A Christmas to remember......full of miracles

This Christmas will be one Christmas that I will never forget, one full of miracles. On Dec. 11th, my Mom called me to tell us that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was devastated and full of anxiety and stress. I cried on the phone with her, "It's not fair". I told her as the tears ran down my face. After a session at the Fresno temple on Fri. the 12th, I had peace and a stillness in my heart and I knew she was going to be ok.. The kids and I flew to Salt Lake City on Dec. 18th (via Southwest Airlines, southwest airlines--we love you!). After a long day of traveling I met up with my family members and Mom and Dad at Zupas (yummy place to eat). My parents were at peace. That evening we gathered around for a priesthood blessing that was given to my Mother, there once again was a feeling of peace and answers to prayers. That evening my brother and Dad joined my Mother for a hair shaving ritual. Again my Mom accepted this trial with grace and a sense of humor as she smiled when she saw all her hair fall to the ground. On Friday, Dec. 19th my Mom entered the OR at 2:25 pm.. My awesome and wonderful sister, see her blog at www.wickhamfamily.blogspot.com watched my kids so I could go to the hospital to be with my Dad. I got to the hospital around 5:30 pm. Around 7:00 pm the wonderful and awesome Dr. Cook, came looking for us in the hospital cafeteria. He sat down and talked to us like he didn't have anything else to do that evening. He used the words miracle and mystery quite a few times as he described her four hour surgery. My Dad and I sat on the edges of our chairs as we listened intently to his description of how he rescued Grizelda, (for more on Grizelda, http://www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com/). The words coming from his mouth were words of magic and a miracle. Grizelda was not cancerous, she would not require chemo or radiation. And the amazing Dr. Cook was able to remove the tumor, he called it a lymhangioma. Granted, they are still waiting for a full pathology report, but everything looks good! And another blessed miracle is that my Mother was able to recover with full eyesight without any visual impairment! Grizelda was resting on Mom's optical nerve. Dr. Cook was amazed that she wasn't blind already. My Dad and I embraced and cried, yes, right there in the hospital cafeteria--of all places. My Dad and I found the hospital chapel and knelt down and gave a prayer of thanks and thanks and thanks, we cried some more! Then we started making THE PHONE CALLS--close to a hundred or so. We called the sisters, brother, grandma, aunts, and friends. Everyone rejoiced with us as we told them the good news. The neurosurgeon then came to find us and he also told us that his part was finished, putting the skull back together. He said everything went well and he was pleased with the outcome and how well she was doing. They took my Mom to ICU and my Dad and I followed her up there. At this point I agian offered another prayer of thanks, I was so grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping me get through nursing school. I could read the monitors and I KNEW she was ok. I made sure she was comfortable and my Dad and I left the hospital around 10:30 PM. My Mom spent two days in ICU and then another day on the regular floor. The night she was on the surgical floor I was able to spend the night with her. I loved it, I loved being in the hospital right next to my Mother. I was able to take care of her and everything she needed. It was an experience I will never forget! Monday afternoon my Mom was discharged and was able to go home. She is doing very well and each day she gets stronger and stronger. The kids and I flew home on Tues. the 23rd, again another miracle, we came home without a hitch in the traveling plans. Oh, we did have another small miracle on the way home, we were about ten miles away from our house and the gas gauge was blinking red and it was on EMPTY! The numbers said I had 3 miles to go. Again my wonderful kids offered some prayers that we would get there safely, and we coasted into the gas station right by our house. YES, another miracle and prayers answered. We anxiuosly came home to an excited Dad and husband. This Christmas season has definitely been one of answered prayers, diligent faith, hope and peace!

Please pray for us!

Last week, Dec. 11th, to be exact my dear mother called me to tell me and my husband that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was devastating! I was a hysterical mess. On. Fri. the 12th I was still a mess and I made a last minute decision to go to the temple. There was peace, hope and answers to prayers. I felt reassured and hopeful and full of faith that my Mom would be ok.. And she is. So I made some arrangements with credit card in hand and the kids and I are flying to Utah tomorrow. My Mom will have surgery on Fri. the 19th at 3:00 PM. We will be returning on the 23rd so we can spend Christmas here. Please pray for us that the kids and I will have a safe and uneventful travel. And please pray for my Mom, Sherrie Johnson, that she will have peace, comfort, faith and a healthy and speedily recovery. Check out her blog at www.sherriejohnson.blogspot.com. Her posts are full of faith, optimism, and prayer and her main focus is on the Savior Jesus Christ.
Happy Holidays to all!

It's really ok?

This past week.....

I have tried and tested the concept of balancing to see how many dishes I can pile in the sink.

I wanted to see how long my kids could wear the same clothes day after day because I just haven't got the laundry done.

I wondered if my three year old will develop kidney failure after devouring 15-20 kids chewable vitamins.

I wanted to see how many times I could leave the driveway in one day. Tuesday I think I broke my record. It was a horrendous day!

I have come to realize that it is really ok that we don't get our outdoor Christmas lights up, even though everyone else in the cul-de-sac has theirs up and got them up the day after Thanksgiving. And our neighbors for the last two years in a row have won the city decorating contest.

I really can function with 3-4 hours of sleep a night, (not recommended).

I have learned that it's really ok to say "no", sorry folks, I can't be all things to all people. (even though sometimes I think I can).

Through all the crazinees this week has brought upon me, I have also learned that.....

I am extremely grateful for wonderful, listening friends

I am grateful for small answers to prayers

That being in an upright position and breathing in and out is a wonderful blessing.

I am thankful for laughter and the people who make me laugh, (my sisters and my brother--thanks!)

And I am most thankful for a loving, gracious, kind Heavenly Father who loves me and the knowledge that I have, that I am a daughter of God.

I can't stop listening to.......

......Barlow Girl Home for Christmas

My favorite track is #2 Carol of the Bells

Birthday Highlights

Abigail getting ready to open her gifts.


Her request for dessert was vanilla ice cream with lots of toppings!

My favorite part of the party was this customized Bingo game I made from this website www.print-bingo.com. We used Skittles for the markers.

Abigail and her party guests

Everyone, including Dad had a blast in the SpongeBob bounce house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABIGAIL!

Our third child and only girl turned seven today. Abigail Ivy Kerr was born on Nov. 29th, 2001 in Salisbury, Maryland. Of the four children's birth's she was by far the easiest and least painful. Also, my smallest coming into this world at 7 lbs. 6 ozs.. Abigail has a passion and enthusiasm for life. She excels in school and is an avid reader. She loves all her friends and is a social butterfly. She is a confident, smart little girl. Growing up with three brothers isn't always easy for Abigail, but she can hold her own and fight for what she wants, (good or bad).
We love you Abigail! Happy 7th Birthday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for:

1. My Savior, Jesus Christ

2. My family

3. My friends

4. My husband

5. Good food

6. My home

7. My van

8. the gospel

9. my freedom

10. for everything that I have

This is just a short list of everything that I am thankful for. My Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and for him I am eternally in debt to him.

The Christmas Sweater

This book is amazing! Has anyone else read it? I loved every second of it. The author does a fantastic job of retelling what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. I highly recommend this novel for the Christmas season. Also, makes a perfect gift for the Christmas season. If you are a fast reader you could probably finish it in a couple of hours. Enjoy! Let me know how you like it?

What day is it? Random senseless thoughts

What day is it? It is one month before Christmas. Where has the time gone? This morning I awoke to the numbers on the clock that read 7:11 am. I was in a panic, I did not know where I was. Usually I am awakened around 6 or 6:30 and contemplate the world unitl 7:00 am. The first question I asked my husband, was "What day is it?" He kindly replied, "Tuesday, Nov. 25th, 2008". I hurried out of bed so I could get my oldest son off to Jazz band practice.
I have the sweetest visiting teaching superviser, she called last night to get my visiting teaching report for the month. I said "For the month of November, already, you've got to be kidding." I had to think to myself that yes, it was the 24th of the month. Just another mental note to myself that this year has gone by WAY TO FAST!
Time has gone by way too fast, I don't know what time of year it is. I went into the portrait studio today (to order my children's beautiful pictures) and they have decorated their lobby with lovely fall decorations, a scarecrow, pumpkins and beautiful fall leaves. And then I go to the music store and they are all decked out for Christmas, tinsel strung from here to there and bows decorating the countertops. It's not Thanksgiving yet. People, don't confuse me! I don't need anymore confusion in my life. Keep your decorations for the right season. But, one thing I have done to confuse myself is listen to Christmas music, my husband gives me a hard time because I have so many Christmas CD's. This year my favorites are
MercyMe Christmas Sessions
Casting Crowns Peace on Earth
Check them out, you won't be disappointed
Well, that's enough random senseless thoughts for the day. And all of you who check my blog:
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Twilight!

Is there anyone else out there who saw Twilight this weekend? What did you think? I thought it was very good. But of course the book was a lot better than the movie. Did anyone else catch Stephanie Meyer in the movie? I want to see it again, anyone want to go with me?

I AM THANKFUL!

Let's just say yesterday (Sunday) was just not a good day. I saw my husband maybe a total of fifteen minutes, he was 'on call' and had to attend to many church responsibilites yesterday. Poor thing, he came home at 9:00 pm and he was still in his suit and tie. And yesterday my 6 yr. old girl screams were a few decibels higher than normal. Aaron had a pee accident right on my camera bag, I am thankful it didn't get into my camera, just the bag. Anyway, like a good Mormon mother I gathered my children for Family Home Evening, Tyler was so excited to make and present his 'Thanksgiving word search". It was awesome! And then we got started on our Thanksgiving tree, as the kids and I started writing down all the things we are thankful for, my whole attitude changed. We wrote down the things we are thankful for on diecuts of leaves and turkeys and then taped them to a large piece of white butcher paper and hung it on the wall. It was wonderful to see and hear from my children all the things they are thankful for, some of my favorites were, freedom, prop 8 passed, living in the USA, free agency, my skills, love. As a family it was fun to step back and admire our work of art. By the time it was time for bed, I was much happier and thankful for ALL that he has blessed me with. Yes, I am thankful my daughter can sream as loud as she wants, because that means she is alive and healthy! Yes, I am thankful my three year old can go to the bathroom on his own, even though he does have accidents. Yes, I am thankful my husband can work on Sundays and help those who are sick. Yes, I am thankful he is at the church during tithing settlement all Sunday afternoon, becuase of his service we are blessed!!!!!!

A Night Out!

Once a year we get to get a babysitter during the middle of the week, Thurs. evening and go to the hospital gala. The seventh day adventist worship from sudown Fri. to sundown on Sat., so the gala is on Thurs. night. (hubby is indirectly employed by Seventh Day Adventist Hosptial). Anyway, so I was so excited to dress up and leave my lovely children for an evening. Our babysitter (wonderful Beth, we love you!) took this first picture of us. I have a huge smile on my face and am leaning in on my husband, trying to get close with the back hug, AND he looks like he's getting ready to join the military! What is up with us? Oh, how dreadful! So, we get to the Gala and I realize my hubby is wearing his black suit with brown shoes, good thing it was dark and I don't think anyone noticed except me.

I have very sensitive eyes and I DONT do indoor pictures very well, my darling husband doesn't look too bad in this photo, at least we're both leaning in on each other, a little bit anyway. But, as for me about 99% of the time my eyes are closed with indoor shots. So, my husband says look above the camera.............

............welll, this is us "looking up". Yeah! we look like dorks! What are we doing? Gazing up into the heavens just thinking about our eternal relationship? Or is that we're just lost in the romantic monent? Or are we both so tired that we just want to go home and go to bed (I think we are getting too old)?

This is not the greatest picture in the world, but the entertainment for the evening was the "Fab Four" (Beatles imitation group), they were awesome!

And we came home with these lovely favors. Do we need another glass mug in this house?

Overall, a very nice evening out with JD, exciting entertainment and yummy food!

Sniffels the Leaky Nose

Man, my man is hairy! This is a contraption called 'Sniffels the Leaky Nose' you can take the cap off the bottom and the candy drips out and you can catch the candy with your tongue. Amazing! What will they think of next?

I'm such a mean Mom!

My three year old Aaron was in DESPERATE need of a nap! So, I coerecd him into the van by telling him we would go to McDonald's and get ice cream (I knew he would be asleep before we got there). Well, one minute into the drive he was fast asleep and he is sleeping on my bed and I am LOVING the quiet time. I've got fifteen minutes before the other kids start anxiously entering the front door with hungry bellies and shoulders to hug!

Cheeto mouth and green snot--gotta love it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!

Ten years ago today I gave birth to our second son, Tyler Robert Kerr was born on Nov. 11th, 1998. He was born at Altoona Hospital in Altoona, PA. Jay Dee was in his last year of residency. Tyler came into this world very fast, I remember timing the contractions at home, I called the dr., and he said come in and get checked, he checked me and told me to get to the hospital right away that I was dilated to a 6. Tyler came into this world at 8 pounds 7 oz., 21 in.. He was the best baby ever, so quiet and calm, I remember he loved his pacifier, he had that pacifier until he was two years old.

I admire Tyler for his hard work, diligence, faith, he is a good example to those around him, he is very sensitive to the needs of others, he tries his best to please other people and make them happy. He is smart and such a good student at school.

Tyler I Love You and Happy 10th birthday!

We have had many celebrations this weekend for Tyler's birthday, Sat. as a family we went and saw 'Madagascar 2' , cute show, it was fun to go to the movies with the family. Sunday was his birthday dinner, he requested, steak, potatoes, green beans, salad, Texas toast and ice cream and brownies. Monday night we let him open his presents from us, Grammy and Lori. He got a Nerf gun, Legos, Swiss Army Knife, Webelos book and it's just not his birthday unles he gets lots of army stuff . The kids were off school yesterday and today so that's why he opened his gifts last night so he could play with them all day today. He also had one of his friends spend the night last night, they stayed up till 11 pm watching 'Incredible Hulk'. Today we took off to Fresno and played at 'Pump it Up' and then went to 'In and Out'. (My husband says that sounds like a cheap porno flick). Anyway, we have had a full birthday weekend. His last request is Pumpkin Pie, we will have that tonight with birthday candles in it. (he doesn't really care for cake, so he requests pumpkin pie every year).

Halloween Dinner!

I had so much fun this Halloween with my four little monsters! Last Tues. we made a gingerbread Halloween house and wed. night we had a Halloween dinner, Thurs. afternoon we carved pumpkins and Fri. was trunk-or-treat at the church. So needless to say on Sat., I did NOTHING!

These were the gummy bugs I put in the drinks.

Orange jello salad

Witches fingers

Bat stew

Homemade root beer served out of a black couldron

The kids LOVED it!

Just finished.....

This book is AMAZING! This is the second time I have read it and it was better the second time. This is an adventurous story of will-power, love and devotion. Mary Ingles is captured by the Shawnee Indians and it is a story of how she escapes from the Indians and her surviaval to get back home. If your looking for something different and adventurous, this is a must read! Enjoy!

Blogging about Blogging!

I have been very busy these last couple of weeks, (reading other people's blogs besides posting on mine). So, these are the things I have been doing that I would have LOVED to blog about, including pictures.
1. Disneyland Trip---had a blast! Got cheap hotel prices through priceline.com. It was fun to see the Wickham's, Lori and Brenda.
2. Hospital Beam Signing Ceremony---so fun and so random! They are constructing a new hospital in our city. The last steel beam was ready to be placed. The night before this was to be done, the hospital hosted a 'beam signing ceremony'. Mostly administration and contruction crew was there. They had a nice tent with lovely refreshments. Everyone was able to sign the last steel beam. There were phrases on it, like 'bless all who enter', 'here works the best nurses', phrases like that, it was pretty cool. My darling husband wrote JK (heart) TK, it was so cute and adorable. We were also able to tour the construction site on golf carts, with construction hats!
3. Massage therapy and chiropractic care----SO NICE! I have never had a real professional massage or been to a chiropractic, but I am hooked. My back and neck have really been giving me problems lately, so off I went. After an hour massage and eight trips to the chiropractic I fell much better, I can actually turn my head without it hurting.
4. Trip to see sister (Kirsha)---awesome weekend! This is an experience where I learned to follow my heart and listen to the spirit and I did not regret it! Sister fun, it was amazing! Why sisters are special:
A. We got to share a large piece of chocolate layer cake with raspberries and raspberry sauce together at midnight!
B. I got to feed her newborn (6 wk old) a formula bottle because she was just to drained to nurse anymore.
C. I helped her move after a stressful landlord situation, with four kids in tow.
D. I was able to put her baby to sleep, with the 'bounce and sway' method I learned with my fussy baby.
E. I was able to make Halloween houses with Jane and Abigail, so cute watching 2 1/2 year old Jane put glue everywhere and watching almost seven year old Abigail, with her perfectionistic mind put her's together.
F. Getting take-out for every meal. Love PG Chang's take out and Olive Garden take-out!
G. Sleeping on the blow up bed in the front room.
H. Thinking so badly that Kirsha could really use the last of the leftover cheeecake (from Olive Garden), because after all she is nursing and she needs the calories, but no I am selfish and I LOVE cheesecake, so I ate every last bit. Then talking to her on the phone and I apologized for eating it and not leaving it for her and she says, "You earned that piece of cheesecake"! Kirsha, you are awesome! That's what sisters are for.
I. Getting to see Steve Young and going to his Sunday School class, good lesson!

Overall, an awesome experience!

Thanks for tuning in!
Talena

Conference, Chili and Cornbread

WOW, what an awesome weekend, I DID NOT go anywhere except to the big blue comfy chair to watch conference and I soaked up every minute of it. The words of the prophets were amazing! I needed to hear every word that was spoken. My favorites parts were the children's choir and the documentary on President Monson, and I quote from his documentary. "If he needs an errand run, than I, Thomas S. Monson will run it for him." In my notebook I copied that down, I wrote down, if the Lord needs and errand run, than I, Talena Kerr will run it for him.

Sunday my friend came over and she helped me make a big pot of chili, the weather here has actually cooled down enough where chili sounded good. We started off the second session with steaming bowls of chili, and yummy cornbread dripped in butter and honey and then listened to the last session of conference. It was delightful!

I miss him....

I miss my darling husband, he is traveling to Texas for a few days. He is also enjoying and getting spoiled by my sister who lives there. He does work a lot of hours, so I thought oh, what's three days, I can handle it. I actually missed him last night, especially when it was time to put the kids to bed, for HE is the one who makes sure that they ALL brush their teeth. HE is the one that makes sure ALL lights are turned out. HE is the one that locks all the doors and windows. HE is the one who sets his alarm clock and gets us moving in the morning (I don't do mornings very well). He is the one who takes Jacob to school. HE is the one who will rub my back at night. My darling husband I miss you and love you.

GNO

I was so thrilled last night to escape the demands of motherhood for a night and go out with some girlfriends to a movie and to dessert.

I was SO ready to leave at 7 PM, picked up my friend, and we were headed to see "The Women", cute show! And then it was off to Applebee's for some dessert, we ordered the blondies and our lovely waiter returned to tell us that they did not have anymore sauce for the blondies, "What?", that's the best part of the blondies. How could they possibly be out of the delicous decadent, rich, yummy sauce. We were a little perturbed, but settled for some different yummy dessert, had some good laughs and headed home.

So, my wonderful husband was up waiting for me, even though he had to get up early on a Sat., he asked the usual questions, Who did you go with?, Where did you go?, How was the movie?, And then our conversation led to a very interesting question that he asked me.

If your life was a movie, what would the title be?

So, I had to think for a minute, I asked him if there could only be one title. So, I gave him a few suggestions: (trying to feed his ego)

The adventures of living with Dr. Kerr

Superhuman Dr.

My awesome husband

Silly and boring titles, but I think I came up with a more serious title.

Life--I Am Blessed, I think would be the title of my life's movie. So, reader's (all 3 of you) I am interested to know what would be the title of your life's movie. I would love to read them in my comment section.

Just finished......The Eaves of Heaven

I just finished an excellent book titled "The Eaves of Heaven"
Here's a synopsis of the book, taken from Amazon.com
I loved the book, very interesting and I learned a lot about the history of Vietnam and the wars that took place there.


In a narrative set between the years of 1940 and 1976, Pham (Catfish and Mandala) recounts the story of his once wealthy father, Thong Van Pham, who lived through the French occupation of Indochina, the Japanese invasion during WWII, and the Vietnam War. Alternating between his father's distant past and more recent events, the narrative take readers on a haunting trip through time and space. This technique lends a soothing, dreamlike quality to a story of upheaval, war, famine and the brutality his father underwent following a childhood of privilege (And that strange year, the last of the good years, all things were granted. Heaven laid the seal of prosperity upon our land. We were blessed with the most bountiful harvest in memory). For those not familiar with Vietnamese history, Pham does an admirable job of recounting the complex cast of characters and the political machinations of the various groups vying for power over the years. In the end, he also gracefully delivers a heartfelt family history. (June) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Sound of Quiet

Aaron was soooo excited to go to preschool today, he ran out to the van with his backpack.

The sound of quiet is when all four of my kids are out of the house! Jacob, Tyler and Abigail are off to school. And Aaron started preschool today, YEAH! I can hear the ceiling fan humming, and the computer buzzing. I do not hear Dora the Explorer in the background, or Guitar Hero blaring from the family room. It is wonderful, I do not know what to do with myself. I think I will go to the gym and workout. And I think we are actually pretty close to having Aaron fully pott-trained, YEAH!

Why I loved this summer

This has been probably one of the funnest most enjoyable summers that I have had with my family. I have been contemplating it and trying to figure out while I have loved this summer. I have dug deep and hurt my brain coming up with some anwers and this is what I came up with. So, here it is, my list of why I loved this summer (not in any particular order).

1. I hired a cleaning lady

2. Our oldest is twelve and he was my built in babysitter

3. I actually found (thanks to Mariah) and purchased a swimming suit that I loved being in all summer. http://www.hapari.com/

4. I set no expectations or goals this summer, ie: my kids will read this many books, or we will finish this project, so when I actually DID have the kids help me clean out our master closet I was absolutely thrilled and excited for myself.

5. I just enjoyed my kids and HAD FUN!

Some of my favorite things we did this summer, waterpark, adventure park, pismo beach, a night at Sundance with my husband, Utah trip, Dodgers game, Fresno Zoo.

And they're off......

Abigail started first grade, she was so excited last night that she couldn't go to sleep until 10 pm!

And they were off to the first day of school. I think this is the only day of the year that they get ready in record time. I think it took them all of five minutes to get ready this morning. With brand new backpacks, shiny lunch boxes and brand new school supplies I dropped them off at their brand new school, (Tyler and Abigail are attending a newly constructed elementary). Jacob is in seventh grade at the middle school. Things were very quiet around here today, but very busy. I started potty training Aaron so we were going to the bathroom every 20 mins. today.

The Last Lecture

Has anyone else read this book? It is amazing. My sister-in-law gave it to me for my birthday. It's about life's lessons and how to do your best, how to stay positive and enduring to the end. The author had been given a 6-9 month life sentence due to pancreatic cancer. He passed away at the end of July.

http://www.thelastlecture.com/

Zoo! Zoo! Zoo!

I'm trying to do a few more fun activities with the kids before they go back to school next week. So we called a few friends and we were off to the zoo yesterday. We went to the bird show and it was amazing. They showed off all kinds of parrots, owls, and parakeets. So the host of the show asked for a volunteer, but they had to have a camera, so immediately I raised my hand. It was awesome, he called on me. So of course I gladly marched down there with my Nikon D80. He had me sit on a small stool. This owl then flew up to the end of the bleachers and as I was sitting there he flew right over my head and I was able to snatch this photo. It was amazing and it was huge! I had so much fun, my kids thought it was cool that I would be called out of the audience. Really, a photographic oppurtunity of a lifetime.

Where has the time gone?

Our oldest is 12!

Wow, our oldest child is 12 years old, I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone.? This is Jacob having apple crisp for his birthdy dessert, which he requested. He came into this world screaming and he has never stopped, which is a positive trait. He is a vibrant, beautiful 12 year old who I love with all my heart. Today August 10th he was ordained a deacon. He has grown up way too fast. We were living in Altoona, PA when he was born. JD had just started his residency in family medicine. I love him because he is smart, he has a wonderful sense of humor, and he has a very compassionate side, he cares about those around him, he is a strong role model for his younger brothers and sister. He knows what is right and wrong and stands up for what he believes in. He is constantly asking questions and is a walking trivia book. My hopes and dreams for you are that you will use your talents wisely, love those around you and never give up, presevere and hold on to what you believe in.

Last Sunday Jay Dee was ordained a high priest because now he is second counselor in the bishopric.

I've had a real emotional time lately realizing that I am old enough to have a 12 year old boy and old enough to be married to a high priest. Ugh......

THE best free find ever.....

I love small simple surprises in my life that just brighten my day. This is the best free find ever....a In-N-Out burger bookmark. It's the best. They were handing them out at our local library. And I just had to grab (snatched) a few from the table. I LOVE to read and I love In-N-Out, two of my favorite things.

http://www.in-n-out.com/default.asp

This really makes me hungry.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Stop. Whatever you are doing and pick up the phone and call your friend, sister, mother, grandma and GO see this movie. This movie is about love, friendship and lasting relationships. I LOVED it. I cried, and laughed. This is a must see!

Woodland Bloom Giveaway Contest

I met a wonderful woman while I was vacationing in Utah this summer. She is in my Mom's ward, she designs fabrics. Her work is amazing! She is a very talented seamstress and artist. So I have been visiting her blog, right now she is having a contest on her blog, so I am leaving her address here so I can be entered in her contest for a chance to win her new bag she has designed with her new fabric collection.

www.lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com

take a look, you'll be addicted.

Have a good one!

orthodontic elastics.....

Just the thought of this word brings me back to my high school days (because I did have braces in high school). "Orthodontic elastics" what an ugly word and an ugly concept. My oldest son and I got braces on our teeth in March, March 20th to be exact. I am amazed at how fast my teeth have moved already, I am excited about the outcome. So, back to elastics, I am scared to death of them, I am scared that they will break right in my mouth, they are a royal PAIN! I am supposed to only have them off when I eat or when I am brushing my teeth. Well, since I am eating ALL day long or am about to eat I am definitley not good about wearing them during the day, but I have been ever so faithful to wear them at night. The first day I had them I couldn't even get the elastic off of my back bracket I even ate my breakfast with it on my bracket, and was scared to death that I would swallow it, but I didn't. I do not know what these things are made of, but they are durable and stretchy and seem to be doing the job of bringing my top and bottom jaws together (clenching).

A weekend of movies.....WOW

Yesterday I took the boys to see 'Batman:The Dark Night'. Holy cow was that movie ever intense!! I thought it was amazing!
And then tonight it was off to the movies to see 'Mammia Mia' with some girlfriends----and it was awesome!
And of course my friend and I rushed to Target after it was over to buy the sountrack.
I recommend both of these movies, what great summer flics!

A good morning....

I was contacted by someone from my church and she asked me if I was interested in coming to the mall this morning and help some kids do some school shopping. I arrived at Mervyn's at 6am, where there were many chaperones and a long line of children waiting to be taken into the mall. Each adult chaperone was teamed up with a child. I was with a beautiful girl named Daniela. We were served breakfast by the 'Knights of Columbus' group and then we excitedly headed into the doors of Mervyn's, our limit was $100.00, which was provided by Mervyns. We hurridly went for the shoes, she found a cute pair of star covered converse shoes, and then it was off to find shirts, pants and a package of socks to get her set up for school. About an hour later we headed out and each child was given a back pack with school supplies in it. It was an awesome oppurtunity and I had so much fun shopping with Daniela.

FLU

I just finished the most amazing book, it is titled "FLU" by Gina Kolata. I picked it up at the BYU bookstore while we were vacationing in Utah. It is amazing! It is the story of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the serach for the virus that caused it. It peaked my interest mainly because of my nursing background. This deadly virus killed between 20 and 40 million people. It has been cited as the most devastating epidemics in recorded world history.
A short list of books I have read this summer:
The Kite Runner (read for the second time)
When the Bough Breaks by Kay Lynn Magnum
Flu by Gina Kolata
and now I will begin another book I picked up at the library today, Lethal Passage by Erik Larson, I'll keep you posted, thanks for listening.

Some of my favorite photos from our Utah vaation