Man, do I love this show...

I. LOVE. SUMMER.

I love the Boy Scouts

(From The Daily Herald, June 16, 2009)

Scouts burn soiled and tattered flags in traditional ceremony

The weather cooperated as a crowd of people gathered in the parking lot of Macey's Food & Drug on 500 West in Provo for the Freedom Festival's annual Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Jacob Bigler, 14, of Provo, and Wesley Green, 13, of Springville, took part in the retirement of the flags. "We are retiring flags that represent our country and that is really neat," Bigler said. "It is a good experience."

The scouts learned how to fold flags and how to correctly retire them.

"We get to learn a lot," Green said.

Bigler and Green are both part of Boy Scout Troop 999 headed by Scoutmaster Andy "Bear" Baggs, of Provo. Troop 999 hosted the event and welcomed other Scouts and Girl Scouts, over age 12 and in full uniform, to participate in the retirement ceremony.

Baggs said most of the flags retired come from communities in Utah Valley. Troop 999 has been retiring flags for nearly 20 years, he said, and was asked by the Provo City Council to participate in the Freedom Festival flag retirement.

"It has grown immensely," Baggs said. "We've done it for a lot of years and retired a lot of flags."

The group retired flags that have become too tattered and worn to represent the values of the U.S. According to the U.S. Flag Code, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning" (36 USC 19 176K).

Where did the time go?

Where did my little girl go?
Happy Birthday sweet girl! Enjoy it, sixteen only happens once.
Your dad and I will eventually get used to it...in the meantime...go easy on us! :)

My new favorite show...

Glee!!
Fall can't come fast enough.
And yes...I am a dork...have known it for years...no need to point it out. :)

A Wonderful Tribute

This is my third post in a row with music.
I can't explain it except to say I love music. I get this from my mom...and I thank her for it. I grew up with beautiful music playing in our home constantly. I am so grateful for this and have passed this onto my own children.

This video is one sent to me by a friend...beautiful, beautiful!

No more words are necessary.

Ode to Greatness

This is an ode to my favorite show and to the greatest band of all time.
Oh, and guess what starts tonight? :)

Turn your speakers up. LOUD. And enjoy!

No, not a Christmas song...but it should be.

This post will speak for itself. One of my all time favorite hymns...not Christmas-ish but even better. It gives me chills everytime. Enjoy!

"Oh, if only I could spend one day there..."

So you know in my last post I mentioned how I wish I could spend a day in my seven year old's brain? Well...I am serious. Some of the things she comes up with...let's just say she is creative for sure. And then you add her partner in crime...her older sister that might as well be her twin...and you can just guess the mischief these two come up with.

I was reminded this weekend of something these two did last school year and I just had to share.

So last Spring I get a call from the elementary school...I needed to bring a clean pair of pants down to the school for Gracie. At this point I am thinking, great...she peed her pants. I asked the secretary at the school if she had had an accident and she says no while trying not to laugh...Gracie just needed a clean pair.

So I head down to the school with pants in tow. I walk into the nurses office and there Gracie sits...giving me this little "look". I can't explain it...you'd just have to see it.

We go into the bathroom and I am asking her what happened as I help her change out of her pants. She says an egg broke in her pocket. I am thinking...an egg? Huh?

My mind immediately flashed back to earlier that morning...and to the image of Emma and Gracie in the kitchen by the fridge. They looked REALLY guilty and secretive but we were running late and really...what could they possibly be doing in the kitchen that time of the day that could be that bad? Little did I know...

Me: What in the world are you doing with an egg?!?!

Gracie: It's my pet egg.

Me: Your pet egg?!?!

Gracie(laughs kind of evil like): Emma has its twin...

I told you I would like to visit...now you see why. :)

Gratitude

(photo credit: unknown)

I was reading a friend's blog the other day...she was complaining how Christmas music is already playing on the radio and Thanksgiving is still a while away.
This really got me thinking a great deal. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to Christmas just as much as the next person...it is by far my favorite holiday. But it seems like more and more these days Thanksgiving is pretty much being by passed by as just a day to enjoy turkey and pie...at least commercially it seems that way.

I think we are selling ourselves short. We aren't allowing ourselves to focus on the meaning of Thanksgiving. The meaning that is too often over looked...gratitude. It is a simple word that we hear all the time...but the meaning to me is not simple. Gratitude. Something not expressed nearly enough.

Well, here are a just a few things I am grateful for...

I love how the sky looks the morning after a storm has cleared the air and the sun is shining. Everything is so in focus and sharp...almost hyper-focused. I am grateful for that.

I love driving down Freedom Blvd by the high school on a Friday night during football season...the Y is usually lit up...the high school band is beating their drums...the hum is the air is Awesome! I am grateful for that.

I am grateful for drive-up pharmacies...enough said.
I am grateful for my garage, especially in the winter when I don't have to scrape snow and ice off the car.
I am grateful for the internet...for so many reasons, but one being the ability to reconnect with old friends.
I am grateful for music and books...two of the best things in this life.
I am grateful for the view of the mountains off my back deck.
I am grateful for Dr.Pepper...yes, I am serious...it always puts a smile on my face.
I am grateful for the ability to capture the little moments in life on film...I need to spend more time on my own kids before its too late.

I am grateful for my eight year old and the one liners she blurts out in her pseudo southern accent...priceless.
I am grateful for my seven year old's little brain...oh if I could spend a day there...just one. :)
I am grateful for my almost twelve year old's creative spirit. Her imagination amazes and inspires me.
I am grateful for a son with a firm knowledge and foundation in the gospel. He teaches me many things.
I am grateful for my oldest child. She is a bright light in a sometimes very dark world.
I am grateful for a husband that loves his children and shows them through his actions not just words.

I am grateful for family and good friends.

I don't express emotions verbally too well...I think my emotions run too close to the surface and so many times I just don't say anything at all so I don't end up a blubbering idiot. I want to tell them...and they all know who they are...how much I love and appreciate them. Their love and support is a beacon to me. Their unwavering kindness means more than I can ever express...they are all an example to me of true Christlike love. We are truly blessed to have these people in our lives. The words thank you will never be sufficient.

I am grateful to know there is a purpose in this life and for the direction and focus that gives me.

And finally, I am most grateful for my Savior and the perfect gift He has given to me. I am grateful for the knowledge that through His Atonement we can all be clean and whole again. I can only hope to learn and appreciate more of what He did for all of us and never never take it for granted.

"These are a few of my favorite things..."

Kids. Volleyball. Football.

What more can I ask for? Another one of my favorite things is fall. One of the main reasons is it ushers in two of my favorite sport seasons as well. And what better way to enjoy them, then to watch my own kids playing.

Love it. Love it. LOVE IT!!

Pigs must be flying!!

They have to be...because I spied my six year old doing the unthinkable earlier this morning. She was cleaning the toilet...AND NO ONE EVEN ASKED HER TO!!

If you knew this baby in the family you would completely understand my sentiment.

Ah...there is hope after all...:)

I am The Flag of The United States of America

My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop some of the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am secure.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am honored, I am saluted.
I am loved, I am revered.
I am respected, I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was in the trenches of France and in the Argonne Forest.
I was there on the beaches of Normandy, Guam and Okinawa.
Korea and Vietnam know me.
I was there.
I led my troops.
I was dirty, battle worn, and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
When I was torn into strips
and used as bandages
for my wounded on the battlefield,
I was proud.
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their faller son or daughter,
I am proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped to set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled upon
in the streets of MY OWN country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle, it hurts.
But I shall overcome, for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN
LONG MAY I WAVE.

Author Unknown

A Small Slice of Heaven

This my friends...is exactly that. It is built literally on a mountain top on rocks and stilts. The views go on and on and on. It is truly a special place.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending our family's Ladies' Retreat on Palomar Mountain down in the San Diego area. There were no kids, no TVs, no radio, and for some of us, no cell phones...no interruptions. Pure bliss, I tell you!



I neglected to take my camera on this trip...didn't want to feel like I was working...and now I regret it immensely.I wish there were words to sum up how I felt about the cabin and the whole retreat in general. It was a much needed break from real life and I want to thank a certain favorite sister-in-law for making this possible. Can't wait for next year!! :)

(photo credits go to Jerliyn)

Happy #15 Anna!!!

I bet you think I forgot to blog this, eh? Well, I didn't. :)
I have been thinking all day long about what to say about my sweet little girl that isn't quite so little anymore.

You were my first. I remember like yesterday the day you were born. To this day I wonder sometimes what our Heavenly Father was thinking entrusting me with you, to be your mom.

Anna, you need to know a few things...
First, I am more proud everyday of the beautiful young woman you are becoming. I admire your strength and determination. I admire your outlook on life and that you know you have a voice in this world and I admire your ability to use it. I admire your testimony and am greatful for the influence you have in our home. You are a choice spirit that your Heavenly Father saved for this time and place for a reason. He knew the world you would be coming into and He knew you could handle it. You are special. I can't wait to see what kind of a mother you turn out to be...a pretty darn good one if right now is any indicator.
I am proud to know you and call you daughter.
Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you more than you will ever know.
-Mom


p.s. Sorry about the not so updated photo...I knew you would just love that I put it on here. You know what I always say...its like the shoemaker's kids going without shoes. :)

Now what do we do?

Well...its Tuesday today. "Yeah, so what", you say.

To some Tuesday is just that...Tuesday. To most there is nothing special about it...just the day after Monday...and the day before Wednesday. But not around here.

Tuesday around here is TUESDAY!!!!!

What's so special about Tuesday? Um...Hello!!!! AMERICAN IDOL!!!!

Oh, that's right...the AI finale was LAST week. (sigh)
And now the let down begins...

Yes, I know...we are junkies. Complete, bonified, certified junkies...of AI that is. I even get to call it AI...no long drawn out name here...I get to use its nickname... cuz we're tight like that. We fell in love half way through the first season and by the time the big showdown between Ruben and Clay took place, it was hook, line, and sinker all the way, baby! (Clay was totally robbed!)

Many may think we're a little nutty...and in all truth...we are. And its true, the show is a tad bit corny sometimes. But it is the one show our whole family can watch and enjoy together.
And believe me...we enjoy it!

Anyway...I guess this is good bye till next season.

Hurry up already, would ya?!

Disclaimer: If you are afraid of heights this isn't gonna help any!!

I have to say...I am always up for a good adventure...and a scaredy-cat I am not...but this...well, watch for yourselves! :) (keep watching...the first minute or so is tame)

I can tell you what we WON'T be doing on Memorial Day weekend

I pulled into the driveway today (I seem to be doing a lot of that lately) and the kids come tearing around the corner from the back yard saying "Mom you gotta come look at this!!"
So I follow them around back and up the deck to check out what they are so excited about...I open the BBQ and find this...


It seems incredible that this little production has been taking place right on our own back deck with the rest of us none the wiser. Of course I warned pain of death into the kids that they can't touch the eggs or the nest...I hope we haven't done too much damage already by opening the BBQ.
The small feeling of excitement I felt made me feel like one of the kids. I have to say...I think Someone upstairs knew I needed a special pick me up this week. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

It is so overrated!!!!

What is overrated, you ask?

The answer to that question is.........DRIVING!!!

Remember the days when we were young and impressionable? The couple of years prior to our sixteenth birthdays...the years spent being jealous of the juniors and seniors' (and the occasional older sophmores) cars parked in the school parking lot? We dreamed of the big day when we were old enough to get behind the wheel ourselves. We daydreamed of the make, model, and color our car would be...imagining our parents might actually give in and buy us that car on that magical day. Of course for most of us, that dream was quickly shattered and reality was flashed in our faces.

Reality for me was an old 1978 Ford LTD. The words Big Red and Tuna Boat readily come to mind. It was an aquired taste for sure, but eventually I loved that car...it was uglier than sin and HUGE...but I kicked you-know-what in impromtu races everywhere I went. The eight miles to the gallon pretty much sucked, but at 16 and 17 and even 18, who was worried about gas...there weren't any other bills to pay, so worry free it was!

Well, as much as I still appreciate cars and all their handy conveniences...I am so sick to death of driving I could throw up right this minute!
I have spent the better part of the last three weeks in...you guessed it...MY CAR!!!!

Gone are the days of getting excited to drive to the store for just a gallon of milk...being more than happy about picking up my younger brother from wherever...they are Gone...Caput...History...Finito!!

I knew what I signed up for when I chose to have five kids (not really, just saying that 'cause it sounds good)...but now I know what people are talking about when they say...just wait till you have older kids that can drive.

One year, eighteen days and counting! :) (I will live to regret that statement...but for now it sums it all up nicely)

I knew there was a reason I liked my job.

I think with every job comes ups and downs. For the last six months or so I have been feeling more downs than ups. It seems I have been in a funk and just haven't been loving my craft. I have even questioned whether I should continue at what I am doing. Well, this week changed that. I took one of my favorite shots to date and now remember why I started all this in the first place. Just thought I'd share. :)
(the image low res so it would'nt take too long to load...sorry)