2011 Cell Phone

I got my very first cell phone in 2009. Okay Scott had bought me several others which I never used. But in 2009 our lives changed completely. We went form 10 plus years of working and living together 24/7 to Scott having a traditional 9 to 5 job away from home. We also we in transition and building our home and renting and moving and selling our old home so I needed to port our home phone to a cell so Arbonne clients would still be able to find me during the moves. I love any photos of Scott.

I just figured out how to port all the photos from the last few years that are stored on my phone. Here are a few of them. Some favorites are any of Aunt Sue. From her falls to noticing Anth and her had the same beautiful grey color hair. Or all the different babies I am holding at blessings. The beach shots and family and holidays. The day Salina pierced her ears. For a cell phone the photos are not to shabby and bring back lots of warm memories:) And yes if you look at my camera on the cell now it is full of George.

2011 My road to George

17 years ago I fell so in love with Scott, I just knew I would never love another man ever again. A baby changes everything. I have been guarding my heart for 9 months knowing this little one would have me at first breath, but the road was rocky and there were hazards and we didn't know if he or mom Salina would make it. Little George is a blessing and our little miracle. His mom and dad have been trying for years. No route was working even stepping into the adoption path. SO they saved their pennies. Anthony knew from his birth that it would be a challenge for him to be a biological father.
How grateful we are for the light and knowledge from God that inspires science and that hand picked invetrto worked. Salina was under an extreme regimen of pills and shots daily while they worked to harvest her eggs. She is the toughest mentally non complaining woman I have ever meet and it was heartbreaking to see the suffering physically she endured. All the hormones created what is called hyper stimulation which them caused her liver mega problems she was at the hospital almost daily with IVs and not fun testing.
They got a record 16 eggs. Five once fertilized (with Anthonys microscoped- hand picked for the strongest healthy swimmers) took and were healthy embryos. Two implanted. Then one was lost and she started to bleed. We all grieved at the loss of a twin. But Joy seemed tempered as we held our breath and prayed for Salinas health. She had to quit her job and be on bed rest for months. Saline dealt with constant bleeding and wondering if the blood clot created in her womb would keep little George from properly attaching to the wall. The doctors were grim. Each ultra sound and there were lots of them I was just numb. I was so scared something would happen to Salina and I know my brother would be just broken without his Salina and we adore Salina and seeing her so ill so not herself was hard.

But as weeks passed into months her health very slowly improved and then one day little embryo showed us he was George and was finally bigger than the blood clot so the chance of losing him or hurting mom and diminished not completely but enough for us to take a breath and thank the Lord for family and miracles. Still I am always constantly on a vigil of what is the next death or disaster thinking that if I am waiting it will hurt less or I'll somehow be able to stop it. I know it is crazy and exhausting being hyper vigilant. But I thought if we lose little George or worse lose Salina I can't handle it so I will just not feel anything.

After the trial of not having a child of my own I think it was especially hard to watch them struggle with infertility and knowing what it meant if it didn't work. Friends would ask... aren't you so excited? I would smile but inside I wanted to scream no. I am terrified. I don't want to bury another family member. Yes I am drama. I feel things really deep I wonder if it is some sort of compensation for not being able to smell. I didn't buy anything for the baby. I remember the devastation of returning baby items that would not be need years ago and I could not do it again. I watched our family struggle with juggling extreme Joy and fear. Anth would see a cute little bib and bring it home to surprise Salina and she would say we don't even know if we will need it. The hormones truly make you not yourself and I can only imagine seeing blood daily wondering if today was the day you lost the second one. The times in my life where I have been in constant prayer I feel so close to God who is always there but I am fickle and distracted by sparkly and I forget how much he wants my happiness and growth. He always saves the better part for me even when I can't see it at the time. How grateful I am for all the answers I received that I thought were wrong but were exactly what I needed.
Yesterday Aug 5, 2011 at 2 am Salina got up to go to the bathroom and frequent visit for expecting mommies. Her water broke or maybe she wet her pants never having had a baby before she was not sure. A call to the hospital followed by a check at the hospital meant baby was coming. She was 4 days or so form being full term and he was due at the end of August but I kept telling them he would come early. They really wanted him born in August not Sept and he delivered. by about 10 am there was not progress on the dilating so patosen was given and in one hour she went to a 10. A nurse happened by the room for a check and just took a look. You are having this baby now. Anthony went into shock. After and hour and a half of pushing we had our boy! I'm head over heels in love! It is so great to see Anthony as a dad. He feels all this weight and bliss and is loving it. Salina is so calm and happy and beautiful. I love watch her hold him. He looks just like her to me. George makes these adorable noises. Scott says he looks just like a little old man a general authority. Scott calls him buddy. Hello little buddy, Scott says as he snaps photos. Scott won't hold him, he is not a baby person. I am dying to hold him but I am sick and can't yet hold him so I made him the photo on the cell phone wall paper and I cradle that. From the first glance this boy has me for life. 

2011 Salinas Baby Shower at Carols

Soon our family will grow by one. The baby will be making an appearance very soon:) In fact Salina had her first contraction today. Carol Snow hosted a baby shower today. My mom came in from out of town we love being with her. We had yummy food and loved to catch up and I think showers are the best place to see each other. Everyone is happy and there is laughter and happy anticipation. Much better than say a funeral-- which we seem to have had lots of lately:) I made cupcakes which were perfect to me. They were from a recipe book Salina gave me and the frosting and cupcake was very enjoyable. Carol had her famous brownies. We had salads and rolls with butter and fresh strawberry Scott picked out with hummus and chips. Carol, Emily, Katie, Brooke, Carol, Missy, Marianne, Anthony, Salina, Erica, Marj, Becky, Izabel, Amy, Missy (other cute Missy and 2 of her girls), Debbi, and my moms cousin Wendy:) It was a special day for a special girl with a baby on board. Did I mention the cupcake success? They were mini and the did cute boyish toppings with swirls and sprinkles that were blue. I can do boys see?

2011 Memory Lane photo scan

2011 Lagoon with Anthony

Anthony surprised me early yesterday morning with "want to go with me to Lagoon?" He had a free ticket that Salina would not use as she is not a fan of Lagoon not pregnant so with baby on board no way. I love being with my brother and I enjoy Lagoon so it was perfect. I hurried to rrearrange my schedule and I treated him to a yummy Jimmy Johns sandwich (the food in the park is and always has been gross). Then Teri dropped us off like we were kids telling us to have fun and not to talk to strangers and to yell loud. I knew Scott would want to pick us up as he believes Lagoons twist cones to be creamy deliciousness far superior to cones outside the park. He is right, they are yummy. It was Anthony work Lagoon Day and we had fun. We spent some time with a coworkers family so it slowed us down a little as far as number of rides but they were very pleasant people with a cute little daughter. Stand out is the personal favorite Tilt A Whirl where I have had a life long quest to make it spin so fast I can't breath. IT WORKED. I sat still in the middle of the golf ball and Anth and I span around we could hardly laugh or breathe. My mom got us hooked on that ride as kids. Usually we try to lean left or right and slide along the ball but this time a guy said try not forcing it just sit back. WOW. We were so dizzy. We could only ride once. Keep in mind I usually ride 15 times a visit because I love it and for the challenge of spin fast. The brand new ride I LOVED was Bombora- it is so smooth like you are riding a wave.

Growing up in Utah meant summers spent at Lagoon. It is not Disneyland but I know it has never tried to be that. It is cotton candy, memories, 80 music from the flying carpet, fun house, moms laugh on tilt a whirl fun. I guess my memories fit into the different yearly repeating visits.

1. We always had my dads company party there. It was very much anticipated and enjoyed by all. We would stop and pick up the Meyers chicken and get there right as the park opened. Anth and I would then start to beg my folks if we could stay till closing even before the first thrilling ride. I remember digging in the ice chest for non carbonated drinks through lots of beer his fellow workers may have had a tiny problem with drinking. My mom and dad rode all the rides loved the scary ones I was chicken to ride I have rode the white roller coaster and colossus but twice in my life was enough.

2. My cousins Anne and Amy and I thought that we were lost daughters of Dracula and hung out at the castle. This was before vampires were in. All three of us would huddle int he dark ride and it use to be very cool. People would jump on your car and the tiny foil room and the tunnels that rolled this way and that.

3. Dance performances. I would dance out there and we would hang out with the Butterfileds whos daughter also was on my dance team. Razz ma tazz. Once I threw my retainer int eh garbage and my dad drove back out there went through the garbage and found it.

4. Neighborhood friends and stake lagoon day. You would get tickets to ride rides and free snow cones.

5. High School friends- fun.

2011 Lagoon

2011 Zurmatt

Scott had a Wells Fargo conference at the Zurmatt resort and it was great. We were there from Wed to Sunday. I got to help introduce him to his fellow bankers with the other families. Wells Fargo is amazing to work for. They really take great care of Scott and reward him for his hard work. His work ethic is strong and he is consistently a top performer. He wins trips and awards and makes us all very proud. They have the best support team and business plan. With next day funding and little to no reports Scott can focus on helping his clients and selling like mad. We had a seafood dinner yum yum. Gelato daily. Explored new places went for walks and drives. Saw wildlife. I got to hold Sarahs baby which I love doing. Window shopped with Anth and Salina. Worked on youth conference and Phantom. We enjoyed time with friends and family and the great outdoors.<
Here was his intro
The TOP TEN things you might not know about David Scott Riffle
1. This could have been a TOP Eleven list. Scott was born with 11 fingers. Maybe that’s why he has a green thumb.
2. LIKES: travel with his Missy, the smell of gunpowder, time with family, Golden Retrievers, Hawaii, Deep Sea fishing, Backpacking, hunting, and Disneyworld, Montana, Wind Rivers, National Parks, Mexico, water skiing, and snow skiing.
3. His OCD makes Mister Clean look dirty. DISLIKES: being cooped up, blue cheese, dry feet, bare feet, messes, loaning things, and choirs. A great fix it man. Tim the tool man has nothing on him.
4. Enjoys wearing Billy Bob teeth while playing games and begins each turn with the phrase “Why you little”. (His mom is so proud.)
5. He is Loyal, honest, warm handed, NRA member who prefers melody over lyrics.
6. Laugh if you will but baby face Scott only shaves once a week; yet he received tickets for breaking the city noise ordinance with his loud snoring.
7. He is celebrating his 17th year of marriage, which proves his wife is lying about her age unless she wed at age 13.
8. Survived hurricane, tsunami, jelly fish, shark, and overzealous salesmen in Jamaica.
9. He does a mean Elvis impersonation while under hypnosis.
10. If it moves it’s a target to sell too or shoot at (what did that dove ever do to you?).
Just for that 11th extra finger...
11. Spent the 80s as a Sammy Hagar look alike with perm, combat boots and all.
Missy’s TOP TEN things she loves about “Sammy” working for Wells Fargo
1. Angela. Need I say more?
2. He can spend his time selling-- not doing absurd reports.
3. Amazing internal support and ongoing trainings.
4. The stage coach logo- fun.
5. Next day Funding.
6. Generous time off.
7. Internal referrals from building working relationships with bankers. Win WIN.
8. The Top Gun trip (If just for the hot cocoa in the lobby of the W.)
9. Awesome co workers.
10. He is so happy at Wells Fargo.

Its a Boy

Get ready little Scharrier- I am going to be your "Aunt Sue"! YIPPEE After many years of trying for a baby my brother and his Darling wife are having one. They told us with a cupcake filled with blue icing. We guessed boy or girl and then dug in to see if we were right. It has been a treat to watch the new mom and dad prepare for the little guy. It was really scary in the beginning and even now as mom health was put to the test and bed rest for months followed. What a trooper. Are we excited or what?

Happy Birthday Anthony

I always enjoy baking much more than cooking and decorative baking even better. For Anthony's birthday this year I was going to make him a family favorite called Lemon lush but an hour before he was to arrive to celebrate I realized I did not have all the ingredients and went to plan B. I called him and asked him what are you favorite things? He said "Family being together, music, and Mickey Mouse". I did not tell him why I was asking and quickly hung up and went to work baking cupcakes that Scott declared were the best tasting ever. It is no wonder with 4 eggs and butter. The frosting was my favorite- frosting usually is my favorite. I made different colors and put it in zip lock baggies then piped out designs. Aunt Sue ate half before I could get an entire shot but here was what was left for the camera. Mickey's arms and legs looked better but then I decided with the extra frosting to coat the sides to keep the cake moist. Happy Birthday to the best brother in the whole wide world! I htink I could have done better had I stared earlier but not bad for an hour!

First Dinner Party

In all our years of married life we have never hosted a dinner party in our house. We did host events in our clubhouse or Thanksgiving which I do not count as a dinner party. Anthony thought we were anti social. (He was afraid to bring friends over when he lived with us due to this belief which is why we did not meet Salina sooner but that is a whole different post.) So we had a group of friends that all sold and moved within weeks of each other. We have group so we can all stay in touch and a home tour so we can all see the new abodes. We are very spread out from Centerville to Saratoga and form the Copper mine to the backside of Draper mountain. We pack a lunch and plan to stop for gas and head out with GPS in tow to get together. Scott started to panic about this event as soon as we signed the papers on our home. He has a vision of never having anyone over still which clashes with my dream of a home full of memories with other living creatures, including pets, kids, friends, and family. Mark backed Scott up when over the New Years party wanted no kids and he has two so I'm not the only one with a dreamy hubby. With our little group there are 3 kids so far- that is if you classify kids as 5 and under. They are adorable and different as night and day. I choose to have a game night with dinner and Scott wanted to smoke some meat to serve. I used evite and set it up. We heard back from everyone with a yes which is a feat with 5 families. My brother moved back to town was also a part of the Bishopric which all of these people are as well so they came also. Anthony called me to ask what he should bring the night before the party. Panic entered my tummy and planted thick roots. It grew all the way up and out of my head. I had set up on Evite for everyone to bring something. (Poor Emily did not know what I meant by romaine salad I meant to put green salad- again another post.) Anthony said call them and see if maybe they did sign up. I thought how can I call someone the night before they come and say hey you work all day tomorrow and have a huge long drive to the end of now where how about you bring food along. Michele pointed out that of course they were all bringing something and would not have all descended without asking. But I read the wording on the evite and it said Missy will make a few dishes not form Costco as I get teased about bring always Costco items. SO when I read it to me it sounded like no worries we handle the food you bring some games. The day of the party I gathered and made smoked turkey, meatballs, roasted red pepper dip, carrots, chips, salsa, cranberry, hoggies, romaine lettuce, cheese, croutons, hard boiled eggs, almond pound cake, honey roasted peanuts, Carmel nut crunch, and a few other items I can't recall. As the guest arrive with food in hand the panic flies away replaced by laughter and explaining. It was great to catch up and see everyone. Collene is having a baby any moment, Laurie has good dating stories, I'm always hopeful for adoption news from the Searles and the Ryker- Porter team always satisfies. While we played a drawing game Ryker drew this penguin and was very animated about telling us how slow we were to see it. He also knew every question to a Twilight game which made his dad nervous and the funny part was his mom is team Jacob but he is team Edward. Salina was all cool during catch phrase and we all were stumped how a bunch of Mormons knew all the answers to alcohol questions. Porter is so cuddle buggy I could hold him forever. Jessica is getting all grown up and tried very hard to make friends with Bella who wanted none of that but staked her ground. Jessica has this adorable face and smile what cute kids! The parents totally watched the kids every move so Scott relaxed and enjoyed the kids and people and food. Win win win.

Ringing out 2009

I can't even blog my joy at having my brother and sister back in town. They complete my heart and I feel like dancing. Scott and I adore them! we had a really great time spending this holiday with them. My friend Lynette told me about how to make the beautiful giant snowflake hanging from my chandelier. You can't tell but the paper is shimmery on one side so it reminds me of snow.

Kauai Marriott

Lynda and Neal are the best in laws in the whole world. They are so kind to us and we cry each time we have to say goodbye. I wish we lived closer to his parents. Any chance we get to spend time together is a real treat. Neal does not like to travel. He says he can sit by the pool or avoid the sun at home. I say but you can't be with us! He did not comment:) I know he loves us, especially Scott. Neal and Lynda are good moral people. They are honest, hard working, charitable, smart and classy. Here are some photos of where we stayed on Kauai. If you ever have the change to stay there on Poi Pou Marriott vacation club-- do it. We could have spent the whole week and never left and been in heaven. The ocean was like an aquarium right in front of our resort. We snorkeled almost every single day. I was thinking that it is one of my very most enjoyable things in the whole world to snorkel. Lynda and I swam in the salt water pools that were heavenly. I always pretend that I am in the Olympics in the pool. I started this as a young child with my little brother at a condo we had growing up. I do gymnastics, ice skating and synchronized swimming. Anth would be the judge and we had such fun. I missed him. I had a very nice bar routine this trip he would have been impressed with the tricks I picked up from Nastia and Shawn. To swim at night and see the bright stars and tiny half moon was breath taking. It is not as fun to do my routines with out judges but I sure did enjoy the water. My dad always called me a mermaid and had a hard time getting me out of the water. Now it is Scott who has to drag me out. Lynda and Neal watched the Republican convention with us. I really enjoyed Sarah and wish she was running for President. It distracted everyone which helped me get in extra pool time to work on my floor routine and triple lutz.

Bandaid song

Cute Anth and Salina sent us this card that opens up and plays the band aid song from the commerical from my childhood. I sure do miss him and Salina. It gets stuck in your head. "I am stuck on Band aid brand cause Bandiads stuck on me". They sure are great at keeping in touch.

Old favorites

My younger brother just had a birthday. He is the most considerate person I know. Anthony tried to make everyone feel special and always rememberd birthdays. He has moved away and I was thrilled that so many people remembered his birthday this year. He has a really tough job and is far from all his family, except his cute wife. She loves her new job. Aunt Sue was beyond excited to see them both and kept hugging and kissing them and got angry when anyone called to take away attention. It made Anth and Salina feel great. We had a few favorites while he was here. 1. Hires is a hamburger joint that has been around since 1959, way before my time. They used to have the roller skating type car hops who now just wear comfortable shoes. Long ago I worked for a bank called Capitol City (a story for another day) where Don Hale the founder of Hires used to bank along with his daughter Nancy. They were a really nice family I loved his wife who was very kind. I think the daughter hubby was a police officer who also was a neat person. All of this made it even cooler that my family had been loyal fans of hires from the get go. They now have many locations. I have had several great moments at Hires. We always go there as a family after a death and even after my next old favorite Anthony's wedding sealing. They make the best rootbeer around. In fact it is the only rootbeer I drink. I do not like cola or carbonation, but when at Hires I order a rootbeer with extra vanilla. I love the root beer freeze too where the blend up vanilla ice cream with rootbeer. They make their own buns, fry sauce, veggie burger (MY FAVORITE veggie burger) dressing, root beer, fresh cut fries the list goes on and on. I lately have ordered the roasted turkey grilled with cranberry- yum! While Anthony was in town for a quick minute we treated him for his birthday to an old favorite- what a fun way to enjoy 2 old favorites. 2. Glause Bakery- a family spot since long before my time. They make a cake that we all enjoy and we were able to get one for him. 3. Crown Burger- not so much a fav of mine but my men love it. 4. Aunt Sue just like the good old days- she is so funny right now. 5. Visited Aunt Shugs grave. Boy do we miss her.

Too far

I just got the most wonderful birthday gift. It is a Sleeping Beauty card (with a gift card inside) that plays I Know You. Anthony and Salina always give thoughtful gifts. They are just plain old perfect. Kind, compassionate, selfless-- always putting others first. We are lucky to know them. I wish I had it with my Halloween costumes
Then Scott showed me an article about people who place human remains at Disneyland and Disneyworld. OK- that is too much. I really like going to these places but to sneak in a dead family member and dump them off the side of a ride seems to take away all humanity. It sure gives a fresh meaning to the dust that is in the Haunted Mansion. I guess the latest attempt was off of the Pirates ride into Davy Jones locker. Next time I ride the Haunted Mansion and they say 999 grim grinning ghosts I'll know the count is higher. Can you imagine-- someone could murder someone then have them cremated and dump the evidence at Disney, who vacuums it up and gives it to the police. One of our good friends ashes were miss placed a few years back the mortuary gave him to the wrong family, and the other remains had slid under the front seat of the limo. Our friends had a great sense of humor and most likely laughed but his poor young widow was a little stressed out. To each his own but it seems to Missy that dumping ashes off a ride at a theme park is going too far.

Restored

Today was one of my favorite times of the year. There are 4 days each year where I gather with family and take a hiatus from the world and reflect on the word of God at my church's General Conference. Aunt Sue really enjoyed both session today. She said the first one felt like it was meant just for her and full of hope. The second session she loved because of the plain messages of what it is we believe as Mormons. We have gotten attention from the media recently which has focused on all kinds of random facets of our religion. One thing I loved today was our leaders reminding us to be honest in answering question's and that there is a difference in curiosity and interest. I love hearing the plain simple truths that I believe that resonate inside me. It is always the closest thing to joy I feel. I get happy often but the joy I feel when thinking about Christ is really different. I loved being reminded today that I am a member of a restored religion, Jesus Christ at the head. Many people don't always see us that way. Some feel that we blindly follow a made up set of theories. In two talks by Holland and Nelson they addressed questions I often hear in my travels about our church. You can read or listen to them at www.LDS.ORG. I believe that God is my literal Father, that he knows me. It is comforting to think of this. I also believe in Jesus as the Christ- which made me cry the whole 4 hours. I think about my own weaknesses, which are many. I think of the amazing blessing I do have that often I over look. I think how some things I can do so easy yet when I heard the scriptures about loving and supporting other I realized how I have fallen short. One of the talks was about what happens to one happens to all. The scripture I usually love made me cringe-- now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— The reason for this is so painful I try to not even talk about. Because to me the scripture read-- now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to be sweet to your little brother who moves all the way to Iowa; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to love your sister in law who is a wonderful daughter of God, that ye may be redeemed of God— I use to hear about brothers and sisters who have major problems and think I'm glad I don't have problems like that. My brother was my best friend, we were very close and then he married a girl from Iowa. I did not want him to do this-- she is an amazing person, so giving, hard worker, great with kids- yet from Iowa and I knew that meant bye bye. As soon as I met her family I knew they would end up in Iowa. Her aunt and sister were set on it. Then I relaxed because when they would go for a visit or talk to them back there they didn't seem as clingy as our family. I thought well we are safe, they will stay here. I really feel like I have been in a daze for the last 4 months. I was no support to them when they moved I don't even really talk to them. I'm thrilled for them and think they have to do what is best for them. But they were the only family Scott and I had here. I don't have kids to distract myself with or other family to hang out with. I know I am in the wrong. I believe that one day I will be able to bear this. I'm sure it seems petty to most and confusing to the rest- it is a long story. But I do think they are both incredible people and Iowa is lucky to have them and I will just keep repenting and trying to be a better follower of Christ. They were married in Oct. three years ago. One of the things we did was conference. Scott was sad to not have his crown burger buddy and went by himself. I'm still crying.

PTA, Pennies and 105

Don't think I have lost my mind. (After all, My mom always says you can't lose what you never had.) I am on the PTA board at our local elementary school. Don't worry, I do remember that Scott and I are childless. Well that is Mungo and Aunt Sue do not attend. I spent the entire day there on Tuesday doing hearing tests on the kids and then a long board meeting. I felt so sad for the children you could tell were not looked after. It was amazing to see them sit up straighter when I smiled at them. Just a simple smile and they looked so happy, I wanted to give them all hugs. It is a great opportunity to put into action what my mouth says about the importance of community support, children being our future and education. In the evening I spent my time raising money for Primary Children's hospital with about 90 teenagers. Where I serve now since Scott is Bishop is still with the teens ages 12 - 18 but on a larger scale. The fund raiser is called Pennies by the Inch, last year we raised almost 4,000. It is near and dear to my heart because of my brother who was one of those miracle babies. He had a really rough start in life. I was wondering why then I got so sick? I was exposed to about 650 teens/ children all packing germs- go figure. I was hoping that since I have been eating so healthy my immune system would have had a kick booty response-- no such luck:( At one point my fever was 105- did you know at that height you get delirious? Scott became alarmed when I was talking to someone not there and trying to dance. Really it was more of an interpretive hand jive. I hardly remember any of it. Scott gave me a Priesthood blessing and finally the fever broke. It keeps spiking up and then dropping down to 96.9. Take about indecisive:) Next we called in the big guns. We have our own very dear witch doctor Marj. She has a bag of tricks with oils and herbs and what Scott calls woolly worm bat tails. After the first treatment I got way worse then felt tons better. Now I feel horrid again. This is Sunday so I have been ill for 5 days. I am missing all the fun; Scott, Ben, Sarah, Bret and Collen had a good time without me:( Karson's birthday came and went, Michele's birthday came and went, everyone has had new babies I can't hold or see. Scott is bored and nervous hoping he is not next. I can tell a difference in my face swelling without having had dairy; that is a plus. I have another call into our Marj to see what I should do next.

Love My Stingy Salsa Man

My man is a jack of all trades and he is pretty good at many of them. It is good I adore him or I could get a little jealous of his practically perfect in every way-ness. For Labor Day he slaved over fresh salsa making it all day. If I tried to help out I was chased out of the area. He first woke up before the sun and drove to different farms looking for tomatoes he could buy fresh picked. Then I didn't do my part by helping get him prepared so we have a difficult time finding lids, peppers, unprocessed organic honey... Finally he got started and the fumes were unbearable- my eyes tears and burned for hours. I peeked down at him in the kitchen and he had on our snorkel gear-- to off set the onion/ garlic/ pepper gases. Aunt Sue thought is smelled Delicious; I could not smell it I could only feel it. It was heavy in the air. 2 batches later he made it to bed at 3AM that is almost a 24 hour labor intensive project. He is the master of salsa. I LOVE IT!!! YUM YUM YUM!!! We have eaten 2 bottle already. It is thick, fresh Delicious heavenly yummo yum. We also have been eating other fresh veggies and I could burst of happiness. I wish there were words to describe my pure joy at eating fresh veggies. There is nothing that beats the flavor of a fresh picked vegetable. Scott's shoulders are very sore and his back is bothering him. He is kind of stingy with the salsa because of the labor to make it. I'm glad he is selfish because I don't want to share it either it is amazing. At first we thought of Christmas gifts this year of all canned by us gifts... apricot jam, salsa, peaches-- but then we decided- Forget That:) Hoard it for ourselves. (That makes me giggle.) Our dear friend Tina is the one who shared her recipe for salsa many years ago and we have been craving it for years. Scott used to go over to Tina house once a year and she would help him make it. Then he felt to no more impose and bought all his own equipment. We (make that HE) did almost 60 jars this year in the 2 batches. Last year was hilarious as my brother wanted in on the yum. He went along to Tina's but would not believe Scott to bring gloves and protective goggles. His hands were red for weeks and he was heavily perfumed with garlic/ onion/ peppers. He did gain a huge appreciation of the art of salsa and decided to not try making it again. He used to tease Scott about the stinginess of the salsa, no more my friend. He still loves to eat it just not make it.

Change

"All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward." -E. Glasgow

I was reading today that when asked "where you feel the most at home? the most comfortable?" in general people would respond with.. my parents home or grandma's home. The author explained why... it didn't change much. I thought about one of the reasons I love to be at my uncles is he has so many things from my grandma's home in his home. It was clean and classy but things did not change. How often do we in general crave the latest and greatest? Why? I think because it is the "latest and greatest" and the whole keeping up with the "Jones". Who are the "Jones" anyway? Do we sometimes make changes for the sake of making changes? The quote reminds me of Ms. J. my beloved teacher from JR High. She always said move forward not straight. I just loved her. I have called her up and told her of the difference she has made in my life. SO I was thinking about how sometimes we want change because we are bored or because we have out grown something. I'm glad Scott has not out grown me:) He is very attractive and I love to just watch him. I'm glad he is steady and does not change. I think God is also steady. So why am I so often looking to change things? Then I thought about how the more things change the more they stay the same. This year could be one word for me and it is change so perhaps that is why I am craving the same old comfort of grandma's house. A house I have not been in for almost 30 years. The photo makes me giggle, it was taken in her house. You see her in the right corner, me trying to turn baby Anth's head to face the camera, and was I cute or what? That is weird that she has been dead that long. I ran into one of her friends at the Temple awhile back. He told me again how funny she was, how creative she was, how original she was. he thinks we would be really great buddies as adults. I adored her as a child so I can only imagine how nice to be with her as an adult. And we could talk about change.

Never say never

I used to say I would never be into sports. I didn't even like sports. After much thought I have decided that I love sports. Perhaps I should clarify. I love it when the Utah Jazz make to to the big thingy at the end where they play lots of times and I happen to be in town. Yes it has been a dream in Utah during the playoffs. You see everywhere I go it is like a ghost town. Scott and I have had a delightful time at restaurants, movies, shopping, swimming, and errands because no one is out and about. They are all at home or at a pub glued to a T.V. screen. It is a great match for Scott and I who do not watch sports. Scott used to enjoy college football but that ended several years ago and now the only sport we ever take in the an occasional Olympics. I

love the figure skating. So for the past week I had a surprise trip planned for my 13 anniversary. A week in Park City. That ended up being a bust. We could not sleep the bed was awful and the air didn't work and the drunks at 2am on Main Street below us, made it impossible to sleep. So we transferred to Snowbird. We will be back in Park City at Marriott Summit Watch for a family reunion soon so we will still get to enjoy that but with sleep included. Anthony and Salina came with us one night to each place. Salina was very funny. It is great to be with them. Salina and I watched an old show from my teen years... 21 jumpstreet. It was fun to remember the crush I had on Johnny Depp back in the day. I have not had a crush since Scott:) Well- I still do love Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables. Scott and I had the snowbird pool all to ourselves and he even got in the water. It was beautiful as the sun came peeking thorough the tree branches and the last of the snow sparkled. Everything we did was just us and the workers who hurried to the back where a T.V. was so they could watch the Jazz. I can really say I hope the Jazz goes all the way every year and I am in town to enjoy the solitude. GO JAZZ!!!