Excuses, Changes, and The Cutest Story Ever

I have been a terrible blogger. Here are my excuses.

1-  my computer is AWFUL!!! I could fill this line with exclamation points and still not get my point across. I spent over three hours last Saturday trying to do something that normally would have taken a few minutes.
2- my printer is just as awful as my computer. I struggle with loading the pictures. I like to post pictures.
3- it's hard to find the time. I still haven't finished posting my trip to Britain.
4- the time excuse would probably not apply (well, still some) if I didn't have to spend so much of it in frustration at the computer.

Okay. I've vented. I shouldn't.

We have experienced a lot of changes in our family in the last last couple of weeks. Caitlin left on her mission (this would be a good time to mention that I'm not on the computer... I'm typing this on the iPad I acquired when Caitlin left), I was released from my stake calling, Mike was released as Bishop, and I received a new calling in my ward. I am the Primary chorister  and yesterday was my first day... which leads to the cutest story ever.

After church I changed into my sunday-afternoon-at-home-attire. This is what I refer to as my "cozy clothes". Usually a complete mis-match consisting of a t -shirt, flannel pants, and socks. My hair is in a ponytail and my bangs pulled to the side. About an hour into my cozy clothes phase the doorbell rang. I opened the door and a young boy was standing there. For a moment (however briefly) he stared at me, then he asked "is this the music teachers house?" I realized that in my sunday-afternoon-at-home-attire with my hair all askew, I didn't look like the primary chorister he had seen for the first time just two hours earlier. As quickly as he said  "music teacher" he corrected himself and said, "primary music teacher." I smiled and told him that was me. Once he had established that he was at the right house he left the porch only to return a few seconds later with a beautiful purple flower in his hand. It was made of paper, cut into the shape of a tulip and formed into a circle and taped together with a green paper stem taped to the bottom of it. He held the paper flower out to me and said so sweetly, "I'm David." I don't know when I've been given a more beautiful flower. I thanked him and he left. I couldn't help but peek out of the window to see where he went and what helper (parent) might be hiding in the background. But David stopped at the end of my sidewalk, picked up his scooter from the ground, and scooted away.

I think I already love my new church calling.

The Emerald Isle

We arrived at Belfast International Airport on the afternoon of Friday April 19. We departed from Belfast City Airport on the afternoon of Monday April 22. Two full days and two "bits" was not enough time, but I'm so grateful for what time I had. I look forward to, and plan to go back.

The flight from Leeds-Bradford to Belfast International was the shortest of our entire trip. It was a beautiful day and the flight was perfect. I sat between Caitlin and a business woman who I shared a friendly conversation with . Caitlin sat by the window and I leaned over frequently in anticipation of my first view of the land of my birth. Just as we reached our cruising altitude we began to descend. I couldn't stop looking now, knowing that at any moment I was going to see Ireland. Suddenly there it was. Beautiful. Green. The Emerald Isle.

This is me and my cousin Barbara in 1975... the last time we saw each other. And here we are nearly 38 years later. I had messaged Barbara shortly before the trip and asked her if she thought we would recognize each other at the airport or if I needed to send a photo. She said of course we would recognize each other. We did. Barbara and her husband Fred were very kind hosts to Caitlin and I for the entire weekend. Caitlin LOVES Barbara! She has a big soft spot in her heart dedicated just to her. 

After taking us to our B&B to check in and freshen up, Barbara and Fred took us to Carrick Fergus Castle and to dinner. You can barely see Belfast Lough (pronounced Lock) near the bottom right corner of the castle.

After dinner we went to visit my Mother's cousin Marilyn. This was an especially tender moment for me. You see, Marilyn remembers me as a little four-year-old girl (see the picture on my sidebar). As she greeted me with an outstretched hand and the words, "it's nice to meet you", I could see the emotion in her eyes. I felt very aware of the love she must have had for me when I was a child. I put my arms around her and said, "we have met before." 

I was also very excited to discover that Marilyn's younger brother Bill and his wife Mina were visiting from Canada. Mina's mother has passed away and her funeral was the next day. Now the reason I was so excited to meet Bill and Mina was because they live in Canada where Jeremy served his mission. Jeremy became acquainted with them during his mission and saw them again when he returned to visit Toronto a few years ago. The first thing they said to me was, "are you Jeremy's mom?" We enjoyed our evening visiting with them and some of Marilyn's children.

I've promised to write a post about a B&B where I stayed in England in 1997 (which I will when I finish writing about this trip), but on this trip Beechgrove Farm, where we stayed for 3 nights, was my favorite B&B. This is a beautiful view of Belfast Lough from my bedroom window. In fact, this picture doesn't even do it justice. Every time I looked out of my window and took in the full view of the length and breadth of the lough, I imagined what a sight it must have been to see the Titanic sail away from this very lough over 100 years ago. And since the B&B is much, much older than the Titanic, I also imagined that someone must have been standing at that very window more than 100 years ago watching that magnificent scene unfold.

I loved our cozy room, with the beautiful view of the lough from the window. Our room had a keyhole with an old-fashioned key which we had to use to open and close the door. The doorknob and keyhole were lower than the knobs on my doors at home... more than once I had to get down on my knees with key in hand, and peer into that keyhole to find the location of the mechanism to get that key to work.

I loved the breakfast room where we dined every morning. The same place settings were prepared for us each day. The white tea/coffee pot was filled with hot chocolate just for the two of us. It was delicious. Every evening, Mrs. Barron the elderly lady who owned the farm asked us what time we wanted our breakfast served the following morning. Usually it was just Caitlin and I, and sometimes one or two other guests who sat at a different table. On our last morning Caitlin didn't come down to breakfast, so I went alone and visited with a young couple from America who were road tripping through Ireland. I loved our stay at Beechgrove Farms.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Two weeks ago I arrived home after 15 days in Great Britain. I've finally loaded the pictures onto the computer and now it's time to blog. I'm doing this mostly for me as I consider my blog to be a journal of sorts, and although I kept a daily journal whilst on my trip, I would like to go into better detail here. You are invited to come along if you'd like, but these posts may be lengthy.  I know there are readers and scanners out there. For the readers you will undoubtedly enjoy the details, and for the scanners, I will type in bold the highlights so you can pick and choose what you want to read. I wasn't quite sure how to format my Britain posts, so... I'm just going to start at the very beginning, they say it's a very good place to start.

More than five years after the initial idea and one year after the "we'll go next year" commitment, and six months after the applications for passports which means we-are-going-to-go-because-I'm-not-paying-this-much-money-for-nothing commitment, and four months after the airline tickets were purchased which constitutes major financial commitment... Caitlin and I boarded a plane and headed to London, England at which point I turned to her and said with a twinkle in my eye, "now do you believe we are going to England?"

It was early in the morning on April 12 that I arose from my comfortable bed after a sleepless night. You know the kind of night I mean, when you set the alarm for an early hour but you're afraid to sleep just in case you don't hear it. The bags were all packed the night before so it didn't take long before we were ready to leave. After a prayer with our family of three Michael drove us to the SL International airport. It was shortly after 6:30 am when we said good-bye; we wouldn't see each other again for 15 days.

Caitlin and I navigated the airport like pros. Mike had printed our boarding passes for us the day before so all we had to do was check in our baggage. Our next stop was security where we removed shoes, belts and jackets before going through the screening. Once we made it through we could relax until our departure which was at 8:30. We found McDonald's where I enjoyed my favorite oatmeal for breakfast. For someone who is nervous about flying I was quite calm as I took in my surroundings. The airport was a place I had been many times in my life before the events of September 11, 2001 which resulted in an increase in security which makes it virtually impossible to go into the depths of the airport unless you are a passenger. I found that during the previous decade the airport had transformed into an updated version of a very recognizable place. We made our way to our departure gate where we waited to board. It was only then that I remembered David. David. My little brother. He works at the airport. I quickly sent off a text message to ask him if he was at work. Shortly after that we were called to board the plane. As I sat in my seat I received a message back from David wanting to know what gate we were departing from and where our seats were located. I quickly texted him back the information but all to soon we had to turn off our phones as the airplane was backing away from the gate. As the plane got into position I watched out of the window hoping to see my brother. The plane was moving now and picking up speed when suddenly I saw a truck on the runway right next to us. The driver was in full control of his vehicle as it kept up with the airplane and he glanced over every few seconds as if looking for someone. I said to Caitlin, "is that David!?" Yes! Yes it was! We began waving frantically from our window and David waved back just as enthusiastically. It appeared that he was trying to take our picture. He was successful at taking a video of our plane as it lifted off the ground and headed for New York (he sent us a video text which we watched when we arrived).

Our flight was as smooth as smooth. We were served peanuts, pretzels and sodas and watched the movie Parental Guidance. We had a 3 1/2 hour layover at JFK which when I booked the flight Caitlin initially had complained would be "too long" but after our flight Caitlin said, "good call Mom." We enjoyed the time we had to walk around, find the restroom, get something to eat, and spend time on our phones. Just before boarding our plane I spoke to Mike one last time before turning off my phone for 15 days. As the passengers gathered at our departure gate I could see that this overseas flight was going to be a lot bigger than our previous flight. I'm still not sure which makes me more anxious: a big plane, or... a bigger plane. I did realize something after being on six flights in two weeks. I'm more nervous waiting in the airport than I am on the plane. I remember on one particular flight entering the brightly lit cabin of the aircraft, cheerful music playing over the sound system, people talking and laughing together, and the friendly crew already busy doing their work. That environment helped me to relax and settle in for the duration.

Our flight from JFK to London, Heathrow was the one I dreaded the most. Flying into the night over the ocean is not what I call fun. Caitlin and I were quite happy with our seats on an aisle and a window. We each had our own screen on the backs of the seats in front of us. We could watch movies, TV shows, track our flight (I find it completely unnecessary for the pilot to announce that we are cruising at 36,000 feet, I mean... who really needs to know that?), we could play games or create a playlist and listen to music. All on that ipad-sized-screen. I watched some of Downton Abbey season 3 and I tried to sleep, but it's next to impossible for me to do so on an airplane.

At some point Friday turned into Saturday. It was light outside. I began to feel the excitement of our arrival in England. As the plane descended we looked out of our window at the earth below. It was England. We were here. We arrived at 7 o'clock am. At home it was just midnight.

I had planned very carefully all of the details of our journey. I chose Heathrow because we could catch the underground (subway) from the airport into the city which would be less expensive than the Heathrow or Gatwick express. I planned that we would travel to Kings Cross where we would catch a train to Wakefield. That is where my Uncle Derek and Auntie Dorothy would meet us. I had purchased my train tickets on-line in advance taking into consideration that we needed to get through customs, buy our oyster cards (passes for the underground), spend an hour on the underground train (tube), and then once we arrived at Kings Cross go to a self-service ticket machine to claim our tickets. I decided that three hours was plenty so I booked our train for 10 o'clock am. It worked out perfectly. Of course we also allowed ourselves a few moments at the airport to stop for the essentials. We do love our British sweets.

When we boarded our train at Kings Cross we were weary travelers. We had reserved seats with a table which Caitlin immediately laid her head on and fell asleep. I could not enjoy that luxury. I had to stay awake. I didn't want to sleep through our destination, besides, this was a part of our journey I had looked forward to... a train ride through the English countryside.

There was a group of a dozen or so young men whose train had been cancelled and so were now on our train. They were very loud and jovial. I couldn't help but smile at their eruptions of loud laughter. They were just happy chaps enjoying their day, but... their language was terrible. I remembered that my ipod was in my purse so I took it out and proceeded to listen to my favorite Tab Choir hymns. I was exhausted after the hours of travel, but felt such a relief that we were here. The familiar hymns that I love replaced the "noise of the world" and I felt peaceful and safe as I watched the English countryside roll by. Shortly after twelve noon we arrived in Wakefield. I could see Uncle Derek and Auntie Dorothy waiting on the platform for us. At home it was 5 o'clock am. I had been awake for more than 24 hours.

Cool Grandma

I found out yesterday that I am a cool Grandma. My eleven year old grandson came to work at the deli for a few hours and informed me that I am on YouTube. YouTube? Me? He told me that there is a Leger's Deli video on YouTube (June 11, 2011... he reminded me of the date) and guess who the star is! As he explained it to me it all started to come back. Deals that matter. Interview. Kitchen Sink. Goofy smile. That was me. Adam informed me that there were 37 views (3 of them were him). He seemed pretty proud and impressed. And if there was any question about grandchild pride, Zach came to work today and repeated the whole story. He pretty much admitted that I am cool, and if your grandchild will admit that... it must be true. Here's the video. Quite embarrassing. But cool to grandchildren. Oh, and btw... the deli deal on the video no longer applies. Just in case you were wondering :)

http://youtu.be/KB40oIqNSas

Ready

This is me in Ireland in 1975; re-creating a picture taken of my Mother at the same spot in 1956 while on her honeymoon. This is what we refer to as... a tender moment.

I'm ready to go on my trip. I still have a lot to do... but I'm ready. All the planes, trains, hotels and B&B's are booked and London theatre tickets await us at will call. This has been a monumental task, much different than planning a trip to the beach house. I have lists of things to be done at home and at work (which now includes hiring and training a new employee). I will bring my suitcase out this week and start my "collection" of things to be packed. I am writing notes to myself practically every day so as not to overlook any detail. I have preparation plans written on certain days in my planner; for example: on conference weekend I must review all of my airline instructions so that I know what I can and cannot take in my purse and carry on bag, and what time I should arrive at the airport. Another example written on another day: I must write checks for all of the bills so that Mike can mail them while I am gone. There are moments as I'm going through this process when my stomach starts to hurt. There are other times when I feel a glimmer of excitement. I'm hoping that the glimmers will soon overcome the aches. Don't misunderstand. I am excited. I'm also scared. I admit it. But I have had great helpers in my family who have been so excited for me to go, that they have gone to a lot of work to share any information they have from their recent trips to Britain. My brother Alan emailed me several pages months ago with advice based on his experiences as well as links to the places we will visit. He also supplied me with links to the West End Theatres, trains, airlines in Britain, Abbey Road crossing web cam... he sent me different scenarios of how to plan our trip, for example: London, Yorkshire, Belfast or Yorkshire, Belfast, London or Belfast, London, Yorkshire. You get the idea. In case you're wondering... we are going to Yorkshire, Belfast, London. I decided it would be best to do London last. My sister (in-law) Margie asked where we planned to visit in London. She surprised both Caitlin and I with pages she printed for us with links to the local sites which included hours and prices. She recommended the hotel in London where we are going to stay. Margie also emailed me her daily journal of her last trip which was a great help. It helped me to determine just how much we can see and do in a day. I read it through twice. My Mother printed off a colored map of the underground (tube) which I have been studying. I have texted Tim, Alan, and Margie (a lot) with multiple questions and they have all eagerly responded. Thanks you guys!! You can be sure there will be many more texts in the next couple of weeks. Reading this post you would think that I was going to a strange place where I'd never been before... this is my 4th visit to Britain since I left as a child. It is my first visit where I am completely in charge. I recognize that all of the planning and preparation has been a great learning experience for me, remember... I'm the one who said, "if I can build a float... I can do anything". Glimmers are starting to overcome aches. Yep, I'm ready. 

"If Your Irish..."

This is me in June 1975 in front of the home in Belfast where I lived as a child. I don't know that guy behind me... but I think he's enjoying being in my picture.

My parents emigrated to the United States in 1964 when I was just a four-year-old. I've written about that experience on my blog before so I won't review the details now, but I will say that coming to live in America has truly blessed my life.

I love the verses of scripture found in 2 Nephi 1:5-7. Part of it reads "... the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord."

I know that my family was led to this country by the hand of the Lord, I even inserted the words October 1962 next to this scripture so that I will always be reminded of that when I read those verses.

Next month I will have the opportunity to visit the land of my birth for the first time in nearly 38 years. My memories of my early childhood in Ireland are very dim; but I feel gratitude that I do actually have my own memories and not just the stories that my parents share with me.

I am so grateful that I live in this promised land. But I am also grateful that I was privileged to be born on a beautiful emerald isle across the sea, and I am very much looking forward to being there again.

When We Obey, We're Happy All Day

We have always been very fortunate to have faithful hometeachers visit our family. When our boys were little we had a particular companionship of hometeachers that the boys loved. They came diligently each month and were prepared with lessons that were specifically catered to our sons.

One month our hometeachers shared a lesson on obedience. They began the lesson with this little motto: "When we obey, we're happy all day". It left an impression on our family because not only did we add to it... "when we did not, we were sad we forgot"; but this motto has been repeated many times in our home through the years.

Whenever I hear a lesson or a talk on obedience, I can't help but remember a time that I wasn't obedient and was very sad that "I forgot".

As mentioned in a previous post, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of my summer vacation between my junior and senior years in Great Britain. My trip was divided between my mother's sister in Northern Ireland, my dad's two brothers and my Grandma in England. My mother's uncle and aunt lived in London. Because I was flying in and out of London she arranged for me to stay with them for a few days upon my arrival and the last few days before I returned home.

Of course we didn't have "on-line" anything back then, so I had to make all of my travel arrangements from England to Ireland and then back to England, after I arrived in Britain. My mom took great care in "tutoring" me to ensure that I reached each destination safely and without incident. She provided me with a notebook where she had written all of my relatives names, addresses and phone numbers. I had been given instructions as to when I should arrive at each relatives house and how long I should stay there.

I was booked on a chartered flight which meant that all of the same people were on the flight to and from Britain. Consequently, I knew some of those people. My mom had arranged for me to sit with the George Allan family from Bountiful on the flight over. Upon our arrival in London, the Allan's would be traveling to Scotland, so my mom had asked Maureen Scott, an Irish friend, to accompany me from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Station in London where my mom's Uncle Harry would pick me up. Because I did not know Uncle Harry, nor he me, my mom had told him that I would be wearing a green ribbon pinned to my clothes so that he could identify who I was. With all of those plans and instructions given; off I went.

Now, my mom had given me a shiny piece of green ribbon attached to a safety pin and rehearsed to me that I must wear it. I nodded my head, signifying to my mom, that of course I would wear it... I had not the slightest intention of pinning that green ribbon to my shirt. What teenager would do anything so humiliating?  No, I had a better plan... I would wear a green shirt.

I traveled with the Allan's to England as planned, I then traveled to Victoria Station in London with Maureen Scott, we then parted and I stood against a wall and waited... and waited, for Uncle Harry. I was sixteen years old, and alone in LONDON!!!

I had departed from SLC at 10 pm the night before, and it was now quite late in London. I don't remember how long I waited, but I know it was a long time as I stood against the wall with a suitcase on either side of me. I was SCARED.TO.DEATH; so what do you think I did? I started to cry. I had never heard the term "the ugly cry" until recent years, but I am sure it originated from someone walking through Victoria Station on the night of June 4, 1975 who happened to see a young girl (in a lovely green shirt) sobbing uncontrollably.

Eventually, an older gentleman who appeared to be very concerned, approached me, and in a frustrated voice said, "Lesley????" I could only nod through my sobs. Although I heard several references to the green ribbon, it was happy ending, or... beginning to my trip.

I have never forgotten that experience. How much better things would have been for me had I just obeyed.

I have been to England twice since, and am now embarking on that journey again. For almost a year I have been planning and scheduling; and in recent months, arranging and reserving. A few days ago I was having some difficulty with making on-line reservations for my hotel in London and in purchasing some theatre tickets, so I went to my parents house to arrange for those details over the phone (they have a good phone plan for Britain calls).

I know that this is a wonderful opportunity for me and my daughter to go on this trip; but for me it hasn't been without some stress, anxiety, and yes I will admit... some fear. As I sat at my parents kitchen table and finished these final details over the phone (and I was writing down every detail), I felt such a relief that it was all taken care of, but then the anxieties overcame me and I got emotional. As my tears flowed my parents both assured me that everything would be fine. As I looked at all of the details that I had just written, I couldn't help but laugh through my tears as I said pointing to my notes, "I'm wearing my 'green ribbon' this time." And I am.

Day 28: A Grandma Accessory

I have been a Grandma for

10 years-5 months-and 4 days

and I finally have one of these!!!!

I'm so excited!!!

Now I just need one of the babies/toddlers

to come over.

Day 12: 2 1/2 Minute Talk (afterall; it's Sunday)

It has been nearly three-and-a-half years since we saw our home for the first time. From that day to the day we moved in I would drive past it on a regular basis. From the first day we saw it the exterior of the home was completed but the inside still needed to be finished, so sometimes I would get out of my car and walk around the house peeking in the windows to see how the finish work was coming along. I loved it and was sure that it was the house for our family.

Imagine my surprise when one day I noticed what I considered to be... a flaw. I had been driving past this house for weeks, how had I never seen it before? We hadn't made an offer yet; but I was sure I could overlook the "flaw" because I really loved this house.

We bought the house-we moved in-and it's been great; but... every time I drive up to my house I see the flaw. My eye is drawn to it immediately and it bugs me, and it bugs me that I let it bug me.

The flaw cannot be fixed, so I have thought of possible ways that I could camouflage it, you see, I don't want anyone else to notice it.

I recently came to the conclusion that I have let it bug me too much. One day while driving up to my house (and looking at the flaw) I decided that I was being ridiculous, "why do you always look there first?" I asked myself, "just look past it, look at all of the good things about your house."

The thought quietly came into my mind, how often do I do the same thing to myself... and to others? By focusing more than I should on the "flaws" rather than the "good things".    

I decided that day to "get over it" and to be more appreciative of the really great features of my home than to spend any more time dwelling on this one negative aspect... that cannot be fixed.

I know for me... and probably for you; that working on our own "flaws" is a continual process. One thing that I have discovered is this... the things that bug me about me; can be fixed. In tomorrow's post I will share a way that helps me.     

Day 8: Beauty Is Skin Deep

Does anyone remember this advertisement? I remember it from billboards and television commercials when I was a child in the 60's and 70's. Coppertone is a suntan product, and everyone wanted a suntan. I don't remember ever knowing about sunscreen when I was growing up... it was all about the suntan. In my teenage years my friends and I frequently "laid out". We saturated our bodies with Johnson's Baby Oil, and with blankets and radios in tow we headed to the back yard for... hours.

I knew nothing about the dangers of skin cancer back then. I want to throw up cringe when I think of some of the severe sunburns I have had over the years. With my fair European skin (yes; I was born in Britain... home of the 2012 Olympics) I was an easy target to the dangerous rays of the sun.

Consequently, in the past decade I have had several occurrences of skin cancer. Unfortunately for me, they have all required cutting me up. Most of them have been on my face and particularly two on my nose have caused me the greatest concern. I feel blessed that they have been basal cell cancers; but they are still dangerous. One of those on my nose required a day at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital where they had to keep cutting and testing until all the edges came back clear (pathology).  

Cancers on the nose are very common. Unfortunately you can't just stitch a nose back together, it requires skin grafts or flaps... I've experienced both. Those of you who know me well, know that I now wear my forehead on my nose... I really do. I joke about it sometimes, but it really was a trauma for me. I am not afraid to give a "shout-out" for sunscreen when I see kids I know and they have a sunburn... I sometimes say to them, "do you want a nose that looks like mine?" I'm happy to be the poster child if it helps anyone.

Every six months I visit my Dermatologist, and it seems like every time I go I have yet another spot that needs frozen, burnt, or cut. I'm quite pleased to say that it has been nearly seven years since I have had surgeries. I'm even more pleased to say that after my semi-annual visit last week, and yet another bit cut out, my report came back... negative. And that was good news.

Day 2: London 2013

I'm not a huge sports fan nor do I compete in any kind of sport (although I confess... I do love to go bowling). I always enjoy watching the men in my life participate in sports (even though Jeffrey one of them often occasionally likes to contradict referees and umpires). But every two years I do love to watch the Olympics... summer and winter games!! This year is especially enjoyable because it's in London, although I'm not sure what I'm enjoying the most... the London 2012 games, or the glimpses the camera is giving me of England. Actually, I do know what I'm enjoying the most; looking forward to...

London 2013!!!!!

Boring Blogger

I have become such a lazy boring blogger. It's not that I don't want to blog (I really enjoy it), but a couple of things have interfered with my blog post output: 

#1- I have really felt the constraints on my time with having a job and a home and family to keep me busy.

#2- A couple of months ago Blogger changed it's format... I was quite comfortable with the other format, hence, insert reason #1 here... I don't want to spend the time figuring it out.

But, I still think a blog is a great and a fun way to write some of my history (there is some stuff that only goes in the journal). So I'm reviewing Blogger's changes, and I'm making a little time, and I'm going to be a better blogger.

I thought it was fun in May 2011 to do a 30 day blog challenge; so, I decided I'd do it again. The last challenge was outlined for me each day but this one is very random, in other words... I don't really know what I'm going to do day to day. It could get real boring; real fast.

I'm probably crazy to make such a commitment but... what the heck!!

Oh, and... I'm doing it in August, so it will be 31 days!!!!

We Also Sing 2012

I have once again had the opportunity to sing with the wonderful choir We Also Sing under the direction of Merrilee Webb. We have been rehearsing for a couple of months and I'm really excited about the songs we are singing. While telling my hometeacher (remember he's musical... a member of the King Family) about the concert on his recent visit, he asked me what kind of music we will be singing. Well, our repertoire is vast. Two of the songs we will be singing are Bridge Over Troubled Water and Praise To The Man. We will also be singing Orinoco Flow and if anyone reading this post knows Orinoco Flow I'd love you to comment. I've heard this song many, many times and didn't know the title. The song mentions Cebu (in the Philippines) where my sister-in-law Marivic is from. Being in a choir that Merrilee directs has been and continues to be, an uplifting and motivational experience for me. Merrilee tells us that the rehearsals are for us... but the concert is for the audience. So please join us Friday May 11, at 6:30 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. It is free and is only one hour long. You won't regret it. 

Confessions of a Non-Shopaholic

I have a love/hate relationship with shopping. I have plenty of shopping stories that I could regale you with, but... I won't. If you know me well you already know what kind of shopper I am (Lilian is probably nodding her head now). If you've shopped with me you know how fussy I am (Melinda remember when you got $10 off the price of a dress in Park City years ago; because I found a spot on it?). A stranger once looked into my cart at the grocery store, then looked at me and said, "I've never seen groceries so organized in a grocery cart before." Should my shopping habits make me proud or embarrassed? I'm not sure... maybe a little bit of both considering the circumstance of the moment. Needless to say, although I do enjoy shopping excursions with friends and family, when I really want and need to accomplish something I prefer to go alone. Not because I don't enjoy the company... but I'd rather not put people I love through the torture of shopping with me.

But today I share a happy and successful shopping story which  is also very true to the nature of my shopping habits. So enjoy.

Several months ago while shopping at a favorite store I found this red table and immediately fell in love with it. I knew it would be perfect in my living room, but it was what I considered to be a major cash purchase. When I am making major purchases... I like to "think about it". Often while I am thinking, I miss out. My tolerant extremely patient husband often tells me that I over think such things. He's often the one who tells me to buy it. In fact, he always tells me to buy it. How many husbands do that? Only the ones who have the secure knowledge that their wives "think about it" too much.

This store offers 20% at any given time (if you happen to shop there and they tell you that), but I needed more than 20% off to justify the purchase. I have gone into that store on a weekly basis for months watching and waiting for my table to go on sale. A few weeks ago there was a store coupon for 25% off, but I had a price in my head and 25% still didn't cut it. I finally decided that I was going to forget about the table... and I did. A week ago while shopping with Marivic at another favorite store, I found another red table... this time my "think about it" habit saved me from a purchase and then a return, because two days later I went into the original store and there was my table... 30% off. Just dollars above what I would spend. I knew this was my last chance. It was now or never. I scrutinized every detail of looked at the table for several minutes.  The store employee told me that she could give me 35% off if there were scratches (don't you love the distressed look?), so I bravely asked, "could you go 40%?" A quick phone call and the 40% offer was approved. There was no thinking about it now, within minutes that table was in the back of my little car and I was on my way home.

So how do you like my red table? I will post another picture when I accessorize it... but knowing me that could take a few more months, so please don't hold your breath.



BYU Women's Conference 2012

I just returned from another wonderful two days at BYU Women's Conference. In 2007 I attended my first conference alone (my choice) then for the next few years my Mother and I attended together. Last year our group increased in size and this year there were ten of us including my mom and my sister, two sisters-in-law and their sisters. We enjoyed attending classes, going to dinners, a wonderful concert on Thursday night, lots of laughter and even a few tears. Elder Neil L. Andersen was our speaker at the concluding session and I had the opportunity to shake his hand. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the classes that I attended:

"We are all in this 'til the conflict is over." Neil L. Andersen

"The future is as bright as your faith." Thomas S. Monson

"Conversion requires daily nourishment and renewel."

"There is need of much discipline in marriage; not of ones companion, but of oneself." Gordon B. Hinckley

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved." David O. McKay

"Information leads to inspiration."

"We are by nature... divine."

"Perfection is not a commandment... it is a promise."

"Our lives are the most powerful sermons we will ever preach."

"This life is not living the dream, it's meant to prepare for the dream."

"Prayer unlocks the power of heaven in our behalf."

"Go home and be stronger."

"Choose joy!!"

"Scatter sunshine all along your way."

It's April 15th

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US... THIRTY-FIVE YEARS!!!!!

Classics and Favorites: The Marsden Family 1962

This picture was taken shortly before my Dad left Ireland for America in June of 1962, it is the classic of classics. Timothy would celebrate his 1st birthday and I would celebrate my 4th (both without Dad) shortly after this picture was taken, Archie was 2 1/2. We wouldn't be together again as a family for 4 long months.

While in America, Dad worked hard to earn the money to bring the rest of us here. Mom worked hard in Ireland taking care of three children, selling and giving away her belongings (she came with only a couple of suitcases), and making arrangements to come to America. In October Mom traveled alone with three young children, not only by plane to New York, but across the country by train; the California Zephyr. The next time you see the replica of the California Zephyr in California Adventure... think of my Mom traveling across the country with her three small children; all alone. In 1962 there was no e-mail or cell phones for texting, and long distance was very expensive (no phone company packages with free long distance back then). Mom and Dads only communication was through the postal service, they had lots of details to work out and it all had to be done through "snail mail". The first time they heard each others voices during that four month period, was a few days before Mom and the children arrived in Salt Lake.

I hope my Dad doesn't mind me sharing a line from his personal history that I always apply to this particular picture... a taxi came to take me to the airport. The pain of leaving my little family cut deep into my heart. I hugged them and kissed them, got into the taxi and as I looked back I saw my Trixie with Timothy in her arms and my little Lesley and Archie and I can never describe the heaviness of my heart at this time. All of a sudden their faces vanished as we turned the corner and now it was just me and the taxi driver.

Several years ago I had copies of this picture made for me, Archie and Tim. Although we are too young to remember all of the details that our parents have shared with us over the years, I hope we, nor our posterity's (or our siblings and their posterity's), will ever forget the circumstances under which we were brought here, nor the sacrifices made on our behalves so that we could grow up in America.

Love you mom and Dad... you are the best!!

6th Semi-Annual Favorites Party

I have been a little party animal lately. Last week I had two YSA gatherings at my house, and this week I hosted a bridal shower for my nephew's fiance as well as me and my friend Tiffany's semi-annual favorites party the very next night. Since I have never posted about the favorites party before, I decided that I need to share what it's all about.

Here is how it works: you invite some of your favorite people to come to the party and ask them to bring a favorite treat to share (the food is very important). Each person thinks of something that is a favorite of theirs that they could purchase for about $5.00. Each of the guests bring three duplicates of that item to the party. The guests then write their names on three slips of paper and put them in a bowl. Each person takes a turn to get up and tell why the items they brought are a favorite. They then pick 3 three names out of the bowl, and those three people get the items. Each person brings three things, and goes home with three new things. IT.IS.FUN!!! We missed some of our regulars last night due to scheduling conflicts... but we enjoyed some "new favorites" that came for the first time.

The hostesses with the mostesses.

These are the items I brought. Why did I choose them? I love Bath and Body Works, I love fall, and I love sales. I got a great deal on these little cuties!!

Tiffany explaining her favorites to us... she had us in stitches with her "special" instructions.

Handing out favorites.

Always anticipation to see if your name is picked.

Cute Lori was so excited about the party... she woke at at 4:30 am that morning and couldn't go back to sleep just thinking about it!!

There is a lot of laughter at the party.

Ramona is telling us about the awesome deal that she got on these bags... so awesome that she added a couple of goodies inside. I really wanted her to pick my name, and she did!!!

Cute Kimmy also picked my name out of the bowl, she brought ingredients for pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Yum!!

The kitchen is a great gathering place.

These are the things that I brought home; oh wait... I was at home. My cute bag (and goodies) from Ramona, a fun key fob from Alacia, and my cookie ingredients from Kimmy.

The favorites party is so much fun!!! You should have one with your friends (please invite me). We missed those that couldn't come, we were excited to welcome the newcomers, and next time we're inviting more newcomers. I'm looking forward the the spring when the party is at Tiffany's... I'm already thinking about what favorites I will be bringing.

And FYI my partying days aren't quite over... next Thursday, November 3, I am hosting a Paparazzi Jewelry party. It is an open house from 6:30-8:00. You're invited!!!

These Shoes Were Made For... Tossin'?

I have this little ritual, or... rite of passage that occurs every couple of years. I get a new pair of walking shoes. This year Michael gave me my new walking shoes for Mother's Day. The shoes in the picture above were my last pair of walking shoes (click here if you'd like to read about me and "them" in a 5-K race). When I get new walking shoes, my old shoes take on a new role... they become my "wait-at-the-back-door-shoes" which means, that they are always there waiting for me when I'm leaving for work, or, when I have to run a quick errand to the grocery store, or if someone comes over and I have to quickly hide my bare feet (sorry, that's another story... and you're never going to read it). They actually become very useful shoes for me.

Last Saturday Mike and I went on a drive with our friends Steve and Becky. It was a beautiful day. We listened to conference as we drove, Steve had a little snooze... or two; Mike drove, and me and Becky visited (while we listened attentively to the first session of conference).
We stopped at a campground in the mountains to enjoy a picnic lunch consisting of Leger's sandwiches (have you tried that deli? A.MA.ZING).

After lunch we walked along a designated trail (and I emphasize DESIGNATED) to the restroom; which was closed. So we headed back down the trail and got into the car to go home. Even as we were just starting to drive through the campground to the exit, I detected an offensive, really offensive smell... and it was ME!! Well, not really me, but on me. Nobody else seemed to have noticed it. "I think it's on my shoe!" I said, as I lifted first one foot and then the other. Sure enough, there it was on the sole of my left foot. Ooooohhhh, aaarrrggghhhhh, sick, gross!!!! times a ga-zillion!!!! "I'm throwing these shoes away, where's the garbage!?!" I proclaimed without any hesitation. Now everyone was noticing the smell (smell is a generous word here), I mean STINK!!!! There were no trash receptacles in this campground, so Mike pulled the car over and threw the offensive shoes into the shrubs, and I was left with nothing but socks to cover my feet (click here to read Becky's blog post and see photographic proof).

Now you might ask, why didn't you just clean your shoes off? well... I didn't want to. They are my old shoes, they've done their time, paid their dues... but on Monday morning when I was leaving for work and went to put my shoes on... they weren't there. Oh dear, I forgot; now I was going to have to wear my new walking shoes to work, and if you know me very well at all, you know that I didn't want to do that, 'cause... they are for walking in, not working in.

So here's a little advice if you are going to the mountains and you don't want to end up wearing your walking shoes to work: wear your oldest shoes and stay off the trails... 'cause apparently they are only for dogs; and always, always wear your socks, especially if you don't want to go bare foot when your shoes are in the shrubs... and that's still the story that you're never going to read.

Fall Favorites

It's almost time for the favorites party, so I'm thinking of a few of my "fall" favorites.

I love, love, LOVE Clinique bonus time. Caitlin and I went to Dillard's last Saturday, and we each received the bonus pictured above with our purchases.

I love going to the movies... while at the movies, I especially love popcorn with layered butter... and of course, some peanut m&m's poured over the top (I shared a photo in my last favorites post).

I love my tub filled with this Bath & Body Works stress relief bath foam.

I love "Rod Works". It's a great store with lots of fun ideas for decorating (just went there today).

My newest fav (I had it 4 times this week), fruit and maple oatmeal at McDonald's. It's delicious. You've got to try it!

An old fav, a fruit and yogurt parfait, also from McDonald's (the best one I ever had was in Battle Mountain, Nevada... seriously).

What can I say? I LOVE "Survivor". It just started last Wednesday. There are two people from Utah on the show this season.

Just discovered these a few months ago... Garden Salsa Sunchips. Sooooo good.