enjoying life

where did that month go?

2012-01-26T15:27:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in over a month!? Wow - it seems to have disappeared so quickly. I am happy to say that my toe is better and I started P90 again last Monday (January 16). Back to weighing in on Mondays (check the sidebar is you want to see the progress) for the 1st week I gained one pound but lost a total of 4.5 inches so all is well. The power yoga still tries to do me in but so far I am winning ^^.

So far 2012 has been great and I am sure that it will continue to be so. I have been working on digitally scrapbooking our wedding - it will probably take a while yet but here are some pages for you to look at:

I think it is coming along pretty good and will be way happy when I finish it. I have been using My Memories software and I love it.

I decided sometime ago that I wanted to learn to crochet (mainly because my most favorite dish rags are crocheted) and I lucked out and found a "crochet school" on The Crafty Minx blog. It looks good and she explains things pretty well (at least for me - everyone learns a little differently). So don't be too surprised if you end up getting random crocheted things from me in the mail!

Well I think that is good for right now. Goodbye.

In case you have been wondering..

2011-12-21T11:42:00.002-05:00

...but you probably haven't! I did finish my new tree skirt late last night. I love it. Here are some pictures:

Ugh - sorry for the blurry picture there at the end - I will get a better one later, but doesn't it look awesome. Much better than the old one we had which was much too small for our tree (seriously you couldn't even see it unless you laid on the floor to look).

see ya later

2011-12-19T11:35:00.000-05:00

Today would be day one of week 3 for my power90 routine. However I am telling the power90 see ya later. Not because I don't want to keep doing it, because really I do want to do it - but because of this:

my beautiful, colorful, festive and very painful broken toe! Yep.... fun stuff.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2011-12-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

it didn't kill me today!

2011-12-13T10:41:00.001-05:00

The power yoga on the p90 about kills me! I can do everything else fairly well, but man the power yoga is intense.

I worked on my tree skirt for a bit yesterday - got the base cut out. Today I have worked on it for a while eventually I will be able to get it sewn all together and then I can share some pictures with you.

start of week two

2011-12-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

Today marks the start of my 2nd week doing p90 and my 2nd weigh-in. According to the scale I gained just a just over a pound - last week 254.3 this week.255.8 (these are listed at the bottom of the side bar on the left) - which makes sense because muscle does weigh more than fat. As I posted last week my clothes all already fit better and overall I feel tons better - I'm not as tired all the time AND I seem to sleep better at night too which is a major plus.

Anyway that is all I have to say right now - going to work on making my new tree skirt this afternoon, wish me luck that is doesn't just turn into one huge disaster!

how do you spray that which is not a spray bottle?

2011-12-11T17:12:00.001-05:00

I believe that every time you get a new pair of glasses they come with a little complementary bottle of lens cleaner - at least every time I have gotten new glasses I have. It also always seems to be the same little bottle with the label on the front changed for where ever it was you went to get these new glasses. Here is the part that amuses me:

That is the picture of the back of the bottle. Read the directions "Spray onto lenses..." and the one caution "Do not spray..." Well first off I won't ever be spraying anything not from that non-spray bottle bottle that is! I mean I guess it does squirt out a pretty good stream when you squeeze the bottle but that isn't a spray. So maybe it should say "Do not squirt near eyes," or something that actually made sense. I know I can squeeze it all out into my own spray bottle - but that isn't the point. Okay that is all for now goodbye.

resisting temptation

2011-12-10T09:10:00.001-05:00

I have to say that I really feel quite proud of myself when the phone rings in the middle of the night waking me up and it is just someone at the stupid complex gate dialing random numbers hoping someone will let them in.

I am proud of myself when I just answer the phone and hang up instead of answering the phone and telling them just what i think of them calling random numbers at 1:30 in the morning (last time it was Bills phone at about 4 am).

Though I guess since we are in Georgia I would have to be "polite-rude" or whatever tehy call it and say something more like "Well bless your soul - trying to get someone who doesn't even know you to let you in in the middle of the night - good luck!" then hang up! HAHAHA maybe just maybe I won't be able to resist the temptation one night.

Now - if you are a friend or a relative showing up for a surprise visit - if you do get here in the middle of the night you should call me from your phone before you call me from the gate then I won't be tempted to tell you what I want to tell those idiots.

The Coat: A Story of Charity

2011-12-09T20:29:00.001-05:00

its only day 3!

2011-12-07T15:39:00.001-05:00

I started power 90 on Monday, that makes today day 3 and I am real impressed with the results already. At this very moment I have a pair of pants on that no amount of sucking in would help to do them up (and they have been that way for months). Today when I got dress I pulled them out of the closet and said to myself "they probably still won't fit but I will try any way," and they did up with no problem! I was pretty excited.

2011-12-07T13:50:00.001-05:00

excited! (to finally share this post!)

2011-12-07T10:56:00.001-05:00

Most of you know that I love Christmas. This year I made quite a few things for different people and now that most of these items have been received I can post pictures of them, which I have been wanting to do since October!

First are the ornaments that I made for the Smiths this year: adorable bottle cap snowmen

(I got the idea on What I Live For - last year lol)

Next up I made quite a few of these babies - Christmas Light Christmas Card holders - this were fun to make and once I had made several and I was finally getting the hang of it I was done. Here is mine hanging up with the 2 cards we have gotten so far:

(I got this idea at We Are the Joneses - also last year!) I hope everyone likes them!

I also made an ornament for the ornament exchange - Walter the Farting Dog:

(I got this idea from my head ^^ and I know you would all like a link to that but I won't give it out sorry) Richard the recipient of this ornament is the person who first introduced me to Walter, and last night he told me he laughed and laughed when he opened it.

Bill and I made these one night:

(The idea came from here - but I only painted our fingers then painted the bottom of the ornament white so the snowmen wouldn't just be floating)

Once I was making ornaments I was on a kick and had to convince myself that we had gotten plenty of new ornaments this year. But that I was after I made this one:

Finally the sad story, though I know it is totally my fault. I made this beautiful ornament for my friend Courtney who got married this past summer. Here it is:

That is her wedding announcement cut up and rolled up inside. The sad part is I didn't pack it well enough and it arrived in Utah in pieces - sorry Courtney, I hope you enjoy the pictures at least.

A Gift to the World

2011-12-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas Ornament Exchange Ornaments!

2011-11-26T16:11:00.001-05:00

This is one of the ornaments that I sent for the Christmas ornament exchange (can't post the other yet as the recipient has not yet received it):

This is the ornament that was sent to me:

Pretty isn't it? I thought so too. I let the sender know via a message on Facebook that I had received my ornament and that it is very sparkly and pretty. To which she replied "I am glad you like them." THEM!?! ooo I missed something run back to the box of packing peanuts and find this one also:

Stinkin' cute, huh?

Anyway please be sure to send me a picture of the ornament that you received and I will add it to this blog for all the participants to see!

Here are some of the ornaments!

Redcliffe Plantation -- South Carolina

2011-11-25T20:22:00.000-05:00

We were able to go to South Carolina to see my Grandma today (she is there visiting some family). While we were there we went to Redcliffe Plantation - which is beautiful. Here are some pictures:

Can you see the "hills" in the distance? HAHA Our S.C. Parks ranger said "be sure to look out this door and see the view in the distance you can see the hills of Georgia," my poor grandma said, "there were hills? I missed them" and had to look again. HAHA Welcome to my world grandma - I don't see hill out there either...

a view of the backside of the plantation house (don't have a picture of the front sorry)

my beautiful Grandma - with a ~150 year old oak tree behind her

me, Grandma, and Bill

Bill and I near a really neat looking tree

Bill

It was a really pretty place and I am glad that we were able to go. Afterwards we we took my Grandma to Zaxby's (good thing she love chicken tenders!)

Before I forget - THANKS FOR REAL PEANUT BUTTER BALLS, GRANDMA! My Grandma had made some peanut butter balls for Thanksgiving, and they were yummy. I am glad that I was able to feed Bill one finally - and as a bonus my Grandma gave me the stuff to make some, all I have to do it melt the chocolate and dip them!

Grandma also gave us our Christmas present while we were there it is this beautiful wreath:

Thanks Grandma. I hope you have a safe trip back home and I am glad we were able to spend the day together!

C.O.E.

2011-11-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

Going to mail my ornament for the Christmas ornament exchange! Please remember to mail your ornament this week.

Shutterfly is at it again!

2011-11-02T11:40:00.001-04:00

I love to order things through Shutterfly. I have gotten cards, photo books, magnets, and just prints of my pictures. I have never been disappointed with anything that I have ordered though them the quality is always great and I feel the prices are very reasonable (they put their products on sale quite often too!).

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

I was excited to learn that Shutterfly is offering free cards to bloggers again this season. It makes it easy to send loved ones and updated picture. I always try to pick out a card that has a decent sized picture on it, so that it can double as a Christmas greeting and as a photograph if they choose (some of the pictures on my wall came from Christmas cards ~ others not so much but not everyone picks a card with a picture worthy {in size} to hang on the wall. Christmas cards are perfect for us to send out new pictures especially since we have our pictures taken every fall and they are pretty recent pictures when they get to their destinations.

Last year our Cristmas card looked like this:

This year there are 3 new Christmas card designs that I just love! It will be hard to choose which one I want to send. They have added so many new ones this year, it is fun to see the variety that is offered.

Shutterfly offers lots of products that would make great gifts. They have one (photo mugs) that reminds me of my aunt ArLene. She has given her father-in-law a photo mug every year since her boys were very small (the oldest just graduated high school this year), it is really neat to see all the mugs lined up in a row when you go to his house. That might be something I consider doing for someone when we have kids, just because like I said it is really neat to see.

If you are a fellow blogger and want to take advantage of this awesome deal click here.

no more wood blocks in the trunk!

2011-11-01T11:29:00.000-04:00

Last NOVEMBER 9th (yes that is right almost a year ago) our ward had a craft night to make these. Well I thought they looked neat and we do have a mantel that I thought would be fun to decorate (now I know that to be true) so I decided that I would go. Most people who know me really well know that I hate to paint anything - it is never just right (lines aren't straight enough, the color is off.....), so there have been 8 blocks of wood in my car trunk since last November. All eight were painted yellow, brown, red or orange. The all of the letters were penciled on and ready to paint except for the N and the L, the T was even painted white - but that is how they stayed in my car trunk for almost a year. That is how they stayed until yesterday when I went and got them out. Earlier today I finished them! FINALLY! I do like how they turned out.

Christmas Ornament Exchange - -

2011-10-31T10:34:00.001-04:00

A few years ago I participated in a Christmas Ornament exchange on another blog. Everyone who signed up to participate was assigned a partner and then you went out and bought your partner a Christmas ornament and sent it to them. It was really fun - especially for someone like me who loves Christmas! Which is why I have decided to host one this year. Because it is October 31 already I will give everyone a week to sign up (so spread the word to your friends who might want to join - a week isn't very long), that is until Monday November 7. On November 8th I will get everyone matched up and send you thin information about your partner - Then comes the fun part, shopping time! Find your partner an ornament that costs between $5 and $15 and send it to them. Please get your ornaments in the mail by Tuesday November 22nd, to assure that they will arrive in plenty of time to be enjoyed throughout Christmas.

So here are the steps/rules:

1. Become a Follower of my Blog. This way you can get updates (and reminders) about the exchange) - I will also email reminders - so that you can participate even if you don't have a blog!

2. To participate, leave a comment on this post with your email address (I won't publish the comments for public view) also you need to have a US mailing address. You can also send me a message via facebook or email (kaleenamitchell@gmail.com) if you choose. Sorry for those of you that don't meet this requirement but it is expensive and takes FOREVER to ship things internationally.

3. You have until November 7th to sign up. I know it isn't very long, but truth is if you really want to do it then it is plenty of time!

4. I will email you your partners information on November 8th after I get everyone matched up.

5. Go Shopping! Find your partner an ornament that you this is just awesome in the $5-$15 range (I think the ornament I sent last time was about $6 - and I still wish I would have bought one for myself too, but the point is they don't have to cost a lot). There are many options here, all kinds of stores, craft shows and places online sell ornaments and if you are feeling especially creative you can make on yourself.

6. Put the Ornament in the mail no later than Tuesday November 22nd.

7. Enjoy Thanksgiving (it does come before Christmas and is important too!) while you wait for your ornament to arrive. I will randomly (with the help of random.org) pick one participant to send an ornament to also - this lucky person will get two ornaments, one from me and one from their partner.

8. When your new ornament arrives take a picture and email it to me! I will post all of the wonderful ornaments in a blog post.

Please do not sign up unless you will participate. Don't forget to share this with your friends to let them in on the fun also!

beautiful

2011-10-30T18:18:00.001-04:00

I took this picture yesterday just out side our house as we were leaving to meet my grandma at the airport for dinner.

the cat today

2011-10-29T12:31:00.001-04:00

and they are gone

2011-07-27T20:00:00.000-04:00

Bev and the girls went home today. 2 weeks sure did disappear quick! Do you think the cat will miss them???

I know I will...

Marietta Square

2011-07-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

Today to get out of the house we went to Marietta Square - we considered going to the Gone With The Wind Museum, but after seeing what we could from the gift shop (where we got a few postcards) we decided the admission money would be better spent elsewhere. We then stopped and let the girls play on the mini General that they have in the square.

return to Kennesaw Mountian

2011-07-25T19:43:00.000-04:00

Today we took the girls back to Kennesaw Mountain to turn in their Jr. Ranger books. I was surprised at all the things that they got for completing them.

here are the girls with their loot - they each got a hat, badge and a buffalo

After we turned their books in we drove to the top of the Mountain again so my dad could see just how exciting the little mountain is.

full house!

2011-07-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

The past two nights our apartment has been packed! Friday my dad flew in and later that night Scott and Amanda got here from Nashville!

Yesterday we drove down to Warner Robins to go to the Museum of Aviation and to see Linda. The Museum of Aviation was AWESOME! I would go there again if I had the chance.

After we finished at the Museum we went to Linda's house had a cook out and played in the pool.

We had a blast, needless to say we were all pretty tired when we got back home. This morning before telling Scott and Amanda goodbye my dad made everyone french toast, ooo yummy!

swim swim swim

2011-07-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

We have played in the pool a lot since the girls arrived.

world of coke

2011-07-21T22:07:00.000-04:00

You knew this was coming right? I had to take them to the Happiness Factory!

waiting to go in

trying the Beverly

who do you think liked it most?

Sasha drinking it again for a dollar

I gave her a dollar because I wanted this picture ^^

molten cake

2011-07-19T21:48:00.000-04:00

We (Bill and I) owed some little girly a molten cake from Chili's so tonight we went there for dinner. We ordered the molten cake the only way desert should every be ordered - FIRST! These pictures almost didn't happen - Elise and Sasha had it devoured in less than 2 minutes.

Atlanta Cyclorama

2011-07-19T21:32:00.000-04:00

After brief lunch and rest in the shade (freezer pops in the cooler were awesome after being at the zoo!) we went to the Cyclorama. The cyclorama is a panoramic painting of the battle of Atlanta, there is also a 40 foot wide diorama that blends into the painting beautifully. To view the cyclorama you sit in theater style seating on a platform that turns. It was AWESOME!

Here are some facts about the painting and diorama (taken from the cycolrama's website here):

The Atlanta Cyclorama is the largest of only three cycloramas in the U.S. Overseas there are only sixteen that still exist and they are known as panoramas.
The circumference of the painting is 358 ft.
The painting covers 15,030 sq. ft.
The depth of the display is 30 ft.
The painting alone weighs more than 10,000 lbs.
Three-dimensional foreground added in 1936, with red Georgia clay.
The tallest figure in the diorama is 3 ft.
The Cyclorama was painted in 1885-86 by German artists.
The shortest figure in the diorama is 17 inches.
The Cyclorama has been shown in Grant Park since 1893.
The painting was donated to the City of Atlanta in 1898 by George V. Gress
The painting moved to present location in 1921.
One of the dying soldiers in the diorama is a portrait of the actor Clark Gable.

Due to the age of the painting photographs are not allowed ---- but at the end of the presentation our tour guide invited Elise up, and very specifically told the group that "who ever is with this little girl better get a picture of this." HAHA Yay though! Here are some pictures of Elise at the Cyclorama:

Elise by some of the figures to show us the exact scale


the lady told Elise to put her hands on the painting and push on it so that we could see where the diorama ended easier - when the lady asked the lady what it felt like she responded with "paint" HAHA love that kid!

Another neat thing they have at the Cyclorama is the Texas, which is the train engine that the Confederate soldiers used to chase down the General!

Sashi's favorite exhibit in their museam

zoo atlanta

2011-07-19T21:01:00.000-04:00

We went to the zoo today and it was HOT we did manage to survive (barely it felt like). Here are some pictures.

Kennesaw Mountain

2011-07-14T20:47:00.000-04:00

Our final stop today was Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Bev and the girls at the top of the "Mountain" (which is a good size mountain for its location) they decided it wasn't a real mountain because their ears didn't need to pop once we got to the top!

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

2011-07-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

After visiting the Etowah Indian Mounds we went to the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The girls had fun seeing the artifacts in the museum (they seemed to especially like the personal effects of the soldiers - pictures they carried around and etc.). They have a neat children's section at the Southern Museum were you can dress up and play various games and such. The neatest thing however is getting to see The General. A locomotive that Union troops stole during the civil war - (there was a movie made by Disney years back called "The Great Locomotive Chase" it tells the story really well). Here are a few pictures.


Elise looks like she is ready to start a journey across the plains with a handcart in this picture...

Sashi was the only one small enough to try to "sleep tight" on the bed - doesn't her face show such great comfort? Makes me grateful of my bed

The General

Etowah Indian Mounds

2011-07-14T20:17:00.000-04:00

I took my Aunt and her girls to visit was the Etowah Indian Mounds. I love to go here, it is such a peaceful place. It was neat to share with someone else. Bev told me that she felt the same spirit there that I feel there too! Oh and I love the film they have that you can watch, because it testifies to me the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon! It is strange as it says nothing about it and was not even made by the church obviously but it is really neat!

There are 3 mounds at the site 2 smaller ones and a rather big one - this picture is looking from the top of the big one at a smaller one

this is the "we are having fun and this is really cool BUT Georgia's air is hot and sticky which is gross" picture

Sashi getting a better vantage of the fish trap in the Etowah River

baby Canadians - 28

2011-06-30T21:13:00.000-04:00

I think this is a good picture of Papa goose

My Birthday Party!

2011-06-27T21:22:00.000-04:00

I might have missed Causey, my kayak and the mountains on my birthday, but not to worry there was a birthday party there for me anyway! Too bad I couldn't be there. I learned about it when my dad posted this to Facebook.

Kristi added her pictures too!

I am glad that everyone was able to go have a great time. Maybe next year you can invite me in enough time *maybe* I can show up.

my birthday

2011-06-21T20:54:00.001-04:00

Bill was able to get the day off! YAY! We slept in a bit, 9am (not that it was hard we talked to grannie, grandpa and Tia till 1am!). The 1st thing we did was go swimming. It is nice to go swimming 1st thing in the morning here because the people who don't work all sleep well past noon so no one is there.

For lunch Bill took me to Hard Rock Cafe. I love to go there.

For dinner Bill's dad (Bill sr.) and brother came over and order pizza for dinner. Bill sr. also brought over a carrot cake, it was delicious.

It wasn't Causey, my kayak and the mountains --- but it was still a good birthday.

another project done!

2011-06-18T20:17:00.001-04:00

I finally finished the photo wall! I love it. There are lots of pictures of people that I love on it. (If your picture isn't there, it isn't because I don't love you - but most likely because I don't have any pictures of you -- if you have sent one chances are it is there ^^)

I started this project in February. The first thing I did was trace each frame onto some paper, labeled the papers and cut them out. Next I masked off a section of the wall where I wanted the pictures to go (needed some kinda structure). Then I just put up the pieces of paper like a puzzle so they all would fit.

I allowed myself to go out of the first tape line but not out of the second one - didn't want all straight lines either!

After I had them all where I liked them I used a trick that I learned somewhere on this blog (basically you put the tiniest bit of toothpaste on the picture frame where the nail would need to be to hang it up push it against the wall where you want it & viola you have a mark for your nail) to know exactly where to put the nails in the wall. I hammered the nails in right through the paper. Then I randomly picked up a frame, found where it went, pulled the paper down and hung the frame. (as you can see several of those papers say "MT" -- like I said the random happy people)

Now after several months of it being almost done it is finally finished.

Bill's Birthday

2011-06-16T20:05:00.000-04:00

I decorated our dinning room for Bill's birthday while he was taking a nap ^^

baby Canadians - 27

2011-06-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

baby Canadians - 26

2011-06-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

The babies were pretty excited to see me today. As you can tell from this picture.

Technology

2011-06-10T12:52:00.000-04:00

I am so grateful for technology. I just watched the workers place the east spire on the Brigham temple! It is so exciting to see a temple going up in my hometown. I really wish I was there however. I miss the mountains terribly and the dry air. Here in Georgia today will be our 13th day in a row with 95+ weather. The forecast is calling for rain tomorrow afternoon --- hopefully it is right (it has been off A LOT lately) & it will cool this place down.

baby Canadians - 25

2011-06-07T17:07:00.000-04:00

My Oldest (literally - 125 to be exact) Friend

2011-06-04T16:49:00.002-04:00

We went to World of Coke today. I just love that place (if anyone wants to visit - I can take you there!). Coke is 125 years old this year, that is just crazy. It seems that each time I go I see something that I didn't see before.

I had never noticed this sign before (I know - glowing neon hard to miss...)

This is a letter that the Coca-Cola company would send to various places that served Coke, along with the free Coke coupons. The letter explains to hand out the coupons to people and that Coca-Cola would pay for each one they served when presented a coupon. Coca-Cola started the free sample.

They have a mini-golf course set up outside WOC. This is me and the 1st hole (there are no pictures of me at the end because all that was left of me was a puddle that Bill had to mop up and put in a bucket to bring home and revive)

Bill trying his luck

baby Canadians - 24

2011-06-03T16:47:00.000-04:00

baby Canadians - 23

2011-06-02T16:42:00.000-04:00

This is the look I get when I talk to them. They calk their head to the side to listen.

baby Canadians - 22

2011-05-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

Don't worry sometime (before much longer maybe a month maybe two) these guys will be big enough to fly away, after which you will no longer be bored with all the pictures of them. Just be grateful I am not sharing ALL the pictures that I have of them ^^

turtle eggs?

2011-05-29T18:33:00.000-04:00

I am pretty sure I watched this turtle dig a hole, lay it's eggs and bury them today. I don't know very much about turtles (unless we are talking about the chocolate, caramel and pecan kind) so I could be wrong. It was neat anyway.

baby Canadians - 21

2011-05-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

I went outside right at dusk today, almost missed them.

baby Canadians - 20 (minus one - jerk!)

2011-05-25T14:13:00.001-04:00

the feathers are growing fast!

I am sad today - only 5 babies remain...

To who ever in our apartment complex that ran over one of the babies, you are a heartless jerk if you had even the tiniest bit of a heart you wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. AND don't tell me you didn't see the baby goose, they are never on their own which tells me that the rest probably were running for dear life to get out of your way and he simply wasn't fast enough. You could have at least picked up the poor things body and disposed of it properly, but no you let someone else find it and clean up after you!

baby Canadians - 19

2011-05-24T14:03:00.000-04:00

Today there were two other full grown Canada geese. Needless to say mama and papa weren't to happy with the idea of them being close.

papa hissing at one of the other geese

papa chasing the other goose away

baby Canadians - 18

2011-05-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

It is pretty crazy how fast last week went by. It was great to be able to see everyone (and if I didn't see you sorry, it was a really busy week). Now I am back in smelly ol' Georgia, happy to be back with Bill and the cat again.

I was right the babies did grow quite a bit while I was gone, the however didn't forget about me ^^. Here they are today:

a turtle for my sister - though I am almost sure she never sees my blog ^^

Brigham City Utah Temple

2011-05-21T21:18:00.002-04:00

It has been really neat to actually see the temple in person this week instead of just in pictures on the internet. When I first got here it was just a cement and steel structure, this week they started putting the stone up. On Tuesday when my Dad and I went to the airport to pick up my aunt we saw 4 or 5 semis each hauling one stone slab - after 2 went by when the 3rd one went by I said to my Dad "I bet those are part of the temple." We watched for another and he agreed, sure enough they were! Here are some pictures that I took today:

Junk Food Tour, Geo Caching and an Unbelievable Hole-In-One

2011-05-21T17:26:00.005-04:00

It seems that while I have been in Utah all I have done is eat, eat and eat! Though I know I did more than that - there were so many things I just had to eat while I had the chance! As you know I went to Dixie Grill (twice!), I ate donuts from Kents (twice!), we ate at Angie's after Grandma's viewing and here are some pictures of the other stuff:


Call's - can you say Duane Special and frosty mug root beer (very 1st day there!) - I know the picture is strange but I sent it to someone via text with the words "guess where I am!"

After Grandma's funeral on our way through Logan we stopped and bought some Creamies - I think we each ate at least 4 before we got back to Brigham, but like Bev said it isn't our fault that they kept telling us to eat more - I really wish I could buy these here...

After we took Bev to the airport my Dad and I went to In-N-Out - mmmm yummy


Finally a trip home needs Banana Cream Pie and rolls from Maddox - and as a bonus I got to see Delon when we picked up our order!

One of my favorite things to do with my Dad is go geo caching - it gets you outside and often down trails you might not have taken other wise. It was pretty rainy the day that we went but it felt wonderful to look in all directions and be surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Today while my Dad and I were wasting time before he needed to take me to the airport we happened to drive by John Adams Park and my uncle Craig and my cousin Kelly were just starting a round of disc golf - so we joined in on the fun.

me trying it out (good thing my uncle has an arsenal of discs who could share with us)

my dad after trying it out the 1st time

Craig (he has had lots of practice - you can tell)

do you see the basket? Kelly could!

Kelly after is hole-in-one

It was pretty fun, I am glad that we just happened to see them - if we would have drove by 5 minutes later they would have been down in the park and we wouldn't have seen them.

2011-05-18T21:48:00.003-04:00

My Grandma's funeral was today. It was a beautiful celebration of her life. There we tons of people there! It is amazing the family that you leave behind when you have 14 children and live to be 97 years old. It was neat to see some relatives that can't remember when I saw them last.

The following is her obit if you would like to read it (I fixed the typo though! - bonus points if you knew what it was ^^ hint: you might mistake it for a typo now that it is fixed):

Clarissa H. Talbot
LEWISTON, Utah - Clarissa Paulina Housley Talbot, 97, passed away on May 13, 2011, at her home.
She was born Feb. 10, 1914, in Mapleton, Idaho, to Benjamin Housley and Clarrissa Paulina Allen. She lived in Cornish for four years and then moved to Richmond, where she attended school and graduated from North Cache High. She attended many college and institute classes.
She made her first date with Denzil Talbot while dancing at the Persiana. They were later married on Feb. 14, 1935, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. They had 14 children, Clenn and Gloria Talbot, Aleda and Ted Mitchell, Vondelyn and Allen Smith, Leatrice and Roy Esplin, Alden and Charlene Talbot, Lyle Talbot, Elaine and Curtis Mace, Don and Marsha Talbot, DuVal Talbot, DelRa and Dawna Talbot, ReNae Yeates, Kim (deceased), Vada and Michael Vroman and Venice and Curtis Anderson. She had at least 58 grandchildren, 164 great-grandchildren and 48 great-great-grandchildren.
Denzil and Clarissa lived a short time in Richmond but most of their married life was spent in Lewiston. They enjoyed farming and raising their family until Denzil passed away in 1975.
Her home was always filled with love that attracted all the neighbors and cousins. They would always leave with a full stomach and heart. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She has always been a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she enjoyed serving in many organizations. She also served a mission to Cleveland, Ohio. She loved attending the temple and serving in church callings.
Our mom wrote beautiful poetry which often could be found tucked in with a gift or sent to someone in their time of joy or hardship. She loved quilting and made several quilts for family and friends. She could often be found at dance recitals, birthday parties and family get-togethers. She was loved and respected by all who came in contact with her.

Monday in Utah

2011-05-16T19:43:00.003-04:00

Today for breakfast I had a doughnut pig out! No joke either - my grandma came and picked me up and we went to Kent's and bought some doughnuts (which is good I have been craving a GOOD doughnut for months!). I ate 3 and they were delicious. I didn't take a picture, because they were just too yummy to stop eating for that long.

Yesterday on the way to Brigham, I texted Amber to see if she wanted to go to Dixie Grill with me tomorrow (which is today) for lunch. Of course she did - I think she was excited (like many other people) to get to see me! She even picked me up in her Cube (which is totally Amber - the last time she gave me a ride in it was the night before I got married)I didn't take pictures at Dixie Grill either, I was just happy to be there and couldn't stop focusing on the sights, sounds and smells while we waited for our food! Then it came and if you know me and my love of Dixie Grill and how I had been missing it for sooooo sooooooooooo soooooooooooooooooooooo long then you know that once the food came there was absolutely no hope for any pictures! I am surprised that Amber didn't have to stop me from going in the fridge and drinking all the yummy fry sauce - because believe me I seriously thought about it. Lunch was great, Amber kept laughing at me because I was so very happy to be there (I am sure she can comment here and tell you all about it). After we finished eating Amber drove me around the temple a few times - it was really exciting to see it in person instead of just in pictures.

Monday afternoon I spent some time with Cyndi, we went on a mini photo adventure and ended up by the Bear River. The water was really high.

see the mountains - any direction you choose to look! - really this is showing how high the water is there going under the road

we thought this looked like an old headstone in the river...

Hogle Zoo!

2011-05-15T14:19:00.001-04:00

After my dad picked me up from the airport we went up to the zoo! It was fun - I haven't been to Hogle Zoo in what seems like forever (though it has only been a few years) - I love to go to the zoo. No new zoo hat this time around though - maybe next time!

sometimes I think that ALL zoos should have a drinking fountain like this - then I take it back and think that only Hogle Zoo should be allowed to have one!


this is Zuri the baby elephant (at Zoo Atlanta Zuri is a baby giraffe - whom I have never seen because it was cold on Christmas eve and the DO NOT have a giraffe house that you can go in ~rude~)

I can't remember what kind of a monkey this is - but I am sure that if you ask Sasha she can tell you

BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, JOYOUS MOUNTAINS! (looking west from the giraffe house) My dad said the way I was talking about the mountains there must be 12,000 feet of snow on top of them.

a giraffe - my favorite

a T-Rex! They have some pretty realistic looking dinosaurs on display around the zoo.

I don't know what this is - I can't remember and he was in the old butterfly house (hot humid and nasty - and no living in Georgia does NOT make you like hot and humid air!) and there were a zillion people and I wanted to scream at them to get out of the way so I could leave the building - hence why I can't remember what it is

goodbye! baby Canadians - 17 (for now)

2011-05-14T19:46:00.002-04:00

Earlier this evening I told my geese friends goodbye and I am sure that they will be huge when I get back and probably won't like me for leaving them for so long - but they will get over it. I will be at the airport ~~bright and~~ early tomorrow morning to go to Utah for the week. It will be strange and good I think. Strange to be at "home" with out Bill.

: (

2011-05-13T09:45:00.011-04:00

You may or may not remember this post (if you don't remember it go read it) from back in February when my great grandma turned 97. I just learned that this morning she went to live with grandpa and her son Kim. I am not exactly sure how I feel - I am conflicted inside myself, sad that she is gone but at the same time so extremely grateful that I was able to have a great grandmother like her for this long. I know that she will be missed by many many many people, but I also can't help but think of the joyous reunion she was able to have in heaven not too long ago - after all the people there know and love her too and I am sure have been missing her just like I will miss her now. All is well though families really are forever and because I know this, I can say that I will see her again.

baby Canadians - 16

2011-05-13T09:20:00.001-04:00

I just spent about an hour sitting outside watching the wildlife.

I am not sure what kind of bird this is (really there are lots of birds here that I have never seen - imagine that) he was pretty fun to watch though

you can really see the little flight feathers in this picture

baby Canadians - 15

2011-05-12T13:09:00.001-04:00

Look you can see the feathers starting to come in!

finally finished!

2011-05-09T20:11:00.000-04:00

I finally finished this project I started in umm.... now I can't even remember BUT it was quite some time ago! I found the idea for it on someones blog, I kept track of exactly where for a long time but now I can't find it. I do love how it turned out though and everyone seems to like it!

In the background you can see another project that I have been working on - the photo wall. the bit you can see kinda looks finished but it isn't. Lots of the frames still have those random happy people that are in them when you buy them.

baby Canadians - 14 (and a turtle)

2011-05-09T16:00:00.001-04:00

this picture is for my sister she LOVES turtles (and look Jess this one is smiling for you!) - I guess when she was little she went to this funny pet store that was in Brigham City for a little while (the Fish Shack or something like that) and there were some turtles on the floor and they chased her, so now all turtles freak her out

A Hungry Duck

2011-05-07T12:48:00.001-04:00

While I was outside today I saw one of the female ducks catch and eat a fish. It was really interesting to watch and I took a TON of pictures. Here are four:

I had never seen a duck eat a fish until today. I had however seen a fish eat a duck!

A Beautiful Day at Two Temples

2011-05-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

Today was a beautiful day and two temples (I am sure it was probably beautiful at all of them, but this post is only about 2 of them)!

It was a beautiful day at the Atlanta Georgia Temple,

and it was also a beautiful day at the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple!

Today my awesome friend Alisha went though the temple for her endowment. I was so excited when I heard the news of when she was going. I will admit I was a little saddened that I wouldn't be able to actually be there with her, so I did the next best thing: I went to the temple that day too. I wanted to go through a session at the same time that she did (3pm Mountain time = 5 pm Eastern time) BUT the Atlanta Temple doesn't have a session at 5pm! That is ok, I went to the 11 am session instead and it was simply wonderful.

me outside the Atlanta Georgia Temple

Alisha outside the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple
(photo by Reb Sumner)

me outside the Atlanta Georgia Temple

Alisha and her sweet grandma
(photo by Reb Sumner)

me outside the Atlanta Georgia Temple


Alisha and Reb (photo by Reb Sumner)

I am so happy for Alisha. I can't wait until I can attend the temple with her for real!

baby Canadians - 13

2011-05-04T11:37:00.002-04:00

Today I took a little video to capture the chirping noise that the babies make.

baby Canadians - 12

2011-05-03T13:27:00.001-04:00

this picture made me laugh once I got it on the computer - for some reason that little guy standing up there reminds me of a baby penguin

this is what happens when an airplane flies overhead - all of the geese look up to see what it is (this is mama by the way)

today I also saw a HUGE fish in the water, I don't know what kind of fish it is though - this isn't the best picture but I am amazed that I caught him on ~~film~~ err my memory card (that just doesn't sound the same) at all

baby Canadians - 11

2011-05-02T11:22:00.001-04:00

I love this picture I got today of this little one stretching out its tiny wings.

baby Canadians - 10

2011-05-01T13:19:00.000-04:00

You might get sick of all the geese pictures, but you will live - it is my blog after all. I really enjoy watching them everyday and seeing how they continue to grow - it seems to be happening so fast!

Southern Lights

2011-05-01T11:03:00.013-04:00

Remember how excited I was for this past weekend? It was all so awesome!

On Saturday Bill and I had the opportunity to attend the Atlanta Temple Youth Cultural Celebration. When we arrived at the Civic Center the line to get inside (the doors hadn't opened yet) wrapped all the way around the building. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that I have been able to see the Prophet in person and not just over a satellite broadcast. NOTHING compares to the feeling as the whole room comes to complete silence as he walks in, and the spirit that he carries with him all the time is amazing. It was really neat to be able to share the special experience of being where the prophet is with Bill. Like I said I am grateful for all the times I have been able to feel that, but this was the 1st time Bill had every felt it and I am glad that I was there.

After the prophet said a few words the program began. I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about the history of the church in the state of Georgia. Youth from all over the temple district had been practicing their routines for months and you really could tell. I imagine that the experience they had preparing for and putting on this show will stick with them for many years (at least I hope that it does).

Sunday was the day I had really been waiting for the re-dedication of the Atlanta Georgia Temple! We participated in the re-dedication from a building on the south side of Atlanta (the layout of this church was very interesting to me - but that is beside the point). I felt so loved and welcomed right when we walked in the door, a lady whom we had never met (she isn't in our ward, not that that matters but.....) came up to us and told us how happy she was that we had came and gave us each a hug. It was awesome, little things like that remind me that I am right where I need to be.

Now our temple is open once again! I can't wait to go this week. It will be nice to have a temple so close again!

baby Canadians - 9

2011-04-30T10:58:00.002-04:00

So Excited for this Weekend!

2011-04-29T16:03:00.000-04:00

1st off I love weekends, because I get have Bill with me for 2 whole days right in a row. I however am really excited for this weekend. The Atlanta Georgia Temple is going to be rededicated! I am so excited for the temple to reopen, it will be nice to have such a short drive again. I am really excited that it is happening this weekend also so that I can go through a session at the same time that one of my good friends is going for the very 1st time. I am so excited for her!

Food Chain - How Rude!

2011-04-29T15:56:00.000-04:00

Over the past few days I have been taking pictures of a caterpillar working on getting to his next stage of life...

..I was thinking oh wow this is going to be neat to watch. Then as I sat here bringing my blog more up to date, a robin flew over and ate it (the window is our office window)! Thanks Mr. Robin. I went outside and sure enough ALL of them are gone now, not just the one I was watching closely. Owell so goes nature I guess...

Wow! Really?

2011-04-28T15:17:00.001-04:00

This came in the mail today:

and it is strange and hard to believe that my once little cousin Matthew has gone from this:

to this (not so little and ready to take on whatever life tosses his way):

Way to go Mathew.

baby Canadians - 8

2011-04-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

I sat by the pond with the ducks, turtles and geese for about an hour this afternoon. It was nice and peaceful.

Then this evening Bill and I went and sat on one of the swings here are two pictures from while we were sitting there.

the geese coming to see us

Bill liked how the babies all cuddled up together

for E -

2011-04-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

While I was outside today I took some pictures of the ducks for my cousin. I think her 1st word might have been "duck" she just loves them! I am excited for her to see all of them when she comes to visit. I expect that some ducklings will make an appearance soon.

baby Canadians - 7

2011-04-25T14:47:00.001-04:00

♬♪ He Is Risen ♫♭

2011-04-24T03:54:00.005-04:00

LB!

2011-04-23T17:45:00.000-04:00

chillin' on the couch

♫♭Gethsemane♬♪

2011-04-23T14:31:00.002-04:00

baby Canadians - 6

2011-04-22T14:47:00.000-04:00

Two of the pictures from today. I feel VERY lucky that the mama goose and the papa goose trust me enough to sit with them and their babies. I am sure that doing it every day has helped my odds on this one. The babies will lay on the ground right next to me.

babies napping with mama goose

papa goose

baby Canadians - 5

2011-04-22T14:43:00.000-04:00

I took these two pictures yesterday.

the face on the one in the back makes me laugh

no this isn't a baby canadian - but I have always loved the colors on mallards and wanted to share

2011 First Presidency Easter Message

2011-04-22T12:27:00.000-04:00

Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Image courtesy of Ugerlose Kirke, Denmark

This precious Son, our Lord and Savior, atoned for the sins of all mankind. That memorable night in Gethsemane His suffering was so great, His anguish so consuming that He pleaded, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Later, on the cruel cross, He died that we might live, and live everlastingly. Resurrection morning was preceded by pain, by suffering in accordance with the divine plan of God. Before Easter, there had to be a cross. The world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love.

The message of Easter is that the Savior lives! And because He lives all shall indeed live again. This knowledge provides the peace for loved ones of those who have passed on, "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: 'I know that my Redeemer lives!'"


Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf

♬♪ Were You There When They Crucified My Lord ♫♭

2011-04-22T05:01:00.000-04:00

He Is Not Here, but is Risen

2011-04-21T10:54:00.003-04:00

He Is Not Here, but Is Risen - President Thomas S. Monson

Today only ruins remain of Capernaum, that city by the lakeshore, heart of the Savior’s Galilean ministry. Here He preached in the synagogue, taught by the seaside, and healed in the homes.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus took a text from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1; see also Luke 4:18)—a clear pronouncement of a divine plan to rescue the sons and daughters of God.

But Jesus’s preaching in Galilee had been merely prelude. The Son of Man had always had a dread rendezvous to keep on a hill called Golgotha.

Arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, deserted by His disciples, spat upon, tried, and humiliated, Jesus staggered under His great cross toward Calvary. He progressed from triumph to betrayal, torture, and death on the cross.

In the words of the song “The Holy City”:
The scene was changed. …
The morn was cold and chill,
As the shadow of a cross arose
Upon a lonely hill. ¹

For us our Heavenly Father gave His Son. For us our Elder Brother gave His life.

At the last moment the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things: the human race, the earth, and all the life that ever inhabited it.

No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen” (Luke 24:5–6).

With this pronouncement, those who have lived and died, those who now live and one day will die, and those yet to be born and yet to die had just been rescued.

As the result of Christ’s victory over the grave, we shall all be resurrected. This is the redemption of the soul. Paul wrote:
“There are … celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
“There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
“So also is the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:40–42).
It is the celestial glory that we seek. It is in the presence of God that we desire to dwell. It is a forever family in which we want membership.

Of Him who delivered each of us from endless death, I testify He is a teacher of truth—but He is more than a teacher. He is the exemplar of the perfect life—but He is more than an exemplar. He is the great physician—but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared, “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:4).

“Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’”²

Of this I testify.

baby Canadians - 4

2011-04-20T14:40:00.000-04:00

As these little guys get bigger their personalities are really starting to show. Here is one of the pictures I got today:

"God Gave Us Two" - Book Review

2011-04-19T14:12:00.000-04:00

"If we don't like the new baby can we send it back?" If I remember correctly my cousin asked my aunt a similar question when his little brother was born, but I think it was more along the lines of "When do we take him back?," and it made everyone laugh. The book "God Gave Us Two" by Lisa Tawn Bergren with art by Laura J. Bryant is the adorable sequel to their book "God Gave Us You."

Mama polar bear has a new baby in her tummy and Little Cub is full of curiosity and questions - "Why do we need a new baby?" "Will you forget me when the new baby comes?" "If the new baby cries too much, can I move next door?" Mama and Papa explain to Little Cub that, "God gave us you. Now he's given us two!" and how Little Cub will get to be a big sister.

I really enjoyed this book. I feel that Lisa tackled a tough thing for kids to understand sometimes and in such a wonderful and delightful way. The illustrations fit the story perfectly and will keep you smiling till the end.

I am very happy that the publisher WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group sent me a copy of this book to review.

baby Canadians - 3

2011-04-18T14:09:00.001-04:00

It is pretty neat to be able to see how much these little guys have grown in just one week. Here is one of the pictures that I got today.

new bed!

2011-04-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

This is my our new bed! YAY!

Isn't the sr. bedding beautiful? Thanks honey ^^ If you don't know what sr. is then you need to ask my uncle Craig. To add to the sr.-ness (and no that isn't a word, but you will get over it) Bill said that the cylindrical decorative pillow is for hiding "small gifts with high price tags." Hmmm.... I wonder when and what I may find there.

After the bed was made it was promptly claimed by someone else!

Oh - and the best part of the new bed:

See that Date of Manufacture - 4/15/2011, that is right yesterday! I actually saw them making it when I went to The Original Mattress Factory to buy it. How "new" was your last "new" bed?

baby Canadians - 2

2011-04-14T17:14:00.000-04:00

Canadian pictures from today - 14 April 2011

Atlanta Temple Open House

2011-04-12T19:30:00.001-04:00

I was able to help at the temple open house today. It was amazing! I helped with the ushering inside the temple for 4 hours then I lead a few tour groups. It was neat to be able to share the beauty and peace of the temple with so many people.

The Atlanta Temple Open house runs through next Saturday (24 April) if you are in the area or in reasonable driving distance then you should go. Temple open houses are a rare event - happening ONLY when a new temple is built or in the even rarer case when a temple is renovated.

If you want to go you can make a reservation here - it is free and all are welcome. Don't miss this chance. I will even go with you if you would like.

baby Canadians

2011-04-11T16:57:00.002-04:00


there are six baby Canadians

other things I saw outside today

it must be comfortable?

2011-04-10T17:25:00.002-04:00

the cat laid this way for a good 20 minutes during conference last Sunday

Lost No More - Jodi Ann Perry

2011-04-09T08:59:00.000-04:00

This song is beautiful - I hope that you enjoy it.

"God Gave Us You" - Book Review

2011-04-08T21:07:00.000-04:00

When my aunt was pregnant with both of her kids each night during her pregnancy she read the same book to her unborn child. I have always thought that this was a really neat idea and I plan on doing it with my own children, and now I have the perfect book to do it with - "God Gave Us You" by Lisa Tawn Bergen with art by Laura J. Bryant.

This story takes place at bedtime as Little Cub is being tucked in by her mama she asks, "Mama, where did I come from?" A perfectly sweet and innocent question which Mama answers with, "From God." Mama continues to explain to Little Cub about how before she was born her and Papa were alone but they wanted to have a baby. The entire time Mama is explaining this Little Cub continues to ask more questions like, "And then what happened" ("You started getting bigger.. ..And my tummy got bigger.."). Mama continues to explain the joy that they had while waiting for Little Cub to arrive. Then tells of how when it was time they went to the hospital and Little Cub was born. When they got home "We just stared and stared, wondering at the miracle of incredible you." This is such a sweet story and a great reminder that babies truly are blessings from above.

I am very happy that the publisher WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group sent me a copy of this book to review.

commercial

2011-03-26T19:39:00.001-04:00

I really like this Subaru commercial...

out the window

2011-03-25T15:09:00.001-04:00

the view out my window today

treats

2011-03-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

At the store where we bought our table I bought me some treats that I enjoy! I was nice I did share with Bill and he was a good sport. This is what I bought:

Bill was a good sport and tried the Botan Rice Candy in the car on the way home. If you have never had this yourself you need to know that in the box there are about 10 pieces each individually wrapped in celophane, each one also has in inner wrapper that is edible. He was less than thrilled at the taste and texture, if it wouldn't have been dark I would have taken a picture of his face. I was laughing so hard.

After we got home and the table was all set up I opened up the box of Happy Hippos. I then proceeded to open one up to eat but I offered Bill a bite first (to which he said, "I don't get my own?"). He bite the head off and didn't like it either - good thing I only shared the one I was having with him.

Next up Hello Panda! I have liked these since I was pretty little. Once again I opened the box, gave one to Bill and guess what - he doesn't like those either!

It is ok though more of some of my favorites for me to have later. Next time I buy some treats I will get some different things to see if he likes them, though after these 3 he may have to work up the courage to try something else!

my new table!

2011-03-25T14:52:00.001-04:00

Isn't it pretty!?! I am glad that Bill's Dad and Brother were able to help us get it, it sure is heavy!

"Life Without Limits" - Book Review

2011-03-25T13:02:00.000-04:00

Most of you probably know who Nick Vujicic is, and if you don't know him by name then you will probably recognize him by sight as the guy with no arms and legs whose video was probably sent to you by a friend who wanted to share his message with you, to show you that there is always hope.

If you can read "Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life," by Nick Vujicic and not feel some stirring deep inside you to quit placing limitations upon yourself and to act upon those feelings, I would be extremely surprised! I try very hard to not let myself get into what I refer to as a "funk" when my life doesn't seem to be going as planned or when I feel that I am not doing enough but sometimes it is hard. I always have to remind myself that there is no reason for me to let feelings like that consume my life. Nick Vujicic's birth was just like any other. His parents were anticipating his arrival with the excitement and joy of having their first child. Nick's birth however was not exactly what they were expecting, he was born with no arms and no legs.

In "Life Without Limits," Nick shares the pain he had growing up, when other kids were cruel and the outlook he has found in life. He had periods in is life where he wasn't sure what his purpose was or even if he had one. He goes on to share that his limits (just like our limits) for the most part were there because he put them there. It is easy to read and believe Nick's words because he knows from his experiences what has helped him reach the point in is life where he is "ridiculously" happy and can reach out to others. Right in the introduction of the book he tells us:

"To live without limits, I found I needed:
A powerful sense of purpose
Hope so strong that it cannot be diminished
Faith in God and the infinite possibilities
Love and self-acceptance
Attitude with altitude
A courageous spirit
Willingness to change
A trusting heart
Hunger for opportunities
The ability to assess risks and to laugh at life
A mission to serve others first"

I will be the first to admit that the first time someone sent me a link to one of Nick's YouTube videos I didn't give it my complete attention. This almost always happens to me with YouTube videos, I watch for a minute then start doing other things on my computer at the same time and usually end up closing Youtube to give my attention to whatever else I started doing. Reading engages my brain better and I am more able to actually pay attention, I wanted to know Nick's story and I was excited when I was given the chance by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group who sent me a copy to read and review.

Spring Time!

2011-03-25T12:23:00.000-04:00

The landscape in our apartment complex is just beautiful. Spring came early to me this year, but that is really because I am in Georgia and not in Utah. All of these pictures except for the dogwoods were taken in our complex.


some dogwood trees in full bloom - I took this picture on March 3rd! They have since dropped their blossoms and are green with leaves!


cherry blossoms on March 8th!

wisteria - this picture and the following ones were all taken 2 days ago