Holiday Happiness!

Like most Americans, we celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday. Boy was it fun! Everyone who came brought food to share, their funloving personalities, and their love. Jennifer and Daniel arrived on Wednesday night. It was so good to see both of them. I had not seen Daniel in a couple of years, so that was particularly exciting. Jennifer looked gorgeous, as usual, and we had fun together. It seems so good when your house is full of people you love.

Thursday brought the rest of the clan: The Hudsons (Nicole, Jon, Celeste, Benny, Chariy, Jakie, and ?), Kathy and Roger, Joey and Ben, and David and Missy. Second only to my love of the gospel and my Savior is the love I have for my family. While I miss my siblings, we got to enjoy the company of my parents as well.

Can I just say that Roger is AMAZING? He ran around doing everything he could to help me, which meant that Thanksgiving was more relaxing than it has ever been. Kathy made her legendary Yams, Fruit Salad, and Green Bean Casserole! She worked so hard on them, and it tasted like it. David and Missy their famous mashed potatoes. Mom made a turkey, rolls, and yummy gravy. Nicole made 4 amazing pies!!! They were so yummy!!! Jim fried two turkeys and we cooked a ham! We had so much food, it was ridiculous, but it fed the masses! I think we'll do it just like that again. (I made the stuffing too, but it was too sage-y).

That night we played games, laughed and sang together. Sadly, David and Missy had to leave on Friday, but we loved every minute they were here and will mourn their loss back East once David graduates from Penn State. :(

I think some of the best times were with Jon and Nicole's children though. Charity doesn't remember me from last year, so one night when she was supposed to go to sleep. She was leery of me being there, so I decided to help her get to sleep my telling her a story. Well, the story was supposed to be short and sweet, but she was listening intently, so I would imagine I said 'beautiful' at least 200 times as I made up a story that I thought she would like. Needless to say, I made a friend, but I did little to help her sleep. I just adore Celeste, Benny, Charity, and Jakie.

We had a good attendance for our concert that was held on Saturday night. The activities committee did a wonderful job with the refreshments afterwards. The concert was full of those gems of "live" performance. We touched people, and they touched us. I guess that means that we did what we set out to do. :D We appreciated Matthew Parry playing for 3 of our numbers. We did a new number that was found my Jennifer: O Magnum Mysterium. It was wonderful to incorporate something new. I is such luck and a privilege to be in this family. I love you all so...

After the concert, we took a couple of really funny photos: "Awkward Prom" with Daniel and Jennifer, and one of the whole group thinking of the weirdness that occurred in the concert. ("tell me how you REALLY feel") Oh well, no live performance is ever perfect.

As you can see, we're all at our best here!

I want to express my gratitude to all who attended, and for my in-laws, Beth and Leonard Moore. Even though they have passed away, their influence is still felt! Oh, and Lind,Terri, Briana, Justin and Rachel, you need to sing next year!!! (I hope it is possible.) We missed you a lot!

I'm just so grateful! The Lord truly does give us tender mercies!

Halloween Festivites

It has been a really busy month for us, but I thought I would write about the GREAT Halloween party we had for Jace and his friends. We got some wonderful photos that I'll include.

It began about a month ago when Jace said that he wanted to be a clown. I thought that was a great idea! Jim and I decided to offer giving a party for him. He was really excited, but didn't know how to invite the girls. I was talking to Landan, a friend from church, and she said she had LOTS of friends. So, she invited 6 friends and so did Jace.

Then came the task of finding an outfit hideous enough for a clown suit. He had already purchased a black afro wig, and a funny hat with those twirling things on it. So, I told him we'd go to Salvation Army. WE HIT THE JACKPOT!!! There was the most hideous plaid wool jacket, and you could tell it was high quality because no sane person would have worn it in 50 years! We also found a great plaid shirt and plaid pants. Oh yes, this was the trifecta of costumes. The lady at the checkout gave me a weird look when she was ringing the clothing up. I said, oh, this is for a Halloween costume. She said, "Whew. I didn't know what to say to you about your purchase, but now I know, this is hideous!" What a laugh I had over that!

I have to say that everything I served was orange. Karen brought the best stuff...a chocolate dessert with a spider's web on it AND "Bug Juice." Bug juice is apple cider, but inside are green ice cubes with gummy worms and she had a mold for an ice FOOT! By the end of the evening, it looked completely nasty, like a swamp. Snaps for Karen's innovation, as usual!

The night before Halloween was the party and we started to get things ready, including me dressing as an 80's nerd with Karen, Jace...full facial makeup and all. The party was a HUGE success. Jim was in charge of the games. They played States, Fruit Basket, Sound effects story, Winkem, Murder at Midnight, and the girls did the "Thriller" dance! To Jace's surprise, everyone had a GREAT time. What cracked me up the most was Landan's friends said, "A party at Jace's? It couldn't be fun, he's kinda a nerd!"
(If they had seen me before the party, they might not have come!!!)
The moral of this story is NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE NERD! They are fun and have a good time too...here's to nerds wherever they may be found.

HERE'S THE MONEY SHOT!

"I Have Suffered More Than You"

Getting home from a funeral
It began.
Already bereft and lonely,
The sickness and wretch
Of the humiliated one began.
Pain ensued,
Aching, sharp pains, global
And tears.
There was no bravery this time.
Every movement was calculated
To avoid the awful anguish,
And yet, there was no swift answer.
There is more to do.
There are places to go.
There are people to see.
Agony followed the ache.
Sobbing, pleading, and begging too.
Never before was the one so weak and pitiful and inadequate.
Every bump, every turn, every movement
Was misery.
Time passed slowly, almost as if it had stopped and idled.
More petitions, tears, and appeals;
To make it stop!
Then, finally, the voice.
The voice of comfort and peace.
“I have suffered more than this for you.”
And then, the one had peace and shame.
Endurance was necessary,
It is ‘pain with a purpose’
Suffering causes humility and gratitude,
Juxtaposed to pride and arrogance.
And lessons have to be learned.
He did it!
He, the Savior, did the atonement
Which was greater than the one,
Greater than the sum,
Greater than all.
Pure intellectual learning, an at- one-ness
With Him.
The lesson: priceless, incomprehensible, and devastating.
One had not yet reached the pinnacle of learning.
Who is the one to complain?
No one.
Just one of the many seeking for relief;
Which is only found by following one path.
Were it not for mercy, justice, love, and the atonement,
The one would be lost
Forever.

Faith in the Journey

Teetering on tiptoes over weathered planks,
I grapple for steadiness.
There is fear in my stride-all tentative and wobbly.
The soles of my shoes seem thick and insensitive,
As I shakily glide one foot ahead of the other-
Uncertain if I will find solid ground.
Timidity is not behind this frail attempt for change.
It is the fear of never finding
Azure skies and billowing fluff
And ferris wheels and cotton candy.
It is fear of remaining meaningless to my domains;
That I will end as the servant who would meet the tasks,
But who was never able to move beyond the failing fence of change,
That my geriatric speed resigns me to a fate of nothingness-
Just an existence of stagnance in
an hostile environment of unappreciated entitlement.
The haze that surrounds me prevents my sure footing forward
I cannot see the way out of the encompassing smut caused by ritual,
Engulfing me and drowning me,
like a buoyantless weight dragged slowly down to suffocation.
A new challenge could change all of this...
Suddenly a guiding rope is grasped.
It gives no clues as to its end-point.
It is warm to the touch, in severe contrast to the
damp coldness enveloping me.
Could it mean hope?
One dares not answer.
But it beckons me onward...onward
Slowly at first and accelerating
Like a wheel spinning down an incline-
Steadily, determinedly, smoothly, confidently.
When suddenly a light appears to illuminate my next step-
Then the weathered plan becomes new
And solid and steady.
The road becomes wide and spacious
A chirping of sparrows and robins
Hints of spring melodies of happy days of tree climbing and story-telling.
At last, the pathway is clear
The end?
Still unknown.
Yet, Hopeful.
The journey is a passing of time with adventures left to discover.
All this made enjoyable by the warm hand which pulls me onward,
Then the face attached is in view-
It is beckoning me, encouraging me and I recognize
Him as my Savior.
His courage yanks me from my abyss.
All the while I teetered, His hand, my rope of warmth,
Was always there.
I just never knew how constant,
But now I do.
It makes the trip worthwhile,
Because I realize-
Through faith-
I am not alone.

The Wrestle

Analyzing does little to appease
the troubled heart
of one who cares deeply
for the opinions of
others.
Why the sagging hopes
once so promising whisked away so easily?
The one wonders.
The one
sits
ALONE.
Behind the singularity trespasses the
EVIL,
joy-sucking wretch,
like a vicious
venomous viper
waiting, drooling for
it's prey-
And conversely
looms the
silhouetted answer to life's woes.
He waits.
He's paid the price.
But-
the one
duels.
The polarity in the vastness
of the one's emotions
which are part of the one
struggles even to survive,
which survival depends on the answer.
His
is the only opinion
whose value sums the total
of the one's experience & choices.
The one hopes for atonement,
acceptance
& love.
Where is it to be found?
In the answer's mission
the one must accept it
for oneself,
lest the Mediator's
martyrdom be madness.

Celebrate September

September is nearly gone this year in the blink of an eye. To say that this month has been eventful would be a gross understatement. At the beginning of September, I had a clear view of what was ahead. Now it is all clouded with new challenges and twists.

I suppose the biggest change has been that Jim was made the Bishop of our Ward at church. To those of you who aren't member of the LDS church, this is a very busy calling. We do not have a paid clergy so the responsibility to run our church rests on it's members. Jim is responsible for the people who live in our geographic (Ward) area. It is a bittersweet undertaking for us. I am happy that he has the opportunity to serve in this capacity, but I will miss the quiet times we have been able to spend together. He is so busy right now.

We also celebrated the 13th birthday of our son, Jace this month. Yes, in his own words, "13! Snotty teenager ahead..bring it on!" He isn't unbareably snotty at this point, but it still remains to be seen if things change. I think he'll be okay :).

My parents celebrated their 50th Anniversary this year as well. It is the day after Jace's birthday, so we actually left that day. Jace was a really good sport about it. If you have had a chance to read my note about this, you already know that we went to New York City to see the Season Gala of "Tosca." There were such good voices in the cast; however the set were terrible! The audience actually booed the creative staff. It was sort of deserved because about 20% of the audience could not see the action on the set. It was too far down Left. Sad.

We enjoyed our time there inspite of the terror threats that plagued the city. I did see President Obama out of his car window, and Kiefer Sutherland walking with a beautiful woman. That was kind of neat!

Things are starting to settle a bit. Jim is beginning his annual travels now, which means he'll pretty much be gone for the next month. I'll love the time that he's here, but know that there will be other demands on his time and attention. :)

We love to help and serve those around us, so let us know if there is ever anything that you need.

Life is full of surreal moments. Yesterday Jace finished 7th grade, and while this is not a year for graduations, I realize that we only have 5 years left with him at home. So many of our friends have their eldest child or other children graduating this year, and it makes me realize how quickly time flies.

My nephew, John, got his mission call to Tucson, Arizona, Spanish speaking this week. He being my sister's youngest, made the time seem so short. We're all so proud of you, Elder Ehlen! (John, if you're reading this, my favorite photo of you EVER was the day I put all your hair up and made you stand like a rapper! I think you were about 2). This one is pretty apropos though.

Jace decided to "dress up" for school on his last day this year. Who knows where he got the comic flare? (JIM/BRIANA) We won't name names here. What was most hilarious was that he arrived at school a little bit tardy, in the outfit you see here, with four gift bags for his teachers. I thought maybe he had grown out of the gift giving being in Middle School, but happily, he has not!

In talking with Jim in the wee hours of the morning, we have now known each other for over 19 years, and though his history with his kids has been longer, I'm grateful for the years I have known him. He is sweet and kind, and I'm so happy to be his wife. I am grateful to have my step-children.

We have had many challenges thus far in our married life: illness, teenagers (and one about to become one...need I say more?), the loss of parents and grandparents, moves, and job changes; however, we've been blessed to be through these together. In looking back, I don't think I would trade our challenges for anyone else's. Jim has been the best sort of friend and companion a girl could ask for!

It is not our anniversary this week, or our birthdays. We had those already this year. I suppose this is just my validation that my parents were right! The older you get, the faster time flies!

So as I look towards these last five years with Jace at home and the things I want to accomplish, what I most want is for he and Jim to feel safe, supported, and happy. This being said, I am guaranteed that there will be difficulties, hardships, and harsh realities; but with my family, friends, and my Savior, I can face them.

As sad as I'll be when that time ends, and as teary as that thought makes me writing this, the empty-nesters that we'll then be, we will be together...still competing at Scrabble (and Jim winning), still working through the challenges of life, serving in our church, and looking forward to every minute together.

Here's to the surreal life!

Birthdays & Music

Yesterday was a big day for us. We had Jim's Birthday and Jace's 7th Grade Band Concert. Jace & I got up and left the house at abou 6:15 a.m. to get some surprises for Jim and get an apple pie ordered for his birthday. We went up to Walmart and got decorations and balloons, cards and wrapping paper. Jace got a really funny card that makes sounds. On the outside of the card is a photo of Chris Farley as "Tommy Boy." When you open the card, the line "I can't believe you've never been cowtipping before!" plays.

We laughed so hard in the store at 6:30 a.m. Too bad no one was around to stare and point at us.

When we got home, we decided to make Jim a Birthday omelet, rather, I made an omelet. I put in yellow, red, and orange peppers, freshly ground cheddar cheese, and various spices. He really seemed to enjoy it, and naturally, we served it on the "You are Special Today" plate. He signed it: My birthday today: 5.28.09

We all got to where we needed to go: Jim to work, Jace to school, and I returned home to work. While working, I decided to decorate the garage doors. It was pretty fun! You can't read it here, but it says: "(balloons) Hap-py Bir-th-day J-I-M! We love you!" And then I got a little over-zealous in the house as well... Jace helped blow up about 30 balloons when he got home from school.
Later when Jim got home we opened cards and presents.

Jace got Jim the movie "Taken"...if you haven't seen it; its must! "I will find you. I will kill you."

We then ate dinner quickly and Marni and Papa joined up to attend Jace's end of year band concert.

Jace plays the trumpet. He was really a beginner this year, since his teacher in Maryland was HORRIBLE, and once we saw what a crummy musician and teacher he was, we let him quit. So, he has been taking lessons, and has made a lot of progress this year. What was so cute about this concert was he wore his hat throughout and then didn't have a chair in which to sit for a few minutes. The director finally found one for him, though.

We were surrounded by friends: The Mays, the Levines, and the Helms. That made it especially fun.

This is Landan May. She played the cello with the orchestra. Ethan Helms and Nathan Nilsen also play in the orchestra. Jace's other good friend, Ray, plays the trumpet and played 3 solos very beautifully.

After the concert we had the Levines, Mays, Marni & Papa, and Gibsons over for dessert. It was chaotic and fun!

Hmmm, birthdays and concerts...it must be the end of May! Yes, we had the "funzies!"

Pirates of the Caribbean.

The Honey-Doers!

This morning I awoke feeling like the sandman was still sitting in my eyes. This week has been one of challenges.

On Wednesday our kitchen sink clogged. This pretty, white sink turned into the bane of our existence. We still don't know what was clogging it, we just know that between Jim & I, we spent over 8 hours on the drain. Finally, I threw up my hands, and to relieve my poor husband, I called Roto Rooter. We were supposed to have the missionaries to dinner, but since our kitchen was in a total state of chaos, I rescheduled for the next evening.

Roto Rooter came out the next morning and worked on the sink for 45 minutes before getting the drain cleared! I remember right after Jim had installed this sink, for months I would say to him, "Thank you for the sink." I really loved this sink, and now that it is clear, I love it all over again!

Thursday came with its own "issues." We decided to have Central Air Conditioning put into our house, not only for our own comfort (I like being comforted.) but for the value of our home. I was able to get a really good deal on it from a reputable company, who agreed to put in the Hepa Air cleaner for FREE! Yay! Down economies come with their perks I suppose. Anyway, the Air guy was here and the Roto Rooter guys were here. The place was in a state of chaos still. The Air guy came and told me that he would have to take out the water heater in order to get the air cleaner installed. I told him, "okay."

Well, when the missionaries showed up for dinner, we had no water. It was a hot day, so it was a nice respite to have the air conditioning going, but we passed around the hand gel before dinner, and BBQd. They were really kind about being rescheduled due to the sink, and then showing up and having no water, which meant, no toilets! Poor guys. They were so kind. The REAL hero of this event is the installer. He came at 8:15 a.m. and did not finish until 7:00 p.m. He was veryhardworking, and even though it was well over 80 degrees, he did not complain. We asked if he wanted to eat with us, but he said his girlfriend was making him dinner! :)

Friday: the beginning of the assault on all things on the "Honey Do" List. What should have been the most exciting day of the week, Friday, the day that begins the long weekend, started the landscaping, barking, planting, weeding, pressure washing, deck stair staining, lattice installation and staining, dog care, window washing, garbage removal, clean up from the air conditioning installation, laundry, closet cleaning, vacumming, dusting, mopping, caulking, etc.









We kept talking about going to Kirtland to see the artwork. The reality was that this was a pipe dream with all we had to do.

Sunday should be the day of rest. Jim and I were up around 6:30 a.m. Jim had to speak in Olean, NY and I had to teach in Relief Society. I spent the morning preparing and Jim arrived home in time to come to church with us. Yay! He is often traveling and not able to come. Last week's Stake Conference made little impression on Jim and Jace and I continually threatened both of them, because neither one of them was reverent!!! As Briana would say, "Oh my stars and garters!" We were rewarded with a gentleman who came to speak dropping his drawers as he got up there. He's been losing weight. It was hilarious! This guy is amazing, though. He made a little joke and gave a GREAT talk; what composure. Even so, still really funny.

I had never taught in Relief Society before. If you are not familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Relief Society is a women's meeting. We are assigned to teach certain topics, and I was asked to substitute. The topic was increasing your faith in Jesus Christ. At one point, the lesson hit a lull and I said, "Sisters, I'm not going to drop my skirt for you!" They ROARED! Emily had missed that part of sacrament meeting while she was out nursing her little baby boy, but she laughed along with the crowd. Thanks to the wonderful comments made, and treats made by Karen, and the piece de resistance, Jim singing "Art Thou the Christ", it went well. We both felt drained. But had a kind invitation for a BBQ at friends. We had a blast, and not making dinner was just fine by me. After we got home, we worked until midnight.

Monday was more of the same: Honey-doing and all. We did take a little break to talk to Jace about Memorial Day, and it's significance. We had gotten an email showing all the burials of U.S. Soldiers in Europe, mainly France. I feel grateful for our military, and not just because Justin is in Basic Training at Fort Benning. I do not know what would have happened had the U.S. Military not come to Germany. I'm sure my father would never been able to immigrate. He does not consider himself German. He's been U.S. citizen for years, but his gratitude and teaching us has been ingrained.

As for Justin, he and his wife, Rachel, are brave and nobel people, who are living their lives by the best principles and ideals, in my opinion. Justin is doing well in his training, and his foot problems seem to have improved. He has been losing weight, so we're going to start praying about that very diligently. Please pray for he and Rachel. They are snail-mailing it during this period of time and aside from about 3 minutes of phone time a week, they have no other contact. Jim and I are very proud of them, and pay tribute to him and all who sacrifice for us.

Jennifer had a birthday on Saturday!!! She is 29! Wow, I remember being 29 the first time :). I think I'm the only one who thinks this is funny. We were able to buy her a First Edition Twain. It is a book of his impressions, a real find. She sounded estatic! I'm so glad. She is a wonderful lady, and I hope we'll get to see her soon.

I didn't hear from Daniel over the weekend, but Briana went hiking yesterday. Oh how I love to hike where she was! She sounded so happy about going, and was a little sunburned today, but feeling good. I am always so glad to hear her voice, and to hear that she is well and happy. Everyone knows that Briana and I are close. Lucky the woman who gets to say that! ;)

Poor Jace, he just hobbled to school this morning. He has inherited a congenital foot problem, and spending the weekend on his feet helping us really made his feet scream! I felt so badly about it this morning. He really worked hard, and planted some BEAUTIFUL Jasmine bushes. They are so fragrant. In time they should sprout up to about 15 feet and provide some privacy. Along with the lilacs Jim planted a few days before, it should make for a lovely experience.

We did take a little time for fun yesterday. We saw the movie, "Night at the Museum 2". It was cute, and have humorous moments. The evil Pharoah was played by Hank Azzaria. He kills me!!! And, he "had come back to LIFE!" If you've seen this, you'll understand this.

Last night we went over to friends for another BBQ! What can I say? The food and company were AMAZING! I really haven't laughed that hard for I don't know how long. I love to laugh!

So, last night, we wrapped up our chores by about 10 and fell into bed. I hit snooze several times this morning and drove Jim to work. He had a flat tire. I just returned from getting it fixed and tonight we're off to trumpet, etc.

Life really doesn't get less busy as you get older. It just gets harder to keep up!

I'm just so grateful for Jim and Jace for helping to get all of this massive work done, and hope that tonight we'll be asleep by 8:00 p.m. At least the results of our efforts speak for themselves. Honey-Doers "out!"

39 and Feeling Fine!

Today is my 39th Birthday. 40 is just around the corner, and surprisingly, I'm fine with it. Yes, I'm "wrinkled, lined, and flabby, " and I'm proud of some of those markers. (Not the flabby part, in case you're wondering) I've had gray in my hair since I was 29...I feel I earned all those. My Dad calls them "Celestial Blond." I hope I make it! :)

Last night, as I lay awake, I tried to consider all that had happened in the last decade since turning 29. I often do this, because in a few days, Jennifer will be 29. She and I are close in age, and so are our Birthdays. I really admire all that she is doing in her life; her schooling, teaching, and writing. It is amazing to me! Congratulations, Jennifer. And besides, I kind of love her!

Anyway, back to what has happened over the past 10 years. I'll just give you the Cliff's Notes version. There have been triumphs and tragedies, arguments and make-ups, victories and losses, and a lot of laughter.

Well, in 1999, we moved 4 times. We made our final move to Erie, PA where Jim began teaching at Mercyhurst College for 3 years. During that 3 years, we made many wonderful friends, had my mother-in-law, Beth, live with us, and had Jennifer, Justin, Daniel, Briana, and Jace here. And, we had the aforementioned, ROGUE! When Jim and I were talking about this today, he said, "Yeah, that was a lot of fun." And it was! There was always some chaos, but in general, leaving Erie to move to Washington, D.C. was somewhat of a difficulty, because it meant saying goodbye to friends, and children. Justin left for his mission in the Russia, Moscow South Mission for 2 years. Jennifer finished her Bachelor's Degree and moved to Colorado. Daniel and Briana moved back to Seattle to live with their mother, Elizabeth. So, we felt like empty nesters in Maryland.

Grandma had moved back to Ellensburg to spend her final year with Kathy and Terri as she struggled with pancreatic cancer. I'll never forget Kathy's kindness to me. I was explaining some of the challenges of having Grandma with us. She lovingly said, "You call me anytime. We'll take over." So, one day, I did. I so appreciate the care and kindness they gave to a loving, accepting mother-in-law who loved me as her own daugther. I look forward to seeing her fun personality again, and meeting my father-in-law for the first time. :)

While in Maryland, I started working for an Endodontist, and I've been with her ever since. It is a good job, and I'm grateful. Jim worked at Howard University for 6 years. We loved the Derwood Ward there, and our many friends we love from there. Jace grew up quite a bit in Maryland. He finished 4th grade there.

In 2007, Jim and I felt very strongly that we should consider a move back to Erie. We didn't know why, but after prayer, we knew we were to come back. Our house had recently been left emtpy by tenants, and needed a lot of TLC. So, we schlepped back, and Jim made that HORRIBLE commute for 2 years back to D.C. Again, Kathy to the rescue. She and Roger hosted Jim during that time. I don't know what we would have done without their kindnesses to us. Thank you!

Now it is 2009. Jim is working at LECOM as the Director of Recruiting, and he's really doing a great job! I cannot believe his success, and yet, knowing his great talents, I can! He is truly amazing, and I love him more than ever!

Jace will be 13 this year! Yes, our final teenager emerges. I hope I handle it even better than before. :) He is really a funny kid, with diverse interests and talents. He is my pal, and I cannot imagine life without him.




Briana is at Central Washington University majoring in Anthropology. She really loves it, and while I miss her, I am proud of the choices she is making and the woman she is becoming. She is so strong and full of life. I love her and miss her. We often make up our own words. Two of my favorites are "being in utter dumbdom" and all "fs" become ph's. She is really phunny!

Daniel is working as a game tester at Nintendo. He is very talented with this and they keep inviting him back. He is still trying to decide what he wants to do further in the future. He is one of the most loving and kind people I know. I love and miss him too!

Justin got married to a beautiful and talented lady, Rachel Anne (Currie) Moore nearly 3 years ago. They are very much in love, and are both so committed to eachother and their work. Justin has gotten his Bachelor's in Russian and Vocal Performace, a Master's in Vocal Performance, and a Performing Certification. He has worked hard. He is currently in Basic Training in the Army, will go into Officer Training School soon after that and hopes to be a Linguist. He is so intelligent and has diverse talents. It is frustrating not to speak to him, as right now that is a restricted privelege, but we hope he knows of the many prayers in his and Rachel's behalf. I know it is a time of deep trial.

Rachel is a wonderful sdaughter-in-law! She is very talented and intelligent, and loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have had many deep conversations about the gospel, and I cherish the times I've spent with her. She has exposed a deeply personal side to me that I rarely share, but I am thrilled to have her in my life. I am praying for her now so much, because she misses and worries for Justin constantly. In addition, I cannot think of anyone who loves him as deeply and completely as she does. I truly love Rachel!



Jennifer is doing incredible things as well! She is finishing her Doctorate in English-Poetry! Isn't that incredible too? She has also been published many times, and that is a real accomplishment as a young poet as well! Aren't my step-kids accomplished? Jennifer is teaching at the University of Illinois, Chicago while she is finishing up. She recently had to read 100 books in about 4 or 5 months and then take exams. She too, is a wonderful woman. She has been able to spend Thanksgiving with us over the past couple of years, and she is always a welcome addition to a party. She brings her own verve and personality to it, and she loves her family with a deep devotion that is wonderful. She never forgets a birthday, a holiday, or anything special. I am proud of her and love her.

As for me and Jim...well, I'm finishing my Bachelor's degree after a long absence from school, and I LOVE it. Jim finished his doctorate in 2000, as have many of his family members. They are all my inspirations. Jim is still my best friend, and I love having him home when he gets off the road. He travels throughout the Spring months, so we're loving having him home for the first May in 4 years. Prior to that, he was traveling and singing in the South and Seattle.

We've have fun-filled, stressful, incredible journey over the past 10 years. We're so glad that you've been a part of it.

As for me, I'm looking forward to seeing what 49 brings!

Puppies: WARNING, not for the faint of heart.

I was going to say that I didn't grow up with many pets...Correction: we had many birds. At one point we had 17 birds! Yup...nutty! I've decided that I do not like anything but big birds. Little ones wake up too early, make tons of messes, create mayhem when they escape. "I do not like them, Sam, I am!"

I was bitten by a German Shepherd when I was 10 years old, the dog of a neighbor. I was taking something to their house, and afraid, so I ran from the beast. He attacked. Luckily, the physical injury wasn't very serious, and a tetanus shot later, I was fine. But, I was always a little frightened by dogs. Funny how life can make you take a 180...

So, last night I had this horrific dream about planting gorgeous trees and flowering shrubs in our yard, but while I was trying to supervise the menagerie, I found just the skin of our little doggie, Suki. She is a little Shiba Inu, and other than liking to bark, she is a great dog! The first time I realized I was having this nightmare, I woke up at 4:00 a.m., and realized that Suki was fine. Every half an hour, I'd awaken after more of the plot unfolded in my dreams. I couldn't believe the mess I found in my yard when the crew of volunteers had finished planting things wherever they wanted. I was just too distracted with dealing with who had hurt our beloved little dog. It turns out that we had an entire man-hunt to find the beast! It was some kind of unknown beast, and realizing it had to be at least 15' tall, we finally found it. It was a lizard-like, two-headed, mongrel with long, sharp teeth. It got its punishment, but it was not enough to satisfy me. Not surprisingly, I woke up this morning unsatisfied, unhappy, and told the whole strange tale to Jim as he hurried to get ready for work. Jim had recently told me about someone who was torturing little dogs, leaving them skinless and headless. I blame them for my dreams! Crazies! (Couldn't be that I have an overactive imagination...sarcasm...surprise! The serious, workaholic has one!)

Anyway, long story short, I got this email from Jim this morning with a photo of our Keeshound who we had to adopt out before we first moved to Erie, PA in 1999. Kiesha (now named Molly-cringe) was my pal. She had an assortment of nicknames and songs written by 'the kids' over the years. Names like: Keewoo, Kieshaweesha, Fluff-Butt. Rhymes like: 'Cause she's the Kiesh, 'cause she's on her leash, 'cause she's the Kiesh, 'cause she's on her lease...'

I remember Kiesha while I was pregnant with Jace. I had a very difficult pregnancy, it fact, it agreed with me very little. I threw up repeatedly every day. Kiesha would jump up on my bed and come to "check" me about every 30 minutes when I was home. So, I thought of her as my little nurse companion.

She also did irritating things like eating a lb. of butter, which then gave her diarrhea for a week! Yuck! That is a memory best left suppressed. But mainly Kiesha was a pleaser, and loved to do her little tricks. We all loved and miss her.

After that, we adopted the most troubling dog EVER, Rogue. She was aptly named...but Daniel and Briana have tales to tell about her. What I remember most was her barking, her jumping about 3 feet in the air to get your attention, and her pathetic behaviors. She was trouble "caninized." She was weird! I was sad when we have to move and she went to a farm, but she needed a place to run where she wouldn't tackle little boys and tear their clothes!

Now we have Suki and Spud, Shiba Inus, who are both cunning, and fun. Suki, the tattler, was barking incessantly on Mother's Day. Jim kept telling her to be quiet...what she was really doing was letting him know that Spud was stealing all of the bacon he had cooked that morning...all 50 pieces! Yes, they had their treats that day too! She is really Briana's dog-they are bonded. I know that Briana misses her, almost as much as she misses us (or maybe more!) Suki is so intelligent, and is able to tell verbal commands so easily, it makes me wonder what is really going on in her head sometimes. Even my mother, a professed animal hater, loves Suki. She said to me one day, isn't it sad that this is all Suki can be? She is such a sweet dog, I would love to just talk to her! Shock doesn't even come close!

Spud-well doesn't that name say it all? He is really a funny, and happy-go-lucky dog, and we lovingly call him our "Homeland Security", because he lets us know whenever someone is 3 blocks away from our house! He loves to play fetch, hates to be tickled, and really screams when Jim gets him going...he's a good friend.

So, I'm a reformed dog-hater, to a dog-lover, and I'll never change. As much work as they make for me, I do like having my little companions around. They anger me, they play with me, they lick me, which I dislike a lot, but mostly they care and entertain me.

Things that make me laugh & smile

Jimisms:
"Hoe we going?"
"A pumming, a pumming."
"FUP!"
"There's a spiggitto under the fridge!"
"I'm sorry I can't greet you properly right now, but I'm weary from carrying the milk."
"What's a virginsea?" (borrowed from Briana)

Grandmaisms:
"Go to grass!"
"If it isn't mine, it's urine."
"Love ya, Love ya."
"OW! Do you have to go all the way to China?"
"Oh, your hair is getting so long!"
"We're gonna have the funzies!"
Grandma was in hospice care and they couldn't find her. Kathy found her in man's bed. When asked about it, she said "Was he any cute?"
Grandma was found drinking Roger's beer, not knowing what it was. Kathy said, "Mom! That's beer. I didn't know you drank that." Grandma said: "There are a lot of things you don't know about me!"

Jim: there are too many to list...
Endless Movie Lines
Ridiculous puns
We were bowling and is was his turn. He went to throw the ball and fell on his chest, sliding 6' into the lane. We started screaming, "Good trick!!!!" He got up, brushed himself off and said, "It wasn't a trick."

Jennifer:
Calling Glycerin "Gly-cerin"
The list of metaphors from school this year...hilarious.

Justin:
Well, I'm too worried about his today to write anything funny, but he makes me happy.
Not true...
"How does this work?" The phone rings..."hellopen."
"My magich didn't work."

Daniel:
"I hate you!"
"These treats are guaranteed to make your dog do tricks." Dog sitting there pathetically!
Other various commercials.
"Thoth."

Briana:
"Briana, my heart."
"Now a warning???"
"Butiful!"
"Weight Loss Commercial"
"What's the difference between jelly and ham?"
Calling "lava" "Yava!"
Totally deadpan: "Gina, you're on fire."
Briana having to carry feces aka Theses to the library for work!!!

These are the things that make me smile and laugh. No doubt there will be many more of these to come!

Women Empowered

I left church yesterday feeling empowered by a quote David Nilsen read in church, which said; that "men have to have something given to them in mortality to make them saviors of men, but not mothers, not women. They are born with an inherent right, and inherent authority, to be saviors of human souls...and the regenerating force in the lives of God's children." (Matthew Cowley)

Not only was yesterday a fabulously orchestrated day, but it was nice to hear that women, by their very nature, are nurturing, selfless, and powerful.

My family made me feel like a queen, and quite frankly, I could use more of it! Breakfast in bed, a song, dinner, cleaning; you name it, they did it. I suppose I felt a little guilty being so pampered, but it was glorious.

So much of what we do goes "unnoticed," but I think, in reality, it is the saving grace for our families. Our families would be lost without and we without them. it seems weak to admit that we need someone, but I think it is actually brave.

Some days are difficult with kids; little ones need constant attention and devotion, and teenagers have their own set of challenges, but one thing remains constant; they still need a mom and a dad.

I'm grateful for the experiences of "smotherhood" and motherhood. I have learned so much. I am a better parent because of Jennifer, Justin, Daniel, and Briana. I was just given love for them, from heaven, certainly. But because of our unique situation, I learned more patience. I want them to know what an impact they have had on my life. There were many difficult times, but I know that I grew from them. I would have been a better step-mother had I known then what I know now. But, as they say, hind-sight is 20/20. I did my best, and that is all I can say.

As for Jace, I think of him as the glue that really made all of us feel like a family. I'm glad I got this experience once in my life to feel life within me. Though I love him the same as my step-kids, there is no void in memories. We've had them together since day 1.

I'm forever grateful to be a mother, especially co-parenting with Jim. One of the reasons I wanted to marry him was because I could already see the kind of father he was to his children. He is incredible! I love and respect him so much for the way he treats all of his children.

For those struggling with younger children, hang in there; it gets better! For those who have non-traditional families; hang in there; it gets better!

I'm thankful for the woman who gave birth to my stepchildren. What a gift to the world and in my life.

Sorry for the novel, but I'm just overcome with gratitude to my loving Heavenly Father who helped my dreams of being a mom come true.

~Love you kids! You're such a joy to me! I'll always love you and believe in you!

Assassin in the House

This weekend, Jim played Sparafucile in Rigoletto. The opera deals with a man who plays a jester to a Duke, and is ridiculed for his humped back. Rigoletto hates the Duke because of his womanizing, and hides the fact that he has a daughter. Meanwhile, his daughter falls in love with the Duke and then sacrifices herself to save her love. The person who pays the assassin is Rigoletto. In essence, he killed the one thing he truly loved quite literally. Sparafucile stabs the girl and places her in a bag. Jim was a convincing killer, but the role was a dark one, understandably.
It brings to mind how we, through our actions, kill the hopes and dreams of those who surround us at times. We can neglect them, we can be selfish, we can withhold our love. All of these destructive behaviors destroy the souls and esteem of others.
It, to me, is the most difficult thing to master. Learn to love completely, as Jesus Christ did. Learn to accept those who are different and flawed, because we are no better than they. We are just as hopelessly flawed. Were it not for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we would all live in a hopeless state. The question really becomes, will we be self-defeating as Rigoletto, or will we give our lives selflessly to help others like Gilda.
I know…who could find something spiritual in an opera. But, it struck me. We can be the Sparafucile, stabbing the innocent; or we can be selfless, like Gilda.
Just a thought…