Nutcracker Performances!

Karina and Kensington will be performing in Mountain West Ballet's Nutcracker. The performances are at Mt. Jordan Middle School, 9360 S. 300 E. Sandy. Tickets may be purchased one hour before the performance at the door or on-line at http://www.mountainwestballet.org/. They will be performing: 12th 2:00, 19th 7:30, 20th 7:30, and the 22nd 7:30.

Busy December

December is a busy month all around. There is a hustle and bustle in the air that one does not feel at any other time. Perhaps it's the last minute Christmas Shopping (or in my case, starting it), all the Holiday Parties, children's performing events, or the regular craziness that life brings. As I struggle to feel of the Christmas Spirit this year, it seems even harder with the added pressure of trying to be everything to everyone everywhere. So forgive my lack of blogging. I haven't even been able to read what is going on in the lives of my dear friends and neighbors.

During this Christmas Season I hope to focus on Christ and His beautiful, wonderful atonement. The thing that gets me through each and every day. Some days, each and every minute. I also hope to focus on my family - my wonderful and amazing husband who has sacrificed so much for me and our family; and my beautiful daughters, who bring joy, love, and laughter to my dark nights; and my precious son, who each day I remember his light in my life.

Hope all is well with you this crazy, busy Christmas Season!

No FREAKING Way!!!

Last night I went out with 2 of my sisters. We had a long conversation about gray hair. I bragged that because I have blond hair (which they informed me is no longer blond), I won't go gray until I'm really old. CRAP!!! Kensington was playing with my hair this morning, when all of a sudden she stopped and hysterically started laughing..."Mom, you have a GRAY HAIR!" Yep, sure enough I HAD my first gray hair. Is this a sign of maturity? a sign stress induced life? a sign of old age? or a sign of good things to come? Tell me what you think...

How Much Do You Love Your Kids?

Several months ago it was announced at our local live theater, RMT, that they would be having auditions for the Wizard of Oz. My little drama queen begged me to let her try out. As the date got closer I called to find out times etc. It turned out, children were strongly encouraged to try out with a parent or older sibling. What? Karadie didn't have an older sibling able to try out at the moment - Cameron certainly wasn't going to do it. What was I to do? This was something she had been planning and preparing for, for months. I did what any mother would do. Right? I tried out with her. No, you won't be seeing us in the local production. We both got call-backs. Karadie was called back for munchkin/flying monkey and I was called back for Aunt Em. Yes, you read it right. They viewed me as an OLD and FAT woman! Needless to say, the experience was so worth it. We had a great time and learned a lot.

Share your stories with me. What have you done for your children, just because you love them?

Not too much!

So yesterday I was wearing a form fitting sweater. You know, the kind of sweaters that are thin, not thick. I didn't realize I was being watched as a grabbed my extra stomache blubber and jiggled it. My daughter (who will remain nameless to protect her life) said, "Mom, if you don't do that we can't really tell that your fat, too much." Hmmm...I think that I need to be more disciplined with my sweets eating and step up the work out. The honesty of children, it kills me, no really it's killing me.

Catching Up...

Sorry for the absence. I'll try to get everyone up to speed on the Kent Household.

First of all, my last post on Waiting. Let me explain. It seems that there is always medical drama in our home. When Cameron and I stood in the line in Heaven for trials, we stood in the line titled, "medical problems for children". Without going into the big, long, not so interesting story, we had a bit of a scare that Karadie had leukemia. As it turns out, it was only a bunch of not related flukey symptoms that compiled together are symptoms of leukemia. Thankfully, she doesn't have it and she is doing great.

Witches Night Out! What a blast. A bunch of women from my ward went to Gardner Village for "Witches Night Out!" We had so much fun. Hopefully I will post some pictures soon. Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday, because I get to reveal my true self and dress up as a WITCH! I love it. Melissa, I really missed you! Your absence was felt!!!

Job Changes! Tuesday I arrived at work to find out that RE/MAX Metro, whom I am employed by, had a new owner. I was a little apprehensive, but quickly learned that this would be a fantastic change. I have been given more responsibilities, and hopefully with that will soon be determined my new wage! The new owner seems very organized, ambitious, and energized! I have been working MANY more hours and will continue to for awhile, but change IS exciting! Any whoo, this is part of why I have been missing in action.

HALLOWEEN... was a fabulously warm night. And with the time change being the first of November instead of the first of October, it was light most of the Trick or Treating time. The girls were energized and covered more streets than usual. The afternoon started out Trick or Treating to Auntie Marion's. She's a little under the whether so the girls went with Omi, Byron, and Emily to visit her and cheer her up. Next stop was a visit to my work. Susan and I pretty much spoiled the kids. And possibly a new tradition was started with a Trunk or Treat at Dick's Market with Opa. Before the evening had even started, their buckets were half full and by evenings end, buckets runneth over with loot.

The girls spend most of September trying to decide what costume to dress up in. After much contemplation the evening came and went and I think they were pleased with their choice of Halloween Characters. Karina our typically straight as an arrow child went as a "Goth Girl"sporting a nose piercing, lip ring, tatoos and all. She actually could have blended in with many kids from school. Thank heavens it was just make-believe. Kensington was the most adorable witch, with the most fabulous witches hat. Her black dress was complimented by purple striped tights, a purple belt, and long purple hair. Karadie has a passion for pretty things and loves classic movies. She really wanted to go as Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With the Wind, but she settled for a lovely Southern Belle. And she did look lovely in her green hoop dress and beautiful big hat. For the first time in five years, my Malificent costume finally came together. It all began with a hat purchased by my husband in Disneyland and has continued with the search for the perfect dress, which was finally achieved this year. My mom is amazing and helped me accomplish this task. Thanks mom!

It is always fun to get out of your own character and play someone else for a little while. Until next year...

Waiting!

Today I'm waiting for answers to specific questions. I thought the answers would come easily and quickly. I thought I'd know by now. Truly, today is on my top 5 list of most painful days. I hate waiting. I don't like not knowing. I would like to know. I want the waiting to be over.

Laughter of Eternal Joy!!!

I hope I can relate this story to the level it deserves. Last night, as with almost every Sunday evening, Cameron and I were chatting with the passerby's on their evening walk. I enjoy visiting with the many who take a Sunday stroll down our street. After all the herds had come and gone,We were in deep conversation about important world events - like what we were going to make for a Sunday night treat. Our little lender dog curled up next to Kayla's hip for a moment then ran along to play. Jax (Kayla's dog) came trotting along, sniffed where lender dog had been, then promptly turned marked his territory, peeing all over Kayla. Oh the laughter! Doubled over in tears of laughter, I asked Kayla if she was aware that Jax had just peed on her. "Hmm, I wondered what the warmth was." Again I rolled with laughter. About now I'm sure you are asking, "was that really all that funny?" Not so much, but the story is not over. Our conversation of the most high importance continued until...Kenai (my dog) walked up to Kayla, looked at her, sniffed her side, then promptly turned and marked Kayla as his. This time there was no need to tell her, his bladder was a little more full, causing an instant feeling a warmth followed by wetness. Oh my dear sweet Kayla. It is such a good thing we are BFF's. My laughter could not be harnessed in. Neighbors from all across the land came to see what could possible cause such a ruckus. No audible words could be detected from my mouth. The tears that flowed, the lack of air to my lungs, the purple face, and the laughter of eternal joy could not be measured. Kayla has been not only marked once, but twice by not so noteworthy males and I have a memory in my head that I can live on forever. Thanks Kayla for being a good sport and letting me publish this story.

Who Are You?

I always knew that I didn't have much in common with Bella except that I love Edward, but I was surprised to find that I am much like the quiet, yet strong mother of Edward. Take the quiz to the right then share with me who you are. Inquiring minds want to know!

Zits at my Age!

Okay, so don't be looking for any pictures. I'm not posting any of my face right now. But seriously...I already went through pubirty. I no longer have periods, but I look like a thirteen year old (no offense Karina). I currently look like a pizza face. All day long I've been singing (to the tune of Popcorn Popping) "I looked in the mirror and what did I see? A face full of blemishes and acne. If I could pop one, which would would it be? The one on my nose looks ready to me." With any luck, my husband might think he's fallen in love with a teenager!

She's 11 Now!

Kensington is our only child who came into this world on her own, without a scheduled date at the hospital. 11 years ago I went into labor and didn't dare tell Cameron because he was so tired I didn't want to disturb him. When the contractions were 3 minutes apart, I thought it might be time. Off we went to the hospital, only to wait until noon the next day. This beautiful girl blessed our lives at 6 lbs. 5 oz. She was a very happy baby. She loved waking up early and has become a habit that remains still. This picture says it all-Kensington loves babies. Almost every Sunday she'll ask me which baby she can go steal to hold for a while. So thank you Trissy, Melissa, and Carrie. Can't wait for Carrie's new baby so Kensi will be happy to help. Kensington has enjoyed dancing since she was 11 months old and learned to walk. She admires and "looks up" to her big sister Karina, and is a great example to her little sister Karadie. I especially love our talks as she helps me work in the garden. A passion we both share. Cameron enjoys the time he spends with her at work while she helps him clean up and gather his tools. We sure love and appreciate the sweet and wonderful spirit she brings into our home. We love you Kensington!

Family Traditions!

Three years running we visited Yellowstone Bear World in Idaho on closing weekend. What a wonderful tradition it has been. Who knew that a spur of the moment day trip would turn into something that we look forward to every year now. This year did not lack in excitement. Due to cold weather, the animals were out moving more than they have in years past that we have been there. The crowds were at minimum. We were the first to enter the park, and the only patrons there for the first hour. Every car that entered was eligible to enter one person from their group into a drawing to feed the baby bear cubs. Yep, Karadie won (really, there were only 2 people that had entered so they let both of them feed the cubs). Karadie had so much fun! Typically we love watching the cubs for hours, but it was a bit chilly, so we watched them in short glimpses, went to the gift shop to warm up, and back to the cubs for a bit more viewing. They were very active and as always, highly entertaining to watch. I pointed out to Cameron the cub he was to get me for Christmas, a darling little chocolate colored girl. I hope I'm not disappointed.

The petting zoo was our next stop. Stiltz the moose is growing quickly. He was found in the wild 4 years ago, shortly after he was born. His mother had died, so Bear World rescued him and adopted him into their family. He still loves to push his antlers against the fence, snuggle in real close and let you pet him. We love spending time with him and felt so lucky to have seen him first thing yesterday morning. Shortly after petting him he moved to a part of the park where he was not accessible for the remainder of the day. The white tail and mule deer in the petting zoo fought for our attention too. Kensington especially loved sharing food with all of them. One young buck wasn't so hip on the sharing idea, so he nipped at Kensington's leg letting her know he wanted more. He also didn't like me standing near Kens, so he stepped on my foot and gave my fanny a good head butt to move me away (don't be alarmed, no humans were hurt in the creation of this story).

This was our first year seeing Dylan the gray wolf. He's always been hiding when we've been there in the past. Sadly, Dylan is not expected to make it through the winter. He is very old and has athritis in his hind legs really bad. It broke our heart watching him try to keep up with Stormy the arctic wolf. They are beautiful animals and so amazing to watch run around the park.

Of course the JOY of the trip are the BEARS!!! We drove for hours around the park. Again, the cold seemed to make them more active. The bears were out walking around, playing with each other, some even fought a time or two. That is an amazing sight watching them get angry with each other. I can see why you don't want to cross one of these animals in the wild. It wouldn't take much for them to show you who's boss. The highlight of the trip for me was having one particular large black bear eat an oreo off of the running board of the truck on Cameron's side. (I'm not sure how the oreo got there. Pretty sure it was accidentally on purpose). Of course we had to quickly drive through again to see if luck would repeat itself. Oops, this time I accidentally spilled my rootbear on the running board, door, and tailgate of the truck. It was amazing to me that the same black bear actually recongized our truck and came running. Luck was with us. This very large bear quickly ate the cookie and continued walking along side of the truck as we drove slowly, licking the rootbear off the running board. Cameron sped up a bit so that the bear would stop licking and after the bear backed off Cameron slowed down again. Oh, no. We didn't count on the bear picking up his pace and trying to climb into the back of the truck. Feeling the weight of the bear pull the back of the truck down got all of our hearts pumping a bit faster. No time for a picture...the girls were screaming, I was laughing and Cameron was making some sort of an evil cackle as he gently pushed on the gas. You would think the bear would back down, but no. He decided to do a circus dance and continued to walk on his hind legs still hanging onto the back of the truck. With a little more speed the bear dropped down to all fours again. The park gates were about to shut for the night, but we wanted one more quick go around. No way this bear would spot us again, right? Hmm, smart little creatures. Not paying much attention and driving rather slow, we felt the weight of something large move the back of the truck again. It was no surprise to find the same bear trying to make an escape in our truck. We were smarter this time and drove fast enough that he was forced to back away. Still, no pictures, but was it EVER an adventure we're not likely to forget!

Hope vs Despair

I so loved conference last weekend! In anticipation, I wondered if the bretheren would speak a lot about the economy and desperate times in which we live. I was so relieved that their message was one of hope. President Uchtdorf's Saturday morning talk especially touched my heart. "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Hope is a gift of the spirit. It is a hope that through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal...We have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises...it is confidence that if we live according to God's laws and the words of his prophet now, we will receive desired blessing in the future."

I have been feeling so discouraged the last little while. I keep hearing about my good friends troubles...loss of jobs, loss of income, unstable jobs, not enough work, foreclosures, etc.; not to mention our own current situation. It has all weighed so heavy on my heart. A few times I have even had an all out real panic attack. Very scary. After listening to the conference messages such a weight was lifted off my shoulders. No...things haven't changed, but my outlook has. I know that panic attacks, fear, despair, discouragement are of Satan. We are doing everything we can. We go to church, have family home evening, pay our tithing, fast offerings, I even got a job. I know that I need to have more hope in my life. The Lord's promises are sure! Whenever I start to feel the despair creep back in, I pull out the conference messages and I again feel my Father in Heaven's love and know that if I hold on, the light will come!

A New Way to Watch Conference

Cameron usually spends this weekend Elk Hunting with my uncles, but this year he opted to stay home to watch conference with us. He was feeling a little left out of the hunt, so he set up his "double bull blind." We got in the spirit in more than one way...we felt the spirit (from listening to conference) while being in the spirit (of the hunt). Does this mean I've turned "Redneck"? The girls had a blast. They even began to call it home, giving it an address and all. Even though there was a little fun, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they each listened to conference and learned from the messages shared.

Caribou Hunt - Nanuvik

What a blast! Although it was a short trip, what a great experience! I planned this trip over 2 years ago, anxiously been waiting for it, and now it has come and gone. A large group of close friends and family left Tuesday morning for Canada arriving in Montreal. On Wednesday we flew into a very remote part of the Northern Territories called Nanuvik, in a little town call Kujjuak. We were warned there was not very many Caribou moving due to the warm whether conditions. I must admit I was a little disappointed. However, that didn't last long. Hurricane Ike had moved into the area and did that ever get the caribou on the move faster than Santa can say "Merry Christmas!" On the second day the hills were covered with caribou as far as the eye could see. I'm pretty sure I set a new record. Within 18 minutes I had harvested both of my bulls. The first with a rifle and the second with my bow. I was done by 8:30 a.m. Not bad for a mornings work. I can't believe how close I was to the herd. Some of the animals passed 8 feet from me, not knowing I was there. I'll admit I enjoyed the hunt, but I LOVED watching these magnificent creatures roam the hillsides. It is so cool to see how they move synchronized with one another. It's difficult to express in words the amount of animals gathered together moving at once. They estimated over 100,000 caribou passed our camp that day alone. M-A-ZING!!! Needless to say, with all of us "tagging out" we left on Saturday instead of Wednesday to return home. Great trip was had by all!

Weeds of Life

Today I spent the morning weeding my flower beds. Back in the Spring I spent 3 to 4 days a week tending my little flower gardens; loving them, weeding them, fluffing the soil to promote good oxygen for good flower growth. As I was weeding I couldn't help compare weeds to sins of life. As I was a young girl, learning to tend a garden at the feet of my parents, I heard time and again "if you weed them when they are small the job is much easier." How true that is of our little sins that we might make. If we take care of them when they are small, it is so much easier to correct the problem. As time goes on and we forget about our gardens or get to busy to tend to them as often as we should the weeds grow up and get out of control. It takes a lot more work to beautify our gardens. As it is the same with our sins. If we don't tend to them, correct them, they take over consume us, leaving us to spiral out of control to the depths of misery.

My flower gardens had grown up quite a bit, so even though it has been awhile since I last weeded, they weren't too bad. The large beautiful flowers had kept the weeds at bay and under control. The flowers are like our testminoy and faith in Jesus Christ, His strength and our testimony of Him keeps the sins at bay. We have a desire to please Him, live like Him, beautify our spirits for Him-because of this our desire to sin is less. I look forward to spending time this weekend listening to conference. I look at it as fertilizer for the soul. It will fill my resevoir, fill up my soul and give me the strength I need to continue on tending to my garden.

Clean Sheets!

I love CLEAN sheets!!! I once read that Oprah has clean sheets put on her bed every day. If I had Oprah's money and her house maids I would have clean sheets put on my bed everyday too, but as it turns out...I am my own maid and this doesn't happen quite that often. I can't really remember the last time I changed my sheets. I'm sure it has been more than two weeks, and I really hope less than a month but can't be sure. I know that there are many of you who are now thinking..."eww grose." Do not judge me, just love me. I have new clean sheets on my bed now and I am LOVING it!!!

Favorite Things...

There are so many things that I love!

• Mint Oreos or Holiday Oreos.
• Sunday Naps!
• The Autumn Season: brilliant colors painting the mountains, cool crisp morning and evenings, the crunch under feet while walking on leaves.
• Listening to my girls helping each other nicely with homework.
• Watching someone sleep. I love watching a baby, my daughters, my puppy, and my husband. There is something so peaceful about a person sleeping.
• Feeling the Love of my Heavenly Father. I have felt His love so much this week while talking with friends, sharing in difficult decisions my children must make, studying the scriptures, and the church meetings I've attended.
• Reading on my porch with a blanket wrapped around me and a hot chocolate in my hand.
• Cameron's cooking. It doesn't matter what he makes, it always tastes restaraunt delicious and the best part is I didn't have to cook.
• Cuddling up in my bed with a good book while Cameron watches a movie and I play with his hair.
• Watching the youth in my ward achieve milestones, make good decisions, show kindness to those around them.
• Listening to inspirational music. It always touches my heart which turns on the faucet connected to my eyes.
• Being with happy people. I love to laugh, and I love to laugh with others.
• Learning something new. It's always great to know I'm not too old to try, achieve, and learn something new.
• Spending time in nature. I love the sound of birds singing, trees rustling, rivers running, the breeze whistling, and watching God's creations scamper in their habitat. I LOVE watching animals, but mostly BEARS, moose, eagles, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and anything not found in my back yard.
• Making a difference in someone else's life. Sharing a burden, lifting a spirit, wiping a tear, teaching something new, shedding new light.
• Scrapbooking - IF only I had the time!
• Dressing up and going out for the evening with my husband.
• Knowing I am loved! I love giving and receiving hugs!

Mostly, I am happy to be alive. To have the knowlege of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and knowing where I have come from, where I am going, and that there is a greater plan than I can possibly conceive right now. Knowing that I am loved!

Romantic Evening...

So here is how my well planned out, romantic evening played out. My parents have been out of town, but have missed their grand-daughters. This morning I received a call from my mom asking me if the girls could come have a cousin sleep over. Perfect!!! I could really use an evening alone with Cameron. I was planning on stopping at the store on the way home from work for yummy fixins for dinner for two. I had the house all clean before I left for work. Extra cleaned our room. I was pretty excited. At 3:00 pm Cameron called me. Conversation went something like this..."tonight is the last night of the Elk hunt. I'm on my way hunting with Mont (my uncle). We'll be back late tonight. You don't mind do you?" Oh well, so much for an evening alone with Cameron without the kids. Now it's just an evening alone!

Invisible Mother...

I just received the following story as an e-mail. I thought I'd share it with all of you. It touched my heart and helped my day make sense.

"It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisibile. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30 please."

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.

It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, "Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because ther eare so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great job to all you Cathedral Builders!

Twilight Winner

Seriously people...I didn't think the questions were that hard, but true, I had the cheat sheet. Heather will be enjoying the movie on me. Plan for the midnight show girl, because I am way excited! Congratulations!!!

Twilight Trivia!

So here it is! I've been toying with the idea for a while now to post Twilight Trivia. My hesitation has been my opposing husband. However, now that he can answer a lot of the questions, I've decided to go ahead with the trivia. Here are the rules - Answer me back with an e-mail to kentrobyn@yahoo.com. Subject: Twilight Trivia. Give me your answer. Person with the most correct and timeliness wins. Wins what? you say. Still trying to find something fabulous. It will be good. Good luck and may the truest fan win! (Carrie you can play, but you have my answer sheet).

Quotes:
1. "How did your first day go, dear?"
2. "Fall down again Bella?"
3. "So did you stab Edward Cullen with a pencil or what?"
4. "Nice Fishing."
5. "You are in trouble. Enormous trouble. Angry grizzly bears are going to look tame next to what is waiting for you at home."
6. "Edward's only human Bella."
7. "I hope you haven't been showing off - it's rude."
8. "Ah, Edward. I've missed you."
9. "Maybe you should pick on people your own size."
10. "But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling."

Trivia:
1. Who was the only other person to escape from James?
2. When was Carlisle born?
3. Which vampires are pretending to be twins?
4. What did Bella say to Edward was her first theory about him?
5. What happens to Bella each time she and Edward kiss?
6. What was the festival being held in Volterra when Bella goes to save Edward?
7. When is Edward's birthday?
8. Be specific; what were the Cullen's votes for Bella becoming a vampire?
9. Who installs Bella's new car radio?
10. Where did Bella get the bikes from that she has Jacob fix up?
11. Where did Royce hide when Rosalie found him?
12. Name all the wolves in Eclipse.
13. What is the first college to accept Bella?
14. What is the hardest part of Bella's day at the beginning of Eclipse?
15. Where did Edward have to go to get Bella's ring at the end of Eclipse.

Good Luck!

UPDATE...TWILIGHT MOVIE IS ON ME TO THE WINNER! CONTEST ENDS TUESDAY BEFORE I GO TO BED. Make guesses. I don't expect anyone to know all the answers!

Santa Wish List in September!

I figure it is never too early to start suggesting Christmas Gifts to your husband. They need all the time and help they can get to do it right. Or at least in my case, I need all the time I can get to talk Cameron into getting what I want, and then me being able to find out that he actually did it (remember, I hate suprises).

So last week I started begging him for one of these...

If he can't pull it off, I'll ask Santa, but I really do want one to play with and cuddle up to. They are so stinkin' cute!

Right to Vote!

I am very excited about the Presidential Elections this year. I figure this is my blog and if you don't like my political opinions you don't have to read this post. I have some pretty strong opinions this year. We became acquainted with Sarah Palin this year when Cameron lived in Alaska. I remember him telling me about her just after a week of him being there and how impressed he was with her. Then I visited him in February and saw for myself how much the Alaskan people loved her. She has made a difference for the people of Alaska in her short amount of time in office.

So, when the announcement was made that she would be John McCain's running mate, we were thrilled! America is need of a change, and I really feel she will be a great support to McCain and offer him a new vantage point on many things that need to be changed.

Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or a Liberal it is our right and obligation to vote. We cannot complain about how things are done in Washington unless we take an active role in government. If we want to see changes we need to write to our State Representatives and be heard. If we want to see changes we need to vote and I don't mean just vote, but study the delegates. Study the delegates and what they stand for, what they promise to change, and what we can count on them to do. Be passionate aabout our country. Be passionate about our freedom. My dad grew up in Germany during Hitler's reign. He has instilled in me and my siblings how blessed we are to not live under a dictatorship and how blessed we are to have a say in who runs our country.

I will be following the campaign very closely. I will be doing my homework on each of the delegates and their platforms. I will vote to my conscious. I will vote to who I feel will provide the best America. What are you going to do?

First Day of School!

Pres. Hanks said it perfect Sunday in church. I'll paraphrase his words a bit. There are two favorite days of the year. 1st: The last day of school and 2nd: the first day of school. I am not one of those mom's who wishes their kids were in school for quiet and sanity. I enjoy spending time with my girls, so the long summers never bother me much.

We enjoyed the process this year of gathering school supplies and getting ready for school. It was a little freaky to walk in to "Back to School" night with Karina at my old Junior High and see some of my old junior high friends there with their kids. I love having my children go to the same elementary, junior high, and someday high school that I went to. Things have changed over the years, but it's home.

The best part about preparing for the new school year is the tradition in our home of Cameron giving the girls Father's Blessings. I'm so grateful he honors his priesthood and can provide this sacred gift to his girls. This year was not unlike any other year. Each blessing was specific to each daughters needs. Each hug after was special between daughter and father.

Karina loved her first day of Junior High. She made it to all of her classes without getting lost and without being late! It will take some getting used to 7 classes and 7 teachers. Hurray for a successful day! Thanks to Sister Galloway for watching out for her. It's nice to know that their is someone at the school who loves her and will watch out for her.

Kensington is in the 5th grade and has Mrs. Strong. She is excited to learn all of the great things Mrs. Strong learned at summer Space Camp. Kensi loves science and math and these are Mrs. Strong's strong subjects. She's in a split class this year so that will bring new challenges and experiences. Hurray for new opportunities!

Karadie is in the 4th grade and has Mrs. Ewell. She is so excited to have so many of her friends in her class. She is going to have a great year learning about Utah studies and continuing to strengthen her reading skills. Yea for another great year!

Elk Camp

The girls had an absolute blast this weekend. Sunday after attending the 25th Wards Sacrament Meeting, Kensington and Karadie went Elk Hunting with me and two of Robyn's uncles. We headed up towards Monte Cristo to smoke us an elk. This was the girls first time to go on an actual hunt. They were sure excited to get into their camo and sit in a ground blind.


The first night was spent setting up camp, which the girls did a great job. Then off we went, scouting for elk. A short drive later I spotted something huge on the trail, only not exactly what we were looking for. After trying to strike the 4-wheeler, the very large rattlesnake began to emerge from the brush. Kensington and Mont where on the 4 wheeler behind Karadie and I, they did not notice the snake until it slithered quickly under their stopped vehicle. I laughed my butt off when they both jumped on top of the seat screaming like little girls ( just kidding Mont).


After taking some pictures with the snake, we continued looking for elk. Our days consisted of seeing beautiful country, some moose, a few deer, but no elk. The girls had a great opportunity to sit in a ground blind by a water hole trying to master the art of being quiet. They did an awesome job trekking up and down large mountains trying to spot their game. They enjoyed seeing beavers building dams, coyotes running through camp, and setting up ground blinds and treestands.


When another rattlesnake was found the second evening and brought to camp by Eldon, we knew it was time to get off this infested mountain. All in all, we had a great time with the uncles in nature. The girls learned that hunting isn't as easy as just going out and smokin your game. There's alot more to enjoy and appreciate while spending time in nature.

Help Me Teach With Inspiration

Today in Sacrament Meeting the closing hymn was hymn 281 "Help Me Teach With Inspiration." The words to the second verse hit me like a huge title wave.

"Help me reach a friend in darkness;
Help me guide him through the night.
Help me show thy path to glory
By the Spirit's holy light."

The last few months I have become a little nostalgic over the high school days. Karina and I have also had many conversations about the friends that you make in Junior High and High School and how these become your life long friends. With this explaination of my mindset over the last little while I suppose it is no wonder that this verse effected me so strongly.

I had two very good friends that I had hoped I helped and have since last track of. The first, I met at Lagoon of all places when I was 14. Justin lived in Layton and I lived in Bountiful. Justin was only a year older than me so neither one of us drove, making it just that, a phone friendship. He was not LDS and we often had discussions about my beliefs. After Justin turned 16 and could drive he wanted to come pick me up and go out. I had already made up my mind that I would not date until I was 16 and I would only date LDS boys. This was a difficult decision to actually follow through on because I really liked Justin and didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I had made up my mind a long time before meeting him. He respected my decision and as it turns out, began to seek out the missionaries. He took the discussions and after a long time of making sure he was interested in the church for the right reasons decided to get baptized. He called me to invite me to his baptism. This was the first I even knew about him investigating the church. Justin went on a mission, I even spoke at his farewell. We kept in touch for a while after we were both married. I haven't heard from him since the day he and his wife were sealed in the temple to their son. I don't know where the last 12 years has led Justin. I only hope that he and his family are healthy and happy and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to introduce him to the gospel.

The second was a little more complicated. I dated a guy in high school that my parents didn't exactly approve of. Dale was a good guy, came from a semi-active family, but had an earring and a tail (hair). Maybe that is why I dated him, rebelling a little. We dated for about 6 months and then he started hanging out with a guy that I didn't really care for. This other guy was known to be a partier, something I wanted nothing to do with. Dale began to party with him. I broke up with him. It broke my heart, but I had my standards. Of course we had a ton of classes together even though he was a year older than me. It about killed me to watch him slip deeper and deeper into a scary lifestyle over the last few months of the school year. I cried as he walked across the stage at graduation. I wanted him to know the things that I knew about the gospel and the plan of happiness. I wanted him to be happy and I knew he wasn't. No one was more shocked than me when he showed up on my doorstep in the fall of my senior year. My parents were not home, so he wasn't allowed to come in. I invited him to go for a walk. Pretty sure we walked for over an hour before he began to talk. He poured his heart out, telling me all the things he'd done and tried, but most of all wanted to stop doing the things he was doing. He wanted to be happy again. We set out a plan together. The first being that he needed to meet with his bishop, the second, to drop his bad influence friends, and the third, to turn to Father in Heaven for help. Over the next many weeks, Dale and I mostly just talked on the phone while he tried to figure his life out and me just giving moral support. I prayed for him a lot. I didn't dare spend time with him. I didn't want to fall for him while he was getting his life back together. However, that plan didn't last too long. We began dating again and Dale put in his papers for his mission. I was so proud of him for the long road he traveled and the life changes he made. We agreed me waiting for him while he served hid mission would be a distraction, so we would just casually write. The letters over time slowed down and eventually stopped altogether. He came home early from his mission, and I never did know why. I went to see him after he got home. It was awkward and the conversation really never went anywhere. I have not seen or heard from him since that night. I have thought about him several times over the years and wondered where his life had led him. Is he happy? Has he turned his life around? Knowing Dale changed my life. I learned to stand up for my beliefs even the someone I loved could not be part of my life because of my standards was a life lesson for me.

I know I have had the opportunity several times in my life to help reach a friend in darkness and help guide them thru the night. I have also been led by dear friends who have reached out to me and guided me to the Spirit's Holy Light. The gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing strength in my life. I am so grateful for the influence strength it is to me.

Six Quirky Traits!

Carrie tagged me with this crazy tag. Six quirky traits about me. I have far too many to narrow them down to 6 but here goes...
1. My shower routine cannot vary. Get in, wet down hair, shampoo, rinse, conditioner, shave armpits, legs, wash body, rinse hair. Be absolutely sure not to get water on face. Get out of shower, dry off, put on face moisterizer, deodorant, comb hair, you get the picture.

2. I cry, literally burst into tears if the windshield wipers go on and there is no rain. Just ask Cameron. Absolute hysterics.

3. I hate feet. They make me vomit to look at, especially old peoples. Back in the days when I gave massages, I tried to skip over the feet. If this could not be avoided I had to place my mind in a happy place.

4. I cannot go to bed with my door shut or the girls bedroom doors shut. I have to be able to hear them breathe at night. When they are not sleeping where I can hear them, then I don't sleep very well.

5. I hate reading books, blogs, newspapers, etc. with mispelled words or terrible grammar. Drives me crazy. I love Stephanie Meyer, but even she has a few mistakes in her books.

6. I talk in my sleep. Cameron loves to carry on a conversation with me when I talk. He can usually manipulate my dreams during my slumbering conversation. Not cool. One time he even made me believe the kitten's head popped off.

Now I get to tag 6 people. I tag...Linetta, Ryan (welcome to the blogging world), Rondi, Chelsie, Heidi, & Megan.

Fifteen Fabulously Fun Filled Years!!!

To some fifteen years may not seem like much and to others fifteen years might seem like forever, but to us, the time has gone quickly and yet it has been filled with many unforgettable events. Things that have shaped and molded our lives...

*Buying our home, Cameron age 25 - Robyn age 23
*The births of our 4 children: Karina ('95), Kensington ('97), Karadie ('99), Kazen ('01)
*Business adventures: Aurora Imaging (photography studio), Aurora Investments (construction). Both adventures were a family affair.
*Places we've traveled together: Kaui-Hawaii, Alaska, South Padre Island-Texas, Washington D.C., Sea World/Disneyland, Baja Cruise (Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexican Riveria Cruise (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan), Star Valley, and numerous camping trips.
*Over coming children's health problems: Karadie's craniosynostosis (3 major cranial reconstruction surgeries), Karina's open-heart surgery, eardrum reconstrustion, and Turner's Syndrome Diagnosis, Kensington's numerous allergies, Kazen's premature birth and stay in NICU
*Cameron's and Karina's terrifying 2005 car accident
* Ma and Pa on 2007 Pioneer Trek
*Buying Land (Plots) and Headstone
*Loss of loved ones: LeGrand 8/02, Kazen 2/03, Dad 5/03, MaryAnn 6/03, Grandma Richter-Beesley 5/06, Garry 10/07.
*Opportunities of many callings serving in the Church
*Beginning Our Own Family Traditions: Creating Unique Christmas Pictures, Advent, Memorial Day outing, Family Reunions, Buying Old Navy 4th of July T-Shirts, Bear World in October, Camping, Planting a Garden, Stage Plays and Musicals, and Father's Blessings
*Things we like to Celebrate: Birthdays, Baptisms/Confirmations, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Halloween, and Major Accomplishments
*Important things we try to teach our children: Respecting Elders, Expressing Opinions, Honesty, Hard Work, Self-Worth, Service, Cultural Arts, Trying Things Once, and Faith in Gospel Principals
*Family Mottos: "Enjoy the Journey", "It's a Kent Thing", "CNEBEAR", "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care", "If the odds are unlikely it will happen to us", and "Families Are Forever"
*Creating an individual song for each child
*Family Prayer and Family Scripture Study
*Singing on Road Trips. Favorites: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Les Miserables, Church Primary Songs, Collin Raye, Disney, and anything 80's

The last 15 years have been full of so many adventures. Some are happy, some are sad, some have been fun, some have been hard but all have been worth the journey!

A Teenager Now!

Thirteen years ago Karina made us parents of an infant. Weighing in at 6 lbs. 6 oz. and 19" long, we fell in love with this little girl. There were many sleepless nights those first months as both parents took turns feeding her, burping her, cleaning up all the spit-up, and then starting over, but she had us hooked from day one. Now she's made us parents of a teenager.

She has made us so proud to be her parents. Karina has so many fabulous qualities. She's honest, she's a friend to all, she's kind, she's obedient, she's very sensitive to others, she's compassionate, and most of all she is an example of Christ-like attributes always.

Happy Birthday Karina. We love you so much!

Ward Camp-Out

The Bountiful 39th Ward Camp-Out has been a tradition of enjoyment for as long as I was a little girl. Years ago I went with my family to Monte Cristo, Bear Lake, and then later Hyrum Lake. For the past 10 years I've enjoyed going with my little family and my parents. This year was no exception. Off to Hyrum Lake we went Thursday. We had high hopes of putting the boat in the water early on Thursday, but with a few minor distractions we only succeeded to get to camp, set up camp, and enjoy the company of fellow ward members. We shared our camp with my parents and Tyler and Eva's family. Thursday night Cameron and I were in charge of dinner. Really, Cameron cooked because we all know I don't cook, especially camping. Dinner was delicious and we all suffered from "eating way too much." We anticipated a fun evening around the campfire, but ended up in bed early due to rain. The girls spent their first camping trip in a tent all to themselves. With no parental supervision, they talked until almost midnight. After shushing them a few times, Cameron gently reprimanded me, "let them have their fun."

Friday morning the kids chased a chicken while we prepared breakfast. Bryon got brave and with a little encouragement picked her up and held her. He thought that was the coolest thing ever. The kids each took turns holding this almost tame chicken. It was crazy. After breakfast was cleaned up we were off to the lake. The boat ran great with only a few minor glitches. I was so happy to see the girls share their boat time so willingly with others from the ward. Cameron played the perfect host Captain, making sure everyone got a turn and enjoyed themselves. Friday evening was the ward dutch oven bake off. Our tummies were very happy with all the many dutch oven desserts. Yum, Yum! My favorite was Brother Moffet's pumpkin dessert. Cameron cooked up crawdads for those that caught them. The young boys thought this was way cool. I was hoping to head to bed early, but Kensington burnt her hand on the lantern. After tucking them into bed, it wasn't long until I heard her crying quietly. I sent Karina to go sleep with Cameron in our tent and I climbed in bed with Kens. Poor thing, she had blisters on pads of her fingers as well as her palm. She was really hurting, but with mommy holding her she eventually drifted off to sleep.

Saturday morning we set up a little hospital and re wrapped Cameron's finger and our neighbor Tiffany's foot. Tiffany jumped out of the boat (not ours) onto a glass bottle cutting the bottom of her toe open. She made a trip to the ER and got 6 stitches. After cleaning up camp and visiting with some of the ward members we headed off to the lake again. We had so much fun watching Cameron teach some of the young men to ski. Alex Campbell got up on his first try and I think he is a natural water skier. Natalie Campbell hasn't skied in about 10 years and she got up on a slalom on her first try. Quite impressive. Many others skied too. I haven't skied in over 10 years and had way too much fun. My body is feeling it today. It was a great trip and it is always fun to spend time with family and friends!

"Red" Anniversary!

On Thursday Cameron and I celebrated Fifteen Fun-Filled Years of being sealed to each other. As we began contemplating all the tasks facing us for the day, Cameron sighed, "I can't believe that in ten years we will celebrate our silver anniversary." "Uhgh" I thought to myself. That means that we are getting old.

We didn't really have plans to celebrate this marked day in history alone together, instead we were going to celebrate with our children, my parents, and my younger brother and his family along with the entire ward at the ward camp-out. Our plan was to head out no later than 9:00 a.m. for Hyrum State Park. The truck and boat were packed with so much stuff that I was sure we were leaving for a month rather than 3 days. All that was left was to hitch the boat to the truck, and quickly stop at Smith's Marketplace for a few last minute items. We were closer to our schedule than usual. At 9:30 a.m. we began to hitch the boat. Oops, it turns out that one should leave the wheel chucks in place before hitching up the boat. As I was guiding Cameron back to the boat (I'm not so good at this part) I was about three inches off. No big deal. Cameron is super strong and could move the boat hitch to the ball hitch. Not so much. With wheel chucks not in place he was not quite as strong as the superman I thought he was. The boat began to move forward, Cameron tried to stop it by pulling the boat backwards rather then letting it go. Not a good idea. As it turns out the boat pinned his hand between the hitch and his truck. Needless to say Cameron lost that battle and the hitch went through his finger. I would have thought this was an interesting experiment if it hadn't been for the girls and a few neighbor kids witnessing this terrifying event. Quickly I got into the truck to move it forward, however, the the pressure of the boat was pressing against the parking of the truck and it would not go into gear. After pleading to higher powers, the truck went into gear and I lurched it forward. As I jumped out I observed blood squirting everywhere and my girls screaming with horrified faces of panic. They were concerned that Daddy had already lost too much blood this year, only to be bleeding all over the street again. The did not understanded that the body regenerates blood quickly. Normally Cameron would have "cowboyed up" and just taped and super glued the wound back together, but to oblige me on our anniversary, now forever know as our "red" anniversary, he allowed me to take him to the emergency. Dr. Feil was awesome and sewed him back together with 10 fabulous stitches after the x-rays showed no broken bones.

Thank heavens we were only delayed by a mere three and a half hours. After picking up the girls, off to Smith's we went and began our vacation. A normal anniversary would not have been sufficient for the Kent's. Everything in our life together for the past 15 years has always been dramatic. I wouldn't want to have shared it with anyone but my sweetie.

Bunko Anyone?

Yesterday my aunt called me at work and asked if I would be interested in filling in at her Bunko night. Apparently a random group of old ladies (except for my aunt and one other youngin') get together once a month for dinner and a night of Bunko. I was totally in. I needed a night out.

I have only heard of Bunko, yet never played. I was a little nervous, because I'm not a very good card player. For those of you who've played Bunko, shows you how much I knew about the game. I had so much fun! It got me thinking, I'm always looking for a girls night out, why not start something that stands monthly, we can plan on, and is SO much fun. Anyone in? We need a group of 12 committed players. Thanks Margy for giving me the bug!

Strolling Down Memory Lane

A new kind of tag...it is totally voluntary and you have more creative license - and it's about ME as well as YOU (Thanks Ash, this is really fun)!

Here are the rules:1. Ad a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.Not too embarrassing please!!!

Happy Birthday!

Happy, Happy Birthday

Anthony Dear

Happy Days Will Come To You All Year

If We Had One Wish Then It Would Be

A Happy, Happy Birthday To You From Me (Us)!

We know you secretly snoop and look at our blog every morning before normal people are even considering the thought of waking up, so we wanted to wish you a VERY happy birthday!

Smokin Archer!

This week I talked my wife into taking a Bowhunter Education class to prepare for our bear hunt next spring. There is nothing quite as sexy as watching your wife shoot a bow. Monday and Tuesday night were spent listening to class lectures. Wednesday Robyn had to take a 50 question written exam. I know my wife is smart, but I really thought she might miss one or two questions, so I placed a bet I was sure would go in my favor. With her score of 100% I will now be reading Twilight. Yes, I figure my sexy feminine wife has crossed the man/woman line, so I too shall cross and get in touch with my vampire side. I really don't see what all the Edward hype is about anyway.

Thursday night she had to pass two field test exams. Really, she is the sexiest thing alive! Trucking through the weeds and brush, she led out her group to track a fake Ram that they each took a kneeling shot at 31 yards away. First of all, she was the only one in her group that shot in the kill zone, and second, she followed the blood trail, leading her group in discovering the fallen animal in the shortest amount of time. Holy crap, was I proud! The second field test was estimating yardage distances. The instructor had me take it for practice and fun too. We must be connected, because Robyn and I not sharing answers got the exact same score of 91%.

I think she's beginning to show me up! Wait a minute, she's already proven smokin hot! Last fall she became the only member of the "Robin Hood" club in our family. For those of you non-archers, this means she shot an arrow into another arrow. Totally sexy and a very difficult achievement. There is something about her when she pulls that bow back that just excites me! Now if I can get her to pick out camo for our bedspread...

Rob, I am so proud of you. What should our bet be for the first black bear harvested? Love you!!!

3 Tags!

Tagged by Tiffany

3 Joys: my family, a good book, the great outdoors (with perfect temperatures)
3 fears: water (lake, ocean, shower, any water), losing my husband, colonoscopy
3 goals: get out of debt (pay off house and Cameron's truck), see my children grow and make good choices, git me a bear!
3 obsessions: I have a lot of OCD's: clean house, ironing everything, the way my lawn looks
3 random facts: I've vacationed the two-non-lower 48 states, I've been known to shower 3 times a day in the summer, I get motion sickness (plane, boat, amusement rides) really easily!
3 tags: Heather, Carrie, Berenice

A Night Out With Dad!

There are things a girl only does with her mom...bra shopping, talking about the impending doom of periods, make-up, etc. And there's things that I insist a girl does with her dad. This is how our girls spent the night out with their dad last night.

Believe me when I say, there are four bodies lying all squishied together in the center of that tramp. They look cozy. I hope they had a good time enjoying a night with daddy and looking up at the stars. I on the other hand slept very comfortably in my bed, falling asleep to what I wanted to watch, curled up with a great book!

A Day At The Beach

We finally got the boat that Cameron and his brother's inherited almost 5 years ago from his dad. Cameron't brother John has been working really hard to get it running. Kinda difficult when gasoline has been sitting in the engine for more than 6 years. It's not running perfect yet, but it's almost there.

Last Saturday we took the boat out for a test run and decided to make a day of it. The girls had fun being pulled around by Uncle John on the 3-man tube (this way no one was left out). Some even took a turn with cousin CJ. What a great sport he was, the girls didn't want to go as fast as he did, so he was patient with them.

Cameron tried to ski, but the little boat didn't have enough impff to pull him up. Don't worry, it's been almost 4 days and he still isn't walking normal yet. But, he too had a turn on the tube with CJ. John wasn't quite so nice to them.

If they weren't in the boat or behind the boat, they were playing in the water or laying around in the sand. There was plenty of food, plenty of drink, plenty to do, but most of all plenty of fun!!!

4th of July!

We love the 4th of July. Every year we start the day off early over at Uncle Eldon's and Aunt Margy's. A fabulous breakfast is had by all, with lots of catching up with cousins and good friends. After we've eaten until we're stuffed, we roll right on up the drive-way to watch the parade. Being that we sit at the very beginning of the parade, the kids take home quite the loot of candy. This year 2 full grocery bags worth! Karina was especially excited, the Perkins family looked lost trying to find a spot to watch Lincoln (he's an officer at Millcreek Jr. High), so Kensington invited them to sit with us. "Ahh, spending time with the future in-laws" ran through her head I'm sure. Later that evening we gathered in front of our house to watch 2 amazing firework shows displayed by our neighbors, the Guzman's and the Lowe's. Again we laughed until we cried with the Randall's, the Morris', the younger Deters', and the older Deters'.

It is nice to have time to ponder and think about what the forefathers of this country sacrificed for our freedom. I'm grateful to grandparents who wanted a better life and immigrated to America so that my family can enjoy all the many freedoms we have. Thank you Omi and Opa, thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

What? You All Miss My Posts?

Here's the deal...I've been a bit busy. With the husband back home, some honeymoon time, re-getting to know you time, work being crazy, kids summer schedule, holidays and other various activities, I've been REALLY busy. I didn't think it would matter much, because I don't get too many comments on my blog, so I really didn't think people were reading. So...for all you BLOG LURKERS, I really love that you might be, maybe, probably are reading my blog...COMMENT, say something, let me know who you are and why you're reading my blog.

Enough said...I'll be a little more regular about posting, as long as ya'll keep up your end and comment. Thanks ANTHONY for calling and letting us know that you've been missing us. The posts that I'll write today are for you!

Sunday Gratitudes

I've been blog lurking and have read some really great things that people do for their Sunday blogs. I'm quite as creative, nor have I ever been one for promoting plagiarism; however, I do like the idea of listing some of the things I am grateful for. I write them in my journal each night, so why not share a few with my faithful readers.

1. Wells Wilkinson's talk on "Financial Preparedness." Always grateful for reminders and new ideas.
2. Family. I was able to spend a couple short hours with my sister, her husband, and daughter today. Always grateful to spend time with family.
3. Forgiveness. I think somewhere along the way some feelings were hurt this week unintentionally and I'm grateful for communicating wrongs, righting them, then being forgiven.
4. Girls Camp. My testimony grew as a youth by leaps and bounds. I am so grateful that Karina had the opportunity to have hers strengthened and nourished this past week. We sure did miss her.
5. Babies. I love the sweet spirit that only new babies have. To think that they were so recently in our Heavenly Home and communicate with angels still. Thank you to my friends who have allowed me to hold their sweet little ones this week. You have no idea how much I needed that this week.
6. Mostly I'm grateful that my husband will be home in 80 short hours. I'm sure they will go slow, but in comparison to the last 6 months and 6 days, it will fly. I've missed you my love. So glad you won't have to leave me again!

Elder Cortlan Brown

Corti has been out almost 2 weeks. For his mother's lovely missionary comments, please see the Deters Blog under my blogs that I view.

We miss him terribly, the girls especially, but are so very proud of him. He will be a fantastic missionary. The people in the Philipines are so lucky to have him. His companions will be definetly entertained, but appalled at his cleanliness, and lack there of. We've seen his bedroom.

We're proud of you Cort. Work hard. Study hard. Pray hard. The Lord will bless you and your family for your efforts.

Book Review - The Host

Okay, so Stephenie Meyer's new book "The Host" sat on my night stand for

three weeks. I was quite resistent to read it. I had heard from several Stephenie Meyer fans that it was a fabulous book, however I just wasn't excited about the idea of a science fiction novel. It was bad enough all those years that I endured watching the X-Files and Star Trek the Next Generation with Cameron, I wasn't going to endure over 600 pages of sci-fi.

After a long stretch with nothing to read, I caved. I picked it up and began reading. Within the first 2 chapters I was hooked. I'd already shed some tears, so I knew this book was going to be great and it was. How often do you get to read a love story about 2 people occupying the same body and both beings in love with the same man, only to have him hate the very thought of the existence of one of the beings. The story of Melanie and Jared, Ian and Wanderer captured my heart. I will return my borrowed copy and soon be making a trip to Costco to by my own copy. I can't wait to meet them again when I re-read the book. Yes, I will be reading it again soon, but not until I finish "Little Women" and the entire "Twilight" series before August 2nd. So many books and so little time.

Running Thoughts

This morning on my run through the cemetary, I couldn't quite keep my thoughts focused on my breathing or pushing myself to the next level. I thought more about the people I was running past. What kind of life did they live? What were they known most for? Did people like and respect them? How many people grieved them when they were gone? Did they make a difference in the lives of others?

All these questions then steered my thoughts to my own life. I began thinking about those who've had an influence on my life, made a difference to me. My parents have had a tremendous impact on my life, that goes without saying. My dad has had a profound influence on my testimony and seeking to be more righteous, more spiritual, more versed in the scriptures, and having a greater relationship with Jesus Christ. My mom has taught me the importance of service. "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad, and made someone feel glad? If not I have failed indeed." This has been my mom's motto in life. Over the years I have felt so unlike my mom. She can juggle 12 balls in the air at once and make it look easy. I have felt that I did not have that quality. But after my reflection today, I may not be able to juggle 12 balls, but I think I do okay with the amount I can put in the air.

When I die, what are people going to remember me as. I know they won't think wow, she sure was skinny, or was physically strong, or she was an incredible cook. No, I don't think I'll ever run a marathon, I'm not a great cook, I didn't finish college and get a fabulous high paying job after high school. However, I hope that I will be remembered for the service and compassion I have offered others. Cameron and I have always felt that it was important to teach our girls the lost gift of service. From the very beginning, when they could barely talk, we have tried to instill to them how important it is to share what we have with others. We may not be rich with gold or fine things, but we are so richly blessed with the lives that have touched ours.

The other day I was talking to my sister, and trying to teach her a little bit about marriage. The thought occurred to me that you do things for your husband and children, not because they expect it (well perhaps sometimes), but because it makes you feel good to do those things for them because you love them. When you serve someone your feelings for them only grow even more. There are so many in my life that I love and appreciate because they have offered service to me. Some have fixed my mailbox, shoveled my drive-way, weeded my flower beds, mowed my lawns, tended my children, brought countless meals, listened when I needed a friend, cried on my bed or sofa with me. I have been richly blessed by many around me. From these people I have learned to serve. Learned that offering service doesn't always come at a convenient time. I may smell like campfire, but need to take a friends children while she rushes to meet the ambulance at the hospital with her husband. Make a meal even though my cooking sucks. Let my husband go fix and paint a home even though we've had a date planned for weeks and this will clearly interfere.

Anyway, back to my original rambling of thoughts. After my run through the cemetary today, I have felt renewed in making a difference in the lives of others. I don't need to be the skinniest, the fittest, the richest, the most popular, but I do feel that I need to make a difference, so that when I die, people might remeber that somehow, my life touched theirs. Perhaps that I smiled at them, was a friend to them, served them in some capacity or another. After all, we don't get to take our worldly riches with us, only our relationships and reputations. How do you want to be remembered?

Latest and Greatest Addiction

A few days ago a received an e-mail from an old high school friend with an invitation to a webpage created for our graduating class. When I discovered the world of blogging I thought that was the coolest thing ever, and it still is, but I've found something that has taken me to an entirely new level. I have been reconnected with long lost, yet not forgotten friends. Never before have I been washed over with such a wave of nostalgia as these last few days. Memories of childhood, pre-teen adolescence and high school drama have come flooding back. Memory road has never been so sweet. It has been so much fun to see where life has taken people. Some I thought would never leave Utah have not only left the state, but even left the country. Some are still here, some have small families, some with large families, and many still growing their families. More power to you. I'm really grateful that I'm no longer in the childbearing years, really, I am. What a great ride and the best part is, it's not over yet. Hooray class of '91!

New Job!

I started my new job today. I have to say the Lord is involved in the details of our individual lives. I began looking for a new job only 2 weeks ago. Phone calls for interviews really did come pouring in last week. Quite opposite of what I had expected. Funny thing was I interviewed with Remax Real Estate Agency last Monday, and instantly knew that was the job I really wanted. Tuesday was followed with the second interview, and the job offer cam on Wednesday morning. I cancelled all the interviews with the other companies. With gas prices at almost $5.00/gal for diesel fuel, it doesn't get any better than a 4 minute drive to work, with a flexible schedule for my children. I've been hired as the Administrative Asst. and will be taking on more of the Office Manager's duties as I become more confident in the regular duties. I am so excited. Anyway, the Lord has been involved in my personal life because who cries in an interview and is still offered the job. It is only by the grace of God that they hired a psycho-crying female like me. I have truly felt his hand in my life these last 2 weeks.

My day was topped off with the most wonderful homecoming. I entered my home to 3 beautifully dressed angels and a sign that read "Welcome Back Mama Grizzly." You would think I would have cried then, not so much. I was really overcome with joy for my sweet girls. The dinner table was set, front room vacuumed, and no one dead (I was really afraid they would have killed each other without mom for 5 hours). Thanks girls for the perfect homecoming!

Happy Father's Day Papa Grizzly!

Happy Father's Day to the very best Daddy in the world!

Karina loves her daddy because...

1. You taught me how to hunt and enjoy the great outdoors.
2. You taught me how to take care of myself. My sisters have the bruises to prove it.
3. You love me. You show me this by letting me cuddle with you and kissing me on the head.
4. I learned how to respect others from you. You taught me the importance of choosing good friends.
5. I know you'll never hurt me. You won't even give me my shot, you leave the pain up to mom. However, I'd still really like you to do this for me.

Thanks for asking Heavenly Father for a little girl. Love - Karina

Kensington loves her daddy because...

1. You are hilarious. You always know how to make me happy.
2. You taught me how to work hard. I love going with you to work. You teach me so much.
3. I love spending time with you. It doesn't matter what we do as long as we are together.
4. I love when you give me a blessing. Whether it is when I'm sick, at the beginning of a school year, or other times when I just need one.
5. I just love you so very much!!!

Love your favorite Knigo - Kensington

Karadie loves her daddy because...
1. You let me go to work with you. You let me help paint sometimes.
2. You are a funny daddy.
3. You are my dad and love me because I'm your daughter.
4. You like to spend time with me. You take me bowling, ride your motorcycle, help me shoot my bow, or spend time with me at home.
5. You are very nice. You help me with my homework and lots of other stuff.

Love your favorite Carebear - Karadie

All the girls love their Daddy because...you work so hard to make our life happy, fun, and full of opportunities. You're our HERO. We love you very much Pappa Grizzly! Happy Father's Day!