

"Not everyone can be on-site to retrieve and transport a victim. Somebody's got to be there to take care of and help heal the messes you dump off at the Hospital!" (ER, labor and delivery, psych units, etc. get dumped on all the time by EMT's!)

Take that, EMT snobs! :)

Hard-Pressed for Motivation

2011-03-12T12:01:00.002-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.”

IF that is true, then why is it that you can have all the motivation in the world to get a particular task done when you are busy, but when you finally have time to accomplish that task, you find yourself devoid of all previous energy/desire?

I don’t mean to sound whiny, I really do think this applies to life. It simply doesn’t match mine as of right now. Just because I persist in cleaning the house every day and hand-washing the dishes as often as time permits (since we currently have no dishwasher), it hasn’t yet occurred to me that doing so has become easier…In fact, as I speak, the house is a wreck-my belongings are strewn across the house, the laundry is piling up, there are numerous “home improvement” projects in various stages scattered all around the floor, and worst of all, the dirty dishes fill both sinks and overflow across the counter. DisGUSTing.


Cue the music from the shower scene in Psycho. It's bad!

Have a listen below.

Seriously.

The music got me feeling like I was sitting on pins and needles I was so tense!

Happens every time.

Even my attempt at listening to some of my favorite music that usually helps in motivating me has failed this cold Saturday morning. What gives?

“Something’s missing,

And I don’t know how to fix it.

Something’s missing,

And I don’t know what it is.

No, I don’t know what it is,

At all.” –John Mayer

Speaking of John-

I heart that guy.

I met him once.

Just over 7 years ago-Feb 17, 2004 to be exact.

Be jealous.

He is one swell guy.

Plus, he has a voice that melts me.

Except when he sings "Daughters".

I hate that song.

But, he is still not as amazing as my husband.

Just throwing that out there.

Separation

2011-03-10T20:26:00.008-07:00

Ode to Long Hair

by K.N.

Some days how I miss thee,

My long-flowing, golden locks.

Thou hast become a conundrum unto me.

Some days to the heavens-how I praised thee.

Smooth!

Soft!
Feminine!

But, more often, how thou wast cursed.

Limp!

Time Consuming!

Boring!

But the truth is,

I miss you.

No matter how young thou madest me to look.

Alas,

I know I parted with thee for a good cause.

And in that,

I take comfort.

(Thanks be to Locks of Love!)

Someday, per'aps, shall we meet again.
What dost thou think of that?

Undoing Uglification

2011-03-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

See these two ~~lovely light givers~~ eyesores that adorn either side of the "sleeping area" of my abode?

The Buddha lamp

Going for the gold-with a tear in the shade

Yikes.

I had a good long look around the house the other day and discovered many little projects I have been turning a blind eye to for the last while. Since a majority of what furnishes this house is compliments of my neighbor's DI/Goodwill fanaticism, I have a mish-mash of random pieces of awful furniture (don't get me wrong-I <3 the DI...one just needs to have some common sense/judgment when entering the realm of thrift-shopping. DO NOT BUY SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE IT IS CHEAP!!! Otherwise you may end up with a house that could be showcased on the "Hoarder" series... :D lol).

In keeping with this "thrifty" tradition, I decided that I must make a difference . I must undo the uglification that has been forced upon the Postage Stamp by above said neighbor. However, I had to set myself some rules. These projects will be: cheap (I don't want to use up all my funds increasing the value/usefulness of a place I do not own), projects that I could actually do something about (I don't have all the tools in the world), and last of all, they must be projects that just might make this little place a more bearable place to live for awhile longer (for obvious reasons!).

Thus the reason I decided to take on another random project (in the midst of many other incomplete ones-read: chest of drawers re-do, DI giveaway/spring cleaning, mirror frame paint job, giant tool chest cover construction, etc.), and they are now in the midst of being revamped...to look like they belong inside the Postage Stamp. (I hope)

We shall see what the end result is. Here's to believing my little world can be a little less horrendous looking.

(Although, to be honest,

I don't think these babies could be

a worse looking pair...do you?)

Words to Live By

2011-03-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

“Optimism doesn’t mean you get to skip the bad stuff. If you’re truly optimistic or have a capacity to hope, it should allow you to look at what’s bad and really get it’s measure, and say, ‘What is the extent of this?’ It’s the courage to look at something and say, ‘However bad this is, it isn’t bad indefinitely.’” Michael J. Fox

For some reason, this totally hit home today. Maybe its because I was reading {this} woman's story. My mom came across it the other day. She went to the same high school with her husband, Shawn Merriman. Its truly a heart-rending story. I cried, I laughed, and was absolutely amazed at her attitude toward the "life cards" she has been dealt. Inspiring. When you have some time, be sure to visit her blog on Wordpress. You won't be disappointed.
Sometimes I look at life and wonder why I get dealt what I do, and why everyone else gets dealt what they do. Sometimes I feel jealous, envious, or critical of others and what I perceive as their "perfect" lives {especially when I'm blog-hopping. So many creative, focused people out there with exciting news to share, its hard not to have any of those feelings in my opinion}. I can really let it get me down. But, focusing on any of these feelings does me no good in my life. It's easy to look at a situation and say "There is always someone else that has it worse than you," but really, I don't feel that is totally true. In your mind, they may be worse off than you. They may be going through something you would never be able to handle enduring in a million years. But who knows what they are thinking. Maybe they feel the same way about things they see happening to you in your life. You just never know. They say there is a reason for everything that happens to a person in their life, and I believe in that. We can choose to be on the Lord's side, and he will always give us strength to proceed through whatever situations we may come upon in life; and not just endure, but endure well. We can be successful through hard times and the great times.
As hard as it is, I am going to be grateful for the things I am given. Good or bad. Because life only happens once, and there is something {or a few somethings} to come away with in every situation we are faced with.

Today, I choose to follow the adage: "Come what may, and love it." by Joseph B. Wirthlin. I love my life, I love my experiences, and I have plenty of reasons to walk tall.

Decisions, Decisions

2011-02-28T14:24:00.001-07:00

"The time has come," the walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes--and ships--and sealing wax--of cabbages and kings--And why the sea is boiling hot--and whether pigs have wings."


			(from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872)

So I have a dilemma. I am trying to figure out if it would be worth it to create a second blog to post things of interest to me like my creations, ideas and opinions; while keeping this blog strictly for family business and updates....or keep them all intermixed, since its all from the same person--me {I've already been keeping my blog as a melting pot of my life}. What is your opinion?

SIGHTED!!!

2011-02-21T18:02:00.001-07:00

Well, sort of.

Something big and unusual recently walked the same sidewalk I did this afternoon on my walk down Main Street and left a tell tale mark in last night's snow.

I was lucky enough to have brought my phone along with me to record the unbelievable evidence.

(Lets face it-I don't always remember to bring my camera/phone everywhere I go.)

SEE?!

This can mean only one thing:

Sasquatch must be modernizing.

"Some people say that the Sasquatch to them is just a mythological creature. Nothing to do... it's not a real creature, flesh and blood. If the creature is a mythological creature, the mythology has to COME FROM SOMEPLACE. It doesn't just pop out of a Kellogg's Corn Flakes box!"

You better believe it! I have captured the evidence! Make way for the reign of the new monster of urban legends. A picture is worth 1000 words, and the above photo has said it all:

"Footprints are physical evidence. Someone said, they're not physical evidence! I said, how would you feel if I hit you over the head with one of them footprints' plaster casts??? Don't you think that would be physical?"

It now lives and walks among us with ease, coming out of its Rocky Mountain home without reservation. It appears the creature is not afraid of humans anymore...Oh, help us...

"If I would be out there and see a Sasquatch, even if I would photograph him, I wouldn't believe my eyes. I wouldn't trust my own brain. Seven, eight foot, hair-covered, manlike creature out there wandering around in our own backyard. Mind-boggling!!!"

Mind-boggling is right.

Especially the fact that

it still doesn't wear shoes...

Odd.

(Though I can't say I blame it.

I hate shoes and socks too.)

(Quotes by Rene Dahinden in the Sasquatch Oddessey documentary.)

.:. imagination is all mine... .:.

"You Must Allow Me to Tell You...

2011-02-14T17:42:00.003-07:00

...how ardently I admire and love you."--Mister Darcy in A&E's Pride and Prejudice

I've been playing some more with photo editing today.
This bunch of lovelies came as a surprise from my sweet P today.

"Roses for love,
Daisies for spring,
Chrysanthemums for beauty,
and Lilies-'cuz they're your favorite!"--sweet P

As hard as I can be to surprise (So says P...I meticulously go through our bank statements every.stinking.day. Can we say OCD? Plus I am very good at wheedling 'secrets' out of sweet P. Ha!), he managed to do it once again for the day decreed as the day to celebrate love; he gave me this bouquet as a token of his love-located, bought and brought home-all while I was blissfully enjoying the nice warm shower P sneakily requested I take. I have since therefore gained a newfound respect for his last minute shopping...since the conversation today between sweet P and the florist went something like this:

Florist: "Cutting it kinda close aren't we?"
P: "Perhaps...but you don’t know my wife-I wouldn’t be able to surprise her any other way!"

How dashing is he?! -->
I'm so grateful to have him...he knows me so well!

I also learned cutting it kinda close doesn't always pay off...the guy behind P wanted a dozen roses...and paid $130 for it. YIKES! Maybe that is why I infinitely prefer to stay on the side of being prepared...because you may end up paying out through the nose to get what you want...

HAPPY LOVE DAY!!! <3

LOVE, Love, love...

2011-02-14T12:43:00.004-07:00

As I was doing a quick de-cluttering of the Postage Stamp house this morning, P walked in the door and eagerly said, "Come here!" He turned around and curved his arms slightly out to the side (it signals that its time for a piggy-back ride for me). When I was perched comfortably on his back, he walked straight outside to one of the trees in front of our house.

This is what I saw:

Spring is pretty much my all time favorite season. The fact that the buds decided to show up just in time for Valentines day has already made the day that much more sweet for me. The sun was just peeking over the mountains, the air was quiet and still, and it.was.awesome! Since we live in the "shadows of the everlasting hills", the sun doesn't usually make its full appearance right now until about 8:30am (In the summer, the dawn happens as early as 5:40am). Being a country girl from the flat/rolling hills of the Columbia Basin, this is still a rather disconcerting feeling (Right now, dawn is at 6:30am. In the summer, it seems the sun is up the moment it starts getting light-dawn is as early as 4:45am. We're talking about a seriously big difference here!). Even though it interrupts my beloved sleep, I love sunlight. And warmth. But not super hot heat.

But back to the point before I digressed.

The fact that he would notice these fluffy little buds and surprise me with it reminded me how

.:-Totally Smitten-:.
I am with my adventurous, bright, considerate, dashing, exultant,
fifties-fanatic, genuine, heavenly, ingenious, jack-of-all-trades, kindly,
left-handed, magnanimous, nifty, outdoors-y, perceptive,
quixotic, refreshing, smashing, tender, uxorious (but not in a bad way!), virile,
wholesome, (my personal) Xanadu, young, Zen-focused
partner for time and eternity.

I love me some sweet P!

The Uses of Adversity

2011-02-06T11:37:00.010-07:00

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. ~Author Unknown

This article is really long, but it totally got my attention. I posted it on the blog so I could keep a copy of it with me wherever I go. It is probably one of the best talks on adversity I have ever heard or read so far. Go ahead and read it-just be sure to have tissues nearby (especially for the last story he tells-although P and I are not parents yet, we were both teary eyed and choked up. I could hardly read the last few paragraphs to him). This is some seriously amazing stuff.

The Uses of Adversity

Carlfred Broderick

While I was serving as a stake president, the event occurred that I want to use as the keynote to my remarks. I was sitting on the stand at a combined meeting of the stake Primary board and stake Young Women's board where they were jointly inducting from the Primary into the Young Women's organization the eleven-year-old girls who that year had made the big step. They had a lovely program. It was one of those fantastic, beautiful presentations—based on the Wizard of Oz, or a take-off on the Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy, an eleven-year-old girl, was coming down the yellow brick road together with the tin woodman, the cowardly lion, and the scarecrow. They were singing altered lyrics about the gospel. And Oz, which was one wall of the cultural hall, looked very much like the Los Angeles Temple. They really took off down that road. There were no weeds on that road; there were no munchkins; there were no misplaced tiles; there was no wicked witch of the west. That was one antiseptic yellow brick road, and it was very, very clear that once they got to Oz, they had it made. It was all sewed up.

Following that beautiful presentation with all the snappy tunes and skipping and so on, came a sister who I swear was sent over from Hollywood central casting. (I do not believe she was in my stake; I never saw her before in my life.) She looked as if she had come right off the cover of a fashion magazine—every hair in place—with a photogenic returned missionary husband who looked like he came out of central casting and two or three, or heaven knows how many, photogenic children, all of whom came out of central casting or Kleenex ads or whatever. She enthused over her temple marriage and how wonderful life was with her charming husband and her perfect children and that the young women too could look like her and have a husband like him and children like them if they would stick to the yellow brick road and live in Oz. It was a lovely, sort of tear jerking, event.

After the event was nearly over, the stake Primary president, who was conducting, made a grave strategic error. She turned to me and, pro forma, said, "President Broderick, is there anything you would like to add to this lovely evening?"

I said, "Yes, there is," and I don't think she has ever forgiven me.
What I said was this, "Girls, this has been a beautiful program. I commend the gospel with all of its auxiliaries and the temple to you, but I do not want you to believe for one minute that if you keep all the commandments and live as close to the Lord as you can and do everything right and fight off the entire priests quorum one by one and wait chastely for your missionary to return and pay your tithing and attend your meetings, accept calls from the bishop, and have a temple marriage, I do not want you to believe that bad things will not happen to you. And when that happens, I do not want you to say that God was not true. Or, to say, 'They promised me in Primary, they promised me when I was a Mia Maid, they promised me from the pulpit that if I were very, very good, I would be blessed. But the boy I want doesn't know I exist, or the missionary I've waited for and kept chaste so we both could go to the temple turned out to be a flake,' or far worse things than any of the above. Sad things—children who are sick or developmentally handicapped, husbands who are not faithful, illnesses that can cripple, or violence, betrayals, hurts, deaths, losses—when those things happen, do not say God is not keeping his promises to me. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in event of pain, and when that pain comes (and it will come because we came here on earth to have pain among other things), when it comes, rejoice that you have resource to deal with your pain."

Now, I do not want to suggest for a moment, nor do I believe, that God visits us with all that pain. I think that may occur in individual cases, but I think we fought a war in heaven for the privilege of coming to a place that was unjust. That was the idea of coming to earth—that it was unjust, that there would be pain and grief and sorrow. As Eve so eloquently said, it is better that we should suffer. Now, her perspective may not be shared by all. But, I am persuaded that she had rare insight, more than her husband, into the necessity of pain, although none of us welcome it.

I remember one time thinking such thoughts, such grand thoughts, and realizing that I dealt as a therapist with many people who suffered far, far more pain than I ever suffered and feeling guilty at having been spared some of the pain that my friends had experienced. Shortly after this, I developed a toothache. I'm a great chicken—I hate pain at all times. An apocryphal story was told of my mother who, as she took me to kindergarten, told the teacher I was very sensitive and, if I didn't behave, to hit the child next to me. Although that's not a true story, it truly represents my sentiments. I'll learn from others, although I don't want pain myself. So when I had this toothache, I thought, here is a golden opportunity to embrace this existential experience and to join in this pain—open myself to this pain and experience it. I told myself I'm just going to sit in this pain and take it into myself and grow from it. That lasted forty-five minutes, at which time I called my dentist, "I want some pain medicine." The forty-five minutes it took between the time I took the medicine and the time the pain went away was the hardest part because I showed no moral stature; all I wanted was to get rid of that pain.

So I do not want you to think that I believe anything good about pain. I hate pain. I hate injustice. I hate loss. I hate all the things we all hate. None of us love those things. Nor, as I say, do I think God takes pleasure in the pain that comes to us. But, we came to a world where we are not protected from those things. I want to talk to you not in behalf of pain—heaven forbid—nor do I think that all pain is for the best. I'm certain that's not true. I'm certain pain destroys and embitters far more often than it ennobles. I'm sure injustice is destructive of good things in the world far more often than people rise above it. I'm certain that in this unjust awful world, there are far more victims that do not profit from their experience than those who do. So I do not want you to think I'm saying that pain is good for you. Pain is terrible.

I want to talk rather about when pain unbidden and unwanted and unjustly comes—to you or to those that you love or to these eleven-year-old girls as they get along in their lives. I want to discuss how to encounter that pain in such a way that it does not destroy you, how to find profit in that awful and unrewarding experience. I want to share with you some stories, mostly not my own, although I'm in all of them, but the pain is mainly someone else's. Some of the pain is my own. All of it is real, and all of it taught me. What I want is not to lecture to you or to sermonize you, but to share with you some lessons I have learned through pain, my own and others', that are valuable to me and, in the end, to share with you what I think I have learned from those incremental experiences.

The first two stories were extraordinarily instructive to me. They both came through opportunities I had as a stake president to give blessings. Often the Lord has taught me through blessings; as I've had my hands on someone's head, he's taught me things I did not know and sometimes didn't want to know. The first one was a case of a sister whom I'd known for years and who, in my judgment, had made some very poor life choices. She had married a handsome, charming young man who initially wasn't a member of the Church but joined the Church for her. She waited a year to marry him and then went to the temple. It was the last time he ever went to the temple. I knew he was a flake from the beginning. Out of my wisdom, it didn't surprise me that he soon returned to many of his pre-church habits—most of the transgressions in the book that you can think of and some that I might not have.

There was great pain for this woman. A good, good woman, she kept in the Church; she kept in the kingdom; she suffered enormous pain because her husband went back to gambling and drinking and other things that were unhappy and unwholesome. But, the greater pain came when her children, having these two models before them, began to follow him. He would say things like, "Well, you can go to church with your mother and sit through three hours of you know what, or you can come to the racetrack with me, and we'll have good stuff to eat and drink and have a great time." It was a tough choice, and very often the children chose to go with him. They gradually seemed to adopt his lifestyle, values, and attitude toward the Church and toward sacred things. Although she never wavered from her own faith and faithfulness and her commitment to her Heavenly Father, her family was slipping away from her.

As she asked me for a blessing to sustain her in what to do with this awful situation in which she found herself, my thoughts were, "Didn't you ask for this? You married a guy who really didn't have any depth to him and raised your kids too permissively. You should have fought harder to keep them in church rather than letting them run off to racetracks." I had all those judgments in my head. I laid my hands on her head, and the Lord told her of his love and his tender concern for her. He acknowledged that he had given her (and that she had volunteered for) a far, far harder task than he would like. (And, as he put in my mind, a harder task than I had had. I have eight good kids, the last of whom just went to the temple. All would have been good if they had been orphans.) She, however, had signed up for hard children, for children who had rebellious spirits but who were valuable; for a hard husband who had a rebellious spirit but who was valuable. The Lord alluded to events in her life that I hadn't known about, but which she confirmed afterwards: twice Heavenly Father had given her the choice between life and death, whether to come home and be relieved of her responsibilities, which weren't going very well, or whether to stay to see if she could work them through. Twice on death's bed she had sent the messenger away and gone back to that hard task. She stayed with it.

I repented. I realized I was in the presence of one of the Lord's great noble spirits, who had chosen not a safe place behind the lines pushing out the ordnance to the people in the front lines as I was doing, but somebody who chose to live out in the trenches where the Lord's work was being done, where there was risk, where you could be hurt, where you could lose, where you could be destroyed by your love. That's the way she had chosen to labor. Then I thought, "I am unworthy to lay my hands on her head; if our sexes were reversed, she should have had her hands on mine."

Now she is doing well; one of her sons finally went on a mission. He had a bishop who took hold of him and shook him and got him to go. He went to one of those missions where people line up to be baptized when you get off the plane. He had a wonderful mission; they all but made an icon of him. He had miracles under his hands. He came back hotter than a firecracker for missions. He wouldn't leave alone his younger brother, who was planning on playing football in college instead of going on a mission, until he also went on a mission. The younger boy looked up to his brother; nobody could have turned that second kid around except his older brother. The younger went on a harder mission. He happened to have a language skill that he developed, and he turned out to be the best one at the language. He caught fire; he had spiritual experiences, and he came back red hot.

Those two boys started working with their sisters, who are harder cases; they haven't come all the way around yet. One of them looks better. One of them married a nonmember, and her husband did a terrible thing—he met the missionaries and joined the Church and started putting pressure on his wife to become active. She said, "I married you because you were out of the Church." I don't know—even Dad may repent, who knows? You know, she may yet win them all.

I know that she risked her life for service. In a blessing the Lord said to her, "When you're in my employ, the wages are from me, not from those you serve."

In the second case I had a woman who came to me who was an incest victim—the victim of a terrible family. She was abused physically. Her mother was neurotic and stayed in bed all the time to get her daughter to do all the work, including taking care of the husband's needs when he was drunk. The daughter had been abused in about every way there was to be abused—psychologically, physically, sexually. Besides that she had to do all the housework.

She was not a member of the Church at that time, although this happens to members of the Church also. In high school she met a young man who was a Latter-day Saint and who started taking her to church with him. Eventually they married. He was gentle and kind and patient because she didn't come with very many positive attitudes toward men, marital intimacy, or many other things. But he was long-suffering and patient and loved her. They raised some boys.

Despite this, she had recurring bouts of depression and very negative feelings about herself because she had been taught by the people most important in her early life what a rotten person she was. It was hard for her to overcome that self-image. I worked with her to try to build her self-image. One day she said to me, "You're a stake president." She wasn't in my stake, but she said, "You're a stake president; you explain to me the justice of it." She said, "I go to church, and I can hardly stand it. When I see little girls being hugged and kissed and taken to church and appropriately loved by their fathers and mothers, I just have to get up and leave. I say, 'Heavenly Father, what was so terrible about me that, when I was that age, I didn't get any of that? What did that little girl do in the premortal existence that I didn't do so she is loved, so she is safe? Her daddy gives her priesthood blessings when she's sick. Her mother loves her and supports her and teaches her. What did I do?' Can you tell me that God is just if he sends that little girl to that family and me to my family?" She said, "It's a good thing I had boys. I don't think I could have stood to raise girls and have their father love them because I'm so envious."

I would not have known how to answer her in my own capacity because that is manifestly unjust. Where here or in eternity is the justice in an innocent child's suffering in that way? But the Lord inspired me to tell her, and I believe with all my heart that it applies to many in the kingdom, that she was a valiant, Christlike spirit who volunteered (with, I told her, perhaps too much spiritual pride) to come to earth and suffer innocently to purify a lineage. She had volunteered to absorb the poisoning of sin, anger, anguish, and violence, to take it into herself and not to pass it on; to purify a lineage so that downstream from her it ran pure and clean, full of love and the Spirit of the Lord and self-worth. I believed truly that her calling was to be a savior on Mount Zion: that is, to be Savior-like, like the Savior to suffer innocently that others might not suffer. She voluntarily took such a task with the promise she would not be left alone and abandoned, but he would send one to take her by the hand and be her companion out into the light. I viewed that woman in a different way also, again realizing I was in the presence of one of the great ones and unworthy to have my hands on her head.

I think we do not understand the nature of ourselves. I think we do not understand who we are. Some people call the temple ordinances the "mysteries" of the kingdom. When I went to the temple, I thought I was going to learn which star was Kolob, where the Ten Tribes were, and other such information. But those aren't the mysteries of the kingdom; the mysteries of the kingdom are who we are, and who God is, and what our relationship to him is. Those are the mysteries of the kingdom. You can tell somebody in plain English, but they still don't know in their hearts who they really are.

I was in a foreign country giving a workshop for others in my profession. The workshop was over, and I was just exhausted. My plane was to leave at 7:30 p.m. back to the States, and it was now 4:00 p.m. I was right across the street from the airport in a motel. I thought, "This is nap time. I am going, in the middle of the day with the sun out, to take a nap." So I called the desk and said, "I want to be awakened at 6:00, not 6:00 in the morning but 6:00 in the evening; I'm taking a nap." I put down the receiver, undressed, and curled into bed and thought how deliciously wicked it was to be sleeping in the middle of the day. I had just snuggled down when the telephone rang. It was the mission president, who also was a General Authority whom I had never met, but who had read in the paper that I was there. He had a problem with one of his sister missionaries. Although he'd been working with her, she had a ticket to go home on the same flight I was on. He'd labored with her and given her blessings. She'd only been out six weeks, but she was going home and nothing he was able to say changed her mind. The mission president said, "She said she had your text in college, and I told her you were here. I asked her if she would see you, and she said she would." He said, "You're it."

I protested, "It's your job; it's not my job. You're a General Authority—I'm just a stake president and out of my territory at that."

He said to me, "We'll send the car for you."

This sister and I sat down together. She had her purse clutched and her ticket prominently displayed on it. She looked at me a bit defiantly, and I said, "The president tells me you're headed for home."

She answered, "Yes, and you can't talk me out of it either."

I said, "Why?"

She told me why.

It was an awful story. She did grow up in a Mormon family in Idaho—a farm family, a rural, poor family. She had been sexually abused, not just by her father, but by all her male relatives. She was terribly abused. Incidentally, I want to tell those of you who teach girls this, she had tried to tell a couple of times, and people wouldn't believe her. When she was ten years old, they had a lesson in Sunday School on honoring your father and mother. After class was over, she said to her teacher, "But, what if your father or your mother wants to do something that isn't right?"

The teacher said, "Oh, my dear, that would never happen. Your father and your mother would never want anything that wasn't right for you."

Finally, when she was fourteen, her Mia Maid teacher believed her and convinced the bishop it was so. The bishop took her out of that home into his own home where she finished her high school years; he sent her to college, and then she went on a mission. Her father's "patriarchal blessing" when she left his home was this, "Well, aren't we fine folk now? Gonna go live with the bishop and all those holy joes over on the other side of town. Well, let me just tell you something, girl, and don't you never forget it. They can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear." That's what she decided on her mission. She decided she didn't belong there with all those silk purses. She was having sexual feelings for the missionaries because when you're only four or five when you first get exposed to regular sex, it isn't easy. You don't have the adult's or the teenager's sense of proportion and sense of reality and sense of the world to put it into proportion. So here were all these attractive young men, and she'd never had the opportunity to develop in her life the kinds of protections in her heart and in her mind that other people in more blessed and protected circumstances have. She was having feelings that she believed were unworthy and told herself, "My daddy was right. You can take a girl out of a family and send her to college, you can send her on a mission, but you can't change what she is—a sow's ear."

So she was going home to throw herself away because she didn't belong out here pretending to be someone she wasn't. I said to her, "Before you came on your mission, you went to the temple, didn't you? You were anointed to become a queen, weren't you, a princess in your Heavenly Father's house? That's no way to treat a princess. There may be—I can't imagine it—but there may be some justification in their backgrounds for the way those men treated you when you were young. I don't know; I can't imagine any. But, I'm confident of this, the Lord will not easily forgive you if you treat his daughter that way. You're going to throw her away, a princess of our Heavenly Father? Then what are you going to say to him when he says, 'How have you handled the stewardship that I gave you of this glorious personage who lived with me, who is my daughter, who is a royal personage of dignity and of honor? I sent her down to the earth, and how have you brought her back to me?'" She with the eloquence of her age and circumstances started to cry, but she stayed.

I saw her in Provo two or three years later when I was there speaking. She asked if I remembered her, and I did, which was a miracle in its own right because I forget my own children's names; I can't get them all straight. I remembered her and her name and said, "How are you doing?" She answered, "I'm growing just as fast as I can. I thought you'd want to know." She understood who she was. I told her that I felt her stewardship was to get that daughter of our Heavenly Father home, home to Heavenly Father, home where she belonged. That's the mystery of the kingdom, that's the mystery of godliness—that we are our Father's children.

Now I'm going to tell you three other stories. One of them concerns a sister I used to home teach years ago. She was something. President Benson was president of the Quorum of the Twelve and he was the one who sent out the schedules specifying when stakes would hold their conferences. For several years in a row we always had our stake conference on Mother's Day. It was nice because we saved money on carnations, but this lady was outraged. She couldn't see why it always had to be our stake on Mother's Day. She wanted the carnations and the respect for women. So she finally wrote a stern letter to President Benson calling him to repentance for not observing the importance of motherhood. She said the priesthood leaders talked a good fight, but where were they when it really counted on Mother's Day? And he changed the date of our stake conference. So you get some feel for this woman—a good woman, but not shy.

Anyway, I was her home teacher and her stake president. She was also one of those sisters who felt that if you just have a cold, it's all right to have your husband give you a blessing, but if it's anything more serious, you need at least the bishop. Stake presidents are better. If there's a General Authority in the area, that's the best. She wanted real sparks—none of this homegrown stuff. They had two or three girls, and she'd had troubles with her deliveries, which were caesarean. Her doctor told her that she had nearly died the last time. He said, "Your uterus is so thin that when I was working there, I could see my hand through it. It is not going to sustain another pregnancy. If you want to die, get pregnant again. Is that very clear? Will you let me take it out?" She said, "No." He said, "It's no good except to kill you." She said, "Don't take it." So he said, "All right, but I want you to know that if you have another pregnancy, you're dead."

Well, that lasted about four years. I accused her of having gone to see Saturday's Warrior one time too many. She decided they had a little boy up there waiting to come to their family. Her husband said, "Oh, no, you don't. You think you're going to get pregnant and leave me to raise those girls without you. No way; I'm not going to do that. The doctor told you, and that's sensible, and that's it."

"But I just feel there's still one up there for us."

"No way. We are not going to take any risks with your life. I'm not up to raising three
daughters alone. I'm sorry; 'no' is the answer."

"Well, when President Broderick comes, let's have him give me a blessing."

Well, he got to me first, of course, and I couldn't have agreed with him more. I didn't want that on my hands. That's what we have doctors for. So I was not very moved by this woman's ambition to have one more child and said, "Now look, Sister so-and-so, you can't do this." But this lady is not an easy person to say no to. So her husband and I laid our hands on her head, and I heard myself telling this lady, Sure, go right ahead and have a baby. No problem. You'll have no problem in the pregnancy; it'll be just fine. You'll have a fine big boy, nurse him, and everything will just be terrific. I could not believe I was saying it. Her husband was looking at me in horror. I left immediately.

But it happened just like the blessing said. It was just one of those stories where the Lord gives you the answer. She got pregnant. The doctor shook his head, but when the baby was delivered, it was fine. The uterus was fine; the baby was terrific. One little hitch—only it wasn't a little hitch; it was a big hitch. In the hospital somehow she had contracted a blood disease, Haverman's disease. I'd never heard of it before, and I've not heard of it since, but it's vividly etched in my memory. She broke out in spots all over. They're very irritable, like having the skin off your hand or off your back. She had at one point two hundred spots all over her body. She couldn't lie down or sit down or be comfortable anywhere, and they looked awful. It looked as though she ought to wear a veil to cover these big, red, size-of-a-fifty-cent-piece blotches all over her body. There was a medication she could take to relieve the symptoms. Although it doesn't cure the disease, it does make the symptoms go away and allows you to live and function normally. But she wouldn't be able to nurse her baby if she took it.

"You promised in the blessing," she said, "that I could nurse this baby."

I said, "It was a throw-away line. What are you talking about?"

She said, "You promised, the Lord promised I could nurse this baby. I can't nurse him and take medication so you have to do something about this."

I said, "Look, get a bottle. Your husband can get up in the middle of the night. It'll be terrific. Take the medication; you're home free—the baby's fine. Rejoice, you've got a beautiful boy."

She would not have any of that. She wanted another blessing to take away this disease so she could nurse her baby. I wished I were not her home teacher, not her stake president. But I put my hands on her head, and I heard myself telling her that her disease would go away and she would be able to nurse her baby. Then I left for New York—not just because of that. I had a meeting in New York, but I was glad not to be there hour by hour to see how it worked out.

I gave the blessing on a Sunday evening. Wednesday at two o'clock in the morning, I got a telephone call while I was in a deep sleep. I was president of this national organization and worrying about the next night when I was to give my presidential address. It was hard to sleep, but I was doing my best. The call woke me, and she said, "You promised me these spots would go away, but they're worse. I visited the doctor today, and he says they're worse. Nothing's going well. You promised. I've done everything I know to do. I've been on the telephone all day to people that I might have offended, even in my childhood. 'Please, please, if there's anything I've done to offend you, please forgive me.' I'm trying to think of anything I've ever done in my life and to set it right. But my spots haven't gone away. Why?"

"I don't have any idea why," I said.

She retorted, "Well, don't you think you ought to have an idea. You gave me that blessing."

I felt terrible. I did something I've never done before or since—I stayed up the rest of the night, what there was of it, praying. I said, "Lord, this woman's faith hangs on the blessing she received at my hands. I felt your Spirit at the time. If I was wrong, don't penalize her. Cover me." (And I started thinking of the people I should be calling.)

But she didn't call again, and I thought maybe it's all right. I got home Saturday night late, flying all day from New York, exhausted from the trip. I walked into the house, and there was a note that said, "No matter what time you arrive, call sister so-and-so." I didn't dare not do it, so I phoned her. She said, "You get on over here." Is that any way to talk to a stake president?

It was two o'clock in the morning, but I went over. She was bitter and empty. She said, "I want you to know that I have no faith left. I felt the Spirit of the Lord, the same Spirit when you gave me that blessing, that I've felt in sacrament meetings, in testimony meetings, when I read the scriptures, and in prayer. I felt that same Spirit, and here's my testimony." She raised her hands, which were covered with spots. "Well," she said, "what have you got to say?"

"Nothing."

"Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

I said, "I have no explanation. I prayed all night. I don't have any idea why. I feel awful that I've been the instrument of your loss of faith. I cannot think of a worse thing that could have happened, that I could have spent my priesthood on, than to destroy your faith."

"Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

"I tell you I have no explanation."

"You and the Lord—don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

"I'm not giving you any more blessings."

She said, "I think you owe me that, don't you?"

I never did anything with less grace in my life than when I laid my hands on her head. The Lord spoke to her, not of her disease and not of nursing babies, but of his love for her—that she was his daughter, that he cared for her, that he had died for her. He said that he would have died if she had been the only one. He would have suffered at Calvary for her sins, if hers had been the only ones. He didn't say one word about healing her.

The next day was fast Sunday. She came to church although she had said she never would again. With the spots she looked awful. It was not easy; she was not an overly proud woman, but it was not easy for her to appear in public looking as she did. She got up in testimony meeting, and her spots were worse than ever. She told the story and at the end she said, "I do not know why I have these spots, why my breasts have dried, but I do know this." And she bore a powerful witness of the Savior's love for her. That afternoon the spots went away and the milk came in, but not until she understood the mysteries of the kingdom, which don't have much to do with spots or milk or even with blessings, but have a lot to do with who we are and who our Father is, who our Savior is, and the relationship among the three of us.

I'm going to tell just two more stories. My mother, I trust, did not have a typical Mormon woman's life. She married three times, but she got better at it as she went along. I've been grateful to her that she didn't stop until she got a good man. He wasn't a member of the Church when she married him, but he did join the Church and eventually became a bishop—a very good man. I'm sealed to him, and I love him. I wear his ring. He wanted me to have it because in his family when somebody died, people quarreled over the tea cups. He wanted me before he died to have the ring so no one would quarrel over it, and I could have it. I wear it with love.

He died, in some ways, in a bad way, a hard way. He was a strong man—a man who'd been a sickly youth, but he'd done some of the Charles Atlas exercises. I used to love to hear him tell about how eventually he'd turned the table on the bullies. I was one who always ran away from bullies, walked to the other side of the street and went home the other way, but I loved to hear his stories about how he'd finally gotten strong enough to take them on and beat them at their own game. I had a lot of vicarious satisfaction from his stories.

But at the end his lungs filled up with fiber so he had only five percent of his lungs to breathe with. With only five percent of the oxygen that he needed to metabolize his food, he just got weaker and weaker. His bones showed everywhere on his body. This big, beefy, all-solid-muscle man got to the point where all of his muscle had been eaten alive. I could easily carry him in my arms, although I'm not a strong man physically. He became petulant and childish because he could hardly breathe. He was constantly asphyxiated. He could hardly eat or go to the bathroom because he didn't have the oxygen to close his mouth that long. What a strain to see this strong, good man waste away.

A week before he died I asked him for a father's blessing. He could reach over only one hand because he couldn't find a position where he could breathe and get both hands together. He gave me a blessing; I'd never had one in my life before. With one hand, he gave me a father's blessing, which I treasure. Then I asked him—and it was more talking than he had done for a long time in one space—I asked, "Vic, what have you learned from this six months of wasting away?"

He said, "Patience; I was never patient. The Lord has taught me patience. I wanted to die six months ago, and he left me. I've had to wait upon him. You know those stories I used to tell?"

"Yes, the ones I liked so well."

"Son, those aren't good stories; they're full of revenge. They're not loving stories. I repent of them."

That man did not waste those six months. How many of us would have gotten bitter at God? "Why don't you take me? I've done everything; all I want to do is come home." That man spent those months being refined. I know he's presiding today over his family. We've done genealogy for his forebears and sent them up to him to work on in the spirit world. I know he presides over them today, and I know he's a better president of his familial branch in the spirit world than he was a bishop, and he was a good bishop. But, I know he was refined by his pain, by his adversity. He needed to go through that suffering. He could have been embittered; he could have been destroyed. His faith could have soured and left him, but he chose to learn from his pain. I do not want you to think that it was the pain that was good. It was the man that was good and that made the pain work for him, as indeed our Savior did.

Last Easter a friend, after having brought two boys, then four and two, into the world, had a baby daughter. While she was in the hospital, her husband wanted to come to see the baby, but he had those little children at home. So his home teacher was kind enough to say, "Hey, bring the kids over. We've got a bunch of kids at our house. Bring the two kids over; my wife'll watch them." (That's not quite what King Benjamin said about service, but it's one step off.) "You go and see your baby."

So he did. While he was in the hospital seeing his new baby, his two-year-old got away from that woman's care and drowned in the pool. Through CPR she was able to bring him back to his heart beating and his lungs working but never to real functioning. For two months he lay in a hospital bed, breathing, with his heart beating on machines that helped. His little knees somehow (I don't understand the mechanics of this) bent backwards. His feet bent backwards. I don't know why. In the rigidity of his coma he became deformed. He had been a perfectly whole, wonderful child, but now it was hard for me to go visit him. I would go and sit beside him, looking at his mother who was rubbing him and singing to him. It was hard.

The ward fasted every Sunday for a month for that child. The members kept a twenty-four hour vigil so that there'd be somebody he knew there when their faith made him whole. He was blessed by the stake patriarch, by the stake president, by a visiting General Authority who was kind enough to add that additional duty to his busy schedule. In all those blessings the mother took hope. I will not say that she was promised flatly, but she took hope by what was said, that the child would live, that she would raise him in this life, and that he would perform many gracious acts and achievements. She would not even tolerate anyone's raising the possibility that he would not get better because she felt that everyone's faith had to be whole and focused.

I never saw so many people at the hospital—dozens of people kept vigil, fasted, and prayed for this child. After two months it became clear the child was wasting away and was not going to get better. His mother was the last to finally acknowledge what everyone else had come to see—he was not going to live. It was costing, I forget how many, thousands of dollars a day. So they finally decided to do the gracious thing and let him return to his Father. It was the hardest thing they ever did. They prayed, fasted, consulted with priesthood leaders, and finally, finally, decided the only thing to do was to pull the tubes. His mother said, "I can't stand it. I don't want to kill that little boy again. How many times is he going to die?"

So his grandmother went and held him in her arms when they pulled the tubes, but he didn't die. He lived another two weeks. I cannot express to you how spiritually exhausted everybody was when he finally died. The family had spent days and nights for weeks with him. Everybody had scarcely slept in two and a half months. Just a week before that child died, the newborn got a temperature of 105 and was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with spinal meningitis. It was a misdiagnosis, but they put the baby in the room just right down from the other baby.

Her husband said, "Honey, let me go bless the baby."

She said, "You get your priesthood hands off my baby." She didn't want God to take that baby too. She said, "God's got all the babies he wants. Why does he want my baby? God doesn't need him on a mission—don't tell me that." People are not always helpful with the things they say. "God needs him worse than I need him—don't tell me that. He's got billions of babies, and I only have one; I have one two-year-old. Don't tell me he has a mission that can't wait fifty or sixty years more on the other side. There's lots of work for him here. We'll keep him busy."

At the graveside the grandmother gave the opening prayer, and the grandfather dedicated the grave. In a somewhat unusual choice, both the boy's parents spoke. Can you imagine that? What they said was this: "We trust our faith will never again be tried as it has on this occasion. The things we have faith in have come down to a short list, but that list is immovable. We do not have faith that God must do what we entreat him to do." Earlier she had cried out to God, "I asked for a fish, and I got a serpent. I asked for a loaf, and I got a rock. Is that what the scriptures promise?"

But after it was all over, at her little son's graveside, she was able to say, "I am content that God be God. I will not try to instruct him on his duties or on his obligations toward me or toward any of his children. I know he lives and loves us, that he is God. He's not unmindful of us. We do not suffer out of his view. He does not inflict pain upon us, but he sustains us in our pain. I am his daughter; my son is also his son; we belong to him, and we are safe with him. I used to think we were safe from grief and pain here because of our faith. I know now that is not true, but we are safe in his love. We are protected in the most ultimate sense of all—we have a safe home forever. That is my witness."

And that is my witness to you, that God lives, and he does not live less though you have injustice and adversity and pain and unkindness and violence and betrayal. God is in his heaven. We chose to come to an unjust world and suffer. But God is God, and he loves us. His son died for us. There is for each of us, because of who we are and who he is and who we are together, hope. There is hope. The uses of adversity are whatever use we put them to—for you and for me, for the parents of the little boy, for the lady with Haverman's disease, and for the incest victims, for my dad, for all of us—the uses of adversity are the uses we put them to. May they hone us and purify us and teach us and not destroy us, because of who we are and who God is and what our relationship to him is, is my fervent prayer.

(Carlfred Broderick, My Parents Married on a Dare and Other Favorite Essays on Life
[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1996], 121.)

It's About Time

2011-02-05T17:24:00.014-07:00

(I love Picasa. What fun!)

I am so delighted with how perfect the final result was with my latest project. After doing a little rearranging of the furniture in our front room after purchasing a new t.v. (we got a killer deal on it from Costco=$100 off), I had a blank space on the wall that was begging for some decoration. So, I envisioned what I wanted and got to work. For less than $5 I was ultimately able to create this most fabulous decorative piece (I already had the clock). All it took was $2 worth of black poster-board, a $0.97 bottle of brown paint, $0.75 for the dowel pieces supporting the bigger points, and some time to figure out just exactly how to put together the clock I had imagined. I love that it has some dimension to it. Flat, plain walls are just too boring (even if they're painted), and in my experience, picture frames don't always fix everything :-/
Finally, the front room seems just about finished.
Its not so cluttered;
and even though its a small space
I no longer feel claustrophobic when sitting in it.

Hallelujah!

Its only taken about 2 1/2 years....

New Month, New Projects

2011-02-01T18:47:00.004-07:00

As you can see, since I'm not in school this semester I've been busy busy busy with projects of varying purpose. This image shows 2 of my latest... A Command hook coat rack (They really do come off with no damage...they are one of my new favorite things-easy to apply and so useful!) and scarves for my windows. I have been wanting to put up some window treatments for quite some time...and these do the job nicely, if I do say so myself.

What to do now?

Deep Breathing

2011-01-29T16:41:00.001-07:00

I look forward to winters of the future
in which I won't have to live through
disgusting smoggy inversions...

This view of Lagoon amusement park isn't even the worst its been.
I hate realizing the air I'm breathing in is this dirty.
It makes me sick (literally)!

Its days like this I wish I didn't have to breathe.

Fresh air, anyone?

Gero Psych

2011-01-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say there has been something really exciting going on in my life that has kept me from posting more in my "journal" over the holiday season. But alas, I have nothing to blame but the lack of desire, since we haven't had anything super exciting going on.
I guess I could tell some stories from work....but working on a geriatric psych unit has given me quite a few experiences that are very graphic/downright disgusting (and funny, if told to the right person). I have had to learn to keep some stories to myself, as I have been known to ruin P's dinner appetite on occasion (in the middle of one story, I hadn't even gotten to the climax/worst part of the experience when he stood up and refused to eat anymore since he had almost thrown up. Literally. Yikes). Do you think I should share?

The Blue Planet Live!

2011-01-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

A few months back I mentioned to P that I would like very much to go to a "real" symphony. He kinda seemed uninterested in the idea ("typical guy thing," I thought), so I figured I would have to wait for my mom/grandma to come in town so I could have a symphony partner that would enjoy the experience.

I was wrong. :)

Since I had *cough* the opportunity *cough cough* to work 7-7 at the hospital Christmas day, P and I decided to save opening our few gifts Christmas night. My favorite gift by far was to be the Symphony candy bar he gave me (I admit, I was confused by that one as well). When I pulled the candy bar out of the gift bag, I gave him the look of "Really? This is the best you could come up with? Thaaanks...." I should have known better :) He is one really thoughtful guy.
As I went to set the bar down, he grabbed it and started to unwrap it while saying "Lets have a piece right now!" Shoulda known then I was in for a big surprise. But I didn't.

That was when he handed me the envelope.

It contained 2 of these.

Tickets. To a real, live symphony in SLC.
And I only had to wait a few days to see the performance!

I was ecstatic. Shocked. Overcome with emotion, to tell you the truth.
Ever since moving to the SLC area I have always wanted to go to Abravanel Hall. The building is so different and aesthetically pleasing from the outside, in my opinion. Its triangular shape is really singular.

I was not disappointed by the decor and architectural design inside, either. It opened my eyes to the beauty that can be contained in architecture. Everywhere I looked there seemed to be an elegance pronounced by the lines that outlines the 3 tiers and staircases that lead to the doors to enter the hall. "The lobby itself is an architectural marvel due to its many tiers, the staircase that goes upwards and to the left along with the triangular shape of the enclosure, the gold leafing that covers all visible sides of the stairs and balconies"(Quote taken from Wikipedia). I didn't know a line could be such a beautiful thing!

View from the upper level of Abravanel Hall. Apparently this glass "wall" contains 5,400 square feet of glass.

Even though it is gorgeous,
I would hate to be assigned to clean all that glass.

Just before finding our seats for the performance. I wish we weren't so washed out in this picture.

One of my new fave pieces of sculpture. 30 feet high and sculpted entirely from red blown glass. I wish I could have a mini replica of this to use in my decor. I love everything about it! A camera phone pic just doesn't do it justice.
Details of the ceiling and chandeliers. I love the layout and design of the whole hall. It almost makes me wish I was a designer... :) There are 6 of these chandeliers, which contain 18,000 hand-cut beads and prisms of Bohemian crystals imported from Austria and Czechoslovakia. Breathtaking, for sure.
The symphony performers warming up. They played small sections of film from the Blue Planet show that matched the music they were playing. Incredible! I couldn't decide if I wanted to watch the screen or the musicians more...

I love this picture. Enraptured with the thought of the performance only moments away from beginning. So glad P obliged me by happily dressing up for the occasion (he doesn't care much for wearing a suit more than once a week for church). The only thing that would have made this image better would be if I would have thought to get P a bow tie for the evening. Bow tie aside, we still received the compliment of being the "best dressed couple of the evening" from one of the ushers, an older gentleman. To put it mildly, I was thrilled :D P didn't seem to mind the compliment either.

The best part of the evening?
P confessed he truly enjoyed the symphony.
And not just because he was with me.
(What a sweetheart!)
And not because there was a GIANT screen to look at.
(Impressive!)
The music really was very moving and inspiring to him.

Hear (and see) a little snippet here of the experience here. This was the ad I heard for weeks over the radio, and never suspected a thing!

I love my P!

Hopefully activities such as this become
a little more frequent.

Necessity? Perhaps.

2010-12-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

In the mind of P this project was a necessity. After school let out for winter break, I finally had the time and patience to sew this tool cart cover. I was definitely glad this had an easy box shape. I have yet to figure out how to create elaborate patterns that actually work. After measuring the box, choosing and buying fabric that met the criteria P set (durable, dark, thick, and weather resistant. My criteria was cheap... with a tag of $15 with a 50% off coupon, I got a steal!), cutting it with scissors (SO thankful my mom got me those expensive fabric shears years ago. They are amazing! I have yet to purchase one of those fancy cutting boards...I have a rotary cutter, but no board! Good thing I can cut straight!), and sewing the pieces together, voila! A custom cart cover to protect the tool cart from damaging elements (i.e. sun, rain and *snow*) while it waits to be moved to its permanent home in P's future shop.

Before & After

Isn't she a beaut? Got a great deal on her too. The Matco rep tossed it in as a bonus when we bought P's GIANT toolbox (seriously. The thing is huge. 72" x 42" x 25" Luckily for now, we don't have to keep it at the house. Its hanging out at the dealership where he currently works, thank goodness. It would probably take up most of the "front room" here). Now that I'm looking at it though, maybe I will have to bring the tool cart inside. Since its covered and looks decent, I can use it as a makeshift TV stand. The possibilities are endless!

The following photo is a work of art which graces the side of the tool cart facing the wall. Its a direct result of my impatience while doing math. I shorted myself a yard (I needed 144" worth of fabric, which is 12 feet. Apparently in my mind, 12 feet equals 3 yards. I know. Since when was a yard 4 feet long? Its embarrassing, really. Maybe I'm numerically dyslexic?). But, with a little finagling, I made do with what I had, and saved myself from wasting money and having leftover fabric. Extra fabric can be such a pain. I never know whether to toss my remnants away or keep them for the sake of the possibility I might need them in the future. So far I haven't needed the remnants I've kept over the years, but someday, just maybe.... :) A girl can dream of being ultra practical and super thrifty, right?

Question: What kind of program do you guys use to create picture collages? I'm pretty sure I'm stuck old school for the time being...I used Paint to put the two pics above together....Yikes!

4500 Pound Adventure

2010-11-09T15:54:00.004-07:00

Enjoying the Halloween party wasn't the only thing I did Halloween weekend...P and I decided to try our hand at selling some apples to people here in our current town. 4500 pounds worth of apples. It was risky, and made for an extremely busy week, but nevertheless, it was a BIG success...and we will be doing it again next year, and plan to make it bigger!

So, my MIL and I had a six-state weekend (I drove through UT, AZ, NV, WA, OR, ID, then back to UT within a matter of 2 days) to get the apples here.

Here is a bit of the adventure in pictures:

Flying on Allegiant air...
sporting my *ahem* poorly styled new haircut.
(its an awesome haircut, seriously! I just wish I could style it as well as my SIL does when she cuts it for me...she is a hair arteest for sure!)

A sea of clouds.

Just before leaving, we got a pic of Mom, Dad and I in front of the apple hauling rig :)
(Thanks for letting us crash for the night! We had a lovely time!)

Me and my MIL, just before leaving
(she made a great companion for the whole trip!)
We were excited to get almost 15 miles to the gallon in this hog.
Yes.
Believe it.
It is an awesome truck.
There's no way you could get me to do
15 mpg's
while hauling 4500 pounds of anything!

A snapshot of the arduous process my MIL and I went through of boxing and selling the apples.
I'm just glad it took less than 3 days to get rid of all 4500 pounds of them. Now, if i could just figure out the easiest way to get the truck back up there, and me back down here...

Its Electric!

2010-11-09T15:13:00.006-07:00

Halloween weekend was a doozie this year :) P and I headed down to St. G after work Friday night so we could hang out and hit up the 3rd annual party at P's parents Saturday night. Every year it just gets better!

I love the orange color of the storage shed.
The decorations were amazing!

Fun labels!

Sparkling cider! I mean...well, I'll let you read the labels!

Jack and Tom came as Lydia and Beetlejuice.

Moolaar as Madonna....

Mike and Jen as David and Victoria Beckham (ugh the pic is blurry! :( sad day)

Revenge of the Nerds! (David and Terra, the newlyweds)

And last but not least,

k and p
We're a plug and socket!
What's the big deal?!

I made the shirt Saturday afternoon...
and I have every intention of wearing it in the future!

I know, I know, it could be naughty...
but we didn't mean it that way.
At least, I didn't!
But who knows what was going on in this guy's mind....
Well, at least we're married! :)

Fresh Washington Fuji Apples

2010-10-20T11:55:00.007-06:00

(This is me in 1985 with a Red Delicious...not as good as a Fuji, but still-how cute!) :)

Dear Utah Blogging Friends,

Many times there are thousands of pounds of apples which are left on the tree to waste because the market will not support the cost of picking and transporting them. In an effort to help curtail the waste we are offering fresh Fuji apples from Washington State at a discounted price to our neighbors here in Farmington (and surrounding areas.) The cost of the apples will be .49 cents per lb., less than half of what you typically would pay in the grocery store.

Our time is short and we need to know as quickly as possible how much interest there is to bring the Apples in. We can have them here the first week of November. We will let you know the exact date, time and place for pick up. Please forward this message in email to your friends and family members.

If interested send an e-mail to kpneilson (at) gmail (dot) com. Let us know approximately how many pounds you would like.

We work on a first come first serve basis. We ask only that you bring your own boxes or bags. We will weigh them for you. You may have as many as you would like.

Fuji apples store well in cool places and will stay crisp for quite a long time. The Fuji's are all different sizes and can be used for juicing, drying, making applesauce, etc.

With Love,

Fall is in the Air

2010-10-19T19:36:00.005-06:00

Watching moonrise from my front door. What a treat!

I love fall.
Smells of
fresh, crisp air
just-pressed apple juice
cooking grapes
drying apples
and that "smokey fire" essence.

But most of all,
I love that the mountains
look like they're on fire.
The colors are gorgeous!

Pronto Pups and Beignets

2010-08-02T17:00:00.007-06:00

What are those, you say? Pronto pups are a Neilson family recipe perfected by one of P's great-great-great (something like that) grandma. Its a classic down in Southern Utah. And a beignet (pronounced kinda like Ben-Yey) is basically a scone they serve in the Louisiana French Quarter. They are absolutely delicious (I think they're better than a regular scone. They're already sweet, so all you need is some powdered sugar!) P and I had a grand time in St. George during the 24th of July (aka "Pioneer Day" in Utah...its a day commemorating the arrival of the early Mormon Pioneers in Utah) celebration. Mom Neilson made us all patriotic aprons and we fried Pronto Pups and Beignets all morning long at the park. There was the parade, then a small festival-like gathering across the street.

This is M and J dressed as Pioneers herding their "kids" :)

(Me rocking the hair before Jack cut it. Still haven't taken a pic of the new 'do yet) This was right before the parade was over. Good thing it was rather short. The older I get the more boring I think parades are....

The cool Pronto Pup sign Dad Neilson helped design

The line never seemed to end.

Jack taking orders

The stand the guys built for us to serve the food in.

I love the antique-y wild west style it has going on.

Some of us slaving over the hot grease pots in the back of the stand. Seriously, I never thought fried food could be so fun to make (especially while outdoors in St. George in JULY for goodness sake!) but we got a ton accomplished, making over 400 Pronto Pups and countless Beignets in just a couple hours. Family is such a wonderful gift!

(Get the recipe we used for beignets here.)

A Utah Man am I

2010-08-02T16:18:00.011-06:00

The hike to the U...I've always heard it was a short hike. I never dreamed it would be this short, steep, or slick. That mud was awfully slippery!

I've never been big on (nor understood) the whole "school rivalry" thing. I find it hilarious and absolutely ridiculous that families can be divided over something so seemingly insignificant. However, I married into a U family. His blood bleeds bright red... So I just roll my eyes when the whole blue blood/red blood subject comes up (honestly, everybody's got a little bit of both on the inside anyway!). But regardless, I will always bee a fan of outdoor activities, whether its hiking the U (my post today) or hiking the Y (which will be much more of a challenge...to hike and to someday convince P its an okay activity to do).

The U close up. I never get over the sheer enormity of all the letters that cover the mountains in Utah.

Oh yah. We also stopped at the "This is the Place" monument while on our little Sunday afternoon adventure. Nothing too spectacular, but it is a nice little park. If the Visitors Center would have been open I would have been a bit more excited about this place.

And for your "enjoyment" (ha!) the Ute's fight song:

VERSE
I am a Utah man, sir, and I live across the green.
Our gang, it is the jolliest that you have ever seen.
Our coeds are the fairest and each one's a shining star.
Our yell, you hear it ringing through the mountains near and far.

CHORUS
Who am I, sir? A Utah man am I A Utah man, sir, and will be till I die; Ki!Yi!
We're up to snuff; we never bluff,
We're game for any fuss,
No other gang of college men
dare meet us in the muss.
So fill your lungs and sing it out and
shout it to the sky,
We'll fight for dear old Crimson,
for a Utah man am I.

VERSE
And when we prom the avenue, all lined up in a row,
And arm in arm and step in time as down the street we go.
No matter if a freshman green, or in a senior's gown,
The people all admit we are the warmest gang in town.

CHORUS

VERSE
We may not live forever on this jolly good old sphere,
But while we do we'll live a life of merriment and cheer,
And when our college days are o'er and night is drawing nigh,
With parting breath we'll sing that song:
"A Utah Man Am I".

CHORUS

GO UTES!!! (seriously. All fight songs are super cheesy...but so catchy!)

Memorial Day Camping

2010-08-02T15:53:00.004-06:00

P and I made a last minute decision to join his family for a bit of camping at Fish Lake Memorial Day weekend...We really enjoyed ourselves. Then again, camping adventures are alway a good time!

Trolling along Fish Lake

P prepping the boat for launch

I thought the moon looked cool in this pic.

The only thing that would have made the trip better would be if we had green leafy trees...

The campground.

I sure take quite a few pictures of P...good thing he's top quality!! ;)

Backdrops and Bruises

2010-06-09T22:07:00.003-06:00

Alright so I didn't take any pictures while we visited in St. George (thumbs down on that one, since there are some new additions to good friends' little families we got to finally meet), but I'm sure glad Kellie Stilson took family pics for us. (more at the link for you to see) The one above is my new fave of P and I...

I love the colors in this one. Red rock makes such a beautiful backdrop

Though the weather wasn't perfect while we were in St George, it was a letdown to come home to snow (though it did melt that same day)

Driving back from San Jorge

Check out the mondo bruise on p's bicep...and that was when it was almost healed. It got pretty gnarly looking that is for sure! Long story short-P was slap boxing with a coworker, the coworker got a good hit to P's face and walked away. So P (in steel toe boots) gave the guy a swift kick in the rear, went to run away, cornered himself, and somehow managed to get a bruise when the guy tried drag/carrying P into the guy's bathroom to stuff him in the toilet (luckily the swirly didn't happen)

A Modern Cold-Footed Buddha

2010-06-03T17:52:00.007-06:00

Had a fun conversation about girls and other interesting things with P's best guy friend today (who by the way is talented, handsome and still single-if you know an awesome single girl, let me know and maybe we can get them together lol)...As we chatted about random stuff he stated (albeit mostly sarcastic): "I don't dare. Ignorance is bliss."

Right then I had one of those absolutely amazing a-HA moments and replied: "Ignorance is bliss 'til you open your eyes and realize you're wallowing in all the crap that hit the fan while you stood there in ignorance with your eyes closed."

A modern cold-footed Buddha is what he called me.

I'll take that as a compliment. :)

Unintentional Twinners!

2010-05-26T19:07:00.004-06:00

I thought the urban dictionary entry for the word "twinners" was pretty funny. It reads:

two people who suddenly realize they have identical habits and/or ideas.

ex:"You ALSO watch VH1 music list shows?!?!"

"Yea we're twinners!!!!!"

He and I left at different times this morning...So how we ended up wearing the almost exact same outfit today, I have no idea. Red short sleeve shirts, black pants with white lines and black shoes...yeah. Amazing, I know. We've got some talent in the family, for sure. Pictures and post from our recent St. George trip coming soon!

Speechless.

2010-04-23T21:24:00.008-06:00

(reminiscing.)

I can always count on my sisters for a laugh.

Anyhow, moving on.

What do you say when you see someone you haven't seen since, oh, about 7 years ago (and they hated you, no less), you decide to say hello (just to be nice) and they don't recognize you, (shoulda just kept your big mouth shut, huh?!) but when they finally remember who you are, (thank goodness) their only comment is, "You look different!"?

a. Take it as an awkward compliment, and say "Thanks!"

b. Shove it back in their face and say, "So do you!"

c. Shrug and say, "Well, a lot can happen in 7 years."

d. [Insert your ~~sarcastic retort~~ comment here.]

March Madness- KnP Style

2010-04-14T20:27:00.008-06:00

Loving this song right now. Seriously you have got to listen to it.

So soothing.

But moving on...Just a picture update of what the month of March was all about at our house. The pictures are out of order, and for some reason blogger won't let me rearrange them. So here they are in all their disorganized glory!

Went to Cory and Lizzie's wedding March 27 in the Oquirrh Mountain temple along with our good friends Matt and Ali. The wind was freezing, but the sun was amazing. Such a striking temple!

The newlyweds.

See, I told you it was cold...I seldom zip my coat up to my chin, cuz I look so dorky when I do!

Okay. These next few are of our one night trip in Midway. I was feeling bad since it was Spring Break and all Peter and I had planned was to have the day off together while he worked on his truck (the rest of our "spring break" consisted of plans of being waist deep in school work and working all day anyway. Not much of a break, since thats what we do every day!). Mom Gibbons listened to all of my boo-hooing (I love my mom, we can talk/complain/laugh all day if we want to each other and never get tired of it) and came up with a solution: a late Valentine's day surprise night at one of Grandma's Condos in Midway, UT! I decided I would surprise Peter with it. I am super glad it was planned only 2 days in advance-I don't think I could have kept it a secret much longer than that! So, after work on a Wednesday night, I surprised him by picking him up from work, and we drove out to Midway. I had never heard of it before, but I'm sure glad we went! It was a nice break from an all-too predictable life lately.

One of my picks for a stop in Midway: the famous Homestead Crater (read a bit more about it here, its pretty neat). Nice 96 degree water inside a cavern-you can even scuba dive in it!

On the top of Homestead Crater.

(this is our household's version of "March Madness". Hopping snowbanks. We don't watch sports on tv, obviously)

We drove past this little old service station that has been changed into a Montessori school. Peter has always talked about his "shop" that he wants to build (so that he can work on our cars/have his own personal space-since the house is apparently my domain haha-its his vision of the ideal "man-cave", so to say) when we get a house. As we drove past this little shop-turned-school, of course we had to stop and take a pic...now I have a physical picture of what exactly he has been describing to me all this time. *Excitement!*

Sweet little Swiss welcome sign. I love the feel of these cute little gem-towns! Everything from the signs to the buildings make you almost feel like you're in Europe.

Some days I swear this is really how small our house is.

They are melting, but these were real ice castles! They still had to be at least 40 feet high. Wish we woulda been in town a couple weeks earlier-they didn't allow walking around/in/through the area anymore because of falling ice danger. But they were still beautiful from the fence.

Married for almost 18 months to the day when this was taken.

A year and a half strong...and loving life a little more each day!

Oh yeah, one more thing. If you're ever in Midway, you have got to eat at the Spicy Lady. Its definitely a dive, but good home cooking, and the creme brulee is absolutely delish!

April...Showers?

2010-04-01T17:37:00.008-06:00

Dear Mother Nature:

Whatever happened to April showers?

I know you probably just

wanted to join in the fun that is called

April Fool's Day.

But the joke you played this year

Beats any I have seen in my life.

Waking up to two inches of snow

on April 1

is just not funny.

At all.

Especially after teasing me this past week

with "all you need is a light jacket" weather.

Your consideration on my icy toes

would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Me.

P.S. Maybe next year

on April 1

I could wake up to

70 degree weather

and green leafy trees instead!

Please?

P is for Painting,

2010-02-08T16:47:00.008-07:00

which is what I've been doing the past 2 or 3 weeks. feel free to watch. I'm pretty happy with how its turned out-feels more like a home! (the video is about 2 minutes long. :) its mostly for my mother and mother-in-law so they can see how it all turned out)

by the way: any suggestions for covering the food storage cardboard boxes in between the two "murphy" beds? I stuck the lamp on top and it just doesn't do enough to draw attention away from them.

I Heart WD-40

2010-02-01T18:13:00.004-07:00

Oh the things this handsome man

Can do with this little can.

After weeks of dealing with this lovely beast, P finally

Fixed it.

Its like a brand new doorknob.

(Just not as shiny.)

It was having problems doing the only jobs a doorknob really has.

Twisting and locking.

I'm so glad I didn't have to buy a new one.

Hurray for handyman husbands!

help me!!!

2010-02-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

hahaha I'm not this frustrated yet, but still...
Can somebody PLEASE tell me how to apply all the cool backgrounds it seems everyone has? I found the one I want, I just can't seem to put the HTML text in the right place to make it work. I'm tired of a "boring" blog....I used to be good at fitting it in (I was a myspace junkie for a few months) but its been years and I forgot how it works.... :(

Don't You Wish...

2010-01-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

your ankles were thin like these?

no really, don't wish it. Its embarrassing. I thought it was only

possible to wrap fingers all the way around

a baby's ankle...apparently I haven't grown up yet. :( *sigh*

New Years Resolution?

Weight gaining, here I come!

The PSQ

2010-01-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

THE POSTAGE STAMP

-Happily Forever After-

Winter Quarterly Report

January 13, 2010

Happy 2010!

Those of you that have been to visit P & K should understand why we've decided to (*ahem* lovingly, of course) call this place "The Postage Stamp"--it's a studio apt-sized house. But it fits our needs well enough for now...Its been awhile since I, well...I believe an update on our comings and goings is in order. Some news is happy, some news is sad, and some news...well we'll just have to wait and see how it all turns out, right?

My Turkey doth O'erflow

There is no other way to spend the National Holiday of Thanksgiving than spending time with family eating, visiting, looking at the Black Friday ads (K's first Black Friday Experience) and lounging were on the agenda for the day. Thanksgiving Day on the other side of the mountain (in Huntsville) with P's whole family/extended family was a superb idea. The sun was shining, the company was great, food was plentiful and Grandma K's homemade pies, (a pie lover's dream) ranging from fresh berry to classic pumpkin, pecan, lemon meringue, banana cream and warm apple pie-just to name a few-were absolutely heavenly. "They're amazing. The best pies in the state, for sure. Like her license plate says, it's: PI2DI4." 'Nuff said P, 'nuff said.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

After some heavy thinking, K has recently made quite a few life-changing decisions. "I just wasn't happy where I was at, and chose to take a leap of faith," she said. "It's amazing that choices can feel so right when it just may not make a whole lotta sense-like deciding to jump into the world of Nursing, when its always been on the list of things you thought you didn't want to. I've learned to watch what I say I'm never gonna do-it inevitably seems I end up pointed down that path; i.e. I was never going to serve a mission, live in UT, marry a Utahn...and look at me now-that list of 'never gonnas' got checked off reeeal quick."

With this shift in plans, K hurried to find out all the requirements for application into a nursing program. She bravely bit the bullet and signed up for a "75 hours in 3 week" CNA class-all while maintaining her job at the bank. Although she nearly went crazy, she passed with flying colors and is currently in the process of finishing her application before the deadline in 2 days. Yikes!

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

Christmas was a real treat for K this year-she got to spend an entire week away from the bank, aka "the Firm". Ah, yes, the sweet sound of relaxation while on a paid vacation. P was definitely the jealous one. After K finished her last clinical session for her CNA class Saturday nite, she and P made a midnight journey to her parents home in WA. They made good time on dry but foggy roads, driving in shifts from 10:15pm to 6:45am. Just in time to take a nap and go to church. Hooray! They spent the next few days just relaxing, doing a little shopping, and having family fun (as you can see from the family pic contained above, which is compliments of Costco).

A New Resolution

You would think this little family could stay away from the Hospital for at least a year. Forever would be preferable. Or just until they have a kid. Someday. Whatever comes first, right? But at least this time it wasn't an emergency visit like the last time was. This was a planned inguinal hernia repair/surgery, an outpatient procedure. His surgeon? He's got this procedure down. Amazing. He is recovering nicely and now only has 3 nearly invisible scars on his tummy-reminders of a laproscopic surgery, along with Dr's restrictions on his work capabilities. Nothing but cashiering for him for 2 more weeks! K laughs and teases P she has already made his most important resolution ever for him, "No hospital visits for you in the coming year!" P couldn't agree more.

What in the World will K do Next?

After dealing with too-much-drama-to-explain-safely-in-a-public-blog at work, K left "the Firm" on December 31. Because it felt like the right thing to do. She worries a little about finances. Otherwise it has been complete bliss--ish. To be finished with that chapter in her life feels good. What're her plans now? "I just took the CNA State Certification tests today and yesterday. Now I just have to wait for the results to post next week and if I passed (fingers crossed) I have a few hospital CNA positions I've got my eyes on." She's also taking a full load of classes-human physiology, Microbiology and Chemistry 1110, along with helping tutor P in Physics. What in the world will K do next? Well, its anyone's guess...She seems to be headed in the right direction (we hope).

The Sun Still Shines in San Jorge

With only minutes to spare, K an P arrived in St. George to celebrate their second New Year's Eve as a married couple. "It was a last minute decision," P said "But after a five month absence, we're excited to be here." Excitement dulled quite sharply on the first day of the year, when it was discovered that K and P's beloved dogs, Bella and Jango, were missing. Search parties were sent out, canvassing the entire neighborhood and surrounding areas. Many tears were shed when one pup was was found lying on the main road, victim of a hit-and-run. The other has yet to be found. It has been said that we "hope and pray for the best, and leave the rest to the Lord," which is what the couple strives to do. They send thanks to the quick response and much-needed support from friends and family in the area.

In other news from SanJorge, one the couple's good friends, the "O" family, made a big decision to move their little family far up north to the land they call the Idaho-Washington border. "We plan on visiting the famed 'yellow house' soon-the next time we visit K's family," P stated with a smile. "Probably sometime after I finish this semester, if taking 18 credits doesn't kill me first...I don't know how fantastic of an idea it was to work full time while taking Physics 1010, Chemistry 1010 and my T-TEN automotive classes. For my wife's sake, I hope I survive!"

Parting is Such Sweet, Sweet Sorrow

In closing this edition of The Postage Stamp, K would like to share with you a quote from the inspired author, Catherine Ponder:

....

"Many things will catch your eye,

but only a few will catch your heart.

Pursue those."

....

May you see more clearly this year with your heart.

Though sometimes the end result isn't clear,

I've found it rarely to be unfruitful.

Many times the heart is wiser than the mind.

Especially when that heart is filled with the Spirit of our Lord.

.............

This is the resolution of K this year

(among a long list of other goals.

but that is up for discussion another day).

May you see the miracles the Lord sends your way!

You Know You're 25 When...

2009-10-21T20:14:00.000-06:00

...the thing you most look forward to
is the drop in your car insurance!

I heard the other day that
25 is the new 21. Who knew?

Yes, P finally became a quarter of a century old.
This is the only picture I got of the occasion.
And it wasn't even on his birthday!
lame, I know.
He's still handsome, though. :D

I did make sure his day was as special as it could be, under the circumstances. He didn't really want to turn 25, but its okay by me. We both had to work, so I texted him every birthday song and message I could think of (I ran out of songs after about six of them. then I just resorted to texting each letter of happy birthday in a separate text...said feliz cumpleanos...happy birthday probably 20 times, you get the idea).

I didn't have time between school and work to make a cake-Thank goodness his mom was more than willing to make one when she came up for the weekend :). So we celebrated by going to Chili's for dinner when he finally got home after 9 (yay for not having to make dinner!), which is later than usual.

This was his
not-so-surprising
birthday present from me.

I have a feeling....
Over the next few years,
he's going to be studying this
A LOT.

I'm just glad he looks forward to going to school now!

Lets Get Ready to RUMBLE!!!!

2009-10-07T16:15:00.000-06:00

This is the Energy Solutions Arena.

This is the Jazz in their first Pre-Season game.These are front row, VIP Floor Tickets to that Jazz game.
(Parking pass, dinner and half-time snacks included)
This is the Jazz winning their first Pre-Season game.
These are two very lucky people experiencing the VIP treatment-for FREE!

Peter earned the privilege of using
2 VIP tickets (valued at $554 each!) after
giving what he does best: great customer service!
What a Bonus! I love you, hon!

This post was made possible by the wonderful people of:

Double Trouble

2009-10-05T20:31:00.001-06:00

I've been doing a bunch of updating lately-finally finishing some posts I had started in August and September. Much better!

Just a quick post to introduce you to the two newest members of the Neilson family. They are 2 years old and so much fun!

Jango and Bella

Goodbye, Summer

2009-10-01T22:29:00.000-06:00

A thousand words...
Crisp
Colors
October
Cool weather
Mountains
Autumn
Leaves

And all I can think of when I see this?

Winter is COMING!

1 Down, Only 49 More to Go

2009-09-27T15:59:00.000-06:00

Honestly its more than 49 anniversaries I hope to celebrate in this lifetime. Sometimes I wonder how long we will get to enjoy (and sometimes endure) the situations life throws us into. I am amazed to find myself as much (or more than) in love with my sweet hubby as I was a year ago when we were married. I remember being in college the first time up at BYU-I (goodness I can't believe it was 6 years ago) and seeing all the dating, engaged and married couples the campus has-and realizing I would never be able to commit to being married for eternity. I couldn't even handle keeping a boyfriend for a period longer than 4 months! My roommates and I joked constantly that we were all aspiring to be the next Sheri Dew.I do know that I have been incredibly blessed to stand beside the man I have called my husband for the last year. We have been through quite the adventure these past almost 3 years: from writing and getting to know each other, me moving to Washington, Utah (the one place I swore I would never live), the experiences of us being able to date one another there, to getting engaged, living 900 miles apart post-engagement, and finally getting married, adjusting to newlywed life, and starting school back up, while balancing full time jobs with education and trying to find time to just be with each other.
I've had quite a few thoughts running through my head this past week. Life has been super hectic recently between getting hours in at work, study and class time, and accomplishing everyday life tasks like shopping, cooking and cleaning (which to be honest I took a three week hiatus from both a little while ago). Sometimes I wonder if it is ever going to slow down so I can catch my breath and not feel absolutely exhausted all the time. Its discouraging to be told, "If you think it's crazy now, wait till..." (next semester....you have one kid...2 kids, etc....you get the drift) but life does go on.
You accept the changes,

You learn to adjust,

and You grow.

But to get to the fun stuff, to celebrate our first anniversary (which was September 20), we decided to go on a short camping adventure (work and school schedules dictated a saturday/sunday only adventure) up Farmington canyon, which is just a few minutes drive from our house. What started as a casual trip turned into quite the adventure. We were super excited to finally have a REAL opportunity to use the tent we received as a wedding gift somewhere other than inside our house (yes, camping in a tent *inside* our house-see previous "boredom" post from August).
Just a few highlights from our exciting excursion:
-we had fun wheeling around to our campsite
-We got to shovel about 50 crushed cans out of our firepit
-We had tin foil dinners! My favorite camping dish ever. YUM!
-We went to bed after looking at the stars
-Woke up to thunder, lightning and pouring rain 6 times that night
-Had random people walk into our site and ask if we were camping there (uh, duh?!)
-Listened to another campsite rock out to AC/DC at 1am between thunderstorm showers
-Heard multiple shots randomly fired from guns close to our campsite a couple times through the night (freaked. me. out.)
-Got to spend the weekend together in a new adventure. Honestly, there couldn't be anything better than that!
Overall we loved the experience...

Wanna come camping with us? :D

Alpine Fun

2009-09-06T18:01:00.000-06:00

About 2 weeks ago P's sister jackie and her husband tom came up to celebrate Tom's graduation from EMT school. One of the days they were here we went up to Park City to ride the Alpine Slides. I had never been on them...so it was an adventure. It happened to be pretty chilly (thus the reason I am wearing a coat) and it sprinkled as we were driving up there, but we still had fun. When we first got there, they had closed the Alpine Slides because the rain causes the "brakes" on the sleds not to work, so we bought tickets to ride the Alpine Toboggan-what a rush that was!
It's kind of like a roller coaster where you can control the speed of your car (that is the "toboggan" we are sitting in to the left. Thank goodness we had seatbelts-the curves are enough to make ya feel like you're about to roll over the sides when you get going fast enough!). After we got off the toboggan, we were able to get tickets to ride down the slides as they had dried off enough by then.

This was my second time in Park City-I definitely got a better impression of how fun the home of the 2002 Olympics can be this time around-its more than just a place you can go shopping. (Even if you don't go shopping, its really fun but pretty expensive! Dang tourist towns! Haha) We also visited one of their outdoor festivals they had going on that day-it was all about recycling and reusing. We saw a lot of neat things-some were affordable for us, some were affordable only by the rich, but nonetheless there was something to suit everyones taste (now if we can just get past this "poor newlywed" stage of life... :) just kidding I love being married!)

Going up the Toboggan Coaster. Behind P and I are the Alpine Slides.

Me Jack and Tom on the chairlift going up to the Alpine Slides. Next to it is P on the Alpine Slide Sled.

The American Way?

2009-08-29T16:24:00.001-06:00

Sound OFF!
I've been seeing this billboard around on the I-15 lately and it just makes me so irritated! I'm all for free market, competition and supporting America's businesses and economy; but when did it become the American way to put down other competitors-demeaning other businesses and countries for goodness sake just to make a buck or to? Its undignified-incredibly bad choice of money spent on advertising. I'm sorry but I just can't support a company that would do such an awful thing. Wait, I'm not sorry. I'm 100% sincere in my choice to stop supporting companies that can't make it in this world without demoralizing another. If you have to resort to putting down others in order to drum up business for yourself, you do not deserve to stay in business. I have lost all respect for the sponsors of this horrid billboard ad. Disgusting.
Am I overreacting?
Maybe. Just a tiny bit. But still. I don't think its right. It's stupid.

Back Where I Come From

2009-08-22T16:08:00.000-06:00

Its always an adventure visiting family. Crazy people just somehow fit together.

It's always nice to go home. After venturing up to WA this past weekend (for the first time since we got married...11 months and 2 days ago...*scandalous* I know!) P and I decided though it is a long drive, it's definitely worth doing a little more often. Boating, a baptism, a redneck pinata and working on the farm again...we had a super time! Poor P had every second of his time taken up by our little Turkey-Bug and K-man. I'm so glad he's such a good sport to play "Monster" on the trampoline, or whatever else the boys think up to do. We love our Gibbons family!

On the left is the cutesy bull pinata we had for Grandpa's birthday.

All the kids (little and *ahem* "big" kids and adults) joined in on the fun.
To the right is the poor thing after the PVC pipe beating and redneck duct-taping job (what fun is a pinata if it breaks after the first person swings at it, right?).

GIBBONS PRIDE!

Monday night was beautiful and we were able to convince Dad to take the boat down to the river. The water was smooth as glass and actually pretty warm (well, 65, warmer than average). Above is our attempt to prove that bodies can indeed spell out words if you want them to bad enough.

Mel and Brooke out on the tubes. See what I mean about the water? Amazing!

Last of all, but most important of everything we did over the weekend, to the right is the reason we planned the trip in the first place. Keldon turned 8 and decided he wanted to be baptized on his birthday. I think he knew that if he asked P to give a talk at his baptism and K to lead the songs, we would have to come. We wouldn't have missed it for the world anyway. Way to go bud! We love you. :)
Now its back to the old grind. School starts back up for P and I the day after tomorrow. Sigh. Sometimes I wish for the days of summer to last like they did back when I was in grade school.
FOREVER!

p.s. hay and tim-thanks for letting us come see your new house and play with Athen! It was great!

A New Cure for Boredom...

2009-08-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

Perhaps
the world's second worst crime is
boredom.
The first is being a bore.
- Sir Cecil Beaton -

Laying on the mattress inside our tent

I don't know what it was, but a couple Sundays ago P and I found ourselves with nothing to do. Rather than being bored out of our minds watching some lame program on tv, I suggested we get out our tent. We'd had it for nearly a year, and had yet to break it out of its package. It happened to be too dark outside to put it up, so we cleared a big enough space on the floor of our tiny apartment-sized house and began the process of figuring out how to set up a brand new tent. A little random? Definitely. Unorthodox? Maybe. Bored any longer? Absolutely not!Putting up the tent.
See how small our place is? this is probably half of the whole place!

We sure had fun sleeping in it too!

When Mom Finds a Good Deal

2009-07-13T19:47:00.000-06:00

It seems to me my Mom has a knack for finding good deals. Growing up with a family of 7 kids-sometimes I really wonder how she got us all so well-fed and loving healthy foods. BUT I do have to say I have learned a lot about good deals from her when we have gone grocery shopping together, whether it was WinCo, Costco, or even Wally World (I despise the lie of everyday low prices . . . sometimes they are more expensive!). Everytime she comes down to see P and I now though, we hit up the local Smith's. I like that place. Good produce, decent prices, and just a mile away from my house. Can't get any better than that! But anyway, back to the good deal.

When Mom finds a good deal, we just can't pass it up. Even if I end up with a trunk that looks like this a week after she leaves cuz the deal is so good she needs me to stock up for her:

Nice, eh? Never thought I could fit so much in that little hatchback of mine. How much did I spend on the trunkload of 11 giant boxes of Lucky Charms and 11 giant boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios you say? $44.00. How much did I save on those boxes? $83.38. Yeah. A-mazing. I saved almost double what I spent! $6 boxes of cereal for $2. Who would have ever thought?

Moral of the story?
My Mom knows a good deal when she sees one. I didn't even have to hunt for a coupon, and I think she is awesome. I really love a good deal.

Now I just have to find a good place to store them in my tiny house until she can come get all of them... :)

Conclusion of The Weenis Adventure

2009-06-21T17:55:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't pass up the chance to update ya on the weenis adventure...It's over! YAY! I took P's 9 stitches out last night. Check out the gnarly scar that is the only remaining reminder of the accident from 2 weeks ago....

Urban Adventure

2009-06-21T17:05:00.000-06:00

Recently Peter and I found out that as current students of Weber we get free passes for the bus, trax, and Frontrunner. So on our most recent day off together, we drove over to the school, picked up our passes, and of  course, decided to use them first thing.

Peter presenting a photo at the Planetarium

Without much beforehand planning, we took the Frontrunner to the Salt Lake Station, jumped on the first trax trolley that came into the station. Our only plan was to get off at the first stop that looked interesting. 2 stops later, we got off at the Planetarium at the Gateway Mall. Its always been one of those places I've driven by and thought, "That looks interesting...Maybe we'll stop there sometime. " But seriously now, we couldn't have picked a cooler place to stop at! There is so much to do and so much to look at and learn...

Saw the Earth setting from the Moon, visited the desolate planet of Mars...

And even saw a floating ball that showed pictures of Jupiter and Earth from all angles.

All in all it was a unplanned trip that ended out very well. The planetarium is full of fun things to look at that can keep you entertained for quite some time...and the best thing of all is that it's FREE! Yay for "urban" adventures for a farmer's daughter and a small town boy.

Sweet Summer

2009-06-13T21:03:00.000-06:00

We saw grandma K's strawberries just wasting away in her awesome strawberry patch. So we thought we'd do her a favor and pick them. It was a quick fun Saturday afternoon activity. YUM!

Pulling out the hulls and cutting away
the bad parts in preparation for freezing.

This part wasn't so fun...But just getting to spend time with my handsome hubby was great. We were able to talk about starting a good-sized garden when we eventually have our own place. I love talking and planning for our future together!

Picking over the patch, some of our progress for freezing the berries before placing them in bags so we can enjoy them longer, and one of the few bowls we picked during the afternoon, after a POURING rainstorm! Picking those berries reminded me of the good times back on the farm in Washington-working hard, talking and enjoying the bounties nature provides for us.

And of course the
finished product. Frozen berries are
good for everything, From snacking,
to shakes, to toppings
on a crepe!

What do you enjoy about Summertime?

The Weenis Adventure

2009-06-07T16:19:00.000-06:00

For a few years now I have occasionally hearing someone exclaim how they hurt their "weenis". I remember the first time hearing it I froze and asked "WHAT did you SAY!?" I felt awkward as the naivety that I felt had plagued me from birth began to manifest itself in its usual way-a bright red flush of the face. I had never heard of such a thing, and I was sure I probably didn't really want to know what a weenis was.
For those of you who are like me and may have never heard of the term "weenis", allow me to let you in on a funny little secret. Weenis is one of those words you'll only find in an "Urban Dictionary"; and all a weenis actually turns out to be is the area of skin located over your elbow. Go ahead and pull on it. Its not a very sensitive area. I once had a friend describe to me that it felt and looked exactly like a dried apricot. (Now every time I eat a dried apricot I can't help but laugh out loud.)
Forgive me as I take my time in giving the details of the story...this could be awhile. :D
Most people haven't heard yet, but Peter just started his new job last week as an Express Lube Technician for a Toyota dealership. We figured this would be a good move as he is in the T-TEN program right now (Toyota Technical Education Network) to work on becoming a mechanic in 2 years, then work toward his Bachelors degree and get on to doing bigger and better things for Toyota. (We found out Weber has a 90% hire rate out of graduates from their program. That is good news!)
But back to the story. So Peter started his new job and it seems to be a great move. He likes what he is doing, the people he works with, and is learning lots of new things about vehicles (one of his favorite things). All this until ten minutes to five, Saturday night, when he is scheduled to get off work.
At the time, I was at Wal-Mart (ugh!) doing some grocery shopping, as I have neglected doing so these past 2 weeks. I texted peter and asked him what he wanted me to bring home for him to take to work to snack on. He first replied that he wanted me to surprise him, I texted back that I couldn't think of what he would want-so he needed to tell me or I wouldn't be able to bring anything home. Then the following text-ation ensued.
K: I don't know what you would like. This is a problem.
P: Some first aid prewrap and bandages. I'm serious about that. I just got hurt.
K: What happened? Call me? What did you get cut by?
P: The pit.
I'm totally confused at this point. Could he really fall into one of those big grease pits you see in express lubes? Did he stub his toe on it? Did he break something? Did he get a scratch or deep cut? A large burn from hot oil? Goose egg on the head? My imagination is running wild as to all the accidents that could happen in an Express Lube. I left the bread aisle to walk briskly over to the other side of the store for the band-aid section of wal-mart; I realize right then that I have no idea what kind of bandages to even get-he hasn't told me what the problem was or where the hurt was located! He finally calls me as I'm staring down the aisle of gauze, band-aids, athletic tape and Neosporin trying to decide what might be most beneficial. I ask him to explain what exactly happened so I can know what to bring.
K: You hurt yourself at work. What did you do?
P: I'll explain later when I get home. They're taking me to a clinic. (such a guy answer. I need more info than that!)
K: Clinic? Where? What happened?
P: I fell in the grease pit and cut myself.
K: Where is your cut?
P: My elbow. I gotta go in the clinic now. I'll be home later. I'll call you when I get out.

P and I in his "room"
Meanwhile I decide to buy nothing until I see the wound for myself to assess what would help best. I check out and jump in the car for a five minute drive home. Halfway there I get a new disturbing text:
P: I have to go to the er now.
K: That's what the clinic said?
P: Ya
K: Which er I am coming over.
P: The lds hospital on 8th ave
K: I'll be there soon
P: Ok you don't have to come
That was the moment I rolled my eyes. My husband is in the ER and I "don't have to come"? You have got to be kidding me. I threw all the groceries just inside the door, tossed the refrigerated stuff in the fridge and freezer and pulled on a pair of pants and a t-shirt. So much for taking a nice relaxing shower before Peter gets home. I was really stinky and sweaty from a mile jog I had run for one of my classes earlier in the day. By this time it was 5:50 and I ran out the door, hopped in the car and figured out how to find all the nearby hospitals on the GPS, selected the LDS Hospital ER on D St in SLC and sped off.
Twenty minutes later I found a parking spot across the street from the ER and ran into the building. I told the desk attendant I was looking for my husband Peter who came in just a bit ago, and he took me back to him. This is the sight I saw:

What a joke. He wanted to "look sick".

I sat down in the chair next to his bed and the first thing I asked was "How ya doin'" to which he looked around the room and replied with a smile, "I've been better" and then of course I asked to see it. It wasn't too bad of a cut, just really in an awkward spot. I've included a pic of the laceration before and after irrigation at the end of the post. I thought it was pretty cool looking if I do say so myself.
Peter then told me his story of what happened. He was putting a tire away, and stepped on the grate that is designed to keep people from falling down into the grease pit. As he put his weight on it, the grate slid out from under him and he fell, catching himself half-in/half-out of the pit. Stunned, he crawled out of the pit and lay on the floor to catch his breath after having the wind knocked out of him. Assessing himself, he discovered he couldn't feel his arm, which worried him that it might be broken...Thankfully it wasn't. Getting up, he sat in a chair for five minutes before deciding he was okay enough to get up and get a drink of water. As he walked over to get a drink, his coworkers asked if he was okay. In the process of trying to explain what happened, he got about half an incoherent sentence out before passing out. Two of his coworkers jumped to catch him and managed to slow the descent a bit, but he still knocked the back of his head pretty hard on the ground.
As we sat there, P's coworker proceeded to tell me what happened after that. They drove to a clinic in Sugarhouse, where they stayed for about ten minutes. As they went into the clinic, the nurse asked what happened. He explained the story and they didn't seem to concerned about it until he announced "and then he passed out and HIT HIS HEAD!" Their eyes all widened, and immediately they opened the door to the back and said "Peter, come right this way." They checked his vitals, then kicked them out with instructions to head straight to the ER.
An EKG, three blood tests, nine stitches, and five hours later, at 10pm we walked slowly out of the ER and into the rain. Not the way we really wanted to spend our Saturday night. We would have much rathered spend it shooting hoops with friends, or just enjoying a walk around the neighborhood, watching a movie at home...you get the idea. In a white-walled emergency room with Peter lying in the bed with blood all over the blanket they gave him, and me sitting on an uncomfortable chair. All the while he was saying that this never happened to him before, and he had never had stitches. He was hoping he could make it through his life without ever taking a trip to the ER....yadis.
All in all we are just thankful that it wasn't worse. The soreness and stiffness has been the worst part I think. He's been such a trooper though, even going to all of church this morning. He's slept all afternoon today so I hope he gets better much sooner! :)

Now for the fun part.

For those of you who feel faint at the sight of a gash, wound, scrape, blood, or a hospital:

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

The next few pictures could be considered a bit "graphic" in nature.
For those who have wierd minds kinda like mine (I occasionally enjoy looking at things that need medical care), enjoy the blood, guts, and glory. (I don't think it was all that bloody, honestly) :)

Before the "irrigation"

After the irrigation

The nine stitches in all their glory. It kinda looks like a backwards "u", don't you think?

Glad That I Live In This Beautiful World...

2009-05-17T16:38:00.000-06:00

"Anything a JEEP can do, I can do BETTER"
-Peter

Out for a Sunday drive in Farmington Canyon

Headed back down the small stream

The view looking out from the canyon

This picture was taken on a different day (we went to the Draper Temple Open House in March). We have the sweet opportunity to live in the land of abundant Temples. As a New Year's goal, Peter and I decided we would visit all the temples in Utah this year...so far we have made it to Bountiful and Draper. I can't believe it is the middle of May already! YIKES! (I have made a promise to myself that we as soon as we accomplish our goal I'll make a post with pictures of us at all 13 Temples. Now that we've made the goal public, you all have to keep reminding us to accomplish it!) We do have plans to hit the St. George Temple at the end of the month, for 2 reasons: my cousin Jared and his beautiful fiancee are getting married on the 30...and that same day, some of P's friends from high school, Robert and Amy, are also getting sealed! We are so excited for those two couples and wish them lots of Love!

new 'do

2009-05-09T17:34:00.000-06:00

Ever since I was in seventh grade I had this secret desire to chop all my hair off. Back then I just settled for chopping it from mid waist up to shoulder length....but now that I have a spectacular hairstylist in my family I have found I've become a little more daring when it comes to choosing a new hairstyle.
Jackie can make anything look amazing! So here are a few pics of my latest 'do. I absolutely love it, as does peter (though my three sisters have laughed at it, telling me I look like a blonde Alice from twilight). Love it or hate it though, its what I've done...and I enjoy it thoroughly. I'm still learning how to work the hairstyle right
It is short and spike it up in the back...I just couldn't get a good picture of it :)

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

2009-04-21T18:26:00.000-06:00

Thank goodness spring has finally decided to make an appearance after some "freak" snow storms that are apparently not out of the ordinary for our area....I just have to say I am loving this 70 degree weather. Its perfect!

Spring in New Hampshire by Claude McKay

Too green the springing April grass,
Too blue the silver-speckled sky,
For me to linger here, alas,
While happy winds go laughing by,
Wasting the golden hours indoors,
Washing windows and scrubbing floors.

Too wonderful the April night,
Too faintly sweet the first May flowers,
The stars too gloriously bright,
For me to spend the evening hours,
When fields are fresh and streams are leaping,
Wearied, exhausted, dully sleeping.

How true is this?! When I was in New Hampshire and spring finally arrived, I definitely was glad to spend time walking outdoors throughout the beautiful green hills. I have yet to see anything so happy and long-awaited as a New England spring

The beauty of the earth just makes me so happy...And so does my husband, who was super excited to take these pictures out in our yard with his camera a couple days ago! Pretty sweet, eh?

Why So Serious?

2009-04-01T13:53:00.001-06:00

I considered posting a picture of the Joker from the Batman "Dark Knight" movie...but after looking at probably 3 pictures of him I decided his face is one that is definitely too creepy to post on my blog. So I settled for having one of his infamous lines from the movie as the title for this post. Hee hee :D

I have been thinking about what I could do for a "funny" on April Fools' day these past couple weeks...every year I want to play a clever little joke on somebody I know, and yet as each year passes it seems I never come up with a good idea. P wanted to tell everybody I'm pregnant...yeah, I didn't think that was such a hot idea. I mean, come on! who wants to hear the repercussions of questions and commments about that for the next few months? Not me. I'm pretty sure there are a few people out there that wouldn't find it a funny joke anyway.... :)

So now I want to hear from you-what are some funny (but not crude) April fool's day practical jokes you have experienced, done or have seen others do?

PS-to prevent any confusion: for the record-no, I am absolutely NOT pregnant right now, thank you very much!!! Have a great April Fool's Day!

Equation for an Accident

2009-02-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

If you take a strip of black ice and snow
And add a highway guardrail on I-15

It would equal this:

A smashed bumper just south of Pocatello. :(

sad day. you try and do something fun for valentine's weekend (a spur of the moment trip up to rexburg to see my sister and to eat at P's uncle's restaurant,"Rutabagas", in Idaho Falls) and you end up with a mess. We were on our way back home, and had just passed Pocatello. Coming around the corner we saw a cop with his lights on, so P got in the other lane. As he was getting back into the right lane, we hit a large patch of black ice and started fishtailing like crazy. P tried to correct it, but with a light rear end, correction was rendered impossible. We ended up spinning completely around at least once before slamming into the guard rail twice and coming to an abrupt stop. Neither of us were seriously hurt (I just got a little bruising on my knee) and the damage on the truck was mostly cosmetic...but still. Scary! The bumper completely shattered, and the poor wood guardrail support we hit last had a large chunk taken out of it from our impact, but thankfully we are okay.

Blushing Bride, Gallant Groom

2009-02-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

in honor of an early valentines day....

i just love sweet beginnings....

diamonds for girls, carbon fiber for boys

two of my favorite boys ever.

sweet nothings........take my breath away........

such a hot couple....just for fun

husband...plus....wife...equals....

husband and wife

forever friends

just the boys...and one girl :)

you know, I sure do love this guy. pretty sure he sure does love me too....

water fight..............and making up afterward

aren't these girls gorgeous?

i sure do love this guy........i think stu was hungry

*sigh* are we done yet?

kisses for the married couples (awww!)

i just love happy endings too :)

sorry for the long post...I just couldn't help myself. I love these pictures!