Fall Break-Vegas and Phantom

It's so nice to have a brother and sister-in-law who lives in Vegas so we can go there for a cheap vacation. We actually started the Fall break up in Park City. My dad got 2-bedroom condos and told anyone who wanted to go up can. My dad forgets that he has 5 daughters and we all wanted to go. Even my brother came. We ended up with 5 families (5-6 kids each) plus my parents in a 2 bedroom condo. We didn't stay in the condo much but went swimming and played with the kids and even went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. The kids had fun. They LOVE being around cousins. The Talbots left because we were heading for Las Vegas the next morning.

We head out to Las Vegas by lunchtime. Kids were pretty good travelers. I have learned it is all in the seat assignments. Is it just my family or do you have the same issues? We get to Vegas and have time to go to the butterfly park (our favorite park). It has squishy floormats, water features, and lots of places to run around. Brad now thinks he is too old for it and wants to just hang out with the adults. He is growing up. STOP! I hate that he is growing up. The kids enjoy it and we head over to Russ and Michele. We had to get ready for Phantom. A few weeks ago my sister called me and told me she could get tickets for $35 from Ben Hall (he is an ex-boyfriend and is Raul understudy). I love Phantom (not as much as Wicked, though). It was phenominal. When Phantom sang his tenor notes, it just melted my heart. I loved it and on top of the great price we were on the 5th row!!! I love plays and get all excited like a little girl on Christmas morning. I couldn't even eat before and was still happy afterwards. We go to a restaurant in the Venice hotel and have wonderful time with Russ and Michele. The night ended at the Belagio to watch the waterfall show. Vegas is sure different when you don't have children. It was a romantic evening with my husband (and my brother and sister-in-law that tagged along, but I didn't notice them).

The next morning we head over to the butterfly park, eat Mummy Dogs (like pigs in a blanket) and go swimming. The pool was freezing but that didn't stop our kids from swimming. They went from the hot tub to the pool. We stayed home and ate hamburgers and steaks while watching the world series. It was a relaxing evening.

Sunday we went to another ward since it was stake conference for Russ and Michele. It was their primary program so it was entertaining for our children. Russ invited over the missionaries to teach the discussions to an investigator friend. Way to go Russ for always being a missionary! I would love to live in the mission field but am content raising my family and being an example to others in happy valley. I may not be teaching others the gospel but I am teaching future missionaries who will go out someday and will teach to others. I was assigned kitchen help and slaved away making lunch (it was no lunch, it was meat and potatoes, gravy, corn, rolls, and dessert!). When they finished the discussion, we ate. It was delicious! We headed out and come home sweet home.

Corneal abrasion Continuation

Fast forward another week from my last post. I put in my contacts and wear them for a week, ready to put that horrible experience behind me. I start feeling some pain again. Now in my other eye. Are you kidding me? I know exactly what it is but in denial. The pain is horrific but since I already have meds from the other eye I start putting in drops which the doctor said helped heal faster. I went to the specialist and sure enough, I have a corneal abrasion in my other eye! What are the chances? They think from after 20 years of contact wear and tear, my eyes are just giving out. So dissappointed! So what's my next thought? When can I get LASIK. As soon as my eye heals in about a month, they respond. Now I have to suffer with glasses for a month. How can they be so cruel!

Corneal abrasion

Remember in 2010 I had a major ear infection. Of course, you don't remember...cliff notes are I had a really bad ear infection for 10 days and have lost some of my hearing because of it. Well, I now have a corneal abration in my left eye. What is wrong with me? I'm too young to be having issues with my body. On Saturday, I woke up to a pain in my eye around 4am. I went back to sleep but woke up at a decent hour and called the optometrist. My optometrist is not opened on Saturdays so I called the only one that is opened (and in my network). He saw me first thing. Not a good idea to drive myself to the doctors (Paul was in Texas). It was only 2 miles away but with a squinty eye I just hoped that my periferal vision in my right eye would not lead me astray. The optometrist told me I had a corneal abrasion, a scratch on my corneal. How I got it? Don't know. He gave me a contact lense to protect it, like a bandaid and gave me antibiotics. He wanted to see me on Sunday. I was okay on Saturday. Indoors was better than going outside and the night was my friend as I could fully open my eyes. I went to the closing social with the Japanese Student and all seemed well. We took everyone to a Haunted House in Cedar Hills and my eyes started acting up again. Paul was on his way home from Texas and so I texted him that I was going to bed and couldn't wait up for him. A minute later I wrote that I need a priesthood blessing. When he came home around midnight, he and Chad Ellis gave me a blessing.

Sunday I woke up and it was worse. I had to remove the contact even though I could barely open my eyes. The sunlight KILLED my eye. Paul drove me to the doctor. It still hadn't healed like he hoped it would. He gave me his cell number and told me to call if it didn't get better. A couple hours later he called and said he can't get me out of his mind and thinks I need to go to the ER and to a specialist. Being a Sunday, we have to go to the ER. He shows Paul the large cut in his magnified machine which Paul describes as the shape of Japan. I also have 2 more cuts to the side of it. They prescribe me a stronger antibiotic and Lortab. To avoid the pain, I just have kept my eyes closed and slept. I can't watch TV or look at a computer screen and it's hard to read so I just lay there with my iphone and listen to the mormon channel. The only time I opened my eye was when they put a numbing drop in my eye at the doctors and ER lasting 15 minutes.

Monday morning I go see the opthomologist. The cut has now healed but my eyes are really red and the blood vessels are working really hard to heal the eye. It is tender and sensitive to light. He dilates my eyes to give me some relieve. Perfect for Halloween...dilated pupils, red eyes and swollen. I thought of being a pirate for Halloween or a vampire because I would come alive at night when the sunlight was gone. Instead I was just 4-eyed Plain Jane. The laughing stalk of those around me.

Wednesday I go to the opthomologist again. I have a scar from where it has healed. A good sign except I my vision may have changed. I won't know that for a month or so. I'm not out of the neck yet. My eyes are still fighting and so he prescribed a steriod. Yikes! Will I grow chest hair? I'll let you know how it grows, I mean goes (He-He). Now I have to wear glasses for a week more or so and no makeup. All natural! Lasik and/or Permanent eyelashes sound so good right now!

Stilleto Sprint

(DeLonne, Brandalee, Lareen, Mom, DeLayne, Audralyn and me in our stilletos and pink hair!)

My sister, Audralyn, lives in Texas. They had their first annual Stilleto Sprint last year in September right when DeLayne was diagnosed with cancer. So she thought it would be wonderful if we all could go out there, a year later, for the second annual Stilleto Sprint. Of course it was a long shot but guess what? We all could go, 5 sisters and mom, and flew out the 2nd week of September.

I, of course, had to fly Jet Blue on the red eye. Funny story...you would think that I would know airports/airplanes are cold because I fly more often but I had in my head that Houston is HOT and humid. So I didn't pack a jacket. While on the plane ride to JFK I was cold and wanted to sleep but couldn't because I was cold (and those darn blankets now cost money!!) So when everyone besides me was asleep, I slipped my hands inside my short-sleeve shirt and slept. Funny thing is when I went to sleep it was dark but when I woke up it was light and everyone was awake so I hurried and pulled my hands out. Embarrased, NO! but I'm sure the people besides me thought I was a dork!

When I got to Texas, we went to a wonderful Mexican restaurant. Delicioso! We then headed to Woodland Hills to spend the night (about an hour away). The next morning we woke up early and got all dallied up in our pink tutus and pink hair. We all looked so cute. The sprint races (it was about 50 yard race) did not last long but it sure was fun. I would love to start one here in Utah. The best were the men in their stilletos. Some of those men sure can get competitive.

After the race, we headed over for shopping. We had a little incident with the Texas police...Put it this way...a few Bluth girls in your face is not a good thing. The cop was not pleased with us and I was a little disappointed in my sisters behavior. Enough said. Feelings got hurt but all is well. We ended the day by ordering famous Texas BBQ and watching the BYU. Unfortunately, we did not win.

Church was the next day. We sang "Abide with my Tis Eventide." If you are a Bluth, you sing. I never like to sing in public 1) I didn't get the talent my sisters have and 2) I don't like to be the center of attention. But I did it for my sister both DeLayne and Audralyn. The song has deep meaning and emotional for us. Audralyn is the primary chorister so we had some fun with (using a phone to call in the songs, superhero "twin" sister.)

My flight didn't leave until Monday afternoon. So I was able to hang out with Audralyn and my adorable niece Eva. She is the sweetest girl ever! I loved spending time with Audralyn. I love my sister in Texas. I wish she lived closer.

Fun time with sisters. I love my sisters and glad mom could join us for some fun memories.

Labor Day Weekend

The whole gang-Packers, Gammons, Talbots

So I have a group of women I walk with every morning. We call it exercise but I call it my "free therapy". Not that I have many problems, but is sure is nice to talk about things with others. I really love these women. They are wonderful women and mothers, a great example to me, and lots of fun. One of the women grew up in Koosharem, UT. Even growing up in UT I have never heard of it (It is a tiny town with limited cell phone coverage). Jennifer and I had nothing to do over Labor Day so we invited ourselves and went to their cabin. It was a fun weekend. We caught crawdads, feed the fish, went fishing (everyone caught at least one fish), shooting guns, and went to church where 90% were in jeans and tshirts. A very different experience. I think the highlight was riding the tractor in the bucket. Such fun memories! Becky, you are so invited next time!!

Catching crawdads with hot dogs.

This is the meetinghouse for church service on Sunday. Over 1000 people were in attendance and they even passed the sacrament! I was impressed. They then had a testimony people where most people started by saying "I grew up here..." We are hoping to someday say " We have been coming here for years for Labor Day..." :)

Linda's dad owns a fish farm. We went and feed the fish this morning. The fish were jumping and splashing as we feed them their pellet food. It was quite a sight.

Fishing or I should say Catching. Everyone caught at least one fish from the pond and they were large fish. We took some home and fried them up. Delicious!!

I think the best part was the tractor ride. All the kids are in the bucket and he took them up high and low and even tilted. They were screaming with delight.

Mary Poppins

Our school was having a special sale on Mary Poppins at Capital Theater. I didn't have any desire to go but for $20 each (it was buy one get one free). I decided to go and take my 2 daughters. It was completely magical. As I sat there and watched, it made me realize that everything I need to learn about parenthood/motherhood comes from Mary Poppins...

Have fun while working ("Spoonful of sugar"-In every job, there is an element of fun)

Service ("Feed the birds")

Stop and enjoy life ("Let's go fly a kite")

Be happy and make others happy ("Jolly Holiday")

Mary Poppins was amazing and I loved Bert. Wouldn't it be nice to have a Mary Poppins with all of us? When Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious started I was a little disappointed because it was different but by the end it was my favorite!!! Amazing and fun choreography. And when Bert climbed the edge of the stage to the top upside-down...WoW! I also loved when Mary Poppins flew out. We happened to be sitting right there where she flew to and it felt like she was coming to me. I know cheesy but it did bring a tear to my eye. LOVED IT! I hope I can be more like Mary Poppins.

Summer activities

This summer has been my favorite so far. We didn't go anywhere (except for Idaho) but explored Utah and loved it!

This is how our weeks went throughout the summer:

Swimming at AF pool twice a week

Alpine park (best park ever!!) twice a week

PG lake and/or Cedar Hills park once a week

Obviously we were outside every day. We always met up with cousins at each event either swimming, or at the park, or at the lake. In July, the Allens came to visit for 3 weeks and we loved it. We did so much with the Allens while they were here...swimming, boating, timp cave, Stadium of Fire, Seven Peaks. I have to say something about Seven Peaks. I am not a fan. Too much money, you have to pay to park plus more for tubes, and you can't bring in any food. Well, reluntantly I went because I had free passes. It rained around 5pm and everyone (no joke EVERYONE) left. It only rained for about 15-20 minutes but they had to wait to make sure that no lightening was in the area. Of course we stayed, we always are the last ones to leave seven peaks. About 30 minutes later, they reopened the park and we had it all to ourselves. We went from ride to ride. The rides were so fast that my sister, Audralyn, and I would leave our 3 year olds at the bottom of the ride and go up to the top and meet them a few minutes later. It was a blast! The best experience I have had at Seven Peaks ever!

At the end of July, we had our Chinese students for 3 weeks which is always a treat. Last year it was really hard because I had some difficult students but this year was awesome! They were so respectful and fun to be with. I love inviting them into my homes, even though I think it is hilarious that they come to Utah for a "American experience" with Mormon families.

We went boating periodically throughout the summer with the Allens, Prattes and Hucks. Went to Yuba Lake (which has to be a tradition now...great place for camping and boating and it is close!). Had a Talbot family reunion at the end of August and celebrated our 15 year anniversary (hopefully we can go on our planned vacation...if Paul's work slows down, not complaining at all, glad he is busy). And I had a miscarriage in the middle of the summer. Other than bleeding for 5 weeks (I know this may be TMI), it was a fanastic summer!!

Stadium of Fire. One of my most favorite thing is the after party after Stadium of Fire. It's in the cougar room and they feed us and then we don't have to wait for the traffic. Just a perk for having my dad on the Freedom Board.

Most of the grandkids after the 4th of July parade. What a bunch!

We weren't planning on hiking this day but just hang around Sundance but last minute we went to Stewarts Falls. It's not a hard hike or long (about 2 miles) but with flip flops it was hard and long! Our feet were filthy! Fun times!

The kids took hours to build this jacuzzi. The sisters would just sit in the shade and talk.

Talbot reunion at Warm River, ID. Kids loved floating the river but it ain't warm!

Russ and Michele's wedding-First event of the summer

I wrote this post in June but finally attached some pictures so I have reposted it so you can see with the pictures. Enjoy!

Bride and Groom w/family

Russ and Michele are married! On June 4th, Paul's brother finally married the girl he has been dating, off and on, for 5 years. We all wanted him to marry her, it just took him a little bit longer to figure it out. It was very exciting and I even got to help out with some of the wedding decisions which was pretty cool for me. I think I might become a wedding planner (totally kidding, I've seen bridzella, what a nightmare!).

The first thing I was asked to do was to help with the invitations. They had all the colors and designs picked out but I recommended a place here that saved them a lot of money. The owner is a friend of mine (PG Printers, if anyone is in need of invitations). When I got there I didn't realize that I had to choose the paper. Very stressful for me because I was choosing for some one else. I think they liked my choice.

I was able to help with the bridal shoot. We went to a place in Lehi behind "Nooks and Crannys" that doesn't charge and has a lot of places to take cool pictures. All the pictures turned out gorgeous!

I'm not sure how I got involved in everything but suddenly I am looking for ties, hairbows, bridesmaid dresses, flowergirl dresses, jewelry for the bridesmaid. It was so much fun! I found ties at a place in Fashion Place Mall. I brought my mom and sisters knowing they can help me in finding a good tie. We found a tie that we all loved. Everything had to be send via text or email. I sent a picture to Michele and I don't think she loved them so I bought one, put it on Paul, as my model, with a good camera to show the colors and send it to her. Russ and Michele's sister loved them so I bought them a couple days later.

Paul is my model to show Michele to see if she likes the tie. Russ loved it!

I found the hairbows from a neighbor who sells them to stores like Roberts, Michaels, etc. This is the best story. Michele had a certain green she wanted, not a forest green or a lime green but more a grass green. I looked all over for the specific color and found green hairbows at Robert's. After confirming that the color was what she liked, I went to my friend and asked him if he had any hairbow that color green. He said "Those are my hairbows and I can get you as many as you need for $1 each" Yippee! I was so happy because I knew I would not find 18 hairbows at one store and I did not want to go all over Utah finding them. We put 2 on a headband for each of the flower girls and 1 for each of the bridesmaid.

The flower girl dresses were easy because we just used my sister's from a few years ago. They were creme and we accented them with green. We had all the sizes we needed. Flower girl dresses checked off.

Cousins in the flower girl dresses. Don't you love the cute hairbows?!?

Bridesmaid dresses were a little bit harder. Eventually we just went with a simple black dress and yellow shoes (her colors were yellow and green). I found a necklace that had yellow and green, pearl bracelets and pearl earrings. Another cool story with the earrings. So we were looking for jewerly one Saturday, Michele in Vegas and I here in Utah. We would text pictures of jewerly we found to see if we liked. This went on all day. I found the bracelets but could not find earrings I liked to go with the ensemble. I went to Kohl's as one of my last stops towards the end of the day. I found the perfect earrings but they only had 2, I needed 5 so I asked them if they could call other stores. One store in Salt Lake had 3 more but then I thought why not have them call their Las Vegas stores which they did. The store had 5 and they put them on hold. I texted Michele and told her to pick them up. She was about 5 minutes away and she loved them plus they gave her a discount even though she didn't have any coupons. I love Kohl's!

What was the most fun was planning the bachelorette party. Paul was doing a bachelor party for Russ with his friends and I wanted Michele to have a fun night the last night she is single. Her sisters came and we ate and played fun games. One game was asking Russ questions and Michele had to guess his answers. They have known each other for 5 years, she should have gotten everyone right! Each one she got right, she got to pick a present. We had good presents and pranks-like presents (lotions, pregnancy test, her favorite candy, mints, etc). My favorite was large underwear/lingerine. Just something we give to family getting married. Lots of Laughs. The other game was questions I asked to all the sisters (and me) about marriage, relationships, tips and suggestions. It was a lot of fun!

Of course, you have to have large underwear at a bachlorette party. You should have seen her face as she was opening it up. It was priceless. She told me later that she thought it was the ugliest thing and didn't know how to tell me she didn't like it but soon realized it was a gag gift. So much fun!

The wedding was beautiful. I love weddings. I love live sealings. It reminds me of my wedding day (so nervous, so young, so lucky). It is so good to hear the ceremony again and all the great advice from the sealer. One thing I remember from the sealer is he said to hold hands often even in public (if you know me I do not like PDA) because it then says to You Belong to Me. I am trying to do that more now. Then it was pictures and a luncheon at the Northampton House. Then they were off onto their honeymoon.

The tradition Just Married on the car except I added FINALLY. :)

Sunday night we get a call wondering if they could open their presents. It was fun for the kids to help them. Then they wanted Paul and I to come to their cabin at Sundance and spend the night. I thought they were kidding but they weren't. So we had my mom and sister watch the kids and we crashed their honeymoon. Wierd? Not at all. They practically have been married for years. It was a lot of fun and lots of wonderful memories!

MIA

I feel like I have been "missing in action" since I haven't written on my blog for months. I took the summer off (more to post later) and now have been in the thick of activities with my kids. I started to panic towards the end of the summer because the kids were going back to school and I was worried I would have too much time on my hands. I didn't know what I was going to do to fill that "extra" time. I decided to volunteer more at the school and then I got a teaching job at the dance studio my kids attend. Now I am busier than ever! Volunteering 2 times at the school, dance class 2 times a week, dance class for each daughter, piano lessons, helping out with Paul's work, homework each night, and all other mother/homemaker chores, you could see why I have been MIA. Extra time, what extra time?!?

So I may not blog all the time but hopefully enough to write down my thoughts and document events in my family life for keepsake. It is my journal and I know I will be so glad to have it.

I may have to back track and tell about all the adventures in the summer. It was a wonderful summer!

Sunset, Mt Timpanogos Temple, Photography Class

So my wife said I need to get my own blog but before I do, I figured I'd grace her blog with a couple of cool sunset photos. Some of the sunsets have been pretty amazing this summer. I've run up to the temple several times trying to get the perfect shot. I'm still a rookie with the Canon, so exposure, shutter speed, etc is all new to me. While I was up there getting this shot, I noticed I wasn't alone and someone was trying to get their perfect shot too. He had gone up to the fence surrounding the temple property to shoot through it and even though I wanted the top of the fence as my border, I had to raise my camera a bit to avoid having him in the frame. Some of the shots, I just had to wait for him to move. Come to find out, it was a friend from my old ward who happens to be a pro. These shots were taken from the back of his truck that he had pulled over to the side of the road. I got it nice and steady. Anyway, he showed me a few pointers and I confessed to him I was a rookie. I also told him I needed to take a class. Coincidentally, he said he teaching one in a month or two! Can't wait for that class... should be in September sometime. It's amazing how the shots differ as the moments pass and the sunset transforms itself. I like these two because they were both taken shortly after the temple lights came on. I took photos of another sunset about a month earlier and it had deeper reds and oranges. This ones kinda pink which my wife says she doesn't like as much. Oh well, by the way the other sunset is found on my new blog: sevendoubleyou.blogspot.com. I may just post them here as well since Charalece likes them.

The Living Christ

In December, the stake young women challenged all of the youth and leaders to memorize The Living Christ. We would work on it for 4 months, starting in December and ending in April (Christ's birth to Christ's death and resurrection). I knew it would be challenging for all especially for me because lately I have had a hard time memorizing things. But, I knew "All things are possible with Christ, which strenghtens me". I would take a paragraph a week and memorize it. It got harder as I went on but I persevered.
The week of Easter, we went up to Temple Square and recited it in front of the Christus. It was an unforgettable experience. Such power was present and the Holy Ghost testified to all there the truthfulness of the words we were speaking. I am so glad I did it. It was a huge accomplishment. I learned so much about the Savior from the words of The Living Christ. I am grateful for my Savior and all that he has done for me. One of my favorite lines is "He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."

We bleed blue...

Who else to go to the Spring Blue/White game but the Talbot's in freezing cold weather?! We are true die hards. Of course, we went to Pizza Pie Cafe and spoiled the kids with all you can eat pizza and dessert. I love BYU!

April Fools

I think one of my favorite holidays is April Fools. April Fools is right below Christmas (and I mean very close second). If we got presents on April Fools, it would be at the top. This year I did not hold back at all. First, we put a For Sale sign on our front lawn. I know, not that original, but I did get some worried and sad neighbors. It was going to be a great day! I then went to my neighbors and seran wrapped her kitchen and toilet. I left a stuffed coyote (long story) in her garage entry. The coyote made everyone jump, even the Dad. Happy, happy day! I then did the samething to my next door neighbor. She was home all day so I only had about 15 minutes but I still was able to seran wrap her kitchen island and table and the toilets. I was on cloud 9. We went to a ward party and Paul banned me from doing any pranks (I agreed with him, it was a tougher crowd). When we came home our house was T.P. and they did a FANATASIC job. I got it good! It seemed that all my neighbors contributed a roll of toilet paper and/or watched the spectacle of T.P.ing the Talbot's. I was jumping up and down. It felt so good to show the love and receive the love in return. It was a wonderful, perfect day. Until next year...

This is what we came home to

This pic was the next morning

Wife of the week or decade?

Have you caught Jimmer fever? Paul's cousins go to the Mountain West Conference Tournament every year. They invite Paul every year. He has never gone so I thought now is the time. So, I coordinated with his cousin to get tickets for Paul. There were no tickets to be found. The only place was BYU but you had to be a cougar member. My dad is so I was able to purchase the tickets (all 11 of them). Hooray for me except I didn't think about when we got the credit card bill and Paul might notice a large charge from BYU tickets. I would check the mail every day. Of course, the day it comes, I missed it. Paul asked me what is this bill for $110 from BYU. I didn't know I said (that is the truth, I knew what the $2000 amount was for but not the $110). I told him I would look into it. I snatched that bill and hid it. If he would have looked on the back it, he would have seen the large amount (the $110 was a refund because they had overcharged us..Whew). I was able to keep it a secret until the day before and the only reason I told him then was so he could finish any loose ends from work. I was sooooo excited to tell him. I've never seen a grown man cry over BYU (j/k it just was a tear or two).

He carpooled with his cousins and had a wonderful time sitting through ALL the games. He did get sick but still screamed and cheered for BYU. They did so good and loved watching Jimmer. The highlight was the 52-shot game by Jimmer. A game that will go down in history. So the question is Am I the wife of the week or the decade?

Paul saw Jimmer's brother, TJ, in the crowd and snatched a picture with him. So cool! This is as close as it gets to Fredette's blood. Really great brother.

Ernest Edward Martinez

In front of his Grandma Sophie's home with his sister and brother

My husband is half Mexican. No one believes me because he does not look Mexican (except when he tans). His father was Ernest Martinez but his parents got a divorce when he was 2 and was eventually adopted by his dad, Randy Talbot, many years later. Paul did not have a relationship with Ernie for many years (about 15). He contacted him the year we were engaged because he was working in California but nothing came of it. After 5 years ago, Ernie called us up and wanted to come visit us. It was slow going but Paul and Ernie ended up having a good relationship over these past 5 years. Ernie suddenly passed away on March 17th. It was a surprise to all since he was in good health and relatively young (68). This sudden passing taught me never to take life for granted and to not have regrets. Our last conversation with Ernie was about Kailene's baptism. We wanted him to come but because of past feelings from other members of family, we felt it might not be appropriate, yet. So we let him know he was welcomed and we hoped one day that we could all be in the same room together. He understood and apologized for his past mistakes saying he was "knucklehead" but what gives him hope is when he reads in Alma about Alma the younger. He said if Alma can change, so can he.
Now we have just memories, few yet they are important and I am filled with gratitude that we had a relationship with him and that forgiveness was present.

We flew down and watched the BYU game with some dear friends. We spent the night with Sharon, Ernie's wife. It was nice to talk to her about him and even have some unanswered questions addressed. The funeral was nice. Paul spoke and pretty much gave the basics to our religion since the majority of the audience were not members (Ernie was the only member). He did a fantastic job. He also dedicated the grave which was beautiful. I am grateful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation, the atonement, and the resurrection. Life will go on after this life and we will see our loved ones again. Christ overcame death because of the resurrection. I am grateful for my testimony of the resurrection.

Picture taken at the stop light


We had some down time before our flight so we went to the LA temple. Wished we had more time to go through a session but instead we just ate dinner in the temple (Paul's favorite date). That temple is prime location. It is magnificient as you drive to it. The Visitor Center is really wonderful too.

Missionary youth conference

I have wanted to do a missionary experience for the youth for a long time. Finally, the time was right and the leaders put together (in 2 weeks!) a missionary youth conference. Because I had the ideas and asked other wards what they did, I was in charge. It was a huge project. I ate, slept and even dreamt about this missionary conference. It was a huge undertaking but I had wonderful leaders to help and a very supportive bishopric.

Each youth were called on a mission, paired up with a companionship and assigned to a district. They received a handbook filled of rules and guidelines. Choosing a companionship was much more difficult than anticipated. It became a very spiritual experience for those involved. We did ask a lot of these youth and, like always, they stepped up and took it seriously and rose to the occasion.

One of my favorite nights was when they went "tracking". We gave the youth a list of members from the ward and they needed to find their "golden family". The youth did not like to be rejected and when you asked the families, they didn't like to slam the door on them either. The ward members impressed me with their acting abilities.

The highlight for me was the testimony meeting. Each youth has the opportunity to go into a ward members home and teach them the first lesson that missionaries teach about the restoration and Joseph Smith. Our youth have such powerful testimonies. Our church is in good hands with these youth. At the end, the bishop released them which was extremely touching. Our bishop is emotional but this seemed different. For a couple of minutes, he couldn't get his bearings and it was complete silence. The Spirit was unrestrained and undeniable. A moment I will never forget.

Carl Bloch exhibit

I took my Young Women to the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU. BREATHTAKING! It was a perfect activity. We rented the ipads which brought on a whole new experience. I am amazed at the talents of so many people. Talents that affect so many lives. Carl Bloch had an amazing talent that brings people closer to Christ. I aspire to have a talent like that. Here are my thoughts and feelings of that night...

Doubting Thomas: Faith vs Doubt-Do we have to see Christ to believe? You can not have faith and doubt. Believe is one of my favorite words because it encompasses so much-hope, peace, faith. The Spirit has testified of so many truths for me to doubt. I am struck by his shame by his lack of faith.

Gethsemane: This act alone was the single most important event in the history of human existence. "HIs life was to atone for the signs of all mankind" (Quoted from The Living Christ). This depiction of Christ suffering in Gethsemane closes the gap between an infinite suffering vs human suffering. HIs suffering was unbearable for a human being but Christ was infinite. Yet it still was harder than even He anticipated and in Luke 22:43 it states "an angel...strengthen[ed] him.

Pool of Bethesda: What is so remarkable about this picture is those that need to be healed wait by the pool. They are in close proximity, almost knowing that it is within reach. What the question is are they healed by the pool in front of them or by turning to the Savior to be healed?

Become as a little child: Here Christ is reminding us to be like little children "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to his Father" (Mosiah 3:19). I also love how tenderly he is with other hand holding the child face. It almost is a protective touch, reminding me to take care of His children on earth. How much He loves the little children.

Come Unto Me: My favorite picture. There are many people in this picture that brings up points of discussion...the man leaning upon him for comfort, support and healing. The man resting on him as if seeking refuge and peace. The man in the back hesitating as if not feeling worthy. This pictures has a way to draw your attention to his eyes and his outstretched arms. Come unto Christ.

Kailene's birthday and baptism

Kailene has turned 8. I wish my kids didn't grow up. Soon they will be gone. The thought makes me sad. It is a big, exciting birthday for her. We had a birthday party for her with her friends and went swimming. Lots of fun.

She got baptized at the end of January. She was the only one in the ward so it was really personal for her. Grandma Bluth and Grandma Talbot spoke at her baptism. The kids sang a song and Brad played the violin. Lots of family filled our house to celebrate afterwards. For FHE we had a lesson on baptism. I asked Kailene if she had a testimony. She bore her testimony for us and we all bore our testimonies to each other. It was a wonderful FHE. She is such a sweet daughter, already very senstive. She is thoughtful and kind. We are so proud of her.

New Year's Resolutions

Every year I have written down New Year's Resolutions. Things I want to improve on, make better, work on, etc. And like most everyone else, I end up not doing them. This year I have decided to choose something every day and work on that. I hope to do this on a daily need, prayerfully. For example, one day I will work on my relationship with my children by being kinder and more patience with them. I know you're probably asking...She's only going to be kind to them one day? The hope is that it will carry to multiple days and then become a habit and then it's just part of my life and not a goal anymore. Wish me luck!