Halloween in Pictures

My halloween day in pictures (and a few words)

I took part in a Halloween gift exchange. My swap partner was Brittany from this&that and tangledandtrue.

The only thing better than getting a package in the mail is getting one that is full of surprises.
This is what she sent.

Cupcake mix, m&ms, spider earrings, nail polish, thankyou notes, a BOO plaque, mice & hole decorations for the house. The girls had a blast making the cupcakes and we had a blast eating them. I thought I had a picture of the plaque above my kitchen sink, but I guess not. Just know, Brittany, that it has found a permanant home each Halloween. I loved opening this package!

The women in the office wanted to dress up as football players. I really did not want to. I don't understand wanting to dress up as a guy. I was so happy when they decided not to, but to dress in 50s costume instead. Brenda didn't want to dress up at all, but we talked her into it anyway.

Brenda, me, Shelly, Sheryl

I wish you could see my poodle and how big my skirt poofs out. I wore one of my dance slips under the skirt. I forgot how much I miss dancing until I put it on.

Ethan and Brandi before school yesterday. Ethan as a Zombie, Brandi as a soccer player, wearing her lucky beanie. (called that because they won their last game of the season the day before)




Me and Ethan before school

Brandi at Karlene's house (photo by Karlene)



Me at Karlene's

Brandi strutting her fairy stuff. I bought this fairy costume for me. Obviously the size on the package was a lie because it did not fit me.

So I decided to wear my kitty costume from about 3 years ago.
One thing about losing weight-- nothing fits anymore. I looked like I was wearing Aunt Fannie's nightie. Thank goodness I had a belt I could put on. Except even it was too big. And I couldn't find my tail. Or my ears, so I had to wear Brandi's kitty ears.

Then we headed over to the neighborhood "Trunk or Treat" where I ran out of stuff in 20 minutes! But it was nice to see and chat with the neighbors.

Getting ready

After we got home I found these glasses in my purse. So I put them and the fairy wig on. Pretty kitty?

But my favorite part of the whole night?

These two sweet little trick or treaters:


Hunter as a Duck Hunter in his blind.

Jordan as Raggedy Ann

I love my babies.

In other news- I didn't go to Logan today with the marching band because:

1. I was not feeling great

2. I wanted to see Jordan and Hunter

But the band did wonderful for their last in state competition for the year- 1st place, best color guard, best music, best visual and a superior rating! Way to go boys. (and the local paper has asked me to write an article about the marching band season)

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Indeed.

Persuasive Paper

Today I have a guest blogger, Brandi. Today she is going to try to persuade you to believe that winter is the best time of year. I have included her entire essay below and have not changed any of the spelling or grammer. So, this freezing, cold day before Halloween, get a cup of cocoa, sit back and enjoy. Oh, and be aware that these ideas are the sole property of the author and do not always represent reality at our house.

My faviorte time of year is winter. Some people say its the coldest time of year or "its too cold to go out side". I think it a perfect time to go out side and play with your kids. Its also a good time to go jogging. Not to hot and not to cold if you wear a coat.

Most kids have a great time in winter but thats mostly beacusse of Christmas. Kis never for get about Santa and all the preasnts. Most parents say oh great screaming little kids that wont go to sleep. If they don't go to sleep then stay awake with them and on Christmas after the preasnts its nap time!

My faviorte part is probably the preasnts, snow, and all the food you can fit in your stomch! YUM! Besides that you can go to sleep and leave your little ones play with toys. Not such a bad idea after all. now do you think that winter is the best time of year? Well if you dont then keep reading because ill convice you edvencually. Dont worry itll happen soon. If you don't want anoying little kids all day then go out side and build a snowman and get the hyperness out of them. Winter is way better than summer or sping or fall. Summer is boiling hot, do you want your kids getting heat stroke? Fall is breezy. Kids traking leafs all over the house. Not a good idea. Plus all the talk going around about dead turkeys. Not such pleasnt memories huh. and halloween candy is bad for the kids. What about the goblins and grim repers. Spring brings valitines day witch leads to love witch leads to crushes at age 5. Do you want your child not paying atetion at school beacuse you like valitines day the best. So do your self a favor and be happy about winter. You can still like other times of year but winter should be your faviorte.

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Indeed.

Am I Not A Man?

An Illiterate slave, Dred Scott trusted in an all-white, slave-owning jury to declare him free. But after briefly experiencing the glory of freedom and manhood, a new state Supreme Court ordered the cold steel of the shackles to be closed again around his wrists and ankles. Falling to his knees, Dred cried, “Ain’t I a man?” Dred answered his own question by rising and taking his fight to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Dred ultimately lost his epic battle when the Chief Justice declared that a black man was so inferior that he had “no rights a white man was bound to respect.”
Dred died not knowing that his undying courage led directly to the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.
Dred Scott’s inspiring and compelling true story of adventure, courage, love, hatred, and friendship parallels the history of this nation from the long night of slavery to the narrow crack in the door that would ultimately lead to freedom and equality for all men.

I got the priviledge of receiving an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC)of Mark L. Shurtleff's new novel, "Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story" I love history and love historical fiction. Now the thing about ARCs is this, they are books that have not had the final edit done, so there are mistakes. I did find mistakes, mostly punctuation errors. One big error was a wrong date that threw me for a couple of pages until I remembered that I was reading an ARC.

If you think back to your US History class from junior high or senior high school, you will remember that the Dred Scott case was one of the most famous cases in history. It was also one of the most pivital cases in the freeing of slaves. And a very interesting case. Dred lived his life as a free man for 2 years before his case was overturned and he was once again taken into slavery. He died as a piece of property, owned by another and he never ever knew the big part he would play in history. In my family history. In the ability for me to have Brandi as a daughter. Someday I will thank him for that.

As I write this review, I have not finished the entire book, but I am closer to the end than I am the beginning. This is not a quick read book, but it is a book that you want to read. Everytime I have to put the book down, I find myself reluctant to do so.

I started reading the book as I sat and waited for the drum line boys so I could take them to Marching Band practice. I was not happy when school was out and the boys got in the car. However, the story does not follow in a linear fashion. Mr. Shurtleff goes back and forth along the timeline of Dred's life. At first this was confusing, even though he does use dates to identify the time period. Once I got into the rhythm of the writing, though, it was ok, but a timeline, family trees or something like it would have been a big help to keep people straight. I will admit that there was a lot about history that I either didn't know or forgot. The parts of the story that were back story or history to set the scene sometimes were as slow moving as the mighty Mississippi. But when Mr. Shurtleff was telling Dred's story it moved along quite well and was very entertaining.

I was once again amazed at what our forefathers went through and what they did to procure freedom for us. And what Brandi's ancestors went through to procure freedom for her and the ability for her to someday live a life as my daughter and not my servant.(though I am sure when I am nagging her about chores...) This story is not all light and happiness, there is no sugar coated fluff in this book, so there are parts that are hard to read simply because life for the black man was hard and oft times not fair or right.

The research is amazing. The story is equally amazing and fascinating. And Dred was an amazing man and I wish I had known him. Through Mark L. Shurtleff's book, I can.

And you can too.

Discussion questions here

Learn about the author here

Purchase Am I Not a Man? The Dred Scott Story now.
Price: $24.95Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (November 3, 2009)Fiction: Historical NovelBinding: HardboundLanguage: EnglishISBN-13: 978-1-935546-00-9Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

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Indeed.

A day in the life

Saturday at my house :

I went here

To get these

Then I put about 6 loads of these

and these

into these There was some of this

A lot of this

This, in the wind and rain and FREEZING COLD

But I was warmer than Brandi, who came and got one of the pairs of gloves I was wearing.

Then Brandi went with the soccer team to a Halloween party and I raced across town to this

They took 1st place as well as Best Visual Caption award.

And it was still Freezing but the rain had stopped.

I tried to post a great visual video at the very bottom of this post from another competition but blogger won't upload it. I'll keep trying and post it later

Then I picked up Brandi, went home and did 4 more loads of laundry and went to bed about 2 a.m. this morning.

There was none of this

Which is what I REALLY, REALLY wanted to do

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Indeed.

Be Still

Palms 46:10




Alma 37:36-37

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Indeed.

I love my mom

Ok, this is going to have to be fast because I have class in 25 minutes and I need to leave in 5. And I hate things like this to be fast. Sorry, sorry, sorry.

It's my mom's birthday today!!!!!

Happy Birthday. Wish I was there to bake you a cake.

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Indeed.

But If Not

Today:

Daniel 3:17-18

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

But if not....

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Indeed.

Hidden Deep Inside

I keep a little notebook in my Sunday bag. Mostly Brandi uses it to draw in, but it is really there so I can take notes when a speaker says something I want to remember. But if you were to pick it up and read what I have written the last two weeks during Sacrament meeting, I wonder what your reaction would be. Shock? Dismay? Understanding? Incredulence? Would you love me anyway?

There are things I think that I tell no one. In fact I never even write these things down, because to write them is to say them "outloud" and to say them is to acknowledge them. And I could never, ever do that. But somehow I say them anyway. I know this because today when Brandi asked me something and I said "I don't care." she said back to me, "You don't care about much of anything anymore, do you?" And she was right.

Life is hard and I don't like it very much. Every day I get up and put on my mask and pretend like I care, because that is what you are supposed to do. I used to cry myself to sleep at night, but it didn't do any good and gave me a stuffy nose. So I stopped.

I was once given the opportunity to leave this earth or stay. I stayed for my kids, but one of the things I wrote last week and today is that if I were given the choice again, right now, today, I am not sure I would make the same choice again. Oh, don't get all worried and upset, I am not suicidal, just saying if I had the choice, death would be a welcome relief from life. To unlock that passageway between here and unbearable and there and peace? Welcome, welcome relief.

And that is one of the things that I don't acknowledge. But even if I don't write them, or say them or if I pretend they aren't there, the Lord always knows anyway.

Like this morning when I was getting dressed and turned on channel 11- KBYU- and there was a re-broadcast of conference on. The talk that was on? President James E. Faust, October 2004 Saturday morning session, "'Where Do I Make My Stand?" And I said, OK, fine, I'll go to church. And then I had to teach the 12 year olds in Sunday School, and then I was asked to substitute in Nov. leading the singing in Relief Society.

So even if I wanted to stop going to church and doing all the things we have been asked to do, I couldn't because I am a good girl and do what people ask me to. Even if I don't want to anymore. And I don't. Sorta.

Because the Lord won't let me stop. Or forget me. Because some of the things I wrote? All the evidence that He doesn't love me, or listen to my prayers let alone answer them. And blessings?? Pah! None.

Except.

He does, and I know it. And I really am trying to remember that.

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Indeed.

It's Your Birthday!!

HAPPY 22 JESSICA!!!

Today is Jessica's 22nd birthday. If you don't know this amazing, wonderful, brilliant, talented woman, then I feel sorry for you.

Jess took this picture in my fairy garden. Who knew that my garden looked this good?

Go to her blog and see some more of her work.

She took most (if not all) of the rest of these photos

She also took my profile picture

She is the only one that can take my picture and I look good.

Isn't she pretty?


And she has been my right hand for more years than she should have had to

She even looks good in the snow

Oh, and did I tell you is going to graduate from college with honors?

Amazing stuff for a girl that had to struggle and fight for every single passing grade in high school.

But once she got in her element and was given the chance to grow and shine

Shine she did. I always knew she would

Love you sweetie,

Happy Birthday

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Indeed.

My Fair Godmother

My Fair Godmother
Janette Rallison

"All right, what's your heart's desire?"
I sat down on my bed, suddenly miserable. I wasn't happy and couldn't even think of a way to change my life so I would be.
Chrissy checked her watch. "Is this going to take a long time? I hate to rush you, but I have a shopping trip planned with some mall pixies."
"I just wish that somehow my life could be like a fair tale. You knowk, with a handsome prince waiting for me at the ball, and that somehow when I meet him, everything will work out happily ever after."
"Okay, great. One Cinderella coming up."
Before I could say another work-- and I had planned to say, "Wait, that wasn't my wish!"-- white sparks surrounded me. The next moment I found myself in a cold, dark room.

After her boyfriend dumps her for her older sister, sophomore Savannah Delano wishes she could find a true prince to take her to the prom. Enter Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar: Savannah’s gum-chewing, cell phone–carrying, high heel-wearing Fair Godmother. Showing why she’s only Fair—because she’s not a very good fairy student—Chrissy mistakenly sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella, then as Snow White. Finally she sends Tristan, a boy in Savannah’s class, back instead to turn him into her prom-worthy prince. When Savannah returns to the Middle Ages to save Tristan, they must team up to defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious and undeniably sexy Black Knight. Laughs abound in this clever fairy tale twist from a master of romantic comedy.

Can I just say buy it and read it and laugh right out loud over and over and never ever look at a fairtale the same again.

Really.

And not only that, but you will find out why Cinderella's Prince was really not that charming. Or why the dwarfs are really named Sleepy, Happy, Dopey, Grumpy, Sneezy, Bashful and Doc. And the true identity of The Black Knight.

Oh, and just go ahead and try to remember who can pass what magic spell to whom and what it will do when you do. Or how. Go ahead and try. I dare you.

And why exactly is Chrissy never around when Savannah needs her? Or does she really need her? Or will Savannah be stuck in the middle ages forever. And what does a true prince really look like? Would you know one if you came face to face with him? Will Savannah?

Let's just hope she figures it out before it is too late.

Janette's homepage
Janette's blog

Buy My Fair Godmother here
(along with the rest of Janette's hilarious, wonderful books)

Product details:
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (January 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802797806
ISBN-13: 978-0802797803
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches

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Indeed.

Yesterday, I laughed

Brandi really cracks me up.

My friend, Noelle, just bought a house. Her family also owns a nursery. One of the best nurseries around here.

Once, before I knew Noelle, I was looking to replace some peonies that had been destroyed. They were heirloom peonies and I really loved them. They reminded me of a woman that treated me like family and accepted me when the rest of her family treated me unkindly. So, I was looking for a certain color and shape and all that kind of stuff.

Everyone else either didn't have peonies, had peonies that were the wrong color or type or were way over priced and out of my budget range. Feeling rather dejected, I stopped by Linden Nursery one day on my way home from work. They had peonies. And I could get 2 with the money I had alotted for 1. But they only had one in the correct color. And half of it was drooping and looking kind of on the dead side. I decided to take it and see if I could nurse it back to health.

When I got to the counter to pay for my two plants, I was told that since it was not looking well, and would probably die soon, I could take it-- no charge. I am not sure who was at the counter, Noelle or one of her sisters, but I do know that I no longer buy my nursery purchases anywhere else. And the little mostly dead plant? Beautiful and thriving in my front yard.

Now, I told you all of that to tell you about what happened today. As I said, Noelle bought a house. Today she had a yard sale. But she held it in front of the nursery, which faces State Street. A very busy place, lots of people to see and stop at the yard sale.

Brandi had a soccer game this afternoon. My plan was to go early, stop at the yard sale, go to Scoreboard Sports and get her new shin guards and then go to the game. But we were late because her dad was coming with us and he is always late.

I told Brandi she would have to make do with her old shin guards and we would go after the game. Then I said, "Noelle is having a yard sale today." And Brandi looked at me and without missing a beat said,

"Doesn't she pretty much have a yard sale every day?"

I laughed outloud the rest of the way to the game.

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Indeed.

I interrupt this blog to bring you Sad, sad news

Marching band season is in full swing. You can't pass a high school in the afternoon without seeing a couple of things:

Football teams practicing

Marching bands creating formations while color guard throws their rifles and carries their silks. And every Tuesday evening or Saturday finds stadiums filled with marching bands from near and far along with family and friends to cheer them on to victory.

Today was one such Saturday in Pocatello, Idaho. American Fork, Utah Marching Cavemen took 1st place. They usually do. They are good. No, they are better than good- they are one of the best at what they do. They work hard and long and perfect and hone their craft long after others would have quit.

I have watched them drill before a competition and it never ceases to impress and amaze me. It is no wonder they marched in the Macey's Thanksgiving day parade. And the Inaguration of George W. Bush. And always take 1st place in almost every competition.

But tonight. Tonight I am sitting here stunned. Saddened. In shock and despair. The one thing that every single parent of a marching band member dreads happened tonight to the AF Marching Band as they made their way home, high with the thrill of victory and a job well performed.

On the way home, one of their 4 buses rolled, killing one adult staff member. 12 students were life flighted to a hospital and others were put on a bus to go to a hospital to be treated for wounds. A couple of them were trapped in the bus for a couple of hours before they were able to get them out.

Prayers for all members of the band, their families, the family of the instructor killed.

This touches all of us involved in marching band, because whether we march against a band or not, we are all one big family and pull for and cheer for each other.

AF Marching Cavemen,

May you soon take the field in competition.

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Indeed.

Just Sharing

Final score for my counseling class that just ended Wed. night.

800/800 (100%)

Total GPA: 3.95

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Indeed.

I want to thank........

I headed over to Noelle's blog during my lunch break because she always gives me a lift halfway through my day. I got more than a lift today. She gave me a blog award.




Wasn't that nice? I love surprize like that. Thanks Noelle.

Now, I am supposed to award this to 5 bloggers and then answer some questions. So, here we go:

1. Karlene- because she lets me be me, no matter what. and still likes me.
2. Annette- because she is so witty and knowledgeable
3. Josi- if you don't know Josi, then you don't know how to look at the hard parts of life and still smile
4. Kim- doing life with grace, but still telling it like it is and saying it the way I only wish I could say it
5.Kristen- because she reminds me every day about the important and sacred things that I often forget in the business of life.

Now, on to the questions.
1. Where is your cell phone?.... My purse.
2. Your hair? ...... needs work
3. Your mother? ...... who I want to be when I grow up
4. Your father?..... my hero
5. Your favorite food? ...... mexican or good french fries
6. Your dream last night?.... weird
7. Your favorite drink?.... Strawberry Lemonade
8. Your dream/goal? .... to find and have true love
9. What room are you in? ...... my bedroom
10. Your hobby? .... cooking- and I am very good at it by the way
11. Your fear? ..... never knowing #8
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?... playing with grandbabies in the yard of my dream house
13. Where were you last night?.... at school
14. Something you aren't?..... rested
15. Muffins? .....lemon poppy seed or raspberry- homemade
16. Wish list item? ...... my dream house
17. Where did you grow up?...... New Mexico
18. Last thing you did?...... attend a soccer game
19. What are you wearing? ...... jeans and a sweater and green fuzzy socks
20. Your TV? ..... downstairs
21. Your pets? ......... 2 cats, 1 dog (because one of them mysteriously died . Don't know if it is connected to this, but a report was made)
22. Your friends? ...... understanding
23. Your life?...... needs an overhaul right now
24. Your mood? .... not happy
25. Missing someone? ..... yeah, my son that was abducted by aliens
26. Vehicle? ......Dodge Durango
27. Something you're not wearing? ...... shoes of course
28. Your favorite store? .......Home Depot or Barnes & Noble
29. Your favorite color? ...... green or purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? ...... don't remember
31. Last time you cried? ..... an hour or so ago
32. Your best friend?...... Karlene
33. One place that I go over and over? ....... in reality or in my mind?
34. One person who emails me regularly?....... My dad
35. Favorite place to eat? ....... My kitchen when it is well stocked and I have time. Los Hermanos when it isn't

And there you have it.

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Indeed.