2011 Reading

Since I'm not likely to read another book before the end of the year, I'm going to go ahead with my book year in review post. So if you're looking for anything to read, hopefully this list will help!

"Persuasion" by Jane Austen

Had never read this one before and decided to give it a whirl. It was definitely more mature than her other novels, but still very enjoyable with both lovable and hate-able characters.

"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova

I had read this one before a few years ago when it first came out but wanted to read it again. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart. It's full of history, almost to the point of it reading like a primary source. But the majority of the information has a purpose to the complex story. Just an FYI, this is for the die-hard, classic vampire fan. No shiny pretty boys here!

"Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz

I did and I didn't like this one. It was ultra complex; like reading a really boring text book. But it was cool to get inside my dogs head a little bit.

"Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan

For a dog owner, this book was hilarious, well written, touching, and thought provoking. However I think it would be the same for a non-dog owner. Note: Scott actually read this book. Seriously. He loved it. Scott is not a reader.

"Dracula" by Bram Stoker

After reading "The Historian" again, I had to go back and read one of my favorite books of all time. Such a classic read.

"Enchanted Inc #1-4 by Shanna Swendson

I really enjoyed the first two books of this series. Really fun take on modern magic and wizards. But the last 2 dragged a bit and it felt like the same old story.

"The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles #2) by Rick Riordan

2nd book in the series. These are fun kid/tween books if you're in to Egyptian stuff. They're also fun as they're told from kids perspective. I enjoy reading kids books as I don't have to worry about being offended by anything. I can just enjoy the story.

"Austenland" by Shannon Hale

Clever story about an a woman who goes to England for the ultimate Austen experience: costumes, food, language; takes you back in time as if you were in an Austen novel. Complete with dashing Mr. Darcy-ish strangers.

"Whiter Than Snow" by Sandra Dallas

My sister got me hooked on Sandra Dallas' novels. She has the ability to take you back in time to a simpler and harsher time. This one had several intertwining stories about a town high in the Colorado mountains struck by the tragedy of an avalanche. Themes of friendship, forgiveness and acceptance.

"Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker

Also referred to as the 'lost first chapter' of Dracula. Interesting. Creepy. Fun!

"Buster Midnight's Cafe" by Sandra Dallas

Fun story told by two old crows about their best friend who became a Hollywood star.

"The Confession" by John Grisham

Classic Grisham; however this one was really thought provoking. If you're pro death penalty, it'll make you think twice. If you're anti death penalty, it'll also make you think twice. I read reviews that said it was ultra political - and I suppose it was in a way. But Grisham manages to help you see both sides of the issue.

"Peter Pan" by JM Barrie

Hadn't ever read this one before. Really great; but a surprisingly violent for a kids book!

"Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale

Really great, interesting take on a fairy tale. Set in medieval Mongolia, it's a "Prince and the Pauper" meets "Cinderella" meet "Rapunzel" - but with Yaks and a not so charming Prince.

"1105 Yakima Street" by Debbie Macomber.

#11 in the Cedar Cove series. I want to live in Cedar Cove and be neighbors with all these wonderful people!

"Prayers for Sale" by Sandra Dallas

Another great story of love and friendship. I found I could relate to both of the main characters in small ways, and I learned a thing or two about quilting and what it means to accept people. You can find friends in unlikely places.

"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron

Another great one for dog lovers. I laughed and I cried as I followed a dog as he keeps being reborn into a puppy and trying to figure out why. All he wants to do is love his "boy" and be near him.

"Ten Miles Past Normal" by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Silly teen novel. Not sure why it sounded interesting to me.

"The Bride's House" by Sandra Dallas

My favorite Dallas novel so far. This book follows the story of 2 women connected through a house in a mining town in Colorado. Very clever and sweet. Dallas loves to use the themes of love, friendship and forgiveness in clever ways.

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

I did and I didn't like this book. I enjoyed the story; the bravery of these women and what they went through. Delicious characters, some were lovable and SO hate-able. My complaint was the extreme over use of the Lord's name in vain. So sue me or call me over sensitive. Call me intolerant because it's such and important book. Well, it is a great story but there was no excuse of the language.

"The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan

More Demi-Gods!! Woo hoo!! This book ties in to the Percy Jackson series, but different characters and different versions of the gods. So fun! Again, I love reading kids books.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson

I had watched the made-for-TV movie of this book a hundred times as a kid but never read the book. So. Classic.

"Jacob T. Marley" by R. William Bennett

I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit suspicious of it at first because I'm such a fan of Dickens and the "Christmas Carol", but I'm glad I read it. Bennett writes in a similar style and does Dickens justice with the back story of Marley. We find out a little bit of why Marley was Marley and why Scrooge was Scrooge.

"1225 Christmas Tree Lane" by Debbie Macomber

Last in the Cedar Cove series and I am so sad. I loved this series. Fun story to finish up on!

"Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham

I've made it a habit to read this one every year and it doesn't get old. I still laugh. And the longer I'm married to my accountant husband the more I laugh about Luther Krank's antics. Quick and fun read; Grisham's humor is so classic.

Public Service Announcement

Please beware of the false Santa. Though devilishly cute, the false Santa cannot be trusted and has a particular knack for looking completely innocent of any wrong doing. On Christmas Eve night please hide your cookies.

Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!!!

I Am Thankful For...

As usual I'm late with my posting. Eh - y'all will get over it right? I like Thanksgiving. It's such a relaxing holiday. This year especially as it was just me and Scott and my parents. We had a really nice day...other than in the morning when Scott and I decided to tackle my parent's Christmas lights. Surprisingly no one fell down, there were very few cuss words and the majority of the lights worked. I'd say that's a success.

Anyway, since I neglected to do the daily thankfuls on Fb I thought I'd do a blog post. Sorry if you get bored. You're welcome to quit at anytime.

I'M THANKFUL FOR...

*My handsome, nerdy, understanding, patient, funny husband. I can't even explain how much he means to me and how much I love and adore him.

*My smart, funny, handsome, playful dog. I don't know what we'd do without him. He has brought us so much joy. We are obsessed with him.

*My parents. After Scott, my mom is my best friend. I know I'm too old to be so attached to my mother and need her, but who cares? I'm a Mamma's girl :) Oh and Gary - he's ok too. Just had more tests and is still cancer free. Woo hoo!

*Sue & Scott, Sean & Melissa, Scott & Cecily. They're a lot of fun to hang with and I learn a lot from them.

*Mark, Brian, Kylie, Brady, Cade, Olivia, Lincoln, Lleyten, Taft, Eden, Jaz & McCoy. They are adorable, funny and make me so happy.

*Mom, Dad, Missy, Mel, Ryan, Tom, Tony & Nate. My in-laws are the greatest. They are such wonderful and caring people.

*My friends. I love you and am grateful for you. You make me laugh, you go to lunch with me, and you don't make fun of me (to my face) when I do stupid stuff. So thanks!

*My Savior Jesus Christ. I've felt his love and I know he cares about little ole me.

*The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I haven't always been grateful for it or even cared about it. But I know where I'd be without it and No. Thanks. The Church isn't always popular; it's not always 'politically correct', it's not always easy. But it's real. And it's true. I'm so thankful for the gospel in my life.

*Our temple sealing. What a wonderful peace it brings to me. If I didn't know my family could be together forever, I don't think I could have survived losing two babies. I know they're waiting for us!

*Our jobs.

*Our apartment. Yeah - we had our heart set on a place of our own, but we have a cozy roof over our heads and a/c in the summer so we're good :)

*Scott is almost done with school. Can't. Wait.

*aspen trees and waterfalls. They make me happy.

*blankets to snuggle under.

*learning experiences. Trials suck. But I'm grateful I've been able to step back and learn from them.

*Zoloft. I'm just gonna throw that out there. Oh - and Priolsec. Yeah. Totally grateful for both of those.

*Hair color. Seriously. I'm already so unfortunate looking so to add gray hairs to that is just so not fair!

*Scott's financial geekiness. Sometimes I want to smack him; but the majority of the time I'm so grateful that he's so organized and analytical about finances. It's so fun to be 6 months ahead on a car payment and know that if something comes up we don't have to pay it. Also great to have a savings account.

*Brita water filters. I'm a pansy and have to have filtered water but I don't want to add to the bottled water problem.

I know there's more but I need to sleep now. Nighty-night everyone!

Never Again!

Dexter went to his forever home on Thursday. I can't believe how attached we were to him so quickly. I will NEVER AGAIN rescue and foster a dog. It's too painful. While we are happy to take him from a horrid situation and place him in a great one, it was so sad. He was a total sweetie. We are sad; however, I couldn't be happier with the family he went to. We'd gotten several calls about him and had appointments set for people to come meet him. But when this man called I had a really good feeling about him. (Sadly, I can't remember his name!) An older gentleman and his wife and a 17 year old daughter. They'd had Dachshunds in the past and knew just how to care for them. It was such a relief not to have to worry about explaining how to care for their backs or how to pick him up.

When this nice man came over, Dexter went right to him, tail wagging like crazy. It's like he knew and he was letting me know that "hey! I like this guy!" The man picked him up and Dexter gave him kiss after kiss and snuggled right up to him. I teared up because I was happy and sad at the same time. I couldn't be happier with his new family. And Chewy couldn't be happier that he doesn't have to share our attention with anyone else. He did like playing with Dexter, but boy was he bitter when Dexter curled up on Scott's lap! I mean, how dare he! ;)

So now I've done it. I rescued a sweet boy, nursed him back to health, and found him a forever home, and figured out that I don't have the nerves to be a doggy foster mom.

Dexter & stuff

Normally if Petsmart is doing and adoption outside their store, I hold my hands to the side of my face and look straight ahead so I can't see all the cute dogs that need homes. A couple of weeks ago I ran over to Petsmart by my work to grab some food for Chewy, and there he was. A little, tiny Dachshund in one of the cages. Against my better judgement I went over for a closer look and saw that he was emaciated and shaking, and my heart just broke. Again, against my better judgement I asked one of the women outside who was with the shelter that brought the dogs about the little doxie. She said he was an owner surrender and that he's refused to eat and been really depressed since being in the shelter. She dumped him because he liked to chase her cats. My heart broke a little more.

After buying Chewy's food I got in the car and called Scott...and now he's home with us. Our brains told us no, our hearts wouldn't hear of it. Turns out the little guy was not only way too skinny, but had an upper respiratory infection. But now he's neutered, over his infection, and slowly starting to fatten up. We adore him. Chewy adores him. My parents adore him. We wanted to name him Han Solo, but he already answered to Dexter and we didn't want to confuse him. But he's still the Han Solo to our Chewy :)

Our adoption benefit went SO amazingly well. We were completely blown away by the love and support we received. We thought we'd be lucky to get $300; we would have been ecstatic to get $500. We were totally overwhelmed when the tally reached a little over $1700!!! That's a little over half of what we needed for a birth mom so we're thrilled.

Next up in the process is meeting with our assigned case worker, where we smile and nod and try to exude confidence that we will be okay parents. Wish us luck!!

Bang Head Here

When I'm not at work, I'm sewing. When I'm not at work or sewing, I'm passed out in bed. So needless to say I've been MIA on the blog.

Our adoption benefit is this Saturday!! It has taken up most of my time, but it'll be a good thing...I hope. In a way I'm terrified about it. Scared no one will show up, and if they do show up, will look at everything and say, "I can make that myself! Why would I buy it?" When we first decided to begin the adoption process, we were ready as far as the fees were concerned...or so we thought! Then we were told about the money for the birth mom (money for things she needs such as rent, utilities, maternity clothes, etc). We didn't want to stop the process, but we also wanted to make sure we had all the money we needed before moving forward. We'd heard about people doing fundraisers and we were kind of against it; not because we don't think it's a good idea but because we don't like asking for help. That's when I got a very distinct prompting to "let them help you". So we're letting people help us and we have been BLOWN AWAY by the support. I've had donations from some women I've never even met that wanted to help. How amazing is that?

Meanwhile, we're getting out paperwork together. Can I just say it's SO frustrating trying to prove that we'll do an okay job being parents when you see people beating their kids, etc? The most difficult part of this process is not getting bitter. I worked SO hard not to get bitter about infertility and I can proudly say it passed and I'm okay now. Sure, it sometimes felt like a punch in the stomach when a pregnancy announcement came, but it passed and I was genuinely happy for my friends. But now there's a new aspect with the adoption process that I have to work through. There was a woman that came in to SportClips and was the biggest B*&$%^ and I thought, "why didn't she have to be approved to be a parent??" Then I had to shake my head and start singing a hymn in my head ... don't be bitter... don't be bitter...

And speaking of not being bitter, I'm supposed to be in Yellowstone NP for our yearly trip. I can't even think about it or I just about cry. Scott couldn't get the time off because of school. Grrrrr.

Don't be bitter.... don't be bitter....

Fun stuff, yes?!?

P.S. Pray for no rain on Oct. 8th!!!!!! At least till after 2pm...then I don't care.

Happy Anniversary to Us

August 16th was our 4 year anniversary! Crazy! In some ways it's gone by so fast; and then when we count how many times we've moved it's just depressing. We've had major heartbreak in 4 years with losing 2 babies; or moving to Texas because that's what WE wanted and then quickly finding out that it SO wasn't what the Lord wanted for us. But we've had a TON of fun and joy packed into 4 years too! Our marriage and relationship mean everything to us!

We did some serious celebrating this year! Scott surprised me earlier in the year with tickets to see Josh Groban! The concert was amazing - despite the ESA's horrible acoustics. Our seats were actually pretty good too. The camera on my iPhone really stinks so the below video is blurry and you can't see him, but you can hear his angelic voice!

And dearest Scott has had a cold all week and never said a word of complaint. What a trooper! After the concert we went to the Anniversary Inn and stayed in the Palace Suite. It was really cool. I have to say the waterfall jetted tub was the highlight.

Then on Tuesday, the actual day of our anniversary, we went out to the Cheesecake Factory. Mmmmm! I grossed poor Scott out with my salmon and shrimp, to which he was grateful for his plugged up nose so he couldn't smell it.

In other news, we've decided to move ahead with the adoption process. We went to an orientation last year at LDS Family Services and felt that we weren't there yet. While doing sealings in the temple a few months back, the word "adoption" just kept coming to my head and wouldn't stop. I was surprised to say the least. I was so worried to bring it up to Scott because I knew he just wasn't there yet. We talked about it and both decided we didn't know when, but we'd look into it further. Little did we know our calling as teachers to 5 squirrely 5 year old boys would have such an impact on our decision! We can't believe how much we've grown to love those little squirrels. Those boys have had more to do with Scott's decision to adopt than anything.

So we're going to move forward and see what happens. We're going to have a benefit boutique/garage sale on October 8th that y'all are invited to! We've had a huge response and feel so blessed at all the wonderful people that are willing to donate things to sell.

Wish us luck!!! We're excited to see what this year brings!

Day 7: Your Best Friend

This is an easy post because I get to talk (ok, brag) about my best friend, Frederick Scott Shoell!

Let me tell you why he's my best friend. Aside from loving me unconditionally and being a total sweetheart, he is lot of fun. That comes as a surprise to most people because he can come off as a "fuddy-duddy", but it's because he's shy. When he's around close friends and family, he's a riot. I mean, seriously, I almost wet myself the other day when he started singing and dancing to Katy Perry. He's always breaking out into song at random and it's so entertaining to me.

He has the funniest quirks. For example, when we first got married I was always putting his shoes in the closet, and sure enough he'd line them up by the bed again. Because of his feet he just feels more comfortable having them out. I just laugh about it now. Another example, I rarely bother making the bed because he's way OCD about it and will remake it before getting into bed - usually with me already in it. So funny. Although in the winter it's annoying when the sheets have gotten warm and then he moves them and they're cold again.

Scott is very nerdy. He's a Treker, which I am not, but I've learned to at least appreciate it...a little. But we're both huge Star Wars fans which was a must for me in a husband ;) We can throw out movie quotes on a regular basis and be totally entertained by ourselves. We have so much fun together. We've been accused of being a bit anti-social but it's because we love being together! With Scott being in school full time and working full time our time together feels precious. We can be totally contented to curl up on the couch and watch episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" or a movie we've already seen one hundred times.

I could go on and on, but I won't. I'll just end by saying how grateful I am for him. He's fun, handsome, a good person, a righteous Priesthood holder that I can always count on, and he's MINE ALL MINE!

Day 6: My Day

The only reason I decided to do this post today was because I made a yummy dinner and wanted to share the recipe. I came up with it myself :) As for the rest of my day, just same old. Went to work...you know. Exciting stuff.

Garlic Lemon Chicken

3 to 4 lb whole organic chicken (Leave skin on for cooking; you can peel it off after)

1 large lemon

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 yams (or other potatoes if you don't like yams)

6 garlic cloves

4 Tbsp Paprika

1 Tbsp Chili Powder

Sea salt

pepper

Oven Bag

Preheat oven to 350. In the Oven bag, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili powder. Shave zest from lemon, add into bag. Slice potatoes, keeping slices rather thick. Rinse chicken thoroughly, salt and pepper to taste; also sprinkle with more paprika. Slice up lemon and stuff it in the chicken. You know, in the hole. Gizzard? I don't know what it's called I'm not a professional chef :) Anyway, add potatoes and chicken to bag and pop in the oven for about hour and a half or until meat thermometer reaches 180.

Day 4 & 5

(I'm going to try to get back to my blog challenge!)

Day 4 is : What I ate today.

Well that's easy. I've only eaten breakfast so far. It was a Fiber One Bar. Don't believe those commercials that say they taste great - they don't. They're totally cardboard-ish. But I hate wasting stuff so I'll finish out the box.

Day 5: Your Definition of Love

I think "Moulin Rouge" said it best: "Love is like Oxygen! Love is a many splendid thing; love lifts us up where we belong; all you need is love!!! "

My other definition would be the above picture of Scott and Chewy. Pathetic, I know. But seriously. You've never known true love until you've been owned by a Dachshund :)

And Scott; what can I say? I don't know how I got so lucky to have him for my very own. He is the most thoughtful, funny, nerdy, loving man. He's always making sure I'm okay and that I know how much he loves me. He's working his little behind off working full time and 9 credits of school but still makes time for me. His patience with me knows no bounds (of course, I haven't fully tested it ) with all my projects, my neurosis, and that when I get clean bath towels I always forget to hang one up for him. Or when I don't pick up Chewy's toys and they're all over for him to trip over (sorry honey. We should train Chewy to pick them up). Or when I make something healthy for dinner and he's trying to suppress gags but smiles and eats it anyway. Or when he wants to kills himself while teaching me to golf, etc.

Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without him.

I LOVE FREDERICK SCOTT SHOELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You'll Want Some Chocolate

When one reads something sensational one should have some chocolate. Don't you think?

I'll wait while you go find goodies to chew on while you're reading.

Go ahead, I'll wait.

On my new favorite TV show, "Breaking In", the crew goes back to high school briefly to help a kid with a bully. So classic. But it really got me thinking! Then the Brad Paisley song "Letter to Me" came to my mind, and I thought: I'm going to write a letter to me. Now, I can't say I'd really like to go back to high school, but at the same time, if I knew what I know now it would be a much better experience. So here it goes:

Oh! P.S. this might include stuff you just don't want to know about me. You've been warned!

Dear Younger Self,

Here's some clues and tips into your life. I know you - you probably won't listen because you're a proud, insecure and snobby little thing. But really - if you take some notice your life might be just a bit easier! Here's a list of things I'd like us, err, me to know:

Ok, you've lost a bunch of weight; good girl! But seriously, don't do the bulimic thing. It ruins your stomach for life.

While you make some great friends this summer before high school, don't waste your time with Chadd. Seriously. I know he's a senior and so dreamy and all that, but once you're 16 and no longer "off limits" he'll drop you faster than a hot potato. But hang on to the rest of the group. They're good friends.

You need help. Please, for our sake, don't wait until you're a senior to get on Zoloft. You're miserably tired all the time and so unhappy because you're depressed. Now, I realize these were the days that being depressed was very taboo and people didn't think it was a real thing. You know, eat a carrot and you'll feel better. But it IS real and nothing to be ashamed of. It is what it is so for the sake of our grades, come on! Go to the Dr.

Towards the middle of your sophomore year you're going to blow out your knee and need surgery. Just so you know, your stupid biology teacher is going to flunk you because you miss some class. DON'T let him get away with it! You'll find your senior year that if you'd talked to a school counselor about it the situation could have been handled without you having to do BYU independent studies and almost NOT GRADUATING!! Just a head's up.

Oh - and for heaven's sake buy something for us when you go to Europe. You remember how we didn't buy any kind of a souvenir for ourselves when you went to Italy? Dummy. Don't buy anything for Greg because you're going to break up with him soon afterwards anyway.

And while we're on the subject of boys, I know that a particular boyfriend becomes a big part of your life, but please PLEASE don't date the same dude through most of high school. I can't tell you how much FUN we have once he leaves on his mission. And if you'd followed the previous advice about Zoloft you probably wouldn't do it anyway!!

You REALLY need to not worry about what people think of you. Why are you so insecure? You've got a great little size 6 body. Trust me (us?) when you're trying on your wedding dresses several years from now you're going to talk to yourself in the mirror and say, "Wow. I thought I was fat back then. Yeah...I'm an idiot." You also have a great singing voice, and our hair is so long and thick!!! Enjoy it while you've got it because we can no longer grow out our hair because it's so thin :( At the time of writing this letter I've probably got another 8 or so years, if we're lucky, before we're wearing a wig. No, I'm not joking. DON'T chop it off!!!!!!! You'll regret it and the only reason you cut it in the first place is because someone who is a so-called-friend makes a stupid comment. Ignore them. Oh - and ignore the idiot boys in Chamber Choir your Junior year. Choir is your happy place and you can't let what's-their-names (see how unimportant they are? I really can't remember their names!) ruin your experience because they say mean things. Stick to your friends in choir (including Trish/Mrs. Garrett) and just enjoy yourself! Trust me, you'll miss choir.

And speaking of singing, try out for the other school musicals. That's what you LOVE to do and won't ever have the body or the voice for it again so take advantage. You know that so-called friend that made the stupid comment about your hair? She'll make stupid comments about you liking to do plays too. Seriously - IGNORE her. You want to do the plays, you like it. Yes, some of the people are a little extreme but you get along with a lot of them and have a lot in common.

FYI : George Lucas is going to make prequels to the "Star Wars" series. You'll get to go to the midnight showing of Episode I, so take a NAP before you go so we don't miss half of the film because we're falling asleep. Oh, and take one of your guy friends that really wants to go and not whats-his-name who doesn't really care.

And while we're on the nerd subject, embrace your inner nerd. Seriously. Once you do you're a lot happier so you might as well get on with it. Remember: who cares what other people think!! Do your thing. You'll find those friends that love and accept you embrace the nerd-side too!

For the love of everything that's holy, take more concurrent enrollment classes. And while you're at it, don't drop math class in H.S. just because you can. Your college self will hate you.

Oh - and let's be smarter with our money, shall we? Good plan. You want more than anything to move out and be independent, so DO IT! Take the leap. You're stronger than you think you are. You can still go ahead and buy that car (I know right? We buy our own car after high school!) but don't open a bunch of store charges just because you can. That makes the apartment thing go out the window and your awesome credit score go bye-bye.

Some notes to my post-high school self:

DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT let Dr. Lawrence give you Depo-Provera injections. That's what starts the weight gain vortex.

DON'T quit writing!! You LOVE it and just because one stupid professor doesn't like your style, remember all the others that love your style??? Just sing that as-yet-unreleased Silo song, "and I'm like forget yoooou" to Professor whats-his-name. Trust me. We have two unfinished, potentially cool, novels.

You're going to go on an adventure through 10 foot snow drifts to meet actor Sean Bean. When you finally do get to meet him (yeah, you read that right. You meet him face-to-face!!) don't stand there like a cod fish with your mouth open!!! Say something charming and funny and ask him for a picture!!! Your camera is right there. In your purse. And you'll never get another shot at it so ask Stef (your friend that's with you. I know, it's confusing, her name is Stefani too.) to take a picture of the two of you. And who knows? If you're charming enough maybe you'll have yourself a secret love-child with him....errr.....never mind.

Oh - and get a prescription of Busperone before you go on your mission. (Yes, you go. Crazy right?) You'll be able to stay out a lot longer if you're properly medicated.

And when you get home, DO NOT date a manipulative little twirp named Tyson. RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!! And don't push away your bestest friends because you're embarrassed for being sent home from your mission. It's that depression thing again! You'd think we'd have learned by now!

Love,

Me.

P.S. When the Timpanogos Singles Branch is organized, you'll notice a particular tall, dark haired, skinny guy with a GORGEOUS smile but don't make a move. Trust me, make the move when you first notice him. It'll save you both a lot of heartache and time. This good-looking skinny nerd of a guy will be the best thing that'll ever happen to you and you'll spend the rest of your life wondering how you got so blessed and lucky to have him.

The Damn Cancer

Thanks to my dear friends the Tolman's for giving the name "the damn cancer". Yeah - my dad has kidney cancer. As if he didn't have enough problems! He goes in for surgery tomorrow to remove the infected kidney. For an ooooooold guy the Dr's say his other kidney is in amazing shape so he'll be fine that way. It's just the principle of being diagnosed with the evil "c" word. My mom feels fairly calm about the whole thing and actually so does Dad, so here's hoping!
Love ya Old Man.

Happy Birthday Chewy!!

We got Chewy one year ago today. Thank you, Chewy, for making this otherwise sucky year better!! Posted below are a few of my favorite pics of him. Above: Taking Scott's pillow after Scott got up.
Below: Playing Choo Choo (He was feeling left out so he jumped up on the chair!)

Below: Cheeto thief.

Below: Snuggles with Scott. He's my shadow until Scott comes home. Then I might as well not be around!

King & Queen of Stupidville

Yup. That's our official title. I try below to explain why we're suddenly back in Utah. But before that, here's some pics from Texas!

Scott on the log ride at Sea World. Getting wet felt really good! It was in the mid 80's that day.

Journey to Atlantis ride at Sea World. SOOO fun! We got wet on this one too!

Shamu Stadium.

The Sea Lions were such a crack up! They're so spoiled and used to being fed that as soon as I looked over the railing he was there waiting for food! He was very upset when he realized I hadn't bought any fish for him.

Shark-bait-ooh-ha ha.

Dolphins!!! I want my very own.

Rhino at SAT Zoo.

Flightless Bald Eagle at SAT zoo.

The boys crossing the line in the sand at the Alamo.

Riverboat cruise.

Mom at Rudy's BBQ.

Scott was most excited about moving to Texas just to eat at Rudy's. He ate there a LOT when he was there on his mission. It is ridiculously good BBQ. We bought a 32 oz bottle of the sauce to bring home with us :)

SAT Temple at night. Gorgeous building! We spent a lot of time there.

Because of a sore back, Dad Shoell was in charge of Chewy while we loaded the moving truck. I laughed so hard at them sitting in our chair watching us!
Can I tell you how amazing the Shoell's are?? Without question Mom, Dad, Tom and Tony drove 2 days out to pic us up and drive us home. Tom and Tony did amazing loading the truck and all without complaint. That's family love right there!!!

Chewy was the best traveler-dog ever! I was so worried about it and I didn't need to! We had tranquilizers for him that we used on the plane down, but we didn't need them in the car. He either sat in his kennel, sat like this between us, or on my lap. Good, good doggy.

Here goes...

Got down to Texas and my old nemesis Mr. Anxiety came back in full force. We see now that it was a blessing. At first I thought I was just homesick and it would go away but that wasn't it, and Scott was feeling uneasy too. So we started looking at everything that brought us there. That's when we found out that instead of being 18 months away from a degree at UVU, he'd be almost 3 1/2 YEARS away at University of Texas at San Antonio. Why? They don't have an actual Accounting degree, only an emphasis, and most of his GE's wouldn't transfer. Scott almost cried. I did cry.

After going to the temple and praying and crying and kicking ourselves, we finally realized that we should've stayed in UT until Scott was done with school. Yes, it was a good job and more money and we were excited, but we just plain didn't consider everything - meaning school. The Lord tried to warn us, but we didn't listen.

So we swallowed our pride (it really tastes like crap!) and talked to the company about any openings back in Utah. Miraculously, there was an opening and we jumped on it! So we're back in PG now and Scott's all registered for school.

We learned a lot about ourselves in 3 1/2 short weeks in Texas. We ignored a lot of promptings and impressions before moving because we were excited and it took something drastic to get our attention! Stupid us. But the Lord in his mercy has blessed us beyond measure in getting back to Utah. I even got my job back at Sport Clips which I'm excited about. Security Services CU (CU that bought Family First) has been nothing but wonderful to us and we know the Lord's hand has been in it all.

It's been hard and it still will be. Not everyone has been understanding and supportive which is making things harder, but we've decided that the people that matter have supported and loved us and the people that don't, well, don't matter. Harsh, but we know we've made the right decision in coming back to finish school. But don't worry San Antonio, we LOVE you and we'll try to come back. I miss you and your humidity and your food. Thank heaven there's a Dickey's BBQ in American Fork.

Texas Thus Far

What I like about Texas thus far: * Sunshine!
* Palm Trees (the ones that made it through that freeze last month anyway)
* SAT Temple. It's gorgeous!
*Nice Rack Bar and Grill. Sorry Hooters, this place de-throned you in the funny name category. *Turnabouts on the freeways. Such genius!
The Alamo
Below: Moving a cannon

The Riverwalk. Yup - it's every bit as cool and as pretty as you've heard.

Below: "Miss Congeniality" swimsuit competition filmed here :)

Eating outside at the HardRock Cafe on the Riverwalk.

Day 3: My Parents

My Parents: Gary Lee Walker and Rebecca Irene Boman Walker. I'm not even sure where to start talking about them! Scott, of course, is my best friend in the whole world. In close 2nd is my mom. She's just great.
She grew up on a farm in Cache Valley, then moved to a farm in Washington State. Her stories from her life on farms are so classic. But anyone who knows her now would never guess she grew up on a farm. She's all about modern conveniences :)
Mom is also super talented. One of my favorite past-times is lounging on the living room couch while she plays the piano. She's an amazing pianist, has a great singing voice and an awesome head for business. One of the funny things about her is her extreme love of sports! She's the only 70+ year old woman I know that can strike up a conversation with a bunch of rough guys drinking beer about college football. And no, I'm not joking. That really happened!
Then there's Gary. He absolutely hates being called Gary which is why I do it. He's a big tease but can't really take it. So I thoroughly enjoy teasing him.
Gary grew up in Los Angeles, the only child of Russell and Evelyn Walker. He's also super talented, play(ed) the piano, sang, etc. But he's also really book smart; hence he was a professor at BYU.
He joined the Navy right after high school and that is where he found the Church. His aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington, docked in Hawaii and at the time one of the major tourist attractions was the LDS temple. The other guys teased him for spending money on a little bag full of tracts and a Book of Mormon, but he felt a strong desire to buy it. He found some LDS guys on board the carrier and was baptized later in Japan. Pretty cool huh?
Unlike Mom, Dad isn't a fan of sports. It's quite the roll reversal in my family. Dad is the one that taught me how to cook, cross stitch and sew. They both gave me my love of singing and music. They are such great parents. They did the best they knew how to do, as all parents do, and spoiled me rotten so I don't have any complaints :)

At our wedding. Below, at Sue's wedding about 22 years earlier. Check out the difference! Crazy huh?

And since the topic is my parents, I can't not include John & Marianne :) I am so blessed to have awesome in-laws!! This picture was taken at our reception and is classic John & Marianne: laughing together. I love it!