Look what came today!!

Yes! So pleased with this almost free happiness! I'm saving it for Christmas though I think I'm the one that is most impressed with it. Have you ordered yours?

a great idea

My friend Mandy was recently on KSL studion 5 showing ways to keep memories. Here's a link to her blog, and the good deal I just scored, pictured above.
$40.00 worth of paper corterie things could knock out one or two Christmas gifts!!

http://mandydouglass.blogspot.com/2011/09/studio-5-capturing-growth-moments.html

What's a cat lover to do?

Oy!!
heres the story! Last week I was downstairs sewing. One of my favorite things to do actually. Sweetie kitty and even Oz like to jump up on the counter and jump out the window, then jump up to the grass level and play around. The window by the sewing machine is the only place they can come and go as they please, as long as the window is open. There is obviously no screen on that window. So all is going well, when I run upstairs for some reason. Just as I come down the stairs I see sweetie-kitty coming in the window with a SNAKE in her mouth. She sometimes catches snakes and brings them to the back door. The snakes have always played dead, and we scoop it up with a dust pan and throw it in the bushes, only to have it disappear a few hours later. So when I saw her bring in this snake in, I figured, ew, gross, as soon as she drops it, it will play dead, and we can throw it outside. Ummmm, nope. She put it down, and it slithered about. I froke out and called to Jacob, Joseph and Jenner (a bud that hangs out here sometimes) Jacob used a piece of interfacing to grab the snake and throw it back out to the window well. I didnt want it that close, but I did want it outside the most, so I was ok with it. So..... I calm down about that after a few days. I figure it was a fluke, an innocent cat thing to do. Okay.
Well, this morning, I woke up after taking a sleep aid and felt really happy that I slept ok with out David here. I sat up in bed and heard sweetie kitty under my bed. I checked my email on my phone, and my schedule. When I went to get out of bed, I saw a little shocking something. A snake all coiled on my side of the bed, on the carpet. It was thankfully playing dead or it was dead. Joseph was the only one home with me at 8:30 am, so I got off the end of my bed and ran down the stairs to have him come help me. He lifted it up and examined it, and said he could tell it had been bitten or hurt somehow--- He flung it out by the hydrangas. I went in to get ready for the day and saw a little crime scene where the tail was left and a little blood was on the carpet and the tile---I cleaned up the crime scene and took the rug out to the garage. I was, again, FROKE OUT!!
I broke all the rules, but getting peanut butter M & Ms and a twix and went shopping at RodWorks, a home decor place near by. Im still a little frazzeled--- I think the kitty found the snake in our garage and brought it in through the kitty door. UGGGGGGHHH--- maybe we have to lock that kitty door for a while. sheesh

This, the detached tail

This plus----

Equals this

And this

Look what I made!

Considering my last post

I walked in the little grocery store right by my house today and look what I saw! I almost laughed cause it made me think of my last post. I wasn't there to buy cookies- and I certainly didn't want those cookies calling my name all day, but honestly how could I pass these babies up?

Reasons to love living in Utah part 1.

Happy picture of the day

Day 19 – a picture of somewhere you'd like to travel

remember this little challange? ha ha, ya, in Januaray. Well here's day 19! "Somewhere I'd like to travel"-
I must say first that I never ever ever thought I'd have the chance to travel as much as I have. My parents weren't big travelers. We'd go to Idaho and Utah from California, but that is about it.
Dave has had the opportunity to travel internationally for work, so I've been able to go with him on a few occasions. My good husband has been really good about planning family vacations. We've been to many places I never thought I'd go. I'm so thankful for all those opportunities and the memories we've made traveling with the family. We've gone north to Canada, and Montana and East to NY and Virgina, and West the pacific NW and California and even to Hawaii. I could actually die now and be a happy woman with all the places I've been. However! That all is not the assignment, so though we've been there before, I'd have to say the number one place I would love to go is.....

my can hear my children groaning now

Back to having 5, at least for tonight

Tonight we ended up with 3 extra young men at FHE. It was great. For this mama that keeps loosing kids, it was great to have so many with us. Last night we had one extra friend, Jenner, for "spiritual time". David taught the boys how to consecrate oil for the healing of the sick. It was a great discussion and Joseph was able to consecrate some oil. That event lead to some great questions so tonight we watched a conference talk from last fall by Elder Oaks. One of these visitors is one month behind Joseph in preparing for the mission. I'm not sure what the other guys plans are but either way they were all attentive and respectful during our FHE. It was just 25-30 minutes king, but it was a great FHE!!

for my next lesson- mute the music on the right side first

Should we come to Hawaii again

Mornings are very slow. You'll want to wake up at 4:30 am for the day but you can sleep in until 9. That's 1:00 pm Utah time

If you don't want to sleep in, hit
the beach early like by 7 or 8. The crowds are non existent so parking is a breeze. The sun isn't too intense so the whole sunscreen issue is relaxed as well. You'll be done after an hour so you can go back as sleep or just start your other adventures after that.

It's not like So Cal with a jack in the box across the street, so you have to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Sunsets are not to be missed, but for me, bedtime soon followed. Even though it's only 7 at night the Utah time factor is very real.

Good water shoes are so awesome, as well as a good effective sun hat.

Have mac-nuts and pineapple everyday in some form, not too much. Just some.

Our busy summer-

May 12-15 
       19-21
Two weekends of wood badge camp- David
May 22-Mission farewell, open house 
May 23- Houston miracle (David could be in town for Aubrey's leaving on the 25)
May 25- departure to MTC 
June 2- Joseph graduation
June 2- grandbaby #2 announced
June 9- Jacobs license 
June 10 Jacobs first date
June 16-18 Youth conference
June 20-22 Girls camp
           Jacob ordained a priest
June 28- July 5 Virginia reunion/ DC 
July 14-16 Solo idaho trip Idaho reunion
July 15-Harry Potter 7.2 in Idaho opening day
July- Read "learned optimism"- I'm a pessimist. Bummer
July 26- August 13  
3 weeks in a row of scout camp for Jacob
July 30- Sundance outdoor theater. Sound of music 
July 31- Joseph ordained an Elder 
August 4-Wedding shower- Sara
August 6-Wedding & then reception at my house
August 10 The Help opening day
August 11 & 12 Kim graduation 
August 12 scera shell outdoor theater-  Aida
Aug 15-23 Hawaii

A great break

After a good and busy summer we have been fortunate to run off to Hawaii for a few days. Two years ago we bought a voucher for a vacation in hawaii on a really great deal. It would have expired in October. So we decided to use them this month. It's been a super good summer and this get away is perfect for us. We've been so involved in different things that to stop everything is very relaxing. We've been staying in Kona but we have not even taken a picture of the coffee everyone wants us to drink. We do love the "ah sigh ee" bowls though. Sorbet type smooth berry at the bottom, granola and fresh fruit drizzled with honey is great. We also had alcohol free peenya coladas. I know. Such a non islander to not know how to spell those words. Ah well. I did buy a Hawaiian blouse so I fit in better and now David and I are a match! It's been a great break but when it's over I'll be happy to be home. This is a great time!

A very good day

Today Kimmie graduated from BYU. It's been such a hard road for her. Dancing has taken it's toll on my girl. With all the bumps and bruises and disappointments and the surgeries on her feet, and crutches in the winter weather, the schooling was rougher than anyone predicted. But she did it! So proud of my girl. All her set backs and her perseverance and determination adds more to the fact that she graduated. I couldn't help but get all teary and emotional as the music started. Then every blond girl that came in fooled me and I thought they were her. Joseph was able to come but Laura and Steve were working and Jacob is at timberline scout camp but we still had a nice time. More ceremony tomorrow- it's a good day!

Picture of the day yesterday

found this and it made me so happy,

I was blog hopping, and found this site http://idoparties.blogspot.com/
this picture makes me so happy even thought I have no clue who these guys are. Had to share

a fun little something for nine bucks

When I cant sleep at night I sometimes read blogs on my bloglist. I found this great lead for a little journal. It costs about $9 for shipping, but the book is free. how ever that works out--- books only "cost 3.99" to ship from amazon...what ever. I figure its a good deal for the customized journal cover. Heres the link
https://www.papercoterie.com/promo/journals/
see what fun you can have
the promo only goes till the 20 of this month, so ya gotta get a move on if you want to cash in on this deal.
Ill post a picture when I get the one I made.

Much to catch up on

I've taken a few pictures to blog about but this one takes front and center now. Last night Jacob and friends were playing night games ad there was a running head on collision of two young men. Jacob took it in the knee. He texted me about 10 pm saying he had "busted up" his knee but he was staying at his buddies house for awhile longer. I figured he wasn't hurt to badly if he wasn't headed home. Some time later as I dozed, I heard him say goodnight to David then heard him painfully going down the stairs. About 3 am I woke with that feeling that someone was watching me. I looked over and Jacob was on Davids side of the bed crying in pain. He asked for a blessing and we contemplated taking him to the ER. Jacob wanted to try to get some sleep and wanted to wait for an e r visit. Today he missed church and we went to the hospital this afternoon. Thankfully there is no bone involvement bit possible cartilage or ligament problems. They put him in a brace, gave us some pain meds, and instructions to see an orthopedic doctor. So there it is. I did snap a picture in the ER an Jacob played it up with a little drama. Enjoy ;)

Youth conference

Graduation day! YES its official

all around, a great day

Today we dropped Aubrey off at the MTC. It was the day we have waited for since January 4. It was time to get this thing going!!
I started a blog for my missionary girl and posted pictures of her day on that blog.

Here are a few pictures of how I calmed down from a first kinda nervous, excited, sad, happy and monumental day.

Tender mercies

Saturday Aubrey and I set out early to get food and items. Our first stop we saw Brother Packer from our Lehi ward. We talked about the mission and he wished her well. I started having nagging thoughts about how we should be having the farewell with people that know and love Aubrey, people that have seen her grow up. I was kinda bummed about that. But then some angels got to work and we ended up running into many Lehi loved ones. We saw Sister Ball, Pres and Sister Raines, and one of Aubs HS buds (pictured) then later some more Raines. I think a few more. Awesome!! How often does that happen in one day? It did my heart so !good! to see familiar faces while AJ and I ran around. Familiar! As in family. Tonight the bishop and stake president came over to set Aubrey apart. I partially wished it was Bishop Bailey and Pres Raines. I still long for our Lehi family.
Our current ward and stake are great though and maybe it is the right time for us to be here. I have to believe that. I gotta. Pres. Anderson and bishop Johnson are great and so kind to us.
Being surrounded by so many loving kind people of God is a huge tender mercy.

A new yummy treat

A new friend in my Highland ward told me about a new little snack. The basic ideas is to put about 1/2 c of the frozen berries in a cereal bowl and defrost in the microwave. When it is warm-ish pour on 1-2 tablespoons of the French vanilla creamer. All amounts are really as much as you want, and you can even keep the berries frozen if you want, and you can use any kind of fruit too. Its pretty yummy. It was Ginas idea, but now it's Connie's. ;)

The new water fun

Today the water feature really took shape. The water even flowed for a little while. I was so excited when I heard the water. Dave is going to really be stoked. The water was about 8 inches deep when I saw it but I was told they still had to put more rocks in to cover the liner. The finished depth will only be about 3 inches.

Looking south

Let the water flow

what we have been up to

We are in the heat of May. Don’t worry, it’s not literally hot—Its barely even warm actually. We are in the heat of the end of the school year, and the ever hovering question as to how the grades will pan out. Joseph got a new job that he is training for 7 hours a day for the next 2 weeks! I hardly see him. Kimmie is busy with school, (she graduates in August) Kneaders, and an internship she has with a physical therapist office near our home. Dave is going to be out of town much of the month, and we are of course closing in on the missionary preparation. Oddly, the bishopric hasn’t mentioned a farewell talk for Aubrey yet. I’m not sure what to do about it. We are new here…. It’s not my place….. 8)
We are also fulfilling a commitment on one of the negotiation points of moving to this home. A part of the lot was kind of wilderness area, and not really usable. The boys wanted a place for the trampoline, and we told them we could clear out the wilderness area to give our yard some romping space. We have a few machines out there and the work is progressing even though there is a lot of rain. There was a water feature started out in the yard, which we are going to fully finish and hopefully not regret 
It will be beautiful. I always thought the previous owner, Laurie did a great job with her choices on the plants in the yard. But this spring there is a lot of maintenance that needs to be done. I’m not a plant person. I am not a sun person, and I’m not a mud, bugs, or grime person. But, David is out of town, so I am tackling it myself. Thankfully Aubrey is more than happy to help and she is brilliant. (I do get a little aggression out with the clippers its true) I fear that because I’ve done it once, the job will now be mine……. Oh please no. So here’s a few pictures of my work. I really should have taken before pictures, but please know it was a nightmare before Aub and I took care of it!

A sister missionary shower

Last week my family, my big family honored Aubrey with the very first ever Sister Missionary Shower. We have had several Shirt and Tie parties for the Elders leaving from our family, but AJ is the first Sister representing us. It was such a fun time with yummy food and plenty of Sister Missionary type gifts. Here’s a few pictures for ya.

Once again, a gentle lesson from a stranger.

I'm not sure its appropriate that I write these thoughts.  They have been heavily on my mind, and my heart.  Just the other day there was a recent happening in our community that has been fore front in my mind.  Several loved ones are closer to the situation than me certainly, but as any human being, the compassion I feel is deep.  This was pasted on facebook, so I don't feel like I am breaching any privacy in posting it here. 

As many of you know Wendy passed away Saturday night April 30, 2011. There have been many questions asked about the details of her passing. Instead of having Denny recount the events over and over again the details are being posting here on Wendy’s facebook page and soon on their family blog @ dennyandwendy.blogspot.com.


Saturday started as a normal day. Wendy and her family had fun attending Dallin’s soccer game in the morning, she played with her family all day, and ended the day with a fun church activity. After putting the kids down for the night Wendy and Denny laid in bed together and watched some television and talked excitedly about their future plans with Denny’s recent acceptance into medical school. Around 9:30 pm Wendy complained about lower back pain. She got out of bed and started pacing the room to try and relieve the pain when she told Denny that something was seriously wrong and then she collapsed to the ground. Denny immediately jumped to her aid. Wendy wasn’t breathing so Denny started CPR and chest compressions and continued until the paramedics arrived. Wendy was transported by ambulance to American Fork hospital where they performed an emergency C-section to try and save her baby girl. Wendy was pronounced dead shortly after they took the baby. The baby, Maylee Wendy Mack, was in critical condition and was flown to the NICU at IMC in Murray. Little Maylee continued on life support until early Monday morning where after a beautiful blessing given to her by her father the breathing tubes were removed and she quietly and peacefully slipped away to be with her mother.


Our hearts are broken with the loss of these two precious lives.


Wendy is survived by her husband Denny and their three children; Dallin (6), Kenna (4), and Evan (2).


There is nothing more important to Wendy than family and at this time her little family needs your help. Due to Wendy being born with a heart condition a life insurance policy on Wendy was out of reach for this young family. Medical bills are sure to come on top of the normal day to day expenses. We can provide a little relief for Denny and the kids by donating financial assistance giving them time together to heal without a stress that daily life brings. A memorial fund has been set up at Wells Fargo under the name “Wendy Kimball Mack Memorial”. Please take the time to donate at your nearest Wells Fargo Branch. You can also make a donation through paypal.com @ account "hoverlover75@yahoo.com" which is Denny’s brother’s account and then all donations will be transferred from there into the memorial fund. No donation is too small!


You are very loved Wendy and little Maylee! You will be deeply missed!

I didn't know this family at all, yet sweet Wendy is teaching me.  She's teaching me and reminding me the truth, and of my gratitude, for forever families.  She's teaching me that my "worries of the day" are so livable and doable.  She's teaching me to build my faith on the rock of my Savior so that when the dark clouds crash and and the storms descend, I can be reassured of eternal peace and a loving God.  And though all may seem hopeless there is a bigger plan and a wiser purpose for things that happen here on earth. 

David may be committed to giving a presentation in Canada on the 25th, (the day we were supposed to go to Disneyland j/k) water came out Jacobs electrical outlet last night when I was taking a bath (?!),
grades from LHS are a little worrisome,
we cant get our family together for family pictures before the mission,
life is full of inconveniences and problems---- 
but they are so okay, so livable. 

My life is beautiful, full of beautiful and loving people.  Things are wonderful.  Thank you Wendy for reminding me.  I pray for the peace of your husband and your parents and your big family.  My heart is heavy for them.

Day whatever 19? 20? Whatever

A favorite memory. Yep our engagement photo!! Love love love it. Davies brother in law took our pictures for us at Bridal Veil Falls in June or July 1983. On that afternoon he accidentally dropped his lens cap in the little pond where he was standing on rocks to get a nice shot of us. He told us it had fallen and the water was kind of swirling and moving. He reached down to to see if he could find it and he pulled it right up- cool miracle. But that isn't the best memory part, just a fun little memory. The best part is how happy I was to e engaged to my good husband!
What! A! Catch!!
This last weekend I saw lots of tv coverage of a royal wedding. The bride was beautiful, her dress was gorgeous and classic, her wedding guests were plentiful and famous, her chapel was traditional and majestic and her groom would one day be a king of their country. But, sorry Kate, I really took the prize when I got married. My dress cost 100.00 and it was sewn by my loving mother. My wedding guests all really cared about me and my David and our eternal union. my "chapel" was built by pioneer forefathers and was and is very sacred. My groom will someday be king of a celestial country, and his vows with me were also with God, and David will be honorable to all those vows.
What an amazing blessing and memory!

Look what came in the mail

So! We are inside the one month mark on the countdown to the big MTC date. It's hitting both Aubrey and I. Part of me is so ready for her to get on her way! Get to that mission experience! But part of me is kinda faltering. I've been reading other missionary's blogs that are serving in AJs mission, and they refer to all the rain there--- and it's now May--- and old memories of the past creep in.
It's a test I tell you. I've already decided to give this heartache to God, but I have to keep reminding myself.
So! We are checking off things on the list and almost ready!! It really is exciting. I realized this month that I now enter into the Missionary Mom phase of my life. I've seen sisters and friends do this over and over and now it's my turn to be string and faithful and 100% whole wheat! This is my goal. I'll try to wither my sniveling over sensitive inexperienced part of my self away--- hope I get to go to Disneyland

Watch out pride TV

Last night, Joseph was messing with the fancy video camera that belongs to the high school. He had used it earlier in the week to make a video to ask a girl to prom. So while he had the camera up, I started talking to the turned off camera like it was taping for the prom-girl. I said something like "ok he's asked you out but I expect you to wear a modest dress. My son doesnt need any distractions from a girl that he thinks so much off. The world shows so much...." yak yak yak. You get the idea. Well as quick as a wink Joseph said. I need to make a film about mothers day. Can I just ask you some questions about mothers day for Pride TV? Pride tv is part of what they play during second period for the whole school as they make announcements. So with 30 seconds of preparations we made a little film. He says it will play tomorrow at LHS. After we were done, I thought of all the other things I could have said. Oh well. Joseph did end the video with giving me a kiss in the cheek. Wonder if that will make the editing cut. I'll try and pos the video if I can get it. I'll let you know.
The picture is of the video camera screen. Didn't come out very good

I so love my brother

Now and then I go out to lunch with my parents. Often one or more of my siblings can come with us. The other day Jim met us at Jason's deli. It's always fun to talk to everyone but that day at Jason's was truly wonderful. For some reason we chose a table near the salad bar, the ice cream dispenser and the drink refill station. As we were eating we noticed the quality of the different peoples ice cream cones. Some were really pathetic, while others were almost professional. Jim and I started rating the ice cream cones that passed our way. Eventually Jim got a rating system going and as the ice cream passed us he would hold up the score. Unfortunately, no one besides us noticed the game. we did laugh a lot. I do admit we were easier in the male contestants--- we started thinking about rating the salads but that wasn't nearly as fun. It's true what my parents told me my whole life, my siblings are my best friends.

More of Memories day 4

I had to include this picture

Making memories day 4

Today we went to the SLC temple. We all had a nice experience. Later Aubrey and I asked if we could see the brides room. That is where I went before I was sealed to Dave. ;) it was so nice. The temple wasn't busy at all. In fact there were no marriages done today so it was all very calm and perfect for a little family outing. We ended up walking around temple square and going to get tasty italian sandwiches as Granatos, then to look around the gateway shopping area. We looked around a bit then I went over to barnes and noble. We had seen steve in the apple store so we knew the clarks were nearby but I had no idea where Laura and Jack were. As I was browsing, I heard a little guy kinda fussing and I thought it sounded like Jack. The best moment of the day was when I saw Laura and Jack and Aubrey all together but they didn't see me. When Jack spotted me before the girls he yelled Gamma! Laura let him down and he came over, took my hand to show me the awesome train they had. Unfortunately, he had other things to do so he and his mom left for a bit. Later we all got to see the train table and it WAS very amazing.

Making memories day 3

Tuesday was all about sleeping in and finding a place to go sledding. We found a spot not far from Brighton and spent a bit of time there. Everyone had a blast and we even got some unexpected sun. We hit a local place for fish tacos after sledding then we all took naps. later, we stomped around main street. We only stopped in three places- the ice cream place, the Rocky Mt chocolate factory and a time share place cause the guy came out and talked to us first. His little office was warm, but we didn't bite at his offer to play the time-share-pitch game~~. Back home we watched cupcake wars while we shares the goods from the chocolate stop ;)

Making memories day 2

Monday we went up to the Olympic park where the competition ski runs are, as well as training facilities. We had a fun interesting time looking around and taking the tour. We later found a little place to eat. It was called Good Thymes I think. Here's Jack kicking back with his favorite beverage and his favorite show, Dora the Explora. Having him here is such a delight. The boys especially love his little 2 yr old ways.

Making memories day one

While planning for our vacation 2011, we came up with the idea to split it into two weeks rather than two weeks in the east, later in the summer. While Aubrey was still here and the boys are out of school we took the opportunity to head up to Park City. I'm not a huge Park City fan but it's close to home. Here's a sample shot from our first day. Ya, built in bunk beds. Jacob had about 1 inch to spare. It ended up that the sister missionary took the bunk. The boys are upstairs in twin beds. This condo is kinda close quarters but it adds to the family togetherness we are after.

Where I've been recently

Last week I spent almost every evening at Lehi High School. Jacob was in the spring musical Titanic. Typically when I go see a show I've never seen before, the whole evening seems to last f o r e v e r! Then, the more I see the show the more I like it, and think about it and start repeating the songs in my head. So it went with this show. Jacob played the part of Herbert Pittman, third officer to the Captain Wednesday night I really felt the emotion and got caught up in the anguish and sadness of the tragedy. The people that were depicted in the show were actual people on the ship. There was no Jack/ Rose people. There was an older couple (Strauss, part owners in Macy's department store) on board that ended up refusing the life boats so they could stay (and therefore die) together. The take home messages for me were that evils of pride and greed and the uselessness of blame. Did honorable men really step aside so women and children could get on the life boats? Did the owner of the Titanic, a selfish "blameless" man, really sneak on the life boat? As I looked at real pictures from April 14, 1912 and the following days my mind naturally went to tragedies that have happened in my life time. Thiughts of innocent peoples death and suffering and their loved ones wondering who has survived and how his thing happened. Japan, NYC, Haiti... There's enough heartache to go around. Some of these things come from evil and greed.
How would I respond in these kind of situations? It's a deep thinking question.
My boy did so well. He had a few solo and several speaking parts. He was very striking on stage and I got several complements on his performance. Though all the rehearsals and expenses and time back and forth is a pain, the final performances are incredibly satisfying. My boy is the tall one in the middle. ;)

It's ok, Dave's not going to be arrested

Got something interest in the mail. A notice that David will have a warrant for his arrest at the end of the month. Apparently he has ignored a parking ticket from when he parked near the HS. During the week--- the work week. hummmm
So the real story came out and now one of my kids is comforting another one of my kids as they both have issues with tickets.

Connie