Lunch with Friends from ColorGuard

Two of my friends from BYU ColorGuard were in town visiting this week (Beverly from NY and Heather from CA), so we decided to have lunch at a park with all of our children. Meredith (who lives here) also joined us. I haven’t seen Beverly since college days. It was a lot of fun. BUT… they gave me a bad time for not blogging in a long time … so HERE you go girls! Just for you! I'll try to be better. :)

I love these ladies. I really respect them for the way they are raising their family and for the kind of friend they were to me in college and since then.

Meredith (Merf as we called her) was my squad leader my freshman year. She became like a sister to me … one of my very best friends ever. She was fun, out-going, and a true friend. She spent a lot of extra time with me, helping me when I couldn’t do the routines (since I hadn’t twirled flags before college) and encouraged me when I’d get down. She was there for me when I was sick with mono and very tired. And we shared out stories about our roommates. But it was my sophomore year that she and I became even closer. She was good friends with this guy on the drumline … who of course, I eventually married. We often double dated. She was already married that year so I also spent a lot of time at their place … including doing all of my laundry!  Merf was one of my bride’s maids. We don’t see Merf and her husband Corry very often these days (even though we only live about 20 min away from each other) but when we do, its just like no time at all has passed. Truly grateful for Merf in my life. She is a spiritual rock and an amazing mom to 4 kids (her oldest was out of town).

Beverly was a freshman with me … so we did tryouts together and then that first year, which was a lot of work. Beverly was a down-to-earth girl who was always kind to everyone. She didn’t get wrapped up in the drama that happens when you have a lot of girls together. She was friends with everyone. Beverly and I both came from southern towns to BYU so I remember talking about “life” at home compared to life at BYU. I have come to really admire Beverly as I’ve read her blog the last couple of years. Beverly has a child with autism and they have done a lot of research and tried different things to help him. Because our Taylor has eating issues and had some delays, I can only imagine how hard it has been to have a child you love so much struggle. She has been willing to try alternate diets that aren’t easy and other things. She loves her children and it is very obvious in her posts on her blog. She’s got “guts”, I guess you’d say to go for things and to try things and does it living far away from family. She is brave in the face of others judging her and her son and I hope she knows how strong I think she is and how proud of her I am.

Heather came into colorguard my sophomore year. Heather is from Hawaii and I just loved her fun personality. I also loved Heather because she understood football and cheered as loud (or louder) than I did for our BYU Cougars!  But Heather’s friendship was tested when she was given the captain position that I had auditioned for … as position she also felt like I should get. There was a lot of “drama” in the situation and although Heather did nothing to make me mad at her, she apologized and cared about me because she knew I was hurt and disappointed by the way things had turned out. And when I chose to leave band and step out of the way, she was sad and made every effort to stay close to me … her actions showed me how much she cared about me and taught me about true friendship. Over the years, she has been great to keep in touch with me and always reaches out to see me each time she comes to town (which is usually a couple times a year). Life hasn’t always been easy for Heather (like many of us) and she has endured some trials that I know were almost devastating at times, but she has kept a good attitude and I love that about her.

The park we went to had a playgorund, a small stage and a lot of trees (evidently, according to Merf's kids) that are great for climbing...

This picture is my 3, plus 3 friends that came to the park with us and Heather's two kids. They liked singing songs and dancing around on the stage.

If you look carefully at the tree - about 1/3 from the top, you'll see a light blue/turquoise spot ...

That spot, is Merf's daughter Fuzzy (that's her nickname). She loved climbing the trees and amazed me at how high she got in this tree.
So, lunch with three amazing ladies that I truly love and respect! What a blessing. Thanks for taking time out for me. And next time you are in town again, we’ll have to talk to a few more people and get more of us together.

The pics from Karianna's special day

I figured the previous post was all text, so this one is all pictures....

Congratulations Mike & Karianna!!

A Beautiful Bride and Person - gonna miss her!

I wrote this post very late at night on June 21st ... but after I lost it all, I was too exhausted to finish it so I saved it and just now finished editing it.

Sometimes I blog to share something with you or to update you all with something. Other times I blog to get my feelings out, to journal my experience and express all the thoughts in my head ... tonight is one of those nights. I actually blogged all this on Tuesday night, and then hit save and lost it all so I tried to remember everything I wrote to share it again. I want to share my thoughts and feelings and experiences from Tuesday because I want to have a record of it (and typing it on my blog is easier than writing it in my journal). :)

I had the opportunity to attend the wedding and reception for Karianna. Karianna came into our lives a little over 4 years ago. It was Feb of 2007 and Jess had just turned 2. Steve met Karianna at Wal-Mart when he bumped into her dad (who was a college drumline buddy). He was immediately impressed with the 15 almost 16 year old girl and told me she would be perfect for my assistant. I hired her a month or so later and ... she's been a true blessing in our lives. At first, she worked a few days a week after school plus babysat one night every weekend. She did mostly housework and helped with the kids and did some basic routine tasks in my office. But as my business grew, she took on more and more in the office and around the house too. She's done everything from clean toilets, help cook dinner, babysit the kids, do homework, drive carpool, run my office while I've been gone, watched my kids while we were out of town, go on vacations with us and even ventured on a plane for the first time (and she was by herself!) to help me at one of my tradeshows.


In the past 4 years, she has become such a big part of our family. Taylor and Jessica don't remember her not being part of our family. She's seen me cry, laugh, scream, ... she has seen it all. She has probably spent more waking hours at my house than at her own some weeks. :)

I was so blessed to be able to go to her wedding at the Draper Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony. At the last minute, I asked my new assistant Melissa to bring my girls to the temple when the ceremony ended so they could see Karianna and Mike come out of the temple. As we waited for her to come out, I felt such a gratitude for the example Karianna has set for my girls. They have so many cherished memories - big memories and the every day moments that they will always remember. She has been like a big sister to them and they truly love her. But the overwhelming feeling for me was gratitude for her example. She is so strong and kind and just good. She has taught me so much and although sometimes she is like a daughter to me, more often she is like a sister to me too, a true friend. She is one of those people who just radiates goodness.

As we waitedk, it touched my heart to see how excited the girls were to see her. When Karianna and Mike came out, she went to her dad and gave him a big hug. As their hug broke up, my girls converged on her. I took a picture of Alyssa and Karianna and then as I started to take one of Tay and Karianna, Jess wrapped her arms around my legs and literally just collapsed against me crying. I hadn't seen her get hurt, so I had no idea what was wrong. As I bent down and cuddled her against me to find out was wrong, she sobbed, "I'm gonna miss her." What could I say to her? Me too... and the tears streamed down my face - thank goodness for big sunglasses! :) I finally got her consoled and she gave Karianna a hug with big tears in her eyes. But when I asked her if she wanted to give Mike a hug, she told me NO! The girls really love Mike, but there is definitely a sense of jealousy toward him.

The week before the wedding, Taylor was very concerned about the fact that Karianna won't be at Alyssa's and Taylor's birthday parties. And while I was at the reception, it dawned on me that Tay doesn't remember when Karianna wasn't there. Karianna has helped with their parties every year since she started working for me. And Jess and Taylor were young enough when Karianna came to work for me, that they don't remember her ever not being at our house 4-6 days a week. They don't remember our previous assistants/babysitters being here in our home (they know them because we see them from time to time, but they don't remember them being here).

At the reception, all three girls helped. Alyssa was so proud to help at the refreshments bar ... she helped stock things and serve ice cream. Because Karianna trusted her do that made Alyssa feel so grown up and important, another way that Karianna shows her love for my girls. She knows how to make them feel special, appreciated and involved. Taylor and Jessica helped clear tables when people were done with their dishes. Jessica did a great job, but Taylor to my surprise wasn't very interested in helping (she usually likes to help). Karinna and I actually joked last week that Taylor would be so on-top of it that as people took the last spoonful of icecream from their bowl she'd take the empty bowl away from them before they could put the spoon down. :) She did help some, but she mostly sat and studied the pictures of Karianna on the video and around the room, as if she was trying to soak in every bit of her that she could. She signed Karianna & Mike's scrapbook multiple times (and wanted to sign every page, but I told her that wasn't necessary) so Karianna won't forget her. And she came to me several times and told me she wished Karianna didn't have to go away. I explained we'll still see her, but she knows it will be different. When we pulled into the garage tonight, she broke into quiet little sobs. When I finally got her to tell me what was wrong, she said that she missed Karianna already and was sad she wasn't going to be able to give Karianna pictures that she draws anymore. She has drawn one of Karianna and Mike that she wants to give her. I reassured her we'd still see her some and we'd make sure she gets the picture. (Karianna is working for me a week in July - so it won't be too long until she's back in my office again - although temporarily).


Kariannaa is an amazing person that I am so grateful and blessed to have had in my life, my home and as a part of my family. She has impacted us in ways she will never truly understand and my girls look forward to the day when she has kids and they are old enough to babysit for them. Soem of the things I love about Karianna ... she loves her family so much and it shows constantly. She loves others and loves serving. She volunteers whenever she can, even taking a trip to Mexico to work in some orphanages. Her faith is unwaivering. Even as a teenager, she just seemed to understand who she is, a daughter of God with an amazing potential. Things that should matter to her, matter. Many of the petty drama of high school was never a part of her life. Her strength, her hope and her positive attitude inspire me constantly.. But I'd leave so much out if I didn't mention her work ethic. Karianna never expected things or acted like she deserved things. She just works hard for everything - regardless what is asked of her - and is grateful for the blessings that come. She truly taught me to be more grateful... even in the face of trials.

Congrats to Mike & Karianna! We love you both and look forward to gaining Mike as part of our "family" - not losing Karianna. We hope that they will both be a part of our lives forever.

Pics to come ...

The Value of Battery Chemistry

Alyssa LOVES science projects and has done one the last few years even though they weren't required for her class/grade. This year, her class was required to do them. Alyssa chose the value of a battery (how long it lasts compared to how much it costs). But after she had done most of the actual experiment, she learned that its a fairly common project and doesn't do as well at district and higher levels sooooooo ... she wanted it to be more. She wanted to know WHY the batteries lasted longer ... thus the Value of Battery Chemistry. She and her dad worked hard on her project. He'd ask her questions and she'd research the answers. He'd ask her more questions and she'd write down more answers. He'd explain things to her and she'd explain them back to him and then write it down. She did a great job and determined that batteries with Zinc Magnesium Dioxide are the best value. She learned about what Zinc and Magnesium are (and some other chemicals), how a battery works, different types of batteries (primary vs secondary), and what types of batteries work well for high-drain devices and low-drain devices. She also learned why some batteries are expensive and why others are cheaper (based on the chemicals inside and how rare those chemicals are). I think she learned a TON ... I learned a lot just helping her proof all her info and watching her put together her board. ANYWAY ... here is a picture of her with her project.

AND ... drumroll ... her project earned her a 3rd place in 5th grade at her school. She was excited and we were pleased with her hard work. She received a big white third place ribbon that MADE her day!! Then the next day she found out that she gets to move onto the district level!! She came home from school, BURST through the front door screaming for me. She was so excited. She told everyone she talked. She could hardly wait for her dad to get home so she could tell him.

AND ... bigger drumroll ... tonight she went to the district science fair. There were 300 projects there tonight and 70 were chosen to move on to the Central Utah Science Fair at BYU in 3 weeks ... YEP!!! She was one of them!! She is TRULY on cloud nine!! SOOOOO EXCITED! I'm surprised she fell asleep tonight. We are very proud of her (even if we aren't looking forward to another 5-6 hours of hanging out at a science fair). She is a very smart little girl and very determined. She LOVES to learn and when she chooses she can do amazing things. She was awarded a medal (although it is backwards in the picture below) and a certificate tonight. This is a close up pic I cropped of her on-stage. Its not the best quality pic, but she was BURSTING with excitement up on stage.
The award didn't have their names on them, so I added it to hers so she'll always have it. :)
Her project was assigned a spot on a table between two other kids from her school, a brother and sister who live in our neighborhood. She had fun during the judging time hanging out and playing around with the two kids (they were required to be at their projects for 90 minutes while the judges wandered around and interviewd the kids - parents were not allowed to be there). When the awards were announced her name was called between the names of the two other kids so they also got to stand on stage together. The icing on the cake for our social Alyssa!

Way to go Alyssa!! We are so proud!

Get Well Tay!

Taylor was sick last week into this week. She woke up Wed morning with some hives on her ankles and arms but because she gets them VERY easily for no apparent reason, I sent her to school after giving her a dose of Benadryl and Zyrtec. We've seen it before and the doctors say it is her way of dealing with something ... stress, fear or physical illness. They say unless there are other symptoms, she's not contagious. There were none, so I sent her in. By 1:15 though the hives were itching badly and spreading onto the rest of her body. By 7pm that night ... this was what her face looked like (and this is 2 hours AFTER yet another dose of Benadryl and Zyrtec). (The pics were taken on my cell phone so they aren't great, but you get the idea of how bad it was).
We went to the doctor's office when the fever started to kick in, just to be sure it wasn't something more. We made crazy faces and took pictures to entertain ourselves (and distract her from itching) while we waited. Here are 2 of Tay's crazy faces.

And here is a picture of her legs ... yes her legs are about 75% covered in hives. She was mostly covered in red with what looked like white blotches ... which was actually the only normal part of her skin showing. Most of her body looked like this. The doctor just encouraged Benadryl, Zyrtec and Ibuprofren for the fever and swelling caused by the hives. She also suggested a really good lotion which Tay LOVED. She said it helped a lot with the itching and the hot feeling and cleared up her dry skin too!
Saturday morning, one of Taylor's best friends brought her a plate of goodies. Makenna knows Taylor and what she will and won't eat so she prepared this special plate of "trail mix" ... Tay style (Doritos and Cheetos)! Tay was VERY happy to munch on it later in the day. What a cute friend to come up with this idea to make her feel better. THANKS Kenna! So grateful that my children have such good friends!Taylor missed school part of the day Wed, and then because of the fever she stayed home Thursday, Friday, all weekend and Monday. Jessica joined Tay at home halfway through the morning on Friday when her teacher realized she was "listless" and laying on her desk and felt hot. Jessica also spent the rest of Friday, the weekend and Monday at home. I was very glad to send them back to school today!! :) I love them, but I need time without them here. Summer is different because at least they can play with friends.

BIG NEWS!! Lettuce & Spinach!

Lettuce - just plain iceberg lettuce...

and Spinach - just plain, raw spinach leaves...

By themselves, you'd probably think I've lost my mind to call lettuce and spinach big news.

BUT if I add the name TAYLOR to that statement ... and you know Taylor, you will understand why that is HUGE NEWS!!! Yes, Taylor NOW likes lettuce and spinach!! I am SOOOOO excited. With Taylor's feeding disorder, we make Tay try 3 bites of something at dinner that she doesn't normally eat. I noticed last week that if lettuce was an option she always chose that without any fuss even when I did bigger than her normal dime or smaller pieces. Sunday at my mom's house, I gave her a big piece of lettuce, probably 2 or 3 inches square. She didn't fuss at all. Taylor ate that piece and then continued to pick about 6 or 7 more pieces out of the salad bowl and ate them all. Then Monday night, Taylor saw salad for dinner and asked if she could have some. It contained lettuce and spinach leaves. She took a bite of spinach and spit it out. But ate quite a bit of lettuce. Then Tuesday night, she asked me if she could try spinach again. She ate two leaves and later informed me that she likes it. Today, she took both in her lunch! WAHOO!! It may not seem like much if you don't know Tay's history, but trust me, this is HUGE!

I've been really stressing the last couple of months about Taylor's eating. I've talked to several people about it and I always end up crying because it worries me and frustrates me but with a decreased income and no insurance this past year, taking her to the doctors or specialists has not been an option so her finding even two such simple things that she likes is such a huge step and blessing. It has been a LONG time since she has started eating something new so this gives me hope that she's breaking through her barriers.

A Love Hate Relationship

I set a goal in December to start working out and get in better shape. Its actually been something I've been setting since more like August, but I committed to it in December. On New Year's Eve, I found out a friend had the same goal so we committed to working out together every morning ... 6 days a week. We are doing P90x workouts.
We are into week 6 now. Here's the schedule ...

Yes, we really work out Mon-Sat and each workout is at least 50 minutes. Even with my 17 day trip to Houston, I've only missed a total of 3 days. I've never been this consistent with a workout program. As I tell Steve ... it's kicking my trash, but I'm sticking with it. I truly HATE yoga but have a love/hate relationship with everything else. Hate it while I'm doing it, love it when I'm done and hate it later that night and the next morning when I'm feeling all the muscles I worked.

Not sure I'm seeing much of a difference but I feel a difference in my strength. I can see muscle definition in my arms that I don't think I ever had - even in all my twirling baton and flag days. I was able to do almost all of the ab ripper exercises this week - a HUGE improvement over the first week. Its a good feeling. Gotta love it ... but man I hate it! :)

A cool quote

Saw this on a friend's blog tonight and wanted to share ...

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have."

Here's to making the most! :) Thanks Michele!