Just a teensy bit of Bragging!

This is our daughter Nellie.
I can not say my daughter because I need to give credit where credit is due.

This child has her Father written all over her.

I'll take just a tiny bit of credit for this beautiful and talented child.

Sometimes you can catch her dancing like this,




or drawing something amazing like this.
(and winning awards for it)













She even heads off to Europe all on her own, with out even missing her mother.

She came home with thousands of pictures like these,
When I say thousands, I literally mean thousands.

From fancy museums, palaces, hotels, and places that her mother has only read about.












To me they all fit together, like a piece of a puzzle that says,
Oh ya, Nellie would love this!
She is inquisitive about places, people, beauty, and expression.






But sometimes she forgets to tell us things, like oh say, this drawing hanging in the showcase in the front hall at the High School for all to see!

Imagine you are me, walking down the hall at the high school then you ( Look in the far right side of the pic ) do a double take and see this. I stopped and went. Oh, wow I happen to know that girl.


Okay, her sister ratted her out, but my version is better, and she really did not tell us.


A self portrait drawn by my gifted daughter.
Opps!
that is OUR gifted daughter, Hubby has had a lot to do with it.
Nellie, We Love You! You are Bee-U-TIFUL!
and just a teeny, tiny bit talented!




Once I post this she will probably not talk to me for about a week.

But I'll just forget to mention it to her.

Books to Live by

What book are you reading now?

A book by Brock & Bodie Thoene has my attention today. Called First Light (Historical Fiction). Also reading, Coming to our Senses by Jon Kabat –Zinn (Meditation book).  I am supposed to be reading, Yearning for the Living God by Elder Buschio (for Book Club), and The Book of Mormon (for my class.)

What are your favorite books?

So, So many. Favorite genre is probably historical/fiction and memoirs. Favorite book ever is Les Miserable's.  Also, The Good Earth, The Chosen, A Tree grows in Brooklyn, and The Great Plains. Plus many many more.

How did I learn to read?

I have very fond memories of sitting with my mom as she taught me to read.

What foreign language can you read?

None! I have never tried. Was I supposed too?

What is the funniest book you have ever read?

Two come to mind – Marley and Me by John Grogan, and the Shopaholics series by Sophie Kinsella

What books have changed the way you looked at the world?

Les Mis. (of course), also Cold Mountain, Posionwood Bible, are books I still think about. Oh, and recently Three Cups of Tea.

What are some of the scariest books you have ever read?

I try not to. I internalize it to much. The evil Cathy in East of Eden is the best written dark soul I’ve ever read, she gives me the shivers.

About how many books a month do you borrow from the library? 

I am not allowed in the Library.  The library doesn’t like me much, because I have a habit of being over due. My fines where embarrassingly high. Can you imagine being threatened to be sent to collections, by the library!! Needless to say it is cheaper for me to buy a book.

Do you read in bed?

Silly question, in Bed, in the tub, in the car, at the table, in the yard, in a box, in a train, opps I am not Dr Seuss. Sorry.

Do you ever read while walking or driving?

Same answer as above!

Do you read aloud to others?

Boo – Hoo! (that is me crying) When Harry Potter 7 came out Mookie told me he was old enough to read it by himself! (Boo-Hoo)! All of the CS Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia series – Box Car Children, Ella Enchanted, – and of course Harry Potter. Reading aloud to my children, and nursing my children, I miss, miss, miss. Not necessarily together, or at the same time, are you confused? How they go together, I do not know. I just miss them. Sweet, tender times.

What was the most difficult book to read. 

Night by Elie Wiesel, such a stark description of the Holocaust. Heart wrenching. A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah about the boy soldiers in Sierra Leone was also a difficult read. Escape by Carolyn Jessop was an eye opener. Wicked, Wicked world! Also, Jesus the Christ by James Talmage. The physical description of the crucifixion has never left me. 

What is the worst book you remember reading?

From the standpoint of the worst written ever -  John Grishim’s The King of Torts. Awful. Shame on you John, but you redeemed yourself with The Innocent Man. Powerful book on the corruption in our judicial system.

What books do you intend to read but keep putting off ?

I am going to admit I never really read Huck Finn. I know I was supposed to read it in H.S. What can I say? William Shakespeare, you wonderful author you, I will read you yet!

Do you lend your books?

Chuckle, giggle, laugh

What books where your favorites as a child?

The books I blame for this expensive addiction, are: The Box Car Children series, and The Little House on the Prairie series. I wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder so bad.

What books do recommend to young people?

Recent books I have come across. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, and of course, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. (which I think will become a classic) From my earlier years of reading, The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’dell. My Side of the Mountain trilogy by Jean Craighead George. The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger by.  Lois Lowery. Any of the JRR Tolken Books. Is that enough? CS Lewis, cannot be left out.

What where your favorite books as a child?

I remember a lot of Dr. Seuss, and these compilations that my grandpa had given to us (He was an elementary school principle) Those books had stories such as, Red Rose and Snow White, The Elf, and the Shoemaker, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Wind and The Sun. I need to see if my mom still has those books.

Do you lend your books?

Gasp, snort, fits of laughter!

Do you ever read the ending first?

Only if I hate the book – to help me decide whether to finish. Believe it or not, I have been blessed by this action a few times.

What books have you read more then once?

Most of the time with a novel I don’t, I like to remember it the way I read it. I have read, Gifts of the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh several times. I have reread the Peacegiver, and The Holy Secret by James Ferrell. I do underline in books, a lot, then I will go back and reread what I underlined.

What frequently recommended books have you been unable to finish?

Surprisingly quite a few of the Oprah picks. They are depressing. hard women, life is awful stories. Sorry, but it is true. I hated ( I know that is a strong word) Pillar’s of the Earth by Ken Follet. Why oh why did I read that book?

List some of your favorite authors:

JRR Tolken, CS Lewis, Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Khaled Hosseni, Barbara Kingsolver, Charles Frazier, Ian Frazier, Brock and Bodie Thoene, ETC. ETC… And here's to the future authors that I will yet love.

You are stranded on a Desert Island and you can only have one book what would it be?

I know this is a set up question –but its true I would take my Book of Mormon, but I hope I would be smart enough to at least grab my triple, I would like the Bible there too.

Thanks Laurie for these fun questions, thanks Bonnie for loving to browse book stores as much as I do, and reminding me of all the books I love, or will love. Thanks Mom for the love of books, and thanks Rog for letting me read as much as I want.

Do you lend you books out?

Gasp, Gasp, I can’t breathe, Oh my sides are hurting!

A+B

I jogged in silence for four miles yesterday evening.
I know some of you are starting to laugh already.
It's not funny.

I heard my heavy breathing for four miles.
It might of been because my running has been sporadic at best lately.
I really think it was because I need distraction when I run, and lots of it.

Hubby and I love to hike together, or sign up for triathlons together. Give us a 5, or a 10K to do together. Maybe even a long slow bike ride up the canyon together.

We really love, love, being together, we do, but we never train together.

Here's why!
The mamma's, BF and I, have run for one hour,three times a week, for about seven years, when I come home from the run. I say to hubby,

"We have to try the great restaurant sweet mamma told me about!"
OR
"We have to go see this movie muscle mamma told me about."

When Hubby comes in from a bike, run, or the gym.
Me: How was your run?
Hubby: I ran 4 miles in 35 minutes and 45 seconds.
I ran the first two in 8 1/2 minute miles and then I picked it up to 7 1/2 m.m.
Or
Hubby: I rode up to South Fork in exactly 56 minutes and 10 seconds.

Notice the difference!
He is type A
I am type B. (or is it C, maybe D.)

All I am trying to point out is my whole life is in a transition mode at the moment.

I know that if I am flexible, everything that is important to me will fit in.

Maybe just a little different then it use to and if I am open to this change, maybe just maybe, I will learn something new along the way.

Like,

I love the canyon in the evening.

I love running, or biking behind my hubby.

(the view is great.)

I really love teaching Yoga!

I am taking time to Meditate everyday.

It is a wonderful way to be centered.

I am liking it, and want to learn more.

I love, love teaching Primary!

I am really inspired by my study of the Book of Mormon right now.

I am so impressed by the dedication of my kids to school.

(mostly without my bugging them.)

Last but not least,

Hubby can do all the technical aspect of our runs

and maybe, just maybe, my running times will improve!

I can live with that.

I can also live with this comment as we finished our jog tonight.

"Hey Babe, I love running with you!"

Post note: Hubby training times above are made up. I will try to pay more attention next time.

God put you in my way

Every year we make a pilgrimage.
No not to Jerusalem,
Not to Mecca.
We go to our sacred mountain!
This is my journey. This is my pilgrimage.

Timpanogas!

Mckay made it all they way to the top for the first time!
One day before he turned thirteen.

I learned about it from her! I see the way she watches the mountain when she comes to visit.
She learned about it from her Father. I know that my grandpa would of been proud to see me and my son on the mountain last week. I know he loves that his grand kids and great grand kids love Ole' Timp as much as he did. He knew all the legends and stories of Timp. He worked up on Timp for years. I believe he calls me up the mountain every year. He loves what this mountain can teach you.

Once again I had Technical difficulties with my camera.

(I forgot the batteries, and they were dead)
Cell phones take wonderful little pictures don't they!


Days this beautiful don't come around to often, and I am so sad I was unprepared. I am not a very good scouter. Now that, my grandfather would have had a problem with.

Have you ever seen the movie. Four Feathers

Well, there is one line that made the whole movie.

The wise desert, Bedouin, spiritual man says to Heath Ledger, whom he has saved from death,

when asked why he did it.

God put you in my way!

As I sat on the top of Timp,

and looked down on my small world.

I was reminded again of all the people Heavenly Father has put in my way!

The lovely, patient people who bless my life every day!

To those who made the journey with me last week,

to those who were there in spirit, and to those who inspire me every day.

I am so grateful today that

GOD PUT YOU IN MY WAY!

Thirteen going on Thirty!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOOKIE!!

Thirteen years have flown fast....

Hubby and Mookie talking,

Yesterday!

Mookie: Dad did you know that ants survived

the nuclear catastrophe in Chernobyl.

How do you think they did that?
Dad: Ummmm

Mookie: Dad did you know that if the Indians
saw a white Buffalo in a herd they would not hunt the herd.
They thought the herd was protected by the Great Spirit.
Dad: Really?





Mookie: Dad Why is it getting colder as we hike higher?
We are getting closer to the Sun, so we should be getting warmer.
Dad: Ohhh...
Wonder what he will teach us in the next thirteen !

College days!

I wanted to post a picture of Samantha and I,

but this is the only recent girl photo I could find.

We started at BYU this week!

Mom and Daughter off to school.
You know how your little princess starts kindergarten,

and you want to go, but she looks at you like, are you crazy MOM!

Well, Sam did not look at me like that.

She did register me for my one class.
Yep, just one class, it is all I can handle.

I walked across campus last night and giggled a little!
Oh, to be eighteen again, and no I am not feeling old.
I was so happy! I was so happy I'm not eighteen.

It made me giggle.

I am going to admit something a tad bit embarrassing.

I was thinking as I giggled, this is the first time I have been on a college campus,

and did not spend all my time looking at the opposite sex.

Am I to old to say this?

I was so happy, that I am finally going to school for the right reason.

I smiled a big smile, and stepped into a large class of,

eighteen year olds?

At least they all looked eighteen to me.

I realize I am not the only one on campus my age, but we definitely are in the minority.
I was an oddity!
Maybe for the first time in my life?
(I do not want to hear it Brian!)





But, I have seen a few odd things this summer,
and lived to tell about them.
Maybe you noticed something odd in all of these photo's.

(Except the one of my beautiful daughters!)

Yes, seeing Hubby in glasses is something
I never thought I would see, so it counts as being ODD

Things I never thought I would see in life.
Yet, here they are, and here I am starting school again!

LIFE IS ODD!












Rocking bag pipe players?
Rocker? Bag pipes? Do they go together??


Sorry, I do not have time to explain why all my photo's are odd,
but since you are all family now, and family means realizing
I have a odd sense of humor.
Giggle, smile a little, and go on with your day,
and we're both happy.

I am on the ten year plan at BYU.

I better get used to being an oddball.

Question is this a

stork, or is it a crane?

On a roof??

It is a odd sign!

Desert Weekend

The desert was so beautiful this weekend!

I read a book a few years ago that taught me, all people have a region of the earth that speaks to their soul, okay speaks to their soul was not the word they used, but I understood it that way. Back to the point, all people have a region that they love better then all other places.

Of course, I believed every word the book said.

The book stated three regions:

Mountains
Ocean/Beach
Prairie

I added a fourth;
The Desert.

I do appreciate the desert,
but my region is definitely the Mountains!
I love the mountains! I am in awe of the mountains.
I notice that if it has been awhile since I have been in the mountains, I start to go a little stir crazy. Usually a run, or bike up the canyon cures this. Easy fix!

What is yours?
Most people do not have to think too hard,

to know what theirs is.





I am not sure about the prairie, I have forgotten what a wide open space feels like.
I was born by the wide open spaces, but moved when I was too little to remember, and I have never been back.
Maybe that is what this yearning in my soul has been, and I just didn't know it. Wow, I finally found my deepest yearnings answered. I am just joking!
All joking aside though, I think I need to feel what the prairie feels like, I am really curious.
Road trip anyone?




The ocean is fun, but I do not crave it!
I know some people who do.
They always complain about dry skin when they have to move in land.
They even have cruel names for those of us who can't deeply empathize with them.
Land locked. Main landers. In lander. Crazy Utahns -
okay I went a little overboard, again. Sorry.






Hubby, loves the desert!
Loves, loves, loves it!
We go there often, and when we do his rhythms balance out , or something.
He is one happy boy.
He has tried to move me away from my mountains, several times, but I am stubborn.
I am sure one day we will find a compromise.




So most of the time I send him off on a bike weekend and that does the trick.
He comes home so happy!

He is the reason I came up with my own fourth category, not that I am some scientist or something, I just know he is drawn to the desert.





Nellie, on the other hand says the desert scares her,
go figure?
She is my mountain girl!

Side note:
Notice that Sam is hiking in a skirt.
Only my Sam would hike in the desert in a skirt!
I guess I failed to teach her about rattlers, and scorpions
Oh My!