My Vanishing Youth

Late Nights, Early Mornings, Sleep Texting, Missing My Sweetheart

2012-01-20T22:58:00.001-08:00

I realize that several of my late night thoughts come to the tips of my fingers shortly after I have ingested the magical ambien. And believe you me....magical it is!

I had such a wonderful conversation with my sweet Bryndi Boo tonight. Good thoughts about life, what we need to do to succeed and some choices that can definitely make the road a little rougher. She has amazing insight and such tender feelings. The tender feelings are due to Claire, the little girl that Bryn started nannying when Claire was 3 weeks old, possibly going to preschool this fall. This doesn't leave a lot of time for Bryn to continue to be a big part of her life....and of Nate's. Bryn once put a phrase with a picture of the kids that said..."the littlest things that the biggest part of my heart." She truly loves these kids as if they were her own.
I totally understand what she is saying. I, too, have fallen in love with the kids and enjoy moments of pretend grandparenting. I look forward to phone calls from Claire giggling and telling what she has been up to that day and hearing about brother playing with friends or doing his homework.

Kirk is gone this weekend to a shot show in Vegas and he is having a blast! I find I can get some major things accomplished while he's away and try to make every minute count by going to bed late, getting up early and not really stopping in-between. It makes missing the sweetheart go by a little faster.
I think my phalanges are about to start the texting dance so I must end my thoughts and let the rest of them fill my dreams. Love to you all.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iP

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Whew. What a ride 2011 was. I think I have been looking forward to 2012 for at least a couple of months now. Don't misunderstand....2011 brought some wonderful blessings. It also was sprinkled with tears and even some fears. I don't know that I have anticipated the beginning of a new year quite as much as I have this one.

I was thinking today about all of the things that affected my life so greatly, in wonderful and not so wonderful ways, in the last year and thought it might be good to say thank you to my Heavenly Father for some of them. Don't know that I will share them all and I am certain it cannot be contained in one post...so...just do the Evelyn Wood Speed Reading thing if you are not interested. You never know, it might inspire you to be a little more thankful ;)

Prayers. Short ones. Long ones. Ones filled with Anger. Some with Anguish. Many with Gratitude. How grateful I am to have a loving Heavenly Father that answers my prayers....

"God is eagerly waiting for the chance

to answer your prayers

and fulfill your dreams.

Just as He always has,

but He can't if you don't pray,

and He can't if you don't dream.

In short, He can't if you don't believe."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

For me, prayer goes hand in hand with faith, believing that my efforts will be recognized and even rewarded with the sweet peace that He knows what I am going through, what I can handle (even if I have doubts), and what is best for me. That whole "what is best" for me thing isn't always what I had in my agenda, but I am thankful that He sees things with a much wider angle lens than do I. Ohhh to have the camera that He has.

A Man I Call Sir: Part 2

2011-12-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

The last hours of 2011 and my mind has been on him most of the day, if not the entire week. I thought I should finish telling you about him.

Most of my treasured experiences with Uncle Roger took place on the phone, by email and snail mail, in my home, in Marfa and midway through this year, in Dallas.

I loved visiting on the phone with him. As soon as he knew it was me he would say, "Well hello sweetheart!" This could make any day, any situation, better immediately. His voice seemed to command respect and attention, no doubt from the many years serving in the military and Border Patrol. I willingly gave him both. Some of the calls had purpose. The others were just to hear his voice, laugh with him and hear the updates of life. He had a way of making me feel calmer in a tense situation just by listening to me.

As my girls got older he was always interested in hearing about who they had their eye on and he was always able to come up with some sort of statement clarifying just why that particular boy was not "the one" for either girl. He would get the girls on the phone, ask them about the current love interest, and proceed to arrange the bits of information in a very unflattering way, giving the girls cause to giggle....and maybe think about the validity of his statement. One such conversation went something like this:

Well, hello young lady!
Hi Uncle Roger.
What color have you got your hair today?
Well, I died it black.
Bryn...you know I like your hair best when it's blonde. It's just so pretty on you.
I know, but I like the black too.
Who are you dating?
Joe* (name is changed to protect the innocent).
What is Joe interested in?
He's in FFA and he is a bullrider.
Does he have a job?
Well, he rides bulls. I think he wants to get sponsors and keep doing that.
Bryn, he is going to be a 40 year old, broken down, bull riding, has been, who can't do anything but collect disability. He's not the one for you.

And he wasn't:)

Uncle Roger happened to be staying with us when Bryn was going to the prom. The group of kids that Bryn and her date were going with decided to meet at our house to take some pictures. About the time the kids were departing, Bryn said goodbye and Uncle Roger stood up and said, "Let's go." Bryn looked at him and then questioningly at me and Kirk. All of the kids just stopped. Uncle Roger said, "Didn't your mom tell you I was here to be your chaperone?" Many sighs of relief were heard when everyone realized it was a joke. He chuckled about that one for years.

He was critical of Dani's dates also but once Steven came along he was unable to come up with a reason why he was not the one. This was a good thing since she married him. Not a phone call went by that he did not inquire about them, their jobs, even their dog.

I was blessed enough to find a wonderful man that met my uncle's expectations. In fact, I believe he may have even exceeded them at times. I watched as he counseled, taught and inspired Kirk in so many aspects of his life. They thoroughly enjoyed each others company. Kirk was the student at the foot of the master when it came to guns and gunsmithing. Many times I would come home to find them on the phone with each other discussing guns. He told Kirk, mostly for my benefit of course, "Never let your collection go stagnant", meaning, keep buying guns.I have tried to use this same thought process when buying shoes;). Kirk would literally spend hours in the gunshop with Uncle Roger learning how to repair just about any firearm. He would be amazed as Uncle Roger could go directly to a drawer, pull a particular screw out of dozens and have the exact one he needed. If a part was not available, he made it out of whatever he had.

Near the end of February 2011 Kirk and I drove out to spend a week with Uncle Roger and Aunt Polly. We try to do this as often as we can and it is a time we look forward to with great anticipation. Kirk would always take a few guns with him that need one thing or another fixed so Uncle Roger could guide and instruct him on what to do. I looked forward to visiting, shopping and general pampering of my sweet Aunt Polly as well as pleasing my Uncle with homemade Italian food. It must be a Carly thing...this love of good food.

This particular trip was one of the best we had ever had. Aunt Polly seemed to be doing so much better physically and we even took an entire day trip driving, site seeing and laughing. On the morning that we had planned to leave, Kirk packed our things in the car and we walked outside with Aunt Polly and Uncle Roger. Kisses and hugs were exchanged...and exchanged again. He took me into a big hug, kissed me on the cheek and told me he loved me. I said, "I love you too, Sir". Sir was my term of endearment for him. He let go of me and said, "You know, it was about this time of year 6 years ago that I said goodbye to my dad for the last time." I punched him on the shoulder and said..."You can't just say something like that as I'm leaving!" He gave a short chuckle and said he was just thinking about it. We waved as we drove out the driveway and onto Russell Street. I started to cry as I told Kirk what he had said. Nothing could have prepared me for the reality of that statement.

A Man I Call "Sir"; Part 1

2011-11-27T20:05:00.000-08:00

Kirk and I returned last night from his third, and my fifth trip, to Texas this year. The 21 hours of driving leaves a lot of time for wonderful conversation and pondering for me and for my sweetheart. So much has transpired this year and I still struggle to put the journey into words. Fortunately, I have somewhat of a cyber-journal here and hope that my words and feelings can be had for good some day by someone who comes across them.

About 42 years ago I met a most amazing man. His name is Roger Peter Carly. He is the son of Dan and Josephine Carly and the big brother to my father, Dan Carly Jr. I met him at the kitchen table of his parents home, the home I now have the blessed privilege of living in. He is a handsome man with piercing blue eyes...an often talked about family trait. He was accompanied by his wife; a sweet voiced, Southern belle named Polly. He referred to me as "Sweetheart". We were immediately connected, he and I.

Over the years we have had countless conversations, on the phone, in person and by email. I have shared ideas, secrets, mistakes, successes and trials with him. We have laughed, cried and joked with each other. He has made me laugh, taught me how to be patient, exhibited amazing abilities with animals (especially beagles;)), guns and the English language. He wore his cowboy hat like only a true Texan could.

This will take some time.....but please, bear with me as I tell you about a man I call Uncle Roger and "Sir".

Roger and Polly Carly live in Marfa, Texas, a small town, in a very large state, about 30 miles North of the border of Mexico. It boasts a little more that 2000 residents, a plethora of museums, authentic Mexican food and the mysterious Marfa lights. Located on an inconspicuous corner in this cozy town is a 3 story, centenarian home shielded from the desert sun by more than a dozen towering trees. You will find all manner of vegetation, some indigenous, some transplants protected and prodded to grow by the mistress, covering every inch of the grounds. Walk anywhere on the property and you will be greeted by four barking beagles, loyal only to their master, announcing your arrival.

Next to the detached garage of their home is a place known throughout the Unites States as "The Gun Shop". Hours are 9-Noon and 3 -6 PM. Business is not conducted from Noon to 3....ever. This protected time is reserved for lunch and an afternoon nap. Visitors and phone calls are only accepted during an absolute emergency. No exceptions. Call or stop by during this time and it will be the ONLY time you will make this mistake.

The Gun Shop is not a large place by any means. It measures roughly 6 feet wide by 20 feet long and is filled with tools, machinery, dust, gun pieces and parts. The smell of oils, solvents and sweat make your nose tickle a bit but it becomes a pleasantly anticipated smell that makes you feel safe. The cement floor has the usual small cracks of age and a pathway down the center made shiny by the footsteps of a man at work. Screwdrivers, hammers and files cover the walls in chaotic organization known only to the master of the shop. There are various posters alerting visitors to the federal laws of purchasing firearms and gun safety. There are old license plates, one in particular is from Pennsylvania with the year 1937. The year and state that Uncle Roger was born.

Help! I Have Fallen Down the Stairs and Can't Stop Laughing!

2011-02-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

True Story! We are on our way to see Uncle Roger and Aunt Polly in Texas and decided to stay at Days Inn in Los Lunas New Mexico. Many of you will remember that town with great fondness as that is the sacred town that we acquired Buddy in. We even went to Walmart and took a picture from the parking lot where I first laid my one good eye on him. Awww.

Back to the stairs...Kirk was in front of me carrying our bags, fortunately, or I would have actually hit the floor instead of the one stair above the floor. He did comment that while he was glad he could stop me there on the last stair he was a little disappointed that he wasn't actually behind me to watch the whole thing:)

I have gone through this scenario in my mind a million times....what would I do if I fell down the stairs, in a public place, where people were present? I had decided long ago that I would giggle. And I did. A lot! In fact, still giggling just thinking how funny it must have looked as I tumbled around holding on to the railing with my right arm the whole time.

Lots of bumps and bruises, aches and pains. Kirk did have me take some ibuprofen asap so that should help along the way. We did choose to go elsewhere for breakfast since this incident happened right outside the breakfast room and a couple of people came running to help. We went to Denny's and Kirk lovingly suggested the Grand Slam breakfast as a way of continuing the great start to the day:) He is so thoughtful.....and dang funny!

P.S......I am still giggling as I rub my aching shoulder:)

Contrary to popular belief...I am still here!

2011-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just spent over an hour checking up on everyone and what has been happening in their lives on their blog. What a great way to keep in touch. I then realized that I have not written anything on this blog for almost FOUR MONTHS!!! That realization led me to think...do I really have anything of value to say? What a silly question! I AM a girl, after all.

So, I thought I would do an update type of post...
here goes...

1. Buddy is still alive. Yes, that rascal of a dog who has blessed our lives immensely and forced us to shop for new shoes and a couch, still resides, happily I might add, in our home. I will try to update his blog so definitely check it out www.sitbuddysit.blogspot.com

2. I have changed jobs! With tears in my eyes and a half-way heavy heart, I left my beloved Parkway Health Center to work with Freedom Home Health and Hospice. What an amazing team of caregivers! Still miss my peeps at Parkway but I am totally delighted with the change. You can check things out on their blog www.freedomhomehealthandhospice.blogspot.com . Become a follower of that blog and your name will go into a drawing each month for a prize! January's drawing is tomorrow and the prize is a $25 Gift Card to Macaroni Grill! Lots of good info!

3. Kirk is still alive! Yes, he has continued riding his motorcycles...although the frigid weather has put a bit of a damper on that. He spends his time working at Orem, working with State Parks and Recreation, hanging out with me and making sure Buddy doesn't get too out of hand.

4. Bryn is still alive! Yep....she is doing great! Just turned 21! She is still doing medical records at Parkway as well as went back to being a nanny for Nate and Claire (this makes her parents and the kids parents very, very happy!) She is also now certified in installing eyelash extension. Give her a call for an appointment!

Well, there you have it! The rumors were wrong!

I will try to be a little more diligent. Let me know how you are all doing!

Shoes, Shoes, Glorious Shoes

2010-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

I knew this was coming. The dreaded day when I would come home from a particularly stressful day at work to see that my sweet Buddy has gained access to my closet, and my shoes. Typing this makes me feel quite shallow. Seriously. Shoes? Shouldn't I be worried about so many other things? Like, 'Have I done what Heavenly Father wanted me to do today?' or 'Did I schedule the bills to be paid?' or even 'Did I get something out of the freezer for dinner tonight?' Shallow or not, shoes are pretty high on my list of important things. How they got exalted to this level is as trivial as the fact that they are actually at this level, so, no need to go there.

I should have known immediately that something was wrong because Buddy did not come bounding out of the magic portal, as he does each and every time that we pull into the garage. Nope. Nobody came out. A balloon started to well inside of me as I allowed the 'he is finally getting it' thoughts of Buddy to proliferate like a couple of love sick bunnies. I got out of the car and gave the anticipated word that brings the happiest dogs alive out to greet me. "OKAY!" Jazz and Crazy came barreling out of the portal jumping, kissing, squealing in excitement, and what I should have noted as, "Wait till you see what Buddy has done! We tried to tell him...".
I called Buddy expecting that maybe he was in the backyard. When he didn't come from that portal I went in to see where he was. I must admit, I definitely was not prepared to witness the following scene. There was Buddy, the dog I brought from New Mexico because, "I can see him at our house." sitting on the braided rug with eight, yes eight, different shoes scattered around him. One shoe, a purple crocodile pump, still in his paws with the pointy tip of the beloved shoe shredded. Either he was pretty proud of this scene and was staying still so I could burn this sight into my mind as a treasured photograph or he was so scared at my reaction that he dared not budge. Either way, I had ample time to collect my thoughts, hold back some very shallow, shallow tears and turn around, exiting to the back yard where I set myself into autopilot mode and watered the plants and garden. As I watered and thought, and thought and watered I walked over purple pieces of my shoe (he must have brought it out, chewed on it and took it in for some more lovin'). I finally reentered the house, picked up the remains of some of the best outfit completers in the history of 'Gena' and dumped everything onto the floor of my closet. Why? Well, ever since the beginning of AB (after Buddy) I have taken the 'let's take a picture of what he has done' approach figuring I certainly can't punish the dog unless I catch him in the act of the assault. I felt that, at some point, I would be able to photograph the shoes and write some cute little story about his adventure on his blog (www.sitbuddysit.blogspot.com).
Yesterday I took the shoe remains out of my closet, took a picture and threw them away. Can I tell you that I experienced more than a few seconds of HUGE hesitation about tossing the shoes. I could easily toss the damaged shoes, it was the undamaged mate that I struggled throwing out.
I had flashbacks of being 11 years old and being with my Nonno and Nonna, right here in the home I have the blessing of living in now. The Non'ts (as my girls named them later in my life) had taken me shopping for some summer shoes. I picked these amazing black leather sandals that had tire tread soles and were all the rage in the mid-70's. I could not have been more delighted.
We went home, had lunch and at the be-witching hour of noon I chose not to take a nap. Now, this was something because EVERYONE in Mapleton took a nap at noon. That's why the warning siren blares everyday at noon, to notify all residents that it time for a well needed rest. Looking back, taking a nap that day could have saved me from years of grief.
Instead of the nap I wandered around the neighborhood with another non-napper, Adrian. We found ourselves at the irrigation ditch East of home and because it was summer and because everyone knows what you are supposed to do when you find an irrigation ditch, we dangled our feet in the deliciously cool water. As if that weren't bravery enough, in every description of the word, we decided to remove our sandals and dangle just our bare feet in the water. I am not sure who came up with the next decision but I participated willingly in dangling my new sandals in the swift flow of the water. I have always been one, to some of my deepest regrets, who appreciated the opportunity of outdoing the person next to me. This terrible personality flaw reared it's stupid head and I dangled one of my super-cool sandals by one lone finger. Briefly. Only because the water removed the sandal from my finger faster than a mosquito avoids a swat from your hand. The feeling of loss was immediate. I quickly reached both hands in the water trying to feel the sandal, praying that it would miraculously be lodged on a branch or the grate of the ditch. It did not take long to realize it was gone. This did not stop Adrian and me from quickly mapping out what we believed to be the route of the water throughout the neighboring farms and as fast as two scared girls could run we searched every corner and every crossroad that we thought the shoe could have been swept. I was forced to go home to break the news to my grandparents.
I crept into Nonna's room and knelt at the side of her bed. I think my stifled sobs are what actually woke her. She looked so worried when she saw me crying and asked what was wrong. I recounted the story. She hugged me and told me we could go together and look for the beloved sandal. We never found it. In the big scheme of things, this was one of those experiences that showed me how lovingly a parent could treat a child who had made such an error and I hope that I have made the best of that example while raising my beautiful daughters. In the shallow puddles of me, however, it also instilled a terrible love, a devotion of shoes. I spent the next two or so years actually praying that I would break my left leg so that I could wear the precious saved sandal. Fortunately, I think, my prayers were not answered for this specific request.
So, back to my dilemma; throw out a perfectly good shoe or save it, just in case? What if I broke my leg? Picture if you will, me with a broken leg and a nice hot pink pump on the other foot pitching myself around with a set of crutches. Nice.
With a heavy heart I disposed of ALL of the shoes. I made myself throw them into the empty trash can thus making it more difficult to retrieve them should I come to a different conclusion.
The closet is tidied up. The dog has not chewed on another shoe. He is still alive and yes, does still reside in my home. What have I learned? Shoe Carnival does not carry turquoise pumps anymore, but they do have some fabulous purple ones;) Most of all, I really, really love shoes....oh, and Buddy.

Ephraim Canyon with the Derico's

2010-07-18T18:12:00.001-07:00

Kirk and I had a wonderful weekend adventure with Ralph and Cheryl at Cheryl's Bed and Breakfast in Ephraim, Utah. For reservations just get with me and I will give you the number :)

We spent Friday driving around beautiful little towns in Sanpete County, desperately looking for garage sales and admiring beautiful old homes. We had a most amazing dinner at the Sage Brush Grill. If you haven't, you SHOULD!!

We enjoyed cottage cheese pancakes with homemade fruit jam at the B&B and left from the Derico's on the four wheelers for a 5 1/2 hour tour of the beautiful mountains above Ephraim. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for a great get away Ralph and Cher!

Buddy, The Electrical Wonder

2010-07-14T16:13:00.000-07:00

Let's just start by saying....DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! Seriously, horrendous results can occur!

Now that the disclaimer has been stated....Guess what Buddy has been up to?
Three guess and the first two don't count!

You guessed chewing up more valuable items?

Wow! You're good!

I had to place an "aren't I so irresistibly adorable" picture first so you know why we keep the darn dog.

Buddy is amazing. Buddy is charismatic. Buddy tried to be an electrician and, SHOCKER, things didn't work out so well.

In all of his free time (time unsupervised whilst we are earning a living trying to pay for all the damage he does) Buddy decided that the computer cord looked delicious. How does something look delicious to a dog? Presentation. It as all about presentation. Imagine, if you will, a luscious, plump, juicy cord, plugged in of course, tantalizing your taste buds. Making your mouth water. Being the one thing that you would request for your last supper if you happened to be on death row for being convicted of animal cruelty for killing your beloved dog.........got the picture? Well, Buddy could not resist. He had to partake, just like Adam of old in the Garden of Eden. And like Adam, God sent a shock wave that would be felt through Buddy's body (via the electric company). As Buddy's teeth connected with the inner wiring of the cord a yelp was heard throughout the neighborhood. He quickly left the Garden of Eden and was banished to the lone and dreary world where he licked the end of his tail for quite some time.

Poor Buddy. I know I keep saying this but, he really is a very smart dog! Time will prove me right on this:)

Buddy Strikes Again!

2010-07-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

This may appear that I am angry with the sweet little man, but I am not. I wanted him to stay while the picture was taken. We came home to this one day. Kirk actually got home before I did and took a picture on his phone and sent it to me. It was difficult to see and it appeared that he had 'undressed' the wing back chair. and piled it in the middle of the living room. Wrong! He took the braided rug which is 6x9', piled it up and tore big chunks out of the under padding. He really isn't that big of a dog and I am starting to wonder if the other dogs join in just to set him up.

We have taken the 'take a picture of it' approach with Buddy's adventures (to the dismay of our eldest daughter). I look at it as parenting your youngest child that showed up 20 years after the 'other' youngest child was born.....you just have to giggle, clean it up and hope you prevent the next disaster. Remember when you had your first baby and you sterilized EVERYTHING and made everyone wash their hands before they came within a block of the babe? By the time your baby is 6 months old you simply blow the germs off of the binky when it drops on the bathroom floor and hand it back to your little one.

I sincerely hope that Buddy grows out of this little stage soon. Until then, enjoy the updates :)

The Freaking Adventures of Buddy

2010-07-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Let me start out by saying...I have already taken the sleeping pill prior to typing. Let me also say.....dang, that is funny :)

So, the newest addition, Buddy, the amazingly brilliant and worth every red cent puppy.....we love him, it is true. He loves us. That, is also true. As Claire and my favorite Uncle have said, "He can't believe his good fortune." How do we know how much he loves us? Simple. Every day, while we are at work, Buddy destroys something we enjoy and/or appreciate in our home. In dog-theory I believe this means "Now that I am in your home, you won't be needing this_______ as I will bring you much greater enjoyment." Then, he proceeds to eat the item. We have found that he doesn't like wheat bread......otherwise he would have eaten the entire loaf.

Maybe it was the plastic wrap that threw him off, who knows.

GPS vs. GPM

2010-06-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Kirk and I had the opportunity recently to go to Marfa, Texas, a thriving Metropolis 30 miles North of the Mexico border, to visit my wonderful Uncle Roger and Aunt Polly. Bonus for us, Claire and Vivian were there at the same time! I really look forward to this trip and don't take it nearly as often as I would like to. It is a good two day drive but it is so worth it.

This trip was especially fruitful as we increased our family size by one.

This is Buddy. Let me tell you how he came to be a Bertelsen.

Kirk and I left on a Friday afternoon with the plan to drive as far as we possibly could, get a hotel room and then start out early the next morning as we were picking Claire and Vivian up at the El Paso Airport the next afternoon. We didn't make a lot of stops, time was of the essence and only 'emergency' stops would qualify for time off of the road.

All that driving and sitting and sitting and sitting some more can make your back feel pretty rough and that is exactly what it did to Kirk. We got to our hotel and Kirk said, "Let's make sure we stop at Walmart and pick up some Ibuprofen in the morning." That was the plan and it should have worked out just fine as Walmart was literally across the highway from our hotel. We woke up the next morning, packed the car, had breakfast and off we went. No stop at Walmart.

We were enjoying the road trip but dreading Albuquerque. We drive through that city every trip down and have deemed it the worst place on earth. Now, this is just our opinion, I am sure there are beautiful people, places and things there, they just must be hidden, deep, very deep. Anyhow, the GPS routed us around Albuquerque on a side road that led to Los Lunas. Both Kirk and I were questioning the GPS but Kirk got out the trusty atlas and found that it was actually a shorter route that saved us from having to experience the city of 'deep beauty'. By this time, Kirk's back was definitely needing some help so he typed some info into the GPS to find the next closest Walmart. It was just ahead in Los Lunas.

Los Lunas, New Mexico is a sandy little city that has some serious wind issues. Not a lot of trees in Los Lunas. Not very much greenery at all, but lots of sand. And wind. You really should go visit someday :). We found Walmart with the greatest of ease (thank you GPS) and as we pulled into the parking lot I spotted an amazing dog in a kennel near the front of the store. It was the Los Lunas Animal Shelter Adoption Day and there were several people around holding different animals and arranging adoptions with the powers that be. No one was even interested in the dog I had seen from the outskirts of the parking lot. I inquired about the dog and was told that he had been in the shelter for about 2 weeks, his family moved and could not take him with them and he was about 8 months old. They also said he is a mix between a German Sheppard and a Red Heeler. I asked if I could hold him and they removed him from his kennel and handed his leash to me. I was already hooked. Sweetness and gentleness were the first characteristics I found in him. I immediately thought about Dani and how she has talked about getting another dog that would be a companion for Hank (my granddog). Kirk quickly called her and talked with her about it. She wanted to talk with Steven before making a decision. We gave the dog back and went in to pick up the supplies we needed.
Dani called back and said she was a little worried about the dog getting along with Hank and said maybe she shouldn't get it right now. Kirk and I talked a bit about just keeping it ourselves, but who in their right mind would take a new dog on a road trip, stay for a week and then take another 2 day road trip back to it's 'home'? Not to mention the four beagles at Uncle Roger's. We spoke with the shelter employees and asked if anyone could foster the dog and we would pick it up the following week on our way back to Utah. No one was really interested in that so Kirk and I decided that if this dog was still there next week we would adopt him. It would be destiny.
We got back in the car and headed toward El Paso. The ride was very quiet. both of us pondering the situation. After 17 miles I looked at Kirk and said, "I think we should turn back and get him, I can see him in our backyard." Kirk did not even blink, he just said "Okay."
About 3 miles away from Los Lunas I called the man who was in charge of the adoption day. He had given me his card so I could call him as we were traveling through the next week. He answered and I asked, "Is this James?" He said, "No, James is not available right now." I was certain this was the same guy I had just spoken with so I said, "Yes it is! I just spoke with you about a dog, I am from Utah." He quickly apologized and told me he thought I was his ex-wife.....seriously! He confirmed that the dog was still there and would hold it for our return.

It was meant to be. This dog was destined to be a part of my family. He is absolutely amazing, brilliant, gentle and loving. He has every quality I would search for in a pet and more. I am hopeful that he will become a therapy dog for the residents at Parkway and be able to bring more joy and love into their lives as he has done for us.

As for the title of this post: GPS vs. GPM? GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite. I have renamed ours GPM...Global Positioning Magic. Surely it was magic that led us to Buddy!

SPAGHETTI SAUCE HEAVEN!!

2009-10-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Definingˈbyü-ti-fəl.......

2009-10-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. My thoughts are constantly running full steam ahead but rarely do I get a chance to slow down and put those thoughts into words.
We recently returned from a wonderful family vacation to the thriving metropolis of Marysvale, Utah, population....maybe 300. This is an amazing town filled with deep rooted history of mining, religion and the Bertelsen family.

We went with a group of family and friends, about 15 in all, and enjoyed amazing rides on the 4-wheelers, great food and fun conversation. It was on one of these rides that I found myself thinking, "That is the most beautiful.....". After thinking this so many times I wondered how one could really express the word 'beautiful' so that someone else feels in their heart and soul what you feel.

William Shakespeare said..."Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Was he totally correct? Can I look at something that, to me, is utterly gorgeous and to you is merely average? Is there beauty in everything? Really, everything?

As I was able to putter my way slowly through more than 100 miles of the Paiute Trail I found myself cresting a hill and seeing such an extraordinary scene that I would stop my machine, pull the camera out of the protective case, take several shots and just hope that I had captured through the lens, what my eyes and heart and mind had experienced in that one moment.

Feeling confident that I had, I would continue on down the trail only to be stopped again at another sight that seemed to be competing for my vote on "Most Beautiful".

If that wasn't enough to keep my mind busy, I found that the actual 'smell' of sunburnt leaves and dusty trail was beautiful! Un-scarred white bark on an aspen tree, one vibrant oak with shimmering red leaves in the midst of lush green pines, the sun glistening on golden aspen leaves. Could anything be more beautiful?

My senses would not give my mind a rest. Soon I was listening to the water rushing over rocks and cascading into a river. The sound was calming. The scene was peaceful. What was the most beautiful thing?

Upon our return to camp I found beauty in other things..... our friends children, Claire giggling and Nate roasting marshmallows or asking if we could go through "Roller Coaster Alley" again, seeing Dani and Bryn enjoying each others company on a camping trip they yearned for. Having Ralph and Cher, Rob and Karen and Todd and Anna see Marysvale through our eyes. Even Cher's gourmet carrot-cake pancakes that never could cook all the way were beautiful!

Needless to say, I haven't discovered or defined beautiful. I am, however, so blessed to live in such a place that I am inspired to continue searching, knowing full well, that it is one thing and everything.

Please let me know what your definition of beautiful is........

2009-07-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

Just a little game of tag!
Here are the Rules:
1)Post rules on your blog
2)Answer the six "8" items
3)Let each person you tag know by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV Shows
1. What Not To Wear
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Desperate Housewives
4. So You Think You Can Dance
5. American Idol
6. Brothers and Sisters
7. News
8. 48 Hours

8 Things I did Yesterday
1. Went to work only to pull into the parking lot, have my boss call and say that
I had plenty of hours and could go home!
2. Had smoothies (made by Kirk) for breakfast with my Honey and My Baby girl!
3. Scrubbed basement floors
4. Cleaned the litter box (Cheese must have been thrilled as we were treated to
a wonderful dead mouse offering this morning.
5. Made Bread...this made everyone happy!
6. Removed an embarrassing amount of hair from my floors that could possibly
create another dog! (How can crazy still be so furry?)
7. Did laundry.
8. Listed my motorcycle for sale.

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1. Having Kirk home for Sunday dinner for the next two months.
2. Tomatoes from the garden.
3. Seeing my Favorite Uncle at the end of this month!
4. Bryn's dance review of the classes she teaches...July 15th!
5. Sunny beautiful days.
6. Heaven.
7. Having some time to finish a book.
8. That's about it.....

8 Favorite Restaurants1.
1. Gloria's Little Italy
2. Ottavios
3. Bombay House
4. Ruby River
5. Applebees
6. Miner's Cafe in Midvale
7. Tucanos
8. Sizzler

8 Things on My Wish List
1. No Debt
2. Low gas prices
3. World Peace...seriously
4. Extra time
5. Cool summer nights
6. Another trip to Italy would be pretty nice.
7. Some shoes that look good and feel good after running around at work all day long.
8. A fur free existence that still included my dog Crazy.

People I Tag
1. Dani Lou
2. Bryndi Boo
3. Shana Gardner
4. Chris Pyne
5. Kayleen Sheppard

Summertime, Sweet Summertime.......

2009-07-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

I love all of the seasons of the year but summertime is probably my favorite. To see the fruits of your labor (or your hubby's labor), the flowers blooming, even to mow the lawn, I look forward to it all.

I feel so blessed to be in the home that my grandparents built. I cannot wake up without thinking about them, missing them, hoping I am living up to what they wanted of me. They were such a wonderful influence in my life and I hope that I can pass that on to my girls.

I thought I would just post a few pictures of my favorite summertime hangout ~ the patio (pronounced Pah-Tee-Ooh for those of you who know and love anyone in Marfa, Texas;)

Kirk has worked so hard in the garden this year and we are going to have a bumper crop of tomatoes!

My sweet Crazy. She is squinting just a bit, too light outside for those tender eyes!

I can hardly believe that Jazz is 14 years old! She still acts like a little puppy.

The Patio. A refuge from the daily grind.

I'm BAAAACCCCKKKK!

2009-06-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

After what seems like many moons, I thought I would do a little blogging. Facebook is seriously sucking the fun out of blogs!

So much has happened in the last few months. Dani and Steven have moved into their new house and it is beautiful! I am so happy for them. We niss them, and Hank the grand-dog, but get to see them a few times a week still.

Kirk is just about done with this round of swing shifts and I am so excited. He is busily planning a 10 day motorcycle trip with a group of cops that will take them into Canada. He is so wonderful, I am so blessed to be his wife.

Bryn is working 4 jobs! Still being a nanny for our Doc, teaching dance two days a week at Orem Recreation center, working at the Junk (local gas station) and helping out at the new Parkway Health Center in Payson.

As a matter of fact, Parkway is where you will find me most days also as I have taken a new position with Traditions Health Care as the Admissions/Resident Services person. I think I have found my dream job! I get to work one-on-one with the residents and meet so many wonderful people. Parkway Health Center is a 76 bed skilled nursing facility. We moved in on May 5th and have almost doubled in staff and residents since then. I have such a love for these people and feel like I am able to help make a difference in their life whether for a few weeks during rehabilitation or for longer with long term nursing care.

Please keep in touch, contact me here or on facebook. I would love to hear from all of you!

I'm Thinking ARBY'S!!

2009-02-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Valentine's Day, was the 22nd anniversary of my marriage to my sweet hubby Kirk. It was amazing! We spent the day together, I made cookies while he tried to sleep off the effects of a graveyard shift. He had made reservations to Ottavios, one of our favorite restaurants. When we arrived we could hardly get through the door, there were SOOOOOO many people. Obviously rookies! We were seated within minutes and started to peruse the special Valentine's Day Menu. Can you believe we choose prime rib and salmon dinners? Hello, some of the best Italian in the county and we go for non-Italian? As part of your meal they had a beautiful appetizer/pasta bar. Pasta salads of every imaginable kind, fresh fruit, large shrimp with cocktail sauce and their famous bread. We tried almost everything and walked back to our table....but wait.....our table was gone!! They had moved our table to make another table larger! Fortunately we were given another table just inches away from the first site.

Everything was so good! We really ate way too much!

Upon arriving home, I went with Bryn to deliver some valentine treats before she went to hang out with her friends.
Now....
Flashback 32 hours and you will find me at Applebee's with my amazing friend Cheryl. She is grinning like the cat who ate the canary....in fact, I have a pic of her that can help you visualize....

Don't hate her because she's beautiful.

Cheryl had arrived for our lunch date with a large sunshiny yellow bag. I asked her what she had and she said it was something for me and Kirk to help us celebrate our anniversary and Valentines. I did have to ask if it was sexual in nature to which she replied..."It depends on how you look at it."

So, a few minutes into lunch she lets me peek inside.

Certainly you have seen the commercial. A guy, sitting on the bed. You hear a woman's voice saying, "Okay honey. But I am only doing this because it's your birthday...." Then out she comes in a full on Arby's uniform carrying a try like what you have seen here.

Needless to say, I laughed so hard throughout lunch and on the way home and even every time I thought about how I would utilize this the next day, that I had a headache. Now that could really put the kibosh on the whole thing!

I am so blessed to have some of the funniest friends on earth! I have no idea what I would do without Cher. She, and hubby Ralph, have been such great friends, and we can obviously talk about ANYTHING!!

As it says on the cups on the tray..."Happiness is just a curly fry away!"

Announcing....A NEW Member Of The Family!!

2009-01-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it! My amazing hubby brought home a new member of the family and I would like to be the first to introduce you.

His name is Whirlpool and WOW is he a hard worker! At 32" tall and 18" wide, he is a little smaller than others like him but that didn't stop us from welcoming him into our home with open arms. As you can see, he is black, and that just made us love him even more. I checked into a little bit of his ancestry and found that he has a little bit of Hispanic (Mexico) and Chinese (China) in him. Bundle all of that together and what a beautiful package.

As soon as Whirlpool got settled he went straight to work and washed an entire load of dishes! They came out all sparkly clean. He really is an expert at what he does.

Feel free to stop by and welcome our new little guy. He's kind of quiet but he is a perfect addition to the Bertelsen household!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T06:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! 2009 Already! I remember being in 6th grade and thinking the killer bees would take care of us all before the year 2000! I was a little gullible then. I also learned that there are germs in the air (in science class) and did my best to not breathe in. I think that may be a very good explanation for some questionable things about me.

I am really looking forward to a new year. So many opportunities and challenges, but I think I am up for it.

We had our whole little family over for fabulous Chinese food last night. I really should have taken some pictures, not only was the family beautiful, so was the food! I made egg rolls (crab and cream cheese or vegetable, pick either one!), ham fried rice, stir fry veggies and sesame chicken. The sesame chicken is my new favorite thing to make, found a great recipe on the internet, let me know if you need it.

After dinner we all retired to the front room to visit and watch the dogs play. It is so funny to watch Crazy and Hank get together. I think they really look forward to the playtime. Jazz, on the other hand, is not about to get off my lap unless Hank gets up with her. Then she is quickly trying to find higher ground. It was a little easier when Hank didn't know that he could jump up on the furniture.

I asked my family what their goal was for the new year. Everyone had one, except Bryn. Actually, she had one, it was...."I have a goal of not making any goals for the new year." Who raised her?
So the big goal for the new year........wait for it........

Get organized. A place for everything and everything in its place.

We actually started a little early by taking an entire truck load of "things" to DI. I think a lot of other people thought about this too as Kirk said there was a 2 hour line to drop things off.

Sure, there are other goals. Some a little more personal than what I would share here. I wish everyone a wonderful New Year and good luck on your goals!

2008-12-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-12T06:44:00.001-08:00

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?

2008-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-25T06:18:00.000-08:00

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.....

2008-11-21T02:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

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......

2008-11-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-04T06:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

TWO OF MY FAVORITE THINGS, MY KIDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY!

2008-10-19T17:39:00.001-07:00

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!!

2008-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-03T06:30:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

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 youthis 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!

2008-08-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

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;)

A Season Lost

2008-08-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

I want to start out by saying....whew! I survived. Actually, it wasn't really as bad as that sounds but I fully embrace the fact that I got my butt kicked last week! I offered to babysit Jim and Danielle's kids (Whitney, age 11; Elijah, age 8; Porter, age 6 and Kate age 2 1/2)while they went with the youth in their Stake to a Pioneer Trek. While they pulled handcarts more than 25 miles, slept outside, cooked over a fire, endured the heat and bugs and dealt with hundreds of other people's kids, I hung out with their 4 children. The average person may think I got the better end of the deal. Yes, I believe I did, but I am a little tempted to think I may be wrong!

I picked up the kids after work on Wednesday and brought them to my house. I asked Jim and Danielle to leave the van for me so I didn't have to move car seats and so that I would have room to take more children with me (crazy, I know!). I remember a time in my life that I wouldn't have driven a mini-van if my life depended on it. In fact, I may have even uttered snide remarks about those who "had so many kids" that a van was required just to transport the gang. Please close your eyes and visualize my foot entering my mouth. It was actually quite nice! Plenty of room. Everyone had their own 'space'. It didn't take long for me to quit worrying about any of my friends seeing me in that van. Something of note here....I used to own a van, I drove it proudly and I liked it, so my aversion to driving their van was completely uncalled for.They were sweet enough to fill it up for me and have everything you could ever need while tending their kids, packed in the back. Really, it was a flashback to a scene of what used to be my life.

On the way home, I asked Eli what sounded good for lunch. He said, "Well......generally, we eat macaroni and cheese with hot dogs." Easy enough. "How about dinner, what kinds of things do you like for dinner?" I asked. "We like ramen noodles." He said. I was starting to see a pattern here but decided to check it out anyway.... "How about breakfast?" Without hesitation Eli responded, "Pop Tarts." I tried, unsuccessfully, to quell my laughter.

We pulled into the driveway at home and the kids were so excited to be here. They were so great about helping me unload the van and get things put into the rooms they would occupy. I started their lunch (mac and cheese with hot dogs, homemade mac and cheese!) and tried to keep my eye on them, a task that proved to be much more difficult than I remember! The kids loved the homemade mac and cheese and I was really glad I had made a HUGE amount that could be reheated the next day. We spent the rest of the day trying to find something for them to do. I was starting to think that maybe we should have stayed at their house where their toys and friends were. I was glad to find a stash of toys that I had stored away a long time ago and it seemed to keep them entertained. The Wii was also a lifesaver!

The kids were really looking forward to Thursday as I had planned to take them to the local pool. I had told one of my friends what my plans were and she said, "You're going to take 4 kids to the pool?" I said, "No. I am taking 6 kids to the pool." (remember: van....extra room...you get the idea) I had also invited Rob and Karen's two youngest boys, Tanner (12) and Wyatt (8). We had an absolute blast! Don't get me wrong.....I think I was as tired as the kids were after it was all over, maybe even more! I love the pictures we got at the pool. Hope you all enjoy them too.

Friday we just kind of hung out, took walks, played games, read books, cooked, ate, played some more. Who says stay-at-home moms have it easy? We all crawled in bed around 9:30 PM. Crawled is not an over-exaggeration. You may be thinking, where was Kirk in all of this? Hmmmm.......let's see.....He went motorcycle riding all day Thursday and seemed to keep REALLY busy on Friday. But he totally took it head on Saturday morning. I had another parade and had to be out of the house at 6:00 AM. I didn't get back until almost noon. The kids were alive and well and even quite happy that they had Uncle Kirk all to themselves! I fed the kids and took them to their home to await their parents arrival. It wasn't long before hugs and kisses and squeals of happiness were filling the home as Jim and Danielle returned. I visited for a few minutes and went home. I was so exhausted that it was really all I could do to crawl in bed and go to sleep!

Reflecting on the last few days I have come to realize that I have lost something. There was a season in my life, the one where I was engulfed in the care and keeping of my girls, that is gone. I loved that time. I loved the games Dani and Bryn and I would play. I loved being the 'mom Barbie' as we would play for hours in our Barbie Haven. I loved taking my kids to the pool and to the park. I loved reading them stories every night and having them say..."Just one more page Mom!" I loved helping them discover who they were and where they were going in life. I didn't even mind the difficult times when I had to put them in a time out or ban them from speaking to each other because they had treated each other unkindly, only to find them writing apology notes to each other because they couldn't bear not communicating with their sister. What has happened?

Where did the time go? This seems like a cruel trick. It wasn't long ago that my cousin Claire sent me such a great email about motherhood that was printed in the Washington Post. Let me share it with you:

Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc.
Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry.
What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . . Okay.
I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.
Tacoma, Wash.

Relax and enjoy. You're funny. Or you're lying about having friends with kids. Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them. Internet searches? I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed. So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed,clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head. It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15. It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier. It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense. It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything. It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

This email really made me think about the season in life I am now in.

Here is what I have decided: AAaahhhhhhhhhh....those were the days! Enjoy every backbreaking, eardrum popping, draggin' your butt out of bed for the third time tonight, food in your hair, minute of it!
Unfortunately it ends much too quickly and all that seems to be left is some wonderfully, giggly memories, too much food left after dinner, too much space in the "just big enough" house and so sad "miss you" tears that you wipe away before anyone notices.

I am now moving into the Sunday Dinner Season of motherhood. I do this with my head held high and tissue close by. I don't mind really. Steven, my son-in-law, says it is his favorite day of the week. (Surely he knows I already like him!) But I do love the way he eats what I make and seems to really enjoy it.

Yep. Sunday Dinner Season of motherhood has begun.
What I wouldn't give for a few more Sunday's with me, the girls and our Barbie Haven!
I speak Ken....and his Jeep!

2008-07-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa

Lazy Days Of Summer

2008-07-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

What a fun day we have had. Haillie came for the weekend and we decided to take Karen and Wyatt to the park. We had a wonderful picnic lunch and sat in the shade of a beautiful chestnut tree. The kids really enjoyed the new equipment at the park and we took lots of fun pictures. There is nothing like a day at the park to make you feel young again!

Everyone Loves A Parade

2008-07-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

What a morning I have had already! I just returned from helping some of our senior residents at the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Parade. The day started out beautiful, sunny, mild temperatures. Not many snags in the whole scheme of things. After all, one flat tire is really nothing to make a big deal about....even if it is on the float.
Actually, we must be very blessed! The float arrived just in time, the residents were placed upon the float shortly before it began moving, everyone was smiling and waving and the residents looked fabulous!
I used to really dislike parades, (I would say 'hate' but that seems a little harsh. Dislike probably covers it.) a bunch of people sitting in lawn chairs, on the sidewalk, on someone's shoulders, just to watch other people wave at them. Parade goers pushing and shoving to get into 'their spot' along the parade route. Clowns (really, clowns) riding bikes up and down the street and squirting the unsuspecting citizen. Now really, who came up with this idea?

Then everything changed. I started working for Traditions Health Care Inc. which is a management company for skilled nursing facilities in our area. I have been with this company for about a year and a half and absolutely love, Love, LOVE IT! My favorite part is probably getting to know the sweet residents that we have. They really have a story to tell but it seems that not many want to hear it. I DO! I have learned some of the most amazing things from these seniors!

Back to why I now love parades..... It is soley because of these people. For the past two parade seasons we have created a float for them to ride on. One that will share a part of their 'story' with parade goers. Last year we had this large scrapbook on our float with pictures of some of our residents at different times in their lives. We had asked them what their favorite life memories were and narrowed that down to five: Grandparenting, Farming, Fishing, Serving in the Armed Forces and Gardening. We then dressed five of our residents (they took turns at each parade) to represent these memories. The float was aptly named 'Life's Memories'. It was so exciting to watch them prepare for the event. For most, it was their first time riding in a parade!

The first parade we had entered was the Art City Days Parade. I went ahead of the float and scouted out our position in the lineup only to find that we were placed behind the most dazzling float on earth! A 20' tall dancing senorita that twirled around and around! I honestly can't remember what else was on that float. i only remember thinking, "What have I done? We are the 'Hillbillies'!" Two of my administrators pulled the float into place. Residents arrived and were loaded onto the float. Sweat drizzled down my back. Everyone was melting in the heat. And just when there seemed to be no relief in sight, a breath of fresh air came by in the way of the judging committee! Our float had been chosen as the "Best of Theme". All of a sudden the heat didn't matter. We were dancing and screaming! It was an amazing thing! By the way, the dancing senorita.....not even a nod for great routine!

That started a whirlwind of parades and 3 more awards. The residents were all clamoring for their turn to ride on the float. One resident rider asked me if she could have a copy of the picture I took of her on the float. She said, "My kids are never going to believe that I was in a parade!" They all received a photo of their experience and memories for a lifetime!

This year our float was sure to be amazing. Jason, Melanie (2 of the administrators)and I went to a float making class in SLC. While we were there they came up with an idea of putting a lion on a float (not a real one!) and calling the float "Noble Hearts" and having the residents sitting on thrones and dressed as royalty. And as luck would have it......the instructor of the class happened to have a large lion we could rent for the season. He thought it was 15' long by 10' high. Sounded like a perfect fit for the trailer we use for our float. Melanie and Jason were so excited that they went up the next day to pick it up. The lion was kept in a warehouse way up high in the rafters. After some finagling and a fork lift, the lion was placed on the trailer. Hmmmmm.......the lion must have grown! It was actually 20' long by 13' high and barely fit on the trailer. The lion was strapped down and headed for the long journey home. Jason and Melanie decided it would be smart to go through all of the small towns and the back streets instead of the freeway so they could travel as slow as they needed to. That was an excellent idea considering the fact that the lion exited the float in Pleasant Grove! The police came and had to block off the street so they could retrieve the pieces.

Now we are really in a pickle. Rented lion in pieces. Four weeks until first parade. No plan B. Never fear, Melanie is here! She is seriously one of the most talented people I know. She spent hours upon hours rebuilding the lion with spray foam and a putty knife! Check it out in the picture. She is also responsible for the beautiful royal costumes and the float design! Wow!

We have done three parades so far and no award, At least not one from the parade committee! The true reward is the smiles on the faces of our residents as they wave to those silly people sitting in lawn chairs, on the sidewalk and on someone's shoulders. I guess parades have a purpose after all.

How Proud Can A Parent Be?

2008-07-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from my oldest daughter Dani. She works as a dispatcher in the county and actually does a pretty darn good job. In the email, she has attached a letter that one of the deputy's has written for publication in some local papers. Just thought it would be fun to let you all check it out and let me know what you think.

Sheriff’s Corner

Because my article has to be in before the 25th of each month, I had not yet experienced the Elk Ridge City Celebration which was held the last few days of June. WOW how impressive it was. Speaking with several of those involved, it is hard to imagine the amount of time, effort that goes into putting on such a celebration for your community. Elk Ridge may be a small community, but you can rest assured there is a huge effort that takes place behind the scenes
and your city employees, and city council deserve a big thanks for a job well done. Thank You!!

In the past I have introduced myself and have let you know a few things about the Sheriff’s Office. This month I would like to introduce to you the heart of the Sheriff’s Office. Without this group of professionals the county would come to a grinding halt. Unfortunately they don’t get that vote of thanks so well deserved. In your time of need they are the ones who answer the phone with the voice of hope. It’s your Utah County Dispatch Center.

They provide extraordinary community services on a daily basis, yes daily! Just a few of those services are letting your city know if you wake up, and your water does not come on. Compassion, for the one who feels life no longer has a purpose. They are also the one who gives you life saving skills until the ambulance arrives. They provide hope, security, and let you know more help is on the way. They are there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I know based on
the events during their shift some will not sleep, or get the things done they need. Their families pay for their unselfish acts to serve you.

Let me introduce Danielle. Although she has only worked for Utah County a short time, she is a great representation of the professionalism all of the dispatchers who work so hard everyday to help keep your community safe. I have seen them during emergencies at which time it becomes organized chaos. Law Enforcement is dispatched, Ambulances and Fire Department’s are en-route, Life Flight is taking off, and then there is the one dispatcher who is conducting it all when they are on the phone with you, trying to get the information out as fast as he/she can. When the smoke clears you walk out amazed wondering how it all came together, but somehow it does.
This month if you have the opportunity to call dispatch take a second and say thanks for a job well done, because they cannot hear that enough. Thank You Dispatch!

Proud? How could a parent not be? This wonderful young woman has blessed our family just by being a part of it. She is determined, funny, disciplined, beautiful and loving. She is the most diligent person I know in almost every aspect of life. What a great example she is to all of those around her. I am not at all surprised that she was chosen to represent the dispatchers.

Congratulations Dani Lou Hoo! We love you more than words can say!

Yeah for me!!

2008-07-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

I did it! I actually created a blog spot of my own after great inspiration from my not-so-much-older-than-me aunt! Give me a little time and I will dazzle you with my brilliance and confound you with my EOA (early onset Alzheimer's!).