Im not sure how to feel about this

We signed the papers and the Lehi house is up for sale. I'm both happy and sad. Type in Utahhomelocater.com and search MLS #991521
The house looks great.

something new

A few days ago, my good friend Michelle talked me into going for a walk with her. We went to the Lehi Legacy center and walked for about an hour. It was awesome. She is a very good listener and helps me keep a balanced view of some garbage in my mind. I had forgotton how therapeutic walking with a friend can be. It beats music or book on tape by far. I have thought about comparing the music I walk to and sending it to my sisters in exchange for their playlists. I have really enjoyed the latest book on tape Im listening to. It is the Christ Stewart series of "the great and terrible" I didnt think I would be okay with it, but surprisingly the end-of-the-world sernerio isnt too much for me. ANYWAY, walking and talking it really awesome. That first day, I was really sore. Mostly my ankle, which is odd, but must be from an old break. So we have gone a few times and its awesome. I am convinced that there is no way excercise will help me lose weight, but I do have hope it is good for my heart in more ways than one.

The good news is the bad news

Joseph was able to secure a job about a month ago. He works at a kiosk in south town mall and sell the *balance* bracelets. It doesn't matter to me if the bracelets do all they claim to do, I'm just thankful the guy has a job. He is paid hourly with some commission. He does a good job and has usually sold more than he is expected to each shift. Whatever.... A recent perk has been discovered. It is both good and bad for me. Joseph works near mrs fields cookie store. The cookies go on sale after 8:30, so when Joseph works that late, he gets a few cookies or brownies to bring home.

This past summer during the prep and actual move, I often wanted just one really good chocolate chip cookie, ok maybe two. The kids and I had an mission to find the best pre made cookies. I never really found a favorite. I do have to say that in my quest Mrs Fields gets my vote now. They are better than Albertsons, subway, Kneaders, great harvest and Costco. They are also better than homemade in the fact that they don't end up to be 36 cookies calling my name. Thankfully I don't go to south town mall ever and thankfully half a cookie satisfies me, ok maybe a whole one.

I had to do it

I ran off to the book store the other day to find a gift. I was very unprepared for what I saw as I turned the corner of a row. There with several non threatening books was Voldemort--- it's true. I've tried to avoid his face and his voice for as long as he's been around. It's very tricky and rather upsetting when it jumps out at me when my guard is down. So! I did what any sensitive person would do and I made is face unseeable. I feel very good about this act of service to my fellow men.

Ps. I am not a racist.

Today at sisters day

I meet with my Mom and 3 sisters and a couple nieces and friends each week. We actually took most of the summer off with occasional meetings at the park- but now we are in full swing. It was my turn to be in charge, but I spaced it. We were going to etch our names into glass bakeware--- well we rescheduled that and Mom stepped in with a worthwhile activity. We made the little boxes out of plastic canvas. There is a jingle bell in each box. We can donate them to the humanitarian department of the church or to the festival of trees. We also made a pan of 7 layer dip to enjoy. We had lots if littles with us today which is always fun. Mom, Karie, Laurie, and I each had a grand baby there. Holly had two there, but she lives in California so we enjoy Adam and Dillon for her. Adam is just a little fella, but he pointed out several pictures of a football in the newspaper to me. What a cutie. We also had adopted-in Tori and Macy there. It was a lot of fun.

Sometimes I get so sad

David and I spent most of today working in the Lehi house. We did some exterior painting and a little interior painting. It seems like we did more than that. I came over yesterday to let a hvac guy in to work on our furnace. I sat in the house for about 1 1/2 hours while they fixed the problems. When I finally left, I was pretty sad. It's hard to put my finger on exactly why this happens sometimes. There are so many great memories and relationships associated with the Lehi house. I guess I think too much like an old sentimental lady.

Marinara sauce with Jack

Jack came to see is last Friday. Laur and I had been to the maceys cooking class that morning and saw a demo on making marinara sauce and breadsticks. I hadn't planned on making anything that afternoon, but went by the old house and picked fresh tomatoes and basil to make the recipe. I was happily surprised with how many tomatoes I found. That poor garden is kinda crazy, but it's producing pretty well.
I later made breadsticks. The kind you roll out in the pan, spread on mayo, butter, garlic and parm cheese (if you want) before you put it in the oven. It was a great success with Jacob Joseph Steve and David, breadsticks and sauce- perfect summer evening snack.

It's a grandma thing

The home (Lehi home) grown goods

The end result

A new favorite thing

The Sobe drinks were on sale recently and I tried one on a whim. This one has gone from a blind try to a favorite in one taste. I do love Fuji apples. I went back before the sale was over and stocked up :)

A good thing

I feel like a whiner for not appreciating the stone floors in this new place. Travertine is what it is called I think.
I always have cold feet, and the stone does not help. I've been wearing my flip flops most of the time to keep off the stone. Well today I got a rug for the soft wood floor in the family room, and they threw in this runner as well. SO happy!! The work area of the kitchen is stone , but for now I'm just thrilled with the hall taken care of!

Our Friday

Since David has been burning the candle at both ends recently, he got off of work a little early on Friday. Joseph had made an appointment for us to meet with an admissions councilor at a college he was interested it. I wasn't *thrilled* to go but I figured anything that will help him get through this last year of high school is a good thing. We met David at the Art Institute Of Salt Lake. The 2 hour talk was impressive yet a little weird on the -sales pitch- the real shocker was the tuition. 20,000 a year for the culinary program. ahhhhhhh well...... We're going to have to look around--- TWENTY THOUSAND!!!???

Well Joseph took off to a Jack Johnson concert that he had won tickets too and David and I went off to hunt for an area rug. Our soft wood floor is getting beat up. We need a rug 10X14. We didn't find anything but we did stop to get a bite to eat. We actually visited with a chef at the "institute" and he said he liked to eat at Tiburon, Log Haven and Epic. We tried Epic. My opinion is it wasn't that epic. Everything it seemed was cooked with some alcohol- I know it cooks out but I don't even want to taste it-our dinner? - it was ok. Don't think we'll go there again~~~~ whatever. We looked a little bit more for rugs without success, but came home and watched The Fugitive--- if you know me you know that translates to David watched and I fell asleep :). So there it is--- our friday

It took some looking around

I've finally found a few things I really like to decorate my home. We've gotten a few pieces of furniture from a consignment shop in AF. I found very little there as far as home accessories go. I really am far too practical. I think the right thing to put on a kitchen counter is the phonebook with a little container of pens and some paper. I am so picky in finding things I like that between my over practical mind, lack of being able to find anything I like in the right price range, I usually end up with the boring and cluttered practical look. My friend Michelle is being a great example and, unbeknownst to her, shes nudging me forward in finding things I like. I looked at the furniture stores, some consignment stores, pier 1, thai pan trading (the smaller store in the mall) with very little to be impressed with. Many things were
-ok-, some not even ok and over priced for something that we are just going to look at. WELL... I went by Rodworks on the way home from Kyle and Kimbers wedding and was so so so happy to see things that really called to me. The little plate, dish thing and vase really really know my name! I went ahead and bought them the next day. I'm not sure the arrangement is right with the lantern, but even if not- I like all the pieces so much it doesn't matter where they go in my home. I need to find some greenery that is priced well and then clear off the bill-paying-station at the end of this table then this room will be done! If you know any other hot spot for me to check out- let me know. Next time I'll tell you about the great carpet find Jess clues me in on!

A few more things

The little tree came from a consignment shop right by Rodworks. I couldn't leave the store without it.

Wednesday in Hawaii

Today we went on a helicopter tour of the island. I kept wishing it were Rick Bourne, my chopper flying nephew, at the controls. The island really is very beautiful and some parts untouched from much of humanity. We also went to the farmers market. We ended the day with Dave and I hitting the restaurant here at the resort. Laur and Steve had gone earlier and following their recommendations we had a great dinner, with a beautiful view and atmosphere. After dinner we were tired and sleepy but walked the long way back to the room. We stopped at a hammock and laid there for about 45 min rocking in the breeze and talking and relaxing. It was the best 45 min I've had here. We decided we totally need to come back and do the hammock chillin again. It was a great night, and a great day.

Tuesday

After 3 1/2 days in Oahu seeing the visual offerings in Kauai came as a welcome relief. Not that Oahu is not beautiful, but it also is so big city, has heavy traffic, and difficult parking. I woke up to a more tranquil setting and had breakfast with a great view. We spent time in the room and around the grounds, then ventured out to go surfing. The 4 middle kids had gone out close to where we were staying earlier and all but Jacob wanted to go back out. David and Steve went out and made a great effort as well as Kim and Joseph. Laura and I didn't bother with the board rash on the tummy and arms not to mention the sunburn risk. While we were waiting I was playing with Jack There was some drumming in the nearby park so we walked over and saw some sort of hawaiian dance class going on. There were about 5 adult drummers and 20ish kids between 6-15 doing the hip shaking moves. the guys in the group were doing the guy moves. It was interesting and I would have watched longer, but I felt like an intruder. I ended the night stroking little man Jacks arms, legs and back. He fell asleep as we waited for his folks. That is incredibly satisfying to this granny. Oh ya, speaking of granny, see if you can see my shadow in the picture. Teeshirt and hat! You can call me shade-seeking-Connie.

Monday

Our Sunday

Today had a few jewels that I'd love to share. Got up, went to church and found a beautiful old large building. At the end of the meeting, after the prayer, the congregation stood and sang a traditional song to a departing couple in the ward. It was very sweet and loving, and sad. Ee stopped at pearl harbor but didnt stay long. We went to see where Kim lived when she was here, then to the Temple. While in the visitor center, I really thought sitting down somewhere comfortable and cool would be nice. I saw someone open the door to a big room I figured was for a nice church film to be shown in. I called to the fam to see if they wanted to see a film. We went in among a bunch of Hawaiians. When they started I realized we has invited ourselves to their extended family home evening. They did show a movie- Remembering Kirtland- which we all enjoyed. There was a beautiful spirit there and we joked with them later about not realizing it was just their family thing. It was very good- a rare unexpected jewel of am experience. We drove around BYU-H then went by Temple Beach. Kim said they sometimes do baptisms there. The sand was soft and the water warm. It was a nice day.

A song glued in the back of the hymn book

Pearl Harbor

Kims old place on the point

The FHE we crashed

Temple beach

Saturday

Today was great! Sleeping in in Hawaii is such a pleasure. We went to the Dole pineapple plantation, Teds bakery and then to the Polynesian cultural center. We had lots of good times. Steve stole the Samoan drum show when they asked him to come up on stage. Several people commented on how well he did following the head drummer. I didn't pick out any mistakes but if steve made any, he covered well with enthusiasm--to be sure. He won the crowds approval and was known as "Utah" I'm sure they will have more on their blog about it.
We also tried poi and it wasn't too bad. We enjoyed the luau at the "PCC" and surprisingly I was ok with the raw fish. It was really perky and tasted a bit like sesame oil. (I am softening towards the sushi thought actually). We ended the night with the PCC show which was very enjoyable. I always want to fall asleep sooner than the clock says it is time, but THAT what makes sleeping in in the morning such a pleasure!

Hawaii. The first day

*timing* has not been our strongest suit this year- none the less the scheduled vacation time has arrived. We had a pretty good, yet long, flight. Everyone took care of themselves and helped with the little guy too. Jack did great! All day he was a little trooper. There were a few glitches getting the rental cars that made the actual settling in rough but we got here safe and everyone is happy. We'll stay in Oahu a few days. Were in a great place. Clarks in one room, Kim Aub in another. And Dave and I and the boys in another. First impressions- flowers IN trees!! Funky trees- Got to see rainbow in the rainbow state the first day

something I wrote 18 months before I met my future husband

Part of the fun of packing up includes finding long lost boxes. We found a few jewels yesterday and I was surprised with this one. What do you think? How close did I get?


Love and marriage
March 4,1981
Connie Haws

The man I marry will need to fulfill a lot of hopes I have for him. I, first expect him to be the same religion as me and have the same standards. He will need to have a lot of self confidence, but not any self conceit. He will have to have the ability to get along well with others, even if he really doesn't like them. He will need to be crazy in love with me and think a lot of me. I hope he has the power to be the leader of our home and the leader of me, but not so much hat he stunts my self esteem to be my own growing worthwhile thinking person. He must have the attitude that we will be together forever and that whatever comes along we together as a team to handle it. He must love families and children. I'd like him to have a good reputation as a strong leader, a great friend, and a totally honest trustworthy person. More important than the reputation, he has to really truly be those things. He must be attractive to me and must find me attractive also. I hope he is the romantic sentimental type who will always treat me as a lady. And hold me as a woman on a pedestal. He's got to make me feel protected and also help me feel like I want to be my best at everything I do. He must be fun loving and happy. He must be gentle, and very loving, and very very sensitive to my feelings. He must have the knowledge to help educate our children. He must have a strong ambition to make life work for us, and have a good stable job so we don't have any trouble with money. We don't have to be rich, but we should have enough so we can have a good life. He needs to be well balanced in his interests so we can try new things. He should like outdoors and participating and watching sports, but not over me. We should be each others main concern and feel as though we would do anything for each other. We have to be best friends.

My kids thought is was pretty close to what I got. Dave read it and said, "thats what I try to be everyday" riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight, hes already there my friends. The kids think the gem of the day was Davids yearbooks and pictures in them. I'm wondering if its right to post those pictures here....He had great hair- lets just leave it at that

A sad day- Midnight, Big Kitty, Stinky, The Professor--

Today Joseph and I ran off to get his wisdom teeth stitches out first thing this morning. While we were out, I asked if he had seen any of the three kitties this morning- neither of us had. It's a little out of the ordinary but not unheard of. When we got home we started getting ready to meet the aunts and cousins at the park. Joseph called to me while I was putting DI stuff in the van. He said he had found Big Kitty and that he had died behind one of his favorite plants, in the front flower bed. Joseph was very sad. Jacob came out and saw what has happened, I went in to get a towel and a box to put him in We called The Dad and he helped Joseph a little bit. Jacob lifted Stinky out and put him in the box. I couldn't look at him too long, cause it was so sad. I hope he left peacefully. He was a good little pal for all of us for the 16 years we've lived here. I knew Stink wasn't healthy and wondered if he was in pain. He was blind in one eye, and he had that limp from a broken leg-- and he must have had teeth issues cause his breath was really bad. He had gotten really skinny recently. I knew the move would be a little hard on him, so at least he escaped that--- the boys talked of taking him to the canyon to bury him, but they opted to bury him in the back yard. I hope the new owners are cool about that. I remember seeing a cartoon of the family circus where there was a map of the home and yard and lots of pet burial spots were pointed out. It's the sign of a happy pet loving home. I reassured my kids it was ok to be sad about Stink leaving cause it shows their soft hearts. My Dad told me long ago that God gives us pets to help prepare us for when loved ones, who are people, die. A tough lesson that hit home on this sad day.

Connie

My good boys

More changes

We are getting new cabinets next week. Tomorrow the workers will come to take out the cabinets that came with the house. They have been great. It's true that there's not alot of cabinet space but with the pantry and the shelves out in the garage we have managed just fine. I'm fighting the sentimental thoughts that naturally come to me as we've packed this room up. Lots of good times and memories centered on cooking or baking or enjoying a meal- or even just graham crackers and milk at the counter. Its kind of a little work space, not really good for more than one or two cooks, but this scene will always bring me happy memories. I'll post a few more pictures as the progress unfolds.

What I've been up to

This is going to be an interesting summer. We are gearing up for the move. There is no place in the Highland home for my 2 king and queen chairs, so I sold them for $20 less than I bought them for. I'm trying to be organized and weed stuff out as we pack. I had no idea I had so many bottles of lotion!! Weird! And all the shampoo and lotion from hotels .... Where in tar-nation did we ge so many? I'm not a really up tight house cleaner, but I think I do ok. I started working on the bath a few weeks ago and it looks great, but the toilet is giving me fits. There's a bunch of black rust minerals or something way up high under the rim. It's stuff I never really noticed till I got down low to scrub that dirty dog. That black stuff gets me thinking really hard in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. Thankfully it only looks bad and doesn't have any smell- maybe if it did I would have gotten to it sooner. Then there's the food storage issues. Yikes! Alot of the food had already expired but I took it to the food drop off after the shelter lady said any food could be 1-3 yrs expired depending on the food. I have another box of food knocking on the soon to expire door that I will share with my sisters tomorrow. All this makes me thankful for my kids. They are helping me out alot. Next week both boys will be home so I'm sure we will get alot done. ;) Looks like we will be in the new place by the fourth of July. Dave will be out of town 3 times, maybe 4, between now and then. Here's a few pictures to give you a visual on my goings on.