Sparkle In My Eyes

A Long Time Ago...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:39:00 +0000

A little girl was invited to go to Primary after school. She didn't know what Primary was exactly, but her best friend told her it was fun. They had lots of fun already so this was exciting. They had ballet after school one day. Then they played behind the dugouts on the weekend while their dads played softball and would go for pizza and mo-joe's after the game with the other ball players. They were all really nice and would help them refill their soda if they couldn't reach. They'd cut the pizza for them too and move chairs up to the window for them so they could watch the pizza guys with the funny hats make the pizzas and take them out of the oven and cut them. She would also go over to her friend's house with her little sister sometimes and her mom would bring out these baskets of hair and makeup stuff and even her older sister would join. They'd all line up on the stairs and take turns doing each other's hair and make up. Sometimes they'd go swimming. But you couldn't get too wild because their dog, who was the sweetest dog in the whole world, would jump in to try to save you. He didn't have a tail but you could just tell he was nice by his smile. Some dogs really do smile.

Primary was the first church she had gone to. On Wednesdays they would walk to her friend's house and up their very long, steep driveway. Her mom would pick up them up at the bottom sometimes. She'd drive them to Primary where they were taught about God, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and something called the Holy Ghost. There were drawings of all of them except the Holy Ghost. But the Holy Ghost, she was taught, was a still small voice that taught you between right and wrong, it helped you know what was true, and also that Heavenly Father and Jesus were real. And that Joseph Smith used the Holy Ghost to find out that none of the churches were true, except at a later time He would help him restore the true church. This all touched the little girl and she didn't doubt it. Her teacher told her so. Her teacher was also kind and sweet, and sang with them, and told them that she believed it.

One day though, the little girl got confused and lost in the building when she went to use the restroom. It was dark in the hallway and she couldn't find her way back. Panic struck. She didn't think to use the Holy Ghost though until it was too late and she had already embarrassed herself and cried out, screamed out loud so everyone in the whole building heard. Another teacher came looking for her and got her to the right place. But by then, she was just too embarrassed and wanted to just go home. The boys weren't mean, but boys will be boys and they aren't as nice as girl friends when it comes to World's Most Embarrassing Moments. It was easier to just not go back than face her friends at Primary again so she made up a lie that she was busy the next week. Then, the next week again. And the lie continued for many years. During that time though that Primary teacher called and sent notes and told her how much she loved her and missed her and hoped she'd come back soon. She told her she missed her smiles and sweet spirit. One time she was very sick and in the hospital and she even brought her a card signed by the class.

So, many years later, when the little girl was a little older, someone asked her which church she belonged to. She could only remember ever going to one church and she thought one day she'd return. So she said she went to the Mormon church. Some friends were listening nearby and told her that she couldn't call herself a Mormon unless she was baptized. She asked them what she would have to do be baptized. They looked at her with big eyes and big smiles and suddenly she was invited to "Family Home Evening", to "Mutual", to "Discussions", to "Seminary", and even church on Sunday. They all seemed to have the rides worked out quickly, before she could even answer. So, she went. She went to another friend's home for Family Home Evening and the missionaries were there in white shirts and ties, and they brought a Book of Mormon for her too. It was dark blue and had never been used, they told her she could even write in it. This was strange because why would she ever want to write in something so valuable. But they showed her how to look up topics and mark the side of the page with notes. Faith. Love. Jesus. Holy Ghost. Truth. Baptism. Repentance.

She went to just a few lessons before she decided she wanted to be baptized. Her parents told her, yes, but she would need to be "Mormon" for a year first because it was a big change. It meant paying tithing. It meant changing the movies she watched. And also changing the things they did together on Sundays as a family. But she was willing to do it. She went to everything she could and always had rides waiting for her at the bottom of her driveway. She didn't know how they knew, but they were there.

Mutual was the best night. They learned about temples, hair, clothes, and the boys were never far off. They made things like prayer rocks, bookmarks for their scriptures, fashion shows, and played games. They also worked on Personal Progress goals. Sunday was also wonderful. Taking the bread and water was symbolic of what she hoped for. Her friend told her that when she gets baptized and then takes the bread and water every week it is just like getting baptized all over again, each and every Sunday. And in Sunday School she learned about all the different books of scripture. The Old Testament, New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants. That they all were important and true. Young Women's was also fun, just the girls in this class, and they recited a theme every week that she remembers to this day.

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him.
We will "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things,
and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live
the Young Women values, which are:
Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works
and Integrity.

It was hard to memorize but it reminded her about all that she was preparing for and her goal to also go to the temple someday. Seminary started every morning before school and another friend would pick her up on her dad's way to work. During Seminary they learned about the Doctrine & Covenants in more detail. She had homework to do for Seminary and high school. Sometimes the teacher got frustrated with the boys in this class because they were not morning people and it was hard for them to behave. But, she still learned a lot and it became her favorite book of scripture because she felt she knew it well and could easily share it with her friends that didn't go to church. She went to Youth Conference where all of the youth in 3 stakes gathered for 3 days of service, lessons, dances, games, food, and fun, and a very special testimony meeting where she even bore her testimony. There were lots of tears. She also went to Dance Festival at the Pasadena Rose Bowl where thousands of youth gathered to perform cultural dances in elaborate costumes. They said they needed her to fill a spot for someone who had backed out, so she did. They spent months learning the dance and then watched as the field flooded with thousands of youth to perform a final dance. The atmosphere was incredible and she was shocked at just how many youth shared the same beliefs. She also went on a temple trip with her leaders and the girls from her ward. Even though she couldn't go in to the temple to perform proxy baptisms, her leader took her into the visitor's center. They watched a movie about Joseph Smith and her teacher shared her testimony. She wanted to be inside the temple in the worst way. When the rest of the girls came back out of the temple they took pictures on the temple grounds and then drove to one of the leader's sister's home. They got ready to go to another dance taking turns in the bathroom with their make up and hair. They drove home and at one point in the trip somebody started singing camp songs.

Camp was another great trip for her too. They had an opening because one of the girls couldn't go. She had no idea what to expect and while camping is not her thing, she couldn't deny how special it was. There was swimming, canoeing, archery, knot tying, hiking, and mock accidents where they learned first aid. They gave presents to other campers every day too, they were called Secret Squirrels. The last night was another very special testimony meeting and she again bore her testimony and shared how much she wanted to be baptized.

She also performed in a Ward play with one of her friends. It was a musical and she got to dance again. She played the daughter of a very funny man who was sweet as ever and always made her feel good about herself even though she made a lot of mistakes and was shy. His hands were rough like her grandpa's because he worked with tools, he was even missing a few fingers because of an accident with tools. But he had a daughter her age too and they became friends too.

There was another Youth Conference and this time it was at their church. They needed her again to fill another spot and help them plan it. So, she helped plan the service project. She was part of a big committee of youth and adults that planned everything down to the last detail, housing, service projects, food, classes, dances, rides, swimming, etc... One boy in her committee for the service project didn't show up ever for their meetings because he was busy with football training. She finally met him at a dance later and he asked her to dance. Her friend reminds her that she came off the dance floor telling her that some day she was going to marry him.

And she did. And they have an eternal family. This is where she'd say, "The End", but we all know it's not.

The Young Women's theme has been changed. Each Sunday she gets to stand alongside her youngest daughter and hear her and her friends repeat.

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him.
We will "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things,
and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live
the Young Women values, which are:
Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works
Integrity and
Virtue.
We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,
we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants,
receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

Bella Book Worm

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:58:00 +0000

Our dog is a hoot, wait, that's an owl. Well, she cracks us up, a lot. Her vocabulary is really pretty incredible. She understands not just the inflections in our voice, but there are many words we can't even spell out. Never say the word, "walk" in her presence, she will go nuts. She will run circles and look for her leash and you will, you MUST take her for a walk. If her begging and pleading don't get you her golden eyes will. And you must never spell "walk", by the time you finish "double u" she will be on you. "Exercise, constitution, fitness,...", all taboo along with their nicknames, "e-cize, consta, fit, etc...". And never bring up "bye-bye", as if she needs any other excuse to go wild.

She listens to every word we say, that adorable head tilt is just too cute. So, she likes to pop up on the ottoman and I started just talking to her. Then I really felt kind of silly, what the heck does she know? Really? So I just read a little blurb and she sits there tilting her head at every word she recognizes and it's just too cute.

She hopped up while I was reading Pioneer Woman's new post about her childrens' book about her dog, Charlie.

You can read that HERE.

And then she tucked in her back paws and got cozy, lol.

At Christmas time too she reads with all of us as we read the Scriptures.

Bedroom Redo...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:53:00 +0000

We decided to redo K-Bug's bedroom since the Mermaid moved out. Deciding exactly what to do has taken time, but we're happy with the results.

After:

The Reading Nook

New Bedding from Target

No cable in the rooms, but DVDs are allowed.

Repurposed Sconces and Scarves

Repainted Cubbies for Nightstand

Lots of bright colors

We made the Starburst Mirror Ourselves

Great Tutorial at Under the Table and Dreaming, and

my own step by steps at Sistas Procrastinate in Style.

During:

Vacuum up all the baseboards and clean them so you can mask them off.

Patch up any big nail holes. If they're small, the paint will just fill them in.

I like the kind that goes on pink and turns white when dry so you know when it's ready to sand and paint over.

Primed all of the color blocks.

Primed them TWICE!

Before:

Innocent?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:46:00 +0000

It's been a joke until now, my streak is over. Since moving here I have received back to back jury summons' but never needed to appear. I finally had to report and this time I actually did have a medical reason not to appear(still in physical therapy for my foot) but wanted to be called so I could just get this over with. So, I never got called as a perspective juror but had to sit there while the defense attorneys whittled down the panel. The ADA looked pleased most of the time.

So one of their questions, worded several different ways was, "Do you believe my(our) client(s) are innocent until proven guilty?". I would have to answer no. See the thing is, we're not allowed to slap a guilty on their clients until the DA proves they're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, right? So, I can't slap an Innocent label on them either. SOMETHING is going on, and isn't it our job(if called upon) to figure out if anything is going on? Right? Am I wrong? I'm not saying they're guilty, but aren't they in a "limbo" kind of state, it's 50/50. I can agree to that, but "innocent" right off? No. Can't do it.

As far as ethical/moral/"defense wouldn't want me" reasons why I can't...Here's the deal. Since my grandfather was murdered almost 21 years ago in an unsolved homicide case, I've kept close ties with the law enforcement community. I speak to them one on one annually and I have the utmost respect for them. I do believe the law enforcement that I have had contact with(barring one show off pompus police officer who ticketed me for something I didn't do and was later fired) all have incredible integrity. I WOULD believe them over some young adults charged with making some stupid decisions. So, yeah, if those were your children at the defense table, I wouldn't want ME on the jury panel. It all could have saved me several hours that day. But, we all had to sit there patiently in the court room, as well as a dozen or so in the overflow back across the street in the Assembly Room. And our county in concerned with the perspective jury pool. Don't over summons all of us then!

Anniversary Roses...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Mr. D brought these home to me on Jan. 12(20 year) and these are what they look like today, 18 days later. It's probably not that cool, but I'm also known as the "Silk Plant Killer". I can't keep plants alive and you can't expect me to help along anything that has already been chopped off. My game plan for these though was to just not sweat it and worry about keeping them alive for long at all. And, guess what! It worked!

I haven't touched these. Seriously. I stuck them in this spot near the window and have completely left them alone. No water, nothing. I haven't even talked to them like true gardeners talk to their lovely growths. I keep waiting for a petal to fall off or the leaves to turn black and rot, but so far nothing. It's just plain old tap water as well and it's still clear. Down about 2 inches, I can see the water line, but it's still clear! Good job Mr. D!

Oh Deer

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:22:00 +0000

I love our deer. See, I'm not like other neighbors, I don't have anything they're attracted to, no garden, no landscaping(in the back), so I think they're pretty darn cute. Today I was getting dressed and suddenly saw some shadows out the back and thought someone was walking along the creek. But then the shadow turned into shadows and I realized it wasn't human. So cute! I snuck up to K-Bug's room to snap these pictures through her window.

Momma caught me with the camera heading over to baby.

Baby was really enjoying the salad.

Protective Momma.

S-t-t-t-r-r-r-r-e-e-e-tch.

Foot Surgery...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:45:00 +0000

I posted these on my Facebook profile, but then I realized it was close to dinner so no one probably wanted to accidentally come upon them.

Today we went for the first of 2 post-op check ups. Last Friday I had an endoscopic plantar fascia release. They go in with little magic wands and tear the fascia. Then they hope that it will fill in with scar tissue as it remains stretched so the fascia becomes a little longer again. I've had plantar fasciitis for as long as I can remember, but not this foot. It wasn't until last spring that I ended up in excruciating pain that never went away. We tried everything we could conservatively, ultra sound, physical therapy, you name it. So, my orthopedic surgeon here was at her wits end and decided to send me to SOAR in Redwood City. AWESOME doctors and staff! Plan A was something called Electro Shock Wave Therapy. It's the equivalent of having your foot jack hammered and then your foot rebuilds/heals itself after it has broken down all the scar tissue. However, Blue Cross thinks it's hocus pocus magic and decided they'd rather I go under the knife. Dr. Oloff had another trick up his sleeve though, Plan B. Plan B consisted of endoscopic(MUCH quicker healing time) fascia release. It was a very quick procedure and it has been pain free because he also gave me a nerve block for ankle tarsal syndrome. The ATS came on because of the plantar fasciitis, it made my toes go numb often or tingle most of the time and also very stiff ankle pain. So, before I went under general anesthesia we agreed that he would also inject the ankle, which after visiting with him today is why I have been pain free! I started to tell him I was starting a Facebook Fan Page for him and was his number one groupie. LOL

This is the inside of my heel. He marked the nerve areas he needed to avoid or I could be in serious pain. There are needle marks and some bruising above though and that is where he injected the good stuff for my ankle.

This is the outside of my heel. I honestly had no idea until he took off the dressing today where the stitches were and incisions had been made.

This is such a funny angle! And my leg is not jaundiced, it's the medicine they use. They also marked my leg to make sure they sliced and diced the real one. That would totally stink if they got the wrong one!

'Praying' for Fall...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:35:00 +0000

I love this little guy(or girl, maybe some bug expert can tell me if it's a boy or girl). I was washing the dishes and he was watching me just outside my kitchen window. I didn't realize Praying Mantis' turn color in the fall too, but then, I guess that must be part of their protection. They change color with the leaves to camouflage themselves with the seasons? We always have lots of bright green ones in the spring and summer, but this one was just too cute, staring at me.

October!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:26:00 +0000

I happen to LOVE Fall! It hasn't been much of one yet, especially since it was in the upper 80's today, but it's still my favorite time. The cool nights and warm days. I like it getting dark earlier, I know, strange, but I do. And let's not forget to mention that it's soup weather. In California we still BBQ year round, so the grill is still used several times a week. I love going through my closet and pulling out my favorite sweaters and fleece. I've pulled my throw blankets out of the closet too. Love it!

Politics & Sundays...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:06:00 +0000

I go to church on Sunday to renew my covenants I made with the Lord partaking of the Sacrament, and to be uplifted and edified. Politics and government do not fall under either of those categories.

I have way too many pet peeves, but ranking up there, my number one right now, is discussing politics in church. Zaps the Spirit right out of the meeting. I'm the Bishop's wife and I not only want to be there, but I really need to be there as well. And when I hear politics or government being discussed I want to just go home and put on nice soft music. It's like someone just popped my Spiritual bubble. It starts off my week with a nasty taste in my mouth. Sunday is the first day of the week for us and when I feel that way it makes the rest of my week stink.

Even when I walk by two people discussing government or politics I feel like I'm walking passed a heated argument. Even if they agree, the conversations are naturally heated and temperaments are visible in body language and audible in voice tone and inflection. Definitely not spiritually uplifting. Conversation in the church should comfort and be around the Lord. Regurgitating highlights of radio talk show hosts excited comments, best be done at another place, on another day.

I know He sees all of these in the public sector as His children as well, so I feel it best not to demean or talk down of any of His children. I think we all agree that some/much of what is read on the internet or said over the air is embellished or unfounded. You might be interested in this ARTICLE regarding why we believe even obvious lies. The best quote, "Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true."

Catching up...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:34:00 +0000

It's been a while, I've been terrible about blogging lately. Now that the kids are back in school though, I've been trying to find my new rhythm. So far it's been all about doctors appointments since my old pulmo left town and so did his wife who was my primary care, and then getting my foot well enough to go back out in the work force. The foot has been S-L-O-W. But, I see a hike at the end of the tunnel. No surgery still, but we're one step away from it. But I'm pretty confident in this, it's called EWTS, and I have to go to the bay area to have it done. So, in the mean time I decided to find a way to liquidate all of my craft supplies and use my new sewing machine that I've hardly touched since I got it. I'm working on jewelry, purses, wallet key chains, and some whatnots to list in an Etsy store. When I get it up, hopefully the end of the week, it'll be here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/accidentaldesigner .

Here are a few pics:

And here's the "PROTOTYPE" of a key chain/wallet I'll be adding too. That was just some old fabric to practice on and work out the kinks.

Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:39:00 +0000

You can almost hear the sass in their attitudes. Not kewl for mom to take back to school pictures.

And someone asked who was going to take a picture of Mermaid so I stole this from her Facebook page. Mermaid's friend on the left, and Mermaid on the right. Already started school on the Central Coast.

Was a Little Peanut Sittin' on the Tracks. 'Long Comes a Train, WOOOWOOO! Peanut Butter!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:50:00 +0000

We refer to peanut butter as "Puppy Crack".

20 Years....

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:14:00 +0000

The 4th of July is a special anniversary for Mr. D and I. He proposed to me 20 years ago, standing in a giant cheeseburger float, wearing a hula skirt and a bikini top in Cayucos' 4th of July Parade. This year, we left the parade with one less child, leaving her behind to go to school there. It was an emotional week, but it's all good.

We started off the week going to Hearst Beach and hung out with old ward members, it hardly felt we've been away for 3 years. It's always fun to visit with old friends, in fact we NEED to visit our old friends, they are family.

While we had some time we headed a little farther up the coast to San Simeon. The gates were closed to the lighthouse so I had to take the pics from there. Then on the way back down to the beach we pulled over to see the Elephant Seals, they're always so impressive even though all they seem to do is lay out on the beach and snore and snort.

Then the boys and dad went on a hike out at Montana de Oro, even Grandpa went. You'll notice the "extra", that's my nephew, A, who LOVES Avatar. He's visiting Grandpa & Grandma for the summer.

Then we ALL headed over to Montana de Oro for Mr. D, his brother C, and his daughter, Long Lashes to go try to do an ocean entry dive. It's not the greatest place to go, but it can be done. They got there and there were no waves, it looked perfect. But, by the time we gathered all the dive stuff out of the back of the car and they started getting geared up, the waves were curling and it wasn't exactly the best conditions.

Mr. D went in first and now looking back I probably could have gotten some great training pics as to how to attempt an ocean dive under these conditions. But I pulled my camera down and missed it. But, you can tell by the look on Mr. D's face, he was WIPED out, literally.

So then Mr. D helped C and Long Lashes get into the water and they did it!!! Yay! But then he had to try again. Long Lashes sister was such an awesome help! She's always looking for an excuse to get wet anyways, but she really is always just right there to help.

Mr. D ALMOST made it. A few more tries and he called it quits. With all those added weights and the waves, it really sucked the breath out of him. We saw C and Long Lashes heading back in anyways. They couldn't dive, the water was too choppy. So, Mr. D helped them in. Long Lashes had to take her tank and vest off to get back in. It was tough getting back in with the currents, and one of her fins also broke. :(

C wanted his fins off NOW. lol They packed it all up and headed over to Morro Bay where they could just slip into the water. The rest of us packed it in and headed for a pool since we knew it would be much safer. Like there was anything we could do anyways at the beach for them.

Little A couldn't resist burying himself in the sand. LOL I'm still cleaning it out of the back of car ;)

Marco! Polo! Marco! Polo!

The Parade: Cayucos, CA

This lady was just smiles ear to ear and a huge bounce to her step.

The SS Sea Shanty!!!!

The Yellow Submarine Meanies

The Whole Gang

The Brothers: C and Mr. D

MMMMMmmmmm Chocolate Mousse

Carol brought out this, tons of ice cream, loads of whip cream and lots of spoons :)

And then, we hugged, I cried, and we drove home without our big girl. Thank goodness for texting and Facebook, and unlimited long distance calling.

My New Best Friends....

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:44:00 +0000

If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, like I have for over 10 years, you're going to LOVE these! I gave up on the custom orthotics, I'm broken, there's nothing you can do. But you can make me comfortable, and those hard plastic inserts, meant to change the way you walk, did in my opinion more damage than good. At least with my last pair. I talked to a neighbor who also happens to specialize in bones of all kinds, and she recommended me finding a heel cup. So, when I went back to San Luis Obispo to visit family and friends I popped my head into the Sports Authority and found these. I have had more pain relief in the week that I've worn them, than I've had in the past few years. They are THAT good. I'm in physical therapy for heel spur syndrome AND plantar fasciitis and it's helping tons. I showed my PT these and she was quite impressed. They are SOFT, the clear part is gel, the blue part is slightly softer gel, and the green part is a little thicker gel, but they are soft and that's what is important. The blue part is perfect for the heel pain, and the green part is for the fascia(that's the part that causes the heel pain). These are made by Sof Sole(click HERE to see the product description), I even joined their Facebook page to tell them how happy they made me. Really, I am THAT happy. I laid them right on top of the inserts in my Avia Cross Trainers(read on about Avia, had an ah-ha moment), didn't have to remove them or anything. Oh, and when they started to get a little icky, I just washed them in warm soapy water by hand and rinsed.

Avia Cross Trainers. I used to work for a sporting goods store and I KNEW this. But, I don't know why it hasn't carried over. Avia has the cantilever soles, this means there's an indent in the heel where you would actually strike the ground when you walk. But since it's basically walking on an empty space, your heel actually never smacks the ground, you're striking the shoe and in my case also the gel orthotic or a heel pad. Check 'em out. I've asked several times, several Drs. and all they suggest are New Balance. I'm sorry if you love New Balance, they're not for my feet though. They're heavy and clunky, and ugly. I have a pair of very light weight mule slip-ons though that I do happen to love. They're not all bad, but I'm definitely "Team Avia". I loved them 20 years ago, I love them today.

More Graduation Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:38:00 +0000

I didn't get any pictures of him with his friends, you know, that's not cool. He was off and hanging out with his buddies, the new "hot stuff" species, High School Freshmen.

Graduation Day!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:27:00 +0000

Lots of pictures, lots of emotions, and lots of big smiles. Mr. D had the privilege of handing Mermaid her High School diploma, something he has been looking forward to for a LONG time.

My Latest Project?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:59:00 +0000

I actually started this over a year ago, but I finally filled the frames! I have room for more, so since kids grow it will keep changing. I love the way it turned out! The other grouping of frames is Mermaid's photography assignments. She's taken photography for 2 years and is graduating tomorrow(sniff sniff).

I {heart} My Phone.....

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:52:00 +0000

I admit it, I'm addicted. I love my iPhone. I love it's apps and all it's bells and whistles. I was hesitant to make the switch over from my Crackberry. Which don't get me wrong, I do miss it's shy red sleek skin, the little click click noise it makes when I text, the ease of customizing ring tones, and using any song on it as my alarm clock. But, the iPhone is also equally cool. It's easy to use, it's cute, and I had to giggle when I noticed how many people were using the scripture app in Sunday School. With all my Young Womens' garb in my bag it was nice to lighten the load of my bag. I love using a diet app I downloaded. Oh, the apps! So many to pick from. It's camera rocks. Love this thing. Oh, and I was even able to attach the E15 Video) posted below) on it. Just amazing tech here!

Every 15 Minutes Video

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:55:00 +0000

LINK TO VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE

This is the Every 15 Minutes video put together by the students. This was played at the assembly the next day. I loved, "What did you do?!" It is a choice. It is a decision. It is a matter of life and death. And you have no control over the consequences. Make the right choice. Make your decision NOW, BEFORE your decision making process is tainted by alcohol or drugs. It's an easy choice if you've already decided under no circumstances would you ever drive intoxicated or get into a car with someone driving under the influence. We have enough hard choices in this life, and this should be the easiest!

Prom Pics

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 18 May 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Ariel & Jamie

Every 15 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Trying to put this into words is difficult, yet I have SO much to say on the topic of driving under the influence. As my husband tells his students, the worst day of his life was sitting across from me and telling me my sister was dead. That has to also be the worst day in my life, hearing those words. I was 4 months pregnant with my own daughter at the time, my first, my baby.   When she entered high school and heard about the Every 15 Minutes program, she knew she wanted to be a part of the solution with her passion of educating people about the effects of alcohol and driving. Today, was special, in many ways. Ariel took on spearheading Every 15 Minutes as her Senior Project. Since this is only offered to the Seniors and Juniors to witness, every other year, we were blessed with her involvement. Amid her busy schedule between church, school, being editor of the yearbook, track, and being a teenager, she took on coordinating meetings, attending city council meetings, designing the t-shirt logos for Every 15, passing out fliers, talking to parents of students that will be involved, and seeking support from local public officials, the schedule of events,.... It's obviously a HUGE undertaking and it has to be done right because you hope everyone is affected emotionally.

A few weeks ago, she came home with the mock 911 tape they recorded with law enforcement officials. I don't know the girl on the tape that called with a terrifying plea for help, but the voice could be any one of our children. And I hope NONE of our kids ever have to really go through that real scenario. I listened and cried. And cried some more later. I showed up at the school early and waited in the office while they set up the crash scene. I looked out the windows of my husband's office and could see the tow trucks taking cars that were involved in real life collisions down to the staging area. We were waiting for Mr. D to give the go ahead for his secretary to air the recording over the school's PA system in every classroom. I headed down just before he gave the go ahead to show up and find kids already staged in the cars, photographers were there, many emergency personnel were already there, parents, friends, neighbors, the committee and administrators, and a few students.

The go ahead was given and I heard that scared voice again over the loud speakers. The kids started trickling down, it wasn't a surprise, but they met the scene somber and quiet. It wasn't fun. It wasn't a game. It was fake, but it was sad to think about how it could be real. How it IS real. How this happens every 15 minutes, at least.

I wanted to scream at this point. I wanted to yell at all of the kids, "DO YOU SEE WHAT YOUR SELFISHNESS CAN DO!" This drill was providing the necessary emotion, even better than anything I could say. Just then my lips started to tremble, I felt the tears rolling down my face, my hands were shaking, and I even felt my heart go from cold to hot, to cold and hot again. I felt flushed and I wanted to run but even my legs were trembling. But I also couldn't take my eyes off of the kids. They were being respectful and drawn in as well by the scene.

The sirens were getting louder and the police were the first to show up on scene. The accident was a head on collision with a truck and sedan. In the truck was Alex(the driver), his female passenger next to him, and Brendan who had gone through the front windshield. He was face down and his arms stretched out. The emergency personnel didn't pay any attention yet, because they were focusing on the girl and another passenger in the other car that they might be able to save.   Their attention was on the sedan. This car was also full of students. The firemen pulled out their jaws of life to try to save them. The grim reaper kept a quiet profile in the background. There were crime scene investigators taking pictures of the dead boy and the scene. The paramedics gave another Alex, the girl in the sedan that they pulled out CPR, and loaded her into the ambulance. After the two students in the sedan were taken away with sirens, the coroner came for Brendan. His limp body was pulled back to reveal critical wounds and he was placed on the gurney. Just before they pulled his body from the truck, I saw the coroner tearfully retrieve the gurney and blue velvet blanket they use to cover him.

Alex was submitting to a sobriety test on the side and arrested and taken away in the back of the squad car. Alex possibly had the hardest role to play in this mock accident. As the kids started to come down, I saw him start to really fall apart and wondered if he'd be able to carry out his role. Imagine being a real murderer. Insert some real honesty here: IF you participate in or witness this program and still choose to drink and drive you SHOULD be charged with murder if you kill someone.   If Alex happens upon my blog, thank you for playing such an awful person.

The personnel dispersed and left the scene as Mr. D started to address the students. He told them of his worst day, of my worst day. He charged them with understanding their actions have consequences that they have no control over. He talked about Alex and Brendan. Brendan is a big guy, a football player, and he has a tattoo on his arm. He asked the students that knew him, "What does it say?" It seemed like half the students responded, "Family." Family.

Everyone is then sent back to go about their business, which is difficult. The school has counselors in the office to speak to students if they so need. The rest of the day is usually much more somber and they're reminded as every 15 minutes the grim reaper will come and take a student out of class. Tonight is a retreat for those students that have "died", and tomorrow will be a funeral to bring a close to the program. The parents have been asked to write obituaries for their sons and daughters and read them. This has been no easy task!

I headed back to my car to pick up Mr. D's black suit for the funeral at the cleaners. On my way there and back, I was processing. Processing a lot. The sadness, the anger, and a few thoughts I have for a fellow alumni of mine that was recently arrested for DUI, and for classmates of my late sister that seem to still have much growing up to do. I thought how easy it is for some people to get behind the wheel, yet, they would never "unfriend" someone on Facebook for fear of hurting their feelings. Yet, they're gambling "unfriending" people permanently each time they get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Never downplay ANY drinking and driving. It IS a big deal. It IS playing Russian Roulette. I had wiped my face and cleaned up enough to head into the post office. I was shipping off the last of Ariel's graduation announcements, and thinking just how proud I am of her hard work. Grateful for the community that supports this program. Grateful for the parents that teach their children not to drink and drive, and even better yet, not to drink at all. Grateful for the leaders that fund raise for schools and kids programs and have the class to NOT involve wine and alcohol in their events. Grateful to the drivers that phone in possible drunk drivers. Grateful for the emergency personnel that respond to these scenes, VERY grateful. Grateful for the 17 years, 362 days I had my sister here on earth. And grateful for my husband and children and all of their love.

Just Breathe...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:26:00 +0000

That's what I keep telling myself. Busy doesn't begin to describe right now. Getting the Mermaid ready for graduation, her senior project, prom, senior trips(Great America & Disneyland), ready to move off to school, Mr. D's calling and job, overnights for work, 2 temple trips this month(youth and a ward), banquets(tonight is his only night home until next Sunday), getting the house ready for guests and a party, the dog, and oh yeah, another foot problem while trying to contain the chaos. The tube in the air cast came out Friday, so I was immobile all weekend(left heel, good foot this time) so I whined to the Dr. today and he fixed it so I can walk, I think I kind of bug him. He said the problem with patients like me is we don't know we're broken and need to take it easy. I told him I KNOW I'm broken, but I don't have a choice, so make me mobile. I'm sure Drs. just adore stubborn patients with no patience like me. I would like to think some of my stubbornness though helps pay for him to go on vacation, so I'm kind of a "bonus" patient. That's what I tell myself. Just get me through the month. Of course July, is pretty exciting too, moving the brat, Girls Camp, Scout Camp, Adventure Trip, Leadership Camp, etc.... Summer will zoom by I'm sure.

Let Them Eat Chocolate!....

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:53:00 +0000

I was nibbling on some Dove chocolates tonight and they were oh SO good. I was sharing of course, yeah, I was sharing. And I opened one with a saying inside that reminded me of my dear friend Jannet. So, I set it aside to tell her later. And then the next one I opened, I mean, my kid opened, yeah, my kid, reminded me of Jannet again. So I set that one aside too and giggled out loud. And then my kid, yeah, the other one, uh-huh, the other one, opened one, and that one made me laugh out loud because it was like Jannet wrote it herself. And then, I had to check it out and see if I could find ANOTHER one, and yep. So, I took a pic of all of them. I know, but if you know Jannet, you would think of her too!

Minus the champagne part, insert "Sonic". ;)

Cross out "not". ;)

Amen!

Love This! Frazil Ice at Yosemite...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:49:00 +0000

I just want to hold out a cone and pour some flavorings on. I know, sick, it's loaded with all kinds of fun gastric love, but it LOOKS cool.