Trish's Blog

Gabby’s 7th Birthday

2011-11-06T22:14:00.001-07:00

Gabby hadn’t had a big birthday party in a few years. She’d been asking to have it at Kangaroo Zoo since last year. It was a great party and Gabby had a great birthday.

Taja, Gabby, and Madeleine

Gabby and Marissa

Gabby’s dad got her 2 new dwarf hamsters. So far they’re both still alive and have only brought us a bit of drama so far.

This is Cooper. He goes to church with us and is one of the boys that Gabby has a crush on. One of her more recent statements about him, “Mom, he’s such a dream!”

Gabby and Madeleine in the blast zone.

David

Gabby, Taja,and me doing a train down a slide.

Me and my beautiful 7 year old!

My First Grader

2011-11-06T21:54:00.001-07:00

Gabby is now in first grade. This was her first day of school. She is doing very well so far. She likes being in school for the full day. She is writing very well and a terrific reader. I like reading to Gabby, but I’m looking forward to her being able to read books on her own as well. I’m hoping she’ll be as much of a bookworm as I am.

Trip to Arkansas July 2o11

2011-11-06T21:48:00.001-07:00

Better late than never to post! Gabby and I went to Arkansas the last week of July.

Gabby and Madison always give a sweet and dramatic greeting to each other.

My parents ward had a Pioneer Day celebration that included a giant slip-n-slide. Gabby LOVED it!

Gabby going down the slide.

We spent one day at Lake Degray swimming and picnicking. We had it to ourselves.

Gabby is still not much for pictures right now.

Gabby and Madison gave each other makeovers. Such pretty cousins!

Gabby and Madison started their own rock band.

We played tourist in Hot Springs with Mom, Adabelle, and Oscar. This the Promenade.

All of us on Bath House Row.

Posing with a statue of an otter.

View from Hot Springs Mountain Tower of downtown and West Mountain. I grew up in such a beautiful place!

Gabby jumping in the pool.

Oh Gabby!

2011-06-05T23:16:00.001-06:00

Gabby and I attended Riley Robinson’s wedding reception yesterday. I’m not sure how soon I’ll take her to another! She kept us well entertained!

Gabby was enamored with the cake. She stared at it like this for at least 3 straight minutes. She didn’t think that it was a real cake. Most cakes she is familiar with are from a box. She was very impatient for it be cut and made sure to have a front row seat to it.

There was a candy table that was a big hit with the kids. Ranie’s son Tommy consumed candy for an hour straight. Gabby brought this box just for me. I haven’t even begun to make a dent in it. Side note: I went 4 weeks with out sugar and didn’t make any difference so I’m back on and just in time for the candy table!

Gabby still loves her Uncle Gabe! That’s Tommy to the right working on all that candy.

There were 2 photographers at the reception. Gabby persuaded them to let her have her own photo shoot. She was throwing out some mad poses! I caught this one. They were good sports about it.

Gabby making sure her candy box had her name on it.

Gabby and the “Wedding Girl” as Gabby termed her. As soon as she saw Cece, she was impressed with that dress. It was a gorgeous gown. She told me she thought it was the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen and desperately wanted a picture with her. It was almost the end of the evening, but we finally got our chance! Cece was very sweet to Gabby. When Gabby was admiring her dress, she was telling her that she really liked all the pearls sewn into the bodice. That was nice, but she felt it necessary to rub her hand all over the bodice as well. Gabby and I had to have a talk after that and people’s personal spaces. Gabby was later following Cece to get a closer look at the dress and noticed there was fly on the back of the dress. She first began screaming, “A bug, a bug!” She loved that dress, she obviously couldn’t stand having it blemished in anyway. As no one was responding to her cries, she pulled out some Mr.Miagi skills and grabbed that fly between her fingers before it even knew what was happening. She then proudly shoved it in Cece’s face so she could see that she’d rescued her dress. This happened by the Arkansas table and they were all in hysterics at her fly-catching skills.

I love my Gabby’s unique personality and how she continually surprises me. She brings me so much joy and laughter. I am one lucky mommy and am of the opinion that Gabby is the bestest daughter in the whole wide world. She is so sweet and even with all my faults and shortcomings, in every prayer, she always thanks Heavenly Father for me and thinks I’m the best mommy in the whole wide world and melts my hearts every time I hear it.

When I wasn’t reining Gabby in, I was visiting with some of my favorite people. Ranie and all the Robinsons feel like family and we had lots laughs and fun!

Gabby’s Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-05T22:43:00.001-06:00

Gabby graduated from Kindergarten last Thursday! They had a great program singing and telling us about the things they learned this year. I can’t believe she’s got 1 year of school under her belt! She’s growing up so much.

They sang the Ugly Bug Ball. It was very cute and a song I’d never heard of before. Gabby actually invited me to sing with her. She HATES having me or anyone sing to her. I was so disappointed I couldn’t oblige her after years of trying to get her to let me sing to her.

The Graduate!

Her very proud mommy!

Gabby’s K Field Day

2011-05-30T21:30:00.001-06:00

Gabby had her first Field Day last Friday. She was SOOOOOO excited about it. She had me read her the list of races and activities every night. Her prayers consisted of wishing that Friday would come sooner. Gabby really wanted to win a blue ribbon. When we were talking about it, I pulled out my stash of trophies, medals, and ribbons from back in the day. Gabby was so impressed with them. It was fun going down memory lane with her. That moment with her was completely worth saving them the last 15+ years! I can’t remember the last time I got them out.

Gabby’s field day was a few hours. I didn’t know what races she was doing and was taking an early lunch to come see her. When I got there, the races were over. I found Gabby and she was bursting with excitement after winning a blue ribbon. She ran the 50 meter dash (I think) and won and based on her classmates, won convincingly. I was thrilled and so happy she was so happy. I was so sad I missed it though. I secretly really hope Gabby gets into running. I think it’s a good start. She definitely has a competitor’s drive.

They did a tug-o’-war. Gabby’s class didn’t win.

Next they did a big game of twister. They were practicing right and left in this shot.

Gabby was getting twisted and fell soon after.

Last think I saw her do was the hula hoop contest. It went straight to the ground.

I was super proud of my runner!

Mom & Me Lunch

2011-05-09T20:50:00.001-06:00

I went to have a fabulous lunch with my terrific daughter on Friday. The lunch was at 10:40, which is a bit early, but well with it considering the company. Gabby was so sweet and so excited for me to come eat lunch with her. She make me a flower pen and a book about me. As I was never one to eat cafeteria food, I wasn’t planning on really eating, but they’d brought in outside pizza and it wasn’t too bad. I’m so glad that I have a job that is fairly flexible so that I can do fun things like this with Gabby. It really meant a lot to both of us.

I spent Mother’s Day being a mom. Gabby was sick all weekend, but she is a very sweet little patient and was very apologetic for the vomity mess she made at 3am. She still gave me her hug and kiss as promised and even add in a drawing and cleaned the kitchen table for me all by herself. Gabby is so affectionate and tells me every chance she gets that she loves me and is glad I’m her mom. I wouldn’t trade being her mother for anything!

Early Mother’s Day Gifts and a Breakthrough!

2011-05-03T18:11:00.001-06:00

Gabby has been bringing home some early Mother’s Day Gifts for me. I like the necklace and wore it for the evening when she gave it to me last week. The brown thing to the right is a dried up bean pod. Gabby told me she found it for me and it could be a maraca. I shook it said, “Wow Gabby! That is really special. Thank you.” Gabby’s reply, “Mommy, I don’t think you really like it. You don’t really think that it’s special. I can tell by how you said that.” I immediately began shaking the maraca and dancing to make sure she knew I was happy about any gift she gave me.

Inwardly, I was thrilled. For those of you who know Gabby and attempt to use sarcasm with her, you know that she has formerly had no ear for it. She is very literal and deliberate with her words and wants everyone else to be so. Jenny gets the brunt of it as she uses the most sarcasm and exaggeration with Gabby. I think she’s finally understanding sarcasm. I guess that’s not the best skill, but in my family it’s really a necessity. Now to just get her to understand the humor behind sarcasm. At least there’s some progress!

I’m Still Here!

2011-04-28T22:19:00.000-06:00

I don’t know why, but I just can’t get back into blogging like I once was. Life is still good. We’re actually petless now. I have to say I’m enjoying it. Both the hamsters sadly died. Gabby isn’t pestering me for any new pets yet as I’ve told her a dog or a cat is not an option now. We’re eagerly awaiting summer. This is the worst time in Utah. The “spring” here gives very few tantalizing days that are barely warm and then dumps more snow on us. It’s supposed to snow again this week.

I’m trying to get in shape for summer and being at the pool. I think I’ll sign up for a few races. Nothing big, just 5k and 10ks here and there. I’m also about to go off sugar again. I’m definitely consuming too much so I’m going cold turkey. We’ll see if I can go another 12 weeks and I’m hoping I’ll drop a few pounds like last time and change my fatty fatterson ways!

Gabby is doing well. We’re working on riding her bike without training wheels. She’s caved to peer pressure rather than my goading about it. It hasn’t been the best experience for either of us yet, but we’re persevering. She is growing like a weed. All of the sudden all of her pants are much too short. I can’t keep her in clothes that fit! And with her refusal to wear jeans, it’s not been easy to find new pants that fit her and she’ll wear. That’s another reason I’m ready for summer. When she wear shorts, it’s not so obvious that she’s outgrowing all her clothes.

Otherwise, life is pretty much the same. I noticed a certain theme at the last General Conference. I had resounding and clear answer to the question I’d put to God before conference basically asking if it was alright with Him if I just didn’t worry about dating at all or at least put it on hold for a good 10 years. Gotta love those distinct and clear answers! So I’m making an effort to keep putting myself out there when I can and to keep an open mind among other things in which I need vast improvement.

My parents were out here at the beginning of the month. It’s always great to have them out to visit!

Mom and Gabby while we were bowling.

I have a new nephew, Parker Scott Torgerson. Gabby was a little upset (ok, she had full on melt down) when she found out he was a boy and not the expected girl. But like everyone else, as soon as she saw him, she fell in love and we’re all happy to have a new sweet baby to visit and cuddle!

We spent Easter with the Torgersons. It was fabulous as always. The weather cooperated and kids found plenty of eggs. Gabby told the Mary Magdalene’s story in Primary on Sunday. She did a fabulous job and is a great story teller. I told it to her just once and she did an amazing job remembering every single thing I told her. My brilliant girl!

After the hunt with David and Maggie. These 3 get along so well! It’s actually really nice since they spend a lot of time together and rarely ever have a fight.

In Other News of 2011

2011-02-13T22:08:00.001-07:00

Life continues marching forward! 2011 has had many good things, but there are some struggles and uncertainties that keep me on my toes. Gabby and I are well, happy, and so blessed. Even with the trials I’m facing lately, I’m choosing to focus on the blessings, great and small. I am so blessed and am so grateful to God and His wisdom in blessing me with the things I wouldn’t think to necessarily ask for, but once I receive them, see it’s just what I need. I’m trying not to let those things outside my control not stress me out too much. I’m getting better at it every day. I turn it over to God, knowing that He can work things out better than me if I trust in Him.

Work is going well for me. It’s busy, but I enjoy for the most part. No complaints about my social life. I’m making more friends all the time. I love my neighborhood and love my ward. I’m still as single as can be and still enjoy being so. I’ve decided that I’m looking for someone who I enjoy being with more than I enjoy being alone. I just find myself to be good company!

Gabby is still Gabby. She is doing very well in Kindergarten and learning to read. My suspicions of her being brilliant are being confirmed. She is a really good at memorizing. She’s a bit boy-crazy and has crushes on boys at church and daycare. She also really likes a Ben10 character, Chip I think, because his voice is really nice. I love her more everyday. Everyone seems to love her, too. Her teachers at school and daycare all think she is entertaining and sweet. As a parent, I realize that I may be slightly biased so it’s gratifying to have others enjoy her so much as well.

We also experienced the end of an era. Whitey died. I’m not sure of what. I’d imagine all the plastic she chewed from the cage. She’d chewed through it so I had to get a new one as she kept escaping. When I discovered her dead, I knew that getting her out of the cage would make me sick. I went knocking on my neighbors’ doors but none of them were home. I had to get her out on my own which was accompanied by much gagging. Gabby took the death well and took comfort that Whitey was with Jesus. She quickly asked for new pets. She chose Robo-Dwarf Hamsters that she named Sparkle and Shine. They are much cuter than gerbils and have no tails to pull off! Unfortunately, Sparkle has gone the way of Whitey and died already. Actually more the way of Blacky seeing as I think Shine killed her as she was all bloody when I discovered the corpse. I surmised that it was over where to place the nest. They originally had it under the wheel, but as soon as Sparkle died, Shine moved it to the corner. Shine doesn’t seem to be missing Sparkle and enjoys putting the nest where she wants.

The new cage and pets.

Vigor 5K

2011-02-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

I ran the Vigor 5K last Saturday(February 5) with some friends in my neighborhood. The race was at Wasatch Mountain State Park in Midway. I knew going in that it would be winter obstacle course. I had plenty of time to get in some what shape for it, but that didn’t get me off my rear very much. It was all about the experience anyway. It was so much fun! It wasn’t like any other race I’ve done with the obstacles and snow.

The Race crew from left to right: Chrystal, Chelsea (our organizer and team leader), me, Mel, Elise, and Holly. We took 2 cars up and I had such a fun time getting to know Elise and Holly.

The first obstacles was a snow mound right at the start. This was the 2nd one about 4 minutes into the run. The only complaint I had about the race was that it took about 15 minutes for everyone to get over as only 2-3 could go at time. The race had about 150 participants and we were at the rear of the pack at the start so it bottled up quite a bit. This is me, Mel, and Chelsea climbing over.

Obstacle 3: I opted not to crawl on the ground and threaded my way through.

Obstacle 4: Another snow mound. These weren’t too tough.

Obstacle 5: This was actually the most difficult. I have very little upper body strength and the cracks weren’t a good toe hold. Fortunately, one of my teammates helped give me a hand going over.

Obstacle 6: Sledding!! This was the most fun of them all. We had to grab our sleds at the bottom of the hill and then went down.

Obstacle 7: More climbing, but easier than some of the others.

Obstacle 8: This did require me to get down in the snow.

We finished! It snowed quite a bit the night before the race so the snow was very soft and powdery. Snow is very difficult to run on. It required a lot more effort with each step and a lot more concentration. I didn’t feel like I could run straight and I kept thinking I would turn an ankle. It snowed through the whole race, but I stayed warm. I actually felt good during most the race thought. I wasn’t in as bad of shape as I thought. Elise and I finished first in our group and ran together most the race. We walked during it, especially up the hills. Those were just rough in the snow. I made it through without falling and felt good throughout. Except, I did get really hungry mid-way. Ever since vomiting in my first cross country race, I can’t eat much before a race.

Afterwards, we enjoyed some hot cocoa in the lodge and then drove back to the valley for a fun girls’ lunch. Hopefully, we’ll be doing some more races this year. Running in the snow ended up being more fun than I thought so I’d probably do it again next year!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T19:22:00.009-07:00

I know it's been forever. My computer is stupid and it may be time for a new one as it takes me so long to blog and that's one of the reasons I don't as much. I had to blog about Christmas as it was a terrific one!

On December 23, a member from the High Priest group from church called and said he had something to deliver for me. I told him to come after 5. I was figuring it was a fruit basket or plate of cookies or something like that. He called me later and asked me to open my garage. I come out to his mini-van and there several bags of gifts in the back seat. I figured that one of them was for me. He said they were all for me and Gabby. I was certain there was some mistake. All he could tell me is that he was just asked to deliver them by the Relief Society. All of them were labeled with mine and Gabby's name. I was so overwhelmed and astounded. I called our Relief Society President and all she could tell me is that someone from church has been a single mom before and wanted to make sure Gabby and I had a wonderful Christmas. I felt kind of guilty that we were given so much. Gabby and I have been very blessed temporally and we haven't really had that kind of need. My Relief Society president just told me to feel loved. I felt so incredibly loved! Gabby was so excited and couldn't believe all the presents. There were even 2 gift cards. Our Secret Santa went above and beyond in showing love and generosity. I will admit that I was totally excited for myself. I understand the true meaning of Christmas and that it's about the miraculous birth of our Savior. I love giving gifts and experiencing the magic of Christmas through Gabby. I'm not gonna lie though, it was really fun to have so many gifts to open on Christmas morning for me. Everything was just so nice and the best gift was just how loved I felt from God and also from my Secret Santa.

This is everything from our Secret Santa. Isn't that unbelievable? Gabby fell in love with the bear right away and named him Mr. Fubbles. She was so excited to introduce him to her other toys. She named him Mr. Fubbles because it goes with Bobolo.

Maggie and David gave Gabby a magic set. It has everything!

Gabby was very grateful to David for the fun gift

David, Maggie, and Gabby getting Sants's cookies and chocolate milk ready.

They all slept in the same room. They were actually all asleep by 7:15am. Granted they were awake at 5:30, but that's sleeping in for DeVauxs on Christmas morning. We didn't let the kids out until 6am as Santa was getting a puppy set up.

Opening the stocking, Tangled coloring book.

A baby doll set from Secret Santa

New light up Skechers. Her last pair had a light that broke and she refused to wear them with a broken light. Here's hoping Santa's last a bit longer

Scarf, gloves, and hat from our Super Secret Santa

A Secret Santa gift Gabby was working hard to open.

Santa list: Pink Build-a-Bear. Gabby named her Hearts

Gabby really wanted a pink laptop for Christmas, but she ended up being ok with the green one that was a better deal than any pink ones ;)

Gabby, Hearts, and Bobolo. Hearts and Bobolo are already best friends.

David got a DS for Christmas this year. Gabby was playing one of her new games.

Third Annual Birthday Extravaganza Weekend

2010-09-26T19:43:00.003-06:00

I went to Phoenix over my birthday weekend (otherwise known as Labor Day weekend) with Jessica to visit our friend Pauline. We left Friday evening and came back Monday night. It was a total girls weekend and FABULOUS! I love getting away and being with my friends. Gabby stayed with her grandparents in Utah.

We spent Saturday morning at the mall shopping. This is the purchases that all 3 of us made.

We had the most heavenly pedicures after shopping. It included a sugar scrub, hot wax, and hot stone massage all while sitting in a massage chair. Pauline had wanted us to get matching toes, but changed her mind at the last minute so Jess and I matched.

Pauline and Jessica suprised me with a dinner theatre. By the way, I'm completely gullible and incredibly easy to surprise. We saw the play "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!" It was a wonderful musical about just about every stage in a relationship. It was so much fun and a terrific surprise. Thank you Jessica and Pauline!

We had a pretty low key weekend. We did some swimming, lots of eating out, lots of talking. We thought about hiking, but it was still so HOT and we ended choosing sleep over getting up early.
We went to the Mesa Temple Visitor Center Monday before going to the airport.

Jessica and me

Me and Pauline

Gabby's 1st Day of School and Her Utah Birthday

2010-09-26T19:06:00.003-06:00

Gabby started Kindergarten this month. She loves it and wishes it were longer. I'm not a fan of the 3 hour kindergarten either. She went with her new backpack and first homework assignment. I was actually surprised how emotional I was after I dropped her off. I'd been so excited for her. A lot of it was because I wasn't anything like the other moms dropping their kids off as they were obviously stay-at-home mothers and were lingering at the school while I rushed off to work. Gabby had a great first day and I'm fortunate to have a job that is flexible so that I was the one to pick her up and drop her off on her first day.

Gabby had a birthday celebration with me and her dad once we were back in Utah.

Nick let Gabby pick out something from Toys R Us the week before and went for a Barbie Escalade. It's pretty cool. It has a working radio and she cruises our neighborhood in style now!

Gabby's 6th Birthday

2010-09-26T18:05:00.005-06:00

We celebrated Gabby's birthday in Arkansas since all of her cousins were there and we love to have a party.

Gabby doesn't consider a party a party without party hats and balloons. We were well-stocked with both.

The birthday girl in front of the always popular pinata. And it does look like my parents live in the forest if you're used to living in the desert.

CANDY!!!

Make a wish! She wishes for a puppy every time.

Olivia checking out Gabby's new jacket from Grandma and Grandpa

Twirling her new umbrella.

The video's speak for themselves.

Gabby had a wonderful birthday!

I Just Love Arkansas!

2010-09-25T22:22:00.004-06:00

Gabby and I went home for a week in August to Arkansas. We had a fabulous time and needed some time away as we hadn't had a vacation since Christmas. Gabby tried hard to convince me that we should move there and shot down every reason I gave her for staying in Utah. But back to Utah we came. Gabby is hilarious to travel with as she says whatever comes to mind. I'm still working with her to self censor. She asked a random guy if his was name was Big Billy. His reply, no my name is Eric." Gabby's reply, "Oh, you look like a Big Billy." She also asked a pilot why he looked so much older in real life than on his picture id. The pilot valiantly tried to defend himself, but Gabby would not be convinced that he was anything but old.

Me and Averi. She's grown so much!

Cousin time in the Anderson's backyard.

I do wish Gabby had more time with her fun cousins. They get along as well as 11 kids can.

Run and jump!

Thomas, Madison, and Gabby jumping together.

We went to Mid America Museum on one day, a Hot Springs classic. It brought back so many memories of my field trips when I was Gabby's age.

We went to Garvin Woodland Gardens one morning with my mom. I'd never been. It was beautiful, but that humidity kills me. I've gotten spoiled and soft living in a dry climate.

I love how green it is in Arkansas. Gabby thinks my parents live in the forest because of all the trees. I think Arkansas is so beautiful. I forget how loud nature is too. It's teeming with life, birds, frogs, bugs, that make a continuous ambient soundtrack where ever you are.

Grandma helping them to the cave.

Gabby is increasingly uncooperative in pictures.

My Place

2010-07-26T20:01:00.002-06:00

I've lived here for 4 months now. I can't believe how fast time flies by lately. I love my place still! Here are a few pictures for those of you who have yet to visit me :). I do have a guest bedroom and visitors (most) are always welcome! I didn't take pictures of the bedrooms because there isn't much to them except they're all a bit bigger from our last place.

Oh how I love my closet! I love the built-in and that I can sit in my closet and just hang out if I feel like it. The other side has 2 racks as well and they are all full. There are also shelves for all my shoes. I'm glad I have the whole thing to myself though.

My bathroom is also fabulous. I love the big tub and separate shower and huge counter. Like my closet, I like just hanging out in my bathroom. It's bigger than some of the bedrooms I've had!

This is my front room. It's also more spacious than my last place. It took some getting used to having the tv further away, but I like the extra space. I'm still trying to figure out exactly where to put my treadmill. I can roll it against the wall, but I may move it upstairs.

I LOVE the extra space in my dining room. I have a bigger table that I just got so it's easier to entertain larger crowds without having people sit on the floor.

Isn't the kitchen beautiful? I'm a big fan of the granite and stainless steel appliances. I love having a gas stove again as well. Oh and I have 2 pantries which I'm currently trying to fill up with food storage. It also has a big laundry room and 2 car garage. We love it! Gabby still hates change, but she's grown accustomed to it as well. We are very blessed!

Independence Day Weekend

2010-07-15T19:35:00.003-06:00

I had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! It was seriously perfect. We spent Saturday afternoon at the pool with Gabe, Madison, and David. Gabby and I are getting LOTS of pool time. We go most evenings after work and every Saturday. Utah summers are far too short so you gotta make the most of them! We went to West Jordan and had some all-you-can-eat sushi sans kids. I am not seeing my family as much since the move, so it was good to get lots of time in together.

Gabby is my little fish and getting more fearless in the water.

On Sunday, we had a barbecue at the Torgersons with lots of Arkansas friends. There was tons of food and even more laughter. I have the best family and friends! Pam and I discovered we both loose our ability to grasp things with our hands if we laugh too much. It was wonderful having so many Arkansans under one roof.

4 of 6 siblings together. It's not looking good to having 6 of 6 any time soon.

I had Monday off and Gabby was with her dad. I hiked Stewart Falls with my friend Jessica. We were roommies our freshman year at BYU and have fortunately remained close ever since. Jessica recently moved here and started a new job with me. It's terrific having her here and working with her. The Falls were beautiful and it felt great being out in nature. We spent our afternoon lounging at the pool and reading. As I said, the weekend was perfect!

Camping!

2010-06-27T16:06:00.010-06:00

Gabby and I went camping with the Nevers Family on Friday night. We've been trying to go camping together for 2 years now and it just never happened until now. We went to Little Sahara Sand Dunes which are south east of here in the middle of nowhere. I love camping and have really missed going. I am definitely not brave enough to go on my own though. I had the worst night of sleep thanks to the wind and my paranoid thoughts that an animal was trying to get into my tent all night. And some idiots kept driving by our campsite on their four-wheelers. It helped that there were other people there, but Gabby and I definitely won't be taking any camping trips on our own any time soon. I love getting away from everything, even my cell phone service. I love campfires and especially s'mores. Gabby loved it as well, so we'll have to try and go a bit more.

The view to the east of the campgrounds from the top of the dunes. I have to say that my car was most impressive getting through to the campsite and not getting stuck.

Running to dunes. Part of the dunes is fenced off to play on sans ATVs.

I brought Gabby's sled to try out on the dunes and it worked out pretty well.

Going down on the stomach worked well too.

Magnificent sunset!

Tent Sweet Tent! I camp with an air mattress and was most comfortable aside from all my silly fears. It actually gets fairly cool at night (50's) so we were bundled up for the night.

Gabby and I took a slide down together.

Gabby and Ellie.

Gabby and 4 of the 5 Nevers playing near our campsite.

Summer Sledding!

The Year So Far

2010-05-16T21:15:00.007-06:00

I know it's been way too long since I blogged, my apologies! It has been a busy year. First off, I was fortunate to find a new job weel before my office closed and I was unemployed. I started 3 months ago and it has been going well. I'm still a claims adjuster, just handling all parts of the claim for auto accidents now for a different company. I've enjoyed my new job and feel very blessed in getting it. The job is in Provo so I moved to Pleasant Grove at the end of March as the commute was not for me over the long term.

I LOVE my new home. I'm still in a townhouse, but it's bigger and newer and I couldn't be happier with it. I have a 2 car garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath, granite counters, 2 pantries, and the most wonderful master bath and closet. I love hanging out in my bathroom and closet, they're so BIG! Needless to say, things are going well. I still get up to the other valley plenty, but it's been great cutting my commute from an hour to 15 minutes. Gabby has done well with the changes. We're enjoying our new neighborhood and she's taken to bike riding almost every evening. Gabby is so friendly that we're meeting plenty of neighbors. She introduces us to everyone we go by. I have a guest bedroom set up (the bedrooms are larger so Gabby's toys almost fit into 1 room) so let me know if anyone ever needs a place to stay!

So it's been so long since I blogged, I forgot how to get pictures to post in the right order so these go from the most recent on back.

Gabby is getting to be at a great age where is she can do more and more. I decided we go for a hike last Saturday. We went to Battle Creek Falls which is just up the road from us. It was fairly easy hike, but Gabby and I both need to get in shape. I'm hoping to go more this summer. Utah is a gorgeous state and has plenty of trails to choose from. Gabby played fetch with this dog at the falls.

She still has a crack problem! Some things never change.

I had Gabby's hair in cute pigtails. She will not leave her hair up for anything. I don't know why I bother putting it up every morning!

The view of Utah Lake from the top.

Post Easter Egg Hunt with cousins and our adopted cousins (the McCabes)

My parents came to visit for General Conference and Easter. It was wonderful to have them here. Gabby loves Grandpa and Grandma.

I love my family! We'll all get together at the same time one of these days, but we take what we can get for now.

The Hunt!

I love my little girl and think she's so beautiful!

Grandma helping with coloring eggs.

We went to Disney on Ice in March. We took Madison and had a fabulous time. This has to do until we can make it back to Disneyland!

Silly Gabby

2010-01-10T19:29:00.005-07:00

Gabby would be very upset if she could read this and knew I was calling her silly. Gabby is VERY particular as to what adjectives may be applied to her. She does not like being told that she is funny or silly. She doesn't liked being laughed at, but she likes laughing at everything else. She also doesn't like to be called awesome or cool. She feels those words can only be applied to boys. You wouldn't realize how often you use certain words until your 5 year old starts freaking out when you do.

Gabby had her Tumbling Revue a few weeks ago. She was so excited and did so great. There's a video of it on my Facebook page, but I couldn't get it to my blog. Gabby has my hair for sure. I spent about 20 minutes trying to curl her pigtails. You can see the result below!

Best Cousins!

Gabby and Madison have a lot of fun together and are fearless performers!

We had a "No Talent Show" at my church on Saturday. I didn't sign Gabby or myself up prior to the show. Gabby had other plans once we were there. She was enjoying the emcee, Bro. Patterson's jokes and asked if she could go tell some jokes. I had no idea what jokes she would be telling. Here is the result:

My favorite was her bowing and kisses at the end. Where did she get this confidence? She bore her testimony again this month. Again, I only told her that she had to talk about Jesus and nothing else. I pick her up, hold her to the microphone and she says, "Jesus is great! I love Him so much. I really love learning about Him. I love Him so much and....I really love hearing my voice in the microphone." I ended her testimony at that point. At least she's honest. But that 's what Bro. Patterson refers to at the end of the above video.

In other news, I started my new job last week. It's in Provo with United Insurance Group. I'm still a claims adjuster, but handling all parts of a claim now. I think it's a good fit for me and I've enjoyed it so far. It's different, but I like that there's more to learn and that it's more involved then my last position. I feel so blessed and so relieved to have found another great job well before I lost my last one. I am really blessed in so many ways and so much more than I'd ever deserve. I am just happy. I have some down days but they're so few and far between. I thoroughly enjoy being happy and feeling so peaceful about my life, even with the trials here and there. I still feel grateful about my past struggles and some of the current ones as they make me so much more appreciative to be happy and with my life just as it is. This isn't where I expected to be at this point in my life, but it's good all the same.

Gabby and I will also be moving next month. That's the one downer about my new job, the commute to Provo. I found a fabulous new place and I'll be neighbors with one of my fabulous friends. I am so excited about my new place, it's bigger and nicer. I just hate to leave my ward and friends from there. That's another way I've been really blessed, I've been in the best ward with people who've just accepted me as I am and who appreciate my hilarious daughter.

My apologies for the lack of blogging. I've started lots of posts, but life has just gotten so busy. I'll be trying to get back to regular postings and keeping up with others' blogs, but the next month will be busy as well.

Christmas Vacation

2009-12-27T17:32:00.011-07:00

I've spent the last 2 Christmases in Utah. I've missed spending them with my family and was so excited to be back home this year. Unfortunately, my whole family wasn't together for the day, but I was glad to be away and be with some of my family. Gabby and I flew into Dallas which worked out great since I had my new niece, Averi Elizabeth to meet.

Gabby was very excited to meet her newest cousin. She loved holding her and sang her original songs as composed by Gabby.

Me, Averi, and Gabby before church

We spent a few days in Arkansas as well. It was great to be back home. My mom is quite the cook. She makes cinnamon bread wreaths every year to give to friends and let Gabby help her out a bit. They are to die for! Gabe and I could barely let my mom get them iced before tearing into them.

This was Gabe's first Christmas since getting home from his mission. He dug out a fun Christmas project from 2000, still a good fit! We had fun hanging out. He laughed at Gabby an awful lot though. I warned him that those traits he makes most fun of will be sure to turn up in his kids some day. Just ask Pam and Jenny!

My dad had me wrap one of Gabe's gifts one evening while Mom and Gabe were out. Dad didn't know where any labels were so he just had me go redneck and use a marker. Gabby was very offended that such a big gift wasn't for her. She found her own marker and tried to rectify the situation.

We drove back to Dallas on Christmas Eve. The weather prior to this picture was so pleasant. We even hit the 60's and I wore shirt sleeves. We even had a fabulous thunderstorm in Hot Springs on Wednesday night. It rained the whole drive down. Just before we made it to the Andersons, it began to snow. In Dallas, Texas. Y'all, my long-term blog followers, know my feelings about snow. I would have preferred that it stay warm, but it was cool to see how excited the kids and my Southern family was for it.

Gabby and I on Christmas Eve. Our family has the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve before bedtime

Gabby had been worried about Santa finding her Texas. He came through and this was her Santa pile. We slept in this year until about 6am. My family, that is my siblings, have a tradition of getting up at 4am to open gifts. My parents could usually hold us off until 5am by insisting there was a fire going and they be served hot chocolate. I think that was always my favorite time when I was young at Christmas, the early hours of the morning just before the gifts were open. Marji was usually the first up and would wake us up. We'd run to the tree and I loved that feeling of magic from seeing all those gifts. Gabby is still a little young and I had to actually wake her up, but it was still great.

Gabby's main gift was a Nintendo DS. Madison has one and Gabby begs to play it every time she's over there. She was very happy to get the gift. In all honestly, it was a gift to me as well. Flying home was fabulous! She played her DS the whole flight. I actually was able to sleep and read my book. Gabby normally gets very offended if I sleep when we're flying and insists on seeing my eyeballs.

My parents gave me this gorgeous ring. I love it and am glad for some new bling! Still hate my hands though.

Gabby's Jingle Bell Rendition. Not knowing all the words doesn't stop her.

Gabby opening her DS.

We had a fabulous Christmas and I was glad to see my family and have a week off of work.

The Lists

2009-12-16T20:22:00.003-07:00

We took Gabby and Madison to visit Santa last week.

Gabby gave Maddy the reindeer antlers a couple of weeks ago. They entertained each other while we waited in line.

I love how big Gabby smiled in this picture. What happened to my baby though? When did she get so grown up?

I had to laugh a the difference in the length of the girls' lists for Santa

Temple Square

2009-12-06T20:05:00.002-07:00

Gabby and I went to Temple Square to see the lights on Friday. I didn't make it there with Gabby last year so it had been 2 years since she'd been. Gabby was really excited to go into the all the buildings there.

The North Visitors' Center has the Christus statue. Gabby was very impressed with it and the mural of the skies. Gabby has also taken up posing for her pictures. She wouldn't let me take any until she got her pose just right. We went and watched a showing of Luke 2. Gabby really enjoyed it. The sister missionaries followed it up by saying that they hoped we enjoyed the short movie. Gabby announced her approbation in a loud voice by saying, "That sure was a great movie!"

Gabby and I outside the temple

This was Gabby's favorite tree since it was all red and more cool poses.

Gabby has much cuter hats than this, but she stole this from me. That hat is actually about 8 years old. Her dad gave it to me after a trip to Yellowstone and then liked it so well, he took it over for himself. Gabby has since commandeered it since it is red and her favorite color and won't have anything to do with pink and purple hats. Hard to imagine where she gets her opionated nature from....

Changes....

2009-11-27T14:04:00.004-07:00

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged. I'm expecting changes in the next year, how major has yet to be determined. My office is closing July 1, 2010 so I'm in search of a new job. I've actually been really stressed out over the past few months and I couldn't figure out why. I just felt like something was coming that was going to require me to make some changes. Now, that I know what it is, I actually haven't felt as stressed since I feel like it's something I can handle. I hate looking for new jobs, but it's not the worst thing in the world. It's not exactly what I would have chosen to happen, but I'm trying to look at it as an opportunity for better things. We'll see if I can even stay in Salt Lake. It's not the best job market here. I'm trying to explore all my options right now. I feel guided and blessed by the Lord and am honestly surprised that I haven't felt more stressed out about this.

Winter has definitely arrived in Utah. Gabby loves the snow in theory. We spend more time getting bundled up than we actually spend in the snow. I guess she's my child. Gabby doesn't last more than 5 minutes before she's ready to go inside because it's too cold. I never press the point to stay outside.

We had a fun Halloween. Gabby was Daphne form Scooby-Doo. It's her favorite show. We went trick-or-treating with the Baileys, Toregersons, and McCabes. It was a lot of fun. Gabby only likes two kinds of candy, M&Ms and Smartees so all the rest was left for me. It's kind of nice that Gabby won't eat any other candy.

I love her big smile!

I celebrated Thanksgiving with the same crew from Halloween. Gabby spent it with her dad. We had so much good food. I love Thanksgiving and I loved cooking for it. It's been a few years, since I did any cooking for it. I did the turkey, dressing, and a couple of pies. All the food was great and it's nice having a couple of extra days off work. Gabby and I got our tiny tree up and decorated. There is so much that I'm thankful for, but mostly that I'm just happy. Even with my life not being exactly as I'd choose, I'm still happy and feel so blessed.

We've been having further unwelcome adventures with rodents. There is an infestation of mice in the townhomes that we live in. At least on my street. My backyard borders a field and it seems all the field mice have decided to find warmer accommodations for the winter. I discovered our first house guest a few weeks ago while watching tv one evening. I was sitting on my loveseat and look to my right and there is a mouse a foot away on my loveseat with me. I screamed and jumped over my loveseat. I don't know why mice freak me out, but I hate them. I went and bought some sticky traps and hoped that it would find the de-con that Brownie did.

A few days later, I was in bed trying to go to sleep when I hear a rustling in my room. I hoped it was just the trash settling, but the next sound proved that there was a rodent in my room. I worked up the courage to turn on the light and investigate. I cautiously leaned over my trashcan and the nasty critter jumped up just at that point. I screamed because I am a wimpy woman. I then found a book, covered the trashcan and threw it out in the dumpster.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the only mouse that took up residence with me. Gabby spotted them around and her proposal was to capture them and keep them as pets. She even had a discussion with Whitey about it. I emphatically rejected the idea. Three more eventually were given a new home in the dumpster. Two of them came out and died in the open which I was glad they were dead, but I just don't like handling dead things. I seemed to be toughening up and was able to dispose of them without any drama. The third got stuck on a trap.

I hoped that was the end of it. I doubted seeing as most my neighbors caught more than four. The mice really freaked me out and I think I see them all the time. Unfortunately, I found another one in a rarely-opened drawer while I was trying to bake my pies. My built-up toughness had disappeared and I did a lot of squealing and hand wringing getting it out of the drawer. I was mentally giving myself a pat on the back for taking care of it myself as I threw it in the dumpster when a psychotic cat sprung from the dumpster scaring me like nothing else. It took about an hour for my hands to stop shaking. I scare a little too easy!

More Adventures with Gerbils

2009-10-25T17:29:00.003-06:00

About 2 weeks ago, Browny and Whitey escaped from their cage. By the way, Gabby renamed the gerbils. They went from Sunny and Michael to Rainbows and Sparkles to Browny and Whitey. The base and bottom of the cage had somehow been detached and I had two gerbils on the loose. I stumbled across Whitey in Gabby's room one morning before work. Gerbils are fast and incredible jumpers. I spent 1o minutes cornering Whitey, Whitey jumping 4 feet in the air, me screaming and jumping just as high before I gave up and went to work.

We had Madison over for a sleepover that night. While the girls were upstairs playing, I heard a scratching of little claws in the intake vent in the kitchen. I got my drill out, took off the vent cover, and found Browny behind the vent. I put my hand in hoping she'd crawl into it and make it easy on me. She bit me instead. I retrieved my collander and herded her into that and took her back to the cage.

Gabby and Madison were quite impressed with my gerbil catching skills and decided they would find Whitey. They were Gabby and Madison, Mystery Detectives. They even came up with a song. They began their search by finding clues of gerbil poop and chewed up paper. Before I knew it, the girls were screaming that Whitey had just run into my bedroom. I grabbed Gabby's butterfly net and the chase was on. The girls scared her from underneath my bed and I captured her with the net. Gabby and Madison, Mystery Detectives, were thrilled with solving their first case.

After these adventures, Browny just didn't seem to be herself. There were a few green pellets in the vent she was trapped in and I was worried that they were poison and Browny had eaten them. Thursday evening, my suspicions were confirmed when I discovered Browny's corpse. I am a big fat wimp about somethings and dead animals is one of them. Gabby was downstairs and I didn't want to bring her attention to the fact that Browny was dead. I was trying to find something to get her out of the cage that was disposable and wouldn't relieve me from any direct contact. I finally found two popsicle sticks and a dryer sheet box. It still wasn't easy as rigor mortis was setting in and I couldn't get a good grip with the sticks. I kept at it and finally got the body in the box and out to the dumpster as quick as I could.

I came back inside and realized I'd left the cage open and Whitey was jumping around the room. The trusty net was still out and I quickly captured her and put her back in the cage. I then went and threw up. That dead gerbil just really grossed me out. They gross me out alive.

So Gabby was oblivious to this adventure and realized a couple of days later that Browny was gone. I explained to her that she died and had eaten some bad stuff. Gabby was very sad that Browny was dead. She wanted a new gerbil. They tell you at the pet store that gerbils do better when they have a friend. Whitey and Browny got along great. They always snuggled and never fought.

We finally made it to Petsmart yesterday. Gabby picked out a cute little black gerbil she creatively named Blacky. We took Blacky home and introduced her to her new home and Whitey. Whitey was not at all pleased. She chased that little gerbil all over the cage. We'd obviously been feeding Whitey well and she was almost twice as big as Blacky. I figured that Whitey was just trying to show it was her cage and they would eventually be able to peacefully live together. Gabby was very amused by their roughhousing.

This video shows that it seems like they could get along ok. They were just sniffing each other out.

This video shows that Whitey isn't taking any crap and that gerbils have surprising jumping abilities.

I could hear the gerbils squeaking and chasing each other most of the evening any time I cam upstairs. Gabby had gone to bed early, but ended up in my bed later on in the evening. I went to check on the gerbils and Blacky was bleeding and barely moving. Her stomach was all bloody. I had no idea that gerbils were so vicious. Whitey tore her up. I found 2 more popsicle sticks and rolled Blacky into the box from Petsmart. Fortunately, Blacky wasn't stiff and I didn't throw up again. She's still in the box outside and I'm going to see what Petsmart return policy is for being tortured by another gerbil.

I explained to Gabby that Blacky was also now dead and it was at the paws of Whitey. Gabby doesn't understand why Whitey was mean to her new friend. Who knew that such little animals would be so much drama? Gabby wants a different kind of animal, something bigger. My reply was a firm and emphatic no! Seriously! What was I thinking?

We'll see how much long Whitey lasts and then I'm done with pets! Given the fight in her, I'm figuring we'll have Whitey for a while.

Angry and Sad Faces

2009-10-20T18:14:00.004-06:00

Gabby and I went to the pumpkin patch yesterday. Gabby picked out 2 pumpkins and instructed me on their carving once we got home. She was quite clear that she wanted one with a sad face and one with an angry face. Apparently, jack-o-lanterns can't be happy. We had a fun evening carving the pumpkins and Gabby was pleased with the results.

Gabby wouldn't pose for too many pictures. She was more interested in taking them. She's such a little photographer!

My camera has a 'candle' mode and this was the best shot I could get. I don't have such a steady hand.

Gabby took a dozen pictures of me with the pumpkins. This is my angry face.

My sad face!

What's Goin' On!

2009-10-11T22:04:00.004-06:00

I totally lost my blogging mojo! I'm hoping to get it back and keep y'all updated with my oh so exciting life. My life isn't at all exciting but it is flying by. How is it October? Anyway, we've been busy as always. I went to Dallas sans Gabby over Labor Day weekend for birtday and the BYU vs OU game. It was a fabulous weekend away with my some of my family.

Marji made me a delicious Jello cake. How is it possible that I'm 31? I don't think it is possible so I'll continue to stick with 25!

I planned this trip back in April. When we were getting the tickets, we decided to splurge it get good seats. Our expectations were incredibly low for BYU showing up and playing a good game against Oklahoma. I was hoping for just 1 or 2 good quarters. As y'all know, it was a phenomenal game and BYU came away with a major win. We had 8 row seats in the endzone and they were worth every penny. I screamed myself hoarse. Seriously, I could barely talk for 5 days. It was the best game ever! I'm so glad I went. The stadium was amazing as well. I even got on the biggest jumbotron in the world! It was pretty cool. Unfortunately, BYU had to go and lose to stupid Florida State, but they're still ranken and who knows what the rest of the season will bring?

Gabby and Madison are taking a tumbling class together once a week. They started in September and seem to really be enjoying it. Pam and I switch out taking the girls so I have a couple hours free every other Wednesday which has been nice.

Gabby and I went to the circus with Jen and David a couple of weeks ago. It was really great. Gabby loved all the elephants (still her favorite animal), but her favorite act were the dogs with tutus and all their tricks.

I loved the circus, too. It's amazing what people can do and what they can train animals to do.

My parents came to visit us last weekend. The kids were so excited to see their grandparents. Mom even brought some crafts for the kids. It was really great to have them out here.

They also brought tickets to General Conference. I went with Mom and Dad to the Saturday morning session. It's a wonderful experience to be in the conference center. I love how the atmosphere changes when President Monson comes in. All conversation ceases and everyone stands while he takes his seat. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is simply amazing as well. I just love conference and I was just overwhelmed by so many wonderful messages. I'm so grateful for modern prophets and apostles who so powerfully witness and teach of truth and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So that's what's been going on!

I Love Florida!

2009-09-18T20:36:00.009-06:00

Gabby and I spent a wonderful (and much needed) week in Santa Rosa, Florida over the last week of August. We met the Andersons and my brother Gabe. We shared a fabulous house and a fabulous time. Originally, we had thought it would be my whole family like we did 2 years ago. For a while, it didn't look like anyone would go at all. Marji and I got to talking and both our families had the time, the house was available, so we made it happen. I was so glad as it was coming up on 2 years since I had any beach time. I know, that's not that long, but I really LOVE the beach.

I am happy to sit at the beach all day. Give me some sunscreen, a good book, a couple cold Diet Dr. Peppers, Red Vines and I am one happy woman. I read 4 books over the week. It was all so wonderfully relaxing. Gabby and Thomas played really well together for the most part and it was nice that they could entertain each other. The waves weren't ever too rough so the kids could safely play in the ocean. With school having started, it almost felt like we had the beach to ourselves. We really didn't see too many other kids. The kids were always done with the beach well before I was ready to head back to the house. We did a little bit of shopping at the outlet malls in Destin, some go-carting, but really it was all about the beach!

Gabby took right to the beach. She's had a love/hate relationship with the beach over the years and I think the hate portion is officially over!

She wasted no time getting in the ocean

There's a dead crab in that net. That was the best we could catch

Isn't she the cutest 5 year old ever?

Gabe was great about playing with the kids. We were the only ones who hadn't seen Gabe since he got home from his mission in June. It was great catching up with him. Gabby was quite taken with Uncle Gabe.

That's Gabby way off in the distance. I love how big the beach is!

This was with Marji's much nicer camera. Gabby is tickling me with a feather

The house even had a pool in back. Jim throwing Gabby up in the air

The sandcastle built by me and Gabby. Thomas was itching to destroy it. It lasted a good hour.

Gabby took care to make sure the seagulls didn't disturb us. I think she got "idiots" from my road rage.

Gabby's 5th Birthday Party

2009-08-25T07:26:00.011-06:00

We had a swim party for Gabby on Saturday. With the busy month we're having, I kept it simple and just had it at our pool. We invited the Baileys, Torgersons, and Nevers. There were 9 kids between the 3 families, so it still felt like a party.

Gabby, the Birthday Girl.

The Little Mermaid Cake, courtesy of Harmons

We did a pinata, which was Gabby's favorite thing at the party.

Gabby received lots of great presents and was so excited for each one

Gabby blew out her candles after we sang Happy Birthday. She then said that we had to put all the candles on the cake and do it again.

Being her birthday, we complied.

Throwing down some watermelon and David making a cute face

The videos speak for themselves! It was a great day and we had so much fun celebrating Gabby.

Busy, Busy,Busy!

2009-08-19T21:08:00.002-06:00

What a month! I think superheroes have it easy compared to moms! We do it all without the aid of any super characteristic, unless you count dogged determination and a little bit of crazy for taking on as much as we do. I don't know why I've been thinking about that. I considered Batman, but he has super wealth to support him. I sure don't! But I'm working on it.

One thing that kept me busy in July and the first part of August (in addition to all the running) was completing everything for a promotion at work. Nothing was terribly difficult, I took some online courses, some training from our trainer, and studiously studied a 14 chapter book to pass another test. I also had to be meeting or exceeding all of our fun goals. I am proud to report, I received my promotion, an increase in pay, and am now a Senior Claims Representative, not just a mere Claims Rep. We'll take a moment for the oooh's and aaah's subside.

I actually am really happy about it. I enjoy my job the majority of the time. I'm in a good field where there can be a lot of opportunities. It also helps that my co-workers keep it fun, too. FYI, I'm a medical claims adjuster. In a nutshell, I handle medical claims for auto and home injuries. A lot of it is monotonous, but there's the claim here and there that's interesting and challenging. Some of it can be really sad, too. I've been taking advantage of overtime opportunities as well. I feel really blessed to have a good job and to have found it when I did.

Gabby and I are meeting the Andersons and Gabe in Florida next week. I couldn't be more excited or ready for this vacation. We will be dividing our time between the beach, pool, and outlet malls. I'm also hoping for massive quantities of sleep. Gabby is very excited as well, but seems a little disappointed it's not 12 days. She's decided that's the appropriate length for a vacation. That's another way that I'm very blessed, to be able to take such fun trips with Gabby.

We're having her birthday party this Saturday. I'm keeping it very small and low-key but it should be fun. There are plenty of other things keeping us busy, but those are the major highlights!

Provo River Half-Marathon

2009-08-08T15:52:00.002-06:00

I ran the Provo River Half Marathon this morning. My coworker, Gina, talked me into signing up for it earlier this summer. It's the same race I did 2 years ago. Training for a race while being a mom and working full time is a hit-and-miss affair. I didn't feel nearly as well prepared for this one as I did the last one. My 10 mile run a couple of weeks ago didn't go well at all. For me, walking at all means it didn't go well and I had to walk a mile or so. I didn't get any runs in this week either which made me slightly nervous.

The race began at 7 am, though the website and emails said 6:30. I got up at 3:45am, picked up my friend Mindy, and drove down to Provo. We got there around 5am and got our numbers and chips. FYI, each runner is given a chip they put on their shoe. The start and finish have pads that record your exact time by the chip on your shoe when you cross it. Love technology! I think there were around 2000+ runners.

We found Gina and got on the school buses that took us up the mountain to the start of the race. Our poor driver didn't exactly know where he was supposed to go and we had a bit more of a scenic ride than expected. Fortunately, we were so early, it didn't really matter too much. It was a little after 6 when we got up there. We got off the buses to a summery 45 degrees. It was so stinking cold for August! It was not that cold 2 years ago. I think I heard on the radio that it was new record low for here. That global warming is working out great, isn't it?

I digress! We immediately got in the very long line for the porta-potties as we'd been guzzling water prior to the run. We then waited for the start with goosebumps and shivers. About a quarter to, the truck came through for our drop bags. This is a trash bag with your race number and name that you put anything that you don't want to run with but wanted to have before the race, such as jackets. So the 3 of us were really cold and really ready to start running.

The gun finally went off and we waited for the crowd to move. Hence the use of chips, it can take a few minutes to actually make it the start with such large crowd. We got moving and I went off on my own. Once I started running, I realized my hands were numb from the cold. They regained feeling after a couple of miles. The first 3 miles felt like nothing. It was fairly steep descent and I think the numbness helped.

As the road leveled into a more gradual grade, my knees, especially the left one, began hurting insistently and intensely. My right knee bothered me some when I first started running this summer and it gave me problems 2 years ago, but never the left. It reminded me of the original version of The Little Mermaid. In the story, The Little Mermaid is given legs, but is told that every step will feel as if she is stepping on knives (or maybe glass). She was willing to endure the pain for a chance at true love. So each step felt like there was someone was stabbing at my outer knee with a screwdriver causing pain to shoot up to my hips. The pain would increase anytime the grade changed, especially to uphill.

Though true love wasn't on the line, my personal competitiveness and drive was. I knew if I stopped at all, I wouldn't be able to start again. So I kept going, hoping the pain would dull or go away. Mile 4-6, I was having doubts if I would even finish, the pain even brought tears to my eyes. I thought about giving birth and I made it through that and that pain was far worse and that lasted way longer so I persevered. Besides the stabbing pain in my knees, I actually felt really good. I managed to enjoy some of the gorgeous scenery of the river and mountains and tried to forget about any discomfort. I was surprised how quickly the time was passing and that I was maintaining a good pace.

By mile 8, I knew I would be finishing the race. I was accustomed the shooting pain in my knees and it thankfully wasn't getting any worse. I'd glance at my watch and tell myself that I had far longer to go than I really did. For some reason, that helps me when I'm running. More people were passing me than I was passing, but I just kept plugging along.

We came out of the mountain trail and I knew we were close to the finish, but I had no gage for how close. The course wound all over the place at the end 2 years ago so I actually thought it was further than it really was. I picked up my pace as much as I could. Before I knew it, I turned a corner and there was the finish line 20 yards away, I saw the finish line and managed to have a final sprint to the end.

It was pure agony to stop as I knew it would be. My legs were jelly and shaking while the chip was clipped off my shoe. I finished the race in 1:56:55. My goal was to finish in under 2 hours. That's about 8:55 mile pace. I finished 653 overall. I think there were 2000 or so runners.

Even with the pain, it was exhilerating to do the run and just finish it, no matter the time. I hobbled to the watermelon table reveling in my accomplishment. I love the power of the mind over the body. I think that's my favorite thing about running. Your body is screaming and pleading to stop or slow down, no more, and through simple will and determination, you make it keep going. I love how we can train our bodies to do something that seemed so unlikely in such a short space of time, too. Theres's just something about being a part of a race that can't be had in any runs on your own.

My knees are still killing me. I try to walk with bending my knees as little as possbile so I've got a cool Frankenstein gait going on right now. I'm really wishing that I didn't have stairs at my house. I feel great when I'm not moving...I'm hoping that a good night's sleep will take care of most of it. I'm already looking for the next race to run and seeing about improving my time. Let me know if any of y'all want to sign up with me!

Anna and Franella

2009-08-02T19:37:00.006-06:00

As we were leaving church today, Gabby told me she had a new friend named Anna. I replied,"That's great, is she in your class?" Gabby answered, "No, Mommy, she's right there." Gabby was pointing down at the ground at her shadow. She then told me that my shadow was named Franella. I have no idea where she comes up with these things! Gabby took pictures on our walk to and from church. She took 90 pictures. Gabby took pictures of everyone we passed whether they agreed to pose or not. She wants her own camera for her birthday and I think she may very well need one!

Gabby's shadow, Anna

My shadow, Franella. Franella and I carry Gabby's Sunday bag, my lesson bag, and my purse, hence the odd shape!

Gabby has been asking for rain boots forever! They were finally on clearance at Target yesterday, so I bought them for her. She thinks they are just the coolest shoes ever. She is really eager for it to rain so that we can go on a "rain walk." She tried to wear them in her bath this morning as well. She was also upset that I didn't have any rain boots to wear to church today. I don't think I could pull that look off quite as well as Gabby does.

I don't think Hello Kitty boots would tie in with this dress.

Anna and the new boots, Gabby's favorite subject to photograph now

Pioneer Day 10K Race Report

2009-07-24T11:46:00.003-06:00

My friend Jessica had planned on running the Deseret News Marathon. She had some unexpected illnesses and decided to switch to the 10k. I'd been going back and forth about entering it as I couldn't get the day off work and wasn't sure I'd want to work all day after an early morning race. Jess doing the 10k clinched my decision to run with her. I've been training for a half marathon (2 little weeks away!).

I've never run a 10K and was excited to try out a new distance. I still wasn't so excited about the 6am start time. Jessica lives in Sacramento so she stayed with me the night before the race. I was up at 4:30 am as we planned on leaving my house around 5. I am not a morning person and it was rough getting up so early. Jessica and I made it to the start about 10 minutes before the gun went off. There were well over 1000 people and that's a conservative estimate. That's something that always amazes me about races, the variety of people who run them. There is no cookie cutter shape for a runner.

The race start was at Research Park at the University of Utah. The course would take us to downtown Salt Lake and finish at Liberty park. A 10K is 6.2 miles. Jessica and I had decided we wouldn't actually run together as I have a faster pace. My goal for the race was to average an 8 minute mile. Most of the first half of the course was downhill and my 3 mile time was 23:15. The course leveled out after that and it felt as if the last couple of miles were even at a slight incline.

I was mostly with the same group of runners throughout the race. I was listening to my music during the run, but the music didn't drown out the grunter running next to me off and on. I was seriously worried about the dude with the noises he was making. I finally realized that was just the noise he made while he ran. It just sounded like he was in pain and about to keel over.

I started feeling the pain about 4 1/2 miles. With my limited time available for training, I don't do any pace work and just try to get the miles in at whatever pace I can. For my long runs, I usually average 9-9 1/2 minute miles. I was really pushing myself for the 10k. The last couple of miles were along the parade route and there were lots of people who had camped out the night before and were there to cheer us on. Some preferred to taunt us. One guy was offering donuts to the runners and another yelling only 5 miles to go.

I could tell my pace had slowed a bit and I wasn't sure if I'd make my goal or not. The last 2-300 yards were uphill and it hurt. I was trying for that last kick at the end. I didn't have too much left. I was actually concentrating on not wetting my pants in front of the crowd at the finish. I'm not that serious of runner just yet! My finishing time (by my watch) was 49:56. I was really pleased with that. That was an 8 minute mile average.

I grabbed water, relieved myself in an appropriate place, got a bagel, and was there to watch Jessica finish. Jess did great as well, finishing just under an hour. There is such a great energy about a race. It's hard to explain, but I love being apart of it. I survived work that day and I think I may make the 10K an annual event. I don't have any pictures to post. I'd lost my camera the day before so I didn't have it with me. I luckily found it! I'm waiting to see if there are any pictures of me online. They take pictures of most racers so I'll post that if I can.

Gabby was in Montana with her dad all week vacationing. It was nice to have some time off mom-duty but I'm so glad to have her home. She's such a great girl, I really missed her!

UPDATE!! The official results posted. I finished 670 over all out of 2262. My chip time was 49:45.2 and the gun time was 50.19

Thanksgiving Point

2009-07-12T14:17:00.008-06:00

I took Gabby and Madison to Thanksgiving Point on Saturday. They were good girls and had fun seeing all the farm animals.

Madison riding the pony

Gabby riding the pony

Gabby petting the baby pony. I couldn't get over how tiny it was!

When we were coming to the farm, Madison said the one thing she really wanted to do was milk a cow. I told her I didn't think it could happen. Fortunately, there was a fake cow to test her milking skills.

Gabby loved the rabbits. She got her fingers stuck in the cage which she didn't love so much.

Busted!

It was a busy, fun day and Gabby fell asleep at about 6pm on the couch downstairs. I wasn't sure whether to wake her not and was deliberating on the subject when she stood up and walked out of the room. I followed her a few minutes later and this is how I found her. I guess the stairs were just too much for her.

Riding the ponies

Gabby Loves Swimming

2009-07-11T18:30:00.001-06:00

You probably wouldn't think it, but Gabby is very cautious when it comes to most things. She can be very resistant about trying new things. I actually am glad that Gabby is so cautious around water. I don't have to worry so much when we're swimming. She's doing a lot better in the pool this summer. Last summer, she mostly just stayed on the steps unless I was in the water with her and she would have a vice-like grip on me. We picked out a new float toy and floaties and Gabs has done great in the water. I enjoy the pool much more as I can lay out and read while Gabby has a blast swimming. She isn't the least bit cautious around people and always makes new friends at the pool. I took Tuesday off last week and the Baileys and Torgersons came over to swim with us.

Gabby with her fishy that allows her to be a fishy

The audio for this video is great!

Gabby is even brave enough to jump in now!

A Tale of the Lost Tail, Part II

2009-06-25T22:07:00.002-06:00

Apparently lightening does strike twice! Ever since the first "incident," Gabby has done well with the rule of not taking her gerbils out without me there. I suppose it's my own fault as I didn't explicitly tell her that she shouldn't pull off their tails. I took for granted that this would be obvious to a 4 year old, especially given previous events. Gabby will put her hand in the cage and "pet" Sunny and Michael as they trembled in terror. We take them out every evening and play with them. This actually consists of me holding one of them as it poops in my hand and Gabby laughs. Gabby refuses to hold them herself as she has is afraid of breaking them. I naively thought I had nothing to worry about with Gabby hurting the gerbils again.

I thought all was well tonight. Gabby was bathed and in bed and I was enjoying an episode of Samantha Who. I hear the faint sounds of Gabby crying upstairs. I pause the show and can just make out Gabby crying, "My mommy is going to be so mad at me. I can't ever tell her what I've done!" I was actually hopeful that she'd let the gerbil out and it wasn't another bloody nub of a tail. I slowly climbed the stairs dreading a replay of events of June 13.

Gabby is sobbing under her blanket about breaking Sunny and me being mad. "Gabby, what happened?" I tried to ask as calmly as possible. "I broke Sunny! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to." I feared the worst, that Sunny was dead. I looked in the cage and Sunny was still in there and alive. "Gabby, what happened?" She tearfully answered, "I don't want you to be mad. I didn't mean to, but I broke Sunny's tail!" I asked, "Well, where is it?" Gabby was calming down and said, "I picked it up and threw it away in the trash."

I felt a small victory in that act by Gabby. Apparently, hiding my revulsion had paid off, leaving Gabby able to dispose of gerbil tails herself. I turned my face away from Gabby as the urge to laugh hysterically was growing stronger with my assessment of the situation. I was grateful to be suppressing laughter and not vomit with this second bout of broken tails. I angled to look at Sunny's tail and it appeared that only a quarter of it was missing rather than half of it like Michael. I still couldn't believe this had happened again.

Gabby asked if Sunny was ok. I told her I thought she would be. I also told her if she killed her gerbils, she wasn't getting new ones. Gabby said, "But Sunny will just chew it off and then she and Michael will be the same. She won't be dead, it's just a little broken. I am really sorry I broke Sunny, too." I went over the rule with the addendum that Gabby never touches the gerbils' tails. Michael doesn't have much tail left to grab, but Sunny unfortunately has enough tail left that can be further broken. Gabby has cried herself asleep again for breaking her pets. I'm just really glad she threw that tail away herself. And as Gabby managed to point out, at least they have broken tails together. And I pointed out that they can cower in the corner in terror together when Gabby approaches. If our life were a Pixar movie, Gabby would be the kid in Toy Story who mutilates his toys. Sunny and Michael have got view Gabby like that. Poor gerbils!

See, Sunny has lot more tail left than Michael.

Some Updates

2009-06-22T20:05:00.003-06:00

The No Sugar Contest is over! Two weeks ago, we took out white or enriched flour to make it tougher. There 6 of us at that point. The flour thing really sucks. I've hated it! It took out so many options, especially eating out like I do. It was down to 3 of us today and we decided to call it and split the $260 pot. So I made $67 off the whole thing. I still haven't had any sugar. I'm too afraid to open that flood gate. The cravings are long gone and I'm not sure I want them back so who knows when I'll eat sugar again! I can't believe I made it 12 weeks. I'm really pleased with myself!

There's another thing that I'm really pleased about, my nails. I've been a nail biter as long as I can remember. When I was 19, I finally managed to stop biting them for a couple of years. Even when I wasn't biting them, I still kind of was and they would never grow long and pretty. When I bite my nails, I really bite them short, so much so that it would be painful. Yeah, not the best habit! I finally stopped biting them last October again. I feel like I've kicked the habit once and for all and my nails have never looked so good naturally!

I still think my hands are ugly. Pretty nails can only do so much!

Michael is doing great, but she cowers in the corner whenever we open the cage. Gabby is pleased being the boss of her gerbils. She took this shot.

I've also gotten back into running. It feels so great! I'm doing a 10k on Pioneer Day (July 24). I've never run a 10k before so that should be fun. I can't have the day off work, so I'll run the 6+ miles and then have to work all day. I'm not looking forward that part. I'm running the Provo Half-marathon in August as well. My expectations for that aren't too high as I can't devote as much time to training as I did 2 years ago. I'm usually able to work 2-3 runs in a week. I take Gabby to Nick's after work and run around his neighborhood. That's been working well and gives Nick and Gabby a bit more time together. Plus, I don't feel as guilty for running since she's with 1 parent. I take her to play with Madison and David sometimes, too. Still, my runs are going well and it's so nice to feel like I'm in half-way decent shape.

From the Mouth of Babes

2009-06-18T12:19:00.000-06:00

Being a single mother can be overwhelming at times. Let's face it, being a mother at all is overwhelming. For me, it's a crazy juggling act trying to do and take care of it all and some days some of those balls get dropped for various reasons. I don't always feel like I'm doing the best job with Gabby and I especially worry about helping her develop a love and faith for Christ and his gospel. It's so hard to know if anything you do is actually hitting its mark and leaving an impression. And then suddenly, your child lets you know she's paying attention.

Our stake president spoke at church on Sunday. At the start of his talk, I had asked Gabby to color a picture mostly to get her off my lap and to give me a chance to focus on the speaker. Gabby seemed wholly engrossed with her picture and I was able to give my full attention to the stake president. Gabby had her back to the pulpit and was using the pew as a desk. President Linnell spoke about the recent and sudden death of his brother-in-law and the comfort that Christ, the plan of salvation, and temple brought to his sister and all of their family. It was a powerful message and testimony.

Just as he was ending his talk, Gabby turned around and looked at President Linnell and with a most disappointed tone exclaimed, "Ohhhhhhhh!" She turned back and buried her face in her hands. I asked her what was wrong. Gabby replied, "I thought that was Jesus speaking and I really wanted it to be him so I could see him. Mommy, is that what Jesus' voice would sound like?"

I was so stunned. And overwhelmed. I told her that I thought she would feel the same way she did then if Jesus had been speaking and it was the Holy Ghost who helped her feel like it was Jesus speaking. I was so grateful for the reminder that children are not as far removed from our heavenly home as we are. I was also reminded that they can pick up on more than we often expect. It's amazing how one moment like this makes all the difficult and discouraging times feel completely worth it.

A Tale of the Lost Tail

2009-06-13T22:03:00.007-06:00

Gabby has been asking for a new pet, but has specifically excluded further fish. I've been giving her chores lately and told her she would have to earn her pet. I specified something small. Our good friends, the Nevers, have 2 gerbils. Gabby fell in love with them when we were last there. She's had her heart set on getting a gerbil. She's done well with her chores. Her chores range from putting her dirty clothes in the hamper, being polite, acknowledging that I am the boss, dusting, and picking up her toys and books.

I decided today would be a good day to get Gabby her new pet. Her sweet prayers for gerbils pushed me over my reservations. We had hamsters growing up for a few years. Twinkie lasted for at least a year, maybe two. I don't really like rodents now and it's hard to remember why I liked them so much when I was young. I can only think vermin. So Gabby and I went to Petsmart, picked out a cage, food and two gerbils. They're both female. Sunny is the white one and Michael is the gray one. Gabby chose both names. She has been thrilled with her new pets. David and Madison came over to meet Sunny and Michaela and were just as impressed.

I gave Gabby one rule for her gerbils, that she never takes them out of the cage unless I'm there. I thought I was clear enough with her and that she understood. We moved the cage to her room after Maddy and David left. I was downstairs when I heard blood-curdling screams coming from Gabby. I assumed that she'd gotten a gerbil out and he escaped. I come into Gabby's room and she's screaming, "Gerbil, gerbil, come back. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry!" Michael had escaped. I wasn't too worried about capturing her, she actually was trying to get back in the cage. Then Gabby wailed, "Mommy, I broke her tail. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to break her tail."

With great trepidation, I look at Michael's tail and sure enough, about half of it was gone. My stomach lurched in revulsion as I saw the other half of her tail on the floor. My initial instinct was to was to run screaming and crying from the room and let Gabby deal with her own mess. I didn't think I signed up for cleaning up broken off gerbil tails when I bought them. Their tails grossed me out attached to their bodies. I took a deep breath, remembered that I was on my own and couldn't imagine who I could call to pick a gerbil tail off the floor. That kind of phone call would be more awkward than the actual act. I also don't want to pass my revulsion and squeamishness to Gabby and she was hysterical enough without me adding to it. I put on a brave face and I grabbed Michael and shoved her as delicately as I could back in the cage. I swear Michael gave a great sigh of relief to have a barrier between her and Gabby.

I grabbed the tail off the floor and summoned all of my will power to not scream as I ran it to the trash. I decided to just grab it with my bare hands before I had time to think much about it and lose my nerve. I scrubbed my hands, but the utter revulsion wouldn't be washed away with soap and water. I finally turned to my hysterical child who had not ceased her lamentations or apologies throughout my ordeal.

"Gabby, why did you take Michael out of the cage and how did you break her tail?" Unfortunately, my tone was too harsh and she cried even harder. She finally managed to reply, "It was an accident. I love Michael so much. I didn't want to hurt her and now I broke my pet!" The wailing recommenced at an even louder level. It was one of those moments as a mother that tears your heart in two. Part of me was angry and upset that she'd broken the one rule in less than 10 minutes. That part was also completely incredulous of just how she broke the tail. The other part only wanted to comfort and soothe especially as one myself who is so accident-prone. I decided to make sure that she understood first that I had made the rule for a reason of which she now had ample appreciation.

I didn't press the point too much as it was clear Gabby's heart was just as broken as the tail was. I began comforting her and showing her that Michael seemed to be alright. Poor Michael. She was actually cowering in the corner of the cage in complete gerbil shock. I hoped her memory would be as short as her tail now was. Gabby was difficult to soothe. As soon as I thought she was coming round, she'd repeat, "I broke Michael's tail. I am so, so sorry I broke my pet!" She eventually cried herself to sleep.

The bloody nub of tail Gabby left for Michael. She still hasn't been able to tell me just how she broke it. I surmise that she was holding her and knew she was breaking the rule. Either when Michael was trying to escape or when Gabby was trying to capture Michael, her adrenaline kicked in and she just pulled too hard. I suppose it could happen to anyone. I take that back, this could only happen to me and Gabby. I've never heard of a little girl breaking a gerbil tail off. Lizards, yes. Gerbils, no. That's how the lady at the store got them out of the cage, she picked them up by the tail. Seriously, who would have thought? I'm also at the point to really laugh about it. I just have to gag a bit first.

The other half of the tail is there on the right. That's not a small bit of tail. Poor Gabby. Imagine the horror she felt to only have half a tail between her fingers and her gerbil escaped!

Sunny and Michael before the Horror.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

2009-06-08T20:15:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite things about living in Utah is easy access to so many temples. Here's a link that explains about temples for those who may not be familiar: http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/membership-in-christ-s-church/temples-and-family-history

In Little Rock, we went to the Memphis Temple which was a 3 hour drive one way. There are 3 open temples here in this valley alone, the furthest being 30 minutes away. The Oquirrh Mountain Temple is the 4th once it's dedicated in August. Before being dedicated, temples are open to the public. Gabby and I, the Torgersons, and the Baileys went on Saturday. Gabby was excited to go to the temple. I've explained to her that it's Jesus' house and we go to learn about Him and make promises with Him. Gabby only understood that it was His house and she was hoping to see Jesus. I told her there would be lots of pictures of Christ, but it was unlikely we would meet Him. She enjoyed seeing the beautiful paintings and was good on the tour. She didn't say too much about it when I asked her what she thought about it. She saved it for her prayer last night. Here it is as best I can quote it:

"Dear Heavenly Father, I love Jesus so much. I think He's sweet and handsome. Thank you for letting me see His house. I'm sorry He wasn't there, but I liked all the pictures. Thank you for helping me be a good girl. I love my mommy. I love my daddy. I love my toys. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

That is the longest prayer she's ever given on her own and it really touched my heart. I think going to a temple meant something to Gabby.

Me and Gabby after seeing the temple

Pam and me. The Torg's kids had reached their limit so we missed pictures with them.

Gabby and Madison seemed most impressed with the fountain.

I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Open House today. I took the day off work to volunteer from 11-4. I stood at the sealing rooms ushering people in and out only with a smile and extended hand. I really enjoyed myself. I was surprised how many people came through on a Monday afternoon. Even though my feet hurt at the end of the day and my tummy was growling, it's not often that I have 5 such peaceful hours. Temples are so quiet even with people touring it and I found much to occupy my mind.

Temples are built with the best material and craftmanship. They are magnificent on the inside and out. Admiration for the beauty of the building was written on almost every face I saw. I thought about all that I've learned by going to the temple. When I'm there, I admire the beauty and work that goes into such a building, but my thoughts are more often brought to admire the beauty and wonder of what God has done with His hands. I'm so grateful to know that there is such a divine purpose to this life, a plan for happiness. I wish more people could admire and see the beauty of life and God's plan as easily as they admire a beautifully constructed building. Even as hard and heartbreaking as life can be, knowing that there is a plan and purpose to it and what that plan entails makes life just happier day to day. Atleast for me.

The Baileys Come to Utah!

2009-06-03T18:20:00.004-06:00

The Baileys decided to try their luck in Utah and arrived Tuesday night. Gabby and I are thrilled to have more family out here.

Gabby, Madison, and David got down to business right away with a tea party

Gabby, David, and Maggie watching for the Baileys out the front window

Maggie is a quirky little girl (I guess it runs in the family!). Her new thing is to suck on her fingers on her right hand and then stick a finger on the left hand up her nose. Apparently, she finds it very relaxing. I find it hilarious and endearing.

The arrival. I can't believe what they fit in the back of their truck. Gabby is very happy to have her bff so close. She wants to live with the Torgersons, too, and is trying to convince me there is plenty of room. I think the Torgs and Baileys would beg to differ. I've promised Gabby that her and Maddy can have lots of sleepovers and will see each other plenty. She seems content with that for now.

Putt-Putt!

2009-05-25T20:36:00.005-06:00

I took Gabby miniature golfing for the first time today. She was so excited to go all weekend. She was very concerned about having the right clothes for golfing. Being a sneaky mom at times, I told her she had to wear this skirt since she's always refused to wear it any other time. She's awfully opinionated about her clothes sometimes.

Gabby doing the Happy Gilmore.

Gabby is a very difficult child to teach. She refuses assistance of any kind and insists on doing things her way. She did pretty good. If she couldn't get the ball in the hole, she wasn't above using her hands. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed getting out in the sunshine.

Gabby was taking more pictures today. I thought this was hilarious, Gabby's view when she looks down at her feet!

Gabby's unique way of golfing. She definitely doesn't lack for exuberance.

Pictures by Gabby

2009-05-24T22:21:00.002-06:00

Gabby spent about 30 minutes taking pictures the other day. Her favorite subject to photograph were her toys. She really enjoyed looking at all the pictures. She took about 60 and so I thought I'd post a few. Aren't digital cameras just the best? They're so great for kids to experiment with and you don't have to worry about wasting a thing. How did we survive so long on antiquated film?

This is Barky, formerly known as Puppy. Marji bought him for Gabby for some occasion I can't recall. Gabby only named him Barky today, I'm still calling him Puppy, though. Puppy went everywhere with Gabby for a while. I had hopes at one point that Puppy would supplant my hair. Those hopes were dashed long ago as Puppy is mostly relegated to the toy chest. She'll pull him out every so often and reminisce over good times.

Orange Beak and Care Bear. Orange Beak did dream about flying, but wasn't satisfied with the experience. Gabby has since told him she will work with him on learning to fly, cautioning him that he may get hurt. Orange Beak is on board despite the warning. My baby brother Gabe gave Gabby Care Bear when she was born. He delights in giving newborns gianormous toys.

Gabby had me pose for a few pictures. She's specific in what look I should give to the camera. This was my "pretty smile."

Another Care Bear, I gave this one to Gabby Easter 2008.

Blue. Gabby's favorite show has always been Blue's Clues. I don't mind it. There are definitely more annoying shows out there, like Barney or Teletubbies which Gabby unfortunately enjoys as well. We acquired Blue from the Little Rock Airport last year after a pre-dawn meltdown. She was well worth peace and quiet she brought on the flight home.

Gabby's Solution

2009-05-18T22:23:00.003-06:00

While I was putting Gabby to bed tonight, she requested I surprise her with a stuffed animal from her playroom. I grabbed her penguin from the top of the toy box and brought it to her. She was excited for her penguin and gave him the name of Orange Beak as he hadn't yet been named. She preceded to have an interesting discussion with Orange Beak about his inability to fly. Orange Beak's voice is slightly deeper than Gabby's. It went something like this:

Orange Beak: Oh, Gabby I wish I could fly!

Gabby: Well, you're a penguin and penguins can't fly. Penguins are really good swimmers. Don't you want to swim?

Orange Beak: Well, swimming is OK, but I really want to fly!

Gabby: I have an idea, you can dream about flying! You should go to sleep and dream about flying.

Orange Beak: But I want to really fly!

Gabby: Well, it will be great for you to fly in your dreams. You'll like it. Penguins can only swim so you'll just have to dream about flying.

Orange Beak: Well, I guess I can try that.

Me: OK, it's time for prayers.

Gabby: Orange Beak will say his prayer first. Make sure you say it right Orange Beak. You have to be good to have good dreams about flying, OK?

Orange Beak: Dear Heavenly Father, I love my Gabby and Trish, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Gabby: That was a nice prayer, now it's my turn. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my mommy, thank you for my penguin, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Oh no! Mommy, I didn't say it right. He's not penguin, he's Orange Beak.

Gabby said the prayer again with Orange Beak's name. Gabby then instructed me to pray with the admonition that I pray for Orange Beak.

Gabby and Orange Beak

I'm eager to find out if Orange Beak was able to dream about flying and if he found Gabby's solution acceptable by the morning. This made me so nostaligic for the lengthy discussions I used to have with my dolls and stuffed animals!

A Thing of Beauty

2009-05-17T21:40:00.002-06:00

Well, two things of beauty. Gabby wanted to take pictures this morning before church. Isn't she beautiful? I'm loving the weather now. I hate Utah winters, but this time of year is just so pleasant. The heat here doesn't bother me in the least. Heat without humidity is easily enjoyable. The evenings are so cool and pleasant. I love walking to church with Gabby on Sundays. She's really interested in birds right now. Her favorite bird is a robin red breast. She's very determined on catching one. She seems to think it is within my power to catch a bird. There is much to admire and discuss on our walks.

The second thing of beauty, my new grill!

I don't know how I've made it this long without a grill! I kept meaning to get one, but it just didn't happen. I decided to treat myself to one for Mother's Day. It was slightly more complicated getting it to my house than I planned, but home I got it. I've put it to good use so far. I forgot how much better everything taste when it's grilled.

I Love Being A Mother!

2009-05-10T09:56:00.004-06:00

Growing up, one thing I always knew that I wanted to be was a mother. I'd change from other things from wanting to be a muscle woman to a teacher, but my desire to be a mother was constant. Being a mom is better and harder than I imagined. It's really difficult to keep a straight face. I think that's been one of the biggest surprises, how often I want to laugh when I should be firm and disciplined. Gabby gets onto me about laughing at some of the things she does. I thought I'd share a few memorable experiences as a mother that I hadn't yet to blog.

Gabby laughed for the first time December 16, 2004. I was working full time and Pam was watching Gabby. I dropped Gabby off at 7am and would pick up no later than 6pm. On this day, I was taking a CPR class and didn't pick her up until after 9. I walked into get Gabby. I was telling her that her cousin Thomas had been born and she just started laughing. I don't know if she was laughing because she was so happy to see me or if she knew something about Thomas we didn't. It was the best sound ever!

Potty training Gabby took about a year. I started at 2 and finished at 3. We were traveling a great deal and moved during that year and there was always something to get in the way of being consistent. I finally got serious about it when Gabby was 3. I talked with Gabby aboutpeepee and poopoo going in the potty. She seemed receptive. Things seemed to be going well. For 2 days in a row, Gabby was pooping in the toilet all on her own. She liked her privacy and always shut the door. She'd call me to the bathroom and only show me the end result, that ofpoopoo being in the potty. She'd always strip down out of her clothes and had made a mess, but progress was being made. I'd clap, sing a song, hug and congratulate her. I couldn't believe how well it was going.

Then I walked into the bathroom during the act. Gabby had her pull-up in hand and was shaking the poop out of the pull-up into the toilet. I asked, "Gabby, what are you doing?" Gabby answered, "Poopoo goes in the toilet." It suddenly all made sense. Potty-training was not going as well as I'd thought. Gabby understood the spirit of it, but still needed help with the doing. I didn't know whether to be discouraged or proud of her creativity. I chose the latter.

When Gabby was 2 1/2. Nick and I were saying prayers with her before bed. Gabby had (still does) a tendency to get silly during her prayers. She'll try to say them in goofy voices. She wasn't cooperative and we'd asked her several times to say her prayer the right way. Finally, Nick gave her a swat on the bottom, telling her to act right and say her prayer reverently. Gabby's bottom lip began to quiver. I could see the little wheels in her head turning and was curious to know what she was thinking. She stood up on her bed, pointed her finger at Nick and said with great dignity and certainty, "No, Daddy! You don't hit! Hitting is not nice. You don't hit! You need to tell me you're sorry." She stared him the eye completely sure that she was right and an apology would be forthcoming.

I grabbed a pillow and buried my face into it and burst with laughter. Nick was struggling to maintain a straight face as well as he tried to explain the difference between spanking and hitting to a 2 year old repeating the mantra that you don't hit because it's not nice.

For Christmas 2005, I had made several different treats for my friends and neighbors and used M&M's for one of them. M&M's are Gabby's favorite. I had left the bag on the counter thinking they would be safe. We had a small breakfast table with chairs in the kitchen. I walked into the kitchen to see my 15 month old had pushed a chair to the counter for the first time and was shoving M&M's into her mouth. She turned around and looked at me and registered that her gorging on candy would soon be at an end. She turned back to the counter and with renewed frenzy, utilized both hands to cram as many M&M's into her mouth as possible. I could only laugh at her ingenuity and determination!

Being a mom is unlike any other experience. There is so much that I love about it. I love being Gabby's mother. She is such a special, unique person and I feel so fortunate to get to experience her from the very beginning.

One of my favorite pictures of Gabby. Spring 2005.

Living Single...

2009-05-06T19:21:00.000-06:00

...can be incredibly interesting, but it's mostly boring. I love it though. I seriously love being single. I love being alone. It's not without its trials or annoyances in this couple-oriented world, but I've never been this consistently happy day after day. I love being in control of all aspects of my life and not having to answer or explain anything to anyone except those I choose. I just enjoy being me. I genuinely like who I am. I'm quite aware of my many flaws and faults but they're not nearly as troubling or overwhelming without anyone around to continually remind me of them.

I can't say that I necessarily love dating. I have dated. It's mostly the same as it was way back when other than it's harder to meet people and it involves copious amounts of texting. The biggest change for me is I don't really care if I'm liked or not. Before being divorced, I would care if a guy liked me even if I wasn't interested. Now even if I'm interested, I'm not at all bothered if the guy isn't. It actually makes more sense to me when there is a lack of interest. I get that. I don't always get why someone is interested in me. I'm working on not being quite so suspicious of men who are interested in me. I've come to terms with the fact that liking me does not make one crazy (though I'm sure there are many who would disagree). For a while, anytime I was complimented by a man, no matter his status, I attributed the compliment to either he was making fun of me or he pitied me. I sometimes still think that way.

I half-joke, but I'm half-serious that I'm dead inside. I hope that I'm not actually dead inside, that it's just a matter of the right spark to get me to care and want more. It's just so much easier to imagine my life with me never getting married again. It's so easy to imagine me being happy with that as well. I get the feeling though, that a lot of people just don't buy that. Some of my dear family and friends seem so eager for me to find someone, I think mostly because they think that will mean I'm really alright and I'll really be happy. I just don't feel like there is some great void by being single. I grew so accustomed to doing things on my own during my marriage and even more so over the last year, it would be a major adjustment to involve someone else in my life. It's just not that appealing to me now.

What I struggle with is that I'm not sure if me being single is what God wants for me or has planned for me. So I remain open to the possibility that I may be 'blessed' that way, but I live and plan my life as if I won't. I put myself out there as much as I can, but my heart's not all that into it. I have friends who were divorced and remarried within the year and it blows my mind. Many made that prediction for me. I wish I could say that I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not!

I feel so happy and blessed with my life now, it's hard to want much more. I have such great family and friends who I really love and enjoy. Being a mother to Gabby can be challenging, but it's so fulfilling. She is so full of love and affection. I'm so fortunate to have a good job to meet our needs and many of our wants. So for me, living single has been fantastic!

Did She Really Just Say That?

2009-05-03T22:19:00.004-06:00

I decided to give my testimony at church today. Gabby has been asking for while if she can go to the pulpit and impart more of her wisdom. She was thrilled when I said I was going up there. If I'd planned on giving my testimony before church, I may have talked with Gabby about what a testimony is and isn't. I didn't and had to take my chances. I told Gabby that she should say something about Jesus. I don't want to be a parent who feeds a child their testimony. If Gabby's going to talk, she should just say what's in her heart. Gabby whispered she wanted to tell a story and I told her she had to talk about Jesus.

I lift Gabby up to the microphone at the pulpit. She moves her mouth as close as she can and says, "Well, I think Jesus is really handsome."

Game over! I say, "Say amen, Gabby. SAY AMEN! AMEN!" She was trying to say more, but I decided that was quite enough. Besides, I didn't want her teaching false doctrine to the entire congregation as she had to the Primary when she gave her talk in January.

I gave my testimony with Gabby dancing and making silly faces by my side. When I finished, she asked if she could talk again. I declined and had to drag her out of the chapel. I will add that Gabby is really intrigued whether or not girls are pretty and boys are handsome. So for her to think that Jesus is handsome means she thinks highly of him and approves.

Why am I posting pictures of my scriptures? They were on my mind last night. Indulge me!

The set on the left I bought myself when I was 15 on a temple trip to Dallas. They were my 2nd set. I'm not sure what became of the 1st set I got when I was 8. Anyway, I used them through 3 years of early morning seminary, 3 years of religion classes at BYU and up through most of 2005. They are incredibly dear to me. They are highlighted, filled with post-it notes of quotations, and many of the margins are filled with my thoughts. There are several pages stained with my tears. The cover and binding have been super glued back on several times. There are pages that fall out and others that are torn. They even helped prevent an injury once when I was in a bike wreck. I had them in my backpack and they absorbed the impact as I went flying into the street. I learned so much getting lost in the pages and they helped form who I am. You can see how worn they became. They were definitely the best thing I bought during my teens.

I love my new set and have formed an attachment to them over the few years I've put them to use. They're a little more organized. I use certain colors to highlight for different things and its margins are slowly being being filled with new thoughts. There are tear-stained pages as well. I still come back to the old set sometimes though. I'm not the best at memorizing chapter and verse of the scriptures and quoting them verbatim. But I still know them. I know where a verse is by the color I've marked it, if the page is torn, or if it has a post-note by it, and the side of the page it's on. When I first got my new set, it was hard to study from them and find the verses I had in mind as quickly.

I'm teaching Gospel Principles now. I was laughing at myself yesterday as I prepared my lesson as I had to have both sets out to study and prepare. I would read the same verses from each set to see what I noted 10 years ago versus 1 year ago. The scriptures are such a miracle to me, how the exact same words can mean such different things at different times, how different words and themes jump off the page. I'm just so grateful to have them and that there's always something new to learn from them. I'm enjoying wearing out my new set and finding new meaning in them.

Bloggers Block!

2009-04-23T18:30:00.003-06:00

Sometimes a girl just doesn't know what to blog about! Gabby and I are keeping busy as always. I'm rocking the No Sugar Contest. It's been 17 days now. I've gotta say, I may never eat sugar again. I've lost 5 or 6 pounds and my wardrobe expands as the weight goes down. I was eating a lot of junk and if I can't eat sugar, I just don't eat. Who'd have thought it? Only 3 people have caved so far, but I'm in it for the long haul. I do dream about eating sugar. I had the most wonderful dream about eating Fruity Pebbles (my favorite!). When I woke up, I was upset that I lost the challenge and had to go check to make sure I didn't actually have Fruity Pebbles in my house, the dream was that real. I really miss chocolate. It's really empowering, though, to be able to maintain this self-control. I had my doubts about myself if few of you did!

The past couple of Saturdays, Gabby has been putting on makeup with me. I really love having a daughter. I remember when I was Gabby's age how much I loved playing in my mom's makeup. It's great making these memories with Gabby. Notice her eye and forhead on her left. Gabby inherited my grace. She ran into a tree at school. She was looking behind her as she was running, but that's definitely something I would do! We have matching legs as well, covered in bruises!

So here's my new do! I got it done Monday and I like it. It's fun and different for me. Gabby took this shot as well. She's a funny photographer. This was the first shot. She directed me to make my best goofy face on the second. On the third, she suggested I give my best laugh for the camera. She keeps me entertained!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T18:13:00.006-06:00

The weather reports kept saying that today would be yucky. I was thrilled to wake up to the glorious sunshine! Gabby and I walked to church to make the most of the sun.

Gabby posing in her pretty dress

Gabby's silly face

My silly face in my new dress. Gabby did a good job taking this picture.

Davids's britches were a little big for him. They kept falling down and he just kept right on going!

Gabby's Easter stash

We love Cousins!

The hunt!

The No Sugar Contest

2009-04-08T19:09:00.003-06:00

Some of my co-workers decided to have a no sugar contest. Everyone who participates gives $20 to a pot, the last one standing gets the money. Well, 2nd and 3rd place get their $20 back. I am a candy junky! I have quite the sweet tooth. At work, I have drawer solely devoted to candy and treats that I munch on all day. I also I have candy jar. I'd been contemplating cutting out some of my sugar intake and this contest seemed like a good time and the kick in the butt I needed. There are 14 of us competing. The contest began on Monday. Natural sugars in fruit and such are ok; basically it's all the junk that's cut out.

Here's a picture of some of my uneaten stash. It calls my name every evening! The times I most crave sugar are after lunch and dinner. I made quite the habit of having something sweet after meals. I just love candy! I love desserts! I'm a total stress eater, too. Especially chocolate. I really wanted some chocolate this afternoon! This is a good challenge for me. I gave up sugar once before about 6 years ago and I think I made it 2 weeks. The other hard part is Gabby. I'm accustomed to sampling a bite of the treats I give her without thinking about it. I'm on Day 3 now and I find that I'd rather not eat or snack if it's not sweet so I may even drop a few pounds depending on how long I go! One colleague is already out, so I only have 12 more to beat!

I thought I'd offer a contest to my dear followers. Put your guess as to how long I'll make it without sugar in a comment. If you live in the area, I'll make you a pie or cheesecake (I've been told I make delicious ones!) . If you don't, I'll figure something sweet to send you! If I win, I'm keeping the money for me! Honestly, I have no idea how long this can go on or what would cause me to succumb to temptation. The co-workers not doing the contest rather enjoy tempting us with delicious banned treats. If I'm the last gal standing, I'll probably end up treating myself to some Coldstone goodness. Mmmm, ice cream. Sigh!

Dallas and Austin

2009-04-04T15:02:00.010-06:00

Though the circumstances were unwelcome, Gabby and I were both glad to go see our family. I hadn't seen my aunts, uncles, and cousins in over 4 years so I really glad to see them again. I have so many happy and fun memories of going to Austin to my grandparents' house. I'm glad Gabby is old enough to hopefully retain some memory of it.

Gabby and I flew to Dallas Tuesday morning. Gabby is going through a phase of speaking whatever comes to mind. Our flight to Dallas was full and a man sat down next to me. Gabby asked me who he was and why he was sitting by me. I told her the plane was full and someone had to sit by me. She leaned forward, looked the man up and down, and said, "I don't like him, Mommy. I don't want you talking to him." Fortunately, the stranger thought it was hilarious and wasn't at all offended. How do you teach a child self-censoring? Gabby is also intrigued by determine and defining the differences between men and women. She asked why a man (sitting right by me in the airport) had long hair like girls. He immediately stood up and walked away. It's an entertaining phase!

Grandpa B's casket was open prior to the funeral beginning and Gabby and I went to it to pay our respects. I had explained to Gabby he had died. Gabby said, "But Mommy, I don't want him to be dead. How can we make it so he's not dead?" I explained in as simple of terms as possible that was why Jesus lived, so that we could all have new bodies one day and not be dead, but we would have to wait a while for that to happen. She seemed satisfied with the answer. At the burial, one of the ministers was an older man with white hair like Grandpa B's. When Gabby saw him standing there, she exclaimed to me, "Look, Grandpa's not dead anymore! Jesus did it!" The faith of a child!

Gabby, Madison, Adabelle, Kaylee, Matthew, and Thomas loved all the cousin-time.

Gabby and Thomas playing hopscotch in the backyard

Here are all but 2 of the great-grand children. Jen was able to travel without David and Maggie and I think really enjoyed her kid-free time. There are only 4 non-DeVauxs in the bunch

Madison and Gabby.

I love my grandparent's house. It has the coolest landscaping. They live West Lake hills in Austin. There are all these paths around their house and it always felt like such an adventure to explore them. It was fun watching Gabby and her cousins discover and enjoy them.

There was a fantastic thunderstorm just as we were leaving Austin. I LOVE storms. Utah doesn't get too many thunderstorms so I was glad to have one while I was there. There was even a rainbow afterwards.

Marji and Jim were moving to a new house. Originally, Jen and I planned on flying home from Dallas on Sunday. We realized we were a bit in the way and were able to switch our flights to fly from Little Rock. We rode back with Pam Thursday night. There were 6 of us and 5 seat belts so we doubled up Gabby and Madison. Gabby feel asleep quickly and Madison was pretending to sleep in this picture.

She finally went to sleep and I thought they were so cute sleeping together.

Madison and Gabby, still BFF!

Leo Roy Beard (1917 - 2009)

2009-03-29T18:00:00.002-06:00

Leo Roy Beard (1917 - 2009)

Leo Roy Beard, a world renowned hydrologic engineer, died in Austin, TX, on March 21, 2009, at the age of 91. Roy Beard had an illustrious career with the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1939 to 1972, retiring as (founding) Director of the Corps’ Hydrologic Engineering Center in Davis, CA. He was known for his pioneering work on the application of statistics to hydrologic engineering. Following his retirement from the Corps of Engineers, he joined the University of Texas as Professor of Civil Engineering and subsequently the engineering consulting firm of Espey, Huston, and Associates. Professor Beard lectured at universities and other organizations throughout the world. He was a visiting professor at the University of California (Berkeley) and Utah State University and lectured at the University of California (Davis). He was a member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the International Association of Hydrologic Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Water Resources Association, a Fellow and Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), and Honorary Member of the American Waterworks Association. Mr. Beard served as chairman of the ASCE Water Resources Planning & Management Division, President of the AGU Section of Hydrology, Editor-In-Chief of Water International and Managing Editor of the International Journal of Hydrology. In 1975 he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 2001 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for “a life-long and eminent contribution to the environment and water resources engineering disciplines through practice, research and public service.” In 2007 he received the Ven Te Chow Award of the American Society of Civil Engineers “for advancing knowledge in hydrologic engineering in systems techniques for reservoir regulation, statistical methods for streamflow frequency analysis, flood hydrograph computation, and the development of computer based methods for hydrologic computations.

Leo Roy Beard was born in West Baden, Indiana, on April 6, 1917. His family moved to San Gabriel, CA, in 1922, where he grew up with five siblings. He attended parochial schools, Alhambra High School, Pasadena Junior College, and California Institute of Technology, from which he graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1939. He married Marian Jeanette Wagar in 1939, with whom he had three children. Marian died in 1973, and in 1974 he married Marjorie Pierce Wood of Austin, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his sister Margaret (Peggy) Nougier of Laguna Beach, CA, his daughter Patricia Huntzicker of Portland, OR, his son Thomas Beard of Reno, NV, and his son James Beard of Hurricane, UT; by Marjorie’s daughters Patricia Fowler and Ann Bonner of Richland Springs, TX, Kay De Vaux of Hot Springs, AR, and son Thomas Wood of Austin, TX, as well as 22 of his and Marj’s grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

“Don’t cry for me. There could hardly be a better life than that which mine has been. Starting with wonderful parents and three older siblings (later two younger siblings), I have been blessed with an abundant and happy life, including two wonderful marriages, three children of my own, four step-children, and so many friends, including professional associates throughout the world. The world has been full of good for me. My cup runneth over a thousand fold!” (Roy Beard)

He was always just Grandpa 'B' to me. I had no idea of most of his accomplishments. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful memories of visiting him and Grandma. As my Uncle Tommy shared at the funeral, he wasn't even angry (at least he didn't show it) the time I threw a pool ball through the sliding glass door and shattered it. I am so grateful I was able to go to Austin last week and say goodbye and celebrate such a wonderful life.

Second Haircut

2009-03-17T18:00:00.005-06:00

I was absolutely shocked when Gabby asked for a haircut last week. I had planned on going on Saturday, but her illness postponed those plans as well. Great Clips was having a sale on haircuts so we stopped by after work. While we were waiting, Gabby pointed to a picture of woman with boy-short hair and said she wanted her hair cut like that. I tried showing her other pictures, but she was insistent. Well, I'm still in charge of her hair so I told the girl how short to go with it and I was not going to give Gabby super short hair.

Gabby jumped right up and was really excited to get her hair cut. She was really interested in looking at it as it hit the floor.

She sat very quietly the whole time. The actual cutting process went much smoother than her first cut. Her hair cut was done and she started crying that it wasn't short enough. I told her we were done and pulled out the chicken nugget bribe. I told her she looked pretty and she said, "It's not pretty because it's too long!"

We went to the car and she really got upset. Gabby said, "I don't like my hair and I'm not going to school tomorrow. It looks funny and I don't want my friends to laugh at me." The wailing and gnashing of teeth commenced the rest of the way home.

This was the best picture I could get of the finished product

She was screaming, "No pictures!" I didn't expect this excessive concern with her hair and appearance quite so soon. She's still insisting she won't be going to school. I told her we'd wait a week and if she still didn't like it, we could go back and get it shorter. She's since said that she wants it long again. Such a girl, can't make up her mind!

I was trying to get her rant about her hair being funny on video. I missed it, but it's a good illustration of how upset she was. Maybe on her next haircut she'll be happy with both the experience and the result!

Sickness and Strike 2 for GNO

2009-03-16T22:00:00.003-06:00

Gabby was unfortunately sick over the weekend. If Gabby is going to be sick, this was the perfect kind of sick. I know you other mom's know what I mean. She was running a fever and only wanted to sleep. There were no foul messes to clean up, barely a runny nose to wipe, just a feverish little girl who only wanted snuggles and rest. She didn't even want any stories, just to go to sleep. She was really a good patient. Gabby talks in her sleep quite a bit when she's running a fever. She gave me some good laughs making demands even in her sleep. She said her tummy hurt on Saturday and gave several good efforts to 'fro up' to no avail. Sunday, she still had a fever and said her 'froat hurt' and 'nufin else.' She spent 2 days straight on the couch and after 12 hours straight of sleep last night, made a full recovery today. We're back to piggy-back rides up and down the stairs, cooking food, reading stories, magic shows, and hide-n-seek. I'm glad she's all better and I'm really glad that her sickness was so easy to handle. It was kind of nice to have a day off, too. I got my desk cleaned up by either filing or shredding, a few important errands accomplished, and my taxes filed.

I did miss my Girls' Night Out. Jen and I seem to get out about once a month, just for dinner and a chick-flick. We're trying to add some other girls and had another sister set to join us. Jen still went, but I stayed home with my baby girl. My last GNO with Lynn was cancelled a couple of weeks ago. Lynn and I are trying again this Saturday for a Girls' Day Out, hopefully 3rd time's a charm. Gotta have the girl time! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I won't come down with whatever Gabby had.

This & That

2009-03-09T19:38:00.004-06:00

Gabby provides me with the best entertainment. Yesterday, she wanted to bring her bear, Bobolo to church. Gabby told me that sometimes she was mean to Bobolo when she didn't listen to her. Gabby then gave Bobolo the following lecture (Bobolo's voice was about 3 octaves higher than Gabby's normal voice):

Gabby: Bobolo, are you going to be a good girl at church?

Bobolo: Well, I'll try but sometimes it's hard

Gabby: Well, you need to be good and listen to your teachers.

Bobolo: I'll try to be good

Gabby: Ok, because if you're not good then I won't give you the surprise.

Bobolo: What's the surprise

Gabby: It's a surprise, you have to be good

When I asked Gabby if Bobolo was good at church, she said, "Well, she wasn't good because she kept climbing on my lap so she didn't get her surprise."

Gabby wanted to play restaurant yesterday. She made me Leaf and Rock Soup. She picked leaves off a bush, added water, key lime yogurt, fruit snacks, banana, and butter. We put it in the oven and set the timer for 40 minutes or as Gabby calls it the minute beeper. She's a fun girl and I love her creativity and imagination.

Gabby loves to give herself a beard in the bath. David thought it was hilarious to wipe it off. Gabby wasn't amused.

Maggie and David

I'm just glad that I don't have to bathe 3 kids every night. One is plenty for me!

Gabby's friend from school had a birthday party on Saturday at the Fun Zone. The Fun Zone had a little bit of everything. Here the girls are doing a bit of dancing.

Madeline, Savannah, Gabby, and Autumn

Jen and me at Rascal Flatts a couple of weeks ago. I haven't been to concert since before I had Gabby. It was a terrific show even from the nosebleed seats we got at the last minute. Jen and I brought dates and I don't think they had as much fun as we did. They mostly just sat and watched. They weren't singing and dancing like we were. Oh well, it was still lots of fun! I think we'll make the next concert a Girls Only Night.

Gabby busting a move at the party

Disneyland 2009

2009-02-28T10:10:00.012-07:00

Gabby and I went to Disneyland last week. For some reason, getting a blog entry in has not been easy. The first one I did was deleted and not saved. Gabs and I drove down last Wednesday and made it to Anaheim by 4:30. We shared a suite with the Andersons. It was great seeing them and getting away for a few days. Gabby has been talking for months about going to Disneyland and I had been milking it for all it was worth. Now I need something else for her to look forward to so as to "encourage" good behavior. I hope Gabby will remember this trip better than the last one!

Gabby and I went over the first night. My camera has a night function, but I don't think I was using it right.

We rode the carousel a few times, Gabby would always name her pony. It was Polly every time.

Princess Gabby and Thomas. They got along really well. That morning Gabby said to Thomas, "You can be my prince, Thomas. I'm the princess and we'll get married." Thomas replied, "Okay, but we have to get married in the temple."

On the submarine for Finding Nemo

The Andersons on the Teacups

The Playhouse Disney Show. Gabby and Thomas were really into it.

Gabby begged and begged to get her face painted. We waited in line for 30 minutes while she carefully studied all her choices.

The final product. She thought she was "it" with her face painted.

It was really crowded at Disneyland for the end of February. We had to wait about 30 minutes for all but a couple of rides. The lines to meet the characters were long as well so we didn't get to meet everyone. Gabby had a good system though. I would tell her just to wave and say hi. Gabby would scream at the top of her lungs, "Hey Mickey (or Minnie, whichever it was)! HI!!! It's me, Gabby!!!" She was so loud, they always looked up and waved. Gabby would then say, "Mommy,he likes me, huh?" I always noticed that other kids without similar vocal capabilities would look enviously at Gabby receiving acknowledgement.

We rode the Teacups a lot!

Monica Sattley and me. Monica lived in Little Rock way back when and lives in Southern Cali now. She brought her girls to play with us on Friday. Gabby and Miriam had a great time and I enjoyed catching up with Monica

Brynn, Miriam, and Gabby

Riding Dumbo

The cousins waiting to go to Disney for the morning

Marji and me with Mickey and Minnie. Beat waiting in line!

Gabby really liked the Storybook Village ride and sailing through Monstro's mouth. We rode this one quite a few times. The trip was all about Gabby so I pretty much let her call the shots on the rides. I rode 3 "adult" rides, but I enjoyed watching Gabby's excitement more than anything.

Gabby talked and talked about Tigger and how nice he was. He picked her up for a big hug.

And danced with her. Nice crack shot, huh?

Riding Small World. They did some redesigns on it and it had just opened. The lines for it were out of control. I think Gabby must have remembered it from last time. She kept asking to ride it as soon as we got there. It was another favorite.

Playing music in Tarzan's Treehouse

This is just before we left for Cali. Gabby packed her backpack full of her Disney books. That's another quirk of Gabby, she will not watch Disney movies. Flat out refuses to view any of them, but she loves the books. That's how she knows all about them, solely through books. Yes, I'm growing a little bookworm :)

I've Been Published

2009-02-23T08:41:00.002-07:00

Writing is very therapeutic for me. I have a lot of journals and writing is the best way for me to sort out things. I wrote this last summer and have shared it with a few people here and there. I shared it with Wally Goddard a couple of months ago. He writes a monthly column for Meridian Magazine and asked if I would mind having it published on their site.

I've mentioned before that I've felt a purpose to the things I experienced in my marriage. Abuse, in one form or another, is all too common today. I felt so ashamed and so alone for so long; it was such a marvel and miracle to realize that some of my heroes in the Book of Mormon experienced abuse as well. Sharing what I've learned and experienced further helps to heal me and I hope that my words can help someone else. I studied the Book of Mormon last year looking for the theme of deliverance through Christ, both temporally and spiritually. The Book of Mormon is so rich with teaching regarding this and my testimony of the truthfulness of it and being prepared for our day has only been strengthened.

So here's the link:

http://www.meridianmagazine.com/spiritjourney/090223soul.html

What's an idiot?

2009-02-09T18:51:00.004-07:00

Most Utah drivers.

I suffer from a mild case of road rage. I think a better term is road irritation as I rarely escalate to all out rage. Controlling the irritation is especially not easy in Utah as I've blogged previously with regard to yellow lights and the use of blinkers. Another irritation stems from round-abouts. They're everywhere here. I do not understand how the same state that produces a plethora of drivers that runs red lights also produces a bevy of drivers that stops at yield signs in round-abouts when there aren't any cars in it or those who stop in the round-about when they have the right-of-way. I drive through a round-about every day so it's a bit of a pet peeve.

I don't always set the best example for Gabby when I drive. Whenever I honk at someone (by the way, I honk my horn judiciously to prevent overuse), Gabby informs me that it's not nice to honk the horn. I explain to her that horns are for honking especially at stupid people who drive dangerously. She tells me I need to be nice. I think we're both right. Horns are for honking and I should be nice.

When I experience road irritation, I do a bit of grumbling and honking. Today, another car completely cut me off (no blinker, obviously relying on telekinesis that I have yet to tap into) and slammed on their brakes all inside an intersection. I refrained from honking my horn, but yelled, "Stupid idiot!"

"Mommy, what's a stupid idiot?"

"Gabby, an idiot is someone who can't drive and is stupid."

"But Mommy, I like Indians and they can drive cars and I don't think they're stupid."

"Oh." Laughter.

Oops. Point taken. I will no long be shouting idiot to avoid such confusion in the future. I thought about shouting moron, but she may confuse that with Mormon and conclude that Indians and Mormons are all bad drivers. I considered, dummy, but Gabby could confuse that with dumbo and elephants are her favorite. I've now come up with shouting, "UTAHN!" Perhaps I'll even add "driver" to it for clarification.**

**I am 100% certain that none of my Utah friends are the bad drivers described above so none of this rant is in any way directed to you! I know that each of you is absolutely brilliant in every way :).

P.S. Jen and I went to see He's Just Not That Into You on Friday at The District at 9pm. We enjoyed it and with my venture into the dating world, I found much relevance in it. Anyway, there were small children running all over that theatre. Seriously, we hoped there was some kind of party or event as we could barely push through the hoardes of kids. Who knew that was the happening place on Friday night for 5 year olds. And would any of you consider this movie a family show? I don't think I'm a prude, but there were several families with kids, I mean like 9 or 10 year olds out to see the show. Maybe it's just me and Jen, but we didn't consider it to be a family movie in the least. Oh and there was the usual clapping and hollering during the previews. Yeah, the next Harry Potter looks good, but why clap and shout for the preview? I will never get it!

My Excellent Girl

2009-02-08T20:27:00.004-07:00

Gabby has redeemed herself after last week's meltdown. I write this hoping that me bragging on her won't jinx her! Punishing her wasn't a fun for either of us, but I'm glad that it was effective quickly. Her teachers and classmates were all impressed by how good she was the rest of the week. She was even rated 'excellent' a couple of days. When I picked her up each day, she was so excited to tell me how good she was and would list all the things that she wouldn't have to do without since she was good.

Last Saturday, I was wearing my BYU hat while Gabby and I ran errands. Gabby was really upset that she didn't have a BYU hat as well. And yes, it did my heart good that she was so sad about it. I told her we'd look for one at Target. Well, they didn't have any BYU hats, but she settled for Tinkerbell. Oh and I am planning supplanting Tink with a BYU hat as soon as I find one. Gabby says she still wants one and I'm not one to deprive a true blue Cougar fan of paraphernalia.

Gabby loves any holiday. I have paper hearts covering my walls upon her insistence. I spent a good deal of yesterday morning cutting them out under Gabby's direction. Gabby has her Valentine Day cards complete and is just waiting for the big day to give them to her friends.

Serenity Now!

2009-02-02T19:57:00.003-07:00

Gabby has entered a new phase that I'm prayerful and hopeful will be of short duration. When I picked her up from school on Friday, her teacher told me she'd had a rough day. I think she down-played just how rough it was. When I asked her about it, she became upset and seemed remorseful. She apologized to her teachers and I withdrew a couple of privileges from her that she usually has.

She was with her dad Friday night and most of Saturday. She was good for me Saturday night when she got home. She normally is. She pushes her limits, I don't always do the best job of being as firm as I should on everything. I pick my battles. On Sunday, I was more or less expecting her to act out in class as she does so about once a month and she was past due. She made it all the way through until the last 5 minutes when I recognize her blood-curdling screams while sitting in my class. I go out to be told she was running around like a crazy person and refusing to listen to her teachers. I dragged her home kicking and screaming and she was sent to her room when we got home.

Then there was today! I had just gone to lunch and was beginning to eat my usual cheese and crackers when Gabby's daycare called. I was told to come get her as she just wouldn't behave and they had tried everything. Not the call I wanted to get. I go to the school and was horrified to hear of and see the trouble she caused. I took her home and she's had every thing that wasn't necessary taken from her. She hasn't been happy about any of it, no treats, no shows, no games, no stories. I've put her to work hoping she gets that the fun stops as soon as the bad behavior begins. She seems to be getting it. She's spent most the day crying with me telling her no to all that she asks to have or do and making her tell me why I'm saying no.

I have a few ideas about the cause of the behavior. Somethings are just outside my control and I just have to make the best of it. So I'll just work on what I can and hope this phase will be short-lived. I admit, I've done my fair share of crying today as well. I can't help but feel like I'm a bad mother when Gabby acts this way and I can't quite figure out why or how to help her improve immediately. I feel a fair amount of guilt at times being a single mom, whether I should or not, and for being unable to give Gabby the life I feel she deserves. Don't worry, it passes. I know that I'm meant to be Gabby's mother, I know that the course I've taken is the right one, and I know that I'm not alone in loving and wanting the best for my little girl. It's just been one of those days! Here's hoping tomorrow will be better!

My First Love: Lost and Found

2009-01-22T21:17:00.007-07:00

A girl never truly gets over her first love. That first love will always retain a special place in the heart. Memories grow fonder and sweeter with the passage of time. When you stumble across old photos, saved mementos, or journal entries, that same rush of nervous and hopeful expectation with butterflies in the tummy returns. I was 12 when I found my first love: BASKETBALL. So indulge me as I walk down memory lane with my first love!

In 7th grade, you had the option to do Athletics which would be basketball and track or P.E. I opted for Athletics mostly for track as I was a fast kid. I fell fast and hard for basketball though. I didn't know a thing about it before 7th grade. I worked hard and would practice at home. I wanted so badly to be a starter on the Gold team as that was the better team. I did work my way to being a starter on the Blue team. I'll never forget the first and only "game" between the Gold and Blue team for all our adoring fans (families). The final score was 8-2 Gold and I was only one to score on the Blue team.

I was hooked. I was watching the NBA and college ball all the time. I went to basketball camp at UCA completely on my own that summer after 7th grade. I was in heaven playing basketball 24/7 for 6 days. I greatly improved and was part of the starting 5 in 8th grade. Well, I was for the Thursday games, I wouldn't go to Sunday practices so I didn't start for the Monday games. The stat I remember from that year was fouling out 5 out of the 10 games and crying every time. I went to 2 basketball camps the next summer.

Our 9th grade team was pretty good. We were county champs and I loved every minute of every game. I was getting better about not fouling out and if I did I would manage not to cry. I still feel bad for crying during a game when Coach Roberts yelled at me. He was an intense coach known for throwing a clipboard if provoked and I think he'd often forget he was dealing with hormone-ravaged teenagers.

I loved my varsity coach, Coach White. I was on the varsity team as a 10th grader. I fully expected to never play that season being a lowly sophomore. During the first game though, she looked down the bench and pointed at me. A junior sitting next to me jumped up to go in only to be told to sit and that I should go in. I was nervous, but it was that kind of nervous that enhances playing. I played in a lot of varsity games much to my pleasure. All but 1 of the juniors on the team quit that year due in part to Coach White playing the sophomores ahead of them.

So my junior year, there weren't any seniors on the team. Expectations were low for such young team. The first game that season was one of the most memorable for me. We were playing Cutter Morning Star. We were 2 points down, seconds left on the clock, and I launch a hail-mary 3 just before the buzzer and was fouled. Game is over and I have 3 shots to either lose, win, or tie the game. There are few experiences I've had that were more exhilarating and surreal than having a gym full of people chanting your name. Coach White started to give me some tips but stopped herself and only said, "I know you'll make them." I step to the line and the silence is as deafening as the shouting had been. I dribble, square up, shoot and it's perfect! Two more to go. I do it all over again with the same results and am tackled by my teammates to the floor. That's the moment every player dreams of and practices for and I was lucky enough to have it. I missed the 3rd free throw as my nerves were shot by then but we won in overtime.

We had a great team by my Senior year. Unfortunately, we didn't always play to our potential and I believe we finished 17-7. My favorite and best game that year was against Arkadelphia (that's a real town for your non-Arkansans). It was a home game and we'd lost the 1st game to them on their turf due to the help of some hometown reffing. Well, it just so happened that there was a ref who thought I was hot and was reffing that night. I admit, I flirted and batted my eyes before the game. I was committed to winning and flirting with men twice my age wasn't beneath me. So I shot 12 free throws that game, made 9 and scored 17 overall so perhaps the flirting worked. Four other girls on our team scored in double digits and we won 77-70 so it was definitely more than the reffing. That's a high score for a high school basketball game. It was one of those games where everything worked almost seamlessly for our team. Being part of team and playing like that is an incredible experience.

We went to State that year and the first game was at home. We had a chance to win at the end of the game and I turned the ball over by passing the ball to the guard before she'd crossed the half court. It broke my heart and I cried and cried over it. I went off to college and left basketball and a piece of my heart behind. I played some intramural at BYU. After that, I never really played too much.

Senior Year, 1996. Go Lady Rams!

Well a few weeks ago, they announced that our stake would be having women's basketball every Thursday night. I was all over it. I played 2 weeks ago and stunk it up. I admit I was a bit ashamed by throwing up some air balls. I'm still an intense player and it's difficult to curb the competitive side of me. It's just second nature to go after that ball at all costs without regard to anyone who may be in my path. It was still so much fun to be on the court again though falling seems to hurt a bit more now. I had to miss last week but made it back tonight.

My team just rocked it out! I think everyone scored on my team. I know it was just church ball and I'm nowhere near to being the player I used to be, but it's part of that first love thing. When you come back to it, it's just so familiar, comfortable, exciting, and invigorating to be with it again. I just love it! I love playing defense and making steals and blocks. I love fast breaks and the knot of fear that accompanies every attempt of wide-open lay-up. That's the worst shot to miss! I love posting up, blocking out, and knocking girls down with the sheer power of my hips. I love back door passes for a quick shot. I love diving on the floor after a loose ball. I love wrestling the ball out of another player's hands. I love everything about it! It's so fun to play again, rusty as I am. I'm so happy to rediscover my first love!

The final score tonight. Yay Park 1st and 2nd Ward!

It Starts!

2009-01-20T14:05:00.003-07:00

I must have gotten a little too comfortable. One of the many things that made last January so memorable was due to Gabby's many illnesses. I was just beginning to hope we'd make it through the month without her getting sick. No such luck as she has an ear infection. Luckily, she doesn't have a fever or anything else and should have a quick recovery.

Gabby ABHORS medicine of any kind. I think it goes back to the first year of her life. The first 4 months were very medically eventful and we spent a lot of time at the pediatricians, hospitals, and getting tests done. The less invasive and less expensive solution to one of her problems was to be on antibiotics for a year. She never grew accustomed to having medicine forced down her throat and still puts up a worthy fight whenever medicine of any sort is presented. Now, she's old enough that I can bribe, I mean, "reason" with her most the time. Well, her ear was hurting her and she was crying and crying. I had some ear drops that I got the OK to give her. I decided sneaking them in would be the best course as she flipped out when I shone a light in her ear. I managed to drop one drop in and held her down to get another in her ear. Gabby has quite a temper. She screamed, "Don't you touch me!" She ran upstairs to her room, slammed the door and howled until the drops did their work. It took another 10 minutes before she let me snuggle her and held my hair. I blame Utah's abysmal air quality. Gabby had never had an ear infection until her first winter here a year ago. My throat has a constant tickle and my eyes will burn. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope it snows to clear this up!

Gabby loves cheddar cheese sliced off the block. I was about to slice her some the other night when she told me she wanted the whole block. I was about to cut her a chunk off, but she was so offended I just gave her the block. It cracked me up watching her gnaw on it.

We're making progress in the naked department! This was 8pm and she was still clothed. She's staying clothed until bath or bedtime about half the time now! She still refuses to wear jammies, but at least she's staying clothed a bit longer now!

A History and a MAJOR Purchase

2009-01-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Being 25 for 5 years running means that I've had a lot of different cars in my time. While grateful that I've always had some form of transportation since 16, I've never gone and picked out my own car. When I was 16, I was allowed use of the Cutlass Cruiser, a station wagon, or as I referred to it, the Crap Wagon. Naturally it had the faux wood paneling, it was a beaut! It actually had a bit of power. I never told my parents this, but I took it well over a 100 once on a back road just to see if I could.

After the Crap Wagon, Marji and I shared a Grand Am at BYU my freshman year. Now my family is cursed when it comes to cars. I'm dead serious about that. We never bought new cars, but whatever we bought was sure to have issues and fall apart. The Grand Am lasted about a year. I don't know what went wrong with it.

Then came the 89 Dodge Aries. That car was a piece of junk but I sure got all the use out of it possible. It literally went all over this country, from Arkansas to Utah, to Mexico, to Oregon, to Florida and everywhere else in between (with me at the wheel for the vast majority of those miles). My parents let me keep it after getting married and Nick and I put a hitch on that bad boy and pulled a trailer from Utah to Arkansas. It even pulled a couple of boats. There were a lot of good memories in that one. It had over 200,000 miles on it, was running on only 2 cylinders and someone bought it for $500. I'd see it around Little Rock after we sold it. It just kept going.

Then I had a Dodge Neon. I guess I helped pick it out and it was good little car for a while. Definitely a step up from the Aries. Unfortunately, I totaled it just after I had Gabby. Next we got my 92 Lexus ES300 4 years ago. That actually has been a pretty good car. Up until the last year. It's old and I put 70,000 miles on it in 4 years. It went all over the country as well. It ran okay, but things were starting to fall apart on it. The driver's side window broke so I've had to open my door or have Gabby make transactions at drive-throughs. I busted one of the sideview mirrors last winter and Gorilla-glued it back on. The antenna is busted and flapped around in the wind in the most pathetic way. At the end of the summer, it would overheat whenever I ran the a/c. On Christmas Eve, my key got stuck in the driver's side door and some how that broke the electric locks when I got it out. At that point, I decided I wasn't going to wait for another thing to go wrong on it. It was time for an upgrade.

The choices out there are daunting for one who's never had much say in what I've driven. I've taken what was given to me. I admit, a yellow Hummer caught me eye that I passed on my way to work everyday. Couldn't you just see me cruising around in that? Practicality won out and I bought a used 07 Honda Accord. I'm not that excited about a car payment, but I LOVE my new car. I went with a V6 as I like having a bit of power on the road, especially with the crazy Utah drivers. It's charcoal and has a sunroof; I used all the time in my Lexus. It drives like a dream and everything works on it which is a luxury to me these days!

I feel like I got a good deal on it. I was going back and forth with the manager hammering out a price. They finally got it down to where I wanted it, but I still couldn't quite say yes so i just sat there not saying a word staring at the sales manager for a few minutes. Part of it was a game as I was happy with the price, I just wanted to see what else he would say or do for my business. He jumps up without saying anything and walks off. My saleswoman, Toni, didn't have any idea why he walked off and I stayed silent. The dude walks back with 3 balloons and 6 red roses. It cracked me up and I shook his hand on the deal.

Me and my pretty new ride!

Gabby was with her dad all day yesterday and today. When I picked her up, she didn't have much to say about the new car. I asked her a few times on the way home and she'd just say, "I don't want to tell you." We get home and she says, "Mommy, I think we need the white car back. I don't like this one." I was a little offended but reminded myself Gabby doesn't like any kind of change. I'm thrilled with it!

My New Hobby

2009-01-06T20:14:00.003-07:00

I received my Christmas gifts from my parents tonight. David and Micha had to drive it out from Arkansas for me.

Little Dave helped me open the gift. What could it be ?

This was a surprise, pepper spray!

And the only thing I asked for, a gun. Its looks are deceiving as it has a good kick when you shoot it. Dad and Mom really hooked me up, it's perfect for me. Dad was actually pretty excited that this is what I wanted.

I took Micha with me to an indoor range and he taught me about the gun, loading, unloading, basic safety and shooting. This was my first time shooting a gun ever! And no, the target wasn't that close when I was shooting, it was about 50 feet away. I really enjoyed it, though I have tremendous respect and just the right amount of caution in handling a gun. I think it's a good thing that guns make me slightly nervous. After Obama was elected, I decided I'd better get one as I just don't trust the man or the judges he'll appoint protecting 2nd amendment right. I'm planning on taking a class and getting a concealed weapons permit while I still can as well. I don't plan on carrying it with me, but it will be good to have that option. It came with a child proof case, a lock for the trigger, it won't be loaded at home and it won't be anywhere Gabby can get to it, for those of you wondering about safety.

Not too bad for my first time. The range is pretty close to me and I plan on going regularly. I even drew a little blood from shooting. Not Osama's, but my own. The hammer caught the edge of my thumb pretty good. At least I didn't shoot my eye out!

Micha trying it out. I was a better shot than him, he blamed my sweet gun for it! Thanks for getting me started Micha!

I think I need to name my gun. Shouldn't every gun have a name? Hmmm, I'll have to give this some thought. Any suggestions?

Gabby's First Primary Talk

2009-01-04T14:12:00.003-07:00

Last week Gabby was given an assignment to talk in Primary on "I am spirit child of Heavenly Father" today. All week, I've been trying to explain to Gabby what that meant and she would need to tell the Primary about it. I found a story on it I tried over and over to read to her. Well, she had her own ideas. For a few days, she said she would tell them the story of Little Red Riding Hood. I would try to practice with her on what to say. I figured she'd like to do an object lesson so showed her our bodies are like gloves and our hands like our spirits. She'd get upset saying I should just wait for church and she'd tell the story then and she didn't want help.

Today was the big day. Gabby was really excited and couldn't wait for it to be her turn. Primary opening exercises are in the chapel so she got to speak at the pulpit. I honestly didn't know what to expect to come out of Gabby's mouth. I warned the leaders before hand that Gabby wanted to talk on her own and there was no telling what she would say. The following is quoting as closely as I can remember.

Gabby begins by pulling the microphone as close to her mouth as she can get it and says, "Well! Today I'm going to tell you a story. Okay? Once a upon a time (I'm standing next to her thinking, here comes Little Red Riding Hood) Baby Jesus was born. Well, Baby Jesus grew up to Jesus. He wanted to marry Mary (I do NOT teach her this, she came up with this when we were doing the Nativity with the Nevers on Christmas Eve for some unknown reason to me). Well, it was raining and snowing and they had to go inside." She's essentially shouting this into the microphone as well. So I have my face buried in my hands trying to stifle the laughter that just won't be suppressed. All the older kids in Primary are laughing hysterically. I feel tears coming out from trying so hard not to laugh. I begin whispering to Gabby what she should say about being a spirit child of Heavenly Father.

"I am a spirit child of Heavenly Father." I hand her glove and she starts putting it on. "Our bodies are like the glove and our spirits are like our hand." I'm trying to help her at this point. She whispers to me that she doesn't want my help and she has more stories to tell. I tell her she's done and to say amen. She says amen but keeps trying to talk. I don't even remember what she's saying at this point. I pull her away from the pulpit and have broken her heart. Gabby had the biggest tears rolling down her cheeks that she didn't get to tell more stories. It took a few minutes of consolation and time-out threats before she calmed down.

I can't get over her boldness and lack of fear of public speaking. Most kids get a bit intimidated when they actually have to speak, not my Gabby. I hope that this confidence will continue and won't be something she'll outgrow. I just need to figure out a appropriate way for her to outlet her love of the limelight.

So here's another cute thing she said today. Gabby is in the CTR 5 class now and was given a CTR ring. I picked her up and she showed me her ring saying, "Look Mommy, I have a ring so I'm an old grandma now!" I have no idea why she thinks having that ring makes her a grandma. I know my mom has a CTR ring, but I'm not sure if Gabby would remember that or not. So Gabby has got this year off to an entertaining start!

Adieu to 2008!

2009-01-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

What a year! It was definitely a year of highs and lows, many of which I've blogged about here. I tried to blog mostly the highs and overall it's been a great year. I think 2008 definitely ranks as one of the more eventful years of my life. There are only a couple of things that turned out how I expected, yet I'm incredibly happy. Obviously, there's Someone watching over me who knows better what will make me more happy and peaceful than I do. I'm trusting in that more and more. I have to say though, I'm glad the year is over. There's just that je ne sais quoi about the beginning of a new year. I'm very interested to see what 2009 will bring. I'm actually hoping it will be relatively dull aside from the excitement and entertainment Gabby provides. I won't even attempt to make any predictions, I just hope to continue on the course I'm on in all aspects of my life, only with further growth and improvement.

I've accomplished quite a bit (if I do say so myself) venturing out on my own. I genuinely enjoy the little life I'm building with Gabby. My two most recent accomplishments are giving up biting my nails and Diet Dr. Pepper. Well, I haven't completely given up on DDP, I now allow myself the occaisional enjoyment. I started on this years resolution today: to get back in shape. I'm sick of being soft so I'll be hitting the treadmill hard, my knee allowing!

We have our vacations planned for the year that I'm already very eager for. Disneyland in February, Florida in July, and Arkansas in December. I don't think we'll be able to fit much else in but who knows! Of course, it would be great for some of my friends and family to vacation here so I can see a bit more of them (hint, hint!). I'm fully expecting great things in 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Winter Fun

2008-12-28T16:53:00.004-07:00

We had a lovely white Christmas. I woke up to Gabby and snow pelting my window. It snowed most of Christmas day and the next day. Gabby received a snow suit for Christmas so we headed out to play. I started on a snowman, but Gabby got cold and insisted we go inside. I didn't argue with her in the least.

Gabby showed me how to make a snow angel. I made one myself while Gabby threw snow on me.

The Olympic Oval is just down the road from me so we went ice skating. I think it's been 10 years since I last went. I'm pretty good with the exception of stopping, but that's what the walls are there for. Gabby was really excited to try it out. It was completely exhausting trying to hold her up and get her going. We lasted an hour and I think we'll try it again sometime soon.

The snow really piles up in the yards after the shoveling and plowing! I have the best neighbor who shovels my driveway and walk along with his. I was able to get to it before him only once. I think he shoveled it 4 or 5 times in the course of 2 days.

Me showing off my beautiful necklace that Pam and Micha gave me for Christmas. It matches my amethyst ring perfectly! I was so surprised by it. Thanks Pam and Micha!

Gabby was a great sport about trying to skate. She'd fall and fall and get back up.

Merry Christmas 2008!

2008-12-25T18:52:00.006-07:00

Gabby was a good girl and Santa brought lots of presents. Gabby wouldn't ever tell me what she wanted other than a red ball. She would always say that Santa knew. Gabby seemed to like all her gifts so I guess Santa did know.

Gabby has been asking for a saxophone all year. I have no idea why she's had her heart set on a saxophone, but she was thrilled to get it. She said it's her favorite gift.

Play food for her new kitchen

Gabby has memorized Green Eggs and Ham. They must read it to her at school since we don't have it at home. We play Green Eggs and Ham so I decided to make some this morning with the leftover ham from yesterday. My mom used to make green eggs and ham for us. Gabby wouldn't eat them here or there, she wouldn't eat them anywhere. She did try the ham on its own and liked that. Hurray, another food Gabby will eat!

Gabby woke up at 6:30am. I beat her down the stairs so I could video her reaction. Gabby sleeps naked and I didn't force her night gown on her yet. Check out that hair! That is what I have to deal with every morning. I have no idea what she does at night to get it that tangled.

Gabby's "big" gift was a Princess Kitchen. She's such a little chef I figured she should have her own kitchen.

Gabby made a cheesecake this morning with lemon, potatoes, and strawberry.

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-25T17:29:00.008-07:00

Gabby and I spent Christmas Eve with the Nevers in Provo. Shawn and Lynn had #5, Carter Thomas, on Friday so I brought the Christmas Eve meal. We had a great time together, playing, eating, and enjoying a new baby.

They did a Nativity puppet show

Gabby showing off her new Dora bag from the Nevers

Playing Operation

At the end of the evening, we dressed the kids up and had them re-enact the Nativity. It turned out pretty cute. I have been trying to explain to Gabby that we celebrate Christmas for Jesus' birthday. Gabby got really excited about the thought of going to a birthday party for Jesus and was disappointed he wouldn't be there. I think the message mostly got through though. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Baking

2008-12-21T15:36:00.003-07:00

I love making holiday treats for my friends and neighbors every year. I hope they love getting them. I think they're pretty tasty. Gabby and I spent the day making Jell-O cookies, Oreo truffles, and fudge. Gabby was really only interested in making the cookies. I was on my own for the others. She's a good helper in the kitchen. The Jell-O cookies are ok, I mostly make them since they can be red and green and look pretty. Gabby is still on her naked kick at home. She was so excited to make the cookies.

Here are the recipes for Oreo Truffles and Jello cookies for those of you who may be interested. I just use the recipe with marshmallows, evaporated milk, and chocolate chips for the fudge. Both of these are from Kraft magazine.

Oreo Truffles

1 pkg Oreos, divided

1 pdg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

2 pkg (8 oz each0 Semi-sweet baking chocolate melted

Crush 9 of the cookies and set aside. Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine brumbs, place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese and mix until well blended. Roll into 1 inch balls, makes about 42.

Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Refrigerate until firm.

I used another gift I got for myself, a new food processor, to crush the Oreos. I haven't ever had one and I'm loving it! In years past, I crushed the Oreos in a plastic bag with a rolling pin. I prefer the former method much better!

Jell-O Cookies

3 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 cups butter (3 sticks), softened

1 cup sugar

2 pkg (4 serving size each) Jell-O, divided

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 400. Mix flour and baking powder; set aside. Beat butter in large blowl with mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar and 1 pkg of dry gelatin, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended after each addition.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place cookes 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with bottom of clean glass. Sprinkle lightly with remaining gelatin.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Early Gifts

2008-12-14T18:46:00.002-07:00

We draw names for Christmas in my family. David drew Gabby this year. Jen had made David and Maggie Christmas blankets. Gabby was over there a few times while Jen worked on them. She was a little offended that Jen wasn't making her one. I offered to make Gabby a blanket, but she refused and insisted that Jenny would make her a blanket. Jen came through! Jen watched Gabby for me Thursday and Friday night (I'm a busy girl!) and showed Gabby the pieces Thursday. Gabby couldn't have been more excited for it. She made us leave for Jen's over an hour early Friday night so she could go get her Red Lady Bug Blanket. She loves it so much! Thanks David (and Jenny of course!).

And here's my gift to myself! I've been sleeping on a cheap twin bed all year. I haven't been sleeping well and Gabby gets in bed with me a couple of nights a week so I felt it was time for an upgrade. I bought it on Monday and it was delivered the same day. Gabby was actually very upset when I began taking apart the old crappy bed. She's not so into change these days. I can't really blame her though, it has been a tumultuous year. I bought the bedding at Linen's N Things on Thursday (thanks going out of business clearance sale!). I'm hoping to get a headboard and dressers sometime next year, but this is definitely a step up! I love all the extra room and not having springs in my back. Oh, and I found fleece sheets at Target. I highly recommend sleeping wrapped in fleece!

Here Comes Santa Claus....and a Fairy

2008-12-08T22:38:00.006-07:00

I had another day off to take today. I dropped Gabby off at school late and got some more shopping done. I'm almost done. I bought my gift for me, a new bed. It was delivered today and I love it. I picked Gabby up from school and we went over to the mall to meet Santa. Of course, he was out to lunch when we got there and we had to wait a while. Gabby was too excited to meet him. She told him she wanted a red ball. She already has several red balls, but I guess she'll be getting another one!

Gabby was a little put out that Santa didn't have his hat or coat on, but she was happy he was comfortable in the end. This was actually the first time I've taken Gabby to see Santa. Kind of sad, huh? But since it was solely up to me, off to Santa we went! I thought that I took video of Gabby telling Santa what she wanted, but apparently I didn't.

The mall has a carousel that Gabby chose to ride over having an ice cream cone. See, I don't totally spoil her, she has to make choices. Gabby rode the reindeer and named her Polly.

So this is Gabby's rejected Halloween costume that has become my tea party outfit. I'm even wearing the wings. I'll admit it, I kind of like dressing up as a fairy. I get into character and prance and dance around to Gabby's amusement. Gabby hosts wonderful tea parties. She comes as Cinderella. Although she does need to work on her graciousness as she forces me to eat things I don't like or want. I enjoy the tete-a-tetes with Gabby, though. We have some thought-provoking conversations.

Gabby and I riding the carousel.