The 3 G's

Another Drop In the Bucket

2012-01-01T21:25:00.009-07:00

"We will open the book, its pages are blank.
We are going to put words on them ourselves.
The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

For the past week or two I have been thinking about the last 365 days.
Some good, some bad, some GREAT!
Looking at my list from last year, I accomplished a lot of my wishes.
Some I need to have on this year's list.
Still haven't been able to stomach a raw tomato, but I'm close SOO close :)
Here it is

...
My 2012 Bucket List
be a better ME
be a better EXAMPLE to eM
be a BETTER wife
APPRECIATE the little things
use my "inside" VOICE & learn to HOLD my tongue
really LISTEN
save MORE, spend LESS
practice PATIENCE
PLAY the piano more
learn to say "NO!"
eat raw tomatoes & LIKE them
READ more non-fiction
keep blogs UPDATED
just BREATHE
HELP others
take a "real" FAMILY vacation
reduce, reuse, & RECYCLE
manage my stress A LOT better
wear HIGH heels more often
KEEP a journal
...
Here's to a bomb diggity 2012!
Happy New Year!
Chin Chin
xo

Repost: 30 Days of Gratitude... Thirty

2011-11-30T11:25:00.003-07:00

“This is my prayer for all of us—'Lord, increase our faith.' Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. . . . Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. . . . Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.”

-Gordon B. Hinckley

I am so very grateful that I live in a time that the true Church is on the earth.

Believe me, I'm no saint, but my foundation is there.

I believe in the gospel, that it is the word of God.

I have a testimony of repentance and forgiveness.

I am so very thankful that, over fifty years ago, my grandparents listened to the missionaries and made that choice that changed their lives.

I am thankful that my Momma taught our primary lessons in the backyard while we lived in Australia.

Lastly, I have a testimony of that still small voice (sometimes a BIG kick in the bottom) whispering in my ear.

It always seems to know right when I need it, now only if I can listen.

...

Blessing #30

my faith

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-Six

2011-11-26T06:26:00.005-07:00

I am a hair snob, I'll be the 1st to admit it.
So when I found this glorious shampoo and conditioner, I fell in love!
I am thankful that my hair is healthy,
super shiny,
& sooo very soft.
...
Blessing #26
Alterna Shampoo & Conditioner

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-Five

2011-11-25T20:02:00.004-07:00

I am so thankful that I have the recipes that have been in our family for generations.
Whatever it my be:
Ge's Spaghetti
Brown Rice
Stroganoff
Chicketti
Chili
Sausage Corn Chowder
Welsh Griddle Cakes
Ribs
Lasagna
There are too many to name!
It is such a treat that I too am able to make them.
...
Blessing #25
Family Recipes

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-Four

2011-11-24T08:15:00.003-07:00

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I am SOO very grateful for my little family.
I wouldn't trade them for anything,
they are my world,
the reason I take my every breath.
I love them & they love me unconditionally ♥
...
Blessing #24
The 3 G's

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-Three

2011-11-23T19:39:00.008-07:00

I am thankful that my Popeye had a VERY green thumb.
& this year I think I may have inherited it.
The Christmas Cactus, that was his, is going crazy!
There are so many blooms on the branches (is that what you call the appendages of a cactus???), they are beginning to droop!
Everytime I look at it, so many great, loving memories of him flood my mind.I think he wants me to know he's here with me on this happy holiday.
On the dummy line, on the dummy line...
Love u, Popeye ♥
...
Blessing #23 Christmas Cactus

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-Two

2011-11-22T15:38:00.005-07:00

I am SOO beyond grateful for these two little pills.
My muscles,
bones,
& head are aching
and,
hopefully,
they will make them all feel better!
...
Blessing #22
Medicine

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty-One

2011-11-21T13:38:00.004-07:00

I am thankful for rain!
The sound it makes on a metal roof.
Rain gives new life.
Rain makes my skin feels amazing.
Rain makes me take a deep breath,
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Rain is my favorite!
...
Blessing #21
Raindrops

30 Days of Gratitude... Twenty

2011-11-20T15:29:00.003-07:00

I am thankful for funny pictures.
This one is my favorite at the moment.
JuJu's bottom looks so big :)
Hahaha!
...
Blessings #20
Funny Photos

30 Days of Gratitude: Nineteen

2011-11-19T16:35:00.001-07:00

I am grateful we live in a place where there are so many fun,
family-oriented activities to do during the holidays.
...
Blessing #19
Planning our Advent Calendar

30 Days of Gratitude... Eighteen

2011-11-18T19:59:00.006-07:00

I am SOO VERY thankful for my slowcooker :)
It makes the most ahh-mazing dinners like my Asian Pot Roast
(recipe I will posting on Simmer Down soon)!!!
...
Blessing #18
my Crockpot

30 Days of Gratitude: Seventeen

2011-11-17T18:42:00.008-07:00

I am SOO very grateful for this wonderful,
yummy-smelling,
soothing gift from the gods!!!
My hands hate winter almost as much as I do,
but with this wonderful lotion,
I can have some much needed relief!
...
Blessing #17
Burt's Bees

30 Days of Gratitude: Sixteen

2011-11-16T17:46:00.003-07:00

I am grateful for Mrs Grass Noodle Soup (a family favorite).
It helps my little munch feel a teeny bit better.
...
Blessing #16
Mrs Grass's

30 Days of Gratitude... Fifteen

2011-11-15T16:48:00.009-07:00

Re-post from 2010:
I am so very grateful...
that I knew this man...
that I was part of his life...
that I loved him...
that I got to sit on his lap...
that I got to hear his contagious laugh...
that I got to see that long, white, flowing hair...
that he loved me.
...
Blessing #15
my Popeye

30 Days of Gratitude... Fourteen

2011-11-14T18:34:00.006-07:00

I am thankful that my little girl believes in Wish Dust.
...
Blessing #14
Imagination

30 Days of Gratitude... Thirteen

2011-11-13T18:30:00.004-07:00

I am so grateful for books!
I am thankful that both my parents instilled the love of reading in me when I was so young.
I can't even begin to imagine a world that wasn't filled with books.
...
Blessings #13
Books

30 Days of Gratitude... Twleve

2011-11-12T12:56:00.005-07:00

I am grateful for our home.
It is a haven that protects my family from the elements,
it is warm & cozy,
it is a place where anyone can feel safe & loved,
& a wonderful place to raise our child.
...
Blessing #12
Our Home

30 Days of Gratitude... Eleven

2011-11-11T18:13:00.005-07:00

I am so thankful for days like today :)
Hung out ALL day with my little munch.
It will be a sad, sad day when she thinks its not cool to hang out with her momma anymore.
So I will cherish these moments!!!
...
Blessing #11
Girls only days

30 Days of Gratitude... Ten

2011-11-10T16:19:00.007-07:00

NeNe-Ree
I heart you, Sissy!
...
Blessing #10
My sister

30 Days of Gratitude... Nine

2011-11-09T04:43:00.004-07:00

Yarn, yarn, yarn!!!
I am grateful for my love of yarn.
It is such a blessing that I have a craft that I love to do.
Not only does crocheting make me feel accomplished when I finish something but it is such a great way to escape!
...
Blessing #9
Crochet

30 Days of Gratitude... Eight

2011-11-08T08:37:00.012-07:00

I am so very thankful for mi amigos.
They have been there for me through thick & thin (the VERY, VERY thin).
I am so very glad they chose me to be part of their lives!
I love you all SOO much!!!
...
Blessing #8
Friends

30 Days of Gratitude... Seven

2011-11-07T14:49:00.007-07:00

I am thankful for my job.
It may stressful and trying at times, but I can honestly say that I love going to work!
I love what I do & my work family makes it such an AWESOME place to be!
I can't believe I have been with JoAnn's for one year TODAY!!!
Happy Anniversary to me :)
...
Blessing #7
Employment

30 Days of Gratitude... Six

2011-11-06T09:56:00.007-07:00

I am thankful for an extended family who loves

accepts me for who I am, no questions asked

(well, maybe my Momma prods a little but its all good).
...
Blessing #6
Family

30 Days of Gratitude... Five

2011-11-05T06:52:00.009-06:00

I am so very thankful for the stillness of the morning.
It is a time for personal reflection, planning or just to become part of the quiet.
My momma says dawn has always been her favorite time of the day & now I totally get it!!!
...
Blessing #5
Morning

30 Days of Gratitude... Four

2011-11-04T05:23:00.006-06:00

Words will never be able to express my gratitude for being able to live in a land of freedom.
Sometimes we forget what blood, toil, and sacrifice won this freedom for us.
We are used to liberty and take it as a matter of course.
Let us be grateful!
...
Blessing#4
Freedom

30 Days of Gratitude... Three

2011-11-03T04:52:00.007-06:00

My beautiful, sweet, funny little munch!!!
I am SOO very grateful that 8 years ago she lit up my life & hasn't stopped shining since!
...
Blessing #3
Emily Elizabeth

30 Days of Gratitude... Two

2011-11-02T09:08:00.003-06:00

I'm so very grateful for a strong body that will heal itself

(even if it will take longer than I'd like).
Hehehe :)
...
Blessing #2
Good Health

30 Days of Gratitude... One

2011-11-01T08:38:00.008-06:00

I am grateful for having the best friend,

father,

provider,

partner,

and husband I could ever hope for.
He loves me for me & all the wonderful, wonderfulness that comes with me.
...
Blessing #1
Mikey

October

2011-10-13T16:23:00.003-06:00

There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Tin

2011-07-20T11:31:00.003-06:00

A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity.
The order varies for any given year.
Paul Sweeney

Happy 10th Anniversary, babe!

South Bound

2011-07-18T06:42:00.001-06:00

What happens in Vegas...
Sometimes will follow you home.
Let's hope so!

We are off to the hot, hot sun to celebrate 10 years.

Be back soon.

Dunes Baby!

2011-03-13T23:25:00.005-06:00

We were able to make it out to the Sand Dunes for some fun in the sun with some of our good friends.

It was a gorgeous day, perfect for riding.

It was also an eventful trip.

Mikey & Jason biffed it on the Rhino, eM learned how to do donuts, started jumping her wheeler, Debbie & I soaked up the sun.

Hopefully, there will be many more trips this year.

...

Our little rider in training Cheese
Mikey busted the Rhino & his head about an hour and a half into our trip.
Ouch!
Do you think there is anything wrong with the Rhino's front end???
Where I fell in love with him.
The Dunes on the back of a Banshee.
Ahhhh, memories
Miss Eeee-vel Kanevil

She's actually getting quite good.

But she's a speed demon like her father! Emily & Easton cruising

The boys after the crash goofing off.

Notice Mikey's shattered glasses???

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture of Mikey.

Rainbow

2011-03-12T17:12:00.001-07:00

Isn't this the coolest picture???

I have been looking at this for about a week trying to figure out what it is.

Then, I went to the car wash & WAH-LAH...

It's the soap :D

I forgot I took a picture the last time I was in the tunnel.

GEE-raffes

2011-03-10T17:16:00.002-07:00

Emily had her first oral report today in class.

She chose to do it on Giraffes.

She was so excited about doing it.

She researched everything, wrote all the notes and even stayed on top of us about getting the supplies she needed for her poster.

I am so very proud of her & what's even better...

She's proud of herself.

Happy Flower

2011-03-09T16:59:00.002-07:00

Jorja has a dancing flower sitting on her dash & it makes me smile everytime I look at it.

However this morning (a little before 5), it wasn't dancing.

Innocence

2011-02-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Footsies

2011-02-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Heart Squeeze

2011-02-14T14:10:00.001-07:00

I heart her!

Happy "V" Day '11

2011-02-14T08:07:00.004-07:00

Peace, Love & Gnomes

You Are My Sunshine

2011-02-13T19:44:00.001-07:00

Ah, the glorious, glorious sun was out today shining the way it is meant too shine.

We sat outside and basked in the rays.

It was wonderful!

Team Player

2011-02-12T17:37:00.003-07:00

I was able to get today off and go to Emily's last Jr Jazz game.

How much fun, I loved watching all the kiddos go after the ball.

I really wish I could have gone to more, maybe next year.

We celebrated with shakes from In N Out Burger, yumm!

...

practicing before game (she's #8 if you can't tell)getting ready to start
watching the ball
run, run, run

obviously talking about the game :D

Finally Listening

2011-02-08T19:39:00.007-07:00

I'm doing it, I'm finally listening to everyone and officially opening my own "boutique" if you will.

On March 1st, Evelyn Jane's will open.

The blog is under construction, but please keep checking back.

Evelyn Jane's

Here's a little overview of what we are going to offer & we will ALWAYS be adding new, fun things.

Evelyn Jane's is a place where you can find can can unique, made from scratch gifts that include headbands, flower clips, aprons, jewelry, home-made jams & jellies, scarves, hats, even "boutique style" children's clothing. You can also find SIMPLY M, a simply amazing body & facial line that uses only the finest, freshest, all natural ingredients. If you don't see something you like, we also do custom orders. Please feel free to contact us at (801) 860-0610 or email us at evelynjane_s@yahoo.com. We look forward to designing something AWESOME for you!

If you don't see something you'd like, ask us we'd be happy to make a custom order.

Wish me luck!

So Over It!

2011-02-07T20:28:00.004-07:00

Winter reared her ugly head yet again today. Just as I was getting off work the heavens opened and everything that was stored up there got dumped overboard. It was blowing so hard, the snow was flying sideways. I was actually assaulted by this storm too. I now have a cut on my scalp from falling ice (it wasn't hail) or really hard snow :S It really hurt!
Boo Winter, you've so worn out your welcome!

Owie

2011-01-31T15:02:00.002-07:00

Emily got burnt in two places above her bottom today. She was standing in front of our pellet stove when Charlie jumped on her and she fell backwards. The weirdest thing... her pants didn't melt or burn. I just think that's really lucky. It would have been much worse if that would have happened. Now she has two HUGE blisters and is very uncomfortable. I think the placement of them is not a very good one. Her pants rub them, she can't sit or lay down (except on her tummy). I hope she'll start listening to me about standing right in front of the stove. Hopefully, she has learned her lesson.

Book 1: Sarah's Key

2011-01-27T10:47:00.002-07:00

by Tatiana de Rosnay

Summary

The 1942 Paris roundups and deportations, in which thousands of Jewish families were arrested, held at the Vélodrome d'Hiver outside the city, then transported to Auschwitz. Forty-five-year-old Julia Jarmond, American by birth, moved to Paris when she was 20 and is married to the arrogant, unfaithful Bertrand Tézac, with whom she has an 11-year-old daughter. Julia writes for an American magazine and her editor assigns her to cover the 60th anniversary of the Vél' d'Hiv' roundups. Julia soon learns that the apartment she and Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand's family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Michel. The more Julia discovers—especially about Sarah, the only member of the Starzynski family to survive—the more she uncovers about Bertrand's family, about France and, finally, herself.

Thoughts

The book brings to light a disturbing and deliberately hidden aspect of French behavior towards Jews during World War II. This is the shocking, profoundly moving and morally challenging story... A book has never made me feel the way I felt reading this. It haunts me, it has made me seriously think about what is important in my life, it has changed me... FOREVER.

One A Day

2011-01-26T09:48:00.009-07:00

After seeing this Project-365 idea on a friend's fb page, I thought it would be a great idea to start documenting my life in photos in an effort to help preserve my life, our life...

By taking a photo every day for a year, I get to create a visual diary to look back on, improve my photography and will be able to see how much life changes in a year.
I am actually doing two projects, one for me and one of Emily.

Check them out...

me & project 365

and

a year of eM

I just have to back fill to the 1st, but from today it will be smooth sailing.

This should be interesting!

Obsessed

2011-01-23T22:27:00.003-07:00

A quick pic of Emily trying on one of my headbands.

I am in the process of making kid-size bands.

They are just so much fun and so easy to make.

I heart them!

Hooray for Headbands

2011-01-19T21:11:00.005-07:00

Look at what I learned how to do today!

After months of trying to figure out how to make these snazzy little bands, I took a class at work on how too.

They whip up in no time flat (about one hour) & only use about 1.5 to 2 ounces of yarn.

I'm assuming now that y'all know what you'll be getting for birthday presents this year.

Cake Pops I

2011-01-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Cake pops, cake pops everywhere! This was such a FUN recipe and so simple to make! Just use your favorite cake mix (yeah, that's right, I TOTALLY cheated) and viola! Another bonus, it's is SUPER kid-friendly! Enjoy & get dipping!!!
Cake Balls
1 package (18 oz.) of your favorite cake mix
1 package (4-serving size) instant pudding & pie filling mix
4 eggs
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup of your favorite creamy icing
14 oz. melting chocolate
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350. Spray one 13x9x2 in. pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil; beat at medium speed with mixer for two minutes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling grid and cool completely.
***I actually cut in half and froze the other half for future cake pops.***
Once cooled, use hands to crumble cake until no large chunks remain. Add icing and mix with your fingers until well blended. Your kids will love doing this! Form mixture into cake balls, it's about one tablespoon to get the size shown in the picture above. Chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours. When there is about 15 minutes left for your pops to chill, melt the chocolate. I melted mine on the stove, but feel free to microwave it. Dip sticks into melted chocolate and insert into cake pops; let set. Wait until until chocolate is completely firm (on stick) before dipping pops completely in melted chocolate. Using a "pop stand" or a shoe box with holes punched in it with an icepick (that's what I used, I'm not paying $15 for cardboard) place the dipped pops in the holes to set. When you can touch the chocolate and none comes off on your finger, that's when you can roll it in whatever sprinkle or jimmy you want.

Weirdest Name EVER

2011-01-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Meet Trail Mix!!!

He is a Crowntail Beta and BEAUTIFUL.

His tail and fins are awesome! They remind me of palm fronds moving in the breeze.

Emily loves him and will not call him anything else.

She says he "looks" like a Trail Mix.

Hmmm....

whatever :D

Severe Slump

2011-01-11T13:41:00.003-07:00

I am in a slump.

With Emily, work, wife duties by the end of the day, I'm DONE.

I need a pick me up.

Any suggestions?

Progress

2011-01-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's coming along SLOWLY, but it'sa coming :D

The Beav

2011-01-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

Juliet "The Beav" Schulz

March 1995ish - January 2011

Go find a 'beam.

xoxo

Munch & the Beav

2011-01-03T22:44:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow will be a very sad day.
Juliet is going to sleep.
I wanted to get a couple of "last" pictures of her and the Munch.
Isn't she just the sweetest little feline?
I will miss her!
xoxo

Robere

2010-12-31T11:23:00.001-07:00

I love my Uncle so much and am so excited he's here for the holidays!

Four

2010-12-31T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry, this picture stinks.

I could not get my camera to hold still while we were driving.

It's gonna be a SUPER cold New Year's Eve.

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

So Proud

2010-12-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

So, there was a this Scandinavian Glitter Kit I came across and I absolutely fell in love with it. The only problem... It was 48 DOLLARS!!! For 4 pieces of cardboard and some glitter. FORTY EIGHT CLAMS!
With some witty thinking, I figured I could make them, how hard could it possibly be??? Glitter and cardboard. I'd have them done in a day.
Hahahaha.
3 weeks (yay- that's right, I said WEEKS) and many, many not-so-nice, words later...
Tah-Dah!

Lessons learned...
Spray Adhesive is evil
I can cut myself 3 times an hour using a straight edge
I have glitter in places I did not know existed
I can SERIOUSLY do anything, once I've made up my mind
To end on a positive note, are they not simply breathtaking???

S & L

2010-12-27T20:22:00.001-07:00

I came home from work tonight & look how I find Emily.

I had to laugh, she looked so adult.

Holly Jolly Day!

2010-12-25T17:43:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T01:32:00.000-07:00

Santa Has Left the Building

2010-12-24T23:54:00.003-07:00

The 12th Thru the 24th

2010-12-24T15:04:00.001-07:00

We had such a great time doing all these activities together and it was nice that Mikey and Emily got to do some on their own. It was a stinker I had to work some of the time, but I still LOVE my job! We are totally going to keep doing this and make it a fun tradition for years to come.

Our last two weeks of Christmas Chain activities

12- Visit the Elves at Gardner Village

13- Picnic under the Christmas Tree

14- Read The Last Straw by Fredrick Thury and Vlasta van Kampen (I work)

15- Emily's Christmas Orchestra Concert at school

16- Lights at Thanksgiving Point

17- Lights on Temple Square (We were suppose to go to see the Carl Bloch exhibit, but had to re-schedule)

18- Read and watch Olive, the Other Reindeer (I work)

19- Make Ge's Famous Fudge (I Work)

20- ... up to Mikey (I work)

21- Pass out neighbor gifts

22- Read Christmas stories by the fire while listening to Christmas music (I work)

23- Re-read the Nativity Story from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon

24-Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Have Christmas Eve dinner at PaPa & Grandma Doris (I work)

Gingie's Place

2010-12-23T19:33:00.001-07:00

Snuggie Wuggie

2010-12-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Being Neighborly

2010-12-21T18:03:00.001-07:00

neighbor gifts 2010

I hope everyone has my sense of humor :D

Twinners

2010-12-19T17:59:00.002-07:00

I took on a task that almost did me in...
Matching Christmas dresses for Emily and her American Girl Doll, McK.
They turned out so good and I am so glad I did it, even with all the finger pricks!

I love them and what's even better...

Emily LOVES them too!

It's a Family... Tradition

2010-12-17T18:09:00.002-07:00

Emily gave her first report in school today.

It was on family traditions.

She had to write or type a three minute or less oral report and could bring pictures to use as aids.

We worked on it for several nights and she put A LOT of thought into it.

I am so glad she likes to do her school work and read.

It's one less thing to worry about, her not liking school.

She was so excited to tell everyone about one of her favorite Garback traditions...

Pictures with the witches and elves at Gardner Village.

Lights at Thanksgiving Point 2010

2010-12-16T21:23:00.003-07:00

Orchestra Christmas Concert

2010-12-15T21:03:00.003-07:00

She even had a speaking part.

"Silent Night, Holly Night", it was so cute when she said it.

She came up to us afterwards and said "I messed up so bad!"

Of course I told her she did perfect, she could not have done a better job!

I are so very proud of her and her accomplishments with the violin.

My New Hair Don't

2010-12-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

6!!! SIX!!! inches go bye-bye :(

What was I thinking?!?

All I Want For Christmas...

2010-12-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

1st Time Fryer

2010-12-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

The 1st thru the 11th

2010-12-11T14:33:00.008-07:00

As usual, in true Ashley fashion, I am posting our Christmas Chain activities a week behind schedule.

This has been such a fun time for our family, I am sure we will continue doing this for many years.

I have my friend Heather to thank for the idea.

Thanks!

I am changing it up a bit and using our Christmas Countdown Chain to mark the daily activities instead of our Advent Calendar (which I am using as a traditional counter-downer).

Our 1st 2 Weeks of Activities

1- decorate the tree

2- my Birthday (I work)

3- make a Christmas Chain (I work)

4- hang the Advent Calendar

5- set up the Nativity

6- read the Christmas Story from the New Testament & the Book of Mormon

7- watch The Polar Express and make hot cocoa (I work)

8- paint and hang snowflakes (suppose to work, but found out I have Strep-UGH)

9- finish and mail letter to Santa

10- go dinner and to see A Christmas Carol

11- read and watch How the Grinch Who Stole Christmas (I work)

...

Will post this week's activities later this week.

So many fun things coming up.

I am so very excited that Emily is enjoying doing all these fun and simple things!

Ornaments

2010-12-11T13:43:00.002-07:00

This year we decided to keep it simple and make Emily's family Christmas presents (the ones that she is giving away).

Emily and thought about it, and she decided on wooden music note (since she started playing violin this year) that she would paint, sprinkle pink glitter and write on each one with silver paint.

Very specific!

She painted them along with the table (thank goodness for the glass top) and then informed me that I could do the glitter and writing because she didn't want to make a mess.

The past couple of days, she has been acting so grown-up.

Where and what have you doing with my daughter?

hehehe

Maybe the little Emily was cut away with her hair?

A Christmas Carol at HCT 2010

2010-12-10T23:37:00.001-07:00

Emily, my momma and I went to see A Christmas Carol at The Hale Center Theater tonight and it was flippin' AMAZING!
The acting, the atmosphere, EVERYRTHING was AWESOME!
We all had so much fun, I am even thinking of getting season tickets.

Emily, Ebenezer Scrooge and momma

Letter to Santa

2010-12-10T17:34:00.001-07:00

Emily's letter to Santa only had one things on it this year.

It was so cute, she said she didn't need anything and didn't want to waste Santa's time.

So mature for a 7 year old, huh?

Felt Advent Calendar

2010-12-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

69 Years Ago

2010-12-07T01:22:00.002-07:00

"Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger."
-FDR from his speech to Congress December 8, 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor

This part of his speech has always stuck with me. It could pertain to anything going on in our lives.
***Please take moment today &... reflect on what happened 69 years ago today***

Christmas Decor 2010

2010-12-06T23:06:00.001-07:00

Popeye's hand-glittered star

A priceless family treasure The 2010 Christmas Chain

Soooo many activites!
My favorite ornament of 2010
Ahhhh, how I miss Florida!
A not so very good picture of our tree
How do you get it to not be blurry?!?
Any suggestions?

hApPy BiRtHdAy MoMmA!

2010-12-06T11:21:00.002-07:00

Happy Birthday Momma!

New 'Do

2010-12-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

Review

2010-12-02T11:01:00.002-07:00

Emily had her very 1st performance today and as expected she did amazing!

32

2010-12-02T00:36:00.001-07:00

Here's to another year.

Thankful Tree

2010-11-30T08:51:00.001-07:00

30 Days of Gratitude... 30

2010-11-30T02:27:00.002-07:00

-Gordon B. Hinckley

I am so very grateful that I live in a time that the true Church is on the earth.

Believe me, I'm no saint, but my foundation is there.

I believe in the gospel, that it is the word of God.

I have a testimony of repentance and forgiveness.

I am so very thankful that, over fifty years ago, my grandparents listened to the missionaries and made that choice that changed their lives.

I am thankful that my Momma taught our primary lessons in the backyard while we lived in Australia.

Lastly, I have a testimony of that still small voice (sometimes a BIG kick in the bottom) whispering in my ear.

It always seems to know right when I need it, now only if I can listen.

...

Blessing #30

my faith

Holy White Stuff

2010-11-29T08:03:00.005-07:00

More snow than the "Great Blizzard of 2010" (hehehe).

It sure makes everything so pretty.

But, it was no fun driving home in it last night.

I actually did a 360 (in a JEEP, people) turning off of Bangerter!

30 Days of Gratitude... 29

2010-11-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

I am so very grateful for my amazing madre and padre (both sets ;D),

they are seriously the best

and I wouldn't not change them for anything

(now that I'm in my 30's- hehehehe).

...

Blessing #29

Momma and Bill

Daddy (& Holly) and Susan

of course, I don't have any pictures of them together.

30 Days of Gratitude... 28

2010-11-28T09:18:00.003-07:00

Cafe Rio!

"I sold my soul for a pork salad!"

That is a quote written on the wall inside of that fine dining establishment.

Until you have tasted the pork, rice, beans, cilantro, and dressing; you simply have not lived!

My taste buds and I are very thankful they invented this wonderful salad!

...

Blessing #28

Pork Salad

30 Days of Gratitude... 27

2010-11-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

The anticipation was just enough to drive you crazy...

Popeye's Christmas Cactus' started budding the first part of November.

Everyday I have been checking the oval-shaped nubs, checking to see if there is a sign of the slightest opening.

Look at what I woke up to!

Such a glorious-colored flower.

I am so grateful, I can keep one of his loves growing!

I am so thankful I share the same obsession as him.

One more thing to love and miss about that amazing man.

...

Blessing #27

Popeye's Christmas Cactus

30 Days of Gratitude... 26

2010-11-26T12:22:00.002-07:00

I have amazing friends!
I know I have already said thanks for them, but I simply have to do it again.
Misty and Erica came over for a visit (for which I was not present) and left a little gift.
Can I even put into words what this meant to me... NO!
A jar stuffed full of why they are grateful for me.
It hit me right in the heart!
Thank you so much!
Love y'all
...
Blessings #26

A Full Heart

30 Days of Gratitude... 25

2010-11-25T13:19:00.004-07:00

You knew it was coming,

my gorgeous little munchkin!

...

Blessing #25

Emily

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T01:29:00.002-07:00

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."

-Theodore Roosevelt

30 Days of Gratitude... 24

2010-11-24T10:15:00.005-07:00

I am thankful for

...

this blog

&
the people who write them.
Please read them.
You will be moved.

Book 40: Yellow Star

2010-11-24T10:07:00.004-07:00

by Jennifer Roy

Summary
In thoughtful, vividly descriptive, almost poetic prose, Roy retells the true story of her Aunt Syvia's experiences in the Lodz Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The slightly fictionalized story, re-created from her aunt's taped narrative, is related by Syvia herself as a series of titled vignettes that cover the period from fall, 1939, when she is four years old, until January 1945–each one recounting a particular detail-filled memory in the child's life (a happy-colored yellow star sewn on her favorite orange coat; a hole in the cemetery where she hides overnight with her Papa).

Thoughts
I have been on a WWII historical kick as of late. Mostly about Jewish Survivors, their stories being truly moving to me. This story, told in poetry form, follows one of the twelve children (270,000 people where placed in this ghetto, 800 came out) rescued from the Lodz Jewish ghetto during WWII. It took quite some time to get use to the way of writing, but when I finally did, I couldn't put this book down.

Recommended to everyone!

Book 39: Torn Thread

2010-11-24T09:51:00.002-07:00

by Anne Isaacs

Summary

A riveting account of the experiences of two Polish-Jewish girls during World War II. Isaacs spares no details in describing the physical suffering and mental anguish of 12-year-old Eva and her 14-year-old sister Rachel during their two years in a labor camp in Czechoslovakia. Every day they worked 12 long hours in a hot, dusty mill spinning yarn for blankets and uniforms for Nazi soldiers, the clumsy machinery posing a constant threat to their safety. Exhausted by the hard work and suffering from malnutrition, inadequate clothing, severe weather, and frequent illness, the sisters manage to survive their desperate situation. Eva remembers her dear father's often repeated advice: "Try to stay alive for one more hour." And at long last the Soviet soldiers rescue them.

Thoughts

This is story of heartbreak and hope that is rich in detail and symbolism will deeply move you. I could not put this book down, I ran the gammet of emotions. I cannot even begin to fathom that human beings actually treated others in such a way! I recommend everyone read this book!

Book 38: The Owl Killers

2010-11-24T09:42:00.002-07:00

by Karen Maitland

Summary

England 1321: Deep in the heart of the countryside lies an isolated village governed by a sinister regime of Owl Masters. Theirs is a pagan world of terror and blackmail, where neighbour denounces neighbour, and sin is punishable by murder. This dark status quo is disturbed by the arrival of a house of religious women, who establish a community outside the village. Why do their crops succeed when village crops fail, their cattle survive despite the plague? But petty jealousy turns deadly when the women give refuge to a young martyr; for she dies a gruesome death after spitting the sacramental host into flames that can't burn it. What magic is this? Or is the martyr now a saint, and the host a holy relic? Accusations of witchcraft and heresy run rife, while the Owl Masters rain down hellfire and torment on the women, who must look to their faith to save them from the lengthening shadow of evil... a shadow with predatory, terrifying talons.

Thoughts

Initially, I was immediately intrigued by the events of the prologue and the first section. Then, I was a little wary of the fact that this was going to be told by lots of different characters in first person narrative rather than just the one. I thought this might make the story seem fractured and I'd lose interest as it switched between viewpoints. This proved to be a false belief. As I continued to read, I became use to 'seeing' through each character's eyes, finding one no less interesting than another. Pagan and christian ways intermingle beautifully in some ways and clash spectacularly in others, all the way through. There's mystery, tragedy, suspense and a rather satisfying, though ambiguous, ending.

30 Days of Gratitude... 23

2010-11-23T21:26:00.001-07:00

I am so very thankful for Mikey's Dad and Doris!
They are genuinely kind and would so anything for their family.
I am so happy they have finally moved out to Utah.
Happy 7th Anniversary!
...
Blessings #23
Al and Doris

30 Days of Gratitude... 22

2010-11-22T23:30:00.001-07:00

Jorja, my Jeep.
Oh, how I love her!
Tonight was probably one of the scariest rides I have ever had to drive!
The "Storm of the Year" (I don't think it was really as bad as they thought it would be) hit with a vengeance and little old me had to drive from Draper to SoJo.
25 mph and 45 minutes later I pulled into the garage.
What sweet relief!
A couple of things I am so very thankful for.
...
Blessings #22
Jorja, 4-Wheel Drive and PATIENCE

30 Days of Gratitude... 21

2010-11-21T13:01:00.002-07:00

NeNe-Ree
What would I do without you?
You are here for me whenever I need you.
You are always willing to help.
You are an awesome NeNe.
The best Momma.
I heart you, Sissy!

and
thanks for everything!
...
Blessing #21

30 Days of Gratitude... 20

2010-11-20T03:10:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday, Babe!

I love you!

...

Blessing #20

Mikey