100

To mark my centennial blog post I thought I would share some memories of the classy 80's.

Someone sent me an email the other day of "you know you lived in the 80's when...."

I picked out a couple of my favorites.

You know you lived in the 80's when you played "MASH" (mansion, apartment, shack, house)

Every girl played this...

You know you lived in the 80's when you tight rolled your jeans. I'm sure I could have supplied my own photo for this one. I distinctly remember learning to do that in middle school and being so proud of myself. I also remember being the first one to walk on the BYU campus with UNROLLED 501 levis. I got the worst stares! Boyd was a total acid wash tight roll jean guy when I met him.

Now, I admit I owned a banana clip or two. However, they never looked good in my hair. I always envied the girls with the thick curly hair who could wear these.

Whatever I lacked in the banana clip department, I made up for in the jelly shoes. I had them in every color and exacted my fashion revenge that way. I also had more swatches and Benetton watches then I could possibly wear.

For some odd reason, the jelly shoes want to be posted twice. Can't get them off. Could be to remind me how pathetic they were. Double humiliation.

"Where's the Beef??"

"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

I laughed so much at those stinkin' commericals. A few months ago I noticed that "PeeChee's" were coming back so I bought some on ebay. I saved them for the girls to use at school this next fall.

I really don't miss the 80's much...except the music.

Prom 08

So, with strict instructions to have her home by 12:30, we sent Chloe off to Prom with her friend from choir...Jordan Stephens. He seemed very agreeable to getting her home on time and so we shall see.

We spent pretty much the entire day getting ready. Appointments began at 9:40. I found Chloe's dress a few weeks ago and had wide satin straps sewn on because it was strapless. We also found the bolero jacket for her to wear. We never found one dress in all of our shopping that wasn't strapless. This one came up high in the front and with the classy Audrey Hepburn styled bow on the front, we knew it was workable. We also found the most awesome shoes with big black bows on the backs of them so we figured it was meant to be. I think once again, Chloe will definately be unique.

They are off to Emchamas for dinner and then to Bartle Hall for the dance. Hopefully, they will have a great time and come home by curfew!

Whew...it's amazing how much work this is! Chloe and Jordan went with a group of kids that included her good friend Brittany. Brittany's dress is her aunt's from 1989! It was so funny how they were excited about her "vintage" dress! Hey...it's not that old! I graduated before 1989. I also noticed as I was downloading these photos that I have something on my camera lens. Geez, someone really needs to teach me how to use my camera.

Nobody told me there'd be days like these

strange days indeed...most peculiar momma...

Seminary reminds me of that song sometimes. It can be the best of mornings and the worst of mornings and always a strange experience. I've been getting a project ready for the senior seminary students to give to them as a gift at their graduation and I need a class photo for it. Everyday I tell the kids that they all need to come and when they do, I'll take a picture. So, today was the day. Getting a couple of these kids to cooperate for photos is crazy! So, after a few shots I decided that I guess having a goofy look on their faces is the way they want to be remembered and I quit taking pictures. Here's the best. I didn't spend a lot of time on quality. I was more concerned with having an actual photo.

I have this strange tree in the front yard. I think it's an oak tree but I'm not really sure. The leaves look like oak tree leaves though. Anyway, in the fall the leaves don't change color, they just dry out. They are just dead leaves hanging on a tree. And....they don't fall off until just before the new buds come out. So, all winter long I have this tree full of big dead leaves. It's kind of cool for Halloween...kind of spooky. And every year it is the very last tree to begin to bloom. Sometimes I wonder if it made it through the winter or if it didn't survive. But yesterday I saw the evidence that it's still alive.

My big tree in the forefront...another tree of ours next to the sidewalk behind it..

Proof of life. So, I guess I can officially declare that it's spring...at least at my house, if the most dead plant on my property is showing life. Bring it on!

to do list...

Well, let's see. I'm having ovary pain (I know too much info but necessary for my personal journal) and I have a ton of errands to run. Not to mention, this morning I had to be observed in seminary by Bro. Tervort, the local CES coordinator. No pressure. Hey..maybe if I'm terrible I'll get fired! Now there's a thought. Come to think of it....maybe that's why my ovary is hurting!

finish preparing tomorrow's lesson *
pick up sheets for our new bed (yes, sleeping on blankets is no fun). *got them ordered anyway
drop of router to Time Warner (or pay $300 fine) *
bank trip, deposit checks and withdraw cash
verify seminary stats for Stake President Award
contact Kiera and begin wedding present for Rachel Smith *going on friday to buy stuff
get a frame for artwork I bought from a high school student at the art fair (8 x 10)
photograph lamps and chair to be sold on craigslist (get them the heck out of my bedroom)
transfer all our clothes from the old dresser to the new
pick up girls from school and get Chloe to an appt. at 2:40 *
re-sew straps on Chloe's prom dress *
email Erin a copy of her letter of recommendation *
check online for Chloe's ACT scores *
avoid eating every bit of crap I can find and drink a lot of water (yes, I have to list that)

Nothing major here, I just thought it might be interesting for me to note what kinds of things I do on an average day.

***So, I went back and * all the things I actually accomplished. What would be the use in getting it all done in one day? I need to have something to do everyday....right? I ate a lot of crap and I ended up having a Diet Coke today...first one in weeks. It didn't help my headache a bit.
Isn't it funny how sometimes you work on one project and it creates another? That happened a bit today as well.

Mind Tricks

Tom Allison emailed me some mind trick pictures....you know, the kind that make you look at them in different ways. I really like this ship picture. It's an interesting illusion.

It is finished...

After a week of anticipation and rampant speculation (accompanied with many tears)...formal announcement came today at a combined sacrament meeting that our stake officially has a new ward....Parkville. With some boundary shifts and changes, we all begin our new adventure officially today. My family remains in the New Mark ward, although barely. The new boundaries for my ward are the Platte County line to the west, jogging east on I435 to Hwy 169 south, to Cookingham East and then down North Oak Trfwy to 96th Street east and then down MapleWoods Parkway (Woodland) south to Hwy 152. The east and northern borders remain the same so we are still together with Smithville. I know this boundary line won't mean much to others but those familiar with our ward and area will know that we lost a HUGE amount of people to the Platte Woods ward. The Platte Woods ward will now begin to meet at the meetinghouse off of Vivion Road by Penguin Park starting next week. So this means we won't be seeing our friends on sundays either. Good news is, the rumor about getting a new building is true. The lot purchase has not been completely finalized yet so building has not commenced...it's looks like they have a goal of 3 years.
This change affects a lot of people. I know it will be for the best and we will all learn and grow from this experience but it does feel a little like moving away from family. This is the same ward we've lived in since we moved here 8 1/2 years ago. Growth is good and I know that it is a good sign that the gospel is spreading. I will miss the loss tremendously. Even though I've been a bit of a social hermit this past year, just knowing I would see these friends of ours on sunday was comforting. Tell me how odd it will be to not see Retha Blanc and her sunshiney face each week. It will be interesting to see how empty the chapel will feel next sunday. I know this is a normal occasion in Utah, but this was definately a "historical" event here. The Stake Presidency prophesied that by the time the next building is finished there will be another ward created. That is pretty astounding growth for this area.
So, it's all good. The next rumor I can't wait to find out about is that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is supposed to be coming to our Stake Conference next month. I certainly hope that is true! My kids adore him and would love to meet him.
So, it's done...it's finished...nothing we can do about it but embrace the changes and do the right thing. Wonder how this will affect seminary???

Sid Dickens update

Becki wanted to know how many Sid Dickens tiles I have now. I haven't purchased any since Christmas and recently started checking again for my favorites on Ebay. I'm up to 15 now. I have a display of 12 on a small wall next to my bedroom that you can see if you look up as you come in my front entry. The others are on easels in different places throughout the house. I have been waiting to have enough for another display before I hang the other 3. For awhile, around the holidays, the prices skyrocketed....probably in anticipation of Christmas gifts. They are just so interesting and I appreciate the detail in them. Everytime I see them I see something I never saw before. Thanks to Becki for getting me started.
Sid Dickens unveils new tiles at least twice a year. Collectors have conventions all over the world and their own web/chat sites. I check in every now and then to see what the latest is. The Sid Dickens website has ideas on how to display the tiles and it's just a beautiful site so it inspires me. www.siddickens.com
Since he's been designing these for many years now, there are so many to choose from. Each year he chooses which tiles he will retire from previous collections and will cease making them. They then become quite valuable since they can no longer be purchased. That's why they can attract huge bids on Ebay. Because of the neutral colors, I choose the black, white and metal colored ones. Most collectors try to get an entire series or the most rare ones. I'm not as interested in getting them all as I am getting the ones that I am attracted to or that inspire me somehow. I watch my favorite tiles on Ebay and spend some time monitoring their prices and then I decided on a budget of how much I am willing to spend. I never go over what my goal price is so therefore I don't have all the ones I want yet. I'm willing to wait awhile.

I love being able to display my "collection". Some things I've collected in the past stay in cupboards or boxes. But these are art to me so I like having them out where I can see them. Collecting them is a great diversion too.

Jealous

Mom and Alexis left this morning for Rexburg. After Mom drops Lexi off she'll head down to Centerville to see my sister and her family. Brooke and Grandpa Argyle will be there too. I really wish I could go. I would have gone but I GET to go to Girls Pre-Camp. Better stop raining.

set back

I'm starting to think maybe there is something wrong with me. Today was sunny and beautiful. I didn't get out of bed until noon. I barely have enough energy to move about. I think I need to make an appointment to have my thyroid checked. I can't explain the lethargy I feel.
Lucky for me I have plenty of to do things to keep me moving or I'd just stay in bed all the time. My house is dirty and I don't care. My laundry is always piling up and I don't care. This isn't me.

Chloe got asked to prom a couple of weeks ago so we spent this afternoon having her dress hemmed/altered and buying a boutinere for her date. She is going to look great and timeless. Once again, I think she will be the most unique girl at the dance.

I think I'm teaching seminary again next year. Thank goodness I'm numb and have no energy to fight against it right now. We are having our ward divided this weekend. It will be interesting to see how many students I have left. At the top of my head, I can only think of 2. I'm not sure how it will work or if we will combine seminary with other wards. It ought to be interesting.
Ward division. This is a new thing for me. I've never lived anywhere long enough to have the ward be divided while I'm in it. It seems like a normal thing in Utah and I assume most people are accustomed to it. This is my family...my only family outside of Missouri and has been for the last 8 1/2 years. I'm not sure how I feel about being separated from them. It's easy to say that we can still see them often, but reality is, you do most of your association with those in your ward. I will miss some people terribly. I know it's the Lord's will but it still hurts. We have been asked by our Bishop not to speculate. That of course, has happened. I myself have my assumptions that I've tried to keep to myself for the most part. Every time I see someone from the ward they ask me if I know. They assume that because my husband is in the Bishopric that he will tell me. Wrong. I'm in the dark. I have known for some time that there would be a split and so I have been very watchful as the callings have been issued. So to me, I've kind of got an idea about it. We are meeting with all three wards in a combined sacrament this sunday. There they will announce the "new" ward and we will all know soon enough. I will be grateful to hear it under the direction and spirit of the Stake Presidency. We shall see.
I need to put "call Dr. and make an appt." on my to do list.

Seeing the Light

I'm going to be brutally honest with myself. I think I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know for many people this was an exceptionally rough winter. I can think of 3 distinct times in my life where I went many months in a catatonic state...going through the motions but not having any feeling...this ranked up there as one of those times. I can't count the number of days that I spent the entire day in bed. I felt the cold through my bones. Physically, there has been NO energy...nothing. My body simply didn't function....mentally or physically. I don't even know if this was a worse winter than usual. I know if felt longer, but looking back at an old post I noticed I was complaining about it the first week of December. I can't say that I can place all the blame on mother nature but I do know that seeing some sun has certainly helped to get me out of the funk. I'm still not ready to tackle social scenes and the proof is I have caught myself saying incredibly class-less things from time to time. At some point a couple of weeks ago I decided I needed to take vitamins and try to get some exercise at least a few times a week. I don't know if that is what is helping or that someone else's prayers are working but I am beginning to feel better....almost normal again. I've spent a good deal of the last few months going from angry to numb and sad and back to numb again. It's a good thing spring has begun to return so that my faith can be renewed. I'm not sure I could have endured much longer. My energy level is still not up to par but at least I have the desire to get up. I'm thankful for the prayers of others on my behalf. They have been lifesaving. I'm sorry for all those who have suffered as well, with anything...whether it is physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial, marital...I wish I had been more capable to do something to help. Lucky for us, we have a Savior who knows how we feel. I'm thankful for the sun and the Son.

Party Central

Saturday night was the Stake Scripture Fiesta...aka scripture bowl. We keep having to come up with fun ideas to get the kids to come scripture chase each year. This year we lured them with candy and nachos. It worked. Chloe even invited some friends from the Kearney ward. Since it was finished by 8:30, we invited the youth to come over and play. I got some photos of a few of the kids playing the wii and pool. Chloe and Cody...

Andrew playing pool...he wanted to make sure I documented that he beat Boyd 5 times in a row.

Joey....

Scott, Dani, Chloe, Cody & Joey...note the popcorn bag in the middle of the floor...this comes into play later....

when I caught Elliot licking the butter from the inside of the bag!

I really enjoy having them all over at the house after activities. Sometimes I'm a party pooper and I make Boyd stay up with them but I actually played a bit of the wii this time and managed to stay up the whole time.

Photo opp

If anyone has seen my sister-in-law's blog (Kristin Kanenwisher Photography) here on my blog, you know she does a great job taking photos. It looks like she and her family may be coming to visit May 11-17. If anyone is interested in booking a photo session for their family or friends while she's here, please contact me. Be sure to check out the photos of the babies in her blog...oh my!

Request granted

These are for Kelcie, Brynn, and Sara....

Lola (Ebola) Kanenwisher

Lola in trouble
Lola's room

Lola wanting to come outside
Lola with cling on's and needing a haircut

Lola smiling because she loves to be outside.

Some days we love her, some days we don't, but she's almost 3 now and at least she's not always in trouble anymore.

Passing

I learned this morning of Charlton Heston's death this weekend. I have had him in my thoughts so much lately. It could be that I've seen 10 Commandments 3 times in the last couple of months (I have it on my Ipod), or that I've seen Ben Hur twice in the last month. He is one of my favorite dramatic actors and I love the classic movies he's been in and there are so many. I was watching 10 Commandments on the plane on the way home from Mexico and Boyd asked, "Are you seriously watching the 10 Commandments?", I said, "yes". He then asked "why??". Why not?? Since I've been studying the Old Testament this year, I've been very interested in movies portaying that time in history. Not to mention...it's just a great movie. While there are some definate scenes that date the movie to the 50's, it is amazing to see how much effort went in to filming this movie. And although there is some Hollywood gratituity, the story of Moses and Charlton's portrayal of him is so wonderful. Ben Hur is the ultimate Easter classic that leaves me in tears every time I watch it. I think I'll watch them again this week to say goodbye to a grand actor.

Charlton Heston
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/movies/06heston.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2496037.stm

Glorious sun

What a fitting way to celebrate the restoration of the church as well as general conference. It is a glorious sunny day for a change. Warm....light breeze....blue skies. Chloe and Hunter have been at a choir competition all day. Boyd ran some errands so I took Bridger to breakfast then shopping for awhile. We came home and watched conference...well I listened to conference. I was resting my eyes (napping). Bridger felt inspired to organize her beads and ended up spilling them all over, which resulted in her bringing out the vacuum. She kept herself busy for an hour trying to suck up the dog and trying to see how many things in the house she could pick up with the suction hose. I diverted her energies to vacuuming the couch cushions...which lasted about 5 minutes until Boyd offered to take her to lunch. But I did get the front lilies weeded and some laundry done too so I'm feeling a little productive even if the vacuum is still laying out in the living room and the couch cushions are strewn all over. I can't believe I'm not freaking out at the trashed garage, the unpacked suitcase left over from Cabo in Boyd's closet (yes, he doesn't unpack suitcases), the dog toys laying all over the place, the dust piling up and the general untidiness of my house. The difference is the sun! My friend Bill, who mows my lawn is here today. I love the sound of the mower running, my windows open, and the smell of fresh cut grass. This day makes up for all the crummy days we've had for awhile. I better enjoy it while it lasts, I guess the rain is coming tomorrow....the 2nd session of conference begins in 10 minutes....

Thoughts of comfort

It's been a long time since I've been truly sick. I've felt my body fighting off a cold since monday morning and so far it's done pretty well. But this morning I woke up with a sore throat. Perfect timing...now it's the weekend! I think I'll be able to kick it fast though.

Some friends of ours in Utah lost a dear friend to a motorcyle accident this week. It was one of those shocking, out of no where, freak accidents. He and a friend went dirt bike riding, having a great time one minute, the next minute he goes over the handle bars and dies. He leaves behind a wife and 3 small daughters. I can't imagine the grief of his family at this time. Even with knowledge of the plan of salvation, these kinds of accidents are still hard to comprehend. I pray that our friends and his family will feel some measure of peace and comfort. I want to be better at appreciating my family and the precious time I have with them. I've posted the lyrics to this song before in other forums but I'd like to post it here because it is my favorite and I know it has given me comfort when I needed it and I hope it gives comfort to someone else.

Be Still, My Soul
1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly FriendThru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

Meet Encarnacion & Ignacio

I picked up these two dolls while we were in Mexico. I was looking for a unique souvenier and I found them at a delicious Mexican restaurant. There were about 15 of them and they were being used as decoration and I thought they were so interesting so I inquired to see if I could maybe buy one or two. They have a story behind them. The restaurant is owned and operated by a family from a tiny village farther south in Mexico near Oaxaca. Apparently, this town is almost completely made up of old people. Most of the younger people left to find jobs and it is supposedly rare to find young childen there. Even the owners of this restaurant left to move to a tourist area of Mexico to make money. Their recipes are from their mother....who still lives in the village. An old man there makes these dolls and gives them to this woman who gives them to her family in Cabo when they come visit her. They each represent different people their village and their crafts or means of earning money. For instance, Ignacio is a "pot seller". I named them Encarnacion and Ignacio after Nacho Libre. I'm sure the original artist would not appreciate my humor in giving them these names. The dolls are mounted on a piece of particle board and look like they are made paper mache style wrapped around formed wire. There is even some distressing and painting done on the paper and then it is finished with a glossy sheen. I was worried they wouldn't make the trip home well so I carried them in my lap on the plane, wrapped in newspaper in a plastic bag. I don't know how long they were in the restaurant for. Ignacio was a little dusty. I hope the humidity here doesn't ruin them. They are the best souvenir ever and sit on my fireplace hearth where I can see them everyday.
Side note...I'm sort of a huge fan of mole and that restaurant had the best mole I've ever had. There were no quesadillas, nachos, tacos...anything like that there. They served the food on old chipped up pottery. Hopefully there was no lead in it...hey...maybe that's why the mole was so good!