It's a Girl!

We got back from the funeral and decided this was the perfect time to add a new member to our family. Leah was in town so we had a tie breaker with us to help us decide. It is really hard to adopt a kitty because there are 100's of worthy darling cats that need homes. I did not realize how many are euthanized:( I guess it is better than being abused or ill or starving on the streets... if only people would spay and neuter! That was one thing Bob from the Price is Right was great at-- reminding everyone to spay and neuter. Of course you would have had to watch the show to receive the message from him. I only saw it a few times... OK I am wandering. Back to our new little girl. She is adorable and tiny compared to our sweet Mungo. She is 1/2 the length and 1/4 the weight. She is a chocolate point Siamese. She was taken into the shelter ready to give birth. 3 of her 4 kittens survived and have been adopted. She then nursed 2 orphan kittens. SO she was excited to have a well deserved retirement and start relaxing and being loved. Leah named her for us- Leah is good at naming. Her name is Izabella. We have been calling her Bella or Izzy. Plus I can keep my title of never having named a pet and I have had over 20. Yip- I have never named one of my cats. I did name a hamster and a fish once in elementary school. She looks like a yummy Starbucks creation of mocha, Carmel, creme latte. Bella has exquisite blue almond eyes and all her extremities look like they have been dipped into warm rich chocolate. We were able to take her right into our vet which she hated- she must take after me. She is about 2 years old and has a life expectancy of up to 20 years!!! I would not think of that had we not just lost Mungo her BIG brother. The fun part is how much she loves Aunt Sue. She runs into her room jumps up on her lap ad purrs away. Aunt Sue lets her sit on her lap for 45 minute naps. I think she felt sad to have been a little stand offish to Mungo and is making up for it with Bella. Bella loves to play on the stairs and has this deep voice. Scott got her a kitty condo and she likes to gather all her toys and carry them in her mouth and hide them in the condo. What a little lover. She likes Scott's lap too. We are very happy yo have her join our family. I like to tell Bella about her big brother Mungo in heaven because I hope one day we can all be together again. I miss Mungos pink nose and kisses. Bella is not s replacement but she sure is a sweetheart and will gets lots of love for years to come.

Scott found more photos

Scott found these other photos of our little buddy and wanted me to post them. What a sweet kitty he was. He loved Scott's lap! We are trying to figure out if our little family might be in nned of another kitty. Aunt Sue is even begging, and she claimed to like Mungo when he was alive until he got sick.

Sleep

To Sleep or not to sleep-- is not really a question. There no one that would argue that sleep is overrated. We all need sleep it is vital for normal healthy life. It is the time our bodies recharge and mend. That is after all why babies sleep so much- they are growing and rebuilding the little cells that make them-- them. Sleep evades me tonight as I lay hear listening to Kaden and Kelsie soft snores. Kelsie does not usually snore but she is not feeling well. Kaden since almost birth has had a snore, it is a cute Kaden snore. I am watching the first 3 Kinikini kids as number 4 starts the journey to earth life. What an incredible time to be in the home with a new arrival hours away. Meanwhile Scott is in a sleep lab for the second time about 45 minutes from where I am. Aunt Sue is up until 3am reading, Scott is all hooked up to wires struggling to sleep and I am wide awake. I have enjoyed great sleep over the last month. That is the up side to Mono I figure. Fatigue even my insomniac body can't resist. It has been sweet to lie down and fall asleep, like a normal person. Who would think me normal! Yet yesterday I woke up with a nasty headache. Scott said it was due to my stuffy nose from the yucky air outside. It has been stormy, but with the stormy a nice refreshing cool air as the companion. We love cool air. Scott and I do not like the heat. I read that is will be in the 90's with in a few days. from snow to 90's-- that is Utah in the spring. I got to watch Kaden play in his tee-ball game. If you can call it play. It is more like a very humorous comedic routine. Even I know that when the ball comes your way get it and that there is a certain order to running around the bases. I then played for an hour with Kenna on the playground. She was such a happy camper. I was thinking about how her life will change so much in one day. She will not be the youngest anymore. She will become an older sibling. It will be good for her in the long run but for the shock of sharing mom I think it may be a difficult transition. I finally took some headache relief meds which makes it impossible for me to sleep for about 48 hours. that is good with the kids and I can get some work done on the book. Marlene has been carrying the load (no pun intend there) while I wrap up the play and YW never ending list of Stake events and all the family health crisis we have had. I'm excited to get back in the saddle and work againand actually create some pages too. I love the recent Challenges Marlene did for the month of May. You can check them out by clicking on Weekly Challenges on the side bar. Aunt Sue has been lonely. She misses Mungo just like we do. We are looking into getting another kitty as a companion for Aunt SUe. I think we want the same breed as they make kitty dogs. It is the best of both worlds... lap dog but without having to take for walks and potty trained. I am hesitant to get another pet. The loss has been very painful. We did get Mungo's remains back. I have always been afraid to be buried. I don't like it outside, neither did Mungo. Now we will keep him (or his body that is) with us until I die and then Scott will bury him with me:) I'm not planning on kicking the bucket but when I do I now feel fine to be buried in mother earth. AUnt Sue is a sweetie, we sure love her in our home and hearts.

Scott's feelings about the death our our first Pet (maybe our only Pet)

"I am not much of a blogger so I decided to write down some thoughts and have Missy post them on her blog. Today one of my best friends in life passed away, my cat Mungo. Words cannot explain the pain I feel inside. I have been crying all day long and can’t seem to talk to anyone about Mungo without tears streaming down my face. Mungo is truly the dog I always wanted, even though he was a cat. I can still see those beautiful big blue eyes looking at me with love. Mungo was very unique for a cat, he really was like a dog in that you could give him as much love as you wanted and it was never enough. Unlike other cats he always wanted to spend time with me and sit in my lap. It is very quiet here in the house right now and I expect when I come home, to have Mungo coming down the stairs or from the office to greet me. He loved to talk and lead you to his treats. He slept with Missy and I every night and often when I would be on my side he would walk down the ridgeline of my body to get to my head so he could sleep there. I loved to hear his little breath and snore when he was sleeping beside me. He had the softest fur and the greatest personality I have ever witnessed in a cat, he never would bite and always give kisses. Mungo used to always let me rub his soft belly and loved to pull himself along the carpet with his front paws when I was doing it. He was such a talker and I loved how he could communicate with Missy and I. I miss his little voice behind me when I work on the computer trying to get my attention so I would give him more treats. I can hardly stand the silence and feel like I am going crazy when I am here. Everything reminds me of him and makes me cry non-stop. I know its good to grieve and let it out but I really am going to miss him. I know I will get to see him again some day along with my other pets but it is always so hard for the ones left behind. I pray for my wife Missy that she and I can make it thru this hard time. I worry that if she has too much time here alone that she will go crazy with Mungo gone. When Missy’s father passed away she was working for Skywest Arlines at the time and so she began working all the time 60 hrs plus a week to deal with his loss. I love her so much and I know that we will all get to be a happy family again. I don’t know what I would do without my Missy, she has brought me so much joy in my life and is my best friend. I remember how people thought it was so strange that we spend nearly every waking moment together but I wouldn’t have it any different. It hurts to see my Missy cry and then I start to cry and Aunt Sue starts to cry. It’s no surprise that Mungo was such a loving Kitty and I am so glad that we were able to rescue him from the outside and bring him indoors and that we were able to have this time in our lives with him. I am going to miss him dearly!!!" - Scott Riffle 2008

My Mungo and Grandma Woolums

I told Aunt Susan "Mungo is dead. Grandma Woolums is dead. Aunt Susan (you) are in the middle of Chemo and radiation, Uncle Denny had a heart attack, I have mono, Scott is still undiagnosed and ill, Anthony is not sleeping, Salina can't explain the extreme fatigue she has, Mom has MS, Teri will start bleeding at any moment, Kristin doing chemo, Amy doing chemo. I feel our family is a little bit cursed" She scolded me and pointed out that we are a very blessed family. That God is aware of us and that we will make it through this. OK I should be the one to comfort her-- her mother just died, she could face death, her hubby might also and her daughter... yet the rock in my life is comforting me. Scott has been crying non stop all day and I am Jekyll and Hyde swinging back and forth from indifference and unbearable grief. I'm even bit off Ben's head last night at church- because he teased me. This week has been emotional. When you perform it can be a roller coaster as the audience adds in a new dynamic and you pass the point of fixing things and learn to go with the flow of live theater. SO add in real drama and it pushes this little Missy to the brink of heartache. Luckily for me I have amazing friends who have a love for the Gospel, me and animals. Grandma's death they were not even going to tell me about until the play closed. Afraid after all the tears over Mungo I would not be able to pull myself together for the play and let down the stake. Scott slipped up and I felt awful that I might not have been able to express sorrow about Grandma because I'm not grown up enough to handle everything going on right now. She was so sweet. I loved the birthday cakes she made and that she was always kind and attentive to me. She loved Scott too. She has been lost without Grandpa since his death and her health has been very poor, so at 87 it was a mercy to take her home to God. The funeral is on Sat since Aunt Susan can't travel due to the treatment schedule until then. Mungo has not been himself for about 2 months. Looking back, we see this as it happened. It snuck up on us until this past week. If you didn't get to ever meet Mungo- he was special. He was more of a lap dog than a cat. Never stand offish always loving, talkative, friendly and curious. You know what he was to me? My boy. My dream of having something to love and mother in the form of soft fury love. I have been flooded with memories over the last 72 hours. 1. When Kaden fell off the slide and had a cast and had to drag himself along on the floor somehow Mungo could sense he needed to hold and love him and allowed it. Mungo was not to excited about children because they move fast and can be unpredictable-- but with Kaden he was really sweet. During one of Kadens sleepovers with us Kaden woke up with Mungo wrapped around his head. Kaden whispered to wake up me "Missy, Missy -- look at my fury hat" Kaden had a huge grin as his eyes rolled back and forth taking in the site of all 17 pounds of Mungo loving wrapped around his whole head. Mungo was giving Kaden kisses and purring. 2. When our niece Lauren was visiting he jumped right into her lap and slept with her. I think she was old enough to not look like a small child anymore and she is very good with animals. Lauren was not feeling wel and Mungo had this great love for others who were suffering. 3. The last time Kelsie slept over he really loved her too, she was not thrilled about all his fur- but he loved her. 4. He always greeted me at the door. He would come down the stairs like a bunny and then start talking like crazy and heading me towards his treats. HE LOVED HIS TREATS. I have felt GUILT every time I took a drink this week as my sweet boy could not even drink a lick of water. He was parched and had also quit eating. 5. He stayed right with me all the time. When I worked late right in my lap at the computer. 6. He loved stretching in the sun and always had his little paws crossed. 7. He loved to fetch and chase a lazer beam Scott would play with. 8. He LOVED Scott so much. 8. How he was so frightened of plastic bags and thunder. 9. How he would mope around when we got out the suitcases he hated us to leave him he did not like to be alone. 10. This soft little snore he had while sleeping. 11. How he fit perfrct into the nooks of my lap and arm. 12. How he helped me through Anthony moving. 13. He loved dark pants and greeeted anyone wearing black by rubing hair all over them- it made me laugh. 14. How stuborn he was he culd dead weight like no other animal I had ever seen If he didn't want to do something he did not do it.
I knew we needed to have him saved from pain when AUnt SUe was allowing him to sit on her lap last night. She loves Mungo but never once allowed him on her lap until she felt such pity last night for his skinny little face she was overcome with compassion. She told me I had to let him go. The vet said today that cats hide their pain because in the wild if they show signs of it they are hunted by other animals and they want to please and comfort us. SO I wonder how long he had been suffering? I can't handle this and yet I have no choice I hate death- the separation- but I am grateful for the relief from pain for the one suffering.
OH OUR HOUSE IS SO QUITE!!! It feels so empty- Scott can't stand to be here. I can't write anymore now. Ben just brought over food I don't know if it is because I was so mean to him- Scott gave me a love note after the play saying I can still do plays, that he loved watching me on stage... was that because he was worried about me too? Matt and Hillary sent gospel stuff about animals:)
Missy, Matt and I were really wondering what information there was about pets in the afterlife. I found this article. It doesn't say a whole lot, but I think it gives some references that would be useful to find out more. I know that there's nothing that I can to to fix things, but I hope the answer to the question: "Do animals have spirites and are they resurrected?" gives you at least some comfort. It was also comforting to me that many of the answers came from prophets. If there's anything we can do to help, let us know. Love, Hilary Joy
Where do animals fit in the eternal plan of things?
Gerald E. Jones, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Mar. 1977, 61–62
Gerald E. Jones, director, Institute of Religion, Berkeley, California “Nature helps us to see and understand God. To all His creations we owe an allegiance of service and a profound admiration.” Thus the General Superintendency of the Deseret Sunday School Union, President Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church, and Elders David O. McKay and Stephen L Richards, members of the Council of the Twelve, editorialized in the April 1918 Juvenile Instructor. Recognizing that the “love of nature is akin to the love of God” they reminded the members of the Church that “men learn more easily in sympathetic relationships of all life than they do in the seclusion of human interest.” (P. 183.) Many families recognize the importance of pets and the resultant loving and sharing among their children. Caring for pets can also develop a sense of responsibility.
Devotion of animals to families can be inspiring as well as practical. A recent news item related the bravery of a dog in saving the life of a small girl by breaking the window of a burning automobile and pulling her to safety.
A number of questions have been asked concerning the place of animals in the gospel plan:
Do animals have spirits and are they resurrected? Yes. The Prophet Joseph Smith received information concerning the eternal status of animals. Answers to questions he posed are in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 77. He also spoke about the resurrection of animals in a sermon but did not expand on the subject. (History of the Church, 5:343.)
To what degree of glory do animals go? The scriptures speak only of animals being in the celestial kingdom. Whether they go to other kingdoms is a matter of conjecture. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith on one occasion said the distribution of animals into all three degrees of glory is “very probable,” (Improvement Era, Jan. 1958, pp. 16–17.) To my knowledge, no other prophet has published an opinion on the subject.
Are animals judged and resurrected according to their obedience to laws? According to Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, animals do not have a conscience. They cannot sin and they cannot repent, for they have not the knowledge of right and wrong. (Man: His Origin and Destiny, Deseret Book Co., 1954, pp. 204–5.)
Can animals be with their owners in the hereafter? There is no revealed word on this subject. Reason would tell us that a rancher or farmer may not want all of the cattle he has owned during his life. On the other hand, emotional ties may be honored and family pets may well be restored to their owners in the resurrection. Elder Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. (Improvement Era, Aug. 1927, p. 855.)
Just what is the relationship between men and animals? Men are children of God. Animals are for the benefit of man. This does not mean, however, that man is not to have a concern for this part of his stewardship. The prophets in all ages have indicated that man will be accountable for his treatment of animals and that justice and mercy should be exercised concerning them. Alma encourages us to pray over our flocks. (Alma 34:20, 25.) There are numerous examples in Church history of animals being administered to by the anointing of oil and their resultant healing. In the best-known incident, Mary Fielding Smith’s oxen were spared to bring her pioneer family, including a future President of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, to Utah. (Preston Nibley, Presidents of the Church, Deseret Book Co., 1959, pp. 234–35.)
Though the prophets have spoken frequently about man’s responsibility to show proper treatment to animals in this world, very little detail is known about the states of animals in the eternities. Greater emphasis is rightly placed upon man’s need to live the gospel and be worthy to return to his Heavenly Father where he will then learn the answers to such questions. Quoting again from the editorial cited at the beginning of this article: “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1918, p. 182.)

Love that man!

I love my man and my little dude. They are very happy together. I often find Mungo curled up on Scott purring with contentment. It is not as often as Scott is one busy boy but when he does take a moment to sit down Mungo gladly jumps up for a front row seat. I always think, why is it animals are so drawn to Scott when he is a hunter. Scott thinks it is because he and Mungo are both hunters. Mungos only hunting now days is for treats. I am sure he got his share of birds when he lived outdoors before we adopted him. Scott is planning the 2008 hunt already about 6 months early. He is very anxious this year as his two buddies Karson and Tyson would like to learn the skill of fowl hunting. I had not seen a smile on his face that big for a long time, as I did when he heard that they would like some instruction also on cleaning guns. Karson and him talked for hours the other day while Marlene and I feel asleep waiting- they can't tease us anymore!

Baby its cold outside

The ceramic heater saga--

Aunt Sue has complained to anyone who will listen that we freeze her out. She will wear layers of clothing and use several blankets. I got a thermostat and test to see how cold it really was. It stays around 72 in her room all the time. She is however the most impressionable person I know. SO when the news says it is cold outside she suddenly thinks wow I am freezing to death- even when the temperature stays the same inside. Actually it is a little warmer when the temperatures drop because she gets all the heat rising from below. We have found our furnace runs less the colder it gets as we have the advantage of science (heat rises). Aunt Sue during the summer blocks the air vents with books which then shuts down our air because the pipe freezes and then the house heats up- which we are trying to do the opposite with since it is 100 degrees outside. During our travels in Nov Scott finally gave into the idea of getting her a heater. He researched to find a safe one as to not burn the house down. He thought he would let her use it while we were away and then get it back to ad to the camping/ hunting arsenal. She will not let it go. He has tried to persuade her, to reason, to beg-- no luck. SO today he gave in and purchased another space heater. He does love her very much. The other day he over heard her on the phone with a family member trying to talk her into moving into her own place. Aunt Sue was very sad and thought it was us that put them up to it. He went into her to try and calm her down. He told her "Aunt Sue you are a member of this family, we love you. We made a promise to keep you until you die. As long as you will have us- you have a place with us." She cried and said "Mungo is the biggest sissy pussycat, but has the most gorgeous eyes. Thanks for being my knight." Not sure how Mungo fits in to the response, but we are happy she knows we love and want her.

My question is: would it be cheaper to turn the heat up rather that have the 2 of them playing with the space heaters? I guess I am not one to ask as I still have a temperature- I feel toasty. I don't like to be sick- especially for 3 weeks. I felt fine on Sunday, I may have over done it. Scott has his biopsy coming up he is doing better but still struggles with a extra dry mouth. I guess we are learning patience and endurance but there are some lessons I would rather not learn. I would like to know why Mungo is shedding so much- he is always shedding- how can one cat make so much fur? He is one happy cat to not be outside in the cold.

11,000 Feet above Sea Level

We were up at the Bird on and off all week. There were only 15 other registered guests. This is a huge resort with all the different building's so it is strange to not bump into people. Yet it is nice for solitude. It was great to have space for everyone to spread out. Preston by the end was giving kisses and hugs and playing Pee-a-Boo. I really enjoyed catching up with Nat. Scott had a few hours of uninterrupted life. We had a very wonderful day with just Scott and Missy. You would think that I am with him alone often- not so. Between Aunt Sue, work and church it is rare when it is just the two of us all alone. We decided to do a little hike and then rode the tram to the top. It is 11,000 feet above sea level. The views

are inspiring. I did not even get butterflies like a usually do. I have been reading a book by Richard G Scott that seems to have quited my nervous with heights! If you have not been up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and rode the tram put it on your list of exciting views not to miss.

We could see the new Peruvian Tunnel right through the mountain side. Scott points out to me his favorite ski runs. Alta is his preferred spot to ski. He might even try new skies this year. Usually he gets called old man with his old straight ski's. It was windy and bitter cold at the top. We met a nice man who lives in New York. I loved his accent. He was older and the altitude made him a little wobbly- Scott got him a chair to sit in. He invited us to have crab at his water front home if we make it to New York sometime soon. He has a son in Iraq and one that lives in San Fran and one that lives in Utah. He had 3 of his grandson with him- very cute little boys. It made me think of my dad, partly the New York thing and because we ate at his favorite restaurant the Steak Pit. I love the chicken, salad and 9 grain bread. So do the porcupine's!!! We also saw raccoon's. They remind me of Mungo, similar coloring. I felt bad for Aunt Sue and Mungo when we got back the fire alarm battery warning beeps were going off. Mungo freaks out at this and goes into hiding. It seems to often

happen while we travel and Aunt Sue is deaf enough to close her door and ignore it while Mungo starves under the bed pulling his fur out. I tried to coach Aunt Sue to call a neighbor to come fix it so my Mungo doesn't starve. The pictures I took are not the best but it gives you an idea of the beauty up there. I really love Utah because of the diversity in scenery. We have Southern Utah with the red rock, we have the west desert recently featured in the Pirates World's End, we have the mountain's, we have a city, tiny towns, farms and wide open spaces. We enjoy all four seasons.

Woof Kitty

We had a sleepover last night with Kitty (Ray) who is a dog. Yes we already have Mungo confused with a puppy/ boy. So under one roof we had Kitty the dog and our puppy the cat. Kitty helped himself to all of Mungo's food. His mom Sarah said he would not eat while they were away. I had brought up some of his food in case he changed his mind but when we refilled Mungo's bowl on the 3rd time we figured he was over his grief and moving on. His family was doing us a huge favor and serving a nice family from our church. The husband had passed away and he was to be buried in Idaho. Well Ben is from there and has family so he took all the family minus Kitty and the bird and went to do the funeral. That way Scott could be home and look in on the other ill people from church. Plus we had made plans to be with my friend Natalie who I have hardly seen in years. Then Scott got called away early in the morning so it has been me and the two kitties. Kitty was going to stay at his own house but when he looked up at me with these huge eyes I could not leave him. Mungo grew up with many dogs with his previous 2 families. When we adopted him he was perfect as a dog looms in our future and he seems to care less. In fact I think he may really believe he is a dog, perhaps that explains his nonchalant indifference towards dogs. The only time he really seems like a cat to me is when a dog is around because he struts and acts like he is all that and a bag of chips. It was really nice to have a sweet little old dog like Kitty around. he has the sweetest face and just is darling. He follows me and loved to lie in the sun by Mungo. I am starting to think I will be very excited to have a dog-- when we have a house with a yard. Scott also got in some hunting today and got his limit within an hour. He is a good shot.

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.

Snow Show

I have had a hard time sleeping, I am having some physical pains. It is beautiful in WI. I'm loving the winter weather. The snow falling and the street I'm staying on looks like a post card capturing the all American Dream street. As I glanced at the beauty of the white world I saw three little black bunnies dancing in the snow. At first sight I thought I was imagining them. They were palying in the snow, rolling around in the snow, sliding down little hills, chasing each other across the snow. I wanted to join them and make a snow angel or snow man. As I moved they all sat up and looked at me and were frozen, so still. Then they continued to play and run all over this beautiful winter scene. Mary told me they live under her house stoop. I wanted to tickle their tummies and feed them carrots. They are just darling. It made me miss my Mungo. Anth said Aunt Sue and Mungo are both doing good but I miss them. I wish I was home with them right now... I am having a good time but I am getting nervous to fly again. I feel like the bunnies were another way of God speaking peace to me. I loved watching them play. It was predicted to be the most server weather WI had ever had this weekend. It did snow and ice and sleet and blow but I can't imagine it being the worst ever. Some areas near us got 18 inches in a day... that is tons of snow. We were lucky to not get to sever. The Lake was very stormy and the waves breaking on the shore looked beautiful. I love seeing more of America, we have been back here so many times but never in the dead of winter. I looked up our church here, but they were cancelled due to the awful storm. It seemed funny... the post office is rain or shine but I guess church is not.

Loves of my life... HOME

Home: I laugh because where ever we happen to be Scott will say, “I could live here” and I think “me too”. It is good we think about it first or we would be moving often. I really feel so at home when I am with him. Scott equals home to me. I love the view I have from my bedroom right now of the Temple. I like not having to worry about outside maintenance. We have been planning on moving for years now but we will now be here for a few more years (perhaps). That will be a record for us... staying in the same place that long! WOW. I have always loved drawing house plans. Thinking of where to put all the kids I dreamt of having. I enjoy touring homes. I even like to peek inside peoples windows to see where they put stuff or how they decorate. I like to decorate with gospel or family photos, heirlooms. I love to choose the items that will be in my home. I’m not the best at it because I can drag my feet when it comes to purchasing. I like to have a secure space all to myself. I like to have a haven to escape the world. When we have a real home it may be different but for now we don’t entertain much. Space could be part of it. I do throw lots of parties at the clubhouse. I have had two Thanksgivings where we invited friends and family, it was great. I try to think of my real home—in heaven. I know I was once there, but a veil blocks my memories. The scriptures and modern revelation give me a glimpse. I know I have a mother there. For now I am thrilled to call America home. I sometimes miss home when traveling… Mungo, Aunt Sue, my stuff, my bed.

Twilight

Salina had her nose in a book for about 3 days. It was driving my brother nuts. He and Scott get a little jealous when we become engrossed in a good book. We are both avid readers. Anth and Scott are doers. They don't want to sit and read they want to go and do. I don't see why they can't go do together and Salina and I can just read. Not all the time but you know once a month for 2 days. Well the book is called twilight. I just found out it is for young readers. That is after I started the book and read the entire thing in one night. It was one of our book club books. The author went to BYU is a mom of three and lives in AZ. The book was awarded the best book of the decade by amazon. They are writing all kinds of articles about her in AZ and the US. Paramount has bought the rites for the movie deal. Salina has emerged after another 2 days with the 2nd book and is not to thrilled to wait for the third. I had her tell me all about it because I didn't think I could handle the read if it was sad or scary. The first one was... I'm not sure of the word. Salina says intense, it was definatly that. It had some sort of strange quality that really drew me in and I wanted to know what was going to happen to the people who seemed so real. Now I am only 3 books behind for book club and my cute hubby is wishing Salina didn't suggest it and that his cute mom didn't give me Sudoku. There are many things fighting for our attention in life and I have to admit books are a real weakness for me. I can't wait to see the movie. check out her site to see who she would like to star in it. I guess another thing that made it so enjoyable was my sweet cat. He sat up the entire night with me kissing my hands purring in my lap. I love that boy! http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/

What makes me HAPPY?

Salina gave me the best gift... a homemade Sleeping Beauty in blue pillow. I LOVE it, her and Anth are so awesome at giving gifts. It made me think of other thigs that make me happy...

Scott

Jesus Christ and second chances

Disney, Christmas & Holidays

Being with Family

Travel with Scott

Temples and Family History

Prayer and Priesthood

Beach Club with Scott and our Epcot/ DW tours

Children & Animals-- (Mungo, Lauren and Kelsie)

Childhood memories like Fraggles

My friends... Marlene, Salina, Melissa, Teri, my Moms, Anthony

Making a difference, Performing, watching old movies, music, & sleeping

Reading, reflecting, being home, Sweets like carmel, ice cream & frosting, fresh veggies, Foodnetwork, Lyndas goodies

Scrapbooking, supplies, lists, & idea books

Baths by candlelight, My “Puppy” Mungo, rainbows & rain, daydreams, planning, travel, boating & water, cameras and photos

Seasons, landscapes & the beauty of the world full of wonder & surprises

Belonging, happy endings, church, scriptures, blessings little miracles & success

To fly or not to fly... thats the big question

I use to fly several times each month. I racked up ff miles. Then I just quit. It terrified me. I think I am doing better now. I think I will be flying again soon. It has had a huge impact on my life, marriage, business and family... my fear of flying. Scott has been so sad to not have me with him. He still goes all over but he says he is unhappy when I am not with him. I miss him too. My idea to just stay home does not sit well with him. He is a go out and about often type of person. Many of the place we need to be are far away. Not very practical to drive. I have got to conqure this. Many of my heros fly often... Mister Rogers, Pres. Hinckley, Sheri Dew. I used to get on a plane and think nothing of it. I heard something interesting at LaNea baby shower. She was telling me how when she flew in the person sitting next to her had BO. The other person smelled like baby spit up and stale food. I had never thought about how yucky it must be to be stuck on a plane with no clean air to sniff. The odors must be awful. Plus no wonder you get sick with no clean air to sniff. For hours you are stuck in a smelly germ trap. My cousin the pilot was bragging about going his personal fastest speed 725 miles per hour. They had 125 mile tail winds pushing them. That is like a tornado. It would rip your socks off. I have been working very hard on my fears of death. I think that and the trapped no control factors are my biggies. Well I also do not love heights. DO you know how high a plane gets? 35,000 feet. I try to remind myself that I am currently on the earth hurling through space at enormous speeds while turning ad I seem fine with that. It really comes down to trust. and Faith. If I know who God is and who I am and that he is aware of me... what is there to fear? Well it is not the being dead, it is the becoming dead. Will it hurt to die? Will it be a blackness and then I wake up in light and beauty? I am tending to go with this theory. My soul is eternal it will never die- that was a free gift from Christ. SO only my body will be temporarily dead and my spirit will keep going. There won't be a pause it will be seamless. I won't be disoriented like after me car crash. I will simply be separated for a time from my body. So the falling from the sky crashing should not alarm me. Especially if I am with Scott, who better to die with? The only concern I'd have then is who will care for my babies? Aunt Sue and Mungo? They are both helpless and that will never change. It is not like one day Aunt Sue will be all better and able to care for herself, or Mungo will learn English ad go get a real job. They will both need to have constant caring until they die and join us. SO which of you want to take them?

Pumpkin Patch

I have been working on a scrapbook layout for over three years that requires photos of a pumpkin patch. I scraplifted the layout from the famous Marlene scrapbook diva. I love her work. Her style is classic and timeless. Clean lines, great photos, very nice. Here are a few from this year that I can choose from. What is your vote? hee hee