*Monday Memos* 8-17-2020

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, today I got in a five mile walk. Walking five miles is so much tougher than running it because it never ends!  I would much rather run five miles than walk it. It gets so boring too. 

It is VERY obvious we are living during a pandemic!

I did find some coins though. Among other things. When I got done, I went and picked up Chayden and Carson and brought them over here. Sky and Sarah had to leave at 4 a.m to go to Lindon to do FIRST LOOK photos. I figured the boys would be alone and bored all day and so I brought them here. I made them Funfetti pancakes and Chayden made eggs. Carson painted a wooden car craft kit I had and Chayden played video games. It was pretty hot outside and so staying in was the best plan. Sky picked them up before lunch. They were good kids. I got one blog post published! I am so behind!  

dear tuesday, I got up early and practiced the harp. I got in almost four hours practicing today because I practiced for a long time after my lesson too. I am so excited I am learning Petite Etude!  I have wanted to play it forever but wasn't sure I would ever be at that level. I have made it!  Now to master it. Well, to learn it first!  hah  I put together treats for the Sunbeams.  I also made zucchini bread for my ministering sisters. Dave was off today but busy with the yard all day. I delivered the bread to all my sisters. Not one was home. Go figure.  I ran some errands and as for the rest of the day I have no clue.  Sarah added eyes to the cow potato. Hah

dear wednesday, I got in three miles this a.m.  I rushed home to get ready to deliver treats to our Sunbeams.  I got some mini gummy bears and printed out the Come Follow Me pages. I picked up Pat and we were able to see Liam, Felix, Ever, and Sawyer.  We missed Eden and Adalyne.  We also took one to the new little girl named Ona. She is adorable. It was fun seeing them. They are all getting big!  

My goal was to get a full week done today of this blog. I was able to finish one but it is a slow go!  Ugh I am about six weeks behind. And I can never seem to catch up. It's like the laundry. Even if you are caught up you are still behind because you are wearing clothes that need washing. Every day I am living another day and it needs recording!  hah  But hopefully I will find some time and be able to get it caught up within a couple weeks. Sigh.  Carson and Sky stopped by for a short visit. 

Guru Gary sent me this today.  He sent me another one on Friday but I will post them both here.  I am baffled he would go to all that trouble and time and effort to do this! I was laughing out loud reading what he wrote to go with the photos. It brought back such great memories of all the crazy things I have done!  Who does that?  He is the nicest person! 

*With the NEW Blogger I can't get this one to enlarge so you will have to click on it. The other one did.  Everything is SO SO SO messed up!!!!


I am trying to get a shower planned for Sarah but didn't get too far on it today. Ugh.  I am also stressing about the wedding cake!  By the time this gets posted the wedding will probably be over!  That is crazy!  

dear thursday, the internet guy showed up this morning to try and figure out why our internet is always going off. It's so frustrating! #firstworldprobs I had to stick around until he was done and so I got out on my walk later than I hoped. I almost bagged it but decided I would feel better if I did. I got in three miles. I ran a little ways, but not much. Saving up the ankle for my Saturday run. McKay is still really sick. Poor guy. Dave gave him a Rocephin shot. He is worried his tonsils are so huge they will shut off his airway. He is a tough kid and never complains. I have the best boys. I ran some errands and then got Dave's parents dinner ready. I chatted with McKay while I made a salad and biscuits etc. Dave got home in time to drop it off.  I have been watching Shark Week all week. I can't get enough!  LOL I usually fall asleep watching it once I am in bed. Not sure why I love it so much!

These guys made a visit today....

dear friday, I got out on a walk this morning.  The air had a chill in it. Fall is not far away. I got in three miles. I saw this woman pushing a wheelchair surrounded by this stuff and then she took off and left it. Not sure what she is doing. Weird.  

Haylie asked me to borrow some stuff for her party for Brinlee tonight. She said she was stressed and not sure how she was going to get it all done. I offered to help in anyway I could. I took some stuff over and her mom came after I was there a bit. Before I left, Haylie said Brinlee probably wasn't going to get a cake because she had so much to do. I said, "How about I bake the cake and you decorate it?"  She was up for that. It was a ghost cake (she wanted a spooky party!) and so I came home and baked it. It was a four layer 6" cake with each layer a different color (purple, black, green, orange). I figured it wouldn't be too difficult. I had to carve the top one to the shape of a ghost head. But of course one of the layers crumbled on the side when I removed it. I was mad I didn't Crisco and flour the pans.  Will I ever learn?  But I managed to repair it with icing. That is one thing I am a pro at. Repair work!  I have had lots of practice!  It ended up being great and so I took it over. She was still stressed but I left it to her to finish. 

I got all dressed up in my WITCH costume. I wore my new apron thing I bought at the Grand American last year at our Witch's Tea. It is so cute! I wore the torturous shoes too!   The outside pictures shows the true color of the apron. I love it!  I got the hat there too.

I gave Brinlee a tea party coupon for part of her bday gift with a cute teacup I found at the DI. 

Haylie requested no toys *unless educational and no clothes. So, I got her books, a towel, a sparkly purple backpack, bath bombs, treats, a teacup and saucer and a coupon for a tea party with me, cupcake kit, workbooks for school, etc. I am not sure she liked it too much.  Next time I think I will get her clothes. It was fun. I dressed up like a witch as did Haylie and her mom and Brinlee. It was cute.  Sarah showed up dressed like Maleficent. Carson was dressed like Carlos.  Sarah brought a crown for my mom.  It was a small party. Just us, my parents, Sarah and her boys, and Haylie's mom and brother and wife and kids. Liam was cute as always. Brinlee kept hugging me and it was so sweet.  Love that lil' thing to pieces.  Sarah made some super cute spooky treats. Her house was all decked out in Halloween decor. Brinlee requested her birthday party be spooky. Maybe I should put  mine up now too!  Haha  We had cake and chatted and Dave headed out and I stayed a bit later. 

Fabio!  haha  He does kind of look like him!  Only Bryce is better looking!

Bryce played baseball with Chayden for a long time. Liam can really throw the ball! He has an arm. Sarah took me home after Haylie and I looked at all of her First Look pix. Wow! They are amazing! SO amazing!

Sarah told me Carson woke up this morning in a grumpy mood and said, "The only thing that makes me happy is making potions!  And Jodi!"  Ahhh.... He is the sweetest!

dear saturday, today Chayden wanted to go with me on a walk but he changed his mind so I hit the high school and did the track and surrounding areas. I ran the whole time (well a few walk breaks) and got in three miles. I was pretty happy about that since I haven't run much lately. 

I even found a penny!  Hey to you too, Tyson!

I took some shark cookies to Chayden and Carson this afternoon from Crumbl. It is Shark Week and I have been watching lots of the new programs. I can't get enough!  I chatted with Sarah for quite a while. Sky was there at first but had to go to some appointments. They stopped by later tonight so we could tell Chayden goodbye since he leaves tomorrow morning. Carson spent the night so he didn't have to get up at 5 a.m to take Chayden.  He took a bath and we had to improvise for PJ's and underpants since he wasn't planning on spending the night. I found one of Tyson's silky shirts that Tyson loved to sleep in. And some oversized Grinch boxers!  LOL Tyson was watching down with a big smile on his face I am certain. We watched some show and then I had to hit the hay. I was so exhausted! Oh this boy makes me happy!

dear sunday, Carson and I snuggled this morning in bed for a while. He is the cutest thing ever. We made his Build a Bear panda this morning. He sewed it all himself. It was fun. 

Dave made us German pancakes that were to die for! They are my favorite breakfast food I think. We even had a fresh peach to go with it!  Mmm.... Peach season is coming fast! I can't wait! 

We had church again today. Only the second time in five months. Dave sat on the stand so it was just Carson, McKay and me. Dave spoke for about five minutes at the end. We had a lot more peeps there this time than last. It still is strange seeing everyone in masks. McKay wanted to get home and so I didn't get to visit with anyone.  When we got home Sky and Sarah were here. They stayed a bit and then went home with Carson. They came back a bit later for dinner. We had ribs and baked potatoes and a jello salad I made and some bread sticks I made super quick. They were so good. 

Aubrey, Mickey and Sam ran over for a bit. Aubrey gave me a book she made of the girl's cabin trip for my birthday!  I loved it.  That's my quote on the second photo.

Carson was very happy to see them!  hah

We were laughing so hard while we looked at the pix. I shared bread sticks with them. It was fun.  When Carson heard they were coming, he hurried and made Micky a present and wrapped it. It was artwork and a card. He is so thoughtful!

Carson and I went out back and sat in the swing for a bit. The baby deer came down. I got the best video of them. 

Sky and Sarah were playing a game. It is cute how they always do that.  They headed home and I went up and watched the last night of Shark Week. Kind of sad it's over. 

dear random, this is a photo of my Grandma Helen (my Dad's mom) with some of the Raggedy Ann dolls she made!  Can you spot mine????  

Yep!  Mine is the only purple one!! I still have it!
She was such a cute and talented lady. I sure miss her.

I got my Homemaker's invite done!

My mom's famous Strawberry Danish Dessert Delight recipe!  I thought I better preserve it here!

Little Miss Kailani!  I miss her!

I’m Not Ignoring COVID

July 22, 2020

Mike. In a recent post, you said you’ve been to Tennessee and Georgia, giving speeches and filming for your new show. Before that, you were on the road shooting for Dirty Jobs. Is it really so important to film a television show in the midst of pandemic? Is it responsible of you to encourage this kind of behavior when infection rates are spiking? Don’t you watch the news? More and more cases every day – aren’t you concerned? Darlene Gabon

Hi Darlene

Of course, I’m concerned. I’m just not petrified.

On March 15th, the day after my part of the country was locked down, I posted a link to an interview with Dr. Michael Osterholm. I’m posting it again, because I believe you and everyone else in the country would benefit from listening carefully to what he has to say. https://youtu.be/E3URhJx0NSw

Dr. Osterholm is the Director of Infectious Disease Research and Policy. This is the same epidemiologist who ten years ago, predicted a coronavirus would come from China and turn our country upside down. In his book “Deadliest Enemies,” he described the utterly irresponsible way in which the media would report on the situation, the completely opportunistic and shamelessly political way our leaders would likely react, and the unprecedented chaos and confusion that would arise from all the mixed messages from the medical community. His resume is unexampled, and his analysis of the situation is the most logical and persuasive of any I’d heard so far. He’s also the only expert I know of who hasn’t walked back his numbers, reconsidered his position, or moved the goalposts with regard to what we must do, what we can do, and what he expects to happen next. I say all of this because Dr. Osterholm also predicted that we could easily see 100 million COVID cases in this country, with a very strong possibility of 480,000 fatalities – even if we successfully “flattened the curve.”

It took me a few weeks to accept this scenario, because 480,000 fatalities is a frightening number, and lot of other experts were saying lots of conflicting things. But eventually, I came to the conclusion that Dr. Osterholm was probably correct, and quickly navigated the four stages of grief that usually precede acceptance – denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. By late April, I had come to accept Dr. Osterholm’s predictions as a matter of fact. Since then, I’ve had three full months to come to terms with the fact that, a) I am probably going to get COVID-19 at some point, b), I am almost certainly going to survive it, and c), I might very well give it to someone else.

I hope that doesn’t sound blasé, or glib, or fatalistic, or selfish. Four-hundred eighty thousand deaths is an obvious tragedy, and I’m deeply sympathetic to all who have been impacted thus far. I’m also very concerned for my parents, and everyone else in a high risk category. But when Dr. Osterholm says that COVID can be slowed, but not stopped, I believe him. When he says a vaccine will not necessarily hasten herd immunity, I believe him. And when he says that “flattening the curve” and eliminating the virus have nothing to do with each other, I believe him.

Thus, for the last three months, I’ve been operating from the assumption that this is a year-round virus that’s eventually going to infect 100,000 million people and kill roughly 1/2 of one percent of those infected. I’ve gotten used to those numbers in much the same way I’ve gotten used to the fact that 40,000 people will likely die on the highways this year. That’s why I’m not panicked or surprised by tens of thousands of daily COVID cases; I’ve been expecting them. Unfortunately, many others have not. Every day, millions of people watch the same breathless coverage by the same breathless journalists, who seem determined to do all they can to foster uncertainty. And so, millions of people are still paralyzed by fear, because they haven’t been given a chance to digest the truth, (or, what I believe to be the truth.) Fact is, we can accept almost anything, if we’re given the facts, and enough time to get our heads around them. But if we don’t have an understanding of what’s really happening, we simply can’t get passed denial and bargaining, where so many seem to be stuck, understandably so.

Imagine for a moment you had no idea how many people would die in car accidents this year. Now, imagine that every single accident – over six million a year in the US alone – were reported on the same way that every new COVID case is reported today. Imagine every day you were told in hysterical tones, that another 16,000 accidents had occurred, resulting in another 90 deaths per day. What would that do to your willingness to drive? Six million accidents is a lot of accidents, and 40,000 annual fatalities is a lot of death – especially if you don’t know how high that number could get. But we DO know the dangers of driving, and we’ve accepted those numbers. Consequently, we’re able to make a grown-up decision about whether or not we want to assume the associated risk of operating a motor vehicle.

Again, don’t misunderstand. I’m not ignoring COVID, and I’m not pretending the risks at hand aren’t real. I don’t want to get this disease and give it to someone else, any more than I want to be in a car wreck and hurt someone else. So, I take precautions. I get tested often. If I can’t distance, I wear a mask – especially around higher risk people. I also wear a seatbelt, obey the speed limits, and check my mirrors before changing lanes. I’m aware that we’d all be a lot safer if we kept our cars in the garage. I’m also aware we’d be a lot safer if we all kept ourselves in the house. But that’s not why cars, or people, exist.

Anyway Darlene, that’s a long way of saying that I have accepted Dr. Osterholm’s numbers, and now, after three months of acceptance, I’ve made a decision on how I wish to live my life. Sooner or later, you will too. We all will.

Mike

PS. My foundation is selling masks to raise money for our next work-ethic scholarship program. They’re going fast…mikeroweWORKS.org/Shop
Mike’s Facebook Page

*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, TIME TO CELEBRATE!!!

I hit the gym early. It was chilly!  I feel like my ankle is improving though. 

I still limp when I wake up but not as bad as before. It's getting better I can tell, so this is worth it! I ran to Kent's and got some stuff for the Halloween dinner I am doing tonight. I had a hair color appointment that took longer than I thought it would. I am butched!  I told her not to take much off but holy!  It is butched! 

I rushed to get everything done for the dinner. It's a lot of work. I got the table set and the food made and everyone arrived and it was fun but kind of crazy!  Hah  I printed up a new menu for this year.  

It turned out fun. It is a very fun tradition that's for sure. I had the scary music on.

 Brinlee wore her witch costume and she was so cute. 

Liam cracked me up because he was snarfing down the brains (black spaghetti) like there was no tomorrow! He cracks me up!

Picture overload, but EVERY one of these makes me chuckle!  He's so cute!  Yeah, I have waited a LONG time to be a Grandma and so I am eating these littles up! 
Carson was into it and loved the blood (fruit punch). I love how fun little ones make life.  

I invited my parents this year as well. I think they liked it. I hope anyway. Brinlee did not want to go home. After everyone left, I was still cleaning up for a long time and I was beat. I am definitely not as young as I used to be. The chaos is not something I am used to anymore. LOL 

dear tuesday, MERRY CHRISTMAS!  We woke up to SNOW!  And not just a skiff!  

She’s in there somewhere.

#HappyMerryHalloweenChristmas
#fallisMIA

Plus, it was SO cold again today. Tomorrow is going to be record breaking cold for October!  Like 6 degrees!  I practiced the harp for almost two hours and then Carson came up and showed me his PJ's he got to wear to school today. At least they look warm!  

I headed to harp and I really should have done an online lesson because I only got about a 20 min lesson today. Ugh. She had to teach preschool right after.  Oh well.  I hit a bunch of stores trying to find stuff for Saturday's dinner. I should have stayed home and worked on my talk for the Women's Forum. I am getting stressed out since I haven't really prepared it yet. Well, I have prepared it but I don't have it down to what it is going to be yet.  I guess I have too much info and I need to organize it better. UGH! Organize my talk on organizing! I hit Costco as well and spent way too much $$$. I got several gifts. Tis' the season!

THESE! 

Oh. My. Gosh!  BOTH are so scrumptious!!!
I can't even tell you how good they are!
RUN, don't walk to Costco and get some!

Carson was so cute when I got home. He is always so happy and smiley. Love that kid! We had scary bats and pumpkin ravioli tonight I found at Costco.  

I helped Sarah sew part of Carson's Carlo's costume. It was a Dalmatian print hood for his jacket. It turned out cute. 

In other EXCITING news:
Sky posted his engagement on FB today and it was so sweet what he wrote: 

To some of my friends and family, you’ll likely say this post is long overdue. Truth is, I found someone worth the wait. For those of you who found your center years ago, now I understand. I’ve left my carefree bachelor life behind, and the truth is I’ve never been happier.

Sarah and I began dating over 3 years ago. It wasn’t long before I found out that if I wanted her in my life, Disney was inevitably going to be an integral part of our relationship. She was the embodiment of a 2016 princess – minus the high maintenance stuff. She’s overly optimistic and full of positive energy – always able to see the silver lining in the clouds. The Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney’s iconic logo and, without knowing exactly how it was going to happen, I knew long ago that I wanted to propose to her here. She’s modeled since she was a teenager and has an eye for style and creativity. So, naturally, when she found out we were going to Europe to see the castle, she wanted to re-create a princess shoot. She brought a Cinderella dress, tiara, glass slippers and we hiked up to a seclude spot to get some good pictures. For most of the trip we’d been finding great shooting locations and she was under the impression this was just another photo-op. I had other plans.

I fell in love with her all over again on this trip and I’m so happy to call her my Fiancé.

He designed her ring!  It looks like a tiara!

So exciting!!!

dear wednesday,  today was record cold this a.m.  It has never been this cold in the history of EVER in Octoburrrr here.  At least since they started keeping records.  Brrrr....  It was supposed to be only 6 degrees but I think it was 7!  Woo!  I let Scratchers sleep in the garage last night. I felt so bad for him. 

I should have gone to the PT gym but I had so much I needed to do today that I didn't go.  Carson was all decked out looking warm and toasty! It was Disney character dress up day today. He went as Gus Gus.

I got up about 6 a.m. and got tons done and then got all witchy and headed to the daycare for the Halloween parade for Brinlee and Liam.  Dave also tagged along.  It was a nice place. I didn't even know it existed.  Brinlee saw me and was so excited we were both witches and then Liam saw me and was a little scared at first but then he was... whatever. They were so excited to get all the candy.  The USU staff passed it out. They got a ton!  We followed them around.  Not sure we were supposed to but we did. 

Once back in the room I tried to get a photo with Brinlee since we were both witches, but she suddenly got anxious and said I was creepy and wouldn't. Haha  The other little girls wanted to touch all my stuff, but not her.  Then Liam got scared of me too. I was striking out!

I then drove to meet the Sistas in my witch outfit for the Witches Tea at the Grand America in SLC.

We met in Roy and I drove.  It was so fun. There were lots of witches. As we were walking in several people asked if they could take a picture of us.  We obliged. 

It was so nice. I love that place.  

They served us tea or hot cocoa. Then we had a "scone" or "crumpet".  The second course was finger sandwiches and desserts.  It was all very nice and a lot of fun.  

We got LOTS of photos.  Of course.  We then shopped a bit at the inside stores. I got a really pretty purple apron and witches hat.  The Sistas tried to talk me into but it was too much ($45) so I asked if they would discount it. She called the manager and he said they would take 40% off. Okay!  You don't have to twist my arm with that. It is purple and so cute.  I can wear it at my Halloween dinners or as part of a witch costume.  I didn't need it and now I thinking that was probably not a wise purchase, but it's cute. Not sure how I will downsize when I keep buying stuff!  Hah  We walked around some more and took more photos.  It was a very fun day. I am glad I have such fun friends. 

A few of us, had a wee bit more fun than the others posing away in our costumes.

 But I will not mention any names.... 

I came home and rushed to get ready for Carson's program.  Dave had to go to a four hour meeting in Tremonton so he didn't make it. My parents came though.  It was so fun. Carson was so cute and did a great job.  He was just smiling (beaming) up there and did the actions so cute and knew all the words and did a great job on his part. 

It was fun. I met his teacher and she said, "You must be Jodi! All he does is talk about you all the time! I am glad to finally meet you!"  It made me feel good. So sweet!  
We came home and it was so freezing!

dear thursday, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!  

One of my favorite day's of the year!  I love it!  

Carson dressed up like Carlos from the Descendants.

I got dressed in my shirt with the cape in the back. I had to hit Kent's and a couple other places. It was cold! Carson looked so cute as Carlos!  Sarah got dressed up as Evie. I wasn't going to dress up until tonight as Mal but Sarah wanted me to go with her to his school Halloween parade dressed up. So I did. She sprayed my hair purple because I really didn't want to wear a wig. I do not like wigs. Ugh. It turned out pretty cute. Carson waved at us when we got there. He looked so cute. I got some cute photos. Then they did their program again. So cute.

Sarah and I went to Walmart and grabbed more hair color. We got a Subway while there and then went and got Carson. 

Yep, I'm definitely a purple haired woman!  Maybe I will keep it this way! We came home and got some photos of the three of us.  We are the Descendants!  I am Malificent's daughter. Sarah is the daughter of the evil queen on Snow White.  Julie dressed up like her today.  Perfect.  

I would only do this for this cute little adorable guy!  Just glad she is all about purple!  Carson made a great Carlos.  Carlos is Cruella's son. I look creepy!!! Maybe I'm too old for purple hair...but isn't that what you call old ladies?  Purple hairs?  LOL

I made the intestines for tonight's dinner as well as the soup and salad. It was crazy all day. I was flying. The intestines turned out so cool! I'll post the recipe just in case!  Hah  They were creepy. 

My parents showed up pretty early as well as trick or treaters. My first ones were at 4:30! But I think that is because it was SO stinkin' cold today!  The high was 35 degrees!  A chilly Octoburrrrr!  I had full size candy bars this year but only about 60. The plan was to give them out to the peeps we know and the fun size to those we don't. But that didn't go so well. Haha  I could tell some peeps came here just because they knew or were told we gave them out in the past. So I did give a lot to peeps I didn't know as did Carson. Hah One boy came back three times with different friends! LOL  I didn't see too many Primary kids though. I got a couple. Jaida even came!!!  Yay!  We got our traditional photo!

We ate and it was crazy because the doorbell kept ringing. Bryce and kids showed up and we had fun with them. Liam wanted to carry the candy through the house and it kept spilling. That's okay. They were adorable. I gave them Halloween cereal and a little bucket of treats. 

 Little Liam wanted to pass out the candy and he would NOT put the bowl down.

The sunset tonight was INCREDIBLE!  The pictures do not do it justice at all! WOW!
Sarah had taken Carson trick or treating earlier and wanted us to go to the spook alley they found.  We dragged my parents to it as well. We first went to one of my Sunbeam's and it was scary and my mom was hilarious but the second one that was just down the street was so funny! Carson refused to go in that one because he had already. Can't say I blame him. LOL  My mom was screaming so hard and was truly scared!  OH. MY. GOSH! She was so funny! I have never laughed so hard!  I was peeing my pants!  Her screams were hilarious! My Dad was also laughing harder than I have seen him in ages. It was hysterical. She is a hoot. I will never forget it. SO SO SO FUNNY! 

We then drove to the Haunted House (not really) but the Felt's house that Carson loves at Christmas. He went trick or treating there too and loved it. We then went up Beecher and hit a few homes. It was a blast. But cold! We came home and had trick or treaters pretty late. Brrr...  FUN FUN FUN!

Mr. Cat is not sure what to make of all this Halloween stuff and constant trick-or-theaters!

dear friday, Happy National Day after Halloween Day!

I got ready early and then hit the Dollar Store for some things for my talk tomorrow and some stuff for the GA dinner tom night.  I worked on my talk today for a few hours and actually have it ready I think. I am doing a handout as well as slides for it. I had Sky help me get those ready. I met the other wives at the church to set up for our dinner.  I was SO happy with how the table centerpieces turned out. Even cuter than I envisioned.  Everything looked so perfect. The plates I found matched so well with the tables too. We worked hard though setting up. We had to haul out about 150 chairs, a ton of hymn books, and the piano to another room.  That was hard on my back and I could tell it was hard on Nadine's.  Next time we will have the guys do that. We wanted it to look clean and nice though. I came home and worked on my talk some more. 

dear saturday, today I got up at 6 a.m and made the pumpkin cake for the General Authority dinner tonight. But, I was out of butter! I am never out of butter unless I am in a hurry. I had some in the basement but couldn't go down since Sky and fam were sleeping. I also didn't have enough pumpkin upstairs. So I made everything I could and would add those later. I revised the handout a bit for my talk and then tried to get through it while I was getting ready, but never quite got all the way through. I will be winging it. I was prepared but I wish I had more time to practice it. I have spoke so many times that I should be okay if I don't but I always get nervous anyway. 

My topic was organization and time saving hacks and as I walked out of my home I felt like I was an impostor for being able to speak on that subject because my house was in a shambles. At least my closet and pantry were.  And the computer room. I really need a real desk!  Anyway, I arrived and had the helper get my thumb drive working for me. She had issues but finally managed. I had called Sky to bring me it all on Power Point but she was able to get it working. 

I met my mom and Julie and Robin and the keynote was excellent. It was Meg Johnson who I just heard at This One's for the Girls. But she is always so good. I wonder if she gets tired of always giving the same talk.

I was presenting right after so I hurried to my room and discussed the order with the other two presenters.  Jodi P said hers was only 10-12 minutes and the other one was hoping for 15. I said mine was 20 but I would cut it, but Jodi told me we could have her extra time. I ended up going last which was good because I did get 20 min. I was pretty well done but could have kept going. Karen J introduced me. The first one went really well. I felt good about it. 

A few of the slides from my power point. I tried to add most of them but they have vanished from my computer. Things keep doing that! Must be because it's Halloween time???

 With Jodi and Valeree.  The other presenters I spoke with today.

My mom and Julie and Robin came in for the second one. I was stressing I wouldn't get the same amount of time because people kept raising their hands and talking during Valeree's. But I still did, however my photos weren't working and I was stressed I would have to do it without them.  But luckily she figured it out.  It went well the second time around too. I had several people tell me they really learned a lot and enjoyed it. Julie told me she heard people talking about how good it was and said she saw some surveys and my name was listed as the top favorite on several. I told her I will find out next week because we have our eval meeting and we all read each survey. Hopefully, that will be a good thing. Hah

My friend Naomi posted this on Facebook later today... 

We had lunch and it was so good as always since Iron Gate Grill caters it. I forgot to take a photo this year of all of us!  Dang!  I feel so bad. I do every year! My brain has been on overdrive and can't hold another thing!  I introduced Lindsey F. and then went to the cooking class with my mom and the others. I should have stayed in her class though. She is so cute. We then went to Jill G. class and expected home decor but got a class on family.  But she is so genuine and so sweet and it was good. 

Jill's bread recipe. She passed out samples at the end of her class.

I chatted with her after the class and she asked me how I was doing. I had several people ask that today, a few I didn't even know. Julie walked my mom to her car and my mom called later and said that Julie asked her if she was just so proud of me.  That was cute. They gave me a nice basket loaded with good stuff!  Including a gift card to Walker Cinema.

 Here are my notes for my class.  I did not really focus on any paper organization because Jodi was taking care of that part of our class. On the very last page, there is a bit about the importance of having a planner, but I left that out of the class.

A few of the survey's. ↓ These were passed around at our eval meeting the next week. I am so far behind I am adding them here since it's more relevant than later.  I think our class was a success after reading these. Wouldn't be nice if you could get surveys after everything you do?  And not just if things went well, but maybe even more so if they don't. I learn more when I get feedback that isn't always great. But I was happy these were all very positive.

I had to rush home to get ready for the General Authority dinner and change clothes. I arrived at the church and the tables we set up last night looked so cute. 

We finished getting everything ready, and then did the pear salad.  Our timing was perfect. The Bishop's wives began arriving and we had fun chatting with them.  They all kept telling us how beautiful the tables looked.  We all had to agree. Hah  JK

The others finally arrived and we got right to dinner.  We had the salads already on the table and they served their own soup. 

We had help in the kitchen that brought out the dessert. Kathryn and I helped serve them as well.  It was my yummy pumpkin cake recipe. SO good.  Everything turned out nice. We sat with Johnny and Jenny (I mean Bishop) and the Wights.  It was nice.  The soups were delish as well.  

We didn't do much clean up after because we had to rush to the meeting. They had actually taped off some seats for us in the front. That was a first.  The meeting was good. Elder Olsen gave a great talk and then Elder Mayne spoke. After a bit he had our husbands come sit by us and he finished speaking standing in front with a white board.  His talk was amazing. I was so tired though since I got about four hours of sleep last night.  It was a good night.  The guys helped us clean up after.

dear sunday, I got on my blog today and saw that three weeks of UNPUBLISHED posts have disappeared!  Yep!  So now I may NEVER catch up! My system is to write each day what happens and then go back and add photos when I have time.  All of the daily writings are gone are as any and all photos I also added. I do it a bit at a time and Blogger has been deleting everything the past few months when I go to PREVIEW and so I have to copy and paste it all in a new post.  BUT this is worse. It's just G O N E!  I want to cry. I didn't have time to do it in the first place and now I REALLY don't know where I will find the time.  Maybe HF is trying to tell me it's time to move on!  I am feeling it anyway and not sure how I can continue to do this.  It's a time sucker for sure.  But then WHY do I feel so compelled to do it?  No answers.  UGH UGH UGH!!!!!!!  SO frustrated!  Technology...love it AND hate it!

We had Stake Conference today.  Dave was already at the tabernacle before us. Carson and I saved seats for Sky and Sarah. The meeting was good. Dave did a great job. He is such a natural at speaking and seems so calm and like he was born for the job.  I should go get my notes and write down what he talked about.  His main message was on time.

I waited around after with the other wives and met Elder Olsen's wife. They are an amazing couple. He was a stake president at age 28!  And a bishop before that!  They just returned from Uruguay as mission presidents in July and he was put in as an Area Authority three weeks ago! He is only about 45. Cute family. We talked for awhile and she asked about our family.  It was fun visiting. 

The guys were in a meeting right after that was only supposed to be 15 minutes but was an hour. We got some photos. It was the first time we got one with the wives. 

We had leftover taco soup form last night's dinner and then I went up and rested. I didn't really sleep but it felt good to just CHILL!  This week was cray cray and now even though we gained an hour last night, it always makes me MORE tired than when we lose one because I stay up later and wake up at the same time no matter what. McKay stopped by to do his laundry and stayed the night. Busy week next week too.  Then Christmas. SO SO SO not ready for the hustle and bustle to hit.

dear random, McKay on his trip to Zion's a few weeks ago with his canyoneering class.

dear quotes, I read this quote and I knew I had to make a meme of it...