Same Difference and Third Time's a Charm

I wanted to quickly update and let you know our new church callings...

Same Difference - On July 4th, Darrell was released as 1st counselor in the bishopric and then called as the 1st counselor in the new bishopric.  He is now the veteran bishopric member and is still enjoying it.

Third Time's a Charm - I told you a few months ago that I was released as Primary President then immediately called to be the Music Director. A few weeks ago I was released and called to be the Relief Society Secretary.  That calling only lasted a few weeks since yesterday I was called and sustained as the Stake Primary 1st Counselor.  So, I guess third time's a charm. :) I expect to be in this calling for a while.

It's an interesting story, the lady that they called to be the president doesn't know many people in the stake. To help, the stake presidency provided her with a list of names to choose as counselors.  She went through the names and prayerfully chose her counselors. After I was sustained in sacrament meeting, we went to be set apart and I met the newly called president. She seems like a nice lady and I'm excited to work with her.  She truly was inspired. :)  PS - If anyone has any advice for primary on a stake level, let me know!

Nerdy couple alert...

This summer has gone super fast and it's hard to realize that Salem will be back in school next week.  We've done many things that I should have blogged about but this picture will explain the typical night for me:

School! Every time I get on the computer it's to do homework with an occasional bill paying and trying to keep up with my email, rss reader and possibly 5 minutes of facebook (since that's the only way I get updates about certain things.) Anyway, Darrell and I are successful at school, getting A's and have even made the President's List. (Well La-de-da, who cares.) We are scheduled to be finished next May or June, so next summer we can breath a little more. Ta ta for now!

There is sunshine in my soul today

Today marks a new chapter in my life. It's amazing how the Lord works and his timing is impeccable. I was released today from my calling as Primary President. I didn't know that it was coming until this morning, 15 minutes before church started, but I feel that it's the right thing. My new calling is Ward Music Director. I'll be the one to choose the songs in sacrament meeting and arrange any possible musical numbers. This seems very doable! :)

A lady in my ward is a breast cancer survivor and she has a great attitude. As she was enduring this trial a year or two ago, she said "Well, either way I win." Today she walked into the church building, coming out of the cloudy & rainy day, carrying a yellow umbrella and wearing a smile. She always carries a little bit of sunshine around. Even though the day was dreary, she had the sunshine.

Today I left singing "There is sunshine in my soul today." I'm not sure if this is rejoicing from being released from the calling, viewing my friend's yellow umbrella & smile, or a testament that my new calling is meant to be. There will be a song in my heart for quite a while.

The next chapter begins...

Look who's thirty

Today starts a new decade for me, I'm 30!

My 88-yr old friend gave me a birthday card that I'd like to share. It's interesting when you put it this way...

Thirty. When you think about it it's only three decades.
Three decades,
Seven Presidents,
Eight Olympic games
28 Volcanic eruptions,
87 Space missions,
203 Overthrown governments,
1712 Oscar nominations,
420,000 New miles of highway,
51 Million acres of cleared rainforest...
Anyway, Happy 30th!

Geez, I feel old! But I'm okay because I've had a lot of accomplishments along the way and hope to have many more.


"And many more..." (For those of you who get that joke.)

Morning thoughts

This morning Oaklen came into our room and the first thing uttered out of his mouth was "Mom, I dreamed about pasta last night." Then Salem came into the room and the first thing out of his mouth was "Mom, I'm planting the seed of education today."

You can get a glimpse of their personalities just by those sentences. :)


My morning thought: "Today is the last day in my 20's, what am I going to do?"

It's not September but...

"September days are crisp and cool, isn't it nice to be back in school?" (I said this phrase for a school program in 1st grade.)

Wait a second...it's not September, it's April; but I'm back in school! Today is the first day of school for me and Darrell! We are endeavoring to get our MBA's. We are extremely blessed to have this schooling paid for by Darrell's employer. (Our prayer from a couple of years ago has been answered, and then some.)

It's an online program so I won't have to leave to go to class but I'm going to be quite busy with homework. This is one of the reasons that Darrell gave me the laptop early.  I have been waiting to post a blog about school for a while but didn't want to count my chickens before they were hatched. Now, it's really true that I'm going to school and it's really exciting! :)

Student discount here we come!

Answer to the Quiz - what did I just do?

Okay, you're all really lazy or all stumped on the quiz that I posted last week. It wasn't supposed to be a hard math question, it wasn't even technically math!

The answer is...
I was helping Salem with his homework, on learning clocks and telling time. He asked me to draw a bunch of clocks on a paper without the time set so that he could figure out where the little hand goes and the big hand. I wrote a whole bunch of circles on a paper then wrote 12, 3, 6, 9 to get my numbers in the right place then filled in the rest of the numbers: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11.

Now that wasn't hard was it?

Naturally Green

Today in honor of St. Patrick's day, I challenge you to eat something green that you haven't tried, or haven't had in a long time. No, I don't mean green moldy food, or putting green food coloring in your comfort food. Try something that was meant to be green.

Here are some examples:
Broccoflower
Tomatillos
Asparagus
Spinach
Broccoli
Green Apples
Green Pears
Cucumbers
Peas
Spinach
Celery
Lettuce
Green onions
Green peppers
Green onions
Green olives
Basil
Parsley
Cilantro
Avocados
etc. etc. etc.

What was my choice? Broccoflower! I have never tried it. I have always gotten white cauliflower or broccoli. Today, I tried it. Was it good? Yes! It tasted pretty much like white cauliflower. This could be a colorful addition to salads or other dishes.

I was very tempted to try tomatillos. I've had them but have never purchased them or made anything with them. I found this recipe that I thought I might try. After reading the interview about my brother's hot dog stand and other taco stands, it made me want to try tomatillos. They weren't on sale so I'll have to get them later. :)

If you're squeamish about the green food, you can always disguise it, or blend it up. You could make herbed bread and it would be delicious!

Tonight I'll probably make "green pasta" as Oaklen calls it. We just had this Spinach Pesto pasta last week but I figure I should make again since it's St. Patrick's day and we have more spinach. Side dishes will include broccoflower, cucumber, celery, and more!

Happy green eating, I guarantee that you'll feel good.

Quiz - what did I just do?

Here's a quick quiz...

I just got done doing something and I want you to figure it out.

I wrote circles on a paper, then wrote these numbers in this order:
12, 3,6,9,1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11

My new baby

Now that Ezril is 1-yr old, I got a new baby...

Yeah! Darrell ordered this laptop for me for my birthday and it came today. He decided to surprise me with it today rather than wait 6 weeks. I'm very happy that he gave me the early birthday present. :) He was quite clever, I had no idea that it was coming. He told me not to be alarmed about a large purchase he made. He said that he ordered something from Dell for his friend at work so his friend could be secretive. Pretty tricky, I totally believed it!

I love it and I love him. Now I just need to set some rules so I'm not on the computer all the time. :)

It's great to be 8

Today is our 8-year anniversary, Happy Anniversary Darrell!

We made it past our 7-yr itch and have now entered our crazy 8's. I consider ourselves newly weds but I guess I can't say that after 8 years and 3 kids. It's been fun! :)

Here are some goofy pictures of us taken 10 years ago. We had just gotten a webcam set up on my mom's computer and had to test it out. Our courtship was bliss...

Happy February

I have been known among my friends to wish people "Happy [Month]" when it's a new month. Today I got a phone call from my friend to wish me a Happy February! :) It was so nice and I'm glad I've trained her to say that. :)

January flew by very fast, so here is a quick update...enjoy all the pictures, click on them to view larger versions.

Salem - His two front teeth came out on New Year's day. One while he was sledding down the hill. He walked back to the top of the hill and said "Hey, my tooth is gone!" Then later that day he wiggled the other one out. He had to write a letter to the tooth fairy to explain the missing tooth but assured her/him that he indeed lost 2 teeth. (By the way, is the tooth fair male or female? I've always thought that the fairy was female, but the Santa Clause 2 movie states otherwise.) He went skiing for the first time and  had a good time. Thanks Uncle Cabot for taking him!

Oaklen - He is still as funny as ever. Every day is an adventure for him (and me.) He is back in his Bob the Builder phase and is calling me Wendy. His imagination is quite cute. He started primary in January and has enjoyed it. His teacher is great, and his primary president is awesome! :) He still is always in the fridge and pantry. I happened to be holding the camera to go take a pic of Ezril and found Oaklen under the table eating to his heart's content. :)

I made my mom's cake, and let Oaklen lick the frosting off the beaters, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ezril - I can't believe he's already 11 months old today and it's interesting to watch how different each kid is. Ezril still does not crawl, he scoots along as he sits and is content with that. He has learned this week how to open cabinet doors and is starting his curious phase. He likes to stand while leaning on chairs and couches. He's just starting to cruise. He like his mega saucer and jumper and loves to jump. He babbles and has said momma, dadda, and other various baby words/sounds. He went swimming for the first time and loved it. He loves the water and baths. I call him my "little boy blue" because of his small stature and beautiful blue eyes.

Darrell - Darrell's company changed office buildings and it's been great all around. It's closer to home, and there is an on-site gym he can use for free. The desks, cubicles and computer hardware is better and it's got a great view out the windows. Darrell continues to get up every morning and run. He's very healthy and happy and a great example to all of us. He still serves as 1st counselor in the bishopric and still finds time to enjoy his guitar, children, wife and home.

Heather - I'm trying to keep my patience and temper on an hourly basis. I am a complainer by nature and it's a challenge for me to just be content and happy. :) (Thanks for putting up with me Darrell and kids.) I have cut back on eating sugar and only had one small taste of my mom's birthday cake for the entire month of January. (Although this may be why I've been ornery. :) ) It's not really a new year's resolution but just a "holiday-detox." I plan to continue this and only have sweets on a very rare basis. (Special occasions happen too often in our family, I can't use that as an excuse.) I still serve as Primary President in our ward, am the treasurer of the Utah Breastfeeding Coalition, and am a member of the school community council and PTA.

A Somber Occasion

Today marks a somber occasion for me and my family. It's the 20th anniversary of my father's death. September 10th will always be a dreaded day in my mind.

Last year for his birthday, I wrote a nice post about him. Go ahead and read it again if you'd like...I just re-read it and now don't know what to say. All of my memories are summed up in that blog entry. I prayed to Heavenly Father last night asking to bring forth some memories to my mind, I have faith that he will.

Here are some random things that I'll tell you:

* My dad's death was sudden; he was killed on a motorcycle, a girl was in a car turning left and didn't see him. We of course didn't' expect it.

* I always try to remember what we did the few days before his death, but can't remember hardly anything. The one thing I do remember is coming home from my friend's birthday party the day before and he and my mom laying on their bed watching TV. I came in and told them about the birthday party and stared at their bare feet. The day he died was on a Sunday so we went to church that morning and I remember him working on the motorcycle in the back yard later.

* I listened to "In the Living Years" on the radio close to the time of his death and now it reminds me of him every time I hear it. The new children's songbook had just been published and we (some primary children) sang "Love One Another" with the sign language for his funeral. Every time I hear that song sung in primary I get emotional.

* He was buried in his cub scout uniform since he was a cub master for many years. I often go to cub scout meetings now (for Primary) and feel weird seeing that green scout uniform. I'm not necessarily traumatized by it but does feel weird. I'll get over it.

* The night he died, and after everyone left, my small family went into my mom's room and said a family prayer. We weren't in the habit of saying family prayer so this one particularly stood out in my mind. We all knelt down, held hands and prayed. After the prayer was said we all cried to our hearts content.

* When I was told that my father died, I didn't cry. I'm sure I was in shock, plus there were tons of people there watching me and I probably didn't want to cry. A few hours later my neighbor (Miss Margene) took me into my room and just hugged me. She let me cry and it felt good to cry without anyone watching me. Between tears I said "It's like he's going on a mission and never coming back."

* When my best friend Tracee found out about it, she found a few random things from her room and put them in two bags for me and my sister as a gift. It was sweet of her to do that. When I saw her, she gave me a big hug, a real meaningful hug. I was always used to hugging people bigger and older than me so it felt nice to hug someone the same size as me. That hug is my most memorable hug of all time.

* A few weeks ago I remembered that 10 years ago I sent an email to many friends entitled "Cherish life." I went back to my old email address to find what I had written and I couldn't find it! I found a few replies from friends but couldn't find the original email. If any of you know what I'm talking about and happened to save that email, please forward it to me! Anyway, the email was talking about cherishing life and that you never know what you have until it's gone. This may sound morbid but I often think "what if this were the last time I would see [this person]? Would I regret something I did or said?" I try always make sure to hug my loved ones and verbally say "I love you." PLEASE don't hesitate to say I love you, it may be the last time.

* I have a necklace locket and in it holds a picture of my mom & dad. The picture of my dad was the last picture that was taken of him. It was up at our mountain property, he was in the background of the picture being taken of me, my sister and some of my mom's friend's kids. His face just happened to be the perfect size to stick in the locket. I'm glad.

* That next year after he died, I remember having a dream. I don't want to say it means anything, but when I think about it, I am happy, so I'll share it. Here is what I remember from my dream:

It was very bright and white, I was a little girl playing and waiting in a room with other people. I think my mom, brother & sister was there. The "camera" (my mind) took me out in the hallway to see my dad dressed all in bright white carrying a bag. I ran to the hallway and jumped up to give him a big hug. We both smiled because he was home.

That's all I remember, I don't know what it means. I'm not trying to prophesy anything but it's a fond memory. Here is a picture of he and I before I was baptized. I don't really like that we're not smiling but I like the "all white" picture.
* On January 29, 2002 I escorted my mom, and sister to receive their temple endowment. After the session, we were all sealed as a family. (Darrell did my dad's temple endowment a few years prior.) The phrase "Families Are Forever" always seemed incorrect for us. Now "Families Can Be Together Forever" is the correct phrase.

I love you Daddy!

PS - Darrell thanks for making waffles today. I don't know if you realized it or not, but it was perfect to have them today. I even found some old Mrs. Buttersworth syrup in the pantry to put on them. It almost tasted just like how my dad used to make them.

Motherhood talk

Today at church, I spoke in sacrament meeting. I wrote my talk so I figured I'd copy and paste this here. I didn't read it word for word, and I said things differently but here is the jist of it. The end only has notes since those were my extra things to say if I had time, but I did, in fact, have more time. (The Bishop asked me to speak on 'Finding joy in Motherhood.')

In the April 2008 conference, Elder Ballard spoke to the Daughters of God. I remember the beginning of this talk well since he got a few laughs when he said the following:
This afternoon I want to focus my remarks primarily on mothers, particularly on young mothers.

As a young father, I learned the demanding role of motherhood. I served as a counselor and then as bishop for a period of 10 years. During that time we were blessed with six of our seven children. Barbara was often worn-out by the time I got home Sunday evening. She tried to explain what it was like to sit on the back row in sacrament meeting with our young family. Then the day came that I was released. After sitting on the stand for 10 years, I was now sitting with my family on the back row.

The ward’s singing mothers’ chorus was providing the music, and I found myself sitting alone with our six children. I have never been so busy in my whole life. I had the hand puppets going on both hands, and that wasn’t working too well. The Cheerios got away from me, and that was embarrassing. The coloring books didn’t seem to entertain as well as they should.

As I struggled with the children through the meeting, I looked up at Barbara, and she was watching me and smiling. I learned for myself to more fully appreciate what all of you dear mothers do so well and so faithfully!

I think about what he said often when I’m sitting in church with my children. I was pleased when he mentioned cheerios since that is sometimes my sanity here in sacrament meeting. You’ve heard poems and other talks that spell out the word “Mother” like “M is for the many kinds words you say…, etc” but instead of using the word “Mother” today, I’m going to use the word “Cheerios” since that is one of the ways that I find joy in motherhood. Plus I figure if the apostle of the Lord can talk about cheerios, then so can I.

C is for Cherish – We must cherish each moment that we have with our children.
There is a poem that used to hang on a wall in my childhood home that said “Cooking and cleaning can wait ‘til tomorrow for babies grow up as we learn to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep, I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
Elder Ballard said:

I am impressed by countless mothers who have learned how important it is to focus on the things that can only be done in a particular season of life. If a child lives with parents for 18 or 19 years, that span is only one-fourth of a parent’s life. And the most formative time of all, the early years in a child’s life, represents less than one-tenth of a parent’s normal life. It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our homes.

I try to think about that when I’m struggling with a hard parenting situation. This moment is such a small percentage of their lives. Elder Ballard quoted an author Anna Quindlen and stated “I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”

H is for Hair – Yes I know what you’re thinking, what? Hair? What’s that all about? I chose “Hair” for my H because of my son Oaklen. He loves my hair and is always running his fingers through it. I have tried numerous tactics to get him to stop playing with my hair since sometimes it hurts but so far nothing has worked. I’ve decided to embrace this (as much as I can) and let him grow out of it. We’ll be reading a book and he’ll reach up and grab some of my hair for just a moment to “reconnect to mom” and then let go.

I liken this to our relationship with the savior. How many times do we need to reconnect to the Lord? Do we always have a prayer in our heart? Are we thinking about what would Jesus do in this particular situation? As a mother I need to ask myself those questions. Am I including the savior in this child rearing? Elder Ballard said:

Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised.”

E is for Example – Mothers should be good examples. President Hinckley always spoke highly of his mother, and he shared a few lessons that his mother taught him in various talks and books. There are many people in the world that start off a sentence with “My momma used to say…” or “My mother taught me…” I hope to live my life so that my sons will one day say “my mother taught me…” or “my mother always used to say…”

We think of the adult always setting the example, but I’m also thankful for the good examples that my children are to me. They are always quick to forgive, have incredible faith and often remind me of a commandment.

E is for Essential – Elder Ballard said “There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.” Motherhood is essential to the Lord’s plan of happiness. What we learn in this life, will help us through the eternities.

One of the joys of motherhood is to watch your child become self sufficient. Heavenly Father also is overjoyed when we become self sufficient through provident living.

R is for Respect – I have a deep respect for all mothers, we are all different and unique. Elder Ballard says:

“There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.”

I is for I Love You – Those three words are so beautiful; I never get tired of hearing them or saying them. When I was in High school, I went to an assembly hosted by the Community of Caring. I don’t really remember what the assembly was about except that they were talking about being loved. My friend sat next to me and whispered “Do you hear the words ‘I love you’ at your house every day?” I said “Yes, of course.” And she said “Oh, I don’t.” and she thought it was weird that I did. I was so used to hearing those words from my mom that I didn’t realize how blessed I was. I’m sure that my friend was greatly loved in her home, but to just hear those three words makes all the difference. Please, if you don’t already say “I love you” to your loved ones, start doing it!

In the proclamation to the world about the family, Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. We hunger for this nurturing and love. The greatest example of love is our Savior. Elder Hales from his last conference address spoke these words:

“But as children of God, our deepest hunger and what we should be seeking is what the Lord alone can provide—His love, His sense of worth, His security, His confidence, His hope in the future, and assurance of His love, which brings us eternal joy."

O is for Over and over – As a mother, how many times do you say “tie your shoes, wipe your nose, go to sleep, etc.” You’re saying them over and over again.

We learn by repetition. We come to church and learn the same things over and over, but we still need to learn it again.

S is for Sanctity – Motherhood is a sacred calling.

While serving as First Counselor in the First Presidency, President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 79; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 60).

Speaking to mothers, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:

“Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that ‘men [and women] might be’ [2 Nephi 2:25] and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice [see 2 Timothy 1:5] and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 48; or Ensign, May 1997, 36; see also pages 44–45 in the Marriage and Family Relations Participant’s Study Guide).

[After I said all of this I had more time so here were a few of my 'extras' notes.]
********
Elder Ballard:

The third question: What can children, even young children, do? Now, you children, please listen to me because there are some simple things you can do to help your mother.

You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.

You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.

Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.

***********
President David O. McKay (1873–1970):

“[The] ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness … to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, … deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 453–54).

*******
"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."
*****
Discipline not of children but of yourself (Hinckley)
********
Bloom where you are planted
*********
Family scripture, song & prayer never have a child go astray
*******
Happiness is… and gratitude journal
*******
The Family is of God
1. Our Father has a family. It’s me!
It’s you, all others too: we are His children.
He sent each one of us to earth, through birth,
To live and learn here in fam’lies.

2. A father’s place is to preside, provide,
To love and teach the gospel to his children.
A father leads in fam’ly prayer to share
Their love for Father in Heaven.

3. A mother’s purpose is to care, prepare,
To nurture and to strengthen all her children.
She teaches children to obey, to pray,
To love and serve in the fam’ly.

4. I’ll love and serve my family and be
A good example to each fam’ly member.
And when I am a mom or dad, so glad,
I’ll help my fam’ly remember:

[Chorus]
God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be—
This is how He shares His love, for the fam’ly is of God.

Inside outside upside down

Darrell took this picture of me without me knowing. (It's not the most flattering.) I downloaded it today and had to do a double take, I look quite pregnant! I'm carrying Ezril in my ring sling and the sling is up over his head for support, his chest is toward mine. This is how I would look if he were breech and still in the womb. GEEZ!

I love my slings and baby carriers I need to do another post when I have more time to write about babywearing.

Birthday Monkey Business

Today I'm 29!

If you know me, you'll know that I love sending cheesy e-cards to people. Here is one of my favorite birthday cards. You might have gotten this one from me in the past...now I'm sending it to myself!

http://www.123greetings.com/birthday/birthday_fun/friends1.html

02/02/09...Are we already starting the 7-year itch?

What were you doing 7 years ago today? If you knew me and Darrell at that time I hope you were attending our wedding festivities! It was (of course) a great day. People tell me that it was such a cold day but I don't even remember the coldness, my heart was warm and my head was in the clouds.

Happy Anniversary Darrell! I love you more than words can say.

7 1/2 years ago I made a website for the wedding. The website has long since been removed but I still have some of the content. Here is a clip of what I wrote:

Our Story

Heather's Version
I met him when I was in High School. He's two years older than me in school. I was a junior and he had already graduated. We had a mutual friend named Christian. Christian kept telling me about this "rad guitar player" named Darrell. So I had heard a lot about him. We finally met on February 22, 1997 at a small party that my friend Marie was having. Christian brought him along, he introduced him to all of my friends. We said "so this is the Darrell we've heard so much about!" Later we were all thinking "Christian didn't tell us he was cute!"

We got to be good friends. We would hang out all the time. We never dated or did anything of that sort since he was preparing for a mission, and I was having fun in High School. He left for his mission to Catania Italy on November 5, 1997. I went to go see him off at the MTC, and that was the first time he hugged me.

The next two years I wrote to him, the first year every once in a while, then for the second year, about every week. I wasn't "the girl he left behind" but if he had one, then I would be it. I still stayed in contact with his family, I'd hang out with some of his siblings, and friends.

He served his two years came home on November 18, 1999. I saw him the day after he came home, and the minute he saw me he ran up and hugged me. I only stayed at his house for 1/2 an hour, since I already had plans for the evening. The next day was the U of U vs. BYU football game. I went down to Provo with the Crimson Line, to watch, and perform at the game. The game was so awesome, that I lost my voice. I was cheering so loud for the U of U, and WE WON!!! The whole bus ride home, my friends were asking me how it went with my "missionary." I talked my voice to death, and the next day I had no voice. The next day happened to be Sunday, his Homecoming. I just smiled most of the day, since I couldn't talk. Everyone was at his house to welcome him home, but he told me later, the only person he wanted to be with was me.

Four days from he being home, the day after his Homecoming, he told me he loved me. I didn't know what to say, I guess I was scared. I was so confused about him and everything else. I had never told any boy that I loved him, so I wasn't going say that phrase lightly. He wanted to date right away, but I told him that he was still "weird" from being on his mission, so after he got settled into his own life, we could talk about ours.

We stayed friends for November and December. I was confused, and he thought I had rejected him. Finally on January 5, 2000, I invited him to go to lunch with me. We went to my house afterwards and had our "DTR" (Define the Relationship.) I was ready to date him now, to pursue a relationship. Our courtship was bliss. My mom told us that we should write a book about "How to Be Romantic." Darrell and I were always giving each other little notes and compliments.

On July 24, 2000, we had our first big talk about marriage. We both knew we wanted to marry each other, but just didn't know when. On October 17, 2000, we decided on February 2, 2002. We prayed about it, and knew it was the right date.

He gave me the ring and proposed officially on December 2, 2000, to find out how he proposed, go to The proposal [Pasted below]. We were engaged for 14 months. Everyone thought we were crazy for waiting so long, but we knew we could do it! Before we were engaged everyone kept asking us when we were going to get married, so instead of dating for two years, and making everyone wonder, we dated for a while, and were engaged for over a year so we could tell people our date!

Darrell is such a wonderful man. He is the most spiritual and romantic person I know. I'm so in love!

The proposal

It was Saturday December 2, 2000. Darrell and Heather had just gotten home to Heather's house from a Grizzlies game. Heather went downstairs to change the laundry while Darrell was still upstairs. She came up into the living room wrapped in a table cloth that she had just taken out of the dryer since she was cold.

Darrell had piece of paper in his hand. He wanted Heather to sit with him on the couch so he could read her a poem. Heather not thinking anything was going on since Darrell always does cute stuff like that.

Darrell told Heather to put her hand on his heart. She did so and it was pounding like crazy. He read Heather the wonderful poem and then got down on the floor and reached under the couch and pulled out a box. Darrell knelt down and opened up the box, inside was the ring and he said "Heather will you marry me?" Heather of course said "YES!"

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. She is the greatest! I don't where I'd be without her. She's been my best friend for so many years, I cherish her friendship and love.

Here is a creative way to tell you about her:
E is for Everyone's friend - She is blessed with so many friends from all walks of life. Wherever she goes, she touches the lives of many and stays in contact with the friends too.
M is for Motherly - Obviously she is motherly to me since she's my mother but she is always taking care and fussing over others. She has to make sure everyone has everything they need.
M is Multi talented - If you start talking to her, you'll be amazed at all that she has done in her life. River rafting, syncronized swimming, baton twirling, and she can ever still touch her toes! :)
A is for Affectionate - She and I are snuggle buddies. Even in while I was attending college I would still go into her room in the mornings and snuggle with her before waking up fully. She has always told me that she loves me multiple times a day and I didn't realize that some families don't always do that. I am fortunate to have her love.
R is for Realist - My mom will tell you like it is. She is not "in the clouds" when it comes to ideas and she is good at telling you advice that is good real advice. She taught me to "own my own mind."
E is for Entertainer - She is always the life of the party and makes sure everyone is having a good time. She is a great hostess and can make a conversation with anyone.
E is for Empowered - She is quite a powerful woman. I'm amazed at everything she's knows and everything that she can do. She has always just picked herself up by her boot straps and kept on trekin'. She's been through a lot in her life and she never gives up.

I love you mom, Happy Birthday!

A mother of boys

I was just looking at a catalog and saw this quote:

"Mothers of little boys work from son up to son down."

I have heard this saying before but now I really understand. I'm tired...this 3rd trimester of my pregnancy is starting to slow me down. It's hard for me to have this nesting instinct and want to get so much done yet the simplest things make me so tired! 8 1/2 more weeks...will I last? I have to...mom's don't get a day off.

Dance like everybody is watching

A few days ago I found myself in my kitchen dancing to the jams on the CD I got from the library. There were no blinds or curtains on the windows (I'll tell you later in another post the reason for the naked windows) and it was dark outside so anyone could plainly see me dancing. I was entertaining my two boys, as well as the neighbors. I'm sure it was hilarious to watch some pregnant lady shake some bootie.

I thought about the saying "Dance like nobody is watching" and decided that I prefer the saying "Dance like everybody is watching." I like to entertain and the more people watching me, the merrier! :) In high school I got "The Entertainer" award at our year-end cheerleading retreat. In Crimson Line, at the U, I also got a couple other awards that followed that same suit. (I'll refrain from giving you detail about the awards in fear of some random person reading this blog to think weird thoughts.)

This was the photo featured on the front page of the Daily Utah Chronicle during my freshman year of college. My glory days of dancing...and using a flag. :)

Here I am (wearing a wig) backstage while performing in Singin' in the Rain at Hale Centre Theatre in 2004. (I wasn't the one who popped out of the cake, but it was fun to pose for the picture.)