Sunday, July 5, 2009

♥ My Favorite Things ♥


















I soooo LOVE posts on Favorite Things and so just for the heck of it, here are a "few of MY favorite things" right at the moment.

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Brown Sugar Bear


This little guy will keep your brown sugar from going hard! And IF it already has become a job for only Popeye to bust through, then this cute bear will soften things up real nicely for you. You just soak him in water for a bit and place inside your brown sugar container and VIOLA! Soft and workable brown sugar just in time to make those luscious Chocolate Chip Cookies to give to your bloggy friend Jodi, who just shared with you such an amazing little gadget!


To order this "beary" wonderful item go HERE !

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The Amazing Handheld BUG ZAPPER!!!





















This wonder of a doodad, not only gets rid of those nasty little pests but allows you to practice your backhand at the same time! The best part of the Bug Zapper is the sound it makes as it's electrocuting those little irritants that should have never been allowed to inhabit this earth in the first place! Zsst.... Zssst... Just hearing that sound will give ya a cheap thrill!

Turns out the Bug Zapper can rid the room of annoying humans as well. A quick swat to an unsuspecting target and bam, a good static shock will send them running! Works great when trying to get those kiddos to remove their little hineys from the video games and get their chores done too! Now, of course, the Bug Zapper is not meant to be used on humans children, but it is oh so tempting at times! Do not send me any hate mail....I am, of course, just zapping pulling your chain!

Go HERE to order.

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Sara Lee Cheesecake Bites

Ever have one of those days when you just need a "little" something to satisfy that sweet tooth? You really want a lot more than just a little, but you are an adult now and have learned to at least "say" you will be satisfied with just a tiny smidgen of sugar, fat, or calories. Or so you say... Well these little puppies were made just for you!







Just one pop in the mouth and you have instantly satisfied your inner adult. But then something happens, that inner child appears and begs for more. So naturally, you succumb and pop another one....dozen....so you may find if you are on a diet, these might be just a wee bit detrimental to that program. But go ahead, give it a try. Besides you will be so busy being satisfied that you will not even have time to mourn the death of that nasty little diet between these scrumptious cheesecake bites. I KNOW you will like them!

After all... NOBODY doesn't like Sara Lee!
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Pampered Chef Mini Spatula


This has long been one of my favorite kitchen tools. I have at least three of these (maybe four) that I use all the time. This spatula is just the right size to scoop out a slice of pie, piece of cake, brownie, cheesecake, basically ANY of those yummy things we all love! The size is so perfect that is makes serving easy and fun. I have also heard that whenever this is used, all the calories from those yummy treats magically vanish into thin air....




To order this lover go HERE

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Small Fry Mini Egg Pan


This handy dandy little pan can be used for many things. It's especially handy for those times you just don't want to haul out the big gun frying pan for something like melting butter, etc. It fries a single egg or makes a tiny omelet. My boys love to make Egg McMuffins and in this pan the fried egg comes out shaped perfectly so it fits between the muffin bread. It's perfect for the college bound guy (or girl!).





To check it out go HERE .

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Nonstick OVEN LINER




















Okay everybody who is sick of getting out a hammer and chisel to clean those dried, backed on spills from the oven, raise your hand! Here is your solution! Yes...this will now free up so much time in oven scrubbing that you will be able to use that Bug Zapper more often and really improve your tennis game.


Just line your oven with this, and the spills all magically disintegrate into ash....just as any good self-cleaning oven would do, only without using a self cleaning oven. If you are like me and have a self cleaning oven, you don't want to turn on the self cleaning mode until it REALLY needs it. So in the meantime you are always either apologizing that you haven't or kick yourself for forgetting to. With this brilliant invention, your oven ALWAYS appears as if it has just been self cleaned. And you didn't even have to strain your arm or finger to push a button to do it! What will they think of next???


Go HERE to order this.

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Adjustable Measuring Cup















I love this amazing measuring cup! I have had mine for many years. Since I do a lot of cake decorating, I am always measuring shortening and oh baby, shortening is one of the messiest things to work with in order to get an accurate measure and clean up after. This solves both problems. It insures an accurate measurement and the clean up is a breeze! It is also wonderful for measuring all those other sticky and messy things like honey, molasses, corn syrup, and of course peanut butter! Mine is old but they still sell them HERE. If you want a more fashionable looking one, say made with stainless steel to match your appliances then just google it and you will find one. They are however a little more pricey. And I doubt they work any better!

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Hot Chocolate Maker COCOMOTION

Okay, I KNOW it's 900° outside, and so WHY am I telling you about a HOT cocoa maker??? Well because sometimes (even in the summer!) there is nothing like a nice mug of hot cocoa. Well, okay, maybe that isn't totally true... BUT I still have to say this is one of my faves of all time! Winter OR summer! And if you want to get a jump start on that Christmas shopping as so many of us you do in July (yes, there are a FEW of you insanes out there!) then here ya go! Give this wonder machine to everyone on your list and you're done! AND they will be loving you all winter (and possibly summer) long when they pour out that hot cocoa that tastes scrumptiously delish on those cold winter morns.

Try this one HERE

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Power of Positive Parenting

As many of you already know, I LOVE this book! It is written by the late Dr. Glenn I. Latham, who became a dear friend of mine a few short years before he passed away. I firmly believe this book should be sent home from the hospital WITH each newborn baby! It is a powerful and almost magical formula to help parents with every challenge that comes with parenthood. Of all the parenting books I have read, (and trust me I have read hundreds!) this is hands down THEE VERY BEST! It truly is my parenting bible. I could go on and on about it, but you won't know for yourself until you read it and put it to the test. And it's such a joyful way to parent. Not like the stuff we see around us everywhere today. Give it a try and change your world.


To order go HERE
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Simply Slice Strawberry slicer/scooper

This doo-hickey is as much fun as it is handy! With the ability to get strawberries now year round, it is also a good investment...(if you consider spending $4.99 and investment!) It slices strawberries so quickly and beautifully that you will wonder how you ever lived without it! It is also great for slicing olives and mushrooms too! (not that I would ever eat either one of those things!) Nothing beats a little tool that can be used for more than one thing!


Meet the strawberry slicer's little sister. This is the greatest strawberry huller I have ever used. Well, it's pretty much the only one I have ever used...but still. It is so much fun, that I always end up preparing way more strawberries than I need because I love hulling them so much!



Go HERE to check these out!


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Spoon Pot Clip

























I love this clever little gizmo! When I cook I almost ALWAYS use a spoon and of course that spoon gets set on the stove or counter leaving behind a mess. By just clipping this little guy on the side of your pan, you have an instant mess preventer!





Go HERE to check it out!


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Squeeze Ease



















Only one sentence on this one:

Eliminates the need for marriage counseling...

Go HERE to check it out.


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Family Matters Garden Stakes






Talk about CUTE! If you are into your family (and of course you ARE!) then you need one of these seriously cute garden stakes! How can it not be cute with the mother in a purple dress?!!! These will be so eye catching that they eliminate the need to weed. Anyone that visits your home will be so captivated by this that they won't notice any weeds. Just think of the time having one of these will save you!!!

*You can add your home address to the bottom as well. Cutsies it up even more! Mine is there but I tried to blur it out for the blog.


To order these little guys go HERE

*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*
Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears























These photos speak for themselves. If you want a little instant happiness...go get some NOW!

*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*♥♥♥♥♥♥*
Consider yourself officially "tagged" to post a list of YOUR faves too!!!
We could all use some ideas on great things that are out there that we might not know about unless we SHARE!!! So don't be stingy! Share what you LOVE too!






















If you are in Utah many of the kitchen gadgets can be purchased at Kitchen Kneads (Luv to Cook) here.

If there is no black background when you open my blog will you let me know? It appears for some reason only the purple polka dots show without the black background on some people's, making it very hard to read.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Friday Memes

If there is no black background when you open my blog will you let me know? It appears for some reason only the purple polka dots show without the black background on some people's, making it very hard to read.
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Food 4 Thought Friday

Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!


Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions

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Breakfast
What is the last movie you saw and how did you like it?

Lunch
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Dinner
What is one goal you want to achieve this summer?

Midnight Snack
What do you do to pamper yourself?

Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)


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My answers:

Breakfast
What is the last movie you saw and how did you like it?
The Proposal. I really enjoyed this one. It captured you as you watched, but then I think Sandra Bullock is captivating as an actress. There was one scene in it that was a bit risque they could have toned down a bit. Not one to take young-uns too. Tonight I am going to see "Sister's Keeper".... I am prepared with lots of Kleenex!





Lunch
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
It changes frequently. Right now it's Farr's Licorice. I hate black licorice for the most part, but this flavor in ice cream is soooo yummy! I got hooked on it by my cousin Shelley many many years ago. A close second is Spumoni. I love the pistachio part the best. Shocked it's not chocolate something? Me too! However I do love chocolate mint and cherry chocolate mint.



Dinner
What is one goal you want to achieve this summer?
To get Tyson's headstone done. It's been three and a half years and we still don't have one. I did order one a while back but it came back wrong and now I am glad because how I want it now has changed significantly. We haven't been in any rush (obviously!) to get one in place. I think it has been hard because it is such a permanent thing and I really want it to be just perfect. It's also a very difficult thing emotionally to sit down and do. At least it has been for me.

Midnight Snack
What do you do to pamper yourself?
I get my nails done. I didn't start doing that until several months ago, but now I love it. I have also put a lot of time and effort in the Sego Lily Spa's contest search for their new blogger that I am a finalist in and if I win I will be pampered twice a month for an entire year!!! So please go and vote for me HERE if you haven't already!!! Pul-ease!!!



Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)
Breath, just breath. Some days that is the only thing to get you through!


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1. When I heard Michael Jackson died so young I wasn't surprised.

2. Gratitude is the best medicine.

3. It's late, but that doesn't prevent me from STILL being awake!

4. I miss Tyson always.

5. My eyes have seen one too many snakes!

6. I feel strongly about motherhood.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to continually working on getting ready for girl's camp, and hopefully go out to dinner, tomorrow my plans include a long run or maybe run in the Firecracker 5K, packing for girl's camp, possibly driving up to the cabin for the day, and then hitting the fireworks here in town and Sunday, I want to attend all my meetings, make sure I haven't forgotten anything for camp, help load the camp trailer, and get to bed before midnight! Ha!

To play go here.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Boy Oh Boy ~ Do I Need to Win This!

To enter my Pamper Me GIVE AWAY go HERE!


The TV segment for the final five was very spa-cial. Only it ended up being for just four. One of the bloggers was unable to make it. She really missed out. What a fun time! It was filmed live at KUTV Channel 2 studios but was aired as the KJZZ news on channel 14. That little tidbit of info I somehow missed out on. I had told everyone to watch it on channel 2. When I heard the correct info after I arrived....I had to make a few (thousand - yes I told everyone!) phone calls to inform my peeps they had been mis-informed!


The day began early (5 a.m.). Especially early since I was up until after midnight adding the final touches to my poster. Won't chalk this one up as a night of beauty sleep, that's for sure. The dark circles made me look like I was a racoon imposter.


I had a great group of supporters going down with me. Three who happened to be my boys. Oh, you could feel the excitement ooze from their pores when I woke them up to get ready...(three different times!) They would have rather slid down a barbed wire fence into rubbing alcohol than get up early just to be on live TV.


The final product. ↓
Taaa-daaa.... (click to enlarge)























I think the only thing I left off the poster was a pair of dirty underwear. Trust me I was tempted to add that too, but my boys protested (not because they didn't want their skivvies flashed on TV but rather because they can never find enough as it is.) I came close to making the poster in the shape of a toilet or a washing machine (just to make my point), but ran out of time.


My biggest fans! ↓ Plus my nephew (aka adopted sixth son) Weston. No, they didn't make this poster. My friend Julie did. They wanted me to make sure you knew that!





















The fabulous Sego Lily Team ↓ getting ready for the segment. They really went all out and made it look like a mini spa! And they brought us thirst quenching delish drinks!!!




















Here we are receiving instructions for the shoot. ↓ We were told they were going to have two of us get pedicures for the segment. I was so jazzed because I had just said that very morning to my husband, "Dang! I REALLY need a pedicure before I go on LIVE TV! What if someone sees my toes?" When I realized I might actually be getting one on live TV, I was so hyped! Well... at least until I thought to myself, "Yikes! Now they really will see my toes! AND... close up!" I finally concluded that would probably be a good thing because I would for sure get more votes after the viewers saw how bad I NEED this spa stuff. One look at my toes and they would say, "Yep, she needs my vote...those toes of hers need some immediate Sego Lily spa-ing...STAT!"




















To select the winner they had us do Rock, Paper, Scissors in groups of two. "Oh just smashing", I thought, "I have NO idea what the strategy is for this game." I turned to my boys with a pleading look of HELP on my face, but they just smiled. Soon after my nerves turned to excitement when I won! I lovingly smirked back at them. I was a rock and my opponent was scissors. Then they told us it was to be the best out of three. What? I wanted to protest. I should have. The second round was a tie....both paper. The third round I sadly lost. I was scissors and she was a rock. My boys were disappointed with their flunkee mom. My toes would stay in hiding after all.


















My "fans" ↓ awaiting their moment to shine for me. The sun was not awaiting to shine however. It was a scorcher! We were all dripping with sweat before the segment began.








Getting ready to film the teaser....









On the air.... That's me with the big poster standing behind the lucky girl getting a pedicure.






It was a three minute segment. We were told to bring posters because they couldn't guarantee we would each be interviewed. There's NO guarantees on LIVE TV. Nope. Those three minutes cruised! Fortunately we were each asked a question and given some time to respond.

This is me with Mr. Anchorman↓ (sorry can't remember his name). Mr. Anchorman was very nice and very good at his job. Not too bad to look at either!




























This ↓ was MY drink that I was so looking forward to guzzling after we were done shooting. But look who decided to go for a swim. He was probably drowning his sorrows because he heard I didn't get the pedicure.












Me with two of the other finalists, Amanda and Angie. ↓ Heather left before we took this photo. They are all great women. I loved meeting them!




















Standing ↓ in front of the studio on Main street in Salt Lake City.




























Me looking all Flamingo-ish with my gift bag from Sego Lily. Okay, maybe this will make up for the pedicure (or lack of).








A few random shots ↓





































Boys being boys...




















It was a lot of fun!


Boy OH boy! I seriously NEED to win this!!! IF you haven't yet voted for me, there is STILL time. Voting closes on Friday July 3rd. Go here to vote. Just leave a comment saying you want to vote for Jodi!! Thanks! Then go HERE and enter my Pamper Me Give Away!!! After all, you NEED to be pampered too!


Sunday, June 28, 2009

WHAT? Me? TV? Tomorrow???

To enter to my Pamper Me GIVE AWAY go HERE!!!


Oh my!!!
I, (yes ME!) am going to be on TV tomorrow! No, I'm not on America's Most Wanted, or American Idol (though I have been practicing!), but on a local news morning show!!! I just found out on Friday that the Sego Lily Day Spa management has arranged for all five finalists to appear on KUTV 2 on Monday (tomorrow!) morning. It will be a three minute segment featuring the top five. Due to the short amount of time, and low probablility of each of us having the chance to be interviewed, we have all been asked to bring a poster that shows why we should win. I can think of a million reasons for that, but trying to squeeze it all on one poster??? GULP! Great...now it's turned into a poster competition too!!! UGH!!! I usually thrive on this kind of stuff - digging deep for something over-the-top creative, but this time I am just feeling the pressure!
























The GOOD NEWS is, I am still the top vote getter and currently in the lead of public votes! However, depending on what happens with my poster....that could all change tomorrow!!! Let's hope I can pull something out of my magical creative hat by tomorrow!















WISH ME LUCK!!!!
















If you are in Utah and want to come be a cheerleader for me, just show up at KUTV 2 by 8 a.m. You will most likely be on TV too!!! If you want to watch...it will be on Channel 2 sometime after 8 a.m. tomorrow morning!!! Just look for the woman that looks like she is about to wet her pants. That will be ME!










~~~There's still time to vote!!! Just go here and leave a comment saying you vote for me!!!

Thanks my peeps! I ♥ U!!!~~~

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Friday Memes

To enter my Pamper Me GIVE AWAY go HERE!!!!!
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Food 4 Thought Friday



Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!


Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥


Breakfast

What is your favorite part of the summertime?



Lunch
How was this week different than others?



Dinner
What did you think of Michael Jackson?



Midnight Snack
What do you have planned for this weekend?



Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)

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MY ANSWERS...

Breakfast

What is your favorite part of the summertime?
It used to be the lack of a schedule, but this summer it has been one scheduled insane month so far! Between driver's ed, scouts, basketball, football, jobs, camps galore, practices...it has been crazy. This next month things should slow down some...but not much. Then it gets crazy again in August. I guess my favorite thing would have to be having all the boys home.


Lunch
How was this week different than others?
I had an empty nest! Bryce was at Aaronic Priesthood Camp, Taylor was at Basketball Camp at BYU, McKay was at Scout Camp, and of course Skyler is still working in Philadelphia! NOT FUN! I like them home and near! Not sure I will ever be ready for that empty nest! :o(



Dinner
What did you think of Michael Jackson?
I have always LOVED his music. There is NOTHING like the beat of some of his songs. He had great talent and was an amazing performer! I think he was a little more than shall we say, "eccentric"... I do have to say my honest opinion of him was that he was a freak in so many other ways. He has a bizarre history that's for sure. I am deeply saddened by his passing though. Maybe if he hadn't died so young he would have had time to get his life in order.



Midnight Snack
What do you have planned for this weekend?
My Dad is having surgery today (Friday) and so I will be spending time with him and my Mom at the hospital. Then I have a wedding reception of one of my past Young Women girls and a fun get together with Dave's whole family---every sibling is in town for a change! Saturday is filled with lots of errands and then my niece's baptism. ALL my boys will be arriving home at different times from their week long camps. I am sooooo excited to see them! My baby has been gone for an entire week! I am really MISSING them all! Sunday is a busy day of meetings as usual. One big one to get girl's camp organized since my Camp Director had to be released due to illness. Hope we can pull this off!


Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week?)
Remember that life is short....none of us know how much time we have left while here, so live each day to it's fullest and get out of it all you can!



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1. She had a great store of memories.


2. Tyson is by my side, always.



3. I know this: if you want to be happy, then be grateful! ♥ Focus on what you DO have instead of what you DON'T!



4. I am craving chocolate still.



5. These words apply to me: I want to win the Sego Lily Spa Contest so please go and VOTE for ME here and enter my giveaway on this blog (down a few posts) !!!!



6. It is true, the sun was shining.



7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to visiting my Dad at the hospital after his surgery, attending one of my past Young Women's reception, going to Dave's parent's house for a party to welcome his sister and her fam back for a long visit, tomorrow my plans include getting in a long run, welcoming ALL my boys back from their separate camps!~~~I really missed them!!!, attending my niece's baptism and Sunday, I want to attend my meetings, get camp completely planned and going (I lost my camp director to illness this week!), go and visit my dad and Dave's sister and fam.



To play along go HERE

Monday, June 22, 2009

Friends...

To enter my Pamper Me GIVE AWAY go HERE!!!

Friendship is one of the many blessings God has given each one of us. I am so grateful for the lasting friendships I have cultivated through the years. As women, we know that true friendship is a sacred commodity. This is a relationship that is to be cherished and revered for a lifetime. We've experienced friendships that have come and gone because of misunderstandings, differences in lifestyles, spiritual or personal growth. For whatever reasons, they have left a permanent mark on our hearts of what true friendship really is. ~Coach Cheri


































Let's become little old ladies together -
we'll stay up late looking at old pictures,
telling "remember when" stories,
and laughing till our sides ache.
Let's become eccentric together-
the kind of old ladies who take long walks, wear silly hats,
and get away with acting outrageous in public places.
And if anybody should ask how long we've been friends,
we'll say, "Oh, forever - since before you were even born!"
Let's become little old ladies together-
because a friendship that's as special as ours
can only grow better through the years.



I was able to go out to lunch FINALLY with my college bud and roomie Shauna which we hadn't done in probably 25 years! It was about time don't ya think? Our moms also came along and we had a blast reconnecting!
































Shauna's mom is one of the sweetest ladies I know! She hasn't changed a bit over the years...only gotten sweeter!

















I met two other old (meaning the years NOT them!) high school friends (Robin and Jani) for lunch at Applebees. We have reconnected mainly on Facebook and had a blast reminiscing about old times! After lunch we went to our old high school to watch Robin's son play a soccer game but had some time before it started to walk around our old Alma Mater. We had a riot talking about old times and the things we did while there!






























I found my old locker!!! Well at least it was one of these!!!





















This photo ↓ has a loooooooooong story behind it that I won't bore you with. But suffice it to say, I was glad I wasn't pulled inside when I did this about 30 years ago!




















We thought it would be fun to re-enact it! Hee-hee!


























Having some fun in our old stairway! We all have some GREAT memories here!

























At the soccer game. What a great thing to just pick up where we left off 30 years ago!!!


















































Out to lunch AGAIN! This was to celebrate a few of my friend's birthdays. Getting together with friend's really is more fun when food is involved!!!



































Out to eat, yes once again, with some dear friends at Iggy's.


















Oh this ↓ baby was soooooo good!
























Me and Bonnie taking our dear friend Mona out for her birthday. She chose to go to Skyway Diner! It was quite the experience!



















Hey look! Getting together with a friend for once without eating!!! Just planting! It CAN be done!!! And look how much fun we are having!



































Some of my dearest friends attend my church. This is some of my young women that are graduating this year, along with the Relief Society Presidency. They had a welcome breakfast for them.





















Another shot of us having fun without eating! Well okay, I confess we did have a yummy dinner before I took these photos of us playing some fun games.



















Celebrating Julie's 50th....holy cow that sounds old!!! I only say that because I know it's just around the corner for me! Yikes!













































Front: Holly, Robin, Julie, Yours Truly, Heidi, Julie
Back: Heather & Ammon, Stephanie, Bonnie, Jen, Marilyn, Shauna, Janet
















Celebrating MORE birthdays! It's a good thing everyone has one of those at least once a year so we have an excuse to go out to lunch!!!! Now if we could just keep the uninvited guests away!!! Namely dive bombing seagulls!

































































Jodi's Motto:

One can never have too many friends or go out to lunch too much!






















Out to lunch, yet again! Just living up to my motto!
This time with some old high school pals Robin and Carla again. Last time we met, we were in the restaurant for FIVE HOURS! (they must not have a policy for loitering!) But hey, we were trying to catch up on almost 30 years!!! This time, we were out in about three....not bad!
































Nuff' said!



Except....thanks for being my friend! I ♥ you all!!!

Especially my dear, dear bloggy friends...most of whom I have never met, but I hold you dear to my heart!!! You are some of my dearest friends!!!





Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!

If you are here to enter my PAMPER ME GIVE AWAY go HERE!!!!!

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I want to wish father's everywhere a wonderful day, but especially to three very special dad's in my life....


Father's Day Comments from Dolliecrave.com
Happy Father's Day Hon!!! And what a catch you were!!!! You are hook, line, and sinker, the greatest Father to our boys! I love you SO much!!! ♥




Father's Day Comments from Dolliecrave.com


Happy Father's Day Pa!!! I love you soooooo much!!!! You are definitely an up to par father! Thanks for being such an amazing Dad!!! ♥


Father's Day Comments from Dolliecrave.com


Happy Father's Day to the best Father-in-law on the planet! You have enriched my life so much! I love you tons!



Here's a little humor I found to give you a little chuckle today:

Today nearly 100 years have elapsed since the first father's Day was celebrated. Fathers of 1900 didn't have it nearly as good as fathers of today; but they did have a few advantages: In 1900, fathers prayed their children would learn English.Today, fathers pray their children will speak English.


In 1900, a father's horsepower meant his horses.Today, it's the size of his minivan.



In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family's head, he was a success. Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that's just the vacation home.


In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived. Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera.



In 1900, fathers passed on clothing to their sons. Today, kids wouldn't touch Dad's clothes if they were sliding naked down an icicle.



In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business. Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.



In 1900, a father smoked a pipe. If he tries that today, he gets sent outside after a lecture on throat cancer.



In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, "Wake up, it's time for school."Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: "Wake up, it's time for baseball practice."











In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.Today, a father comes home to a note: "Jimmy's at baseball, Cindy's at gymnastics, I'm at adult-Ed, Pizza in fridge."

In 1900, fathers and sons would have heart-to-heart conversations while fishing in a stream.Today, fathers pluck the headphones off their sons' ears and shout, "WHEN YOU HAVE A MINUTE".










Top ten things you'll never hear a dad say:

10. Well, how 'bout that? I'm lost! Looks like we'll have to stop and ask for directions.


9. You know Pumpkin, now that you're thirteen, you'll be ready for unchaperoned car dates. Won't that be fun?


8. I noticed that all your friends have a certain hostile attitude. I like that.


7. Here's a credit card and the keys to my new car. GO CRAZY!!


6. What do you mean you wanna play football? Figure skating's not good enough for you, son?


5. Your Mother and I are going away for the weekend. You might want to consider throwing a party.


4. Well, I don't know what's wrong with your car. Probably one of those doo-hickey thingies--ya know--that makes it run or something. Just have it towed to a mechanic and pay whatever he asks.


3. No son of mine is going to live under this roof without an earring. Now quit your belly-aching, and let's go to the mall.


2. Whaddya wanna go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you to spend.


1. What do I want for my birthday? Aahh -- don't worry about that. It's no big deal. (Okay, they might say it. But they don't mean it)











Have a great one!!! I ♥ U all!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Friday Memes

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Food 4 Thought Friday

Is UP ↑ but DOWN ↓ one post! Scroll down........

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Pamper Me Give Away Contest!!!

CONTEST CLOSED!!!! As of July 3rd at midnight.....
THANK YOU for entering!!! Winner will be announced soon!




































PAMPER TIME FOR YOU!!!


Hurry and enter my contest and be the winner of an incredible PAMPER PACKAGE fit for a PRINCESS....on second thought make that... A QUEEN!!!

pamper yourself Pictures, Images and Photos


Here's the grand prize.... aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh




























An incredible package (over $60 value) filled with wonderful gifts from Bath & Body Works, I hand selected just for YOU!!!



























And of course....CHOCOLATE!!!






















Okay, so maybe not THAT ↑ much chocolate...

BUT hopefully THIS MUCH will do!!! ↓












This prize package is valued at OVER $60!!!!


It's simple, fast, and so worth it IF you win!!! As most of you know I am one of the five finalists in the SEGO LILY DAY SPA contest to choose their new blogger. I am still in the lead of public votes, but I want to seal the deal and so I am sponsoring this contest to help me do that. Here's all YOU do:



  • Go HERE and leave a comment on my Sego Lily post saying that you VOTE for JODI! DO NOT VOTE ON THIS BLOG! If your comment is really nice and "butters" me (and them) up, I might put you down for an extra vote! :D


  • You will be entered ONCE for each time you or your spouse etc. votes. NOTE: ONLY ONE VOTE PER COMPUTER WILL COUNT! They are tracking IP addresses and they send them to me, so I will be too. If you have MORE than one computer, then have your kids or spouse vote for me on that one. Just tell me in my comments what their name is on the vote and how many. Otherwise it won't count.



  • Leave me a comment on THIS POST saying that you VOTED for me and what name(s) you voted under so I know who you are when the vote comes through.



  • If you post about this contest or a link to this contest on your blog, that also gets you another vote too! Just let me know!



  • Okay NOW if you have ALREADY voted for me...THANK YOU~ THANK YOU~THANK YOU!!! But in order to be entered NOW, when I am still desperately seeking more votes ...here's how it works. You need to recruit someone else to vote for me on a computer other than the one you already voted on and that will qualify you to be entered automatically TWICE (or more depending on how many votes I receive because of YOU!) just because you already voted earlier. Leave me a comment ON THIS BLOG telling me that you recruited a vote (or more!) for me on SEGO LILY'S BLOG! To be fair this is all starting FRESH with today's votes!


  • They have not let me know when the voting closes which means it could be ANYTIME so HURRY!!! Once Sego Lily's voting closes, so does mine.



  • Last but not least: THANK YOU and GOOD LUCK!!!!





















Once again go
HERE to vote!





















Thank you my "must be pampered peeps!!!" And GOOD LUCK to all!!!

Friday Memes

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Food 4 Thought Friday




Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!


Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions

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Breakfast

What is the largest burden currently weighing you down?


Lunch

Do you have any family vacations planned this summer? If so, where?


Dinner

What is one thing you must do before you go to bed each night?


Midnight Snack

Where is the last place you went?


Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week)



SORRY ABOUT THE FONT ISSUES! For some reason it got a memory and I have tried to fix it in the html - to no avail!
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Breakfast

What is the largest burden currently weighing you down? Girl's camp! It is in two weeks and I am feeling so unsettled because my camp director has been sick and has been unable to do much. She assures me it will all come together, but I am not sure I am feeling as confident as her! We have the largest group in our Stake - about 30 attending!















Lunch

Do you have any family vacations planned this summer? If so, where? That is still in the works. We have such a crazy summer between all the boys, with three scout camps, three basketball camps, football camps and practices, driver's ed, jobs, and my camp, that it has been a challenge to find a time. Still hoping we can pull something off in August.

Dinner

What is one thing you must do before you go to bed each night? Pray

Midnight Snack

Where is the last place you went? To the high school to watch Taylor play football 7 on 7.

Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life, what is it just for this week)
Life doesn't always give us what we want or what we think we deserve...BUT, it still gives us plenty to be grateful for. Sometimes we must force ourselves to focus on the good amidst the not so good. There is SO much to be grateful for. Once that realization sinks in, we can't help but be happy.

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1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting perfect behavior at all times.

2. Show me a good loser and I will show you a real winner.

3. Having someone rub my feet is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy changing diapers and doing laundry... any good mother is more qualified than some of the clowns running this country today. (Go MOMS!!!)

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine losing that pregnancy weight and still nurse.

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without dessert or chocolate in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to a movie with some old high school pals that I reconnected with on Facebook, tomorrow my plans include getting in a long run finally, maybe driving up to the location of our girl's camp to scope it out, cleaning, getting ready for Father's Day, and Sunday, I want to attend all my meetings prepared, go visit my Dad and Dave's Dad for Father's Day, and wish all the dad's a very Happy Father's Day!

To play go HERE



Monday, June 15, 2009

I Just Blinked...

Bryce is now a graduate!














I am not fond of change. Especially the kind that pulls at your heartstrings. Graduation is one of those major changes that I don't like...unless of course it's ME doing the graduating. But for some reason when someone else graduates, instead of feeling joyful and celebratory, I get all teary eyed and melancholy. Especially when it's my own offspring. I guess in many ways it is one of those inevitable time lines that seem to shout (more loudly than I wish to hear) ..."Childhood is now over for good", "Time for that little boy, who is no longer a little boy, to leave the nest and go make a name for himself", It is a cruel way of saying that my time as a mother is up in many ways for that child.

Okay, so maybe I am being just a little overly dramatic here. But, I don't think so. It's hard to let go!!! When my oldest graduated, I don't think it was as hard because he was my first and it was more exciting than sad. Now as my third son starts to spread his wings, the realization that one day they ALL will has hit me hard! I just want this stage of my life, where my boys are gathered here at home to last forever! I can't even bear the thought that one day they will ALL be out in the world and no longer here by my side every day. Oh, that hurts! As the song goes..."the hardest part of love is letting go". ♥ AMEN to that!



There is GOOD to focus on though...



Bryce was named
VALEDICTORIAN
for his high school!

































Becoming a VALEDICTORIAN is based on maintaining a 4.0 (straight A's) from his Freshman year through his Senior year. Meaning not even ONE A minus in four straight years. That is NO easy feat! Trust me I know. He was one of 17 named this year from his high school.

He worked very hard to earn this honor and we are so proud of him!!!

These ↓ photos are from the scholarship awards night. (Okay, utilizing my bragging rights as a mom now!)

Bryce earned scholarships to Utah State University, University of Utah, and a Presidential scholarship from Southern Virginia University. His other awards were Academic All State in football and a Letterman in football and hockey. He received cords and a medal for Valedictorian and being in the top 3% of his graduating class.
















































Hot Proud valedictorian Comments
Well okay maybe HE'S not...but this MOM is!!! He didn't even want to attend the awards night. And he wouldn't have IF I hadn't "encouraged" him! :D

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Memorial Scholarship in Tyson's name
Dave and I wanted to keep Tyson's memory alive in some kind of a way that would reflect the life he lived while at the same time help someone else. We decided that giving out a scholarship to someone each year who has overcome hardships in their own life and who may not otherwise qualify for a scholarship based on academics, would be a great way to do that and honor Tyson's name at the same time.


























This is Matt the winner of the FIRST Tyson D. _____ Memorial Scholarship. He was more than deserving and extremely grateful and appreciative. Matt has overcome cancer three times so far, all while trying to keep up with his school work. In his application he wrote as one of his professional goals, "Live life as if every moment counts while making sure to take time for family and helping those important to me."

This scholarship is intended to acknowledge an individual who, despite overwhelming odds, has faced life’s challenges and obstacles with courage and determination. He definitely has! He is truly an amazing kid!





























Matt with us and his parents.↑ Sorry about the glare on his face. The best part of all, is the fact that he actually knew Tyson. He said that he used to come to our house and ride our toys down our big hill with Tyson and some other boys hoping that they landed on a soft spot. Sounds like Tyson! We look foward to doing this every year!






Senior Pix (these aren't his official ones ~ just some his amateur mom took for his grad announcements.)









































































SEMINARY GRADUATION







































Me with some of my Young Women that graduated from Seminary. Sheesh they were just little Beehives the other day!



















































THE BIG DAY HAS ARRIVED!!!












































Wow! Will someone tell me when THIS happened!! He was just two and I blinked and then....



























POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE




























The Valedictorian's marched in first and sat on the front row. It was nice having him receive his diploma at the beginning instead of at the end, where we always are because of our last name!





















(click to enlarge)
Bryce being announced as Valedictorian. I am soooooooo proud of that boy!!! I was so excited and had my video on just anticipating hearing his name to record for posterity forever and ever. Waiting, waiting... not hearing Bryce's name. WHAT? Then the announcer man sat down WITHOUT... I repeat WITHOUT announcing Bryce! As you can imagine, I was about freaking out! All the endless nights of staying up until 2 a.m. working on math with his Dad, and all those insane projects that required hours and hours of time and labor, and all those A- that we sweat over, not sure he could pull them to an A....was going through my little irritated head! Then suddenly all his buds around him started to point at him chanting "Bryce, Bryce, Bryce!" so Mr. Announcer Man would realize he forgot him! Thank goodness Mr. Announcer Man woke up and came back up to the pulpit and apologized for missing him and told everyone to give him an extra loud cheer, which they did. But, Mr. Announcer Man is now on my hit list! Grrr...

WHY you ask? Well, because Mr. Announcer Man caused me such stress that in the chaos I turned off my video camera and didn't have it back on for the big moment!!! I MISSED THE WHOLE THING! Well, other than the fact that I have on video ALL the OTHER Valedictorians....just not MINE!!! Why do these things ALWAYS happen to ME??? I could write a post on that alone!































The top left ↑ photo is Bryce with Matt the boy who received the Tyson Memorial Scholarship.



This year's graduation had a few, shall we say WANNA BE GRADUATES?






















During one of the speeches there was a lot of commotion going on in the back of where all the boys were sitting. A security guard and a teacher started wandering around looking for something. Soon after that, the teacher held up a RAT ~ YES A RAT! ~ to show the speaker and audience that it was now under control. The speaker didn't miss a beat, she just thanked the teacher and carried on with her speech. It's a good thing it wasn't crawling around on the girl's side!!! A little while later the commotion started again. Apparently another one was on the loose. As the graduates marched out, I saw THIS↓





























I think this one is a mouse! But still! The poor little thing looks scared out of his tail!!! And all the poor guy wanted was one of those diplomas to make his mom proud too. This girl caught him because she said she didn't want the security to catch him and kill him. Apparently there were FOUR turned loose by a couple of the boy grads. Word is they also brought two snakes as well, but they died before they could let them loose! The snakes were probably bored to death. A slow and painful death to be sure! Either that or they just weren't into diplomas and all the pomp and circumstance. Not saying it was boring....how could being surrounded with PURPLE the whole night be boring?

Two mice or rats are still at large--er--small. The boys now have to pay for an exterminator because of the two fugitives.
























































My limo has arrived!! Dreamer...
























Hot Congrats grad Comments
Way to go Bryce!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! ♥♥♥

Sidenote:
When I did this post I meant to include THIS too! Bryce isn't the ONLY Valedictorian in the family by any means....noooooooooooo! His Grammy Suz was one as well! Yes, MY mother. She was South Junior High's Valedictorian and spoke at 9th grade graduation. This little tidbit of information was withheld from me until I was going through some of her old papers and found the evidence! She likes to keep it underwraps but I LOVE to tease her about it...which is why I am blogging about it now! lol MY mom....a valedictorian???? Oh that is just soooo funny to me!!! This is a high school photo of her....I don't have a junior high one.








Congrats to you to Mom! :D


Friday, June 12, 2009

Friday Memes

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Food 4 Thought Friday


Feel free to play along for some yummy fun! I will post a new one each Thursday night for those that are on a different time zone. JOIN IN!!!


Food 4 Thought Friday ~ This week's questions



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Breakfast
Do you Twitter or Facebook?
I don't Twitter (yet), but I do Facebook. I LOVE Facebook and so I am sure I would love Twitter. If you Twitter, tell me how you like it.

Lunch
What are you looking most forward to this summer?
The heat!!! Last winter really dragged out for me. I pretty much love everything about summer! I love being able to spend more time with my boys and I love the kick back atmosphere. This year though our summer is LOADED with scout camps, basketball camps, football camps, girl's camp (of course that one would be for me!), driver's ed, merit badge classes, and on and on. It's gonna get craaaaaazy! But I still LOVE IT!! ♥ I am also looking forward to Dave's sister and her family's visit! We have soooo much fun!!!


Dinner
What is the easiest thing you fixed for dinner this week?
Chilritos. I say I invented this one myself, but I am sure others have made these too. You just cook a tortilla (I buy the uncooked ones from Costco....mmmm!) or you can use the kind already cooked and just heat it. Spread heated chili (I used Nalley's canned) inside the middle, spread shredded cheese on top, roll up, and viola! They are really easy and super tasty!


Midnight Snack
What are you envious about right now?
I am envious of my friends that are running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Race. I was signed up to run it and recruited my friend Jen and then I got injured and didn't have enough time to train for it. It's this month and I wish so bad I was going to be part of it. It's a group of 12 women (in our case) that runs 180 miles from Logan to Park City. Everyone has three different legs (legs of the race, NOT body parts!---though I really could use another leg!!) varying from 3 miles to 8 miles (I think). The legs go round the clock, so you might be running at 3 a.m. in the dark for one. Everyone piles in a couple of vans and no one sleeps...it's just a big party! Next year for sure!!!


Recipe of the Week (instead of your recipe for life what is it just for the week?)
Choose to be grateful that what you have IS ENOUGH. If you don't feel what life has offered you IS enough, then change your thinking and say to yourself...."It IS enough. What I have been given IS enough. It is so much more than what many others have." If we focus on all we DO have instead of what we LACK, we can't help but feel happy!


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1. I grew up thinking life lasted a long time, but have since learned life is VERY short....so (you already know what I'm going to say!) CHERISH THE MOMENTS!!!♥

2. Sego Lily Day Spa (to check my voting status ~ still in the lead!!! YEA!) was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you go HERE and vote for me RIGHT NOW!!! PLEASE!!! Pretty please?? With a cherry on top?

4. Sego Lily Spa helps me relax... so I really need to win!!! Help me out my peeps!!! If I win I receive a year's worth of spa treatments valued at $3000!!!! YES that's three THOUSAND dollars worth!!!!

5. Thanks for the VOTE! Wow ~ you would have thought I wrote this week's Friday Fill-Ins! Thanks Janet for making it so perfectly timed! ☺

6. Losing is very off-putting. (yeah so go vote PLEASE to prevent me being put off!) ;o)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending a bridal shower for one of my past Young Women girls, and then going to watch Taylor play basketball at USU (basketball camp) , tomorrow my plans include spending most of the day in Logan watching Taylor play in the tourney's at basketball camp, go shopping in between games, and then hopefully go out to dinner or something fun! and Sunday, I want to prepare for my Young Women board meeting, attend BYC , a girl's camp meeting, my board meeting, and then our three hour church block. After that, I wanna take a nap!!!!

To play go HERE

AND REMEMBER IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY ~~~ PLEASE GO VOTE FOR ME!!!! HURRY!! Just click here and go to comments. THANKS ALL!!!

I ♥ U!!