Luscious Chaos

2007-09-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

Moving Day
Today I am moving to a new space. This URL will stick around for awhile so that my many fans, okay all six of you, can find my new space.
Be gentle, the new site is still in progress.
http://lusciouschaos.wordpress.com/

2007-09-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Michaela is on a kick to see how far she can run on the treadmill. She was starting to inspire me to get moving until I noticed that I was having a difficult time taking a picture of her on treadmill without displaying the disastrous space that is my home office. Pathetic. Maybe tomorrow, I will attempt to clean my desk while on the treadmill. Now that is inspiring.

Story People of the Day:

BEING GOOD

I've always thought death was a lot like Christmas, he said. I can't wait to find out if being good the whole time was worth it.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

What a difference a week makes. Since the Dr. suggested I may have Celiacs Disease, I have been on a gluten free diet. Hence the AA chip. I think the chip is appropriate because I feel like I am in the early days of sobriety. My head is clear for the first time in quite a few weeks. And the cravings are still ever present. Gluten free means no bread, rolls, cake, cookies or anything made with wheat, rye or barley flour. Even the seemingly "good stuff" can be off limits--balance bars for example. I have become reacquianted with the vegetable. And my new best friend is the George Foreman grill. I never made kabobs this pretty unless I was serving to book club.

Last night I spent a hour or so looking at The Story People website. When I first started blogging, I would insert a story of the day. So here's one entitled INVENTION for this picture:

I always wanted to invent something that would move around & make funny noises & would change the world as we know it & I forgot all about that until we had kids & now I see I came pretty close.
Enough for now...love to all.

Okay, sorry but I just read another one that made me crack up called BAD FIT

Certain types of people don't fit in here, she told me when we first moved in.
Just assume you're one of them & you'll be fine.

Okay really enough...love to all.

2007-09-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

One more quick post tonight. I have had a couple of people comment lately about the name "Luscious Chaos." I cannot claim ownership cause I took it from a most unconventional artist/storyteller named Brian Andreas. http://www.storypeople.com/storypeople/Home.do.
If/when you check out his site, be prepared to waste an hour of two laughing. And when you find a piece that touches you particularly please share it with me in the comments.
Really enough for now...love to all.

2007-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

As CP wrote, we will all remember where we were on that beautiful, crisp morning in September 6 years ago. I had just quit my job to be a SAHM and we were in process of revising our lives to live "providently" on one income. It was the first morning in our newly downsized home and I was waking to a day of unpacking. It addition to the shock and horror of watching the planes shatter buildings, I felt the intense urge to drive to my children's school and bring them home for protection. There was such an eerie feeling that there was more coming.

So where did the Tates spend this 9/11? At Disneyland. Okay, I know this would seem to trivialize the day, potentially to be renamed "Patriots Day." However, while chatting with a couple while waiting for a show to begin, I got a new perspective.

This couple told me that they wanted to celebrate our uniquely American way of life and freedom enjoying themselves pumping money into the American economy. Those who perpetrated the horrific event would much prefer us to spend our day remembering the vulnerability we all felt when we saw this tragedy playing out in major cities at the same time. I like the idea of celebrating our freedom in a truly magical place where I can do and wear and buy and say almost anything I want (The recent Southwest incident reminds me that freedom has some boundaries). So today I will spend a few minutes thinking of some incredible sacrifices and be ever grateful for my blessed life.

Besides the lines were incredibly short.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-09-10T21:47:00.001-07:00

AN UGLY HANDMADE PRESENT IS NOT A GIFT

Since I have to spend time resting, I decided to start crocheting again. I got this idea to make scarfs for the girls in my family. I love to give and receive handmade items. I have often stated that "the love is in the stitches." However, while I was crocheting, I had a strange memory hit me like a brick wall. My Grandmother was very talented in all the..let's just call them "vintage arts." She could quilt, crochet, knit and can with the best of her generation. When I was ten, crocheted ponchos were totally cool and I asked her to make one for me. In the seventies, the color palette was mostly comprised of neon bright colors. Well, she finished the poncho and put it in the mail. It was beautifully made but the yarn she used was a varigated autumn mix. Beautiful for my then 70 year old Grandma, not so hip for a ten year old. I wore the poncho often but never felt quite right. This might have something to do with the only dress I had to wear it with, an olive green Deseret Industries dress that was missing the first button. In my fourth grade school pictures, you see a big ole safety pin in place of a button. The poncho veed perfectly to highlight my second hand dress. Over the years, I have always had a strange sensation when looking at amazing items with questionable color palettes. I feel a stitch in my heart because at this point in my life I am fully aware and awed at the time and skill these pieces take. And also I connect with the desire to see the receiver of homemade gifts really love the item and not have to fake it. After all, you really can't exchange or re-gift these personalized items. You are kind of under some type of obligation to wear or use the item especially in front of the creator. My dear friend Barbara marshalled members of my book club to contribute quilt blocks to this beautiful lap quilt. I sat down and cried when I opened this 'perfect' gift. The colors are amazing, the sentiments as touching. I know the work that went into this gift and was such a perfectly timed and wholly appreciated gift. I am touched to tears everytime I think about it.

So now to the heart of this post--is this yarn ugly? If I made you this scarf would you wear it out of obligation or choice? I chose the red because Amanda is a UTES fan and could use a scarf for the games. All of a sudden I have turned into my grandmother. Full of self-doubt as I no longer know what colors are cool. One step away from making crocheted toilet paper covers, I need your help. You know I don't often stoop to begging for comments but if you read this post and don't normally leave comments--today is the day. Sign up for a Google account and leave me your opinion. The Tate Family Christmas is hanging in the balance.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-09-09T19:43:00.001-07:00

Well this post will be a rambler cause I wanted to document a couple of things Spencer said to me yesterday on the way to the Walmart. We are driving down the street and he says, "Mom, this really is a great neighborhood to live in isn't it?." Continuing with, "I'm so glad that we don't live in Long Beach, that's where all the Junk Jackers live." Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of you out there that are so much cooler than I am. I had heard of car jackers, but junk jackers. Okay, apparently Junk Jackers are people who will steal anything, any ole junk. I guess there is an elaborate networks of junk fencers who want the junk. Who would have guessed that is going on in Long Beach?

Later, as we are pulling into the parking lot, he says, "Walmart, better be living up to their committments!" He was concerned about their statement, "always low prices." He is so amazingly random right now. I could listen to him philosophize for hours, until he launches into a conversation about the intricate characteristics of various Pokemons. He launched that topic and as gently as possible, I told him that I really don't follow Pokemons and that maybe we could talk about something interesting to both of us. He just looked at me and said, "Mom, I have tried to teach you." Then he said, "Sometimes it is not that the Teacher is not ready to teach but that the student is unwilling to learn."

How true my profound Son!

Enough for now...love to all

2007-09-08T18:32:00.001-07:00

The fog is lifting. Today for the first time in about six weeks, I have some energy. My Dr. in SLC suggested that I try a gluten free diet for a week or so. One of the blood tests showed a possibility of Celiacs disease. I won't go into the gory details (intestines don't absorb nutrients). You basically get fatter while losing the ability to get any nutrients from your food. That just doesn't seem fair. Anyway no bread, cakes, cookies, pasta for the last few days and I am starting to feel better. Not an easy long term way of life but better than spending life in bed.

I took this picture of Kailey Jo while we were in SLC last week. She looks exactly like Clint. Poor Natalie, I understand the desire to see yourself in your child. Kids go through so many stages, I'm sure at some point we will see some of Natalie. Right now Michaela looks so much like Doug.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-09-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

I just plunked down $850 for Spencer and Michaela to ride the bus every day. This is how I know I am truly sick. I don't have the energy to really be upset about it. I am sure things will resolve soon. I flew last week to SLC to go to my Dr. He took over $800 worth of tests. I got the results today and a couple of the tests were out of the normal range. I don't know exactly what to do next other than spend hours on the computer diagnosing myself. Who needs medical school when you have the internet. The tests measure everything from Colon Cancer to "you're too fat." I should know soon. Here are pics from the weekend and the first day of school.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my friend from the office, Patricia Gaulin sponsored a service trip to an orphanage is Tijuana, Mexico. I still am struggling with my health, so I sent the family and stayed home to rest. Steve and Brent went along with Doug, Michaela and Spence. They had a great experience. Before they went, I took the kids to Target and they picked out soccer balls to give to the kids. They both wanted these Spanish/English dictionaries ($1.79) and Michaela spent most of Friday night practicing Spanish phrases. It is really important to me that my children learn to serve. I was so pleased that they had a positive experience and everyone agreed that they would like to go again next year (Patricia intends to make this a yearly event). Apparently, this one little boy took a real liking to Spence and Spence drug him around the play area on his foot. Michaela started teaching the girls how to make Norwegian paper baskets. Brent, Steve's friend, served a mission in Argentina, so he was able to translate. I wish I had been able to go and the pictures

tell a great story. Next time.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for awhile. I am struggling a little with my health lately. My energy has just bottomed out and I am challenged trying to work and care for the family. I took thes shots of Michaela which echo my being. I'm sure things will improve shortly and I'll be full of sass again soon.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

QUIRKY IN THE MOST DELIGHTFUL WAY.

I have been really blessed in my life with really interesting friends. When describing my most unique and enjoyable friends (and my children), I will usually say, he/she is quirky in the most delightful way.

Such is the case with my dear friend, Joan Smith

I took this photo of Joan this weekend in San Clemente. I think she would like being lit with this golden light. She deserves a Vermeer approach to her portrait.

I first met Joan when she moved in across the street on Connor Ridge Cove a few years ago but I feel like I have known her for years. We become good friends via our love for books, music and beautiful things. She is generous beyond belief. And if you are looking for a good book, you will leave her home with three or four.

There is a beautiful straightforwardness to Joan. She doesn't waste her time on things she does not enjoy or value. She artfully evades the guilt plague which afflicts most Mormon women. But she knows where her talents lie, and she gives freely without keeping tally.

When you need a place to lay down you burdens, you can go to Joan. She will listen without judgement. She has an uncanny way of making difficult times seem trivial while validating your feelings.

A couple of years ago, Joan decided that I was her seventh daughter. An honor I do not take lightly. My family and I have been included in many a family dinner at the Smith's. There are always interesting conversations as her husband and children weave in and out. You see, she has raised independent thinkers and the conversation is always about more about ideas than people. Although, we are not above discussing a certain church leader who parks his vehicle diagonally across multiple spaces at the church.

She is timeless and is one of the few that can pull off wearing kaftans without looking like a throw back from Three's Company.

She will likely never read this tribute but the goodwill I feel towards this great woman will find its way to her heart..

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-10T23:21:00.001-07:00

ODE to my dream and HOMAGE to reality.

2007-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am on a mini vacation with the kids tonight. I had a business conference in Monterey so I decided to drive with the kids and let them do the hotel thing with me. I love being with these two. Micheala cracked me up today. We had purchase a can of Pringles to share. She was doling them out slowly (too slowly for Spence and I). She was making Spence wait, so I gave him mine. She stated, "How is he ever going to learn, if you just give him what he wants." Tomorrow we go to Hearst Castle--I have never been and will try to stop in Solvang if we still have the energy. Photos to follow.
I am having a little issue with anger management myself lately. I have no direct evidence but my less than empirical evidence shows that Californians are just plain rude especially when it comes to women traveling with children. Maybe is has something to do with the space per capita. Yesterday, Spence was having difficulty opening a rather heavy door. It caused a man who came up behind him to sigh and roll his eyes. Normally, I just ignore it but I am turning into the guy from "Network"--mad as @#$% and not gonna take it anymore. In a calm voice, I said to the gentleman, "you don't need to be rude, he is a ten year old boy." A second incident took place today where someone was screaming in a parking lot because we were in the wrong spot. Spencer had thrown up in the car and Michaela and I were trying to dispose of the towels we used to clean up. We were inconveniencing this man because he had to wait a few seconds to get into the space. After his response, I indicated that a child had just thrown up and we were trying to get it taken care of. The man was absolutely unaffected. His need to get into a parking space was greater than a barfing child. Incredible. Michaela and I talked about it after. I am reminded of the intense need for gentility and patience in the world. I am not there but am willing to give you a break if you cut me off in traffic or take my parking space (especially if barf is involved).
Enough for now....love to all.

2007-08-07T00:21:00.000-07:00

I just looked at my last post and realized that I should have explained why I included that photo. It looks strangely out of place amidst the photos of kids. I guess the photo is a total juxtapose with the text but the truth is...this photo never really captured the strength of my relationship with my dh. It is some photographers #5 on the list of mandatory engagement photos. A more realistic pose would be dh and I doing the firemans's carry or pulling an ox cart. We have had the blessing of working alongside each other for 12 years. One of the things I have always admired about my husband is his willingness to work. He has never been one to watch me clean around him. If I begin straightening up an area, he is right beside me doing his share. I'm sure I have his mother to thank for that and I would hope Spence is the same with his wife someday.
Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

Real and Practical Love

Doug and I went to a party on Friday night. There were about 12 other couples and the hostess had planned a couple of icebreaker games. We played a couple of rounds of "I've Never", where you say something you have never done and the those that have have to contribute a penny to the pot. Then we played "Two Truths and a Lie." Here was my contribution:

1. I sat by Fabio in an airport lounge. TRUE And he is totally huge and rather greasy looking.

2. I was on "Good Morning America." TRUE

The year I graduated from High School, I did summer stock theatre in Jackson Hole, WY. Good Morning America came to do a feature story on Jackson. That morning I just happened to be playing the part of the saloon gal in the shootout in the square.

3. I piloted a 747. FALSE

Anyway, as the evening waxed more languid, we started sharing engagement stories. The couples ranged from newlyweds to 25+ marriages. It was so interesting. The stories ran the gamut from wonderfully romantic with a fairytale setup to the low-risk "okay, so some day I might want to marry you, what do you think." One couple made a hasty exit and it seemed clear that this topic was off limits in a group. Finally, the asked the Tates. This has always been kinda a sore topic for me. Doug and I got engaged after a serious discussion (argument). We had carried on a long distance relationship for 8 months. I was living in Toronto at the time and I would fly down every few weeks and Doug would fly up when he could arrange for the kids care. Our discussion at Murray Park was a "fish or cut bait" talk. If we were not getting married, I needed to move on and not waste my time. The "will you marry me?" wasn't spontaneous or beautifully orchestrated, more like a concession to circumstance. I have always held a little resentment about this, petty to be sure. When it came our turn to share our "engagement story", I let Doug tell it. At first, he futzed around. He knew this was a major set-up. At one point, he just got down on one knee and asked me, "if I would still marry him?" Of course, I said yes. Then I exclaimed, "let the healing begin." It was funny but somewhat touching at the same time. It made me reflect on how many times Doug has allowed me to take the lead when he thought it would make me happy. I am not easy to live with and he thinks about my comfort and happiness often. Okay, ours is not a movie type of love but it is enduring and constant and I am totally blessed to have real, practical love in my marriage.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-08-01T18:04:00.000-07:00

Lately, I am becoming more and more aware of my whinitude. If I am not complaining about something I am not comfortable. It can really become as habit forming as my first love--Diet Coke- and much tougher to give up. I need a patch. Or at least some type of medication to wean me from the energy I am taking from this. And the energy it is taking from my life.

An old favorite joke:

Wife to Husband: But honey, I told you I wanted to vacation in the wine country.

Husband to Wife: Honey, everywhere I go with you in whine country.

I found this article online and while I know it is intended for children, maybe my friends, who really love me, can pretend to parent me through this...

How to Stop Whining in 4 Easy Steps
Whining is a habit your child developed over time, and it will take a little time to break it. But, don't despair; you can stop your child's whining habit. Here's how.
Notice when she whines and choose your response. Changing the pattern of whining begins when you change how you respond to it.
When you notice her whining, call her attention to it. Whining has become an unconscious habit by the time she reaches elementary school. She needs to learn to recognize it first. Some strategies you can try are:
Purposeful ignoring. You can even say "I'm ignoring you when you use your whiny voice. Try again in your normal voice and I'll pay attention."
Whine back. Use a bit of humor to cue her to notice her whining by showing what a whiny voice sounds like.
Stop her immediately when she whines and say, "Do you hear that you are whining? Tell me the same thing in your normal voice."
Tone of voice is the hallmark of whining, but the child's reaction to being told 'no' is another component of whining.
She needs to learn a new habit to replace whining, so help her learn the right approach to asking for what she wants. Asking politely is an important social skill that you can teach directly. To teach a child to accept 'no' for an answer can be more of a challenge. I like the approach from Common-Sense Parenting. Teach your child to:
Stop and look at Mom or Dad
Say "OK"
Stay calm. Do not argue or whine.
If you disagree, discuss it later, calmly and in private.
Reinforce non-whining. Focus on the problem for 2-3 months, and thereafter if the habit creeps back. Notice when she asks politely and when she accepts 'no' for an answer without whining. Praise and reward her to reinforce the new learning. When she does whine, pause, look at her, and call attention to the whining if necessary. Help her think through what she should say and how to practice the new learning. Watch your own whining too, so that social learning doesn't overcome your efforts to break your child's whining habit.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-31T21:36:00.001-07:00

While looking at the Type Pad website, I was led to read Scott Adams blog. Scott is the creator of Dilbert. I was so charmed by this post, until the end, when he declares he is an agnostic rather than a believer. I still think the argument is worth considering for those of us who believe in God.

The Atheist Who Thought He Was God
Can we ever be sure about anything in life?
Is a feeling of 99% certainty enough to say you “know” something? Or do you need to feel 99.9999999999% certain before you’re willing to commit?
If you say you need to be 100% certain, you don’t understand how human brains work. It’s common for the human brain to be certain about things that later turn out to be completely false. It happens all the time, to everyone. If it has ever happened to you, then you know you can’t trust your own powers of certainty.
This brings me to atheists. In order to be certain that God doesn’t exist, you have to possess a godlike mental capacity – the ability to be 100% certain. A human can’t be 100% certain about anything. Our brains aren’t that reliable. Therefore, to be a true atheist, you have to believe you are the very thing that you argue doesn’t exist: God.
Perhaps you will argue that being 99.999999% certain God doesn’t exist is just as good as being 100% sure. That strikes me as bad math. As other philosotainers have famously noted, a small chance of spending eternity in Hell has to be taken seriously. Eternity is a long time.
Let me put this in perspective. You might be willing to accept a 10% risk of going skiing and getting hurt, but you wouldn’t accept a 10% risk of a nuclear war. The larger the potential problem, the less risk you are willing to tolerate.
An eternity in Hell is the largest penalty there could ever be. So while you might not worry about a .00000000001% chance of ending up in Hell, you can’t deny the math. .00000000001% of eternity is a lot longer than your entire mortal life. Infinitely longer.
I sometimes call myself an atheist because it’s too hard to explain Spinoza’s version of god. And it’s too hard to explain that agnosticism is the only intellectually defensible position.

After reading this I hope you will feel more grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which testifies and communicates truth in a way no mortal man can, regardless of their brilliant humanity.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

We went to the Orange County Fair this weekend. I was very impressed. I remember going to the Strawberry Festival as a kid growing up in Garden Grove. This year's theme was "Cowabunga", hence the surfing cow sand sculpture. The Peking Acrobat troupe photos are fodder for a number of posts on balance, of which I am in sore need. One thing I did note. The older I get, the less I know how to have fun. My expectation that I should be able to meet every family members desire for a good time robs me. I fully get that this is my problem and also that I have indulged my children to the point that they believe everything is always about them. My parenting leaves much to desire. When they aren't satisfied with the outcome of what we do or where we go, I try to nail them with the "ungrateful" spiel.

Yesterday, Spencer and I were doing our visiting teaching. I know it is a little weird but I take him as my companion because both sisters I visit have little boys that love Spencer. At the second visit, the kids decided to whack each other with toys swords. One of the kids leveled a pretty good swing at Spencer's face right on his glasses and he ended up with a nasty bruise. On the way home in the car, he was telling me that he was trying to protect the youngest child, a little girl named Natalie, but that her brothers weren't showing their younger sister any mercy so he stepped in front of the sword. Spence and I have talked many times about the challenges (and benefits) of being the youngest. He told me the youngests' need to stick together. I told him that one of the blessings of being the youngest is that you learn compassion for others. You know what it feels like to be picked on and you don't want others to experience that hurt. He shook his head and said, "yeah, if you don't get killed before you grow up." He is a tender hearted soul and I will always be grateful for him in my life.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am thinking about defecting from Blogger. I want to be like the other kids with Blog Sites that look like they were created by professional marketing agencies. I want to be a blogga playa. I don't have any idea why cause the whole point of my blog is to reach out to my nearly double digit fan base and post pretty pictures of my beloveds. We will see if I have the energy and skill to move from the minors to the big time.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am an addict and I am raising a family of addicts. My only solace is that the things we are addicted to are not life threatening and will likely (hopefully) not land us on the sidewalk with our belongings in plastic garbage bags. This is a photo of Michaela. Her current passion/addition is Runescape. She chose to sit up on a counter continuing to play rather than take a brief break while we were vacuuming the floor beneath her feet. Okay, so her body is more nimble and what seemed totally uncomfortable to me is not that taxing for an 11 year old girl.

Spencer is addicted to "that darn DS." I have place severe restrictions in place. No...you may not take your gameboy to primary or scouts. No...you may not take your gameboy when we go out to eat as a family (one of the few times we have them captive for stimulating conversation). If I stand in front of you asking questions and your glazed ravenous eyes and ears register nothing I am saying, you will be banished from the electronic instrument of evil.

My addiction to Diet Coke is back with a vengence. It is the first craving I have each day as I wake.

My other newest addiction are these blogs themselves. I have begun to discover a network of women bloggers that I do not know personally but they know someone I know and they have some really interesting things to say. Some of them quite frankly have a little too much time on their hands or else they are so incredibly organized that their blogs like their homes are always spotless and well-tended. Also so interesting to watch the homefront businesses these creative women have cooked up. Today I came across a giveaway from a woman who is raffling off a blog redesign. She does beautiful layouts and charges $70 per to custom design your blog. I don't know what I'll do if I don't win.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-24T09:17:00.001-07:00

HAPPY 100TH POST

When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that when we meet again you will know me. It means that even after I died, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart." -- Fredrick Buechner from Whistling in the Dark
I was reading a blog and someone had passed on and this quote was part of a tribute. What absolutely lovely words. One day I will create a list of those who have left a mark of who I am on who you are.

The kids are in SURF SCHOOL this week. The best thing is Spencer likes it. It has been somewhat difficult to find sports that he enjoys let alone those he is willing to try. He has become a water kid and this is perfect for him. Photos to follow.
Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

I bought some baby bottles for a little game at Celeste Bowler's shower. Well we never got around to the game but my dear baby boy Spencer managed to try it out anyway. I love this sweet young man child and plan to save this photo for his wedding video.

Well we had a great time in Utah. I drove home with Spence and Michaela. I was a little concerned because the DVD player wasn't working. I get the bright idea to buy some book on tape. Not much selection at Walmart but at Deseret Book in Cedar City we bought a copy of Fablehaven on CD. Fablehaven turns out to be a LDS version of Harry Potter. Honestly, it was a great listen for all ages. We made it halfway through the book before we pulled in to our driveway. Highly recommended for all ages.

Uncle Steve, Aunt Terra and Kyle called Saturday morning and told us they were bored at their "chateau" on Morro Bay so they drove an extra six hours to hang out with us in Seal Beach. We took the Aqua Taxi to Long Beach and saw "Hairspray." I loved the original John Waters version so it was a treat for me. Apparently, I was the only one who loved it. I guess the show is an acquired taste. I even enjoyed John Travolta is drag (he has not received great reviews). Thank goodness Zac Ephron from High School Musical was in the show or I would have had a full scale mutiny on my hands.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

VISITING HOURS

We have spent most of this vacation week visiting. We came to Salt Lake to return April to her rightful home and to help celebrate Grandma Dickson's 85th birthday. It has been so fun to see those we love.

Saturday: Lunch with the Bunnells and the party at Grandma Dickson's House

Sunday: Sacrament in our old ward. The high councilman speaking mentioned how nice it was to see "The Tates" in church. I wonder if he thinks we have been inactive these past 15 months. Grandma Tates for Sunday dinner, then back to our circle to visit the Smith, Dallimores, Gourleys and Rose and Jay.

Monday: Family Home Evening at Liberty Park with my side of the family. One mean volleyball game.

Tuesday: Lunch with my book club and dinner with Norma.

All of this sprinkled with generous visits with Clint, Natalie, Kailey Jo, Steve and Amanda.

Tomorrow is Spencers birthday, then we load up the truck and back to Beverly (Seal Beach).

We are about loved out. Honestly, this reminds us of how richly blessed we are with friends and family. Our hearts (and tummys) are full.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

Michaela's birthday was on Wednesday. As I young girl, sometimes I would sneak a peek at my mothers journal (sorry Mom) looking to see how I figured into her life.

Michaela has been the joy in my life for 11 years. I love her spunk. In one of my favorite books, a father describes his son by saying, "there was a brightness in him." That is how I feel about Michaela, she has a brightness in her.

If we were contemporaries, instead of mother and daughter, I would have wanted to be her friend. She is a riot and not afraid to try anything, except scary rides. But she constantly challenges herself, she has committed to going on the Matterhorn her next trip to Disneyland.

She is fierce often taking on the older kids in games. She fares best in video games and can beat the older boys.

Someone in our new ward once described Michaela as a "friend maker." She easily accepts others into her circle.

I am so blessed to have the opportunity to parent this amazing spirit. Michaela, you are my best thing.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have been clinging to the end of the on-the-rack section of the department store for too long and I have to start paying some attention to my weight. I blame it on stress but this month I moved from misses to the womens department....and started a diet.

Now I am not above the quick fix so I investigated the Alli Weight Loss Program.

Funny but before I begin with their program, they want to assess my readiness. They think we are friends and that we will have friendly interaction before we begin. They don't realize the adversarial position they undertake as they seek to get between me and comfort. In addition, they expect me to commit. I do not know these people but here they are asking me if I am ready for Alli and what my plan is.

The feature of the plan that I find most attractive in the short term is that if you overdo with the fat content in your meals, the pill rewards you with unpleasant side effects referred to as "treatment effects." It seems similar to what happens to a post gastric bypass patient if they pig out.

Seems strange but I almost need the threat to get started. For 3 days I have made better choices and eaten normal sized portions. Who knows how long fear will battle desire but for today I am in control.

Hopefully, in a few months, I will no longer feel the need to hide in the back during photos or use my children to strategically hide my bulges. Or not.

This photo was from Celeste Bowler's baby shower. I also got a beautiful shot of one of my favorite bloggers so I will post in her honor.

Tomorrow is Michaela's 11th Birthday. She has been a total joy for me this past 11 years. I will dedicate a post for her tomorrow but when she was around 4 years old she told us all that her birthday was on July Tweleventh (11th). She is also convinced that on her visit to 7/11 tomorrow for a free slurpee, they will offer her the larger size since she shares a birthday with the establishment.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy couple of days. On the 4th we started with a breakfast at the church. There was a contest for the most Patriotic Dress. Michaela won in the childs category (she made her own costume) and April and Spence for the older kids. I went as Betsy Floss (Michaela's brainchild--you dress as Betsy Ross and hang dental floss around your neck). Doug tied a piece of patriotic fabric around his head and let people guess who he was. Easyrider was mentioned numerous times.

Michaela has been a "fairness fairy" most of her life. I know her first words were Mama and Dada but her first sentence was "that's not fair."

Last night she sat on Spencer's head. Needless to say, he was hurt and I sent her to her room. She began her constant whine that begins...you never see what he does...you always blame me...etc.

I went up to talk to her later and she confessed that she has a problem with "anger management" (her words not mine). She expressed a desire to find a more appropriate way to negotiate with Spence. She then went down to the computer and drafted this document. While it is charming as can be, I truly appreciate the intent of this young girl. She understands that she has a choice how she will react and is taking responsibility to change the home she lives in for the better. Formidable.

Michaela's manifesto:

House rules for safety and fairness
These rules are to represent having fights turned around to result in better daily schedules that can help our daily lives in this very busy house with 5 people living in fury and fun (there are fights and fun). This house document is being typed by one of the former livers of this crazy life style and I say that this document will help everyone in this house become more peaceful and understanding. Most people in this house don’t want to deal with fights, get hurt, or have their stuff or power disrespected in this house, which happens daily causing many fights and lots of anger which slows us down every day resulting in bad conflict and much crankiness which makes the house very busy and tiring to live at and deal with everyday. So as a resident you would wonder what it would be like without the fighting and disrespect, let me give you examples. Less fighting in the house, more pride in what belongs to you, less tiredness in daily schedules, and more peace and happiness around the house which will make much more time to relax. Now this is what possibly could happen if these rules were followed.

1. No joking around on things that could make other people angry.

2. Try to respect others special items that they wouldn’t want taken.

3. Always ask before you take something that doesn’t belong to you.

4. Be polite by answering yes 5 out of 10 times after someone asks.

5. Do not ask the same question one after another.

6. Make out a plan before playing a game that may turn out unfair.

7. If someone asks but you’re playing on the item simply work out turns.

8. “No” can be said more than once for safety or emergency.

These are the rules that I believe will make the house a much better place to live.

________________________ ________________________
Child signature Parent signature
________________________ ________________________
Child signature Parent signature

___________________________
Guardian signature (this is April)

I Michaela Tate believe in a more peaceful house, if you do sign here.

That is all thanks for listening.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, as I was reading about blogging, someone suggested making up nicknames for the main characters in your story (family) to protect their identity. I have been thinking about what to call Spence and Michaela (see--apparently I don't get it cause I just revealed their identity).

The Nutty Professor may be my choice for this child.

These are two questions he has posed to me within the past 24 hours.

1. Mom, if you took a block of cheese, threw it in the air, and hit it very hard with a tennis racket, what do you think would happen?

2. Mom, if you were on a deserted island, would you eat your foot? When I hesitated he followed up with-- You could cook it first.

He is slighty nuts and boy am I a lucky mom.

2007-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my NBBF SF(new best blog friend), I can now post a blog award tag on my site. Thank you, SF!!!! I am learning so much from you.

Okay, so the point of these tags is to acknowledge other Rockin Girl Bloggers. CP has been a friend and mentor of mine for over 10 years. She introduced me to blogging back in Oct 06. This is the first time in my life that I have successfully maintained a journal. It got me interested in taking pictures and documenting our lives more consistently. A total gift. CP has been blogging for almost a year and her love of family and friends inspires us all. She is funny, loving and to the point. She is a talented writer and all around renaissance woman, blending family and career with great skill.

So it is with great pleasure that I award this tag to:

Real Life by Carrie Pearson. http://carriepearson.blogspot.com/

You totally rock.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday!! When I was 30, I threw my own 30th Surprise Birthday Party. It was a totally great party. In that spirit, I am writing my own 47th Birthday Tribute..... I started to write a list of 25 great things everyone should know about me but I got kinda tired just thinking about which 25 to select. I dug this out of my e-mail. So just think I can write about myself and assuage my guilt around all the people who sent this to me and assumed I would pass it on and I never did.

Four jobs I have had in my life

1. Travel counselor for Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

2. Wedding florist

3. Top Rep for Dynix (Library Automation) (this one is for you Carrie)
4. Currently work with Honda, Suzuki, Mitsu and Kia

Four movies I have watched over and over again

1. Room with a View

2. The Mission

3. Cry, the Beloved Country

4. All the Harry Potters and Lord of the Rings

Four TV shows I love to watch

1. Any and all reality shows, regardless of the worth. I once watched an afternoon of Flavor of Love Charm school. Pathetic, I should be embarassed.
2. The 4400

3. The Office
4. All varieties of Law and Order

A few places I have been on vacation

1. Italy

2. Carribean: 5 cruises
3. D.C.
4. Florida

Four of my favorite foods

1. Shrimp Scampi

2. Pasta Carbonara
3. Cheese Enchiladas
4. Chocolate
[I love food -- this list could be very long]

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Taking a nap

2. Italy

3. Making cards
4. Reading a good book

Four things you do not know about me:

1. I can do a stupid person trick where I fold my elbows inside each othe and put my head through the middle.

2. I once worked on a church project with Bill Marriott. He would call me for the meetings and it totally freaked out my co-workers.

3. When I watch, "So You Think You Can Dance," I think I can.

4. I believe I can do most anything (except professional sports).

Four ways I am incredibly blessed:

1. I have an amazing family including extended who are loving and supportive.

2. I have incredibly loving and talented friends.

3. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ to guide me in life. This makes all other blessings sweeter.

4. I am richly provided for in all ways.

Happy Birthday to me!

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-07-01T19:57:00.001-07:00

On the weekends, we have been exploring California, especially since April is with us. Yesterday, we decided to venture down to Venice Beach. Plenty of oddities. Michaela noted that is Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth, Venice Beach is the Craziest.

One thing I love about Spence and Michaela is their lack of judgement towards others based on appearance. They met many jewelry artists and got right down on the ground to discuss what the gemstones were, what were their favorites, where they got them, etc. These were some very interesting individuals and Spence and Michaela were in deep discussion over how crystals are formed. April was certainly a good sport.

This guy make wire trees with the names of all your family. So cool!

We found the perfect t-shirt for Spence. We are too cheap to buy it but we often joke about Spencer's love affair with ketchup. Spence has been known to drink ketchup which grosses us all out but hasn't hurt him any.

It has been a rather peaceful Sunday. The calm before the storm. This week begins Birthday Season, 4th of July, Celeste Bowler's shower.

By the way I am also now a grand aunt. I really felt old as I became a grandma last year, but a grand aunt?! I am on my way to a starring role in a Dicken's book.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-29T20:34:00.001-07:00

There are a couple of blogs I stalk written by people I do not know. I ran across them randomly and have continued to look because of the beautiful photos. A little blogger voyeurism. http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/ and http://karenrussell.typepad.com/ are two of my regular favorites. Maybe one thing that attracts me is that both these women have created a space where they can enjoy creating and sharing what they do and make money at the same time to support their bad habits. Reading their blogs gives me a sense that I am missing out on my new version of "La Dolce Vita." I am loathe to admit this but I don't find as much joy as I used to in the career girl life. I want to nest and make pretty things.

I am devolving. I find as I get older that I no longer ache for a million dollar sale but get a huge sense of satisfaction from finished a crocheted baby quilt or making hand sewn booties.

Years ago as I was experiencing the thrill of being Top Rep, I was once given a fashion citation by our proposal department. I made some insensitive remark about how the members of the team joining me at a bidders conference would need to dress appropriately (power suits, no Laura Ashley). My intensity at wanting to control all--and I do mean ALL-- of the aspects of the sale was comprehensive.

Today, I want the freedom to wear tent dresses, volunteer at the school, garden and do crafts. Heaven forbid but the day I start craving geneology will be a day of total surrender.

Never make fun of others choices, soon enough you will find yourself enjoying that which you previously mocked hoping-relying on your friends dwindling memories.

Sidebar: Watched the Mrs. World Pagaent the other night at 1 am. One of the country contestants was 23 years old with no children. To me, that is not a Mrs. Anything. Some friends and I decided that you should not be eligible to compete unless you could prove that at some point in your life you need an elastic waistband.

I do by the way have many choices and am afforded a very comfortable blessed life but if reincarnation is real, expect to see me wearing comfortable shoes at some craft fair, my hair in a scrunchy looking down at the women who squeeze into suits--enduring the pain and discomfort of serious lycra foundations.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to April Brunsvik. April has joined us from Salt Lake for a month or so to...play with my children...organize my home...teach good moral values to our family...clean the car.. and generally meet all the previously unmet needs in the Tate home. I told a colleague in my office that I finally have a wife. She is soooo helpful. And since I know her mama is missing her I wanted to post a few pics.

We love having April with us. She even got Spencer outside to play a bit of basketball. Thanks, Brunsviks for loaning us your lovely child.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to have April Brunsvik staying with us. I took some pictures of her and the kids at a nature trail. I will post soon.

A couple of weeks ago I decided that we need to see more of CA while we live here. So a week or so ago, Doug and I loaded up the kids and went to check out Chinatown.

Chinatown consists mostly of small shops with cheap stuff and a couple of arches and monuments thrown in for flavor.

This gentleman snoozing at the Bra stand could easily have been Doug.

I bought two Sunday smocks for $12.

Michaela purchased this entire Kabuki ensemble for under $10. She had of course, been more interested in the swords available.

We then walk to a local Buddhist temple. It was on our tourist map. Upon entering we looking for the equivalent of the Mormon missionaries to share with us why there were large piles of fruit everywhere and how the incense and candles play into Buddhism. No one spoke English and we ended up feeling a little intrusive. Finally, a very nice man from Laos walked us around and explained a few things. We always think we have the market cornered on Temple ritual.

So interesting the process of getting an answer to prayer.

You bring an offering, ask your question and get an answer from a number carved into wooden sticks in a shaker. You then go to the wall and find the appropriate corresponding numbered message that contains your answer.

Call me lazy but I will take the still, small voice any day.

Overall, an interesting day.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was interesting. At 9:30 in the morning, I was sitting at my desk in sweats when Michaela called and plaintively cried, "Is anybody coming to my graduation?" What!!!!! I had no idea, 5th grade graduation. I pulled it together and ran with April (our new wonder helper/nanny) to the grocery store for flowers and a grad balloon. You see I have come to understand that we overcelebrate the mundane. If I don't want Michaela in a therapists office in 15 yrs. talking about what an absentee mother she had, I have to step up my game.

We got there took the photos and all was well. I did note that Michaela was one of 3 girls not wearing prom-like attire. The graduation lasted just over an hour, complete with 4 speeches and a listen to "I Have Been Changed for Good" from Wicked.

I only laugh...do you list 5th grade graduation on your resume? Is moving to Middle School cause for celebration?

I only know we did our best not to embarass our beautiful child. After all she is my world.

Enough for now....love to all.

2007-06-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today is Father's Day and we have had a lovely day. Steve and Amanda surprised Doug by flying in this am. We tricked him pretty good. I told him the kids were making him breakfast and he needed to stay in bed till they brought in up. When Amanda and Steve walked in with Bacon and French toast he was truly surprised.

This day started me thinking about my own father. My father was a curious character and often has the role of villian in our family story. Richard Byron Smith, my dad, was an alcoholic who abused his children. Many of the pivotal memories of my childhood center around on his inexcusable behavior while drunk and the total lack of control and disregard he exhibited towards those he loved while in this state.

Tonight, however, I started thinking of some of the gifts my father gave me. First and foremost, my dad was a dreamer. I remember the many ideas he had for inventions. A few of the ideas were pretty amazing and had alcohol and general craziness not been such a driver in his life, he could have had a number of patents and likely been a wealthy man. He was intensely creative and saw things as raw materials not as what someone told them they were. He owned his own business maintaining small parking lots. If he needed a part to make a vehicle work and it didn't exist he would create his own solution. I remember he talked about the need for reflective materials on freeway lanes long before the bumps on the freeway ever existed. I think he was happiest when we was figuring out a way to make something work. I have always thought my brother Steve was incredibly mechanical like Dad. I have respect for Dad's creativity and share a certain energy in working with my hands to create things.

My dad was very intelligent. He loved words and language. He loved classical music and musicals. I love many of the same things.

He believed I was smart. When I tested in the gifted class in Elementary School, then called Mentally Gifted Minors, (I just had a good laugh with my kids about the name of the program.)He was so proud. He used to buy used "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power" workbooks and have me work through them. At the time, it seemed crazy, other kids in the neighborhood were not expected to endure this type of "homeschooling." As a result, I have never felt inadequate with issues of intelligent or learning new things, I give my dad partial credit for this.

Dick Smith was a hard working man. Towards the end of his life, he suffered with Lupus and cirrhosis of the liver. There were days when he was taking 25-30 aspirin a day. He had open sores on his legs that would never heal. Yet, I remember that he went to work most days with that pain to a job that was dirty, mundane and required significant physical labor. It would have been easy for him to give up, make excuses and stay in bed. I respect that he chose to fulfill his responsibilities.

A little crazy in the application but I remember Dad put a picture of a starving child on the back of my door. He wanted me to be aware that not all children had food to eat. He wanted his children to learn gratitude. Amazing to me that one of the things that challenge me with my children is their lack of gratitude.

Dad loved Disneyland. We share that. To this day, when I enter Main Street with my family, I feel a thrill. Kinda strange but Dad looked a little like Walt Disney. Bright blue eyes, a similar hairline and mustache.

I am reminded today thinking about my dad that we all have a great propensity for good. And I too can say as Nephi, I, Stacey, having been born of (sometimes) goodly parents and be grateful for the gift of life and life experience. It also makes me so grateful for the father of my children.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-15T23:42:00.001-07:00

Two posts in one day. Incredible (pronounced en-cred-eee-blah). I wanted to post a couple of fun photos earlier to augment my bleach post but ran out of time.

I spend 5 hours tonight finishing up a Scrapbook for Father's Day. I had contacted the older kids and asked them to write some memories of their Dad. They all returned really poignant beautiful letters. We should all have the priviledge of dying the day after we receive such tributes.

I am reading "The Secret." My favorite takeaway is about weight. Instead of indulging the thought...I am getting so fat, I must lose weight..the book proports that you visualize yourself at the desired weight and the Universe will tune to your visualized frequency. I am all over this. Speaking to you from my size 8 body.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my friend Carrie's homage to Duct Tape (which by the way is a common nickname for my husband, Doug Tate) I want to expound of the glories of the Clorox Bleach pen. I have never been a gifted laundress and for many years I have struggled to keep my whites white. Then along comes the bleach pen. Ah the joys of spot bleaching. I gloried in my ability to retain items before considered disposable. However, my elation was starting to become comprised by a price/volume consideration. I was going through a bleach pen with each white load. Clorox had me in its grips. Until one day I began pondering what others products there might be in a bleach format that could satisfy my need for volume bleaching. I thought about the creme bleach I use to color my hair...then it dawned on me the number of times I have been vigorously cleaning with Softscrub (not often enough) and the spray had ruined some very attractive black sweats (oxymoron).

Could it be that I could use Softscrub to bleach my whites, thwarting the Clorox product manager who believe 2 oz of bleach in that little tube is worth $4.39? I tried it, it works. Now I no longer have to judiciously spot my whites. I can indulge socks and underwear freely with the white magic. After all I know get 20 oz for a mere $1.89. The math is so exciting $1.89 vs. $43.99. Okay, in life we all have to give up something to get something. The little scrubbing grains may stress the fabrics slightly, so I don't suggest using it on the wedding dress. But for my needs, a definite win.

Okay, this long post about the joy of finding a more economical way to bleach my whites may seem a little sad but truly there was a feeling of accomplishment which is more than I can say many of my days.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

SPENCE THE MAGNIFICENT!!!!
Okay so I know enough bragging out my children takes place on this site but I have a couple of things I want to record about Spence. I have been a bit challenged with my new camera. A couple of days ago Spence asked if he could take a couple of photos. He went outside and took a few shots of neighborhood kids. His composition and the feel of his shots blew me away. We printed this shot, framed it and gave it to the parents of these girls, honestly some of the shots he took look like the inserts to the photo frames you buy. Effortless!

Next, we got the results back for the GATE testing (Gifted and Talented Placement). Spencer did very well overall 68/72 possible but what blew us away is the fact that he got a perfect 36/36 in the Math Application and Comprehension testing. He is in the 100% national for his age. This is the kid who doesn't think he should be required to get up a 7 am. Amazing.

Enough bragging...love to all.

2007-06-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Sharpening the Saw!!!!

I thought I would post a panorama photo of my desk taken with my new Olympus Evolt 410

DSLR. I had originally intended to purchase a Canon Rebel but ended up with the Olympus because the package included two lenses and this camera is one of the first to offer the LCD screen as a viewfinder. It was a surprise to me but with most DSLR's you do need to look through the little window to frame the shot.

I am very intimidated by this new camera. I was inspired by the amazing photos on this blog: http://karenrussell.typepad.com/ The beautiful aperture shots where the childs face or key subject is highlighted. I want to up my photo game. But honestly there are few times where I have felt unable to "get it." This is one of those few occasions. I think it has something to do with my short attention span and the 4 pt. pica type of the camera manual. I swear I need a magnifying glass to read the thing and a translator to help me understand what they said. The language of photography is as foreign as any.

I will likely purchase a DSLR for Dummies manual. I also need to look into better photo storage as I move through this new "creative trivial pursuit." Look for beautiful things.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-06-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

NEW SHOES!!!!! Tonight we went shopping for tennis shoes and both Spence and Michaela wanted the same pair---Sketchers Aerators. Apparently these shoes have employed technology that pushes air through the shoes to keep the odor at bay. This remains to be seen. But surprise, surprise the sporty boys pair appeals equally to my girl.

Be prepared--I also bought a new camera tonight. My first SLR with two lenses. Expect great things.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Why is it so hard to accept that your kids may not always like you. Spencer has always had a difficult time waking up in the morning. Most mornings, I get up and wake him at 7:00 am. I stay in his room long enough for him to answer a question so I can insure he is awake. I then go about my business and begin the process of wondering if he actually got up. I listen for stirrings of activity. Then about 7:20 I go back into his room and remove the covers from his head (I have never known anyone who can wrap a blanket tightly and completely around his head to sleep. How does he breathe?). I have talked, yelled, indicated that it is not fair (highly ineffective) and still he continues to rely on me to provide this multi-phase waking ritual. This morning I went for the jugular. I grounded him from Game Boy for a day. While dropping him off, he gave me a really crusty look. I asked him what the problem was. He said, "A kid can't be expected to get up that early." I looked across the schoolyard and thought about all those children who shouldn't be expected to get out of bed by seven. I can't wait for High School and Seminary.

And I thought you had kids so you would never be without your friends.

Enough for now... love to all.

2007-05-29T22:53:00.002-07:00

I'm feeling a little frustrated tonight. Kids watching too much TV--difficult to get them to quit arguing--challenges with wanting to work at a different level with my clients--I feel a sense of discord. While looking for quotes for a class project, I came across this quote from Shel Silverstein:

God says to me with kind of a smile,"Hey how would you like to be God awhile and steer the world?""Okay," says I, "I'll give it a try. Where do I sit? How much do I get? What time is lunch? When can I quit?"

"Gimme back that wheel," says God,"I don't think you're quite ready yet."”

I am not ready to be in charge of the Universe so maybe it is okay to give back the wheel.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-28T17:42:00.001-07:00

Been playing with Photoshop lately. Here is one of my dubious masterpieces in honor of Memorial Day. Memorial Day has always been an odd holiday for me. Just an extra Saturday thrown in after Sunday for a change. Layla had a play date with Katie Donovan, so Doug, Spencer and I went to lunch at the Elephant Bar. This evening we received a last minute invitation to a neighborhood barbeque. At first I thought, okay how do we get out of this gracefully. But then Spencer ran in looking truly excited to participate. I didn't have the heart to keep him in, so I made a quick fresh guacamole salad and off we went. As always, once we got there and started to talk we had a great time.

I read a quote that made me smile by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

Evermore in the world is this marvelous balance of beauty and disgust, magnificence and rats.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

My Bookclub friend Cherie Yates passed this along.

COOKIES

At an airport one night, with several long hours before her flight, She hunted for a book in an airport shop, bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop. She was engrossed in her book but happened to see thatthe man sitting beside her as bold as could be grabbed a cookie or two fromthe bag in between them. She tried to ignore to avoid a scene. So she munched the cookies and watched the clock as the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock. She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by thinking, "If I wasn't so nice I would blacken his eye." With each cookie she took, he took one too. When only one was left, she wondered what he would do. With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh, he took the last cookie and broke it in half. He offered her half, as he ate the other, as she snatched it from him and thought....ooh, brother! This guy had some nerve. And he's also rude, why he didn't even showAny gratitude! She had never known when she had been so galled. She sighed with relief when her flight was called. She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate. She boarded the plane and sank in her seat. Then she sought her book which was almost complete. As she reached in her baggage she gasped with surprise, there was her bag of cookies in front of her eyes... if mine are here.... she moaned in despair the others were his. And he tried to share. Too late to apologize she realized with grief that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief! Moral of the story: How many times have we absolutely known that something was a certain way, only to discover later that what we believed to be true....was not?

"Always Keep An Open Mind And An Open Heart, Because... You Just NeverKnow....You might be eating someone else's cookies"

Thanks to all who so willingly share with me.

We saw Shrek 3 last week and loved it.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

The is our little Mouseketeer, Kailey Jo. She is almost 9 months old and looks so much of Michaela as a baby. Kailey has basically two moods, really happy and really ticked. When she is happy, she is so charming and alert. She is already starting to pull herself up to start walking. Spence and Michaela didn't walk until they were around 14 months. The joke around our house was that there was always an adult around to carry them and why ruin a good gig.

Life continues to be hectic. I have a 2 day sales meeting in Detroit this week. That three hour time difference wipes me out both ways. On Saturday, Doug and I slept and watched movies most of the day. I did go to the LA Temple for the Long Beach Stake commemoration of the rededication. We met in the Solemn Assembly. The speakers talked about the originally building of the LA Temple. The land (21 acres) was purchased in 1937 for $170,000. Today land in the area goes for about $5,000,000. an acre. Building was to begin on the temple right about the time the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor so it took 18 years to complete. I don't go to the temple as often as I would like. However, the peace that I felt while there is like no other.

Steve graduated from the U this month. We are so proud of him. He has plans to move back here to California. The kids adore him and will love having their "big" brother around more.

I took this picture of Michaela in Balboa. I love the bamboo grass backdrop. Michaela is entering the pre-teen phase of her life. She is challenging her parents on a regular basis. While she reminds me of myself at that age, creative and quirky, she is definately her own person. She loves to set goals for herself. She drew this picture of Christ giving money to a poor lady. I love her understanding of spiritual matters. She is my joy and as she said to me many years ago, "we have a spring between our hearts."

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

Since I don't have a photo to celebrate Steve's birthday. I thought I would post one of Spence and Michaela that seems to fit.

2007-05-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother Steve's 48th birthday. I dedicate this post to Steve.

Happy Memories and Things I Love About Stephen Paul Smith

1. Night games growing up. Mostly Hide and Go Seek and Kick the Can.

2. Steve was quite a bike rider as a kid. I remember him returning home after 50 mile rides.

3. Steve is wonderfully musical. I remember him building a dulcimer when he was in High School.

4. I always like to sing with Steve.

5. Steve and I selling hangers (he knows the significance).

6. Steve and I both played the cello in Jr. High.

7. The summer Steve and I returned to California when we stayed with the Websters.

8. Steve walking with me in Walk-a-thons.

9. Mormon Night at Disneyland.

10. Steve and I hanging out in St. George and Fish Lake.

11. Steve wrote great letters from his mission and sent funny rambling tapes to me on my mission.

12. Steve is very mechanical. He has always had the ability to see how things fit together.

13. Steve visiting DC.

14. Steve was pretty fearless as a young adult. Loved repelling, hangliding, would try anything.

15. Steve is a great conversationalist. He is not judgemental and he really seeks to build others up.

16. Steve loves to share his toys and talents.

17. Steve is a much loved Uncle and he insists on being called UNCLE Steve

18. Steve married a great girl.

19. Steve is a great father and takes his parenting very seriously.

20. Shopping at Home Depot with Steve for moulding.

21. Many lunches with Steve and my kids.

22. Visiting with Steve in St. George.

23. Steve taking Spence and Michaela for a night hike.

24. Steve's willingness to help me with anything I ask and for always wanting to hang out together.

25. I am so grateful to have Steve as my brother and my friend. His loving ways are a great example to me. He loves family and makes every event together more fun for everyone. I hope my son grows up to be much like Uncle Steve. Happy Happy Birthday Stevie dear!!!!!!!

2007-05-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

I had the most interesting conversation with a colleague last Friday. I am working with one of our consultants and he shared with me that he had investigated the church around 10 years ago and was two days away from his baptism when he read a passage in the Book of Mormon-3 Nephi 20:19 that convinced him the Book of Mormon wasn't true.

I appreciated his openess with me and it came to light the intense amount of faith required to seek and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It reminded me of a poem by Carol Lynn Pearson called "To An Atheist" where she talks about using the right tools to determine if God exists. I keep trying to find the poem online but just keep running into Mormon blogs.

For Mother’s Day yesterday, I received a long stem rose. Spence broke the stem. He was concerned that I would be upset (I wasn’t). A little later he brought the rose to me planted in dirt in a vase. It made me think of my conversation on Friday with my atheist friend and how we apply a set of learning to life. He knows that flowers grow in dirt but was missing the concept that the growth is in the root development. It demonstrates how simple our understanding of this earth can be and the necessity of faith when I am too busy/lazy to study.

I am grateful.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-05-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Been gone from the blog for awhile due to a crazy work schedule and family visiting all week. Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo have been here since last Sunday (they left this morning). Amanda and Stever were here until Wednesday. A little hectic trying to balance school and work. Spence didn't make it to scouts and Layla missed achievement days. I think I am finally letting go of my bad mother guilt. There are just some things I cannot fit in. No photos tonight but will add tomorrow.
Off to work on Primary Mother's Day gifts.
Enough for now....love to all.

2007-05-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the infamous "Jump in the Pool Fully Dressed" incident at the Bowler's pool.

I have been away at off-site sales meetings the last few days. These meetings usually provide me many ideas on how to freshly approach the clients I service. This meeting did not dissapoint. I love to hear ideas from those who are passionate about serving the client.

One thing I will admit is how I often feel like a fish out of water. I am at such a different stage of my life. There were twenty employees at the meeting, only 7 of us have children. At a stage when the kids are my world it seems strange.

Kids do provide such a different perspective on life. One would assume, having children would develop maturity, I'm not so sure. I still feel like a kids myself in some ways. A sales meeting is not unlike the playground at my kids elementary school. There are popular kids, athletic kids and the teachers pet.

We played volleyball on the beach one evening. I haven't played for almost 15 years. What a riot! I'm not very consistent but I am enthusiastic.

Oh well...enough for now....love to all.

2007-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a project for Spencer's class. They wanted an item for the school auction that represented the class in some way. I came up with this idea to put the kids faces into flowers and then decoupage them onto a small gardening storage chest. Here is the first sample photo. Cool, huh!? I did this in photoshop. Right now I have five different craft projects in process: Bitty Booties for Celeste's baby, jeans for Rossmoor Spirit Day, this project for Spencer's class, a baby blanket for The Nesting Place for our monthly family service project, and a cardmaking project for Enrichment. I really love to create stuff. It fuels me. I just wish I had more time to complete the projects. Unfortunately, my pesky real job keeps getting in the way.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a great time with our friends the Bowlers. They have recently moved and their new place has a pool. Of course, my children need to check it out. Now mind you, they are not wearing swimwear. First the shoes come off. I ask why their shoes need to be off to see the pool. I left for a few minutes to run a quick errand when I receive a call from Doug saying that our children are in the pool fully clothed. Apparently, Celeste dared them to jump in and they complied. The water was freezing--not a factor when you are a kid.

What a metaphor for life, someone you trust dares you to jump in and you fully commit regardless of how you are prepared (dressed in this case).

I am incredibly blessed.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

I took a personal development course last weekend called the Landmark Forum. It was really a boost to my awareness of how I react to situations in my life. There have been so many times when I have been called on to lead groups of people, either in work or in the church. And while I have always been flattered by being chosen, I have always struggled with managing others. I have been frequently dissapointed in the committment of others to the task. In addition, I have exhibited a type of arrogance and superiority, believing that I was a better person for being willing to work harder, go the extra mile, etc. Honestly, what a crock! At a certain level I have not been willing to acknowledge my lack of skill in communicating honestly with my staff or those called to serve with me. I have not been particulary compassionate in my characterization of others and have been so willing to blame them for the lack of cohesiveness of the team--shying away from conflict because I wanted others to like me. Now don't assume I will change this overnight, after all I have had 46 years of seeing the world this way. But it is freeing to see my contribution from a different perspective and to have the opportunity to change and perhaps enjoy leading/managing. What a great opportunity!

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. It is all about the state of our dwelling. I can't seem to find the energy to get my home in order. It is and has been time to find a cleaning person to come in to help. I was tempted to walk around taking photos of my house to underscore the dire nature of my situation but who truly needs to see this. So instead a couple of photos of my beloveds.

I start a three day training session tomorrow and will be away for the next three days. I wonder how much diet coke I can smuggle in the sessions.

I've been reading a book by Rafe Esquith about teaching. He references Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development which identifies why we act:

Level I: I don't want to get in trouble

Level II: I want a reward

Level III: I want to please somebody

Level IV: I follow the rules

Level V: I am considerate of other people

Level VI: I have a personal code of behavior and I follow it.

Atticus Finch is the example he references for Level VI. It really made me think about how we train our children. Mine are still motivated on Level I and II. There have to be more effective ways to motivate and help our children feel the thrill of doing right because it is what their spirits desire.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today is Easter. We have had a very pleasant day. Doug spoke with morning in church and I'm sure will now be on the circuit. Tuna sandwiches for lunch, we really knocked outselves out. I am posting a collage from Catalina. We were there for fours days and had a great time. We kayaked, walked, biked and golfed (okay miniature) till my legs were sore. It inspired me to get started exercising again---okay that and the fact that my clothes no longer fit. Well, tomorrow, it begins again.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

A crazy day today. Kids home from school by themselves. Me at work in meetings to discuss a new reporting structure. I now have a couple of direct reports. Tomorrow, we leave for Catalina and somehow between now and then I need to work a half day, do laundry, pack and get this house clean enough to return to.

In my last post I spent some time kvetching about my children. When I went to look for a photo to accompany this post--lo and behold--the perfect solution (and yes--did you notice, she is still touching him).

Nostalgia for the good old days. Honestly, my children provide more humor and joy in my life than I can possibly express. Joke of the day from Michaela: What is the opposite of Catalina? Answer: Dogalina. Okay it's not funny but it's just weird enough to make one smile.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

We just got back tonight from the first of two mini vacations. Friday night we drove to San Diego. I had some Marriott points to blow so we spent two nights at a luxurious Courtyard. On Saturday, we went to Legoland. The first time for the Tates. The kids loved it and Doug and I survived it. We were really under the impression that our two youngest could handle the "thrill rides." No dice. Later that evening, we went to see "Meet the Robinsons." Michaela later remarked that it was her best day ever.

I took my sewing to the park in a little baggie and while they were building with Legos, I finished a pair of Bitty Booties for Amy Rowbothom's little boy Karson. Okay, so I am ninety years old. Next it will be a pull cart with knitting. How cute are these!!

Today, we rented these little two man carts and tooled around San Diego. The carts were only about 8 inches off the ground so you could feel every pothole but it was really fun to tour downtown in these little go-carts. I wish I had a photo. They were similar to a wave runner on land. No pedals, the brakes and gas were on the handlebars.

Something not worth mentioning but still on my mind is the incredible ability my children have to bug each other. They could be the poster children for the "he's bugging me" campaign. All day long it was, he pushed me--she touched me--she got ahead of me--he is taking my space on the seat. I know this is hardly worth mentioning because every parent with more than one child in American deals with this. So I openly acknowledge--we are nothing special. And I know within a couple of years when puberty hits it is predicted to escalate to more personal attacks on character and physical attributes. So I guess for now, he's touching me is tolerable.

On Tuesday, we head off to Catalina for 4 days. Maybe the trick is to keep them so busy that have no time to contemplate their strategy.

Enough for now....love to all.

2007-03-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day. Unbelievable. I wanted to post the baptism collage. It turned out so nice and I will use it as a template for my birthday/baptism gift for my primary class this year.

2007-03-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in Southern California, although honestly it is hard to tell since we have flowers all year long. Today I was wondering about my garden in SLC. I invested a fair amount of time in perennials and always loved this time of year. The bulbs come out and there is promise in the wind. The Red Leaf Oak in my front yard here has beautiful blossoms so I posed Spencer behind the branches. What's a picture without a body Tomorrow we start our local vacation. We will spend a couple of days in San Diego (Legoland) and next week a few days on Catalina Island. When I tell people we are going to Catalina, so many say, "I've lived here all my life and never been there." I told my brother Steve we were going and he reminded me of a great trip we took there when we were Spencer and Michaela's age. It made me remember a rather touching side to my brother Steve. Years ago when we were just older than Spence and Michaela, maybe 12 and 13, we used to participate in the MS 20 Mile Walk-a-Thons. You would ask your friends and family to pledge a certain amount per mile you walked. We started out with neighbor friends but Steve and the boys quickly moved ahead. My friend, Karen Shingler, was worn out and wasn't able to finish, so around mile 16, I was alone. I was so tired and a bit lonely, I wondered if I should just quit as well. Steve had finished the race and he was in the car looking for me along the path. I was still an hour and a half from finishing and ready to give up but he chose to walk with me the rest of the way. So he really walked 24 miles. That night I remember blisters and my Mom putting together plastic bags full of water and Epsom Salts and for the rest of my life I will remember my brother walking with me when I was discouraged much like our Elder Brother.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2007-03-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

My Yin and Yang. On Sunday, I was at the church taking pictures for a baptism so I snapped a few shots of Spence and Michaela. Their approach to the picture in the tree so typifies their personalities. And each one carries a piece of my personality and my heart.

I was reading the Ensign yesterday and came on an article on a family service. We decided to do a family service project once a month through the end of the year. We will each rotate leading the activity. Spence is first and he has chosen to do blankets for The Nesting Place, a home for mothers who need a place to stay while they have their babies. He has always loved little children and babies.

I put together a baptism collage for one of my primary children. It turned out very nice so I will post. I love the picture of the font. I took this while the font was filling.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-03-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

We just received an baby announcement from Spencer and Michaela's Nanny/Friend, Amy Rowbotham that she has had a little boy. We lost contact with her when she got married a little over a year ago but she was such a great influence on our family in the early years. She loved my children and cared for them so well it mitigated the guilt a working mother sometimes has. Besides which they never looked more put together. Knowing she now has a boy caused me to reflect on my own Spence. I have often said, no man in this life loves you like your little boy. Spencer and I have had a close and loving connection all of his life. He is a bit of a mama's boy and we used to joke that if there was a way back into the womb, Spencer would opt in. Spence has so many great and gentle qualities. He is always pleasant and mostly compliant when asked to do something. He is very loving with younger children. When Kailey Jo visited Spencer would push her around the house in circles to keep her occupied. He is a wonderfully accepting child of others. I have never heard or seen him be unkind to other children and there are a couple of girls in his fourth grade class that seem to like his style. Spence excels at math and many things come easily to him. He loves GameBoy but doesn't care for GameCube as much. He prefers being indoors to outside. Spence loves to make things. He formed this funny little Minnie Me club at school. The main point seems to be pulling your t-shirt over your knees and walking around. That night he came home and made membership cards for the club members. He is quirky, loving and fun and I feel blessed to be his mom.

Enought for now...love to all.

2007-03-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

I think I have mentioned before my immense respect for Den Leaders. This is a shot of Spencer at a recent Pack meeting. This is not a position that I covet but I am so impressed at the work this sisters do. I don't know if the scouts realize how much goes into to these quality activities. Hats off to Erica Blackmun and Janet Hale.

We had lunch this weekend with our dear friends Celeste and Cody. They are truly a unique couple. Quirky and generous. One of their favorite pastimes is shopping for clothes at the local thrift store. Cody proudly indicated that the outfit he wore on Saturday cost a whopping $5. Wish you could see the pants in the photo. Polyester vintage 1970. He is so handsome he can pull it off. Don't know if you can tell from the photo but our Celeste is 4.5 months pregnant. They just found out they are having a boy. More bitty booties to follow. We are so excited for them and can't wait to declare our psuedo grandparent-like status.

Spence and Michaela are on a mission. I gave Spence a bank that count the money as you put it in. Together they have scoured every square inch of this house looking for change. Oddly, they believe that any change withing the Tate borders belongs to them, including change in my wallet. They have a goal to buy a DS game that costs $29. Somehow they have gone from $3 to nearly $25 in a couple of days. In addition, they want to be paid for everything. We sang last night for the local Retirement Communities Family Home Evening Pot Luck. I told the kids if they would practice their solos on their own, I would pay them a dollar for singing. Next thing you know these little extortionists want $2 a song. They do make us laugh. Here is the program:

Seize the Day Newsies Spencer

Love Song Pippin Doug and Stacey

Loathing Wicked Layla and Stacey

Popular Wicked Layla

I Dreamed a Dream Les Miserables Stacey

Bring Him Home Les Miserables Doug

It went well and it is always fun to sing with Doug and the kids. They have great potential.

This afternoon I am off to Parent Torture Conference.

So enough for now...love to all.

2007-03-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

These are the Bitty Booties--my current obsession. These are all handmade. The pattern is very easy and the fun is in the creation. The flowers on the toes of the blue ones are done with ribbon embroidery. So fun and a really inexpensive way to give a handmade baby gift.

Finally, my camera is back--so here is Michaela with her post-Locks of Love hairdo riding her Wave.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-03-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

I may have a touch of Spring fever. I am having a difficult time concentrating. I have resorted to making lists on sticky notes because I can seem to complete a task before my mind has moved on. I am taking vacation when the kids are off for Spring Break in a couple of weeks. We are planning a local vacation to San Diego.

I just picked up an interesting book on how blogs are changing the ways a company communicates with its customers. I do sense that this medium will soon require filters and the ability to screen or invite readers to protect the owner.

I have been sewing "bitty booties"--free pattern link attached. http://www.heatherbaileydesign.com/Booties.html

At first, I wanted to make one pair as a gift for a new mom in the ward. Three pair later Doug mentions to me that if I were to sell them for $6. a pair at a Craft Boutique, I could make nearly 50 cents an hour.

Still they are "bitty" and beautiful. I cannot give the last two pairs away until my camera battery arrives and I can take pictures of these little beauties.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-03-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be back...

Today, I finally gave up and ordered a new camera battery charger online ($43 bucks, ouch!). It seems without the photos to go with the blog, I don't blog. But soon I will be snapping my pics and posting with panache.

We saw a great movie this weekend with the kids called "The Last Mimsy." Great family movie.

Doug and I have been asked to provide the entertainment for an Older Singles Family Home Evening. I told the kids I wanted them to join us. Each would do a solo and we would do a couple of songs together. Who knows why but it totally stressed Spencer out. Apparently he has to write, memorize and deliver a speech in two weeks and having to perform for the elderly put him over the edge. What kind of mother would do this to her children.

Tomorrow, I teach Spencer's class about Maurits Escher. He is an artist famous for utilizing tessellations (I didn't know what they were either before today). Tessellations are arrangements of closed shapes that completely cover the plane without overlapping or leaving gaps. This kids should love it. So enjoy the art.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-03-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

I have been off the blogger radar for over a week now. Mostly due to a project I have been working on day and night for the last week or so. For the Relief Society Birthday Party, I thought it would be great to put together an quote book for the sisters with each of them submitting a favorite. I then used digital scrapbooking software to create a beautiful (IMHO) layout.
It became a project out of control. On Friday night I worked on it at my office from 5:00pm till 5:30 am in the morning. I wanted to have all the printing completed because some sisters were coming to the house at 9:00 am to assemble the booklets. The women came and we got most of it done.
Then the next day, a number of sisters came up to me with entries. Okay, so I thought to myself, it should be too tough to add a couple of pages to the back...add another 8 hours of work. I love how they turned about and it was truly a labor of love. I do have a haunting little nagging feeling in the back of my mind that someone's quote was left out or someone will be offended that they didn't end up on the front page.
When I post a photo I will.
Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

This should be a quick post today but I guess I want to confess. Last night was Spencer's scouting "Blue and Gold" banquet. So what's to confess. I really dislike Pack meetings. I know, I know....it's a great place for families to go and have fun together but honestly I always feel a bit lost and usually end up making some excuse to leave early. Maybe it is the lack of chick chat.

The sisters who run our cub scouts are amazing. They plan serious cool stuff for the boys. I don't dare write this for fear. The old saying, "from my lips to God's ear...." Den mother is one calling I would have a hard time accepting.

Anyway, last night was a cake competition. Spence and I built a volcano cake (as did 6 other families) but it looked cool and Spence won Best Exploding Lava. Here is what the cake looked like..well almost.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

2007-02-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wii are nuts. I have been trying to buy a Wii Game Console since Christmas. In the last two days I have bid on 30 Wii Consoles on Ebay. After calling every Gamestop within 20 miles, spending last Saturday on a Wii Trek. Someone at Target told us they were getting a big shipment of Wii Systems on Sunday morning. We decided to do the right thing and wait till Monday. We even asked Heavenly Father to help us find one in our prayers since we wanted to do the right thing. I went to Target on Monday and they told me they had 72 systems that were sold by 3 pm Sunday. As I am on Ebay, I keep seeing receipts from Target (They require the seller to show a receipt to verify that they bought the system). We have a game at Christmas but still no Wii. Okay while writing this blog, I won. Now I am scared. The system is used and the seller doesn't have many transactions. A few years ago I bought an Xbox and received a box of junk in the mail. Ebay wouldn't help me because they said it was a dispute on the quality of what I purchased. After all I did receive a box full of video game stuff. The seller disappeared. I wasn't the only one. Three or four other folks received their Xbox.

Oh well...Do I ask the kids to pray that it is a legitimate seller.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Doug and I celebrated our 12th Anniversary. Early on in our marriage, an anniversary meant a trip somewhere, now we just watch a movie and say we are glad to be together and that we would do it all over again. To honor my husband, here are twelve things I love about Doug:

1. He never complains about the state of our house and when we need it cleaned for guests, he always pitches in.

2. He always gives backrubs without expecting me to return the favor.

3. He helps the kids nightly with homework.

4. He lets me warm my ever-cold feet on his at night in bed.

5. He is consistently kind.

6. He supports me in my callings. Even when I volunteer his services.

7. He often makes dinner with leftovers and will bring me a plate if I'm am still working.

8. He lets me choose what movie we see.

9. He makes really great omelettes.

10. He is a great father.

11. He cleans the carpets and is incredibly handy at fixing things.

12. He is a great friend and partner.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

Michaela and I went to an Arbonne party at our friend Celeste Bowler's house. A ten year old and forty six year old using the same products. Of course I bought $100. worth of product.

Doug and I are back to our old tricks. For enrichment craft night we built 26 frames for the embroidery project. I don't know why it doesn't occur to me that 26 frames is significantly more involved than 5 or 6. Anyway, the project went well. Michaela embroidered one and after she told me she "felt good about herself." Love it.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-07T18:01:00.001-08:00

Still no camera...
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago Spencer and Michaela were bickering over the television and it was out of control. Like any mom worn out with the role of referee, I put them in a room and had them draw up their own rules for the TV. This was the document presented to me, typed verbatim:

1. aways first agree of a show.
2. violence is not to solve problems.
3. never correct each other.
4. the show must be unviolent.
5. Mom is the last resort.
6. no bossiness.
7. if neither agree on a show one moves upstairs in the act of rock, paper, scissors.
8. if winning alot thoughtfully give a turn and go upstairs.

Such lofty goals. I am charmed but not convinced.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Since I still can't find my battery charger, I thought I would upload some of my favorite photos that are in jeopardy of being lost forever. This was Spencer's Halloween costume

before I went back to work full-time (read, when I had time to make their costumes). A couple of action shots of Michaela.

Today has been a typical work day, with me spending all my time trying to create compelling data for Honda to consider purchasing. It is hard to be the "Top Rep" when the sales cycle is so long (one project I have been working on since last May) that by the time it happens, it hardly feels like a win.

The other day, Michaela was trying to trick Spencer by saying "get busy on your homework" in what she thought sounded like me. Spencer was not fooled. He came to tattle to me and said, "she sounds like Elmo with puberty on his throat." I guess it is time to clarify puberty for the kids. What a great laugh!

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-30T12:27:00.000-08:00

It is a lovely rainy day here in California. I was having a little trouble concentrating on my work so I took a long bath. No one can say I'm not motivated. I loved this article in the paper and wanted to share with those I love.

Quit your whining, if you can
By Stephanie Simon, Times Staff WriterJanuary 27, 2007

Gentle reminder
click to enlarge
Highlands Ranch, Colo. — MY first attempt at a complaint-free life lasted 15 minutes.Dropping the kids at school five days after a blizzard, I found the parking lot impassible and the sidewalks treacherous. "This place is a disaster!" I called to the principal.And instantly regretted it.Why harp on a situation no one could control? I should have thanked the principal for standing in the cold to make sure his students got in safely — or brightened his day with a cheery hello.I had resolved to quit grumbling after reading about a challenge presented to the congregation of Christ Church Unity in Kansas City, Mo. The Rev. Will Bowen — fed up with folks whining about his choice of worship music — asked his flock of 250 to refrain from complaining, criticizing and gossiping for three weeks.Bowen, 47, is a big fan of self-help programs. A few years back, he and his wife erased more than $40,000 in debt by following the financial makeover plan advocated by syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. Lately, Bowen's been hooked on the writings of a fellow Unity minister, Edwene Gaines, who promises prosperity through positive thinking.Gaines proposed the concept of a complaint-free church in her book "The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity: A Simple Guide to Unlimited Abundance." Then Bowen came up with a gimmick to make it stick. A former radio-station manager and phonebook ad salesman — he turned to ministry four years ago — Bowen delights in giveaways. Every few weeks, he interrupts his service by distributing small gifts: picture frames, perhaps, or candles or bookmarks. "Doodad Sunday," he calls it.For the no-complaint sermon last summer, he handed out purple rubber bracelets stamped with the word SPIRIT. (They were intended for school pep rallies, but Bowen figured "spirit" could also signify the spirit of change.) Bowen told his congregants that they were to switch the bracelet to their other wrist every time they griped or sniped. Their goal: 21 consecutive days without moving the bracelet.Bowen used a quote from writer Maya Angelou as the campaign slogan: "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."If only it were that simple.Before taking the challenge, Bowen had always considered himself sunny: "My job is to see God, and good, in everything."He soon realized he wasn't as imperturbable as he'd thought, especially when his beloved Kansas City Royals were blowing yet another baseball game. Some Sundays, he'd take the pulpit and confess: "I moved that bracelet 20 times this week. I wanted to take it off and throw it in a drawer."It took Bowen three months before he made it through 21 days without complaining. "And it helped," he said, "that I was on a silent retreat for three of those days."Many in his congregation worked hard to follow his example. Tom Alyea, 44, learned to keep his headaches to himself, even when he could have used a little sympathy from his wife. Linda LeMieux, 53, trained herself not to chide her husband when he drove too fast. (Though she did sometimes read aloud speed-limit signs — just for his information.)Terry Rennack, 53, had a harder time. "I work with computers — in a government environment," he said. "So, yeah. Believe me. This is the toughest thing I've ever had to do."Rennack complained about work. He complained about red lights. He complained that his no-complaint bracelet was getting stretched because he switched wrists so often. As the weeks went by, he began to realize how much he allowed trivial frustrations to dictate his mood. "It was a very humbling experience," he said.With the purple bracelet as his guide, Rennack learned to stay serene in the face of setbacks, to listen more and mouth off less. It took him three months, but he made it to 21 days, earning a "Certificate of Happiness" and the chance to hang his well-worn purple bracelet on a plastic tree in the church lobby.So far, 18 members of the congregation have met the challenge. Many more are still working at it.I slipped up time and again in the early going. I criticized my oldest daughter for (of all things) singing happily at the breakfast table, and dismissed a sculpture at the Denver Art Museum with a disdainful: "That's so ugly!"Slowly, though, I started to get the hang of it. I didn't say a word when my computer crashed or when my shower was ice-cold. I even kept mum when my husband spent a half-hour wrestling with our son before bed. Not so much as a "told you so" when the little guy was so hyped up he had trouble falling asleep.
At one point, I went two days without complaining. Even when I lapsed, I noticed my grumbles were muted.I also noticed that my family was not taking my success well. I was chirpy (and, worse yet, smug about my good cheer) until something irritated me. Then, I sulked. Instead of coming right out with a critique, I'd give everyone the silent treatment.Our family discussions had always been loving, but spiked with sarcasm, teasing and good-natured grumbling. Now I was censoring every word, and our easy give-and-take suffered.Many in Bowen's congregation praised the bracelets for bringing their families closer; I wondered where I was going wrong."People deal with life in different ways," psychologist Barbara Held reassured me. A professor at Bowdoin College in Maine, Held resents what she calls "the tyranny of the positive." In her book "Stop Smiling, Start Kvetching: A 5-Step Guide to Creative Complaining," she urges Americans to drop the pretense that everything is always rosy."Maybe I should start selling 'It's OK to complain' bracelets," she said.She'd probably sell a bundle. The urge to complain is so universal, it's recently been elevated to an art. Under the coordination of two Helsinki artists, citizens in several cities have created "Complaints Choirs" to sing aloud their grievances about unfaithful lovers, reeking buses, even drunken plumbers.Bowen dreams of countering such negativity with an army of positive thinkers.He has spent $10,000 in church funds (not that the board would think of complaining) to give away about 70,000 purple bracelets, taking requests through his website, http://www.thecomplaintfreechurch.org/ . Soldiers in Iraq have put in orders. So have pastors, teachers, drug counselors, Boy Scout leaders. (Perhaps not grasping the concept, one minister returned his batch — with a complaint about the quality.) An elderly woman in Florida requested one, explaining that most of her friends had passed away but that she was determined not to be bitter in her loneliness.On a recent afternoon, Bowen bounded cheerfully among a dozen volunteers filling orders. Two bracelets to Colfax, Calif.; 500 to Papillion, Neb.; 1,000 to a natural foods store in Wenatchee, Wash. Stacks of manila envelopes and taped-up shoeboxes filled the room.After more than four hours of counting bracelets and sealing envelopes, Kim Martin, 52, let out a small whoop of relief. "Looks like we're done!" she said.But that very moment, Robin Stanley headed her way, carrying an overlooked stack of mailing labels. "We got more," said Stanley, 53.Martin took a deep breath."Yea!" she said, attempting a chipper tone.Bowen came over to check on them. "I'm tired," Stanley told him, adding: "That's not a complaint. Just a statement of fact. I didn't realize what a production this was."Listening, I realized that I may have been taking the complaint-free life too literally.It wasn't reasonable to suppress every remark or tone of voice that could be construed as a complaint. Even Bowen and his wife stretched the rules a bit. When someone irritated them, they'd remark, "I bet he sure can whistle." It was an inside joke, a way of saying that even the most aggravating souls have a ray of good in them. It was also, perhaps, a way to vent in code."Everything comes down to the energy you put into it," Bowen said. "If I say calmly, 'I smashed my finger last week and it still hurts,' that's a statement of fact. But if I'm whining, 'Oooh, I hurt my finger! It hurts so bad!' then that's complaining…. And 99% of it is not beneficial."Back home after visiting the church, I put aside my purple bracelet. But I resolved to keep watching my words.When the fourth big storm in a month dumped eight more inches of snow on our neighborhood, I made a point of not starting every conversation with a grumpy "Can you believe this weather?" Instead, I remarked on the beauty of the white-capped Rockies.I think it gave my neighbors a lift. How could it not? The mountains truly are stunning.Then again, the view only goes so far when you're driving the kids to school on roads rutted with hard-packed snow and ice. It would be great if the county could send a plow. That's not a complaint. Just a statement of fact.

Enough for now...love to all

2007-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Looks like I am getting a little lax in my blogging. We have been pretty busy this week. Thursday was Scout pack meeting, Friday a party at the Bowlers. I took some photos but can't seem to locate the cord to my battery.

I read an article in the newspaper about a minister who challenged members of his congregation to go three weeks without complaining. He gave them a plastic wrist band that said, "Spirit" and each time they complaining, they were to move it from one wrist to the other. I have developed an habit of complaining about work continually and I thought this would be an interesting challenge. I will blog my progress. Of course, that would be if I could find a wristband in this mess of a house. Complain, complain, complain.

Spencer and Michaela may kill me one day for posting this old photo of them in the tub but it is one of my favorites. Look at the angelic faces and all the parts are covered appropriately. I thought the light on the water was so pretty.

I am so proud of Michaela today. She cut off ten inches of her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. She loves her hair long and it was quite a sacrifice. We talked about the child that would benefit from a wig made from the hair and how hard it would be to have chemotherapy. As soon as I can find my charger I will take some pictures of her new hairdo. She made me promise not to cry. A cried a little, tears of joy, for my child learning to experience the feelings associated with generosity and also because we will not have as much trouble doing her hair every morning.

Story people quote:

I had a teacher once who said the greatest mystery of the universe was her husband & after that I could never understand why we wasted so much time on things like the cure for cancer or putting a man on the moon when we could just have all those scientists working on him.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend in Vegas. We saw Cirque du Soleil at the Wynn. The show was in the round and all the acts were performed in water or on the ropes. Pretty amazing stuff. We gave Doug a karaoke machine that I picked up an after Christmas toy sale. Amiee, our daughter-in-law sang a Disney tune, the first time I have heard her. She can sing. We sang all the numbers from Newsies, Wicked and a Disney Princess disk. Good times. On Saturday night, we went to the Luxor for an IMAX movie about walking on the moon and after a walk down the strip to the Bellagio to see "the dancing waters." This name was given to the Bellagio fountains by Michaela when she was three. I kept reminding myself not to think about work and to stay in the moment. Spencer asked me to take this photo of him with "the most beautiful trash" he had ever seen. The Bellagio boasts of having the largest chocolate fountain in the world. The chocolate (3 varieties, white, caramel and dark) pours through a beautiful crystal sculpture. Nearly a ton of chocolate.

I am also posting a new "favorite" picture of Spence and Michaela. The look on Spencer's face typifies their relationship. He feels the constant need to be on guard with her. It is her mission in life to test and try her brother.

All in all a great weekend celebrating Doug's Birthday.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today is Doug's 51st birthday and we are celebrating in Las Vegas. We should be celebrating his 50th since last year's birthday was such a bummer (he left Questar on the 16th). This year he became a grandpa, got a new job, moved to California and started receiving AARP mailings. This morning he told me he not only feels old but thinks he looks old. Not really true but I can empathize. This year has worn us both out.

I am grateful for this good man in my life. He is a great partner and father. HAPPY 51st.

Enough for now....love to all

2007-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well my bangs are back. One of the ongoing decisions in my life--grow them out-cut them back. It it usually a matter of convenience over vanity. When grown out, I can easily sport the slicked back pony tail look, not attractive but easy. So I guess for today, vanity wins.

Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo were here this past weekend. Of course, we were back at Disneyland. It was so cold, I wore a hat and gloves. Kailey is now 5 months old. She reminds me so much of Michaela at that age. So much fun. I was with her alone and someone asked me about "my baby." Now that is real joy for a 46 year old.

I have been in Detroit all week. Freezing cold. Good to be in the corporate office of Polk. I always learn so much that isn't available at the Long Beach office.

Tonight, we leave for Vegas for the weekend. Doug's birthday is tomorrow and we are going to stay with Nick and Amiee at their new house. Our house is a disaster but if I close my eyes and wish really hard, maybe the cleaning fairies will come while I am gone.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

My work has been challenging of late. I work primarily with Honda Corporation trying to convince them to buy research and analysis to improve their marketing and sales. Problem is--they want the analysis, they just don't want to pay for it. I have taken some pride in being "Top Rep" over the years. The patience required to work this hard without seeing the results I had come to enjoy is very challenging for me. Today I received some difficult news that one of our primary sponsors told my boss that he feels too much "sales" pressure from me. The individual has no idea how much energy I have expended on his behalf trying to get the best in service and resource for Honda and his department. Frankly, I was devastated. In my life, having my actions be misrepresented has been and continues to really level me. I know the Lord is giving me opportunities to learn. I just wonder if the lesson could be learned in a more enjoyable environment. I already know the answer to this but it was worth a try.

I have mentioned a couple of times on this blog about the wonderful friends we have made here in CA. This picture of Cody Bowler should make clear what we are really dealing with.

Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo are flying in tomorrow morning. We will go get their Disney passes activated and maybe I will get to tend that beautiful baby girl for awhile.

There is no such thing as failure, only success that hasn't bloomed yet.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2007-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

What can I say--we love Disneyland. Especially because this year we have Annual Passes and it is cheaper to go to Disneyland than a movie. Favorite Ride for Spence and Michaela: Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blaster. Dad: Thunder Mountain Railroad and Mom: Soarin Over California. For Christmas this year, we gave annual passes to Clint and Natalie. They called last night to say they are flying in on Thursday--for guess what?! Disneyland! The Happiest Place on Earth. We don't even mind paying $3 for a mediocre churro. And best of all, walking around the park counts as exercise.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

Just an ordinary day today. Talked to some kids, some clients, some friends and a spouse. Here in CA where there is a very slight change of season, it is strange to mark time. Sweaters which weren't really needed are now on sale and swimsuits are showing up in the stores. The days are still very short. Dark by 5:30 so that's how we know it is winter. This is not a complaint--anyone who knows me knows I dislike cold weather--just a strange, floating observation.

A couple of days ago I sent my children to the neighborhood park with my camera. Had to do something to pry them away from the electronics. They need to be in school. Most schools go back just after New Year's Eve. Our school doesn't start until the 8th this year. They were supposed to take shots of each other. Spence took 10 or so shots of her but she wouldn't return the favor. She is my daughter--a little self-absorbed. They took some interesting shots.

I really want to improve the quality and artistry of my photos. I was reading about the magic rule of thirds. Here a a link that explains: http://macteens.com/features/fullstory/the_rules_of_photography/

This morning Layla showered and then got back in bed saying it was cold. Her hair looked stringy and kinda cool on the pillow so I got out the camera prepared to try the magic thirds approach. The pictures still came out looking fairly ordinary but I will try to different techniques to increase the visual interest.

I did finally open the iPod I received for Christmas. It feels a little like work to set the thing up and organize my music but once done I'm sure I will enjoy it. I am sometimes stunned at the goodness of my life. Doug and I saw "Pursuit of Happyness" on Monday. The spark that tells us we are as capable as we are is powerful. This made me think of the Marianne Williamson quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Well ...

my sweet husband begins working for Chevron tomorrow. Imagine starting a new job after 30 years with the old one. He is excited but I think a bit anxious, kinda like starting at a new school...need to make friends with the cool kids...can't find the lunchroom or your locker. I am so delighted, I called him today and made him crazy with my "am I in the right job" rant.

Today, I received verification that Honda will buy 112K work of research. This is the largest new purchase in a few years so it is pretty significant. I am happy about the sale, it has been a long time coming.

With the new year it is time to reflect on my diet. Which has been a disaster the last month. It's the next fad--an all-carb diet, mandatory cookies, cakes and pasta. Time to change. I really feel the need to set some type of goal to increase muscle tone. Michaela received a "Wave" skateboard for Christmas. She wanted me to try it but I am so out of shape I was afraid to try.

We spent New Year's Eve on the pier in Huntington Beach. It was beautiful. Windy but 65 degrees. A little different from Salt Lake. We headed home by 8:30 or so. Doug and I would have been happy to go to sleep before midnight but the kids wouldn't have it. They were determined to stay up. At midnight we walked outside and recognized we live on the most boring street in CA. We heard some fireworks and loud noises in the neighborhood but not on our street.

On New Year's Day, Michaela came into our room wearing pink camo pants (two sizes too small) and a gold glitter green camo jacket with black Heeley's. She took one look at me and said, "It works, Mom." I had to stiffle a laugh. She is not gifted with color coordination. Many outfits or shall we say get-ups are not so easy on the eyes. But she is strong willed and once the outfit is on, best of luck getting her to change. I have decided to exercise the "get in there and change" option for more extreme situations.

Enough for now...love to all.

2007-01-01T23:00:00.001-08:00

Been playing for the last 3 hours with my banner. Still can't seem to get it right but sure am learning alot.

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-28T21:06:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was doing a little blog stalking and I saw some of the most beautiful photographs. It made me realize that I am truly an amateur. Baby steps. At least, I am now taking photos on a regular basis. This is a favorite picture of Spence I took in Long Beach a month ago. I think I will try to take a photography class this winter.

This photo of Layla captures her personality. She is a bit wild but also fiercely loving.

The whole family is down with the flu today and we just slept and watched movies. We are hoping to recover quickly because we are having friends over tomorrow night for a almost New Year's Eve party.

Haven't posted a Story People quote for awhile so here goes:

Rolling along just waiting for someone to cross him so he can tell them the things he's been saving up for all those years when he wasn't so self-realized

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

Such lazy days this week. I am working a few hours but off otherwise. So of course because there is time, we are all sick with colds. It is nice just to stay in bed and watch movies. We saw "Night at the Museum" on Christmas Day and "Eragon" yesterday at the theatre. Both great movies for families. I have noticed lately as my two are nearing adolescence, how difficult it is to find movies without trashy sexual references. We put on "Anchorman" and after 15 minutes, turned it off in favor of "The Incredibles." Had I been just with Doug or alone, I would have watched it but with my children, it just felt kinda sleazy. Spencer remarked that it "wasn't very respectful." It makes me grateful that he understands the difference. I know as the teen years come he may not feel the same way but it makes sense to reinforce his understanding of good movies and bad. Besides, how can the same be good for my spirit. It is hard to be disciplined because many of the shows I enjoy (Comedy Central) are in question. And for heaven's sake, why do we have to see those ridiculous Girl's Gone Wild ads every commercial.

The photo is Michaela's Project Runway pose. And a sweet picture of Kailey Jo on Christmas.

2006-12-26T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well, the Tates had a wonderful Christmas. We took a different approach this year. Since the older kids were all flying in from Salt Lake City, we decided to begin the celebration with breakfast. We set a beautiful table (well three tables) for 12. It made me think how we have doubled in size since Doug and I were married. We took a fun quiz about the truth about the nativity. Then Doug read Luke 2. It was 10 o'clock before any gifts were we even looked at the gifts. Really pleasant. The spirit was really sweet and it was easy to feel the love in the room. WOW.

We gave Clint and Natalie annual passes to Disneyland. Natalie, Clint's wife cried when they opened their gift. She has an attached to Disneyland similar to mine. I have wonderful childhood memories of Disneyland. It was one place my father loved and he was always happy there and on his best behavior. Giving tickets to Clint and Natalie is one way to see our grandchild more often. She changes so much each time we see her. Right now she looks like Spencer when he was a baby. Cute, round head.

Today has been total relaxation. It is nearly 5 pm and I am still in my pajamas. Maybe I just won't change today. My life is so blessed. I recognize the gifts I have been given. My wonderful children, the peace of the gospel, the love of a good man. And increasing wisdom to recognize and be happy with this richness.

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-23T14:02:00.000-08:00

We are in the wild Christmas crunch. I have the presents (well most anyway) bought, 70 percent wrapped and the house is almost clean. We will have all the older kids here with us here in California. I am bound and determined to be finished before tomorrow so I can have a peaceful Sunday.

Michaela is changing so fast. It is clear puberty is right around the corner. Her independent spirit is alive for all to see. I told her she was getting kinda mouthy the other day and she said, "Well at least I am not like ______, she is one of those Valley Forge girls." I asked, "Valley Forge girls?" She said, "Yeah, she says like and totally all the time." She meant a Valley Girl. I laughed my head off but she didn't want me to tell anyone. (Okay, I told her dad). I love this child, they say laughter is the best medicine and she is liquid tonic.

The photo is my grandaughter Kailey Jo. I took this at the Tate Family Christmas Party 12/16/06. Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is a fun collage I put together in Photoshop as a gift for Spencer's teacher. I have been teaching an art class called "Meet the Masters" in his class. I miss being with them at the school but maybe it is good for them to learn more independence. Life is good right now. I always love this season, although I am always trying to push too much in the space and usually end up sick to compensate for the stress of the season. This years I do recognize how blessed we are and how the gospel of Jesus Christ has influenced our lives. There is peace in this knowledge.

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Been off the radar for a few days. I went to Utah for my annual Bookclub Christmas Extravaganza. This is my favorite celebration of the year. These women are amazing and have added so much richness to my life for the past 12 years. Besides which any one of them could run a small country. Also, went to the Tate Family Christmas Party without Doug and the kids. Went with Steve and Amanda and Clint, Natalie and Kailey Jo were there. She is getting so big and she looks a bit like Michaela. Makes me nostalic.

So much going on for the Holidays--seems we just go from one party

to the next and I just hope I have the right labels on the gifts. Tonight we will go caroling with the Bandleys. I know they enjoy our company but I think they really want someone who will sing.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life.

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-13T15:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am having fun with Photoshop these days. I just learned how to sharpen photos. See if you can tell the difference between these two.

Last night, Doug and I sang for the Relief Society Christmas Party. It was a beautiful program about Mary's feelings about her part in the Savior's birth. We also had Spencer and Michaela perform in a quartet with Doug and I. They are becoming real performers. Because we started them singing in front of others so early, they have no stage fright.

Tomorrow, I fly to Utah for the Annual Bookclub Christmas celebration. In December we don't read a book, each of the 14 members finds a Christmas thought or story to share. As well we make or buy small thoughtful gifts. Better than Christmas morning for many of us. So peaceful to sit in the comfort of these amazing women.

Story People Quote of the Day:

There are angels everywhere you can imagine. I saw one hiding in the closet in our bedroom once & I invited her out, but she said she was waiting for a friend thank you just the same & next time I looked she was gone.

Enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Each night before we go to bed there is a request from Michaela for "Snuggle Time." This consists of 15 minutes or so with Spence and Michaela basically piled on top of me watching some kid friendly show before bedtime. If we are late and it can't happen--life is unbearable. I am grateful that my 9 and 10 year old still seek the comfort of my arms. I am already beginning to see the beginnings of separation. It happens so slowly--the first time your child turns their cheek when you try to kiss them goodbye at school. When your child doesn't want you to bear your testimony because you might cry and embarrass her. I sure they come back after the teen years but for now I need to hold them tight and bank these moments for what is surely to come.

Story People Quote of the Day:

We lay there & looked up at the night sky & she told me about stars called blue squares & red swirls & I told her I'd never heard of them. Of course not, she said, the really important stuff they never tell you. You have to imagine it on your own.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2006-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

What a busy weekend. On Friday, we had our company Christmas Party. From there I went directly to a Christmas Party for the Achievement Day girls. Next day, the kids went with Steve to the LA Auto Show while Doug and I slipped off for a movie. We saw "Deja Vu" with Denzel Washington. Pretty good and the best thing about it was that it was not animated. That is the first adult movie Doug and I have seen since we have been in California.

Later that night was our Ward Christmas Party. I did the costumes for the Nativity and Doug was the Narrator. We are scheduled to sing for the Relief Society Christmas Party tomorrow. This ward is keeping us very busy.

Then yesterday afternoon, we went with our good friends, the MacAuliff Sisters to a mexican Rancho Christmas Open House. They had crafts and storytelling. The most interesting thing for me was this huge 150 year old fig tree (actually two trees grown together). The trunk is close to 6 feet in diameter and the roots are thick and topside. Makes for very interesting photos. This is Sister Frank MacAuliffe. Honestly, these three sisters need their own sitcom. They are all three docents at the Rancho and know all the details. These women are spiritual and physical giants.

Last night Spencer and I went to visit Karen Smith in our ward. I wanted to take her a couple of Christmas stories and see her house decorated. Karen is gifted with ceramics and porcelain and has somewhere between 300-400 Santa's of all shapes and varieties. Spencer could have stayed for hours.

I don't know how long we will have this California experience but the Lord is blessing us with meaningful friendships and experiences.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Being Good
I've always thought death was a lot like Christmas, he said. I can't wait to find out if being good the whole time was worth it.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2006-12-07T15:49:00.001-08:00

For a few years now, I have noticed a "twin-like" kinesthetic bond between my little one. I have a wonderful photo of them asleep spooned together with Michaela's head using Spencer's knee for a pillow and Spencer's head on her feet.

Even now when they have their owns rooms for their belongings and dressing, somehow they always end up sleeping in the same place. Spencer would say he is there because his room shares a wall with ours and the TV is too loud but I think he just likes the comfort of his best friend.

I love this about their relationship. This loving bond will serve them their whole lives.

Story People Quote of the Day:

Love your enemies is way too hard, she told me. We need a game everyone can win. Like what? I said. How about 'don't bite'?, she said & then she shrugged. I think it's best to start small.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2006-12-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

One day while surfing, I found this interesting NPR site. I love the different prospectives and find them inspiring. I have added the link to my page. Check this out. What I believe changes from day to day as life presents me with opportunities to learn. It is interesting to consider if we spend our time based on what we believe. If I believe my family is eternal, do I spend my energy working together to get there or watching reruns of Law and Order and The Office (for the Pearsons). I would love to submit an essay to this site but suspect what I believe is not all that remarkable.

I do believe that I am responsible for my response to my life. I believe that God knows what will refine me as a person and will continue to provide experiences that test and try until I am able to embrace the changes he has planned for me. I believe in the spirit of goodness within each of us that seeks to do right. I believe my life has meaning and that our children watch how we live more than what we say.

I believe that sharing what we believe has value and contributes to the greater good in the world. I believe acting on our beliefs brings harmony to our souls and aligns us with the Godliness that exists in each of us. I believe that while I have not been given everything I want (which is transitory), I have been given what I need.

Story People Quote for the Day:

I've always liked the time before dawn because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am

Enough for now...Love to all.

2006-12-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

Can I just say that I hate Parent Teacher Conference. To come at the appointed time, sit on little chairs designed to make you feel small and hear how your child is not the "well above average" child you know in your heart they are. Every fall conference for the past 5 years I have heard from teachers about both my children's propensity for distration. By Spring they have usually figured out how the teacher views the world and can parrot back the appropriate behavior usually ending up the year a grade ahead. Where does that little grade go during the summer? I try to continue reading with the library Summer Reading programs. Oh well, at least I am progressing some--I now calmly accept the teachers assessment of my child and have ceased my, "well when they tested him last year, he was a grade ahead" rant.

Tonight we went to a baby shower for the Primary Secretary. Quite a good turnout and it felt a bit strange to be with women so familiar with each other in a more relaxed situation. One sister kept trying to get the others to feel her biceps with talk of how her trainer is whipping her into shape. I countered with having my closest friend in the ward feel the flab on my upper arm.

From the Story People:

Caregiver

What happened to you? I said & she said she was nurturing the cat against its will & that was the end of that conversation.

Enough for now....love to all.

2006-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, my posting screen has returned to normal. Saturday night, Doug and I and the kids had an amazing dinner prepared by our friend Jose Tosado and his wife Tiffany. Jose fixed enchiladas that were excellent but what really got to me was his recipe for guacamole. Tiffany and Jose live in an area of Long Beach called Naples because there is a canal in the middle of the area in which gondolas and boats travel down. Although, the gondoliers must have some sort of noise restriction because there was not much in the way of singing that we could hear.

Anyway, after dinner, we went down to the canal for a stroll to see the houses decorated for Christmas. Apparently there is a competition and later in the month we could go back and see the winning decorations. These homes are in the 2 million+ range. I seriously doubt that these owners are hanging there own lights. Frankly, I think this should be a part of the judging criteria. The homeowner would have to describe how long and what injuries occured during the hanging of the lights.

This was the first time I have scene the "upside down" Christmas tree. And the Santa face in lights was very creative. I could see Doug and Jose running for cover refusing to "buy in" to this lighting excess.

Anyway, some fun photos.

More than enough for now...love to all.

2006-12-04T09:17:00.000-08:00

Something has changed with my blog template. I was all prepared to post some fabulous photos from our Saturday dinner with Tiffany and Jose and the upload photos button is gone. Just goes to show technology is not always your friend. I will figure this out.

Enough until I figure this out....love to all.

2006-11-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Someone should study the lights on the tree phenomenon. This is generally Doug's job. He sets up the tree with lights and I decorate it. I think male/female relationships could be studied here. For example, does the fact that it has been at this state for 4 days says anything about the male psyche? And this year lights on the outside of the house forgitaboutit. Michaela and I strolled through our neighborhood to see which houses have put up lights. It occurred to me that this year more than ever it is important to put up lights. We wouldn't want our new neighbors here in the mission field to think Mormons aren't Christians and don't celebrate Christmas.

Spence is home from school today with "a sore cough." As you can see from the Gameboy, his hands seem to be working just fine. Well, I guess I should be getting on with the work day. Today's Storypeople Quote:

Remember to use positive affirmations. I am not a dork is not one of
them.

Enough for now...Love to all.

2006-11-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

For some reason, I feel like I am walking in a fog. I am unable to get much completed and I feel somewhat unmotivated. I always feel this way as the days shorten. The good news is I know I will feel re-energized when Spring comes.

There are your fog people & your sun people, he said. I said I wasn't
sure which kind I was. He nodded. Fog'll do that to you, he said.

So how important is a clean house? We returned from Utah a couple of days ago and I know if I finish unpacking, it would just emphasize the need to do laundry. If I set up my visiting teaching appt., it will inspire me to make something to take. If I contact a client, they might want to do business with me. I am grateful for guilt that has always been a part of my personality. It moves me to action. I love this print from James Christensen called "Balancing Act." It just reminds me of the interesting complexity of our lives. As President Hinckley states, "Do the best you can."

Enough for now...Love to all.