Christmas Cards

12.26.2008 by Colee

I, um, didn't so much get all my cards sent this year... So for those of my computer literate friends, I am sorry, but this post will have to serve as your Christmas Card.


Friends, Family, Countrymen :)

It is hard to believe it has been an entire year since I sat down to write this letter the last time. It feels like everything has changed and yet remains the same.
It seems this year was a year of firsts.
It was the first time mom flew over the ocean :) I was invited to go on a reward trip with work. So Mom and I were able to go to Hawaii! It was so much fun. We were able to attend the temple and go to the Polynesian Cultural Center, as well as drive around the island. I can hardly wait to go back and see everything else. There was just so much!
It was the first time I flew first class (for more than an hour) – also for work, but I went to the Philippines. I bought my first pearls and have now met everyone on my team. Being alone in an airport where English is an official language only by law, was quite an experience. The shopping was lots of fun, but again – SO MUCH to do. I definitely need to go back; maybe with less work to do.
It was my first time preparing for a hurricane and praying I am able to get out of town before it hits. I was in Baton Rouge the week before Gustav moved through the gulf. I have a new respect for the people who live knowing those storms are coming through every year and are able to stay and thrive.
I planted my first garden. I also learned a lot about snails. They ate more of my garden than I did, but for next year I am ready :) I know it is silly, but salsa made from your own tomatoes and peppers really does taste even better than normal.
Cannon sold his first pig. It was a good experience, that mom is pretty sure she never wants to repeat, but I am still pretty sure she won’t say no when he asks again.
It was the first time Mom and I have made jam - all by ourselves. If I must say so, it turned out most excellent. If we ever run out of it, we have even learned a few things to make it even better next time.
It was the first time I turned 30… and whether or not it will be the last has yet to be determined.
In September, Daniel and MinDee had their first baby. Cannon’s new little brother is Trayson. He is growing like a weed. :)

I must admit though, I guess my very favorite first this year is something that will only happen once. I got my first engagement ring! John and I will be wed as soon as the government decides to process our paper work. So next year is also set up to be a year of firsts and we are super excited about all of them!

May this season be one of happiness for all! Merry Christmas!
~~ Nicole

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Pre Christmas events

12.21.2008 by Colee

I am very blessed to have a job that allows me to telecommute. Because of that I have been able to attend a lot more things at home than in the past. This weekend I was able to come home to see my little sister Angelia's high school musical. This year they did Oklahoma, and Angelia was cast as Aunt Eller. I have never actually seen Oklahoma all the way through, so it was quite interesting. Of course she did a fabulous job :) And I am offering only a slightly biased opinion :)
Tonight I went to my family Christmas party. We had about 90 people there (we know because we did actually put a number on everyone as they came in.) It was great! Everybody brings a treat to share, and we get to catch up and chat and of course there are presents :) I had to miss last year, so I was super excited to get to be here this year. I must admit, I do miss going caroling like we used to, but it's just so nasty cold that we can't talk anyone into it any more ;) I still vote we bring back the chili and donuts!

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Dumb Girl

12.15.2008 by Colee

Tonight is the night where I admit I am a DUMB GIRL. I went outside to grab the mail and noticed my tire was low. So, I decide to go quickly to the tire store before it closes... about 2 blocks from home the low tire is no longer low - it is FLAT, but I think the tire store is only 10 more blocks, so I will drive slow and be fine... well, about the place the tire store is SUPPOSED to be, the tire is no longer flat, it is a seperate entity from the rim. So I pull over and call the store and say, um, where are you? He says, we're 90 blocks south... So, the internet has the wrong address, but there is another store just 10 blocks east of where I am, so we call them. They can't help so we call another store that is not far. They can't help either. Finally they try to send me to the competitor when I say - but my tires are BIG-O, so I have a warranty. Then it clicks and they give me the warranty dispatch phone number. An hour later the AAA guy shows up, changes my tire, and sends me on my way. I now have to apply for reimbursement for the AAA fee, but even if it never comes, it was totally worth just not being stranded. I am such a DUMB GIRL.... shouldn't I be able to change my own tire?

Tonight I did watch, so I at least kind of now how he lowered the tire from under the truck, and I get the basic concept of lugnuts. Now... maybe I should figure out where my jack is and how it works.... I hate being helpless.

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12.14.2008 by Colee

It's been kind of an interesting week. Wednesday I went home to attend my great uncle's funeral. It was a lovely service for a great man. I learned a lot about him, which is unfortunate that it takes a funeral to get to know people. I also learned that he and my grandpa also have a sister and another brother. The other brother has been gone for a while, but the sister is still living. Yeah, I have an aunt I've never known about. Families are an interesting thing.

I came back to SL on Friday, which means I missed Mom's Christmas party, but I did avoid the storm (thanks, Kel). The snow is beautiful. The thing about SLC winters is that they are really good about cleaning the snow off the roads. It doesn't always happen same day, but you can bet if there is 2 days with out snow, the roads will be clean.

Saturday night I was the fortunate recipient of Matt's extra ticket for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. It was amazing. We forget when we hear them on the radio or CD just how awesome the choir really is. They also brought in 2 special guests, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward Herrmann. Brian Stokes Mitchell was, wow. His voice was entrancing. I couldn’t not enjoy it. I had not been familiar with a lot of his other work, but I did know him from Frasier and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air… Edward Herrmann I knew from Gilmore Girls…. I watch too much TV…. ANYWAY… it was really a good good night. Good, like I am going to have to buy new CDs good. Thanks, Matt!

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YAY!!!!

12.08.2008 by Colee

Mom hit her 100 mark today!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! My mom rocks :D

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Done

12.06.2008 by Colee

It can be done. I woke up this morning with 1 goal - FINISH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. I am here to testify that if you put your mind to something, it CAN be done :) I still have a little putting together to do, but the shopping is over. It's a really good feeling.

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Tourist

12.05.2008 by Colee

I totally spent yesterday as a tourist. Some of my family members came down to go to the temple with friends. They decided to bring down the kids to see the lights. So, I got to play tourist. We all met for lunch and then I took the girls to the zoo. Oddly enough, December is not as bad a time as one might suspect to visit the zoo. Of course, it helps that we STILL don't have any snow. I think their favorite part was the elephants and the monkeys. The elephants, just because of how "HUGE" they are, and the monkeys because they can pick their nose and eat it with out being told to stop ;) The penguins were actually really cool, too.
After the zoo, I brought them back to my house, because believe it or not, they wanted to see where I lived. Oh, I also made sure they saw East High - cuz, HSM ROCKS! (I have seen the first one - once... neither of the second or third)
We met the parents and went to the LDS church office building. I had never been up to the 26th floor observation deck, but it really is a pretty cool view. You can see the whole valley. There's a lot of stuff I haven't explored in the 4 1/2 years I've been here.
After dinner we hopped on trax - so now everyone can say they've ridden it (even if it was only 4 stops, round trip) and went to see where Channel 2 news is filmed. The kids got to be on TV, what more can you ask for??
We then went back down and walked around temple square. The lights are as beautiful as always. It amazing to think of the work that goes into making such a fabulous tradition for us, every year. My favorite part is the nativity scene on the north west lawn. It's short, and simple, and I've seen in a hundred times but it is my favorite message of happiness.
After the lights, we went over to the conference center. I have also been there a number of times, but I have never taken the tour. It was really cool to have little things pointed out as we looked at the artwork and were able to listen the Choir practice. Radio and CD are great, but nothing compares to listening to them live, even just practicing.
It was a super fun day for me. I wish I could find more excuses for them to come visit :)

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Deep Breath

12.02.2008 by Colee

After having about 15 people ask me if I was dying this morning, I decided to break down and go to the doctor. She sent me home with 2 inhalers, cough syrup and a monster antibiotic. And orders to go for a chest x-ray. The good news is the x-ray came back clear. The other good news is the inhalers actually let me breathe! It's amazing... After 2 weeks, I had almost forgotten what it felt like!

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11.30.2008 by Colee

Every time I drive back to Salt Lake I keep thinking maybe one time something will be different. So far, not so much. Regardless, I AM back in SLC for a while.
I do hope everyone has had a fabulous week. I managed to go 5 whole days with only 3 pages and 1 phone call from work. YAY! Have I mentioned that I really enjoy that my phone doesn't work well in Dingle ;) I am not sure I am ready to go back tomorrow, but I do count myself blessed that I have a job to go back to.

It's been a great week at home. I must admit I spent the whole week being miserable and sick, but is there anywhere better than home for recovering?

Yay for home, Yay for holidays and Yay for blessings sometimes disguised as trials.

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um.... yeah

11.24.2008 by Colee

So, I am not sure if it is WHERE I am from or WHO I am from, but when I come home, I tend to find myself doing the most random things... (I still have not lived down telling my friends that I was churning butter.) Tonight, if you had called, I would have told you I was rummaging through old doors and then I ended up sitting in the shop pounding horse shoe nails OUT of rusty old horse shoes. Yeah.... I know you're jealous.

Tomorrow is my second and last day of work for the week - YAY for holidays!!

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Happy Friday!

11.21.2008 by Colee

It has been a really good week - and yet for some reason, I am still REALLY ready for the weekend.
Monday and Wednesday nights I got to hang out with Dav. To see pictures of dinner - check his blog ;) It's nights like these that I am glad I live close enough to be the crashpad for the airport :)
Tuesday night I had the super exciting project of cleaning my carpets. I am pretty sure they are a lost cause. If you see a stellar deal on carpet, please keep me in mind. Of course, new windows should probably come before new carpets. I am working on distinguishing between WANTS and NEEDS. I want new carpet, but I need new windows.....
Thursday a few of my friends came over for dinner. We missed in October, so I was super excited for November. I was happy to see all of them, but I will not lie. I was excited to have a baby to stare at for a little while. This was our first visit with little Amelia, so it was fun. My favorite thing about babies is that I get to keep them when they are happy, and give them back when they are not. I hope that will change in the future, but right now - it works. But honestly, she is adorable. Thanks guys for bringing her to visit :)
Tonight I get to go home. Tomorrow there is a benefit auction In Memory of Cory Weston. It is nice (if that is the right word?) that I can have the flexibility to be home for the important things and still be able to work. Having a job is a blessing every day, but having my job at times like these makes me even more appreciative.

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tagged - again

11.16.2008 by Colee

I have been tagged... thanks Bri ;)
Here are the rules. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 facts... it seems everything about is weird or at least slightly off center. I am not sure I should be proud of that, but oh well... it is what it is.

1- I have worked for the same company for over 1/3 of my life. I am only 30 years old - I think that's an accomplishment.

2- I am engaged but have NO IDEA when I will be able to get married. It can't happen soon enough for either of us, but the government holds all the keys.

3- I love my little home. It really is just little, but it is mine and it is home. I won't lie, I wish it was self cleaning.

4- I like performance reality shows - but I HATE the relationship ones. So I can't get enough of American Idol and Dancing with the Stars... but I shut off the Bachelor as soon as it comes on. I can take or leave Amazing Race and Survivor.

5- Dingle really is my favorite place in the world. I am so blessed that my job is flexible enough to allow me to spend time there. I love having my family everywhere - even when they are in the middle of it ;)

6- I own a fair share of movies, but I rarely watch them. I have movies that I have had for years that still have plastic wrap on them. I am not a collector. I buy movies I have enjoyed, but for some reason, I just don't get around to watching them again. It's not like thousands of shows or anything, just a small shelf, but yeah.

7- I crave consistency. I look for patterns. I like things that can be counted on. When these things disappear, it seems to throw my whole life off kilter.

7.1 - I am lazy. If you are reading this - consider yourself TAGGED! I am not a real "rule follower."

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Happy Saturday

11.15.2008 by Colee

Saturdays are awesome... First I sleep in. Which is the way I think all days should start, but since they don't it makes Saturdays nice. When I finally DO get out of bed, I either clean my house, which is just little so it doesn't take long. Then I go down to see my grandparents. After the initial - It's been YEARS since you've been here (apparently years equate to weeks, since I go down at least once a month- and I am out of town at least 2 of the other Saturdays), we have a lovely visit or watch a movie while I get caught up on the other family members. Aftet that I run errands. Wal-mart on Saturday is ALWAYS an adventure. Of course, part of the adventure is trying to get out for less than a hundred bucks. And the fact that we are getting close to Christmas - yeah... you can't prove a slower economy there. I run the same errands it seems every time, because I have the route memorized.
Then I get home and "hang out" with John.

I am a simple girl... It really is a fabulous day :D

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yt?

11.11.2008 by Colee

I am convinced that Instant Messaging is going to be the downfall of verbal communication. We send our words into the great expanse of the internet, with only the hope that the person we are “talking” to is sitting near their computer. Sure there are “away” settings, but rarely do people use them accurately. We forget to put ourselves away when we leave. We set ourselves as invisible when we don’t want everyone to know where we are.

While we are busy picking and choosing where we want people to be able to see us – We are constantly looking for MORE places to choose from. It’s not just email IM anymore – now we also have myspace, facebook, lds linkup, etc all with their own IM services. I know more people’s AIM and MSN ids than I do phone numbers. (Ok, so part of that is because my cell phone holds phone numbers… but come to think of it, I can add email too….hmmm) We are basically looking to be available to our chosen “contacts,” at all times and in all things and in all places – while at the same time- only answering or talking when we are in the mood. If you don’t want to answer, you just don’t. There is no way for them to know if you got the message or not. We can blame the computer for our bad manners.

It’s no longer required for you to type complete words, let alone complete sentences or bother formally finishing a conversation. “Hello” and “good bye” have been replaced with “yt” and “k”

The only way to express emotion is weird little faces that can look like anything from dots and lines to shamrocks or clown faces or cars or monsters or light bulbs, or if you get real fancy, pictures that move or play music, depending on the messaging system you are on.

Many of you are aware just how much my life involved IM. Whether I am at work or in my personal life – probably 80% of my communication is done via IM. That amount would increase dramatically if my mom were a faster typist ;) The rest of my communication can be summed up in 2 words – Conference Calls.

So what am I getting at you ask? Here it is - I am giving you the permission to hold me accountable. If you catch me being guilty of poor IM manners – tell me so. For that matter – I am giving you call to arms to stand up for good communication manners everywhere.

As a side note - I miss TALKING to people. So, when I do corner you on the phone or at church or across the table – just understand I rarely get the chance to communicate 1:1 or face to face – so I am just trying to make the very most of each and every opportunity :) I probably do know I am talking too much, but it doesn’t mean I am going to stop.

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Gobble Gobble

11.08.2008 by Colee

I love Thanksgiving - which is part of why tonight is one of my favorite nights. Every year my ward puts on a dinner for the older singles (widows/widowers) in our stake. It's a fun activity and everyone enjoys the meal, the talent show and the company in general. It's like the perfect kick off to a month of turkey, cranberries and yams... that's right, I officially like yams. I think I must be getting older. I have always been told I make really good yams, but until this past year, I've never actually eaten them. Hey, how can you go wrong with a vegetable that you smother in brown sugar and marshmallows??? I mean really.

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11.04.2008 by Colee

I am choosing to ignore all of the things going on in the country tonight and post a very selfishly happy post.... I am officially wearing an engagement ring
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
There are not enough smiley faces to express how giddy I have been.
I can't figure out how to take a good picture of it, but here are a couple of attempts.




To answer your next question - no, there is no word yet on when the big day will be or when the visa process will take it's next step - we're still just waiting. But at least now I am waiting with a little more shimmer :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D The next step can not come soon enough for John or I :D

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11.03.2008 by Colee

Often, when we see people, or ourselves, going through trials that seem just too big, we tend to wonder what they or we are being punished for - what did we do to deserve this? It was suggested to me that instead of wondering what mistake caused the trial we should instead wonder about what amazing things we are being prepared for - or what awesome blessing are in store for being able to endure this trial. That is what I am wondering tonight as I think of all the things my little cousin has gone through, the Lord must be preparing her and her family for some pretty amazing things, because this is just too big.
Amanda, we love you.

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Trick or Treat!

10.31.2008 by Colee

Kesson doesn't hold still for long - So I got this one while she was playing keep away.



I have no idea who this girl is. Her family just moved into the community, but she was super cute all night long. Her mom and dad came dressed as rodeo clowns and she and her grandparents were cowboys.



Mac came in her shower - cap and all.



Mom and Ellen are blasts from the past.


Casey was super not excited.


One of our princesses :)


Trish REALLY needs to wash her hair - Spidees -YUCK!



So, Mom and Dad Raggedy are married and sis and bro Raggedy are brother and sister, but randomly enough, the 2 sets are not related. It still made for a pretty cute "Family Photo" :)

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Happy Halloween!

by Colee

This week has stayed busy, but not exciting busy, just busy. Yesterday I went in to watch the elementary school parade. I would love to show you pictures, but it was like watching a train go by... I am pretty sure they had them running down the hallway. So... soz.

Tonight is the Dingle Community Trunk or Treat/Halloween party. I am all in favor of the trunk or treat. For those of you not familiar - Dingle is a pretty rural area. Some of the houses are easily half a mile from any other houses which makes trick or treating on foot next to impossible, and driving around all night is fun for neither the parents nor the children. Soooo, getting 150 people together in the church house for chili, donuts, games, and the passing out of treats as the kids in costume have their parade - I think is brilliant (even though chili is not on my favorite foods list). Hopefully this time, the kids will move slow enough to take pictures.... of course, since they have to stop for candy.... ;)

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Coming Home

10.24.2008 by Colee

I love coming home and last night I was reminded why.
When I stopped to get Cannon from school on my way home, 2 little girls came running over with him to give me a hug and say hi. Later that night, we had just crawled into bed - about 9:15(Secondary reason, it's completely normal to be in bed at 9:15) when 2 more little girls stopped by. They had been taking their friends home, and made their dad stop just because they had seen my truck and wanted to say hi, cuz they'd missed me. It completely made my night.

Primary reason for loving to come home - my family rocks :)

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Not the same

10.20.2008 by Colee

No matter what they say, Honey Nut Cheerios and Honey Nut Scooters - NOT the same thing. Just in case you were wondering...

I really don't have anything else going on.

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10.14.2008 by Colee

I think the last time I tasted rice pudding was probably at least 15 years ago. And I say tasted, because I have issues with texture - so anything that is creamy with any kind of lumps in it - I can't really eat with out vomiting. However, I think my texture issues may be letting up in my old age. It used to be so bad that I couldn't eat applesauce, pudding (if it wasn't COMPLETELY smooth), grits, oatmeal, etc... however slowly but surely all of these things have been recently been added to my menu options. I still can't eat things like Tapioca, Frog Eye Salad, or that NASTY salad you get by mixing jello powder, cottage cheese and cool whip (Sorry Mandee, I just can't do it). However, today rice pudding just sounded really tasty. To make a long story only slightly longer - It actually turned out really good.

On a completely unrelated note - I like the show Eli Stone. I just started watching over the summer, but it's fun. Where else do you get a lawyer drama with random musicalesque scenes???

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Pageant

10.11.2008 by Colee

:) I finally got out of the house :) I have been quite the homebody lately. Today Matt and I went to see Sean's play, Pageant, in Park City. Pageant is an actual beauty pageant. The characters are all women. The cast, however, is not. In fact, none of them are. The show was hillarious. Most of the contestants looked better in their dresses and swimsuits than I do. Now I admit, that's not a HUGE order, but you know what I mean. Each contestant must compete in swimsuit, talent, evening gown, physical fitness, spokesperson, and Beauty Crisis Hotline competitions. The pageant is judged by 6 judges chosen from the audience. So one never really knows who will be the winner. Today, Sean was chosen as Miss Glamouresse. He totally deserved it.
I have not laughed so hard in a very long time. According to the people we were chatting with after, who have apparently seen it 4 times, say it is best if Miss Texas doesn't win. She was a great sport... if great sports pout, sulk, and don't bother to put their heels back on. Miss Deep South provided quite the entertainment as well. She was the most ungraceful person - male or female - I have ever seen in a dress. Miss Biblebelt would have been my first runner up. Her talent involved a song called "Bankin on Jesus," something we all should be doing a little more of in our economic turmoil :)
If any of you are going to be in Park City in the next week, I think it runs til next Saturday :)

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Home Pride :)

10.09.2008 by Colee

CHURCH TELEPHONE SERVICE
=========================

A man decided to write a book about famous churches around
the world so he bought a plane ticket and took a trip to Orlando,
thinking that he would start by working his way across the USA
from South to North.

On his first day he was inside a church taking photographs when he
noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read,
"$10,000 per call."


The man, being intrigued, asked a priest who was strolling by, what
the telephone was used for. The priest replied that it was a direct line
to heaven and that for $10,000, you could talk to God. The man
thanked the priest and went along his way.

Next stop was in Atlanta. There, at a very large cathedral, he saw
the same golden telephone with the same sign under it. He wondered
if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in Orlando and he asked
a nearby nun what its purpose was. She told him that it was a direct
line to heaven and that for $10,000 he could talk to God. "O.K,
thank you," said the man.

He then traveled to Indianapolis, Washington D.C., Philadelphia,
Boston, and New York. In every church he saw the same golden telephone
with the same "$10,000 per call" sign under it.

The man upon leaving New York decided to travel out mid west to see
if western states had the same telephone service. He arrived in Idaho,
and again, in the first church he entered, there was the same golden
telephone, but this time the sign under it read, "$.40 per call." The
man was surprised so he asked the priest about the sign. "Father,
I've traveled all over America and I've seen this same golden telephone
in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to Heaven, but in the
East and South the price was $10,000 per call. Why is it so cheap
here?"

The priest smiled and answered, "You're in Idaho now, son. It's a local call."


Thanks Jessica :)

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10.08.2008 by Colee

In case you are wondering, I am not capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time..... well, maybe I can do that, but I can not listen to music and walk to a different beat. I learned it the hard way today.

Is anyone else seriously disturbed by the Arby's commercial that involves marrying a goat? I swore off Arby's when I found out how much junk is actually in their beef, but if that had not been the case, a goat in a wedding veil just creeps me out.

Um, now you know exactly how little is going on with me... 10 days since the last update, and that's all I've got.

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Preparing the fields

9.29.2008 by Colee

I had a very happy weekend. My mom and Shahna got here just before noon on Friday. I took half the day off and we went shopping. Not just any shopping - Wedding Dress Shopping :) I had gone one time previously, but it is not very fun to try on gorgeous dresses and not have anyone tell you that you look like a princess - So basically I made them go with me :P
We went to one store and tried on about a half dozen dresses. All of them were lovely, one of them I fell in love with. Unfortunately, all of them are strapless. For those of you who know me - you know that doesn't so much work. They can fill in almost any dress to make it have sleeves, but it takes 8 weeks + alteration time +12 weeks to order the dress in (not in that order), and almost doubles the cost of the dress. Again, for those of you who know me - you know I am pretty darn budget conscious. So.... we went to Provo and tried dresses on there. We actually went back to the store I had been to previously. They still had the dress I had been pining over. It had to be ordered in my size, so still the 12 week wait, but once it gets here, there should be very minor alterations. :D
YAY!!!!!!!!!! :D I have picked and ordered my wedding dress :D

(Pictures do exist, but to avoid any superstitions – are not being posted. If you want to see, email me ;))

The one down side is that it made reality hit that the dress will be here at Christmas time, and that any wedding will have to take place after that…reality bites.

The rest of the weekend was great, too. Mom and Shahna and I spent Saturday at the mall – doing normal shopping – and then went to the General Relief Society Conference. If you missed it, it’s worth a listen. (www.lds.org) Sunday was church, my visitors went home and then I spent the rest of the afternoon chillin with John… ah the wonders of webcam.

To explain the subject line of this post – here is the story.

A story is told of 2 farmers. Both are praying for rain. Only one actually goes out and prepares his fields to receive the rain. Which of them do you think trusts God?

I am praying, and I have gone through a period of not doing much preparing. I am committing to doing a better job.

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pointless

9.25.2008 by Colee

Today outside my office window, I watched about 10 guys tear up a block of perfectly normal pavement, and put down new blacktop in it's place. They did this in about 5 different places in our parking lot. These were not pot hole repairs, there was nothing wrong with the pavement they were replacing... yeah... an exercise in futility.

So, on a completely different note, I have recently discovered a liking for the band Thriving Ivory. The guy's voice took me a really long time to get around, but the music and the lyrics are just too... I am not sure of the word... but I liked them too much to let his voice drive me away. None of the links on youtube are worth listening to, but they do have a CD out and stuff you can download... I am including the lyrics for the song that I am currently addicted to.

Hey Lady

She checks her pulse, gotta know if her heart's still beating
And the hospital's, not far if anything should happen here

She's bored in a week, big dreams but nothing material
And I refuse to believe that love is for the weak
I'm not vulnerable

Hey lady, don't give up on me
Don't burn your heart out love
Till we're ash over seas
Hey lady, said I don't wanna fight
Like pretty girls need cowboys
I need you here tonight

She screams for more
More than just some blue eyed metaphor
And the trouble is, the trouble is, she's always searching
The hour's late, don't wanna hear that it's all gonna end soon
No I'm not crazy I'm in control, and all of my friends still know

Hey lady, don't give up on me
Don't burn your heart out love
Till we're ash over seas
Hey lady, said I don't wanna fight
Like pretty girls need cowboys
I need you here tonight

I'm on one knee, lover please
How can I put it more simply?
And I wait, for your invitation
And I'm so so so, so over waiting
I'm on one knee, lover please
How can I put it more simply?

Hey lady, don't give up on me
Don't burn your heart out love
Till we're ash over seas
Hey lady, said I don't wanna fight
Like pretty girls need cowboys
I need you here tonight

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ingredients

9.24.2008 by Colee

I've been thinking a lot about ingredients lately. How you can start with a list of things but depending on the proportions and combination method you can end up with an endless number of things. Also how you can take one set of ingredients and by adding one more thing end up with something completely different.
The more I think about it, the more it applies to more things. A social situation, for instance, can be totally altered by adding or subtracting one ingredient - be it a person or an object or a substance. An economy, an election, a family, a house, a computer, a story ... So many complicated things that can be broken down into their elements. Each piece seemingly easy to understand, but the combinations with potential to be completely impossible.

Ok so mostly I am officially random.

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Blood work

9.19.2008 by Colee

Last Saturday I spent the morning at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Health Fair. We got poked and prodded and what not. Plus, you walk around the booths and get free junk. I love free junk. Anyway, I got my blood work back today. You'll be pleased to know everything is within normal levels. Except, apparently I need more calcium... I could have told you that. My body seems to like to absorb calcium into my kidneys and makes stones - so I quit giving it the chance... Anyway, apparently I need to find a happy medium

There's really not much going on this week. So very little that I have officially given you my health update... I have GOT to get out more.

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New Bishop :)

9.15.2008 by Colee

Yesterday was kind of fun... for me anyway ;) My uncle Justin got put in as the bishop of my home ward. He is already the busiest guy I know, and he just got WAY busier. He'll be great at it though. I can't think of a person more service oriented or who cares more about people. His family will see less of him, but that's what you get for having a dad that is one of the good guys.

The interesting part for me is that now it is actually he can now perform a wedding ceremony.... anyway.... :D

I am back in Salt Lake this week. It's good to be back, but it's very quiet.

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Please join me in welcoming

9.12.2008 by Colee

Trayson Hayes :) He joined us from heaven at about 3:40 on Wednesday September 10, 2008. He weighed in at 7 lbs even and 20 1/2 inches long. I personally think he happens to be gorgeous already... of course, I will also admit to being biased.






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Pickles and Salsa and Jam - OH MY

9.09.2008 by Colee

I decided it was time to come home again :) I walked right in on a salsa making party. Ok, so I was bringing the tomatoes, so mostly the party was waiting for me. The best part was all the chopping was done before I got there. The next morning we went back down to Kelly's and made mustard pickles; and tonight mom and I made raspberry huckleberry jam.
But the real reason I came home is because we're having babies this week. Yes babies - plural. My cousin Tam had her Paizlee the 29th, Trish had her Sarah Jo on the 8th, and Daniel and Mindee are being induced tomorrow :) I figure it's a good week to get a baby fix.
It's also the BLMH health fair this week, AND we're getting a new bishopbric on Sunday... busy, busy beef and pork!

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A stroke of genius

9.04.2008 by Colee

So I am sitting here trying to figure out just where I spend SO MUCH TIME on my phone... working from home doesn't help, or being out of town, but those things are not going away.... So it hits me.... I have called my mom like 14 times today (I was shopping and picking stuff up for her, I don't call home 14 times EVERY day), but I do call home regularly, and usually for long periods of time. I am a girl who loves her mom - so kill me. Then I think, huh... I have an extra cell phone on my plan - I needed a new phone and it was cheaper to just add a line and get it that way, don't ask - that I was going to just save for John when he gets here...

You guessed it - Mom's gonna be carrying an extra cell phone - JUST for me to call :) Well, any of you who have AT&T can call her on it, too :) I officially love free mobile to mobile :)

OK, the sad part is that I haven't taken advantage of this sooner, seriously, I used to explain cell phone bills for a living....

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Sing-A-Long

9.02.2008 by Colee

Yes, that's right, tonight I went to the Mama Mia Singalong. Why? you ask... Why not? I answer. I was singing along the first time anyway, I may as well go when it's "allowed." Not only allowed but the words are actually on the screen. Good times :)

Other than that, my life is pretty simple. Managing through a hurricane's aftermath is a different story when you can do it from 2000 miles away.

Oh - My myspace page caught a virus. And, since I don't know how to make it go away, and I don't really use myspace anyway... I am leaving it there. If you happen to know my myspace addy - just don't go there.

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Click your heels together and repeat 3 times...

8.30.2008 by Colee

I left the center a little early because the interstates out of Baton Rouge were already full of folks leaving for the holiday weekend/storm avoidance. I took the back way, which of course for me is always an adventure. I only missed one turn. Using only 1 U-turn means you're not lost.
I sat in the HUGE Baton Rouge airport until about 5 minutes before I was supposed to take off before I realized we weren't boarding yet. There was a weather system is Houston. We actually didn't leave the airport until after we were already supposed to be in Houston. I wasn't really concerned because I had a 2 hour layover. The first time I actually got a little frustrated was when we arrived in Houston and my flight was listed with a 2 hour delay. UGH. Normally not a big deal, but I was already not supposed to be getting home until midnight. So, I went to find dinner.

Note to self, don't eat at Ruby's diner when they are getting ready to close. They were in such a hurry that they forgot to cook my burger all the way thru. They did, however, remember to add the grease. Change the note to self, if you can avoid eating at Ruby's in total, probably not a bad idea.

Things did improve, my flight moved back up an hour :) and I was actually home and tucked into bed by 2:30. Thank goodness for Saturday.

The weather forecast here is much less eventful than Louisianna. The only thing going on here is a cold front that is going to drop our temps 30 degrees overnight. When they say Labor Day is the end of summer, they meant it 96 degrees Saturday - 65 degrees on Monday ...So long summer! It's been great :)

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Mama Mia!

8.27.2008 by Colee

It has been a good week so far. Interesting, but good. I've never been in town when they started preparing for a hurricane :S I can't say I am sad that I should be leaving before it gets close enough to feel. Besides what we are doing at work to get ready, it's on every news channel and everywhere you go you can hear people talking about it. It has given me a lot to think about, really... a different perspective.

Tonight after work, I got to hang out with my friend Justin. We went to see Mama Mia! I must say, if you are a lover of musicals - and ALL that that entails - you will not be disappointed. Cheesy lines, songs that break out of no where, choreography that everyone in town magically knows, songs that no one but the singer can hear, and lots of cute bare chested boys ;)
If you are not a lover of the musical - just stay away. It's not for you, and those of us who love it don't want to hear you complain :P

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Callin' Baton Rouge

8.24.2008 by Colee

We'll not so much callin' as visitin'. The client wanted to visit a call center, so, we're visiting a call center :) I am not sad about it. I like visiting the centers. I wish I could find an excuse to do it more often. As is, I let the important people do the visiting instead.
My flights were as boring as they should be. After all the crashes in the news lately, I was glad they were not more "exciting." The only odd part about today is that for some reason - I am driving a Lincoln Town Car. I mean, super nice car, but for me? really? I think there is a note on my account at Avis that just says - give this girl the weirdest car possible...

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8.21.2008 by Colee

I've decided you need to see random photos from the fair... They are not too random, as they are mostly pictures of pigs, but well, whatever



McKenzie shows her pig



McKenzie sells her pig... She could smile, but it might kill her.



Kyle - he's my bud.



His twin sister Katelyn.



Cannon talks to the judge about his pig.



Tristan - and some really tall kid in the front.



Cannon sells his pig.




You've heard of leap frog???




Only in Montpelier... this photo was taken out side the Maverick on a Thursday afternoon... really.

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Birthday Stars!

8.20.2008 by Colee

I am a Chuck E Cheese Birthday star!



So are Riley, Alice and Karlie :) That's right, it's official, I am no longer 20 something. To be honest, it's actually kind of nice not to be 29 anymore... I felt like I was lying every time someone asked.

I think the last time I was at Chuck E Cheese, it was still Show Biz Pizza, but it's always been the place "where a kid can be a kid." I had my 5th birthday there, and now my 30th, AND I got to share this one with my 6 year old sister. Yay for shared birthdays :D

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By dang it!

by Colee

I am the cool aunt

As I was getting ready to come back to SLC on Sunday, I thought it might be fun for Cannon to come back with me. Dad, Alice, and the girls were coming down on Wednesday to celebrate some birthdays so I figured he could chill with me for a couple of days :)

Monday he was bored out of his mind. I had to go to work. Monday is a really hard day for me not to be in the office, so he came and watched movies on the floor. After work we went to the store and then came home and made dinner for some of my friends. Which, if you ask me turned out ok :) other than the salmon being slightly over done (however, I would rather have my fish over done than under.) The Lewies had volunteered to bring the dessert. They made a fabulous oatmeal cake with caramel frosting. I love birthday week :)

Tuesday I worked from home. This is a much better situation for the 9 year old. He’s still stuck watching movies, but at least there are couches. After work we went out and played in the pool. For dinner we went down to The Gateway and had a lovely Applebee’s meal and then we went to see “Fly Me to the Moon” at the planetarium. I love 3-D movies. He even said “it was enjoyable.”

Today we got up and made a proper breakfast. Which must have sausage in it, according to the boy. His new favorite movie is Remember the Titans. What this means is over the last 2 weeks, I have watched a movie about football at least 20 times… take into account the days we didn’t spend at home last week, and you can understand why I might be ready to go a little bit crazy. We are currently taking a break back out at the pool. My internet connection carries, mostly. It’s probably good I didn’t know that before today or there might have been a few more days working at the pool ;)

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It's over!

8.17.2008 by Colee

Ok, so those of you who watch(ed) strongbad can say the title of this post appropriately. The rest of you, well... anyway...

The fair is officially over. Cannon's pig was purchased by Recreation Realty (Thanks Uncle Jive). Most of the pigs went for around the same price (between $500 - $700) except for a few outliers. The grand champion went for more than double that. The grand champion steer went for $4100. The rest of them for about $2000 The market value on a steer is about $1000. The market value on a hog is about $150. Now you understand why the kids like to sale at the fair instead of at market.

After the stock sale - we went home and took a nap :) It was fabulous. When I woke up it was time to go back in for the tractor pull. I've mentioned that I am white trash before ;) I love the tractor pull, almost as much as the demolition derby. We took Cannon and his friend Tristan. Those little boys "know" more about trucks than I do. My favorite is the tractor with the 5 engines. The boys liked the diesel trucks - mostly because they were real for them. The modified trucks and tractors are just cool to look at, but the local boys' trucks - now THOSE are cool. Apparently Dodges are the best, then Chevrolets. Fords only get excited about, if they are the tractors.... Yeah, like I said. They "know" more than I do.

I really do enjoy the fair, we look forward to it all year. And all week- we look forward to the end of it :)

This week, I thought it might be fun for Cannon to come to Salt Lake and chill with me for a few days. Dad, Alice, and the girls are coming down on Wednesday. We're going to Chuck-e-Cheez for the August birthdays :) Hopefully he won't figure out just how boring I am before it's time for him to go back. Next week the kids go back to school, so one last summer adventure(ish).

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Pigs

8.15.2008 by Colee

Thursday morning was the pig show. Here are some things I learned. They do the pigs before the other livestock because they can't stand to be out in the hot sun. Pigs don't have sweat glands, that's why they play in the mud to keep cool. Even pigs need a warm shower. When we got there at 6 AM to wash the pig (again) we were pleasantly surprised to find the watering system was using warm water. Can you imagine? a cold shower at 6 AM... I was glad to see we weren't being forced to subject them to the torture.
I also learned that pigs can be too fat. So, apparently Fat Pig is an insult, even to the pig. I learned about what the judge is looking for to see if the pig has enough muscle, that the body length matters, and that double chins are just as unattractive for pigs as they are on humans.
Cannon's pig was not morbidly obese, just a bit on the heavy side. Unfortunately, he was not muscular enough for the judge. He received a blue ribbon in showmanship, but the pig got a red ribbon.

Thursday night at the fair, was the first rodeo. They had a pig chase. Cannon is apparently not bored of raising pigs, because he ran with all his might to catch the little one running around the arena. He didn't catch it. However, he is not easily deterred. He spent most of today working out a strategy to figure out where the pig would run so he could get their first. Tonight we went back to the rodeo... on the program it said there would be another pig chase. When the time came, they did something else instead. I am not sure if he was mad or heartbroken. Probably both. He wouldn't even stay to watch the bull riders. So, we left and went to pick up eggs for tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning is the pig sale. Technically it is just called a stock sale, as there will also be sheep and steers in the sale. I volunteered to help make the deviled eggs for the buyers' breakfast. Cross your fingers... Who buys what can be a bit interesting. It's a bit of a popularity contest. Most of the time the businesses are there to buy their employee's kid's animal. We're not so sure who will bid on our little pig - I guess we shall see.

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Flip Flops

8.14.2008 by Colee

As some of you may know, I am a big fan of the flip flop. The rule is, as long as there is no snow on the ground, I can wear them. And it's more of a "will" than a "can." So for the birthday party we had last night, my mom had found this design a while back and my cousins made it happen.... I thought it was pretty cool :)



Happy Birthday August kids! We have a slew of them!

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It begins

8.12.2008 by Colee

Last night was the start of FAIR WEEK. If you've never been a part of your county fair, I highly suggest it. If you're looking to actually just kick back and enjoy a fair - go with your state fair instead.

This year Cannon has a pig in the fair. Which is a little more involved than I normally am. It's been a source of contention though, so I would be surprised if he has a pig again next year... we are slow learners though, so you never know.

Our fair kicked off with Mom working her shift in the food booth that the hospital is running. They are donating the money to help the elementary school build a pavilion, so it's a good cause. Cannon and I ditched out and went to the movie with Wewe, Riley, and Karlie. After the movie Cannon and I caught a little bit of the team roping.

Tonight was the Demolition Derby. There are very few things more white trash than sitting around an arena cheering for beat up old cars as they purposefully try and hit each other. The awards are for Hardest Hit, Most Aggressive, and of course, Last Car Running. They do two heats (half the cars each) and while they go back and try to get their cars running for the final round, they bring out a handful of 2 man teams on 4-wheelers. These guys entertain the crowd by riding in circles while the 2nd guy tries to hit the other teams' 2nd guys with a baseball bat, in an attempt to knock the balloon off the other person's helmet. I think the saddest part - is how much I REALLY like Demolition Derbies :) I've never really been to one where I didn't know at least some of the contestants though. I think that helps.

Anyway, good times :) Tomorrow is the parade. YAY candy!

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Bats

8.10.2008 by Colee

I HATE bats... especially when they are flying around INSIDE the house. And that, my friends was what was going on Friday night after we got home from Heather's baptism. The cat was watching something pretty intently. At first we thought maybe she'd heard a mouse. We then realized she wasn't looking down any more. Mom sleeps with a tennis racket by her bed for just this kind of an event (which should tell you this is not the first bat we've had inside.) Tennis racket, by the way, because the bat's can't "see" them, like they can a broom. Cannon and I hid in his bedroom while we let mom be the brave protector. In the mean while we called Tanner to come up. He arrived to find the bat knocked out and trapped in the bottom drawer for safe keeping. Cannon gets a little braver when other people are around; he took Tanner's gloves and took the bat outside.

I know that bats serve a purpose. They eat the mosquitos and other bugs that would otherwise make life unbearable, but that doesn't mean I have to like them.

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Sweet Potato Fries

8.07.2008 by Colee

The Arctic Circle that is dangerously close to my house is a test site. What that means is that you can get things there that you can't always get at other ACs. One of the things they are market testing right now is Sweet Potato Fries.
I had tried similar fries in another establishment. I drove by and saw the sign going up, I have basically been craving them ever since. Last night I gave in.
I have this to say about them - pick one or the other. They are fries and served with ACs fry sauce, but they were also slightly sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. It was the equivalent of kettle corn, which I strongly oppose. Salt or Sugar, but NOT both. I tried them as sweet and they were actually quite good. I tried them as salty and also quite good, but I just can't get on board with them being both.

Now you know :)

Oh yes, John got his letter from the London Embassy today. Onward, ever onward...

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2 down, 1 to go

8.04.2008 by Colee

Saturday I got the letter from the National Visa Center :) Both stateside approvals have been achieved. The next step is John's interview at the London Embassy :D He should have the documents and directions within the next 2 weeks.... It's getting closer!

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Breathe

8.01.2008 by Colee

So tonight I finally made time to make use of a wonderful birthday present from last year (yes, really, I know). It was a gift certificate for a "total relaxation" massage. It was amazing... I might be a little high maintenance. I try really hard to hide it, but I really do love to be pampered. Surrounded in soft sounds and aromatherapy - which is not at all as strong as I had expected - and muted lights. I haven't felt that disconnected in a really long time. It was great. A person could get used to that :)
It's probably good I waited almost a year to use the gift, it's one less year of knowing how much I am wanting to go back ;)

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A walk down memory lane

7.30.2008 by Colee

Here are the directions
1. Leave a comment on my blog. In that comment, recall one memory that you and I had together. (Hopefully nothing too embarrasing. This could be interesting!)

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you.

Thanks Tyra ;)

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:D

by Colee

Tonight I ate the first vegetable from my very own garden. Could it be the ONLY vegetable from my very own garden? Yes(stupid snails), but it doesn't matter. I grew and ate my very own tomato :D and it was good.

Cross your fingers. Both plants are smothered in blossoms. Maybe some of them will actually turn into tasty beautiful tomatoes.

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My happy weekend

7.27.2008 by Colee

I have just had the best weekend I've had in a very long time. Not only did I get to spend it at home - but I really didn't have to work :) I got home Wednesday afternoon. I had an appointment set up to be zoned. It was interesting. Everyone was asking me if I felt better after she was done. To be honest, I wasn't feeling bad when I went in, so I can't really say. She did tell me some things I already knew, but she probably shouldn't have. And she adjusted my back.... with my feet.... which is much less poppy than the chiropractor.
Wednesday night we had to take the pigs in for their ultra sound and prefair weigh-in. What we found out is that the pigs have been eating well. For the next 2 weeks - they have to EXERCISE :)

Thursday morning we packed and got ready for our camping trip. I tried really hard to be useful. Mom and I are kind of tag-alongs. We don't have our own camper, so we live off the goodwill of others. I figure if I help out as much as possible, they won't get toooooo tired of us ;)

We got out to the campground Thursday afternoon and helped set up and get the kids tents up. I love camping with my family. I must admit we cheat a little. We don't camp so far away from home that we can't run home and take a shower if needed. Most don't, but I am a creature of comfort. BUT - that's not why I love camping with my family. I love it because we just kick back, chat, play cards, take naps, watch the kids play in the water... And this round of camping ended in our family reunion!

Friday night we ended up having a bit of an unplanned potluck party. We had previously decided to have an early birthday cake for my mom, but it snowballed a bit. It was fun. Folks just brought whatever they had planned for dinner over to our camp area and we got to enjoy a bit of everything.

Saturday was the reunion. I didn't count this year, nor did I hear someone else's total, but it felt about the same as it has for a while - different people, but about the same amount. If I had to guess I'd say we had around 100. If everyone would actually come, we could easily double that number. Someday, maybe...but in general there is enough rotation in the crowd that you can keep up with most everyone :)

Saturday evening after we got unpacked we went back in to town. It was Butch Cassidy Days and they were having a fireworks show in honor of it... Or so they say - I vote they were having them for my mom's birthday. Well, maybe they WERE for Butch Cassidy, because if they were for my mom, they would have been MUCH bigger :) If you know my mom, you know I am serious :)

Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!

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simple things

7.20.2008 by Colee

Yesterday I was wandering around Wal-Mart and found something that instantly transported me back 25 years... Jell-o pudding pops... oh yes, really. They aren't the same as they used to be. They've made them smaller, but they are every bit as tasty. I think I have rediscovered why I fell in love with vanilla flavor :D

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A complete 180

7.18.2008 by Colee

I am not going to lie. The first half of yesterday was not getting off to a great start. Everything was just a little more frustrating than normal and I was just having a hard time getting into the day.
The second half of the day took a sharp turn for the better. First - I ordered my cake topper. It's out of stock EVERYWHERE on line, but it will be available the first part of August, and I don't need it before then, so it's ok. And because it was on at least 20 different sites, I was able to shop around for the best price and shipping :) After work I decided I either had to use the eliptical or follow mom's advice and just sell the dumb thing... so, I used it. I still hate it, but it does allow me to watch my shows and exercise at the same time, so I guess it has SOME value. After that I had dinner with some friends I haven't seen for a couple of months. They have so many changes coming up- it's exciting and happy to visit with them. AND after dinner I met some other friends for bowling - which we haven't done since before I went to the Phillipines. It was a small crowd - but it was fun :) Our scores reflected the 3 month hiatus, but it was still just fun to get out and do something. I have become somewhat of a hermit lately, with all the traveling back and forth and just spending time on other things... Anyway... It was a good day.
When I got home - I got the best news of all... an email that said our petition had been approved!!!!!! and that I will be getting a letter in the mail with further instructions. YAY!!!!! I am giddy like a school girl :) What is the next step you ask? I am not 100% sure. I don't know if it is now going to the London embassy or if there is one more approval needed here in the US. But it doesn't matter - step 1 is done AND it means I didn't screw something up in the application... I've heard too many horror stories.
Happy Day :D

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twisted

7.16.2008 by Colee

I HATE this show, but I can't seem to shut it off and I actually miss watching it when I am out of town. I have GOT to find a new Wednesday night activity... Either that or just admit I watch America's Next Top Model :S

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2 days down

7.15.2008 by Colee

So, Sunday was kind of interesting. To be more specific, Relief Society was kind of interesting. First of all, when they were asking if there were any visitors, the girl conducting the meeting singled me out and asked if I was new... Um, I've been in the ward for about 2 years... How do you say that politely? I'm sure it doesn't help that I go home or out of town about half of the time... but still. Anyway, after that they moved on and apparently they had leftovers from the previous days' swimming excursion. Yeah, they totally passed out soda pop in Relief Society... If you ask me... it's a nice add :D

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better late than never

7.09.2008 by Colee

So, I realized this morning it’s probably too late to be effective, but I missed my 4th of July schpeel, so I am going to do it anyway.

I love the 4th of July. Partially it is because of the traditions involved. We do the same thing every year, we sit in the same place, by the same people, see the same things and for me, there is comfort in things that stay the same. But more importantly, it’s a day where every year, I am humbled. My very favorite part of the 4th of July is when the armed service medley is played and the veterans stand to be honored. These are the brave men and women who have paid a price for me to have what I have. To be able to sleep in my bed every night with out the worry that someone will come in and take me away from my home and family. To be able to go to church every Sunday. To be able to write whatever I want here and not be afraid of repercussion. To be able to choose my job, and my religion, and my home, and my school, and…. The list is endless. I have what I have because of others being willing to stand up for what they think is right. For that, I am eternally grateful.


As for the rest of my life – because I know you are all dying to know – I have spent the week trying to get arrangements made for a wedding with out a date. I have chosen flowers, a tux, table decorations, and gotten the stuff to make the guest book. I have a list of who is doing what, arranged my photographer, the family luncheon, and tonight I am meeting the cake lady and the printer… now if we can just figure out when the groom can be here, we'll be set ;)

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ABCs

6.30.2008 by Colee

Yes, I stole this one too...

A- Attached or Single: attached

B- Best Friend: my mom

C-Cake or Pie: cake

D- Day of Choice: Saturday

E- Essential Item: watch

F- Favorite Color: Purple

G- Gummy bears or worms: chocolate covered bears

H- Hometown: Dingle, Id

I- Indulgence: brownies

J- January or July: July

K-Kids: someday

L- Life is incomplete without: The gospel - it gives me strength and happiness

M- Marriage Date: TBD

N- Number of Siblings: 1 brother, 4 sisters

O- Oranges or Apples: both have a place – Oranges in December, Apples in peanut butter

P- Phobias or Fears: Driving off the side of the canyon in a semi truck…

Q- Quote: Don’t tell God how big your problem is. Tell your problem how big your God is.

R- Ring Size: 6 1/2

S- Season: Spring

T- Tag 3 Friends: John, Kym, Amy

U-Unknown Fact About Me: I’m a pretty open book

V- Very Favorite Store: Shop-ko - yes, really

W- Worst Habit: slothfulness

X- X-ray or Ultra sound: whatever they use to find kidney stones - CT scan

Y- Your Favorite Food: Popcorn :)

Z- Zodiac: Leo

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Have or have not

6.28.2008 by Colee

I stole this from Dominoe :)
Basically, you copy and paste the list, and then bold things that you have done. Feel free to join me!

200 Have and Have nots!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a professional sports game
17. Been to the top of the Sears Tower
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone snorkling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Sung on a CD
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Seen the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to see someone you love in hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway play on Broadway
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn't need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo's David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone's life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to sew
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had chicken pox
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter's Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik's cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Gotten a professional massage

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Victim

by Colee

I am not proud to admit that I fell victim to the advertisements...I broke down and tried the prime rib burger at Carl's Jr.... If you like horseradish, it's a winner. If not, I'd probably steer clear.

Sorry, life is pretty quiet right now. I've started making wedding plans, but it's hard to do with out a date chosen. But at least I have more ideas than I ever have before??

Ps - I still need your address (unless you're Matt).

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Request for info

6.25.2008 by Colee

I've started my guest list and come to the realization.... If you want an invitation, I need your address :) If you don't want to leave it here, you can email me. If you don't have my email address, I have to doubt that you really know me... but leave a comment and I'll respond ;)

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camping

6.24.2008 by Colee

Friday night we actually did join the kids at the campground. The coolest part is that we got to watch fireflies. Most people will tell you that there are no fireflies east of the mississippi, but that is not 100% true... they are just much harder to find. I had seen them once before, but it was last year at the end of the season. This year they were out in force... SUPER cool.
Camping was pretty fun in general. There were more people than I was expecting, but that is a good thing.
This week has been pretty quiet... nothing extraordinary to report...

But Kym, no, there is no date yet. We are still waiting for immigration services.

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"Help me out", said the minnow to the trout

6.19.2008 by Colee

On Father's Day, I went out to visit and ended up going fishing with the kids. I have fished my whole life, but caught a fish like, oh, 1 time. I used to love going up the canyon with my grandma Golda who enjoyed going fishing. My grandma Claire is also a master fisherwoman (my grandpa says when he takes her, he doesn't even have to turn the fishfinder on. She can feel them).... I obviously am not. However - I caught 2 fishes!!!! So maybe they weren't the largest fish ever pulled from a stream, but 2!! :D Between the whole of us we ended up with 7. Alice made them up for a lovely fish dinner. It was super tasty. And, I found out, about half the kids won't eat fish. All the more for me, I say. I never met a trout I didn't like ;)

The rest of the week has been pretty quiet. Monday we cleaned up the lawn, Tuesday we cleaned up the house. Oh, and mom got her summer highlights done - They look super hot, so if you see her, tell her :) Yesterday we drove to Logan and did a little service. Good times!

Today the kids and Kelly are out setting up the campground. We'll join them after work. Tomorrow night I might even end up sleeping over... one never can tell.

Oh yeah, I am actually starting to you know, PLAN a wedding... pick decorations, a theme, flowers... stuff... so, if you have any fabulous ideas - send em over :D

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Happy Father's Day

6.15.2008 by Colee

It's been a a good week. First of all, the weather finally decided to be summerish, even in Dingle. It was a well timed change, for we had a yardsale this weekend. I am putting it in writing that having a yardsale is FAR more work than it is worth. Sure I made a few bucks, but it wasn't worth 2 days of my time. I also managed to get a pretty decent sunburn out of the deal. I was trying to tan, so it's my own fault. I am a big girl and should know that 6 hours in the sun is a little more than tan timing. On the good side, I did manage to burn all the way up my arm - so at least there won't be a farmer tan line ;)

Friday night I got invited to go to the hot pots with my brother and sisters. I haven't been there since I was in middle school... which is sad I guess, as they are only like 40 minutes away. I fancy myself a lover of a good hot bath. It is the answer for many of life's questions. So big pools of hot water should be like my ultimate happy place. Dude, those pools are HOT. It's kind of funny because really, no one sits in them or is out in the middle. It's just a bunch of people sitting around the edge about legs deep. There are a few kids who are not swayed and are out in the center, but very few of those even. I'm thinking the next time I go back, it will be winter... snow on top, hot on bottom - it's all about balance :)

Today my mom gets to speak in church :) After church Cannon and I will head out to Georgetown to hang out with our fathers :) Happy Father's Day!

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I'm faking it, until I'm pseudo making it

6.10.2008 by Colee

If anyone needs a good breakup/recovery song, I would like to make a suggestion. Alanis Morrisette has a new album out this week. There is a song called "Not as We" I like Alanis anyway, but check it out. It's worth a listen.

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$3.89

6.09.2008 by Colee

You know when you see gas at $3.89 and you think, I had better fill up! That is a sad sad day. I did have a really good weekend though. I spent Saturday with my grandparents (Happy Birthday, Grandpa!). Sunday evening I was invited to a fireside with Sheri Dew. I must admit I was a little skeptical as sometimes it seems like she only has one topic, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was actually the most hope I’ve felt in a while.

Today I move on to the task of trying to get my dryer fixed… again.

Hey – we’re having a yard sale this weekend – if you’re in Dingle, you should totally stop by and see us :D

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Torn

6.03.2008 by Colee

I can't decide if they have too much time on their hands, or if I am jealous of what they can do with it... check out the pics...

http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/

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:D:D:D:D:D

5.30.2008 by Colee

My garden is sprouting!!! It's been raining everyday since I planted it, but somehow it has managed to grow :)

Grow little sprouts! Grow!

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Memorial Day Movie Marathon

5.28.2008 by Colee

Oh yeah, it was a totally rainy icky day, so Monica and I celebrated her belated birthday by spending our entire Monday inside the movie theater. We saw Indiana Jones, Prince Caspian, and Iron Man. Talk about a range of emotions to have compressed into less than 7 hours. I probably could have done with out the aliens, but other than that, I really enjoyed all 3 shows.

I learned 2 things from this experience. 1-standing in lines before movies is pointless. We got there right as the movies were starting and we had perfect seats for all of them, even though the theaters were packed when we got in. 2- Order the super nachos. They are the only food item I have found in a theater that actually felt like I got my money's worth. $5.75 and there were so many of them I couldn't finish. Trust me, for as much as I love nachos - THAT is a feat.

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Wii

5.25.2008 by Colee

This evening I went up to visit Monica while she was dog sitting. The house she is at has PS3 and a Wii... Yeah, I am a Karaoke superstar :) OK, so I was really good at the 80s stuff, but the current Pop... not so much.
As far as the Wii goes, it's only my 3rd time ever playing. The first time was at a party with way too many people all needing to take turns, I am not a very good sharer. The middle time was when Matt brought his over. That was much more fun. I learned how to drive knitted cows into scarecrows AND found out I like to box.
This time we were not really sure at all how to play the games they had, so we spent a little time realizing my video driving skills are not improving - yay mariokart- and then we played a game that taught you all kinds of poses with the controller. Since I am far from being considered a "Natural" it was probably super useful.

Ok, so the dog she is sitting is called a Doodle, yes, really. It's a retreiver/poodle mix. It's like the biggest poodle you'll ever see. Big black dog with floppy ears and curly hair. Slightly creepy, very good natured, but I think I will go for something a little smaller, should my future hold dog ownership.

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Season 7....

5.20.2008 by Colee

Round 1

David Cook – U2 will always be king, but that was AMAZING

David Archuleta – Ok, so I never really noticed how he does close his eyes a lot…I hate that song, it’s not his fault.

Round 2

DC – It felt like an 80s rock song, that’s a good thing. I think Simon got irritated by being accused of being a Cook fan… He’s swung the other way very fast

DA – He reminds me a lot of Reuben. He is GREAT at his thing, in this case Ballads, but when he gets out of his chosen genre he becomes extremely ordinary. But hey, lots of people get by with one genre… I mean, check out Frank Sinatra

Ps – May 13th has been declared Frank Sinatra day :) Now is the time to buy your sport coat and hair gel.

Round 3

DC – Have I mentioned I am a fan?

DA – I could listen to him for a long time, but I can’t really watch him. Hey, that reminds me, did anyone else see Justin Guarini in the audience a while back? Is he still around??


I am pretty sure I am going to be kicked out of the state, but I am voting Cook.

I’m trying to decide on the judges… do you think they are just trying to throw those Vegas odd makers off? Or maybe trying to help Cook lose so that he makes more money?

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The Prophet said to plant a garden...

by Colee

So that's what we'll do...
He never said how big it had to be :) I planted a bucket garden last night. I planted 2 tomato plants, kholorobi, radishes, spinach, a jalepeno, and green onions :D Cross your fingers... I've never had my own garden before. If it grows you're invited over for salad and salsa :) If it doesn't you can still come over, I'll just have to go to the store first.

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Catsup?

5.19.2008 by Colee

Last week was an awesome week. First of all, I got to go home. I spent Mother's day with my mother, funny how that works. We actually went up to my aunt and uncle's home for a fabulous dutch oven dinner. Monday was Cannon's birthday... I am still not sure how he is 9, but that's what he keeps telling me. Alice made him a cake shaped like a cowboy hat. It was uber tasty.
Wednesday I took the day off to make lunch for the quilting ladies. It reminded me of one of the reasons I love Dingle so much. Things go full circle. The ladies that quilt range in age from my mom's younger sister, all the way up to the ladies that are the age of my grandma. At least a 40 year span if not more. These same awesome women that were my mom's mom's friends are also my mom's friends and for that matter, they are my friends. Make that a 60 year span. There is a lot to be said for having social circles of people your own age, but I really have learned so much from watching these women, not just that day, but my whole life. They have gone through so many different things, heartaches,joys, births, deaths, love and loss. It is great just spending time with them to see the women they are today and learn about the things that have made them that way. Don't get me wrong, some of them are a little crazy ;) but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thursday I took the day off, to sleep. That got ruined by a work call, oh, and making sure Cannon got on the bus with his lunch for his field trip, but that was fun, so I'll blame the 7 am work call. I also got to mow the lawn. In the afternoon Mom and I went to the chiropractor, which I loved and Mom hated. We took the scenic route home from Soda through Nounan. It was really pretty. I don't think I have ever been all the way on that road before so it was neat.

Friday I really just took the day off... I took Mom's bike and Heather and I went for a bit of a bike ride around the village. I got some much needed sun. I am SUCH a pasty white girl. My legs never turn, but at least my arms and face can tan ;) I also went for a ride around the village with Kelly, but we drove. In the evening Mom and I did a little more yard work... very very productive day:)

Saturday was Scrapbook Day! at the library. They have scrapbook day twice a year. I had missed it in Novemeber because of the Turkey Shoot, so I was glad I got to go this time. It took all day (9-6 with a lunch) and I finished 3 layouts... I am the slowest scrapbooker ever, but they are super cute. Now I just need to, you know, put some pictures on them. I even won a prize :) yay:)

Sunday we got to go to church in our pretty new remodeled building. It's not perfect, but it's ours and it's beautiful. It will make a lovely place for a wedding and open house...

OK, so that's the deal, that's where I've been all week.... now you know

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and now back to your regularly scheduled program

5.06.2008 by Colee

David C – it was unmemorable that by the end of the song, I had already forgotten what it was he sang… bad sign, especially because I like him.

Syesha –how can she not think it was a Tina Turner impression when she wore the same dress?? Tamyra did a better job when she was on Mad about You a couple of years ago. Also, is it just me or does she have the most versatile hair ever?

Jason – I still want him to cut his hair. He actually changed the song a little, imagine that.

David A – So far the only song that showed off any range tonight.

Davis C – weird song, well done.

Syesha – the tears were a bit much.

Jason – I know I am probably communist, but Bob Dylan is kind of hit or miss for me. And Jason forgetting the lyrics, was not so cool, but I still actually liked this one better.

David A – A classic, different enough to say it was, but true enough to know why it is a classic.

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Pictures - Cebu

5.05.2008 by Colee


Desi and Berns


My girls :)


Butch - as the baby Jesus, an uncanny resemblance I think ;)


The Squid

The next 3 are the view out of my window at the hotel...




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