Books! Books! Books!

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned my "Twilight" addiction. The first step to recovery is admitting. I finished reading the series for the third time on Friday and passed off the last book to my friend Melissa who has been down under for many months and had heard nothing about Edward. I brought her over to the dark side and she is now an addict too. For my birthday my cute husband sent me a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. He said it was so I could go pick out some great NEW books. I think secretly he just wanted me to stop reading "Twilight." He couldn't have given me a more perfect present.

From the time I can remember my dad would read to me. I still have my favorite Fairytale book that I loved having him read to me from. Even when we went camping at Bear Lake I would drag my book and have him read to me by the campfire or in my bed before I fell asleep. I thank my dad for the gift he gave me; passion for reading. Not only did he read to me, I watched him devour books. I don't remember my dad ever really watching TV, but I do remember him sitting in the corner of the living room, curled up with a book. I am so glad that this rubbed off onto me. I hope it rubs off onto my own children. Something else I learned from my dad...why borrow a book. It is so much better to own it yourself. Hence the many bookshelves in my house full of books. That part has rubbed off to my kids. Their rooms are full of books. I have 3 tall book shelves full of just my books, and more stored in boxes under the house.

So, what did I do with this wonderful gift certificate from my husband you ask? I spent a very long time in the bookstore without children to disturb or sidetrack me, pacing up and down the isles, occasionally picking up a book or two. I finally settled on some classics that believe it or not I have not read. Anxiously awaiting upon the bedside table to be read sits my newly owned books Pride and Prejudice and Little Women. I also picked up the 3rd Fablehaven, a fabulous mystical youth series.

I'm currently in the middle of a borrowed book, yes I actually did borrow a book from Carrie, Finders Keepers. I can't wait to see if William and Angie end up together, and what happened to William's family? I become so engrossed in the books I read, that I actually go through a grieving process when I'm done reading and the characters are no longer part of my life. Perhaps this is why I love a series, then the characters continue on for a little while.

I'm always ready to read a good book and I especially love recommendations!

Fitness for Me!

Several weeks ago I decided I REALLY was going to kick it in gear and get skinny before my husband came home to see us again (oops, now I let him in on the secret). So, I started running at the cemetary again. This has been great. I feel so much better when I work-out.

My good friend recommended a work-out that she does at the fire station with a bunch of men, designed for the navy seals to warm-up to. I'm always game to try something new. Hah! Wednesday morning I joined Carrie in her little "navy seals warm-up." It about kicked my arse! Carrie continually asked me if we were friends. On Thursday we still were, but sometime through the night Thursday, early morning hours of Friday, not so sure we were. Everytime I moved or rolled over I coudn't help but think "I hate Carrie." However, I really don't. I am so grateful she was willing to share her fabulous work-out with me. Friday morning we did it again. I was much slower, muscles much more fatigued and sorer (is that a word), but I felt great. I found muscles that I didn't know God had put in my body. All I have been able to think about this weekend as I have taken out stock in Epson salt, is that if all these new muscles I've discovered start to replace bulging fat cells, I am going to look HOT!

Why is it that we look for easy outs such as a magic pill, or easy work-out, when all it takes is a little bit of discipline and replacement of bad eating habit with good eating habits. It will take some time I'm quite certain before I SEE the effects of my new changes, but I can't believe how much better I already feel. Our Heavenly Father designed our bodies to work hard and feel good. Why do I forget that so easily? Forget to take care of it? Help encourage me. I won't take offense. I'm just excited for the day when I look in the mirror and can actually see that my butt is noticebly smaller, and my boobs have totally shrunk a size or two. I love seeing the cute little muscles already forming in my biceps and shoulders and can hardly wait to see the back fat replace by sexy ripped muscles! Cameron, I may have started out doing it to impress you, but it is all about me now!

Music of All Kinds

Isn't it great all the different music available for our listening pleasures? Recently, the girls and I have taken up getting ready for church while listening to CMT music videos before and after the Spoken Word. This has opened up a whole
new world for me. I was not a country fun...except for the occassional really
fabulous song. But lately, I have fallen in love with Country. We can't get enough
of it. Then there is always the 80's classics. This week I was whirlwinding

through Costco when the 25th anniversary Michael Jackson's Thriller jumped out and attacked me. For real. It literally begged me to buy it. Being that I am a very charitable person, I obliged. It even came with the original music videos of Thriller and Beat It for our viewing pleasure. My girls finally understood the scene from 13 Going on 30.
I feel that their life has now been edified by having this rare and unique opportunity of watching Michael Jackson dance. I shared a blast from my past with them, then spent the rest of the afternoon listening to Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and the Hairspray Soundtrack. Isn't music so much fun?

Tagged Again!

I've been tagged again, so I hope ya'll can bear with me. More random stuff about me.

1. Where is your cell phone? On the bed next to me.
2. Significant other? Cameron (Papa Grizzly)
3. Your hair? Obnoxiously, naturally curly and outta control.
4. Your mother? The greatest example of charity.
5. Your father? The greatest example of self-discipline and living close to the spirit.
6. Your favorite thing? Eyes that don't hurt.
7. Your dream last night? Really embarrassed, but it was indeed about an Edwardized Cameron.
8. Your favorite drink? Diet coke on headache days, but mostly really cold milk.
9. Your dream/goal. Fabulous health insurance.
10. The room your in? My bedroom.
11. Your ex? Thank heaven's there is none.
12. Your fear? Having another child or my husband die. Bury me right next to them. Can't do that again.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? It doesn't matter as long as my family is living together under the same roof.
14. Where were you last night? Out with friends celebrating births.
15. What you're not. PATIENT!
16. Muffins? Poppyseed
17. One of your wish list items. Fabulous jeans that I don't feel guilty in purchasing.
18. Where you grew up? The street I live on now.
19. The last thing you did? Took of my make-up.
20. What you are wearing? Night attire.
21. Your TV? Watching Enchanted with the girls.
22. Your pets? Shitzu Kenai.
23. Your computer? First model ever built.
24. Your life? Happily ever after-but filled with drama.
25. Your mood? Happy, exhausted.
26. Missing someone? Cameron terribly! Kazen always.
27. Your car? Wicked bad Ford F250
28. Something you're not wearing? I REALLY miss my contacts.
29. Favorite store? The Three Bears.
30. Summer? Love the vacation, hate the heat. Going to love Alaska temperatures.
31. Like someone? Don't really understand the question.
32. Your favorite color? Pink!
33. When is the last time you laughed? Really hard last night watching Juno.
34. Last time you cried? Last night watching a slide show of my son.
35. Who will/would respond to this? I dub thee Heather, Carrie, and Kayla, possibly Familia Martinez.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Let me be The fist to wish Robyn HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!! although I will admit it is kind of cool to do this on two diffrent times zones like right now its April 18th at 10:15 pm but where Robyn is its April 19th at 12:15 am. WOW I just wished my wife a happy birthday in the future

Love Ya
Cameron

Spilled Milk

Many moons ago when Karina was young, we ran out of milk on a Sunday. I wasn't the most "on the ball" mom and hadn't planned for this unfortunate event and we did not want to break the Sabbath. Thank heavens for parents who live close. We borrowed a gallon from my parents. Yeah, problem solved. Or was it? I placed the milk on the top of the car, bent over to get Karina out of her carseat, off slid the milk...s#@! was my immediate thought. I began to cry. Cameron began to laugh as he giggled out "Honey, there's no need to cry over spilled milk!" He was so proud of himself for making a funny and it did lighten the mood.

Yesterday his words came rushing back to my mind. With milk prices as high as they are now, I'm not sure this anecdote holds true anymore. On arriving home from the grocery store I hastily opened the truck door, and before I could grab them, yes THEM...out fell 2 gallons of milk! I began to cry until Cameron's funny little laugh echoed in my head. Thanks dear. You always know how to make me laugh when life "spills milk."

Life!

"For comforts sake, never bathe too long in the sunshine of people's opinion."

Why is it that we allow someone else's opinion determine how we feel about ourselves? A young child never looks in the mirror and says "hmmm, do you I look fat in this shirt?" A toddler who hears "you've got the cutest, chubby cheeks," doesn't automatically develop an aversion to mother's milk because he/she thinks it's too high in calories for consumption. So, when do we develop this dependency of others approval to make up our self-esteem?

I've listened to too many women over the past years, and for someone reason more frequently of late, cut themselves down and belittle themselves. I've heard so many allow their self-esteem to be made up by what others think or say about them. I fall into this category more often than I'd like to admit. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

We are all beautiful. We are all of divine creation. We are all heirs to kingdoms beyond our wildest imagination. We are all trying our very best to be the best person we can be. I think we need to give ourselves a break. With spring in the air, there is a sense of new beginnings and happy hopes. Let us go forward today not judging others, or ourselves, but encouraging our friends and loved ones, lifting spirits and helping each other along the way. Life is too hard to not help each other out. So if we allow ourselves to be detoured by what others opinions of us are, let it be just that, a detour. Then get back on the road of knowing ones own self-worth.

Happy high self-esteem day to you all!

Stupid Computers!

I am computer stupid. It is no news flash to many of you I am sure, but I hate computers. What happened to the good old days of sitting around knitting stockings with our girl friends, hand writing letters, or even using a typewriter. I am electronically challenged. Sooo, when my internet went down Friday night I cried. Cameron's not here to fix it. Cameron's not here to care if it gets fixed. I cried some more. After spending the whole weekend unplugging, plugging back in, unplugging, plugging back in I got mad. Thank heavens for cute technical support boys that take pity on people challenged like me. I was walked through some pretty simple steps (after some deep cleansing breaths) and now my internet is working again. Sorry about the recipe thing. It went down in the middle of typing that in. But I loved the comments posted in between. Any way...long story short, if you see anymore strange posts on my blog, come save me from myself for I am probably trapped in computerland hell.

Yummy Caramel Popcorn!

8 qts. popped corn (remove unpopped kernals for a more pleasant eating experience)
1 c white karo syrup
2 c brown sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk (we use 2; 1 for the recipe, 1 to eat out of the can)
1 sq. butter (margarine works, just doesn't taste as good)

Boil to soft ball stage (I don't have a candy thermometer so I just do a low rolling boil for a couple of minutes). Pour over popcorn. Take some to the Kent's, otherwise you're just plain rude for not sharing.

Thanks all for being patient while I got my internet working again. We appreciate things more if we have to work hard for them!

Addicted!

Okay...I have a super huge addiction and need HELP! There are many kinds of addictions: chocolate, soap operas, gambling, drugs, alcohol, and so on. Mine is so way worse. I'm addicted to Twilight. I've only read the books through twice and that was last summer, but I can't resist reading them through again. I caved today. Totally fell off the wagon if you will. I've been under the weather the last few days and the only thing I could think of that would help me feel better was a good dose of Edwardism. So I gave into all my temptations today and cracked open Twilight. Sorry to disappoint all of you who have been so supportive of my Twilight therapy. I'll just have to quit some other time. I'm not ready to give it up yet. Please check in on my children over the next few days for I'm sure I won't be able to put the books down long enough to feed, water, or attend to any of their needs.

To Do Lists

Things To Do Today! Our lives are filled with "To Do Lists." My lists are endless and as I lay here in bed and contemplate tomorrows chores I grow discouraged by the neverending lists.

• Vacuum under my bed, vacuum the house
• Do the laundry
• Fold the laundry (these 2 items must be broken down for me)
• Scrub walls in Karadie's room (she is an artist and the walls are her canvas)
• Take Kensington in for allergy shots-give her allergy pill first
• Clean both bathrooms - UGH! my least favorite
• Grocery Shopping
• Type up Ward Word
• Schedule doctor's appointment
• Pack up 2 cupboards in Kitchen
• Exercise
• Volunteer at the kids School
• Spend quality time with the girls after school (they each need one on one time with mom)

Why is it we feel we can't play or spend time on anything fun such as scrapbooking, card making, pedicures, etc. until our "To Do Lists" are done? AND just when we complete the list, the laundry baskets are half full, the kitchen sink has dishes piling high, and the dog chewed up an old cereal box leaving shredded papers and crumbs all over the front room floor. Not enough time in the day to do everything we need to do, all that we want to do, so today...I took the day off and took and 2.5 hour nap. Here, Here, I say to "To Do Lists!" Why do today what we can put off til tomorrow?

Faith in the Form of a Child

Karadie gave the sweetest lesson tonight in Family Home Evening. Our children really do teach us so much if we listen to them. Her lesson was on faith. As she summed up her lesson she stated "and it is really just that easy." WOW I thought to myself. Is it really that easy? Of course it is. All we have to do is just believe. I feel that I have been lacking a little bit in the area of faith lately. Should we move to Alaska for JUST the summer? Should we do 1 year of school there? Does it really matter to the Lord what we do? Is He really going to give me an answer ever? I think if I would have just listened to me daughter "and it is really just that easy" maybe I wouldn't have tormented myself for so long.

Sunday after conference Cameron called. As we were talking he confessed that he hadn't thought through the weekend really well and didn't have food for dinner. Lacking in faith, I suggested he go to the store and get something to eat. Cameron not lacking in faith, reminded me that he would trust in the Lord to provide. Right, I thought to myself. Our conversation came to a close and we hung up. 10 minutes later he called to tell me that the Lord does provide. No, He didn't send manna to the warehouse for Cameron to eat, but He sent an answer in the form of the Munyer family with an invitation to dinner. I have only spent a little time with the Munyer's, but feel that we are fast friends. They are very in tune with the Spirit and have come to our rescue twice now. Yes, faith is really just that easy. All we have to do is put forth a little effort and the Lord does provide.

Happy Birthday Olivia Kate!

Happy Birthday munchkin! We love having you part of our family while your momma and dadda are at work.

Conference days!

I have enjoyed listening to this mornings conference session. It helped me put my life into the right perspective again. Many recent events in my life have weighed heavy on my heart, some challenging my self-esteem. Church calling changes have been difficult for me. Did I not do a good job? Did I offend someone? What did I do wrong? I worked through that one okay with the help of my Father in Heaven. I know that changes are sometimes necessary even if I wasn't ready for them.

Friends come and go in our lives. I believe that Heavenly Father places people in our lives at a time when either we can serve and help them, or that they can help strengthen us. I am so grateful for the ever steadfast friends that I have. Those that have seen me through career changes, the many health challenges of my daughters, the death of my son, and so many other struggles in my life. The most recent move of Cameron to Alaska has been extremely difficult for me and my little family. I recognize those friends of mine who have showed their concern and compassion during this difficult time. They have attended the temple with me, prayed for me, dropped in on me to make sure the lonely nights aren't so lonely. Thank you! You have no idea how much your kind acts have helped and lifted me. If I were given the choice of being popular and having a lot of fair whethered friends or one true and good friend, I choose the one true and good friend every time.

I'm gratful for the good men who lead our church. These pure in heart and close to the spirit men whom I learn so much from each conference. I eagerly await conference each spring and fall and can hardly wait for the Ensign publication to land in my mail box. I come away from each conference with renewed excitement for standing a little taller and trying a little harder to help build the Kingdom of God and make me a better person. I know that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know that Temples bind families together forever if we live worthy of the convenants made there. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ I can be saved. I know the Priesthood is the power of God and I am so grateful to a husband who honors the power he holds and can give me and our daughters blessings to help us through hard times. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true and I am so grateful to belong to it. I know prayers are heard and answered. I know that the Holy Ghost comforts us, brings peace to our hearts and minds, and testifies of truth. I know the scriptures testify of Christ and are a blueprint for us in our lives today. Again I am so grateful for this weekend and the things I have already felt and learned by enjoying General Conference.

Tagged. Not it...

#1. How long have you been together? We met 15 years ago last month.
#2. How long did you date? We dated for 3 months, engaged for another 3 months, then married. I'm very impatient.
#3.How old is he? 37 next month.
#4. Who eats more? Totally Cameron.
#5. Who said I Love You First? Cameron said it first. I got scared. Patted him on his cheek, said something intelligent like "thank you" I think, then ran into the house.
#6. Who is taller? Cameron
#7. Who sings better? We make a great duet. I'd have to say that is a tie.
#8. Who is smarter? Cameron knows stuff about everything. Or at least he really makes me believe he does.
#9. Who does the laundry? Usually I do the laundry, but now that we are living in different states we both do.
#10. Who does the dishes? Same as the answer above. Hopefully when we occupy the same household, he'll help out.
#11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does. I'm afraid of the door. Now I have the girls sleep next to the door when they sleep with me. Nice brave mom huh?
#12. Who pays the bills? I do and I don't even try to hide any from him.
#13. Who mows the lawn? Who knew I had OCD until I met my lawn. Now Cameron is not allowed near it.
#14. Who cooks dinner? We have starved for 2 months. Cameron is a much better cook.
#15. Who is more stubborn? Me, me and totally me. Get the picture.
#16. Who kissed who first? He rocked my world!
#17. Who asked who out? We were set up by my sister and his step-monster. Technically he called me. I did however tell him in that first conversation I would go out with him but would absolutely not marry him. Hmmm.
#18. Who proposed? Technically Cameron did, however, I had already called the temple and scheduled a sealing room. When the envelope arrived I handed it to him and told him he had 2 choices. He could either agree to the contents of the envelope (show up and say yes) or he could pretend it was his idea and still show up.
#19. Who is more sensitive? Umm, not really sure how to answer that one.
#20. Who has more friends? He knows everyone. Everyone loves him. Definetly Cameron.
#21. Who has more siblings? Half brothers/sisters? Step brothers/sisters? We both come from large families. Mine is just less compicated.

Tag. Your it...Chelsie Ann, and Heather (now you have to set up your blog). I won't cry or throw a fit if you don't want to play (you can however, cut and paste).

Brrr!

This is where I'm moving. Are you jealous? April Fool's. Well sorta. This IS really where we are moving to, but it isn't as bad as it seems. The Kenai River behind me is frozen over, and the wind was blowing, but the surrounding mountains and beautiful views has me very excited. AND the best part, it will be warmer in the summer when we're there! We will be enjoying all you can eat fresh salmon and fresh halibut everyday in 70-80 degree temperatures while all you down in Utah will enjoy flown in sorta fresh fish from the grocery store and over 100 degree temperatures. Who has the better deal? We'll compare notes in the fall.

The Eagles Have Landed

By far one of the coolest things I have ever seen in my life was last month when I visited Cameron in Alaska. My last day there we went to Homer, a little town on the spit. There is a lady there that is the only one in the nation allowed to (legally) feed the wild eagles during the winter. She is known as "The Eagle Lady." Since the lakes and rivers are frozen over and food is scarce, they gather from far and wide. It is truly majestic! There is a reason that this bird was chosen as our national bird. They are huge, beautiful, majestic, amazing! Over two hundred birds covered the beach, trees, roof tops, and lamp posts. They make an amazing sound when they sing. As they fly over head there is this loud "woosh, woosh, woosh" sound. Interesting fact to know, the eaglets eyes, beak, and head are brown until about 5 years old. Then the eyes turn golden, the beak turns yellow and the heads turn white. I love these beautiful, majestic creatures!