Boys and Beagles

How I feel today - Incomplete

2009-12-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

I really did Graduate....In JULY!

2009-11-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

It has been a VERY long time since I posted on my blog.....So, I thought I would add some pictures from my Graduation Day - Masters of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. My study group, and good friends Janet, Linda and Andrea Our Thursday Night Class group Wayne, Grant, Devin, Janet and my dad (my mom was sick and could not attend)

My mentor and beautiful friend Margaret

My dear friends Blake and Barbara At the Graduation party at Andrea's home

This was a very memorable and special day. It was a culmination of 7 LONG and hard years of school, but it is so worth the effort!

Yea for me!

The End and the Beginning

2009-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Grant's High School career came to a close with his Graduation on June 11, 2009. I have been wanting to do a post that shows all the things that happen at the end of a Senior year, but somehow, I have been in denial that my son is so grown up....But, I have faced this fact and it is time for a post to commemorate this rite of passage.

Senior Prom

Grant's date Michele flew in from Texas to go to prom with him

Grant looking pretty cool in his Vans and fedora and tux.

Grant as 1st runner up to the prom king and the court.

Last High School Play Grant played Dr. Samuelson in Harvey

Senior Awards Night

Grant was given the

"Hall of Fame Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama"

My son, the actor....

We are so proud and thinking..."Maybe this acting thing will take care of us in our old age."

Seminary Graduation

With Grandpa and Devin

Proud Parents

** Mom's note - Grant has received several accolades in his high school career, but he also received 4 special awards in Seminary this year. They were for attendance, scripture reading, scripture mastery memorization, participation and citizenship. I am most pleased with these spiritual growth awards more than any other award he has received. He is a special young man with so much to offer.

Bonanza High School Graduation

Setting the stage for Devin's Graduation in 2012

"Oh What? Oh Nine!" (remember those high school chants?)

Rainbow Company Graduation

Theatre Kids...being Theatre Kids (Grant and his fellow senior Joey)

The Rainbow Company 2008-2009 group

Next up for Grant......Leaving for College August 25th

Where has the time gone? Just yesterday.....

I was celebrating my "Pooh Baby...." BIG SIGH......

Save the Date!! I'm Going to Graduate!

2009-04-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

The time is finally here! Big news from our home to yours!

On JUNE 6, 2009 at 10 am at the Orleans Arena, I will walk across the stage and receive my Masters of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy!!

All are welcome to attend the ceremony!

The evening of June 6, there will be a Graduation Party, so please keep the date open and get your party shoes ready!! Details to follow!!

AND if one graduation was not enough, lets add another!!

Grant will graduate from High School on June 11, 2009 at 9 am at the Orleans Arena, too!

June is a pretty exciting month for our family!!

Here is a picture of the soon-to-be Graduates!!

Photo credit - Lesli Streets of Leslie Streets Photography

Senior-itis

2009-04-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Having a son who is senior in high school has been a wake up call for me. In a few short months he will be starting a whole new life as a 'college student' and in just over a year, he will leave for a 2 year mission. All I can say is, 'where did the time go?' As his mom, I am so pleased with the young man I share my world with. He has become a kind hearted, open minded and really cool guy who I love so very much.

In February we took Grant and 2 friends to Ephraim, Utah to visit Snow College and so he could audition for a theatre scholarship. (Please note - Ephriam, Ut in February meant 23 degree weather...why do people live in such a place?)

Here are a few pictures from that trip....

I was walking behind the boys and I got teary as I realized Grant will be walking away from me and starting the next phase of his life....so I took a picture.

The bell tower on Snow's campus. As you can see, there was no snow on the ground, but it was COLD for this desert rat

We were able to attend a performance by the Snow Theatre department of "You a Good Man Charlie Brown." Snow is the only (ONLY) college or university in the country that has an exchange program with Juilliard where students learn from Juilliard's instructors and professors. This is the main reason Grant wants to attend Snow. Amazing training by the worlds best.

Caleb, Grant and Aaron on the steps at Snow

Manti Temple - visible from the campus

Yardley Inn and Spa

Wayne and I stayed at a romantic little place I found online. The Yardley Inn and Spa was the perfect place to relax and enjoy our time away, "sort of" without kids. (Grant and friends stayed on campus) If you are ever up in the Manti area, or if you want a nice little get away...this is the place. The most amazing woman, Marlene Yardley welcomes you and runs the house. She is adorable and so steadfast in the Gospel - testifying at breakfast for the guests. And...we discovered Mrs. Dash in scrambled eggs is delicious! (this is also the location of the tub with feet from the previous post)

Grant was accepted at Snow! Now...we wait to hear about the scholarship!

Catching up... a photo journey

2009-03-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have been a neglectful blogger. I admit it. I am guilty. I am in Grad School. (justification) What I have decided to do is to post a few photos of what our family has been up to the past while instead of posting a bunch of blog posts. All in favor, say "Aye" any opposed; (insert cricket noises) hearing none, I will proceed. Grant was in The Mousetrap (note his angry scene and mustache)

Devin grew within a half inch of his mom

A bath was taken in a tub with legs

Books were read (really good books)

I got to spend time with real live Goddesses (more about this later....)

my Dad perfected the "after Sunday dinner nap"

Wayne finished a painting, "Uji Temple"

...and started a new one

Our "all kinds of awesome" friend Lesli took pictures of Grant

our Mulberry tree bloomed...ah choo!

Devin perfected his Computer Graphic skills

Reggie thought about food

Gracie thought about world peace

AND.... we enjoyed life. Laughed. Did our day to day stuff and all in all.... enjoyed each other's company and had ....

May you do the same.

(Leave a comment and let me know there are really more than just crickets out in cyber space!)

Intimate Issues and a FREE GIVEAWAY!!

2009-02-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

(you must read to the bottom of this post to find the freebie!!)

Several years ago, I found myself wondering how to improve on my intimate relationship with my husband. I knew this was a normal type of question to ask, so I talked to my therapist at the time, and she suggested looking into a few books. One book I found to be very helpful was Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus.

Now, as a Therapist-Intern myself, I have referred to this book to help women when questions about intimacy and sex have been asked of me. So imagine my excitement when I received an offer from the Publisher I review books for to review one of my most trusted and favorite books!!

AND there are 2 books for me to give away!!

Intimate Issues answers the twenty-one questions about sex most frequently asked by Christian wives, as determined by a nationwide poll of over one thousand women. Intimate Issues is biblical and informative: sometimes humorous, other times practical, but always honest. Through its solid teaching warm testimonials, scriptural insights, and experts’ advice, you’ll find resolution for your questions and fears, surprising insights about God’s perspective on sex, and a variety of practical and creative ideas for enhancing your physical relationship.

You can find Intimate Issues at the following on-line booksellers:

- www.Amazon.com - www.ChristianBook.com - www.FamilyChristian.com

Now for the fun part --- answer this question and you could be entered to win a free copy of Intimate Issues. (I have 2 to give away)

Describe your most romantic evening out with your beloved?

winner will be chosen at random from all those who leave comments.

Love Overload

2009-02-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

I love books and I have been so fortunate to be a book-reviewing-blogger!

Here are 3 books for your Valentine's Day consideration.

1) I Do Again by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs This book details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

2) Love As A Way Of Life ~ Devotional Book - by Dr. Gary Chapman I have the other books in this series and it is a favorite to quote in sessions with couples. I just really feel LOVE is the component we often forget in many areas of our lives. In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

3) For Couples Only Box Set by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

I have enjoyed this series of books as well. Very useful way to help people (and myself) see things from the other gender's perspective.

Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life. Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew.

To get these books for yourself, follow these Amazon Links: I Do Again: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074452

Love As A Way Of Life Devotional: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0307444694

For Couples Only: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601422482

Rain

2009-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

allow light to enter

open doors

ask in faith for blessing that No One hears

beg for solace

do all in spite of injury

serve the less

add a candle to the shadows

all in an effort

to wake up to

rain

1/20/09 ~ Change Begins Today

2009-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago, I made a commitment to support Barack Obama. I felt he was the right person for me to support. Being LDS, (Mormon) I found being an Obama supporter complicated at times. Not so much for me, but for some of my faith and others in my circle of friends.

I signed on early in the campaign to walk in my neighborhood, be a caucus leader and to put a yard sign up and a bumper sticker on my car. Because of these political choices, heard comments from some church folks about these choices, criticism from those who share my faith and from those that do not, snide comments in meetings such as Sunday School, questions of regarding my religious beliefs and even direct questioning of my faith. I still do not understand why my choice to choose Obama made such a stir in others. Maybe they wanted to admit to themselves they felt 'something' from him, but could not out of fear. I always chose to be positive, to smile and to not make comments back or about others. It was OK. I grew and I felt self-supported. And, I felt God's acknowledgement of my agency and my choice. I have always felt in my heart that Mr. Obama was the right choice for our country at this time. It has been my choice. My vote. And now, he is my president. I am overwhelmed at the outcome and my feelings. I get emotional each time I see him with his wife and children I remember hearing a radio interview with her when she said, "Barack has never disappointed me..." I felt the spirit tell me that this is what a marriage should be. We should strive to never disappoint each other. I am so looking forward to 1/20/09. To me, this date in our history signifies change, a hoped for shift in our country. I know it will take time, there will be criticisms, there will be nay-sayers, there will be more harsh comments to endure, but my faith in Barack Obama is strong. My faith in God is secure. My heart is full. I love this country. I love my Faith. I love my spiritual path. I love that we GET to choose our President. Now, may we all move forward and find connection, love and make the effort to make a difference.

May we all feel hope in our futures.

Christmas 2009

2009-01-13T18:22:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. I love to shop and find the right gift for family and friends. I really enjoy the gift opening and watching closely as the receive sees what I have carefully chosen just for them. And....I really enjoy torturing my children with the "most wanted" gift by sending them on a treasure hunt through the house to find this most wanted of gifts, but this is only after EVERYTHING is opened and I relish in their attempts to not seem disappointed and to show their gratitude for the clothes and other things they have received. I know, I know, mean, but oh, so fun. Here are a few pictures from this year's festivities.

Christmas Eve pajamas

Christmas Morning (6:32 am) checking out what Santa left on the fireplace for them. The insertion of the time is to show that even 'big kids' get up way too early on Christmas morning!

Opening a "clue" to their big gift

Finding a clue in the linen closet

Opening the X-Box they begged for .... after searching the house for 20 minutes and deciphering their father's clues.... FUN, FUN, FUN!!

What the boys did during Winter Break

2009-01-06T21:33:00.001-08:00

Welcome 2009

2008-12-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

I adore our connection and wish you:

A New Year minted from love

Gilded with courage

Dusted with wonder

Embraced by contradiction

Comfortable with discomfort

Tenderized by self-kindness

Held in the hands of our Source"

Jennifer Louden www.comfortqueen.com

Holiday On Ice

2008-12-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Amy Grant. Ok, I will admit it, I am a fan-girl. For my birthday my cool mom bought tickets for the Holiday On Ice performance staring, you guessed it, AMY GRANT...oh yea, and Nancy Kerrigan, Michael W. Smith and some other skaters..... I did my best to take some pictures, but they are not all that clear. And since the event was being filmed for TV, I couldn't get up and take better shots. Here is what I have to share.

The Stage - it was really pretty

Nancy Kerrigan - she had a baby 3 months ago, so here jumps were not high up in the air, but she looked beautiful. My friend Barbara (also LaRae's cousin) and my mom. I had to sneak up and take my mom's picture since she does not like it much..... I like this picture as she was so enjoying herself and the skating and the company.

The blurry image in the middle is really Amy Grant. I truly love Christmas Music and I love her and skating is pretty cool too.....so, it was a perfect evening.

Amy has a new Christmas CD this year and on it she has written a new song called "I Need a Silent Night" and it is amazing...I'm a bit obsessed with it at the moment. On the CD, her 4 year old daughter Corina Grant-Gill reads the Savior's birth story from Luke and it is adorable. How cool to have your child's voice recorded for all time on a song you wrote and sang.

This is a YouTube video of Amy's new Christmas Song "I Need a Silent Night." It isn't a great quality video, so to read the lyrics, see my new widget on my blog.....Pretty cool and high tech, huh?

I hope a few of you caught the Holiday on Ice show this past Sunday at 1 pm PST....I used the trusty DVR to "tape" it for me and I've watched it a few times now, fast forwarding to Amy's parts. The show was great - fun to go out with my "girl-friends" .....just one comment...MORE AMY, less skating next time!!

Celebration of the day I was born

2008-11-16T16:41:00.001-08:00

Howdy - I have lots to catch up on.... Let's start with pictures from my birthday weekend - Me at 43 Dinner at White Chocolate Grill --- gotta love a place that has desert on the menu before anything else! Seared Ahi Tuna - my favorite!! Sharing some volcanic chocolate thing with my man Then on Sunday - Dinner at my folks - Steak, Artichoke, twice baked potatoes and.....

Desert at my parents on Sunday - Texas Sheet Cake - delish!

And to top off a perfect night --

a few hours of Aggravation (do you remember this game?) I found this one on eBay...and we play every week.

"I got a crush on Obama"

2008-11-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today is the day we have been waiting for and it is getting pretty exciting. I have not been shy about my support for Mr. Obama. The words; "I got a crush on Obama" has been sung by me often. I admire his integrity, his fighting for what he has believed in and for staying the course throughout his life. His life's beginning has been of interest to me as I find that in my work I see people who come from poverty, disadvantage and struggle can go either way - they either brake out of their disadvantage or they continue to find struggle and disadvantage. It depends on attitude. Attitude determines their altitude. My parents and I have had many disagreements over this election. When I was 18 and went to register to vote my dad said, "Don't come home a democrat," so even though that is the party I wanted to join, I registered republican and stayed a republican until 2006 - then I took the leap and became a democrat as my support and friendship with Dina Titus was strong. So, here I am, a democrat, watching the election returns with hope and with a greater excitement than I have felt in quite some time. 8 pm Pacific time....Hello Mr. President Elect Obama! (TEARS)

Bonanza Homecoming 2008

2008-10-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos from Grant's Homecoming night. These are the pictures of him and his date, Michele, (his girlfriend...how does my son have a girlfriend that is not ME?!) She is a very nice girl who we really like and who is the female equivalent of Grant. She is a Theatre Major at Las Vegas Academy and they don't see each other all that much due to their busy lives, but when they do, they enjoy each other's company. Here are some pictures from Michele's home when Grant picked her up. (Do you like how I went too to take pictures?)

Grant and Michele

Homecoming was on a cold night for October

Grant and Michele at her mom's home before the dance

Grant in front of his bedroom door - which is full of quotes he loves - he got this idea from the late Randy Pausch

Isn't he so handsome!?

Bonanza Homecoming 2008 - Part I - Our "Son" Grant

2008-10-11T22:04:00.001-07:00

A tradition during Bonanza High School homecoming for the Senior Boys to be the cheerleaders at the powderpuff football game. Grant made one 'cute' "Lady-Man" and was fun to watch him cheer and jump in a skirt.

Boys as Girls

Grant doing a pose at home

A face only his mother could love.....

More pictures from the dance and with his date to follow......

A Nevada Saturday

2008-09-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Devin and I took a drive out to Boulder City to see the Nevada State Animal. (do you know what it is....?) Correct: It is the Desert Bighorn Sheep

This guy sat there and seemed to be posing for those who wanted to take his picture.

When we first saw the sheep, they were next to the highway and not in the park where they often are. There were cars stopping for people to see them and take their pictures. Then, a black, dark tinted windowed car with a dashboard siren and light came and slowly drove near the sheep, honking his siren so that they would move away from the highway and back up to the park where they spend September. It was one of those "Only in Nevada" moments..."Only in Nevada do Bighorn Sheep get herded by an undercover shepherd in a Crown Victoria."

Devin with Lake Mead in the distance. Devin went water skiing for the first time a few weeks back and loved the lake. He has been begging for our family to buy a boat ever since. Not gonna happen.

Me in front of the park in Boulder City where the Sheep hang out. Funny thing about the park this Saturday. There was a group of folks there

setting up for a wedding. Another, "Only in Nevada" moment. "Only in Nevada can you have a wedding in a park attended by Desert Bighorn Sheep."

Look at this guy's horns! Beautiful.

If you have the time, take the kids out to Boulder City to see the Desert Bighorn Sheep. They totally ignore the people watching them and it is a beautiful way to spend a few hours viewing some majestic animals.

Home Means Nevada to Me.

The Heart of the Matter

2008-09-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 days I spent my time here....

Not exactly what I had planned for a Tuesday morning, but nevertheless, I had to let go of my control and listen to my body.

On the way to work, I began having chest pains. Now, I have had this pain before, but never like I had it on Tuesday. So, I went to my office and the pain continued...and I felt really, really bad. I had my co-worker drive me to the hospital emergency room.

I walked in, filled out the paperwork for chest pain and the fun began. I was hooked up to a heart monitor, given nitroglycerin, atavan (anti-anxiety medication) and laid in the bed..waiting. After a while, my pain subsided and I felt better. The doctor came in, reviewed everything and said, "I think we will keep you overnight and run some tests..." I thought, "Don't you know I am busy? I have no time for this!"

So, needless to say, I spent 3 days in the hospital and had numerous tests all to find out that my heart needed a break. (well, that is not the official diagnosis, but it is my own for myself) My heart is OK, but needs to see the cardiologist for follow up care.

I had a good time to reflect and to listen to my body - it needed to rest. I have been going 110% for a long time and I know that I need to slow down. This was my body's way of saying, "Hey, I need a break. You are NOT Wonder Woman!"

Interesting how this all came to be for me. I have just started my 600 hours of student therapy to graduate and I have 2 jobs, 2 kids, 3 dogs, housework, a new church calling and a husband I pay attention to on occasion.... (he got my full attention in the hospital as he sat with me every day - his boss banned him from working while I was sick) I have known for a long time that my health was slipping, that my body was tired, that I feel worn out a lot, I don't sleep enough, but I kept telling myself that it is only until July 09.... Guess my body thought 9/08 was time to stop for a moment.

So today, I am busy making follow up doctor appointments, resting, wearing pajamas at 11:31 pm and taking it easy. I am also banned from my job until Monday. Nice, actually, not to have to do something today. First day in a long time.

I am thankful to my body and to God who allowed me to understand what I need to do for me while I rested for 3 days in Desert Springs. I am thankful for a husband who still loves me despite my busy life and lack of time for him. I am thankful for 2 boys whose faces told the fear that their voices would not say when they saw me in the bed with contraptions hooked up to me. They need me and I need them. So, I'll stick around a while longer, take better care of my heart and my body and remember that the beach is only 4 hours away.

ARE YOU READY??!!!

2008-09-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

It is finally time. There is a crispness in the air, there is an excitement in people that happens only in September...NFL football is BACK! I love football. Especially NFL football. Sure, I like college football (especially the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame) and I even like high school football - Go Bengals! - But there is nothing to compare to NFL football.

My team is the Indianapolis Colts. My husbands is the Minnesota Vikings, Grant loves the Green Bay Packers (he is undecided about this whole Brett Favre situation) and Devin, he likes the Baltimore Ravens, though he does not watch with the excitement of his mother. Our family participates for fun in an online game where we pick the winners. We enjoy seeing who is the best at picking the winners ... it is a fun family activity.

Oh - gotta go - the game is on!

THE Peyton MANning

Back to School 2008 - Firsts and Lasts

2008-08-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day of school came and it has passed....and for me, 'the mom,' I feel a mix of excitement, sadness, nostalgia and 'Am I really this old?"

Grant started his SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL and Devin started his FIRST DAY OF HIGH SCHOOL!!

Here are a few pictures of the day (not taken before school as seminary starts at 5:50 in the A.M!!) We took the pictures after school had ended for the day! Devin - the 9th grader, reporting for duty Grant - Senior Mentor for Bonanza High School Grant - "Ok mom, enough with the pictures..." My boys - High School Students (How did this happen to ME??)

The Healing Choice

2008-08-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

In the wake of betrayed intimacy, you may feel nauseated, angry, humiliated, desperate. Why am I not enough for him? Can our marriage be saved—and do I even want to try? Will this unbearable ache ever go away? Amid the devastation that follows a spouse’s sexual disloyalty, you need to know that you are not alone. God walks alongside you, offering comfort and a promise to transform the pain of the present into hope for the future. In addition, there is a community of women who know firsthand the agony caused by a husband’s sexual compromises and who offer the compassion, strength, and biblical wisdom you need to make healthy decisions for yourself and your family. The Healing Choice reveals the hope-filled stories of two such women, authors Brenda Stoeker and Susan Allen, who draw on their own experiences and those of many others to offer step-by-step advice for rediscovering intimacy with God and finding the support you need to move toward genuine spiritual and emotional restoration. Their down-to-earth insights light the path toward help and healing for every woman who longs to move beyond the pain of broken trust and experience God’s promise of hope

Janet's review -

I enjoyed this book from a therapist's perspective. It is full of ways to 'let go and let God' carry the burden of a dying loved one and a husband who has strayed. Often people become angry with God and push Him away first before looking at the situation and having faith that God knows how it will all turn out, even before it happened.

I was touched by the honesty and openness of these two women in sharing their life's struggle and heartache.

Again -I have one to give a way - send me your address (Micalanne, I still need yours for the last book) and I'll send you a copy!

Incomplete - I am in LOVE with this song

2008-07-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

Do you ever buy a CD and one song just jumps into your soul and stays there as a reminder that there is something in your life that is going on and you didn't even know that this 'something' was there waiting for you to work out? Well, that is what this song by Alanis Morissette has done to me. I am in love with this song, but at the same time, I feel so strongly that I have some 'relationship-with-God-stuff to work out.' Often, I get in this place and often, I fight until I can not fight with my heart anymore - giving in and allowing myself to re-connect and not question. I am not a person who gives my whole self to the will of God easily. In fact, I fight and struggle with the idea of "God" and just want God to be with me without me having to do and give and struggle. Does anyone understand what I am saying here?

Anyway, I love the song - can not get enough of it - want to be a friend to friends who know how to be friends - and this desire for friendship includes God.

Be open. Listen.

Love As A Way of Life by Dr. Gary Chapman

2008-07-23T18:54:00.000-07:00

It is time for a book review!

"It is impossible to succeed without love." Dr. Gary Chapman

Dr. Gary Chapman's new book Love As a Way of Life speaks directly to my heart. I have felt for as long as I remember that if we as a human species could just offer love to each other in a non-judgemental, God centered way, our world could heal itself. Now, this book confirms how I have felt and the way I have tried to offer myself to the planet for me. This book, Love As a Way of Life is the follow up to The Five Love Languages and offers seven traits that lead to loving relationships.

These traits are:

1) Kindness

2) Patience

3) Forgiveness

4) Courtesy

5) Humility

6) Generosity

7) Honesty

Each chapter is full of suggestions and reasons that these traits are so important for us to cultivate and develop in our relationships. I especially liked the chapter on courtesy. How 'missing' is this trait in our day to day dealings with those whom we come in contact with daily? VERY!

The last few chapters are on making love a way of life in Marriage, Parenting and the Workplace. There are also quizzes and exercises to 'test' your levels in each of the seven areas.

I highly recommend this book as one that will enhance your day to day living of life and will give you a deeper insight into your own behavior as you interact in relationships.

I have one to give away....just be the first to say in a comment "I want more love" and I'll send you a copy.

Grant-E's Big Adventure

2008-07-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

Grant was able to go on a 2 week Church History Trip with Latter Day Tours. Our house was pretty quiet without him here, but he had a great experiences and loved seeing new cities and sites. Here are a few of his pictures! Enjoy!! Sacred Grove Palmyra Temple - cool sky! John Lennon memorial Central Park Liberty Bell - through a window to avoid the line! (that is my boy) WWII memorial - every state who sent troops has a wreath Acting like a Canadian on the Maid of the Mist tour Niagara Falls - Canadian Side Ground Zero from the bus - NYC Hill Cumorah Original Book of Mormon transcript

way behind in the life of my blog

2008-06-21T23:03:00.001-07:00

Well....I clicked over to my own blog for a change and found that it has been longer than I remembered since I had visited here. I can't believe that life has zoomed by so quickly and somehow left me holding on for all I am worth!

The things I promised to update about a few posts ago are 'old news' by now, and I am not sure what the point in posting it all would be.

But, I will share a few Snoopy the Musical photos as it was so much fun for this truly INTROVERTED mom to watch her truly EXTROVERT actor of a son sing, dance and "become" Snoopy!

Snoopy (aka Grant)

The Cast...singing the finale

Grant and his biggest fan....Devin.

The best MAN won

2008-05-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

State of my Life

2008-05-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have been over here at my computer desk dutifully working on homework for the past 3 hours. My brain and my bottom are tired, but for different reasons!

I have so many things that I could share with you, my friends, I just don't know where to start.

I have been very blessed lately. I have been led by the Spirit and I have been supported in decisions I have made about my life. I am making a huge move in my career and I am scared to death, yet thrilled for the new adventure.

I only have 2 more classes in Grad School. Can you say "FINALLY?"

My eldest son learned about the power of prayer and of the Priesthood. He embodied Snoopy. I was so proud (pictures later)

My youngest son went away for 24 hours with his school group to CA to play his violin at the Music in the Park festival. He had a blast and I didn't worry for the entire 24 hours.....another miracle! (sorry, no pictures)

My husband is a good man. He is patient and he is kind. He still likes me and we celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. (again, sorry, no pictures)

My dogs are cute. But, we all knew that! (silly me)

My parents are funny - (my mom has no wrinkles to speak of at 73...this is for LaRae) I do have wrinkles at 42. I was thinking of Laurie Koelliker- she is 52 and looks 32...how does she do that? (I digress....)

I will post photos, updates and follow through on these teasers.....soon.

I promise.

Oh, and I like David Cook....for the WIN!! (but I like Top Chef better!!)

Say good night Gracie. Good Night.

Happy 14th Devin

2008-05-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

Devin and his favorite gift from his Grandpa....Jelly Beans!

My 'baby' is now 14!! He was ordained a teacher yesterday. He looked so tall and grown up next to our Bishop on the stand. I remember when he was 8 and had been baptised ~ he refused to go on the stand as he was too shy! He has grown up a lot since then. He isn't so shy anymore. Enjoy a few pictures of his day. We made him wait until after Church at 4 pm to open his presents. He was quite patient, until Church ended and then he said in the lobby, quite loudly, "Let's Roll!! There are presents waiting for me to rip thme open!"

That is our little man Devin...so glad he is mine!

A Bit of Great News

2008-03-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

(Make sure you read the post below for our Easter festivities)

Grant has been working an 'actor' now for a while. He has been patiently playing smaller roles and loving every moment he spends on stage. Then, it happened! Grant auditioned for Bonanza's 2008 Musical - which is Snoopy the Musical. He sent me a text the morning that the cast list was posted and it said, "I am SNOOPY!" He is so thrilled and so are we for him.

This role will really stretch him as he will be singing on stage - a lot - and I know he can sing, but can he carry a show?! (worried mom voice)

Here is Grant, with his Snoopy script and his Puggle, (Pug & Beagle mix) Reggie....(yes, I had them pose for my blog......)

The play will run May 1 - 2 at 6:30 pm at the Bonanza High School theatre and it is a family friendly show. It will be fun, and we are inviting everyone who would like a fun night out to join us for our son's lead actor debut!!

"It's the Easter Beagle..."

2008-03-26T17:18:00.001-07:00

This is Charles Shultz's Easter Beagle

Even though our boys are older...they still wanted to color and look for the eggs after "The Easter Bunny" hid the eggs. This family tradition is steeped deeply in these boys.

Devin and his haul....and his old basket made from the bottom of a milk carton when he was 2.

Grant and his old basket purchased by his Nana from a fundraiser from a local pet charity when he was 2.

2 boys and 9 colored eggs each. We keep things even in this household.

This is the Nordine Family's Easter Beagle. Gracie at her finest.

Where did all the readers go?

2008-03-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am a bit confused.

I sent to all my blogger friends my new and fun blog address, but it seems no one (except for Judy) figured out that the family blog has MOVED. If you found the blog, but just lurked, that is cool, but if you are a lurker, do me one favor...leave just a 'hi' message as a comment so I know you were here.

I like blogging. It helps meet my creative needs. But, I am, just like everyone else, busy in life. I guess my ego would like to have some response to my writing. I shouldn't care, but somehow, I do. I don't have a huge family as many of my blogger friends, so I have not many to share with, but I do consider many of my friends 'family..'

Maybe I am just whining and feeling a bit of pity for myself. Probably. It is Sunday and that does mean melancholy for me.

Anyway - here is my plea. Leave a comment and let me know you at least found the new address. Thanks.

All Theatre Week

2008-03-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Last week was a weekend to go down in the family record books. Collectively our family saw 4 plays in 7 days. Pretty great if you ask me. The first play was a production by The Rainbow Company called Kit Carson's Frontier Adventures. This is the yearly 'traveling show' that the company does and performs at schools around Las Vegas. The show is Nevada Historically relevant and fun, too. It teaches history about the Las Vegas valley and I even learned how Mt. Charleston got it's name. Do any of YOU know how it was named??

The next play belonged only to Grant. (lucky duck) He was able to see the Utah Shakespearean Festival's traveling show of Romeo and Juliette at his High School. It was a condensed and modernized version, and he loved it!

Play number 3 was a gift to Wayne for his birthday in January. You see, Wayne is Canadian, which means he grew up watching British TV and this means he is a big fan of Monte Python. The Wynn Hotel here in Vegas is the home of the Broadway play SPAMALOT!! The show had tickets 2 for 1 for locals, so we took advantage and the whole family was able to go to the show. It was such a fun night with dinner before the show at California Pizza Kitchen. We laughed until we thought we would loose our pizza! Very fun show.

Grant and Devin with their Holy Grails from SPAMALOT!

Our last play was Las Vegas Academy's production of CATS ~ Las Vegas. It was the Andrew Lloyd Weber version of Cats, but with a Vegas twist. There was a Mayor Goodman cat, a Michael Jackson cat, showgirl cats, an Elvis cat and much more Vegas-esk characters. It was a fun night and it was fun to share it with Grant, my mom and Grant's girlfriend Michele, who is a student at LVA. (LVA is the performing arts High School in town and they are amazing!)

We love theatre of all kinds and this was the BEST WEEK EVER!

Unlikely Friends - a video about learning to trust

2008-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

I love this video. My mom sent it to me. Please take the time to watch it with your kids and then ask them what they think, what they learned about this friendship and if they saw 'trust' in the friendship. It really is a beautiful little story.

Doggie Genealogy

2008-02-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm sure some of you may have seen this past week the Beagle, Uno, who won the coveted Westminster Dog Show Best in Show prize. How could you miss it, he was barking on every channel. He is absolutely adorable!

Uno at Westminster showing his stuff!

Well, here is the really cool part!

Uno's father is named Parker. He is from a Kennel out of Ogden, Utah. In the same litter that Parker was from was a dog named Rhett (as in Butler). Rhett is the father of my dog, Gracie.

So...Gracie and Uno are cousins....on their father's side!

Gracie at home...showing her stuff under her table.

OK..so this is probably not even a blip on the radar screen of many of you, but to me...it is quite fun and exciting.

Here is the link to the kennel that Uno, Parker and Rhett are from. (You can click on Beagles and see pictures of Parker and Rhett under the 'boys' section)

http://www.windkist-utah.com/

Gracie is from a kennel in Panguich, UT called Red Canyon Beagles

here is there link - and they have puppies!!

http://www.redcanyonbeagles.com/

Beagles are amazing family dogs and I would recomend them to anyone who wants a loyal companion with soft ears and a bark that sings at the moon!

Super Tuesday - YES WE CAN!

2008-02-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

I get an e-mail often from Barack Obama, and today was no different. I received the following video from Michelle Obama. It is tremendous! Even if you are not supporting or did not support my man Obama in your state's primary, take a few moments to at least enjoy the creativity of this video created by one of his supporters.

If Super Tuesday is your state's primary or caucus day - get out and vote - it is a priviledge and an honor to be able to support whomever you choose.

But for me, I choose OBAMA!

Television is SAVED!!

2008-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:00

I love this show. After watching the Democratic Debate tonight, we switched over to watch Idol and laughed, cheered, enjoyed every second of it!!

Such mindless TV and so nice to enjoy it again.

Yea!! for Simon, Paula and Randy

A Very Important Video

2008-01-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

How I Found My Purpose (click on the picture to view this important video.) The video I posted above is important to me. The girl in the video, Jess, completed suicide 9 months ago because of the pain and torment of her rape. Her partner and friend made this video as a tribute and as a way for her to heal and to tell others that it is possible to heal as well. Suicide is not the answer. It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I join with all the millions of survivors of sexual assault and all related atrocities and I recognize the pain, the anguish, the horror and the desire to not live another day. But I also say, healing is avialable for all who desire it. God will take your pain and heal your heart if you allow Him in. I stand and use my voice for those who have yet to find their own. Janet - survivor and thriver

Just a bit of Presidential information

2008-01-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Check out what my friend Rita Smith Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has to say about Gov. Mitt Romney and her offer to all candidates. This is a recent press release.....

For Immediate Release!

Contact: Rita Smith, Executive Director of NCADV - National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

303-839-1852, x105 720-341-5858 mobile

I woke up this morning to disturbing news. Not the surprising reports of the outcome of the New Hampshire primary, although it is related to that primary. What disturbed me was during the last crush of campaign appearances, Gov. Mitt Romney exposed a significant lapse in his preparing for national leadership. During one of his campaign stops, a man asked Gov. Romney if he became President if he would veto the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The man asked that question based on his assertion that men are falsely accused of domestic violence and lose contact with their children unjustly as a result of that. The questioner’s facts were not accurate, and exhibited a widely held belief that men are denied custody without due process and for no real reasons. My experience while working in this field for over 25 years is that just the opposite is true. Mothers are far more likely to lose custody when it is contested, and regardless of the evidence they may have of the father’s violence perpetrated towards her or the children.

That’s not what disturbed me the most, although the continual use of some men’s groups to spout bogus facts and statistics is a problem we need to correct. What disturbed me is that a smart and articulate candidate for President was unaware of an act that was passed in 1994 that addresses a significant issue for 50% of the people he is seeking to represent. I don’t believe that Gov. Romney believes that domestic violence is a good thing, or that he thinks the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which addresses domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence, is a bad act. I’m concerned that he did not make it a point to learn about federal legislation that is directed at making all of our homes, communities and schools safer. (THIS DISTURBS ME, TOO...Janet)

VAWA has been a strongly supported bi-partisan piece of federal legislation from its inception through the most recent reauthorization. Both Democrats and Republicans in both the Senate and House voted in huge numbers for this bill. It is literally saving lives, and that is an issue Gov. Romney, and every other candidate running for President should know about, be familiar with and be willing to support vocally if they want my vote.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and we would be happy to assist any of the candidates, from any party, in learning more about this important piece of legislation and how they can help make every home a safe home.

for more info - please read the Washington Post -
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/07/romney_draws_a_blank_on_violen_1.html

"What have you been doing?" asked Micalanne

2008-01-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

I just received a message from my pal, Micalanne. She asked why I was so behind on blogging. My answer is....I really have no idea! I have thought about blogging, looked at my blog, thought about things a lot and wanted to put on the blog...but really.... I have no good excuse. Unless you count the holidays, but really, that should not count as I had a paid week off from work, had no school for 2 weeks and hung out with my kids. We saw 3 movies, ate out for breakfast 4 days and did lots of other fun and holiday type stuff together. It was nice to just hang out and to sleep in and to take couch naps and read and do n-o-t-h-i-n-g for a while. (I did volunteer a bit on the Obama campaign, but that was more fun than work) Now, I am back to work, back in school, back in action and feel like I should blog. Why is that? Anyway, I have 2 books to review for the blog and I have many thoughts in my brain I want to write about, but for now, I am watching "no brain" TV (Deal or No Deal) and hanging with my husband and beagles. BUT, I promise, I have about 4 posts coming your way so get ready!! 'Til then....love and peace

Catching Up! Our November Birthday Trip

2007-12-10T18:31:00.001-08:00

Hello Blogger Friends - I am waaayyy behind on keeping up with my blog. We have been up to many things, and I find myself reflecting on our November, and then I realized that it is the end of December! Where does the time go? Our November was busy. I turned 42 on the 9th and we took a fun, romantic, no children included trip to Monterrey, CA. We flew from Vegas to San Jose and then rented a car (which because it was my birthday ended up being a convertible) and drove the short 1 hour drive through the hills to Monterrey...to see the ocean and the otters at the Monterrey Aquarium. Here are a few pictures of our trip: Big Sur - the most beautiful place I have ever seen .... this is a view from a the beach and the ocean and birds...aahhh

Wayne and Janet at Sunset...on my birthday

We went on a whale watching boat tour and saw many whales. Here is a Humpback Whale's tale fin .. pretty amazing!

Wayne near Pebble Beach on the coast many, many, many seal lions African River Otter - the reason I wanted to go to Monterrey in the first place - to see the new Otter habitat at the Aquarium. FUN! Big Sur Convertible Ride ~ I made a Video!!

Convertible ride through Big Sur. The reason Wayne looks concerned is that I am filming while the police are driving by.... I didn't even see them!

What a beautiful and perfect day this was!

Book Review - For Parent's Only (read to the end...there may be a prize!)

2007-11-28T22:54:00.000-08:00

Shaunti Feldhahn is known for unlocking the mysteries of relationships for men and women. Now she turns to a parent’s relationship with a child, particularly a child of the opposite sex. Drawing on the results of a nationwide survey of kids and teenagers, she explores questions such as: What do moms need to understand about the “tough and tender” boy who values respect over love? What do dads need to understand about their daughter’s need for affirmation? What are the six biggest pet peeves teens have about their parents? Understanding the answers to these and other important questions can help parents make the holidays a time of celebration and unity, not strife and friction. For Parents Only offers a unique look into a child’s mind and frees readers to communicate in healthier ways as they discover that understanding their kids may not be as complicated as they think. Author Bio:

Shaunti Feldhahn is the author of For Women Only and numerous other books, with sales totaling nearly one million copies. A nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and public speaker, Feldhahn earned her master’s degree at Harvard University. She and her husband, Jeff, have two young children. Lisa A. Rice is the associate editor of Christian Living magazine, the mother of two teenage girls, and a screenwriter and producer.

I have been given 2 free copies to share with 2 parent friends. If you would like a copy, please e-mail me at tokyopatirce@hotmail.com with your address and Iwill send it out. The first 2 friends to e-mail me get the freebies!

It's Halloweeeeeeeeeen Time

2007-11-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Even though the boys are older, they still enjoy the dressing up and getting / giving candy fun that is Halloween. This year, Grant's friend James joined us for an evening of Trunk or Treat at the Church parking lot. For the past few years, Grant has been 'in charge' of the handing out of candy to the 'little kids...' He made a spooky mix of Halloween music to play as he hands out the goods. It is fun to watch him enjoying the giving part of the night. Grant and James decided to be un-politically correct and dress as politicians . Grant was the Republican (much to his mom's disgust) and James was a Democrat (much to his own disgust). They both wore dark suites and red/white/blue ties and Grant slicked his hair back, a' la Mitt Romney. James, the democrat carried a big, fake knife and Grant, the republican, had on scary skull gloves. When asked what they were dressed as, they would say, "we are politicians...I'm a democrat, I'm a republican .... we are the scariest ones here!" I would have to agree.....

Democrats and Repulicans set aside their differences for one evening of handing out choc-o-late to the kiddies ....

Devin is 13 and still young enough to trick or treat and still loves the whole party atmosphere of the trunk or treat. A few weeks back, we were at one of those Halloween costume stores that seem to crop up the day after school starts and Devin saw one of those inflatable Sumo Suits. Well, he wanted that from the moment he saw it....so I finally gave in after a few weeks and we went back to get it. He looked so cute and so big! He waddled around and belly bumped his dad - which looked hysterical! He also was the official assistant to the politicians - sort of like a chubby page... It was funny and he loved it!

Devin San in the center of it all....

Devin and his friend Spencer - who was on skates and who Devin pulled around all night - quite the site!

My Neighbor, The Monster

2007-10-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Grant just wrapped up his roll as "Joey" in the local play, "My Neighbor, The Monster" with the Rainbow Company youth ensemble.

The play is based in Boulder City, NV in the 1960's. It is about 3 friends who are in to the old time 'horror movies,' two of the friends, "Timmy and Joey" (Grant) work in a movie theatre for a Jewish theatre owner. (side note - Boris Karlof really did stay at the Boulder City Hotel in the 1960's for his honeymoon....thus the location for the play was born)

Like in most towns, there is a neighborhood 'spooky' house that has a spooky old man living in it. When the 3 friends are up in a tree trying to get a better look at the guy, Timmy falls out of the tree and gets caught by the spooky man. Turns out the spooky man is an old time Horror Movie actor and the fun ensues with "appearances" by Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein and many other 'creeps...' It was a fun play, lots of driving to rehearsals and performances, but something that Grant loves to do and we love to watch him do. His name was even mentioned in the local paper's review of the play. He has entered the 'big time' now! AND to the play's credit, my mom even enjoyed it!

Rainbow Company will be presenting The Wizard of Oz in December - very family friendly! He is not in this cast, but he is performing in his high school play, "The Worst High School Play In The World" in December and working on the Sound Crew for Oz. So a few busy play months are ahead for our family, but it is all a lot of fun and great memory building experiences. Here are some pictures from the play......MY NEIGHBOR, THE MONSTER.

"Joey" (Grant in Hawaiian shirt) up in a tree with his friends looking for the spooky neighbor

The friends meet the spooky neighbor - or how they THINK he looks....immagination is a great thing!

Grant - center - at the movie theatre discussing MONSTERS!

a few of the monsters.....

right before the cast took thier bow...

Grant and the cast signing autographs for children after the play.....he LOVED this part!

Grant and Devin with Frank....enstein....

Happy NEVADA DAY! (A.K.A. Halloween!)

"Mosaic - Amy Grant - Pieces of My LIfe So Far" ~ A simple pleasure; delighful

2007-10-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

"Salt water is the greatest component of our world, yet some people have never seen an ocean. That doesn't change the ocean. It is constant and powerful, and like the love of God, whether we're immersed in it, standing on the shore or a thousand miles away, it remains." Amy Grant - "Salt Water" page 11 of Mosaic

As I sat to down to enjoy my copy of Mosaic ~ Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant, I was happy to find the spare hours in an afternoon to just sit and read. It is a rare thing for me to really be able to sit and read as life is busy and I feel stretched often, so spending time with Amy Grant, who I consider a friend, was a delight.

I love the book, but I knew I would. I expected it to be more of a fluid story, but as I read each vignette of life experience Amy style, I was moved by her genuine caring for people, her deep love for her children, her amazement at finding Vince in her forties and her unwavering faith in God no matter her circumstance. I especially loved the story of her introducing the ocean to her nieces in the section Salt Water. (see opening quote) Amy loves the ocean, as do I and she took her nieces down Highway 98 to Destin, Florida so that these 3 young ladies could see the ocean 'for real' and not just from pictures in a National Geographic. After Amy parks the car, she tells the girls to close their eyes. And, as they opened them, the vast blue of ocean meeting sky was in front of them, and all the girls began to run to the ocean to be part of the wonder of one of God's greatest creations. Being a desert dweller, I can so relate to this feeling of being closest to God when I am on the beach. What a lovely reminder and truth Amy shared with this story.

I know this book will speak to many hearts as they share in Amy's life and know she struggles and soars just like the rest of us. She is open, honest and caring in her day to day living of life and in her sharing of her experiences, poems and music with the readers of Mosaic Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant. What a pleasure to spend a day with Amy Grant and to being reminded to look at the beauty around us in life....and to remember, "We're just here to love Him..and in a little while we'll be home forever...We'll be home in just a little while."

To purchase a copy of Mosaic, click here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/140007360X

IT IS HERE!!!

2007-10-01T22:21:00.001-07:00

This is not a very clear picture....but in today's mail, my Mosaic book by Amy Grant arrived!! Now, I just need a day to sit down and enjoy the ride while I read!

YAHOOO!!! My Blog was accepted!

2007-09-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Janet with Amy Grant at the Women of Faith Conference - Thomas and Mack Center - February 2005

http://www.amygrant.com

I can't tell you how excited I am right now! A few weeks back I entered a contest for Amy Grant fans who have blogs to review her upcoming book, Mosaic.....and I my lil' ol' blog was chosen to be one of the "reviewers" blogs! What does this mean? Well, lemmie-tell-ya! I get a free, autographed copy of the book (pretty cool) and I will read it (well, of course) and then in October, I will post my review! And then....the publisher will direct traffic to my blog to read the review! Now, the most exciting part for me is getting the autographed copy of the book .... as you all know .... I do LOVE Amy Grant! So, get excited with me and get ready for a post about the book. I can't wait and I know everyone will be on pins and needles until I upload this post!

(OK, so I know many will think I am weird, but humor me and please just pretend to be excited)

My Neighbor, The Monster

2007-09-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the flyer for the play that Grant is going to be in. My Neighbor, The Monster is an original play written by The Rainbow Company and should be hysterical and poignant. Grant plays "Joey" who is (by Grant's description) the comic relief in the play...which is perfect for him!

So, if you are in Vegas, come out and see the play! It is a great way to introduce your kids to theatre and to get them inspired to participate! Let me know if you will be attending, and I'll be sure to be there! Keep in mind - there are always cookies at a Rainbow Company play!

GREAT IDEA!

2007-09-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany tonight during the Danny Gans show. I was sort of paying attention while enjoying the show, thinking of my blog...silly, but sometimes my mind does wander...anyway... I had a great idea! We should have a reunion in CEDAR CITY, UTAH and see a play (or two...or three) next summer or even this fall! see www.bard.org they have this fall's schedule up and next year's, too! It would be a lot of fun to get together. Dawnae could come down from middle Utah, Judy and Micalanne could come to Vegas from CA and LaRae, Judy, Micalanne and I could drive up and well, LaRae is already there - Janae and Lesli could even join us if they were feeling adventurous! We could even invite Joan! Now I am excited! Anyone else think this is a brilliant idea, too?! PS - I did enjoy Danny Gans with Devin - the tickets were free, which made the show even better.... love www.showtickets4locals.com we get to see free shows as often as we have time for - nice!

Crazy, Crazy Week!

2007-08-31T17:49:00.000-07:00

We have had one crazy week since last Friday. I started a post about it on Monday of THIS week, but it did not get finished and ended up being my Shakespearean Festival post. SO, without further ado....CRAZY! We returned home from Cedar on Wednesday. While we were gone, our home started undergoing a 'remodel' of sorts. We planned this summer to finally get a new roof and air conditioning unit, and decided to redo our family room as well. ALL the work started while we were gone, so Wayne had to make sure it went smoothly. It is still pretty dusty everywhere as I refuse to do a thorough cleaning until this room is DONE! Our family room - new sheet rock, painted, waiting for tile (that happens tomorrow) and baseboard. And next week, we are getting all new windows in our house. Note the dog, Cody. He has been laying on the dusty concrete as if he is waiting for something to happen and wondering where the old furniture went that he spent so many hours on napping. 4 ton air conditioning unit - now, if we can just figure out the new fangled thermostat.... New roof - good bye wood shake roof, hello shingles! (next to happen outside is a new, red front door!) Friday 8/20 we went to bed late,as usual,...looking forward to a busy Saturday when at 1:15 am, we awoke from our slumber to hear a loud CRASH! and to find the following.... An 'allegedly' drunk driver plowed in to the back of Wayne's car, which pushed it into my car, and then he continued on down the street, hitting our neighbor's 2 cars before jumping out of his car and running home to hide in his yard. Our other neighbor saw the guy take off and followed him in her car until the police showed up to arrest him. Now, this is a surreal thing to have happen during a deep sleep. Once we realized our cars had been hit by 'something,' as we could not see the other car, the only thought I had was, "The police are coming, I need to get out of my shorts and put on pants." If that isn't logical thinking, I don't know what is. Wayne's car is a total loss, which sucks as it is an older car, paid off and worth more to us than it is on paper. My newly paid off car will be fixed, thankfully and returned in a week or so. CRAZY! (Anyone know a good lawyer and a place to buy a good used car? I'm not kidding....) The next morning, Saturday, Grant had to be at an audition for Rainbow Company, so we had to rush around and get rentals set up, which ended up being easy, but a hassle nonetheless. CRAZY! Saturday - continued - for Grant's birthday, my parents gave him a crisp, new $100 dollar bill with strict instructions to use it to purchase a ticket to a show or a play or something 'theatrical' that he wanted to see. He chose LOVE at the Mirage. So, we decided to splurge and take the whole family to LOVE - the Beatles inspired Cirque du Soleil show at The Mirage. So, here we are, exhausted from no sleep, rushing Grant to his audition and then, trying to nap enough so we could go to the show that night.....CRAZY!! The LOVE marque Devin and Grant pose with THE BEATLES! (cool screen at entrance of the theatre) Inside the LOVE theatre. AMAZING. We have had the opportunity to see all the Vegas Cirque shows, except KA, and for me, LOVE is the most euphoric, natural high inducing, amazing show yet. I have always loved the Beatles' music and this show really does the music justice. If you can GO SEE LOVE! It will not disappoint - great for all ages. Wayne and Devin Grant and Janet at LOVE! Wayne and Janet near the Mirage pool. I worked at The Mirage for 10 years and loved it - lots of happy memories for me. Also, we stayed in a suite at the Mirage on our wedding night...so we always enjoy visiting. SUNDAY - August 26th GRANT CAST IN THE PLAY AND GOT THE PART HE REALLY WANTED! (I'll post the details later on....he is THRILLED!) Last, but not least, Monday August 27, 2007

BACK - TO - SCHOOL! (insert doom music and thunder claps) Grant - early morning seminary pre-breakfast and traditional "funny" shirt for the first day of school - 11th grade Bonanza High School. Devin is 'so happy' to be heading back to school. Note wonderfully beige uniform shirt for 8th grade at Garside Junior High.

Utah Shakespearian Festival

2007-08-27T20:13:00.001-07:00

Boys in Cedar City Park - next to Hermies - home of the worlds best burger!

I have been meaning to post now for a few days (eh...a week) about the crazy week we are still recovering from, but because of the craziness...the blog had to wait. (see above post regarding craziness...Will Shakespeare deserved his own post!)

8/20/07 - Grant, Devin and I took off to Cedar City, Utah for the Shakespearian Festival - on Monday, we saw Twelth Night in the outdoor Adams Theatre. This is one of my most favorite summer activities. Long ago when I was about 10, my parents introduced me to Shakespeare in So. Utah, and I have been hooked ever since. It is fun to share this favoirte get away with my boys who enjoy it with me. Wayne had to work, so we had a mom and boys get away.

Grant remembering 12th Night

8/21/07 - saw a 2 pm showing of Lend Me a Tenor - which was exceptional and hysterical. This is a new version that the Festival wrote and hope to take to Boradway. We then saw an 8 pm showing of Candida by G.B. Shaw and it was so so - none of us really even enjoyed the play. This is also the day we met LaRae for lunch and chatting. (see previous post)

8/22/07 - saw Matchmaker at 2 pm - it was wonderful, as expected. This is the play that Hello Dolly! is based on...so it is a favorite of mine. Full belly laughter!

We headed home after this play .... we enjoyed our time in Cedar.

Here are a few pictures:

Nordine boy's Swordplay

Devin was chosen as part of the Greenshow - he was the "king of fools," talk about type casting!

"Best Donut Ever"

On the beautiful campus of Southern Utah University

Look Who I Found In Cedar City, UT!!

2007-08-22T23:48:00.001-07:00

UPDATED Does this woman look familiar?

I was on a brief 3 day vacation in Cedar City with my boys last week and on the first evening there, was reading my e-mail through my cell phone when, low and behold, I received an e-mail from LaRae Hilton-Lemich. She had responded to an e-mail I shared about Pres. Faust's funeral. In her e-mail she said, "Did you know we moved to Cedar City last week?" Well, I sure did not know she moved and about fell down on the street of Cedar City when I realized, "HEY, I'm here, too!" So, I called Cedar City 411 and asked for any Lemich phone numbers, and, yep, I got the right number WITH an address text messaged to me. (Gotta love technology)

So, after going on and on about this exciting thing to my boys, who, by the way, got excited with me, I think as a courtesy. Next morning, Tuesday, I called LaRae, but she was not home at 9 am! "Where could she be?" I wondered. So, I called at 10 am...she had been out running - silly girl! So, we planned to meet at her new home and then go to lunch. They have moved to Cedar as her husband has "semi-retired" and they wanted to leave Wyoming. Their oldest is 21 and in college, their next boy is going on a mission soon, and the next one after that is heading to BYU. They have 2 more at home still. I had to laugh when she said they moved from "Wyoming to the 'big city' of Cedar"

It was so great to see her. I had not seen her since Grant was 3 and Devin was a baby - so it was fun to visit for a little while.

For me, LaRae represents a coming out of myself time in my life. A time when I needed a friend that I could trust and talk to. To me, LaRae was my best friend during my Junior year in High School and beyond. She accepted me even though I was so scared to be who I wanted to be - she just loved me anyway in spite of my flaws. I often wondered why she accepted me and was by best friend, but I know that God placed her in my life at that time to show me that someone of (what I perceived) her caliber could be a friend. After High School and when LaRae got married, we still stayed in touch. She wrote to me on my mission - even sent a cassette tape of her singing happy birthday to me, which if you recall, she has an excellent singing voice. We were in each other's weddings and then, over time, as is often the case, we sent Christmas cards, called on occasion...but never kept up really well. It is nice to know that even after 25 years, we can still see each other and have that spark of friendship one with another. I hope now that she is closer to Vegas that we might see each other sometimes.

There you have the full story. My kids kept saying to me, "What are the odds she would e-mail you when we were right her in the same town?" But I know, once again, God placed her in my life. I know why and I thank Him for being aware of my heart's needs.

AND, I thank LaRae for asking me if I am happy....perfect question.

PS - I am very happy.

Grant is Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2007-08-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.rainbowcompany.info/index.html

The Rainbow Company is a children's theatre company here in Las Vegas that has been around for the past 30 years. Students who have studied acting here have gone on to receive college scholarships and enjoy success in the field. Every year the company has open auditions for their ensemble group. The competition is pretty serious and this year was no exception. They have a group of about 40 talented kids in the company and for this year's audition they had about 15 open spots to fill. Grant auditioned for plays and for the ensemble group last year, but was not chosen. This year, Devin decided to go and try out, too, just for fun and for the experience. There were about 60-70 hopefuls, and it took hours to complete the process. Grant did receive a call back with about 30 other kids. Devin, sadly did not, but he was happy for Grant.

The call was to come today "sometime after 1 pm...." well, about 2 pm, I thought to myself that the call would not be coming and went to have my favorite Sunday afternoon nap. Then, at about 3:15, the phone rang, waking me and Wayne from our slumber. I did not have my glasses on and could not see who it was, so I did not answer the phone. Grant did not recognize the name, and he did not answer as it had gotten so late in the day. Then, after the recorder picked the call up, Grant burst into our room and said, "I GOT IT!" After he started to breath again, he called the director back and got the official invitation. We could not be more happy for him. This is something that will help him hone his acting skills and really could help him get a college scholarship. We are so happy and excited for him. My only concern is the amount of time the Company will take. He has school, church, seminary, scouts, school clubs and oh yes, the very important budding social life to tend to, and adding Rainbow Company 2-3 nights per week will really test his ability to stay on top of life. I think he is up for the challenge and will really build a lifetime of memories through this experience.

As his parents, we are so proud of his accomplishment and his sticking with this even though he had felt rejection in the past. I know that I would not have had the gumption at his age to even try to get into such a prestigious acting company. This really is a big deal and I admire his desire to follow his dream!

YEA FOR GRANT!

My Anthem

2007-08-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Judy.....I have found MIKA!!! I love, love, love this song and video! ENJOY

Funny, Funny, Funny (well, to me)

2007-08-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

This Starbucks ad came to my inbox today.... I laughed out loud. Since I am 1 year away from being a therapist and I love Starbucks, and my friends always tell me they need me to "therapy-ize" them...I thought this was hysterical. Now, if I can only get these same friends to meet me at Starbucks, my ethical dilemma friends asking me for free therapy will be solved! (Being a friend's therapist is a big no-no to the Therapist Gods) Maybe no one else will find this fun, but for me and my brain, it was enjoyable!!

Boys at Horse Camp

2007-07-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Devin on "Ol' Yeller" (no relation to the dog...) Grant - L and Devin - R off to a meadow in the Idaho mountains Grant on "Candy Girl" This is a donkey and Grant said, (and this is HIS quote, from the kid who never swears...) "Two asses on an ass." I almost fell over when he said that --- so funny!

The Boys Are Back in Town!

2007-07-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

Just an update from the camp post...the boys are back. No worse for wear, a bit saddle sore and definitely the worst smelling camp laundry of all time - imagine, rain, river, camp fire, sweat and HORSE...aaarrrghhh Thankfully, the laundry is done and we enjoyed opening Grant's belated birthday presents and a family dinner at Applebees...complete with the molten chocolate and ice cream desert. I will post some pictures once we get the disposable cameras developed and scanned into the computer. I'm glad they are home and clean.

Happy 16th to my Sweetheart of a Son, Grant!

2007-07-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

It is (7/18/07 at 8:36 am) my oldest son, Grant's, 16th birthday. He is spending his day riding a horse to a lake up in the Idaho mountains to fish. Part of me certainly does wish he were here to spend time with on his birthday, but I know when he returns we will celebrate and enjoy his birthday, even if it is belated.... Grant is my first born and the child that I knew would be mine even before I knew I was pregnant. The Spirit whispered to me that a special boy was coming to our family and I would truly learn to love from this baby. The Spirit was right. I so enjoy this boy and love that he is happy, giving, confident, kind and laughs easily - he has no guile and no meanness. He is all I was not at that age. He is just so very happy and he is well liked. He, like many teens, has a MySpace, but on the condition of his mom gets access and reads it daily, which I do. I am always so touched that he is positive and tries to help his friends through their struggles. I have read his words when he tells them he loves them - it is so amazing how much he really cares and loves others and loves life. He really is growing in to a beautiful spirit and an amazing young man. I love him and I am so pleased in his choices. I thought I would share a few photos and memories of my now 5' 10" boy with size 11.5 feet.....how did he get so big when he started out so small??

Grant - as my Pooh Baby....isn't he cute! up close cuteness! My favorite picture of him...he knows this is a major blackmail picture for when he brings a girl home to meet the folks!

Grant 1st grade and 9th grade

After seeing his first at the theatre movie - The Lion King

Grant wants to be an actor - here he practices at Universal Studios

Posing with his favorite band's star - Queen!!

Laguna Beach - 2007 - I love this pic as he looks so free

My favorite vacation pic of Grant - summer 2006 Dana Point dolphin watching

Grant doing what he does..

Grant - supposedly studying for a Japanese test at a friend's house. He calls this his "emo face" - he is so NOT emo!

Samurai Grant aka Kureno (his Japanese name that he gave himself) We are certainly hoping his 4 years of High School Japanese will send him to the best mission in the world...JAPAN!

Grant Evan Nordine - Happy Birthday...see you on Saturday!

"Boys of Summer"

2007-07-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am, in my empty house...sitting...enjoying the peace and quiet....

This morning, I took my boys to breakfast at Denny's, (we all had French Toast)and then took a few liberties to give counsel while they ate and then reminded them to "be like Jon Bon Jovi, and make a memory" as brothers this may be the last time they can go to camp together.

After my speech, (heavy sigh) I took my 2 full young men to the church to board vans to head up to Idaho for 9 days of camping, horseback riding and playing in a river.... (they are headed for Carey, Idaho - pop. 511)

They were a bit worried if they would "live" for that many days without TV, Mp3, Nintendo, Cell Phone, Internet, MySpace....mom's cookin' (well, not really), but I assured them it would all be here when they got back.

SO...who wants to P-L-A-Y?! I have no responsibilities until next Saturday, late evening. Well, except for cleaning my house, grocery shopping, doing my homework, going to work, feeding the dogs (normally the boys do this), keeping the dogs amused (the boys do this, too) picking up whatever the dogs do in the yard, (also, a job done by the boys) and ..... whatever else comes up....on second thought, I better stop Blogging and go clean the kitchen.....

A mother's work is never done.

(before anyone asks, no this is NOT me!)

Celebrating Independance

2007-07-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Traditional Food

My Grandma, (mom's mom) found a recipe in the late 1940's for a great 4th of July sandwich and our family has eaten it ever since. It is called a Fireworks Sandwich, which consists of salami, bologna, cheese, cooked chicken, ham and if you choose, pickle and onion. But the key is the spread - butter mixed with curry powder - gives it this sort of sweet / spicy kick. Note - the cherry tomatoes on top make it look like a sparkler......and of course, it must be eaten with a chilled IBC Cream Soda - another staple of the 4th. We also ate home grown corn on the cob, chips, watermelon and homemade blue ice cream.

A Few Pictures

Grant - a possible future in the political arena

Devin and his buddy, "G.P." (grand pa...get it?)

Wayne, Gracie and Janet "enjoying" the outdoors

( I swear it was 1 million degrees)

The Grand Finale!

We enjoyed the day togehter...it is one of our favorite holidays. You will notice there are no pictures of my mom...she will not allow it. This day is also the anniversary of my brother's passing in 2000. He always loved the 4th as well, and he died in the wee hours (about 4 am) of the 4th of July. He lived life with a 'bang' all the time and it seems fitting that this is the day he left this earth.

Like Father, Like Son

2007-06-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

I was going through some pictures we randomly took around the house and remembered this one. I think it is hysterical. Some people do say that dogs look like their owners.....but....the same expression, too? I think they were watching Sponge Bob and eating Pop-Tarts.

Our "metal pool"

2007-06-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures. This is Devin who has always used this big washtub as his 'metal pool.' He is now 13 and still sitting in the pool, enjoying the sun and a bit of water.

Gotta love a guy with a big imagination in a little pool!

I'm glad we have a huge yard to occupy his liking of being outdoors!

Fullfilling My Tag Request

2007-06-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged!

So, I thought I would answer the questions, but not tag anyone else, as everyone has been tagged already!

1. What was I doing ten years ago..... I was working for a hotel, hating it, working too much, making a huge wage that was not worth the time it took to do the job, but loving my growing boys.

2. What was I doing one year ago..... Graduating from College (May 20) and then started Graduate School (June 18)

3. 5 snacks that I enjoy.....

Pringles Popsicles Oreos dunked in Milk Macayo’s chips and Salsa (I ate there today!) White Rice with Sugar and Milk

4. 5 songs I know all the lyrics to..... “I love you I do” – Dreamgirls / Jennifer Hudson Abide with Me – Amy Grant version Imagine – Amy Grant Heal Me! – Melissa Etheridge Shout it Out loud – Kiss (Ok, I admit it...I like KISS~!)

5. 5 things I would do if I were a millionaire pay off my student loans go to Ireland move to British Columbia set aside money for my boy’s future Go to a Debbie Ford “Shadow” seminar ( http://www.debbieford.com/ )

6. 5 bad habits napping too often being quiet when I am mad, stressed, tired, sad....etc. being too hard on myself watching the Gene Simmons reality show buying art (well anything) on e-bay

7. 5 things I would never wear again

a bra - if I didn’t have to shoes – if I didn’t have to 501 jeans braces 2 or 3 inch pumps (or does this count as shoes?)

8. 5 toys I love Legos Lightbright Pick Up Sticks UP Words Rummy King

Life - Mission or No Mission - That is the Question

2007-06-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about something for the past few weeks. The friend that I wrote about a few posts back and I got together for a visit at a park here in town and in the midst of our conversation, something interesting came up, and I am interested in other’s thoughts on this topic. We were talking about how some feel really lead to do certain things in their lives. They feel as though they have a “mission” to fulfill and a purpose to meet. I feel this in my life, as I have shared here before. But, does every person who walks this planet have a mission to fulfill? Do we each have a certain something we feel compelled to complete, an ideal to which we aspire? Or, are we here to 1) get a body 2) do what is right 3) find joy and 4) return to God? And, what we do with 1 – 4 is up to us to figure out so that we feel satisfied and joyful in the process of returning to God. What about the Aborigines in Australia? Do they also have a mission to complete? What would it be? What about the starving children in the Sudan? What about the homeless we see everyday? Do they also feel as if they need to ‘become’ something in this life, thus fulfilling a mission? I just don’t know. What I know for sure is this – I feel compelled to offer what I have to those I come in contact with. To work to help children be safe. To help others find a better way, if they should choose. To share what I have learned so that the pain can be lessened for another. In short, I feel these lyrics quite deeply; “Because I have been given much, I too must give...” and when I say ‘given much,’ I am referring to much adversity and the fortitude, faith and forgiveness to be able to overcome and become. This leads me to a 2nd conversation I had with my massage therapist last weekend. She is very intuitive and often can feel my emotional self, which really is helpful as I am having a massage to release the stress and stories of others I hear daily. She asked me, “What does the word ‘expectation’ have to do with you today?” (I had been thinking in that very moment about my other conversation with my friend) I said that I was thinking about a quote I have heard throughout my life, “where much is given, much is expected.” She asked what I thought it meant. I told her because of what I have lived through and learned, I have a sense or obligation of a spiritual expectation to fulfill and this expectation involves being present for others as they work through life’s difficulties. She completely disagreed that I had been given challenges SO THAT I would understand others – she felt that there is not an expectation, but in essences, I chose to help others instead of wallowing in my own misery or choosing to ‘check out’ of life instead of heal.... So, what do you think? Is there expectation? Do we all have a mission? I say “yes” to both questions....but this is based on my life’s experiences.

My First Born

2007-05-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

I love my son, Grant. He is a lot of fun to hang out with and he actually enjoys hanging out with me, for which I am so happy about. Today, he came home from church and was tired. He had a 7:30 am meeting (he is Teacher's Quorum Pres.) and believe me, on a non-seminary day, he does NOT like to get up early...who can blame him. So, he came home and fell asleep on the couch...with an old oven mitt. Devin came in and said, "Mom, now I have seen it all. Grant is sleeping with a mitt." So, as the good blogging-mom that I am, I took a picture. I have no idea where he got the mitt from or why he is all snuggled up with it, but hey, he is enjoying his nap with the mitt...whatever makes him happy.

You can see the 'thumb' of the mit next to his arm.

He is handsome, even when he is sleeping!

A Few Things I Love

2007-05-22T22:35:00.003-07:00

My friend LaRae and my other friend Oprah gave me the inspiration for this post. I love the O Magazine that appears in my mailbox each month. Oprah always has her list of "things that I love" each month, so I thought I would post a few things that I love as well. My things are not extravegant and really, you could not rush out to Nordstrom to buy them, but to me, they are presious.... I hope this gives you a glimpse in to my life and lets you know me a bit better. Enjoy! My friend's magazine my talking pig clock from Japan (Ohiyo Gozimasu) Pooh - nuff said... Red Pear - great with cheese Art by my boys Dr. Pepper - big shocker, huh? Movies about strong women - my 3 all time favorites - Yentl, The Color Purple, and of course, Dreamgirls Music by strong women - Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Melissa Etheridge, Point of Grace, Alanis Moresette, and Nichole Nordeman - all of whom I have seen in concert....ahhhhh everything Japanese!

BOOKS! a few of my fav titles - (l to r) The Invitation, A Woman's Worth, Sacred Wounds, On Becoming a Person, Possessing the Secret of Joy, The Highly Sensitive Person, The Unfinished Marriage, Adolesence is not Terminal, and Legacy of the Heart; The Spiritual Advantage of a Painful Childhood.... Art by Jody Bergsma - l - Courage and r - an original of pigs I found on e-bay from the 1980's see www.bergsma.com all things PIGS! my very own Sharpies

The Velveteen Rabbit by Marjory Williams the art work is from illustrator Donna Green see http://http://www.donnagreen.com Last, but not least When I was in YW, we had a new beginnings and we all recieved a 'picture' with Jesus Christ. I love this and it touches me to know I will have this very experience some day.... SO, what do YOU love??

By request, more of Wayne's artwork

2007-05-22T22:35:00.002-07:00

Micalanne asked that I post a few more of Wayne's pieces of art work. So..here ya go! Enjoy

Wayne (the artist) and his friend KK at Universal Studios

Surfs up

Moonlight Serenity (this is painted on a piece of cardboard)

Free Parking

Abandoned Farmhouse

Shibuya Sunset (this is the city in Japan where we met)

Mid-Winter Morning

This one is for funnies....it is his co-worker. (Side note, when the boys were small, Wayne used to draw pictures of our Bishopric to entertain them..we would all get to giggling so much we got mean stares)

Duck Pond Sunset

Coronado Sunset

The "Other" Children

2007-05-19T00:12:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I took the day off from work to work on a school project that I had procrastinated and that was due on Thursday. This is not the best thing to do, but hey, I did and I sat at my computer in my pajamas most of the day getting the paper(s) written. I noticed halfway through the day that my dogs have daytime personalities that I don't see, obviously, as I am gone during the day, and they made me laugh! It was as if they were spending the day in their "doggie pajamas" with me. I no longer have to wonder what my 4 legged children do during the day or maybe they were doing this for my benefit since I was home and they really play my kid's Guitar Hero game on the PS2...who knows..... Here they are....I really do love my doggies...they make my life so much more fun and full of glee... My beautiful girl Gracie. She is camera shy and went to hide under the end table when she saw me taking pictures. But, prior to this, she was snoring and upside down on the couch. Gracie is my long waited for pure bread Beagle from Red Canyon Beagles in Utah... http://www.redcanyonbeagles.com they have beautiful dogs on a farm that I could retire on any time. Her registered name is "Red Canyon's Say Good nite Gracie.... " yep, I came up with that...no applause please. This is Grant's dog, Reggie...he is the instigator of all naughty dog behavior in our house, but he is just so dang cute, he gets away with a lot.. He is 2, so he is the teenager of the bunch. He and Grant have a funny relationship, as Reggie can tell time and reminds Grant that it is dinner time on the dot of 4 pm daily. I'll add another picture of him here so you can see his face - teeth and all. (he is a puggle...pug / beagle mix we rescued from the local pound...) We have a secret super-hero name for him, too "THE NOLD" (RegiNOLD) Grant named him after Reggie White, the late great Green Bay Packer defensive lineman...He answers to whatever you call him, as long as there is food, he is happy! Last, but certainly not least, Old Man Cody...he is the one who spends a lot of time upside down sleeping. He reminds us of a little old man and really does enjoy his blankets and the love seat in our family room. Cody was a dog that a boss at the hotel I worked at many years ago asked me to watch for her because he barked when she was gone...and he is still here 8 years later, and he never barks in the house, go figure. We love his quirky self...he is a Beagle too, but a different variation of coloring than Gracie. I hope this has been a fun post and that you have enjoyed a glimpse in to our amusing home life. I do love the pets in our family....they don't ask for much, just food, treats, a grassy place to play (and poop) and they offer their thanks with big brown, understanding eyes that remind me that being human is not quite as exciting as being a dog....

Sacred Feminine

2007-05-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about a topic for a few weeks, and since Mother's Day just passed, I thought I would post about this topic and see what my very wise Blog readers think.

Have you ever wondered about Heavenly Mother? I do...all the time. Why do we not hear about Her? Why aren't we taught of Her? What is the big secret? (OK, I know, sacred, but hey, I feel She is a secret, too)

I think about Heavenly Mother because growing up, my mom was not the 'mother' type and as an adopted child, I was removed from the mother I knew for 9 months and despite what many social workers may say, I feel the ripping-from-her-arms feeling often. I miss that comfort of my first mother and I have always, always needed the connection to a mother-figure. This is why my Mutual (Young Women's) leaders were always so important to me and why I levitated to them. My own mother wanted NOTHING to do with church, nor could she see that I was in need of mothering and nurturing - which was emotionally devastating to a young girl struggling to fit in with anyone. So, I long for a Heavenly Mother....As a side note, my relationship with my mother now is as good as it is going to ever get. She is just emotionally unavailable in life and I have accepted this and learned how to nurture myself.... I have been reading a book that may not be approved by any LDS thinkers or 'approvers,' but nevertheless, I am reading it in my quest to understand my own femininity and to find within myself my own Sacred Feminine self. It is Sue Monk Kid's Dance of the Dissident Daughter. In this book, it talks about Sue's quest to connect within the Baptist Church with a feminine Deity of sorts. She wonders and researches about this topic and finds that really, within her religion, there is no such thing. In fact, she finds many who think women are very inferior to men because of Eve committing (in their minds) the first sin. Not only did she tempt Adam, she also committed the first sin. This is something I never heard and almost hurled the book across the room when I read it, as this thought offended me this much. There are many other names by which many other people call "Heavenly Mother" or the sacred feminine, such as Mother Earth, Mother of All Living, Mother Nature and Goddess....but for the sake of this writing, I'll stick with Heavenly Mother.

In history, if we take a look at the correlation between the abuses women have endured and the abuses the Planet Earth has endured, we see the raping of women and the raping of the land or the earth. The abuses of women and the abuses of nature go hand in hand. As you know, I spent years healing from abuses I endured as a child. And, then, spent a few years as a counselor for rape victims and survivors. I see direct correlation between men's (the generic word) abuses of women and their non-caring attitude about nature and the planet. Not much thought or appreciation given, but used for their own pleasure and sicknesses. So, I spent time thinking why do some men feel this way? What has brought our society to the place it is now that men are superior and women inferior? And despite the best efforts of the feminist movement (and I am a feminist) we are still 2nd best to so many? So, in an effort to better understand this male perspective, I spent 6 months in an internship working with a theraputic group setting with sex offenders - level 2 and above. I wanted to learn how they (offenders) think and what can be done to help un-due this thinking. Believe me when I say there is an epidemic in this country of using female children for deviant sexual experimentation and women as pawns in the web of evil some men participate in. It is horrific and we as women and mothers must stand up and be heard to save our children. (climbing down off my soap box)

In my quest for understanding the sacred feminine, I have done many things, read many books, talked to many women. I have been to an Indian sweat lodge, I have attended conferences, I have read book after book about "the goddess within" and I have spent hours in prayer and mediation. I really have made a big effort to find this within myself and to be secure in my own womanhood. For me, this is a key to my own quest for self security and knowledge. I have created a visual imagery of Heavenly Mother, and have meditated on this mind picture. This, for me, has been the most amazing way to connect. Despite all the books I have read and attempts I have made, I find that imagining myself sitting in the presence of this amazing Woman of God has brought me closer to being the kind of woman I want to be than anything I have ever done.

The amazing part of all of this is I am a mother of young men. I have no girls to pass this down to, but I have boys. And, my boys know all about the dehumanization of women, how women need to be treated and the destructive thinking patterns of men and boys towards women. In fact, I knew I was making headway when we were behind a cab with the famous, "Ifs ands and butts" add and my youngest said, "well there is a perfect example of the exploitation of women...." My inner mom said "YES" with a fist in the air. I feel it is so important to teach our sons about how women need to be respected and that by treating girls with respect, girls learn to respect themselves.

I know there are those in the LDS Faith who think that this type of quest is against our basic teachings, but I feel it is so necessary for my own understanding of who I am to God and who I am as a Woman of Faith. My ultimate goal in this quest is growing closer to my Heavenly Father, and I am going about this by searching out connection with Heavenly Mother. (does this make sense?) I love the 'idea' of Her, the feeling I get when I think of Her and Her love for me as a woman is healing and it is uplifting. I am not the most 'girly' of women, but when I connect with my feminine self, I am more compassionate, more caring, more patient, more loving and yep, I'll say it, more sexual. It is pretty cool, actually.....

I am so in to being a woman as of late and it is so nice to feel I am worthy of the many blessings I receive by being female. I no longer feel 'second best' on Sunday or when Priesthood things are brought up. I know that I chose to be female, that my role as a wife and mother far outweighs my wonderings about the 'whys' of my being a woman in the Church. I also have spent time studying the interaction of Jesus Christ with the women he encountered in the New Testament. What a better example of how to treat women than how Jesus treated women. Equal. With respect. Lovingly and in the end...He took care of His own beloved Mother, Mary. I feel and know this study changed my thinking and my heart.

I no longer question the mystery of the Gospel and my faith has increased 10 fold. So, what do you (yep you, too) do to connect with your feminine self or with Heavenly Mother? (if that does not feel comfortable, ponder on it and see what comes to you...)

Thinking about Transitions

2007-05-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

This post is to help me sort out something that is on my mind and may not make any sense to anyone else...... sort of like looking for a lighthouse in a personal fog. I have a friend. Someone who I have been very close to for the past 9 years. She knows all my secrets and all my darkness, and she knows my light and goodness, too. Recently, she and I have been struggling to build a new type of friendship / relationship. It is different than it has been in the past. In the past, I have relied on her and have been so very supported with unconditional love - always. And, my feelings for her were returned just the same. This type of friendship and acceptance in life is rare and I feel so blessed to have been loved this way by another human being. Well, now, we find ourselves in a strange place. I am SO much better mentally, emotionally and spiritually than I have been in my entire life and now, this friendship is changing and it feels so sad to me. It is sad that we no longer spend hours talking and working through difficult challenges and deep secrets - not sad that there is no longer the need to spend these hours talking, but sad that neither of us has the time or energy for these type of talks. So, here we are, 2 women who care deeply about each other as friends, but working to find a meaningful friendship that is still based on a sacred past, but hoping for a different future. All this probably makes no sense to those reading, but to me, it is a difficult time in my life. Working to keep a friendship alive and yet, not wanting this friendship to be as it has always been. We love each other and hold each other in high regard in each other's hearts, but now, we are moving on in life and we need to find a way to stay together in the midst of transitions and changes....it is a beautiful time in life when the support that was there is no longer needed in that way, yet a sad time that the shared experiences and spiritual amazement are no longer going to be part of our lives. Our talks were always accompanied by God's love and the Spirit, and sometimes, we swore we could see angels supporting both of us in a hammock of caring. I will be great - I land on my feet often and it is all going to work out how it needs to work out, but longing for those amazing, healing talks and walks, but looking forward to figuring out how we can "be" without needing the past to keep us connected......

Another Son Enters "Teen-Dom"

2007-05-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Devin! My 'baby' turned 13 yesterday. He had a few friends for a sleepover - they had a Friday Night Game Bonanza and then on Saturday went to a matinee of Spiderman 3. Devin enjoyed having his friends over and being the center of attention. Devin is the baby that we hoped. He was full of life from the get go as he would kick me so hard that I waited for the bruises to appear on the outside from the inside. It couldn't have been because I was working graveyard at the Mirage and eating pancakes and jalapenos often, could it? Then at 6 months along in the pregnancy, found out he had a problem with his kidneys. We were unsure if his kidneys would be healthy. We wondered if he would be able to pee. We wondered and I cried and then in wee hours of May 4, 1994, my water broke and at 10:16 am, Devin was born. Our worries were lessened as when right after he was born, the Doctor held him up and he went pee everywhere! We were so proud! Since that time, Devin's health has been great. He had major surgery at age 6 to correct his kidney situation and has been 100% ever since. These early challenges, I think, has made him pretty rugged and has given him determination. Devin is a kind hearted kid. He always takes time to say how he feels about me, his mom, sometimes it is soft and tender and sometimes, he is a teen... It is all good as to me, it is important for him as a young man to be able to say out loud how he feels. This is a developing gift that I am working on with him to cultivate. He is a handsome and fun guy who I am so blessed to hang out with and to be his mom. He is quite loved and has brought so much joy and excitement to our lives. Happy Birthday big D - so glad you're mine! A few of my favorite pictures of Devin Devin - 1 week old - 5/94 Devin helping mom garden ~ about 1 year old Devin - this year's 7th grade picture

Happy Anniversary, baby....

2007-04-29T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are, 17 years of marriage and we still enjoy the simple things in life....like...

Bar-B-Que ribs... Corn on the Cob... and Cool evenings together... Yep, we are simple, but it hasn't always been this way. We started out with nothing, but each other and a sure knowledge we were to be together, forever. Then we added a cat, a baby and another baby, and then later, 3 dogs...but the story is so much more than where we started and where we are now. The story is about commitment, and about supporting each other during those inevitable tough times. However, for me, I feel so blessed that Wayne has stuck with me, supported me and continued to love me during years of difficulty. We have been there for each other - plain and simple. He has stuck by me during depression, a trip to the mental hospital, secrets tumbling out, healing, lots of therapy, upheaval in work, college, grad school and so very much more. Together, we have endured miscarriages and hoped for more children, purchased a house we made in to a home and do our daily jobs so that we may provide for our family...and one nasty car accident with a palm tree. But through it all, we have made a life and we have built a future. We don't have many worldly things, and we don't want them, but we have what counts - each other and our children who are learning to love who they are and who have many opportunities to serve others. We have the gospel and we are working it out the best way we can. Through it all, we sing the same song to our God, enjoy the same quiet life that we always have and once in a while, take time to walk on the beach holding hands. One thing I know for sure, I am a blessed woman to have Wayne as my partner, my friend, my lover and my laughter sharer. He has held me in the best of times and in the worst of times - always reminding me he is here, he is not going anywhere and he still loves to wake up next to me in the morning. Really, at the end of any day, what more could anyone ask for? So, here is to our 17th wedding anniversary and looking forward to many more quiet nights at our favorite Bar-B-Que joint and a lovely walk through a hotel's vineyard....perfect in every way.

Go, Go, Go, JOSEPH!

2007-04-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

My oldest son, Grant, participated in our Stake's amateur production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Grant has been in several school plays and has really been bitten by the 'acting bug.' This play was more for the adults in our stake, but they did include all the teens and children who wanted to be involved. The production was so much fun and I enjoyed being part of the "Dream Team" as director of publicity - that is what I can offer as I don't sing, dance or act...that would not be my thing, but for Grant, he LOVES it! He is the extrovert child and I am the introvert mom. Here are a few pictures from the play. Please note, I was the proudest mom of a camel's rear end ever! Grant was also asked to write, direct and 'star' in the pre-opening skit...which he called "The Tacky Tourist" - it was pretty funny. He is in the tacky Goodwill shirt for this one.

Do you want to see more pictures? http://www.themontecristoward.com

Grant is the 2nd "Hump" putting Joseph in Chains The Tacky Tourist

Grant as a guard

the entire Cast! Wow..... <

Art by Wayne...my main man

2007-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

My husband Wayne is an artist who is perfecting his craft often. These are 3 examples of his work and 3 of my favorites. He focuses on nature, which I love.... He was recently commissioned by a co-worker to paint the co-worker's childhood home and it is looking great so far. I enjoy his art hobby, especially since I can barely draw a stick figure. We all have our talents, and art is definitely one of Wayne's.

Utah Birch from a brochure from the Utah Shakespearean Festival

Ocean Breeze

My favorite of his Lighthouse Paintings

Good News!

2007-04-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

I had my 6 month check up with my breast specialist, Dr. Spotts (yep, that is her name...) and I got good news. The lump in my right breast has done "nothing of significance" since my last check up. What that means is I am A-OK and don't have to have a biopsy. YEA! I must say that the mammogram process is not pleasant. I actually got a bruise after the last series of 3 pictures. I cried - right there - in the mammography room - that is how badly it hurt. I took a picture with my camera phone, which I won't post as I don't want to end up on some porn site...but damn (yep I swore) It hurt like nothing else! Since I am an adopted woman I have been very careful with my health. I started getting mammos at 30 at the suggestion of my primary care doctor as I have no health history. I have to say, this as well, being adopted is hard - not knowing anything about my beginning is hard and at times, painful. In fact, I have lobbied the Nevada Legislature in favor of an open records for adult adoptees bill, but the big money adoption agencies lobbied against our little group. For more Open Records information see - http://www.nevadatriad.org What I do have is what is called my "non-identifying information" purchased by me from Catholic Charities of So. Nevada, who is the agency that facilitated my adoption. I do know this much...I was the 6th child born to a woman named Barbara when she was 27. I have 5 older brothers, who at the time of my birth were in foster care. And, my birthfather, Bill, was married with 2 children, a boy and a girl. I am Irish and that is about all I know. I love Barbara for giving me the best that she could at the time in 1965....but sometimes, I just ache so much to have her hold me that it hurts. I guess this post turned in to more than I expected....I am thankful for a healthy right breast and a First Mother who gave me a life that she at the time felt she could not provide. Thanks Barbara...where ever you are!

A Few Vacation Pictures

2007-04-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Beach at Sunset....nothing better

My feet where Amy Grant stood! (breath..breath..)

Mom and sons on the beach

The Family at Universal Studios

We had a wonderful time on our short spring break vacation. Creating family memories is one of my favorite things to do. I love these men in my life and I feel so lucky that my kids enjoy hanging out with their "old parents" -- we laugh a lot with and at each other and it is so fun to be with them - truly enjoying their company.

We just wish we had more days to spend in Sunny So. California...we love it there and love when we get to play together.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!

2007-03-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

We are leaving in the morning for a short Spring Break vacation. I am the last one up...finishing laundry, doing a few last minute things and basically enjoying the quiet of a sleeping home. Sometimes, it is just nice to have time alone and today I had none of that. I felt like no one was helping and then when I got in a "mood," I was the one who was asked, "what is your problem, mom...?" (teens are great and so honest) This comment made me even madder, but at the same time, reminded me to settle down and let go of my need to have help. I just got stuff done and when the boys saw what I was doing, they were quietly guilted in to doing what they knew they needed to do, too. I so do not like this part of my personality - the explode and sulk me. Not pretty and not fun to apologize later on. I wish I would just relax and be OK with life....and often I am, but not today. But, I am what I am and I work everyday to be better, just today, I fell short. BUT tomorrow - I will be on the beach and I will relax, exhale and enjoy my family.... I will post pictures and vacation stuff when I get home in a few days. SOUTHERN CALI...here we come!

Gratitude

2007-03-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

My handsome husband, Wayne and me, Santa Monica Pier - Summer 2006 I spoke in my church last Sunday (3/18/07) and it was a great experience for me....so I thought I would share it here. Enjoy! --- Gratitude --- In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I THESSALONIANS 5:18 Over the past year, I have made a conscious effort to recognize things in my life that for which I have deep gratitude. This effort came out of a desire to change my attitude about life. I wanted to be more positive and to have more joy in my life. I was happy, but to me, happiness masks fears, covers them up for a time, but they are there, just under the surface. I had spent many, many years with fear in my life and I was ready to give it all away. To me, living with Joy is the absence of fear. Joy is the reason we are here – the ultimate goal. The more I spent time with the idea of having joy in my life, the more it became apparent that I must have gratitude for ALL things in my life; the good and the bad. When I was in theMTC I remembered hearing someone say that we needed to have “an attitude of Gratitude.” This quote stayed in my mind for the past 20 years for a reason. I have realized that nothing new can come into your life unless you are grateful for what you already have. So, I started to appreciate what there was, in the here and now instead of always wanting something else and something more. I have asked Father often for help to figure all of this out. During this time of wanting to have more joy in my life, I met Becca Levie –“Living on Purpose” - Talk about Becca She inspired gratitude in me from the moment our eyes met. (see http://www.beccalevie.com ) Gratitude is also a form of grammar. To learn the grammar of gratitude, practice saying "thank you" for happy and challenging experiences, for people, animals, things, art, memories, dreams. Count your blessings, and praise God. Utter blessings, and express your appreciation to everything and everyone you encounter. By blessing others, we are blessed. I want to share with you one of the things I decided to do to help me have more Gratitude in my life. I began by keeping a Gratitude Journal Bought a note book – carried it with me - Encourage others to keep such a note book Things that could be written out of gratitude could include: The kindness of strangers Holding your child in your arms Boundless imagination Delighting in other people’s children Feeling the presence of the Spirit Following my intuition and being thrilled that I did Daydreaming Answers to prayers Watching the sunset Meeting a kindred spirit Having a Nap Being able to trust another human being Realizing that there are no coincidences Laughing so hard that my sides hurt The first bite of banana pudding Reading a book that changes your life Another thing I have consistently done was to ask in prayer to find learning opportunities and to help me have gratitude through these experiences. And Father blesses me often when I pay attention to what life is handing me. A few weeks ago, I had the once in a life time opportunity to see one of my “Sheros” in person as I went to hear the poet Maya Angelou speak. She spoke about finding “The Rainbows in the Clouds.” How we need to find the gratitude in even the most miserable of life’s situations. She spoke of how we need to look at things differently, to laugh more and to have joy for life is short. Once again, an amazing learning opportunity. I have an example of changing my attitude about a small thing in my life and I share this with deep love for my husband. Sock rolls – For many years, he has left socks rolled up in the laundry, seemingly not giving thought to the laundry-doer (me) having to unroll them. So, one day, I was grumbling in my head about his socks when it occurred to me that his feet go in to these socks everyday – that these are the feet that carry him to work to provide for out family, that these are the feet that I love to touch with my feet before falling asleep each night, so I started being thankful for his rolled up socks. His socks are still rolled up in the laundry, but now, my attitude about them has changed to an attitude filled with gratitude, and I don’t care if the socks are in a ball anymore, because they held his feet. This is a small example of how having an attitude of gratitude can change how you feel about a situation or a person.... without gratitude, I still would grumble about socks. In order to have complete gratitude, you MUST change the way you look at life. But what about the things in our lives that are just so painful, so terrifying, so full of injury that we just can not have any gratitude for them? What then? It is pretty easy to be grateful when life hums along smoothly. But I believe that gratitude holds us together even when we’re falling apart. Ironically, gratitude’s most powerful mysteries are often revealed when we are struggling in the midst of personal turmoil. When we stumble in the darkness, rage in anger, hurl our faith across the room, and abandon all hope. When we are busy crying ourselves to sleep, gratitude waits patiently to console and reassure us: there is a landscape larger than the one we can see. At these times, I have gone back in time, to the experience of being on the Church History trip and our first stop was to visit the Liberty Jail. There, seeing for myself, what that was like for our prophet, Joseph Smith changed me. This was a profound moment for me. A real “AH HA” moment. Turn with me to D & C 122:7 (this is the "and all this shall give thee experience" scripture...look it up) I knew at that time that there was a lesson in all of my past injuries and pain, and I knew that there always will be a lesson for me in all difficulties I would face in life. I often have spent time with this question - What is the lesson I am to learn? I have had injury in my life, as we all have. At this point in time, I have faced much of it, but from time to time, it comes back to haunt my sleep or as an insecurity or as a fear....at these times, I ask it, “What is it that I am to learn?” And invariably, there is a great lesson. Heavenly Father puts people in our lives that we are to learn from. And often, these great lessons come from these people. Interestingly enough, when the Bishop called me to speak today, I had just come from a 3 hour conversation with a dear friend. This conversation had left me physically spent; weary from deep emotion and not having too much gratitude. I was on I-15 stuck in traffic and said out loud to Father – “OK, I am feeling really alone, and I need you to help me and hold me now.” Then, not 10 minutes later my cell phone rings, “Hello Janet...this is the Bishop. Will you please speak on Sunday?” Immediately my heart’s attitude changed and I thought, “And this shall give thee experience...” For me, the lesson that has come from my own past injury has been inspired of God, as I would have never chosen if for myself. I feel inspired to share this lesson here, but feel some apprehension in doing so.... About 5 years ago I was in the midst of great personal turmoil, but I felt impressed through prayer and reading of my patriarchal blessing that I needed to complete my college education. I thought this was absolutely ludicrous as I would be the big 4-0 once I was finished. But, I started, one class at a time, and through this experience, I began to see that I was pretty smart and that God had given me the gift of intelligence. I can’t tell you what this did for my self esteem. I soared and excelled. During this time, I changed fields of employment and began in the helping field. I was blessed to have a very sacred obligation to help people at a major time of crisis. It took me out of my own misery and helped my heart heal in ways I never knew possible. As graduation time got closer, I started feeling impressed by the spirit to do more with education. I informed Heavenly Father that I was now 40 and well past the age of starting a whole new career, but I found myself signed up and in Graduate school 1 month after completing my Bachelor degree. Heavenly Father has shown me through the spirit and through life that I am to be a Marriage and Family Therapist so that I will be in a position to help other’s build and strengthen their lives and relationships. I have no idea how this will work out, but I am flying on faith and having gratitude daily that I get to have these experiences. When life gives you bittersweet chocolate, add sugar and make brownies. (I don’t’ like lemon aide.) Or – God has a plan for me (YOU TOO) and He will be there! I share this because I felt impressed that Heavenly Father wants us as His children to have more gratitude. To let our hearts sing to Him and to thank Him for all he has given us and to listen when He reaches out to us in a Sunset or in a smile or in rolled up socks. My lesson in returning to school brought deeper thinking into my life. Deeper thinking brought wanting more joy and wanting more joy brought me to Gratitude. And Gratitude has brought me unimaginable peace and love. And if you ask me if I would go back and trade all the hard, horrific things that I have lived through to get to this point, I would say, emphatically – NO – I have too much gratitude for the great lessons about patience, endurance, self-love, living for the experience of having joy and many more that have come from my personal sorrow. This has not been an easy path to walk. It has not always been pleasant. I have gone to my own ‘Liberty Jail’ and prayed my own prayer of pain to Father, and He has answered me with more love and abundance than I could have ever expected. LDS singer Hillary weeks has a line in a song that says, “every day that I walk on this earth, the more and more I learn of your (God’s) goodness, of His plan, who I am and where I fit in...” I think this is indicative of having gratitude; we get to learn about ourselves. If you find yourself in a place of sorrow and injury and challenges, turn to God, let Him hold you. Let Him be the one to guide your heart’s healing. It is possible and if you don’t think it is, please know this is from my heart when I say – Anything is possible with love, time and gratitude for God’s blessings – and even His blessings of sorrow. I’m in an amazing heart space because I found gratitude. Let Him who knows your heart best guide you along your path.

A bunch of questions...and answers!

2007-03-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:30 – Seminary driving 2. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Music and Lyrics 3. What is your favorite TV show? Desperate Housewives, Medium, Amazing Race and anything on Food Network 4. What do you usually have for breakfast? Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal 5. Favorite sandwich? Monte Cristo 6. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Ireland 7. Favorite sport to watch? NFL Football – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS! 8. Favorite saying? “Courage is the ability to walk through fear with Faith!”9. Are you a morning person or a night person? Depends on the day10. What is your shoe size? 9.5 11. Pets? Yes – beautiful girl beagle, 1 old-soul beagle, 1 cute puggle and a goofy cat12. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us? I have a 4.0 GPA in Graduate School 13. What did you want to be when you were little? Older and invisible 14. How are you today? I rock! 15. What is your favorite candy? Pringles ( I don’t really eat candy...) 16. What is your favorite flower? Gardenias 17. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? May 2009 when I graduate from Graduate School as a Marriage and Family Therapist 18. Do you wish on stars? Yes 19. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green 20. How is the weather right now? Sorta hot, but amazingly beautiful 21. Favorite soft drink? DR. PEPPER 22. Favorite restaurant? A new one – The Grotto in the Golden Nugget hotel 23. Hair color? Blond 24. Favorite day of the year? Everyday 25. What was your favorite toy as a child? My brother’s toys and my cat 26. Summer or winter? Summer 27. Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate 28. Favorite smell? RAIN and the Beach / Ocean 29. Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn? Both – butter and salt 30. What are you most looking forward to? When I am completely finished going to class every week 31. What is your occupation? Differential Response working with families 32. What are you listening to right now? News 3 33. What was the last thing that you ate? Chai Crème Frapaccino 34. Can you drive a stick shift? Yep 35. The last person you spoke to on the phone? My handsome husband, Wayne 36. What was the last book you read? Currently reading Whitethorn Woods and just read A Brief Therapy 37. Hugs or kisses? Hugs from kids and close friends, and kisses from my husband 38. Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries 39. When was the last time you cried? Last time I saw Dreamgirls 40. What did you do last night? Studied and read until Midnight 41. What inspires you? People who just ‘keep on keeping on...’ despite tremendous odds against them – the human spirit is AMAZING to me. 42. How many years at your current job? 1 ( but I’ve been a mom for 15) 43. Favorite day of the week? Sunday – and the afternoon nap that it brings 44. How many states have you lived in? 2 45. Favorite holidays? Christmas and Easter 46. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? No, but I have jumped out a plane 2 times

2007-03-10T23:01:00.000-08:00

LOVE

This is a picture of water that was frozen while being sent love...isn't it beautiful?
See the book - Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Messages-Water-Masaru-Emoto/dp/1582701148 Love is the most important emotion. It encompasses all other emotions, or the opposite of those emotions. For example, Love and Anger are opposite, but you don't know what anger is unless you have experienced love - same goes for hate, and depression, and fear and all the other supposed 'bad' or 'unwanted' emotions. Love is the start of all else in life. It is what we feel for our mothers when we are in the womb, it is the thing we need to thrive as infants, and it is the one feeling we seek after most of our lives. We are able to give it in abundance and also we are able to take it away when we are in the place of anger. I marvel often at my ability to love my children unconditionally - even though they are now teenagers. Also, I marvel at how much my husband loves me unconditionally - even when I was in college algebra and hating every moment of homework. He would sit, patiently, and help me until I 'got it...' Now folks, that is true love. I marvel at my capacity to love him and how much I crave being near him, even if we are just both reading or watching TV. It is nice to be in love. I also marvel at how much I have learned to love human beings. We all have our own 'stuff' or 'baggage' that we carry around and as I work with families and with people in general, I truly do feel love for them. I believe this love is the love that Heavenly Father has for me, that I have accepted with gratitude and in turn, the love I share through my work with others. I do not get impatient with them, because I truly do love them for what they are --- children of God. And all this came about because I know God loves me and because I love myself..... It is pretty simple when you think about it. Who do you love?

tree of life pendant

2007-03-01T21:15:00.001-08:00

I wear a necklace with a beautiful tree and guiding star. I have had many people, some I know, some I do not know ask or comment about it and so, I thought I would write a few words as to the 'why' and 'what' it means to me. When I was a little girl, 7 or 8 years of age, I had a beautiful mulberry tree in the front yard of my house. My dad built a tree house in it and it was painted turquoise (it was the 70's after all...) and I LOVED that place. I even named the tree sara and I spent hours up there, with my cat and with books and with my imagination. Later on, when things in my young life became increasingly scary and difficult, I would often retreat to my tree house - pretending to be on a boat sailing away to a far away land - always with my cat - and always with books. I just knew that if I could sail away in this beautiful tree house that I would be safe and I would be cared for by the sara tree. Well, here I am, at 41, still loving that tree, still loving a cat, still loving books and using my mind to create marvelous thoughts. The house I grew up in is now owned by others and they removed the tree, but to me, it is still in my heart. I see her (my tree) as a strong and safe place to be - even now - I will often touch my pendant just to reassure myself that I am safe and I am loved - now, that safety and love comes from my own self, for myself. I know I am loved by God, by my husband, by my children, and by my extended family and friends, but for me, self-love was the toughest and most sought after love of all --- now this love for myself is unconditional and it is given in quantities that I often marvel I am able to produce. I always remember my safe place in my turquoise tree house, supported by my mulberry tree named sara. God works miracles everyday, and for a little girl escaping hurt, that tree was and still is my miracle.

Rainbows in the Clouds

2007-02-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

I had one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences last night. I went to hear one of my 'sheros' speak ... Dr. Maya Angelou was here in LV and spoke to a sold out crowd at the Cashman Field Theatre.

What a beautiful, amazing, gracious woman she is. She read her poetry, spoke to us on the importantce of "seeing rainbows in our clouds," AKA finding the lesson in adversity! My very favorite topic! She spoke about being a young woman in St. Louis and she was raped by a 'family friend...' This man was arrested and then later he was killed in jail. When she heard that he had been murdered, she just 'knew' that it was her words (in telling) that killed him. So, she did not speak for a number of years after that event. During this time of not speaking, she began to read - voraciously. She found her love of poetry and then, once she decided she would begin to speak again, it was a poem she recited first. In her adversity, or her clouds, she found a rainbow in her love of poetry. This rainbow has stayed with her for her entire life. She said of her not speaking, "It was not my voice that left, but I who left my voice..."

Remarkable - I am better for having heard her words.

Dreamgirls

2007-02-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

I love this movie....

I have seen Dreamgirls 3 times now and I am open to go again with whoever needs someone to see it with.

I keep thinking about Effie White (Jennifer Hudson's character) and her struggle to find herself and her place in life during the movie. I relate to her in many ways. I have often felt misunderstood in my life for one reason or another. I was definitely not a 'diva' as she seemed to be in the movie, but I did have struggles fitting in and feeling normal. As an adult, I now know why I felt that way, but as a young person and a teen, I just felt weird and wondered what was wrong with me....there was nothing wrong with me, but there were things going on in my life that were wrong.

Now, as an adult, who has evolved - I see myself on the stage next to Effie White singing "I'm Changing..." and I have and I am - evolving everyday. Loving myself and the challenges I have faced. It is all for my understanding and my experience....

Do you think I'll win an award for my efforts? Probably not, but that is OK because my reward is a life full of joy, peace and understanding of what life has handed me and how I can love myself through it all.

If you haven't seen this movie --- go, go, go...as a woman I loved the empowerment of it all....

Starting Again

2007-02-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well...we all get second chances and I am taking a second chance at being a blogger...whatever that means... I have thought of myself as a writer starting at about the age of 14, but now, thanks to technology, I can write what I feel and share these thoughts with others --- whoever is out in cyber space reading. That is a bit of a scary thought, but at the same time, I have 2 blogs I read often and they make me laugh, cry and help me learn so much. AND an old friend has started a blog...with pictures of her beautiful family, her beautiful self and thoughts that are meaningful..so I thought, "if she can do it, so will I!" Here I am ... blogging! Who woulda thunk it!

day one

2005-11-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today I am starting this blog. This is something I have been wanting and planning on doing for sometime, but have not put the effort or time into beginning. I am a writer at heart and I want to write for my own continued healing and for a place to leave my own peace of my heart. You see - I am a person affected by sexual abuse and assault. These assaults consumed a big part of my life and when I began my healing process, I never thought that I could be more than a piece of crap. Now, life is beautiful - it has potential for joy. I want to share my healing expereiences and feelings here, in a public place in hopes that others might find a way to heal as well. Patrice