Ahhh, Traditions!

When Steve and I were first married, we faced a dilemma when it came to Christmas and we learned early on to compromise and meld the two family traditions together to become our own:

Then: MY family always opened one present on the evening of Christmas Eve (a sacrilege in HIS family!) and made Swedish Pancakes on Christmas morning. HIS family always had a Christmas Eve program and then everyone slept over at the family home (when Steve was a little boy, that family home would have been his Gram's house.)

Now: We open one present, but it is always Christmas pajamas to help us sleep better. We have a Christmas program at Bam's house and when our kids were little we would sleep over at her house. Steve and I would put the kids to bed, then sneak back to our house for our own private "celebration." Now, we just come back to our house and our own beds and for years we would wake up early to have our own family Christmas and then head over to Bam's by 7 a.m. to be with all the cousins that were still sleeping over at Bam's. As our own kids get married, we'll have them sleep at OUR house with their new little families.

Also, I make Swedish Pancakes for Steve's family on Christmas morning. It took years and a lot of fortitude on my part, but this is now a well-established tradition in his family. I have even had his sisters call me for the recipe so they can make the pancakes!

Then: MY family had Christmas trees that were fat, full and round and freshly cut at the tree farm. HIS family had what we call a "Smith" tree, the kind that has branches that stick straight out and are a little more sparse (is that a Douglas Fir? A Blue Spruce? I don't really know my pine trees....) For years, our compromise was: one year a Van Horn tree, the next year a Smith tree. Until Steve got sick and tired of stringing the lights on and just went out and bought a pre-lit tree (it's a Van Horn tree...fat, full and round!)

Now: the tradition is to gather around the assembled tree and "fluff" it while we listen to Christmas music and decorate it with the angel ornaments that we have collected from our travels.

Over the years, Steve and I have developed some of our own family traditions, which include watching a version (or many) of "The Christmas Carol," driving around looking at the lights, Sub4Santa with the Mordues, eating dinner off of the Christmas plates, and Christmas stories at night (this is getting harder to do with busy teenagers).

This year, as we sat in the audience at Hale Centre Theater, I could hear Steve quoting many of the lines from "The Christmas Carol." It is his most favorite Christmas play, and I have grown to love it myself. "God Bless us, everyone!"

Shhhhh!

1 Bam and 1 Dandad,

4 mommies, 4 daddy's,

3 teenagers, 10 kiddies and 2 babies,

4 large pizza's, 2 picnic cakes, 1 freezer of homemade ice cream,

3 Suburban's

a pile of gifts,

one cold and wet Layla (you were so brave!)

and a

whole lot of giggles and LOVE!

These are the ingredients of this year's Mordue Sub4Santa.

Happy Birthday, Bam!

Merry Christmas!

HO! HO! HO!

A Very Romantic Evening

May 14, 2010 will mark the 23rd anniversary of the day that Steve and I knelt across the alter at the Salt Lake Temple and were sealed together as husband and wife for time and all eternity. It was one of the most profound moments of my life, one that to this day brings tears of joy to my eyes and a huge well of feelings to my heart to think on it. Since then, we have had many opportunities to perform this same ordinance by proxy for many others that have lived, loved and passed on with out being sealed to their beloved. We have had the sacred honor of bringing other families together for eternity so that they may continue their associations of love with one another.

This past Friday, Steve and I went to the Bountiful Temple together where we were privileged to perform the sealing ordinance for a number of couples and children to their parents. As I knelt across the alter from Steve and gazed into his eyes, I couldn't help but be in awe of the power of love that I felt for him and FROM him. How lucky and blessed am I to be able to hear over and over the very vows that bind Steve and I together forever. With each recitation of the sacred sealing ordinance, we were reminded of our own covenants with one another and our Father in Heaven--in essence, a renewal of our wedding vows. How romantic is that?

So Many Books, So Little Time!

I NEVER thought that I would ever think this, but right at this moment, I have TOO MANY books to read! Currently on my bedside table are the following books, many with bookmarks in them denoting my progress:

1. To the Scaffold--The Life of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erikson

2. The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie

3. Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

4. 1776 by David McCullough

5. The Book of Mormon--always reading

6. The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

7. Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley

8. Rapture of the Deep--a Bloody Jack adventure, by L.A. Meyer

9. Jacob I Have Loved, YA novel by Katherine Paterson

10. Seer of Shadows, YA novel by AVI

11. Mormon Women: Portraits and Conversations

I need a beach to sit on and no distractions!

The crazy thing is, I still love to troll the aisles of Barnes and Noble and I always have to peruse the offerings of the book table at Costco. A trip to Target is not complete without a quick swing by their book section.

It's a sickness.

an apology

As I was running around town yesterday, I heard Doug Wright talking about "sexting" on his radio talk show. As they described different aspects of what "sexting" entails, I realized something: I think I must have "sexted" everyone I sent that A&F model picture too! I am sorry!

I also realized something the other day. Without meaning to be rude, I found myself doing all the incredible rude things that we get upset with people for doing. These were all inadvertent acts of rudeness but, nevertheless, I did commit them: While TALKING ON A CELL PHONE I drove onto the freeway, using the CARPOOL LANE when I didn't have another passenger in the car. I realized too late what I was doing as I DROVE RIGHT PAST the line of cars waiting for the meter to turn green. Then I found myself walking through Pier One with a hot cocoa cup. As I was looking through some pillows I PUT THE CUP DOWN ON A DISPLAY TABLE AND THEN WALKED AWAY, forgetting about the cup. It wasn't until I was pulling away from the store that I realized that I had left my cup sitting randomly on a table in the store. At another store, I unloaded my purchases, then left without RETURNING THE CART to the cart stand (I usually always do this, I hate seeing orphan carts left in the parking lot, waiting to roll away and inflict damage on an innocent car). When I met some friends for lunch, I was running late and when I got to the restaurant I HURRIED IN THROUGH THE DOOR, right in front of someone, not realizing until it was too late that I should have allowed them through first. So what is it? Am I so distracted that all the good manners have flown out the window? Or do I just need to learn to be more understanding, more patient with others that do things that annoy me, knowing that, like me, they were just temporarily distracted?

I am so shallow!

I have had a personal boycott against Abercrombie & Fitch for years now, and my girls know not to even ask for anything from there because they know I will never get it for them. I have noticed that my boycott is working, at least in my family, because my girls won't even spend their own money there.

So how dedicated am I, really, when I couldn't even resist snapping this photo with my phone and sending it to my whole family (yes, even Steve) while on a birthday trip with Madi?

Aren't you glad that I figured out how to make the picture bigger? Otherwise, you'd have to look at him like this:

He really was quite spectacular to look at...Stop it! There I go again.

The rest of the St. George/Vegas trip with Madi was so much fun. She is so easy to be with and I actually like shopping with her. It feels like we are equals. Instead of being a glorified clothes hanger, Madi and I acutally helped each other pick out things to try on and we also looked at other things besides clothes. We looked out furniture, dishes, housewares, purses, jewelry, make-up, fine art, books....we had so much fun just meandering from store to store.

We went to Nordy's for lunch and shared a crepe for dinner. We tried the burgers at 5 Guys (first time for both of us) and we ate peppermint ice cream w/hot fudge back at the condo.

We saw the Blue Man Group and were blown away by the sights and sounds of the show, and the off beat humor. Madi had her birthday announced during the show via the moving text screen, and the whole audience wished her a Happy Birthday.

Sorry this picture is so tiny. We forgot our camera, so we had to take pictures with our phone. This is a picture hanging in the theater where we saw The Blue Man Group. The little men paddling the boat are The Blue Men and there is also one water skiing (to the left of the picuture). Madi and I thought that it was pretty funny.
On her actual birthday, we went out to dinner with both sets of grandparents, and then came back to the house for birthday cake and presents. We are missing Markelle and my parents from this picture:

That's my famous German Chocolate cake. It'll put you in a sugar coma. It takes a pound of butter, several cups of sugar, seven eggs, along with pecans, evaporated milk, lots of chocolate. It is quite amazing, especially the next day when it's had a chance to "ferment."

Which One IS It?

Well, it's not this baby of mine--who shall remain nameless, but turned 16 today! She is single by CHOICE!

and currently, Markelle is in LOVE with a prom dress that is a mix of this one:
and this one:
I am trying very hard to suppress the gag reflex! We are taking the Laurels up to Dreams of Enchantment this Wednesday to get THEIR opinions.

And then there is my cute 12 year old baby girl who has discovered the beautiful creation below, and is currently reading her "M" magazine that is dedicated to all things Jacob:

Okay, I kind of don't blame her....

And last but not least, my oldest baby is still in love with this cute guy:

Welcome home, Covey, we've missed you!

Love is in the air...

My Baby is in LOVE...which one?? Stay posted.

Miss Madi

The Alero detailed, new brakes, new snow tires, full tank of gas---Check

Birth Certificate and SSN Card--Check

Blue Man Group tickets---Check

Cute outfit--Check

The latest book in the Luxe series ("Splender")--check

Okay, November 23, 2009---bring it on! I am ready for you and ready for my sweet precious baby girl to turn the magical, wonderful age of SWEET 16!

Dear Madi,

You have been and continue to be a joy in my life. Thank you for being not only a kick bottom daughter, but my friend. I love spending time with you, seeing chick movies, getting root beer shakes, going on road trips to Park City and St. George, looking at and buying cute things for your cute body or room. You quietly go about doing your thing--no drama, no hate--just steadiness and love. The only thing I would wish for you (and I know it will happen some day) is liberation from your phone....

You are an awesome wonder and I love you! Happy 16th, baby.

Love,

Mom

The Honeymooners

Ahh, there is nothing like a little time away with my honey! I called up Kelsey and asked her to please come stay with the kidlets while Steve and I ran away for the evening. Usually we will just run down to the Cottontree Inn where we have our favorite room (The Honeymoon Suite--thanks, Dave!), but this weekend we drove to beautiful Midway and the Homestead, where we checked into the Honeymoon Suite.

We love being together, just the two of us, and reminding ourselves that we really are fun and pleasant to be around and passionate and HUMAN! We are not just a mean, ol' grumpy mommy and daddy.

Thanks, sweets, I had a wonderful time with you (as always!)

True Belief and Faith

I could not have written this last week. Last week was emotionally charged and difficult. I had a hard time seeing the sun for the clouds. I had a lot of sadness and anger rolling around inside of me and I did not like it one bit. I doubted. I wanted to give up. Then, as always, when I humbled myself to pray for help, I received it. The things that were causing my distress did not go away, but my feelings about those distresses have slowly dissipated. I began hearing/reading/receiving words of wisdom and counsel that helped me change my attitude around:

"Belief isn't simply a thing for fair times and bright days...What is belief--what is faith--if you don't continue in it after failure?"--Sazed to Vin, Mistborn, pg.579

"No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help prepare us to return to Him."--Elder L. Whitney Clayton, General Conference Oct. 2009

"No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray...no one is left alone on earth without hope of guidance and redemption."--President Boyd K. Packer, General Conference, Oct. 2009

"Find someone who is having a hard time, or is ill or lonely, and do something for him or her."---President Thomas S. Monson

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs...yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."--Mosiah 24: 14-15

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."--John 16:33

"Let's put this Bad Boy to BED!"

Or, in other words, Welcome to the St. George Marathon, 2009!

Before: Sparkly eyed and ready to go at 4:50 a.m. Kelsey wore a cute headband and pink shirt, I had on make up and Boyd was just trying to psych himself up to get through the race.

After: Victory! The goal has been achieved and all came through (fairly) unscathed. The only thing that really kept me going by mile 18 was the MEDAL (and the Blue Bunny treats at the end).
Kelsey ran SO STRONG! I was so proud of her. We kept together most of the way, but through out the race, and especially at the end she just pulled ahead, running her own pace, which made me so happy to see. Her time: 4:24. My time: 4:31. Boyd's time: 4:52.

AWESOME!

Unknown Brush with Future Fame

The other night Steve mentioned reading that Glenn Beck graduated from Sehome High School (Bellingham, WA). We speculated on how old we thought Mr. Beck was and if it was possible that I had gone to school with him, and I insisted that there was no way he went to my school because I would have remembered his name. The next morning I received an email from my mom that Glenn graduated in 1982 from Sehome. Okay, now I am bugged and have to get to the bottom of this--I trudged downstairs, pulled out the box that contained my yearbooks and pulled out my 1982 Windjammer (I was a Freshman that year), turned to the B's in the Senior Class section and lo and behold: Glenn Beck. Okay, I remember that face! He was in the Concert Choir and the Jazz Choir with Mr. Mattson (my most favorite class and my most favorite teacher at Sehome), and he worked with Dr. Beath in the theater department (another favorite teacher, plus I was good friend with his son, Joel). Who knew? (I actually thought the famous radio personality from our school would have been Allan "Al" Fee...)

FHE--We are on a "roll"

Family Home Eveing is something that Steve and I have tried to hold consistently, but it seems that more often than not, it ends up being me giving a last minute dissertation from something I read from the Book of Mormon earlier in the day. Over the years we have tried the "assigning" of the lesson to the kids and taken turns with who picks/makes the treat, who does the song, the prayer, the scripture, the lesson, etc. We've had times in our lives where the Family Night was going to soccer games (that was when the team was scheduled to play, can you believe it? And we live in Bountiful where "they"--the powers that be who schedule these games--should KNOW better!) If we are on a week long vacation and we get home late Sunday night or on a Monday, and I try to gather them for FHE, my kids tell me, "We just got done having a Family Home WEEK!" Although we do a lot as a family--vacations and just hanging out--I do feel that I need to make sure that we have a scheduled time to sit down together as a family and actually have a gospel discussion. Or at least an officially recognized "Family Home Evening." This month I have noticed that we have fallen into a pattern with our FHE's--the first week we helped Ashley with a Faith experience from her Young Women Personal Progress, the second week we took a pie to the Kelsch Family and thanked Deanna for all the wonderful things she has done for us over the years, and this week we played Yahtzee. So, we have had a Spiritual, Service and Fun FHE so far this month. Now for next week...

P.S. The update on Deanna is excellent. She has had surgery and the Dr.'s feel that they were able to get all the cancer, so they will not have to do radiation!

"I have better things to do"

I've been reading a book called "Still Alice" about a woman facing the early onset of Alzheimer's. Here is a story about a woman who is a wife, mother, great academic and Harvard professor. Much of her life, up to this point, has been about research, lectures, conferences, etc. Yes, she took time out to have and raise children, but described her time playing with her small babies and toddlers as mind numbingly boring. Now that her children are grown, two of the three are also accomplished academics, one being a lawyer and the other doctor. Her third child, who has the greatest intellectual promise of all, however, wants to be an actress. This is cause for great tension and dissatisfaction in her relationship with this daughter. With the acceptance of her early onset of Alzheimer's, Alice discovers that the things she wants most is to live to "hold Anna's (her daughter) baby and know it was her grandchild. She wanted to see Lydia act in something she would be proud of. She wanted to see Tom fall in love. She wanted one more sabbatical year with John. She wanted to read every book she could before she could no longer read. She laughed at what she'd just revealed to herself. Nowhere on that list was anything about linguistics, teaching or Harvard." Later, at a lecture where she just sat in the audience, Alice waited for the requisite 20 minutes for a no show professor (was it supposed to be her?) before she stood up to take her leave. As she does this, she says to the class, "I don't know about you guys, but I have better things to do." pg.121

I thought about this a lot as I have watched my good friend, Deanna, go through the process and regimen of fighting breast cancer. From the moment she received the diagnosis, she has had a very practical approach: I've still got to be a mom, I've still got to do what I have to do. Despite the toll that chemo has taken on her, she is still sewing up a storm and selling her aprons and bibs at the Farmer's market. She still helps Kylie with her homework and plays with her grand daughter, Reagan. She is talking Elisabeth, her oldest daughter, through the steps of sewing the most gorgeous dresses for Reagan. She is a great mom to Josh and Danielle and their spouses. She is the best and most supportive wife to Mike. I have watched her walk through this refiner's fire and she is beautiful and shining and glorious. Would I be that generous of spirit? Would I be that up beat and positive? I sure hope so. I hope that I would know what was important, and take care of those things over the silly things I tend to spend time worrying about. I hope that, even now with a healthy body, I can learn the important lesson that seems to come when we know our time is limited: to get on to the better things!

It's FUN to be a girl!

"I also bought a jar of facecream, a lovely scented hand lotion, a new lipstick and an eyelash curler--which makes my eyes cross whenever I use it." --letter from Juliet to Sidney, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Happy Birthday, Ashley

AUGUST 5, 2009

Ashley turned 12 at Girls Camp, and what a day she had! From breakfast in bed, being sung to by 29 beautiful girls and their equally and naturally beautiful leaders, crafts, ropes challenge course (including the big swing--Ashley was the first to go and loved it, while I screamed the whole time I went), her daddy came up with a big birthday cake and we all sang to her again. It is so fun having her in Young Women with me, Markelle and Madi. When I had all girls, I knew the day would come when we would all be in Young Women, and here we are already!

First Day of School

I am not an emotional person normally. I really don't remember crying when my last child started Kindergarten. Today, that same child entered the halls of Jr. High School--the epitome of HELL, in my humble opinion. Steve and I have discussed for over a year now whether we should have Ashley do 6th grade over, because she is so young (her birthday is in August, so she just turned twelve years old). But Ashley really, really, really wanted to go on to Jr. High. She really, really, really wanted to be in the band. I took her down to Bountiful Music and we rented a flute. She went to a three day band camp. Then we went on a family vacation and she missed the all important Back to School event where kids can go and meet their teachers and walk around with their schedule so they know where all of their classes are and practice opening their lockers. We got home from vacation in time for school to start, so she asked me to go extra early with her and walk the halls with her class schedule in hand. We got to her school at 7:30, went to her locker so she could open it a few times without my help and then we went to each of her classes. By this time, the halls were filling up with kids and excited chatter and greetings as friends saw each other after a summer away. School was going to start in about 10 minutes, and I knew that it probably wasn't cool for her to hang around with her mommy. I didn't just want to leave her to fend for herself in a sea of unknown kids, but I knew that I couldn't hover over her as well. I suggested that she go ahead and go to her first class and take a seat while waiting for the first bell to ring. She didn't want to do that because no one else was in the classroom yet. She suggested that we walk down the hall towards the front office and as we rounded the corner we ran into cute Kaitlyn from our neighborhood. We said hello and she gave Ashley an excited hug and started talking with her, and then cute Jocee, also from the neighborhood, came over to join them. Right after that, Kaitlyn's sister, Lindsey was walking down the hall towards them and she yelled out a hello. I quietly walked away unnoticed, knowing that Ashley was in good hands. As I walked to the car and thought about the kindness of these girls, I found myself wiping tears from my eyes. I called Steve to tell him how the morning went with Ashley and I couldn't get the words out because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. I offered a prayer of thanks to Our Father who watches over all, and thanked Him for the angels that helped Him soothe my worries and make Ashley's transition into Jr. High a heavenly one.

Laguna Beach 2009

Why I love Laguna Beach:

1.  This cute girl.

2.  This cute girl.

3.  This cute girl.

4.  And this cute girl.

5.  Reading a good book, in the shade, wearing shades.

6.  Sharing a sweet with my sweetie.

7.  This handsome man and these four beautiful girls.

8.  I get to look at THIS all week (and rub lotion on him!)

9. Flip flops or barefeet--all week (except when I go running)

Laguna Beach, We are coming your way!

One of my favorite family vacations is Laguna Beach, California. Steve and I have been coming here with our kids since Kelsey (our oldest) was about 4 and Markelle just a baby. We started coming with Steve's parents and siblings and then we started coming with just our little family. We have invited our good friends, the Wilson's, along a few times--they are always fun to vacation with and our kids line up pretty closely in age. What are some of our favorite things to do? Smoothies from the Orange Cafe after an early morning run/walk along the beach, staking out our "area" on the beach with lounge chairs/umbrella's, building sand castles, body surfing, reading a good book (that would be me), making a lunch and bringing it down to eat on the beach, staying on the beach until about 4:00 p.m. (with a few breaks going up to swim in the pool), get cleaned up and walking to dinner (BJ's, the Cottage, the Beach House, Taco Loco--the fish taco stand across the street), looking at the shops and art galleries on the way back, looking for dolphins swimming in the surf (we see them every time!), visiting the Wyland Gallery (and meeting Mr. Wyland!), walking to BaskinRobbins for an ice cream cone, playing Michigan Rummy, watching movies, going to bed and doing it all over again the next day. We park the car and it doesn't move for a whole week. Ahhh, this is the life!

This year we are going to try something new: a visit to the Laguna Art Festival and the Pagent of the Masters.

Problem Solved!

The Problem:  salt burns from upper (flabby?) arms rubbing against seams of sports bra.  Also, thighs (again, flabby?) rubbing together.  This is a HUGE problem in the summer months of training (especially painful in the shower after a long run--it stings like no other).  I have tried Bodyglide and vaseline, but they are sticky and just don't do the job for a long run, unless I am able to dry off and reapply.

The Solution: AWESOME RUNNING GEAR!  Check out the gear I picked up at REI this weekend.  I tested it out during a nine mile run on a very humid 4th of July day.

This running top by Danskin has longer, tight fitting sleeves.  No rubbing!

These compression shorts, by Underarmour, are long and tight enough that they keep the thighs tucked snuggly in.  I am a happy woman.  I am a happy RUNNER!  (those are totally my abs, hahahaha!)

Oh, I also got a cute running bra and a sassy running skirt:)

Ahh, St. George...

48 miles....24 miles....

1 Good Book, 2 Great movies, 1 Beautiful hike in Zions National Park, 3 shopping forays to the local mall/outlet stores, 1 delicious pizza/salad/breadstick w/cinnamon sauce from Pizza Factory, 4 homemade dinners, 6 Nights sitting on the deck, feeling the soft breeze, smelling the rose bushes and looking out over the pool, #4 suntan lotion, 4 sunbathing sessions, 1 large mango flavored "fruizle" sipped by the pool, 1 long visit with a good friend, countless hours of talking/giggling with my girls, several secrets shared by said girls that I wish I never knew (shocking!), 1 fabulous week with Markelle, Madi and Ashley (and Jody from Thursday on). I LOVE ST. GEORGE!

Oh yeah, and 3 big cockroaches--yuck!

Four Powerful Words

I am a words woman. Words speak to me the same way in which great paintings, music, dance, water, cities, mountains, etc. move other people. Today, my husband said, with great passion, the four most moving words to me, and they are as precious as any jewels he could have given me:

"I love you fiercely!"

sigh.

Great Quote by President Campbell:

As you go about doing good, strive to BE good!

TeamGive

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2009-03-01 teamgive sponsorship announced
iTrade is excited to announce their involvement with teamgive. teamgive is an organization of successful professionals with a shared passion for cycling and sports, service in their community, and excellence in all they do. teamgive is a charitable organization that donates their time, services, and money to support the search for treatment and cures of rare neurological diseases. "We're thrilled about supporting this foundation and look forward to a lasting relationship with a group that shares our passion and excitement," says Callahan Williams, CEO of iTrade Alchemy. Please visit our website for more details: http://www.teamgive.org/.

The power of Words

Just a little something I saw in a Deseret News article today. The story was on a young man from South Pasadena, Calif., who had started a No Cussing Club at his school. Whenever anyone tells you that words don't have any meaning, you can quote them the following:

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

What's in YOUR bag?

Last night we attended the Woods Cross High School Choir concert to watch Markelle and all of the other amazing and talented choir students perform. Markelle is in the Concert Choir, and they are always last, which is the icing on the cake. What a beautiful sound Mr. H (Hendrickson) pulls out of these kids! After coming home, I was cleaning up for the night and moving laundry around when the phone rang. It was coming from the high school. Who would be calling at 10:00 p.m. from the school? A man on the other line asked if this was the Mordue home and if there was a Karen who lived there. Immediately I knew--I left my purse in the auditorium of the high school. The custodian was so nice and told me they would wait for me to run down to pick it up. As I'm driving down to the school, I am making a mental list of all the things in my purse. As you can imagine, a lot of it is very critical. But, oh my, a lot of it is also a little embarrassing. Here is an inventory of the contents of my purse (and I really hope the custodian didn't dig in too deep...):
3 bobby pins
2 hair bands
$1.70 in loose change at the bottom of my bag (including a gold dollar!)
2 sets of keys to 2 different cars
Post-it notes
1 earring (where is the match?)
3 pens (including a really awesome post-it note pen that writes like a DREAM!)
1 lipstick (Estee Lauder #117 Rose Tea)
lip gloss(Costco brand sun-kissed color)
cell phone
wallet (which contained my life: credit cards, driver's license, check book, library card, temple recommend, insurance card, cash & change, a tithing receipt, check book and a tampon that does not belong to me--my daughter threw it into my purse when we went somewhere together)
Barnes & Noble gift card
two checks: a paycheck and a reimbursement check from the church
a grocery list
a receipt from RC Willey for the chair I bought for Mother's Day/anniversary/Steve's Birthday
a bill for the North Canyon Swim & Tennis club (due May 15th if I want the 10 free guest passes--yippee)
coupons for Hallmark and Macy's
an envelope of receipts
a pocket full of "frequent buyer" cards from Cafe Rio, Costa Vida, yogurt stop, Yoasis, American Eagle, Keva Juice, Subway and Petsmart.

What does this say about my life? What's in YOUR purse/wallet?

P.S. One of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies (One Fine Day) is when the mom makes TWO halloween costumes out of the contents of her purse--amazing, the power of a mother's purse!

The Best Mother's Day Present Ever!

Kelsey comes home on Mother's Day! Her plane was scheduled to arrive on May 10, 2009 at 10:30 p.m., so I had everything all planned for her homecoming surprise. I went to Dick's Market to buy some of her favorite foods (fresh fruit, soy milk, Nutella and graham crackers, etc.) and ordered yellow balloons. We made her Welcome Home signs, complete with "Welcome Home" in English and Hebrew. I didn't pick up the balloons until 10 p.m. on Saturday night so that they would be fairly "fresh" when she finally saw them late Sunday Night. The house was clean, her room was already for her to slip in between her covers after a loooong travel day. We were ready for this girl to get home. On Saturday night, we closed the house down and turned off the lights by midnight. I was waiting for Kelsey to call us from the airport in Vienna, so I knew the phone would be ringing in the middle of the night. Steve and I had just settled down in our bed and as I was slowly drifting off to sleep....the phone rings. I know exactly who it is. It's my darling girl and I get to hear her voice one more time before she boards her plane and begins her last league of her 5 month journey. She will be home this time tomorrow night! I'm am so excited I can hardly stand it! I answered the phone and started asking Kelsey about her flight information and she interrupts me to ask me to go out to the front porch to get something her friend, Ali (who went to Jerusalem with Kelsey, but got home a week earlier) was dropping off. Kelsey wanted to make sure it got to our house safely. I told her I would run out and check, and as I am opening the front door I can see that I caught Ali as she was just barely leaving the "package." But wait a minute. That's not Ali standing there. My brain has momentarily frozen as I slowly begin to realize that KELSEY is standing on our front porch--a DAY early!!--holding a sign:

Happy Mother's Day

I love you MOM!

I just grabbed that girl and hugged the living breath out of her! I did not want to let her go. We were both laughing and crying and screaming and soon the rest of the family was running downstairs to get their hugs and screams of joy out as well. We brought in her luggage and just sat on the couch and talked with her and hugged her and talked some more, looked at pictures, looked at the souvenirs she brought back and hugged and teared up. Finally at 4 a.m. we pulled ourselves away from each other to get a few hours of sleep. As I lay in Steve's arms, while trying to drift off to sleep, I wept in gratitude to have my baby home and to have our family back together, all in one piece, once more. Thank you, thank you, thank you!