Colby's address in Taiwan

We got to talk to Colbs yesterday. He sounded good. I didn't expect him to cry. I love our missionary so much, and pray he's okay!!!! He arrived in Taipei,Taiwan @ 7:18 this morning UTah Standard Time which is 11:18 p.m. Taiwan time. Then he was to drive 3 hours to Taichung. Which would've put him there right before lunch our time today and just after 2 a.m. tomorrow. So now he's living tomorrow while we are living today. WEIRD!!! I'm sure he'd enjoy mail from as many of you who can write!!!

Elder Colby Sanford

404-15

Taiwan Taichung Mission
498-11 Wu Chuan Rd.
Taichung, Taiwan
R.O.C.

Miscellaneous

My daughter just informed me that Woody died. I was thinking "Lila, he's a fictional character from 'ToyStory'", but she said--"y'know the oldest Scout." I got to hear him speak on several occasions. He was a remarkable man. That's sad news. He was 99. He did a LOT of good!!!

On another note: Tomorrow Colby leaves the safety of the MTC and heads to Taiwan. He leaves at 8 a.m., drives to the Salt Lake airport, flies to LA, will be there around 5 , leaves for a 15 hour flight ot Taiwan, once there he will take a 3 hour drive to Taichung, to his Mission Home. It's 10:56 p.m. here in Provo right now. Right now in Taiwan it's 1:56 p.m. TOMORROW. They are 13 hours different (during daylight savings time it's only 12 hours). I'm happy that he'll finally get to get out there and talk about the Gospel...share it! I'm nervous, too. I'd LOVE to go to the SLC Airport to see him goodbye, but that's not really a possibility. I'd like to hang around the MTC and wave goodbye to his bus or van, but I shouldn't do that either. I will and have missed Colby!! a lot!!! He'll do a great job! I pray for his safety and safe travels!!!!!

I'd better get to bed!

BTW--Christmas ROCKED!!! There are 5 Singa-majigs in our home. woot woot! SO CUTE!!!

Sing-a-ma-jig

There are many other things I should catch up on as far as blogging goes, but I need to put this out there now. A few months ago while in a check-out line @ Walmart I saw the CUTEST toy ever. It's called a "Sing-a-ma-jig". I should have bought it then, because I really want it now! Adults are buying them for their kids and then taking over and not letting them play with them---well, I think that's what I would/will do. :D I just needed to unload. You either LOVE these or hate them. I LOVE them!

Mish mash of Emotions

I keep wishing my days away. Wishing for time when I can be lazy and scuttle about the house as I please. Next week Thanksgiving will be here. I'll have a few days off from work then. Those days will be filled with family and food and fun. That I guess really IS what I want; to be with family AND to be less restricted by school schedules.

Can I admit I'm really missing Colby?!! As he paid attention to what was happening around him he could walk into the room and perform peacemaking miracles. That lifesaving trait is being fine-tuned now. I can't spend a lot of time thinking about him because it too easily becomes a pity party. I want him here with us, with friends, with me! But I want him there...with the Lord...more.

My emotions are very close to the surface. I'm going to try to make that a positive, good thing!!! It's Wednesday, Colby's 5th Wednesday in the MTC. He and his companion (Elder Bryce Olsen of Orem) have just been named Zone Leaders. He will be an Elder helping and welcoming other Elders into Missionary service today. What a treat for some Elder today!!!

On Wednesday the 10th 0f November I got to be a Backstage Mom. I volunteered to help preserve calm backstage at "Alice in Wonderland's" dress rehearsal. It was fun and pretty laid back. The performers are 12-14 years old. They were all nice and not back talkers. Hallelujah! They were unified in making the show the best possible show. I got several pics. Junie is the one and only Wonderland Creature-Elephant. She named her elephant headdress "Juno". She has had a blast! Next year she'll want to be in the Musical too. Next week she has an in-class performance of a mini-musical Charlie Brown. She is Schroeder. I can't wait to see it. In the mean time here are some "Alice" pics.

When Junie came home from play practice on Monday she declared that she thought SHE had strep. Once again I peered down a throat. Yep, I was suspicious of her condition. We headed over to Instacare. The strep test was positive. She "took one for the gipper"--- a penicillin shot in her posterior. The shots ARE painful, but they're done and over in 5 minutes. Esther is savoring the "pink juice" 2 times a day until sometime next week. All of the kids will be in school today. I am considering a trip over to the Penicillin Palace as soon as I get Esther to school and Mirielle to work. All of my recent flashlight peeking down throats, and breathing-in their infirm air may have done me in.

ps--I DID go to the Penicillin Palace. I merely have a sore throat. No strep for me--hopefully. One quick test said "No". The 2 day test results will be back in 2 days.

at home today

Googs has been dragging a bit. Yesterday she told me her throat and tummy hurt. She also had mentioned a headache somewhere in the mix of the last few days. She said she felt yuckky like she did when she had to have her appendics removed. That was nagging in the back of my brain. After Sacrament Meeting I asked to borrow Jeff's flashlight and I peered down her throat. Yep the cottage cheese-like infection was staring back at me. I interrupted our friend and the "ward Doctor" to come and see. I was going to ask if I should take her to Instacare. He asked questions and assessed the situation. She IS the lucky recipient of Strep. He confirmed my suspicions. I am grateful that he truly is on-call 24/7. What a nice man. We are trying to think of a way to repay him. Googla is medicated and home from school--at least for today. (We don't want her spreading the strep.) I'm home, too. I like it best when I'm home. It feels right! I'm going to do some pre-Thanksgiving baking. It's raining and cold...perfect for baking. Cosy.

Today was Jeff's first time at conducting Sacrament Meeting. He did a great job! He was very nervous, but it all turned out fine. He was reading the names of people who have recently moved into our ward. He said, "Those who are present please stand...and I suppose if you're not present you may remain seated." Everyone laughed. During his testimony he shared a story about when he backed over a new Hyundai car in a school bus (the car was driven by a newly licensed 16 year old gal who pulled her car extremely close to the tail end of the bus--it was so close it couldn't be seen in the rearview mirror). His boss said to him in his very expensive training meeting, "Gee Jeff, life is hard, but it's a lot worse when you do stupid things." In the course of Jeff's testimony he explained that Christ atoned for all of our sins and he atoned for the little empty spots and times when we do stupid things. We are commanded to "Be Happy." Guess what, when we turn over our sad feelings and stupid deeds to Christ, He will help us to "Be Happy" and He will make things right!! I felt the Spirit strongly testify of the truth of Jeff's words.

I am daily and forever thankful that the Lord lead me to Jeff and/or lead Jeff to me, and that of all the people in the world Jeff decided to share eternity with ME!!!

Inspiring Women

I just came from an Enrichment Group. Jessica and Dixie taught us about Family History. The Church encourages accurate record keeping. Jessica writes in her blog at least 3 times a month, probably more. It's so enjoyable to hear about her family and the fun things they are doing/eating/cooking/creating. At the end of the year she publishes her blog into book format. She ends up with a Family History that she has written throughout the year and it includes photos that she has posted. What a fantastic idea. I think I want to do that, too. It might seem pricey, but it's much less expensive than a scrapbook. Scrapbook do have their place, but this seems like such a good idea that if I had to pick between the two ideas, I'd probably go with the Blog Book. Dixie had all kinds of family stories to tell. She was born in the mid to late 1940's and has an entertaining perspective on life in the south back then. I love to hear her stories she's written. She shared one about the kitchen she grew up in---the table was the hub to her "wheel".

So, tonight I didn't feel overwhelmed as I have in the past when Family History has been approached. I felt warmth and encouragement, and a gentle nudging that said to me, "You can do this. Start now." And I will!

Christmas Choir

It's a rainy day in Provo and I love it!!!! Autumn is here. Last night I closed our bedroom window because it seemed too cold. Brrrr!

This morning we had Christmas Choir rehearsal. I immensely enjoy our choir. We practice from October through December, Saturday mornings at 7-8:30 a.m. It's so nice that we get to enjoy the Christmas season this way. I know many say nix to Christmas until after November/Thanksgiving, but not me. The commercialism of Christmas can be quite a bother, but the worship of Christ through hymns and carols is so refreshing! It can't come soon enough! Several seasons back we recorded our Christmas selections. I promise you'll be tempted to listen to this year round. I guess it was way back in 1995. Wow! 15 years have flown by!!! There are many songs that we've revisited/"resung" over the years, but the only songs that are definitely sung every year are: "Once in Royal David's City" and "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful". Mirielle and Colby have sung in the choir the last few years. Some of our dearest friends and relatives have joined with us, too (Shannon, Kristen, Jenny & Dave). The Choir feels like family. Jeff and I have sung in the Choir for 19 years, or 20--maybe 21...I'm curious now. I'll have to look it up in my journals.

Yeah! I love this time of the year!!!!

Colby

I know he didn't want "riff/raff" getting his address. I figure anyone who is reading my blog isn't in that category. He's way busy trying to learn the Gospel in Mandarin. He knows the Gospel in English & Spanish and he knows basic Mandarin, so I think he's probably doing alright. He'd enjoy a letter I'm sure. :D

Here's his address:

Elder Colby Adams Sanford

Box 136

Taiwan, Taichung Mission 1228

2005 north 900 east

Provo, UT 84604

what happened on the morning of the 9th

did i mention Goo got baptized.

Think of the Children

Well, as much as I like the Elementary School I work for and the gals I work with, I dread going back. Last week it was nice to "just be a mom". Mind you I was still running around getting things done ("Taxi 'r Us") but there was no added pressure that a job brings. The job is a blessing because it's the same hours and place where my youngest child is, and it will be a big help towards Colby's Mission $. Right now, I need to go about with a cheerful attitude and do what the job requires: nurture and encourage other people's children. Wait, I get PAID for this?! What a blast!!!!! I need to remember that I can be an influence for good in the lives of the children. That's what will keep me from dreading the job....think of the children.....

Fun Photos with Our Missionary

Thank you to Julia Nielson who "just happened" to be passing by the Provo LDS Temple when we needed a photographer. She saw Mirielle contorting to get everyone in the frame and did a U-turn and asked if we needed someone to take our photo. This was taken in the 1/2 hour before Colby went in to the MTC. Julia had us laughing and enjoying those last few minutes. She also took the photo that is now our blog header. I don't know exactly where she lives or how to get ahold of her. THANKS JULIA!!!! She was truly a Godsend!

I feel sick...This isn't a good day for queasy! Calm, calm...Why am I nervous? I've spoke at many other Baptisms. I guess I just want to make sure today goes super smoothly as there will be many of our friends/family members at the Baptism. ...and Esther is my babiest baby. The Gospel is so wonderful and actually thinking about it and the promises is starting to calm me. Yes! THANK YOU!!!! Get ready day--here I come.

Ramblings of a Missionary Mom

It's getting harder the closer it gets.

I didn't want there to be tension.

Prayers help--immensely!

I know what it's like to be a Missionary. I know how much dedication it takes. I just don't know what it's like to send a son on a Mission.

The world is different than it was in 1985/86.

It's uglier now than then.

The world needs truth and love more than ever.

It needs to know that there really is a Divine Creator who CARES and loves His children. What an honor to send my son, our son to tell people who have never heard... about THE SON!

If I keep thinking about it like that it's easier. I love you.

Colby's Birthday! :D

Happy Birthday Colby!!! I love you so much! I'm so thankful you belong to Dad & Me. We both are proud of you and the good choices you've made! I hope this is a happy day for you. Do you know how wonderful you are? Believe it-- you are wonderful! We'll all miss you when you're on your mission... Thankfully Families are Forever...like I said we're so glad you're in our family! Love and hugs-Ma

Here's wishing the Happiest Birthday yet to my Magnificent Mother and my Beautiful BabyEst. What a wonderful thing that my Momma and Daughter share the same day...I love you both so very much!!!!!

Good Morning Mom

Hello Mom--I thought I'd post another little something. I've got to make this quick. For the last 2 weekends I've gone to Baby Showers. That means on Friday afternoon I've cut out the quilt and on Saturday I go to the Shower with scissors in hand---clipping the edges. I held Rachel Forbes Coleman and her in-laws hostage on the 11th--I mean I didn't leave until I had it all done so they had no excuse but to LET me stay. They are so nice. I need to post a pic of the quilt.

Last Saturday (Sept. 18--Vive, Chile!!) I actually took a photo on my phone of the quilt. It's for Kristen and Baby Girl Canales. I have 3 more quilts to do in the next week. Thankfully, the flannel is in my fabric closet...no new expenses, just a time commitment.

I LOVE to make them....no, actually I love to see the finished product. My gals have helped do the clipping so it's fun to do these family projects.

the Lower Lights

Tonight we went to a Youth Stake Fireside with our children. It was fabulous! It was set up in the gym facing the chapel. A musical group performed in the "overflow" area. They are a group formed of LDS performers who have their own musical careers, but wanted an outlet to perform exclusively religious songs...hymns. They are the "Lower Lights". They are a traveling hymns revival. I LOVED it they "spoke to my soul"!

As I listened I was reminded of going to choir practice with Momma and Daddy, back when Jodi Emrich was the director. I also remembered listening to the Grand Ole Opry or country music shows on the radio coming home from St. Joseph nearly every Sunday when we'd go visit my Grandparents. Music is deep in my soul and I love it when I can feel the Spirit testifying of goodness and truth.

So what I heard tonight reminded me of a mix of the good time country music and the hymns from the Choir practices of my youth. Thanks Momma and Daddy for teaching me to feel the Spirit through hymns. It rings true!!!!

Don't faint

Well, please don't faint. Our computer is sludgingly (is that even a real word) slow now, so it hasn't been very fun to try and blog. I've been back from Missouri for more than a week. I had a very good time visiting my family. I love my parents and brothers and sisters. It is hard that all of us are getting older though--physically & mentally hard and spiritually hard. We aren't in destructible. Our bodies change and dilapidate ( we can slow that process by being better caretakers)..death has always been a part of life. The joy I find is in knowing that even though the physical fails the spiritual doesn't have to...as a matter of fact we shouldn't let it fail! I have gone off on a tangent. I need to organize my thoughts and post all of the fun stuff I did in Missouri. I miss my Missouri family!

She told me I could blog this

This week Lila has been volunteering with the sets construction, painting and set-up for this years Stadium of Fire. It's going to be great!!!! Carrie Underwood will be there. There is a big showcase on the 100 Birthday of the Boy Scouts of America. 100 Eagle Scouts will be awarded their Eagles. I wonder if they will have an "Eagle's Nest". That is when all Eagles present at the Eagle Court of Honor are asked to come forward, and they sit there as a support system and congratulate the new Eagle into the brotherhood. If they do do that it'll be inspiring as I'm sure there will be many Eagles in attendance. Maybe they'll have all Eagles stand?

I kinda ran on a bit. Lila has had fun meeting new people. Yesterday she met a nice guy who is 23 years old. His name is Matt Edwards. He knows some Spanish. He had on a political shirt--Becky Edwards. On learning Matt's last name she joked--"so are you related to Becky?" Come to find out Becky is his mother and is running for office in the Utah House of Representatives.

So there Lila was...in the L.E. football stadium, working alongside a bunch of kids....and someone mentioned there was a BYU football player amongst them. It was Matt. He talked of always wanting to play football and he eventually wants to be a coach like his grandpa....and so the day continued. She came home and chatted about the fun day.

At about 11:30 p.m. she called my cell phone and told me she was an idiot and that she'd explain in the morning.

This morning she said she had put 2 and 2 together, and she figured out that the nice guy Matt is none other than Lavell Edwards' grandson. We laughed and had a "Derrrrr" moment.

I hope they call me on a mission---

He opened his call on Saturday--a mere 20 or so minutes after the bus came home from Girls Camp. Our family and the Sorensen's were there when he opened the packet (postage $1.73) . He is called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and assigned to labor in the Taiwan Taichung Mission. He is to report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on 13 October, 2010. He will prepare to preach the gospel in the Mandarin Chinese Language.

We're so proud of him and happy that he has chosen to share the most precious thing we have...The Gospel and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's love for EVERYONE!!!

We love you son!

ps--I mentioned the postage because there is a theory that those who are called to foreign missions out of the U.S. receive a heavier package...thus one should be able to guess by the weight. He got his first package /envelope last Wednesday and he received another envelope yesterday about his VISA preparation...maybe things are done differently now than a while ago. I honestly only remember getting my initial call, and I think everything was included that I needed to do/prepare for my mission in Chile.

grad pics

the only picture of me that i have

honor cords?

dibs and his favorite teacher hands down!!

Trader Joe's

We went to Cupertino, CA for the Memorial Service of our dear Aunt Joann Minnick (Jeff's Mom's sister-in-law). Joann from day one welcomed me into the family. She and Uncle Bill travelled from CA to Manti, UT to come be a part of our wedding. She would from time to time (probably twice a year for the last nearly 22 years) call and touch bases with us. She genuinely was concerned with us and what was happening in our lives. She was a wonderful lady! On Saturday a.m. we were invited to a Family Breakfast. We wanted to bring some juice to share so we walked down the street to Trader Joe's . That was a bright spot in our day on Saturday. I miss Aunt Joann, but I hope to keep her memory alive by being kind and nice and to out-of-the-blue call and talk to a family member that doesn't expect to hear from me...just to talk, to listen, and let them know I care.

Provo High School Prom 2010

So I have a few pictures on my phone, but I can't figure out how to get them on the computer. Someone will help me, I'm sure. I'm totally lifting photos from the Sorensen's for the Colby and Shannon pics. Amber had one good pic of Claire and her date, too.

Utah Prom dates aren't merely a dinner and the dance. They start sometimes with breakfast and last throughout the entire day. Clarence and Colby both had play dates at parks and had picnic lunches. They both were on group dates. Claire's group was 3 couples. Colby's was 7 couples strong....

The girls in Claire's group all got ready for the prom at our house, and then I took them to another house to finish getting ready so the guys could pick them up there. I stayed to see them...I wanted to see everyone all spiffed up--gals in their formals and the guys snazzified, too. The girls looked beautiful. I was disappointed and pretty much miffed at the boys when they arrived, because they were in jeans and baseball caps....so much for the Fairytale princess dreams of three Prince Charmings arriving. I wanted to punch them. oh well.

Later when we saw them at the Promenade they were appropriately clothed. This is Claire and her date Ryan coming down the steps at Promenade. They got professional photos taken so at some point y'all can see how my revamp to Claire's dress came out. I think I did ok. She was certainly pretty!!!! By the way- Ryan is only a friend---a handsome one at that.

Colby's group had dinner on the roof again...I hope they enjoyed it! Colby got to drive "Grandma JoAnn's" ( Shan's grandma) convertible. That was fun! I have gleaned several pics of their prom and I'll post them now. THANKS again Amber, Shannon, and Ingrid for the pics!

Before Shannon came downstairs Colby asked Ingrid which rose would match Shan's dress best. He took a single rose from the bouquet of red and white roses. He gave the bouquet to Ingrid. Ingrid said. "You can borrow my daughter anytime you'd like." When Shannon came down he presented her with a single white rose.

I think Colby looks dreamy in the tux!!!!

Shannon kept the dress a surprise. He didn't even know the colors. All Colby knew was that Shannon's grandma JoAnn was making her dress from patterns she had used as a teenager...late 1950's, early 1960's...she did a great job! The dress turned out beautiful!!! Nice surprise!

They look so happy!

Gilligan's Island

With the Easter Baskets was a green wrapped present. It was a dvd of the first 2 seasons of one of my early-childhood favorite shows: "Gilligan's Island". It's been on almost constantly since they unwrapped it. Googs has re-worded the theme song . She puts in the actual actors names instead of the characters they play. She's quite bothered when we try to sing the wrong name. So funny!! They have just informed me that they've watched them all. What should I subject them to next?... "Bewitched", "the Andy Griffith Show", "the Brady Bunch"...we'll see.

Tie-dye eggs

I was reading a friend's blog and she had a link to something WAY COOL that I think I want to try. They dyed their Easter eggs with old silk ties. I wish I would've seen it before Easter. Here's the link: Tie Dye Eggs . I love this picture. I'm not sure who did the page, but THANK YOU!!! This looks so fun!

new footage...

..of the visual arts sterling scholar announcement filmed by the lovely lila

Thanks for the footage Lila!!! Turn it up so you can hear this....all 15 Visual Arts Sterling Scholar Regional Finalists are named and they enter onto the stage. After their names are read the State Sterling Scholar Runners-up are named. Our son was named first. I wish you could see that he had a pencil behind his ear- he being the ever-prepared artist--and instead of his Sunday shoes he had on his brown Chuck Taylor sneakers. I love this guy!!! There is never a dull moment with him around! Not too shabby! We're so proud of him and his hard work and accomplishments!

Calendar

Well, I thought the Sterling Scholar Final Night was on the 31st, until a week ago when Colby said it was on the 24th. I made the change on the kitchen calendar. It was "set in stone." Yeah! Less time to wait!!! Then on the 22nd, Colby informed us that the date was changed...you guessed it--- to the 31st. I was ready to be done with the nervous anticipation. Oh well, as they say "this time next week....".

I have other things to get all worked up about between now and then, though.

Thursday--Juice/broth fast in preparation for a colonoscopy. "JOY". It was to have been all done and over on the 12th, but the Dr. needed that day off so I had to reschedule. Did I know I was rescheduling it on top of Parent Teacher Conference Day, March 26th? No. Guess who is the chairperson of Teacher dinners? Me. Heading the dinners is the only way I can feel like I'm helping the PTA, since I can't go to the meetings anymore. The meetings are right when I'm working with Mrs. Pond's morning Kindergarten class. I need to go shopping and farm out the food to my angel helpers. Oh, yes, my "procedure" is at 9 a.m. on Friday so one would hope I'm done and ok by the 1:30 start of the conferences. There is another event that day. It's at Weber State University in Ogden Utah a mere 2-ish hours north of Provo. Colby is receiving the "Best of Show" award for one of his ceramic pieces he entered in their show. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m. We'll need to leave Provo no later than 4 p.m.--what with it being near traffic rush time. Crazy day!!!

Don't even get me started on the 27th..it's crazier--is that a word? Oh, yeah if you look it up, I'm pretty sure my picture will be right there next to the definition.

ps--did I mention Friday is also Temple Day for my teenagers? That happens @ 4. I'm guessing we'll drop them off on our way out of town...probably right after we squeeze in a visit/conference with our youngest 2 daughters' teachers....yep craziness!!!

He's 76--like the trombones in the parade...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the BEST DAD!

My Dad IS the best!

You just have to take my word for it!

I love him to pieces!!!!!

She looks young for 49!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my darling sis Jolene!

As you look at this picture she's third from the left.

She obviously got the memo about keeping her feet together---apparently I did not.

Those in the pic L-to-R: Jill Annette Adams(Merrill), Kenny Smith,

Jolene Kay Adams (Glunt), Jamille Sue Adams (Sanford),

Sharon Smith (Orton) holding John Franklin Adams II, Jonna Marie Adams (Forbes).

It's not like we scavenge, but when the trash is on the curb, and there's a big item, we do rummage. We found an upright "apartment-sized" piano that way, brought it in from the rain, dried it out and sold it for $75. That's was a few years ago.

This week Dib eyed a stereo and stopped to check it out. We live in the compact age of iPod's, docking stations w/tiny yet loud speakers, flat-screen TVs, MP3 players..."smaller, or more compact is better."

This JCPenney beauty is probably from the late 1970's/early 1980's. It's a fully functioning "music center tower", WITH a turntable (needle still intact), WITH a cassette player, WITH an AM/FM stereo , WITH an 8-track player (levels it). It's a shame the owner's manual wasn't included HOWEVER 10 working 8-track tapes, a handful of cassettes, and as my 18 and 20 year old children say "there are some vinyls, too". "Vinyls" is the cute/hip way to say LP or records.

The only thing the beauty didn't have was working speakers. Not a problem since the headphone jack plug-in hole (that's professional terminology) is the same as Dib's amp. So we're listening to an 8-track of Beatles amped-up...(Maxwell's silver hammer, Darling please believe me, Octopus' garden...and more.) Fun old stuff!

It's a pleasant overcast day in the home of this trash picker! YES!!!!

Grandma Jude and Grandpa John

My niece Natalia got to visit Momma & Daddy. I profusely thank her for taking their picture. They look so good! I'm posting it. I hope it's okay with you Yabs! Thanks!!!!!!

a party in two minutes

slideshow done

She's 16. Clarence. Where have all of the years gone? I love the giggle our sweet Clarence breaks out into on the spur of the moment. She has gorgeous hair---it has a sheen to it like spun taffy. She's our social butterfly--really friendly and flitting from one flower to the next. She genuinely cares about others. I am so glad she's in our family!!! Happy Birthday Sweetie!

ps--Happy 15th birthday to my niece Emmeline. She was a terrific 1 year Birthday present for Clarence!

Finalist!

YAHOOOOOO!!!! He's a finalist from "South Region"! Yesterday he went to Mountainview High School and they gave him a room. He set up his display. The judges came in to the room after having read his Sterling Scholar Portfolio and asked him questions and looked at his artwork. He is such a good kid! We're so happy for him! Next interviews are two weeks from yesterday- March 3rd, at Brighton High School. Here's the link to the Sterling Scholar Awards page. Pretty Cool! Congrats son!!!!!

Colby is in the Deseret News....well his name is. He's our Provo High School Sterling Scholar in Visual Arts. There are 56 others in his category from the High Schools from Wasatch to Utah County. We're proud of him and his accomplishments!!!! This afternoon he'll go through yet another interview. The 56 Art Scholars will be whittled down considerably. Those "standing" after today go again in a few weeks, and then a few weeks later. It's a major stress-filled time. We love our Colby and are so happy for him and proud of him!!!! He's OUR pick for overall winner, no matter what!

Yesterday Colby received his acceptance letter from BYU. YEEEEHAW!!! (He'll defer until after his mission.) His best friend Shannon got her happy BYU letter, too. :)

He also was accepted into the 38th Annual All-State High School Show at the Springville Art Museum. He submitted two entries, both received Awards (Award of Excellence and Award of Merit). We're so happy for him!

Well, it is the day after Valentine's day. Maybe I should try to change my background although I do like the Gingerbread folks.

Last Thursday most of the classes at school had Valentine's Day Parties. I work one hour a day with the Special Ed class. I really enjoy them. They are a good bunch of kids. The Special Ed teacher put my name on their Valentine's lists. I ended up with treats and cards from most of them. One was quite a surprise! It was a cellophane wrapped silk rose. I thought--"How sweet."

When Googs saw the rose she asked if she could play with it. I said she could have it. She was thrilled. After a while she removed the cone shaped cellophane. She said "Hey, there's something in here." She removed a tiny rubber band that was securing the petals, she reached inside the rose bud, and pulled out a shiny red thong. She was shocked and confused. ( I'm sure she was thinking: "Why would anyone put "underwear" in a rose?") I took one look at it laughed and threw it in the fire. I can only imagine the mother who bought this for her son to give to his teachers...I would have been mortified had I given that gift in error. I'm guessing they didn't know the rose was "loaded". It'll be fun to hear the discovery stories from the other two ladies who teach the Special Ed. students.

It was a fine weekend! We had no school on Friday and no school today. (WooHoo!!) I've gotten a lot of reading in. I LOVE it! The book I'm almost done with now is "The Quilter's Apprentice", another book by Jennifer Chiaverini.

On Saturday evening we went to the Stake Valentine's Day Dance. They had a room for Karaoke. The girls (Sasha & Wacki) kept singing. It was fun to watch. We danced too. Fun!

Jeff and the Boys made DIVINE candy for us. The children lovingly refer to it as "Angel Poop". It's smashed oreo cookies mixed with cream cheese, rolled into a ball and dipped in melted chocolate. YUUUUMMMMYY! They sprinkled choco powder, coconut, powdered sugar on them. They even put some craisins in some. So tasty! Nice sweet guys!!!!

I got new red or pink shirts for everyone. I didn't pay more than $7 per shirt and most were on a better sale than that in early January when I went to get them. I tried to decorate the table like Momma always used to...pink and red...white tissue wrapped presents at every plate...red curly ribbon... When they unwrapped their shirts most of the kids wore them as turbans. Silly! I also got the 7th Season of Monk---hey the box is red & white I couldn't resist it. All of that was a whole lot of fun for not very much money. :) I love my family!

Hurrah for Valentine's Day. It gives us another fun holiday, breaks-up the winter blahs and makes it that much closer to spring!!!!

Good Book

I've found a new author that I love to read: Jennifer Chiaverini. During Christmas break I was really into reading feel-good-read-fast books. One of the books I picked up was "The Christmas Quilt". It wasn't a fast read (mainly because school started back up and life got in the way), but it was VERY good!!! Last Saturday I picked up "Cross Country Quilters". I finished it and I'm starting on "The Runaway Quilt". They are all good, wholesome...and with a description like that you may think they'd be dull and boring, NOT SO! They are very entertaining.

I'm so glad that there are real people books out there. The real person really doesn't want smut and garbage in books. I consider myself a "real person" and I like to be uplifted and entertained. There are many writers who are "uplifters", but I don't always want to be uplifted in a self-help way per se. Sometimes I just want to read a story. (I don't want to have to work at it too hard either.) Does that make sense? If that's the mood you're in try one of her books. I think you'll like it.

On another note: today was Stake Conference. There are 27 missionaries out right now from Provo East Stake. Next Conference in 6 months, it's likely that Dibs will have his call or even be in the MTC. Tears run down my face...a mix of joy and sadness!

Sunday Thoughts

So what does it mean when I'm sitting in R.S. and I notice my chin aches. I felt like I had been smiling too long...and then that pain intensified and traveled from the right side of my jaw to the left. I could feel the pain "wave" across. I had to hold still and concentrate until the pain finally left. It's Weird. I thought--what does lockjaw feel like and WHY am I feeling this way. I'm not sure WHAT they were teaching at that point. That was interesting!!!! I'm guessing I should call and talk to my doctor tomorrow?! Maybe he'll tell me why my eye is (undetectable to others) twitching...so annoying!

Yesterday Dibs took a portfolio of his ceramic work and some of his paintings to the Springville Art Museum. Colleges from all over the state were there meeting "Artsy" High School Seniors . He really enjoyed it. He has fun showing his work and talking about it. He really is good and I think he's impressive for being so young, and having a fine collection of art he's created.

(I think I'd better eat something. I was Visiting Teaching earlier when they had food.)

Have I mentioned how much I truly love Sundays!!!! It's busier in some ways than a weekday, but it's good busy!

Jeff gave talk today in Church about the new Family Search Program. He is so fun to listen to. He has an interesting approach and gets people laughing, but feeling the Spirit too. I Love my Jeff!

I'm even gladder---yes the correct term is "more glad"--than I was LAST week, that it's the weekend. The air quality in Utah County is YIIIIICCCKKKKYY! It faintly reminds me of the movie "Soylent Green". I have a headache and I've had a throat-ache a lot this week.

Jeff and Dibs are at a Scout Biathlon (skiing and shooting). They get to pretend they are James Bond for a morning. Clarence is off to a Winter-guard Competition...flag and rifle twirling. She really enjoys it. Wacky is helping at Church where a sweet lady (Lilian Hayes) in our congregation is celebrating her 90th birthday. Side-note: yesterday there was a funeral in our building for another sweet lady who was 90....hmmmm.

The rest of us are here at home. Googs is persistently pleading to know when she can start selling Girl Scout Cookies. I am so happy to be inside the house and I'm going to kick Lila off of the sofa so I can take a nap, or maybe I'll go to bed. This headache is not fun! Googs just asked again. urgggg--adding to the headache.

Tonight Jeff and I are scheduled to go on a date. I hope I feel okby then and that he's not too worn out from the Scout thing. :)

Hallelujah! it's Friday!!!

This first week back to school has been LONG!!! I called and talked to Jolene the other night. She said Liberty Schools were to have reopened for school on Tuesday 5 Jan, but it was a "snow day". Wednesday was also a "snow day', AND they had called off Thursday & Friday too. So they had a 3 week break. Hopefully, it won't be closed on Monday.

I get to babysit a cute tiny baby today. Yeah!

Campout @ Jordan Pines in Little Cottonwood Canyon --- 28/29 December, 2009

They built their caves at the juncture of picnic tables. They slept under the tables---already made hollowness. SMART!!! As they slept another 6 or 8 inches of snow fell.
Standing around the firepit Jeff made from an old oil drum. Logan is on the far right.
Mark being protected from the falling snow. The central igloo opening in back. You can see the flatness of the tabletops just above and to the sides of the opening.
Burrowing...digging...

Jeff's comments on the campout: "We made a big snow cave and slept in it. Those that were prepared had a better time, but all had fun and learned a lot. We noticed that if you are prepared, ye shall not fear, but the fact you are not afraid does not mean you are prepared." He may have been referring to the guy who attended the campout without a sleeping bag?

I'm so glad they're home and safe!!!! Glad they had fun!

I am SOOOOO thankful to be involved in the Baptisms every month. It's such a good experience. I was honored to give the talk on Baptism today at the service. I gained insight into Baptism and its' sacredness that I can't express fully. Let me just tell you: I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are real and they love .....me.... they REALLY do. They love YOU too!!!! Pray about it with real intent and you WILL get the answer. I so testify, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Happy 2010

Okay, I think it's an attainable goal to blog at least once a week....even if it's just a sentence.

Last night we were at Norm and Ingrid Sorensen's ringing in the New Year. Devin and Bethany Patrick were there, too. What an enjoyable time. Plenty of tasty snacks: pigs in a blanket, veggies and dip, fabulous salsa & chips, muddy buddies, crackers, juice....

By the way, It's so nice to have good friends who have children that get along well with our children!!! Blessings!

Balderdash is a fun game. It was funner last night because I was winning when we quit, but it's fun anyway. Ingrid noted early on in the game that the couples gave similar answers. It held that way throughout the game. Funny. We were on the same wave lengths---as well we should be. Blockus (or something like that) is another game we played. It was fast moving, simple, yet challenging. I think we need to get it.

The kids had a dance in the Dining Room. The teenagers went to the Umpteen-Stake-Dance and they came home by 11:30 to continue dancing. When Midnight hit the operative word truly was "HIT". The Young'uns grabbed every available pot and pan (and even the pizza cutter) and ran outside to hit and bang, and make as much noise as possible. After that Ingrid brought out some Fizzy Lifting Drink (otherwise known as Martinelli's Sparkling Cider) and we all sipped the yummy stuff. The dance lasted a tad longer, we took our cue from the Patrick's and we knew we should go home.

The ONLY problem with hanging out with the Sorensen's (and it was that way with the Patrick's last night, too) is that we eventually have to leave each other. We like being together so much, it's a downer when we have to part...that's the way I feel... I know that might sound weird, but it's our reality! Kindred Spirits. :)

This year should be fab! Here's hoping it's fantastic for you, too!