I have had a very inspiring Christmas. Very thought provoking and very blessed. On Monday the 22nd, we learned that our neighbor's (across the street) son was killed in a horrible car accident in Provo Canyon. He was 18, a senior in school. He and his friends were headed up the canyon to go snowboarding. The driver also passed away.
Kirk and I headed over on Monday evening with a couple of loaves of warm bread (why is it that we think food can fix things?) and to see what we could do to help. Four of their beautiful daughters were quick with hugs and to take the bread to the kitchen. Katrina and Dave, the parents, were absolutely inspirational. We held each other for a time. Whispered love and sympathy in their ears and then listened as they described the accident, going to the hospital, learning of Neal not surviving and then spoke so reverently of the blessing they had of holding him in their arms and saying their goodbyes.
Each day, through this week, I have continually thought of this family. As I filled stockings and wrapped presents, I wondered how they were holding up. Kirk inspired deeper reflection, "How do you fill Christmas stockings and plan a funeral?" As I planned food for festivities I wondered about the change this will make for them, for their family and the holiday.
When I was 10 my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Westoby Fry, passed away on Christmas Eve. I remember thinking, Christmas will never be the same again. I was wrong. I think about her every Christmas Eve. I think about sleepovers in her apartment in Provo. I think about going to the mall with her on the bus. What a sweet lady and what wonderful memories for such a short amount of time in my life that I got to spend with her.
Neals' funeral was yesterday. I have never seen a Stake Center so incredibly full, all the way to the stage in the cultural hall behind the chapel. Camille, the second oldest daughter talked about fun family memories of Neal. Dave, his dad, spoke of him as a son, brother and child of God. Our Bishop gave the most amazing eternal perspective talk that I think I have ever heard. But the thing that really resonated in my heart was a song that was sung by the three younger sisters with a children's choir. The song is called, Bend The Knee. I have searched for quite some time this morning trying to find the lyrics, without success. If anyone knows them, please pass them on to me.
This family is amazing and inspiring. As mourners came to mourn with them, they lifted us up. They taught of grace and hope and faith. I know that all will be well with them. They are the type of family that makes the best of every situation. Please keep them in your prayers.

A Letter From Our Savior

Dear loved ones,

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor, and I think that this year the celebration will
be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts,
there are many radio announcements and TV commercials, and in every part of
the world everyone is saying that my birthday is getting
closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know that at least once a year some people think
of Me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At
first people seemed to understand and be thankful for all that I did for
them, but in these times no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they
don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there
was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods,
pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were
exquisite, and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.
But, I wasn't invited.
I was the guest of honor, and they didn't remember
to sendMe an invitation. The party was for Me, but when that great day came, I was
left outside--they closed the door in my face. And....I wanted to be with
them and share their table.

Truthfully, that didn't surprise Me because in the last few years all have
closed their doors to Me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the
party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were
all drinking, and there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything, having a grand ol' time. To top it all, this big fat
man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling,
"Ho, ho, ho!" He seemed drunk as he sat on the sofa, and all the children
ran to him screaming, "Santa Claus, Santa Claus", as if the party were in
his honor.
At midnight all the people began to hug each other. I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug Me, but no one did! Then they all began to
share gifts. They opened them one by one with great
expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if maybe there was one for
Me. After all, how would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared
gifts and you didn't get a one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and
quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the eating, the drinking, the
gifts, the parties, and nobody remembers Me. I would like it if this
Christmas you would allow Me to enter into your life. I would like it if you
would recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this
world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.
Today, my only desire is that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something further with you. As many didn't invite Me to
their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one
has ever imagined. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am
sending out many invitations, and there is one for you. I want to know if
you wish to attend, and I will make a reservation for you and write your
name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on my guest list
will be invited to the party; those who don't respond to the invitation will
be left outside. Be prepared so that when all is ready you can be part of
my great party.

See you soon!
I love you,
JESUS


P.S. Please share this message with your loved ones before *CHRIST*mas!

A GMC Christmas!

I was so excited about this Christmas card that I put together that I just had to share!! Check out Kirk's truck! He has worked so hard on restoring it and I think it is beautiful. I forced the kids into letting me take their pictures for this but I am so glad they obliged.

We went on our traditional Dinner/Christmas Shopping date with them last night. We had an amazing dinner at Tucano's and then went to the University Mall. We started this tradition several years ago and I love it. We get to spend some great time with the kids and they get to pick out exactly what outfit they would like to wear on Christmas Day. The great part is that they get what they want and it actually fits!!
Thanks for a great night!

What Is Your Perfect Christmas?

December is one of the most magical times of the year! I always look forward to it but, when it gets here I start to have a little anxiety. There is so much to do and cook and buy and wrap. Lists to make and cross off. Cards to send. Before you know it, Christmas is nowhere in sight.

I found myself wrapping presents the other day and because of the items the kids have asked for, there were not a lot of presents there. I spoke to Kirk about it and we decided that we have actually “trained” ourselves that there should be this crazy amount of gifts under the tree for Christmas morning. After that little revelation I realized that it was a problem that I created and I was the one who could change it.

The first thing I had to change was my perception of Christmas. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 22 years I have tried to bring my family to understand the TRUE meaning of Christmas while still participating in the worldly frenzy of Christmas. Some things worked. Others didn’t. But I will not give up trying! After all, if I forget to send someone a card or a gift, they will still know that I care, right? If I don’t make 4,000 cookies and deliver them, in the month of December, from here to Texas, will my friends and loved ones disown me?

My perfect Christmas?

1. Let me read through Luke a time or two and really ponder the words and lessons there. I love the beautiful way that Luke portrays the events of the life of our Savior.

2. Let me do all that I can to help those in need. I am so blessed and feel even more blessed when I can help others.

3. Let me gather my family in and tell them how much I love them.

4. Let me be so grateful for the blessing that I receive not only during this sacred season, but all year through.

This is my hope and prayer for me and for you and your family. Don’t get lost in the wrapping paper, the best gifts don’t need to be wrapped.

What I Am Thankful For

This time of year inevitably makes one think about things they are thankful for. The typical things usually come to mind...food, clothing, a house to live in. I would like to share a few of my thoughts on things I am grateful for.

I am soooo thankful for my family. I honestly don't know what I did to deserve Kirk, the girls and the Bertelsen family. I have learned so much from all of them and will be eternally grateful for them. Kirk has taught me how to be more patient and to see all sides of a situation. Dani has taught me that diligence does pay off. Bryn has taught me that it is okay to dance and laugh and dream. The Bertelsen family is the epitome of unconditional, Christ like love. Wow, what great teachers I have.





I am thankful for a great job. There is so much turmoil and uncertainty about jobs anymore. I even feel vulnerable with my job but I am so thankful to have wonderful people to work with and especially a boss that just lets me do my job. Believe me, I have had it both ways and this way is much, much better.

I am thankful for friends. Really, what would life be like without friends? Someone to go to lunch with when you have had a hard day. Someone that listens to your ranting and raving. Someone who values a good shopping trip! Someone who knows your faults and loves you anyway.

I am so thankful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I cannot even express the peace that the Gospel brings to me. Can you imagine me without it? Scary! I am so grateful to know that wherever I go there is a community of other members waiting to invite me in. To uplift and support me.



I am so thankful for the atonement. For the sacrifice that our Savior made for us so that we could repent and return to live with our Heavenly Father. What an amazing gift. One that we didn't even ask for but that is freely given to all. I was reading recently in the Book of Mormon about Laman and Lemuel, Lehi's sons. They were rude, combative, argumentative, unrepenting and unbelieving yet, Heavenly Father kept giving them chance after chance to repent and choose the right way. It gives me so much hope that even after all of the mistakes I can make, Heavenly Father still keeps that door open to me. What a wonderful thing to be thankful for.

I am so thankful for a home to live in. I am especially thankful that it was the home of my grandparents. How blessed I am that I can be here and remember them at almost every turn. I spent most of my youth trying to get here, to be with them. I am finally home.



There are so many more things that I am thankful for. I will try to share them throughout the year from now on.

The flu sucks!

Good Tuesday Morning! I am home with the flu. Not the intestinal kind, thank goodness. The stuffy, headache, achy body, coughing kind. The bad part....I can't go to work. Can't see all of my wonderful peeps. Can't really cook anything, too many germs. Can't seem to stay awake for very long. The good part? I did learn how to make an extra juicy turkey on the cooking channel yesterday. Unfortunately, I still can't cook. Hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday things will be looking up. How long is this supposed to last anyway? Kirk even offered to stay home and take care of me today. How sweet! He was actually hoping and praying I would say he didn't need to (which I did) so he could go on a motorcycle ride with Jake. Not many riding days left in the year so I am glad he could go. Anyhow, I need to go blow my nose ...again....

Insomnia.....

I sincerely hope that I am not sleep blogging. If I am and I write something totally off the wall, please chalk it up to insomnia.
Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night and despite the best medication that science has invented and money can buy, you are unable to go back to sleep? Well, I would like to join your club!
I have been awake since 1:12 AM. That's actually better than waking up at 1:11 AM. Why, you ask? Because It drives me crazy when I wake up, look at the clock and all of the numbers are the same. 1:11, 2:22, 3:33, etc., etc.... I have had many nights when I have woken up every hour at those times. Who does that? Weird people!! Surely there is a disorder called 'Chronolophobia", the fear of waking up at stupid times during the night. If not, let me be the first to acknowledge it. I am sure you will be reading about it in upcoming medical journals on sleep disorders.
So, after laying in bed for more than 2 hours, trying not to disturb Kirk or the two dogs, I finally decided to sneak out of bed. I am a grown woman. Why am I sneaking out of bed in the middle of the night? I slip, ever so carefully, out of the bed wishing it was one of those mattresses that you can bounce a bowling ball on without spilling the precariously perched glass of wine. I quietly fumble around for the clothes I removed last night and the shoes that are by the side of my bed. I open the door and realize that the arm support I wore to bed hoping to help a sore wrist is now attached to the door knob and I can ever so quietly hear the velcro separating. Nevertheless, I make it to the hallway, slowly bringing the door to rest in the closed position. Whew. I made it through the magic portal.
I go to the living room to put on my clothes and find that all is well except for the socks. They don't match each other. I put them on anyway. Who will know?
Here I sit in front of the computer. It is too early to do listings on ebay. Too early to make any of those phone calls. Too early to run the vacuum. This is really the best I can do! I am thinking of going grocery shopping. I have done that before at an odd hour such as this. The only problem with that is that you must be good at maneuvering around the pallets and stockers. The thought of it really makes me tired. Maybe I am tired. I probably should just go back to bed.....before it is 4:44.

p.s. Note the time that I posted this...seriously weird eh?

My Favorite Day of the Week

Sunday is by far my favorite day of the week. I love the quiet peacefulness of the morning. No hustling and bustling around to get ready for work. No stressful moments at all.
It seems as though it has been an incredibly stressful week for me and I was really looking forward to this morning.
As I got up and looked out the front window today, I was not surprised to see the deer munching leaves in the front yard. Usually my dogs are barking like crazy at them, but today they just watched with me.
These deer have stayed in town all year this year. I think we fed them too well during the winter and they figured..."Why hike back up the mountain?"
Watching these beautiful creatures always calms my mind. I have taken a lot of pictures of them and even tried to sneak up on them during the winter to get a close up. Today's pictures are through my front window. (I am afraid when I get back to the stress of next week I better clean that window!)

My Photo Blog

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share some of my favorite pictures that I have taken with you. Check out my other blog at www.inyourlikeness.blogspot.com and let me know what you think!

Fear Not Little Flock......

It has been a wild week with elections, the passing of Proposition 8 which banned gay marriage and the reaction of people to the passing of that amendment.

I wanted to share my thoughts about the reactions that have been reported. At first I was stunned but as I stepped back and thought about it, I realize that just as much I was hoping it would pass, there were many that hoped it would not. So many people donated their time and money for both sides of the issue.

My heart really hurts for those who have chosen a lifestyle that doesn't go hand in hand with the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I say "chosen" because I truly believe it is a choice. I do believe that someone may be born with tendencies of being gay but I believe it is a choice to act upon those tendencies. Our time on earth is to prove ourselves worthy to return to our Father in Heaven. Part of that 'Proving' is how we handle the tests and trials we are given as well as what we do with the gifts that we are blessed with. Being born with tendencies to be gay is a test or trial. What you do with those tendencies is your 'proving'. It is the same with every test and trial.

I was in a meeting this morning with the leadership of our ward and our bishop made reference to what has been happening this week. He spoke of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints being singled out of all of those who were for Prop 8 passing. Why is it that so many other religious organizations, who stood on the same side of this issue, have not been targeted? Could it be that Satan knows who he must stop?

I want to remind everyone, and share with those who may have never read the Proclamation To The World from the LDS church, the second and fourth paragraphs....

"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."

Please pray for those who are lost. Pray for those who need strength to overcome weaknesses. Pray for families.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:34 reads: "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail."

Miss Bryn the Dance Teacher

Just wanted to let you all know what Bryn has been up to recently. Not only is she working at Canterbury Assisted Living in Springville, taking care of 8 elderly friends, she is also teaching dance for Orem Recreation.

Bryn teaches every Tuesday and Thursday and has 2 classes of 3-5 year olds, 1 class of 6-9 year olds and 1 class of 10-15 year olds. Each class meets twice a week.





She has come up with some of the cutest dances for each class. They are dancing to Splish Splash I Was Taking A Bath, Bleeding Love, Hide and Seek and a James Brown combination that Bryn put together herself.




The girls adore her! I can totally understand why.



I am so proud of her...she is living her dream!

GO VOTE! GO VOTE! GO VOTE!

The most important thing you can do today is VOTE!!! Don't put it off. Don't worry about how long you may be standing in line! Just do it!

A lot of people think their vote will be wasted if they are not voting for the person that the media and the polls are telling you is going to win. DON'T BELIEVE IT! Every single vote counts. Some votes will help someone win while other votes may help with financing for that organization, even if their candidate did not win.

We are so incredibly blessed to be in a country where we have the right to vote. We seriously take so much for granted. Please let your voice be heard!!!

I will now jump down from my soap box and go vote;)

Leaves Are One Of The Best Gifts!

Thinking I was brilliant....yes, brilliant, I called my cousin Rob's kids and made an incredible offer. I told Wyatt and Tanner that if they would come help me clean up the leaves I would give them one of my homemade calzones. I already knew that the offer would seem amazing to them as they often ask when I will be making calzones again. They LOVE them! With the prize in mind they came over.

That is where the deal crumbled.

No longer did they even think about the warm, cheesy goodness that awaited them. The only thought on their minds was..."How big of a pile do you think we can make with all of these leaves?"

I have to admit, I was curious. So, we (me included) piled those leaves as high as we could. Once the leaves were piled there was only one thing to do.....Jump in them. At first the jumping originated from running towards the pile and leaping forth in such a manner that you landed in the leaves. It then escalated to climbing the tree that we had piled the leaves under and jumping from the branch above the trees.





It didn't take long before some of the other neighbor boys showed up and joined in. We all decided that leaves are one of Heavenly Father's greatest gifts. We love to seem them burst forth in the spring, shade us in the heat of a summer day and fall to the ground and invite us to jump in.

The leaves are still in a pile. Tanner told me that "the other leaves are gonna fall and we can make the pile bigger!" How can you argue with logic like that?

The calzones are still here. Somehow, they weren't the big draw I thought they would be. Thanks for the fun boys!

8 Things TAG!

*8 Things Tag*

I've been tagged ... 8 Things

8 TV shows I watch ...
1- Grey's Anatomy
2- Brothers and Sisters
3- Desperate Housewives
4- What Not To Wear
5- Antiques Roadshow
6- Iron Chef
7- Flip That House
8- The news ...

8 things that happened yesterday...
1- Cooked an amazing BBQ Rib and Au gratin Potato Dinner.
2- Went to work.
3- Made delicious cinnamon bread.
4- Woke up at 3 AM
5- Cleaned my closet at 3:30 AM!
6- Laundry.
7- Listened to Sean Hannity...you should all really give him an ear!
8- Enjoyed dinner and visiting with my family.

8 places I like to eat ...
1- Ottavios
2- La Casita
3- Sizzler
4- Cafe Rio
5- Ruby River
6- Applebee's
7- McGrath's
8- Caraba's

8 things I'm looking forward to ...
1- November 5th. (No more elections)
2- Seeing the stock market regain and hold strong.
3- Christmas
4- Christmas Shopping ...
5- Seeing my Hubby tonight at work to celebrate his 20th Anniversary at Orem City!
6- Watching my kids continue to grow and learn...even as adults!
7- Seeing my grandparents again.
8- The Celestial Kingdom.

8 things on my wishlist ...
1- Chickens
2- A Chicken Coop. (It may appear that I am fixated on having chickens but....I am.)
3- Maybe a goat (the chickens need company)
4- That my sweet dog Crazy would hold on to her hair.
5- An appliance that would suck up every last hair that has been deposited in my home by my dog Crazy.
6- Gas prices below 2.50 a gallon. (I'm not asking for much here)
7- Absolute happiness for my kids.
8- No conflict. Period.

8 people I tag ...
1- Lou (Dani)
2- Boo (Bryn)
3- Christine
4- Kaci
5- Kayleen
6- Shanna
7- Kenzi
8- Joe Tuianna...just because;)

And ANYONE else who'd like :)

TWO OF MY FAVORITE THINGS, MY KIDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY!

I love to take pictures! I don't know where this little hobby came from but I totally love it. I love it even more when the subject is my family! Dani asked me if I would take some family pictures of her, Steven and Hank (my grand-dog). I was thrilled! We went up Mapleton Canyon to a little spot Kirk and I had scouted out earlier in the week. Check out the results and let me know what you think. Dani is a little partial to the black and white, I really like the color.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS....YOU ARE IT!!

TAG! JUST COPY AND PASTE THIS ONTO YOUR BLOG, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AND POST IT! i LOOK FORWARD TO READING ALL OF YOURS!

I am... CHECKING IN ON MY FAM AND FRIENDS ON THEIR BLOGS..
I think... I AM VERY BLESSED....EVEN IF THE STOCK MARKET ISN'T.
I need... TO FIND JOY IN THE JOURNEY, AS OUR DEAR PROPHET SAID LAST WEEK.
I know... THAT THE GOSPEL IS TRUE.
I want... WORLD PEACE.....SORRY, PAGEANT DAYS.
I have... AN AMAZING HUBBY, DAUGHTERS, SON-IN-LAW...ETC....
I miss... MY SWEETHEARTS BEING LITTLE.
I fear... BEING WITHOUT KIRK.
I fill... CANNING JARS WITH TOMATOES AND APPLE PIE FILLING...LATELY;).
I need... MY FATHER IN HEAVEN.
I hear... THE GARAGE DOOR OPENING AS KIRK COMES HOME FROM GETTING THAT COOL AND REFRESHING MORNING BEVERAGE.
I smell... DUTCH BABIES BAKING FOR BREAKFAST (SORRY YOU'RE NOT HERE LOU!).
I crave... DOWN TIME.
I cry... WHEN MY HEART IS TOUCHED, JOYFUL OR SAD..
I search... THE SCRIPTURES. WOW! THERE'S A LOT OF STUFF IN THERE!
I wonder... WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE WHEN JESUS REIGNS AGAIN ON THE EARTH. ACTUALLY, I CAN HARDLY WAIT!
I regret... THE FEELING THAT I DIDN'T DO ENOUGH TO TEACH MY GIRLS EVERYTHING I SHOULD HAVE.
I wish... I COULD SOLVE EVERYONE'S PROBLEMS. (THIS IS DEFINITELY A CURSE!)
I love...MY SWEETHEART KIRK, MY FAMILY, MY PUPS.
I care... ABOUT EVERYTHING....PROBABLY WAY TOO MUCH!
I always... WORRY, USUALLY ABOUT THINGS I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER.
I worry... *SEE ABOVE.
I am not... MEAN, VINDICTIVE, JEALOUS OR NEEDY....OKAY, SOMETIMES NEEDY:).
I remember... EVERYTHING! SERIOUSLY, IT IS A CURSE
I believe... IN EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD.
I sing... ALL THE TIME, AS LOUD AS I CAN, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!
I don't always... LISTEN AS MUCH AS I SHOULD BEFORE GIVING A RESPONSE (I AM WORKING ON IT!).
I argue... HMMM...NOT VERY OFTEN.
I write... ON MY BLOG.
I lose... TIME.
I listen... TO MY HUBBY AND KIDS, THE HAVE SOME GREAT IDEAS AND ADVICE.
I don't understand... HOW ANYONE COULD HURT A CHILD.
I can usually be found...IN MY CAR, TRAVELING FROM PLACE TO PLACE FOR WORK.
I need... DIDN'T I ANSWER THIS ONE ABOVE?
I forget... HOW SIMPLE THINGS USED TO BE AND STILL CAN BE, IF ONLY, IF ONLY.
I am happy... PRETTY MUCH 99% OF THE TIME.

Vivian the Fairy Princess

What an amazing few days I have had visiting my cousin Claire, her husband George and daughter, Vivian.

I first must tell you that although I have had a great desire to go visit them since Vivian's birth, (she is now almost 3), it was greatly enhanced by an email Claire recently sent.

In the subject line it said: Actual conversation in our day.

The body of the email said this;
Vivian, while picking something very large out of her nose: I'm going to keep this forever.
Claire: In our society people generally don't keep boogers. They throw them in the garbage.
Vivian: Well, in my m'aciety we keep these forever. I sticked it to your shirt.
Claire: Thank you.

After this email I knew I had to go and see Vivian's m'aciety.



Check out the pictures. Isn't she gorgeous? I had such a wonderful time reading, playing, reading and reading some more with her. I had found an adorable fairy outfit for her and she loved it. I think she put it on at least once a day while I was there.


















What did I come away with after this visit?

Enjoy the moment.

I cannot tell you how many times I was reminded of something one of my daughters did when they were young. I found myself wishing for that time in my life again, even if just for a moment. Just to hear the squeals of laughter, the giggles, even the sniffles accompanied by tears. How often I thought "I can't wait 'till they grow up." I couldn't have been more wrong.

Thanks Claire, George and mostly, Vivian, for letting me invade your space and time, for humoring me and for letting me enjoy some of those beautiful moments that can only come when playing with a child. I will be eternally grateful!

My Great-Grandmother, Katherine Madaline Magnino Aimonetti Bertino

I have spent a good portion of the day re-typing the memorial services of my Great-Grandmother, Katherine Madeline Magnino Aimonetti Bertino. What an incredible woman!

As I read through the wonderful stories that were shared about her I found that there were so many things that I didn't really know about her. She passed away when I was 10. My most vivid memories of her are when she was staying with my grandmother after she had suffered a stroke. She couldn't speak and needed assistance with almost everything, but the love that exuded from this remarkable woman was unmistakable. I took it upon myself to help her learn to write her name again. I recall putting the pencil in her hand and trying to get her to hold it the "proper" way. I placed the notepad under the pencil and helped guide her hand to form a letter 'K'. Progress! She then threw the pencil at me and waved me off! I guess she didn't really want to participate in my self-appointed service.

As I am thinking of her now, I can only smile! I have this wonderful picture of her that my grandmother left to me. Nonna would tell me all of the time how much I looked like Katie Bertino. In my youth, I would look at the photo and think..."I don't think I look like her at all! She didn't even smile for the picture!" In my older, and wiser, years I have decided that there was a lot going on in her young life at the time of that picture. She was 19! She lived in Sparone, Italy. She worked on a farm with her family and she was waiting for her sweetheart, who was in America, to send for her. There may not have been a lot to smile about! And of course, in that period of time, smiling wasn't always encouraged in a picture.

I would love to hear anyone's memories of Katie Bertino. Please share them and help all of her posterity know more about her.

Meow!

My beautiful daughters and I went to CATS this weekend at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City. What a great show! This is the second time I have seen it and the first for the girls. The music, singing and dancing was amazing. It was a wonderful day spent with my girls, I love them so much.
The whole time they were growing up I remember thinking...."This is the funnest stage!" I found myself thinking that again as I look forward to hanging out with them and talking about everything you could imagine....except Barbies. I am so proud of the young women they have become and I can hardly wait for the next 'stage' as we all grow together.

THE MAN I ADORE

I guess it is time to toss my thoughts on to the screen again!
I wanted to just share a little with you about the most amazing man....my hubby, Kirk. (So, here comes the tears....of joy of course!)

September 5th marked the 22nd anniversary of the night we met. That was the same evening that my friend Beth married Terry Bishop. It was a beautiful wedding, tons of people. I stood in her wedding line in a beautiful pink organza dress with all of the trimmings. After the reception, my friend Karma and I decided to drive to Provo Center Street to see who might be there. At the time, for you youngsters, it was quite a gathering place. People would drive up and down the street, very slowly of course, and visit with friends and soon to be friends along the route. I am sure that many marriages have begun on Provo Center Street .

With the plan decided upon, Karma and I set out. We entered Center Street at 5th West and within the first block stopped our car. A young man had jumped forth from the center median and ever so quickly pulled up the leg of his jeans to reveal the most stunning ankle I have ever seen. Surely this was a ploy. But I did stop and rolled down my window. He approached my window and said, "I know who you are, you are Gena and you work at Arby's". I was taken a little off guard and asked him how he knew. "My friend has a car just like yours and he likes the way your windows are tinted." (For those of you who do not recall this vehicle, it was dang cute and the windows were tinted and pin-stripped in a very original manner.) I asked him what his name was and he said, "Kirk." It took only a moment for me to realize that I knew this young man and I said, "Kirk Bertelsen?!" He must have had that little revelation also and he said, "Gena Carly?!" As it turns out, Kirk had been a longtime friend of my older brother Jeff from first grade through junior high, when our family had moved away from Springville. He told me that I had to pull over and talk with him.

Now, through this whole transaction Karma, the friend who was with me, kept touching my knee and saying "Do you know who that is?" I kept shushing her. As we pulled forward and proceeded to make the journey back to where he was parked Karma informed me that this was the same guy she met at the lake recently and the same one who had come in to visit her last week at Arby's. I was shattered! Karma didn't have a lot of guys come to Arby's to see her. I was happy with the amount that came to see me. So, in the attempt of sacrificing for my friend, I did everything I could to stay away from him....except at a friendly distance.

Kirk was hanging out with a group of his friends. We visited for a while and it was suggested that we go to a local park and play frisbee (yes, in the dark) and continue the visit. We ended up spending the entire night (most people get a good giggle out of the fact that Kirk and spent the night together on the first night of our meeting, forget the fact that there were several other people AND I was trying so hard to stay away from him!) We laughed and joked and talked all night long! Karma and I had to be at work the following morning and when our shift was over I came out to my car to find a note from Kirk asking me out. He wanted to "show me that he was a gentleman." He left his number and asked me to call.

I spent the next two weeks refusing to call because of Karma. She finally told me that if I didn't call him that very day, she would! I happily gave in and the rest is pretty much history. We spent almost every day together from that time forward and have been happily married for almost 22 years! On our first 'official' date I knew he was the one I would marry (he correctly answered every question I threw at him on that date!).

I am so blessed to be married to Kirk. I thank my Heavenly Father EVERY DAY for this wonderful gift. I kind of joke and tell people how lucky Kirk is to have me as his wife, but I am the lucky one. He has been, and still is, the most amazing father anyone could ask for. He supports me in all of the crazy things I come up with. He makes me laugh (which should be a requirement for any marriage). He is the most caring, compassionate and loving man (I am pretty sure he got this from his dad) that I know.

When asked how long we have been married, Kirk will reply, "It seems like an eternity all ready!" I look forward to the 'real' eternity standing by his side. I love you Sweetheart!

Happy 21st Birthday Dani Lou!

So, this will definitely age me but, it's really not about me. My oldest daughter is 21! I am so proud of her. She is an amazing person that makes me smile. She really acts more like she is 30 and there are great things about that too. She just got a puppy named Hank who is the other light in her life, her hubby Steve being her first.
Enjoy some pics of her growing up and then say aloud with me...."I can't believe how fast that went!"

Women Of Many Names

I saw this on Julie's web site and thought it might be fun for everyone! Feel free to copy and paste to your blog but definitely let me know so I can have a giggle at your expense!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Toy Passat
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Cheesecake Snickerdoodle
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) G-Ber
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Dog
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Lyn San Pablo
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Berge
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Purple Mountain Dew
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Sandy Dan
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Breath Bit O Honey
10. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Elvira Junior
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Rowley Richfield
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Spring Fuschia
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Apple G's
14. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Toast and Egg Maple
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, weather element+ Tour") The Blogging Snow Tour

Following the Spirit

At BYU Education Week I attended a class called “And I Was Led by the Spirit” by Steven T. Linford, an Institute instructor for BYU. Every time I left this class I was disappointed. Not with the content, but with the fact that it was over. He was so inspiring and knowledgeable and really made me want to immerse myself in the scriptures.

Brother Linford shared a story about President Marion G. Romney. President Romney was worried about his wife’s hearing and spoke with his doctor about it. The doctor instructed President Romney to try a little test when he got home. Sister Romney was doing the dishes in the kitchen and President Romney went into a bedroom and called out her name saying, “Elizabeth, can you hear me?”. There was no reply. He walked closer to the kitchen and said, “Elizabeth, can you hear me?”. Again, no answer. He stepped into the kitchen and standing behind her said, “Elizabeth, can you hear me?”. Elizabeth responded, “For the third time Marion, I can hear you!” I loved this story and as I compared it to receiving revelation, I wondered how often Heavenly Father has been standing near me and asking if I could hear him.

Several years ago I served as the Director of the Springville Family Literacy Centers. I opened the first center in 1996 and within a few years had opened 5 satellite centers in schools throughout Springville. The goal was to help anyone age 5 to 105 improve their reading skills. During this exciting time I was privileged to meet a wonderful array of inspiring people in our community who believed in the importance of reading. One of those people was Dr. Vernon Tipton, a Zoology Professor at BYU who had a deep love for reading. We formed a quick friendship and I looked to him as a type of a mentor. I could call on him for support of any kind. He could answer any question I had with great insight and would guide me in the direction that would help the Literacy Center grow. I truly admired this man as someone who was devoted to the bettering of life for all that he knew.

On a beautiful day in November of 2001 I felt inspired to call Vernon and see how he was. I knew he had been ill and had not spoken with him for some months. As quickly as the thought came into my mind, it flitted carelessly away, not to be thought of again. A few days later, I learned that Vernon had passed away. He died on the day that I had been prompted to call him.

I have shed tears over that day. I have had the proverbially “internal argument” with myself. Why didn’t I follow that prompting? It would have been such an easy thing to do. While I may have not been able to visit with Vernon, I could have been there to help comfort his wife and family. Why didn’t I listen?

One would never accuse me of being a slow learner. I learned a very valuable lesson that day, always follow through on a prompting. Immediately. In Joshua 24:15 we read, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” When we choose to follow a prompting, we are serving the Lord.

Since learning that powerful lesson, I have chosen to follow every prompting. I have found myself randomly calling neighbors and friends just to tell them I was thinking about them. I have stopped by acquaintances homes for no reason other than to share a smile. I have taken the time to visit with an elderly person in the store that seemed to be there just for the socialization. Some would call me crazy….I have heard that before! But, I know that I am following the promptings of the Spirit. I have listened and have acted upon what I have heard.

I would like to challenge everyone to really listen to what the Spirit is saying to you and to act upon that. I know you will be blessed for your efforts.

What a Boost of Encouragement!

I just spent the last few days at BYU Education Week and I can't tell you how many times I thought, "I have got to tell _____ about that!" (you all can fill in the blank with your name!)
This was the first year I have attended but it has been going on since 1971. Over 200 presenters and more than 1000 classes on everything from finances to food storage are available throughout the week. Because of my work schedule I wasn't able to attend the whole time, but I crammed in as much as I could when I wasn't at work.
I don't want to bore some of you light weighted brainiacs with a looooong post (sorry Tui) so I will just share a little at a time.
One of the best classes I went to was "Choosing to be Happily Married" taught by lifecoach Connie Sokol. The title of the class itself is something I wish more people would think about. The actual class itself...amazing! I was so inspired by the way she taught, the way she brought so much of it back to scripture and the way she added a little humor to some not-so-humorous situations.
One of the greatest things she taught was VAC. These are things to remember when conversing with someone.
VAC: Validate, Ask Questions, Closure.

Validate the person you are speaking with by really listening to what they are saying and vocally respond to the situation. Let's say your hubby came home and said, "Honey, I lost my job today." Instead of freaking out and saying..."How are we going to pay the bills? What did you do to make this happen? Or many other like-minded phrases, try this: "I am so sorry hon. Tell me what happened."

Ask questions about the situation: "What did you say after that?" or "Wow. How did you react?"

Closure. End the conversation on the most positive note you can. "I am sorry that happened, but I am sure everything will work out."

It is okay to say everything will work out BECAUSE IT WILL! Remember, in the scriptures it said.... "And it came to pass" NOT "And it came to stay".

She also shared quotes from a lot of books that she has gleaned info on. Here are a few:

The Surrendered Wife.....Laura Doyle
I Don't Have To Make Everything All Better...Gary Lundberg and Joy Lundberg
Gifts From The Sea....Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I have read the book by the Lundberg's, but it was a wonderful reminder. If I recall correctly, the VAC info was something they taught. I am looking forward to reading the others.
Let me know if any of you have read these or are planning on it. It would open up a wonderful discussion!

A Night Out With The Carly's

Brace yourselves American Idol officianados. The Carly Clan will be auditioning this season with their personal rendition of Happy Birthday.




The family gathered for Jim's 36th birthday (He says that is how old he is though there were some that were unbelievers.) and to spend some quality time with him before he leaves to attend PA school at Cornell University in New York. He will be gone for about 22 months. His fam will stay here in Utah and will, of course, be well taken care of by family.

Enjoy some of the pictures from the party, they are much more enjoyable than the singing;)