23 Years Ago Today

My mom, dad, and I were sealed together as a family in the Salt Lake Temple 23 years ago today. It was always a nice day to remember for us. I was 13 years old, and got to wear a beautiful white dress. I remember I had to wait a long time in the temple for mom and dad to take out their endowments. (They learned they should have done these two things on different days...they were exhausted.) I remember finally getting to walk into the room, and lots of our family and friends were there. I mostly remember the cool mirror that goes on and on and on. We took lots of pictures, and had a beautiful "open house" at my grandma and grandpa Palmer's home. For many years after that, we would celebrate our "family anniversary" by going out to dinner or doing something special. My parents often gave me small gifts too. As the years went by we didn't celebrate quite as much, but by the end of the day, one of us would always say; "Do you know what today is?" Sometimes things mean more to you if you have to work for them. Our family had to work hard for "our anniversary", and it was worth it. I love you both!

Fashion Corner with Gabby

Hello to all. Below we have this weeks addition.

This one is little hard to see. I tried to go closer for the details, but the results were worse.

It's a pink onesie with a goose and flowers on the front. The pants have brown flowers (kind of a toile print) with the bottom cut out like lace. Sorry no shoes today, I wanted to show you the biggest thing about Gabby... her FEET!

Good Girls

 

The Young Women in our ward began a Book of Mormom read-a-thon today. They began at around 1:00 p.m. and will end sometime tomorrow afternoon. I don't take Macie to a lot of YW activities because they usually don't start until 7:00, and she goes to bed around 7:30. If it is a special one, we will, but otherwise I keep her home because she gets too tired and cranky the next day.

One of her leaders reminded me of the activity on Sunday, and said I should really try and bring her, even if only for a little while. I said ok, but I thought to myself: "she will be bored just listening to them read and she doesn't understand it". I kept thinking about it though, so I decided we'd come over for an hour or so and then go.

I brought her in the house and all the girls were spread out like a slumber party. Everyone had blankets and pillows, and were listening to the reader. It wasn't totally quiet, there was some whispering, but those girls were definately there for a purpose. I sat with her for a minute, and then left for about an hour and a half. They had lots of snacks, and were going to take breaks every hour or so, and jump on the tramp. I knew Macie would love that.

I ran an errand, and oddly enough couldn't find anything else to do, so I went back to the activity. I brought in my scriptures, (and Gabby of course) and sat down. It sounds kinda funny, but I wanted to be there with them, listening, learning with a pure feeling in my heart.

I read for them for awhile, and then listened. The girls were probably wondering why I was still there, but I didn't want to leave yet. Pizza was coming soon, and Macie knew it, so I told her we would stay until then.

The pizza got eaten, and still Macie wanted to stay. So I left with Gabby, and told her I would come back when Dad got home. Gabby needed food and sleep immediately!

When I came back she was snuggled in with the girls eating a sucker, with a huge smile. I was sad to tell her to come home.

One of her leaders came to the car with me and told me she was grateful that I brought her. She said; "the girls need her in their lives, they learn from her".

I felt so dumb and selfish. I have never thought about that before. A lot of times I don't think she'll like the activity, or she won't understand it, so why bring her?

Well this was a lesson for me.

#1. Macie loved being with the girls.

#2. She didn't understand the scriptures, but she understood the feeling of acceptance and love from those girls.

#3. She has a lot to give and teach people, and I need to let her.

Macie came home talking about the coloring she did, the PIZZA, the chocolate cake and her friends. She had a great day, and I'm going to make sure I allow her the opportunity to have many more.

Assume Good Intent

I was talking to my mom today about a situation between her and a couple of women she knows. She was describing what had happened, and how one of the women was upset and kind of cranky with her. As we were discussing this, a phrase popped into my head...Assume Good Intent.

When I worked for Intermountain Health Care in Salt Lake, we had a set of core values. They were displayed all around the facility, and the employees had trainings on these values periodically. Being a trainer, I developed and taught many of these classes. I knew the values by heart, and learned to think of them often.

The point for the employees, was to commit them to memory, and then behave in a manner that reflected them. I thought about them a lot, and wondered if they really could change a persons' behavior.

I found that the value I identified the most with was "Assume Good Intent". I felt this was the one I needed the most work on. As the months and years went by, I noticed this "value" coming out of my mouth quite a bit. I couldn't believe how much these 3 words could affect my outlook on a situation, and always for the better.

I remember several conversations with my friend Stacey regarding this. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but we both use this phrase when talking to people or each other when it's appropriate. And you would be surprised how many times it's appropriate!

I said to my mom today: "Why doesn't she assume good intent? Does she really think you would purposely hurt her feelings?"

Then I quickly remembered a spat Todd and I recently had, where I did not follow my own council. If I would have said this phrase to myself, I would have saved us an argument. I didn't say, I never mess it up, I am saying I try!

I think if we used this phrase a little more, there would be far less conflicts in our families, our jobs, and our friendships. I also believe it is an important value to teach our children.

What's the down side really? Even if it comes out the intent wasn't good, until you know for sure, you have saved yourself worry and your mind from being filled with negative thoughts.

It's just some food for thought, take it or leave it. It's an important "tidbit" that has helped me handle things better. Thus being a better woman, friend, wife and mom.

In the future though, if you and I have a "situation", PLEASE say the 3 words.

Guilty Pleasure

OK, I have to admit something to you. After 3 years of mocking "So You Think You Can Dance", I am watching it this season. I only starting watching it because of the amazing lack of ANYTHING on TV. But I have been pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the tryouts, especially those from Salt Lake. I thought my people presented themselves very well.

Anyhow, I've been watching, and have enjoyed the dancers, choreography, and costumes a lot. I even enjoy the judges, except for Mary. This woman could drive you to drink. What is with the screaming in that pitch that has never been heard of in nature?

I bring this up because, well, I had nothing else to blog about, but mostly because I wanted everyone to see this performance by "Twitch and Kherington".

I have never wanted to be a dancer until I saw this.




I thought it was breathtaking. I realize I'm no expert, but if a performance can make you feel like this one made me feel, they must have done something right. I almost cried... Don't mock me. I'm opening up to you people!

I couldn't move like that if you tied strings to my arms and legs and moved me like a puppet.
You are born with skills like that.

I'll just have to be happy with my nunchuck skills.

Happy Father's Day

I understand I am a day late for this, but I was really struggling with what to say. I talked about my dad a few weeks ago and everyone knows how I feel about him, so I didn't know what else to say. My friend Celia, (who is a fantastic blogger) wrote "10 Things Her Father Taught Her" in her blog. I thought it was great, so sorry babe, I'm copying you!


This picture was taken 3 years ago on Valentine's Day. My dad had made our favorite cake for my mom and me. We loved how it said "Yous". He was a classic!

Ten Things My Dad Taught Me
1. NEVER run out of gas.

2. "It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich guy as it is a poor guy, so do the right thing, Daddy needs a corvette!" (Sorry Dad,)

3. If you get in an accident, ALWAYS call the police.

4. Unless you are confined to a hospital bed, GO TO WORK!

5. Forgive people.

6. There's always room for ice cream.

7. Do what you say you'll do.

8. You can never have too many ice chests.

9. Good things can sometimes be found in dumpsters!

10. You get what you pay for.

Fashion Corner with Gabby

Here we are, another installment of Fashion Corner with Gabby! It's been a little while so I thought I would give you two for the price of one!

Darling striped top over a white tee, with pink capris bordered by flowers. Don't forget the white flip flops... a must!

So many shoes.....so little time.

What is that you say? She can't walk yet, why does she need so many shoes?

Simply because she's a girl, and girls need lots of shoes at any age.

Summer's Here!

Here it is June 9, and it's as hot as ever. So what do you do to relieve the heat? (Well I would like to have an ice cold lemonade while getting a pedicure, but...) we went SWIMMING!

This was Gabby's first outing at a pool, so Macie proceeded to show her how it's done!

Macie is a pro at the "bucket tip"! She loves to sit there while the buckets fill up with water and then dump on her head!

I don't think Gabby knew what to think of all the kids and the water. I think it kind of freaked her out a little, and she went into hiding.

She soon was knocked out...

As was her mother, so we went home.

VARMINTS!

Well here we are in sunny California where things are supposed to be highly civilized and better than anywhere else, that's what Gov. Terminator says in the commercials anyway. I would like to point out a few things that I never had to deal with in my little state of Utah:

Lizards running all over my yard.

and

These weird black bugs that come into my house, walk around for a few hours, flip on their backs and die. They seem to visit only in May.

and

These delightful birds who insist on building nests on our roof,

even though Todd keeps shooting them with:

The pellets apparently don't phase them, and they continue to build nests, make noise, and POOP all over the outside of my house!

And now for the newest member of the annoyance club:

Look at him....standing proud.


Not afraid that he's in a backyard of a human.

Not afraid that he is actually 5 feet away from an actual human!


No, he quickly scampers over on the deck to let me know he frequents that place too, probably more than me, and he is still not afraid.

You might think to yourself, well I bet he really is afraid he's just putting on a brave face.

Oh contrare, and just to prove it to you he calls his friends over to frolic and eat in the backyard of the human.

Although I'm all for friends, parties, and eating, I'd rather I have a say in who or what is doing it in my backyard.

Graduate!

Today was Macie's 8th grade graduation party. All the families of the children were invited to a little luncheon and a presentation of certificates. They had the classroom decorated up and it was a nice lunch.

It's fun to watch Macie with her friends in the classroom. She especially loves the boys. Well she is 14, so I guess that's expected. One of the boys she talks about a lot is Victor. He is one of her good friends. I however, notice a lot of flirting... hmmm.

Macie has done so well in school this year. Her balance is better, her speech is better, and she can make her own PB&J sandwich! She is progressisng so much it's exciting to watch.

Macie has such a magnetic personality, the kids like to be around her. We are so proud of Macie and all the great leaps she has made this year. I can't wait to see what 9th grade brings... hopefully not boys though.

Bartlet for America

Now it's down to 2. Barack Obama and John McCain. Both men are good enough, I guess. Is it just me, or is electing a President kind of like buying a car. Even though I love having the car, I hate the process. I hate knowing that at about 5 different places along the way I can get screwed! I do so much research, look at all my possibilities, and really try to be informed. Still, doing all that, there is no guarantee that someone or many people haven't lied to me along the way and I could lose my muffler as I'm pulling off the lot.

This is why I say "Bartlet for President". Who is "Bartlet", some of you might ask? (Although I hope you didn't, because then you've missed one of the great shows of our time.)

Jed Bartlet is a fictional President played by Martin Sheen, on the TV show "The West Wing".

The show ran from 1999 to 2006. I absolutely love this show! I watched it during it's run on TV, and then bought all the DVD's. I still watch the show all the time. One might say I'm a little obsessed with it. Actually more than one person has said it... It is a smart, witty, well written show, with great actors. It depicts life in the White House, and does it well according to real politicians. There is no sex or violence and it actually teaches you about government.

So here's my questions:

Why can't real politicians be like Jed?

Why can't real politicians give speeches like him? They could hire Aaron Sorkin to write for them!

Why can't real politicians apologize when they make a mistake?

Why can't real politicians make you feel like you truly do live in the greatest country on earth, and make you want to make things better?

I know, I know, it's TV not real life. But sometimes I wish there was a little music playing, a special look, a little hint, (like on TV) to let you know who is genuine and real.

Fashion Corner with Gabby

I'm going to start an ongoing series with Gabby. She has been given so many darling outfits, by so many great people. Most of the givers, live in another state, and don't regularly see her. So I've decided that she can model these adorable things for you via my blog. Here is our first installment:

Polo jumper, with striped tee,and sneakers.

Gabby would like to remind everyone to keep hydrated, and that shoes are very important. It's like her mom always says: " You can have a great outfit, but the wrong shoes can ruin the whole thing". I've heard that her mom is wise.

My Peeps!

I told you I would write about my weekend with my girlfriends when they sent me some photos. Well...I'm still waiting for those, so I'll show you what I have.

Heidi and Stacey came late May 15 to stay with me for the weekend. I had been counting down the days!

Just a little background: I had worked with them for over 10 years at my old job. When I moved, I was so excited about it. I had gotten married, went on our honeymoon, and moved to another state within 10 days. It was an adventure! I really did not think very much about leaving "my people" in Utah. I mean, here I had waited all this time to find Todd, and I was so happy! It took a few months, but I soon realized that even though I was madly in love with Todd, I needed friends.

Gladly, my friends have dealt with our "long distance relationship" beautifully. We still talk all the time, so when I picked them up at the airport it felt like no time had past. We quickly began talking and laughing, and laughing. That is one of my favorite things about them is they make me laugh!

We spent Friday hanging out, playing with the baby, and laughing. What more could you want?

Saturday we went to the outlets in Vacaville. We had a great time shopping and just being together. We did walk by this woman just sitting on the sidewalk in the baking sun, with her shoes off. Mmmmm... kind of strange but we saw all types! We threw some change at her and kept walking.

My friends bought me a fabulous dress just because they love me. I know you're jealous of my friends. Well back off.... you can't have em!

After our shopping excursion we went to see:

Here we are sitting on the floor waiting for the cleaning crew to finish our theater. I think we almost had as much fun outside the theater as inside.

As we waited for our flick to begin, we learned entirely too much information about Johnny and Diva:

I'm not sure that I have ever been introduced to such an ego, (not personally, but by means of giant pictures and captions cascading on the movie screen he owns).

The movie was funny. Although since pregnancy, I no longer have a memory, so I can't quote any of the funny lines!

I had a wonderful time with my friends. How lucky I am to have them take time away from their families to come see me! I believe the measure of a true friend is do they make you a better person? I'm lucky...... mine do!