Mandy

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Stamp Carving Tutorial

2011-11-06T20:55:00.000-07:00

If you want to get started letterboxing, this is a great place to start. I love letterboxing!
Stamp Carving Tutorial

Celestial Indeed!

2011-10-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

I recently discovered that a good friend of mine from the Hannah chapter of the IWA at Salt Lake Community College has an awesome blog about all her crafting, etc. I remember the way too cute cookies she made for one of our activities once. I held onto one and used it for a decoration for quite some time...I couldn't bring myself to eat it. :) She gives a lot of fun tutorials in her blog. Check it out!

Two Favorites Together...AWESOME!!!

2011-02-07T23:08:00.001-07:00

I typically fall asleep watching Murder, She Wrote on week nights. Tonight I turned it on as usual; I was surprised to find Jessica Fletcher in Hawaii with Higgins and Magnum, P.I. I had no idea there was such an episode. AWESOME!!! I loved watching Magnum, P.I. when I was growing up.

Sometimes I got the impression that Higgins was really the infamous Robin Masters, but I never did find out for sure. What do you think? Do you know?

MIDWAY ICE CASTLES--Downtown: 100 N 300 W-- Opens mid-Dec 2010 - Feb 28, 2011...

2010-11-06T12:41:00.001-06:00

Mandy has sent you a link to a blog:

I saw these ice castles last year. They were AWESOME! I can't wait to see them this year.

Blog: MIDWAY ICE CASTLES--Downtown: 100 N 300 W-- Opens mid-Dec 2010 - Feb 28, 2011 Mon-Sat. Noon-10pm
Post: Plans for this year's Ice Castles!!!!
Link: http://brentsicecastle.blogspot.com/2010/11/plans-for-this-years-ice-castles.html

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Welcome Home Spencer!

2010-09-01T21:52:00.007-06:00

My cousin Spencer just finished serving two years on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Korea. His entire family went to pick him up in Korea. These are some photos taken at his home a couple of days after the family returned to Utah. My family didn't get to go see them at the airport because we were in San Diego. Sadly, we missed my other cousin, Natalie's wedding to Zack while we were gone too. I got my first picture of her as Mrs. Featherstone on this day too. You are AWESOME Spence, Natalie & Zack!!!

Yee-Haw...I finally got my horse ride!

2010-09-01T21:41:00.006-06:00

My brother-in-law and his dad were so nice to get everything ready for us to head up to Moon Lake for a day of horseback riding in the Uintahs on Pioneer Day. It was so much fun. I felt like I was riding with the Man from Snowy River.

If you look at the photos carefully, you’ll see that my nephew had me on a leash pretending to be his dog. He had to make a little stop of his own on the way J

ENFP

2010-07-16T18:18:00.003-06:00

I'm taking a psychology class this summer for my accounting degree. My assignment this week is to take four different personality assessments. This is the result of my Jung Personality Test. I think it's interesting that 15 years ago, my personality type was ISFP.

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

Words Behind the Letters:

Extraversion vs. Introversion

Sensing vs. Intuition

Thinking vs. Feeling

Judging vs. Perceiving

New Family Blog

2010-05-05T01:59:00.002-06:00

Charity started a blog for the Stephens Skids to replace our old website. We're hoping to:

Include links to all the family's blogs on the blog.
Establish all family members as authors for the blog.
Make the blog private, allowing only family members to see it.

It's a work in progress, so stay tuned...

"Down and Derby"

2010-05-05T01:24:00.004-06:00

There's an awesome movie, called "Down and Derby", inspired by the pinewood derby, which I highly recommend watching. It is funny!!!

The Elders' Quorum in my ward sponsored the Lake Ridge 12 Ward 2nd Annual Extreme Pinewood Derby on May 17. I participated in the first derby a few years back, and did poorly. This year, I added some grease to the wheels, and taped some quarters onto the car for added weight. It helped. I won 3rd place. I also won the "Prettiest Car" award. It was a fun night. The funniest, most memorable part of the evening, was when Chris Barton used taco grease from his dinner plate to grease his car's wheels. He won 2nd place.

After the derby,I hurried over to my neighbor Brooke Robbins' wedding reception (Her sister, Kristin, made her wedding dress and it looked amazing!) . I met Luz Cardenas' mother and we took a picture outside the center.

Welcome Home Jason!

2010-05-05T01:01:00.004-06:00

My awesome cousin Jason came home from his full-time mission in Brasil on March 13. My Aunt Lisa was able to go spend a few days with Jason in Brasil before they both flew back to SLC. The night before, many friends and family members made "welcome home" signs and blew up balloons in an attempt to fill up Jason's room. The room ended up about 1/2 way full. It was a lot of fun!!!

I wore my Brasil shirt in honor of Jason's return from Brasil.

Later in the day, I went with my grandma and Aunt April to see my cousins' piano recital. They did great. I wish I could have made it to my nephew's recital a few month previous.

Newsroom article from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-02-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

I found this article on the Newsroom Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I thought you might find it interesting. Click on the link below to view:

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-statement-on-earthquake-in-chile

I’m so thankful for the Lord’s tender mercies and that He established an organization that allows us to get information, with confidence, about our loved ones. My good friend, Sister Bennett, is serving a mission in Chile right now.

My Cousin Ben - The Shining Star

2010-02-06T19:16:00.001-07:00

My AWESOME cousin Ben is mentioned in this newspaper article. I’m saving my money to go cheer Ben on in the 2012 Olympics in London. I’m so excited!!!

High school swimming: Brighton dominates Region 4 swim meet

By Dan Rasmussen

Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 10:20 p.m. MST

BOUNTIFUL — On one hand, the principle players at the Region 4 swim meet on Saturday understood the same thing: There's only meet that ultimately matters, and that meet wasn't taking place on Saturday.

However, while Brighton, American Fork, Lone Peak, Alta and the rest of Region 4 all had their eyes focused firmly on the upcoming 5A state meet, they nonetheless still put on a very entertaining show for the assembled folks inside the South Davis Recreation Center.

There were lots of really good swims, there were lots of really good races, and the whole thing was pretty fun to watch from start to finish. At the end of it, several individuals shined and Brighton — as everyone expected — dominated the team competitions.

Brighton's boys team racked up 554 points to easily dispatch American Fork (394), while Brighton's girls team finished with 528 points to easily beat Lone Peak (377).

The Bengals will be big favorites to win both team championships at the 5A meet in two weeks, and Brighton coach Todd Etherington was generally pleased with what he saw from top to bottom at Saturday's region meet.

"It went alright," he said. "There's always things you wished you would've done a little better, but we saw some good swimming (and) saw some things that we need to try to fix. … I'm very pleased with where we're at right now."

In a meet filled with legitimate stars — defending 5A Swimmers of the Meet Kim Welch of Lone Peak and McKay King of American Fork were amongst the assembled talent — it was a not-so-small 14-year-old freshman that stole the show.

Brighton freshman Long Gutierrez has long been a star in club swimming circles, and he showed Saturday that, even though he won't turn 15 until February 23rd, he is already a star in his first season of high school swimming.

On Saturday, Gutierrez went :50.45 to break a 5A record in the 100 fly and went :21.45 to convincingly win the 50 free.

By way of reference, Mountain Crest superstar Jake Taylor went :50.17 in the 100 fly earlier in the week.

"Not too bad," deadpanned Etherington of Gutierrez' swim in the fly.

Not too bad at all.

Gutierrez, for his part, can't wait to show the rest of the state what he can do at the 5A championships.

"It's the first time it's gonna happen, and I'm psyched about it," he said. "It's gonna be the best thing ever."

Besides Gutierrez, Robby Miner won twice individually and Greg Ballif added an individual for Brighton's boys team.

On the girls side, Amanda Barrett, Kaitlin Overstreet and Abby Alger each won once.

While Saturday's Region 4 meet was a star-studded affair that featured a number of outstanding swims by a number of outstanding swimmers, arguably nobody shined brighter than Brighton senior Ben Stephens.

Seeded in Lane 1 of the slow heat in the 100 back, Stephens drew the loudest cheers of the entire meet when he touched the finishing pad with a time of 1:53.08, a full seven seconds faster than his seed time. What made the crowd cheer louder for Stephens than anyone else is the fact that the senior backstroker deals with severe physical issues.

Neither Etherington nor any of his assistant coaches know exactly what those physical issues are for one simple reason — he's never complained about them.

Instead, Stephens has simply worked as hard as he could to become as fast of a swimmer as he could.

"He's a kid that comes out and busts his butt every day. He's one of the hardest-working kids that we've got," said Etherington. "Before Christmas, he came up and told me he wasn't feeling well on a Wednesday, and we were swimming Alta Thursday. I sent him home Wednesday night, and Thursday morning I got a call from his mom saying he had an emergency appendectomy . . . Later, he was basically apologizing to me for missing practice. That's how hard he works."

All season, Stephens' goal has been to get underneath 2:00 in the 100 back, and he shattered that mark with an outstanding swim in what was his final chance.

Etherington was thrilled for his swimmer afterward.

"It's every bit as rewarding as the stuff that Long and Robby and those guys do," said Etherington. "It's about swimming fast, and fast is relative to you — it's not relative to anybody else."

For everyone that got to see the first heat of the 100 back on Saturday, Stephens was very fast.

e-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com

Christmas Fun

2009-12-21T13:41:00.003-07:00

We had a Stephens Family Christmas Gathering last night. The inn was full, but we all squished in. It was great to see some of my family that don't live in the state. I have the best family.

My Aunt Kathy made gingerbread houses for all the kids to decorate. I made one too. It was fun. I love my Aunt Kathy.

We also had a Christmas Pageant. I was too busy directing that I didnt' get any photos, but it was fun. I'll have to see if my sister got some photos that I can share later.

Ballet West Presents "The Nutcracker"

2009-12-21T13:28:00.003-07:00

On Saturday, December 19, 2009 my niece and I joined my neighbors, the Cardenas family, for Ballet West's performance of the Nutcracker. I sure had a fun time. I was happy that we could all go.

Photographing in the Cemetary!

2009-12-13T18:33:00.004-07:00

I just discovered Find a Grave. I became a volunteer headstone and monument photographer for my geographic region. Here's the first two photos that I've taken for someone (Location-Pleasant Green Cemetary).

The Newest Little Angel in My Life...Devry Dot.

2009-12-13T18:27:00.004-07:00

ISN'T SHE ADORABLE?

Fun at the Festival of Trees

2009-12-13T17:44:00.006-07:00

I had another great year helping out with the Festival of Trees. My friend Stephanie agreed to be on the same committee as me a couple of years ago. I have fun doing stuff for Festival with her. This year we made our crafts for the gift shop together. We acquired some soap dispensers and put fun little quotes on transparency film inside of them. My other friends Heather and Shana helped us finish tying the bows on them. I wish I remembered to take a picture of them. I'm sure you've seen something like it before.

I have some awesome friends. Check out this picture of some of us that helped wrap-up the Festival. The others had already left for the evening before I could get everyone to group up for the picture. I love these guys. I hope they're all free next year to come and help again. I sure had fun.

We wrapped the trees on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Stephanie and I joined Kathy Purser and her family to go and deliver the trees. Here's a picture I got of another group loading the tree that my sister's friends, the Millers, made in honor of their son who died a few years ago. The name of the tree is "It's all Good." It had a Nightmare Before Christmas theme. The tree was upside down with Jack Skelington poking his head out the top. The tree was almost too tall to fit in the truck.

I'll never forget the years that my cousins, Brad & Nathan, brought everyone from Helaman Halls down to help wrap the trees. If they ever move back to Utah, maybe they can join us and we can have an even larger super crew.

United States Armed Forces Medley

2009-11-08T23:05:00.004-07:00

One of my favorite things to listen to is the Armed Forces Medley of the United States. I love it when it's played at an event and all the veterans of the different forces are invited to stand and be honored. My heart is filled with excitement as the crowd claps and cheers.

My favorite experience to date, is when I was at the Castle Valley Pageant in Castle Dale, Utah. The pagent started with this medley. Riders on majestic horses galloped across the stage area carrying the different flags of the different forces. It was stunning!

It's Veterans Day this week. I'm so thankful for the sacrifices of so many to protect our precious freedoms. This is my small way to honor and thank them. I love America!

C.E.S. Firesides are AWESOME!

2009-11-01T20:37:00.003-07:00

I'm always strengthened when I attend the LDS Church Education System's fireside broadcasts. Tonight President Uchtdorf was the speaker. It was an AWESOME experience to hear him tonight. Truth is beautiful.

What's Glee?

2009-10-23T13:23:00.003-06:00

I keep seeing references to a show called "Glee"? in the blogs I read. What is it? I've never heard of it. Maybe, it's because I typically watch re-runs of Perry Mason, I Love Lucy, or My Three Sons, on KBYU at night, the Disney Channel, the 10:00 news, Monk, or Psych.

Ralphie's Jammies

2009-10-22T10:20:00.004-06:00

I don't know if I'm trying to return to my childhood, or if it's the cold weather...but I've felt driven to find myself some footed pajamas. In my recent searching, I came across this website. I'm in love with these pajamas, there's only one problem, they cost a fortune.

I would feel horribly wasteful if I bought them with my regular income, so I've decided to try and find some additional work I can do to earn them. Recently I was advised by one of my teachers to use my resources to acquire good experiences (which become a part of you), rather than more "stuff" that collects dust and ends up in the landfill.

If I do some extra work to earn these pajamas, I see it as a potential "best of both worlds" outcome. I would get the good experience of working harder for something extra that I want, plus the experience of wearing the jammies (they make a great costume too). I only hope they are of good craftsmanship, I don't want them wearing out too soon and ending up in the landfill.

Lifting Burdens

2009-10-22T07:53:00.003-06:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has recently started posting brief messages of hope, encouragement, and inspiration on on their Home Page via YouTube. I enjoy hearing these messages. I've shared some of their previous ones on my blog. Here's another...This is definitely a message for all...For we all need Him.

Lifting Burdens

I am so thankful for my knowledge of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Trust in Him and BELIEVE!

Brush Your Teeth Everyday

2009-10-02T00:50:00.000-06:00

I had just finished saying that I was going to go brush my teeth when I heard my niece say this. I think she heard the saying from the movie “Kung-Fu Panda,” but I’m not sure. I just thought it was adorable, so I had her say it for the camera.

Whack! My Funniest Home Video

2009-09-07T20:58:00.006-06:00

I can't believe I didn't see this coming. Big brother accidently whacks little sister with bat while nutty aunt (me) films the whole thing.

"Finding Hope"

2009-09-05T11:24:00.003-06:00


I really like this message. Finding Hope A man describes his journey from the tragedy and trauma of 9/11 to hope, healing, and renewal through Jesus Christ.
© 2009 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

John Marsh : David Eccles School of Business

2009-09-04T17:40:00.005-06:00

If you ever get a chance to take an accounting class from this guy...do so. He is funny, it makes late night class more enjoyable. He definitely keeps the class awake.
Details for John Marsh : David Eccles School of Business

Shared via AddThis

Cousin Jenny's Cute Cakes

2009-08-29T11:12:00.000-06:00

My cousin makes cute cakes. You can see some of her work at the link below.

Hi Friends-

I've finally posted pics and prices of my cakes and cupcakes on a blog. Here is the address:

www.kindacoolcupcakes.blogspot.com

Feel free to forward it on to friends and co-workers. I'm located in Southwest Houston, but I am willing to deliver in the Houston area.

Enjoy-

Jenny

Where the Laulau is the Kaukau at the Big Luau...

2009-06-24T21:09:00.003-06:00

We had a fun stake YSA activity last Saturday. This is an example of what we did. I'm all left feet, but I'll keep practicing (I just downloaded the song from Walmart.com earlier today.)

That we may not have to...

2009-04-12T00:03:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure if it's possible to comprehend, or understand, fully the great love of God for His children while we journey here on earth, but I can assure you that you'll get a taste of what it feels like when you listen with all your soul to the testimonies of the Lord's servants, His prophets.

Organ Donation

2009-04-05T19:55:00.002-06:00

I am once again reminded of the need for organ donors. If you aren't a registered organ donor...I hope you will consider becoming one. Don't forget to let your family and loved ones know of your wishes.

Remembering Kevyns

2009-04-05T17:49:00.013-06:00

I recently learned the sad news of the passing of an awesome young man - Kevyns Alain Luthy.

I haven't seen Kevyns in years. I knew him when he was a young boy. I worked with his amazing mother at the Family History Library.

Kevyns was a sweet kid. I knew he had some health issues with his heart, but I didnt' realize the severity of his illness, because he didn't "look" sick. I've come to find out that usually that is the case.

http://www.box.net/shared/9rvfoat1qo

I love you Kevyns and pray that the sweet messege of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is providing needed comfort to your sweet mother and family at this time. We'll all be glad when we can see you again.

Talk About Price Gouging!

2009-02-27T23:30:00.008-07:00

I just got home from watching "Guys and Dolls" at the Empress Theatre tonight, which by the way was fun. Our entire YSA Pod went to see the show for our monthly/quarterly activity. We filled up the theatre to capacity...what an AWESOME sight to see.

Any how I wanted to quickly share a little video clip that I just got in an e-mail from my Marketing Principles professor...It made me laugh!

Pay It Forward

2009-02-20T20:30:00.002-07:00

I came across this on an awesome blog I like to read (The Heywood Home). I thought it was so cool that I'm doing it too. It combines two of my favorite things: creating and gift giving.

Here is how it works, the first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Simple as that. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1- What I create will be just for you.2- It'll be done sometime this year. (might be a little while)3- You have no clue what it's going to be and at this point, neither do I. It could be awesome, and it could be lame, but I promise it will at least look pretty!The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must PAY IT FORWARD. Repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who respond. I am so excited!

Valentines Concert

2009-02-16T02:00:00.005-07:00

I went to this Valentines Concert and had a lot of fun. My uncle bought the tickets and I brought my friend Stephanie. We had reserved seating with Stephens Management Corporation.

Peter Brienholt brought Ryan Shuppe, David Tolk, Steven Nelson, and Nancy Hanson along. I had never heard their music before. It was good. I bought 4 CD's and a T-shirt.

I really like Steffon's music too. I have a demo CD of his music, and now I have the original.

St. George

2009-02-16T00:43:00.010-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I joined three other friends on a weekend vacation to St. George. We had so much fun!

Kristi, Shana, Stephanie, Me

We stayed in the Hilton Garden Inn. It's the fanciest hotel I've ever stayed at. The beds had fancy pillows. We found the usual complimentary shampoo and conditioner, but there was also lotion and mouthwash. There was a refridgerator in the room. We were able to check our e-mail and Facebook messages on the computers provided in a business services room. There were exercise facilities with a television, sweat towels, water fountain, and an outdoor pool through the doors. By the front desk was a little convenience shop and a cafe. We were in heaven.

Friday, January 30: Arrive, Dinner @ Pizza Factory, Watched "Mall Cop" at the movie theatre.

I thought these flowers on the Temple Lot looked cool. They look like sponges to me.

I ran into Bethany on the White Rock Trail. She was on the Peer Leadership Team (PLT) at Cyprus High School with Crystal. Her mom was a counselor at the highschool.

Stephanie was the first one to find the letterbox. I was so excited. I'ts my first letterbox find outside of Salt Lake...and my 4th total. The stamp inside this letterbox was a tadpole. It was representative of the tadpoles that swim in the water when it collects from a small man-made dam. Letterboxing is so much fun!

Sunday, February 1: Visited a Student Ward meeting at the Institute Building at Dixie College. It was kind of a blind-date for Shana.

We stopped in Cedar City to see Cambrea and Braxton on the way home to Salt Lake. Braxton is so cute and fun to be around.

I also saw Cove Fort for my first time, as far as I know, when we stopped for a bathroom break. I only saw it from a distance as we drove by...We didn't take a tour.

Sudoku Addiction

2009-01-24T16:18:00.002-07:00

I'm getting addicted to Sudoku as I keep playing it on my new Palm Centro (c) phone that I got for Christmas. I'm only a beginner, but I still enjoy it. I just downloaded some new puzzles to sync to my phone. While I was at the website I saw that I could add a Sudoku link to my blog. Enjoy!

Team Vault Presentation

2009-01-05T22:49:00.004-07:00

I'm excited to say that I got an "A" in this class. Team Vault Rocks!

December 11, 2008

Ryan Norby, Drue Kehl (Inventor of the Carpet Extractor),

Brady Griffiths, Me, Tyler Wilkes

Happy Holidays!

2009-01-04T23:22:00.010-07:00

I've had a lot of fun with Family and Friends these last several weeks...

Shana, Kristy, and Stephanie waiting with me for TRAX to go to "First Night"

Joseph's Tree at the Festival of Trees

Lee Faldmo's Tree at Festival of Trees

Connor Dehlin and Me after his performance at the Festival of Trees

My mom hosted with me at the Friendship Tree at the Festival of Trees.

My cousin's son Sutter from California. My dad's brother Paul and his family usually come to SLC every Christmastime. They come eat dinner with us one of the nights that they are in town. My aunt Pam owns her childhood home located in SLC so they come to stay at it often.

Zeke, Justin, and Stella--Crystal's family came over for dinner too.

My cousin Katil giving my dad a head-lock.

Justin & Crystal

My Jacob-Cousins' Katil & Tully

My Stephens-Cousin Jeff. The case he was working on settled earlier then expected, so his family surprised everyone by coming to SLC for Christmas. Brad came with them. They left for home after Carrie spoke in church for her "mission farewell." She's going to Brazil.

Benjamin (Jeff's son)

Claire (Jeff's Daughter)

Lauren (Jeff's wife)

Stephens-Cousin Brad

Braxton & David--My brother and his family came to town the day after Christmas. They were still in town for Carrie's "farewell" too.

Braxton & Cambrea

Christmas Morning-Stella

Justin & Stella

Crystal, Zeke, Oscar, Felicity, Stella's head, Brody, and Maizy

My sister, Charity, gave my dad a puzzle of him picking his nose. It's been a big hit with all who see it.

Brody with his new puppy and slide. Felicity's family came to town on Christmas Eve.

Kit & Brody

Charity's friend gave her a "boyfriend" for Christmas. I thought it was a very creative gift. My brother-in-law Kit came across some huge diamond rings (keychains) and thought they were the perfect gifts for Charity and I.

I took Zeke and Maizy to see Santa vs. the Snowman in 3-D on the ATK IMAX Screen at Clark Planetarium. I believe this is our third year going to see it. We also ate lunch at Wendy's, took some money to the Road Home Shelter, rode TRAX a couple of blocks to see my dad at work at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, and got kiddie cones at McDonalds when we got back home.

Maizy

Zeke

My last day with SLC International Department of Airports Finance Division. We had our Christmas Party this day too.

I got a cool Lava Lamp in the Gift Exchange.

Nephi from the American Continent comes to Testify of Jesus Christ and hand out Shepherd's Crooks to the Children at our Ward Christmas Party. I've never seen that before.

Primary Children sing at our Ward Christmas Party

Team Vault

2009-01-04T22:39:00.005-07:00

Last semester I took Business Communications at SLCC. Our final weeks were spent working in teams on a research project for a local business or organization, after which we wrote a managerial report. I got to work with some awesome guys. We called ourselves "Team Vault."
Ryan Norby, our team leader, came up with the name. He was drinking a bottled drink called "Vault" at the time.

We did some marketing research for a new invention called the Carpet Extractor. One of the things we did in our project was create a little commercial and posted it on YouTube(c). Credit needs to go to Tyler's friend, Ted the Rose Phantom, for helping us.

Betcha Can't do This!

2009-01-04T22:25:00.004-07:00

I had no idea that my nephew, Oscar, had such a unique talent. Try this...

Isn't it so cool? I've been trying and I just can't get my ears to do it.

I love it when he pulls on his earlobes and his ears pop out.

My Brother's Makin' Dinner

2008-11-26T18:22:00.002-07:00

Dave, Cambrea, and Braxton are visiting for Thanksgiving. Felicity, Kit, and Brody are on their way. All the family home for Thanksgiving...Yeh.

My brother Dave is cooking dinner for us tonight. He's making his lasagna...Yum. We're all sitting here in our living room talking while waiting for the lasagna to bake.

I won't share what we are all talking about. I think it might be too controversial. It's amazing what family discussions get started when all the family gets together.

I did just learn that my mom dated an ex-convict. I also just learned of the time my dad and his friend drove in front of my mom's house and honked when she was outside saying good-bye to a date. No wonder I'm so weird!

It's time to eat now.

6 quirky things tag

2008-11-21T23:37:00.003-07:00

I got tagged by my cousin Wendy. How fun is that? I feel so honored.

6 quirky things about me...

I love to chew on ice. Pebble ice is my favorite. I hear you can get a bag of it at Sonic. I'm going to have to check it out.
When I get really anxious, I might find myself pulling hair out of the top of my head. When I was younger, I used to catch myself flossing with it too.
I can't point straight with my index fingers.
I collect bandaids. I have a whole tub full of them.
I used to want to wear eye glasses, have a cast, use crutches, have a patch on my eye. I even bought some glasses at Deseret Industries and wore them to my dentist appointment to show them off. I once put on a handful of white colored tube socks on my foot to pretend I had a cast and I actually wore it to school two days in a row. I even put signatures all over it. I once wore a bandaid on my eye to an extended family reunion to pretent I had eye surgery. Now, I really need to wear glasses, and I feel so ugly in them. What was I thinking as a kid?
I sometimes have fantasies about somone I never met. I only saw him on a documentary. He died about 60 years ago.

Into the Woods

2008-10-24T23:24:00.004-06:00

I went on another date tonight. I'm setting my world record. My blind date, Nick, took me to the Hale Centre Theatre to see Into the Woods. Into the Woods is not a Halloween play like I thought it was going to be. It was awesome, but not what I expected with that title in October. I highly recommend the play. The stage setup was awesome. There were all sorts of moving props, etc. I want so much for the Empress Theatre to be able to afford such cool equipment. I'd love to see the Empress with a costume supply storage like what I saw at the Hale Centre tonight.

The play Into the Woods has taught me to be careful what I wish for, but if you want to help my wish come true you can make a donation to the Empress Theatre which is operated by the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance (OHPAA).

Be sure to come see the Empress Theatre's production of Wait Until Dark, and tell your friends to come see it too. It's running now through November.

Remembering Molly Robbins

2008-10-10T00:00:00.005-06:00

I'm sitting here eating Kit Kat minis. I'm getting ready to sign up for my poll worker training. I quickly looked at my blog subscription list to see if there were any new posts. I realized I've gotten so involved in reading other people's blogs and have neglected to post to my own.

I have been caught up with the writing of Kristin Robbins Sellers. We grew up in the same neighborhood. She married Brandon Sellers who lived across the street from me. I think she's amazing.

The day after my last post, her mother's life was senselessly taken by another neighbor. It's still difficult to comprehend. I was away from the neighborhood camping with my family at the time. My brother and his family were unable to make it to the camping trip. He was at home watching the news when he found out. He called and left a message for us to call him when we got back into civilization. My dad returned his call and my brother asked if it was true and what we knew. (We knew nothing, we had been living in the mountains those last few days.) My brother couldn't believe it. (None of us could believe it.) Molly was like a second mother to him. She was the first one waiting at our front door, with a pizza and balloons, when Dave came home from his mission. She always asked for updates on how he was doing. I know she loved my brother.

When I read Kristin's writings I am lifted. I haven't been able to stop reading what she posts on her personal blog as well as the tribute to her mother on www.rememberingmolly.blogspot.com. She is amazing and I love her. I pray for her and her family.

Oh what do you do in the summertime?

2008-08-07T00:00:00.011-06:00

I just downloaded some pictures and videos from my digital camera onto my computer. I had forgotten already some of the things I've been doing this summer that I've never done before.

I went to the Days of '47 Rodeo with my friends - Stephanie, Shana, Christy, and Hailey. It was fun. Those cowboys really know how to ride. I didn't know that Rodeo was a way of life. These guys do it for a living. It's pretty intense.

I entered my first 5K this summer. My nephews Oscar and Zeke did it with me. It was the "I am the Future" Days of '47 5K. I'm so proud of those two boys. Zeke was so fast that he got way ahead of Oscar and I. I had to call his mother and my mother who were waiting at the finish line. I told them "I lost Zeke. Look for him at the finish line." My mom started from the finish line towards us and found him along the way. I was so happy she found him. He just barely turned 6 years old. That's kind of young to be on your own on a crazy day in the city, on any day in the city for that fact.

Let it be known, that I didn't lose Zeke because I walk too slow. I tried to catch up with him, which leads me to why I'm proud of Oscar too. Oscar was the one keeping me from catching up to Zeke. I'm proud of him for the fact that, in the end, he made it to the finish line.

Oscar was not moving. He was finished before we even went a block. I had to slowly drag him the rest of the way. We stopped every 4 yards it seemed. We were the last to make it to the finish line. He mumbled the whole way about how much he hated himself for entering the 5K with me. His mom had to come walk him the last block and a half. She coached him. She runs marathons, so she knew what to do. They even made plans for the day when Oscar would run a marathon with her. I couldn't believe it. He wouldn't even walk half of a mile without stopping to say how tired he was. I sure hope his mom can get him ready for a marathon some day. I'd be delighted if he could do the 5K with me again next year. I don't know if I dare. I'll have to make sure there's someone to go on ahead with Zeke.

It was a fun experience registering and getting our packets. Oscar was so hyped about it. I was hyped about it. It was Zeke that we were worried about, and he ended up running/walking the 5K all by himself. I was carrying his water, he didn't even have that with him on his walk, and he still kept going ahead of us until I lost him from my sight. Wow. I'm sure glad he didn't dehydrate.

We stayed and watched the parade after the 5K. My sister and mom set up chairs for us. I missed most of the parade due to another first for me. I got to witness a woman high on drugs, at least that's what my sister said was wrong with her behavior, stand right in front of me. Shortly into the parade this lady comes pushing her little girl in a stroller and stands right in front of me. It was really sad and a bit scary. I tried to encourage her to shade her daughter's head with the stroller shade thing. She couln't even concentrate. She kept talking to someone who nobody else could see. People were really getting frustrated with her. The police even approached her. My main concern was that it was a hot day and she was saying something about fireworks. I didn't want her to keep her baby in the sun the whole day. I used my camera to film her strange behavior. I wanted to have documentation, if it was needed to help her daughter. I kept watching as she would go to feed her daughter or give her daughter a drink. She couldn't hold still long enough to finish the job, or she dropped the food everywhere. She would pull it out, wait one second, and then put the food back in the back and continue to pace back and forth talking to the unseen. She had a couple cans of Coke, she kept drinking from. She got her drink but couldn't hold still long enough to let her daughter drink anything. I don't want her to loose custody of her daughter. I just want her to have help, if she'll accept it. She wouldn't let any of us help her. I asked the police officer if he was watching her still. He said that he was and that he had the same concerns I did. She took off after the parade. I don't know what became of her. I prayed in my heart that the police in the area would be able to notice if she needed some more help throughout the day. I heard her say how she felt guilty and she wondered what her support group would think. My sister said that she wasn't necessarily high at the moment, but that her brain had been damaged as a result of heavy drug usage. She wasn't in her right mind any more. It was sad.

On a brighter note, my dad and sister were watching a movie called "Song of the South" tonight. I've never seen it before. I could hear part of it as I've been making some preparations for our camping trip tomorrow. I always wondered where Brare Rabbit and the song "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah-Zippity-eh" came from. Now I know. I can't wait to watch the movie. It sounded really good.

Milestones

2008-07-02T23:11:00.004-06:00

The family reunion last Saturday was very nice. We had it at George Washington Park by Mountain Dell Golf Course up Parley's Canyon. The sno cone machine was awesome. It wasn't too hot where we were so we really didn't eat that many sno cones.

I found out today that my great aunt Gayle fell on Monday night after going to Lagoon that day. She's been in the hospital ever since. She's all bruised. I hope she's comfortable. Her short term memory recollection capabilities have been deteriorating during the last year or two. She's such a lovely woman and my great uncle John is so good to her. I'm happy that he's my great uncle.

Some of my family went over and had some cake at my Grandma's house on Monday. We were celebrating my uncle Ted's 40th birthday. My aunt Tracy turned 50 this year in April. My nephew Braxton is going to have his first birthday party this month. Charity turned 21 this year. My brother David turns a quarter century old in August. My family has a lot of milestones this year. I've got a couple of my own too. I'm going on my 2nd date this year tomorrow night.

This week I was reminded once again how mindful Father in Heaven is of us. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed lately about some things. I'm so thankful for the tender mercy shown me this week with Divine intervention on my behalf to provide me some needed and wanted relief. I need to remember this. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart...and lean not unto thine own understanding."

It was a GREAT birthday.

2008-06-27T23:41:00.003-06:00

I had a great birthday yesterday (June 26th). My boss got a delicious birthday cake, my favorite kind, white cake with fruit filling, and we had a little party in the afternoon. Semil gave me a birthday phone call while I was at work, I thought that was nice.

I came home, and Stephanie, Shana, and Christy took me miniature golfing at Muligans Golf Course. We went to IHOP afterwards. I ran into Alberta Fualima'a I haven't seen her in years. She has four kids now. Wow. Stephanie gave me some stuff to pamper myself. Now I can give myself a pedicure.

I came home and saw that Ann Christensen had brought me a card and a big back of miniature candy bars. I stuck them in the freezer, we'll see how long they last in my home. My mother loves sweets. Charity loves Twix. I froze them, so that they might last a while.

Today after going to the Salt Lake Temple, I went over to my uncle's office to see if there was some work to be done. My Aunt Kathy had decorated my desk. She gave me a music cd of Paul Cardall's music, and some wheat crackers (I love to snack on wheat crackers), and a big bag of yummy peanut m&m's. My Aunt Kathy is the best.

Today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Jr. I always remember, especially because it's the day after my birthday. I bear testimony that the Holy Spirit has witnessed to me that Joseph Smith, Jr. was called by God to usher in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this last dispensation. I know that God the Father, and the Son, appeared to Joseph in that sacred grove in New York. The Priesthood keys have been passed down from him, through all of the latter-day prophets, to our current prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet.

Tomorrow I have a Platt family reunion. I'm excited, because I'm renting a sno cone machine, for the occassion. We're meeting up at Washington Park by Mountain Dell Golf Course. I hope the sno cone machine works well.

Primary Election and OHPAA Cultural Arts Festival

2008-06-24T21:43:00.006-06:00

I served as an Election Judge in Salt Lake County today. I worked the polling location at Scott Matheson Jr. High School. I served as the Ballot Judge. Today was a closed primary election. The only party involved was the Republican party. We didn't have any non-partisan items on the ballots in our polling location today. Out of all the eligible voters in the districts, my co-workers figured that we had about a 10% voter turnout. The eligible voters are those who already affiliated themselves with the Republican Party, or those who were unaffiliated, but could chose to affiliate today before voting.

I'm not sure if 10% is really that good. It seems to me that many are neglecting their privlidges of being able to vote. What does that mean?

I got to work with some nice people. Our Poll Manager was Sonya Kingley. Jack Weiss served as the Provisional Judge. Rick Brewster was the Touch Screen Technician. Sedley Parkinson served as the Poll Book Judge and Norm Fitzgerald served as the Receiving Judge. Because I was the Ballot Judge I sat at the table with Norm Fitgerald and Sedley Parkinson. I had quite the experience. Norm and Sedley are so knowledgable. I learned all kinds of stuff today. My mom was so kind to bring Pizza to us from Dominos. I just love her.

Norm used to run the Copper Days Celebration in Magna. I'm on a committee putting together the OHPAA Cultural Arts Festival which is an attempt to accomplish the same vision that Copper Days had. After all my research lately, I already felt kind of overwhelmed by all the red tape I discovered exhists out there, speaking today with Norman didn't help alleviate any of my anxieties. I understand there needs to be responsiblity and justice, but I sometimes wonder if things have gone too far. I've heard that I live in a society overrun with law suits. Every agency, organization, and corporation has to be on constant guard, therefore flexiblity and freedom are being surpressed. I don't know how any festival or community event ever happens. There are so many permits, and their associated fees required to allow such an event to even be considered, it's all so overwhelming and a bit discouraging for me. We're just a few simple citizens with only our hands, our time, and minimul financial resources to offer. We want to do something nice for our community, but what we have to offer may not be enough. I hope things work out.

I got get out of this frame of mind. I need to remember to be positive and optimistic. There is lots of good in the world today. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Maizy has a Birthday

2008-06-20T23:11:00.005-06:00

My neice Maizy turned another year older today. We had a princess party. (This photo of her was taken a while back. Zeke dressed Maizy up in her dressup clothes. She wasn't actually dressed like a princess for the party today.) It was a lot of fun. We sang some Karaoke with Charity's new machine. I got a Disney Princess Karaoke CD for Charity's new machine, in honor of the party. I saw my nephews singing away on the microphones for the first time. I used to try to get them to sing when they were younger. They never did. Tonight they sure were belting it out. It was fun. Zeke is just learning to read, so his skills aren't quite developed to read along with Karaoke. He just sang some other songs from school, and some he made up. He's got this new song "Driving with the Kids not Buckled." Sometimes it worries his parents that people will think they don't buckle their children up, which is not the case. Zeke just makes up funny songs.

Maizy loves her new princess scooter. Her brothers have Spiderman scooters, now she doesn't feel so left out.

Tomorrow my mom and I are taking the kids to see "Big Bad Musical" at the Empress Theatre. I think Oscar is really excited, because he heard that Jaret Bryce is in the show. The Bryce's used to live in my neighborhood, then they built a house by Pleasant Green. My sister's family bought a house up the street from them a few years ago. Oscar and Jaret's little brother, Ryan have been friends. I hear Zeke is playing with Ryan more lately too. I guess the other day, Crystal looked out the window and saw all three of them jumping off of her storage shed. She wasn't too happy about that. I have to admit, it does sound fun. I used to love to do things like that as a kid. I was definitely into doing crazy stunts, nothing real dangerous, just fun.

I'm excited to see the musical. The plot sounds like lots of fun. I'm wondering if it will be anything like "Hoodwinked." I liked that movie, I thought it was very clever.

Charity Sings Karaoke

2008-06-17T21:36:00.005-06:00

Charity got her new Karaoke Machine today. Our birthdays are coming up. She got the Karaoke Machine for her birthday. She's turning 21 this year.

She's sure having fun singing along with the complementary disc that came with the machine. I'm enjoying listening to her. It brings a smile to my face. Usually Charity would still be at the Magna Times tonight putting the paper together, but this week it was a short paper, so she beat me home.

I had kind of a rough day at work today. I'm sure thankful for my family to help cheer me up.

Family is AWESOME. The family is the fundamental unit of society. Strengthen the Family.

Wow...that's awesome!

2008-06-15T16:30:00.004-06:00

I just learned how to add some music to my blog. I'm so excited. I always enjoy listening to music when I read the Empress Theatre blog. I just viewed Anna Heywood's blog to see her aprons. She had music on hers too. I am so excited I got to put some of the music from their blogs onto my blog. It just makes it nicer. Both of the blogs have awesome music too, so I got some cool music.

It's Fathers' Day today. I read what Anna had to say about her mom on Mothers' Day, and it made me cry. I think moms are awesome. I think families are awesome. Today, especially, I think dads are awesome.

I love my dad so much. He has taught me all a good father should teach their children (I might have some bias). He's always loved my mother, and taught his children to love and respect her too. He takes care of our family. He prays for our family. He just makes me feel good and safe and secure. I don't know if I'll ever be able to find someone to be my husband who would love and take care of me as much as my dad does my mother. I've seen how other women's husbands treat them, and in some cases, been shocked. I know my father is one of the good men of the earth. My dad would really like me to find one of the good men of the earth. I hope my dad gets his wish.

I'm feeling kind of bad, because I don't think I've got the words in me to do justice to my dad. I'm not really sure how to express my love for him. I think I am guilty of taking my family relationships for granted. I don't want to. I know that all will be resurrected because of the love of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Families can be together forever. With this knowledge, I still have a hard time of thinking of losing any of my family though. I want to be smart and find joy in our journey together now.

Happy Fathers' Day Dad. I love you.

Magna-Yuzawa Website

2008-04-22T20:16:00.000-06:00

I had no idea that my family and I were on the Magna-Yuzawa website. I just got a nice laugh seeing us in the photo slide show movie for year 2004. Zeke was little. http://www.magna-yuzawa.org/