the truth...

1. Monday, because Hailey was out of school for President's Day, we planned to go ice skating with our two Assistants, Elder Hubbard and Elder Nielsen. The time for the public to skate was 2:30-4:30. The Elders were pretty excited to get the President to do an activity with them. Elder Hubbard, from Canada, told us he learned how to skate before he could walk. We were pretty sure he was going to teach us some great moves. As we rented our skates, they got hockey skates, we got comfortable ones (supposedly). It was a pretty fun afternoon. Sadie was a skating fiend. I don't know what came over her but she was racing Elder Hubbard and holding her dad and my hand, having the best time. I think Suzanne taught her well in Young Woman's. :) Hailey was pretty comfortable too. Even Jon got a little confident in his abilities. Me...well, I sort of tripped around the ice. (aren't you surprised?) At least once a lap, I would have to catch myself from falling, and I never felt too comfortable. Around 4:00 it happened! A fall for the ages! As I watched Dominique Gisin from Switzerland wipe out during her run in the Women's Downhill race, I saw myself. You know, after she had fallen and kept sliding and then got thrown over a bump and smashed her head...that was me. Feet out in front of me, straight on my butt/back and smashing of the head. Holy Hannah. I am still recovering. I can't brush my hair, if I accidently touch my head on my car head rest, or a chair, or my pillow, I about go through the roof. I am trying to take it like a man and be tough.

Today I wondered why I have to take it like a man. I am a woman, am I not? OK, so I'm not Lindsey Vonn (I secretly wish I was), but can't I be hurt and isn't it ok? I don't know...


By the time we took this photo, my accident had happened. My legs felt like jello, my head was spinning, my stomach queasy...but I am smiling...like a man, or fierce-woman. I know. I am not olympic material. That is a fact.

2.
These = wicked. Wickedly delicious. I have no self control when I am around them. They have caused me a big problem. BIG. PROBLEM. The truth.

3. It is spring here in Santa Rosa. I have seen huge herds of turkeys daily!


The birds are singing in the trees!


The cherry blossoms are out!


And the wild mustard is covering Sonoma County!



Every day I wake up to some new bloom. I am loving it! I wish I could stop in the middle of the road and take pictures. Again, the truth!

happy birthday sadie b

today miss sadie turns 21. 21? does that mean she has become a lady? mos. def. :). we wish her a very happy, happy day! we are so glad she is even able to spend it in santa rosa, close to us!

here is a short walk down memory lane:





i included this mcdanald's photo, because it was what she wanted for her birthday lunch!



here are a few birthday questions...

how does it feel to be 21? kind of cool-although i still feel 16.

what is your favorite thing about your new age? i'm older, i like growing up, i'm content to move on with life.

what do you plan to accomplish your 21st year of life? i'm going to get married (fingers crossed), i will be skinny in my wedding dress, and my arms will be super toned.

since attending unlv, what have you found your favorite subjects to be? english & philosophy & hip-hop - that is what i'm best at.

what is your favorite dinner of all time? macaroni & tomatoes or anything my mom will make

what is your favorite ice cream? tcby forever & always

what is your favorite thing to do as you "hang out", not at school or work? i like to watch immature tv shows, or sports. i like to go eat with people. currently, i enjoy talking on the phone.

if you could travel anywhere, where would you go? back to cancun or maybe greece - that place looks cool. but i would take my whole family with me or it would be lame.

tell me 3 things people don't know about you.
1. i still don't chew gum - gross.
2. i may or may not be in love.
3. i can currently bench press 45 lbs.











we love you sadie! we are excited for you to be one year older and wiser! thanks for being such a wonderful daughter and sister and aunt! thanks for your beautiful smile, your sensitive heart, your love to talk, your cute laugh, your smart side, your dumb side :), and all around...for being you!

have a happy, happy birthday! kisses!!!

Five on Friday!

1- Carma and Brenda came to see us! It was wonderful! We loved being with them, visiting, eating, sewing, laughing and having an all around great time! I haven't seen my mother since I left. The day I said good-bye, she was pretty sick, in the hospital, cracked out on morphine. Brenda was by her side, taking good care of her! I look back and can hardly remember the details. I was out-of-it. Completely numb. It was great to see her healed and healthy. It is hard to remember that she is 81 years old. She does everything like she is 61, except she likes to fall. :( We need to get in the habit of holding hands! Thanks for coming girls...it was great to be with you!


Aren't they cute there with Woodstock? Charles Schultz was born and lived in Santa Rosa.


Brenda and her next-door neighbor Sister Tia! Can you believe she is serving in CA, Santa Rosa? It's a small world!


We got to see Wicked! LOVED IT! BTW-great deals on Wicked tickets in San Francisco through the end of February!


I wish Rhonda would have been here for this picture...and for the fun. We missed her! Maybe next time!

2- I'm working on my February Ensign. :)

3- Hailey is trying out for her school's swim team! Here she is with her friends Elle and Shelby. I am back in the car pool business. Kind of fun. At least I get to hear what is going on during driving time. :)



4- News of the family: Tod and Megan are flying to Washington DC tonight and then taking the train to NYC tomorrow night. Yes! They are going during this crazy, snowy, freezing cold weather. You buy plane tickets, you have to go, right? They will have some stories to tell, I'm sure. I hope they have fun. Sadie is coming here for her birthday weekend! YEAH! We are excited to see her, and celebrate turning 21 with her! Mike and Kristen? I imagine they are excited to have the house to themselves for the weekend! Enjoy! We love you!

5- In case you are wondering...Yes! Missionary work is still going on in Santa Rosa. Thanks to President! :) We actually had a VERY good month in January, for us. We are happy!


This was such a sweet baptism! Jay was baptized by his brother Chris (in the wheelchair). Jay carried Chris into the font and placed him on a pedestal/chair. The two missionaries were dressed in white too, in the font, to make sure everyone was safe, and that it all went well. When it was all over, Jay carried Chris back out of the font. It is a baptism I will never forget!


Maria attends Brush Creek Ward, our home ward. It was so great to be at a baptism where I knew a few more people than just the missionaries! Actually, all baptisms are wonderful, I was just a little more connected at this one. :)

I guess I'm done for now! I'm praying for you all and missing you a little too. I love you!