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!

Things That Make Me Vomit

Lately at our house there has been much discussion about vomitting. I always thought I had a strong stomach, but have learned not so much. There lots of things that make me vomit. Some understanbly and some quite surprising. Here's my list in no particular order. Some just don't need an explanation.

1. The stomach flu
2. Pregnancy (no this is NOT an announcement)
3. Bad smells
4. Exercise. A few months back I was at the Rec Center working out. I had run a couple of laps to warm-up then went to the bikes. The lady seated next to me was VERY large. I glanced at her screen and saw that she was biking at a higher level and faster. I thought to myself "I'm not as big as her and I'm younger. I'm sure I can easily keep up with her. It about killed me, but I did it. My time was done and I headed off to the weights. I think I did one rep. Quickly got up, headed down the stairs and out the door. Yep, I left my mark in the parking lot and continued on home.
5. Extreme hunger
6. Disgusting food like I don't know but really gross food.
7. Tension between my husband and me
8. My mother-in-law. After my father-in-law passed away, we have had no contact with my mil, except on the rare occassion in court (another very long story). Thursday I was shopping at Costco and upon leaving saw her, her mom, and her daughter sitting at the food court. I began pushing my cart faster and tried not to make eye-contact. I really didn't want a scene with Pollie and bulieve me, she would cause I scene. I'm pretty sure I threw up in my mouth and pooped down both sides of my legs. Not a pretty picture.
9. Sad/bad news
10. Watching someone else vomit.
11. Hairy moles. Back in the day when I was giving a lot of massages, on occassion I would have a client with over a million moles on their bodies, all having pokey outey hairs attached to them. So gross.
12. Crap stuck between the folds of peoples skin. Again, when I was massaging, and not literaly crap, but yucky dead skin stuff.
13. Body odor. I shower 2 and 3 times a day because I can't stand the smell on other people.
14. Toe nails. Have you ever looked at peoples toe nails. They are so nasty. Some are broken, yellow, and have things living on them. Some just don't exhist. Really sick.
15. Field dressing. I don't like watching the guts come out of an animal, however it does not bother me to flesh them. I know strange.

Do You Think He'll Mind?

Cameron returned to Alaska last Wednesday to tie up loose ends and collect his tools, personals, etc. So like any good wife would do, I sold his motorcycle today. What? one might say.

Let me give you a little background on this motorcycle baby of Cameron's. He bought this "toy" 5 years ago. We might have had a conversation about it. I really don't remember. I just remember him coming home and telling me he bought a motorcycle on ebay and it would be delivered within the week. His dad hated the idea, his grandma cried when she heard about it, my parents weren't exactly thrilled either, and the girls thought daddy was the COOLEST! Many middle of the nights I stayed awake wondering when or IF he would be home, where was he riding, mostly how fast was he riding.

The general conference weekend shortly after Elder Neal A. Maxwell passed away, Cameron drove to St. George to take pictures of my sisters family. He did the trip down and back in a day. Needless to say, the long straight stretches were just that. Long and straight. Cameron thought he would see just how fast his bike would go. I believe the officer in Cedar City clocked him around 160. Two counties later a highway patrol man caught up with him. After Cameron gave him some story about being down to see his sister in St. George who was dying from Leukimia the officer simply told him to slow down and be careful and muttered something about how sorry he was to hear about his sister. Whatever! He should have totally been thrown in jail, locked up the bike, and thrown away both keys! Does this explain the relationship with Cameron and his bike yet. We've talked about selling the bike for sometime now, but today I actually sold it. I really hope he still loves me when he gets home. I didn't even allow him one last ride.

Random Thoughts

It's late at night and I'm trying to keep my mind occupied. Or rather, keep it from running away with me. Last I heard from my insane, absent husband, he was sitting around a campfire at the Kenai's girls camp. He is on Bear Patrol. No really. In Alaska the priesthood serve to purposes; the first being just that, priesthood, the second they must carry a gun to protect the girls from the many grizzly and black bears that live in the area. So, the fact that his phone is off, and it is NEVER off and I haven't heard from him in over 7 hours causes me to bite my nails and fret a bit.

I also received some very sad news today. My brother-in-law Jay is one of my favorite people. I think of him as a brother and not just a brother-in-law. I think the world of him and my heart goes out to him. He lost his brother today to mental illness. It took me a while to call him because I didn't know what to say. Kinda ironic, being that I lost my father-in-law the same way. Then I remembered it's not what you say that matters. There is really nothing a person can say. All that mattered was letting him know that I was thinking of him, that I cared, that I was so sorry. I'm reminded again of how powerful the atonement is. Only the Lord can pass judgement. The Savior felt all our pains, sadnesses, heartaches, and illnesses. I'm so glad that we have our knowledge of the gospel to support us in these times of trial. I also know that the peace that comes from the Holy Ghost is wonderful. I hope that the Randall family will be able to find peace and solace at this time.

Last TuesdayCameron and I attended the Temple for an Endowment session before he returned to Alaska. On Saturday I went with Karina and my dad for Baptisms for the Dead, and tonight I went with parents, my sister and her husband, and two nephews and did sealings. I am so grateful for the blessings of the Temple. I am grateful for the things I learn each time I attend. I'm grateful for the peace I feel when I'm there. I am especially grateful for the binding of families to one another that are sealed there.

There are few things in this life that really matter. It doens't matter what kind of car we drove, how clean our house was, how big our house was, how many "toys" we had, what namebrand clothes we wore, etc. The things that we take with us our the relationships that we build here. It matters if we had integrity, charity, compassion, and love for other people. Heartache to others is never a good thing, however, it is a good time to take a moment to evaluate our life. Put together checks and balances to see if I'm measuring up to the person I think I am or want to become.

Thanks for letting me ramble. A pensive would sure be a nice possession to have about now. Let go of a few thoughts that are keeping me awake late at night.

UPDATE...Cameron just called. His phone died, not him. However, he did see 2 black bears on his adventure to girls camp. The bears are alive for 2 reasons, 1st: they were not a threat to the nearby YW, and 2nd: he didn't have a bear hunting license. Perhaps he will blog about his adventures.

To My Faithful Readers

I have created 5 new posts in the last 12 hours. Sorry that I've been away so long. Someone pointed out that I post a lot when I'm missing Cameron. Once he's home I'll try to find time to continue to post. Hope you all enjoy the new posts. There are even some from the wedding on the Deters' family blog! Happy reading!

Tagged: Where Was I?

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. Just moved into my house, getting settled in.
2. Pregnant with my second child.
3. New to the "stay at home" lifestyle.
4. Working in my new yard (and cursing my sister for all the flower beds).
5. Preparing for girls camp as the camp director.


5 things on my to do list:

1. Ironing.
2. Mail niece's wedding pictures to her.
3. Mail stuff to Cameron that he forgot.
4. This "tagged" post.
5. Find a job (any ideas?)

5 favorite snacks/food:

1. My artichoke dip (recipe I stole from Kayla).
2. Watermelon
3. String Cheese
4. Doritoes (this is such a VERY bad habit)
5. Salmon (hope to have some fresh soon)!

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:

1. Buy the property behind me
2. Add on to my house so that the girls have their own room, and I have a bathtub in the master bathroom.
3. Buy a home for the Lihpai's and pay off their medical bills.
4. Adopt an orphan from a 3rd world country.
5. Buy a cabin in Alaska, and one in the Unitah mountains

5 bad habits:

1. Not being consistent in my exercise program
2. Having a potty mouth
3. Losing my temper with my kids
4. Finding comfort in food when I miss my husband or am just sad
5. Wasting time


5 Places I have lived:

1. Salt Lake City, UT
2. North Salt Lake, UT
3. Bountiful, UT
4. Bountiful, UT
5. Oh yeah, Bountiful, UT

5 people I tag:

1. Heather
2. Chelsie
3. Carrie
4. Mollie Kent
5. Kelly Kent

Middle Child

Kensington is my middle child. Middle children are often forgotten or,

just not talked about quite as much as the oldest or the youngest. I have fallen into this pit of not mentioning my middle child on my blog. Karina has had 2 posts dedicated to her, Karadie has had 1, the dog has had 2, and Kazen has even had 2. Poor Kensington has had no posts dedicated to her. So Kensington here's to you kiddo.

This child of ours has many gifts and talents. First of all she is brilliant. Not only do I think this, but Davis County School District does too. Of all the 4th graders in our school, she is the only one that scored 100% on the end of level mathematics tests. She certainly did not get that from me, her mother. Math is NOT my subject. Just ask any of the spectrum (gifted and talented) 4th grade math students I subbed for this past school year. She doesn't really have to study for spelling tests. She loves science and asks all the questions only a scientist would ask. Her teacher this past year, Mrs. Edwards, has really helped Kensington develop some of her skills and has made a HUGE difference in helping Kensington improve her self-esteem. Thank you so much Mrs. Edwards!

Even talented kiddos have funny little quirks too. WARNING: The following story is NOT approved by said child. Our favorite thing about Kensington is that she walks in her sleep. I don't mean just walks to the bathroom, or moves around her room a bit. I mean she takes a walk-a-bout to the neighbors homes too. Yes, this is a bit scary too (thanks Tyler and Eva for bringing her back safely). The lastet walking story took place a short time before Cameron left for Alaska. We were both still awake when we heard sleep-walking child on the move. I followed her down stairs to have a look-see. She was rambling on about some story involving Karadie and plane tickets. Whatever. I directed her to the bathroom (this usually helps her wake up and not be aggitated). I left her in the bathroom to do her thing privately and went off to tell her dad the story and have a good laugh. On back to the bathroom I went to check on her, only to find her not on the potty, but the garbage can, yep doing her thing in the garbage can. No longer was the laughter quiet. Tears rolling down my face and window breaking laughter coming from the mother. All the noise woke Kens, she glanced over at the toilet, looked at me, shook her head and said; "oh, that is just sick. Not a word mom." I kept the silence for a while, but can't do it any longer. Love ya Kens. Thanks for learning how to have humor about things that REALLY are funny. Thanks for being such a great, well-rounded middle child.

Grade School Graduation!

The last week of grade school was packed full of fun events. It was started off with a fancy dinner at one of Utah's finest resteraunts...La Caille. The students were expected to dress in their finest, use manners they were taught in a special class, enhance their tastes by trying escargout (snails), and have a good time. Karina wanted Daddy to be her date but settled with mommy. We were lucky enough to sit with her best friends: Sydni Moyes, Kristen, Cahill, and Magen Lihpai.

The 6th grade was able to spend a day at the Recreation Center (sorry no swimming suit pictures will be posted at this time). And of course no final week would be complete without graduation. Karina has had a wonderful grade school experience. She has made many great friendships that hopefully will last a lifetime. Lincoln Perkins is one of her good friends. He has been a good example and good friend to her. Since the 2 of them have been 12 for almost a year, they have spent a lot of time at the temple doing baptisms for the dead. How awesome to have such great friends (not to mention he's really cute too). Karina has been blessed with fabulous teachers: Ms. Martell, Ms. Kotter, Ms. Martell again, Mrs. Frye, Mrs. McIntosh, Ms. Trimble, and Ms. Trimble again. Each of these teachers have been such a blessing in her life. They have each taught more than just reading, writing, and arthimetic. They have taught her life skills. Thank you!

Dance Recitals

Ballet! Karina and Kensington have been taking ballet from Bountiful School of Ballet for about 5 years. They love it! Every year in May they put on a full Ballet story. This year was "The Toy Shops Magic Night." Karina was a "water color paintbrush" and Kensington was a "Russian Doll." It really was an enjoyable ballet. I can't believe how much they have improved from last year. They both have been blessed with such grace.

Jazz! Both Karina and Kensington have taken jazz for about 4 years and love it as much as ballet. This years theme was spending a night at the movies. Each song was from a movie. The finale was to HairSpray. They had a great time getting to dance in two numbers.

I love watching you girls. I'm so proud of you. You are beautiful!!!