Well, would you look at that

This picture was taken about four months before we were engaged. I think I was at Miss Utah, mom will know. Mostly, look at that hair! Anyway, it's what I found with this picture that got me excited. I have been an avid journal writer for as long as I can remember. Somehow, over the last 10 years I lost a box containing three journals and a bunch of pictures chronicling from the time I was a senior in high school through my first year of marriage. Then, out of the blue yesterday I was digging through the box labeled "Hawaii Stuff" and found all of it! Jackpot for me!

Seventeen years ago, I raised a lot of eyebrows when I made it clear that my degree and career were first on my list, not having kids. My parents and Rich supported me but it defiantly wasn't what most Mormon girls did-- and I didn't care.

I took that leap and loved the result. I have no regrets, no 'what-if's' and no 'wish-I-would-haves' in the back of my mind. I'm going to start writing my story with the help of those old journals. No one will care--no one will read it. But, maybe somewhere down the road a granddaughter, niece or neighbor will find it and think, "that's me, I don't fit the traditional mold either." And she'll know she wasn't the only one.... Oh yeah, and it's a lot of fun to look up the guys I dated in high school on Facebook and see what they look like now.. :)

Working working..

Can I tell you how awesome it felt to open the mailbox and find the paper with my by-line in it again? It was amazing. Thanks TVJ family. I'm a happy mom/writer/employee/contributing taxpayer, again.

New Years resolution means bad hair days

I love plastic-- the kind that buys you stuff. I like it more than I should. My husband loves me anyway and deals with it. But, this year I made it my New Year's resolution to use cash-- not plastic. It's been hard. Had to pass up a few fine deals but the toughest test came when my curling iron bit the dust on Monday morning. My check doesn't get deposited until Friday, and sticking to my resolution, this does not constitute using plastic at Wal-Mart. So, I've been creative in the hair department. Then, today I got desperate. Evidently my morning run did a number on the hair and I should have planned more time to wash and dry it-- but I didn't so I actually went to the school to volunteer in a "mom ponytail" (as bad as mom jeans) it was embarrassing. I wore dark glasses and cowboy boots, maybe no one noticed.

Nadia does Anja's hair

What would a sleepover be without a little girl time? Nadia spent last night with us while her parents were out of town. The boys had to go to school today so that left us girls to fend for ourselves. Nadia notified me it was her job to pick out Anaj's clothes, do her hair and babysitter her today. The clothes matched and the hair was, well cute. I don't get it. Anja wont sit still for me but she was a statue for Nadia the hairdresser today. Must be a cousin thing.

Mat is engaged!

Congratulations to my little brother, Mat and his cute girlfriend Kellie...they are engaged! Mat and Kellie were cut from the same mold. They both love tripping around the world, backpacking through strange places, find joy in simple things, like camping, aren't caught up in worldly possessions and are truly happy with who they are in life. I am so happy for them.

I did talk to Mat and he said Kellie was completely surprised at the proposal, she wasn't expecting it. Mat said he had planned all these wonderful things to say when he presenter her with the ring, but his nerves got in the way and all that came out was, "will you marry me?" She said yes (as did her father who Mat called the day before) and it was made official. No date has been set-- remember they moved to the Virgin Islands in November. I wouldn't put it past them to go to South America in the next two months, find some old ancient medicine man and get hitched that way--that's who they are, and I love it. However, to make it official they will have to do it here at some point and Mat said they would have some sort of "shin-dig" for family and friends (who can pass up free food, money and gifts?). But, as he told me-- we just got engaged, no other official plans have been made.

So, congratulations Mat and Kellie!!

Valentine's Day! or Day of Sugar!

It's tradition. Before lunch the doorbell rings and to the kids surprise there are goodies waiting on the porch from grandma and grandpa. This year was no different even with several inches of fresh snow on the ground. I had some happy kids! Anja disappeared for a while and after some searching, we found her under the piano bench with all of the chocolates from her heart in her mouth and hands. Yum, chocolate!

Draper Temple

I have to admit, this was not something I really wanted to do. Standing in the cold, in a dress with my kids to see the inside of the temple was not high on my list of fun things to do this winter. But, being obedient, I did it because I was told to. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. It took under an hour to park, watch the movie, tour the temple and get back to our car. The mounds of treats/bribes I stashed in my purse for the kids remained untouched. The kids had a blast seeing the inside of the temple and were full of questions. Even Anja enjoyed the adventure. The walk to the temple doors was covered by a massive tent that kept much of the cold and snow out. That was nice. Then, true to Mormon culture, there were cookies at the end. Even the missionaries were well behaved (way to go Elder Coombs) not one asked for a referral! Because it was snowing and the tents were up, we could only get a picture of the family standing at the doors-- and my camera was cold and fogged up so none of the pictures turned out well.. Regardless, it is a beautiful building and was worth the trek to see my entire family in the Celestial Room together-- hopefully not for the last time.