Old Letters

This weekend I was handed a little treasure... a glimpse into Dan's life before I knew him and another record from his mission days in Samoa. Dan's parents found some letters he had written his dear Grandma Wanda while he was in the mission field. They are tender and sweet--not surprising at all.

I love how he addresses her "Dearest Grandma" and ends all the letters with a loving farewell and then signs "Daniel."

Dan is not much of a writer, but only because he chooses not to write.

There are two journals that he has kept over the years... one on his mission and the other when he went on Israel study abroad. I always tell him that our posterity is going to have a stilted view of our lives because they'll only be able to read it from me.

When I come across something like this or he leaves me a note or card... I treasure it.

Do I wish Dan wrote more? Of course, but then I remind myself how he daily expresses his love and appreciation for me and our girls in his words and actions.

So, I'll continue to write my version of our life and safely keep the words he has written and will write.

P.S. If the aforementioned individual reads this... forgive me for divulging and indulging!

Spring Soccer

It was a beautiful evening for a soccer game.

Admittedly, it got really cold, really fast as the sun set.

This gorgeous view is to the east.

Julia joined the city league again and loves it all!

She proudly wears #4--her favorite number.

Julia had her own cheering section with Emily and me joined by

Grandpa and Grandma Clark and cousin Eliza.

One game down... many more to go!

Passport P.A.I.N.

This is actually passport picture #1...

It got rejected at the passport office because of the flower in her hair.

It sure would have been nice if the place we had it taken would have informed us of the reject flower since we did debate in front of the photographer if she should keep it in her hair. Of course, the debate was completely vanity related at the time.

And did you know they don't let you smile anymore either?

The passport pictures now look more like mugshots.

But, I digress...

The passport office also informed us that Hilary and Hannah's CALIFORNIA birth certificates are not the real thing--they are what you call Abstract Certificates--and it only affects the state of California and certain birth years.

News to me...I had their "original" birth certificates in a fireproof box, under lock and key, thinking they were the real deal.

So, after 90 minute wait in line and the run around with picture #2,

we were given two choices as to how to obtain genuine birth certificates.

Option 1: Rely on the state of California to mail me the original, certifiable record, (wait...I thought I did that when they were born), and plan on a minimum of six months to get them...if you're lucky.

Option 2: There's a great Internet site called VitalChek that can get them for you faster...so you can actually get your passport in time for your trip...but it will cost you :)

Today's Conclusions

(random picture--can't blog without one)

1. I am grateful I don't have to work full time everyday, even though I thoroughly enjoyed myself for the two straight days I did it.

2. It really feels like spring is in the air!


3. I think St. Patrick's Day is lame and overrated--sorry--no offense is intended.


4. I've decided that my house will never be free of the dust that constantly plagues my dark wood floors and furniture, despite my best efforts.


5. I think we've decided to expand the number of travelers in our future adventure abroad...although this should be a conclusion...but the tickets have not been purchased yet.


6. My new dryer, that I really didn't need, is not working right. I would have returned the new one but my old dryer already has a new home...I am annoyed.


7. My dog is not dumb, in fact she is quite smart. You say the word "bath" and she runs and hides as quickly as the word escapes your lips.


8. My older daughters concluded to me that my having three children by the age of 24 is gross. Who knew that I'd get a two for one in the middle? And really, gross?


9. To my daughters: I will be a young grandma and you will appreciate it down the road.


10. I really and truly don't "get" 6th grade boys--the 5th grade ones I get. What happens over the course of a year anyway?

Poor Subjects

Emily is currently enrolled in a digital photography class.

She needed some photo subjects this afternoon.

So, on a whim, the rest of us tried to be photogenic--to no avail.

I pretty sure I look completely confused, irritated or my eyes are closed in just about every photo.

Sorry, Emily!
What I can I say...we try :D

In fairness to Emily,
I'm illustrating this post with the bad photos.

I did realize a few things about myself looking through these pictures though...

-my lipstick is all wrong

-trying to keep my eyes open in front of a camera is almost impossible

-oh, and perhaps eyelash extensions are in my future...

Congratulations Emily!

I know I've posted this collage before,

but it captures Emily

through the years.

Today she has a GREAT reason to celebrate.

She was officially accepted to BYU a few weeks ago.

But now she learned she can attend BYU on a full tuition scholarship.

YIPPEE, HOORAY, ETC!

When this one works hard at something she does it well, very well.

Not only our we completely proud of this tremendous accomplishment,

more importantly,

she is also a wonderful daughter and genuinely good person.

Wow, I'm so blessed to me her mother!

Thanks Emi for all the homework you help with,

for the being the computer geek our family really needs,

for driving anywhere for anyone when they need it,

for being the calm and peaceful person that you are,

for knowing how to take photographs and sharing them,

for always making good choices,

and for just being YOU!

Congrats on everything--you deserve it!
We love you to pieces!

Maytag Electric Dryer For Sale

I'm trying to spread the word that I'm selling our Maytag Bravos Electric Dryer.

My old washing machine died over the weekend and yesterday I broke down and bought a brand new washer/dryer set.

This dryer has been awesome--bought it in July 2007.

Selling it for $200 OBO

It has all the different drying settings--sensory, wrinkle free, delicate, etc.

There is a little discoloration inside--I think it must be from dark wash jeans?
Anyway, it has never affected my white loads of wash.

If you are interested or know of anyone who might be spread the word!
I'm feeling a little guilty for buying a new dryer when I really didn't need one
--but I'm every salesperson's dream. He sold me on a new Maytag set.
You can also see the ad on KSL's classifieds.

Reading

I LOVE to read and this is what has my undivided attention at the moment...

I'm only on chapter seven of this book and all I want to do is read it. I've heard great reviews about it and now I can see why.

So, I've always heard about this book but never personally read it.
I bought it in paperback to keep in my purse when I have a free moment.
I find myself underlining things and sharing them with my girls.
A common question I get from them after one of my little pep talks is,
"Mom, are you getting this from that book you are reading?"
I have to admit that a lot of what I've shared with them lately has come from Dale Carnegie.

Last but not least, I'm thoroughly enjoying our Relief Society's reading/study program.
The 6 week program focuses on different topics and the reading assignments span the scriptures, conference talks and other amazing articles. I have no idea who put it together, but it has been inspiring. I have a copy if anyone is interested!

Dearest Dan,

Guess what you've missed! Holy Snow... Julia wants to know when Mother Nature

is going to decide on a season here.

It made for an invigorating walk and a happy dog.

Thank you Emily for being this blog's photographer.

I take no credit for any of these photos, I only own the camera.

The sunset was spectacular.

Snow in March is different than in the other months.

You know it isn't going to last...and that's okay...so you enjoy it a little more.

A perfect blanket of pure white snow that has already melted off our south facing driveway.

Miss you babe!