It's Saturday morning about 10:30. I have just dropped Hailey off at dance (95 & Ann Rd.), and Lauren and I are heading to watch the airplanes at Town Square (L.V. Blvd. So. & Russell). Traffic is good, and I am cruising along 95, going south. At about Jones I notice a policeman behind me, I look at my speedometer, see I am going a little fast, but I don't panic. I have just been cruisin' along with the rest of the traffic. I haven't been in the HOV lane, I wasn't crazily trying to pass everyone else on the road, I'm just "feeling aloha", going to the mall with my grand-daughter. His lights start flashing and I am pretty surprised. I pull over, just past the Decatur exit.
He comes up to my window and asks, "Do you have any weapons in the car?"
(are you kidding me? that was hello. did he not notice the baby and the dry cleaning in the back seat?)
I say, "NO."
He says, "Do you have any outstanding warrants or unpaid tickets?"
(is this normal?) (i have had my share of tickets, i did not think this was normal!)
I say, "NO."
"Do you know why I am pulling you over?"
"NO."
"Do you know what the speed limit is on this road?"
I tell him what I think it is. (i am not going to tell you.)
He starts LAUGHING!!!
(no kidding! i'm glad i made his morning. how rude! by now, i am getting ticked off.)
He tells me I have passed three speed limit signs, and that I was going 80 mph.
(does my little bmw just LOOK like it is going fast?)
I give him my driver's license, registration and proof of insurance and he goes back to his car. The more I think about him pulling me over the more upset I get. Not because I don't deserve it, I know I do. I just think everyone else around me was doing the same speed. I wasn't passing anyone. And, my speedometer said 74!
He comes back up to my window and explains to me that he ticketed me for going 80 in a 60 mph speed zone.
60? what? we finally have five beautiful lanes in which to drive, after the construction that we endured for HOW MANY YEARS on that lovely stretch of land, and our gift from Nevada law makers is a 60 mph speed limit? PLEASE! Who's bright idea was that?
Anyway, I say, "Wasn't I just keeping up with traffic?"
To which he responds, "I can only pull one person over at a time!"
I was burning! I signed my name, eased back into traffic, and watched him pull another foolish driver off the road before he reached the Rancho exit.
If anyone knows Officer Kelley I apologize. He looks like a nice young man, but he was a TOTAL JERK to me! He treated me like I was delusional! What did I do to him? He could have been respectful. I was. I have never been ticketed for the full amount I was speeding either. He wasn't about to give me a break, NO SIR!
So...BEWARE. Since Saturday, I have noticed that the speed limit is 65 going south on 95 from Ann Rd. until Lake Mead excluding where they are doing construction, then down to 55. (mind you that is two lanes!) When I got back on at Lake Mead I saw a sign that said 60. (this is when the road widens, more lanes, blah-blah-blah) On I-15 the speed limit is 65. Am I the only one that thinks this is a little CRAZY!!! Just be careful NOT to go over 60, but try not to be a road hazard in the process :)!
p.s.- Sunday I was reading a talk, and of course, they talked about how it is the parents responsibility to teach their children to obey the laws of the land. Could it be that this is my parent's fault?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
what has HAILEY been up to?
Well, last weekend was Hailey's big violin performance with the Mormon Youth Symphony of Las Vegas. Her wonderful violin teacher, Jenny Jackson, has a group called the Deseret Strings, and she gives them opportunities to perform at various functions doing some fiddle music, some sacred music, some classical music, and this year, some fifties music! The kids sounded great Saturday evening, and one of the funnest things to watch, was Hailey's smile ALL the while she was playing. Jon commented that he is SO HAPPY she is well rounded in her interests. (he was teased mercilessly for singing with "jubilation" in high school, but aren't we all glad that he can share that talent now, when his basketball skills have dwindled a bit?) Anyway, Hailey loves her dancing and musical skills, and still enjoys showing off her dunking ability to Lo-Lo and I! Keep up the good work Hot Hay:)!
a house divided
this post is a little late but needs to be recorded anyway. jon is about as purple and gold as a person can get! he has been a laker fan since he was a little boy, sort of like a rebel fan. no matter who the players are, no matter if they are having good or bad years, he is a fan...to the end of time, i suppose.
tod is a fan of players (i believe), and wherever his favorite players are playing, he is routing for that team. his love of allen iverson has rubbed off on his younger sisters over the years, and when a.i. came to denver, everyone sort of jumped on board.
sadie, in her own right has become a true fan, watching as many of denver's games as possible this year, falling in love with kenyon martin (after he winked at her in salt lake who could blame her? :)), and proudly owns and wears an iverson and martin jersey.
megan owns some nuggets shorts, and hailey an iverson jersey...hence, a family at odds when the LAKERS vs. NUGGETS series began. hailey and megan didn't really follow it this year, but tod and sadie have had some bitter feelings towards their father's team.
usually EVERYONE in our house would be sticking up for kobe when the disparaging remarks are made, but not so this past couple of weeks. i think tod might even route for utah if they are playing the lakers in the next round. (unbelievable!) and i know deep, deep inside of him, he is wishing for a boston vs. l.a. match-up in the finals. as hard as it is for him to route for any team in boston, he loves kevin garnet.
will my boys be brawlin' before the championship is decided? it will be fun to see how it all turns out!
this picture is from last year. my girls are looking a little different, aren't they?
tod is a fan of players (i believe), and wherever his favorite players are playing, he is routing for that team. his love of allen iverson has rubbed off on his younger sisters over the years, and when a.i. came to denver, everyone sort of jumped on board.
sadie, in her own right has become a true fan, watching as many of denver's games as possible this year, falling in love with kenyon martin (after he winked at her in salt lake who could blame her? :)), and proudly owns and wears an iverson and martin jersey.
megan owns some nuggets shorts, and hailey an iverson jersey...hence, a family at odds when the LAKERS vs. NUGGETS series began. hailey and megan didn't really follow it this year, but tod and sadie have had some bitter feelings towards their father's team.
usually EVERYONE in our house would be sticking up for kobe when the disparaging remarks are made, but not so this past couple of weeks. i think tod might even route for utah if they are playing the lakers in the next round. (unbelievable!) and i know deep, deep inside of him, he is wishing for a boston vs. l.a. match-up in the finals. as hard as it is for him to route for any team in boston, he loves kevin garnet.
will my boys be brawlin' before the championship is decided? it will be fun to see how it all turns out!
this picture is from last year. my girls are looking a little different, aren't they?
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Lauren Lucy
we have had lauren staying with us since wednesday, and we are having too much fun! she gets SO excited over everything.
some things I have learned about her that I didn't really know before:
she can spot an airplane in the sky, from inside my car, that i would have never seen. "ga-ma, airpane!"
she hears the sounds of motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, ambulances whether inside or outside of the house. "hear dat?"
she loves fruit. this week we've had banana's, blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple.
she can put down a LARGE amount of mac 'n cheese!
her toes must be covered whenever you put a blanket on her.
while eating chips and salsa last night, she told me her chip was a triangle, and she was right!
when kristen called last night to check in, i put her on speaker phone. lauren listened to her talk and got all shy and wouldn't say anything back. after we hung up, she thought for a minute, and then she said, "i ready go home!" "mommy home." "i ready go home." lucky for me she didn't have a melt down and i could talk her out of it, but she misses her mommy and daddy!
we had some fun today though. we went to town square and watched the planes as they came in to land. the video footage below shows a little of her excitement. kristen and mike, this is for you...
some things I have learned about her that I didn't really know before:
she can spot an airplane in the sky, from inside my car, that i would have never seen. "ga-ma, airpane!"
she hears the sounds of motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, ambulances whether inside or outside of the house. "hear dat?"
she loves fruit. this week we've had banana's, blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple.
she can put down a LARGE amount of mac 'n cheese!
her toes must be covered whenever you put a blanket on her.
while eating chips and salsa last night, she told me her chip was a triangle, and she was right!
when kristen called last night to check in, i put her on speaker phone. lauren listened to her talk and got all shy and wouldn't say anything back. after we hung up, she thought for a minute, and then she said, "i ready go home!" "mommy home." "i ready go home." lucky for me she didn't have a melt down and i could talk her out of it, but she misses her mommy and daddy!
we had some fun today though. we went to town square and watched the planes as they came in to land. the video footage below shows a little of her excitement. kristen and mike, this is for you...
the beauty of SPRING continues...
just when we were thinking we lived in the "not so beautiful" desert, we looked out our window and this is what we saw. the indian paintbrushes, in all their GLORY! who can't feel happy, when every week something new is in bloom? just last night, i walked out my back door and the smell of honeysuckle just about knocked me over. the first year we lived in this house, we used to sleep with the sliding door open, and the sweet smell of honeysuckle would rock me to sleep!
my, my, spring, sprING, SPRING!!!
sigh.
megan and emily in kansas city
Last Thursday, the 17th, after school, Megan flew to Kansas City, Kansas (not to be mistaken with Kansas City, Missouri) with Patti and Emily McTernan. Megan has danced with Emily for MANY years, and after all this time has found her to be a very good, loyal, and fun friend. So when Patti called and asked if Megan would be interested in making this trip...Megan was very excited. The plan was to attend a regional dance convention and competition for West Coast Dance Explosion, before attending the national one here in Las Vegas in July. The girls would have to attend a regional one to be able to try out for "Elite Dancer". Also Emily is interested in pursuing a Physical Therapy degree in college and KU has a very good program so they wanted to visit the university. Emily also thought they had a very good dance team there so they scheduled to take a ballet class while visiting the university on Friday! (note- Patti is a much better mother than I, at least in the exposing your children to colleges area!)
Friday, was a great experience for Megan. She loved the university, the college town atmosphere, the dance class, everything about it. Everyone there is still flying high about the basketball national championship, Megan even came home with some Kansas sweat pants. She has decided she would like to become a "Jayhawk"!
Saturday, they started taking classes in the morning at the convention, and then they competed their duet together. I got a phone call in Maui, from a distraught Megan, telling me something about a costume "malfunction". :( (Since I wasn't there I don't know how to explain it, but I'm thinking it must not have been as bad as Janet Jackson's!) She was pretty upset, because Emily was pretty upset...it wasn't "all just for fun" for Em. (Meg knew that going in) Anyway, I tried to talk her through it the best I could, and she promised to call me later that night. I then sat and stewed about how I could possibly make her feel better so many miles away!
Next phone call, an hour and a half later, a jubilant Megan, laughing, whooping, hollering, freaking out because "the duet" (Megan and Emily's), had just received the HIGHEST score of every dance competed. Not just the duets, of EVERY dance! Highest score of the competition! No one had any idea who these two girls were, because they were the only people there from Bunker Dance in Las Vegas. They competed one number...and blew the roof off! (reminds me a little of..."without the bitter we wouldn't know the sweet")
Megan also decided she had nothing to lose, so she entered the auditions (not in her plans previously) and was awarded a scholarship worth $175.00. This was a very POSITIVE weekend for my dancing daughter who often doesn't feel a lot of personal positive feedback. I'm so proud of Megan. She really has a beautiful talent. I love to watch my girls dance!
Two other things she learned from her weekend:
1- Patti gets lost even more than me. (that is hard to believe!)
2- Our family doesn't eat as healthy as the McTernan's. (that is NOT hard to believe!) Megan was "in need" of some candy by the time she got home :)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
OK...the TRUTH about the "aloha spirit"
Since everyone had a comment about the "aloha spirit", and since I want to remember these details about our trip home, I have decided to document when we lost our "aloha spirit"! Everyone needs a good laugh :)
Jon and I had decided to not worry about dinner Saturday evening and just grab something quick at the airport. We would rather stay as long as we could; take an extra swim in the ocean, a little longer jacuzzi for a stiff golf back, finish the movie "Invincible", shower, pack...you know, be MELLOW. It was working until we got to the car return place (Hertz). They only had one, yes I said ONE person checking cars in, and ONE shuttle bus working. Fifty minutes later we were checking in at the airport, now feeling pretty stressed about being late. I couldn't buy pineapples at the airport now, to check, and share with loved ones at home, there was NO time. We consoled ourselves, maybe we could get some in Honolulu. Of course I chose the WRONG security line. There were only four people in front of me when it was time to split into four different lines, but someone definitely had a problem. Jon looked at me and said, "sometimes you just have that kind of luck!" No time to grab a quick bite, but it is a very fast flight to Honolulu so we're thinking we will eat there.
Arrive in Honolulu, notice our flight to Las Vegas is leaving 50 minutes late- whoops, will we get Jon to the church on time for his meeting at 8:30? (he is supposed to conduct), notice some of the gift shops and food places are closing and think, "we should take the wiki-wiki bus to the international terminal where our next flight is leaving from, I'm sure there will be more choices to eat there." Take the bus, arrive at the terminal, worse choices, think, "we have plenty of time. let's take the bus back and search the inter-island terminal better." Take the bus back, now everything is closed, think, "let's check out the Hawaiian Airlines lounge and see if they have anything to offer us." Show our boarding passes at the lounge so we can get in, I tell Jon, "I'll hold onto those.", sit down, put my bags down and stupidly lay the boarding passes in between my two bags. Little thought, "you should put those passes inside one bag or the other." Ignore little thought. The lounge only has soda and nuts. Sit for a minute, watch the Suns game that was on hours before, decide to go back to the other terminal and see if Starbucks is still open and if they have any food. Back to international terminal, buy a couple of muffins and a sandwich from Starbucks and hear the boarding announcement. Immediately I knew I didn't have the boarding passes. Holy Hannah!!! Jon says, "should I jump back on the bus and hope I get back in time?" I'm sure they can print us new boarding passes. We get in another five person line and wait 30 minutes for our turn. Get our passes, we are the last people on-board. Sleep a LITTLE on our five hour flight, gather our luggage, head for the car, luckily, Jon was afraid we would be late so he had brought his suit and shirt and tie. While he gets changed I tell him I'll pay for parking at the little kiosk. Wouldn't accept my credit card, tried other kiosk, finally call for help, pay, return to car. Jon says, "I thought you got mugged!" He didn't come looking for me though :)! Drive to the stake center, comment while on I-15 that Las Vegas isn't quite as beautiful as Maui, arrive at 8:05, drop Jon off with plenty of time to brush teeth and freshen up...hehe!
Get home, my door is locked, no keys on key ring. Wonder when things are going to start looking up again. Knock, knock, KNOCK! Knocking on bedroom windows, have no idea which bedroom they may be sleeping in. Finally, Sadie's sweet voice, a long hug, help with the luggage...things are looking up. Get to stake conference on time :)! Stay awake!!! Actually it was a great meeting! Feeling "aloha" again.
So, my question, "At what point during that night would you have lost your "aloha spirit"?
Jon and I had decided to not worry about dinner Saturday evening and just grab something quick at the airport. We would rather stay as long as we could; take an extra swim in the ocean, a little longer jacuzzi for a stiff golf back, finish the movie "Invincible", shower, pack...you know, be MELLOW. It was working until we got to the car return place (Hertz). They only had one, yes I said ONE person checking cars in, and ONE shuttle bus working. Fifty minutes later we were checking in at the airport, now feeling pretty stressed about being late. I couldn't buy pineapples at the airport now, to check, and share with loved ones at home, there was NO time. We consoled ourselves, maybe we could get some in Honolulu. Of course I chose the WRONG security line. There were only four people in front of me when it was time to split into four different lines, but someone definitely had a problem. Jon looked at me and said, "sometimes you just have that kind of luck!" No time to grab a quick bite, but it is a very fast flight to Honolulu so we're thinking we will eat there.
Arrive in Honolulu, notice our flight to Las Vegas is leaving 50 minutes late- whoops, will we get Jon to the church on time for his meeting at 8:30? (he is supposed to conduct), notice some of the gift shops and food places are closing and think, "we should take the wiki-wiki bus to the international terminal where our next flight is leaving from, I'm sure there will be more choices to eat there." Take the bus, arrive at the terminal, worse choices, think, "we have plenty of time. let's take the bus back and search the inter-island terminal better." Take the bus back, now everything is closed, think, "let's check out the Hawaiian Airlines lounge and see if they have anything to offer us." Show our boarding passes at the lounge so we can get in, I tell Jon, "I'll hold onto those.", sit down, put my bags down and stupidly lay the boarding passes in between my two bags. Little thought, "you should put those passes inside one bag or the other." Ignore little thought. The lounge only has soda and nuts. Sit for a minute, watch the Suns game that was on hours before, decide to go back to the other terminal and see if Starbucks is still open and if they have any food. Back to international terminal, buy a couple of muffins and a sandwich from Starbucks and hear the boarding announcement. Immediately I knew I didn't have the boarding passes. Holy Hannah!!! Jon says, "should I jump back on the bus and hope I get back in time?" I'm sure they can print us new boarding passes. We get in another five person line and wait 30 minutes for our turn. Get our passes, we are the last people on-board. Sleep a LITTLE on our five hour flight, gather our luggage, head for the car, luckily, Jon was afraid we would be late so he had brought his suit and shirt and tie. While he gets changed I tell him I'll pay for parking at the little kiosk. Wouldn't accept my credit card, tried other kiosk, finally call for help, pay, return to car. Jon says, "I thought you got mugged!" He didn't come looking for me though :)! Drive to the stake center, comment while on I-15 that Las Vegas isn't quite as beautiful as Maui, arrive at 8:05, drop Jon off with plenty of time to brush teeth and freshen up...hehe!
Get home, my door is locked, no keys on key ring. Wonder when things are going to start looking up again. Knock, knock, KNOCK! Knocking on bedroom windows, have no idea which bedroom they may be sleeping in. Finally, Sadie's sweet voice, a long hug, help with the luggage...things are looking up. Get to stake conference on time :)! Stay awake!!! Actually it was a great meeting! Feeling "aloha" again.
So, my question, "At what point during that night would you have lost your "aloha spirit"?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Maui 2008
Jon and I have been lucky enough to attend Sierra Health Services annual sales conference for the last six years. Every year, except one, we have been in Maui, Hawaii. Last week we went back, thinking this was probably our last year (because of the buy-out of United). Our weather was perfect and the "aloha spirit" once again entered our bodies and we had a relaxing, fun filled week!
What is the "aloha spirit"? Let me describe it this way. When we arrived, we were driving from the airport to the hotel, and it felt like everyone around us was in slow motion. They were in a different gear than we were. Jon was passing cars, still in the "hurry up, I've got places to be and people to see" mode. By the time we were driving back to the airport to leave the island, we fell in line with everyone else, and in a different gear ourselves, slowly and more patiently returned to the other side of the island. Hence, the "aloha spirit".
In years gone by, Jon would spend several of the days we were there, getting up early and golfing 'till two or three in the afternoon. This year, one of his favorite golf buddies Don, recently had eye surgery, and without Don or Dr. Marlon to partner up with, he found himself without the usual schedule. I was a little concerned about what he would do Tuesday to Friday, when his golf rounds would begin. No need for worries, it was great to do some fun things together; beautiful morning walks, breakfast, swimming, working-out (i guess i only did that once :), and more!
Each year I try something new while on the island. After four years I wasn't sure what was left. But while we were on our morning walk, we made our way to a golf course :) and Jon got it all checked out. This year, I played golf with Jon for my new experience. Well, I didn't really play, but since the fee to ride around with him was reasonable, I got to join the fun. After one morning, just the two of us and a few mowers on the course, lots of birds and wildlife, surrounded by beauty everywhere, I got a little feel for why Jon enjoys it so much! Later that afternoon he went back out for another round, some good deal for two rounds in one day, and I joined him just before sunset for a few holes. What a GREAT time! I even documented one of the holes...video footage to follow.
interesting trees for hawaii don't you think?
sunset on the course! pretty reflections!
I started trying to upload my last post of the calm waves outside our hotel early on in the week. I never succeeded until I arrived home (i love my mac), but I think I kindled the anger of the WAVE gods or something, because the next day, red flags appeared and the ocean was filled with surfers and big, crashing waves that could rival days gone by at Newport Beach! In all of our years there, I had never seen anything like it!
Well, the week was wonderful; lots of sunshine, good company, good food, beautiful surroundings, and the continual sound of the ocean. Sleeping is difficult...it's three hours earlier there, but that seemed to be the only problem:)! I leave you with pictures of some pretty flowers that just grow naturally there. ALOHA!
P.S.- a shout out to my daughters, who have learned to take good care of each other in the absence of their parents. they were happy when we called, the house was clean, the laundry was done...it really was amazing. thanks kristen, mike and sadie for helping out as well. we couldn't find the "aloha spirit" if things were "out of control" at home. we love you all!!!
What is the "aloha spirit"? Let me describe it this way. When we arrived, we were driving from the airport to the hotel, and it felt like everyone around us was in slow motion. They were in a different gear than we were. Jon was passing cars, still in the "hurry up, I've got places to be and people to see" mode. By the time we were driving back to the airport to leave the island, we fell in line with everyone else, and in a different gear ourselves, slowly and more patiently returned to the other side of the island. Hence, the "aloha spirit".
In years gone by, Jon would spend several of the days we were there, getting up early and golfing 'till two or three in the afternoon. This year, one of his favorite golf buddies Don, recently had eye surgery, and without Don or Dr. Marlon to partner up with, he found himself without the usual schedule. I was a little concerned about what he would do Tuesday to Friday, when his golf rounds would begin. No need for worries, it was great to do some fun things together; beautiful morning walks, breakfast, swimming, working-out (i guess i only did that once :), and more!
Each year I try something new while on the island. After four years I wasn't sure what was left. But while we were on our morning walk, we made our way to a golf course :) and Jon got it all checked out. This year, I played golf with Jon for my new experience. Well, I didn't really play, but since the fee to ride around with him was reasonable, I got to join the fun. After one morning, just the two of us and a few mowers on the course, lots of birds and wildlife, surrounded by beauty everywhere, I got a little feel for why Jon enjoys it so much! Later that afternoon he went back out for another round, some good deal for two rounds in one day, and I joined him just before sunset for a few holes. What a GREAT time! I even documented one of the holes...video footage to follow.
interesting trees for hawaii don't you think?
sunset on the course! pretty reflections!
I started trying to upload my last post of the calm waves outside our hotel early on in the week. I never succeeded until I arrived home (i love my mac), but I think I kindled the anger of the WAVE gods or something, because the next day, red flags appeared and the ocean was filled with surfers and big, crashing waves that could rival days gone by at Newport Beach! In all of our years there, I had never seen anything like it!
Well, the week was wonderful; lots of sunshine, good company, good food, beautiful surroundings, and the continual sound of the ocean. Sleeping is difficult...it's three hours earlier there, but that seemed to be the only problem:)! I leave you with pictures of some pretty flowers that just grow naturally there. ALOHA!
P.S.- a shout out to my daughters, who have learned to take good care of each other in the absence of their parents. they were happy when we called, the house was clean, the laundry was done...it really was amazing. thanks kristen, mike and sadie for helping out as well. we couldn't find the "aloha spirit" if things were "out of control" at home. we love you all!!!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
the waves at ka'anapali beach
this post is for my children. they have no concept of a beach where body surfing isn't possible (except kristen).
so this is for you.
the waves outside the hyatt at ka'anapali beach, maui!
note ** please MUTE sound before viewing!
having a great time! wishing you All were here :)
so this is for you.
the waves outside the hyatt at ka'anapali beach, maui!
note ** please MUTE sound before viewing!
having a great time! wishing you All were here :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
the weekend
This morning Megan was quite disgusted and said, "Would you stop talking about mammograms!?" And Hailey said, "What is that? Does it hurt? Do a lot of people get breast cancer or something?" Lucky for me, a little teaching moment with my thirteen year old. Anyway, I thought maybe I should get the "pancakes" a little under the radar with a few new pictures and news from the weekend!
1- the dance competition was great! actually hailey had the stomach flu friday (throwing up, body aches) but since they hadn't finished one of the dances they were doing saturday, she had to go to practice friday night for a couple of hours until they were done. poor thing. during that rehearsal time megan pulled something in her rib/back area and has been in quite a bit of pain ever since. hence, saturday morning came and i was wondering if MY girls were going to be able to give their all come competition time.
megan started about 9 and when she finished at noon, she was WEARY! she was a trooper though. i couldn't tell she was having to dance through the pain until i got a text message that said, "i'm hurting :(". her team got 1st place overall for their large group number (the teacup one), and her new duet got 2nd overall! good job megan!
hailey didn't start until 11:30, and then had a break until 3. that was good, because by then she had eaten a little something and was feeling much better! (thank goodness!) her jazz and tap numbers did very well! she is getting SO good. way to go hailey! i know in this picture she looks pretty bored, but by then it was almost 6:30...nine hours at a dance competition is a very LONG time...even if you do love it!
2- sadie came home to support the little sisters, and to see the sun for awhile. she got a really nice sunburn for only being outside for a "little while" :)! she was very supportive and complimentary of her sisters skills, which made it fun for megan and hailey! it is always great to have her home with us...sunday nights are hard though...it means back to the real world :)! she wasn't in the taking picture mode today so she is stuck with this!
3- mike, kristen and lauren came over tonight to say good-bye before we leave for maui in the morning. lauren was wearing her new princess dress she got for her birthday! have to share a picture of that!
1- the dance competition was great! actually hailey had the stomach flu friday (throwing up, body aches) but since they hadn't finished one of the dances they were doing saturday, she had to go to practice friday night for a couple of hours until they were done. poor thing. during that rehearsal time megan pulled something in her rib/back area and has been in quite a bit of pain ever since. hence, saturday morning came and i was wondering if MY girls were going to be able to give their all come competition time.
megan started about 9 and when she finished at noon, she was WEARY! she was a trooper though. i couldn't tell she was having to dance through the pain until i got a text message that said, "i'm hurting :(". her team got 1st place overall for their large group number (the teacup one), and her new duet got 2nd overall! good job megan!
hailey didn't start until 11:30, and then had a break until 3. that was good, because by then she had eaten a little something and was feeling much better! (thank goodness!) her jazz and tap numbers did very well! she is getting SO good. way to go hailey! i know in this picture she looks pretty bored, but by then it was almost 6:30...nine hours at a dance competition is a very LONG time...even if you do love it!
2- sadie came home to support the little sisters, and to see the sun for awhile. she got a really nice sunburn for only being outside for a "little while" :)! she was very supportive and complimentary of her sisters skills, which made it fun for megan and hailey! it is always great to have her home with us...sunday nights are hard though...it means back to the real world :)! she wasn't in the taking picture mode today so she is stuck with this!
3- mike, kristen and lauren came over tonight to say good-bye before we leave for maui in the morning. lauren was wearing her new princess dress she got for her birthday! have to share a picture of that!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
once - yearly
I figure it takes about three seconds per picture; four pictures = twelve seconds! You have to be pretty weak to not be able to handle twelve seconds! Remember, get your baseline at 35; then every year from 40 on :)! Take control of your own health!!!
To those of you younguns who haven't had this fun experience yet...you have something to look forward to!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
favorites
I think there is some unwritten rule somewhere that you aren't supposed to have favorites. You know; children, brothers, sisters, pets...people and things that you have relationships with. On the contrary, you are allowed to have a favorite flavor of ice cream, or candy, or movie...things that can't get their feelings hurt. I'm thinking this unwritten rule has something to do with making sure everyone feels good about themselves and loved, right?
Well, yesterday, I was sitting in the doctor's office (time for my yearly mam-mo-CRAM - this one is worthy of it's own post) and I had brought along an article that my son had sent to me, as my reading material. It was a fireside address that Elder Holland had given the students at the Institute in Salt Lake City on September 23, 2007. Tod commented on a post-it note that it had been edited a little from the version Elder Holland gave, but that it was still inspiring to him. I was grateful that he wanted to share it with me, probably because Elder Holland is a "favorite" of both of ours. I was anxious to read it, because I can honestly say, I don't ever hear Elder Holland speak, or read something that he has written without being moved. I mean, I usually can remember what he said, and how I felt when I heard it..I feel like I can easily connect with him, and understand what is being said, and have a desire to be different because of what was said. Anyway, I wasn't let down yesterday either, as I read amongst the commotion of Steinberg Diagnostics.
I loved many things he said:
1- about the day we live in, and trying not to be afraid or worried
2- about living the gospel, and standing as a beacon, and being the light that God called us to be
3- about studying hard, but about giving something back at a time in life when you are doing a lot of getting
4- about being a witness and about bearing witness...in this part he got me very fired up!
He said, "I pray that you will live this gospel, that you will love it, that it will mean something to you, from your youth onward. I want you to be righteous in the dark and in the morning and in the afternoon, and yesterday and tomorrow. I don't have time to develop all of the ways you can bear witness, all the ways you can be men and women of Christ. I'm just asking you to stand firm and faithful, to pour concrete right down the center of your spine. Square your shoulders and face the world and say 'I don't know who's on my left, and I don't know who's on my right, but I know I am here! Count me in!'"
I could keep quoting him because his words reached deep down into my soul and they made me determined to be steadfast and immovable!
So as I was waiting for the mammography tech to come back, I was wishing I could share what I have with her, and make her life better. Instead of saying anything important, I chickened out and just tried to be a light, a beacon of the truth. I know it isn't enough, I am still working on being the missionary I know I can be.
Back to "favorites". As I thought about writing this post, I struggled with the idea of calling Elder Holland my "favorite". As I thought about it, and to be really truthful, I have a favorite experience or feeling or memory about each of the fifteen men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. (actually I don't know Elder Christofferson that well yet.) I truly love each one of them. Having said that, Elder Holland is one of my "favorites"! I don't think I will ever see him or hear him that I won't be thinking of Tod, and knowing he would be loving every word, just like me. Therefore, pictures of the two of them together.
In closing:
1- I don't have any "favorite" children! For now, I have a favorite grand daughter :)!
2- Do your monthly self breast checks! (I mean it!)
3- Notice the yellow blossoms in the pool...I know these are definitely NOT one of Jon's "favorite" things!
Well, yesterday, I was sitting in the doctor's office (time for my yearly mam-mo-CRAM - this one is worthy of it's own post) and I had brought along an article that my son had sent to me, as my reading material. It was a fireside address that Elder Holland had given the students at the Institute in Salt Lake City on September 23, 2007. Tod commented on a post-it note that it had been edited a little from the version Elder Holland gave, but that it was still inspiring to him. I was grateful that he wanted to share it with me, probably because Elder Holland is a "favorite" of both of ours. I was anxious to read it, because I can honestly say, I don't ever hear Elder Holland speak, or read something that he has written without being moved. I mean, I usually can remember what he said, and how I felt when I heard it..I feel like I can easily connect with him, and understand what is being said, and have a desire to be different because of what was said. Anyway, I wasn't let down yesterday either, as I read amongst the commotion of Steinberg Diagnostics.
I loved many things he said:
1- about the day we live in, and trying not to be afraid or worried
2- about living the gospel, and standing as a beacon, and being the light that God called us to be
3- about studying hard, but about giving something back at a time in life when you are doing a lot of getting
4- about being a witness and about bearing witness...in this part he got me very fired up!
He said, "I pray that you will live this gospel, that you will love it, that it will mean something to you, from your youth onward. I want you to be righteous in the dark and in the morning and in the afternoon, and yesterday and tomorrow. I don't have time to develop all of the ways you can bear witness, all the ways you can be men and women of Christ. I'm just asking you to stand firm and faithful, to pour concrete right down the center of your spine. Square your shoulders and face the world and say 'I don't know who's on my left, and I don't know who's on my right, but I know I am here! Count me in!'"
I could keep quoting him because his words reached deep down into my soul and they made me determined to be steadfast and immovable!
So as I was waiting for the mammography tech to come back, I was wishing I could share what I have with her, and make her life better. Instead of saying anything important, I chickened out and just tried to be a light, a beacon of the truth. I know it isn't enough, I am still working on being the missionary I know I can be.
Back to "favorites". As I thought about writing this post, I struggled with the idea of calling Elder Holland my "favorite". As I thought about it, and to be really truthful, I have a favorite experience or feeling or memory about each of the fifteen men we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. (actually I don't know Elder Christofferson that well yet.) I truly love each one of them. Having said that, Elder Holland is one of my "favorites"! I don't think I will ever see him or hear him that I won't be thinking of Tod, and knowing he would be loving every word, just like me. Therefore, pictures of the two of them together.
In closing:
1- I don't have any "favorite" children! For now, I have a favorite grand daughter :)!
2- Do your monthly self breast checks! (I mean it!)
3- Notice the yellow blossoms in the pool...I know these are definitely NOT one of Jon's "favorite" things!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
good news minute
my plan was to write these on sundays when i started them, but it isn't really working out that way is it? here goes...
1- the church is true. this is certainly not new news, but it is good news just the same! conference was really great! as i sat in my hotel room by myself saturday morning and stood when it was my turn to sustain the prophet, i knew that president thomas s. monson is truly our living prophet today. as i listened to him over the next couple of days, i could feel a difference in his words, and my love for him certainly grew! he is such a sweetheart, you can just feel his tenderness!
when we visited my dad sunday evening he commented that he really missed president hinckley during the priesthood session. i think i felt what he felt too, just not during the priesthood session :). president hinckley kind of reminds me of my father, with his fun personality and quick wit. he always made me laugh and smile and cry, all in the same talk. he made me feel like everything was going to be ok, and that i personally, could do a little better. i think he and my dad could be good friends on the other side; both fun loving, hard working, God serving men. we'll see!
what were some of my favorite talks? i really loved it all. for some reason i was able to really "tune in" this time...sometimes that doesn't happen for me. but i will say, elder scott's was unforgettable. and the one note that i took was during elder perry's talk. he said, "when we think of eternal life, what is the picture that comes to our minds?" (that caught my attention) then he said, "i believe if we could create in our minds a clear and true picture of eternal life, we would start behaving differently." (i think i need to work on my picture) "we would want to do all these things and more because we realize they will prepare us to go somewhere we yearn to go." i'm going to work on this one!
2- KANSAS won! they are national champions! yes, i picked kansas to go all the way. did i win my pool? NO! if keith had not helped me to completely understand the concept of either you WIN or you LOSE, no excuses, no second place...i might start whining here.
when i filled out my bracket it was really kind of a joke to me. the only college basketball games i had watched this year were ones involving unlv. so the only two teams i had seen play were unlv and byu. the only knowledge i had of the tournament was that in the past, the boys in my family love the big upsets. they love to route for the underdog. so, i decided to have some upsets on my bracket. when all four number one seeds made it to the final four, you can imagine where i was sitting...last place. i have to tell you i was very surprised to find myself upset by this. every time cbs sports sent me an email, and i opened it to find my name at or near the bottom of the pile, i would get bugged. i have realized...i hate to lose.
at least i picked the right team in the final game:)!
3- sadie is a freakin' chemistry genius! i guess that kind of goes along with being a math genius, but i am happy for her! she is feeling success in chemistry this semester. (anatomy is more of a struggle, but always interesting!)
congratulations sadie!
1- the church is true. this is certainly not new news, but it is good news just the same! conference was really great! as i sat in my hotel room by myself saturday morning and stood when it was my turn to sustain the prophet, i knew that president thomas s. monson is truly our living prophet today. as i listened to him over the next couple of days, i could feel a difference in his words, and my love for him certainly grew! he is such a sweetheart, you can just feel his tenderness!
when we visited my dad sunday evening he commented that he really missed president hinckley during the priesthood session. i think i felt what he felt too, just not during the priesthood session :). president hinckley kind of reminds me of my father, with his fun personality and quick wit. he always made me laugh and smile and cry, all in the same talk. he made me feel like everything was going to be ok, and that i personally, could do a little better. i think he and my dad could be good friends on the other side; both fun loving, hard working, God serving men. we'll see!
what were some of my favorite talks? i really loved it all. for some reason i was able to really "tune in" this time...sometimes that doesn't happen for me. but i will say, elder scott's was unforgettable. and the one note that i took was during elder perry's talk. he said, "when we think of eternal life, what is the picture that comes to our minds?" (that caught my attention) then he said, "i believe if we could create in our minds a clear and true picture of eternal life, we would start behaving differently." (i think i need to work on my picture) "we would want to do all these things and more because we realize they will prepare us to go somewhere we yearn to go." i'm going to work on this one!
2- KANSAS won! they are national champions! yes, i picked kansas to go all the way. did i win my pool? NO! if keith had not helped me to completely understand the concept of either you WIN or you LOSE, no excuses, no second place...i might start whining here.
when i filled out my bracket it was really kind of a joke to me. the only college basketball games i had watched this year were ones involving unlv. so the only two teams i had seen play were unlv and byu. the only knowledge i had of the tournament was that in the past, the boys in my family love the big upsets. they love to route for the underdog. so, i decided to have some upsets on my bracket. when all four number one seeds made it to the final four, you can imagine where i was sitting...last place. i have to tell you i was very surprised to find myself upset by this. every time cbs sports sent me an email, and i opened it to find my name at or near the bottom of the pile, i would get bugged. i have realized...i hate to lose.
at least i picked the right team in the final game:)!
3- sadie is a freakin' chemistry genius! i guess that kind of goes along with being a math genius, but i am happy for her! she is feeling success in chemistry this semester. (anatomy is more of a struggle, but always interesting!)
congratulations sadie!
Monday, April 7, 2008
party girls!
if kristen were up to writing anything about lauren and her birthday, i promise i would let her! but since she isn't well, i'll share!
this is lauren's cousin aliana eating ALL of her cupcake! what a smiley and friendly little angel!
this is how lauren ate her birthday cupcake...with her two pointer fingers. she got every drop of frosting off that little sucker! what a sweet two year old!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAUREN LUCY!!!
My favorite little woman turns two today! She can light up my world no matter what CRAP may be going on! That my friends is the beauty of a grandchild.
Some of my favorite things about her:
she answers when i call her peanut!
she is very obedient...
she loves to sing my favorite songs; popcorn popping, i am a child of god, here's a ball for baby, head, shoulder, knees and toes...
she loves to jump.
she gives kisses and tight squeezes around the neck.
she is happy.
she loves to play babies, kitchen, beauty shop, and cash register.
she is happy with just two starbursts.
she holds her very special treats with both hands.
she is very intelligent...and probably best of all
she loves ME!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEANUT!!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
in case you are interested...
i just wanted to put some dates out there if any of you would be interested in seeing megan and hailey and brynley dance this year.
April 12 - Las Vegas, (competition)
May 9 & 10 - Salt Lake City (competition)
June 14 - Las Vegas (dance recital/concert)
this one is the most fun. not as much pressure, the whole audience is going crazy for them, and it is a big pay-off for all the hours of preparation leading up to it :)!
July 12-18 - Las Vegas (national competition...end of season! YA-HOO!)
so, let me know if you want to join us...no pressure!
these are the only pictures i have from this year so far...sorry hailey! (next weekend i'll get some of you:)
PERFECT!!!
i must say, i believe our weather has been perfect for a few weeks now. sometimes in las vegas spring only lasts a couple of weeks and then it feels HOT! we go from the heater, to the air-conditioner with only a couple week reprieve! this year seems different. our pink plum blossoms have turned into these gorgeous red/purple leaves and the trees are full and beautiful. every time i drive into my neighborhood, a smile comes upon my face at the beauty that surrounds me. i think it is because it is still a little cool outside. all of the plants aren't moaning and dehydrating from intense heat, they seem happy and joyful to be alive!
the yellow flowers blooming by our pool never last too long, and after they've all blown into the pool and made my husband crazy, that bush starts looking like a bunch of sticks. in the heat of the summer i am usually positive it isn't going to make it another year...and then it blooms again the next spring! i am trying very hard to appreciate every beautiful day...breezes and all, until everyone and every thing start to wither away come summer.
actually, i don't know, i think summer makes us strong and able to survive in the harshest of conditions. we adjust, we sweat, we swim, we are still happy...it's just different. we wouldn't want to be a bunch of sissy's that have to have all conditions perfect to be happy, right?
my condolences to those of you living in the gloomy state of utah!!! i'm just afraid when your spring arrives ours will be over! say-la-vee...
the yellow flowers blooming by our pool never last too long, and after they've all blown into the pool and made my husband crazy, that bush starts looking like a bunch of sticks. in the heat of the summer i am usually positive it isn't going to make it another year...and then it blooms again the next spring! i am trying very hard to appreciate every beautiful day...breezes and all, until everyone and every thing start to wither away come summer.
actually, i don't know, i think summer makes us strong and able to survive in the harshest of conditions. we adjust, we sweat, we swim, we are still happy...it's just different. we wouldn't want to be a bunch of sissy's that have to have all conditions perfect to be happy, right?
my condolences to those of you living in the gloomy state of utah!!! i'm just afraid when your spring arrives ours will be over! say-la-vee...
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
i'm going private...
since i got kind of a creepy comment from a male reader in brazil tonight who thought my blog was interesting...i think it is time to limit the readers! make sure i have your email address and i'll add you to my list! thanks!
isn't my grand daughter adorable????
isn't my grand daughter adorable????
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