The Whole Bloomin Thing!

Here is my very first corsage I have ever made! I am very proud of it. I am now the Floral Manager for Harmons at Station Park in Farmington, UT, and therefore will be making a lot more corsages and boutenierres! There are a lot of Sweetheart dances coming up for February, plus Valentines Day, so come in and see me! :)

New Life

It's finally official!!!! Samuel and Amanda are united for time and all eternity!!!! WHEW!! What a ride. The day was beautiful, even though we had been having rain like crazy! But for this day, it was lovely blue skies and sunshine.

This picture is priceless to me. Tifani loves her Sam. It's been hard for her as Jake is gone too and now Sam is "gone". But she has found since the wedding that Sam is not totally gone and she can see him whenever she likes. It has helped her anxiety.

The after wedding car!! Yes, it was done right. All the groomsmen and bridesmaids did a good job! Marshmellows, plastic wrap, and milkyway candy bars! Oh, and a little bit of writing with window markers....

This is one of their engagement pictures. Quite the cute couple I think!

That's the Spirit!!

There is a "competetion", so to speak, up on base for those people who put forth the extra effort. It's called "The Spirit Award". Those who receive it get this jacket. It's a "coveted" award that only a few receive.

Since Randy has been in this IT Help Desk position, it has been more of a "Hell Desk" position. He is the hardest worker, and I'm not joking, gets asked all the questions, even by his boss, helps anyone and everyone, and yet gets kicked and spat on all the time. I don't know how he puts up with it!

So when he received this jacket/award, in front of the whole Help Desk, given to him by his bosses boss, it was a well deserved award. And I might add, a nice slap in the face to his boss! We are hoping this will help him as he applies for other locations.

But this is a nice tribute to my hard-working, awesome, amazing husband! Now, THAT'S the Spirit!! :)

It's FINALLY Official!!!

We can NOW let everyone know. They've been "engaged" for a couple of months, but, with the ring on her finger, it's official!!! Sam and Amanda are getting married!!!! May 7th.
It was cute because Samuel wanted to ask her in a cute way to make it official. So, being the 7th Harry Potter movie was just out, we went to the theater early and made arrangements with the Manager to have the proposal before the movie started.
It turned out really cute! And, it took her totally by surprise! Her parents were there too, so they were surprised also. Fun times!!! I tried to take a video, but it was too dark in the theater. So all I have is sound. Good to have the sound, but I sure wish it would have picked up the picture as well...
Anyways, she's a cutie patootie! So we'll keep her. Oh....and Sam too.... :)

Holiday Jumping!

I don't know why I don't have any pictures from Thanksgiving. We went to Amanda's parent's house. Had a wonderful time! Good food, good company.

Christmas Gingerbread Houses 2010. Our Christmas tradition of Gingerbread houses continues. This is a fun, family thing, except this year, only Tifani and I did them. This is Tifani's. Very cute and creative.

This is the front and back of mine. Funny thing is, I couldn't take the picture fast enough before the candy started disappearing!!

Tifani and I actually did two houses this year. These two were done at our friend Dawn's house.

This is cute because Tifani said she wanted this one to look like an abandoned house. Not bad!

Halloween 2010

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!


Yes, this year we once again had our famous pumpkin carving time. Samuel won with his rendition of the "sick pumpkin".


We had our Halloween Party once again. It had been postponed, put off, and forgotten about for the past few years. So this year I decided we would put another one together!

Just as we were making the arrangements, sending out invites, etc.., our heater decided to quit working! So we cancelled the party, thinking the repairman wouldn't come until late, as that was what we were told. It wasn't even half an hour after we called that the repairman was at our door! But the cancellation was already done, so we didn't plan on anyone coming over.

It wasn't until after I talked to Jared that the party was once again on! Even if only a few could show up. I am soooo happy we had it! We haven't laughed that hard in years!!!! The party was a success and I can't wait until the next one!

Even Sam and Amanda made a showing! They didn't stay long, missed out on the fun, but it was good to see them.

Ricky was pretty scary in this mask. It kept fogging up his glasses though! That made it funny!

Tifani makes a cute mime!

And a "cute" zombie. Her concert choir group did a rendition of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. It was really cool!

We love our pumpking carving!

This year I even had the inside of our house decorated! Everyone thought it was awesome!!! I think I might make this an annual event!

No Egg Drop Soup Fo You!

So we went to our favorite Chinese restaurant tonight, Dragon Hill. Just Randy and I. Our waitress and waiter were awesome! When we first sat down, our waitress gave us our menus, but we just left them there. WE knew what we wanted. When she came back over, she said, "You no wan menus?" We said, "No, we know what we want already." That started it all. She started joking with us, so of course, we gave it back. So when Randy wanted egg drop soup with his order, she said, "Oh....we no have egg drop soup. Weaw out." We laughed, said it was alright, and she left with our orders.

She came back with the soup and gave both soups to me! It was funny! So I gave Randy his, and when she came back, she said, "Oh, you gave him soup?" I said, "Yes, I'm sharing mine." She laughed! Then when our main course came I asked her for some chopsticks. She said, "But you American!" I said, "Ya, but it tastes better with chopsticks!" She smiled and brought some back and said, "I like yoa answa, so here yoa go." It was great!

Our fortune cookies were interesting. Randy's says....You will make a change for the better within the year. (one can only hope!!!!!) Mine says....You will have a close encounter of a surprising kind. I'm kind of scared! I guess as long as Randy is close by, that will be a good enough "close encounter" for me! I mean, I like surprises, but.....

So after rolling out of the restaurant, we are home, safe and sound, full to the max, fat and happy, ready for bed. Life is good tonight. :)

A tribute to my dad......he died 25 years ago today. You are missed beyond words dad. I miss your smile, your words of wisdom, your humor, your hugs.... everything! I would give everything I own just to have you back again, just to touch you once again. Love you daddy!!!!

Does Anyone Know Where the Love of God Goes....

This entry is not a happy one. It is one of questions without answers, the whys and the why nots!, the do I exist or don't I, and the what the hell am I doing here and why can't I have a bit of heaven here!


I miss the military life. I really do. I understood it, I relished it! It gave me meaning! Maybe because the military life is more regimented. Maybe because in the military things are black and white, there is no, "Well.....maybe....." We met a neighbor from the "Layton side" tonight who's wife is from a military family. Her brother was just being deployed. Hard day and yet such a proud day! As he was talking to us, there was no judgement because we were from one area or another. There was actually a camaraderie! It was good to meet him! Deployments and TDY's are hard. They will either make you or break you as a spouse/family. For Randy and I, it made us who we are today! And I HATE that we are here at "home" amongst those who live daily in the gray area! It has started to seep into my family over the too many years of living here, and I don't know how to stop it! It is showing up in sneaky ways, such as, saying one thing and doing another, making excuses instead of standing up and changing, whining and pouting when it's not done a certain way, but when the way is approved, there is much cheering and jubilation! None of this happened before. It's wearing me down.....


Why are we given talents and abilities if not to use them to better our existence? I feel my abilities are a waste. I am like a vegetable, just existing day to day. I do not know why I get certain feelings only to have them dashed against some hidden rocks! It's like some way of taunting me. I know I am not where I am supposed to be, I just don't know how to GET where I'm supposed to be! There's no way to get there from here! And NO ONE will HELP me! I'm tired of embarrassing myself explaining why we need help, then being laughed at behind my back and still not receiving the help needed!


I have prayed for understanding and all I receive as my answer is that there is a peaceful feeling in my heart. And yet, things don't change! This peace in my heart is like a lie when all I live with day in and day out is everything BUT peace! It is very frustrating and I have begun to doubt my very reason for wanting peace. Maybe I need to be more GRAY. That seems to be the way of this world. I am so ready to leave this frail existence! If this is joy, as we are meant to live in, I don't want any more of it! If this is joy, I have had my fill!

Iris Explosion!

I know this isn't an iris, but it IS my huge bleeding heart! NO, not literally! But this is the HUGEST (it's a word I'm sure) bleeding heart I've ever seen, and it's mine! It must like this location. The colors aren't very vibrant in this picture, but it's beautiful!



Then there's the iris'!
I've never seen iris' this tall or this big before! They have exploded in my back yard! They are the most beautiful I've ever seen! I'm just happy they'll be here for Memorial Day so I can take some to my dad. He always loved iris'.

IT"S HERE!

Jake has been called to the Washington, Kennewick mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

As you can see by his face, he is VERY excited! And as his mom, I am relieved he is going somewhere safe. Meaning, safe from the extreme violence that is going on in other countries. I am also happy that he is going somewhere I lived before! Ok, so I lived on the Seattle side, but it's still in Washington...

Now comes the preparation of suits, ties, shoes, etc....

It's funny because Sam and Jake are deciding what movies they need to see and other things that need to happen before Jake leaves. Go for it boys! Who knows what changes will happen while Jake is on his mission!

We're taking it one day at a time, and lovin' every minute of it!

Oh Mighty Buddha!

Back to the Chinese restaurant we went last night. I love going there just to get the fortune cookies! Here's the latest in our fortunes for the future!

Randy - You shouldn't overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.

Kari - You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend.

Sam - You will be reunited with old friends before the month is out.

Jake - Soon, you will receive pleasant news.

Tifani - The project you have in mind will soon gain momentum.

Tifani said of hers, "What is momentum?" It was hard for me not to answer, "Something I don't have!" But I explained the truth of it to her.
Good food, good company, good night!

No, I don't know these people. But I was thinking about St. Patrick's Day and wanted a picture, so I went looking online. When I saw this one, I knew it was "the one". I mean, what's more Irish than guys wearing green plastic hats, green Marti Gras necklaces and drinking dark green beer? And look at those happy girl's with them! Green sprigs of something in their hair. You can't tell me those are fake smiles! (Don't look at the camera! oops...too late) And they are just too excited to drink those green drinks! That's why not one of them have lip marks on their glasses! Yes, this is a true scene depicting St. Patrick's Day! And what's with the green balls in the background?

Ahhhh....now this is more like it. Ireland is a beautiful country!

I understand about the parties and festivities, and I like those too, but I like the real more than the fake.

So Happy St. Patrick's Day and enjoy a bit o' the luck o' the Irish! And kiss the Blarney Stone while you're at it!

Fire!!!

This is my oven. Innocent looking isn't it? But looks are deceiving!!

This morning, I decided to clean my oven. It's a self-cleaning oven, which means, once you start the process, it takes an act of Congress to stop it! I had made two cheesecakes over the weekend and the butter used for the crusts decided to let loose and leak all over the bottom of my oven. So after that, everything I tried to bake came out with a.....shall we say.....smoked butter flavor. Not the best addition to ALL dishes. Now comes the fun part. I thought, "Ok, I'll start the cleaning process this morning so I can use my oven later today if I want to bake something."....

I wish I had a picture of what actually took place. You, as the reader, will just have to picture the scene. I decided to get online while the oven cleaned. As the oven reached it's highest temperature for cleaning, I noticed something flicker out of the corner of my eye. To my shock and great surprise, there were FLAMES in my oven!!! They were shooting about 3/4ths of the way up the oven!! I thought I had a fireplace for a minute! Then reality struck and I remembered, "I don't HAVE a fireplace!" I didn't quite know what to do, as I've never experienced that before, so as I was deciding what to do, the flames were gone! It lasted about 20 seconds, but that was 20 seconds that my life flashed before my eyes as I envisioned my oven exploding and how I was going to have to explain to our landlords that it really WAS the ovens fault! "Honest you guys, the oven changed it's mind because it wanted to be a fireplace!" The house was so full of smoke that my eyes stung! So I had to turn off the heater, open the windows and turn on the fans!

As you can see, my oven is ok now. No explosions. No more fire. Everything is fine. And I think my heart has returned to its normal pace.....

I'm Puzzled!

Ever notice when a puzzle is put up, it becomes the center of attention? So I got this puzzle from one of Jake's friends. He doesn't care for puzzles, and he knew I love them, so I got it. I started putting it together, and low and behold, it's a hit! Everyone that comes into my house just HAS to stop and try to fit a piece or two in. But it doesn't stop there. Pretty soon, a chair gets pulled up to the table and the pressure is on! The exuberation when a piece fits is exciting!

The entertainment aspects of a puzzle are unmatched. It's always fun just to sit and watch those who put it together. AND, it's so hard to pull yourself away once you get started! Can you say addiction?

So far Samuel has been at it for about an hour. He's completed quite a bit! In fact, I think I'll go join him now.

And........drum roll please.........its complete!!!! Except for two pieces that are missing........ Not a bad looking puzzle though. Very nostalgic. Time for a new puzzle!

It's New and Improved!

Yes, it's true! As you can see, I have a new look to my blog! I have a Fairy Blogmother that knows her way around blogs better than I do and she found this for me and helped me put it on my blog to give me a better blog! Oh thank you, thank you dear Fairy Blogmother!



Now......how do I get indoor plumbing on this ship.......

A Different Christmas Poem

As you read it, ponder the fate of our troops that are doing our bidding in those far away places.
"A Different Christmas Poem"

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."


Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people
stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.


"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that
no body's going to know whether you did it or not."

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Tifani and I were invited over to our friends house yesterday to do these miniature

gingerbread houses. What fun this was! It really helped me get into the Christmas Spirit.

When Dawn called, she asked if Tifani and I would like to come over and do gingerbread houses and Tifani about jumped through the phone! "Oh heck ya!", Tif said as she jumped out of the love sac! Needless to say we had a great time!

The one with all the Mickey heads on the top is mine.

This one is Tifani's. She REALLY went all out! There's a full size skating rink behind the house with a whole line of gingerbread men skating around. The detail she put into hers is really cool!

Now I need to get more candy and put our big one together that we normally do

every year.

Welcome Christmas!!!!

California Here We Come....

I needed this! Unfortunately our car broke down, so we are using a rental while the car is in the condo's garage waiting to decide where I need to try and take it or have it towed. Not fun!

But Disneyland is worth it! I love it there!

The Haunted Mansion is really awesome right now!!! It's all about Jack Skelington and Nightmare Before Christmas!! Very cool!!!

We made it right at the end of the Halloween spectacle, so there are still some things up regarding Halloween, like this Mickey (my hero!)

Back to Disneyland we go again! So, there's more to come.......

Oh Those Summer Days....

Where has Summer gone? To the archives of my memories. There to stay until once again the melting snow nourishes the earth beneath and the flowers and grass begin to grow.

Trouble Begins with T and Rhymes with P....

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? How you try to do something good and it turns bad? Even though the original problem wasn't even your fault but the perpetrator turns the tables and makes you the bad guy? I have come to the conclusion that I am "the bad guy" and nothing is going to change that.

So, I guess this means a wardrobe change! Can you say shopping trip?!!! I'll have to start wearing black and a mask and when I'm not totally in bad guy mode, I can wear a disguise! This means Halloween every day for me! WOOHOO!

I think this look totally works for me! Tan, always on the road, or sea depending on how you look at it, comfortable clothing. Ya...I like it!

And maybe I'll follow the next rainbow and see if there's a pot of gold at the end! That should do the trick!