Sunday, September 11, 2011
A time to remember …
It’s a day that is burned into our memories forever. 9-11 will forever mean something different than it did 10 years and a day ago. It’s a day of terror, horror, fear, disaster, sadness, heartbreak … but it will also always be a day of heroism, a day that we saw the ability of the amazing human spirit to triumph, love, serve and pull together in the face of trial. It’s that spirit and the strength of individuals bonding together that makes us great.
I want my girls (Alyssa was just a year old when 9-11 occurred, the other two not born yet) to know what happened, to understand the terror and tragedy of that day but also to learn from history and to be aware of others and their feelings, opinions and needs, to love and serve others. I want them to understand that the daily trials and experiences we have in our lives, whether quiet personal trials or world-wide news are not the end of the world but are a part of life given to us to build our character and refine us like the refiner’s fire. And I want them to know the power each of us holds to rise up out of the ashes of disaster or trial, to triumph over evil and to have faith and hope in the darkness that sometimes surrounds us. The human spirit is incredibly strong, a gift from our Heavenly Father to help us through this life.
Stories of fire fighters, police, and men and women who were part of the community … those who reached out and helped someone who was injured, who guided someone to safety, who pulled someone inside a store to help them avoid the debris flying toward them, who searched for those lost, who held out their arms to those who were lost, scared or saddened by loss, who entered the building time and time again to get people out, who stayed inside the building with a bullhorn to guide people to safety.
Today, I was struck by the story of a man who saved thousands because he cared about his job for years before 9-11. He was director of security for a company in the twin towers and took his job seriously, conducting regular evacuations and then, when the crash happened, he ordered everyone to follow that evacuation plan and sent them down the stairs, saving thousands of lives. He used a bullhorn to find employees and guide them to safety only to return multiple times to save others, eventually losing his own life when the towers collapsed.
But many un-sung heroes were there, day-to-day people who just stepped up because there was a need. Thank you to each of them. And to all the heroes, I say thank you and I promise to do my part to keep alive the memory of 9-11, its heroes and lost ones and support those who fight and risk their lives for our freedom every day.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Back to School Time
Yesterday, we went shopping in Park City for back to school clothes. We had lots of fun. Karianna went with us and ANYTHING she liked, Taylor liked and wanted. Jessica wasn't as easy to please and Alyssa was even harder. Jessica leaned toward pants and t-shirts this year instead of skirts and dresses although she did get 2 outfits with a dress and leggings. She did not want "cutesy" shirts though. I really think she might turn out to be more of an athlete than the other girls. Taylor loved everything we suggested and I had to put outfits back without her knowing so I wouldn't have to argue on them. Alyssa really struggled to find stuff she liked ... unless it had cupcakes on it! I honestly think half of her shirts have a cupcake on them. She is a little crazy about them.
After shopping, it was Meet Your Teacher time at the school. The girls are all excited about their teachers.
Jessica is now in first grade and has two teachers - they each teach half day. I wasn't sure about the split teacher idea for this age, but with these two teachers, I just don't see how you can go wrong. They are both AMAZING teachers and women.
Mrs. Plank lived in our neighborhood for awhile and Jessica knows her well. Jessica often played with her daughter and we carpooled to school when Jessica was in preschool. Jessica used to always call her "Plank"... not Mrs. Plank, not Kim (which is what I call her) ... just "PLANK." I was quite impressed when she did call her Mrs. Plank yesterday ... although I heard her call her Plank this afternoon.
Mrs. Barger is Jessie's other teacher. She also lives fairly close to us so I know her, but Jessica hasn't interacted with her much. Jessica is excited to get to know her.
Taylor is starting 3rd grade this year. I am so relieved at how she handled this transition. Taylor does not like change and usually REALLY struggles with it. This time, she seems to have done just fine. I am SOOO grateful. But, she is not my little girl anymore. Taylor has always been an extra concern for me. She is so little and petite and has had so many social, speech and eating issues, I tend to be a little more protective of her than my other two ... even though Jessica is younger. I worry more about her because she gets so uncomfortable and worried in many situations. Alyssa and Jessica can both take on the world, Taylor needs a little more gentle approach to things. But this year, that seems to be gone. She seems to be ready to just go for it without really looking back. She has grown up so much this summer.
Of all my kids, I think Alyssa has changed the most this summer. She has really matured. She has (mostly) outgrown her temper tantrums and sulking in her room - both of which used to be pretty intense and frequent! She has tamed down her "dramatism" and become much more cooperative and helpful. She has started to think of the big picture. She is becoming a wonderful young lady.
Shopping with her was a new experience. She still wears girls clothes this year, but definitely has a different taste than in the past. Plus we had to go to the ladies section for shoes her size that she liked along with other things a young lady needs. It was a hard day for mom ... my little girl isn't a little girl anymore.
Her teacher, Mrs. Parkinson is a great teacher and I think she will help teach Alyssa to stay focused on the task at hand as well as encourage her in spelling and other areas where Alyssa isn't as confident. And Alyssa is always excited for science and social studies. She does love to learn - just doesn't love memorizing or slowing down to be neat on things.
And with that ... a new school year begins!
After shopping, it was Meet Your Teacher time at the school. The girls are all excited about their teachers.
Jessica is now in first grade and has two teachers - they each teach half day. I wasn't sure about the split teacher idea for this age, but with these two teachers, I just don't see how you can go wrong. They are both AMAZING teachers and women.Mrs. Plank lived in our neighborhood for awhile and Jessica knows her well. Jessica often played with her daughter and we carpooled to school when Jessica was in preschool. Jessica used to always call her "Plank"... not Mrs. Plank, not Kim (which is what I call her) ... just "PLANK." I was quite impressed when she did call her Mrs. Plank yesterday ... although I heard her call her Plank this afternoon.
Mrs. Barger is Jessie's other teacher. She also lives fairly close to us so I know her, but Jessica hasn't interacted with her much. Jessica is excited to get to know her. Jessica has several friends from kindergarten in her class and I have no doubt will make many new friends this year. She is very excited to start school again ... and get to go all day like her sisters, eat lunch in the cafeteria, and play on the BIG playground. :) My little baby isn't so little anymore! But I'm very proud of her. She often surprises me with the things she knows - like adding and subtracting, reading chapter books on her own ... she just finds learning easy and picks up on a lot of things on her own (I really didn't have the time last year to help her much but she just figured it out all on her own). She is a smart kid!
Taylor is starting 3rd grade this year. I am so relieved at how she handled this transition. Taylor does not like change and usually REALLY struggles with it. This time, she seems to have done just fine. I am SOOO grateful. But, she is not my little girl anymore. Taylor has always been an extra concern for me. She is so little and petite and has had so many social, speech and eating issues, I tend to be a little more protective of her than my other two ... even though Jessica is younger. I worry more about her because she gets so uncomfortable and worried in many situations. Alyssa and Jessica can both take on the world, Taylor needs a little more gentle approach to things. But this year, that seems to be gone. She seems to be ready to just go for it without really looking back. She has grown up so much this summer. Taylor's teacher is Mrs. Willhite - a newly married and very young teacher who really seems to LOVE her students and teaching. We are very excited to have her.Alyssa has moved on to 6th grade (which is in elementary school here - although that still seems weird to me since it was middle school in both places I lived growing up).
Of all my kids, I think Alyssa has changed the most this summer. She has really matured. She has (mostly) outgrown her temper tantrums and sulking in her room - both of which used to be pretty intense and frequent! She has tamed down her "dramatism" and become much more cooperative and helpful. She has started to think of the big picture. She is becoming a wonderful young lady.
Shopping with her was a new experience. She still wears girls clothes this year, but definitely has a different taste than in the past. Plus we had to go to the ladies section for shoes her size that she liked along with other things a young lady needs. It was a hard day for mom ... my little girl isn't a little girl anymore.
Her teacher, Mrs. Parkinson is a great teacher and I think she will help teach Alyssa to stay focused on the task at hand as well as encourage her in spelling and other areas where Alyssa isn't as confident. And Alyssa is always excited for science and social studies. She does love to learn - just doesn't love memorizing or slowing down to be neat on things.
And with that ... a new school year begins!
Monday, August 1, 2011
A "Project"
My Relief Society President called me early in June and asked if I'd be willing to help with the upcoming Stake R.S. Self-Reliance Fair. As we talked about the goal for the self-reliance fair, an idea that has been on my mind off and on for the last year or so. But I've not acted because I just haven't had time. I have wanted to start a blog about surviving losing your primary income. So, my thought was to put together some hand outs on that. I told them I had considered starting a blog and would do a booth about that same idea. I was thinking I'd just have some handouts, but the more we talked the more I realized I really need to do the blog. Just too much info for handouts and we don't know how many people are coming so handouts are hard to gauge .... so I've started the blog.
I am keeping the blog ANONYMOUS so please don't use my name and don't send people to my family blog. THANKS!
So, here's my plea ... I need input from people and we want people to read the blog, so I'd love for you to share the following on your blog about it...
All our lives we are taught to be self-sufficient and serve others. So when a major financial crisis arises, whether it is caused by job loss, death, health problems or other personal issues, it turns your world upside down. It’s a trial that can cause you to doubt yourself, make you feel alone, destroy your relationships and try your faith. But we all put on a good face and say we are doing “ok”, when often, we really just want to cry. It’s a time when we need others, but because we’ve been taught to be self-sufficient, our pride often prevents us from letting others in and from sharing our stories and situation with others. This blog is to help us overcome that, to give us an opportunity to share our stories, to provide resources and information we learned along the way and to help lift one another so we can all endure it well.
Visit the blog to find all these resources: Personal stories from others. Tips on menu planning from the Storehouse and your food storage. Ways to maintain and strengthen your relationships with your spouse, your kids and your friends. Guidance on finding emotional strength. Resources on how to manage the money you have including when and where to get help. And ways to stay anchored to Christ through it all.
If you have endured or face this struggle, please share your tips, ideas and stories to help strengthen others and make it easier for others to endure. Leave a comment on the blog or email enduringfinancialstruggles@gmail.com (all posts are anonymous).
I am keeping the blog ANONYMOUS so please don't use my name and don't send people to my family blog. THANKS!
So, here's my plea ... I need input from people and we want people to read the blog, so I'd love for you to share the following on your blog about it...
All our lives we are taught to be self-sufficient and serve others. So when a major financial crisis arises, whether it is caused by job loss, death, health problems or other personal issues, it turns your world upside down. It’s a trial that can cause you to doubt yourself, make you feel alone, destroy your relationships and try your faith. But we all put on a good face and say we are doing “ok”, when often, we really just want to cry. It’s a time when we need others, but because we’ve been taught to be self-sufficient, our pride often prevents us from letting others in and from sharing our stories and situation with others. This blog is to help us overcome that, to give us an opportunity to share our stories, to provide resources and information we learned along the way and to help lift one another so we can all endure it well.
Visit the blog to find all these resources: Personal stories from others. Tips on menu planning from the Storehouse and your food storage. Ways to maintain and strengthen your relationships with your spouse, your kids and your friends. Guidance on finding emotional strength. Resources on how to manage the money you have including when and where to get help. And ways to stay anchored to Christ through it all.
If you have endured or face this struggle, please share your tips, ideas and stories to help strengthen others and make it easier for others to endure. Leave a comment on the blog or email enduringfinancialstruggles@gmail.com (all posts are anonymous).
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A lot of posts today ...
I've been busy. :) I posted several posts about our time with Nao, our Japanese exchange student. The posts are about her first week with us which was July 15th - 21st. I really hope to post the rest of her trip (and a lot of other stuff) in the next week. 
We did say goodbye to her yesterday morning which was a TOUGH day. Nao became a part of our family in the two weeks she was here and we will always remember her and our time together.
Taylor and Jessica already have letters to send Nao. Taylor especially has had a hard time with Nao leaving. Taylor cried most of the day yesterday. She didn't show a lot of emotion at the school when we were saying bye but as soon as the bus rolled away, she and Jess both really cried. After we got home, Tay found a note from Nao to us and that really got her upset. I'd get her distracted and then something would come up that reminded her of Nao and she'd start to cry again. She hopes to see her again and wants to know when she's coming back.
Nao, we miss you!
We did say goodbye to her yesterday morning which was a TOUGH day. Nao became a part of our family in the two weeks she was here and we will always remember her and our time together.
Taylor and Jessica already have letters to send Nao. Taylor especially has had a hard time with Nao leaving. Taylor cried most of the day yesterday. She didn't show a lot of emotion at the school when we were saying bye but as soon as the bus rolled away, she and Jess both really cried. After we got home, Tay found a note from Nao to us and that really got her upset. I'd get her distracted and then something would come up that reminded her of Nao and she'd start to cry again. She hopes to see her again and wants to know when she's coming back.Nao, we miss you!
Life for me!
Life has been crazy around here the last several months, thus the lack of blogging. So, what exactly has made life crazy?
Let's start back in January ... I went to my tradeshow for my business and grew my business by about 30% in one month. I have more than doubled the size of my business in the past year (almost tripled in the last 18 months). It’s been a huge blessing but a lot of work. I did upgrade to a new much faster printer and switch to mailing all my postcards and letters with a postal permit instead of stamps, which was a huge time savings. The first couple of months with all the new clients is a lot of extra work… getting them all setup, answering their questions until they get used to our services plus the increased amount of work each month. It made February and March pretty crazy.
At the end of March, things started to settle down. I spent April cleaning up from the chaos in February and March. And then I realized that I needed to hire a new assistant by May 1st. We posted an ad on KSL for a new assistant and in 2 weeks got about 80 applicants. I spent a lot of time reviewing resumes, responding to resumes and analyzing what I really needed in a new assistant. While we were driving home from California during spring break, Steve and I analyzed what I really needed in a new assistant and narrowed down the resumes to just 9 to interview. We got those scheduled and hired my new assistant the last week of April.
May came and we had to do twice as many mailers as we had done in April due to a contest Mary Kay had run. It was INSANE. We printed 20,000 mailers (thank goodness for that new printer and the permit mailing) plus geared up for what is traditionally our busiest month of the year for custom projects. Steve also started a new job (wahoo!). It is technically a part time job/income but it helps make ends meet and takes a lot of stress off of both of us. He is really enjoying it and there is potential for the company he works for to really grow including his position growing. It allows him to be able to do things on the side with audioShare and still help me. With my business growth has come the need for more automation and IT support … so Steve has been very instrumental in allowing our growth.
June brought the end of the school year, my busiest month for custom projects (close to 100 hours worth of work) on top of my regular work, a wedding for my assistant (and thus her absence in my office for more than half the month), birthdays for two kids (parties with family and parties with friends), swim meets, a block party, my sister visiting, a business trip for Steve, getting ready for a baptism and the normal summer fun.
July has been equally busy with Taylor’s baptism, Fourth of July activities, another growth spurt in my business, new fiscal year for my business (which includes creating about 30 new designs and preparing a packet with about 15 things in it for each of my clients... we've taken over my dining room), about 15 custom projects, more swim meets, regular work, another business trip for Steve and summer fun. Plus throw in getting the house ready for a house guest and then having our exchange student for 15 days. And if you’ve read the posts I’ve already done about the first week Nao was here, you know we didn’t have a single moment of spare time.
Phew…. That’s what I’ve been up to!! So, yes, I have a LOT of blogging to do and I’ll do my best to catch up on things but I’m making no promises. With a new month starting, a camping trip coming up this week, work continuing to be very busy and getting ready for the girls to go back to school … well, you all understand how busy August is as a mom. Maybe once the kids are back in school, life will settle down a little bit. ... I can dream right? Hope you are all having a good summer.
Let's start back in January ... I went to my tradeshow for my business and grew my business by about 30% in one month. I have more than doubled the size of my business in the past year (almost tripled in the last 18 months). It’s been a huge blessing but a lot of work. I did upgrade to a new much faster printer and switch to mailing all my postcards and letters with a postal permit instead of stamps, which was a huge time savings. The first couple of months with all the new clients is a lot of extra work… getting them all setup, answering their questions until they get used to our services plus the increased amount of work each month. It made February and March pretty crazy.
At the end of March, things started to settle down. I spent April cleaning up from the chaos in February and March. And then I realized that I needed to hire a new assistant by May 1st. We posted an ad on KSL for a new assistant and in 2 weeks got about 80 applicants. I spent a lot of time reviewing resumes, responding to resumes and analyzing what I really needed in a new assistant. While we were driving home from California during spring break, Steve and I analyzed what I really needed in a new assistant and narrowed down the resumes to just 9 to interview. We got those scheduled and hired my new assistant the last week of April.May came and we had to do twice as many mailers as we had done in April due to a contest Mary Kay had run. It was INSANE. We printed 20,000 mailers (thank goodness for that new printer and the permit mailing) plus geared up for what is traditionally our busiest month of the year for custom projects. Steve also started a new job (wahoo!). It is technically a part time job/income but it helps make ends meet and takes a lot of stress off of both of us. He is really enjoying it and there is potential for the company he works for to really grow including his position growing. It allows him to be able to do things on the side with audioShare and still help me. With my business growth has come the need for more automation and IT support … so Steve has been very instrumental in allowing our growth.
June brought the end of the school year, my busiest month for custom projects (close to 100 hours worth of work) on top of my regular work, a wedding for my assistant (and thus her absence in my office for more than half the month), birthdays for two kids (parties with family and parties with friends), swim meets, a block party, my sister visiting, a business trip for Steve, getting ready for a baptism and the normal summer fun.
July has been equally busy with Taylor’s baptism, Fourth of July activities, another growth spurt in my business, new fiscal year for my business (which includes creating about 30 new designs and preparing a packet with about 15 things in it for each of my clients... we've taken over my dining room), about 15 custom projects, more swim meets, regular work, another business trip for Steve and summer fun. Plus throw in getting the house ready for a house guest and then having our exchange student for 15 days. And if you’ve read the posts I’ve already done about the first week Nao was here, you know we didn’t have a single moment of spare time.
Phew…. That’s what I’ve been up to!! So, yes, I have a LOT of blogging to do and I’ll do my best to catch up on things but I’m making no promises. With a new month starting, a camping trip coming up this week, work continuing to be very busy and getting ready for the girls to go back to school … well, you all understand how busy August is as a mom. Maybe once the kids are back in school, life will settle down a little bit. ... I can dream right? Hope you are all having a good summer.
Taylor's Baptism Cake
My friend Jennylynn makes awesome cakes. (If this post doesn't convince you how great they are, check out her blog at www.cakesbyjennylnn.blogspot.com) Taylor doesn't eat cake, but a few months ago we went to her friend Amber's baptism. Taylor noticed that Amber got to cut up the cake and asked if she could cut the cake at her baptism ... so I asked Jenny to make her a cake. I didn't give her any instruction other than it was for Tay's baptism. Jenny chose to do the cake in white, pale pink and black. It was perfect for Taylor. She loved it!
I posted this today because I saw it on Jenny's blog and stole the pics... :) I'll post more about her baptism, Alyssa's & Taylor's birthday and the rest of our summer fun soon. Trying to catch up on everything. About halfway done with our 2 week exchange student experience.
I posted this today because I saw it on Jenny's blog and stole the pics... :) I'll post more about her baptism, Alyssa's & Taylor's birthday and the rest of our summer fun soon. Trying to catch up on everything. About halfway done with our 2 week exchange student experience.
Ra - Ra - Ra Ra Ra ... Goooo Cougars!
When our boating trip for Thursday night got canceled (the person taking us got stuck out of town on a biz trip) we chose to go to BYU! ... of course, everyone who comes to visit us needs to be indoctrinated Cougar Style!! At Church on Sunday, Nao had been taught by one of our neighbors to make that horrible letter for the school up north ... we corrected that and she enjoyed her visit to BYU! 
We visited Lavell Edwards Stadium and the Cougar statue. 
Then we went to the Wilkinson Student Center and BYU Bookstore where Nao got many souvenirs ... all with BYU logos on them!
Next stop, J Dawgs of course!
Then we headed to the final Mens Soccer game of the summer that was just starting as we drove past. BYU won, of course! :)
We visited Lavell Edwards Stadium and the Cougar statue. 
Then we went to the Wilkinson Student Center and BYU Bookstore where Nao got many souvenirs ... all with BYU logos on them!
Next stop, J Dawgs of course!
Then we headed to the final Mens Soccer game of the summer that was just starting as we drove past. BYU won, of course! :)
Movie night
On Monday when Nao went to school, she told her teacher and friends about our theater. Most of the homes in her area of Japan don't have big TV's much less theaters. Her teacher was very excited about our theater so Nao asked if her chaperones could come to see our theater. We agreed and worked it out that they would come to dinner on Wednesday night. We asked her vice principal what he would like to eat and he said "MEAT". So, we planned tri-tip with firehouse marinade (soy sauce, Italian dressing, red and green peppers), baked potatoes, salad and garlic bread.
At Nao's school (and I guess at most high schools in Japan) teachers stick with their students as their students move from grade to grade. They develop closer relationship with these teachers then our students probably do with US teachers. They spend three years with the students and then start with a new class. And in many schools, the English teachers go on a 2 week HomeStay trip with their students the summer before their Senior year.
When Nao got home from school, the girls played Uno Attack with her. They played this quite a bit while she was here. She knew how to play Uno but had never seen the "Attack" part before.
While Steve barbecued the meat, we relaxed outside and the girls played "walking" tag with Nao (since she can't run, they all walked instead).
Check out that slab of meat! Oishii ... delicious!
When we had sufficiently stuffed ouselves, and we all felt "ippai" (prounounced ee pie - means full), we moved to the theater for movie time. Since their English isn't top notch a regular movie is hard to understand so they chose to watch our favorite Cique du Soleil video. They loved it!
One final shot of all of us.
At Nao's school (and I guess at most high schools in Japan) teachers stick with their students as their students move from grade to grade. They develop closer relationship with these teachers then our students probably do with US teachers. They spend three years with the students and then start with a new class. And in many schools, the English teachers go on a 2 week HomeStay trip with their students the summer before their Senior year.
When Nao got home from school, the girls played Uno Attack with her. They played this quite a bit while she was here. She knew how to play Uno but had never seen the "Attack" part before.
While Steve barbecued the meat, we relaxed outside and the girls played "walking" tag with Nao (since she can't run, they all walked instead). 
Check out that slab of meat! Oishii ... delicious! 
When we had sufficiently stuffed ouselves, and we all felt "ippai" (prounounced ee pie - means full), we moved to the theater for movie time. Since their English isn't top notch a regular movie is hard to understand so they chose to watch our favorite Cique du Soleil video. They loved it! 
One final shot of all of us.
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