It's Finally Complete!!!!!!!!!!

I never thought the day would come. Who said ultimatums don't work! Thanks to all of you for your emotional support during this process. Joanne, let's plan a party!

Now it's time to seriously de-junk!

The Trials of an Everyday Latter-Day Saint!

This week has been long because I have been sick one day, then fine, sick the day after that and then fine, sick the day after that and then fine, etc. Today, Sunday, was on of those "sick" days. Those days where you do not leave much distance between you and the toilet (not the throwing up reason but the other stomach virus reason) and because the morning had started the way it had I decided not to go to church but send my family justifying that last week they all stayed home and I had still attended church. I am also a smart little chickie in that I know how easy it is to break a pattern of behavior so... the rule is .... never miss more than one Sunday of church in a row! Well, my seven year old did not share that same philosophy! She wanted to stay home again (which would have been her week two). I decided I would go receive the Sacrament and then go home and rest. Kinsley still thought she didn't want to go to Primary but I convinced her to go sit in the chapel with Steve. After that I went home, made a little something to eat, changed back into my pajamas, crawled back in bed and was actually reading and studying the Sunday School lesson I was mising when "what to my wandering ears should appear.... a klank on the door and loud sobbing tears!" My husband says to his little darling "Get in there and stay there!" as he helps her into her bedroom (the very place she had been trying to get too all morning!) Suffice it to say that after I left churched Kinsley "snowballed" Steven with extremely inappropriate seven year old behavior. When I saw what was happening I intevened and found myself getting dressed again and taking Kinsley back to church. I felt that lesson was a critical one for her today (more than my rest). She didn't want to go but after a lot of patience on my part and tears on hers, I got her back to the church and returned her to her Primary class. Now, what is the point of my blog today? Well, here it is. When I was a girl (maybe a little older than Kinsley, not much) back in the olden times when Primary was on a weekday I, too, decided that "because my dad could choose not to go to church on Sundays that I could choose not to go to Primary" so I road the bus home and was greeted by my Mom asking why I wasn't in Primary. I voiced my opinion and my theories after which she loaded me up in our car and took me back. I never tried it again from that day forward because I knew that my mom cared if I attended my church meetings or not. I also knew where her committment stood. Maybe this will be one of those times for Kinsley. I know some people were wondering why I was in the hallway so much today and it because I required an immediate direct route to the bathroom (which, still, at this point of the day is still necessary!). Oh, yah, the Bishop asked to speak to Steve and I before we went home today and, yes, a change is coming! Thank goodness for Moroni's Quest. I knew this would come! Take care!
P.S. When Kinsley came out of Primary today she hugged her dad and said sorry (on her own) and was happy she had attended Primary today!

Laughter IS the Best Medicine

Well, I went to Branch Idol last night and laughed at a level that I haven't for a long time. It is great to see the energy and spirit of the youth in our Stake. It was two hours of slap stick "stupid-funny" and I enjoyed every minute of it! My favorite was the Lawn Chair Drill. If you go to you tube you can see a version of it there. Trust me when I say it's worth the trouble to go to YouTube to find it. Too funny! Brian played the piano (awesome) and Tony was in several skits (including the Lawn Chair drill). They are two of my Quest tribe members (whom all I miss terribly!!!!!)
I crafted all day yesterday and made my family Christmas presents. I'd post pictures but then my family would know what they are getting for Christmas and I can't let that happen. Anyway, off to learn how to make jewelry. Chow!

Well, this was my house at Thanksgiving. With the recent turn of events with some of my fsmily, this could be the last time. My Dad was right (on the day of my mom's funeral), my mom was by far the family peace maker. Now that she is not here our family is crumbling. To my family I love you all. I am sorry, Mom. This is beyond my control to hold together. Debbie, you are loved. No one should be put in a position to choose sides. My heart is breaking.

Real Men Aren't Afraid of Musicals

Well, I was hoping the obsession would end at eight but, on Thursday I just felt like I had to say goodbye to a friend who was leaving town. I know! The depths of the demented mind! Did I mention that I hear HSM3 music in my head all the time now even when it is silent?!!!

I went to the late show and, because I was the only one there, visited with Jeff (the theater's manager) right until 9:00pm. Now, those who know me know that I am a creature of habit and I sit in basically the same seat eveytime I go to the movies... 5th row center. Now, just as I was to go in to the theater these two guys in either grades 11 or 12 came into the theater and even after discovering HMS3 was the movie playing decided to stay anyway. They went into the theater before me and when I went in I discovered them sitting in row 5 center!!!!! The nerve. Can't they see my name engraved in those seats! Of all places they could sit who knew? To cut a long story short, yes, they heckled every song and dance number that came along. It felt like sacrelidge! I could only take it for so long before I shushed them and asked them to be quite. It was a shame to have to share the theater with such an audience. By the way boys, Real Men aren't afraid of musicals!

HMS3 All The Way!

My obsession with HSM3 continued this week. I went with Rachel on Monday and Kerri on Tuesday. Now, Kerri is a real friend, concerned about my financial situation with going to the movies so much lately so she offered to treat me to the movie. Well, Tuesday, after work my hubbie needed a ride to the auto shop and when I was getting in the car with him there was a trivia question on the radio. "Where does Troy Bolton call home?" This was a HSM3 question and... because I had seen the movie so many times I knew the answer. I shouted it out repeated at the radio thinking that somehow they would hear me. The next thing I knew, Steve was dialling the local radio station and was not embarrassed to answer the question "Albequerque, New Mexico"! He won two movie passes to the movie and a combo treat for two. I just found it funny.

Then to make it even better, Tony, one of our good guy friends phones to tell me he thinks it's shameful to humiliate my husband by having him phone into the radio station for me. Oh, and did I mention it was my eigth time and that eight is my lucky number?!!!! Too funny.

In Recovery

I have not had access to the internet for about 3 days now. So thanks to all who sent me birthday wishes, I finally got them today... as well as a birthday greeting from........ Donny Osmond! Too funny. I checked my e-mail when I got home from church and there it was, a voice and picture birthday message from Donny Osmond. I guess he does care!!! (Yah, right!) It has put me in a great mood.

Also, Halloween night, as I was driving back from dropping stuff off at the school for Rachel I saw this big black dog, by himself, wearing a tutu and headband with antennas on it. It is the funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

Also, my High School Musical 3 count is at 6! If you haven`t gone yet and would like someone to go with call me. I`m trying to beat a record I made the year the movie Footloose came out (must be my mid-life crisis again!!!) and I have 4 more times to see this movie in a theater to do it. Please, help me out and call!!!!

Thanks again for being my fan base and I had an awesome birthday with awesome friends.

Crowning Glory

Here is my kitchen with its crowning glory! It just finishes it off.

Oh, I went to High School Musical 3 last night and Disney seems to never disappoint. The two hours were packed with story, song and a huge effort by the whole cast. And the guys have some awesome dancing in it. I would love for Steve to do a couple of their moves. Can't you just imagine it? I think I am in denile about how old I am (which a week today increases one more year). P.S. If you are looking for someone to go with you to this movie call me. I would see this one again, and again, and again....... Take care! I miss everybody!

I'm Obssessed!

So, if you go to you tube and type in "David Copperfield with Webster and Adam" you and your families will really have a hoot. Watch and comment. It's an old clip but it is priceless!

Fantasy renewed

Okay, so my anniversary was back in February and it was my 20th. I have been trying to convince Steve that we needed to do something big, wonderful, fantastic.I had resigned myself to the fact that our new kitchen was just going to be it BUT.... I love David Copperfield! I tried seeing him once before in Calgary and our seats were so far away that he was only about two inches high. I was driving home one day and heard them announce on the radio that David Copperfield was coming to Lethbridge. I immediately called Steve and told, well, begged him to pleeeeease! get us some tickets. Not just any tickets but awesome tickets (for my birthday I said) -and left it at that. The pressure was on my dear Steven. The morning the tickets went on sale he called and got tickets - row 2 (Yay!) seats 64 and 65 (Yuck!) I was sure that they were going to be way on the side. I was going to be disappointed again! The night before the show I dreamt that Steve and I left for his show and by the time I realized it he had driven me to Calgary for the show (it was in Lethbridge) and at that point of the dream I realised that I had forgot the tickets at home. The realization hit that I wasn't going to make the show. I instantly woke up at 5 o'clock in the morning. I was so stressed out I didn't get back to sleep. I immediately packed my tickets in my purse and waited. To cut a long story short, when we arrived at the Enmax I was fretting about the seating until we found our seats! Second row center! Wow! He appeared on his motorcyle in a box 15 feet from my seat! He made a 194o Lincoln convertible appear 15 in front of me! He borrowed a tie of an audience member and made it sing and dance. He ... well, he and his show were just unbelievable! It was everything (except in my fantasy I would have been brought up on stage to help him with an illusion and then get to give him a kiss before coming back down) I couldn't have asked for. It was great. I can't say enough about the show and the experience. It was fantastic! You'll have to ask me about it.

Week 15 A Little Closer

So this is what the pantry is looking like!... but,... it took the cabinet guy 2 hours instead of twenty minutes to put the shelves inside so it's not done yet!!!!!! Does this surprise anyone at this point?

I have about 30 family members coming for Thanksgiving this next week end. The cabinet guy HUGGED ME?!!!!!! and promised the kitchen would be finished on Wednesday. Anyone wish to place a bet? Ya, I know, I know, I don't bet, but if I did I'd run away with it at this point. That's right! I have become a pessimist and will be very surprised if it is completely done on Wednesday! So my message the the cabinet guy "Bring it on!" I mean, really, what's the worst that could happen?... The kitchen would be done on Wednesday!

Guess What?

The cabinet guy showed up last night. He is saying the he is coming Saturday to finish the job! I hope he means it this time.

Week #14 Reno

Unfortunately, week 14 looks no different than week 12. I talked to the cabinet guy Monday - very nicely - asking when he was coming and what we needed to have to finish. He told me he would be here Wednesday and Thursday to finish up the job. Well, it's Saturday and we haven't seen him or even received a phone call! That is what I find so frustrating is, yes, I realize that life happens but, a phone call saying, "sorry, we won't be able to come until _____" would just be polite. I can't wait until this kitchen reno is over! The reno that was to take one week is going into month four! I'm not even excited about it anymore!

Week #12 of Renovations

Slow but steady! We got doors last Thursday evening between 9:00pm and 12:00am. We are waiting for handles and pantry with the crown molding trim but as you can see it is going to be beautiful if - I mean when !- it is done. Stake Conference was great. the spirit was really strong. I have acold now and just finished reading the Twilight series books. I don't do vampire stories but, wow, this on is quite something. I love the charcters and am looking forward to the movie. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Birthday #7

Her expression says it all. It is very important for her to be 7. She celebrated her birthday in Medicine Hat also with the Hale family. We roasted hot dogs at the park and had a grand time. Thank you for being such a swwet spirit, Birthday girl. We love you!

That wasn't so painful

Okay, so watching Ryker let loose on the referee was just too funny and I apologize in advance to any referees who may be offended. How you can you not love this mutt?

Happy First B-Day!

Ryker is one today. We gave him some toys but he latched on to this bone. Why is it that they rub and try to get as much from the bone or treat as they can? It is the little quirky things that just makes him sooooooo adorable!

Kitchen is s-l-o-w-l-y coming together and work is FAST approaching

Well, I was off to a Math workshop today (and again tomorrow) in the city. I came home with a really bad headache (I felt like I was going to throw up) and went straight to bed. THe Cabinet guy WAS HERE! when I got home. He actually got a lot done in the four hours taht I slept. Then I started to straighten my kitchen. It's finally starting to come together (which is exciting). Rachel is doing Driver's Edge this week and Kinsley is at a day camp. Tomorrow she is going to Heritage Park. I am so nervous about letting her go but Richard G. said he would keep and eye on her. Thank you, Richard! It is Cornfest weekend so I will be there. I am teaching Relief Society on Sunday and giving a talk at a baptism on Tuesday. I miss the feelings of Quest. Why do we have to get sucked back into real life? Uh, a tidbit of information that I have learned at these math workshops (the shape that we call a diamond is actually called a rhombus!) Oh, Ryker has learned how to get up on my bed. Take care until next time.

Holiday Monday

We went to Waterton on Monday (holiday). My family, my Dad and Donna came and we had a picnic with one of my fellow tribe mates from Quest. It was a nice, relaxing, fun day. You can visually see what the stress of the kitchen reno is doing to me. I am going to have to start working out and watching what I eat. Anyway, it has been years since we were in Waterton which is sad because I grew up so close to it. It really is a beautiful place.

Reno Week #5

Well, the back splash made it on. It is Wednesday night at 9:30pm and am still waiting for the cabinet-guy to show up. Yes, there are a few cupboard drawers. More were supposed to come tonight. I realize that "tonight" is not technically over so I am expecting more drawers any moment (Let's take a vote and see who thinks the cabinet gut is showing up today. Just put your vote in my comment section.) The kitchen is starting to take shape. This is definitely trying my patience.

Sleep Deprivation

So, I was up until after 1:00am this morning as the cabinet guy was "visiting" (notice a pattern?) with Steve. I couldn't go to sleep. Then I was up and gone at 5:00am to go get Rachel from EFY(2 hours away); check out at 7:00am). I was home just after 10:30am. The cabinet guy is coming and bringing his family (he says the back splash will be done today. ..What? ....Yes, ...he has said that before. I just want my kitchen done so I can get on with my life. Is anyone out there holding the "sane" meter? What's my reading?

Isn't it looking lovely?

On Thursday, after my cabinet guy went to a football game in Edmonton!, I (with the help of my "Happy Husband" - he wasn't able to go - painted the kitchen to get this kitchen reno finished (it's been a full month now). The orange paint is what is left of the original color (to be covered by an awesome backsplash) and the new color is the light green with navy and white accents. We finished painting about 1:00am on Friday morning. We washed out the brushes and went to bed after starting the dish washer. This is what I discovered the next morning in the basement! ARRRGGGGGHHHHHHH! I can't stand all of the good fortune coming my way right now. So, needless to say, the backsplash is still not in because other things got in the way. I am so done! Please help me stay sane.

Looking gorgeous

I know you are thinking I am talking about my kitchen but I am talking about me. I got my hair done today (a cut and a color). I'm looking ... What's the cool word? Oh well, I guess I am not that cool. I conversed for my first time on Facebook last night. Who knew? Not me. I dropped Rachel off ay EFY yesterday. She sure looks forward to going. I am trying to get my visiting teaching done and hopefully tomorrow night I will have an updated picture of my kitchen. I registered Kinsley in two more adventure camps in August (Wow that girl has energy to burn!) I tried visiting friends today but they were not home. I will try again tomorrow. Can someonr phone to come visit so I can have some motivation to clean? I figure, "Why?" when the kitchen is not finished anyway BUT the untidiness of my house over such an extended period of time is really affecting me and not in a positive way. Send me some loving!

But, Honey, the fridge is in!

This is my new fridge. (Oh, it was the contrator that picked out this fridge, not me.) Steve managed to get some guys from our ward to come and put it in (there were only 5!) plus a fork lift and a dolly. Steve thinks I should just be happy that it is sitting in my kitchen - not hooked up, just sitting. Our contractor is not back until Monday so, ... it will just sit until then! Okay, I thought, if I can't load my food into the fridge and start using it that I would at least take my awesome calendar and stick it on the front of the fridge so I could see my schedule and not miss things that I have been missing. Do you see a calendar on the fridge? Neither do I! How can you have a metal looking fridge and have no magnets stick to it?! Joanne, I know you are jumping for joy as it appears to be an impossible task for me to put anything on the front door of the fridge but for an old die-hard "front-of-fridge-clutter person" such as myself I am about in cardiac arrest! Monday satrts week 4 of the reno. I am not laughing anymore.

What Has Going to Quest Meant to Me?

I was asked last night to speak at the Quest fireside in September and my topic is "What has going to Quest meant to me?". I am to have five minutes. I am afraid my response can be completed in three seconds or less... "This experience has meant everything!"
My love for ther Savior is stronger than it has ever been; I love my fellowmen more; I have a strong sense of responsibility to the youth I have worked with and have got to know. I love them beyond the capacity I ever thought was possible. They are eternal relationships to me. I have a greater vision of the mission of the Savior and his people and I love the Book of Mormon and delight in its truth! I know it contains the truth and I challenge anyone to put it to the test - to read it, pray about it, have conversations with it and I promise you that you will be able to know that the Book of Mormon also testifies of Christ and his ministery; that it is true! I love my Savior. I loved serving the Lord at Quest. How blessed I am!

Sweet 16

My dear sweet daugther turned the magical age of 16 yesterday. She had her party at the Hale home in Medicine Hat with her new friends from Quest and went on her first date! To quote her "It has been the best day of my whole life". Thank you to the Hale's for making this special for her. As a mother, it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

Kitchen Reno week #3

Well, I was beginning to wonder but, as of Friday morning (July 25th, 2008) we have countertops (they are set in place), running water for the sink, the dishwasher is working, the stove top is working and so are the ovens. The new fridge is sitting in the back yrad. It is going to require an army to move it in!

Week #2 of Kitchen reno

Well, here it is! Two weeks into our kitchen reno. I keep telling myself it will be beautiful when it is done.

What do you do in Nephi?

Watching yet another parade in Nephi, Utah!

Kinsley and friend gathering candy.

Welcome to Mona

I went down to Utah to specnd time with my Dad and Donna and while there I wanted to go to the community of Mona and have my picture taken by the sign - Yeh, I know, silly tourist type stuff. Well, here I am, standing by the sign into Mona, Utah. It was very hot. I tried sitting on the sign to pose but it was too hot. Therefore, I did a sexy pose at the side.

Location, Location

This is the area that we had our lessons in at Quest and this is a better view of our flag. The tree to the back on the right is where we buried our bad habits. The cooler housed all of my lessons for Saturday (there were 11 or 12) as well as all of my lesson materials. We would move to the center for re-inactments and back to this space for our discussions. We had lots of sun in the morning but shade all afternoon.

The Best Quest for this ex-West

This is the most awesome tribe at Moroni's Quest-the Armorites! I am so proud of my tribe. Their names are Jonas 1 and Jonas 2 , Arihah, Antion, Zacharihah and Mikhala-Shala-Haz-Baz. My name was Moniah and my helper's name was Kathi. This was the morning of the first day when we were preparing to go into the widerness with Lehi and Sariah. We worked hard as a tribe. We all made the journey together and created a great relationship that helped all of us have a wonderfulo Quest experience.

Catch up

We said good bye to Elder Harber - the most awesome missionary I've encountered. He has a special place in our hearts and Kinsley asked if he would come back when she turns eight to baptize her.

To blog or not to blog

Wow! Has time flown by. I apologize to my fans (well the one or two of you that know I am out here) for taking so long to respond back but I have had the most wonderful experience that has consumed every extra waking moment since the end of January. I was preparing for Moroni's Quest. It took place July 4 to 7, 2008 and let me tell you it has been more than I ever thought it would be. My heart is full. I was able to connect with my tribe and allow them to feel the spirit of the Savior. I was able to bear testimony of many gospel principles and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. My testimony is so much stronger. I do no feel afraid to talk about the church to my friends or people who ask questions. I know that I connected with the youth of my tribe. They told me so in notes at the end of the last day. I read those comments every day and I feel all my work and sacrifice was worth it. It's like you want to share you experince with everyone but if you have never been to Quest you don't understand the powerful experince it is. To me, it has been like a mimi mission. I have the music to the Quest theme (I bought it when I was down in Utah-another blog) "Warriors of Light" and I play it over many times a day. I just can't seem to get enough. I loved my experince. I know that Heavenly Father is real. I know that He is aware of each one of us. I know that He has already paid the price for me and for you. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It is just like Joseph Smith said "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth and the keystone of our religion and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book." If you read the Book of Mormon and pray to know it is true you will receive your own answer. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. I know this. Jesus loves us. He knows each of us by name. If you are searching put it to the test.

Okay, Okay, Okay!

What a whirlwind of a life! The basement floor was done on a Saturday. I called Joanne and said let's do it! Let's have a hairspray party and that's what we did! Then, two days later the windows got changed out in or house and new siding is going up - almost done! But the house is in major shambles once again.

These wild girls (check out the 'doos)decided to do a double feature so not only did we watch Hairspray, The Musical but we also watched Sydney White (both I highly recommend).

Why haven't I been blogging? Let me answer with another question. Why is it that when we start feeling overloaded that the first things we let go are the things that we enjoy the most? Like blogging?

My kitchen is bare

Well, we have started moving things around in my house to make it look awesome (too much stuff). All of my scrapbooking and sewing stuff is now out of the kitchen. it looks soooooo roomy. I have plans to incorporate my treadmill into the basement setup so wheeling it out will not be an excuse anymore. I finished three more costumes for Quest (Rachel needed some too). I have realized now why all of the costumes fit so large. The pattern was in men's sizes and that bit of information didn't register until I was sewing the last costume. (Mona at her best!) I also made me a satchel for Quest and I sewed the lining inside out. (Once again, proving to the world that Mona is incapable of being perfect!) I've been trying to find some good cleaning tips for laminate floors. Any tips? Also, anyone in the market for a wooden barbie doll house? It will need to be decorated (oh, what fun!) but Kinsley doesn't play with it sooooo if there is anyone out there interested just let me know. (Furniture, too!) I went and saw Horton Hears a Who. Absolutely FABULOUS! I cried at the end (how sad is that) but the message, for me, was so much bigger when you thought about it in spiritual terms. Wow! Anyway, bye for now. This week break from school couldn't have come at a better time for me!

It's About Time!

You'll be happy to hear that the laminate flooring has been laid! But .... now we are waiting for the base boards to be put back up. Yug!!!!! There are to come tomorrow and put up the baseboards they can salvage and then make a materials list for what else they need and will be back this Friday or the following Monday. Joanne, I'm going to be needing your assistance as I am getting into the dejunking mode. I need help deciding what to keep and what to get rid of as it is all good stuff but too much. I also need some help with some ideas for the basement. Did I mention Darcy (our tenent) is moving out the end of March?!!!! I will have a craft/sewing/computer room at last! And do I have plans!That is why I am going to need some help. Are you up to the challenge, Joanne? The Hairspray party is coming soon. I also want to have a Sydney White party now that I have seen it. It is so cute!
On Friday Steve took the girls overnight to his mom's. Wow, what an awesome time having alone time in your own house! When they returned I was a new woman. You can probably tell I am a little more upbeat.
I started de-junking my bedroom and went to Medicine Hat to buy a new bookcase for the basement.
My girls are still fighting like cats and dogs. (Too much chocolate and too many late nights.) The dog as not been feeling well, either, but I am feeling okay.
Steve was telling me a story that took place a couple of nights ago with him and the 'Stang' (The Mustang). He was taking it through the car wash and decided to tighten up the convertible top. The brushes were starting to move along the side of the car. He pushed the button to tighteen the top but that button also drops the two side windows for the top to go down. That's what happened. Apparently there was a little panic on his part as he was trying to get the windows back up at the brushes were heading along the side of the car. I wish I was a fly on the wall. That would have been something that would of made me laugh. Oh wait, I guess it did! HaHa!
I had tribe leader training for Quest and once again I am so excited to be going. My goal is to have Rachel's costumes sewed this week.
I am so glad my Relief Society lesson is over this month. It has been the first lesson I have dreaded teaching. Well, nobody screamed, yelled or threw anything so I guess it was alright. Divorce is such a touchy topic I just didn't want to offend anyone.
Well, now you are caught up on what has been happening. I am going to be teaching Sunbeams on Sunday (Just for Liz). It should be fun.

The Grass Looks Greener

Checking in on my friends blogs and feeling my life is missing something. It has been terribly busy and report cards have been stressing me out. Monday I went with friends to 27 dresses (James Marsden was masterful!!!!!!I've got a little bit of a girl crush on him at the moment.) I went to my yoga class on Tuesday and received what I call an emotional stress fracture (your abilty to not do what you are asked to do to the point where you walk off the floor and hide around the corner). Once there I realized that I couldn't escape from where I was and had to return back to class. I finished it but it definitely has taken it's toll (nothing like having a photographer there taking pictures for the teacher's website and you are struggling with hard stuff you have never ever seen in class before!) On Wednesday I found myself in Medicine Hat at doggie obedience class (that was an experience). Only seven more weeks of that! On Thursday I attended "Rachel's Challenge". It was a presentaion made by Craig Scott, Rachel Scott's brother. She was the first person killed at Columbine High school in 1999. He was in the library and both of his friends on either side of him were shot. It was very moving. The message was very simple but powerful. This was one of the quotes she had written in her journal "Don't let your character change color with your environment. Find out who you are and let it stay its true color." You can find out more about it at www.rachelschallenge.com . I'm glad I went but it was day four away from my family. Steve and I went out for supper last night and got called back to the house as the missionaries needed our computer. Tonight it was the band fundraiser - good news, it was a family event! We were all there. Tonight is Daylight savings time change and I am so not in the mood for it! I'm doing singing time in Primary tomorrow and have company coming for dinner. Then my week starts again. Good news.....the laminate floor in our basement is getting put down this week. Maybe when that's done I will be able to return to some semblance of order. I didn't even get to work on any Moroni's Quest preparations this week. Take care, friends. Don't forget about me as I feel that I have been terribly anti-social lately. It hasn't been on purpose, really!

Joanne, This is for you!

I was looking through a scrapbook magazine my Secret Pal gave me at school (Scraopbooks, etc., Feb/Mar 2008, p. 39)when I saw this awesome photo idea. Knowing Joanne and how she is always looking for Fabulous ideas I will share this one. The scrapbook page theme is shoes! She has pictures of a girl holdong a shoe and a girl surrounded by shoes in a store. What an awesomw idea and I know, Joanne, that when you have tried this you will post your pictures on your blog for me to enjoy. That's what I am here to do, INSPIRE!

Exhaustion wins out!

Thanks to all who care and notice that I have not been blogging. Life (with this cold blast) makes existence all consuming. I may have SAD to some degree and I have asked my dad if I could borrow my mom's ultraviolet light (not that she is needing it anymore!) to see if it makes a difference. I started off strong in September scrapbooking a page a day when I got home from school, working out, taking classes and having school prep done so I could be at home. Now I drag myself out of bed before work and if I am asleep by two or three in the morning I am doing well. I hate to say the cold weather is winning but I am having to use everything I have to make it to the nice weather.
I was able to attend some fabulous parties by some fabulous friends. For the first time in my life I really feel like I have some. Thanks to Joanne, Sherri and Patsy for including us.
I also have another secret I have not been keeping so well. I have been asked to attend Moroni's Quest this summer as a Tribe Leader! I am so excited and this has also been consuming everything else other than family and work. I purchased a bunch of old sheets from Value Village and have now cut out all of Rachel's and my costumes for Quest. I have been working on the lessons (mostly just collecting cool ideas to use to enhance the lessons) as well as coming up with a tribe name for myself and my tribe. I have had such a desire to participate in this activity. I thank my Heavenly Father for this awesome responsibilty and opportunity. Plus my Fabulous friend Joanne will be there too! Shhhh! Don't tell!
Oh, and finally I have to say something to someone who I am not supposed to mention on my blog so good luck, may God be with you and bring you home to us again. We will help keep watch of your family! Please be safe! Love always, Mona

Kathy's Request

Kathy, as you requested, here are some of the quilts I have made. The first one is a magic tile quilt. I made two tops in one weekend. I was so motivated by the bright, vibrant fabric that I couldn't stop until I was finished. The second quilt was made from pre-cut quilt squares and thrift store fabric. I tied it. The third quilt is a work in progress. It is made from sweaters. This is the top. I have not bound it yet. I have made another quilt inwhich I designed the pattern. It is unfortunately tucked away in our tent trailer for camping. I call it the circle of love. It is made from thrift store fabric (again!) and old demin jeans. I have cut blocks to make another magic tile quilt (first one) out of black and white patterned fabric only. It is very dramatic but time to work on it never seems to come. So if you are interested maybe I can show you how and we could have a day to sew our tops. What an idea!

It's Nice to Know!!

It's nice to know there are people (friends) out there that miss you. Where have I been? Just look at my pictures. This is the third time in 15 months that we have had to lay the laminate flooring in our basement. The first time was renovations. The second time, the city was responsible for a sewer backup in the basement and having to relay the floor and, third, about three weeks ago (about a day after my last blog) I came home to the dripping sound of the humidifier hose broken off of the furnace with about an inch of water on the floor. As you can see, a portion of the floor was saved this time but anyone knowing how to lay laminate flooring will know that we started on the other wall and this was the end of laying so when we do it again we will have to undo what was saved and hook it on the the new. What a pain in the butt! So now you know. Thanks for caring.

I loved this idea. Here's to my husband - Steven!

How long have you been married: 20 years February 5, 2008

How long did you date before you got married: five months

Who eats more: I can

Who said I love you first: Steve

Who is taller: Steve
Who sings better: We are both in the choir
Who is smarter: Steve
Whose temper is worse: Mona

Who does the laundry: It is a shared chore

Who does the dishes: Steve

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Steve

Who pays the bills: Mona

Who cooks dinner: Mona
Who drives when you are together: Usually Steve
Who is more stubborn: Mona

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong: Steve

Whose parents do you see the most: Stev's

Who kissed who first: Steve

Who asked who out first: Steve

Who proposed: Steve (only because I pressured him. you see, there was this terrible rumour and we needed to to do something about it. He asked)

Who is more sensitive: Both

Who has more friends: Steve

Who wears the pants in the family: Steve (although I let others think I do)

Where did you meet your husband: Edmonton

What was the first thing you said to your husband: Can you help me find a map?

Where was your first date: Goose Loonies (No kidding!)

Where was your first kiss: At Granny's

Where did you get engaged: In a chapel in between Sunday meetings in Lethbridge
Where were you married: Cardston Temple

Where was the honeymoon: Vancouver, B.C.