Kelly is the mother of 5 adorable kids--4 boys and a girl. The girl came in a package with a boy (twins).
Kelly is married to a charming young man who lives and breathes computers. They are also guardians for three nieces and a nephew.
She is active in the community having served as PTA President of a local elementary school,
on the board of the Salt Lake Mothers of Twins, as a district round-table trainer with the Cub Scouts, as a volunteer for Sidelines (a support network for Women on bed rest during pregnancy) and she and her husband are active in the LDS Church.
Salt Lake LDS Temple Centennial with a full 3D model of the building in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
This Single Image Stereogram was done at the 100 year anniversary of the building's completion.
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer,
who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea,
his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to
drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation,
a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
I grew up in a mid-sized town on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. When I was a kid I had friends who lived next door, across the street and around the block. As a teenager my friends lived a little further away, but still in the same basic area.
Kearns was often looked down on by those in neigbhoring cities as the "wrong side of the tracks." But it was my "wrong side of the tracks". It was where my friends lived. I could walk around all over it and encounter people that I knew. When the town had a parade I was either in it or waving to my friends who were. It was home.
A couple years after high school I decided to serve as an LDS Missionary. No, they aren't all white shirt and tie wearing young men. I was sent to serve in Virginia and the surrounding area. I was there for a year when I was sent to a very small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pembroke, like most small towns, is a place where everyone knows everyone. Though I was an outsider I lived their long enough to get to know the people in that town. I could walk into the bank, the hardware store, the five and dime store, or anywhere else in town and know the people and they knew me. I loved being in Pembroke. It felt like home to me.
Though I felt like Pembroke was home, I longed to return to my hometown of Kearns. I longed to see the people who had always been there.
There is a saying that you can never really go back home after leaving it. That may be true in some ways. At least it felt that way upon my return to Kearns.
A couple days after returning I tagged along with my mom to the local grocery store. As we walked into the store I felt that I was an outsider in my own home town. I knew absolutely no one.
The following Sunday as I walked into church I saw people I recognized, yet so many others that I did not. People had grown older. Children were older and taller. People had moved away and others had moved in.
I was not back home very long when I got married and moved to Colorado. We lived there for a couple years and though I had a few friends there, I took every opportunity to return to Utah that I could. When my husband was offered an chance to gain employment back in Utah we jumped and in no time we were back, but living in the county south of the Salt Lake Valley.
We were still close enough to visit family but far enough away to be on our own. In Orem I had a few friends, but they all lived very close to me. Orem was a small city. I tried to fit in but it was still so big. So much of it was unfamiliar to me. I spent most of my time with my young children. We would go to the local parades each year and not see a single sole we knew.
A few years later we moved to a fairly good sized city of West Jordan. I got involved in the parent organization at the local school and felt that I knew a few more people than I had in Orem. We lived there for nearly 10 years yet, my sphere of friends and acquaintances was still rather small and remained very localized.
Then, needing a bigger house, we moved out to a fairly small city of Herriman in the southwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley. My children were getting older and I had more opportunities to get involved. I got involved in the local parent organization at the school. I joined the local choir. I helped out with the local cub scout round table. I got to know many of the parents of my teenagers.
We have been here a mere 5 1/2 years, yet I feel that I know people all over this little city. People know who I am and I know who they are. My teenagers tell me that they cannot take me anywhere without running into someone that I know. It can often take an extra half an hour to get my grocery shopping done because I have to talk to someone I haven't seen in a few days. We have to catch up on everything. I walk into one of the local fast food restaurants and the young gal behind the counter is the daughter of one of my friends. I even know the librarian at our local library.
I had previously written about the songs that say something about my life. Today I realized that I had omitted a very important song in all that. As I was driving home from taking my son to jazz band practice before school I heard playing on the radio Eternal Flame by the Bangles.
The significance of this song goes back a little over 20 years...at a dance on April 14, 1989.
On March 31 of that year I was at a dance at the student union building on the University of Utah campus. I had just broken up with a guy I had been dating for a couple months or so, but rather than feeling heart broken I was now free to find someone new. On the way to the dance I had told my friends that I would indeed meet someone that night.
Knowing the guys who ususally show up to these dances the group of girls I was with found it more entertaining to form a big circle and just dance. But as I was dancing in that big circle with the girls a thought came to me, "you won't meet him dancing with the girls."
I left the circle and walked to the other end of the ballroom. I was asked to dance by some guy I don't remember much about. At the end of that number I didn't make it back off the dance floor before another guy asked me to dance.
This guy, I quickly learned, knew enough of the swing that he had my attention. We danced and talked the rest of the evening.
A little less than a week later he gave me a poem he had written for me**.
When I saw you on the dance floor The rest just faded away, I asked if you would dance with me Afraid of what you would say. We talked and danced the night away, And had a lot of fun. I never thought I'd fall for you Before the night was done.
The feel of your hand next to nine Is like a dream come true. No matter what I'm thinking of It ends up being you. My heart's been tugged on once or twice, But never quite like now. You stole it right away from me. I don't know why or how.
I never knew the simple joy Of sitting down together, And talking with each other Regardless of the weather, Or looking through a picture book Of friends and places past And seeing how those friendships Are something that can last.
There's something deep within my soul, A flame that's burning bright. It makes me smile as I think of you Every day and night. I've heard that strong fires burn out soon. I hope that it's untrue. I also hope that what I feel Is also felt by you.
A week and a half later I had prayed to know if this was the guy I should be with for the rest of my life and eternity. The next evening at the dance in April of 1989 the words of his poem ran through my head as we slowly danced to Eternal Flame...and I knew.
We were engaged a week later.
**(A side note to this: he had shown the poem to his sister who warned him that it might scare me away.)
Also: he has since written many poems to me. Life is good.
A friend of mine teaches at Utah State University. He gave his students an assignment to come up with some songs that they would consider their "life" trak and write it. They also included with their paper a CD of the songs that were chosen.
I decided to do it as well.
These are songs that mean something to me in a real way. At some time or another most of these songs have been written about by me on this blog. I believe that the first song has not been used, but that is a mere oversight. So, I include in here the posts that describe these songs, and where necessary, a bit more about them and how they apply.
Collin Raye--In This Life
Though I have not written about this song in the past it does not mean that it has any less significance in my life. I have met many people in my life who may not be present in my daily life yet have previously been a significant part of it.
For every mountain I have climbed Every raging river crossed You were the treasure that I'd longed to find Without your love I would be lost
Let the world stop turnin' Let the sun stop burnin' Let them tell me love's not worth going through If it all falls apart I will know deep in my heart The only dream that mattered had come true In this life, I was loved by you
I cherish the memory of their love...whether present or not.
I have never been a fan of Hannah Montana. In fact, I have been known to roll my eyes when the youngsters around here get giddy at the sound of her name. But my heart has been tugged on by a song by the very same Miley Cyrus.
I think about my oldest son. I think about the mountains he seems to have in front of him. I think about the mountains I keep climbing. I think that perhaps when I have completed the task before me that I will be able to relax or to take it easy. But there will always be something else...not because someone else puts it there, but because there will always be another mountain I'm gonna want to make it move.
The Climb lyrics Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
I can almost see it That dream I am dreaming But there's a voice inside my head saying "You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing The chances I'm taking Sometimes might knock me down But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most, yeah Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong Just keep pushing on
...
Keep on moving, keep climbing Keep the faith, baby It's all about, it's all about the climb Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
John Denver--Country Roads
Almost Heaven One night while watching and listening to some music videos on Youtube I was taken back, as I often am, to some place in the past. I have been accused of being nostalgic and even hopelessly romantic. I am likely guilty of such. There are previous blog entries right here on Paperclippings as evidence--especially when music is involved.
Such was the case that night--as I listened to John Denver's Take Me Home, Country Roads. I was transported to a hill in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia--a mere rocks throw from West Virginia. It was the summer of 1988 and I was among a small gathering of people in the backyard of some local folks when someone pulled out a guitar and began to play. As the lyrics filled the air, I was swept up in the moment.
Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze.
All around me were those mountains and I could feel the antiquity of the land as the wind blew gently through my hair. I felt like I belonged to this place.
Country roads, take me home To the place, I belong West Virginia, mountain momma Take me home, Country Roads
Ahh... Life is good!
Lee Ann Womack--I Hope You Dance
This one reminds me all the time of getting out there and just doing...being active and living life. I once asked my husband how it was that he knew how to do so many things. His response was that he just did them. I have taken that to heart. But I also realized that I had already started to do that to a degree.
Just before my senior year in high school began I decided that I was going to enjoy that year. I was going to make it a point to say hi to everyone in the halls and to find some way to compliment them as I passed them. I gained so many friends and had the most enjoyable year. It does not mean I was free from heart ache, but I was living life to the fullest.
As an adult I have made it a point to be involved. I have been a PTA President at a local elementary school. I have served on the board of the Salt Lake Mothers of Twins. I currently serve on the district cub scout round table staff and am the Council PTA President over 9 local elementary PTAs. People ask me how it is that I know so many people. I know so many people because I have served along side them.
When opportunities come my way, I do not hesitate to jump right in and dance.
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder, You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger, May you never take one single breath for granted, GOD forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean, Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, Never settle for the path of least resistance Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin', Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter, When you come close to sellin' out reconsider, Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance....I hope you dance.
Mike and the Mechanics—The Living Years
When given the opportunity, you might say, to say one last thing to someone who was once a friend, this song came to my mind very powerfully. I had only one chance and I had to get it right.
Crumpled bits of paper Filled with imperfect thoughts Stilted conversations I'm afraid thats all we've got.
You say you just don't see it He says it's perfect sense You just can't get agreement In this present tense We all talk a different language Talking in defense.
Say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hear It's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eye.
So we open up a quarrel Between the present and the past We only sacrifice the future It's the bitterness that lasts.
So don't yield to the fortunes You sometimes see as fate It may have a new perspective On a different day And if you don't give up, and don't give in You may just be okay.
Say it loud, say it clear You can listen as well as you hear It's too late when we die To admit we don't see eye to eye.
It was with these words that I realized I no longer held any hard feelings. It was about forgiveness.
In the mid to late 1980s a young 13 year old girl in my neighborhood was found dead in some bushes not far from her home. Her throat had been slit. When the news hit the next day it didn't sink in much. I wasn't paying much attention to the story and didn't recognize her name.
Later that day I was watching the news when they showed her picture along with the story. Not only did I know her, but she was the younger sister of a girl who had gone to school with me. It was then that I was hit with a powerful feeling of grief for the girl and her family. This was just too close to home.
Sometime in the next couple days I heard a song on the radio that seemed to speak to the occasion. I heard Mike and the Mechanics singing "All I Need is a Miracle".
I said "go if you wanna go, Stay if you wanna stay" I didn't care if you hung around me I didn't care if you went away
And I know you were never right I'll admit I was never wrong I could never make up my mind I made it up as I went along
And though I treated you like a child I'm gonna miss you for the rest of my life
All I need is a miracle, all I need is you All I need is a miracle, all I need is you All I need is a miracle, all I need is you
I never had any time And I never had any call But I went out of my way just to hurt you, The one I shouldn't hurt at all
I thought I was being cool Yeah, I thought I was being strong But it's always the same old story You never know what you've got 'til it's gone
If I ever catch up with you I'm gonna love you for the rest of your life
All I need is a miracle, all I need is you (all I need is a miracle) All I need is a miracle, all I need is you (all I need is a miracle) All I need is a miracle, all I need is you
From that day on whenever I heard that song on the radio I was swept back to that day when I saw that young girl's face on the TV screen. I can totally forget about her and about the song. Then I will hear the song on the radio and I see her face and remember.
Michael Buble—Lost
For me, this song speaks of the need to be there for one another. We are not alone. If you want to have friends...be a friend.
Can't believe it's over I watched the whole thing fall And I never saw the writing that was on the wall
If I only knew Days were slipping past That the good things never last That you were crying
Summer turned to winter And the snow it turned to rain And the rain turned into tears upon your face
I hardly recognized the girl you are today And god I hope it's not too late It's not too late
'Cause you are not alone I'm always there with you And we'll get lost together Till the light comes pouring through
'Cause when you feel like you're done And the darkness has won Babe, you're not lost When your world's crashing down And you can't bear to fall I said, babe, you're not lost
Life can show no mercy It can tear your soul apart It can make you feel like you've gone crazy But you're not
Things have seem to changed There's one thing that's still the same In my heart you have remained And we can fly, fly, fly away
'Cause you are not alone And I am there with you And we'll get lost together Till the light comes pouring through
'Cause when you feel like you're done And the darkness has won Babe, you're not lost When the world's crashing down And you cannot bear to crawl
I said, baby, you're not lost Mmm yeah yeah, yeah yeah I said, baby, you're not lost I said, baby, you're not lost Ooh yeah yeah, I said, baby, you're not lost
and finally,
Tim McGraw-- Live Like You Were Dying
This song goes back to the thoughts associated with "I hope you dance". In early 2006 a good friend had just learned she had breast cancer. She had just turned 40.
In the words of Tim McGraw---
"He said I was in my early 40's, With a lot of life before me, And a moment came that stopped me on a dime...."
My mantra for life is to live life to the fullest, forgive everyone, be a friend and don't forget to appreciate God's wonders. Life is short.
I have never been a fan of Hannah Montana. In fact, I have been known to roll my eyes when the youngsters around here get giddy at the sound of her name. But my heart has been tugged on by a song by the very same Miley Cyrus.
I think about my oldest son. I think about the mountains he seems to have in front of him. I think about the mountains I keep climbing. I think that perhaps when I have completed the task before me that I will be able to relax or to take it easy. But there will always be something else...not because someone else puts it there, but because there will always be another mountain I'm gonna want to make it move.
The Climb lyrics Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
I can almost see it That dream I am dreaming But there's a voice inside my head saying "You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing The chances I'm taking Sometimes might knock me down But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most, yeah Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing Keep the faith, baby It's all about, it's all about the climb Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
Last night while watching and listening to some music videos on Youtube I was taken back, as I often am, to some place in the past. I have been accused of being nostalgic and even hopelessly romantic. I am likely guilty of such. There are previous blog entries right here on Paperclippings as evidence--especially when music is involved.
Such was the case last night--as I listened to John Denver's Take Me Home, Country Roads. I was transported to a hill in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia--a mere rocks throw from West Virginia. It was the summer of 1988 and I was among a small gathering of people in the backyard of some local folks when someone pulled out a guitar and began to play. As the lyrics filled the air, I was swept up in the moment.
Almost heaven, West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River Life is old there, older than the trees Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze
All around me were those mountains and I could feel the antiquity of the land as the wind blew gently through my hair. I felt like I belonged to this place.
Country roads, take me home To the place, I belong West Virginia, mountain momma Take me home, Country Roads
"Utah ended Brigham Young's reign atop the Mountain West Conference and booked a trip to a BCS bowl for the second time in four years with a 48-24 victory over BYU Saturday night at jam-packed Rice-Eccles Stadium. " :)
The following is from an assignment my 12-year old son did at school. I thought it was worthy of a post.
"Attitude can change very many things. When you have a leash on your attitude, you can practically change the mood of not only you but everyone around you. If you have a good attitude, everyone will probably like you more!"
I have previously mentioned that we have some betta fish and, more recently, that we have a kitten. Bessie, the cat, and the Brain, our remain betta fish* met each other the other day.
Now, it is my understanding that cats like to eat fish. We shall see. The other day, however, our little kitten decided that the table next to the fish tank was a great place to take a nap.
Isn't she cute?!!
The Brain does look a little concerned.
* The other betta fish (Pinky) bit the dust (if that is possible for a fish to do) a few weeks ago, before we adopted our kitten.
The cat lover in me is incredibly happy right now. In all the time that I have been married we have not had a cat live with us. My hubby is some what allergic to them.
Then our neice along with the neighbor kids pitched in to buy a kitten for $5.00. Well, the neighbor kids' mom is highly allergic to the critters. So, we ended up giving it a trial run at our house. We still have to see what happens, but it is looking good so far.
She is about 7 or 8 weeks old and is completely house trained. Good job kids...on picking a good cat!
Our kitten's name is Bessie Cow. She looks sorta like a black and white cow...only MUCH smaller.
Now we have a kitten who scurries across the floor and purrs up a storm. At this moment she is asleep on some stuff on my computer desk.
Scenes from the Utah Scottish Festival--June 14, 2008. I went with my mom and her parents to this festival last week. My grandpa's parents were born in the same small town in Scotland, but didn't meet until he came to visit his brother in Canada. My great grandmother was working as a nanny for my great grandpa's brother.
This picture was taken on an island in the Great Salt Lake. The term ISLAND is used loosely. You can actually drive to this island by way of a causeway. We took the kids out here a few years back.
By popular (ok...by some) demand, here is the poem my 'shweetie' wrote for me on Valentine's Day this year.
In my heart you sit upon a throne, And save me from benighted life alone Spent in fruitless wand'ring, tossed and blown. My love is strong because you've always shown Me how to really see.
The time required to know just what to do And how to end the old for something new While holding all the time to what is true Will help me strive and then become what you Believe me now to be.
In the Jan 8, 2008 edition of The Escapist Magazine there is an article about my local group of friends and me. It was written by one of our own at the request of the Magazine. In the article I am one of the friends who came along later. These are the friends I mentioned in my blog entry "The good things in life." The picture to the right is the cake mentioned in the article. Yes, that is a cake.
"The opportunities created by the internet and advances in multiplayer games have increased the number of nights we're together again, and we've played everything from StarCraft to EverQuest and most recently City of Heroes, where every Tuesday we patrol the streets of Paragon City and bring safety to the unwashed masses."
"...John is crafting plans for world domination, which requires minions and a machine with lots of buttons and levers. Kelly claims the position of head minion, and the rest of us are the staff. We figure world domination should be simple as compared to planning a raid or running a task force. Now we just have to figure out which mobs to camp."Read more...
Now that Christmas and the New Year celebrations have come and gone I would like to voice some thoughts I have had over the last couple weeks.
Our family was the recipient of some anonymous Christmas giving. First of all someone did a variation of the 12 days of Christmas for us. Each day a bag was left by our door or mailbox with a note explaining how it applied along with an ornament to match the day and something to go with that day.
Day 1: "On the first day of Christmas a friend left for me...the pears, but no partridge or tree..." (In the bag was a bunch of pears.)
Day 2: "On the second day of Christmas a friend gave to me...turtles and doves of course :)" (In the bag was found a bag of turtle chocolates and dove chocolates.)
Day 3: "On the third day of Christmas a friend gave to me... well... what the French Hens are drinking this time of year." (The bag had three bottles of sparkling grape juice.)
Day 4: "On the fourth day of Christmas a friend gave to me... Calling Birds??" (The bag included a very noisy toy bird that sang some Christmas song.)
Day 5: "On the fifth day of Christmas a friend gave to me... Golden Rings." (It was two boxes of Cheerios.)
Day 6: "On the sixth day of Christmas a friend gave to me Six geese a-laying." (This was a nice fuzzy warm blanket.)
Day 7: "On the seventh day of Christmas a friend gave to you "swans" swimming." (The bag included these funny 'rubber' ducks that lit up when we pressed on them.)
Day 8: "On the eighth day of Christmas a friend gave to you something for your milk." (We got some chocolate milk mix.)
Day 9: "On the ninth day of Christmas a friend gave to you some music to dance to." (It was a CD of Christmas music.)
Day 10: "On the tenth day of Christmas a friend gave to me the thing that scared the lords into leaping." (We got a toy Christmas monster from the Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer movie.)
Day 11: "On the eleventh day of Christmas a friend gave to me what the pipers were piping." (The bag included several recorders for the kids to play.)
Day 12: "On the twelfth day of Christmas a friend gave to me...well.. ok..so drummers are guys..and you know how much guys like "fart" jokes...so ...Merry Christmas." (In the bag was 'noise putty'.)
Then on Christmas eve another neighbor left a bag of presents...one for each child in our home. We have suspicions about who may have left these things on our doorstep. But we are letting them have their reward of doing these things for us anonymously. To them I say, "THANK-YOU!!"
Other things that have been on my mind...
As I contemplated the new year and what the previous year has brought me I am found with mixed emotions. Though a old friend has fallen by the way-side (with much sadness) I have gained new ones. There is no way the new ones can replace the old...however...I am EVER so grateful for the new as I have come to care about them as I did the old.
So, to all those I call a friend, here is a toast to friendship.
PS: and that toast includes all those who have continued to be a friend....from the past on into the future.
I had avoided going out to the stores on Black Friday and the next day. My hubby and I spent those days with some dear friends, instead.
The following Saturday, December 1st, I entered the foray of Christmas shopping. I really wasn't looking forward to it and still don't relish the idea of going out to complete the job. However, on that Saturday, I woke to find 4 inches of snow on the ground. I don't really like driving in it, but I LOVE snow.
I went through the Christmas jar we have for the kiddos to enter suggestions for what they might like for Christmas. Among the little papers that made requests for things like a football or a basketball hoop or a new bike I found this piece of paper that made my heart melt.
For those who may not be familiar with my family, my hubby and I are the legal guardians of 4 youngsters who have not lived with their parents for 3 1/2 years. This is their 4th Christmas with us.
On this little piece of paper from the Christmas jar I read, "I want to live with my mom and dad." Of all the gifts this young lad could ask for he had included that request.
Although I could not grant that request of this young boy I kept that thought in my head as I headed out into the snow and traffic. Shopping was a pleasure. I enjoyed looking for just the right gift for each person.
Upon returning home, however, I found the kitchen to be a mess and a headache was coming on. I knew I didn't have time to rest due to friends coming over that evening. So, I slipped my new Josh Groban Noel CD into the player. Somehow, listening to some good Christmas music made my task of cleaning so much easier.
Later on that day my family and I attended a church Christmas party. It was set up as a journey to Bethlehem. We were given tokens we could use to "buy" our food and such. We sat on blankets in the hall as we watched a simple production of THE Christmas story.
As we gathered with friends that evening in our home I felt grateful for all the good things that had brought the spirit of the season to my heart.
As Thanksgiving Day came to a close I sat to reflect on the day. I have much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful family, including the best hubby in the world (ok, the rest of you will just have to settle for less...LOL...ok, so he's wonderful, at any rate.) I have great neighbors. I have some pretty good friends....dang good friends, I tell ya.
I give thanks to God for all those things and all else He has given me.
...but most of all I give thanks to the turkey who gave its all for the betterment of my tummy.
Some things said around the table yesterday:
"This sure is a fowl day!"
"Let's talk turkey."
"How about we talk Greece, instead."
"You sure have a fowl mouth."
On the more serious side
:
We talked of Happiness, Gratitude, Hope and Faith.
Some friends of mine found themsleves the proud caretakers of a very precious kitten. This two week old kitten had been found in a nearby ditch by some neighbor kids. The kids brought the kitten to these friends in hopes that they would nurse it to health. Apparantly, someone had tried to drown a litter of kittens and this one managed to survive.
Last night they brought this cute little kitten with them to a social gathering at our house. It had to be fed every two hours and couldn't be left at home.
For me, this was a little taste of heaven. I LOVE cats and more particularly kittens. My attraction to kittens goes way back. My mom recorded, in a 'baby book' that my first word was not 'mommy' or 'dadda' but kitty'. My first sentence was "Where's the kitty?"
The guy I married is allergic to the creatures and so I have not been able to own one of my own since. So, when these friends asked if they could bring the kitten over, I was elated.
Unfortunately, I had to share this kitten with nearly every other adult in that room. Ah well, nothing's perfect.
Okay, I think I can say more than just wow...but, as my kids say, "wowie, wow, wow, wow" might just be it.
Last night a good friend of mine and I attended a most spectacular Josh Groban concert. I have been to a number of concerts over the years, but none have come close to this incredible experience. I told this friend that CDs will so pale in comparison to two hours of total soaking in of Josh Groban's romantic tenor voice...sigh.
As we entered the Energy Solutions Arena (still don’t like the name of that place…ahem former Delta Center) the intro band was playing. I won’t go into that much because I really didn’t care much for the music.
Then they announced that the Josh Groban concert would be taped for the Awake Tour DVD. They had chosen Salt Lake City as the location for that taping.
As he came on stage I was suddenly a teenager all over again. Each performance brought screams, sighs and applause from yours truly. You could almost see the crescendos build and flow in waves from the front to the back of the arena and hit us with full force. WOW!!
We also discovered that Josh has quite the sense of humor. At one point, sitting at the piano and donning a cowboy hat began to sing, “I’m a cowboy. On a steel horse I ride.” After a line or two he stopped, switched to some funky glasses and did a little Elton John impersonation. He joked about doing Karaoke, but then said that we had paid to hear him sing and had better get on with the concert instead.
During a violin solo Josh slipped off stage. After the solo the spotlight showed Josh among the audience, just a short distance from us. Huge screams could be heard from all those around him. BIG SIGH!!
This is a video clip of Josh in the audience.
Two hours and three encores later I told my friend I could die happy now.
When I was a kid we climbed trees the old fashioned way. By grabbing the branches and pulling ourselves up. Well, these kids, some of them belonging to me, attempted another way up the tree.
