Thursday, March 31, 2011

Day 21

A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Not all of them.  After all, in making mistakes there comes a growth and learning.  I wouldn't be the person I am without the mistakes I've made.  Still, there are some better forgotten.

Day 20

A picture of a place you'd love to travel to.
I'd love to go on an Alaskan cruise.  I think the nature of the place is what I'd really love to see.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day 19

A picture of when you were little.

That's me sitting on my mom's lap.

Here I am in my mom's arms.

Day 18

A picture of your biggest insecurity.
I had to think a long time about this one but finally came up with the answer. I am terrified to sing (solo) in front of a group. I know I don't have a terrible voice, but I also know it's nothing special. I think there is no crutch when you are a soloist. There is no one to help you or lean on. It's kind of like if you had to stand naked in front of a crowd. I feel very vulnerable.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Day 17

A picture of someone who has recently made an impact on your life.
My daughter Clare. She just gave birth to another beautiful child. That makes me "Nana" to three. I also had to become the surrogate mother for a few days while she was in the hospital. That was a big impact on me.

Day 16

A picture of someone who inspires you.
That person would have to be my mom. Even though she is not here with me anymore, I find myself doing things that she would do. She didn't have the confidence that I have, but she had so many other talents. She inspires me to be a better person and to enjoy my grandchildren.

Friday, March 25, 2011

New Grandson

Brock Patrick showed up on March 23rd. Another grandson to love. Life as a "Nana" is so good. I love it!

Day 15

A picture of something you want to do before you die.
I want to one day visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii. Not because it's in Hawaii but because of the tragedy it represents and the strength that came out of our nation as a result.

Day 14

A picture of someone you could not imagine your life without.
My parents and my husband. My parents because I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. My mother taught me so much and my dad was just the best daddy. He was my hero as a little girl. Even though my mom is no longer here, I feel her presence every once in a while. I hear her voice come out of my mouth every once in a while as well.
My husband (even though this pic was before he was my husband) is my rock and my strength. He is my world. For his example of kindness and love and patience I will always be grateful.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Day 13

A picture of your favorite artist or musical group.
This one is really hard. I can't say that I have a favorite. I love music. Most kinds actually except for rap, hip-hop and really heavy head-banging trash. I love to listen to Josh Groban's smooth voice but I also really like Trace Adkins. I enjoy the a capella groups like Voice Male and Vocal Point. I like anything from the 70's. (My era growing up). The 80's I don't particularly like and I like country music. I love the emotion that music can evoke. Our ward choir was especially great on Sunday. See? I have a varied interest when it comes to music.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day 12

A picture of something you love.

This is totally so easy. Getting away with my husband on an overnight getaway. We've been to door county a couple of times.
Sitting on the beach on Washington Island. So quiet and peaceful.
Camping on the shores of Lake Superior north of Houghton.
Out on the point on Lake Superior.
Same camping trip. Morning muffins heated over the campfire.

Day 11

A picture of something you hate.

I can't say I HATE anything. There are things that I really dislike a lot. This is one of them. People who can't commit. This week I had a kid who wasn't sure he wanted to be on the track team. I told him straight out. Think about what you want because you are either on this team or you're not. Don't waste my time if you're not going to commit!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Day 10

A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

When I was a teenager, it was my best friend. That was long ago so now it is my daughters. There is no way I could choose just one of these lovlies. My life is so rich because these women are a part of my life. We can get goofy and laugh at just about anything. Sammi has always been the most random but I've got to say that Erin is probably the wittiest. Clare and I can share "mom" things together. They are my best girlfriends and I expect they always will be.

Day 9

A picture of someone whose gotten you through the most.
Without a doubt, I could never have gotten through the tough times in my life without my Savior. When my mom died and my sister was diagnosed with terminal cancer were definately the lowest times of my life when I leaned on Him more than ever.

At times when I struggle with personal problems or just need a boost or need help in preparing a lesson, I've leaned heavily upon the one who has been through everything. I am so thankful.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Day 8

A picture that makes you laugh.

This one always makes me laugh. It was taken at the state track meet 2009. Erin, Whitney, Nick and Tom all qualified to compete and we brought Allyssa along because she's fun. There were a lot of inside jokes that year that included squirrels, raptors and Helen Keller. The kids came up with this goofiness and then Erin added the extras.

I think it is hilarious that Tom appears to be checking out the squirrel he's holding in his hands. Helen Keller looks like she's looking too although we all know she can't see. That raptor appears to be licking his chops in checking out either Whitney or the squirrel.

I'm sure no one else except those in this photo think there's anything funny about this picture, but it brings back so much fun and silliness and competition and memories...all good. This was my favorite year to coach track.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Day 7

A picture of your most treasured item.
This is easy. The relationships I have with each of my family members.

This is a stable but continuously changing thing. As each of our circumstances change, so does our relationship. Yes, I'm Mom to my children always, but as they leave home and discover the world outside our door, things change.

I will ever be grateful for these individuals and our relationships that are priceless. I look forward to the new relationships with those who are not yet a part of this family. Those who will be born into it and those who will marry into our insanity.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Day 6

A picture of someone you wish you could trade places with for one day.
I don't wish to be anyone other than who I am. Once in a while, like now during track season, I wish I could be 17 again so I could work out with my athletes with a thin, in-shape body. I loved my senior year and I especially loved track and field. So, for a day, I want to be me at 17.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Day 5

Day 5 is a picture of your favorite memory.
I have many wonderful memories but when I really started thinking about our entire family and the memories we've created, there was only one choice.
The City of Joseph
All decked out our first year in our costumes representing Germany.
In 2001, we brought Zack, Lys, Nichola and Stef with us. I unfortunately broke my foot only a week before leaving so I wasn't actually in the show this year.
How do you build a city?
With your hands. With your heart. Still 2001. I had the incredible opportunity to watch my family doing something they love. I did end up backstage for several nights to make sure they could handle the costume changes, etc.
Our first year in 2000. Look at my little Andrew. He was only four. So cute.
This was taken at our house in 2000. No makeup or authentic hair styles. (Except for the bearded man) It's incredible how the children have grown up.
On Sunday, Andrew and I watched the 2004 show on DVD. We looked for ourselves and enjoyed remembering. I still feel nostalgic when thinking about those incredible five years of our lives. Such great blessings and so many friends. It is bittersweet to remember. I do so with fondness and a little sadness but great love.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Day 4

A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have.
I have a couple of habits I wish I didn't have, but easily my worst habit is being too judgemental. I actually am working on changing this. My desire is to NOT judge people. It's a good thing I don't have road rage because as I drive there are a lot of idiots out there. See? I need to fix this flaw in my personality.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Day 3

A picture of the cast of your favorite TV show. I have a few shows that I enjoy watching but nothing I can't live without. I like Idol and I'm a total Biggest Loser fan. Survivor has always been a fave. But since the shows like Magnum P.I. and Knots Landing (yes, a soap opera) are gone, I don't have any can't miss. I loved the early years of E.R. But, if I have to chose something, I pick Gilligan's Island. Mindless and entertaining. You gotta love it Little Buddy.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Day 2

A picture of someone you've been close to for awhile.
This is so easy. My sweetheart and husband.
We've been married for 28 years. We began dating the summer after he graduated from high school. We married 10 months after he returned from serving a mission for our church.
We are the grandparents of two little beauties.
This is us last Spring at the Stake Prom. I told Pat that he never took me to Prom so this was his chance. We didn't dance much, just enjoyed watching our son pick up where his dad left off when he was a teen.
Don't you think we would've made a great couple for the Homecoming?
In all seriousness. I cannot imagine my life without this amazing man.

Friday, March 11, 2011

30 Day Challenge

The 30 Day challenge includes a photo and something about me each day.
Day 1: A photo of and 10 facts about myself.




1. I am a mother of five amazing individuals.

2. I am Nana to two little cuties but it will be three before the 30 days are over.

3. I am an early morning seminary teacher. I love this opportunity.

4. I am a high school track & field coach. This is so much fun.

5. I am a volleyball official. This offers me a chance for some pocket money.

6. I love athletics! Both participating and watching.

7. I'm the wife of the stake president. He's awesome!

8. I'm a daughter of "goodly parents."

9. I have four wonderful siblings!

10. I have amazing friends!