Wednesday, November 30, 2011

#30 Thankful..........

I am thankful for Festival of Trees....  I try to be there on opening night to purchase something and see all of the beautiful trees.  
 I am reminded of all the years I decorated a tree with my wonderfully creative and generous sis-in-law--Sandy... we had a lot of fun coming up with ornament ideas and getting work parties together to make it happen for the Pharmacy guild.  We had a black and white cow tree and an angel tree and a nativity tree and a tall soldier tree...and many others.  We always wanted the trees to be sold on opening night-- and felt so sad when this didn't happen, but eventually all of the trees found a home.
I loved the time spent working on a Bubba Belnap  Skiing bear tree and a Sarah Belnap Angel tree with a wonderful group of friends.  We worked and cried and worked some more.  It was very therapeutic.
Festival of trees is such a wonderful, worthy fundraiser  for Primary children's hospital.  This hospital saved my Laila's life.....and I am grateful for any help we can give them.
I am thankful.


30 Days of thanks has been a good goal and an exhausting goal.
 I am thankful for be done.    I know that sounds like I'm ungrateful, which is not true at all.  It's hard to put into writing every day something meaningful that I am thankful for.  Something that touched me, or reminded me to count my many blessings.   I am glad I make myself do this each year though.  It's a good exercise in gratitude..... and now we are ready for December!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

#29 Thankful for couple time

I am thankful to be running up to the Homestead for some much needed couple time.
A quick overnighter and some re-connecting is just what we need.
I am thankful that Wayne is so willing to leave work and concentrate on US.
I am thankful

Monday, November 28, 2011

#28 Thankful for my Dad

My dad is the sweetest.  He cries at the drop of a hat....he wasn't always this way, but as he gets older his tear ducts get bigger.   I blame my empathy crying on him.
We went to his sister Phyllis' funeral today in Preston, Idaho.   Out of 13 kids there are only 2 left, my dad and his baby brother Jerry.    It's always great to see extended family and cousins.  I don't know many, but everyone knows my dad.   He's the connector.
This was a small funeral....and  just like my Aunt Phyllis, really short.   It was 20 minutes long.   Funerals are to comfort the living, and so it was perfect for  her son's Brad and Alan.   Among a few nice grandchildren talks we had the Beatles sing....and Bro. Phil Collins.  Actually both of these were recordings that were to be played during the service.  The guy in charge didn't know this though, and actually announced that Bro. Phil Collins will  sing, "You'll be in my heart."  When Bro. Phil Collins didn't stand up to sing, (because he is a rockstar who lives in ENGLAND)...the man in charge, asked if Phil Collins was here, then some one indicated something pointing to the sound booth in the back of the mortuary, which made the man in charge incorrectly announce,  "Oh he's in the hallway, he will be here soon."  This was more than I could take.    My dad said, "oh boy," .......and we opened the chuckle gates.    Good thing I was sitting by Marcie and good thing when the recording finally began it was turned up pretty loud.   We were shaking with uncontrollable laughter  with tears coming down faces.... I am sure it just looked like we were sobbing with grief.
 Man it was comical.  I know Aunt Phyllis would have gotten a kick out of it.
We laughed about it all the way home.
I am thankful for my dad.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

#27 Thankful for Missions

I am so thankful for my missionary son, Truman, serving in the England, Manchester mission.  I love getting his emails each week.  He is so positive and filled with the spirit.  It is contagious.  I have heard it said that ...." a boy smiles more on his mission than he does in his whole life."
I am so thankful to be getting another son, Monson, ready to serve in the Michigan, Lansing mission.  He leaves in 5 weeks.  We got all of his clothes purchased this weekend, and his pics taken.  He can't wait to get out of here and get into missionary mode on  Jan. 4th, 2012.
I am thankful Addison served an honorable mission in the Great Baton Rouge Louisiana Mission.  He came home totally converted to the gospel and ready to serve in His kingdom.
I am thankful for my parent's mission to Scotland.  We all lived this mission as a family and met so many wonderful saints....who are our extended family in Scotland now.
I am thankful for Wayne's mission to Argentina, Cordoba.  He recently got a letter from a sweet sister whom he baptized 30 years ago.  This family went to church for 5 years, then have been out of the church for 25 years because of pride...but because of a valiant Visiting teacher and some amazing tender mercies...has since gotten back into activity and sent a wonderfullly inspiring email to my Wayne, thanking him for serving a mission and hoping he remains ever faithful in the church.
I am thankful for my Dad's mission to the Southern States, and Wayne's dad's mission to Somoa.... and all of the many relatives and friends who have served or are serving all over this world.
Missionary work is truly amazing.
I am thankful.


Saturday, November 26, 2011

#26 Thankful for the gym

I am thankful for the gym.
I don't really love to go, but it does make up for all of the rich eating I have been doing.  Okay, it probably doesn't make up for my eating, but it does make my head feel better.
I actually love to walk outside far more than I like going to the gym, but I am glad it's there for all of the coming up, cold mornings.
I am thankful I can move and I don't have too many aches or pains.
I am thankful for peeps who go to the gym with me, so I don't have to always go alone.
I am thankful.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Friday 5 fave...Faith promoting books


I have struggled with my faith in the past.   At one point I really felt like I was at a "0"on the faith scale.
I have since  read many books, and prayed and pondered on Faith.  There are many great books out there that have totally strengthened me and helped me feel I have Faith....I  have a great amount of Faith.
 I had A-ha moments while reading each  of these books.

1.  Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox
Christ doesn’t just make up the difference. He makes all the difference.
“I’ll never do it again,” we say — and then we do it. In a world full of challenges, temptations, and even addictions, it is easy to lose hope for ourselves and those we love. During times of discouragement, we must remember that the purpose of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is not just to cleanse and console, but also to transform — and that takes time. Christ is not waiting at the finish line once we have done —all we can do.” He is with us every step of the way, and His Atonement will be available as long as the perfecting process takes — continually
2. Divine Signatures by Gerald Lund
As Latter-day Saints, we know God exists, but sometimes we may wonder, “Heavenly Father, are you really there for me?”
When trials seem beyond our ability to bear, some people lose their spiritual bearings, while others are made even stronger. How can we strengthen our faith and deepen our testimony to the point that we can endure whatever life holds in store for us and emerge stronger than before?
3.  Believing Christ by  Stephen E. Robinson
We must not only believe in Christ but also believe him — believe that he has the power to exalt us, that he can do what he claims. People will better understand the doctrines of mercy, justification, and salvation by grace after reading this book.
4. Rescuing Wayward Children....by Larry Barkdull.  I actually really don't like the title of this book, because that's not what the book is really about..and it made me want to hide it from my kids as I was reading it, or atleast tear the cover off.
This book isn't really about wayward children. It's about becoming sanctified so that we can be in a position to be used by the Lord to help those we love who may be struggling with their testimonies. 


5. When your Prayers Seem Unanswered  by S. Michael Wilcox
When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered offers piercing insights into the Lord's dealings with His children, and helps us learn to trust His timetable.

#25 Thankful for my Faith

Thursday, November 24, 2011

#24 Thankful for my Wayne

On this day of Thanks I am thinking about one of the greatest blessings in my life.
My Wayne.
He is such a good priesthood  holder.
He is so capable.
He is so spiritual.
He has such a great work ethic.
He is a good Samaritan.
He loves his family.
He love the Lord.
He loves me.............even with all of my stuff.

Wayne makes me smile and laugh more than any one I know.  He is a masterful story teller.
I totally love it when he is telling a story.  He sits forward in his seat and is so animated and strong.
He just lights up.

I am thankful.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

#23 Thankful for parties!

Pie Parties are a wonderful thing in our family.  This idea is around much more today but when my mom began it, it was a novel idea.  She even had a national magazine come and take pics and interview all of us about the annual pie party.  Only Truman and Neice, Rachel made the  magazine...two little kids eating pumpkin pie.  

I know I rhapsodize every year over my love affair with Pie.....

What's my favorite kind of pie?   ROUND!  Wayne's Dad always said this...he was a man after my own heart.

Anyway,  a pie party is just one more reason to get together with loved ones to share, laugh and love.




I am thankful.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

#22 Thankful for funerals

I love a good funeral.
I have had the opportunity to go to Wayne's Uncle Floyd's, Gary's Dad's-- Bill Call and two ward members, Bud Paul and Shirley Riss in the past two months.
I love that funerals bring people together.  Family that you haven't seen in ages are always at a funeral.
Funerals are so sweet and fun, that's right....fun, and full of grace.
LDS funerals are the best.  We should attend more funerals....they are good for our souls.
You come away filled with hope and have a renewed testimony of the plan of salvation.

I like to take notes at Funerals and gather all of the wisdom "nuggets":
From Uncle Floyd's--
"The only thing you can do with a pair of gloves on, is wet your pants."
"If you act busy, people won't talk to you."
From Bill Call's--  "They are the best parents, because they are my parents."
"Good is better than Great...many scriptures that verify this."
"Don't do dumb things."

I get to sing at many funerals.  I just sang  at Shirley Riss's.    I have a "trick" now, so I can sing and not end up a blithering mess with underscoring.  I take out my contacts, and blow up the music really big so I can still see it, but not see the audience.  I am an empathetic crier.  If someone is crying I always join in. When I can't see the criers, I can keep on singing.
IT's a win win-- as Laila says.
I am thankful.

Monday, November 21, 2011

#21 Thankful...for positive attitudes.

My parents had a guy stand in their church yesterday and issue this challenge in regards to thankfulness.
"Let's pretend you wake up tomorrow morning and all you have in your world are the things that you were thankful for the night before......what would your world look like?

Only my family, and health and missions and gospel would be in tact...but not much else....

Gratitude can't be  "all "  encompassing.  It should reflect the details of our lives.

Tried to have my Mom's chemo consult appointment to day for her uterine cancer.  It continues to be a series of unfortunate events. She has had more struggles to get seen by docs and have the proper tests run and have front office staff  make and keep appts with her.  We are all just shaking our collective heads.   So today I was going in to hear the "word"  so I could report back what's really up and ask all of the questions that my parents can't think of in the moment.
My parents are very capable but when the big "C" word is mentioned, it tends to shut down portions of the brain and open up portions of the heart that make it difficult to concentrate.  Hence why I was going in today to listen.  Well we show up and the dr. office  forgot to put her appt in the computer..."we are so sorry and embarrassed, but you will just have to come back."    I think I have lost all appointment visitation rites because I was mad  and embarrassed  my parents.  I got so I couldn't even look at the staff person with out wanting to release all sorts of venom...so I just pulled out my cell phone and texted Wayne the craziness of the moment.
Mom labeled her doctor care the best..."A Comedy of Errors."
I hope we can continue to have positive outlooks and laugh at the ups and downs in our lives.
My mom is so good at this.....and my dad.
Sorry for being the embarrassing daughter.

I am thankful.

Latest update:  Marcie got in to the Doc with Mom....these are her notes....

FYI: The Dr’s. Office staff was so kind and apologetic over the miscue on Monday. Even the Doctor apologized. 

I went to the Doctor with Mom and Dad on Tuesday Nov. 22, 2011.  When Dr. Prystas entered the room she came with a great positive energy and calm.  She spent a good 20 minutes talking with mom about her known medical history. She mentioned looking at the doctors reports and test from the Lung Doctor to the Cancer Doctors and others. The Doctor then did an external physical examination of mom; checking her lymph nods, lungs and in the pelvic region. She asked questions the whole time regarding mom’s menopause, and other female issues.  (I got the impression that moms case was unique and different….surprise…..not).

She left for a very short minute and returned with a treatment plan.

- Dr. Prystas then spent another 32 minutes with us discussing the cancer and the treatment plan. (I was impressed that she wrote down notes for mom to take home with her. The notes included definitions, drug names etc….)

 - She explained what the cancer is and where it is located:
Endometrial Andino Carcinomatosis…..or most likely the common name of Uterine cancer.
Endometrial Carcinoma is uterine cancer. Andio carcinoma is a cancer cell. Carcinomatosis means the cells have attached or metastasized in several areas.
The cancer is not in the organs but surrounds the organs and is in the pelvic area in the mesentery area or apron of fat.
(The reason for the lung fluid is the diaphragm presses on the lungs and cause fluid to develop. She found it interesting that they found the cancer cells the first time the lung fluid was checked. Usually only 1 in 3 times it is found this way).

- It is highly unlikely that the cancer will be cured, however it is possible especially since the symptoms of her cancer are so vague. With treatments the cancer most likely will shrink.

- Operation is not helpful at this time because of how the cancer is spread around and not in a specific organ. The risk is that you may leave cancer in the body.

- Radiation will damage the bowels and other organs since the cancer is widespread and not pinpoint -able.

- Recommends aggressive Chemotherapy.
First treatment Tuesday Nov. 29, 2011, 1:00pm
Six, four-hour treatments every 3 weeks. Depending on how the therapy is being tolerated.
The drugs used are Carboplatin and Trxall, mixed with an anti nausea drug and benadryl.  
Administered by IV
           
Side affects: Nausea, Hair loss, Fatigue, Constipation.
Possible side affects: mouth sores, achy bones, neuropathy, appetite and taste may be off.
Allergic reaction possible but they will know with in the first few drops of the
Treatment.
Won’t loose weight.
Hair loss by the second treatment.
Good news side affects are reversible.
Drugs to take before and after treatments: Steroid before the first treatment only. Nausea medication to use after treatment as needed.
Blood tests are done at each treatment to study the cancer markers.
CAT scan after the third or fourth treatment to check the cancer.
If she is responding to the treatments surgery is possible. If not responding they will evaluate and figure out the next step.

- No special diet recommended.  
- No extra vitamins needed.
- Flu shot needed.
- Be careful of germs. Wash hand and use hand sanitizer. We can only visit if we are well; No coughs, sniffles, sore throats, etc…. We may want to keep the kisses to a minimum.
- Drink lots of water to keep the kidneys clear of the drugs.

We left feeling positive and hopeful.


Sunday, November 20, 2011

#20 Thankful for kindness

I am thankful for kind people in my life and for the reminders to be kind to everyone I meet.  Kindness is not over rated.  It is what elevates the human experience.
I am thankful.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

#19 Thankful for Women

I just got home from Time out for Women.  I know I wrote about this last year as well....but it really is an inspiring, motivational, count your blessings experience that I am so grateful to share with my women family and friends.  We gathered at the Salt Palace and listened to speakers and songs that totally touch hearts and heal souls.

I am thankful to learn about and ponder on the following:

Brad Wilcox shared thoughts on the Atonement.  "The Real end is to Become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is our Redeemer which means we can be transformed and changed to be more like him."
  "The ultimate end is not seeing Jesus face to face, but Jesus seeing himself in us."
"God does love you just the way you are...but that doesn't change the fact that he wants us to grow and become."
"God's love and help is NOT the light at the end of the tunnel, but it's the light that moves us through the tunnel."
"God's delays are not denials."

Hillary Weeks sang her beautiful songs.  I cried through these.  She talked about positive thoughts and getting a clicker to count those...which totally helps you focus on the good and become more positive.
"We Become what we want to Be, by consistently Being what we want to Become."  Elder Scott

Sheri Dew.. spoke on How deep are your Spiritual roots?    She said the world focuses too much attention on the outside.  We know better.  We need to focus on the inside...the roots.  "What do the things about you, that no one can see-- look like?  What does your faith look like?  Your courage?  Your heart?"

Stephanie Nielson, who was burned over 80% of her body in a plane crash 3 years ago, came and talked about perspective...and how she had to choose to live.  She shared how small and simple acts have become so important to her.   We need to Choose to make our relationships with the ones we love better.

Emily Watts spoke on the 5 Habits of Happiness.  She was very funny and heartfelt.  She is a great story teller and one quote, I loved,  about Doing Hard Things is, "The road to accomplishment is paved with whining."  So true, so true.

S. Michael Wilcox shared his thoughts on what Eve says as she is leaving the Garden of Eden.."Better for us to pass through sorrow...that we may know..."  He centered his point on passing through sorrow.  It has a sense of movement.  We don't need to stay there.  We can learn and grow.

Wendy Ulrich shared 7 more Happiness options.  One that rang true for me was...Stop worrying abut your weaknesses.  We should work on our strengths-- that's where Happiness lies.  We are not called for our weaknesses, we are called for our strengths...and along the way our weakness will  lessen.

Laurel Christensen spoke about her Faith Experiment...she wanted to Pray with Faith, Think with Faith and Live with Faith.  By working on this she realized that we are all living our Plan A.  We need to get out of our own way...and have faith in the Lord's plan.  LOVED IT.

Needless to say, I am on a spiritual high.  I have the best husband and family in the world....and I am thankful to be a woman.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday 5 fave....old TV shows

I remember watching the Wonderful World of Disney at my grandparent's home on Sunday evening during the winter months, while the grown ups talked.  (In the summer months we played  "Annie-ay-over",  throwing the ball over their house and running like crazy people through the breezeway, lest we get pelted with the ball....so much fun)  The show was originally in black and white and when my grandparents got a colored television set  we were amazed.  My own home  color tv set soon followed.  (It makes me feel really old to be thinking like this... I guess I am almost 50....but still.)
I have been reminiscing about tv shows of my youth.

We didn't watch a lot of tv, but I do have my favorites.

1.  Carol Burnett Show-- The Perfect Variety  show for me... Singing, dancing and comedy sketches.
 
2.  Mary Tyler Moore Show-- Single girl in a big city working for a tv news show.  The final episode group hug was fabulous.

3.  Happy Days--  The 50's, The Cunningham family and the Fonz. I would pray that Mutual wouldn't be on the same night as my favorite show.  It was hard on me...but I have seen them all in reruns.

4.  MASH--  The Helicopter coming over the mountains of Korea.... I can see it now. I fell in love with the Dr's and army personnel of the 4077 Mash Unit.  Really well written and a classic tv show.  I  watched these mostly after the news during my dating days with Wayne, then at 11pm we would hug, and he would go home.  (When I turned 18 we would kiss and he would go home.)

5.  Hogan's Heroes-- I can hear the theme song now. This show took place in a German prisoner of war camp.  Not really what a sitcom is made of.....but this made WW2, almost fun.  The characters were great...the accents...the struggles.  Colonel Clink.....and all of the comrades made me tune in week after week.   I did have a reoccurring nightmare, as a child, about nazi's taking me and Marcie from our  bedroom.  We were screaming and wearing our blue coats that mom made us.  It probably had something to do with this show.

#18   I am thankful for televison.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

#17 Thankful for Laila

I am thankful for Laila.... she is a bright, animated, loving, compassionate, friendly, inquisitive, happy, sweet, spiritual  daughter.   I am amazed every day how much joy Laila brings into my life....and how much crazy!?!!
4th grade School picture
We went through the Bountiful Temple with our forever family on November 23rd of 2002 to be sealed.  I am so grateful to have this memory of all my children in the temple together.

       Laila is one determined little girl.  She pulled her tooth out on Sunday night while laying in bed.  She didn't even know it was loose, and a half hour later it was out and she was ready for the tooth fairy to come.
She made me take this picture immediately after to send  to her brothers.  She knew they would all be excited for her.

I recently found this letter in Laila's back pack ...it was an assignment for school.  It shows her creativity and her personality.


Dear Farmer Brown,
      We both know that Thanksgiving is coming up.  Every year you roast a turkey for your family that smells very delicious and fat.  Well, I'm a turkey and I suggest that you don't eat me.
     First of all, I'm very skinny.  You would still be hungry after eating me.  That means you wouldn't have enough protein. Don't you want your wife to be healthy?
     Secondly, I take longer than other turkey to cook.  You would just waste time roasting me for hours because I'm very skinny.  Also this would use a lot of electricity for the stove to work. That makes your electricity bill go way higher than usual.
     Last of all, I played "Alice in Turkeyland" on Broadway.  I am famous.  If you let me survie I can make you be famous too.  Just let me audition in New york one more time.  If you kill me you'll never be able to see my talents anymore.  You'll be average for the rest of your life. 
     Now you know that eating me for dinner is the wrong thing to do.  I'm writing this letter for your own good.  I think you want to be full and watch me sing and dance on Thanksgiving when you're waiting for atleast one hour for your other turkey.
                         Your talented turkey,
                                       Brownie 

 Wayne Called Laila ....."One smart cookie."  She replied, " I'm not a cookie....I'm a brownie!"
I am thankful.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011

#16 Thankful for laughter

Wayne, Laila and I have a lot of fun together.  The sound of laughter is in our home a lot.  Laila is always saying something that gets us giggling.  She told Wayne that she is a lot more mature than he was at 9.  She told me that she is thankful that there is food in the house, that we don't have to cook, so we can go out and eat.  She acts like Monson's Winston- Stuffed animal-- is real,  and is all about taking care of this bear for Monson while he is away.
Recently we laughed ourselves silly while taking pictures in photobooth.  It's good to be silly.







I am thankful

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

#15 Thankful....for my job

 I am thankful to be an online school teacher. My job is flexible, it's fun.....( sometimes)...and it allows me to be home with my kids.  My job doesn't require special clothing, and sometimes I do it in my robe and slippers.  It let's me go out to lunch with my friends.  It helps me learn more about the computer and try to be better at it.  I get to work with a remarkable, diverse group of teachers.  I get to plan gatherings and parties once a month.  I get to connect with parents and students online, on the phone, and at activities.  I get to travel to St. George atleast 3 times a year to warm my self up.
I am very blessed to have a job that I like.

I am thankful.

Monday, November 14, 2011

#14 Thankful....for my nose


I am so thankful for my nose.  I don't have a great sense of smell......which definitely makes cleaning up the mishaps of babies and children much more tolerable, but I do enjoy a good sniff.
Favorite smells include:
 Roast beef Sunday dinner.  Walking in the house from a 3 hour meeting is the best with this smell greeting you at the door.
  A Baby's neck right out of the tub all lotioned up!   Heaven!
    Hot buttered popcorn at a movie theatre......
      Cutting green/red/yellow peppers and or peeling and cutting up cucumbers.  Love the freshness!
        Pumpkin pie............mmmmm
(  Plus, I am thankful for my nose because it holds my glasses up.  )

I am thankful.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

#13 Thankful for Grandma Butters

I am thankful for my sweet Grandma Butters and the influence she had on my life.
My grandma would be 96 today.  She passed away two years ago, and when it's November I think about her  a lot and have her fore most in my heart.
My grandma taught me many things.

She taught me to be positive.  We would sit in grandpa's corner under the pity party sign and she was so willing to hear all my gripes and groans, but then we would always end up laughing and counting our blessings.  She was so funny and could always say something that would lighten up the situation.

She taught me that people are more important than things.   I think she first preached this to herself in an effort to get over the legendary blue paint spill on the flag stone and other grand children mess ups in her house, but eventually she totally believed it and lived it and we all knew this was true.  We still say this a lot in our family....people are more important than things.

She taught me to be a sharp dresser and not "give up" on yourself.  She always said that , "You don't have to look at your self all day, but other people do.....so give them something nice to look at."  She did her hair and put on her make up and put on her cutest clothes for all of us.  She had such a flair and great style.

She taught me to make friends and keep them.  She made friends in church callings, and in her ward and neighborhood and then had dinner parties, luncheons and planned vacations to strengthen these ties.  She was great at connecting and keeping life long friends.

She taught me to keep family close.  She was so great at knowing what was going on with her kids, grand kids and great grand kids. She was the fount of all family comings and goings.   She would go to sleep at night and instead of counting sheep, she would go through each family and say all of the names.  She had a big posterity so this was no small feat.  She believed in holidays and traditions and inviting all who needed a place to be loved.

This is an old polaroid picture I carry in my scripture case of me and my grandma. I am in the 4th grade.  Grandma is carrying a present in front of my Uncle Steve's old home on 1200 south, Bountiful for a party.  I just love it..... it shows what a classy dresser she was, how her hair was always perfect (she was married to a hair dresser), she's holding a present and some cupcakes which reminds me of her giving nature and that she was a great cook, and I like how I'm standing in her shadow... wanting to be like her. 


Happy Birthday Grandma!
I am thankful.



Friday, November 11, 2011

Friday 5 Fave....Food in Bountiful

Bountiful doesn't boast the best eating establishments.
Now,  I am not a picky eater and can pretty much eat anywhere and  I am usually just glad to be going out, but I have become more discerning after hanging out with my foodie friends.
I was thinking about all of this when I came up with............
Top 5 places to eat in Bountiful.....in no particular order.

1.  Salt City Burger....love the fresh burgers with grilled onions and mushrooms, sweet potato fries and caffeine free diet coke on tap!

2.  Vito's......Italian food truck that is parked in the UofU extension ( old Stoker school) parking lot at lunch time.  The Philly Cheese Steak loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes and peppers with Provolone cheese is the stuff that dreams are made of.  Plus I love how Vito just keeps cooking and everyone is on an honor system for payment, drinks and chips.

3.  Plate and Palates.   I love their salads.  Pear and Pecan is my standard favorite but their specials are all good too.

4.  Mandarin.....excelllent Chinese food if you can handle the wait.  I always order the Almond Chicken....mmmmmm.

5.  Royal India.......that's right Indian food on Main street in Bountiful that is delish.  I love the Coconut Kurma and the buttered Nan.

So that's my list.  Not a franchise in the bunch!

#11.........I am thankful for the opportunity to eat OUT!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

#10 Thankful for talents

Addison and Bre are in Xanadu at WSU.

 It's  silly spoof based on the old Xanadu and Clash of the Titans movies from 1980.  Bre is the Olivia Newton John part and Addison is Hermes - in the chorus.  It's a roller skating disco show.  Bre looks like Malibu barbie and sings like a dream.  Addison is a hoot with  his great face and I know his favorite part is when his wife is sitting on Pegasus, singing and Addsion gets to rock the horse back and forth and listen to and gaze at her.

It's a joy to be in shows together as a couple.
Wayne and I did it numerous times and loved every minute of it. I look back on our Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady shows with such fondness.
                           Me as Eliza Doolitle, Director Bev Olson and Wayne as Henry Higgins.   1998

We also had a wonderful time as a family performing in The King and I and Fiddler on the Roof.
I love singing and dancing and choreographing and acting and directing and just being on stage.

 I am thankful for my talents and for everyone else in the performing arts that entertain me.  

#9 Thankful for Church Calling

We had our Evening of Excellence last night for YW.  It was wonderful to celebrate the Young Women and their personal progress.
Our night was based on Elder Uchtdorf's talk...Happily Ever After.  We all dressed as princesses and told fairy tales that related to the eight Values.  We decorated with a magic mirror, glass slipper, sugar plum candy dishes, flags and wands.  We gave all of the girls a crown with this quote attached:


Happily ever after is not something found only in fairy tales.  You can have it!  It is available for you!  But you must follow your Heavenly Father's map.  Be strong and of a good courage.  You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God.  You are princessess, destined to become queens.  Your own wondrous story has already begun.  Your once upon a time is now.

I love being part of this organization.  I am currently the 1st Counselor over the Mia Maids.  These 6 Mia Maids are all so different and actually attend 5 different schools, yet  they all get along so great. I love the time I spend with them.   I also get to serve with such beautiful, strong women in the presidency....... Kathleen, Nan and Jan.....plus all of our wonderful advisors are amazing and so willing to help.

Being in Young Women's is my comfort zone.  I have always loved teenagers......and feel such kinship with them.  Probably because I never grew up myself.

I am thankful.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

#8 Thankful for the Internet

I am truly thankful for the internet.  The ability we have to connect and find answers and work from home...it's all so amazing.
I know the internet, just like everything, has it's good and it's dark side.........I am celebrating the good.

I love that I can send a Welch Week email out every week to my friends and family.  It serves as my journal and my catch up.

I love that I can work from home as an online school teacher.  What a wonderful, time flexible job.

I love that I can skype and face time Wayne when he's in China....and my missionaries at Christmas and Mother's day.  I can talk to and see such handsome faces!!

I love all of the reference materials on the web.  I remember having encyclopedia volumes in my home growing up.  They were kind of good...and eventually outdated.  Being able to have instant access to so much information is wonderful...and at times daunting.

I love the ability to do genealogy and meet ancestors, blog  and also have social media.  I am not a facebook fanatic, but with my smart phone I certainly check it more than I should.

I am thankful to live in this computer day and age.

I am thankful.


Monday, November 7, 2011

#7 Thankful for Christmas Music


I am so thankful for Christmas music.   
With the turn in the weather, it just feels right to crank up the old favorites and let the tunes fill my home. 
 I love how Christmas music makes me feel all cozy and warm inside.  
It fills me with happy memories of my family and thoughts of my Savior.    
My mom starts playing her music in October and why not?  Actually  you can catch her playing it all year round...she truly LOVES it. 
Some of my favorites Christmas songs are:  Andy Williams....Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Tab Choir...The First Noel
Mel Torme....Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire.......
Haul out the Holly from Mame
Judy Garland.....Have yourself a Merry little Christmas
Nat King Cole .......Oh Holy Night
and
Choir arrangement of  Baby What ya Gonna Be?
My one pet peeve is when people try to pass off "My favorite things" from Sound of Music as a Christmas song....what's up with that?

I have to mention one more........... Joy to the World....lipsynched by Elder Addison Welch and his companion Elder Vaki sitting in their car.....now that's an amazing Christmas rendition. CLASSIC

I have tunes filling my head, my heart and my home!
I am thankful.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

#6 Thankful for Fasting

I am thankful for Fast Sundays.
 I remember as a kid and teen ager dreading the monthly fast.  I would sneak candy and food in my room and moan and complain until I am sure I drove my parents nuts.
I have since repented of my childish ways and have seen the light...and value in Fast Sunday.
I really enjoy having a reason to fast.  It makes it more bearable when my stomach is growling.  I just say a little prayer and have the hunger be a reminder of the requested blessing I am asking for.
We have been having a Special family fast for my sweet Mom today.    The Docs have found cancer markers in her body, and although they have yet to pinpoint it exactly...they are talking chemo, biopsies and surgery and it all makes my head spin and my heart hurt.
I love my momma and want her to be on this side of the veil for a long, long  time..............
and so I fast.
When we all fast and pray together collectively there is power.
I am thankful.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

#5 THankful for Heat

I am thankful for heat and electricity.
It's hard to have a hot shower when the power is out...and you can just forget about blow drying or fixing your hair.  It's little things like electricity that I usually take for granted.  (It's funny that I am calling electricity a little thing.....)
The snow is beautiful outside.  The tress still have their leaves, so the branches are heavy and touching the ground.  I am so glad I can look at it from inside my heated home and get into my heated car to drive around.  I also love having a corn bag heated up in the microwave to warm my feet and hands.  
A hot shower...
A warm house....
and toasty hot cocoa in my hands with a hot corn bag on my lap..........mmmmm.........I am thankful.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday 5 fave....Self Help Books

I read a lot of "self help", pop psychology type books.  I enjoy the introspection and motivation to be better.  I know a lot of this comes from my mom, and I enjoy the discussions we have as well.

Your Erroneous Zones by Wayne W. Dyer   My first Aha moments came  from this book.  When I was a sophomore at BHS. My mom was reading this book for a college class she was taking.  I totally bought into it and couldn't put it down.  It was the first time I was aware that I was in charge of my emotions, and no one could MAKE me angry, or MAKE me happy.   I had all knowledge and power at the completion of this book.  My sibs would say...."You make me so mad!" And I would always respond, and  still do to this day,  "No..you are choosing to be mad. I can't make you.  It's your choice."  Which would only MAKE them even more mad.

The Color Code by Taylor Hartman    My Mom held us all hostage with this idea while she worked with Taylor Hartman to market his book and go out and teach seminars on this topic.  My family all know who is Red, Yellow, Blue and White.  It's so ingrained in all of us that tests don't even need to happen.  We just hang around someone, and notice the characteristics portrayed, and we can easily drop them into a little colored box.  It sounds like we are limiting people and stereotyping, but it's actually the opposite.  It's quite liberating.  I get along better with all types of people, because I know the material in this book.    By the way... I am a Yellow/Red.

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman  This book first came to our attention years ago, when the Marcie, Gary, Wayne and I attended a business seminar.  This  book and author were the highlight.  I remember going home to tell my mom and she was thrilled when we got the book and began practicing this idea of Love in our family.   .........I am a gifts girl and proud of it.

Remembering Wholeness by Carol Tuttle   This book has helped me through some hard times.  It's reminded me that I am not in charge of anyone but myself, and that gratitude and Love are the keys to this life.

Energy Dressing....also known as Essence Dressing  by Carol Tuttle and/or Taylor Sinclair
My Mom also worked with Taylor to help get a seminar going to teach this idea of Essence dressing to the world 20 years ago.   Taylor would do " her magic"and let you know if you were a 1, 2, 3 or 4 Essence.  Then she would tell you what colors and textures etc that would go best with that Essence.   The problem is only Taylor had the "magic" to make this happen, and  she really didn't want to share her secrets, so no seminar materialized.  Later this same idea was  found and re-packaged by Carol Tuttle.  She calls it Energy Dressing.  She is happy for all to learn about it.    This has impacted my family.  We all know what we are and we can choose to dress, wear  the appropriate colors, have the right hair etc.... if we want to make our Energy work for us.  I am a type 3.



Thankful #4--- Books

Thursday, November 3, 2011

#3 Thankful for Friends

I am so thankful for great friends.
 I feel so blessed to have old friends and new friends.
  Friends who know all about me and love me anyway.

 Friends I laugh with and cry with.  Run with and runaway with.
 I had two different friends send me this quote to put on my Thankful wall..... it makes me happy!



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

#2 Thankful for changing leaves

I am thankful for trees that change colors and make everything so beautiful.  I love sitting here and looking off my back deck at the beauty.  We still have green leaves, but many have changed to yellow, red and orange.   With a slight dusting of snow yesterday, it was truly amazing.

Here's what I see today:
I am thankful.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Nov Goals-- 30 days of Thanks

My month of increased creativity was a success.... I even had a new look on my blog, much to many reader's chagrin...so I have switched back to my easier to read format.  It's all good.

November will begin my 30 days of Thanks.  

#1.  I am thankful for....Holidays and the Holiday season which begins with Halloween and goes until New Years.  The Holidays are a great time to gather with friends and family and take a break from the mundane.

Halloween was a giant success... we played, partied and ate til we all sat around in sugar comas.

I got up in the morning and by 8:30 I was decked in my witch outfit for the day, complete with neon orange hair.  I like to tell people... I just rolled out of bed, and this is what I usually look like before I shower.

Landon was a playboy bunny.  Not really appropriate as my helper at the Welch cousin party at Cyrrena's house.    But he was atleast out of bed and without a headache.  We ate lunch,  crafted mummy cups, played bingo, Don't eat Frank, Mummy wrap, Cut the flour/Quarter, and Jumped on the tramp. It was a gorgeous day!!


Laila loved being a gangsta complete with "Lookin' like a fool with my pants on the ground" costume and watercolor tattoos.   I was just happy she wasn't a bloody, scary mess as in years past.

Wayne helped cook Mom's doughnut recipe.  We didn't do as good a job as she does.  Her doughnuts are heavenly, ours are just ok.  I think it's the granite countertop I tried to do the final rising on, which never happened.  We fried them up anyway...and all 90 doughnuts got consumed.  Who can pass up a hot doughnut?

Laila collected too much trick or treat candy, and Wayne purchased too much candy to pass out to our 20 trick or treaters, so we have plenty of candy if anyone needs a sugar lift at any point in the coming months.

Life is good..... I am thankful.