Always on the Move

LIZ QUOTE!!!!

2012-01-30T22:27:00.002-06:00

"I trust you, I just know everything."

Enjoy.

An Indictment on the American Education

2012-01-26T18:28:00.002-06:00

First, let me explain this chart. At one of the schools I teach for they started having students take a test to see what grade level they are at in math, so we could better serve each student and help them successfully pass College Algebra. The numbers at the bottom represent the grade level. The numbers at the top represent how many students fall into that category. So, 340 students were tested with 22% testing at a college level while 25% tested at 6th grade or lower. Need I say more?

Yesterday's Journal

2012-01-19T08:32:00.002-06:00

Dear Family,
This makes me a bit uncomfortable to place this information in the open but want to share this experience with everyone, especially our grandchildren. Please invite them to read or read to them. It was such an experience. I am still pondering it...

January 18, 2012

I am again sitting in a hotel room in Chicago, on special assignment and again holding bishopric meeting by conference call. There are many things going on that should be captured but not all will be. This evening I left the office at 17:00 and had the hotel shuttle service take me to Sushi Station. I truly enjoy eating there and when I am in this area for an extended period of time I try to eat there at least once each week. I started my evening calls to various individuals after dinner and those continued after returning to the hotel right up to the time for bishopric meeting to start.

I called the bishop’s office to begin meeting and asked who was in attendance and in one voice, all four chimed in they were present and ready. What happened next was truly amazing. I felt the power of the Holy Ghost come over me and witness that a council of the priesthood was convening and the hotel room I was in immediately became sacred ground, an extension of the bishop’s office and that our meeting would be watched over by that power. Our meeting was sacred. I felt we accomplished much and had the feeling of the presence of the Holy Ghost until we closed. What a wonderful blessing.

Joseph "Sharky" Petersen

2012-01-18T09:03:00.001-06:00

My first shark!!!!

How Much is a Homemaker Worth

2012-01-17T18:43:00.005-06:00

In light of Jodi's blog on being a homemaker, I found this article today. I thought it was interesting. Especially if you consider you probably do a lot more that what this article says:

How Much Is A Homemaker Worth?

The life of a homemaker is one that includes an endless amount of demands and to-dos. Depending on the size of the home and family, the position of homemaker can go well beyond the usual nine to five. We examined some of the tasks that a homemaker might do to find out how much his or her services would net as individual professional careers. We only take into consideration tasks which have monetary values and use the lowest value for each calculation.

Private Chef
Meal preparation is one of the major tasks of most homemakers. From breakfast to dinner, there is plenty of meal planning and cooking to be done. The American Personal Chef Association reports that its personal chefs make $200 to $500 a day. Grocery shopping is another chore that needs to be factored in. A homemaker must drive to the supermarket, purchase the food and deliver it to the home. Grocery delivery services charge a delivery fee of $5 to $10.

Total cost for services: $1,005 per five day work week x 52 weeks = $52,260 per year.

House Cleaner
A clean and tidy home is the foundation of an efficient household. Typical cleaning duties include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, scrubbing sinks as well as loading the dishwasher and making beds. Professional maids or house cleaning service providers will charge by the hour, number of rooms or square footage of the home. For example, bi-weekly cleaning of a 900-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment with five rooms, costs $59-$124 . A 1,300 square-foot, single-story home with seven rooms runs $79-$150 . A 2,200 two-story, three-bedroom home with nine rooms averages $104-$180 . Additional tasks such as oven or refrigerator cleaning and dusting mini blinds can run an extra $20-$25.

Total cost for services: $118 per week X 52 Weeks = $6,136 per year.

Child Care
Homemakers provide full-time, live-in child care. This type of service from a professional provider would usually come with a host of perks including health insurance, paid vacation and sick days, federal holidays off, dental and vision coverage, and bonuses. The International Nanny Association's 2011 survey found that nannies make $600 to $950 per week in gross wages, on average.

Total cost for services: $600 a week plus perks/benefits x 52 Weeks = $31,200 per year.

Driver
A private car service might seem like a high-end luxury to most, but the beneficiaries of a homemaker get this service on a daily basis. Companies like Red Cap, which provides personal drivers that use the client's own car as the means of transportation, offer a glimpse into the cost of this homemaker task. An elite membership which includes 365 days of unlimited, round-trip service is $1,000 a year plus 33 cents - $2.03 per minute.

Total cost for services: $1,000 per year + [(estimated miles driven 8000 miles / 50 MPH) x 60 min/hr x $0.33 per minute] = $4,168 total per year.

Laundry Service
Clean clothes come at a cost when you have to pay for the service that most homemakers do for free. Professional laundry services charge by the pound. For instance, Susie's Suds Home Laundry Service, Inc. in Texas charges 90 cents to $1.00 a pound to wash, dry, fold, hang and steam your clothes. Items that take longer to dry such as comforters, blankets, rugs and winter clothes are assessed at a price of $12-$15 each.

Total cost for services: $0.90 per pound x 4 pounds of clothes per day x 5 days per weeks x 52 weeks = $936 total per year.

Lawn Maintenance
Basic maintenance of the exterior property is a less common, but possible duty of a homemaker. This could include things such as mowing, debris removal, edging and trimming the lawn. These services cost about $30 a week on average.

Total cost for services: $30 per week x 52 weeks = $1,560 total per year.

The Bottom Line
Total for a year of all services is: $52,260 + $6,137 + $31,200 + $4,168 + $936 + $1,560 = $96,261 per year.

The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace. Homemakers in general contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks, and no amount of money can fill those needs.

Give yourselves a raise! You deserve it!

Ella's Baptism

2012-01-16T11:34:00.003-06:00

So, I know this happened in October, however, I don't remember any posts about it. So, here are some pictures from Ella's Baptism in October. Thought you might enjoy them.

Crushed

2012-01-15T22:32:00.002-06:00

Tonight Daniel and I were sitting together as he wrote numbers one to one hundred (I'm not crazy...it's just that his teacher won't teach him anything but 1-10 until I prove to her that he can actually write the numbers 1-100. Being able to count to 100+ is apparently not good enough) Anyway, as he was writing he told me randomly that he had a crush. I asked him "a crush on who?" "Rylin" I asked him what that meant and he said "she's getting funner and funner and we are best friends." So I asked, "So you are friends?" "No" he replied. "We really are crushed." Dad...thanks for the book I can tell it's going to get a lot of use! Chapter 3 here we come.

Holiday Sharing

2012-01-15T19:39:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to share a few pictures with you from our long holiday celebrations. Heather and Joe surprised us with an early arrival on Saturday the 17th of December. We had such fun together for two weeks then left before they did to spend a few days with James and Liz and boys in Illinois. I neglected to take any pictures there, but we did have a good time painting the boys bedrooms and making changes that we thought were beautiful. We especially loved the huge pictures of the boys. Our favorite quote shortly after arriving came from Jacob: "I'm going to be a big brother!" Well, no guessing after that!

After a week at home, we left again for a few days in Utah where Dad got some much needed chiropractic care and I had a wonderful time visiting with family! So, here are some photos to show our journeys (the ones I remembered to take).

Thank you all for making the holiday such a wonderful time for us. We loved being with all of you and miss you all so much!

Diss "Like"

2012-01-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

An interesting article appeared in a list of recommended reads in my bi-weekly newsletter from the Chronicle of Higher Education titled Diss "Like". I was not sure what the article was about at first, surmising that it was going to tear apart the ability we have to "like" things online with basic frivolity. As I began a simple read, I became engrossed in the author's description of a word that is destroying minds and language, all in one. As he describes it, "I have come to view 'like' as something more pernicious, a kind of carrier, like the flea that brings with it the plague. It is the byproduct of a culture that is loath to set standards, pathologically averse to confrontation, and prostrate in the face of precipitously declining verbal and writing skills."

Well said, I say. An interesting read if you are in the mood to be reminded of your own verbal inadequacies. I for one remember, very clearly, having to exert real effort to remove "like" from my every sentence. I am a better person for it, and hopefully more interesting to interact with.

Moms

2012-01-06T12:39:00.002-06:00

I don't know about all y'all, but this is how our house operates. I'm so glad I have Moms in my life who can deal with days like these.

"If you give a mom a muffin, she'll want a cup of cocoa to go with it. She'll pour herself some. Her three-year-old will spill the cocoa. She'll wipe it up. Wiping the floor, she will find dirty socks. She'll remember she has to do laundry. When she puts the laundry in the washer, she'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer. Bumping into the freezer will remind her...... she has to plan supper. She will get out a pound of hamburger. She'll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With A Pound Of Hamburger.) The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail. She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow. She will look for her checkbook. The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two-year-old. She'll smell something funny. She'll change the two-year-old. While she is changing the two-year-old the phone will ring. Her five-year-old will answer and hang up. She'll remember that she wants to phone a friend to come for cocoa. Thinking of cocoa will remind her that she was going to have a cup. She will pour herself some. And chances are, if she has a cup of cocoa, her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it."

~by Kathy Fictorie

Michelle's Birthday

2011-12-27T16:46:00.000-06:00

Here's a few more for you all who couldn't be there.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T23:25:00.003-06:00

May your day be merry and bright.........

Just in Time

2011-12-23T10:15:00.002-06:00

A must do for everyone before Christmas. Just print out, fold, and cut away.

Shopping

2011-12-18T16:09:00.002-06:00

I don't even like shopping, but with the bulk of our kitchen work behind us and with the plumbing done for our new washer and dryer we just had to get out yesterday! It took all day, except for our pancake breakfast.

We went to:

Home Depot - looked for paint colors for our bedroom
H & M - got a shirt for Justin, sweater for me and hair clips for the girls
Sweet Tomatoes - Linner! (lunch/dinner)
Ryan's Diamonds - got both of our rings cleaned and replated and caught up with Ryan
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory - chocolate! and other treat bribes for being good in the stores for Jaime
Downeast - shirt and two undershirts for me
Aeropostale - jeans for me! Yay, jeans that fit.
Ikea - bathroom step stool for Jaime and new sliding shelves for my pantry

Just thought you'd all enjoy that. I married into a shopping family.

IT'S GONE IT'S GONE IT'S GONE

2011-12-15T14:43:00.002-06:00

That's right. Merry Christmas to us our house is officially SOLD. The offer was approved and an extension given to make it possible 3 days before auction. How blessed. How grateful.

Happy Birthday April

2011-12-06T20:06:00.004-06:00

Yep, I am posting the same day of the event. I know, crazy. That's me, crazy.

Warm, sunny, and almost went swimming. Instead we enjoyed a nice family run, super yummy tamales, and a fabulous cake.

Fun Quote

2011-12-04T20:18:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Liz and I went to the Nauvoo temple to assist with the Youth baptismal trip. We had some of Liz's family names that needed to be done, so we took the opportunity, and had a wonderful time. Before the session began, the temple President, Spencer J. Condie, spoke to the youth about various things, and gave a sage piece of witty advice. He said if your friends are skeptical about the story of the restoration, and specifically the first vision, there is a simple way to help them understand it. He instructed them to tell their friends to:

"Ask God if it really happened. He knows. After all, He was there."

So there you go.

Father Christmas

2011-12-03T21:43:00.002-06:00

Dad was Father Christmas at our community tree lighting last night. Thought you might all enjoy a picture.

We ARE Family

2011-11-27T21:48:00.003-06:00

As we have experienced our holiday family experience in Virginia and vicariously shared all of the experiences of our children through the wonder of our families blogs, I am deeply impressed, again, about how important family is and how incredibly blessed we are to belong to this family. Thank you, each and every one of you, for who you are and what you bring to our family. Love you all.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T19:19:00.007-06:00

We started the morning with quite a startle from our Thanksgiving visitor. This is a Sandhill crane and they are very loud. He made it quite close to the house before letting out quite a squawk. David ran screaming. The kids quietly crept outside and attempted to feed it grapes. It squawked a few more times and looked at us like we were stupid. Then walked away. They don't eat grapes. Note to self.

Enjoyed a little post dinner walk and fish.
Who doesn't love a little beach time on every holiday?
Oh, now that is just cute.
Now that is a family! Happy mom!
Grilled to perfection. Oh, yeah, I said grilled. Never going back.

We enjoyed making everything together and having a semi quiet dinner. Everyone had specific items to make. Collin made pumpkin bourbon cheesecake (thank you James), Ethan made Marshmallow almond key lime pie (umm, best key lime pie ever!), and Chloe made a cherry pie. Never made pies from scratch without the aid of sibling or parent. They actually worked! Who knew? Don't forget April who wowed us all with some fantastic rolls. We were happy to spend it just us, but missed family. Can't wait for Christmas!

The Holiday

2011-11-24T11:09:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, my wonderful family.

You know, I never feel so lonely and distant from all of you as I do on holidays. I think that, growing up, we were always pretty independent as a family when it came to holidays because we lived so far away from all of our extended family. It was as though we were ingrained with the understanding that we were all we had, and somehow that leaked into my adult life.

I am grateful, ever so grateful for the family that I head in this little corner of the world, but my heart is pining, even after more than a decade after its creation, for my parents, brothers, and sisters that all have their own corners of the world. I kind of wish our corners could be more like niches in the same log or at least short spokes around the hub of a not-so-large tricycle wheel. I know, however, that we're in the right place at the right time, and I trust that all of you are, as well, so our corners we maintain in happiness and peace.

In other news, we've finally scheduled Joshua's baptism for Saturday morning. We've been waiting for Grandma and Grandpa schedules to align with ours, and they still might not, but we just can't withhold from Joshua any more. You are all, of course, invited for the 10 am service.

Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to ours.

Yes, I meant to do that.

Intermountain Healthcare celebrates kidney transplant milestone | ksl.com

2011-11-22T07:37:00.000-06:00

Intermountain Healthcare celebrates kidney transplant milestone | ksl.com

All things Family

2011-11-21T23:17:00.003-06:00

So....I started a new blog and I know what your thinking. No one knows better than me how truly pathetic I am at blogging. I had the feeling this last conference to start a blog on families. Maybe it was just my inner spirit dying to sit on my own soap box for a while or maybe it's more than that. Either way, here it is. That said, I would truly love your thoughts on my blog. Feel free to be critical or overly accommodating...which ever you prefer. I can handle both. :) I really do want to know what you think so I can make it better. I appreciate your love and your help. Oh yes...and I may use some of you in my blog. If you are entirely opposed to that you should let me know. You can find my blog at http://defendfamily.blogspot.com James I would love to add this to the family blog...how do we do that? Lots of love!

A little post summer fun!

2011-11-21T14:31:00.003-06:00

I just got back from the pool. It was great. The kids were swimming and I was reading. I love me a little sun!

We will be spending Thanksgiving alone this year. I think it may be a first for us. I think small and simple will be o.k. We are assigning all dinner items out to the kids. Except the turkey, which Joe will be grilling this year. So cool. We are going to do an outdoor movie Thursday night and go to the beach Friday. I can't think of a better way to spend Black Friday. Yes, we are doing a little shopping, but the items I want go on sale Thursday night at 10. I get to avoid all the electronic crazies!

Great Quote

2011-11-19T21:54:00.003-06:00

My new friend was over and we were talking about how to budget and other fun things. Yes, I love talking about budgeting. So, we were talking and they use a cash system, so I asked if at the end of the week if they are out of cash do they still go on their date. I absolutely loved her reaction and had to share it with everyone. In a very matter of fact way she said that of course they go and that it doesn't have to be in the cash budget because "going on a date is much less expensive than marriage counseling!"

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Yes, dad they are people after your own heart. Thank you for teaching us well!

Oh, and here is another great one. This one is just for Michelle. . . .

We were in the car and James asked Michael if he was croaking. He had to ask a couple of times before Michael could understand what he was saying. Once he finally figured it out Michael replied, "No, I'm not a frog."

Well, there are my fun quotes for the weekend. I hope you are all having a great weekend!

Snail with shoes

2011-11-19T20:35:00.002-06:00

I know this is mostly for Marquie...

But it's funny and pointless enough to be mentioned anyway.

Love ya'll

http://www.wimp.com/shoeson/

I just have to do this.

2011-11-18T15:37:00.004-06:00

Friends...Romans...Countrymen...Lend me your ears...er...well...at least your fingers.

I have a new website and business. Check it out. Thanks

WWW.HAVEYOUCAUGHT.ME

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!!!!

2011-11-15T20:56:00.003-06:00

White Chicken Chili

2011-11-15T13:38:00.000-06:00

I just want to thank you guys for the White Chicken Chili recipe in the family cookbook. Before I joined the family, I had never even eaten White Chicken Chili! It started to grow on me and I just couldn't ignore how incredibly easy the recipe is (Mom's version) and it is now my go-to crockpot recipe. I've relied on it again and again to feed company. You just can't beat an amazing meal that you can put together ahead of time and don't have to prep for! Okay, so I do prep a little by soaking dry beans overnight but I love not having lots of work to do on the meal right before people arrive at my house.

It's great.

Also, what's the link to that crockpot cookbook you all love? My sister that came to visit works full-time and she could really benefit from an awesome cookbook like that. I'd also like to take a look. Anyone have a good crockpot roast recipe? I've got a roast in the freezer and want to make a roast with carrots and potatoes surrounding it. Know what I mean?

I have had enough!

2011-11-13T21:38:00.004-06:00

Professional football is such an interesting thing. Today I fulfilled my assignment with United Airlines to host our top Atlanta customers at our annual customer event at the Falcons game. It was a big game against New Orleans. You know, this was a real struggle for me. It is just a big show. The actual game is second to the whole pageantry and... Well, I have had enough.

First, Sunday is the Sabbath. Yup, it sure is and that hit me so hard today that at times I cried. I do not like to work on Sunday. Do not like to travel on Sunday. It is a sacred day. Again, really driven home today.

Second, this is the second week in a row that I have not been "at my post". That is something that I have determined should not happen again. Many things happened last week and this week that, while handled well by the counselors, it would not have hurt to have the bishop there. In fact, two people, both of whom I have great respect for, noted that last Sunday it was evident the shepherd of the flock was absent.

Third, professional football is getting mean. Just downright mean and nasty. I watched hits that should not have taken place. There was no cause. Play was either over or would not happen but the shots took place. Reminds me of why I no longer care for professional basketball. The finesse is gone.

OK, enough. I am tired but please all know, dad/grandpa loves you and cares deeply for each of you.

My Second of the Day!!!

2011-11-10T13:55:00.002-06:00

Who wants to come for Thanksgiving and do this with me?

2011-11-09T15:30:00.002-06:00

Just published my first android app!!!

It's called "Candy Jar Estimator" and to the left is a very oversized picture of the app icon.

Here's to hoping...

Quote of the Day

2011-11-07T22:20:00.004-06:00

‎"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." —George Bernard Shaw

I came across this, today, and thought I would share it. In a world where people are always trying to "find out" who they are, perhaps they should stop asking questions, and start making decisions. Of course, then I thought, "well, we're not trying to create ourselves, we're trying to align ourselves with who we were before we came here and who we want to become when we leave here, and that's not really creation, that's more like discovery." Then I decided that's exactly what Mr. Shaw was expressing with "creating" as compared to "finding," and then I felt good about the quote again. Phew. Enjoy.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T22:15:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful halloween! The weather was perfect, the costumes were adorable, and the company was fun...and we do not have 17 pounds of candy, but it should be sufficient for about a year. Mom...the pictures are for you. We had a bee, witch, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger. The rest of you can enjoy them but she specifically requested them. Lots of love!

What the candy???????

2011-11-01T20:51:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know we had a great time trick or treating last night. Well, Joe and the kids. I hung out with Brandi (best friend and former neighbor), and passed out candy. I definitely enjoyed it. Oh yeah, we also are enjoying ourselves a wee bit o candy.....

17 pounds of it.

I know crazy huh. Yes, I really did weigh it. I am going to chop up a bunch of the candy bars and freeze them for dessert stuff and whatever. So much candy.

Oh good! My feet are still there!

2011-10-27T09:30:00.002-05:00

Ethan and I are at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. He has had his first experience with Versed. Man is he out of it. While I am typing this he just asked me if his legs are still there. I am laughing so hard. I wish that I had a video camera. He is drinking a juice box and cannot find the straw. He says that there are six of them. The straw is in the box. He keeps looking to make sure that his feet and legs are still attached. Dang, I wish I had a camera.

Toddlers

2011-10-26T22:57:00.002-05:00

Our life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARQUIE!!!

2011-10-26T14:24:00.003-05:00

Our last little one is not a teen anymore. Welcome, dear, to that time when your age is irrelevant, but your birthday is still a grand celebration of your life as it has been and as it will become!

We love you!

Interesting observation

2011-10-20T07:08:00.002-05:00

Chloe has a nightgown that has Pocahontas on it. I have always had an issue with Pocahontas. I finally know why. She looks just like Voldemort from Harry Potter, except with more hair, a tan, and, well...female parts.

It's all in the nose. Wasn't John Smith from England also? Voldemort is probably the descendant of Pocahontas and John Smith.

Who da' thought?

Sunday

2011-10-18T10:26:00.005-05:00

So most of you have probably already seen this, but Mom and Dad don't go on Facebook, so I have to post it for them. :)

Patrick and I went a little ways up the canyon Sunday to a park and studied for a bit. (scriptural Sunday stuff of course). It is gorgeous up there! So. There's this picture of us that I super like, and then a picture of the scenery that in no way can do it justice. But I tried.

Three Gems for Y'all

2011-10-16T19:44:00.002-05:00

Working on Morgan Meltiar Mouse and came across these...

Yeah that's how it is....

2011-10-11T17:59:00.003-05:00

Being unemployed really stinks. I just wanted everyone to know that. My heart goes out to the other hundreds of thousands.

What else.......
I am teaching 9 students with another 3 considering finances. I have 3 shows set up for November and I feel like a crazy face. We should have a final on our house next week. Wouldn't that be nice. Oh, I also consider packing every day, but as of yet have not. Anyone want to do a catalog show??? :) ha ha ha. Maybe already am a crazy face. Hmmmmm.

Joe.... not going there. He has time to do it himself. Obviously enjoying fishing.

April received straight A's on her midterm report. End of term is next week. She still loves school and works hard. She even studies willingly, because she wants those A's. We have found her a piano teacher she can stay with long term, but will have to wait until employment changes. Bummer. Until then, she is more than content to enjoy her keyboard class. She is such a teacher's pet.

Chloe has taken up scrapbooking. Ahhhhh. Yep, my neighbor introduced her to the cult. She loves it. She is always asking for pictures. She is loving soccer and is surprised how hungry it makes her. She is learning to take on more responsibility (sometimes less than willingly), and adjusting to being the oldest at home. It has been a good thing for her.

Ethan is hungry all the time. I don't know where he puts it. He is coming along in his school o.k. He loves school and picks up on things quickly, he just like to play more. I think play is important, so we compromise. He loves listening to the scriptures online and does it twice a day! He too is enjoying soccer. He said it is the only sport he will ever play. Yeah! We don't have a football player. Good to watch, not safe for play.....

Collin is number 4 and never gets enough attention. He is beginning to show interest in school, but really just wants to do whatever the big kids are doing. He has kind of a whatever attitude about soccer. It is fun when he is there, but not the end of the world if he isn't.

David is super cute and talking. He is really good at his tantrums. Life can be so rough when you can't really communicate. Although, I think he has already mastered his Mommy's looks.

There you go. My life in a heartbeat. Can't think why I feel crazy face.

Yep, I went fishing.

2011-10-11T13:28:00.002-05:00

I came home with 3 Spanish Mackerel, 2 flounders, 1 blue runner (cousin to tuna), and 1 mangrove snapper. It was a good morning. I'm going again on Saturday morning. Anyone want to come with me?

MYSTERY PHOTO!

2011-10-07T16:03:00.003-05:00

Dad, can you tell me what this is, and what it's for? It's a trick I learned from you 24 years ago, and it still works like a charm. Thanks for involving me then so I could do it again when the time came.

UPDATE: It's melted lead, and those well-weighted cars garnered 2nd and 3rd places for Michael and Joshua, respectively.

Grandparents

2011-10-07T13:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture for you all. There are plenty more where this came from - with Vida's first week home, Jaime's birthday today and plenty of visitors, you'll be seeing lots more!

Sick

2011-10-04T08:52:00.003-05:00

April is ill today and heart broken to miss school. I had to post the email I sent to her language arts teacher. It reminds me of dad and his crazy calls when we were sick. I hope you enjoy a good laugh.

Mrs. Willis,

It is with utter dismay we bring woeful tidings to you. April's demeanor this morning has shown a lack of energy and ability to function. An evil serpent virus has taken over her body. Though she is not grotesque, her visage is not exactly comely this morning. She was very woebegone with the news she would not be attending your class. Though she was distraught, she was not vituperative in her response. So April does not rue the day she missed school, please let us know of any work she needs to makeup. We hope we have been inoffensive with our use of current vocabulary.

Too much Junk

2011-10-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

These pictures just don't do it justice. There was so much stuff and Joe was OUT OF TOWN. I do not recommend doing a garage sale solo. I was outside by 6 am setting up and barely had it ready by 8 am. Cleaned up about 1 pm. Little sunburned (only a little) and a sore back. Made a little cash, but didn't even make a dent in the stuff. Anyone need anything? Nothing is allowed back in my house, so donated it is. Just as soon as I can get a truck here to haul it all. Seriously hard work, but I met lots of fun people. It was a lot different than Harvard garage sales. Most of the clothes were still left and high chair and strollers didn't go?! Those that did buy clothing were thrilled they were sized. Sometimes my crazy organization pays off. No one even really looked at the furniture. Must be more of a knick knack place. I am going to put the larger baby items on Craigs list and see what happens. People also didn't really haggle prices, they just left. It was really weird. Either way, I don't have to take any of this with me when I move. Yeah for clean out!

Ethan wanted everyone to know he was reading. So here you go.

Oh so random thought

2011-09-28T19:16:00.003-05:00

You know how my head is always empty and I have nothing running through my mind or constantly troubling me?...... Ha Ha Ha. Don't we all wish. So, it was in this empty headedness I came up with a random thought. I can't wait to hear the responses.

When we put aquatic animals in tanks, are they fulfilling the measure of their creation?

Yep, that was it. Laugh it up. Just a little blurp from this crazy head of mine. Have at it!

Enthusiasm

2011-09-25T20:35:00.003-05:00

Joshua is a great example to me of how to enjoy every moment of life. After sacrament meeting today we all had to move out of his way, so he could get to his primary class as soon as possible. No matter what it is that we are doing he is always excited and ready to go (well, unless it is cleaning, but even then sometimes he surprises me). I just got this picture today and it showed exactly what I expected of Joshua at all times. Now if only I can be that enthusiastic about life and enjoy every second maybe I would be just as happy as he is. President Uchtdorf talked a little about this last night as well and if you haven't listened to his talk yet, well, then do because it was AMAZING! He reminded me not say things like, 'when ____ then I'll be happy or content or excited'. But I need to do it now and not wait! I need to enjoy every moment with my kids and with James, so hopefully I can do a better job of following Joshua's example this week!

Pear Butter

2011-09-22T03:41:00.002-05:00

So did you know that pear butter takes like 12 hours to cook...who new...okay maybe you guys did. I will be starting tomorrows batch much much earlier so that I don't have to be processing delicious foods at ridiculous hours. (Take note of time sent...it's legit) I have bottled 65 quarts of pears...hope they last 14 pints of raspberry jam, raspberry peach freezer jam, and of course pear butter. Obviously, given my naivety of the time frame the pear butter is a first for me. I think it's good but maybe not amazing. (Sorry Marquie, I know you had your heart sent on amazing). I will try one more batch with a little spice boost action I think it's going to work out. I'm pretty sure I used too many pears last time. I did actually go to bed at like 12:30 then set the alarm for two. Only 17 more minutes and it's back to bed for me. Love you all and if you know of an amazing pear butter recipe call me ASAP. (Actually maybe if you could wait until after 7:30am my time that would be great cause you know I'll still be in bed.)

Time with the Workmans

2011-09-16T11:57:00.004-05:00

After our wonderful and successful Women's Weekend, I got to spend a few more days with the Workman extended family. I got to see Aunt Judy and some of her family, Emy and even Rosie (my cousin) and her family.

Monday, Grandpa and Grandma and I took a trip to Smithfield via Brigham City and saw two of the homes of my youth. Grandpa took pictures of the homes, I took pictures of the park behind our home...

Everything seemed smaller than I remembered it.

On our way home, we drove by the Logan Temple and stopped at Mike and Kathy's for dinner....It was a fun day, and I'm glad I got to spend it with Grandpa and Grandma, cuz the rest of the week was spent with all the Workman family, and that was delightful also.Oh yes, and through the whole time, I got to meet and get to know.....Patrick.

Women's Weekend '11

2011-09-16T11:00:00.009-05:00

Okay James. Here you go. First of all, our appointed historian did not ever have her camera and missed about half of the weekend--sad for her, sad for us. And, the default historian (me) did a lousy job. But, here's what we have....

Lest you think Heather didn't join us for this weekend, SHE DID. This is the Sunday afternoon picture we took, just before everyone left, except Heather, who left early a.m. We do have a picture, unfortunately on Grandpa's camera, with Heather, but not with Marquie. We never did take one with all of us. (I will add that picture to this blog if and when Grandpa sends it.)

We did have a fantastic time together and all voted we'd do it again, and again. But not during school time so we don't miss Marquie. And, we felt bad for our husbands, not because they weren't there, and not because they had to tend the kids...we did miss them (our husbands)....but because they can't seem to get the same opportunity.

We had a lovely trip to the temple, unfortunately I didn't take my camera. And our sharing time was fantastic, possibly life-changing for most of us.
There was lots of this...
And, lots of this...
And we all felt renewed and wanted it to go on and on.

It's been a week . . .

2011-09-16T08:30:00.002-05:00

So, it's been a week and no one has recorded Women's Weekend '11. Hello? Did anyone take photos or have anything to share? Who was your designated historian? I'll check around my place and see if anyone knows anything. You should all do the same. It would be fun to hear about it from all perspectives.

On Hallowed Ground

2011-09-12T12:11:00.002-05:00

It is amazing to me to continue to read stories like this. Take the time, it's worth it.

On Hallowed Ground

Jalapeños!!! What to do with them?

2011-09-06T22:47:00.004-05:00

Marquie made me feel guilty, so here goes nothin! In our beautiful, flourishing garden we ended up with many jalapeños. Many, many jalapeños! So, what to do with them? Candy them of course and then can them! So, now we have super yummy candied jalapeños. Now we just need an occasion to use them!

Mother/Daughters Weekend Here We Come

2011-09-06T19:43:00.002-05:00

So, Heather's plane lands here in less than an hour. We are gathering!!!!!

uhhh

2011-09-06T14:01:00.003-05:00

SERIOUSLY, Children!

Where are you guys?! I think it's slightly ridiculous that I have now posted 3 times in a row and it's been almost a week since I last posted. I NEVER post! Don't you guys know that? Yes you do. So come now, what does that say about the lock of bloggity on this family blog? Well, I just feel inclined to put up a picture of my currentness. So I took one on my computer. Sitting right outside the Wilk/BYU Bookstore. Enjoy my beautiful face. :P just kidding. I can't really see the picture great because it's so bright out here... But I have awesome earrings and my hair is pretty cool today! (There's a pretty braid nice on top that you probably can't see so I tell you. oh you can kinda see something!)

Well, LOVE YOU!

HAHAHAHA

2011-08-30T00:34:00.002-05:00

I love you guys. I just reread my post from yesterday on my blog and it was funny. I think you guys are great. We should hang out more. whoaaaa.... yeah.
So. I survived my first day of my 2nd year of college! yaaayy!!! It was soooo long. and now I'm soooo tired. Cuz ... I stayed up (am staying up...) sooo late....
BUT! I don't have class til at least 1 tomorrow, so I am SLEEPING in! YESSSS!
Well, I hope you all had a successful Monday! I know James candied some jalapenos. Don't we all wish we had delicious food like that? I do...
Oh! I just wanna tell you. Right now we have: half a loaf of bread, honey nut scooters, a bit of milk, yogurt, and cheese. livin the life. livin the life.

We're going shopping tomorrow. (hopefully) If not... soon after.

yeah. Life is pretty good. How's everyone else's life?
OH! MIGHT I ADD!? I'm SO excited for this girl's weekend NEXT WEEK! NEXTTT WEEK!!! I pretty much almost can't contain myself.
I just love it when my family visits. :)

Champ

2011-08-25T01:13:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to make myself feel awesome and tell you I have blogged TWICE on my blog in ONE week. I do believe it is a record. Or it could potentially become one... yeah.

I hope you all are safe and off to a good start of school year and continuing work year. And everyone stay safe in these crazy natural disasters going on! I love you all and feel so blessed to have you as my family. Thanks for always caring and being so involved. :) Love you!

Quick update

2011-08-23T18:03:00.002-05:00

April loves, loves, loves school. Except PE. That is just stupid. Ha! Totally normal 6th grader. We also talked to the head of the music department. He wants April in the HIGH SCHOOL class next week. WOW! Ok, maybe not completely normal. We are very excited for her. Oh, I forgot to tell you, this school values families. Huh, who'd of thunk. They said they try to give minimal homework because they have them for so long. They want the kids to spend time with their families. YES, they actually said that. They said turn off the tv and game systems and be a family. I love this school. It is reason enough to move here. Yeah us! Yeah April!

Earthquake!!!!

2011-08-23T13:03:00.004-05:00

We just had an earthquake.....I'm still shaking!!!!!! The news reports say 5.8. FREAKED ME OUT!!!!!! oops--5.9 now.

How did this happen?

2011-08-22T09:47:00.005-05:00

What a joy it has been this morning to share the adventures of our family. Grandchildren in Middle School. (How did that happen?) Youngest daughter in her own apartment in her second year of university. (How did that happen!) Granddaughter with oven mitts, and cereal bowls. Flying monkey. (I have an idea how that happened)

The only thing I could come up with is that it all happened because two people fell in love and stayed in love and have tried to pass that love to the next generations. If you have other answers, love to hear them. Love you all. Dad.

SCHOOL

2011-08-22T07:14:00.002-05:00

Yep, it is that time again. A little crazy and a little different. April starts today at the Manatee School for the Arts. I have officially entered into older Mom status (not old, just older..). April enters middle school today. Shed a little tear for me....

On top of that, we have a category 2 headed our way. Should hit Friday. Such an exciting week!

I never want to do that the rest of my life

2011-08-21T21:42:00.002-05:00

NEW!

2011-08-20T21:41:00.002-05:00

So, just to inform you all, I'm now moved into my apartment! I'm so excited! It's big. It's awesome. It's cool. And I had to buy food today.... ha.aha.ha... :) So, I still have all my stuff at Grandma and Grandpa's, but all my OTHER stuff is unpacked! Hooray! There are 3 of us here, (only 2 right now). Kimmy is moving in next week sometime, so for now I have a room to myself and it's quite the thing. So weird! But I'm really excited!

Well, that's my update. :) Thanks to Justin and Jodi for letting me have a temporary space at their house for almost 2 weeks. It was lots of fun and I'm going to have to visit cuz I just can't stay away!

I guess I could add in that I went to Bridal Veil Falls last Saturday, and Thursday I went to the Provo Library and read children's books. I don't think I really need to say who I was with, but they were grand times! =)

Are you a Math fanatic or a food fanatic?

2011-08-16T09:19:00.001-05:00

Either way, this image appeals to us all.

Eastern Nationals

2011-08-15T08:35:00.004-05:00

The first week of August, Dad umpired at the ASA Eastern Nationals. He was very excited and nervous (since he'd only umpired maybe 10 games this last year). But he did a great job and we all had fun. ASA put us up in a nice hotel really close to lots of shopping, oh, and the ballpark and between the two, all of us, Dad, Mom and Marquie had a stupendous long weekend. Dad did some games behind the plate and some games in the field. If you ask him, he can tell you every mistake he made in the 8 games he umped (probably all three mistakes). Anyway, here are some pictures to share....

In the field...
Behind the plate...

In the "doctor's office...
Avoiding the rain...or the sun.....

Tonight's Treat

2011-08-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

Happy National S'mores Day!

Justin and Jaime

2011-08-07T23:22:00.001-05:00

We stopped at a few locations on our drive through the canyon and took a couple of pictures. I just saw this one and it is just too cute not to post somewhere!

I went

2011-08-07T22:55:00.004-05:00

So, last weekend (the 30th of July 2011) I sorta went and did this cool thing y'all think was crazyface. But I had fun. I went and did this.

tried on some really great hats:

found a great seat... oh WAIT. These are our TICKETED seats! :

did a LOT of this:

and then we saw even MORE of this:

and in case you missed what this was:

matching shirts, crazy tickets, and special red dot stamps because we were in the cool section:
Yeah. that about sums it up in just a few pictures. . There are SO many more where they came from. Got home about 3 in the a.m., chatty chatted with Mom, went to bed about 4 in the a.m. and was on time for church at 9 in the a.m.! Then I proceeded to take at least a 4 hour nap. (after church).
Someday, I might actually blog soon after the events occur. I think a week is pretty dang good for me though! wooooo!

A New Discovery

2011-08-04T00:18:00.007-05:00

The Plow

2011-08-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

Why the Plow? Because as I drove to dinner last night, in keeping with tradition, I looked at Thomas Hutchings' plow and was relieved that it can stay planted in front of this house for another year. Dinner tradition? Oh, we went to celebrate our new living conditions, that are the same as the old. Confused yet?

We were given notice Friday that we would be moving on or before September 15 with a 10% or less chance that we could stay. We began that day to find a new house within which to put our home. We determined to fast last weekend for our needs and because of the tournament this weekend and Saturday evening activities. We found a home Sunday afternoon and made agreements with our existing and prospective landlords that the deadline would be Tuesday, 17:00.

Tuesday 16:55 received a call from our existing landlord that a deal had been reached for them to not move, and us to not move. We advised the prospective landlord and then the peace came. I covenanted with the Lord that I would testify of His goodness, love and care. Without divine intervention, this would not have turned out the way it did. Love you all.

I don't know

2011-07-27T23:03:00.004-05:00

So, I have this thing.... where I can't blog without a picture. But I don't know what to blog without pictures. But I told mom I would blog. And it's midnight. So if this doesn't make sense, that's only 1/2 the reason. So. yeah. How 'bout I post some pictures of this epic weekend I had at the Petersens and call it good. Then if you want more information, you can call Heather! or Me! I mean, if you haven't already gotten any story. So, yeah. Here is the Atlantis Shuttle Launch, Disneyworld, and the Beach weekend. Oh! goodness, and I have so many launch pictures I would post. But, I'm just not. Cuz it's overwhelming to the reader, ya know?

and by the way... Heather is the COOL mom! :)

Peanut Butter & Jam Ice Cream

2011-07-26T18:51:00.002-05:00

So what? This is what I do when my husband leaves me for a couple days.

Followed by many "I wan moah"s at our house. Probably will at yours, too. It's delicious. You're welcome.

The BEACH!

2011-07-21T09:35:00.005-05:00

No surprise there, eh? Well this is a NEW beach! I mean, it's been around for ages and ages and ages and then some, but this was all of our first times! Except Joe.. he'd been there, but not BEEN there. Right. Okay. So, I picked all the photos I wanted to share with you, and I got 1/2 done editing them and died. Not literally, but for some reason i can't find the strength to edit the rest. Maybe I shall right now. Okay. I'm going. I just don't want to post them all without them all being done! gahhh.
...
...
...
Okay I'm done! Yes I really did just go finish editing them. So here they are! (and of course it ended in rain)

Found this photo and loved it

2011-07-20T21:10:00.002-05:00

Lunch

2011-07-20T11:29:00.004-05:00

Now, why did I post a picture of my lunch...it's not an especially healthy lunch...tuna fish sandwich and a few potato chips? Well, I'm going to tell you, whether you want to know or not...because it brought back memories from way, way back.

When I was a little girl, in elementary school, tuna fish sandwiches were my favorite. We usually ate hot lunches in the cafeteria so it was a special treat to get a sandwich from home. And, they were almost always accompanied by potato chips. I loved removing the top of my sandwich and putting the potato chips inside and eating my sandwich like that. These lunch ponderings also made me think of other things that happened during lunch. Some really weird things I remember...

telling whoever was standing next to me in line that my daddy said I would have strawberry blond hair...weird (I don't think that ever happened).

finding out, while standing in the lunch line, that President Kennedy had been assassinated. That was pretty unbelievable for a little girl, living in a small sheltered community in northern Utah.

eating cooked (really drowned and cooked) spinach for the first time and deciding it wasn't that bad (it probably was).

thinking how big the 6th graders were who helped in the lunchroom...eventually I even got to be one of them.

Just wanted to share with you.

Utah Trip

2011-07-20T10:53:00.005-05:00

Just thought I'd post a few pictures from our trip to Utah. I didn't do a very good job taking pictures, but I have a few from our 4th of July celebration. I took none of the Workman reunion. Oh, and one from Michelle's car as she transported kids and wood for her new toy storage. We had such a wonderful time in Utah, but as is true with all our trips, it didn't last near long enough, even after I stayed an extra couple of days! (Thanks James for the device to transfer my pictures and teaching me how!)

I hate fire ants

2011-07-19T18:09:00.000-05:00

Why were they created?

- Posted using my iPhone 4

Zoology 102

2011-07-19T16:47:00.001-05:00

Filled the measure of it's creation.

Yep, it was yummy. Breaded with garlic, parmesan, and spices.

- Posted using my iPhone 4

Zoology 101

2011-07-15T12:03:00.001-05:00

This is a Tillapia.

It truly is bigger than my head.

- Posted using my iPhone 4

Welcome to Zoology 101

2011-07-14T08:38:00.005-05:00

Florida never ceases to amaze me.

This first picture is of a prehistoric fish called the Armored Catfish. I caught 3. This one being about 12" long. It has boney plates all over it body, hence the "armor". Petty weird looking.

This next creature is also on a Florida's endangered/protection list due to its habitat being destroyed by commercial and residential development. It is the Gopher Tortoise. I finally saw one on our nursery property. Below is just a very short HD video.

Thursday in Johnsburg

2011-07-02T09:25:00.002-05:00

So...Dad and I flew to Chicago on Wednesday, he worked, I played. Then Thursday morning we rented a car and went up to Johnsburg to work on the house so we could get it rented. James and Liz met us there with their big red truck full of equipment to trim and clean. The guys started trimming and Liz and I left to pick up some supplies. While we were gone, our realtor's broker came by and before we could even get all the supplies, Dad called and told us to come back.

Well, to make a long story short, we ceased our clean-up, changed the locks on the doors, took down the shelves in the garage and a few things from the house, put the house on the market for sale, had a really fun lunch at the new Olive Garden in McHenry and left.

We are relieved to have the house on the market and not have to deal with renters anymore. Annoyed at the expense we all incurred to do a job that didn't need to be done (especially on James and Liz's part). Totally grateful for James and Liz and boys who came to work hard and did a fabulous job on the trees in the very overgrown yard. By the way, Joe, the mulberry, or loganberry or whatever it is, was covered with berries...which we picked and ate....and is, what? I'd say 15 feet tall and HUGE!!!! The bushes on the berm were also about 10 feet high....

It was sad to see the yard in that condition, but even so, it was beautiful. It was especially difficult for Dad to walk away from that home that we loved and not have it in tip top shape...the realtor said it wouldn't make any difference what shape it was in and putting more money into it was just throwing money away.

Just wanted you to know....
Wish I had pictures, but neglected to take any.

Happy Anniversary

2011-07-01T22:03:00.000-05:00

We've two of them in our family today, and I'll be honest—they're the only ones I know besides my own. Sad for me.

Anyway, Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad (34th!) and Heather and Joe (12th!)

We love you.

To the Men

2011-06-19T20:56:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day

to my wonderful, magnificent, amazing Daddy and to all of his sons (my brothers): James, Justin, Bryce, and Joe. All of you are absolutely great and I am blessed to have each of you in my life. I'm sure everyone feels the same and thank you for all you do everyday.

We love you!

Just one small thing . . .

2011-06-19T19:14:00.004-05:00

As you all know mom always has little projects for dad to do. We were privileged to be around this weekend to witness one of these small projects and help out. The job was simple . . . take a few couches upstairs. No, not one couch but three couches up and one that had to come down. One of them even went all the way up to the third floor but back down again later when the last couch wouldn't go through the door. Oops! And to top it off that one couch that wouldn't go through the door was a hide-a-bed couch that was so heavy dad lost his pants while trying to get it up the stairs (sorry no pics of that). Here are some fun pics that were modest enough to share. And now mom is happy! And that is what is important!

I need one of these.

2011-06-15T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Manslator

Drive Don't Walk

2011-06-14T21:51:00.004-05:00

Now, how many times have you heard that one? I was headed to the church tonight and was going to walk because I was missing my exercise session. As I was leaving the prompting was very strong to drive. Strange I thought. Well, when they drove by the church they saw my car...
and stopped...

I laughed so hard. Episode 2

2011-06-10T11:29:00.002-05:00

I laughed so hard. Episode 1

2011-06-10T11:27:00.001-05:00

Photos of Basset Hounds running.

Like Grandfather... Like Granddaughter

2011-06-09T16:43:00.002-05:00

When we saw Jodi's email we just had to post this picture. Grandpa Hutchings traveled a great deal and I guess I too wanted to be a part of it. Maybe that is where I got travel fever... Interesting, I actually have a memory of climbing into this suitcase.

James quotes

2011-06-07T06:47:00.005-05:00

Well there have been a few more quotes, but here are a couple that you need.

At the beach yesterday we saw a lovely old man and this is how he was so lovingly described as best as I can remember . (I couldn't write it down cuz my phone is broken and of course no one else did)
"It's like beef jerky squeezed into a [neon orange] rubberband walking around!" - James
try to picture that!

And the second happened just minutes ago. I was rather sick yesterday and James so kindly asked me how I was doing this morning. I am doing a lot better, only my throat hurts. To which he replied,
"Your throat hurts today? Well don't lick the inside of my mouth. ... That's probably a given." - James
eyeah....

That's all for now folks!

Quote #2

2011-06-05T15:15:00.002-05:00

You know, I hate to top post on Mom's quote, but this was not to be missed. Heard from Heather's mouth as I was sneaking a cookie:

"Did you seriously pee on your brother?"

In case you're wondering, the answer was "Yes."

"...with all your heart, mind, and strength..."

2011-06-05T14:45:00.003-05:00

I heard a quote in Sunday School today I wanted to share with you.

“He loves the Lord with all his heart who…is ready to give up, do, or suffer anything in order to please and glorify Him. He loves God with all his soul…who is ready to give up life for his sake and to be deprived of the comforts of the world to glorify Him. He loves God with all his strength who exerts all the powers of his body and soul in the service of God. He loves God with all his mind who applies himself only to know God and His will, who sees God in all things and acknowledges Him in all things.”

Elder Howard W. Hunter, April 1965

Year 18... How Many More?

2011-06-02T22:33:00.004-05:00

Yes, this is my 18th year umpiring softball. It is hard to imagine my life without it and even more hard to understand my quirky start.

1992 -- Moved to Utah where Heather and Michelle started playing softball
1993 -- Coached because the coaching was so bad
1994 -- Started to umpire because...
1995 -- The first year (and last) that I umpired in Grantsville
2000 -- First National Invitation. Declined for a wedding
2009 -- First National Tournament
2010 -- Declined National Tournament for a trip to China
2011 -- Accepted National Tournament. May get a second
2011 -- Tonight -- Region Semi Final game. Now qualified to go to State in Virginia

As you all know, there are many, many more markers and milestones mixed in those dates. I just wanted to share that today I took a very important step to one of my goals in umpiring.

You see, for some reason, it is getting harder, physically, to participate in this avocation that I really do enjoy. So I decided that I should determine just want I wanted to shoot for and determined there are a few things:

Be good at what I do. Ask mom
Umpire with my family. Every one of our children has registered and umpired or planned to umpire with me
Umpire a State High School Tournament
Join the ASA National Indicator Fraternity

I have completed the first two. The third can not happen until next year but because of tonight, I am considered qualified. The last requires three national tournaments. I have one, one this year (maybe two). So, I am hopeful that in 2012 I can reach these goals.

So, what happens then? Ask me then. Most likely I will have a hard time walking away, I do enjoy it. Love you all.

A Parable of the Catfish

2011-05-28T20:13:00.001-05:00

There was a man, who like most men, wishes to care for his family in all ways. And like most men then, money was tight. One day he decided to go bass fishing and he needed God's help. He prayed and prayed that God would provide for him fish to feed his family. His family prayed. His church leader prayed. There was faith. The morning to fish was selected, and this man was fishing before sunrise on the local lake. After two hours of casting to no avail, additional prayers were made. Moments later, a fish struck the lure. A fish was on. It fought hard and it seemed big. The fisherman was excited. While bringing the fish to shore, he uttered a prayer of thanksgiving in his heart. His family would eat. Upon seeing the large fish for the first time his heart sank. It was a catfish. The fisherman thought, "What luck, a trash fish. I wouldn't eat that." The fish was spared and thrown back into the lake. Immediately, the fisherman recollected the prayers that were offered on his family's behalf. He began to think of the recipes that he had heard of using catfish. He suddenly realized that the Lord had answered his prayers, yet it was not what he wanted. He wanted bass, not catfish. The Lord provided the fish and the fisherman threw it back. Tears came to the fisherman's eyes. On his knees, at the edge of the lake, the fisherman begged for forgiveness and vowed to never throw back another fish. He continued to fish for another hour and a half. Nothing. Not even a nibble. The fisherman left the lake that day with heavy heart, but lessoned learned.

How often do we receive answers to prayers and determine that the answer was not good enough? Have we ever thrown back the fish?

This lesson hit me very hard today. Very hard.

Today...I was that fisherman.

Bishop's Fireside, Bishop's Cottage Meeting

2011-05-25T13:04:00.002-05:00

When I was a young boy, perhaps five or six, I remember going with mom and dad to a Cottage Meeting (Bishop's Fireside) at Sister Helen Holt's home. She lived on a small lane and of course had a ditch in front of her home. At the end of the meeting one of the attendees backed out of the driveway, turning too sharp and dropped their front wheel into the ditch. They cam back in and requested assistance. I have a very clear memory of the priests going out and picking up the front of the car out of the ditch and getting them on their way.

50 years later, Bishop's home, Bishop's Fireside just concluded. Brother Ritchie backed down the driveway and went left off the drive, right close to the road. The middle of his car was literally sitting on the edge of the driveway. Front wheels close to coming off and the back wheels also nearly in the air. Enter the priesthood. Priests, Teachers and of course the strong High Priests. Sure enough, we picked up (not all the way into the air but enough to get it off the asphalt) the back of the car and pushed it back onto the drive.

Just wanted to share this non-coincidence. Love you all.

And so it begins...

2011-05-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

Ella, yes our sweet seven year old Ella received her first marriage proposal. It came from a little boy down the street(Jace). It was sweetly prefaced by secret notes left in the mailbox and a few visits to see if Ella could play. I " know you're all waiting for her answer...full of wisdom and thought she said "maybe."

it's about time

2011-05-14T14:50:00.005-05:00

ALRIGHT guys. So, of course you all know school has ended and blah blah blah. But Mom tells me all the time I need to blog about it. So here are some accomplishments for my Freshman year at Brigham Young University.

1. I'm done. (technically still a Freshman credit wise, but SH! don't tell anyone. I'm not a Freshman. I paid my time.)

2. I passed ALL my classes. NO failing!
2a. Biology = C- = REALLY happy me. I could retake it, but ... yeah... probably not. Maybe later... if it seems to be important.
2b. Grades: I don't know how much you care about my specific class grades, but I would like to share for 2nd semester.

American Heritage: B
Principle of Biology: C-... you know what? I passed. I passed with better than a D! Cuz my teacher rounds up. :D
Intro to Advertising: A-
Social Dance, Beginning: A
University Chorale: A
The Book of Mormon: A

3. I ended the year with a 3.36 GPA. Biology brought it down a bit... but I don't think it's too shabby.

4. I made some really great friends and got to know some Utah family! :o Cousins, Grandma and Grandpa, JUSTIN AND JODI AND MICHELLE AND BRYCE!! And their lovely families. Everyone who wasn't there should be immensely jealous. We had amazing times.
4a. Grandma and Grandpa Workman are HILARIOUS! I should put up some more quotes. ... Maybe I've put them all up. I don't know....

4b. SPEAKING of UTAH family... EMILY SHEPPARD IS ENGAGED! Wedding is August 17th.
and did you all know Jeff Roberts is engaged also?? YES. YES they both are. His wedding is in June.
these are 2 of my best friends. Hannah and Martha.

5. I officially still have no major. Accomplishment? Not really... but we're getting closer! New ideas are around all the time. I've decided I don't think I can NOT do something in music. It seems so disheartening to think of not having anything music. Now I know that doesn't mean I totally would have to cut music out if I didn't major in it because of course it's everywhere and there are may things to do with it without a degree. Anyways. Catch my drift or not, I'll let you know what's up when I make that decision. :D

6. I went on 2 blind dates. 1 first semester, 1 second semester. Funny enough I knew the 2nd one. He was in my dance class! They were fun...
6b. I went on 3? other dates. all within the last.... 4 weeks of school? Slightly frustrating? Quite possibly. But great much fun nonetheless! 2 with the same guy - he asked once I asked once. You all know. The other was with aNOTHER person from my dance class. Very fun!

7. I participated in DanceSport. I expected to blog earlier about this. It was delightful. My partner and I competed in Swing and we placed somewhere between 16 and 25. We were eliminated the round before the finals. I broke my shoes. It was awesome. I took a picture. And I still used my shoes for 2 more dance tests and threw them away when I could stick my finger through the bottom and touch my foot. :D

8. And I grew up a little bit. What? Did I say that? Not much, I promise. I go home and I instantly revert back to poor little girl that needs her mommy everyday... oh wait... I called her everyday anyways. :) It's fun to have some freedom.

9. I gained a much stronger testimony of the Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the gospel. My Book of Mormon class this semester was quite helpful in that as well as my ward. Which I eventually learned to quite love and enjoy!

10. I'm scared for next semester because I still don't know what path I'm going on, but I'm going to BYU and that's more than I knew at the end of 1st semester. And it's going to be great!
10b. this is just cuz I forgot. I had a job ALL year long. It had it's ups and downs, but overall it was a pretty dang great job. I even got to use a radio sometimes. I felt SUPER important then. :)

Now thanks for reading! I really love you all so much and I'm so glad to have been able to spend time with all of you. I feel so amazingly blessed to have such a wonderful family as you all. I think about it all the time and I just can't imagine how it worked out, but I'm so grateful it did. We're all SO different, but somehow we all mesh just perfectly when we get together. (for short amounts of time...) :D GOLLY I LOVE YOU GUYS! Have a fantastic day night evening morning life!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T13:39:00.007-05:00

I think Mother's Day is a rather complex holiday. Somehow I think that "Mother" is an understated example of all that we appreciate on this fine day. It's like righteous pride—we know when we feel it, but we don't have a word for it. On a day like today, I'm definitely grateful for my mother, but also for my wife, my sisters, my wife's mother, and women everywhere who make this world the joy that it is. I'd say it's a celebration of women, but all too often I am reminded that woman doesn't mean the same thing as it always has, and therefore, I think it remains too broad a focus. As you see, there is not single spotlight on which to shine a day like today and I am stymied.

Now that I've rambled through my thoughts on the matter, I believe I have come to an apt solution, a renaming of the day that I will preface with the words of President Hinckley: "Woman is God’s supreme creation . . . Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.”

I have come to the conclusion that, to me, Mother's Day cannot be simply a celebration of mothers, or an attempt to make women feel special, regardless of their station, but it is, in its essence, an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and glorify womanhood.

As I sat through quite a nice sacrament meeting today, I pondered on the traits of glorious womanhood exemplified by the women in my life that I celebrate here today.

This one is feisty. She suffers long, and is busy in good works all the day long. She compromises for no one, and defends her sacred charges without hesitation and without regret. She serves endlessly and has a special ability to know what people need, sometimes before they even recognize it themselves.

This one is tranquil. She faces the world head on, but with joy every moment. She brings peace into the perilous situations, and never settles for something good when she can have something better. She is patient and kind, and has no guile.

Of all my sisters, I think this is the one with whom I have the most in common. This is one earnest and sincere, never hesitating and ever vigilant. She is aware, both learned and teachable, and glories in knowledge and truth.

This one is in the dawn of her womanhood, having practiced and patiently learned from those around her. She is sincere, earnest, and full of love. She envies not, but understand her own role in her life and in the lives of others. She desires only the best and is willing to sift through the rubble to find it as she becomes the woman she wants to be.

This one is is the light of my every day. She is strong, tenacious, and never, ever compromises on the important things. She is close to the spirit, and understands, better than most around her, the role of a woman in our Father's plan. She is steadfast in keeping the commandments, and patient with those who aren't. She is valiant in her callings and glories in motherhood. One of our favourite sayings is that she's a gentle mama bear until someone crosses her cubs.

This one is my mom. She is the woman who patiently, lovingly, serenely guided me through my ridiculous life until the previous woman could pick up and fix the rest. She is serene, full of peace and joy, and, as I've learned as an adult, opinionated in all the right ways. It is curious to me that for so many years, I never knew what my mom thought about insignificant things, but I always knew where she stood on the big issues. One of the great joys of my adulthood has been the opportunity to know my mother as a person rather than as a mother. She's a great mom, but she's a dynamite woman, and a pleasure every moment. I believe she is the very embodiment of Proverbs 31, for truly strength and honor are her clothing, she opens her mouth with wisdom, but eats not the bread of idleness. Perhaps most importantly, her children rise up and call her blessed, for so great is her influence upon them, that their lives are rich and full because they are the people she taught them to be.

Women in my life: I hope this is a day in which you feel the true wonder and beauty of your womanhood. Though it is an inadequate felicitation, Happy Mother's Day, beautiful women.