Glass Half Full

Come On Over to Cody!

2011-07-31T15:49:00.001-06:00

My sister and her husband came with their kids for a 9-day Cody vacation. So we gave them one! :)

Our friends the Renos took us 4-wheelin' up Rattlesnake Mt., about 15 mins. NW of Cody.

Me and Brandon. It was a perfect day to be on top of the world.

I would go anywhere with this girl. Time with Shelli is never long enough.

Shell and I in the backseat of the Razor.

One of the many breathtaking views. Carter Mts.

The men up front, and Todd and Claire blazing the trail ahead of us on the 4-wheeler.

Facing south.

Umm, power stance?

The Buffalo Bill Reservoir is just to the left. I liked this tree.

Little hidey-hole down a steep drop.

Someone's hunting cabin. Shelli DID NOT use the outhouse in back.

Corrals at the hunting cabin. Facing east. Heart Mtn behind us, which we climbed later that week. Cody is just off to the right.

Our Heart Mtn. hike crew. Trevor, Chelsea, Brandon, Rachel, Braeden, Tanner, and Jacob. I'm taking the picture.

We met a friend of ours on the way. Her son was up farther and he joined us for the rest of the hike up.

Resting.

This sign is posted at the treeline, about 30 mins. into the hike.

We like shade.

Hey, Trev, which way is the top?

See that big rock behind me? That's the top.

Viewpoint east, looking towards Cody.

North face trail.

Not the top, but so close.

Here we are! The boys are signing the log book kept at the top in a weatherproof box. People from all over the world have signed the books as proof they made it.

Ahhh, heading back down.

At the end of the week, we attended the Cody Nite Rodeo. It was a first for all of us, and we dressed for the occasion.

Well some of us did. These boys don't need anything extra, though, do they?

Neither do these ladies, but it sure looks fine, don't it?

An intense thunder shower came at us over Cedar Mtn.

Shelli and her girls. Work that wind!

Yeehaaw. Hang on.

These are just a few highlights of our week! It was so fun to have a vacation in our own backyard. We really are blessed to live in such a ruggedly beautiful place, with so much history and tradition. More pictures to come!

Spring Into Summer

2011-07-09T21:25:00.002-06:00

This spring held a lot of main events for us. I attended an amazing 3-day writers conference in SLC. Maren turned 9 years old and about 3" taller. Easter was fun and sunny, but cold. Chelsea attended Prom and wowed her date. Then she had the nerve to graduate from LDS Seminary and Cody High, and my parents came for the event. Oh, and Jacob turned 13 and Brandon turned forty-something. In-between all that, I got an ear infection, and Brandon had a gall bladder attack.
It rained so hard we couldn't plant the vegetable garden until the 2nd week of June, so we only planted short season crops. Yay, turnips and radishes! Kinda.
Braeden left us for 3 weeks for smart camp at UofWY, and Jacob enjoyed a week of band camp, blowing his horn. We did a LOT of yardwork.
But then vacation time came and we spent 3 days in Denver playing hard at the Zoo, Imax, and Elitch Gardens.
Then the sprinkler guys came and dug up our yardwork to install the UG sprinklers we've been longing for. Yay, automatic timers! Brodie saw the nice men digging up the yard and decided it looked fun, so dug up our vegetable garden. Fortunately, he left the zucchini and tomatoes alone. Not that they have time to produce anything.
THEN, my sister Shelli and her family came to see us, but that's going to be it's own blog post.
But summer is finally here and as I've said before on this blog, Cody summers are just about perfect. Enjoy the pictures!

BYU in Vegas, Baby

2011-04-25T09:42:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, we made a road trip down to Vegas with our friends, Josh and Lisa, to see Jimmer, er, BYU, play in the Mountain West Championship Tournament. I'd never been to Vegas before, and I'd been warned, but this was one AWESOME trip.

Pre-game warm-up at In-n-Out Burger. Yum.

Sportin' the colors

Umm, blurry Jimmer.

Warming up for BYU/TCU


My anti-BYU brothers-in-law. It's good they were far away.

Game-on huddle dance thing

Emery couldn't find his game all tourney. But he's so cute.

This still went in.

Lisa and I were pointing out all the sights. The men were silent. . .

Then they both yelled out, "Hey, Hooters!" I'm pretending not to know what this means.

This was the most frustrating game ever. BYU/Utah. BYU lost by 1 pt. The refs, UGH.

Our seats were right behind the band. For this game, we moved NEXT to the band.

Dinner at Rainforest Cafe in MGM Grand.

Ready for more basketball?

BYU/NM. Really didn't know what to expect here. They'd lost twice to New Mexico.

That says Jimmer has 44 pts. In the 3rd quarter.

50. Points.

The guy with the points sign got it signed by the team. He was so pumped.

I don't know if they got these signed.

52 points.

Knuckles.

Victorious fist pump. He knows.

Best. Game. Ever.

BYU lost the championship game to SDSU, but I love these pom poms in Josh's back pockets.

We had such a great time! Thanks, Cougars! Thanks, Vegas!

In An Alternate Universe

2011-03-21T08:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I received this email from my oldest, Chelsea:

you havent blogged in awhile. here ya go! :) what a good lookin family...

Dad

Momma (uh, thank you)

Chels

Braeden

Jacob

Maren

Thanks for the post, Chelsea!

It's kind of weirding me out.

A Dinner for My Valentines

2011-02-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Meatball Hoagies on Toasted Garlic Rolls. Green Salad. Chocolate Pudding and Cream. This is me saying, "I love you."

The spread. Notice the roses. *grins*

I'm sorry, but could we look any more tired? My head's about to flop right onto my Valentine's strong shoulder.

Umm, YUM.

Cutie Patootie.

Dessert.

Oh. Ohhhh.

Kitchen helpers. Love them. Chels becomes impatient when her helpers insist on doing a T-Rex impression and the running man.

This is Maren, "still eating". She's a professional Dinner Prolonger.

There's a lot of pent up anger in that girl. REALLY does not like the T-Rex impression.

Grin-Boy. And apparently a few grease splatters that only show on the wall when a picture is taken.

Brodie, my Valentine last year. Sweet, sweet pup.

Love to you all!

College Bound

2011-01-28T09:31:00.003-07:00

Chelsea got her acceptance to BYU-Idaho last night! It was late and via email, and she still needs to fill out a form for her track assignment, but I know she was relieved to finally know without a doubt where she'll be heading!

Chelsea has decided to pursue teaching, either in the English/Humanities area or Spanish. For those of you who are familiar with her, or her relationship with her dad who taught Spanish for 11 years, that should be no surprise. I am so proud of her and look forward to witnessing the things she'll accomplish. Congratulations, Chelsea! We love you! BYU-I is lucky to get you!

Fresh.

2011-01-25T15:57:00.003-07:00

My brother, Mike, was in college when my oldest was toddling around. One of the rights of an uncle is to teach his nieces and nephews new words. At the time, one of these words Mike used quite often was FRESH. As in, "Hey, did you see my new stereo?" "Fresh." Or, "Hey, we finally saw Jurassic Park." "Fresh." Or, "Watch me do a cartwheel." "Fresh." Mike was really good at cartwheels.

Okay, I made the cartwheel thing up. But you get the idea.

So one day he was visiting and he turned to my 3 year old and said, "Hey, tell your mom what you think of her."
Chelsea stuck her little thumb out and said, "Fresh."
She was pretty dang proud of herself. And so was her uncle. It was adorable. For a few years if Mike asked my kids, "Hey, what do you think of your Uncle Mike?" The kids would grin and stick out their thumbs and say, "Fresh." It was way better than teaching them swear words. *coughUncleDougcough*

So anyway, I thought of that as I revamped this blog. I tweaked the title. I had to. I realized the reason why I was leaving this blog behind in my priorities over the last year. Things have gotten hard. We've been roughed up some by the words and actions of others and have struggled to know how to proceed, let alone continue with the pressures and opportunities of everyday life. My glass half full was clouded and I wasn't sure how to translate that onto a positive thinking blog. When you believe in the addage, "What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?" and then are hit with a barrage of events proving people do otherwise, it's bitter. It's un-inspiring. It dampens the spirit of those who are only trying.

I'm still hopeful. I'm just more careful. I'm sure some of you are saying, "Duh, Krista." And I know. But there are all kinds of lessons to be learned, many different ways to lose innocence. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by friends and loved ones who stand by our family. I'm still trying to come out of these particular lessons stronger. I think a little differently now, but I'm still the one who is determined to say, "It will be okay. We'll figure it out."

Oh geez, I'm Frodo's Sam. LOTR-nerd alert.

So, bear with me as I figure things out with this blog. I still want it to be a place to share happy events, family news, and life from my perspective. I hope you'll still be able to read, enjoy, and stick your thumb out. New background, new outlook.

As Mike would say, "Fresh."

Christmas Pictures! Finally.

2011-01-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well, so far my plans to devote more attention to this once thriving blog have fizzled, BUT I finally found the camera (okay, I finally went downstairs and retrieved the camera from the computer desk) and brought it up here to my office/laundry room, where I hang with my laptop. So, I'm going to post some pictures of the holidays. Okay, go.

This is lovely.

It's Christmas Eve!

Christmas Jammies.

Brodie making himself comfortable.

Magic.

Merry Christmas! Are you ready?

Where's Chelsea?

No sleeping in on Christmas morning. No.

Ready!

Nothing like a cute pair of boots to help you wake up.

We had a very fun, low-key holiday. I actually wasn't wishing for school to start back up when it was over!

2011. Fear Not.

2010-12-31T16:00:00.002-07:00

So many bloggers are posting lists to say goodbye to 2010. I knew I wanted to do something to celebrate and mark the new year, and I found a list I really liked. I borrowed it from Michael Hyatt.

2011. Fear not.

If the last year were a movie of your life, what would the genre be? Drama, romance, adventure, comedy, tragedy, or a combination?
- A comedic drama. Too many weird, unbelievable things happened alongside the really cool things. We were struggling and then laughing. I'm grateful for the laughter. It was like M.A.S.H.
What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring? These can be single words or phrases.
- Discovering potential. This seemed to touch each one of our family members this year.
- Time, the spending and passing of it.
- Overcoming lost innocence. That sounds a little mellow-dramatic, but where I used to think most people tried to see the best of everyone, I now know differently. I'm still going to try seeing the best. I'll just be more wary.
What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of? These can be in any area of your life—spiritual, relational, vocational, physical, etc. Be as specific as possible.
- My second book was accepted by Covenant Communications. Woohoo!
- I drove to Provo, UT for a writers conference and navigated around all by myself.
- I submitted one more book and have another just about ready to go.
- My kids all seem to be in a pretty good place. Praying we continue in that somewhat steady course.
What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?
- I had to turn down attending the Storymakers writing conference AND presenting at the Whitney Awards Gala. But it was for a really great reason!
- The release date on my first novel was pushed back, possibly to 2012. That wasn't very fun.
What was missing from last year as you look back? Look at each major area of your life. Don’t focus now on having to do anything about it.
- More organization in my daily routine. Writing, homemaking, family, personal study.
- More time spent with my youngest, teaching and developing her sense of self.
- Date night with my husband. It's just not going to happen regularly while he is both school principal AND our ward bishop.
- NEW writing! It was all revision and editing.
What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year? Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements.
- Fear not. Isaiah 41:10, 13
- "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Dare to dream. Then work.

As I sorted through my thoughts in answering these questions, I came to the conclusion that although 2010 was a trying year, it was also one of tremendous blessings and growth. It is done. I did my best. And honestly, I can't wait to see what this next year will bring. Welcome with open arms, 2011.

What did 2010 teach you?

House Redo After-shots and a Birthday!

2010-12-07T08:27:00.001-07:00

First, I'll post a few pictures of the upstairs redo. We have new flooring in the living room, kitchen, dining room, and laundry. I painted the living room a creamy yellow and took the old kitchen color and lightened it up a notch. We really like the changes. The living room was always so dark. Now even when the sun goes down it's warm and sunny. Which is important during our LONG winters. The kitchen is also a bit brighter and we LOVE the new countertops. Okay, enough chit-chat.

Yay!

Now for the birthday boy. Or dog. Brodie will be one year old tomorrow *blows horn*, and we can't get over how much he's grown. So, for those of you who were around when we posted this:

February 14, 2010 Picking up Brodie

I can now post these:


I think both these boys had growth spurts this year!

We love having Brodie in our family. He is totally house-trained now, rings the bell to go outside, nudges us and brings us his stick to play fetch, sits, lies down, jumps up for treat, and will dance with the kids. He is soft and affectionate. We are working on barking at the door and jumping up to people. Not sure we'll master those, but I'm not giving up. His favorite place is still under my writing desk on his pillow. If I close my computer, he is already up and out the door, waiting for me to follow. He loves to travel and has been to the Oregon coast and Rock Springs, WY, where his friend Daisy takes good care of him (they totally roughhouse). He is crazy about snow. He pounces, runs and rolls in the white stuff. Happy Birthday, Brodie! You rock!

Hint Hint

2010-12-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

It has been pointed out to me *coughAndycough* that my blog has been lacking. Shame on me! I have already made one New Year's Resolution: TO GIVE MY LITTLE BLOG THE ATTENTION IT LOVES. But I guess SOME PEOPLE can't wait until the New Year. And why should you? After all I have pictures to post and stories to tell and news to share.
Now, if I could just FIND THE TIME. And the usb port for the camera . . . it seems to have drifted off somewhere . . . a-HA, found it.
Okay, first we have some pictures from the BYU/Wyoming game. It's just me and the girls. The guys had seats elsewhere. It was rainy and fun and worth the trip. Thanks for the tickets, Danny!

Then, Halloween came and went, and we decided to cram all of our furniture into the dining room for a week.

And THEN, Chelsea had the nerve to turn 18. Oy. And we decided to cram all our furniture into the living room.

And because I was cooking and Brandon was entertaining our friends, the Johnstons, we have ABSOLUTELY NO pictures of Thanksgiving! Yay, us! (boo) But we had a great time. We really missed our family, though.
Next post: The "after" photos of our upstairs redo, and Brodie the big black dog!

Kitchen Improvements

2010-10-09T14:58:00.001-06:00

Hey, look! It's a new post! Please don't fall over! Sit! Have some water!

Actually, we're having some home improvements done and I wanted to post the pictures. The last 2 days were spent installing new kitchen countertops and a new sink and faucet. There are still a few drippy issues with the pipes and the hot water dispenser isn't working, but we have to wait until Monday. But cosmetically, the kitchen counter re-do is finished! I dug up some "before" pictures, because that's always fun. The floors are next. I've been promised they will be done within in the next 3 weeks! Hooray! More before and after pictures to come!
First, here are some pics before we moved in four years ago (note: I painted the kitchen walls before doing anything else when we moved in. There were stenciled bears and moose. Cute, but not really my style.):

Here is a gorgeous picture of my sis and her hubs when they visited two years ago. See the flaking paint above the sink? We couldn't keep caulk down there. Ugh.

I really love these changes:

I can't wait until the new floors are in! That tiny tile vinyl is OUTTA HERE! And we're getting new stools, too. *happy dance*

Final Days of Summer

2010-08-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

The last week before school starts is always a little... well...

Not Just Another Birthday

2010-07-27T10:36:00.001-06:00

I've created a bucket list. You know, a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. It was a birthday goal of mine, so please go check it out and, if you like, start thinking of your own list.
Get going! And Happy Birthday to me!

Comments From the Car

2010-07-19T13:02:00.001-06:00

It is time for another rendition of COMMENTS FROM THE CAR. This year's installment was recorded during our trip from Cody, Wyoming, to the Oregon Coast, roughly a 16 hour trip.

*listening to "Live Like We're Dyin'" by Kris Allen*
B: You can do the Macarena to this.
K: Heeyyyyy!
*Macarena then performed by the adults in the front seats, making the teens in the back squirm uncomfortably*

B (to a very slow camper trailer): This trailer is going 30 miles per hour in a sixty-five. I could moonwalk faster than this guy.

Mare-Bear: (rummaging through the treat box): I want some Bugles.
K: You've eaten too many Sunchips. You're fine.
Mare-Bear: But they're getting crushed. We need to eat them.
K: They're fine.
Minutes later....
Mare-Bear: Can I have some Bugles now?
K: No.
Mare-Bear: Why not?
B: Because sometimes you don't get what you want right when you want it.
K: We're preparing you for life.
B: Life is not a bag of Bugles.
*adults nod and grin, pleased with our lesson*
Minutes later...
Mare-Bear: Can I please have some Bugles? They're getting crushed to bits and pieces... I have a point, you know.

SmileyB: Why did the elephant cross the road?
Chels: How?
SmileyB: Uh... let's try that again. WHY did the elephant...

If you liked these, please see this 2007 Comments From the Car post.

The Drops Add up

2010-07-11T22:17:00.000-06:00

When I started this blog... just a little over four years ago... I called it "Glass Half Full" because that's how I naturally tried to see things, all the time. I was born with the madness and despite the best efforts of a couple of teachers, some mean kids, a few boyfriends, a college roommate or two, and hard hits from life in general as I became a real grown-up, the tendency has stuck to me like the dimple in my cheek. I like the dimple. Some genetic mishap from my dad's side caused a point in the fleshy part of my face to stay put when I smile, or when I grimace, rendering me quite harmless looking. And I like being positive about things, looking for the bright side, making the best of things.
Yes, I've had my share of eye rolls in my direction, but the glass half full thing comes in handy when my volleyball team needs a boost instead of a downer, when my teens think it's the end of the world and I have to convince them it's not, when unexpected turns bend our road of life and my husband needs reassurance to offset his perfectionism, when the world around me is collapsing, bringing me down with it. I have a tendency to fight it. Fight it hard.
So, in reflecting on this blog and past entries, and knowing I needed to catch the time to update and post after a very busy few months, I offer you a few glimpses of moments that fill my cup. Half Full, of course.

Great Grandma & Grandpa Jensen's 75th Wedding Anniversary Visiting Great Grandma & Grandpa Anglesey Me & My Siblings We Can't Seem to Shake Mom

And these are just a few drops. Half Full, indeed.

Someday I'll Catch Up

2010-05-28T17:38:00.000-06:00

I have neglected this blog, but not on purpose! I feel, very soon, I will get the time I need to upload some pictures and share some stories and change up that very cold picture above now that it is finally warming up here! Even my birthday list is from April! Gah! Happy birthday, May people!

Some quick pics: Me on Constitution Ave.on our last day in WA DC.
Brandon in front of the Capitol.
Brodie after his first haircut. His curls are just returning now.

Time to make dinner!

Recital Time

2010-05-09T17:02:00.000-06:00

Nineteen

2010-05-03T08:14:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago we were traveling in a car full of kids with a blizzard chasing us, roads closing behind us, the travel snacks had been left behind, and I refused to help drive. This song came on the radio, and somehow, everything quieted, and B took my hand and said, "This is our song." I hadn't heard it before. He had.

"Then"

by Brad Paisley

I remember trying not to stare
The night that I first met you
You had me mezmorized
And three weeks later
In the front porch light
Taking 45 minutes to kiss goodnight
I hadn't told you yet
I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than its ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

I remember taking you back
To right where I first met you
You were so suprised
There were people around
But I didn't care
I got down on one knee right there
And once again
I thought I loved you then

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than its ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then

I can just see you
With a baby on the way
I can just see you
When your hair is turning grey
What I can't see
Is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before

Now you're my whole life
Now you're my whole world
I just can't believe
The way I feel about you girl
We'll look back someday
At this moment that we're in
And I'll look at you and say
And I thought I loved you then

And I thought I loved you then

We are so busy, but B, you took time to tell me. I've read your card 10 times this morning. Happy Anniversary, Blue Eyes.
19 years is a long road between 21 and 40, and I've always loved you. I always will.

Long, Long Ago... In a Parking Lot Far, Far Away...

2010-04-13T22:04:00.001-06:00

You know I'm a Star Wars geek, right? And as much as I appreciate George Lucas rounding out the story for us, I have a forever soft spot in my heart for Episodes IV-VI. So, a friend of mine found this, and I'd thought I'd share...

Oh, man, I'm still cracking up.

Spring Break In Salt Lake

2010-04-09T13:34:00.000-06:00

It was a quick trip, but we made the most of it! A winter blizzard closed all the roads behind us as we drove, but the sun came out and they opened just in time to come home. Definitely worth the family time.

Shopping!

Eating!

Planetarium!

Temple Square!

Hogle Zoo!

And Maren's Birthday!

Hooray!

My SAPOTY (State Assistant Principal of the Year)

2010-03-30T10:37:00.000-06:00

My B's interview at the NASSP Convention. *sigh* I think he's dreamy.

The Joy of Google

2010-03-28T11:41:00.001-06:00

It has occurred to me how much more quickly arguments can be solved with the internet. I'm talking about the petty, often trivia-based marital arguments my husband and I find ourselves in on occasion. Do you know the kind?

B: "Time time time, see what's become of me, as I look around for my possibilities..."
K: "Ah, The Mamas and the Papas."
B: "Uh, Simon and Garfunkel sang this, honey."
K: "Uh-uh, it was The Mamas and the Papas. Look around, leaves are brown, and the sky is a hazy--"
B: Laughing patronizingly, "This was Simon and Garfunkel!"
K: "SO Mamas and the Papas."
B: "Yeah, whatever." *cough's "Simonandgarfunkel"
Silence... Crickets...

Now, let's add Google into the mix, shall we?

B: "Time time time, see what's become of me, as I look around for my possibilities..."
K: "Ah, The Mamas and the Papas."
B: "Uh, Simon and Garfunkel sang this, honey."
K: "No way, it was the Mamas and the-- What are you doing?"
B: "There, look: 'A Hazy Shade of Winter" is a song written by Paul Simon and recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1966 for their 1968 album, Bookends (although it also appeared on their Live from New York City, 1967). It peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the second most popular song on the album after "Mrs. Robinson," which earlier reached #1.'"
K: Slight blush. "Ohhh, yeah. Hm, I always thought it was The Mamas and the Papas. Oh well."
B: "You're so cute when you think you know stuff."
K: "I know how not to make your dinner."

B: "Right." *kiss

The Power To Choose

2010-03-17T20:51:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patty's Day, everyone! Does anybody else think of Far and Away on this holiday? Shannon!

*sigh*
Actually, I haven't been feeling too well and I'm exhausted, but I thought a post might do me some good before I make myself go to bed early. That's right, a purely selfish post.

Last night I had a dream. I won't go into details, but I was confronted with an unpleasant prospect. And I am SO non-confrontational. But because it was a dream, I was able to keep my head, pause and gather myself and a small posse of my best girlfriends. They only stood behind me, but then I was ready. I felt like a part of the SuperFriends (wow, am I dating myself?). I could take what was coming and remain in control of my fears, my doubts, my hopes, and my strengths. I wasn't alone. And I had power. Not evil laugh I'm-going-to-rule-the-world power, because really, who would want to do that? Yet? (evil laugh). But I had the power to choose how I reacted to this onslaught. And I chose to strengthen myself with the presence of those I trusted, those who knew me, those who had faith in me.
SO, how is my dream so different from the trials I face in real, non-sleepy time? Even if I am alone and confronted, do I not have the power to gather the strength of those who love me? Who know me and have faith in me, even if all I can muster is the knowledge of God's love for me?
Just because I am non-confrontational does not mean I am weak. Just because a person doesn't like something, doesn't mean they aren't blessed with the abilities to get the job done... well.
So there you go. And thanks, SuperFriends. I knew I could count on you.

He Did It Again

2010-03-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

My husband is always on the go. Move move move! School meetings, church meetings, refereeing games, crowd control, school plays and concerts, the kids' performances and meets and matches and PT conferences, appointments, service, court, retreats, trainings...
And he's always pushed himself to be more.
And he got the job.
Congratulations, Mr. Jensen. You'll be an awesome Principal. Thanks, Cody High. Be good to him!

Surprise Celebratory Dinna!

What I've Been Doing

2010-03-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, blog friends and followers. I know I've been a little neglectful lately, but things have been busy for me here at home and over at my author's blog!
The puppy training is going very well! Sure, we've had our accidents, our misreads, our poor timing, but all in all, Brodie is the greatest little puppy ever and seems to love us VERY MUCH. He loves training so much I have a hard time getting him to eat out of his bowl because he wants to practice tricks for his food. He is still nipping at the kids' hands, but we're working on that. Peanut butter on the knuckles is irresistible to lick and lick and lick. He loves to go outside, loved the snow while we had it, and rings his bell at the back door to let us know.

This is his bath. He tolerates this out of pure love for me. Not unlike my youngest child.

This is after his bath. See the curls? I think Braeden should show up at a dance with Brodie. Can you say, "Chick Magnet"?

All dry. Poofy.

Sit. Good puppy!

See this tongue? This tongue is the reason I have to wear long pants and socks. Licky licky licky my leggies.

He weighed 8 lbs at the vet and they said he was the best puppy they've had in months. I bet they say that to all the puppies. NOT.

In other, non-puppy related news, the kids are great, the teens are... teens, and my B is the greatest, and busy. I'm busy, too. I am being called at this very moment to rescue someone from a bath. SO, until next time, go check out how things are going with the writing and have a beautiful week!
"COMING!"

Welcome Home, Brodie

2010-02-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

We drove 24 hours in 48. We drove over several mountain passes in the middle of winter.
We stopped every few hours for a potty break. This is particularly unheard of in Jensen travel. If you don't potty when we gas up, you're toast.

So worth it.

Valentines Are For the Dogs

2010-02-11T11:33:00.004-07:00

Or Puppies!
Valentine's Day Checklist:

Read this book.
Check.

Watch this video.
Check.

Take notes.
Check.
Summarize notes and make study guides for each family member.
Check.

Crate.
Check.

Play mat.
Check.

Toys and treats.
Check.

Game Cards.
Check.

Post Schedules.
Check.

Wash floors, clean house, PUT SHOES AWAY.
Kind of. Boys.
Child gate out of storage.
Check.
Brandon getting excited.
Check.
Maren jumping up and down repeating "Brodie Brodie Brodie."
Check.

You thinking I have control issues.
Check.

Me thinking this may be the best Valentine's Day present ever.
Check.

People Can Be So Cold

2010-01-22T23:51:00.001-07:00

I sang to the radio with James Taylor. "Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall... All you have to do is call. And I'll be there, yeahhhh... You've got a friend."
From the backseat I hear the 7 year old. "Mom, I don't really like this song."
"What?? How can you not like this song?"
"I said I didn't really like it, not that I don't like it."
"But... You just call out my name, and you know wherever I am... I'll come running, oh yes I will, to see you again... This was one of my favorite songs when I was your age."
I continue to sing.
She pipes up again. "Is this an old-fashioned song?"
Hm. "I guess it's a little old-fashioned." I hum some more.
She isn't done. "Because if it was your favorite song when you were my age... it is really old-fashioned."

Ain't it good to know...

Sometimes, the Past Comes Back to Haunt You

2010-01-17T18:39:00.003-07:00

For MORP, Chelsea and her friends decided to dress up in their moms' old prom dresses. Chelsea rocks the high do... kind of fun aiming the dryer and letting the hairspray go. DO YOU REMEMBER?

As her hair reached incredible heights, she asked, awed at my technique, "Mom, I feel so tall. Is THAT why you guys did your hair like this?"

Chelsea and Justin

Later, after she was dressed to peachy-pink perfection, she commented, "I feel poofy."

Yeah, that's about right.

Too cool.

P.E., Cody Style!

2010-01-15T09:03:00.005-07:00

Sleeping Giant was a defunct, small ski resort, closed before we moved to this area (click SG vintage photo for link). Some great people swooped in and rebuilt, built up, and now it is a super, family oriented ski resort just minutes from our town and the west gate of Yellowstone. So, for Jacob's P.E. unit this semester, they are downhill skiing.
Can you say, "AWESOME?"
It was his first time, and my friend called me up and said, "Let's go surprise the boys!" So, we did.
A beautiful day up Northfork.

From the National Association of Secondary School Principals...

2010-01-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

My B, my firewalker, my rock.

My 2010 Wyoming State Assistant Principal of the Year.

Congratulations, Sweetie! You may be surprised, but I'm not.

What Matters

2010-01-04T10:25:00.001-07:00

December was weird. Things happened and amazing, incredible events were overshadowed, and I found myself dog-paddling to keep my smile on, to keep my chin up. These things were outside influences, choices of others that I won't get into, but we reeled a bit.
And we made cookies.

Helped with Nutcracker.

Opened Presents.

Played some Rockband.

Had the missionaries over for Christmas dinner. And tiny RCs.

And then we went to my sister's.

And then my brother's.

And then, we went ice skating.

And everyone was there and they smiled and hugged and lifted us and we knew.

I hope your new year is filled with things that matter.

Mine.

2009-12-21T10:15:00.004-07:00

Fleeting Moments Photography

A Place

2009-12-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday. She would have been 13. There is a space between the two boys I see, at times, as they walk, where she might have fit perfectly. There is a place next to me, when I sit with Maren on my lap and Chelsea's hands are on my shoulders, where she might have leaned into my side, just us girls. Her father's hand would reach at just about his chest, maybe, to smooth her hair as she hugged his middle.

Someday.

We miss you, Kate Afton. I'm sorry we couldn't go to your grave.
But that's not where you are, anyway.

x

Thank You, Stanek's

2009-12-12T22:57:00.006-07:00

When I hear Vince Guaraldi's O Tanenbaum (#30 on my Christmas playlist on the right), I am caught in a small time warp. Okay, the time warp is getting more significant as the years go by, but it happens. Scents, sights, feelings surround me and I am 7, 10, 12. 15.
Every Thanksgiving my family would drive to Spokane, WA for a feast with my Dad's family. When my grandma worked at the Ridpath Hotel, we would dress up and go downtown to dine at the long tables set especially for us, and I would eat the waldorf salad. Yes, I would. Then we'd go back to my grandma's house on the south hill for pie and games and football and fun with our cousins. Before leaving downtown, though, we would walk, without much fear, to look at the window displays at Nordstrom's and other stores going all out for Christmas. There was usually snow, which we seldom had in the Seattle area, or in SW WA where we lived later, so to me, Christmas started there, after Thanksgiving dinner, in downtown Spokane.
The next day, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and Dad would take us to Stanek's Floral. This is where O Tanenbaum comes in.
Outside the entry to this long, unassuming 60's style building were rows and rows of wreaths and fresh trees and red bows and yard decorations. The smell said, "Let us pull our cedar branches around you and you will be loved." Okay, they didn't say that, but I was 7 and that is how I felt. The jingle of the bell on the door meant Grandpa was holding it open for us and going inside was magic. Carols played boldly. Scents of pine and popcorn filled my nose. Past the poinsettias, which never held my attention, past the coolers of arrangements and the front counter, were trees.
Tree after tree after tree, elevated, decorated, each with its own theme, buckets of corresponding ornaments under its boughs. Flocked, firs, cedars, pines, white, spinning, thin, tall, small. Royal jeweled bangles with gold ribbons, sugared candies you knew were fake but somehow you were still tempted, manger themes with straw and birds and sheep and shepherds, musical instruments and scrolls of sheet music, woodland themes, toy themes, pink and white lace Victorian themes, Nutcracker, sports. I am remembering twenty, thirty trees, but I was 10, so maybe it seemed bigger than it was. My dad would scoop us out a paper bag of free popcorn and we would study, shop, to pick out the one ornament we wanted to get for the pixie name we had drawn.
Pixies were my family's Secret Santa tradition. All season long, we did secret acts, deeds, left mysterious notes and treats for the person's name we had drawn. A marshmallow snowman made with toothpicks and whole cloves left on a plate on a freshly made bed. A chocolate kiss in your socks. A shined mirror and a note stuck to it. A homemade nose-warmer for chilly walks to the mailbox.
And an ornament on Christmas morning.
You had to be secretive about buying it. It was good to have four adults around. My brother gave me a white glazed porcelain stocking I had admired out loud.
I still get all warm inside when I unwrap the tissue and hang it on the tree. I feel gratitude, not for things.
For my family. And Staneck's.
And I feel a little sad.
Because I went back to Stanek's with my oldest child when she was a year old. I wanted her eyes to light up and hear her little exclamations.
It had new owners... who watched me like a hawk, as if I were some stranger off the street, as I looked at the six trees they had up. There was no popcorn, and they kept asking me if they could help me. They no longer carried the graceful Fontanini nativity figures I had pored over as a girl. Finally, I shook my head, hoisted my little girl higher on my hip, and left. It was a sad drive home.
But I hear Guaraldi's O Tanenbaum. And it all comes back.

And I feel loved.

He Knows If You've Been Bad Or Good...

2009-12-11T16:59:00.004-07:00

The morning of Maren's performance at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center I suggested to her that she clean her room when we got home. She looked around and had to agree. C-L-U-T-T-E-R.

So we had a Mommy-Daughter day at the BBHC (I highly recommend this), she danced, we strolled and explored and had our free cookies and lemonade, AND, she saw Santa. This was huge, because 1) the line was SHORT, and 2) we were allowed to take our OWN pictures, and 3) neither of us could remember her sitting with Santa aside from the church parties.

And he was a good one.

Maren told me why.

"What was Santa telling you?"

Eyes big, she said, "He told me to clean my ROOM." Shaking her head, "He MUST be real."

Fun Gift Ideas

2009-12-10T07:58:00.002-07:00

My friend, Angela, from way back in Klamath Falls (both of us have moved a couple of times since) has a great new website through Artfire called Forget Me Notes. She creates memory boxes, cards, and beautiful kits for giving or getting!
The fun part of this, for me, is that I was the "friend" she mentions on her site who introduced her to paper-crafting when I was a demonstrator for Stampin' Up!. Angela had convinced herself she was not creative AT ALL, but kept coming to the parties for support and social fun. Finally our friend, Gnene, gave her a gift certificate for her birthday, so she HAD to buy something and get down with her hiding creative self. It was so fun to see her grow!
By the time I was moving, and ready to pass my business to someone else, Angela was an established paper-crafter and gladly took over my business.
So please, check out Angela's site and browse around. You may find something perfect for gift-giving!

Wedding Memory Box

Our Girl Memory Box pieces

Card Pack

Oh, She's Good.

2009-12-04T10:04:00.005-07:00

Yesterday I was picking up clutter, the after-school dump, and paused to look over the stockings, admiring.

Then, something caught my eye.

And I read this.

Read and learn, kids. The little toot.

Sinking In

2009-12-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am blogging it! The Orchard was accepted for publication by Covenant Communications today! I am so excited and wondering what to do between now and Spring/Summer 2011, but I am sure I will find a way to fill the time. My kids jumped up and down and my B grinned and giggled and my mom and sis and dad yelled through the phone and my friends said we must do something to celebrate!
So, now I am going to make loaves of cranberry orange bread for the RS luncheon tomorrow and bounce up and down a little bit more and think about how great this feels and enjoy the proud little smile from my B.
SO great. So amazingly unreal and great.

happily making a pie

Surprise

2009-11-24T10:13:00.001-07:00

I wasn't going to post anymore until after the holiday, but yesterday, my B showed up with these, a peck on the cheek, and then quickly left to go work out.

STUNNED.

Chelsea grabbed the camera. Honest, not even posing. Flowers do this to me.
Chelsea kept asking if her dad was in big trouble or if he lost his job or something.

Still smiling.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

True To My Word

2009-11-22T14:36:00.001-07:00

The next few days I will be making pie fillings and cranberry sauce and pie crusts and assembling the stuffing. Heavenly aromas will fill the house and my apron will be covered with flour and sugar. I posted before that the Christmas tree is going up early this year. That goes for this blog, as well. After I am done here, the family is going to be mobilized into decorating.
They have no idea.
(wicked laugh)

Most People Prefer Ketchup

2009-11-20T08:33:00.003-07:00

L: Todd, Matt, & Bobbi R: Jamie, Me, & B not pictured: Doug

Another fun night at Trapper Creek Lodge. What was so funny? B's woman scream at the deer on the side of the road, the piece of lettuce completely covering my tooth, Bobbi repeatedly defending Matt's non-existent drinking problem, the lint "mole" on B's neck (can't...look...away), Matt's ummm, sleeping bag, Todd's 3-egg creme brulee, Jamie defending Todd's non-existent tennis problem, Doug's cotton joke I got 3 minutes later, just after Jamie got it, and Erica, our SO great waitress and my sister-in-law who fought the urge to get after me about helping her clean up.

Thanks, guys! We will do it again!

Quote of the morning:

Jacob said, while chewing his huge bite of breakfast, "Mom, we need to get more honey so I have something to put on my egg sandwich besides cinnamon-sugar."

Maren was at a loss for words, her spoonful of cereal paused halfway to her mouth.

Team!

2009-11-17T08:57:00.002-07:00

I play competitive volleyball at the rec center. My teammates are Bobbi, Kim, Sue, Lisa, Stacy, and Michelle. We laugh way too much, but we win. Most of the time.
Bobbi has a killer serve. Kim is team clown and kills herself for the ball. Sue guides us along and reinforces our bump set spike delivery. Lisa is our slammer and net intimidation. Stacy is consistent and level-headed and skilled. Michelle is our hot-headed competitor, don't mess. And there's me. I love the net. I have to get over my power issues (I hit hard and consistently in practice, but I pull up in games, and stick to my reliable underhand serve), but I love to play with my team.
We talk to each other, we poke fun at each other, we goof off for each other, and we focus for each other. We cheer each other on. (Hmm, maybe I should make my kids play volleyball together.)

A few weeks ago I watched a little college volleyball and my B walked in.
"Hey, hon, look, we're on TV."
"You are?" He stops and looks at the screen.
"See, there's me going up for the block, and, oh, Kim dives for the tip and gets it up, here comes Lisa... Slam. See? It's us."
He laughs and shakes his head and starts to turn away.
"No, wait! Bobbi is serving, watch." The girl tosses the ball up high ten feet from the line, runs and jumps five feet in the air, slamming it over and down to the other team. "See? She's good, huh?"
"Yup." He laughs and moves along.
"You should come watch us play. We look a lot different in real life."

Well, we do. We won both games last night, and tournament starts next week.
Go Moss Ortho!

A Very Fortunate Event

2009-11-09T08:27:00.003-07:00

Happy Seventeen, Chelsea-poo! I didn't see this day coming so soon. Thank you for filling the place in my heart I didn't know was there. You complete me (fingers tracing the shape of a heart). Love your buns.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2009-11-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

It has been the oddest week. Just over a week, I guess. Just a series of not-so-great events and challenges, mixed with a reinforcement of how blessed I feel. Maybe one is because of the other. Not sure. Things aren't related. The difficult things, though, all came on so consecutively... I have begun to wonder... What is coming? Have you experienced this? A series of small trials occur, and then BAM, something significant happens, whether good or bad, and you think back and say, "Ohhh, that's why I had all that struggle."
1- I had to critique a dear friend's book and I'm still waiting for the backlash. It was a childrens book. Children are scathingly honest and she asked me to tell her what mine thought. Ugh. Why are my children so outspoken? They didn't get it from me. I wish I hadn't given her the notes.
2- I was patronized and critiqued myself, as a person, a member of the RS presidency, and Bishop's wife, by a person I was just beginning to know and like, who barely knows me at all.
3- My friend was injured likewise.
4- A neighbor I have seen once before visited me early Monday morning (still in my workout clothes, yuck) and verbally assaulted me (I was alone) and my family over the behavior of our dog, who we have been worrying about and trying to train... she loves to bark... so much that after much progress this summer, she decided to ignore the shock collar and burned a sore on her throat. We bring her in at night and when the temp. drops, but we have been talking, sadly, about letting her go, unsure what to do other than make her a full-time house-dog. She's big and sheds like a... a really sheddy dog. Then Mr. Miserable came over and tore into me, and then the kids, and then me again, leaving me in a pile of quivering, kicked, mess of tears and failure. His hatred was so strong I had to wonder if there was more to this than the dog. Like, maybe our kids were using his yard for a toilet, or our teenage daughter is continually driving up the sidewalk and over his lawn, or we're having loud, wild parties every night and the police keep showing up, and we just don't remember, which would explain why B is always so tired, the parties on top of running a high school and filling his duties as Bishop of our church ward. Maybe the man hates sunflowers, which lined our corner fence across the street from his house. Maybe he is a miserable old man who finds anything wrong with anybody and berates them because he was one of the first houses in the neighborhood and feels it is his duty, and maybe we're not the first ones. This last part is true, as we found out from his neighbor on the other side, who then told us he wasn't bothered a bit by our dog... never noticed she was different from any of the other dozen dogs in the neighborhood. But still, it took me a few days to recover from the abusive tirade. Still feeling it, actually. It helped that Brandon's friends (and mine) at work all offered to go over there and lay into him, egg his house, burn profanities in his lawn with gasoline, flip him off every time they drove by, and a myriad of other testosterone-backed hi-jinks that would not have helped at all, but it sure felt great to be championed. Thanks, guys. And thanks, Jim, for the super shocker hi-voltage whack-your-sweet-dog-into-another-dimension shock collar. It actually seems to be working. I think we'll still try to find a place for her... maybe. And B, thanks for going over there and telling him never to talk to me again. And you never said 'I told you so' about wanting a dog. Not once. Love you.
5- This last one is small. Actually, I'm not even going to mention it. Just stressed over the book club, wanting it to work out. Okay, I mentioned it.

But it's been a strange string of events, among excellent reports at P/T conferences, championship football games (GO BRONCS), new opportunities for service in the community and church, found out what an awesome trumpet player Jacob is at his first concert ever, LOVE my ward family, LOVE that Braeden is happy in school and getting the challenges he needs, LOVE that Chelsea is having fun with real friends, LOVE Maren still loves dance, LOVE my B is working out again.

So, are these trials preparation? Or the cunning of the adversary, wanting to discourage us? Maybe I'm wrong this time, but I am working through these things, and wondering. Experience has made me both wary and hopeful. What is coming?

Me Plus Turkey Day

2009-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love Thanksgiving.

I love that it brings families together.

I love that we work for it.

I love the colors, the smells, the sounds.

What sounds?

Oven doors closing, talking in every room, football, greetings.

I love the food.

I love sunny November in Cody.

I love foggy November in Kennewick.

I love snowy November in Star Valley.

I love colorful November in Klamath Falls.

I love icy November in Spokane.

I love rainy November in Walla Walla.

I love that it issues in my other favorite holiday.

I don't care what B says, the tree is going up early this year.

I love Thanksgiving.

Halloween Fun

2009-11-01T17:40:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at our church Halloween Party! It was fun to dress up and take part with our Ward family. That's Brandon, the Frog Prince. Believe it or not, somebody had that little toy frog in their car, and grabbed it. I guess the Prince looked a little lonely. Ribbit. Now, he's hoppy.

I'm An Aunt (again)!

2009-10-29T17:39:00.001-06:00

Meet Derek James Sorensen.
Bec and Josh surprised us with this little guy.

Way to keep a secret. Congratulations! Love him already!

Hmmmm.

2009-10-23T18:46:00.001-06:00

Mer-bear, finishing up her quick, pre-game dinner: "What did you just give to Abby?"
Me, coming in the back door: "Umm, a hotdog."
Mer-bear: "Did you tell her about the dog part?"

It took me a second.

Thank you, Salvino D'Armate... Or Whoever

2009-10-19T07:51:00.000-06:00

"Mom, I can see so awesome, now."
"Oh, good."

Jacob has been squinting for about a year. At his computer, at his books, at the TV. I finally took him to the eye doctor. His school tests had always come back borderline, with no recommendation for glasses, but the squinting was becoming really noticeable.
Turns out his left eye is 'short'. He's far-sighted. So he was fitted for glasses, and told it would be about ten days. 18 days later (I know because on the tenth day he asked if his glasses were ready, and then again every day after that) we picked up his new pair of OP glasses with blue wire frames.
Smiles. Smiles and smiles, grins all the way home.

"Whoa, I can see everything." He turned around in his chair at the dinner table, looking out the back slider doors. "I can see fingerprints!"

"That's great!" I said, as I pulled out the Windex from under the kitchen sink.

Pretty Girls, Handsome Boys

2009-10-15T09:14:00.001-06:00

Chelsea & Matt, Katelyn & Jack, Sheralyn & Levi, Jill & Andrew. Don't they clean up good?

CHS Homecoming Festivities 2009!

2009-10-09T17:26:00.001-06:00

Cody High School has the best Homecoming Celebrations! Good Luck at the game tonight! I'll be there, but somebody else can take pictures!

Go Broncs!

2009-10-09T08:27:00.000-06:00

Really quick, before she sees...
Yesterday, Chelsea came in the door from school, smiling, (which is good, you never know with an almost 17 year-old) wearing this:

She said, "Look!"
I looked, then my eyes got big and I asked, "Is that Matt's jersey?"
And she grinned and nodded.
"Very cool," I said, suppressing the urge to jump up and do the little excited giggly mom dance she has asked me not to do. Ever.
"Yeah, it's a tradition. A tradition I never really thought I would be a part of."
"And now you are."
Her smile got big. And we both giggled.

Then I ruined it. "Wait, what is he wearing for the game?"
She rolled her eyes. "Um, his home jersey, mom." She turned and left the room.

Oh, yeahhh.
You'd think I would know that.

Quarterback Sneak

2009-10-08T17:47:00.001-06:00

The other day, my friend, Rochelle, and I were in Reindeer Ranch, a fun shop on the strip. I love their quirky Halloween decorations and hadn't been in to see them yet this season. We perused the Halloween stuff and moved on, and I saw a plate. I cracked up and said, "That is the story of my life." We laughed, browsed a little more, then went our separate ways.

About fifteen minutes ago, I was kissing my husband hello as he got home from work. One of the kids came in, giggled, and said, "Mom, there's a surprise for you on your car."

What? I looked at Brandon who wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I thought, "Hm, Husband Hero at work?"

I opened the garage door, and sure enough, there sat a gift box (not a Walmart bag) gift wrapped with paper and a lovely bow. And... a card? With swirly hand-writing.

Wait a minute, did he have the store write the card for him, too?

I took the card and the gift and opened the envelope as I walked back into the house.

This gift wasn't from my husband! I grinned.

It was from my friend, Rochelle! She gives good things!

Husband Hero forgotten, I tore open the wrapping and opened the box as my B and the kids gathered around.

I laughed even harder this time.

"When Someone Tells Me They're Happy It Makes My 'Bum' Twitch."- from the movie French Kiss

2009-10-06T09:01:00.001-06:00

I visited Segullah this morning, a blog I frequent written by LDS women, for LDS women. I find most of the posts intelligent, edgy, thought-provoking... yes, it is a Mormon site. For the most part, it strengthens my beliefs that LDS women are a power in this world, despite the world's ignorance of that. That isn't why we are here, to be sung about. Sometimes I am saddened by what I read, but I think for the rest of the day on the subject, and find my own convictions.
This morning, I read this article: To thine own self be true (but you might be less happy)
I left this comment:
I think a lot of women expect to be happy because of the choices they make, they are doing the “perfect” things, whether it’s impressing their friends, the people at church, or at work, or they are really juggling that family act, watching the clock, sacrificing all for the kids and the husband. Then life hits hard, or they aren’t quite as happy as they think they should be, or they’re not getting near as much as they are giving, and spiral slowly, or abruptly, into depression, self-doubt, dissappointment, resentment. And, heaven forbid, they compare themselves to all the other women who seem to have it all together, who are fulfilled.
I am a mommy-blogger, sort of. My blog is about positive thinking and sometimes I wish it wasn’t… but I find when I am honest about the imperfections, even assigning a positive spin at the end of the post, those posts get the most comments, the most “I get this” vibes. We as women need to find happiness in the “trying”, in the “small” blessings that will stay with us for eternity, in the joy of improving ourselves in alignment to our Heavenly Father’s view of us… not our neighbor’s.
1 Samuel 16:7 “for the Lord seeth not as a man seeth; for the man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
I think of several women I know are happy. I know they struggle, that they work hard, that they cry, that they make mistakes. But they embrace who they are to Heavenly Father, they hope they are on their way to finding that potential, and they joy in that humble journey. And then we, “man”, we see the result. This kind of happiness is a personal, inside thing. It can be really difficult to find. But when the outside stuff hits, those women who have found it are steady, are strong, no matter the heartbreak.
“Happiness is not in things. It is in us.”

I just felt it belonged here on Glass Half Full. Thanks for reading my silly thoughts and words and raves. I'm just trying to find that inside happiness and sharing the bits as I go along. Best wishes to you on your journey.

My post at LDS Publisher.com!!!

2009-10-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

I am a guest blogger! Check out my recent post from Krista Lynne Jensen at LDS Publisher. I'm so excited!!!
Thank you, LDS Publisher.

Quote of the Evening

2009-10-03T12:46:00.002-06:00

Me, eyeing Dad's juicy prime rib next to me: "That is one sexy piece of meat."
Dad, eyeing his plate, then looking at me out of the side of his eyes: "You're talking about the steak, right?"

Evening At Trapper Creek Lodge

2009-10-02T23:13:00.004-06:00

My sister-in-law loves her job, and it shows. Erica is a lively waitress at the Trapper Creek Lodge & Supper Club in Shell, Wyoming. For my Father-in-law's 65th birthday (Happy Birthday, Dad) we made the drive to the foot of the Big Horn Mountains (and one of the lovelier areas of this part of the state) to make our reservation and to meet Chef Robb Howe. Erica has been working for Robb for several years, beginning at Robb's restaurant, the Wagon Wheel, which sadly burned down a few years ago. Robb now cooks at Trapper Creek, and I was so happy to see (and taste) that his recipes made the move with him. So much so, that I only took a picture of the appetizers, and forgot the camera for the rest of the meal. As it probably should be. I also had my camera on action setting from Jacob's game, so the pics are a little blurry. Maybe we should have moved around more.

We were so full. We shared these mouth-watering Sirloin Tips on Toast with Horseradish Cream, and herbed Boursin cream cheese on "Crackers", toasted thin slices of garlic baguette, practically soaked in butter. YUM. Our salads were all topped with Robb's famous Roasted Red Pepper Ranch. He roasts and purees all those peppers by himself. The dressing is mellow and smoky and zingy. Then our orders came. I had the pork tenderloin pasta with garlic cream sauce and mushrooms... heaven. The popular choice was chicken fried steak, but Mom had the citrus grilled chicken pasta, Dad had the prime rib (1 1/2" thick) and Erica had the sun-dried tomato chicken. Somewhere along the lines, we were getting pretty silly, as is the Jensen family tradition, and Doug mentioned "Dust in the Wind" and John Denver... which struck me as a little off, and I laughed... wait, John Denver doesn't sing Dust in the Wind... who was it? The Eagles or somebody... Brandon said (of course he knew... he's a walking jukebox... or itunes... or whatever) it was Kansas. Kansas, of course. And I couldn't stop giggling because I was picturing John Denver playing his guitar on the side of a mountain singing the forlorn "All we are is dust in the wind..." with a bowl of Grapenuts, surrounded by Muppets. Okay, I'm giggling again. But back to the meal... We topped it off with a cool mug (literally) of whipped-cream-topped chocolate mousse. A few of us had the Kahlua Cheesecake. Brandon's dad is also a Bishop, and after he ordered the cheesecake, announced. "Wait a minute... isn't that rum?" then proceeded to demolish his dessert faster than any of us. It was his birthday after all, and it wasn't really rum. Right? Becca gave up half-way through hers, and Josh graciously finished it for her. Doug and Erica were smart and shared. Brandon and I savored the mousse, barely finishing our mugs, and Mom sent hers around for any interested crazy people with absolutely no more room for dessert.
We thanked Chef Robb, and he wondered why we didn't order the seared scallops, which are a favorite of mine. I didn't order them because capers are not a favorite of mine. I didn't tell him that.
It was a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting, with great, happy people who can make me laugh really hard... the kind you feel in your stomach muscles.
On the way home, Brandon plugged his itouch into the stereo and pulled up... you guessed it... Dust in the Wind, by Kansas.
Chelsea wants to go to Trapper Creek for her birthday next month. Fine by me. Maybe I'll try the scallops.

Pleasant September Surprises

2009-09-28T11:08:00.002-06:00

Okay, I vote September 2009 the most beautiful month in Cody, Wyoming this year. That is uncluding the 24 hours we had of smoke from a couple of fires towards the park, and the strong wind that blew it all away. Everything has been so green and warm and calm. The summer crowds (surprisingly large this year) are dwindling, but I have to think as I see the tourists walking the main street in new cowboy hats and carrying bags from the Buffalo Co., The Plush Pony, and The Reindeer Ranch, that they were wise in their choice to come see our town at it's finest. Good for you, happy tourists.
I went out to the garden this morning, which only yielded us a couple dozen zucchini (and so, lots of yummy zucchini bread), a hundred under-sized tomatillas, a few onions that survived Abby's trampling, and a plethora of sunflowers I did not plant, and I was surprised. I only planted two tomato plants this year, and one died for unknown reasons. The other, a better boy variety, regular, round, nothing fancy, became a dense, low bush, filling with small, hard oblong fruit that looked nothing like a better boy. More like mini green eggplants. What?
The temperature dropped last night, so I went out to see what was ready to be pulled out of the sagging, unproductive jungle in the back corner of the yard.
I think I might be able to do something with these! There are dozens, and I am so excited. Pathetic!

September also brings football. Jacob, #84
(his dad's number) is a natural at this crush, push, scatter, move, shove, sweat, dirt-stuck-in-the-helmet sport. Loves it. He is fun to watch, going after that quarterback like he has to put him out. Can't wait for his next game and the re-cap all the way home.

Thanks, September. I'll remember you fondly during rainy, snowy, blowy October.

Pop P-pop Pop

2009-09-26T10:17:00.000-06:00

Thirty pink balloons, ten hidden slips of paper asking Chelsea to Homecoming.

Yea! Have fun, Chels and Matt!

Husband Hero Update

2009-09-16T11:46:00.001-06:00

On the phone:
"Hi, hon. I forgot to tell you about something."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, you were hunting, and I just realized you should probably know about this. But I'm not sure how to tell you."
"What."
"It's nothing bad. It's just... have you gotten any emails from Husband Hero, or HH or something?"
"Ummm, I might have. Why?"
I wince. "You probably deleted it, huh? Not knowing what it was?"
"Umm," I hear him clicking on his keyboard, "yeah, I get a lot of junk mail."
"I know. That's why I'm calling. It just occurred to me that you might trash it."
"It's not in my trash can anymore. Well, what is it?"
"Did you read my blog?"
"Umm. yeah. Oh, that thing about paying for this?"
"Yeah."
"I didn't get what that was about. Should I have clicked on the link?"
I chuckle. "Mm-hmm. Let's do that now."
We get on the site together. I tell him our password. He giggles.
"I'm in."
"Okay, click on the intro and read that."
He mumbles as he reads.
"This costs money?" Those of you who know my husband are laughing.
My voice raises just slightly. "Yes. I paid for it myself. With my own money. Eleven whole dollars for a year." Okay, so it was raised a little more than slightly.
"Okay, okay." He sounds amused and convinced. I relax again. He resumes murmuring as he reads.
"Okay, done. I get tips?"
"You already read the whole thing?"
"Mmm, mostly."
"Did you read about where I've listed my favorites and stuff?"
"What?"
"Read."
He finds the spot he skimmed over and mumbles some more. "Oh, so they have that all about you?"
"Yes."
"Should I click on that?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Oh wow, look. Did you fill that all out?"
"Yes."
"Well, I want to read it."
"I want you to read it, but not while I'm on the phone."
"Oh, okay. Hey, do I get to fill this out, too?"
"No, it's just for the wives."
"How come?"
"Because I know all this stuff about you."
He chuckles. "But they should have this for the husbands."
"They know the wives know this already."
"But can I fill it out?"
"If you want to fill it out on paper and give it to me, that would be great."
"I can't fill it out right here?"
"No."
"Why not?"
I am laughing. "Because those are my answers. It would delete my answers."
"Ohhh."
He is reading quietly, then breaks. "Hey, is this why you put that bag of toffee peanuts on my pillow yesterday?"
"No. I ordered those from Alison's Pantry two months ago. I know you love them, and they came yesterday."
He is smiling. "Oh. But you get tips too, right?"
"Yes, I get tips. But the program is called Husband Hero."
He chuckles again. "Right."
"Okay, you keep reading, I am going to figure out how to get them to re-send you the first email, with the tips."
"Okay. I'm going to fill this out."
"On paper."
"Right. Bye, Sweetheart."
"Love you. Bye."

Oh, how I love that man of mine.

My B and the unlucky Pronghorn

Remembering

2009-09-11T12:23:00.010-06:00

We were getting the kids ready for school just after reading scriptures and having family prayer. We were all still in the family room, when my mom called. She was crying and I knew right away something was wrong. She told us to turn the TV on, that she just couldn't believe it. Brandon found it easily, it was everywhere. My mom was still talking to me, but I just remember not breathing, watching the smoke, the people at the windows... then the second plane struck and I grabbed Jacob and held him tight next to my round belly, and wondered what kind of world I was bringing our little girl into. We mechanically got the kids ready for school, somehow, with one eye trained on the television, our hands reaching to touch them and each other as we passed or paused. We cringed as we walked to school, as the fighters zoomed over our heads... the air force base was just outside of town, and the jets were out, patrolling, running drills, I don't know, but they zoomed over our heads and our eyes had to follow them over the trees, trained on the spot they left our view, still heard but unseen. The other moms and dads at the school looked at one another as if to ask, "Do we leave our children here?" Yes, the teachers and principal were out to greet, invite, reassure. "We will let you know if there is any reason to come get your children." So I leave them, and they are fine, wondering why we are so afraid of something that happened so far away.
Back home, the TV goes back on, and I fold laundry and eat and work at my business while staring at the footage of the buildings falling, people running, over and over and over. And the plane goes down in the cornfield. It's 2:00 in the afternoon and my three year-old finally jerks me out of the stupor.
"Mommy, can we please not watch that airplane show anymore? I don't like it."
My eyes jerk to his. He is sucking his thumb. I grab the remote and snap off the TV. I pull him on my lap. "I'm sorry, honey. Those are bad people who did that, huh?"
He nods.
"Should we make cookies?"
He nods again and we get up. My hands shake and I watch the clock and run to the window every time the jets pass over. And we hurry to get the kids from school, to get them home, to get them safe, to cookies.
And in the following days, weeks, I have to believe that somehow, somehow, this will make a stronger America for my kids, and our homes will be safe. Free. Assuring. I can not imagine an America without that. The flag waves.

What does it mean, then, so many years later, that I am not so sturdy in my imaginings? That I get emotional when I hear, or say, "One nation, under God, indivisible..."?

So, what is my Glass Half Full take? When I look at my kids, talk to them, I am amazed at their strength, their conviction, even when they are fighting demons... they are steady in their faith. Then, so am I.

Yes, I Would Pay For This

2009-09-10T00:33:00.007-06:00

Link: Husband Hero

I found this today on Normal Mormon Husband, one of my new favorite blogs. I wrote about my B two posts ago (See My Hero)and this very thing. I signed us up and I will let you know how it goes. I think it is genius. We'll see what my B thinks. Check it out and see what happens.

The Small Things

2009-09-03T09:46:00.005-06:00

Finally feeling better after some stomach thing I won't get into. I took Abby for a good walk after running (well, driving) down to the brand spanking new (what does that mean, anyway?) Walgreen's on Sheridan. Seriously, I was their 4th customer, ever. I bought a new leash for Abby, because somebody left hers out last night and she chewed it to bits, a Cody Broncs athletic bag for Braeden, who hinted this morning that he needed a gear bag for tennis, and a birthday card for my daddio. Then I had this (see photo) for breakfast. The cookie was a 6-grain peanut butter cookie and it was the last of the batch Chels made on Sunday. The peach was sumptuous. Abby had dog food. She does not like peaches. I think I will catch up on laundry and maybe even make some jam.
It is great to feel better after being sick!

My Hero

2009-08-31T09:43:00.007-06:00

We have had trouble with our new router . You know, that little thing with lights on top of the computer hutch (the old one died with the old pc)? Brandon plugged it in so not only can he have internet access on his Macbook Pro, but also so our three kids with school allotted laptops can research their papers, check their homework assignments, and Facebook like crazy. But when he set up the router, strange things began to happen. The internet would disappear any time the phone rang. Our brand new PC held the internet for five minutes, and then I would have to unplug the router, wait 10 seconds, then reset it, which of course ticked off anyone else who was on their laptop. Pictures wouldn't upload.
Now, my B, aside from his busy career running a high school, is also bishop of our church ward. He also attends after-school functions, as well as seeing as many of our kids' activities as possible. He mows the lawn and will walk the dog. He gets dozens of phone calls every day, at work and home. Meetings, meetings, meetings.
And he spent about six hours on the phone working with people to get the router problems fixed so I can enjoy the internet.
He is not a born romantic. The other day I was dead-heading a hundred or so daisies along the front porch and he said, "Why don't you just yank them all out? They've taken over." And I said, "But that would take away the romance of the place." And he said, "What do flowers have to do with romance?"
I blinked at him. I said, "Well, that explains a lot." I have received flowers twice from him in our entire marriage. And one of those was because he completely forgot my birthday.
But, he did put his arms around me after I was done with the daisies and lifted me up off my aching back. He knows that helps. He holds my hand as often as possible. We have a special hand-hold we slipped into while we were dating. He gets the kids to clean like I can't. And after watching me speak a little bit at church yesterday, he told me later, "You were... stunning."
He is a maturing romantic. And so am I, I guess, because the things he doesn't do don't bother me as much as when I was younger and had expectations. And the things he does do, well, they knock me off my feet. I like to think I have trained him all this while, but he has done a little training himself. Either way, while I can still remember the forgotten birthday, I can also remember the surprise trips to Mexico, the suddenly full gas tank, the unexpected invite to lunch on a workday, reading Twilight together in the last row of the airplane, building raised garden boxes together, and him suggesting we see the latest chick-flick before it leaves town. Don't get me started describing what it feels like when we stand next to each other to do the dishes.
And six hours on the phone getting the router working so I can work/play on the computer. Sigh. Dreamy.

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes

2009-08-28T09:17:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I have put together this other blog... it is an author's bog. It doesn't mean I have been published. It means I am positively thinking I will be. So, I have hesitated to add a link here. I don't want to jinx anything, or get ahead of myself, or look cocky. 'Cause I'm not. I'm really nervous. Really really nervous. But read "Visualize It" and you can see how that is working for me. So........... I am going to post the link here and add it to my sidebar. I am holding my breath right now. Here goes.

Krista Lynne Jensen

And if- no, when I get published, will you all post the link and tell friends and do a happy dance with me? Knocking on wood. Crossing fingers. Praying.

Do You Know How Long It Has Been...?

2009-08-24T13:48:00.007-06:00

I turned 39 this summer. A few of my friends did, as well. Donna and I decided we aren't so old. But I was talking to my daughter, I don't even remember the subject. A movie.
"I haven't seen that movie in..." my mind throws out a guess as it works the math. Thirteen, fourteen years, it guesses. *Ding* The math is done. I swallow... "Ohhhhhh," I groan into my salad as the actual number is twenty-seven.
My daughter reads my expression and laughs silently. "A long time?"
"Mm-hmm."

Moments like that make me shake my head in wonder. I am still that little girl... I'm ten and want to be like my mom and marry someone just like my dad, I cant wait to see my friends and I am terrified of strangers. I can spin around and around by my knees on the bars at recess and never get dizzy or hurt. I'm twelve and have a secret crush on Jeff Clark and I'm the teacher's pet and hate it, and babysitting means I can buy a ten-speed with the curled handbars. I'm fourteen and high school terrifies me and I cling to my friends and wonder how I can want to say so much and be so tongue-tied, and I love to dance. I'm sixteen and I've had four first kisses and my family are my best friends because my true best friend moves away, and my grades fall because chemistry and geometry elude me. And my heart breaks and I break hearts and I worry about what I am going to college for and my friends all seem to know and they all go away, and then I go away and my mom turns my bedroom into an office, and I am sure they have a party to celebrate my departure, but then I see the pictures and their red eyes and my mom and sister are crying. And I find someone who gets me... who makes me feel like I am enough, and yet I can be so much more, and we fight and we play and we push through together and I ask myself, "Who else would I be without him?" and I don't want to know. And we have five children and raise four. I change diapers and wipe faces and chase runaways in Walmart and believe I will never read a book again as I read to their upturned faces and they shower me with love and I sit at the table talking to my sixteen year old about old movies I haven't seen in... a really long time.

I do not feel 39. I have only been through enough to believe it. I am that little girl.

The Long-Awaited Jensen Reunion Slide Show

2009-08-22T13:20:00.002-06:00

Once again, thanks Mom and Dad for having such a great family! Thanks, Doug and Erica for organizing it all!

Summer, We Hardly Knew Ye

2009-08-17T21:25:00.014-06:00

The kids start school next week. They told me I was mean for writing Hallelujah on the calendar, and drawing a little school bus chugging on down the road. Was that mean? I don't think so. Actually, neither did the seven year old. Of course, she is counting down the days to second grade. She loved my little bus. Yea for seven! Yea for school!
I have been thinking of my favorites of this summer. I can't believe it is coming to a close. We do have beautiful Septembers here in Cody, though. It is a wonderful time to visit. The colors come on slowly, and blend like a watercolor. Then it snows.
But back to this summer.
Loved the kids climbing on the statues at City Park, and Miniature golfing. I am, uh, not good.
Loved all the opportunities to take pics of kids washing the dog. For some reason, this amuses me. Maybe because I was doing it by myself, when I realized I have a house full of dog washers.
Loved the breathtaking drive over the Beartooth Mountains. 11,000 feet of Alp-ish beauty.
Loved camping with my Jensen family and getting to know my nieces and nephews better. I've decided the reunion needs its own slide show. Too many fun pictures!
Loved waking up to Brandon's smile and offered shoulder. It just doesn't happen much during the school year. I sleep too hard and he wakes up too early.
Loved re-connecting with my kids on down-time. Tennis has already started. Piano, football, and ballet are next.
Loved Shell and Trev coming all the way over and expressing their enjoyment every chance they got. ANYTIME, guys.
Loved Laura coming to stay with us and that she feels so comfortable here.
Loved getting such a positive response to the book. Loved that Chelsea is totally excited about it. Sweet justification (she has been very vocal about how much time I have devoted to writing).
We didn't get to do some of the things we wanted, but there is no going back. As a matter of fact, Shell called the other day about the Oregon Coast for next year. Yes. Yes, yes, yes!
Love summer. Sorry to see you go.

Peanut Butter & Jelly

2009-08-08T18:23:00.002-06:00

The Jensen cousins ham it up on Talent Night at the reunion!

My Newest Nephew

2009-08-04T12:28:00.003-06:00

We can't wait to meet you, little one!

Visualize It

2009-08-03T14:10:00.011-06:00

Several weeks ago, Carla, Norma, and I decided that we would start thinking like authors. Who cared if we hadn't been published? That didn't mean we wouldn't be. We were investing time, language, thought, research, and imagination to reach that goal, weren't we? So, I read books about publishing, cleared off my desk, put a lamp on it, bought some colored pens and sticky note tabs, organized my novels, and began writing as though it was a done deal, that these stories would be read. And I prayed. It had been nine months since I had heard anything definite from my last submission, The Orchard.
Then, last Thursday, right after I got home from a birthday lunch out with my friend, Jamie, I checked my email.
There was one from Covenant Communications.
They like my book. They listed the reasons, naming my characters. They said it was too long, and I needed to cut about 80 pages, but they love it, and there were exclamation points, which I heard that a writer should be very frugal with. But the Managing Editor used TWO. As in, the manuscript is excellent! and, What a fun story!
So after I stopped jumping up and down and screaming with my daughter, I called my mom and my sister and Carla and my B (actually, I would start jumping up and down again with each phone call), and my B hurried home and we jammed on Rock Band. I pounded out Round and Round, Everlong, and a few more drums on fire songs, and Brandon was just laughing because I ROCKED and I couldn't stop smiling.
Over the last few days I have done a quick revision, and I am now deep into a second, more thorough overhaul. I have learned that I prefer writing the story in the first place, over rewriting it, but I can already see the revisions they suggested will make a stronger, tighter story.

It's just hard to cut characters I know and love, and leave the others wondering what the heck is going on. But not to worry. I will take care of it. I am an author. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Sis and I enjoying our Schnecken in front of the City Bakery in Red Lodge. Montana. As in, "Would you like a bite of my Schnecken?" It's their specialty. There is reason.

Yum.

Too Bad. It Works For Some People.

2009-07-05T13:13:00.007-06:00

Yesterday my children were being silly. It is nothing new, but when they are giggling and falling backwards, I tend to listen, and often join in.

Chelsea is laughing with Maren. "What am I going to be when I grow up?" She plays with Maren's hair.
I answer, "Ummm, a pain in the rear?"
Maren giggles and Chelsea laughs. "No, really."
Braeden walks in.
I ask him, "Braeden, what is Chelsea going to be when she grows up?"
"A pain in the rear."
Maren giggles.
Chelsea laughs. "Why does everyone say that?"
Maren puts her hands up. "Because you are a pain the rear."
Chelsea looks concerned. "But you don't get paid for that."
Braeden and I pause, then laugh, and I say, "You say everyone tells you that is what you are going to be when you grow up, and your concern is that you don't get paid for that?"
Chelsea giggles quietly, "Yeah, that's not right."

We love our beautiful pain in the rear. You're no problem, Girl.

More Recipes!

2009-07-01T18:37:00.002-06:00

I dragged my books and notes and little tin canister downstairs to the office so I can begin posting new recipes on my other, more tasty blog. Now, I have to go make dinner, before my family decides it isn't such a good idea to let mom on the computer (and believe me, with two teens and two little game-mongers, they could easily squeeze me out of my time slot).

Eat and feel better!

Yellowtail Revisited

2009-06-30T11:43:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we made our annual trip to Yellowtail with our friends, Todd and Claire. This year we had our friends Todd and Jamie C. with us, and their kids, too. The weather was gorgeous and everybody had a blast. Thank you, Lovell, WY, for such a great party! Thank you Todd & Claire for making this so fun (Todd, next time, change in the restroom, and not so close to the sticker bush)!

I Walk To Music

2009-06-12T10:39:00.004-06:00

Time: 54:28
Miles: 3.44
Calories: 484.7

My B asked, "Why didn't you just finish out the half-mile?"
I told him, "Because my cool down song ended."

It was true. It was "Everything" by Lifehouse. Perfect cool down song. First of all, it's like, six minutes long. Second, I LOVE IT. It's the new theme song of my next novel. I just decided that.
I love it when older songs come back to you and take on a new meaning because of something you've experienced, or are experiencing.
Yes, I am one of those people who listen to lyrics. Story after story after story.
Sometimes I don't want to know the lyrics, and then I turn the station.
It is fun to hear my youngest walking around singing "Whoa, we're halfway there. Whoa, livin' on a prayer. Take my hand, and we'll make it I swear, whoa, livin' on a prayer..."
Or my oldest singing, "Tenderness... tenderness... where is it?" I used to bounce around and slam dance with my best friend, Laurel, whenever that song came on in high school. We thought we were so cool. Well, maybe not, but it made us happy.
Braeden and I learned the entire new Fray album by heart, singing together on our way to school last semester.
Jacob is always singing something. That's how I know he's happy. New, old, kid stuff, musicals.
I would have a hard time walking without my workout music. I don't know how people do it. I actually pull myself out of bed because I am anticipating the music, not the walk. It feels great when I'm done, though.
U2, Elevation. This song is the reason I should not walk in public. The groove gets me and no one should have to see that. Hooray, treadmill. Dance to it.
Muse, Super Massive Black Hole. Even if I am at the last of my three miles, and the sweat is trickling past my ear, this song hits, and I am attacking that 2.5 incline as if I have just started.
I have two leather beanbags that feel great in my hands. I grab them throughout the walk and throw some punches like Billy Blanks... jabs, uppercuts. I feel like Rocky. Whose theme song is on my B's workout playlist.
My point is, I am grateful for the rhythm, the pound, the drive, that gets my aging body going, clears my head, makes me reach. It makes me feel young. So does the pleased smile and thumbs-up my B gives me as he passes the treadmill, peeking at my time. And I mouth the lyrics to him, and his smile widens, because he knows exactly which song is on my MP3 player, and why my pace is hoppin'.
I walk to music.

Things Grow

2009-06-06T15:17:00.008-06:00

I know that I have slipped in a few of my thoughts about gardening in Cody, Wyoming... how hard it is... how discouraging it can be, and how tricky it is to find what grows, and what might, and what does not at all. But today I went out with my youngest and we were reminded of the things that do well here, that survive the long long winter and negative temperatures, and burst forth at the slightest hint of sun and warmth. After putting together a couple of hanging baskets for the front porch, and three color pots for the backyard, I got the camera and took some pics of my hardy perennials. Very hardy.We still have lilacs.

Onion Chives, Sage, and the Thyme made it this year.

The American Cranberry Bush. Makes you feel patriotic just looking at it.

Our young flower bed. Thank goodness for Lupine.

I gave up on Roses this year. Peonies thrive here, though. Even pretty before they open. They moved, though. A hot pink blur.

Honeysuckle. Doing very well for its second year.

These Delphinium will pop in vivid blue and white any time now. See me in the gazing ball?

Love, love, love the bleeding hearts, and they love the cooler summers here in Cody, and the Coral Bells. The Shasta Daisies do, too, but I need to thin them down before they get huge and bloom. I'll be transplanting some of them to the side bed we made last year.

This is my arch nemesis. It is called Creeping Morninglory, but I have another name for it. This is what I do to it. Instead of using 2 oz. of the grass and weed killer to 1 gal. water , I have to use 50/50 to get this reaction. The first picture has already had one dousing. It needs two to look like the second picture. Even so, look at the green leaves out at the ends. If I pull it, if any root is left at all (and I have pulled out foot long roots), the piece sends out shoots and more shoots. No wacking this one up. You'll end up like the Sorcerer's Apprentice.

But let's end on a happy note. This is my gardener helper (she couldn't find her other glove, but made do. What a trooper). She also kept me dry when the rain began to fall and I was still assembling the color pots. Which I will post pictures of after they mature a little. Color pots look a little frazzled right after assembly. So do I. I think I will have some cocoa.
That's another blessing of cold weather. Cocoa almost all year round.

Trail Girl And The Eagle Scout

2009-06-03T23:12:00.008-06:00

So, I have a pretty good story. You'll want to click on the pictures to get a bigger view as you read.
As I mentioned in my previous post, my B and I took off for Yellowstone last weekend, taking our favorite route from Cody, up through Sunlight Basin, then Cooke City, MT, to the NE gate of the Park. We arrived at about five or six-ish in the afternoon, and drove to the Lamar Valley, our favorite animal spotting area. Early evening is perfect for this, and we pulled off on a random trailhead. We could see the trail led up a clear hill, with trees running down far off to the left of us, where I assumed a creek ran, up to foothills and into the trees. But, for the most part, it was a clearing of gently rolling slopes, and to our right and behind us, we could see forever. B had his bear spray harness on, and I had my camera. We weren't going far, so we didn't even take water. We could look down behind us and see our suburban and the road most of the way, unless it was obscured by one of the rolling slopes. We could also see, to our left, further down the road, a group of cars parked, probably tourists watching buffalo, and could even see a large herd in the distance, lower and far away.
Well, we are climbing on boulders and wallowing in bufallo wallows, snapping pictures and sticking to the climbing trail, when I mention I can hear the creek.
"What creek?" my B asks.
The creek over in those trees," I answer, pointing.
"I don't hear it," he says.
"Listen."
"Oh, yeah. Let's go see it."
I look at the worn dirt path my feet are standing on and say, "Um, I'm a trail girl. I stay on the trail. Trails are very important to me."
"Trail, shmail," he replies. "It's right there. Look, we can still see the trail as we walk over there."
I look, then look back at my feet. "But, I like the trail."
"Oh, come on." He begins to walk, a smile on his face. I don't want to be alone on the trail, so I hurry to catch up to him.
"You know," I say as we walk and I try to keep up with his long strides, "this is the time of day when the animals go to water. They go to the water to drink, like, any time now."
He chuckles softly and gestures to the wide open area. "Nothing is here. We're fine."
We crest a bank, and a soft drop below us reveals a creek almost hidden in rocks and trees.
"Oh, pretty," I say, and snap a picture."
B turns up stream and begins to climb.
"Shouldn't we go back to the trail now?"
"Do you think? Let's climb a little here." He knows what he's doing, it's his birthday, and he is enjoying himself.
I follow a little, but then say, "Okay Brandon, let's go back to the trail."
"All right. Let's head back."
We turn and head back, cresting the little ridge, and the sun is low, shooting across and it is gorgeous. So I take some more picture as we walk toward the trail, and B stops and gives me a smooch and it is quite romantic. We reach the trail and turn downhill, and I stop cold.
"Um, there is a buffalo on our trail."
Far below us, a bull bison is standing on our trail.
"Oh yeah. He'll be gone by the time we get there." He takes a step, and movement catches my eye much closer to us down the hill. I grab his shirt and stop him.
"Um, Brandon... there is a BEAR on our trail."
He stops cold. "Oh, crap, there is a bear on our trail."
About 40 yards away, a black bear is making his way... guess where?
"I TOLD you animals go to water this time of day. He is going to the creek, where WE were, because we left the TRAIL." I am really pulling on B's shirt now.
"Uh-huh," is all he says.
Then we start to laugh quietly because we are pretty nervous. I take a few pictures and we inch our way down as the bear eventually disappears over the bank to the creek.
Well, we circle wide, and as I take careful but long steps, I say, "I will leave the trail a little for this."
We look ahead. The buffalo is still on our trail, chewing. The area narrows there, and he is between us and our car. I am still looking over my shoulder to make sure the bear is still thirsty, and also to my left, where he came from, because now I am remembering that herd of buffalo down so far away. They could be thirsty. It was hot that day. I was thirsty.
We slow as we come up on the buffalo, still a good twenty-five yards between us. He turns and looks at us and is so bored I am insulted. We take a few steps past, and he decides to mosey off the path and away...to the WATER, I am sure. We make sure he is bent on his course, then walk quickly to the trail, which I almost kiss, but buffalo... blech.
We approach the car, and see two cars parked there.
"Are you guys all right? Did you see the bear?"
It is a woman with a Texas accent (it said she had one on her license plate) leaning out her window.
"Yes!" My eyes, I'm sure, were buggin'. "It walked right across our trail!"
She nodded. "A bunch of us were watching that bear down the road, then it turned and made its way up here, and we said, 'What is that?' and I said, 'Those are hikers!', so we high-tailed it over here to make sure you made it back alive, and then we saw that!"
She pointed behind me.
There, in the dirt, just beyond the driver's side of our car, was a whole skeleton of a young buffalo, fairly freshly picked clean.
I slowly turned to B. "DID YOU SEE THAT BEFORE?"
He gave me a sheepish look. "Yeah. I didn't want to freak you out, so I didn't say anything."
He didn't want to freak me out.
Now, just so you know, I am aware that Black bears are generally very shy, and will most likely run away as opposed to Grizzlies, so I wasn't very freaked out.
But I was unnerved enough that I didn't think to take a picture of the skeleton, which would have been great to show the kids.
I was in my car. With the door shut.
And we were both laughing. It was awesome.

Take Time

2009-06-01T09:13:00.006-06:00

We celebrated my B's 40th this weekend with an escape to Yellowstone, backpacker-style (well okay, a backpacker with a suburban). Sometimes, it is good to get away and remember who you married.

Written By: Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught
me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God
never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one
is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no
for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.
Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years,
will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you
did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Best Ever

2009-05-28T14:29:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was busy. We moved my sons back into a room together so we could have the office and guestroom back, (and we know they just missed each other so much). What a lot of stuff they have! We reduced it WAY down. It was 80% school papers! At the same time, my daughter kept the laundry going, and then I took over when I needed to get out of the blue room. We got them moved in and straightened up, but it was a lot of time and work.
It was also my younger son's birthday. He shares it with his dad. We were already attending a youth activity that evening, so we had already planned to celebrate a different night. And it was okay, because all of yesterday, Jacob was able to spend the day with his 5th grade at the Thermopolis hot pools, and he said it felt like a celebration for him.
When we got home from the youth activity (where they sang happy birthday to my husband and had his name on a cake) we sang to Jacob and gave him his presents (he was okay with going to a movie with his friends another night, but still wanted his presents on his birthday) and he had a piece of leftover cake. He and his brother shot around the new Nerf dart gun he got, and pored over the literature that came with his new Banjo Kazooie game he got for the XBox 360, and then it was time for bed.
As I was tucking him in, feeling like I needed a free day to devote to my little guy who is fast becoming not so little, but knowing the weekend was full so we had to piecemeal it, I bent over him in his bed and he reached up and hugged my neck tightly. He kissed my cheek and let me go, saying, "Goodnight, Mom. That was the best birthday ever."
I stopped and looked at him, confused. "Really?"
He nodded, grinning. "Except for the luau in Klamath Falls." (he was 6)
I shook my head and kissed him. "You are so great, you know that?"
He nodded, still grinning.
It made my night.
Happy Birthday, my little Blondie. Can't believe you'll start middle school next year! Love you so much!

Catching Up

2009-05-27T08:45:00.009-06:00

Easter

My Time Out For Women Weekend With My Friends

Chelsea, LDS Prom

Sinjon & Chelsea

CHS Prom

Andrew & Chels

My Prom Date

Before Maren's Cinderella Performance

Her Performance Rose

Jacob Earned His Arrow Of Light

(notice the impeccable uniform)

Writer's Best Friend

2009-05-19T07:29:00.003-06:00

All the kids' laptops are going back to school for the summer, which leaves me, until we get the new computer, with B's laptop, which he takes to work. The good news is, the school techs were able to get all our pictures and docs off the old PC. That was a relief! So, I am writing this post, thinking I will not have much of a chance to post until that shiny, new, working computer graces my computer desk. Which may be awhile.

I have an old laptop my B gave me, and I write on that. It is basically a glorified word processor, and the battery holds a charge for about 5 minutes now (it used to be twenty), so I am plugged in when I write. And it is too old to have internet hook-up because of the advanced firewalls. But, it has become my friend. I like the keypad, I love the double click button, and the fact that it fits perfectly in my red and pink padded laptop case... that is, it fits without the charger cord. So, when I go to the library to sit in the Wapiti* room to write, I stuff the cord in my purse, and I try to plug in where nobody trips.

After I finished the first drafts of my first little non-fiction book on the PC (which I fortunately transferred to old reliable a couple weeks before the PC took a nose-dive), I began to use this little Compaq Presario 2100, which was sitting in a backpack on the floor under my husbands waders in the closet. And suddenly, I discovered I could write sitting anywhere I wanted (given there is an outlet nearby)... or even lying down, which makes it nice when you have chronic back pain, where sitting forward at a PC is painful, or you have the flu, which I did when I began writing The Inn. And on this laptop, I took my first idea for a fictional novel, and discovered I LOVED writing fiction. Never thought I would. Never thought I could. I taped a sign on the cover: Do Not Disturb, Writer At Work. It doesn't do any good, but it makes me smile to think the the sign thinks I'm a writer.

So, a few months ago, my B came home with a brand new laptop for his work. A sleek, slim, sexy MacBook Pro. He had me work on it, just for kicks, because he was so excited. I was skeptical. Where was the double click? Where was the cord, guaranteeing it didn't go blank in the middle of my unsaved paragraph? And what was with the apple key? Ctrl+c doesn't copy? What, Apple is so full of itself it overrode the ctrl key? But my husband just smiled as I worked out the kinks to this modern beauty I was sure was all looks and fluff, nothing more substantial than old reliable.

And then, I fell in love with it. How superficial could I be? The keys were smooth, soft, quiet. The gel-like touchpad gave into my fingers like bread dough (you bakers know what I'm talking about). I could grab and paste in one graceful stroke... pictures, documents... it was a whole new, tangible world of grace and technology. And don't get me started on iPhoto. How could I be seduced so easily?

"I want one of these!" I declared after fifteen minutes.

But, B just laughed, and shook his head, and said, "Oh, my dear... the school bought me this. I do not think they will buy you one. But isn't it glorious?" (or something like that). He gently took the sultry machine from my tightening grip, and with one last wrench, walked away with it.

But, my Compaq has been with me from the beginning... all eight and a half months. I open it up and can see all my work there on my desktop (and a few photos that were somehow transferred there in 2003... family pictures on temple Square in SLC, with Maren making the squinky-eye Uncle Josh taught her the night before in every photo but one, which made the Christmas card... funny story). I still love my Compaq. I have always been loyal... I was born in the year of the Dog. So, I will stick with what I know, what works right now, faithful and true, and grateful.

But I'm not stupid. I know all that stuff would transfer quite easily to a new MacBook Pro.

*Wapiti is an indian name for Elk. It is also the name of a beautiful little town between Cody and the eastern entrance to Yellowstone. I have a freezer full of Wapiti.

What I Wish, and What I Know

2009-05-04T14:16:00.004-06:00

I heard an exciting rumor this morning about a new computer... I hope it's true. And I still hope we get our pictures back from our old one. Just a couple of wishes.

Speaking of wishes, I was able to attend a wonderful conference a couple of weeks ago. A woman name Kylie Turley spoke to us about wishes, and how some wishes are just that. A wish for comfortable, cute shoes... a wish for a good hair day... a wish for chocolate covered cinnamon bears.

Some wishes we can look and look and look for. Some we wonder about (the wish for our teenagers to listen to us with awe and respect like they did when they were five). Some wishes need faith, and hope, and hard work (if I plant my Wyoming vegetable garden, I wish everything I plant grows, but it would be better for my sanity if I just wished most things grew... a little).

And some wishes... that my grandpa had been able to meet my husband and my daughter before he died of cancer... that I hadn't taken that babysitting job in Spokane, so that I wouldn't have been driving home on that road and been hit by that car, and wrecked my back so I hurt every day... that my book will be published, so my other books will be published, so the book I wrote about our baby Kate will be published... are completely out of my hands.

But there are some wishes... That my teenagers will one day be done being teenagers all too soon, and love me with their words again... that my husband and children will meet my grandpa one day, and they will embrace as old friends... that my back will be made whole, maybe not in this lifetime, but at some point in this journey of spiritual and physical development, that is life and the hereafter... and that no matter what happens with these books, that I will get to hold my daughter, Kate Afton, again, and love her as her mother, and that my children will know their sister, and not be sad we lost her, and my husband will feel as though the hole in his heart for her will be filled... these wishes are possible, because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some wishes, I know will be granted.

I know.

A Wicked Weekend

2009-04-29T09:00:00.003-06:00

Went to see Wicked! AMazing... wOnderful... The cast was incredible, didn't even have me wishing for the Original, because they were that good! Thanks Bec, Josh, Debs, Gary, Calista, Cali, and my B! Happy Anniversary, sweetie! Eighteen years... kiss me too gently, hold me too tight.

Patiently Waiting For Spring

2009-04-20T07:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a good day! Church was great... I love our people and their smiles and sense of humor. The spirit is one of brotherhood.

Later, I looked out my bedroom window to see the three younger kids jumping on the trampoline. Then, they all sat down with their legs crossed, and just started talking, giggling. They did that for quite a while. My oldest came into my room and looked out, too. "Awww," she said.

Of course, when the boys decided to come in, the youngest threw a fit. So I did a Mommy Window Show, making faces and pretending someone was grabbing me. I wonder what the neighbors thought, seeing my little girl laughing and rolling by herself on the trampoline.

I love it when the weather allows us to be outside... comfortably. The lawn is beginning to green up! I found four inches of tulip leaves in the backyard! Baseball practice has begun. I heard birds this morning. It was 5 a.m. and I didn't want to be awake yet, but the birdsong was lovely. Blue skies and 60 this morning.

It's coming! It's coming!

It's a Wide, Wide World

2009-04-15T07:50:00.009-06:00

"The Woman Under the Ground", a 115 yr. old Sheepeater interviewed by W. A. Allen.
(Allen: 1913)
In W. A. Allen's The Sheep Eaters (published in 1913), Allen relates this story told him by a 115 year old Sheep Eater named "The Woman Under the Ground." According to Allen, she spoke in sign language:
"My people lived among the clouds. We were the Sheep Eaters who have passed away, but on those walls are the paint rocks, where our traditions are written on their face, chiseled with obsidian arrow heads. Our people were not warriors. We worshipped the sun, and the sun is bright and so were our people. Our men were good and our women were like the sun. The Great Spirit has stamped our impressions on the rocks by His lightenings; there are many of our people who were outlined on those smooth walls years ago; then our people painted their figures, or traded them with beautiful colored stones, and the paleface calls them "painted rocks."
"Our people never came down into the valleys, but always lived among the clouds, eating the mountain sheep and the goats, and sometimes the elk when they came high on the mountains. Our tepees were made of the cedar, thatched with grey moss and cemented with the gum from the pines, carpeted with the mountain sheep-skins, soft as down. Our garments were made from the skins of the gazelle, and ornamented with eagle feathers and ermine and otter skins.
"We chanted our songs to the sun, and the Great Spirit was pleased. He gave us much sheep and meat and berries and pure water, and snow to keep the flies away. The water was never muddy. We had no dogs nor horses. We did not go far from our homes, but were happy in our mountain adobe." (Allen: 1913).The W"The Woman Under the Ground", a 115 yr. old Sheepeater interviewed by W. A. Allen.
Thoughts of Easter and a question posed in The Lake, my third novel, have inspired me to explore another story. What makes a place, a specific location, special... what makes it home? To you? Why are we drawn to or from spots on this earth, and, setting aside the obvious need for employment options, what do you look for? Desert? Mountain? Forest? Ocean? And how does it feel to leave the places we love?

I've always wondered, been fascinated about the people of ancient America, and living in Cody, we are surrounded by history and stories, artifacts and legends.

As members of the LDS church, we believe a portion of Christian history took place on this continent.

I'm exploring that correlation. My B is helping.

Gotta love stories.

Is It Really Spring Break?

2009-04-14T15:06:00.004-06:00

Some people go to Mexico for Spring Break, some to Palm Beach, some to Hawaii. We go to Rapid City, South Dakota.
It snowed in Cody while we were gone, so we figure it was a step sideways, instead of up, weather-wise.
Our waiter at T.G.I.Fridays asked us if our GPS broke and landed us in Rapid City on our way to our destination. He thought it was pretty funny when we told him Rapid City was our destination.
We had a great, laid-back time, though, and the kids were really good, as you can see from the pictures. We had such a great time, we've decided to make a summer trip and see all the things that were closed by the snow.
And as cold as it was, we're tough Wyomingites. Who needs Mexico?
Maybe next year.

Straight Talk From The Dinner Table

2009-04-06T08:32:00.004-06:00

M- Braeden looks like a churkey.

C- How does he look like a turkey?

M- No, churkey, you know, gobble gobble?

C- Uh, yeah, a turkey.

M- Churkey.

C- How do you spell that?

M- T-U-R-K-E-Y.

C- What sound does the 'T' make?

M- "Chuh"

C- (thinks, looking at Maren soberly) ... Yup.

A few seconds later...

B- Hey, why do I look like a turkey?

M- Churkey... gobble gobble.

J- (singing annoying kitty-cat song 10 times)

K- Okay, Jacob, I think your "annoying" radar is broken.

J- Mom, I don't have an annoying radar.

K- (stares with eyebrows raised, thinking that explains a lot)

C- He is an annoying radar.

Dad- (to boys after K has asked them to do their dishes several times) Give me one good reason why I shouldn't beat the living snot out of you two.

Boys- (giggling nervously as they mill around the kitchen) We're related?

Dad- Nope, not good enough.

Boys- You're our father and you love us?

Dad- Nope.

Boys- (more nervous now as Dad stands up, minds thinking as they scramble)

J- You're our Bishop?

Dad pauses, and K cracks up.

That Library Thing That You Do So Well

2009-04-05T18:55:00.002-06:00

I just discovered a cool site for bookworms. My friend, Carla, heard about it from our friend, Norma. It's called Library Thing. Check out the link at the right under Books I've Read To Fill My Glass. It's a great way to get suggested reading from the titles you've already read. Enjoy!

It's Cold.

2009-04-01T10:31:00.003-06:00

For the next little while I will be posting excerpts from the novels. You can find them to the right in the side bar under Drops Of Ink. Just because.

I hope to be able to post pictures again soon. I can't locate the USB port for the camera, and this laptop doesn't do memory cards. I have some of Chelsea's track meet I'd like to post. Her 4x800 relay took third, and she won her heat in the 400. She felt really good about that, and both times were personal bests. It was a cold, frigid, windy day, and there is a picture of my friend, Rochelle, and I smiling as we manned the long jump event. Jacob, Maren, and Brandon all came home with sun/wind burns. Don't know how I didn't get it. Sunblock in my makeup? That and Brandon and Jacob were there for 10 hours, while Maren and I were there for five. I laughed as Brandon took off his skull cap and had a nice solid red arch over his eyebrows.

I said, "Oh, look, a rainbow."

Such is life in Wyoming, where anything can get freeze dried if you just leave it outside for awhile.