tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59102840738988168322024-03-13T02:07:07.403-06:00My Sweet Life in SugarhouseKathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-75709417629148880932010-12-14T13:28:00.000-07:002010-12-14T13:28:43.418-07:00It's the most wonderful time of the year!So the song goes...and I tend to agree! We are so excited to spend our first Christmas in our new home. We are happily preparing for Christmas festivities. Tree, CHECK! Lights on the house, CHECK! Christmas shopping done, ALMOST! Christmas cards, WHAT? Oh shoot! I forgot about Christmas cards! My intention was to get Christmas cards done early this year, like around Thanksgiving, so that I could send our new address to friends and family. Something I've learned about my good intentions: most of them are just that, intentions. Maybe when I grow up I'll be organized enough to make and send Christmas cards at the end of November. Until then, <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">Shutterfly</a> to the rescue! I just tried to order some photo gifts from a different site and they sent me an email saying it takes 8-10 business days just to process the order so basically, forget it if you want them for Christmas! Shutterfly only takes 2-3 business days plus a short shipping time! <br />
Have you seen their cute stuff? They have literally hundreds of card designs to choose from. Chances are, you won't send out the same card that your best friend did! I had a hard time deciding on our cards thanks to cute designs like <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/merry-blossoms-christmas-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93496">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/pine-cone-toile-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93496">this one</a> oh, and can't forget <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/initially-chic-green-christmas-card-5x7-flat?fg=128&sortType=1&storeNode=93496">this one!</a> I think I'll save the one I chose to be a surprise for those receiving them. You wanna know what else is cool? For an additional fee, Shutterfly will even address and mail your cards for you! <br />
They also have great photo gifts. I've always wanted to make one of these personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars">calendars</a>. Wouldn't it be fun to make one of those to match the decor in your mom's house? (or your house ;)). <br />
So, I know this totally sounds like a commercial for Shutterfly. I guess it is. I believe on giving credit where credit is due. When a company offers a great product, gives free shipping on orders over $50, and has options galore, I need to share it with others! Thank you, <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/store/index.jsp">Shutterfly</a>, for saving my Christmas cards this year!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-6285600067894859762010-09-30T10:50:00.000-06:002010-09-30T10:50:19.465-06:00<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">WE'RE MOVING!!!</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/TKS_elNOQJI/AAAAAAAABbM/Efl38R5F9H4/s1600/DSCN1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/TKS_elNOQJI/AAAAAAAABbM/Efl38R5F9H4/s320/DSCN1857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-22967260282370020542010-07-18T19:33:00.000-06:002010-07-18T19:33:53.419-06:00Living in Limbo...and I'm not talking about "how low can you go" (although I've had some pretty low days the last few months!). <br />
Since we got the news that the sale of our house fell through, I've had a hard time finding where I fit in. One of the first things Sam and I decided was to start attending our new ward. Today was our fourth Sunday there. We all are enjoying the new relationships we are making. The boys have attended Cub Scouts and are going to start school there on the 26th! Even though we are doing all these things in our new neighborhood, and people are so nice and sympathetic towards our situation, I still don't feel like I completely belong since I don't physically live there. It is a hard place to be in because I don't feel like I belong in the old neighborhood, either! <br />
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We have not had very much traffic through our house. We have been doing Open Houses every Saturday and have had very little success with them. Tomorrow we drop the price another $15,000! We have been fasting, praying, begging, pleading for it to sell. Hopefully the price drop will do the trick!<br />
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In the meantime, we have been trying to have a little summer fun. Since the boys go to year-round school, summer break is much shorter this year and I feel like we wasted so much time those first few weeks! We have been swimming, boating, playing at the park, spending fun days with friends and grandparents, went to This is the Place for a fun (hot!) free day, went to a Peter Pan play, and other adventures. We are looking forward to this last week when our Pett family will all gather for a retirement Luau for my mom! Then we are heading to Park City for the weekend. School starts and then camp-out with the Preslar family that weekend. <br />
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I'm grateful my kids are pretty easy-going and don't mind all the car time as we go back and forth to the new neighborhood. It's just going to get worse when school starts! <br />
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So, there's our update. It is a crazy life and I don't like crazy. But, I am trying to look through the craziness to find joy in the every day moments! It's easy to find those moments with my 3 cute kids!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-90078664447095517242010-06-09T11:20:00.000-06:002010-06-09T11:20:08.238-06:00Broken HeartLast Sunday we said goodbye to Wells Ward. It was hard. I love that old, historic, beautiful building, the spiritual moments I have had there and the people I have met there who have touched my life. I came home exhausted from the emotional and physical toll saying goodbye took on me. Also relieved that I wouldn't have to do that again for a long time.<br />
This Friday, June 11th was supposed to be our moving date. Unfortunately, on Monday, June 7th, we found out that the buyers of our house backed out. So, instead of finishing the packing of our house, I'm back in staging/cleaning-to-show-it mode. I'm sad, heartbroken, angry, numb. I understand people can change their minds but seriously, 4 days before we are supposed to close? It's just not right. <br />
The day we found out I cried. A lot. Yesterday I was kind of numb. Today I'm just downright angry.<br />
I don't want to be in this place again. Selling a house is not fun. You never know when you are going to get the call to leave the house and you feel like you are living in limbo. I thought we were done with that and thank goodness we were! I could almost feel the new hardwood and carpeted floors beneath my feet and feel the cooled central air. I was done, ready to move on. But now, back to square one. I don't know how to act or feel or what to do. I refuse to say goodbye again. I can't do it. So, in the meantime I guess we just pray that we will have a new buyer quickly. And we pray for the strength to continue.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-66591614507811223912010-05-07T11:09:00.000-06:002010-05-07T11:09:39.049-06:00This is making me smile<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFgwZGscWiU&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zFgwZGscWiU&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-58155636297831008002010-04-12T17:14:00.000-06:002010-04-12T17:14:02.218-06:00Featuring: Manya Girls AccessoriesWhen my daughter was born, my sweet sis-in-law, Marina, made a darling little bracelet for Lucy. It was so cute on her tiny, chubby wrist. Last Spring I made a dress for my niece and sent it to her and a week or so later we received another darling bracelet for Lucy as a thank you. So last year when 7 women in my ward were pregnant at the same time with their first babies, and they all happened to be girls, I asked Marina to stock me up with these dainty bracelets so I would have them for shower gifts. Of course, everyone loved them and couldn't wait to put them on their tiny girl's wrist.<br />
Marina recently opened an online store called <a href="http://www.manya-accessories.com/">Manya girls accessories</a> where she sells these little gems. She has 3 different lines, all reasonably priced. AND she offers free shipping! <br />
I just placed another order today and thought I needed to share the love. Go check her out! And check out her darling model, my little niece!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-45490073062130953242010-04-05T14:38:00.002-06:002010-04-06T17:48:13.648-06:00Out with the OLD, in with the NEW!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pIxt1LiiI/AAAAAAAABUk/Q5uoXWh9ajg/s1600/DSCN1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pIxt1LiiI/AAAAAAAABUk/Q5uoXWh9ajg/s320/DSCN1706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have been doing a lot of spring cleaning around here and things are looking nice and fresh. We are getting ready to get out of the old and into the new!For over a year now, I have been wanting to move. I have felt very strongly about it and thought of little else. Sam has wanted too, as well, but knew how much work there was to do before we could sell our house. Sam has been working so hard to get things fixed up and finished and I have been painting until my hand resembles a claw. At the beginning of February, I was looking at the MLS (a weekly, if not daily occurrence) and saw some brand new houses in Daybreak (South Jordan) that I thought were worth taking a look at. Sam and I had looked at new and existing homes in several different communities and just not found exactly what we wanted. So we went to Holmes Homes and checked out several of their floorplans. After 3 visits to the builder in 4 days, I was ready to sign the papers but Sam needed a little more time. After praying about it that day, he knew we were making the right decision and we signed the contract that week! </div>Our new house will be done around the beginning of June and it has been fun to check on the progress each week. Our current home is on the market and in the first week, we had 8 showings so we hope that keeps up and that we will get an offer soon! So, if you know anyone in the market for a cute bungalow in Sugarhouse, send them our way!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pI5K0YcQI/AAAAAAAABUs/Cp0OZIF4Fao/s1600/DSCN1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pI5K0YcQI/AAAAAAAABUs/Cp0OZIF4Fao/s320/DSCN1699.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-26058797917470909272010-04-05T14:14:00.000-06:002010-04-05T14:14:41.993-06:008 is Great!The other day I found Noah looking at his baby scrapbook and thought "Oh my little Noah baby...where have the last 8 years gone? When did that chubby little toddler turn into this tall young man?" <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last week we celebrated Noah's 8th birthday. Friday we had an Indiana Jones party with his friends and Sam rigged up a cool obstacle course in the basement while I planned a treasure hunt. I also used my cake-decorating "skills" (NOT!) and made an Indiana Jones cake. I have to admit, every birthday cake I have made since Curtis turned one has been pretty much a disaster. My skills are so non-existent that Sam usually takes over and makes the cake look presentable. But this year, I had an idea in my head and for once was actually able to execute it! It's far from professional but Noah loved it and thought it was so creative. And isn't that what its all about?</div>Here are a couple of pictures from the party:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCQ91P8WI/AAAAAAAABUE/HFaNxzaRA24/s1600/DSCN1678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCQ91P8WI/AAAAAAAABUE/HFaNxzaRA24/s320/DSCN1678.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Swinging across the pit of doom</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCZW-O4cI/AAAAAAAABUM/UFVEzecp8aw/s1600/DSCN1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCZW-O4cI/AAAAAAAABUM/UFVEzecp8aw/s320/DSCN1685.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The kingdom of the crystal skull with lego Indiana running away from the cake/cookie boulder</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCiQuXm6I/AAAAAAAABUU/ZtorOR6eyws/s1600/DSCN1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pCiQuXm6I/AAAAAAAABUU/ZtorOR6eyws/s320/DSCN1682.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Noah with his good friend, Charlie.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On a personal note, Noah is such a wonderful kid. He is a joy to be around. It was tough getting him into this world but all 26 hours of labor were completely worth it. I would do it again if I had to! We are so grateful that Noah is part of our family.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">8 things I love about Noah:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pDAXpRpKI/AAAAAAAABUc/7ofbvaqYTaY/s1600/Lucy071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S7pDAXpRpKI/AAAAAAAABUc/7ofbvaqYTaY/s320/Lucy071.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1. He strives to be obedient and help others choose the right.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2. He is a wonderful big brother and little brother.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3. He is a great helper.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4. He has the cutest freckles smattered across his face.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5. He is funny!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">6. He is thoughtful and cares about other people.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">7. He is excited to be baptized in a few weeks!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">8. He is very creative and loves to express himself artistically.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Noah, I love you and am so grateful you are mine! I love you more than everything!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Love, Mom</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-61666362200163491992010-02-22T18:17:00.001-07:002010-02-22T18:19:00.497-07:00Cute kidsNoah is becoming a pro at quick wit. His teacher relayed this exchange to me: While talking about Charles Lindbergh (?) in class, Noah's friend Charlie said "Hey, I built an airplane?" Without hesitation, Noah replied "So, I built the ark."<br />
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Lucy is becoming quite particular in her clothing options. Most days she wants to wear a skirt-totally fine, I love little girls in skirts and they are quick and easy to make! The problem is, like most women, the first outfit is not the best outfit. I will get her dressed and 15 minutes later she will walk out of her room wearing something else, usually a skirt that is inside out with a shirt that doesn't match at all. I've decided to just roll with it. So, next time you see Lucy and she looks like a ragamuffin, just remember, she is a budding fashionista and asserting her independence!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-6870399690172321952010-02-01T10:29:00.003-07:002010-02-01T11:13:52.974-07:00A decadeDo you remember what you were doing a decade ago? The thoughts and feelings you were having? Even who you spent the day with or what you ate? No? Well, I remember everything. <br />
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You see, at this time on February 1st, 2000, I was realizing that I was going to become a mother that very day. I was experiencing contractions, getting stronger and closer together and it finally hit me--Today I will meet the little soul that will make me a mom. And, at 5:17 pm we welcomed little Curtis Taft Preslar into our loving arms and family. I never imagined 10 years ago that I would someday actually have a 10 year old. Did anyone else feel that way? But, that's what happens after your baby is around for 10 years!<br />
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The last 10 years have been full of love, happiness, fun, frustration, anxiety, smiles and tears as we have navigated parenthood. It has been a challenge, but an even bigger blessing. Curtis is such a cute, goofy, sensitive, talented, sweet kid and I am so glad he is mine!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S2cOk8OfNiI/AAAAAAAABQg/Q_VKiVIbwN8/s1600-h/Lucy018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S2cOk8OfNiI/AAAAAAAABQg/Q_VKiVIbwN8/s320/Lucy018.jpg" /></a></div>10 for 10 about Curtis:<br />
1. He is a Lego building maniac. <br />
2. He loves his brother and sister so much!<br />
3. He still loves trains, just like his dad.<br />
4. He loves Cub Scouts and will receive his Bear award this week!<br />
5. He loves to read.<br />
6. He is a great helper.<br />
7. He loves his family-immediate and extended, and idolizes cousin Taylor<br />
8. He loves animals and is so happy to have a cat. (much to my dismay)<br />
9. He loves spending time with friends but will also play happily by himself for hours.<br />
10. He is very loyal. He's got your back.<br />
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Happy Birthday, Big Boy! For now and forever, my baby you'll be. I love you, Curtis.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">ps. don't freak about the cub scout background. This week is the Blue & Gold banquet where we will celebrate 75 years of Cub Scouts, Curtis will receive his Bear and move on to Webelos and Noah will be introduced as a new Wolf. And since Sam and I are Bear leaders, it's kind of a big deal around here! So, in honor of that, the first FEMALE who can tell me what a Webelo is, will win a prize!</span>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-51768852505440641882010-01-14T15:09:00.000-07:002010-01-14T15:09:46.882-07:00Holiday UpdatesI'm not really in blogging mode but I was tired of having that last post up from over a month ago! So, I just went through my photos from the holidays and pulled out a few favorites.<br />
We went ice skating with my family on Christmas Eve. Even little Lucy got in a pair of skates! She had a great time!<br />
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</div>Noah didn't stop skating for a second. He is really getting the hang of it!<br />
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</div>Curtis was happy that Santa remembered to bring Agent C a new collar for Christmas. He loves that cat.<br />
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</div>My cousin Tina came home from serving 9 months in Afghanistan. We were all able to go to the airport on New Year's Eve and welcome her home. It was so exciting to see her reunited with her two children.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S0-NQvZGA-I/AAAAAAAABP4/M-0b73n4jO8/s1600-h/DSCN1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/S0-NQvZGA-I/AAAAAAAABP4/M-0b73n4jO8/s320/DSCN1496.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm so glad she is home safe and sound and so proud of her for serving our country!<br />
</div>I have a video to share but for some reason I can not get it to load on blogger...I'll try again later.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-28561309725875500092009-12-11T13:53:00.003-07:002009-12-11T14:08:10.018-07:00Bah Humbug...I love Christmas. I love the reason that we celebrate. That billions of people come together on this one day to recognize/worship the birth of our Savior. I love giving thoughtful gifts. I love the excitement that Christmas Eve brings. I love seeing my children's faces light up with anticipation. I love Christmas jammies. I love the magic of Santa. I love bundling up in the cold. I love Christmas music. I love Christmas cookies. I love making Christmas cards and receiving Christmas cards. I love spending time with family and celebrating our love for each other. I love the smells of Christmas. I love the light displays. I love Christmas. Really, I do.<br /><br />BUT...<br /><br />This year, I just can not seem to find my Christmas mojo. Here it is the 11th of December and I have purchased one (ONE!) gift. I'm not sure what to even get for my kids! I don't get excited when I hear Christmas music on the radio. I just put together our Advent boxes this week and so far, we have only done one thing from the boxes. I ORDERED Christmas cards....unheard of! Sam and the boys are going to get a tree in a few minutes and I'm staying home with Lucy (who has been sick this week). I told Sam I didn't even care what the tree looks like. <br />What is wrong with me? Any suggestions to help me find the Christmas Spirit?Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-63151533969548473702009-12-02T20:03:00.010-07:002009-12-02T20:38:03.679-07:00My Baby's 2!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcsR6YU-VI/AAAAAAAABJw/UaSqqoM2npU/s1600-h/DSCN1280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcsR6YU-VI/AAAAAAAABJw/UaSqqoM2npU/s400/DSCN1280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410842163549632850" /></a><br />On Thanksgiving Day, my baby girl turned two! Where did the last two years go? If anyone finds them, let me know! How quickly Lucy went from this tiny sweet bundle...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcr1LSRszI/AAAAAAAABJo/eAAwBeKkLiY/s1600-h/Lucy001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcr1LSRszI/AAAAAAAABJo/eAAwBeKkLiY/s400/Lucy001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410841669871448882" /></a><br />to this toddler with sass!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcq4HvFa_I/AAAAAAAABJg/oArIh_5VamE/s1600-h/Lucy043.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410840620946516978" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcq4HvFa_I/AAAAAAAABJg/oArIh_5VamE/s400/Lucy043.jpg" /></a><br />We love our little Lucy so much. She brings so much spunk and joy into our lives. She is affectionate and tough. She loves dolls and balls (and she's got an arm!). She loves kisses and fist bumps. She is super silly but can turn on the tears in a second. She is a girl who knows what she wants and how to get it! She's got several people wrapped around her tiniest finger. She is the light of our lives!<br /><br />My sweet friend and photographer <a href="http://heathergeorgephotography.com">Heather</a> met us at Gardner Village for a fun photo shoot the week before Lucy's birthday. Heather gave me over 100 images (she is fabulous!)so it was hard to choose but here are a few of my favorites!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcwK16n52I/AAAAAAAABJ4/tPeMUaYlAm4/s1600-h/Lucy003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcwK16n52I/AAAAAAAABJ4/tPeMUaYlAm4/s400/Lucy003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410846440138729314" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcw6QFPeGI/AAAAAAAABKI/Lw1GzWu3IoM/s1600-h/Lucy023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcw6QFPeGI/AAAAAAAABKI/Lw1GzWu3IoM/s400/Lucy023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410847254616438882" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcw50tqsiI/AAAAAAAABKA/TQqs5mviFcA/s1600-h/Lucy011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sxcw50tqsiI/AAAAAAAABKA/TQqs5mviFcA/s400/Lucy011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410847247269802530" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcyGJblgzI/AAAAAAAABKY/9Sq2MZCaE5o/s1600-h/Lucy056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcyGJblgzI/AAAAAAAABKY/9Sq2MZCaE5o/s400/Lucy056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410848558501167922" /></a><br />Since Lucy and my mom share a birthday, I asked Mom to come get a few pics with Lucy. Here's my favorite of the Birthday Girls. Aren't they beautiful?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcxjKgXc9I/AAAAAAAABKQ/t1CQLFxaD8k/s1600-h/Lucy052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SxcxjKgXc9I/AAAAAAAABKQ/t1CQLFxaD8k/s400/Lucy052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410847957494232018" /></a><br />I love Lucy!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-5977532019814441302009-11-09T23:54:00.004-07:002009-11-10T00:06:06.447-07:00Primary ProgramYesterday was our Primary Program in Church. The theme was "Our Eternal Family". It was a very enjoyable meeting and the boys both did a great job. My mom asked Noah before what he his part was in the program. He promptly replied "Classified". He just was not willing to give any spoilers! Curtis was asked to talk on his baptism. He wrote his part himself. He said "I was really nervous because I was afraid my dad would mess up." He also said some really sweet things but I can't remember because I was laughing too hard at that sentence! Sam and I were asked to speak for a few minutes about how family prayer has strengthened our family. Lucy decided to join us and yanked the microphone towards her every few seconds and uttered a "yah yah yah" into it and then chuckled to herself. I was glad for her comic relief as I was able to get through my part without crying (a curse of mine, for certain). Lucy also decided to make a dash out of Sam's arms towards the stand during the closing prayer and (observed from my one eye while trying to show some semblance of reverence)did her best to elude the grabbing hands of the Primary presidency. She managed to get a little dance in next to the podium before the "amen". My thoughts of putting a child gate on the end of the pew have resurfaced.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-18127450298165027612009-10-13T10:33:00.004-06:002009-10-13T10:39:32.185-06:00SacrilegeSunday during Sacrament meeting was rough. Sam was home very sick so I was left to do the battle of the squirmy, tired toddler by myself. I spent most of the time trying to get Lucy to quiet down in the foyer but did have a few moments on the pew.<br />During one of those rare moments, right after the sacrament water had gone through our row, Noah leaned over and said "I wish they had chicken for the body." What? "You know, chicken instead of bread. That would taste much better." I'll admit, I did the church bench shake for a few minutes. I know it's a little sacrilegious, but the kid has a point, no?Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-39121500750019953822009-09-21T13:25:00.006-06:002009-09-21T14:18:35.270-06:00The latestThis morning, Sam put Lucy down for a nap. A few minutes later I heard her pounding on something. It was really loud so I asked Sam if he had closed her door. Of course he had so I went to her room and she was pounding on her door! That little stinker figured out how to climb out of her crib! Dangit! I guess it's time for a big girl bed. <br />A few weeks ago, we realized we had a leak in our water main. Fortunately, we didn't have a flood in the basement or sink holes in the yard, just water running continuously through our pipes. We got some bids for replacing the pipe then realized if we rented a mini excavator and dug it up ourselves, we could save over $1000! So Sam worked tirelessly Friday and Saturday getting it dug up. He and the kids all thought the mini excavator was a blast. In fact, Noah asked for one for Christmas! <A href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SrfYL0Om7zI/AAAAAAAABCc/oM5D4H0hfBE/s1600-h/DSCN1113.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384009577054793522 border=0 alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SrfYL0Om7zI/AAAAAAAABCc/oM5D4H0hfBE/s400/DSCN1113.JPG"></A> <A href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SrfYLaHhkXI/AAAAAAAABCU/D_ryM1kef_s/s1600-h/DSCN1112.JPG"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384009570045759858 border=0 alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SrfYLaHhkXI/AAAAAAAABCU/D_ryM1kef_s/s400/DSCN1112.JPG"></A><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-2b84d440bcb7a823 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="2b84d440bcb7a823"></OBJECT><br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-FAILED class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="FAILED"></OBJECT>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-89105094989268716362009-09-02T12:49:00.005-06:002009-09-02T13:05:51.779-06:00Movie Review<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp7BSv8G9UI/AAAAAAAABCM/f2LDe1XMQBo/s1600-h/Julia+Child.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp7BSv8G9UI/AAAAAAAABCM/f2LDe1XMQBo/s400/Julia+Child.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376947532977337666" /></a><br />Have you seen the movie <em>Julie and Julia</em>?<em></em> If not, I highly recommend you make a date with your significant other, best girlfriend, mom, sister, cousin, next door neighbor, mailman. Whoever. Go see it. You will not be disappointed.<br />I think this is the first time I have seen a movie, made from a book, where the movie is better than the book. Like 100 times better. I went to see it with my mom and we both loved it. We cried and laughed so hard that we cried. I basically had tears running down my face the entire movie. I really wish it would have just been a movie about Julia Child because it was such a sweet story and, let me tell ya, that Meryl Streep knows how to act. She WAS Julia Child. And Stanley Tucci, oh what a sweetheart. Really. Seriously. Can you tell I loved this movie? I will be buying the DVD. However, I will not be mastering the art of French cooking!Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-56494786898370613102009-09-01T13:31:00.005-06:002009-09-01T13:57:43.846-06:00Baby shower goodness<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp17azsLo4I/AAAAAAAABCE/MPXQdSgenng/s1600-h/DSCN1084.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp17azsLo4I/AAAAAAAABCE/MPXQdSgenng/s400/DSCN1084.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376589230632575874" /></a><br /> I love reading crafty blogs. I am amazed by the cute things people create. I have been known to create some cute stuff but I don't usually come up with stuff on my own. So, I love that people share all the fun stuff that they make so I can copy them! Now, it's my turn to share some of my cute stuff!<br /><br />Saturday I hosted a baby shower for a friend of mine. I decided I wanted to try my hand at cupcakes. Now, I've made cupcakes before but always just slapped some frosting on the top. But I wanted these cupcakes to be really pretty. So I borrowed some cake decorating tips from my friend <a href="http://billandmeganb.blogspot.com/">Megan</a> and an instruction booklet and went to town. I made strawberry lemonade cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I made three different designs and two colors of frosting:pink and light orange. Decorating them was really fun, relatively easy and they turned out so yummy. I might even go as far as saying they were <a href="http://yummioso.blogspot.com/2007/05/yummioso.html">yummioso</a> and they looked oh-so-cute! Unfortunately, most were eaten before I got a chance to take a photo of their cuteness. So, the one remaining cupcake that I hid is in the photo above.<br /><br />Megan helped me make cream cheese mints for the little favors. We did pink strawberry kiwi mints and yellow lime flavored mints. (I guess they weren't really mints since we didn't use mint but that's what they are called.) Megan has a ton of cute molds so we did baby bottles, rocking horses, baby carriages and butterflies. <br />The favor boxes were these darling "sour cream containers". You know the kind, like when you go to Wendy's and order a baked potato and the sour cream is in that funky little tubey thing. I got the instructions <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/sour_cream_container">here</a> and really, they could not be any easier. <br /><br />Then I made a cute little advice book to match and had everyone write down their best baby advice for the new parents. I haven't put the whole book together yet but the cover of it is shown in the photo. <br /><br />The shower was a success. Yummy food, fun gifts, cute favors and showered mama-to-be.Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-51418935577399714982009-09-01T13:11:00.005-06:002009-09-01T13:27:00.066-06:00100th post!Yesterday was my 100th post. I intended to make a big deal out of it but was so caught up in getting caught up that I didn't realize until later that I had written the 100th post! Oh well, here's to good intentions.<br /><br />We celebrated Sam's birthday yesterday. We had a yummy dinner of pesto stuffed pork chops, twice baked potatoes and a delicious, fresh green salad. Then we topped it off with some birthday ice cream treats. Sam had asked a few weeks ago for a headlamp but I never got around to ordering it so I was left scrambling at the last minute for a meaningful gift. He has taken some really beautiful pictures lately so I browsed through our photos and found two of my favorites (one was a fave of his). I then had 8x10's printed of each of them and framed them. Although it wasn't the headlamp he was hoping for, he was touched by the thoughtful gift. He really does have an eye for photography and loves to take pictures. Maybe one day we'll be able to save up for a really good camera.<br /><br />I'm so grateful for Sam. He is a wonderful dad, husband and provider. We think he's pretty great!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp11AjP5MGI/AAAAAAAABB8/Cis5mDxWCL4/s1600-h/DSCN0764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp11AjP5MGI/AAAAAAAABB8/Cis5mDxWCL4/s400/DSCN0764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376582182472593506" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp11AAJ_boI/AAAAAAAABB0/X9x-bfov7u8/s1600-h/DSCN0982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp11AAJ_boI/AAAAAAAABB0/X9x-bfov7u8/s400/DSCN0982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376582173052595842" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp10_rc-HDI/AAAAAAAABBs/_5ILzg9XYRg/s1600-h/DSCN1088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp10_rc-HDI/AAAAAAAABBs/_5ILzg9XYRg/s400/DSCN1088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376582167495056434" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp10_AUK90I/AAAAAAAABBk/NV1APWWGNu4/s1600-h/DSCN1085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Sp10_AUK90I/AAAAAAAABBk/NV1APWWGNu4/s400/DSCN1085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376582155915425602" /></a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-11504840064394351222009-08-31T14:33:00.000-06:002009-08-31T14:33:31.184-06:00First Day of School<div>The long awaited first day finally came last Tuesday. The boys hopped out of bed and quickly got dressed. I made cinnamon rolls (with the help of the Dough boy) and then we took pictures and then made our way to the school. The boys were so excited to see their friends and get back into the school routine...so was I!!! The first week they had half days every day to ease the kids (and the teachers!) back in but today, oh blessed day, is the first full day! It's been nice so far...I'm actually blogging so that should tell you something!</div><br /><div>Here are a few pictures from the first day:</div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SpwzSwers7I/AAAAAAAABBc/niI5tecz1Yc/s1600-h/DSCN1005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/SpwzSwers7I/AAAAAAAABBc/niI5tecz1Yc/s400/DSCN1005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376228452517786546" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwy8BB4JGI/AAAAAAAABBU/QMquf9wveug/s1600-h/DSCN1007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwy8BB4JGI/AAAAAAAABBU/QMquf9wveug/s400/DSCN1007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376228061823378530" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwy7iW1cCI/AAAAAAAABBM/imxUgF4N5Fk/s1600-h/DSCN1002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwy7iW1cCI/AAAAAAAABBM/imxUgF4N5Fk/s400/DSCN1002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376228053589782562" /></a>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-39639279233465241262009-08-31T14:17:00.004-06:002009-08-31T14:34:43.214-06:00Mission ReunionMy mission president and his wife live in Canada so our mission reunions have been few and far between. I think it's been close to 10 years since our last reunion. So, when I got the notice that the Orrs would be in Utah and a reunion was being planned, I knew I had to be there. I'm so glad I did! Even though I have seen some of my companions often, there are some I have not seen in a long time. It was so fun to chat with them and rekindle our friendship. A few of us brought our mission scrapbooks and we had a great time looking through them and talking about all of our mission experiences. I loved seeing the Orrs again and feeling their love for me. Pres. Orr has such a gentle demeanor and is so funny. I loved being with them again. We didn't have a huge turnout but those that were there had a great time. I think heaven will be similar to this experience...being embraced in warmth and love by people who have shared in your special memories.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwxkd2CKvI/AAAAAAAABBE/-d2ClxQNZo0/s1600-h/DSCN0911.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4hwsU2L1xes/Spwxkd2CKvI/AAAAAAAABBE/-d2ClxQNZo0/s400/DSCN0911.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376226557729843954" /></a><br />Pres and Sis Orr with some of the Sisters of the South Africa Johannesburg MissionKathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-62400077706560225002009-08-31T14:06:00.004-06:002009-08-31T14:16:48.748-06:00Rick gets hitchedSam's oldest brother, Rick, got married to a lovely woman, Tonja on the 22nd. We were able to go to their very intimate sealing in the SL Temple. It was a beautiful ceremony that reminded me how blessed I am to be sealed to Sam and my children for eternity. We are happy to welcome Tonja, McKenna and Dakota into the Preslar clan and look forward to getting to know them better. We are so excited for Rick and Tonja and know they will be so happy together!<br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-0c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-0c.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3242591731735214860&site=widget-0c.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731735214860&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-0c.slide.com/p1/3242591731735214860/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731735214860&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-0c.slide.com/p2/3242591731735214860/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3242591731735214860&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-0c.slide.com/p4/3242591731735214860/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-88082502451641637982009-08-31T13:35:00.004-06:002009-08-31T14:04:12.946-06:00Playing Catch-upLots has been going on the last month of summer. I have lots of pictures to post and stories to tell so I'll be writing a few different posts with accompanying pictures.<br /><br />First up: Evans Family Reunion<br />We spent a weekend in Idaho for the annual Evans Family Reunion. This Family consists of about 370 people all descended from Thomas and Jennie Evans-my dad's grandparents. The last of Thomas and Jennie's daughters, June, passed away the week before so her funeral was held the morning of the reunion. It was a beautiful service and we will miss Aunt June. We then headed to the Malad park and set up the tent and enjoyed a fun evening with cousins of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th varieties. We got rained on really hard that night and the next morning felt more like November than August. But, the kids still had a blast and I had a great time visiting with my relatives. Sam is such a good sport; he can't keep anyone straight because there are so many people, so this year he decided he was going to remember names and who they belonged to. I quizzed him and he ended up remembering quite a few. He kind of grumbles before we go to the reunion but always ends up finding someone to have a good conversation with!<br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-28.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-28.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3530822107886892328&site=widget-28.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107886892328&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-28.slide.com/p1/3530822107886892328/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107886892328&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-28.slide.com/p2/3530822107886892328/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3530822107886892328&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-28.slide.com/p4/3530822107886892328/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br /><br />Next up: Millcreek Cook out<br />My sis in law Rachel and I decided we needed to get together since we always enjoy each other's company, live a few miles away from each other but hardly ever see each other. So, we quickly threw together a little cookout up Millcreek canyon. The weather was great, the kids were pretty good, and the food was enjoyable. The kids had fun running around, playing in the dirt and cooking hot dogs/marshmallows over the fire. Can't wait to do it again!<br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-7f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-7f.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=3458764513848965503&site=widget-7f.slide.com"/></object><p style="white-space:nowrap"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3458764513848965503&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7f.slide.com/p1/3458764513848965503/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3458764513848965503&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7f.slide.com/p2/3458764513848965503/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=un&id=3458764513848965503&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-7f.slide.com/p4/3458764513848965503/ms_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-46237783220105545782009-07-31T16:09:00.003-06:002009-07-31T16:28:41.692-06:00It's about dang time!I really am a horrible blogger. No need to point it out. I know it is a fact. I decided to blog today because I just got back from Girls' Camp and my heart is full.<br />I really do love the YW in my stake and feel so blessed for the time I have had to serve them. This may very well be the last camp I attend in this stake. It is exciting in a way thinking that my summer plans won't revolve around Camp and/or Youth Conference. But it also saddens me a bit. Why? I'll tell ya.<br /><br />I love<em> my</em> girls. I feel like a little mama hen with her chicks when I'm around them. I want them to be happy and good. I love watching them grow in the Gospel. I love seeing that first little spark of testimony when they are Beehives and watching it develop into a full-fledged fire when they are Laurels. It is incredible. I feel so blessed to have witnessed this with so many Young Women. I love talking with them and hearing their hearts' desires and discussing the temptations they face. I love talking about boys and dating with them. I love staying up late and laughing with them. I love sharing my testimony with them. I love hanging out with them. I love learning from them. I love watching them help and uplift one another. They are amazing Young Women.<br />In 4 short days of Camp, I am able to do all these things. I come home exhausted but enriched, motivated to be a better example and leader.<br /><br />That's why tears are blurring my vision as I type this. I will miss these girls and the bond that we share. I will miss that sacred week we lovingly refer to as "Girls' Camp".Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5910284073898816832.post-89584153965016218132009-06-23T11:27:00.004-06:002009-06-23T11:59:53.061-06:00For your viewing pleasure<DIV><EMBED style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 320px" name=flashticker type=application/x-shockwave-flash align=middle src=http://widget-ba.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=3170534137690668218&site=widget-ba.slide.com" wmode="transparent" salign="l" scale="noscale" quality="high"></EMBED><br /><DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; WIDTH: 400px"><A href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137690668218&map=1" target=_blank><IMG border=0 src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p1/3170534137690668218/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" isMap></A> <A href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137690668218&map=2" target=_blank><IMG border=0 src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p2/3170534137690668218/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" isMap></A> <A href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=3170534137690668218&map=F" target=_blank><IMG border=0 src="http://widget-ba.slide.com/p4/3170534137690668218/bb_t024_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" isMap></A></DIV></DIV>This video cracks me up...it was the craziest ride I have ever been on. You can hear Lucy yelling because she did not like me being on the ride.<br /><OBJECT id=BLOG_video-af7d26f49659878 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="af7d26f49659878"></OBJECT>Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01626149179910885681noreply@blogger.com5