I Thank Thee O' God for a Prophet

With the passing of President Hinckley last week, I personally have spent some time pondering and even reading several articles regarding church policy on several issues. As many know, yesterday a new prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was announced at 11am MST. Sydney gets out of preschool at 11am so I picked her up a little early so I could be home for the announcement. Many people assumed the new prophet would be Thomas S Monson, and their assumptions proved correct. President Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F Uchtdorf were also announced as the new counselors to President Monson. As I stood my bedroom and watched these marvelous men, I couldn't help but be, as President Uchtdorf said, joyfully overwhelmed. My eyes welled up with tears and my heart was full of gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father, who in his infinite wisdom, has set up such an organization. The work of the Lord is moving forward, and the kingdom of God is being built here upon the earth.

One of the media outlets posed the question about the church being an international church, with more of its members being outside the US than inside. They asked if the calling of President Uchtdorf was to show that the church wanted to represent more international members. President Uchtdorf responded that the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, and the First Presidency, did not represent one particular group of people, rather they are representatives of Jesus Christ. I was very moved by that response. It touched me and solidified my testimony that we are here on the Lord's errand. I think that sometimes it is hard to realize the eternal perspective of things, but events such as what happened yesterday help us realize that God knows each individual. He knows what the people of this world need and all we need to do is turn to him and he will direct our paths.

Parable of a Princess

Tonight the Young Women had their annual Values Conference to honor the young women who finished their personal progress. I have to admit, I really didn't want to go. I could have really used a break this week with young women's, but I am so glad I went. The Stake asked a few people to come and present a program called the Parable of a Princess by Jenny Phillips. There was a story about three princesses who were asked by their father to build a castle so that he could return to them and visit. He told them that there was a line that they could not cross, for if they did the enemy would get them. He also gave them a book and told them that if they would read the book they would remember Him as he would be gone for a long time. One day the princesses took a walk in the forest and found a mirror. One of the princesses was very beautiful. She had long shiny black hair and shiny blue eyes. She had a slender body frame and was stunning. Another Princess wasn't as beautiful. Her brown hair wasn't as shiny, and her eyes were brown, not blue like her sisters. She also had a slightly larger body frame. The last sister was the least beautiful of all.

The story continues and each princess lives their lives differently. It goes on to tell about the princess who crosses the line into enemy territory. She thought she would automatically be hurt by the enemy so she only went a few steps at a time. She entered into a castle where there were people laughing and dancing and having a good time. They all dressed beautifully and she thought to herself that her father had mistaken her. There was no enemy that was taking her down. Over time she started to realize that what she was doing was poisoning her. As she tried to leave, she couldn't. She had a shackle and chain around her ankle that did not allow her to leave. She started to call out to her father and her brother was sent to rescue her. He suffered much to allow her to leave enemy territory and return to the right side to finish her castle.

The second princess that was not as beautiful as the first was obsessed with the mirror they found in the forest. She continually changed the way she dressed and filled her life with many things. As she did she was unable to finish her castle.

The third princess worked hard on her castle. Her hands were worn from the chiseling she did to the mortar and rock. While she was not the most beautiful on the outside, the townspeople loved her. She served the community and helped others build their castles.

The day finally came that a familiar voice was heard in the land. While it was not the Father who had returned to greet his princess daughters, it was His Son, their brother, heir to the throne. He greeted each of them and thanked them for what they had done on their castles. The first princess hadn't stared early, but since she was rescued from her brother, she had worked so hard to build her castle. The second princess apologized that her castle wasn't built. She had just gotten too busy. The third princess was working on the interior of her castle when she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder. She recognized her brother and he said to her "Well done thou good and faithful princess." She apologized that her castle wasn't completed and he told her not to worry that he would do the rest. She saw a beautiful light rest upon her and her castle was lifted into the heavens. As she looked up, she saw her father, tears streaming down his face. He embraced her and welcomed her back into his presence.

Many of us know this story and it is to you who read this that I ask, How is your castle? I know that mine needs a lot of work. For years I was the princess on the other side of the line in the magnificent castle that had fun and laughter. For a time I was the princess that was obsessed about my life and too busy for the things that are most important.

Since my sister passed away, I have realized more than ever how fragile life is. At any moment I could be taken from this earth to the eternity that awaits all of us. I know more now than I ever have that our lives are a gift from God. My castle is still in need of work, but the king, prince, and princess that live here will hopefully be blessed because I am trying so hard to build the walls that will keep the enemy out.

My castle will one day be the castle of the third princess.

White Strips

We had such an eventful morning this morning. A very noteworthy one anyway. We were out of milk, so I made toast for the kids and gave them some yogurt to go with it. Ryan asked me if my virus was gone that made me have a yellow spot on my tooth. I kind of looked at him funny and he said, you know, you eat yogurt so your virus can be gone. I remembered that I had told him I needed some yogurt that would help the virus on my lip. He obviously thought it helped much more than my lip. I explained that yogurt helped cold sores, not spots on teeth. I asked him if the spot on my tooth bothered him and he said, "Yeah, can't you get white strips to make it go away?" Ahhh, out of the mouth of babes. I do have a spot on my tooth. It was apparently caused by a virus that I contracted when I was an infant/toddler. I guess I will have to see about getting it whitened so my son isn't so bothered by it....

Can We take the Wii to Grandma's?

This morning as I was getting the kids ready for school I told Ryan that Grandpa Berger was going to pick him up after school so he shouldn't walk home. Both kids were curious as to why I would not be home so I explained to them that we were going to meet with a lawyer to set up our will and trust. I then went on to explain to them what all of that meant. They both seemed to be alright with the answer I gave them and they continued to eat their breakfast. As we were walking out the door to take Ryan to school, Sydney asked if she could take the Wii to Grandma's. I asked her when she would like to do that. She said, "if you die." I answered "Yes, if I die, you can take the Wii to Grandma's." Then, Ryan in his wisdom firmly told Sydney that we probably wouldn't even have the Wii when mom and dad die. Thankfully, my son can see much clearer than my daughter and he is usually around to help me come back down to her level.

DHL does not just pick up small packages

This morning at about 7:30am Sydney and I heard a very loud MEOW. We looked out on the porch and sure enough, a poor little black cat wanted to come in and shelter itself from the elements. The wind was bitterly cold and I knew I had a decision to make. I could let the cat in and try to find its owner, or I could leave it out on the porch. Sydney thought I was so inhumane for not letting the poor little kitty in the house. I however only felt 'slightly' bad. Since I didn't want to be the big meanie, I did what any good mom would do and I had her call her dad :). He did just what I thought he would do and told her 'No' to bringing in the cat. Alas, I was not the meanie after all. We were just following orders .

Well, here it is 2:30 and the DHL driver shows up to pick up an envelope that we are shipping to AZ. To my surprise - THE CAT IS STILL ON THE PORCH!!!

We now have a bigger problem than I thought. I instructed the gentleman not to let the cat in the house because it did not belong to me. So, he graciously shut the door in its face. As he was leaving he asked if I would like him to take it with him. I agreed. I'm not sure if I'm the hero or not, but I no longer have a cat on my doorstep. He assured me he would just drop it off outside the neighborhood. I guess we'll see if we end up with it another day.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Today I thought I would just post a few of my favorite things(people, etc), and things that I am most thankful for.

Ryan and I went to a birthday party of one of his friends today. Evan Williams. Evan is the son of Ben and Emily Williams, friends of ours from BYU days. The Williams' are some of my favorite people. I don't think I have smiled that much in a very long time. The kids went to Kangaroo Zoo, an indoor kids wonderland that has several blow-up things that you jump around on. They played tag and it was fun to watch Ben and Emily's sister Amy get winded while being chased. I didn't pay to get in because I left my wallet at home, so I was only able to watch. Emily's parents were also there and I have to say, they too are some of my favorite people. A tradition in their family is to put an almond in the cake. Whomever gets the almond gets a prize. Emily put several almonds in Evan's cake so that each kid would likely get one. Their traditions are some of my favorite things, and I realized that I need to do more fun things with my kids.

Another of my favorites is Cafe Rio. Last night Brett and I went to dinner together at Cafe Rio. I love their salads and fairly recently discovered that their tostada is just a miniature salad for about 2 bucks cheaper and it is plenty of food. I thank Brett for taking me there and his parents for watching the kids so we could go.

Another favorite is reading with my kids. Sydney is much less patient with reading than Ryan is and I absolutely LOVE crawling in bed with Ryan with a good book. He will sit there for hours and listen and he is at the age where he can predict what could possibly happen in the book. I love that he will take the time with me and read. That time is very special.

We recently started splitting the kids and going on dates. It works out great for us because we just have two kids. One week I have Sydney and the other week I have Ryan. We do a single date once a month with the kids, one family date, and two dates where Brett and I go out and do something. Spending our time this way has become one of my favorite things. When I am with the kids one on one, they get a limit of $10 and so far they both have spent it at the Nickle Arcade. It is very much a hole in the wall joint, but the kids love it and I'm getting pretty good at the games that give a lot of tickets so that by the end of the night we get to walk out with a small prize and a few fruity tootsie rolls (another favorite).

While none of these things are raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, my life is quite fulfilling with my family and the positive things that we are filling our time with - and that too is a favorite.

Belt of the future

The other day I was helping Ryan with his belt before going to school. The kid can't keep his pants up so a belt is a must, unless of course you can buy pants with an adjustable waist. Anyway, as I was cinching up his belt he told me that the belt of the future would not require that you cinch it with your hands. It would simply be made with electricity and you will just need to push a button and it will cinch for you. Now, if I could just help him invent this handy belt, I'm sure we would be millionaires. I'm positive that everyone would want one.

Amusement Parks and Ice Skating Rinks

Have I ever mentioned that I HATE skating? Last night we took the youth of our ward to the Ice Skating Rink. I detest skating. I'm not good at it. I have horrible balance and I have a huge fear of falling on my knees and making my knee problem go from somewhat getting better to being much worse. If you're wondering what all of this has to do with amusement parks, I'll tell you. It's the same feeling of being completely out of control. I don't like the sensation of a roller coaster, and I hate not feeling balanced on my feet.

Here . is a picture of Ryan. Too bad I didn't have the camera when Brett had the boys with their heads down on the ice.

Bib number 1515 and 1516

Ok, so by now you should know something about me.... I am pretty good about getting people to sign up for things that they think they might like, but in all honesty, they're not very sure about it. To illustrate my point, let me share a story. In July Brett and I participated in the Burley Spudman triathlon. It was great fun. Well, it would have been even better fun if I would have finished my run before Brett finished his. After all, he only beat my by 11 seconds....the race is on ladies and gentleman. Anyway, we came home and talked it up to some friends, and family members. Usually registration begins on December 31st at midnight. This year, a few days before that, we received an e-mail stating that registration would begin on January 7th at noon MST. So, I did what any good friend would do and started calling and e-mailing people. I had numerous dreams that I would not get in to the race and that all of my friends would. Well, the day is finally here. Just before noon I got a phone call. I politely told my friend that I needed to get off of the phone because one of the most important events of the year was about to begin and I needed to be online. I logged on to www.active.com and started the registration process. I tried an hour early and it didn't let me in, so I thought for sure it wasn't going to be turned on until 12:00 sharp. At about 12:07 give or take a few seconds, I got another phone call from a friend that had already gotten in. Her bib number was in the 700s. I not as politely got off the phone because dang it, this was important. When I got to the end of the screen asking for payment, I realized they did not take Discover. CRAP!!! That's the only card I have memorized. So, I tried calling Brett and of course he didn't answer either phone and so I had to run around trying to find my wallet. I found it where it should be...in the van and ran back in the house and entered my payment information. I clicked the submit button and it said "Please be patient, this process could take up to 3 minutes." So, I PATIENTLY sat here staring at my computer screen 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 MINUTES, 6 MINUTES, 7 MINUTES, Oh please, don't let my dream come true MINUTES, 8 MINUTES, NINE MINUTES, Do I refresh the screen? MINUTES - 10 STINKIN' MINUTES!!! - Congratulations, your bib number is 1515 - WHEW! Now the training begins. Next year, I won't be answering the phone, and my credit cards will be near. I think for sure I had an angel watching over me. I don't think she wanted to see me cry today.

Temporary Vacation

For New Year's, our family went on a "temporary" vacation. This, opposed to the other permanent vacations that we normally take. Ryan thought that we needed a winter vacation. I told him that we had spent our money on Christmas and if he wanted me to take his things back, I would and we could go somewhere. He said, "well maybe we can just call Grandma and Grandpa Berger and see if we can stay the night. It will just be a temporary vacation." So, needless to say, we called Grandpa Berger and he agreed that it would be fine if we spent the night at his house in Springville, a mere 8 miles from our own home. The 'temporary' vacation was a good one indeed.

New Brother or a Vacation

Yesterday the kids and I went to Sandy to meet a cousin of my biological father. She took us to lunch and we visited for quite a while. We then went shopping for clothes for Sydney as she has a few pair of pants that actually fit. It was a very long day and by the time we got to Lehi, Sydney was crying and saying mean things to Ryan. She told him that she wanted a new brother. He said - "A new brother huh - well, you can't have a new brother because Mom can't have more kids." He continued to explain to her that there wasn't a possible way that she could have a new brother no matter what. I told him that I'm sure that he had done enough explaining and he said, "Well, maybe I just need to go on vacation." I giggled to myself and asked him why he would want to go on a vacation and he said "If I go on vacation, Sydney will miss me and want me for a brother." I giggled a little more as I've said before to him that I needed a vacation so that when I came home he would be happy to see me. Funny the things they pick up on.

Yesterday was a great day. We just relaxed as a family. I spent quite a bit of time online trying to find a heart rate monitor. The one that has all of the bells and whistles that I like is called the Garmin Forerunner 305.
Unfortunately, it is $100 more than I want to spend on a heart rate monitor. There are a bazillion reviews on this one though and many of them are positive. I received an Amazon gift card from my parents for Christmas so I am somewhat stuck on where I can purchase my little gadget. I also found a Polar Heart rate monitor the F11 version and it looks nice too.



It doesn't have the software that come with it though so I would have to purchase that separately, which then puts the price up to what I would pay for the Garmin. I did find another monitor on a different site that is within my price range, but again, I am somewhat stuck with Amazon as a large portion of the price is held up in a gift card. I hope to find something soon as I will start my workouts pretty heavily within the next day or so as I plan to participate in at least two triathlons this year and Brett and I have the goal to do at least one Century ride this year.

New Leaf

I think from time to time it is important to turn over a new leaf. So, today is the day. I find that I really enjoy reading other people's blogs. So, with that I am going to try and do a little more blogging and a little more of taking pictures of the kids.

We had a great Christmas. We try to keep everything low key, and then of course come Christmas Eve we see that we have way more under the tree than we should have. We purchased a game for the Wii called Rayman Raving Rabbids II. The kids love it and I actually get a kick out of watching us all. There are several mini games that make me laugh. They range from throwing paper balls at a teacher while he is trying to write on the board, to using your cell phone in the middle of a movie, all while trying not to get caught. I think my favorite part is watching Ryan and listening to him giggle. I think out of all of the purchases we made this Christmas, this was by far the best one.

Yesterday Brett and I went to Park City to buy clothes for the kids. Sydney desperately needed some pants so we went to get some for her. It was freezing to say the least. The prices of clothing weren't spectacular, but we were able to at least get her some jeans for $10 a pair. Not the best price, but better than paying full price somewhere else. It was really nice to be able to spend the time with Brett. That doesn't happen very often. Brett's parents watched the kids and I was very grateful for them doing that.

It's been a while since I have written. Life right now is great. Last night we picked up a tradition that Brett used to do when he was a kid and we made sugar cookies on a Popsicle stick. We then decorated them and put them on plates for the kids to take to their friends. We drove to several houses and I guess last night was a leave the house FHE night as everywhere we went we were left yet another plate of cookies. We are going to try to deliver them again tonight.

Christmas is a week from today. Each year it seems like it comes so quickly. I am happy to say that I am done shopping and that I have just been able just enjoy the spirit of the holidays. This year I am especially thankful for my family. I hope that I tell them enough. I am so grateful for a husband that supports me in all that I do. He has been such a rock for me the past couple of months and I have realized more than ever how fortunate I am to have him in my life. We have been through some rough times together. He is ever forgiving and loving to me regardless of the circumstances.

I am also very grateful for computers. I have been able to keep in touch with my family and send pictures back and forth recently and I am grateful that I have our computer at my disposal. We are a very blessed family.

More than all of this, I am grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It's healing power has lifted me to higher heights. I have been so comforted in ways that I never thought possible. I am truly grateful for the blessings I have received by way of the gift of the Son of God. May all who read this know that I know that God LIVES! I know that he sent His Son as a gift to all mankind. How truly grateful I am for that knowledge. It is know longer just a belief. I KNOW IT!

My Sister

My blog is turning into a dang dreary read. I didn't think I could pass on sharing my feelings about my sister though.

Azure Dea Starkes was born on June 9, 1983. She went to heaven on October 13, 2007. Azure was so special to me. She was as special to me as she was to everyone else too. Yesterday we had the services for Azure and the church was filled to capacity. There were people in the library, relief society room, young women's room and in the halls. I have never seen so many people at a funeral before. They estimated that there were about 1200 people there. It was a very special day.

Azure was killed in a rollover car accident. At first we all thought she didn't have her seat belt on because she was ejected from the car, but Kati and I were able to spend some time with her at the funeral home and saw the bruises across her chest where her seat belt was.

Azure was 24 years old. She has a 6-month old baby boy named Eric and a husband named Brian. It has been so hard to realize all that has gone on this past week. The community has really rallied behind this family. It is so wonderful to feel the love of so many people who loved my sister.

A Lifetime

Today was one of the most influential days of my life. Over the past few weeks I have spent some time at a good friend's home. Her husband has suffered from severe depression and I had a deep respect for him, and her so I took some time to visit often. Well, this past Tuesday, September 11, 2007 her husband took his life. His funeral services were today and I must say I don't suppose I have ever been to a funeral that got me thinking as much as this one. Keven's family spoke about his life. I think the best part about it was that they all shared spiritual insight along with words of wisdom that we all can benefit from. My heart hurts that he took his life, but I know that God is merciful and he will ultimately heal us all. As his wife said at his funeral "I am going to do better." Well, so am I. If anyone is Christlike, it is Annette Holm, and if she is going to do better, so am I!

You Go West

This past week Brett spent several days at youth conference with the young men and women of our ward. I was a little anxious to be alone at first, but the kids were great. They both said some things that I think are worth noting so I don't forget someday.

Thursday night I made chicken and rice for dinner. I haven't really made that for them, maybe once in Ryan's lifetime, but surely not enough to know whether it is a yes, I like it or no, I don't. Well, we were sitting at dinner and Ryan wasn't eating. At first he didn't want to eat his corn on the cob because he said it would break his tooth so I cut it off the cob for him. After a few minutes of him sitting there he said "Mom, I can't eat this food. It tastes so unfamiliar to me." I had a good laugh and told him he could either eat the food or go hungry. He chose to go hungry. As I was putting him to bed that night he said "Ahh, I wonder what's for breakfast." I kind of felt bad that he was hungry, but had to follow through so he would know to eat his dinner. At 6:10am the next morning he came in to my room and said "Mom, I thought I heard the sound of cereal bowls on the bar." Poor kid really was pretty hungry.

Sydney also said something funny while Brett was gone. I was cleaning the kitchen and she was telling me about a friend that she met at the park. She said - "Mom, that girl at the park lives a mile away. We need to get in the car and then go west and find her house." I got a good chuckle out of that too as I'm sure a 3 1/2 year old has no idea where west is.

Slug Bug

The other day Sydney and I were playing the game 'Slug Bug' in the car. It is a game that you yell 'Slug Bug' every time you see a Volkswagen Beetle and then the color of the car. Then you add up your points (1 for every bug) and see who wins by the end of the trip. Well, we had been driving for quite some time and she didn't see a Slug Bug so she said - "Mom, let's play 'Slug Bug - Jeep'. When I see a Black Jeep I yell Slug Bug Jeep." I smiled and let her play Slug Bug - Jeep. A few days later I was riding my bike in Salem, UT getting ready for the Salem Triathlon and Sydney was riding along in our bike trailer. I was concentrating and all of a sudden I hear "SLUG BUG - JEEP!" I looked over and sure enough there it was a Slug Bug Jeep. Now we play Slug Bug with many types of cars. It has been a fun game to play with the kids in the car.

Laffy Taffy

Today we were getting ready for church Ryan brought in a Laffy Taffy and said - Hey Mom, we could make these - the ingredients are right here on the wrapper. I smiled and explained to him that we didn't have the recipe and that even though the ingredients were on the wrapper, we wouldn't know how much of each one to put in so we wouldn't be able to do it.

A while later I heard Sydney crying and I went in to see what was going on. Ryan didn't want Sydney to have his last Laffy Taffy and of course she was throwing a fit. I asked Ryan why he wouldn't let her have it since he had already had one this morning. He said "Well, I want to call and get the recipe." I said - how are you going to do that? He said, "Well, there is a phone number on the package that says to call if you have questions and I want to call and ask them for the recipe because that is a question." I smiled and just let him know that the phone number was for complaints, etc - Funny the things they think about

Closing the Gap

For those of you who know me, you know that my mom was divorced when I was young. Her x-husband (my biological father) was never a part of our lives. When Brett and I had been married about a year we got a surprise visit from my mom. She came to UT to tell us that Mike (the father) had taken his life. During that time I called his family and spoke to them, but that was about as far as it went.

Well, this year our family is having a reunion in Texas and it just so happens that Mike's family lives there. I contacted my grandmother (Grandma Nelda) and told her we would like to meet her. We scheduled July 1st to meet her and the family. Last week, Tuesday night, my Grandma Bowers called me and asked me if I had heard from Texas. I said, no but if you're asking that then there must be something wrong. She said, "well Nelda went to the doctor last week and found out she had cancer". I said, "OK, well then I will give her a call". She said "Well, she died last night." I was a little shocked. I was on the other line with my sister Lori so I let her know. After a few phone calls and finding out when the services were, I called Brett. He said I should go if we could make it work. So, instead of swimming like I should have, I went straight home. Brett was working on getting the best flight for me. After a few phone calls and a gracious uncle, we booked a flight to Texas.

I arrived in Texas at 1:30 pm Texas time. I got my luggage and then went and got my rental car. I took a wrong road, but didn't go far as I didn't want to get lost. I called Aunt Denise and she helped me get to the road I needed to and I was on my way to Gilmer. The drive was absolutely beautiful. I told Brett I want to move to Texas. It is so amazingly beautiful there. I arrived in Gilmer at about 5:30 or so, maybe a little earlier. I went to Uncle Larry's and Aunt Denise's house. We visited for a few minutes and then we went to the funeral home. I was a little nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I was afraid they wouldn't want to meet me, but I knew I needed to be there. When I walked in with Aunt Denise Mike's cousin Ricky noticed me right off. He gave me a hug and then the introductions began. It was a very tender moment for me. I shed a few tears and then payed my respects to Grandma Nelda. She looked beautiful. I stayed at the funeral home with the family until Denise and Larry came back at about 8:30. I felt like I took a little bit of the attention away from Nelda as so many people were surprised that I had come. It had been 28 years since they had seen me. Much has happened in 28 years.

Thursday afternoon we went to the funeral. It was just a small graveside service. It was very different than one that we would have in our religion, but we paid our respects. I took pictures of some headstones and then laid a rose on Grandma Nelda's casket.

We left the cemetery and I took Aunt Denise home. I changed my clothes and went to Grandma's house. Jeanette and her husband were there along with Scott, my cousin and Robin, a nephew of Nelda's. I visited just for a small time and left as I was starving.

This trip was a blessing to me. I was able to visit Grandpa Bowers' grave and take some pictures of the house I remember visiting most with Grandma and Grandpa. I have such a history in East Texas. I miss being there already, but I know that my place is here. There is just a lot of love there.