Mental Game

I know a few people who have their kids sign their shoes or even write on their toes for good luck. I contemplated the shoes, but then decided at this point it's a mental game. This has been my trusty visor through the entire training. It saved me on those 100 degree mornings at 4am. It has soaked up sweat, salt and kept my face from burning. However, the velcro is coming loose and I think it only has about 26.2 miles left of life.

My kids, Doug and friends signed for good luck. My bag is packed and now it is time to take the plunge. Head first here I go!!! .......Boston or bust!

Joy In The Journey

Taylor and Mom

1998

Today marks the 16th anniversary of my baptism. This has caused me to reflect on the growth I have had not only in the church, but as an individual. When Doug and I started medical school, I had a one year old baby. I remember feeling alone for that first year. Really alone. I was 1400 miles away from any family members and didn't know a single soul. Upon arrival, I did meet a lovely group of friends, but none of them had kids. Therefore, much of the time I felt sorry for myself that I couldn't just "drop" everything and go out with them. It was a time in my life I wanted to be part of that in group and my situation was hindering me from it. I can look back at that time in my life and I remember it being hard. Truthfully the only reason that first year of medical school was so horrible in my eyes was due to my attitude. Instead of looking at my situation. (i.e. having a big brown eyed sweet healthy little girl) I chose to look at my glass being half empty.

Chanel, Me, and Allison

It wasn't until about a year later when my dear friend Chanel moved in next door that I realized life was too short to sulk about silly things. Afterall, I had a healthy daughter and was pregnant with a sweet baby boy! I think what helped me the most was she too had a little girl (a year younger than Taylor) and we hit it off from the get go. We took up photography, quilting, took our kids to the park, swapped kids, had several family "waffle" dinners together, and stayed up late eating popcorn watching CSI while our husbands would study (thank goodness for baby monitors). The remainder of the 3 years of medical school ended up being some of my most treasured, memorable times in my life. The day I pulled out of New Orleans, Louisiana, I cried and sobbed for a good week. I not only left dear friends behind, but was also closing that part of my book and had to proceed forward.

Jared and Taylor

2004

Moving to San Antonio for residency, I was scared. Essentially, my comfort zone had been pulled from under me and I again had to make new friends. This time I had Taylor who was 4 and Jared who had just turned 2. The first year was hard. No surprise there right? Doug went from studying at home in our office, to literally not around at all. If he was, the poor guy was so exhausted he was falling asleep on the couch within minutes. I remember trying to fit in with some of the girls in church, because we all know that trying to barge in on a group, well it's never easy. I managed to quickly become aquainted, but still felt like I didn't fit in. Luckily, I met Angie who lived down the street from me and happened to have 2 little kids the same age as mine. I really believe that Heavenly Father knew I needed her because once we found one another we became fast friends and inseparable for 6 years.

Jen and Ang

Weekly Date Night

Like Chanel, Angie became my partner in crime, and my go to buddy. Because her husband Greg was a year ahead of Doug in the Orthopedic program, we turned to them for all advice. We survived 5 years of residency, an extra year of fellowship together along two more pregnancies each. When I look back at all of it, there isn't a single moment I wouldn't change. Was it tought? Sure. Doug and I probably had some of the hardest financial moments in our marriage during that time. It was stressful because he was striving to be the best doctor he could, soaking in all knowlege, not to mention impress all attendings. This inevitably left me a single parent a lot of the time and in return rely on the gospel in our life. I think this allowed me to absorb myself in my role as a mother, learn what it takes to be a supportive wife as well as a good friend. We closed our chapter nearly 2 years ago in San Antonio. On one hand it seems like just yesterday, but on the other it seems like an eternity ago.

Doug, Jenny, Angie and Greg

We picked up and moved our family in 2008 to Chandler, AZ. I remember crying and sobbing again as we left that state line of Texas. I wanted so badly to take my dear friend Angie and her family with us to Arizona. But, I knew that wasn't the path that either of us were supposed to take. We were excited to finally be back by family, but I also knew it was going to be hard work on my part to make that transition to a new place. The repeat pattern continues as I was in that place where I had to "sell" myself and make new friends. So, what did I do? I reached out and made extreme efforts to meet people. I showed up a book clubs (despite not liking to read). I attended relief society functions, ward parties and got nerve to call a few women I thought may have things in common with me. And I didn't just call them once, it was numerous times before that friendship was reciprocated. It took about a year before I really felt comfortable and that I had friends I could rely on, just like I could my Chanel and my Angie.

Luke potty training

I am not sure if it is the knowledge I have gained over the years or lots of practice, but I have learned to look at things with a grain of salt. Doug's famous quote and motto has always been, "happiness is not found at the end of the road, but along the way." Over the years I have been blessed to be able to latch on if you will to a friend to help me get through the times I couldn't on my own. Each chapter has had it's own set of challenges. Being a young mother with small children, going through the newborn stage (which was always my favorite), sleep deprivation, potty training, having two kids in diapers, whining, tantrums......the list goes on and on.

Weston

2006

Despite having my kids ALL in school now I still struggle with everyday things. For example, trying to parent a teenager without hoovering over her like a helicopter. Letting her make her own choices and telling myself that she is quite capable of making WISE decisions on her own without me telling her. Not letting my 3rd child's everyday tantrums crawl under my skin, making time to read my scriptures, serve others, excetra, excetra.....

Minnie, Tiffany, Jenny, Amber and Marisol

I have a new group I have seemed to create or "barge" in, now here in Chandler. I like to call them my very own personal consultants. We lift each other up with suggestions on how to become better, stronger women. I'll admit, most of them I run with, which works out well when you need a LONG therapy session. However, I have a few close friends I serve with, or are mother's to my children's friends. Have they replaced my oldest dearest friends? Of course not. That is where, phone, internet and planes come in handy.

Congress St. Bat Caves

2006

Looking back over these past few years, I definitely feel that there has been a time and season for each trial and event I have encountered. Each one has made me into the person I am today. I started motherhood at the age of 21. I vividly remember longing for the day for all of them to be in school. It's never easy to tow 4 small children to the grocery store. Sometimes even running small errands became much like nails on a chalkboard. However, now that my kids are essentially easier to take the store, we can no longer just pick up and head out on a family vacation. I do miss that luxury.

August 2010

Roaring Fork

I am not sure if it's my age or the knowledge I have now, but I really love when my family has time together. It comes rarely these days due to sports, piano, scouts, and schedules. If I could freeze time right now, I would in a heartbeat. If I would offer any advice to my friends, family, and children it would be to LOVE the moment you are in. In other words, find joy in YOUR personal journey, life truely is too short not too.

Take A Walk In My Shoes

I bought new running shoes no more than 3 weeks ago. I tried on several pairs walked around and decided on the "more cushioned" style. When I got home I was excited to try my new shoes and bragged over the comfort. (you can even ask my husband) That was until I started running in them. I have been buying New Balance shoes for the past 4-5 years. They have served my foot quite well and why change if something is working? I also go to the New Balance store because I have never had good luck at sporting good stores with shoes. My only complaint is the choice of color for running shoes. Why are they always white with obnoxious colors? Purple most definitely wouldn't be a color I would jump up and down about.

Well, I ran a few long runs in them and couldn't get over how my left ankle ached during my run. I have never had this problem and began to question my shoes. Normally, knee pains and aches come from "old" shoes. It wasn't like I bought a cheap pair of shoes, these were the top of the line and I did fork out some money for these puppies. A few days went by and the thought of spending that much money and not loving my shoes was sickening.

I learned the toe box is important as well,
you don't want them too tight

A few friends had explained to me that there is a running store that will actually make you run on a tread mill to determine what type of shoe you need. Out of pure curiosity I drove out to day to Roadrunner Sports to see if this was too good to be true. After talking to the associate and explaining my shoe problem (I brought my problem shoes in to show him) I followed him over to a tread mill where the computer video taped me running bare foot. They call it the "shoe dog" At first I felt a tad strange, running in front of a stranger, but luckily it only lasted about 10 seconds.

Let's hope these ones serve my feet well!

I learned I wasn't a pronator, but that I run fairly straight and have high arches. Who knew? I was immediately sold after he brought out several of the "stability" shoes for me to try. I tried on brands I never knew existed (except in running magazines). I didn't end up buying a pair of shoes, but I did head back over to New Balance to exchange my current ones for some new ones free of charge. Gotta love that 30 day guarantee! This was really my only option since I could only get store credit. I guess only time will tell if I will love this style. I do know for certain, in the next few months when I need a new pair The Roadrunner may be selling me a new pair of shoes.

Have you ever heard of a place where they analyze the way you walk and run?

Back On My Saddle......

Grandma & Papa

It's been a rough two weeks. Some days I feel like several months have gone by and other days it seems like no time at all has lapsed. We lost my grandpa on April 22nd at 3:25am. At the point of his passing it was a blessing to see him go. We had watched him struggle and be in discomfort for about a month. He stopped eating a week prior to his death, he lost motor skills (due to another stroke) and he was no longer even communicating with any of us. The last words I heard him speak was on Easter Sunday. As I sat and held his hand stroking his hair, he uttered the words, "Jenny you have always been good to me, I love you. " I never thought that would be the last time I was actually to have a conversation with him, but it was something I will never forget.

The luncheon was held at my grandma's.
It was a perfect setting and something my Papa would have liked.

The funeral was held this past Friday May 1st. My dad did a great job at running the service. They had a Navy ceremony in which my grandma was presented a flag for his time spent in WWII. My dad, uncle Phil, my sister and I were given the opportunity to speak and share a few stories about my grandpa. Up until that day, I had held myself together and was fairly strong. However, once I entered into the funeral doors, I completely lost it. Pictures posted of Papa with us, my grandma all through out our life was hard to see. It's surreal that he is no longer with us. I miss him. His laugh. His smile. Everything about him. I know only time will heal, but for now it's just hard especially seeing my grandma's sweetheart of 61 years no longer by her side.

Ashton enjoying his food.
So cute!

I put fresh flowers inside of a pair of his boots for the centerpieces.

Heather, Gwen, Sarah, Marcia and Tiffany

Despite our families heartache, I have felt the love and service from so many around me. I have hands down the greatest friends. We have had numerous meals brought to us, flowers, cards, texts, and several phone calls all expressing sympathy for my family. I am grateful for each individual whether it was a small or large gesture, it meant a lot. I took it upon myself to organize the luncheon and the sister's from our relief society were so sweet and generous. There were 5 (see above) who came to help, serve, cook and clean up so our family wouldn't be burdened. It brought tears to my eyes to see how willing they were to help us. I know my family was extremely grateful and especially amazed that people they didn't know would come out and serve for them.

Bear Den, Home Depot Trip

April 2009

In the middle of all the craziness we have managed to keep up on every day things. Cheer tryouts came and went. I think Taylor had a wonderful experience (even though she didn't make it) I am proud of her for trying. Baseball games have continued twice a week. We have won some and lost some. A few field trips for scouts, home depot and the police station just to name a few.

All the Stake Leaders

Yee Haw!

Our girls camp kick off was last Wednesday night. We have some seriously talented women in our stake who have pulled together so many fun things. The theme is western this year and each ward has been given a song, mascot, and value that they are to make a skit from. I am excited to be able to go up for a week and see all of the things I wasn't able to experience as a youth. I am lucky enough to go on each of the hikes since they want all of it on film (yay for photography!)

Minnie, Tiffany and Amber (minus Tishia)

Our weekly running group is still going strong. Running has been so great for me, not only the bonding of friendships, but just to get out and be in the fresh air. The 4 (5--if Tishia decides, no pressure...) is planning on running the Laguna Hills Half Marathon (in California) this coming Memorial Day. We decided that in order to make it enjoyable we all needed a goal to reach for. We have been having to run our long runs starting at 5am because the Arizona heat has decided to kick in. I finally got another pair of running shoes which I desperately needed. The soles are completely coming off of my other ones (I bought 6 months ago!)

Proof I was really got into the FREEZING water.

Last, but not least our good friends the Hunter's invited our family to spend the day at the lake yesterday. It was a much needed stress reliever. The water was a tad cold for my liking, but I was still persuaded into getting in the water to try wake boarding.

Glad to be up out of the water!

Taylor tried for the first time, but got a little frustrated.
Maybe next time T!

These two 4 year olds were too funny

It has been close to 10 years since my feet had slipped into those boots, but like a bike I popped up on the first time. (yay for me) I definitely don't have the skills my husband does (which we were all impressed by). The most classic line of the day came out of Weston's mouth when Doug was boarding, he yelled "Dad you're tough!" It was a crack up.

Yep, honey you still have that wake board touch.
Doug was on cloud nine.

Jared tried his luck with the wakeboard too,
but he decided boogie boarding was
much easier.

The kids have exactly 4 weeks left of school--yikes. With that being said life doesn't get any less crazy, but I do look forward to a up coming getaway to San Antonio with Doug, perhaps a trip to Utah for the 4th and a weekend in California. And who can forget my favorite holiday this month, Mother's Day! Hopefully, two weeks won't go by before I check back in again, but I won't be making any promises.....

Trek 2009

It was hard to consolidate our entire experience into one post. I broke it into days and for journaling purposes filled in all the details (well not all). Thankfully my camera was allowed even though special photographers were called specifically for this occasion. Beware of the marathon post ahead.......Our trek went something like this.

Day 1

My anxiety settled down after arriving at our destination on Friday morning (okay not all of it). We were immediately given a packet that contained each member of our new family. You could tell the kids were just as nervous as the parents. After a large breakfast was served by the leaders we assembled our wagon, packed our belongings on it and was off to a destination unknown to all of us. We nicknamed ourselves The Dozen's (we had 10 children, plus Doug and I) We were all excited, eager, and giddy to get our weekend started. The weather was perfect, the sun was bright, sky was clear, not too hot, not too cold. A few hours went by and the clouds around us started to turn gray.

I personally thought the clouds would perhaps steer the other way, but it began to sprinkle. I still had hope that it would clear even though we continued walking towards a very dark set of clouds. Thoughts ran through my head thinking it surely won't rain. We are on the Lords trek! It was obvious He had other things in store for us. It started began to drizzle. We frantically pulled out jackets and ponchos and proceeded to pull the wagon. The sprinkles then turned into heavy rain followed by hail all within what seemed like a matter of minutes. Our shoes began to immediately sink in the soft dirt which became like quick sand. We all grew a few inches taller thanks to the gooey mud on our shoes. Despite the conditions, we were all eager and determined to pull through. The rain started just as we were pulling up to the steepest rockiest section of our climb. (Does this freakishly parallel anything familiar to you?) The kids in our family were not only impressive with their positive attitudes, but they were awesome at working together.

It seems like a blur now, but as we continued up the hill the things that I remember is Zak (one of the older boys) shouting "Take baby steps--we can do this!" And repeated over and over the words, "one, two, one, two, one foot in front of the other!..." I was in the box of the cart using every ounce of energy I had to push down and forward. I remember my arms burning and helping steer the cart as I buried my head down due to the rain. I couldn't see anything but the feet in front of me. At last as we reached the top of Rocky Ridge we were all exhausted, thrilled, and relieved that we had accomplished such a thing together as a unit. The rain began to slow up, but that left us, extremely wet, cold and hungry. It was getting dusky and the kids were wondering how much further. We were instructed to walk about a quarter of a mile and told we were going to set up camp for the night.

At that particular time, it began to rain once again. Everything was wet including most of our stuff. Truthfully I thought I was living in a dream. I couldn't believe we were actually going to be sleeping out in this nasty weather. Not to mention mud was EVERYWHERE and covering everything we touched. The boys managed to put up the tent fast and I tried to get the girls as warm and as quickly as I could. Thank heavens for hand warmers. That saved most of us Friday night. I cried myself to sleep that night. I was missing my kids, worried our tarp would blow off (the wind was out of control), and thinking what in the world am I doing here? I was definitely second guessing my decision to be on the trek.

DAY 2

Saturday we all awoke with hope that the weather would be better (I secretly believed we would surely get to go home if it continued to rain). However, things began to look up for us. The rain stopped and the sun arose which once again gave us hope that we could continue on. It really is amazing how the sun can change one's mood. After breakfast we headed out to base camp where we would be spending the next two days. I was most impressed by the attitude of the kids. We were all humbled for sure, especially spending the night in such terrible conditions. We arrived at base camp around noon and I was never so excited to see some familiar faces. I once again began to cry when Amber and Julie cheered us on. We immediately set up our tent, prepared dinner and sent the kids off to do fun activities that were planned for them. They had hair washing (which was heavenly!), butter churning, taffy pulling, square dancing and gun shooting. Dinner was by far the best Saturday night. The boys killed our chickens (sad I know) which was made into chicken stew and the dutch oven bread was to die for! We ended the evening with a fireside, and a few camp fire games. I was never so happy to be able to lie down in my sleeping bag even if I had rocks all around me. I was exhausted physically and emotionally.

Day 3

Sunday was probably my favorite part of the trek. We started off with a faith walk and had some pretty cool discussions with the kids. We then were broken up into companies to have Sunday school and Priesthood/Relief Society. After two hours of meetings the Pony Express came in to hand deliver letters to all the kids from their parents. They were instructed to go off for 2 hours of alone time to sit, write, ponder, nap or do whatever. Doug and I took that time to talk to other Ma's and Pa's, our Captains (Travis and B. Ray) and other leaders that came up that day. Sacrament meeting was after dinner and one of the best meetings I have EVER gone to. I am not sure if it was a cross between being out in the country, the peace around us, or the sweet testimonies that were born, but it was AMAZING. We had our last family discussion that evening. It was bitter sweet for me. Part of me really was eager to get home, but I was sad that the strong spirit I felt all weekend was coming to an end. I also never imagined I could love 10 people dearly just in a matter of 3 days time. They became just like my very own and all had unique characteristics, much like our own families at home.

Day 4

We had a quick breakfast, packed up early and was on the road. All of the kids were definitely excited about getting back to where we started. I personally was as well, especially taking off most of my heavy layers of clothing. Not to mention I hadn't showered for the past 3 days. We arrived around noon time, disassembled the carts, grabbed our belongings, said our goodbyes and immediately headed home. Most people asked me how was it? I don't really have one specific answer. Yes, it was hard, but something I will never forget. I loved getting to know the youth (our children we were assigned), other ma's and pa's in our stake and other leaders as well. I think what I took away most from it was learning to have more faith. I know Friday was definitely a huge trial for me. I NEVER would have imagined it to rain. Considering all the circumstances I think we all did awesome. Other things that I loved was how equal we all were as individuals. None of us had more than another. We all shared and united as one.

It was a small glimpse of how the law of consecration really works. It also makes you realize how grateful you are for the small things. I definitely missed my kids (even though they probably didn't miss us as much), for sure my bed (rocks aren't fun to sleep on) and the everyday modern things such as bathrooms! Overall it was a great experience. Was it rough? Sure. Am I glad I went? Absolutely! Would I do it again? I think you'll have to wait and ask me that in another 4 years (when they do this again). I couldn't put all the photos on, so I did a quick slide show. I also want to express thanks and gratitude for each of my kids on the trek, Zak, Alec, Mikeum, Dallon, Clay, Bobbi, Luz, Rachel, Kirsten, and Brooklyn. And I can't forget our company captains, Travis and B. Ray. (who treated us so well not to mention snuck us some treats) I also wanted to express my thanks to my dear husband and partner. I couldn't have done this alone and am so grateful to be married to such a strong, kind, loving, spiritual man. I love you Doug (and am curious to know your own thoughts on the trek as well--hint hint). Here is the slide show......Enjoy!

Trek 2009

Card Board Boxes

Kari Dawn, Ellice, Jenny, Lisa & Nicole

Despite my house being one card board box, I insisted on holding MY last official girls night in San Antonio. We were missing about 5 or 6 girls the other night due to busy schedules and summer vacationing, I am getting weeping just typing it. On one hand, I am thrilled to actually be moving back by family. BUT, it's going to take some adjusting since the past 13 years Doug and I have not only relied solely each other, but the friends we have met along the way. My friends have become my family in so many ways. I have to admit mixed in with the excitement, I have some serious anxiety. Along with a new house comes new ward, new schools, finding new places for my kids extra activities and MAKING new friends. Ugh. Another bummer part is Doug still has 4 weeks of work left in San Antonio after we move. The thought of that alone is very unsettling.

Amongst all of the packing going on in our house....I finally finished up my moving announcements. I started them over 4 months ago without an address. I decided to go SIMPLE. I saw the idea in a magazine and with the mail prices going up I wanted to be economical as well. AND they are totally recycled boxes. I plan on sending them out by the end of this week. And if by chance you don't get one via snail mail, please don't think it's because I forgot you or didn't want you to have one. You can click the photo to enlarge for our information. Exactly 2 weeks today we will be driving away from our first Texas home. **sniff, sniff** Be prepared for some up and coming somber posts. These announcements will go into effect starting June 27th.

Babbling Rainbows

1976

I remember scoffing at my parents when I was a teenager on their words of wisdom. One of the famous quotes was, "I understand, I was once in your shoes." Of course at the time I thought no one, ESPECIALLY my parents understood what I was going through, whether it be a breakup with my boyfriend, money issues, school stress, etc. Now that I am an adult, married with children, I find myself using the very same tactics as my parents did with me. (yes, it's scary!) At any rate I sometimes feel that Doug and I haven't had the "taste" of real adulthood in some ways. We have been living as students for the past 12 years. We often have bought things just to get by, which hasn't always been smart and has often caused a backfire. But, we truly had no other choice. In the next few months, decisions I had never thought of, nor heard of are now coming to the table. Retirement, 401 K, investments, IRA's, stocks, bonds, college funds for our children, a savings account, it's overwhelming. You know the little numbers at the bottom of CNN (those tickers) I never understood, nor paid any attention to, apparently can be pretty important when it comes to investments. Index, the Dow Jones, whhaaat?? Am I the only one who lacks this knowledge?

New GL 450 Mercedes 7 passenger SUV.

Which leads me into bad investments, or things that depreciate the minute you buy them. Cars just happen to be a great example. I have decided that the car industry has us ALL since we are so dependent on them. It's rather sad. There is the decision on either buying used or new. This can be scary within itself. Does it have a warranty, am I buying a lemon, etc. I remember needing a car so desperately when Doug was in his third year of medical school. There was absolutely NO way we could afford a brand new car and had to settle for a 2 year old car. This got us by for a while (6 years to be exact), but the maintenance was painful. Every time we turned around there was something to be fixed. Thankfully, that car laid to rest a year ago this month. Last week as I was getting my oil changed I browsed around the Honda show room eying brand new cars like the one I currently have, but with more "bells and whistles." It was at that very moment I decided I really didn't want another new car like I have, but perhaps a larger more safer car like an SUV. We were lucky enough to drive my in-laws Tahoe during our visit to AZ. I have always been skeptical driving such a big car, but as I have gotten older, safety is becoming more of an importance issue (especially since my car accident). I was surprised how much I enjoyed driving it, and most importantly felt safe. Unfortunately, SUV's (Tahoes, Yukons and Suburbans) not only have a steep sticker price, but also LOVE to guzzle gas. My car isn't the most economical, but MUCH cheaper to fill up. Again, my eyes were opened today as I ran in to Doug's boss, Dr. Delee. One thing about Jesse, is, he not only has a story for everything (he really is a blog entry by himself), the man is knowledgeable. Period. I have no idea how the conversation got onto the topic of cars, but he said, you really should check the car out I bought my wife, it's really nice and gets 30 mpg. I have no idea how much these cars run in price until I just looked **ouch**, but it is a beauty. (see above) It also happens to be one of the safest cars according to the ratings.

Running through the water rainbow

I have no idea why I rambled on about investments and cars other than that seems to be what is consuming my brain today. Yesterday was a much different picture. I have been watering the lawn in order to keep the right shade of green for curb appeal on a daily basis. Each time I get ready to pull out the hose my boys plead and beg for me to allow them to help. "I want to help mom! Can I water the flowers??! Yesterday I caved and this was the result. They wanted me to make the water appear like a rainbow in order for them to run through it. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. We had clear sunny skies and 75 degree weather. Pure bliss. The best part was Weston was so proud of himself.... he was using his bike to make rainbows out of gutter water. Pretty creative I must say!

The sun was so hot it dried the other half before I could take a photo.

Word Of The Week: Piquancy

Piquancy: /n./ agreeably pungent or stimulating to the taste; exciting, agreeably interesting or attractive; an interestingly provocative or lively character. punch. spice. allure. charisma.

I always enjoy clicking here to see what the word of the week is. After having such a lugubrious week (beginning last Monday) I was happy to see such a cheery word on the sidebar. Piquancy would be a great word to describe our weekend and here are some of thoughts and highlights.

Piquancy: /n./ 1. I am not much into politics. There I said it! I am one of those individuals that really don't keep up on such things. To be honest, a politician is a politician. They all say what we want to hear most of the time. Blah, blah, blah. However, I will admit that Mitt Romney does seem to have some piquancy about him (not just his looks). I haven't made a decision as to whom I really like, Doug's family seems to be on the Mitt 08' kick thus far. As are some of our friends. For now I am still in the "decision" indecisive stage of this campaign. I do know that Hilary is definitely not one that I would consider. I think anyone with a career in the medical field would agree wholeheartedly as well. (but I only speak for myself).

Piquancy: /n./ 2. The other day I was having was in the mood to cook something with piquancy. (say that with a french accent) I know several people have posted the "copy cat" versions of Cafe Rio pork and lazy me never got around to making it. I FINALLY took the plunge and made our own burrito bar the other day. I was a tad skeptical especially after watching this, (if you watch for a minute you will see why), however it did not disappoint. It was obviously good since I ate it three days in a row! The bonus part was it makes enough to freeze for another day.

one last SPT in front of the house for memory sake!

Piquancy: /n./ 3. Moving into a new "larger" home with more space seems so piquancy to me right now. I am not sure if I have the moving bug after helping Angie unpack things, but I can't help feel a little giddy that the time is quickly approaching. I began doing some internet searching as we are heading out for housing AGAIN in a few weeks and found some great prospects. That means spring is just around the corner. Wee!


blessing: having a husband who works LONG hours to support our family.

inspi-RED

I have never really been that keen on the color red. My mom on the other hand, is the red queen. She has always liked the color and has several shirts in her wardrobe of this family. And it looks good on her. It wasn't up until recently that I began a true liking of this color. It started back in July when several companies such as Apple, Gap, American Express, etc began a campaign to help fight AIDS in Africa. If you purchased particular items they would go to a good cause. They also began selling shirts that read inspi-(RED). I actually thought they were pretty cool. For some reason as I was gathering stuff for my neighbor gifts it dawned on me how much red is used as an accent in my home. It is really such a cheery *moody* color if you will. I decided to take the time and photograph red in my world. I have to admit, it was quite fun and pleasing to the eye from a camera viewpoint. It actually made me really want a new camera, oh well. And what a better month to document red for the holidays!

1. our house has red brick and door is lined with red & clear lights

2. I couldn't resist picking up these oreos the other day at the store.

3. red plates are so versatile and can be used for christmas, valentines day, birthdays and July 4th. (I bought these at wal-mart for $1.50)

4. my key ingredient to making my peppermint hot cocoa.

5. I love this time of year when they color the tortilla chips--so festive!

6. We finally found a recipe (okay I stole & altered from Angie) that is super yummy. I just love red hot spicy salsa. This is what we gave to our friends this year. Doug especially loved my label that read: warning muy caliente!

7. I couldn't forget my favorite soap for the month from Bath & Body Works.

8. There is really something about a red bow on a package. Silver and red have to be my favorite combination for the holidays.

I definitely could have documented so much more, around the house but I decided to stick to the kitchen area. Are you inspi-RED?


good deed: dropped of gifts to our neighbors & friends

The "Christ" In Christmas

my old companion, sister Jones

Monday I went on my new visiting teaching route. I admit I was bummed about switching my partners along with getting new sisters. Change, change, change. I had a system and was in my comfort zone. Well, for those of you who know our church, once you get TOO comfortable it's time to switch things up a bit. It's also inevitable with a new ward. The sister in our ward who is the visiting coordinator actually stood before us a few weeks ago bearing her testimony of visiting teaching and how important it was. The thing that touched me most was how quickly she was able to get our new routes together. She expressed how she took the time to pray about the routes and they came together in a matter of hours. She said she was inspired to place companions together and that the people we visit needed us for one reason or another. This definitely was a testimony on how the spirit guides us if we allow him to! I ended up being paired up with my neighbor Anna, who is very on top of things. I set up the appointments and she did the message AND even made them a treat. Nice.


How appropriate that the lesson was on charity. Howard W. Hunter, quoted, "Those who are filled with the love of Christ do not seek to force others to do better; they inspire others to do better, indeed inspire them to the pursuit of God." This got me thinking more about Christ and how I really want to make this Christmas more about Christ. We have tried in the past, and it sadly fizzles after about a week.

our family room

We had a lesson a few Sunday's ago regarding Christ in Relief Society and how we need to fill our lives up with Him more often. We discussed how many of us have photos of Christ in our home, but often it serves as more of decor and is forgotten about. Our family has one of my favorite photos of Christ in the family room. I am even guilty of forgetting it was there. I was inspired to really work on having Christlike attributes and qualities. For FHE the other day, we did a mini lesson about Christ. I challenged all of us to take a few minutes each day to look at the photo of Christ and think about him and not only ponder but write down blessings or thoughts we feel at that time. I can only speak for myself, but I know personally it has made me realize the smallest blessings that get overlooked in my life. One thing that came to mind was how blessed we are to have scriptures and the opportunity to read them as a family.

(click photo to view pages)

I have been meaning to do this for months, so when we were in Arizona I purchased the large family addition at Deseret Bookstore (large red covered one). It has been so great. Not only is the words in larger print, but there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter. If your family doesn't own one, I highly recommend it. It is especially great with smaller children (even Luke & Weston).

**What are you doing to make Christ center point for Christmas?**

good deed: read stories with Weston