The card war

Last year Brett bought a great card for me for our anniversary

Then, on Mother's Day, he bought another great card

So, for Brett's birthday I found this card. If you don't find the humor in it, just ask Brett what happened when he tried to lick the beaters when he was a teenager and forgot to unplug the mixer....

Here is the card I got him for Valentine's Day. I have to have proof of what the card really says just in case he decides to blog about it himself. (I Want to FLY!!!)

While I don't think anything can beat the first card, I'm pretty impressed with myself and my card picking this year. We'll see what Brett is able to pull of in the future...

Girls Night Out

Last Friday I was invited to watch Pride and Prejudice with Emily and her mom Susan and sister Amy. It was a great night had by all. While the movie itself is a mere six hours, I think it was a must to set up all of the characters and the plot of the story. I think I need to read the book now. Sister Breinholt (Susan) bought Cafe Rio for all of us and Emily bought some pastries from Kneaders. As I ate the delicious food, I wondered how much I would have to work out so that I didn't have to lose a pound or two. Ahh, oh well. It was worth being able to get away from the kids for a night and enjoy some good company.

Thanks Brett for being such a great guy and watching the kids so I could go...

33 Years and counting

Today Brett celebrated his 33rd birthday. I did what any good wife would do and I e-mailed the guy who sits next to him at work and his manager giving them a heads up. They sang Happy Birthday to Brett and he was pretty embarrassed. I think I did my job :).

We didn't do too much for Brett's birthday. We had purchased a copy of Rayman Raving Rabbids for the Wii back in October and just saved it for the big day.


I also purchased some nutrition bars and some shampoo that takes chlorine out of your hair.
Brett is swimming three times a week and it takes about 3 showers to get the chlorine out, so I thought I'd buy some shampoo and see how that works. He informed me that he was going to buzz his head, so maybe I'll just take the shampoo and use it myself. We made a basket full of his gifts and sent him on a treasure hunt throughout the house to find it. I had him stumped a little bit and he kept asking the kids where the clues were. He must think I'm really stupid. I didn't tell the kids where the clues were. Sydney did do a great job of keeping a secret as to where the treasure actually was hidden though. I was proud of her.

We sure appreciate having Brett in our home. He is a great dad and a great husband. I appreciate his friendship and the hard work he puts in for our family. Happy Birthday Brett!!

Date Night

Saturday was our date night with the kids. It was my turn to have Ryan and he wanted to go bowling. So, we went to BYU and put our name on the list for a lane. The wait was about 25 minutes so we just watched others bowl.

Ryan felt like he knew quite a bit about bowling because he attended the Young Men's activity where they had a member of our ward talk about the basics of bowling for the bowling merit badge. He candidly talked about what the bowlers should be doing to get a strike. I was very entertained by his antics.
We were sitting behind a couple that was obviously dating. She couldn't roll the ball without shrugging her shoulders and smiling like a fool. Even Ryan noticed as he said "Wow Mom, a lot of people are dating around here." I got a good laugh out of that because after all we were on a college campus.

We finally got our chance to bowl. Ryan started out using their ramp, but soon figured he was grown up enough to do it on his own. I think he did a pretty good job.


Here are some pictures of the night:



After bowling we went to the grocery store. It always feels good to go shopping and come out with tons of stuff for not so much money. I had some rainchecks from Albertson's and got a few things from Smith's. I haven't used my coupons in a while, but I did Saturday and came out quite nicely. We even had a little bit of money left over from our date, so I let Ryan buy two packs of gum because I had a B1G1 coupon. He was thrilled that we had money left over.

I enjoy going out with the kids. On our way to BYU, Ryan talked to me about wanting to go on a mission. He made the comment that he hoped he could always make good decisions so he could serve a mission. I think that is pretty impressive for a 7 year old.

Evan's Baptism

On Saturday our family went to our little friend Evan's baptism. It is amazing how quickly time flies by. It seems that it wasn't all that long ago that we were all praying for Emily and Evan while they were in the hospital shortly after Evan's birth. I remember so clearly, Ben coming over to our house because Emily was in the ICU. It was a scary time. I also remember feeling so blessed that Emily's mom was able to come to UT from her mission in New York to be with Emily at such a critical time. At one point we were all invited to pray at a certain time of day. The spirit was so strong during that moment of prayer and thankfully 8 years later Ben and Emily have 4 beautiful children. It was great to see all of Ben and Emily's family members who attended the baptismal service. There is a lot of talent there, and a lot of love for each other between families.

After the baptism, we went to the Williams' home and watched President Hinckley's funeral. Then home to relax.

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.