Happy Halloween

A quick recap of the last few weeks

I like keeping this little blog to keep you all posted on my fascinating life (as if:), but also as an electronic journal as well. Just wanted to let you know (and remind me!) what has been going on the last few weeks.

Halloween party
I got really lucky (this part I am serious on!), and was somehow selected to be the Room Mother for Mack's class. I guess that helped validate I can work and still be involved in Mack's school life too. Anyway, I had some great moms help me do little Halloween mini games. We did pumpkin bowling (the pumpkin totally split open. Seeds everywhere!), Halloween Bingo, Scary Musical Chairs and Pumpkin Cookie Decorating. It was lots of noisy fun, but made me really glad for my quiet little office job.

Rexburg trip
Every spring and fall I take a trip up to BYU Idaho to do campus recruiting. Their nursing program is super competitive, so every student is just so employable. Would love to take all of them home and put them to work. My fun friends from Utah Valley and Primary Childrens came with me. Really fun road trip in this horrible little Ford Taurus full of laughs, gossip and business talk. We usually stay at this incredible little bed and breakfast right outside Rexburg in a little town called Rigby. Unfortunately, the innkeepers were on vacation, so we stayed in Idaho Falls.

My birthday
I am sad to admit with every passing year, my birthday holds less and less magic. I don't mind getting older--love where I am at in life right now more than any other time--but the anticipation of gifts, birthday cake, all that stuff you couldn't get enough of when you were little is just not what it used to be:) I did get a darling little Kitchen Fairy from Amanda, a very generous gift card to Best Buy from my in-laws (we are buyng Guitar Hero III this week for our Wii if anyone wants to come over!), an iPod thing for my car from Shaner and Macker, a fun lunch to Chili's from Joey, a gift card to Rod Works from my work, and some really sweet phone calls and cards from my family and friends. So, thanks to all for making 32 such an enjoyable day!

Reading
Okay, so I am about to start Eclipse in the Stephenie Meyer series. Amanda told me books 4 and 5 will not be out for another year, so I am saving this little treat. Don't want to rush it:) I am also reading Alan Greenspan's new book. Just dipped into it, so will keep you posted on this one.

Music
Downloaded a few new tracks off the new Killers CD that will be released in the next few weeks. Love them. Love the free download on iTunes last week from Metro Station. Found an old Fray EP that I picked up as well.

Park City
Shane and I went to Park City the night of my birthday. We went sans Mack, and I was feeling a little guilty for leaving him out of our celebrations. The drive up was perfect. The trees were turning colors, the moon was hanging low, and the temperature was so nice we opened the sunroof. When we got out of the car, a wall of pine (visually as well as the scent) hit us. We went to Main Street Pizza and Noodle--a favorite of ours--and shared a heaping plate of spinach pasta with mushrooms and cream. The first game of the World Series was on, so we just relaxed, ate slowly, talked and watched the game. I was instantly grateful we didn't bring Mack. Loved that quiet time with Shane just to talk and take more than 10 minutes to eat dinner. After our meal, we wandered over to my favorite bookstore on Main Street. Cats just walk around everywhere (Mack swears the last time we went there a cat was helping check people out). It adds this relaxed, homey, something to the store. We browsed all the interesting corners of the store, and I drooled over all their amazing Crane stationary. They had this great sample book you could order custom made Christmas cards from. Can't ever imagine spending upwards of $400 on a dozen cards, but a girl can dream:) The trip back down the mountain was just as pleasant as the ride up. Love ya hon!

Happy Birthday Sam!

Wanted to carry on my little tradition of my top 5 favorite things about friends and families on their birthdays. Here are my top 5 favorite things about my cute little nephew:

1. He idoloizes Mack. You just have to plain love someone that loves your kid that much.
2. His smile can instantly light up a room.
3. He has the coolest head and thickest hair of anyone I know.
4. He gets obsessive about stuff (Legos, Burger King toys, etc.)
5. He has hands down the sweetest heart of anyone I know. Love that tender little guy:)

Happy Birthday Sam!

A Stolen Quiz from Ashie's blog

1. Height? 5' 4"
2. Have you ever smoked? Never
3. Do you own a gun? Yes. Shane's guns for work I have no idea how to use.
4. Favorite kind of music? I think the new word for it is folk? Joshua Radin, Rosie Thomas, Patrick Park. Pretty much anything they play on Grey's Anatomy or the OC I am a sucker for.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Yes. Hate the doctor.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Love one about every six months.
7. What's your favorite kids movie? Cars
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Crystal Light or if I am feeling evil, a Coke from McDonalds
9. Can you do push ups? Maybe a few??
10. Is your bathroom clean? Yes--Shane my little maid cleaned it yesterday. Love him!
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? All of my silver rings from Clarie's Icing. So not sentimental when it comes to jewelry.
12. Do you like painkillers? When I am in pain, of course.
13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? I don't even know if I would know how to anymore?!
14. Do you have A.D.D.? No--but I don't have a lot of patience. Maybe its the same thing?
15.City and State you were born in? Salt Lake City, UT
16. Middle Name? Emily
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I just got my nails done and I love them, I am so glad it is Friday afternoon, I love my little home office
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought? Lunch at Fridays with my old friend from work, a sweater at Banana, a pack of gum to get money for Bunco
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Raspberry Ice Crystal Light, water and Coke
20. Name 3 of your favorite restaurants: Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang's, Ruby River
21. Name 4 friends that you can talk to about anything: Amanda, Crystal, Joey and Ashley
22. Current worry? Resolving conflict with a coworker
23. Current hate? Said coworker (okay, not hate, but she is stressing me out!)
24. Favorite place to be? With Shaner and Macker
25. How did you ring in the New Year? On a ride along with Shane. Watched Shane arrest some kid on a motorcycle (a motorcylce at midnight in January. How dumb can you be?!)
26. Where would you like to go? A beach for a very long time.
27. Do you own slippers? Yes, but I really never wear them.
28. What shirt are you wearing? White wrap sweater with a white Shade T
29. Do you burn or tan? I tan if I am wearing sun block. If not, I burn.
30. Favorite color(s)? Red
31. Would you be a pirate? Yes. I would love to sail the high seas in search of treasure. But, not so sure about the being really dirty part all of the time.
32. What kind of car do you drive? BMW X3
33. What songs do you sing in the shower? None, I don't sing in the shower.
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? Murderers, the devil, Freddy Kruger
35. What's in your pockets right now? Car keys, card for my next nail appt
36. Last person that made you laugh? Laurie, my neighbor
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Can't remember...
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Broken ankle
39. Last person to send you an Instant Message: I don't IM
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three
41. Who is your loudest friend? Tie between Kaela, Riss and Sam
42. Who is your most silent friend? Stockton
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Shane did bring me flowers last night when I was grouchy....maybe?
45. Favorite book(s)? Love in the Time of Cholera (it is Oprah's book choice this month!)
46. What is your favorite candy? Jr. Mints
47. What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Oatmeal
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? I would love not to have a funeral. Is there another way for closure? They are just soooo depressing.
49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Watching America's Next Top Model
50. What was the first thought in your head when you woke up this morning? Love I don't have to get Mack ready for school today.

Recover Your Happiness

A–Accept

Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their
beliefs, motives, or actions.

B–Break Away

Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.

C–Create

Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.

D–Decide

Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.

E–Explore

Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.

F–Forgive

Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

G–Grow

Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.

H–Hope

Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.

I–Ignore

Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.

J–Journey

Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.

K–Know

Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L–Love

Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.

M–Manage

Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.

N–Notice

Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.

O–Open

Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still muc h to be thankful for.

P–Play

Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.

Q–Question

Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.

R–Relax

Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.

S–Share

Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.

T–Try

Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

U–Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.

V–Value

Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

W–Work

Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.

X–X-Ray

Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.

Y–Yield

Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.

Z–Zoom

Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.

School violence and Conference

It has been sad the last few days hearing about another school shooting tragedy in Cleveland. So scary when I stop to think of the crazy world Mack and all the other kids I know and adore are growing up in. But, listening to conference over the weekend, there was a talk by the new member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Quentin L. Cook. He made the following remarks:

I know that many of you are concerned about raising your children during these difficult times and increasing their faith. When my wife and I were starting our family in the San Francisco Bay Area, we had that same concern. At a critical point our stake members were advised by Elder Harold B. Lee, then a member of the Twelve, that we could raise our families in righteousness if we would:

1. Follow the prophet.
2. Create the true spirit of the gospel in our hearts and homes.
3. Be a light to those among whom we live.
4. Focus on the ordinances and principles taught in the temple. (See D&C 115:5; Harold B. Lee, “Your Light to Be a Standard unto the Nations,” Ensign, Aug. 1973, 3–4.)

As we followed this counsel, our faith increased and our fears decreased. I believe we can raise righteous children anywhere in the world if they are taught religious principles in the home.

Nice thoughts in the wake of tragedy. Go hug your kids:)

Happy Birthday Joey!

Only a week late, but wanted to wish Jo a happy birthday and let her know I was thinking about her. I love lists, so here are my top five fave things about my sister (who is the same age as I am now for three weeks!)

1. Joey is relentless in finding a deal. She can somehow make magic out of a mere .97 cents at Old Navy.
2. Her cooking is simply amazing! Cherish my cookbook she made a few Christmas' ago. Her potpie and waffles have saved me on many occasions.
3. Her ability to keep a secret and confidences. I love to gossip and spill the beans to anyone, and she can totally keep a lid on things. A quality I would love to have.
4. The sweet Mom she is to her kids. Love watching her interact with them.
5. The fun and lightness she can always bring into a room. Love being around her and feel very blessed to have grown up with her. Love ya Jo!

Happiness

The Circus

We went to the circus last weekend with Shelley (Shane's sister) and her family. My first time to the circus. It was actually fun. A little goofy, and perhaps a tad politically incorrect (PETA was everywhere!), but all in all, a good value for $15. Mack tried to deny he didn't like it, but loved the performing dogs the best. They were quite cool with all the tricks they could do. Made me think that maybe they are getting beaten to learn how to do them, but hopefully they gloried in the applause:)