The Reason

Well, Saturday May 9th finally came and the reason we went to California arrived. (I have posted the other events of our vacation as if they were posts on that actual day)

We went to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at CHLA. It is always good to see the doctors and nurses that cared for us during our stay in Los Angeles.

After a couple of games the kids were able to make a Build-a-Bear compliments of our dear friends David and Tracey Buelow. They have a foundation that funds a portable Build-a-Bear machine that can go directly to patients rooms and allow them to make an animal while they are being cared for. This operation is a part of their foundation Max of a Million Dreams that was started shortly after they lost their son Max to cancer. We love Tracey and David and have very fond memories of the time that we spent as next door neighbors as their oldest daughter was undergoing a cord blood transplant to cure her leukemia.



We were grateful to Dr Ken Weinberg for making the trip from Palo Alto, CA to go to the reunion. He is a very dear person to us. We are grateful to the other doctors as well, but Ken was the first doc attending when we arrived and he has educated me personally for years. Brett made the comment that we should adopt him as a grandfather to the kids. I agree. He's wonderful. Now we just have to convince him :).


The disappointment of not getting anything 'big' at Disneyland was quickly diminished as there were carnival games galore at the reunion -- complete with free cotton candy, face painting, snow cones and BAGS of prizes.




Thanks to the committee who planned this wonderful event, and to all of the sponsors who make this possible. There were adults there that were transplanted as children. It was very rewarding to see. We were also able to talk to a couple of families who are right in the thick of things and share the hope of our son. Those moments are priceless.

Vacation - Day Five

Well, today was our last day at Disney. We visited both parks to ride some rides for the second time, and to hit some of the attractions that we missed this week. Ryan was not thrilled that we made him go on the ferris wheel. That's ok. It builds character to ride on rides that scare the crap out of you for no reason. Just ask my sister Lori. She'll tell you all about how strong my character is.


We watched the fireworks at Disney tonight. They were fun, but the crowds were crazy. I am SO glad we went during the off season, and that the crowds weren't so bad all week. I take back being uncomfortable taking my kids out of school for a week.

Ryan was so determined to buy something with his money. The only problem was that everything was so dang expensive. At the end of the night he finally found an artist that would draw a picture of Stitch. He was so excited until I asked the man what it would cost for him to sketch this character. Uh...$500 if I wanted it in color and $300 if I wanted it in black and white. Hmm...nevermind. Needless to say we went home empty handed.

Vacation - Day Four

Today was our early day at Disneyland. We decided to hit the Nemo ride first thing. They had a few mishaps with the submarines, so we waited a little longer than we thought we'd have to, but thankfully it wasn't as bad as we would have waited if we had gone later in the day.

I'm not sure why Disneyland is called the 'happiest' place on earth. Don't get me wrong, I think the kids had fun, but Sydney cried on MANY of the rides because she was scared. I was really concerned about how her memories were going to be formed, so we went to Fantasy Land today. It looked a little more kid friendly. We rode Casey Jr's train, and the Dumbo ride. Both kids rode the tea cups - they were on their own with that one. Then we took them on the Pinocchio ride. Holy Crap! That scared Sydney too. Who wouldn't be scared that the whale came out to eat you at the end.

I think the highlight of the day was that we got to see the Princesses! We stood in line for about 30 minutes to see them.



They have a little boutique at the end where you can buy all of the princess gear. Dresses, crowns, gloves, jewels, all of it. They will even do the girls' make up and hair. I took a look at the price tag of the dresses and they were $65. We decided we would pass.

After Disney, we took the kids out to dinner at the Olive Garden. Who knew that soup and salad and Mac-n-cheese could cost $40. I'm not sure that we'll do that any time soon.

We then went to the beach. It was a little bit chilly, but it was great to have the experience. We even got a high tide and every one of us got our shoes soaked and filled with sand.

Vacation - Day Three

Today we spent our whole day in California Adventure, and boy did we have some adventure!


When we got to the park we decided we would hang out near the front as the High School Musical 3 parade was set to begin shortly after opening. We sent Brett and Ryan to get fast passes to Soarin' Over California as both of the kids wanted to ride that one again.

The weather was quite a bit hotter today than the other days so we tried to stay in the shade while we were waiting. Brett also took the kids into the gift shops and Sydney found the perfect stuffed animal that she wanted to spend her money on. We talked her into waiting until later in the week to make sure we couldn't get it cheaper at a local Disney store, and to make sure she didn't find something else. I was surprised, but she readily agreed.

As the parade crowd started to line up I was sure to get the kids right up front.


The music was starting to get loud and I bent down and started singing in Sydney's ear. She started clinging to me and asked me to be quiet. I asked her what the problem was and she told me I was embarrassing her!

Oh brother! For heaven sakes she is not even 6 years old!

After the parade was over we took our fast passes and walked right on to Soarin' Over California, then we headed over to Paradise Pier and picked up fast passes for California Screamin' - an extremely fast paced roller coaster. While we waited to be able to use those fast passes, we went to Toy Story Mania. I have to say that this was by far one of my favorite rides. You sit in a little car that moves you right in front of some 3D movie screens that you are able to shoot at video game targets.

By the time we finished the Toy Story ride, we had just a few minutes until we could use our fast passes again. We hydrated ourselves, then Ryan and I decided to go on the ride. Ryan wanted to ride EVERY ride, and Brett was afraid of getting woozy, so I was the default co-rider. Sydney was just about an inch too short to ride this one, so Ryan and I went on it first.

As the ride ended he put his hands up in the air and said "That was awesome!" Then he leaned over and told me that he thought he was going to puke. I encouraged him NOT to puke and told him that he would be fine in a bit. I then reminded him that if he didn't ride the roller coaster again then Dad wouldn't be able to ride it. - Oh, I'm such a good wife and mother!

Well, we got back to where Brett and Sydney were waiting and Ryan said he felt fine, so we sent Brett and Ryan to ride it again. This time Sydney and I waited for Brett and Ryan, and Sydney whined the whole time.

Brett and Ryan were gone for quite a long time, and we watched as the yellow roller-coaster cart off by itself. I thought that was strange, but figured that they must do that from time to time.

Well....they probably do that from time to time for a reason! Brett came over and said - I need your help - Ryan threw up on the ride. So, I went over and sure enough - poor Ryan was pale, and had puke ALL over himself. I felt so bad.

My wonderful husband took Ryan into the restroom and stripped him down and washed his clothes in the sink. I was so grateful to him for doing that. I don't know too many dads that would do that.

After our adventure there, we took Sydney to A Bug's Land and let her get soaked in the water. By that time Ryan felt better, but we knew better than to let him ride on another ride that would make him want to puke again.

Vacation - Day Three - Continued

As if the puking incident wasn't enough adventure for one day, Ryan managed to leave his beloved new Stitch key chain on a ride and he lost it. We weren't off the ride 2 minutes when he realized it was gone, so we ran back to see if it was at the ride. Much to our dismay it was gone.

We talked to the man in charge of the ride and he said that they would replace it. WOW! Sydney and I went on a little ride while Ryan and Brett waited for guest services to arrive with our voucher to replace it. I couldn't believe we were so lucky. I figured we were out the $6. On top of getting a voucher, they also gave us a pass to get on a ride without standing in line. Double WOW!

We decided to head out of the park and get some dinner. After dinner we went back to Disneyland so we could watch the parade. We were in a perfect position to watch it and the kids were even asked out on the street to dance with the characters. It all ended up being a pretty good day, even though we had more ADVENTURE than we had planned.

Day Two - Safety

We arrived in Anaheim close to noon. We tried checking into our hotel early and they told us to give them 30 minutes. So, we went to the grocery store and picked up some lunch meat so we could make sandwiches. We then went to Target to get Ryan a toothbrush. Apparently I don't know what is Ryan's and what is Sydney's as I packed two of Sydney's toothbrushes. Who knew that Puss 'n Boots was a girl's toothbrush?

After our visit to the store we returned to the hotel and checked in. Ryan made another comment about the hotel only this one had to do with feeling safe. The atmosphere change was amazing.

We ate lunch and waited until right after 2pm when the local transit was done with lunch and we headed to Disney. When we got there we saw that California Adventure looked like it had fewer people, so we opted for that park for our first day in California.

Ryan wanted to ride the Hollywood Tower of Terror, so we headed there first.

We're retarded.

I didn't think that Sydney would ride, but at the last minute she decided she wanted to go. So, good for us. We felt woozy after the ride and the kids were scared to death.

Go us.

After that wonderful ride, and resolving not to be as stupid next time, I took Sydney to Playhouse Disney, and Brett took Ryan to an interactive thing with Crush, the turtle from Nemo.

I took Sydney shortly after that and was amazed at the animation.

We rode a few other rides, and then the park closed at 6pm. Who knew.

We walked over to Disneyland with the rest of the crowd. Then we rode autotopia. We enjoyed that ride with the kids.

After we were done at Disney we went to IHOP for dinner. We went on the recommendation of a friend because kids eat 'free' after 4pm. Well, thank heavens they eat free! I got a burger, Brett got breakfast, and our meal with tip was $34. Yikes!

Day One - The city that NEVER Sleeps

Today we started our trip to California. We decided that we would go part way and stop in Las Vegas.

I'll be honest.

I have never been a fan of Vegas. Ever. The first time I went to Vegas was a year after I got married. We went for a technical conference and I wasn't impressed then. I'm still not impressed.

We got a hotel room at Circus Circus. As we pulled into town Ryan made the comment that he didn't feel safe. We all felt the same sentiment. As we rounded the corner to the hotel, Brett told the kids to quickly turn their heads. We had forgotten that Porn is free and rampant on the streets.

I checked in, and our room was changed from 33 to 220...something something. It was across the street from the main tower, and in a dive section of the hotel. Ryan said again that he didn't feel safe and was worried about where we were. I reassured him that everything would be fine, hoping that it actually would be fine.

Our room was scary. We could hear EVERYTHING....all night long.

Needless to say, we decided that we wouldn't sink our money into the Vegas economy again.

Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover

The other day Ryan and I were driving to the Payson hospital to get his blood drawn for some long term follow-up labs. As we were driving our conversation went something like this:

Ryan: "Mom, do you know the saying Don't judge a book by its cover?"

Me: "Yes, son how come?"

Ryan: "Well, Brayden told me that my Pinewood Derby car wouldn't win because it wasn't aerodynamic. Well, you can't judge a book by its cover"

You see....judging by this...


"You can't judge a book by its cover"

The Beginning of Eternity

Last night Brett cheated.

He took some time and wrote this post, and then scheduled it to be posted at 12:01am.

That's cheating.

You see, for 12 years now we have had this race to be first. Every holiday, I mean EVERY holiday it is a race to see who can say Happy ____ first. Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Birthday, you get it.

So, here I am. I'll teach him. It is almost 12am again and I am just getting around to posting my own.

Twelve years ago today I began eternity with the man I love. Back then we celebrated every milestone.

Happy one month anniversary - let's go out to eat.

Happy two month anniversary - this is cause for celebration.

Now, here we are 12 years later and there is more cause for celebration.

Brett made the comment today that his love for me grows stronger every day. I poo pooed him, but he's right. I feel the same way. Each path we cross and each hurdle we jump over just deepens my love for him.

We started this new thing last week. My duel challenge wasn't working. I think we were sabotaging each other. So, the new deal was that for every day that we don't exercise, we owe each other a dollar. You can bet that he won't be getting any of my money.

We were both busy today so our exercise consisted of taking a 38 minute bike ride together. I love getting out on the road with Brett. I envy him and sometimes I tell him to shut up when he is trying to push me, but the longer he is in front of me, the better the view.

I asked him if his legs were burning. He wouldn't answer.

Show off!

I am grateful for Brett. We often finish each other's thoughts. That's what you do when you're together for a while, working toward the same things.

I love you Brett. Happy Anniversary. Here's to the rest of eternity.

Our Final Day

On our final day in the DC area, we were able to visit the Washington DC Temple. It was beautiful. I feel a special feeling when I walk the grounds here. Brett's grandpa Crowley has pictures of this temple from its construction on through its completion. As far as I know there are no other such pictures out there.

Washington DC Temple

We were also privileged to meet Brett's Uncle Doug. I have never met him, and I was so pleased that he came and had dinner with us. It was also very kind of Kara and Drew to host the meal in their beautiful home.

I could easily live back east. I have been reminded however that I would have to get a job, the kids would have to go to daycare, and we would have an hour commute to and from work.

I think we will stay put.

Uncle Doug, Brett, Deni and Uncle Ken

Drew, Kara, Brett, Deni, Shannon, Aunt Tricia, Uncle Ken, Uncle Doug

VA - For Lovers - or so I hear

On Friday night Uncle Ken and Aunt Tricia took us to their lake house at Lake Ana, Virginia.


Brett mentioned several times on our trip that Virginia was for lovers. I think he was reminding me that I still needed to be in love with him, and especially in Virginia.

Oh how I could LIVE at the lake house. It is absolutely beautiful and I felt so privileged that we were able to go and just relax for a couple of days. I don't think I can ever thank the Crowley's enough for their kind hospitality.

While there, Brett's Uncle Rich and Aunt Andrea came and visited, along with Matt, Gabe, and Lottie (cousins and their cute little daughter). For some reason I don't have pictures of the cousins....

Washington DC - Day Two

Today we went into DC for a second time. I really wanted to see the Holocaust Museum, so Shannon took us to see it. I was fine walking through until I came to a portion where they showed how the Nazi's took out the elderly and children with disabilities.

There was a picture of a young boy about Ryan's age standing without clothes on. I assume he lost his life. That is when I lost it and was ready to leave.

As we left the museum we entered a portion that is especially for children. It started out in a home that was much like our own and as you walked through, the home changed from happy times to desperate times. It was very moving. It is hard to fathom the evil that went on just a short time ago.

After the Holocaust Museum, Shannon had arranged for us to tour the capital bldg with a friend of hers. The friend worked for the UT Senator Orrin Hatch. We were taken underground on a tram that took us from the Senate bldg to the Capital bldg. Not many people get to do that so we felt privileged. Thanks Shannon...and Becky :).

Our Days Away

I'm behind here, so I'm going to plagiarize from Brett's Blog. I must say that after seeing all of the many things that we saw, I want to know so much more about American History. I am very much Proud to be an American despite what might be going on in the world today.

Arlington Cemetery Entrance


Graves at Arlington Cemetery


Brett and Deni at Arlington Cemetery


The Eternal Flame at Arlington Cemetery


Unknown Solider 1


Unknown Solider 2


White House


Washington Monument


Brett and Deni at the Lincoln Memorial


Lincoln Memorial


Vietnam Memorial


Deni reflection


Roosevelt's Dog - I had to have a picture in front of this dog. I thought the kids would love it!



Front of Jefferson Memorial


Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial

A Surprise in the Friendly Skies

WARNING: - It's a Book!

About 6 weeks ago I decided that it was time for a break. We had a lot of things going on with our church callings and work and it had been a long time since Brett and I were alone without the kids. Brett has an uncle that lives in Maryland and we have been saying for years that we were going to come and visit. Well, I did some checking, calling, more calling, arranging for kids, etc and finally decided that it was time to take the plunge and buy tickets to go on a trip.

Just me and Brett.

I didn't want Brett to know, so for the first couple of weeks only two or three people knew. Even my closest friends in our neighborhood didn't know we were going. I had talked with Brett's manager at work and arranged for the time off for him, and for several weeks I put the plan in motion. Church responsibilities had to be taken care of, work responsibilities had to be handled, our travel plans had to be archived in my inbox, and any communication of the trip had to be made in between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

A week before the trip, Brett's manager Ken, called me and told me that he would be out of town that day and that he wouldn't be able to help me pull the surprise off, but that he had arranged for a man at the office to help. I didn't know this man, but he gave me his name.

Well, just two days before we were to leave, I couldn't remember his name. I did a search on Novell's internal web site and found a few names that I 'thought' could be the person and I figured that if all else failed, I would just call them all.

I picked Brett up from work that day and he said "Sorry I was late coming to the car, I was chatting with Doug Christensen." That's it! It was Doug!

I called Doug the next morning and told him what I was trying to do and that I might need his help. You see, just a week before we were to leave, Brett came home and announced that he would start working from home on Wednesdays. Hmmm. We were supposed to leave on Wednesday, so I needed a plan set in motion if he was going to be home. Then the day before we were going to leave Brett decided that he would hold off a week from working from home. So, another plan had to be arranged just in case he went to work.

Tuesday night Brett told me he was going to work until noon and then come home. On Wednesday morning he told me that he was going to come home at 2:30 because I had asked him if he could get off early (I wanted to see if he would be willing to leave work early so that I would know which plan to execute.) In order for this to work, we needed plans A, B, C, D, etc.

Doug arranged for a couple of Brett's co-workers to help me out. One of the co-workers sits right next to Brett so he was the 'eyes' for the day. Brett likes to exercise during lunch, so our plan had to work around his exercise.

Another of his co-workers (Kevin) is on a different floor and his assignment was to lure Brett away from his desk, and then to get him outside to our car. Once Brett was lured away from his desk, our 'eyes' (Jim), would shut down his laptop and bring it to the lobby for me to pick up.

As soon as that exchanged had been made, we would give the sign to Kevin and he would get Brett into the parking lot.

My parents graciously came from AZ to watch our kids. I am so grateful to them for making the trip. They have never had my kids one on one like this and I am so thankful not only that they came, but that my kids were able to be with their grandparents.

Brett likes to be in on the planning of things. I talked to one of my friends in CO and told her what I wanted to do and asked for her creativity. She suggested that I e-mail Brett and give him a heads up that something was coming. I thought that was a great idea, so I sent an e-mail and told him that in 29 hours a surprise would happen. I think that drove him crazy.

He immediately started asking me if he could look at my credit cards to see what I was up to. I agreed. Little did he know that the purchase had been made on his mom's credit card as I knew that he would figure it out if I paid for it myself. I rightfully agreed :).

At 1:30 pm I spoke with Kevin and he told me that Brett still hadn't gone to exercise. My parents had just arrived and we were loading stuff into the car. I told him we would be there as close to two as we could as I needed to stop somewhere to pick up a gift for my mom.

We pulled into the Novell parking lot at 2:16pm. I called Kevin and told him that we were there and he said it was a good thing as Brett had just told Jim that he was going to exercise so Jim was stalling him.

The plan was now being executed. Kevin went up to Brett's desk and had him go and look at some pictures, and Jim brought the laptop to me in the lobby and then called Kevin to let him know the exchange had been made.

It was snowing terribly. I made two signs and had the kids stand outside the door of the building. One sign said "Maryland or Bust" and the other said "If you love them, Leave them". Brett walked out the door and read the sign and looked up at me a little perplexed. They all came to the car and saw that my parents were with us. Brett looked at me and asked what was going on. I told him we were leaving to go to MD and that was the surprise I had warned him about.

He said he needed to go and get his laptop and I told him I had it. He didn't believe me so we showed it to him.

At that point we headed to the airport.

The Third Day

Easter this year was a little more emotional for me than it has been in years past.

I found myself reflecting on the miracle of that third day so many years ago. What a miracle that Christ was resurrected, paving the way for each of us to be the same.

I have thought so much about the resurrection. It means so much more when you lose someone you love, a sister perhaps.

As I have thought about the events of yesteryear, I have thought about the significance of the resurrection, and what it means exactly.

We are taught that our spirits will be reunited with our bodies, just as Christ's spirit was reunited with His.

We taught the primary children on Sunday about the meaning of Easter, and I couldn't help but parallel all of this with the blessings of the temple. While everyone will have the privilege of being resurrected, it is through the temple that we are bound to those we love and hold dear. What a blessing!

My thoughts have also taken me to my personal life and how I can give my commitment to the gospel and my commitment to my family a sort of resurrection/rebirth.

I have been given a Third Day.

What will you do with yours?

A Night of Bad Dreams

Last night was a night of bad dreams.

First at 2:30am Brett declared (out loud, in his sleep) that I could have No Sex unless I was nice. Uh oh.

Then at 5:44am Sydney came in and had had a bad dream, so she climbed in bed. I wonder what her dreams were about.

The Future

This past weekend Latter Day Saints turned their attention to our beloved prophet President Thomas S Monson, and many general authorities, and auxiliary presidents for our annual General Conference. Archives can be heard here.

My favorite part:

President Monson ended one of his talks with this "The Future is only as bright at your Faith."

Today the sun is shining.

Perception

Perception is another one of those words that sends me into deep thought.

We have all been given an opportunity on this earth to make it or break it. Experiences among people aren't felt the same from one person to another. One person's trials may seem trivial, while another who experiences a similar trial may sink to the brinks of despair.

What might be an observation to one, is a form of judgment with another.

Of course then we have one's intent. That in and of itself is a whole other post. One's intent.

I personally like to observe behavior.

One sibling may feel like another has the easy life.

Take Sydney for example. Yesterday she threw a huge fit because Ryan had two pieces of candy. Imagine that. Two pieces. He wanted both of them. She wanted them too. She made the comment that his life was so easy and that he always had candy. Never mind the fact that she had just eaten a few hands full of M&M's. Her perception was that his life was better, easier. What she didn't take into account was that she had made a choice to eat her candy, and he had chosen to save his. Him having candy had nothing to do with how he was being treated by me or anyone else. It was just a matter of choice on his part, and ultimately hers.

The same can be said for many other situations. It's just all in how you look at it.

Perception.

Time

For the past several days I have thought a lot about TIME

It is amazing to me that a concept, a word, well, TIME can be influential in so many areas of our lives.

It takes TIME for a broken heart to mend.

It takes TIME for forgiveness to happen, and for relationships to be strengthened.

When given our TIME, our children are molded into the people we want them to become.

It takes TIME to keep up a house.

I need more TIME to perfect that one.

Each day I live, I am one more day closer to the eternities, where I will spend TIME with my sister, whom I miss terribly.

You see, it's all about TIME

Temple Square

This past weekend we were excited to welcome Kati and Boston into our home. They came up to visit, and to watch General Conference. I absolutely loved having them here. Makes me ache to have my family closer. Neither of us want it bad enough to move though. We both love where we live.

Boston hadn't seen Temple Square, so for FHE we took a trip to SLC to see the sights. You forget how beautiful things are until you are there again.

We first visited the Beehive House. It was built in the 1800s and was one of Brigham Young's homes in the Salt Lake Valley.

I am amazed that it still stands, and that there are articles of clothing, books, toys, and other things that have been preserved. Our lives have changed so much from when the Pioneers first came to this valley. We are spoiled compared to what they had.

We spent time in the Tabernacle and heard the amazing acoustics there.

While I didn't get married at the Salt Lake Temple, I am still grateful for the meaning of it. This structure took 40 years to build.

Us in front of a waterfall just east of the temple. I'm grateful for digital pictures. I was able to crop out my muffin.

We also took a tour of the top of the Conference Center. President Hinckley's vision of what it should be has been realized, and I am amazed at the beauty. There are actual living trees and shrubs that grow on top of that building. It is amazing.

I give it to you

Tonight we sabotaged our DUEL and went out for ice cream as a family for FHE. (Not bad for one day into it...)

We would have gone swimming, but I've been fighting a cold so I'm giving myself a couple more days.

Anyway.

Usually when we get in the car we play games like Slug Bug, etc. You see, you get points for getting Slug Bug Bugs, and a different set of points for Slug Bug Jeeps, etc. If you're lucky, you might be given a Slug Bug to add to your points.

For example, Sydney might yell out "Slug Bug."

Then she might say "Mom, I give that one to you."

So then I get the points. How nice.

Well, tonight the kids came up with something extra special.

Sydney yelled out "Hey dad, we tooted, and we give it to you!"

I started laughing, and then looked in my rear view mirror and Ryan was shooing his scented air to the front seat.

And then...

They gave each other a HIGH FIVE!

Not sure how many points Brett gets for that one.

Play Date

I've had the privilege of having play dates with Sydney the past couple of days. It's amazing how much a cleaned toy room can entice a child. I guess it's just like a nicely made bed. They're much more fun to lay on than a bed that is messed up.

We played STORE. I was the 'shopper' first, and then she took a turn.

She thinks I'm funny. Let's just hope that carries on into the teenage years.

She let me take a few pictures of her.

Enjoy.

Day One

Day Two

Weighin' In

Today I challenged Brett to a Duel.

The rules:

We both see how much weight we can lose from now until May 30th. We're both a little pudgier than we were last year at this time, so the race is on!

We weigh in on Sunday.

Brett, being the kind husband that he is, worried that this challenge wasn't fair because there are some times of the month that I might retain water. (don't worry - he's not worried about me. He's worried that I will lose more than him once the retention period is over with)

I offered to set him up with the same accessories that I use during these times, but he declined.

I don't understand.

Anyway - Stay tuned.

It starts - Sunday March 29th. We'll have 2 months to think skinny. Other than bragging rights, I haven't come up with a prize. Any ideas?

Mr Cricket

Dear Mr Cricket,

You said once

"When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are Anything your heart desires will come to you"

Ok, so here I am.

The stars are out, and I am wishing.

I want to RUN. I don't want injuries. I want to RUN. I want to run as far as I can, and then some. Sometimes I feel like I am in the wrong cartoon - dreaming of running after a cat, and then catching it only to be scolded by Cinderella.

I want a clean house without being a NAZI Mother! - Heck, that's in Cinderella too...(the Nazi Mother part.)

Oh yeah, and if you could sprinkle a little balance on my life, I'd like a little of that too.

Is this too much to ask?

Sincerely yours,

ME

A Celebration of Popcorn Proportions

About 6 months ago Ryan had a spacer appliance put in the roof of his mouth to expand his teeth. At that time we were told that he could not eat popcorn while the appliance was in his mouth.

We were obedient, and today....

The appliance was removed.

Tonight...

We celebrated with Popcorn.

With Grateful Heart

Today Ryan and I had the privilege of participating in the Draper Temple Dedication.

Ryan has been looking forward to this for a couple of weeks now. Last week we met with a member of our bishopric and received our recommends for the event.

There was a different feeling in the church today. A feeling that I wish was present always. Our stake center became an extension of the temple, and I was honored that I was able to participate.

We arrived at the church at 3pm. The doors weren't scheduled to open until 3:15. We were ushered to the back of the parking lot, so I watched as a few cars pulled in and decided that we should go stand in line. The wind was fierce, but I was afraid that if I didn't get in line, a larger line would form and we would have gotten there early for nothing.

As we approached the door, a gentleman inside opened it for us. We were lucky.

We were asked not to bring anything with us and to try and refrain from speaking once we had taken our seats.

It was EXTREMELY reverent. I was so pleased with Ryan. From the time we sat down to the time we left, it was 3 hours. That is a long time to sit for a little guy. He was quiet too.

I was reminded there why we have temples. They are not something that are made up. Temples were built in biblical times, so why then wouldn't the Lord want his people to have them in this day?

I am thankful for what temples mean to me. I am thankful that I have a family that is sealed to me for eternity. And while I may not understand the eternal scheme of things, the temple gives me perspective.

For all of this, I have a grateful heart.

Come What May

Today I share more spiritual enlightenment.

Not my words.

Words from an apostle that has gone home.

You can read it here.

We all have trials. They are almost custom fit for each of us. Custom fit because God will not give us that which we cannot handle.

Sometimes choices affect our lives in the form of consequences. Other times life comes our way and the actions of others affect our lives.

In the wake of it all, we have a loving Father in Heaven always there, willing to listen, and when we are ready to turn it over, He will carry the burden. I'm quite positive of that.

My favorite part of this talk:

"...the sublime words of the Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith when he suffered with his companions in the smothering darkness of Liberty Jail:

“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”

You know what this means????

It is but a SMALL MOMENT.

Come What May....

Code Brown

Today I am going through my journal to see how Ryan's disease affected our every day lives. (It's for my sister, not for me)

I came across an entry that talked about Ryan having the runs, and it brought back a memory.

We would be sitting in the chair - gown, mask, gloves - Ryan would be on our laps and it would happen.

CODE BROWN

There was NEVER a warning.

One time, Ryan was playing in his Exersaucer, thanks Aunt Stefanie for letting us borrow it, it was a life saver.

Anyway.

Here he is happily playing and I hear - slosh, slosh.

I look down and there IT is again.

CODE BROWN

Man. We washed more sheets, gowns, clothes, the exersaucer innards, you name it. All due to our CODE BROWN.

Once we realized that he had become lactose intolerant because of his transplant, the CODE BROWN ceased.

We all lived....happily ever after.

Surgery

The day had finally arrived.

We knew that it was inevitable.

His neck could no longer hold up his head.

Ryan helped with the reconstruction


It wasn't a long process, but necessary no doubt.

Here's our family photo during the recovery period.

A New Way to say I LOVE YOU

These are my toes.

Brett's artwork.

Weekend Weather Report

Whoever said that tornadoes don't touch down in UT very often haven't been to my house.

I'm pretty sure that they touch down EVERY weekend here.

So, here I am. Monday morning, and I'm dealing with the aftermath. Lucky for me - my kids and my husband weren't hurt. We're all in one piece. Well, I'm not really in one piece - I think one can only deal with so many tornadoes before they fall into piece(s).

Here's to holding it together.

Maybe I should put an ad in the newspaper for some serious super glue.

or

Maybe I should have a talk with the weather man. Maybe he could help.

My Husband, My Friend

It's midnight.

I'm sitting in the front room watching Survivor on the computer with Brett.

He's so handsome.

He is in the line of sight for the computer.

So, really I am watching my husband, and Survivor is in the background.

Brett and I have been through a lot with each other. We spent many nights in a hospital room early in our marriage fighting for Ryan's life. We were each other's lifeline. I guess we still are.

Following our fight with Ryan, we supported each other. Together we had another child. A beautiful baby girl.

We parent together, always discussing how we can better our family's relationship, meaning ourselves and our kids. We are responsible for their raising, and our relationship with each other.

We've been misunderstood. Both of us.

That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?

I love Brett. I love that he tells it like it is. You never have to guess where he's coming from. You always know, even if you don't want to know :).

He makes me laugh. I've said that before I know, but he does. If I weren't so darned sensitive, I'd laugh a lot more.

I love that Brett gives everything his ALL. He is a great leader for youth. He is a great father. He comes home from work every day, and every day he plays with the kids. He reads with them, gives them baths.

There is never a question as to who will watch the kids if I need to go somewhere. It is a given that he will take the kids, and I know I can trust that they will be well taken care of.

He's my friend. A true friend. I love that.

Deep Thoughts not by Jack Handy....by me

I have a lot on my mind tonight so I'm just going to share it. After all, this is my blog, and I write to express myself. So, there you have it.

- A kid is a loser until it is one of your own. Then he or she is a child that has made some bad choices. I can't get that off my mind. I have thought so much about the kids around the neighborhood that in a previous state of my mind I would have called losers. Heck, I was probably a loser once, but then deep down I was just a young lady who made some super poor choices, needing to be accepted. That's what we all want right? To be accepted.

- I love the spiritual enlightenment given by Elder David Bednar regarding being offended. It is a choice you know. It's hard sometimes not to be offended. I've had my share of experiences, but for sure it is a choice. When we consciously choose NOT to be offended, it's amazing the peace that can be found in our lives.

- Spring is almost here! I can look out my window and see the beautiful orange breasted birds peck at the berries on our flowering pear tree. Dang they make a mess, but man are they beautiful.

- Why is it that some people can just get out on the road and run? I like to think I can do the same but dang it, my hip hurts this week. Makes me want to swear. Of course if I did that I wouldn't feel any better about my hip hurting. I'm pretty sure that swear words don't take away pain.

- I love living where I live. Another view out my window: snow capped mountains. Breathtaking.

- Good friends are extremely hard to come by. A good friend is one that you can pick up where you left off, no matter how long it has been since you have seen them last. I have a few of those. Thanks Erin, Emily,Jolayne, and Danille....to name a few.

- I love my kids. I love that they love each other. Today Sydney hit a milestone. Two whole weeks with only ONE night accident. We rewarded her with HS Musical's Wii game. We've had it for a long time, it's been in the closet. Both Ryan and Sydney sang to their hearts content. It was classic, and they unlocked ALL of the songs. They were so proud.

A Tribute

I would like to pay tribute to one said miracle...

Bone Marrow

Dear Bone Marrow

While you may be taken for granted by some, and not known by others, you are a special lifeline for our family.

Eight years ago, you were harvested from my hip (and ever so painful might I add), modified by sheep's blood, and then infused into my miracle of a son,

You gave us a little scare, but allowed us to trust in God and have faith that you would come through for us.

You have proven that you are accountable. You are accountable for saving a life, and creating cells that build immunity to all of the illnesses that come our way.

You has proven over time that there is joy to be had, and that miracles do happen.

So, on this day of reflection, I say Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital Los Angeles who helped us find you.

I say thank you to those who came before who,through you, paved the way for our family.

I give hope to those who are still fighting the disease of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Of course I would be ungrateful if I left out the creator of all things.

So, I Thank our Heavenly Father for allowing us to have Ryan, and for allowing us to learn and grow through the process of a Bone Marrow Transplant.

We have been blessed. There is purpose in life, and whether or not we always feel that way, we know that Ryan has a purpose here and we are ever so grateful that he is in our home.

Happy Birthday Bone Marrow. Happy Birthday.

Fire vs. Water

Fire vs. Water
By Ryan Berger

(Fire and Water are the only people on earth.)

Fire loved France, speaking French and art. Water on the other hand, liked putting out fire in fire land.

One day Fire and Water went on a walk. Then they met on a corner. "Bonjure madamonzelle" exclaimed Fire.

"I'm not a girl you weirdo," yelled Water. "Stop talking or I..." "Will put you out like the others."

Fire got so mad and scared he made more little fire guys and ran to his little home.

Then he thought of an idea. If fire could scare water away into a creek he would be trapped. No that's too hard. So he thought and thought. Then he had an idea! The idea was...To turn into the sun and vaporize him. That was a better idea.

So as usual they met at the corner. So Fire turned into the sun and Water said "Noooo!!! I'm melting!" And in five seconds he was gone. Fire restored everybody in fire land.

The End

50 LB Celebration - Skin n Bones

The other day I heard a "Woo Hoo" coming from the bathroom.

Then I heard a "Hey Mom - I've finally hit 50 lbs"

After which I heard, "I bet it's just muscle."

To which I replied, "I'm sure it is muscle son."

Then I heard - "Yeah, that's the nice thing about skin and bones. When you gain weight, it's just muscle."

To which I thought "Must be nice." (As the top of my muffin is overflowing)

Over or Under

Since it is an unspoken rule around my house that I am the only one that can change out the toilet paper roll, I just thought I'd pose the question...

Does the toilet paper go Over or Under?

If you don't know...

It's UNDER.

Now you know. Don't be scared to change it out. It's really not that hard, and it is much appreciated by most tell-them-how-to-wear-their-pants(ers). (We're called that because we don't wear the pants in the family. We just tell them how to wear them)

Me...on life

I realized the other night that there are MANY jobs in this world that I would NOT like. One would be working in the Lab at a hospital. Yes, I could sort through blood samples to see what, if any, problem there might be. It's the stool samples that I couldn't handle. It's one thing to take care of your own family. You know, changing your own kids' diapers, cleaning up your own child's mess, but others? Nope. Actually, I could probably clean up another person, it's the 'sorting through' that I don't suppose I could stomach.

Yesterday I went on the bicycle maiden voyage of 2009. Ahh, it was nice to get back on the bike. It was a slow ride, -- I was along side Sydney the first time out, and Ryan the next time out.

I wondered while out in the beautiful weather just why life isn't fair.

Why isn't it fair you ask?

Well, when a boy/man rides a bike, his 'package' is protected up front. When a girl/woman rides a bike, she sits right on top of her 'package'. Well, what there is of a package. Thus causing quite an uncomfortable ride, not only on her tail bone, but on ahem...that too. Padding just isn't enough.

So, to you men out there that just get on the bike and ride....

Next time you straddle the saddle, try tucking your tail (you know what I mean) between your legs and have a seat. ride around the block and be thankful that you don't have to ride that way each time you go out.

More installments later....

Noble Women

Today my cup was filled. Sometimes it just seems to dump itself on the counter and spread onto the floor, but today it was refilled.

I went to an Enrichment on temples, and then Cherie Call, an LDS music artist shared her talents. Both women that addressed us were amazing. It was an experience that Cherie spoke of that I would like to dedicate this post.

She talked of a time that she found out that one of her ancestors was on the Mayflower. She wanted to know more about this woman. She wanted to know if she was like her. She talked of how her mother used to iron everything, and how she was NOT going to be like that. Then she found herself ironing her her jeans and t-shirts while in college. When she started asking around, she learned that the women in her family used to iron clothes to make money. So, this ironing had been passed from generation to generation.

As she told her story, I started thinking about the women in my life that I could readily trace back. What was it about me that could be traced back to things that have been done for generations. I haven't talked to anyone, but I can see things that I do in my life that were done by my mom, that were learned by my grandmother. I can only imagine that these things were learned perhaps from my great grandmother.

For example, I learned to cook from my mom and my grandma. I am thankful to each of these women for the skills that they taught me. Both my mom and my grandma sew. I don't suppose I will ever be like my mom or my grandma with my sewing skills. My mom can do anything, but when we were shipped puppets the day before Halloween instead of a Halloween costume, I had to use my sewing skills to make Ryan a Pirate Costume. It wasn't the Jack Sparrow that we had ordered, but Ryan loved it and was proud to say that it was hand made. I attribute this to my mom. It was something she would have done. I wouldn't have been without a costume. Matter of fact, because of a George Washington coat she made for my brother when he was a young boy, I had a Pirate's coat for Jack Sparrow.

I remember bottling vegetables and fruit with my grandma as a kid. This is something that I love to do today. I am so blessed to be able to have these skills.

I have noble women in my family. Women of faith. Women who make something out of nothing to provide for their families. Women that I hope that one day I will be more like.

Thank you Mom and Grandma Bowers for helping to mold me to who I am today.

Angels

It has been said that Angels minister to mortals on earth. Just recently in a conference address Elder Jeffrey R Holland spoke of just that.

He stated that "God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face".

This week I have thought a lot about the Angels that are here. They may be in the form of a smile from someone, even a cashier at a grocery store. They may be in the form of a neighbor looking out for you.

Tonight I experienced an angel in my home. Sydney is very sick. She has fought a fever all day, along with aches and pains. Ryan was her angel. He has been so concerned that she is not ok. I have shared his concern, but the fact that he wants to eat by her bedside to make sure she doesn't get worse shows his angelic nature.

I have felt the Angelic spirit of my sister recently. I haven't been able to get her off my mind for the past couple of days and it makes me weepy. I put the CD of her funeral in and I heard an angel sing. Thank you Jamilyn Slade for your angelic voice. I have always loved it. I remember as a child I just wanted to grow up and sing like Jamilyn. Now I hardly even sing for people.

I remember the day after Azure returned to heaven we were in Sacrament Meeting. I don't know that it was a good idea to go to church that day. I'm not sure we got too much of the messages. I recall Tiffani Martineau leading the music. I don't know that we were fair to her. We couldn't even sing for the abundance of tears that were shed. Thank you Tiffani for being able to get through those songs with us on the front row.

I guess we needed the angels of Heber, AZ that day.

Sometimes it is hard to look around at what is going on and realize that there are angels seen and unseen.

Sydney has not been feeling well for a while. She is having some sort of stomach trouble. I have an appointment for her on Friday to hopefully find out what the problem is. I pray for angels to watch over her. I pray for her doctors that they may use their knowledge to get to the bottom of her ailments....angels.

Parent Projects

I've decided that I'm not a fan of projects that the kids have to do for school.

Today Sydney was supposed to go to school with 100 'things' on her shirt. Goodbye to the baggies of marshmallows, cheerios, etc. Now they want stuff attached to a shirt. Brett's idea was to actually write '100 THINGS' on a piece of paper and attach it to her shirt. Clever. I actually decided that we would make a necklace that has 100 things on it. I read somewhere that some parents were gluing popcorn kernels on shirts, or 100 pennies, etc. My friend had the idea of safety pins on a shirt. I had a bazillion of those, so I decided we would string them on as a necklace. That took much less time than actually 'pinning' them on. Except that when I went to put the necklace on Syd I dropped one end and 1/2 of the pins went scattering so I had to re-string them.

At Christmas the kids were supposed to come to school dressed as elves for elf day. Luckily for me I had some scrap fabric that I could put a little costume together. What do parents do that can't sew? Stimulate the economy?

The school is having a contest tomorrow too. Each grade has a 'theme' for Valentine boxes. Sydney's is Nursery Rhymes, and Ryan's is Simple Machines. I had a bright idea late last night that we could make a Wheel Barrow for Ryan. That is a Simple Machine. He informed me this morning that his teacher told them that if their box looked like a Simple Machine, they wouldn't win, but if it had a Simple Machine 'in' it they might win. I highly doubt we will win. We never do. This is project is more for parents than it is for the kids. It is something that Ryan really wants to do though. He has his vision. I just don't know that I can help him execute it.

I'd like to be in on the "bright idea" meetings that the teachers have so that I can offer a 'parent' perspective. I have two kids. What the heck to people do that have more than two--those that have 4 or 5 or more, all in different grades.

I'm an A/B

Ok, I know what you're thinking....however, I'm not talking about my bra size here. I only wish I was that...

I'm talking about my personality.

I've been reading some running books. I checked 3 out of the library. I always like to get multiple opinions on what I need to be doing. When I read several opinions, I can take what is consistent and usually make it work for me. Consistency usually means that it is more than an opinion - it's usually facts from studies that have been conducted.

Anyway.

All of the books have talked about people with Type A personalities that don't warm-up/cool-down after a run. Hmm, I think I'm a little 'A' here. I've read so much about Type A personalities that I started searching the Internet to see what it was that made a person have a 'Type A' personality. Well, there were quizzes to be taken. So I took one.

I found that I a middle of the packer. I tend to be a middle of the packer in many things. I'm not great, but I'm not at the bottom of the totem either.

Now you know. I'm an A/B trying to become more of a B when it comes to warm-ups and cool-downs so that I don't pay my physical therapists next mortgage.

Blessed

I have been so blessed to have a good family.

Tonight I made stew for dinner. Actually it was more like lunch as we get out of church at 12pm and we ate around 2:30.

We went to a meeting at the church and when we got home I had some leftovers. They were so good. I was reminded of the stew that my grandma would make when my parents were building their house. It would be cold outside and grandma would make a pot of stew and come cornbread.

I was taken back to a time in my life that I cherish the memory of.

Grandma and Grandpa Bowers were living in our small town helping build our new home, the home my parents still live in.

I remember staying with them.

On fast Sunday, they often wouldn't eat until 10pm because they had worked so hard the day before and had eaten at 10pm then and they were observing a 24-hour fast. I was always impressed by that.

Grandma could make anything. I remember well taking baths in their home and having a little net bag full of small pieces of soap. I loved that. Looking back now I realize that she was just using it up. Frugal.

Grandpa Bowers like his eggs the way I do. Scrambled soft.

I miss him. He was such a fun grandpa.

I am thankful to be a part of such a family.

I'm Blessed.

Shavin'

I made my goal of 15 miles this week. I had to run 6 on Friday so that I could get them all in because I knew that I wouldn't have time Saturday, and I spent 2 hours at the dentist on Thursday with Sydney so I couldn't go then.

When I ran into the yard I looked down at my running application on my phone and it said 6 miles - 9:34 min/mi. Whoo Hoo.

I'm gonna keep on shavin' that time off.

8:30 min/mile - here we come.

A Fraction

This morning I cleaned out Ryan's backpack and found an assignment that he completed at school on fractions.

The top reads "My Family"

He drew a picture of all of us. I think my shoulders have been dislocated/hyper extended, something...

Anyway, here is how our family ranks in the mind of my son.

1/4 - has no fat (I'm not sure if I should be offended on this one.)

4/4 - love playing the Wii

1/4 - like cleaning the house (Is this me? He's SORELY mistaken if I am the numerator here.)

2/4 - like guitar hero (The other 2 just have no rhythm, thus we get booed off the stage and are not allowed to continue - Poor me. Poor Sydney.)

2/4 - like legos

1/2 - are girls

There you have it - just a fraction

I'm back

Last week Brett and I went to the temple. As I was getting ready, I slipped on a skirt and realized that my midsection had grown slightly. Knowing that I couldn't be pregnant (thank heavens), I came to the realization once again that my laziness had caused this growth.

I'm great at doing EVERYTHING for everyone else and using that as my excuse to not walk out the door and exercise for myself.

Brett has been bugging me to do the Salem Triathlon again this year.

I have ignored him.

Well, my little skirt incident made me decide that I really did need to have something to work for. (I know Brett, you've been telling me that for weeks...I just needed it to be my own idea :).

So, I broke it to Brett on Thursday that I would in fact sign up for the race.

He smiled.

He knows me.

On Friday, I decided that I needed to just clean the house. After all, we did have a tornado plow through our residence.

At about 10:15 I sat down to the computer to read blogs and saw a post on a blog that I belong to. The post was about a mom, a mom like me, that went running 7 miles. The first 2 1/2 miles were hard for her, and then she said after that it felt good. I looked at the clock and decided that it was time that I get off my butt and get out there.

So, I got dressed and ran just over 3 miles. My time was just under a 10 minute mile. I reasoned that I was allowed a turtle pace. I hadn't been running for at least 2 months, maybe 3.

It felt good. So good that I went back out on Saturday, and again on Monday. I have to go tutor a boy at the school today for a while, but then I'm going to go back out today.

My goal for this week - 15 miles.

I'll shoot for the same goal next week. Then I'll increase my mileage, and hopefully by June when I run the Ragnar Relay with my cousins, I'll not be the slowest on the team.

I'm back. It feels good.