Altared Plans by Rebecca Cornish Talley

This weekend I was able to sit down and read "Altared Plans" by Rebecca Cornish Talley. It was a quick and easy read and it was so hard to put down and do other things that needed to be done. Grady, my husband, read it before I even had a chance to crack it open to the first page. It was nice to see him read something other than a magazine!

"Altared Plans" is about a young woman by the name of Caitlyn, who arrived at the Temple on the day of her wedding to find out that the love of her life was on an airplane to be with someone else. Devastated and torn apart she vowed she would never fall in love.

Upon returning to BYU, she is called to be the mom of her FHE group where she meets the father, Travis. Refusing to let herself fall in love again, she tags Travis as "annoying" but finds that she can't keep her mind off him and concentrate on her studies. Can her roommate, Brittany, help her to see that Travis is not like her first love? In order to find out, you need to read this book. Out of 5 stars, I give this book a 6!

I Wouldn't Make It

I was in the shower the other day, and realized that I wouldn't make it as a pioneer. I have no problem with washing laundry in the streams, or getting up early and going to bed late, or sewing, or teaching the kids. No problem at all! But, to have to only shower once or twice a month??? I can't do that! If I don't shower every day, I just feel so gross and disgusting! How could these women make it, after working so hard in the hot summers, with long sleeved dresses, and bonnets, and not take a shower? Yuck! I give these women 2 thumbs up for being able to go so long without bathing. They are stronger than I am!

Back To School

School started for me again last week. It's not so bad, however I have decided that I really don't like chemistry that much. That is one class that I can't wait to get rid of.

Finals Are Finally Final!

This is me before finals.

This is me AFTER finals.

One more time...



BEFORE


AFTER

Any questions?

Date!

It has been SO long since Grady and I have been on a date! So, today we are going out for my birthday, even though my birthday isn't until next week. We decided to go with a really good friend of mine and her hubby and we are going to see Wolverine. Yes, I am an X-men fan. We currently own all 3 of the X-Men movies, and I enjoy watching each one, one after the other. As well as some other movies that really catch my eye (i.e. Harry Potter, Avatar: The Last Airbender - which I know is not a movie, but I love watching it anyway! - and I know there's more, I just can't think of any right now.)

My sister is taking me out next Friday, and then on Saturday we are hoping to take the kids downtown to Temple Square to play with our new camera and take pictures of the kids. It's going to be SO much fun!

Oh yes, and I know this off the subject, but I had to say...Emma and I were watching TV the other day and this commercial came on for Playtex Gentle Glide Tampons. For those of you who don't know, Emma is 2 going on 3 this June. Out of the blue, she jumps up and says, "Mom! I want that for my birthday!" After stifling a laugh I asked her why, and she said, "So I can dance around and twirl like they are!" HA HA HA! Gotta love kids!

I never thought I'd be one to post a picture of Hugh Jackman with a picture of Tampons! Oops!

Bathroom Ghost

It never fails. I get out of class, and hit the the little girls room to take care of business. I go to the sink, push the lever to get some soap on my hands. I stick my hands under the faucet to turn on the water, and instead of just that one sink coming on, they all come on! And it's not just once in a while. It's every time! And it seems to only happen to me. There could be other girls in the bathroom, and when they wash their hands. Nothing. I put my hands under, and again, all the sinks come on! Coincidence? I think not! I think the college has their own version of Moaning Myrtle that only seems to like to follow me. But on the upside, SLCC's Moaning Myrtle doesn't moan. Nor does he/she make their presence known, until I wash my hands...Maybe I just better hold my business until I get home from now on...

Sick

Poor Grady is sick. He's been coughing for the last few days. Finally, tonight I took him in to First Med. He doesn't have the flu, but he has a touch of bronchitis. I don't know who it's worse for. Him or me? He's up all night coughing and wheezing. I feel bad for him. Hope you feel better love!

3 More Weeks

There is only 3 more weeks left until the semester ends. After that, it's a week of finals, and then...I'm out of school for 2 weeks so I can start all over again! Only this time, I get to start the fun biology and chemistry classes. I have also decided that I'm going to end with my Associates in Health Sciences, work for 2 years, then go back to school for my Bachelor's. That way...my job can pay for me to go to school. I think it's a good idea, don't you?

Draper Temple Dedication (via Satellite)

Yesterday I took Eran to the Draper Temple Dedication with my mom and dad. Before we left to go to the Stake Center, my mom and I were telling her that in a few short years (3 to be exact) she'd get to have the chance to go do baptisms for the dead. I could see the confusion written across her face, and if her head was see through, I know I'd be able to see the wheels turning in there. After a few short minutes, she finally looked at me and asked, "Mom? When I go do baptisms for the dead, do I have to hold a dead person in my arms?" My mom and I laughed hysterically and then explained to her how to works. With a look of relief on her face she asked, "So there's no dead people floating in the water either? Right?" The kinds of questions that a 9-year-old can come up with are just amazing! I don't think I would have ever thought about that at her age!

The dedication was wonderful. After it was over, Eran informed me that it was too long, and then couldn't figure out why my mom, dad and I were crying. Maybe she was too young to understand, but at least it's something she won't forget. Even if to her it was long and boring.

DJ Bawden

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting DJ Bawden. For those of you who don't know who he is, he's a sculptor that has done many projects of Joseph Smith. He had some very funny stories, but also some extremely funny ones. My favorites were when he was asked by the prophet to do a sculpture and he didn't have the money to bronze it, how a catholic hospital in Texas would call and offer him a job to do a sculpture of Jesus for the main foyer. Every time he needed money to make something for the Mormon church, the Catholic hospitals in Texas would call him and ask him to a sculpture of Jesus. He became known in Texas as the Catholic Sculptor. Even though he's a Mormon.
If you ever get a chance to go hear him speak, please do so. You will not walk away disappointed. I know I wasn't.

Long Time, No Write

Once again, it has been a while since I've posted anything. School is going well. So far, I'm getting straight A's. I'm looking forward to having Spring Break in about 2 weeks. The kids are happy and well. Emma has adjusted to my being gone every morning quite well. We have decided to put our kids in a charter school next year. We are excited for that. It's going to be good for them.
Grady had his day in court almost a month ago. The judge has deemed him as fully disabled, so it's going to be nice to finally get some money coming in. We just have to wait for it to come in.
Other than that, I'm just busy with school. I forgot how time consuming it is, but like I said. I am loving it!

Busy As A Bee

This is how I've been feeling the last few weeks, and it just seems to be getting worse and worse. Sad thing is, I'm actually loving it!

Grady has his court date on Wednesday, and we are worried and nervous about it. Just pray for us so that it all goes okay.

The kids are doing well, even though they have been driving me insane today. I love them, but right now I'm ready to send them to bed.

First Week Is Behind Me

I made it through my first week of school without any problems. It's been a fun experience being in school. I don't think I could do it without all the help and support from family and friends, so I want to thank them for it. And, ending this first week of school, I came home with TONS of homework to do. I did most of it Friday night, but there's always that one assignment that you just can't bring yourself to do. And that's how my history assignment has been. I just can't get myself motivated to do it. Oh well. Guess if I want to pass, I better get to it!

I Started!

No, my monthly visitor has not finally come if that's what you were thinking. I mean, I started at SLCC yesterday! After today I have taken all 4 of my classes for the first time, and I think this is going to be a lot easier for me than it would have been had I gone 10 years ago. I really enjoyed it, my professors are great, and the classes are a blast. At least, so far. I mean, I have only gone for 2 days and I have MANY days ahead of me, but I'm loving it so far!

One Last Night O' Fun

Tonight a bunch of us are going bowling. I keep telling Grady that it's my one-last-night-of-fun-with-the-girls-before-school-starts night. He just laughs at me. The other day I went and picked up my books. for 4 classes, I have about 10 books total. My history class alone, as 3 books. What am I getting myself into?!? Actually, I'm pretty excited to start. I was talking with Payge's teachers today and they told me how much easier it is to go to college later in your life. When I asked why, one of them told me, "Because most people that go straight out of high school, end up not using their degree. Besides, my kids are more prone to doing homework when they see mommy sitting at the table doing it with them." Whether that statement is true or not, I have NO FRICKIN' CLUE! However, it's still going to be a totally awesome fun night with some of my girls!

Happy 9th Birthday Eran!

Eran's birthday is on New Year's Eve. This year, she opted on having another sleepover party, only I got smart this time. I only allowed her to invite 4 friends. Not 9 like last year! She had a lot of fun and got quite some nice presents. Her dad and I gave her little camerathat only takes 40 pictures, but she loves it. It's hard to believe she's 9 and next summer we are going to have another baptism. They grow up so fast!

We also got a new addition to the family yesterday. He's a guinea pig that's named Ding Dong. The kids just love him. Maybe a little too much though.

Christmas Pictures...FINALLY!

Well, here's some pictures of our trip to California for Christmas. Grady's dad was Santa at the ward Christmas party. The kids started calling him "Boppy Claus" and he got a big kick out of it. Great Grandma's not doing very well. She's going down hill fast, so I'm glad we were able to see her because we don't know when we'll see her again. It was a blast, but it's so good to be home. In the words of Dorothy, "There's no place like home!"

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I hope that you were able to experience the joys of family, food and fun! And always remember the reason for Christmas is only about one gift, and that's the birth of our dear Savior.

Last night the kids acted out the manger scene before we went to bed. It was such a neat experience for them, and they really enjoyed it.

Have a wonderful holiday! We love you!

PS. I will be posting pictures of our adventures here as soon as we get home on Saturday!!

Lights At Temple Square

Last night, a bunch of us from the ward went downtown and saw the lights at Temple Square. It was a blast , even though we had to leave early because Grady got sick. Enjoy the pictures!

This is a picture of ALL the kids that were there with us.
It was crazy, but we all had fun!

It's Official

Last night, Grady and I stayed up until midnight, just so I can...you guessed it...register for my classes online! I am officially going to college! YEAH! I appreciate the fact that Grady stayed up with me so late. Otherwise, I don't think I would have made it and then I wouldn't have gotten the classes that I need. I love you babe!