Merry Christmas!!

This is for my father-in-law:


Is it just me or is it both hilarious and brilliant that you can turn on the TV for your cozy Christmas fire?

We had a great Christmas! We spent Christmas Eve with my parents where we ate homemade pizza and opened our traditional Christmas Eve presents of pajamas and slippers. Devon even got some pajamas for me this year!



This year Grace got a digital camera and Jenna got the Barbies that she has been dying for. This took some real gritting of the teeth on the part of her parents because these particular Barbies sing, together, in harmony, whenever she wants them to. Boy, we love them. But we had one happy little girl this morning.




The girls' last present was the most exciting and one they were definitely not expecting but have been asking for for a great many years now. They got a message in a bottle.



Guess what the message said?


A miracle!! Coming July 28, 2009!

Gratitude (a belated Thanksgiving post I suppose)

I have really been neglecting my blog lately. We're so busy that something has to fall by the wayside and that seems to be my blog. I suppose better that than time with the kids. So the holidays are upon us and I expected they would be difficult for me. While that is true, it has not been quite as hard as I thought. There have been moments, however. Devon and I were doing some Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago and happened to walk by the baby section. I was really sad thinking about what I had planned on doing this Christmas. I would be 33 weeks pregnant by now and preparing for our new arrival. There would undoubtedly be presents under the tree for our little one. And I would be relishing in my large belly. For some reason the sadness only lasted a few minutes this time and was then replaced with gratitude for all that I do have. My two beautiful daughters, a loving husband, a house, jobs, food. There are a lot of people struggling to even make ends meet this year and I'm grateful that we have sufficient for our needs. I was also reminded of all the things I've learned in the past year--what I now know about my Savior and how that has changed me; what I better understand about the plan of salvation; what I feel for my family that wasn't there before. Would I choose to be 33 weeks pregnant if given the choice? Sure. But I'm grateful for the things that I've been given in place of that pregnancy.

Last week in church we were singing one of my favorite sacrament hymns, God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son. We sang the 4th and 5th verses, which doesn't always happen as they are written below the music so we only sing them if the priests aren't finished breaking the bread. I had never really noticed the 4th verse before. Or maybe it just held a different meaning for me this time.

In word and deed he doth require
My will to his, like son to sire,
Be made to bend, and I, as son,
Learn conduct from the Holy One.

That rings more true to me now than ever before. In bending my will to His, I learn conduct from Him. What a glorious blessing and one for which I am eternally grateful.

Designer Blogs

My fabulously creative sister-in-law, Erin, just started a new business. It is called Designer Blogs by Erin. She will design a custom blog for you and her work is awesome. Check out the deal she is offering through January 10th at her home page.

Great Deal

I have a super duper deal for you on our website. I have a promo code for my friends and family that will get you 40% off all of our bracelets, hair bows, and necklaces. Just enter the promo code SAUCY1019 at checkout and the 40% will be taken off any of the above listed items. We have been wanting to offer this for a while but have been waiting for our programmer to work out all the kinks. Please let me know if you have any problems with it. Happy shopping!

Update

I'm playing catch-up because I have been a complete slacker and haven't blogged about the fun stuff we've been doing. We will start all the way back on Labor Day when the girls went to a Diamondbacks game with their dad. The first picture is from this most recent trip. The second picture is from last year but I couldn't resist posting it because it's one of my favorites.


Can we go now?!

At the beginning of October we spent a night at a cabin with friends and then another night at our ward campout. Luckily for us we had other friends with a cabin close-by so we didn't have to brave the accomodations at Camp LoMia. The girls had a blast playing non-stop for two days. And we really do love the people in our ward so Devon and I had a good time too.





Halloween was busy for us, as always. We had two sets of grandparents, an aunt, and two trunk-or-treats to visit. The girls dressed up as 50's girls this year and loved their poodle skirts.

If Only

I have often thought that if I could know the reason for this trial that it would be a lot easier. Maybe my girls need extra time with their mom. Maybe they need extra time with each other. I could wonder about maybes all day. It would be a lot easier to be patient if I knew a concrete reason. Then it would all make sense and I could wait.

Alas, that is not going to happen. And for good reason. Without an answer I am forced to live by faith. And even better, to strive for greater faith. Otherwise, it just feels mean and senseless. It is through turmoil and struggle that we have the greatest potential for spiritual growth. I would never have believed that if I hadn't experienced myself. But I know that my faith and reliance on the Lord has increased mightily because of the last three and a half years.

I learned in my institute class recently that the Beatitudes build upon each other. They are not singular but come as a package. This was amazing to me. It is beautiful and more meaningful to me when read this way and I wanted to share it with you.

Matthew 5:3-9
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Do you see it? Do you see the pattern of trials in your life? Do you see how when you are brought low that you then must turn to Him? Do you see that this is His way of refining us? It stinks sometimes. But I know the Lord desires to teach me something through this storm. And knowing the "why" would dissolve the teaching moment. I still wonder and probably always will, but I'm grateful for the Lord's wisdom in allowing me to grow.

Sugar Plums Boutique

Amy and I are participating in another boutique this weekend. It will be Friday from 10:00 to 7:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 4:00. The address is 2963 E. Robin Lane in Gilbert which is in Circle G Ranch off Higley just south of Elliot. It should be fun. See you there!

Angels Among Us

One of my favorite talks from the most recent General Conference was given by Elder Holland. He talked about the influence of angels both mortal and immortal in our lives. I'm surrounded by angels. I don't always realize it in the moment, but it's true. My patriarchal blessing promises me this and I often forget to watch for the evidence.

I know that I have at least two heavenly angels--my Nana and my Uncle Kent. I have occasionally remarked that maybe the reason I don't have my baby yet is because Nana can't let him go. She was a really good squeezer. It's actually comforting to think that if I can't be loving on my baby maybe she is.

But I also have earthly angels. The first is my husband. Don't get me wrong, he drives me crazy just like every good husband, but he is the most patient, loving man. When I first came back from Idaho after the miscarriage it was a little rough. I was difficult to deal with because I wasn't the most emotionally stable person. But he was patient and has supported me when I've needed it.

The second angel is my mother. My dad's great too but there's something about a mother in this situation that I'm quite sure I couldn't live without. It was my mom who accompanied me to the hospital and was with me when I found out my baby was gone. It was my mom who stayed with me while I had my D and C. It was my mom who nursed me back to health physically and emotionally. (Devon had already started the drive back to AZ when this all happened. He was able to come back but missed out on all the hospital time.) I'm quite sure that it was a tender mercy of the Lord that my miscarriage occurred while I was at Bear Lake. I think He knew that I would need my mom to help me find my way through the first few weeks of this experience. And she continues to be the person who keeps me focused spiritually and emotionally. I couldn't do this without her.

In addition, I am surrounded by a multitude of women in my ward who I view as angels. I have the great blessing of learning from other women who have suffered, who have grieved, who have ultimately allowed their experiences to mold them into disciples of Christ. I desire to be like them. I desire to have the love of the Savior stamped on my face, and in my words, and in my life. I desire to have this whole horrible, gut-wrenching experience make me into the person I'm meant to be. I desire to someday be an angel for someone else as they learn from my trial. Of course I still desire first and foremost to be a mother again. I ache for the baby that I know is meant for this family. But I know that my will is not the Father's will. I know that He will show me what is best. I know that He can make me the best person I can be if I will follow Him and trust in His plan through this storm. I know it will pass. I know this valley will lead to higher mountains than I have experienced before if I can just be patient. Patience is not one of my virtues. I guess it will have to be now.

Why Me?

My most recent struggle is with understanding why some people get what they pray for and some people don’t. My friend (you know who you are and that I love you) has recently had the things she has been fretting over and praying for fall right into her lap in a miraculous way in two months’ time. What makes her desires more needful than mine? Why does she get a miracle and I don’t? My friend’s experience has built her faith in Heavenly Father’s ability to work miracles in our lives when we are living righteously. It begs the question: what am I doing wrong? While I’m sure there are lots of things I could improve on, I’m not doing anything “wrong." I’m doing all the right things. I fulfill my church calling, I try to be a good mom and wife, I try to serve others. What more can I do? The answer is nothing. There is nothing more I can do—I’ve already done everything in my power to get a baby here. There’s some reason that a baby is not meant for our family at this time.

So now I have to try to find peace in this life that I never expected. I have to learn to be faithful in the face of great difficulty. I have to believe that Heavenly Father hears my prayers and desires to answer them in the way that is best for me. But it’s hard. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

He Will Make Them Light

I've been thinking lately about the word "burden" as it is used to describe hard things in our lives. Before this summer I always assumed it was a figurative term. I now know that at times it can be quite literal. I had never before experienced the crushing weight of true grief. I didn't know it was actually possible to feel like you were carrying a heavy weight upon your shoulders or like something heavy was sitting on your chest. These days the physical burden is not so great. It's more an emotional burden, although occasionally in the hard moments the physical weight returns. I know that the burden of grief eases with time but most importantly through the Atonement of our Savior. I know it is only through His healing power that I function as well as I do. I know it is my relationship with Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father that allows me (most of the time) to view this trial for what it is--a chance for growth and sanctification. It is only through the healing power of the Atonement that I feel any sort of peace about this situation.

I'd like to share with you a message from Elder Holland. My mom shared this talk with me which was given at a CES conference in 2000. We are greatly blessed to be led by men such as him.

"In spite of life's tribulations and as fearful as some of their prospects are, there is help for [us] on this journey. When Christ bids [us] to yield, to submit, to obey the Father, He knows how to help [us] do that. He has walked that way, asking [us] to do what He has done. He has made it safer. He has made it very much easier for [our] travels. . . To succor means 'to run to.' Christ will run to [us], and is running even now, if [we] will but receive the extended arm of his mercy.

To those who stagger or stumble, He is there to steady and strengthen us. In the end He is there to save us, and for all this He gave His life. However dim our days may seem, they have been a lot darker for the Savior of the world. As a reminder of those days, Jesus has chosen, even in a resurrected, otherwise perfected body, to retain for the benefit of His disciples the wounds in His hands and in His feet and in His side--signs, if you will, that painful things happen even to the pure and the perfect; signs, if you will, that pain in this world is not evidence that God doesn't love you; signs, if you will, that problems pass and happiness can be ours. It is the wounded Christ who is the Captain of our souls, He who yet bears the scars of our forgiveness, the lesions of His love and humility, the torn flesh of obedience and sacrifice."

Saucy Giveaway

My friend Amy and I are proud to announce the birth of our new website www.saucycreations.com!

To celebrate our new arrival we are having a giveaway. Enter our contest for a chance to receive a $50, $30 or $20 Saucy Gift Card to be used at www.SaucyCreations.com. A random drawing to determine the winners will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008. Here is how you can enter:

1. Register as a new customer (click here) and you will receive 1 entry.

2. Send an email to your friends and family telling them about this Saucy Giveaway and receive 1 entry for each email address you send it to. Be sure to send it to us too (giveaway@saucycreations.com) so we can calculate your entries. We will not use or sell any email addresses forwarded to us.

3. Post about our new website on your blog and include this link http://www.saucycreations.com/login.php to our giveaway and you will receive 15 entries. Please email us at giveaway@saucycreations.com with the link to your blog to receive your entries. Private bloggers will have to invite us using the email address orders@saucycreations.com.

4. Create a link to www.saucycreations.com on the sidebar of your blog and you will receive 25 entries. Please email us at giveaway@saucycreations.com with the link to your blog to receive your entries.

5. Email us a picture of your child with a Saucy item to be used in our Photo Gallery and you will receive 25 entries. Please send your photos to gallery@saucycreations.com.

6. Make a purchase at www.saucycreations.com and receive 50 entries.

Good luck!

A Bump in the Road

So it's my birthday. I usually really love my birthdays. Not so much today. And I've decided to tell you why. I debated for a long time whether or not to blog about my experience this summer (details to follow). I didn't want to be one of those people that put ultra-private things on a public blog for no reason. I've decided I have reasons enough: 1. I think it might help/force me to think through things a little better; 2. There might be someone out there who could benefit from what I have learned/am learning; 3. My kids or grandkids may benefit from this information someday. So there it is. You're stuck hearing my story (complete with all the ugly details) unless you choose not to read on, which I wouldn't blame you for because it's long.

If someone had asked me five years ago what my life would be like now I could never have imagined this. My life had always gone exactly how I planned it. I was of the belief that if you worked hard and did what was right you could essentially procure for yourself the life that you always wanted. Man, was I naive! Heavenly Father had other things in store for me and lessons that I apparently could not learn in the cocoon of my perfect life.

We have been trying to have another baby for 3 1/2 years. I will give you the very shortened version of our journey. After much prayer we decided to do in vitro fertilization in January. I was certain that it would work because I felt prompted to do it. After a severe complication we had to freeze our embryos. We transferred three embryos in March and didn't get pregnant. We transferred the last embryo in May and it worked. Finding out I was pregnant was my best day in recent memory. I thought my nightmare had finally ended. Then at 11 weeks pregnant, while in Bear Lake with my family, I had a miscarriage.

There is really no way to adequately express what I felt in the few days following my miscarriage. I had never experienced something like this before. I couldn’t understand how this could possibly be Heavenly Father’s plan for our family. Why would He deny me this righteous desire? Why would He allow me to get pregnant at all to just take it away a couple of months later? I even remember remarking to my sister-in-law that I wasn’t worried about a miscarriage because that would just be too cruel and I couldn’t imagine that would happen after everything I had been through. Again, how naive of me! Telling my kids that the baby had died was one of the worst things I have ever had to do. They had been praying for this blessing nearly as long as we had. Grace was crushed and immediately burst into tears. I don’t think she really knew how to process the information. I didn’t, and still don’t, know how to explain to an eight-year-old how Heavenly Father could give us this blessing only for it to be taken away a few weeks later. But, as kids do, they recovered quickly and became concerned for me more than anything else.

I’m not even sure where to start in recording the myriad of emotions I have been through in the last three months. Mostly I find myself trying to make sense of my suffering. Surely there must be a reason. There must be something I’m supposed to learn or become as a result of this experience. It can’t just be suffering for suffering’s sake. What I have discovered is that this is something I mostly have to carry on my own. This is not something I can share very well with anyone. I try to share it with Devon and my mom and an occasional friend, which helps, but it is a personal grief. I’m the only one who carried this baby. I’m the only one who felt connected to it from the moment I knew I was pregnant. I’m the one who felt the changes in my body and I’m the one who felt the emptiness when it was gone.

I read a lot of things about suffering and trials and how the Savior carries you in times of difficulty and I know this to be true. But I have a hard time knowing how to let him carry my grief. I know that this experience can mold me into the person I’m meant to be. I just wish it didn’t have to be so painful. I wish there was hope of another pregnancy. I wish I knew how to remain faithful in the face of such difficulty. I fear that I’m somehow failing this test and not learning what I’m supposed to. At the same time realizing that I just have to press forward and trust the Lord to tell me what I need to know. But it's not easy.

I know that I have innumerable blessings for which to be grateful; however, the withholding of this one blessing can easily overshadow the rest. I have to be careful to not let myself forget all the things I do have.

So there you have it. Way more information than you were expecting from a birthday post. Fair warning to you all--this will not be the last you hear of my feelings about this. I just really feel the need to put it out there. Luckily for me I know a lot of wise people and I'm sure you all will help me find my way through this trial.

Tattered Ladies Boutique

If you're looking for a place to do some Christmas shopping Saucy Creations is participating in a boutique this weekend at Val Vista and Southern. It will be Thursday and Friday from 10-7 and Saturday from 10-5. The exact address is 3745 E. Hopi Ave. There will be all kinds of stuff to buy including some really cute furniture. If you can't make it this week not to worry, we will be doing several more boutiques through Oct and Nov. Hopefully we'll see some familiar faces!

I'm it

I was tagged by my friend Annette. Sorry, you have to read about how boring I am.

8 shows I watch:
Grey's Anatomy
The Amazing Race
Survivor
House
Private Practice
Project Runway
The Biggest Loser
So You Think You Can Dance

8 favorite restaurants:
Matta's (so sad the old time version isn't around anymore)
Cracker's and Co.
Lichee Inn (best Chinese ever--in Tempe)
Rigatony's
Costa Vida
China Lily (best Chinese in Provo)
Nielsen's Frozen Custard
Cracker Barrel

8 things that happened yesterday:
Partied at my Ward Campout at Camp Lomia
Ate a tasty roast beef sandwich at Arby's
Took a long nap
Went to ASU Institute to hear Dr. Daniel Peterson from BYU speak on Islam and the LDS Faith (This was awesome! He's coming again in February and you're all invited. I'll let you know when.)
Sent out an email begging for parent volunteers for our PTO dinner on Monday
Watched Survivor with Devon
Profusely thanked my friend Heather for preparing sharing time and sharing it with me

8 things I'm looking forward to:
Jury duty on Thursday (I'm really dreading it but I had to put it on here so you all would know to feel sorry for me. I tried to get out of it but they didn't think my excuse was good enough.)
My birthday on the 19th
The holidays
The Primary Program because it's always nice to get it over with
That's all I can think of--that's pitiful

8 things on my wish list:
a baby
a baby
a baby
a baby
a baby
a baby
a baby
a baby
(I know--also pitiful. But that's really all I want.)

8 people I'm tagging:
Rachel, Amanda, Brittany, Trisha, Kisha, Erica, Jenny K, Julianne

So You Think You Can Dance

Have you ever wished you could get rid of your inhibitions and just let your body do its' thing? Well, here's some inspiration:

Handbag Giveaway

Follow this link and enter to win a free handbag:

http://www.handbagplanet.com/contest2.php

Are You Speedy?

79 words

I've fallen off my pace a bit. One summer when I was home for BYU I was a relay operator for the hearing impaired. I sat in a big room full of cubicles at a computer. When a hearing impaired person needed to call a hearing person (and vice versa) they would call me. I would call the person they wished to speak to and then the hearing impaired person typed on their TTY (a little computer hooked to their phone) and I would read what they said to the other person. Then I would have to type in real time what the other person said back. It was really fun but I had to type 80 words per minute (by the end of the summer I was much faster after so much practice) and I also had to read exactly what was typed--I have never said so many bad words in my life! The other great thing about the job was that when I didn't have a call I could do whatever I wanted at my little cubicle. I read tons of books and finished two cross stitches--all while being paid!

Typing Test

My New Obsession

I LOVE this bag! This is one of the new items my friend Amy and I are selling at our newly redesigned website. We saw this bag at a retailers show in Vegas a few weeks ago and decided we couldn't live without it. It's technically a diaper bag made by Fleurville but I carry it anyway and think it's fabulous.

Speaking of the website, it is nearly finished. We are working on a few more things but are close to having the website we've wanted for a few years now. In the near future we are hoping to offer discount codes to those of you who would be willing to advertise on your blogs for us. That's one of the little kinks we're still working on so we'll keep you posted.

What the. . .

Grace is learning cursive in school this year. Each time they learn a new letter they make a list of words they can think of that start with that letter. Once their lists are complete the teacher then writes suggested words on the board. Today the letter was "h". Grace says she was trying to write "heel" and instead wrote "hell". Grace whispered her word to the teacher who then said, "Well, I'm a religious person so I'm not going to write that one on the board." The kids heard the teacher say that and wanted to know what the word was. The teacher told them it was the opposite of heaven and all the other students covered their mouths in surprise. I'm guessing that most of the other kids have only heard it as a swear word rather than reading it in scripture like Grace. The poor thing had no idea it was a bad word and was thoroughly embarrassed and confused. I guess I need to swear more often around the house so she won't be surprised again! :)

Back to School for Me

I wish! Instead I visited my kids' school today. I spent an hour in Grace's ELP class with her. What a fun classroom. There were eight students and the teacher and they were using manipulatives to learn algebra. And Grace was awesome at it!

I also saw Jenna on my way into the office. She was lined up with her class outside the classroom and when she saw me she ran over and puckered up for a kiss. I loved it! I dread the day that my kids will be embarrassed rather than thrilled to have me at school.

And just because I haven't posted pictures in a while here are a couple that I love. I wish I could freeze time and keep them small forever.

You Do Dolls

Amy Stephens related this story to me and I just had to share as well as preserve it for myself. Grace and JJ (Amy's son) were talking this morning on the way to school. They were discussing a boy in their class named Karl who has honestly been their nemesis for three years now. (That's a story for another time.) Grace told JJ that she wished she had a "You Do Doll" which had JJ (and his mother) thoroughly confused. Grace proceeded to explain that it's one of those dolls that looks like a person and when you tell it what to do then the person does whatever you say, hence the name "You Do." I'd kind of like one of those myself! :)

Repentance

I have realized that I was too hard on my new yoga friends the other day (see the previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about). After spending a second day with them I learned that while they are a little kooky they are also really good, nice people. What I came to realize is that they all have some level of spirituality, it just isn't focused like it should be. Many of them believe in a higher power, some God, some other more vague things, but they all are searching for that thing that motivates them to lead a better life. What I also discovered is that my instructor is LDS. I learned this because she shared a quote by Neal Maxwell at the start of class yesterday. It was so interesting to watch and listen to her after that. I was amazed to notice all the times she talked about our beliefs without identifying them as belonging to any faith. She even mentioned the tender mercies of our lives at the end of the day. I'm sure some people wonder, as I did, how you can marry such deep religious faith with the philosophies of yoga but as I watched and listened I think she managed it perfectly. It was mostly all the same stuff just wrapped in a different package. She has provided a beautiful foundation for eventual conversion for these people. I know it's not necessarily likely that any of them will be exposed to the possibility of conversion, but if they are, at least something about it will be familiar and hopefully they will recognize it as good.

This weekend was a little rough for me (some of you who read this will realize why) and I actually found it really nice to be surrounded by all these "crazy" people. At the end of the day we had another share circle and shared our feelings about the weekend. It was amazing to listen to how people felt about their experience and especially how much they appreciated the instructor and her ability to be accepting and loving to each of us. I only hope I can somehow be more like she is in this regard. That when people meet me they will recognize and appreciate the light of Christ and feel accepted and loved so that one day when they are presented with the Gospel in its fullness they will be more receptive because of how I behaved. Who knew you could get that out of a weekend yoga course?

Chakra Balancing & Energy Flow. . .What?!

I had my first day of yoga certification training today. Wow--I've never been in a room with so many interesting people before. I really just like yoga because of the health and fitness benefits. I've never been into the entire mind/body stuff so it was pretty funny today. I was wishing there was someone I knew there with me so we could enjoy a good laugh together.

At the end of class we stood in a circle and held hands. We each took a turn saying one word that described how we felt about the day as we squeezed (or squoze, as my instructor said) the hand of the person next to us. It was Girls' Camp all over again. We got to the end and the assistant instructor said "Family" and the woman next to me said, "I should have said tearful." I thought to myself, "I should have said INSANE!"

(For those of you who will be coming to my yoga class--don't worry, I did learn some good stuff and I'll leave the crazy people stuff at home.)

Bullies in Kindergarten?!

Jenna reported this week that there are two boys in her class who have been making fun of her. They tell her she looks pregnant or that she has a baby in her tummy. She said it hurts her feelings and she cried when we talked about it. Why are kids so mean? If they only knew how much I love Jenna's little pot belly. Her face has thinned out recently and she definitely looks like a little girl now instead of the chubby baby we once knew. The pot belly is all we have left. I for one hope it sticks around a while. She would probably disagree heartily about that when she's grown but for now I love it!

If I Were Stranded on a Deserted Island. . .

I would wish for a transplanted Utah peach tree that would miraculously grow in an island climate because I really think there is nothing tastier in this world than a Utah peach (except maybe Bear Lake raspberries). This is one of my favorite times of the year because I get to gorge myself on peaches. I can never get my fill and the Utah peaches have ruined me to all others. Don't bother buying in the grocery store--it's always disappointing. Sadly, the peaches only come for a few weeks out of the year so I eat as many as possible in that short time. Peaches and ice cream anyone?

My Dream Come True

I have one of these lovelies in my living room right now. Since I was about 15 I have dreamed of playing the harp but never had the time or impetus to actually do it. Now that my kids are in school all day I decided it was time to learn. I was excited to the point of giddiness when I got this in my house and started playing it. Maybe one of these days I'll be good enough to post a clip of me playing. Wish me luck!

Better Late Than Never

So this would have been better just before the Olympics but it still made me chuckle. Thought you might enjoy it too.

Learn Chinese in 5 minutes (You MUST read them aloud)
English - Chinese

That's not right! - Sum Ting Wong
Are you harbouring a fugitive? - Hu Yu Hai Ding
See me ASAP - Kum Hia Nao
Small Horse - Tai Ni Po Ni
Did you go to the beach? - Wai Yu So Tan
I think you need a face lift! - Chin Tu Fat
It's very dark in here! - Wai So Dim
I thought you were on a diet! - Wai Yu Mun Ching
This is a tow away zone! - No Pah King
Our meeting is scheduled for next week! - Wai Yu Kum Nao
Staying out of sight - Lei Ying Lo
He's cleaning his automobile - Wa Shing Ka
Your body odor is offensive - Yu Stin Ki Pu
Great - Su Pa

Yoga

I am a yoga lover. Yoga has been my exercise of choice for the past few years. A couple of years ago I started teaching a yoga class for the friends in my ward at our church building. I will be starting the class up again tomorrow. For those of you who live nearby and are interested, we meet at 7:30 am every Saturday at the church on Adobe east of Gilbert. Anyone is welcome. You should know before you come that I am not a certified teacher. I am, however, going to be getting my certification in September so then I'll be official. Hope to see you there!

Little Tidbits

Some words of wisdom from my girls tonight.

Jenna: "I want to be a grown up because then you can do whatever you want except steal."

Grace: "I don't want to be a teenager because they get in the habit of doing bad things."

(Trust me, I don't want her to be a teenager either!)

Just Speechy

We have a winner! It appears that the majority of you preferred the title "Just Speechy" so that is what I've named my speech blog. (Credit goes to Amy Stephens for the great idea.) You can find it at www.justspeechy.blogspot.com. If you or someone you know is wondering about speech therapy services feel free to refer them to my blog. It has info about how to reach me and will include occasional posts about speech and language development. Thanks for your votes!

My Grown Up Girls

Monday was the first day of school. I have to say my girls looked super cute and were thrilled about starting school. When Jenna went into her classroom I had to hurry and get to the car because I was getting teary-eyed. It's hard to send your baby off all day.

Both girls reported having a great first day. Jenna's highlight was seeing her sister in the lunchroom and Grace was excited about playing on the "big kids" playground. I was just happy to have them back at the end of the day.

Jenna's Joke

I just had to share this with all of you as well as record it for myself. Sometimes I can't get over how cute my kids are. I'm sure you all feel the same about yours.

In case you can't hear or understand it very well here it is in writing. Don't worry--the punch line isn't the funny part, it's the actions that go with it.

What did the macaroni say to the tomato?
Don't get saucy with me.

School Days

The girls met their teachers this week and both are really excited to start school. Jenna is lucky and has the same kindergarten teacher that Grace did who also happens to be their swim instructor so we love her already. I can't believe I'm sending my baby away for the whole day but I'm glad to know she will be with someone I know and trust. Grace is thrilled because she has all her favorite friends in her class and also gets to start ELP (Extended Learning Program for gifted students) this year. The ELP teacher at Field is amazing. Their theme this year is pirates and when we showed up on Meet the Teacher night she was dressed as a pirate called "Captain Snappy". The other thing that Grace is really excited for is that they get to be 3rd grade buddies this year. They will go to a 1st grade classroom and be paired up with another student and help them with projects. Those of you who know Grace know this is right up her alley. She has been looking forward to this since she was in 1st grade and had her own 3rd grade buddy.

In other news, I am the PTO vice-president. Not exactly what I planned on but Amy and I are almost the only parents who ever show up to meetings so we both got roped in (she's the treasurer). If any of you are wondering why I would do such a crazy thing when I have a million other things to do I will tell you that being involved with PTO is one of the best things you can do to ensure your kids get what they need at school. (Be warned--I'm now getting on my soapbox.) The principal knows my name and my kids' names which is a great thing. When I have had issues in the past that I needed help dealing with I knew I could go to the principal and she would listen and help me and I could be comfortable talking to her. The teachers know me and my kids and I feel that it is a great thing for the adults at the school to know who your kids are. Plus I feel that we have a great responsibility to be involved in our community. If we don't take part in the things that involve our kids then we have no effect on the values that are being taught. For example, at a PTO meeting last year we were planning the school carnival and discussing what type of drinks we should buy. If I and two other LDS parents had not been at the meeting they would have been serving iced tea. I feel that we, as members of the LDS faith, sometimes shirk our community responsibilities because we are so busy with our church callings. PTO has been an awesome thing for our family and if you have the chance to be involved you should take it. (Stepping down now.) If your kids attend Field we have set up a blog where you can stay updated about what is going on at the school. You can also volunteer to help us anytime! :) There's a link in my Blog Buddies list to the PTO blog.

The last thing I have to do is ask if any of you wish you were starting school with your kids. The first day of school was one of my favorite days of the whole year--right up there with Christmas. I would love to be an eternal student but for now it will have to be vicarious. Happy First Day of School!

Help!

I have decided to start a blog about the speech therapy services I provide. I need help thinking of a catchy name that has something to do with speech therapy. I plan on using the blog to give people info about my services as well as periodic posts about childhood speech and language development. You all are so smart I thought maybe you would have some good ideas. Thanks!

Heaven On Earth

Bear Lake is one of my favorite places in the world. My grandparents built a cabin there in the 70's and my family spent many summers vacationing there. Three years ago my parents built their own house there and now we spend several weeks of our summers enjoying their hospitality. We spend lots of time boating, golfing (which I sort of learned how to do for the first time this summer), making raspberry jam, playing games, and various other fun activities. Some of our favorite things include seeing shows at the Pickleville Playhouse and visiting the Minnetonka Cave which is like a miniature Carlsbad. This summer we even rented a huge bike and rode around the town laughing at how silly we must look. We love the opportunity to get away from the heat but the best part is creating memories with Gammy and Papa. Similar to past years I nearly cried as we pulled away from the house. Can't wait for next year!

Blackbeard

I am finally back from my vacation and exceptionally depressed about it. There is something about 115 degree heat that makes you want to pack up and go back where you came from. I am planning on posting some pics and details of our trip sometime but it's not happening today.

I did, however, want to tell you quickly about Blackbeard the Musical which is going to be at the Herberger Theater in September. This was written by my friend Rob Gardner and performed last year at MCC. I was in Bear Lake last year so I missed it but heard it was awesome and I'm sure it will be even better this year. The music is wonderful (as all Rob Gardner music is) and I heard it was also hysterically funny. The cast is amazing and you won't be disappointed. You can follow this link for info about tickets. Maybe I'll see you there!

Summer Traditions

Every year we look forward to July for our extended summer vacation. We spend every July 4th with Devon's family in Provo. Devon's dad has been involved with Provo's Freedom Fest Balloon Event for many years. We love to come enjoy all the good food and watch the balloons. You have to get up very early because the balloons have to take off before it gets too hot but it's always worth it. This year was even more fun because my friends Lauren and Louisa and their families were there. These are girls I have known since elementary and junior high school. They're the kind of friends that you can go long periods of time without seeing or talking to but then when you do reconnect it's like no time has passed. This kind of friendship is not easy to come by and I'm so grateful to have a few. Below are a couple of pictures from that morning.





The night of the 4th my girls got to go to Stadium of Fire at BYU's Cougar Stadium. They were especially excited to go because the performer this year was Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana. I have been told that Jenna spent a fair amount of time during the performance trying to figure out how this could possibly be the real Hannah Montana because she's supposed to be in the TV. Devon's sister, Ali, couldn't for the life of her figure out how to explain the concept to her--me either. They said they had a great time with the exception of being ridiculously hot, which was entirely my fault. In the past when I've attended Stadium of Fire I'm always cold on the walk home. It cools off at night in Utah, and being from Arizona, 65-70 degrees warrants pants and sometimes a jacket. So I dressed my girls in jeans and sent jackets. Well, we had some cloud cover roll in which kept in the heat making it 93 degrees by the time they got home at 11:30. I felt so bad when they walked in with their bright red cheeks and sweaty little bodies. Leave it to the nerd from AZ to dress her kids in jeans in the middle of the summer.

Also in July we get to spend some time in Bear Lake, Idaho with my family. We can't get our fill of the beautiful weather and water. We will be headed there this week so I'll post about our adventures later.

(Just in case anyone in my primary presidency happens to read this--thanks!! My awesome counselors take over for me so I can enjoy a month-long vacation. Quite the luxury for which I am really grateful. I hope they still like me when I get back.)

Some Comic Relief

Devon has the best calling ever. He team teaches the Sunbeams with his good friend Bret. And they are awesome teachers because they're calm and patient and it takes a lot to ruffle their feathers. I visited their class once and I have never laughed so hard at church. Nearly every week Devon comes home with some hysterical story. I thought I would share a few because they're too funny to keep to myself.

This week they had a visitor. They asked her what her parents' names are. She said, "My mom's name is Michelle. My dad is big and fat and sleeps in the same bed as my mom and snores like a big bear." Classic!

They also have this teeny tiny girl who is a major talker. You never know what she'll come up with next. The week I visited their class the lesson was about the Holy Ghost and this little girl proceeded to tell them all about her nightmare about a ghost and then lifted up her dress and said, "Look at my new underwear." She also said to Devon in the middle of class, "What the heck did you do that for?" This week Bret saw her at our ward dinner and said hi. She turned to her dad and said, "We're here to eat, not talk" and stomped off.

I dare you to try and convince me that your calling is more fun.

Warning--This Is Disgusting!!

I was thinking to myself last night, "We've been really lucky this year and haven't had any scorpions in the house." My immediate next thought was, "Oh no. I've totally jinxed myself." Well, I did indeed jinx myself in the worst way. (Those of you who don't live in Arizona now have two reasons to be really glad you get to miss out on our summers.)

Today my girls were playing on the floor when Grace said, "Mom, there's a scorpion." She showed me where (crawling on the carpet about three feet from where her head had been) and I went to the bedroom to get one of Devon's shoes. Upon my return I found the scorpion and went to kill it when I realized that it did not look like most scorpions I have seen. It's back was white and bumpy. When I took a closer look I realized that it's back was covered with babies! I freaked!! I knew I couldn't smash it now for fear that the babies would scatter and being that they were the same color as my carpet they would never be found again until they were big enough to come out and get us while we slept.

I called Devon to see how soon he would be home from work and he was going to be a while so I called my neighbor and business partner Amy whose husband happens to be my home teacher. She graciously volunteered her husband to come get it for me. He sucked it up into my bag-less vacuum, dumped it outside and made sure it was good and dead. We couldn't really account for all the babies but he smashed the stuff that came out of the vacuum really well and I vacuumed the carpet after he left. I am so grateful that he was willing to come do what should have been a really simple task but left me frozen and shaking. My skin has been crawling for an hour.

After it was all over I was really mad that I hadn't taken a picture of our lovely house guest. But lucky for you I found a picture that looks exactly like the friend I had in my house today. Enjoy!

Girls' Day Out

Yesterday my girls enjoyed what most females would call the perfect day. They got their hair done at the salon and then spent the afternoon shopping. My sister gave them really cute new cuts that they both love. I forgot to take before pictures but they both had hair to the middle of their backs so this is quite a change. What do you think?

In Loving Memory

My dear friends, Doug and Brittany Kunz, lost their sweet one-year-old Daxton on Monday. He was such a beautiful baby with rosy cheeks and blue eyes and will be greatly missed. While it is little comfort at the moment I'm grateful for the knowledge that they will be with him again someday. I have been amazed by their strength and faith in the Lord through this difficult time.

If you happen to know Doug and Brittany and would like to help a fund has been set up in Daxton's memory through Wells Fargo. You can call this number 1-800-869-3557 or go to a local branch and donate to the Daxton Douglas Kunz Memorial Fund. The account number is 9612719972.

Life

This weekend the girls and I went shopping. They both had money to spend and Daddy was golfing so we had a girlie excursion. Can I say that I love my kids?! Guess what we brought home: six books and a board game. The board game was purchased by Grace and was The Game of Life.
I'm hoping that each of you have the same fond memories of this game as I do. My brother and I played this game all the time and I was excited to rediscover it with my kids. But things didn't go so well for me. In case you've never played, you get a job and kids and other random grown-up things happen to you as you move around the board. Well, true to life, I got no kids plus I got schooled!

My brother was just saying the other day that he couldn't believe my dad never let us win when we played games with him as kids. I have to tell you that I'm too competitive to let anyone win either, even my kids. I know, sick and twisted. I figure I'm teaching them how to be good losers, right? Unfortunately, I did not let them win today--they beat me fair and square. I guess I'll have to try again another day but if I get no babies next time I'm done!

p.s. This really has nothing to do with the game but I had to record this for my own sake. Grace's spending money came from various people for her baptism. She wrote thank you notes to all of them this week. When I looked them over I noticed she started with "Thank you for coming to my baptism" and then "I (a picture of a heart) $." She was watching as I was reading these so of course I couldn't bust out laughing like I wanted to. It was really cute. I'm hoping that the recipients remember that she's only eight and eight-year-olds do silly things like stating that they love money.

You Have to Buy This

I have to tell you about my friend William Joseph. He and his wife Lisa lived in our ward for a little while--she's the one who taught us to play Settlers and started our crazy addiction--thanks Lisa! Her husband William is nothing short of a piano prodigy. While living in our ward he was signed with Warner Bros. Music and started his career. I saw him a few years ago when he opened for Josh Groban and was blown away. He just released his second CD titled "Beyond" and was featured on the Dr. Phil show. He and his wife are the nicest people and have three little kids. I'm so happy for them that he gets to live his dream as a musician. I can't imagine him doing anything else but not every musician is so lucky. Below is a clip about his new CD which you can can buy at Amazon or other such places. I promise you will love it!

Grace's Day

Saturday was a great day for our family. Grace was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was quite nervous but did just fine and had a huge smile on her face once it was over. We were so happy to be surrounded by our family and friends. Thank you to all who came--it made our day that much better. Grace is super lucky to have that many wonderful people to influence and guide her. She is such an amazing little soul and I consider myself greatly blessed to be her mother!


(Unfortunately Jenna is conspicuously absent from all our pictures of the day. She was a zombie with a very high fever but was a trooper and came to the baptism anyway.)