Time is moving fast!

Wow! It seems like time just keeps speeding up! SLOW DOWN, WILL YA!?! I actually feel pretty calm about Christmas but I just can't believe it's almost here. Holly & Frank fly in tomorrow and after that it's all over. We will party from now until Jan. 1st.

Today Maddie had her Kindergarten Christmas program- so cute. Their teachers helped them make darling Rudolph shirts. They sang songs and recited poems. I love kindergartners! If I was going to teach school (which I'm not!) I would teach Kindergarten. Those kids are so excited about life and they love their teachers. What a fun age!

Now, the questions, one from yesterday, one from today and one for tomorrow ('cause I know I'm not going to have time to get on here).

Do you love, like, tolerate or hate snow?
I think I love/like snow. I think if it's going to be cold it might as well be covered with snow. I love it when all the branches are covered with snow. I don't like to drive in the snow though, I'm too nervous. But when all the family is home safely and I can sit down by the fireplace and a good book, let it snow! (Not that that happens very often, but I can wish!)

Do you remember a favorite gift?
Hmm, trying to think. One year Doug had the pearls we got in HI set in a ring for me. He was so cute he tried to put fake pearls in my jewelry box so I wouldn't notice that they were missing. Then he wrapped the ring in a round box that was full of bath pearls. I LOVE it when he gets so creative. That ring is so special to me because he designed it, plus I can't help but think of our wonderful trip every time I wear it. There were also all three of the years that he gave my jewelry that had the birthstone of our child who was born that year.

When I was a kid Santa was always so good and tried to bring me exactly what I ask for. I remember the year I wanted a green dress coat from Chadwicks so badly. I looked at all my presents and didn't see it anywhere, but there behind my other presents was a big wrapped box, inside was my beautiful coat! I still have that coat, even though it doesn't fit me I can't bear to get rid of it.

Do you get together with extended family over the holidays?
No, not really. I don't yet consider my siblings or Doug's siblings extended family. We get together with Doug's family on Christmas Eve and my family on Christmas Day. We don't see our cousins, aunts, uncles, etc...

How do you decorate you tree?

Good morning! It is a good morning. The last couple of days I've been going to bed a little earlier (usually asleep before 10:30) and then I've been able to easily get up at 6:00. Love it! I love to wake up early but some days it just doesn't work!

Last night we went to Willard Bay and saw the beautiful lights. It's a drive thru light display and a lot of them are animated. It is really fun! We took our hometeacher and his wife with us. They are a wonderful couple who we have grown to love. It was really nice to get to know them even better. What a joy!

How do I decorate my tree? It is all different ornaments. It started out as a Disney tree but it has gradually progressed to a Dr. Seuss & Disney tree. I love it. It is a lot of lime (bright) green and bright red. It is so much fun! Everyone gets a new ornament every year and they all go on this tree. It has colored lights and the snowflakes on top that I showed you before. I am also really loving the big ornaments I've got on star that is 3-d and is probably about 8-12" from one point to the other side. I've also got over sized candy canes and presents, love it! It is just a fun tree.

I have another set of trees in my front room that has white lights with rusty, primitive ornaments. This tree has a completely different feel. It's very "grown-up" and matches. It has old skates and crocheted snowflakes. It is so peaceful!

I have a really small tree (24", very sparse) that only has white lights and blown glass hearts. It sits on my chest in the entry way by my nativity.

We also have a bunch of other little trees but all they have on them is white lights. (I love it, really that's all a tree needs- lights!)

How do you decorate yours?

So, I'm slow!

Sorry, I let myself get quite behind. It has been a fun week, plus to top it off I havn't been feeling great. So, I'll do a quick catch up and then I'll answer all my Christmas questions. If I can get my computer to quite being stupid and let me upload my pictures I'll even post some pictures.

This week was the girls' Tavaci (singing & dancing group) concert. That took up two nights. Katie even had a speaking part, she did a great job. It is so fun to watch them perform and see their cute little personalities come out.

Friday we went and saw the annual nativity display that my mom's ward puts on every year. (Actually only one lady does most of the work.) It is amazing. She had cut down all these branches and had them in pots surrounding all the nativities. They also had a HUGE mural (it covered the entire length of the Relief Society room) of Bethlehem. I'm not sure who had painted it, but it was amazing. Then there are all these displays of nativities. There are a ton of nativities, maybe 100 or more, and they're all from different countries, no two were alike. It is so cool. I love it and appreciate all the hard work they put into the display, it really helps us remember Christ. My kids were amazed that so many different countries celebrated Christ's birth.

On Saturday, I went and did my Dream Dinners (love them! if you don't know about them, ask- they're awesome!). Katie had her piano recital later in the afternoon and then my mom and I left the recital early to head down to Alesa's to watch Savannah in her Christmas play and celebrate Hailey's 1st birthday. We had a great day!

Last night after we got home we all (except Bevan) slept in the family room "under the tree". It is so fun to have kids old enough that we can be doing these fun activities together!

Favorite Christmas song
This one is easy. I LOVE "O Holy Night". But I have to say, I love it very best when a man sings it or Celine Dion sings it. I think it is a song that needs a strong voice to really do it justice.

When did I learn the truth about the "magic" of Christmas?
I'm not really sure, and I know for a fact that my mom never told me. I remember in 4th grade I wrote a story about sneaking out into the family room and seeing my mom and dad, not Santa. But I also remember in 6th grade that I didn't dare admit that I might know the "truth" because Santa might not come. Santa always visited my mom's house, up until just a few years ago. After my dad died I would stay up and help my mom so she didn't have to do it alone. Then the first Christmas I was married, Doug and I stayed at his parents' house on Christmas Eve. When we showed up at my mom's house on Christmas morning, Santa had been there to visit me! I was so surprised and so thrilled! I admit that I think I probably believe in the "magic" of Christmas as much now as I ever have. Our lives have been so richly blessed and our kids are only able to have the wonderful Christmas that they get because of so much "magic" in our lives and the wonderful people who have helped with that magic!

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, when we were growing up we were able to open a gift from my parents (always pj's) and one other gift, usually a small one from a friend. Now, we go to Doug's mom's house for Christmas Eve and Santa usually either shows up with pj's or he'll drop off some gifts that contain pj's. Then we usually get to open gifts from Carol. (Although this year she's doing the 12 days of Christmas so we get to open one everday- I'll write more about that in another post.) The kids get to open gifts from their cousins. It is a crazy, fun time.

I know people get all in a dither about how gifts are not suppose to be the most important thing about Christmas. I know that it's not the most important thing, but I think that the reason we give gifts is the most important thing. The reason we give gifts is to represent the Wise Men coming to visit Christ. It shows our love for each other and that we are thinking about each other. I think it is good to sacrifice a little bit of ourselves, be it time or money, or both, to get something for another person. I don't usually care what kind of gift I get as long as I know that thought was put into it.

Is there a special ornament or decoration that you wouldn't feel like Christmas without?
Hmm, no I don't think so. I am slowly adding to my collection anyway. I don't really have anything that I've had for more than a couple of years. I love Christmas decorations!

Do you take neighbor gifts/treats to anyone, everyone, a select few?
Yup, it is one of my favorite things to do! I love giving people gifts! I don't usually spend very much money, often it is something home made. I do try not to do baked goods (just because there are always so many). We usually give to all our close neighbors and our Home Teaching families & Visiting Teaching sisters. Then a few others who we have gotten to know well.

Is your big meal on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or Christmas afternoon?
I would say our biggest meal is on Christmas Eve at the Austin's house. Carol always does the big turkey dinner with all the fixins. Sometimes there is even ham or roast beef too. I do have to admit that I love that meal. For me, I'm all about easy. I want to play on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so when (if ever) I am in charge of the food I choose foods that can be made ahead and then just thrown in the oven. I remember one year we had manicotti that I made the day before and then just cooked it on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning we usually get together with my family for brunch. I usually am in charge of assigning that food. We try to have things that can be made before hand. Usually breakfast casseroles, fruit, monkey bread, cinnamon rolls (made in a bundt pan) and wassail. It is so good and nobody spends more than a few minutes in the kitchen.

Ok, this is a forever long post, but I am caught up! Now, to go finish my Christmas letter.

Do you have any treats and goodies you like to share?

NO! I seem to be having terrible luck with any cooking lately! Nothing that I make is a hit. One year I did give out those place and bake cookies but that was it.

Candy Canes regular or flavored? Or chocolate covered cherries?

I'm not a huge fan of any kind of candy cane but I definitely prefer the special flavored kinds. I can't stand chocolate covered cherries! Ugh! Too sweet! When I was little I actually used to love them and I can remember my grandma Kathryn used to save the chocolate covered cherries, out of the box of chocolates, for me. I felt really special because she did that!

Short and sweet tonight, but I'm exhausted! I've been working on projects for Christmas. Doing projects is one of my favorite things about Christmas. I actually have to say I am a little sad that Christmas is only a couple of weeks away, because as wonderful as Christmas day is, I actually love the days leading up to it the very most! I love preparing, music, going to Christmas programs. I love the whole thing!

Do you have a Nativity displayed?

Yes! I love my nativity. My mom had a beautiful nativity when we were growing up, and one of my favorite memories is setting it up. I'd been keeping my eye out for one for a few years but could never find one I loved. Until, a couple of years ago, it had been a hard year, Doug's dad died, my Grandma died, Doug's uncle died, family dynamics were all out of whack. Anyway, that year Carol gave me the Willow Tree nativity. I was in love! My very favorite thing about it is the way Mary is holding and loving baby Jesus. That is one thing that always bothered me about most Nativities, I don't believe Mary would have just been standing there or kneeling there looking at her Baby she would be loving and caring for her baby. I love this nativity!

The other nativity I have my mom brought us last year from Jerusalem. It is made of Olive wood. Since olive trees can live so long, I love to think that maybe this tree actually grew where Jesus walked. It holds such special meaning!

What's on top of your tree?

Sorry, I'm slow. Saturday was such a great day, very busy and productive and mostly enjoyable! Doug and I were able to sleep in a little bit. Then I worked on getting the basement shoveled out(my bro-in-laws are going to help Doug frame in a bedroom, hopefully, the day after Christmas), Doug worked on the upstairs and the girls (supposedly) worked on their room. The basement didn't get finished but it looks a lot better. Hopefully, I can get it finished this week.



After that we went and saw Mr. Magorium's Magical Emporium with Doug's mom. Another EXCELLENT show! Definately a must see, must buy show. I'm even wondering if we can find time to go see it again!



Then Doug and the kids went to his mom's house to help her with a couple of things and I came home and prepared a talk for Sacrament Meeting today. Later I put together card kits for a lady who I had promised them to long ago.



Friday night we had a ward party. It was so fun, one of the best I have been to. We ate dinner and then the Young Men helped the kids with a craft and the Young Women wrapped the presents for the family we adopted. There was also a movie going on for the kids. The adults were able to visit and spend time playing an "answer the questions" game. After the children sang to us we were visited by Santa. What fun! Even the bigger kids got to sit on his lap. We live in a wonderful area with wonderful neighbors, we love to spend time with them!



Question of the day: What's on top of your tree? We have 2 giant snowflakes! I love them. I have had a beautiful procelain angel that Alesa and Holly gave us the first year we were married and I loved it so much! But, as my tree took a turn from being matchy, matchy white lights, glass blown hearts and candy canes to crazy Disney and Dr Seussy ornaments the Angel just didn't seem to match anymore. I found these giant snowflakes and knew they would be perfect!

Traditions

What is my favorite tradition? I don't know. I love it all! I just love traditions. And just ask Holly, if we've done it once it becomes a tradition! I love that we always got new pj's for Christmas and that my kids still get new pj's. (They usually end up getting 2 pair- one from Santa (Carol) and one from me and Doug. ) When Santa started bringing the pj's we decided that we couldn't give them pj's on Christmas Eve so we started a tradition of the kids opening the pj's on Christmas night. It's kind of nice, when everything has slowed down and people are ready for bed they get to open one more present.

We also got ornaments every year, now my kids get ornaments from Santa at our "grandma party".

I love that we have traditions that were mine and Doug growing up and now we have made them part of our family's traditions.

When do you start decorating?

I start decorating whenever I feel like it. I always feel like starting to decorate in about October but I refuse to start before Thanksgiving, although this year I almost put up a "Thanksgiving tree"! I usually wish that I could start on Thanksgiving afternoon but we are usually busy having too much fun to get the decorations out. So I try to start that weekend sometime and then it takes me a week or so to get them all out. I have to say, without Doug, none of the decorations would be up. I actually don't really enjoy decorating the tree, but I LOVE to do all the rest of the decorations. Doug is so good and gets the lights on the tree and set up. Then the kids decorate the tree and I fix it later. This year was nice because the kids were tall enough to actually get the oranments up high and Katie was old to understand to not put them all in one spot! Maybe one day I will post a few pictures because I have to say, I LOVE my house at Christmas time!

I have also been very grateful for people with my decorating. One year, I was sick so I sat on the couch and watched Doug decorate the tree. Another year, I was on bedrest and Alesa came and decorated my tree for me! How grateful I am for these people!

Last night Katie's class was able to do the program at Zion's bank "lights on" ceremony (that's when they turn on the tree). She had a speaking part and the whole class sang songs. Of course, I forgot my camera (bad mom!) but my mom had hers, unfortunately I didn't know she was there until the program was over. But, we got some great pictures of the kids visiting Santa. Although Bevan wouldn't sit on his lap, that big white beard it a little intimidating! Katie is a little on the fence with believing, but if you look at this picture she looks pretty in much in awe! Oh, I love Christmas!!!!!

Hey, look what I did!

Look what I did! Woo Hoo! Thanks Rachelle! This is going to be a fun thing to play with, but I have to admit, it's taking some time. What do you think? Is it too busy? Too hard to read? Let me know, I CAN change it! Wow! Maybe I'm not as old as I think I am! :)

Mistletoe?

Nope, no mistletoe in this house. Kissing is just gross so we don't do that around here! :) No, there really is no mistletoe. I don't know why not, just never thought about it. We always had mistletoe hanging at my mom's house. For a few years it was even real mistletoe. hmmm... maybe I'll have to get some.

One of the highlights of my Christmas season happened yesterday, I received my Christmas card from Brik & Susan. They are my Bro-in-law's aunt and uncle who I met because I scrapbook for them. (Brik says he should just pay my house mortgage for me, but that's not true!) Anyway, Susan has the best sense of humor and she always writes the funniest letters. I look forward to her letters all year and then, after they come, pull them out every couple of days to get a good laugh. She doesn't talk about all the sappy, wonderful things her kids do, instead she talks about them dropping phones and cameras into the lake or her little boy running naked through McDonald's. Real. life. Love it!

Questions

I've been ask where I got the questions. I will attempt to link the blog. Sophia is a lady I have known through scrapbooking for quite a while. I enjoy reading her blog because she is such a fun writer! Small world, she actually lived in IN while my brother was on his mission (and knew him quite well!)

http://sophiacorbridge.typepad.com/sentimentsbysophia/2007/12/christmas-blogg.html

Hopefully that will work. I've not taken the time to learn all the fancy things about blogging so, I pretty much do it the "uncool" way.

Wrapped or unwrapped?

At our house santa brings some of the presents wrapped and some unwrapped. Santa decided that for little kids opening the gifts is half the fun! So, anything that is in a box is wrapped. There are always gifts that are arranged cutely by their stockings.

When I was growing up Santa never wrapped anything (until we got older then it seemed like the "big" gift that we really wanted would be wrapped- helped it be more suspensful!) everything was sitting in our piles around the family room. One of my best memories of Santa gifts involved Travis's, not mine. He must have been around 10 or so and he wanted a gun (I think it was a BB gun) so bad. Well, we had looked at everything from Santa and we were starting play with things, I even think some of us had moved into the kitchen to get breakfast. It was obvious Travis was a little disappointed but I don't remember that he had said anything. Well, my dad was looking around under the tree, when he said; "What's this I see back here?" That sneaky Santa had hidden Travis's gun behind the Christmas tree! What fun!

Picture is Katie's and Maddie's presents from Santa in 2006. Yes, the monkey and the bear are their stockings. About 15 years ago Holly made us all "Stuffed animal stockings" and since then when new family members come along we make a new one. Oh, speaking of which, I still don't think Bevan has one... I better get working on that!

Favorite Holiday Dish

What's my favorite holiday dish. Hmm, we don't have too many "Traditional" foods that we eat. Our traditions keep changing as we try to make time to be with everyone who we love to spend time with on Christmas. Of course I love the turkey that we eat on most Christmas Eve's. For years now we've had "Monkey Bread" on Christmas morning. Yum! This year we need to make 2 of them because we have been running out.

I have many food memories from my youth. When I was young we would go to my grandma Meikle's house every Christmas Eve. Oh, I have such "warm" memories. She would always have her fireplace going. And we would get to drink hot apple cider out of her good china mugs. (I love my grandma's china so much. I wish I could get my hands on a pattern like it!) Then we would always have ham on a roll (with a mixture of mayo & mustard) along with macaroni shrimp salad. I can't think of that salad without thinking of my dad- he loved it! We would open presents from my Grandparents and cousins and we'd act out the nativity (a tradition I try to continue with my children, in some way). Every year my grandpa would tell us that he had set a trap for Grandpa. Thank goodness, he never did catch him, but santa never would never visit my grandpa! Then my uncle from Minnesota would call and report that he just got up and checked and Santa had already been there so we needed to hurry home so he could come to our house! Oh, it was a wonderful night, wonderful traditions. I was so lucky to be a child in my family!

Picture is from 2006 with Alesa's family.

Egg nog or hot chocolate?

Question of the day- Hmm, this is a hard one for me, I actually really like both. But I think if I had to choose one, it would be egg nog, no hot chocolate, no egg nog... Hmm, I just don't know, they both have their good things. I love Cream Of Weber egg nog with a little bit of Sprite in it. But on a cold day, nothing beats a good hot chocolate, especially mint. When Doug and I were working on the house we lived on 7-11 hot chocolate! Then when Doug was working there he became quite addicted! Last year Doug's mom gave us a Cocoa-latte machine- it makes having hot chocolate so much fun and easy. Only problem with it is, I wish it held a little bit more!

Last night we went to Doug's work party. This is always a fun event. We get to get dressed up and go eat a wonderful meal and I get to meet some of the people Doug spends the majority of his day with. Really, the best thing about the whole night is I get to get dressed up. I even got to carry my sparkly purse that Holly gave me at her wedding. What fun! While we were at the party it snowed about 6"! It was beautiful! Covering everything! The girls ran right out and played in the snow and then were back out there again this afternoon! Maybe I'll have to go out and make a snowman with them!

Christmas lights

The lady who writes one of the blogs that I read pretty regularly has a holiday topic for everyday. Today's is Christmas lights- colored or white. How fun! I think I'll join in, feel free to join us.

For me I LOVE white lights. We do have colored light on our big tree- the one that's full of Disney & Dr. Seuss ornaments, but everything else is white. Outside we have white lights on the roof and icicle lights on the eyebrows. This is trauma every year for poor Doug, but he does it for me because he loves me!

So thankful!

I have so much to be thankful. Below is a list, in no particular order. I know this list isn't complete but it's a start!

1- Doug
2- Katie
3- Maddie
4- Bevan
5- Mom
6- Carol
7- My sisters
8- Doug's siblings
9- my grandparents
10- Doug's grandparents
11- Katie's & Maddie's teachers
12- the Gospel
13- my ward
14- my home
15- my van
16- my grass (what little there is)
17- our neighbors who brought us a truckload of sod
18- snow (to cover up the mud)
19- my sister's husbands (and the fact that they let my sisters play with me!)
20- Travis & Juli
21- PTA
22- friends (old & new)
23- neighbors
24- sandpiles
25- washing machines
26- dishwashers
27- fireplaces
28- camping trips
29- camp fires
30- Bear Lake
31- Sunshine
32- Sun glasses
33- nieces
34- nephews
35- Christ
36- naptime (equals my quiet time)
37- Dancing with the Stars
38- Annette
39- Scrapbooking
40- Scrapbooking friends
41- foot zoning
42- Doug's job
43- my job
44- pretty dresses for little girls
45- "little man" clothes
46- cute shoes
47- jewelry
48- Pinching Your Pennies (look it up www.pinchingyourpennies.com)
49- computers
50- cell phones (especially pink ones)
51- hair color
52- deodorant
53- hugs
54- kisses
55- Primary
56- paint colors
57- ladders
58- big blue eyes (especially on little faces)
59- flowers
60- Christmas
61- calendars
62- blogs
63- answering machines
64- post-it notes
65- labeling machines
66- books
67- movie theatres
68- electicity
69- indoor plumbing
70- my bathtub
71- parks
72- mp3 players
73- Dance Factory
74- American Girl Dolls
75- Christmas Trees
76- running shoes
77- Kitchen Aid
78- Christmas Music
79- Double ovens
80- digital cameras
81- Blaine
82- My dad
83- beds that are made
84- gloves
85- peppermint oil
86- antiques
87- comfortable office chairs
88- Firehouse restaurant
89- Old Grist Mill
90- Baby blankets
91- Telephones
92- German Pancakes
93- Curly Noodle soup
94- Dream Dinners
95- My Fitness trainer (www.myfitnesstrainer.com)
96- Bowflex
97- Mr Clean Magic Erasers
98- this holiday season
99- DVR
100- lap top computers!

Catching up!

Ok, first and most important! :) How do I change the color of my blog? I really want it to have a more Christmas feel but I can't figure it out! I also want a picture at the top but I can't figure out how to make it fit. All those of you who are smarter than me (most of you!) give me some hints! I've decided that's how you know you're old, when you can't keep up with technology!

I've been busy this last week or so. It's all been fun, but busy. I've been reading everyone else's blogs listing all their things they are thankful for. I've been very touched! I have so much to be thankful for. I know that I can't list everything but maybe I'll try a few.

We had a great Thanksgiving (week). We had dinner with my family on Wed. night, fun times! Good food what more can you want! Then we went out to Doug's mom's house on Thurs. We helped her with some stuff and went to the movies Enchanted. Excellent movie! Probably one of the best I've seen in a VERY long time! I can hardly wait to go see it again. We spent the whole next day quoting the movie! It was a great family movie, very clean, but very smart. If you go, make sure you watch all the details. Love it!

On Friday, Alesa (my sis) talked me into going shopping and out to breakfast. We usually go shopping at 5am but we decided there was nothing that was that important. So we decided to go at 7:00. We went to Al's, Old Navy, Shopko, KMart,Beadles and breakfast at Angie's. We went to all these places before 11 am and still were able to get almost everything we wanted. Now, that's what I call good shopping on Black Friday! Afterwards, we went to Doug's moms and had Thanksgiving dinner with his family. We had a great time! Unfortunately, we don't get to see them very often! That night we went to Preston to see the parade of lights and drove around to see all the other lights.

Saturday, Mom, Alesa and I went to lunch and to Novemberfest (a craft fair). That night was Savannah's birthday party. Sunday was a little more calm. We went to church and then came home and made a turkey. Later Alesa brought her kids over to have Doug take their pictures in their Christmas clothes. We tried to get our kids pictures too, but boy were they ornery! I'm sure we'll be taking them again! It was a fun week, but by Monday I was ready to get the kids back to school and have somewhat of a schedule!

Veteran's Day

Yes, I know this post is almost a week past Veteran's day, but on Friday I was able to go see Katie sing in their school's veteran's day assembly. I wasn't planning on going (because Fri. was an out of control busy day) but then I found out the whole school of singing and I felt like I needed to go to support Katie. I guess this is a big deal at their school, such a big deal that they felt like it was worth the time and energy it took to bus the kids over to the high school so they could hold it in the larger auditorium. The entire elementary school was there along with many parents and veterans the parents had brought with them. I wish I could have taken a veteran with me...

Anyway, it was a wonderful assembly, especially for an elementary school. They had the flag brought in by the cub scouts and then about 6 kids from the school gave some wonderful talks. Their main speaker was teacher who was an active National Guard member and who has been deployed twice, once stateside and once to Iraq. He talked about veterans and how much he respects and appreciates them and he also talked about Iraq and the improvements that have happened there thanks to our military. It was obvious from him that he thought they were where they needed to be. Wow! Such perspective!

The entire student body sang many songs, including the one that is the different branches of the military. Maddie told me her favorite was the "Thank you Veterans" one because it was so nice. they had all the veterans stand during this song and the students took red, white and blue carnations around to all of them. I cried. I usually cry over anything patriotic (see post about voting). I love this country and I am SO grateful for the men and women who made it the incredible place it is. Both of my Grandpa's and both of Doug's grandpas served in WWII. Our dad's were both lucky because neither got sent to Vietnam but my dad did serve for 4 years in the National Guard. I know that these men's life was never the same after their time in the war, but I know that we live in a better world because of their service and sacrifice. I now know a girl whose husband is in Iraq, I often think of the sacrifice that she is making, how hard that must be. I am so humbled and grateful. If you know someone who is serving or who has served, be sure to tell them thank you. No matter what our political views are, we must be grateful to those who have made this incredible country what it is!

These pictures are two of my grandpa Meikle's medals from WWII. He made a beautifal cedar shadow box and displayed the medals in his house a couple of years before he died. Also, I have included a picture of him. (Unfortunately I do not have any digital pictures of my other grandpa's who have served but I am so grateful to them too.)

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Today is Doug's birthday. Number 39! Can you believe, he married some one so much younger than him?!? ;) hee, hee! Doug is such a great husband and dad. He is my friend and my partner and he puts up with so much. I feel like in the time we've been married we've been through just about everything! He is so strong and stable. He is always there, supporting, loving and quietly reminding me to keep myself in control. He has such a level head, very seldom reacting out of anger or not thinking through his actions. He works so hard, often working 2 jobs and then coming home and helping around the house. He never complains about my housecleaning (or lack of it). He gladly helps out and even folds the clothes! What a man! If any of you are wondering how a real man acts, this is it!

I love this picture of Doug. We took this while we were in Tulum (on our cruise), it is so Doug. He is in his element with his camera, goofy hat and something historical in the background! I love you Doug, here's to another 50 years!

Scrapbooking (or maybe the word should be papercrafting)

I was able to spend this Friday and Saturday scrapbooking, or maybe it should be called papercrafting. I have a group of ladies that I have scrapbooked with for the last 6-7 years. The group used to be quite large but now because of people moving and life changes (miss you guys!) we are down to about 5 that are regulars. We try to get together every other month but it doesn't usually happen. These weekends are therapeutic for me! We get to spend 2 days (and usually late into the night) visiting, laughing, commiserating and enjoying each other. We always get to eat good food and of course we scrapbook! (Although this weekend I did a couple of crafts and a WHOLE bunch of Christmas cards.) I've been thinking about this need I have to do this. I've decided that it is the whole activity together. Sure it's fun to get together, and I LOVE the joy of saving my families memories or making a cute decorations for my home and, of course, I love eating good food. But really, they all go together. I come home physically exhausted, this old body is not use to staying up so late, but emotionally and mentally I am rejuvenated. I can face life again and guess what, I really like my kids! There is something about looking at those pictures and remembering the good memories that makes me appreciate what I have and how wonderful my life is. I know some people think scrapbooking is a silly hobby- a waste of time, money, etc... but to me it is my life line. It is my "quilting bee." And along the way I am hopefully creating something that will let my children know how important they are to me and how important Doug is to me and what my values are. I've also been very blessed because for the last 9 years scrapbooking has also been a way for me to bring in a little extra income. Wow! Am I a lucky girl or what!?!

Along these same lines I have to give a major shout out to Doug! These wonderful weekends would not happen without him. He is so good to let me go and he totally takes care of the kids. He gets them to where they need to be and he even gets work done around the house. Thanks Doug! Love ya!

Maybe tomorrow I will post some pictures of my projects I did. I love them!

Did you vote today?

Did you vote today? No matter what you vote for or against, I think it is SO important to vote. How privileged we are to live somewhere that we can let our opinions be heard without fear. Besides, if you don't vote, you have no right to complain! ;)

Katie Parent Teacher

I got to spend this entire last week with Katie. It was really fun to have her home. I think I would like my kids on year-round school, as long as they could all be on it! Anyway, she was out for UEA, teacher work day, and parent teacher conferences. She had a really good parent teacher conference. For some reason, instead of giving them A,B,C,D grades they give them a 1-4 grade, 4 is the highest. Katie did really well, she got 4's on everything but one she got a 3 on, and then there is spelling, she got a 1! Ugh! Her dad says "if you only know one way to spell a word, you have no imagination." Unfortunately the school doesn't agree with this, they think there is only one way to spell a word! :) Katie spells the words very phonetically, usually if you say them outloud you can figure out exactly what she is saying! Her teacher was very positive and just emphasized how much harder she has to work and that she can do it! Her teacher also said that Katie is a very positive girl and a hard worker. She tries her hardest and follows what the teacher says. All the kids made paper mache' heads that looked like them. They took clothes to school and put the heads on top of the clothes in their desks. So cute! Katie had even made a head band for her girl, so cute! We love Katie's teacher. This is only her second year teaching. She is very energetic and positive and demanding. The perfect qualities for a teacher for Katie! (or Kathryn as she likes to go by at school).

Yes, I'm corrupting my kids!

Ok, I'm doing it! I am brainwashing my kids! This last Mon & Tues was UEA convention. Of course, my mom wanted to go to it so she took the girls with her to the rally against School Vouchers. (For those of you who don't live in our state or have been in a cave for the last 6 months) vouchers are a highly charged battle that will be voted on this next Tues. I have never really participated in something I have felt so strongly about. Anyway, the girls were there with all those teachers cheering and clapping, when it was over all the teachers took a sign and carried them around the Salt Palace and then stood on the steps. (During all this time I was in the car with Bevan who was asleep) Anyway, I drove up just as they were walking down the sidewalk, can you believe I started to cry?!? I didn't cry because I was so moved by them telling us to vote against Referendum 1 and I didn't cry because my kids were being "used" to hold signs. I cried because I am so grateful for the freedoms that we have. I'm glad that we can "discuss" this with other people and still be friends when we are done. When the girls saw me they were so excited because they were going to be in the newspaper. I guess the Park City newspaper interviewed them and took their picture. I wasn't able to get a "hard" copy of the newspaper but Alesa was able to find it on the web, if you want to see it you can click here - http://www.parkrecord.com/education/ci_7322976 Katie wasn't quite sure if she was suppose to be for or against the referendum but she told the reporter "I am not for sale!" I know that Katie doesn't really understand what is going on but she walked around with Doug to get the petition signed last spring so this could get put on the ballot and since then she has been obsessed with what has been going on. Hmm, maybe one day she'll be our president! (or at least the president of the PTA!) BTW, if you click on the picture it will get bigger and you can see how cute the kids are. Also, Alesa's kids are there and Aunt Holly and Grandma Meikle.

We're off to see the wizard!

Well, it's the end of another fun Halloween. Have I mentioned I love Halloween? The kids and I plan for months what their costumes will be and then the day (and sometimes the week before) are filled with fun and activity. This year the kids were all Wizard of Oz characters. (Inspired by my dress from Holly's wedding :) ) Katie was Dorothy, complete with ruby slippers. Maddie was Glinda, the good witch and Bevan was a munchkin straight from the lollipop guild. We made his hair crazy, and he loved it. I fixed it in the morning and all day he went around showing me how excited he was with it.

Today Katie was out of school so she was able to go with me to see Maddie's school costume parade. Then we came home and made chili and finger jello. Followed by a night of trick or treating. Doug's mom came and spent the evening with us, so fun to have her here. She kept Doug from getting too spooked by all the little spooks! The girls loved trick or treating and would have gone all night. It took Bevan a while to figure it all out but loved seeing all the other kids dressed up. What a fun night!

Maddie Parent Teacher

I thought I would let you all know what a wonderful little girl we have. Today Maddie and I got to go to her parent teacher conference. It was a great experience. Her teacher is SO positive. She's been teaching kindergarten for years and I could really tell that she knows what she is doing with these kids.

She said that Maddie is a very positive girl who is very socially mature. She wants to learn and always cleans up after herself and takes good care of her things. She has a little bit of a problem following directions (something I've known for quite a while), she just gets too easily distracted. We're going to work on that. Her goals are to count to 30 and practice writing with lowercase letters. Can you believe she is already learning to read?

The other day she came in with her notebook, (thanks grandma Austin) that she loves and carries with her everywhere, I was surprised with the words that she had already learned to spell and write. She loves to write and draw and loves going to school.

Ranting

Maddie has been begging to go to McDonald's (she likes their toys) for weeks. Since she had parent teacher conferences today I told her I would take her. Well, we get there and I order for her and Bevan and then placed my order for a South West salad. And guess what!?! THEY DON'T HAVE THEM ANYMORE!!!! What was I suppose to do? Ugh! I was so upset. I went ahead and ordered the Asian salad. I didn't really like it. UGH! Ok, so it's not the end of the world, but I think it may be the end of our trips to McDonalds. I even went as far as to write to McDonald's and complain.

Sorry to rant, but those were one of my very favorite foods.

Very belated Happy Birthday Maddie!

Well, after much technical difficulty with Maddie's birthday pictures, I finally have them.

Maddie's birthday was last Sunday (Oct. 7) but we had a birthday party on Sat. She invited Savannah, Dallin, MaKaylee, and of course Katie. The theme was High School Musical and a good time was had by all! Maddie wanted to paint her hair black so she would look like Gabriella (from the show) but I did put my foot down with that. She was excited when she woke up and there was a High School Musical Happy Birthday Banner, and cups, and plates, and a table cloth. What fun! She was soooo excited!

We started the party with the kids making their own pizzas. Then we had a pinata while the pizzas cooked. Then they ate the pizza and finger jello. Afterwards Maddie opened her presents. Everyone was so generous! And then the cupcake cake that was a dotted eighth note with pictures of the High School Musical characters. I think it was a success!

The next day we had Grandma Austin over for dinner and a little Dance Factory and she brought Maddie some darling clothes. Maddie thought her birthday should go on forever and was actually a little disappointed that we didn't get to celebrate it on Monday!

Maddie is such a fun girl. She is in kindergarten this year and is doing so well. She loves to write and I am surprised at the words she can already spell. She has been my shadow for the last few years, attending all my meetings and appointments with me. She loves to play with her friends and she loves to dress up and be a princess. Every Monday night we watch Dancing with the Stars and she puts on her high heeled dress up shoes and dances with them. Maddie is a joy! She always tries to make you feel good. We love Maddie and are so happy she's part of our family!

Checking in

Well, when I started this blog I promised myself that I wouldn't go days in between posts. Well, I've not really had anything to say this week. You know, just life. Actually I am usually very grateful when it's "just life" 'cause that usually means that there is no drama. (a good thing)

Last week I went into the dentist with a toothache, they said it was a cavity and to come in the next day and have it filled. When I went in the Dentist said that it was actually a crack. So after he removed 1/4 of my tooth and replaced the filling I was in PAIN! He said if it would have been even a milimeter bigger I would have had to have a root canal. Also I have to watch it to make sure the tooth doesn't break and I have to have a cap. So far things are looking good. It is still cold sensitive and sore in the morning but it's ok. Funny, my cousin mentioned on her blog that she had the same thing happen. She blamed it on pregnancy, you know as I think about it, that's about when it started hurting. hmm, those babies, really wreck havoc on our bodies, good thing they're so cute!

We celebrated Maddie's 6th birthday this weekend. I'll post pictures and more details later.

Katie's teacher ask me to go on a field trip with their class this Wed. I'm so excited. I haven't been able to work it our so I can volunteer in the classrom this year so I am thrilled that I get to spend this time with them! Maybe I can even take some pictures!

Oh, and we had snow on Sat. It was cold and yucky! But I have to admit it's kind of fun! (Also a good excuse to not have to be working in the yard.)

Pampered Chef

Ok, I just have to mention it, I did a Pampered Chef show the other night. I wanted to give anyone the opportunity to order (if you would like). The show closes on Tues, so if you want, do it before then. Just go to www.pamperedchef.biz/audreyhoffman and put in my name when they ask for a hostess. You can have it shipped directly to you or it can come to me and I can get it to you. I'm also going to share the recipe she made at my party. It was so YUM!

Jerk Chicken Nachos

6 cups tortilla chips
3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
2 tbs Jamaican Jerk Rub
1 small yellow or red pepper or combination
1 lime
1 tbs snipped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sour cream and 1 teaspoon additional Jamaican Jerk Rub

preheat oven to 425. Arrange tortilla chips in a slightly overlapping layer on Large round stone.

Combine chicken, cheese and 1 tbs of the jerk rub. Sprinkle over tortilla chips. Bake 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, dice bell pepper. Juice 1/2 of lime into peppers and 1 tbs of Jerk rub.

Spoon bell pepper mixture over nachos; sprinkle snipped cilantro over nachos. If desired, combine sour cream and additional jerk rub in resealable plastic bag; trim corner to allow sour cream to flow through. Pipe sour cream mixture over nachos. Garnish with lime slices.

Tagged

Ok, I've been tagged with this one twice. I haven't been avoiding it, I just can barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone what I did 10 years ago. Good thing I've started this blog, now I'll have some sort of journal!

1.) What I was doing ten years ago: September 1997. Hmmm, that was so long ago. I was working for the University, probably for the Forest Resources department, although this could have been about the time I started with the RS/GIS Lab. I did accounting for those departments. I was still taking classes, still trying to decide what direction I wanted to take. I was wanting to have a baby and being worried it would never happen.

2.) Five years ago: September 2002. Let's see, I had a 3 year old and an almost 1 year old. I think I was just finishing up managing Scrapbook Station and was getting ready (although I didn't know it) to take care of my Grandma Kathryn. I know this was a busy, stressful time of life. That job was hard, I was serving in the Young Women and my girls required a lot of my time.

3.) One year ago: September 2006. Last year, that doesn't seem to long ago, but I can't remember. Well, I think I was still trying to get used to having a third baby. It always takes me a while for that. I overprotective of Bevan due to his health problems when he was born. I was taking Maddie to preschool 2 days/week. I was PTA president (2nd year in a row) at Sunrise and was volunteering in Katie's class once per week. Maybe that's why it's hard to remember, it was not an outstanding time, just normal life. But a great life!

4.) Yesterday: September 27, 2007. Yesterday, I did the same thing I do everyday, picked up rocks. Actually I worked outside most of the day. I got my feet zoned and went shopping with my mom for some new clothes. (Maybe later we can talk about the reason she needed new clothes :) )

5.) 5 snacks I enjoy: Hmm, if it's food I probably like it, unfortunately.

6.) 5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million: Pay off all our bills, save so we would never have to worry about money again, travel, pay tithing, give money to people/charities in need. Wouldn't that be fun!

7.) 5 locations I would like to run away to: a warm beach, a warm climate cruise, LA -DisneyLand and American Girl Place, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, oh, I think that's more than 5, don't worry the list probably never quits.


9.) 5 things I like doing: Playing, shopping with coupons, spending time alone with Doug (never get to do), watch Bevan grow, hang with my sisters.

10) 5 TV shows I like: Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Biggest Loser, Law & Order, Grey's Anatomy

11.) 5 things I hate doing: picking up rocks, cleaning my room, picking up rocks, cleaning the girls' room, picking up rocks

12.) 5 Biggest joys of the moment: Doug, my kids, the green grass growing where we've already picked up rocks, friendships, my faith

I now have to tag 5 people: I'm not tagging anyone because I don't know anyone who actually reads this blog other than Alesa and Holly and Doug and they've already done it. Except Doug, but he's already been tagged.

I'm home, by way of Las Vegas!

I'm home from an absolutely fabulous weekend! Wow! I couldn't believe what an incredible weekend it was. It was a weekend full of laughs and adventures! I'll tell you about some of them. Especially our biggest one.

During the weekend Alison, Becky and I talked much and had many "therapy" sessions. We were laughing about how Alison needs to always have things planned. Well, this weekend was full of non-plans the biggest being when we were on our way home. Becky dropped us off at the airport about 8pm. We went straight to our gate and were waiting for our flight. There was an announcement over the speaker, I thought I knew what they said but I wasn't positive. I went and ask the ticket agent and they said they were over booked. She said that I could be bumped and they would have me home by 9am. We would also get $200 to use toward another ticket. Without even thinking about it I agreed. I ask Alison and after a few phone calls she agreed to join me. What we didn't realize was that they were flying us to Las Vegas and then we would fly home at 6am. Wow! What an adventure. We didn't get into Vegas until 11pm then had to be up bright and early. Oh, by the way, we actually got $270.49 in ticket vouchers. Yeah! Now Doug and I can go on a fun trip. Thanks to everyone who helped with my kids this morning! Just in case you don't believe we were really in Vegas, we took a picture in front of a slot machine - no, there was no gambling while there!



Now, the fun trip! Becky picked us up at the airport and we went to a YUMMY Italian buffet. It was so cute inside we felt like we were on the streets of Italy, complete with water fountains and trees!


After that we went to Ulta (a makeup/salon store) and talked to the funniest make-up lady from Poland who told us we were "Hot". That quickly became the theme of our weekend! All her flattery worked because we definately spent enough money there! :)



Then we took a beautiful drive up to the mountains to a beautiful town called Grand Lake. It is a very Park City/Jackson Hole type town. We went to a small theatre and watched a WONDERFUL musical tribute to Frank Sinatra called "My Way". (Oh, btw, when I die I want the song My Way sung at my funeral) We then stayed at Becky's friend's cabin. Wow! I could have just stayed there forever. It was a million $ plus cabin right on the lake. It felt like heaven. Oh, Tim Allen is one of their neighbors.



Saturday was full of listening to Becky sing, a tour of Denver, seeing the LDS Temple, shopping for "Fradas" (fake Pradas) (which were still too expensive!) eating, touring the Molly Brown house, and of course TONS of laughter. When we went to bed that night we all had sore muscles from laughing SO hard! Becky's boyfriend took us all to the Hibachi Grill for dinner where Alison and I tried Sushi for the first time. Hmm, that was an experience in itself. We once again laughed so hard that I'm surprised they didn't kick us out! Thanks Rob, for the great time! (Oh, I can't forget the large blue bear, the biggest tourist attraction in Denver right now!)



Sunday we were able to go to church and feel of the great spirit in that ward. We ate a YUMMY dinner with Rob's family followed up with more talking and laughing. And of course our cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (left over from the day before).



We had such a great time. And an interesting realization, I knew that I would have fun and I thought it would be a great break for me but little did I know how it would change me. I didn't realize how much I have "lost" my true self. I came home feeling like I wanted to be a better person, a better wife and a better mom. I want to be more "fun" and remember that life doesn't have to be so serious. I am lucky to have these incredible friends of 20 years! They are both incredible women who have both had some serious trials but have come out more beautiful and stronger than ever before. Thanks you guys for the incredible time! Thanks especially Becky for the hospitality!



Do not protect yourself with fences, but rather with friends.

More pictures

Couldn't put all the pictures on one post so I thought I'd post them here!

Becky singing with her version of the Mormon Taberbernacle Choir.














Hibachi Grill, fun times!
















Where's Alison? (You know, like Where's Waldo) In front of the Molly Brown house. It really was quite amazing!
















Ahh, it's nice to be home. Beautiful view coming home through Sardine Canyon. Notice the first snow of the season!

Lucky number 3!

Three, that seems to be the lucky number this morning.

Three days that I have made my bed in the morning. Now, I know that to some that's not a big deal but to me it is. I don't know why making my bed seems so hard, but it does. I do know when my bed is made I tend to keep my room cleaner. hmm... Oh, the girls' beds are made too! That makes 3 beds made this morning!

Three days, that's how long I get to be in Denver. What's in Denver you say, well, this weekend there will be 3 good friends from High School. Alison and I are going to visit our friend Becky. Watch out Denver, it will never be the same!!!! I'm so excited, and did I mention there won't be 3 kids there with me?!? Oh, I guess that means 3 days without blogging. Don't worry, I'll be back on Monday.

Three days of exercise so far this week. Hooray, I'm hoping to make it 5 days before the weeks over.

Fifteen minutes (that's 3 - 5 minute increments) I spent cleaning the girls bedroom and I didn't even yell once! Oh, but I did claim 3 dresses that were on the ground after I ask them to clean them up.

I did have 3 visiting teaching appointments today, but 2 cancelled so that leaves me more time to write this silly post!

Ok, and my most important #3, my three kids. Love them! This is a funny picture, definately not their cutest but I thought it was great. Doug took it while we were in San Francisco for Holly's wedding. The one on top definately shows them at their cutest. You almost could believe they are as perfect as I think they are! (Hee, hee!)

Have I ever mentioned I live in the most beautiful place?

Good morning! I was up early this morning. I love it when I wake up early, I usually don't have all that easy of a time getting up. Anyway, I had been up for about an hour when I looked out my window and saw this...








It reminded me of the quote "May you have just enough clouds to make a beautiful sunset". (Something like that) I think that applies to sunrises too.

Love it! I love the changing seasons, although everyone takes an adjustment. I love that it's different, and I love Fall. It is most beautiful and enjoyable. Oh, and did I mention it is peach season? Yum!

I think I will make "Pam's Peach Dessert" today. I'll definately share that recipe. Yummy, yummy! Oh, just in case you were wondering, last night's "Left over Chicken Pie" recipe was a bust. I thought it was ok, but the rest of the fam just kind of tolerated it. Oh, except Bevan, he loved it, but he's kind of like Mikey, he loves everything!


Pam's Peach Dessert

25 each vanilla creme cookies and vanilla wafers crushed (Can use just vanilla wafer- just use extra)

mix with 1 square butter

Pat into 9x13 pan

Mix:

2 - 8oz cream cheese softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 cup cool whip

Spread over crust

Bring to a boil:

1/2 cup O.J. concentrate (from can)

2 cups water

1 cup sugar

1 Tbl cornstarch (I actually used almost 2 TBL)

Stir until thick then add: (it took me a LONG time to get it thick)

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Cool

Mix sauce with 6 cups sliced peaches and put on top of cream cheese. Chill for 3 hours.

Try it, you'll love it. Oh, I got this recipe from Alesa who got it from Pam from her ward.

Well, I'm off to deliver the kiddos. Make it a great one!

Can you believe it?

I just had to share. I am so surprised. I am finally starting to get my life back to "normal". We have been working so hard on our yard that this summer has been absolutely nuts! Our yard is not done yet but I have kind of taken a break from it. (Actually I only pick up rocks for 1/2 hour/day) Anyway, since the girls have been in school I am starting to get myself on a schedule. I am actually getting housework done and getting laundry done (before we run out of clothes). And this is the amazing part - I AM ACTUALLY ENJOYING IT! Can you believe it, ME liking to straighten up and cook dinner. Wow! What's up! Doug has taken a second job mowing lawns so he is gone until at least 7:00pm (That means he leaves at 5 am and gets home around 7pm- what a hard worker!) and guess what, I have dinner ready when he gets home. And on the days he gets home earlier I try to have dinner ready by 4:00. This is amazing. I haven't cooked dinner since Maddie was born. I am actually going to try a new recipe tonight that I got off "Good Things Utah" if it turns out good I'll share.

Great quote!

Saw this quote on one of the other blogs I visit often. Wow! Love it! As I contemplate some changes I want to make in my life this quote hit me.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~Nelson Mandela

Today has been an emotional day. Actually the last couple have been. Yesterday, I was reading the newspaper and flipped the page to the obits and there staring at me was a picture of a girl I had gone to school with. A girl who would have even been considered a friend who kept in touch with me, off and on until about 2 years ago. This girl tried so hard. She loved so easily and wanted to be loved in return. She had so many things counting against her. When she was 3 she was adopted by a family who loved her and tried to make her happy but I think her first few years of life must have been so hard, and too much for her to overcome. I found out today that when she was born she only weighed 2 lbs 11ozs. That is a tiny baby and 33 years ago I don't think too many lived when they were that small. I attended the graveside service. It was so sad. I don't think it was sad because she is dead, as her dad said "This isn't sad, her life was sad." I was so sad for the life that she wasn't able to live. She never got to have a family or know the joy of being in a relationship with some one who truely loves you. Thank goodness that we have faith to know that she is now free of the human frailities and that her progression can continue on. She can become the woman that she was meant to be. I have felt guilt, thanks to her mental illnesses (and I think there were many and pretty severe) she was a hard person to handle sometimes. I feel guilty because I wish I would have been a better friend to her. I wish that I would have had the ability to love her perfectly, to love her the way my Heavenly Father would have had me love her. I noticed at the service that there was a lot of regret, there were people who were saying,"we were always trying to ditch her" etc... I know that I did the best I could with what I had but that's what Beverly did too. She unfortunately wasn't given as much as I was, or maybe she was given more... I hope that I can resolve to be better, to look outside myself, to love all, to develop a Christ-like love, to develop charity. I believe that is what we all need, the pure love of Christ.



So in Beverly's memory, I vow to speaker kinder to and of people and to look for the best and assume people are doing the best they can. It's a lofty goal but one that always needs to be worked on.




Beverly Perkes
1974-2007
Beverly Perkes, 33, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, of a heart attack at the Utah State Hospital. Beverly was born on June 23, 1974, in Las Vegas, Nevada and joined the Perkes family on April 29, 1978. She attended school in the County School District and especially enjoyed participating in the Color Guard prior to graduating from Sky View High School in 1993. Beverly was extremely loving and always wanted to help others. Her favorite job was volunteering as a Candy Striper at the Hospital and visiting people that she knew were alone. She had a talent for sign language and touched many people with the grace and beauty of her hands. Beverly is survived by her parents, Lynn and Kris Perkes of Utah; her brother, Steven (Celeste) Perkes also of , Utah; sisters, Jamie Perkes of St. , Utah and Alison (Spencer) Sullivan of, Ore. She is also survived by three nephews, Christopher, Tyler, and Alex Perkes; and one niece, Jordan Sullivan. Graveside memorial services will be held at the City Cemetery Friday, Sept. 14th at 11a.m. A second memorial service will be held at the Utah State Hospital, 1300 E. Center in Provo on Saturday Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Beverly's name to the Intensive Treatment Unit at The Utah State Hospital, 1300 E. Center, Utah 84603. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family online at http://www.allenmortuaries.net/. Published in the Herald Journal from 9/12/2007 - 9/19/2007.

Hi! I decided that it was time I posted my first "official" blog entry. Yesterday we got our family pictures that we had taken over Labor Day weekend. We all met at Mack's Park at 7:30 AM to have a COMPLETE Meikle family picture taken. It seems with the addition of 3 new grandbabies and a change of husbands ;) our last family picture just wasn't cutting it.

This was also the same day that Katie got baptized and officially became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What an amazing day for a mom! I am still getting emotional just thinking about it! We tried really hard to teach Katie about baptism and what it meant and to let her know that she didn't "have" to be baptized, it was her choice. She was so looking forward to being baptized. For months she talked about it and I would ask her why she wanted to get baptized and what it meant. She really knew, and it was something she really wanted. Katie is such a good girl. She tries to hard to be good and do what is right and she is so sensitive to other's feelings. How grateful I am that she is our girl!

Katie had it in her mind that she needed a new baptism dress (which I was ok with) but she decide it HAD to be ALL white("because white is the clean color"). So we went to every store in town looking for the perfect one. Of course, she found it in the first store but I had to be difficult and see if there was a better one, a cheaper one, a whatever one. We went to Dressed in White and I found one I loved, but Katie would have nothing to do with it. As I drilled her down about why she didn't like it there were two reasons 1- it had a tiny bit of pale green ribbon on the waist (remember it had to be all white) 2- it had ruffles, and in Katie's own words "Ruffles were so 5 years ago"! Oh boy, I am not looking forward to prom dress shopping. Well, we got Katie's first dress and isn't it beautiful!

The baptism was wonderful. We had a TON of people there to support Katie. Our hometeachers came (Doug & Joe) and Katie's friends from primary our Bishop (Neal Dewey) and Primary President (Yuri Moser) and our good friends the Richardsons and our Austin and Meikle families. Holly and Frank even flew in from California and Travis and Juli cancelled a trip to Yellowstone for us! We felt so loved! Katie received so many gifts. How blessed we are. We followed it up with a brunch at our neighbors house, we have no grass yet so we borrowed theirs.

Before the confirmation there was a short program where Katie's cousins and primary friends sang a song and then Grandma Meikle gave a short talk about the Holy Ghost and the Bishop and Sis. Moser talked for just a minute. Doug confirmed her with Brian Austin, Ryan Turner, Travis Meikle, Justin Larsen, Bishop Neal Dewey, Dewey Richardson, Joe Fife standing in the circle. The short program ended with everyone singing I am a Child of God (Wow! that many people in a small room can really make and impact!) and a beautiful prayer offered by Grandma Austin

The next day in church they recognized Katie during Sacrament meeting and had her stand up in front of everyone. Then later she bore her testimony and she did such a great job! She talked about how grateful she was for repentance and that we could be forgiven. Wow! She made this mom proud and even brought tears to some unnamed Uncle's eyes.

I am so grateful that we belong to this wonderful church and that our children can be raised to believe in a loving, forgiving God!

This baptism was the beginning to a wonderful weekend. I'll post more about that later. This post has already lasted forever. Thanks for reading!

I caved!

Ok, I finally did it, I caved into the pressure and made myself a blog! I can't believe it. I've loved reading them for months now but to actually make my own seems a little bit crazy! Well, hopefully you won't be too bored but will enjoy keeping up with me and my crazy little family!