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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.