choose to be happy

October notes - No matter what bad comes around I have found there is still too much good, to not be happy. I am blessed to live in a beautiful place with a great family so I always have reasons to be happy. I can not look out our picture windows overlooking Alpine and not be happy. My mother in law calls Utah, Gods country. When I look out our windows I think of her Utah nickname and agree. It seems a bit strange how much I have fallen in love with this place. I actually loved it here years ago the first time I drove through this little town but I never thought I would love living here so much. I still miss sunny California, Disneyland and the sound of waves. But it is good here. Anyways I am feeling happy. I am happy about Octobers beautiful weather and the changing leaves. I am happy my kids love me so much that they fight over who I am holding and hugging. I am happy my husband is my best friend. I am happy I can run. I am happy for so many reasons. It would be easy for someone to get depressed with the way things are but I have chosen happiness. My Grandma is sick, my parents are not healthy, everyone is struggling financially, we have lost on a business investment, my car battery will not stay alive, Obama is in the lead (scary for our nation... he is even scarier than the opponents), I just found out two families in our neighborhood are moving (not by choice) and we don't want to loose either of them, I am getting wrinkles (so vain of me), I'm too tired to read at night and so many people I know need help and I feel helpless because I can not offer them assistance. But then I look outside and I'm happy. I almost feel selfish because of my contentedness. I know it helps that I have faith and I guess I can contribute much of my happiness from that. I want my kids to know that no matter what is going on you still have choices. Choose to be happy. Choose to submit yourself to Gods will. Choose to be a better person than you were yesterday.

"We need to be more grateful. I think there's no true character without gratitude. It's one of the marks of a real strong character, to have a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude for blessings that are ours.
We need more of that spirit in our homes, in our daily associations, in church, everywhere. It doesn't cost anything. It's so easy to cultivate the spirit of appreciation and gratitude. And it's so easy, also, to be dissatisfied and to be envious of other people." - Ezra Taft Benson

Relief Society

Last night was our wards annual Relief Society Visiting Teaching Dinner. The presidency and a few others put together a beautiful and tasty homemade dinner. The tables were all decorated for fall and you know how much I love warm fall colors! Dozens of 8 x 10 black and white photos hung on the walls as a back drop along with leaves and pumpkins. All were amazing photos of women in our neighborhood. All faces I recognize and love. I felt warmth and love the instant I walked in the door. I sat with a few women that I don't get to talk to very often and I was so glad I did. We had a good time sharing our lives and a few childhood memories. Dinner was completed by a decadent pumpkin dessert. I don't even want to know how many calories I ate last night because every bite was worth it. After dinner we all moved into another room and listened to stories and testimonies of moments in the history of the Relief Society. Of course I cried happy tears! Some of my favorite stories were over 100 years old and other stories happened recently in my own neighborhood. The musical piece was a song I think titled, Angels Among us. I know sometimes we do have angels helping us out but we can also each be acting as angels for each other. Isn't that what they say, the errand of angels was given to women? We can do that by being good friends, loving neighbors and good visiting teachers. My first visiting teacher, Vicki, came to mind. I was single and attending the Hacienda Heights Ward. She took me under her wing. Each month she took time to visit with me sharing scriptures and personal stories. Some how she always knew what I needed to hear. I haven't forgotten her. I love the women that I get to visit with each month and I'm grateful for their friendships. Jan Vincent shared the story of a pioneer who traveled across the plains, buried a son a day before giving birth to another. She never asked for help or said why me. Her Relief Society sisters stepped in so she could rest with her newborn in the hand cart until she was strong enough to walk on her own. You must read the full story to feel the spirit of it. Last year a family around the corner was experiencing many trials including a bitter divorce(I won't mention names). I remember how bad things had been for them. The church kept stepping up to help out with out any thanks in return. At one point they were about to be evicted. The Relief Society sisters encircled the family with love, support and service. Over a dozen women showed up to clean, shampoo stains out of the carpet, patch holes in the wall and wash mildewed laundry. These women could have easily said No, we have done enough, but being full with the love of God they wanted to once again help this sister in need. Time and time again I see women silently helping the women in my neighborhood. Like Rachel who was having a bad day and trying to finish painting her house. Her friends showed up one day with paint brushes in hand ready to help. Last year when I had a bad sinus infection and was out energy Jan sent over a home cooked meal. I never even told her I had been sick! And then there is the older woman down the street who needed help with yard work and was helped out by the boy scouts whose mothers had sent them that way. We also talked about Sister Beck and her visit to Africa in which she trained the women and organized visiting teaching for them. They now look after one another, making sure each home has water, grain and friendship. I am so glad I went last night. In these stressful days where money is tight and politics are blazing I needed this comfort. I love being part of Relief Society. It reaffirms my beliefs, makes me feel loved and encourages me to be a better person. Last night was amazing!!! Thank you Relief Society.

FYI for those reading who do not know what the Relief Society is :
The Relief Society is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded in 1842 in USA, the Relief Society today claims more than 5.2 million members in over 170 countries and territories, and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world. The motto of the Relief Society, is "Charity never faileth". The official purpose of Relief Society is helping sisters [women] and families come unto Christ."
The official objectives of Relief Society are to:
1. Build faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and teach the doctrines of the kingdom of God; 2. emphasize the divine worth of each sister; 3. exercise charity and nurture those in need; 4. strengthen and protect families; 5. serve and support each sister; and help sisters become full participants in the blessings of the priesthood.

First Snow

Saturday, Oct. 11Th -It started snowing this morning during breakfast. The girls were so excited as they ran to look out the window. Lindsay said, "Mom, its snowflakes outside in winter, I'm so excited to sledding. Daddy will be so happy to sled us"! Lauren was equally excited and started screaming and said, "Oh my gosh, its snowing! I love winter. Mom, lets call Daddy and tell him its snowing, he will be so excited". I wish I could say I was so enthused about this early October snow! At least it didn't snow on my birthday yesterday! The snow is melting before it even hits the ground and next week it will warm up again. I'm not quite ready for another long winter, but it is approaching. I just hope it stays warm until Halloween.

Sunday, October 12Th - OK, forget about yesterdays little dust of snow. I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow covering Alpine. It is at least a few inches of snow. So much for hiking this week and so much for global warming!

Monday, October 13Th Yeah! the snow has all melted and it is getting warm again.

Splendid b-day at Dear Lizzie

Lauren, Lindsay and I went to get a treat and shop at Dear Lizzie on my birthday. Dear Lizzie, is a foo-foo, fluffy, ultra girlie boutique and bistro. It is so cute, I love it. Everything is pink, brown and Parisian. Its also way overpriced. So we usually just look and don't buy. But it is fun to sit down and eat a treat on the bistro side of the shop. Everything is served in pretty little glass dishes. This time we ordered miniature eclairs and a Dizzy Lizzie. The Dizzy Lizzie, is their signature drink; a cherry cream soda, served in a tall fountain glass topped with whipped cream. We also looked at some of the clothes. I picked up a silky black blouse but Lauren told me is was "too dark and blackie". She suggested I look at something lighter. I kind of giggled but she was serious and started weaving through the clothes looking for something. She picked out a cute red, pink and black tweed dress. She liked it because the thread was "sparkly". I amused her and tried it on. Surprisingly I liked it but it was too short. Lauren said she would find something longer and ran out of the dressing room. She came back with a huge dress and said it was prefect because it was longer! Lindsay decided she need to help me shop too. She came back with anything she could find that had rhinestones on it! Lauren peeked her head out of the dressing room and said to Lindsay, "Linz, try to find something in Mommies age. Good Luck"! I have never had so much fun shopping with my little girls. Another splendid day.

Best Birthday Ever!

October 10, 2008 - Today is my birthday and it has been a great day. I feel so loved! Dan and Kay are both of of town so I am here with just my two girls. Dan went to California to work with his brother Marc for a few weeks. Kay went to Arizona for a wedding. So on Tuesday we all went out to celebrate my birthday early. We drove up Provo Canyon to Sundance and had lunch. Then we drove around the scenic Alpine Loop. Its a gorgeous drive. Kay gave me a $100 Visa card so I can go shopping! Dan gave me the sweetest birthday card ever and a gift card to Cabelas and Nordstrom. The kids love to shop at Cabelas and he knows I want new hiking boots, so it is perfect. On Thursday I received a few surprises in the mail. My Mom and Grammy Wanda each sent a birthday card and shopping money. Brenda sent me a box of cake mix with cupcake pans and a carrying case. So cute because she knows we love cupcakes in his house! I was already feeling pretty special when my birthday rolled around. I really didn't feel bad at all that Dan was going to be gone and didn't expect anything from anyone. Birthdays are more about the kids. But the calls and gifts kept on coming! Sidney and Kelle called me first thing in the morning to sing to me. I can't wait until they live here with us in Alpine! Then my Mom called to sing to me and wish me a happy day (she is in New Mexico). Then Dad called and Steph, Shell, Jackie and Bill & Brenda. Then Marci Madruga and the kids stopped by with a perfect gift. They gave me pomegranate lotion and a cupcake from my favorite shop, Dear Lizzie. Rachel LaComb and Kelle Ivie each sent me a birthday email. That was so nice to open my emails and read warm wishes from friends. Later I noticed pink balloons tied to the mailbox from Alisa Orrock! She knows I love pink. I even got a card from Sue Lessley in CA (she is the best) and $50. Then Jessica called to invite me over to dinner with the kids. Can this birthday get any better? I think I must know the nicest people. Of course it gets better. I later got a message that my running girls, Rachel, Alisa and Jessica scheduled pedicures for us on Saturday with a free babysitter to watch Lauren and Lindsay! After lunch I took Lauren and Lindsay with me to Dear Lizzie for a cherry soda and a treat. We had so much fun I'll have to write about that in another post. In the evening we went over for dinner at the Crooks and Jessica's fun loving kids had decorated their house for me with streamers, balloons and cupcakes! At bedtime Lauren and Lindsay cuddled with me... I'll be having sweet dreams!

leaves whisper

It has been so beautiful this week. I'd like to stay outside and stare off into the colorful mountains all day long. But I can't, so I took a picture. The leaves are changing and I love it. Here is a view of our Alpine mountains taken from our front yard. Up this mountain is Horse Tails Falls, where I hiked during the summer. I'm looking forward to hiking it again next week. Its lovely and peaceful. There is something special about the gentle sound of the leaves in the mountains. Its like God whispering, I made this for you.


God's miracles are to be found in nature itself; the wind and waves, the wood that becomes a tree? All of these are explained biologically, but behind them is the hand of God. -Ronald Reagan

September Weekend

Warning: Long boring journal entry (photo not related, just cute).

Friday was a good day, long but good. I didn't run in the morning it was my day off to rest from exercise. Dan went over to his moms to help her with a few things. While he was gone I cleaned out the car and let the girls play outside. They were riding their tricycles and scooter in the driveway. Lauren took off skipping and running to play on the grass and the next thing I know she comes running to me screaming. She was screaming in pain and with fear, not fake tears. I ran to her and noticed a few wasp or bees buzzing around her head. She had found a swarm of them. She ended up with two stings and one live wasp stuck in her hair and one dead one also stuck in her hair. For the next half hour she cried and shook uncontrollably. She was traumatized. My poor little girl. I held her to comfort her as she was screaming, "SHUT THE DOOR"! "SHUT THE GARAGE"! She was afraid the little buzzards would fly into the house and attack her again. She then said she didn't want to live in Utah anymore. I had to laugh at that and let her know bees can be found in California too. I went outside to find the source. The little devils were creating a nest under our bark on the side of the house. Dozens of them swarming together, it reminded me of watching Amittyville (horror movie from the 80's). Dan came home and killed all of them. He brought with him a few surprises from Nana Kay. Jacks big wheel, so fun and a new bike for meeee! I haven't rode a bike in years. Kay bought her self a pretty periwinkle blue and silver Schwinn last year that she rode once. Being six feet tall she found that she is too tall for it. So she just sent it over for me to enjoy. I'm excited to start riding a bike again. I hopped on and rode it around our street for a few minutes. I just need to get a helmet and put air in the tires. In the afternoon Lauren and Lindsay went to a play day over at Rachel LaCombs with Ana, Aja and Naomi. I had free time to read and clean the house. Later on after dinner we all went over to Nana's again to hang out with her. Dan and I snuck out for a date. We went and had a couples massage. It was relaxing and much needed.

Saturday morning began early with a 12 mile run. Only a few weeks left until the marathon! Later in the morning the girls and I went to a birthday party while Dan went to a BYU football game. We went to a party at Bounce U (a big inflatable bouncy play place)for the twins Abigail and Eden. They just turned four. We met them over the summer at The Little Gym, in one of Laurens classes. Their Mom Mandy, is so nice! The kids love her twins but often confuse their names with Abam and Even rather than Abigail and Eden. HA HA. They had a great time. After we left I stepped into the fabric store next to the party place and found a republican print cotton. Unbelievable! I'm going to make a pillow case for Brenda (AKA as Grammy Brenda with the pool in Vegas) and send it to her with a note that says sweet dreams! It was her Birthday on Sunday.

Sunday we went to church. The kids love church and beg to go all week long. They love their Sunday school teachers, learning about Jesus and new lessons and wearing pretty little dresses. They're always in a good mood on Sundays. After church we called Grammy Brenda and the girls sang happy birthday to her. Lindsay asked if we could go to her house (its only a 6 hour drive). I told her they were in Hawaii. Then she really wanted to go to Hawaii. I told her we didn't have enough money to go visit her on a plane today. She was so cute and excited when she said, "Yes we can, Daddy has lots of money"! She says he has lots of coins in his office. What a cutie!

Go Cougars

The BYU Cougars showed no mercy as they shut out the UCLA Bruins 59-0 in this weeks football game. Touchdown pass after touchdown pass they were able to throw down the sad Bruins in the first half of the game. Not even trying to be the nice guys for a minute. I thought this was "The Lords University" so what happened to playing nice? No, not the Cougars they were in this for more than the win. At one point I felt sorry for those big fellows crying on their knees in the hot field. I guess I felt sympathy for UCLA because I wanted to go there as a child. My mom would take me to the UCLA Medical Center for experimental treatments on her Lupus and I decided I should attend college there to help find a cure for her disease. I ended up at good ole CSU Fullerton. I did make it back to UCLA campus my senior year for a journalism contest where I was awarded first place in the radio broadcast competition covering a Democratic Convention. I like to remind myself of that event when I feel like I need to get back on the yellow brick road to find my brain. So Dan and I went to the BYU game with our friends the Langfords, die hard fans. I fell asleep sometime during the third quarter after exhaustion from my 20 mile training run, only to be woken up by screams of joy from the crowd. Another touchdown and cute Kristi Langford singing the BYU fight song. Go Cougars. I'm slowly converting to college football and I have no other options of a team to cheer for besides I love the sound of Cougar growl after every first down. Grrrraaahh. So I guess I need to buy something in navy blue for the next game.

kindred spirits

"What a splendid day!...I pity people who aren't born yet for missing it. They may have good days, of course, but they can never have this one" Anne Shirley of Green Gables.

Tuesday (9-2-08) was the anniversary of kindred spirits. 100 years ago "Anne of Green Gables" was published and Anne the feisty, imaginative and kind girl came to life. I love her! L.M. Montgomery was the woman behind the stories of these books which have never been out of print and sold over 50 million copies. I grew up watching the movies on PBS. Last year for Christmas Dan bought me the collection for Christmas.

Anne often spoke of kindred spirits which I liken to a dear and true friend who you can always be yourself with. Anne said, "Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out that there are so many of them in the world". My little girls are two of my kindred spirits. On Tuesday together we had a splendid day. I started the day at 6:00 a.m. with my friend Liz doing yoga in the basement. Then the girls woke up early and wanted to cuddle. Next Lindsay had her three year check up and was so well behaved in the Dr. office. She is growing well and scored 60/60 on her developmental, social and fine motor skills exam. She had one shot and just said "Ouch". I dropped her off at preschool to join Lauren. After school we went to the Peppermint Place. The P.P. is a small candy/treat/ice-cream/gift shop in Alpine. It sits on the corner of Main Street under a few big trees in an adorable cottage. The girls were looking forward to this trip because we haven't been in about six months. Today was a perfect day to go. It felt like autumn with the warm sun and a cool breeze. We each had an ice-cream cone and went outside to enjoy them. We sat under one of the big trees on a bench and the girls danced around and sniffed the blue flowers. The P.P also had gentle music playing on the outside speaker. It was the perfect setting. I told them I was so happy and asked them what made them happy. Lauren said eating ice-cream and Lindsay said gummies and treats. I asked them what other things made them happy. Lauren said the "smiling sun" and her "little people toys". Lindsay's response was "flowers, Barbie and kitty" (a stuffed animal). I told them that Lauren and Lindsay make me happy! This gave Lindsay a cute grin and she started to happily dance around. Lauren smiled, grabbed me by the back of the head and put a big sticky ice-cream kiss on my forehead. What a perfect day.

Unfortunately at the same time somewhere else in the country many people were trying to flee their homes in fear of the hurricane Gustav. Looking at pictures and footage of the many faces was a little depressing. You can tell most of them have lived a rough life and struggled. One boy on his way to saftey was carrying his things in a white garbage bag probably because he does not own luggage. They all looked lost. Luckily the storm downsized and lives were spared. These situations remind me of how good I really have it. I hope I can teach my children to realize the blessings they have and want to serve others. In the mean time I will as often as possible make their childhood one of many "splendid Days." Just like today in Alpine.

divine destiny

"All of you need to drink in deeply the gospel truths about the eternal nature of your individual identity and the uniqueness of your personality. You need, more and more, to feel the perfect love which our Father in Heaven has for you and to sense the value he places upon you as an individual. Ponder upon these great truths, especially in those moments when you might otherwise wonder and be perplexed" Spencer W. Kimball (How can I understand and attain my divine destiny).

I received this quote from my visiting teacher (Sheri Maude) and a personal message from her to strive to end the day with good thoughts. She placed the note in a little pocket of a homemade pillow. She made it made it from two hand knit hankies from Hong Kong. I liked it enough to copy it here in my journal/blog. I am so happy to know who I am. I am a daughter of God. I have a divine purpose in this life. Even the days when I am distracted and or have a little bit of doubt I know it is better to have faith than to not have it. I know my faith is in some weird way a concern for others but I ask them, what is the worst thing that will happen in the end if all I believe is not true? I would have lived a good life full of hope, faith, family, service and fellowship. I am happy. It is part of my eternal nature to be happy, and to be loved and forgiven by God. And it just feels good to believe.

first days of preschool

This is Laurens second year of preschool and Lindsay's first. I remember last year after taking Lauren to school I felt so guilty. I thought may be I should wait one more year because she is still so young. I felt a pit in my stomach for the first few weeks and almost pulled her out. Then I decided that two days a week for only two hours a day wasn't bad and she loved it. She even had her best friend Aja from our neighborhood in class with her. Mrs. Bailey her teacher soon called me and couldn't believe how advanced she was and she asked if she could start reading with her. So Lauren began reading at three years old. Now its Lindsay's turn and she is so thrilled to be in school with the big girls. She happily says "Mom I'm growing". Both girls just attend two days a week. I took them to "Meet Your Teacher" day last week and then Thursday was the first official day. Lauren walked right into her class, sat down at the table and picked up a pencil ready to work. She didn't care that I was leaving her. Lindsay went in wide eyed and curious. She was happy to see me when I picked her up and said she made a friend but that a lot of the kids cried. She said she didn't cry because she is a good girly.

rodeo queens

Earlier this month was Alpine Days. The most wonderful time of the year in my opinion or at least the most fun time. The first time Dan and I went to the Alpine Days Parade we were like two little kids stuck in a movie set of a perfect small town life! We loved it and we even got all sentimental over it. This was our third time going. Each year in August Alpine has a week full of activities including water games, other games and booths, storytelling, a pet show, the parade, fire works and the rodeo. The rodeo last for two nights with one night being just for the little ones. It is called Little Buckaroo Rodeo. Lauren and Lindsay were both contestants. Lauren was in the Mutton Busting (sheep riding) and it was hilarious. She didn't last more than a few seconds but when she fell off she jumped up off the ground and threw both arms up in the air like she was a winner! She was so cute. She wore her pink cowgirl boots from Auntie Cheryl and was saying things like howdy partner and yeehaw all night. I should have signed Lindsay up for the same event but thought she was too small. What was I thinking, she is my tough girl? She was so excited to wear her baby blue suede cowgirl vest from her cousin Sidney. She did the chicken chase. She didn't catch one but after she realized the kids got to keep their chickens she said she will come back and catch one next time. I hope not! We left covered in dirt and cotton candy with pockets full of lollipops. I can't wait until next year Alpine Days so my little girls can be in the rodeo again and watch the parade with friends.

girl talk

After church today the girls were hopping around the house. Lauren said, "Lindsay you have to talk to Jesus before you hop on one foot." Lindsay replied in her three year old language, "OK, where he is?" Lauren answered her by saying, "He is in the gospel". Lindsay asked, "In your heart?" Lindsay continued hopping and whispering in search of Jesus. It was kind of cute. What they talk about is usually so funny or innocent.

Laurens new thing is writing notes. She tries to write them herself or dictates the words to me. On Papas' birthday card she had me write that she "knows she loves Papa in her heart ever, ever and ever". On Sidney's birthday card she asked me to write that she misses her when she is in California.

Last month I asked Lindsay to come inside from playing and she told me, "No actually I'm pretty busy".

When I told the kids Nana Lyle and Gorgeous Grammy Wanda were coming to visit with Shell and the kids they were both so excited. Lauren said, "And papa is coming too?" I told her Papa couldn't come. She was disappointed and said, "But I like Papa. He is a good boy like Daddy".

I said to Lauren after she was able to reach something high in the refrigerator, "Wow, you're tall!" she said back to me "I'm just growing. You'd think I'm five...I bet I am five!" She later helped me with the laundry. She was being so cute and helpful. I thanked her with a kiss and a smile. She was gratified and softly stated "I'm just glad to help"

We have been talking about having another baby for about a year. Lindsay wants a girl and wants to name her Lilah. She has currently named all of her dolls and animals Lilah Genevieve. Lauren keeps telling people I have a baby in my tummy. No not yet! A few days ago she asked, Mama when are you going to hurry and get the baby out?" I told her I didn't have one yet.

13.1 in the dark (Moonlight Marathon)

Last night I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles). My neighbor Aundrea Esplins brother organized it. He is obviously a runner and so are a few of his sons. One night they ran under a full moon and got the idea to do a midnight marathon. He lives in Mapleton, in a giant house on an awesome piece of property. Mapelton is a beautiful but small town with a combination of cute farms and breathtaking mansions. So he put together this small marathon and sponsored all of it including the excellent shirts and a BBQ. The shirts are made of athletic material and have a big red moon and mountain on the front with a clock covering it reading midnight. The back of the shirt says 13.1 in the dark. About 65 people drove up to the canyon in Springville and ran down hill back to his home. It was so much fun. Several people from our ward (church) participated in the run. I ran with Jessica Crook and Rachel LaComb. It was a bit too dark and hard to see in front of us. They had us lit up with so many glow sticks so people on the road could see us coming. Everyone had a good time but today I am so tired and sore. I'm sure I'll run it again next year...unless I'm pregnant.

Olympic Memories

I have been watching the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. I have loved watching the Olympics since I was a little girl. When my sister Shell and I were young we would get so excited after watching that we would pretend to be Olympians! We had so much fun. If it was winter we would put on our slippery socks and pretend to ice skate on the dinning room floor. If it was a summer we were pretending to be gymnast throwing both arms up in the air. Or my favorite was doing the long jump. We would run from the front porch down the side walk and jump onto the grass and see how far we could go! We had big imaginations. I never was an athlete growing up but it was fun to pretend. I am now actually more athletic than ever (other than my cheer and dance competition days). I have started running with my friends and I love it. We are running the St. George marathon this year. This is the closest I will ever come to being an Olympic athlete. Back to the Olympics. I have been watching soccer, swimming, gymnastics and volleyball. The USA swimmers are unbelievable. Micheal Phelps has swept in ever division and will be taking home 7 or 8 gold medals. Women's gymnastics is my favorite. I got teary when the graceful Nastia Liukin won the all around gold medal. Shawn Johnson was also amazing. The controversy was over the Chinese girls being underage. They looked it! But who knows, Chinese women are so tiny.