Today all the kids came over to my house to have a pool party. It was a hot day, but the water was freezing so it took a long while to get everyone in and used to the pool. Even then they couldn't stay in the water long. I'm glad everyone came! I was excited to see Caleb show off his swimming skills. Apparently he can flip twice. He loves the water and hardly touched it with his toes so I didn't get to see him show off. Maybe next time the pool will be warmer and we can enjoy it!
Today marks the day when I moved to Hawaii exactly 2 years ago! Wow..I cant believe it! I thought when I first moved there that a year would be so far away and that I would never have to worry about moving back to the mainland. That was the best time of my life and I loved everything about my experience there. I was blessed with a great job, beautiful surroundings and great friends! Hawaii will always be my home away from home.
Tonight I went to part of the YSA Conference that is all weekend long. I got to see Corbin Allred speak to us about his life and he played us some songs too. I thought he looked familiar, but I had no idea what he was on. He's been on Teen Angel and Sabrina the Teenage Witch as well as other movies. I really like his character. He hasnt gotten lost in the Hollywood environment and seems pretty grounded. He spoke about this one experience that he had with a girl that he met and he said that she looked down. He approached her and talked to her for a good 10 minutes. The girl ended up telling him all these problems in her life and he just listened. He felt that he was really connected to her and felt so compassionate for her. Long story short he said keep your head up and know that you are loved and people do care about you etc. etc. Come to find out a couple days later the high school counselor from her school called Corbin's mom up and said that this particular girl doesn't need to come in to see him anymore because she said she is all better. That story (told so much better by Corbin) was so touching. He said he basis his life off of 3 words. "You never know." You never know what kind of influence you have in other people's lives. It inspired me to be better and more in tune so that I can help others because "you never know."
Another great thing about Corbin is that when his carrier in LA was taking off, he faithfully served a 2 year mission. He told a story that one time him and his buddies were at some function and they got to meet Elder Monson at the time. Elder Monson shook their hands with a firm handshake and said I know who you are. Instead of asking about his carrier or anything else, he asked those boys where they served their missions. Corbin froze. Did I serve a mission? I remember going to Australia. Finally he said yes and he was so thankful that he could stand there in from of Elder Monson and say that he served a mission.
Later that night we also got a treat to hear from the talented pianist Mr. Jon Schmidt. Wow was I blown away by him. I recognized a few songs of his and just couldn't put my recorder down. I wish I could play the piano. What a beautiful sound. I am definitely making my children play!!!
For the past couple weeks I have been privileged to be accompanied by a pair of songbirds. A few times a day I hear tapping on my window and i wonder if it is trying to get my attention, if it really wants in or if its starving! Once I saw it perched on my windowsill it's breath was on the window...cute! Well now that this is a daily occurrence we have become very fast friends and I decide to get to know my fine furry friend a little better. Come to find out its mating season! Go figure! This is what I learn....
"Birds attack shiny surfaces because they see their own reflections. In the case of a window, the bird does not see through the glass: it sees a reflection of the outside, possibly trees and the sky, and another bird of its own species. The real bird does not recognize itself and mistakes the reflected bird for a competitor for territory or mates. It attacks the image in the window, trying to drive the other bird away. Of course, this is a fruitless exercise. The real bird often returns many times, compulsively launching itself at the window. If it is very aggressive, it could damage its beak, but most often it just wastes energy and time."
We had a beautiful and wonderful fathers day! The weather reached 70 which allowed us to use the grill and be outside. We had delicious shishcabobs, (don't know how to spell that) watermelon, salad, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. A special bonus to that day was to see Sophie...what a great addition to the family. She was so cute. I finally got to see her with her eyes open. My favorite thing was just hanging with the fam and loving on my nieces and nephews. Its the best to be an auntie. I love it!I have an amazing dad. He is very supportive and selfless. My dad is an example of hard work and service. Throughout my education years (K-12) he has made my lunch. My dad never misses a day of work and has provided for everything I have ever needed in my life and more!
I love you dad! Happy fathers day!
Oh and Carrie we rock at Spades! 523 to 499!!!Happy Fathers Day dad!
This is a little pitch for all those who are in love with the smell of cologne like I am. Every time I pass by the fragrance section, I need to get a whiff of Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. I highly recommend this scent to anyone who is in need of a new smell or someone who is looking for a great gift. Men + good smell = delicious! FYI...Fathers day is a few days away...
Thanks to my freshman year in college I was reintroduced to Otter Pops (thank you Suz). I remember eating them when I was young and that one Otter Pop was it a treat, but now that I am an adult and I can buy them on my own and have the free agency to eat them whenever I want...I am telling you that is not a good combination! I went to the grocery store to make my first purchase of the summer and they couldn't be found. I asked the lady at check out if they carried them. She said no, but was surprised they were still around...I said heck yes! I mention how much I love them and could eat 5 at a time. She then proceeds to tell me that she has an addiction where every morning she fills up her 72 oz. cup full of ice. I said she was Anemic and she told me NO. haha I guess my addiction isn't so bad after all. Maybe I should switch to chomping on ice....at least it has zero calories! If anyone is considering joining the band wagon of the Otter Pop craze you can find them at Wal-Mart. (Caution...you cant just have one)!
What a special day. I am so excited to be an Auntie all over again! My sister is having her 3rd child today. I am thankful for all my brothers and sisters who have sacrificed so many things to be able to serve and love their children. I am the luckiest Aunt 7 times over! Happy Birthday Sophie...cant wait to hold you snuggle buns!
...7 lbs 15 oz. 20 in. and lots of hair! Pictures soon to follow!
Today all the kids came over to my house to have a pool party. It was a hot day, but the water was freezing so it took a long while to get everyone in and used to the pool. Even then they couldn't stay in the water long. I'm glad everyone came! I was excited to see Caleb show off his swimming skills. Apparently he can flip twice. He loves the water and hardly touched it with his toes so I didn't get to see him show off. Maybe next time the pool will be warmer and we can enjoy it!
Today marks the day when I moved to Hawaii exactly 2 years ago! Wow..I cant believe it! I thought when I first moved there that a year would be so far away and that I would never have to worry about moving back to the mainland.
Tonight I went to part of the YSA Conference that is all weekend long. I got to see Corbin Allred speak to us about his life and he played us some songs too. I thought he looked familiar, but I had no idea what he was on. He's been on Teen Angel and Sabrina the Teenage Witch a
s well as other movies. I really like his character. He hasnt gotten lost in the Hollywood environment and seems pretty grounded. He spoke about this one experience that he had with a girl that he met and he said that she looked down. He approached her and talked to her for a good 10 minutes. The girl ended up telling him all these problems in her life and he just listened. He felt that he was really connected to her and felt so compassionate for her. Long story short he said keep your head up and know that you are loved and people do care about you etc. etc. Come to find out a couple days later the high school counselor from her school called Corbin's mom up and said that this particular girl doesn't need to come in to see him anymore because she said she is all better. That story (told so much better by Corbin) was so touching. He said he basis his life off of 3 words. "You never know." You never know what kind of influence you have in other people's lives. It inspired me to be better and more in tune so that I can help others because "you never know."
We had delicious shishcabobs, (don't know how to spell that) watermelon, salad, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake.
A special bonus to that day was to see Sophie...what a great addition to the family. She was so cute. I finally got to see her with her eyes open. My favorite thing was just hanging with the fam and loving on my nieces and nephews. Its the best to be an auntie. I love it! I have an amazing dad. He is very supportive and selfless. My dad is an example of hard work and service. Throughout my education years (K-12) he has made my lunch. My dad never misses a day of work and has provided for everything I have ever needed in my life and more!
Oh and Carrie we rock at Spades! 523 to 499!!! Happy Fathers Day dad!
