One Year Older...

So, here I am again playing catch up...again...

September 26th marked another birthday for me...38. And I have the best friends and family! And I know I have the best daughter in the whole world! I woke up to my darling daughter and my equally as darling sister singing "Happy Birthday" and they had made me breakfast in bed. I have to admit I was a little teary...I know-SHOCKING! When I realized that Hannah is to conspire with her Aunt, set her alarm, and get out of the house without me knowing, well, I was a little emotional. I will also admit I'm not that easily surprised...especially with just the two of us. But it was the best surprise ever! Thanks Jennie! You rock! Thanks for helping her! While we were eating, I told Jennie that it reminded me of my birthday about 18 or so years ago. She was about Hannah's age and she came to spend the weekend with me at my apartment in the avenues in Salt Lake. While I was in the shower, she decorated my very tiny studio and made me breakfast then too. She said she remembered how scared she was that night. She heard things "popping" in the middle of the night. She thought it was gunfire. LOL! It was actually my friends decorating the hallway of the apartment house with balloons to surprise me in the morning! I have a picture of that year...I will post it later.

It was Hannah's idea to make the face...too funny!

Once our bellies were full, Hannah left for school and then the party began! My sister, Jennie, had arranged for us all to get pedicures. Super fun! Thanks again Jen-Jen! My mom had never had one before! Then we picked up Aunt Jenn & Nicole (Cole) and headed to Park City. Each year, we all get together for a Girls' Weekend. No kids...well, maybe one or two little ones. And lucky me, it generally falls on or close to my birthday. After a wild & crazy evening, we go shopping the next morning, then head down to Women's Conference. I didn't get much shopping in this year though. I needed to be at the conference center early to sing, so my trip was cut a little short. I'm not complaining though. It was fabulous. I'm sad it's over. I won't linger much on it again, but it was soooo great! Here are a few photos from the "wild & crazy" weekend.

LJM was the lucky little one that got to come this year.

Our masterpieces...I will say, my sisters need to live a little. It was like pulling teeth to get "some" of them to put a little fun on their toes. Man, were they BORING! Mine are the best, of course. I am proud of Mom's too!

Jenn & Cole didn't want to leave a car at the Park-n-Ride so here we are picking them up....thanks Uncle Jim for driving them out!

Mom gave us all facials...

We wear Jennie out...

Aunt Jenn...

Jayson's wife, Christy...

Jess scrapbooking...

Cole just bought a house...LOL!

Jodi doing whatever it is she does...I swear!

What would a Park City morning be without seeing a balloon...

Us...

Jennie, Cole, Jenn, Mom (Juanita), Jodi, Christy, Me, Jess

At one point, Jess, Jodi, Jennie and I were left behind in the condo. The others had gone to check a few things out. While they were gone, Jodi & I became interested in what each other had on each others iPods. After a few minutes, I hear, "Um, who has Hanson on their iPod!" Yes, that would be me. Anyway, we decided to make up a "dance" to MMMBop and "surprise" everyone else when they came back. Why? Who knows? And if any of you know our children, you will know were they get this "makin' up" stuff! Anyway, here is MMMBop.

As Sisters In Zion

I have the opportunity to sing in a women's choir that will perform this Saturday, September 27th, during the General Relief Society Meeting. I won't be able to accurately describe how much this experience has impacted me. BUT, it has been life changing! Every Sunday night for the last 6 weeks, 363 other women and myself meet to practice and rehearse. But, not just to practice. To share, to learn, to grow. I want to share a few of the things that I have found particularly important (at least for me) in this journey. Our choir director is an amazing, incredible person! Her name is Merrilee Webb, and if you ever have the opportunity to work with her, DON'T pass it up! I'm pleading! You will BE different! I promise! She shares her talents and her testimony with and energy that is absolutely amazing! The very first rehearsal, she wanted us to understand the power of connecting. Connecting with someone....someone whom we may never meet, but that may see ME singing and will feel of my love and my testimony. We are wearing white shirts with black skirts. Julie Beck, General Relief Society President, explained that wherever they are travelling in the world, and are blessed to hear choirs, themembers of those choirs are in white shirts. No matter the economic status or living situation, somehow members were able to find a white shirt; even if it meant turning a t-shirt inside out. We are singing 4 songs. The music will not be translated into different languages;the meeting will, but not the songs. So the songs that we are singing are songs that have been translated into every different hymn book. If the sisters don't speak English, they will at least recognize the music. We were asked to add to a room, just by being there, not take or detract. We learned that "you are enough." We shared experiences. We shared "ha". We were challenged to "learn the healer's art". Maybe we learned "the healers art". We were taught "I am the precious adornment worn around the neck of my ancestors." I have always loved music. But I have been reminded of the power of music; of how much music can really and truly teach us. I know I will never be able to generate the kind of feeling and transformation that I have experienced in this post. I am writing this, mostly, for my own sake. Knowing that this experience will end on Saturday, in front of 20,000 people, is very emotional-even now, I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Just know that I have had a WONDERFUL experience! And know that I have changed.

"The opportunity of a lifetime lies within the lifetime of the opportunity."

Last week we had a dress rehearsal at the Conference Center. Our families were invited to come up and watch. Hannah was with Brad, but my friend, Emily, had her family there. Thanks to Wes for taking the pictures. (Center section, third row, fourth from the right)

Labor Day

For more than a year, Hannah & I have been waiting for today...we WERE going to hike Mount Timpanogos...to the very top. I have had this super great, most exciting experience and I wanted Hannah to have this too. But I knew I needed to wait til she was a little older. Well, this was the year. A few days ago, my mom called. Here is how the conversation played out.

Mom-What are you doing Monday?

Moi-Oh, you know, hiking Timp.

Mom-(Pause)Have you looked at the forecast lately?

Moi-No, why?

Mom-Well, there shows a few raindrops.

Moi-Well, we are actually going to start early Monday, like 1 or 2 am.

Mom-Well, there are 2 raindrops on Sunday.

I have to apologize to my co-workers...I don't think I have grumbled about anything so much at work. (They may say different.) I made a few phone calls to people...some who have hiked it more, some who fly life-flight-I know a little extreme, but I was serious about this. But I not completely a fool. I was going to be really bummed. We had just postponed another jaunt right before school. And Hannah came home from her camping trip with her dad early. This was the last summer shebang! I figured if it was overcast, great! We could leave later and still not be hiking in the dead of heat. I was pretty much refusing to rethink this hike. Anyway, they were calling for snow above 10,325. The summit is 11,749. I knew then that this was not going to happen this year.

Two things I have thought about today. 1)We are lucky to live here, for many reasons, but today because the opportunity to hike Timp next year is just "weather permitting" away. 2)My disappointment (because of weather) certainly doesn't compare to the inconveniences and anxiety of so many because of Hurricane Gustav. There's just nothin' you can do about it! Hannah has been very concerned and interested in what was going on with those states. We are glad that it wasn't any worse. But scary none the less.

And even though we didn't get to hike today, we had a wonderful Labor Day! Barbecue with some family-including grandparents we don't see as often, a few games of Ticket to Ride with Aunt Jennie, and a viewing of The Princess Bride. And I don't know if it was the movie that was so funny, or if it was just watching Hannah (pretty much) act out the whole thing!

Here are some pictures...a few are of my trip to the summit exactly 2 years ago & a few are of the snow covered peaks this morning. Beautiful! We really are lucky to live under them!

The back side of Timp and a good view of Timpanogos glacier-taken from the meadow.

Emerald Lake-taken from the summit.

A view of the journey up to the summit-taken from the saddle. If you look close, you can see "the hut".

View of the valley...and me.

My hiking buddy, until she decide to have another baby....twice, Jenn. And the little white hut. And me.

View of the mountain range on the other side of the canyon-taken from Alpine this morning.

View of Timp from American Fork this afternoon. The summit is almost right in the middle of the picture.

Habitat for Humanity

I had the fabulous opportunity through Smith's to go do Habitat for Humanity. As I was trying to keep up on company happenings, I noticed a little shout out for volunteers for Habitat. I thought to myself, "Huh, I have never done that & I think I want to." I couldn't convince any one of my fellow employees at my store to go with me, so I called my cousin, Nicole (lovingly referred to as Cole or Coler-up...btw, she is going to kill me for this), who works at another store to go with me. She happily agreed...even after she had worked 84 hours at her store & is trying to redo her own new home. (I felt a little guilty after I found all this out, but she is a trooper!) What a great thing for people to be involved with. As we were pulling out every little staple out of every little floor board, and running across earrings, pennies and playing cards, it made me think about those people and those memories they made in and will forever have of that house. It also made me think of the mom and 4 children that will be moving into this new home and what memories they will make there. And I'm glad I got to make a few of my own with Cole. I hope I get the opportunity again! (Blisters & all!)

Me & Cole...

"Havin' Fun with Habitat for Humanity"...

Besides Cole & I, there were 2 other Smith's non-Big Wig employees, Brian and Alicia, and Jim Halsey, Mark Tuffin, & Peter Barth. I don't know how we ended up being there the same day as the "Big Wigs", but we did. But we had a great time!

North Rim of the Grand Canyon

After our short trip to St. George, Hannah and I meandered over to the North Rim of The Grand Canyon. I love this place! For those of you who don't know, I worked there for a couple of seasons...and a friend of mine-who worked there with me-reminded me how long ago that was. I have been back a few times, but I haven't ever taken Hannah...I really can't believe it either. Anyway, we had such a great time! We weren't ready to come home...in fact, we talked about going back this next week. Anyway...a few things have changed and a lot hasn't. The canyon is still as awe inspiring as always, the wait staff still looks like they are wearing EXACTLY what I wore when I worked there, and the gas station is still Full Service. But, they have upgraded the restrooms. And, gas was cheaper there. Hmmmm...go figure! We had a great time camping and hiking...again, Hannah is so great...I'm glad she loves it as much as I do. A few bummers...we misplaced our souvenirs for a short time, we never did find an Alabama license plate, and we didn't ever see a Kaibab Squirrel. There is always next time! (Although we have found Alabama now-Thanks Anna!) Here are the pictures...and watch for the one with Hannah, a Ute hoodie and a hummingbird...super cool! They must have been really hungry! GO UTES!

Horsetail Falls...Revisited Twice+...and a Bear?!

1010Beware, this is a long and somewhat hard-to-follow post. I realize that. But, I feel compelled to write all of this. Remember, you don't have to read it! :-)

We have done a bit a hiking the last few weeks. We have hiked up to Horsetail twice more with friends, so rather than posted two different posts, I am combining them into two.

The first time we went back up with mom, Jessica & most of the kids and The Spencers & and their kids. Wow...did we have a great time! We caught cicadas and grasshoppers, found wild onions, and one of the kids even ate a grasshopper! Thanks to those who went with us...it's always more fun with friends and family!

The second time we went with a friend from work, Shelly, and her 5 year-old daughter. And again, we had a great time! We didn't see as many cicadas, but the grasshoppers were plentiful. Little Ada was a real trooper. She is so into horses. I feel bad we didn't get to see any this trip.

So, the "plus" and the bear is like this...
Hannah decided to take her dad back up the next day. That's the plus. Too funny! She loves this hike...still not her favorite, but she loves it. I was at work. :-( About 10am they call me to tell me they had just seen a bear cub. For those of you who don't know my ex-husband...quite the jokester. I really thought they were kidding. But after a few seconds, I could tell he wasn't. Anyway, long story short, they did come back down. They didn't want to come between momma and cub. Brad also remembered that I am a little hypersensitive about the bear thing...

Most of you will remember the bear attack we had up American Fork canyon last year. My family and I were up the canyon during that whole thing. I have never been afraid of sleeping in my tent. In fact, we actually prefer it...at least we did. The following night after the attack, I knew would be a little hard for me...I'll admit, I was a little spooked. And I knew better, but...
So after not sleeping very great, I knew that I would sleep better that second night. (I still went to bed with my mace...) I hadn't been in my tent for more that 1/2 hour when I could hear something rummaging around. My sister, whom shall remain nameless...JODI...left her cooler out...by OUR tent. I got my mace ready and my flashlight and quietly unzipped my tent. Sure enough, little beady eyes staring right at me! I know you all think this is silly, and my smart side said is was too, but I think I had my first and hopefully last panic attack. Anyway, I woke mom, who was also in a tent, and we found my brother -in-law, who we knew had a gun. Long story short, it was a raccoon. We slept in my parents van the rest of the "camping" trip.

Side note: I don't often talk about my "singleness"....it seems to be a source of jokes for my family and co-workers, so why give them any more ammo. I have prided myself in knowing that we have been camping by ourselves before and been just fine. (Although, I know it bothers mom.) But I did return to work and let them know what I had learned-one, I needed a man, and two, I needed a man WITH A TRAILER! They are still looking!

Anyway, here are the pictures from the hikes! Thanks for all of those who we have gone with...it really is one of our favorite things to do!

Horsetail Falls

So my baby sister Jennie and I had a rare day off together. We decided to go hike Horsetail Falls here in the beautiful mountains behind us. Loving called Horsetail Falls, Pooptail Trail. The falls form what looks like a horse tail. Hopefully, the pictures show that. And the trail is open to horses-thus Pooptail Trail. Hopefully the picture DON'T show that! Anyway, we had a great time! Thanks for going with me, Jen! By the way, this is great hike for your families! Not too hard, not too long, a little water to cross, a few boulders to climb, and lots of beautiful scenery! What more could you ask for?!

I figured something out about my camera...I had a cool little video clip, but I can't "flip it" so that it's right side up...Hmmm....

Oil Change

This post is for the pharmacy...

Jonny showing Mom, Jennie, Hannah and I how to change our oil. (Mom is taking the picture) Nice socks Hannah!

Clogging Now....and Then!

Most, if not all of you know, Hannah clogs. And most, if not all of you know, I used to. I guess if about 10 steps counts, then I still do. It's funny-the first year, I could keep up with Hannah. Not so much anymore. In fact, I tried to do something last night and I thought..."Wow, that is a lot of weight coming down on my knees and feet!" So maybe I shouldn't clog anymore. Anyway, clogging is pretty big for us. In fact, a couple of my nieces have started. So I thought I'd clue you in.

Clogging Now...

Hannah has been clogging for almost 3 years. She clogs with Extreme Rhythm Studio in Lindon. Bethany Hulse is the director. She knows how we feel about her, but she is soooo great! She has the perfect combination of love and disciple to really, really teach these girls. But because her family is still growing, Ashley and Emily have been the instructors. They have had no small task keeping these girls with lots of energy and non-stop feet with taps, on task. Her group (Stompers) consists of 7 darling 4th and 5th graders who work soooo hard. I am so proud of them! We recently returned from St. George for a competition. These girls did amazing! Out of ALL the Intermediate teams there, they came home with the highest score! More than once over the years I have thought, "Eek...they are performing this WHEN?" But EVERY, and I mean EVERY time, they prove how really amazing they are! The most important thing for me is that Hannah LOVES, LOVES clogging! (She has a T-shirt that says "Clogging is my life!") I will forever be grateful to my mom for the suggestion. I remember when she did, I wasn't really sold on it. I had this picture of me clogging. Hannah was NOT going to put on a big, puffy dress and dance to Orange Blossom Special. Anyway, they have one last competition at Lagoon coming up next week. I'll let you know how they do!

Clogging Then...

I loved clogging too. My instructor was Dennis Cobia from Orem. We were the Sunshiners. My partner was John Gourley. We had an experience like Hannah's team...out of all the teams, we brought home a high score from Ricks College. We travelled to North Carolina. We were National Champions. We were 8-10. I remember 2 of the boys... Chris and John doing a duet to "Shake It Up". I remember a group of grandpa and grandmas-Old Timers. They were good! We performed all over. I would take an autograph book and have people I would meet-mostly cloggers-sign in it as we travelled. I think the most famous autograph I have is Bob Welti. What?! You've never heard of Bob Welti? He used to be a news anchor for KSL. LOL! Anyway, I just clog with Hannah now. And I still love it! Thanks for letting me reminisce.