My favorite author

Lately I have had the opportunity to do some reading.  I know how luxurious!  The problem is that when I begin a book I can't put it down until I'm done.  I think it's a part of my obsessive/compulsive nature.  I can't stand to have things half-way finished.  Anyway I was recommended  The Undomestic Goddess by my Aunt Angela and have fallen in love with Sopie Kinsella and her characters.  All her books remind me of a Hugh Grant/Colin Firth movie.  They make me laugh out loud!  

In her own words...

This is my friend Callie Gledhill.  She is 4 years old, her favorite color is pink, and she loves butterflies.  I'm not sure why she likes to hang out with me, but I love the company.  This afternoon she decided that she wanted to read some books.  I thought I would be reading to her but instead she read the book to me. - I have no idea where the bathroom theme came from... 

3 Famous Faces

We had quite the star-studded vacation.  We saw....

Norv Turner, head coach of the San Diego Chargers, going into a restaurant as we came out.

Jack Hanna sitting in First Class on our plane ride home.

Donny Osmond in the Salt Lake Airport as we made our way to baggage claim.

Bill insists that Donny winked at him!

Our day at the Zoo

The zoo's mascot

A komodo dragon

My 3

little

MONKEYS!

On Saturday we went to the San Diego Zoo.  It was quite chilly but we still had a great time.  They have such a wide variety of animals there - even a singing dog.  ( it's actually more of a whining Dingo)  The polar bear put on a show for us swimming in the water and the chimpanzees were hilarious to watch. (there will be a video posted later)  The biggest thrill was getting Mom to ride the gondola that goes over the zoo.  I still hate those things!!

Spring Break in La Jolla

Feeding the birds @ Scripps Park
Climbing trees
Admiring the seals @ Seal Beach
Trace's hand after being inked by an octopus

Other than home, La Jolla is our favorite place to be.  We had a wonderful time enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.  The very best part is being with family.  

Happy Birthday Taylor Rose!

Taylor celebrated her 10th birthday on Friday.  We went to the mall to get her ears pierced, then  to Maggie Moo's for ice cream, and the evening ended at our house watching The Waterhorse and eating tacos.  I think everyone had a great time.  We are so happy that Taylor is in our family.  She can be so kind and loving and she always makes us laugh!

 We love you Taylor Rose!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

It was Bill's 37th birthday yesterday!  We love him very much.  I thought it would be fun to share some lesser known facts about my husband.  

1. His silverware must consist of a large fork and a small spoon.

2.  He is deathly afraid of spiders.  All spider disposal is handled by me or the kids.

3.  He prefers the food on his plate not to touch.

4. All gifts must be wrapped WITH a bow.

5. His music collection includes everything from Barbara Striesand to Alice in Chains.

6. He eats at all hours of the night and leaves behind the crumbs.

7. He cries when he watches a sappy movie on an airplane - he insists it's the elevation.

8. One can only refer to his maturing hair color as extra shiny.

9. He can spend hours shopping the clearance endcaps at Target.

10. An actor's portrayal of a dry heave is a guaranteed laugh!

Our Family's Best Friend

We are sad to say that our beloved Riley past away today.  He will be missed by everyone in our family, but especially Trace.  He was a great loyal and loving member of our family.  The kids and I were talking the other day about athletes retiring their numbers, so at Taylor's suggestion we are retiring the name Riley because there will never be another dog like him! 

Haircuts

I took the kids to get haircuts this evening.  Taylor cut about 4 inches off of hers!  Tate really wishes his hair could be spikey, but it just grows forward.  Trace did not want to get his hair cut or his picture taken - I can smell the teenage rebellion in the air...

p.s. - sorry the pictures are blurry - we need a new camera

Gracie Gledhill

  It seems unimaginable the trials that people are asked to endure in this life.   I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and His plan of happiness.  I am grateful for the power of the preisthood and the eternal ordinances preformed in temples.  I know that when we are asked to face the unimaginable that these things are what gives us the strength to endure.  I know that in the most painful of moments that it is our personal relationship with the Savior which matters most.  In the March Ensign there are these words from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"We know not all that lies ahead of us.  We live in a world of uncertainty.  For some, there will be great accomplishment.  For other, disappointment.  For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living.  For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow.  We do not know.  But one thing we do know.  Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives.  He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.  In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us."

It seems that Friday will be the day  little Gracie Gledhill chooses which "home" will be hers.  I am humbled by the example of her family and feel priviledged to have been able to witness their journey.  Although Gracie's heart was broken when she came to this earth, I believe that she has strengthened many hearts with her sweet spirit, mine being one.

All about me...

I was tagged by my sister that I had to list 10 lesser known things about myself, here goes:

1. I love talk radio especially when it comes to politics.  I think I count it as my adult conversation for the day.

2. I hate cottage cheese - it's a texture thing.

3. I love clean sheets! I would put new sheets on my bed everyday if I could.

4. New socks are also a favorite of mine.

5. I have really large big toes.  When we were first married Bill offered to paint my toenails, but said he needed a paint roller to do my big toe nail.

6. I have a mole on my face that a hair grows out of - I know GROSS!  Taylor Rose loves it though and is always disappointed when I pluck it - I know WEIRD!

7. I have never received a speeding ticket. (knock on wood)

8. Everything in my day is scheduled by the clock in my head.  Like now - I have given myself 15 minutes to finish this post.

9. The first thing I wash in the shower is my hair.  Bill thinks this is weird because he washes his body first and his hair last.  What do you do?

10.  I would go back and grow up all over again.  I had/have a really great life!

All done with 2 minutes to spare!

A Jazz game = a night alone

   Bill called at around 6 last night to tell me he was given the company seats for the Jazz game that night.  But darn it all there were only 4 tickets!  I sacrificed my ticket and he took the kids by himself. Apparently a lot of women seemed to be taking notice of my handsome husband.  I think it is because he is sooo HOT, but he thinks it was because they thought he was a single Dad who had his kids for the night and they were taking pity on him.  Anyway, the kids had a great time.  The seats are on the 4th row, center court and you get all the nachos, soda, and popcorn you can eat so there was enough to keep them entertained.  Even the team's mascot made an appearance right next to where they were sitting. Sadly I was "stuck" in a nice quiet, clean house, with my Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and Dancing with the Stars.  I wonder when he will get the tickets again....