"The Dance" . . . for the girls.

The Dance

I watched my sister get ready for a dance last night,
It reminded me of many times before,
only I looked up then as make up was applied and hair was curled and set,
now I look down,
I watched as high heels were dug out of closets and lip gloss was glided on.
When did she get old enough to date?
When did I get too old for dances.
I picked up my daughter to keep her from crawling into the array of silk
and bulk of slips that swish and shimmer as my sister walked down the hall.
Glowing, she walks to the mirror once more to put her earrings in as the door bell rings.
The Prince of the evening has arrived to take our Cinderella away.
The walls flash white as pictures are taken before they head out the door.
Everyone smiles while flowers are exchanged and mother hurries over
to keep the young man from being poked by floral pins.
One last photo and they are out the door.
I pass my little squirmy one to Grandma as we look out the window.
They are off.
We all head into the kitchen and reminisce of past dances and princes over pizza,
each of us glad that our lives have moved past dance preparations,
but secretly looking forward to future ones with our daughters.

I am writing a book! . . . finally!

Okay . . . so last night I could not sleep and lay their for hours trying to konk out with no success . . . my mind just would not calm down . . . all of a sudden I realized that I had a story going in my head and I knew that I would lose my ideas and characters if I did not write them down . . . so Toph came in at 1:00 and caught me typing away pouring out my mind into a story overview that has me absolutely ecstatic! I have ALWAYS loved writing and have tons of different ideas written down and bits and pieces here and their but I am just way excited for this one! It is just fun for me to write and so releasing! I will let ya know when I am finally done with it one day . . . hopefully in the summer for sure! I think this one will appeal a bit more to women than to the fellas . . . but I could be wrong! (It is Austen era) Hey ladies thanks for your excitement upon hearing of my venture! I have always wanted to write a book and dedicate it to the amazing women in my life! I think this will be the one . . . hopefully the first of many . . . but who knows . . . we'll take it one day at a time! Maybe from time to time I will post a snippet!

Another day has gone by . . .

Holy guac peeps! Long time no see I know . . . thanks for the e-mails etc. Yes I plan on posting more recipes . . . no worries! Okay . . . talk about snow! I really thought that we were over the worst of the winter storms but hello Em it is January . . so of course we are going to have more storms! We were just so excited to have a parking lot NOT covered in ice finally and the day that it is almost completely clear it starts snowing all over again! Oh fun! Anywho life is just crazy as ever! It seems like the smaller the primary class I have . . . the more capable they are of shocking the hannah out of me and making me think "okay, I can handle this!" I am indeed teaching CTR 5 and my class is darling but has LOTS, and LOTS of energy! Toph laughed for like 10 minutes straight without getting air I think when I told him about my little adventure on Sunday! I think I was crimson during all of closing excercises chasing kids down and some of the words that come out of their sweet little mouths are a little shocking to say the least! I just hope that the other kids don't learn them . . . and of course if you say "oh, lets not say that word" then of course they are going to scream it at the top of their lungs while jumping chairs in closing excercises! Next week I am injecting fruit snacks with tranqs (JK!) They are too cute and we had a great sharing time! I colored, cut and laminated things all week prepping and we made it threw smooth! Our house was happy and smiling in the end! We are going to Inkheart for our date night Friday if anyone wants to come! I think it looks a little scary but I am sure I will be able to handle it (?). Ami congrats on your new calling! I loved serving in that calling and you will do great chica! Brecky you have some stylin' hair man! Alles gute!

Sick . . . again!

Em is down for the count yet again with a second time around with the flu! Hope all is well in your world!

Hotel Info . . .

So I have had a little experience working in the hospitality industry while going to college . . first as a waitress (oh loved that time . . .) and currently in the hotel industry and I have a few little hints for you . . . so family and friends as you start planning vacations and looking for deals on travel and hotel rooms here are a few helpers and things to be aware of . . .

- Be aware of "discount" internet sites! I can't tell you how many times people have come in thinking that their room was already paid for and low and behold the site that they made reservations on (while popular and advertised by actors and actresses or little figurines) does not have an account with our facility even though they sold guests a room!
- Discount internet sites often times have "hidden" or additional charges for making reservations. A gentleman called me the other day to check to see if his reservation had been canceled as he requested to the site that he made the reservation with. Not only had they failed to cancel the reservation (ie he would have been charged for failing to cancel it within the required time period) they had charged him a $28.00 booking fee for making the reservation that he had failed to notice in the fine print and it was not reimbursed to him even when he canceled!
- It takes a lot of time and money to keep hotels up . . . so most times you get what you pay for! Their usually is a BIG difference between a room advertised for $32.00 and $79.00!
- Now is a good time to book rooms because of the economy! You will most likely be able to call the hotel and get a good deal. Most are fairly open to a little negotiating right now.
- Join hotel clubs! You can get discounts, points, free stays, upgrades etc. It is painless and easy! Most people prefer staying with certain hotel chains because of the benefits offered by clubs!
- If you have AAA or are a member of AARP or work for the Government check for discounts! (Hint hint, police officers, etc.) You will need a valid and ID and proof of membership!
- Breakfast . . . this is a kicker for hotels right now especially . . . most hotels are trying to win guests with breakfast. Call or check online to see what is offered and consider this while accounting the cost of the room. You need breakfast so rather than paying more by eating out . . . eat at the hotel offered breakfast and save $$.
- Check reservations! Don't just check online! Call the hotel and make sure that they received your reservation. Just because you received an e-mail and confirmation number does not mean that it really went through! This happens ALOT! Some sites are scammers, no matter how popular they are or fail to cancel reservations. Call and make sure your reservation is correct too!
- Walk-ins. It is always best to have a reservation ensuring that you have a room, but walking in can sometimes save you big time . . . depending on how busy the hotel is and the season. You would be amazed how open to negotiation some hotels can be over price or on upgrades.
- For a happy staff/stay . . . if you have any problems let the staff know immediately and don't be afraid to ask to switch rooms if anything is wrong! But remain calm and polite! Most hotels do all that they can to make a guests stay as comfortable as possible and have toiletries ie razors, shampoo, toothbrushes etc for guests if you forget anything.
- Report pets! If you have a pet let the staff know! Don't sneak one in or assume that they accept pets! Check ahead of time WITH THE STAFF! Some sites may advertise hotels as being pet friendly that no longer are! You can and will be charged if you fail to notify the staff that you have a pet (of any kind). Plus they ALWAYS find out (!!!) from other guests, other staff members, the room condition etc. Be respectful and honest.
-Cancellation. Find out the cancellation policy! If you are held up by emergencies or weather most hotels are fairly understanding and won't charge you! Some policies state that the room must be sold to another guest before cancellations will be enforced.
-Staff. Last but NOT least . . . be nice to the hotel staff! If they are being horrible that is one thing but remember that it is not their fault that they don't know your favorite cereal and don't serve it at breakfast or that you clogged your toilet at 2am. They honestly want to make you happy (otherwards they get their heads eaten off and get to deal with oh so happy you!).

Overall just inform yourself and never be afraid to call the hotel and check on anything and everything!!! (I should write a book . . . it would be shocking the stories that I have heard and could tell!)

Photo session giveaway . . .

My darling and talented sister in law Brandi is doing a photo session give away! Check out her photo blog by clicking here! She did our family photos and they turned out wonderful!!!

A NEW YEAR!

Hola, Greusstig, Hey there, How are ya? Is everyone ready for a new year? Holy cow I could use a beverage about now (did you hear that Toph . . . oop it is late and he is doing what I should be doing . . . sleeping!!! besides we kicked caffiene . . . again . . .). School has begun once again . . . and it is going to be a busy semester! But right now my mind is all about shoving my homework aside and just saying how very blessed we had been in 2008 and already how many blessings have come our way in 2009.

-Chris graduating and today we found out that he got a new job that is such a blessing to our family and one at which he can continue his education and prepare for his Masters! (Call him and ask him about it!)

-He is also serving as second counselor in the Elders Quorum and is loving every minute of it!

-Toph is also the poster boy for amazing husbands! 5 minutes in our home will convince you of this I know . . . I see the things that he does everyday . . . and it makes me more grateful for him everyday! I am so proud of you Toph and of all that you have achieved this year and of the example you are and the wonderful husband that you are!

-I am now teaching CTR A and have a class with a couple of darling girls who have enough stories each Sunday to fill volumes and who just light up my life! The kids in junior primary say the funniest yet most brilliant things! What a joy and a blessing it is to serve in primary!

-I am getting more excited the closer I get to graduating and realize how much my passion for teaching is growing with every class that I take and every book that I read! (History is exciting! Say it with me . . . "I love History!")

Other blessings have come to us through seeing the joy and blessings that have come into the ones that we love . . . new babies, jobs, graduation, baptisms, birthdays, athletic events, etc. We are so grateful for wonderful families and friends! We know that sometimes time eludes us and lives get packed to the brim . . . but you are always in our hearts, on our minds and in our prayers! May 2009 bring much happiness and the continual blessings of a loving Father in Heaven! Happy New Year everyone!

First Day of School

This is my wifes first day of the semester. She is stoked about her new classes and looks forward to a great semester. I wish her the best of luck on her classes and her professors. She will do a great job!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Snow! Snow! Snow!

Okay I know that the state is getting coated in the white stuff . . . as are we . . . Toph shoveled the sidewalks (our apt manager never does . . .) and five minutes later it was piled high again! Right now the soft stuff is falling . . . my favorite kind! But mensch is it coming down!Softly falling . . . covering my car and leaving my clean floors slick and salty . . . too bad I volunteered to work tonight! We are planning on watching the Utah vs SUU game tomorrow . . . hopefully we will be dug out by then!We hope that everyone traveling for Christmas is safe! Be super careful kiddles! It is nice if you can just stay inside all day . . . but it is not so fun having to go out and drive in it . . . plus our cities 1 snow plow (okay we may have more . . . just not as many as the North . . . a little joke between us . . .) is kept busy avoiding our street! To top things off . . . I discovered that the holiday drink that I am is MILK! I was so pulling for hot chocolate! I am not quite crazy enough to be eggnog, which I can understand . . . but Milk?

You Are Milk

Your holiday personality is innocent. The holidays make you feel like a kid all over again. You love every part of the holidays, and you anticipate Christmas morning. You enjoy getting presents as much as you did when you were young!

What Holiday Drink Are You?

Okay Toph took the test and we discovered that he is hot chocolate . . . so it makes sense now since his drink of choice is milk and mine is hot chocolate . . . what a relief! (Okay I am in between semesters and my brain has turned to jello and will hopefully set again before school starts! . . . hence the reason that I feel things like this are important . . . give me a break!)

You Are Hot Chocolate

Your holiday personality is generous. The holidays are your favorite time to practice the art of giving. You enjoy picking out presents, sharing treats, and making everyone's day a little brighter. And you don't even notice if you don't get anything in return.

What Holiday Drink Are You?

Things that make me go . . . wow!

Okay I honestly get star struck pretty easily about some things and over some people . . .

Example A: My cousin and I went up to SLC for Spring Break I think our freshman or sophomore year of college (I was 19 I think) . . . anywho we were at the mall across from temple square eating in the food court and all of a sudden these two guys file past us . . . my cousin had her back to them but I was able to see them head on and about passed out . . . it was 2 guys from Jericho Road (okay you now know I am a major fan . . . but I think that was already fairly common knowledge) anywho I was all ga-ga and my cuz was looking at me like "what the hay" and then the other 2 walked by and I really about passed out! I started doing the "refrain scream" (grit your teeth and quietly let out a little shrill) . . . so after finding out what the dealio was my cuz said well lets go say hi . . . so we ran outside and they were across the street doing a photo shoot . . . but we were brave and got pictures with them on our cell phones! (In fact I passed that cell phone on to one of my little sisters . . . I think that the pictures are still on it). Okay now you know I am a little dorky!
Example B: Well shopping black Friday reminded me of that experience when we found our way to Santa's workshop and of course the first booth we see is the one and only Del Parson's! I absolutely LOVE his pieces! They are just incredible! Toph and I have talked about different paintings that we want in our home and Del has painted many of them!!! I absolutely love the American Revolution history and have total respect and gratitude for our founding fathers . . . so when I saw "The Old Man Wept" out on display I knew that I had to get it! Well then Del himself (who ironically attends church in our meeting house and who honestly doesn't live too far from us) sat down and offered to sign it for us . . . (so nice) then of course I was awe struck and had to tell him of one time when I was leaving my water color class at good ol' DSC and I saw him carrying out a massive painting (that I have yet to see released) and was in total awe! . . . Yeah I get pretty excited about stuff! Anywho story time is over . . . and it looks like we are going to be getting a mountain of snow for the next 5 days or so! Look for us when the pass opens in the spring! (from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". . . "the pass is open, the pass is open, . . . all able men meet at the preachers house . . .")

Toph is Graduating!

Raise the roof! Toph is graduating with his bachelors degree in Sociology! I am so proud of my handsome husband! He has been such a good student and is SOOOOO excited to graduate, enjoy a semester break and decide what he wants to get his Masters Degree in! He loves working at the Elementary School and is leaning towards Special Education . . . whatever he chooses I know that he will shine! Toph I am so proud of you hot stuff! You are the most amazing husband and make each day of my life a delight! I appreciate so very much your personality, your appreciation for the many blessings and opportunities that come our way, your willingness and desire to serve others and continue learning, your patience with me, and the example that you are! I love you! The world is your oyster! Happy Graduation Love!

Well it is officially white outside! We have been waiting and waiting and finally our first "sticking snow" has fallen. It is something crazy outside . . . very windy! I love the snow when I am driving home and it is so quiet and peaceful outside! Well I like it when it isn't such a pain to drive in! I have decided that 97.2% of Utahns drive WAY TOO FAST IN THE SNOW!!! From work I always see cars sliding across the road like hockey pucks because lets face it . . . were driving like and idiot!!! You can never be too careful. Anywho it is beautiful . . . until you go out in it . . . or it gets tracked through your house . . . or you have to dig your car out of it . . . or you get stuck . . . or someone who has never seen snow is driving in it next to you or in front of you or within 300 feet of you!

And now for some holiday entertainment . . . this is what you do when you need a lil' break from writing papers and studying . . .

P Girls go Country

P Girls Disco

With Mama P and Papa P

From Em's e-mail . . . some Holiday humor!

The wife has been on my case to get the Christmas lights up for a couple of weeks now. They are up now and for some reason she will not talk to me.

Okay a must share . . . I just spent one and a half hours uploading pictures to get developed at Wally's . . . it wouldn't let me check out . . . it just gave me Canadian cities and provinces to choose from as to which store to have them developed at! It turns out I was on Walmart Canada instead of the US website! What the hey! My hair was seriously going gray with all of the errors that popped up! Grrr!!!! Oh and heads up Canada . . . it was WAY easier to upload photos under the US site!

Congrats Lowry's!

Congrats Dan and Luisana!!! We are so excited for you and your new arrival! A healthy beautiful baby boy! We can't wait to see your little Logan and his loads of dark hair! We wish that we could bring you dinner every night! What a great gift to be blessed with right before Christmas! We wish you all the joy and happiness that a new baby brings! Congratulations!!! We miss you guys!

Wisdom from the past . . .

Thomas Jefferson is one of my favorite people in history! When I was in 8th grade I went to visit his home, Monticello, and became obsessed! If I see a book about him I read it! I think that he was incredibly inspired and had his on head straight in regards to what the United States needed (still needs). I wish that our country followed his counsel, I think that we would be in a much better boat if we did! My Mutti sent me these quotes . . . I second all of them!


When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson

Very Interesting Quote

In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'

We are grateful . . .

This year has flown by so fast (again) that I feel like I haven't taken the time that I would liked to have had to stop for a moment and remember how blessed we are and how grateful we are for so many blessings, experiences, and people who are part of our lives. A few days ago we received a letter from a friend serving in Iraq that stopped the world and really helped us to remember so many blessings that we enjoy. I was overcome by the things that he said and little did I realize how much I needed to hear his words and how grateful we are for the great love and appreciation that it brought into our home! For this brave soldier we say THANK YOU!!! While his words were so kind on behalf of our family I couldn't help but think about how blessed we have been by serving others and how grateful we are for the gospel in our lives and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We would feel most unappreciative if we didn't send out a quick we love you to our family and friends . . . people who have and who continue to serve as lifelines, guides, and helpmates in life! We love you all and hope that each day the joy that life brings will touch your hearts and let a little more sunshine into your soul each day! Above all else we are so very grateful for Jesus Christ, the savior of the world and for this special season to celebrate his birth! May we all heed the words of our beloved prophet by following the Saviors example and offering the gift of charity and service to others throughout the year and especially during this wonderful Christmas Season!