A Love Story, Part 2

Shortly after moving, I visited my hairdresser, Donna. She asked about our new house and when she heard where we had moved she told me that she had a client that lived in our new neighborhood. She then told me a story about Jean and Jake. Jean had advanced Alzheimer's and Jake lovingly took care of her. When the disease was so advanced that it rendered Jean home bound, Donna would come to the house to do her hair. At the time of her passing, Jake and Jean were both in their late seventies and had been married to each other for 60 years. Sixty years of sharing a life that included joys and heartache, bills, laundry, spit up, graduations, promotions, a political career, acrylic nail business, mission, service, and lots of love and caring. Jean passed away in September, 2009--almost a year to the date of us moving in. But when we did move in, one of the speakers we heard from at the first Sacrament Meeting in our new ward was Jake. Shortly after that, we went to dinner with him and some of our neighbors. We had a wonderful time getting to know him better, and he is such a gentleman and a gentle man. Every time I drive by his house, I think about him being all alone and how lonely it must be for him after sharing a wonderful life with Jean. Well, it turns out that Jake isn't so lonely. This past Sunday, as the introductions of visitors were being made in Relief Society, a sister was introduced to all of us as Jake's fiance. You go, Jake! Later that day as I was telling Steve about Jake's impending Nuptials we happened to round the corner by Jake's house just as he was pulling out of a hug with his intended. We smiled and waved as we drove by, but he looked a little embarrassed...kind of like a teen-ager getting caught kissing his girl. It was so dang cute!

This morning, as I was driving off to work and Steve was clearing snow off of our daughter's car, I noticed one of our older neighbors coming up to Steve in our circle. I couldn't tell who it was because he was all bundled up. When I asked Steve about it, he got a big smile on his face and told me that it was Jake, out walking the dog. He stopped by and told Steve that he wanted to explain the public display of affection that we caught him in the other day. Steve just smiled and said, "Jake, we think it's awesome, and we are so happy for you!" Steve got the details of the upcoming marriage, and when asked if they were going to stay in their house, Jake replied that "Yes, we are going to live in my house, but we are going to make it her home." I think I fell in love with him myself! Isn't it grand to know that we do not have to out grow romantic love? That we can feel those exciting first-time-in-love feelings again? That we can have our love story, part one? And maybe even a part two?

A little look at our Christmas Season...

The Foxhill Ward Christmas Party:

Getting ready to go in to Temple Square to see the lights:

The Mordue Christmas Eve Talent Show/Program:

Christmas Morning (aren't they beautiful?):

Merry Christmas!

It's all about the family

Merry Christmas 2010

Markelle turned to me this evening and said, "This has been a very fun day. I just love being with everyone!"

Peace and Blessings, y'all!

Now Christmas can begin!

Christmas lights were put on our roof in November. We have snow on the ground, and I have been wearing all of my Christmas colored "woolens." The presents have all been bought and are wrapped and under the tree. The stockings are hung along our banister...7 new ones, all matching with our individual names stitched on them (it's fun to have Covey "hanging" with the rest of us!). The nutcrackers are all out, with the Christmas Carol series taking center stage in our living room. We have been to Temple Square to see the lights and we have Christmas music blaring in our house. Our family has been the happy recipients of a darling "12 Days of Christmas." We participated in a Sub4Santa activity with our extended Mordue family for Bam's birthday (Dec. 15th) and Madi and Ashley have been helping the YM/YW with a Sub4Santa. We attended our ward party and put together humanitarian kits and decorated food boxes for the Food Pantry. We even gave our Christmas talks in church as a family. Yet, until today it just hasn't felt "Christmasy."

As we sat in the audience of Hale Center Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol" and listened to the much loved lines of Charles Dickens and the beautiful Old English carols, I could not help but think, with great relief, "NOW, it feels like Christmas!"

Tag, you're it!

I've been tagged by my darling daughter, Kelsey....so, here goes:

4 t.v. shows that I watch:

1. Modern Family

2. KSL news at 10 p.m.

3. Monarch of the Glen...a pretty funny series from the BBC

4. Bones

4 Things I am passionate about:

1. My husband

2. My children

3. The gospel and the Savior

4. Well crafted words. I LOVE a good story!

4 phrases I say a lot:

1. How was your day?

2. Who did you talk to today?

3. What? Can you please repeat that? (I am sorry, but I really think I am starting to go deaf)

4. Tell me what to make for dinner.

4 things I have learned from the past:

1. When you put toilet paper down on the seat in a public place, ALWAYS make sure it did not get tucked into your pants when you pull them up!

2. A soak in a hot tub cures all.

3. Always be good to your mother.

4. Always, Always, Always pray (and give thanks)

4 things I did yesterday:

1. Reported a theft to the North Salt Lake PD

2. I got my cute son-in-law a really awesome Christmas gift

3. I helped Ashley write her talk

4. I read a few chapters from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

4 places I would love to visit:

1. Scotland

2. England

3. New York, NY

4. New England in the Fall

4 things I am looking forward to:

1. Learning names and getting to know the people in my new ward

2. Grand babies?? I not sure about this yet.

3. The next awesome sunset

4. A trip with my husband and kids

4 things I love about winter:

1. A snowy day if I don't have to drive in it

2. cute boots

3. Sweaters! and Scarves! and cute Coats!

4. Gingerbread Herbal Tea (Celestial Seasonings...amazing stuff!)

I tag Lisa Jones, Alicia Tebbs, Misty Mower and Shauna Robertson

My Cup Runneth Over

I could not think of a better gift than to have my family together for a picture by my wonderful friend, the very talented Shauna. We wanted to take this picture clear back in February for my birthday, but life REALLY happened, to both Shauna and myself. I am so glad we finally coordinated all of the different schedules and were able to get my kids in one place at one time. Any time we can all be together is a true joy for me. I really hope that as my girls get older and families of their own, that they will have the desire to stay close to one another. I think the bond between sisters can be one of the closest and most special.

Ebay Parody Song - Weird Al Yankovic

Four Beautiful Words: You're the Highest Bidder

I got on ebay a few weeks ago to find these little treasures, and my vigil in front of the computer at the end of various bidding wars was accompanied by the dulcet tones of Weird Al running through my brain. I love ebay! Where else could I find Royal Copenhagen Christmas Plates in the birth year of each family member for under $25.00 each (including shipping!)?

The Masters Touch

Steve and I took our kids to the beautifully presented art exhibit of Carl Bloch alter pieces and other art work. Carl Bloch is the Handel of the art world, with his heaven inspired depictions of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The MOA at BYU has spent nine years preparing and negotiating for the opportunity to show these pieces at the university. The museum had rental Ipads available which contained wonderful presentations and narrations that provided the perfect supplement to these masterpieces. The most moving experience for me was listening to Elder Neal A. Maxwell's eloquent testimony of the atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, while gazing at the Carl Bloch painting of an angel gently embracing the Savior and sustaining him during his intense hour of need.

The Nose Tap

I came out of RS yesterday and headed for the "gathering place"--you know, the designated place your family meets up at after church to facilitate a quick get-away. I hooked up with Madi and Ashley as I worked my way towards the foyer, and I could see Steve up ahead talking with an, ahem, elderly gentleman. As I approached, I could hear Steve bragging on how "yes, indeed sir, my wife shovels snow right alongside me." The gentleman turned his eyes to me and asked if that was really true, and I replied, "Of Course!" (as in, "Doesn't every wife help their husband run the snow blower and dig out of 12 inches plus snow??") The newly made acquaintance must have been sufficiently impressed because he leaned towards me and, with his index finger outstretched, TOUCHED THE TIP OF MY NOSE while saying, "Gold Star!"

That just made my day!

A New Look

We still have a few minor fixes, but I love how this kitchen turned out! It feels so much warmer and richer, and you can't go wrong on beautiful counter tops when God is the artist!

My favorite features? Hands down, the granite. Do you see all of that movement? Breath-taking! I am also in love with my faucet. The oven and cooktop? Not so much. I miss my Wolf cooktop...sigh. It will definitely take some experimentation to figure out the oven...it seems to bake too hot. But all in all, I think it turned out fabulous! I am very happy with it.

The Calm Before the Storm

In the midst of the havoc and chaos that is a huge part of this worldly experience, I find that I need to carve out a place of calmness in my life. I function better when the immediate world around me is quiet and at ease. I do many things to bring that calmness and peace into my life: time set aside to read out of a good book, a daily soak in a warm tub, quiet music--or no music--in the background, mood lighting, fresh smells, a cup of herbal tea or hot cocoa in the winter or a glass of chipped ice with diet Coke (or lemonade, or water) in the summer.

A few weeks ago, Steve and I attended an art showing for this wonderful artist, and we fell in love with his color palette and thematic art subjects. A lot of his paintings have a "point of light" paired with a sun arc, quotes of calmness and reflection, a compass rose, trees, maps, and musical notes. They really give off a feeling a peace and introspection. He first treats his canvas with plaster and "crackles" it, and then paints from photographs that he has taken and manipulated until the composition has the right "feel" to it, and then he starts to paint.

We expressed interest in some of his pieces, and he very generously invited us to come to his home and choose whatever we wanted to take home to see how they worked in our space.

It was hard to choose, but we narrowed it down to these three pieces:

I love them!

Now I can view a beautiful sunset over the ocean or peaking through the trees even on the dreariest of days.

A Silent Rebellion

One of the things I have told my girls, is that you are allowed your little silent rebellions..this allows us to express our individuality. Markelle hasn't quite figured out the silent part of her own little rebellions, but mine this next week is the following: I will go to the Sunday School class that I am NOT assigned to! What? Adults have assigned classes? Well, in our new ward, apparently the Gospel Doctrine class is assigned by last name. A-K go to the class in room # such and such, and L-Z go to overflow #3. We tried overflow #3 and this coming week I am going to try the other class, just for fun.

Did the earth just move?

Couples Therapy

The last 8 weeks has been such a roller coaster ride for Steve and I, with things really heating up in the last few weeks before our move, that we were feeling wrung dry. Looking at a house on a whim, making an offer and putting our house up for sale while heading out of town on vacation, getting our house ready to show, showing our house, getting offers and making counter offers, getting bids to re-do driveway, sifting through 15 years of junk collecting, packing, garage sale, multiple DI runs, etc., etc. Two long days of moving, cleaning the old house, putting things away at the new house, chaotic messes at both. I really didn't think we would make the annual Halloween party at the Passey's, but I knew that we both needed this break more than anything. We needed to get away from all things connected to moving. So, we rustled up costumes from what we could find around the house, or borrow, and we headed out to the Hollywood Halloween party. We had such a great time, talking and laughing with our good friends. We couldn't totally escape things connected to selling our house, however, because our realtor was at the party. Good thing he is such an awesome guy in general, and as a realtor in particular (a nod and shout out to you, Danny. Thank you for taking such good care of us!) Steve and I came home rejuvenated and ready to tackle the last 10% of unpacked boxes. Thank you, Passeys, for a WONDERFUL evening. You are both gracious hosts (especially you, Julia Child!)

Home is where your story begins...

We are all moved in to our new place (pictures coming soon) and I have to admit that it is still a little surreal that we no longer live at 3528 South 900 East. After a few days of heavy lifting and moving things in, it was so nice to take a long, hot relaxing soak in our new tub. I had to remind myself that this was okay, that it was my tub now. So weird. But, I am slowly finding places for our stuff: pictures, dishes, furniture, books, etc. It feels more comfortable everyday, and I am feeling more at home. Time to make new memories. Time to add to our story of who we are. Time to find a wall to put my favorite quote on: Home is where your story begins...

I'm Cleansing!

It seems that lately a lot of people are talking about "cleansing" in the context of resetting their metabolism and to help them feel better. I don't know about you, but I really don't like the picture that pops (oops, I almost misspelled that as "poops!") into my head when I hear that phrase in connection to anything to do with a body.

HOWEVER, I love, love, LOVE, that phrase if it involves throwing out stuff! It is so liberating! All the mismatched gloves cluttering up my closet? GONE! Shampoo/condition/lotion/soaps from hotels? GONE! (how come they made it into my home in the first place?) Clothes that I haven't worn in over a year, old crafting projects, home decor that never made it back out after I put it away? If I haven't seen it or used it in over a year, it is GONZO, baby!

And one of the best parts about this type of cleansing? Finding someone who treasures my trove of junk. Giving it to them with many healthy and happy returns. My mom adores the silver trays and water pitchers that have not seen the light of day in 25 years (please mom, take them, sell them, shine them up and keep them...I don't care what you do with them, just take them out of my house!) My sister, Jackie, was ecstatic to add more "Willow Tree" figurines to her growing collection. Jody always needs extra "throw away" towels in her pottery making adventures. Kelsey and Covey will hopefully make a killing at a garage sale next week off of all of the "stuff" we are donating to their money making efforts.

I want to live lighter, and surround myself with the things that I truly love and find comfort in. Sometimes those things are fleeting, such as a whimsical Halloween decoration that makes me laugh. Sometimes they have sentimental value that no one else understands. Most of the time they are treasures we have picked up in our travels, favorite books I have read, a cozy blanket, a picture of the Savior. Now, if I can just get Steve to get rid of even a few of his MANY bicycle jerseys/shorts...

Changes

As I have watched the mountainside by my home slowly change it's dress from a deep green to the brisk and crisp colors of autumn, I can't help but contemplate the changes occurring around me and in my life. I have felt the changes in myself, the yearning to stretch and grow and rearrange. Shake things up a bit. I've been platinum blonde and a very deep dark brown, short hair, medium length, long. I've done the baby thing, the toddler thing, Primary, elementary school and PTA thing. High school, collage applications, sports games, music lessons, Young Women. A wedding. I am heating up, ready to burst forth with new efforts, new adventures, new trials and new happiness.

I am changing, and my family is changing. Daughters are growing up, expressing themselves, stretching their wings, learning to compromise and learning to live with another. We swap recipes, listen to big grown up problems (theirs and my own), talk frankly about s-e-x. I am interested in holding babies again, and look forward to a grandma-sized play room. I've raised my children for 15 safe, wonderful years in a home that we have redone, changed, given a new personality to.

It's time to move on.

It's exciting and scary and exhilarating all at the same time. New beginning. New colors, new look, new people, new experiences.

And a grandma-sized playroom under the stairs.

Homecoming, Part 2

One thing nice about having friends at a rival school:

More dances!

Madi and Adam went to the Bountiful High School Homecoming Dance.

Remember when Adam helped Madi get ready for the WX dance?

She's just returning the favor...

(Helping Adam fix his hair)

I know, I know, the kids at BHS are a little...."special"...but we love them anyway!

Madam

Meet Madam.

Madi + Adam=Best Friends

(plus a little more, I'm am pretty sure)

We really like Adam. He makes our Madi very happy and they are always laughing when they are together. Plus, he's not afraid of us (especially Steve) He will even eat my dinners!

This is the young man that will be taking Madi to BHS Homecoming NEXT week. This week, however, is the WXHS Homecoming, and Madi was asked to this dance by a cute boy named Craig.

Madi was supposed to be ready to go and at her friends house by 5:00. I knew she was cutting it close when Adam showed up on the doorstep at 4:00 to say "hello." There's no resisting Adam, he's just too darned cute. The compromise? Adam talked to Madi while she did her hair, and even helped her get ready by collecting all of her "stuff": dress, jacket, shoes, purse, check, check, check, check.

It was so funny to listen to their conversation. And as Madi walked out the door, I offered to let Adam ride over to Kaitlin's with us to take pictures of Madi and her date. He was all for it.

We didn't push it, but as we drove over to Kaitlin's, Steve remarked, "That is one secure young man."
Madi looked gorgeous, and her date was darling. They were going with a big group of really great kids.
Thanks for helping her out, Adam. Maybe I'll invite Craig over to help Madi get ready for the BHS Homecoming dance next week....

About A Boy

Yesterday was a good day. The Sabbath. We attended the missionary homecoming of our good friend's son, Benjamin B. We knew him when he was just a longed-for presence in his mommy's tummy. Now he is a tall and strapping valiant young man...a Saturday's Warrior, Returning With Honor with his scriptures in hand and a sincere testimony and a love for the people of Brazil. He is on a good path and will do good things with his life.

We made it back to our own ward with enough time to allow me to get the Young Women room ready for opening exercises and have a little chit chat with two of the most awesome women that I have the privilege to work with, Alicia T. and Shauna R. As we were talking, Steve came up to me in the hall and showed me a text from our brother-in-law, Treion: If Karen would like to be at the baby's birth, tell her to leave right now. We are heading for the hospital. (or something to that effect. I was too frazzled with excitement for Soni and Teion's baby at that point) This is where the awesomeness of Alicia and Shauna REALLY kicked in. I was supposed to teach today, but there was no way I was going to miss the chance to see Soni's baby being born. Without hesitation, both ladies stepped in to help me make this happen. Alicia already had her lesson for next week planned and ready to go, so she went home to get that put together, and Shauna took care of getting opening exercises going.

Steve and I jumped into the car and made a mad dash for Davis Hospital. I kept telling Steve to hurry, because I just knew that Soni would have this baby quickly...it's what she does. She has them natural, no drugs, and she waits until the last possible moment to head to the hospital. We later learned that she'd been in labor since 4 a.m., but still went to church....they only left when her contractions were just minutes apart.

When we walked into her room, this is the sight that greeted us:

Isn't she beautiful?

Soon, all of the other sisters arrived: Kim, Sheridan and Suzette, along with Bam and Dandad. Steve didn't think he was invited, so he left to get a diet Coke.

In between contractions we talked and laughed, during contractions we all tried to breathe for her and encourage her. It was like watching someone run a marathon or climb a mountain. Soni is so tough and focused, I was in awe of her strength. Treion was such a calming presence and her rock solid coach.

When the Doc arrived (straight from church, still in his suit---he's the bishop of his ward), he had enough time to change into scrubs and then he checked Soni, broke her water and literally within MINUTES we were all holding onto Soni and the head was out. She had that baby within an hour of arriving at the hospital!

Introducing Treion John, Jr. (TJ)

7lbs, 10 oz, born September 19, 2010 @1:48 p.m

After four girls, Treion got himself a boy! Welcome to the world, little (Sunday) Warrior!

Just like riding a bike...

My big brother, Peter, has always been a performer. He's always wanted to be famous. We used to laugh at his visions of grandiose living. But, by golly, he never gave up on his dream. And tonight, as we watched him perform with his band, Werewolf Afro, at the Utah State Fair I had an epiphany. Pete is so comfortable and in his element when he is dancing around on stage, singing and dramatically moving his hands in theatrical gestures, that performing to him is just as satisfying and fulfilling as riding a bike is to Steve. And just like Steve, because he has been doing this for so long, Pete is really good at what he does. He makes it look so effortless. Rock on, big brother, Rock on! (until the arthritis sets in...)

Seeing Red

Madi came home to this.

Yep, it's Homecoming season, and the more creative/fun way a guy can ask a girl to the dance, the better.

In amongst the balloons were a select few with letters on them. They spelled out: Will U Go to Bountiful's Homecoming with me?

They were from cutey-pie Adam, Madi's Rival School BF. (we call Madi and Adam "Madam" after Hollywood tradition)

Now, how to answer...