A few of my favorite things.

One of the many blogs I adore, is Rockstar Diaries and she inspired me to make a list of my favorite things/or things that make me happy. I try to think of my favorite things without having to be inspired but it is nice and necessary sometimes, to be reminded.

So, with no apparent order. Nor is it exclusively my top 10 favorites, just a few random favorite things:

1. The beauty of the many colors, especially the new green, of Spring.
2. Eating lunch or dinner at a restaurant
3. Pedicures with pink nail polish.
4. Good news about any one of my children.
5. Looking for sea glass on any beach.
6. Walking and holding hands with my husband.
7. A good chick-flick.
8. Just the right ice to crunch.
9. Making new friends.
10. Snuggling up to a good book.

That was actually harder than I thought it would be. I like the idea of writing list of my favorite things more frequently. I was thinking that remembering favorite things is being grateful for the little and big things in life and it helps my soul to be grateful.

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. Johannes A. Gaertner

I am needing all the Heaven I can get.

Time warp.

I don't know how I ended up in the middle of all these kids. Someone from my first neighborhood posted this picture on facebook. I was about 4 or 5 years old. Ah, the innocence of youth. How sweet and precious this picture is. How I wish I could give this version of me some words of advice, warning and encouragement! I was adorable!

Our little actress.

Britni is finishing up her first year of college, this week. She has had a full and challenging year. She is a theater major which is no surprise to anyone that knows and loves her.
Britni has had some great rolls this year. I know, I am her mother, and I'm biased in my opinion of how great she is. She really is a great actress. She has always been a passionate and dramatic person but in the first grade she showed us the future with a darling rendition of Anastasia. I helped Britni with a dance she mostly made up and I also got the costume for her to be Anastasia for a talent show. She had to try out for a chance to even perform for the after school talent show. Make it, she did. Everyone loved her and I heard great comments for months. She showed us what she was capable of with that show. I wasn't surprised when she was Juliet in the 9th grade, nor when she was in a play at the Hale Center Theater as a senior in High School or Antigone in High School, or with every other part she has had since the first grade. She is breathtaking on and off the stage.
Britni has worked hard for every part she got. She didn't get any big rolls in middle or junior high but she took every roll she was given and worked, learned and willed to be better. She is remarkable. I so adore her. We will soon be planning her wedding. She just made a part in a play at school and seems anxious to make it all work with her new roll as a fiance. She is growing up so fast but I have no doubt that whatever she tackles she will do so with the passion and tenacity that we have grown to know and love so much!

Spring plants.

I bought this planter two years ago. I planted spinach not long ago. The sage is from two years ago.

We have ten plants of rhubarb. Deer don't like it. It was here when we moved here and it comes back every year. It is very hardy since it is about the only thing I can grow outside.

It's getting more green!

Nothing like a good Spring rain! I LOVE the green of Spring!
Davis and I cleaned our garage today. Enough to fill up an entire garbage can. Enough to park a car on one side. IF we didn't have leaks in our garage. IF we didn't have drywall crumbling in places. Never fear, we just got an estimate to fix the roof of the garage. Less than what we thought. Still, more than we would like to spend.
Right now, Jeff and Davis are working on getting rid of shoots of oak scrub brush. It will take most of the summer. Big, big job! But great start!
Ah, the joys of having a home!

Silly Girl.

This is Sheyla. Silly girl. The chocolate syrup isn't a new habit, nor the quirkiest thing she does with Lucky Charms. She also eats the cereal by catagory and by the end has a whole bunch of marshmellows to enjoy.

We got a letter from Sheyla just yesterday. She is doing much better. Missions are hard, hard work and it hasn't been easy for her. She is working so hard. She has grown so much. Boy, do I miss her!
We love The Office and they have a FROGG radio station bumper sticker in the office on the show. Thus the picture! It was from a St. Patricks day parade in Pennsylvania. Silly girl.

Gifts from my garden.

It started out as a beautiful day. It started to get very windy and cloudy. Ah, spring!

Happy Earth Day!

It is a Wonderful World!

Beautiful day.

Chris and I went to the temple today. It made me happy. Then he had to go to work. So...
Today was so beautiful that I wanted to ride my scooter. Yes, I have a scooter. Last year when gas was over $4.25 per gallon Jeff wanted to get a scooter so he could spend less money commuting to work. He insisted that we get a scooter for me (it is a cheap Chinese brand). It has been more fun than I ever imagined. Today was my first ride of the year, it was that lovely. I decided to take a ride to Provo (just a little over thirty minutes away), taking side streets, and go see a movie at a mall. I noticed that I sighed deeply several times during my ride. I passed beautiful trees dripping of white blossoms that tickled my nose and smelled heavenly. I drove by fields of young green plants that had a sweet smell that followed me. I loved the ride. In fact, it reminds me of something that Dr. Laura said, well at least something like this, "I now know why a dog sticks it's head out the window!" So, do I.

Family Home Evening.

It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to drive to Jeff's work. We went to pick him up today because he rode his scooter into work today and took it to a shop to get it fixed. We then drove to Bridal Veil Falls which takes less than 10 minutes from his office. We took a little walk to the falls. What a glorious day!
We have a picture of us with Sheyla, when she is just about 3 months old (that is over 21 years ago), riding a tram up to the top of Bridal Veil Falls. Quite a few years ago there was an avalanche that wiped the tram away. Just a couple (or was it just last year) years ago there was a fire that burned the lodge at the top.
The river and falls are always beautiful. We had a great walk and great talks about nothing in particular.

My three boys, walking and talking.
After we were done, we drove to a very good Mexican Restaurant named Maria Bonita, Mexican Grill on 800 North in Orem. Good food, good service and very large portions. Yum!

Chris is growing up.

Chris has grown up so much in the ten months he has been gone. He gave a great talk yesterday about strengthening Home and Family and gave some good missionary experiences. He used an outline, gave a great talk and made it look easy. Not only that, but yesterday morning he didn't get into the shower until we gave him a hard time at 8:22, and then he was ready to leave for church ON TIME at 8:51. Prior to his mission he wouldn't have been able to get ready so quickly and be so happy about it.
This is Britni with Chris. She was in New York when we dropped Chris off at the MTC. I didn't want her to feel left out with the next picture. They ALL are growing up. We should have taken a picture yesterday. I don't always think smartly.
Look how fresh faced and eager Chris looks. The world before him! He worked so hard on his mission. He has grown so much. It may be difficult at times but we know he is capable and already we see some relief and hope for a bright future! We really are proud of him and love him with all our hearts!
The luncheon was a success, even though not as many people came as I thought would come. Which is ok. We missed all those that couldn't make it. There was plenty of family and friends to welcome Chris and support him when he gave his talk. We enjoyed every one's company at lunch. Yummy food, lots of noise and love.

Lucky girl.

Last night we tried to see a movie. I even prepaid for the tickets but because we ate dinner and had a couple of things to do before we left, by the time we got to the theater there were only front row seats left. I get sick if I sit in the front row when I watch a movie. So we got rain tickets for another time. I was a little bummed because I really wanted to see this movie. Actually, I've been wanting to see a movie for quite some time. But it was not meant to be. Jeff said, "Let's go shopping." Jeff is great in so many ways, but shopping is not one of the things he likes to do, but because he is so great in so many other ways, it doesn't matter. He said he really wanted to buy me something. So off to a couple stores we went. I found three nice, dress outfits that were so cute and more money than I would ever choose to spend. But he said, "Let's get them, you need them, you like them. You'll need to get some shoes to match." I was worried. "Are you sick?" I said. "Nope, I really want to do this." He replied. Wow. I got three pairs of shoes! He was there with me the whole time. Really weird but nice. He really wanted to make me happy.
Today we have been busy getting the house ready for a bunch of family and only a few friends that are coming over for lunch tomorrow. Chris is giving a homecoming talk in church and they are coming to support him. We also had Jeffs parents, brother and three of his kids come tonight for dinner. We also had a girl over that Chris went out with last night, she came over with her parents, for dinner tonight. Chris found out that her father served in the same mission that Jeff did, in Guatemala, over 23 years ago. Jeff helped me clean the house today. We went to Sam's Club to shop for food. He worked hard and I appreciate how much he did and how well he cleaned. Like I said. Lucky girl.

My red bedroom.

I'm going to try posting at night instead of the morning. Mainly because I am not a morning person and secondly I like to find things during the day that are interesting or that I want to share. This is my red bedroom. Yes, I know there is blue carpet. That's why I painted the ceiling red too. I would LOVE new flooring but that will have to wait for a bit longer. For many years I wanted a red bedroom. So, I painted our room red. Jeff is so good to let me do what I want.
I really want to get some drapes but have worried about the cost. I am close to going to Ikea and seeing if I can find something that works there. I just recently added the turquoise accents. I know it won't win any awards, but I love it! Notice the cat in the window and Addie on the chair. They really do love me.
I know it isn't Feng Shui to have a tv in the bedroom. But I like watching tv in bed.
I fell in love with The Kiss by Gustav Klimt when we lived in Florida. I bought a print and had it framed cheaply. I love that picture. It reminds me of how much Jeff loves me even after all these years.
Our room is long and narrow. These are the doors that go to the closet and bathroom. Yes, they are swinging doors. There are a few changes I want to make in my room but they must be inexpensive. Change is the spice of life.

It's been snowing some more.

Yesterday, it snowed most of the day. It was also tax day and we owed taxes this year. Aargh!

American Idol.

I love watching American Idol. We didn't watch the first season but got captured by the second. We would have Chinese food every week while we watched AI results show. But now that only Jeff and I like watching it (Sheyla is on her mission but stopped watching it a couple seasons ago and Britni is not living here any more, and Chris and Davis don't really like watching it), more often than not, we watch it after we record it with the DVR.
This year I love Kris Allen, he is my favorite. He has such a good sound to his voice and a quirky way he sings out the side of his mouth that is adorable. We also love Allison, the red hair chic, who is only 16 and amazing. She sounds and looks like she has been singing for ages. Adam Lambert, the Broadway star, is uber talented, but I wouldn't buy his album because he yells so much while he sings. Matt the piano player is very good too. The Gokey kid is very good too but not my favorite.
One of the most fun things about watching AI, is talking about AI. I loved being able to talk with the kids who they liked and why or laughing about the silly tryouts. Now Jeff and I talk about AI and that is fun too.
How amazing for these people to have something that can catapult them to stardom. It is fun to watch and sometimes, uncomfortable to watch when they aren't so good, or get too big for their britches. I wonder who gets voted off next?

Family Home Evening.

Throughout our garden, throughout Spring, pop up beautiful scattered treasures, this is one of them. I took this picture yesterday. Too bad I didn't keep my camera because less than an hour later, I found four deer in our front garden. This morning this flower is gone. Deer.
We wanted to go walking for Family Home Evening. So we piled in the truck and went to Salem. There is a sweet walking trail amongst fields, swamps and cows. It is very pretty but there are lots of bugs. The baby cows are so cute and curious. The man that owns the land made a walking trail for his wife. How is that for love. It's not quite a whole mile, round trip. But it is paved and has a few benches, ponds, plants and animals. He welcomes anyone to come and walk.
It was beautiful as the sun was setting. We didn't walk too fast. We walked for about a half an hour. Talked a lot, walked a little. Davis had fun with his Trikke. A three wheeled, standing contraption that he loves riding. He went around the loop five times to our two times. After wards we bought Davis a chocolate milkshake. He is very skinny and the rest of us didn't need one.
This picture was taken with my phone. It was a gorgeous day and a nice way to spend the evening.

Beautiful scenery and remembering a dog named Wilson.

Friday evening there was a mist of rain, it had been raining for most of the day. There was snow in the mountains. It was still so beautiful, so I took some more pictures. Yes, this is just behind our house. I am so grateful I live here, every single day.

Different view right behind our house. Just as beautiful.
This is looking down our street. I took a picture like this before but things are starting to get green. It was a wet, overcast day.
Saturday Jeff and I watched Marley and Me in our room. The cat came up and just plopped on Jeff. Silly Cat.
Marley and Me is such a cute, good movie. It reminds us of our dog Wilson. We got Wilson from a shelter when we lived in Florida. He was a Sheltie mix. He was Britni's dog. He loved to chew on things. We would find barbie and toy parts in his poop in the back yard. But he loved us and was with us for just about 11 years. He would walk the kids to the bus stop here in Utah. He would watch for them and go pick them up. He loved us and was such a good dog. He tolerated all the other animals we had over the years. Even sleeping with a cat in the garage. He had cancer on his legs and was having a hard time walking. He would whine more when he had to move. Just in October, Jeff took him in to the Veterinarian and they put Wilson to sleep. Jeff was laying right beside him when he went. I can imagine the way it happened by what Jeff told me and knowing Wilson. He kept his eyes on Jeff and calmly cooperated with the doctor. I'm glad Jeff was with him so Wilson knew we loved him and Jeff told him so. He died just a couple of weeks before Marley and Me came out. So, that movie makes us think of Wilson. I cried watching the movie the first time and I cried Saturday night. I was reminded of a loving dog that was with us through the ups and downs of family life. We were lucky to find him.
This is a picture I took yesterday, on Sunday. It was warming up to be a beautiful day. I just couldn't resist. The grass is getting greener. Buds are forming on the trees. Spring is still thinking about blossoming! It all makes me happy!

Beautiful vistas....

I have been thinking about a quote I remember President Gordon B Hinkley saying. I found it and here it is: "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have a ride."

Sometimes life feels more like a roller coaster ride than an old time rail journey but I love the saying! I feel that it is so true no matter the hills or valleys. I want to embrace the beautiful vistas and thrilling burst of speed. I want to be more able to embrace or at least, better tolerate, the delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts. I AM thankful for the ride!

Just some plants.

I planted these from cuttings I took from plants I already had. It's gratifying to see them grow and blossom! Just one of my favorite things.

Spectacular night sky, picture taken with my phone!

by Emily Dickinson

The Sun went down -- no Man looked on --
The Earth and I, alone,
Were present at the Majesty --
He triumphed, and went on --

The Sun went up --no Man looked on --
The Earth and I and One
A nameless Bird --a Stranger
Were Witness for the Crown --

It was a great day!

I had to get out of the house and do something. I was going to go to a movie but I didn't find one that I wanted to see. So I got a sandwich at subways and listened to my i-Pod while people watching at the mall. Then I headed to the Vintage stores that I love so much. I found these chairs at Treasures Antiques in Springville. I sent a picture of one to Britni to see if she would want them. Of course, I was paying happily. She said yes, so I got all four for $48! I think it's a great deal. We will paint them and cover the seats with super cute fabric! It will be a fun project! Britni was excited. We just need to find a cheap table, that will be easy and fun!
I was down at our mailboxes and was overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty of the valley! I just had to take some pictures! We had had snow last weekend and yesterday was gorgeous! We have some more crocus's in our garden. They make me happy! I planted a few purple pansies which I plant almost every single year and some spinach for the first time ever. It felt great to do some yard work on such a beautiful day!