Standridge Family

Pictures.....if I get Christmas Cards out if not here you go!

2011-12-09T21:17:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving

2011-12-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was with family and friends. Of course, I didn't remember about pictures until everyone was about to leave but I got two...lucky at that. It was great. It was Mike's Brother Allen, his son Chris, Chris (son of Mike's boss), Mom Standridge, me and Mike.. sitting is Mike's Boss/Friend Pat and his wife Lynnete and Mike's son's girlfriend Veronica. Todd the dog.

Chris and Veronica & Todd did not come until later but it was good. We ate and played Ticket to Ride...there first time. It was wonderful.

Free trip to Eugene

2011-12-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Mike had to go to Eugene for work and so I went along....nothing better than a free trip home. Sad thing was, mom and dad were on there way to Phoenix so we got to see them for maybe 20min then they were on the road. We did get to see Ashlee, Jeff and the boys. It was a nice quick trip. On are way home we got to stop and see Tricia and Darren and the girls. In fact it was Taylor's 14th Birthday so we got to wish her a happy birthday and eat some cake. We stayed there and at mom and dads. It was so good to be home.

Birthday girl

Halloween at the Standridges

2011-10-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

For FHE we went a week before Halloween to get pumpkins and wouldn't you know the patch was not open on Monday nights....so to the other patch (Walmart) for our pumpkins....not quite the same but we got some to carve that is what matters.
Checkout . We let the girls get 1 big one and 1 little one.

Time to carve...who is a HAM in this family?!
The mess afterwards....who got to clean that up....2 guesses!

A first for Michael...he had never carved a pumpkin...really. It was fun to hear him sound like a little kid. Carving my pumpkin after helping Zoe

Deep concentration by Amanda. Zoe said, "This is fun! I want to do it myself"...until she didn't like the inside cleaning.

Dinner Halloween NIGHT! It was a crazy day and so we got home late.....not much of a costume for me and Mike but we got the kids up and ready and dinner on the table. I have to say I stole the idea from my sister (IL) Beth..thanks Beth.

Drink was Spider venom.

Mike eating "Liver/guts"(pepperoni/cheese wrap)

The Mummy wraps (hot dog/dough)

Monster blood (Tomato soup)

All together. It was good.

After 5 years with these I finally have a yard to put them up in. Yah!
Our Front porch.

Jen dressed as a (what ever I could find quick)and Mike dressed as a Pumpkin techie.

Amanda dressed as a MIKUCHAN from Japanese Animee character.

Zoe as a Vampire Policewoman. Where do they get these ideas?

Ready and off they go..... Be back by 7:30.

There first round of Trick or Treating they only got about 10 -20 pieces together not very much. Then Amanda went with friends and I (jen) took Zoe to a different neighborhood. We did two blocks and she SCORED with candy. We now have all of there candy and the ones we bought to give out. We had maybe 10 trick o treaters. There were two great homes on the blocks Zoe and I went to . One scared the living daylights out of Zoe and she was worried the rest of the blocks. The second home won my Favorite decor and idea. When you got up to the home there was no door. They had rigged a Computer were the door should have been painted a wall (like at a castle)to it. They had rigged this computer to have a floating face and the people would talk and ask Zoe questions and she had to do a trick to get a treat. It was the best and then it had a little door that dropped out the candy if she did the tricks. It was SOOO COOL!IT WAS A GREAT HALLOWEEN.....HAPPY SPOKE DAY!

Single to motherhood/wife

2011-10-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wow!....It has been a whirlwind and I can say...eye opening. I have been learning more about patience and chores then i ever thought possible. Example....I use to only do my wash every 2 weeks....yes I had enough clothes to do that, until I washed again. Coming into having to do wash every day (2 loads) so they have something to wear. Was difficult. (they don't have as many clothes as I, I'm lucky if they have a week..I will change that soon) Then making dinner, I thought I made dinner before but NO...I now know I just cooked when I wanted too. So many thanks to Ashlee's Recipes blog...it has saved me on many occasions. I realize I don't want to just make any food i want to make good food and I want to be like my mom or aunts. When you taste food your mouth is happy with the joy of the flavor. Mike just wants it hot....I don't think he has taste buds....he obviously has been in the military and scarfs his food down and is done.....doesn't work like that for me. Amanda wants to be like dad so she does the same. So it is me and little Zoe at the table finishing the meal. I can tell you I am not a GREAT cook because it has been hit and miss on my meals.
Last night I made Broccoli stir fry from a recipe off some blog and it was good and smelled good but BOY was it HOT!...Mikey LOVED it and the rest of us drank a gallon of apple juice to get it down. The night before was Pot Roast....yeah you think I wouldn't mess up on that. Well I found a recipe in a book and I was so excited to try it. I put 1 1/4 cups of apple cider vinegar in it...I thought that is a lot but I looked at it and that is what it said..(i thought)....it was so vinegary the potato's, carrots and onions and meat....I couldn't figure out what i did wrong.....the recipe called for 1 1/4 cups of Apple cider or apple cider juice....so much for my reading ability. Nothing like a good dose of vinegar in your system. I have a new appreciation for my mother in the early morning of making breakfast and lunch for us. I have found I like making enough food for leftover so I don't have to make sandwich's all the time.
Then the chores still working on that. Teaching them that I am not here to do everything. Helping them see that the garbage does need to be taken out or the dishes done not just by me. Or the sweeping of the floors and the bathroom toilet and sinks. JOB CHART TO COME! Really who likes doing those things. If I was home all the time I can understand but once I start working these things will not get done unless there is a job chart I am pretty sure of that.
Being married has been GREAT though and I do love it in many ways. I love were we live, I love our home, I like the location of the home (mostly). BUT I miss my Friends! I know new one will come but I will continue to look for a job and be the mother and wife I am meant to be.

more pictures

2011-10-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

love this picture

Goofing off...he makes me laugh

We Did It!.....that is WE got MARRIED 9-10-11!

2011-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

9-10-11 OUR BIG DAY! It was BEAUTIFUL and I could not have asked for more. (ok maybe one thing but that will happen next year) but I loved it so much WE had a few hicups but everyone pulled it off so well. Many Thanks to so many people but I will try to say it all: To Darcy Edmonds for the Food.....Yummy! (I think...., we didn't make over in time for the food) The cakes were YUMMY! and beautiful. Thanks to my wonderfully, talented sister Tricia and for all those who helped her the Cake was perfect you didn't even know what happened to it. Thanks to Eric for the beautiful pictures. It was a crazy day, and it didn't help that I was running late....but wait....I'm always running late. I need to work on that! A big Thanks to Julie and Beth for Hair and makeup help. Everyone looked smashing! A thanks to All the family and friends that came from faraway to be at the wedding. We LOVE YOU.

One BIG last THANKS to my MOM and DAD for all they did for me. I LOVE YOU ...we Both LOVE YOU!
Getting ready to walk.

Dad walking me down the isle...I was tearing up here

The Beautiful voice of my friend Jenny-Penny. I loved the song you put together.

We do/will

"Let's Party!"

My gang of friends who I LOVE Very much!

The First Dance....Mike and I were so shocked at how well it went since we never found the time to practise but I did fall in love with him because he loves to dance, we both do! Hopefully for another 50 years!

A WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Count down is on....5...4..3...2.....

2011-09-05T23:55:00.001-07:00

There were so many pictures around 700. Beth my sister-in-law took them and she was wonderful and fun. THANK YOU BETH. I love them all. Time is coming fast and I am not nervous or scared of the wedding at all but the thought of family life afterwards I am starting to freak out. I just have decided I will have to bite my tongue a lot. (which many of you know is hard for me to do) But I will also have to have a lot of patience with so many changes in all of our lives.

THIS was the ONE we picked.....

9-10-11...here we come!

He went to JARED's

2011-06-11T16:11:00.001-07:00

Rose's he sent to me at work....."just because he Loves Me" the card said.

At dinner at Anthony's in Kirkland on the water...the sunset.

THE Ring.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the falls and had a picnic then to a park for Zoe to play on and then went to ride in a canoe.

It was a little scaring making sure we did not go into the water.

Wanted a picture together

Goofiness

Could I please get a smile?

I guess I will have to pull teeth to get that smile....he thinks he is smiling.

It was a sad day to know I was going to be letting Mike and the girls down. They wanted so bad to go to the coast for Memorial Day and I was unable to find anyone to cover my shifts at work. So it was staying home and finding fun here. I know it would not have been as fun as the coast with family but we did have a little fun.

WELCOME BACK Jennifer

2011-05-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well It has been WAY way too long since I have even looked at this site. SHAME on me. But I will be posting alot more...I promise! I believe you will like.

Another Tradition....Tree hunting

2010-12-07T13:08:00.001-08:00

More Turkey Day

2010-12-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

My these boys are growing...Soon they will be running around

William and Gannon.

Thanksgiving day Football

The boys got black undereye...girls got red.

Tricia and I were the last to be picked for the teams...just like junior high.

Tackle

two that wanted to watch not play

These two would find anything more interesting then the football.

Day of Thanks

2010-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

This day of Thanks I was able to drive home and be with family.
Mom, Dad, Tricia/Darren family, Matt/Beth family, Richard/Julie family, Ashlee/Jeff family.

Nothing better then a good yummy meal. Thank you to Mom and dad for Hosting.

WE MISSED YOU JJ/ZAC/ALEX, JILL, AMBER/AARON.

Halloween

2010-11-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am a little late getting this posted. October was a difficult month for me but I LOVE Halloween and tried to make the best of it. Here are pictures I took while I was home for Williams Baby blessing.
Me getting my pumpkin and the pumpkin patch.

On the "hay" ride (with no hay)

The Hay Maze...there was Hay for this..

Neices and Nephew

Eugene's Saturday Market It was soooo pretty.

Listen to Peace

2010-10-05T15:01:00.001-07:00

Not everything lasts the way you want.

2010-10-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well it has been 3 days and if you don't know now, you will. Mike and I have broken-up. Saying that makes me feel like I am in high school, the only good thing is I am old enough to not hate him. It was mutual and not ill-will. I have realized we can be friends....well at least until one of us moves on to another. It has been One day of full on crying the second day of occational moments but by the 3rd day I now feel your prayer and they give me strength.

I will TRUST the Lord that all things will work out. My sister sent me a beautiful scripture: Mosiah 4:9 "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."

I know there are lots of scripture to help me but it was interesting Michael and I read this scripture about 2 weeks ago and I remember thinking about this scripture in my mind at that time about how true this is we really don't know what he knows and what the plan is for us.
It can be so frustrating when you have expectations of what and how ones life will work out and you start to think one thing about life then something happens to change that expectation. So you adjust and move forward only to have that expectation change again. Sometimes the brain struggles to comprehend it all. This human anaylsis of it all can be so frustrating and yet when you bring the Lord into it, all the stress of it can be released. It does not make all the pain go away just able to bare it, allowing for the growth that comes from it all.

I have a testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ and of his gospel upon the earth. He is there for me to lift my pain and sorrow. I am so grateful for scriptures and prophets and apostle that have shared messages and reminders of who to follow and were to look for strength. Family and friends who love and support me and nudge me along this path of life.

Thank you for all you do and are to me. You help make LIFE WONDERIFUL

GIRL's Week-end FUN in the Sun!

2010-08-16T10:16:00.001-07:00

Camping at Pacific Beach State Park...right off the beach.

small spot with no fire pit...but you can go to the beach to have a fire.

Next morning walking out to the ocean....the Beach was so long

laying out on the sand and in the beautiful sun. I have not done that for years...you can tell by the white blinding skin color. hehehe

dirty feet having fun in the sand.

Blue...blue skies

Seabrook a new town resort.

View from a home that you could tour through.

Mirror Mirror on the wall.. We are the prettest of them all...

Some bikes they have for you to ride.

Ocean shores has a beach you can drive on...it was soooo cool.

"Lets go fly a kite"....ok, I went and bought one just to do that!

Didn't get a picture of the dinner we had but it was the best food we had while there on our trip. We loved the Cream Burlie.

Last campsite on the road between Seabrook and Ocean shores. Not by the ocean but we could still hear it and had a beautiful sunset. That night we watched the fog roll in and the wind shot up and whirled around outside as we slept. I was a windy night but got up in the morning and drove home to try and make the last hour of Stake Conference.

AGAIN....New Aunt!...Its a BOY!

2010-08-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome William Thomas Krebs, he was a big boy a 9 pounder. But Ashlee was able to handle him. He came 8 days early and I am so happy for them. I look forward to seeing pictures and will post when I get one. Congrates to Ashlee, Jeff, Ben & Tyler....So exciting. I love you all!

Fun Week-end!

2010-08-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

This last week-end Michael came up and he brought his bike and we went for a bike ride to Redmond. That is 8 miles one way. It was a lot of fun. It was cloudy but it was great for biking. We did some errands around town then went walking around downtown. It was GREAT- doing something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I went down trails I have not ever been down and I always wanted to see if I could ride my bike that far....OK for you bike rider you can laugh all you want but that was a long ride for me....and my butt can prove it! We went to dinner at my favorite Thai food. Mikey liked it! Another thing we like together. Then we rode back to watch a movie. It was a fun week-end. Thanks Mike.

Sting

2010-07-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

STING AGAIN!

I was fantastic! Thanks to Jen for letting me go and helping me out! We got seat just 7 rows from the stage....could not beleive it. Jen and I have been tring to see Sting from the front row but we both Loved our location this time around!

First Visit to see Gannon

2010-07-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Girl's Week-end to Spokane

2010-06-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Friend's are important to ME! When I get a chance to travel it is usually to see Family or Friend's. I took off a week-end and went to see my friend Jenny-Penny (that is what I call her). My Friend's Shelly, and Susan and Susan's dog (Sophie) piled in my car and off we went. It was a blast!

On the ROAD,

Saturday morning

Pedicure Time

Fun

Sushi Time
First Timer of Sushi...she did very well! and liked it....ok some of it.

Big Lovers of Sushi

Parade in Spokane

Saying Good-bye....my camera died so I was not able to take more pictures of us.

BIG Birthday BASH!

2010-05-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 43rd to ME!

Thursday was my birthday and it was a wonderful day. Though I did work in the morning I came home and got ready for my FIRST EVER birthday date!...yes, I know some of you are in shocked. My date Mike Standridge, Mike came over and we made dinner, salmon, wild rice, carrots and zucchini....OK I was not the best cook. I burnt the rice and over cooked the zucchini. Mike was a gentleman and ate my cooking but it was still good and the company was GREAT! Later that night we went dancing, which I love.

Saturday is the day I celebrated with friends. I got off work early, around noon, and Susan, Shelly, Joellyn and I went to lunch at the Maltby cafe. YUM! Then we went over to the Flower Barn (I think that is what it is called) We looked at plants and garden plants it was so coold and beautiful. They had animals on the grounds, ponds and water fixtures. It was all so pleasing to the eye.

Later that night a larger group of friends got together. I chose a Rock n' Roll theme this year. I like to have theme birthdays. We held it at the very tasty Pizza Joint called THE ROCK Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits in Millcreek. This place is also Themed with Rock n' Roll paraphernalia it was very fitting. We had Pizza and had many of my friends there. It was great, afterwards we came back to my place and had cake and ice cream. It was fun to talk, chat and just enjoy getting one more year older.

He has Risen, He has Risen...

2010-04-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday was different then most of my Sunday's; with it being Easter, and not being with family as well as it being General Conferance . It is hard being alone but I have good friend's who helped me enjoy this day her are the Photo's.
This picture is to remind us of Christ first!

Starting off the morning with General Conference at home.
This is what we look like starting out.

What we look like by the end....not that it wasn't good....IT WAS! I was tired from watching 10 Commandments on TV the night before until 1am. It was good but not a good idea before conference.

The Easter bunny watching me!
Finding my Easter basket! With a Piggy Bank in it....it had cherry's on it!
SOOO CUTE, Thanks Shelly..(I mean "Easter Bunny").

After conference Shelly invited me to her sisters for dinner. Look a Puppy...I want one!

Then we colored Easter Egg....look how pretty! This is Shelly's neice with me.

I didn't roll any eggs down a hill (family tradition)....hopefully next year...

I hope you all had a wonderful day of remembering Christ and what he has done for all of us. Happy Easter to you!

Nephew Hayden Baptism

2010-03-29T19:32:00.001-07:00

It has been two week's and I have not written about my trip to Oregon. I went to Oregon to see my nephew Hayden Baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This is very exciting and I was pleased to be apart of it. I was asked to lead the music and I was very happy to help. Thank you, Hayden for making a great choice and for asking me to be apart of it all. You have grown-up and it just seems like the other day when I was there at your birth, my first one. You have a beautiful spirit and I love you for it. (I forgot my camera so I have to take shots from my family that was there)

2010-03-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Days at work last week:
Here is my attempt to be a cowgirl.
I have decided I wouldn't mind being on a ranch. Yeha!

"Buffalo gal, won't you come out tonight...come out tonight...come out tonight.

Buffalo gal, won't you come out tonight and dance by the light of the moon...yes I will!

Olympics is in the AIR!

2010-02-14T14:26:00.001-08:00

I love the Olympics both summer and winter (possibly winter a little more). I love the skiing and skating. So after the party on Saturday my friends Susan, Shelly and I came home to watch Apolo Ohno race. See how we support Apollo:

It has been a great Week-end....Hope you had a love Valentines week-end along with the Olympics! GO USA.... and Canada...(for my mother's heritage)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S

2010-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

It is another Single Awareness Day. However, I have to say I really do enjoy Valentine's Day. I wasn't planning anything this year, but on Friday I changed my mind . I with some friends went to dinner, then to a movie (Valentine's Day), then to the singles dance. I had a lovely time.
(soap box)
Why is it at dances I become a 14 year old again? It should not be that way at 42. You know trying to find someone to dance with or even be interested in. Or how about getting a conversation started with someone of the opposite sex. I don't even dream about being able to give out my number because the men just don't ask for it. Yes, I know some of you are saying or thinking...well why don't you give it to them. Well yes I could do this but I like it when a guy will take the initiative, It helps me know something about his guy. Yes, he did take the initiative to ask me to dance I get it but really it is not that hard is it. (end of soap box)
Any who, Saturday I had to work and a cute thing happened. I was escorting a resident to the hair salon and we passed one of our oldest residents (I'll call her Eve, 102) she is a doll and I introduced the two residents. Eve says to my resident, I got chocolates for Valentines day I would like to share them with you. My residents couldn't have chocolate and Eve's face was so sad so she looked at me and said "will you have some of my chocolate" I said sure and she told me to pick any one. I picked the smallest one (REALLY I DID) and she said no you get two of those I said no that is ok I don't want to eat all your chocolates...she then said No these chocolates are to share for Valentines day. I tell you it was the cutest thing.
That night I went to a Chocolate party with a few of my friends. Some guys were putting it on and the men had to bring Chocolate and the women just had to come. I have to say these guy had the spread of food and as well as drinks (not a Mormon party) but it was fun and interesting. It was a good night but this bring me to another exciting event happening the OLYMPICS.
see my next post! Happy Valentines DAY! Love you my family and friends!

2010-01-11T15:40:00.001-08:00

Newell's Christmas 2009

16 Adults, 13 childred = 29 people

Traditional Christmas Caroling

Traditional Nativity

Treats for Santa

Santa Came we must have been very good this year!

Traditional line-up youngest to oldest.

Gifts

Eating

Family time & Games

THANKSGIVING DAY

2009-11-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, Today I had the great opportunity to have my Mother and Father come to my place for Thanksgiving as well as my beautiful sister Jill. This year my siblings went to the in-laws so Mom and Dad were stuck with us single daughter's. I planned to work so that I could have Christmas off this year. I invited them to come to Seattle area so 1)-I could work and still see them with a good and YUMMY dinner 2)I also got them to stay at my work ( they have a guest suite) which allowed me to still see them even though I was at work and they could see where I work. Of course, it rained the whole time they were here and I was not able to go on Black Friday outing like I do enjoy (even if it is 4am in the morning) I have to work at 6am until 11am so I will get to help a little and I mean a little but a little is better then nothing. I love the running around and finding things and helping mom. I have to say I am a little nervous about mom, dad & Jill run around finding stores in this area they are not familiar with. I hope Jill's GPS helps them will see. I will let you know if I get yelled at...or Mom will never leave Eugene again for the holidays before Black Friday.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!
My pumpkin I carved at FHE last week.

I got to dress up three times for Halloween this year. My work celebrated on Thursday for the elderly. They had a theme Halloween which was Blue Hawaii. I dressed in a wrap around wrap (I had a white shirt & pants underneath...it was to cold with out it)sorry no picture of that. On Friday night before Halloween I went to a singles dance and I dressed up as a Pirate. Then on Halloween I dressed up as a police officer and I was the only one dressed at work. The elderly were very funny because at first they were not sure if I was real or not. I would say, "Officer Jennifer here to give you your meds". I took my "police car" with me but I parked it in certain places so I didn't have to carry it around.

Sleep study

2009-11-02T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well just before Halloween I had a sleep study done to see why I am not sleeping well. So I had to pack somethings and head to the sleep center. I had my own room and my sleep was very uncomfortable...here are the pictures why.....not so pretty. I also had wires on my back, chest and legs.

The tech told me he was a little disappointed. I didn't snore like he thought I would. I guess that is good. I go in on the 4th (happy birthday to Jill on that day) to know the results and to see if I need to take it again.

Crafting like a fool!

2009-10-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

(ward project, Letters attach to a swag or ribbon.)

A few weeks ago my church ward had a "Cute and Crafty Saturday" and I went and did a few projects. When I got home....I had caught the craft bug and decided to finish craft project's I have had for a few years and then some....I have been so busy at it. I have finished 5 or so projects and if my roommate will let me (or stand it) I could finish 3 more. It has been very fun & rewarding. It has allowed my mind to be the artsy side I love though I am not the best I do enjoy when ideas come out looking not too bad. I love that challenge of seeing something I like and saying...Hey I could make that. Here are some crafts from the past & a few of finished projects I finally finished up this week.

(Mom, I finished your tree I gave you last year or was it the year before)

(A super Saturday project several years ago Finished!)

New Craft I just saw and had to do.

(Crafts I did many years ago, I still love working on another pair for mom....since I took Horriss back.)

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/mBpuvwyEcSQrjktn

6 down 2 more to go!

2009-09-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

A Wedding in the NEWELL family.

6 down 2 more to go!

It was a beautiful wedding and I am sad that I missed the wedding shower....two days before...because I had to go to a work meeting....you would have thought my boss would have let me go so I could get home to it.... but NOOOO I had to stay for a long boring meeting (that did not apply to me). I finally got home for the pedi & mani's. It was fun but I was very sleepy.

here are some of my pictures....

It was a great time, and I will say it was the easiest & fastest clean-up I have had for a wedding in our family. That is a good thing.

Nothing like Camping in Stress & RAIN!

2009-09-07T15:14:00.001-07:00

Labor Day Week-end..Though I enjoy being & wanting to spend time with my family on this holiday. I had been asked several months ago to help with the LDS Single Family Campout up at Ensign Ranch in Cle Elem area. This event usually will have around 1000 or so people come from all over for this. It has grown over the years and it is a fun event, or can be if you put effort into it. So I was asked to be in charge of Saturday night dinner. The head committee did tell me what we would be eating, they purchased the amount of food & took it up to the ranch. I just had to make sure I had the people there to prepare, cook, serve and maintain the food while serving it.

MY MISSION: Ham, Canned Corn, Coleslaw, Rolls, Punch, Ice Cream Sandwich's, Potluck (from the campers).

I got up at the Camp on Friday (early evening). Met up with a few friends and set up my camp. This camp has A-frame cabins so you don't have to put up a tent. My friends camped in the A-frame and I slept in my car. I LOVE MY HONDA.

Weather: Wet

Friends: Staying Dry at the Lodge goofing off:

By Sunday Night I was tired, cold & wet and decided to drive home after the great Fireside talk. It was wonderful and the whole dinner went well. I got a lot of compliments on how I handled it all. I was even told by the Head Chief that she wished I had done all of the meals. (of course, I was glad I didn't) but I was happy to hear they liked my work.

Family Reunion and Pneumonia

2009-07-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well I have been sick since just before Father's day and the reason why I did not go home for Father's Day. At first I thought it was just a cold but this cold has been different then other colds. I found that I struggled breathing like I did before I had my surgery 13+ years ago, very unusual. I stayed home and didn't work but after about the fifth day I realized my coughing was because I could not breath and not just the cold thing. So I went to an Urgent Care (since I didn't have insurance, which would not start until the 1st of July, which was only 3 days away) I saw the doc. and he gave me 2 Albuterol treatments and and inhaler and told me I had a virus and to go home and will have to just deal with it. Ok I rested up and started to feel better went back to work for a few days before I left on vacation for a family reunion. I flew into Boise and my flight was ok but I felt lousy. That night at the hotel I could not lay down and sleep my coughing was so bad. So we decided the next day to drop me off at another Clinic there in Boise to be checked out, I had insurance then. They took X-rays and told me I had Pneumonia. I got an antibiotic, steroids, and another inhaler. I was of no use in helping my mother for this family reunion and so there I sit in the car and watch my sister, Jill and mother do all this work for the reunion. It was very difficult.
I loved seeing all my family at the reunion (we only were missing 4 cousins) This place was beautiful and my mother did a great job with the food. I know it did not go as smoothly as she would have wanted, BUT MOM ALL THAT YOU DID WORKED WONDERFULLY. Because I was mostly banned to the couch and my camera was not working I did not get pictures but I will take a few from my cousins who have done a beautiful job.

Memorial Week-end

2009-05-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

Well I forgot my camera so I have to take a few pictures from my sister's who went.

I love going camping with my family. I love camping at Honeymon Park. This place is magical to me and for all the year's that my family and our friends have been going this tradition will always live on to me.

Spring Flowers

2009-05-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Flowers of Spring!

Birthday Celebration

2009-05-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Birthday Dinner with Friends; Susan, Shelly, Katrina, & Kina. Mike, Decker & Nickie Wood came too but I didn't get a picture. It was a fun night and delicious too. I got a bite of Yummy Cake........really it is all I could fit in to my stomach. I had crab legs, steak, asparagus & baked potato . It was Good though!

2009-05-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

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Spring.... Blossoms

2009-04-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

After having several storms of rain, snow and cold weather Washington had a BEAUTIFUL Spring day. Being Conference week-end made it a perfect day. I went for a drive and of course took pictures of trees.

The blossoms are starting to come out and they smell so good.
This tree use to be in a empty field but they built this winery and I never got a picture beforethe winery was built, so now I have that in the picture. I have always loved the shape of this tree. Everytime I drive by it I think I have got to get a picture of that tree. So I did, their is something about the size of the tree and the shape that I love and the blue sky does give it a good lift.

Rain...Sleet...Snow...Sun..Rain...Sleet...Snow...Sun

2009-03-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

With all this crazy weather going on; I am going to whine!
IIIIII.....wwwaaannt....SPRINGGGG....and I wwwwaanntt..... iiitttt....NOWWWWWWW! I am ready for the sun. Ready for the birds to sing sweetly in my ears, ready for the smell of the blossoming trees. The sun as it breaks through plushy billowing clouds, the smell of fresh cut grass and I am ready for warmth! I say WARMTH.....no not hot heat, just for it to be warmer. No more feather down coats and gloves as I shiver sitting at the computer due to drafts. No more crapping ice on my car, no more frosty windows. Yes the Spring that twinkles in my eye and brings a smile to my face as I awake to a new day. This is what I want!........but I don't aways get what I want....so I will deal and be patient.

I am human and I cry!.....ok....deal with it!

2009-03-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

This will not be an uplifting post! In fact.....frustrated, sad and poor are not a good combination. I just had another interview where they asked me about my voice... what is with these companies. Do they not know they are not suppose to ask these type of questions. It is very frustrating, of course, I politely say this is my voice and try to end it there. But noooooo, they always have to ask what happened or have you always been this way .....ok what am I suppose to say "YOU CAN'T ASK ME THAT, it is discriminatory" like that is going to get me the job. So I come home all upset, people say you can SUE, like I have the money for that, RIGHT!... and most of these companies that ask these questions are small companies (like I want to be the women that puts them out of business) All I want is a job and I know I can do the work they put out there for me. If they would just give me a chance.
Now it is very possible that I didn't get these jobs for other reasons, however, I have know way of knowing. I just figure that my voice plays a part in that and if they bring it up it must be some type of concern. Am I right. I guess it is just interesting I never have considered myself disabled but maybe I am. But really the only problem is I can't YELL. So really is that a disability? I wouldn't think so but I definitely am different then others. Funny thing is you think that would be a positive. Who wants to be yelled at? I know I don't like it.

Shelly's Party!

2009-03-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Shelly!

Friday was a full day. I had an interview out in Bremerton and took the ferry back and forth. It was a very interesting interview to say the least. We will leave it at that. However,it was a BEAUTIFUL ride there and back. When I got back I met up with my friends and we drove back down to the ferry dock and took a ride to Bainbridge Island for dinner at Doc's Marina Grill - www.docsgrill.com - (206) 842-8339. I recommend this place it was YUMMMY! Here is what I had; Lobster Mac and Cheese, Langostino baby lobster tossed with Orchietta pasta in a five cheese sauce. SOOOOO good (side note don't count your calories...it is fat, I am sure of it) but it was Shelly's birthday. Dinner with Me Shelly, Susan & Scott.

Saturday was Party time.

Herb garden gift, flowers and food, & most of all XBox Guitar Hero. FUN for everyone!

Me making a fool of myself.

An afternoon of Lion King!

2009-02-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

A while back; in October to be exact (I was in New York City at the time), a friend called and said "Lion King is coming to town lets get tickets". So on February 21, 2009 at 2pm I was able to see another GREAT & BEAUTIFUL play the Lion King. We were up in the nose bleed section but it was worth it.
My friends Shelly, Susan, Joellyn, Jen, Kathryn and Molly with several of her other friends all went it was an exciting time.

At the very end I tried to take some pictures (because your not suppose to) I was a little nervious and it came out blurry....that is what I get ... If you go to this website link you can get a sneak peak of the play...it is good and much better then if I did get a picture. http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelionking/#/home

This play is for KIDS and Adults so take them it is worth every penny, I think. At the very beginning I started to cry because it was so packed with power in the music....I looked over and my friend Shelly and she was crying too.....so I know I was not the only one that felt the power in the music. I ENJOYED, hope you can too!

Auntie & Neices weekend

2009-02-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

Well I had to get my car fixed down in Portland. So I drove down and was going to stay with my Brother's family (Matt, Beth & kids) Thursday we went to dinner with them and I got to tell the kids that I was taking Madalyn and Bailey back to Seattle with me that night for the week-end. I was very excited.....and I think they were to."http://

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Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

What an Exciting day, history in the works, the 44th President of the United States. It is a little bitter sweet for me but I am very excited and hopeful. There are amazing men in this world and I hope that he can live up to what has been placed in front of him. My prayers will go out to him, his family and all who work with him. This is the first day of change in America, as he stated, "There is work to be done" I hope we all will do our part and work together to get it done. If we are prepared we will be able to handle whatever history has in store for America.

Depression or Recession

2009-01-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

Someone in my ward (church congregation) said "a Recession is when your neighbor looses there job, a Depression is when you loose yours." It seems that for 1/2 of my family (Me, JJ, Jill & Tricia's husband)the depression has hit. My parents are worried that those who have lost there job will be moving home. And with Ashlee & Jeff not starting their job until after Jeff passes the Oregon Bar my parents will have a full house if we all do. But I do know that all of us have been receiving blessing even though this "depression" has hit. Each one of us have something that helps bring in money and which has been allowing us to stay where we are and look for jobs.

The last two weeks has been very rewarding, at least self-esteem building, with the number of job interviews that have come in. I have 4 companies that I have been interviewing with and of those 3 of them has several facilities. So keep those prayers coming and a job offer should come.

Today I had two interviews and we will see what happens. Thank you to those who are thinking and praying for me.

Ring in the NEW YEAR

2009-01-06T22:53:00.000-08:00

Happy NEW YEAR...
It's.......2009!
It has been a good start and I hope it keeps rolling with good news, memories and LOVE.....because February is not far away.

Starting of New Resolutions: Many years ago,I never wanted my expectations to be set to high because I don't like to fail..... why disappoint myself, I thought. So I didn't set any resolutions or goals. But I soon realized the benefit that come from setting goals. So a few years ago I started setting them however I found if I set 10 goals only 1 would get accomplished. Last year I was a little more successful and 2 were accomplished. So this year I will do it again and will see if I can get three.....maybe even four. Of course I am not going to tell you what my resolutions are, but I have focused on several areas; Spiritual, Physical, Mental, Educational, Financial and Social. All areas that need improvement.

2008 had, challenges, trials and many BLESSING. I had bad times and I had GREAT TIMES. I made new friends and I FOUND old ones (thanks to Facebook). It is great to know that through it all I can turn to the Lord for strength and guidance. I hope that this NEW YEAR brings you what you need, want and can be BLESSED with. ALL MY LOVE TO YOU! Jennifer

Christmas Early

2008-12-22T11:41:00.000-08:00

Friday, After a phone interview for a job, Mom, Dad, JJ and I drove down to Medford, OR. Sister Jill drove up from California. We met at Tricia and Darren's to celebrate an early Christmas. (since we would not see then in Eugene). We got there and walked in to this giant tree in there livingroom. It was a 9 x 9ish size tree and they cut one side of the bottom out to fit into the corner of the room...the kids then made a fort with the hole in the tree and have decorated it. I will try to get a picture on of how big but I do not think it will do justice to the size of the tree to the room. It took at least 1/2 or 1/3 of the room up. It made for a cozy little time. On Saturday we had pumpkin pancakes and opened presents and then that night we went to the church Christmas dinner and watched the kids in a Christmas presentation. It was VERY good they did a GREAT job. I got to meet Tricia's neighbors and some friends of theirs and had a nice dinner. The next day we had to leave early as it was forecasted for another snow storm. It was sad to say good bye but It was a lovely time at the Wilhoits.

Storm...My Boy...Storm... Zoo Lights...Nutcracker...Storm...HOME!

2008-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Storm:
Dec.16, Tuesday- Seattle News......."Arctic Blast"......my father panic's, calls me and he says "a storm is coming you need to leave now so you don't want to get caught in the storm." So I leave at 10:00pm and drive to Sandy, OR and stay at my brother's (Matt & Beth's). Roads were good and I got there safe.

My Boy:
Wednesday, was a mixture of snow, rain, cold, but nothing to bad it would rain and go away. At 10am I get a call my little boy blue (car) is done and I can pick him up. Matt and the family take me to get my car about 4pm, on our way to the Zoo to see the Portland lights. The car looked good and for 7,000 for fixtures I hope he will continue to be a great car.

Storm:
We left and went to the Zoo, which is up on a hill. It is snowing hard and harder as we get to the Zoo. I stressed because I just picked up my car and I don't want anything to happen to it now. Though, I trust my driving it is others I don't trust in OR. We make it to the Zoo just fine with a good 3 in of snow on the ground.

Zoo Lights:
We get to the Zoo and everyone had to get dressed for the weather. (It reminded me of when dad would take us skiing) Put your ski pants on, get your warm boots on put your gloves on etc...
Hayden didn't like having to put so much clothing on, but I do have to say Matt dressed him up like the kid brother in the "Christmas Story" who couldn't put his arms down. All you could see of Paige were her eyes in the stroller. Bailey was very sad that there were no walrus's the only animals they got to see were the elephants and insects. They had all kinds of zoo animal figure lite up, it was done very well. I recommend going. Going through the Portland Zoo in the snow was the best part, something you don't get to do every year. IT WAS A BLAST. Then we all went to Sheri's for hot coco and dinner. It was a great time and I got to be a part of it.

Nutcracker:
That night putting the kids to bed I started watching the end of the Nutcracker and Bailey was very upset that she could not watch it. So I said (to get her into bed) "if the Nutcracker is on in the morning we will watch then"(know it would not be) so she went to be.

Thursday morning I woke up to check on the weather and Bailey came out and said "remember you said if the Nutcracker was on we could watch it" ( Oh the memory of Babes) She climbed into bed with me and I flipped through the channels. "I said Bailey, I don't think it is on. She was very sad. I kept flipping then a channel we came to was on the history of the Nutcracker and I said this is on the History of the Nutcracker but I don't think it will be on. She said ok. We watched about 15 min of it and the next thing the lady said was we will know be watching the San Francisco Ballet of the Nutcracker. Bailey looked at me and was so excited and I looked at Beth and we couldn't believe it. One by one the kids crawled in bed with me and we watched the Nutcracker on TV it was a very fun morning. Watching the Nutcracker by the fire with the kids as it snowed outside.

Storm:
I awoke to snow on the ground but was not concerned as I watched the Nutcracker with the kids but by 10am it was snowing hard with big flakes. Since I was leaving for Eugene I decided I better leave before it got any worse. The snow was sticking to the roads and so I decided to be safe (with my new fixed up car) and put my snow chains on....ok Matt put my chains on (he can be a good brother) And he said "those chains were really easy to put on"). I got on the road and drove slow and safely to the main road. I drove down the road for awhile , but soon it had very little snow on the road. I was embarrassed so about 45 min out and several pullovers (to let others go by). I pulled over and tried to take off the chains. It was at this very moment. I had a break down of frustration and wished I was married. Why do I have to do this alone I thought. As I tried to find the hook at the back of the tire to remove them. It was cold, dirty and frustrating. Then I do what I always do at these moments...say to myself buck-up and get the job done. So after about 30 min of trying to get the chains off, a few tears, I did it muddy, dirty, grease snow and all. And only after I got them off did I realize the company put long sleeve plastic gloves in the box so you wouldn't get dirty taking them off..... ahg! But then I got a call for a job interview with a company that was to call me back right after Thanksgiving...I guess they are a little slow in calling. But my interview will be Friday.

HOME:
The drive from Matt and Beth's was really good and I got home safe. Walked in the door and felt like HOME....It is GREAT BEING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Fixing my BOY

2008-12-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Well the insurace will pay for my car and I did around $6,800 damage to my blue boy. It getting the new parts put in this week and next week he gets painted. So maybe I will get to pick it up on my way home for Christmas. Will see. But So far I have been VERY PLEASED with my Car insurance. I will say more when it is all over. THANKS goes out to my mom and dad for lending me Ashlee and Jeff's car...so I guess goes to them also. THANKS

A GREAT Thanksgiving comes with LOVE and Blessing....but Trials are not over!

2008-12-06T23:57:00.000-08:00

Well I don't know what rock I rubbed or mirror I broke but if luck has anything to do with it I don't have it. (keep reading) What I do have is LOVE and without that I would be stuck.
Thankgiving with the family at least half of them (other half was in AZ) was fun, delicious and overall GOOD. GREAT Thanks to my mom and sisters & Beth. I was glad to be home and I was glad to see all my little neices and nephews who I haven't seen for so long and they are sooo big and I just want them to STOP growing... ok....just Stop it...I tell you. (my bossy self has proclaimed)

On "Black"Friday I went shopping... the Traditional 4am shopping (but this year mom slept in, we didn't get out until 6am) She was successful in getting many things (but she has confessed this AM thing is not as fun as it use to be).

Saturday- I took my older nieces (Taylor, Madalyn, Hannah) out to get some shoes for Madalyn and they were having a hay-day with the fact they could wear my shoes....but actually they had bigger feet then me. It was interesting to say the least ....questions and concerns....like how high of a heel, not to old not to young. They Loved all the really HIGH heels with shine and sparkles. Then we left and met up with the other kids and women to see the movie, Madagascar II. It was good but I have seen in before. I liked watching the kids faces.

Sunday I had a cold....All I wanted to do was sleep. Which makes me sad... because the family would be leaving. They all left and I was there with mom, dad and little Paige (Matt & Beth left her with mom & dad to watched for a little bit). It was fun watching her personality, singing, smiling and wanting attention. On Monday night I was watching her while mom and dad were out at a movie and she was adimit about me reading her books in the toy room.... on the floor and not on the couch (were I would be more comfortable). So I had to make a comfy place on the floor to read to her. Of course her attention for the books were about 2 page and then it was another book so it was hard for me since I like to finish things I get into.

However, I soon had to leave and on my trip home I was in a car accident and my little boy blue has no horn to blow. I was NOT seriously hurt, my back has spasms every now and then but I feel fine and glad I was not really hurt. My car though is very damaged and I am still waiting to see if insurance says it is totalled or if they can fix it. Can I say....I am being tried! If it is not one thing with me it is another and all you can do it keep going....and going....and going.

Interesting Experience

2008-11-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

I, with some friends, went to see the movie (Madagascar II)this week-end down in Seattle it was in the morning and it was a good movie....it was a free ticket from my friend Susan...(Thanks Susan). When we got out of the movie there were so many people outside. At first I didn't know what was going on then I saw the signs, flags, chanting and I knew. The Seattle March for Gay Rights (against CA Prop 8 & Mormons). I understand there where 6000 individuals.

I was in aw and a little nervous because I have not ever been among a very strong and mad crowd. The March was overall peaceful but thoughts went through my head as I watched and wondered what would have happened if they knew 1-I was a Mormon, 2-I didn't fully agree with them. (I hope they would have wanted to understand why I felt the way I did and how our differences could be resolved with out violence) I feared they would have yelled at me, called me names or hurt me. That didn't happen but I pondered why I felt the way I did verse the way they felt the way they did.

My answer to myself:
-We as a people jump to conclusions we don't look at it from others individuals sides.
-We want to be right and are not willing to look for solutions to resolve differences.
-Our passions get the better of us and we react, creating a atmosphere of hate, anger, hostility and selfishness.

I am not an expert on this subject by any means but that does not make me stupid.
This is how I feel and what I believe; "I want everyone to have rights, but changing the Constinution is not the way to resolve this issue" If changed it would create more issues and problems down the road, I believe that if a group of individuals sit down and talk about this matter without a vise to over power the other....working to make the right choice for both sides this issue would get resolved.

But this questions comes to me....is there really only two sides? I think not I think that there are those who are out to prove many different points and are NOT out for just the RIGHTS of the people, AND I MEAN THE PEOPLE (ALL PEOPLE whatever they believe)

My sign reads..... I HAVE RIGHTS & YOU SHOULD HAVE RIGHTS....BUT DON'T CHANGE OUR CONSTITUTION.......Work together to CHANGE THE LAWS to give ALL RIGHTS.

AHHH!! CRACK - OUCH - Call 911 -Blessing Received!

2008-11-07T22:51:00.000-08:00

Ok,this is a SORE day for me. I again have lost the battle with stairs. I don't know why but it is now the 3rd time I have fallen down stairs with tragic results, this time blessing and bruising.

1-Back in 1989 (at BYU-Rivera)I was late for work and I was in high-heels. One of the heels caught on the metal lip and down I went. I tried to stop myself by grabbing the railing but I kept falling. Broke my middle finger. (Now I have arthritis in it)

2-In 1990 (at BYU-south of campus condos)I slipped in my penny-loafer on ice going downstairs and fell on my left butt check, but I stood up, fainted and landed on my face on the stairs with a 2-3 inch gash on my forehead. (forehead got 83 stitches, fractured my tail bone & had to sit on a donut for days as well as failed my tennis class).

3-11/06/2008, going downstairs to pick some items I dropped as I was going up the stairs. The stairs had rain on them (I live in Seattle, what do you expect?) Down I went landed on my right butt check and bounced down and landed on my back. I know I was truly blessed this time because when I fell I heard a loud crack and my back hurt. So I was very scared since I don't have health insurance. Luckily I had my cell phone called my roommate to come outside, called my parents (no answer), my roommate called 911 (I started to faint and was getting nauseated). CUTE men checked me out, they helped me up and got me inside. They didn't think I broke anything (maybe the stairs). Put ice on my butt and back and I took 4 Advil(only a very bruised left butt check and sore back) Today ( 11/7/08) I have no back pain, a mildly sore butt but can get around. I know the Lord blessed me, I have no doubt in my mind.

GET OUT and VOTE!

2008-11-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

The time is here I am sooo excited. I have voted and I am looking forward to the end of this GREAT history making election. What a great place we live in.

YES on Proposition 8 in CA & 102 in AZ

2008-10-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

I put a blog on this subject not long ago and got some comments on it from those who disagree so I am going to post more because the more I read and learn about this Proposition the more I realize how important this issue is to get out to others. PLEASE read learn and find out. My sister Jill is very involved in this matter and has learned so much and has pasted this information on to me and my family. I want others to know what she and I have found out. It is very important to understand. If you vote this will effect you more then you know. MOST Importantly it has NOTHING TO DO WITH HATE, as the celebrities and others want you to think.

Helpful websites:

http://www.whatisprop8.com/ (a hub for knowledge)

http://www.preservingmarriage.com/ (an LDS perspective)

http://protectmarriage.com/ (the coalition website; donate here!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zbpDe_QhS0

GREAT Trip to Boston & New York

2008-10-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well I am back to real life no more dream land. I had a Very FUN TRIP- Thank you Keppi for hosting it!

It all started a year ago when Keppi moved back to Boston I said that I wanted go out to visit her. From their Shelly said she wanted to go then Susan said she wanted to go and then Jenny said she wanted to go and then Joellyn said she wanted to go. So in June Shelly, Joellyn and I bought our tickets (of course at that time I had a job so I was not concerned). Susan and Jenny bought there ticket into NYC. We (Joellyn, Shelly and I)flew into Boston on Tuesday.

Then on Wednesday we along with Keppi took the bus into New York and met up with Susan and Jenny. We were there until Friday and then went back to Boston. So here are some picture of my trip with my great friends. Joellyn, Me, Jenny, Shelly, Keppi and Susan!
Us at Time Square. Keppi, Shelly & I at Vanderbilt's Mansion.

Famous faces we met and saw.

Central Park Saw the show Wicked - GREAT!

Top of the Rockefeller Tower

Ground Zero

Wall Street

Ellis Island

The Lady Liberty

Subway in New York and Boston

Salem, MA Waldon Pond

Boston John Hancock grave

Paul Revere Harvard

YOU ARE WRONG ELLEN DeGeneres--On my Soap BOX!

2008-10-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

Last night I was watching TV before I went to bed and was watching the Tonight show. I usually will watch the monologue and then go to bed but last night Ellen DeGeneres was on and I think she is funny, and she was, until the end of the interview when she decided to say something that just got me boiling, so much I could not sleep. I am SICK of HOLLYWOOD!!!!!

She was commenting on the California Prop 8 initiative (also Prop 102 in AZ) and since we have free speech in this land.... she can say what she wants.....BUT to have the gall to say what she did REALLY Bugged me. Her words were " don't vote for the initiative, don't vote for HATE" WHAT! did she really say what I think she said. yup she did.

I have several friends who have chosen to live an alternative lifestyle and though I do not agree with this I still accept them as who they are. I do not treat them any differently then any of my other friends. I don't push them to believe what I do. Though they know my beliefs. All of my friends gay or not have different personalities and beliefs and this is where I get SO mad at Ellen's comments .....Because of my belief on families and marriage a group of "Hollywood" and some others think that I (and others like me) are creating HATE....when really who is creating hate they are.
This life is full of choices each of us gets to make these choices, right or wrong. I may think your choice is wrong and you may think my choice is wrong but respect of each others choice is important. Just because I think your choice is wrong does not mean I hate, it means I have a different view.

Do I hate Ellen NO, do I hate my friends who are gay NO.
ELLEN DEGENERES --- I DO NOT HATE! If you got to know me you would know that.

This is my soap box - hollywood and it's perspectives that muddy the water of clean and dirty.

If any of you are not sure what these Props are here is a great informative website:
www.whatisprop8.com Check it out

In one week on to Boston - New York & back

2008-09-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been searching and interviewing and hoping for the job to come along or for me to find.......almost like looking for a husband....but I think the job hunting might be easier. I know people will say why is she going on a trip when she has no job. Well this is my reasoning.... I planned this trip at the beginning of the year before I knew I was to be jobless, I decided I was still going....of course with my parents ok...since they are helping me out. LOVE THEM FOR THAT, will just call this my Christmas gift from Santa. I will be leaving for a week to Boston and then to New York to see Wicked then back to Boston. There are 6 of us girls flying out to see my old roommate Keppi. I think it will be lot of fun..though I am a little nervous about us all getting along for this whole week but I plan to be flexible and bask in the trip and surroundings basically have fun and see many sites. So when I get back I will have tons of pictures to put on the blog. You know I have share. We will talk to you soon.

I would just like to put in a note for those who live in the East....(Krista & Brian & family) I so want to see you but with 6 gal pals plus me that would just be to much after just having your baby. But I want you to know I love you and will be thinking of you while I am there. If I get your number I will call you...you can call me 425-442-0343.

What happened to AUGUST?

2008-09-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

This month came and was gone in a blink of an EYE for me. It probably was because so much has happened.

I know it has been awhile since I have written. So here is a run down.

-Cousin's son Tyler got married in Boise to Carrisa it was wonderful to go and see them. It did make me sad I missed is brother Jared & Sam's as well as Megan's and John's wedding last year.

-Mom and Dad got a new roof put on the house done by my brother Matt, in-law's Jeff & Darren, friends Kevin and Matt (Beth's brother) They did a great job.!

-Matt had his trial and they took a settlement that they were very happy with and I have to agree it was good. This issue has been out there for a year plus and is now over and I am very happy for Matt and Beth.

-My father had surgery and though the surgery went OK, he had complications and was in the hospital several more days then expected. Now, I wasn't with my father when he had the surgery and when everything started to not go as well I had to get home (my mind was making everything worse as I kept thinking about it) so as soon as I could I took vacation and went to help out mom and dad. Funny thing....One by one my sisters all came home, I think we all felt the same way.

I got there just after dad moved to the new hospital, which is like a lodge, compared to the old one and it had a "bed couch" that mom and I were able to sleep on. This allowed at least one of us to get some sleep at night while the other helped dad get up, sit up and then lay back down. I am sure the hospital bed dad was on was not the most comfortable and I can say my CNA experience was good to have in helping out. Though patience with one another was a little difficult we did make it through and I now know where I get my strong willed, stubborn, determined personality from and I can say it is pretty equal from each parent. (not so good for me) One good thing We also watched a lot of the Olympics morning and night, which I wouldn't have been able to do if I was at home in WA, thanks dad, love those Olympics.

After a week 12 days I thought I better get home to WA and back to work. I was back to work about a week and was planning on going to a singles camp-out and the day before I decided I needed to go back home instead of the camp-out. I felt like I should go camping with Mom and Dad and Tricia's family for Labor day.

Just as I was leaving work for the week-end my boss gave me my paycheck and said that this was it. The business was closing. So I was out of a job. Nice way of leaving for the week-end. But I can honestly say I was so glad that I decided to go home. I needed that time with family. I am not sad to go, though I am sad my boss (& friend's) life long business is gone. It was time for me to move on any way and I really did need some way of leaving. I am not sure which way I will be heading and who knows the direction but I am excited to see what path I am ahead down. At least that is how I feel right now.

Update: Dad doing better and is home and though he does not have his full energy level back up he will day by day. He did have major surgery and will take some time.

New DO

2008-07-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well I went home this week-end to spend time time with a few of my niece's and nephews. While there my sister-in-law Beth gave me a new hairdo. Hope you like, I was very pleased Beth did a great job

I will get the rest of the picture up as a slide show soon.

"Hot Weekend"

2008-07-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

This last week-end was a "HOT" week-end not just because of the weather but because I got to go to the "Police" concert at the Gorge with my friends, Susan, JennyPenny & Shelly. Shelly didn't go to the concert she was with her mom. But we were very lucky to be able to go to the concert then crash at her mom's place. (which was only 15 min away w/traffic)

the view of the Gorge

my friends

happy me!
SO good to hear!

It was a great concert but I have to say I was a little disappointed in the "scruffy" look. I like STING clean and polish, but his sound was as always....... GREAT! I saw this concert a year ago when they played in Seattle and he was clean cut then.

Here is a little clip of Sting and Elvis Costello. Elvis opened for Sting and then Sting came on a stage for this one song with Elvis, it was very cool and I just happened to get a little on tape.

This was the 5th time of seeing Sting and and the 2nd time at the Gorge. I really truely could go 100 times more. I just want to get front row tickets next time. Though my seats were not bad, center 33 row. One more little clip for you.

We also got to hang at the river and basked in the sun it was very fun and relaxing. They may not be the most flattering photos of me but maybe this will help me lose the weight.

Friend Susan's B-day Pampering

2008-07-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

June 19th was Susan's Birthday and that week-end we went and had our feet pampered and a few of us had our hands done, then we went shopping. It was a few day.

A Sad shocker my thoughts for Tim.

2008-06-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

I have not known what to write for sometime on my blog but then a shocker happened.

I know this is very unusual since I really did not know him personally. Plus my tribute is a little late but I have to say.... I was truly saddened by the lost of Tim Russert. I LOVED listening to him and admired much about his work and ability. His smile, laugh and straight forward talk. Then I read more about him and I can see why I was drawn to him. He was a good, God fearing, family man. Now I did not always agree with him when it came to politics but I do like different opinions and different takes on political view. I so was looking forward to watching him through this Presidential race with his zeal and zest for these political matters. He always helped me see a different take on issues and I loved his straight uncomfortable questions. He so helped me make my own decisions and I believe that is what Tim wanted people to do. I will miss my TV friend and watching him. I hope we can all learn something from him. I know I have.

"REALLY"

2008-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

This blog is titled "REALLY!" - To those single women out there...and for the information to all men. Please check out my sister's "Jill2" blog. Read this blog titled

"Why I'm Not Married: An Essay in Letter Form (According to a Random Dude on LDS LinkUp)"

as well as the comments..

12th time New Aunt

2008-06-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

BORN:
Isabella Karen Newell
May 30th, 2008
@ 4:39 pm
6 lbs 14 oz and 20" long

She is sooooo cute I want to cuddle her up & give her kisses!

Memorial Week-end

2008-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

This Memorial week-end I did NOT go camping with my family on the Oregon coast which has been a family tradition for years and something I LOVE doing.

Instead I broke away, went to try and see what adventures could come of a NW Mid-singles Conference here in Bellevue, WA. It was the first NW Mid-singles Conference in this area and I decided to participate and support the idea. I thought it went well, though it was a sea of women to a few good men. (The men definitely had there pick).

Friday they had dinner, entertainment (improv group, very funny), speed-dating and a dance. I thought the speed-dating was fun. I got to meet some men I may not have met and some men I wouldn't have wanted to meet. (I remind myself we are children of God. So I must play nice. Who knows some man might be saying that about me)

Saturday was a Breakfast, a few spiritual speakers, Lunch, then onto one of many activities. I chose kayaking on Lake Union. I was very excited, though I have been kayaking before I had not been on Lake Union. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and I was very happy about that. However, with limited men meant pairing up with others. I happened to run into a friend I have known back in the day when I lived in SLC, UT - Dawn. (Sorry Dawn forgot your last name)

We also met a Stephanie from Spokane. (There were more in the group but they had already left by the time I got a picture.)

Saturday night there was a dance which I went to but I was beat from the day. Sunday they had church and then a fireside, the guess speaker was Elder and Sister Pearson. It was a very uplifting and encouraging.

Monday there was no conference so my gaggle of friends and I choose to go on a hike. We went up to Wallace Falls. Now for those of you who know me, hiking is not my favorite thing but I will go and try but I am always at the back of the pack. Starting out it was lovey but a mile in half (up hill) into the hike I was not loving it so much. But I love the pictures I took.

Afterward I went and had a Big hamburger and saw the Indiana Jones 4 movie. (it was ok) I slept well that night!

Costco Trip with Beth & kids 5/19/08

2008-05-20T22:34:00.001-07:00

This last week-end was Scott Walker (my cousin Laurie & Todd's son) missionary farewell talk in church so I wanted to go down to Corvallis, OR. I was able to see most of the Brown family and be with my mom, dad, Matt, Beth & the kids. I love seeing family I have not seen for awhile. Kevin & Julie Brown w/Chris & Matt, Cathy & David w/ Anna, Cyndi, Laurie & Todd w/ Scott, Michelle & Camielle (probably spelled wrong)

Sunday Scott did a wonderful job on his talk, it was very inspirational. He will be a wonderful missionary and a great example for the rest of the family.

Afterward I went home with mom and dad and Matt & Beth went to there place.

On my way back home I stopped in Wilsonville, OR and met Beth with a few of the kids, we then had lunch. Since, I forgot I had my camera at Laurie & Todd's (which I hope someone will post some pictures, because I took none) I took a few pictures at Costco having lunch. Thought you might enjoy.

Bailey tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Look what I can do"....snap got her!

I wanted to know how did Hayden eat that hot dog with no teeth? (Tooth the side) LOL hahahaha....get it?

We all enjoyed our Hot Dogs from Costco! -- lets do that again Beth!

Girls trip into Seattle

2008-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Shelly, Jen K., Susan & me Danish place...Yum

look jewelry & rows of tulips

Saturday after my Birthday party; the girls & I went to Seattle, Pike's Market. I love walking down there. It is wonderful to see the beautiful flowers (it just happen to be tulip season), the view of the waterfront, and all the many vendor shops, it is so touristy. Then of course there is... watching people, love doing that. Since it has been a very long while since I have been down to Pike's I found that there were a few new places to eat. A cheese place....love those curds. Then a danish place, I didn't eat a whole one I shared, it was very taste. It was a fun day.

Birthday Bowling

2008-05-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

Home with the kids

2008-05-06T17:35:00.000-07:00

We had pizza,

played in the back yard, and went for a walk around the block.

The week-end before my birthday I went home to my parents. I got to see all of my neices and nephews. It was great and very relaxing.

Birthday Dinner

2008-05-06T17:09:00.001-07:00

On my birthday Shelly, Eric and Susan took me to dinner at the Keg. It was a great steak dinner.

The Birthday Epiphany

2008-05-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

April 29, 2008

I lay in bed awake wondering what time it is. I roll over and peel my right eye open trying to focus on the numbers of the clock it reads 4:43am. Thinking to myself, "what am I doing awake?" It is too early, I want to sleep. I admit to myself, I am my mother's daughter.

It is a known fact in our family that the Toomer women awake at wee hours of the morning. Why? Who knows but we do. I have seen it in my mom, sisters, aunts and cousins. So I know it has to be a gene, and I have it!

I sit up in bed and think, If the sun pops from the clouds today I want to feel and see the morning sun as it breaks into my room. So I get up go to the bathroom and open the window blind. I look around the room and climb back into bed. I pull the covers back up to my chin and curl up into fetus position hoping to fall back to sleep. It doesn't take to long before I know I will not be falling asleep, but I lay in bed continuing to hope. I start to ponder, today I turn 41. Wow, where has this time gone? I think what have I accomplished. It is at this age my mother had been married 19 years, had 8 children, a home, 2 cars and a career. It gets a little depressing and I start to think of a million things that a women can think of in these wee early morning hours. Especially one who is turning a year older, single, financially struggling and not living the life she always dreamed of. Depressing! "Stop depressing yourself, it's your birthday," I say to myself.

I start to focus on this one thought that has been impeding me for sometime. This is something that I have been recognizing over the last year or which has started to effect me. I know their are millions of people out there that have this same issue. But for me, only until recently, has it come to rear its ugly head. I am fat, overweight, obese…..whatever you want to call it.

Now I am not denying that I have been for sometime but I can honestly say I never looked at myself that way. In my subconscious I would see myself as beautiful, inside as well as out. I have felt this way for years but not until recently has this started to be skewed. You may think I am arrogant or vain but really this is how I have felt. Being unable to sleep…awake and pondering I pulled my scriptures and other books to my bed and I started to search.

I looked up Faith, Word of Wisdom, Repentance, Belief, Behaviors, Habits, Goal’s.

Faith:
The Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley remarked in his talk on faith. Faith the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (We Walk by Faith, Ensign July 2002)
Faith in Christ and our love for him lead us to repent or to change our thoughts, belief and behaviors. So as I have faith in Christ he will help me to recognize what I need to do.

Word of Wisdom:
I read, D&C 1:31 "The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.”

I don't know if I really have been sinning when it comes to the Word of Wisdom, I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t use tobacco so I think I am living the Word of Wisdom but there is more to the Word of Wisdom them this. I found in a New Era Article dated February 1971, Mrs. Winnifred Jardine stated: “The application of the Word of Wisdom is a matter of personal discipline and restraint. There is more then the don’ts, “It has to do with eating foods that are healthful, and eating them in a quantity right for us.” Dr. Curtis stated: We’ve been given the basic guidelines; our bodies are holy tabernacles and we are to use wisdom and all the good judgment we possess in caring for them. Mrs. Jardine also stated, “We need to eat simple foods only to satisfy hunger, not to gorge or stuff. It should not be used for emotional issue. Keeping food in its proper place: eat to sustain good health. The body’s needs’ will then have been met, and both body and mind are then free to turn to more important things.”

It sounds so simple but I can’t tell you how much I have gorged myself as well as stuffed my face to satisfy an emotional issue. Yummy cookies, chocolate brownies with ice cream…my mothers cooking. The good food as I call it. But then I eat the fast food, ice cream on the go & can’t forget my out-to-eat with friends’ food. All I know is I have gained 60 lbs in 10 years. This is not healthy living and the Word of Wisdom is the Law of Health.

The Lord promises: Blessing (of health), Strength, Protection (against evil), and Receptiveness (to spiritual truths). I want to live the law of health because why would I want to deny myself the promise he offers up if we do live the Law of Health (Word of Wisdom).
I do want to treat my body with respect and reverence. It is a gift.
So with that in mind I decide maybe little (ok a bit more then a little) repenting is needed.

Basics of Repentance:
I have taught this on my mission and I should know them. I think there are six steps, or was it five. I need to get out my mission discussions and go back over what I do know and need to remind myself. 1-recognizing sin, 2-resolving (confess), 3-request (prayer), 4-restitution (make right), & 5-Resist (never do again).

I also looked up in the churches missionary guide about habits and here is a little information that I thought was helpful for me. I know I don’t have a drug habit or smoking habit but eating habit (either over eating or under eating) can be just as damaging. So I have worded things a little differently as I read them.·
-Repentance will lead to the changes of belief and behaviors.
-People must stop ongoing, ingrained ways of inappropriate acting. (over eating)
-Undesirable actions must be replaced with health and appropriate (eating) behaviors.
-The emotional & physical urges may not fully go away but you have the gift of the Holy Ghost which will strengthen your ability to over come these challenges.

I know I have ingrained ways of eating, and my behavior is a control I like to have that no one can take away from me. Only I can make the change, or even better “Only I, along with the Lord, can make that change”. He is not going to force me to change, he will be there to help me, that I do know.

Habits:
The habits we develop within the family are hard habits to break. We tend to hold on to them, sometime throughout our life. Being the oldest of 8 and I know that I would always take large portions to make sure I would get enough of the food I loved and just case there was not enough for 2nds. Then if there was leftover’s I still got my 2nds on top of the large portion I had before. Or, when I love a food which is tasty and delicious I do not want to stop eating it, I want as much as I can get until I am sick. You know the ones; Buffet type eating’s or Thanksgiving eating’s, as I call them. The Missionary Guide talks about:
How do I over come my habits:

1. Set goals:
a. How you will live… Examples:
No sugar (not very realistic for me right now) so I say no sugar M,W,F.
No ice cream: expect on Trips & Birthdays
No fried food but on week-ends
No Carbonated drink (gradual removal every other day)
Drink water (if you need something more crystal light or diet drink
Eat tons of veggies
Exercise every day (at least 3 times a day) working up to every day etc…

2. Pray
a. For help
b. Guidance
c. Strength
d. Recognition

3. Be positive

4. Use Prayer & Faith as a source of strength

5. Attend church regularly

6. Priesthood Blessings (if and when needed)

7. Remove all substance from home, work, car that do not deem healthy for following rules. ( chip, cookie, candy bars, soda pop etc.)

Now I do have to say, I have had to make the system works for me.
About a year ago I set a “rule”. Here is my example: I LOVE Blizzards. I found that I was having one at least once or twice a week. That puts on the pounds. So I finally said, I could only have a Blizzard on road trips. Of course I had to put in an exception. I get to reward myself if I did not get a blizzard on a trip. That rule was I could use it at a time outside of the trip. So my road trips to my parents became the Blizzard trip. I then found that I was not always stopping for a Blizzard because I wanted to get home. Knowing I could have a Blizzard when I got back to my place. I soon found that I was not having Blizzards at all but maybe once every 3 months or so, if that. Now, I know if I had said no Blizzards ever I would never have been able to do it. But with this little “rule” I set for myself was able to accomplish it. It is little steps like this that I think this will work for me.

Behavior:
I decided that I needed questions to help me understanding my actions and here are some of them:
1-Do you think you have a eating problem?
2-Do you eat late at night?
3-Do you think others think you have a problem but you don’t see what the issue is?
4-Do you want to lose weight but it never works out? You think…Why try?5-Are you a rebellious eater?
6-Are you an emotional eater?
7-Do you get frustrated when others tell you what to do and eat?
8-Do you eat as a response to stress?
9-Do you eat as a response to others telling you what you should or should not have?
10-Do you know you should not eat something but will anyway because you can?
11-Do you stash food?
12-Do you eat food you have hidden or no one is around?
13-Do you hoard food?
14-Does food make you happy?
15-Do you have a fear of death?

As I think about all of the things I have been reading and writing down I recognize what I need to do to improve myself. I do want to be the beautiful person outside that I think of when I think of myself on inside. I want to be a better individual for myself at 41 even if the dreams I always thought would come true have not yet happened. I climb out of bed and get on my knees and say a little prayer of thanks for this day the day of my birth. I get to be turning 41 and celebrate the life I have, to feel the love of the Lord and how he helps me handle the challenges in my life. I look out the window still no sun only clouds but it is a gorgeous day….It is MY Birthday!

Trip to Arizona

2008-04-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

I went to Arizona for a Vacation!

I was able to see and do many things:

-General Conferance (church broadcast)

-See my nephew blessed

-See my siblings and their homes (Richard & Julie, Amber & Aaron & JJ.

-Also see my mom and dad (they drove down from Oregon)

-My sister from CA drove over

-My new nephew Tyler & Ben (of course, Jeff & beautiful Ashlee, Jeff you're cute too!)

While there I got to:

-Go to the temple with the family

-Do work for my grandparents on my fathers side.( It was a very spiritual experience -yes, tears were shed)

- I was able to picnic in beautiful weather (no rain).

- I was able to see the Krebs family. (Ashlee's husbands family, we love them, it is always non-stop laughing.)

-See cousin Tracy and Trevor (she is a cute prego)

-Visit with friend D'ann Marble and see her beautiful home and great new car (if you can call it that--it's a Hummer)

-Call and talk with an old friend, Grace Wood, who lives there but we could not get together

-Relax by the pool....for a hour....got bored by myself.

-Went to breakfast with sister-in-law Julie (she is also very beautiful pregnant)

I am sure their are a ton more things I did but can't remember but it was a Wonderful Trip. I want to go back but not after June or before September. THAT is TOO HOT for me!

Here are some pictures of my trip!

Natalie & Page's 1st Birthday Celebration!

2008-04-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Since I was home for Easter with my sister Tricia's family & my brother Matt's family. We celebrated both of their little girls birthday's.

They will be turning 1 . Grandma, Grandpa and myself were not going to be their for it, so we celebrated a little early. Page's Birthday is April 4th and Natalie's is on the 12th.

We went to Chucky Cheese for dinner and I think the girls favorite part were the balloons, but Natalie & Page loved the pizza as you can see in the pictures.

Aunt Fer Fer gave them each a ball. Natalie loves balls and helped pick out Pages, it was hard to share though. Brother Hayden helped out.

The cutes part is when they got there birthday cakes. I hope their parents will not be to mad that I put this video on my blog but it is so cute at how different there personalities really are. As Dad points out in the video clip they are very much like how Ashlee and Amber were personality wise.....can you tell which niece is like which twin?

The video has a lot of kids screaming and yelling so be prepared.

Easter at home

2008-03-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

I was able to go home for Easter this year. I was very excited. However, the drive was alot longer then I had planned, so I was a little tired but I made it. I looked forward to the coloring of the eggs and doing the traditional Easter egg roll. It was so much fun trying to find where the Easter Bunny hide the eggs, candy & baskets.

I have been STUNG!

2008-02-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

When it comes to music; there is nothing I LOVE more then Sting! ok Sting with the Police.

I found out a few weeks ago the Police were coming to The Gorge here in WA on July 12.

Am I going to miss this concert!.....NO WAY!

Even if I have seen him four times already. Two of those times my loving friends gave me tickets to his concerts. Every time I say "I am going to get front row seat tickets next time", then he comes and I can't. I may be in love but I still have some sense about me....or is that just me being poor, cheap. You decide.

Well this brings me to my next story. Last week I listen to every radio station I could to try and win tickets. I found Mountain 103.7 they were giving away tickets like a count down. 3 days before they go on sale (3rd row tickets) 2 day before they go on sale (2nd row tickets) 1 day before they go on sale (FRONT ROW tickets). I tried and tried and on the last day. I called and I got on the radio. I was SOOOOO EXCITED, my front row tickets are there waiting for me!!! All I had to do was answer the question "bogus or fact." Boy was I nervous, my every wish stemmed on this question. The announcer gets on he said you sound out of breath...so I say, "I'm nervous" (didn't want to go on about my voice). He says, "Relax your next, take a deep breath". I take a deep breath and their it was the question. The question is "Elvis Presley's favorite TV show was Monty Python". "WHAT", I know nothing of Elvis I have no clue, the only Monty Python I know of was the movies, which I have watched and are funny but a TV series.....what do I say..... I want these tickets. " I yell Bogus"......."IT IS FACT". My wish, my dream exciting dashed by this one, question! AAAAAGHHH!!!!!!!

To all of those Elvis lovers I have failed you. For those of you who are not...YOU MUST ALL NOW KNOW ELVIS LOVED MONTY PYTHON THE TV series, just in case you ever get this question you will know the answer, I know I will not forget.

It was a very difficult day to work through. This sad sad story does have a somewhat good ending the next day the tickets went on sale and I along with a few of my friends got tickets but only on the 36th row, again so close....next time I will get front row seats! REALLY I WILL!

I'm an Aunt again...Welcome Tyler Newell Krebs

2008-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

I love these pictures...Congrates Ashlee & Jeff. He is beautiful

Sandy Snow Storm 2008

2008-02-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

Bailey tasting the snow, mom with the Natalie & Paige and my small clip of the fun!

Snow Storm Fun!

2008-02-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

I went to Carter's baptism and that night we woke up to 5 in of snow & no church. So we played in the snow as a family. Paige and Natalie really wanted to go out but when they touched the snow it was tooooo cold...."not so fun". They loved watching the kids & adults have snowball fights and build forts. It was a great trip and fun to remember!

2008-01-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas was fun, exiting, busy and crowded. But I wouldn't change it for even a second. I am posting our family picture. It was very funny. It was a very cold and wet day. But because we are such a large family we have to have our picture taken outside. It was a little tricky trying to get everyone to smile and not look like they are freezing. But I think this turned out just as good as if we had gone a professional.

Christmas in the air.

2007-12-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not posted for sometime. I wanted to get a little something up for the holiday though. I went into Seattle, with a group of friends, the other day to see the Ginger Bread houses. They didn't have very many this year but there were some pretty cool ones. I will put a few up.

At the first of the month I think of all the things I want to do but then by the middle of the month I wonder were the time has gone. I feel so rushed and I want to feel the spirit all month long. Oh course, it doesn't help with I don't get my tree up until the 17th but I try and take every moment I have and think, breath, smell and sense the Christmas season. I love feeling the spirit and know the reason for the season. I hope you all have a great holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ladybug for the day

2007-11-02T22:20:00.001-07:00

This was at the end of the day. It was a LONG day at that. I worked then went straight to the church's Trunk-r-treat party. I helped set up, announce the winners of the many contests (not that they could hear me) then I stayed and cleaned up. This Ladybug was a working Bee!

Hermon the Hunchback & Windily the Witch

2007-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the kids. I finished the witch (Windily) about a week ago. Hermon was finished several years ago. I didn't have a pattern for the witch, so I took Hermon and adjusted a few things; hair, nose, top, & frog. Then I fiddled with different ideas of how to get the hair the way I wanted for her. So it did take sometime to finish. I do enjoy this type of craft. Hope you like.

Boyfriend or TV star sighting?

2007-10-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Well two days ago I found out that Extreme Home Makeover crew was in town and working on a home about 10 minutes away. So I and a few friends went to check it out. The home is looking very nice but not getting done on time as they had hoped. So they have had to push back the family coming in a day. While viewing we ran into "Mike" one of the TV stars on the show... (sorry as cute as he is....not a boyfriend......in fact not sure if he bats for my "team") but that is a road I won't go down. The TV show will be viewing in January so keep your eyes open; they will be"MOVING THAT BUS" tomorrow while I am so sad at work. But thought I would post a few pictures.

2007-09-24T15:04:00.000-07:00

A new week has started and it has been a beautiful afternoon here in Washington. I thought I would share what I am up to for those who I have not talked to in awhile. I got a job as an Office Manager back in June for a manufacturing company in Woodinville, WA. It is about 1 mile from my home and so I can walk or ride my bike to work. No more 1 hour commute (that should take me 15-20 min) YAH!... I have to say I do enjoy riding my bike because on the way home I can take the city path along the Slue that is very relaxing and beautiful. (it only stinks on the very, very hot days; which we don't get very often).

I have many projects I have started throughout the years and just last week my roommate made a comment "why don't you do any of your hobbies anymore?" I personally think she wants her garage back. I just got out of the habit since I had school work but now that I graduated this is not a problem. So out they came. Now I wonder if she wishes for the mess upstairs to go away. hehe I am currently working on my witch that goes with my hunchback Herman. I just finished her head and now I just have to finish her body. With the holidays coming up I have decided I want to work on project before the holidays so we will see how this goes. Don't be surprised if you get a home made gift this year.

FAMILY UPDATE:
For those of you who know my family, my sister Amber (yes the baby of the twins) got married in August in Portland. It was beautiful and I am very happy for her. Aaron seems to be a good man and I am sure he will take good care of her.
The other twin, Ashlee & Jeff are expecting their 2nd and her 1st, little Ben, is so cute. When you ask him what Grandpa says, he blows his lips together babababababa.
Jill is still in LA teaching and traveling up a storm.
Richard has been enjoying his new job and his wife Julie just sold there Boutique. She still does hair though, and SHE IS SOOOO GOOD.
Matt & Beth have moved just outside of Portland and Matt is enjoying his new job at one of the schools there. They have 5 beautiful kids, I love seeing. Now that they are so close I have no excuse as to why I can't see them.
JJ got a new job and then bought a new home in AZ and has been decorating it. I have seen pictures and love the place. Wishing I could afford a place here as nice as that.(someday)
Tricia & Darren are still in Southern Oregon they have 4 beautiful girls and I will be visiting them in October.
Mom and Dad have been busy travelers after Dad had his heart surgery I don't think they have stopped. (now they just need to get dad new knees).

Well I will keep you posted on any news. Jennifer

Hello!

2007-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to finially understand how to blog. I think this is a great new way of saying hello to everyone. I have decided that I am going to
send out Christmas cards this year but I will put my blog address on the card so they can find out about me.
-Jennifer