Keri's Komments

Hi I've been thinking about gymnastics lately.This is what i have to say about it...
one of my favorite things was climbing the rope because it taught me to never give up and to keep climbing. Now that I chose to not do gymnastics and to start cheerleading that doesn't mean I'm not still climbing.My advice for you people out there is to KEEP CLIMBING!!!
(Written and posted by Keri.)

Riley

Our next door neighbor, Kendall, left for Europe on Wednesday. On Thursday I got a call from Tracy across the street. Someone had found Kendall's dog, Riley, in Provo and had brought her back home. I later learned that Kendall had taken Riley to her mother's house in Provo so that she could watch her while she was gone. Well, somehow we ended up with her. Riley is a kind, gentle, loving dog. Unlike our own dog, Rocky. As a child I loved dogs, I begged my parents at the age of eight to buy me a Pomeranian. Eventually they caved in and "Tiger" became my best friend. As an adult I didn't have any desire to own my own dog because I didn't want to take care of the mess. But a few years ago I caved and allowed the kids to ship a boxer to our home from Florida. I had no idea how powerful these animals could be. Rocky is definitely the male dominant. He is loving and protective. But at times he can be too powerful for us to manage. When Riley became our responsibility my immediate reaction was, "Oh no! Now I not only have 1 big dog but 2."
I had no idea how long I would have her. But because of her I remembered the reasons why I loved dogs so much. I actually took Riley for several walks. (Leisurely walks, not workout walks like with Rocky.)
The next day Kendall's mom showed up in the neighborhood looking for Riley. At first Riley didn't want to go with them. And we didn't want her to go either. But after a little coaxing and a few treats we got her in the car.
Now we miss her. But she'll be back in the hood in a few days...

Celebration!

Happy Birthday!!!



Mark took me to Carver's for my birthday. Afterwards we went shopping. Then we came home to celebrate with the kids...

The kids were so cute when we got home. They all had a huge surprise waiting for me. They had cleaned the basement and their rooms while we were gone.
Then they had me close my eyes and stand outside Keri's bedroom. When I opened them I read a huge sign posted on her bedroom door that said, "Enter the party zone!" She had planned a surprise birthday party!! As a family we danced, played games, and read stories. It was amazing!! It brought tears to my eyes a few times...

Birthdays are a time to celebrate the day you arrived on the planet and the contributions you've made while you were here. On April 22nd I hit the 37 year mark. Some birthdays are easier to take than others. This one went better than I thought...
I took the opportunity to pause and reflect for a moment on my life...
Am I spending my time properly or am I involved in things that distract me from my higher calling?
This life is all we get...

From the "Circle of Life":
It's the wheel of fortune...It's the leap of faith...It's the band of hope...
Till we find our place...On the path unwinding...In the circle, the circle of life.
Some of us fall by the wayside...And some of us soar to the stars...And some of us sail through our troubles...And some have to live with the scars...
There's far too much to take in here.."

And so I continue on in the circle of life another year older and another year wiser.

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Wild Women's Weekend

Last weekend was the most fun I've had in a long time. In celebration of my Aunt's 50th birthday we all got together for a wild weekend. In Sarah's words, "It was intense!!"
In only 4 short days we packed in shopping at Gardner Historic Village, Taipan, Park City, and the Gateway. We treated ourselves to pedicures and massages. We also took a drive up the infamous American Fork Canyon. But the best part was hanging out together. There was much laughter, a few tears, and lots of love. I am so grateful for each of them and the roles that they play in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you for an awesome weekend!!!
May each of you always have an angel by your side...

The journey...

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Our journey started about six years ago when Mark and I decided that we wanted to build a rambler. At first it was just a thought. But then we got the blueprints and started talking about changes we would make. In February of 2006 we knew it was time...
By August of that year we were ready to put our old house up for sale. We knew that we probably only had about a month to sell and then we would be heading into the winter months. But we had a strong desire to pursue our dreams. So we put our faith in Heavenly Father. Within a month we had sold and moved into a rental home.
Our goal was to be moved in by September 12, 2007, one year after we had signed our rental agreement. After months of planning and building(and driving)we moved into our home on September 19th. Just 7 days short of our goal. (Lucky for us we bunked up at Celeste's house for that week.)
I found these pictures and thought you might like to see part of our journey...
(House of A Thousand Dreams by Martina McBride)

A New Earth

O.K. This whole blogging thing is quite addicting. I've been surfing for awhile now and there are so many cute blogs out there. I am not very computer literate so I think I'll just write for a few minutes until I can set aside some time to do some cute things on our blog. It's a little late and I can't sleep. I told Joi I was going to bed at 8:30. (yeah, right)
I am taking the New Earth class online and it has been awesome. Last night Oprah shared a poem with everyone. It's called Lost by David Wagoner.

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here, And you must treat it as a powerful stranger, Must ask permission to know it and be known. The forest breathes. Listen. It answers, I have made this place around you. If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here. No two trees are the same to Raven. No two branches are the same to Wren. If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you, You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows Where you are. You must let it find you.

This year I vowed to spend as much time as I can outside, enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Banana Nut Bread

Now that spring is here and we are having a little bit warmer weather I have been stocking up the pantry and fridge with healthier fruits and veggies. One of my favorite fruits is bananas. Sometimes they don't get eaten right away. So instead of throwing the old ones away I put them in the freezer in a zip lock bag. Then when I have the time I pull them out, thaw on the counter, and make yummy banana bread. I made this for Thanksgiving last year and my sisters loved it.
Hope you like this recipe:

Make a postcard - it's easy!