Family Gathering Follies

Family Togetherness! Oh, the joy those words bring; except when they don't. What family gathering would be complete without one or two really exceptional memory making experiences?

This Thanksgiving's first offering was quite a shocker! My sister's doorbell rang, and she went to answer it, and immediately said-You have got to come see this! I got up of the floor, and peering out the window to the side of her door, I beheld a stark nekid fairy. And not just any fairy, a boy fairy. To be specific, my youngest brother's three year old son! Wearing nothing but the sweetest smile and a pair of pink wings. I did take pictures, but since I don't want to go to jail, I can't really post them. Just know that he was more than happy to show me his wings.

We sent him back home, and let me tell you- you would be hard pressed to see anything funnier. This particular nephew runs on his tippy toes. So he ran home- on tippy toe, with his arms outstretched, wings flapping in the wind. My other brother- The Artist- was about to have a hernia from laughing! Seems he is the responsible party for sending the Fairy our way. Youngest Brother was not overly amused, however. Brought back memories of both of my brothers- The Artist's cross dressing days, and the Youngest's streaking days- guess this was a combo.

Said Nephew- this time properly dressed and ready to eat.

The next would probably be that this is the year with the least amount of contention in my most recent memories. Other than wanting to bop the DR on the head when he was getting cranky about dinner being late (when has it EVER been on time with his family) because the potatoes WOULD NOT COOK! And since when do 1/2 inch thick potato pieces require more than 2 hours to boil? But, they eventually were mostly cooked, so we mashed them and they were delish!

Oh, and this Thanksgiving, my Sophie was allowed to stay in my sister and BIL's house, a feat her husband called the "Thanksgiving Miracle"- because they don't let animals in their house. She was very well behaved to show her appreciation, and allowed Miss Ava lots of attention giving lee way.

And finally, the sharing of a stomach bug.

It Helps to Know

2007

Every year on either the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving, my BIL & SIL-PB&J and the Lunch lady- come and we go up to the mountains, hunting for big Game, Christmas Trees, that is. We have noted many a time in years past that our taste in trees is one of those things that should be discussed prior to marriage. We find it a little interesting that her husband's taste and mine are more similar, and my husband's taste and hers are alike. Weird, no?

This year was no exception, but unlike past years, we couldn't find A tree to choose, let alone more than one to try to agree upon as couples. Time to find a new place to get our trees. We finally did get our trees, but we were all shocked that it took so long to find something we would cut. Last year was bitter cold, but sunny with a ton of snow to tromp through. I found what was left of the stump from the tree we cut last year. This year was a contrast in weather. No snow to speak of, and the temp jumped around, but totally tolerable.

We really enjoy this tradition with them. Now that all of our children are old enough to be up there without too much hands on care, we will start taking them with us next year.

Won't that be fun? Did they fill out the Christmas Tree questionnaire in heaven before they joined our families, and whose taste will they prefer, mine or the DR's.

2008

The Joy of Saying Thanks

We are counseled by our religious leaders to express and show our gratitude. I have spent the last two days with my family, for whom I am grateful most of the time. :)

My sister posted a bit about our past holidays, which triggered the memories I have of those events. We would always go to my Grandma A.'s house for Thanksgiving, where she and the aunts would cook up a storm while we kids just stayed out of their way. They would extend out the table just as far as it would go, then card tables were added to make one giant long table. Grandma always invited my mother's parents, but Grandma F. would always cook a turkey in her roaster as well. She cooked it longer and longer the older she got. :) As long as three days one time- and no, I am not kidding. I lived in fear of the Aunts and their "No Thank You" helpings, which is what you got to have when you didn't want what was being fed to you. I would try to find a way to sneak my plate to the garbage with those helpings.
It was the time of year we got to spend time with lots of cousins and eating Grandma's cooking.

No paper plates, real dishes! which meant a lot of cleanup- mostly again by the Aunts and Grandma. I remember Grandpa A carving the bird. I remember Grandma had these cool racks that swung down from the bottom of the cabinet that she put her pies on. I remember one of the last years before she died, my dad and uncle being either brave enough or stupid enough to get into a food fight and mashed potatoes ending up on the cabinets.

Now that I am one of the "Aunts", I realize just how much work and effort went into those huge meals, and I am grateful for my Aunts and grandmas who went to so much effort.

Thanks for the memories, even the "No Thank You Helpings".

Tender Mercies Tuesday

If you read this blog- at all- then you know that the DR and I just returned from Hawaii. This was much needed time to reconnect with each other. We never would have done it if our wonderful friends hadn't invited us over to share their condo. Much thanks to them for their generosity.

I can't think of any particular tender mercies, mostly because I haven't been anywhere or done much since I returned, other than I have been fighting off a migraine since Saturday, so on Sunday, I left church to come home and take something, plus close my eyes in the quiet, but as I walked past the fridge, I noticed a note that the youngest patient was supposed to give a talk in Primary. Good thing she is a great reader! I hurried and grabbed a story from an old Friend, and headed right back to church. I know it is not that big of a deal to forget a Primary talk- certainly not on the same plane as a Sacrament Meeting talk, but it would have embarrassed her and made her feel bad. So that is at least one tender mercy I paid attention to.

There is a blog I read "love the life you live" and I found a blog (leslie) through her comments of a very young widow who is facing the one year anniversary of her loss on Sunday. Both of these blogs reminded me how precious our loved ones are.

Have you hugged your loved ones today?

Think about it- late -If The Savior Stood Beside Me...

If you have not had the opportunity to hear this song, please look it up on the lds.org website.

It offers a new and important take on the phrase- What Would Jesus Do? It asks- What would I do, if the Savior stood right next to me.

EDITED To add the lyrics:

Sally DeFord, “If the Savior Stood Beside Me,” Friend, Oct 1993, 14

1. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments,
and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?


2. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind
if He was never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more rev’rently
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?


3. He is always near me,
though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly,
I am in His watchful care.
So I’ll be the kind of person
that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me.


Copyright © 1993 by Sally DeFord. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must appear on each copy made.


My challenge to my children and myself, is to take this to heart. Apply it to our daily life. Would we read certain books, watch certain movies, speak certain ways or say certain things if the Savior were at our side.

If the Savior stood be side you, what would you do?

Grandma Bunnie update- and the DR too

Grandma Bunnie is having a harder and harder time with the Chemo. She is having to go in and get hydrated, twice last week, even though she is drinking the recommended amount of fluids every day. She is also loosing more weight and is very fatigued. Prayers on her behalf would be appreciated.



Yesterday, the DR was out of town with the oldest Patient at hockey games (YEA! He got a goal!) and then they hurried to shower, check out of the hotel, shop at the cheese factory, get lunch, and drive home 4 1/2 hours in order to make it home to watch "THE GAME", all for naught. BYU got spanked. Can you say Turn-overs? Can you say Interceptions? He pouted for a very short period of time. Then, oh well. Rotten ending to a season that showed such promise at the beginning.

Funny story, Coach Kaufusi (DL coach) is married to a good friend of mine from high school. When the DR went to Washington for the game, he was on the plane to come home and Coach Anae (OL coach) came aboard. The DR said "Good game, Coach" to him. A few minutes later, a couple from our old ward came aboard. They rather animatedly told the DR that they had just been talking to the Coach about him, and he said that he hadn't seen us in a long time. LOL! How about never? Poor Coach Anae. He probably hears that kind of stuff all the time, people claiming to know him, whom he has no clue who they are. I almost called them to correct their mistaken identity, but figured, oh well. Anyway, we were telling this story to the DR's friend that we visited in Hawaii- who, come to find out is married to Coach Bronco's first cousin (yes, we ALL watched the game last week, his in-laws(mom is Bronco's mom's sister) are staying with them, and his BIL & SIL were there too, so more Bronco relatives-) he got a laugh out of it as well, stating that "all us Polynesians look alike :)! Well, it is funny to us.

Anyway, the phone rang a few times last night, not with birthday wishes but with Ute fans who know my husband is a Cougar fan. He is a good sport.

Happy Birthday to My Sweetheart

Today is the 45th birthday of my best friend and sweetheart. No one could be better for me. He lets me run until he feels it necessary to pull in the reins- sort of like a horse-(or am I more like a mule?)

He has always been full of surprises for me. When we had been dating for about a month, he went to participate in his best friend's wedding. It was Easter Weekend, and my family was headed to my Aunt and Uncle's home. I certainly wasn't planning on hearing from him, but he called me, asked me what I was up to. I was cleaning the fridge and kitchen before my family left. He said, nonchalantly, that if he came to Provo, and I happened to still be there, he would have to drive me to my relatives house. What? So, I "missed my ride" with my family, and he drove me to Ephraim to spend the weekend with my whole family- Uh Oh.

This trip made me nervous. My extended family is rather proficient at chasing off boyfriends. Not only did he hold his own with the clan, he impressed my Grandpa A, who made the comment- That is an impressive young man- Major praise from the man whom I don't remember hearing say much of anything beyond- "Come on Fluff".

We have had many trials in our marriage, medical issues, infertility, major extended family trials, and the severe stresses of the last 6 years. The first few years were quite the adjustment period as well. We have weathered much. Some days and some things better than others.

He loves to socialize- not really my forte but I have adjusted. He is easy going, outgoing, seeks out friends and is a great friend. He likes to hunt, fish, support his children in their five million activities.

My mom and her many friends think he is just about perfect. He is more than willing to pitch in around the house, when I will let him, and he does a better job at my jobs when I am gone- except the laundry-

He is generous, loyal, dedicated, and intelligent, even though his memory is shot :)

I love him with all my heart and soul. Even more than chocolate.

I have been richly blessed

Good Food Friday- Back from Hawaii edition

Nearly 16 years ago, the DR and I were able to go to Hawaii for the first time with my Aunt and Uncle. It was an amazing experience. We did three different islands that time, and pretty much covered the biggest touristy things on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. It accidentally included a very brief glimpse of a black sands beach where clothing was optional. We had wonderful food and great company and lots of great memories. Late night sand crab chasing, and Rainbow Falls during a drought- not to mention the Chief at the PCC made for a lot of laughs. My sister recently forwarded these recipes from my aunt- and if I am not mistaken, one of these was acquired on that trip. Hope she doesn't mind my sharing them here :)



Hawaiian Cole Slaw

2 C. head cabbage – shredded
½ C. celery – chopped
⅔ C. fresh pineapple – diced
2 TBS mayonnaise
⅛ tsp. salt
1 TBS fresh pineapple juice

Mix all ingredients together. Serve cold. This is a good dish to serve with barbecued fish.



Hawaiian Cole Slaw II

1 small head of cabbage (red or white)
3 or 4 TBL mayonnaise
1 (12-ounce) can crushed pineapple (can substitute pineapple tidbits)

Slice cabbage very thin and cut into ½ inch pieces. Place in bowl. Add pineapple and enough mayonnaise to moisten. Refrigerate and serve cold.

My Husband and Our Story Part III

It was feeling like a really long few days until I would see him again. This was prior to cell phones and the Internet- yes, we are really, really old :). I was beginning to feel sorry for myself. And, then, the clouds parted, and Saturday night he reappeared at my door! Guess he missed me too, and he talked his parents into heading home immediately after the wedding.

Anyway-we, after much familial consultation, decided that my dream of a spring wedding was probably not the best idea. We liked each other a lot after all. His father is an accountant, so that made the first few months of the year not too great, we didn't want a December wedding, and we didn't want to have it over Thanksgiving either (not to mention his birthday) so- we decided on November 14- almost smack in the middle between our birthdays- and the added bonus for him was that he wouldn't be marrying a teenager :)

Much planning then commenced, while we were both in school, and working. Trying to find an apartment in Cougar Town in the middle of a semester is a bit of a joke, to say the least. Luckily, my parents have friends who own enough apartment complexes to have a whole street named after them. Even better, these friends had a duplex townhouse apt with its own yard coming available in October. Perfect! Just one teeny problem. He had to be out of his apartment at the end of the summer term, and had no place to stay. So, I moved back to my prior shared bedroom upstairs, and he moved in with my family in my room in the basement. I do NOT recommend this!

There is a very good reason that this blog is titled looney bin. I have a problem with depression and PMS. The DR- clear up until 7 years ago felt that this stuff was all "bad hair day, all in your head, totally controllable" and he let me know this. Imagine living with your fiance, and your family, trying to stay temple worthy, and being an emotional mess. We had some pretty intense disagreements. It became more and more difficult for me to imagine marrying this person. I also didn't like the fact that he was trying to take control of my life. There were a few things that I was sure about and one was that nobody was going to control and boss me around. And, very uncharacteristically, I was keeping pretty quiet, for me that is. Things came to a head about the time he was finally able to move into the apartment, which relieved some of the pressure, but not all.

I had an appointment to receive my patriarchal blessing. I was at work that afternoon, and the DR was supposed to pick me up and go with me. The phone rang. I answered. He called to tell me that he had changed my appointment time so he could go golfing with my dad. In retrospect, it certainly wasn't life threatening, but at the time and place, it was the last straw. I was angry. He couldn't see why I was mad that he had taken it upon himself to do this without even asking me, seeing as it was MY appointment in the first place. I was hormonal, I admit, but he didn't believe in that- remember? Anyway, by the time he came to get me, he was late, which made me late, something that I really dislike, and I decided that after my appointment, I was calling off the engagement. I wasn't speaking to him as we went in. I had known the Patriarch's family for quite a while, so I talked to him and his wife for a while about their sons, and introduced them to my "soon to be ex" fiance- they didn't know that part of it.

I know I was not in the right frame of mind, or spirit to have been there, but the Lord knows. I was listening carefully to my blessing, but still in the back of my mind was the turmoil of this man who was sitting a few feet away, thinking he was going to marry me. And then, the patriarch's voice came through loud and clear. He said there was "a word for my husband, as he was there with me, AND HE WOULD BE MY HUSBAND...". I confess, I didn't hear what he said after that. I focused on that last part. My mind and spirit calmed, the stress left my body and I knew, it was going to be okay.

He was trying so hard to take care of me, to be the husband, that he kept stepping on my toes. It didn't help that I kept putting my toes out there- daring him to step on them.

We made it through that last month, with only one more incident. He learned that not only is his life in danger if he tries to dunk me, but that I don't do haunted houses or spook alleys. The guy playing the grim reaper learned that too. The hard way.

My Husband and Our Story Part II

We returned from camping-not engaged. On Wednesday, July 30th, he picked me up for a date. We bought KFC for dinner and headed to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. We talked and ate, then for some reason, he decided he didn't like being at the park, and so we got back into the car and drove up above Sundance resort. This is where things got a little interesting for me.

I had grown up in the church, as far as going to church on Sunday, but my family hadn't done the FHE, Family Prayer, Scripture thing. I had not ever had the habit of regular personal prayer. Yes, I was plenty old enough to do it on my own, but there were issues I had with it, and it was not something I did very often. Anyway, imagine my personal shock, when he told me that we had a big decision to make, and that he was going to go off to pray about it, and he wanted me to do the same.

I remember several thoughts that I had. One- he wants me to go off into the woods- ALONE. Two- he wants me to pray? Three- what if he decides no? It was panicky, stressy, and I felt extremely awkward. But I did what he asked, although my prayer was most likely not along the same lines as his. Mine was more like, "OK, you told me I was going to marry this guy, before I even met him- so now you have to let him know, too." There was way more to it than that- but you get the general idea.

After an ETERNITY! he finally came back to me, and asked me to marry him. Of course I said yes- and we headed first to talk to his bishop. Then we went to my house. Now, my older sister had been married in April. When her husband had asked my dad if he could marry her, my dad's response was "why are you asking me? I would think you are old enough to make that decision yourself" He was not joking. So, we didn't ask. We told. Dad was not too happy. He liked the DR just fine, he just didn't want his daughters getting married.

The next day, I went to visit him at work and we looked at rings. He worked at a jewelry store and his ideas and mine were not the same- big surprise. So as far as I knew, we had not made a decision on anything. Friday afternoon, he called me, told me to wear my white dress- I had two, so I asked which one, his parents were coming to town to have dinner with us and meet my parents before they all headed to ST George for a friend's wedding. The DR was quite late (a family trait I would come to find) but he had a good reason, I just didn't know it.

So, he finally picked me up, and told me his parents were meeting us at the temple. I just assumed they had been there doing a session. We got to the temple, and there was the delivery van from Campus Craft & Floral. They had a dozen white roses for me :) Then, we walked around the temple, to the back, read the inscriptions on the temple, talked about what it meant to us, our future. He then pulled out a small white box. Not a ring box- quite a bit bigger than that. He told me to open it. Inside was a blown glass Salt Lake Temple, and a small Teddy Bear in a Tux. Now, the reason he was so late was because he had picked the ring, had the stone mounted, bought the bear and had his initials embroidered on it, and the ring carefully sewn on tho the bear's paw.

It was now official- official. We walked around to the front, and his parents came out. They hadn't done a session, they were just in the waiting room, waiting for him to show up. Anyway, they said they figured something was up. :)

Dinner with my parents went well, and the DR and his parents headed to St George. I really did feel abandoned- silly, I know. They were supposed to be gone clear until late Sunday night! Anyway, I went over to K. S.'s house to show him my ring. His mom, who had never really liked me, took it to the next level, so I didn't stay long. I went home, and about the only other thing I remember about that night, was that I wore the whole ring, not just the engagement band. The DR and I had plans at the time to have a matching band made for the opposite side, but we have never done that.

If I thought our dating had been a roller coaster, it was nothing compared to our engagement. To be continued...

Pictures

I have added a few pictures to some of the prior posts from our Hawaii trip- if you want to go back and take a look at those.


Somehow Christmas decorations didn't jive in Hawaii- but they try!


We spent the last night at a different hotel. The room wasn't as nice as the condo, but the grounds and hotel itself were very nice.


View from the deck to the ocean

View from the deck to poolside- ocean is above to the right


View of the gardens from the deck- this is where the giant Koi pond is- and the giant Koi- the giant Koi that come out of the water right at your feet.



Can I just tell you that the "Feeding the Koi" was quite disgusting? Nothing quite like a feeding frenzy with fish literally coming out of the water- and there were twice as many as in this picture-

Poolside- we were on the island area in the middle of the pool- looking toward the ocean



Right before sunrise on our last morning-

Love 4 Bunnie update

"The young women who are raising money for my mom are organizing a Christmas boutique for December 13th. Any of you who read this blog that would like to help can do so in the following ways. If you make anything to sell that would be great. I will be making some custom onesies, hooded towels, and cute burp cloths. The more merchandise the better. If you bake you could bake something to sell. I will most definitely be making something yummy. If you have money to burn in your pocket, plan on spending it at the boutique. It is Christmas time after all. Tell everyone you know to go shopping at the boutique. If you want to help in any other way please let me know. I can put you in contact with the girls running the show. "

THE ABOVE WAS COPIED FROM MY SISTER'S BLOG. ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE CAN EITHER CONTACT MYSELF, OR MY SISTER. I AM SURE THE MIDDLE PATIENT WILL WANT TO FIND THE TIME TO MAKE SOME OF HER CUTE APRONS, SO HOPEFULLY I CAN DO THAT WITH HER. IF YOU WISH TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE, LET US KNOW AND WE CAN GET YOU IN TOUCH WITH HER SWEET YOUNG WOMEN.

My Husband and Our Story

I want to attempt to do justice to the man I married, but that might prove a bit difficult. It isn't just anybody who could put up with me and all my baggage for all these years.

He is the middle child of 9- 5 girls and 4 boys, plus his parents always had several extras living there- from teenage aunts, to Indian placement students, to unwed teen mothers, their home sheltered many a soul.

He was called to serve his mission during the brief time when the calls were for 18 months- he had 19 companions in that time, and I joke (somewhat seriously) that it was in preparation to marry me.

About 3 months before I met him, I was dating a guy who was talking marriage, it was fun and exciting, and I was about to make a gigantic mistake, so Heavenly Father let me know, in no uncertain terms, that D was not for me, and neither were any of the other guys I had ever dated (including one on a mission at the time who was hoping I would be around when he got back- no, I was NOT waiting for him, he was just hoping). My Father in Heaven even went so far as to show me who I was going to marry-to a certain degree. I wish I could say I ended the other relationship with class- but alas, I was young and immature- so I just started avoiding him. I began dating, through strange circumstances, the cousin of my future BIL- I had no serious thoughts, but was enjoying myself, until Valentines Day. The cousin informed me after our date that we were getting too serious and needed to back off- weird, but fine by me. This left my next weekend wide open.

That next week at work, a girl I worked with asked me if I would be interested in going on a blind date with a friend of hers who had just broken up with someone. I had gone on many a blind date in high school, so I said sure, she said, "Tomorrow?", um, okay, I didn't have to work so that was fine (she had already checked my schedule- sneaky) She then told me he had been in the store the Friday before on Valentines Day, had seen me, told her what I was wearing, and she knew who he was talking about. In retrospect, I only went into the actual store twice that day, once to get flowers out of the cooler, and once to go to a class. One of those two times, he was in buying flowers for his very soon to be ex girlfriend.

Anyway, we had company in town, and spent the whole day in and out, shopping and what have you, each time, missing his call. It wasn't until about 5:00- that he finally caught up with me and wanted to pick me up at 6:30. Yikes! I had nothing to wear so I went to my best friend's house to borrow a shirt to wear (he is a HE) Then, I freaked and began to panic and stress- realizing I couldn't remember this guy's name!!!! So, K.S. came to the rescue, and followed me home to answer the door and get the name for me (not to mention having a huge laugh at my expense).

February 22,1986. It was a great night, made a bit uncomfortable by my not knowing any of them, and my militant father's dating rules and having a curfew- yes I felt like I was 12. Anyway, we ate at the Spaghetti Factory, and they pretended it was some one's birthday, which I hated, and then we went to Steph's parents' house. It was quite some time before I found out exactly who "Steph" was. I knew she was my co-worker's roommate. What I didn't know, yet, she was my date's high school girl friend's (-who waited for him on his mission- whose mom cried when he came to the reception when her daughter married someone else because the DR wasn't ready to get married right when he got home-) best friend! NICE! I will just say now that I have lived with my husband's past life many times, way more than most people would ever have to.

I was hooked. It would be several months before I KNEW he was the right one, but I really liked him from the start- even after I knew where he was from :)

After a several month roller coaster dating relationship, I had my confirmation that this was THE one. Now I had a job ahead of me- to trick- er, I mean, lead him to that discovery himself. I invited him to go camping with my family. A daring move. He then had the audacity to tell me I would be on trial. Now, I am not a passive, mild mannered kind of gal, and this rubbed me the WRONG WAY! So I was pretty annoyed with him, but couldn't back out. Apparently, I passed the "camping girl test" because he started talking the M word a little, even though I was soooo annoyed with him and he found out to never, ever try to dunk me if he wanted to live.

I did what every girl would do- I told my mom and newlywed sister, and bought a couple of brides magazines to look at while we were doing the wash.

To Be Continued...

Back to Reality- Oops there goes gravity

We are home; tired, tanned, but back to the grind of daily living. I will post updates and more about our trip as soon as I get on top of work. Mahalo-

A Tale of Three Suitcases

We took two large bags to Hawaii. The DR took our biggest- BIG BERTHA bag because it has a place for hanging clothes. I took the slightly smaller, but with lots of extra pockets bag. I carried my all purpose bag which held my camera, purse, books, hat, small blanket, and ipod stuff, and the DR carried his computer and office bag. We had to buy a new carry-on sized bag to haul our loot home. Since I only had one carry on- no big deal. When we got back to Honolulu from Kauai, our biggest bag was missing. We looked everywhere. As the Airline was searching for it, the DR looked again at the abandoned luggage which we had looked at several times. There it was, looking a little odd because it had been hog-tied with multiple white straps. No wonder we missed it. The bag was opened and the zipper was destroyed. We had to have our friend take us to buy two new suitcases to replace the one that the TSA broke when they decided our luggage needed to be searched. Which meant that we had to pay the stupid extra bag charge, then they were going to charge us 90 more dollars because our one remaining big suitcase was a pound over. I repacked stuff on the spot. I was wearing my little purse over my body because I kept having to get into it, and the flight attendant was trying to tell me I had three carry-ons. I told her- probably not too nicely, that it went in my bag and was out so I could show them my ID 400 times. I had been up for 24 hours at that point, so I was a bit edgy, not to mention ticked about the suitcase fiasco.

So we came home with three brand new suitcases and minus Big Bertha. And somewhere in the middle of all that last day chaos, I lost my new pearl bracelet that the DR bought for me. I am super sad about that. So is he.

Happy Anniversary!!!!!!! 22

Today is the Anniversary of my 2nd biggest commitment- the first being my covenants with my Father in Heaven.

The DR and I met in a somewhat unusual way. I worked in the flower shop at BYU, and he needed to buy flowers for his girlfriend- on Valentine's Day. The rest, as they say, is history.
(By the way; Thanks, Kim- I definitely got the better end of the deal)

I can't post the whole story right now, because we have to check out in an hour- but I will edit this later. I knew he was the one- even before I met him. Thank you Heavenly Father- for the best gift, the awesome reassurance that I was choosing the right person for me.

Happy Anniversary Sweetie! It has truly flown by.

Tid bits-

I got to tell the story of the bell necklace today. (Am- you might consider attaching one to Miss AVA!) I walked into a jewelery store and the lady was enthralled with it, and the story behind it.

Oh, and the lady at the store I was buying something for the Outpatient's best friend thought I had a baby when I was 13! She asked me how old the girl was I was shopping for, and when I said 19- she asked me how old my son was. LOL!!!! I love people who take a full decade off my age, they are my very best friends.

Aloha!


This very cool tree was at one of the little shopping centers we visited.

Tender Mercies Tuesday- on Wednesday

I am posting a little late, but yesterday, The DR and Friends went on the Zip Line and no one died :)

But, seriously, we stopped at the ABC store to pick up a few mementos, and the rental car was hit by someone who then left the scene. The tender mercy was that there was a guy who saw it, got a description and the license plate number.

The Middle patient asked me if I could come home tomorrow- I thought she would probably ask me if I could stay away forever.

The youngest patient told me she does so much better with her issues when I am there, and the oldest patient was late to hockey- never happens when I am home, so please get back soon.

I got up at 5:00 am to catch the email from the outpatient- nothing, 7:00- nothing- 7:30 nothing- so I took the chance and headed to the gym until 9:00- nothing- but within a few minutes- there it was!!!! I live to chat my boy! so I didn't miss his email! He is busy and happy-
YEAH!

Now- I am showered, fed, and off to the beach- ALOHA!!!!!

Sunrise on Kauai

Critter Report

We are surrounded by wildlife of many sorts. We are also wondering if the hotel pays the critters to show up on a given night. We do see the chickens every day, but then on Saturday night, we had two cats (one came back in the day), Sunday night- was large frogs (no pictures of those thank goodness), a rather large snail today while I was out walking early this morning, the requisite Geckos,
a swan, sea turtles, and...









The Kalua Pig

Sunday in Paradise

Today was spent, first in attending church in the Kalaheo Ward. We then decided to challenge my fear of all things heights related, and bridge related, and went to see the Hanapepe Swaying Bridge, and then Waimea Canyon. If you are wondering how I did, I did okay on the bridge, until someone had the nerve to walk on the bridge. Imagine that!
I did great at the canyon however, none of my feeling my body falling over the edge, dizziness, or panic attack. The DR was so proud!
We then spent time reading oceanside, and now are just chillin', snackin, and feeling peaceful. Mahalo-

Stranger Danger 101

As a former victim, I have been rather militant in teaching my children about abuse, both from strangers and most importantly, people they might know.

This morning, at 6:00 AM Hawaii Time (didn't know that time even existed in Hawaii) I found out about a minor detail I have missed in their education.

The Middle Patient called to inform me that when she went to the house, the door was wide open. ALL NIGHT LONG. I asked her why she was in the house at all.

So, step one. Never, ever, enter your home alone if the door is left open, and it really shouldn't be.

Can't wait to get the heating bill. :(

Sublime Saturday

It has been 4 years since the DR and I have taken a real vacation. We have been very busy, lots of job stress, family stress, emotional stress. We needed this, BAD!!!!! Our wonderful friends- M and P, invited us to join them in Kauai. Oh, twist my arm, why don't you.

The last week before our departure was very stressful. I tend to really stress about my children, their activities, and my not being in control of life. But, my sisters and mom (you too, Mare) will be glad to know that the minute I stepped on the plane, I totally let it go. There is nothing like Hawaii to help you relax.

We are looking at this every morning- BUMMER, I know.

Think About It

Snow, 17 degrees at home. Within 12 hours, on the Beach at Wikiki-

What is there to think about? I will post pictures soon.

Diva Doggie

For those who think it cruel and unusual punishment that poor Sophie is subjected to dressing up- I present-

Princess Sophie- Diva Doggie-


She really loves her coat! She would wear it all the time if I let her.


Since it turned off cold, and this morning we even woke to snow, she has been a frozen pup-sicle. And I saw this cute little coat at the Wally world, for cheapy, I couldn't resist, but I didn't think she would actually love it, but she does.

It is waterproof on the back for those pesky raindrops and snowflakes while she is outside trying to take care of business, and warm flannely on the inside- seeing as how her mean mommy had all her hair shaved off- Geesh- doesn't that woman know it is winter in these here mountains? (Yes I do know, and I also know what snow does to her long silky hair- can you say matts?)

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

November brings many a celebration to this wing of the looney bin. We have quite a list-

Happy Birthday or Anniversary to each of you, and to me too!

Talia- 4th- My very own Birthday Buddy
Katers- 8th- Almost a birthday buddy, if she came on her due date :)
F.I.L.- 11th

The Lunch Lady- 13th

The DR and Head Nurse- 22 years on the 14th (will celebrate in Hawaii)


The DR - 22nd- hopefully he celebrates with a Cougar Victory over the utes
S.I.L. Tif- 22nd also- and when they celebrated together, we needed a fire permit.



Adam and Liz- 22nd

Sam- 23rd
Christopher M.- 29th

Yes- The DR and I were crazy enough to get married right between our birthdays, and way too close to Christmas, plus his birthday has been Thanksgiving at least three times during our marriage.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

Just when I think I have had the most tender moment, someone comes and ups the ante.

Yesterday, the youngest patient came home from school with a wad of money. She told me someone had given it to her for her Grandma. She told me it was $15.00! I of course interrogated her and found out it came from the sweet boy who has a crush on her. She had shared her testimony on Sunday, telling how she knew Heavenly Father was helping her grandma with her cancer, and her testimony of the gospel and the prophet. Apparently, during primary, they had talked about the fund raising with each other and he told her he wanted to help.

He did. I tried to call his mother, to talk to her and try to decide how to handle this. I called her several times throughout the after school running around. I walked into the grocery store, and there they were. I went up to her, explained what had taken place and asked her what she thought. She turned to K. and asked him if he really wanted to give all that money to my mom. He assured us that he did. I asked him again. He nodded his head firmly. I started to try and thank him, but how do you do that? I am sure I made them all very uncomfortable, because I couldn't help it. I cried.

And a little child shall lead them.

Weekend Wrap-up

The weekend started off with Halloween Festivities. We had two dinners/trunk or treats- yep- TWO. Now- I do not enjoy trunk or treats- it takes a lot of the fun out of Trick or Treating, and my kids are starting to agree with me. We experienced our first one when we lived out of state and they did go all out for them, a carnival and everything, plus in areas where you just can't trust the neighbors or you don't know them, it is a great thing- but here, it is just a big candy bucket filling mass. No knocking, no trick or treat, and no surprised looks on the faces of the people at the door.

The reason we had two was because someone was crazy enough to schedule a peewee hockey game for that night. What were they thinking? Anyway, our team moms decided to host a dinner and a trunk or treat for all the families that had to get drug along to the games. We missed most of that because we couldn't get away from the one at church, but I hope it went well. The game was 7-1 in our favor- and we spent over 4 minutes at 3 on 5 because of penalties. Our team got (2) 2 and 10 penalties for checks to the back (they are just learning to check).WOW! That got intense for the team, but the game on Saturday was a 7-0, and only one penalty for each team- so that was better. After the 6th goal, our coaches told the kids they couldn't shoot until they had passed the puck at least three times, so the scoring slowed down. For the outpatient's information- Conner- Coach Mc's son got one of the 2 and 10, but he also got a hat trick on Saturday.
I don't know if you can tell in this pic, but the oldest patient is actually one of the younger players on the team, but there is only one kid on the team that is bigger than him. Every one else on the ice with him in this pic is older. Quite a change from the outpatient- he was always one of the smallest.



The DR was able to winterize the trailer, and watch his beloved cougs win another game. I didn't get near enough done, but oh well. If I have learned nothing else in my life, I have learned this- The mess is still there tomorrow- so don't sweat it.

Super exciting is how quiet my washer and dryer are! But even better- I can wash 16 pairs of jeans in one load!!!! 11 belonging to the two youngest patients and the other 5 belonging to us bigger patients. WOOHOO! that would have been at least two full loads in the old washer. I did 13 pair earlier on Wednesday, and I think it dried better, but they washed just fine. The load sensor said the 13 pair was a 3/4 load and the 16 pair did rate a full load. The DR did notice that they delivered the wrong dryer, so I will get the correct one after we return from our trip.

Sunday was peaceful and calm by our standards, until dinner when the DR was saying the blessing on dinner and proceeded to bless those who had learned to close their eyes during prayers instead of checking out the food. The remainder of his blessing was spent trying to not bust out giggling, which of course is contagious. Got to love that example! So, I asked if I was THE ONLY ONE who closed my eyes for the prayer since the DR obviously didn't either.

The oldest patient spent Saturday afternoon "vacuuming the leaves" from the yard. When we got home from church today, I couldn't resist asking him why he didn't do his job. He started to protest, then realized I was kidding him- but boy, the lawn is completely covered again. Oh well, our neighbors goats enjoyed their snack yesterday, and now there is a whole new yard full.

We also got a new router hooked up to my desktop which has not had the internet working on it for a MONTH, so I may have a new identity on the statcounters- for those of you who care.

Hope your weekend was as gorgeous as our was, and you had some good family quality time too.