Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Thoughtful Missionary

Scott surprised us and sent a box "for the girls in the family". It was these day skirts that the Laotian/Mien people wear. One of the ladies helped him get the skirts and then she wouldn't let him pay her. You wrap it around yourself and tuck it in. We're going to wear them to the airport in 6 months. Six Months! Jess didn't get a skirt; she got the purse she's holding from the same lady who got it in Thailand.

Also in the box was a package of four pink & white socks "for Mom, because I know how cold she gets and how much she likes socks". It was a highlight of Christmas.

Christmas Pics from the Birdhouse


Cam & Eli riding "Mr. Ed"




BSU stadium seats for the BSU students



Coming upstairs to see what Santa left!




Monday, December 29, 2008

The Month After Christmas

Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I tried to walk it off, it was more of a lumber.
Even when applied with laughter and wit
My favorite jeans just wouldn't quite fit.

I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared (Gordon's prime rib - yum!)
The mixers (cranberry and 7-up) and the balls of cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt -
I said to myself, as only I can
"You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!"

So - away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and dip.
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces (ha ha) have vanished.

I won't have a cookie - not even a lick
I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick (with ranch, of course).
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread or pie
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly try.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life seems a bore -
But isn't that what January's for?
Try more to giggle, for life is a riot;
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

What was your favorite holiday indulgence?

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Ben & Laura's tree


Hurry Up And Post!





My keyboard miraculously started working again tonight and so I decided I'd better post - quick. I have ordered a new HP laptop, coming this week and can't wait! The nativity is Ben & Laura's and it was backlit at 5:30 in the morning. I spent the night with them and when they got up to work at the temple, I noticed how beautifully it was backlit by the rising sun & couldn't resist a picture before going back to sleep.
On 12/13/08, we did gingerbread houses for FHE. Missed you, Bed & Laura!

Cam & Eli love dancing to the singin' snowman.

Done! Keyboared not working again - this took 25 minutes to type!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Christmas Letter

Christmas 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from the Birdhouse! It’s that time of year again where we look forward to hearing from you and getting an update on your families. We are so thankful for each of you and for the part that you play in our lives.

I always write these letters with a little hesitation because sometimes they can turn into “brag fests” and be a little nauseating. I have figured out that what we usually do is point out the positive things we have done and that have happened to us and not the negative, which is good. Who needs to know about Uncle Jack’s hemorrhoids, or Ned’s boils on his backside when you can hear all about how much money we’ve made and how famous we’ve become, all in the past year?

Beginning with Gordon, he is still serving as Bishop of our ward and it keeps him hopping. Boise Cascade is still in business, which is good considering the economy right now. He still goes on his annual elk hunting trip in the fall with his brother and any of their sons that are available to go. Since losing Chief, Buzz has become horse #1 and they are bonding quite well.

Julie is still in business with real estate, considering the economy. The goal at this point is to still be kicking when the housing market kicks in again and things start moving. Right now it is pretty slow, but that’s why you save for a rainy day. And boy, rainy days are here! It is still a rewarding career and she gets to meet so many interesting people. She’s working on her Broker’s license during this down time.

Rich and Jo live in Kuna, a bedroom community to Boise with their sons, Cameron (3 ½) and Eli (1 ½). Rich is with KPMG accounting firm and Jo works as a Dental Hygienist one day a week. “Baca” Bird gets to watch the boys and it is a fantastic way to spend the day. They are so much fun!

Ben and Laura are still in Provo. Laura graduated in August with a degree in Public Relations and has entered the work force, working in Salt Lake for a restoration firm in Marketing/Public Relations. Ben graduates with his Masters of Accountancy this April and at the end of the summer they are moving back to Boise to work for Deloitte & Touche accounting firm.

James and Suzanne are living in Boise and both attending BSU. Suzanne graduates this April in Elementary Education and James still has a couple of years to go (in accounting…surprise!). Do you see a theme going here? They are the cutest couple and are coming up on one year married on December 28th.

Scott continues to serve in the California Sacramento mission, Laotian and Mien speaking. We are down to 6 more months until he comes home and are anxiously waiting for the time we can all be together again. He loves the people there and we can tell he has grown so much.

Jessica is still our dancing queen. Her season is getting busy with competitions & performances and we love to watch her. She studies hard and plays equally as hard. She drives her little Honda that we have affectionately named “the green weenie”. Being the only child left at home, she keeps her mom and dad young and makes life interesting.

Are we guilty of bragging in the above paragraphs? Yes, we are, but our children have made us so proud and we love them so much. Do we have our challenges and difficulties? Yes, we do but we’ll spare you the gory details. Life is about accentuating the positive, right? We have so much to be thankful for and one of the keys to happiness is recognizing all that the Lord has blessed us with.

One of those blessings is having you as a part of our lives. Thank you for all you do and have done to help us raise our kids, influence us and just be there for us. I love this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley and I think it sums up our feelings,

“(The fact is) most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”.

Thanks for riding along with us.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Gordon, Julie & Jessica Bird

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Botox and Brown Eyes

My day was made today for two reasons. I went to the Dr. for my annual (fun stuff!) visit. No, that was not one of my day making events, but two things that happened there were.

1) When my Dr. walked in, she asked if I had gotten Botox. Maybe you wouldn't find that to be a good thing, but I did! She is trained in administering Botox and she has told me about it numerous times, but I have declined. So to have her tell me it looks like I have had it done to make my skin look younger is FABULOUS! (A Grinch line). I told her no, it's genetical(not a word, but a good story I'll share sometime). I have been using Mexi-retin-A, though. This came at a great time, because for the better part of the year I have thought I am 47 going on 48. Only last month, Gordon pointed out that I am actually 48 going on 49. So I feel like I am getting two years older this year.

2) The Nurse Practitioner in training knows my daughter in law, Jo and recognized me as Richard's mother when I walked in. She then proceeded to tell me that my grandsons look just like me! "Yes", I said, "they have my brown eyes. I am the only one on both sides with brown eyes and they got them"...She was probably sorry that she mentioned it because it started a grandmotherly tirade that lasted several minutes.

So, whether my skin looks good or it was just a nice thing to say, and whether or not my baby boys look like me, my day was made. Reality may bite, but perception is tastes really good.

It's really quite easy to make me happy.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Priced to Steal!

Okay, I'm putting on my real estate agent hat here and telling you about an amazing house that I have listed. I know that many of you who read this blog are out of towners, so here is your chance to have the home of your dreams for a steal, or if you know someone moving to Boise, tell them about this amazing steal.

Amazing price reduction on this luxury home on over 2 acres! Motivated Seller has reduced it $300,000 from original list price. You won't find luxury + land for this anywhere in the Boise area! 5960 s.f. features 6 beds 4.5 baths and backs up to Fox Run Golf Course. Ever-hot water heater,two DW's, three W/D hookups, including W/D's. RV Parking, playset & arbor & free internet also included. You must see to believe. Also, zoned for up to six horses.

View video pics here:
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=458990

Price? $799,000 That's $130 per square foot for luxury plus land. Outstanding!

If you don't have 3/4 million to spare, then check these out:
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=461160
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=459073
http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/ViewVideo.asp?t=459010

"Iiiiii Feeeel Goooood!"


The line "The Grinch" is saying in this picture - yes, I have another list of favorite lines to post, but "one thing at a time!"
My schitzoid computer keyboard is acting all garbeldy guck again - at least it was for four days until it magically stopped just an hour ago. More to come....

Friday, December 5, 2008

My favorite Christmas movie


Most people
have favorite Christmas movies like, "The Miracle on 34th Street" or "It's a Wonderful Life".

I have a favorite Christmas movie:

"The Grinch". (Check out the song on my playlist at the end of the blog)

I listen to/watch it almost every day from Thanksgiving on, like Christmas music. It brings me true joy every season. He is just so twisted and it reminds me a little of myself. I love the message.

So many lines from this movie apply to real life and I try to find the opportunity to use them any time I can, much to the chagrin of my family.

Some of my favorites: (said only with the drawl that Jim Carey uses as "The Grinch", and most of them require an exclaimation point)

"Airbag's a little slow....But that's what these tests are for!"

"One step at a time, Max!"

"Oh, grow up! (
said to little Cindy Lou Who)

Cindy Lou: "Martha will be there."

Grinch: "Well, I'm sorry to dissapoint you Martha baby, but the G-train has left the station!"

"What do you think I am, some kind of wild animal?"

When checking the size of his heart: "Down a size! And this time I'll keep it off."

"Am I just eating because I'm bored?"

Checking his messages, "Odd, no messages - better check the outgoing...'If you utter so much as one word, I'll hunt you down and gut you like a fish! If you'd like to fax me, press the star key.'"

"I feel all 'toasty' inside...And I'm leaking."

My new line that I heard last year that I'd never noticed before: (Throwing a "stick": "Max, go fetch (Max runs off) Ha, there's no stick! I'm smarter."


I can't wait to hear a new line this year.

Please share your favorite lines with me. If you haven't watched "The Grinch", please do. You'll be glad you did.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Birdhouse Lights Up - Bah Humbug No More!

The trees by the door were an after Christmas find for $10.00. At target this year, they were $49.00. I love a good bargain!

Gordon goes above and beyond in putting up the lights & decorations for us every year. Getting the lights up has really made me excited for Christmas.
And....I went to Choir practice after a really long hiatus. It's going to banish any lingering bah humbug and bring a lot of joy this Christmas.


Ben kicked some Gar-bel-dy-guck butt!

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that Ben is my techstser-son. No kidding, he is! While he was home for the weekend, he got on my laptop computer and the next time I used it, the garbeldy guck had disappeared. I don't know what he did, but it worked. I didn't even tell him about it. He is wonderful and I am so thankful for him and his computer expertise. He also helped Gordon put up the Christmas lights on Saturday. A wonderful son indeed.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Jessica's Dance(s)


Isn't she beautiful? In case you don't know, she is the girl to the far left. The blonde on the right is her best friend Meaghan. In the middle is Brooke Millward, another good friend.

On another note, the dance season has officially begun again with two performances at basketball games.

They look fabulous.

Preparations
are being made for their first competition at Jordan High School in Salt Lake Dec. 12, 13th. It's exciting stuff! Pictures and video will follow, but I can't post any yet, so that the choreography and costuming can stay under wraps for now. Besides, I am still learning to navigate my new digital recorder. Last night I thought I got the whole performance but when I shut it off, I really started to record, so I got a nice video of the floor, my lap and my conversation with the lady next to me.

Everything but the dance.

Really
. I need to hone the camera skills.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Gar-bel-dy Guck Doesn't Do It For Me

I haven't posted in a while, and here's why:

Wshedn IK trfy tol typ;ed oln my olqap;tiolp; tol p;olwst oln my bololg, IK gedt thikws ikikned olrf gqarfbedoledy gujcik.

Mqan! IK’olol nedvedrf bujy qanolthed rfEDEDOLOL colmp;ujtedrf!

Translation: When I try to type on my laptop to post on my blog, I get this kind of gar-bel-dy guck. Man! I'll never buy another Dell computer!

My laptop has been doing this on and off for about a year now and my son Ben, the techster, tells me it is a flaw with my particular model. Usually, it comes out of it and I am on my merry way again, but so far it is stubbornly sticking.

The worst part? When I copied the phrase and pasted it into this blog on the upstairs computer, I could actually read what it said.....Too bad everyone else can't. (Yes, I am complaining about having to walk all the way up the stairs to use the computer....lame, isn't it?)

I hope that by the time we are back from our trip to Idaho Falls for Thanksgiving, all will be well again. We are leaving on Wednesday and returning on Friday. Eating dinner at the Birds and the best part - EARLY MORNING SHOPPING WITH MY DAD! He is so fun to go with. He will pull up to the Birdhouse at 5:00 a.m. and have a nice cold diet pepsi waiting for me. At Fred Meyer (for the 1/2 price socks) he will get a cart and get in line while I grab the loot. But the best part is just hanging with him - he is so comfortable to be with. Ben might go with us - a double dose since Ben is the spitting image inside and out of his Grandpa Wray.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Friday, November 21, 2008

I'm crazy for these cuties!




My otherwise fairly dull week got a shot in the arm last night when my two favorite buddies, Cameron and Eli visited. There is never a dull moment with those two around. I love the unconditional love and joy that children offer. Can't you just see it on their faces?

I'm being a gushing grandma, aren't I? Okay, I'll stop and let you judge for yourself.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Conspicuous Consumption

It's that time of year again. Time to ramp it up for the holdiay shopping.

Every year, I swear I will spend less next year and not contribute to the conspicuous consumption that we Americans have become acustomed to. It is like an illness that we get and it seems so contrary to the real spirit of the season.

Like every year, I want to spend more time in service and thoughtful activities and less time shopping and spending.

So again this year, I will try to thoughtfully make a plan and

stick to it.

So far, I have made my list and found super deals.

Without revealing too much and ruining any surprises I have planned....

I went online to Bath & Body Works and purchased several products that were regularly $12.50 for $4.00 each plus free shipping. (I had a $10.00 coupon, too).

Online shopping is the way to go, man.

No lines, no road rage getting there, no temptations to buy "other stuff".

I highly recommend it.

Now, if I can just stick to my plan.

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Woman's Equivalent of Hunting


This is bargain shopping at it's best:

All of this cost a mere $12.78 at Albertson's today. Yes, that's four pies and four pints of ice cream for $1.59 each.
A friend told me to go and check it out and so I did, but not reading the fine print almost cost me this great deal. Which was that you buy one pie and the other is free. Underneath was the Bryers (my personal favorite) ice cream and it had the same special; buy one get one free.

Then, in the fine print was the real deal. No kidding - buy one pie (at $6.39), get one free and also get two Bryers ice cream free.
Of course, I usually bake all of my own pies (well ok - maybe at Thanksgiving and Christmas) but they are so handy to have in the freezer for a spontaneous dessert, or to just nosh on in the afternoon while you watch Oprah.

I think the special goes through tomorrow, so check out the Albertson's nearest you! (I could totally do their commercial....)

The moral of this story: Have a big scope on your rifle (aka: always read the fine print:)

Friday, November 14, 2008

Elder Scott Bird


Scott is able to view this blog about once a week from his mission and commented that he didn't like the picture of himself on the sidebar. In his words, "It makes me look like I'm 11 years old, or something."


So here is the new picture of him on the sidebar. He looks much older than 11, doesn't he? I think he is so handsome.


By the way - who knew my toilet seat post would stimulate so much meaningful conversation. Be sure to check out the comments. I learned soooo much.....

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Public Toilet Seats

Have you ever wondered about the toilet seats in women's restrooms? I don't mean the usual wonders like "who sat on this seat last and what did they have? or "How many germs are floating around here?"

I will describe the toilet seat in a public restroom and see if you can call it to your memory; if not, take a good hard look the next time you are in one.

What is the shape of the seat? Oval, but with about a four inch break in the very front.
What is the purpose of this?

I can only think of one and it doesn't involve women.

Obviously, the seats are man designed with a "spill proof" area in the front. Considerate, right?

Like I want to sit any part of my back side on the rim of a public toilet. It collects things.

But here's my big question? If men aren't using it, how are the collections getting there?

I know it begs the comment, "I just don't use public toilets," but lets be real - when nature calls what else are you going to do? Besides, have you ever seen an epitaph that read, "Here lies....died because she sat on a public toilet".

Now that you know one of my pet peeves, I want to tag Laura, Ben, Jo, Robin, Courtney, Lynda and Tami. Not to get a negative string going here, but we all have them and I am anxious to hear what they are! I would love to hear your comments on mine.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

A "Put Away" House

Tonight my next door neighbor came over to bring some mail that had mistakenly gone to her mailbox. I invited her in and asked her if she had seen the house since we had remodeled it and she reminded me that she had come to a candle party I had earlier in the year. She made the comment, "your house is so 'put away'."

As the evening has gone on, I have pondered what that comment meant. Does it mean that everything looks put away in my house? I took it as a compliment and am grateful that she couldn't see inside my pantry, drawers, closets and storage room. I may be "put away" on the outside, but inside those doors there exists a life of it's own. The one exception is my home office; it is a mess. An organized mess, if you know what I mean. Maybe it's because every time I organize things, they just get unorganized. I am not one to keep too much clutter around but if you asked my husband, he would tell you I'm a pack rat. Not! If I put a rug away because I want a temporary change, he wants to know when we are getting rid of it. He is much, much more organized than I. In fact, every night he "stages" his clothing and things for the next day; lays them out nice and neat in perfect order. He even has a bedroom that he has taken over for staging purposes. It drives me batty, though because everything is "out". The other night I got out what I was going to wear for the next day (which I usually don't do but I had an extra early morning) and he exclaimed, "are you staging?". He was so thrilled and proud of me. I prefer to keep my things crammed into any drawer, closet or cupboard that I can so I don't get stressed out by "not being put away".

I have a friend who, when you open a towel cupboard for instance, the towels are perfectly lined up and color coordinated. It looks like Bed, Bath & Beyond. I cannot make that happen; well, maybe for 12 hours or so.

So I will have to settle for just being "put away".

Reading this post, maybe I need to be "put away". What do you think? I love comments!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

A Tradition Is Born


Isn't is amazing how family traditions are born?

About twenty years ago, just before Richard's 7th birthday, I went to a store called "Pic-n-Save" (now "Big Lots") to get some birthday things to decorate the house with. I was so pleased with myself because I found a Happy Birthday sign for .29 cents. I raved about my great deal to Gordon and was so excited for the kids to go to bed so I could decorate the house. The time finally came and I began. I got everything done and the last thing to go up was the "Happy Birthday" sign. I opened the package, unrolled the sign and couldn't believe my eyes.

"Happy Birthday Chuck"??? No wonder it was .29 cents! Since it was late, we decided to leave it up. As we looked at the sign hanging there, we began to laugh and laugh and it became hysterically funny at that late hour.

We left it up. Birthday after birthday, year after year.

"Happy Birthday Chuck" became a coveted title for each birthday in the family. We loved the reaction we got when people would come to the door and ask, "who is Chuck?" Visitors wondered when we sang, "Happy Birthday Dear Chu-uck".

We had that sign for about nine years. One year, Richard decorated the dining room for one of his "friends that was a girl's" birthday breakfast. When it was over, he and his friends rolled all the decorations up and put them in the garbage, including the Chuck sign. I didn't discover it until Monday at about noon.

Just after the garbage truck had come.

Goodbye Chuck sign.

I can't tell you how much we mourned the loss of our beloved family heirloom. Birthdays would never be the same. We couldn't bring ourselves to get another sign.

We had almost resigned ourselves to the loss when, for "birthday week" in January, Gordon's brother Larry and his wife Janie got us this replacement "Chuck" sign along with a mini "Chuck" mug that everyone gets to use on their birthday. Although we missed the original sign (it was puny and ripped at the edges, but we were attached to it), we were relieved to have a replacement. We have had it for eleven years now, longer than we had the original.

I love the name "Chuck".

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Does 26 years seem like a long time?


(Double click to see a larger view of these pictures)

Benjo man
Benjo my Friend-jo
Benny Bumpkin
Benjamin Bunny
Ben-hamine
Walter
And finally.....
Mr. Benjamin Bird.

11/05/82 12:01 a.m.

26 years seems like a blink of my eye.

Happy Birthday, Ben! I Love You.

Jessica Jams It Up




Jessica made jam for her Young Woman In Excellence project! She made two batches all by herself and it turned out great. Gordon came in just as we were putting it into the jars and exclaimed, "You're canning!". I never knew he was so hopeful for us to be domestic. Jessica will display her goods tomorrow night for mutual. Grandpa Wray grew the raspberries!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

She did have a great time!

Jess reports that she had a great time at the dance. Actually, the dance was only part of what they did for the day. The group started off with breakfast (which turned out to be just hot choclolate)and on the way home, one of the boys riding in Jessica's car got sick and they had to stop so he could throw up. This was Meaghan's date. He also got sick on Homecoming day and she couldn't go to the dance or any of the activities that day. By mid afternoon, it was clear he wouldn't be able to go, so she got another date - quick. Anyway, at 1:00, they all went to the swim meet of some of the girls in the group and then had the afternoon free. At 6:45they met for pictures and then went to get something to eat after which they finally arrived at the dance. (Does anyone remember the day when we went to dinner, pictures and the dance?) After the dance they had a bonfire, which was really fun.

What I can't figure out, is all those years her brothers threatened to interview her dates and be here when she goes out and they have yet to show up with a shotgun.

Still waiting for that one......

Saturday, November 1, 2008

What is Sadie Hawkins?




Does anyone know what "Sadie Hawkins" really is? All I know is that for at least 30 years now, there is a dance by that name at every school every fall.

Tonight, Jessica went to Sadie Hawkins with a boy named Blaine. Meaghan (Jessica's best friend) went with a boy named Zack, not her original date; he got sick this morning and she found someone else in a hurry. Only Meaghan could pull that off. Here are some pictures of their group. Looks like fun, doesn't it?

Friday, October 31, 2008

A Thought for Today

"Perhaps most significant of all classrooms is the classroom of the home. It is in the home that we form our attitudes, our deeply held beliefs. It is in the home that hope is fostered or destroyed. Our homes are the laboratories of our lives. What we do there determines the course of our lives when we leave home. Dr. Stuart E. Rosenberg wrote in his book The Road to Confidence, 'Despite all new inventions and modern designs, fads and fetishes, no one has yet invented, or will ever invent, a satisfying substitute for one's own family.' "
~Thomas S. Monson~

Thursday, October 30, 2008

A Moment Most Disappointing

Last night the world series ended and my team didn't win. I am not a good loser, never have been and never will be, but I am learning to cope a little better as the years go by.

An incident that stands out in my mind is watching a football game that determined which team would go to the State playoffs. The game was tied and in the very last seconds, a pass was beautifully caught by the receiver over the top of the defender for a victory.

A victory for the other team. The defender - my son.

I can't describe the feeling I had as a mother watching my son in the end zone, his head down on his knee. It took my bad-loser attitude to a new level.

But something happens in situations like that - or can happen. Champions are born, character is built, men are made. We get to see what people are made of in times of challenge, trial and disappointment. I wasn't disappointed in what I saw that night.

If we won all the time, we would begin to think that life is like that.

And it is not.

Someone I greatly admire once said,

“[The fact is] most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …

“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride”.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Every hair on my head

About 9 months ago, I wanted a hair change and so I decided to go to Sherilyn, a friend of mine at Madril Hair Design. I have always had dark hair and have always liked it, but wanted a change.

Actually, for 48 years old, I have surprisingly little gray except for a few strays and a patch right where I like to part it. Is that bragging? I guess so, but it's true.

So, I went to get a change in my hair. I came out with beautiful blonde highlights.

I loved it.

Trying to get a response out of my husband, I would ask him what he thought of my new hair.

"I like it dark" is all he would say.

As I asked my boys what they thought, they would say the same thing. A few months later, I went back to Madril and with summer coming, I had Sherilyn put even more blonde highlights in my hair.

I loved it.

Gordon's response, "I like it dark".

Even Scott wrote in a letter saying, "What did you do Mom, put highlights in your hair???"

With the approach of fall and on my next visit, I told Sherilyn that I had to get more brown back in my hair because all the men in my life liked it that way. "As a matter of fact", I said, "I really like yours". It was a nice, rich brown with some beautiful blonde/carmel highlights on the top. So that is what we decided to do. Now, I should mention that red hair runs in my family (right out of the clairol bottle usually) and my hair has a tendency to go that way.

I was a little nervous as Sherilyn put the last "glaze" on my hair. It looked very apricot, not the pretty brown-ish I was expecting. Sherilyn even commented on the "pretty" apricot color. I was getting a gnawing in my stomach at what I was seeing.

Then when she blew my hair dry I was slightly nauseated at what I was seeing. I jumped in the car and hurried home to see what it looked like in a different light. As the sunlight hit my hair, I felt like I had reflectors on it, it was so bright; the nausea threatened to overtake me.

Every woman knows the feeling I am talking about.

It was not apricot hair. It was copper penny red! I am serious. I called Madril back and told Sherilyn I could not live with it. She told me to come right back and she could diffuse the red with another glaze. Two glazes later, it was a little better and there was nothing more she could do. I went home and fixed it as usual and tried not to feel like Grandma Nola, my henna-bottled, red headed grandmother that I adored. The next day was the BSU game and all I had to do was wear a royal blue shirt with my hair and I showed true Bronco spirit.

The part that I am just now getting over? When Gordon came home from work that night and I showed him my new hair, this is what he said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I really liked the blonde in your hair." Of course he did!

As my boys came over they would comment on my hair, "Well, isn't that nice?"

Or something equal to it.

As my hair has faded, I really love it. It is a rich auburn on the bottom with blondish-red highlights on the top. I am in a quandary as to what to do with it next because I can't go through the ultra red again to get it to this point. And, I really want the blonde highlights again. So what color will it be next month?

Something in the brown/auburn/blonde/red category, I'm sure. But hey, change is a good thing - right?

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Everyone needs a headlamp!


Saturday we had another workday putting away all the vestiges of summer; cleaning out the garden & putting away the boating accessories etc;. I should mention that it's the Royal We: "Of course when I say 'we', I mean 'you'". We use that phrase often with each other. I poked my head out into the garage while "we" were doing all the work and discovered Gordon on the ladder putting life jackets away into the attic. We are gadget people; we love all sorts of them and are intrigued with new ones. Imagine my surprise and delight when I saw Gordon wearing and using his headlamp. I had to take a picture. (isn't he handsome?)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Transported Back In Time

Have you ever heard a song on the radio and it transported you back to another time and place? That happened to me today - big time. Here's where it took me:
We were riding in Big red up the windey switchback road up to Sawtell in Island Park. Most every year we would drive up there and let the kids ride their bikes down. This particular year Gordon and I were in the front and in the back were Scott, Jessica and Spencer Foote (one of our adopted daughters). Scott was about 14 and Jess & Spencer were 10 and 9. Every year, we would have one CD that we would totally wear out on a trip and that year it was "The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel". I wish I could remember the proper name of the song, but the chorus goes, "Lie Lie-lie, (boom) Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie (repeat). I'm sure with that description, you know exactly what song I'm talking about...Anyway, whenever the boom part would come on, Scott would hold his hands up like he was shooting a shotgun. It was one of those things that you probably had to be there to get, but for the rest of that trip, the joke was, "Lie, Lie-Lie (boom)" and we would all shoot our shotguns. Literally, every time I hear that song, I think about a shotgun. But today, I thought about our Scottie boy and how much he is missed and Jess as a 10 year old, and I was having trouble keeping the tears from blurring my eyes as I drove - over a shotgun! A true blogger would have the technical savvy to have a clip of the song to play for you, but I'm not that technically developed - yet. If anyone knows the name of the song, please share.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A Beautiful Day




Today was one of those beautiful fall days full of sunshine, fallen leaves and grandsons. We spent much of the day outside playing in the leaves and I got sooooo many cute pictures. But I will control myself and only post a few of them.

If summer has to end, days like this make it bearable.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Scott

When Scott was about 7 years old, Howard W. Hunter was the President of our church. Not far into his presidency, he announced via a news conference that he had terminal cancer and not long to live.  We talked about it as a family and then continued on with our normal evening activities. Bedtime came and I went up to tuck Scott in as usual. I went to kiss him goodnight and there were tears streaming down his little face. 

"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I'm just so sad about President Hunter.  I love him so much." 

We talked for a while and when I could tell he felt a little better about it, we said a prayer together and then he went to sleep.I learned a lot about Scott that night.  Like his compassion towards others.   His testimony of a living prophet. 

When Scott was 3 years old, all the boys were in the backyard of our home in Sandy happily playing baseball or some other game.  Suddenly, there was Scott, walking very deliberately the length of the yard with a stern look on his face.  It was obvious that one of the boys had done something to make him mad.  When he reached the fence, he stood there and then wanged his head hard against it.  Then walked the same deliberate way back to where the boys were and resumed playing with them.  I learned a lot about Scott that day too.  Like - when enough's enough, you will know it.  Our family calls it the "crap/dang-it" moments.  It's one of his most endearing traits and everyone in the family is very entertained by it.He has been gone 16 1/2 months now.  I miss his compassion, his spirit, his humor, and yes - his "crap/dang-it" moments. 

He's all grown up now and he deserves to be called a man, but he'll always be my dark haired, chubby cheeked little baby boy.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

James


When James was a baby, he very rarely took a nap; maybe a catnap every now and then. When all of the other kids would sit and watch a movie or do a quiet activity, James would be exploring; seeing what kinds of things there were in drawers and boxes. One day when he was two I thought he was napping and a friend who lived behind me called and casually mentioned that James was playing in the street with a bunch of neighborhood kids. "No", I said, "he is taking a nap". Sure enough, he was outside. So the next day I purposely got on the phone and turned my back to the door; you guessed it, a few minutes later, there went two year old James sneaking out the front door! I was shocked at the audacity of this two year old boy of mine. I maintained that if we could channel all of his energy, some day he would be unstoppable.

Fast forward twenty years: He is a returned missionary married in the temple to a knock-out blond beauty (inside & out), an honor student on scholarship at BSU, in the student senate, in the Bishopric of his ward, and top salesman for his summer company, Gemtek. Energy channeled. Period.

But even more, he is the kind of young man that people just love to be around. He has this contagious smile and laugh that just light up a room. He is so fun to have conversations with about politics, religion, sports, life, and the latest hot topics. He is my buddy, my friend, someone I can confide in and someone I am proud of. Unstoppable.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

8-Tagged by Laura and Michelle

8 Favorite T.V. Shows
Deadliest Catch
American Idol
So You Think You Can Dance
Dancing With the Stars
24
The Office
Medium


8 Favorite Restaurants
Taco Del Mar
Qdoba
Carinos
Cheesecake Factory (Their food is as delicious as their cheesecake!)
Smokey Mountain Pizza & Pasta
Pita Pit
Texas Roadhouse
The Mexican place by the Mall

8 Things That Happened This Week
Got my stitches out from the knee scope
Rested and recuperated my knee.......
Listed my first Million Dollar house!
Learned a new program to manage real estate listings
Watched the third presidential debate
Sent Gordon off on his week-long huntng trip
Went to Carinos with Jess

8 Things I Look Forward To
Seeing my grandsons
Having more grandchildren
Ben and Laura moving back to Boise
Scott returning from his mission
Watching Jessica dance
Traveling
Selling my listings

8 Things On My Wish List
A convertible
A cabin
A new laptop computer
The gophers to go away forever
All of my family to live close by
Gas prices to go down
Our economy to stable-ize (?)
A train to go around the Christmas Tree

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Why I love Ben


Ben loves horses. Horses love Ben. He can handle horses better than all of us put together; they just seem to have this special relationship. One of my friends says that Ben looks like the "Marlboro Man". If you don't know who that is, you're probably too young to remember. (If you ask me, I'll tell you, though.)

I'm going to brag here and talk about some really great things he has accomplished in the past couple of years.
He made the Dean's list for the Marriot School of Business at BYU.
He had a cumulative GPA of 3.94.
He will complete his Master's degree in 4 1/2 years.
He has a job offer with Deloitte & Touche in their Tax Dept.

When it comes to computers, just ask him any question and he usually knows the answer right away and if not, he will email you within the hour with instructions on how to fix your problem. I asked him why he didn't minor in something TECH and he said it wouldn't be as fun if it was work. He has an informational blog on computers and the link is on this page.

I always say that having Ben around is like having a warm blanket on. He is just so soothing and comforting to talk to or just be in the same room with without even talking. When he leaves, there is this cool draft and it seems like you feel it forever. He told me Sunday that he gave a talk in church about patience. I asked him if he shared the greatest lesson he has learned in patience and he told me no, that he is uncomfortable sharing his life-changing experience with everybody. We agreed that it is best shared one on one. But, I believe, it is such a part of why Ben is the way he is. When he first got home from his mission, he gave a family prayer and I opened my eyes to look around because I felt like he was truly having a conversation with God.

I miss having Ben be a part of my everyday life. But, like his brother Rich, watching him as an adult puts a smile on my face and makes me happy. He is a kind and considerate husband and I know he will make a great father. I love him and...I really like him too.

Coming soon...James

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I love My Sons



President Monson mentioned in his comments during conference that most parents experience a pang of loss from time to time after their children have left the nest. We still have Jess at home with us and so the nest is not empty yet, but all of my boys have flown and I just want to say how much I love them, appreciate them, and yes - miss them.

I'll start with Richard. One of the things I love the most about Richard is his sense of humor, as is evidenced in this picture. He always has just the funny thing to say at just the right moment and keeps us smiling and laughing when he's around. We all love to listen to him tell a story or experience because he does it so well. As my firstborn, we joke that he has been our guniea pig and that he still is. He has been so good natured about it!

As a mother, I feel so grateful to see this wonderful son so diligently complete his education, enter the work force, and support his family. He is such a hard worker and juggles so many things so well. But more than this, I feel blessed to see the kind of husband and father he has become. When I watch him with his two little boys, Cam and Eli, my heart swells. He was always good with kids; he practically raised Jessica and it was him that she took her first steps to. I am amazed at the instincts he has for teaching them responsibility and guiding them. I watch the boys, especially Cam, when Rich is talking and I see that Cam wants nothing more than to be just like his daddy.

Do I miss having him around and part of my everyday life? You bet! But to watch him as an adult is a rich experience that I wouldn't trade. Not only do I love him, but I like him.

You're next Ben....

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Tagged by Laura!

I have never been tagged before, so this is a first for me.

Ten years ago, I:

1)Had all five of my children living at home.
2)Had three days a week to myself for the first time when Jessica started 1st grade.
3)Worked as the "Computer Support Specialist" at Capital Seminary two days a week.
4)Was the ward Young Women's president.
5)Had fewer wrinkles!

Five things on my "to do" list:
1)Complete 2 new real estate listings to go on the market.
2)Polish my nails.
3)Clean out my summer flower pots (a sad, sad day):
4)Balance my checkbooks.
5)Program my new purple phone.
(I just completed the last two because I am gimping around from a knee scope I had on Thursday afternoon).

Five snacks I enjoy are:
1)My favorite of Cracker Jacks & Diet Coke.
2)M&M's & Diet Coke.
3)Potato Chips & Diet Coke.
4)Pretzels & Diet Coke.
5)Grapes & Diet Coke? I don't think so.....

Five things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1)Buy a cabin/second home.
2)Buy a convertible for me; new truck for Gordon.
3)Buy all my kids a new home.
4)Invest in real estate, especially now while the market is down.
5)Help those less fortunate.

Five places I have lived:
1)Idaho Falls, ID.
2)Rexburg, ID.
3)Pocatello, ID.
4)Sandy, UT.
5)Boise, ID.

Five jobs I have had:
1)Camp counselor
2)Receptionist/Secretary at a Law Firm
3)Aerobics Instructor
4)Real Estate Agent
5)A Mom:)

I TAG ROBIN, LYNDA, JO, SUZANNE AND HOLLY.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Todd is on the mend!


I left for Idaho Falls on Sunday to go and see Todd and the timing was perfect because he was leaving Dale's house for his own and I was there to help him get settled. Just in the time that I was with him, I saw a lot of improvement in his skin color, eyes and mobility. We even went for a drive up to the Ririe cemetery where Mom is and drove all around the Ririe/Heise area. The leaves were turning and it was absolutely splendid! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers on Todd's behalf. He still has a long ways to go and could still use them. It's so nice to have my brother back!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Kids are like sponges

Last night I was giving Cam and Eli a bath before their mom came to pick them up. They were playing with all of Scott's old bathtub boats, one of which has a rope with a water-ski handle (stick) tied to the end of it. We were playing waterskiing and the girl (a mini-barbie - sorry Rich) was trying to get up. I said, "What do I need to do to get up?" Cam replied, "Just push down on that back foot! If you lose the rope, I'll come around and bring it to you." I was amazed that he would remember the very thing that Gordon and the boys tell someone trying to get up on a slalom ski. It will make the Bird Men proud.

As for me, I'm watching what I say!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Two of my favorite boys!





Today I got to spend the afternoon with Cameron and Eli. We played in the backyard and ate lunch. Eli loved poking around in the garden, picking the green cherry tomatoes. I didn't mind, as long as he didn't eat them. He only tried that once. He also loves the "rock garden" unintentionally created just for the boys near the back gate.
Cam loves to play soccer, jump on the trampoline and play two square. They both love to get the nozzles to the hose and play "guns". I am amazed how little boys pick that up. No mother I know ever said to their little boy, "here's a (hose nozzle, bread crust, stick, etc;) now see if you can shoot each other. I know from experience - it just happens, like the truck sound that comes out sometime between a year and a year and a half. In case you can't tell, I just love little boys, especially these two.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Homecoming Dance

Jessica and her date, R.J.


Jessica went to Homecoming, her first formal dance, on Saturday night. She looked like a princess. Saturday was a crazy day, with Jessica's group day activities and of course, the BSU/Oregon game. (BSU 37-Oregon 32) Go Broncos!
Anyway, with the game going on, Ashlee and Lauren over to help with hair, Rich & Jo and the boys & James over for the game and Katrina helping shorten the necklace, it was grand central station around here, for sure. But boy, was it fun.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Our daughter the Linebacker



Last night was the Junior/Senior powder puff football game at Centennial High School. Jessica played linebacker for the Juniors. It brought back a lot of memories sitting in the Patriot stands watching football, although we were cheering for girls instead of guys. It was pretty intense. The Seniors won in overtime, but it was great fun! Rich, Cam & Eli came along for the fun, too.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

How about some stirring political debate?

Will no one spar with me on the politics of the day? I even made a comment about a certain party on my "rebuked again" post and commented on it myself and STILL no one will engage me. Come on! What about the economy? What about the government bailing out AIG? What about Sarah Palin's emails being hacked into? What about Barry's hollywood fundraiser? What about John McCain's arms? War service? Do you think pigs look good with lipstick? Do you think the media is biased toward one party or another? How does Sarah Palin do so many things at once? Did anyone see the way the McCains were treated on "The View?" Barry and Michelle? Should there be drilling in Anwar? Is anyone voting absentee? Is everyone VOTING? How about Wall Street???? Whether you bleed red or blue - I want to hear from you! (Hey, that sounds like a campaign slogan.....

Gordon, Jess and Julie hit the hills on the horses!


On Labor Day weekend, Gordon took Jess and I up to Donnelley to ride the horses. We had a wonderful time, riding right over the mountains where we could see a view of the whole Cascade, Donnelley, McCall valley. We had a wonderful time with one little glitch; on the way back, it was pretty much straight downhill. (Yes, when you go up, you must come down). I thought Jess was being a trooper and so I wasn't about to complain either; after all, people pay a lot of money to do what Gordon was taking us to do and many never get to see nature in that way. I almost made it the whole way down without complaining when we came across two logs, which Ginger decided to lunge over (going sharply downhill, mind you); then she abruptly stopped and shook her mane out and I almost went straight over her head. Only my sturdy grip on the saddle horn and superior horsewomanship kept me on. (And also the cool cowboy boots and hat I was wearing...) At this point, out of nowhere, an involuntary word came out of my mouth directed at my husband, the Bishop. He was happily on his way, thinking we were doing great, which we were for the most part. I think he was a little stunned by the outburst. Then he said to Jess (trying to give us a little hope), "look, theres a road". "There's no road ANYWHERE, Dad" (even she was at her limit). Right then we turned the corner and there was the road and the truck and horse trailer. We made it so close! If we only could have held on for another five to ten minutes, Gordon never would have known we were sweating anything! That being said, it was a fantastically wonderful ride, great view, fresh air and quality time together. One of my favorite parts? At the top we stopped and I had my favorite snack:)

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My Favorite Snack


My very favorite snack in the whole world is "Cracker Jacks".  It's the perfect snack; it satisfies the desire for something a little sugar-y, the nuts are great protein and the popcorn gives immediate energy.  Combine it with a diet coke and you have the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.  Or, it's good at 10:00 a.m. like this morning.  However, it is getting harder to find Cracker Jacks at my favorite gas stations.  Some carry them and some don't.  When I ask if they carry them, or why they don't, I always get, "we have "Fiddle Faddle".  Like there is ANY comparison at all between the two. I usually buy the little snack size, but was pleasantly surprised to find cartons (three little boxes bound together)at Harpos in Cascade.  I usually don't like the cartons because they aren't very fresh, but these had little liners inside and were so fresh! The boxes are just the right size to carry in your purse, your car, your desk, the cupboard, the boat, or anywhere.
Don't the small things in life just really make your day?

Rebuked (yet again) by the Recycle Man!


I had a wonderful idea on Monday to recycle all of the cardboard cartons that were filling up the garbage can. I also had a large brown box and so I decided to recycle that too. I carefully put them all together, segregated them, as seems to be the appropriate thing to for the recycle man. Hey, I'm no dummy - I learned from the first rebuke I got: everything MUST be segregated. So, imagine my surprise when I find that they have left the brown box with all the cartons in it with a big old note stapled on it: Must FLATTEN boxes. Some day I'll learn....Or maybe, if the green democrats get elected, there will be a special tax credit for "flattening cardboard boxes" for recycling. Hey, I'm all for a social program to deal with that. It would keep all of us low-lifes who don't know the proper ettiquitte of recycling from making such faus-pax. Proper motivation from my government will make all the difference, I'm sure!