And the winner is...

US!  Okay, maybe just the self declared winner.  We have friends who have a gingerbread making night, and we are lucky enough to get invited.  It was sooo much fun.  This is our creation, a cute little town scape.  D made a cute little pick up and car.  Everyone else pitched in with architecture and details.  Some of the other creations were... A dairy complete with a flush tank,  a grinch scene, BYU stadium,  a church with a tiny nativity, and a few traditions homes, one with artillery.  What a great way to spend the evening.

Good things:
1.  Christmas time and the magic (or spirit) it brings.
2.  Creativity

3.  friends who do all the hard work (of making the gingerbread)

I love it!

Browsing on pinterest I saw an adorable tree skirt that I just had to try. As usual, I adapted it too make it mine, and this is what I came up with.  I love the way it turned out.  I have been wanting a tree skirt for about twenty years now.   I can finally cross it off my list.

Good things:
1. crossing something off my list.
2. a roll hemmer
3. something new

He is such a HUNK! Ahhh,

I know, it isn't quite Halloween yet.  But we had a trunk or treat, so we dressed up early.  Usually, I think of a great (my definition of course, not G's) theme to do as a family, but I just wasn't getting it this year.  So I just pulled the easy card, and did nerds.  I thought we looked pretty nerdy.  I think we made a few people's night, as we got quite a few laughs.  It isn't just anyone who can look like this big of a dork, and then have to see these people again.  To top it off, G attached some toilet paper to his shoe!  It was such a hit, he decided to wear it to work the next day...Yes, everyone else was dressed  up too.  We still have more places to go, so stay tuned for more costume fun!

Good things:
1. imagination
2. laughing at ourselves
3. snort giggling

Can it be any clearer?

The future of this life has long been declared. The final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins, because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team's jersey we want to wear.

--Jeffery R. Holland (i think)

A friend shared this with me awhile ago.  I love it.  It is so clear, but we sometimes forget that if we don't put on the winning jersey, we, by default, put on the losing one.

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam!

About a month ago I was released as the stake young women's president.  Finally you say!  After 6 years I either finally got it right, or the stake presidency has given up on me.  So many emotions traveled through my head in the last while.  I really thought it would happen last year, but when it didn't I just kept on going.  A lot of  people have asked me if I am so relieved?  And I guess I am, but when you do something that is so much fun and have really good people to help you, it doesn't really seem that difficult.  Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of times that I was a basket case. But as I look back over things, it was a really great experience, and I learned so much from so many people.

I think the thing I will miss the most will be my counselors. We started and ended together and  I have come to love them and it has been a true joy to get to know them.  Sometimes it is difficult to believe that I didn't know either of these women when I asked for them as counselors.  That just testifies to me that Heavenly Father knows each of us so well, he knows who and what we need.  It didn't take long for me to realize these two women had talents and qualities that I lacked, but were needed in our presidency.  I have come to love and appreciate them so much.  They have been wonderful.  They have been great examples to me, and so supportive, even when it meant sewing over 100 "great ideas."

One thing I learned is that each young woman is so different, and requires different types of leaders.  I truly believe each ward has the best leaders for their girls.  And as girls change,  so do the leaders, to those who can best help each girl.  I know I have a very boring teaching style, but hopefully I have able to reach someone, and other people have touched someone else. 

Another thing I have learned, and I am sure I will have to continue to relearn, is that Heavenly Father is in charge, and we just need to have faith that it will all work out.  We just have to do our best, and keep going.  There are so many other things, I could go on forever.  But it has really been an amazing journey, and I am so thankful for those I have worked with, and learned from.

But for now, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam! And I look forward to a new experience with three year olds, and I am sure I have great things to learn from them.

Good Things:
1.  wonderful people to work with
2.  learning
3.  new opportunities

She is a senior!  Click on this link to see her.

alive!

Yes, I am alive and well. Just needed to take a hiatus. And now I am back to an occassional blog. My G tells me I really do need to update, "How else do I know wh

at is in your head?" I suppose he could actually talk to me! But, since we don't have time for that, I guess I better write! So, it is going to take me a bit to get you all up to date on the happenings at the K home. No, no order, just random as usual. So let's start with some recent senior pictures of B. She tells me we still need to do the straight hair take, but for now...curly. Enjoy!

Good things:

1. someone who cares what is in my head

2. some sort of journal for my posterity

3. pictures

P.S. I am having some technical issues...

Whew!

Things have been a bit crazy for me, but I think I can take a quick breather before soccer starts. Let me start with Young Women's Camp. ( Yes, I am STILL in the stake young women's)
In April, the camp director had knee surgery, but would have plenty of time to recover to attend camp. Then she got blood clots, and the medication made her sooo sick, all the time. Then her knee wasn't working properly, and I didn't think she could traipse all over the uneven ground, so I told her I didn't think she should come. I know she really wanted to be there, and didn't really like the idea of not going, but she needed to take care of herself. I felt so bad for her, but couldn't make her well. That was about 1-2 weeks before. The week before one counselor had an outpatient surgery, and the other took a son to the MTC and became a Grandma. I currently do not have a secretary. So I did what I could. Because of the really wet winter, the camp was still under 5 feet of snow on Memorial day, so we were a little unsure if we would be able to get in at all. At this point, I knew that somehow, it would all work out to how it needed to be. The Saturday before (June 25) the priesthood went in and shoveled out the amphitheater, and it was determined we were a go for the next week. I went up and Monday, and it was beautiful. It was beautiful on Tuesday morning...And then the rain came, and came, and came. Because of the snow melting from the rain, we had streams everywhere! We decided about noon to send everyone back home. (3 hours) I, of course left my rain gear home, and resorted to a big garbage bag. At one point, I could wring water out of my sleeves, and with a cap on my head, water was running down my back. When we were finally packed, and everyone out of the camp, I got in my car, about 2ish, and it was 46 degrees...Needless to say, my hands were frozen. Once into cell range it was decided to go home and let me meet with my counselors so we could regroup. We came up with a new plan that would enable us to accomplish what was needed, and redo the schedule with rotations for classes, etc. Two wards went to Fort Churchill that night, where the plan was to meet the next morning and continue camp. At 6:15 on Wednesday morning, I got a call from a ward who spent the night, and it was pouring rain, the clouds looked to be settled in, and the weather looked like rain until evening. So after many more phone calls, everyone was set to meet at the church nearby and we would "play it by ear!" Since I was scheduled to teach a workshop, my good counselors put me in a room, and took care of everything. And I do mean everything. They were able to get everyone situationed AND get the 4th year girls of on a hike that they came up with out of the blue. It was pretty chaotic, but they had it all under control. By dinner, it had cleared up, so we moved to camp after dinner, and the evening went according to plan. The next day we were able to go on hikes, okay, maybe they were just walks, but we still went. That evening we had testimony meeting, and things ended well. I think.
The most interesting thing about all of this is that I knew it would all be okay. Yes, I was stressed, and probably more that a little bit crazy, but I knew it would be what Heavenly
Father wanted it to be. I don't know why all of this happened, but it did, and it must have been a lesson that I needed to learn. Even with all of my control issues, I learned that I can only prepare and do so much, and whatever is going to happen will, with or without me. Maybe if we would have followed my original plan, we would have not had the experience that we needed to have. Will I still feel the need to control every little detail....probably, but if it doesn't happen, it will still be okay.
I just have to mention, that everyone was so incredibly flexible and understanding, and really went the extra mile to help out in whatever way they could. I work with amazing women and am so grateful for there goodness. I could not have done it without them! Okay, the stake presidency and our high councilman were really great too. I am so blessed to work with such great people, who put up with me.

Stay tuned for youth conference!

Good Things:
1. Knowing it will all be okay
2. Amazing people to work with
3. Not letting the camp director come...She would have for sure fallen and hurt herself in the muddy mess.

Lots of udating...

Although I am really far behind on things, lack of updates has not entirely been my doing. There for awhile, I was unable to get into my blog. Not really sure what happened, but I was finally able to merge a few accounts and email addresses, and now I am back!
A few of the highlights in the last month:
I got the garden planted about 10th of May to ensure a better garden than last years June planting. Went on vacation, to come back to all plants I set out frozen black! The seed all did fine, and the plants are now planted again, with the hope of survival. It has been cold and windy for a very long time. I usually try to go without the air conditioner until after Memorial day. This year, I turned the heat back on for the third time the Saturday before Memorial day. But the weather changed quick, and the air came on Sunday.
G and I went to Phoenix to witness his brother graduate with a master's degree. All the siblings were there. We decided to extend the vacation and celebrate 21 years of marriage! We had a nice relaxing time. We stayed at a fun Hilton that had a great little water park included in the price. One of our favorite things was floating the lazy river. We were pretty lazy ourselves. We read, listened to music, slept, went to a baseball game, did a little shopping, enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine, and ate some yummy food. Why does it always come down to food for me?!
The next weekend we went to the state track meet in Las Vegas. B, who is a first year tracker, qualified in two events. Her relay team took 2nd, but ran their best time all season, and was very very close to beating the school record. She also qualified in pole vault, being seated 4th, but she did not end up making height once there. She was very frustrated, but did great. She was the first to ever qualify for pole vault in the high school, and tied the school record. She is looking forward to beating it next year. While we were in Vegas, we visited our friends the Brummets and had a great time.
I never wrote about it, but D was selected to go to All State Middle school choir! So I went with him in early april. It really is amazing the sound the directors can get to come out of a bunch of jr. high students. He really enjoyed it, and they sounded great. Unfortunately, G couldn't be at the concert because he was at a school board conference in Washington DC. D also played 6 on 6 soccer with the big boys this year. 7-12 grade. Wow, what a difference that what he was used to. But he did well with his team getting 2nd place, and learning from the older kids.
Memorial Day weekend was a perfect weekend! K (and our friend Cory) came home for the weekend on the spur of a moment, and we just enjoyed being together. B had a recital on Friday night, and she sang "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera beautifully! We slept in, had a late breakfast, did not much of anything, and then played games and went to dinner. Sunday we did church, and went to visit Brett and family. Monday we got K off and enjoyed a day at the park playing, visiting, and eating with friends. Came home, and then enjoyed more family with a campfire and smores. I think this was the first soccer or track free Saturday since March!
This last weekend, we spent with more family. This time from my side. My nephew just got home from his mission in Chile. I saw everyone in my family but 2 brothers. That is pretty good for us. But I still missed them. It was fun to hear of his mission experiences and testimony. We also got to hear more of what Mom and Dad are doing on their mission. They seem to be enjoying it, but both said it is hard work! That says alot...because they are some of the hardest working people I know.
I am so blessed to have such great family and friends. I would be so sad without these relationships, because they really are what matters most!

Good things:
1. 21 years of marriage...how can I really be old enough for that?
2. knowing that relationships with those you love can last forever
3. recognizing people make me happy

Good Things

1. Visiting family
2. Visiting friends who have become family
3. Sunshine...finally

Self Evaluation

I wanted to label this post, "What I learned about myself." but I already have that post, so maybe I am getting a little wiser after all. Anyway, this whole competition has been very interesting to me, and I really have learned about myself. So if you care to know what is inside my head, keep reading, otherwise, save yourself now!

I have a comfort zone that is really quite small. I do lots of things sufficently, but very few things well. If I don't feel sufficient or good at something, I just quit, or don't do it at all. There is proof in many areas of my life such as guitar, voice, and piano lessons to name a few. I am afraid of rejection, so I don't put myself in positions where I may be rejected. (not trying out for sports, or things of that nature.) I live my life very safely. I am not a risk taker by any stretch of the imagination. I live a comfortable, relatively easy life compared to others who struggle each day with various challenges. (of which I am thankful, and truly feel blessed.) Never putting myself out - there! The point I am trying to make is that I have never really worked hard for something. Never felt I needed to prove myself. Just been content to be... never reaching, stretching, or going to unfamiliar areas of "my world."

I went into this little "contest" at the persuasion of a friend, with no real intent to win. But I found as I worked hard that I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never really felt before. At each training session I found myself sweating, pushing, and working through things I had no idea my body could actually do. Occasionally my partner and I would both show up wearing our "Got Courage" t-shirts, and I would smile to myself and think about a talk given by Sister Dalton of the General Young Womens program. In this talk she was telling the young women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that there will be difficult times when they will have to stand up for what they know to be true and that it will be difficult to be different than those around them, but that it is okay because, "We can do hard things." That thought continued to come into my mind all through this contest as I pushed myself in a way I never had. I have always chosen the easy way, the comfortable way, the safe way. But I learned, "I can do hard things."

That small box is still pretty small, and I am not stepping out of it, but I am making it a little bigger. What I have learned has been on a physical level, but I hope I can apply it to other areas of my life as well. It is those hard things we are faced with (whether we choose them, or they choose us) that will strengthen us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So I say to you, "We can do hard things." Go out and conquer whatever it is that will push you to your limit and then over the edge to your own personal victory! See what it is you learn about yourself.

Good Things:
1. Pushing yourself over the edge
2. Friends who cheer you on
3. Learning about yourself

The Results are In

As many of you know, I was in a contest! I know, kind of out of my box. Actually, just expanding my box as I like to say. Anyway here are the final results of the 12 week muscle gain competition:
By the way, I did poorly in the muscle gain category, but I like the look of the results I got.
Total fat loss - 14lbs
Total muscle gain - 4lbs
My body fat went from 27% to 19.3%
I now have 105 lbs of lean muscle

Now, to continue with the knowledge I have gained!

Good things:
1. satisfaction with my hard work
2. G saying I look good
3. Feeling good from healthy eating

Who inspires you?

I just read this quote...
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader." John Quincy Adams
This statement got me thinking about who my leader and inspiration is. The obvious answer here would be Jesus Christ. Especially at this time of year when we are are a little more prone to think of all he has done for us, and all he would have us do to become like him. And although I expect each of you to have that as your top answer, I want you to leave a comment about who else inspires you to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more. It doesn't have to be anyone I know, but tell me who, and why.
I could probably choose one person each day for the next month, if not more. I have so many wonderful people in my life who inspire me in so many different ways it is difficult to choose just one. What a blessing to be surrounded with such great people. But for now, I will choose just one.
Amy has been my most recent inspiration. As I have gotten to know her better, I am amazed at what she can get done in one day, what she learns and can remember about nutrition, all she does for others, and how she is patient with her children, and how she is constantly teaching them the gospel in fun ways. She is filled with wisdom, spunk, and determination. Thanks, Amy, You are a leader and an inspiration. Thank you!
Don't forget to leave a comment...

Good Things:
1. Inspirational people in my life
2. Knowing you can be and do better
3. Having a Savior to make up the difference

Good Things:

1. working in the yard on a beautiful spring day
2. no wind
3. budding things (trees, flowers, bushes)

I have been forgetting about ...

Good Things:
1. sunshine
2. black jelly beans
3. freshly washed sheets

Two Surprises in one Day!

Surprise #1
I got a year older on Friday. And I was sound asleep at 12:40 am when a voice said, "Happy Birthday Mom!" Not a voice that should have been at my house in the middle of the night. K drove home from school to spend the weekend with me on my birthday! What a fun surprise. She didn't even tell G until Wed. Hence the second surprise was already planned. But it was fun to have her for a few days, and a great surprise.

Surprise #2
So a few weeks ago I not so subltly asked G if he would have my birthday off. (He gets every other Friday off, so it could be easily arranges.) He asked what I wanted and I said to be with him, and a pair of toms. So a few days before my birthday, I asked him what we were going to do and he said "go to Reno and buy you a pretty dress." He may have heard me lament on any given Sunday about my lack of dresses. Anyway, that is all he would tell me, the rest was a surprise.
We found a really cute dress, that is not for winter, so until it warms up, it will stay in the closet. Then he told me I would also need to buy a swimsuit. Done. Then he took me to a spa for the afternoon. We had a great time, after the frustration part,(a story for another day) a fun dinner with seafood, and lots of yummy dessert. It was such fun to be pampered. Okay, I admit, I am pampered lots, but just so you know, I really like it. Isn't he the nicest husband ever! A dress, a day at the spa, and a pair of toms. Thanks G, I love you!

I also had a delicious torte cake with mousse like frosting the girls made, and flowers from the other kids. Don't I have the best family!
Thanks to everyone for making the day wonderful!

Note to self: Everyone should feel this spoiled on their birthday. I didn't want the day to end.

B's "All That Jazz" 2nd place

B's "Pirate's Waltz" 1st place

Numbers

Six weeks time: good eating +A LOT of hard work=
Seven pounds lost
Five percent body fat lost
Eight pounds of fat lost
Two pounds of lean muscle gained
I think that is the interpretation
Hurray!

continuation

Finished Products

Skirt for K...I love the detailing. Unfortunately, It didn't fit her. One of the problems of sewing from afar. Hopefully the alterations will work. Once again, I love the detailing of the back kick pleats, it is difficult to see in the picture. Pillows for the kitchen area. I also did valances and a skirt for B that was just plain, not worthy of a picture. I LOVE TO SEW!

I can SEE!

Yes, I really can see. I just had ICL surgery for those wondering. It is basically an implantable collamer lense. (ICL) The doc goes in and implants a contact lense that will stay there permanently. I could instantly see, be it a little blurry because my eyes were dilated the size of a plate. So, it seems a little strange still. Last night when I went to bed, I automatically tried to take of my glasses. Seems after 35 years of taking off my glasses to go to bed it has become a habit! Also yesterday my eyes seemed a little tired, probably because I read too much, but I found myself thinking...I should go take out my contacts, because that is what I usually do when my eyes are tired. So....So far, I love it. I can't wait to go swimming and not have splashes on my glasses, or floating contacts. Maybe I will finally be good at marco polo...Oh yeah, I really can't swim very well, so that probably won't really help!

Health obsession...for the moment!

Today I walked/ran a 5k to see what my starting point is...40:41. That should leave some room for improvement! Gotta start somewhere.
I have been busy trying to eat healthy. I had no idea it would be so time consuming! A friend of mine talked me into entering a contest at the gym for muscle gain. Yes, I know, a little crazy. I have no muscle, and no motivation. I have accepted that in my life, and was really okay with it...until now. I always thought I fed my family pretty healthy stuff, no processed food, we don't do fast food, we eat fresh vegetables, etc. Apparently I had no idea! I have been tracking food and reading labels...completely new to me. Oh my goodness. I can't believe what I have been eating. Anyway, this change is taking sometime to get used to, and I do mean TIME. I plan out what food I eat everday to make sure I am getting what my body needs to build muscle. It is all very interesting, and I have learned so much. The link Join TeAm Healthy on the side is some stuff about how things are going, what we (TeAm) are eating, etc. Anyway, I am liking the results I can see from this obsession, and can't wait to see some real numbers when I go in for my half way point consultation on Saturday.

No Coincidence

While I was wasting a few minutes facebook surfing,(sounds better than stalking) I came across a young girl in her early twenties who said it was interesting where life takes you. I found this statement not only a little frustrating, but also very annoying. I just read President Monson's talk (posted below if you want to know what he said,) about how our choices take us on a journey. He quoted the cheshire cat in "Alice in Wonderland" after Alice comes to a fork in the road and asks which path she should follow. "That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn't matter which path you take." Pres. Monson then says, "Unlike Alice, we all know where we want to go, and it does matter which way we go, for by choosing our path, we choose our destination. Decisions are constantly before us. to make them wisely, courage is needed - the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine our destiny."
I love that. It is so plain and simple. The paths will always be there, everyday. So I say to her (even though she will never read this) life doesn't take us anywhere. We end up where we choose to go. Which path will you choose.

The Three Rs of Choice

The Three Rs of Choice

I would if I could...

But I can't blog right now. I am having too much fun sewing. I have four projects going right now.

Will give you end results later...

Exciting News!

Mom and Dad are going on a mission! What a great surprise...we didn't even know they had put in papers. They have been called to serve a service mission in the Heber Camp for 18 months. I am so excited for them. They will love working with the young women. I think it is perfect for them. They go in April come home in October, and then go back in April and home again in October. It will be fun to see what their responsibilities will be. But one thing I know for sure, they will be great at whatever they do because they have testimonies to share and are obedient. What a great blessing this will be to our family!

To all my blogging friends...

Please post! I love to hear about your mundane day to day tasks. It makes me feel somewhat normal.

Good Things:
1. Hearing from you
2. New focus - even if it still the same...maybe it should be refocus, as in goals and resolutions
3. good advice - sometimes in the form of your blogs