I think I am cursed.....

EVERY TIME I go to Chili's someone near me gets fajitas. No matter the time of day or evening or which one I go to, someone at a nearby table orders them. This isn't a horrible thing per say I just hate going back to the office or my house smelling heavily like food! Today was no different!!! I was fajitaized!

A walk back in time......

Today has been a very fun day, one filled with lots of reminiscing! I started the day helping my sister mow her lawn (she is 7 months pregnant & her husband is out of town), now this normally wouldn't be too exciting but she lives in my grandparents house. I spent many summers mowing the lawn for grandpa. When it got too hard for him I would come by, mow the lawn, and help him a bit in the house. He always gave a great deal of instructions on how to do it best, when to empty the bag and so on. I really did enjoy spending the time with him and helping where I could. And normally I would go inside and do a little vacuuming and dusting. After which we would walk over to the corner gas station and get a "soda water". He always paid well and gave you a little extra money for gas. The times were great and the memories many.

So today as I moved the lawn and was flooded with memories I decided that I needed to make the experience complete. After I finished the lawn I took a little walk over to the gas station for a drink. And since it was on my sisters docket to clean a bit, I decided to stay and help so that I could be reminded of the good old days when life was so much easier and less stressful! I can't begin to explain what it was like to reminisce. The mower was its old stubborn self and I didn't wear gloves so that I could come away with a calluse or two. I shed a few tears thinking of the conversations that grandpa and I had and the things that he taught me. And as I drank my "soda water" I was thankful that I was able to spend so much quality time with him before he passed.

To celebrate the 4th we had a little BBQ with some of the family. My niece was on one and had so many funny things to say. She could be a stand up comic!!! She kept saying, "Be Honest....Tell me the truth!" And the funniest was her reaction to the a burnt hot dog (which is normal with Dad @ the BBQ) "What kind of a hot dog is this!?!?" And yesterday as we were having lunch and she was sipping her root beer she says, "This is the life!" Of yes Lilly it is the life!!! We spent time laying on our backs looking at the clouds and sharing what they looked like to us. She truly helped me to feel like a kid again!

We took a lot of time reminiscing of the years growing up and the things that we did as kids. It was great to be reminded of the things that we enjoyed and laugh at the funny things that we did! I am truly thankful for the family that I have and the things that we have shared. We have been through some good times and some bad times over the years but we have been there for each other through it all. I have enjoyed the last couple of days spending some much needed time with my sisters; laughing, shopping, eating, and enjoying one another company.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLIE!!!!!!

Happy 12th Birthday Miss Elizabeth!!!!! I can't believe that you are already 12.......I remember when we were waiting in the hospital for you to arrive, and it seems only like yesterday!! Kylie is one amazing 12 year old....she has accomplished much in her life already. I can't wait to see what the coming years hold! Whatever she puts her mind to she excels at---what a great quality! She is an avid soccer player. She has a great foot and can kick the ball far! She also is a great defender and plays some great offense. She has recently started playing goalie on occasion and she is going great! I love going to her games and watching her play! And love when she invites me! She is going to rock if she continues playing.

She is also a black belt in karate!!! Recently she passed her test and is an official black belt. This has been awesome to see her excel at! She has done very well and works hard and is disciplined at doing what she needs to in order to move forward. She also loves to read and can frequently be found with her nose in a book! She does very well in school and works hard to learn new things.

Kylie spent the first couple years of her life being tended at our house while her parents worked. This was a great bonding time for all of us and she became more like a sister than a niece! This is also true today since the other granddaughters are much younger then her. She always wants to be included in the things that the sisters do. And we love to have her around! She is a great help to her parents with her younger brothers. She tends often and helps to take care of them. I can't tend them anymore without her help since she is such a great help--she knows how to entertain them and to help get the necessary things done.

Kylie has a strong testimony of the gospel. She is always working hard to do what is right. She is concerned about others around her and wants everyone to be happy. Even though she totally loves "guy" things, she has a tender girl side as well. She is very nurturing and loving. She loves all her younger brothers and cousins and takes great care of them! It has been so neat to watch her grow and mature over the last few years. She has a deep knowledge of what is important and tries to do her best in all that she does!

I am super proud of the beautiful young woman that Kylie is becoming. She holds a very special place in my heart! I find joy in her accomplishments and am proud of the things that she puts her time and effort into. She is a great example to her brothers and those around her---even me, I have learned a lot from her. She cares for people a great deal! Even though she will probably be taller than me one day I love her to pieces! :)

Have a HAPPY DAY!!!! Love you tons!!!!

Happy Birthday Grandpa John......

Today is my Grandpa John's Birthday....Happy Day!!! I have been thinking about him all week and it has been nice to reminisce about his life and the time we shared together. He was a great man!!! It seems like only yesterday that we were spending the summer working in his yard together. He taught me how to garden and to love it. We had many a good discussion while playing in the dirt. When he got too sick to work along side us he made sure that he was out there still as much as he could. He loved his roses and made sure that they were well taken care of. Every time I see a rosebush I think of him. He also paid very well for the work that we did---which helped a great deal!!. I haven't had a better paying job in my entire life!!! Not only did I make a little money but I learned some valuable lessons about life, marriage, and the importance of family. He often brought grandma one rose in from the garden, showing of his love for her.

Grandpa's professional career was one of many honors. He received his law degree and went on to become a judge. His history is full of stories and honors that he has received. The best indication though of the kind of working man that he was is the chance that I have had to rub shoulders with some that he worked with. I am acquainted with a couple of people who worked with him during his judge years and they have only nice things to say about him. He was always kind to those in front of his bench etc. It makes me proud to know that he was such a great person even in his career since I already know what kind of grandpa he was.

A few things were always present when Grandpa was around. He always had the "chicken". He would put the "chicken" in his hands and entertain/tease the grand kids till the end of time! He also sang a song, My Brother Bill (not one that grandma liked) when requested. "My brother Bill is a fireman bold. He puts out fires. He went to a fire last night I'm told, cause he puts out fires. The fire lit some dynamite and blew poor Bill clear out of sight. But where he's gone he'll do alright, 'cause he puts out fire." While grandma didn't like this song very much she could always be seen at the piano creating a beautiful number to accompany grandpa. Grandpa made a great bowl of homemade ice cream. He could be found making it for family parties or gatherings. I always requested that be what he and grandma brought when they came for my birthday in Snowbird. And he always came through and never disappointed.

You could always count on them to be where ever the event or function you were involved in was held. They came to numerous dance, music, and sports events. Always cheering and clapping loudly. Grandpa always had a joke to tell and made everyone around him laugh. Many times he didn't have to say anything he would just smile and bring joy into your life! We slept over often and while grandma took care of the details grandpa was always ready for some fun. One time in particular when we slept over we went to the mall with grandpa. I got a little stubborn on the way down the escalator and wouldn't let grandpa help me. As a result we both ended up on our bottoms at the bottom of the escalator. We ended up laughing a great deal and calming my older sister down, but boy was it fun! I don't think he took us alone very often after that!

Grandpa took up oil painting in his later years. He started to paint portraits of all of the grand kids. He didn't quite make it to me and I truly wish that he had done one because they are gorgeous but I was fortunate enough to get another painting when grandma moved from her house. It means a great deal to me because it was painted for grandma. It is a violin and a red rose. She played the violin very well and as I mentioned earlier grandpa always brought her one rose. This painting is full of love and I count my blessings that grandpa developed such a great talent in his later years.

Grandpa fought a long battle with cancer. Not once did I hear him complain about the disease. I know that he experienced much pain especially in the end but he was always joking, smiling, and making the best of life. What a great example to me!!! He truly cared for others and lived a life filled with Charity-the pure love of Christ. I cherish his history that he wrote. I love to read it and be reminded of what really matters and how we should live our lives. I am thankful that he was able to be my grandpa and teach me many life lessons, many of which I am just realizing he taught me. Happy Birthday!!!

His smile was a frequent occurrence!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

Happy Birthday Dad....(I know, I know I am a day late!) What to say about the best dad in the whole world??? Don't argue with me on that one cause I will fight you to the bloody end!!! I have so many good memories and experiences that include my dad that I don't know which ones to pick! Neil Diamond blasting on the stereo, dancing in the car, kitchen, or wherever we can listen was a common occurrence growing up with Dad. He loves him and was never afraid to sing and dance with his girls!! He has a distinct style and it always keeps me laughing! Always on the sidelines, in the stands, or in the audience no matter what was going on! He has been a support in anything that I wanted to do, and cheered loudly for me. Many times when I have been discouraged about something he has given me a pep talk to help me to keep going. He has great advice and knows much about life in general.

Dad has a VERY outgoing personality, many times we will be somewhere (out of the city even) and he knows someone. People are always excited to see him and he makes everyone feel like a million bucks! He would go on walks while we were growing up and be gone for hours and have not gone more then a few blocks because he was talking to people. I am thankful that this is one trait that I have gotten from him...although at times I do talk a little too much!

Since we didn't have any brothers we did a lot of boy things as well with dad. We went camping all the time, played sports, boating, and fishing. Many times he even took just the girls to Powell with the neighbors cause mom had to work. I have many fond memories of Powell, Flaming Gorge, and Joe's valley. Dad was always patient when it took longer to get things done cause girls just take longer!!! And he even stopped a few times while traveling when we needed to go to the bathroom! It was fun learning how to run the boat, how to set up camp, and fish. He made sure that we had fun everywhere we went. Dad loves to golf and is very good at it! Some of his son in laws like to play and it keeps them doing guy stuff!!

He loves giving crabbers!!!! This is his way of tickling and as a kid it was frequent but a way for him to show he loved us. It is fun to watch with the grand kids as he expresses his love in his own way! Many people find him intimidating, he has a way of looking into your very soul and knowing what is going on or seeing what might not be shown on the surface but he is such a big teddy bear underneath and is not judgemental at all!! When people say he is intimidating I just tell them they need to get to know him and he won't be for too long! He is a very caring and gentle man....although I have not seen him cry too often I know that he has a sensitive side. It was a very emotional day as I left for my mission and he shared sentiments that I had never heard from him, but was so thankful for his love and concern.

He has a way of communicating that is just his own! Many times he can't think of a word for something but looks in the general area and points. Growing up it was frustrating but I think that I just might have it done now.....after all I use the same language sometimes!

Dad has a strong testimony of the gospel. He has always been a great example of how to live a righteous life. He has always fulfilled his callings and done his duty to help further the gospel in his ward and stake. As a family we received so many blessings from his service as Bishop, Stake President, and now Patriarch. He is a very humble man as well, doesn't want attention drawn to him and simply does what he should. I have been lifted in times of struggle by his unwavering testimony of the gospel and his frequent statements that it is simply true!!! What a blessing he is!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! May the coming year be a great one....you deserve it!! I appreciate you being my dad but most important being my friend! I have learned much from your example and am glad that I have the blessing of being your daughter!!! Love you!!!

Happy Birthday Dude!!!!

Today is my brother in law Spencer's birthday! Happy Birthday Dude!!! Spence is a great addition to our family in many ways. He is a great cook!! He can always be counted on for some good eats.....which is a good thing cause Mandy doesn't cook at all! He makes all sorts of things and they have always been a hit! Although he doesn't like chocolate......how did he get in the family??? He is a wonderful dad....he and Lilly get along well and he is always taking her to all kinds of fun adventures. Just a week or so ago he took her to hit some balls on the golf course that was after he bought her a set of clubs! He likes to golf. :) He is an avid Utah fan, he has tickets to both basketball and football with family and friends and supports them whole heartedly....once again how did he get in the family???

He has often been working on getting in better shape...although he has never needed it. One time one of my sisters or mom asked what diet plan he was doing and he said "Body by Spence!" It has been a running joke in our family that whenever he is trying to loose a few pounds he is on that diet. It seems to work though cause he is always in good shape. He has done a few bike races as well as triathlons. Last summer he ran the Wasatch Back with some of our cousins. He is an inspiration to me and I have enjoyed cheering him on during his events on a few occasions. Although I don't think that I will be doing a tri anytime soon! He also played soccer in college.

He has always been there for me in all the events of my life, coming to all the events that I have been involved in. He gave me advice as I left on my mission and cheered as I graduated from college. He can always been counted on to cheat while playing Boggle---he loves to make up words!!! Which isn't a good thing since my mom is an English teacher, but he sure makes a valiant effort to get points!!

Spence I hope that you have a great day and know that I appreciate you in the family!! Thanks for your sense of humor. Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Mother's Day.....

Or Happy Women's Day as we celebrate in our house. I love that we have a day to celebrate and appreciate women. I love that we celebrate all women in our family...I don't know if my mom started cause she thought that I felt bad because I don't have kids yet or she just truly understands that we are all mothers in some way, but I love it! Honestly I feel okay with the fact that I don't have children yet.........don't get me wrong it is a huge desire of my heart but I try hard to see what influence I can have in others lives without giving birth to them. :) I have had SO many opportunities to give around me that I sometimes forget that being married and having a family of my own is actually something that can happen! I have 6 wonderful nieces and nephews (and one on the way) who I ADORE!!! They have taught me so much about the patience, love, sacrifice, and humility that it takes to be a parent. I couldn't ask for better kids!!! They ALWAYS know when I need a hug, smile, or phone call! I have laughed hard and often at their jokes, played like a kid again, and snuggled till we all fell asleep. I enjoy being able to babysit them often and I truly cherish the time that I can give to them, many times it is a sacrifice but I always come away feeling loved. Thank you for making me feel special!!!

I am very thankful for all the wonderful women in my life. I have taken some time the last few days to reflect on the influence that so many awesome, talented women have had on me through the years. I have rubbed shoulders with some of the best that there are! I have been blessed with so many great examples in my life, women that have taught me many things and who live their lives in a righteous way. My mom who is simply a rock! 2 wonderful grandmothers who have left his earth but who continue to teach me as I learn more about their lives, 4 sisters who are my dear friends---they support me in all that I do and are always there for a good chat, aunts, cousins, second mothers, Bishop's wives, friends, co-workers, school mates, roommates, mission companions, ward members---the list goes on and on!!

Many of these women have come and gone in my life but their influence and examples have stayed. I have a quote in my room that I think describes all of these women perfectly...it is by President David O. McKay:

"A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation's masterpiece. When to these virtues a woman possesses as guiding stars in her life righteousness and godliness and an irresistible impulse and desire to make others happy, no one will question if she is classed among those who are truly great."

I just want to thank all the wonderful women in my life who have influenced me in so many ways. Who have taught me what is right, who I consider among the great, and who have unwavering testimonies of Our Savior. Thank you for making a difference in my life so that I can in turn make a difference in someone else's.