And like that...he was gone...

I knew this day was going to come sooner or later. I just didn't realize it was going to be so hard. In fact, I kept trying to deny the reality of Jeff moving to Salt Lake to start his new job, even up until the minute he drove out of the driveway. Luckily, the week before he left, he was able to take a lot of time off work to spend with me and the boys. Then on Friday, we decided we had procrastinated enough and started packing his car. We took all his clothes and shoes and put them in the trunk. Everything for his office (all his work trophies and plaques that he's been awarded, as well as his framed pictures of the family and the boys) was put into a box in the back seat. His "toiletries" we packed into a tupperware box. And last but not least, he packed his favorite pillow, which is more like a flat rock, if you ask me! I had to laugh because if that was me packing all the necessities to live alone for two months? It would still have taken a U-Haul! Gotta love men.

Anyway, this morning we all took our time waking up and then decided that we'd spend our last morning together eating breakfast at (my favorite restaurant) IHOP. I told Jeff he'd drive better and longer on a full stomach. Really all I was trying to do was prolong the goodbyes.

Needless to say, they came. And he went...

Shout-Out to Chatterbox Designs

I have to send a shout-out to my friend's darling and creative company, Chatterbox Designs. My old roommate, Joy McKinley Cottrell, from Ricks College (I just won't ever get used to calling it BYU Idaho) recently started her own business, which specializes in selling a "collection of unique, trendy and affordable project kits that are a must-have for your home decor or as heartfelt gifts!"

For Valentines Day, I just couldn't pass up purchasing these blocks for my kitchen.


And as a V-Day gift to Garrett's teacher, I purchased these darling magnets for only $7.00!


For my next purchase, I can't decide between these 3 items. Shoot, maybe I'll just get them all!

I'm so in love with these blocks!

Take a minute and check out Chatterbox Design's darling items. You won't be disappointed!

Valentine treats...Martha Stewart style!

So for Valentine's Day, my sister-in-law, Natalie (who used to be my college roommate and is one of my BEST friends) thought it would be a great idea to make some sugar cookies for her husband's (my little brother) dental office and staff. Now when I say sugar cookies...I don't mean just simple heart-shaped sugar cookies covered in red frosting. No, no...that would never do. I'm talking about a serious Martha Stewart-inspired creation. Surprise, surprise. I don't need to tell those of you that know Natalie, that she is one of the most creative people I know (just check out her blog)! Don't you just hate people like that!? Anyway, she provided this picture as her outline for divinty, and then proceeded to somehow talk ME into making some of my own. Hmmm...

For those of you that know me even slightly...you know that cooking, let alone baking, is not really my thing. But considering the fact that it was Valentine's Day, I thought, "what the hell." Not to mention with Jeff leaving soon, I figured it would be a nice "goodbye" gesture to take in some lovely baked goods for his team of loan officers at work. Nattie and I also figured that if both of us were taking on the task, we could call each other for advice, as well as bounce ideas off each other.

In the end (9 hours later), I have to say that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I followed Martha's sugar cookie recipe precisely (minus using the flour sifter....a flour sifter?) and ended up with a pretty great tasting cookie!

From there, Nattie and I independently created our finished product based on our own interpretation of Martha's example.

So, here is Nattie's:

Beautiful! Even the picture is perfectly staged! I love that girl! Nattie kept the idea of using the sucker sticks, dipped the corners in white chocolate and topped them off with red sprinkles.

And here is mine...I lost the sticks, made my cookies each a little larger, dipped half of each cookie in white baker's chocolate (by the way DO NOT add food coloring to bakers chocolate....it DOES not scientifically work...thank you trial and error) and then dipped 1/2 of the batch in chocolate sprinkles and the other 1/2 in red cinnamon sprinkles. Wallah!

Nattie and I had so much fun seeing what the other's finished product looked like. So great! Thanks, Nattie for encouraging me to take on my Martha-side. Oh yeah, and Jeff's employees LOVED them...but were a little shocked to see Jeff walk in with baked goodies. What, could they not believe that HE made them? Or that I did!?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweet Love.

AND...happy birthday to my darling little sister-in-law, Cassie! What a great day to celebrate YOUR day. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you. Hope to see you soon! Garrett and Isaac miss you...

The Greatest Commercial

Love it!

(pause my music below for best viewing)

Happy Birthday, Anne!

On Saturday night, we celebrated Anne's (my sister-in-law) birthday at Jinbeh, a great Hibachi & Sushi restaurant in Frisco. It was nice to be out with so many of our good friends, some of which we've known for almost 5 years! It reminded me how hard it's going to be to leave here. They all have no idea how much they will be missed.

New Church Presidency

Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who passed away January 27th.

The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.

President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be filled later.

Love and Logic

Since I moved to Allen almost 2 1/2 years ago, all I've heard about through the grapevine, is how great this Love and Logic parenting class is. With my boys getting older and discipline needed more and more, I've been wanting to take a really good parenting class. So when I heard that there really was one out there, I was sold on the idea. The thing is, I couldn't seem to make my schedule work for any of the 6-week courses...until now!

So last Thursday, I finally started my once a week, 6-week course. And can I tell you, just after one two-hour class, I'm hooked! I came away with so many great ideas, with the main one being..."don't focus on trying to change your kids...instead, focus on changing the way you interact with your kids, and positive behavior will follow suit." The L&L's main philosophy is two-fold: teach with experience and by example (this will bring about a child that is respectful, responsible and fun to be around); and don't forget that YOU are the parent! I love it.

Check in your area to see if this philsophy of parenting classes is taught. You will not be disappointed! For those of you in the Dallas area, email my istructor, Amy Egan (a.egan518@sbcglobal.net), for her schedule of courses. There is even a condensed 6-hour course (offered 2 Saturdays, 3-hours each) for husbands! If Jeff wasn't leaving soon and having to work on Saturday, I would forsure make him go!

Sooooo worth the wait!

Glenn Beck's Tribute to President Hinkley

I'm not a huge fan of Glenn Beck. But I respect the way he stands up for his church and is so proud to be a Mormon. He often speaks of his membership and defends it's principles and doctrine vigorously. This tribute especially touched me because of the fact that he took the time to share, on national tv, his true feelings about a person that taught him to "stand for something."

To view Glenn's tribute on YouTube, click here.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Gordon B. Hinkley (1910-2008)

We thank thee, O God, for a prophet...

I've sung that hymn so many times throughout my life, with the most memorable and powerful times in the awed presence of President Hinkley, himself. What an amazing man he was! And what an amazing legacy he has left for himself...and for our Church.

After I heard the news tonight, I immediately ran and grabbed the latest Conference edition of the Ensign. I wanted to reread his last words..his last advice, his last thoughts, and above all else, his last declaration of his love to us all.

I then began to think about what kind of an influence he had been to me in my life...let alone to the lives of so many people throughout the world! And it wasn't long before I was visually and spiritually reminded of the power of one man's dedication to his church and to his God.




Lastly, as I was reading through an article that was emailed to me tonight, I was inspired by the words that President Hinkley spoke in his first conference address as acting President, during the 165th General Conference on April 2, 1995:

"The time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"This is a time to be strong.

"It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission.

"It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow.

"It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

"It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain.

"It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

There's no doubt that our Church will move forward without Gordon B. Hinkley leading the way. Then again, there's no doubt that we are 13 million strong because of his life, his humility, his dedication, and his love for us all.

U2:3D

So...lately, all I've been hearing about from my "music" friends is how great this new U2 movie is. To tell you the truth, I hadn't even heard about it until just last week. And did I mention it's in 3D? So, last night some friends of mine and I decided to see what all the hype was about and went and saw it for ourselves. We drove down to Dallas to the IMAX theatre and donned the Universal Studios-inspired 3D glasses and sat down for a great concert...theatre-style.

I mock the whole idea, but in reality, it was one of the best concerts I've ever seen! I really felt like I was there. I wanted to stand up and totally rock out (a-la Def Leppard!), but settled for tapping my feet and waving my arms.

From my fave Where the Streets Have No Name to the classics Bullet the Blue Sky and New Year's Day, each song was performed by 4 very talented (and finally aging) artists. You would have thought they were playing their first concert ever by the way they rocked it. And did I mention it's all in 3D?

If this movie is playing in a theatre near you, please take the time to go see it. I highly recommend it. Seeing it brought back so many great memories from high school (go Brighton Bengals!), spending every lunch hour of my Senior year camped in front of my best friend Brooke's TV, memorizing Rattle and Hum. Those were the days...

THIS is the place...

So...I've decided that whenever you think you've figured out your life and have it all planned out, life has a way of shaking things up.

Up until about 6 months ago, I really thought I'd live in Texas for the rest of my life. A "lifer" is what I called myself about living here. But then things started to rumble and things became misaligned, and before I knew it, that perfect straight line to the end of the road became a fork. Or in my case, a U-ie. In my case, the U-ie is taking me right back to where I came from. Where I was born. Where I call home.

That U-ie is taking me back to Utah.

So...it's with so much excitement that I announce that after 7 years of living in Texas, Jeff and I are moving back to Utah! Jeff has accepted a job transfer with Countrywide to become a Sales Manager in a branch on Foothill Blvd. in Salt Lake City. The current plan is for Jeff to leave at the end of February and the boys and I will follow just as soon as our house sells (say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed that it happens soon). It's been on the market since the first of September...ironically, before we even knew where or what we were going to do (think...rumblings). However, I feel confident that now that we have a plan and a real goal, that we will be blessed to have it sell quickly. I can't imagine our little family being separated for longer than it needs to be.

Another thought I can't imagine is leaving so many of our good friends...and family. We have grown to love and appreciate those around us and will be truly sad to say good-bye. As excited and confident as we are in our decision to move back, there is still a sense of sadness and loss. The reality of never seeing some of these people again is heart-breaking.

I am learning to be grateful for the rumblings and the shake-ups that life sends to me. I've learned that it makes life interesting and unpredictable....but in a good way. And I have no doubt that life in Utah will be both...and so much more! But I must say that in my heart, I will never forget my time here in Texas nor the person I became by living here...a mother, a better wife, a stronger woman, a loyal employee, and a good friend.

To those of you that saw me become even one of those along the way, I say good-bye.

Or even better..."SEE YA'LL!"

What color is Jeff?

I made Jeff take this test, too...

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

Take this test >

What color am I?

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Brown

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

Take this test >

Happy Birthday, Cameron!

Just thought I'd take another trip down memory lane...in honor of my little brother's 31st birthday.







Happy Birthday, Cam!

Happy New Year!

If I say this one more time this year....it won't be one too many: I can't believe it's 2008!

2008!!!!????

I swear, JUST yesterday...

...It was 25 years ago, the year was 1983...I was 8 years old and had one thing on my mind....dancing! (No, not boys...not yet, anyway!)

...It was 20 years ago, the year was 1988...I was in 7th grade and had just gotten my braces off and was obviously very excited to be wearing a retainer. Furthermore, it seems as though I was a little confused about what the current hair style trend was supposed to be.
...It was 15 years ago, the year was 1993...I was graduating from high school and heading off to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. And yes, I was still VERY confused about what the current hair style trend was supposed to be.


...It was 10 years ago, the year was 1998...I was living in Florida and about to move back to Utah to finish college. Shall I say I was getting a little better about the hair style?
...It was 5 years ago, the year was 2003...I was a proud mother of one and living in my first house! Hey! Hairstyles don't matter now that I'm a wife and mom (at least that's what I told myself!).


And now...what-do-you-know? It's 2008.

Amazing.

I'm anxious and excited to see what this year will bring. I may not know what lies around the next corner, be it happiness or trials or adventures...But I do know that, whatever may be, I'm blessed to be surrounded by good friends, a wonderful family...

....and a great hairstylist!

Happy 2008, ya'll!

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve just isn't what it used to be. That's not saying that it's not as fun as it used to be. On the contrary, I think it's better! For starters, at least now-a-days I have a guaranteed kiss when the New Year rings in!

Tonight, we went with some of our best friends to dinner at Patrizio's in Plano. It was so fun to be surrounded by good friends, great food, and no children! After dinner, Jeff and I went and saw a movie and ironically, still made it home before midnight! Ahhh, parenthood.

"Tis the Season to be Mary!"

This Christmas was a quiet one. Unlike in year's past, there were no visitors. Just Jeff, me and the boys. I was a little worried before hand, not knowing how we'd spend the day. But I have to say, as much as I love visitors, this Christmas was definitely relaxing and just as memorable.

The day started off slow. In fact, the boys didn't wake up until 10:00 AM (that's my boys!). Jeff and I waited in our room, eager to see Garrett's reaction to the presents left for him. Our waiting paid off...I'll never forget his almost frenzied shock and awe that "Santa came, Santa came!" It still makes me smile just thinking about it.

Garrett's very specific wish list from Santa this year was simple (gotta love that boy!): a Blue Power Ranger's costume (wish he could've told me that BEFORE Halloween was over though), and a squirrel toy (huh? what's a squirrel toy? Exactly my same question. You see, when we were in Florida, he saw tons of squirrels...so he immediately began asking for a squirrel toy. I ended up getting him a stuffed animal. Needless to say, he loves it! And it goes everywhere with us.) We also gave him a new desk that he can sit and draw at. I got tired of him sitting on the arm of my chair while I worked. So I decided to get him his own! Now he can sit in the office with me and we can both "work" together.

Isaac received a basketball hoop and lots of Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story figurines. The kid loves Buzz. From the time he was about 15 months old, he could sing the notes to "To Infinity and Beyond!" Hilarious.

After presents were opened (which took much longer than I thought due to the fact that after each present, Garrett would run off and play with it. I actually had to demand that he keep opening another present), I put my new Christmas waffle maker to good use. We had a great breakfast/lunch (aka: brunch!). Then we settled down for a nice relaxing afternoon. By 7:00, we all needed to get out of the house. So we drove around and (gratefully) found that my favorite restaurant, IHOP, was open. Breakfast again? Nope, a nice salad and Diet Coke with lemon.

Once we got home again, I had the strange desire to take down the tree and put away every Christmas decoration in sight! I'm not sure what came over me. But at that point, I was so done with the holiday. I know Jeff thought I was crazy, but it was nice to go to bed knowing that my house was "back to normal."

Shoot, before we all know it...we'll be putting it all BACK up!

Until next year...

The Six Days of Christmas

Shortly after my parents visit to Dallas at the beginning of November, we realized that their 3 and 1/2 day trip was just not long enough. Mind you, with my parents having 7 kids living in 5 different locations around the world (literally...my sister lives in China), they have become world travelers! Combine that with both of them working full time at work and church, it's hard to actually catch them at home with "nothing to do!" But thankfully, with a little wiggle room in between their Thanksgiving trip to Utah and their Christmas trip to Hawaii, we were able to plan a quick, week-long trip to Florida. Unfortunately, Jeff wasn't able to take work off, so just me and the boys took flight!

I hadn't been back to my parents' house (outside of Jacksonville) for over a year, so it was so nice to go home and be babied once again by my mom. She really is the greatest hostess ever! Not only did she do all our laundry every day, but she is always so great about having meals prepared and memorable activities planned. Each day we literally had a detailed agenda! Not to mention, she had completely decked out the house with Christmas decor (all for the boys' sake) and even had presents wrapped under the tree for Garrett and Isaac...one for each night we were there. We quickly dubbed our nightly present opening, "The Six Days of Christmas." Her thoughtfulness will be remembered for a long time to come.

I never realized that a short trip home could recharge me like it did. I especially treasured the time that my boys had to spend with their grandparents. I'd give anything to have them live closer! I hold on to the hope that maybe one day, they will! Needless to say, this trip home was extra special. It made me remember why I'm a mother...because I've had the example of parents who constantly proved that life is made complete, because of, and through their children.

I'm also grateful for parents who continue to be, well...my parents. I appreciate the advice and emotional support they give to Jeff and me. We don't know everything yet, so their examples are priceless. We seem to have a lot of unknowns lately...enough to throw us both for a loop. So we've both come to rely on the constant steady hand that my parent's advice provides. I can't imagine my life without it.

Of course our trip wasn't complete without visiting the St. John's River pier (I actually jumped in that river once....key word, once!), enjoying the lights in St. Augustine (THE oldest city in the United States), the Christmas Fair in Green Cove Springs, and making Gingerbread houses with Craig and Cassie (my little brother and his darling wife), who came over from Gainesville to visit. It was fun to spend time with them. By the end of the trip Garrett had a new best friend...Cassie! I think it was due to the fact that she was the only one that would sit down with him and play Play-Do for hours! That girl is creative!

Anyway, since our Christmas is going to be rather quiet this year (no visitors), it was nice to fill our cantine of family love before hand. Love you Mom and Dad! And, Go Gators!