A Great Read

I just finished one of the best novels I've ever read called "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova. I picked up a paper back copy of the book from Costco and was drawn to the description of "inversion of literature and history". I'm a sucker for history and I love it when an author can combine the two...a great story and fascinating history. I'm not usually a big fan of stories of Dracula and vampires but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it and would love to loan it to anyone who's interested. I may actually someday read this one again...I never read books twice. Unlike movies, I remember interesting books and get bored reading them again. This may not be the book for everyone, but it is so well written and almost believable. On to the next book.

I've been enjoying quite the string of great books lately...pretty lucky with my choices.

She believes...

in me. Thank you.Now I just need to believe.

For some reason this word, this action, this phrase keeps popping into my life...like it should be my motto. I find it all around me and have for many years and I find that I'm drawn to it. The Lord must be trying to tell me something and perhaps I'm finally figuring it out. I think believing is the first step of faith. To me, to believe is to take that first leap of trust that allows my faith to grow. If I could "believe" in myself, I could have the faith to accomplish anything I desire and anything the Lord desires, the faith to repent and be forgiven, the faith to know that I am a daughter of God who is loved.

"Be Believing" is at least what I'll be today.

Thanks for believing in me.

Weekender

I'm sitting back with my stretchy pants on...thanks to a yummy dinner and chocolate cake, getting ready to finish my seminary lesson after listening to a fireside about standards...lot's on on my mind and lots to post. It's sort of a travel log...this post is...could be rather long.

Friday

Friday began with assembling foster care overnight kit bags at Val's house and then attending a Rotary luncheon with Val, Kiera, and Tina to thank them for their financial contribution to the project. What a great eye opening experience to be among citizens of your own community who are considering what ways they can influence, impact and serve their fellow neighbors. I also went to the Oak Park Homecoming assembly to watch Chloe sing and support Taylor in her Homecoming Queen nomination. Chloe was one of her charm givers. Later that afternoon I ended up taking Lola to the vet for a quick surgery to remove a claw that she had almost pulled out. No pictures...they would look just like the pictures of her last surgery.

Chloe went to the football game with friends, much to their disappointment, Oak Park lost their game. This all happened while Boyd and I are at our marriage class up at the stake center.

Saturday

Hunter went to driver's ed in the morning. Boyd and I went to run a couple of errands and eat lunch. When we got home I left to go to the store to buy beads to make Chloe some jewelry for Homecoming. On the way home I was rear-ended by a lady driving a mini van. Not too much damage, enough though to file a police report. And today my back is killing me. So, then I helped Chloe get ready for the Homecoming Dance and her date, Cody and her friends, Megan and Kyle came and met at our house for pictures. They got home from the dance on time (yeah!) and stayed and played wii until 1:30 am. Cody and Chloe looked so cute and really had a great time. It's so hard wrapping my brain around the fact that this is her senior year.

Also, while Chloe was at the dance and Hunter was babysitting, Boyd and I took Bridger to see Forever Strong, the movie about the Highland Rugby Team in Utah. I thought it was very well made and I was so impressed. I think we'll be taking the girls to see it for FHE. It was that good.

http://www.rugbymovie.com/

Sunday

Kiera fed us a yummy dinner and awesome birthday cake for my birthday. I've been so blessed by family and friends who love me. It's a scary thing knowing you're in your last year of 30's but being loved definately makes it bearable!

Thanks RitterB's....

Look Mom...Kiera even took pictures of me for you...check out the look on Boyd's face!We just got back from Standard's Night at the church. It was one of those nights that made my girls think and evaluate their standards. The bishopric was bold and open and I think made an impact on the youth. Heavy stuff but good to get out. Please just let my kids make the right decisions. So with that, I end my "travelog" weekend report. A typical crazy weekend at the Kanenwisher's. But even though we're a bit tired, we're feeling blessed.

What About Now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ylgchWR-Ig

My Mom's first born...

turned one year older today. And, I'm feeling it.

I found this photo in a folder that Kristin left on my computer while she was here. She must have taken this picture at Bridger's track meet and when I saw it I thought I would need to post it for my Mom. Mom, I know you will love this picture, because you love me...with all my flaws and imperfections. You are my biggest cheerleader and fan. Today is my birthday because you gave me life. Like all children, I've always enjoyed hearing stories of my birth, how I was overdue and how I was blonde and blue-eyed just as if you got to order me the way you wanted. With all my childhood illness, I'm sure you wondered if you would see me live to celebrate this many birthdays. I know I have always been loved and because of that I thank my Mom on this day and wish to honor her. Thank you for life, for protection, for love, for financial burdens, for support, for example, for being my mom. I know I made a good choice when I chose you. Happy Birthday to your first born. Love you.

Peroxide

Thanks for the forward Dave... Heaven knows I've used peroxide a time or two!
3% peroxide 'I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars.'
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of 'Peroxide' to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day.. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.
11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner. Send on to others who might need to know the benefits of 3% peroxide

How do ya like dem apples?

What a great day! Amber got 3 bushels of apples EACH for Kiera and I and then she hosted an apple canning fest at her house to top it off. We made applesauce and apple pie filling as well as the first stages of apple butter. Her house smelled so yummy! Thanks so much for sacrificing your home and time for us, I really appreciate it. I'm the loser that can't spend the whole day helping out either so I really am grateful. I'm so glad I went because I was feeling completely overwhelmed and almost didn't go. By the time I got appointments and errands run I almost gave up and called to tell them I wouldn't be coming. Being around that cheerful kitchen, fun gals and yummy smells, made me feel much better even if it is tiring. Be sure to check out their blogs for pictures.
This is just part of what we got done today.

Amber's little girl, Darcy took this picture of us and our apples. I'm lookin' scarrrry.

The reason I left early...

Bridger took 1st place in the 7th Grade District Meet!

I'm off to prepare the seminary lesson for tomorrow and medicate my headache. I've got to get to bed earlier. I woke up at 5:38 this morning...seminary starts at 5:55. I'm not exactly sure how I made it. Boyd texted today and said they got an elk on their hunting trip and that he would be flying home tonight. I'm sure I'll have some pictures to post of that soon.

Being Social

Last night was a High Priest Group Social out at Far West. Boyd had been asked to put together a skit or presentation involving music and stories about Far West and the history there. He enlisted the help of Chloe and Hunter and they put on their pioneer dresses and sang songs with him. He played the harmonica and guitar. There was a great turn out, plenty of food, perfect weather and the skit was awesome. We brought Dave and Carol up with us as well. Kristin had 3 photo shoots last night so we brought Olin with us. He was so good, sharing his animal crackers with everyone there.

So Bridger speaks in sacrament today, all three girls will be singing in sacrament as well, Boyd leaves for a hunting trip, Hunter sings at the Staley dedication this afternoon, and I need to prepare my seminary lesson for tomorrow. So much for a day of rest!

My first Wordle...not very good for a first try but fun.
http://wordle.net/

Kristin's here..

and she brought Olin! Lola and Olin are peas in a pod. The two of them play and play like crazy. Both of them are going to go through withdrawls when they leave. Lola is the best babysitter.

Classic..Olin reading an upside down scrapbook magazine on Lola's dog bed. Lola and Olin are the same size so they are sharing...

I went with Kristin last night to the photo session with Tom Allison and his 3 "j"s. It was such a great photo shoot...the kids had fun climbing all over rocks and doing handstands. Kristin got incredible pictures and I can't wait for her to post them. She may post one on her blog today so be watching for it.

I took some photos of them while I was there...nothing like Kristin's will be but I thought it would be fun to take photos of the photo shoot.

I can't wait to see the photos from this weekends' photo sessions!

Actions & Accountability

We've found a new addiction and way to use up all the frozen cookie dough we buy from fundraisers....monster cookies. Monster weight gain:/

Once you start...you can't stop.

Simply thaw the dough, plop it on the cookie sheet and bake for a really long time. Eat warm. Get the warm fuzzies of comfort food. Feel the guilt.

Deal with the consequences later.

And another thing...

Monday after school was Bridger's second cross country meet. She came in second place this time. Boyd and I think she has more in her but we're pretty good with how well she's doing. She comes across the finish line and hardly looks winded. I think it's obvious she enjoys the social outlet.
Thank goodness for social outlets.

In September

I think I was hit with a bit of weepiness today because I was so tired. On top of that I attended the funeral of a gal in our ward...Kerri Shackelford Houston, who passed away suddenly on Sept. 11th. She was so young...only 37 and leaves behind two young children and a husband. Bishop gave an excellent talk today and he mentioned that since 9/11 a term we use to describe someone who has returned to Heavenly Father at such a young age is: "they were taken in the September of their life." It's when instead of people living to an old age and dying in the "December" of their life, September is used to describe dying in the autumn of their life, rather than the winter. It is ironic that she was literally taken in the September of her life. No doubt, it is a very difficult trial and yet I see the hand of God in the Shackelford/Houston families lives. Life is so precious and short. I pray for her family's peace and comfort during this time.

Here is the info that was on Kerri's funeral program:

In Memory of
Kerri Print Shackelford Houston
November 28, 1970 – September 11, 2008

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2700 Ensign Drive
Platte City, Missouri
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 10:00 a.m.

Presiding and Conducting Bishop William Litster
Prelude and Accompanist Nola Jean Barzee
Chorister Janeel Smith
Opening Song There is a Green Hill Far Away by Krista Overfelt
Invocation Milt Rogers
Musical Presentation O My Father by Krista Overfelt
Speaker Nancy Jones (Kerri’s sister)
Musical Presentation Families Can Be Together Forever by the New Mark Primary
Speaker Bishop William Litster
Closing Congregational Hymn A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief Page 29
Closing Prayer

Pall Bearers
Richard Shackelford, Jacob Shackelford, Randal Shackelford,
P.A. Shackelford, Scott Robinson, Ryan Grady, Bishop Williams of Kearney,
Aissac Aiono
Interment
Ridgeley Cemetery, Platte County
Grave Dedication Milt Rogers

Lunch to be held at the LDS Church in Platte City following Grave Dedication
In Lieu of flowers,
Donations may be made to the Carrie Houston Memorial Fund,
Citizens Bank & Trust, 100 NE State Hwy 92 Smithville, MO 64089

Obituary
Kerri P. Houston
Kerri P. (Shackelford) Houston, 37, passed away on September 11th, at her home in Smithville, MO.
Kerri was born November, 28th 1970, in Kansas City, MO, and lived her life in the Kansas City area. Kerri always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life. She was a loving mother, daughter and sister and will be dearly missed by her family.
She loved home schooling her children and loved her church and the children in the Sunday school class which she taught. Everyone loved Kerri. She had a generous heart, was a devoted mother and daughter always putting family, friends and causes close to her heart above all else.
Kerri is survived by husband, Chris Houston; daughter Mollie Houston and son Wyatt Houston, of the home; parents, Phillip and Linda Shackelford of Trimble MO; brothers, Phillip A. Shackelford of Edgerton MO; Randall Shackelford of Trimble MO; John Shackelford of Edgerton MO and Richard Shackelford of Trimble MO; and sisters, Nancy Jones of Dallas TX and Rosemary Robinson of Smithville, MO. Kerri is also survived by her in-laws Bill and Lana Houston, of Lincoln KS and 16 nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 16th at the L.D.S. Church in Platte City with visitation 9:00-10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Burial: Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely, MO
In lieu of flowers, donations: Kerri Houston Memorial Fund % Citizen Bank and Trust
Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, hkfuneralhomes.com

Les Miserable

Last night I went to Starlight to watch Les Miserable with Val, Angela and the Tallants. I'd never been to the Starlight Theater and was so impressed. We got their early and took the backstage tour...saw no actors but saw cool props. This theater is really amazing. We are so lucky to have such a venue in Kansas City. I think next year I'll buy season tickets. The production was the best of Les Mis that I've ever seen. Every performance was right on and this was the first time I saw the entire show. I saw Les Mis in the Music Hall and it must have been an abbreviated performance....this one was three hours....:/but worth it. So good. Thank you Val for giving me the invite and the night out. It was a nice change of pace from running around a few hours. And thank you Carol and Dave for the ride and the yummy snacks...hot chocolate hit the spot!

Gorgeous night...full moon, and fun company. Love Starlight...can't wait to go back.

Guys with Ties

Could be the name of a new Rock Band....Guys with Ties. After the Tallant's baptism, the Anderson family hosted an open house where we played a little Rock Band toward the end of the evening. It was kind of funny to see all these men jammin' in their ties.

Aubrey...rock star. Dave...rocker too...and Tommy on drums and Bish on mike...Matt, Sophia (mike hog:) and Boyd...rock on.

I enjoy being a groupie!!