One Year Ago

One Year Ago ...... I made a job change. It was surly a difficult decision then, but now looking back my life is much more simpler. I appreciate that! I've really come to enjoy the associations that I've made in Theatre.

Things are still a bit stressful with the possibility of job losses, but for now I'm feeling pretty good that it won't effect our department in the immediate future. We are still waiting for a final word from the legislature on the % of budget cuts. Things still may change a year from now.

I was able to have a "one on one" with Craig Jessop, who will be taking over the Theatre Department as new department head. It was a very uplifting and insightful conversation. He knows the direction that he wants to go and he will be great to work with. I've only been in awe and admired him from a distance as the former conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I tried not to act like it was a big deal. ha!

Happy one year Anniversary!

new carpet AND baseboards.... somebody pinch me!

Ok, so after that last blog entry.......I'm kinda feeling bad about posting my latest purchase.

Three years ago we remodeled our kitchen and part of that big undertaking was putting up new baseboards. We knew we were going to re-carpet the frontroom, so we didn't put up any baseboards.

so...three years no baseboards in the frontroom.

For Christmas 2008 I decided I wanted the frontroom carpeted! So we did it! ....and Matt did a beautiful job on the baseboards. I just love it! It feels so complete, done and homey!

The first thing we did while there was no furniture in the room was make snow angel's in the carpet. =)

Here's the transformation ~~~~~~~~~

Nice carpet guy! however, Clover didn't agree.... yap yap yap!

Primed baseboards --- ooo la la!!!

The finished product!

Thanks Matthew, honey (the Dad) you did a super job!!!

Unsettling Times

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is feeling the uncertainty with the economy in the world today.

I've tried to keep optimistic and positive. I've caught myself turning off the television just so I don't have to listen to it any longer. It seems to heighten the anxiety level.

I double think every purchase -- is this a want or a need?

My job is on the line.

I don't like it.

I've always felt secure at my job and working for a University; reliable income, good atmosphere and great benefits. This month marks my 10 year anniversary. Wow! I have a feeling I won't be getting an Aggie shirt to celebrate this momentous occasion. Perhaps a coupon for a free Aggie ice cream? One could be hopeful. =)

It was recently announced, depending on the Legislative cuts, that the University will be forced to layoff 300-600 employee's in the next 6 months. Those numbers are huge to me! These aren't just numbers, these are families. The trickle down effect of this will surely be detrimental not only to the families but to the vitality of the valley.

In today's newspaper it was announced that the Theatre and the Music Department will be merging under one Department Head because of the current financial need. The departments did have first hand knowledge that this was in the works - just seeing in print makes it more of a reality and that change is surely coming! Since I work for the Theatre Department as their business manager.....it's very concerning. Joining the two departments creates duel role responsibilities. I can't help but feel a bit of a lost soul.

This has been a good time for reflection and prayer. Ultimately, I'd love to stay at home and be a full time Mom. Financially we would drown. I keep thinking how I could be creative enough to make it work? Wouldn't it be nice to just have that "perfect" something that you could do...and wouldn't have to rely on other's for your income? Sometimes I have a difficult time thinking outside the box. I'm better at stealing ideas and "tweaking" them to make them my own.

In the mean time.....I wait and wonder what opportunities will present themselves for my future and the future of my family. I always know in my heart that things will work themselves out...it's just having the faith during the uncertainly to rise above it all.

Today I keep smiling.....and a little chocolate on hand doesn't hurt either. =)

Too much cuteness for one room!

I just had to post these most darlingest pictures of my youngest Neice. Her name is Charlee.

Could she really be any cuter?

New Years Baby!!

I remember the day very well.

It was December 31, 1993...New Year Eve!

I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and pretty much uncomfortable and miserable in any position. Three weeks prior I had fallen on the ice (direct hit on the hinny with Joshua on my lap) and could hardly walk I was so stiff. It was a joyous holiday for everyone as I remember (sarcastically said!). Joshua had barely turned two years old.

We lived in Orem in an apartment. I remember not feeling well and my back was in terrible radiating pain. I decided to take a hot shower which only intensified the pain. At this point I wasn't sure what was going on, but was feeling so horrible that we decided to drive to the hospital. I wasn't due for another 2 weeks, so I was a bit nervous that my falling on the ice was causing other issues with the pregnancy. We left Joshua with our good neighbors and headed to the hospital.

At the time the only vehicle that we had was our yellow "bouncy" Toyota pickup.

I remember bracing myself with my hand between the seat and the door through every bump or corner and getting a little cross with Matt because it hurt so badly! (Like it was his fault!?? Pregnancy hormones!) I couldn't even sit down!

Now please realize I didn't know what labor really felt like. With my first baby I was induced and had my epidural before I felt any intense labor pains.

We arrived at the hospital about 8:00pm and sure enough to my surprise I was dilated to a 5 and was staying to have this baby on NEW YEARS EVE! The nurses were all excited as it was a contest between hospitals who was going to have the New Years baby for the State of Utah. Until my pregnant self arrived they didn't have any hope. =)

This birth seemed more like a party to me. Everyone was rushing in and out of my room checking on my progress and trying to prolong the inevitable. By 11:30pm, I was fully dilated and panting like a dog to NOT push every time I had a contraction. It was the total opposite of what your body wants to do at that particular state! Seriously, I think it hurts worse NOT to push, than to push. I held off the best I could but by ten minutes to midnight....I was pushing!! I remember looking around and seeing my family and the nurses in New Years Eve Party hats!!



Tanner was born at 12:00am...and 06 seconds.

There was another hospital competing for the New Years Baby and phone calls were being made back and forth on the progress during the evening. The other hospital claimed to have had their baby at 12:00am...and 04 seconds! I still sometimes wonder about that to this day!!! ?? :)

Even though Tanner wasn't the New Years Baby for the State of Utah for 1994, he was the first baby in Utah County. The next morning the newspaper came and interviewed us and took a few pictures. We also received wonderful gifts from the community and as a young struggling family we were very appreciative!!!


It was an exciting time.

Tanner was the sweetest, mostly cuddliest baby!!!

He was also a little shy.....but oh, so so sweet!! What I wouldn't give to just hold him again at this age!

Tanner (2) with his older brother Joshua (4).

This picture made it on KSL Channel 5 for the Outdoors show!

As Tanner is getting older he still has that shy side, but we are realizing he has a silly commical side...that not many get to see.

This has got to be a classic!!

Tanner (14) with younger brother Landon (13)

Tanner's Eagle Scout Picture!! Yeah for Eagle Scouts!!

Happy 15th Birthday Tanner. We love you and have decided to keep you too!!!

A Lazy Day Christmas Entry

You see,

the best part about having other family members have a blog...

...is that you can link to them when they do a great blog entry.

Both my husband Matt and my sister Annie did great write ups about our Christmas adventures. Here are the links to their entries for your viewing (and my easy blog) pleasure.

Both have great pictures!!!

Matt:
http://mattsbigadventure.blogspot.com/2008/12/happy-harley-daze.html

Annie:
http://allthingsinthewest.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-holly-jolly.html

So I'm not as smart as I thought. I wanted the links to be live, but it's not working for me at the moment, so you'll have to copy and paste the url's. :)

17 years ago today....

My first born, turns seventeen today.


I remember the day he was born. It was the best Christmas present ever.

He was a very energetic and happy little boy! Always keeping us on our toes.

He loved all the things that little boys love; sports, video games, dirt, snakes, bugs and food.



He has developed a real talent for music...and it's become a part of who he is.

I have such mix feelings as I watch him grow into a handsome fine young man. It's a love hate relationship. :D

You want to keep them all for yourselves, but realize that's not part of the plan.

There is a little comfort in knowing...that he'll be my firstborn forever, no matter what life has in store for him.


...and that's all a Mother really needs to know.

Happy 17th Birthday Joshua!