That Sume

HaPpY GrOuNdHoG's EvE dAy!

2012-02-01T07:44:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is that fun time of the year when we get to celebrate Groundhog's Eve! Don't forget to decorate! ; )

And happy "rabbit, rabbit" too today! Hope you remembered!

Love these sketches...

2012-01-31T06:52:00.004-07:00

I found these sketches on the internet of my little buddies from the app Angry Birds. Hehe. Great drawings!

Happy Tuesday! Seriously, why is it the evenings and weekends go by so fast? Didn't I just leave work from yesterday an hour ago at the most? How did the morning come so fast? ; )

Cute Birthday Bug

2012-01-29T21:23:00.001-07:00

I bought this cute lady bug for my sweet sister Deb's birthday. I love it! I am glad she does too. Aren't lady bugs supposed to be good luck? Added bonus!

Who Nose!

2012-01-29T21:17:00.001-07:00

Hey Deb, I posted the picture. Hehe. Compliments of a certain nephew's phone app. Oh, I do look charming! ; )

Shine On...

2012-01-22T08:01:00.004-07:00

A logo idea for my friend's Stake YW Camp theme for this Summer. First try. We will see how she likes it so far. Hmmm- the stars are a little skeewampus...

Hates Tuesdays?

2012-01-19T09:37:00.002-07:00

So my sister was just telling me that one of her 12 year old twins apparently hates Tuesdays. Okay?

I need to investigate this more. Or maybe I don't want to.

My Friend Kathy's Father in Law

2012-01-16T08:53:00.002-07:00

A drawing I did over the weekend. She liked it. Yay. That always makes me glad when it seems to work out. Very sorry about his passing.

Wind and Sails

2012-01-12T11:06:00.001-07:00

We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. —Thomas S Monson (via German proverb)

My Sweetest

2012-01-09T17:17:00.002-07:00

Oh, how I miss your voice. Your hug. That all will be OK.

Nothing Better...

2012-01-07T07:45:00.002-07:00

...than playing Trampoline Volleyball with some nephews? So fun. The boys were on the trampoline and I was on the lawn. I had to hit the soft, bouncy ball over the trampoline netting walls onto the trampoline. And the 3 boys (well, mostly the two older ones) hit it back out to me. It was extra fun when we were able to volley it back and forth a few times. Lots of laughing going on. Great exercise and fresh air.

I will have to go do that again. I like our new made up sport.

Happy Saturday! (It finally snowed overnight. Just a teensy bit but it jolted me into reality that, oh yeah, it is Winter. I had forgotten with all the sunny, semi-warm days I have been enjoying. Haven't minded the dry roads one bit though.)

RABBIT RABBIT

2012-01-01T08:41:00.001-07:00

Did you remember? Since it is the first day of the new year, it must be extra good luck.

HaPpY NeW YeAr'S EvE!

2011-12-31T15:29:00.001-07:00

I hope it is a fantastic evening and mostly a fantastic new year!!! May exciting things happen for you in 2012!

Mater Christmas to you!

2011-12-26T08:52:00.003-07:00

So in a tree lot near me this Christmas, someone had transformed a truck into Mater from the Cars movie. I finally snapped a shot as I was waiting for a light to change to green on the street. My nephews and nieces were pretty impressed with the Mater truck for sure when I showed them the photo. And so was I! So fun!

Happy Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T05:07:00.002-07:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful celebration of our Savior. And to remember to hold your family and friends close to your heart always.

Why I need the SIRI Technology...

2011-12-18T07:01:00.003-07:00

So, the new 4S iphone is out. And no, I don't have it. But hope to before too long. And this is a logical reason (to me) why...my Finnish grandmother's name is Siiri. So I think that is close enough that it makes sense that I should have that technology on my phone. SIRI vs Siiri... close enough for me! ; ) Her maiden name is Siiri Gabriella Wahander. I think she is beautiful.

Too sunny?

2011-12-17T15:35:00.003-07:00

I like to think this is me just squinting because of the sun...or maybe I was bored. Or maybe I was being crabby? Dunno.

Peaceful, Patient, Endearing

2011-12-13T06:55:00.003-07:00

So I don't really get into the whole astrology thing. That the stars decide how I am or what will become of me...or whatever astrology is all about.

But I did find this poster online about my sign of Taurus.

I hope I try to be PEACEFUL. Or to try to maintain peace. Though sometimes I am the opposite. Hey, everyone has their crabby moments, right?

PATIENCE seems to have to be my middle name in my life. Things have not worked out how I had hoped (So far. Nope, I am not giving up or listening to what some people say or decide about me.) and even current situations are not looking too bright at the moment. But I, like everyone else, work at being patient. Sometimes it is a minute at a time, an hour, a day, or a week. Or even a month. But I keep working at it. So I think it should say "patience in progress".

ENDEARING? Hmm, not too sure about that one. I guess to some people I might be considered endearing. ; ) People I haven't seen for a long time seem to recognize me. Or remember me so I guess in a way that is being endearing? And they seem happy to see me. So that counts, right?

Anyway, this poster is a good reminder of qualities I need to work on. And that is a good thing.

Happy Tuesday! (Weather report: We woke to a skiff of snow on the ground. Good thing people were being cautious on the roads. Thank you, fellow motorists!)

A True Peacemaker

2011-12-09T07:37:00.009-07:00

Personal Progress went so well on Wednesday night. Our PP leader has been blind since birth. It truly is amazing how much she accomplishes in her life. The list is very long. From teaching at the MTC, giving amazing SS lessons on Sunday or RS lessons and just overall being extremely independent.

She gave a wonderful lesson to the girls on being peacemakers and then she gave them a paper angel which was so cute...but then she said to open it up and inside was a hand knitted soft white head band with ties. With a big braid down the middle. The headbands were so soft and pretty and angelic. The girls looked so pretty in them. Honestly that amazed me that she could knit those and that they were all perfect and all the same. She said she worked on them from last February through May. Off and on of course. But still! It was just a sweet peaceful night. I know Kathryn is a good influence on those girls. She brings calm. She brings peace. She is a peacemaker.

I did take a picture of the headband but obviously not a sideview. Maybe I can take one when the girls that weren't there pick theirs up later.

The picture above is of one of the girls modeling it.

Happy Sunday!

2011-12-04T07:18:00.002-07:00

I have not been the best at updating my blog lately. Just a lot on my mind. And heart. It's been a reflective time for me in my life lately. A quieter time.

Happy Sunday! I am teaching today. I need to review my lesson. Not much time to do it.

Happy Last Day of 10 Days off from Work

2011-11-27T06:59:00.005-07:00

It went WAY too fast. Just saying.

And happy birthday to my sweet nephew Ben! He is 10 today. Wow! Ben-10! That is a cartoon for those who didn't know.

We hope mom was there. I think she was.

Good People

2011-11-13T07:16:00.009-07:00

"It is gratefulness which makes the soul great."

And I hope I am learning to be that way for I am so grateful for parents who are examples of that and of who I could not have asked for better parents. We grew up with love we felt every day. Something I would not trade for anything. Our childhood was filled with amazing memories of that love and laughter and the perfect, simple, carefree days of childhood.

The greatest compliment I can think of: my parents are good people.

And the thing that stands out also in my mind and heart is of how my parents live the gospel. They believe but most importantly, they live it.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. I hope I can strive each day to truly show my love and respect for you in how I live my life. And for what I believe in and stand for. Humbly and gratefully.

I love how young and cute they look. How happy they are together and for all eternity.

Happy 11-11-11

2011-11-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

A fun one time of this year. Supposed to be good luck...but how would it stack up against "rabbit, rabbit", which is monthly, I wonder...

Happy Birthday, cute Mom

2011-11-10T07:25:00.009-07:00

I am thinking of you today...just like everyday. Words can't honestly describe how much I look up to you and love you and am so grateful for you. You have truly made me who I am. Never a better example. I am proud and blessed to be your daughter.

---------------------

And the YW in our ward did such an amazing job at YW in Excellence last night. It was a low key evening but a really good evening. Just perfect. Great YW! Watch out, world...they are coming and amazing things will happen!

---------------------

And can I add that I am SO tired of being patient? That is what my whole life is made up of...having to be patient. Today is a hard day to be that way. I hope tomorrow is better.

Saved-Up Wishes

2011-11-08T07:27:00.002-07:00

“When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.”

Memories

2011-11-06T07:27:00.001-07:00

Memories...hold each one safely in your heart.

It's an Eeyore day

2011-11-05T08:09:00.003-06:00

It's a gray Eeyore day. Mom, I know you know I would say that.

Lego the Scary!

2011-11-02T07:20:00.003-06:00

Lego, anyone?

Scary Jack!

And I have to add that don't you wish the world would stop moving? Just so you can keep a time period forever? I wish that.

Paper Toys

2011-11-01T06:40:00.005-06:00

"Paper" toys as my 5 year old nephew calls them. I think he did a great job drawing all the Toy Story characters. I especially love Bullseye. (And I hope you said, "rabbit, rabbit"today. I think we all need a little extra luck this month.)

Love you, little Plum. Forever.

2011-10-26T20:09:00.000-06:00

Miss you forever too.

The New Title of the D&C

2011-10-22T22:00:00.002-06:00

My 5 year old nephew was pretending he was on the phone the other day calling the doctor...

"Hello, Doctor and Covenants."

; )

Alphabet Game

2011-10-21T21:46:00.002-06:00

I was cracking up driving home from my sister's tonight. I was listening to the radio and the two radio guys were playing an alphabet game. The first guy had to start the first word he said, in a paragraph or comment, with the letter A. And then next guy had to start his first word with the letter B. And so on back and forth.

It was making me laugh when one of the guys couldn't think fast enough and said Dinosaur for the letter D. Which of course had nothing to do with the discussion they were having. They got through all the letters. But it was pretty funny. For the letter "O", one of the guys said, "Oh." I would think it would be hard to go back and forth with a normal discussion and trying to get in all the letters of the alphabet at the start of each of their comments.

Hehe.

Spooky and Sweet

2011-10-20T07:17:00.003-06:00

So for YW last night, the girls made these blocks. (My secretary made these as an example.) Pretty cute. Or spooky...

My counselors both had their birthdays in this last week...So here is my 2nd counselor Renee.
And here is my 1st counselor Chris. Didn't have a clear photo to draw from for Chris so I simplified and it was a little more cartoony.
We surprised them after the holiday blocks activity and sang happy birthday to them. And I bought muffins at Costco for everyone to have. It was a good night.

No Parking

2011-10-19T09:33:00.001-06:00

A sign at the Manti Temple parkinglot. My nephew hugging it and laughing. Great photo, Deb!

Thankful and Grateful don't even describe it

2011-10-16T14:59:00.002-06:00

I am grateful for MANY blessings in my life. And that in the last month I have been reminded that we need to rely on our Heavenly Father because he knows what is best and what the plan is for each person on this earth. No one else can determine this for us.

I am beyond grateful for this knowledge.

Yes

2011-10-13T09:02:00.001-06:00

I love my mom so much. Just had to say that.

Just a reminder

2011-10-06T06:45:00.004-06:00

Just a reminder to be grateful for those loved ones in your lives.

So sorry for the Jobs family. isad.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Steve Jobs

Grateful for this Weekend

2011-09-30T07:48:00.004-06:00

So grateful that it is Conference weekend! It builds me up spiritually and mentally. It reminds me of what is important in my life, in my heart, and in my soul.

Yes- this quote made me think for sure...

"Judging a person doesn't define who the person is, it defines who you are."

A Card

2011-09-27T08:02:00.002-06:00

A card for a co-worker. He does amazing pottery. Thus the pots on the side.

Happy Tuesday. Been at my job for 7 years today. Funny- I thought it was 8 years.

Cute Google Image...

2011-09-24T07:04:00.001-06:00

They move when you mouse over them and when you click the shift button or any other button, their mouths open when they move.

Happy Saturday! Things are looking up.

A Good Reminder...

2011-09-21T07:02:00.001-06:00

To enjoy each day. To appreciate each day. To live each day.

It is a good reminder for me. I am very grateful.

Another Check...

2011-09-18T20:30:00.006-06:00

So I am trying to make a left turn and I have the right of way...and another car that is at the stop sign and had been waiting before I got there THINKS it is a 4 way stop so he apparently THINKS it is his turn before mine. Nope. He even honked at me cuz I was turning and trying to get past him on a one lane road.

Check off another I.O.T.R.! ; )

Patience

2011-09-12T17:53:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it is hard to be patient. Makes me frustrated at times. Oh well. We all deal with it.

A Tire and an Orange Cone

2011-09-09T19:58:00.005-06:00

Driving home after work today, on the freeway, I escaped running over a tire and an orange work cone.

Yep- first a flat bed trailer- attached to a truck- was driving along- one car ahead of me. All of a sudden the car in front of me had to slow and swerve and I figured out why and quite quickly...I too had to slow and swerve. Gratefully the tire was just lying flat on the freeway rather than hurtling towards me or anyone else. It must have fallen out of that flat bed trailer because the truck and trailer quickly pulled over. I have no idea how they were going to get out into the middle lane of traffic to retrieve that tire! And then a mile or two further, an orange work cone was lying in my lane so again I had to swerve a little.

Didn't realize I had to drive through an obstacle course on the way home. Oh, the joy of commuting!

I got home safe and in one piece of which I am VERY grateful. Be safe out there everyone!

It's For You, Kiley!

2011-09-07T10:05:00.007-06:00

So...my 13 year old niece is deathly afraid of spiders. I am not a fan either but if they are not of mammoth proportions, I have no fear of ending their lives by a quick squish from my shoe or a tissue.

So...last night we saw a spider that was on my mom's window sill...outside. Which I know that as I tell you this story that you will not be too happy with me because Mr. Spider was just minding his own business. But he was a mondo huge spider. Gave me a bit of a chill I will admit. Onto the story...

So...I found the spider spray and Kiley and I went outside to spray this spider's life out of him. Mean, I know.

I sprayed him. He cowered. I thought I had really done the job. But when I stopped spraying...he kept crawling along. So I sprayed him again. Cower. And then he moved along again. What is he? Mighty Spider? So again I sprayed him. Cower. And then finally he got into a crack in the ground.

I assured Kiley that he has gone into a dark corner to die.

We went into the house. Hoping that the spray had done the job.

Maybe 3 seconds later, the doorbell rang. I yelled at Kiley,"Hey, Kiley, the spider is at the door for you." (Now that was funny!!! Though I do have to say that kind of unnerved me that the doorbell rang just after the spraying fest on Mighty Spider.) By the way- it was the pizza delivery guy for my sis in law.

STOP IT!

2011-09-06T06:49:00.007-06:00

Everyone is saying this last weekend was the last days of Summer! I say, "STOP IT!"

I beg to differ. Summer is technically not over till the 20th or 21st of this month! So hold off there, people! I would appreciate appreciating Summer for another couple of weeks, thank you very much!

; )

P.S. The Beatles Tribute Band was so fun last night!

A Little Thanks

2011-09-03T09:09:00.002-06:00

Had to make a thank you card for our ward music leader. Thanks Lisa for helping the youth make the sacrament meeting amazing last week! Music has so much impact. We all felt it.

All the youth will be signing it.

Rabbit, Rabbit today

2011-09-01T07:07:00.001-06:00

Yep- time for an extra push of good luck this month. Hope you remembered to say, "rabbit-rabbit" first thing this morning!

Enjoy the day!

Oh, I Wish I Was...

2011-08-30T07:33:00.004-06:00

an Oscar Meyer Weiner... well, maybe not. ; )

I saw the Weiner-mobile when I was driving in town on Saturday. hehe.

Happy Tuesday!!!

(Paula, remember when we saw it in New York? I assume there are more than one of these attractive mobiles driving around.)

A Good Sunday

2011-08-29T10:17:00.005-06:00

Our YW/YM "were" our whole sacrament meeting on Sunday.

It was great! The youth were the choristers for the opening and closing and sacrament hymns too. There were also 5 youth speakers and 2 musical numbers. It was a fantastic church meeting.

Everyone did so great! I could really feel the spirit in our meeting. And it reminded me of what good kids we have in our ward and it gave me a glimpse of who they will be when they are older. Great people with much potential.

Our ward music leader, Lisa, spent a lot of her free time practicing with the kids. The music selections were perfect.

What a good Sunday.

Happy Thursday!

2011-08-25T07:05:00.016-06:00

I got over my crabby mood yesterday. (But it is a CONSTANT challenge with the situation.) Like I said, I am SO not perfect. And all I am adding is that compliments about one's self have a little more validity coming from someone else's mouth than one's own mouth. There.

Last night we had a fun time at mutual. We had 4 activities planned. The first was a relay race and for the teams to advance, the YW had to recite the scout oath and the YM had to recite the YW theme. They did pretty well. I know I don't know the oath.

The 2nd activity was about communication. We set up a group of blocks into a structure. One person from each team came and studied it. Then each of them explained it to another person on their teams. And so forth to another person on each team. Finally, the kids that did not have it explained attempted to build it while the 3 previous kids tried to explain it to them. The moral was that when you pray to heavenly father, it needs to be a direct line of communication and that you can't have all this confusion around you. I also thought that tied in with testimonies. You can't ultimately rely on others for your testimony. You eventually need your own.

The third activity was gospel dodgeball. The kids were in 2 teams. When they got hit by a ball, they went to a leader that asked them a gospel question. They got back into the game if they answered it correctly.

The fourth activity was decorating cakes. (And refreshments.) Back to three teams, I asked each group to illustrate something gospel-related on the cake created in frosting. It was a fun activity. We got Moroni. We got the tree in Lehi's dream and the liahona. And we got the Book of Mormon.

And then they ate the cakes.

A birthday card for one of our YW...

Happy Thursday!!!

SIGH

2011-08-24T09:03:00.012-06:00

I am having a "sigh" moment.

That is all I am saying.

(Yes, I am not perfect. And sometimes I can't help it when I have an outburst at times but it is also because of pent up frustration from a certain situation...but I do need to watch out for that lightning.)

Okay---I'm better now. Just had a moment.

Interesting Use of a Grass Blade

2011-08-19T16:29:00.003-06:00

My helper mowing mom's lawn today. Nope- the grass blades in her lawn are not that thick as shown below. And running in the sprinkler afterwards is a 5 year old thing to do! Thus the wet hair!

More Joy

2011-08-15T22:38:00.010-06:00

I HAD to add this one! Really funny, Wy!

Such handsome boys! Ah, 3 of my cute nephews again. My sis does an amazing job photographing them.

Love the freckles!

Crack Up!

2011-08-15T06:52:00.003-06:00

Love these nephews! (FYI- I love all my nieces and nephews.) Wy is a crack up!

Very cool pic that my sister, another aunt to these kiddos too, shot on Saturday. Love the colors. I have a talented sister or 2...or 3!

Happy Monday! Oh my, Mondays come way too quickly!

Fun and odd day

2011-08-13T17:20:00.007-06:00

Went to the pre-season BYU Football scrimmage this morning. Great fun but it was SO hot out! Yay for the number 96. A sweet memory to me. Oops- I found out later, that it is against the rules to take photos during the scrimmage. Don't tell!

At Lowes after, I saw a woman(?) that I swear was a guy...trying to be a woman. Long brown hair, a long skirt, but totally angular face. I had to glance (quickly) twice!!! And as she/he walked away, I looked again and she/he had the back shape of a guy. Oddest moment ever! And carrying a purse. Was I being punked? Where was the camera? I thought.

And then at Costco, I saw a friend I haven't seen for a long time! So good to talk to him.

Fun but odd day all mixed together.

Poor Air Quality. Drive Less.

2011-08-12T07:29:00.001-06:00

That is what it has said all week on a sign above the freeway. OK! Sign me up. I will stay home...

; )

Happy Friday!

Caring About Each Other

2011-08-11T06:40:00.002-06:00

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700169578/Muslim-leaders-express-thanks-to-President-Uchtdorf.html?s_cid=rss-1228

My Favorite Day

2011-08-03T08:21:00.006-06:00

Enjoy each day. Make it perfect and sweet. A lot has to do with attitude and the last few months, because of a certain circumstance with a certain person, I have not had the best attitude. And I am in the process of changing that. I don't like to be the kind of person I have been for the last while. I let a situation take over my mind and sadly my heart and I have not been the person I am working at being. Time for a change of heart. (The art above is for my lesson on Sunday. VERY appropriate timing that this is the lesson I am teaching on Sunday. A learning lesson for the YW that their leaders have a lot to learn. Sigh.)

I absolutely love this photo!!!! It is from this blog I follow... The Nienie Dialogues... http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2011/08/hello-goodbye.html

What an amazing photo from Blue Lily. Love the water going up on the side of the boat and the 4 kids sitting there enjoying a sweet Summer day. Perfect!!! Sigh.

I was talking to a co-worker at work this morning saying how it is only Wednesday. And then I was saying that I was not sure what my favorite day of the week was as my mind started thinking of that...and then another co-worker piped up, "Every day should be your favorite day." And that is so true! Hello! Every day is a fantastic day and my favorite day!!! Good reminder.

I am of the opinion that you never know what exciting thing or event is around the corner. You really just never know. Maybe today you will meet that person who will be your friend forever that has been missing in your life (that would be so cool.). Maybe you will just realize that you need to change your attitude about something (that is me right now.). Maybe you are finally over a cold you had for a while and you are grateful that you are healthy once again (I always am very grateful when I get over being sick.). I am just throwing ideas into the air. I need to be more thankful and remember the possibilities. Each day is a treasure. Each day is my favorite day.

And if it is hard some days and you can't quite keep up your goal, just pretend you are on a sailing boat on the perfect Summer day without a care in the world...and start again the next day.

Not a Full Understanding

2011-08-03T07:16:00.002-06:00

Interesting article of how Mormons might be perceived... I guess I never thought this would ever be the case so it surprised me.

http://ldsliving.com/story/65379-commentary-book-of-mormon-musical-star-thought-he-would-be-killed

My Own World

2011-08-02T08:46:00.005-06:00

When I have my own world, everyone will listen to everyone. They won't just listen to the people who {they think} are more popular or maybe more interesting. Because everyone is important. Equally. Good reminder to me too!

Thank you family and close friends. You are welcome on my world already.

Powder blue...woohoo!

2011-08-01T09:50:00.001-06:00

So a girl at work, who I don't know, is getting married. So a co-worker asked me to draw a cartoon of them for a party favor. I put him in a powder blue tux. Hehe. Just for laughs.

Run, Raccoon, Run

2011-07-29T07:20:00.007-06:00

Almost ran over a raccoon on my way home last night. Maybe I just nicked his tail...but I doubt it as he ran across the road very quickly... and of course I would not have tried to run him over! Gave me a scare for a minute there. Apply brakes quickly!!!

We used to feed the raccoons most nights growing up in North Van. We would put pieces of bread on our back porch and watch from inside the house, out our french door windows, as they came up from the creek and ate the bread right in front of us. We had a great time! Ah, memories of good old Kilmarnock Crescent.

Impcrabfrus...a new word

2011-07-27T08:40:00.003-06:00

Ever been impatient about things? Sometimes crabby about things? And sometimes frustrated about things?...All at the same time?

Just wondering if I am the only one.

Sometimes I just want certain things to work out and it seems I am being patient but then maybe I am not. And then I wonder if there is a reason that I have to wait---which most likely there is! And sometimes I do not handle it the best and I get a little crabby. And for sure a little frustrated.

All I know is that whatever situation we are in, and it isn't the most fun at the time, is because we do have to continue to be patient and try not to be crabby and remind ourselves to keep the frustration level down.

All things work out.

Just my "two cents" reminder for myself. ; )

Sawyer Brown...so fun!

2011-07-26T07:11:00.005-06:00

Went to the Sawyer Brown concert last night. The first hour and a half it rained and rained and rained. Finally at 9:30 they came out because the greater majority of us were not leaving. They pulled the instruments in further on stage and came out and entertained us till 11pm. And by the way, it only stopped raining for about 15 minutes and then the rain hit hard again off and on. Wet is an understatement! ; ) The lead singer guy, Mark Miller, is a crack up! Dancing around the stage, jumping up and down on the stage, wacky-fun arm movements. Just a fun concert!

Yes I was a little drenched and a little tired- since I did still get up at my normal insane hour of the morning, but it was worth it! Hopefully I will get to bed earlier tonight. I need to.

Thank You

2011-07-25T13:58:00.003-06:00

to Sister Coleman and Kiana for making camp so great for the girls!

We appreciated all the time and organization for camp.
Hoorah!

Been at work for a half hour

2011-07-20T07:06:00.001-06:00

Is it time to go to sleep now?

Yep- one of those days.

Girl's Camp...and Convention

2011-07-18T20:43:00.006-06:00

So at my work we had our yearly convention this last week...while I was at Girl's Camp. Here are our girls...

Our Super Sisters YW! A wacky bunch with endless energy!

Girls' Camp was lots of laughter and teasing, good conversation, wonderful spiritual moments, many pictures taken, dust and smoke and warmth from the fire, mosquito bites, prayer rugs, camp books, D.E.A.R. (drop everything and read), late evening freezing showers (except for those that used the solar showers!), hair washing, water drinking (not as much as should have been consumed), food eating, candy consuming, potguts and chipmunks and a few spiders, charlie horses, some upset stomachs, flies, bees, hail, rain, thunder, lightening, snoring...we did it all! And it makes us even more grateful for hot showers, air conditioning, soft beds, and closer friendships, stronger testimonies, and love for one another. We had 100% attendance from our YW! Including Ana who we hope learned a lot and had a good time.

And here is a picture of the stage at my work's convention. Pretty amazing looking I think! Sorry I missed it!

Home is so Amazing!

2011-07-16T15:26:00.002-06:00

Just got home from YW Girls Camp. Can we say "exhausted"? The girls had a great time and I did too but the last two days wore me out. A little sunburned. A little tired of reminding the girls to pick up after themselves. And quite dusty and dirty. Oh, and totally changing my diet into white flour refined foods with little to no veggies/salads for a week just about did me in... if you know me...but all in all it was a good week for the girls. And that was the purpose.

Yay for hot water, A/C, and my bed!!!!!!

And a nap! ; )

My Agent is all Fancy!

2011-07-11T19:15:00.001-06:00

So I had posted a couple of days ago about my agent of agency that I did for my sunday lesson at church...well, my friend Carol used the art I created and made it all fancy.

So cute!

The "Up" House has been built

2011-07-08T09:53:00.005-06:00

And I am standing in front of it!

TaDa!!!!

It's in Herriman, Utah! You can walk through it at the Parade of Homes which goes from the end of July to the middle of August...Anyone want to buy a 2,800 square foot home for $400,000? The balloons will be attached to the roof on the weekends during the Parade of Homes.

http://thedisneyblog.com/2011/07/07/real-life-up-house-for-sale-in-herriman-utah/

Guest Blogger on MDS site

2011-07-07T06:37:00.002-06:00

So I was a guest blogger on my company's "My Digital Studio" today. Check it out. It is the entry called, "Quick Little Additions" posted July 7, 2011 at 2:00am.

http://mydigitalstudio.net/

Yes- this is my blog...

2011-07-06T09:00:00.011-06:00

You've all heard about the Book of Mormon musical on Broadway? And how it is basically untrue about the LDS beliefs? Not to mention the vulgar language...and the list goes on and on.

...Well, the LDS (Mormon church) has their own ad campaign going on. I'm a Mormon...at mormon.org

And it reminds me that no matter what the world chooses to do, the gospel will continue to grow. Yes, really.

Yes- this is my blog. I am beyond grateful that I have the gospel in my life and the knowledge I have.

See ya' and have a great day!

Happy Tuesday and a card

2011-07-05T06:46:00.001-06:00

another card for one of our YW.

Have a happy Tuesday!

P.S. Can I be a kid again and have no responsibility? Ah, how I took those years for granted. ; )

Happy United Statesian day!

2011-07-04T10:50:00.005-06:00

A fun weekend! Saturday night---Stadium of Fire! And earlier in the day on Saturday, my nephew Ander got baptized! A great day!

And today, we went to the balloon fest. The big highlight was the Darth Vader balloon! Woohoo!

Happy July 4th to all! Or United Statesian Day as I like to call it. ; )

Agent of Agency

2011-07-03T13:12:00.002-06:00

I drew an "agent of agency" handout for my lesson I just did today in YW. The lesson was on agency, obviously. (Though where it says, "case solved", it might have been better to say, "case in progress". Or something like that. Anyway, the girls liked it. Yay.

Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day, Canada Day, & Almost Independence Day!

2011-07-01T06:42:00.008-06:00

Yes- I hope you all remembered to say, "rabbit, rabbit"...first thing today. We can all use a little more luck I say.

And it is Canada Day today!!!!! I know you are all so excited. Yep- I love my country of birth. Plus...I also get to celebrate the United States' birthday this long weekend too (which I also love...the country and the long weekend)! Pretty nifty! Hurrah to both countries!

(Canada Day info: On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day.)

This cake was posted on my blog before. Our friend Lisa made it last year for a Canadian get together. Pretty spiffy... though when I posted this last year, a friend (from Canada) thought it looked like there was bacon on the cake instead of strawberries. Ewwww!

Anyway, happy celebrating this weekend to both countries...and bonus-it is Friday today! Yessssssss!

And my handsome nephew Ander gets baptized tomorrow! And a dear little friend named John.

I.P.O.T.R.s

2011-06-28T08:15:00.003-06:00

This stands for Interesting People On The Road. I was calling them Idiots On The Road (I.O.T.R.s)...but that sounded a bit harsh. Though sometimes when people make interesting, last minute, your heart has fallen into your lap, swerves in the road...or cut you off on the road...the word "idiot" does come to mind. Though I do recall a couple of times when people must have thought the same of me...though I must say that 99% of the time I really am a careful driver.

I encountered about 12 of them on my travels yesterday.

Ah well. They probably didn't realize. That is what I am hoping... I know for sure that the two times I can recall that I did that, I did not realize.

That was weird

2011-06-25T16:34:00.001-06:00

A guy at a store called me "dear" today. Okay? I really did not have any response. Nor did I know what to think.

Scooter Skills

2011-06-23T06:41:00.007-06:00

It was a fun evening with Wy!

Wy makes his wish.
Wy on his new scooter. He kept telling us to check out his scooter skills. So funny. So cute.
Watch out world...Wy is 5!

Question... So people say they are "under the weather" when they are not feeling well...so when you are feeling well, can you then say you are "over the weather"? Just wondering. I should try that.

Emily card and MoTab friends in DC

2011-06-22T08:34:00.004-06:00

Two of my friends, Dale and Stan, who sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are on tour this week and they sent me a pic of them in Washington, DC. They suggested I go to lunch with them. Maybe I will wait till they get back as I don't have that long of a lunch break!

And here is a birthday card for one of our YW in my church. Emily turned 14. She has a lot of energy. A great girl!

HB, W!

2011-06-22T06:34:00.003-06:00

Cute W! Can't believe you are 5 today! My youngest nephew! What a hilarious and amazing personality you have! I am so grateful you are in our family. To me, you look like the Finnish side of our family. Love you...as big as the universe and back again! (Another great photo by my sister Deb. Love the cropping!)

Wonderful

2011-06-21T07:20:00.007-06:00

Beautiful photo my sis took of her kids. Can we say very photogenic?

Another couple of handsome nephews. It was A's birthday the beginning of the month. We had a fun time celebrating the big 8! He gets baptized the beginning of July! And W's birthday is this week! Sad I have to miss W's celebration because of YW. He is such a sweet little guy. Love all you kids!
I am a very lucky and blessed aunt! And grateful.

And happy first day of Summer to all and to all a good day!

Yard Sale...check!

2011-06-18T18:43:00.002-06:00

So the Girls Camp Yard Sale/Bake Sale happened today. About 3 of the deacons came to help all morning too. Thanks, Drew, Talon, and Zach. Drew is in the photo below...yes, he is wearing a dress...and it is accessorized by a purse. Silly boy!

Happy Saturday.

Bicycles...and Sharks

2011-06-17T06:46:00.006-06:00

So I don't have a photo but there are these two women who for the last two mornings have been riding their bicycles (no, not motorcycles!) and taking a whole lane on the road...where cars drive. Hello! Granted it is earlier in the morning with not that much traffic but it is very odd to me that I have to switch lanes and drive around them. Something is wrong with this. But after talking to a couple of co-workers, I guess it is legal...I just figured that people on bicycles would want to stay away from cars. Oh well. Makes my commute entertaining?

Oh, and driving home the other day, I was almost at my exit, when a police car started following me. Eek! The really freaky thing was that he followed me off the freeway and even up the hill for a ways. Finally he turned off. I think my heart rate finally went back to normal. Luckily I wasn't being a speed demon on the freeway but it still freaked me. They are kind of like sharks on the road to me—silent and creepy... though I would have been happy to have a "shark" around these last two mornings with those women taking over a lane on the road. Haha.

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has great things happen for them.

Happy and Granted

2011-06-16T07:04:00.004-06:00

Be happy...like my nephew. Just a good reminder to me. And don't take people (especially) or things you care about for granted.

Each day is amazing.

Action...

2011-06-12T08:26:00.002-06:00

My nephew...in action. Great shots by my sis, his mom.

13 and 3

2011-06-09T06:49:00.003-06:00

Wow! My friend saw this in downtown SLC! Now that is one big family!!!

Happy Thursday!

So I was driving some of the YW home last night and one of them had a friend that needed to be taken home. I was not sure of a couple of the landmarks that they told me about to get to her house and one of our YW said,"You are the president. You should know where everything is." Yah, right. Funny.

Wednesday is sunny and bright

2011-06-08T10:30:00.007-06:00

I am glad I don't need an umbrella this week. Spring is finally here! The dry part of Spring that is. Yay!

Love the sun and the bright blue skies. This weather makes me smile.

A lady didn't like that I had the right of way the other day...and proceeded to stick her head out of her truck and spew inappropriate language at me. Didn't really upset me. Just made me sad for her because obviously she has stress in her life that she would react that way... or she thinks she owns the road. I hope not. Because I do. ; ) Though you that know me know that I do get crabby at times but I wouldn't be swearing in any situation.

But the lady does remind me to calm down and not get so stressed or quick to anger. I love people with calm dispositions. That is how I want to be when I grow up. I am working on it but there are some days when I am not so calm.

Hapyy Wednesday!

Happy Thursday!

2011-06-02T07:10:00.011-06:00

Happy Thursday...all day!

Cards...and Sun!

2011-06-01T07:37:00.004-06:00

A card for one of our YW. Happy birthday, Tash! Hope it is a good one!

And we will miss you, Mel! It's been fun working with you. (Melanie is a co-worker who is taking a year off from work in our department. She always wanted me to draw her. I am glad she likes the card.)

And...the sun has finally come back! Yay!!! A very happy time! Though I don't mind the rain.

Glad

2011-05-28T19:21:00.003-06:00

I am glad I got my lawn mowed before the NorthWest weather we have been having came back today. My lawn has never looked greener or more lush before though. Which I love! But I also wouldn't mind turning my furnace off and seeing the sun's happy little face for more than a half day at a time...if that.

It is the end of May already. Just saying.

Happy Saturday!

Comparing...

2011-05-26T06:49:00.007-06:00

So why in the world are people always trying to compare me with other people? Just in the fact that they are always saying,"Did you know you look just like so-and-so?"

My question to the universe is..."Can't I just look like me?"

"Hey, you look just like yourself!" (Wow, that would be a shocker to hear that! Besides it sounding weird...)

Anyway, I just find that extremely odd.

Side note: I do love it when people say I look like my sisters or mom though...since I am related to them and it makes sense.

Yah- this blog post was because I was just feeling weird from a comment spoken to me last night.

A good day on Saturday

2011-05-25T08:53:00.005-06:00

So I subbed on Saturday at Mt Timp. And it was a great day to do it...it had been exactly a year since we were able to the temple work for my cute Bumper boy, Jason. What an amazing day that was. It was the best place to be. And it made me think of him a lot that day. Not that we don't think of him nearly every day anyway, but just a tender and sweet reminder. And of course it got me wondering again what he is doing these days. Love you, Bumper, for all eternity and back again! Still so indescribable how strange and sad it is that we can't talk to you (though I know for me that I do talk to you a lot...I just wonder if you have time to hear me.) or see you. But just know I am so proud of you and I know you are finally able to live up to your true potential. We knew you had it in you... and we are so happy knowing that you know this now.

( I just like how these business cards design into my brother's name.)

Just Saying...

2011-05-23T07:05:00.002-06:00

So we had church on Sunday. A family was sitting in front of me. The boys were probably 5 and 7. They both had little handheld devices that held a lot of video games. So the whole time they were playing the games. And once in a while the littlest would say,"Dad, I got shot." or "I killed them." Overall just inappropriate for these kids to have these games in church but even sadder that the parents allowed this. Can't kids go without being entertained for a few hours in a day?

It was sad to me.

Trina & an Artist Palette from New York's Fishs Eddy

2011-05-20T08:26:00.010-06:00

So my nephew Zach had to interview an artist for school. Oh yah- I guess that is me... most of the time. It was cute. (Though a lot of his aunts and uncles and cousins draw...) He asked me different questions like how long I have been drawing...forever I told him. Ever since I can remember. He asked who inspires me... a favorite illustrator of mine is Trina Schart Hyman. LOVE her style. Here are some samples. Just love the intricate and whimsical style she had. (She passed away in 2004.) I can pick out her books a mile away. I have quite a few.

When I was at BYU, we were asked by our illustration professor to choose an illustrator we admired and the assignment was to write to them and ask them questions about their style. And what inspires them...hah- kind of like my nephew was asking me the other day. Funny.

Anyway- she sent me a copy of this book she did. I treasure it. She hand wrote all the answers to my questions for her. Another amazing keepsake!

This book below is from the story she illustrated called Red Riding Hood. Love it. I own it.

This page is from her book called Snow White. Again another one I own. If I had my way, I would collect all of her published works. I am trying...

I don't own this one...Rapunzel. Love it!

Our SU work group just got back from NYC this week and Kathy brought back a cute ceramic artist palette for me from Fishs Eddy in NYC. A cool store. Lots of overstuffed shelves with lots of kitchen treasures and overall fun knick knacks. It's fun to walk through. I enjoy it when I have been there. Thanks, Kathy! Very fun!

Happy Friday!!! Hey- it stopped raining for a little bit this morning! YESSSSSSSSSS! Though it was pouring on the way to work this morning of course. A semi jack-knifed! So the freeway was cut down to 2 lanes for a bit. Sigh. Yes,people---whether it is raining or snowing- you are not immune! Take it easy already. Slow down. Does it really make that much difference if you get to your destination 5 minutes faster? Just a thought.

Yes I like Eeyore but this is getting ridiculous... ; )

2011-05-19T06:49:00.003-06:00

When it rains, I say it is an Eeyore Day. So I have had to say that a little too much lately. I feel like I am back in Vancouver during the winter. That is what a lot of the winters are like in North Van.

I like rain, but it is past the middle of May already!

All I can is that no one better complain about us not having enough moisture this year! I may sick Eeyore on them!!! And he is tough! Hehe.

My Pater

2011-05-18T07:27:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday to my cute dad! I love you. My pater.

Some Flying and a little Dancing with some Feathers

2011-05-17T06:56:00.004-06:00

For YW, we like to have guests come for the girls. Keeps our activities more interesting for the young women and for us as the leaders...

So the end of April we had our Flight Night. Thanks, Lisa! You made the evening so great! I think the YW and YM both enjoyed it. A good reminder to keep the commandments in order to help protect us.

For an earlier activity in the year, we had our Primary President, Sarah, come and teach folk dancing to us and our young women. It was fun. Though the leaders held out longer than the girls did! Hello! Thanks, Sarah, for taking the time in your busy life and missing your son's soccer game! Thanks to Gwen and Chloe for coming to help their mom!

And then for an even earlier in the year activity, we had Lindsey come and show the girls how to make head bands that were adorned with feathers...no, not indian headbands with lots of feathers...but instead, stylish headbands with feathers as an accent. The feathers were flying but it was a fun activity for sure. Thanks, Lindsey!
I think I am caught up with thank you cards for now...

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Keddy Card!

2011-05-15T14:57:00.005-06:00

Hopefully my friend Kelly (or known by me as Keddy) does not follow my blog too much... I drew a birthday card for her and am sending it off to Idaho tomorrow. What a sweet friend she is. And I wish she lived closer! We have lots of laughs and have had fun adventures. A true friend that I can talk to about anything. Miss you, Keddy Munchcliff!!!

Isn't it great to have good friends? I love it. I am blessed with quite a few! Happy Sunday!

(And no- Munchcliff is not her last name either. I just call her that.)

Cute nephew!

2011-05-14T14:18:00.002-06:00

His mom- my sister Deb- took the picture. Such a cute boy! He just turned 9. She got a new camera. So great!

That Sume

HaPpY GrOuNdHoG's EvE dAy!

Love these sketches...

Cute Birthday Bug

Who Nose!

Shine On...

Hates Tuesdays?

My Friend Kathy's Father in Law

Wind and Sails

My Sweetest

Nothing Better...

RABBIT RABBIT

HaPpY NeW YeAr'S EvE!

Mater Christmas to you!

Happy Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas!

Why I need the SIRI Technology...

Too sunny?

Peaceful, Patient, Endearing

A True Peacemaker

Happy Sunday!

Happy Last Day of 10 Days off from Work

Good People

Happy 11-11-11

Happy Birthday, cute Mom

Saved-Up Wishes

“When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.”

Memories

It's an Eeyore day

Lego the Scary!

Paper Toys

Love you, little Plum. Forever.

The New Title of the D&C

Alphabet Game

Spooky and Sweet

No Parking

Thankful and Grateful don't even describe it

Yes

Just a reminder

Grateful for this Weekend

A Card

Cute Google Image...

A Good Reminder...

Another Check...

Patience

A Tire and an Orange Cone

It's For You, Kiley!

STOP IT!

A Little Thanks

Rabbit, Rabbit today

Oh, I Wish I Was...

A Good Sunday

Happy Thursday!

S*I*G*H*

Interesting Use of a Grass Blade

More Joy

Crack Up!

Fun and odd day

Poor Air Quality. Drive Less.

Caring About Each Other

My Favorite Day

Not a Full Understanding

My Own World

Powder blue...woohoo!

Run, Raccoon, Run

Impcrabfrus...a new word

Sawyer Brown...so fun!

Thank You

Been at work for a half hour

Girl's Camp...and Convention

Home is so Amazing!

My Agent is all Fancy!

The "Up" House has been built

Guest Blogger on MDS site

Yes- this is my blog...

Happy Tuesday and a card

Happy United Statesian day!

Agent of Agency

Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day, Canada Day, & Almost Independence Day!

I.P.O.T.R.s

That was weird

SIGH