Lifes 2 Short

My Baby Turns 29

2012-02-05T22:16:00.001-07:00

I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on Nicole. She opened one eye and looked at me like…..ha! here I am! She was such a delightful baby, with huge eyes and curly blond hair. I don’t think a mother knows what love is until she takes her first look at her child. I cherish her first smile, laugh, word, food, step, blah blah but boy, the day she said mama……melted my heart.

Yesterday she turned 29. We had a great day. It all started with a MUG! Oh yea baby!

Then headed for a pedicure/manicure. Stacy and I got pedi’s but Nicole wanted a mani, so it worked out great.

Look at cute little Jaxon peeking in………

Went to Pei Wei for lunch

Went ipad shopping……she is so spoiled!

Went to Fashion Place Mall and ran into my buddy Kazmin from ID!

Then went and got a gluten free birthday cupcake!

It was one of those smile big kinda day. Happy Birthday Cole. Love you girl!

So I have to share my photo of the day for today. We kinda watched the Super Bowl……and wanted a pic of it, so we set up the timer and got this picture of me, JP, Stacy and Tom Brady……….Seriously, we didn’t pause it….. Laughed so hard.

Been a great weekend.

New Zealand Auckland Mission

2012-02-02T18:13:00.001-07:00

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints [The Mormons'] If you have any questions, email me jkaypaz@aol.com or you can visit

THIS SITE

So, in my opinion, this is an answer to prayers. Last Saturday all the youth in our ward received a mission call. There are 9 missions. They asked us to be a Mission President [and wife] for the Auckland New Zealand mission. [it is the mission JP served]

Sunday we went to church and during Sunday School we met with the kids and all the mission presidents and the activity was kicked off. [it is a 2 week mission] Some one donated these Book of Mormon’s to all the the kids and leaders. [we have about 100 kids] They are leather and personalized. The kids are to read and finish it the 30th of June which is the last day of our Youth Conference [I am on that committee]

They talked about planting seeds, and then each Sunday they stamp a seed in each square that they read and pass off.

Sweet huh?

Then during the 3rd hour we met with our kids. We have 12. It was fun to meet them and learn about them. They are great kids [ages 12 to 18]

Then that night we went to the MTC [ Church] and the kids were trained how to teach the first discussion.

So then Yesterday the kids all met at the Mission President’s homes for dinner. They put this flag in front of our house. Made me smile.

I wanted it to be a real New Zealand dinner so I found these recipes

Appetizer

Fruit Salas with Cinnamon Chips [ this was a hit]

My new favorite!

Ingredients

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar

[I didn't put apples and raspberries but used blueberries]

Directions

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.

You can find it here

Hangi in a Crock Pot

About This Recipe

"Hangi is the traditional New Zealand Maori way of cooking. Mix and match the meat, as per a traditional hangi, a lamb or pork chop and a piece of chicken per parcel. For a smoky taste add smoked pork slices to the packets. A ball of stuffing about the size of a golf ball if you like stuffing."

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, cut in half
4 small sweet potatoes, cut in half
1 head cabbage, leaves
1 fresh pumpkin, cut into 8 small pieces
4 chicken thighs, cut in half
8 small lamb chops or 8 small pork chops
4 slices smoked pork
prepared stuffing (optional)
60 ml water

Directions

To make individual servings use banana leaves or tin foil.
Put cabbage leaves down first, then veges, meat and stuffing (if using) together on top of the cabbage.
Put another couple of cabbages leaves over the top of veges.
Wrap everything up in the tinfoil or banana leaves, preferably encasing everything with the cabbage.
Put into crock pot.
Add water to bottom of crock pot.
Cook on high for approx 6-8 hours or until cooked through.
Note: Only add salt once cooked.

[the kids LOVED these. They were actually good and I would make them again for Sunday dinner or something.]

You can find it here

Pistachio Kiwi Desert

Ingredients

Crust

½ cup butter, very soft
1 cup flour
½ cup chopped pistachios or ½ cup pecans

Filling layers

2 (3 ounce) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
3 cups milk
8 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups whipped topping, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Combine crust ingredients and press firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13" baking pan.
Bake for 15 minutes. Cool completely.
Combine pudding mix with milk, stirring till smooth. Set aside.
Spread kiwi slices evenly over crust.
Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over kiwi layer.
Spoon pudding evenly over cream cheese layer.
Add another layer of whipped topping (piping is easiest)
Chill until set. Cut into pieces & garnish with more kiwi slices.

You can see it here

We also had Nicole’s Strawberry spinach salad and rolls. Yum!

I made the kids journals. They turned out so cute!

I used composition note books.

This is [not all] of the kids. They are awesome.

So on Sunday they have another training, Monday they will teach their families then Next Wednesday they go teach someone. Oh boy, has this been fun or what? I needed this in my life. It is such a great learning experience for them…….and me!

So here is some Beauty-ful stuff in my life.

Been doing some sewing. So fun to get back into it.

Got a new iphone and I am hooked on instagram!

Lunch with Lisa…..lifelong friend!

Lunch at Pei Wei with Cole and Jp. Got this and oh yea…I am going to Hawaii in 3 weeks!!!!!

After lunch Cole and I went and took pics. So beautiful….these Utah mountains!

View from my house. I just can’t get enough!

Ten Great Tips for 2012/Impact

2012-01-26T16:33:00.001-07:00

Got this email from my parents

1. Stay out of trouble.

2. Aim for greater heights.

3. Stay focused on your job.

4. Exercise to maintain good health.

5. Practice team work.

6. Rely on your trusted partner to watch your back. Take your time trusting others.

7. Save for rainy days.

8. Rest and relax .

9. Always take time to smile.

AND
10.. Realize that nothing is impossible.

Love this.

Yesterday I went to see The Vow screening with Brandon. WOW! I loved the movie. Loved it. It was something I needed to see. It was one of those movies that if you are feeling sorry for yourself it REALLY makes you think.

I had seen the trailer of if and wasn’t sure what it would be. Powerful. It is based on a true story. It is about a couple that get in an accident……… You will just have to see it. After the accident Leo (Channing Tatum) is talking and says:

That Moment of Impact is what defines who you become.

I could feel that tingly feeling you get when you REALLY get something. As I was thinking back on my life, it is those defining moments of impact that has made me who I am.

I remember the night my Best Friend died when I was 15, and the moment my parents told me she was gone. Impact.

The day a friend’s mom wouldn’t let her hang out with me because she thought I was a bad influence. Impact.

The day I came home from work and found out Grandma Onida had passed away. Impact.

The day I went to the doctor and he told me my 18 week fetus had died. Impact.

The day my daughter came home and told me the kids at school were picking on her. Impact.

The day(s) the doctor informed us of cancer. Impact.

The moment they told me it was an aneurism. Impact.

The phone call we got after JP’s cancer surgery that his father had passed away. Impact.

The day the decision was made that we accept a job in Utah. Impact.

The day I prayed about if I should marry JP and had the most amazing experience. Impact

The moment I saw my 3 babies take their first breath. Impact.

So many things have impacted my life. Some good, some bad. So many decisions on how to deal with the impact. I have really struggled with this move……blah blah blah. But I really didn’t think it would be this hard. Still facing medical challenges, but I don’t have the support system. I kinda feel like I died. I can read all about friends from home on facebook, but I feel I have lost that support, I know I still have it, but it is so hard being so far away. Soooooooooo, as I watched this movie, I tried to decide how this impact will affect me. If I keep going and thinking the way I am, I may just become bitter. I am a strong person. I have used the impacts in my life to become stronger. My P blessing says I will be made strong through the trials in my life. But this one had bitten me in the butt. :}

I am grateful that I have memory of these impacts. I am glad I feel the happy tug at my heart or the pain from the hurt. I am grateful for friends and family that have stood by me through these impacts. I am grateful to be alive to experience these impacts. And even thought more Impacts terrify my, I will try to remain faithful and strong.

Life’s all about moments of impact….and how they change our lives forever.

Some family fun: Last weekend we went to Island Park to go snowmobiling. My kids went. Derek and Sydni had to work. Oh man, no one can make me laugh like my kids can.

Stacy, Nicole and Ryan

Tom, Craig and Joyce

It was snowy and the trails were bumpy, but oh it was heaven. So fun.

One last thing. Our new Bishop asked us to be Mission Presidents for a 2 week activity for our youth. Our mission in New Zealand. We will get out 8 companionships at the MTC on Sunday.
They will all come to our [mission home] next Wednesday for dinner. We will teach them fro Preach My Gospel on how to teach a missionary lesson. Then they will go out and teach. Oh it will be such an amazing experience.

And I will post remodel pics soon of my kitchen and craft room. Love you!

Beauty-full

2012-01-10T21:16:00.001-07:00

For my 50th Birthday Stacy tried to contact (it was a surprise) all my loved ones…..(that be you!) (I think she used Facebook) to email letters to me. OMG! I got quite a few letters and she made this book. I would love to put a letter in from you so if you would like to be in this MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD BOOK email me a letter at jkaypaz@aol.com

I would love it. I love you. You are a huge part of my wonderful 50 years of life. :}

So crazy that it is 10 days into the new year. So crazy that the holidays are behind us. I am grateful for my 2011 word ADVENTURE. With it has come some hardships for me. I have been in a blog rut. I know that people seem to have moved on to others things. Pinterest and Instagram. (love em both) and I find it harder and harder to post, but then I go back and read my blog and am amazed at the journaling I have recorded that I wouldn’t do any other way. So I will continue on……..for me and for my grandkids I will be blessed with some day.

I have thought lots about what a good word for 2012. Want it to be FUN or SUNSHINE or PAR-TAY. I am indeed a yellow personality. I haven’t posted anything because I haven't been able to decide.

I will be honest. I have had a hard time with this moving thing and trying to find some stability in my life and future. I have been kind of down, so I decided to get up today, get on my knees and pray to My Father in Heaven and NOT ASK FOR ONE THING! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS. NOT EVEN ASK FOR MY KIDS TO BE PROTECTED.

So I prayed. I thanked Him for all the BEAUTY-FULL blessings in my life. I was very touched at how it shifted my heart. It made me feel like I have been very ungrateful. Like I want what I want and ask all the time kind of ungrateful. But, no, not today. Just a plain and simple THANK YOU for all the blessings I have in my life.

So that is my word. BEAUTY-FULL. I want my life to be Full of Beauty and the only way it will be is if I stop, look around and see it. It is everywhere.

I feel like I am a VERY OPTIMISTIC person. I love people and purpose. I love life. But I have been having a huge pity party and fighting some sadness and depression and feel this is what my heart needs. To find the quiet beauty. The stop and hold my breath beauty. The simple beauty. The beauty within my self and others. The outward beauty of myself. The beauty of a stronger testimony. Some days I feel very alone………so the beauty of loving my self and being my best friend.

My nephew Brandon has always had the desire to serve a mission. He has had some health problems that forced him to take a different path. He decided to serve a service mission here in Utah and is living with us. Isn’t that Beauty-full? I am so excited. He is an amazing boy and I am loving getting to know him better. So on January 1st we moved him in.

The day came to take the tree down………………………………….

I couldn’t find the end to the lights so I tried stripping the tree and take off the top, then the middle…..ect. Well, I forgot I wrapped each branch with lights so I had the biggest mess EVER! I waited till JP and Brandon came home and watched as they tried to untangle it. Brandon finally said that something evil was gonna come out of him…..haha

They were not happy with me!!!!!!

So here is some if my beauty-full pics of the week!

My driveway. It is breathtaking EVERY day!

Precious Girls

Fun memories……Moon Boots making a comeback!

Warm and cozy January Nights.

Saturday at In and Out

Gluten Free no bake cookies for Cole

90 percent off Fall and Christmas Decor at Hoby Loby and Roberts (so fun for Stacy’s new house} Waited in line for almost 3 1/2 hours at Roberts STUPID.

Backyard beauty

Me and my dad

Front window

Chinese Chicken Salad

This is a fun photo of the day. Helps you LOOK for something beauty-full!

OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW JP. LOVE YOU!

Christmas Magic………

2011-12-28T20:56:00.001-07:00

I AM NOT gonna let an empty nest get me down. I AM NOT gonna let a move to Utah get me down. I AM NOT gonna let no snow for Christmas get me down.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. THIS YEAR WAS NO EXCEPTION.

I spent a difficult December. I missed my hometown and friends. The sights and sounds of Idaho……but I AM NOT gonna let it get me down.

So I pushed on, and prepared for the Holiday. It was magical.

Christmas Eve we hung alone till that evening.
So Weird. So quiet. Then the excitement started with a prime rib dinner, desert, gingerbread houses and our traditional jammies.

Woke up really early Christmas Morning to let the dog out. Turned on the tree light and sat in the quiet. So beautiful.

Notice that the bottom part of the tree is light-less. Oh how I hate that. Just a few days after I put it up some of the lights went out……………..but like I said…It’s NOT gonna get me down. :}

It was a magical Christmas.

My family all pitched in and got me an Ipad. Oh I was so thrilled.

Missed Ryan and Syd sooooooooo much. Went to church, then jumped in the car and headed to Idaho to get my Ryan and Syd fix.

My favorite Christmas quote is:

Love Is What's In The Room With You At Christmas If You Stop Opening Presents and listen.

:>}

So grateful to be able to celebrate the Birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. To feel the magic….then to wake up the next day and Celebrate………………..my 50th Birthday.

It is a hard time to party. To plan a party. No one wants party the day after Christmas right?…………………………WRONG! :}

Several months ago Stacy, JP and my mom started planning a Birthday Bash. It was my PERFECT PARTY! I have the best family and friends. Lifelong friends. It was at Garcia’s. It was a surprise. It was amazing.

Stacy had these photo booth props for picture. Tore at my heartstrings…….any thing photo! Right?

Ryan

Derek

Cole

Stacy

JP and Me

Stacy

Stacy is so cute. She went to the DI and found these frames and painted them. Oh my. So love it. So love it!My Family

Out dinner

Mary and Dave

Blake, Kent, Ashley

Cake

Rick and Carolyn

Stein, Joyce and Rock

David

Debbie and Marissa

Teresa, Wynn, Natalie, Nick and Janel

Darren, Donna and Daniel

Dell, Doris and Darlene

Aunt Mary and Uncle Don

Brent, Michelle and JP

Uncle Todd and Aunt Carolyn

Tracy and Brian

Mom and Dad

Brad and Stefanie

50 Diet Pepsi’s :}

I was so touched! It was so amazing. I am so grateful for all of those that came. Thanks Stacy, Mom, and JP.

I am so grateful for 50 wonderful years of life. For parents who love me. For a little family I adore. For a husband that I am the center of his universe. For friends that I have known forever. I am grateful for each breath. For a heart that beats and loves. For giving kids that love me. For life. So grateful.

50 wonderful years

2011-12-25T18:21:00.003-07:00

Hope you had a joyous Christmas Day. It was perfect. Just perfect.

Tomorrow I will celebrate my 50th birthday. Here are 50 things I am thankful for

1. Family

2. Friends

3. Warm home (s)

4. Food

5. My Heavenly Father and Mother

6. My savior and the chance to go to church to celebrate Him.

7. My parents

8. JP's parents

9. A good job

10. Clothing

11. Cars

12. Eternal marriage

13. A prophet on the earth today

14. Nicole

15. Stacy

16. Ryan

17. Sydni

18. Derek

19. Idaho

20. Our cabin

21. Christmas

22. Warm bed

23. Memories

24. Cameras

25. Life long friendships

26. Facebook

27. Forgiveness

28. My new iPad :)

29. Health

30. Trials

31. Utah

32. Project life

33. Temples

34. Vacations

35. Sister in laws

36. Nieces and nephews

37. JP for sure

38. Modern medicine

39. internet

40. Blogland friends

41. My ancestors

42. Joseph Smith

43. Music

44. Good movies and tv

45. Cell phones

46. My Sage Creek Ward

47. New friends

48. A wonderful childhood

49. A wonderful marriage

50. Each breath I take.

I am so grateful to be alive for half a century. I love you and the love and support you show me.

I love life and find joy in every second. Sometimes it's not that easy, but I make the best of it. It is hard having a birthday the day after Christmas but it is better than the alternative. :) so we all party on, me and my family. Will have my kids all together tomorrow. Oh happy day.

2011-12-23T13:23:00.001-07:00

I love Christmas Time. I love everything about it. I love the lights. Could drive around all night long and look at them. I love to shop and find the perfect gift. I love Christmas cards!!!!!! Love stacks and stacks of them. I love the music. I find a non stop Christmas music station on the radio and it stays there from Thanksgiving till Christmas. I love the snow. Don’t have much but I love it. I love exchanging gifts with friends and family. I love watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate with JP. I love my Savior and the chance to celebrate him. I love Christmas stories. I love decorations. Love spending time with my family,

We had a Lott Christmas party. Always a great time. This year we had it a Leo’s in one of their private rooms. We only had 2 hours but it was so nice. We ordered food and the kids just played. Tracy read them a story and gave out little baggies of goodies for the kids.

For my family for Christmas I made a shutterfly book of our cruise. It was so fun to watch them open them. They turned out so cute.

We always invite David. He is my sweet cousin! Love him.

Oh boy do I love my people!

I am so excited about the huge shelf I have in my family room. A few months ago I decorated it fall. I posted about it. Well I got my WINTER STUFF up. I am so happy with how it turned out.

Back to the Cruise…..I think it is part 4……. Anyway, for my book, I want it all in there. So we stopped at Cost Maya Mexico. It was a cute place and we just shopped and ate at Hard Rock Cafe

I am not gonna lie. I am having a hard time this year. I miss home. My home of 47 years. I miss the familiar Idaho I love. But of course I am a HAPPY ;] person, so I make the best of every situation…..so I party on. Loved being there for a week to hang with friends and family.

Mary was my best friend when I was a Senior in High school. Love catching up with her.

….and oh the Rockwood/Pasley yearly gift exchange. A favorite of mine.

Joyce and I bought JP and Rock twin jammies. So stinking funny!

Feel so blessed. So blessed. ……and in 4 days I will be half a century!

And Here We Have Idaho….and Belize.

2011-12-13T21:19:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like being back in Idaho a few weeks before Christmas. I need a friend and family fix. Miss em all so much. So JP and I left on Saturday to drive here.

But before that……last week was a great week of finishing my Christmas shopping,

making and wrapping gifts, helping in Stacy’s class…

Went to lunch with my sweet cousin, Sandy. She is so stinkin cute!!

And to JP’s Christmas Party…. it was a murder mystery.

Tooooo fun.

Then Saturday…hit the road. Got to Idaho Falls and Jp put heat tape on the house

….with a little help from Ryan.

Then Monday he left to go back. I will stay here and meet with some fam and friends for Christmas lunch and stuff. :] So fun!

So, my sweet cousin David had knee surgery so I went and go McDonalds and took it to him for breakfast.

Then exchanged gifts with Judy B. She has been my wonderful friend for years and years. Her sister, Mae gave me this book for my 50th Birthday………heee heeee

Jude gave me the cutest snowman jammies and this cute bracelet.

Love you Jude!

Part 3 of Cruise: Belize. It was probably my favorite. We took a 50 minute bus ride, a 50 minute boat ride up a river to these ruins. It was amazing

Ingrid….our cruise director

Climbed the Temple

Shopping, Trees and Part 2

2011-12-03T21:30:00.001-07:00

My First question is….. Where the heck did November go?????? Seriously. Don’t blink…….. Time just goes so fast. It makes it hard to SAVOR EVERY MOMENT….. when it is flying by. But every moment is a gift.

The “R’s” came for a short visit. Met them at Market Street so Jerry could “pay Joyce’s bet that he lost” :} Was so good.

Did some shipping with them. Got some of my Christmas DONE!

Saturday we met Cole, Stacy and Derek for dinner and went to the Festival of Trees. One of my favorite traditions is to go the the Trees in Idaho Falls. So we decided we had better try it. It was HUGE! So many TREES. So many PEOPLE!

Here are a few of my favorites.

Barbie Tree

Cabbage Patch Tree

Christmas Story Tree

The Up Tree

Cruise Part 2

Our first stop was to Cozumel. We just got off the boat and shopped. But First…….This day was a special day….My parents 53 wedding anniversary. We had flowers sent to their room!

I love cruises because you can get pics taken at any time. I loved getting family pictures taken that I will cherish forever!

I am so grateful for the Christmas Season. So Grateful!

A Grateful {HEART}

2011-11-27T21:42:00.001-07:00

So many blessings. So little time. :} We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Wednesday Ryan and Sydni came and brought Grandma Pasley. We had a wonderful dinner and just laid around all day and watched TV. Then played a game of Apples to Apples.

Grandma, Syd, Stacy and I made these cute Christmas gifts.

I had a great day. I am so thankful for good food, good fun and a good family.

Friday morning we got up and hit some Black Friday sales. We went around 8 am and hardly no one was there. I guess they had all shopped all night. It was so nice.

Saturday we caught the trax and headed down to Temple Square to see the lights. There was so many people but it was so fun.

Cruise Part 1!

We just got home from our cruise a few days before Thanksgiving. Oh boy. Words can’t explain. I would just sit and watch and smile. It was like I would wake up from a dream or something. Like there was no way it would be real. That I was on a week cruise with my parents and siblings. It was a dream of a lifetime. We flew out of the Salt Lake airport and flew into Orlando. It was a good flight. We drove to Port Canaveral and stayed at a hotel.

Day 1

This is Ingrid…..our cruise director!!!! She planned and booked the trip. It was PERFECT!

Heading to the ship! Day 2

Day 3 A day at sea…..

going to dinner. Lobster and Shrimp. Oh yea baby!

Waiting for the show.

There will be more to come.

Blah Blah Blah

2011-11-07T19:56:00.001-07:00

I am not really a LIST kind of person. I make out a list, then I can’t find it or feel frustrated if I don’t get all the stuff done. But since the move and trying to organize myself, I have been doing lists and checking stuff off and kicking butt! :} I haven’t been blogging much and I miss it. I miss reading blogs and keeping my life up to date on my blog. I have so many projects going and checking off my list. I love that feeling of accomplishment instead of going in circles! It has been a great few weeks………….

Fall is my favorite season. By far. One of my favorite things to do is carve pumpkins……or watch my family do it. This year I had a Halloween dinner and then we carved away……

Out menu…..

Apple smiles

Face cheese ball

Chicken chowder in bread bowls

Hot dog mummies

Ghost and pumpkin rice krispies

We were then able to go to our nephew’s mission report. JP has been traveling for work lots, so we didn’t know if we could swing it, but Stacy, Derek and Nicole went with us so for about 2 minutes we had all our family together. Long enough to get some family Pictures! Whooo Hooooo! I’ll post em later.

We went to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa

Met Chris in town….

Then on Sunday went to Daniel’s talk and to a yummy lunch. Busy 2 days.

I made these for Stacy’s class room

Pretty sure you are thinking blah blah blah. right? There is something I want to have for always and forever. I think this is a good place to document it.

I have the cutest dad. EVER. A few days ago I got an email from him and it was the most precious thing ever. OK…..I cried.

Judy, I'm not sure, but I think this is what happened. When I was in the spirit world my Father In Heaven came to me, and told me that when I come to earth to get a body that I would be married to your mother, and that he would bless me with one little girl. He asked that I go pick one out. There were about a bazillion little girls waiting to go to a family,so I made a list of what to look for. I wanted everyone to look up to her,and that she would be a great example to everyone. That she would love the Savior and our Father In Heaven. That she would have a cute sense of humor, and fun to be around. That she would honor her mother and father. Marry in the Temple to a good man and raise a great family,and that she would give of herself to others. I went and told Father that I found this beautiful little blond and her name was Judy. He told me how special you were and that he wanted you to go to a home that her dad would really love her. I've been so blessed to have you as my little girl, and I thank my Father In Heaven everday I love you ,and I’m so very proud of you for what you stand for and the great daughter you are,

LOVE YA,DAD

So of course I had to write back…….

Ok Dad. You made me cry!!!! I am the one that is blessed. So Blessed!!!!! You are my hero and I love you so much. You are so good to me and my kids. My kids often say how lucky they are to have a grandpa like you. I KNOW that you love me. That is such a blessing in my life. I want to be a good person so you will be proud of me. I am so excited to go on this trip with our family and feel it is such a tender mercy after what mom went through. It will be a trip of a life time. I marvel at you two and how much you love each other. I loved seeing how concerned you were for her and how much you love her. You are a great example to us all. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for you......and mom!!!!!

Love your little blond,

Judy

Is that cute or what. He is priceless and I am such a daddy’s girl!

We leave on our cruise Friday with my parents, 2 brothers and their wives. I can’t believe we are doing this and I am so excited!!!!!

I am so thankful for my family. So thankful!

Life Long Friendships

2011-10-26T16:42:00.001-06:00

I don’t have a sister, but I have been blessed with great friends. Life Long friends. When I was a Junior in High School I ran around with Marla. When I was a Senior I ran around with Mary. Well last week I was blessed to have them both come to see me. Marla stayed with me and Mary stayed with her sister.

We went to Thanksgiving Point to the Light of Christ Display. The gardens are so beautiful…….

But the Statues were so incredible!!!! Such an amazing spirit there. Three of them are life size and the rest of them have plans to be life-size.

Then off to Gardner Village…..so fun in the Fall!

Oh I love Fall!

Marla and I went to Broadbent’s in Lehi. It is so fun and like going back in time! They sell fabric and all sorts of fun nick nacks.

Had to stop at Lehi Roller Mills. (this is where the first Footloose was filmed)

Last week the colors were so beautiful. This is the view from my drive way!

….and just down the street…..

Hung with Stacy……

What a BLAST!

Stacy had a few days off for Fall break. We canned her some salsa and grape jelly. Then we drug out our sewing machines and started a year long project. I found the book at Porter’s in Idaho Falls. Each month you make a block that is about 12 x 12 and they hang on this wire rack. We got our November ones done and started October. They are so cute.

Yea I think it was a glass half full kind of week!

My Life as a Gypsy……

2011-10-16T20:18:00.001-06:00

We have had so many people tease us and tell us we are gypsies…….that we can’t sit still very long and move from home to home. Most of them were just because we wanted to. This one is different. Job change. But I have been thinking about this for awhile….the gypsiness in us. I am ready to get some roots planted in our new home, but there is not one home that I would give up. Not one move I would change. Not one person I would sacrifice knowing.

Each move has been difficult to settle and fit in. Each move has taught me patience, endurance and made me stronger. Most of all I would not do it any different because of the people we have met. Each ward, each friendship and each memory is something I love and it is what has made me into who I am today. I have lifelong friends from each move. The thoughts of going back and erasing that memory by not making that move makes me sad. I can’t even imagine sacrificing one of those friendships. I remember each move, crying because I was homesick for the LAST one, and then slowly I would intertwine myself into the hearts of some dear friends. Making memories that last a lifetime. So even though I am homesick for Idaho some days, I think back about those other times and how it ended up, with a friendship that I couldn’t bear to leave.

As I try to introduce myself to my new ward and neighbors, I think of all the times I have done this, how hearts collided and I made friends that I will have through the eternities. So I say to my self…..PRESS ONWARD JUDY…..YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! :>}

----------------------------------------------------------------

Well I must say….There’s no place like home. I had an amazing week, and I am so grateful that I could go to Idaho and attend the funeral of our friend. I have never seen so many flowers.

…..and these are just a few.

Our good Friend Jana decorated for the luncheon. She is so talented and it was so beautiful. He was a potato farmer so she put potatoes in vases on the table. It was a fall/harvest theme which was his favorite time of year.

It was a beautiful day.

I love to learn new things. Keeps me young. When we moved into our home we discovered that we had concord grape vines on our deck. We watched as they ripened, and I decided I would make some grape jelly. Oh boy is it yummy.

Then went to a vegetable stand and found some tomatoes. My favorite fall tradition is to make salsa. I did 3 batches and I love putting the little pint bottles on my shelves in my basement!

Got my canning and errands done, and jumped in the car and headed back to Idaho………drove straight to Island Park and stayed at the cabin for 3 nights. Oh how I have missed that place. It is so peaceful and I really needed that!!!!!! It is another favorite fall tradition that Jerry and Craig go fishing and Joyce and I just hang……and hanging is what we did. Laid around in our jammies and watched some TV and worked on computer stuff. We did find time one day to take the guys some lunch.

Like I said….just hung out in our jammies.

So grateful for great friends. So grateful to be able to laugh and create sweet memories. It was priceless.

So I guess I can say that if we were not gypsy's we would not have met the Walker family or the Rockwoods and soooooooo many other great friends!So grateful that were have been blessed with these families in our lives. So grateful!

Till We Meet Again.

2011-10-04T09:55:00.001-06:00

In this life….ya just never know. I have been so blessed to have the Walker family in my life. They live down the street from us in Idaho Falls. They are great neighbors and friends. Blair (the father) has been sick for quite some time. Debbie and I worked in the Relief Society together and went through JP’s cancer and Blair’s illness together. Many tears were shed between us. Many fears. He has been in the hospital most of the summer, on a constant emotional rollercoaster with his family. Sunday I got an email from his son that we was not doing good.

I jumped in the car and drove to Idaho Falls. As I was exiting the freeway I got a phone call that he had passed away. He was 52.

I can’t express the love I have for this man and his family. It is deep core. One of those “one of a kind” type of friendships. He has been in my prayers for years, and now to pray for his family breaks my heart.

I knew Blair loved me. He made me feel that way. He was amazingly strong through the trials he faced and the illness he had. He never complained. He smiled……all the time. His cute personality came through his excruciating headaches……no matter what. When we were around him, he made us feel like a true friend…….no matter how much pain he was in. I will miss him. Please pray for his family.

This is what I pray for them…..

I love Greg Olsen!

So I am in IF this week. Just hanging. Hanging with Ryan and Syd. Oh so precious. Love to be able to laugh my head off. We went to Blue Hashi and Kiwi Loco. So Fun.

I am so blessed. Some days I’m not sure I feel that way…..as I have had a full blown pity party. But I am so blessed. I have 5 of the most amazing kids in the world. Life is hard, and I hate not being able to make it all better with them in my home, but I have full confidence in them. The are respectable human beings in society. The are strong and they love others. They are hard workers and they are blazing their paths through life and trying to make comfortable lives for themselves. It is so hard now-days to get through school. To work to support yourself in today’s economy. I love them and as I think of Blair leaving his kids, and seeing how strong and faithful his kids are, I often think of how hard that would be and if I have taught my kids enough. Life is just 2 Short!!!!

I love this….

God Be With You Till We Meet Again. Love you Blair.

What I’ve Been UP To………

2011-09-29T18:35:00.001-06:00

Last post I posted I did a little WHINING! I decided that I can look at my glass half full or half empty……my new Quote:

If your glass is half empty…..drink it down and fill it with Diet Pepsi!

So I grabbed my boots by the straps and pulled em on…..or as some girls say…..

I put on my big girl panties…….

Well, first I want you to know this…….. I got up at 6:30 am the other day to let Jaxon out to pee. He took off across the drive way and did his duty and then he spotted something on the side of the house. (It was still pretty dark) I yelled at him….but he was freaking out. Then he came running around the house with a deer right on his butt, straight at me, passed me and ran in the house. The deer was right THERE! With me standing on the sidewalk in my nightgown. She saw me and turned and ran the other way. It scared me and Jax pretty bad, so I told JP and this is what I got all day…..with him laughing…..

Yea….in therapy!

Anywhooooo……I’ve had a blast in my own little world. Awhile back I had a guy in Idaho Falls make this……Each spot is a 12 inch by 12 inch. Oh yea baby!

Then took a paintbrush to it. Sanded the edges.

Had JP hang it….he gets all the dirty work.

And I couldn’t be more thrilled. It is almost the length of my couch…to give you an idea. Oh and JP carved out the heart on our tree!!!!

I just can’t stop looking at it. It is what I dreamed of in this little head of mine.

In my family room there is a VERY tall shelf that I want to change seasonally…ya know 4 times a year. So this is what I came up with. I had these letters cut…..The F is around 15 inches tall…painted them and covered when with paper. Yea….that’s what I’m sayin…..

So JP came home and asked if I was gonna change it every season. I said YA. He said….Well that ups your chances……(of falling off the ladder)

Worked on decorating and some Fall Decor……

Now I just gotta make some soup…..oh I did that! :}

Last weekend Stacy and Derek came out and spent the night. I went up that night and opened the windows. It was dark. I didn’t know where wasn’t a screen on the window…..so in the morning Derek was sleeping and woke up to this……

Poor little hummingbird……carefully caught and released out the open window. To funny!

Just putting together my craft room……more on that later! :}

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

2011-09-22T20:52:00.001-06:00

So I am trying to organize and stow away all my personal belongings into my new home. It is a beautiful place. But it is HARD. I sometimes wish I could reverse time and change it all. So many things are happening back home and not that I can do anything, but it makes me homesick. It is awfully lonely and I have gone from trying to do lunch with all my choicest friends to feeling I don’t have a friend in the world. A few days ago, I woke up having an anxiety attack. I was feeling that maybe we made a mistake. Maybe we should have prayed harder. Feeling so alone. I got on Face book and the first post was this from a sweet girl I went to High School with. Thanks Shari. You are as cute as ever~!

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Soooo did it help? You betcha. I am still homesick and lonely. I still wanna pack my bags and head back to Idaho. I know when I go there I don’t have a place either. But I knew that My Heavenly Father is mindful of me.

I have to get on my knees daily and apologize for being a big baby when so many I know and love are going through heart wrenching experiences.

I ran across this:

Death, divorce and moving are the top three stressors in studies that identify what stresses us out in life. If you are not in the throes of a move, this statistic seems a bit odd because why would we consider moving homes to be in the same category as the death of a child or a relationship.

Nonetheless, moving ranks up there with these life-changing events. Perhaps it is watching your entire life being compartmentalized into sterile, homogenous boxes described in the barest of terms in heavy black marker: Kids bedroom toys, dining room art, kitchen drawer, middle bedroom shelves.

Moving is much more than the physical act of packing up your life and transporting it from point A to point B. Moving is a string of goodbyes and farewells to relationships and roots. Everyone knows that despite all of the sincere promises to keep in touch and visit often, we can't keep in touch with every memorable person who flows in and out of our lives. So, moving is a time of mourning the people with whom you have shared your life. This is why moving ranks up there with death and divorce. Moving is a time to say goodbye.

In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

(This from associated content from Yahoo)

So glad I found words out there that described how I feel. I am so grateful to have my girls close, but sometimes they feel a million miles away! It’s just hard to adjust. :} But I must huh?

Met Derek and Stacy for dinner and a quick walk through Ross.

Went and watched the screening of Footloose with Brandon and ShaNiel and Cole.

Yesterday the girls came over and we made the cutest tooth pillow. Oh my gosh! they turned out so cute.

The tooth goes in the mouth and then the tooth fairy takes the tooth and puts money in there. I am in love. So cute.

These cute little guys are in my yard……daily.

Goose Bumps!

2011-09-18T21:22:00.001-06:00

Where does the time go? Seems the weeks fly by in the blink of an eye. Lots of changes. Lots of craziness going on. Don’t know where to start.

Seems that it was a week of Goose bumps!

One of my favorite Fall Traditions is the Eastern Idaho State Fair. (never thought I would have to cross the state line to attend it) but it is worth every mile I have to travel. A tradition in a tradition is to enter the front gate and head STRAIGHT FOR THE EGG ROLLS! Oh man, I crave them all year. So yummy.

The Fair wouldn’t be the Fair without BIMBO BURGERS WITH ONIONS! Oh Goose Bumps! :}

Then headed into get our seat at the Ronnie Dunn (Ya know Brooks and Dunn…..this is Dunn)

I just smile every single second I am there.

Attended the Baptism of Maddie Mae. She is a great niece of mine (Daughter of Natalie) She is precious.

Went and saw THE HELP with my life long buddy Judy B. She is such a dear friend. Miss you Jude!

My Aunt Bonnie was in IF so she rode back to Utah with me. WHAT A PRECIOUS 4 HOURS! We chatted like two little girlfriends. I will never forget it. She is amazing and such a good example to me about strength and courage.

Last Monday was Stacy’s Birthday. We all pitched in and bought her a new Janome Sewing Machine. She was so surprised. It was so fun.

Goose Bumps! :}

Hung out with Cole. She went to the DI and bought these pictures for her room mate…..kind of a joke?????

On Tuesday JP and I went to the Healing Field. Oh my. Goose bumps up my arm. It was a display in Sandy Utah for 9/11. There was a flag for everyone who lost their lives that day.

Each Flag had a tag attached to it with the info on it about the person that was killed and where they were at. It was one of the most amazing things I have seen. There was a spirit there that was so incredible. I had goose bumps the whole time. It made it so real as I read tags.

May we NEVER forget.

Happy Birthday Stacy

2011-09-12T16:51:00.001-06:00

Today is my sweet Stacy’s Birthday. Party on Girl. I love this sweet little thing more than I can say. She is my daughter and my friend.

Happy Birthday MAE

Eventful Week

2011-09-06T20:23:00.001-06:00

Eventful. Love that word. Lots of events!

I must say I’m very sick of boxing stuff. We have stuff scattered from Utah to Island Park. Organization is my goal. I want to know where everything is and have it in it’s place. In the right city and State. :}

So last week we boxed up stuff from the Condo and moved it to the new house. I am so excited. Here are some things I will miss about the condo:

1. That we won’t be 2 miles from Stacy and Derek.

2. The District Shopping Center across the street.

3. The guys that mow the lawn.

4. The pool

Things I won’t miss:

1. The construction across the street

2. The wind blowing dirt from the construction

3. The garage and alley way….So hard to get my car in and out.

4.The “No leash” rule and pick up poop rule

5. The traffic

6. The guy next door playing his game and thumping the walls 24/7

7. The unfriendly people

I am not a condo girl. Raised on a farm. Far away from people. So we loaded the truck…..

And headed 30 minutes to a completely different world. We are tucked in by the mountain. This is the view from my front room.

And the view from my family room

From the driveway

Here are some of the thing I love love love about the home. This coat rack that was left behind

Looking up from the family room

Love the cute bright country kitchen

Laundry/Mud room

Bathroom

deck…..love the ivy

Gazebo

Garden…..encaged to keep deer out

Courtyard

Front door and entry

Family room shelves….can’t wait to get my fall decor out……

Bird’s nest…eye level on the deck.

Back door

We drove home Friday to load the truck. I am getting so sick of this.

Thank you Ryan, Sydni, Stacy, Derek and Grandma Pasley….couldn’t have done it with out you!

Sunday we went to the Blessing of my newest little great niece. I am in love with this little Bailee Kae.

Four Generations Grandpa and Grandma Lott, Katie, Brian and Bailee

Ed, Katie, Bailee and Braydon

Left with the truck on Monday

Had dinner on our new patio

But the most important event was my Sweet Mother In Law’s Birthday. She came down to help us load the truck. She is amazing and I am blessed to have her in my life. Happy Birthday MOM! Sorry I am a little slow!

I have spent a fun filled day unloading boxes. It is going to be ok. Hard. But. OK. Lots of changes in my life. I do really good till I go to IF, then I get kinda homesick, but it is OK…..really :}

Friday Photo Dump

2011-08-26T21:59:00.001-06:00

As you may know, I love photos and scrapbooking and computers….anything electronic. I don’t love expensive jewelry. Nope. Just an expensive camera. :} Never in my wildest dreams would I ever have thought that I could own a cell phone and then TAKE PICTURES WITH IT!

I never know what to do with the 100’s of pictures I snap away. Then I got on Kelle’s Blog @ Enjoying The Small Things and she has a Friday Photo Dump.

Perfect.

When I print this info blog into a book, then I will have some of these pictures. So fun. I love all the ideas I get from blog world.

So I think my little family witnessed another miracle this week. I am grateful. I got a phone call and Nicole got in a car accident. She is pretty dang sore, but she went to the doctor today and checked out ok. I know that she is being watched over! I am just so grateful that no one was hurt bad!!!

Our house closed today. We will be moving in on Wednesday. I am so ready. So ready to get some roots planted. Get in a ward. Meet some new friends and neighbors. I will post some photos soon. I am excited to decorate. Make it my own. I do believe

HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS!

It’s a good thing, because my heart doesn’t know where the heck it is! :}

I love Summa!

2011-08-23T20:36:00.001-06:00

So the summer……Oh the summer has flown by. I can’t believe it. Can’t believe that school is going to start, that the grain is being harvested and that there is actually a fall smell in the air. Fall is my favorite season, but this summer has been a blast. Can’t even express the fun and the blessings.

This is some of our Summer activities. Ya know, for my book. Went to 7 Peaks with Stacy and a Dear Friend!

Got a Pedicure!!!

Derek, my SIL works at Kennecot Copper Mine. We went and took a tour. It was AMAZING!

this is how big the truck tires are….

Then we went and saw the UP HOUSE. It was in the parade of homes. So cute!

This little house made my day. So stinking cute!!!!

Caught the trax at Day Break and headed down town to Temple Square.

Ryan and Sydni came down. We went to Lagoon. It has been a family tradition for many years. It is so fun.

Swam with the Wood Family.

Hung with the Family at Free V. Daiquiri night.

Today is the last day of Stacy’s Summer vacation. Oh I am so sad. We have had a blast. A Summer we will never forget. She goes back to school tomorrow and school starts Monday, Crazy. We close on our house this week and move in next week. Will get pics soon. Perty danged excited :} I am sooooo ready to get settled and try to get some normalcy in my life. But I have loved this adventure. It has been a gift. Each day has been a gift. Boy oh boy am I blessed!!!!

Like My Mother Does

2011-08-14T15:35:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is my Mom’s Birthday. She is amazing and I want her to know how much I love her. I love this song. You have to watch it

HERE

I am grateful to be her daughter. She is my hero. A fighter. Her attitude is amazing.

Happy Birthday MOM!!!! I love you!!!!!

Dang! This Makes Me LOL Everytime!

2011-08-11T09:13:00.001-06:00

I mean…I Laugh Out Loud EVERY TIME!

I am so excited. I have a dear friend flying in from IOWA today. She arrives at 11. We are gonna craft, eat, shop, swim and laugh our heads off. So excited!

This is what is making my {heart} Happy Today!

2011-08-09T08:43:00.001-06:00

I am not very good at meal planning. never have been. I would run to the grocery store, spend tons of money, and go home and wonder what I was going to fix. Or I would go get stuff for 2 days, and then have to go back.

Well I ran across this

{click Here}

or click on the bar at the top of my blog.

and I am in love.

It is $15 for 3 months. Yea baby. That is only $1.25 per week. It is a week plan and the grocery list to go with it. See me smile.

We have been doing it and there is hardly any meals that we don’t like……and if there is, the grocery list is numbered so you just don’t buy the groceries for that number.

If you jump over there tell them I sent you………

Also…..I am such a slacker when it comes to sending cards. I have great intentions. But good intentions don’t get the card in the mail.

This bad boy sight is the sight of my dreams. I get on, add my contacts, birthdays, ect and set up the days I want the cards go out and wha……la! They do it. I set up up a few months at a time. Check it out HERE

There are several different options. You can sign up to send the cards or you can sign as a distributor and sign people under you. Do it as a job. Fun job huh? So if you do wanna jump on this dream wagon, please contact me….208-521-8742

Lately I need this reminder. Thanks Grandma Robin

When I Whine

~~~~~~~

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair

I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.

When suddenly she rose to leave,

I saw her hobble down the aisle.

She had one leg and used a crutch

But as she passed, she passed a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine

I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

~~~

I stopped to buy some candy

The lad who sold it had such charm

I talked with him a while, he seemed so very glad

If I were late, it'd do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me,

"I thank you, you've been so kind.

It's nice to talk with folks like you.

You see," he said, "I'm blind."

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

~~~

Later while walking down the street,

I saw a child with eyes of blue

He stood and watched the others play

He did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,

"Why don't you join the others, dear?"

He looked ahead without a word.

And then I knew, he couldn't hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

~~~

With feet to take me where I'd go.

With eyes to see the sunset's glow.

With ears to hear what I would know.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I've been blessed indeed, The world is mine.

~~~~~~

Sorrow looks back,

Worry looks around,

Faith looks up.

Have I ever told you that I love my family. If not….I am so blessed.

We were able to go to Katie and Rodger’s Baby blessing on Sunday.

Kolby :}

JP, Wynn and Uncle Dell

4 Generations. Grandma Pasley, Teresa, Katie and Kolby

Grandma and Kolby!

Hung out with my kidos.

Went to see 17 Miracles for FHE. Stacy and I cried through the whole thing. It is a MUST SEE!

Dad Jp Mom

Syd JP and Ryan

Ryan and Lucy

I am trying to go gluten free for awhile to see if it helps my 20 year hive project. So yesterday we went to pei-Wei and got some yummy gluten free food.

Then to a cup cake joint for a gluten free cupcake. NO WAY! It was delicious!

Love ya friends!

This is what is making my {heart} happy

2011-07-31T19:54:00.001-06:00

There is a pool at this condo. We have a 7 peaks season pass. I am a picture taking fanatic. That is a huge dilemma when I cant get my camera wet. I have bought the little underwater cameras, but they are around $10 and then $10 to $15 to develop them and get them put on CD’s if you want them digital. I bought Stacy and Derek one for Christmas, but it was expensive and we weren’t happy with the everyday pictures. So we took it back.

I went to Walmart and asked the lady if they had any. She said the only one they had was this Kodak, and that it was $69. NO WAY! I thought. If I bought and developed 3 disposable cameras it would be that price. I thought…I’LL GIVE IT A TRY!

Boy am I in love. It is sweet. It is the perfect little camera to have in your purse. You lose it or it gets stolen, you aren’t out a bizillion dollars.

Here are some pics I took with this little bad boy

Takes good inside pics……

Took some while hiking.

It has a timer

Lots of setting. great settings for out door water pics.

Stacy and Derek went to Lava last weekend. It works so good underwater, and has an underwater setting. This is Stacy and her little niece Abby. Is that cute or what!?

I told ya a little while ago that Stacy and I made a quilt for my guest room. I was kinda scared. Never made one on my own. I sewed and she pressed. I am in love with the outcome. It is perfect.

Hard? you ask. No! It is all 2 1/2 inch strips. You sew 4 together, then cut them in squares. Cut the squares on a diagonal, and sew them all together. It is going to be so cute in my new guest room in my new home………YES! THAT IS RIGHT. WE BOUGHT A HOME. IT IS IN ALPINE AND IT IS 15 YEARS OLD AND HAS SO MUCH CHARACTER.

I am so excited to jump in and fix it up. I love the area. We went to the ward today and the people….oh the people! So nice! I can’t believe how many came up and talked to us. We felt so welcome and so much peace. I hope as I settle in and get comfortable that I can be like these people and go out of my way to make a newbie feel welcome. Wow!

So i don’t know what is wrong with my commenter. Must be broken! I’m sure that is why I am not getting any lovin!

……and thanks Shannon. She is one of Cole’s friends and she has been such a good friend and supporter to me through this difficult time. Love you girl!

Utah Adventures

2011-07-25T21:35:00.001-06:00

We have had some fun here in this Salt Lake Valley. Last week we went to the Zoo with Stacy’s SIL Cassie and her two cute nieces. {Abby and Brooklyn. Abby brought a friend and her name was Abby also } It was so fun. Hot but fun.

Abby

Brooky

I love the Zoo. I loved taking my kids there. I love seeing kids watch the animals. I love the animals. It was so fun.

We had a great weekend. We looked at some homes. Went on a picnic and watched some movies.

Today is a UTAH holiday. It is Pioneer Day. Actually it is July 24th but it was celebrated today. It is in honor of the pioneers that came across the plains to religious freedom. I have family that did that. Walked from Nauvoo Illinois to Salt Lake. They have a big parade and lots of celebrations but last minute Stacy and I opted to go to the “This is the Place Monument” It is like going back 175 years. It is so fun and if you have little kids, it would be fun to take them there. It was the perfect way to celebrate this holiday!

Oh course, we had to check out the School. Stacy had to see how much things have changed over time!

The Bank

ZCMI

The Saddle Shop

One of the homesteads

The Parade

They had these cabins to show the size of homes they lived in. An 8 foot x 8 foot cabin for 9 people!

I am very appreciative to my ancestors who left the comfort of their homes to walk across the plains to give us religious freedom. They had faith in each and every step they took. I don’t know if I could have been that strong.

Today on the news they asked if we could go back in time to that time period, what would miss the most.

I have to say My digital Camera. What would you miss the most?

Diary Entry…….

2011-07-23T21:59:00.001-06:00

If I was to make a diary entry, it would be something like this……

Dear Diary,

It has almost been 5 months since we moved to Utah. I like Utah. I am enjoying this adventure, but some days I feel so lost. So unsure of what my future is. I am to old to be starting over with a new home, neighborhood and ward. It is very difficult. I have so many life long friends in ID, and here I am, in a new area with only one NEW friend and she works at Verizon! My family is the most important thing in my life, but friends come in a real close second and boy do I miss my girly friends!

We bought a home, then un-bought it. Just didn’t feel right. Can’t let go of the past. Can’t push through to the future. The memories tug at my heart, and I seem to forget that in a few short years I will be remembering precious Utah memories.

Miss my parents and JP’s mom. Miss my siblings and his. Miss my Ry-Guy and Syd. Miss my home. Miss my ward.

I’ll be honest. This is one of the hardest thing I have ever done, and I am grateful that my girls are here or I don’t think I could do this. They are my best friends. They are precious.

Looked for homes today. Look around all the neighborhoods and wonder if I will fit in. Feel like I am in 6th grade. Causes great anxiety! Just wanna be settled and try to dig my roots into this ZION soil.

But goggled inspirational quotes and this is what popped up.

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

– Alexander Graham Bell

Thanks Alex! That’s just what I need to hear. It really is. I know that our hearts and minds are directed to what we need to hear if we have a prayer in our hearts.

We went to look at a home. It is beautiful and I love it. We talked to the home owner and she had lost her only daughter in a car accident 5 years ago. She was 5. She is now having to sell her home b/c her hubby wasn’t faithful and so she is on her own now. I had to get in the car and thank my Heavenly Father for my blessings.

My family and friends will always be my family and friends. Whether I live here or there. I am blessed to have them. I am blessed to be here in ZION and to be able to spend each precious second with my girls. I am loving Stacy’s Summer break! We are having a blast.

Life is great and I am thankful that I got a door to open. Each day is a gift. Each door we open brings us a new adventure, a new memory. But I will only have the joy I am looking for if I close the door to the past and open the door to the future.

Yes…that’s it and I need some comments. I miss you all! You make my heart sing! :}

Vaca Part 2

2011-07-22T20:32:00.001-06:00

Ya know, as hard as this move has been, I am grateful the know that I still have family. I can’t imagine living on this planet without family. My people. I love my people.

When we were on our little vacation we had a little Pasley family get together. Oh boy do I love these people. I called Natalie and said….hey girl! We need to have a Par-teeee! She is the party animal in the Pasley family. So I cleaned my house :} and she called and made assignments. It was so fun to eat, visit and watch all the little grandkids run around the yard and play.

Ryan and Jaxon

JP and Uncle Dell

Jaxon

Jaxon and Jaxon……:} I think Jaxon doesn’t like Jaxon!

All of Teresa and Wynn’s grandkids. So cute!!!!

Wynn and Jaxon

Katie had her new baby at the party. It was so fun to meet him. He is a handsome little guy!

Sydni and Little Kolby

Natalie and Jaxon

The gang!

Then one night Ryan, Syd, Mary and Derek [aka Derk] came and set up a volleyball net. It was so fun to watch them play.

Ryan

Derek

Syd

Mary

And again….love these people.

Vaca Part One!!!!

2011-07-21T10:21:00.001-06:00

First of all….check out the Layne pictures HERE

I got this great email from Derek, my SIL….love this.

Wife's Diary vs. Husband's Diary
Wife's Diary:
Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a nice restaurant for dinner. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much.
I asked him what was wrong; He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving.
I can't explain his behavior I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.

Husband's Diary:
Boat wouldn't start, can't figure it out

______________________________

Well, I don’t know where the summer is going……. it is crazy and it seems I am super crazy busy, in a fun kinda way.

TODAY WE {the Lott’s} BOOKED A CRUISE FOR US, MY PARENTS, MY TWO BROTHERS AND THIER WIVES. DO YOU SERIOUSLLY KNOW HOW MUCH FUN THIS WILL BE…..ESPECIALLY AFTER THE PAST 2 1/2 YEARS WITH CANCER AND ANURISMS. (picture me jumping up and down and screaming) I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

So lots has been going on. We spent 10 days in good ole Idaho. Did lots of crafting stuff. Spent tons of time with Ryan and Syd and loved every minute of it. This is some of the stuff we did……

I saved all the kids levis and cut them into 7 inch squares. Stacy and I sewed them up and then Ryan, Syd and I tied it. It turned out so cute. This one is Ryan and Syd’s and we are now working on Stacy and Derek’s.

So back in 1996 we bought a table and chairs and a hutch. It has been such a nice set, but it was white washed stain, so JP bought a rustoleum kit and re did it in black. It was a huge project, but he did such a good job and it is beautiful.

This was the before color. (the hutch is the next Idaho visit project}

We, as a family, decided to make all the kids 72 hour kits. It will be a slow process as we get stuff as we can afford it, but Ryan and I went to Army Surplus south of IF and got some cool stuff. We are making backpacks for everyone.

Went to the cabin with the R’s

Went on a drive to West Yellowstone and took pics of flowers and stuff…..

Lunch with my Family

We had a Pasley Reunion….but that will be Part 2 :}

So a Utah update. We found a home that we liked and made an offer. They accepted it. We were pretty excited. But the more we thought about it, and the more we looked at it we decided it wasn’t the home for us. We decided to wait for awhile, pay off some stuff and stay in our sweet little condo for awhile. I am relieved as it was a big worry for me. Hopefully some stuff will sell in Idaho. I am happy. I am so excited about our family trip. soooooooo excited!