10 min. update

Well, remember how I said one of my siblings...it's actually two of my siblings. Yes that's right! 2 babies coming to this family in August-ish. WOW!!!

Family Christmas

Today was Christmas for our family. We started by going to church together (first time in years...) and the music and messages were all so wonderful. Then we had family dinner, which has also been a long time since we all had dinner together. With my brother in the Army he has been deployed the last two years, he happens to be home this Christmas! My sister and her hubby usually go to Montana for Christmas, but they aren't leaving until Tuesday. So here we all are together. It's been so nice. After dinner we opened presents. The last present was an ornament that said Grandma and Grandpa to be. My mom exploded into tears, followed by my dad. So that was the best present of all -- the news that one of my siblings and their spouse are expecting a baby!! I am going to be an AUNT. WAAAHHHOOOO!!! I will announce which sibling later in the week. You can e-mail me if you are really curious :-)

Christmas Survey

Christmas Fun
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Typically I would say gift bags, but for Christmas I love paper wrapped packages.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of a real one-but I don't love the mess! So a fake one is just fine.
3. When do you put up the tree? No set date
4. When do you take the tree down? January
5.Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A toy box that had a back piece so you could use it to sit on or fold over so you could use it as a desk. I had that thing for years! (Ha...same as my sister :-) )
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? friends
9. Do you have a nativity scene? no-I really like the willow nativity (perhaps when it goes on sale after Christmas...)
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I try to mail, but sometimes email is the best way to go.
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmmm...I guess I haven't received a bad one yet.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Sound of Music ( I know its not Christmas, but they always play it around Christmas)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever I am thinking about someone and find something I think they would like.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The Christmas Ham and Rolls
16. Lights on the tree? Yes, just white.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Joy to the World
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like to travel if I have the money and time to.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? DASHER, DANCER, PRANCER, VIXEN, COMET, CUPID, DONDER (yes that is right...look it up), BLITZEN . . .RUDOLPH!?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Either one if its pretty
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We always opened one present Christmas eve and the rest Christmas morning, but now just all Christmas day. It was always pajamas and that is why we could open it. I think I will carry on that tradition--Thanks Grams
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Other people being impatient. 23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Burgundy and Gold with just white lights.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? One time we went to Las Vegas and my Uncle treated us to Christmas dinner at one of the hotel buffet's. YUM
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I wish this question were different...Everyone knows what I want, but typically that doesn't come wrapped up with a bow underneath the Christmas tree.
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Lisa, Nicole

'Tis the Season

I cannot believe it is December already...Thanksgiving came and went so quickly. I am really grateful for so much in my life (it would take days to list-and some things really can't be listed-ya know what I mean??)

I am really trying to step it up and "change my heart" to become more charitable and loving. Part of this is happening in my personal study of scriptures and other books on the subject of charity and hearts... ("A Heart Like His" to name one). Another integral part is that I pray to develop these qualities and make them a part of my daily life. But I think the most effective tool has been the music of the Christmas Season. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to sing in the Temple Workers choir for the Devotional last Sunday. So I went. This experience jump-started my heart into healing. Then at church I have been directing the ward choir...and at school I direct choirs all day. The music we are preparing is so reflective and beautiful. Then to add, last night my mom and I went to a Christmas Concert called The Gift. At first I was annoyed-extremely (thank you 7 year old boys who fight with their sister and cannot sit still for anything). In the middle of the program my heart was touched. I started bawling like a baby. Big ol' tears. My heart burned within. I could feel the message of the music touch, heal, and come alive in my heart. The music and the message were so inspring (but especially the music-such talented children and adults!!! So...in singing the music, in directing the music, and in listening to the music. Really pondering the message of the music coupled with the beautiful melodies and harmonies. Yes, I LOVE music, and some of you may think I am biased given my profession, but for reals...it heals, softens, changes,uplifts...So at this point-I tag you, all of you. What is one of your favorite Christmas songs that helps you remember the Real Reason for the Season, our Savior, Jesus Christ?

I Am in Love

Yes, you read right. I am in love...meet him...



This is Greg. Greg is an amazing musician. Pianist, arranger/composer, singer, mmmmmm. I met him two years ago at a festival. On Monday, I saw him again (at a jazz festival with my students). He is so inspiring. I didn't see a ring-yes you know what I am talking about. But, he does live in LA. So that poses a small problem. But at least I can enjoy looking at him and listening to his music...and being in love, at least with the idea of him.

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

I could also title this Faith, Family, and Friends...It's been a month of crazy busyness but also some moments of quiet contemplation and pondering.

So I am going to start from September-Yesterday. I absolutely loved the General Relief Society Broadcast. I loved that there were messages just for me. A few of them I will share...I was struggling with my feelings from being released as the RS Secretary in my ward. Sis. Beck said in her talk, you may be released from the auxiliary, but you are not released from Relief Society. That was just for ME! It is true...no matter what, I will always be a member of the largest world-wide women's organization. Then there was Sis. Allred's talk about the Temple. It touched me, inspired me, to go more often, and be more dedicated in my worship at the Temple. It's 8 minutes away-with traffic. What is my excuse???

The following weekend I flew up to Salt Lake for General Conference. I had tickets for Sat. Afternoon and Sun. Morning. I stayed at my grandparents in North Ogden. It was so great to see them and be with them, and listen to portions of Conference with them! Grandma is so "back to basics" soup from scratch, canning and drying fruits and veggies, practical advice, etc. Grandpa has a quick wit, great smile, and plants a beautiful garden (which I was able to take home some yummy veggies. This garden also has HUGE Pumpkins. I mean huge!!! Back to conference...Again, messages specifically for me. Worries and doubts I had, specifically addressed. I know we have prophets on the earth today that receive revelation from our Heavenly Father, and the messages they gave, were the messages that Heavenly Father has for us. And let's not forget the music...especially the Primary Children's Choir. They know! I wonder if I know and my conviction is as strong as theirs. I could feel it, their testimonies, their spirits, it brought tears to my eyes. Especially when they sang I Am a Child of God. It penetrated so deep, and yet its something I have sang all my life, it probably became trite. NO LONGER! It's true. We are children of God.

While I was in Utah I had lunch at Cafe Rio with my friend Cami (kinda funny huh...chuckle chuckle). She was so sweet to drive up with her sister in the rain and meet me in Salt Lake. Saturday night I visited with my Grandpa who is in an assisted living facility due to Alzheimer's. He knew who I was, but was kind of confused as to my profession, and which of his children I belong to. So good to see him. I also got to see my aunt and uncle and some of their children, and grandchildren. So fun!!! They are so cute and loving.

Sunday morning, more rain, but it was beautiful! After the morning session of conference the rain cleared and the sky was blue and the sun was out and you could see the snow capped mountains--absolutely breathtaking. Sunday afternoon, more time with grandparents, aunts and uncles. It was wonderful to sit down and talk and start watching conference together. Then I drove down to Provo and had dinner with Bekah and her roomies and some friends! Thanks Bekah, I had such a great time. I am so grateful for our friendship, and everything we share. Right before I got on the plane to head home, there was a beautiful sunset...the snow on the mts. looked pink and the trees were beautiful, you could see all of the different colors of autumn. Once in the plane and we ascended to whatever thousand feet...you could see the blue sky with all of the colors of the rainbow and then there was this bright star (actually I think it was a planet) and then one by one the stars all started appearing...I love this world that was created for us to live in. All things testify of their Creator, even Jesus Christ. Think about it...

Came back from Conference and had a cold. No fun!!! Especially since Tuesday we had a concert and Thursday I sang in another concert (almost lost my voice half way through the day). This was after I had a dream the night before that I got to the concert and apologized to the director that I couldn't sing because I lost my voice and I was so sad. So I was very worried. But my voice hung in there and I was able to sing...thanks to prayers said and prayers answered.

Also during that week, it marked the one year anniversary of my friend Tim being killed in a car accident. I miss him...his smile, his jokes, his spiritual nature. I am grateful for the memories I do have of him that include all of the previously mentioned and more. How is it, even knowing what I know, that death still hurts. Still leaves a sting, an emptiness. I can't even imagine what his family feels. Every day, every hour...Every now and then, I get to visit with them and I catch a glimpse...

Today-Now I am on fall break! It started off with a great fireside given by Greg Olsen (the LDS Artist) and President Craig. It made me reflect on my role in the "arts" and teaching the "arts". Since that is my profession. Lots of thought provoking questions and quotes. Then on Monday, after some routine chores and laundry, I drove to Flagstaff to hang out with Britney and Nephi and their cute daughter Skye. We watched TV, and a movie (Made of Honor), ate yummy food, went shopping. Just enjoyed the cooler weather, change of scenery,and more friendships. Came back on Wednesday, went to the classroom (yes on my break I went into my classroom) but only for two hours. I accomplished so much! Then I went to Institute. We were in Luke, and it was an amazing, spirit-filled evening. I learned sooo much. I know those of you reading this are wondering exactly what, but I think some things are too sacred to share, and like Mary, I am going to keep these things and ponder them in my heart. Yesterday I had lunch with a friend, so good to catch up with friends!!!! Then I took my friend's children to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua-definitely a kid flick. But I still enjoyed watching it and being with those kiddos-helps me get my "mommy" fix-ya know??! Today I went to the Temple. It was amazing. I had some time to sit and read the scriptures. I went feeling fear about the future and the economy and everything that is happening. I was reading in Helaman when I came to these verses in Chapter 12, "1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.
2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity." I know that Heavenly Father gives us what we need when we need it. I needed especially verse 1. I need to TRUST him more. Be more faithful and obedient. Then, I know, it will all work out for my good, the way the Lord intended, in His plan for me.

So here's to tomorrow...Saturday, the day before Sunday. With an increased desire to be obedient, to have meaningful prayer with Him, to TRUST Him. To earnestly prepare for the opportunity to worship Him on the Sabbath. To learn more about Him and how he speaks to me through the Holy Ghost. And I get to see Tricia, who I haven't seen since the Friday before break! Yes I am sooooo excited!

For Good Health...

Watch one Brian Regan video a day...I particularly enjoyed this one

Life Is Wonderful

I have really enjoyed all of the rain and thunderstorms that have come through our area this week. Despite the sleep deprivation and sometimes being downright scared that our house is going to be struck by lightning...School is so wonderful!!! I am just loving EVERY second! I never knew it could be this wonderful.

I really truly feel the hand of Heavenly Father in my life. He knows exactly what I need and when I need it-even if I don't agree :-) I am so grateful for the way He continually blesses my life. Most of those blessings come by way of people. Let me tell you, in my life, I have had contact with some of the most amazing, wonderful, people. Life is not a series of coincidences or accidents. People are placed in each others lives in a beautiful meaningful way. It is part of His plan! Just think about that, all of the people you have interacted with all of the years of your life (yes I realize some of these may not have been positive interactions-but you still learned something right??? Think of all of the people you know now. How are you being an instrument in God's hands? How are you blessing or impacting their life? Are you letting other people bless and impact yours??

The First Days of School

I really enjoyed the first few days back at school! I love getting back into a routine. Having a fresh slate, coupled with a few years of experience. The students are so great. We have had a little opposition from older students regarding the changes that have taken place at Mesquite in the Choir Program. But, overall, it couldn't be better! I love being able to teach these teenagers to know their music, but to also really FEEL the music. Let it be part of them. It's an amazing process!

I ran into an old friend from college at Kohls on Tuesday, as I was out "school" shopping. I hope I get to run into him again... We met in our accounting class (which I could never really wrap my brain around) but he always understood and would help me. We also had an Economics class that was brutal to sit through. The teacher lectured all the time. He had a thick Middle-Eastern accent, and so it was hard to understand him AND the concepts he was trying to teach us. My friend helped me in that class too. He always had a smile on his face and asked me and others around him how we were doing. Totally Selfless...

Summer is Over

Well, it's official. Summer ends tomorrow. All teachers report tomorrow for 301 training and then classroom duties. I must admit I have mixed feelings. I am excited to be working with a fabulous colleague for choir and other wonderful teachers at the school. We have a lot of new administrators this year, which I am kind of nervous about. I am glad that I will be able to get back into a routine. I am not excited for 6:30 0 hour which means I get to be there by 6:15 at the latest. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting all of my students. But, I don't feel as re-energized or inspired to be the best teacher I can be as I did last summer at this time. I hope this year will javascript:void(0)
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Tag-Who Am I?

i am: a Daughter of God
i think: sunrises are beautiful
i know: how to demolition a bathroom (well, sorta)
i want: that list is too long
i have: everything to move out into my own house-except a house
i wish: i could meet some great guys to date
i hate: dishes, folding laundry, mushrooms, and applesauce
i miss: my friend Alice (she is in Cozumel scuba diving)
i fear: SCORPIONS
i feel: loved
i hear: the hum of the air conditioner, my ceiling fan, and Rachael Ray on TV
i smell: salsa and guacamole (fresh and homemade)
i crave: nielson's concretes (strawberry or peach)
i search: the scriptures
i wonder: what the future holds for me
i regret: not seeing my grandmother while I was in Utah, a week before she passed away
i love: fresh flowers (roses, daisies, lilies, tulips, etc.)
i care: about what I teach my students(directly and indirectly)
i always: check my email
i am not: interested in video games
i believe: i need to travel more and (farther than Utah or Idaho)
i dance: when i am really happy, and/or have someone to dance with
i sing: all the time-in the shower, in the car, in the classroom, at home, you name it
i don’t always: communicate effectively
i write: as much as I can, so I can get better at it!
i win: games of Phase 10 often
i lose: pencils-all the time (i think they grow legs and walk away :-) )
i never: watch MTV
i listen: not very well, i am usually distracted by things going on around me, or thinking of what i am going to say next (i need to work on this!)
i can usually be found: in my bedroom
i am scared: of SCORPIONS
i need: time to go to the GYM
i am happy about: being able to live one more day

i tag jenb, bekah, lisa, nicole, and rachel, and anyone else who wants to share WHO they are!

Back from Las Vegas

We returned back to Mesa last night around 8pm. 6 hr drive...not too bad.

Monday night my brother and I visited the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. SOOOO Cool!!!

Tuesday afternoon, my mom and I went to the Las Vegas Temple. It's so beautiful. I remember going there when I was 8 and they were holding the open house. It was fun to go inside and do some Temple work.

Now that we are back, I am going to tackle cleaning out my closets and finding a place to live!

Reflections of the Past Week

This week has been filled with so many events. The first being my birthday on the
first. I was not really excited about this birthday. It wasn't really about the number...I just wondered what I had accomplished in my 27 yrs of life. Sometimes I think it's incredible... Then there are other times when I feel so inadequate and long for so much more...I am sure no matter what age I am, I will continue to feel that (the inadequacies) and longings until they are dispelled or fulfilled. For my birthday I had lunch at Macaroni Grill with a friend. Then I had a great visit with another friend. Later I went to dinner with my family at Seafood Market on Val Vista
and Baseline. It was yummm-oooo. Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts, cards, and heart-felt gifts (especially your gifts of friendship)!

Then on Thursday, my mom and I drove up to Las Vegas for a family reunion. Some family members came on Friday, the fourth. To celebrate the 4th of July we had a BBQ and then loaded up in vehicles to drive out and watch all the fireworks shows. I think we saw 12 at the same time. Las Vegas does fireworks BIG!





The reunion was Saturday the 5th. It was really great to see my cousins and immediate family. More than that it was wonderful to remember the legacy that was started by my Great-Grandparents, and become acquainted or reacquainted with second cousins, great aunts and uncles, and just spend time with each other. None of our Idaho cousins made it down, but the CA cousins came over and we enjoyed each others company. Even though its all family, its hard to find my place being single, no children, and later twenties. I learned somethings too...When you have a family reunion, it is helpful to do some icebreakers and introductions (yes I know I am such a teacher with the icebreaker comment). But really, it would have helped in the getting to know everyone department. Everyone needs everyones emails so no-one is left out of the communication loop.

Anyways...last night my brother and I drove down to the strip. Our first stop was The Stratosphere where we rode the Big Shot. Such a thrill!!! Then we stopped at Starbucks, I was so thirsty and they charged me .54 cents for a cup. A stupid plastic cup. And this was after I ordered my tall mocha cream frappuccino with a shot of mint syrup (no coffee involved :-) ). Ridiculous I am telling you. But I payed because I wanted ice water soooo bad. After our stop at Starbucks, we went to the Bellagio hotel and watched the dancing water show. The first one was better than the second one, but I will post both videos anyway. The first was God Bless the USA. It touched my heart because of the holiday we just celebrated and my brother is in the Army. I loved every second!!!

Today was church. We sang all three verses of The Star-Spangled Banner. Did you know there were 3 verses? I love the other two verses, and hardly anyone knows them. Then testimony time. I knew we were in for a good meeting when this guy got up and said "The church is like McDonald's, it's the same everywhere you go..." While there is truth in that statement I had to laugh because did he really just compare the church, the Gospel, to McDonald's????? Whatever. I think my fast today was more meaningful than some of my fasts on other fast Sunday's. I was able to really spend some time pondering and praying and thinking.

After church, my grandpa was waiting for us at my aunts house. He is going fishing with my uncle and cousin. So he flew in this morning while we were at church and my cousin brought him over. I asked him a few questions. He met my grandma through a friend. She needed a ride home and they went dancing and hit it off. I asked him why he loved her and he said because she loved me first. Then I asked him how he proposed and he said he made the mistake of saying "if I had a job I would marry ya" the next week he got a job and the rest is history. He was 25 and gram was 19 when they got married. He said he loved going up to her farm and working with her dad. He remembered being a little boy and gardening with his grandpa. He also said that they used to eat cereal with evaporated milk and water and sugar.
Continuing on through the day...
I also got a 2 hr nap- - that rarely happens at home. Then family came over for dinner. Chicken, Steak, Pork Chops, Fish (walleye and wiper that Grandpa caught and brought with him) chips and homemade guacamole...did you know that if you leave the pit of the avocado in the guacamole it won't turn brown? Also on the menu, baked beans, bow tie pasta salad, and for dessert cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory with fresh raspberries.
My cousin invited his friend and wife and 2 little girls over. One of the girls is almost 2 and her name is Lola. She spent a lot of time sitting next to me. We were buds. It was so sweet. My cousins are great and their kids are so stinkin' cute. They are coming over tomorrow and we are going swimming.

Uploading the pics is taking some time...hopefully I will have them up tomorrow!

In 27 years

What have I learned in 27 years?
You always lose when you play the comparison game...
If it's good enough for you, who cares what everyone else thinks...
Hard work really does pay off...
To know true love you really do have to have your heart broken...
Laying around in your pajamas for a day is therapeutic...
It's not what you know, it's who you know...
Practice makes practically perfect...
There are no coincidences, just tender mercies from God...
It is better to give than it is to receive (unless it's your birthday, well...)
A little fun once in a while never hurt anybody...
Almost everyone eventually grows up...
It really is fun to be good...
A dog is a man or a woman's best friend...
Go with your gut feelings...

Enough of the cliches. Here is what I really have learned...

I really do love my family, even when they are all being jerks
I love Almond Joys, but not really any other chocolate candy bars
Orbit Peppermint Gum was invented just for me
I will never like mushrooms or applesauce
I have to love and respect my body no matter what it looks like
How to push buttons (on the computer, on gadgets, on people, hehe)
It is wonderful to have a circle of friends that you can rely on and look up to
How to utilize the computer to work and communicate more efficiently
I will always have a collection of Scrapbook Paper and Flip Flops
Digital Cameras help make the best photographs
Always dress modestly (appropriately) for everything
I can do anything with the help of my Heavenly Father
It is better to be able to feel the Spirit than feel empty and void
The Temple is a sacred, beautiful place!
Heavenly Father has a plan for me
Nothing smells better than a new baby, clean laundry, and clean bathrooms
I feel better when I make my bed
You must drink water to stay alive in the desert.
Wearing sunscreen is better than wearing aloe vera.
I love my job!
I love music!
I love fresh flowers (roses and gerbera daisies and tulips)
I am a visual person
Being organized is about what works for you
It feels great to pay off debt
Staying in touch with friends is a wonderful thing
I love the Philosophy store (I really do want one of everything)
Children are resilient
Watching a child come into the world changes your life forever
I love the ocean
I love the forest
Paying $4.06 for gas really is ridiculous
My name really does fit me now (that's a posting for later)
I would love to swim with sharks (yes I do remember my posting about scorpions)
My testimony (too personal to post)
I don't like big dogs, but my little inside dog-I wish I could clone her
Study the Scriptures daily

If I think of more in the next little while, I will post. What have you learned?

SCORPIONS

I have always had this weird desire to see a live scorpion but in its element (like outside on a rock, etc.) Well I am house sitting for a friend and have seen 2 of these creepy crawlies in the last 5 days. The first one was Friday. I woke up and went to get water for the cat and birds and I saw this thing in the drain catcher.

So I sprinkled some water on it because it was all shriveled up, and it moved. So I ran some more water thinking the water will keep it in its spot (wrong!!!) and it started trying to crawl out of the slippery metal sink. Then I started looking for bug spray or anything and I found toilet bowl cleaner. So I squirted the blue liquid with bleach on it and its body fattened up and the tail flattened out and it was huge! While it was paralyzed by the cleaner I took a butter knife and flipped the drain catcher onto the counter. Then I started running water on it so it would go down the drain. That made it swish to the other side of the sink. I squeezed more toilet bowl cleaner on it and then it started sliding down the drain. So I put the drain catcher back on the sink and then ran scalding hot water for 5 minutes on it to kill it. Well it didn't go down the drain. So I left it and covered the drain catcher with a paper towel and then a plate so the bugger couldn't get out.

So I checked it a couple of days later and it was still there, so I left it again.

Then tonight (sorry no pictures of this one) after my birthday dinner with my fam, I went to the house. My first stop was the mailbox. And then I really had to pee. So I ran to the bathroom turned on the light and went to sit down and saw another scorpion right by the door. I jumped up and freaked out. I called my brother (who thought that something awful had happened to me because of my sporadic breathing and tone in my voice). My heart was beating out of my chest. So my brother came and killed it with a piece of wood. Then he picked up the plate and paper towel and drain catcher and found the dead scorpion. And shoved it down the drain with the end of a spoon. UGGHH GROSS!

So in the end, my desire to see scorpions in their own element has been fulfilled. I don't care to see another one for a very very long time!

Inspiring

So, I have been driving around a lot lately (yes, even with the ridiculously high gas prices) and the other day came across this book on CD, The Holy Secret. I read The Peacegiver and with both I learned sooo much. Thought and pondered much. I am not into advertising, but this book and the one that came before have such capacity to change hearts and lives, and has changed mine. Thank you James Ferrell for being inspired to write such wonderful, heartfelt, meaning-filled, personal stories for regular Janes like me to get back into the perspective and meaning of why I do what I do (or should do). I will reread and re-listen to these books often. It's that kind of book.

My Mastercard Commercial

Cost for 4-Corners...$209
Cost for teaching helps...$139
Cost to fill up car in Phoenix...$54.03
Cost to fill up car in Flagstaff...$35.85
Cost of dinner with Dad...$48.99
Time spent learning and applying...not exactly priceless, but invaluable
Time with friends...almost priceless
Time with dad...priceless

A little bit of everything

First of all, my luggage was returned safe and sound on Friday. (Although I still think it was part of the prank war...)

Second of all, I HATE CHANGE.(Thinking of moving or other people moving or job changes or vt changes, any of that it drives me crazy and consumes way too much of my time when I think about it and analyze it.

Third, you know how there are certain people that come into your life and you feel like you have known them for years. You become friends and start talking about life experiences and find that you have been placed in each other's lives to help each other and you can understand each other heart to heart without saying a word.

Fourth, leaving town again. Yes, there is another list that accompanies this trip.
1. Oil Change
2. Tires checked and rotated.
3. Fill gas tank.
4. Stop at Philosophy store (one of my faves!) for some stuff I am out of
5. Return DVD's to Blockbuster
6. Prepare music

Fifth, it is freaking hot outside and I have a cold or allergies are acting up. How ironic is that?

Girls Camp

Girls Camp Past:
I was a girl
I never really liked going to camp, but I went anyway
We went to Camp Kenyon in Prescott
We went to an RV resort in East Mesa (when there were a ton of forest fires going on)
We hiked Havasupai falls
We went to Camp Lo Mia main camp
Never Lost Luggage
Shower once
Lots of bugs and spiders
Hikes
Rain
Certification
Asleep on time
Up early
Thinking about myself

Girls Camp Present:
I am an adult
Stopping at Sonic on the way up
I helped with a few harmless pranks...
We stayed at Lo Mia Orchard Camp
I was on Stake Staff as the music specialist
Shower every day (short, but it was a shower...)
Lost luggage (my clothes, kinda weird-maybe something to do with the pranks)
Hardly any bugs
Beautiful Weather
Wind
Asleep late (because all of us stayed up talking and giggling and sharing stories)
Awake early (not because I had to but because I just woke up...) but layed in bed forever and ever
Trip to Wal-Mart!!
Stopping at Sonic on the way back
More Time to Ponder on Spiritual THings
More Understanding of Spiritual Things
More Appreciation for leaders who spent hrs of time putting Girls Camp together
Think about Girls' Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Welfare
Delicious Food

Have any questions???Leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Can you guess where I am going???

Sleeping Bag-check
Foam Mattress Pad-check
Jacket-check
Flashlight-check
Sunblock-check
Mosquito Repellant-check

When??? Tuesday!!! 7am!!! 4 marvelous days and 3 cccccoooolllldddd nights in the glorious pines. I can already hear it now...Friends we are and friends we'll ever be, wherever we go, wherever we may be, camping friends we'll always be through out eternity. That's right...I am going to Girl's Camp...

When I come back I will post all my memories about camp (when I was younger) and (now-in the present day adult life) Hmmmm...oughta be interesting!

Summer Smoothies

Today I bought this at COSTCO (along with many, many, other things)!
I have been eying it for about 3 mths now. I just love making smoothies and small batches of salsa or guacamole, and this gadget makes it a lot easier. It's not as bulky as a blender, its not as loud as a blender, and there are a lot of different containers all with matching lids, so you can store the leftovers (not that I intend to have any) in the fridge. And, it's dishwasher safe! It's the perfect kitchen gadget to make cool summer smoothies.

SCHOOL is OUT!!!

School was officially out yesterday. I had some things to wrap up in the classroom. Looking back over the past year, I had a really great group of freshman. They were so eager to learn and sing and be their best. Although I am looking forward to having a break, I will miss them. Most of them will come back next year, which I am soooo excited for!

Newness of Life

My friend just gave birth to her 3rd baby. I was so privileged and honored to be able to be at the birth. There is nothing like a baby being born, to get you to remember what life is all about. For just one moment, a first breath is taken, a first cry is heard, and a new life has begun. “We fancy that God can only manage His world with battalions, when all the while He is doing it by beautiful babies. When a wrong wants righting, or a truth wants preaching, or a continent wants opening, God sends a baby into the world … perhaps in a simple home and of some obscure mother. And then God puts the idea into the mother’s heart, and she puts it into the baby’s mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are babies.”

Scattergories with C

I don't have anything to update. I thought this was fun!

What is your name...............Camille
4 Letter Word.......................care
Vehicle...................................camry
City.......................................chicago
Boy Name..................................Cayden
Girl Name..................................Carlie
Occupation...............................Carpenter
Something you wear...................capris
Celebrity...................................Cameron Diaz
Food..........................................canalones
Something found in a bathroom... Conditioner
Reason for being Late................. Car
Character...................................Calvin
Shout.........................................crap!

Animal.......................................chameleon
Body part.............. ................... clavicle
Word to describe you.............. creative

The (Musical) Alphabet

A-Attached or Single, Single
B-Best Friend, Britney
C-Cake or pie, German Chocolate Cake or Banana Cream Pie
D-Day of Choice? Sunday
E-Essential Item, Chapstick
F-Favorite Color, purple and various shades of purple
G-Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms, Sour Gummy Anything

Speaking of music, I went to All-State this weekend and heard 3 fabulous musical performances by the choir, band, and orchestra, it was held at Gammage. And I was asked to go to Girls Camp in my Stake as the music person. Crazy!!! I haven't been to Girls Camp for, hmmmm...at least 8 years.

This Weekend

I think blog reconstruction is just about over. YIIPPEEE!! I went to California this weekend with my students. Highlights of the trip include eating at Crab Cooker, going to the beach, singing at the Crystal Cathedral, and Knottsberry Farm, and lots of quality time with great kids on the bus! Pictures to come....

Under Construction

Dear Family and Friends-
Thank you for visiting my blog. Hopefully in the next week I will have it updated and ready to go. Until then....SMILE!

March Madness!

So much for writing every week...It is Spring Break! I love having some time away for me to think and plan and quite honestly catch up with everything I have left behind since Christmas Break. The last couple of weeks have been very interesting. I was planning on something happening, and it fell through. This has put into play another series of events that I wasn't planning on, but now I am excited for (well at least for the most part!) Hopefully I will be able to post in a couple of weeks with a little more clarity and maybe even a picture!

While I am thinking about it...Happy Birthday shout out to my dad who will be 50 on the 19th!

N-N in February

So, here is my blog for the week. I am going to catch you up from November to Now.

First, my dad is a railroader. A conductor/engineer a.k.a. he drives trains. Every year he gets to help with the Make-A-Wish train that takes sick kids and their families on a train ride (granting their "wish"). The train ride is from Phoenix to Wickenburg. This year I told him I wanted to go, so did my friend Jessica, and so did my mom! We really enjoyed the leaves changing colors, it was GORGEOUS! There are dining cars, sleeping cars, business cars, and they were super nice. They had a family train ride after that, so I got to go twice! The best part-blocking intersections! J/K

For Christmas my mom and I went to Las Vegas. My mom's sister turned 50 and her daughter (my cousin) threw a surprise birthday party for her. It was so much fun! Santa came (it was my grandpa, but I haven't seen him as Santa since I was a little girl.) We went to the Bellagio hotel and toured the Atrium and did lots of shopping. We took a new route home and it was definitely a learning experiece. THANK YOU VZ NAVIGATOR!

So that brings us to January....my little bro, the pool shark came home from Iraq. He actually showed up at our house two weeks ago. It has been great to have him home. I know that through our prayers and the prayers of others he was protected.



Now...here's the sad part that leads up to today. President Hinckley, our beloved prophet of 13 yrs, passed away last Sunday January 27th. I treasure the sacred experiences I had and counsel I received from President Hinckley. I hope I don't turn into one of those people he described when he was asked what he was going to be most remembered for and replied with the prophet that no one listened to.

LONG TIME, NO WRITE!

So, a lot of things have happened since November. I will make another post with pictures describing all I can remember. For now, I wanted to try and update my blog. My goal is to write something each week.