From our silly bunch to yours......
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Annika's Antics
"Like Mother like Daughter" is how the saying goes. Annika watches me on the computer all the time, so I guess it was just a matter of time before she asked if she could have her own blog page. Here's her attempt at blogging. Have fun Annika!
(now if I could just have her watch me do the laundry or mop the floor and she'd want to copy me at that too!) =)
Annika's Antics
(now if I could just have her watch me do the laundry or mop the floor and she'd want to copy me at that too!) =)
Annika's Antics
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Advice from a Snowman
*Be a jolly happy soul*
*Spend time outdoors*
*It's okay to be a little bottom heavy*
*Avoid meltdowns*
*Be well-rounded*
*Live well, life is short*
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!
As I reflect on this Thanksgiving day and Thanksgivings past, I realize how truly blessed I really am. I have had my share of ups and downs in the journey of life, but I am grateful for my experiences. Even in the most difficult times of my life, I have had so much to be grateful for.
There is a song that has brought me so much strength in times of gloom. It goes something like this:
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the load seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly.
And you will be singing as the days go by.
I have come to rely on counting my blessings, especially when I feel down, and it brings me peace and happiness.
To celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I've made a short list of some of those things I am most thankful for:
10. Modern Technology. I just love my dishwasher, microwave, car, cell phone, etc. How did people 100 years ago ever survive?
9. Health and Modern Medicine. Without it, many people I love would be suffering more than they already are, or might not even be with me today. Although I have Thyroid disease and other minor ailments, I realize how fortunate I am and I try not to take my health for granted.
8. Beauty. I'm not talking about my own beauty (ya right!). I mean God's creations--rain, flowers, butterflies, sunsets, cats, etc.
7. My Home. I love the floor plan and location. Oh, I might have things I want to paint or fix or rearrange, but it's much more than four walls and a roof. It could be a shack for all I care. My home is where my family is, where memories are created and lessons are learned. It's a safe haven from the storm. It's where love is.
6. Music. Good music inspires me, lifts my soul and puts me in a good mood. It can make me feel happy or silly, or spiritual and peaceful.
5. Freedom. I am so grateful for those men and women who fought--and continue to fight-- for the freedom and rights of this country. It is the land the free and home of the brave.
4. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's one of my most precious possessions. I treasure it more than any material thing I own. At one time of my life it was very weak, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I strengthened it again, and it continues to strengthen me day by day.
3. Friends, old and new. My friends give me so much support and strength. I learn so much from them, and only hope I can be as good as friend as they are to me.
2. My Family. I am so grateful that I grew up in a loving family. My parents raised eight children on a modest income, but wealth didn't seem to matter. We had each other. I am eternally grateful for my parents and all the love and support they give me.~~And nothing brings me more joy than my children and my husband. I couldn't imagine life without them.
1. My Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is my source of purpose, hope, joy and love. He is my example and my friend. Without his atoning sacrifice, all the above would be pointless. It humbles me to know that He knows me by name. He loves me, and he died for me, so that I may return to live with Him again. I am eternally indebted to Him.
Here is the second half of that song I quoted above. I hope you find peace and happiness this Thanksgiving Day and every day.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all.
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
There is a song that has brought me so much strength in times of gloom. It goes something like this:
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the load seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly.
And you will be singing as the days go by.
I have come to rely on counting my blessings, especially when I feel down, and it brings me peace and happiness.
To celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I've made a short list of some of those things I am most thankful for:
10. Modern Technology. I just love my dishwasher, microwave, car, cell phone, etc. How did people 100 years ago ever survive?
9. Health and Modern Medicine. Without it, many people I love would be suffering more than they already are, or might not even be with me today. Although I have Thyroid disease and other minor ailments, I realize how fortunate I am and I try not to take my health for granted.
8. Beauty. I'm not talking about my own beauty (ya right!). I mean God's creations--rain, flowers, butterflies, sunsets, cats, etc.
7. My Home. I love the floor plan and location. Oh, I might have things I want to paint or fix or rearrange, but it's much more than four walls and a roof. It could be a shack for all I care. My home is where my family is, where memories are created and lessons are learned. It's a safe haven from the storm. It's where love is.
6. Music. Good music inspires me, lifts my soul and puts me in a good mood. It can make me feel happy or silly, or spiritual and peaceful.
5. Freedom. I am so grateful for those men and women who fought--and continue to fight-- for the freedom and rights of this country. It is the land the free and home of the brave.
4. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's one of my most precious possessions. I treasure it more than any material thing I own. At one time of my life it was very weak, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I strengthened it again, and it continues to strengthen me day by day.
3. Friends, old and new. My friends give me so much support and strength. I learn so much from them, and only hope I can be as good as friend as they are to me.
2. My Family. I am so grateful that I grew up in a loving family. My parents raised eight children on a modest income, but wealth didn't seem to matter. We had each other. I am eternally grateful for my parents and all the love and support they give me.~~And nothing brings me more joy than my children and my husband. I couldn't imagine life without them.
1. My Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is my source of purpose, hope, joy and love. He is my example and my friend. Without his atoning sacrifice, all the above would be pointless. It humbles me to know that He knows me by name. He loves me, and he died for me, so that I may return to live with Him again. I am eternally indebted to Him.
Here is the second half of that song I quoted above. I hope you find peace and happiness this Thanksgiving Day and every day.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all.
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Storm's Brewing!
There's a fierce storm making way to the floor of the basement of our home. It's named Cyclone Annika! 
Seriously though, My dad called me today and told me of an actual tropical storm right now in the South Pacific, appropriately named.... ANIKA!
I was tracking it today on NASA, where they update her path every few hours. I was laughing so hard reading it because it sounds a lot like what I went through to get Annika to clean her room today. Read the following, and insert "MOM" for "Cyclone 03S"...
"This weekend is a killer for tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Both Tropical Storm Anika and Tropical Cyclone 03S are both meeting their end over the weekend of Nov. 22-23...
"Tropical Cyclone 03S formed behind Anika, which was also called Tropical Cyclone 02S, and is following Anika's path. That's not good news for keeping 03S alive, because the conditions Anika are in are unfavorable, and include cooler sea surface temperatures and wind shear. That explains why Tropical Cyclone 03S is fading, too...
"Tropical Storm Anika is holding its own, and is now targeting a landfall in northwestern Australia, between the towns of Port Hedlund and Learmonth by Nov. 22."
Well, the cluttered Storm Annika got cleaned today without any casualties.
Hopefully TS Anika will have the same outcome!
Seriously though, My dad called me today and told me of an actual tropical storm right now in the South Pacific, appropriately named.... ANIKA!
I was tracking it today on NASA, where they update her path every few hours. I was laughing so hard reading it because it sounds a lot like what I went through to get Annika to clean her room today. Read the following, and insert "MOM" for "Cyclone 03S"...
"This weekend is a killer for tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Both Tropical Storm Anika and Tropical Cyclone 03S are both meeting their end over the weekend of Nov. 22-23...
"Tropical Cyclone 03S formed behind Anika, which was also called Tropical Cyclone 02S, and is following Anika's path. That's not good news for keeping 03S alive, because the conditions Anika are in are unfavorable, and include cooler sea surface temperatures and wind shear. That explains why Tropical Cyclone 03S is fading, too...
"Tropical Storm Anika is holding its own, and is now targeting a landfall in northwestern Australia, between the towns of Port Hedlund and Learmonth by Nov. 22."
Well, the cluttered Storm Annika got cleaned today without any casualties.
Hopefully TS Anika will have the same outcome!Monday, November 17, 2008
Sleepless in Mesa
Oh, how quickly I forget those sleepless nights when I had little ones waking up every hour of the night. I can't say I miss those days at all. I'm one who likes getting my full eight hours of sleep. Well, the other night, I got a reminder of how it used to be without much sleep...
For some reason, Annika couldn't fall asleep, and she would come wake me up and tell me so. The FIRST time, I took her back to her room and re-tucked her in her bed with a short story and lullaby.
The NEXT time (about an hour later) I let her crawl in bed with me. After about a half hour, I couldn't stand her squirming and shifting anymore. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when you feel someone staring at you? So I told her to go back to her room and try reading, or counting sheep, or something. (I'm so sympathetic aren't I?)
Not even an hour later, I felt a tap on my shoulder and she whispered, "I still can't sleep." Boy, I'm out of practice at this and my patience was growing thin. I went back downstairs with her and I slept on the floor of her bedroom until I thought for sure she had fallen asleep. I tiptoed quietly out of her room and slipped back into my bed.
This time I got about 2 hours of sleep until I felt another tap on my shoulder. It was 4 am by then and she asked if it was time to get up yet. "One more hour" I mumbled back. I heard a long heavy sigh and squinted out of one eye to see her dark silhouette, slunched over and slowly leaving my bedroom.
Around 5:00 am, Annika slipped back into my bed. I let her stay this time and she quickly fell asleep. 5:00 is about the time I usually wake up, so I was the one who couldn't sleep anymore.
I quietly got out of bed and was shocked at what I saw....
The living room had been tidied-up, Annika's bed was made and all her clothes put on hangers (a big feat for her), and in the kitchen was the sweetest surprise---there were 4 plates with a sliced apple decoratively placed on each plate, and 4 cups of chocolate milk. I wonder what time it was when she made these?....
For some reason, Annika couldn't fall asleep, and she would come wake me up and tell me so. The FIRST time, I took her back to her room and re-tucked her in her bed with a short story and lullaby.
The NEXT time (about an hour later) I let her crawl in bed with me. After about a half hour, I couldn't stand her squirming and shifting anymore. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when you feel someone staring at you? So I told her to go back to her room and try reading, or counting sheep, or something. (I'm so sympathetic aren't I?)
Not even an hour later, I felt a tap on my shoulder and she whispered, "I still can't sleep." Boy, I'm out of practice at this and my patience was growing thin. I went back downstairs with her and I slept on the floor of her bedroom until I thought for sure she had fallen asleep. I tiptoed quietly out of her room and slipped back into my bed.
This time I got about 2 hours of sleep until I felt another tap on my shoulder. It was 4 am by then and she asked if it was time to get up yet. "One more hour" I mumbled back. I heard a long heavy sigh and squinted out of one eye to see her dark silhouette, slunched over and slowly leaving my bedroom.
Around 5:00 am, Annika slipped back into my bed. I let her stay this time and she quickly fell asleep. 5:00 is about the time I usually wake up, so I was the one who couldn't sleep anymore.
I quietly got out of bed and was shocked at what I saw....
The living room had been tidied-up, Annika's bed was made and all her clothes put on hangers (a big feat for her), and in the kitchen was the sweetest surprise---there were 4 plates with a sliced apple decoratively placed on each plate, and 4 cups of chocolate milk. I wonder what time it was when she made these?....
It just melted my heart!I went back to my bedroom and found Annika, fully dressed (even shoes), in my bed fast asleep--FINALLY!! She must have been up ALL night!! This time she stayed asleep until after 9:30.
I have to say, this was one of the most memorable and sweetest sleepless nights.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I know Veteran's Day was a couple of days ago now, but I just wanted to pass this along. Ricky walked in the Mesa Veteran's Day Parade, along with many other scouts, each carrying a banner with a photo of a fallen soldier from AZ. There are over 300!!! It was very humbling and solem to recognize these brave men and women and honor them for their service to our country.
I am grateful to my Grandpa Joe, who served in the Navy in WWII, (the one on the left)
I am grateful to my Grandpa Joe, who served in the Navy in WWII, (the one on the left)
and brother-in-law, Bill who also served in the Navy (sorry, I can't find a picture of him). They are heroes to me.
One of the participants in the parade was handing out bookmarks with the following poem written on it, and I loved it so much, I wanted to share it:
Remember...
It's the Veteran,
not the reporter,
who gave us our freedom of the press.
It's the Veteran,
not the poet,
who gave us our freedom of speech.
It's the Veteran,
not the campus organizer,
who gave us our freedom to demonstrate.
It's the Soldier,
Sailor, Airman,
and Marine,
who salutes the flag,
who serves others
with respect for the flag
And whose coffin
is draped by the flag,
who alllows the protestor
to burn the flag.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Bah Humbug?
I LOVE this time of year. There's a chill in the air. There's the smell of winter lawns, warm casseroles baking, and even an occasional fireplace burning throughout the neighborhood. The leaves are turning color (sort-of), I can start pulling out the long-sleeve shirts, and I can even leave the back door open and enjoy the fresh air without cranking up the A/C. Autumn is definitely my favorite season
But lately I feel like Fall is getting the shaft and turning into pre-Christmas season.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm a Christmas nut! My tree is up the day after Thanksgiving and I play nothing but Christmas music in the car and at home from then until Christmas day. It is a magical time of year and I love the Spirit of Christmas so much.
But lately I feel like Christmas has become so much about the shopping and commercialism and is stretched out so long that some of the magic gets lost in it all. I went to several different stores last week, (some of them only 3 days after Halloween) and saw Christmas trees and heard nothing but Christmas music in EVERY SINGLE ONE!!....Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Fry's, Sprouts, Hobby Lobby (I can understand that one) and, of course, the mall. What ever happened to Autumn and Thanksgiving?
I don't know why I'm having such a hard time with it this year, but I just feel like every year Christmas gets earlier and earlier until some day we will be seeing Santas in the Mall in August!! I guess it wouldn't be so bad if it were the Christmas Spirit that was starting early, but it seems to be the retailers shoving it down our throat.
I don't want to be a Scrooge. Like I said, I LOVE Christmas, but I guess I'm a little put off by the stores urging us to start thinking about and decorating for Christmas now. Heck, I still have a few Halloween things I still need to put away!
Maybe I'm just too traditional. Am I the only one who feels like this?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tagged!
Yay! I got tagged! Thanks, Kathy P.
Well, here it goes....
4 Random things I love about my husband
They way he helps Ricky with homework that I don't understand
His Work Ethics
His Fathering Skills
His Patience when I get Moody
4 Jobs I've Had
Sonic Drive-In Car Hopper (my first job!)
Medical Records Indexer
Surgery Scheduler
Business Office Manager-Outpatient Surgery
4 Movies I've Seen More Than Once
Ever After (My Favorite!)
Chicken Run
Napoleon Dynamite
Most Disney Movies
4 TV Shows I Watch
News
Good Eats (Food Network)
HGTV
(I don't watch a lot of TV)
4 Places I've Been
Mexico
Holland
Israel
Bahamas
4 Places I've Lived
Mesa
Rexburg, Idaho
Mesa
Umm,... Mesa
4 Favorite Foods
POPCORN!
Pizza
My Homemade Smoothies
Anything Mexican (not spicy though)
4 Places I'd Like to Visit
New York
Washington DC
New Zealand
The Moon
4 People to Tag
Amelia L.
Colette V.
Katie H.
Mom (you can just e-mail me)
Well, here it goes....
4 Random things I love about my husband
They way he helps Ricky with homework that I don't understand
His Work Ethics
His Fathering Skills
His Patience when I get Moody
4 Jobs I've Had
Sonic Drive-In Car Hopper (my first job!)
Medical Records Indexer
Surgery Scheduler
Business Office Manager-Outpatient Surgery
4 Movies I've Seen More Than Once
Ever After (My Favorite!)
Chicken Run
Napoleon Dynamite
Most Disney Movies
4 TV Shows I Watch
News
Good Eats (Food Network)
HGTV
(I don't watch a lot of TV)
4 Places I've Been
Mexico
Holland
Israel
Bahamas
4 Places I've Lived
Mesa
Rexburg, Idaho
Mesa
Umm,... Mesa
4 Favorite Foods
POPCORN!
Pizza
My Homemade Smoothies
Anything Mexican (not spicy though)
4 Places I'd Like to Visit
New York
Washington DC
New Zealand
The Moon
4 People to Tag
Amelia L.
Colette V.
Katie H.
Mom (you can just e-mail me)
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Halloween!
Halloween has always been a weird holiday for me. I never got the concept of going door to door and begging for candy, but I do like walking around the neighborhood and meeting neighbors that I would otherwise never get a chance to meet. I love dressing up the kids (and even dressing up myself sometimes). It's the one day you can just go crazy and get away with it.
Yes, I still let my teenager go Trick-or-Treating. Heck, I did until I was a senior in High School! That's when it gets fun! Ricky went with a group of friends in a different neighborhood this year, then a huge group of them got together at our house afterwards and watched a scary Halloween movie. I'm too chicken when it comes to scary movies, so I watched a safe movie (Hook) downstairs. I didn't feel so silly when some of Ricky's friends joined me. I guess I'm not the only chicken!
I'm not sure what to call Ricky's costume. He calls it "glowing skeleton". But it won Spookiest costume at the ward Halloween party.
Annika was going to be an angel for Halloween this year, but because of her injury last week, she decided to be a pirate instead. Unfortunately (or fortunately) her scary face healed before the 31st, but she still made a great pirate!
Jack-O-Lanterns
Umm, I got a little behind, so I'm finally posting our Halloween stuff....
We have a great tradition of carving our pumpkins for FHE on Mondays. Since Halloween was so late in the week, they were getting pretty moldy before the actual day, but it kinda made it spookier. Fortunately I took pictures of them before they got "hairy".
This is my pumpkin, Mike from Monsters, Inc. I started out with a basic face and couldn't stop myself. Before I knew it I was sewing arms and legs and making a hat. I got a little carried away.
This is Ricky's Jack-o-lantern. He stencil carved Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas. He's taking sculpting class at school. I guess that class is paying off now!
Annika free-hand drew and carved this replica of the SCREAM by Edvard Munch. Of course, she embelished it by adding a spider on the left.
Serge did a globe and it turned out so cool! He did a lot of detailed work and carved out all the little islands. It took him about 2 hours, but it was even way cooler than this picture can show.
We have a great tradition of carving our pumpkins for FHE on Mondays. Since Halloween was so late in the week, they were getting pretty moldy before the actual day, but it kinda made it spookier. Fortunately I took pictures of them before they got "hairy".
This is my pumpkin, Mike from Monsters, Inc. I started out with a basic face and couldn't stop myself. Before I knew it I was sewing arms and legs and making a hat. I got a little carried away.
This is Ricky's Jack-o-lantern. He stencil carved Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas. He's taking sculpting class at school. I guess that class is paying off now!
Annika free-hand drew and carved this replica of the SCREAM by Edvard Munch. Of course, she embelished it by adding a spider on the left.
Serge did a globe and it turned out so cool! He did a lot of detailed work and carved out all the little islands. It took him about 2 hours, but it was even way cooler than this picture can show. Thursday, October 30, 2008
What a difference a week makes
It's amazing what can happen in a week. I can gain 4 lbs (boooo!), gas can go down another 10 cents (yay!), and ALL the Halloween candy in the house can disappear (maybe that explains the extra pounds).
Well, I'm really happy what time has done this past week since Annika fell off the swing. She had her stitches removed yesterday, and from the picture below, you can hardly tell anything ever happened! She still has to do eye exercises and wear those bandages under her eye, and Dr. T said she may need surgery in about a year after the scar completely heals, but we're so happy with the results so far.
Annika is a little bummed out that she healed so quickly though. She was looking forward to being a Pirate for Halloween with a really scary face. Oh, well!
Thanks for the well-wishes during this past week.
Well, I'm really happy what time has done this past week since Annika fell off the swing. She had her stitches removed yesterday, and from the picture below, you can hardly tell anything ever happened! She still has to do eye exercises and wear those bandages under her eye, and Dr. T said she may need surgery in about a year after the scar completely heals, but we're so happy with the results so far.
Annika is a little bummed out that she healed so quickly though. She was looking forward to being a Pirate for Halloween with a really scary face. Oh, well!
Thanks for the well-wishes during this past week.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Breath of Fresh Air
Maybe some of you are not as old as me, so you may not remember a time when you didn't have to lock your home or your car. You knew all your neighbors' names. It was okay to stop and help a stranger stranded with car trouble on the side of the road, or give some money to a needy person at the corner of the street without doubting what they'll do with the money. Life seemed to go at a nice and easy pace with time to stop and smell the roses and time to be friendly.
Times have changed. We live in a fast-paced world now where we have all these machines and appliances to make life easier. We push a button and our dishes get washed. We stay in our cars as we pick up our dry-cleaning, get money from the ATM, order a slushie at sonic, or even get a flu shot at the pharmacy! We get frustrated if there are more than three people in a checkout line, and (at least I do this) swtitch traffic lanes to pass someone doing the maximum speed limit! We always seem to be in such a hurry. Oh, I believe in progress, and I am sooo grateful for modern convenience, but with all this speed, life seems a little less personal.
So, that's why it was such a breath of fresh air when I e-mailed Annika's plastic surgeon with a question I had about her eye. (I guess I felt too busy to pick up the phone and listen to an automated voice telling me to press button after button before I could leave an impersonal message). I was very surprised when his nurse, Shannon (who assisted Dr. T as he sewed Annika up), called me a little later to ask how Annika was doing and said she would stop by our house that afternoon after work to check up on her. Gasp! I thought house-calls went away a long time ago, about the same time as the milkman! I was shocked! Keep in mind that Dr. T's office is on 92nd street & Shea in North Scottsdale.
Shannon showed up with her medical supplies and tended to Annika's needs with so much compassion. She even lingered a little while after to chat with Annika. It was so heartwarming to know that Annika was being treated like a person and not another appointment. She didn't even charge us for the visit!
It renewed my faith that there are great people still out there who are busy, just like me, make time for the important things, like just being personal and kind.
So I'll stop and think hard the next time I see someone in the check out line behind me with only a couple of items and let them go first. I'll look at the checkout lady's namebadge and call her by name instead of just a quick "hello". I might even smile and wave the next time I speed pass a snowbird going 25 mph down Greenfield Road, and remember that they're someone special too! They might just be taking the time to enjoy life at a slower pace!
If you EVER need a great plastic surgeon (heaven forbid), I highly recommend Dr. Steven Turkletaub.
Times have changed. We live in a fast-paced world now where we have all these machines and appliances to make life easier. We push a button and our dishes get washed. We stay in our cars as we pick up our dry-cleaning, get money from the ATM, order a slushie at sonic, or even get a flu shot at the pharmacy! We get frustrated if there are more than three people in a checkout line, and (at least I do this) swtitch traffic lanes to pass someone doing the maximum speed limit! We always seem to be in such a hurry. Oh, I believe in progress, and I am sooo grateful for modern convenience, but with all this speed, life seems a little less personal.
So, that's why it was such a breath of fresh air when I e-mailed Annika's plastic surgeon with a question I had about her eye. (I guess I felt too busy to pick up the phone and listen to an automated voice telling me to press button after button before I could leave an impersonal message). I was very surprised when his nurse, Shannon (who assisted Dr. T as he sewed Annika up), called me a little later to ask how Annika was doing and said she would stop by our house that afternoon after work to check up on her. Gasp! I thought house-calls went away a long time ago, about the same time as the milkman! I was shocked! Keep in mind that Dr. T's office is on 92nd street & Shea in North Scottsdale.
Shannon showed up with her medical supplies and tended to Annika's needs with so much compassion. She even lingered a little while after to chat with Annika. It was so heartwarming to know that Annika was being treated like a person and not another appointment. She didn't even charge us for the visit!
It renewed my faith that there are great people still out there who are busy, just like me, make time for the important things, like just being personal and kind.
So I'll stop and think hard the next time I see someone in the check out line behind me with only a couple of items and let them go first. I'll look at the checkout lady's namebadge and call her by name instead of just a quick "hello". I might even smile and wave the next time I speed pass a snowbird going 25 mph down Greenfield Road, and remember that they're someone special too! They might just be taking the time to enjoy life at a slower pace!
If you EVER need a great plastic surgeon (heaven forbid), I highly recommend Dr. Steven Turkletaub.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Annika's Haloween Face
Halloween is just over a week away and Annika still hasn't commited to what she wants to be for Halloween. Oh, she's had ideas and changed her mind as many times as she changes her outfit in the morning. Well, after the events that happened yesterday, I think we'll have a good shot of narrowing down the choices of costumes.....
It all started when the school nurse called Wednesday morning and said, "Annika's had an accident". She went on to explain that Annika fell out of the swing at recess and needs some tending to. Okay, falling out of a swing....how bad could that be?
Although the nurse informed me about Annika's wounds, I wasn't ready to see what I saw. She had scrapes all over her head and her left eye was twice as big as the other one. Then my eyes gravitated toward the huge gash under her eye. It looked like a dog bit a chunk out of her cheek and the flesh was all, well, fleshy. How could falling out of a swing do this?? I tried my best to be calm and not show the horror on my face. Annika was so brave though. All she complained about was getting the sand out of her eyes. I don't think the nurse let her see her face (Thank you Mrs. Owen!)
I took her straight from school to Urgent Care. They immediately sent us to a plastic surgeon. We found a really great one in North Scottsdale that would take us immediately. Annika had stitches put in her chin when she was six, so she wasn't too nervous about getting more stitches. I couldn't believe how calm she was. I was the one who was a nervous wreck. Even after working at a hospital for 9 years and seeing my share of surgeries, it's jsut different when it's your child. Thankfully, Dr. Turkletaub let me hold Annika's hand the entire time as he stitched her up. I think I was the one who needed my hand held though. Did I mention that the only surgery I ever got light-headed watching was an eye cataract removal? Something about the eye gives me the willies.
Well, 5 hours, six shots and 22 stitches later, I think we found Annika a Halloween costume without using any makeup.
Annika, you're beautiful. Even stitches can't wipe that beautiful smile from your face.
It all started when the school nurse called Wednesday morning and said, "Annika's had an accident". She went on to explain that Annika fell out of the swing at recess and needs some tending to. Okay, falling out of a swing....how bad could that be?
Although the nurse informed me about Annika's wounds, I wasn't ready to see what I saw. She had scrapes all over her head and her left eye was twice as big as the other one. Then my eyes gravitated toward the huge gash under her eye. It looked like a dog bit a chunk out of her cheek and the flesh was all, well, fleshy. How could falling out of a swing do this?? I tried my best to be calm and not show the horror on my face. Annika was so brave though. All she complained about was getting the sand out of her eyes. I don't think the nurse let her see her face (Thank you Mrs. Owen!)
I took her straight from school to Urgent Care. They immediately sent us to a plastic surgeon. We found a really great one in North Scottsdale that would take us immediately. Annika had stitches put in her chin when she was six, so she wasn't too nervous about getting more stitches. I couldn't believe how calm she was. I was the one who was a nervous wreck. Even after working at a hospital for 9 years and seeing my share of surgeries, it's jsut different when it's your child. Thankfully, Dr. Turkletaub let me hold Annika's hand the entire time as he stitched her up. I think I was the one who needed my hand held though. Did I mention that the only surgery I ever got light-headed watching was an eye cataract removal? Something about the eye gives me the willies.
Well, 5 hours, six shots and 22 stitches later, I think we found Annika a Halloween costume without using any makeup.
Annika, you're beautiful. Even stitches can't wipe that beautiful smile from your face.
Monday, October 20, 2008
In God We Trust
In a nation where things are uncertain at the moment, there is one thing that should stand firm. Something that this nation was built upon and trusted in. That is God. One nation, under God! It irates me that there are those who want to take God's name off our money, or out of the pledge of allegiance, so no one will be offended. What about offending those who founded this nation, fought for a better life, a better way? Some even gave their own lives for this great cause. Who are we to forget their devotion, their dedication, trust and faith? If they were able to come back, would they say about our contry today?
A very sweet friend shared this video with me and I wish to share it with all. Sung by Diamond Rio, this touching song shows what (or who) this nation was founded upon. May we never forget!
A very sweet friend shared this video with me and I wish to share it with all. Sung by Diamond Rio, this touching song shows what (or who) this nation was founded upon. May we never forget!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Annika
I know you've heard that great things come in small packages. Well, that's not exactly true. Annika was a very special gift from heaven wrapped in a huge whopping
8 pound, 13 ounce package!
Annika Nicole was the perfect Mother's Day gift, born the day after Mother's day in 1998. Since day one, Annika's way of life has always been larger than life. She never does anything small..JPG)
There is never a dull moment when Annika is around. She is the spark in our family, providing endless entertainment with her hilarious whit, charm, story and song. She has so much life bubbling out of her soul. She has an abundance of energy, yet I am constantly amazed how she is so observant of everything around her. She helps me notice the things that I overlook, like patterns in shadows, little details in spiderwebs, or rhythms in ordinary things like the dishwasher or cars on the highway.
I think it's the hardest when your baby grows up. Oh, how I wish I could capture time in a bottle. It seems like just yesterday I could cradle Annika in my arms and rock her to sleep. Now she's 10 (going on 14) and keeps growing and growing and growing. It was a real wake-up-call day for me when my baby's shoe size was larger than my own....She currently wears a size 9!!
Annika loves reading, drawing, playing the piano and violin, horses, cooking, and riding her bike. But her favorite passtime is singing. She loves performing for an audience of one or one hundred. I don't think she knows the meaning of the word "stage fright" (she didn't get that from me!).
Despite all her vivacity, there is a very tender side to Annika as well--a side that not too many know about. Some just see her dynamism and don't get to know the passionate, intelligent and caring side of her. Annika has a heart of gold and a very sweet spirit that comes out when you least expect it, and she just melts your heart to pieces!! Annika is truly a beautiful and special individual and the best daughter in the world!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Conference Activities
I absolutely love conference weekend. I could listen to it all day, but my kids (especially the youngest one) get a little restless. So I always put finger food on the coffee table and provide lots of activities for them to do while watching conference. Usually it's Conference Bingo or word searches. This year I found a great activity booklet and wanted to share it with you. You can find it here. I hope you enjoy conference and hopefully this packet will enable you to listen to the messages of General Conference and encourage your childen to watch conference with you. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ricky
It seems that every child comes into this world with some type of gift to impart. Some are here to brigthen our days and make us laugh. Others give us purpose. Many offer companionship and love. And there are those who teach us patience. Ricky's special gift is being a peacemaker. He is the one to bring balance into our home. He's wonderful at putting his arm around someone and soothing their troubles, or finding ways to calm the storm when things get out of hand (as they sometimes do) and I love him for that.Ricky is mostly a soft-spoken, deep-hearted soul with a compassion for others. His strengths lie in his willingness to serve, and strict obedience to principles he truly believes in.
Kids grow up way too fast. One second they're content for hours and hours playing on the floor with Hotwheel cars, and the next second they can't wait to get behind the wheel of a real car and the power that comes with that laminated license to freedom (so he thinks). Sorry Ricky. A mini-van just doesn't say "chick magnet". Don't worry neighbors. You have a few more months to be safe on the road. Ricky doesn't get his permit until December.
Ricky has always enjoyed creating masterpieces with Legos. He's our lego maniac, and here's a picture of part of his room to prove it. (Notice how the picture is from waist up. That's because you don't want to see the floor, that is, if you can see it. Ya. Kind of messy.)
Ricky has always enjoyed creating masterpieces with Legos. He's our lego maniac, and here's a picture of part of his room to prove it. (Notice how the picture is from waist up. That's because you don't want to see the floor, that is, if you can see it. Ya. Kind of messy.)
This is Ricky's first year at Red Mountain High School. I keep telling myself I'm not old enough to have a high-school-aged kid, but wrinkles don't lie. School keeps him busy with CP and Honor classes, choir, seminary, theatre club, spanish and sculpting. When homework and studying doesn't occupy his time, Ricky loves to play the Wii.
Last year Ricky earned the honored rank of Eagle Scout.
Scouting is a big part of Ricky's life and who he is. I hope you don't mind me being a proud mom for a moment and just saying how delighted I am of the goals he has set for himself in Scouting. Ricky tries hard to exemplify what a scout is: Trustworthy, Helpful, Friendly, Couretous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
I am a huge advocate of the scouting program and the values and ethics it instills in these impressionable young men. I am ever grateful for his leaders, friends and relatives who have been great role models and mentors to Ricky.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Serge
Now I'll tell you a little about my dear husband, Serge.
Serge was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
He was an only child born to Hugo, an incredible classical concert pianist,
.
and Josephine, an amazing artist
His parents divorced when he was young and his mom later remarried an american and moved to the US. Hugo still lives in Holland. The kids and I got to meet him for the very first time last summer when we took a vacation back to Serge's homeland.
When Serge was 17, he came on vacation to Arizona to visit his mom and loved it so much here that he decided to stay. Why he would trade the beautiful landscape of Holland for hot Arizona, I'll never know; but I'm glad he did! Althouh, I wish he would have kept his accent. I love accents!
Serge finished his last year of high school at Coronado High in Scottsdale, then graduated from ASU with a degree in computer science and engineering. He is the VP of IT at a mortgage company in Scottdale--which translates to "computer geek", but I love my computer geek!
Serge and I randomly met at a party where I was hanging around waiting for my blind date to show up. Well my blind date did show up an we both kind of knew it wasn't going to work. That's when Serge, like a knight in shining armor, came over and rescued me from the bad date and swept me off my feet. My Hero!!
Serge is the love of my life! He is one of the most patient people I know (he has to be to live with me!). He is the one who keeps the laughter in our home with his sense of humor and infectous laugh. He is insanely smart and loves learning about anything he can get his hands on. He has a passion about life that is inspiring. He is a wonderful husband and father.
Serge was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
He was an only child born to Hugo, an incredible classical concert pianist,.
and Josephine, an amazing artist
His parents divorced when he was young and his mom later remarried an american and moved to the US. Hugo still lives in Holland. The kids and I got to meet him for the very first time last summer when we took a vacation back to Serge's homeland.
When Serge was 17, he came on vacation to Arizona to visit his mom and loved it so much here that he decided to stay. Why he would trade the beautiful landscape of Holland for hot Arizona, I'll never know; but I'm glad he did! Althouh, I wish he would have kept his accent. I love accents!
Serge finished his last year of high school at Coronado High in Scottsdale, then graduated from ASU with a degree in computer science and engineering. He is the VP of IT at a mortgage company in Scottdale--which translates to "computer geek", but I love my computer geek!
Serge and I randomly met at a party where I was hanging around waiting for my blind date to show up. Well my blind date did show up an we both kind of knew it wasn't going to work. That's when Serge, like a knight in shining armor, came over and rescued me from the bad date and swept me off my feet. My Hero!!
Serge is the love of my life! He is one of the most patient people I know (he has to be to live with me!). He is the one who keeps the laughter in our home with his sense of humor and infectous laugh. He is insanely smart and loves learning about anything he can get his hands on. He has a passion about life that is inspiring. He is a wonderful husband and father.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Me
Well, I guess a good way to start out this blog is to introduce my family. I'll start with me.
I was born Sharla Joy Pepera in Mesa, AZ on January 26, 19--well a long time ago.
I was born number five of eight children. Here's a picture of all of us way back in the 70's (check out the styles back then!): Kathy, Marcia, Teresa; Dad, Mom, Lora, Me; Shyla is in the front, and my parents are holding the twins, JD and Jana.
We grew up on a citrus farm in West Mesa, where we had over 100 citrus trees, pecan trees, a huge garden, lots of farm cats, chickens, and a goat named Billy. I loved life on the farm. It was like our own private island.
I am so glad I came from a big family. Oh, we had our share of sibling rivalry and all-out fist-fights, but we also have countless memories of making forts in the trees, making mud-pies on the irrigation banks and all those crazy things we did back then. I wouldn't have it any other way. I always had a friend to play with and someone to talk to. My family means the world to me! Here's a picture of us all grown up. I'm the one with frizzy hair in the back (don't laugh!).
I graduated from Westwood High in 1989 (go Warriors!) and went to Rick's College (now BYU Idaho).
After standing all the cold I could in Idaho, I moved back home and worked at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Hospital doing everything from medical records to surgery scheduling, instrument tech, and ending up as Business Office Manager in Outpatient Surgery. I loved working in the health care field and I loved the people I worked with. It was difficult to leave, but I finally woke up to my senses and realized that my most important career was elsewhere, so here I am--a chef, taxi driver, seamstress, entertainer, housekeeper, teacher, librarian, counselor, banker and nurse. MOM is my favorite job in the world!
Now here's the part where I guess I should list all the things I've accomplished over the years..., but I'm just me. Oh, I have great goals and ambitions and I've started lots of projects with great intentions, but I'm notorious for not completing them. I do enjoy quilting, scrapbooking, camping, cycling, baking, gardening, playing the piano, volunteering at the schools and serving in my church. I don't think I will ever discover a cure for cancer, or win a nobel peace prize. I know I can't be someone to everyone, but I hope I can be everything to someone.
I guess this is where I should add a recent picture of me also. Somehow I always find a way to be behind the camera instead of in front of it (Hmmmm. How does that happen?) so I don't have a real recent picture. Hopefully this one will do....
Just Kidding! Here's me...
I was born Sharla Joy Pepera in Mesa, AZ on January 26, 19--well a long time ago.
I was born number five of eight children. Here's a picture of all of us way back in the 70's (check out the styles back then!): Kathy, Marcia, Teresa; Dad, Mom, Lora, Me; Shyla is in the front, and my parents are holding the twins, JD and Jana.
We grew up on a citrus farm in West Mesa, where we had over 100 citrus trees, pecan trees, a huge garden, lots of farm cats, chickens, and a goat named Billy. I loved life on the farm. It was like our own private island.
I am so glad I came from a big family. Oh, we had our share of sibling rivalry and all-out fist-fights, but we also have countless memories of making forts in the trees, making mud-pies on the irrigation banks and all those crazy things we did back then. I wouldn't have it any other way. I always had a friend to play with and someone to talk to. My family means the world to me! Here's a picture of us all grown up. I'm the one with frizzy hair in the back (don't laugh!).
I graduated from Westwood High in 1989 (go Warriors!) and went to Rick's College (now BYU Idaho).
After standing all the cold I could in Idaho, I moved back home and worked at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Hospital doing everything from medical records to surgery scheduling, instrument tech, and ending up as Business Office Manager in Outpatient Surgery. I loved working in the health care field and I loved the people I worked with. It was difficult to leave, but I finally woke up to my senses and realized that my most important career was elsewhere, so here I am--a chef, taxi driver, seamstress, entertainer, housekeeper, teacher, librarian, counselor, banker and nurse. MOM is my favorite job in the world!
Now here's the part where I guess I should list all the things I've accomplished over the years..., but I'm just me. Oh, I have great goals and ambitions and I've started lots of projects with great intentions, but I'm notorious for not completing them. I do enjoy quilting, scrapbooking, camping, cycling, baking, gardening, playing the piano, volunteering at the schools and serving in my church. I don't think I will ever discover a cure for cancer, or win a nobel peace prize. I know I can't be someone to everyone, but I hope I can be everything to someone.
I guess this is where I should add a recent picture of me also. Somehow I always find a way to be behind the camera instead of in front of it (Hmmmm. How does that happen?) so I don't have a real recent picture. Hopefully this one will do....
Just Kidding! Here's me...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Eat My Dust!
Laundry? No problem. Dishes are a breeze. I even find vacuuming therapeutic, and call me crazy, but I love ironing. But dusting I detest!
In the bible it states, "from dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return", but I thought it was talking more about mortality, not than having to to return to dusting every day for the rest of of my life! Oh, I've tried the spray n' wipe method. The feather dusters are a joke! I invested in the lambswool duster that guarantees to pick up 60% more dust than traditional dusting methods. The only thing I can guarantee is that my duster is the one thing that will never gather dust on the shelf.
Sometimes I get ambitious and pull out the big guns--my Dyson vacuum cleaner-- and all of a sudden get this power surge as I go around banishing dust bunnies with my magic wand and I start singing out loud, "da-da-da. Another one bites the dust!" But, just as the dust begins to settle, the magic fairies seem to recruit their pixie dust armies and replenish their supply.
So, I will continue the fight the endless fight. Oh, and if you ever come over to visit, please leave the white gloves at home.
In the bible it states, "from dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return", but I thought it was talking more about mortality, not than having to to return to dusting every day for the rest of of my life! Oh, I've tried the spray n' wipe method. The feather dusters are a joke! I invested in the lambswool duster that guarantees to pick up 60% more dust than traditional dusting methods. The only thing I can guarantee is that my duster is the one thing that will never gather dust on the shelf.
Sometimes I get ambitious and pull out the big guns--my Dyson vacuum cleaner-- and all of a sudden get this power surge as I go around banishing dust bunnies with my magic wand and I start singing out loud, "da-da-da. Another one bites the dust!" But, just as the dust begins to settle, the magic fairies seem to recruit their pixie dust armies and replenish their supply.
So, I will continue the fight the endless fight. Oh, and if you ever come over to visit, please leave the white gloves at home.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Activity Days
I somehow have the awesome privilege of being an Activity Day leader in my ward. We have close to 30 girls, ages 8-11, and they are so amazing! I've been their leader for about 3 or 4 months now and I love these girls so much! They are so full of life!
Last night we had a Mother/Daughter "T" party activity. the "T" stands for Talents, Temple and Testimony. It was kind of like preaching to the choir though because these young ladies are so much more ahead as far as the "T"'s go then when I was their age. I'm sure any one of these girls could have stood up and taught a whole lesson on each of these subjects and it would have been fantastic!
Anyway, after the program, while some of us moms were chatting and indulging ourselves on the most delicious cheesecake, they asked if I could post the slideshow of the AD (activity day) girls that I had made for that evening. One of them suggested I post it on my blog page. Okay, I didn't realize how much behind the times I was. I didn't have my own blog page, which created some strange looks from the other moms.
I guess that's what finally inspired me to finally take the plunge and start a blog, ready or not! So, thank you moms for helping me overcome my inhibitions and getting me out here. And this is for you!!
Last night we had a Mother/Daughter "T" party activity. the "T" stands for Talents, Temple and Testimony. It was kind of like preaching to the choir though because these young ladies are so much more ahead as far as the "T"'s go then when I was their age. I'm sure any one of these girls could have stood up and taught a whole lesson on each of these subjects and it would have been fantastic!
Anyway, after the program, while some of us moms were chatting and indulging ourselves on the most delicious cheesecake, they asked if I could post the slideshow of the AD (activity day) girls that I had made for that evening. One of them suggested I post it on my blog page. Okay, I didn't realize how much behind the times I was. I didn't have my own blog page, which created some strange looks from the other moms.
I guess that's what finally inspired me to finally take the plunge and start a blog, ready or not! So, thank you moms for helping me overcome my inhibitions and getting me out here. And this is for you!!
Ready or Not!
After much coaxing and encouragement by by friends and family, I've finally joined the blogging world. This is just my little space to share the ins-and-outs and happenings in the van Neck family.
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